bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Groundwater Vulnerability in a Megacity Under Climate and Economic Changes: A Coupled Sociohydrological Analysis
Authors: Li Bin , Zheng Yi , Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Xu Peng , Pande Saket , Sivapalan Murugesu
Published: December 2023

Groundwater depletion has become increasingly challenging, and many cities worldwide have adopted drastic policies to relieve water stress due to socioeconomic growth. Located on the declining aquifer of the North China Plain, Beijing, for example, has developed plans to limit the size of the city’s population. However, the effect of population displacement under uncertain macroeconomic and climate change remains ambiguous. We adopt a sociohydrological model, with explicit consideration of the dynamics of human‐water interactions, to explore the groundwater vulnerability of Beijing. We investigate how human response might shape the development trajectories of the groundwater‐population‐economy system under different macroscale economic and climate scenarios. Furthermore, we use a machine learning algorithm to identify the decisive factors to be considered for reducing groundwater vulnerability. Our results show that while rapid external economic development or larger annual average precipitation would enable recovery of the groundwater table in the short term, they may slacken human water shortage awareness and result in more acute groundwater depletion in the long run. Strengthening policymaker perceptions of groundwater depletion would prompt timely response policies for controlling population size. Improving the quantity and quality of labor force input to economic development would avoid downturns in the economy due to labor shortages. The outcomes of this study suggest that these strategies would effectively reduce groundwater vulnerability in the long run without causing severe socioeconomic recession. These findings highlight the importance of endogenizing human behavioral dynamics in sustainable urban water management.
Inferring the Ionospheric State With the Far Ultraviolet Imager on the Fengyun‐4C Geostationary Satellite: Retrieval Algorithm and Verification
Authors: Qin Jianqi , Liu Hang , Yin Xiaohan , Liu Menghang , Wang Jingsong , Mao Tian , Liu Mohan , Zhang Xiaoxin , Zong Weiguo , Lu Feng , Fu Liping
Published: December 2023

The Multiband Ultraviolet Spectrum Imager (MUSI) is an optical remote sensing instrument scheduled to launch on the Fengyun‐4C meteorological satellite in 2024. MUSI is designed to measure the airglow emissions between ∼120 and 160 nm above the East Asia and Pacific region from a geostationary orbit to infer ionospheric parameters. Here we develop a lookup‐table algorithm for retrieving the peak electron density (nmF2) and the Total Electron Content (TEC) from nighttime observations of the OI 135.6 nm emission. The algorithm takes into account the north‐south asymmetry of the equatorial ionization anomaly and the atmospheric variations with solar activity and local time. Analysis of synthetic observations shows that the assumptions made in the algorithm only lead to ∼2%–4% uncertainties in the retrievals under the modeled ionospheric conditions. The algorithm is verified by retrieving nmF2 and TEC from the Global‐Scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) mission and comparing with coincided radio measurements. The comparison indicates almost negligible systematic differences (typically less than ∼3%) between the GOLD and the ionosonde nmF2, which are within the error limit of the GOLD retrievals. The accuracy of the GOLD TEC retrievals is shown to be comparable to (or in some sense even better than) that of the measurements from the Global Navigation Satellite System. Several simplified yet robust retrieval methods are also developed, which can be readily implemented for both existing and upcoming missions. Our results promote far ultraviolet (FUV) remote sensing to be a key technology for accurate determination of the ionospheric state.
Amplification of Coupled Hot‐Dry Extremes Over Eastern Monsoon China
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Gu Xihui , Slater Louise J. , Dembélé Moctar , Tosunoğlu Fatih , Guan Yansong , Liu Jianyu , Zhang Xiang , Kong Dongdong , Xie Fenghua , Tang Xiongpeng
Published: December 2023

High air temperatures and low atmospheric humidity can result in severe disasters such as flash droughts in regions characterized by high humidity (monsoon regions). However, it remains unclear whether responses of hot extremes to warming temperature are amplified on dry days as well as the response of dry extremes on hot days. Here, taking eastern monsoon China (EMC) as a typical monsoon region, we find a faster increase in air temperature on drier summer days, and a faster decrease in atmospheric humidity on hotter days, indicating “hotter days get drier” and “drier days get hotter” (i.e., coupling hotter and drier extremes), especially in southern EMC. The southern EMC is also a hotspot where the coupling hot‐dry extremes has become significantly stronger during the past six decades. The stronger hot‐dry coupling in southern EMC is associated with anomalies in large‐scale circulations, such as reduced total cloud cover, abnormal anticyclones in the upper atmosphere, intense descending motion, and strong moisture divergence over this region. Land‐atmosphere feedback enhance the hot‐dry coupling in southern EMC by increasing land surface dryness (seen as a decrease in the evaporation fraction). The decreasing evaporation fraction is associated with drying surface soil moisture, controlled by decreases in pre‐summer 1‐m soil moisture and summer‐mean precipitation. Given hot extremes are projected to increase and atmospheric humidity is predicted to decrease in the future, it is very likely that increasing hot‐dry days and associated disasters will be witnessed in monsoon regions, which should be mitigated against by adopting adaptive measures.
Holistic bursting cells store long-term memory in auditory cortex
Authors: Li Ruijie , Huang Junjie , Li Longhui , Zhao Zhikai , Liang Susu , Liang Shanshan , Wang Meng , Liao Xiang , Lyu Jing , Zhou Zhenqiao , Wang Sibo , Jin Wenjun , Chen Haiyang , Holder Damaris , Liu Hongbang , Zhang Jianxiong , Li Min , Tang Yuguo , Remy Stefan , Pakan Janelle M. P. , Chen Xiaowei , Jia Hongbo
Published: December 2023

The sensory neocortex has been suggested to be a substrate for long-term memory storage, yet which exact single cells could be specific candidates underlying such long-term memory storage remained neither known nor visible for over a century. Here, using a combination of day-by-day two-photon Ca2+ imaging and targeted single-cell loose-patch recording in an auditory associative learning paradigm with composite sounds in male mice, we reveal sparsely distributed neurons in layer 2/3 of auditory cortex emerged step-wise from quiescence into bursting mode, which then invariably expressed holistic information of the learned composite sounds, referred to as holistic bursting (HB) cells. Notably, it was not shuffled populations but the same sparse HB cells that embodied the behavioral relevance of the learned composite sounds, pinpointing HB cells as physiologically-defined single-cell candidates of an engram underlying long-term memory storage in auditory cortex.
Anti-Kasha triplet energy transfer and excitation wavelength dependent persistent luminescence from host-guest doping systems
Authors: Xie Weiwei , Huang Wenbin , Li Jietai , He Zikai , Huang Guangxi , Li Bing Shi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: December 2023

Anti-Kasha’s process in organic luminogens has attracted many attentions since its discovery. However, only limited examples of anti-Kasha’s rule have been reported and anti-Kasha triplet energy transfer (ET) is even less-touched. Benefiting from anti-Kasha’s rule, this work provided an efficient strategy to realize excitation wavelength dependent (Ex-De) afterglow in a host-guest system. The host has almost imperceptible RTP upon 365 nm excitation and guest is totally RTP inactive, while the doping host-guest system exhibits Ex-De afterglow with improved quantum yields. Anti-Kasha triplet ET process is realized from the higher excited triplet state T2 of host to the lowest excited singlet state S1 of the aggregated/unimolecular guest. ET efficiency in the doping system could be tuned by simply changing its processing methods to guide host and guest to adopt denser or looser intermolecular packing. The strategy of anti-Kasha triplet ET endows the host-guest doping system with multiple stimuli-responsive properties, including Ex-De afterglow, mechano-, and thermal-triggered afterglow behaviors. The corresponding applications of these properties are also realized in multiple information anti-counterfeiting and display.
Measuring gas discharge in contact electrification
Authors: Tao Hongcheng , Gibert James
Published: December 2023

Contact electrification in a gas medium is usually followed by partial surface charge dissipation caused by dielectric breakdown of the gas triggered during separation of the surfaces. It is widely assumed that such discharge obeys the classical Paschen’s law, which describes the general dependence of the breakdown voltage on the product of gas pressure and gap distance. However, quantification of this relationship in contact electrification involving insulators is impeded by challenges in nondestructive in situ measurement of the gap voltage. The present work implements an electrode-free strategy for capturing discrete discharge events by monitoring the gap voltage via Coulomb force, providing experimental evidence of Paschen curves governing nitrogen breakdown in silicone-acrylic and copper-nylon contact electrification. It offers an alternative approach for characterizing either the ionization energies of gases or the secondary-electron-emission properties of surfaces without the requirement of a power supply, which can potentially benefit applications ranging from the design of insulative materials to the development of triboelectric sensors and generators.
Exploring the vibrational series of pure trilobite Rydberg molecules
Authors: Althön Max , Exner Markus , Blättner Richard , Ott Herwig
Published: December 2023

In trilobite Rydberg molecules, an atom in the ground state is bound by electron-atom scattering to a Rydberg electron that is in a superposition of high angular momentum states. This results in a homonuclear molecule with a permanent electric dipole moment in the kilo-debye range. Trilobite molecules have previously been observed only with admixtures of low-l states. Here we report on the observation of two vibrational series of pure trilobite Rubidium-Rydberg molecules that are nearly equidistant. They are produced by three-photon photoassociation and lie energetically more than 15 GHz below the atomic 22F state of rubidium. We show that these states can be used to measure the electron-atom scattering length at low energies in order to benchmark current theoretical calculations. In addition to measuring their kilo-Debye dipole moments, we also show that the molecular lifetime is increased compared to the 22F state due to the high-l character. The observation of an equidistant series of vibrational states opens the way to observe coherent molecular wave packet dynamics.
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of odorant binding and activation of the human OR52 family
Authors: Choi Chulwon , Bae Jungnam , Kim Seonghan , Lee Seho , Kang Hyunook , Kim Jinuk , Bang Injin , Kim Kiheon , Huh Won-Ki , Seok Chaok , Park Hahnbeom , Im Wonpil , Choi Hee-Jung
Published: December 2023

Structural and mechanistic studies on human odorant receptors (ORs), key in olfactory signaling, are challenging because of their low surface expression in heterologous cells. The recent structure of OR51E2 bound to propionate provided molecular insight into odorant recognition, but the lack of an inactive OR structure limited understanding of the activation mechanism of ORs upon odorant binding. Here, we determined the cryo-electron microscopy structures of consensus OR52 (OR52cs), a representative of the OR52 family, in the ligand-free (apo) and octanoate-bound states. The apo structure of OR52cs reveals a large opening between transmembrane helices (TMs) 5 and 6. A comparison between the apo and active structures of OR52cs demonstrates the inward and outward movements of the extracellular and intracellular segments of TM6, respectively. These results, combined with molecular dynamics simulations and signaling assays, shed light on the molecular mechanisms of odorant binding and activation of the OR52 family.
Generation of antigen-specific mature T cells from RAG1−/−RAG2−/−B2M−/− stem cells by engineering their microenvironment
Authors: Chang Patrick C , Yuan Xuegang , Zampieri Alexandre , Towns Chloe , Yoo Sang Pil , Engstrom Claire , Tsai Steven , Robles Christopher R. , Zhu Yuhua , Lopez Shawn , Montel-Hagen Amelie , Seet Christopher S. , Crooks Gay M.
Published: December 2023

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are a promising source of allogeneic T cells for off-the-shelf immunotherapies. However, the process of differentiating genetically engineered PSCs to generate mature T cells requires that the same molecular elements that are crucial for the selection of these cells be removed to prevent alloreactivity. Here we show that antigen-restricted mature T cells can be generated in vitro from PSCs edited via CRISPR to lack endogenous T cell receptors (TCRs) and class I major histocompatibility complexes. Specifically, we used T cell precursors from RAG1−/−RAG2−/−B2M−/− human PSCs expressing a single TCR, and a murine stromal cell line providing the cognate human major histocompatibility complex molecule and other critical signals for T cell maturation. Possibly owing to the absence of TCR mispairing, the generated T cells showed substantially better tumour control in mice than T cells with an intact endogenous TCR. Introducing the T cell selection components into the stromal microenvironment of the PSCs overcomes inherent biological challenges associated with the development of T cell immunotherapies from allogeneic PSCs.
Dynamic accommodation measurement using Purkinje reflections and machine learning
Authors: Ozhan Faik Ozan , Aygun Ugur , Sahin Afsun , Urey Hakan
Published: December 2023

Quantifying eye movement is important for diagnosing various neurological and ocular diseases as well as AR/VR displays. We developed a simple setup for real-time dynamic gaze tracking and accommodation measurements based on Purkinje reflections, which are the reflections from front and back surfaces of the cornea and the eye lens. We used an accurate eye model in ZEMAX to simulate the Purkinje reflection positions at different focus distances of the eye, which matched the experimental data. A neural network was trained to simultaneously predict vergence and accommodation using data collected from 9 subjects. We demonstrated that the use of Purkinje reflection coordinates in machine learning resulted in precise estimation. The proposed system accurately predicted the accommodation with an accuracy better than 0.22 D using subject’s own data and 0.40 D using other subjects’ data with two-point calibration in tests performed with 9 subjects in our setup.
Obstructive sleep apnea and its association with coronary artery calcium volume in asymptomatic male subjects
Authors: Seo Min Young , Lee Seung Hoon , Kim Hyo Yeol
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between various parameters related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) volume. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 315 male subjects who underwent standard polysomnography (PSG) and coronary artery computed tomography. In this study, we found that only the apnea index (AI) and minimal oxygen saturation (minimal SaO2) were independently associated with CAC volume after adjustment for confounders; for a 1/h increase in the AI, the CAC volume increased by 1.311 mm3, and for a 1% increase in the minimal SaO2, the CAC volume decreased by 2.187 mm3. We also found that the CAC volume was significantly different between the habitual snorer and the severe OSA group (21.27 ± 40.79 vs 71.33 ± 175.00, p = 0.042). Moreover, the CAC volume was significantly different between the first and fourth quartile groups of the AI (32.42 ± 59.54% vs. 78.74 ± 198.50, p = 0.048), but not among groups according to the hypopnea index quartile. Therefore, we concluded that among various OSA-related PSG parameters, the AI and minimal SaO2 was independently associated with the CAC volume and significantly related to upcoming cardiovascular events in middle-aged men.
Structural lineament analysis of the Bir El-Qash area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt, using integrated remote sensing and aeromagnetic data
Authors: Mohamed Waheed H. , Elyaseer Mahmoud H. , Sabra Mohamed Elsadek M.
Published: December 2023

The Bir El-Qash area, located in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt, is characterized by a diverse range of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks with ages spanning from the Late Proterozoic to Quaternary. Integration of remote sensing with aeromagnetic data was conducted to generate surface and subsurface structural lineaments. Shaded relief from digital elevation models, principal component analysis of Landsat-8 data, and ALOS/PALSAR images were utilized to create lineament maps. Airborne magnetic data were employed to reveal subsurface characterizations. The study area has undergone various tectonic activities, resulting in complex structures. Multiple fault trends and fractures were identified, including the NW–SE (Red Sea-Gulf of Suez) trend, the NE–SW trending Syrian arc trend, the N–S trending East African trend and the WNW–ESE trend. By analyzing the tectonic features of the Bir El-Qash area, this study provides insights into the geological history and evolution of the Eastern Desert of Egypt.
Tazemetostat in the therapy of pediatric INI1-negative malignant rhabdoid tumors
Authors: Vejmelkova Klara , Pokorna Petra , Noskova Kristyna , Faustmannova Anna , Drabova Klara , Pavelka Zdenek , Bajciova Viera , Broz Martin , Tinka Pavel , Jezova Marta , Palova Hana , Kren Leos , Valik Dalibor , Slaby Ondrej , Sterba Jaroslav
Published: December 2023

Rhabdoid tumors are aggressive tumors that may arise in the kidney, soft tissue, central nervous system, or other organs. They are defined by SMARCB1 (INI1) or SMARCA4 alterations. Often, very young children are affected, and the prognosis is dismal. Four patients with primary atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT, a rhabdoid tumor in the central nervous system) were treated by resection and high dose chemotherapy. Tazemetostat was introduced after completion of chemotherapy. Three patients have achieved an event free survival of 32, 34, and 30 months respectively. One progressed and died. His overall survival was 20 months. One patient was treated for a relapsed atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor. The treatment combined metronomic therapy, radiotherapy, tazemetostat and immunotherapy. This patient died of disease progression, with an overall survival of 37 months. One patient was treated for a rhabdoid tumor of the ovary. Tazemetostat was given as maintenance after resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, concomitantly with immunotherapy. Her event free survival is 44 months. Only approximately 40% of patients with rhabdoid tumors achieve long-term survival. Nearly all relapses occur within two years from diagnosis. The event free survival of four of the six patients in our cohort has exceeded this timepoint. Tazemetostat has been mostly tested as a single agent in the relapsed setting. We present promising results when applied as maintenance or add on in the first line treatment.
Fusarium kuroshium is the primary fungal symbiont of an ambrosia beetle, Euwallacea fornicatus, and can kill mango tree in Japan
Authors: Jiang Zi-Ru , Tanoue Momo , Masuya Hayato , Smith Sarah M. , Cognato Anthony I. , Kameyama Norikazu , Kuroda Keiko , Kajimura Hisashi
Published: December 2023

This study identifies fungi associated with Euwallacea fornicatus and determines whether these fungal species play the role of primary symbiont. E. fornicatus adults that emerged from the branches of infested trees in Okinawa main island, Japan, were collected and used to isolate fungi. Fusarium kuroshium and Penicillium citrinum were the most dominant fungal associates of females and males, respectively. F. kuroshium was much more frequently isolated from the head, including mycangia (fungus-carrying organs), of females than any other body parts. We inoculated healthy mango saplings with F. kuroshium or F. decemcellulare, both of which were symbionts of E. fornicatus females infesting mango trees. F. kuroshium decreased leaf stomatal conductance and rate of xylem sap-conduction area and increased length and area of xylem discoloration of the saplings, thereby weakening and killing some. These results suggest that F. kuroshium, a mycangial fungus of E. fornicatus, inhibits water flow in mango trees. This study is the first to report that F. kuroshium causes wilt disease in mango trees and that it is a primary fungal symbiont of E. fornicatus.
Effect of miR-206 on lower limb ischemia–reperfusion injury in rat and its mechanism
Authors: Wang Hui , Shi Meng-Jie , Hu Zhang-Qin , Miao Lin , Cai He-Shi , Zhang Rui-Peng
Published: December 2023

Lower limb ischemia–reperfusion is a common pathological process during clinical surgery. Because lower limb ischemia–reperfusion usually aggravates ischemia-induced skeletal muscle tissue injury after lower limb ischemia–reperfusion, it also causes remote organ heart, intestine, liver, lung and other injuries, and there is no effective clinical treatment for lower limb ischemia–reperfusion injury, so it is urgent to study its injury mechanism. In this study, the rat model of lower limb ischemia–reperfusion was established by clamping the femoral artery with microarterial clips, and the wall destruction such as intimal injury, cell edema, collagen degeneration, neutrophil infiltration, and elastic fiberboard injury of the femoral artery wall was detected. The expression of inflammatory factors was detected by immunohistochemistry. miR-206 preconditioning was used to observe the expression of inflammatory factors, redox status and apoptosis in the vascular wall of rats after acute limb ischemia–reperfusion. Our findings suggest that vascular endothelial cell edema increases, wall thickening, neutrophil infiltration, and elastic fiber layer damage during IRI. Inflammatory factor expression was increased in femoral artery tissue, and miR-206 expression levels were significantly down-regulated. Further studies have found that miR-206 attenuates lower limb IRI by regulating the effects of phase inflammatory factors. In this study, we investigated the effect of miR-206 on inflammatory factors and its possible role in the development of lower limb IRI, providing new research ideas for the regulatory mechanism of lower limb IRI, and providing a certain theoretical basis for the treatment of lower limb ischemia–reperfusion injury after surgery or endovascular intervention.
The interplay between sex, time of day, fasting status, and their impact on cardiac mitochondrial structure, function, and dynamics
Authors: Kane Mariame S. , Benavides Gloria A. , Osuma Edie , Johnson Michelle S. , Collins Helen E. , He Yecheng , Westbrook David , Litovsky Silvio H. , Mitra Kasturi , Chatham John C. , Darley-Usmar Victor , Young Martin E. , Zhang Jianhua
Published: December 2023

Mitochondria morphology and function, and their quality control by mitophagy, are essential for heart function. We investigated whether these are influenced by time of the day (TOD), sex, and fed or fasting status, using transmission electron microscopy (EM), mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) activity, and mito-QC reporter mice. We observed peak mitochondrial number at ZT8 in the fed state, which was dependent on the intrinsic cardiac circadian clock, as hearts from cardiomyocyte-specific BMAL1 knockout (CBK) mice exhibit different TOD responses. In contrast to mitochondrial number, mitochondrial ETC activities do not fluctuate across TOD, but decrease immediately and significantly in response to fasting. Concurrent with the loss of ETC activities, ETC proteins were decreased with fasting, simultaneous with significant increases of mitophagy, mitochondrial antioxidant protein SOD2, and the fission protein DRP1. Fasting-induced mitophagy was lost in CBK mice, indicating a direct role of BMAL1 in regulating mitophagy. This is the first of its kind report to demonstrate the interactions between sex, fasting, and TOD on cardiac mitochondrial structure, function and mitophagy. These studies provide a foundation for future investigations of mitochondrial functional perturbation in aging and heart diseases.
Fully automated deep learning models with smartphone applicability for prediction of pain using the Feline Grimace Scale
Authors: Steagall P. V. , Monteiro B. P. , Marangoni S. , Moussa M. , Sautié M.
Published: December 2023

This study used deep neural networks and machine learning models to predict facial landmark positions and pain scores using the Feline Grimace Scale© (FGS). A total of 3447 face images of cats were annotated with 37 landmarks. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) were trained and selected according to size, prediction time, predictive performance (normalized root mean squared error, NRMSE) and suitability for smartphone technology. Geometric descriptors (n = 35) were computed. XGBoost models were trained and selected according to predictive performance (accuracy; mean square error, MSE). For prediction of facial landmarks, the best CNN model had NRMSE of 16.76% (ShuffleNetV2). For prediction of FGS scores, the best XGBoost model had accuracy of 95.5% and MSE of 0.0096. Models showed excellent predictive performance and accuracy to discriminate painful and non-painful cats. This technology can now be used for the development of an automated, smartphone application for acute pain assessment in cats.
Improving enteral nutrition tolerance and protein intake maybe beneficial to intensive care unit patients
Authors: Zhong Ming , Qiu Yuzhen , Pan Tingting , Wang Ruilan , Gao Yuan , Wang Xuebin , Li Yingchuan , Lin Zhaofen , Wu Zhixiong , Tang Jianguo , Li Xiang , Wang Xuemin , Zhang Jiayu , Feng Gang , Wang Sheng , Lu Xinyuan , Gong Ye , Qu Hongping , Chen Erzhen
Published: December 2023

Enteral nutrition (EN) is important for critically ill patients. This study investigated the current situation of EN treatment in SHANGHAI intensive care units (ICUs). We hypothesized that improving EN practice in SHANGHAI may benefit the prognosis of ICU patients. Clinical information on EN use was collected using clinic information forms in 2019. The collected data included the patient’s general clinical information, EN prescription status, EN tolerance status, and clinical outcomes. The observation time points were days 1, 3, and 7 after starting EN. A total of 491 patients were included. The proportion of EN intolerance (defined as < 20 kcal/kg/day) decreased, with rates of intolerance of 100%, 82.07%, 70.61%, and 52.23% at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days, respectively. Age, mNutric score, and protein intake < 0.5 g/kg/day on day 7 were risk factors for 28-day mortality.The EN tolerance on day 7 and protein intake > 0.5 g/kg/day on day 3 or day 7 might affect the 28-day mortality. Risk factors with EN tolerance on day 7 by logistic regression showed that the AGI grade on day 1 was a major factor against EN tolerance. The proportion of EN tolerance in SHANGHAI ICU patients was low. Achieving tolerance on day 7 after the start of EN is a protective factor for 28-day survival. Improving EN tolerance and protein intake maybe beneficial for ICU patients.
Long-lasting household damage from Cyclone Idai increases malaria risk in rural western Mozambique
Authors: Searle Kelly M. , Earland Dominique E. , Francisco Bibe Albino , Novela Anísio , Muhiro Vali , Ferrão João L.
Published: December 2023

Cyclone Idai in 2019 was one of the worst tropical cyclones recorded in the Southern Hemisphere. The storm caused catastrophic damage and led to a humanitarian crisis in Mozambique. The affected population suffered a cholera epidemic on top of housing and infrastructure damage and loss of life. The housing and infrastructure damage sustained during Cyclone Idai still has not been addressed in all affected communities. This is of grave concern because storm damage results in poor housing conditions which are known to increase the risk of malaria. Mozambique has the 4th highest malaria prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa and is struggling to control malaria in most of the country. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey in Sussundenga Village, Manica Province, Mozambique in December 2019-February 2020. We found that most participants (64%) lived in households that sustained damage during Cyclone Idai. The overall malaria prevalence was 31% measured by rapid diagnostic test (RDT). When controlling for confounding variables, the odds of malaria infection was nearly threefold higher in participants who lived in households damaged by Cyclone Idai nearly a year after the storm. This highlights the need for long-term disaster response to improve the efficiency and success of malaria control efforts.
Climate warriors down under: Contextualising Australia’s youth climate justice movement
Authors: Hohenhaus M. , Rutherford S. , Boddy J. , Borkoles E.
Published: December 2023

This perspective brings together published peer reviewed primary research on youth climate activism in Australia and provides context of the political and social landscapes in which young people are taking climate action. As the generation most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, young people all over the world have mobilised to drive a climate justice narrative to the fore of the climate movement. Climate justice framing will be applied to contextualise youth climate activism in Australia. This perspective also addresses the context-specific challenges faced by youth, including the media’s role in shaping public perceptions and, anti-protest laws that restrict the right to protest. Finally, this perspective highlights the opportunities for how to support youth climate activism in the future.
Perceptions of healthcare provision throughout the menopause in the UK: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Martin-Key Nayra A. , Funnell Erin L. , Spadaro Benedetta , Bahn Sabine
Published: December 2023

The UK healthcare system faces a shortage of high-quality menopausal care. The objective of this study was to understand perspectives of menopause care in the UK. An online survey was delivered. Data from 952 respondents were analysed. Descriptive statistics were calculated for quantitative data overall and per menopause stage. Thematic analysis was calculated on qualitative data. 74.47% sought help for the menopause. Oral (68.83%) and topical medication (17.21%) and lifestyle changes (17.21%) were the most common treatment approaches. Consistent integration of mental health screening into menopausal care was lacking. Open-ended data from women who reported poor care quality revealed six themes: consequences of poor care, dismissive or negative attitudes from healthcare professionals (HCPs), poor treatment management, symptom information and misattribution, poor HCP knowledge, and the need for self-advocacy. The findings underscore the importance of improving HCP knowledge, providing empathetic and supportive care, and involving women in decision-making.
PER-CRISPR/Cas14a system-based electrochemical biosensor for the detection of ctDNA EGFR L858R
Authors: Qi Jing , Qi Qianyi , Zhou Zhou , Wu Yixuan , Cai Aiting , Wu Jinran , Chen Bairong , Wang Qingxiang , Chen Lin , Wang Feng
Published: December 2023

The detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation L858R in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is beneficial for the clinical diagnosis and personalized therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Antioxidant interaction between α-tocopherol and γ-oryzanol in HepG2 cells
Authors: Zhu Zhu , Xu Ying , Guo Yiwen , Liu Ruijie , Chang Ming , Wang Xingguo
Published: December 2023

The combination of TO11 exerted the greatest synergistic antioxidant activity by scavenging ROS and up-regulating GSH-Px activity after entering into cells, which was positively correlated with the cellular uptake of minor constituents.
Influence of co-reactants on surface passivation by nanoscale hafnium oxide layers grown by atomic layer deposition on silicon
Authors: Pain Sophie L. , Khorani Edris , Yadav Anup , Niewelt Tim , Leimenstoll Antonio , Healy Brendan F. M. , Walker Marc , Walker David , Grant Nicholas E. , Murphy John D.
Published: December 2023

Hafnium oxide thin films have attracted considerable interest for passivation layers, protective barriers, and anti-reflection coatings. This study presents a systematic investigation into the role of film growth co-reactant on film properties.
Discovery of 5-trifluoromethyl-2-aminopyrimidine derivatives as potent dual inhibitors of FLT3 and CHK1
Authors: Deng Minjie , Gao Yue , Wang Peipei , Du Wenjing , Xu Gaoya , Li Jia , Zhou Yubo , Liu Tao
Published: December 2023

Novel FLT3/CHK1 dual agents, the representative compound 30, with favorable oral PK properties, can overcome multiple FLT3-TKD and FLT3-ITD mutations.
Phonon vortices at heavy impurities in two-dimensional materials
Authors: Bao De-Liang , Xu Mingquan , Li Ao-Wen , Su Gang , Zhou Wu , Pantelides Sokrates T.
Published: December 2023

Theoretical calculations predict the formation of phonon vortices at heavy impurities in two-dimensional materials. The vortex morphology depends on the impurity mass and the local symmetry of the defect.
On the interactions between RNA and titrateable lipid layers: implications for RNA delivery with lipid nanoparticles
Authors: Gilbert Jennifer , Ermilova Inna , Fornasier Marco , Skoda Maximilian , Fragneto Giovanna , Swenson Jan , Nylander Tommy
Published: December 2023

We have investigated the interaction between a model system of DOPC/DLin-MC3-DMA, an ionisable lipid used in lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery, with different mRNAs and shown that the adsorption behaviour depends on the mRNA secondary structure.
Composition, preparation methods, and applications of nanoniosomes as codelivery systems: a review of emerging therapies with emphasis on cancer
Authors: Roostaee Maryam , Derakhshani Atefeh , Mirhosseini Hadiseh , Banaee Mofakham Elmira , Fathi-Karkan Sonia , Mirinejad Shekoufeh , Sargazi Saman , Barani Mahmood
Published: December 2023

Nanoniosome-based drug codelivery systems have become popular therapeutic instruments, demonstrating tremendous promise in cancer therapy, infection treatment, and other therapeutic domains.
Exploring the conformational dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 SL4 hairpin by combining optical tweezers and base analogues
Authors: Sundar Rajan Vinoth , Wypijewska del Nogal Anna , Levin Sune , Wilhelmsson L. Marcus , Westerlund Fredrik
Published: December 2023

We characterize the stability, conformational dynamics, (un)folding pathways, as well as identify a promising drug–target site within the SL4 hairpin of the SARS-CoV-2 by combining base analogues and optical tweezers.
Not all silicon quantum dots are equal: photostability of silicon quantum dots with and without a thick amorphous shell
Authors: Cheong I Teng , Yang Szepesvari LiYifan , Ni Chuyi , Butler Cole , O'Connor Kevin M. , Hooper Riley , Meldrum Alkiviathes , Veinot Jonathan G. C.
Published: December 2023

The photostability of ∼5 nm diameter SiQDs with an amorphous shell was compared with that of over-etched SiQDs of equivalent dimensions that bore an a-Si shell of negligible thickness.
Hydrogen storage as liquid solar fuels
Authors: Hong Young Hyun , Lee Yong-Min , Nam Wonwoo , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: December 2023

This review article focuses on catalytic interconversion between hydrogen and liquid or solid solar fuels using metal complexes as redox catalysts.
Recent advances in red-emissive carbon dots and their biomedical applications
Authors: Qin Weixia , Wang Meiyan , Li Yan , Li Longchuang , Abbas Khurram , Li Zijian , Tedesco Antonio Claudio , Bi Hong
Published: December 2023

This review mainly summarizes the research advances in synthetic strategies, optical properties, and biomedical applications of red-emissive carbon dots in recent years.
Enhanced activity of Co–Mo–S catalysts towards hydrodesulfurization and hydrogen evolution reaction via NaBH4 assisted formation
Authors: Hou Huandi , Wang Ting , Wang Baohuan , Guo Wenting , Miao Xiang , Liang Xin
Published: December 2023

NaBH4 modification was developed for efficient Co–MoS catalysts, which can produce more high-activity 1T phase and better catalytic activity for both the HER and HDS.
The allosteric mechanism of mTOR activation can inform bitopic inhibitor optimization
Authors: Liu Yonglan , Zhang Mingzhen , Jang Hyunbum , Nussinov Ruth
Published: December 2023

Inactive mTOR adopts a closed catalytic cleft with the spacing between the allosteric and orthosteric sites creating a favorable environment for bitopic inhibitors. Active mTOR features an open catalytic cleft with a greater separation, rendering it less selective.
Uracil-Cu(i) catalyst: allylation of cyclopropanols with Morita–Baylis–Hillman alcohols under water-tolerant conditions
Authors: Hou Jingwei , Li Xiaohong , Yan Kaiyu , Zhang Lei , Loh Teck-Peng , Xie Peizhong
Published: December 2023

A bio-inspired uracil-Cu(i) catalyst was developed to realize the allylation of cyclopropanols with allylic alcohols under water-tolerant conditions.
Structure and bonding in rhodium coordination compounds: a 103Rh solid-state NMR and relativistic DFT study
Authors: Holmes Sean T. , Schönzart Jasmin , Philips Adam B. , Kimball James J. , Termos Sara , Altenhof Adam R. , Xu Yijue , O'Keefe Christopher A. , Autschbach Jochen , Schurko Robert W.
Published: December 2023

We present the rapid and robust acquisition of 103Rh solid-state NMR spectra for a series of inorganic and organometallic compounds. Relativistic DFT calculations provide relationships between 103Rh chemical shift tensors, structure, and bonding.
An efficient Ni3S2–Ni electrode constructed by a one-step powder metallurgy approach for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhao Yang , Shi Xiaoqian , Zhang Bin , Wei Shizhong , Ma Jiping , Lai Jianbin , Zhou Guangmin , Pang Huan
Published: December 2023

A one-step powder metallurgy process using Ni and nano S powder was proposed to prepare a Ni3S2–Ni electrode. Numerous Ni3S2 nano protuberances on the surface and strong bonding between inter-connected Ni networks significantly improve the catalytic performance and durability of the HER.
Ammonia synthesis via a protonic ceramic electrolysis cell (PCEC) using LaCu0.1Fe0.9O3−δ catalyst
Authors: Guo Wenhua , Li Yawei , Li Si-Dian , Shao Zongping , Chen Huili
Published: December 2023

A LCuF-based cell has a higher ammonia synthesis rate and faradaic efficiency than a LF-based cell because Cu doping generates more electrocatalytic active sites.
Novel solid-state synthesis of surfactant- and solvent-free Pd tetrahedron nanocatalysts
Authors: Oh Kyung Hee , Kim Kwangsoo , Lee Jin Gyu , Park Nahyun , Lee Hack-Keun , Kang Shin Wook , Yang Jung-Il , An Byeong-Seon , Park Kang Hyun , Hong Chang Seop , Kim Byung-Hyun , Park Ji Chan
Published: December 2023

Tetrahedral Pd nanocatalysts prepared by automated, reproducible, and reliable solid-state synthesis exhibit excellent catalytic performance for 4-nitrophenol reduction.
Unveiling the multifunctional regulation effect of a glutamine additive for highly reversible Zn metal anodes
Authors: Yin Junyi , Li Mingyan , Feng Xiang , Cui Tianyi , Chen Jingzhe , Li Fuxiang , Wang Minghui , Cheng Yonghong , Ding Shujiang , Xu Xin , Wang Jianhua
Published: December 2023

This work proposes glutamine (Gln) as a multifunctional electrolyte additive for highly stable and reversible Zn anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
Immunological strip sensor for the rapid determination of niacin in dietary supplements and foods
Authors: Hu Jialin , Wu Aihong , Guo Lingling , Feng Yongwei , Liu Liqiang , Sun Maozhong , Qu Aihua , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai , Xu Liguang
Published: December 2023

The developed LFIA is applied to the specific identification and rapid detection of niacin in nutritional dietary supplements, thus meeting market's demand for efficient niacin detection methods.
Additive-regulated one-step dynamic spin-coating for fabricating high-performance perovskite solar cells under high humidity conditions
Authors: Wang Tailin , Zhang Teng , Zhang Junhua , Zhao Baohua , Song Chenhao , Yin Hang , Zhu Shihui , Sun Xinyu , Liu Heyuan , Chen Yanli , Li Xiyou
Published: December 2023

Perovskite films fabricated using a one-step dynamic spin-coating process under high humidity conditions (45–55% RH).
A review on the advancements of graphitic carbon nitride-based photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Joseph Merin , Kumar Mohit , Haridas Suja , Subrahmanyam Challapalli , Remello Sebastian Nybin
Published: December 2023

This review offers a comprehensive depiction of g-C3N4-based materials for PEC water splitting. The fundamentals of PEC water splitting, along with the applications of g-C3N4-based materials as photoanodic and photocathodic materials are discussed.
Student entrepreneurship is more popular than ever – but how can biochemistry students get involved?
Authors: Phillips Robert
Published: December 2023

Many well-known businesses have been founded by students while at university including Facebook, Snapchat, and Google, but can biochemistry students also be part of this entrepreneurial revolution?
Tracking controller of extended chained nonholonomic systems with matched disturbance and input saturation
Authors: Huang Peng , Gao Yang , Zhang Zhongcai
Published: December 2023

This paper addresses the tracking control for an extended chained nonholonomic system under input saturation and matched disturbances. Specifically, the tracking error dynamic system is split into two subsystems in a cascade form. An integral sliding mode saturated controller is designed in combination with a finite‐time observer (FTDO) to ensure the finite‐time stability of the first subsystem, thereby simplifying the design of the second subsystem. A backstepping‐based adaptive saturated tracking control method is proposed for the second subsystem by incorporating the filter technology. The stability of the resulting closed‐loop system is demonstrated, and the tracking errors can be arbitrarily minimized through the appropriate design parameter selection. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is validated through simulation and experimental results.
Area‐ and energy‐efficient high‐throughput QC‐LDPC encoder for space applications
Authors: Li Lintao , Lv Jiayi , Li Yimin
Published: December 2023

An area‐ and energy‐efficient encoding method and encoder architecture are proposed for the quasi‐cyclic low‐density parity check (LDPC) in near‐earth applications recommended by the Consultant Committee for Space Data Systems. The proposed encoding method reduces the computational complexity using a switch network before bit XOR operations in vector–matrix multiplication. A fully parallel LDPC encoder is implemented on the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company 90 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, achieving a throughput of 10.06 Tbps with the lower area and energy utilization.
Spectral reflectance fitting based on land-based hyperspectral imaging and semi-empirical kernel-driven model for typical camouflage materials
Authors: Jiale Zhao , Bing Zhou , Guanglong Wang , Jiaju Ying , Jie Liu
Published: December 2023

The reflectance of an object is a physical quantity that is related to a variety of factors such as wavelength, direction of light source, direction of detection, and weather conditions. If complete spectral information about the target is to be obtained, this can only be done by measuring the spectral reflectance in all angular directions. Obviously, this method of acquiring spectral data has the disadvantages of complex operation, low efficiency and poor timeliness in military applications. The Semi-Empirical kernel-driven model captures the main factors affecting the bidirectional reflective properties of an object and uses physically meaningful kernel parameters to characterise the reflective properties of an object. By measuring these kernel parameters and combining them with a small number of measurements, it is possible to extrapolate and fit the spectral reflectance of the target in all directions, improving the efficiency of information acquisition and processing. Semi-empirical kernel-driven models were initially used to study the composition and structure of vegetation and its spectral reflectance properties with some results. However, whether the semi-empirical kernel-driven model can be effectively used to study the spectral reflectance properties of military materials has not been verified. This paper first introduces three commonly used semi-empirical kernel-driven models, namely RossThick-LiSparseR (RTLSR), RossThick-LiTransitN (RTLT) and RossThick-Roujean (RTR). Then, the spectral reflectance of four typical military materials was measured using an imaging spectrometer, and the fitting effects of different models were evaluated. Experiments show that the three semi-empirical kernel-driven models have good data fitting ability for different types of military materials. Overall, RTLSR model has the best data fitting ability and the best stability of inversion results.
Grundlagen der Diagnose und Therapie chronisch entzündlicher Darmerkrankungen
Authors: de Laffolie Jan , Brosig Burkhardt , Damm Sandra , Simon Annette , Keil Melanie , Kurpjuhn Ulrike , Cantez Serdar , Thau Ann-Kathrin , Möglich Yvonne , Alexanidou Evdokia , Schumann Stefan , Stricker Stefan , Klein Astrid
Published: December 2023

Kinder und Jugendliche mit einer chronischen Darmerkrankung haben – je nach Haupterkrankung – die unterschiedlichsten Symptome, die weitreichende Auswirkungen auf ihren Alltag haben und die sie ein Leben lang begleiten. Der folgende Beitrag gibt einen umfassenden Überblick über die medizinischen Hintergründe der verschiedenen Erkrankungsformen und die Diagnosemöglichkeiten und zeigt potenzielle Therapien auf. Im Fallbeispiel begleitet der Beitrag ein achtjähriges Kind vom Anfangsverdacht bis zur regelmäßigen Behandlung der Erkrankung.
Gewalt und Kindeswohlgefährdung – Handlungsvorgaben und Möglichkeiten im Krankenhauskontext
Authors: Schinz Heidrun
Published: December 2023

„Das Kind hat ein Recht auf Pflege und Erziehung unter Ausschluss von Gewalt, körperlichen Bestrafungen, seelischen Verletzungen und anderen entwürdigenden Maßnahmen“, so lautet seit 2020 die Vorgabe des Gesetzgebers 1. Wie Mitarbeitende im Krankenhaus mit dieser Vorgabe und ihrer Verletzung in ihrer täglichen Praxis umgehen können beziehungsweise sollen, schildert unsere Rechtsexpertin.
Funktionelle, radiologische und endoskopische Diagnostik trachealer Erkrankungen
Authors: Stoelben Erich
Published: December 2023

Erkrankungen der Trachea sind selten, während andere Erkrankungen, die mit Luftnot und pulmonalen Symptomen einhergehen, häufig sind, weshalb die notwendige Diagnostik und Therapie regelhaft verzögert wird. Gleichzeitig reicht die Spanne der Erkrankungen von einfachen narbigen Stenosen bis zu ausgedehnten Tumorerkrankungen. Die Patienten können ansonsten gesund sein, an einer Autoimmunerkrankung leiden bzw. schwere Allgemeinerkrankungen, wie bei tracheotomierten Patienten, aufweisen. Anamnese und klinische Untersuchung bringen deshalb sehr wichtige Hinweise auf eine Erkrankung der Trachea. Die nachfolgende Diagnostik sollte sinnvoll angeordnet werden und zeitgerecht zur richtigen Diagnose und der daraus folgenden Therapie führen. Funktionelle, radiologische und endoskopische Untersuchungen mit jeweils speziellen Schwerpunkten in erfahrener Hand vermeiden Doppeluntersuchungen oder Fehlinterpretationen. Die Patienten sind dankbar, da die Erkrankungen der Trachea als zentraler,
nicht umgehbarer Atemweg als lebensbedrohlich oder zumindest als die Lebensqualität stark einschränkend erlebt werden.