bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing stakeholder engagement in sustainable forest management: A multi‐domain comparative analysis of forest‐related beliefs, values, and behaviors of Canadian Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal groups
Authors: Yiwen Zhang , Kant Shashi , Vertinsky Ilan
Published: January 2024

The study aims to understand the variations in the domain‐specific pro‐sustainable‐forest‐management behavior (PSFMBs) and their explanatory factors across ecological, economic, recreational, and Aboriginal domains and between Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal groups. A hybrid model of PSFMB, which integrates environmental psychology and resource economics perspectives, is conceptualized and estimated using multi‐group path analysis and data from three Aboriginal and three non‐Aboriginal communities in Ontario, Canada. Results show that both groups make substantial pro‐SFM contributions, but the contributions and their influencing factors differ across domains and groups. For Aboriginals, environmental worldviews and assigned forest values are the only influencing factors, while for non‐Aboriginals, income and forest environmental conditions play dominant roles. The findings confirm the fundamental differences in the roles of beliefs, values, and situational factors in influencing the PSFMB of Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal groups, highlight the need for theoretical lenses that account for cultural differences, and contribute to the development of inclusive policies that respect the unique values of different social groups.
DIPEA‐Assisted Efficient One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of Novel β‐Carboline Tethered Pyran Derivatives
Authors: Banyal Naveen , Malakar Chandi C. , Kumar Rakesh , Singh Virender
Published: January 2024

A potential DIPEA‐assisted approach has been unfolded for the synthesis of novel β‐carboline tethered‐4H‐pyran derivatives via one‐pot condensation of 1‐formyl‐9H‐β‐carbolines, β‐keto esters and malononitrile in ethanol at ambient temperature. A library of 28 new β‐carboline tethered 4H‐pyran derivatives has been developed. The significant features of the present strategy include high efficiency, excellent yield, inexpensive catalyst, mild reaction conditions, multicomponent character of reaction and simple purification procedure.
Null energy constraints on two-dimensional RG flows
Authors: Hartman Thomas , Mathys Grégoire
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We study applications of spectral positivity and the averaged null energy condition (ANEC) to renormalization group (RG) flows in two-dimensional quantum field theory. We find a succinct new proof of the Zamolodchikov c-theorem, and derive further independent constraints along the flow. In particular, we identify a natural C-function that is a completely monotonic function of scale, meaning its derivatives satisfy the alternating inequalities (–1)nC(n)(μ2) ≥ 0. The completely monotonic C-function is identical to the Zamolodchikov C-function at the endpoints, but differs along the RG flow. In addition, we apply Lorentzian techniques that we developed recently to study anomalies and RG flows in four dimensions, and show that the Zamolodchikov c-theorem can be restated as a Lorentzian sum rule relating the change in the central charge to the average null energy. This establishes that the ANEC implies the c-theorem in two dimensions, and provides a second, simpler example of the Lorentzian sum rule.
Bloom’s IoT Taxonomy towards an effective Industry 4.0 education: Case study on Open-source IoT laboratory
Authors: Awouda Ahmed , Traini Emiliano , Asranov Mansur , Chiabert Paolo
Published: January 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of Industry 4.0, the demand for skilled professionals well-versed in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies is escalating. However, a significant challenge faced in educational settings is the lack of comprehensive and effective methodologies for imparting practical knowledge and skills in IoT. This paper presents an approach for designing and implementing an Internet of Things (IoT) laboratory in which students may practice and comprehend many components of an IoT environment, such as analysis of sensor data, IoT platform development, and setup of messaging protocols. The teaching methodology adopts a Cyber-Physical System (CPS) framework, which integrates teachers, classrooms, and resources to create a comprehensive learning environment. Bloom's taxonomy is employed to assess the efficacy of the suggested technique in terms of cognitive skills and knowledge acquisition. The evaluation procedure demonstrated the advantages of a hybrid learning environment, which integrated both face-to-face and remote instruction. The case study is conducted in an engineering higher education course on first year students. The findings of this paper lay the groundwork for a remotely deliverable IoT training course, contributing to the advancement of IoT education and equipping students with the necessary skills for the evolving landscape of Industry 4.0.
Property rights theory, bundles of rights on IoT data, and the EU Data Act
Authors: Eckardt Martina , Kerber Wolfgang
Published: January 2024

With the advance of smart IoT devices (Internet of Things) the amount of valuable data will increase dramatically. With its recently enacted Data Act (DA) the EU introduces new data access and sharing rights for the users of IoT devices. This article analyzes how the DA will change the bundle of rights on non-personal IoT data regarding who can control, access, use, share, and monetize this data. In a first step, we apply the property rights theory (esp. the approach of Barzel) for explaining the status quo of IoT data governance. Here the manufacturers can get through the technical design of their IoT devices exclusive de facto control over IoT data ("capture" of data). In a second step, we analyze how the DA changes this de facto bundle of rights in order to unlock more IoT data for innovation, competition, and empowerment of users. Since the DA is not very clear and partly contradictory, three different concepts for the design of this bundle of rights are analyzed and compared: A data holder-centric IP-like concept, a user-centric concept, and the concept of co-generated data. The article analyzes all three concepts from an economic perspective including relevant market failures regarding IoT data in B2B and B2C contexts. For achieving the objectives of the DA, especially regarding unlocking of data for innovation, bundles of rights should be chosen which reject notions of exclusivity and enable broad access and sharing of IoT data. The enacted Data Act, which still clings too much to the exclusivity of data and includes too many hurdles for data sharing, cannot be expected to contribute much to achieving these objectives.
Cerebral autoregulation derived blood pressure targets in elective neurosurgery
Authors: Beqiri Erta , García-Orellana Marta , Politi Anna , Zeiler Frederick A. , Placek Michal M. , Fàbregas Neus , Tas Jeanette , De Sloovere Veerle , Czosnyka Marek , Aries Marcel , Valero Ricard , de Riva Nicolás , Smielewski Peter
Published: January 2024

Poor postoperative outcomes may be associated with cerebral ischaemia or hyperaemia, caused by episodes of arterial blood pressure (ABP) being outside the range of cerebral autoregulation (CA). Monitoring CA using COx (correlation between slow changes in mean ABP and regional cerebral O2 saturation—rSO2) could allow to individualise the management of ABP to preserve CA. We aimed to explore a continuous automated assessment of ABPOPT (ABP where CA is best preserved) and ABP at the lower limit of autoregulation (LLA) in elective neurosurgery patients. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 85 patients [median age 60 (IQR 51–68)] undergoing elective neurosurgery. ABPBASELINE was the mean of 3 pre-operative non-invasive measurements. ABP and rSO2 waveforms were processed to estimate COx-derived ABPOPT and LLA trend-lines. We assessed: availability (number of patients where ABPOPT/LLA were available); time required to achieve first values; differences between ABPOPT/LLA and ABP. ABPOPT and LLA availability was 86 and 89%. Median (IQR) time to achieve the first value was 97 (80–155) and 93 (78–122) min for ABPOPT and LLA respectively. Median ABPOPT [75 (69–84)] was lower than ABPBASELINE [90 (84–95)] (p < 0.001, Mann-U test). Patients spent 72 (56–86) % of recorded time with ABP above or below ABPOPT ± 5 mmHg. ABPOPT and ABP time trends and variability were not related to each other within patients. 37.6% of patients had at least 1 hypotensive insult (ABP < LLA) during the monitoring time. It seems possible to assess individualised automated ABP targets during elective neurosurgery.
Climatic risks to adaptive capacity
Authors: Serdeczny Olivia , Andrijevic Marina , Fyson Claire , Lissner Tabea , Menke Inga , Schleussner Carl-Friedrich , Theokritoff Emily , Thomas Adelle
Published: January 2024

Does climate change influence if societies will be better or worse equipped to reduce climatic risks in the future? A society’s adaptive capacity determines whether the potential of adaptation to reduce risks will be realized. Assumptions about the level of adaptive capacity are inherently made when the potential for adaptation to reduce risks in the future and resultant levels of risk are estimated. In this review, we look at the literature on human impacts of climate change through the lens of adaptive capacity. Building on evidence of impacts on financial resources as presented in the Working Group 2 (WG2) report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), we here present the methodology behind this review and complement it with an analysis of climatic risks to human resources. Based on our review, we argue that climate change itself adds to adaptation constraints and limits. We show that for more realistic assessments of sectoral climate risks, assumed levels of future adaptive capacity should — and can — be usefully constrained in assessments that rely on expert judgment, and propose avenues for doing so.
Basal cortisol in relation to metyrapone confirmation in predicting adrenal insufficiency after pituitary surgery
Authors: Huisman Pieter E. , Siegelaar Sarah E. , Hoogmoed Jantien , Post René , Peters Shariefa , Houben Moniek , Hillebrand Jacquelien J. , Bisschop Peter H. , Pereira Alberto M. , Bruinstroop Eveline
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Pituitary surgery can lead to post-surgical adrenal insufficiency with the need for glucocorticoid replacement and significant disease related burden. In patients who do not receive hydrocortisone replacement before surgery, at our center, an early morning plasma cortisol concentration using a cut-off value of 450 nmol/L 3 days after surgery (POD3) is used to guide the need for hydrocortisone replacement until dynamic confirmatory testing using metyrapone. The aim of this study was to critically assess the currently used diagnostic and treatment algorithm in patients undergoing pituitary surgery in our pituitary reference center.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all patients with a POD3 plasma cortisol concentration < 450 nmol/L who received hydrocortisone replacement and a metyrapone test after 3 months. Plasma cortisol concentration was measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (Roche). All patients who underwent postoperative testing using metyrapone at Amsterdam UMC between January 2018 and February 2022 were included. Patients with Cushing’s disease or those with hydrocortisone replacement prior to surgery were excluded.

Results

Ninety-five patients were included in the analysis. The postoperative cortisol concentration above which no patient had adrenal insufficiency (i.e. 11-deoxycortisol > 200 nmol/L) was 357 nmol/L (Sensitivity 100%, Specificity 31%, PPV:32%, NPV:100%). This translates into a 28% reduction in the need for hydrocortisone replacement compared with the presently used cortisol cut-off value of 450 nmol/L.

Conclusion

Early morning plasma cortisol cut-off values lower than 450 nmol/L can safely be used to guide the need for hydrocortisone replacement after pituitary surgery.
Positive Orientation and Social Capital: The Insignificance of the Mediating Effects of Social Network Sites Usages
Authors: Lee Soon Li
Published: January 2024

This research examined the relationships among positive orientation, types of social network sites (SNS) usage, and social capital. 235 private university students in Malaysia, aged from 18 to 30 (M = 19.64, SD = 1.50), participated in this research. They completed items that reflect on self-esteem, life satisfaction, optimism, the intensity of SNS use, the three connection strategies employed on SNS, and the bridging and bonding aspects of social capital. Factor analysis supported that self-esteem, life satisfaction, and optimism formed a single construct that was interpreted as positive orientation or positivity. Analyses revealed that the specific indirect effects of active use of SNS and the enacted SNS connection strategies on the relationship between positive orientation and social capital were not significant. Results revealed that the inclination to use SNS to seek relevant social information facilitated both weak and strong ties. Despite the benefits of SNS on the development of social capital, individuals with high positivity were able to form weak and strong ties that are beneficial without relying on these online platforms. The implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed.
Dining on corals: stable isotope evidence for close trophic connection between gall crabs (Cryptochiridae) and their stony coral hosts
Authors: Bravo Henrique , Dromard Charlotte R. , van der Meer Marcel T. J. , Schleimer Anna , van der Meij Sancia E. T.
Published: January 2024

The exact nature of the relationship between symbiont fauna and their hosts is often unclear, but knowing more about these intricate ecological interactions is vital to understand the trophic positions of host-associated fauna, and can aid in accurate constructions of food-webs on coral reefs. Scleractinian corals are hosts to hundreds of symbiont taxa, including fish and many invertebrate species. Some of these associated fauna are beneficial to their coral host(s), whereas other taxa can have detrimental effects, yet their impact is often difficult to determine. Coral-dwelling gall crabs (Cryptochiridae) are obligate, often host-specific, symbionts of scleractinian corals but the nature of this relationship is still under debate. Three Atlantic gall crab species (Kroppcarcinus siderastreicola, Opecarcinus hypostegus and Troglocarcinus corallicola) and their coral hosts’ tissue/mucus were collected from reefs in Guadeloupe. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values were measured for 57 crabs inhabiting host coral colonies belonging to seven different coral species (although only 27 colonies from five coral species were collected), alongside other potential food sources (epilithic algal matrix, plankton and particulate organic matter). The carbon and nitrogen isotope values of gall crabs relative to those of their respective coral host(s) and other possible food sources showed that coral tissue/mucus was the main food source for the crabs. The results of the mixing models further supported this finding, suggesting that corals are responsible for 40–70% of the crabs’ diet. In T. corallicola, the isotopic signature differed significantly between sexes, possibly caused by the high sexual dimorphism observed in this species. Here we showed that Atlantic gall crabs mainly dine on coral tissue and/or mucus excreted by their coral hosts, highlighting their nutritional dependence on their host. However, since coral mucus is continuously exuded by scleractinians, hence the energetic or metabolic drain for corals is expected to be minimal. Gall crabs depend on their coral hosts for settlement cues as larvae, for habitat as adults and - highlighted by this study - for food, essential for their subsistence. This obligate dependence on their hosts for all parts of their life makes them extremely vulnerable to reef degradation, and underlines the importance in understanding the exact nature of a relationship between symbiont and coral host.
Erratum to: Pediatrics in Artificial Intelligence Era: A Systematic Review on Challenges, Opportunities, and Explainability
Authors: Balla Yashaswini , Tirunagari Santosh , Windridge David
Published: January 2024

The article “Pediatrics in Artificial Intelligence Era: A Systematic Review on Challenges, Opportunities, and Explainability” written by Yashaswini Balla, Santosh Tirunagari, David Windridge, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13312-023-2936-8 on 24 July, 2023 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed to © The Author(s) and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, and indicate if changes were made.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Modified Enzyme Inhibition-Based Biosensor System for Detection of Paraoxon as a Nerve Agent Simulant
Authors: Yildirim-Tirgil Nimet , Ozel Meryem Tugce
Published: January 2024

Nerve agents, including organophosphorus compounds such as paraoxon, are potent and highly toxic chemicals with grave implications for human health and the environment. In this paper, we present the development of a novel enzyme inhibition-based biosensor for the sensitive and selective detection of paraoxon, which is commonly used as a surrogate for nerve agents. The biosensor employs reduced graphene oxide as a screen-printed electrode surface modification nanomaterial, leading to increased surface electroactivity and, thus, more sensitive detection. The biosensor exhibits a low detection limit of 0.56 pg/ml (limit of detection, LOD) and 1.25 pg/ml (limit of quantification, LOQ), highlighting its high sensitivity for trace-level analysis of nerve agents in complex sample matrices. Our biosensor demonstrates remarkable selectivity for paraoxon, with minimal interference from other non-target chemicals. Stability and repeatability tests reveal that the system maintains its performance integrity over a 45-day period and consistently produces readings with a margin of error of only 5%. Real sample testing in river water, wastewater, and tap water further confirms the biosensor's practical utility, with recovery percentages ranging from 84 to 115%. This biosensor represents a significant advancement in biosensor technology, facilitating the rapid, cost-effective, and reliable detection of toxic substances in real-world scenarios.
Multi-armed bandits for performance marketing
Authors: Gigli Marco , Stella Fabio
Published: January 2024

This paper deals with the problem of optimising bids and budgets of a set of digital advertising campaigns. We improve on the current state of the art by introducing support for multi-ad group marketing campaigns and developing a highly data efficient parametric contextual bandit. The bandit, which exploits domain knowledge to reduce the exploration space, is shown to be effective under the following settings; few clicks and/or small conversion rate, short horizon scenarios, rapidly changing markets and low budget. Furthermore, a bootstrapped Thompson sampling algorithm is adapted to fit the parametric bandit. Extensive numerical experiments, performed on synthetic and real-world data, show that, on average, the parametric bandit gains more conversions than state-of-the-art bandits. Gains in performance are particularly high when an optimisation algorithm is needed the most, i.e. with tight budget or many ad groups, though gains are present also in the case of a single-ad group.
Can Digitally Transformed Work Be Virtuous?
Authors: Sison Alejo José G.
Published: January 2024

This essay inquires whether digitally transformed work can be virtuous and under what conditions. It eschews technological determinism in both utopian and dystopian versions, opting for the premise of free human agency. This work is distinctive in adopting an actor-centric and explicitly ethical analysis based on neo-Aristotelian, Catholic social teaching (CST), and MacIntyrean teachings on the virtues. Beginning with an analysis of digital disruption, it identifies the most salient human advantages vis-à-vis technology in digitally transformed work and provides philosophical anthropological explanations for each. It also looks into external, organizational characteristics on both the macro and the micro levels of digitally transformed work, underscoring their ambivalence (efficiency and profits vs. exclusion and exploitation, flexibility and freedom vs. standardization and dependency) and the need to mitigate their polarizing effects for the sake of shared flourishing. The article presents standards for virtuous work according to neo-Aristotelian, CST, and MacIntyrean frames and applies them to digitally transformed work, giving rise to five fundamental principles. These basic guidelines indicate, on one hand, actions to be avoided and, on the other, actions to be pursued, together with their rationales.
Novel recruitment approaches and operational results for a statewide population Cohort for cancer research: The Healthy Oregon Project
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Shafer Autumn , Johnson-Camacho Katie , Adey Andrew , Anur Pavana , Brown Kim A. , Conrad Casey , Crist Rachel , Farris Paige E. , Harrington Christina A. , Marriott Lisa K. , Mitchell Asia , O’Roak Brian , Serrato Vanessa , Richards C. Sue , Spellman Paul T. , Shannon Jackilen
Published: January 2024

Background:

Cancer health research relies on large-scale cohorts to derive generalizable results for different populations. While traditional epidemiological cohorts often use costly random sampling or self-motivated, preselected groups, a shift toward health system-based cohorts has emerged. However, such cohorts depend on participants remaining within a single system. Recent consumer engagement models using smartphone-based communication, driving projects, and social media have begun to upend these paradigms.

Methods:

We initiated the Healthy Oregon Project (HOP) to support basic and clinical cancer research. HOP study employs a novel, cost-effective remote recruitment approach to effectively establish a large-scale cohort for population-based studies. The recruitment leverages the unique email account, the HOP website, and social media platforms to direct smartphone users to the study app, which facilitates saliva sample collection and survey administration. Monthly newsletters further facilitate engagement and outreach to broader communities.

Results:

By the end of 2022, the HOP has enrolled approximately 35,000 participants aged 18–100 years (median = 44.2 years), comprising more than 1% of the Oregon adult population. Among those who have app access, ∼87% provided consent to genetic screening. The HOP monthly email newsletters have an average open rate of 38%. Efforts continue to be made to improve survey response rates.

Conclusion:

This study underscores the efficacy of remote recruitment approaches in establishing large-scale cohorts for population-based cancer studies. The implementation of the study facilitates the collection of extensive survey and biological data into a repository that can be broadly shared and supports collaborative clinical and translational research.
Presidential Elections and European Party Systems (1848–2020)
Authors: Casal Bértoa Fernando , Weber Till
Published: January 2024

Political scientists have long been concerned that a popularly elected presidency may destabilize competitive party systems. We develop and test a new theory holding that the impact is more immediate and severe than previously assumed. Coexisting legislative and presidential coalitions first and foremost impede the evolution of predictable party interactions at theexecutivelevel, which is the domain of the cabinet. This quality has become accessible for comparative research thanks to the concept ofparty system closure. Using a new dataset for all European democracies since 1848, we show that presidential elections undermine party system closure in two ways: (1) by confounding patterns of government formation (notably under powerful presidencies) and (2) by disturbing electoral/legislative politics, which in turn affect executive politics. The former, direct effect emerges as dominant from a series of panel analyses and case illustrations. These findings have important implications for current problems of constitutional design and institutional reform.
Development of the ambipolar electric field in a compressed current sheet and the impact on magnetic reconnection
Authors: DuBois Ami M. , Crabtree Chris , Ganguli Gurudas
Published: January 2024

Satellite data analysis of a compressed gyro-scale current sheet prior to magnetic reconnection in the magnetotail shows that electrostatic lower hybrid waves localized to the region of a transverse ambipolar electric field at the centre of the current sheet are driven by

$\boldsymbol{E} \times \boldsymbol{B}$

velocity shear and result from compression. The presence and location of shear-driven waves around the centre of the current sheet, where the magnetic field reverses and the density gradient is minimal, is consistent with our model. This is notable because the free energy source is the curvature of the electron

$\boldsymbol{E} \times \boldsymbol{B}$

flow and not the density gradient. Laboratory experiments and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations have shown that shear-driven lower hybrid fluctuations are capable of producing anomalous cross-field transport (viscosity) and resistivity, which can trigger magnetic reconnection. We estimate the terms in the generalized Ohm's Law directly from MMS data as the spacecraft cross a gyro-scale current sheet. Our analysis shows that the wave effects (resistivity, diffusion and viscosity) and pressure anisotropy effects are comparable. We also find that the quasi-static electric field gradient is correlated with a non-gyrotropic electron distribution function, which is consistent with our model. Furthermore, theoretical arguments suggest agyrotropy is an indicator of the possibility for magnetic reconnection to occur.
Adolescents’ experiences with the food selection at the sports arena in the area of Oslo, Norway: a focus group study
Authors: Garnweidner-Holme Lisa , Leganger Wattenberg Pauline Alise , Fostervold Mathisen Therese , Myhrstad Mari Charlotte Wik
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To investigate adolescents’ experiences with the food selection at the sport arena.

Design:

Four focus group interviews were conducted with 4–6 participants each. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were coded in NVivo and the analysis was guided by thematic analysis.

Setting:

Adolescents from handball and football clubs in Oslo and Viken, Norway, participated in the study.

Participants:

A total of nine boys (11–14 years old) and ten girls (11–14 years old) participated in the study.

Results:

We identified four main themes: interest for healthy food; experiences with the food selection at the sports arena; factors influencing participants’ food choices at the sports arena and expectations related to a healthy food selection at the sports arena. Adolescents across the focus groups experienced the food selection at the sports arena as unhealthy. Price, marketing and availability of unhealthy food were important factors that influenced their food choices at the sports arena. The trainer appeared to motivate the participants to eat healthy.

Conclusions:

Participants wished for a healthier food selection at the sports arena. Cost of food emerged as a factor that influenced their food choices. Our study also indicates that marketing of unhealthy food and beverages should be restricted, to influence adolescence food choice towards healthier alternatives.
Anthropogenic Influences Alter the Response and Seasonality of Evapotranspiration: A Case Study Over Two High Mountain Asia Basins
Authors: Maina Fadji Z. , Kumar Sujay V.
Published: January 2024

Earth's vegetation has been increasing over the past decades, altering water and energy cycles by changing evapotranspiration (ET). Greening, caused by climatic and anthropogenic factors, has high rates in High Mountain Asia (HMA). Here we focus on two HMA basins (the Yangtze and the Ganges‐Brahmaputra) to contrast the impacts of climate‐ and human‐induced greening on ET. Though the rate of greening is similar in both basins, anthropogenic influences lead to dissimilar responses in ET. In the Yangtze, climate‐induced greening increases ET, with the increase in moisture being high enough to meet the ET demand. In the Ganges‐Brahmaputra, irrigation‐induced greening does not alter annual ET, only pre‐monsoon ET increases. The dry season declines in water storage due to pumping decrease ET, while laboriously meeting the demand. This study provides a representative example of the contrasting influences of climate induced and anthropogenic driven processes on the seasonality of ET.
The transplant rejection response involves neutrophil and macrophage adhesion-mediated trogocytosis and is regulated by NFATc3
Authors: Zhao Siyu , Hu Yunyi , Yang Bicheng , Zhang Lichao , Xu Meiyining , Jiang Kefeng , Liu Zhun , Wu Mingrou , Huang Yun , Li Peipei , Liang Si-Jia , Sun Xi , Hide Geoff , Lun Zhao-Rong , Wu Zhongdao , Shen Jia
Published: January 2024

The anti-foreign tissue (transplant rejection) response, mediated by the immune system, has been the biggest obstacle to successful organ transplantation. There are still many enigmas regarding this process and some aspects of the underlying mechanisms driving the immune response against foreign tissues remain poorly understood. Here, we found that a large number of neutrophils and macrophages were attached to the graft during skin transplantation. Furthermore, both types of cells could autonomously adhere to and damage neonatal rat cardiomyocyte mass (NRCM) in vitro. We have demonstrated that Complement C3 and the receptor CR3 participated in neutrophils/macrophages-mediated adhesion and damage this foreign tissue (NRCM or skin grafts). We have provided direct evidence that the damage to these tissues occurs by a process referred to as trogocytosis, a damage mode that has never previously been reported to directly destroy grafts. We further demonstrated that this process can be regulated by NFAT, in particular, NFATc3. This study not only enriches an understanding of host-donor interaction in transplant rejection, but also provides new avenues for exploring the development of novel immunosuppressive drugs which prevent rejection during transplant therapy.
Unlocking osmotic energy harvesting potential in challenging real-world hypersaline environments through vermiculite-based hetero-nanochannels
Authors: Wang Jin , Cui Zheng , Li Shangzhen , Song Zeyuan , He Miaolu , Huang Danxi , Feng Yuan , Liu YanZheng , Zhou Ke , Wang Xudong , Wang Lei
Published: January 2024

Nanochannel membranes have demonstrated remarkable potential for osmotic energy harvesting; however, their efficiency in practical high-salinity systems is hindered by reduced ion selectivity. Here, we propose a dual-separation transport strategy by constructing a two-dimensional (2D) vermiculite (VMT)-based heterogeneous nanofluidic system via an eco-friendly and scalable method. The cations are initially separated and enriched in micropores of substrates during the transmembrane diffusion, followed by secondary precise sieving in ultra-thin VMT laminates with high ion flux. Resultantly, our nanofluidic system demonstrates efficient osmotic energy harvesting performance, especially in hypersaline environment. Notably, we achieve a maximum power density of 33.76 W m−2, a 6.2-fold improvement with a ten-fold increase in salinity gradient, surpassing state-of-the-art nanochannel membranes under challenging conditions. Additionally, we confirm practical hypersaline osmotic power generation using various natural salt-lake brines, achieving a power density of 25.9 W m−2. This work triggers the hopes for practical blue energy conversion using advanced nanoarchitecture.
Markets as drivers of selection for highly virulent poultry pathogens
Authors: Sheen Justin K. , Rasambainarivo Fidisoa , Saad-Roy Chadi M. , Grenfell Bryan T. , Metcalf C. Jessica E.
Published: January 2024

Theoretical models have successfully predicted the evolution of poultry pathogen virulence in industrialized farm contexts of broiler chicken populations. Whether there are ecological factors specific to more traditional rural farming that affect virulence is an open question. Within non-industrialized farming networks, live bird markets are known to be hotspots of transmission, but whether they could shift selection pressures on the evolution of poultry pathogen virulence has not been addressed. Here, we revisit predictions for the evolution of virulence for viral poultry pathogens, such as Newcastle’s disease virus, Marek’s disease virus, and influenza virus, H5N1, using a compartmental model that represents transmission in rural markets. We show that both the higher turnover rate and higher environmental persistence in markets relative to farms could select for higher optimal virulence strategies. In contrast to theoretical results modeling industrialized poultry farms, we find that cleaning could also select for decreased virulence in the live poultry market setting. Additionally, we predict that more virulent strategies selected in markets could circulate solely within poultry located in markets. Thus, we recommend the close monitoring of markets not only as hotspots of transmission, but as potential sources of more virulent strains of poultry pathogens.
Oxide nanolitisation-induced melt iron extraction causes viscosity jumps and enhanced explosivity in silicic magma
Authors: Cáceres Francisco , Hess Kai-Uwe , Eitel Michael , Döblinger Markus , McCartney Kelly N. , Colombier Mathieu , Gilder Stuart A. , Scheu Bettina , Kaliwoda Melanie , Dingwell Donald B.
Published: January 2024

Explosivity in erupting volcanoes is controlled by the degassing dynamics and the viscosity of the ascending magma in the conduit. Magma crystallisation enhances both heterogeneous bubble nucleation and increases in magma bulk viscosity. Nanolite crystallisation has been suggested to enhance such processes too, but in a noticeably higher extent. Yet the precise causes of the resultant strong viscosity increase remain unclear. Here we report experimental results for rapid nanolite crystallisation in natural silicic magma and the extent of the subsequent viscosity increase. Nanolite-free and nanolite-bearing rhyolite magmas were subjected to heat treatments, where magmas crystallised or re-crystallised oxide nanolites depending on their initial state, showing an increase of one order of magnitude as oxide nanolites formed. We thus demonstrate that oxide nanolites crystallisation increases magma bulk viscosity mainly by increasing the viscosity of its melt phase due to the chemical extraction of iron, whereas the physical effect of particle suspension is minor, almost negligible. Importantly, we further observe that this increase is sufficient for driving magma fragmentation depending on magma degassing and ascent dynamics.
A novel generalized Weibull Poisson G class of continuous probabilistic distributions with some copulas, properties and applications to real-life datasets
Authors: Hashem Atef F. , Abdelkawy M. A. , Muse Abdisalam Hassan , Yousof Haitham M.
Published: January 2024

The current study introduces and examines copula-coupled probability distributions. It explains their mathematical features and shows how they work with real datasets. Researchers, statisticians, and practitioners can use this study’s findings to build models that capture complex multivariate data interactions for informed decision-making. The versatility of compound G families of continuous probability models allows them to mimic a wide range of events. These incidents can range from system failure duration to transaction losses to annual accident rates. Due to their versatility, compound families of continuous probability distributions are advantageous. They can simulate many events, even some not well represented by other probability distributions. Additionally, these compound families are easy to use. These compound families can also show random variable interdependencies. This work focuses on the construction and analysis of the novel generalized Weibull Poisson-G family. Combining the zero-truncated-Poisson G family and the generalized Weibull G family creates the compound G family. This family’s statistics are mathematically analysed. This study uses Clayton, Archimedean-Ali-Mikhail-Haq, Renyi’s entropy, Farlie, Gumbel, Morgenstern, and their modified variations spanning four minor types to design new bivariate type G families. The single-parameter Lomax model is highlighted. Two practical examples demonstrate the importance of the new family.
Research on water environmental indicators prediction method based on EEMD decomposition with CNN-BiLSTM
Authors: Wang Zhaohua , Duan Longzhen , Shuai Dongsheng , Qiu Taorong
Published: January 2024

Water resources protection is related to the development of the social economy, and the monitoring and prediction of water environmental indicators have important practical significance. In view of the seasonality, periodicity, uncertainty, and nonlinear characteristics of water quality indicators data, traditional prediction models have poor performance. To address this issue, this paper introduces a hybrid water quality index prediction model based on Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD), combined with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network (BiLSTM). We have conducted out experiments to predict dissolved oxygen based on the water quality monitoring indicators of the Liaohe National Control Sanhongcun Village station in Yichun City. The results show that the model proposed in this paper improves the $$R^2$$

R
2

index by 5%, 7% and 5% compared to the suboptimal model in the 4-h, 1-day and 2-day index predictions, respectively.
Simulation of transportation of acute stroke patients in border regions
Authors: Sporns Peter B. , Fischer Urs , Katan Mira , Ospel Johanna M. , Brehm Alex , Tsogkas Ioannis , Holodinsky Jessalyn K. , Kamal Noreen , Fiehler Jens , Psychogios Marios-Nikos
Published: January 2024

Determining the optimal transportation for each stroke patient is critically important to achieve the best possible outcomes. In border regions the next comprehensive stroke center may be just across an international border, but bureaucratic and financial hurdles may prevent a simple transfer to the next stroke center. We hypothesized that in regions close to international borders, patients may benefit from an "open border, closed transfer scenario", meaning that patients in whom a large vessel occlusion (LVO) is detected in the primary stroke center will benefit from a transfer to the nearest stroke center offering endovascular thrombectomy—even if this may be across a national border. We used the Swiss-German–French trinational region as an example for a region with several international borders within close proximity to one another, and compared two feasible scenarios; (a) a “closed borders, open transfer” scenario, where the patient is transported to any center in the same country, (b) an “open border, closed transfer” scenario, where patients are always transported to the nearby primary stroke center first and then to the nearest comprehensive stroke center in either the same or a neighboring country and (c) and “open borders, open transfer” scenario. The outcome of interest was the predicted probability of acute ischemic stroke patients to achieve a good outcome using a conditional probability model which predicts the likelihood of excellent outcome (modified Rankin scale score of 0–1 at 90 days post-stroke) for patients with suspected LVO. Results were modeled in a virtual map from which the ideal transport concept emerged. For an exemplary LVO stroke patient in Germany, the probability of a good outcome was higher in an open border, closed transfer scenario than with closed borders, open transfer (33.1 vs. 30.1%). Moreover, time to EVT would decrease from 232 min in the first scenario to 169 min in an open border, closed transfer scenario. The catchment area of the University Hospital Basel was almost double the size in an open border, closed transfer scenario compared to closed borders (1674 km2 vs. 2897 km2) and would receive transfers from 3 primary stroke centers in other countries (2 in Germany and 1 in France). Stroke patients showed a higher likelihood of good outcome in the “open border” scenarios without transfer restrictions to a specific healthcare system. This probably has implications for stroke treatment in all border regions where EVT eligible stroke patients may benefit from transport to the closest EVT capable center whenever possible, regardless of whether this hospital is located in the same or a neighboring country/jurisdiction.
Exploring the advection-diffusion equation through the subdivision collocation method: a numerical study
Authors: Malik Safia , Ejaz Syeda Tehmina , Akgül Ali , Hassani Murad Khan
Published: January 2024

The current research presents a novel technique for numerically solving the one-dimensional advection-diffusion equation. This approach utilizes subdivision scheme based collocation method to interpolate the space dimension along with the finite difference method for the time derivative. The proposed technique is examined on a variety of problems and the obtained results are presented both quantitatively in tables and visually in figures. Additionally, a comparative analysis is conducted between the numerical outcomes of the proposed technique with previously published methods to validate the correctness and accuracy of the current approach. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the application of subdivision schemes in the fields of physical sciences and engineering. Our approach involves transforming the problem into a set of algebraic equations.
Endophytic Pseudomonas fluorescens promotes changes in the phenotype and secondary metabolite profile of Houttuynia cordata Thunb.
Authors: Wang Kaifeng , Yang Zhannan , Luo Shiqiong , Quan Wenxuan
Published: January 2024

The interactions between microbes and plants are governed by complex chemical signals, which can forcefully affect plant growth and development. Here, to understand how microbes influence Houttuynia cordata Thunb. plant growth and its secondary metabolite through chemical signals, we established the interaction between single bacteria and a plant. We inoculated H. cordata seedlings with bacteria isolated from their roots. The results showed that the total fresh weight, the total dry weight, and the number of lateral roots per seedling in the P. fluorescens-inoculated seedlings were 174%, 172% and 227% higher than in the control seedlings. Pseudomonas fluorescens had a significant promotional effect of the volatile contents compared to control, with β-myrcene increasing by 192%, 2-undecanone by 203%, decanol by 304%, β-caryophyllene by 197%, α-pinene by 281%, bornyl acetate by 157%, γ-terpinene by 239% and 3-tetradecane by 328% in P. fluorescens-inoculated H. cordata seedlings. the contents of chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercitin, and afzelin were 284%, 154%, 137%, and 213% higher than in control seedlings, respectively. Our study provided basic data to assess the linkages between endophytic bacteria, plant phenotype and metabolites of H. cordata to provide an insight into P. fluorescens use as biological fertilizer, promoting the synthesis of medicinal plant compounds.
Ultrasensitive detection of NSE employing a novel electrochemical immunosensor based on a conjugated copolymer
Authors: Aydın Muhammet , Aydın Elif Burcu , Sezgintürk Mustafa Kemal
Published: January 2024

A P(ThEp-co-EDOT) copolymer matrix was synthesized and utilized as a platform to construct a new NSE biosensor.
Ratiometric fluorescence detection of Hg2+ based on gold nanocluster/carbon quantum dots nanohybrids
Authors: Chen Junyu , Tian Rui , Li Duo , Sun Xuehua , Li Haoyu , Zhang Yuecheng
Published: January 2024

A ratiometric fluorescence method for detection of Hg2+ was established by using a gold nanocluster/carbon quantum dots (AuNCs/CQDs) nanohybrids as probe. The probe has good sensitive and selective to Hg2+ and can be applied in detection of Hg2+ in real sample.
Synthesis and evaluation of a chitosan nanomaterial as efficient sorbent for determination of fungicide residues in waters and wine by liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Martello Lorenzo , Rapti Androniki , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Lambropoulou Dimitra A.
Published: January 2024

In the present study a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient analytical method based on a newly synthesized chitosan derivative was developed for high resolution mass spectrometry analysis of fungicide residues in water and wine.
In silico approaches to investigate enzyme immobilization: a comprehensive systematic review
Authors: Barati Farzaneh , Hosseini Fakhrisadat , Vafaee Rayeheh , Sabouri Zahra , Ghadam Parinaz , Arab Seyed Shahriar , Shadfar Najmeh , Piroozmand Firoozeh
Published: January 2024

In silico tools can often correctly predict enzyme immobilization outcomes.
Improving the revenue of lignin conversion into carbon dots by prior amino modification
Authors: Chu Tingting , Yang Xiaoxu , Chen Mingjie , Shi Qing-Shan , Xie Xiaobao , Guo Yanzhu
Published: January 2024

Amino modification of lignin was proposed to synchronously reduce the prices of carbon dots from lignin and to improve their performances.
Lipid vesicle-based molecular robots
Authors: Peng Zugui , Iwabuchi Shoji , Izumi Kayano , Takiguchi Sotaro , Yamaji Misa , Fujita Shoko , Suzuki Harune , Kambara Fumika , Fukasawa Genki , Cooney Aileen , Di Michele Lorenzo , Elani Yuval , Matsuura Tomoaki , Kawano Ryuji
Published: January 2024

A molecular robot, which is a system comprised of one or more molecular machines and computers, can execute sophisticated tasks in many fields that span from nanomedicine to green nanotechnology.
Non-linear optical properties of 2,7-naphthyridine derivatives for optical switching applications: a DFT study
Authors: P. K. Dhanya , Chandran R. Prakash , Vijayan Nair Sobha , Raveendran Pillai Renjith
Published: January 2024

A series of novel 2,7-naphthyridine derivatives were designed with potential applications in optical switching. The electronic properties and nonlinear optical properties of the designed compounds were extensively studied using DFT.
Interactions between achiral porphyrins and a mature miRNA
Authors: Travagliante Gabriele , Gaeta Massimiliano , Gangemi Chiara M. A. , Alaimo Salvatore , Ferro Alfredo , Purrello Roberto , D'Urso Alessandro
Published: January 2024

By a multi-technique approach, four different porphyrins have been tested as chiroptical probes for mature endogenous micro-RNAs.
Effects of radiation damage on the yielding and fracture of nanowires
Authors: Vizoso Daniel , Dingreville Rémi
Published: January 2024

Irradiated nanowires' strength can change with their diameter. Though damaged by radiation, defects get cleaned during loading, returning the nanowires to their pristine state. This suggests that radiation has little impact on their fracture behavior.
Transition from vehicle to Grotthuss proton transfer in a nanosized flask: cryogenic ion spectroscopy of protonated p-aminobenzoic acid solvated with D2O
Authors: Hirata Keisuke , Akasaka Kyota , Dopfer Otto , Ishiuchi Shun-ichi , Fujii Masaaki
Published: January 2024

Cryogenic double ion trap IR spectroscopy combined with isotopic labelling reveals that the solvent-mediated intracluster proton transfer mechanism in microhydrated protonated p-aminobenzoic acid changes from vehicle to Grotthuss between n = 5 and 7.