bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mercury evidence from southern Pangea terrestrial sections for end-Permian global volcanic effects
Authors: Shen Jun , Chen Jiubin , Yu Jianxin , Algeo Thomas J. , Smith Roger M. H. , Botha Jennifer , Frank Tracy D. , Fielding Christopher R. , Ward Peter D. , Mather Tamsin A.
Published: January 2023

The latest Permian mass extinction (LPME) was triggered by magmatism of the Siberian Traps Large Igneous Province (STLIP), which left an extensive record of sedimentary Hg anomalies at Northern Hemisphere and tropical sites. Here, we present Hg records from terrestrial sites in southern Pangea, nearly antipodal to contemporaneous STLIP activity, providing insights into the global distribution of volcanogenic Hg during this event and its environmental processing. These profiles (two from Karoo Basin, South Africa; two from Sydney Basin, Australia) exhibit significant Hg enrichments within the uppermost Permian extinction interval as well as positive Δ199Hg excursions (to ~0.3‰), providing evidence of long-distance atmospheric transfer of volcanogenic Hg. These results demonstrate the far-reaching effects of the Siberian Traps as well as refine stratigraphic placement of the LPME interval in the Karoo Basin at a temporal resolution of ~105 years based on global isochronism of volcanogenic Hg anomalies.
Electrical spectroscopy of defect states and their hybridization in monolayer MoS2
Authors: Zhao Yanfei , Tripathi Mukesh , Čerņevičs Kristiāns , Avsar Ahmet , Ji Hyun Goo , Gonzalez Marin Juan Francisco , Cheon Cheol-Yeon , Wang Zhenyu , Yazyev Oleg V. , Kis Andras
Published: January 2023

Defects in solids are unavoidable and can create complex electronic states that can significantly influence the electrical and optical properties of semiconductors. With the rapid progress in the integration of 2D semiconductors in practical devices, it is imperative to understand and characterize the influence of defects in this class of materials. Here, we examine the electrical response of defect filling and emission using deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and reveal defect states and their hybridization in a monolayer MOCVD-grown material deposited on CMOS-compatible substrates. Supported by aberration-corrected STEM imaging and theoretical calculations, we find that neighboring sulfur vacancy pairs introduce additional shallow trap states via hybridization of individual vacancy levels. Even though such vacancy pairs only represent ~10% of the total defect concentration, they can have a substantial influence on the off currents and switching slopes of field-effect transistors based on 2D semiconductors. Our technique, which can quantify the energy states of different defects and their interactions, allows rapid and nondestructive electrical characterization of defect states important for the defect engineering of 2D semiconductors.
Evaluation of mortality attributable to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administration using national level data from Qatar
Authors: Butt Adeel A. , Guerrero Mylai D. , Canlas Elenor B. , Al-Dwairi Husni , Alimam Abeir Bakhiet Mohammed Ali , Mohamad Abdur Rehman , Ali Mohammed Thamer , Asaad Nidal Ahmad , Alkeldi Ali Ahmed Sheikh Saleh , Mohammad Mohammad Fawaz Saber , Thomas Anil G. , Al-Khal Abdullatif , Al-Maslamani Muna , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi
Published: January 2023

Accurate determination of mortality attributable to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is critical in allaying concerns about their safety. We reviewed every death in Qatar that occurred within 30 days of any SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administration between January 1, 2021 and June 12, 2022. Probability of association with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was determined by four independent trained reviewers using a modified WHO algorithm. Among 6,928,359 doses administered, 138 deaths occurred within 30 days of vaccination; eight had a high probability (1.15/1,000,000 doses), 15 had intermediate probability (2.38/1,000,000 doses), and 112 had low probability or no association with vaccination. The death rate among those with high probability of relationship to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was 0.34/100,000 unique vaccine recipients, while death rate among those with either high or intermediate probability of relationship to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was 0.98/100,000 unique vaccine recipients. In conclusion, deaths attributable to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are extremely rare and lower than the overall crude mortality rate in Qatar.
Systematic review and individual-patient-data meta-analysis of non-invasive fibrosis markers for chronic hepatitis B in Africa
Authors: Johannessen Asgeir , Stockdale Alexander J. , Henrion Marc Y. R. , Okeke Edith , Seydi Moussa , Wandeler Gilles , Sonderup Mark , Spearman C. Wendy , Vinikoor Michael , Sinkala Edford , Desalegn Hailemichael , Fall Fatou , Riches Nicholas , Davwar Pantong , Duguru Mary , Maponga Tongai , Taljaard Jantjie , Matthews Philippa C. , Andersson Monique , Mboup Souleyman , Sombie Roger , Shimakawa Yusuke , Lemoine Maud
Published: January 2023

In sub-Saharan Africa, simple biomarkers of liver fibrosis are needed to scale-up hepatitis B treatment. We conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis of 3,548 chronic hepatitis B patients living in eight sub-Saharan African countries to assess the World Health Organization-recommended aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and two other fibrosis biomarkers using a Bayesian bivariate model. Transient elastography was used as a reference test with liver stiffness measurement thresholds at 7.9 and 12.2kPa indicating significant fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively. At the World Health Organization-recommended cirrhosis threshold (>2.0), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index had sensitivity (95% credible interval) of only 16.5% (12.5–20.5). We identified an optimised aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index rule-in threshold (>0.65) for liver stiffness measurement >12.2kPa with sensitivity and specificity of 56.2% (50.5–62.2) and 90.0% (89.0–91.0), and an optimised rule-out threshold (<0.36) with sensitivity and specificity of 80.6% (76.1–85.1) and 64.3% (62.8–65.8). Here we show that the World Health Organization-recommended aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index threshold is inappropriately high in sub-Saharan Africa; improved rule-in and rule-out thresholds can optimise treatment recommendations in this setting.
In vivo clonal tracking reveals evidence of haemangioblast and haematomesoblast contribution to yolk sac haematopoiesis
Authors: Biben C. , Weber T. S. , Potts K. S. , Choi J. , Miles D. C. , Carmagnac A. , Sargeant T. , de Graaf C. A. , Fennell K. A. , Farley A. , Stonehouse O. J. , Dawson M. A. , Hilton D. J. , Naik S. H. , Taoudi S.
Published: January 2023

During embryogenesis, haematopoietic and endothelial lineages emerge closely in time and space. It is thought that the first blood and endothelium derive from a common clonal ancestor, the haemangioblast. However, investigation of candidate haemangioblasts in vitro revealed the capacity for mesenchymal differentiation, a feature more compatible with an earlier mesodermal precursor. To date, no evidence for an in vivo haemangioblast has been discovered. Using single cell RNA-Sequencing and in vivo cellular barcoding, we have unravelled the ancestral relationships that give rise to the haematopoietic lineages of the yolk sac, the endothelium, and the mesenchyme. We show that the mesodermal derivatives of the yolk sac are produced by three distinct precursors with dual-lineage outcomes: the haemangioblast, the mesenchymoangioblast, and a previously undescribed cell type: the haematomesoblast. Between E5.5 and E7.5, this trio of precursors seeds haematopoietic, endothelial, and mesenchymal trajectories.
Predicting aging trajectories of decline in brain volume, cortical thickness and fractional anisotropy in schizophrenia
Authors: Zhu Jun-Ding , Tsai Shih-Jen , Lin Ching-Po , Lee Yi-Ju , Yang Albert C.
Published: January 2023

Brain-age prediction is a novel approach to assessing deviated brain aging trajectories in different diseases. However, most studies have used an average brain age gap (BAG) of individuals with schizophrenia of different illness durations for comparison with healthy participants. Therefore, this study investigated whether declined brain structures as reflected by BAGs may be present in schizophrenia in terms of brain volume, cortical thickness, and fractional anisotropy across different illness durations. We used brain volume, cortical thickness, and fractional anisotropy as features to train three models from the training dataset. Three models were applied to predict brain ages in the hold-out test and schizophrenia datasets and calculate BAGs. We divided the schizophrenia dataset into multiple groups based on the illness duration using a sliding time window approach for ANCOVA analysis. The brain volume and cortical thickness models revealed that, in comparison with healthy controls, individuals with schizophrenia had larger BAGs across different illness durations, whereas the BAG in terms of fractional anisotropy did not differ from that of healthy controls after disease onset. Moreover, the BAG at the initial stage of schizophrenia was the largest in the cortical thickness model. In contrast, the BAG from approximately two decades after disease onset was the largest in the brain volume model. Our findings suggest that schizophrenia differentially affects the decline of different brain structures during the disease course. Moreover, different trends of decline in thickness and volume-based measures suggest a differential decline in dimensions of brain structure throughout the course of schizophrenia.
Effects of single plant-based vs. animal-based meals on satiety and mood in real-world smartphone-embedded studies
Authors: Medawar Evelyn , Zedler Marie , de Biasi Larissa , Villringer Arno , Witte A. Veronica
Published: January 2023

Adopting plant-based diets high in fiber may reduce global warming and obesity prevalence. Physiological and psychological determinants of plant-based food intake remain unclear. As fiber has been linked with improved gut-brain signaling, we hypothesized that a single plant-based (vegetarian and vegan) compared to an animal-based (animal flesh) meal, would induce higher satiety, higher mood and less stress. In three large-scale smartphone-based studies, adults (nall = 16,379) ranked satiety and mood before and after meal intake. Meal intake induced satiety and higher mood. Plant-based meal choices did not explain differences in post-meal hunger. Individuals choosing a plant-based meal reported slightly higher mood before and smaller mood increases after the meal compared to those choosing animal-based meals. Protein content marginally mediated post-meal satiety, while gender and taste ratings had a strong effect on satiety and mood in general. We could not detect the profound effects of plant-based vs. animal-based meals on satiety and mood.
A dataset to assess mobility changes in Chile following local quarantines
Authors: Pappalardo Luca , Cornacchia Giuliano , Navarro Victor , Bravo Loreto , Ferres Leo
Published: January 2023

Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries have implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions like wearing masks, physical distancing, lockdown, and travel restrictions. Because of their economic and logistical effects, tracking mobility changes during quarantines is crucial in assessing their efficacy and predicting the virus spread. Unlike many other heavily affected countries, Chile implemented quarantines at a more localized level, shutting down small administrative zones, rather than the whole country or large regions. Given the non-obvious effects of these localized quarantines, tracking mobility becomes even more critical in Chile. To assess the impact on human mobility of the localized quarantines, we analyze a mobile phone dataset made available by Telefónica Chile, which comprises 31 billion eXtended Detail Records and 5.4 million users covering the period February 26th to September 20th, 2020. From these records, we derive three epidemiologically relevant metrics describing the mobility within and between comunas. The datasets made available may be useful to understand the effect of localized quarantines in containing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transcriptome changes induced by Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in leaves of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) promote higher salt tolerance
Authors: Puccio Guglielmo , Ingraffia Rosolino , Mercati Francesco , Amato Gaetano , Giambalvo Dario , Martinelli Federico , Sunseri Francesco , Frenda Alfonso S.
Published: January 2023

The salinity of soil is a relevant environmental problem around the world, with climate change raising its relevance, particularly in arid and semiarid areas. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) positively affect plant growth and health by mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses, including salt stress. The mechanisms through which these benefits manifest are, however, still unclear. This work aimed to identify key genes involved in the response to salt stress induced by AMF using RNA-Seq analysis on durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum Desf. Husn.). Five hundred sixty-three differentially expressed genes (DEGs), many of which involved in pathways related to plant stress responses, were identified. The expression of genes involved in trehalose metabolism, RNA processing, vesicle trafficking, cell wall organization, and signal transduction was significantly enhanced by the AMF symbiosis. A downregulation of genes involved in both enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidative stress responses as well as amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates metabolisms was also detected, suggesting a lower oxidative stress condition in the AMF inoculated plants. Interestingly, many transcription factor families, including WRKY, NAC, and MYB, already known for their key role in plant abiotic stress response, were found differentially expressed between treatments. This study provides valuable insights on AMF-induced gene expression modulation and the beneficial effects of plant-AMF interaction in durum wheat under salt stress.
Morphological changes of large layer V pyramidal neurons in cortical motor-related areas after spinal cord injury in macaque monkeys
Authors: Takata Yu , Yamanaka Hajime , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Takada Masahiko
Published: January 2023

In primates, neurons giving rise to the corticospinal tract (CST) are distributed in several motor-related areas of the frontal lobe, such as the primary motor cortex (M1), the supplementary motor area (SMA), and the dorsal and ventral divisions of the premotor cortex (PMd, PMv). Recently, we have shown in macaque monkeys that the morphology of basal dendrites of CST neurons, i.e., large layer V pyramidal neurons, varies among the digit regions of the motor-related areas. Here, we investigated the alterations in basal dendrite morphology of CST neurons after spinal cord injury (SCI). In our monkey model, both the complexity and the spine density of basal dendrites were highly decreased throughout the areas. Notably, these events were less prominent for the PMd than for the M1, SMA, and PMv. In analyzing the density changes post-SCI of the filopodia-, thin-, stubby-, and mushroom-type spines, it was found that the density of filopodia-type spines was increased for all areas, whereas the other types of spines exhibited density decreases. Such spine density reductions were so limited for the PMd as compared to the other areas. The observed plastic changes of CST neurons may contribute to the recovery from impaired motor functions caused by SCI.
Spatio-temporal patterns of Synechococcus oligotypes in Moroccan lagoonal environments
Authors: Chaouni Bouchra , Idrissi Azami Abdellah , Raoui Sanae , Amzazi Saaïd , Nejjari Chakib , Bakkali Fadil , Zaid El Houssine , Hamamouch Noureddine , Amaral-Zettler Linda , Ghazal Hassan
Published: January 2023

Synechococcus are unicellular cyanobacteria susceptible to environmental fluctuations and can be used as bioindicators of eutrophication in marine ecosystems. We examined their distribution in two Moroccan lagoons, Marchica on the Mediterranean coast and Oualidia on the Atlantic, in the summers of 2014 and 2015 using 16S rRNA amplicon oligotyping. Synechococcus representatives recruited a higher number of reads from the 16S rRNA in Marchica in comparison to Oualidia. We identified 31 Synechococcus oligotypes that clustered into 10 clades with different distribution patterns. The Synechococcus community was mainly represented by oligotype 1 (clade III) in Marchica. Cooccurring clades IV and I had an important relative abundance in Marchica in the summer of 2014, which is unusual, as these clades are widespread in cold waters. Moreover, Clades VII and subcluster “5.3” formed a sizeable percentage of the Synechococcus community in Marchica. Notably, we found low Synechococcus sequence counts in the Atlantic Lagoon. These results showed that the relative abundance of Synechococcus reads is not constant over space and time and that rare members of the Synechococcus community did not follow a consistent pattern. Further studies are required to decipher Synechococcus dynamics and the impact of environmental parameters on their spatial and temporal distributions.
Processing laser ablated plasmonic nanoparticle aerosols with nonthermal dielectric barrier discharge jets of argon and helium and plasma induced effects
Authors: Khan Taj Muhammad , Alves Gustavo Andrade Silva , Iqbal Amjad
Published: January 2023

Dielectric-barrier-discharge (DBD) plasma jets provide viable state-of-the-art nonthermal processes for a wide range of nanomaterials including particle transport and deposition. We report the interaction of argon and helium plasma jets with the particle aerosol, produced by ns laser ablation of a silver target and subsequently their transport for deposition on a distant substrate. The nanofeatures and functionality of the nanoparticles, entrained and deposited with the two plasma jets were compared using high-resolution electron microscopy, helium ion microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and in terms of the SERS effect. The plasma jet facilitates the transport of the particle aerosol under the upshot of plasma ionic wind, caused by the high electric field in the plasma. Compared to the helium plasma jet, the argon plasma jet leads to a relatively large particle deposition and promotes the formation of aggregates. The helium plasma jet enabled the deposition of spatially well dispersed particles. In both cases, the deposited particle was crystalline and plasmonic active. The plasma-driven altered morphology, expedient particle transport, and formation of agglomerates or spatially well dispersed particles are explained in plasma-induced ionic-wind, and dusty plasma framework. The findings are novel and interesting from the perspective of plasma–surface deposition, surface nanoengineering, and nanomaterial processing for applications in sensing, catalysis, surgical tools, futuristic coating technology, and heat-sensible biological activities.
CD8α+ dendritic cells potentiate antitumor and immune activities against murine ovarian cancers
Authors: Lee Shin-Wha , Lee Hyunah , Lee Kyung-Won , Kim Min-Je , Kang Sung Wan , Lee Young-Jae , Kim HyunSoo , Kim Yong-Man
Published: January 2023

Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapies have been shown to be a potential treatment option for various cancers; however, the exact strategies in ovarian cancer remain unknown. Here, we report the effectiveness of mouse CD8α+ DCs derived from bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (BM-HSCs), equivalent to human CD141+ DCs, which have proven to be a highly superior subset. Mono-DCs from monocytes and stem-DCs from HSCs were characterized by CD11c+ CD80+ CD86+ and CD8α+ Clec9a+ expression, respectively. Despite a lower dose compared with Mono-DCs, mice treated with pulsed Stem-DCs showed a reduced amount of ascitic fluid and lower body weights compared with those of vehicle-treated mice. These mice treated with pulsed stem-DCs appeared to have fewer tumor implants, which were usually confined in the epithelium of tumor-invaded organs. All mice treated with DCs showed longer survival than the vehicle group, especially in the medium/high dose pulsed Stem-DC treatment groups. Moreover, the stem-DC-treated group demonstrated a low proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, high interleukin-12 and interferon-γ levels, and accumulation of several tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Together, these results indicate that mouse CD8α+ DCs derived from BM-HSCs decrease tumor progression and enhance antitumor immune responses against murine ovarian cancer, suggesting that better DC vaccines can be used as an effective immunotherapy in EOC treatment. Further studies are necessary to develop potent DC vaccines using human CD141+ DCs.
Butchering knives and hafting at the Late Middle Paleolithic open-air site of Nahal Mahanayeem Outlet (NMO), Israel
Authors: Martin-Viveros Juan Ignacio , Oron Maya , Ollé Andreu , Chacón M. Gema , Sharon Gonen
Published: January 2023

Much of what is known about human behavior and subsistence strategies in the Levantine Middle Paleolithic comes from long sequences from caves and rock shelters. In this context, studies of stone tool function have traditionally focused on determining the use of Levallois points and triangular elements, either as projectiles or, more rarely, multipurpose knives. Little is known about such tool use and hafting in Middle Paleolithic open-air sites in the Levant through the systematic application of micro-wear analysis. Here we report the results of a low and high-power study performed on the lithic assemblage of the Late Middle Paleolithic open-air site of Nahal Mahanayeem Outlet (NMO, Israel). Most pointed items, including Levallois and non-Levallois points, were used as butchering knives, many of them while hafted; to a much lesser extent they were also used for hide, bone, and wood/plant processing activities. Blades and flakes were mostly handheld and used as butchering knives, with hide, bone, antler, and wood/plant-processing tasks being rare. Hafted artifacts include morphologies and activities for which hafting is not required, indicating that NMO inhabitants possessed varied hafting expertise. Wood/plant processing tools, some of which were hafted, attest that manufacture and maintenance tasks were planned well in advance of game procurement at the site. These results attest to early evidence of hafted butchering knives and hafted plant processing tools for a Late Middle Paleolithic open-air site in the Levant, and support previous interpretations of NMO as a short-term task-specific location focused on animal processing activities, mostly butchery.
The evolution of digital health technologies in cardiovascular disease research
Authors: Zwack Clara C. , Haghani Milad , Hollings Matthew , Zhang Ling , Gauci Sarah , Gallagher Robyn , Redfern Julie
Published: January 2023

When implemented in practice, digital technologies have shown improvements in morbidity and mortality outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). For scholars, research into digital technologies in cardiovascular care has been relatively recent, thus it is important to understand the history of digital health technology in cardiovascular research—its emergence, rate of growth, hot topics, and its temporal evolution. The aim of this study was to analyse more than 16,000 articles in this domain based on their scientometric indicators. Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection was accessed and searched at several levels, including titles, abstracts, keywords, authors, sources and individual articles. Analysis examined the temporal shifts in research and scholarly focus based on keywords, networks of collaboration, topical divisions in relation to digital technologies, and influential publications. Findings showed this research area is growing exponentially. Co-citation analysis revealed twenty prominent research streams and identified variation in the magnitude of activities in each stream. A recent emergence of research activities in digital technology in cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR), out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), and arrythmia research was also demonstrated. Conversely, wearable technologies, activity tracking and electronic medical records research are now past their peak of reported research activity. With increasing amounts of novel technologies becoming available and more patients taking part in remote health care monitoring, further evaluation and research into digital technologies, including their long-term effectiveness, is needed. Furthermore, emerging technologies, which are evaluated and/or validated should be considered for implementation into clinical practice as treatment and prevention modalities for CVD.
The bHLH-zip transcription factor SREBP regulates triterpenoid and lipid metabolisms in the medicinal fungus Ganoderma lingzhi
Authors: Liu Yong-Nan , Wu Feng-Yuan , Tian Ren-Yuan , Shi Yi-Xin , Xu Zi-Qi , Liu Ji-Ye , Huang Jia , Xue Fei-Fei , Liu Bi-Yang , Liu Gao-Qiang
Published: January 2023

Ganoderic acids (GAs) are well recognized as important pharmacological components of the medicinal species belonging to the basidiomycete genus Ganoderma. However, transcription factors directly regulating the expression of GA biosynthesis genes remain poorly understood. Here, the genome of Ganoderma lingzhi is de novo sequenced. Using DNA affinity purification sequencing, we identify putative targets of the transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP), including the genes of triterpenoid synthesis and lipid metabolism. Interactions between SREBP and the targets are verified by electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay. RNA-seq shows that SREBP targets, mevalonate kinase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthetase in mevalonate pathway, sterol isomerase and lanosterol 14-demethylase in ergosterol biosynthesis, are significantly upregulated in the SREBP overexpression (OE::SREBP) strain. In addition, 3 targets involved in glycerophospholipid/glycerolipid metabolism are upregulated. Then, the contents of mevalonic acid, lanosterol, ergosterol and 13 different GAs as well as a variety of lipids are significantly increased in this strain. Furthermore, the effects of SREBP overexpression on triterpenoid and lipid metabolisms are recovered when OE::SREBP strain are treated with exogenous fatostatin, a specific inhibitor of SREBP. Taken together, our genome-wide study clarify the role of SREBP in triterpenoid and lipid metabolisms of G. lingzhi.
Genome-wide sequencing identifies a thermal-tolerance related synonymous mutation in the mussel, Mytilisepta virgata
Authors: Tan Yue , Ma Chao-Yi , Li Xiao-Xu , Han Guo-Dong , Dong Yun-Wei
Published: January 2023

The roles of synonymous mutations for adapting to stressful thermal environments are of fundamental biological and ecological interests but poorly understood. To study whether synonymous mutations influence thermal adaptation at specific microhabitats, a genome-wide genotype-phenotype association analysis is carried out in the black mussels Mytilisepta virgata. A synonymous mutation of Ubiquitin-specific Peptidase 15 (MvUSP15) is significantly associated with the physiological upper thermal limit. The individuals carrying GG genotype (the G-type) at the mutant locus possess significantly lower heat tolerance compared to the individuals carrying GA and AA genotypes (the A-type). When heated to sublethal temperature, the G-type exhibit higher inter-individual variations in MvUSP15 expression, especially for the mussels on the sun-exposed microhabitats. Taken together, a synonymous mutation in MvUSP15 can affect the gene expression profile and interact with microhabitat heterogeneity to influence thermal resistance. This integrative study sheds light on the ecological importance of adaptive synonymous mutations as an underappreciated genetic buffer against heat stress and emphasizes the importance of integrative studies at a microhabitat scale for evaluating and predicting the impacts of climate change.
Appearance and suppression of Turing patterns under a periodically forced feed
Authors: Dúzs Brigitta , Holló Gábor , Kitahata Hiroyuki , Ginder Elliott , Suematsu Nobuhiko J. , Lagzi István , Szalai István
Published: January 2023

Turing instability is a general and straightforward mechanism of pattern formation in reaction–diffusion systems, and its relevance has been demonstrated in different biological phenomena. Still, there are many open questions, especially on the robustness of the Turing mechanism. Robust patterns must survive some variation in the environmental conditions. Experiments on pattern formation using chemical systems have shown many reaction–diffusion patterns and serve as relatively simple test tools to study general aspects of these phenomena. Here, we present a study of sinusoidal variation of the input feed concentrations on chemical Turing patterns. Our experimental, numerical and theoretical analysis demonstrates that patterns may appear even at significant amplitude variation of the input feed concentrations. Furthermore, using time-dependent feeding opens a way to control pattern formation. The patterns settled at constant feed may disappear, or new patterns may appear from a homogeneous steady state due to the periodic forcing.
Past rainfall-driven erosion on the Chinese loess plateau inferred from archaeological evidence from Wucheng City, Shanxi
Authors: Xiong Li-Yang , Li Si-Jin , Hu Guang-Hui , Wang Ke , Chen Min , Zhu A-Xing , Tang Guo-An
Published: January 2023

The history of changes in the Earth’s surface can be investigated by numerical modelling of landform evolution. However, such models rely on evidence which is often removed through erosion or other surface processes. Here, we use archaeological observations from the remains of Wucheng City in Shanxi, China, which was built on a loess area during the Neolithic period, to reconstruct the paleo-surface of the area and inform a landform evolution model. We identify differences between the present-day and paleo-land surface which suggest the topography was previously much less rugged. We find that period of heightened erosion rate in the early Holocene coincides with the period of increased rainfall, suggesting climate was the primary control on landform evolution during this time. We conclude that paleo-surface observations taken from archaeological sites, as demonstrated by this study, are valuable tools to inform landform evolution models in other regions where evidence is limited.
An iron-based metal–organic framework as a novel dispersive solid-phase extraction sorbent for the efficient adsorption of tetrabromobisphenol A from environmental water samples
Authors: Wang Ling-Juan , Han Wei , Lou Ting-Ting , Ma Lin-Lin , Xiao Ya-Bing , Xu Zhou , Chen Mao-Long , Cheng Yun-Hui , Ding Li
Published: January 2023

A dispersive solid-phase extraction method based on Fe-MIL-88-NH2 combined with HPLC was developed for tetrabromobisphenol A in water samples.
Protein–protein interfaces in molecular glue-induced ternary complexes: classification, characterization, and prediction
Authors: Rui Huan , Ashton Kate S. , Min Jaeki , Wang Connie , Potts Patrick Ryan
Published: January 2023

This review surveys molecular glue-induced ternary complexes in the PDB and provides an overview of computational methods that can be utilized to predict them.
Accessing three-branched high-affinity cereblon ligands for molecular glue and protein degrader design
Authors: Kuchta Robert , Heim Christopher , Herrmann Alexander , Maiwald Samuel , Ng Yuen Lam Dora , Sosič Izidor , Keuler Tim , Krönke Jan , Gütschow Michael , Hartmann Marcus D. , Steinebach Christian
Published: January 2023

The Petasis borono-Mannich reaction was employed for an entry towards three-branched cereblon ligands. The high-affinity ligands were used to assemble molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) targeting BRD4 for degradation.
An autonomous remotely operated gas chromatograph for chemically resolved monitoring of atmospheric volatile organic compounds
Authors: McGlynn Deborah F. , Panji Namrata Shanmukh , Frazier Graham , Bi Chenyang , Isaacman-VanWertz Gabriel
Published: January 2023

An automated gas chromatography flame ionization detector with automated calibration and data analysis enabling long-term VOC monitoring.
Synthesis of Fe3+/Ce3+-doped poly(para-phenylenediamine) adsorbents and their application in the removal of fluorides, arsenites and pathogens from water
Authors: Munzhelele E. P. , Gitari M. W. , Ayinde W. B. , Mudzielwana R.
Published: January 2023

This study describes the removal mechanisms of fluoride, arsenites, and pathogens from water using conjugated polymeric adsorbent synthesized from the chemical co-polymerization of Fe3+ and Ce3+ incorporated into a poly(paraphenylenediamine) matrix.
In vitro fermentation of seaweed polysaccharides and tea polyphenol blends by human intestinal flora and their effects on intestinal inflammation
Authors: Shen Shiqi , Yang Wenqin , Li Lijun , Zhu Yanbing , Yang Yuanfan , Ni Hui , Jiang Zedong , Zheng Mingjing
Published: January 2023

The combination of different seaweed polysaccharides and tea polyphenols had different regulatory effects on the intestinal flora and intestinal inflammation.
Multicomponent catalyst design for CO2/N2/NOxelectroreduction
Authors: Jia Shunhan , Wu Limin , Xu Liang , Sun Xiaofu , Han Buxing
Published: January 2023

The recent progress in multicomponent catalyst design for CO2/N2/NOxelectroreduction is summarized from three models.
Dual-responsive microcapsules with tailorable shells from oppositely charged biopolymers for precise pesticide release
Authors: Yu Xiaona , Wang Jie , Li Xue , Ma Shuaishuai , Zhu Wanbin , Wang Hongliang
Published: January 2023

pH/Laccase responsive microcapsules with tailorable shells were prepared by the layer-by-layer deposition of sodium lignosulfonate and chitosan for protecting photosensitive avermectin.
Pyridine based dual binding site aromatase (CYP19A1) inhibitors
Authors: Eissa Ahmed G. , Powell Lauren E. , Gee Julia , Foster Paul A. , Simons Claire
Published: January 2023

4th generation pyridine based dual site aromatase (CYP19A1) inhibitors were synthesised and evaluated for CYP19A1 inhibitory activity, cytotoxicity and CYP selectivity. Computational studies provided insight into the potential binding mode.
Ligand effects on the photoluminescence of atomically precise silver nanoclusters
Authors: Sahoo Koustav , Chakraborty Indranath
Published: January 2023

This mini-review focuses on the recent understanding of the impacts of ligands on the photoluminescence properties of atomically precise silver nanoclusters.
In situformation of nickel sulfide quantum dots embedded into a two-dimensional metal–organic framework for water splitting
Authors: Lin Jin , Zhou Huajun , Amin R. S. , Fetohi Amani E. , El-Khatib K. M. , Wang Chao , Guo Li , Wang Yanzhong
Published: January 2023

The schematic diagram of the water splitting of the as-prepared catalysts.
Organocatalytic asymmetric [3 + 3] annulations of 3-carboxamide oxindoles with β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters: facile access to chiral spiro-δ-lactam oxindoles
Authors: Zhang Zheng-Bing , He Qiuzuo , Wang Ting , Wang Guoqin , Yang Dan , Han Pan , Jing Linhai
Published: January 2023

A novel strategy for the organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of spiro-δ-lactam oxindoles was developed via a [3 + 3] annulation of 3-carboxamide oxindoles and β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters with excellent diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities.
Teaching crystal structures in undergraduate courses: a systematic review from a disciplinary literacy perspective
Authors: Caro Veronica , Carter Brandon A. , Millunchick Joanna , Reeves Shalaunda
Published: January 2023

Teaching engineering students how to effectively communicate using the language, representations, and tools specific to their discipline is important to their development as practitioners in their respective fields. This article describes a literature review of learning activities intended to teach crystal structure and crystallography and explores the extent to which educators implement elements of disciplinary literacy. We categorized the purpose of the paper, what the students are asked to do, the representations used in the activities, and the learner roles that the activities support. We observe that a majority of the papers engage students in disciplinary practices and support many, but not all aspects of disciplinary literacy. Instructors use a variety of representations in presenting concepts and ask students to interact with the learning activities to recount information or interpret results. However, we find that the activities rarely ask students to synthesize new information or evaluate their information in any wider context. We suggest that instructors should aim to implement the entire range of learning roles, and employ more critical socio-cultural approaches when designing learning activities to make the sciences accessible to a more diverse population of learners.
A pillar[5]arene-based planar chiral charge-transfer dye with enhanced circularly polarized luminescence and multiple responsive chiroptical changes
Authors: Chen Jin-Fa , Gao Qing-Xiu , Liu Lijie , Chen Pangkuan , Wei Tai-Bao
Published: January 2023

Pillar[5]arene-based charge transfer dyes show bright circularly polarized luminescence. The intramolecular charge transfer from pillar[5]arene to triarylborane induces an approximately 10-fold increase in luminescence dissymmetry factors.
Correction: ThC2@C82versus Th@C84: unexpected formation of triangular thorium carbide cluster inside fullerenes
Authors: Shen Yi , Yu Xiaojuan , Meng Qingyu , Yao Yang-Rong , Autschbach Jochen , Chen Ning
Published: January 2023

Correction for ‘ThC2@C82versus Th@C84: unexpected formation of triangular thorium carbide cluster inside fullerenes’ by Yi Shen et al., Chem. Sci., 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2sc04846a.
Stereoassembly of ultrasmall Rh-decorated zeolite imidazolate framework–MXene heterostructures for boosted methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Qin Jinlong , Huang Huajie , Zhang Jian , Zhu Fengyi , Luo Lang , Zhang Chi , Yang Lu , Jiang Quanguo , He Haiyan
Published: January 2023

A bottom-up stereoassembly strategy is developed for the fabrication of ultrasmall Rh-decorated heterostructures from ZIF-8 and MXene nanosheets, which exhibit exceptional electrocatalytic performance in methanol oxidation.
A 3D multifunctional bi-layer scaffold to regulate stem cell behaviors and promote osteochondral regeneration
Authors: Zhang Po , Chen Jialin , Sun Yuzhi , Cao Zhicheng , Zhang Yanan , Mo Qingyun , Yao Qingqiang , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2023

We designed a 3D multifunctional bi-layer scaffold (PCL/HA-GelMA/KGN@TA/E7) to regulate endogenous stem cell behaviors and exert antioxidant activity for enhanced osteochondral regeneration.
Correction: Engineered nanostructures within sol–gel bioactive glass for enhanced bioactivity and modulated drug delivery
Authors: Mukundan Lakshmi M. , S. Remya Nirmal , Kumar Nikhil , Dhara Santanu , Chattopadhyay Santanu
Published: January 2023

Correction for ‘Engineered nanostructures within sol–gel bioactive glass for enhanced bioactivity and modulated drug delivery’ by Lakshmi M. Mukundan et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2tb01692c.
Reduced graphene oxide layers full of bubbles for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Yang Sufang , Tao Zechao , Li Xiangfen , Liu Jinxing , Kong Qingqiang , Tong Yelong , Li Junfen , Liu Zhanjun
Published: January 2023

The rGO bubbles are prepared by a template-free method and show a high EMI SE, ascribed to the multiple reflections and absorption of their conductive network.
Survey of Communication Sciences and Disorders Applicants: Factors That Influence Graduate School Selection
Authors: King Alison , Power-deFur Lissa A. , Perry Jeannine , Wind Erin , Anderson Sarah
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the aspects within speech-language pathology programs that students deem to be important or relevant as they apply to and subsequently select a graduate program.

Method:

Data were collected through an online survey of 627 individuals who had applied to a master's degree program in speech-language pathology. Ninety-nine applicants participated in the survey (15.7% response rate) with approximately half (46%) providing information to an open-ended question. Survey questions explored 28 different factors for consideration.

Results:

Respondents indicated that clinical opportunities on and off campus, ability to attend full time, and responsiveness of the university to inquiries were the top most important factors when deciding where to apply and then attend graduate school. The top factors considered not important, or irrelevant, included attending a large university, ability to attend part time, and the program being located in a small town/city. An open-ended response question identified other factors applicants valued, including diversity within the program, diversity of clients, the campus community, and university supports.

Conclusions:

Results from this study identified factors important to communication sciences and disorders (speech-language pathology) graduate program applicants to a small, public university in rural Virginia and supported findings from previous studies. Furthermore, additional factors emerged including university assistance and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Graduate programs can use these findings in developing and refining programs and in recruiting students to their programs.
Induced voltage at the closest pole on parallel line due to direct triggered lightning on 10 kV double circuit distribution line
Authors: Zhao Yating , Wang Jianguo , Cai Li , Li Quanxin , Fang Yuqian , Su Rui , Wang Shoupeng , Zhou Mi
Published: January 2023

In 2019, triggered lightning was used to directly strike phase C of a 1.5 km, 10 kV double‐circuit distribution line in Guangzhou, China, with 2 flashes (13 return strokes) recorded. This paper presents the characteristics of induced voltage at the closest pole on the parallel line. The induced voltage is bipolar, which can be divided into 3 stages: negative increase stage, fast and positive transition stage and slowly returning to zero stage. The positive peak value of phase A voltage ranges from 111.4 to 228.9 kV and that of phase C voltage is from 90.1 to 200.9 kV, corresponding to lightning current from −8.9 to −29.9 kA. The positive peak value of the induced voltage is approximately 3 to 10 times the negative peak value. The negative peak, positive peak and positive 10%–10% duration time of induced voltage show a good linear relationship with the peak value of the return stroke current. There was no flashover occurred during the whole process. The result in this paper can provide data support for numerical simulation and line protection analysis.
Network partitioning and hierarchical voltage regulation for distribution networks using holomorphic embedding method‐based sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Ren , Liu Haoming , Yang Meng , Wang Jian , Shang Jie
Published: January 2023

The fluctuation of photovoltaics (PVs) output may cause the voltage out‐of‐limit, while the PV inverters and hybrid distribution transformers (HDTs) bring flexible controllability to distribution networks (DNs). However, there are differences in response speeds between power electronic equipment and traditional discrete regulating equipment. Therefore, a network partitioning and hierarchical voltage regulation method using holomorphic embedding method (HEM) ‐based sensitivity is proposed. Firstly, the HEM‐based voltage sensitivity is derived, and the network partitioning method is proposed using the HEM‐based sensitivity matrix. Then, the hierarchical voltage regulation framework is constructed. The objects of the upper layer are the minimum network loss and voltage deviation, which centrally optimizes the operation status of discrete regulation equipment. The lower layer exploits the fast control ability of PV inverters and HDTs, so as to autonomously regulate the voltage of each partition. Finally, a practical 10 kV DN in China is used for case studies. The results demonstrate that the HEM‐based voltage sensitivity calculation method has advantages in computational efficiency and accuracy compared with the conventional method. Moreover, the proposed voltage regulation method can suppress the voltage fluctuation.
Enhanced three‐dimensional model reconstruction based on local ternary pattern‐guided fusion of multi‐exposure images
Authors: Chan Kwok‐Leung , Li Liping , Leung Arthur Wing‐Tak , Chan Ho‐Yin
Published: January 2023

Computer vision applications usually rely on the features extracted from input images with good visibility. Image acquisition systems may produce degraded images with low contrast or distorted colours. For instance, bad weather (haze, fog) can cause images captured outdoor with low visibility. Image processing algorithms generally assume that the input image is the scene radiance. Haze removal, with the recovery of image radiance, ensures reliable features extracted from images and the image processing algorithm can achieve optimal performance. Inspired by the concept of image dehazing, the authors propose an image enhancement method that can be used to improve the visibility of the images. Each original image is first transformed into multiple exposure images by means of gamma‐correction operations and adaptive histogram equalization. The transformed images are analyzed by the computation of the local ternary pattern. The image is then enhanced, with each pixel generated from the set of transformed image pixels weighted by a function of the local pattern feature. The authors evaluate their proposed method on four benchmark image dehazing datasets. The quantitative results show that our method outperforms many deterministic algorithms and deep learning models. Moreover, the authors investigate the impact of image enhancement on a practical image‐based application—the reconstruction of three‐dimensional (3D) model of survey scene. Accurate 3D model reconstruction depends on high‐quality images. Degraded images will result in large errors in the reconstructed 3D model. Experimentations have been carried out on outdoor and indoor surveys. Our analysis finds that when fed into the photogrammetry software, the images enhanced by the authors’ method can reconstruct 3D scene models with sub‐millimetre mean errors, which are much better than those with the original images. As shown in the visual and quantitative results of 3D model reconstruction, the authors’ proposed method also outperforms other image enhancement methods.
Reactive power control in renewable rich power grids: A literature review
Authors: Kumar C. , Lakshmanan M. , Jaisiva S. , Prabaakaran K. , Barua Sourav , Fayek Hady H.
Published: January 2023

Recently, there is vast progress in the integration of renewable energy generators (REGs) into the power grid. The reactive power, which is indeed a fundamental power system factor is being influenced highly by the renewable power penetration levels. As a consequence, this has paved the way toward the generation of steady‐state voltage and dynamic/transient stability issues. Therefore, to provide a sustainable and dependable power grid, it is indeed important to maintain and control adequate reactive power reserves. This study introduces a comprehensive literature survey on “management of reactive power in renewable‐rich power networks”. A total of 75 research publications have been collected for this study, and a concise summary of each article is offered. The articles are categorized according to the types of REGs used, type of control, grid code consideration, controller device, implementation tools, grid type, load type as well as various reactive power support systems. In addition, this study examines the advantages and drawbacks of existing models. The performance recorded in each of the collected papers are discussed. Ultimately, the most critical challenges related to management of reactive power in renewable‐rich power grids are identified, along with some essential methodological suggestions for the electricity sector, regulators, and research scientists.