bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frieden fühlen? Emotionale (Be)Deutungen von innerem Frieden nach Konflikt und Flucht
Authors: Edler Hannah , Krause Ulrike
Published: November 2024

Während der Nexus von Konflikt und Flucht intensiv untersucht wird, bleibt Frieden bislang vernachlässigt. In unserer Forschung widmen wir uns dieser Lücke und legen den Fokus auf Friedenswahrnehmungen und -praktiken von geflüchteten Menschen in Deutschland. Gesprächspartner*innen schreiben allen voran innerem Frieden – und somit Frieden zu fühlen – besondere Bedeutung zu. Analysiert durch einen emotional-affektiven Ansatz und mithilfe migrantisch situierten Wissens legen wir dar, dass innerer Frieden auf ihren intersektional geprägten Erfahrungen von Konflikt, Gewalt und Flucht beruht und interdependent mit Hoffen, Erleben und Handeln verknüpft ist. Inneren Frieden assoziieren sie mit diversen emotionalen Zuschreibungen, wie Glück und Zufriedenheit, und beschreiben ihn als Basis für ihr Hoffen auf ein normales Leben, ihre Bewältigung traumatischer Erfahrungen sowie ihre Motivation für individuelles und kollektives Handeln. Die Analyse zeigt daher, wie innerer Frieden mit Vergangenheit, Gegenwart und Zukunft emotional verbunden ist und Handlungsmotivationen affektiv prägt.
Non-drinking and social life in adolescence: a qualitative study in Switzerland
Authors: Chok Lorraine , Suris Joan-Carles , Vittoz Lucie , Palhares Diana Fernandes , Barrense-Dias Yara
Published: November 2024

Background

Alcohol consumption is popular among adolescents and young people and adolescent non-drinkers may be socially excluded and/or stigmatized. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the social life of young non-drinkers (14–20 years old), to understand how they live their non-drinking and how they are perceived by their drinking peers.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative research on non-consumption of alcohol in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. Our study included 63 young people divided into 12 focus groups aged 14 to 20 years.

Results

Overall, young non-drinkers would be a minority in their peer groups, leading some of them to feel out of the norm. Participants reported that not drinking alcohol is generally questioned and non-drinkers are almost always asked to justify their non-consumption. Finally, non-drinkers are sometimes automatically designated as resources who have to control the drinking of others and/or are the ones who help their drinking-peers if they are drunk and need help, a status that can put them under pressure.

Conclusions

It is important to normalize the non-consumption of alcohol and make non-drinkers visible by including them in school-based prevention interventions.
Reliability and validity evidence of the Swedish shortened mathematics anxiety rating scale elementary (MARS-E)
Authors: Finell Jonatan , Eklöf Hanna , Korhonen Johan , Jonsson Bert
Published: November 2024

The current study assessed reliability and validity evidence of the shortened Swedish Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale—Elementary (MARS-E), using data from three time points. After initial pilot tests, a total of 429 students participated in the study, completing the MARS-E twice during grade 4 and once during grade 5. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a one-factor structure at each timepoint. The scale displayed both longitudinal and gender measurement invariance across timepoints, ensuring both stability and fairness across gender and time. Factor correlations with criterion variables were examined, revealing a strong correlation between math anxiety (MA) and test anxiety (TA) (r = 0.707). However, the two constructs had distinct relationships to other criterion variables, such as math performance (rma = − 0.343, rta = − 0.110) and self-concept in math (rma = − 0.580, rta = − 0.273). Gender correlations provided evidence of girls being more strongly associated with higher math anxiety scores compared to boys. The current paper provides evidence of the Swedish MARS-E as a valid, easily interpreted, unidimensional instrument for measuring math anxiety in Swedish primary school students. Additionally, the study highlights the gender disparities concerning math anxiety as early as grades 4 and 5.
Was braucht es, um forschungsfit zu sein?
Authors: Wolf Florian , Klanke Merle , Klein Astrid-Alexandra , Kuschick Doreen , Lingner Heidrun , Löscher Susanne , Stark Stefanie , Mergenthal Karola
Published: November 2024

Hintergrund

Allgemeinmedizinische Institute und Forschungspraxennetze stehen fortwährend vor der Herausforderung, wie sie hausärztliche Praxisteams an Forschungsvorhaben aktiv und nachhaltig beteiligen können. In Deutschland gibt es derzeit keine standardisierten Research-ready-Kriterien.

Fragestellung

Was braucht es aus der Sicht von hausärztlichen Praxisteams, um an Forschungsprojekten teilnehmen zu können?

Material und Methoden

Drei Fokusgruppendiskussionen wurden mit insgesamt 13 Hausärzt*innen (HÄ) und 12 Medizinischen Fachangestellten (MFA) im Februar und März 2023 durchgeführt. Die Voraussetzungen für eine empfundene Forschungseinsatzfähigkeit („research readiness“) wurden im Rahmen von drei Studiendesigns erfragt und diskutiert. Anhand der Beobachtungsprotokolle und der Whiteboardaufzeichnungen erfolgte eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse nach Kuckartz.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Es konnten sowohl studienspezifische als auch studienübergreifende Voraussetzungen identifiziert werden. Um sich forschungsfit zu fühlen, benötigen HÄ und MFA nicht nur die Unterstützung und Koordination durch die Studienverantwortlichen. Auch die eigene Bereitschaft und entsprechende Ressourcen müssen innerhalb des Praxisteams vorhanden sein. Die Erkenntnisse der Diskussionsrunden fließen in die Erstellung eines Research-ready-Konzepts für Forschungspraxennetze in Deutschland ein.
Identified candidate genes for pig mental health: Insights from intensive farming systems
Authors: Wei Xingyu , Xu Lingyao , Jiang Jinyun , Miao Jian , Wu Fen , Chen Zitao , Zhang Zhe , Wang Qishan , Pan Yuchun , Wang Zhen
Published: November 2024

Understanding the genetic basis of porcine mental health (PMH)-related traits in intensive pig farming systems may promote genetic improvement animal welfare enhancement. However, investigations on this topic have been limited to a retrospective focus, and phenotypes have been difficult to elucidate due to an unknown genetic basis. Intensively farmed pigs, such as those of the Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire breeds, have undergone prolonged selection pressure in intensive farming systems. This has potentially subjected genes related to mental health in these pigs to positive selection. To identify genes undergoing positive selection under intensive farming conditions, we employed multiple selection signature detection approaches. Specifically, we integrated disease gene annotations from three human gene–disease association databases (Disease, DisGeNET, and MalaCards) to pinpoint genes potentially associated with pig mental health, revealing a total of 254 candidate genes related to PMH. In-depth functional analyses revealed that candidate PMH genes were significantly overrepresented in signaling-related pathways (e.g., the dopaminergic synapse, neuroactive ligand‒receptor interaction, and calcium signaling pathways) or Gene Ontology terms (e.g., dendritic tree and synapse). These candidate PMH genes were expressed at high levels in the porcine brain regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus, and the cell type in which they were significantly enriched was neurons in the hippocampus. Moreover, they potentially affect pork meat quality traits. Our findings make a significant contribution to elucidating the genetic basis of PMH, facilitating genetic improvements for the welfare of pigs and establishing pigs as valuable animal models for gaining insights into human psychiatric disorders.
A one-year hospital system review of plasma next-generation sequencing in a mixed population
Authors: Drake Ty C. , Babic Jessica , Wanger Audrey , Chavez Violeta
Published: November 2024

Objective:

To describe the use of plasma next-generation sequencing (NGS) and determine if it provided additional information from routine tests or lead to change in antimicrobial management.

Design and Setting:

This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients with a NGS test performed who were admitted to a hospital health system in the greater Houston area between May 2022 and May 2023.

Patients:

In total, 143 NGS tests were ordered in the span of one year for 135 unique patients. Most patients were ≥ 18 years (74.1%), White/Caucasian (43.7%), male (61.5%), and immunocompetent (54.1%). Eight patients had repeat tests during the study period, four being after an initial rejected test, and the rest being greater than 7 days from the initial test.

Results:

Of the 139 NGS tests performed, 56 (40%) were positive. When compared to routine testing, 49 (35%) were negative when routine testing was negative, 15 (11%) positive were concordant with routine testing, 29 (21%) positive were discordant from routine testing, 17 (12%) negative while routine testing was positive, and 29 (21%) were positive while routine testing was negative. Documented changes in antimicrobial due to NGS occurred after 16 (13.6%) tests, with the majority of these changes occurring in immunocompromised patients (14/16 [88%]).

Conclusions:

NGS provided additional data when compared to routine testing but rarely resulted in antimicrobial changes. The majority of changes occurred in immunocompromised patients. Diagnostic stewardship is a vital component for this type of NGS testing and others in which guidelines do not exist.
A scoping review of adrenal vein sampling in practice settings: Applying an implementation science lens
Authors: Morris Heather , Melder Angela , Ng Elisabeth , Skouteris Helen , Chong Winston , Yang Jun
Published: November 2024

Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is a complicated procedure requiring clinical expertise, collaboration, and patient involvement to ensure it occurs successfully. Implementation science offers unique insights into the barriers and enablers of service delivery of AVS. The primary aim of this review was to identify implementation components as described within clinical studies, that contribute to a successful AVS procedure. The secondary aim was to inform practice considerations to support the scale-up of AVS. A scoping review of clinical papers that discussed factors contributing to effective AVS implementation was included. A phased approach was employed to extract implementation science data from clinical studies. Implementation strategies were named and defined, allowing for implementation learnings to be synthesized, in the absence of dedicated research examining implementation process and findings only. Ten implementation components reported as contributing to a successful AVS procedure were identified. These components were categorized according to actions required pre-AVS, during AVS, and post-AVS. Using an implementation science approach, the findings of this review and analysis provide practical considerations to facilitate AVS service delivery design. Extracting implementation science information from clinical research has provided a mechanism that accelerates the translation of evidence into practice where implementation research is not yet available.
U-shaped disks in Stokes flow: chiral sedimentation of a non-chiral particle
Authors: Vaquero-Stainer Christian , Miara Tymoteusz , Juel Anne , Pihler-Puzović Draga , Heil Matthias
Published: November 2024

We study the sedimentation of U-shaped circular disks in the Stokes limit of vanishing inertia. We simulate the flow past such disks using a finite-element-based solution of the three-dimensional Stokes equations, accounting for the integrable singularities that develop along their edges. We show that the purely vertical sedimentation of such disks in their upright (upside-down) U orientation is unstable to perturbations about their pitching (rolling) axes. The instability is found to depend only weakly on the size of the container in which the disks sediment, allowing us to analyse their behaviour based on the resistance matrix which governs the evolution of the disk's six rigid-body degrees of freedom in an unbounded fluid. We show that the governing equations can be reduced to two ordinary differential equations which describe the disk's inclination against the direction of gravity. A phase-plane analysis, the results of which are in good agreement with experiments, reveals that the two instabilities generally cause the disk to sediment along complex spiral trajectories while it alternates between pitching- and rolling-dominated motions. The chirality of the trajectories is set by the initial conditions rather than the (non-chiral) shape of the disk. For certain initial orientations, the disk retains its inclination and sediments along a perfectly helical path. The observed behaviour is fundamentally different from that displayed by flat circular disks which sediment without any reorientation. We therefore study the effect of variations in the disk's curvature to show how in the limit of vanishing curvature the behaviour of a flat disk is recovered.
A one-day experiment quantifying subaqueous bleaching of K-feldspar luminescence signals in the Wadden Sea, the Netherlands
Authors: de Boer Anna-Maartje , Seebregts Marloes , Wallinga Jakob , Chamberlain Elizabeth
Published: November 2024

Luminescence dating methods are widely used to date coastal sediments, while luminescence tracing methods are an upcoming approach to reconstruct coastal sediment pathways. Both methods rely on subaqueous resetting (bleaching) of luminescence signals and would benefit from quantification of this process in the natural coastal environment. We describe the set-up and outcomes of an in situ subaqueous bleaching experiment for luminescence signals of K-feldspar grains in the Dutch Wadden Sea. We deployed a full-day bleaching field experiment with irradiated feldspar samples tethered to a pole at various positions within and above the water column to quantify (1) the bleaching potential, that is, the light intensity and spectrum as a function of time, depth and tidal stage, and (2) the bleaching efficiency, that is, the degree of bleaching of infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and post-infrared IRSL (pIRIR) signals measured at 150, 225 and 290°C after a full day of light exposure above and below water. Our bleaching-potential results show that the strongest subaqueous light attenuation took place during low tide when sediment concentrations are the highest. We also observed stronger attenuation of the ultraviolet part of the spectrum compared to other parts of the spectrum. Our bleaching-efficiency results show that bleaching reduces with depth, that pIRIR signals bleach slower than IRSL signals underwater and that bleaching efficiency reduces with pIRIR measurement temperature. None of the investigated signals were fully reset after 13.5 hours of light exposure, even for subaerially exposed samples. Our work provides the first quantitative data on pIRIR bleaching in a natural subaqueous environment, which is relevant for K-feldspar-based luminescence dating and tracing applications.
Secret Innovation
Authors: Joseph Michael F. , Poznansky Michael
Published: November 2024

Conventional wisdom holds that open, collaborative, and transparent organizations are innovative. But some of the most radical innovations—satellites, lithium-iodine batteries, the internet—were conceived by small, secretive teams in national security agencies. Are these organizations more innovative because of their secrecy, or in spite of it? We study a principal–agent model of public-sector innovation. We give research teams a secret option and a public option during the initial testing and prototyping phase. Secrecy helps advance high-risk, high-reward projects through the early phase via a cost-passing mechanism. In open institutions, managers will not approve pilot research into high-risk, high-reward ideas for fear of political costs. Researchers exploit secrecy to conduct pilot research at a higher personal cost to generate evidence that their project is viable and win their manager's approval. Contrary to standard principal–agent findings, we show that researchers may exploit secrecy even if their preferences are perfectly aligned with their manager's, and that managers do not monitor researchers even if monitoring is costless and perfect. We illustrate our theory with two cases from the early Cold War: the CIA's attempt to master mind control (MKULTRA) and the origins of the reconnaissance satellite (CORONA). We contribute to the political application of principal–agent theory and studies of national security innovation, emerging technologies, democratic oversight, the Sino–American technology debate, and great power competition.
Trade of legally protected orchids in Indonesian e-commerce markets
Authors: Hijriyah Yatha Maziyyatul , Utami Retno , Hasanah Uswatun , Kurniawan Syahrul , Putri Dwi Hilda , Nuraeni Eni , Robiansyah Iyan
Published: November 2024

Online markets are becoming increasingly important for the trade of orchids. However, the sale of orchids online raises conservation concerns, as some sellers use these platforms to bypass regulations. In March 2024, we assessed the extent of trade of 28 nationally protected orchid species in the five most visited Indonesian-language online markets. Twenty-four of the 28 orchid species protected in Indonesia were being traded online, involving 1294 advertisements posted by 789 sellers. The majority (93%) of these sellers were located in Java; 3882 orchid individuals were sold during the performance of this research, with a total trade value of IDR 262 129 387 (USD 16 911). Furthermore, there were 2 831 688 orchid individuals reported to be available in stock by sellers, with a total potential trade value of more than IDR 231 billion (USD 14.9 million). None of the recorded sellers in the present study declared a permit for the orchids they offered. Our findings can be utilized by law enforcement agencies to identify key players and areas involved in this trade, as well as by conservationists and policymakers to determine which species are being traded and so might require further conservation measures.
The health and demographic impacts of the “Russian flu” pandemic in Switzerland in 1889/1890 and in the years thereafter
Authors: Suter Jocelyne , Devos Isabelle , Matthes Katarina L. , Staub Kaspar
Published: November 2024

Our study aims to enhance future pandemic preparedness by leveraging insights from historical pandemics, focusing on the multidimensional analysis of past outbreaks. In this study, we digitised and analysed for the first time aggregated mortality and morbidity data series from the Russian flu in Switzerland in 1889/1890 and subsequent years to assess its comprehensive impact. The strongest effects were observed in January 1890, showing significant monthly excess mortality from all causes compared to the preceding five years (58.9%, 95% CI 36.6 to 81.0). Even though the whole of Switzerland was affected, the impact varied regionally due to ecological variations. Deaths from other conditions such as tuberculosis and heart disease also increased during this period. A significant drop in birth occurred 9 months later, in the autumn of 1890. Morbidity estimates by physicians suggest that around 60% of the Swiss population fell ill, with regional discrepancies and earlier outbreaks among postal workers (1–2 weeks earlier than the rest of the population). A subsequent spike in all-cause excess and influenza mortality was recorded in January 1894 but more localized than in 1890. Our findings show no cross-protection between the 1890 and 1894 outbreaks.
Long induced paths in expanders
Authors: Draganić Nemanja , Keevash Peter
Published: November 2024

We prove that any bounded degree regular graph with sufficiently strong spectral expansion contains an induced path of linear length. This is the first such result for expanders, strengthening an analogous result in the random setting by Draganić, Glock, and Krivelevich. More generally, we find long induced paths in sparse graphs that satisfy a mild upper-uniformity edge-distribution condition.
Ethics of Archives: Improving Historical Social Science Through the Consideration of Research on Violence
Authors: Luft Aliza , Subotić Jelena
Published: November 2024

In recent years, social scientists have “(re)discovered history” by visiting archives, collecting documents, and analyzing their findings to address concerns about the causes and consequences of violence. Nevertheless, social scientists frequently appear at their archives with little to no training on the methods and ethics of archival research as they increasingly rush to examine primary historical records. This has resulted in a dearth of discourse on how the practice of historical research influences the outcomes of our analyses. Our article, as a result, employs findings from research on political violence in sociology and political science, as well as insights from history and archival studies, to introduce three broad ethical concerns related to politics, interpretation, and harms and benefits that, we argue, have methodological implications for historical social science. These methodological implications are too often ignored in historical social science, but we contend they are necessary to consider prior to and during archival research, as well as afterward when analyzing data, in order to ensure that the results of that research are valid, reliable, and ethical despite the constraints involved in working with historical evidence. We also discuss contemporary conflicts and how data collection on violence influences our understanding of the past. The objective of this article is to identify and address the primary challenges that social scientists who work with archives encounter, as well as to advocate for increased transparency in archival research.
The Social Amplification of Distortions in Representations of Ratios
Authors: Mendonça Cristina , Mata André , Ferreira Mário Boto
Published: November 2024

Abstract: When faced with a choice between two ratios, some people prefer the option with the larger numerator instead of the larger ratio. In this study, participants read texts containing two options involving ratios, indicated their preference between those options, and recalled the texts. Using the serial reproduction method, the recall protocols were then given to other participants to read, judge, and recall. Results show that some people’s representations of the problem are distorted, favoring the option with the largest numerator; these distortions are associated with increased ratio bias and are amplified as information is socially transmitted. Finally, this social amplification progressively increases the ratio bias. These results show how small biases can grow larger when information is socially transmitted.
The Influence of Rotation on the Preservation of Heterogeneities in Magma Oceans
Authors: Thomas B. , Samuel H. , Farnetani C. G. , Aubert J. , Chauvel C.
Published: November 2024

Understanding the composition of lavas erupted at the surface of the Earth is key to reconstruct the long‐term history of our planet. Recent geochemical analyses of ocean island basalt samples indicate the preservation of ancient mantle heterogeneities dating from the earliest stages of Earth's evolution (Péron & Moreira, 2018, https://doi.org/10.7185/geochemlet.1833), when a global magma ocean was present. Such observations contrast with fluid dynamics studies which demonstrated that in a magma ocean the convective motions, primarily driven by buoyancy, are extremely vigorous (Gastine et al., 2016, https://doi.org/10.1017/jfm.2016.659) and are therefore expected to mix heterogeneities within just a few minutes (Thomas et al., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggad452). To elucidate this paradox we explored the effects of the Earth's rapid rotation on the stirring efficiency of a magma ocean, by performing state‐of‐the‐art fluid dynamics simulations of low‐viscosity, turbulent convective dynamics in a spherical shell. We found that rotational effects drastically affect the convective structure and the associated stirring efficiency. Rotation leads to the emergence of three domains with limited mass exchanges, and distinct stirring and cooling efficiencies. Still, efficient convective stirring within each region likely results in homogenization within each domain on timescales that are short compared with the solidification timescales of a magma ocean. However, the lack of mass exchange between these regions could lead to three or four large‐scale domains with internally homogeneous, but distinct compositions. The existence of these separate regions in a terrestrial magma ocean suggests a new mechanism to preserve distinct geochemical signatures dating from the earliest stages of Earth's evolution.
Enhanced Blocking Frequencies in Very‐High Resolution Idealized Climate Model Simulations
Authors: De Luca P. , Jiménez‐Esteve B. , Degenhardt L. , Schemm S. , Pfahl S.
Published: November 2024

Atmospheric blocking is a key dynamical phenomenon in the mid‐ and high latitudes, able to drive day‐to‐day weather changes and meteorological extremes such as heatwaves, droughts and cold waves. Current global circulation models struggle to fully capture observed blocking frequencies, likely because of their coarse horizontal resolution. Here we use convection permitting, nested idealized model simulations for quantifying changes in blocking frequency and Rossby wave breaking compared to a coarser resolution reference. We find an increase in blocking frequency poleward and downstream of the area with increased resolution, while the exact regions depend on the blocking index. These changes are probably due to a more accurate representation of small‐scale processes such as diabatic heating, which affect Rossby wave breaking and blocking formation downstream. Our results thus suggest an improved representation of blocking in the next generation of high‐resolution global climate models.
Multi‐Scale Thermal Mapping of Submarine Groundwater Discharge in Coastal Ecosystems of a Volcanic Area
Authors: Williams Ebony L. , Kratt Christopher B. , Rodolfo Raymond S. , Lapus Mark R. , Lardizabal Ryan R. , Bangun Aya S. , Nguyen Amber T. , Tyler Scott W. , Cardenas M. Bayani
Published: November 2024

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in volcanic areas commonly exhibits high temperatures, concentrations of metals and CO2, and acidity, all of which could affect sensitive coastal ecosystems. Identifying and quantifying volcanic SGD is crucial yet challenging because the SGD might be both discrete, through fractured volcanic rock, and diffuse. At a volcanic area in the Philippines, the novel combination of satellite and drone‐based thermal infrared remote sensing, ground‐based fiber‐optic distributed temperature sensing, and in situ thermal profiling in coastal sediment identified the multi‐scale nature of SGD and quantified fluxes. We identified SGD across ∼30 km of coastline. The different approaches revealed numerous SGD signals from the intertidal zone to about a hundred meters offshore. In active seepage areas, temperatures peaked at 80°C, and Darcy fluxes were as high as 150 cm/d. SGD is therefore locally prominent and regionally important across the study area.
RON receptor tyrosine kinase as a critical determinant in promoting tumorigenic behaviors of bladder cancer cells through regulating MMP12 and HIF-2α pathways
Authors: Wang Ke-jie , Ye Sha-zhou , Jia Xiao-long , Wang Kai-yun , Meng Xiang-yu , Fei Xin , Ye Shi-jie , Ma Qi
Published: November 2024

The RON receptor tyrosine kinase is critical in the pathogenesis of various cancer types, however, its role in bladder cancer invasive growth is still largely unknown. Here, we found that over 90% of bladder cancer samples exhibit elevated levels of RON expression, with significantly higher expression levels observed in invasive bladder cancer compared to non-invasive bladder cancer. In vitro, RON activation resulted in increased bladder cancer cell migration and invasiveness. Results from mRNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis further demonstrated that MMP12, a downstream molecule of RON, is functionally involved in regulating RON-mediated bladder cancer cell migration and invasiveness. The underlying mechanism appeared to be the RON-mediated inhibition of HIF-2α ubiquitination, which is channeled through the activation of the JNK signaling pathway. Consequently, the activated JNK pathway increased MMP12 expression, ultimately driving bladder cancer cell migration and invasion. As evident in bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assays, the RON mRNA at its 3′-untranslated regions specifically interacted with hsa-miR-659-3p. The binding of hsa-miR-659-3p downregulated the RON gene expression, attenuating the receptor-mediated tumorigenic activities of bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, aberrant RON expression in bladder cancer cells and MMP12 and HIF-2α activities form a functional axis that causes increased bladder cancer cell migration and invasion. The fact that hsa-miR-659-3p downregulates RON expression indicates its critical role in attenuating RON-mediated tumorigenic effect on bladder cancer cells. These findings highlight the importance of RON targeting as a therapeutic means for potential bladder cancer therapy.
Transforming carbon dioxide into a methanol surrogate using modular transition metal-free Zintl ions
Authors: van IJzendoorn Bono , Albawardi Saad F. , Jobbins William D. , Whitehead George F. S. , McGrady John E. , Mehta Meera
Published: November 2024

Although not the only greenhouse gas, CO2 is the poster child. Unsurprisingly, therefore, there is global interest across industrial and academic research in its removal and subsequent valorisation, including to methanol and its surrogates. Although difficult to study, the heterogenous pnictogens represent one important category of catalytic materials for these conversions; their high crustal abundance and low cost offers advantages in terms of sustainability. Here, Zintl clusters based on these elements are studied as homogenous atom-precise models in CO2 reduction. A family of group 13 functionalized pnictogen clusters with the general formula [(R2E)Pn7]2– (E = B, Al, In; Pn = P, As) is synthesized and their catalytic competency in the reduction of CO2 probed. Trends in both turnover numbers and frequencies are compared across this series, and [(iBu2Al)P7]2– found to be very high-performing and recyclable. Electronic structures across the series are compared using density functional theory to provide mechanistic insights.
Soil community history strengthens belowground multitrophic functioning across plant diversity levels in a grassland experiment
Authors: Amyntas Angelos , Eisenhauer Nico , Scheu Stefan , Klarner Bernhard , Ilieva-Makulec Krassimira , Madaj Anna-Maria , Gauzens Benoit , Li Jingyi , Potapov Anton M. , Rosenbaum Benjamin , Bassi Leonardo , van Berkum Pamela Medina , Brose Ulrich
Published: November 2024

Biodiversity experiments revealed that plant diversity loss can decrease ecosystem functions across trophic levels. To address why such biodiversity-function relationships strengthen over time, we established experimental mesocosms replicating a gradient in plant species richness across treatments of shared versus non-shared history of (1) the plant community and (2) the soil fauna community. After 4 months, we assessed the multitrophic functioning of soil fauna via biomass stocks and energy fluxes across the food webs. We find that soil community history significantly enhanced belowground multitrophic function via changes in biomass stocks and community-average body masses across the food webs. However, variation in plant diversity and plant community history had unclear effects. Our findings underscore the importance of long-term community assembly processes for soil fauna-driven ecosystem function, with species richness and short-term plant adaptations playing a minimal role. Disturbances that disrupt soil community stability may hinder fauna-driven ecosystem functions, while recovery may require several years.
Automated optimization and uncertainty quantification of convergence parameters in plane wave density functional theory calculations
Authors: Janssen Jan , Makarov Edgar , Hickel Tilmann , Shapeev Alexander V. , Neugebauer Jörg
Published: November 2024

First principles approaches have revolutionized our ability in using computers to predict, explore, and design materials. A major advantage commonly associated with these approaches is that they are fully parameter-free. However, numerically solving the underlying equations requires to choose a set of convergence parameters. With the advent of high-throughput calculations, it becomes exceedingly important to achieve a truly parameter-free approach. Utilizing uncertainty quantification (UQ) and linear decomposition we derive a numerically highly efficient representation of the statistical and systematic error in the multidimensional space of the convergence parameters for plane wave density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Based on this formalism we implement a fully automated approach that requires as input the target precision rather than convergence parameters. The performance and robustness of the approach are shown by applying it to a large set of elements crystallizing in a cubic fcc lattice.
Cowpea legumin preservative impacts on beef ribeye and implications on antibiotic resistant food borne pathogens
Authors: Dawam Wesam , Edris Shimaa , Osman Ali , Elsheikh Mai , Hamad Ahmed , Sitohy Mahmoud , Sabeq Islam
Published: November 2024

The current study assessed the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Cowpea-legumin (CPL) against antibiotic-resistant foodborne pathogens (FBP), the consequences on Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) quality and shelf-life, and the growth curves of inoculated FBPs. Fresh LTL-steaks were enriched with either 0.5 mg/g (CPL0.5) or 1 mg/g (CPL1) and evaluated over 15 chilling-days at 4 °C. Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli were inhibited by 25 and 3.125 mg/mL, respectively, while antibiotic-susceptible FBPs and antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were suppressed by 0.1 mg/mL CPL. CPL1-fortification produced fully tender LTL that was initially yellower/less red than the control, then turned brighter red with storage. CPL demonstrated promising dose-dependent antioxidant, and antibacterial activities against native spoilage and antibiotic-resistant/susceptible FBPs. CPL’s proteinaceous composition, besides sample size, might impact stability. Conclusively, CPL demonstrated promising preservative stability in fresh meat for a maximum of fifteen-days and represents a viable antimicrobial alternative in battle against antibiotic-resistance.
Examining the replicability of online experiments selected by a decision market
Authors: Holzmeister Felix , Johannesson Magnus , Camerer Colin F. , Chen Yiling , Ho Teck-Hua , Hoogeveen Suzanne , Huber Juergen , Imai Noriko , Imai Taisuke , Jin Lawrence , Kirchler Michael , Ly Alexander , Mandl Benjamin , Manfredi Dylan , Nave Gideon , Nosek Brian A. , Pfeiffer Thomas , Sarafoglou Alexandra , Schwaiger Rene , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan , Waldén Viking , Dreber Anna
Published: November 2024

Here we test the feasibility of using decision markets to select studies for replication and provide evidence about the replicability of online experiments. Social scientists (n = 162) traded on the outcome of close replications of 41 systematically selected MTurk social science experiments published in PNAS 2015–2018, knowing that the 12 studies with the lowest and the 12 with the highest final market prices would be selected for replication, along with 2 randomly selected studies. The replication rate, based on the statistical significance indicator, was 83% for the top-12 and 33% for the bottom-12 group. Overall, 54% of the studies were successfully replicated, with replication effect size estimates averaging 45% of the original effect size estimates. The replication rate varied between 54% and 62% for alternative replication indicators. The observed replicability of MTurk experiments is comparable to that of previous systematic replication projects involving laboratory experiments.
A study to determine the three-dimensional (3D) facial shape characteristics for a successful FFP3 mask fit
Authors: Gakhal Manpreet K. , Bakshi Anant , Gu Min , Khambay Balvinder S.
Published: November 2024

A reported 20% of dental staff will fail their fit test for a disposable FFP3 respirator. This needs to be factored into future pandemic workforce and PPE supply planning. At present there are no scientifically or universally accepted facial shape criteria to design and produce facial masks that will fit the entire work force. This study presents differences in facial shape, volume and surface area between individuals who passed on several FFP3 masks (pass group) and participants who passed on only one FFP3 mask (fail group). Three dimensional images of 50 individuals, 25 in each group, were taken at rest and at maximum smile using a DI4D SNAP 6200 camera system. The images were processed, and four “average faces” were produced—pass group at rest, fail group at rest, pass group at maximum smile and fail group at maximum smile. Simple Euclidian linear and angular measurements, geodesic surface distances and volume and surface area enclosed within the mask were analysed. The results of the study show that individuals who are more likely to pass a mask fit test have longer faces, wider mouths, greater geodesic surface distances and a greater volume and surface area of soft tissue enclosed within the mask boundary. This would suggest that some manufactures masks may be too large, and they need to reduce the size of their masks or produce a category of sizes, accepting the fact that one size does not fit all.
VLSI implementation of a modified min-max median filter using an area and power competent tritonic sorter for image denoising
Authors: Christudhas Chrishia , Fathima Annis
Published: November 2024

The prominence of image processing in today’s cutting-edge technology is undeniable. Integrating software with hardware leverages both strengths, resulting in a real-time processing system that is efficient and streamlined. Raw images are usually affected by noise, which hinders the acquisition of good-quality and detailed images; hence, denoising becomes necessary. This paper proposes a modified min-max median (MMM) filter to remove impulse noise and a Tritonic sorter to localize corrupted pixels. The proposed denoising method focuses on localizing noisy pixels, unlike traditional denoising approaches, which focus only on noise detection and filtering. A min-max sheet provides the location of the corrupted pixels, and filtering is performed on them. The Tritonic Sorter, consisting of a max locator and a min locator, compares three input values and finds the minimum, maximum and median values among them. Compared to other state-of-the-art methods, the proposed method minimizes the number of comparators needed to carry out the sorting process. The proposed method was synthesized in the ZedBoard Zynq kit using the Vivado tool. The results show that the area improved by 27%, and the power improved by 16.23% compared with those of the existing method.
Regulating translation in aging: from global to gene-specific mechanisms
Authors: Solyga Mathilde , Majumdar Amitabha , Besse Florence
Published: November 2024

Aging is characterized by a decline in various biological functions that is associated with changes in gene expression programs. Recent transcriptome-wide integrative studies in diverse organisms and tissues have revealed a gradual uncoupling between RNA and protein levels with aging, which highlights the importance of post-transcriptional regulatory processes. Here, we provide an overview of multi-omics analyses that show the progressive uncorrelation of transcriptomes and proteomes during the course of healthy aging. We then describe the molecular changes leading to global downregulation of protein synthesis with age and review recent work dissecting the mechanisms involved in gene-specific translational regulation in complementary model organisms. These mechanisms include the recognition of regulated mRNAs by trans-acting factors such as miRNA and RNA-binding proteins, the condensation of mRNAs into repressive cytoplasmic RNP granules, and the pausing of ribosomes at specific residues. Lastly, we mention future challenges of this emerging field, possible buffering functions as well as potential links with disease.
Biomolecule-derived three-dimensional N, P co-doped carbon nanosheets for the efficient oxidative dehydrogenation of propane
Authors: Chen Ziyi , Zhang Xiaomin , Duan Qiwei , Wang Guangming , Li Shuchun , Yu Kaihua , Cao Changsheng , Xie Zailai
Published: November 2024

A three-dimensional N, P co-doped carbon nanosheet (NPC-NS-T) catalyst with excellent ODPH performance is prepared. P-doping in NPC-NS-T promotes the formation of surface CO active species, thereby improving the overall catalytic performance.
Improved adhesion of printed Ag electrodes for flexible transparent display applications
Authors: Kim Han-Jung , Park Se Yong , Park Jeongmin , Ko Yohan , Park Sung Eun , Kim Yoonkap , Kim Junhee
Published: November 2024

This study presents an inkjet-printed, single-step double layer electrode with an acrylate adhesion layer on PES to enhance Ag adhesion. The electrode offers strong mechanical stability and a simplified solution for flexible device applications.
Studying the synthesis, antimicrobial activity, and phenol red removal of gelatin-stabilized copper nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Trung Dien , Ngo Sang Thanh , Hoang Yen Hai , Thai Nhung Thi Tuyet , Nguyen Huong Thi Thu , Trinh Gia Thi Ngoc
Published: November 2024

CuNPs-G were successfully synthesized using non-toxic agents: ascorbic acid and gelatin. The resulting CuNPs-G exhibited high purity, good stability, suitability for phenol red removal, and strong antimicrobial activity.
Synthesis of 3,5-bis(fluoroalkyl)pyrazoles/pyrazolines via [3 + 2] cycloaddition of di/trifluoroacetohydrazonoyl bromides and trifluoromethyl-substituted alkenes
Authors: Wang Ruikang , Jin Peng , Yang Gaowang , Fan Ying , Bai Zuyu , Huang Danfeng , Wang Ke-Hu , Wang Junjiao , Hu Yulai
Published: November 2024

A variety of 3,5-bis(fluoroalkyl)pyrazoles/pyrazolines were synthesized via an efficient [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of di/trifluoromethyl hydrazonoyl bromides with trifluoropropenes.
Purification of octafluoropropane from hexafluoropropylene/octafluoropropane mixtures with a metal–organic framework exhibiting high productivity
Authors: Feng Yuan-Qin , Ma Hui-Fang , Luo Shuai , Xiao Hui-Ping , Liu Qing-Yan , Wang Yu-Ling
Published: November 2024

One-step purification of C3F8 gas from C3F6/C3F8 (10 : 90) mixtures was achieved with a MOF of JXNU-21, exhibiting a benchmark C3F8 productivity of 173.8 cm3 g−1 under ambient conditions.
Recent advances in atomically dispersed M–N–C coupled Pt-based oxygen reduction catalysts
Authors: Zhao Zigang , Zhan Lezhi , Guo Pan , Dai Yunkun , Shen Lixiao , Zhang Yunlong , Wang Guiling , Wang Zhenbo , Zhao Lei
Published: November 2024

The latest progress of M–NC coupled Pt-based (Pt NPs, Pt alloys, and Pt intermetallic compounds) catalysts.
Enhanced charge carrier extraction and transport with interface modification for efficient tin-based perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhao Zhenzhu , Sun Mulin , Xiang Fang , Wu Xuefei , Fink Zachary , Huang Zongming , Gao Junyao , Ding Honghe , Tan Pengju , Yuan Chengjian , Yang Yuqian , Emelianov Nikita A. , Frolova Lyubov A. , Xiao Zhengguo , Troshin Pavel A. , Russell Thomas P. , Zhu Junfa , Li Yu , Hu Qin
Published: November 2024

Interface modification improves charge carrier extraction in tin-based perovskite solar cells.
Linkage engineering regulated π-conjugated covalent organic framework (COF)-based anodes for high-performance LIBs
Authors: Weng Changyu , Yuan Hongmei , Wang Jie , Ma Longlong , Liu Jianguo
Published: November 2024

We successfully synthesized two types of COFs with varied linkages, enabling the manipulation of Li storage performance through linkage engineering. The COFs with imine linkages performed better than those with oxazole linkages.
Synthesis of multifunctional PEDOT-block copolymers by combining controlled and chemical oxidative polymerization for bioelectronics
Authors: Lopez-Larrea Naroa , Zhong Yizhou , Wustoni Shofarul , Gallastegui Antonela , Peñas Mario Iván , Inal Sahika , Mecerreyes David , Mantione Daniele
Published: November 2024

This article presents the synthesis of the first EDOT-based RAFT chain transfer agent and a new family of multifunctional PEDOT-block copolymers (PEDOT-b-PMMA, PEDOT-b-PSS and PEDOT-b-PNIPAM) for different bioelectronic applications e.g. OECTs.
Modulating crystallinity and mixed ionic–electronic conduction properties via terminal side chain engineering of n-type small molecules
Authors: Zhu Xiuyuan , Chen Junxin , Liu Riping , Chen Chaoyue , Tan Juntao , Ran Chong , Wang Yiming , Wang Runxia , Li Zhengke , Yue Wan
Published: November 2024

Via versatile terminal side chain modification in n-type small molecular mixed conductors, a superior figure of merit μC* of 14.1 F V−1 cm−1 s−1 in OECTs is achieved, along with robust synaptic tunability and excellent non-volatility in OENSs.
The structure design of poly(ester imide)s with low dielectric loss and high mechanical properties
Authors: Zhang Chenggang , He Xiaojie , Lu Qinghua
Published: November 2024

Combining ester groups and ether bonds balanced the dielectric and mechanical properties of poly(ether-ester imide).
Solar flares in the Solar Orbiter era: Short-exposure EUI/FSI observations of STIX flares
Authors: Collier Hannah , Hayes Laura A. , Purkhart Stefan , Krucker Säm , Ryan Daniel F. , Polito Vanessa , Veronig Astrid M. , Harra Louise K. , Berghmans David , Kraaikamp Emil , Dominique Marie , Dolla Laurent R. , Verbeeck Cis
Published: November 2024

Aims. This paper aims to demonstrate the importance of short-exposure extreme ultraviolet (EUV) observations of solar flares in the study of particle acceleration, heating, and energy partition in flares. This work highlights the observations now available from the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) instrument suite on board Solar Orbiter while operating in short-exposure mode.

Methods. A selection of noteworthy flares observed simultaneously by the Spectrometer Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) and the Full Sun Imager of EUI (EUI/FSI) are detailed. New insights are highlighted and potential avenues of investigation are demonstrated, including forward-modelling of the atmospheric response to a non-thermal beam of electrons using the RADYN 1D hydrodynamic code, in order to compare the predicted and observed EUV emission.

Results. The examples given in this work demonstrate that short-exposure EUI/FSI observations are providing important diagnostics during flares. A dataset of more than 9000 flares observed by STIX (from November 2022 until December 2023) with at least one short-exposure EUI/FSI 174 Å image is currently available. The observations reveal that the brightest parts of short-exposure observations consist of substructure in flaring ribbons that spatially overlap with the hard X-ray emission observed by STIX in the majority of cases. We show that these observations provide an opportunity to further constrain the electron energy flux required for flare modelling, among other potential applications.