bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital technologies and identity negotiation: a study of trilingual Uyghur university students’ language learning experiences in intranational migrations
Authors: Ye Xiaoya
Published: January 2025

This three-year longitudinal case study explored how trilingual Uyghur intranational migrant students utilized digital technologies to learn languages and negotiate their identities in Han-dominant environments during their internal migrations within China, a topic that has been scarcely researched before. Adopting a poststructuralist perspective of identity, the study traced four Uyghur students who migrated from underdeveloped southern Xinjiang to northern Xinjiang for junior high school education, and to more developed cities in eastern and southern China for senior high school education and higher education. A qualitative approach was adopted, utilizing semi-structured interviews, class and campus observations, daily conversations, WeChat conversations, participants’ reflections, and assignments. Findings reveal that Uyghur minority students utilized digital technologies to bridge the English proficiency gap with Han students, negotiate their marginalized identities, integrate into the mainstream education system, and extend the empowerment to other ethnic minority students. This was in sharp contrast to the significant challenges and identity crises they faced when they did not have access to digital technologies to learn Mandarin in boarding secondary schools. An unprecedented finding is that, with digital empowerment, Uyghur minority students could achieve accomplishments that were even difficult for Han students to attain and gain upward social mobility by finding employment in Han-dominant first-tier cities. The implications of utilizing digital technologies to support intranational migrant ethnic minority students’ language learning and identity development are discussed.
Long-term correction of hemophilia A via integration of a functionally enhanced FVIII gene into the AAVS1 locus by nickase in patient-derived iPSCs
Authors: Kim Do-Hun , Choi Sang-Hwi , Sung Jin Jea , Kim Sieun , Yi Hanui , Park Sanghyun , Park Chan Wook , Oh Young Woo , Lee Jungil , Kim Dae-Sung , Kim Jong-Hoon , Park Chul-Yong , Kim Dong-Wook
Published: January 2025

Hemophilia A (HA) is caused by mutations in coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Genome editing in conjunction with patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is a promising cell therapy strategy, as it replaces dysfunctional proteins resulting from genetic mutations with normal proteins. However, the low expression level and short half-life of FVIII still remain significant limiting factors in the efficacy of these approaches in HA. Here, we constructed a functionally enhanced FVIII variant, F309S/E1984V-mutated B domain-deleted (BDD)-FVIII (FE-FVIII), with increased activity and stability. We inserted FE-FVIII with a human elongation factor-1 alpha (EF1α) promoter into the AAVS1 locus of HA patient-derived iPSCs via CRISPR/Cas9 (D10A) nickase to ensure expression in any cell type. FE-FVIII was expressed not only in undifferentiated FE-FVIII-inserted (FE-KI) iPSCs but also in endothelial cells (ECs) differentiated from them in vitro. Compared with mice transplanted with wild-type BDD-FVIII-containing ECs, immunocompetent HA mice intravenously transplanted with FE-KI ECs presented a 2.12-fold increase in FVIII activity in the blood and an approximately 20% greater survival rate after hemorrhagic tail injury. For sustained efficacy, FE-KI ECs were subcutaneously transplanted into immunodeficient HA mice, resulting in amelioration of the hemophilia phenotype for more than 3 months. This strategy can improve FVIII function and may provide a universal therapeutic approach for treating HA.
Negative PSMA PET can be used to avoid unnecessary pelvic lymph node dissection in intermediate risk prostate cancer
Authors: Incesu Reha-Baris , Preisser Felix , Nohe Florian , Maurer Tobias , Graefen Markus , Tilki Derya
Published: January 2025

Background

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) has a high negative predictive value (NPV) in determining lymph node invasion (LNI) in men with intermediate-risk disease undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). We hypothesized that PSMA PET may be used to reduce the number of unnecessary PLND procedures performed.

Objective

To assess BCR-free survival of intermediate risk prostate cancer patients with a negative PSMA PET who underwent PLND vs. no PLND.

Design, setting, and participants

Within a high-volume center database, we identified patients with Grade Group 2-3 and PSA ≤ 20 ng/ml who had a negative PSMA PET prior to RP between 2016 and 2021.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to compare BCR-free survival between patients with and without PLND.

Results and limitations

Overall, 371 patients were identified. Of those, 333 (90%) underwent RP with PLND, while 38 (10%) had no PLND during RP. Median number of removed lymph nodes in patients with PLND was 16. The NPV of PSMA PET for LNI detection was 90.1%. Median follow-up was 36 months. The median preoperative PSA was 7.8 ng/ml. 59% had biopsy Grade Group 2 and 41% had biopsy Grade Group 3, respectively. BCR-free survival at 36 months after prostatectomy was 78.7% vs. 76.7% (p = 0.8) for patients with vs. without PLND. Main limitation is the absence of long-term oncologic outcomes.

Conclusions

In intermediate risk prostate cancer patients, a PLND may be avoided in the presence of a negative PSMA PET.
Rapid and quantitative functional interrogation of human enhancer variant activity in live mice
Authors: Hollingsworth Ethan W. , Liu Taryn A. , Alcantara Joshua A. , Chen Cindy X. , Jacinto Sandra H. , Kvon Evgeny Z.
Published: January 2025

Functional analysis of non-coding variants associated with congenital disorders remains challenging due to the lack of efficient in vivo models. Here we introduce dual-enSERT, a robust Cas9-based two-color fluorescent reporter system which enables rapid, quantitative comparison of enhancer allele activities in live mice in less than two weeks. We use this technology to examine and measure the gain- and loss-of-function effects of enhancer variants previously linked to limb polydactyly, autism spectrum disorder, and craniofacial malformation. By combining dual-enSERT with single-cell transcriptomics, we characterise gene expression in cells where the enhancer is normally and ectopically active, revealing candidate pathways that may lead to enhancer misregulation. Finally, we demonstrate the widespread utility of dual-enSERT by testing the effects of fifteen previously uncharacterised rare and common non-coding variants linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. In doing so we identify variants that reproducibly alter the in vivo activity of OTX2 and MIR9-2 brain enhancers, implicating them in autism. Dual-enSERT thus allows researchers to go from identifying candidate enhancer variants to analysis of comparative enhancer activity in live embryos in under two weeks.
Selectively expressed RNA molecules as a versatile tool for functionalized cell targeting
Authors: Rastfeld Frederik , Hoffmann Marco , Krüger Sylvie , Bohn Patrick , Gribling-Burrer Anne-Sophie , Wagner Laura , Hersch Nils , Stegmayr Carina , Lövenich Lukas , Gerlach Sven , Köninger Daniel , Hoffmann Christina , Walter Helene L. , Wiedermann Dirk , Manoharan Hajaani , Fink Gereon R. , Merkel Rudolf , Bohlen Heribert , Smyth Redmond P. , Rueger Maria A. , Hoffmann Bernd
Published: January 2025

Targeting of diseased cells is one of the most urgently needed prerequisites for a next generation of potent pharmaceuticals. Different approaches pursued fail mainly due to a lack of specific surface markers. Developing an RNA-based methodology, we can now ensure precise cell targeting combined with selective expression of effector proteins for therapy, diagnostics or cell steering. The specific combination of the molecular properties of antisense technology and mRNA therapy with functional RNA secondary structures allowed us to develop selectively expressed RNA molecules for medical applications. These seRNAs remain inactive in non-target cells and induce translation by partial degradation only in preselected cell types of interest. Cell specificity and type of functionalization are easily adaptable based on a modular system. In proof-of-concept studies we use seRNAs as platform technology for highly selective cell targeting. We effectively treat breast tumor cell clusters in mixed cell systems and shrink early U87 glioblastoma cell clusters in the brain of male mice without detectable side effects. Our data open up potential avenues for various therapeutic applications.
Tracing ancient solar cycles with tree rings and radiocarbon in the first millennium BCE
Authors: Brehm Nicolas , Pearson Charlotte L. , Christl Marcus , Bayliss Alex , Nicolussi Kurt , Pichler Thomas , Brown David , Wacker Lukas
Published: January 2025

The Sun drives Earth’s energy systems, influencing weather, ocean currents, and agricultural productivity. Understanding solar variability is critical, but direct observations are limited to 400 years of sunspot records. To extend this timeline, cosmic ray-produced radionuclides like 14C in tree-rings provide invaluable insights. However, few records have the resolution or temporal span required to thoroughly investigate important short-term solar phenomena, such as the 11-year solar cycle, or 14C production spikes most likely linked to solar energetic particle (SEP) events. Here we present a continuous, annually resolved atmospheric 14C record from tree-rings spanning the first millennium BCE, confirming no new SEP’s and clearly defining the 11-year solar cycle, with a mean period of 10.5 years, and amplitude of approximately 0.4‰ in 14C concentration. This dataset offers unprecedented detail on solar behavior over long timescales, providing insights for climatic research and solar hazard mitigation, while also offering enhanced radiocarbon calibration and dating accuracy.
Mechanism of mammalian transcriptional repression by noncoding RNA
Authors: Tlučková Katarína , Kaczmarek Beata , Salmazo Anita , Bernecky Carrie
Published: January 2025

Transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) can be repressed by noncoding RNA, including the human RNA Alu. However, the mechanism by which endogenous RNAs repress transcription remains unclear. Here we present cryogenic-electron microscopy structures of Pol II bound to Alu RNA, which reveal that Alu RNA mimics how DNA and RNA bind to Pol II during transcription elongation. Further, we show how distinct domains of the general transcription factor TFIIF control repressive activity. Together, we reveal how a noncoding RNA can regulate mammalian gene expression.
An intelligent hybrid approach combining fuzzy C-means and the sperm whale algorithm for cyber attack detection in IoT networks
Authors: Elsedimy E. I. , AboHashish Sara M. M.
Published: January 2025

The Internet of Things (IoTs) has revolutionized cities, enabling them to become smarter. IoTs play an important role in monitoring the traffic cameras, roads, smart farming, connected vehicles, air quality, water level, humidity, and carbon dioxide pollution levels in city buildings. One of the major challenges of smart cities is the cyber threat to sensitive data. This paper presents an intelligent approach for detecting cyberattacks and mitigating malicious events in IoT-based smart systems. The proposed approach, known as FCM-SWA, hybridizes a fuzzy C-mean (FCM) with a sperm whale algorithm (SWA). In the first step, we use a novel SWA optimization algorithm to enhance the FCM performance and provide effective defenses against various types of smart city attacks. Next, we propose an adaptive threshold strategy to enhance the global search capability of SWA and prevent the algorithm from settling into local optima. Lastly, we present an efficient scaling approach that solves the clustering problem and finds the optimal cluster center, striking a balance between exploration and exploration in the search space. The proposed FCM-SWA model does better than related and state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy, detection rate, precision rate, and F1-scores, as shown by experiments on the NSL-KDD, AWID, and BoT-IoT datasets.
Nano-chitosan-coated, green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles as a novel antifungal agent against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: in vitro study
Authors: Desouky Mohamed M. , Abou-Saleh Radwa H. , Moussa Tarek A. A. , Fahmy Heba M.
Published: January 2025

Chemical fungicides have been used to control fungal diseases like Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. These fungicides must be restricted because of their toxicity and the development of resistance strains. Therefore, utilizing natural nanoscale materials in agricultural production is a potential alternative. This work aimed to investigate the antifungal properties of a nanocomposite (nano-chitosan-coated, green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles) against the plant pathogenic fungus S. sclerotiorum. Chemical reduction was used to produce selenium nanoparticles from citrus peel extracts, and ionotropic gelation was used to produce chitosan nanoparticles. The nanocomposite has been produced using selenium nanoparticles stabilized by chitosan and cross-linked with sodium tripolyphosphate. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, UV-VIS spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize all produced nanostructures. The in vitro antifungal activity and minimum inhibitory concentration of all bulk and nanostructures are investigated at (0.5, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100) ppm concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect structural deformations in the fungal mycelium. The findings support the successful synthesis and characterization of all nanoparticles. Lemon peel extract produced smaller, more stable, and distributed selenium nanoparticles (42.28 ± 18.5 nm) than orange peel extract (85.7 ± 140.22 nm). Nanostructures, particularly nanocomposite, have shown a considerable increase in antifungal efficacy compared to bulk structures. At a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.5 ppm, the nanocomposite exhibited 100% inhibitory activity. The nanocomposite with a concentration of 0.5 ppm exhibited the lowest average fungal biomass (0.32 ± 0.05 g) among all tested nanostructures. Fungal hyphae treated with 0.5 ppm of nanocomposite within 18 h of treatment revealed substantial damage and deformation. These results provide new insights into the nanocomposite as an eco-friendly and promising antifungal agent against other plant pathogenic fungi.
Rapid climate action is needed: comparing heat vs. COVID-19-related mortality
Authors: Batibeniz Fulden , Seneviratne Sonia I. , Jha Srinidhi , Ribeiro Andreia , Suarez Gutierrez Laura , Raible Christoph C. , Malhotra Avni , Armstrong Ben , Bell Michelle L. , Lavigne Eric , Gasparrini Antonio , Guo Yuming , Hashizume Masahiro , Masselot Pierre , da Silva Susana Pereira , Royé Dominic , Sera Francesco , Tong Shilu , Urban Aleš , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana M.
Published: January 2025

The impacts of climate change on human health are often underestimated or perceived to be in a distant future. Here, we present the projected impacts of climate change in the context of COVID-19, a recent human health catastrophe. We compared projected heat mortality with COVID-19 deaths in 38 cities worldwide and found that in half of these cities, heat-related deaths could exceed annual COVID-19 deaths in less than ten years (at + 3.0 °C increase in global warming relative to preindustrial). In seven of these cities, heat mortality could exceed COVID-19 deaths in less than five years. Our results underscore the crucial need for climate action and for the integration of climate change into public health discourse and policy.
Role of miR-16, 146a, 19b and 720 gene expressions in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of vitiligo
Authors: Shaker Olfat G. , Abd elrahim Talal A. , Azzam Somia , El-Zook Mai Mohamed , Aboraia Nesreen M.
Published: January 2025

Vitiligo is a common long-term depigmenting skin disorder that is characterized by patches of skin losing their pigment. To evaluate serum/tissue levels of miR-16, 146a, 19b and 720 in vitiligo patients and healthy controls, also analyzing the correlations between all biomarkers to indicate whether those can be used to early diagnose vitiligo patients. Forty-subjects were included, divided into two equal groups, 20 healthy matched individuals and 20 vitiligo patients. For all groups a 5 mL venous blood sample for serum isolation was taken and analyzed for the serum level of miRNAs. For tissue analysis, 3 mm biopsy was taken. For all patients Vitiligo area scoring index (VASI), vitiligo disease activity (VIDA), disease duration and extent percentages were calculated. No significant difference was observed in age and sex ratio among the two groups (p > 0.05). Serum, expression levels for miR-16, 146a, and 19b were overexpressed in vitiligo patients as compared to healthy controls with p-value 0.000 for all biomarkers. While miR-720 was reported low in vitiligo patients compared to controls (p = 0.000). For tissue samples, miR-16, 146a, 19b were overexpressed in vitiligo patients with p-values 0.000, 0.000 and < 0.001 respectively, while for the expression level of miR-720 in tissue, the level was low compared to controls (p = 0.000). There are positive correlations between VASI and miR-16, 146a in serum and miR-146a in tissue. Also positive correlations between disease extent and both miR-16 and miR-146a in serum and in tissue was found. A negative correlation between VIDA and miR-720 in serum was found. Various correlations between the selected miRNAs were reported. Based upon the expression levels of miR-16, 146a, 19b and 720 in both serum and tissue, these biomarkers can be used as early indicators for vitiligo.
Use of inpatient palliative care in metastatic testicular cancer patients undergoing critical care therapy: insights from the national inpatient sample
Authors: Cano Garcia Cristina , Incesu Reha-Baris , Barletta Francesco , Morra Simone , Scheipner Lukas , Baudo Andrea , Tappero Stefano , Piccinelli Mattia Luca , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Terrone Carlo , De Cobelli Ottavio , Carmignani Luca , Ahyai Sascha , Longo Nicola , Tilki Derya , Briganti Alberto , Banek Severine , Kluth Luis A. , Chun Felix K. H. , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: January 2025

To test for rates of inpatient palliative care (IPC) in metastatic testicular cancer patients receiving critical care therapy (CCT). Within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2008–2019), we tabulated IPC rates in metastatic testicular cancer patients receiving CCT, namely invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG), dialysis for acute kidney failure (AKF), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or tracheostomy. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models addressing IPC were fitted. Of 420 metastatic testicular cancer patients undergoing CCT, 70 (17%) received IPC. Between 2008 and 2019, the rates of IPC among metastatic testicular cancer patients undergoing CCT increased from 5 to 19%, with the highest rate of 30% in 2018 (EAPC: + 9.5%; 95% CI + 4.7 to + 15.2%; p = 0.005). IPC patients were older (35 vs. 31 years, p = 0.01), more frequently had do not resuscitate (DNR) status (34 vs. 4%, p < 0.001), more frequently exhibited brain metastases (29 vs. 17%, p = 0.03), were more frequently treated with IMV (76 vs. 53%, p < 0.001) and exhibited higher rate of inpatient mortality (74 vs. 29%, p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, DNR status (OR 10.23, p < 0.001) and African American race/ethnicity (OR 4.69, p = 0.003) were identified as independent predictors of higher IPC use. We observed a significant increase in rates of IPC use in metastatic testicular cancer patients receiving CCT, rising from 5 to 19% between 2008 and 2019. However, this rates remain lower compared to metastatic lung cancer patients, indicating the need for further awareness among clinicians treating metastatic testicular cancer. The increase in IPC rates for metastatic testicular cancer patients receiving CCT indicates a need for ongoing education and awareness among healthcare providers. This could enhance the integration of IPC in the treatment of advanced cancer, potentially improving quality of life and care outcomes for survivors.
Application of urinary peptide-biomarkers in trauma patients as a predictive tool for prognostic assessment, treatment and intervention timing
Authors: Aktas Gökmen , Keller Felix , Siwy Justyna , Latosinska Agnieszka , Mischak Harald , Mayor Jorge , Clausen Jan , Wilhelmi Michaela , Brauckmann Vesta , Sehmisch Stephan , Pacha Tarek Omar
Published: January 2025

Treatment of severely injured patients represents a major challenge, in part due to the unpredictable risk of major adverse events, including death. Preemptive personalized treatment aimed at preventing these events is a crucial objective of patient management; however, the currently available scoring systems provide only moderate guidance. Biomarkers from proteomics/peptidomics studies hold promise for improving the current situation, ultimately enabling precision medicine based on individual molecular profiles. To test the hypothesis that peptide biomarkers could predict patient outcomes in severely injured patients, we initiated a pilot study involving consecutive urine sampling (on days 0, 2, 5, 10, and 14) and subsequent peptidome analysis using capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE-MS) of 14 severely injured patients and two additional intensive care unit patients. The urine peptidomes of these patients were compared to those of age- and sex-matched controls. Moreover, previously established urinary peptide-based classifiers, CKD273, AKI204, and Cov50, were applied to the obtained peptidome data, and the association of the classifier’s scores with a combined endpoint (death and/or kidney failure and/or respiratory insufficiency) was investigated. CE-MS peptidome analysis identified 191 significantly altered peptides in severely injured patients. A consistent increase in the abundance of peptides from A1AT, AHSG, and HBA1 was observed, while peptides derived from PIGR and UROM were consistently decreased. Most of the significant peptides (adjusted p < 0.05) were from COL1A1, and most were reduced in abundance. Two of the previously defined and validated peptidomic classifiers, CKD273 and AKI204, showed significant associations with the combined endpoint, which was not observed for the routine scores generally applied in the clinics. This prospective pilot study confirmed the hypothesis that urinary peptides provide information on patient outcomes and may guide personalized interventions in severely injured patients based on individual molecular changes. The results obtained allow the planning of a well-powered prospective trial investigating the value of urinary peptides in this context in more detail.
Associations of time spent on different types of digital media with self-rated general and mental health in Swedish adolescents
Authors: Frielingsdorf Helena , Fomichov Victoria , Rystedt Ingrid , Lindstrand Sofia , Korhonen Laura , Henriksson Hanna
Published: January 2025

Although previous studies have suggested an association between digital media use and health, detailed knowledge about how different types of digital media impact adolescent health is limited. This cross-sectional population-based study explored the relationship between time spent on various digital media and adolescents’ self-rated general and mental health. The study included 3566 Swedish high school students aged 16–17 years. Associations between time spent on digital media (social media, gaming, watching movies/series/video clips etc. and digital schoolwork) and self-rated health outcomes (general health, self-esteem, symptoms of worry/anxiety and low mood/depression, trust in other people, head/neck/shoulder pain and sleep quality) was assessed. Statistical analyses employed logistic regression models adjusted for covariates (sociodemographic variables and health behaviours). In the adjusted models, spending very high amounts of time (≥ 6 h/day) on any digital media, except schoolwork, was associated with poor self-esteem, symptoms of low mood/depression and poor sleep (ORs 1.35–2.93, p < 0.05). Spending six hours or more on digital media was also associated with worry/anxiety (for social media and gaming), head/neck/shoulder pain (for social media, watching movies/series/video clips and schoolwork), poor general health (for gaming and watching movies/series/video clips) and low trust (for gaming) (ORs 1.39–3.18, p < 0.05). High amounts of time (4–5 h/day) of watching movies/series/video clips was associated with daily symptoms of low mood/depression, neck/shoulder pain, and low trust in other people (ORs 1.46, 1.41, and 1.32, p < 0.05). This study indicates a dose-response relationship between digital media use and adverse health outcomes in adolescents, where adverse associations start to appear after 4–5 h, particularly for watching movies/series/video clips. However, further longitudinal studies, randomized controlled trials and public health interventions focused on healthy and balanced use of digital media are warranted.
Investigations on the synthesis and characterization of silver-doped MoO3 thin films for photocatalytic applications
Authors: Kamoun Olfa , Akkari Anis , Alhalaili Badriyah , Vidu Ruxandra , Turki-Kamoun Najoua
Published: January 2025

In this study, we aimed to enhance the photocatalytic performance of molybdenum oxide (MoO3) thin films by doping with silver (Ag) via a spray pyrolysis technique. The primary objective for silver incorporation was intended to introduce additional energy levels into the band structure of MoO3, improving its efficiency. Structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical spectroscopy. XRD results confirmed an orthorhombic phase with a (040) preferential orientation for all samples. Optimal crystallinity was observed with 2% Ag doping, yielding an 84 nm crystallite size, while higher doping levels reduced crystallite size. Band gap energy narrowed from 3.07 eV (undoped) to 2.94 eV (2% Ag-doped), indicating electronic structure changes. Impedance spectroscopy revealed superior electrical properties at 4% Ag doping, enhancing charge transport. Photocatalytic performance, assessed via dye degradation, showed significant improvement with silver doping, the degradation rate peaking at 4% Ag. These results demonstrate that silver doping optimizes structural and electronic properties of MoO3 thin films, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Possible glendonite mineral pseudomorphs in the aftermath of the end-Permian extinction
Authors: Al-Sarmi Musaab , Wood Rachel
Published: January 2025

Glendonites (from the precursor of ikaite, CaCO3.6H2O) preferentially precipitate within sediments in cold waters (− 2 to 7°C) via either organotrophic or methanogenic sulphate reduction. Here, we report the first occurrence of possible glendonites associated with the end Permian mass extinction in the earliest Triassic (ca. 252 Million years ago, Ma) subtropical marine carbonates on the Arabian Plateau, Oman. The authigenic carbonate crystals are small (< 2 mm) and precipitated either on bedding planes or reworked within micro cross-laminations, erosional scours, or lags at the base of calcisiltite turbidites, supporting a syn-depositional origin. The observed shape and macrostructure bear resemblance to that of glendonites. SEM and cathodoluminescent imaging reveals unzoned internal structures with three mineral phases: irregular, pseudo-hexagonal and spherical low-Mg calcite crystals (Type 1), low-Mg calcite cement (Type 2), and a later void-filling silica cement (Type 3). The pseudomorphs show δ13C values from − 0.14‰ to − 0.85‰ (mean − 0.43‰; n = 5) that are more positive than the associated micritic matrix, where values range from − 0.92‰ to − 2.39‰ (mean − 1.64‰; n = 7), indicating that oceanic dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was the primary carbon source rather than either methane or organic matter. These δ13C values significantly differ from typical δ13C signatures of authentic glendonites, except for Ordovician examples. If these are glendonites, we infer that they could have precipitated due to the unusually elevated alkalinity and pH (> 9) oceanic conditions present in the aftermath of the end-Permian extinction associated with highly disrupted carbon cycle dynamics, possibly accompanied with the upwelling of cold, anoxic oceanic water.
Regional patterns of wild animal hunting in African tropical forests
Authors: Ingram Daniel J. , Froese Graden Z. L. , Carroll Daire , Bürkner Paul C. , Maisels Fiona , Abugiche Ajonina S. , Allebone-Webb Sophie , Balmford Andrew , Cornelis Daniel , Dethier Marc , Dounias Edmond , Ekodeck Herbert G. , Emogor Charles A. , Fa Julia E. , Fonteyn Davy , Ghiurghi Andrea , Greengrass Elizabeth , Kümpel Noëlle F. , Lupo Karen , Muhindo Jonas , Ngandjui Germain , Ngohouani Gracia Dorielle , Sandrin François , Schleicher Judith , Schmitt Dave N. , Vanegas Liliana , Vanthomme Hadrien P. A. , van Vliet Nathalie , Willcox Adam S. , Midoko Iponga Donald , Kemalasari Della , Muchlish Usman , Nasi Robert , Sampurna Yahya , Tarla Francis Nchembi , Willis Jasmin , Scharlemann Jӧrn P. W. , Abernethy Katharine , Coad Lauren
Published: January 2025

Wildlife contributes to the diets, livelihoods and socio-cultural activities of people worldwide; however, unsustainable hunting is a major pressure on wildlife. Regional assessments of the factors associated with hunting offtakes are needed to understand the scale and patterns of wildlife exploitation relevant for policy. We synthesized 83 studies across West and Central Africa to identify the factors associated with variation in offtake. Our models suggest that offtake per hunter per day is greater for hunters who sell a greater proportion of their offtake; among non-hunter-gatherers; and in areas that have better forest condition, are closer to protected areas and are less accessible from towns. We present evidence that trade and gun hunting have increased since 1991 and that areas more accessible from towns and with worse forest condition may be depleted of larger-bodied wildlife. Given the complex factors associated with regional hunting patterns, context-specific hunting management is key to achieving a sustainable future.
Label free, capillary-scale blood flow mapping in vivo reveals that low-intensity focused ultrasound evokes persistent dilation in cortical microvasculature
Authors: Shen YuBing Y. , Jethe Jyoti V. , Reid Ashlan P. , Hehir Jacob , Amaral Marcello Magri , Ren Chao , Hao Senyue , Zhou Chao , Fisher Jonathan A. N.
Published: January 2025

Non-invasive, low intensity focused ultrasound is an emerging neuromodulation technique that offers the potential for precision, personalized therapy. An increasing body of research has identified mechanosensitive ion channels that can be modulated by FUS and support acute electrical activity in neurons. However, neuromodulatory effects that persist from hours to days have also been reported. The brain’s ability to provide blood flow to electrically active regions involves a multitude of non-neuronal cell types and signaling pathways in the cerebral vasculature; an open question is whether persistent effects can be attributed, at least partly, to vascular mechanisms. Using an in vivo optical approach, we found that microvasculature, and not larger vessels, exhibit significant persistent dilation following sonication without the use of microbubbles. This finding reveals a heretofore unseen aspect of the effects of FUS in vivo and indicates that concurrent changes in neurovascular function may partially underly persistent neuromodulatory effects.
Discovery of giant unit-cell super-structure in the infinite-layer nickelate PrNiO2+x
Authors: Oppliger Jens , Küspert Julia , Dippel Ann-Christin , v. Zimmermann Martin , Gutowski Olof , Ren Xiaolin , Zhou Xingjiang , Zhu Zhihai , Frison Ruggero , Wang Qisi , Martinelli Leonardo , Biało Izabela , Chang Johan
Published: January 2025

The discovery of unconventional superconductivity often triggers significant interest in associated electronic and structural symmetry breaking phenomena. For the infinite-layer nickelates, structural allotropes are investigated intensively. Here, using high-energy grazing-incidence x-ray diffraction, we demonstrate how in-situ temperature annealing of the infinite-layer nickelate PrNiO2+x (x ≈ 0) induces a giant superlattice structure. The annealing effect has a maximum well above room temperature. By covering a large scattering volume, we show a rare period-six in-plane (bi-axial) symmetry and a period-four symmetry in the out-of-plane direction. This giant unit-cell superstructure—likely stemming from ordering of diffusive oxygen—persists over a large temperature range and can be quenched. As such, the stability and controlled annealing process leading to the formation of this superlattice structure provides a pathway for novel nickelate chemistry.
Lithium salt-derived artificial near-surface reconfiguration to stabilize high-voltage LiCoO2
Authors: Liu Jun-Ke , Bai Guo-Dong , Yin Zu-Wei , Deng Li , Sun Wen-Jing , Wang Zhen , Bai Gao-Yang , Luo Yu-Xi , Jin Zhi-Liang , Zhou Yao , Li Jun-Tao , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: January 2025

One-step dual-modified LiCoO2 is achieved by thermodynamic decomposition of lithium salts, featuring F-doped bulk and LiF & LixByOz coating layers.
Twist-bend liquid crystal phases and molecular structure: the role of methoxybiphenyl
Authors: Gibb Calum Jordan , Majewska Magdalena M , Strachan Grant James , Pociecha Damian , Storey John M. D. , Gorecka Ewa , Imrie Corrie T.
Published: January 2025

The synthesis and characterisation of the 4-[{[4-({6-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)phenyl]hexyl}oxy)phenyl]methylidene}amino] phenyl 4-alkyloxybenzoates is reported. These are referred to using the acronym MeOB6OIBeOm in which m denotes the number of carbon atoms in the...
Probing spin effects in phycocyanin using Janus-like ferromagnetic microparticles
Authors: Schneider Avi , David Ilay , Goren Naama , Fridman Hanna T. , Lutzky Guy , Yochelis Shira , Zer Hagit , Adir Noam , Keren Nir , Paltiel Yossi
Published: January 2025

The relationship between electron spin and the fluorescence properties of phycocyanin is investigated using a novel experimental platform based on Janus-like magnetic particles.
Modifications of substituents on the chelating oxygen atom in stereoretentive Hoveyda–Grubbs-type complexes and their influence on catalytic properties
Authors: Matveeva Maria , Trzaskowski Bartosz , Kajetanowicz Anna
Published: January 2025

Novel Z-stereoretentive metathesis catalysts with enhanced stability and outstanding stereoselectivity are reported. They demonstrate a broad substrate scope and diverse applications, offering new possibilities for advanced synthetic transformations.
Building-level wastewater surveillance as an early warning system for COVID-19 outbreaks in congregate living settings
Authors: Exum Natalie G. , Chow Steven J. , Coulter Caroline , Gocke Christopher D. , Pekosz Andrew , Kessler Roanna , Schwab Kellogg J.
Published: January 2025

Building-level wastewater surveillance can be an effective early warning tool during outbreaks with high specificity (>95%) though comparatively low sensitivity. Sensitivity was higher in Spring before a vaccine was administered in the population.
Excitonic circular dichroism in boron–nitrogen cluster decorated graphene
Authors: Biswas Shneha , Adhikary Souren , Dutta Sudipta
Published: January 2025

Boron–nitrogen-cluster decorated graphene shows high Berry curvature with negligible intervalley scattering, leading to the circular dichroism valley-Hall effect under an in-plane electric field.
High-performance MOF-based electromagnetic wave absorption materials: design and performance optimization
Authors: Fan Xiao-Xuan , Wang Zhan-Zhan , Zhang Xin-Ci , Li Lin , Cao Mao-Sheng
Published: January 2025

Electromagnetic wave absorbing material (EMWAM) based on metal-organic framework (MOF) has high loss capacity and wide absorption bandwidth. This paper reviews recent research on MOF-based EMWAM and outlines current challenges and future directions.
2-(1-Phenylvinyl)benzoic acid as a highly active leaving group for metal-free glycosylation
Authors: Dai Qi , Li Penghua , Cao Yaran , Xie Xiangying , Zhang Chen , Zheng Mingyue , Shen Haiwei
Published: January 2025

The efficient assembly of O-glycosides and N-glycosides has been achieved by activating glycosyl ortho-(1-phenylvinyl)benzoate (PVB) with I2.
Remarkable utilization of quinazoline-based homosulfonamide for in vitro cytotoxic effects with triple kinase inhibition activities: cell cycle analysis and molecular docking profile
Authors: El-Azab Adel S. , Abdel-Aziz Alaa A.-M. , Bakheit Ahmed H. , Alkahtani Hamad M. , Obaidullah Ahmad J. , Hefnawy Mohamed M. , Al-Suwaidan Ibrahim A.
Published: January 2025

Hydrazone 5 had a higher mean GI50 (1.1 μM) than gefitinib and erlotinib (2.1 and 7.7 μM). Compared to gefitinib and dinaciclib, hydrazones 5 and 6 strongly inhibit EGFR, HER2, and CDK9 kinases. They are also less toxic to WI-38 than doxorubicin.
Non-hydrostatic pressure induced α to β phase transition in group IV–VI monochalcogenide GeSe
Authors: Mattursun Abliz , Tong Wenyi , Wang Yaqiong , Guan Zhao , Zheng Yonghui , Qi Wenming , Huang Jiahao , Yang Lei , Fan Wencheng , Wei Luqi , Xu Yating , Cheng Yan , Xiang Pinghua , Chen Binbin , Wei Zhongming , Duan Chungang , Zhong Ni
Published: January 2025

The α-to-β phase transition in 2D vdW GeSe, induced by non-hydrostatic pressure and mediated by an intermediate Cmcm phase, is directly observed and validated through experimental characterization and first-principles calculations.
Local characteristics of the Fermi surface of tungsten
Authors: Zhalko-Titarenko A. V. , Antonov V. N. , Nemoshkalenko V. V.
Published: January 2025

A method is developed for calculating local characteristics (electron velocity and local curvature) for electrons on the Fermi surface from “first principles.” Concrete calculations are carried out for tungsten. The anisotropy of the electron velocities is studied, and the calculations are compared with experiment. The position of the points of zero curvature on the Fermi surface is established, and the critical directions of ultrasonic absorption are determined.
Flux-quantization oscillations in normal metals and semiconductors in the localization regime
Authors: Kulik I. O.
Published: January 2025

Resistance oscillations with a relative amplitude of the order of unity and period hc/e are predicted to occur in interferometers based on normal metals and semiconductors in the regime of one-dimensional localization or in the presence of weak contacts. In systems that are effectively one-dimensional the maximum amplitude of the oscillations is ∼ − 1/N, where N is the number of channels, N=kP2S (S is the cross-sectional area).
Bifurcation of the NMR picture in superfluid 3He-A
Authors: Ugulava A. I.
Published: January 2025

The nonlinear properties of NMR in superfluid 3He-A are studied. It is shown that the family of hodographs of the mean-spin vector as a function of the ratio of the amplitude of the alternating field and the dynamic shift of the NMR frequency consists of two groups of topologically different curves, separated by a separatrix. A criterion is obtained for the motion to occur near the separatrix. The periods of motion both far from the separatrix and near it are found.
The relation between crystal and magnetic defects
Authors: Leonov I. A. , Sobolev V. L.
Published: January 2025

Disclinations in collinear antiferromagnets and cubic ferromagnets are shown to generate linear magnetic defects. These and similar crystallomagnetic singularities are considered from the point of view of the topological theory of defects in ordered media. It is shown that in the case of a cubic magnetic the orderparameter space for a crystallomagnetic medium is not a direct product of order-parameter spaces for continuous magnetic and crystalline nonmagnetic medium.
Quantum effects due to the interaction of an anisotropic paramagnetic with an alternating magnetic field
Authors: Zaslavskiĭ O. B.
Published: January 2025

Low-temperature excitation of a spin system by an alternating magnetic field at low temperatures is shown to result in dependences of the magnetization on time and temperature; the quantum nature of the spin manifests itself markedly in these dependences. The cases of circularly polarized and longitudinally polarized fields as well as a stepped field are analyzed.
Superconducting transition temperature of nonideal A-15 crystals
Authors: Grebenev V. N. , Mazur E. A.
Published: January 2025

We study the effect of defects on the superconducting transition temperature Tc of A-15 compounds. The value of Tc is determined from the Eliashberg equation, which takes into account the defect-induced changes in the spectral function of the electron-phonon interaction and the electronic density of states. The transition temperature Tc is observed to depend on the type of defects formed in the superconductor.
Effect of surface scattering of conduction electrons on the oscillations of the impedance of a thin tungsten plate
Authors: Koval’ V. F. , Vatamanyuk V. I. , Ostroukhov Yu. S. , Panchenko O. A.
Published: January 2025

The effect of the character of the surface scattering of conduction electrons on the oscillations of the rf impedance of thin tungsten films with n‖[100] (n is the normal to the surface) in a magnetic field H‖n is studied experimentally under the conditions of an ultrahigh vacuum. The multiple Sondheimer effect is used to determine the specularity parameter for resonance carriers. It is established that the amplitude of the oscillations of the real part of the impedance ΔR is proportional to the product of two competing factors (R2 + x2) (1 — pd)2 in the region where doppleron oscillations predominate or (R2 − X2) (1 − pd)2 in the region where the Gantmakher-Kaner oscillations predominate (R and X are the real and imaginary parts, respectively, of the impedance and pd is the specularity parameter for the resonance electrons). This results in a nonmonotonic dependence of ΔR on the probability for specular reflection of electrons by the surface of the sample. The drop in the amplitude of the impedance oscillations as pd increases occurs unambiguously only at the transition to predominately specular reflection of electrons (pd > 0.5) It is also established that the anharmonicity of the doppleron oscillations, characterized by the relative contribution of the second harmonic, depends on the state of the surface and increases as pd increases. The value of pd is calculated based on the ratio of the amplitudes of the first two Fourier components of the doppleron oscillations.
Low-temperature static spin-density waves in magnetically ordered metals in a quantizing magnetic field
Authors: Pamyatnykh E. A.
Published: January 2025

The quantum oscillations of the magnetic susceptibility relative to a nonuniform maghetic field directed parallel or perpendicular to the quantizing field are investigated. The possible existence of static spin-density waves of the Bloch and Néel type is predicted, and their generation temperatures are calculated.
Combinatorial parametric excitation of spin waves under conditions of a combined resonance
Authors: Borovikov V. S. , Frishman A. M.
Published: January 2025

The combinatorial parametric resonance in the case of transverse microwave pumping in the presence of a longitudinal rf field is studied theoretically. In the absence of a combined resonance the instability threshold is the same as that in the case of longitudinal pumping studied previously experimentally and theoretically. Under the conditions of a combined resonance, however, the threshold is described by a substantially different formula. This determines the characteristic features of the dependences of the threshold of parametric instability of the magnon system on the external parameters.
Low-temperature spin dynamics of quasi-one-dimensional systems
Authors: Anders A. G. , Volotskiĭ S. V.
Published: January 2025

The processes responsible for the critical broadening of the resonance EPR line in quasione-dimensional antiferromagnetic systems CMC and TMAMC, determined by the temperature behavior of the intersite correlation functions in chains of manganese ions, were studied. It was found that in the range of critical broadening two sections with a crossover point Tcross≈2−3TN can be separated. On the high-temperature section the dynamics of the systems is close to the dynamics of the isotropic classical chain, in spite of the presence of single-ion anisotropy. On the low-temperature section the dynamics of the system is determined by the density of domain walls or solitons in the correlated chain, which gives an exponential temperature dependence of the resonance line width.
The vibration spectrum and structural phase transitions in cesium–bismuth molybdate
Authors: Zvyagin A. I. , Kut’ko V. I.
Published: January 2025

The vibrational IR spectra of a CsBi(MoO4)2 crystal have been studied in the temperature range 16−300° K in polarized radiation (E‖b, E‖c) in the frequency range 600−1000 cm−1. The influence of structural phase transitions (Tc1 = 135° K, Tc2 = 330° K) on the IR reflection spectra of CsBi(MoO4)2 has been found. By comparing the vibration spectrum of CsBi(MoO4)2 with the spectra of CsDy(MoO4)2 crystals which were studied earlier, the symmetry of the low-temperature phase was established. It was established that below Tc2 and Tc1 the symmetries of the low-temperature phases are D2h8 and Ci1, respectively.
Calculated point-contact spectrum of the Fermi surface of gold
Authors: Nemoshkalenko V. V. , Zhalko-Titarenko A. V. , Antonov V. N.
Published: January 2025

The point-contact spectrum of gold is calculated, using the first-principles Fermi surface. The calculation of both the spectrum and the Fermi surface takes relativistic effects into account within the framework of the Dirac equations formalism.
Theory of quantum diffusion in solid hydrogen. I. New type of stimulation of tunneling mobility
Authors: Strzhemechnyĭ M. A. , Tokar’ O. I.
Published: January 2025

Quantum diffusion in a system of self-localizing narrow-band particles is studied taking into account the time varying energy shift created by the impurity environment. This effect is most strongly manifested in the case when the particles creating the shift have internal degrees of freedom which interact strongly with phonons. A general formula is obtained for the quantum-diffusion mobility taking into account coherent two-phonon (Γ) and fluctuation (γ) broadening, as well as the random static shift ϕ. At low temperatures (Γ ≪ γ) the fluctuation shift often (for example, in solid hydrogen) turns out to be the most significant factor, giving rise to delocalization of the impurities. In the limit ϕ, γ →0, the expressions obtained in the limiting cases transform into well-known formulas from the Kagan-Maksimov theory of quantum diffusion.
Point contact spectroscopy of the high-temperature superconductor La1.8Sr0.2CuO4
Authors: Yanson I. K. , Rybal’chenko L. F. , Fisun V. V. , Bobrov N. L. , Obolenskiĩ M. A. , Brandt N. B. , Moshchalkov V. V. , Tret’yakov Yu. D. , Kaul’ A. R. , Graboi I. É.
Published: January 2025

The energy gap has been measured and the characteristic phonon energies determined for the superconducting compound La1.8Sr0.2CuO4 from the current–voltage characteristics of point contacts with a copper counterelectrode. The temperature dependence of the energy gap was determined.