bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polity Size Matters? The Effect of Country Size on Politicians' Professionalization
Authors: Paneque Andreu
Published: August 2023

This article examines the effect of country size on the professionalization of politicians in six European micro-states and a large-scale democracy – Germany – since 1980. The article revisits an ongoing debate about the extent to which either country size or government size are causal factors in the individual professionalization process. Using an original dataset consisting of 6,940 parliamentary mandates – 2,809 individuals – in national parliaments, the article shows that country size is a determinant of the degree of politicians' professionalization. The article further demonstrates that political parties' gatekeeper role is the key causal mechanism explaining the influence of population size on politicians' professionalization.
Critical analysis of the Moscow Patriarchate vision on the Russian–Ukrainian military conflict: Russkiy mir and just war
Authors: Coman Viorel
Published: August 2023

This article contrasts the teaching on just war as presented by the 2000 document, ‘Bases of the Social Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church’ (Moscow Patriarchate), with the insights provided by a similar social document issued in 2020 by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, ‘For the Life of the World: Towards a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church’. The article argues that whenever religion is instrumentalised to justify the political ambitions of church and secular leaders, and especially when they are used as the main driving force behind military conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, it is the prophetic role of theologians and scholars to show that religion offers resources to deconstruct the weaponisation of Christian faith for political gain.
Policy entrepreneurs and problem definition: the case of European student mobility
Authors: Cino Pagliarello Marina , Cini Michelle
Published: August 2023

In the literature on the role of agency in the policy process, relatively little attention has been devoted to how agents define policy problems. This article helps to address this gap by asking when and how policy entrepreneurs are successful in defining problems. The article rests on a framework that shows how policy entrepreneurs holding specific ideas and given a propitious socioeconomic context are able to define problems, translate those problems into new frames, and draw on those frames, while using their personal skills and political and institutional resources, to help build supportive coalitions in favor of policy change. Illustrated by a puzzling case in the field of European mobility policy, the article offers a new perspective on the role of ideas at the problem definition stage of the policy process, while providing a richer understanding of the policy entrepreneur as a driver of policy change.
Conceptualizing legal change as ‘norm-knitting’ through the example of the environmental human right
Authors: Endres Dorothea
Published: August 2023

Understanding law as a continuous process with circular and interacting phases of selection, construction, and reception makes it possible to account for the variety of actors and resources implicated in the process of incrementally changing a norm of international law. This process is visualized through an analogy to knitting. One can start the knitting project with one needle, but to actually construct anything, more than one needle is necessary: at least two actors need to collaborate and build upon each other’s work. If those two actors neatly agree upon the pattern to be knitted, the resulting product may be uniform and dense, able to cover all situations it is intended for. However, it is not that easy to knit in exactly the same pace and pattern. The constructed law may not fit perfectly all situations it is intended for, because the different actors may have had different patterns in their head. Also, sometimes, the wool is held too tightly, and the net becomes too dense; sometimes the wool is held too loosely, and the net will have holes. With this visualization in mind, we can think of legal changes as continuously intermingling and building upon each other: international law is generally knitted with different colours of wool, each colour representing a different normative resource. Thus, ‘norm knitting’ provides for an analytical tool that makes it possible to demonstrate the variety in ‘successful’ change of a given norm in international law in response to specific challenges which the actors face.
The emerging contribution of Türkiye to Antarctic science and policy
Authors: Karatekin Feride , Uzun F. Rumeysa , Ager Beverley J. , Convey Peter , Hughes Kevin A.
Published: August 2023

Antarctica is a continent dedicated to ‘peace and science’ and subject to international consensus-based governance through the Antarctic Treaty System. Through the Treaty, decision-making powers are reserved to Consultative Parties, which are those countries recognized as demonstrating ‘substantial scientific research activity’ in Antarctica. Türkiye acceded to the Antarctic Treaty in 1996. In its National Polar Science Program (2018–2022) it first declared a desire to attain consultative status to the Treaty. Here, we examine Türkiye‘s recent development across Antarctic science, policy and logistics. Since 2016, Türkiye’s national Antarctic scientific output has increased threefold, ranking seventh amongst the current 27 non-Consultative Parties, and this output is greater than some Consultative Parties. Türkiye has submitted more papers to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings than any other non-Consultative Party and is actively participating in the development of the Antarctic Protected Area system. To facilitate longer-term research goals, Türkiye is constructing an Antarctic research station (Horseshoe Island, Antarctic Peninsula), has joined several polar organizations, including the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), and has developed scientific and logistical collaborations with many established Antarctic nations. The exceptionally rapid growth of Türkiye's Antarctic activities provides a firm foundation for the development of a future application for consultative status.
Therapeutic potential of nanotechnology in reproduction disorders and possible limitations
Authors: Barroso Pedro Alves Aguiar , Nascimento Danisvânia Ripardo , Lima Neto Miguel F. De , De Assis Ernando Igo T. , Figueira Ciro Siqueira , Silva José Roberto Viana
Published: August 2023

One of the prominent peculiarities of nanoparticles (NPs) is their ability to cross biological barriers. Therefore, the development of NPs with different properties has great therapeutic potential in the area of reproduction because the association of drugs, hormones and other compounds with NPs represents an alternative for delivering substances directly at a specific site and for treatment of reproductive problems. Additionally, lipid-based NPs can be taken up by the tissues of patients with ovarian failure, deep endometriosis, testicular dysfunctions, etc., opening up new perspectives for the treatment of these diseases. The development of nanomaterials with specific size, shape, ligand density and charge certainly will contribute to the next generation of therapies to solve fertility problems in humans. Therefore, this review discusses the potential of NPs to treat reproductive disorders, as well as to regulate the levels of the associated hormones. The possible limitations of the clinical use of NPs are also highlighted.
The challenging history of other Earths
Authors: Graney Christopher M.
Published: August 2023

This paper provides an overview of recent historical research regarding scientifically-informed challenges to the idea that the stars are other suns orbited by other inhabited earths – an idea that came to be known as ‘the Plurality of Worlds’. Johannes Kepler in the 17th century, Jacques Cassini in the 18th and William Whewell in the 19th each argued against ‘pluralism’ based on what in their respective times was solid science. Nevertheless, pluralism remained popular despite these and other scientific challenges. This history will be of interest to the astronomical community so that it is better positioned to avoid difficulties should the historical trajectory of pluralism continue, especially as it persists in the popular imagination.
Discontinuous Igneous Addition Along the Eastern North American Margin Beneath the East Coast Magnetic Anomaly
Authors: Brandl Collin C. , Worthington Lindsay L. , Magnani M. Beatrice , Shillington Donna J. , Luckie Thomas W.
Published: August 2023

Detailed models of crustal structure at volcanic passive margins offer insight into the role of magmatism and the distribution of igneous addition during continental rifting. The Eastern North American Margin (ENAM) is a volcanic passive margin that formed during the breakup of Pangea ∼200 Myr ago. The offshore, margin‐parallel East Coast Magnetic Anomaly (ECMA) is thought to mark the locus of syn‐rift magmatism. Previous widely spaced margin‐perpendicular studies seismically imaged igneous addition as seaward dipping reflectors (SDRs) and high velocity lower crust (HVLC; >7.2 km/s) beneath the ECMA. Along‐strike imaging is necessary to more accurately determine the distribution and volume of igneous addition during continental breakup. We use wide‐angle, marine active‐source seismic data from the 2014–2015 ENAM Community Seismic Experiment to determine crustal structure beneath a ∼370‐km‐long section of the ECMA. P‐wave velocity models based on data from short‐period ocean bottom seismometers reveal a ∼21‐km‐thick crust with laterally variable lower crust velocities ranging from 6.9 to 7.5 km/s. Sections with HVLC (>7.2 km/s) alternate with two ∼30‐km‐wide areas where the average velocities are less than 7.0 km/s. This variable structure indicates that HVLC is discontinuous along the margin, reflecting variable amounts of intrusion along‐strike. Our results suggest that magmatism during rifting was segmented. The HVLC discontinuities roughly align with locations of Mid‐Atlantic Ridge fracture zones, which may suggest that rift segmentation influenced later segmentation of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge.
Re-audit of the use of flumazenil following midazolam-induced conscious sedation
Authors: Rosli Muhammad Syafiq Asyraf , Heidari Ellie
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Flumazenil is an antagonist drug of Benzodiazepam (BDZ) that has been used as a reversal agent of midazolam-induced conscious sedation (CS) in both emergency and elective procedures. For CS procedure, a high-quality record keeping and clinical justification prior to admission of flumazenil are recommended. Clinical Audit (CA) enables clinicians to evaluate the quality and standard of recorded clinical procedures.

Methods

This re-audit investigated the reasons for the use of flumazenil and record keeping’s quality with particular emphasis on CS. In this retrospective reaudit, the authors looked at the patients’ records who had received dental care under CS in the Sedation and Special Care Department of (SSCD), United Kingdom from January to June 2022.

Results

Out of 665 patients who received midazolam-induced CS, 21 patients were administered IV Flumazenil. The commonest reason (9, 42.8%) was due to prolonged recovery.

Conclusion

This re-audit highlighted the need for administrating flumazenil in certain patient groups, and/or circumstances (not emergency). The importance of maintaining high-quality record keeping is discussed.
MAVS signaling is required for preventing persistent chikungunya heart infection and chronic vascular tissue inflammation
Authors: Noval Maria G. , Spector Sophie N. , Bartnicki Eric , Izzo Franco , Narula Navneet , Yeung Stephen T. , Damani-Yokota Payal , Dewan M. Zahidunnabi , Mezzano Valeria , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Bruno A. , Loomis Cynthia , Khanna Kamal M. , Stapleford Kenneth A.
Published: August 2023

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection has been associated with severe cardiac manifestations, yet, how CHIKV infection leads to heart disease remains unknown. Here, we leveraged both mouse models and human primary cardiac cells to define the mechanisms of CHIKV heart infection. Using an immunocompetent mouse model of CHIKV infection as well as human primary cardiac cells, we demonstrate that CHIKV directly infects and actively replicates in cardiac fibroblasts. In immunocompetent mice, CHIKV is cleared from cardiac tissue without significant damage through the induction of a local type I interferon response from both infected and non-infected cardiac cells. Using mice deficient in major innate immunity signaling components, we found that signaling through the mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) is required for viral clearance from the heart. In the absence of MAVS signaling, persistent infection leads to focal myocarditis and vasculitis of the large vessels attached to the base of the heart. Large vessel vasculitis was observed for up to 60 days post infection, suggesting CHIKV can lead to vascular inflammation and potential long-lasting cardiovascular complications. This study provides a model of CHIKV cardiac infection and mechanistic insight into CHIKV-induced heart disease, underscoring the importance of monitoring cardiac function in patients with CHIKV infections.
Genetic risk, adherence to healthy lifestyle and acute cardiovascular and thromboembolic complications following SARS-COV-2 infection
Authors: Xie Junqing , Feng Yuliang , Newby Danielle , Zheng Bang , Feng Qi , Prats-Uribe Albert , Li Chunxiao , Wareham Nicholas J. , Paredes R. , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel
Published: August 2023

Current understanding of determinants for COVID-19-related cardiovascular and thromboembolic (CVE) complications primarily covers clinical aspects with limited knowledge on genetics and lifestyles. Here, we analysed a prospective cohort of 106,005 participants from UK Biobank with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We show that higher polygenic risk scores, indicating individual’s hereditary risk, were linearly associated with increased risks of post-COVID-19 atrial fibrillation (adjusted HR 1.52 [95% CI 1.44 to 1.60] per standard deviation increase), coronary artery disease (1.57 [1.46 to 1.69]), venous thromboembolism (1.33 [1.18 to 1.50]), and ischaemic stroke (1.27 [1.05 to 1.55]). These genetic associations are robust across genders, key clinical subgroups, and during Omicron waves. However, a prior composite healthier lifestyle was consistently associated with a reduction in all outcomes. Our findings highlight that host genetics and lifestyle independently affect the occurrence of CVE complications in the acute infection phrase, which can guide tailored management of COVID-19 patients and inform population lifestyle interventions to offset the elevated cardiovascular burden post-pandemic.
Neoadjuvant Afatinib for stage III EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer: a phase II study
Authors: Bian Dongliang , Sun Liangdong , Hu Junjie , Duan Liang , Xia Haoran , Zhu Xinsheng , Sun Fenghuan , Zhang Lele , Yu Huansha , Xiong Yicheng , Huang Zhida , Zhao Deping , Song Nan , Yang Jie , Bao Xiao , Wu Wei , Huang Jie , He Wenxin , Zhu Yuming , Jiang Gening , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2023

Afatinib, an irreversible ErbB-family blocker, could improve the survival of advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLCm+). This phase II trial (NCT04201756) aimed to assess the feasibility of neoadjuvant Afatinib treatment for stage III NSCLCm+. Forty-seven patients received neoadjuvant Afatinib treatment (40 mg daily). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included pathological complete response (pCR) rate, pathological downstaging rate, margin-free resection (R0) rate, event-free survival, disease-free survival, progression-free survival, overall survival, treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). The ORR was 70.2% (95% CI: 56.5% to 84.0%), meeting the pre-specified endpoint. The major pathological response (MPR), pCR, pathological downstaging, and R0 rates were 9.1%, 3.0%, 57.6%, and 87.9%, respectively. The median survivals were not reached. The most common TRAEs were diarrhea (78.7%) and rash (78.7%). Only three patients experienced grade 3/4 TRAEs. Biomarker analysis and tumor microenvironment dynamics by bulk RNA sequencing were included as predefined exploratory endpoints. CISH expression was a promising marker for Afatinib response (AUC = 0.918). In responders, compared to baseline samples, increasing T-cell- and B-cell-related features were observed in post-treatment tumor and lymph-node samples, respectively. Neoadjuvant Afatinib is feasible for stage III NSCLC+ patients and leads to dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment.
Functional annotation of proteins for signaling network inference in non-model species
Authors: Van den Broeck Lisa , Bhosale Dinesh Kiran , Song Kuncheng , Fonseca de Lima Cássio Flavio , Ashley Michael , Zhu Tingting , Zhu Shanshuo , Van De Cotte Brigitte , Neyt Pia , Ortiz Anna C. , Sikes Tiffany R. , Aper Jonas , Lootens Peter , Locke Anna M. , De Smet Ive , Sozzani Rosangela
Published: August 2023

Molecular biology aims to understand cellular responses and regulatory dynamics in complex biological systems. However, these studies remain challenging in non-model species due to poor functional annotation of regulatory proteins. To overcome this limitation, we develop a multi-layer neural network that determines protein functionality directly from the protein sequence. We annotate kinases and phosphatases in Glycine max. We use the functional annotations from our neural network, Bayesian inference principles, and high resolution phosphoproteomics to infer phosphorylation signaling cascades in soybean exposed to cold, and identify Glyma.10G173000 (TOI5) and Glyma.19G007300 (TOT3) as key temperature regulators. Importantly, the signaling cascade inference does not rely upon known kinase motifs or interaction data, enabling de novo identification of kinase-substrate interactions. Conclusively, our neural network shows generalization and scalability, as such we extend our predictions to Oryza sativa, Zea mays, Sorghum bicolor, and Triticum aestivum. Taken together, we develop a signaling inference approach for non-model species leveraging our predicted kinases and phosphatases.
Shallow-water hydrothermal venting linked to the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum
Authors: Berndt Christian , Planke Sverre , Alvarez Zarikian Carlos A. , Frieling Joost , Jones Morgan T. , Millett John M. , Brinkhuis Henk , Bünz Stefan , Svensen Henrik H. , Longman Jack , Scherer Reed P. , Karstens Jens , Manton Ben , Nelissen Mei , Reed Brandon , Faleide Jan Inge , Huismans Ritske S. , Agarwal Amar , Andrews Graham D. M. , Betlem Peter , Bhattacharya Joyeeta , Chatterjee Sayantani , Christopoulou Marialena , Clementi Vincent J. , Ferré Eric C. , Filina Irina Y. , Guo Pengyuan , Harper Dustin T. , Lambart Sarah , Mohn Geoffroy , Nakaoka Reina , Tegner Christian , Varela Natalia , Wang Mengyuan , Xu Weimu , Yager Stacy L.
Published: August 2023

The Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was a global warming event of 5–6 °C around 56 million years ago caused by input of carbon into the ocean and atmosphere. Hydrothermal venting of greenhouse gases produced in contact aureoles surrounding magmatic intrusions in the North Atlantic Igneous Province have been proposed to play a key role in the PETM carbon-cycle perturbation, but the precise timing, magnitude and climatic impact of such venting remains uncertain. Here we present seismic data and the results of a five-borehole transect sampling the crater of a hydrothermal vent complex in the Northeast Atlantic. Stable carbon isotope stratigraphy and dinoflagellate cyst biostratigraphy reveal a negative carbon isotope excursion coincident with the appearance of the index taxon Apectodinium augustum in the vent crater, firmly tying the infill to the PETM. The shape of the crater and stratified sediments suggests large-scale explosive gas release during the initial phase of vent formation followed by rapid, but largely undisturbed, diatomite-rich infill. Moreover, we show that these vents erupted in very shallow water across the North Atlantic Igneous Province, such that volatile emissions would have entered the atmosphere almost directly without oxidation to CO2 and at the onset of the PETM.
Household and plot-level survey data on adoption, outcomes, and perceptions of early sown wheat and zero tillage in Northwest India
Authors: Naeher Dominik , Albanna Basma , Kumar Abhijeet , Vollmer Sebastian
Published: August 2023

This study collected evidence on the use of early sown wheat varieties and complementary zero tillage technologies in Northwest India. Detailed information on farmers’ knowledge, adoption decisions, personal experience, and perceptions of early sown wheat and zero tillage technologies were collected at the household level using different survey tools. Additional information on agricultural practices during the Rabi Season 2021/22 were collected at the plot level and geocoded. Overall, the dataset comprises responses from 1206 wheat farmers in 70 villages across 7 districts in Punjab and Haryana that were collected between September and October 2022. The villages were selected using stratified random sampling based on a sampling frame of 1722 communities that had been identified as predominantly wheat growing areas based on remote-sensing data from satellite images. The dataset provides rich information that may be used for assessing the diffusion and impact of recently developed wheat varieties designed for early sowing, identifying barriers to the wider adoption of these technologies, and informing policy making aimed at improving adoption and usage decisions of agricultural innovations.
A chromosome-level genome assembly for the astaxanthin-producing microalga Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Bian Chao , Liu Chenglong , Zhang Guiying , Tao Ming , Huang Danqiong , Wang Chaogang , Lou Sulin , Li Hui , Shi Qiong , Hu Zhangli
Published: August 2023

The green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis can synthesize high amounts of astaxanthin, which is a valuable antioxidant that has been utilized in human health, cosmetics, and aquaculture. To illustrate detailed molecular clues to astaxanthin yield, we performed PacBio HIFI along with Hi-C sequencing to construct an improved chromosome-level haplotypic genome assembly with 32 chromosomes and a genome size of 316.0 Mb. Its scaffold N50 (942.6 kb) and contig N50 (304.8 kb) have been upgraded remarkably from our previous genome draft, and a total of 32,416 protein-coding genes were predicted. We also established a high-evidence phylogenetic tree from seven representative algae species, with the main aim to calculate their divergence times and identify expanded/contracted gene families. We also characterized genome-wide localizations on chromosomes of some important genes such as five BKTs (encoding beta-carotene ketolases) that are putatively involved in astaxanthin production. In summary, we reported the first chromosome-scale map of H. pluvialis, which provides a valuable genetic resource for in-depth biomedical investigations on this momentous green alga and commercial astaxanthin bioproduction.
Structure prediction of novel isoforms from uveal melanoma by AlphaFold
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Li Chen , Li Qian , Su Xiaoming , Li Jiayi , Zhu Lili , Lin Xinhua , Shen Jianfeng
Published: August 2023

Alternative splicing is an important mechanism that enhances protein functional diversity. To date, our understanding of alternative splicing variants has been based on mRNA transcript data, but due to the difficulty in predicting protein structures, protein tertiary structures have been largely unexplored. However, with the release of AlphaFold, which predicts three-dimensional models of proteins, this challenge is rapidly being overcome. Here, we present a dataset of 315 predicted structures of abnormal isoforms in 18 uveal melanoma patients based on second- and third-generation transcriptome-sequencing data. This information comprises a high-quality set of structural data on recurrent aberrant isoforms that can be used in multiple types of studies, from those aimed at revealing potential therapeutic targets to those aimed at recognizing of cancer neoantigens at the atomic level.
Forecasting Brassica napus production under climate change with a mechanistic species distribution model
Authors: Borges Cláudia Eduarda , Von dos Santos Veloso Ronnie , da Conceição Crislaine Alves , Mendes Débora Sampaio , Ramirez-Cabral Nadiezhda YZ , Shabani Farzin , Shafapourtehrany Mahyat , Nery Marcela Carlota , da Silva Ricardo Siqueira
Published: August 2023

Brassica napus, a versatile crop with significant socioeconomic importance, serves as a valuable source of nutrition for humans and animals while also being utilized in biodiesel production. The expansion potential of B. napus is profoundly influenced by climatic variations, yet there remains a scarcity of studies investigating the correlation between climatic factors and its distribution. This research employs CLIMEX to identify the current and future ecological niches of B. napus under the RCP 8.5 emission scenario, utilizing the Access 1.0 and CNRM-CM5 models for the time frame of 2040–2059. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis of parameters was conducted to determine the primary climatic factors affecting B. napus distribution and model responsiveness. The simulated outcomes demonstrate a satisfactory alignment with the known current distribution of B. napus, with 98% of occurrence records classified as having medium to high climatic suitability. However, the species displays high sensitivity to thermal parameters, thereby suggesting that temperature increases could trigger shifts in suitable and unsuitable areas for B. napus, impacting regions such as Canada, China, Brazil, and the United States.
Investigation of internal damage evolution in gneiss considering water softening
Authors: Sun Changhai , Xie Bingxin , Wang Rui , Deng Xianghui , Wu Jin
Published: August 2023

In soft rock tunnels, there are often large deformations during construction, especially when the groundwater seepage and softens the surrounding rock. For achieving the purpose of studying the softening effect of water immersion on strength and stability of surrounding rock, 15 rock samples were selected for physical and mechanical tests under 5 conditions: natural state and free immersion for 1, 3, 6, and 9 months, and nuclear magnetic resonance technology(NMR) was also adopted to test the internal pore structure of specimens with different immersion durations, thus the micro structure features of the gneiss, such as the NMR relaxation time T2 spectrum distribution, porosity, and pore volume ratio of different pore sizes under water softening were then obtained. The NMR results shows that the longer the free immersion duration of the rock sample, the greater the porosity; at the same time, the number of micropores in the rock gradually decreases under the interaction of water and rock, and the mesopores increase slightly first and then decrease all the time. The number of macropores is gradually increasing. When the immersion duration is 6 months, the number of macropores begins to increase significantly, and the mechanical properties of the specimens begin to drop significantly. By 9 months, the proportion of macropores in the rock has reached 57.6%. The results showed that the number growth of macropores is the root cause of the macroscopic failure of rock sample. The study results have significance for on-site construction in water-rich areas.
Spatio-temporal activation patterns of neuronal population evoked by optostimulation and the comparison to electrical microstimulation
Authors: Margalit Shany Nivinsky , Slovin Hamutal
Published: August 2023

Optostimulation and electrical microstimulation are well-established techniques that enable to artificially stimulate the brain. While the activation patterns evoked by microstimulation in cortical network are well characterized, much less is known for optostimulation. Specifically, the activation maps of neuronal population at the membrane potential level and direct measurements of these maps were barely reported. In addition, only a few studies compared the activation patterns evoked by microstimulation and optostimulation. In this study we addressed these issues by applying optostimulation in the barrel cortex of anesthetized rats after a short (ShortExp) or a long (LongExp) opsin expression time and compared it to microstimulation. We measured the membrane potential of neuronal populations at high spatial (meso-scale) and temporal resolution using voltage-sensitive dye imaging. Longer optostimulation pulses evoked higher neural responses spreading over larger region relative to short pulses. Interestingly, similar optostimulation pulses evoked stronger and more prolonged population response in the LongExp vs. the ShortExp condition. Finally, the spatial activation patterns evoked in the LongExp condition showed an intermediate state, with higher resemblance to the microstimulation at the stimulation site. Therefore, short microstimulation and optostimulation can induce wide spread activation, however the effects of optostimulation depend on the opsin expression time.
Self-evaluation of automated vehicles based on physics, state-of-the-art motion prediction and user experience
Authors: Stockem Novo Anne , Hürten Christian , Baumann Robin , Sieberg Philipp
Published: August 2023

Legal restrictions allow to give full control to automated vehicles for longer time periods either in restricted areas or when moving with reduced speed. Although being technically feasible for a wide range of driving scenarios, the restrictions are still in place due to the lack of a clear safety strategy. An essential step towards safety is the introduction of a self-monitoring component. In this study, a self-evaluation concept is presented which assesses a system based on a physics-defined minimum prediction horizon for state-of-the-art Deep Learning-based trajectory prediction models. Since User Experience is a key metric for car manufacturers, a further manoeuvre constraint is added to the model. We emphasize the generalizability of the presented assessment concept, however, in order to demonstrate feasibility in practical use, three specific scenarios are discussed. The results are gained with real data from publicly available driving campaigns as well as synthetically generated simulation data. Two exemplary models, a simple LSTM-based model and VectorNet, a prominent motion prediction model, are evaluated. A quantitative assessment shows a lack of training data in the public datasets for vehicle speeds > 25 m/s in order to offer safe driving above such vehicle speeds.
A retrospective study on antibacterial treatments for koalas infected with Chlamydia pecorum
Authors: Chen Chien-Jung , Casteriano Andrea , Green Alexandra Clare , Govendir Merran
Published: August 2023

Chlamydiosis remains the leading infectious disease and is one of the key factors responsible for the dramatic reduction of koala populations in South-East Queensland (SEQ) and New South Wales (NSW) regions of Australia. Possible infection outcomes include blindness, infertility, painful cystitis, and death if left untreated. Studies have reported the treatment efficacy of chloramphenicol and doxycycline, which are the two most commonly administered treatments in diseased koalas, in clinical settings. However, none have directly compared the treatment efficacy of these antibacterials on koala survival. A retrospective study was essential to identify any relationships between the demographical information, and the animals’ responses to the current treatment regimens. Associations were explored between six explanatory (sex; maturity; location; clinical signs, treatment; treatment duration) and two outcome variables (survival; post-treatment PCR). Results showed that female koalas had a statistical trend of lower odds of surviving when compared to males (OR = 0.36, p = 0.05). Koalas treated with chloramphenicol for ≥ 28 days had greater odds of surviving than when treated for < 28 days (OR = 8.8, p = 0.02), and those koalas administered doxycycline had greater odds of testing PCR negative when compared to chloramphenicol treatments (OR = 5.45, p = 0.008). There was no difference between the antibacterial treatments (chloramphenicol, doxycycline, and mixed/other) and the survival of koalas. Female koalas had greater odds of exhibiting UGT signs only (OR = 4.86, p < 0.001), and also greater odds of having both ocular and UGT clinical signs (OR = 5.29, p < 0.001) when compared to males. Of the koalas, 28.5% initially had no clinical signs but were PCR positive for C. pecorum. This study enables further understanding of the complex nature between chlamydial infection and response to antibacterial treatment.
Electromagnetic drag forces between HTS magnet and tube infrastructure for hyperloop
Authors: Choi Suyong , Cho Minki , Lim Jungyoul
Published: August 2023

Maglevs are typically accelerated using electromagnetic propulsion and levitation. High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets along with electrodynamic suspension (EDS) and linear synchronous motors are one of the best options for Hyperloop. However, the strong magnetic fields generated by HTS magnets on the pods inevitably interact with the magnetic and conductive structures in the vacuum tubes, along with the tube itself, while the pods move through the tubes. This interaction is observed as a drag force on the pods, significantly reducing the propulsion efficiency. This study comprehensively analyzes the electromagnetic drag force (EDF) generated by HTS magnets on pods, which accounts for most of the drag forces faced by Hyperloop. Theoretical analysis and 3D FEA simulations are performed to analyze the propulsion forces with HTS magnets and all the drag forces on the pods. The EDF generated by AISI 1010 steel rebars in concrete guideways is even greater than the designed propulsion forces of 40 kN. Consequently, high-manganese (Hi-Mn) steel and insulated steel rebars are adopted and analyzed using 3D FEA simulations. The EDFs generated by the AISI 1010 steel and Hi-Mn steel vacuum tubes are determined by varying the distance between the HTS magnets and tubes at 50 and 1200 km/h, respectively; a minimum distance of 0.75 m is determined by a drag force below 8 kN within their operating velocities. Lastly, the total EDFs of the AISI 1010 steel and Hi-Mn steel tubes with EDS rails are obtained through the optimal design of rebars and tubes. The simulation results show that the total EDFs can be significantly reduced to below 10 kN (approximately 25% of the designed propulsion force after the levitation of pods).
Prediction model and demonstration of regional agricultural carbon emissions based on Isomap–ACO–ET: a case study of Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Qi Yanwei , Liu Huailiang , Zhao Jianbo
Published: August 2023

Scientific analysis of regional agricultural carbon emission prediction models and empirical studies are of great practical significance to the realization of low-carbon agriculture, which can help revitalize and build up ecological and beautiful countryside in China. This paper takes agriculture in Guangdong Province, China, as the research object, and uses the extended STIPAT model to construct an indicator system for the factors influencing agricultural carbon emissions in Guangdong. Based on this system, a combined Isomap–ACO–ET prediction model combing the isometric mapping algorithm (Isomap), ant colony algorithm (ACO) and extreme random tree algorithm (ET) was used to predict agriculture carbon emissions in Guangdong Province under five scenarios. Effective predictions can be made for agricultural carbon emissions in Guangdong Province, which are expected to fluctuate between 11,142,200 tons and 11,386,000 tons in 2030. And compared with other machine learning and neural network models, the Isomap–ACO–ET model has a better prediction performance with an MSE of 0.00018 and an accuracy of 98.7%. To develop low-carbon agriculture in Guangdong Province, we should improve farming methods, reduce the intensity of agrochemical application, strengthen the development and promotion of agricultural energy-saving and emission reduction technologies and low-carbon energy sources, reduce the intensity of carbon emissions from agricultural energy consumption, optimize the agricultural planting structure, and develop green agricultural products and agro-ecological tourism according to local conditions. This will promote the development of agriculture in Guangdong Province in a green and sustainable direction.
HER3 targeting augments the efficacy of panobinostat in claudin-low triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Lyu Hui , Hou Defu , Liu Hao , Ruan Sanbao , Tan Congcong , Wu Jiande , Hicks Chindo , Liu Bolin
Published: August 2023

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have a poor prognosis and high relapse rate due to limited therapeutic options. This study was conducted to determine the mechanisms of action of panobinostat, a pan-inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and FDA-approved medication for multiple myeloma, in TNBC and to provide a rationale for effective drug combinations against this aggressive disease. RNA sequencing analyses of the claudin-low (CL) TNBC (MDA-MB-231) cells untreated or treated with panobinostat were performed to identify the differentially expressed genes. Adaptive alterations in gene expression were analyzed and validated in additional CL TNBC cells. Tumor xenograft models were used to test the in vivo antitumor activity of panobinostat alone or its combinations with gefitinib, an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Panobinostat potently inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in all TNBC cells tested. However, in CL TNBC cells, this HDAC inhibitor markedly enhanced expression of HER3, which interacted with EGFR to activate both receptors and Akt signaling pathways. Combinations of panobinostat and gefitinib synergistically suppressed CL TNBC cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Upregulation of HER3 compromises the efficacy of panobinostat in CL TNBC. Inactivation of HER3 combined with panobinostat represents a practical approach to combat CL TNBC.
3D cell segregation geometry and dynamics are governed by tissue surface tension regulation
Authors: Méhes Elod , Mones Enys , Varga Máté , Zsigmond Áron , Biri-Kovács Beáta , Nyitray László , Barone Vanessa , Krens Gabriel , Heisenberg Carl-Philipp , Vicsek Tamás
Published: August 2023

Tissue morphogenesis and patterning during development involve the segregation of cell types. Segregation is driven by differential tissue surface tensions generated by cell types through controlling cell-cell contact formation by regulating adhesion and actomyosin contractility-based cellular cortical tensions. We use vertebrate tissue cell types and zebrafish germ layer progenitors as in vitro models of 3-dimensional heterotypic segregation and developed a quantitative analysis of their dynamics based on 3D time-lapse microscopy. We show that general inhibition of actomyosin contractility by the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632 delays segregation. Cell type-specific inhibition of non-muscle myosin2 activity by overexpression of myosin assembly inhibitor S100A4 reduces tissue surface tension, manifested in decreased compaction during aggregation and inverted geometry observed during segregation. The same is observed when we express a constitutively active Rho kinase isoform to ubiquitously keep actomyosin contractility high at cell-cell and cell-medium interfaces and thus overriding the interface-specific regulation of cortical tensions. Tissue surface tension regulation can become an effective tool in tissue engineering.
The Malaprade reaction mechanism for ethylene glycol oxidation by periodic acid based on density functional theory (DFT)
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Agata , Błaziak Mikołaj , Podgórniak Kinga , Jezierska Aneta , Błaziak Kacper
Published: August 2023

A general mechanism of the Malaprade oxidative carbon–carbon bond cleavage reaction of α-glycol in the presence of periodic acid has been proposed on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) computations.
Conceptualizing turbidity for aquatic ecosystems in the context of sustainable development goals
Authors: Sahoo D. , Anandhi A.
Published: August 2023

The novelty of the work: understanding turbidity and its relationship to UN SDGs.
Structural tuning of copper sulfide material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: He Minyu , Liu Weizao , Yang Zuguang
Published: August 2023

Introducing twin crystal boundary engineering is an effective strategy for accelerating sodium-ion transport, and also sheds light on the design of electrode materials.
Promoting neurite outgrowth and neural stem cell migration using aligned nanofibers decorated with protrusions and galectin-1 coating
Authors: Liu Yingnan , Zhang Xiaopei , Wang Yawen , Guo Mingxia , Sheng Junyue , Wang Yuanfei , Wu Tong
Published: August 2023

Synergistic effects: owing to the topographic guidance provided by fiber alignment and nanoscale SiO2 protrusions together with the biological cue of galectin-1 coating, neurite extension and neural stem cell migration were facilitated.
Controlling surface cation segregation in a double perovskite for oxygen anion transport in high temperature energy conversion devices
Authors: Kala Jyotsana , Anjum Uzma , Mani B. K. , Haider M. Ali
Published: August 2023

Doping at the A’-site and strain mediated strategies are proposed to suppress the degrading surface cation segregation in NdBaCo2O5+δ. A descriptor, degree of cation segregation, is proposed to provide more reliable estimation of cation segregation.
Electronic structures, transport properties, and optical absorption of bilayer blue phosphorene nanoribbons
Authors: Gong L. J. , Shi H. L. , Yang J. , Han Q. Z. , Ren Y. H. , He S. Y. , Zhao Y. H. , Jiang Z. T.
Published: August 2023

Energy band structures of the bilayer a-BPNR-7 (a), the 150° model of the bilayer a-BPNR-7 (b), the bilayer z-BPNR-4 (c), and the 90° model of the bilayer z-BPNR-4 (d).
Evaluating the roughness of structure–property relationships using pretrained molecular representations
Authors: Graff David E. , Pyzer-Knapp Edward O. , Jordan Kirk E. , Shakhnovich Eugene I. , Coley Connor W.
Published: August 2023

Pretrained molecular representations are often thought to provide smooth, navigable latent spaces; analysis by ROGI-XD suggests they are no smoother than fixed descriptor/fingerprint representations.
A new family of luminescent [Pt(pbt)2(C6F5)L]n+ (n = 1, 0) complexes: synthesis, optical and cytotoxic studies
Authors: Gómez de Segura David , Giménez Nora , Rincón-Montón David , Moreno M. Teresa , Pichel José G. , López Icíar P. , Lalinde Elena
Published: August 2023

We present the synthesis, photophysical properties, theoretical calculations and biological studies of a new family of PtIV complexes with two cyclometalated 2-phenylbenzothiazole ligands.
Real world ultrafine particle emission factors for road-traffic derived from multi-year urban flux measurements using eddy covariance
Authors: Straaten Agnes , Nguyen Minh-Hien , Weber Stephan
Published: August 2023

Mixed fleet particle number emission factors as derived from 3 years of size-resolved particle flux observations show about 2/3 of emission in the nucleation mode <30 nm. Long-term monitoring helps to understand variation in emission factors.
Toxicity and tolerance mechanism of binary zinc oxide nanoparticles and tetrabromobisphenol A regulated by humic acid in Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Liu Yi , Kang Mengen , Weng Yuzhu , Ding Yuanyuan , Bai Xue
Published: August 2023

This study confirms that the synergistic effects of binary ZnO NPs and TBBPA lead to combined toxicity, while the regulation of HA alleviates oxidative stress and the toxicological response.
Thiol-functionalized TiO2 microspheres and Fe(0) nanoparticle-loaded polymeric hydrogel for the selective recovery of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) from the aquatic medium
Authors: Thekke Parayil Reshmi , Singh Shweta , Basu Ranita , Modak Brindaban , Pimple Mehzabin Vivek , Basu Hirakendu
Published: August 2023

Synthesis and characterization of novel nanohybrid thiol-functionalized TiO2 microspheres and Fe(0) NP-loaded polymeric hydrogel for the benchmark recovery of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi).
Turning Berlin green frameworks into cubic crystals for cathodes with high-rate capability
Authors: Heo Jeong Yeon , Lee Ju-Hyeon , Bae Jin-Gyu , Kim Min Sung , Lee Hyeon Jeong , Lee Ji Hoon
Published: August 2023

One-pot synthesized Berlin green cubes exhibit enhanced rate capability and cycle life when employed as a lithium-ion battery cathode.
Photocatalytic transfer hydrogenolysis of aryl ethers
Authors: Peng Zhikun , Wu Zhixi , Sun Xiaotong , Li Hongji
Published: August 2023

The H2-free reductive cleavage of inert aryl ethers has been achieved at room temperature via photocatalytic transfer hydrogenolysis combined with acid catalysis.
A hybrid polymer protective layer with uniform Li+ flux and self-adaption enabling dendrite-free Li metal anodes
Authors: We Chaohui , Deng Jinxiang , Xing Jianxiong , Wang Zihao , Song Zhicui , Wang Donghuan , Jiang Jicheng , Wang Xin , Zhou Aijun , Zou Wei , Li Jingze
Published: August 2023

A PVA–PAA hybrid layer coated on Li metal anode can greatly improve electrochemical performance of the symmetric cell and Li‖LFP full cell in the liquid electrolyte system at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mA h cm−2.
Electron energy loss and angular asymmetry induced by elastic scattering in superfluid helium nanodroplets
Authors: Asmussen Jakob D. , Sishodia Keshav , Bastian Björn , Abid Abdul R. , Ben Ltaief Ltaief , Pedersen Henrik B. , De Subhendu , Medina Cristian , Pal Nitish , Richter Robert , Fennel Thomas , Krishnan Sivarama , Mudrich Marcel
Published: August 2023

The emission of photoelectrons from superfluid helium nanodroplets is affected by the droplet size due to elastic electron-helium scattering; in large droplets, a shadowing effect leads to preferential emission toward the incident photon beam.
Ligand-regulated photoinduced electron transfer within metal–organic frameworks for efficient photocatalysis
Authors: Tang Yang , Ji Guanfeng , Li Hanning , Gao Hui , He Cheng , Zhao Liang , Duan Chunying
Published: August 2023

By judiciously controlling the twisted conjugation between ligands and coordinated carboxylates to inhibit intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer process, an acridone-based metal–organic framework was obtained for efficient photocatalysis.
Efficient narrow green organic light-emitting diodes with low efficiency roll-offs based on iridium(iii) complexes containing indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole and pyrimidine units
Authors: Liu Qi-Ming , Yuan Li , Liao Xiang-Ji , Zhong Xiao-Sheng , Ni Hua-Xiu , Wang Yu , Zhao Yue , Zheng You-Xuan
Published: August 2023

Two green Ir(iii) complexes based on the ligands containing indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole and pyrimidine units show high PLQYs and small FWHMs. The OLEDs show good performances with an EQEmax of 31.3% and extremely low efficiency roll-offs.
Research progress of all-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries with sulfide solid electrolytes: materials, interfaces, challenges, and prospects
Authors: Du Limao , Wu Rui , Wu Zhan , Huang Hui , Xia Yang , Gan Yongping , Zhang Wenkui , Xia Xinhui , He Xinping , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2023

This review focuses on an overview of the key materials and challenges for ASSLSBs with sulfide SEs and provides insights into the future development of these new energy storage devices.
Insight into the effect of fracture surfaces in graphdiyne on the anode performance for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Zixuan , Wang Shuke
Published: August 2023

Our work demonstrates that the fracture surfaces in 2D materials are beneficial to anode performance, which may enlighten the design of anode materials.