bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced substrate suitability of autoclave-assisted acid pre-treated waste sugarcane molasses: Pre-treatment optimization, sequential nano-based detoxification strategies, and bioproduct production
Authors: Bishop Bryce D. C. , Sanusi Isaac A. , Kana Gueguim E. B.
Published: September 2024

This study modelled and optimised an autoclave-assisted acid pre-treatment of waste sugarcane molasses for the recovery of reducing sugar. Afterwards, the efficiency of removing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), furfural, and metallic ion inhibitors from the pre-treated hydrolysate was evaluated using a nano-based adsorbent towards bioproduct production. A high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.98) and a maximum reducing sugar concentration of 98.14 g/L were achieved under optimised conditions of 20% (w/v) substrate loading, 0.75% (v/v) sulphuric acid concentration, and 5 min autoclave duration. Furthermore, the application of nano-adsorbent (Fe3O4 nanoparticle (0.2% (w/v)) led to a reduction in 5-HMF and furfural concentrations by 29.05% and 53.53%, respectively. Additionally, the concentrations of metal ion contents (Ca, Mg, Na, and S) were reduced by 4.97%, 7.59%, 15.04%, and 7.63%, respectively. Remarkably, surface modification of Fe3O4 nanoparticle using poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG), tri sodium citrate (TSC), chitosan-coated and k-carrageenan (k-C) enhanced the removal of metal ion contents up to 42.74-fold. The potential of the optimised pre-treated and detoxified molasses for citric acid (4.04 g/L) and bioethanol production (47.93 g/L) was achieved. The high efficiencies in reducing sugar recovery, inhibitor removal, and bioproduct production demonstrate the potential of a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly molasses biorefinery concept.

Graphical Abstract
The heat is on: impact of heat waves on critical thermal maxima in larvae and adults of solitary bee Osmia bicornis (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Gudowska Agnieszka , Moroń Dawid
Published: September 2024

Extreme temperature events, such as heat waves, are increasing in frequency, magnitude, and duration. These events are believed to contribute to pollinator decline. Critical thermal maxima (CTmax) is a key physiological trait for understanding an organism’s ecology and predicting its responses to changes in climate. In this study, we investigated whether different life stages with distinct thermoregulatory behaviors differ in their CTmax in the solitary bee Osmia bicornis, one of the most common and important pollinators in Central Europe. Additionally, we tested the influence of excessively high temperatures, heat waves, on the CTmax in Osmia bicornis. We found CTmax varied among life stages, with adults exhibiting higher CTmax than larvae. Both females and males of adult bees showed a negative correlation between CTmax and body mass. Interestingly, adult bees exposed to different heat waves during their larval stage did not exhibit significant shifts in CTmax. These results suggest that bees may have limited capacity to enhance heat tolerance in response to prior heat exposure.
Diet Quality Scores, Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Larruy-García Alicia , Mahmood Lubna , Miguel-Berges María L. , Masip Guiomar , Seral-Cortés Miguel , De Miguel-Etayo Pilar , Moreno Luis A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of Review

We aimed to examine the relationship between various diet quality scores and obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents.

Recent Findings

Obesity and MetS, which increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease from childhood through adolescence, have been associated with adherence to various diet quality scores.

A systematic search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, SciELO, Embase, and Cochrane, covering the period until March 2024. Two researchers evaluated 3,519 studies according to the inclusion criteria. Finally, 73 articles that analysed the relationship between diet quality scores and obesity and MetS were included, and 6 of them were included in a meta-analysis. Children younger than 12 years old showed statistically significant differences indicating a higher Mediterranean diet (MD) score adherence compared to those with a low score adherence for BMI (MD = 0.33 kg/m2, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.64) and WC values (MD = 1.21 cm, 95% CI: 0.50, 1.93). Additionally, in the meta-regression analysis, boys showed stronger associations for BMI, z-score BMI and WC (β = 19.82, 95% CI: 17.62, 22.03, β = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.96 and β = 67.03, 95% CI: 57.29, 76.77, respectively). Studies in this review suggest an association between high adherence to different diet quality scores and low BMI. Meta-analysis assessing the association between adherence to the MD and BMI, and WC, showed a protective effect of the MD pattern against obesity outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analyses provided evidence on the effect of the diet quality on obesity and MetS in children and adolescents.
A “bricks-and-mortar” structured graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol coating: enhanced water interfacial lubrication and durability
Authors: Li Hanglin , Ding Lin , Zhang Jingchun , Guo Zhaoyang , Shang Yazhuo , Liu Honglai , Zeng Xiangqiong , Li Jiusheng
Published: September 2024

Coatings serve as ideal protective films for mechanical systems, providing dependable as well as efficient lubrication because of their unique structure along with outstanding tribological characteristics. Inspired by the “bricks-and-mortar” structure, we prepared layered graphene oxide (GO) composite finishes strengthened with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and borax. Our study demonstrates that the tribological properties of the GO-based coating on 304 stainless steel (SS304) are potentially greatly affected through PVA, GO, and annealing. By optimizing the composition, we achieved the PVA40 wt%/GO0.01 wt%/borax composite coating, which exhibited the lowest average coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.021±0.003 (a 97.86% reduction compared to control SS304) with minimal wear and abrasion even in a water environment. We found that the enhanced mechanical characteristics as well as elastic recovery within the coating were attributed to the hydrogen bonds and cross-linking between PVA and borax, which led to stress distribution. Reduced friction was further aided by the formation of a hydrated layer at the friction interface. As a result, the coating demonstrated remarkable durability, maintaining a low COF during long sliding distances (576 m, 28,800 cycles, significantly longer than previously reported) without breaking.
The Effect of Gambling Outcomes on Casino Return Times with Scalable DDC
Authors: Taylor Wayne , Bodapati Anand
Published: September 2024

Enabled by modern interaction-logging technologies, managers increasingly have access to outcome data from customer interactions. We consider the direct marketing targeting problem in situations where 1) the customer’s outcomes vary randomly and independently from occasion to occasion, 2) the firm has measures of the outcomes experienced by each customer on each occasion, and 3) the firm can customize marketing according to these measures and the customer’s behaviors. A primary contribution of this paper is a framework and methodology to use data on customer outcome data to model a customer’s evolving beliefs related to the firm and how these beliefs combine with marketing to influence purchase behavior. Thereby, this paper allows the manager to assess the marketing response of a customer with any specific outcome and behavior history, which in turn can be used to decide which customers to target for marketing. This research develops a novel, tractable way to estimate and introduce flexible heterogeneity distributions into Bayesian dynamic discrete choice learning models on large datasets. The model is estimated using data from the casino industry, an industry which generates more than $60 billion in U.S. revenues but has surprisingly little academic, econometric research. The counterfactuals suggest that casino profitability can increase substantially when marketing incorporates gamblers’ beliefs and past outcome sequences into the targeting decision.
Defects-Rich Heterostructures Trigger Strong Polarization Coupling in Sulfides/Carbon Composites with Robust Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Liu Jiaolong , Zhang Siyu , Qu Dan , Zhou Xuejiao , Yin Moxuan , Wang Chenxuan , Zhang Xuelin , Li Sichen , Zhang Peijun , Zhou Yuqi , Tao Kai , Li Mengyang , Wei Bing , Wu Hongjing
Published: September 2024

Defects-rich heterointerfaces integrated with adjustable crystalline phases and atom vacancies, as well as veiled dielectric-responsive character, are instrumental in electromagnetic dissipation. Conventional methods, however, constrain their delicate constructions. Herein, an innovative alternative is proposed: carrageenan-assistant cations-regulated (CACR) strategy, which induces a series of sulfides nanoparticles rooted in situ on the surface of carbon matrix. This unique configuration originates from strategic vacancy formation energy of sulfides and strong sulfides-carbon support interaction, benefiting the delicate construction of defects-rich heterostructures in MxSy/carbon composites (M-CAs). Impressively, these generated sulfur vacancies are firstly found to strengthen electron accumulation/consumption ability at heterointerfaces and, simultaneously, induct local asymmetry of electronic structure to evoke large dipole moment, ultimately leading to polarization coupling, i.e., defect-type interfacial polarization. Such “Janus effect” (Janus effect means versatility, as in the Greek two-headed Janus) of interfacial sulfur vacancies is intuitively confirmed by both theoretical and experimental investigations for the first time. Consequently, the sulfur vacancies-rich heterostructured Co/Ni-CAs displays broad absorption bandwidth of 6.76 GHz at only 1.8 mm, compared to sulfur vacancies-free CAs without any dielectric response. Harnessing defects-rich heterostructures, this one-pot CACR strategy may steer the design and development of advanced nanomaterials, boosting functionality across diverse application domains beyond electromagnetic response.
Weyl chamber length compactification of the
$\textrm{PSL}(2,{\mathbb{R}})\times \textrm{PSL}(2,{\mathbb{R}})$
maximal character variety
Authors: Burger Marc , Iozzi Alessandra , Parreau Anne , Pozzetti Maria Beatrice
Published: September 2024

We study the vectorial length compactification of the space of conjugacy classes of maximal representations of the fundamental group
$\Gamma$
of a closed hyperbolic surface
$\Sigma$
in
$\textrm{PSL}(2,{\mathbb{R}})^n$
. We identify the boundary with the sphere
${\mathbb{P}}(({\mathcal{ML}})^n)$
, where
$\mathcal{ML}$
is the space of measured geodesic laminations on
$\Sigma$
. In the case
$n=2$
, we give a geometric interpretation of the boundary as the space of homothety classes of
${\mathbb{R}}^2$
-mixed structures on
$\Sigma$
. We associate to such a structure a dual tree-graded space endowed with an
${\mathbb{R}}_+^2$
-valued metric, which we show to be universal with respect to actions on products of two
$\mathbb{R}$
-trees with the given length spectrum.
Validation of the imperial psychedelic predictor scale
Authors: Angyus Michael , Osborn Sarah , Haijen Eline , Erritzoe David , Peill Joseph , Lyons Taylor , Kettner Hannes , Carhart-Harris Robin
Published: September 2024

Background

Access to psychedelic drugs is liberalizing, yet responses are highly unpredictable. It is therefore imperative that we improve our ability to predict the nature of the acute psychedelic experience to improve safety and optimize potential therapeutic outcomes. This study sought to validate the ‘Imperial Psychedelic Predictor Scale’ (IPPS), a short, widely applicable, prospective measure intended to be predictive of salient dimensions of the psychedelic experience.

Methods

Using four independent datasets in which the IPPS was completed prospectively – two online surveys of ‘naturalistic’ use (N = 741, N = 836) and two controlled administration datasets (N = 30, N = 28) – we conducted factor analysis, regression, and correlation analyses to assess the construct, predictive, and convergent validity of the IPPS.

Results

Our approach produced a 9-item scale with good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.8) containing three factors: set, rapport, and intention. The IPPS was significantly predictive of ‘mystical’, ‘challenging’, and ‘emotional breakthrough’ experiences. In a controlled administration dataset (N = 28), multiple regression found set and rapport explaining 40% of variance in mystical experience, and simple regression found set explained 16% of variance in challenging experience. In another (N = 30), rapport was related to emotional breakthrough explaining 9% of variance.

Conclusions

Together, these data suggest that the IPPS is predictive of relevant acute features of the psychedelic experience in a broad range of contexts. We hope that this brief 9-item scale will be widely adopted for improved knowledge of psychedelic preparedness in controlled settings and beyond.
Short-run fluctuations and long-run growth with recursive preferences
Authors: Annicchiarico Barbara , Pelloni Alessandra , Valenti Fabrizio
Published: September 2024

What is the relationship between short-run fluctuations in economic activity and the long-run evolution of the economy? There is empirical evidence that more perturbed economies tend to grow less. Yet matching this evidence has proven challenging for growth models without market failures. This paper examines the relationship between short-term fluctuations and long-term growth within a complete-market economy featuring Epstein-Zin preferences and unbounded growth driven by human and physical capital accumulation. With these preferences, risk aversion and intertemporal elasticity of substitution are allowed to be independent of each other. When the model is plausibly calibrated, the relationship between the mean and variance of growth turns out to be negative. In most cases, the effect of fluctuations on welfare is found to be negative and sizable, even when the long-run effect on growth is positive.
The Geography of Health: Onshoring Pharmaceutical Manufacturing to Address Supply Chain Challenges
Authors: Mitchell Andrew D.
Published: September 2024

This article examines shifts towards onshoring pharmaceutical manufacturing, a response to the vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in global supply chains. It delves into how globalization, public policy, and geopolitical tensions have shaped pharmaceutical markets, compelling nations to seek solutions that ensure reliable medicine access and reduce dependency on foreign supplies. The study highlights disparities in regulatory oversight and geographic concentration of production, which contribute to frequent shortages, particularly of generic medicines. The pandemic intensified these issues, prompting increased state interventions and heightening concerns over geopolitical risks. As a result, onshoring efforts, often encapsulated in local content measures, have expanded, and are now driven by both economic motives and imperatives of national security and public health.
Exploring the contribution of cancer palliative care development toward alleviating the human crisis of suffering in low- and middle-income countries: A framework synthesis protocol
Authors: Atreya Shrikant , Rao Arathi , Dhyani Vijay Shree , Mathew Mebin , Gursahani Roop , Simha Srinagesh , Preston Nancy , Walshe Catherine , Salins Naveen
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Inadequate access to cancer care, high mortality, and out-of-pocket expenditure contribute to health-related suffering in low- and middle-income countries, making palliative care a relevant option. How palliative care development has alleviated suffering is not systematically studied, necessitating this review’s conduct. The objective of this systematic review with a framework synthesis approach is to identify and map the dimensions and indicators of cancer palliative care development and the components of integration between cancer and palliative care in LMICs.

Methods

Uni- and multi-disciplinary databases like Cochrane, MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, and PsycINFO will be systematically searched for eligible studies exploring cancer palliative care development in LMICs and their contribution to alleviating health-related suffering in the cancer context. Our selection process will encompass countries classified by the World Bank as low-income (26 countries), lower-income (54 countries), and upper-middle-income (54 countries).

Results

Review findings will be synthesised and analysed using a best-fit framework synthesis method using 2 frameworks (the WHO model of components and indicators for palliative care development and integration elements between oncology and palliative care), and the findings will be developed as themes and subthemes, and patterns interpreted using these 2 models.

Significance of results

This review will analyse the development of cancer palliative care in LMICs. It will identify gaps in provision, solutions derived at the regional level to address them, and best practices and failed models with reasons underpinning them.
“It’s not a one-person show” E-learning course in neuropalliative care: A qualitative analysis of participants’ educational gains and self-reported outcomes
Authors: Bublitz Sarah K. , Lugassy Mara , Gursahani Roop , Lau Winnie , DeSanto-Madeya Susan , Besbris Jessica , Kramer Neha M. , Rhee John Y. , Rao Seema R. , Rao Krithika S. , Salins Naveen , Paal Piret
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Patients with progressive neurologic illness still lack access to quality palliative care services. Barriers to the comprehensive provision of neuropalliative care include gaps in palliative care education. To address this barrier, a novel international model of neuropalliative care education e-learning program was launched in 2022.

Methods

This is a qualitative study on the self-reported learning outcomes and educational gains of participants of a neuropalliative care e-learning course.

Results

Thematic analysis shows changes in the participants’ perceptions of neuropalliative care and several specific educational gains. After attending the course, participants recognized neuropalliative care as a multiprofessional and interdisciplinary effort requiring more than medical knowledge and disease-specific treatment skills. They gained understanding of the complexity of prognosis in neurological diseases, as well as ethical concepts as the basis to approach difficult decisions. Valuing the needs of patients and caregivers, as well as honest and open communication were recognized as key components of the caring process. In particular, providing emotional support and building relationships to enhance the spiritual component of care were avidly discussed as essential nonmedical treatment options.

Significance of results

E-learning courses are helping to close the gaps in healthcare professionals’ knowledge and skills about neuropalliative care.
Advancing honour and dignity in death for victims of armed conflicts: Exploring the challenges and opportunities of AI and machine learning in humanitarian forensic action under IHL
Authors: Madziwa Edward
Published: September 2024

With technological developments presenting tremendous opportunities, rapid developments in data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have the potential to significantly transform humanitarian forensic action. Yet, their role in the forensic identification of dead bodies remains unexamined. The correct and early identification of dead bodies is not only important to afford the deceased their honour and dignity and to ensure that their families know the fate of their loved ones, but also has broader implications for human rights and international humanitarian law (IHL). This article examines the opportunities and challenges of AI and ML in advancing honour and dignity in death for armed conflict victims in humanitarian forensic action under IHL. It argues that the application of AI and ML in humanitarian forensic action has the potential to revolutionize and support forensic practitioners in the identification of human remains. This will consequently guarantee that families know the fate of their loved ones and that the deceased are afforded dignified burials according to their religious and cultural rites. The article proposes recommendations for the future use of AI and ML in humanitarian forensic action, including the adoption of a legally binding international instrument governing their use, the development of guidelines for their use, the training of forensic actors in IHL and human rights law, and the use of new technologies in humanitarian action.
Children and Future Generations Rights before the Courts: The Vexed Question of Definitions
Authors: Nolan Aoife
Published: September 2024

Recent years have seen a sharp increase in the number of cases being brought before national courts addressing the constitutional rights of children and future generations (FG) in the context of environmental protection. These cases have required courts to devote increasing attention to a wide-ranging and complicated array of constitutional rights claims involving the short- and longer-term impacts of environmental harm on children and FG. This article argues that both litigation and judicial efforts in this area have been hampered by the lack of precision of definitions of ‘future generations’ under comparative constitutional and international human rights law, in particular vis-à-vis children. This lack of precision poses a major challenge to both the delineation and enforcement of rights claims in the context of such litigation. After outlining how these cases are being brought and how courts are addressing (or not) the complexities involved in defining children and FG respectively, the article highlights the lack of authoritative definitions of FG in comparative constitutional law – a lacuna that, the author argues, is exacerbated by the ongoing lack of a clear definition of FG in the international human rights law context. The article concludes by identifying key challenges faced by litigators and courts seeking to engage with the rights of children and FG that result from this definitional gap.
Paleoseismology of the Northern Kongur Shan Extensional System, NE Pamir: Implications for Potential Irregular Earthquake Recurrence
Authors: Ge Jin , Shi Xuhua , Chen Hanlin , Weldon Ray , Walker Richard , Li Tao , Yang Huili , Chen Jie , Li Feng , Wei Xiaochun , Yang Xiao , Bai Zhuona , Zhang Yuqing , Shu Yuanhai , Liu Xin , Yan Yixi
Published: September 2024

The intricate and changing stress conditions within complex fault networks pose challenges in understanding earthquake recurrence and seismic hazards. The Kongur Shan Extensional System (KSES) in the northeastern Pamir, characterized by complex fault geometries and potentially variable surface loads in its surroundings, offers an ideal research area. Here we investigate three paleoseismic sites in the northern KSES, including lacustrine seismites in the Muji Basin, secondary fault scarps of the northern Kongur Shan Fault (KSF), and an exposure of the eastern Muji Fault. The seismites, as a regional record, indicate two Mw 6–7.3 paleoearthquakes occurring 720–680 and 1030–940 cal yr BP, with an interval of 230–330 years. The other two on‐fault sites reveal paleoearthquakes with compatible magnitudes but much longer average time intervals (ATI). Secondary fault scarps of the northern KSF indicate four Mw 6.9–7.2 paleoearthquakes since 4.8 ± 0.8 ka, with an ATI of 1,000–1,870 years. The fault exposure of the eastern Muji Fault indicates two Mw 6.8–7.3 paleoearthquakes since 2.7 ± 0.3 ka, with an ATI of 1,200–3,000 years. Using its previously constrained long‐term slip rate of ∼6.3 mm/yr and a simple Monte Carlo simulation of earthquake cycles, the observed ATI of the eastern Muji Fault suggests a “clustered” earthquake recurrence behavior. Such potential irregular earthquake recurrence is likely due to the low maturity and fault interaction in the northern KSES, and climate‐related changes in surface loads of paleolakes and glaciers.
Where do the Two Cores of the Irminger Current Come From? A Lagrangian Study Using a 1/10° Ocean Model Simulation
Authors: Fried Nora , Katsman Caroline A. , de Jong M. F.
Published: September 2024

The Irminger Current (IC) brings relatively warm and saline waters northward in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre, contributing to the upper limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. The IC is a two‐core current with surface‐intensified velocities. The eastern core, closest to the Reykjanes Ridge, is warmer and more saline than the western core. To investigate the source waters of the two IC cores, using a 1/10° ocean model, we track Lagrangian particles released in the IC at OSNAP East (∼59.5°N) in the upper 1,000 m backward in time for one model year. Over a 1‐year time scale, nearly all particles are sourced from nearby regions of the Irminger Sea and Iceland Basin. Those seeded in the western IC core mostly originate from the Irminger Sea (83%), while those in its eastern core mostly originate from the Iceland Basin (69%). Iceland Basin water feeding the IC predominantly crosses the Reykjanes Ridge near 57°N and 59°N. Generally, particles from the Irminger Sea are colder and fresher than particles from the Iceland Basin. The fraction of waters from the Iceland Basin and the Irminger Sea varies from month to month. So, to explain monthly variations of the two IC cores at the OSNAP East line, changes in hydrographic properties in both basins as well as their contributions must be considered. Based on this model study, we interpret the Irminger Sea circulation as a basin‐wide recirculation with an increasing contribution of Iceland Basin waters toward the ridge which is subject to monthly variations.
Life Cycles and Polycyclicity of Mega Retrogressive Thaw Slumps in Arctic Permafrost Revealed by 2D/3D Geophysics and Long‐Term Retreat Monitoring
Authors: Krautblatter Michael , Angelopoulos Michael , Pollard Wayne H. , Lantuit Hugues , Lenz Josefine , Fritz Michael , Couture Nicole , Eppinger Saskia
Published: September 2024

Mega retrogressive thaw slumps (MRTS, >106 m3) are a major threat to Arctic infrastructure, alter regional biogeochemistry, and impact Arctic carbon budgets. However, processes initiating and reactivating MRTS are insufficiently understood. We hypothesize that MRTS preferentially develop a polycyclic behavior because the material is thermally and mechanically prepared for subsequent generation failure. In contrast to remote sensing, geophysical reconnaissance reveals the inner structure and relative thermal state of MRTS decameters beneath slump surfaces, potentially controlling polycyclicity. Based on their life cycle development, five (M)RTS were studied on Herschel Island, an MRTS hotspot on the Canadian Beaufort coast. We combine >2 km of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), 500 m of ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and annual monitoring of headwall retreat from 2004 to 2013 to reveal the thermal state, internal structure, and volume loss of slumps. ERT data were calibrated with unfrozen‐frozen transitions from frost probing of active layer thickness and shallow boreholes. In initial stage MRTS, ERT displays surficial thermal perturbations a few meters deep, coincident with recent mud pool and mud flow development. In early stage polycyclic MRTS, ERT shows decameter deep‐reaching thermal perturbations persisting even 300 years after the last activation. In peak‐stage polycyclic MRTS, 3D‐ERT highlights actively extending deep‐reaching thermal perturbations caused by gully incisions, mud slides and mud flows. GPR and headwall monitoring reveal structural disturbance by historical mud flows, ice‐rich permafrost, and a decadal quantification of headwall retreat and slump floor erosion. We show that geophysical signatures identify long‐lasting thermal and mechanical disturbances in MRTS predefining their susceptibility to polycyclic reactivation.
Dense Water Production in Storfjorden, Svalbard, From a 1‐Year Time Series of Observations and a Simple Model: Are Polynyas in a Warming Arctic Exporting Heat to the Deep Ocean?
Authors: Vivier Frédéric , Lourenço Antonio , Skogseth Ragnheid , Goszczko Ilona , Michel Elisabeth , Rousset Clément , Bouruet‐Aubertot Pascale , Cuypers Yannis , Lansard Bruno , Waelbroeck Claire
Published: September 2024

The formation of dense Brine‐enriched Shelf Water (BSW) in Storfjorden is analyzed during Winter 2016–2017 from mooring observations, a polynya model nudged to satellite observations, and an original BSW production model. The ice season was two months shorter than average, yet 44.2  of sea ice were formed, in line with estimates for the period preceding the atlantification of the Barents Sea in the mid‐2000s: A thinner, more fragile ice may favor polynya openings and frazil ice production. A saline specimen of BSW was produced in large volumes, corresponding to an annual mean transport of 0.042 Sv, larger than previous estimates. The important production is due to the preconditioning of the polynya with a more saline source water, exceeding the pre‐2005 values by 0.37. The BSW overflow was observed on the West Spitsbergen shelf slope from hydrographic sections down to 750 m, thus entering the Norwegian Sea Deep Water layer. Its core temperature was about C warmer than the pre‐2005 values owing to the entrainment of a warmer water in Storfjordrenna, suggesting that a part of the excess surface heat of the Barents Sea could be exported into the deep ocean. Overall our results suggest that dense water formation in the Storfjorden polynya may not, at least for now, be hampered by the atlantification of the Barents Sea, and perhaps even temporarily favored by the more saline source water. Anomalous atmospheric warming during the Winter‐Spring may however disrupt the production, as was observed 1 year before.
Observations of Water Frost on Mars With THEMIS: Application to the Presence of Brines and the Stability of (Sub)Surface Water Ice
Authors: Lange L. , Piqueux S. , Edwards C. S. , Forget F. , Naar J. , Vos E. , Szantai A.
Published: September 2024

Characterizing the exchange of water between the Martian atmosphere and the (sub)surface is a major challenge for understanding the mechanisms that regulate the water cycle. Here we present a new data set of water ice detected on the Martian surface with the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS). The detection is based on the correlation between bright blue‐white patterns in visible images and a temperature measured in the infrared that is too warm to be associated with ice and interpreted instead as water ice. Using this method, we detect ice down to 21.4°S, 48.4°N, on pole‐facing slopes at mid‐latitudes, and on any surface orientation poleward of 45° latitude. Water ice observed with THEMIS is most likely seasonal rather than diurnal. Our data set is consistent with near‐infrared frost detections and predictions by the Mars Planetary Climate Model. Water frost average temperature is 170 K, and the maximum temperature measured is 243 K, lower than the water ice melting point. Melting of pure water ice on the surface is unlikely due to cooling by latent heat during its sublimation. However, 243 THEMIS images show frosts that are hot enough to form brines if salts are present on the surface. The water vapor pressure at the surface, calculated from the ice temperature, indicates a dry atmosphere in early spring, during the recession of the ice cap. The large amount of water vapor released by the sublimation of warm frost cannot stabilize subsurface ice at mid‐latitudes.
Continuous evolution of Fermi arcs in a minimal ideal photonic Weyl medium
Authors: Liu Yachao , Wang Mingwei , Huang Yongqing , Wang Guo Ping , Zhang Shuang
Published: September 2024

Propagation properties of electromagnetic waves in an optical medium are mainly determined by the contour of equal-frequency states in $${\boldsymbol{k}}$$
k
-space. In photonic Weyl media, the topological surface waves lead to a unique open arc of the equal-frequency contour, called the Fermi arc. However, for most realistic Weyl systems, the shape of Fermi arcs is fixed due to the constant impedance of the surrounding medium, making it difficult to manipulate the surface wave. Here we demonstrate that by adjusting the thickness of the air layer sandwiched between two photonic Weyl media, the shape of the Fermi arc can be continuously changed from convex to concave. Moreover, we show that the concave Fermi-arc waves can be used to achieve topologically protected electromagnetic pulling forces over a broad range of angles in the air layer. Our finding offers a generally applicable strategy to shape the Fermi arc in photonic Weyl media.
Sulfur/reduced graphite oxide and dual-anion solid polymer‒electrolyte integrated structure for high-loading practical all-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Kim Eun Mi , Han Jinseok , Kim Guk-Tae , Li Huan , Cui Meng Yang , Park Ganghwan , Baek Dong-Ho , Jin Bo , Jeong Sang Mun , Kim Jae-Kwang
Published: September 2024

The demand for high-capacity batteries with long cycle life and safety has been increasing owing to the expanding mid-to-large battery market. Li–S batteries are suitable energy-storage devices because of their reversibility, high theoretical capacity, and inexpensive construction materials. However, their performance is limited by various factors, including the shuttle effect and dendrite growth at the anode. Here, an integrated electrode for use in all-solid-state (ASS) Li–S batteries was formed via hot pressing. In detail, S particles dispersed in a functionalized reduced graphite oxide (rGO) cathode with a binder-less polymer electrolyte (PE) and a dual-anion ionic liquid-containing cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide)–Li bis(fluoromethanesulfonyl)imide–N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide-based solid polymer electrolyte (SPE, PEO–LiFSI0.1(Pyr14TFSI)0.4) were hot-pressed into an integrated electrode, which serves as both the cathode and electrolyte. The resulting S/rGO-based solid-state Li–S batteries exhibited more stable performance than Li–S batteries using liquid electrolytes did, indicating that the dual-anion SPE layer effectively suppressed dendritic Li formation and the shuttle effect with high ionic conductivity. At 0.1 C, the battery discharge capacities were 957 and 576 mAh g−1 in the first cycle and after 100 cycles, respectively. At 1 C, the reversible capacity was 590 and 417 mAh g−1 in the first cycle and after 100 cycles, respectively (capacity retention = 71%). Therefore, the proposed S/rGO/PE//LiFSI0.1(Pyr14TFSI)0.4-integrated electrodes are beneficial for ASS Li–S batteries.
Agile perching maneuvers in birds and morphing-wing drones
Authors: Wüest Valentin , Jeger Simon , Feroskhan Mir , Ajanic Enrico , Bergonti Fabio , Floreano Dario
Published: September 2024

Avian perching maneuvers are one of the most frequent and agile flight scenarios, where highly optimized flight trajectories, produced by rapid wing and tail morphing that generate high angular rates and accelerations, reduce kinetic energy at impact. While the behavioral, anatomical, and aerodynamic factors involved in these maneuvers are well described, the underlying control strategies are poorly understood. Here, we use optimal control methods on an avian-inspired drone with morphing wing and tail to test a recent hypothesis derived from perching maneuver experiments of Harris’ hawks that birds minimize the distance flown at high angles of attack to dissipate kinetic energy before impact. The resulting drone flight trajectories, morphing sequence, and kinetic energy distribution resemble those measured in birds. Furthermore, experimental manipulation of the wings that would be difficult or unethical with animals reveals the morphing factors that are critical for optimal perching maneuver performance of birds and morphing-wing drones.
The erosion of large primary atmospheres typically leaves behind substantial secondary atmospheres on temperate rocky planets
Authors: Krissansen-Totton Joshua , Wogan Nicholas , Thompson Maggie , Fortney Jonathan J.
Published: September 2024

Exoplanet exploration has revealed that many—perhaps most—terrestrial exoplanets formed with substantial H2-rich envelopes, seemingly in contrast to solar system terrestrials, for which there is scant evidence of long-lived primary atmospheres. It is not known how a long-lived primary atmosphere might affect the subsequent habitability prospects of terrestrial exoplanets. Here, we present a new, self-consistent evolutionary model of the transition from primary to secondary atmospheres. The model incorporates all Fe-C-O-H-bearing species and simulates magma ocean solidification, radiative-convective climate, thermal escape, and mantle redox evolution. For our illustrative example TRAPPIST-1, our model strongly favors atmosphere retention for the habitable zone planet TRAPPIST-1e. In contrast, the same model predicts a comparatively thin atmosphere for the Venus-analog TRAPPIST-1b, which would be vulnerable to complete erosion via non-thermal escape and is consistent with JWST observations. More broadly, we conclude that the erosion of primary atmospheres typically does not preclude surface habitability, and frequently results in large surface water inventories due to the reduction of FeO by H2.
Cdc42 mobility and membrane flows regulate fission yeast cell shape and survival
Authors: Rutkowski David M. , Vincenzetti Vincent , Vavylonis Dimitrios , Martin Sophie G.
Published: September 2024

Polarized exocytosis induced by local Cdc42 GTPase activity results in membrane flows that deplete low-mobility membrane-associated proteins. A reaction-diffusion particle model comprising Cdc42 positive feedback activation, hydrolysis by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), and flow-induced displacement by exo/endocytosis shows that flow-induced depletion of low mobility GAPs promotes polarization. We modified Cdc42 mobility in Schizosaccharomyces pombe by replacing its prenylation site with 1, 2 or 3 repeats of the Rit C-terminal membrane-binding domain (ritC), yielding alleles with progressively lower mobility and increased flow-coupling. While Cdc42-1ritC cells are viable and polarized, Cdc42-2ritC polarize poorly and Cdc42-3ritC are inviable, in agreement with model’s predictions. Deletion of Cdc42 GAPs restores viability to Cdc42-3ritC cells, verifying the model’s prediction that GAP deletion increases Cdc42 activity at the expense of polarization. Our work demonstrates how membrane flows are an integral part of Cdc42-driven pattern formation and require Cdc42-GTP to turn over faster than the surface on which it forms.
An Aegilops longissima NLR protein with integrated CC-BED module mediates resistance to wheat powdery mildew
Authors: Ma Chao , Tian Xiubin , Dong Zhenjie , Li Huanhuan , Chen Xuexue , Liu Wenxuan , Yin Guihong , Ma Shuyang , Zhang Liwei , Cao Aizhong , Liu Cheng , Yan Hongfei , Sehgal Sunish K. , Zhang Zhibin , Liu Bao , Wang Shiwei , Liu Qianwen , Zhao Yusheng , Zhao Yue
Published: September 2024

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), reduces wheat yields and grain quality, thus posing a significant threat to global food security. Wild relatives of wheat serve as valuable resources for resistance to powdery mildew. Here, the powdery mildew resistance gene Pm6Sl is cloned from the wild wheat species Aegilops longissima. It encodes a nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) protein featuring a CC-BED module formed by a zinc finger BED (Znf-BED) domain integrated into the coiled-coil (CC) domain. The function of Pm6Sl is validated via mutagenesis, gene silencing, and transgenic assays. In addition, we develop a resistant germplasm harbouring Pm6Sl in a very small segment with no linkage drag along with the diagnostic gene marker pm6sl-1 to facilitate Pm6Sl deployment in wheat breeding programs. The cloning of Pm6Sl, a resistance gene with BED-NLR architecture, will increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BED-NLR-mediated resistance to various pathogens.
The economic value of reducing mortality due to noncommunicable diseases and injuries
Authors: Verguet Stéphane , Bolongaita Sarah , Chang Angela Y. , Cardoso Diego S. , Stevens Gretchen A.
Published: September 2024

With population aging, national health systems face difficult trade-offs in allocating resources. The World Bank launched the Healthy Longevity Initiative to generate evidence for investing in policies that can improve healthy longevity and human capital. As part of this initiative, we quantified the economic value of reducing avoidable mortality from major noncommunicable diseases and injuries. We estimated avoidable mortality—the difference between lowest-achieved mortality frontiers and projected mortality trajectories—for each cause of death, for 2000, 2019 and 2050, and for geographic regions, with high-income countries, India and China considered separately; we applied economic values to these estimates. The economic value of reducing cardiovascular disease avoidable mortality would be large for both sexes in all regions, reaching 2–8% of annual income in 2019. For cancers, it would be 5–6% of annual income in high-income countries and China, and for injuries, it would be around 5% in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. Despite the large uncertainty surrounding our estimates, we offer economic values for reducing avoidable mortality by cause and metrics comparable to annual incomes, which enable multisectoral priority setting and are relevant for high-level policy discussions around budget and resource allocations.
A robust audio steganography technique based on image encryption using different chaotic maps
Authors: Nasr Marwa A. , El-Shafai Walid , El-Rabaie El-Sayed M. , El-Fishawy Adel S. , El-Hoseny Heba M. , Abd El-Samie Fathi E. , Abdel-Salam Nariman
Published: September 2024

The development of innovative methods for concealing critical data in multimedia files has exploded in information security in recent years. Cryptography and steganography cannot be used alone to protect data; rather, they can be combined and used in a single system. Audio steganography is among the most important information security techniques. It involves the concealment of information within audio signals to achieve covert communication. This paper introduces a comprehensive technique that integrates chaos Henon, Baker, and Arnold maps for image encryption with audio steganography to create a robust and secure audio steganography technique. First, the target image is encrypted using chaotic maps. Then, it is embeded within the high frequencies of the cover audio signal based on the Inverse Short Time Fourier Transform (ISTFT) to be transmitted to the destination through the channel. By integrating both encryption and concealment techniques, the cover audio signal quality can be preserved. Moreover, the hidden image security and robustness are improved, making the technique resistant to many types of attacks. The simulation results confirm that the suggested technique is robust in the presence of attacks. It achieves a distinct perceptual quality with an appreciated peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 91.2 dB and a Mean Square Error (MSE) of 7.5 × 10–10. The randomness of the resulting encrypted image has successfully passed the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) statistical test suite.
Improvement of Vicia faba plant tolerance under salinity stress by the application of thiamine and pyridoxine vitamins
Authors: Ahmed Eman Zakaria , Sattar Amira Mohamed Abd El
Published: September 2024

Enhancement of plant growth at early growth stages is usually associated with the stimulation of various metabolic activities, which is reflected on morphological features and yield quantity and quality. Vitamins is considered as anatural plant metabolites which makes it a safe and ecofriendly treatment when used in appropriate doses, for that this research aimed to study the effect of two different vitamin B forms (thiamine and pyridoxine) on Vicia faba plants as agrowth stimutator in addition to study it’s effect on plant as astrong antioxidant under salinity stress.Our findings demonstrated that both vitamin forms significantly increased seedling growth at germination and early growth stages, especially at 50 ppm for pyridoxine and 100 ppm for thiamine. Pyridoxine at 50 ppm increased seedling length by approximately 35% compared to control, while thiamine at 100 ppm significantly promoted seedling fresh and dry wt by 4.36 and 1.36 g, respectively, compared to control seedling fresh wt 2.17 g and dry weight 1.07 g. Irrigation with 100 mM NaCl had a negative impact on plant growth and processes as well as the uptake of several critical ions, such as K+ and Mg+2, increasing Na uptake in comparison to that in control plants. Compared to control plants irrigated with NaCl solution, the photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and total antioxidant capacity increased in the presence of pyridoxine and thiamine, both at 50 and 100 ppm salinity. The proline content increased in both treated and untreated plants subjected to salt stress compared to that in control plants. Thiamine, especially at 50 ppm, was more effective than pyridoxine at improving plant health under saline conditions. An increase in Vicia faba plant tolerance to salinity was established by enhancing antioxidant capacity via foliar application of vitamin B through direct and indirect scavenging methods, which protect cell macromolecules from damage by oxidative stress, the highest antioxidant capacity value 28.14% was recorded at 50 ppm thiamine under salinity stress.The provided results is aguide for more researches in plant physiology and molecular biology to explain plant response to vitamins application and the suggest the sequence by which vitamins work inside plant cell.
Elevated α-1,2-mannosidase MAN1C1 in glioma stem cells and its implications for immunological changes and prognosis in glioma patients
Authors: Batara Don Carlo , Kim Hyun-Jin , Phan Le Thi , Kim Minseo , Son Young-Ok , Lee Seongsoo , Park Sang-Ik , Choi Young Sun , Beck Samuel , Kim Sung-Hak
Published: September 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor, and the presence of glioma stem cells (GSCs) has been linked to its resistance to treatments and recurrence. Additionally, aberrant glycosylation has been implicated in the aggressiveness of cancers. However, the influence and underlying mechanism of N-glycosylation on the GSC phenotype and GBM malignancy remain elusive. Here, we performed an in-silico analysis approach on publicly available datasets to examine the function of N-glycosylation-related genes in GSCs and gliomas, accompanied by a qRT-PCR validation experiment. We found that high α-1,2-mannosidase MAN1C1 is associated with immunological functions and worse survival of glioma patients. Differential gene expression analysis and qRT-PCR validation revealed that MAN1C1 is highly expressed in GSCs. Furthermore, higher MAN1C1 expression predicts worse outcomes in glioma patients. Also, MAN1C1 expression is increased in the perinecrotic region of GBM and is associated with immunological and inflammatory functions, a hallmark of the GBM mesenchymal subtype. Further analysis confirmed that MAN1C1 expression is closely associated with infiltrating immune cells and disrupted immune response in the GBM microenvironment. These suggest that MAN1C1 is a potential biomarker for gliomas and may be important as an immunotherapeutic target for GBM.