bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universal, School-Based Mental Health Program Implemented Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Youth Yields Equitable Outcomes: Building Resilience for Healthy Kids
Authors: Chandrasekhar Jessica L. , Bowen Anne E. , Heberlein Erin , Pyle Emily , Studts Christina R. , Simon Stacey L. , Shomaker Lauren , Kaar Jill L.
Published: February 2023

Although suicide is a leading cause of mortality among racial and ethnic minority youth, limited data exists regarding the impact of school-based mental health interventions on these populations, specifically. A single-arm pragmatic trial design was utilized to evaluate the equity of outcomes of the universal, school-based mental health coaching intervention, Building Resilience for Healthy Kids. All sixth-grade students at an urban middle school were invited to participate. Students attended six weekly sessions with a health coach discussing goal setting and other resilience strategies. 285 students (86%) participated with 252 (88%) completing both pre- and post-intervention surveys. Students were a mean age of 11.4 years with 55% identifying as girls, 69% as White, 13% as a racial minority, and 18% as Hispanic. Racial minority students exhibited greater improvements in personal and total resilience compared to White students, controlling for baseline scores.
Magnetite-impregnated biochar of parthenium hysterophorus for adsorption of Cr(VI) from tannery industrial wastewater
Authors: Fito Jemal , Abewaa Mikiyas , Nkambule Thabo
Published: February 2023

The tannery industry inevitably generates toxic and catastrophic wastewater, which results in a huge threat to public health and water resources. Therefore, this work aimed to synthesize parthenium hysterophorus-based biochar–Fe3O4 composite for removal of Cr(VI) from tannery wastewater under 34 full factorial experimental designs of the Box–Behnken, which was analyzed using response surface methodology under four independent factors of pH (3, 6, and 9), initial Cr(VI) concentrations (40, 70, and 100 mg/L), contact times (30, 60, and 90 min), and adsorbent doses (20, 60, and 100 mg/100 mL). This composite adsorbent was described by a high BET surface area of 237.4 m2/g, XRD prominent peaks, SEM morphology corroborate and FTIR multifunctionalities of O–H at 3296 cm−1, the vibration of ketone C–OH at 1240 cm−1, and the vibration of C–O–C at 1147 cm−1 and Fe–O stretching at 542 cm−1. The maximum Cr(IV) removal efficiency of 91.8% was recorded at an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 40 mg/L, pH of 3, adsorbent dose of 100 mg/100 mL, and a contact time of 90 min, whereas the minimum Cr(VI) removal of 17.3% was observed at an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 100 mg/L, 20 mg/100 mL of adsorbent dose, pH of 9, and contact time of 30 min. The concentration of Cr(VI) in real wastewater was determined to be 85.13 mg/L and its remediation was found to be 81.8%. Langmuir’s model was the best fit with experimental data at R2 0.99 and qmax 400 mg/g, showing that the adsorption process was homogenous and monolayer. In conclusion, the adsorption results were encouraging, and biochar–Fe3O4 appears to be a potential candidate for Cr removal from wastewater.
Novel AIP mutation in exon 6 causing acromegaly in a German family
Authors: Detomas M. , Altieri B. , Flitsch J. , Saeger W. , Korbonits M. , Deutschbein T.
Published: February 2023

The most frequent genetic alteration of familial isolated growth hormone producing pituitary neuroendocrine tumors is a germline mutation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) gene. Various AIP mutations are already known; however, an AIP mutation in exon 6 (c.811_812del; p.Arg271Glyfs*16) has not been reported yet. Here, we report a German family with two identical twins who were both affected by acromegaly and carried the above-mentioned novel AIP mutation. The father was found to be an unaffected carrier, while the paternal aunt most likely suffered from acromegaly as well and died from metastatic colorectal cancer. Apart from reporting a novel AIP mutation, this study does not only highlight the different clinical and histological features of the AIP mutated growth hormone producing pituitary neuroendocrine tumors but also confirms the poor responsiveness of dopamine agonists in AIP mutated acromegaly. Furthermore, it highlights the increased mortality risk of comorbidities typically associated with acromegaly.
Bi-indicator driven surrogate-assisted multi-objective evolutionary algorithms for computationally expensive problems
Authors: Wang Wenxin , Dong Huachao , Wang Peng , Shen Jiangtao
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a bi-indicator-based surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm (BISAEA) for multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs) with computationally expensive objectives. In BISAEA, a Pareto-based bi-indictor strategy is proposed based on convergence and diversity indicators, where a nondominated sorting approach is adopted to carry out two-objective optimization (convergence and diversity indicators) problems. The radius-based function (RBF) models are used to approximate the objective values. In addition, the proposed algorithm adopts a one-by-one selection strategy to obtain promising samples from new samples for evaluating the true objectives by their angles and Pareto dominance relationship with real non-dominated solutions to improve the diversity. After the comparison with four state-of-the-art surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithms and three evolutionary algorithms on 76 widely used benchmark problems, BISAEA shows high efficiency and a good balance between convergence and diversity. Finally, BISAEA is applied to the multidisciplinary optimization of blend-wing-body underwater gliders with 30 decision variables and three objectives, and the results demonstrate that BISAEA has superior performance on computationally expensive engineering problems.
Energy efficiency trends in the Greek building sector: a participatory approach
Authors: Karakosta Charikleia , Papapostolou Aikaterini
Published: February 2023

Energy efficiency (EE) is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption, secure the energy supply and achieve a country’s environmental targets while preserving business as usual in most economic sectors. In order to achieve efficient energy use, updates to industrial processes, building stock and other sectors are needed, and, thus, capital should be redirected to energy efficiency investments. Nevertheless, project developers usually struggle to find finance for their project ideas since there is a knowledge gap between them and financing institutions, who, most of the time, have no technical background to assess the profitability that emerges from the multidimensional benefits of energy efficiency measures. An analysis of the current situation, while also identifying the main barriers and difficulties that policymakers and EE professionals are facing, is crucial to developing a feasible plan for increasing EE measures in the building sector. The aim of this study is to analyse the EE situation in the Greek building stock by utilizing a stakeholder engagement approach involving highly relevant key actors, gathering their input, and depicting it in statistical analysis. The results of the study reveal that the building’s EE profile is considered an asset for long-term capital investments, while a lack of capital, high costs and the pandemic of 2019 compose some of the major factors that hinder the implementation of EE measures.
Deprescribing, Polypharmacy and Prescribing Cascades in Older People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Focused Review
Authors: Hickman Elizabeth , Gillies Clare , Khunti Kamlesh , Seidu Samuel
Published: February 2023

Deprescribing is the process by which medications are reduced without compromising safety to the patient (Jude et al. in 2022 Diabetes Ther 13: 619–634, 2022). The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss deprescribing as a topic, firstly discussing the benefits and pitfalls to such pharmacological interventions along with the current barriers and enablers to such a controversial topic, and then discussing deprescribing with respect to preventive medications, namely those that reduce the long term impacts of a condition or disease. Research that has previously focused on reducing polypharmacy has highlighted the benefits of such interventions, including reduction of adverse reactions or complications, improved patient satisfaction and quality of life, and improved cost effectiveness and drug compliance. Some potential harms that have been highlighted include an increased number of complications, increased symptoms of previously dampened conditions, and negligible changes in patient satisfaction that have stressed the importance of this intervention being patient centred and individualized to each patient. The implementation of deprescribing processes could drastically change the way people think about deprescribing and could be extremely beneficial to older patients living with type 2 diabetes worldwide. Developments in preventive medication deprescribing could pave the way for this intervention to become more common place improving the quality of life in patient’s final years.
Synthesis of biochar/clay mineral nanocomposites using oil shale semi-coke waste for removal of organic pollutants
Authors: Zhao Feng , Mu Bin , Zhang Tenghe , Dong Chunjuan , Zhu Yongfeng , Zong Li , Wang Aiqin
Published: February 2023

Due to the poor surface/interfacial interaction and the large gaps in the size and microstructure between biomass and clay mineral, it was difficult to adjust the structure and performance of biochar/clay mineral composites at the molecular level. Herein, oil shale semi-coke composed of multi-minerals and organic matters was used as a promising precursor to prepare biochar/clay mineral nanocomposites via phosphoric acid-assisted hydrothermal treatment followed by KOH activation for removal of organic pollutants from aqueous solution. The results revealed that the nanocomposites presented well-defined sheet-like morphology, and the carbon species uniformly anchored on the surface of clay minerals. With the changes in the pore structure, surface charge and functional groups after two-step modification, the nanocomposites exhibited much better adsorption property toward organic pollutants than the raw oil shale semi-coke, and the maximum adsorption capacities of methylene blue, methyl violet, tetracycline, and malachite green were 165.30 mg g−1, 159.02 mg g−1, 145.89 mg g−1, and 2137.36 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption mechanisms involved electrostatic attraction, π–π stacking and hydrogen bonds. After five consecutive adsorption–desorption, there was no obvious decrease in the adsorption capacity of malachite green, exhibiting good cyclic regeneration performance. It is expected to provide a feasible strategy for the preparation of biochar/clay mineral nanocomposites with the excellent adsorption performances for removal of organic pollutants based on full-component resource utilization of oil shale semi-coke.

Graphical Abstract
Clarifying the Factor structure of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Inventory: Measurement Invariance and Validity in Predicting Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Zahrayi Tara , Saed Omid , Lauriola Marco
Published: February 2023

The Intolerance of Uncertainty Inventory (IUI) is a two-part inventory assessing the general unacceptability of uncertainty in terms of generalized maladaptive beliefs (IUI-A) and specific individuals’ reactions to uncertainty, such as avoidance, doubt, overestimation of threat, worry, control of uncertainty, and seeking reassurance (IUI-B). Previous research has examined the factor structure of both parts with mixed results, especially for IUI-A. The present study took advantage of the Farsi-language version to clarify the IUI factor structure, assess measurement invariance between clinical and nonclinical samples, and examine the criterion-related and incremental validity of IUI-A and IUI-B. We administered the IUI to a mixed psychiatric sample of patients who met DSM-IV criteria for affective disorders (N = 198) and community participants in relatively good health (N = 427). Exploratory structural equation modeling analyses were used to test alternative factor models and determine whether IUI factors predicted depression and anxiety symptoms. A bifactor model was found to be the best fit for IUI-A and IUI-B, and reliability analyses supported the use of the total scores for both parts. The IUI-A and IUI-B were scalar invariant. The general factors of each part and the IUI-B worry factor were higher in patients with affective disorders than in community participants. Validity analyses showed that the two general factors tapped into the same variance in depression and anxiety symptoms as the competing instruments, although not superior in predictive performance to the Intolerance of Uncertainty scale (IUS-12) and the Disorder Specific Intolerance of Uncertainty (DSIU) scale. The present study clarified the factorial structure of the IUI and provided evidence that IUI total scores are reliable and valid for assessing the Intolerance of Uncertainty construct and predicting clinical outcomes.
Impulse
Authors: Grant Jon E. , Chamberlain Samuel R.
Published: February 2023

Sex is everywhere in modern society, yet it remains taboo. We all have questions about sex that are too uncomfortable to ask – how do we get reliable answers? In this go-to guide Drs Grant and Chamberlain use their clinical expertise to answer the questions you wish you could ask about sex. Questions like: Is my sex drive or sex behavior normal? Can someone have too much sex? Or too little? How has Internet dating and pornography changed sex? This go-to guide will help you understand common sexual issues, know when to worry (or not) about different sexual behaviors, and learn how our sex lives adapt to changing technology or in times of crisis. It also provides step-by-step advice for dealing with a range of sexual issues, and practical strategies for strengthening relationships.
German Practice in International Law
Authors: Talmon Stefan
Published: February 2023

Customary international law is based on State practice. This book presents the international law practice of Germany, the world's fourth-largest economy and powerhouse of the European Union, which makes an important contribution to the creation and development of customary international law. It is the first and only presentation of German practice in international law in English. The book combines a case study approach, providing analysis and commentary on Germany's practice, with a classic digest of primary materials, including diplomatic correspondence, statements, and court decisions. The book is an ideal complement to other compilations of international law practice and is an essential resource for scholars and practitioners of international law. It will also be of interest to scholars of international relations, politics, and diplomatic studies.
PROMPT Practical MultiProfessional Training, KursHandbuch
Authors: von Kaisenberg Constantin
Published: February 2023

Der PROMPT-Kurs (Practical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training) behandelt das Management einer Reihe geburtshilflicher Notfallsituationen. In den letzten fünf Jahren gab es zunehmend Hinweise darauf, dass das PROMPT-Training einen erheblichen Einfluss auf die geburtshilflichen Outcomes im Vereinigten Königreich und international hat. Im Jahr 2016 wurde PROMPT im ‚NHS England: National Maternity Review' ausgezeichnet. Das PROMPT-Trainingspaket besteht aus interaktiven Vorträgen, Übungen und Workshops, die praktische Erfahrungen, Kommunikation und Teamarbeit in simulierten geburtshilflichen Notfallsituationen vermitteln. Diese dritte Ausgabe wurde im Rahmen neuester Erkenntnisse sowie nationaler und internationaler Leitlinien umfassend aktualisiert, um die jüngsten Forschungsergebnisse und die aktuelle klinische Praxis abzubilden. Es enthält neue Module, Algorithmen, Implementierungstools, Szenarien und Videos. Das Kurshandbuch ist eine unerlässliche Lektüre für alle, die an einem lokalen PROMPT-Kurs teilnehmen. Zudem ist es als eigenständiges Lehrbuch nützlich und bietet evidenzbasierte, aktuelle Informationen für alle Mitarbeiter in Gesundheitsberufen aus der Geburtshilfe.
Midline crossing right pulmonary veins with dual drainage to the left atrium
Authors: Padovani Paul , Grunenwald Gronier Céline , Baruteau Alban-Elouen
Published: February 2023

We report the exceptional case of transcatheter treatment of a partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of the right lung to the innominate vein and dual drainage to the left atrium.
Global Perspectives: Thoughts on the Ever-changing Landscape of International Legal Research
Authors: Breslin Jas
Published: February 2023

This article, by Jas Breslin, is a summary of a panel discussion held at the BIALL Conference in July 2022, an in-depth and absorbing debate with a focus on the changes in legal research across the globe over the last decade. Entitled ‘Thoughts on the ever-changing landscape of international legal research’, the discussion saw four panellists from different working environments explain exactly what international legal research meant to them, and what significant transformations they have witnessed in recent years. Interestingly, some universal key themes emerged during the discussion, regardless of the jurisdiction or sector the speaker worked in.
Law Librarians as Copyright Specialists: the Perfect Match?
Authors: Faulkner Kate , Lynwood Wendy
Published: February 2023

This article, written by Kate Faulkner and Wendy Lynwood, considers the skills of law librarians and shows how they can assist those who also hold a copyright specialist role. Most librarians encounter some aspects of copyright within their role. However, the understanding that law librarians have with regard to law, legal research capabilities, teaching and liaison skills equips them to take on copyright, sometimes in addition to their law library role, or to move into a full-time copyright specialist role.
Multiple-image super-resolution of cryo-electron micrographs based on deep internal learning
Authors: Huang Qinwen , Zhou Ye , Liu Hsuan-Fu , Bartesaghi Alberto
Published: February 2023

Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a powerful imaging modality capable of visualizing proteins and macromolecular complexes at near-atomic resolution. The low electron-doses used to prevent radiation damage to the biological samples, however, result in images where the power of the noise is 100 times greater than the power of the signal. To overcome these low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), hundreds of thousands of particle projections are averaged to determine the three-dimensional structure of the molecule of interest. The sampling requirements of high-resolution imaging impose limitations on the pixel sizes that can be used for acquisition, limiting the size of the field of view and requiring data collection sessions of several days to accumulate sufficient numbers of particles. Meanwhile, recent image super-resolution (SR) techniques based on neural networks have shown state-of-the-art performance on natural images. Building on these advances, here, we present a multiple-image SR algorithm based on deep internal learning designed specifically to work under low-SNR conditions. Our approach leverages the internal image statistics of cryo-EM movies and does not require training on ground-truth data. When applied to single-particle datasets of apoferritin and T20S proteasome, we show that the resolution of the 3D structure obtained from SR micrographs can surpass the limits imposed by the imaging system. Our results indicate that the combination of low magnification imaging with in silico image SR has the potential to accelerate cryo-EM data collection by virtue of including more particles in each exposure and doing so without sacrificing resolution.
Policy Capturing to Support Pilot Decision-Making
Authors: Marois Alexandre , Lafond Daniel , Audouy Amandine , Boronat Hugo , Mazoyer Patrick
Published: February 2023

Abstract: Single-pilot operations are cognitively challenging for pilots and could benefit from decision-support tools to mitigate risk-prone situations. The Cognitive Shadow is a prototype tool that employs policy capturing, a data-driven technique used to model decisions, to learn users’ judgement policies and alert decision discrepancies from one’s decision pattern. This proof-of-concept study investigates the potential of policy capturing to model pilots’ policies facing unstable approaches. Pilots were presented simulated cases and asked whether to continue descent or to go-around while the policy-capturing tool learned their decision pattern and provided feedback. Individual models reached mean predictive accuracy of ~ 89% while the group model reached 100%. These results speak to the potential of extracting pilots’ knowledge using policy capturing to create decision aids.
Medical microrobots in reproductive medicine from the bench to the clinic
Authors: Nauber Richard , Goudu Sandhya R. , Goeckenjan Maren , Bornhäuser Martin , Ribeiro Carla , Medina-Sánchez Mariana
Published: February 2023

Medical microrobotics is an emerging field that aims at non-invasive diagnosis and therapy inside the human body through miniaturized sensors and actuators. Such microrobots can be tethered (e.g., smart microcatheters, microendoscopes) or untethered (e.g., cell-based drug delivery systems). Active motion and multiple functionalities, distinguishing microrobots from mere passive carriers and conventional nanomedicines, can be achieved through external control with physical fields such as magnetism or ultrasound. Here we give an overview of the key challenges in the field of assisted reproduction and how these new technologies could, in the future, enable assisted fertilization in vivo and enhance embryo implantation. As a case study, we describe a potential intervention in the case of recurrent embryo implantation failure, which involves the non-invasive delivery of an early embryo back to the fertilization site using magnetically-controlled microrobots. As the embryo will be in contact with the secretory oviduct fluid, it can develop under natural conditions and in synchrony with the endometrium preparation. We discuss the potential microrobot designs, including a proper selection of materials and processes, envisioning their translation from bench to animal studies and human medicine. Finally, we highlight regulatory and ethical considerations for bringing this technology to the clinic.
Searching for spin glass ground states through deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Fan Changjun , Shen Mutian , Nussinov Zohar , Liu Zhong , Sun Yizhou , Liu Yang-Yu
Published: February 2023

Spin glasses are disordered magnets with random interactions that are, generally, in conflict with each other. Finding the ground states of spin glasses is not only essential for understanding the nature of disordered magnets and many other physical systems, but also useful to solve a broad array of hard combinatorial optimization problems across multiple disciplines. Despite decades-long efforts, an algorithm with both high accuracy and high efficiency is still lacking. Here we introduce DIRAC – a deep reinforcement learning framework, which can be trained purely on small-scale spin glass instances and then applied to arbitrarily large ones. DIRAC displays better scalability than other methods and can be leveraged to enhance any thermal annealing method. Extensive calculations on 2D, 3D and 4D Edwards-Anderson spin glass instances demonstrate the superior performance of DIRAC over existing methods. The presented framework will help us better understand the nature of the low-temperature spin-glass phase, which is a fundamental challenge in statistical physics. Moreover, the gauge transformation technique adopted in DIRAC builds a deep connection between physics and artificial intelligence. In particular, this opens up a promising avenue for reinforcement learning models to explore in the enormous configuration space, which would be extremely helpful to solve many other hard combinatorial optimization problems.
Light prevents pathogen-induced aqueous microenvironments via potentiation of salicylic acid signaling
Authors: Lajeunesse Gaële , Roussin-Léveillée Charles , Boutin Sophie , Fortin Élodie , Laforest-Lapointe Isabelle , Moffett Peter
Published: February 2023

Many plant pathogens induce water-soaked lesions in infected tissues. In the case of Pseudomonas syringae (Pst), water-soaking effectors stimulate abscisic acid (ABA) production and signaling, resulting in stomatal closure. This reduces transpiration, increases water accumulation, and induces an apoplastic microenvironment favorable for bacterial growth. Stomata are sensitive to environmental conditions, including light. Here, we show that a period of darkness is required for water-soaking, and that a constant light regime abrogates stomatal closure by Pst. We find that constant light induces resistance to Pst, and that this effect requires salicylic acid (SA). Constant light did not alter effector-induced accumulation of ABA, but induced greater SA production, promoting stomatal opening despite the presence of ABA. Furthermore, application of a SA analog was sufficient to prevent pathogen-induced stomatal closure and water-soaking. Our results suggest potential approaches for interfering with a common virulence strategy, as well as providing a physiological mechanism by which SA functions in defense against pathogens.
BMP-2 functional polypeptides relieve osteolysis via bi-regulating bone formation and resorption coupled with macrophage polarization
Authors: Wang Jiaqian , Xue Yuan , Wang Yi , Liu Chang , Hu Sihan , Zhao Huan , Gu Qiaoli , Yang Huilin , Huang Lixin , Zhou Xichao , Shi Qin
Published: February 2023

Osteolysis caused by wear debris around the prosthesis is the main reason for aseptic loosening. Extending prosthetic service life is still challenging. In this study, we first synthesized a bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) functional polypeptide (BMP2pp), and evaluated the effects of BMP2pp on macrophage polarization and impaired osteogenesis caused by titanium (Ti) particles in vitro. Then, we delineated the impact of BMP2pp on bone formation and resorption in a mouse calvarial bone osteolysis model induced by Ti particles. The results showed that BMP2pp not only alleviated the Ti-induced inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation in human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) but also prevented Ti-induced M1 macrophage polarization and promoted M2 macrophage differentiation in mice. Conditioned medium from BMP2pp-activated macrophages increased the osteogenesis of hPMSCs. The western blot results indicated a significant decrease in the expression of NF-κB inducing kinase (NIK) and phospho-NF-κB p65 in bone marrow-derived macrophages treated with BMP2pp. Furthermore, we clarified the protective effect of BMP2pp on bone formation and the reduction in bone resorption coupled with the immunomodulatory properties of calvarial osteolysis in mice. In summary, BMP2pp ameliorated the Ti-mediated impairment in osteogenic potential of hPMSCs, suppressed the M1 polarization of macrophages by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, and ameliorated Ti-induced bone osteolysis. Our research suggests that BMP2pp may be a potential option for treating prosthetic loosening induced by wear debris from prostheses.
Validate your white matter tractography algorithms with a reappraised ISMRM 2015 Tractography Challenge scoring system
Authors: Renauld Emmanuelle , Théberge Antoine , Petit Laurent , Houde Jean-Christophe , Descoteaux Maxime
Published: February 2023

Since 2015, research groups have sought to produce the ne plus ultra of tractography algorithms using the ISMRM 2015 Tractography Challenge as evaluation. In particular, since 2017, machine learning has made its entrance into the tractography world. The ISMRM 2015 Tractography Challenge is the most used phantom during tractography validation, although it contains limitations. Here, we offer a new scoring system for this phantom, where segmentation of the bundles is now based on manually defined regions of interest rather than on bundle recognition. Bundles are now more reliably segmented, offering more representative metrics for future users. New code is available online. Scores of the initial 96 submissions to the challenge are updated. Overall, conclusions from the 2015 challenge are confirmed with the new scoring, but individual tractogram scores have changed, and the data is much improved at the bundle- and streamline-level. This work also led to the production of a ground truth tractogram with less broken or looping streamlines and of an example of processed data, all available on the Tractometer website. This enhanced scoring system and new data should continue helping researchers develop and evaluate the next generation of tractography techniques.
Floating raft culture of Gracilariopsis longissima for optimum biomass yield performance on the coast of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Sobuj Mohammad Khairul Alam , Mostofa Md. Golam , Islam Zahidul , Rabby Ahmad Fazley , Rahman Turabur , Sonia Saima Sultana , Hasan Shanur Jahedul , Rahman Shafiqur
Published: February 2023

Seaweed cultivation is an eco-friendly method and attracts growing interest which needs a multi-criteria approach for its sustainability. In our present study, an economically significant red alga, Gracilariopsislongissima was cultured using a floating raft method on the coast of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh for a period of 90 days from January to March 2022. The effects of different factors such as rope materials, culture type, raft shape, seeding intensity, harvesting phase and water depth on the biomass yield production of G.longissima were evaluated during a 90-day culture period. The biomass yield production and daily growth rate (DGR% day−1) were estimated to evaluate the possibilities of G.longissima cultures in a floating raft culture method. The range of biomass yield production (3.03–13.37 kg/m2) and DGR (3.08–4.72% day−1) is satisfactory in the floating raft culture method. Different water quality variables, the seasonal appearance of epiphytic algae and a cost–benefit analysis of seaweed culture were also performed. A total of eight epiphytic algal species were recorded, which resulted in major challenges for the growth of Gracilariopsis. The per month income for a seaweed farmer was estimated to be US$175.17 for 20 rafts. Our research concluded that farming of G.longissima in the floating raft method could be successfully performed from January to March on the coast of Cox’s Bazar.
Biological mechanism of cell oxidative stress and death during short-term exposure to nano CuO
Authors: Moschini Elisa , Colombo Graziano , Chirico Giuseppe , Capitani Giancarlo , Dalle-Donne Isabella , Mantecca Paride
Published: February 2023

It is well known that copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are heavily toxic on in vitro systems. In human alveolar epithelial cells, the mechanism of toxicity is mostly related to oxidative insults, coming from intracellularly dissolved copper ions, finally leading to apoptotic or autophagic cell death. Our hypothesis is based on possible early oxidative events coming from specific NP surface reactivity able to undermine the cell integrity and to drive cell to death, independently from Lysosomal-Enhanced Trojan Horse mechanism. Two types of CuO NPs, with different oxidative potential, were selected and tested on A549 cells for 1 h and 3 h at 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml. Cells were then analyzed for viability and oxidative change of the proteome. Oxidative by-products were localized by immunocytochemistry and cell-NP interactions characterized by confocal and electron microscopy techniques. The results show that CuO NPs induced oxidative changes soon after 1 h exposure as revealed by the increase in protein carbonylation and reduced-protein-thiol oxidation. In parallel, cell viability significantly decreased, as shown by MTT assay. Such effects were higher for CuO NPs with more crystalline defects and with higher ROS production than for fully crystalline NPs. At these exposure times, although NPs efficiently interacted with cell surface and were taken up by small endocytic vesicles, no ion dissolution was visible inside the lysosomal compartment and no effects were produced by extracellularly dissolved copper ions. In conclusion, a specific NP surface-dependent oxidative cell injury was demonstrated. More detailed studies are required to understand which targets precociously react with CuO NPs, but these results introduce new paradigms for the toxicity of the metal-based NPs, beyond the Lysosomal-Enhanced Trojan horse-related mechanism, and open-up new opportunities to investigate the interactions and effects at the bio-interface for designing safer as well as more effective CuO-based biocides.
Seeing inferences: brain dynamics and oculomotor signatures of non-verbal deduction
Authors: Martín-Salguero Ana , Reverberi Carlo , Solari Aldo , Filippin Luca , Pallier Christophe , Bonatti Luca L.
Published: February 2023

We often express our thoughts through words, but thinking goes well beyond language. Here we focus on an elementary but basic thinking process, disjunction elimination, elicited by elementary visual scenes deprived of linguistic content, describing its neural and oculomotor correlates. We track two main components of a nonverbal deductive process: the construction of a logical representation (A or B), and its simplification by deduction (not A, therefore B). We identify the network active in the two phases and show that in the latter, but not in the former, it overlaps with areas known to respond to verbal logical reasoning. Oculomotor markers consistently differentiate logical processing induced by the construction of a representation, its simplification by deductive inference, and its maintenance when inferences cannot be drawn. Our results reveal how integrative logical processes incorporate novel experience in the flow of thoughts induced by visual scenes.
A new blood based epigenetic age predictor for adolescents and young adults
Authors: Aanes Håvard , Bleka Øyvind , Dahlberg Pål Skage , Carm Kristina Totland , Lehtimäki Terho , Raitakari Olli , Kähönen Mika , Hurme Mikko , Rolseth Veslemøy
Published: February 2023

Children have special rights for protection compared to adults in our society. However, more than 1/4 of children globally have no documentation of their date of birth. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop biological methods for chronological age prediction, robust to differences in genetics, psychosocial events and physical living conditions. At present, DNA methylation is the most promising biological biomarker applied for age assessment. The human genome contains around 28 million DNA methylation sites, many of which change with age. Several epigenetic clocks accurately predict chronological age using methylation levels at age associated GpG-sites. However, variation in DNA methylation increases with age, and there is no epigenetic clock specifically designed for adolescents and young adults. Here we present a novel age Predictor for Adolescents and Young Adults (PAYA), using 267 CpG methylation sites to assess the chronological age of adolescents and young adults. We compared different preprocessing approaches and investigated the effect on prediction performance of the epigenetic clock. We evaluated performance using an independent validation data set consisting of 18-year-old individuals, where we obtained a median absolute deviation of just below 0.7 years. This tool may be helpful in age assessment of adolescents and young adults. However, there is a need to investigate the robustness of the age predictor across geographical and disease populations as well as environmental effects.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Analysis of the Thomson and
Troian velocity slip for the flow of ternary nanofluid past a stretching
sheet
Authors: Li Shuguang , Puneeth V. , Saeed A. M. , Singhal A. , Al-Yarimi Fuad A. M. , Khan M. Ijaz , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: February 2023

In this article, the flow of ternary nanofluid is analysed past a
stretching sheet subjected to Thomson and Troian slip condition along with the
temperature jump. The ternary nanofluid is formed by suspending three different types of
nanoparticles namely $$\text{TiO}_{2}, \text{Cu}$$

TiO
2

,
Cu

and $$\text{Ag}$$
Ag
into water which acts as a base fluid and leads to the motion of
nanoparticles. The high thermal conductivity and chemical stability of silver was the
main cause for its suspension as the third nanoparticle into the hybrid nanofluid
$$\text{Cu-TiO}_{2}/\text{H}_{2} \text{O}$$

Cu-TiO
2

/

H
2

O

. Thus, forming the ternary nanofluid $$\text{Ag-Cu-TiO}_{2}/\text{H}_{2} \text{O}$$

Ag-Cu-TiO
2

/

H
2

O

. The sheet is assumed to be vertically stretching where the
gravitational force will have its impact in the form of free convection. Furthermore,
the presence of radiation and heat source/sink is assumed so that the energy equation
thus formed will be similar to most of the real life applications. The assumption
mentioned here leads to the mathematical model framed using partial differential
equations (PDE) which are further transformed to ordinary differential equations (ODE)
using suitable similarity transformations. Thus, obtained system of equations is solved
by incorporating the RKF-45 numerical technique. The results indicated that the increase
in the suspension of silver nanoparticles enhanced the temperature and due to density,
the velocity of the flow is reduced. The slip in the velocity decreased the flow speed
while the temperature of the nanofluid was observed to be increasing.
A case control study on the relationship between occupational stress and genetic polymorphism and dyslipidemia in coal miners
Authors: Yang Yongzhong , Zheng Ziwei , Chen Yuanyu , Wang Xuelin , Wang Hui , Si Zhikang , Meng Rui , Wu Jianhui
Published: February 2023

Dyslipidemia is one of the known risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. At present, the study of dyslipidemia has gradually shifted from simple environmental or genetic factors to environment-gene interactions. In order to further explore the etiology and mechanism of dyslipidemia, we used occupational stress(OS) and LYPLAL1, APOC3 and SOD2 gene as research variables to explore their association with dyslipidemia.Here we used a case-control study to include Han workers from a coal mining enterprise in China to determine the association between study variables and dyslipidemia. Monofactor analysis showed that smoking, drinking, physical activity level, DASH diet score, sleep quality, BMI, hypertension, hyperuricemia, shift work, OS were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). In the APOC3 rs2854116 dominant model, patients with CT/CC genotype had a higher risk of dyslipidemia than those with TT genotype. In SOD2 rs4880 recessive model, patients with GG genotype had a lower risk of dyslipidemia than those with AA/AG genotype, and the difference was statistically significant. We found that rs12137855 and OS, rs2854116 and OS, rs4880 and OS had joint effects, but no interaction based on the multiplication and addition model was found (Pinteraction > 0.05). GMDR model showed that the rs12137855-rs2854116-rs4880-OS four-factor model had the highest cross-validation consistency and training-validation accuracy (P < 0.05), suggesting that there was a high-order interaction between them associated with dyslipidemia. We found that dyslipidemia in coal miners was related to OS and genetic factors. Through this study, we revealed the dual regulation of environmental factors and genetic factors on dyslipidemia. At the same time, this study provides clues for understanding the etiology and mechanism of dyslipidemia.
Phenanthroimidazole as molecularly engineered switch for efficient and highly long-lived light-emitting electrochemical cell
Authors: Nemati Bideh Babak , Moghadam Majid , Sousaraei Ahmad , Shahpoori Arani Behnoosh
Published: February 2023

Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) based on Ir(III) complexes owing to the superior advantages exhibit high potential for display and lighting applications. Herein, a series of Ir(III) complexes based on phenanthroimidazole (PI) as an ancillary ligand were synthesized to achieve efficient and highly stable yellow-to-orange LEC devices with fast response. These complexes exhibit appropriate electrochemical stability and significant suppression of concentration quenching in the thin films compared to the archetype complex. The fabricated LECs showed remarkably long device lifetimes over 1400 and 2100 h and external quantum efficiency of 2 and 3% for yellow and orange-LECs, respectively. The obtained t1/2 for yellow LEC is much higher than archetype [Ir(ppy)2(phen)]+ and their phenanthroline-based analogues reported so far. The incorporation of an ionic tethered functional group on PI, improved the mobility of the emissive layer and reduced the device turn-on time by 75–88%. This study shows a facile functionalization and characterization of the PI ligand as well as its potential application in optoelectronic devices (OLED).
A complex genomic architecture underlies reproductive isolation in a North American oriole hybrid zone
Authors: Walsh Jennifer , Billerman Shawn M. , Butcher Bronwyn G. , Rohwer Vanya G. , Toews David P. L. , Vila-Coury Vicens , Lovette Irby J.
Published: February 2023

Natural hybrid zones provide powerful opportunities for identifying the mechanisms that facilitate and inhibit speciation. Documenting the extent of genomic admixture allows us to discern the architecture of reproductive isolation through the identification of isolating barriers. This approach is particularly powerful for characterizing the accumulation of isolating barriers in systems exhibiting varying levels of genomic divergence. Here, we use a hybrid zone between two species—the Baltimore (Icterus galbula) and Bullock’s (I. bullockii) orioles—to investigate this architecture of reproductive isolation. We combine whole genome re-sequencing with data from an additional 313 individuals amplityped at ancestry-informative markers to characterize fine-scale patterns of admixture, and to quantify links between genes and the plumage traits. On a genome-wide scale, we document several putative barriers to reproduction, including elevated peaks of divergence above a generally high genomic baseline, a large putative inversion on the Z chromosome, and complex interactions between melanogenesis-pathway candidate genes. Concordant and coincident clines for these different genomic regions further suggest the coupling of pre- and post-mating barriers. Our findings of complex and coupled interactions between pre- and post-mating barriers suggest a relatively rapid accumulation of barriers between these species, and they demonstrate the complexities of the speciation process.
Aromatic-bridged and meso-meso-linked BF2-smaragdyrin dimers exhibit fast decays in polar solvents by symmetry-breaking charge transfer
Authors: Wen Lingbo , Cao Xian , Lee Seokwon , Xu Ling , Rao Yutao , Kang Seongsoo , Kim Dongho , Osuka Atsuhiro , Song Jianxin
Published: February 2023

Symmetry-breaking charge transfer is one of the key process in photosynthetic reaction centers and specific artificial optoelectronic devices such as dye-sensitized solar cells. Here we report the synthesis of aromatic-bridged BF2-smaragdyrin dimers, meso-free BF2-smaragdyrin, and its meso-meso-linked BF2-smaragdyrin dimer. The decays of S1-states of these dimers are accelerated with an increase in solvent polarity and a decrease in the distance between the two BF2-smaragdyrin units, suggesting symmetry-breaking charge transfer. The fluorescence lifetimes of the dimers become shortened in polar solvents. However, ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy do not detect charge-separated ion pairs. On the basis of these results, we conclude that the decays of the excited states of the BF2-smaragdyrin dimers are accelerated by solvation-induced symmetry-breaking charge transfer, depending on the degree of the electronic interaction between the smaragdryin units as a rare case for porphyrinoids. The degree of charge transfer is larger for dimers with larger electronic interactions.
BNN/TiO2 nanocomposite system–modified dental flow resins and the mechanism of the enhancement of mechanical and antibacterial properties
Authors: Kong Xinzi , Han Qize , Jiang Axue , Wang Yurui , Li Ruizhi , Wang Yuting , Xiao Shengjie , Wei Rong , Ma Yu
Published: February 2023

The mechanical and antibacterial properties of dental resins are found to improve by introducing multi-dimensional nanocomposites which provide new insights for the preparation of functional resins and the synergy of nanosystems.
A single-cell based mass cytometry study on heterogeneous interactions between upconversion nanoparticles and human immune cells
Authors: Gerelkhuu Zayakhuu , Perumalsamy Haribalan , Maddahfar Mahnaz , Jin Dayong , Song Jaewoo , Yoon Tae Hyun
Published: February 2023

The interaction of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with peripheral blood mononuclear cells was investigated using single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF).
Novel naturally derived encapsulation agents in the ionic liquid form for sustainable emulsion-based products
Authors: Toledo Hijo Ariel A. C. , Silva Eric Keven , Meirelles Aureliano A. D. , Cunha Rosiane L. , Meirelles Antonio J. A.
Published: February 2023

Naturally derived ionic liquids are efficient encapsulation agents for sustainable emulsion-based products.
(−)-Epicatechin gallate blocked cellular foam formation in atherosclerosis by modulating CD36 expression in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Yu Jinjin , Zhou Lili , Song Huixin , Huang Qiuxia , Yu Jiabao , Wang Siqi , Zhang Xinya , Li Weifeng , Niu Xiaofeng
Published: February 2023

ECG blocked the expression of ox-LDL receptor protein CD36 in HFD-induced aortic root plaques at different stages, and blocked inflammation, oxidative stress and cell foaming through Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.
Bovine milk-derived extracellular vesicles prevent gut inflammation by regulating lipid and amino acid metabolism
Authors: Du Chunmei , Quan Suyu , Zhao Yiguang , Nan Xuemei , Chen Ruipeng , Tang Xiangfang , Xiong Benhai
Published: February 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global health problem in which metabolite alteration plays an important pathogenic role.
Study on the effects of different pectinase/cellulase ratios and pretreatment times on the preparation of nanocellulose by ultrasound-assisted bio-enzyme heat treatment
Authors: Wu Xiaoxiao , Yuan Xushuo , Zhao Jiaxin , Ji Decai , Guo Haiyang , Yao Wentao , Li Xiaoping , Zhang Lianpeng
Published: February 2023

With the development of science and technology, efficient, fast and green methods are increasingly being pursued.
Theory-guided development of homogeneous catalysts for the reduction of CO2to formate, formaldehyde, and methanol derivatives
Authors: Cramer Hanna H. , Das Shubhajit , Wodrich Matthew D. , Corminboeuf Clémence , Werlé Christophe , Leitner Walter
Published: February 2023

Computational volcano plots are used to predict selectivity in the context of (first-row) transition metal-catalyzed CO2reduction. The expected trends were tested experimentally and allowed for systematic improvement of the catalyst.
Photoprinting and expansion-induced erasure with supramolecular hydrogels crosslinked by pseudorotaxanation
Authors: Rong Yanqin , Liu Ran , Jin Pengyue , Liu Chunhong , Wang Xiaoqian , Fang Lizhi , Chen Long , Wu Wanhua , Yang Cheng
Published: February 2023

The supramolecular hydrogels crosslinked by pseudorotaxanation were generated and further applied in photoprinting and expansion-induced erasure.
Triple targeting host–guest drug delivery system based on lactose-modified azocalix[4]arene for tumor ablation
Authors: Li Juan-Juan , Rong Rui-Xue , Yang Yan , Hu Zong-Ying , Hu Bing , Zhao Ying-Ying , Li Hua-Bin , Hu Xin-Yue , Wang Ke-Rang , Guo Dong-Sheng
Published: February 2023

The supramolecular nanoformulation DOX@LacAC4A integrates passive, active and stimuli-responsive targeting capabilities. It can improve drug accumulation at tumor sites and effectively suppress the growth of tumor cells.