bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substantial contribution of tree canopy nitrifiers to nitrogen fluxes in European forests
Authors: Guerrieri Rossella , Cáliz Joan , Mattana Stefania , Barceló Anna , Candela Marco , Elustondo David , Fortmann Heike , Hellsten Sofie , Koenig Nils , Lindroos Antti-Jussi , Matteucci Giorgio , Merilä Päivi , Michalski Greg , Nicolas Manuel , Thimonier Anne , Turroni Silvia , Vanguelova Elena , Verstraeten Arne , Waldner Peter , Watanabe Mirai , Casamayor Emilio O. , Peñuelas Josep , Mencuccini Maurizio
Published: February 2024

Human activities have greatly increased the reactive nitrogen in the biosphere, thus profoundly altering global nitrogen cycling. The large increase in nitrogen deposition over the past few decades has led to eutrophication in natural ecosystems, with negative effects on forest health and biodiversity. Recent studies, however, have reported oligotrophication in forest ecosystems, constraining their capacity as carbon sinks. Here we demonstrate the widespread biological transformation of atmospheric reactive nitrogen in the canopies of European forests by combining nitrogen deposition quantification with measurements of the stable isotopes in nitrate and molecular analyses across ten forests through August–October 2016. We estimate that up to 80% of the nitrate reaching the soil via throughfall was derived from canopy nitrification, equivalent to a flux of up to 5.76 kg N ha−1 yr−1. We also document the presence of autotrophic nitrifiers on foliar surfaces throughout European forests. Canopy nitrification thus consumes deposited ammonium and increases nitrate inputs to the soil. The results of this study highlight widespread canopy nitrification in European forests and its important contribution to forest nitrogen cycling.
Abrupt Holocene ice loss due to thinning and ungrounding in the Weddell Sea Embayment
Authors: Grieman Mackenzie M. , Nehrbass-Ahles Christoph , Hoffmann Helene M. , Bauska Thomas K. , King Amy C. F. , Mulvaney Robert , Rhodes Rachael H. , Rowell Isobel F. , Thomas Elizabeth R. , Wolff Eric W.
Published: February 2024

The extent of grounded ice and buttressing by the Ronne Ice Shelf, which provides resistance to the outflow of ice streams, moderate West Antarctic Ice Sheet stability. During the Last Glacial Maximum, the ice sheet advanced and was grounded near the Weddell Sea continental shelf break. The timing of subsequent ice sheet retreat and the relative roles of ice shelf buttressing and grounding line changes remain unresolved. Here we use an ice core record from grounded ice at Skytrain Ice Rise to constrain the timing and speed of early Holocene ice sheet retreat. Measured δ18O and total air content suggest that the surface elevation of Skytrain Ice Rise decreased by about 450 m between 8.2 and 8.0 kyr before 1950 ce (±0.13 kyr). We attribute this elevation change to dynamic thinning due to flow changes induced by the ungrounding of ice in the area. Ice core sodium concentrations suggest that the ice front of this ungrounded ice shelf then retreated about 270 km (±30 km) from 7.7 to 7.3 kyr before 1950 ce. These centennial-scale changes demonstrate how quickly ice mass can be lost from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet due to changes in grounded ice without extensive ice shelf calving. Our findings both support and temporally constrain ice sheet models that exhibit rapid ice loss in the Weddell Sea sector in the early Holocene.
Women and insurance pricing policies: a gender-based analysis with GAMLSS on two actuarial datasets
Authors: Pernagallo Giuseppe , Punzo Antonio , Torrisi Benedetto
Published: February 2024

In most of the United States, insurance companies may use gender to determine car insurance rates. In addition, several studies have shown that women over the age of 25 generally pay more than men for car insurance. Then, we investigate whether the distributions of claims for women and men differ in location, scale and shape by means of the GAMLSS regression framework, using microdata provided by U.S. and Australian insurance companies, to use this evidence to support policy makers’ decisions. We also develop a parametric-bootstrap test to investigate the tail behavior of the distributions. When covariates are not considered, the distribution of claims does not appear to differ by gender. When covariates are included, the regressions provide mixed evidence for the location parameter. However, for female claimants, the spread of the distribution is lower. Our research suggests that, at least for the contexts analyzed, there is no clear statistical reason for charging higher rates to women. While providing evidence to support unisex insurance pricing policies, given the limitations represented by the use of country-specific data, this paper aims to promote further research on this topic with different datasets to corroborate our findings and draw more general conclusions.
Introducing a new exchange functional by altering the electron density’s ionization dependency in density functional theory
Authors: Rahmatpour E. , Esmaeili A.
Published: February 2024

Each of the exchange–correlation functionals in the density functional theory has been customized to particular systems or elements and has unique advantages and disadvantages. In one of the most recent research on exchange–correlation functionals, Chachiyo et al. present a relationship for exchange–correlation functional by assuming the simplest form of electron density. Their utilized electron density causes a systematic inaccuracy in the energy of the molecules since it does not fully account for the variation of the ionization energy for different atoms. We offer a novel relationship for exchange functional that improves the precision of the energy calculations for molecules by using the basic assumptions of the Chachiyo approach and correcting the electron density. Our density is directly related to the atom’s ionization energy. Our suggested functional was implemented for 56 molecules composed of atoms from the first, second, and third rows of the periodic table using Siam Quantum package. We discussed about the role of our functional on the reducing the computation error of dipole moment along with total, bonding and zero point energies. We also increased the portion of core electrons to improve the accuracy of the results.
High FSH levels impair VEGF secretion of human, frozen-thawed ovarian cortical tissue in vitro
Authors: Einenkel Rebekka , Schallmoser Andreas , Sänger Nicole
Published: February 2024

Cryopreservation and reimplantation of human ovarian tissue restore the ovarian hormonal function and fertility due to the preservation of follicles. As the success depends on proper angiogenesis, different approaches aim to support this process. In mice, pretreatment of ovarian tissue with FSH shows increased follicular numbers probably due to the supported angiogenesis by an increased vascular endothelial factor (VEGF) expression. However, in human tissue it remains completely unclear, which effect the hormonal status of the patient has at the time point of reimplantation. Frozen-thawed human ovarian cortical tissue was cultured for 48 h with 0, 1 or 10 ng/mL recombinant human FSH. VEGF-A expression was assessed by ELISA and immunohistofluorescence (IHF) analysis. By IHF, HIF-1α and FSHR expression dependency on culture and FSH concentration was analyzed. Follicles at all stages expressed VEGF-A, which increases during folliculogenesis. Frozen-thawed human ovarian cortical tissue secreted a not statistically different amount of VEGF-A, when cultured in presence of 1 ng/mL FSH (17.5 mIU/mL). However, the presence of 10 ng/mL FSH (175 mIU/mL) significantly decreased VEGF-A expression and secretion. The high FSH concentration increased especially the VEGF-A expression of already growing follicles. The presence of pre-menopausal concentrations of FSH had no significant effect on VEGF-A expression, whereas the presence of elevated FSH levels decreased cortical VEGF-A expression. A hormonal pre-treatment of women with elevated FSH concentrations prior to reimplantation might be considered to support angiogenesis. Here, we show that VEGF-A expression by follicles is affected by FSH dependent on the concentration.
Multi-objective hybrid split-ring resonator and electromagnetic bandgap structure-based fractal antennas using hybrid metaheuristic framework for wireless applications
Authors: Palanisamy SatheeshKumar , Rubini S Saranya , Khalaf Osamah Ibrahim , Hamam Habib
Published: February 2024

Design closure and parameter optimisation are crucial in creating cutting-edge antennas. Antenna performance can be improved by fine-tuning preliminary designs created using theoretical considerations and rough dimension adjustment via supervised parameter sweeps. This paper introduces a frequency reconfigurable antenna design that can operate at 28/38 GHz frequencies to meet FCC and Ofcom standards for 5G applications and in the 18 GHz frequency band for K-band radar applications. A PIN diode is used in this design to configure multiple frequency bands. The antenna has a modified rectangular patch-like structure and two optimised plugins on either side. The study that is being presented focuses on maximising the parameters that are subject to optimisation, including length (Ls), width (Ws), strip line width (W1), and height (ht), where the antenna characteristic parameters such as directivity is tuned by a hybrid optimisation scheme called Elephant Clan Updated Grey Wolf Algorithm (ECU-GWA). Here, the performance of gain and directivity are optimally attained by considering parameters such as length, width, ground plane length, width, height, and feed offsets X and Y. The bandwidth of the proposed antenna at − 10 dB is 0.8 GHz, 1.94 GHz, and 7.92 GHz, respectively, at frequencies 18.5 GHz, 28.1 GHz, and 38.1 GHz. Also, according to the simulation results, in the 18 GHz, 28 GHz, and 38 GHz frequencies S11, the return loss is − 60.81 dB, − 56.31 dB, and − 14.19 dB, respectively. The proposed frequency reconfigurable antenna simulation results achieve gains of 4.41 dBi, 6.33 dBi, and 7.70 dBi at 18.5 GHz, 28.1 GHz, and 38.1 GHz, respectively. Also, a microstrip quarter-wave monopole antenna with an ellipsoidal-shaped complementary split-ring resonator-electromagnetic bandgap structure (ECSRR-EBG) structure has been designed based on a genetic algorithm having resonating at 2.9 GHz, 4.7 GHz, 6 GHz for WLAN applications. The gain of the suggested ECSRR metamaterial and EBG periodic structure, with and without the ECCSRR bow-tie antenna. This is done both in the lab and with numbers. The measured result shows that the ECSRR metamaterial boosts gain by 5.2 dBi at 5.9 GHz. At 5.57 GHz, the two-element MIMO antenna achieves its lowest ECC of 0.00081.
Evaluation and deployment of a unified MPPT controller for hybrid Luo converter in combined PV and wind energy systems
Authors: Kumar K. , Lakshmi Devi V. , Dhanamjayulu C. , Kotb Hossam , ELrashidi Ali
Published: February 2024

This work emphasizes the development and examination of a Hybrid Luo Converter integrated with a unified Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for both grid and independent hybrid systems. The primary objectives of this hybrid system are to efficiently harness power from intermittent and variable renewable sources while elevating low-voltage energy inputs to utility-grade levels. Unlike previous studies employing specific MPPT algorithms for solar and wind sources, this work aims to simplify the control system by utilizing a unified MPPT controller. This research also introduces a novel approach involving dual-lift hybrid Luo converters to create hybrid systems, operating exclusively or concurrently based on the availability of renewable resources. To maximize power generation from all renewable sources, a unified MPPT algorithm is developed. The hybrid system, incorporates 500 W wind and 560 W PV systems, the innovative Luo converter, and the unified MPPT controller. A comprehensive comparative analysis is presented, comparing the hybrid system's performance with that of traditional control algorithms, such as the Perturb & Observe, and Radial Basis Function Network controllers. The successful prototype of the converter validates the practicality of the proposed approach.
Application of PET imaging delta radiomics for predicting progression-free survival in rare high-grade glioma
Authors: Ahrari Shamimeh , Zaragori Timothée , Zinsz Adeline , Oster Julien , Imbert Laetitia , Verger Antoine
Published: February 2024

This study assesses the feasibility of using a sample-efficient model to investigate radiomics changes over time for predicting progression-free survival in rare diseases. Eighteen high-grade glioma patients underwent two L-3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]-fluoro-phenylalanine positron emission tomography (PET) dynamic scans: the first during treatment and the second at temozolomide chemotherapy discontinuation. Radiomics features from static/dynamic parametric images, alongside conventional features, were extracted. After excluding highly correlated features, 16 different models were trained by combining various feature selection methods and time-to-event survival algorithms. Performance was assessed using cross-validation. To evaluate model robustness, an additional dataset including 35 patients with a single PET scan at therapy discontinuation was used. Model performance was compared with a strategy extracting informative features from the set of 35 patients and applying them to the 18 patients with 2 PET scans. Delta-absolute radiomics achieved the highest performance when the pipeline was directly applied to the 18-patient subset (support vector machine (SVM) and recursive feature elimination (RFE): C-index = 0.783 [0.744–0.818]). This result remained consistent when transferring informative features from 35 patients (SVM + RFE: C-index = 0.751 [0.716–0.784], p = 0.06). In addition, it significantly outperformed delta-absolute conventional (C-index = 0.584 [0.548–0.620], p < 0.001) and single-time-point radiomics features (C-index = 0.546 [0.512–0.580], p < 0.001), highlighting the considerable potential of delta radiomics in rare cancer cohorts.
Methemoglobin levels in malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis of its association with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections and disease severity
Authors: Kotepui Manas , Mahittikorn Aongart , Wilairatana Polrat , Masangkay Frederick Ramirez , Wangdi Kinley , Kotepui Kwuntida Uthaisar
Published: February 2024

Reports indicate that Plasmodium infections influence methemoglobin levels. However, findings have been inconclusive or have varied across different geographic and demographic contexts. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to consolidate existing data regarding the association between Plasmodium infections and alterations in methemoglobin levels related to the severity of the infection. A comprehensive literature search of several databases, including Ovid, ProQuest, Embase, Scopus, MEDLINE, and PubMed, was conducted to identify relevant studies that examined methemoglobin levels in patients with malaria. Qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis of the pooled standardized mean difference were conducted to synthesize the differences in methemoglobin levels between: (1) patients with malaria and those without malaria and (2) patients with severe malaria and those with uncomplicated malaria based on various themes including publication year, study design, study area, Plasmodium species, age group, symptomatic status, severity status, and method of malaria detection. Of the 1846 studies that were initially identified from the main databases and additional searches on Google Scholar, 10 studies met the eligibility criteria and were selected for this review. The systematic review distinctly highlighted an association between malaria and elevated methemoglobin levels, an observation consistent across diverse geographical regions and various Plasmodium species. Furthermore, the meta-analysis confirmed this by demonstrating increased methemoglobin levels in patients with malaria compared to those without malaria (P < 0.001, Hedges’ g 2.32, 95% CI 1.36–3.29, I2 97.27, 8 studies). Moreover, the meta-analysis found elevated methemoglobin levels in patients with severe malaria compared to those with uncomplicated malaria (P < 0.001, Hedges’ g 2.20, 95% CI 0.82–3.58, I2 96.20, 5 studies). This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed increased methemoglobin levels in patients with P. falciparum and P. vivax infections, with a notable association between elevated methemoglobin levels and severe malaria. Future research should focus on elucidating the specific mechanisms by which changes in methemoglobin levels are related to infections by P. falciparum and P. vivax, particularly in terms of severity, and how these alterations could potentially impact patient management and treatment outcomes.
The effect of perceived social support and health literacy on parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitation in preschool children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Jiayue , Wang Quqing , Jiang Nan , Zhang Yuxin , Wang Ting , Cao He , Liu Yongyi , Yang Yonghui , Wang Jiwei
Published: February 2024

Children are generally susceptible to COVID-19, and infection with COVID-19 may cause serious harm to children. COVID-19 vaccination is an effective way to prevent infection at present, and many factors affect children's COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to explore the effects of perceived social support and health literacy on hesitancy towards first and second vaccine dose. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Minhang District of Shanghai, China, in October 2022. A total of 1150 parents of preschool children from 10 kindergartens participated. The survey encompassed four sections, capturing data on sociodemographic attributes, health literacy, perceived social support, and parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Health literacy was measured using a self-designed questionnaire consisting of four dimensions. Perceived social support was assessed using the MSPSS questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between the independent variables and parental hesitancy towards the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Parental hesitancy rate for the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was 69.6%, and for the second dose, it was 33.1%. The final integrated model showed that parental hesitancy towards the first and the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine was associated with parental educational level, allergy in children, information decision-making and information comprehension ability, perceived social support from family and friends. Health literacy and perceived social support are influence factors for parental hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccine for preschool children. The findings will provide insights for future intervention studies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and inform the development of vaccination policies.
The impact of digital healthcare systems on pain and body function in patients with knee joint pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Longfei , Li Shuoqi , Xie Shihao , Bian Lin , Shaharudin Shazlin
Published: February 2024

The digital healthcare (DH) system has recently emerged as an advanced rehabilitation approach that promotes rehabilitation training based on virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The purpose of this meta-analysis study is to review and assess the impact of DH systems on pain and physical function among patients diagnosed with knee joint pain. Between January 2003 and September 2023, studies that met the listed inclusion criteria were gathered from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases. The analysis of standardized mean difference (SMD) was carried out with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023462538). Nine research papers were selected, which collectively involved 194 males and 279 females. The meta-analysis outcomes revealed that DH intervention significantly improved balance (SMD, 0.41 [0.12, 0.69], p < 0.05) and pain level (SMD, − 1.10 [− 2.02, − 0.18], p < 0.05). The subgroup analysis of the pain level showed varied outcomes for the TKA (SMD, − 0.22 [− 0.49, 0.04], p = 0.10) or OA patients (SMD, − 2.80 [− 3.83, − 1.78], p < 0.05) Next, this study found no significant effect of DH intervention on knee joint range of motion (ROM) (SMD, 0.00 [− 0.76, 0.76], p = 1.00) and walking velocity (SMD, 0.04 [− 0.22, 0.29], p = 0.77) in patients with knee joint pain. The meta-analysis review conducted in this study revealed that DH intervention may potentially improve balance among the patients with knee joint pain. It may also alleviate the pain level particularly among OA patients.
Research and development of fully enclosed wire-shell support structure technology for deep soft rock roadway based on TRIZ theory
Authors: Yao Weijing , Wang Chengjun , Pang Jianyong , Liu Yushan , Zhang Jinsong
Published: February 2024

The TRIZ theory was used to accurately discover the problems to be solved in the design of roadway surrounding rock control technology. This paper tried to solve the complex issue of surrounding rock control in deep roadways from a new perspective. Based on the functional component analysis and causal axis analysis of the problem’s primary reason, simultaneously, the surrounding rock control technology was optimized through technical contradiction analysis, physical contradiction analysis, and substance and field model analysis. As a result, a fully enclosed wire-shell support technology was proposed. Finally, taking the typical soft rock roadway engineering of Pansan Coal Mine in Huainan Mining Area, Anhui Province, China, as the engineering background, the engineering application and effect evaluation were completed. This paper provides a reference for controlling the instability of deep soft rock roadways in coal mines. A new idea of optimizing roadway support engineering based on TRIZ theory was proposed.
Van der Waals enabled formation and integration of ultrathin high-κ dielectrics on 2D semiconductors
Authors: Sebek Matej , Wang Zeng , West Norton Glen , Yang Ming , Neo Darren Chi Jin , Su Xiaodi , Wang Shijie , Pan Jisheng , Thanh Nguyen Thi Kim , Teng Jinghua
Published: February 2024

A thin dielectric layer is an important constituent element in 2D materials-based electronics and photonics. Current methods of using hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and direct deposition of dielectric layer induce either high leakage current or unintentional doping and defect. Here we report a technique for damaging free integration of dielectric layer to form high-quality van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure. The dielectric layer is grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on 2D materials and then deterministically transferred on the target 2D material. The much weaker binding energy between the ALD dielectric and the 2D materials enables the growth and exfoliation of the atomically thin dielectrics, which is confirmed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses and the density function theory calculations. The effectiveness of the technology is proven by the Raman and photoluminescence measurement on WS2 monolayer protected by the dielectric film through harsh plasma treatment. Furthermore, a 2D materials-based MOSFET is constructed as a demonstration of the viability of the technology for electronic device applications. The method produces flat surfaces and clean interfaces and would greatly benefit electronic and photonic applications as encapsulation or high-κ gate dielectric.
Fast-reconfigurable frequency comb generation based on AlGaAsOI waveguide with electro-optic time lens
Authors: Ma Chunyang , Wang Chaopeng , Pi Yazhi , Wang Lei , He Zhixue , Huang Jiahui , Xie Weiqiang , Bowers John E. , Chang Lin , Cao Zizheng , Yu Shaohua
Published: February 2024

Tunable optical frequency combs offer a flexible solution for specific applications such as dual-comb spectroscopy, optical communications and microwave photonics, delivering improved precision, compatibility, and performance. However, previously, there has been a trade-off between reconfigurability and system simplicity in comb generation. Here, we present a fast-switched repetition rate frequency comb system that utilizes an electro-optic modulation time-lens technique with a high third-order nonlinear AlGaAsOI waveguide. Only one stage of modulator is used in the time-lens system which significantly reduces the complexity of the overall system. Our system allows for tuning of the center wavelength from 1542 nm to 1556 nm, as well as independent adjustment of the repetition rates from 18 GHz to 26.5 GHz, enabling fast-switching capabilities. Additionally, our system exhibits a high pump-to-comb conversion efficiency of up to 67.9%. It also demonstrates robustness to temperature changes and environmental instability. All the involved devices can be integrated onto a single chip, making this comb suitable for various applications.
Detection of thin film phase transformations at high-pressure and high-temperature in a diamond anvil cell
Authors: Berrada Meryem , Hu Genzhi , Zhou Dongyuan , Wang Siheng , Nguyen Phuong Q. H. , Zhang Dongzhou , Prakapenka Vitali , Chariton Stella , Chen Bin , Li Jie , Nicholas Jason D.
Published: February 2024

Quantifying how grain size and/or deviatoric stress impact (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 phase stability is critical for advancing our understanding of subduction processes and deep-focus earthquakes. Here, we demonstrate that well-resolved X-ray diffraction patterns can be obtained on nano-grained thin films within laser-heated diamond anvil cells (DACs) at hydrostatic pressures up to 24 GPa and temperatures up to 2300 K. Combined with well-established literature processes for tuning thin film grain size, biaxial stress, and substrate identity, these results suggest that DAC-loaded thin films can be useful for determining how grain size, deviatoric stress, and/or the coexistence of other phases influence high-pressure phase stability. As such, this novel DAC-loaded thin film approach may find use in a variety of earth science, planetary science, solid-state physics, and materials science applications.
Chromatin binding by HORMAD proteins regulates meiotic recombination initiation
Authors: Milano Carolyn R , Ur Sarah N , Gu Yajie , Zhang Jessie , Allison Rachal , Brown George , Neale Matthew J , Tromer Eelco C , Corbett Kevin D , Hochwagen Andreas
Published: February 2024

The meiotic chromosome axis coordinates chromosome organization and interhomolog recombination in meiotic prophase and is essential for fertility. In S. cerevisiae, the HORMAD protein Hop1 mediates the enrichment of axis proteins at nucleosome-rich islands through a central chromatin-binding region (CBR). Here, we use cryoelectron microscopy to show that the Hop1 CBR directly recognizes bent nucleosomal DNA through a composite interface in its PHD and winged helix–turn–helix domains. Targeted disruption of the Hop1 CBR-nucleosome interface causes a localized reduction of axis protein binding and meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in axis islands and leads to defects in chromosome synapsis. Synthetic effects with mutants of the Hop1 regulator Pch2 suggest that nucleosome binding delays a conformational switch in Hop1 from a DSB-promoting, Pch2-inaccessible state to a DSB-inactive, Pch2-accessible state to regulate the extent of meiotic DSB formation. Phylogenetic analyses of meiotic HORMADs reveal an ancient origin of the CBR, suggesting that the mechanisms we uncover are broadly conserved.
ARL5b inhibits human rhinovirus 16 propagation and impairs macrophage-mediated bacterial clearance
Authors: Faure-Dupuy Suzanne , Jubrail Jamil , Depierre Manon , Africano-Gomez Kshanti , Öberg Lisa , Israelsson Elisabeth , Thörn Kristofer , Delevoye Cédric , Castellano Flavia , Herit Floriane , Guilbert Thomas , Russell David G , Mayer Gaell , Cunoosamy Danen M , Kurian Nisha , Niedergang Florence
Published: February 2024

Human rhinovirus is the most frequently isolated virus during severe exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this disease, alveolar macrophages display significantly diminished phagocytic functions that could be associated with bacterial superinfections. However, how human rhinovirus affects the functions of macrophages is largely unknown. Macrophages treated with HRV16 demonstrate deficient bacteria-killing activity, impaired phagolysosome biogenesis, and altered intracellular compartments. Using RNA sequencing, we identify the small GTPase ARL5b to be upregulated by the virus in primary human macrophages. Importantly, depletion of ARL5b rescues bacterial clearance and localization of endosomal markers in macrophages upon HRV16 exposure. In permissive cells, depletion of ARL5b increases the secretion of HRV16 virions. Thus, we identify ARL5b as a novel regulator of intracellular trafficking dynamics and phagolysosomal biogenesis in macrophages and as a restriction factor of HRV16 in permissive cells.
Interfacial engineering eliminates energy loss at perovskite/HTL junction
Authors: Ren Yingke , Fu Hongyang , Li Yun , Li Zhaoqian , Li Cong , An Xingtao
Published: February 2024

Realizing efficient FAPbI3-based devices with high open-circuit voltage (VOC) is still challenging, due to severe energy loss between the n-type perovskite and p-type hole-transporting layer (HTL).
Asymmetric 1,2-diaxial synthesis of bi-(hetero)aryl benzofulvene atropisomers via transient directing group-assisted dehydrogenative coupling
Authors: Hore Soumyadip , Singh Abhijeet , Singh Ravi P.
Published: February 2024

The efficient cross-dehydrogenative coupling of electronically rich and sterically congested benzofulvene with bi-(hetero)aryl moieties to construct an axially chiral benzofulvene core remains a formidable task.
Releasing a bound molecular spring with light: a visible light-triggered photosalient effect tied to polymorphism
Authors: McGehee Keegan , Saito Koichiro , Kwaria Dennis , Minamikawa Hiroyuki , Norikane Yasuo
Published: February 2024

When excited by visible light, relaxation of a strained molecule in the β-phase of tetra-ortho-bromo azobenzene facilitates a light induced transition to the α-phase. This produces a striking photosalient effect.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “A single level tunneling model for molecular junctions: evaluating the simulation methods”’ by I Baldea, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2024, 26, D2CP05110A (http://D2CP05110A)
Authors: Li Zheyang , Yu Xi
Published: February 2024

This response presents a detailed refinement of the applicability map for molecular electronics and addresses concerns regarding Dr. Bâldea's evaluations of model selection and parameter application.
Towards understanding the first half-ALD cycle of Ag growth: adsorption and dissociation of silver(i) acetamidinates on the Ag(110) surface
Authors: Paez-Ornelas J. I. , Takeuchi Noboru , Guerrero-Sánchez J.
Published: February 2024

The design of novel organometallic (OM) precursors employed in atomic layer deposition (ALD) growth techniques is constantly growing due to the need to design and synthesize novel precursors capable of facilitating precise deposition and clean film growth.
Characteristics and long-term kinetics of an azobenzene derivative and a donor–acceptor Stenhouse adduct as orthogonal photoswitches
Authors: Schmitt Tanja , Huck Christian , Oberhof Nils , Hsu Li-Yun , Blasco Eva , Dreuw Andreas , Tegeder Petra
Published: February 2024

We determined effective cross sections, switching kinetics as well as activation energies of thermally induced steps of an azobenzene derivative (Azo) and a donor–acceptor Stenhouse adduct (DASA) in the single compounds and the mixture Azo + DASA.
The confined surface C2N/Pt(111) as a highly efficient catalyst for CO oxidation
Authors: Guo Yiqun , Chen Yongdao , Duan Xiangmei
Published: February 2024

The confinement effect enhances the catalysis of the CO oxidation reaction on the C2N/Pt(111) surface.
An efficient blue–violet phosphor: an advanced material designed for high-quality full-spectrum lighting
Authors: Wu Xiudi , Xu Yonghui , Yin Shuwen , Zhong Chuansheng , Zhang Xibao , Zhou Liang , You Hongpeng
Published: February 2024

Under 330 nm excitation, the BSBCl:xCe3+ emits blue light with three distinct emission centers. WLED devices with an ultra-high color rendering index were obtained using a combination of NUV chips, BSBCl:xCe3+ and commercial phosphors.
Emerging investigator series: optimisation of drinking water biofilm cell detachment and sample homogenisation methods for rapid quantification via flow cytometry
Authors: Pick Frances C. , Fish Katherine E.
Published: February 2024

Establishing an optimized method to harvest and quantify cells of biofilms from drinking water systems.
Nano-imaging mass spectrometry by means of high-energy laser desorption ionization (HELDI)
Authors: Bleiner Davide
Published: February 2024

A calibration curve is built on points spread over a range, which is a function of the variance of the blank, instrumental error and heterogeneity.
A chemically functionalized glass support for gold and silver metallic nanoparticle analysis with LIBS
Authors: Cárdenas-Escudero J. , Gardette V. , Villalonga A. , Sánchez A. , Villalonga R. , Motto-Ros V. , Galán-Madruga D. , Cáceres J. O.
Published: February 2024

For the first time ever, the LIBS technique has been applied for the metal nanoparticle analysis, using a novel custom-designed silane-functionalized sample support for LIBS-based metallic nanoparticle analysis.
Pliable electrode of porous graphene-encapsulated FeNiSe4 binary-metal selenide nanorods as a binder-free anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Hao Mingming , Guo Caiyun , Wen Yuhui , Zhao Liting , Zhang Xiaoting , Wang Rui
Published: February 2024

The FeNiSe4@porous graphene is prepared via filtration, annealing, and selenylation. The synergistic effect of iron and nickel in FeNiSe4@PG contributes to the rapid diffusion of lithium ions and the transport of electrons.
n/p-Doping in a buckled honeycomb InAs monolayer using IVA-group impurities
Authors: Hoat D. M. , Guerrero-Sanchez J.
Published: February 2024

In this work, magnetism engineering in a buckled honeycomb InAs monolayer is explored via n-doping and p-doping using IVA-group atoms as impurities.
A brominated M3 based non-fullerene acceptor: synthesis, material and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Zuccalà Elena , Mallick Suman , Habich Lea-Marie , Amenitsch Heinz , Rath Thomas , Trimmel Gregor
Published: February 2024

A non-fullerene acceptor with modified end groups was synthesized and shows benefits in charge carrier mobility and photovoltage in organic solar cells.
Convenient synthesis of 2-chloro-3-substituted quinoxalines by visible-light-induced radical cascade cyclization of ortho-diisocyanoarenes with sulfinic acids
Authors: Natarajan Palani , Partigya  , Meena
Published: February 2024

A visible-light-induced radical cascade cyclization of ortho-diisocyanoarenes (1) to 2-chloro-3-substituted quinoxalines (3) has been reported. This novel method does not require the use of hazardous or metal-containing reagents or high temperatures.
Base catalyzed one-pot thia-Michael addition-oxidation reaction of hetero-aromatic thiols to 2-aryl-3-nitro-2H-chromenes and their antibacterial evaluation
Authors: Samanta Barsha , Panda Bhabani Shankar , Mohapatra Seetaram , Nayak Sabita , Bhattacharya Debdutta , Sahoo Chita Ranjan
Published: February 2024

A thia-Michael addition reaction was developed for the synthesis of heteroaromatic thiol-based 2H-chromenes and the antibacterial activity was studied against two pathogenic bacterial strains, E. coli, and S. aureus.
Growth methodologies of boron nitride nanotubes and their neutron shielding applications: a review
Authors: Bae Dongsu , Lee Kun-Hong , Kim Myung Jong
Published: February 2024

This review covers growth methodologies of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) with various synthesis methods and highlights their neutron shielding applications in aerospace engineering and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).
Synthesis of 6-azaindoles via formal electrophilic [4 + 1]-cyclization of 3-amino-4-methyl pyridines: new frontiers of diversity
Authors: Ivonin Sergey P. , Voloshchuk Volodymyr V. , Rusanov Eduard B. , Suikov Sergiy , Ryabukhin Serhiy V. , Volochnyuk Dmytro M.
Published: February 2024

A scalable and efficient synthesis of 2-trifluoromethyl-3-trifluoroacetyl-6-azaindoles from 3-amino-4-methylpyridines under treatment with TFAA is disclosed. Activation of the methyl group in aminomethylpyridines under mildly acidic conditions appeared promising for expanding substrate scope.
Machine learning for revealing the relationship between the process–structure–properties of polypropylene in-reactor alloys
Authors: Zheng Shaojie , Huang Xu , Hu Jijiang , Yao Zhen
Published: February 2024

Polypropylene reactor alloys with distinct structures were synthesized, and machine learning models were developed to reveal the relationship between the process–structure–properties and optimize process conditions.
Design of polybenzimidazolium membranes for use in vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Duburg J. C. , Chen B. , Holdcroft S. , Schmidt T. J. , Gubler L.
Published: February 2024

Hexamethyl-p-terphenyl polybenzimidazolium (HMT-PMBI) for a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). A higher degree of methylation increases the ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolyte but reduces its capacity retention in a VRFB.
A ZIF-derived hollow carbon nanoframework loaded with FeCu alloy nanoparticles for efficient oxygen reduction reaction and zinc–air batteries
Authors: Bao Guangxu , Jin Yaxin , Fan Qun , Chen Xiaoyi , Wang Xiao , Yan Tianxiang , Chi Haoyuan , Lin Jianlong , Cui Wenquan , Zhang Sheng
Published: February 2024

Superior performance over Pt catalysts in oxygen reduction achieved by loading FeCu alloy nanoparticles through hollow carbon shells constructed from MOF materials.
Review on sterilization techniques, and the application potential of phage lyase and lyase immobilization in fighting drug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Lu Han , Ni Shou-Qing
Published: February 2024

Many human health problems and property losses caused by pathogenic contamination cannot be underestimated.
Structure and assembly studies of two planar Dy(iii) single molecule magnets with double relaxations
Authors: Yu Shui , Liu Lan , Zhou Limin , Liu Dongcheng , Chen Chuying , Zou Hua-Hong , Hu Huancheng , Liang Yuning , Liang Fupei , Chen Zilu
Published: February 2024

We presented here the assembly mechanisms of two planar tetranuclear Dy4 and hexanuclear Dy6 single molecule magnets with double relaxations.
2D/1D PbI2/Sb2S3 van der Waals heterojunction for highly sensitive and broadband photodetectors
Authors: Fu Shili , Liu Xiaohui , Man Jiaxiu , Ou Quanhong , Zheng Xiaolu , Liu Zhiyong , Zhu Ting , Wang Hong-En
Published: February 2024

A 2D/1D PbI2/Sb2S3 van der Waals heterojunction was successfully used to construct a photodetector device with high sensitivity and broad spectral response.
Synergistically boosting performances of organic solar cells from dithieno[3,2-b]benzo[1,2-b;4,5-b′]dithiophene-based copolymers via side chain engineering and radical polymer additives
Authors: Xu Husen , Guo Pengzhi , Wang Qian , He Xin , Zhou Anqi , Sun Xiaowei , Wang Ergang , Woo Han Young , Wu Hongbin , Xia Yangjun
Published: February 2024

A wise strategy to improve the performance of NFA-OSCs from DTBDT-based polymer donors via synergistic employment of side-chain engineering and radical conjugated polymer additives is presented.
Light-induced arylation (alkylation) of N-sulfonylhydrazones with boronic acids
Authors: Junaid Mohammad , Happy Sharma , Yadagiri Dongari
Published: February 2024

We report light-induced arylation (alkylation) for the synthesis of diarylmethanes, bis(diarylmethyl)benzenes, arylalkylmethanes, and triarylmethanes from readily accessible N-sulfonylhydrazones and aryl/alkylboronic acids with the aid of Cs2CO3.
Dynamic selection of high-affinity aptamers using a magnetically activated continuous deflection microfluidic chip
Authors: Yang Ke-Zhu , Wang Meng , Gao Ming-Yue , Wang Yong-Tao , Zhang Zhi-Ling
Published: February 2024

A MACD chip was designed for the discovery of Candida albicans aptamers via dynamic selection.
Kinetics of the reaction of OH with methyl nitrate (223–343 K)
Authors: Fernholz Christin , Baumann Fabienne , Lelieveld Jos , Crowley John N.
Published: February 2024

Temperature dependent rate coefficients (k4) for the reaction of OH with CH3ONO2.
An all-rounder aminoguanidine based ligand, its unusual anionic zinc(ii) and cadmium(ii) coordination complexes and their biological implications
Authors: Santu Ansa , Hashim K. K. Mohammed , Manoj E.
Published: February 2024

The versatility of the ligand by protonating and deprotonating in the same medium yields unparallel complexes, one of which is more potent against E. coli than the standard ciprofloxacin, and opens-up new possibilities in coordination chemistry.
Unveiling the Dynamics of Extrinsic Motivations in Shaping Future Experts’ Contributions to Developer Q&A Communities
Authors: Yang Yi , Mao Xinjun , Wu Menghan
Published: February 2024

Developer question and answering communities rely on experts to provide helpful answers. However, these communities face a shortage of experts. To cultivate more experts, the community needs to quantify and analyze the rules of the influence of extrinsic motivations on the ongoing contributions of those developers who can become experts in the future (potential experts). Currently, there is a lack of potential expert‐centred research on community incentives. To address this gap, we propose a motivational impact model with self‐determination theory‐based hypotheses to explore the impact of five extrinsic motivations (badge, status, learning, reputation, and reciprocity) for potential experts. We develop a status‐based timeline partitioning method to count information on the sustained contributions of potential experts from Stack Overflow data and propose a multifactor assessment model to examine the motivational impact model to determine the relationship between potential experts’ extrinsic motivations and sustained contributions. Our results show that (i) badge and reciprocity promote the continuous contributions of potential experts while reputation and status reduce their contributions; (ii) status significantly affects the impact of reciprocity on potential experts’ contributions; (iii) the difference in the influence of extrinsic motivations on potential experts and active developers lies in the influence of reputation, learning, and status and its moderating effect. Based on these findings, we recommend that community managers identify potential experts early and optimize reputation and status incentives to incubate more experts.
B-mode polarization forecasts for GreenPol
Authors: Fuskeland U. , Kaplan A. , Wehus I. K. , Eriksen H. K. , Christensen P. R. , von Hausegger S. , Liu H. , Lubin P. M. , Meinhold P. R. , Naselsky P. , Thommesen H. , Zonca A.
Published: February 2024

We present tensor-to-scalar ratio forecasts for GreenPol, a hypothetical ground-based B-mode experiment aiming to survey the cleanest regions of the Northern Galactic Hemisphere at five frequencies between 10 and 44 GHz. Its primary science goal would be to measure large-scale cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization fluctuations at multipoles ℓ ≲ 500, and thereby constrain the primordial tensor-to-scalar ratio r. The observations for the suggested experiment would take place at the Summit Station (72 ° 34N, 38 ° 27W) on Greenland, at an altitude of 3216 m above sea level. For this paper we simulated various experimental setups, and derived limits on the tensor-to-scalar ratio after CMB component separation using a Bayesian component separation implementation called Commander. When combining the proposed experiment with Planck HFI observations for constraining polarized thermal dust emission, we found a projected limit of r < 0.02 at 95% confidence for the baseline configuration. This limit is very robust with respect to a range of important experimental parameters, including sky coverage, detector weighting, foreground priors, among others. Overall, GreenPol would have the possibility to provide deep CMB polarization measurements of the Northern Galactic Hemisphere at low frequencies.
Exploring self-consistent 2.5D flare simulations with MPI-AMRVAC
Authors: Druett Malcolm , Ruan Wenzhi , Keppens Rony
Published: February 2024

Context. Multidimensional solar flare simulations have not yet included a detailed analysis of the lower atmospheric responses, such as downflowing chromospheric compressions and chromospheric evaporation processes.

Aims. We present an analysis of multidimensional flare simulations, including an analysis of chromospheric upflows and downflows that provides important groundwork for comparing 1D and multidimensional models.

Methods. We followed the evolution of a magnetohydrodynamic standard solar flare model that includes electron beams and in which localized anomalous resistivity initiates magnetic reconnection. We varied the background magnetic field strength to produce simulations that cover a large span of observationally reported solar flare strengths. Chromospheric energy fluxes and energy density maps were used to analyze the transport of energy from the corona to the lower atmosphere, and the resultant evolution of the flare. Quantities traced along 1D field lines allowed for detailed comparisons with 1D evaporation models.

Results. The flares produced by varying the background coronal field strength between 20 G and 65 G have GOES classifications between B1.5 and M2.3. All produce a lobster claw reconnection outflow and a fast shock in the tail of this flow with a similar maximum Alfvén Mach number of ∼10. The impact of the reconnection outflow on the lower atmosphere and the heat conduction are the key agents driving the chromospheric evaporation and “downflowing chromospheric compressions”. The peak electron beam heating flux in the lower atmospheres varies between 1.4 × 109 and 4.7 × 1010 erg cm−2 s−1 across the simulations. The downflowing chromospheric compressions have kinetic energy signatures that reach the photosphere, but at subsonic speeds they would not generate sunquakes. The weakest flare generates a relatively dense flare loop system, despite having a negative net mass flux, through the top of the chromosphere, that is to say, more mass is supplied downward than is evaporated upward. The stronger flares all produce positive mass fluxes. Plasmoids form in the current sheets of the stronger flares due to tearing, and in all experiments the loop tops contain turbulent eddies that ring via a magnetic tuning fork process.

Conclusions. The presented flares have chromospheric evaporation driven by thermal conduction and the impact and rebound of the reconnection outflow, in contrast to most 1D models where this process is driven by the beam electrons. Several multidimensional phenomena are critical in determining plasma behavior but are not generally considered in 1D flare simulations. They include loop-top turbulence, reconnection outflow jets, heat diffusion, compressive heating from the multidimensional expansion of the flux tubes due to changing pressures, and the interactions of upward and downward flows from the evaporation meeting the material squeezed downward from the loop tops.