bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotope of the early Permian gabbro and high-Mg diorites from the Zhusileng–Hangwula Belt in the northern Alxa area: Petrogenesis and tectonic implications
Authors: Deng Wen Bing , Shao Zhao Gang , Xu Hai Jin , Chen Xuan Hua , Yi Jin Jun , Zhang Su Jiang
Published: August 2023

As the southernmost part of the central segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, the northern Alxa area is characterized by abundant Permian magmatism and records key information on the geological evolution of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean. This study reports new zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic and whole-rock geochemical data of the early Permian (285–286 Ma) Huisentala gabbro and Huodonghaer diorites from the Zhusileng–Hangwula Belt in the northern Alxa area. The gabbro is characterized by high Al, Ca, Mg#and light rare-earth elements, and low K, P and high field strength elements (e.g., Ti, Nb and Ta). Furthermore, the gabbro shows heterogeneous zircon ϵHf(t) value (−2.5 to +2.6). The Huodonghaer diorites show high MgO (3.46–6.32 wt%), Mg#(49–58), Sr (408–617 ppm) and Ba (223–419 ppm), and low FeOT/MgO (1.27–1.83) and TiO2(0.48–0.90 wt%), with geochemical features similar to the high-Mg andesite/diorite. They show radiogenic zircon ϵHf(t) values of +1.2 to +4.9 and high Th/Nb ratios. These features suggest that the Huisentala gabbro and the Huodonghaer diorites were derived from the partial melting of mantle peridotite that was metasomatized by subduction-related fluids and by subducted sediment-derived melts, respectively.
“An Itchin ’Roun the Heart You Can't Get at to Scratch”: Exploring the Emotion of Love in Black Enslaved Communities of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: READER XAVIER
Published: August 2023

Through adopting a history-of-emotions framework, this article explores romantic love within Black enslaved communities of the antebellum and early postbellum South. Whilst several historians have already explored the emotion of love in enslaved emotional communities, there is a growing understanding by scholars of the history of emotions that emotions, including love, are not always adequately historicized, and have perhaps been taken at face or written value. In some contrast to previous historical scholarship, this article argues that the love, as expressed and experienced within Black enslaved communities, was complex, contentious, and far from monolithic.
Bird diversity in the forests and coconut farms of Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Winarni Nurul L. , Mitchell Simon L. , Anugra Bhisma G. , Deere Nicolas J. , Yordan Khaleb , Immanuel Boas , Zakaria Zuliyanto , Gaib Muhajir A.W. , Supriatna Jatna , Struebig Matthew J.
Published: August 2023

Coconut farming contributes to the livelihoods of millions of people in tropical countries but is less frequently considered as a threat to biodiversity compared to other palm commodities such as oil palm. The expansion of coconut farming alongside other smallholder agriculture in Sulawesi, Indonesia, is of potential concern as the region is a centre of species endemism. We studied bird diversity and community structure in forests, coconut palm plantations and mixed farmland in Gorontalo Province, northern Sulawesi. Forest and non-forest sites supported similar numbers of species overall, but compared to agricultural areas, forest sites had communities that were more diverse and more even (i.e. different species were present at similar abundances). We found far fewer endemic species in agricultural areas compared to forests, and the communities in palm plantations and mixed farmland sites were dominated by generalist birds, with few indicator taxa. Nevertheless, there was a higher number of endemic species in coconut palm plantations than in mixed farmland sites. These findings mirror patterns of biotic homogenization documented elsewhere in the Wallacea centre of endemism, and imply that coconut palm plantations have comparable biodiversity value to other farmland systems. Increased protection of lowland forests and improved management of coconut farms could be important for supporting the conservation of the endemic birds of Sulawesi in the long term, but this warrants further study.
Ectoparasitic mites exert non-consumptive effects on the larvae of a fruit fly host
Authors: Horn Collin J. , Robinson Sarah , Tang Holly , Luong Lien T.
Published: August 2023

The mere presence of predators or parasites can negatively impact the fitness of prey or hosts. Exposure to predators during an organism's development can have deleterious effects on juvenile survival and the subsequent adult stage. Currently, it is unknown if parasites have analogous impacts on host larval stages and whether these effects carry over into other subsequent life stages. However, parasites may be exerting widespread yet underestimated non-consumptive effects (NCEs). We tested if Drosophila nigrospiracula larvae avoid pupating near mite cues (caged Macrocheles subbadius) in arena experiments, and measured the rate of pupation in arenas with mites and arenas without mites. Larvae disproportionately pupated on the side of arenas that lacked mite cues. Furthermore, fewer larvae successfully pupated in arenas containing mites cues compared to arenas without mite cues. We found that ectoparasitic mites exert NCEs on Drosophila larvae, even though the larval stage is not susceptible to infection. We discuss these results in the context of parasite impacts on host population growth in an infectious world.
Quelle folle aventure! Adjective positioning in native French and translated American TV shows and movies
Authors: Roadman Arielle
Published: August 2023

This paper analyzes adjective positioning in French through the lens of language contact. Though some adjectives are nearly always either before their noun (pre-nominal) or after (post-nominal), others – usually adjectives that depict a positive or negative value – can be found in either position without any detectable semantic change. Our aim is to investigate the possible influence of English on the positioning of these adjectives by using a corpus of native French TV media as well as media translated from English. The categorical pre-nominal pattern of English might be causing a higher rate of pre-nominal adjectives to be used in translated media in comparison to native media. Our findings indicate that the translated corpus shows a preference for pre-nominal adjectives compared to the native French corpus. It was also revealed that some adjectives seem more flexible in translated media. Thus, while French media prefer one position over the other for a specific adjective, the translated media will more easily place the same adjective on either side of the noun. Therefore, we conclude that language contact has a role to play in the positioning of adjectives in TV media in French.
The rudimentary embryo: an early angiosperm invention that contributed to their dominance over gymnosperms
Authors: Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M.
Published: August 2023

In this review, we explore the origin of the rudimentary embryo, its relationship to other kinds of plant embryos and its role in the diversification of angiosperms. Rudimentary embryos have a length:width ratio of ≤2.0, and they have organs, including cotyledon(s) and a primary root. A literature survey failed to reveal rudimentary embryos in the pre-angiosperms, suggesting that this kind of embryo is an angiosperm invention. Although proembryos of some gymnosperms and angiosperms have a length:width ratio of ≤2.0, they have not formed meristems or organs. Thus, rudimentary embryos are not proembryos. During the development of rudimentary embryos in monocots and dicots (all non-monocots), the growth pattern of the epicotyledonary cells differs, resulting in differences in the placement of the shoot meristem and in one versus two cotyledons, respectively, but the embryo size is similar. Rudimentary embryos grow inside the seed prior to germination, which is true for linear-underdeveloped embryos, including those in some gymnosperms. Rudimentary embryos served as the starting point for the great diversification of embryos, and ultimately of seeds, in angiosperms, and they are still present in many families of extant angiosperms. The rudimentary embryo is part of the syndrome of changes, including increased speed of pollen germination and pollen tube growth, simplification of the female gametophyte, development of endosperm and elimination of multiple embryo production from each zygote, that distinguish angiosperm seed production from that of gymnosperms. We conclude that the rudimentary embryo was one of many new developments of angiosperms that contributed to their great success on earth.
Associations between protein to non-protein ratio and intakes of other dietary components in a cohort aged 65–75 years: the Nutrition for Healthy Living Study
Authors: Luong Rebecca , Ribeiro Rosilene V , Hirani Vasant , Simpson Stephen J , Le Couteur David G , Raubenheimer David , Gosby Alison K
Published: August 2023

Objective:

Diets with a low proportion of energy from protein have shown to cause overconsumption of non-protein energy, known as Protein Leverage. Older adults are susceptible to nutritional inadequacy. The aim was to investigate associations between protein to non-protein ratio (P:NP) and intakes of dietary components and assess the nutritional adequacy of individuals aged 65–75 years from the Nutrition for Healthy Living (NHL) Study.

Design:

Cross-sectional. Nutritional intakes from seven-day weighed food records were compared with the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, Australian Dietary Guidelines and World Health Organisation Free Sugar Guidelines. Associations between P:NP and intakes of dietary components were assessed through linear regression analyses.

Setting:

NHL Study.

Participants:

113 participants.

Results:

Eighty-eight (59 female and 29 male) with plausible dietary data had a median (interquartile range) age of 69 years (67–71), high education level (86 %) and sources of income apart from the age pension (81 %). Substantial proportions had intakes below recommendations for dairy and alternatives (89 %), wholegrain (89 %) and simultaneously exceeded recommendations for discretionary foods (100 %) and saturated fat (92 %). In adjusted analyses, P:NP (per 1 % increment) was associated with lower intakes of energy, saturated fat, free sugar and discretionary foods and higher intakes of vitamin B12, Zn, meat and alternatives, red meat, poultry and wholegrain % (all P < 0·05).

Conclusions:

Higher P:NP was associated with lower intakes of energy, saturated fat, free sugar and discretionary. Our study revealed substantial nutritional inadequacy in this group of higher socio-economic individuals aged 65–75 years.
Echinochloa in mid-southern U.S. and California rice: What is known and what are the knowledge gaps?
Authors: Godar Amar S. , Norsworthy Jason K.
Published: August 2023

Several species of Echinochloa P. Beauv., introduced at multiple events, have established themselves as a persistent concern for U.S. rice production. In this review, we highlight the key biological characteristics of economically relevant Echinochloa in U.S. rice production, revisit their historical trajectory, and suggest research directions for their management with special reference to barnyardgrass. Ecologically differentiated Echinochloa species have a distinct association with rice culture methods that have been practiced for the last few decades, barnyardgrass being historically predominant in drill-seeded rice in the mid-South, and early watergrass and late watergrass in water-seeded California rice. However, the emerging evidence challenges the dogma that other Echinochloa species for specific regions are of less importance. Primarily managed by the water-seeding method of rice culture in the early years of the 20th century, Echinochloa species have persisted in the sophisticated U.S. rice culture through the evolution of resistance to herbicides in recent decades. Accumulating knowledge, including those of recent genomic insights, suggests the rapid adaptability of Echinochloa. The last decade has seen a (re)emergence of nonchemical methods as a key component of sustainable management, among which use of harvest weed seed control (HWSC) methods and cover crops in the mid-South and stale-drill seeding in California are being considered as potential methods for managing Echinochloa. In recent years, furrow-irrigated rice has rapidly supplanted a significant proportion of conventionally flooded rice in the mid-South, whereas the propensity for compromised continuous submergence is increasing in California rice. On the cusp of this shift, the question at the forefront is how this will affect Echinochloa interference in rice and how this change will dictate the management efforts. Future research will lead to the development of a clear understanding of the impact of the changing agroecosystems on Echinochloa species and their response to the prospective integrated control interventions.
Nootropic supplements for esports
Authors: Ribeiro Fernando J. , Poínhos Rui
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Background: esports, or organized video game competitions, have been expanding quickly. The use of dietary supplements by esports players appears vulgarized but lacks supporting evidence. Objectives: To outline studies that tested the effects of dietary supplements on video gaming, summarize their findings, highlight knowledge gaps, and recommend future research. Eligibility criteria: Clinical trials published in English between 1990 and 2023 that assessed the effects of dietary supplements on the cognitive performance of video gamers. Sources of evidence: The Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Charting methods: PRISMA’s (2020) flow diagram was used to create the data chart. Results: Sixteen studies were outlined. Thirteen were randomized, thirteen applied acute interventions, ten applied a crossover design and only three weren’t placebo-controlled. Of the 10 studies that included caffeine (40–200 mg), four reported significant positive effects on cognition (attention, processing speed, working memory), two on first-person shooter video gaming performance (reaction time, hit accuracy, time to hit 60 targets), and one on Tetris game score. All 3 studies that included arginine silicate (1500 mg) reported significant improvements in one or more aspects of cognition (reaction time, attention, visual representation, and spatial planning). Two studies that tested sucrose (21 and 26.8 g) didn’t report significant improvements, while one study that tested 26.1 g of glucose registered significant positive effects on processing speed and sustained attention. Conclusions: The published literature has focused on the effects of caffeine, which may exert both positive and negative effects on esports players. Additional, high-quality research is needed.
Sense of Purpose and Strategies for Coping with Anxiety Across Adulthood
Authors: Pfund Gabrielle N. , Strecher Victor , Kross Ethan , Hill Patrick L.
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Sense of purpose – the feeling that one has meaningful goals and directions in life – has consistently been connected to desirable well-being outcomes. Though these associations are robust, only a paucity of research explains why this connection exists and whether it differs across the adult lifespan. In a large cross-sectional sample ( N = 1,666; age: M = 49.44, SD = 21.55), age showed a moderate positive association with sense of purpose and a large negative association with anxiety symptoms. Sense of purpose was negatively associated with anxiety and showed moderate to strong associations with how people regulate their emotions in anxiety-inducing situations. Sense of purpose had the strongest associations with adaptive emotion-regulation strategies connected to perspective broadening: When they feel anxious, people with a higher sense of purpose were more likely to find a silver lining, focus on the big picture, and remember that the stressor will not last. Furthermore, sense of purpose moderated the relationship between age and three maladaptive emotion-regulation strategies (eating/drinking to cope, expressive suppression, and distraction). In particular, higher levels of sense of purpose correlated with a stronger negative relationship between age and the use of these strategies. We discuss the findings regarding integrating the purpose and emotion-regulation literature.
Coupling of Carbon and Oxygen in the Pearl River Plume in Summer: Upwelling, Hypoxia, Reoxygenation and Enhanced Acidification
Authors: Guo Xianghui , Su Jianzhong , Guo Liguo , Liu Zhiqiang , Yang Wei , Li Yan , Yao Zhentong , Wang Lifang , Dai Minhan
Published: August 2023

Acidification and hypoxia are universal environmental issues in coastal seas, especially in large river estuaries such as the Pearl River estuary. In July and August of 2015, two legs of a field survey were conducted in the Pearl River plume. Leg 1 was sampled during the influence of upwelling favorable winds, while Leg 2 was during downwelling favorable winds. During both legs, instead of the typically observed dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) consumption and dissolved oxygen (DO) over‐saturation, upwelling‐induced high DIC (>2,000 μmol kg−1), low pH (7.7–7.8) and low DO (140–150 μmol kg−1) values were observed in surface waters at the estuary mouth and the area off Hong Kong. In the bottom waters, hypoxia, acidification (pH 7.6–7.8) and DIC accumulation (DIC addition of ∼100–180 μmol kg−1) were observed. Hypoxia was less severe during Leg 2 compared to Leg 1. The stoichiometry of oxygen depletion to DIC addition was 0.89 for bottom water, suggesting remineralization was dominated by marine sourced organic matter. However, a comparison of data from the two legs showed that the stoichiometry of oxygen consumption to DIC accumulation was significantly higher during Leg 2 (0.73 ± 0.03 for Leg 1 vs. 0.80 ± 0.05 for Leg 2), although N/P ratios were the same (13.54 ± 1.93 for Leg 1 vs. 13.51 ± 2.04 for Leg 2). This phenomenon was attributed mainly to enhanced ventilation (re‐oxygenation) under the influence of the downwelling favorable winds during Leg 2. Although ventilation relieves some hypoxia, it might enhance acidification in bottom waters after a short‐term ventilation event. The enhanced acidification after short‐term ventilation is worthy of further study considering that most hypoxia and acidification are found in shallow coastal seas.
The Impact of Soil Tension on Isotope Fractionation, Transport, and Interpretations of the Root Water Uptake Origin
Authors: Zhou Tiantian , Šimůnek Jiří , Nasta Paolo , Brunetti Giuseppe , Gaj Marcel , Neukum Christoph , Post Vincent
Published: August 2023

The new isotope module in HYDRUS‐1D can be used to infer the origin of root water uptake (RWU), a suitable dynamic indicator for agriculture and forest water management. However, evidence shows that the equilibrium fractionation between liquid water and water vapor within the soil is affected not only by soil temperature but also by soil tension. How soil tension affects isotope transport modeling and interpretations of the RWU origin is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated three fractionation scenarios on model performance for a field data set from Langeoog Island: (a) no fractionation (Non_Frac), (b) the soil temperature control on equilibrium fractionation as described by the standard Craig‐Gordon equation (CG_Frac), and (c) CG_Frac plus the soil tension control on equilibrium fractionation (CGT_Frac). The model simulations showed that CGT_Frac led to more depleted isotopic compositions of surface soil water than CG_Frac. The vertical origin of RWU was estimated using the water balance (WB) calculations and the Bayesian mixing model (SIAR). While the former directly used water flow outputs, the latter used as input simulated isotopic compositions (using different fractionation scenarios) of RWU and soil water. Both methods provided similar variation trends with time and depth in different soil layers' contributions to RWU. The contributions of all soil layers interpreted by the CGT_Frac scenario were always between Non_Frac and CG_Frac. The temporal origin of RWU was deduced from particle tracking (PT, releasing one hypothetical particle for individual precipitation event and tracking its movement based on the water balance between particles) and a virtual tracer experiment (VTE, assigning a known isotope composition to individual precipitation event and tracking its movement based on the cumulative isotope flux). Both methods revealed similar variation trends with time in drainage and root zone (RZ) travel times. The interpreted drainage and RZ travel times were generally ranked as Non_Frac > CGT_Frac > CG_Frac. Overall, the factors considered in the standard CG equation dominated isotope fractionation, transport, and interpretations of the RWU origin. Isotope transport‐based methods (SIAR, VTE) were more computationally demanding than water flow‐based methods (WB, PT).
Farming Is Intensifying Floods in the South American Plains
Authors: Moutinho Sofia
Published: August 2023

The replacement of native vegetation by crops has raised groundwater levels in the Pampas, a new study suggests.
De‐Tuning Albedo Parameters in a Coupled Climate Ice Sheet Model to Simulate the North American Ice Sheet at the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Gandy N. , Astfalck L. C. , Gregoire L. J. , Ivanovic R. F. , Patterson V. L. , Sherriff‐Tadano S. , Smith R. S. , Williamson D. , Rigby R.
Published: August 2023

The Last Glacial Maximum extent of the North American Ice Sheets is well constrained empirically but has proven to be challenging to simulate with coupled Climate‐Ice Sheet models. Coupled Climate‐Ice Sheet models are often too computationally expensive to sufficiently explore uncertainty in input parameters, and it is unlikely that values calibrated to reproduce modern ice sheets will reproduce the known extent of the ice at the Last Glacial Maximum. To address this, we run an ensemble with a coupled Climate‐Ice Sheet model (FAMOUS‐ice), simulating the final stages of growth of the last North American Ice Sheets' maximum extent. Using this large ensemble approach, we explore the influence of numerous uncertain ice sheet albedo, ice sheet dynamics, atmospheric, and oceanic parameters on the ice sheet extent. We find that ice sheet albedo parameters determine the majority of uncertainty when simulating the Last Glacial Maximum North American Ice Sheets. Importantly, different albedo parameters are needed to produce a good match to the Last Glacial Maximum North American Ice Sheets than have previously been used to model the contemporary Greenland Ice Sheet due to differences in cloud cover over ablation zones. Thus, calibrating coupled climate‐ice sheet models on one ice sheet may produce strong biases when the model is applied to a new domain.
Epigenetically upregulating TROP2 and SLFN11 enhances therapeutic efficacy of TROP2 antibody drug conjugate sacitizumab govitecan
Authors: Zhao Ming , DiPeri Timothy P. , Raso Maria Gabriela , Zheng Xiaofeng , Rizvi Yasmeen Qamar , Evans Kurt W. , Yang Fei , Akcakanat Argun , Roberto Estecio Marco , Tripathy Debu , Dumbrava Ecaterina E. , Damodaran Senthil , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: August 2023

TROP2 antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are under active development. We seek to determine whether we can enhance activity of TROP2 ADCs by increasing TROP2 expression. In metaplastic breast cancers (MpBC), there is limited expression of TROP2, and downregulating transcription factor ZEB1 upregulates E-cad and TROP2, thus sensitizing cancers to TROP2 ADC sacituzumab govitecan (SG). Demethylating agent decitabine decreases DNA methyltransferase expression and TROP2 promoter methylation and subsequently increases TROP2 expression. Decitabine treatment as well as overexpression of TROP2 significantly enhance SG antitumor activity. Decitabine also increases SLFN11, a biomarker of topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (TOP1) sensitivity and is synergistic with SG which has a TOP1 payload, in TROP2-expressing SLFN11-low BC cells. In conclusion, TROP2 and SLFN11 expression can be epigenetically modulated and the combination of demethylating agent decitabine with TROP2 ADCs may represent a novel therapeutic approach for tumors with low TROP2 or SLFN11 expression.
Proprioceptive disturbances in weightlessness revisited
Authors: Proske Uwe , Weber Bernhard M.
Published: August 2023

The senses of limb position and movement become degraded in low gravity. One explanation is a gravity-dependent loss of fusimotor activity. In low gravity, position and movement sense accuracy can be recovered if elastic bands are stretched across the joint. Recent studies using instrumented joysticks have confirmed that aiming and tracking accuracy can be recovered in weightlessness by changing viscous and elastic characteristics of the joystick. It has been proposed that the muscle spindle signal, responsible for generating position sense in the mid-range of joint movement, is combined with input from joint receptors near the limits of joint movement to generate a position signal that covers the full working range of the joint. Here it is hypothesised that in low gravity joint receptors become unresponsive because of the loss of forces acting on the joint capsule. This leads to a loss of position and movement sense which can be recovered by imposing elastic forces across the joint.
Effects of iron corrosion products on the degradation of bentonite structure and properties
Authors: Sun Yupeng , Zhou Yangtao , Wei Xin , Dong Junhua , Chen Nan , Ren Qiying , Wang Junhu , Ke Wei
Published: August 2023

Bentonite is a key material for engineering barriers to prevent groundwater and nuclide migration in the multi-barrier system of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) geological disposal. However, its barrier property will be degraded under the action of iron corrosion products of steel disposal containers. In this paper, the effects of iron corrosion products on the degradation of bentonite structure and properties were investigated in the simulated environments for HLW geological disposal. The results showed that Fe2+/Fe3+ dissolved from iron powder could enter montmorillonite (Mt) interlayer and substituted part of Na+, which caused the decrease of the volume and interlayer spacing of Mt, and the structural integrity of Mt was destroyed. Macroscopically, the water absorption and swelling property of bentonite were significantly decreased. The degradation mechanism of Mt structure was mainly that Fe2+/Fe3+ generated by iron corrosion entered the interlayer domain of Mt to compensate for the interlayer charge deficit.
A preliminary study of calcium channel-associated mRNA and miRNA networks in post-traumatic epileptic rats
Authors: Jia Xiao , Ma Yixun , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Shen Zefang , Wang Min , Jiang Lufang , Wei Xuan , Li Chang , Zhang Mengzhou , Yang Tiantong
Published: August 2023

The calcium channels are the main pathogenesis and therapeutic target for post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). However, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and mRNAs associated with calcium channels in PTE and their interactions are poorly understood. We produced a PTE model in rats and conducted RNA-seq in PTE rats. Gene annotation was used to verify differentially expressed mRNAs related to calcium channels. RNAhybrid, PITA, and Miranda prediction were used to build the miRNA–mRNA pairs. Furthermore, Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were used for the functional enrichment analysis of DEMs. The quantification changes of mRNA and miRNA were verified by RT-qPCR. There were 431 identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PTE rats compared with the sham group, of which five mRNAs and 7 miRNAs were related to calcium channels. The miRNA–mRNA network suggested a negative correlation between 11 pairs of miRNA–mRNA involved in the p53 signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway. RT-qPCR verified three upregulated mRNAs in PTE rats, associated with 7 DEMs negatively related to them, respectively. This study has revealed the changes in miRNA–mRNA pairs associated with calcium channels in PTE, which might contribute to the further interpretation of potential underlying molecular mechanisms of PTE and the discovery of promising diagnostics.
Modeling the dynamics of COVID-19 with real data from Thailand
Authors: Ibrahim Alhassan , Humphries Usa Wannasingha , Ngiamsunthorn Parinya Sa , Baba Isa Abdullahi , Qureshi Sania , Khan Amir
Published: August 2023

In recent years, COVID-19 has evolved into many variants, posing new challenges for disease control and prevention. The Omicron variant, in particular, has been found to be highly contagious. In this study, we constructed and analyzed a mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission that incorporates vaccination and three different compartments of the infected population: asymptomatic $$(I_{a})$$

(

I
a

)

, symptomatic $$(I_{s})$$

(

I
s

)

, and Omicron $$(I_{m})$$

(

I
m

)

. The model is formulated in the Caputo sense, which allows for fractional derivatives that capture the memory effects of the disease dynamics. We proved the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the model, obtained the effective reproduction number, showed that the model exhibits both endemic and disease-free equilibrium points, and showed that backward bifurcation can occur. Furthermore, we documented the effects of asymptomatic infected individuals on the disease transmission. We validated the model using real data from Thailand and found that vaccination alone is insufficient to completely eradicate the disease. We also found that Thailand must monitor asymptomatic individuals through stringent testing to halt and subsequently eradicate the disease. Our study provides novel insights into the behavior and impact of the Omicron variant and suggests possible strategies to mitigate its spread.
A GIS-based framework to assess heatwave vulnerability and impact scenarios in urban systems
Authors: D’Ambrosio Valeria , Di Martino Ferdinando , Miraglia Vittorio
Published: August 2023

In this work, we propose a GIS-based platform aimed at the analysis of heatwave scenarios risks produced in urbanised environments, applied to assess vulnerability and impact heatwave scenarios. Our framework implements a hierarchical model that represents a good trade-off between forecast accuracy and portability in different urban fabrics, apart from the spatial scale of the data, using topographic and remote sensing spatial data provided by institutional agencies. The framework has been applied to two study areas: the dense city of Naples (Italy) and the intermediately populated city of Avellino (Italy) in order to evaluate its accuracy performances and portability in different urban fabrics. Our framework can be used by urban planners and decision makers as a tool to locate potential risk zones where it is necessary to implement climate-resilient solutions.
Serum ferritin level during hospitalization is associated with Brain Fog after COVID-19
Authors: Ishikura Teruyuki , Nakano Tomohito , Kitano Takaya , Tokuda Takechiyo , Sumi-Akamaru Hisae , Naka Takashi
Published: August 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains an epidemic worldwide. Most patients suffer residual symptoms, the so-called “Long COVID,” which includes respiratory and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain Fog, one of the symptoms of Long COVID, is a major public health issue because it can impair patients’ quality of life even after recovery from the disease. However, neither the pathogenesis nor the treatment of this condition remains unknown. We focused on serum ferritin levels in this study and collected information on the onset of Brain Fog through questionnaires and found that high ferritin levels during hospitalization were associated with the occurrence of Brain Fog. In addition, we excluded confounders as far as possible using propensity score analyses and found that ferritin was independently associated with Brain Fog in most of the models. We conducted phase analysis and evaluated the interaction of each phase with ferritin levels and Brain Fog. We found a positive correlation between serum ferritin levels during hospitalization and Brain Fog after COVID-19. High ferritin levels in patients with Brain Fog may reflect the contribution of chronic inflammation in the development of Brain Fog. This study provides a novel insight into the pathogenic mechanism of Brain Fog after COVID-19.
Clostridioides difficile infection in thoroughbred horses in Japan from 2010 to 2021
Authors: Uchida-Fujii Eri , Niwa Hidekazu , Senoh Mitsutoshi , Kato Haru , Kinoshita Yuta , Mita Hiroshi , Ueno Takanori
Published: August 2023

We encountered 34 Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) cases among Thoroughbred horses in Japan from 2010 to 2021. Among them, 79.4% (27/34) either died or were euthanised. The risk factors associated with CDI and mortality among Japanese Thoroughbred horses remain unclear. We used genetic methods to examine C. difficile strains and their relationships with prognosis. Twenty-two (64.7%) cases were hospitalised at the onset of colitis. Outcomes were balanced for hospitalisation rates at the onset of colitis. The mortality rates of cases treated with metronidazole (65.0%) were significantly lower than untreated cases (100%). The predominant genotype of C. difficile isolate was polymerase chain reaction ribotype (RT) 078, isolated from 12 cases (35.3%), followed by RT014 (six cases, 17.6%). Binary toxin (C. difficile transferase [CDT])-positive strains, including all RT078 strains, were isolated from 16 horses. Mortality rates in RT078 strain (75.0%) or CDT-positive strain (83.3%) cases were comparable to that in cases of other types. Sufficient infection control is needed to prevent CDI in Thoroughbred horses. A timely and prompt CDI diagnosis leading to metronidazole treatment would improve CDI outcomes.
Occurrences, sources and health hazard estimation of potentially toxic elements in the groundwater of Garhwal Himalaya, India
Authors: Aswal R. S. , Prasad Mukesh , Patel Narendra K. , Srivastav A. L. , Egbueri Johnbosco C. , Kumar G. Anil , Ramola R. C.
Published: August 2023

High concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in potable water can cause severe human health disorders. Present study examined the fitness of groundwater for drinking purpose based on the occurrence of nine PTEs in a heavy pilgrim and tourist influx region of the Garhwal Himalaya, India. The concentrations of analyzed PTEs in groundwater were observed in the order of Zn > Mn > As > Al > Cu > Cr > Se > Pb > Cd. Apart from Mn and As, other PTEs were within the corresponding guideline values. Spatial maps were produced to visualize the distribution of the PTEs in the area. Estimated water pollution indices and non-carcinogenic risk indicated that the investigated groundwater is safe for drinking purpose, as the hazard index was < 1 for all the water samples. Assessment of the cancer risk of Cr, As, Cd, and Pb also indicated low health risks associated with groundwater use, as the values were within the acceptable range of ≤ 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to describe the various possible geogenic and anthropogenic sources of the PTEs in the groundwater resources although the contamination levels of the PTEs were found to pose no serious health risk. However, the present study recommends to stop the discharge of untreated wastewater and also to establish cost-effective as well as efficient water treatment facility nearby the study area. Present work’s findings are vital as they may protect the health of the massive population from contaminated water consumption. Moreover, it can help the researchers, governing authorities and water supplying agencies to take prompt and appropriate decisions for water security.
Photo-dependent cytosolic delivery of shRNA into a single blastomere in a mouse embryo
Authors: Ikawa Yuka , Wakai Takuya , Funahashi Hiroaki , Soe Tet Htut , Watanabe Kazunori , Ohtsuki Takashi
Published: August 2023

Single-cell-specific delivery of small RNAs, such as short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and small noncoding RNAs, allows us to elucidate the roles of specific upregulation of RNA expression and RNAi-mediated gene suppression in early embryo development. The photoinduced cytosolic dispersion of RNA (PCDR) method that we previously reported can introduce small RNAs into the cytosol of photoirradiated cells and enable RNA delivery into a single-cell in a spatiotemporally specific manner. However, the PCDR method has only been applied to planer cultured cells and not to embryos. This study demonstrated that the PCDR method can be utilized for photo-dependent cytosolic shRNA delivery into a single blastomere and for single blastomere-specific RNA interference in mouse embryos. Our results indicate that PCDR is a promising approach for studying the developmental process of early embryogenesis.
Weakening of decadal variation of Northern Hemisphere land monsoon rainfall under global warming
Authors: Jiang Yeyan , Li Juan , Wang Bin , Yang Youngmin , Zhu Zhiwei
Published: August 2023

Over the past century, Northern Hemisphere (NH) land monsoon rainfall (NHLMR) experienced significant decadal to multidecadal variations, mainly driven by an east–west sea surface temperature (SST) contrast over the Pacific (EWPC) and an interhemispheric North Atlantic–South Indian Ocean SST dipole (NAID). However, how the NHLMR’s decadal variation would vary and whether the oceanic forcing could continue to drive it in a warming world remain unexplored. Here, by analyzing 24 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models’ historical simulations and future projections, we show that the leading mode of decadal NHLMR will retain its nearly-uniform spatial pattern and representation of the NHLMR’s intensity. In the future, the significant periodicities of decadal NHLMR are shortened as emissions levels increase. The intensity of decadal NHLMR variation will experience a comprehensive decline under various emission scenarios, which may link to the weakened intensity of NAID and EWPC. Although the relationship between EWPC and decadal NHLMR is slightly weakened in the future, EWPC will remain a primary driver while NAID is no longer. The significant historical correlation between NAID and NHLMR is mainly attributed to the influence of increased anthropogenic aerosols emission. However, the NAID-NHLMR linkage would no longer exist owing to the decline of anthropogenic aerosol emission in the future.
Combining chemical and organic treatments enhances remediation performance and soil health in saline-sodic soils
Authors: Rezapour Salar , Nouri Amin , Asadzadeh Farrokh , Barin Mohsen , Erpul Günay , Jagadamma Sindhu , Qin Ruijun
Published: August 2023

We investigated the individual and synergistic impact of gypsum, elemental sulfur, vermicompost, biochar, and microbial inoculation on soil health improvement in degrading calcareous saline-sodic soils. We developed Linear and nonlinear soil health quantification frameworks to assess the efficacy of remedial practices. The combined inoculated chemical and organic treatments; gypsum + vermicompost and elemental sulfur + vermicompost with 134% (0.29 versus 0.68) and 116% (0.29 versus 0.62) increases in nonlinear index, significantly increased the efficacy of amendments compared with control. An increase in the overall soil health index ranged between 12 to 134%. Microbial inoculation further enhanced the impact of treatments on soil health. Soil health properties included in the indexes explained 29 to 87% of the variance in wheat growth. The findings bring insight into the cost-effective and environmentally sustainable practices to recover degraded saline-sodic soils. Furthermore, the introduced soil health indexes offer a quantitative evaluation of soil remediation strategies.
Stimuli-responsive Systems: External Triggers (Photothermal,etc.Focusing on Carriers, not Cargo)
Authors: Bigham Ashkan , Rafienia Mohammad
Published: August 2023

Skin is the largest organ of the body, with various important functions. For various reasons (e.g. accident, disease, etc.), a defect may form which has potential to disrupt the skin’s functionality. This wound is susceptible to infection and can become chronic, and in the case of melanoma the recurrence of cancer is probable. There are types of materials responsive to external stimuli; these have potential to provide therapeutic alternatives to conventional ones. These alternatives are hyperthermia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, both of which can eradicate cancerous cells and infection simultaneously. The combination of these agents with well-known wound healing materials gives rise to multifunctional materials for wound cancer therapy and regeneration. In this chapter, external-stimuli-responsive materials which can be activated through light, magnetism and ultrasound as the most popular stimulants are examined to familiarize the potential reader with how these platforms are designed and applied in wound healing applications.
3D Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Guan Xinyu , Tang Bin , Qiu Shilun , Fang Qianrong
Published: August 2023

Since the pioneering work by Yaghi and co-workers in 2007, three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) have aroused worldwide interest due to their large surface areas, abundant functional moieties, and promising chemical stabilities. With multifarious building blocks and functional approaches, 3D COFs are explored in gas uptake and separation, solvent extraction, heterogeneous catalysis, batteries, chemical sensing, and so on. This chapter will discuss the current development of 3D COFs from structure factors, functional approaches, and potential applications.
A methylene blue-functionalized DNA concatemer for the construction of a turn-off fluorescent immunosensor for the sensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen
Authors: Huang Juanjuan , Chen Yanling , Hou Li , Lin Tianran
Published: August 2023

DNA functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized to assist in triggering HCR signal amplification and used for fluorescence detection of carcinoembryonic antigen.
Unusual photophysics of geranic acid deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Oluwole Samuel Abidemi , Veríssimo Nathalia V. , Denis Amina A. , Garcia Nicole Tatiana , Fura Samuel , Jayaraman Keerthana , Valles Jose David , Del Rosario Daniela Hernandez , Patel Parth Nilesh , Duran Alejandro , Hakim Queen Assala , Quintana Aline Andrea , Agatemor Christian
Published: August 2023

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) exhibit unusual photophysics.
A step-by-step strategy to design active and stable quaternary intermetallic compounds for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Hao Tong-Tong , Yang Yu-Qing , Sun Yuan-Yuan , Suen Nian-Tzu
Published: August 2023

Multinary intermetallic compounds with rich chemical compositions enable one to achieve a logical design for desired materials based on the required function.
Encapsulation of N-containing compounds in a new hydrophilic Cd-based crystalline sponge via coordinative alignment method
Authors: Habib Faiza , Tocher Derek A. , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: August 2023

The crystalline sponge method (CSM) is a technology which allows precise molecular determination of non-crystalline compounds, without the need to crystallise them independently, by soaking them in a crystalline metal–organic framework (MOF).
Crystal structure, molecular packing, and intermolecular interactions of N-pentadecanoyltaurine and N-acyltaurine's interaction with cholesterol
Authors: Arul Prakash Sukanya , Chinapaka Ravindar , John Martin Luther , Dey Somnath , Kamlekar Ravi Kanth
Published: August 2023

N-Acyltaurines (NATs) are functional lipids and bioactive fatty acid amides that encompass a taurine moiety in their polar head.
Dielectric relaxation of ice in a partially crystallized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)microgel suspension compared to other partially crystalized polymer–water mixtures
Authors: Vijayakumar Balachandar , Takatsuka Masanobu , Sasaki Kaito , Kita Rio , Shinyashiki Naoki , Yagihara Shin , Rathnasabapathy Sampathkumar
Published: August 2023

Temperature-dependent relaxation time and dielectric strength of the ice process in partially crystalized 10 wt% PNIPAM (green), PVP (blue), BSA (red) and gelatin (orange) water mixtures.
Insights into the catalytic activity of boron-doped thiazoles in the Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Sinha Swapan , Das Abhishek , Giri Santanab
Published: August 2023

The role of boron-doped thiazoles as a Lewis acid catalyst in [4+2] cycloaddition reaction between 1,3-butadiene and acrolein has been addressed.
FRET mechanism to enhance the quantum yield of the PCz/gC3N4 nanocomposite, an emissive material for OLED applications
Authors: Bauri Jayanta , Choudhary Ram Bilash
Published: August 2023

Studies of the experimental methods and FRET mechanism of PCz/gC3N4 Nanocomposite.
Imperfections are not 0 K: free energy of point defects in crystals
Authors: Mosquera-Lois Irea , Kavanagh Seán R. , Klarbring Johan , Tolborg Kasper , Walsh Aron
Published: August 2023

Temperature plays an important role in the formation of point defects. We review different contributions to defect free energies and how to model them, outlining strategies to reduce the associated computational burden.
Lanthanide-grafted hollow bipyridine-based periodic mesoporous organosilicas as chemical sensors
Authors: Liu Wanlu , Liu Chunhui , Pilia Luca , Zhang Hongliang , Van Der Voort Pascal , Kaczmarek Anna M. , Van Deun Rik
Published: August 2023

Multifunctional chemical sensors are developed based on lanthanide-grafted hollow periodic mesoporous organosilicas, HEt-bpy-PMO@Ln3+ materials and show good sensitivity towards Co2+, Cu2+, Fe3+ and acetone.
Investigation of the unique magnetic behaviours of isomers in a 1,2-dithiooxalato-bridged diiron(ii) complex
Authors: Kanetomo Takuya , Yokoyama Koki , Suzuki Yudai , Ida Hiromichi , Okazawa Atsushi , Enomoto Masaya
Published: August 2023

The compound [{Fe(TPA)}2(μ-dto)](ClO4)2 exhibits multi-step spin crossover behaviour with an irreversible structural change owing to the presence of isomers.
Impacts of regular consumption of grapes on macular pigment accumulation in Singapore older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hu Weili , Zheng Ruoxi , Feng Yuting , Tan Denise , Chan Chung-Tsing Gregory , Su Xinyi , Kim Jung Eun
Published: August 2023

Oxidative stress is a key risk factor for visual impairment and consuming dietary antioxidant-rich foods such as grapes may help to improve eye health.
CO2-facilitated radical sequential (3 + 2) annulation of 1,6-enynes via cooperation of sulfinate catalysis and photocatalysis
Authors: Gao Yuzhen , Liu Siqing , Su Weiping
Published: August 2023

Reported here is the radical sequential (3 + 2) annulation of 1,6-enynes under the concerted catalysis of sulfinate and PC. Importantly, CO2 as a green additive facilitates the unusual 1,4-elimination via proton transfer to provide desulfonylated products.
Does the platinum-loading in proton-exchange membrane fuel cell cathodes influence the durability of the membrane-electrode assembly?
Authors: Sgarbi Ricardo , Ait Idir William , Labarde Quentin , Mermoux Michel , Wu Peizhe , Mainka Julia , Dillet Jérôme , Marty Clémence , Micoud Fabrice , Lottin Olivier , Chatenet Marian
Published: August 2023

MEAs with various cathode Pt loadings were elaborated and aged using a multiple-stressor accelerated stress test (AST) in a segmented PEMFC.
Introduction to the themed issue on frontiers of hydrogen energy and fuel cells
Authors: Elbaz Lior , Shao Minhua , Shui Jianglan , Santoro Carlo
Published: August 2023

Guest editors Lior Elbaz, Minhua Shao, Jianglan Shui and Carlo Santoro introduce the Industrial Chemistry & Materials themed issue on hydrogen energy and fuel cells.
Investigation of the cycling stability and energy storage properties of zinc titanate (ZnTiO3) perovskite material for zinc–air batteries
Authors: Bhardwaj Upasana , Sharma Aditi , Kushwaha H. S.
Published: August 2023

Zinc Titanate (ZnTiO3) perovskite is investigated for the development of zinc–air batteries. This material has incredible storage capabilities as well as high cycling stability with minimal fluctuations.