bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of association between revision ACL reconstruction and preoperative, intraoperative and post‐operative factors at primary ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents
Authors: Cristiani Riccardo , Hansson Frida , Senorski Eric Hamrin , Helito Camilo P. , Samuelsson Kristian , Eriksson Karl
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To evaluate factors associated with revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) within 5 years of primary ACLR in children and adolescents.

Methods

Children and adolescents (age <20 years at surgery) who underwent primary hamstring tendon ACLR at the Capio Artro Clinic, Stockholm, Sweden, between January 2005 and December 2018 were identified. Revision ACLR within 5 years of primary ACLR was captured in the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between revision ACLR and preoperative (age, sex, body mass index, time from injury to surgery, pre‐injury Tegner activity level, medial collateral ligament injury, passive contralateral knee hyperextension [≤−5°]), intraoperative (medial meniscus and lateral meniscus [LM] resection or repair, cartilage injury and graft diameter) and post‐operative (KT‐1000 side‐to‐side anterior knee laxity, limb symmetry index for extension and flexion strength and single‐leg‐hop (SLH) test performance at 6 months) factors at primary ACLR.

Results

A total of 1888 patients (mean age: 16.0 ± 2.0, range: 8–19 years) who underwent primary ACLR were included. The overall incidence of revision ACLR within 5 years was 9.0% (170 out of 1888). Univariable analysis revealed that a time from injury to primary ACLR of <5 months (odds ratio [OR]: 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61–2.35, p < 0.001) and LM resection (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.00–2.20, p = 0.04) increased the odds of revision ACLR. Multivariable analysis showed that revision ACLR was significantly associated only with a time from injury to primary ACLR of <5 months (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.72–3.70, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There was a lack of association between revision ACLR and preoperative, intraoperative and post‐operative factors at primary ACLR in children and adolescents. A time from injury to primary ACLR of <5 months was the only factor associated with revision ACLR within 5 years.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Gender equity as a key element for agroecological transitions: Neo‐rural women as managers of agroecological initiatives
Authors: Vizuete Beatriz , García‐Llorente Marina , Pérez‐Ramírez Irene , Oteros‐Rozas Elisa
Published: December 2024

Gender equity is considered to be a key element for the agroecological transitions of agri‐food systems and sustainable transformation of socioecological systems. Many women have recently become agroecological farmers. Few studies have examined this phenomenon and its potential implications for the agri‐food system and in rural areas, where men's experiences are still considered to be universal, from a gender‐focused perspective.

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 15 women leading agroecological initiatives in the Madrid region and performed content and critical discourse analyses of the interview transcripts to examine: (1) the women's motivations for agroecological project initiation; (2) the influences of the project composition, women's marital status and their trajectories in agroecological initiatives; and (3) the barriers they face and strategies they have developed to overcome difficulties.

All interviewees highlighted political and lifestyle motivations, that is, based on environmental and agroecological ideals, such as liking to work closely with nature generating positive impacts on the territory and the pleasure of doing what they wanted. Motivations and barriers varied according to origin; neo‐rural women faced the most difficulties, although all interviewees reported gender‐specific barriers.

We propose pathways to integrate the plurality of actors and values and to promote new rural identities that fall from traditional stereotypes to enhance gender equity and move towards a true agroecological transition.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
“Please list your favourite …”: How to measure online plant knowledge as a component of plant awareness
Authors: Sõukand Renata , Kohv Andres , Prakofjewa Julia , Kukk Toomas , Kalle Raivo
Published: December 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Plant awareness disparity is a widespread phenomenon in modern societies. It erroneously implies that plants are not necessary for humans. Understanding what plants people know and can describe is crucial for evaluating one of four central aspects of plant awareness disparity. This study proposes a new methodology for assessing the knowledge of plants online by analysing the vocabulary used to name and describe plants. Despite the high number of listed plants, both names and vocabulary used to describe plants were homogenised and limited. Educational effort is needed to enhance plant vocabulary so that plants can become the subject of conversation.

This study addresses the methodological gap in plant awareness studies by examining adult knowledge of plants from eco‐semiotic and quantitative linguistic perspectives. Understanding what plants people know and can describe and how they do this is crucial for bridging the gap in plant knowledge and addressing plant awareness disparity.

The novel methodology involved analysing responses from an online questionnaire distributed to residents of Tartu, Estonia. The questionnaire covered various aspects of plant knowledge, including the ability to list, describe and explain the importance of different plant categories: wild trees and shrubs, wild herbs and cultivated trees and shrubs. Data analysis included word count, contextual analysis and mapping of plant‐related vocabulary used by participants.

The study found significant diversity in the plants named by 149 adult participants, with 74 wild tree taxa and 225 wild herb taxa mentioned. Cultivated trees and shrubs were also widely recognised (168 taxa). Most descriptions focused on plant parts such as leaves and flowers, demonstrating rather poor vocabulary. The analysis highlighted the influence of personal experiences, cultural practices and educational background on plant knowledge.

The results indicate robust plant knowledge among the study's participants, likely influenced by Local Ecological Knowledge and comprehensive school curricula on botany. However, the study also detected a homogenisation of plant knowledge, potentially due to educational and popularisation efforts. The methodology demonstrated the potential of using linguistic analysis to understand plant knowledge and awareness, offering insights into enhancing plant‐related education.
Variable Valence Ce‐Based Cs2CeAgBr6 Perovskite Nanocrystals for Highly Selective Photoconversion of CO2 to CH4
Authors: Guo Sai‐Nan , Dong Yan‐Jun , Qiao Meng , Wang Dan , Wang Jie‐Xin
Published: December 2024

Lead halide perovskites demonstrate outstanding luminescent characteristics. However, the inclusion of lead components restricts their extensive utilization. Halide perovskite materials, formulated as A2M(III)M(I)X6 or A2M(IV)X6, possess the potential to serve as stable and eco‐friendly substitutes for optoelectronic applications. Nevertheless, their wide bandgap (>3 eV) hinders the practical implementation across various domains. Here, the variable valence Ce‐based Cs₂CeAgBr₆ perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are first synthesized with a bandgap of 2.65 eV. Intriguingly, the coexistence of trivalent and tetravalent Ce can cause localized spin of the f‐layer electrons of Ce, leading to Ce3+/4+ (the Ce valence state ranges between III and IV) defects. By manipulating trivalent and tetravalent Ce source proportions, a dual Ce‐based perovskite achieves a minimal Ce3+/4+ defect content of 1.4%. The as‐prepared Cs₂CeAgBr₆ NCs exhibit exceptional efficiency in CO2 reduction driven by sunlight, with a CH4 selectivity greater than 70% and a super high charge transfer rate of 802.5 µmol·g−1 h−1, far surpassing previously reported findings. Additionally, theoretical calculations have elucidated the photocatalytic mechanism involved in CO₂ reduction. The outcomes of this investigation are expected to stimulate design and fabrication of novel lead‐free perovskite nanocrystals.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogens for Plant Photodynamic Seed Sterilization
Authors: Wu Xinyue , Liu Lan , Kang Shengmei , Yan Yong , Zheng Zheng , Wang Feng
Published: December 2024

Pathogen‐carrying seeds can significantly impact plant growth and development and may lead to serious public health incidents. Modern agriculture heavily relies on synthetic chemical microbicides and physical methods to eradicate pathogens transmitted by plant seeds. To counteract the misuse of microbicides, a class of cationic amphiphilic aggregate‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) are developed as photodynamic seed sterilization agents. AIEgens function as antimicrobial agents in seed treatment. These materials are engineered to specifically bind to pathogenic microorganisms on seed surfaces. Furthermore, when combined with photodynamic therapy, AIEgens can be activated to produce reactive oxygen species that selectively destroy pathogens. Sterilization experiments with tomato seeds carrying Pseudomonas syringae and mung bean seeds carrying Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrate that AIEgens can effectively eliminate both plant and animal pathogens carried by seeds. Therefore, AIEgens offer a promising solution for preventing the spread of seed‐borne pathogens.
Achieving Enhanced High‐Temperature Performance of Lithium‐Ion Batteries via Salt‐Inspired Interfacial Engineering
Authors: Han Seung Hee , Kim Donguk , Lee Gihoon , Baek Kyungeun , Kang Seok Ju , Son Bumsuk , Shin Jaewook , Choi Nam‐Soon
Published: December 2024

Electrolyte additive engineering enables the creation of long‐lasting interfacial layers that protect electrodes, thus extending the lifetime of high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries employing Ni‐rich Li[Ni1–x–yCoxMny]O2 (NCM) cathodes. However, batteries face various limitations if existing additives are employed alone without an appropriate combination. Herein, the study reports the development of a molecular‐engineered salt‐type multifunctional additive, lithium bis(phosphorodifluoridate) triethylammonium ethenesulfonate (LiPENS), that leverages the different functionalities of phosphorous, nitrogen, and sulfur‐embedded motifs, as well as the classical additive vinylene carbonate (VC), to construct protective interfacial layers. The thermally and electrochemically reinforced solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), achieved through the combined use of LiPENS and VC, conserves the lithiation level of the Graphite (Gr) anode with minimal SEI growth, whereas the inorganic‐rich cathode‐electrolyte interface (CEI) alleviates the irrevocable phase transition and mechanical fragility of the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) secondary particles. The multifunctional roles of LiPENS are demonstrated in an NCM811/Gr full cell, showing a discharge capacity of 190.7 mAh g−1 with an enhanced capacity retention of 91.8% at 1 C and 45 °C after 300 cycles. This advancement in electrolyte additive engineering based on salt structures can lead to more efficient, reliable, and commercially viable batteries for high‐energy applications, including electric vehicles and portable electronics.
Weak Spots in Semiconductor Nanoplatelets: From Isolated Defects Toward Directed Nanoscale Assemblies
Authors: Shamraienko Volodymyr , Friedrich Rico , Subakti Subakti , Lubk Axel , Krasheninnikov Arkady V. , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: December 2024

The chemical engineering of nanostructures with atomic‐scale precision is a fundamental scientific challenge. Cation exchange reactions in nanoplatelets (NPLs) offer an attractive platform for this precision chemistry, as it is relatively simple to carry out, extremely versatile, and allows the production of heterogeneous nanostructures that cannot be produced by any other means. A major hindrance has, however, been the lack of knowledge of the “weak spots” of the platelets where the ionic exchange reaction is initiated to optimally control the process toward directed nanoscale assemblies. Here, mercury selenide formation in cadmium selenide NPLs is investigated. The study of Cd(1‐n)HgnSe NPLs using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) pinpoints at the corners (vertices) and edges of the NPLs as the exchanged sites. Comprehensive first principles density functional calculations of Hg substitution energies in a hierarchy of models of four monolayers (ML) CdSe NPL stabilized with acetate ligands unambiguously underscore that the energetically preferred exchange positions are platelet corners — in line with the experimental findings. The results thus not only explain in detail how the cation exchange process in 2D CdSe NPLs is kicked‐off, but also establish an arena for future studies in 2D nanomaterials reaching far beyond these reactions.
Learn best practices for how to delete confidential data
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: December 2024

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act does not require schools to destroy student records. To reduce technology costs and limit potential data breaches, many schools and districts establish their own retention policies, including timeframes for the eventual destruction of unnecessary records. But how can institutions know if their data destruction practices comply with their FERPA duty to protect personally identifiable information in a student record?
Faux Feminisms: Why feminism is a fight against oppression, not an individual cause
Authors: Arnett Autumn A.
Published: December 2024

In her forthcoming book, Faux Feminisms: Why We Fall for White Feminism and How We Can Stop, Serene Khader, Jay Newman Chair in Philosophy of Culture at Brooklyn College, New York, and Professor of Philosophy and Women's and Gender Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center, sets out to reframe the feminist movement as one for the collective advancement of all women.
Coastal Storm Risk Reduction Using Steel Mesh Revetments: Field Application and Preliminary Physical Experiments
Authors: Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Sheibani Mahan , Luis-Fonseca Roberto J.
Published: December 2024

We study coastal storm risk reduction using a steel mesh revetment system known as Tecco Cell (TC). This system consists of high-tensile stainless steel mesh filled with rock and securely fastened with tension rods. This coastal defence system is implemented in Beesands (UK), and its performance is studied here through preliminary laboratory physical modelling. The TC revetment in Beesands was installed in 2016 and has effectively protected the coast since then. We conducted 32 physical tests to assess performance criteria of a TC model in comparison to a rock armour (RA) model. Wave runup is used as the performance criterion in this study, as it is one of the key factors in coastal risk reduction research. Results showed that the TC model consistently yielded smaller runup than the RA model, with an average runup reduction of 15%. The mean spectral ratio index was employed as a measure of wave reflection and oscillations. Results indicated a mean index of 20.5 for the RA model and 3.8 for the TC model, demonstrating the potential for higher stability with the TC revetment. We established relationships between dimensionless runup and surf similarity and formulated a runup law.
Internet of Things: a comprehensive overview, architectures, applications, simulation tools, challenges and future directions
Authors: Choudhary Anita
Published: December 2024

In recent years, Internet of Things (IoT) evolved as a new paradigm and gained a lot of traction in the wireless telecommunications industry. It changed the traditional way of living into a high-tech lifestyle through the integration of intelligent devices, applications, and technologies that automate everything around us. The IoT is anticipated to connect physical objects to facilitate intelligent decision making in the future years. Several studies have been conducted to improve IoT technology. To fully realize the potential of IoT, numerous problems and issues remain to be addressed. IoT challenges and issues must be addressed from multiple perspectives, including applications, supporting technology, and social and environmental implications. This review paper aims to provide a full discussion from both technological and social perspectives. The paper highlights several challenges and critical aspects in IoT, architecture, and its application fields. A generic architecture of IoT is proposed with its enabling technologies to highlight the uses of each layer and technologies that implemented in it. Market opportunities are a highlight that helps to understand the growth of IoT. Further, the functional blocks and working of IoT is discussed, so the researchers take interest in its implementation. Also, a detailed discussion on IoT fields and it’s uncovered challenges are highlighted. A brief overview of existing simulators and their functionalities is discussed, so that researchers can easily select the simulator as per their targeted objectives. In addition, major issues are highlighted that should be addressed by the scientific community. Finally, the significance of this research is to understand fundamentals of IoT architecture as well as a complete review in order to delve deeper into the difficulties and devise appropriate solutions.
Look Back to Live Ahead: Connecting the Power of Museums and Journalism for a Stronger Democracy
Authors: Kebede-Twumasi Laura
Published: December 2024

Museums and news organizations make up major parts of the structure that maintains an informed community essential to democracy. As resources for both of these institutions dwindle, it’s more important than ever for these sectors to work together toward their common goals – not only with each other, but with their respective communities in ways that are collaborative and egalitarian. The following outlines Civil Wrongs, a program started at the University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media in 2022, as an emerging example of how these institutions can work together and learn from each other for the sake of a more informed community. Civil Wrongs is both a journalistic project of the nonprofit Institute for Public Service Reporting, and an academic class for junior and senior college students from multiple disciplines, including journalism, history, and political science. Through narrative podcasting, the program aims to examine past cases of racial terror in the Mid-South and analyze their connection to present-day injustices. It is a break from the traditional journalistic model that focuses solely on the present with little historical context and therefore naturally creates a bridge to museums that are grounded in history education.
Sceptical theism undermines the fine-tuning argument. Mostly
Authors: Donahue Miles K.
Published: December 2024

After outlining sceptical theism (ST) and the fine-tuning argument (FTA), I demonstrate how arguments for the former undercut the latter. I then consider and reject three recent proposals for ameliorating the conflict: positive ST, considerations about normative superiors, and appeal to theistic metaethics. I contend, however, that Kirk Durston’s complexity argument for ST does not undercut the FTA but in fact supports it. In defending that thesis, I respond to Climenhaga’s contention that ST undermines all warrant for theistic belief, the FTA included.
Vocabulary trajectories in German-speaking children from 18 months to three years: a growth mixture model
Authors: Pinstock Eveline , Schramm Satyam Antonio
Published: December 2024

Children acquire vocabulary at different growth rates. The aim of this study was to identify subgroups of different vocabulary trajectories in a community sample of L1 German-speaking children aged 1;6 to 3;0 to enlarge the understanding of vocabulary trajectories. Parents filled out vocabulary checklists at four measurement times, each six months apart. Growth mixture modelling was used to naturally determine latent classes of observed vocabulary growth curve patterns. Six distinct trajectories of vocabulary growth were identified and characterised. Children’s (N=198) vocabulary abilities were divided into the following subgroups: “far above average” (2.0%), “above average” (6.6%), “typical” (70.2%), “below average” (14.1%), “early below average" but caught up with their peers over time (5.6%), and “far below average” (1.5%). Socioeconomic status differed significantly between subgroups.
Best practice peri-extubation bundle reduces neonatal and infant extubation failure after cardiac surgery
Authors: Todd Tzanetos Deanna , Bassi Harjot , Furlong-Dillard Jamie , Mastropietro Christopher , Olive Mary , Klugman Darren , Werho David
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Extubation failure after neonatal cardiac surgery is associated with increased intensive care unit length of stay, morbidity, and mortality. We performed a quality improvement project to create and implement a peri-extubation bundle, including extubation readiness testing, spontaneous breathing trial, and high-risk criteria identification, using best practices at high-performing centers to decrease neonatal and infant extubation failure by 20% from a baseline of 15.7% to 12.6% over a 2-year period.

Methods

Utilising the transparency of the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium database, five centres were identified as high performers, having better-than-expected neonatal extubation success rates with the balancing metric of as-expected or better-than-expected mechanical ventilation duration. Structured interviews were conducted with cardiac intensive care unit physician leadership at the identified centers to determine centre-specific extubation practices. Data from those interviews underwent qualitative content analysis which was used to develop a peri-extubation bundle. The bundle was implemented at a single-centre 17-bed cardiac intensive care unit. Extubation failure, defined as reintubation within 48 hours of extubation for anything other than a procedure, ventilator days and bundle compliance was tracked.

Results

There was a 41.4% decrease in extubation failure following bundle implementation (12 failures of 76 extubations pre-implantation; 6 failures of 65 extubations post-implementation). Bundle compliance was 95.4%. There was no difference in ventilator days (p = 0.079) between groups.

Conclusion

Implementation of a peri-extubation bundle created from best practices at high-performing centres reduced extubation failure by 41.4% in neonates and infants undergoing congenital heart surgery.
The enhancement of creativity through foreign language learning: Do personality traits matter?
Authors: Li Chengchen , Wei Li
Published: December 2024

This study investigates how L2 proficiency contributes to creativity in relation to personality among 205 young adolescent English-as-a-foreign-language learners from rural China. Participants completed the Cambridge A2 Key for Schools English Test to assess English proficiency, the Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory to evaluate personality traits, and the Evaluation of Potential Creativity to measure creativity, operationalized as divergent and convergent thinking in verbal and graphic domains. Pearson correlation analyses revealed that L2 proficiency was positively associated with both divergent and convergent thinking across verbal and graphic domains, while Openness to Experience and Extraversion were positively linked to creativity components, albeit partially depending on the domain. Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism showed no significant associations with creativity. Structural equation modeling further demonstrated that L2 proficiency, Openness, and Extraversion directly co-predicted creativity components, excluding convergent thinking in the verbal domain.
Nomads, Territory, and the Kantian State
Authors: Milioni Anna
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the ‘puzzle of the nomads’ in the Metaphysics of Morals: the apparent tension between Kant’s argument about the duty to leave the state of nature and his insistence that European colonizers cannot permissibly force nomads to enter a civil union. Arguing that the puzzle is twofold, I suggest that the answer lies in the relationship between the state and territory in Kant’s work. After showing the shortcomings of an approach which suggests that nomadic peoples cannot enter the civil state without settling, I defend an alternative interpretation, which conceives the territoriality of the state as contingent.
Feeding straw to suckler cows spared land but did not decrease the climate impact of beef
Authors: von Greyerz Karin , Ericsson Niclas , Jardstedt Mikaela , Hessle Anna , Arvidsson Segerkvist Katarina , Röös Elin
Published: December 2024

Beef has a considerably higher climate impact than meat from monogastric animals and plant-based foods, due to methane emissions from enteric fermentation in ruminants. Animal feed production also contributes considerably to the climate impact, through carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use and nitrous oxide emissions from soil. Despite this, ruminant animals can still be part of sustainable food systems, as they can produce human-edible food from coarse biomass unsuitable for human consumption (e.g., grass or straw), i.e., acting as ‘upgraders’. Feeding ruminants on coarse biomass also reduces the need for cropland for feed production. Using cereal straw as indoor feed for suckler cows reduces their feed intake in winter, while increasing their intake of biomass on pasture during the grazing season. This study assessed the climate impact of producing 1 kg of beef (carcass weight), and of the farm as a whole, in a Swedish suckler-based system using a mixture of cereal straw and grass-clover silage as winter feed for suckler cows, compared with using only grass-clover silage (reference scenario). The rest of the feed remained unchanged. Replacing part of the grass-clover silage with straw meant that less cropland area was needed to grow feed. Two alternative scenarios for using this spared land were investigated: producing wheat for human consumption (straw-food) and conversion to pasture (straw-pasture). Effects on total food production were also calculated. Using a combination of cereal straw and grass-clover silage as winter feed for suckler cows was found to reduce the climate impact associated with feed production compared with using only grass-clover silage. However, this change in winter feed increased biomass intake on pasture during the grazing season and thus the grazed area, so total climate impact of beef per kg carcass weight, and of the farm as a whole, increased when the demand for more grazing area resulted in deforestation. With no deforestation, the climate impact was comparable to that of beef from suckler cows fed exclusively on grass-clover silage during winter. Therefore, upcycling of straw to meat had no notable effect on the climate impact, indicating that using residues as feed does not always entail a climate benefit. However, increased demand for pasture can have a direct benefit for biodiversity if more biologically rich semi-natural pastures are maintained or restored. Using the land spared through feeding straw instead of grass-clover silage for wheat production increase total food production from the system, with potential indirect climate benefits.
Beamforming steering implementation using substrate-integrated waveguide Butler matrix and slotted array antenna for 5G n257 band
Authors: Chung Ming-An , Lee Ming-Chang , Hsu Chia-Chun , Lin Chia-Wei
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a method to realize beam switching by using a substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) Butler matrix combined with a slot array antenna. The Butler matrix consists of two hybrid couplers, two crossovers, two −45-degree phase shifters, and two 0-degree phase shifters. The slot array antenna is a 4 × 2 array. The operating frequency band of the slot array antenna, where the reflection coefficient is below −10 dB, is 26.5–31.5 GHz. The measured beamforming angles from input port 1 to input Port 4 of the Butler matrix are +46, −16, +15, and −50°, respectively. The corresponding antenna gains from input Port 1 to input Port 4 are 11.57 dB, 14.284 dB, 10.94 dB, and 12.864 dB, respectively. The dimensions of the Butler matrix and the slot array antenna are 56.8 mm × 21.2 mm × 0.254 mm. The dimensions of the SIW transmission channels between the Butler matrix and input Ports 1– 4 are 16.9 mm × 34 mm × 0.254 mm.
Alaska’s Mount Veniaminof Volcano Is Stealthy—Here’s Why
Authors: Cabico Gaea
Published: December 2024

New research explains why Mount Veniaminof erupts without the usual warming signs.
Climate Change Amplified the Effects of Extreme Rainfall in Nepal
Authors: Liang Leslie
Published: December 2024

A new study indicates that rapid urbanization and deforestation also contributed to devastation caused by floods and landslides in 2024.
Shock Compression of Coesite up to 950 GPa
Authors: Feng Xiaokang , Katagiri Kento , Qu Jia , Nonaka Keita , Sun Liang , Zhu Pinwen , Ozaki Norimasa , Sano Takayoshi , Sekine Toshimori , Yang Wenge
Published: December 2024

Experimental investigations of silica under high pressure and temperature offer crucial insights into modeling of Earth and super‐Earths’ interiors. Despite extensive studies on Hugoniots of silica polymorphs like fused‐silica (2.20 g/cm3), quartz (2.65 g/cm3) and stishovite (4.29 g/cm3) up to a terapascal, unexplored region of melting and liquid of silica at high pressures is leaved because of the Hugoniots dependence on ambient density. This emphasizes the urgence to supplement the phase diagram to constrain silica properties under extreme conditions. Here, the Hugoniot and shock temperature of coesite (2.92 g/cm3) were studied by laser shock compression experiments up to 950 GPa. Our findings confirm shock‐induced superheating in coesite, revealing a higher Grüneisen parameter and lower electrical conductivity compared to those of fused‐silica and quartz along an isothermal line (<2 × 104 K). These results suggest unique properties of shocked coesite, which imply a warmer and longer‐lived silica magma ocean of earlier rocky‐planets.
Inter‐Model Uncertainty in Projecting Precipitation Changes Over Central Asia Under Global Warming
Authors: Yao Mengyuan , Tang Haosu , Huang Gang
Published: December 2024

The impact of global warming on Central Asian precipitation suffers from huge uncertainties, yet their origins remain largely unidentified. This study investigates the inter‐model spread in the projection of winter Central Asian precipitation (WCAP) using models from the Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project Phase 6. The results reveal a homogenous wetting trend in WCAP, with the primary source of uncertainty in its magnitude stemming from the dynamic component of vertical moisture advection. This dynamical uncertainty is further attributed to an out‐of‐phase variation between two Eurasian westerly jets, which can enhance the upward motion over Central Asia through positive relative vorticity advection and warm temperature advection. The opposing variation between two westerly jets can be traced to cooling in the North Pacific, which alters jet intensity through changes in the meridional temperature gradient. This study informs policy and adaptation strategies to better cope with future climate shifts in Central Asia.
Spatial modeling algorithms for reactions and transport in biological cells
Authors: Francis Emmet A. , Laughlin Justin G. , Dokken Jørgen S. , Finsberg Henrik N. T. , Lee Christopher T. , Rognes Marie E. , Rangamani Padmini
Published: December 2024

Biological cells rely on precise spatiotemporal coordination of biochemical reactions to control their functions. Such cell signaling networks have been a common focus for mathematical models, but they remain challenging to simulate, particularly in realistic cell geometries. Here we present Spatial Modeling Algorithms for Reactions and Transport (SMART), a software package that takes in high-level user specifications about cell signaling networks and then assembles and solves the associated mathematical systems. SMART uses state-of-the-art finite element analysis, via the FEniCS Project software, to efficiently and accurately resolve cell signaling events over discretized cellular and subcellular geometries. We demonstrate its application to several different biological systems, including yes-associated protein (YAP)/PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) mechanotransduction, calcium signaling in neurons and cardiomyocytes, and ATP generation in mitochondria. Throughout, we utilize experimentally derived realistic cellular geometries represented by well-conditioned tetrahedral meshes. These scenarios demonstrate the applicability, flexibility, accuracy and efficiency of SMART across a range of temporal and spatial scales.
Rapid and visual detection of hepatitis B virus using the ERA/Cas12f1_ge4.1-based lateral flow assay system
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Tang Honghua , Luo Gemiao , Zou Lintao , Liu Hangxi , Wen Piaoting , Yang Ruifu , Deng Zhongliang
Published: December 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major pathogen posing significant challenges to global public health, making early diagnosis critical for preventing severe liver diseases.
Controllable construction of highly active Ti species in TS-1 zeotype by organic base treatment
Authors: Li Shiqing , Tuo Jie , Peng Rusi , Gong Xianchen , Ma Ying , Xu Hao , Wu Peng
Published: December 2024

A novel six-coordinated Ti species containing an organic amine ligand was constructed in the TS-1 zeotype, which promoted the activation of H2O2 and enhanced the catalytic activity in 1-hexene epoxidation.
Uncovering the role of organic species in the SEI on graphite for fast K+ transport and long-life potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Mo Ying , Zhou Wang , Wang Kexuan , Yang Wenwen , Liu Zixu , Chen Shi , Gao Peng , Liu Jilei
Published: December 2024

Elucidating the key role of both organic and inorganic components in improving potassium ion transport kinetics and interfacial stability, providing important guidelines for the rational design of the SEI.
Surface interactions of gelatin-sourced carbon quantum dots with a model globular protein: insights into carbon-based nanomaterials and biological systems
Authors: Masoudi Asil Shima , Narayan Mahesh
Published: December 2024

This study explores interactions between gelatin-based carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and a model protein, shedding light on the behavior of carbon nanomaterials in biological systems and their biomedical potential.
Quantifying the growth mechanism of solid-state nanopores under high-voltage conditioning
Authors: St-Denis Thomas , Huang Ryan , Capaldi Xavier , Pereira Mackenzie , Duchastel-Vassaramva Ioannidis , Liu Zezhou , Grütter Peter , Reisner Walter
Published: December 2024

High voltage conditioning is a powerful tool to produce size-tunable solid-state pores. Here we show that pore growth occurs via a transient/steady-state regime process and present a theoretical framework to explain the physical mechanisms involved.
Mapping the local stoichiometry in Cu nanoparticles during controlled oxidation by STEM-EELS spectral imaging
Authors: Spurio Eleonora , Bertoni Giovanni , D'Addato Sergio , Alimonti Francesca , Luches Paola
Published: December 2024

The oxidation of Cu nanoparticles, induced by plasma treatments, can be tracked with nanometric resolution using STEM-EELS spectral maps, which are then analyzed by machine learning algorithms.
Bipolarsterol A, a steroid with an unprecedented 6/5/6/5 carbon skeleton from the phytopathogenic fungus Bipolaris oryzae
Authors: Zheng Meijia , Zhang Xiaotian , Zhang Xinran , Liu Yingjie , Li Qin , Mao Lidan , Sun Weiguang , Chen Chunmei , Zhang Yonghui , Zhu Hucheng
Published: December 2024

Bipolarsterols A–H (1–8) were isolated from Bipolaris oryzae, and 1 represents the first example of a 19(l0 → 5)-abeo-7(8 → 9)-abeo-ergostane, while 2 is a rare steroid-phenylpropanoid hybrid. 8 showed significant anti-inflammatory activity.
On the use of dental microwear texture analysis to determine aetiology and assess wear of dental tissues for clinical evaluation
Authors: Ungar Peter S. , Hara Anderson T.
Published: December 2024

Here, we present and synthesise some recent collaborative efforts in our laboratories to establish protocols for using dental microwear texture analysis, originally developed to reconstruct diets of fossil mammals and to aid in the clinical assessment of dental patients today. The idea is to propose a method where polyvinylsiloxane impressions, as used in many dental practices, can be combined with surface texture analysis for a rapid, non‐invasive, and inexpensive approach to detect and monitor the progression of tooth wear at fine scales over short durations and help determine causal agents of dental tissue loss. We employed both in vitro experimentation and in vivo analysis for abrasion and erosion of enamel and dentin surfaces. Three‐dimensional point clouds of impression surfaces were generated using a scanning confocal profiler and analysed using both standard ISO and scale‐sensitive fractal analysis approaches. The authors’ results indicate that texture attributes distinguish sound, abraded, and eroded surfaces. Furthermore, microwear textures can parse erosive tooth wear by the causal pH level and duration of exposure. These and other related studies indicate that dental microwear texture analysis holds potential for determining the aetiology of pathological tooth wear and for the clinical assessment and monitoring of dental patients at risk for excessive dental tissue loss at fine scales over short intervals.
Glitches in solar-like oscillating F-type stars
Authors: Deal M. , Goupil M.-J. , Philidet J. , Cunha M. S. , Teissonniere R. , Josselin E.
Published: December 2024

Context. The glitch signatures in r010 for F-type stars (higher amplitude and period of the oscillatory component) are very different from those of G-type stars.

Aims. The aim of this work is to analyse the signatures of these glitches and understand the origin of the differences in these signatures between G-type and F-type stars.

Methods. We fit the glitch signatures in the frequencies, second differences, and r010 ratios while assuming either a sinusoidal variation or a more complex expression. The fit provides the acoustic depth, and hence the position, of the bottom of the convective envelope for nine Kepler stars and the Sun.

Results. We find that for F-type stars, the most commonly used fitting expressions for the glitch of the bottom of the convective envelope provide different measurements of the position of the bottom of the convective envelope for the three seismic indicators, while it is not the case for G-type stars. When adding an additional term in the fitting expression with twice the acoustic depth of the standard term (a contribution that accounts for the highly non-sinusoidal shape of the signature in the r010 ratios), we find better agreement between the three seismic indicators and with the prediction of stellar evolution models.

Conclusions. While the origin of this additional term is not yet understood, this may be an indication that the transition between the convective envelope and the underlying radiative zone is different for G- and F-type stars. This outcome brings new insight into the physics in these regions.
Exploring the dark matter disk model in dwarf galaxies: Insights from the LITTLE THINGS sample
Authors: Sylos Labini Francesco , Capuzzo-Dolcetta Roberto , De Marzo Giordano , Straccamore Matteo
Published: December 2024

We conducted an analysis of the velocity field of dwarf galaxies in the sample collected by the Local Irregulars That Trace Luminosity Extremes and The H I Nearby Galaxy Survey (LITTLE THINGS) and focused on deriving 2D velocity maps that encompass the transverse and radial velocity fields. Within the range of radial distances in which velocity anisotropies are sufficiently small for the disk to be considered supported by rotation and where the warped geometry of the disk can be neglected, we reconstructed the rotation curve while taking the effect of the asymmetric drift into account. To fit the rotation curves, we employed the standard halo model and the dark matter disk (DMD) model, which assumes that dark matter is primarily confined to the galactic disks and can be traced by the distribution of H I. Interestingly, our analysis revealed that the fits from the DMD model are statistically comparable to those obtained using the standard halo model, but the inferred masses of the galaxies in the DMD model are approximately 10 to 100 times lower than the masses inferred in the standard halo model. In the DMD model, the inner slope of the rotation curve is directly related to a linear combination of the surface density profiles of the stellar and gas components, which generally exhibit a flat core. Consequently, the observation of a linear relation between the rotation curve and the radius in the central disk regions is consistent with the framework of the DMD model.
Finding Bayesian Nash Equilibrium in DHR
Authors: Chen Ping , Liu Yu , wu yue
Published: December 2024

This study demonstrates an effective security defence mechanism by integrating the Dynamic Heterogeneous Redundancy (DHR) architecture with advanced algorithmic strategies, which effectively combats complex and evolving cyber threats while ensuring system performance and cost efficiency. Experimental results show that, especially when considering Bayesian model-based attack-defence simulations, our scheduling strategy can adapt quickly in the dynamically changing attack-defence environment and effectively select the combination of actuators that satisfy the performance and economic requirements to achieve a Bayesian Nash equilibrium. The results not only validate the effectiveness of our problem hypothesis and research methodology, but also provide new perspectives and tools for future cybersecurity defences. This achievement enriches the theoretical foundation of endogenous security intelligence construction methods and provides viable solutions for practical applications, marking a significant step forward in the field of cybersecurity, especially in the application of dynamic heterogeneous redundancy technologies.
Effect assessment and policy optimisation of synergy between pollution and carbon reduction in the Yangtze River Delta, based on composite-system co-ordinating-degree model
Authors: Fu Ersheng , Chen Yiting , Yu Yaguai , Gao Ruiyan , Fang Lu , Ni Taohan , Xu Zhaocheng , Lin Yiyang
Published: December 2024

Context The growth of contemporary industry has led to significant problems with carbon emissions. The Chinese government has set particular emission reduction goals and places a high priority on this issue. Aims Synergy effect of Chinese policies for reducing pollution and carbon emissions are analysed from two subsystems including pollution reduction and carbon reduction, by using the four provinces and cities of the Yangtze River Delta as the research objects. Methods Composite-system co-ordinating-degree model was used to evaluate order degree, internal co-ordinating degree and composite-system co-ordinating degree, with provincial panel data from 2011 to 2020 of four provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Delta being analysed as well. Key results First, the order degree of pollution-reduction and carbon-reduction subsystems in the Yangtze River Delta showed a slow-rising trend; second, the level of internal synergy degree of two subsystems was not readily apparent; and last, but not least, co-ordinating degree of composite system of pollution-reduction and carbon-reduction subsystems were at a low level. Conclusions Overall based on the above research conclusions, we propose several efficiency-enhancing policies, including optimisation of regional target co-ordination, further improvement of regional management-system design, establishment of regional resource-sharing mechanism and technological innovation system. Implications The efficiency-enhancing policies mentioned above contribute to advancing the construction of the national 无废城市 [‘Waste-Free City’] initiative and promoting the realisation of the national 双碳 [‘carbon peaking and carbon neutrality’] goals.
Binding site maturation modulated by molecular density underlies Ndc80 binding to kinetochore receptor CENP-T
Authors: Tarasovetc Ekaterina V. , Sissoko Gunter B. , Maiorov Aleksandr , Mukhina Anna S. , Ataullakhanov Fazoil I. , Cheeseman Iain M. , Grishchuk Ekaterina L.
Published: December 2024

Macromolecular assembly depends on tightly regulated pairwise binding interactions that are selectively favored at assembly sites while being disfavored in the soluble phase. This selective control can arise due to molecular density-enhanced binding, as recently found for the kinetochore scaffold protein CENP-T. When clustered, CENP-T recruits markedly more Ndc80 complexes than its monomeric counterpart, but the underlying molecular basis remains elusive. Here, we use quantitative in vitro assays to reveal two distinct mechanisms driving this behavior. First, Ndc80 binding to CENP-T is a two-step process: initially, Ndc80 molecules rapidly associate and dissociate from disordered N-terminal binding sites on CENP-T. Over time, these sites undergo maturation, resulting in stronger Ndc80 retention. Second, we find that this maturation transition is regulated by a kinetic barrier that is sensitive to the molecular environment. In the soluble phase, binding site maturation is slow, but within CENP-T clusters, this process is markedly accelerated. Notably, the two Ndc80 binding sites in human CENP-T exhibit distinct maturation rates and environmental sensitivities, which correlate with their different amino acid content and predicted binding conformations. This clustering-induced maturation is evident in dividing human cells, suggesting a distinct regulatory entry point for controlling kinetochore assembly. We propose that the tunable acceleration of binding site maturation by molecular crowding may represent a general mechanism for promoting the formation of macromolecular structures.
ACSL4-mediated H3K9 and H3K27 hyperacetylation upregulates SNAIL to drive TNBC metastasis
Authors: Sinha Abhipsa , Saini Krishan Kumar , Chandramouli Aakash , Tripathi Kiran , Khan Muqtada Ali , Satrusal Saumya Ranjan , Verma Ayushi , Mandal Biswajit , Rai Priyanka , Meena Sanjeev , Nengroo Mushtaq Ahmad , Singh Manish Pratap , Bhushan Namratha Shashi , Vasudevan Madavan , Singhai Atin , Singh Kulranjan , Mishra Anand Kumar , Kamat Siddhesh S. , Datta Dipak
Published: December 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has profound unmet medical need globally for its devastating clinical outcome associated with rapid metastasis and lack of targeted therapies. Recently, lipid metabolic reprogramming especially fatty acid oxidation (FAO) has emerged as a major driver of breast cancer metastasis. Analyzing the expression of major FAO regulatory genes in breast cancer, we found selective overexpression of acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) in TNBC, which is primarily attributed to the absence of progesterone receptor. Loss of ACSL4 function, by genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition significantly reduces metastatic potential of TNBC. Global transcriptome analysis reveals that ACSL4 activity positively influences the gene expression related to TNBC migration and invasion. Mechanistically, ACSL4 modulates FAO and intracellular acetyl-CoA levels, leading to hyperacetylation of particularly H3K9ac and H3K27ac marks resulting in overexpression of SNAIL during the course of TNBC metastatic spread to lymph node and lung. Further, human TNBC metastasis exhibits positive correlation among ACSL4, H3K9ac, H3K27ac, and SNAIL expression. Altogether, our findings provide molecular insights regarding the intricate interplay between metabolic alterations and epigenetic modifications, intertwined to orchestrate TNBC metastasis, and posit a rational understanding for the development of ACSL4 inhibitors as a targeted therapy against TNBC.