bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ein unruhiges Land: Sachsen und seine labile demokratische Kultur
Authors: Vorländer Hans , Herold Maik
Published: December 2023

Sachsen stand in den vergangenen Jahren immer wieder im Fokus der Öffentlichkeit. Aufmärsche von Neonazis und ‚Wutbürgern‘, Wahlerfolge von NPD und AfD sowie stetige Protestereignisse ließen das Bundesland als eine Hochburg von Ressentiment, Populismus und Demokratieverdruss erscheinen. Dabei zeigen Studien, dass Sachsen innerhalb Ostdeutschlands und Europas keine grundsätzliche Sonderstellung zufällt, gar stärker von regionalen Unterschieden im Inneren geprägt ist. Vor diesem Hintergrund analysiert der Beitrag die Einstellungen zur Demokratie in Sachsen, indem er Zufriedenheit, Vertrauen sowie damit verbundene Wertungen herausarbeitet und mit zentralen Erklärungsfaktoren zusammenbringt. Die Grundlage dafür bilden aktuelle Datenbestände zur politischen Kultur Sachsens, welche im Rahmen des Sachsen Monitors 2021/22 und der CoviSax-Erhebung des Mercator Forums Migration und Demokratie (MIDEM) gewonnen wurden. Dabei zeigen sich die demokratiebezogenen Einstellungen in Sachsen stark von subjektiven Deprivationserfahrungen abhängig – von Gefühlen einer mangelnden politischen Selbstwirksamkeit, eines drohenden sozialen Abstiegs und einer kulturellen Bevormundung, die nicht zuletzt mit biographischen Erfahrungen im Zuge der Transformation begründet werden. Auch der in Sachsen weit verbreitete Wunsch nach einer ‚direktdemokratischen‘ Umgestaltung der bestehenden Ordnung wird von einer damit verbundenen Unzufriedenheit mit bestehenden repräsentativen Willensbildungs- und Entscheidungsprozessen getragen. Starke Formen ethnozentrischer Selbstbezogenheit, extremistische Orientierungen aber auch sozialräumliche Besonderheiten verstärken bestehende demokratiekritische Tendenzen, wobei nicht etwa die Großstädte mit ihren sozialen Brennpunkten oder die ländlichen Regionen mit ihren stärker durch Religionsgemeinschaften vermittelten Sozialisationen, sondern die sogenannten ‚Mittelzentren‘ sich besonders auffällig zeigen.
Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles During the Process of Phytoremediation of Soil Contaminated with As and Pb Cultivated with Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Pérez-Hernández Hermes , Pérez-Moreno Andrea Yakelín , Méndez-López Alonso , Fernández-Luqueño Fabián
Published: December 2023

Urbanization and industrialization have caused the production of pollutants in the soil, water, and air systems, negatively influencing plants, animals, humans, and the ecosystem. Heavy metals, such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and nickel (Ni), affect the development of organisms. In this study, as a novel alternative, the performance of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in sunflower plant growth (Helianthus annuus L.) and the decontamination of soils with As and Pb was investigated. For this purpose, in natural soil contaminated with As (0.02 mg kg of dry soil) and Pb (0.2 mg/kg of dry soil), sunflower plants were allowed to grow in pots for 25, 35, and 45 days after emergence. Morphological parameters were measured for the plants. The stems, leaves, and roots were dried (80 °C), ground, and finally, mineral analysis was performed by plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP). ZnO NPs were applied to the soil at two concentrations (0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg) and the control. ZnO NPs application resulted in plant growth and root length 25 days after emergence (DAE). The interaction between ZnO NPs and metals significantly negatively affected the variable root length. The roots, stems, and leaves accumulated metals at 25 and 45 DAE. Bioconcentration (BCF) and translocation (TF) factors were higher in Zn at 45 DAE. The phytoextraction by H. annuus assisted with ZnO NPs helps remediate polluted soils, potentiating the plant's hyperaccumulation characteristics. The results of this experiment offer basic information on the interaction of ZnO NPs in the phytoremediation process of soil contaminated with heavy metals. However, it is crucial to know the potential of NPs in soils with higher concentrations of contaminants in the soil, which we consider one of the limitations of this work, using low concentrations of heavy metals. Therefore, more research is required to corroborate the effectiveness of ZnO NPs in soils contaminated with Pb and Zn during the phytoremediation process with sunflower plants.

Graphical Abstract
Video-based classroom insights: Promoting self-regulated learning in the context of teachers’ professional competences and students’ skills in self-regulated learning
Authors: Rosenthal Amina , Hirt Carmen Nadja , Eberli Tabea Daria , Jud Johannes , Karlen Yves
Published: December 2023

Despite the significance of self-regulated learning as an important educational goal, teachers face difficulties in fostering students’ skills in self-regulated learning (SRL). Teachers exhibit variability in their capacity to foster SRL. There is no guarantee that students consistently benefit from their teachers’ promotion of SRL. This study aims to address this issue by examining (1) how teachers promote SRL, (2) the relationship between teachers’ professional competences and their promotion of SRL, and (3) the association between teachers’ promotion of SRL and students’ SRL. Data from N = 54 teachers and their N = 823 lower secondary school students were analysed using online questionnaires, knowledge tests, and video recordings. The analysed video data reveals that teachers foster SRL predominantly implicitly, invest most of the time in promoting metacognitive strategies and primarily design learning environments that foster student support. Overall, only a few significant correlations were found between teachers’ professional competences and their promotion of SRL. Further, the results indicate no clear correlation pattern between teachers’ promotion and students’ skills in SRL. Further research should shed more light on the relationship between teachers’ promotion of SRL and students’ SRL to better understand whether and how they might be related.
Bullying among children with heart conditions, National Survey of Children’s Health, 2018–2020
Authors: Wright Brittany N. , Glidewell M. Jill , Downing Karrie F. , Vagi Kevin J. , Fundora Michael P. , Farr Sherry L.
Published: December 2023

Children with chronic illnesses report being bullied by peers, yet little is known about bullying among children with heart conditions. Using 2018–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health data, the prevalence and frequency of being bullied in the past year (never; annually or monthly; weekly or daily) were compared between children aged 6–17 years with and without heart conditions. Among children with heart conditions, associations between demographic and health characteristics and being bullied, and prevalence of diagnosed anxiety or depression by bullying status were examined. Differences were assessed with chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression using predicted marginals to produce adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Weights yielded national estimates. Of 69,428 children, 2.2% had heart conditions. Children with heart conditions, compared to those without, were more likely to be bullied (56.3% and 43.3% respectively; adjusted prevalence ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.3 [1.2, 1.4]) and bullied more frequently (weekly or daily = 11.2% and 5.3%; p < 0.001). Among children with heart conditions, characteristics associated with greater odds of weekly or daily bullying included ages 9–11 years compared to 15–17 years (3.4 [2.0, 5.7]), other genetic or inherited condition (1.7 [1.0, 3.0]), ever overweight (1.7 [1.0, 2.8]), and a functional limitation (4.8 [2.7, 8.5]). Children with heart conditions who were bullied, compared to never, more commonly had anxiety (40.1%, 25.9%, and 12.8%, respectively) and depression (18.0%, 9.3%, and 4.7%; p < 0.01 for both). Findings highlight the social and psychological needs of children with heart conditions.
How Humble Leadership Influences Employee Voice
Authors: Kerse Gökhan , Koçak Daimi , Özdemir Şefik
Published: December 2023

Abstract: In this study, we tested a serial mediation model that examines psychological safety and work engagement as mediators in the relationship between humble leadership and employee voice with reference to social information processing theory. Data were collected from 442 white-collar employees of two government-owned companies located in a major city in Turkey. The results showed that both psychological safety and work engagement mediated the relationship between humble leadership and employee voice. This study determined that humble leadership had positive cognitive (psychological safety) and behavioral (work engagement and employee voice) outcomes during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are also discussed.
Climate Change Threatens the Future of Wild Rice
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: December 2023

As a precious plant struggles to thrive in the U.S. Upper Midwest, researchers are taking steps to understand the reasons for its decline.
Petrological Evolution and Mass Redistribution in Basaltic Fault Zones: An Example From the Faroe Islands, North Atlantic Igneous Province
Authors: Bamberg Bob , Reichow Marc K. , Walker Richard J. , Ougier‐Simonin Audrey
Published: December 2023

Fault rock petrology exerts an important influence on the permeability structure and mechanical properties of fault zones. Slip‐related deformation on upper‐crustal faults in basaltic rocks is closely associated with fluid‐rock interaction, altering the distribution of physical properties within the fault. Here, we present quantitative descriptions of the geochemical and petrological evolution of basalt‐derived fault rocks from three passively exhumed fault zones in the Faroe Islands. Fault‐rock petrology is determined by optical petrography and automated phase identification based on micrometer‐scale chemical maps from scanning electron microscope X‐ray spectroscopy. Geochemical evolution is assessed from major and trace element composition measured by X‐ray fluorescence. The fault rocks show intense fluid‐mediated alteration from a tholeiitic basalt protolith in the damage zones, and mechanical mixing in the fault cores. Pervasive alteration occurs early during fault zone evolution, with incipient fault damage increasing permeability and allowing along‐fault percolation of carbonated meteoric water, increasing fluid‐rock ratios. Our results suggest that the only mobile species within the fault zones are Ca, Si, and Al, which are leached during the hydrolysis of volcanic glass and plagioclase, and CO2, which is added by percolating waters. These species are transported from the damage zones into the fault cores, where they precipitate as zeolite and calcite cement in veins and hydrothermal breccias. We propose that solutes are replenished by cement dissolution through pressure‐solution during cataclastic creep, during repeated cycles of hydrofracture and cementation. The fault zones are natural reactors for fluid‐mediated alteration by CO2 and water, while other species are redistributed within the fault zones.
Deep Convection as the Key to the Transition From Eocene to Modern Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Authors: Xing Qianjiang , Klocker Andreas , Munday David , Whittaker Joanne
Published: December 2023

From the Eocene (∼50 million years ago) to today, Southern Ocean circulation has evolved from the existence of two ocean gyres to the dominance of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). It has generally been thought that the opening of Southern Ocean gateways in the late Eocene, in addition to the alignment of westerly winds with these gateways or the presence of the Antarctic ice sheet, was a sufficient requirement for the transition to an ACC of similar strength to its modern equivalent. Nevertheless, models representing these changes produce a much weaker ACC. Here we show, using an eddying ocean model, that the missing ingredient in the transition to a modern ACC is deep convection around the Antarctic continent. This deep convection is caused by cold temperatures and high salinities due to sea‐ice production around the Antarctic continent, leading to both the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water and a modern‐strength ACC.
A New Atmospheric Background State to Diagnose Local Waveguidability
Authors: Polster Christopher , Wirth Volkmar
Published: December 2023

A new procedure to obtain a longitudinally varying and slowly evolving atmospheric background state for the analysis of Rossby waveguides is described and discussed. The procedure is a rolling zonalization scheme, redistributing Ertel potential vorticity in a moving window to separate waves from the background. Waveguides are subsequently diagnosed from the gradient of the logarithm of potential vorticity. The effectiveness of the wave‐background separation, even in large‐amplitude conditions, is illustrated with reanalysis data. Established climatological‐mean waveguide structures are recovered from the rolling‐zonalized state in the limit of long‐term aggregation. Two contrasting episodes of Rossby wave packet propagation demonstrate how the evolution of waveguides derived from rolling zonalization can correspond to the development of superposed wave packets. The ability of the procedure to work with snapshots of the atmosphere provides new opportunities for waveguide research.
Increased Uncertainty in Projections of Precipitation and Evaporation Due To Wet‐Get‐Wetter/Dry‐Get‐Drier Biases
Authors: Adam Ori , Shourky Wolff Maya , Garfinkel Chaim I. , Byrne Michael P.
Published: December 2023

A key implication of the well known wet‐get‐wetter/dry‐get‐drier (WGW) scaling is that model biases in the representation of precipitation and evaporation in the present climate lead to spurious projected changes under global warming. Here we estimate the extent of such spurious changes in projections by 60 models participating in phases 5 and 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Utilizing known thermodynamic constraints on evaporation, we show that the WGW scaling can be applied to precipitation and evaporation separately (specific WGW scaling), which we use to correct for spurious projected changes in precipitation and evaporation over tropical oceans. The spurious changes in precipitation can be of comparable amplitude to projected changes, but are generally small for evaporation. The spurious changes may increase the uncertainty in projections of tropical precipitation and evaporation by up to 30% and 15% respectively.
Surface Salinity Changes of the Tropical and Subtropical Oceans Since 1970 and Their Relationship With Surface Freshwater Fluxes
Authors: Ge Kai , Li Yuanlong , Lyu Yilong , Lin Pengfei , Cheng Lijing , Wang Fan
Published: December 2023

Sea surface salinity (SSS) has shown a broad‐scale trend pattern of “salty gets saltier, fresh gets fresher” during the past decades, in line with changes in surface freshwater fluxes (FWFs). Yet, regional SSS changes and their relationship with FWFs are more complex and less appreciated, causing uncertainties in understanding the link between ocean salinity and the global water cycle. Based on the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model, we simulated the observed trends of tropical freshening and subtropical salinification since 1970 and gained insight into underlying processes through sensitivity experiments. Albeit with regional differences, changes in precipitation rate are the leading driver for SSS trends in most parts of the tropical and subtropical oceans, with a contribution of typically >60% in six selected regions. The roles of wind‐driven ocean dynamics and evaporation are secondary, contributing by <20% and <30%, respectively. Our results also suggest notable regional contrasts in the SSS‐FWF relationship. Particularly, many regions within the 10°–20° bands show opposite trends in SSS and FWF. Both the climatological and perturbed circulations are essential in this regionality. Specifically, the poleward Ekman transports driven by tropical trade winds act to broaden the SSS‐freshening regions generated by increased tropical rainfall; wind‐driven alterations in the geostrophic circulation cause SSS advection across zonal salinity gradients. These processes drive SSS changes that are opposite in sign to local FWF changes and complicate the regional SSS‐FWF relationship in the long‐term change since 1970.
River Damming Impacts on Fish Habitat and Associated Conservation Measures
Authors: Chen Qiuwen , Li Qinyuan , Lin Yuqing , Zhang Jianyun , Xia Jun , Ni Jinren , Cooke Steven J. , Best Jim , He Shufeng , Feng Tao , Chen Yuchen , Tonina Daniele , Benjankar Rohan , Birk Sebastian , Fleischmann Ayan Santos , Yan Hanlu , Tang Lei
Published: December 2023

River damming has brought great benefits to flood mitigation, energy and food production, and will continue to play a significant role in global energy supply, particularly in Asia, Africa, and South America. However, dams have extensively altered global river dynamics, including riverine connectivity, hydrological, thermal, sediment and solute regimes, and the channel morphology. These alterations have detrimental effects on the quality and quantity of fish habitat and associated impacts on aquatic life. Indeed, dams have been implicated in the decline of numerous fishes, emphasizing the need for effective conservation measures. Here, we present a global synthesis of critical issues concerning the impacts of river damming on physical fish habitats, with a particular focus on key fish species across continents. We also consider current fish conservation measures and their applicability in different contexts. Finally, we identify future research needs. The information presented herein will help support sustainable dam operation under the constraints of future climate change and human needs.
Topside Electron Density Modeling Using Neural Network and Empirical Model Predictions
Authors: Dutta S. , Cohen M. B.
Published: December 2023

We model the electron density in the topside of the ionosphere with an improved machine learning (ML) model and compare it to existing empirical models, specifically the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) and the Empirical‐Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Model (E‐CHAIM). In prior work, an artificial neural network (NN) was developed and trained on two solar cycles worth of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program data (113 satellite‐years), along with global drivers and indices to predict topside electron density. In this paper, we highlight improvements made to this NN, and present a detailed comparison of the new model to E‐CHAIM and IRI as a function of location, geomagnetic condition, time of year, and solar local time. We discuss precision and accuracy metrics to better understand model strengths and weaknesses. The updated neural network shows improved mid‐latitude performance with absolute errors lower than the IRI by 2.5 × 109 to 2.5 × 1010 e−/m3, modestly improved performance in disturbed geomagnetic conditions with absolute errors reduced by about 2.5 × 109 e−/m3 at high Kp compared to the IRI, and high Kp percentage errors reduced by >50% when compared to E‐CHAIM.
MXene/PPy@PDMS sponge-based flexible pressure sensor for human posture recognition with the assistance of a convolutional neural network in deep learning
Authors: Xia Hui , Wang Lin , Zhang Hao , Wang Zihu , Zhu Liang , Cai Haolin , Ma Yanhua , Yang Zhe , Zhang Dongzhi
Published: December 2023

The combination of flexible sensors and deep learning has attracted much attention as an efficient method for the recognition of human postures. In this paper, an in situ polymerized MXene/polypyrrole (PPy) composite is dip-coated on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge to fabricate an MXene/PPy@PDMS (MPP) piezoresistive sensor. The sponge sensor achieves ultrahigh sensitivity (6.8925 kPa−1) at 0–15 kPa, a short response/recovery time (100/110 ms), excellent stability (5000 cycles) and wash resistance. The synergistic effect of PPy and MXene improves the performance of the composite materials and facilitates the transfer of electrons, making the MPP sponge at least five times more sensitive than sponges based on each of the individual single materials. The large-area conductive network allows the MPP sensor to maintain excellent electrical performance over a large-scale pressure range. The MPP sensor can detect a variety of human body activity signals, such as radial artery pulse and different joint movements. The detection and analysis of human motion data, which is assisted by convolutional neural network (CNN) deep learning algorithms, enable the recognition and judgment of 16 types of human postures. The MXene/PPy flexible pressure sensor based on a PDMS sponge has broad application prospects in human motion detection, intelligent sensing and wearable devices.
Immune dysregulation in sepsis: experiences, lessons and perspectives
Authors: Cao Min , Wang Guozheng , Xie Jianfeng
Published: December 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction syndrome caused by dysregulated host responses to infection. Not only does sepsis pose a serious hazard to human health, but it also imposes a substantial economic burden on the healthcare system. The cornerstones of current treatment for sepsis remain source control, fluid resuscitation, and rapid administration of antibiotics, etc. To date, no drugs have been approved for treating sepsis, and most clinical trials of potential therapies have failed to reduce mortality. The immune response caused by the pathogen is complex, resulting in a dysregulated innate and adaptive immune response that, if not promptly controlled, can lead to excessive inflammation, immunosuppression, and failure to re-establish immune homeostasis. The impaired immune response in patients with sepsis and the potential immunotherapy to modulate the immune response causing excessive inflammation or enhancing immunity suggest the importance of demonstrating individualized therapy. Here, we review the immune dysfunction caused by sepsis, where immune cell production, effector cell function, and survival are directly affected during sepsis. In addition, we discuss potential immunotherapy in septic patients and highlight the need for precise treatment according to clinical and immune stratification.
Towards improved screening of toxins for Parkinson’s risk
Authors: Shan Ling , Heusinkveld Harm J. , Paul Kimberly C. , Hughes Samantha , Darweesh Sirwan K. L. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Homberg Judith R.
Published: December 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive and disabling neurodegenerative disorder. The prevalence of PD has risen considerably over the past decades. A growing body of evidence suggest that exposure to environmental toxins, including pesticides, solvents and heavy metals (collectively called toxins), is at least in part responsible for this rapid growth. It is worrying that the current screening procedures being applied internationally to test for possible neurotoxicity of specific compounds offer inadequate insights into the risk of developing PD in humans. Improved screening procedures are therefore urgently needed. Our review first substantiates current evidence on the relation between exposure to environmental toxins and the risk of developing PD. We subsequently propose to replace the current standard toxin screening by a well-controlled multi-tier toxin screening involving the following steps: in silico studies (tier 1) followed by in vitro tests (tier 2), aiming to prioritize agents with human relevant routes of exposure. More in depth studies can be undertaken in tier 3, with whole-organism (in)vertebrate models. Tier 4 has a dedicated focus on cell loss in the substantia nigra and on the presumed mechanisms of neurotoxicity in rodent models, which are required to confirm or refute the possible neurotoxicity of any individual compound. This improved screening procedure should not only evaluate new pesticides that seek access to the market, but also critically assess all pesticides that are being used today, acknowledging that none of these has ever been proven to be safe from a perspective of PD. Importantly, the improved screening procedures should not just assess the neurotoxic risk of isolated compounds, but should also specifically look at the cumulative risk conveyed by exposure to commonly used combinations of pesticides (cocktails). The worldwide implementation of such an improved screening procedure, would be an essential step for policy makers and governments to recognize PD-related environmental risk factors.
Dual-chirped optical parametric amplification of high-energy single-cycle laser pulses
Authors: Xu Lu , Takahashi Eiji J.
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate how a scheme called advanced dual-chirped optical parametric amplification (DC-OPA) that employs two kinds of nonlinear crystal (BiB3O6 and MgO-doped lithium niobate) can generate high-energy, single-cycle mid-infrared laser pulses. In experiments, the advanced DC-OPA scheme achieved carrier-to-envelope phase-stable mid-infrared laser pulses with a bandwidth of over one octave (1.4–3.1 µm) and an output pulse energy of 53 mJ. The pulse duration was compressed to 8.58 fs, which corresponds to 1.05 cycles with a central wavelength of 2.44 µm and a peak power of 6 TW. To our knowledge, the obtained values for the pulse energy and peak power are the highest achieved for optical parametric amplification of single-cycle mid-infrared laser pulses. Moreover, owing to the energy scalability of the advanced DC-OPA scheme, the prospects of the multi-terawatt sub-cycle laser pulses are discussed.
Single-cell transcriptome sequencing of plant leaf expressing anti-HER2 VHH–FcK cancer therapeutic protein
Authors: Kim Myung-Shin , Lee Seung-Won , Kim Kibum , Kim Yerin , Hwang Hyunjoo , Hinterdorfer Peter , Choi Doil , Ko Kisung
Published: December 2023

The transgenic plant is a promising strategy for the production of highly valuable biotherapeutic proteins such as recombinant vaccines and antibodies. To achieve an efficient level of protein production, codon sequences and expression cassette elements need to be optimized. However, the systematical expression of recombinant proteins in plant biomass can generally be controlled for the production of therapeutic proteins after the generation of transgenic plants. Without understanding the transgene expression patterns in plant tissue, it is difficult to enhance further production levels. In this study, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaf, expressing an immunotherapeutic llama antibody against breast cancer, anti-HER2 VHH–Fc, was conducted to obtain data on the expression pattern of tissue-specific cells. These high-quality scRNA-seq data enabled the identification of gene expression patterns by cell types, which can be applied to select the best cell types or tissues for the high production of these recombinant antibodies. These data provide a foundation to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate the biosynthesis of recombinant proteins in N. tabacum.
Estimation of foot-and-mouth disease virus sero-prevalence rates using novel computational approach for the susceptible bovine population in India during the period 2008–2021
Authors: Das Samarendra , Pal Soumen , Rautaray Sagar Sangam , Mohapatra Jajati K. , Subramaniam Saravanan , Rout Manoranjan , Rai Shesh N. , Singh Rabindra Prasad
Published: December 2023

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals. In India, a vaccination-based official FMD control programme was started, which got expanded progressively to cover entire country in 2019. The serological tests are used to determine non-structural protein based sero-prevalence rates for properly implementing and assessing the control programme. Since 2008, reporting of the FMD sero-surveillance was limited to the serum sample-based serological test results without going for population-level estimation due to lack of proper statistical methodology. Thus, we present a computational approach for estimating the sero-prevalence rates at the state and national levels. Based on the reported approach, a web-application (https://nifmd-bbf.icar.gov.in/FMDSeroSurv) and an R software package (https://github.com/sam-dfmd/FMDSeroSurv) have been developed. The presented computational techniques are applied to the FMD sero-surveillance data during 2008–2021 to get the status of virus circulation in India under a strict vaccination policy. Furthermore, through various structural equation models, we attempt to establish a link between India’s estimated sero-prevalence rate and field FMD outbreaks. Our results indicate that the current sero-prevalence rates are significantly associated with previous field outbreaks up to 2 years. Besides, we observe downward trends in sero-prevalence and outbreaks over the years, specifically after 2013, which indicate the effectiveness of various measures implemented under the FMD control programme. The findings of the study may help researchers and policymakers to track virus infection and identification of potential disease-free zones through vaccination.
Corilagin enhances the anti-tumor activity of 5-FU by downregulating the expression of GRP 78
Authors: Li Simin , Li Xinquan , Yang Xiliang , Lei Yumeng , He Mingxin , Xiang Xiaochen , Wu Qingming , Liu Hongyun , Wang Jiadun , Wang Qiang
Published: December 2023

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Although initially effective, patients who receive chemotherapy ultimately experience various complications and develop chemo-resistance, leading to cancer recurrence. Therefore, we aimed to find a drug with good efficacy and low toxicity that could enhance the treatment with 5-Fluorouracil (a commonly used clinical drug) and reduce its dosing. Corilagin, an anti-tumor natural product, has received widespread attention. Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is overexpressed in colorectal cancer cells and plays a key role in the proliferation, migration and drug resistance of cancer cells. Importantly, GRP78 can affect the apoptosis induced by 5-fluorouracil in CRC cells. In the present study, we determined the synergistic anti-tumor activity of the combination treatment by cell proliferation assay, apoptosis assay, fluorescent staining, cell cycle analysis, WB and PCR assays. This synergistic effect was associated with S-phase blockade, intracellular reactive oxygen species production and downregulation of GRP78. Taken together, our results indicate that Corilagin acts as a potentiator of 5-fluorouracil and may have therapeutic potential for patients with CRC.
Green synthesis and characterization of ruthenium oxide nanoparticles using Gunnera perpensa for potential anticancer activity against MCF7 cancer cells
Authors: Mfengwana Polo-Ma-Abiele H. , Sone Bertrand T.
Published: December 2023

The use of green methods for ruthenium oxide nanoparticles (RuONPs) synthesis is gaining attention due to their eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and availability. However, reports on the green synthesis and characterization of RuONPs are limited compared to other metal nanoparticles. The green synthesis and characterization of RuONPs using water extracts of Gunnera perpensa leaves as a reducing agent is reported in this study. The RuONPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV–VIS). MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the RuONPs against MCF7 and Vero cell lines. X-ray diffraction analysis results revealed the presence of crystalline and amorphous forms of RuONPs, while IR spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups associated with G. perpensa leaves. SEM showed that the RuONPs consisted predominantly of hexagonal and cuboid-like structures with a considerable degree of agglomeration being observed. The cell culture results indicated a low anticancer efficacy of RuONPs against MCF7 and Vero cell lines, suggesting that RuONPs may not be a good lead for anti-cancer drugs. This study highlights the potential of using green synthesis methods to produce RuONPs and their characterization, as well as their cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
Orthogonal magnetic structures of Fe4O5: representation analysis and DFT calculations
Authors: Zhandun Vyacheslav S. , Kazak Natalia V. , Kupenko Ilya , Vasiukov Denis M. , Li Xiang , Blackburn Elizabeth , Ovchinnikov Sergei G.
Published: December 2023

The orthogonal ground magnetic state of Fe4O5 has been established via a combination of representation analysis and the DFT calculations. Fe moments in slabs have AFM ordering along c-axis and prismatic Fe moments have FM ordering along b-axis.
Understanding Single-Molecule Magnet properties of lanthanide complexes from 4f orbital splitting
Authors: Gil Yolimar , Aravena Daniel
Published: December 2023

We present an approach for connecting the magnetic anisotropy of lanthanide mononuclear complexes with their f-orbital splitting for both idealized and real coordination environments.
High-toughness, extensile and self-healing PDMS elastomers constructed by decuple hydrogen bonding
Authors: Gao Jing-Han , Wan Baoquan , Zheng Ming-Sheng , Luo Longbo , Zhang Hongkuan , Zhao Quan-Liang , Chen George , Zha Jun-Wei
Published: December 2023

Elastomers are widely used in traditional industries and new intelligent fields.
Strategies for utilizing covalent organic frameworks as host materials for the integration and delivery of bioactives
Authors: He Lulu , Wang Le , He Zhen , Pang Cheng Heng , Tang Bencan , Wu Aiguo , Li Juan
Published: December 2023

This review introduces three strategies (encapsulation, covalent binding and coordinated bonding) for construction of COF-based nanoplatforms for the integration and delivery of bioactives including small molecule, biomacromolecule and exosome.
An ALP enzyme-based electrochemical biosensor coated with signal-amplifying BaTiO3 nanoparticles for the detection of an antiviral drug in human blood serum
Authors: Draz Muhammad Umar , Zia Ul Haq Muhammad , Hayat Akhtar , Ajab Huma
Published: December 2023

The graphical abstract shows the interaction of the TFV drug with the DNA of the affected patient. This study successfully investigated the novel electrochemical-based biosensor for the targeted drug in human blood serum by using an ALP enzyme supported by a modified BaTiO3 nanoparticle electrode.
C–H borylation: a tool for molecular diversification
Authors: Guria Saikat , Hassan Mirja Md Mahamudul , Chattopadhyay Buddhadeb
Published: December 2023

Iridium-catalyzed C–H activation and borylation has become as a powerful synthetic tool in the past few decades because of the widespread applicability and versatility of organoboron compounds.
Structuring gelatin methacryloyl – dextran hydrogels and microgels under shear
Authors: Ben Messaoud Ghazi , Stefanopoulou Evdokia , Wachendörfer Mattis , Aveic Sanja , Fischer Horst , Richtering Walter
Published: December 2023

The preshearing of GelMA-dextran aqueous two-phase system results as a function of dextran concentration in aligned GelMA string phase and bands. Decreasing the pH near the isoelectric point of GelMA results in macroporous microgels.
Comparison of gels synthesized by controlled radical copolymerization and free radical copolymerization: molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Furuya Tsutomu , Koga Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2023

Simulations reveal that gels synthesized by controlled radical copolymerization are more uniform than gels synthesized by conventional free radical copolymerization due to the cooperative effects of the properties of controlled radical polymerization.
Wearable flexible pressure sensors: an intriguing design towards microstructural functionalization
Authors: Li Yanru , Jiang Dawei , An Yulong , Chen Wenshuai , Huang Zhanhua , Jiang Bo
Published: December 2023

Microstructures can endow flexible pressure sensors with high sensitivity and a wide linear sensing range, ensuring the comprehensive sensing performance of medical monitoring and intelligent robots.
An active learning approach to model solid-electrolyte interphase formation in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Soleymanibrojeni Mohammad , Caldeira Rego Celso Ricardo , Esmaeilpour Meysam , Wenzel Wolfgang
Published: December 2023

Li-ion batteries store electrical energy by electrochemically reducing Li ions from a liquid electrolyte in a graphitic electrode.
Fluorine-rich modification of self-extinguishable lithium-ion battery separators using cross-linking networks of chemically functionalized PVDF terpolymers for highly enhanced electrolyte affinity and thermal–mechanical stability
Authors: Park Jaewon , Kwon Young Je , Yun Jeongsik , Bae Ji Woo , Lee Min Jeong , Zhang Kaiyun , Kim Se Hun , Baeg Kang-Jun , Lee Jin Hong , Cho Kie Yong
Published: December 2023

Thermal instability of polypropylene separators (PPSs) threatens the safe battery operation. A double bond-containing polyvinylidene fluoride (DPVDF)-coated PPS (DPS) and the subsequent crosslinking (DPSX) demonstrate an instant fire extinguishing feature and high thermal stability.
Free-standing multi-hierarchical MoC-based catalyst for pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction at ultra-high current density
Authors: Lu Nan , Liang Yue , Ren Cai-Yun , Liang Xue , Zhang Yong-Chao , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Gao Jian
Published: December 2023

Free-standing multi-hierarchical MoC@C shell-supported P-MoC/Ni@NCNT nanoarrays for pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction at ultra-high current density.
Effects of halogen elements on a humidity sensor based on a thin film bulk acoustic wave resonator incorporated with Cs3Bi2X9 (X = Cl,Br, I) perovskites
Authors: Zhao Lishuai , Ouyang Peidong , Yi Xinyan , Li Guoqiang
Published: December 2023

This work has demonstrated the effects of halogen elements on the humidity sensing performance of Cs3Bi2X9 integrated with FBARs.
Cluster-induced aggregation in polyurethane derivatives with multicolour emission and ultra-long organic room temperature phosphorescence
Authors: Jiang Nan , Li Ke-Xin , Wang Jia-Jun , Li Chen-Sen , Xu Xiao-Yu , Xu Yan-Hong , Bryce Martin R.
Published: December 2023

Cluster-induced aggregation, multicolour luminescence and ultra-long phosphorescence (0.45 s) in NCLPs based on polyurethane derivatives have been achieved by simply adjusting reaction temperature and reaction time; this is the longest reported phosphorescence lifetime for pure NCLPs.
The methods of task pre‐allocation and reallocation for multi‐UAV cooperative reconnaissance mission
Authors: Wang Gang , Lv Xiao , Cui Liangzhong , Yan Xiaohu
Published: December 2023

Nowadays, multi unmanned aerial vehicle (multi‐UAV) systems have been widely used in battlefield. The rationality of mission plan can directly affect the effectiveness of multi‐UAV system. The existing multi‐UAV task allocation model lack a comprehensive modelling of task pre‐allocation and task reallocation issues. However, in actual task execution, task pre‐allocation and task reallocation are a holistic problem. Therefore, based on the background of multi‐UAV cooperative reconnaissance, the authors establish a multi‐UAV cooperative reconnaissance task pre‐allocation and reallocation model (MCRTPR). There are two kinds of task allocation in MCRTPR model. One is task pre‐allocation, which is a static task allocation before the mission begin. Another is task reallocation, that is a dynamic task allocation during the mission. For task pre‐allocation, a particle swarm optimisation algorithm based on experience pool (EPPSO) is proposed. And for task reallocation, the authors design a partial task reallocation algorithm based on contract network protocol (CNP‐PTR). The experimental results show that, compared with some state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, EPPSO can get the lowest fitness value under various experimental conditions, and CNP‐PTR is able to handle task reallocation problem caused by multiple kinds of dynamic events.
Extended Lyman-α emission towards the SPT2349-56 protocluster at z = 4.3
Authors: Apostolovski Yordanka , Aravena Manuel , Anguita Timo , Bethermin Matthieu , Burgoyne James , Chapman Scott , De Breuck Carlos , Gonzalez Anthony , Gronke Max , Guaita Lucia , Hezaveh Yashar , Hill Ryley , Jarugula Sreevani , Johnston Evelyn , Malkan Matt , Narayanan Desika , Reuter Cassie , Solimano Manuel , Spilker Justin , Sulzenauer Nikolaus , Vieira Joaquin , Vizgan David , Weiß Axel
Published: December 2023

Context. Deep spectroscopic surveys with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have revealed that some of the brightest infrared sources in the sky correspond to concentrations of submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) at high redshift. Among these, the SPT2349-56 protocluster system is amongst the most extreme examples given its high source density and integrated star formation rate.

Aims. We conducted a deep Lyman-α line emission survey around SPT2349-56 using the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in order to characterize this uniquely dense environment.

Methods. Taking advantage of the deep three-dimensional nature of this survey, we performed a sensitive search for Lyman-α emitters (LAEs) toward the core and northern extension of the protocluster, which correspond to the brightest infrared regions in this field. Using a smoothed narrowband image extracted from the MUSE datacube around the protocluster redshift, we searched for possible extended structures.

Results. We identify only three LAEs at z = 4.3 in this field. This number is lower than expectations for blank fields, and is significantly lower than the number of previously identified SMGs in this system. We find an extended Lyman-α structure of about 60 × 60 kpc2 in size located 56 kpc east of the protocluster core. Three SMGs coincide spatially with the location of this structure. All the other SMGs are undetected in Lyman-α emission, which is consistent with the conspicuous dust obscuration in these systems. We conclude that either the three co-spatial SMGs or the protocluster core itself are feeding ionizing photons to the Lyman-α structure.
Surveys of clumps, cores, and condensations in Cygnus-X
Authors: Pan Xing , Qiu Keping , Yang Kai , Cao Yue , Zhang Xu
Published: December 2023

Context.Theories and models have suggested that circumstellar disks could channel material to the central protostar, and resist star formation feedback. Our current knowledge of the picture and role of disks around massive protostars is unclear because the observational evidence of these circumstellar disks is limited.

Aims.To investigate whether disk-mediated accretion is the primary mechanism in high-mass star formation, we have established a survey of a large sample of massive dense cores within a giant molecular cloud.

Methods.We used high angular resolution (~1.8″) observations with SMA to study the dust emission and molecular line emission of about 50 massive dense cores in Cygnus-X. At a typical distance of 1.4 kpc for Cygnus-X, these massive dense cores are resolved into ~2000 au condensations. We combined the CO outflow emission and gas kinematics traced by several high-density tracers to search for disk candidates.

Results.We extracted hundreds of dust condensations from the SMA 1.3 mm dust continuum emission. The CO data show bipolar or unipolar outflow signatures toward 49 dust condensations. Among them, only 27 sources are detected in dense gas tracers, which reveals the gas kinematics, and nine sources show evidence of rotating envelopes, suggesting the existence of embedded accretion disks. The position-velocity diagrams along the velocity gradient of all rotating condensations suggest that four condensations are possible to host Keplerian-like disks.

Conclusions.A detailed investigation of the 27 sources detected in dense gas tracers suggests that the nine disk candidates are at earlier evolutionary stages compared to the remaining 18 sources. Non-detection of rotating disks in our sample may be due to several factors, including an unknown inclination angle of the rotation axis and an early evolutionary stage of the central source, and the latter could be important, considering that young and powerful outflows could confuse the observational evidence for rotation. The detection rate of disk candidates in our sample is 1/3, which confirms that disk accretion is a viable mechanism for high-mass star formation, although it may not be the only one.
Constraining the H2 column densities in the diffuse interstellar medium using dust extinction and H I data
Authors: Skalidis R. , Goldsmith P. F. , Hopkins P. F. , Ponnada S. B.
Published: December 2023

Context. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poor tracer of H2 in the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM), where most of the carbon is not incorporated into CO molecules, unlike the situation at higher extinctions.

Aims. We present a novel, indirect method for constraining H2 column densities (NH2) without employing CO observations. We show that previously recognized nonlinearities in the relation between the extinction, AV (H2), derived from dust emission and the H I column density (NH I) are due to the presence of molecular gas.

Methods. We employed archival (NH2) data, obtained from the UV spectra of stars, and calculated AV(H2) toward these sight lines using 3D extinction maps. The following relation fits the data: log NH2 = 1.38742 (log AV(H2))3 − 0.05359 (log AV(H2))2 + 0.25722 log AV(H2) + 20.67191. This relation is useful for constraining NH2 in the diffuse ISM as it requires only NH I and dust extinction data, which are both easily accessible. In 95% of the cases, the estimates produced by the fitted equation have deviations of less than a factor of 3.5. We constructed a NH2 map of our Galaxy and compared it to the CO integrated intensity (WCO) distribution.

Results. We find that the average ratio (XCO) between NH2 and WCO is approximately equal to 2 × 1020 cm−2 (K km s−1 )−1, consistent with previous estimates. However, we find that the XCO factor varies by orders of magnitude on arcminute scales between the outer and the central portions of molecular clouds. For regions with NH2 ≳ 1020 cm−2, we estimate that the average H2 fractional abundance, fH2 = 2 NH2/(2NH2 + NH I), is 0.25. Multiple (distinct) largely atomic clouds are likely found along high-extinction sightlines (AV ≥ 1 mag), hence limiting fH2 in these directions.

Conclusions. More than 50% of the lines of sight with NH2 ≥ 1020 cm−2 are untraceable by CO with a J = 1−0 sensitivity limit WCO = 1 K km s−1.
Evaluation of the physical properties of slow release urea based on irradiated chitosan as a feed supplement
Authors: Syahputra Akhmad Rasyid , Yunus Ade Lestari , Nilatany Asti , Oktaviani Oktaviani , Nuryanthi Nunung , Sasongko Wahidin Teguh , Bachtiar Taufiq
Published: December 2023

A favorable candidate for innovative feed supplement ingredients that can optimize nutrient utilization and reduce environmental impacts could be a slow-release urea based on irradiated chitosan. Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from chitin, has shown immense potential in various applications due to its unique physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. The findings of this study shed light on the promising prospects of irradiated chitosan as a feed supplement ingredient for slow-release urea formulations. Slow-release gel is composed by starch, acrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol and irradiated chitosan. Copolymer gels are treated by Co-60 gamma-ray with 5 kGy and 10 kGy absorbed doses. The lowest gel viscosity escalation is around four thousand times and the highest is more than seventy thousand times. As time of immersion and acrylamide raise in per vary from dose absorbed, gel swelling capacity also increases, start from 33.13 g/g at 5 minutes rise to 164.71 g/g at 720 minutes. Gel fraction from 5 kGy nearly increases two times from 53.57 g/g to 125 g/g at 10 kGy.