bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ordered creation and motion of skyrmions with surface acoustic wave
Authors: Chen Ruyi , Chen Chong , Han Lei , Liu Peisen , Su Rongxuan , Zhu Wenxuan , Zhou Yongjian , Pan Feng , Song Cheng
Published: July 2023

Magnetic skyrmions with a well-defined spin texture have shown unprecedented potential for various spintronic applications owning to their topologically non-trivial and quasiparticle properties. To put skyrmions into practical technology, efficient manipulation, especially the inhibition of skyrmion Hall effect (SkHE) has been intensively pursued. In spite of the recent progress made on reducing SkHE in several substituted systems, such as ferrimagnets and synthetic antiferromagnets, the organized creation and current driven motion of skyrmions with negligible SkHE in ferromagnets remain challenging. Here, by embedding the [Co/Pd] multilayer into a surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay line where the longitudinal leaky SAW is excited to provide both the strain and thermal effect, we experimentally realized the ordered generation of magnetic skyrmions. The resultant current-induced skyrmions movement with negligible SkHE was observed, which can be attributed to the energy redistribution of the system during the excitation of SAW. Our findings open up an unprecedentedly new perspective for manipulating topological solitons, which could possibly trigger the future discoveries in skyrmionics and spin acousto-electronics.
Durable organic nonlinear optical membranes for thermotolerant lightings and in vivo bioimaging
Authors: Tian Tian , Fang Yuxuan , Wang Wenhui , Yang Meifang , Tan Ying , Xu Chuan , Zhang Shuo , Chen Yuxin , Xu Mingyi , Cai Bin , Wu Wu-Qiang
Published: July 2023

Organic nonlinear optical materials have potential in applications such as lightings and bioimaging, but tend to have low photoluminescent quantum yields and are prone to lose the nonlinear optical activity. Herein, we demonstrate to weave large-area, flexible organic nonlinear optical membranes composed of 4-N,N-dimethylamino-4ʹ-Nʹ-methyl-stilbazolium tosylate@cyclodextrin host-guest supramolecular complex. These membranes exhibited a record high photoluminescence quantum yield of 73.5%, and could continuously emit orange luminescence even being heated at 300 °C, thus enabling the fabrication of thermotolerant light-emitting diodes. The nonlinear optical property of these membranes can be well-preserved even in polar environment. The supramolecular assemblies with multiphoton absorption characteristics were used for in vivo real-time imaging of Escherichia coli at 1000 nm excitation. These findings demonstrate to achieve scalable fabrication of organic nonlinear optical materials with high photoluminescence quantum yields, and good stability against thermal stress and polar environment for high-performance, durable optoelectronic devices and humanized multiphoton bio-probes.
Targeting Mcl-1 by a small molecule NSC260594 for triple-negative breast cancer therapy
Authors: Dong Shengli , Matossian Margarite D. , Yousefi Hassan , Khosla Maninder , Collins-Burow Bridgette M. , Burow Matthew E. , Alahari Suresh K.
Published: July 2023

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are aggressive forms of breast cancer and tend to grow and spread more quickly than most other types of breast cancer. TNBCs can neither be targeted by hormonal therapies nor the antibody trastuzumab that targets the HER2 protein. There are urgent unmet medical needs to develop targeted drugs for TNBCs. We identified a small molecule NSC260594 from the NCI diversity set IV compound library. NSC260594 exhibited dramatic cytotoxicity in multiple TNBCs in a dose-and time-dependent manner. NSC260594 inhibited the Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) expression through downregulation of Wnt signaling proteins. Consistent with this, NSC260594 treatment increased apoptosis, which was confirmed by using an Annexin-V/PI assay. Interestingly, NSC260594 treatment reduced the cancer stem cell (CSC) population in TNBCs. To make NSC260594 more clinically relevant, we treated NSC260594 with TNBC cell derived xenograft (CDX) mouse model, and with patient-derived xenograft (PDX) organoids. NSC260594 significantly suppressed MDA-MB-231 tumor growth in vivo, and furthermore, the combination treatment of NSC260594 and everolimus acted synergistically to decrease growth of TNBC PDX organoids. Together, we found that NSC260594 might serve as a lead compound for triple-negative breast cancer therapy through targeting Mcl-1.
Neuroprotective activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles against methamphetamine-induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Khorrami Sadegh , Dogani Manijeh , Mahani Saeed Esmaeili , Moghaddam Mehrdad Moosazadeh , Taheri Ramezan Ali
Published: July 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective activity of the black peel pomegranate extract, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized using the extract. We pretreated the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5 cells with the extract and AgNPs and evaluated the neuroprotective activity of these agents against methamphetamine (Meth) cytotoxicity. The NPs were spherical with 19 ± 8 nm size, − 28 mV surface charge, and 0.20 PDI. Meth killed the cells by increasing proapoptotic (Bax, PTEN, AKT, PI3K, NF-κB, P53, TNF-α, Cyt C, and Cas 3) and decreasing the antiapoptotic genes (Bcl-2) expression. Exposure to Meth caused DNA fragmentation and increased the intercellular ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). A 4-h pretreatment of the cells with the extract and AgNPs could retain the viability of the cells above 80% by increasing the Bcl-2 expression up to fourfold and inhibiting the cell death pathways. ROS, MDA, and MMP levels in the pretreated cells were close to the control group. The percentage of necrosis in cells pretreated with the extract and AgNPs declined to 32% and 8%, respectively. Our promising findings indicated that AgNPs could reduce Meth-induced oxidative stress and prevent necrotic and apoptotic cell death by regulating related genes’ expression.
Stage-specific coexpression network analysis of Myc in cohorts of renal cancer
Authors: Priyam Jyotsna , Saxena Urmila
Published: July 2023

The present study investigates the molecular dynamics of Myc in normal precursors and in different stages (I/II/III/IV) of cohorts of renal cancer using two distinct yet complementary approaches: gene expression and gene coexpression. We also analysed the variation of coexpression networks of Myc through the stage-wise progression of renal cancer cohorts. Myc expression is significantly higher in stage I compared to normal tissue but changed inconsistently across stages of renal cancer. We identified that Myc consistently coexpressed with fourteen genes in the KIPAN [Pan-kidney cohort (KICH + KIRC + KIRP)] and eight in the KIRC (Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma) across all stages, providing potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. Coexpression network complexity decreased from normal precursor tissues to associated tumour stage I in KIPAN and KIRC but was inconsistent after that. In the process of cancer development, there is generally lower cross-tissue cancer network homology observed among coexpressed genes with Myc during the normal to the stage I compared to the stage-wise progression of cancer. Overall, this research provides novel perceptions of the molecular causes of kidney cancer. It also highlights potential genes and pathways crucial for diagnosing and treating this disease.
Unraveling the adaptive chemical traits of Rhamnidium elaeocarpum Reissek in response to fire in pantanal wetlands
Authors: Siqueira Camila Sório , Dos Santos Vanessa Samúdio , Carollo Carlos Alexandre , Damasceno-Junior Geraldo Alves
Published: July 2023

We conducted a study on the effects of fire on Rhamnidium elaeocarpum, a widely distributed woody species found in the Pantanal wetlands, using LC–MS metabolomics, total phenolic and tannin content analysis, and thermogravimetric behavior. We sampled individuals from four groups: No Fire, Fire 2019, Fire 2020, and APD 20 (individuals whose aerial parts had died during the 2020 fire event). We found that recent fires had no significant impact on the species' phenolic metabolism except for those in the fourth group. These specimens showed a decline in secondary metabolites due to leaching. The high levels of phenolics in R. elaeocarpum suggest that this species has a biochemical tolerance to the stress caused by seasonal fires. Metabolomic profiling revealed the presence of proanthocyanidin oligomers, which protect against oxidative stress and post-fire environmental disturbances. However, the passage of fire also led to a high incidence of toxic karwinaphthopyranone derivatives, which could be a concern for the species' medicinal use. Finally, the thermogravimetric analysis showed that the species is thermotolerant, with an intrinsic relationship between the secondary compounds and thermotolerance. Our research has deepened the comprehension of how fire affects the metabolic processes of woody plants. The challenge now lies in determining if the identified chemical changes are adaptive characteristics that evolved over time or merely transient responses to external environmental stimuli.
Advanced (bio)fouling resistant surface modification of PTFE hollow-fiber membranes for water treatment
Authors: Taghavian Hadi , Černík Miroslav , Dvořák Lukáš
Published: July 2023

Membrane surface treatment to modify anti-(bio)fouling resistivity plays a key role in membrane technology. This paper reports on the successful use of air-stimulated surface polymerization of dopamine hydrochloride incorporated ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for impeding the intrinsic hydrophobicity and low anti-(bio)fouling resistivity of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hollow-fiber membranes (HFMs). The study involved the use of pristine and polydopamine (Pdopa) coated PTFE HFMs, both with and without the presence of an air supply and added ZnO NPs. Zeta potential measurements were performed to evaluate the dispersion stability of ZnO NPs prior to immobilization, while morphological characterization and time-dependency of the Pdopa growth layer were illustrated through scanning electron microscopy. Pdopa surface polymerization and ZnO NPs immobilization were confirmed using FT-IR and EDX spectroscopy. Transformation of the PTFE HFM surface features to superhydrophilic was demonstrated through water contact angle analysis and the stability of immobilized ZnO NPs assessed by ICP analysis. Anti-fouling criteria and (bio)fouling resistivity performance of the surface-modified membranes were assessed through flux recovery determination of bovine serum albumin in dead-end filtration as well as dynamic-contact-condition microbial evaluation against Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli, respectively. The filtration recovery ratio and antimicrobial results suggested promising surface modification impacts on the anti-fouling properties of PTFE HFM. As such, the method represents the first successful use of air-stimulated Pdopa coating incorporating ZnO NPs to induce superhydrophilic PTFE HFM surface modification. Such a method can be extended to the other membranes associated with water treatment processes.
Multiyear analysis uncovers coordinated seasonality in stocks and composition of the planktonic food web in the Baltic Sea proper
Authors: Fridolfsson Emil , Bunse Carina , Lindehoff Elin , Farnelid Hanna , Pontiller Benjamin , Bergström Kristofer , Pinhassi Jarone , Legrand Catherine , Hylander Samuel
Published: July 2023

The planktonic realm from bacteria to zooplankton provides the baseline for pelagic aquatic food webs. However, multiple trophic levels are seldomly included in time series studies, hampering a holistic understanding of the influence of seasonal dynamics and species interactions on food web structure and biogeochemical cycles. Here, we investigated plankton community composition, focusing on bacterio-, phyto- and large mesozooplankton, and how biotic and abiotic factors correlate at the Linnaeus Microbial Observatory (LMO) station in the Baltic Sea from 2011 to 2018. Plankton communities structures showed pronounced dynamic shifts with recurring patterns. Summarizing the parts of the planktonic microbial food web studied here to total carbon, a picture emerges with phytoplankton consistently contributing > 39% while bacterio- and large mesozooplankton contributed ~ 30% and ~ 7%, respectively, during summer. Cyanophyceae, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were important groups among the prokaryotes. Importantly, Dinophyceae, and not Bacillariophyceae, dominated the autotrophic spring bloom whereas Litostomatea (ciliates) and Appendicularia contributed significantly to the consumer entities together with the more traditionally observed mesozooplankton, Copepoda and Cladocera. Our findings of seasonality in both plankton composition and carbon stocks emphasize the importance of time series analyses of food web structure for characterizing the regulation of biogeochemical cycles and appropriately constraining ecosystem models.
Detection of invasive and native beetle species within trees by chemical analysis of frass
Authors: Fujiwara-Tsujii Nao , Yasui Hiroe
Published: July 2023

In recent years, several invasive woodborers (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) have been found in Japan. Aromia bungii is a worldwide important pest of fruits and ornamental species of the genus Prunus. It invaded Japan in the early 2010s and now causes heavy damage to stone fruit trees. Anoplophora glabripennis and Apriona swainsoni are destructive pests of street, ornamental and horticultural trees. The first step in intercepting these beetles is to detect their presence early in their infestation, as accurate identification is crucial for their management. Ejected frass is a major sign of infestation and likely holds information on the insect. We focused on chemicals in both larvae and frass, and conducted a GC–MS analysis of these three invasive beetles and the native Anoplophora malasiaca. In all four species, 4 or 5 species-specific hydrocarbons were detected in both larvae and frass. These results indicate that analysis of hydrocarbons in frass could allow definitive detection of invasive wood-boring pests.
CCND1-associated ceRNA network reveal the critical pathway of TPRG1-AS1-hsa-miR-363-3p-MYO1B as a prognostic marker for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Zehao , Qiu Xinguang , He Qi , Fu Xinghao , Ji Feihong , Tian Xiufen
Published: July 2023

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death globally, yet there are few useful biomarkers for early identification and prognostic prediction. Previous studies have confirmed that CCND1 amplification is closely associated with head and neck oncogenesis, and the present study explored the ceRNA network associated with CCND1. Gene expression profiling of the Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSC) project of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program identified the TPRG1-AS1-hsa-miR-363-3P-MYO1B gene regulatory axis associated with CCND1. Further analysis of the database showed that MYOB was regulated by methylation in head and neck tumors, and functional enrichment analysis showed that MYO1B was involved in "actin filament organization" and "cadherin binding ". Immune infiltration analysis suggested that MYO1B may influence tumorigenesis and prognosis by regulating the immune microenvironment of HNSC. MYO1B enhanced tumor spread through the EMT approach, according to epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) characterisation. We analyzed both herbal and GSCALite databases and found that CCND1 and MYO1B have the potential as predictive biomarkers for the treatment of HNSC patients. RT-qPCR validated bioinformatic predictions of gene expression in vitro cell lines. In conclusion, we found a CCND1-related ceRNA network and identified the novel TPRG1-AS1-hsa-miR-363-3p-MYO1B pathway as a possible HNSC diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
The role of dominance in sibling relationships: differences in interactive cooperative and competitive behavior
Authors: Hernandez-Pena Lucia , Hoppe Wiebke , Koch Julia , Keeler Charlotte , Waller Rebecca , Habel Ute , Sijben Rik , Wagels Lisa
Published: July 2023

Siblings strongly influence each other in their social development and are a major source of support and conflict. Yet, studies are mostly observational, and little is known about how adult sibling relationships influence social behavior. Previous tasks exploring dynamically adjusting social interactions have limitations in the level of interactivity and naturalism of the interaction. To address these limitations, we created a cooperative tetris puzzle-solving task and an interactive version of the chicken game task. We validated these two tasks to study cooperative and competitive behavior in real-time interactions (N = 56). Based on a dominance questionnaire (DoPL), sibling pairs were clustered into pairs that were both low in dominance (n = 7), both high in dominance (n = 8), or one low and one high in dominance (n = 13). Consistent with our hypothesis, there were significantly more mutual defections, less use of turn-taking strategies, and a non-significant trend for reduced success in solving tetris puzzles together among high dominance pairs compared to both other pair types. High dominant pairs also had higher Machiavellian and hypercompetitiveness traits and more apathetic sibling relationships. Both tasks constitute powerful and reliable tools to study personality and relationship influences on real and natural social interactions by demonstrating the different cooperative and competitive dynamics between siblings.
A universal tool for predicting differentially active features in single-cell and spatial genomics data
Authors: Vandenbon Alexis , Diez Diego
Published: July 2023

With the growing complexity of single-cell and spatial genomics data, there is an increasing importance of unbiased and efficient exploratory data analysis tools. One common exploratory data analysis step is the prediction of genes with different levels of activity in a subset of cells or locations inside a tissue. We previously developed singleCellHaystack, a method for predicting differentially expressed genes from single-cell transcriptome data, without relying on comparisons between clusters of cells. Here we present an update to singleCellHaystack, which is now a universally applicable method for predicting differentially active features: (1) singleCellHaystack now accepts continuous features that can be RNA or protein expression, chromatin accessibility or module scores from single-cell, spatial and even bulk genomics data, and (2) it can handle 1D trajectories, 2-3D spatial coordinates, as well as higher-dimensional latent spaces as input coordinates. Performance has been drastically improved, with up to ten times reduction in computational time and scalability to millions of cells, making singleCellHaystack a suitable tool for exploratory analysis of atlas level datasets. singleCellHaystack is available as packages in both R and Python.
Toxicological assessment of pristine and degraded forms of graphene functionalized with MnOx nanoparticles using human in vitro models representing different exposure routes
Authors: Fernández-Pampín Natalia , González Plaza Juan José , García-Gómez Alejandra , Peña Elisa , Garroni Sebastiano , Poddighe Matteo , Rumbo Carlos , Barros Rocío , Martel-Martín Sonia , Aparicio Santiago , Tamayo-Ramos Juan Antonio
Published: July 2023

The development of novel advanced nanomaterials (NMs) with outstanding characteristics for their use in distinct applications needs to be accompanied by the generation of knowledge on their potential toxicological impact, in particular, that derived from different occupational risk exposure routes, such as inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. The harmful effects of novel graphene-metal oxide composites on human health are not well understood, many toxicological properties have not been investigated yet. The present study has evaluated several toxicological effects associated with graphene decorated with manganese oxide nanoparticles (GNA15), in a comparative assessment with those induced by simple graphene (G2), on human models representing inhalation (A549 cell line), ingestion (HT29 cell line) and dermal routes (3D reconstructed skin). Pristine and degraded forms of these NMs were included in the study, showing to have different physicochemical and toxicological properties. The degraded version of GNA15 (GNA15d) and G2 (G2d) exhibited clear structural differences with their pristine counterparts, as well as a higher release of metal ions. The viability of respiratory and gastrointestinal models was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of both GNA15 and G2 pristine and degraded forms. Besides this, all NMs induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both models. However, the degraded forms showed to induce a higher cytotoxicity effect. In addition, we found that none of the materials produced irritant effects on 3D reconstructed skin when present in aqueous suspensions. These results provide novel insights into the potentially harmful effects of novel multicomponent NMs in a comprehensive manner. Furthermore, the integrity of the NMs can play a role in their toxicity, which can vary depending on their composition and the exposure route.
Urban population prediction based on multi-objective lioness optimization algorithm and system dynamics model
Authors: Li Dong , Yu Yanyan , Wang Bo
Published: July 2023

Population size is closely related to economic and social development and change. It is one of the primary and essential elements of overall urban development planning to formulate a population development strategy scientifically through population projections. Therefore, we propose an urban population prediction model based on a multi-objective lioness optimization algorithm and system dynamics. The multi-objective lioness optimization algorithm is used to optimize some critical parameters of the system dynamics model to reduce the subjectivity of the model construction. Taking Xi’an as an example, the validity of the model is verified, and the population size of Xi’an from 2019 to 2050 is predicted by the model. In addition, the impact of different policies and their combinations on the future population is discussed through simulations of three scenarios composed of five policy factors: birth, employment, science and technology, healthcare and education. The results show that the total population of Xi’an will peak at 147,939,242 in 2040, based on current development trends. Moreover, the five policies with the largest to smallest positive effect on population size are: employment policy, fertility policy, education policy, science and technology policy, and health policy, with employment and fertility policies having significantly larger effects than the other three. Therefore, the employment policy and the birth policy are the two most effective policies to promote population growth, and the coordinated implementation of the five policies is the fastest way to increase population size.
Young people’s mental and social distress in times of international crisis: evidence from helpline calls, 2019–2022
Authors: Brülhart Marius , Klotzbücher Valentin , Lalive Rafael
Published: July 2023

We document mental and social distress of children, adolescents and adults, using data on 3 million calls to German helplines between January 2019 and May 2022. High-frequency data from crisis helpline logs offer rich information on the evolution of “revealed distress” among the most vulnerable, unaffected by researchers’ study design and framing. Distress of adults, measured by the volume of calls, rose significantly after both the outbreak of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In contrast, the overall revealed distress of children and adolescents did not increase during those crises. The nature of young people’s concerns, however, changed more strongly than for adults after the COVID-19 outbreak. Consistent with the effects of social distancing, call topics of young people shifted from problems with school and peers to problems with family and mental health. We find the share of severe mental health problems among young people to have increased with a delay, in the second and third year of the pandemic.
Comparison of the Jcerity endoscoper airway and the endotracheal tube in endoscopic esophageal variceal ligation: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Le , Li Lu , Wang Jun , Zhao Can , Zhao Erxian , Li Yanrong , Lv Yunqi
Published: July 2023

Various airway techniques have been used in endoscopic esophageal variceal ligation (EVL). In this respect, Jcerity endoscoper airway (JEA) is a novel laryngeal mask airway that is designed for use in gastrointestinal endoscopy. In the present study, 164 patients who underwent EVL were randomly divided into JEA group or endotracheal tube (ETT) group (ratio: 1:1). Success rate of endoscopic procedure, endoscope insertion time, procedure duration, recovery time, airway technique extubation time, anesthesia costs, hospital stay duration, complications, and hemodynamic parameters were recorded. The success rate of EVL in the JEA group was noninferior to that in the ETT group (98.8% vs. 100.0%). The airway insertion time, anesthesia duration, and recovery time were significantly shorter in the JEA group than in the ETT group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the blood pressure during extubation was more stable in the JEA group (p < 0.001). Moreover, there were less heart rate variations during intubation (p < 0.005) and extubation (p < 0.05) in the JEA group. Nonetheless, the endoscopists’ satisfaction scores were comparable between the two groups. Overall, our findings suggest that JEA is efficient and safe for clinical use in EVL.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000031892, Registered April 13, 2020, https://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.html.
Feasibility of software-based assessment for automated evaluation of tooth preparation for dental crown by using a computational geometric algorithm
Authors: Han Sangjun , Yi Yuseung , Revilla-León Marta , Yilmaz Burak , Yoon Hyung-In
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to propose the concept of software-based automated evaluation (SAE) of tooth preparation quality using computational geometric algorithms, and evaluate the feasibility of SAE in the assessment of abutment tooth preparation for single-unit anatomic contour crowns by comparing it with a human-based digitally assisted evaluation (DAE) by trained human evaluators. Thirty-five mandibular first molars were prepared for anatomical contour crown restoration by graduate students. Each prepared tooth was digitized and evaluated in terms of occlusal reduction and total occlusal convergence using SAE and DAE. Intra-rater agreement for the scores graded by the SAE and DAE and inter-rater agreement between the SAE and DAE were analyzed with the significance level (α) of 0.05. The evaluation using the SAE protocol demonstrated perfect intra-rater agreement, whereas the evaluation using the DAE protocol showed moderate-to-good intra-rater agreement. The evaluation values of the SAE and DAE protocols showed almost perfect inter-rater agreement. The SAE developed for tooth preparation evaluation can be used for dental education and clinical skill feedback. SAE may minimize possible errors in the conventional rating and provide more reliable and precise assessments than the human-based DAE.
Cold storage as part of a Varroa management strategy: effects on honey bee colony performance, mite levels and stress biomarkers
Authors: Meikle William G. , Corby-Harris Vanessa , Ricigliano Vincent , Snyder Lucy , Weiss Milagra
Published: July 2023

Placing honey bee colonies in cold storage has been proposed as a way to induce a pause in brood production as part of a Varroa mite treatment plan. Here, we exposed colonies to combinations of with or without an October cold storage period and with or without a subsequent miticide application. We then measured the effects of those treatments on colony-level variables (i.e. colony size, Varroa infestation level, survivorship and hive weight and temperature) and pooled individual-level variables that are associated with nutritional and stress responses. Colonies were assessed before and after cold storage, and again post winter, for a total duration of about 5 months, and the experiment was repeated. Brood levels were significantly lower after cold storage, and hive temperatures indicated that most or all brood had emerged after about two weeks in cold storage. However, Varroa levels at the end of the experiments in February were not significantly different among treatment groups. Colonies kept outside (not subjected to cold storage) and treated with a miticide had higher survivorship on average than any other treatment group, but no other group comparisons were significant, and long-term impact of cold storage on adult bee populations and on colony thermoregulation was low. The bee forage environment was also very different between the 2 years of the study, as rainfall and bee forage availability were much higher the second year. Colonies were over 2.5 times larger on average the second year compared to the first, both in terms of adult bee mass and brood area, and expression levels of nutrition and stress response genes were also significantly higher the second year. The results indicate that limited cold storage would likely have little long-term impact on most colony and individual measures of health, but for such a strategy to succeed levels of stressors, such as Varroa, may also need to be low.
Mass transfer analysis and kinetic modeling of ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration of kiwifruit slices
Authors: Salehi Fakhreddin , Cheraghi Rana , Rasouli Majid
Published: July 2023

Ultrasound treatments (sonication) in combination with osmotic dehydration process accelerate the rate of moisture removal from the fruits or vegetables pieces and decrease the dehydration duration. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration (UAOD) on mass transfer kinetic (soluble solids gain and moisture loss) of kiwifruit slices. The UAOD process was performed using 20, 30, and 40% sucrose solutions in ultrasonic bath (40 kHz, 75 and 150 W) for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 min. After treatments, processed kiwifruit slices were dried at 70 °C using hot air oven. UAOD process reveals that mass reduction, soluble solid gain, moisture loss and rehydration capacity affected by treatments time, sucrose solution concentration and sonication power. The results showed that the UAOD treatment increased moisture loss and soluble solids gain. Furthermore, kiwifruit slices treated with higher ultrasound intensity (150 W) showed reduced dehydration duration (higher water loss), improved dehydration rate, and increased effective moisture diffusivity (Deff). The Deff determined by Fick's second law was varied from 9.05 × 10–11 to 29.28 × 10–11 m2s-1. The experimental data of dehydration curve of kiwifruit slices were fitted to different thin-layer equations and the Page equation with empirical constants was the best describing the of kiwifruit slices dehydration.
Genomic signatures suggesting adaptation to ocean acidification in a coral holobiont from volcanic CO2 seeps
Authors: Leiva Carlos , Pérez-Portela Rocío , Lemer Sarah
Published: July 2023

Ocean acidification, caused by anthropogenic CO2emissions, is predicted to have major consequences for reef-building corals, jeopardizing the scaffolding of the most biodiverse marine habitats. However, whether corals can adapt to ocean acidification and how remains unclear. We addressed these questions by re-examining transcriptome and genome data ofAcropora milleporacoral holobionts from volcanic CO2seeps with end-of-century pH levels. We show that adaptation to ocean acidification is a wholistic process involving the three main compartments of the coral holobiont. We identified 441 coral host candidate adaptive genes involved in calcification, response to acidification, and symbiosis; population genetic differentiation in dinoflagellate photosymbionts; and consistent transcriptional microbiome activity despite microbial community shifts. Coral holobionts from natural analogues to future ocean conditions harbor beneficial genetic variants with far-reaching rapid adaptation potential. In the face of climate change, these populations require immediate conservation strategies as they could become key to coral reef survival.
Spin-texture topology in curved circuits driven by spin-orbit interactions
Authors: Hijano A. , Rodríguez E. J. , Bercioux D. , Frustaglia D.
Published: July 2023

Interferometry is a powerful technique used to extract valuable information about the wave function of a system. In this work, we study the response of spin carriers to the effective field textures developed in curved one-dimensional interferometric circuits subject to the joint action of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions. By using a quantum network technique, we establish that the interplay between these two non-Abelian fields and the circuit’s geometry modify the geometrical characteristics of the spinors, particularly on square circuits, leading to the localisation of the electronic wave function and the suppression of the quantum conductance. We propose a topological interpretation by classifying the corresponding spin textures in terms of winding numbers.
Seafloor earthquake ruptures and mass wasting from the 2004 Mw 6.3 Les Saintes submarine earthquake
Authors: Hughes Alex , Escartín Javier , Billant Jeremy , Leclerc Frédérique , Andreani Muriel , Olive Jean-Arthur , Arnaubec Aurélien , Dano Alexandre , Delorme Arthur , Deplus Christine , Feuillet Nathalie , Gini Caroline , Gracias Nuno , Hamelin Cédric , Istenič Klemen , Komorowski Jean-Christophe , Le Friant Anne , Marchand Claire , Mével Catherine , Onstad Solveig Lie , Quidelleur Xavier
Published: July 2023

The seismic hazard posed by submarine faults and the capacity of submarine earthquakes to trigger mass wasting are poorly understood because we lack detailed characterizations of coseismic ruptures at the seafloor. Here, we present comprehensive mapping of a seafloor rupture caused by the 2004Mw6.3 Les Saintes earthquake on the Roseau normal fault in the Lesser Antilles. We report the visual characteristics, displacement profile, and note pronounced asymmetry of the rupture that bears similarities with well-studied subaerial normal fault ruptures. We also identify footwall-derived mass wasted debris that locally cover the coseismic rupture, and show that ground accelerations of 0.1–0.2 g can trigger submarine mass wasting events in well consolidated bedrock along unstable, over-steepened, scarps. Our study demonstrates the potential of underwater vehicles for detailed mapping of seafloor ruptures and hints at a key role for earthquakes in shaping submarine bedrock landscapes by triggering mass wasting events.
An increased dependence on agricultural policies led European grazing agroecosystems to an unsustainability trap
Authors: Muñoz-Ulecia Enrique , Bernués Alberto , Briones-Hidrovo Andrei , Franzese Pier Paolo , Buonocore Elvira , Santagata Remo , Ulgiati Sergio , Martín-Collado Daniel
Published: July 2023

As all production processes, the agrifood system is driven by energy and materials. The origin and relative contribution of these resources to the system’s functioning determines its sustainability. Here we analyse the evolution of the sustainability of mountain grazing agroecosystems, which are often perceived as a better alternative for animal food production than industrial systems. Specifically, we use Emergy Accounting to assess the dependency of livestock farming on materials and energy in the Spanish Pyrenees along the last three decades, using data collected through face-to-face surveys in 1990, 2004 and 2018. We observe an increase of farm dependence on non-renewable resources, despite longer grazing periods and reduced use of off-farm animal feeds. The increasing inflow of public economic support and services from the socio-economic system (mainly driven by non-renewable sources) transfers its unsustainability to mountain grazing agroecosystems.
Adverse perinatal outcomes attributable to HIV in sub-Saharan Africa from 1990 to 2020: Systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Murray Claudia , Portwood Clara , Sexton Harriet , Kumarendran Mary , Brandon Zoe , Kirtley Shona , Hemelaar Joris
Published: July 2023

Background

Maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are associated with increased risks of adverse perinatal outcomes. The vast majority of pregnant women living with HIV (WLHIV) reside in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to determine the burden of adverse perinatal outcomes attributable to HIV and ARVs in sub-Saharan Africa between 1990 and 2020.

Methods

We conduct a systematic review of studies on the association of pregnant WLHIV with adverse perinatal outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. We perform random-effects meta-analyses to determine the risk difference (attributable risk, AR) of perinatal outcomes among WLHIV receiving no ARVs, monotherapy, or combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiated antenatally or preconception, compared to HIV-negative women. We estimate numbers of perinatal outcomes attributable to HIV and ARVs by combining the AR values with numbers of WLHIV receiving different ARV regimens in each country in sub-Saharan Africa annually between 1990 and 2020.

Results

We find that WLHIV receiving no ARVs or cART initiated antenatally or preconception, but not monotherapy, have an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA), compared to HIV-negative women. Between 1990 and 2020, 1,921,563 PTBs, 2,119,320 LBWs, and 2,049,434 SGAs are estimated to be attributable to HIV and ARVs in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly among WLHIV receiving no ARVs, while monotherapy and preconception and antenatal cART averted many adverse outcomes. In 2020, 64,585 PTBs, 58,608 LBWs, and 61,112 SGAs were estimated to be attributable to HIV and ARVs, the majority among WLHIV receiving preconception cART.

Conclusions

As the proportion of WLHIV receiving preconception cART increases, the burden of adverse perinatal outcomes among WLHIV in sub-Saharan Africa is likely to remain high.

Systematic review registration number

CRD42021248987
Urine and serum metabolic profiling combined with machine learning for autoimmune disease discrimination and classification
Authors: Du Qiuyao , Wang Xiao , Chen Junyu , Xiong Caiqiao , Liu Wenlan , Liu Jianfeng , Liu Huihui , Jiang Lixia , Nie Zongxiu
Published: July 2023

MALDI-MS metabolic patterns of urine and serum combined with machine learning achieved the rapid discrimination and classification of autoimmune diseases, and the metabolic disorders caused by the diseases were also investigated.
Hydroxide conducting BAB triblock copolymers tailored for durable high-performance anion exchange membranes
Authors: Allushi Andrit , Bakvand Pegah Mansouri , Gong Haiyue , Jannasch Patric
Published: July 2023

Well-designed BAB triblock copolymers with a piperidinium-containing central block flanked by two glassy blocks combine high alkaline stability with restricted water uptake and excellent hydroxide conductivity.
A phase change material packaged multifunctional nanoplatform integrating hydrogen peroxide self-supply and photothermal response for boosting synergistic chemodynamic and photothermal therapy
Authors: Pang Kai , Pidamaimaiti Guligena , Zhu Yuxi , Sun Da , Yu Bingchen , Duanmu Zheng , Wang Fu , Wei Xunbin
Published: July 2023

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has received widespread attention due to its selectivity and oxygen independence, and is an emerging therapeutic methodology aimed at converting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into hydroxyl radicals (˙OH).
A high linearity and multilevel polymer-based conductive-bridging memristor for artificial synapses
Authors: Zhou Jianhong , Wang Zheng , Fu Yujun , Xie Zhichao , Xiao Wei , Wen Zhenli , Wang Qi , Liu Qiming , Zhang Junyan , He Deyan
Published: July 2023

We report that by doping a small amount of the conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS into carboxylated chitosan, the interchannel conductive filaments of a memristor change from dendritic single filaments to multifilaments covering the entire channel.
Fast rotating dipole array inducing large dielectric response in a Ruddlesden–Popper hybrid perovskite ferroelastic
Authors: Luo Wang , Wang Na , Li Hua-Kai , Xu Ze-Jiang , Feng Yan , Fu Xiao-bin , Shi Chao , Ye Heng-Yun , Miao Le-Ping
Published: July 2023

A 2D RP hybrid perovskite shows dynamic rotating motion of the polar rotor which inducing ferroelasticity and a tremendous dielectric response. This study provides a new vision for the development of dynamic functional materials.
Water as an oxygen source in I2-mediated construction of highly functionalized maleimide-fused phenols
Authors: Wang Shuowen , Huang Zhi , Yang Ruitong , Chen Ya , Shao Wen , Mao Guojiang , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: July 2023

A novel protocol for the construction of multi-substituted 4-hydroxyisoindoline-1,3-diones through an I2-mediated multicomponent cascade reaction has been described.
Fe(OTf)3-catalyzed annulation of α,β-unsaturated ketoxime acetates with enaminones for the synthesis of functionalized 2,4-diarylpyridines
Authors: Hu Xing-Mei , Yang Jing , Yang Jia-Ming , Shao Bi-Na , Huang Rong , Yan Sheng-Jiao
Published: July 2023

This method involves a cascade reaction utilizing 1 and enamines 2 as substrates, which occurred by refluxing a mixture of the starting materials in toluene with the catalyst Fe(OTf)3.
Surface modulus reconstruction toward robust flexible perovskite solar cells
Authors: Lu Zheng , Xu Xiaoli , Lou Yanhui , Xiao Lingbo , Zhao Jie , Zou Shuai , Ma Yingzhuang , Li Lutao , Wang Chen , Su Xiaodong , Zou Guifu
Published: July 2023

TPEE reconstructs the surface modulus of the perovskite film to dissipate stress and avoid cracks. Moreover, it increases the adhesion between interfaces to prevent delamination. This synergy improves the mechanical durability of the overall device.
An ethyl bromofluoroacetate redox mediator enables a robust LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase for advanced lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Rong Yuan-Jia , Zhang Xiao-Ping , Li Chu-Yue , Wang Qian-Yan , Wu Min-Sheng , Chen Wei-Rong
Published: July 2023

An ethyl bromofluoroacetate redox mediator has been introduced into lithium–oxygen batteries to achieve high performance in long-term cycling by reducing the charging overpotential and simultaneously forming a LiF-rich SEI film.
On the relationship of the effective mobility and photoconductance mobility in organic solar cells
Authors: Vollbrecht Joachim , Tokmoldin Nurlan , Sun Bowen , Saglamkaya Elifnaz , Perdigón-Toro Lorena , Hosseini Seyed Mehrdad , Son Jae Hoon , Woo Han Young , Shoaee Safa , Neher Dieter
Published: July 2023

The definitions of the effective and photoconductance mobilities were combined in a system of equations to successfully calculate the individual mobilities of the faster and slower carriers in several fullerene and NFA based organic solar cells.
Guest editorial: recent advances in synthetic aperture sonar technology
Authors: Zhang Xuebo , Heald Gary , Lyons Anthony P. , Hansen Roy Edgar , Hunter Alan J.
Published: July 2023

[Correction added on 28‐July‐2023, after first online publication: The first affiliation has been changed and bio for Gary Heald has been added in this version.]

Compared to traditional sidescan sonar, synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) or Interferometric synthetic aperture sonar (InSAS) systems can provide much higher resolution images across the whole swath. Due to the high resolution and fast mapping rate at a given speed, SAS/InSAS technology is gaining increasing interest within the field of underwater engineering. Navigation, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), sonar technolog and electronics have achieved great progress in recent years. Thanks to these developments, the SAS/InSAS has also been pushed into a new stage. Firstly, the lightweight and compact SAS can be mounted on ever smaller, highly flexible platforms. Secondly, current algorithms are computationally more efficient. Thirdly, the SAS/InSAS images are further improved based on various methods. Last but not least, SAS/InSAS technology is preferred by underwater mapping users due to its high resolution. The current Special Issue is focused on research ideas, articles and experimental studies related to “Recent Advances in Synthetic Aperture Sonar Technology” for development, operating mode, algorithms and applications the various aspects of SAS/InSAS in applications.
Beamforming for LEO satellite communication based on FDA
Authors: Xie Haihua , Zhang Yangyang , Zhang Yuanhao , Liu Huijie , Guo Rujiang
Published: July 2023

Due to the time‐varying phase in frequency diverse arrays (FDAs), traditional phase‐based secure communication (SC) methods cannot be utilized. In this reported work, the automatic scanning property of FDAs (time‐varying property) was rederived. This property allows for the presetting of the beam scanning time towards the desired receiver (Bob). Subsequently, this time‐carrying beam design was applied to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. A satellite‐to‐ground communication method is proposed based on time intervals, which effectively prevents the interception of information by an undesired receiver (Eve). Simulation results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Physics‐based wave propagation model assisted vehicle localisation in tunnels
Authors: Qin Hao , Zhang Xingqi
Published: July 2023

Connected and autonomous vehicles systems can provide a safe and convenient transportation solution through wireless communication between vehicles and roadside communication infrastructure. The vehicle's ability to establish its location plays an important role in such systems. This article presents an efficient localisation framework by combining physics‐based wireless propagation models and fingerprint localisation algorithms. To that end, a parabolic wave equation (PWE)‐based wireless channel simulator is utilised to obtain the direction of arrival (DOA) values that construct the fingerprint dataset. A detailed procedure on how to obtain the DOA information using PWE, as well as analysis and guidelines on the selection of the key parameters of the localisation framework are provided. Numerical results are compared with theoretical data in terms of accuracy, and the selection of parameters during the localisation process is investigated in actual road tunnel cases. Besides, various numbers of wireless access points and schemes of fingerprinting algorithms have been studied, showing the capability of the proposed approach to be employed for the pre‐design of wireless communication systems.
Assessment of a PLL‐ASMO position/speed estimator for sensor‐less control of rotor‐tied DFIG (RDFIG)
Authors: Mbukani Mwana Wa Kalaga , Gule Nkosinathi
Published: July 2023

In this paper, an adaptive sliding mode observer (ASMO) associated with a phase locked loop (PLL) is assessed for the sensor‐less control of a rotor‐tied doubly‐fed induction generator (RDFIG). In the proposed PLL‐ASMO estimator, the ASMO utilizes the stator current, the stator voltage, and the back electromotive force (EMF) as state variables. The proposed ASMO is used in order to estimate the back‐EMF from which the slip position/speed is extracted using a PLL. The design of the ASMO gains is based on the Lyapunov stability criteria to ensure the convergence of the proposed observer in a finite time. Therefore, the main contribution of this paper is to propose a PLL‐based ASMO estimator that aims to improve the estimation by reducing the chattering effect. A comparative study between the standard PLL‐SMO estimator and the PLL‐ASMO estimator is presented. Also, For the first time, an adaptive sliding mode observer is used for the sensor‐less control of a RDFIG. The performance of the proposed sensor‐less control strategy is validated through simulation and experimental measurements under various operating conditions. Furthermore, the estimator is shown to be robust to machine parameter variation.