bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new discosorid and some other nautiloids from the Givetian of the Rhenish Massif, Germany
Authors: Afhüppe Lukas , Becker R. Thomas
Published: September 2022

Nautiloids were subordinate inhabitants of Middle Devonian Rhenish reefs and in surrounding neritic carbonate facies. However, a literature review shows the presence of more than 45 orthoconic, cyrtobreviconic, and gyroconic taxa, which are mostly insufficiently known. We report the first discovery of an orthobreviconic representative of the order Discosorida from the initial phase (Binolen Member) of the thick Hagen-Balve Reef Complex in the Hönne Valley (northern Sauerland). It belongs to a new genus and species (Binoleniceras stichlingi n. gen. n. sp.) that is characterised by fast conch expansion, fine longitudinal ribbing, and a marginal siphuncle with short, recumbent cyrtochoanitic (dorsally) and suborthochoanitic (ventrally) septal necks, rounded adapical thickenings (bulletes), strongly thickened connecting rings, and irregular lamellae in the septal opening. It has no described relative in the Middle Devonian of Central or Southern Europe. Other taxa discussed are the oncoceratoid Cranoceras Hyatt, 1884, with the first Rhenish record of Cranoceras subdepressum (Roemer, 1850), and the archiacoceratid Cyrtoceratites, with a possibly new species with very large-sized siphuncle.
Tracing innovation pathways behind fisheries co-management in Vanuatu
Authors: Steenbergen Dirk J. , Raubani Jacob , Gereva Sompert , Naviti William , Arthur Christopher , Arudere Ajay , Ham Jayven , Joy Lucy , Lalavanua Watisoni , Neihapi Pita , Seko Akiya , Terashima Hiroaki , Andrew Neil L.
Published: September 2022

Co-management approaches have become a core part of coastal fisheries policy and planning practice in Vanuatu. With a long history of supporting community based fisheries management (CBFM), we trace its evolution in Vanuatu to understand how new structures and processes become adopted at scale. A theory of scaling for CBFM guides the analysis of regime shifts over time. We discuss planning for sustained spread under a national programme by categorising multiple drivers of change through three intervention pathways focussed, respectively, on developing (i) an enabling environment, (ii) institutional and individual capacity, and (iii) focussed innovative action in smaller targeted constituencies. Whilst we argue that local fisheries co-management institutions balance competing interests, and so differ amongst places, we also recognise the importance of connectivity and continuity. The realisation of a national programme therefore requires patchworks of siloed projects to be knitted together into coordinated programmatic approaches that strategically integrate activities.
Best practices for interviewing applicants for medical school admissions: a systematic review
Authors: Lin John C. , Lokhande Anagha , Margo Curtis E. , Greenberg Paul B.
Published: September 2022

Introduction Interviews are commonly used to select applicants for medical school, residency, and fellowship. However, interview techniques vary in acceptability, feasibility, reliability, and validity. This systematic review investigated the effectiveness of different interview methods in selecting the best qualified applicants for admission to medical school and developed a logic model to implement best practices for interviewing. Methods Five electronic literature databases were searched for comparative studies related to interviewing in medical schools from inception through February 1, 2021. Inclusion criteria included publications in English that compared different methods of conducting a selection interview in medical schools with a controlled trial design. General study characteristics, measurement methodologies, and outcomes were reviewed. Quality appraisal was performed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and the Oxford Risk of Bias Scale. Based on these findings, a logic model was constructed using content analysis. Results Thirteen studies were included. The multiple mini-interview (MMI) was reliable, unbiased, and predicted clinical and academic performance; the virtual MMI increased reliability and lowered costs. For unstructured interviews, blinding interviewers to academic scores reduced bias towards higher scorers; student and faculty interviewers rated applicants similarly. Applicants preferred structured over unstructured interviews. Study quality was above average per the MERSQI, risk of bias was high per the Oxford scale, and between-study heterogeneity was substantial.
The Brain–Gut Axis in Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for Nutrition Support
Authors: Marshall William A. , Adams Laura M. , Weaver Jessica L.
Published: September 2022

Purpose of Review

Early enteral nutrition improves outcomes following traumatic brain injury (TBI). This can prove difficult due to TBI-induced feeding intolerance secondary to disruption of the brain-gut axis, a network composed of central nervous system (CNS) input, autonomic signaling, and immunologic regulation that controls gut and CNS homeostasis. Here, we discuss the pathophysiology of brain–gut axis dysregulation and outline nutrition strategies in patients with TBI.

Recent Findings

Feeding intolerance following TBI is multifactorial; complex signaling between the CNS, sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, and enteric nervous system that controls gut homeostasis is disrupted within hours post-injury. This has profound effects on the immune system and gut microbiome, further complicating post-TBI recovery. Despite this disruption, calorie and protein requirements increase considerably following TBI, and early nutritional supplementation improves survival following TBI. Enteral nutrition has proven more efficacious than parenteral nutrition in TBI patients and should be initiated within 48 hours following admission. Immune-fortified nutrition reduces CNS and gut inflammation and may improve outcomes in TBI patients.

Although autonomic dysregulation of the brain–gut axis results in feeding intolerance following TBI, early enteral nutrition is of paramount importance. Enteral nutrition reduces post-TBI inflammation and enhances immunologic and gut function. When feasible, enteral nutrition should be initiated within 48 hours following injury.
Associazione tra la sindrome metabolica e le caratteristiche clinico-patologiche del carcinoma papillifero tiroideo
Authors: Piticchio Tommaso , Frasca Francesco
Published: September 2022

Sommario

Il progressivo incremento dell’incidenza di carcinoma papillifero tiroideo nella popolazione mondiale può essere solo in parte attribuito alla maggiore diffusione nella pratica clinica della diagnostica ecografica e dell’ago-aspirato tiroideo con relativo esame citologico. Il contestuale aumentato riscontro di carcinomi tiroidei più invasivi e di grandi dimensioni suggerisce, infatti, un ruolo anche di altri fattori in tale fenomeno. In particolare, la sindrome metabolica e le sue cinque componenti (circonferenza vita aumentata, ipertrigliceridemia, bassi livelli di colesterolo HDL, alterata glicemia a digiuno e ipertensione arteriosa) negli ultimi decenni hanno visto un incremento epidemiologico paragonabile a quello del carcinoma papillifero tiroideo. L’insulino-resistenza, alla base di questo gruppo di fattori di rischio metabolici, è stata ampiamente correlata all’insorgenza di varie neoplasie, tra cui quelle tiroidee. In questa Rassegna si esamineranno, dunque, i dati disponibili in letteratura riguardo un eventuale ruolo della sindrome metabolica nel determinare le caratteristiche clinico-patologiche del carcinoma papillifero tiroideo.
The metaphysics of financial performance in financial accounting
Authors: Rutherford Brian A
Published: September 2022

This paper argues that the metaphysics of financial performance in the conceptual framework employed by accounting standard-setters is incoherent: income and expenses cannot, as the framework holds, both be independent elements of financial statements, identified from underlying events, tested for recognition and measured by discrete acts, separately from the identification, testing and measurement of other elements and satisfy the analytical relationship between performance and position embraced by the framework. An alternative conceptualisation is proposed, under which income and expenses are part of a wider system of classifying all changes in assets and liabilities, measured indirectly. This approach improves the metaphysical coherence, and thus the intellectual strength, of the framework project; while it leaves the measurement of financial performance unchanged, by emphasising the importance of classification, it invites further attention to the presentation of financial performance, with the potential for improving the usefulness of disclosures.
Evaluation of the response to emerging environmental threats, focusing on carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and scrubber wash water (SOx)
Authors: Boviatsis M. , Alexopoulos A. B. , Vlachos G. P.
Published: September 2022

It has been acknowledged that most international regulations were triggered by a series of tanker disasters that had devastating effects on the marine environment. One way to better protect the aquatic environment is the proactive response of the member states of the various international organisations to expedite the ratification procedures for international conventions, mainly the International Maritime Organization (IMO) legal instruments. Every time this is achieved, ship owners become more responsible for protecting the marine environment, regardless of the economic costs involved. Following this path, ship owners will be obliged to cooperate with competent authorities when a vessel calls at a port for the loading, discharging, bunkering, repairing and other secondary operations, to counter the possible threat of emerging pollution. This paper focuses on issues that are mostly related to the amendments of Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, which deal explicitly with air pollution. The paper also examines the relationship between technological innovations, the existing regulations and the environmental threats posed by carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds, and methods to deal with sulphur reduction.
Civil Society in Southeast Asia
Authors: Rodan Garry
Published: September 2022

Contrary to popular claims, civil society is not generally shrinking in Southeast Asia. It is transforming, resulting in important shifts in the influences that can be exerted through it. Political and ideological differences in Southeast Asia have sharpened as anti-democratic and anti-liberal social forces compete with democratic and liberal elements in civil society. These are neither contests between civil and uncivil society nor a tussle between civil society and state power. They are power struggles over relationships between civil society and the state. Explaining these struggles, the approach in this Element emphasises the historical and political economy foundations shaping conflicts, interests and coalitions that mobilise through civil society. Different ways that capitalism is organised, controlled, and developed are shown to matter for when, how and in what direction conflicts in civil society emerge and coalitions form. This argument is demonstrated through comparisons of Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Impact of soil and water conservation measures on farm productivity and income in the semi-arid tropics of Bundelkhand, central India
Authors: Choudhary Bishwa Bhaskar , Dev Inder , Singh Priyanka , Singh Ramesh , Sharma Purushottam , Chand Khem , Garg Kaushal K , Anantha KH , Akuraju Venkataradha , Dixit Sreenath , Kumar Sunil , Ram Asha , Kumar Naresh
Published: September 2022

Soil and water are crucial resources for agriculture, especially in arid and semi-arid rain-fed areas, yet farm-level economic impacts and the factors influencing the adoption of measures for their conservation are little studied. The present study used data from 400 farm households to assess factors influencing the adoption of soil and water conservation measures (SWCMs) and their impacts on farm productivity and income in a semi-arid region of central India. We employed a probit model to determine the factors influencing the on-farm adoption of SWCMs and a propensity score matching technique for assessing their impacts. The findings indicate that farmer age and education, off-farm income, farm size and land ownership and access to training are key drivers of the adoption of SWCMs. SWCMs accentuated the input costs by INR 1689–2847 per ha during therabicropping season (October–February), but also increased crop productivity and net revenue from farming. The impact in therabiseason was less sensitive to the unobserved confounders than in thekharifseason (June–September). Therefore, SWCMs could represent an important strategy for unlocking the cultivation potential of large rain-fed areas and for sustaining the livelihoods of farm households in the ecologically fragile arid and semi-arid tropics.
Ronchigram Simulation and Aberration Correction Training Using Ronchigram.com
Authors: Sung Suk Hyun , Schnitzer Noah , Millsaps William , Kourkoutis Lena F , Hovden Robert
Published: September 2022

This article introduces a training simulator for electron beam alignment using Ronchigrams. The interactive web application, www.ronchigram.com, is an advanced educational tool aimed at making scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) more accessible and open. For experienced microscopists, the tool offers on-hand quantification of simulated Ronchigrams and their resolution limits.
Fourier Ptychography Part II: Phase Retrieval and High-Resolution Image Formation
Authors: Loetgering Lars , Aidukas Tomas , Zhou Kevin C , Wechsler Felix , Horstmeyer Roarke
Published: September 2022

This article is the second within a three-part series on Fourier ptychography, which is a computational microscopy technique for high-resolution, large field-of-view imaging. While the first article laid out the basics of Fourier ptychography, this second part sheds light on its algorithmic ingredients. We present a non-technical discussion of phase retrieval, which allows for the synthesis of high-resolution images from a sequence of low-resolution raw data. Fourier ptychographic phase retrieval can be carried out on standard, widefield microscopy platforms with the simple addition of a low-cost LED array, thus offering a convenient alternative to other phase-sensitive techniques that require more elaborate hardware such as differential interference contrast and digital holography.
Early Childhood Integrated Behavioral Health: A Promoter of Equity in Pediatric Care
Authors: Margolis Kathryn L. , Buchholz Melissa , Charlot-Swilley Dominique , Serrano Verenea , Herbst Rachel , Meiselman Elizabeth , Talmi Ayelet
Published: September 2022

Objective: This topical review examines an equity-focused parenting intervention and how it addresses structural problems in health care that perpetuate inequities for marginalized groups. Methods: Four domains of pediatric primary care (PPC) that perpetuate health inequities are discussed, including (a) acontextual, individual patient focus of health care; (b) fragmented and siloed networks of care; (c) limited cultural awareness in care; and (d) diagnosis-driven health care benefits. Next, a model of two-generational primary care behavioral health is discussed as a way to mitigate structural aspects of PPC that contribute to inequities. Results: Integrating early childhood behavioral health into PPC, a system designed to provide universal prevention and health promotion, can enact a transformative impact on a traditionally racist system of health care. The following specific mechanisms of this model are discussed: (a) expanding the acontextual, individual patient focus; (b) providing care coordination that mitigates fragmented and siloed networks of care; (c) engaging in reflective practice to enhance cultural awareness in care; and (d) shifting from diagnosis-driven to family-centered paradigms. Conclusions: Implications for practice, clinic transformation, and systems-related policy changes that can shift structural policies that perpetuate racism and oppression are discussed.

Implications for Impact Statement

Certain structures within pediatric primary care perpetuate race-based inequities. Integrated behavioral health for families with young children is one strategy to promote antiracism and health equity in pediatric care. HealthySteps, an evidence-based model of caregiver-focused, early childhood behavioral health, is offered as an example of equity-promoting care.
Cav2.2-NFAT2-USP43 axis promotes invadopodia formation and breast cancer metastasis through cortactin stabilization
Authors: Xue Ying , Li Min , Hu Jie , Song Yuanlin , Guo Wei , Miao Changhong , Ge Di , Hou Yingyong , Wang Xuefei , Huang Xingxu , Liu Tianshu , Zhang Xiaoping , Huang Qihong
Published: September 2022

Distant metastasis is the main cause of mortality in breast cancer patients. Using the breast cancer genomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we identified brain specific Cav2.2 as a critical regulator of metastasis. Cav2.2 expression is significantly upregulated in breast cancer and its higher expression is inversely correlated with survival suggesting a previously unappreciated role of Cav2.2 in breast cancer. Cav2.2 is required for breast cancer migration, invasion, and metastasis. Interestingly, Cav2.2 promotes invadopodia formation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation through the stabilization of invadopodia component cortactin in a proteosome-dependent manner. Moreover, deubiquitinating enzyme USP43 mediated the functions of Cav2.2 in cortactin stabilization, invadopodia formation, ECM degradation, and metastasis. Interestingly, Cav2.2 upregulates USP43 expression through NFAT2 dephosphorylation and nuclear localization. Our study uncovered a novel pathway that regulates cortactin expression and invadopodia formation in breast cancer metastasis.
Endocytosis-like DNA uptake by cell wall-deficient bacteria
Authors: Kapteijn Renée , Shitut Shraddha , Aschmann Dennis , Zhang Le , de Beer Marit , Daviran Deniz , Roverts Rona , Akiva Anat , van Wezel Gilles P. , Kros Alexander , Claessen Dennis
Published: September 2022

Horizontal gene transfer in bacteria is widely believed to occur via conjugation, transduction and transformation. These mechanisms facilitate the passage of DNA across the protective cell wall using sophisticated machinery. Here, we report that cell wall-deficient bacteria can engulf DNA and other extracellular material via an endocytosis-like process. Specifically, we show that L-forms of the filamentous actinomycete Kitasatospora viridifaciens can take up plasmid DNA, polysaccharides (dextran) and 150-nm lipid nanoparticles. The process involves invagination of the cytoplasmic membrane, leading to formation of intracellular vesicles that encapsulate extracellular material. DNA uptake is not affected by deletion of genes homologous to comEC and comEA, which are required for natural transformation in other species. However, uptake is inhibited by sodium azide or incubation at 4 °C, suggesting the process is energy-dependent. The encapsulated materials are released into the cytoplasm upon degradation of the vesicle membrane. Given that cell wall-deficient bacteria are considered a model for early life forms, our work reveals a possible mechanism for primordial cells to acquire food or genetic material before invention of the bacterial cell wall.
Synthesis, properties, and material hybridization of bare aromatic polymers enabled by dendrimer support
Authors: Fujiki Shusei , Amaike Kazuma , Yagi Akiko , Itami Kenichiro
Published: September 2022

Aromatic polymers are the first-choice platform for current organic materials due to their distinct optical, electronic, and mechanical properties as well as their biocompatibility. However, bare aromatic polymer backbones tend to strongly aggregate, rendering them essentially insoluble in organic solvent. While the typical solution is to install many solubilizing substituents on the backbones, this often provokes undesired property changes. Herein, we report the synthesis of bare aromatic polymers enabled by a dendrimer support. An initiator arene containing a diterpenoid-based dendrimer undergoes Pd-catalyzed polymerization with monomers bearing no solubilizing substituents to furnish bare aromatic polymers such as polythiophenes and poly(para-phenylene)s. The high solubility of dendrimer-ligated polymers allows not only the unveiling of the properties of unsubstituted π-conjugated backbone, but also mild release of dendrimer-free aromatic polymers and even transfer of aromatic polymers to other materials, such as silica gel and protein, which may accelerate the creation of hybrid materials nowadays challenging to access.
Context-dependent selectivity to natural images in the retina
Authors: Goldin Matías A. , Lefebvre Baptiste , Virgili Samuele , Pham Van Cang Mathieu Kim , Ecker Alexander , Mora Thierry , Ferrari Ulisse , Marre Olivier
Published: September 2022

Retina ganglion cells extract specific features from natural scenes and send this information to the brain. In particular, they respond to local light increase (ON responses), and/or decrease (OFF). However, it is unclear if this ON-OFF selectivity, characterized with synthetic stimuli, is maintained under natural scene stimulation. Here we recorded ganglion cell responses to natural images slightly perturbed by random noise patterns to determine their selectivity during natural stimulation. The ON-OFF selectivity strongly depended on the specific image. A single ganglion cell can signal luminance increase for one image, and luminance decrease for another. Modeling and experiments showed that this resulted from the non-linear combination of different retinal pathways. Despite the versatility of the ON-OFF selectivity, a systematic analysis demonstrated that contrast was reliably encoded in these responses. Our perturbative approach uncovered the selectivity of retinal ganglion cells to more complex features than initially thought.
Three-dimensional racetrack memory devices designed from freestanding magnetic heterostructures
Authors: Gu Ke , Guan Yicheng , Hazra Binoy Krishna , Deniz Hakan , Migliorini Andrea , Zhang Wenjie , Parkin Stuart S. P.
Published: September 2022

The fabrication of three-dimensional nanostructures is key to the development of next-generation nanoelectronic devices with a low device footprint. Magnetic racetrack memory encodes data in a series of magnetic domain walls that are moved by current pulses along magnetic nanowires. To date, most studies have focused on two-dimensional racetracks. Here we introduce a lift-off and transfer method to fabricate three-dimensional racetracks from freestanding magnetic heterostructures grown on a water-soluble sacrificial release layer. First, we create two-dimensional racetracks from freestanding films transferred onto sapphire substrates and show that they have nearly identical characteristics compared with the films before transfer. Second, we design three-dimensional racetracks by covering protrusions patterned on a sapphire wafer with freestanding magnetic heterostructures. We demonstrate current-induced domain-wall motion for synthetic antiferromagnetic three-dimensional racetracks with protrusions of up to 900 nm in height. Freestanding magnetic layers, as demonstrated here, may enable future spintronic devices with high packing density and low energy consumption.
Flavour-selective localization in interacting lattice fermions
Authors: Tusi D. , Franchi L. , Livi L. F. , Baumann K. , Benedicto Orenes D. , Del Re L. , Barfknecht R. E. , Zhou T.-W. , Inguscio M. , Cappellini G. , Capone M. , Catani J. , Fallani L.
Published: September 2022

A large repulsion between particles in a quantum system can lead to their localization, an effect responsible for the Mott insulator phases in strongly correlated materials. In a system with multiple orbitals, an orbital-selective Mott insulator can form, where electrons in some orbitals are predicted to localize while others remain itinerant. Here we demonstrate a more general version of this phenomenon by observing flavour-selective localization in an atom-based quantum simulator. Our experiment realizes Fermi–Hubbard models with an SU(3) symmetry that can be broken using a tunable coupling between flavours. We observe an enhancement of the localization associated with a selective Mott transition and the emergence of flavour-dependent correlations. Our realization of flavour-selective Mott physics demonstrates the potential of cold atoms to simulate interacting multicomponent materials such as superconductors and topological insulators.
Long-term neurologic outcomes of COVID-19
Authors: Xu Evan , Xie Yan , Al-Aly Ziyad
Published: September 2022

The neurologic manifestations of acute COVID-19 are well characterized, but a comprehensive evaluation of postacute neurologic sequelae at 1 year has not been undertaken. Here we use the national healthcare databases of the US Department of Veterans Affairs to build a cohort of 154,068 individuals with COVID-19, 5,638,795 contemporary controls and 5,859,621 historical controls; we use inverse probability weighting to balance the cohorts, and estimate risks and burdens of incident neurologic disorders at 12 months following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our results show that in the postacute phase of COVID-19, there was increased risk of an array of incident neurologic sequelae including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, cognition and memory disorders, peripheral nervous system disorders, episodic disorders (for example, migraine and seizures), extrapyramidal and movement disorders, mental health disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, sensory disorders, Guillain–Barré syndrome, and encephalitis or encephalopathy. We estimated that the hazard ratio of any neurologic sequela was 1.42 (95% confidence intervals 1.38, 1.47) and burden 70.69 (95% confidence intervals 63.54, 78.01) per 1,000 persons at 12 months. The risks and burdens were elevated even in people who did not require hospitalization during acute COVID-19. Limitations include a cohort comprising mostly White males. Taken together, our results provide evidence of increased risk of long-term neurologic disorders in people who had COVID-19.
A systematic study of arsenic adsorption and removal from aqueous environments using novel graphene oxide functionalized UiO-66-NDC nanocomposites
Authors: Singh Simranjeet , Naik T. S. Sunil Kumar , U Basavaraju , Khan Nadeem A. , Wani Abdul Basit , Behera Sushant Kumar , Nath Bidisha , Bhati Shipra , Singh Joginder , Ramamurthy Praveen C.
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the removal of As(V) from aqueous media using water stable UiO-66-NDC/GO prepared via the solvothermal procedure. The synthesized material was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, UV–visible, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) support its applicability as a super-adsorbent for the adsorption of As(V) ions from aqueous solutions. The effect of various parameters, including initial ion concentration, temperature, adsorbent dose, and pH on the adsorption of As(V) was studied to recognize the optimum adsorption conditions. The qmax obtained for this study using Langmuir isotherms was found at 147.06 mg/g at room temperature. Thermodynamic parameters ΔH°, ΔG°, and ΔS° were also calculated and negative values of ΔG° represent that the As(V) adsorption process occurred exothermically and spontaneously. Meanwhile, theoretical density functional simulation findings are accommodated to support these experimental results. It is observed that the dynamic nature of graphene oxide and the UiO-66 NDC nanocomposite system becomes superior for adsorption studies due to delocalized surface states. UiO-66-NDC/GO also showed high reusability for up four regeneration performances using 0.01 M HCl as a regenerant.
Circadian activity of small brown bear populations living in human-dominated landscapes
Authors: Donatelli Aurora , Mastrantonio Gianluca , Ciucci Paolo
Published: September 2022

Whereas numerous studies on large carnivores have focused on analyzing spatial patterns and habitat use, the temporal dimension of their activity has been relatively little investigated, making this a topic of growing interest, especially in human-dominated landscapes. Relict and isolated Apennine brown bears (Ursus arctos marsicanus) have been living in a human-modified landscape since millennia, but no information is available on their activity patterns. By means of GPS telemetry (26,880 GPS locations collected from 18 adult Apennine brown bears) we investigated their circadian rhythms, using hourly movement rates as an index of bear activity. Based on a Bayesian modeling approach, circadian activity of Apennine brown bears was described by a bimodal curve, with peaks of activity around sunrise and sunset. We revealed seasonal effects, with bears exhibiting higher movement rates throughout the mating season, but no relevant influence of sex. In addition, bears increased their movement rate at distances < 100–500 m to roads and settlements exclusively during spring and late summer, suggesting a trade-off between foraging opportunities and risk avoidance. The absence of a marked nocturnality in Apennine brown bears suggests a relatively low degree of habitat encroachment and disturbance by humans. Yet, the occurrence of crepuscular activity patterns and the responses in proximity of anthropogenic landscape features likely indicate a coadaptation by bears to human presence through a shift in their temporal niche. Further studies should aim to unveil fitness implications of such modifications in activity patterns.
A report on the potential of Rac1/pSTAT3 protein levels in T lymphocytes to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of thiopurine therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients
Authors: Deben Debbie S. , Creemers Rob H. , van Adrichem Arjan J. , Drent Roosmarie , Merry Audrey H. H. , Leers Mathie P. G. , van Bodegraven Adriaan A. , Wong Dennis R.
Published: September 2022

The thiopurine derivatives azathioprine (AZA), mercaptopurine (MP) and tioguanine (TG) remain standard treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The immune suppressive effect of thiopurines is primarily based on blocking the Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) causing apoptosis of T lymphocytes by inhibition of the phosphorylated downstream transcription factor Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (pSTAT3). A functional pharmacodynamic marker in T lymphocytes may be useful to predict therapeutic outcome of thiopurine therapy. The aim of this study was to explore whether protein levels of Rac1 and pSTAT3 in T lymphocytes may be applied as a specific pharmacodynamic marker for thiopurine therapy in IBD patients. Rac1 and pSTAT3 protein levels in T lymphocytes were explored in 57 IBD patients (median age 51 years, 56% female), subdivided into six groups based on IBD activity and its treatment: patients with active disease without IBD maintenance medication (1) or patients in remission on AZA/MP (2), TG (3), infliximab (IFX) (4), thiopurine and IFX combination-treatment (5) or without IBD medication (6). Reference values were obtained from healthy subjects. Rac1 and pSTAT3 protein levels in T lymphocytes from patients on thiopurine monotherapy (group 2 and 3) were compared to the other groups, and to healthy subjects. Absolute Rac1 and pSTAT3 protein levels showed no differences between the thiopurine monotherapy groups when compared to patients with active disease. However, the ratio of Rac1 and pSTAT3 protein levels was lower in thiopurine patients groups compared to patients with active disease. Rac1-corrected pSTAT3 protein levels may serve as a pharmacodynamic marker of thiopurine monotherapy and may be a potential tool to predict therapeutic effectiveness in IBD patients.
The challenges of controlling polymer synthesis at the molecular and macromolecular level
Authors: Hakobyan Karen , Xu Jiangtao , Müllner Markus
Published: September 2022

In this Perspective, we outline advances and challenges in controlling the structure of polymers at various size regimes in the context of structural features such as molecular weight distribution, end groups, architecture, composition and sequence.
Implementing reactive secondary electrospray ionization based on gas–droplet reactions for VOC analysis
Authors: Yu Quan , Gao Jing , Yu Xiaohua , Shi Jianbo , Lin Lin , Wang Xiaohao
Published: September 2022

A reactive secondary electrospray ionization method is proposed based on accelerated gas–liquid reactions in microdroplets. It enables online derivatization of volatile organic compounds and can facilitate rapid analysis of these samples.
A review on quantitation-related factors and quantitation strategies in mass spectrometry imaging of small biomolecules
Authors: Wu Qian
Published: September 2022

This review focuses on the quantitation-related factors in MSI, recent advances in the strategies of quantitative MSI (q-MSI) of small molecules and strategies for validating q-MSI methods. Finally, the future perspectives to q-MSI are proposed.
A review on advances in the development of electrochemical sensors for the detection of anesthetic drugs
Authors: Arjun Ajith Mohan , Krishna Prasannakumari H. , Nath Anish R. , Rasheed P. Abdul
Published: September 2022

It is highly crucial to implement real-time monitoring of anaesthetic drugs to impart quality anaesthetic care. Towards this aspect, this review focuses on the present strategy of electrochemical sensors for the detection of anesthetic drugs.
Asymmetric addition of an N-methyl C(sp3)–H bond to cyclic alkenes enabled by an iridium/phosphine–olefin catalyst
Authors: Sakamoto Kana , Nishimura Takahiro
Published: September 2022

Iridium-catalyzed C–H addition of an N-methyl group to cyclic alkenes proceeded with high enantioselectivity by using a phosphine–olefin ligand.
The role of 2-ethylhexanoic acid in manipulating the morphology and upconversion of flame-made Y2O3:Yb3+/Ho3+ nanoparticles towards remote temperature sensing
Authors: Hu Shuai , Yuan Maohui , Song Changqing , Han Kai , Wang Linxuan , Huang Hanchang , Cui Wenda , Yang Zining , Wang Hongyan
Published: September 2022

In the flame spray pyrolysis process, 2-ethylhexanoic acid manipulates morphology of Yb3+/Ho3+ co-doped Y2O3 upconversion nanoparticles towards homogeneous and ultrafine but causing upconversion luminescence quenching and thermal sensitivity lowering.
Rapid surface reconstruction strategies for oxygen evolution reactions: chemical grafting of MXene quantum dots on Ni–Co layered double hydroxides
Authors: Song Lili , Zhang Xiaoyun , Du Xinying , Zhu Shifan , Xu Yixue , Wang Yuqiao
Published: September 2022

Rapid surface structure reconstruction was boosted by chem-grafted MXene quantum dots onto Ni–Co LDHs to optimize electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction kinetics.
Maternal propionate supplementation ameliorates glucose and lipid metabolic disturbance in hypoxia-induced fetal growth restriction
Authors: Chen Dan , Wang Ying-ying , Li Sheng-peng , Zhao Hui-min , Jiang Feng-juan , Wu Ya-xian , Tong Ying , Pang Qing-feng
Published: September 2022

Maternal propionate supplementation increases birth weight and corrects hepatic glucose and lipid metabolic disturbance and energy expenditure in male mice born with IUGR, which may provide a basis for using propionate to treat IUGR disease.
Molar mass measurement of a 28Si-enriched silicon crystal with high precision secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)
Authors: Gao Yu-ya , Ren Tong-xiang , Williams Ian S. , Ireland Trevor R. , Long Tao , Rienitz Olaf , Pramann Axel , Wang Song , Song Pan-shu , Wang Jun
Published: September 2022

Several highly-enriched 28Si crystals were produced to enable a better determination of the Avogadro constant through removing the uncertainty associated with the abundance determination of the minor isotopes 29Si and 30Si.
Dissolution-After-Precipitation (DAP): a simple microfluidic approach for studying carbonate rock dissolution and multiphase reactive transport mechanisms
Authors: Xu Jianping , Balhoff Matthew T.
Published: September 2022

A simple yet powerful microfluidic method for studying carbonate rock dissolution and multiphase reactive transport mechanisms.
Computational investigation of multifunctional MOFs for adsorption and membrane-based separation of CF4/CH4, CH4/H2, CH4/N2, and N2/H2 mixtures
Authors: Demir Hakan , Keskin Seda
Published: September 2022

The highest adsorption selectivity improvements for CF4/CH4, CH4/H2, CH4/N2, and N2/H2 separations were generally observed in multi-functionalized-MOFs (MTV-MOFs) with –OCH3–OCH3 groups.
Dissipative self-assembly of a proline catalyst for temporal regulation of the aldol reaction
Authors: Reardon Thomas J. , Na Baichuan , Parquette Jon R.
Published: September 2022

In this work, we demonstrate that the assembly of a spiropyran (SP) dipeptide 1 transiently promotes the aldol reaction in water by sequestering the catalytic site within a hydrophobic microenvironment when light is present as fuel.
Air and water stable germacarbonyl compounds
Authors: Mahawar Pritam , Shukla Pratima , Chandra Joshi Prakash , Singh Dharmendra , Kumar Hemant , Mukherjee Goutam , Nagendran Selvarajan
Published: September 2022

Air and water stable germacarbonyl compounds are reported. Thio- 12 and selenogermaamide 13 react with CuX at ambient conditions to afford Cu(i) complexes. Selective binding of 12 and 13 with CuCl and CuBr in a mixture of CuX is seen (X = Cl, Br, I).
Surface enrichment of Ir on the IrRu alloy for efficient and stable water oxidation catalysis in acid
Authors: Zhang Junming , Cao Xueli , Jiang Ya-Fei , Hung Sung-Fu , Liu Wei , Yang Hong Bin , Xu Cong-Qiao , Li Dong-Sheng , Zhang Tianyu , Li Yujing , Li Jun , Liu Bin
Published: September 2022

Inducing the surface enrichment of active noble metal can not only help to stabilize the catalyst but also modify the catalytic performance of the catalyst through electronic and geometric effects.
Heterojunction bipolar transistors with a planar‐type extended base as a hydrogen‐sensitive sensor
Authors: Huang Chia‐Hua , Tan Shih‐Wei , Lo Hao , Lo Chieh , Lour Wen‐Shiung
Published: September 2022

A hydrogen sensing transistor fabricated by a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) with an extended base (EB) formed by a metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) hydrogen sensor is reported. The power consumption in stand‐by mode is smaller than 2 µW. Common‐emitter characteristics show that the sensing base (collector) current gains at 25°C in 0.01%, 0.1%, and 1% H2/N2 are as high as 75 (512), 134, (977), and 233 (2.89 × 103), respectively. Low‐power consumption and high‐sensitive gains are indicative that our HBT together with planar‐type MSM sensor is very promising for applications to hydrogen sensing transistors using one voltage source.
Numerical implementation of the improved Sugama collision operator using a moment approach
Authors: Frei B. J. , Ernst S. , Ricci P.
Published: September 2022

The numerical implementation of the linearized gyrokinetic and drift-kinetic improved Sugama (IS) collision operators, recently introduced by Sugama et al. [Phys. Plasmas 26, 102108 (2019)], is reported. The IS collision operator extends the validity of the widely used original Sugama (OS) operator [Sugama et al., Phys. Plasmas 16, 112503 (2009)] to the Pfirsch–Schlüter collisionality regime. Using a Hermite–Laguerre velocity–space decomposition of the perturbed gyrocenter distribution function that we refer to as the gyro-moment approach, the IS collision operator is written in a form of algebraic coefficients that depend on the mass and temperature ratios of the colliding species and perpendicular wavenumber. A comparison between the IS, OS, and Coulomb collision operators is performed, showing that the IS collision operator is able to approximate the Coulomb collision operator in the case of trapped electron mode in H-mode pedestal conditions better than the OS operator. In addition, the IS operator leads to a level of zonal flow residual which has an intermediate value between the Coulomb and the OS collision operators. The IS operator is also shown to predict a parallel electrical conductivity that approaches the one of the Coulomb operator within less than 1%, while the OS operator can underestimate the parallel electron current by at least 10%. Finally, closed analytical formulas of the lowest order gyro-moments of the IS, OS, and Coulomb operators are given, which are ready to use to describe the collisional effects in reduced gyro-moment fluid models.
Spin wave dispersion relations and isofrequency curve calculations using micromagnetic simulations
Authors: Copus Matthew G. , Stuart Alexandra R. , Camley Robert E. , Buchanan Kristen S.
Published: September 2022

Dispersion relations and isofrequency curves are of critical importance for understanding the behavior of waves, including what frequencies can be excited, how the waves will propagate, and how waves in one system will couple to another. Here, we present methods to extract the dispersion relations and isofrequency curves automatically and conveniently, each from a single micromagnetic simulation run. These methods have significant advantages in that they provide a means to obtain rapid insight into spin wave behavior in complex situations where analytic approaches are difficult or impossible. We present multiple examples to illustrate the methodology and discuss specific issues that need to be considered for the different situations.
Dual-energy fast neutron imaging using tunable short-pulse laser-driven sources
Authors: Williams G. J. , Aufderheide M. , Champley K. M. , Djordjević B. Z. , Ma T. , Ryan C. , Simpson R. A. , Wilks S. C.
Published: September 2022

A novel dual-energy fast neutron imaging technique is presented using short-pulse laser-driven neutron sources to leverage their inherent adaptive spectral control to enable 3D volume segmentation and reconstruction. Laser-accelerated ion beams incident onto secondary targets create directional, broadband, MeV-class neutrons. Synthetic radiographs are produced of multi-material objects using ion and neutron spectra derived from analytic and numerical models. It is demonstrated that neutron images generated from small changes to the neutron spectra, controlled by altering the initial laser conditions, are sufficient to isolate materials with differing attenuation coefficients. This is first demonstrated using a simplistic combinatorial isolation method and then by employing more advanced reconstruction algorithms to reduce artifacts and generate a segmentation volume of the constituent materials.
Study on PN heterojunctions associated bending coupling in flexoelectric semiconductor composites considering the effects of size-dependent and symmetry-breaking
Authors: Li Haoqing , Chu Liangliang , Li Yanbin , Dui Guansuo , Deng Qian
Published: September 2022

Under bending deformation, size-dependent and structure-associated strain gradients can occur at the interface of a flexoelectric semiconductor (FS) PN heterojunction. Consequentially, a giant flexoelectric coupling will be induced to significantly enhance the flexoelectric effect of FS structures. To better understand the strain gradient–enhanced modulation performance and also reveal some other new phenomena, in this work, we theoretically and numerically study a beam shaped FS laminated composite subjected to pure bending loads. We first establish a one-dimensional theoretical model and then numerically explore the mechanical behaviors of the selected FS beam laminate. During analysis, structural symmetry breaking and size effect are considered by tuning the beam structural size and material parameters. We find that different from piezoelectric semiconductors whose mobile charges are driven by the piezo-potential, the mobile charges of FS composites induced by the flexo-potential are deterministically associated with strain gradients. Moreover, the strain gradients can exhibit a strong size-dependent effect and are quite sensitive to structural asymmetry and material parameters. We believe that our work can provide a new way to tune the carrier transport and electromechanical characteristics of a PN junction and thus can be useful to guide the next-generation flexotronic device designs.
Contact property depending on radiation intensity between the perovskite semiconductor layer and electrode film
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Li Xiaoyan , Li Guoli , Hu Wei
Published: September 2022

Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites have been widely studied in high-performance optoelectronic devices. Long-term stability is a key limitation to date in restricting their further development and commercial application. In general, interface properties between a semiconductor and an electrode highly affect device performance and stability. Herein, contact characteristics between the perovskite and electrode varying with illumination status have been first investigated. The results suggest that device's contact resistance (RC), obtained from a transfer length method, decreases as the incident light intensity increases. The RC under a higher irradiation intensity (1.26 mW/cm2) is about one-tenth of that at a lower density (0.08 mW/cm2). Simulation has been performed and shows a similar trend with experimental results. The interface physical model has been discussed based on an energy band theory. The band bending and barrier modulation at the interface under light illumination are originated from the surface states and the localized charges. This work explains the interface in determining device's fundamental properties, including stability, RC variation, and charge carrier transport process. It is significant in understanding the device working mechanism and providing a potential way for perovskite optoelectronic devices with enhanced stability and performance.
Hydrodynamic mechanism of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus during turning maneuvers
Authors: Guo Chun-yu , Liang Ze-jun , Han Yang , Xu Peng , Wang Yong-hao , Kuai Yun-fei
Published: September 2022

Aquatic organisms in their natural environment have soft bodies and flexible mobility. Clarifying the generation, evolution, and dissipation of vortices and jets during turning maneuvers is crucial for understanding the propulsion principle of aquatic species, which, in turn, provides guiding value for fish-like propulsion device design. In this study, time-resolved particle image velocimetry is used to explore the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus while turning. The results showed that M. anguillicaudatus maintained the wavy movement of its trunk by bending different body parts. Pressure gradients that are weaker and stronger than the surrounding environment were formed at the peaks and troughs, respectively, resulting in a thrust mechanism dominated by suction. The body fluctuation and relative fluid motion served to form a vortex. The connection of the separation line of the saddle point to the focus in this process creates an unstable flow structure that accelerates vortex dissipation. Jets are formed between the reverse vortices; the thrust jets provide forward power for turning maneuvers, and the side jets provide turning torque. As the jets and tail are situated at angles to one another, only part of the jet-generated kinetic energy provides power for the fish to swim. Additionally, proper orthogonal decomposition is utilized for objectively filtering high-frequency spatial noise in complex fish wake data. The flow field reconstructed via the mode selection of an appropriate order can be used to clearly show the evolution characteristics of large-scale coherent structures.