bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effect of tangeretin against chromium-induced acute brain injury in rats: targeting Nrf2 signaling pathway, inflammatory mediators, and apoptosis
Authors: Sedik Ahmed A. , Elgohary Rania
Published: March 2023

Potassium dichromate (PD) is an environmental xenobiotic commonly recognized as teratogenic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic in animals and humans. The present study was conducted to investigate the role of tangeretin (TNG) as a neuro-protective drug against PD-induced brain injury in rats. Thirty-two male adult Wistar rats were blindly divided into four groups (8 rats/group). The first group received saline intranasally (i.n.). The second group received a single dose of PD (2 mg/kg, i.n.). The third group received TNG (50 mg/kg; orally), for 14 days followed by i.n. of PD on the last day of the experiment. The fourth group received TNG (100 mg/kg; orally) for 14 days followed by i.n. of PD on the last day of the experiment. Behavioral indices were evaluated 18 h after PD administration. Neuro-biochemical indices and histopathological studies were evaluated 24 h after PD administration. Results of the present study revealed that rats intoxicated with PD induced- oxidative stress and inflammation via an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and glutathione(GSH) levels with an increase in brain contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL-6). Pre-treatment with TNG (100 mg/kg; orally) ameliorated behavior, cholinergic activities, and oxidative stress and decreased the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory mediators; TNF-α and IL-6 with a decrease in brain content of chromium residues detected by Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometer. Also, the histopathological picture of the brain was improved significantly in rats that received TNG (100 mg/kg). Additionally, TNG decreased caspase-3 expression in the brain of PD rats. In conclusion, TNG possesses a significant neuroprotective role against PD-induced acute brain injury via modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and quenching the release of inflammatory mediators and apoptosis in rats.

Graphical abstract
Sex-specific Differences in Infranodal Conduction Properties in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Serban Teodor , Knecht Sven , Mannhart Diego , Nestelberger Thomas , Kaiser Christoph , Leibundgut Gregor , Bischof Maurice Antoine , Sticherling Christian , Kühne Michael , Badertscher Patrick
Published: March 2023

Graphical abstract
De psychologische aspecten van systemen met geautomatiseerde insulinetoediening in de type 1 diabeteszorg
Authors: Nefs Giesje
Published: March 2023

samenvatting

Systemen met geautomatiseerde insulinetoediening (AID-systemen) hebben de type 1-diabeteszorg belangrijke glykemische verbeteringen gebracht. Dit artikel geeft een overzicht van hun psychologische aspecten. Klinische en observationele studies vonden een toename in diabetesspecifieke kwaliteit van leven. Kwalitatieve studies beschreven een minder belastende zelfzorg, meer flexibiliteit en verbeterde relaties. Helaas zijn niet alle ervaringen positief, geïllustreerd door snel afnemend gebruik van het algoritme na de start. Hierbij spelen − naast financiële en logistieke redenen − ook frustraties met de technologie, problemen rondom het dragen van het systeem en het niet voldoen aan verwachtingen een rol. De systemen brengen verder nieuwe uitdagingen met zich mee, zoals wantrouwen in de beslissingen van het algoritme, afhankelijkheid van technologie en het 'verleren' van vaardigheden, compensatiegedrag om het systeem te overrulen of voor de gek te houden, en zorgen rondom het dragen van meerdere apparaten op het lijf. Toekomstig onderzoek kan zich richten op technologiegebruik in onderbelichte groepen (bijvoorbeeld mensen met een lagere sociaaleconomische status), het herzien van bestaande vragenlijsten gegeven nieuwe technologische ontwikkelingen, het adresseren van bias in het voorschrijven van technologie, het al dan niet integreren van stressreactiviteit in het algoritme en het ontwikkelen van concrete strategieën om mensen te ondersteunen in het gebruik van technologie. Een open dialoog met zorgverleners en andere mensen met diabetes over verwachtingen, voorkeuren en behoeftes komt de samenwerking tussen de persoon met diabetes en het AID-systeem ten goede.
Water Responsive Fabrics with Artificial Leaf Stomata
Authors: Lao Lihong , Bai Hedan , Fan Jintu
Published: March 2023

Due to fiber swelling, textile fabrics containing hygroscopic fibers tend to decrease pore size under wet or increasing humidity and moisture conditions, the reverse being true. Nevertheless, for personal thermal regulation and comfort, the opposite is desirable, namely, increasing the fabric pore size under increasing humid and sweating conditions for enhanced ventilation and cooling, and a decreased pore size under cold and dry conditions for heat retention. This paper describes a novel approach to create such an unconventional fabric by emulating the structure of the plant leaf stomata by designing a water responsive polymer system in which the fabric pores increase in size when wet and decrease in size when dry. The new fabric increases its moisture permeability over 50% under wet conditions. Such a water responsive fabric can find various applications including smart functional clothing and sportswear.

Graphical Abstract
Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in Patient with COVID-19: A Case Report
Authors: Ahmad Sirine , Alsaeed Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Opportunistic infections are well known complications of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 infection). Coinfections with fungi are prevalent, with aspergillus and candida infections predominating. However, the incidence of cryptococcosis related to COVID is on the rise. Here, we present a case of an 87-year-old man with COVID-19-associated pulmonary cryptococcosis. While corticosteroids were initiated upon his presentation and tocilizumab added during the disease, his clinical state deteriorated to the point where he needed mechanical ventilation. He had a positive tracheal culture for Cryptococcus neoformans. An antifungal medication was administered. Unfortunately, he passed away. Cryptococcal infection is uncommon in the immunocompetent population. Reported cases show an increase in the incidence of cryptococcosis in COVID-19-infected patients, which may be attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection itself and/or immunomodulatory medications.
Desert and Dissociation
Authors: BENNETT CHRISTOPHER
Published: March 2023

I argue against the idea of basic desert. I claim that the supposed normative force of desert considerations is better understood in terms of dissociation. The starting point is to note that an important strategy in spelling out the apparent normative force of desert considerations appeals to the idea of complicity. I argue that the idea of basic desert cannot give a good explanation of this connection. I propose that it is rather dissociation that is explanatorily basic. I further argue that dissociation is an expressive action. Dissociation from wrongdoing—expressed as distancing from the wrongdoer—is an expressive attempt to do justice to the significance of wrongdoing in a way analogous to the expressive attempt to thank someone adequately for doing you a favor. I draw on the idea of dissociation as an expressive action to explain why it should be that a failure to dissociate is a source of complicity.
Cooperative Ownership as a Health Justice Intervention: A Promising Strategy to Advance Health Equity Through the U.S. Childcare System
Authors: Libman Kimberly , Adler Sabrina , Musburger Pratima
Published: March 2023

In their article “The Civil Rights of Health,” Harris and Pamukcu offer a framework connecting civil rights law to unjust health disparities with the aims of creating broader awareness of subordination as a root cause of health inequities and inviting policymakers to create new legal tools for dismantling it. They close with a call to action. Here, we take up their call and propose cooperative enterprises as a health justice intervention. To illustrate this conceptualization, we focus on childcare as a system with robust connections to social, economic, and health equity for children, workers, and families.
A Health Justice Agenda for Local Governments to Address Environmental Health Inequities
Authors: Miao Gregory , Michel Katie Hannon , Yuen Tina
Published: March 2023

This article explores how structural failures in major federal environmental regulations —which set a foundation for environmental protections nationwide— have helped create many of the environmental injustices that people of color and low-income communities experience. It continues by examining how local governments have reinforced and compounded the failures in the federal environmental regulatory framework, particularly through local land use decisions. Although states play an important role in environmental policymaking, we propose that local governments are uniquely positioned to utilize a health justice approach to address environmental health inequities. This approach centers partnerships between frontline communities and local governments to develop just solutions that fill gaps within the federal environmental regulatory system and anticipate and mitigate the compounding effects of environmental health inequities.
INTRODUCTION: What is Health Justice?
Authors: Wiley Lindsay F. , Yearby Ruqaiijah , Clark Brietta R. , Mohapatra Seema
Published: March 2023

Health justice is both a community-led movement for power building and transformational change and a community-oriented framework for health law scholarship. Health justice is distinguished by a distinctively social ethic of care that reframes the relationship between health care, public health, and the social determinants of health, and names subordination as the root cause of health inequities.
Health Justice Through the Lens of Power
Authors: Michener Jamila
Published: March 2023

Health justice is an aspirational north star for scholars, practitioners, and anyone who refuses to accept the status quo of profound inequity. But what does health justice mean? How ought we conceptualize it? There is no correct answer to these questions, but any robust rendering of health justice must account for power and politics. This article posits that the path to health justice requires political struggle taking (at least) two forms: (1) building power and (2) breaking power. Building power for health justice means cultivating the political capacity of people who are disproportionately harmed by health inequity, and who therefore have the most at stake. Breaking power involves weakening and destabilizing the economic and political forces that perpetuate health inequity. By surfacing and elaborating these crucial modes of political struggle, this article points to a way forward for achieving health justice.
Se Habla Español: Spanish-Language Appeals and Candidate Evaluations in the United States
Authors: ZÁRATE MARQUES G. , QUEZADA-LLANES ENRIQUE , ARMENTA ANGEL D.
Published: March 2023

Political candidates use Spanish-language appeals in efforts to increase their support among Hispanic voters. We argue that candidates, Hispanic or not, can use Spanish to signal closeness to Hispanics and posit that the effectiveness of these appeals is conditional on proficiency. To test this, we run two experiments where participants listen to an audio clip of a hypothetical candidate’s stump speech. We vary the ethnicity of the candidate (Anglo or Hispanic) and the language of the speech (English, non-native Spanish, and native-like Spanish). We find that Hispanic support for the Anglo and Hispanic candidates is higher in the native-like Spanish condition compared with the English-only condition. Relative to the English condition, non-native Spanish does not increase support for the Anglo candidate, but it decreases support for the Hispanic candidate. We find mixed effects for Anglo participants. Our results suggest that candidates can effectively appeal to Hispanic voters using Spanish-language messages.
Readability and quality of online patient health information on parotidectomy
Authors: Tan J Y , Tan Y C , Yap D
Published: March 2023

Objective

Complications of parotidectomy can have a massive impact on patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the readability and quality of online health information on parotidectomy.

Method

The search terms ‘parotidectomy’, ‘parotid surgery’, ‘parotidectomy patient information’ and ‘parotid surgery patient information’ were parsed through three popular search engines.

Results

The websites were analysed using readability scores of the Flesch Reading Ease test and the Gunning Fog Index. The DISCERN instrument was used to assess quality and reliability. The average Flesch Reading Ease score was 50.2 ± 9.0, indicating that the materials were fairly difficult to read, the Gunning Fog Index score showed that the patient health information was suitable for an individual above 12th grade level, and the DISCERN score indicated that the online patient health information had fair quality. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed a significant difference in Flesch Reading Ease and DISCERN tool scores according to website category (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Current online patient health information on parotidectomy is too difficult for the public to understand, and it exceeds the reading levels recommended by Health Education England and the American Medical Association.
Die paulinische Rede von der Selbstversklavung in 1 Kor 9,19 vor dem Hintergrund jüdischer Identität im Sklavenstand.
Authors: Bühner Ruben A.
Published: March 2023

Paul's reference to his adaptability to different groups in 1 Cor 9.19–23 is central to recent discussions about Paul's Jewishness. This paper argues that the crucial context for Paul's metaphor of self-enslavement (1 Cor 9.19) is not to be found in anthropological passages such as Rom 6 or Gal 5, but rather in the conditions of a slave's life in antiquity. This leads to an interpretation that combines essential concerns of a Paul within Judaism perspective with those of more traditional exegesis.
Use of split-course hypofractionated radiotherapy in palliative treatment of head and neck cancers: how does our regimen compare with others?
Authors: Singh Sankalp , Bisht Niharika , Sarin Arti , Vashisht Rekha , Lohia Nishant , Gupta Vikas , Trivedi Gaurav
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are some of the commonest cases requiring palliative radiotherapy (PRT) in an Indian radiotherapy practice. A variety of PRT protocols have been explored with varying success.

Methods:

The study objective was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a short-course hypofractionated PRT schedule in HNC patients in terms of symptom relief, tumour response, acute side effects and survival and to compare results with other PRT regimens. All patients received 30 Gy in 10 fractions over 2 weeks followed by another 20 Gy in 5 fractions after a 4 weeks gap.

Results:

Seventy-five percent of patients completed both phases of treatment. Symptom relief was seen in 71% (pain) to 76% (dysphagia) of patients. Tumour response was recorded in 73% of patients. At 12 months, the mean overall survival was 10·29 months for patients who responded to PRT compared to 7·87 months for those who did not. Results were comparable to other regimens reported in the literature, but no radiobiological advantage of a higher dose was discernible.

Conclusions:

Short-course hypofractionated PRT is effective in reducing tumour burden and relieving symptoms in HNC patients and possibly in lengthening survival. Selection of any schedule should be decided by treating oncologists based on clinical, logistic and socio-economic factors.
Die Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung im Jugendalter
Authors: Bürger Arne , Kaess Michael
Published: March 2023

Zusammenfassung: Die Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS) ist eine schwere psychische Erkrankung, die durch hohe Morbidität und Mortalität gekennzeichnet ist sowie mit einem niedrigen psychosozialen Funktionsniveau einhergeht. Die BPS zeigt sich oft mit Beginn der frühen Adoleszenz (ab dem 12. Lebensjahr). Neben repetitiver Selbstverletzung und Suizidalität bestehen häufig sowohl Symptome internalisierender (Depression und Angst) als auch externalisierender Störungen (Hyperaktivität und Substanzkonsum). Daher kommt einer differentialdiagnostischen Abklärung und der Diagnosestellung mit dem Ziel der Frühintervention im klinischen Alltag eine besondere Rolle zu. Die Psychotherapie stellt bei der BPS eine äußerst wirksame Behandlungsmethode dar, Belege für die Wirksamkeit von pharmakologischen Intervention fehlen. Der Schlüssel zu einer Verbesserung der Versorgung für Jugendliche mit BPS liegt in einer Generierung von Wissen zu Vorläufersymptomen sowie einer evidenzbasierten, stadienspezifischen Behandlung (frühe Behandlung bereits subklinischer BPS mit Behandlungsintensität abgestuft nach dem Schweregrad). Dieser Übersichtsartikel beleuchtet den aktuellen Stand der Forschung und gibt Empfehlungen für die therapeutische Arbeit in der klinischen Praxis.
The Link Between Work Engagement and Job Performance
Authors: Corbeanu Andreea , Iliescu Dragoş
Published: March 2023

Abstract. This study addresses the link between work engagement (vigor, dedication, and absorption), task performance, and contextual performance. Following a systematic literature review, we identified 174 unique studies. Studies had to be set in an organizational environment, include a measure of work engagement as well as an objective or subjective measure of performance, and offer information concerning the link between work engagement and job performance, irrespective of whether it was the main aim of the study. Following a random-effects model, we obtained meta-analytic correlations of r =.36 ( N = 33 independent samples), r =.36 ( N = 26 independent samples), and r =.38 ( N = 29 independent samples) between the three components of work engagement (vigor, dedication, and absorption), respectively, and job performance. For the overall work engagement and job performance, we report a correlation of r =.37 ( N = 166 independent samples). Furthermore, potential moderators of these relationships were examined. The findings highlight the importance of work engagement research for improving organizational performance.
The Entangled Phenology of the Olive Tree: A Compiled Ecological Calendar ofOlea EuropaeaL. Over the Last Three Millennia With Sicily as a Case Study
Authors: Ferrara Vincenza , Ingemark Dominic
Published: March 2023

Seasonal cycles in plants and animals drive key timings of human practices in an agrosystem like the best time for harvest, planting, or pruning. Within the framework of historical phenological studies, we attempt a reconstruction of the olive (Olea europaeaL.) phenology along millennia. Thanks to its extraordinary longevity, the olive tree is a living proxy from the past and embodies a still uncollected long‐term memory of ecological behaviors. A cultural keystone species, olive cultivation has more and more played a crucial role for biodiversity conservation, livelihood of rural communities and their enrooted cultural identity in the whole Mediterranean. By compiling traditional phenological knowledge from historical written sources and oral traditions, and using it as historical bio‐indicator of the linkage between human ecological practices and seasonal changes of plant behavior, we compiled a monthly ecological calendar of the olive tree covering the last ∼2800 years. As a case study, we chose a special place: Sicily, unique for its position in the Mediterranean, geomorphology and legacies in the form of cross‐temporal accumulated eco‐cultures. Such a sui generis ecological calendar provides an additional case study to explore the intertwining of plant behavior and human adaptation strategies and the interplay between cultural diversity, ecological disturbance and phenological stability. All of this, in turn, can inform action for the present and future sustainable management of these millennial trees.
Improving Wave‐Based Air‐Sea Momentum Flux Parameterization in Mixed Seas
Authors: Sauvage César , Seo Hyodae , Clayson Carol Anne , Edson James B.
Published: March 2023

In winter, the Northwest Tropical Atlantic Ocean can be characterized by various wave age‐based interactions among ocean current, surface wind and surface waves, which are critical for accurately describing surface wind stress. In this work, coupled wave‐ocean‐atmosphere model simulations are conducted using two different wave roughness parameterizations within COARE3.5, including one that relies solely on wind speed and another that uses wave age and wave slope as inputs. Comparisons with the directly measured momentum fluxes during the ATOMIC/EUREC4A experiments in winter 2020 show that, for sea states dominated by short wind waves under moderate to strong winds, the wave‐based formulation (WBF) increases the surface roughness length in average by 25% compared to the wind‐speed‐based approach. For sea states dominated by remotely generated swells under moderate to strong wind intensity, the WBF predicts significantly lower roughness length and surface stress (≈15%), resulting in increased near‐surface wind speed above the constant flux layer (≈5%). Further investigation of the mixed sea states in the model and data indicates that the impact of swell on wind stress is over‐emphasized in the COARE3.5 WBF, especially under moderate wind regimes. Various approaches are explored to alleviate this deficiency by either introducing directional alignment between wind and waves or using the mean wave period instead of the wave period corresponding to the spectral peak to compute the wave age. The findings of this study are likely to be site‐dependent, and mostly concern specific regimes of wind and waves where the original parameterization was deficient.
Development of a Statistical Subseasonal Forecast Tool to Predict California Atmospheric Rivers and Precipitation Based on MJO and QBO Activity
Authors: Castellano Christopher M. , DeFlorio Michael J. , Gibson Peter B. , Delle Monache Luca , Kalansky Julie F. , Wang Jiabao , Guirguis Kristen , Gershunov Alexander , Ralph F. Martin , Subramanian Aneesh C. , Anderson Michael L.
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the empirical relationship between the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO), and atmospheric river (AR) activity and precipitation in California on subseasonal time scales. We introduce an experimental forecast tool that uses observed anomaly patterns during a 38 yr period to predict the probability of above‐ and below‐normal AR activity and precipitation at lead times of 1–6 weeks based on the phase and amplitude of the MJO and QBO. The hindcast prediction skill of probabilistic AR activity and precipitation forecasts is evaluated for Northern, Central, and Southern California, as well as two sets of smaller geographical domains. These smaller domains are more relevant for water resource management and allow us to investigate the sensitivity of prediction skill to domain size. Consistent with previous studies, our results demonstrate that subseasonal AR activity and precipitation in California are strongly modulated by the MJO and QBO. The anomaly patterns of AR activity and precipitation vary considerably throughout the cool season, with a tendency toward below‐normal AR activity and precipitation during easterly QBO and above‐normal AR activity and precipitation during westerly QBO in JFM. The opposite patterns are generally observed in OND, but the anomaly signals are weaker and less coherent for AR activity. Certain combinations of MJO phase, QBO phase, lag time, and season yield notably higher skill scores, reinforcing the notion of “windows of opportunity” for skillful subseasonal‐to‐seasonal predictions. In California, these forecasts of opportunity are predominantly associated with easterly QBO in JFM and FMA.
Dust Settling From Turbulent Layers in the Free Troposphere: Implications for the Saharan Air Layer
Authors: Rodakoviski Rodrigo , Kok Jasper , Chamecki Marcelo
Published: March 2023

Desert dust accounts for a substantial fraction of the total atmospheric aerosol loading. It produces important impacts on the Earth system due to its nutrient content and interactions with radiation and clouds. However, current climate models greatly underestimate its airborne lifetime and transport. For instance, super coarse Saharan dust particles (with diameters greater than 10 µm) have repeatedly been detected in the Americas, but models fail to reproduce their transatlantic transport. In this study, we investigated the extent to which vertical turbulent mixing in the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) is capable of delaying particle deposition. We developed a theory based on the solution to a one‐dimensional dust mass balance and validated our results using large‐eddy simulation (LES) of a turbulent shear layer. We found that eddy motion can increase the lifetime of suspended particles by up to a factor of 2 when compared with laminar flows. Moreover, we found that the increase in a lifetime can be reliably estimated solely as a function of the particle Peclet number (the ratio of the mixing timescale to the settling timescale). By considering both the effects of turbulent mixing and dust asphericity, we explained to a large extent the presence of super coarse Saharan dust in the Caribbean observed during the Saharan Aerosol Long‐Range Transport and Aerosol‐Cloud‐Interaction Experiment (SALTRACE) field campaign. The theory for the lifetime of coarse particles in turbulent flows developed in this study is also expected to be applicable in other similar geophysical problems, such as phytoplankton sinking in the ocean mixed layer.
Strongly Depth‐Dependent Ice Fabric in a Fast‐Flowing Antarctic Ice Stream Revealed With Icequake Observations
Authors: Kufner S.‐K. , Wookey J. , Brisbourne A. M. , Martín C. , Hudson T. S. , Kendall J. M. , Smith A. M.
Published: March 2023

The crystal orientation fabric of glacier ice impacts its strength and flow. Crystal fabric is therefore an important consideration when modeling ice flow. Here, we show that shear‐wave splitting (SWS) measured with glacial microseismicity can be used to invert seismic anisotropy and ice fabric, if represented in a statistical sense. Rutford Ice Stream (RIS) is a fast‐flowing Antarctic ice stream, a setting crucial for informing large‐scale ice sheet models. We present >200,000 SWS measurements from glacial microseismicity, registered at a 38‐station seismic network located ∼40 km upstream of the grounding line. A representative subset of these data is inverted for ice fabric. Due to the character of SWS, which accumulates along the raypath, we include information on the depth structure from radar measurements. We find that the following three‐layer configuration fits the data best: a broad vertical cone fabric near the base of RIS (500 m thick), a thick vertical girdle fabric, orientated perpendicular to flow, in the middle (1,200 m thick), and a tilted cone fabric in the uppermost 400 m. Such a variation of fabric implies a depth‐dependent strength profile of the ice with the middle layer being ∼3.5 times harder to deform along flow than across flow. At the same time, the middle layer is a factor ∼16 softer to shear than to compression or extension along flow. If such a configuration is representative for fast‐flowing ice streams, it would call for a more complex integration of viscosity in ice sheet models.
Improving the Forecast Performance of Hydrological Models Using the Cubature Kalman Filter and Unscented Kalman Filter
Authors: Sun Y. , Tian X. , Bao W. , Qu S. , Li Q. , Chen Y. , Shi P.
Published: March 2023

Hydrological models are widely used for flood forecasting, and proper initialization of hydrological models is essential. Although the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) has shown promise in the context of operational forecasting, it is limited by its intrinsic instability caused by the loss of positive semidefiniteness of the covariance matrix. Effective methods for tackling this problem have not been seen in the literature. The cubature Kalman filter (CKF) is a powerful nonlinear filter for state estimation, which has received little attention in the hydrologic context. In this paper, to overcome the instability problem of the UKF, a new modified UKF (UKF‐M) is proposed by modifying the default UKF tuning strategy, and a novel nonlinear filter (CKF) is introduced to update the states of hydrological models. The methods are tested using a lumped hydrological model. The results of the stability experiment suggest that both the UKF‐M and CKF can overcome the instability problem, while the original UKF can fail due to the loss of positive semidefiniteness of the covariance matrix. The results of a reforecast experiment in an operational context show that both filters can improve the forecast performance by updating the model state based on the observed discharge, with the UKF‐M achieving better forecast performances. The UKF‐M and CKF can be used to overcome the instability problem of the original UKF and are valuable methods for improving forecast performances of hydrological models by state updating.
Tuning charge density of chimeric antigen receptor optimizes tonic signaling and CAR-T cell fitness
Authors: Chen Jian , Qiu Shizhen , Li Wentao , Wang Kun , Zhang Yu , Yang Han , Liu Baichuan , Li Guangfei , Li Li , Chen Min , Lan Junjie , Niu Jiahua , He Peijie , Cheng Lei , Fan Gaofeng , Liu Xin , Song Xianmin , Xu Chenqi , Wu Haitao , Wang Haopeng
Published: March 2023

Tonic signaling of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), i.e., the spontaneous CAR activation in the absence of tumor antigen stimulation, is considered to be a pivotal event controlling CAR-T efficacy. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the spontaneous CAR signals remains elusive. Here, we unveil that positively charged patches (PCPs) on the surface of the CAR antigen-binding domain mediate CAR clustering and result in CAR tonic signaling. For CARs with high tonic signaling (e.g., GD2.CAR and CSPG4.CAR), reducing PCPs on CARs or boosting ionic strength in the culture medium during ex vivo CAR-T cell expansion minimizes spontaneous CAR activation and alleviates CAR-T cell exhaustion. In contrast, introducing PCPs into the CAR with weak tonic signaling, such as CD19.CAR, results in improved in vivo persistence and superior antitumor function. These results demonstrate that CAR tonic signaling is induced and maintained by PCP-mediated CAR clustering. Notably, the mutations we generated to alter the PCPs maintain the antigen-binding affinity and specificity of the CAR. Therefore, our findings suggest that the rational tuning of PCPs to optimize tonic signaling and in vivo fitness of CAR-T cells is a promising design strategy for the next-generation CAR.
Probing top-of-the-line corrosion using coupled multi-electrode array in conjunction with local electrochemical measurement
Authors: Wang Mingyu , Tan Mike Yongjun , Zhu Yesen , Huang Yi , Xu Yunze
Published: March 2023

An experimental method has been developed for probing top-of-the-line corrosion (TLC) of pipeline steel based on the use of the wire beam electrode (WBE) in conjunction with local electrochemical measurements. Results show that the location of the droplet, the droplet retention time, the water condensation rate and the local TLC rate could be well determined through the macro-cell current mapping and local electrochemical measurements. The precipitation and the scaling tendency of the FeCO3 beneath the droplet were quantitatively estimated. The micro-cell corrosion was significantly influenced by the thickness of the condensed water film and the protectiveness of the FeCO3 layer. The discrepancy of the film formation inside and outside the droplets was the driving force of macro-cell corrosion. The in-situ measurement and visualization of the corrosion processes and kinetics using the modified WBE could be conveniently used to facilitate the understanding of the initiation and propagation of localized TLC.
Efficient noise mitigation technique for quantum computing
Authors: Shaib Ali , Naim Mohamad Hussein , Fouda Mohammed E. , Kanj Rouwaida , Kurdahi Fadi
Published: March 2023

Quantum computers have enabled solving problems beyond the current machines’ capabilities. However, this requires handling noise arising from unwanted interactions in these systems. Several protocols have been proposed to address efficient and accurate quantum noise profiling and mitigation. In this work, we propose a novel protocol that efficiently estimates the average output of a noisy quantum device to be used for quantum noise mitigation. The multi-qubit system average behavior is approximated as a special form of a Pauli Channel where Clifford gates are used to estimate the average output for circuits of different depths. The characterized Pauli channel error rates, and state preparation and measurement errors are then used to construct the outputs for different depths thereby eliminating the need for large simulations and enabling efficient mitigation. We demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed protocol on four IBM Q 5-qubit quantum devices. Our method demonstrates improved accuracy with efficient noise characterization. We report up to 88% and 69% improvement for the proposed approach compared to the unmitigated, and pure measurement error mitigation approaches, respectively.
An agent-based approach for modelling and simulation of glycoprotein VI receptor diffusion, localisation and dimerisation in platelet lipid rafts
Authors: Tantiwong Chukiat , Dunster Joanne L. , Cavill Rachel , Tomlinson Michael G. , Wierling Christoph , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Gibbins Jonathan M.
Published: March 2023

Receptor diffusion plays an essential role in cellular signalling via the plasma membrane microenvironment and receptor interactions, but the regulation is not well understood. To aid in understanding of the key determinants of receptor diffusion and signalling, we developed agent-based models (ABMs) to explore the extent of dimerisation of the platelet- and megakaryocyte-specific receptor for collagen glycoprotein VI (GPVI). This approach assessed the importance of glycolipid enriched raft-like domains within the plasma membrane that lower receptor diffusivity. Our model simulations demonstrated that GPVI dimers preferentially concentrate in confined domains and, if diffusivity within domains is decreased relative to outside of domains, dimerisation rates are increased. While an increased amount of confined domains resulted in further dimerisation, merging of domains, which may occur upon membrane rearrangements, was without effect. Modelling of the proportion of the cell membrane which constitutes lipid rafts indicated that dimerisation levels could not be explained by these alone. Crowding of receptors by other membrane proteins was also an important determinant of GPVI dimerisation. Together, these results demonstrate the value of ABM approaches in exploring the interactions on a cell surface, guiding the experimentation for new therapeutic avenues.
Applications and clinical trial landscape using Toll-like receptor agonists to reduce the toll of cancer
Authors: Rolfo Christian , Giovannetti Elisa , Martinez Pablo , McCue Shannon , Naing Aung
Published: March 2023

Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which serve as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, may be viable treatment targets. TLRs are the first line of defense against microbes and activate signaling cascades that induce immune and inflammatory responses. Patients with “hot” versus “cold” tumors may respond more favorably to immune checkpoint inhibition, and through their downstream effects, TLR agonists have the potential to convert “cold tumors” into “hot tumors” making TLRs in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, potential targets for cancer therapies. Imiquimod is a topical TLR7 agonist, approved by the FDA for antiviral and skin cancer treatments. Other TLR adjuvants are used in several vaccines including Nu Thrax, Heplisav, T-VEC, and Cervarix. Many TLR agonists are currently in development as both monotherapy and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we describe the TLR agonists that are being evaluated clinically as new therapies for solid tumors.
Opioid death projections with AI-based forecasts using social media language
Authors: Matero Matthew , Giorgi Salvatore , Curtis Brenda , Ungar Lyle H. , Schwartz H. Andrew
Published: March 2023

Targeting of location-specific aid for the U.S. opioid epidemic is difficult due to our inability to accurately predict changes in opioid mortality across heterogeneous communities. AI-based language analyses, having recently shown promise in cross-sectional (between-community) well-being assessments, may offer a way to more accurately longitudinally predict community-level overdose mortality. Here, we develop and evaluate, TrOP (Transformer forOpiodPrediction), a model for community-specific trend projection that uses community-specific social media language along with past opioid-related mortality data to predict future changes in opioid-related deaths. TOP builds on recent advances in sequence modeling, namely transformer networks, to use changes in yearly language on Twitter and past mortality to project the following year’s mortality rates by county. Trained over five years and evaluated over the next two years TrOP demonstrated state-of-the-art accuracy in predicting future county-specific opioid trends. A model built using linear auto-regression and traditional socioeconomic data gave 7% error (MAPE) or within 2.93 deaths per 100,000 people on average; our proposed architecture was able to forecast yearly death rates with less than half that error: 3% MAPE and within 1.15 per 100,000 people.
Recent Advances in (Oxy)sulfide Photocatalysts for Solar-driven Water Splitting and CO2 Reduction
Authors: Iwase Akihide
Published: March 2023

Metal sulfides are an attractive material group as photocatalysts in terms of utilizing visible light in sunlight. However, S2− in metal sulfides are oxidized by photogenerated holes. Hence, the metal sulfides rarely oxidize water to O2 under photoirradiation. To achieve water splitting and CO2 reduction as artificial photosynthetic reactions in which water is used as a sole electron donor, application of metal sulfides to photoelectrode and Z-scheme systems is one useful strategy. In both systems, metal sulfides are used as a reduction part that is photocathode and photocatalyst for the reduction of water and CO2. Although metal sulfides only contain S2− as the anion, metal oxysulfides contain S2− and O2−. The valence band maximum formed by the O 2p and S 3p hybridized orbitals of oxysulfides stabilizes S2− ions when compared to those in the sulfides. Such metal oxysulfides are active for photocatalytic water oxidation to O2.
Molecular Catalysts Immobilised on Photocathodes for Solar Fuel Generation
Authors: Creissen C. E.
Published: March 2023

The solar-driven transformation of water and carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals offers a sustainable route to bypass the use of fossil fuels. This can be achieved using molecular catalysts immobilised on semiconductor surfaces. Hybrid photocathodes, which are responsible for fuel-forming reactions in these devices, have drawn knowledge from multiple fields of research to identify and overcome performance-limiting components. This chapter discusses advances in dye-sensitised and visible-light-absorbing semiconductor systems by first presenting an overview of semiconductor electrochemistry and molecular catalysis. Specific examples of functional photocathodes are then used to highlight how innovative approaches can enhance photoelectrochemical performance, providing guidelines for future research.
Role of Co-catalysts for Photocatalytic H2O Splitting and CO2 Reduction
Authors: Pichler Christian M.
Published: March 2023

Photocatalysis is a promising approach for the sustainable production of energy vectors, such as H2, or for CO2 reduction. The design of an active and stable photocatalytic system requires the interplay of several factors, including the light absorber and the reaction medium. An important piece in this interplay is the co-catalyst material that enables the desired reaction. This chapter delivers an overview about the co-catalyst types applied in photocatalytic water splitting and CO2 reduction. The chapter describes what factors define a good co-catalyst and it answers the question on how to find a suitable co-catalyst for a specific photocatalytic system.
Semiconductor Quantum Dots for Water Splitting and CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Reddy N. Lakshmana , Reddy N. Ramesh , Patil Santosh S. , Kumari M. Mamatha , Shankar M. V.
Published: March 2023

The energy crisis and environmental pollution caused by increasing population puts the world in a dangerous zone. Photocatalytic water splitting to generate hydrogen as a clean energy carrier and photocatalytic CO2 reduction are the best alternative techniques to solve the world's problems. In connection to this, quantum dots (QDs) based semiconductor photocatalysts have become one of the promising materials for energy and environmental applications. Their unique properties including high surface area, more active sites, and high electric conductivity make them super candidates for water splitting and CO2 reduction. Moreover, the composites of QDs with various combinations including metal oxide-based QDS, metal sulfides QDS, metal selenides-based QDs and graphene QDs have become important types of QDs that have been well-considered for photocatalytic water splitting and CO2 reduction applications. In this chapter, we have summarized the major catalytic and electronic properties of the as-mentioned QDs and their composites for energy and environmental applications. The prospects and developments of the semiconductor QDs photocatalysts for use in practical applications are also highlighted.
Computational Approaches to Materials Design for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Tingbo , Zhou Zhaobo , Chen Qian , Wang Jinlan
Published: March 2023

Photocatalysis has attracted widespread attention as it can effectively utilize solar energy to solve the energy crisis and environmental pollution through, e.g., photocatalytic water splitting, nitrogen reduction reaction, and carbon dioxide reduction. Theoretical calculations play an important role in revealing microscopic mechanisms and designing high-performance photocatalysts. In this chapter, we focus on three aspects in photocatalysis: (1) light absorption; (2) photogenerated carrier separation and recombination; and (3) redox reaction. Latest advances of theoretical studies by first-principles calculations and non-adiabatic molecular dynamics simulations are expanded upon, including the manipulation of band edge positions, the design of Z-scheme heterostructures, tuning photogenerated carrier lifetimes and redox energy barriers. In addition, controlling methods for designing high-performance photocatalysts are discussed. Finally, challenges and prospects in theoretical studies of photocatalysis are discussed.
Scaling Up Photocatalysts and New Devices for Solar Water Splitting and CO2 Reduction
Authors: Takata Tsuyoshi , Domen Kazunari , Okunaka Sayuri , Tokudome Hiromasa , Kato Naohiko , Morikawa Takeshi , Takeda Yasuhiko
Published: March 2023

Artificial photosynthesis using semiconductor materials is considered to be an attractive approach to converting solar energy into chemical fuels. The development of a scalable artificial photosynthesis system is one of the most important issues for practical applications. In this chapter, recent advantages for the practical use of solar H2 production via photocatalytic water splitting and formate production via CO2 reduction are discussed. Large-scale H2 production has been demonstrated for the first time using a 100 m2 sized panel reactor comprised of UV-light-driven photocatalyst sheets. In addition, visible-light-driven printable photocatalyst sheets, which can be prepared inexpensively and easily extended to scalable applications, are explored. Also, large-scale formate production over a CO2 reduction system using a new molecular catalyst is demonstrated. These approaches are an essential step toward any future practical applications.
Synthesis and a combined experimental/theoretical structural study of a comprehensive set of Pd/NHC complexes witho-,m-, andp-halogen-substituted aryl groups (X = F, Cl, Br, CF3)
Authors: Pankov Roman O. , Prima Darya O. , Kostyukovich Alexander Yu. , Minyaev Mikhail E. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: March 2023

A complete series of free NHC ligands and Pd/NHC complexes with –F, –Cl, –Br, and –CF3substituents at theo-,m-, andp-positions of the aryl ring were synthesized and characterized. An increase of catalytic activity was observed in the Mizoroki–Heck reaction.
Modeling the fate and involuntary exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol emitted from indoor cannabis smoking
Authors: Askari Amirashkan , Wania Frank , Chan Arthur W. H.
Published: March 2023

Second and third hand exposure to cannabis smoke is predicted to lead to THC concentrations exceeding impaired driving laws in adults and toddlers, but enhanced ventilation and particle filtration are effective mitigation measures.
Bimetallic oxide Cu2O@MnO2 with exposed phase interfaces for dual-effect purification of indoor formaldehyde and pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Zheng Jia Yu , Zhang Hao , He Jun Da , Tian Bo Hai , Han Chang Bao , Cui Zhixiang , Yan Hui
Published: March 2023

A bimetallic oxide Cu2O@MnO2 shows superior dynamic HCHO removal efficiency and pathogen inactivation ability, which is attributed to the electron-rich region at the phase-interface inducing the capture and activation of O2 on the material surface.
A novel two-dimensional superconducting Ti layer: density functional theory and electron-beam irradiation
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Min , Tang Jiawei , Zhang Jing , Yu Jin , Sun Litao , Yang Zhiqing , Xia Ke , Sun Weiwei
Published: March 2023

A novel Ti 2D monolayer is successfully fabricated with a metallic bonding. The electronic topological transition is observed accompanied by the variance of the Fermi surface. A medium electron–phonon coupling is presented with a superconducting temperature of 3.8 K.
Controlling the crystal structure of succinic acid via microfluidic spray-drying
Authors: Okur Aysu Ceren , Erni Philipp , Ouali Lahoussine , Benczedi Daniel , Amstad Esther
Published: March 2023

A surface acoustic wave based microfluidic spray-drier is used to spray dry succinic acid, a model low molecular weight matrix substance. We demonstrate that the structure of succinic acid can be tuned with its formation time within drying drops.
Performance of a membrane fabricated from high-density polyethylene waste for dye separation in water
Authors: Zulfiani Utari , Junaidi Afdhal , Nareswari Cininta , Ali Badrut Tamam Ibnu , Jaafar Juhana , Widyanto Alvin Rahmad , Saiful  , Dharma Hadi Nugraha Cipta , Widiastuti Nurul
Published: March 2023

Industrial growth can have a good impact on a country's economic growth, but it can also cause environmental problems, including water pollution.
Polyethylene glycol/fumed silica composites as shape-stabilized phase change materials with effective thermal energy storage
Authors: Nguyen Giang Tien
Published: March 2023

Polyethylene glycol/fumed silica shape-stabilized phase change material exhibits effective thermal energy storage, which could be a promising candidate for building thermal energy conversion and management as incorporated with gypsum.
Exploration of advanced cellulosic material for membrane filtration with outstanding antifouling property
Authors: Koyama Hiroshi , Mori Taro , Nagai Kanji , Shimamoto Shu
Published: March 2023

We revealed that a high electron donor ability (γ−) is the origin of the excellent antifouling properties of cellulose triacetate (CTA); with a view to further improving antifouling properties of CTA, molecular designs to increaseγ−are required.