bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake across the life span for cardiovascular disease prevention in women
Authors: Hall Wendy Louise
Published: March 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major health concern for women. Historically there has been a misconception that men are at greater risk because CVD tends to occur earlier in life compared to women. Clinical guidelines for prevention of heart disease are currently the same for both sexes, but accumulating evidence demonstrates that risk profiles diverge. In fact, several CVD risk factors confer an even greater risk in women relative to men, including high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and raised triglycerides. Furthermore, many female-specific CVD risk factors exist, including early menarche, pregnancy complications, polycystic ovary syndrome, reproductive hormonal treatments and menopause. Little is known about how diet interacts with CVD risk factors at various stages of a woman’s life. Long chain (LC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intakes are a key dietary factor that may impact risk of CVD throughout the life course differentially in men and women. Oestrogen enhances conversion of the plant n-3 PUFA, alpha-linolenic acid, to LCn-3 PUFA. Increasing the frequency of oily fish consumption or LCn-3 PUFA supplementation may be important for reducing coronary risk during the menopausal transition, during which time oestrogen levels decline and the increase in CVD risk factors is accelerated. Women are under-represented in the evidence base for CVD prevention following LC n-3 PUFA supplementation. Therefore it is not clear whether there are sex differences in response to treatment. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence on optimal intakes of LC n-3 PUFA across the lifespan for CVD prevention in women.
Standardization of vegetative propagation in Terminalia chebula Retz. for germplasm conservation
Authors: Dogra Deeshant , Gupta Meenakshi , Kossar Tahira , Gupta Lalit Mohan , Mahajan Vishal , Kour Sarabdeep
Published: March 2024

Terminalia chebula Retz. is a multipurpose tree but the primary purpose of cultivating and raising this tree species is its fruits. Large sized fruits easily fetch higher prices in the national and global markets. The availability of superior germplasm is, however, restricted by its very low natural regeneration, poor germination capacity of the seeds, very little knowledge about its propagation techniques, long juvenile period for fruits production which is almost 15–20 years. The availability of superior germplasm and shortening of long juvenile period can be resolved by the adoption of various vegetative propagation techniques. In the present study, scions of T. chebula Retz. were grafted on three different rootstocks; T. chebula Retz., Terminalia bellirica Roxb. and Terminalia arjuna Bedd to standardize vegetative propagation techniques in T. chebula. The grafting and budding methods used were cleft grafting, side-veneer grafting and patch budding. The results revealed that out of all the propagation techniques evaluated under nursery conditions, cleft grafting was most promising. It showed better results on principal parameters like graft survival ratio (46.67) and graft take ratio (60.00). In case of rootstocks, T. arjuna performed well on most of the growth parameters. Hence, it is concluded that T. arjuna as a rootstock can be cleft grafted with T. chebula Retz. scion not only to obtain healthy plants with desired characteristics in a short time but also to conserve its germplasm.
Evolutionary Trends of Polygenic Scores in European Populations From the Paleolithic to Modern Times
Authors: Piffer Davide , Kirkegaard Emil O. W.
Published: March 2024

This study examines the temporal and geographical evolution of polygenic scores (PGSs) across cognitive measures (Educational Attainment [EA], Intelligence Quotient [IQ]), Socioeconomic Status (SES), and psychiatric conditions (Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD], schizophrenia [SCZ]) in various populations. Our findings indicate positive directional selection for EA, IQ, and SES traits over the past 12,000 years. Schizophrenia and autism, while similar, showed different temporal patterns, aligning with theories suggesting they are psychological opposites. We observed a decline in PGS for neuroticism and depression, likely due to their genetic correlations and pleiotropic effects on intelligence. Significant PGS shifts from the Upper Paleolithic to the Neolithic periods suggest lifestyle and cognitive demand changes, particularly during the Neolithic Revolution. The study supports a mild hypothesis of Gregory Clark’s model, showing a noticeable rise in genetic propensities for intelligence, academic achievement and professional status across Europe from the Middle Ages to the present. While latitude strongly influenced height, its impact on schizophrenia and autism was smaller and varied. Contrary to the cold winters theory, the study found no significant correlation between latitude and intelligence.
Electrostatic generator enhancements for powering IoT nodes via efficient energy management
Authors: Wu Zibo , Cao Zeyuan , Teng Junchi , Ding Rong , Xu Jiani , Ye Xiongying
Published: March 2024

Electrostatic generators show great potential for powering widely distributed electronic devices in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. However, a critical issue limiting such generators is their high impedance mismatch when coupled to electronics, which results in very low energy utilization efficiency. Here, we present a high-performance energy management unit (EMU) based on a spark-switch tube and a buck converter with an RF inductor. By optimizing the elements and parameters of the EMU, a maximum direct current output power of 79.2 mW m-2 rps-1 was reached for a rotary electret generator with the EMU, achieving 1.2 times greater power output than without the EMU. Furthermore, the maximum power of the contact-separated triboelectric nanogenerator with an EMU is 1.5 times that without the EMU. This excellent performance is attributed to the various optimizations, including utilizing an ultralow-loss spark-switch tube with a proper breakdown voltage, adding a matched input capacitor to enhance available charge, and incorporating an RF inductor to facilitate the high-speed energy transfer process. Based on this extremely efficient EMU, a compact self-powered wireless temperature sensor node was demonstrated to acquire and transmit data every 3.5 s under a slight wind speed of 0.5 m/s. This work greatly promotes the utilization of electrostatic nanogenerators in practical applications, particularly in IoT nodes.
Rethinking non-syndromic hearing loss and its mimics in the genomic era
Authors: Vona Barbara
Published: March 2024

Graphical abstract
Disappearing cities on US coasts
Authors: Ohenhen Leonard O. , Shirzaei Manoochehr , Ojha Chandrakanta , Sherpa Sonam F. , Nicholls Robert J.
Published: March 2024

The sea level along the US coastlines is projected to rise by 0.25–0.3 m by 2050, increasing the probability of more destructive flooding and inundation in major cities1–3. However, these impacts may be exacerbated by coastal subsidence—the sinking of coastal land areas4—a factor that is often underrepresented in coastal-management policies and long-term urban planning2,5. In this study, we combine high-resolution vertical land motion (that is, raising or lowering of land) and elevation datasets with projections of sea-level rise to quantify the potential inundated areas in 32 major US coastal cities. Here we show that, even when considering the current coastal-defence structures, further land area of between 1,006 and 1,389 km2 is threatened by relative sea-level rise by 2050, posing a threat to a population of 55,000–273,000 people and 31,000–171,000 properties. Our analysis shows that not accounting for spatially variable land subsidence within the cities may lead to inaccurate projections of expected exposure. These potential consequences show the scale of the adaptation challenge, which is not appreciated in most US coastal cities.
Bumblebees socially learn behaviour too complex to innovate alone
Authors: Bridges Alice D. , Royka Amanda , Wilson Tara , Lockwood Charlotte , Richter Jasmin , Juusola Mikko , Chittka Lars
Published: March 2024

Culture refers to behaviours that are socially learned and persist within a population over time. Increasing evidence suggests that animal culture can, like human culture, be cumulative: characterized by sequential innovations that build on previous ones1. However, human cumulative culture involves behaviours so complex that they lie beyond the capacity of any individual to independently discover during their lifetime1–3. To our knowledge, no study has so far demonstrated this phenomenon in an invertebrate. Here we show that bumblebees can learn from trained demonstrator bees to open a novel two-step puzzle box to obtain food rewards, even though they fail to do so independently. Experimenters were unable to train demonstrator bees to perform the unrewarded first step without providing a temporary reward linked to this action, which was removed during later stages of training. However, a third of naive observer bees learned to open the two-step box from these demonstrators, without ever being rewarded after the first step. This suggests that social learning might permit the acquisition of behaviours too complex to ‘re-innovate’ through individual learning. Furthermore, naive bees failed to open the box despite extended exposure for up to 24 days. This finding challenges a common opinion in the field: that the capacity to socially learn behaviours that cannot be innovated through individual trial and error is unique to humans.
A recently quenched galaxy 700 million years after the Big Bang
Authors: Looser Tobias J. , D’Eugenio Francesco , Maiolino Roberto , Witstok Joris , Sandles Lester , Curtis-Lake Emma , Chevallard Jacopo , Tacchella Sandro , Johnson Benjamin D. , Baker William M. , Suess Katherine A. , Carniani Stefano , Ferruit Pierre , Arribas Santiago , Bonaventura Nina , Bunker Andrew J. , Cameron Alex J. , Charlot Stephane , Curti Mirko , de Graaff Anna , Maseda Michael V. , Rawle Tim , Rix Hans-Walter , Del Pino Bruno Rodríguez , Smit Renske , Übler Hannah , Willott Chris , Alberts Stacey , Egami Eiichi , Eisenstein Daniel J. , Endsley Ryan , Hausen Ryan , Rieke Marcia , Robertson Brant , Shivaei Irene , Williams Christina C. , Boyett Kristan , Chen Zuyi , Ji Zhiyuan , Jones Gareth C. , Kumari Nimisha , Nelson Erica , Perna Michele , Saxena Aayush , Scholtz Jan
Published: March 2024

Local and low-redshift (z < 3) galaxies are known to broadly follow a bimodal distribution: actively star-forming galaxies with relatively stable star-formation rates and passive systems. These two populations are connected by galaxies in relatively slow transition. By contrast, theory predicts that star formation was stochastic at early cosmic times and in low-mass systems1–4. These galaxies transitioned rapidly between starburst episodes and phases of suppressed star formation, potentially even causing temporary quiescence—so-called mini-quenching events5,6. However, the regime of star-formation burstiness is observationally highly unconstrained. Directly observing mini-quenched galaxies in the primordial Universe is therefore of utmost importance to constrain models of galaxy formation and transformation7,8. Early quenched galaxies have been identified out to redshiftz < 5 (refs. 9–12) and these are all found to be massive (M⋆ > 1010 M⊙) and relatively old. Here we report a (mini-)quenched galaxy atz = 7.3, when the Universe was only 700 Myr old. The JWST/NIRSpec spectrum is very blue (U–V = 0.16 ± 0.03 mag) but exhibits a Balmer break and no nebular emission lines. The galaxy experienced a short starburst followed by rapid quenching; its stellar mass (4–6 × 108 M⊙) falls in a range that is sensitive to various feedback mechanisms, which can result in perhaps only temporary quenching.
The molecular basis of sugar detection by an insect taste receptor
Authors: Gomes João Victor , Singh-Bhagania Shivinder , Cenci Matthew , Chacon Cordon Carlos , Singh Manjodh , Butterwick Joel A.
Published: March 2024

Animals crave sugars because of their energy potential and the pleasurable sensation of tasting sweetness. Yet all sugars are not metabolically equivalent, requiring mechanisms to detect and differentiate between chemically similar sweet substances. Insects use a family of ionotropic gustatory receptors to discriminate sugars1, each of which is selectively activated by specific sweet molecules2–6. Here, to gain insight into the molecular basis of sugar selectivity, we determined structures of Gr9, a gustatory receptor from the silkwormBombyx mori(BmGr9), in the absence and presence of its sole activating ligand,d-fructose. These structures, along with structure-guided mutagenesis and functional assays, illustrate howd-fructose is enveloped by a ligand-binding pocket that precisely matches the overall shape and pattern of chemical groups ind-fructose. However, our computational docking and experimental binding assays revealed that other sugars also bind BmGr9, yet they are unable to activate the receptor. We determined the structure of BmGr9 in complex with one such non-activating sugar,l-sorbose. Although both sugars bind a similar position, onlyd-fructose is capable of engaging a bridge of two conserved aromatic residues that connects the pocket to the pore helix, inducing a conformational change that allows the ion-conducting pore to open. Thus, chemical specificity does not depend solely on the selectivity of the ligand-binding pocket, but it is an emergent property arising from a combination of receptor–ligand interactions and allosteric coupling. Our results support a model whereby coarse receptor tuning is derived from the size and chemical characteristics of the pocket, whereas fine-tuning of receptor activation is achieved through the selective engagement of an allosteric pathway that regulates ion conduction.
A multi-objective stacked regression method for distance based colour measuring device
Authors: Brar Amrinder Singh , Singh Kawaljeet
Published: March 2024

Identifying colour from a distance is challenging due to the external noise associated with the measurement process. The present study focuses on developing a colour measuring system and a novel Multi-target Regression (MTR) model for accurate colour measurement from distance. Herein, a novel MTR method, referred as Multi-Objective Stacked Regression (MOSR) is proposed. The core idea behind MOSR is based on stacking as an ensemble approach with multi-objective evolutionary learning using NSGA-II. A multi-objective optimization approach is used for selecting base learners that maximises prediction accuracy while minimising ensemble complexity, which is further compared with six state-of-the-art methods over the colour dataset. Classification and regression tree (CART), Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were used as regressor algorithms. MOSR outperformed all compared methods with the highest coefficient of determination values for all three targets of the colour dataset. Rigorous comparison with state-of-the-art methods over 18 benchmarked datasets showed MOSR outperformed in 15 datasets when CART was used as a regressor algorithm and 11 datasets when RF and SVM were used as regressor algorithms. The MOSR method was statistically superior to compared methods and can be effectively used to measure accurate colour values in the distance-based colour measuring device.
Stability study of flame structure using photodiodes in surface flame burners
Authors: Jazayeri Parmis Sadat , Targhi Mohammad Zabetian , Karafi Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2024

Radiation spectroscopy can be effective in identifying pollutants and species. By examining a photodiode, the frequency peaks obtained from the analysis, and the range in which the cell flame is converted to a surface flame, we obtained the value ratio of the cell flame to the surface flame in the range of 0.7–0.74 in different powers. The frequency peak in this range decreases from the maximum value of 9.9823 Hz to its minimum value of 9.058 Hz in different powers. By analyzing the temperature compared to the frequency peak, we found that in the range of equivalence ratio 0.7–0.75, the frequency peak decreases from 9.5 to 9.9 Hz to 8.7–9 Hz. The temperature has an increasing behavior, and in the equivalence ratio, the temperature is in the range of 1400–1500 °C, i.e., at its maximum value. We observed the cell formation process and its conversion to surface flame by flame detection. The flame height in the cellular and superficial regions is in the range of 0.65–0.85, which is the minimum flame height of 3–10 mm, and NO and CO were examined in the ratio of different equations and compared with temperature. In the ratio equivalence ratio of 0.77–0.81 in the temperature range of 1500 °C (maximum), the value of NO is about 16 ppm (maximum), and the value of CO is about 2 ppm (minimum). That is, when the temperature is at its maximum, it becomes CO minimum and NO maximum. This can be used for different applications such as similar and industrial burners.
Optimal charge scheduling and on-board control of an urban electrified BRT fleet considering synthetic representative driving cycles
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Ayad Ahmed F. , Asfoor Mostafa
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive approach for optimal charge scheduling and on-board vehicular control of electrified fleets based on synthetic driving cycles. The proposed approach is conducted within a real case-study in Cairo, Egypt, whereto a representative distance-based driving cycle has been synthesized using K-means clustering over a sliding horizon of gathered data-sets. Two multi-objective problems defining optimal charge scheduling and vehicular control have been formulated to achieve minimal energy consumption and operating cost of the fleet . Non-dominant genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) has been implemented to solve the optimization problems jointly considering fluctuating electricity cost of the grid. The comparative evaluation of results reveals an improvement of 19% and 28% in energy consumption and retention of on-board energy accordingly, with less than 2% mitigation of driveability. Moreover, a reduction of 40.8%, 20%, and 21.9% in fleet size, required charging stations, and annual recharging cost respectively has been realized. The main innovation of this work can be put forward as the ability to address the above-mentioned quadrilateral objectives of electrified fleets in a single comprehensive approach, considering synthetic driving cycles and electricity prices to yield a customized-optimal solution.
An ultra-sensitive and high-throughput trapping-micro-LC-MS method for quantification of circulating vitamin D metabolites and application in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Qu Flora , Zhang Ming , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Zivadinov Robert , Qu Jun , Zhu Xiaoyu , Ramanathan Murali
Published: March 2024

Quantitative analysis of the biologically-active metabolites of vitamin D (VitD), which are crucial in regulating various physiological and pathological processes, is important for clinical investigations. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has been widely used for this purpose but existing LC-MS methods face challenges in achieving highly sensitive and accurate quantification of low-abundance VitD metabolites while maintaining high throughput and robustness. Here we developed a novel pipeline that combines a trapping-micro-LC-(T-µLC) with narrow-window-isolation selected-reaction monitoring MS(NWI-SRM) for ultra-sensitive, robust and high-throughput quantification of VitD metabolites in serum samples after derivatization. The selective-trapping and delivery approach efficiently removes matrix components, enabling high-capacity sample loading and enhancing sensitivity, throughput, and robustness. The NWI-SRM further improves the sensitivity by providing high selectivity. The lower limits of quantification (LOQs) achieved were markedly lower than any existing LC-MS methods: 1.0 pg/mL for 1,25(OH)2D3, 5.0 pg/mL for 24,25(OH)2D3, 30 pg/mL for both 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3, all within a 9-min cycle. The method is applied to quantify VitD metabolites from 218 patients with multiple sclerosis. This study revealed negative correlations(r=− 0.44 to − 0.51) between the levels of 25(OH)D2 and all the three D3 metabolites in multiple sclerosis patients.
New nanostructure perovskite-based light-emitting diode with superior light extraction efficiency enhancement
Authors: Rahimi Saeed , Eskandari Mehdi , Fathi Davood
Published: March 2024

The external quantum efficiency (EQE) of a perovskite-based light-emitting diode (PELED) is a key indicator, comprising the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and light extraction efficiency (LEE). Currently, enhancing EQE faces a major challenge in optimizing LEE. This study introduces an innovative structure to boost LEE, exploring various influencing parameters. The transition from a planar to a domical architecture leverages factors like the waveguiding effect, resulting in a remarkable tenfold increase in LEE, from 6 to 59%. Additionally, investigations into factors affecting LEE, such as altering dipole orientation, material-substrate contact angle, and layer thickness, reveal the potential for further improvement. The optimized structure attains an impressive LEE value of 74%.
Small-scale regional engineering geological study of the Czech Republic evaluating the relationship between slope gradients and engineering geological zones
Authors: Marschalko Marian , Zięba Zofia , Růžičková Kateřina , Růžička Jan , Kubáč Jan , Dąbrowska Jolanta , Sysala David , Krčmář David
Published: March 2024

The aim of the small-scale regional engineering geological study of the Czech Republic was to evaluate the relationship between slope gradient and engineering geological zones. The research motivation was to determine the average slope gradient, 25%, 50% (median) and 75% quantiles related to the different engineering geological zones. This scientific information is critical from the perspectives of engineering geology, geotechnical engineering, and foundation engineering because an increasing slope gradient evokes the need to create a cut respectively foundation excavation or another excavation in the geological structure, which increases the probability of occurrence of the problem in terms of differential settlement and bearing capacity of the structures. The research was carried out in the territory of the Czech Republic in 8 Quaternary zones with soil foundation ground and 10 pre-Quaternary zones with rocks and semi-rocks and their eluvia. A significant difference in the statistical characteristics of slope gradients was found in the group of Quaternary engineering geological zones (evaluated group I) compared to the group of pre-Quaternary zones (evaluated group II). The value range of the average slope gradient was 1.65° (16.9%) to 5.89° (60.3%) for the Quaternary engineering geological zones (soil foundation ground), representing 43.4% difference. Whereas for the over-quaternary engineering geological zones (rocks, semi-rocks and their eluvia), the difference was much higher, 3.59° (36.8%) to 9.76° (100%—value determined as a referential because it was the maximum), which is also reflected in a more significant percentage difference of 63.2%.
Validation of computational fluid dynamics models for airway deposition with SPECT data of the same population
Authors: Sadafi Hosein , Monshi Tousi Navid , De Backer Wilfried , De Backer Jan
Published: March 2024

This study compared computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model predictions on aerosol deposition in six asthmatic patients to the in-vivo results of the same group. Patient-specific ventilation and internal air distribution were prescribed using inspiratory and expiratory CT scans of each patient, accounting for individual lobar air flow distribution. Moreover, the significant influence of realistic mouth and throat geometries on regional deposition is demonstrated. The in-vivo data were obtained from single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in 6 subjects with mild asthma selected from a database of historical clinical trials. The governing flow and particle tracking equations were solved numerically using a commercial CFD tool, and the modeled deposition results were compared to the SPECT data. Good agreement was found between the CFD model, applying k-ω SST turbulence model, and SPECT in terms of aerosol deposition. The average difference for the lobar deposition obtained from CFD model and SPECT/CT data was 2.1%. The high level of agreement is due to applying patient specific airway geometries and inspiratory/expiratory CT images, anatomical upper airways, and realistic airway trees. The results of this study show that CFD is a powerful tool to simulate patient-specific deposition if correct boundary conditions are applied and can generate similar information obtained with functional imaging tools, such as SPECT.
Co-sleeping with pets, stress, and sleep in a nationally-representative sample of United States adults
Authors: Chin Brian N. , Singh Tvisha , Carothers Aisha S.
Published: March 2024

This cross-sectional study tested the direct and stress-buffering effects of co-sleeping with pets on human sleep characteristics in a nationally-representative sample of United States adults. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their sleep characteristics, including perceived sleep quality, perceived sleep efficiency, insomnia severity, and multidimensional sleep health. We evaluated whether co-sleeping with pets was associated with sleep characteristics and whether co-sleeping with pets moderated the association of stress and sleep characteristics. Exploratory analyses examined whether sleep characteristics were impacted by number of pets, pet type, and bondedness to pets. Our final sample of 1591 participants (Mage = 46.4 years, SD = 17.5; 56% female; 76% White) included 758 participants who reported co-sleeping with pets (47.6%). Co-sleeping with pets was associated with poorer sleep characteristics—specifically, poorer perceived sleep quality and greater insomnia severity. Although higher levels of stress were associated with poorer sleep, we did not observe evidence for a stress-buffering effect of co-sleeping with pets. Exploratory analyses indicated that the negative impact of co-sleeping with pets on human sleep was associated with dog ownership but not cat ownership, more pronounced when individuals own a greater number of pets, and not impacted by bondedness to pets. Our findings contribute to emerging evidence for the impact of co-sleeping with pets on human sleep. Study was pre-registered at: https://aspredicted.org/3VN_WF6.
Facile synthesis of Persian gum–graphene oxide composite as a novel adsorbent for CO2 capture: characterization and optimization
Authors: Helmi Maryam , Khoshdouni Farahani Zahra , Hemmati Alireza , Ghaemi Ahad
Published: March 2024

Burning fossil fuels releases toxic gases into the environment and has negative effects on it. In this study, Persian gum@Graphene oxide (Pg@GO) was synthesized and used as a novel adsorbent for CO2 capture. The characterization of materials was determined through XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, and TGA analysis. The operating parameters including temperature, Pressure, and adsorbent weight were studied and optimized by response surface methodology via Box–Behnken design (RSM-BBD). The highest amount of CO2 adsorption capacity was 4.80 mmol/g, achieved at 300 K and 7.8 bar and 0.4 g of adsorbent weight. To identify the behavior and performance of the Pg@GO, various isotherm and kinetic models were used to fit with the highest correlation coefficient (R2) amounts of 0.955 and 0.986, respectively. The results proved that the adsorption of CO2 molecules on the adsorbent surface is heterogeneous. Based on thermodynamic results, as the value of ΔG° is − 8.169 at 300 K, the CO2 adsorption process is exothermic, and spontaneous.
Cellulose-coated emulsion micro-particles self-assemble with yeasts for cellulose bio-conversion
Authors: Hamal Ester Korkus , Alfassi Gilad , Antonenko Margarita , Rein Dmitry M. , Cohen Yachin
Published: March 2024

In the quest for alternative renewable energy sources, a new self-assembled hybrid configuration of cellulose-coated oil-in-water emulsion particles with yeast was formed. In this research, the addition of yeasts (S. cerevisiae) to the micro-particle emulsion revealed a novel self-assembly configuration in which the yeast cell is connected to surrounding cellulose-coated micro-particles. This hybrid configuration may enhance the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process by substrate channeling. Glucose produced by hydrolysis of the cellulose shells coating the micro-particles, catalyzed by cellulytic enzymes attached to their coating, is directly fermented to ethanol by the yeasts to which the particles are connected. The results indicate ethanol yield of 62%, based on the cellulose content of the emulsion, achieved by the yeast/micro-particle hybrids. The functionality of this hybrid configuration is expected to serve as a micro-reactor for a cascade of biochemical reactions in a “one-pot” consolidated process transforming cellulose to valuable chemicals, such as biodiesel.
Contextualizing remote fall risk: Video data capture and implementing ethical AI
Authors: Moore Jason , McMeekin Peter , Parkes Thomas , Walker Richard , Morris Rosie , Stuart Samuel , Hetherington Victoria , Godfrey Alan
Published: March 2024

Wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) are being used to quantify gait characteristics that are associated with increased fall risk, but the current limitation is the lack of contextual information that would clarify IMU data. Use of wearable video-based cameras would provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s habitual fall risk, adding context to clarify abnormal IMU data. Generally, there is taboo when suggesting the use of wearable cameras to capture real-world video, clinical and patient apprehension due to ethical and privacy concerns. This perspective proposes that routine use of wearable cameras could be realized within digital medicine through AI-based computer vision models to obfuscate/blur/shade sensitive information while preserving helpful contextual information for a comprehensive patient assessment. Specifically, no person sees the raw video data to understand context, rather AI interprets the raw video data first to blur sensitive objects and uphold privacy. That may be more routinely achieved than one imagines as contemporary resources exist. Here, to showcase/display the potential an exemplar model is suggested via off-the-shelf methods to detect and blur sensitive objects (e.g., people) with an accuracy of 88%. Here, the benefit of the proposed approach includes a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s free-living fall risk (from free-living IMU-based gait) without compromising privacy. More generally, the video and AI approach could be used beyond fall risk to better inform habitual experiences and challenges across a range of clinical cohorts. Medicine is becoming more receptive to wearables as a helpful toolbox, camera-based devices should be plausible instruments.
ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 1 (ST3Gal1) synthesis of Siglec ligands mediates anti-tumour immunity in prostate cancer
Authors: Garnham Rebecca , Geh Daniel , Nelson Ryan , Ramon-Gil Erik , Wilson Laura , Schmidt Edward N. , Walker Laura , Adamson Beth , Buskin Adriana , Hepburn Anastasia C. , Hodgson Kirsty , Kendall Hannah , Frame Fiona M. , Maitland Norman , Coffey Kelly , Strand Douglas W. , Robson Craig N. , Elliott David J. , Heer Rakesh , Macauley Matthew , Munkley Jennifer , Gaughan Luke , Leslie Jack , Scott Emma
Published: March 2024

Immune checkpoint blockade has yet to produce robust anti-cancer responses for prostate cancer. Sialyltransferases have been shown across several solid tumours, including breast, melanoma, colorectal and prostate to promote immune suppression by synthesising sialoglycans, which act as ligands for Siglec receptors. We report that ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 1 (ST3Gal1) levels negatively correlate with androgen signalling in prostate tumours. We demonstrate that ST3Gal1 plays an important role in modulating tumour immune evasion through the synthesises of sialoglycans with the capacity to engage the Siglec-7 and Siglec-9 immunoreceptors preventing immune clearance of cancer cells. Here, we provide evidence of the expression of Siglec-7/9 ligands and their respective immunoreceptors in prostate tumours. These interactions can be modulated by enzalutamide and may maintain immune suppression in enzalutamide treated tumours. We conclude that the activity of ST3Gal1 is critical to prostate cancer anti-tumour immunity and provide rationale for the use of glyco-immune checkpoint targeting therapies in advanced prostate cancer.
Symmetry broken vectorial Kerr frequency combs from Fabry-Pérot resonators
Authors: Hill Lewis , Hirmer Eva-Maria , Campbell Graeme , Bi Toby , Ghosh Alekhya , Del’Haye Pascal , Oppo Gian-Luca
Published: March 2024

Spontaneous symmetry breaking of a pair of vector temporal cavity solitons has been established as a paradigm to modulate optical frequency combs, and finds many applications in metrology, frequency standards, communications, and photonic devices. While this phenomenon has successfully been observed in Kerr ring resonators, the counterpart exploiting linear Fabry-Pérot cavities is still unexplored. Here, we consider field polarization properties and describe a vector comb generation through the spontaneous symmetry breaking of temporal cavity solitons within coherently driven, passive, Fabry-Pérot cavities with Kerr nonlinearity. Global coupling effects due to the interactions of counter-propagating light restrict the maximum number of soliton pairs within the cavity - even down to a single soliton pair - and force long range polarization conformity in trains of vector solitons.
Mobilizing institutional capacities to adapt to climate change: local government collaboration networks for risk management in Mexico City
Authors: Cid A. , Siqueiros-García J. M. , Mazari-Hiriart M. , Guerra A. , Lerner A. M.
Published: March 2024

State-centered and hierarchical government strategies based on technocratic top-down approaches have proved inadequate to address multiple interacting and cross-scale risks. In contrast, multilevel governance (MLG) provides a form of governance by networks that operate both in a horizontal arena with neighboring local governments, civil society organizations, and local communities, and in vertical settings, with higher-level governmental authorities and international organizations. In this paper, we examined the role and experience of local governments in a multilevel governance system for risk management in Mexico City. We sought to understand what collaborative resources local governments have to address multiple risks in Mexico City? How do they mobilize these resources in specific actions to address a risk, and how do they interact with different levels on diverse organizational scales? Our results show that resources for vertical and horizontal collaboration were key for local governments for coordination to address multiple risks. We found that collaboration was more common between local governments and with the subnational government. Also, the most common actions focused on forecasting and prevention, as well as preparedness and relief of multiple risks. We found evidence of successful elements of multilevel governance and identified the need for further research on the engagement and representation for non-governmental organizations and private actors in networks of risk management. The results from this study provide a better understanding of the arrangement of collaborative resources underlying local government actions under a state of urgency and scarcity, where action cannot wait for institutional change.
Molecular epidemiology of the HIV-1 epidemic in Fiji
Authors: Sudhakar Atlesh , Wilson Donald , Devi Rachel , Balak Dashika Anshu , Singh Jenni , Tuidraki Kesaia , Gaunavinaka Lavenia , Turuva Waisale , Naivalu Taina , Lawley Blair , Tay John H. , Di Giallonardo Francesca , Duchene Sebastian , Geoghegan Jemma L.
Published: March 2024

Very little is known about the HIV-1 epidemic in Fiji, nor the wider South Pacific region more generally, yet new reported HIV-1 infections are on the rise. As of 2023, there are an estimated 2000 cases of HIV-1 in Fiji with heterosexual contact the primary route of transmission. In this study, we used a molecular epidemiological approach to better understand the genetic diversity of the HIV-1 epidemic in Fiji and reveal patterns of viral transmission. Between 2020 and 2021, venous blood samples were collected from people who had previously been diagnosed with HIV-1. We generated molecular data from 53 infections, representing ~2–3% of reported cases, to identify HIV-1 subtypes and determine the outbreak’s trajectory. Among the 53 HIV-1 cases, we used Bayesian inference to estimate six separate introductions with at least two of these introductions leading to sustained transmission forming large, nation-wide clusters of HIV-1 subtype C. We found that since the introduction of public health interventions circa 2014, the effective reproductive number, Re, decreased among the major clusters identified from an average of 2.4 to just below 1. Molecular epidemiological analysis suggested that public health efforts aimed at decreasing the spread of the disease were at least somewhat effective. Nevertheless, with a recent rise in reported HIV-1 cases, this study demonstrates the utility of molecular data to inform a more targeted public health approach for controlling its spread.
A novel strategy to generate immunocytokines with activity-on-demand using small molecule inhibitors
Authors: Rotta Giulia , Gilardoni Ettore , Ravazza Domenico , Mock Jacqueline , Seehusen Frauke , Elsayed Abdullah , Puca Emanuele , De Luca Roberto , Pellegrino Christian , Look Thomas , Weiss Tobias , Manz Markus G , Halin Cornelia , Neri Dario , Dakhel Plaza Sheila
Published: March 2024

Cytokine-based therapeutics have been shown to mediate objective responses in certain tumor entities but suffer from insufficient selectivity, causing limiting toxicity which prevents dose escalation to therapeutically active regimens. The antibody-based delivery of cytokines significantly increases the therapeutic index of the corresponding payload but still suffers from side effects associated with peak concentrations of the product in blood upon intravenous administration. Here we devise a general strategy (named “Intra-Cork”) to mask systemic cytokine activity without impacting anti-cancer efficacy. Our technology features the use of antibody-cytokine fusions, capable of selective localization at the neoplastic site, in combination with pathway-selective inhibitors of the cytokine signaling, which rapidly clear from the body. This strategy, exemplified with a tumor-targeted IL12 in combination with a JAK2 inhibitor, allowed to abrogate cytokine-driven toxicity without affecting therapeutic activity in a preclinical model of cancer. This approach is readily applicable in clinical practice.
Nitrogen-doped biomass-derived carbon dots for fluorescence determination of sunset yellow
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wang Xiaoqi , Yuan Lili , Yu Lina , Shao Congying , Jia Hongxing , Lu Shun
Published: March 2024

Schematic of preparation of N-CDs and their sensing mechanism for sunset yellow.
Tuning the low-temperature phase behavior of aqueous ionic liquids
Authors: Bachler Johannes , Daidone Isabella , Zanetti-Polzi Laura , Loerting Thomas
Published: March 2024

The hydrophobic nature of small perfluorinated anions causes aggregation in the liquid and phase-separation upon cooling. The latter is causes an exothermic first-order transition that was previously confused with a liquid–liquid phase transition in water.
A rapid response room temperature hydrogen sensor based on a three-dimensional Pd–In2O3/rGO aerogel
Authors: Chen Chunyan , Liu Yuheng , Zhou Jian , He Xuehu , Chen Chunlin , Xiao Guoqing , Tang Yaling , Chen Wanxin
Published: March 2024

A three-dimensional (3D) Pd–In2O3/rGO aerogel was fabricated via a one-step hydrothermal treatment and freeze-drying.
Guanidine functionalized porous SiO2 as heterogeneous catalysts for microwave depolymerization of PET and PLA
Authors: Casey Éadaoin , Breen Rachel , Pareras Gerard , Rimola Albert , Holmes Justin D. , Collins Gillian
Published: March 2024

Chemical recycling is an important strategy to tackle the growing global problem of plastic waste pollution. Covalent attachment of oganocatalysts to porous SiO2 creates metal free heterogeneous catalysts for open and closed loop recycling of PET and PLA.
Detailed quasiclassical dynamics of the F− + SiH3Cl multi-channel reaction
Authors: Dékány Attila Á. , Czakó Gábor
Published: March 2024

Quasiclassical trajectory computations on a high-level ab initio full-dimensional potential energy surface reveal the angular and product-energy distributions for the different channels of the F− + SiH3Cl reaction.
Ultra-thin van der Waals magnetic tunnel junction based on monoatomic boron vacancy of hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Harfah Halimah , Wicaksono Yusuf , Sunnardianto Gagus Ketut , Majidi Muhammad Aziz , Kusakabe Koichi
Published: March 2024

Enhanced spin control in graphene/hBN MTJ: boron vacancy tuning yields high TMR ratio of 400%, paving the way for ultra-thin spin valves.
Self-healing ion-conducting elastomer towards record efficient flexible perovskite solar cells with excellent recoverable mechanical stability
Authors: Xue Tangyue , Fan Baojin , Jiang Ke-Jian , Guo Qiang , Hu Xiaotian , Su Meng , Zhou Erjun , Song Yanlin
Published: March 2024

The flexible PSCs with ionic conductive elastomers achieved a record efficiency of 24.84% and self-repaired the cracks at 25 °C.
Adsorption and vibrational spectroscopy of CO on the surface of MgO from periodic local coupled-cluster theory
Authors: Ye Hong-Zhou , Berkelbach Timothy C.
Published: March 2024

Local correlation allows accurate periodic CCSD(T) calculations to be efficiently performed for molecules on realistic surfaces with large basis sets, yielding accurate adsorption energies and vibrational frequencies.
Neat and rapid preparation of hydrophobic magnetic ionic liquids composed of transition metal chelates featuring in situ formation capabilities in aqueous matrices
Authors: Abbasi Nabeel Mujtaba , Shinde Pravin S. , O’Harra Kathryn E. , Biswas Anis , Bara Jason E. , Anderson Jared L.
Published: March 2024

Nitrogen and oxygen-donor ligands comprised of alkylimidazoles, tertiary amides, and diglycolamides were employed to form transition metal chelates in the preparation of twelve magnetic ionic liquids. Viscosities as low as 198 cP were achieved.
A pilot protection based on low frequency component model for HVDC transmission lines
Authors: Han Ke , Chen Yu , Ma Ruizhi
Published: March 2024

Reliable and fast identification of high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line faults is important to the safety of power system. In traditional DC transmission line protection, differential protection is invulnerable to high fault resistance, but it needs long time delay for the influence of distributed capacitance current. In order to solve this problem, a novel pilot protection is proposed. The characteristics of the voltage and current processed by low‐pass filter under different fault conditions are analysed, and based on it the protection criteria is proposed. When external fault occurs, it reflects the line capacitance where the first forward fault traveling wave passes, which is increasing until equal to the whole line capacitance, then remains constant. However, when internal fault occurs, its value is negative in the initial stage, and after that its value is very different from the whole line capacitance. The analysis proves that this pilot protection method has fast operation speed, and can be applied for a relatively long period of time. What is more, the applicable time of superposition principle is considered in the analysis, which is not considered in many literatures. An UHVDC system is modelled for simulation in PSCAD/EMTDC, and the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified.
Research of the catalytic properties of a catalyst selected for the production of high-molecular weight liquid synthetic hydrocarbons from synthesis gas
Authors: Rakhimov Ganisher , Kuybokarov Oybek , Karshiyev Muradulla
Published: March 2024

The purpose of the research: consists of developing a technology for producing high-molecular synthetic hydrocarbons from pentane to nonadecane from synthesis gas based on local raw materials. The article covers the process of catalytic synthesis of highmolecularweight from synthetic hydrocarbons from the pentane to nonadecanefrom carbon monoxideand hydrogen, which was carried out in a flow reactor operating in differential mode.
Implementing sustainable practices in the electrical energy network of Uzbekistan: a holistic approach to environmental management and engineering
Authors: Saydullaev Shakhzod
Published: March 2024

This research advocates for the implementation of sustainable practices in Uzbekistan’s electrical energy network, stressing the importance of a holistic approach to environmental management and engineering. In response to surging energy demands and the critical need for ecological resilience, the study investigates the alignment of Uzbekistan’s electrical energy sector with sustainable principles. Through a thorough analysis of environmental challenges and engineering considerations within the national energy network, the research uncovers crucial insights into establishing a sustainable energy landscape. It highlights the urgent requirement to incorporate environmentally conscious practices into the engineering frameworks of Uzbekistan’s electrical energy network. The paper explores innovative engineering solutions to mitigate the ecological impact of energy generation, transmission, and distribution, emphasizing the multifaceted dimensions of environmental management. It underscores the significance of balancing energy demands with conservation imperatives, advocating a shift towards sustainable energy practices. Beyond technical aspects, the research delves into the socio-economic implications of adopting sustainable energy in Uzbekistan. Examining potential benefits, stakeholder engagements, and required policy frameworks, the paper urges a harmonious transition towards sustainability in the electrical energy sector. By comprehensively exploring the interplay between environmental management and engineering in Uzbekistan’s electrical energy context, this paper contributes to the discourse on sustainable energy transitions.
CCU technologies as a tool to achieve Scope and ESG goals
Authors: A Garifullina Ch. , Klimov D.S.
Published: March 2024

The work examines current methods for the development and study of environmental, social, and governance aspects (ESG factors) in connection with international and governmental measures for sustainable development. It covers the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, which incentivize the consideration of ESG factors, as well as the impact of ESG on the industry and investors, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The authors delve into CO2 utilization technologies (CCS, CCUS, CCU) and the challenges of their implementation in various sectors. The role of oil and gas companies in sustainable development through the implementation of CCU technologies is analyzed; methods for capturing, transporting, and utilizing CO2 are discussed, along with technologies for producing chemicals from CO2 and their efficiency. The influence of CCU technologies on Scope 1, 2, 3 emissions, defining greenhouse gas emissions, is also examined. The challenges of transitioning to sustainable development and the importance of implementing CCU projects to enhance the ESG-rating of companies are highlighted. Sound implementation of CCU projects can determine successful industrial development, especially in the oil and gas sector, by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and creating competitive products.