bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging toolkits for decoding the co-occurrence of modified histones and chromatin proteins
Authors: Pepin Anne-Sophie , Schneider Robert
Published: August 2024

In eukaryotes, DNA is packaged into chromatin with the help of highly conserved histone proteins. Together with DNA-binding proteins, posttranslational modifications (PTMs) on these histones play crucial roles in regulating genome function, cell fate determination, inheritance of acquired traits, cellular states, and diseases. While most studies have focused on individual DNA-binding proteins, chromatin proteins, or histone PTMs in bulk cell populations, such chromatin features co-occur and potentially act cooperatively to accomplish specific functions in a given cell. This review discusses state-of-the-art techniques for the simultaneous profiling of multiple chromatin features in low-input samples and single cells, focusing on histone PTMs, DNA-binding, and chromatin proteins. We cover the origins of the currently available toolkits, compare and contrast their characteristic features, and discuss challenges and perspectives for future applications. Studying the co-occurrence of histone PTMs, DNA-binding proteins, and chromatin proteins in single cells will be central for a better understanding of the biological relevance of combinatorial chromatin features, their impact on genomic output, and cellular heterogeneity.
Risk factors for long-term cardiovascular post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 infection: A nested case-control study in Hong Kong
Authors: Yu Qiuyan , Fan Min , Lin Celia Jiaxi , Lui David Tak Wai , Tan Kathryn Choon Beng , Yiu Kai Hang , Akyea Ralph Kwame , Qureshi Nadeem , Lai Francisco Tsz Tsun , Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Li Xue , Chan Esther Wai Yin , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Chui Celine Sze Ling
Published: August 2024

People with COVID-19 can experience post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Studies on risk factors of PASC outcomes are ongoing, especially for endocrine system-related diseases that may impact the cardiovascular system. Cardiac-related PASC is one of the burdens after COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to examine the risk factors of cardiac-related PASC. In this nested case-control study, we obtained electronic health records (EHRs) database from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. We defined cases as patients with at least one cardiac-related PASC and controls as patients without any cardiac-related PASC. We applied the incidence density sampling and matched controls to cases on age and sex at a 1:10 ratio. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to determine the associations between risk factors and cardiac-related PASC. A total of 455 individuals with cardiac-related PASC and matched 3,423 controls were obtained in the underlying cohort. COVID-19-associated hospitalisation (aOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.03–1.93) and peripheral vascular disease (aOR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.31–6.79) were associated with an increased likelihood of cardiac-related PASC. Higher doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (2 doses: 0.68 [0.52–0.89]; ≥3 doses: 0.56 [0.40–0.78]) and more frequent healthcare utilization visits (aOR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97) were associated with a lower likelihood of cardiac-related PASC. This is the first study to examine risk factors of cardiac-related PASC among the Chinese population. We identified peripheral vascular disease and COVID-19-associated hospitalisation as the risk factors for cardiac-related PASC. COVID-19 vaccination was protective against cardiac-related PASC, which should be prioritized for high-risk patients.
Fabrication of a graphite-paraffin carbon paste electrode and demonstration of its use in electrochemical detection strategies
Authors: Milne Stuart A. , Lasserre Perrine , Corrigan Damion K.
Published: August 2024

A simple and cheap carbon paste electrode format was developed, having potential in both the direct and indirect detection of biomarkers.
Versatile dehydrogenation of carbonyls enabled by an iodine(iii) reagent
Authors: Botlik Bence B. , Finkelstein Patrick , Paschke Ann-Sophie K. , Reisenbauer Julia C. , Morandi Bill
Published: August 2024

We report the utilisation of an iodine(iii) reagent to access α,β-unsaturated carbonyls from the corresponding silyl enol ethers and enol phosphates. The transformation can also be carried out in one pot, directly dehydrogenating carbonyls.
The lithium effect in ketenyl anion chemistry
Authors: Duari Prakash , Mondal Sunita , Jörges Mike , Gessner Viktoria H.
Published: August 2024

Ketenyl lithium compounds were found to be less thermally stable than their potassium analogues due to the stronger binding of the oxygen of the ketene moiety to the lithium ion, resulting in a more pronounced ynolate character.
Photochemical pincer-catalyzed reductive cyclisation towards indolines and oxindoles
Authors: Singh Vikramjeet , Sinha Nidhi , Adhikari Debashis
Published: August 2024

A pincer ligand in the absence of any metal photocatalyzes the cleavage of strong carbon–chloride bonds and assembles oxindole and isoindoline molecules.
Overview of intentional formation of paired heteroatom sites in zeolite frameworks
Authors: Yabushita Mizuho , Osuga Ryota , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Suganuma Satoshi , Nakajima Kiyotaka , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: August 2024

Intentional placement of two heteroatoms in close proximity in zeolite frameworks is an important task for developing fine-tuned catalysts and ion exchangers and has been achieved via three different strategies.
Biomaterials with cancer cell-specific cytotoxicity: challenges and perspectives
Authors: Chu Zhaoyou , Wang Wanni , Zheng Wang , Fu Wanyue , Wang Yujie , Wang Hua , Qian Haisheng
Published: August 2024

This review covers recent advances in tumour microenvironment-mediated therapies using nanostructured materials, and strategies for creating nanostructures with cancer cell-specific cytotoxicity.
Synthesis of porphyrin(2.1.2.1) Pd(ii) complexes embedded with various π units and their singlet oxygen generation capacity
Authors: Lv Xiaojuan , Chen Feng , Zhou Mingbo , Zhang Tao , Qiu Fengxian , Xue Songlin
Published: August 2024

Porphyrin(2.1.2.1) Pd(ii) complexes embedded with various π units have been synthesized and well verified. The 1O2 generation study indicated that porphyrin(2.1.2.1) Pd(ii) complexes are a novel series of porphyrinoid 1O2 photo sensitizers.
Synthesis, photophysical characterisation, quantum-chemical study and in vitro antiproliferative activity of cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes based on 3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole and N,N-donor ligands
Authors: Masternak Joanna , Okła Karol , Kubas Adam , Voller Jiří , Kozlanská Karolína , Zienkiewicz-Machnik Małgorzata , Gilewska Agnieszka , Sitkowski Jerzy , Kamecka Anna , Kazimierczuk Katarzyna , Barszcz Barbara
Published: August 2024

Cyclometalated complexes of Ir(iii) and phenyl-1H-pyrazole derivatives with N^N auxiliary ligands have been synthesised and fully characterised physicochemically. The resulting complexes exhibit interesting luminescence and are highly potent cytotoxic.
Tapping into the coordinative potential of a C-functional 1,4-diphosphabarrelene using two sets of complementary ligand centres
Authors: Terschüren Tatjana , Schnakenburg Gregor , Streubel Rainer
Published: August 2024

An imidazole-annulated 7,8-dihydro-1,4-diphosphabarrelene diselone and its corresponding bis(NHC) were synthesised and shown to be versatile multitopic ligands with a unique, rigid positioning of their P,Se and P,C coordination sites.
Novel ligands from direct benzylic functionalisation of tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine
Authors: Zardi Paolo , Piękoś Justyna , Bravin Carlo , Wurst Klaus , Droghetti Federico , Natali Mirco , Licini Giulia , Zambon Alfonso , Zonta Cristiano
Published: August 2024

A novel synthetic protocol allows the direct functionalisation of tris-(2-pyridylmethyl)amines (TPA or TPMA) in the benzylic position.
Stability and reliability of perovskite containing solar cells and modules: degradation mechanisms and mitigation strategies
Authors: Baumann Sara , Eperon Giles E. , Virtuani Alessandro , Jeangros Quentin , Kern Dana B. , Barrit Dounya , Schall Jackson , Nie Wanyi , Oreski Gernot , Khenkin Mark , Ulbrich Carolin , Peibst Robby , Stein Joshua S. , Köntges Marc
Published: August 2024

This work summarizes various degradation mechanisms relevant for perovskite photovoltaics on different levels from the single layers over (tandem) solar cells to solar modules hereof and their mitigation strategies to enable reliable solar modules.
Modelling ligand exchange in metal complexes with machine learning potentials
Authors: Juraskova Veronika , Tusha Gers , Zhang Hanwen , Schäfer Lars V. , Duarte Fernanda
Published: August 2024

We introduce a strategy to train machine learning potentials using MACE, an equivariant message-passing neural network, for metal–ligand complexes in explicit solvents.
Liquid–liquid extraction for in situ carboxylic acid recovery via continuous membrane-based emulsion separations
Authors: Chen Yian , Saboe Patrick O. , Kruger Jacob S. , Tan Eric C. D. , Dempsey Jacob W. , Linger Jeffrey G. , Sànchez i Nogué Violeta , Karp Eric M. , Beckham Gregg T.
Published: August 2024

A membrane-based emulsion separator can enable continuous solvent extraction in bioprocessing separations with substantially improved demulsification and mass transfer rates, including where emulsion formation is a challenge.
A novel spectral standardization method capable of eliminating the influence of plasma morphology to improve LIBS performance
Authors: Zhang Deng , Chen Zili , Nie Junfei , Chu Yanwu , Guo Lianbo
Published: August 2024

In this study, a novel spectral standardization method which can eliminate the influence of plasma morphology was proposed to improve the performance of LIBS.
Introduction to Advanced materials for sensing and biomedical applications
Authors: Mishra Yogendra Kumar , Kaushik Ajeet , Singh Avtar
Published: August 2024

Professor Ajeet Kaushik and Professor Yogendra Kumar Mishra introduce the Materials Advances themed collection on Advanced materials for sensing and biomedical applications.
Confining micron silicon suboxide (μ-SiOx) into an N-doped carbon matrix modified by Sn nanoparticles as a stabilized anode material for fast charging lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lin Yu-Yuan , Yu Han-Yi , Lai Hai , Liang Ying-Min , Nan Jun-Min , Sun Yan-Hui
Published: August 2024

Utilizing Sn-modified N-doped carbon networks to encapsulate SiOx to maintain its stability and facilitate lithium-ion and electron migration during charge/discharge.
NHC catalyzed radical tandem cyclization: an efficient synthesis of α,α-difluoro-γ-lactam derivatives
Authors: Huang Tianjiao , Yin Huiping , Li Tuanjie , Yu Chenxia , Zhang Kai , Yao Changsheng
Published: August 2024

An N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed radical tandem cyclization reaction of N-allylbromodifluoroacetamides and aldehydes has been developed. This method provides a protocol for synthesizing α,α-difluoro-γ-lactam derivatives in moderate to good results (27 examples, up to 88% yield, 10 : 1 d.r.).
Facile synthesis of 5α-functionalized pyrroles via multicomponent reactions of vicinal tricarbonyl compounds, enamines, and nucleophiles
Authors: Wan Hua-li , Shi Zhao-ping , Sha Qiang
Published: August 2024

A simple and general strategy was developed for the efficient synthesis of diverse flexible variant α-functionalized pyrrole derivatives.
Photoinduced catalytical reduction of carbonyl compounds using water as a hydrogen source
Authors: Chen Shenhao , Xi Chanjuan
Published: August 2024

A photoinduced iridium-catalyzed PPh3/H2O system for the hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds has been developed, providing a sustainable method for the synthesis of primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, and secondary amines with high atom economy.
Rhodium-catalyzed 1,4-hydroxyl migration of alkenyl alcohols
Authors: Zhang Xue , Yan Jiang-Min , Zhang Jia-Ning , Xiong Si-Qi , Liang Cheng , Li Qing-Hua , Liu Tang-Lin
Published: August 2024

A rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular 1,4-hydroxyl migration of alkenyl alcohols has been reported. The reaction is characterized by the migration of the hydroxyl group from the stable tertiary carbocation to the secondary carbocation.
Correction: Parameter investigation of an organic–inorganic hybrid resin for a 3D-printed microchannel heat exchanger
Authors: Lee Sunjae , Mottafegh Amirreza , Kim Dong-Pyo
Published: August 2024

Correction for ‘Parameter investigation of an organic–inorganic hybrid resin for a 3D-printed microchannel heat exchanger’ by Sunjae Lee et al., React. Chem. Eng., 2024, 9, 2089–2097, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RE00694H.
A novel approach to decentralized sampled‐data fuzzy observer design for nonlinear interconnected systems
Authors: Koo Geun Bum
Published: August 2024

This paper presents the decentralized sampled‐data fuzzy observer design technique for nonlinear interconnected systems based on the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model. The interconnected system is considered that the subsystems include uncertain interconnections and are not needed to satisfy stable conditions. Based on the continuous‐time Lyapunov functional approach, the observer design technique is proposed to minimize the interconnection bound to attenuation degree ratio and formulated into the linear matrix inequality formats. Finally, by simulation example, it shows the validity and superiority of the proposed observer design technique.
Direct position determination of moving targets based on DOA
Authors: He Shuming , Jiang Yuan , Zhao Lei , Lin Guorui , Peng Bo
Published: August 2024

Compared with the traditional two‐step localization methods, the direct position determination (DPD) method is more robust at low signal‐to‐noise ratio. However, to guarantee the optimal location result, the computational complexity of DPD with grid search is too high, especially for moving targets. Therefore, a new DPD method is proposed for moving targets with low computational complexity. First, using a proposed cost function, the position information is obtained from the received array signals directly, which enhances the accuracy of localization. Second, utilizing the method of successional difference the velocity is extracted, which avoid the multi‐dimensional grid search and reduces the computational complexity. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method reduces the computational complexity greatly and outperforms the conventional methods.
A case study on integrating energy‐efficient technologies for display devices
Authors: Rahman Md. Abdur , Tunny Salma Sultana , Bhuiyan Hanif , Islam Md. Rashidul
Published: August 2024

For liquid crystal display‐based devices, the memory sub‐system and backlight consume a notable amount of energy, posing a critical concern, especially for portable devices. This work introduces an integrated display system (IDS) aimed at combining technologies for energy‐efficient memory usage and backlight power optimization, which have been addressed independently until now in the existing literature. Two modifications of approximated memory are proposed to find an optimal scheme for energy‐efficient memory usage as part of the proposed IDS schemes. Additionally, three distinct IDS schemes are proposed and compared to identify an optimum solution, ensuring energy efficiency maximization while maintaining image quality for each image. Experimental results demonstrate that 42.19% of energy consumption in memory access and 37.57% of the backlight power consumption can be reduced, while maintaining the image quality in terms of two different metrics.
Golay complementary sequence and constant envelope orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing‐based for integrated sensing and communication with mutual information analysis
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Rao Bin , Song Dan , Wang Wei , Zou Xiaohai
Published: August 2024

The design of waveforms plays a critical role in integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems. An ISAC waveform with a 0dB peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) is designed by combining a Golay complementary sequence with a constant envelope orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing. By adjusting the phase modulation parameters, this waveform allows for a trade‐offs between communication and sensing capabilities. The authors focus on several key performance metrics for the proposed ISAC waveform, notably using mutual information as a holistic performance indicator to assess both sensing and communication effectiveness. Through extensive numerical simulations, the authors demonstrate that the ISAC waveform significantly enhances detection probability compared to traditional phase‐modulated waveforms. The findings suggest that this approach is beneficial for designing low PAPR phase‐modulated ISAC waveforms, enhancing both the functionality and efficiency of ISAC systems.
A dusty magnetospheric stream explaining the light curves of the dipper objects: Finding a new inclination threshold to produce dippers
Authors: Nagel Erick , Bouvier Jerome , Duarte Adrián E.
Published: August 2024

Context. The so-called “dippers” are young stellar objects that exhibit dimming episodes in their optical light curves. The common interpretation for the occurrence of these dips is that dusty regions periodically or quasi-periodically cross the line of sight toward the object.

Aims. We develop a model where we assume that these regions are located at the intersection of the magnetospheric stream with the disk. The stream is fed by gas and dust coming from the disk. As the material follows the magnetic field lines above the disk plane, it forms an opaque screen that partially blocks the stellar emission. The amount of extinction caused by the material crossing the line of sight depends on the abundance and location of the dust along the stream, which depends on the degree of dust evaporation due to the heating by the star.

Methods. We run hydrodynamical simulations of dusty accretion streams to produce synthetic dipper light curves for a sample of low-mass young stars still accreting from their disk according to evolutionary models. We compare the distribution of the light curve amplitudes between the synthetic sample and observed samples of dippers from various star-forming regions.

Results. Dust evaporation along the accretion column drives the distribution of photometric amplitudes. Our results suggest that most of the observed dippers correspond to systems seen at high inclination. However, dust survival within accretion columns may also produce dippers at lower inclination, down to about 45°. We find that the dust temperature arising from stellar irradiation should be increased by a factor 1.6 to find consistency between the fraction of dippers our model predicts in star-forming regions and the observed fraction of 20–30%.

Conclusions. Transient dust survival in accretion columns appear as an alternative (or complementary) mechanism to inner disk warp occultation in order to account for low-inclination dippers in star-forming regions.
Parameter study for hot spot trajectories around SgrA*
Authors: Antonopoulou Eleni , Nathanail Antonios
Published: August 2024

Context. Intense flaring events in the near-infrared and X-ray wavebands of our Galactic center have been the subject of research for decades. In recent years, the GRAVITY instrument of the Very Large Telescope captured the motion and polarimetric signature of such a flare in close proximity to the supermassive black hole.

Aims. This study aims to investigate a broad parameter space for hot spot motion in the vicinity of SgrA* and reproduce the observed flaring behavior.

Methods. To this end, we have developed a general relativistic radiative transfer code and conducted a parameter study including both planar and ejected hot spot configurations around supermassive black holes.

Results. Super-Keplerian orbital frequencies are favored by circular equatorial, cylindrical and parabolic models, whereas conical hot spot trajectories provide a better fit for orbital frequencies below the Keplerian value. Additionally, a distant observer cannot effectively differentiate between Schwarzschild and Kerr black holes, as well as face-on orbits at different observation angles.
The rich galactic environment of a H2-absorption-selected quasar
Authors: Urbina F. , Noterdaeme P. , Berg T. A. M. , Balashev S. , López S. , Bian F.
Published: August 2024

We present the first Very Large Telescope (VLT) Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) observations of a quasar featuring a proximate molecular absorption system, SDSS J125917.31+030922.5. The proximate damped Lyα absorption acts as a natural coronagraph, removing the quasar emission over ∼40 Å in wavelength, and allows us to detect extended Lyα emission without the necessity of subtracting the quasar emission. This natural coronagraph permits the investigation of the quasar environment down to its inner regions (r < 20 kpc), where galaxy interactions or feedback processes should have the most noticeable effects. Our observations reveal a dense environment, with a highly asymmetric Lyα emission within 2″ (∼15 kpc), possibly shaped by a companion galaxy, and a southern extension of the nebulae to about 50 kpc, with rotation-like kinematic signature. The width of the Lyα emission is broadest closer to the quasar, indicating perturbed kinematics as expected if interactions and significant gas flows are present. The foreground absorbing system itself is redshifted by ≈400 km/s relative to the background quasar, and therefore is likely arising from gas moving toward the quasar. Finally two additional Lyα emitters are detected with > 10σ significance at 96 and 223 kpc from the quasar, making this field overdense relative to other similar observations of quasars at z ∼ 3. Our results support the hypothesis that quasars with proximate neutral and molecular absorption trace rich environments where galaxy interactions are at play and motivates further studies of H2-selected quasars to shed light on feeding and feedback processes.
Exploring female consumers’ attitudes toward green cosmetics
Authors: Kazançoğlu İpek , Köse Şirin Gizem
Published: August 2024

As consumers’ interest in green cosmetics and their desire for the presence of natural, eco-friendly ingredients in cosmetic products increase, the green cosmetics market has also grown increasingly. The aim of this study is to examine female consumers’ attitudes towards green cosmetics with a qualitative approach. Research data was collected by in- depth interview method and analysed by content analysis. Within the scope of the study, first of all, the packaging preferences of the participants in cosmetic products were examined and how the participants defined green cosmetics was investigated. Then, the themes that positively and negatively affected the participants’ attitudes towards green cosmetics were revealed. According to the study results, limited product availability, perception of high price, scepticism, and attitude-behavior gap negatively affect attitudes, while WOM [word of mouth] and social media, emotional value, health consciousness, and price-value image positively affect attitudes.
Economic recovery modelling from COVID-19 impact
Authors: Sokil Oleh , Podolchak Nazar , Bilyk Olena , Tsygylyk Natalia , Chepil Bohdan
Published: August 2024

This article is devoted to the development of an economic model for assessing the possibilities of overcoming the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various economic indicators (GDP, Investment, Consumption, Government expenditure, Taxes, Export, Import, Unemployment rate, Capital, Interest rate level) are integrated into the research to examine how economic growth fluctuated during the pandemic and to forecast possible paths out of it. The research involves analyzing a mix of indices, a quadratic-correlated regression, and constructing the Integral economic indicator for correcting and overcoming COVID-19 outcomes after checking out their effectiveness from different adjustments launched to address global coronavirus crises from 2021. However, in order to stimulate economic growth and increase financial stability, it is necessary to take comprehensive measures. In this study, it is underscored that the key to building resilient economies; they should be able to withstand shocks that may occur tomorrow is the integration of economic, social environmental and political factors into the recovery model. The paper underscores how critical it is to come up with economic models able to tackle general issues presented by global crises that are multifaceted in nature such as COVID-19 pandemic.
Sustainable development and digitalization of human resource management during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Podolchak Nazar , Martyniuk Volodymyr , Tsygylyk Natalia , Dziurakh Yurii , Vaskovych Iryna
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in personnel management within public administration in Ukraine. Therefore, the study aims to analyze the changes in the digitalization of human resource management during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on sustainable development, as the eighth goal promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Additionally, since human resources and their management are crucial for accomplishing tasks, it is vital to assess the changes in management and their negative or positive impact on the workforce potential. The study employed the following methods: deductive - to define the components of the human resource management system; analysis and synthesis - to investigate the changes in the public administration human resource management system that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; factor analysis using Minitab software - to forecast and identify critical factors influencing the effectiveness of the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS). It was found that there was a significant acceleration of digital transformation in public administration in Ukraine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, notably an increase in the number of organizations implementing the HRMIS system, covering 15% of civil servants within two months of 2023, improvements in the training system, and enhancements in legislative regulation that facilitated more effective integration of the digital HRMIS system and accelerated the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Prospects for financing measures for post-war environmental restoration in Ukraine
Authors: Davydenko Nadiia , Titenko Zoia , Lemishko Olena , Demianenko Inna
Published: August 2024

Environmental protection requires significant financial resources to implement environmental protection measures and ecological programs, which are incredibly urgent. The effective financing of this area is necessary to ensure the safety of the environment and the rational use of natural resources. The peculiarities of state financing of environmental protection expenditures in Ukraine and its impact on environmental safety are studied in this article. The consequences of a full-scale Russian invasion are presented in the article. It analyses the dynamics of total environmental spending, the amount of actual and planned budgetary spending on environmental protection, and how it’s structured. The results of the research have shown some problems in the field of budgetary financing of environmental protection, especially: the insufficient state of financing of environmental protection activities, failure to meet planned indicators of budget programs and other important problems. The authors propose to ensure adequate financing of environmental protection measures, targeted and effective use of environmental funds in order to solve these problems.
The Susceptibility of Escherichia Coli to Antibiotic Treatment for
Pediatric Patients With Febrile Urinary Tract Infections in the Bratislava
Region
Authors: Pitekova Barbora , Konopásek Patrik , Babelova Miriama , Gecz Jakub , Hlasna Kristina , Breza Jan , Barton Peter , Zieg Jakub
Published: August 2024

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common types of bacterial infections
in childhood. Normally, empiric antibiotic therapy is given based on local
antimicrobial susceptibility. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate
bacterial resistance and clinical responses to antibiotics in childhood febrile
urinary tract infections (fUTIs) in the Bratislava region of Slovakia. A total
of 182 children with a fUTI were enrolled in our retrospective study. 84,07% of
these fUTIs were caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli). According to
microbial antibiotic susceptibility tests, the most effective antibiotic agents
were third-generation cephalosporins (susceptibility was observed in 92,16%
(n=141) of the cases), followed by aminopenicillins with betalactamase inhibitor
(susceptibility was observed in 84,97% (n=130) of the cases) and
trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (susceptibility was observed in 79,74% (n=122) of
the cases). In contrast, E. coli was susceptible to second-generation
cephalosporins in just 3,92% (n=6). Patients treated with third-generation
cephalosporins achieved a clinical response to therapy almost in all of the
cases (95,7% (n=66)), whereas second-generation cephalosporins were associated
with a clinical response to therapy in only 55,9% (n=33) of the cases.
Third-generation cephalosporins and aminopenicillins with a betalactamase
inhibitor appear to be the most suitable initial antibiotic therapies in
pediatric patients with fUTIs. Following current guidelines alongside the
regular assessment of regional microbial antibiotic susceptibilities should
provide the best treatment management for children with fUTIs.
Aesthetic Auricle Reconstruction with the Dieffenbach Flap: A Retrospective Case Review
Authors: Bennett Anne L. , Nissan Michael E. , Niksic Amor , Basagaoglu Berkay , Thornton James
Published: August 2024

The Dieffenbach flap is often used for post-Mohs reconstruction of auricle defects, effectively restoring the auricle rim. However, its impact on auricle projection and length after division and inset is not well-documented. This study evaluates auricle projection and length following defect repair with the Dieffenbach flap, comparing results to the nonoperative ear. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent a Dieffenbach flap repair surgery at a single institution from 2016 to 2023. Auricle projection and length of the reconstructed ear were measured within the first month following division and inset of the flap and compared with the contralateral ear. A subset of patients had additional measurements > 1 month following division and inset, and these measurements were compared with the contralateral ear. Our study included 23 patients with an average age 67.4 years and 78.3% male. Within 1 month following division and inset, the Dieffenbach flap resulted in a significant decrease in auricle projection (16.5 vs. 18.6 mm, p < 0.05) and length (67.0 vs. 69.7 mm, p < 0.05) compared with the contralateral ear. Subsequent follow-up showed no significant differences in projection (18.5 vs. 18.5 mm, p = 0.98) or length (68.0 vs. 68.7 mm, p = 0.54). Following division and inset of the Dieffenbach flap, auricle projection and length experience initial reduction but subsequently self-correct to match the contralateral ear.
Photoredox-Catalyzed Synthesis of N-Aryl γ-Lactams via Radical Addition–Cyclization Cascade
Authors: Azim Aznur , Vasudevan Vidhul , De Sarkar Suman , Mandal Tanumoy
Published: August 2024

A visible-light mediated one-pot synthesis of N-aryl γ-lactams is developed following a cascade radical addition/cyclization sequence. This transition metal-free approach proceeds efficiently at room temperature, employing an organic dye as the photocatalyst. Inexpensive N-arylglycines and acrylic acid derivatives were used as the starting materials and a vast array of diversely substituted N-aryl γ-lactams were synthesized in moderate to excellent yields. Detailed mechanistic experiments and comprehensive photophysical studies elucidated a plausible reaction mechanism.
The Value of Ammonia as a Biomarker in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Ballester Maria Pilar , Durmazer Esra Nur , Qi Tingting , Jalan Rajiv
Published: August 2024

Ammonia is a product of amino acid metabolism that accumulates in the blood of patients with cirrhosis and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Despite being one of the main drivers of brain dysfunction, for many years international societies stated that increased blood ammonia does not add any diagnostic, staging, or prognostic value for HE in patients with cirrhosis. Nonetheless, in the last decades, evidence is emerging that supports the utility of ammonia for risk stratification, but its role in guiding HE diagnosis, staging, and treatment is unclear and there is equipoise in its use in clinical practice. This review provides the latest evidence on the value of ammonia as a biomarker in patients with cirrhosis. Although correct measurement of ammonia requires disciplined sample collection, it provides extremely useful clinical guidance for the diagnosis of HE, offers prognostic information, and it defines a therapeutic target.
Endoluminal radiofrequency ablation with stenting versus stenting alone in patients with malignant biliary obstruction: a meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Ramai Daryl , Maida Marcello , Smith Eric R. , Wang Yichen , Spadaccini Marco , Previtera Melissa , Chandan Saurabh , Huang Yuting , Tokmak Salih , Bhandari Peter , DuBroff Jason , Ko Christopher , Morris John D. , Marasco Giovanni , Crinó Stefano Francesco , Facciorusso Antonio , Mangiavillano Benedetto , Khashab Mouen A
Published: August 2024

Background: Endoluminal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a palliative treatment for patients suffering from malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of RFA on stent patency, patient survival, and adverse events.

Methods: Major databases were searched through December 2023 for patients who had undergone stenting with or without RFA for extrahepatic MBO. A random-effects model was used for analysis, with results expressed as relative risk ratios (RRs) with 95%CIs.

Results: Nine RCTs involving 750 subjects with MBO (374 RFA plus stent vs. 376 stent only) were included. Meta-analysis revealed similar risks of stent patency at 3 months (RR 1.01, 95%CI 0.92–1.11; I
2 = 4%) for RFA plus stenting vs. stent only. Meta-analysis showed improved survival at 6 months (RR 0.84, 95%CI 0.73–0.96; I
2 = 21%; P = 0.01) for RFA plus stenting vs. stent only. Subgroup analysis comparing plastic vs. uncovered metal stents showed that stent patency was unaffected at 3 months (RR 1.06, 95%CI 0.91–1.23; I
2 = 17%). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with cholangiocarcinoma experienced an overall survival benefit with RFA plus stenting vs. stenting alone (P < 0.001); however, stent patency remained unaffected (P = 0.08). An increased incidence of cholecystitis was noted with RFA plus stenting vs. stenting alone (5.1% [95%CI 3.1%–7.8%] vs. 0.3% [95%CI 0.01%–1.5%], respectively).

Conclusion: Combining endoluminal RFA and stenting may improve overall survival in patients with MBO. RFA did not significantly impact stent patency.
Reimagining the familiar stranger as a source of security: generating guardianship through everyday mobility
Authors: Zahnow Renee , Corcoran Jonathan
Published: August 2024

The familiar stranger is a social phenomenon that emerges from the serial reproduction of daily routines, structured around urban places and practices, that results in repeated encounters with the same individuals over time. Scholarship suggests that increased familiarity among individuals might incur crime control benefits at places by reducing individual anonymity and enhancing the moral obligation to obey behavioural norms. Familiarity with place-based norms and regularities can also enhance guardianship capacity and willingness to intervene when problems arise. In this paper, we detail a framework that integrates geographical, sociological, and psychological understandings of urban daily life to conceptualize the familiar stranger as a uniquely urban phenomenon emerging from multiple social processes synchronising in time-space. Our framework highlights the capacity for variation in relation to intensity contingent on daily regularities, place attributes, structures and social norms and provides for future measurement, modelling, and monitoring of familiar strangers as a protective factor against crime that can be ascribed to individuals, places and/or social systems. We include an operationalisation of our framework for a single use case, namely familiar stranger encounters in a public transit network.
Made in Frankfurt? The Monetary Policy of the Swiss National Bank Since 1973
Authors: Rathke Alexander , Straumann Tobias
Published: August 2024

The paper investigates the monetary policy of the Swiss National Bank (SNB) in the post-Bretton Woods era, shedding light on the dynamics between the SNB and the Bundesbank and its successor, the European Central Bank, respectively. Our econometric analysis shows a high degree of synchronisation between the SNB’s interest rate changes and the decisions made in Frankfurt. The results also suggest a strong tendency toward direct exchange rate targeting before 1999, which coincides with a period of lower demand shock synchronization. This finding is supported by our analysis of the minutes of the Governing Board of the SNB for the period between 1982 and 1993. The discussions and decisions of the board show that Swiss monetary policy was largely guided by policy rate changes of the Bundesbank. The SNB routinely set the policy rate below the policy rate of the Bundesbank to enforce an implicit exchange rate target.
Individual differences in attention and working memory modulate the process of tone merging: evidence from Macau Cantonese
Authors: Wang Han , Gao Fei , Zhang Jingwei
Published: August 2024

Cognitive functions, including attention and working memory, have been recognized to be associated with tone processing. However, it remains unclear how these cognitive functions might modulate the process of tone merging. In Macau Cantonese, three pairs of tones are currently undergoing or have completed merging, exhibiting different rates and ranges of merging within the speech community, providing a valuable opportunity to investigate this issue. Through a perception task, a production task, and a series of cognitive function tasks, we examined differences in cognitive performances among individuals distinguishing different tone pairs and explored the correlations between various indices of tone processing and cognitive functions. The results revealed that the completed merging of the T2–T5 pair showed no significant correlation with cognitive functions in perception and production. The T3–T6 pair, with an intermediate merging speed, exhibited a significant positive correlation between cognitive functions and both their perception and production. In contrast, the T4–T6 pair, characterized by a slower merging speed, showed a correlation only in the perception modality. Our findings suggested that cognitive functions affect tones at different stages of the merging process, influencing their perception and production in distinct ways. The results provide a novel perspective on the origin of tonal variation and the relationship between perception and production.
Author correction to “Enhanced property of thin cuprous oxide film prepared through green synthetic route”
Authors: Kasmi Achraf El , Vieker Henning , Wu Ling-nan , Beyer André , Chafik Tarik , Tian Zhen-yu
Published: August 2024

This correction adds some information to our publication [Chin. J. Chem. Phys. 32, 365–372 (2019)] that we previously missed to include.
Comment on “Binding Debye–Hückel theory for associative electrolyte solutions” [J. Chem. Phys. 159, 154503 (2023)]
Authors: Simonin Jean-Pierre , Bernard Olivier
Published: August 2024

It is argued that the Binding Debye–Hückel (BiDH) model proposed by Naseri Boroujeni et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 159, 154503 (2023)] might not be appropriate for the description of Monte Carlo simulation data obtained for primitive model electrolytes. The first reason is that the original Debye–Hückel (DH) theory is of low accuracy for describing deviations from ideality in concentrated solutions of strong salts. The DH framework is thus a poor basis for building a model including association. The second reason is that the mean-spherical approximation, without assumption of association, apparently predicts Monte Carlo (MC) data for primitive electrolytes better than BiDH. Thus, the BiDH model seems to be simply a way of compensating for the deficiencies of DH theory by assuming association.
Realization of a chip-based hybrid trapping setup for 87Rb atoms and Yb+ ion crystals
Authors: Bahrami A. , Schmidt-Kaler F.
Published: August 2024

Hybrid quantum systems integrate laser-cooled trapped ions and ultracold quantum gases within a single experimental configuration, offering vast potential for applications in quantum chemistry, polaron physics, quantum information processing, and quantum simulations. In this study, we introduce the development and experimental validation of an ion trap chip that incorporates a flat atomic chip trap directly beneath it. This innovative design addresses specific challenges associated with hybrid atom–ion traps by providing precisely aligned and stable components, facilitating independent adjustments of the depth of the atomic trapping potential, and positioning trapped ions. Our findings include the simultaneous loading of the ion trap with linear Yb+ ion crystals and the loading of neutral 87Rb atoms into a mirror magneto-optical trap.
Chemiresistive effect of p-type delafossite CuScO2 microsheets to gaseous alcohols
Authors: Liu Hai , Zong Yu , Zhao Tingting , Yang Zhi , Zhong Lunchao , Zhu Wenhuan
Published: August 2024

The chemiresistive effect of an oxide significantly influences its electrical properties, which depend greatly on the interactions between the ambient gas molecules and the solid surface, including the gas adsorption and charge transfer still challenging to be clarified. In this work, we investigate the chemiresistive effect of the p-type delafossite CuScO2 microsheets by comparing their responses to various gaseous alcohols, which increase with an approximately linear relationship with the length of straight carbon chains from methanol to n-hexanol. A new mechanism is proposed to elucidate such a dramatic trend of observed chemiresistive change based on the first-principles calculations and test results. The increasing carbon chain length modulates the adsorption configuration and provides supplementary routes for electron transfer, which is assumed to account for the observed chemiresistive effect. This work may provide a novel perspective for the investigation and development of more advanced functional oxides for electrical applications.
Diagnosing hot-spot symmetry in surrogate ignition experiments via secondary DT-neutron spectroscopy at the NIF
Authors: Adrian P. J. , Bionta R. , Casey D. , Johnson M. Gatu , Kerr S. , Lahmann B. , Li C. K. , Nora R. , Petrasso R. D. , Rigon G. , Schlossberg D. , Séguin F. H. , Frenje J. A.
Published: August 2024

The directional energy spectrum of neutrons generated from the in-flight fusion reaction of 1-MeV tritons contains information about the hot-spot symmetry. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) fields Symmetry Capsule (Symcap) implosions, which have historically measured the symmetry of the radiation, drive by measuring the hot-spot shape via x-ray self-emission. Symcaps are used to tune the hot-spot symmetry for ignition experiments at the NIF. This work shows the relationship between directional secondary DT-n spectra and x-ray imaging data for a large database of Symcap implosions. A correlation is observed between the relative widths of the DT-n spectra measured with nTOFs and the shape measured with x-ray imaging. A Monte Carlo model, which computes the directional secondary DT-n spectrum, is used to interpret the results. A comparison of the x-ray and secondary DT-n data with the Monte Carlo model indicates that 56% of the variance between the two datasets is explained by a P2 asymmetry. More advanced simulations using HYDRA suggest that the unaccounted variance is due to P1 and P4 asymmetries present in the hot spot. The comparison of secondary DT-n data and x-ray imaging data to the modeling shows the DT-n data contain important information that supplements current P2 measurements and contain new information about the P1 asymmetry.
Nonlinear scaling of photon radiation power in relativistic plasma current filamentation instability with beam parameters
Authors: Hu Zhang-Hu , Zhai Wen-Yuan , Lan Jie-Jie , Wang You-Nian
Published: August 2024

We investigate in this work the photon radiation of relativistic electron beams in the magnetic fields induced by plasma current filamentation instability. An analytical model is proposed, and the radiated power is shown to depend only on the beam density, charge, and energy. The radiated power in the beam–plasma system increases significantly in the linear stage of the instability due to beam filament merger and becomes saturated in the nonlinear stage. Detailed electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulations are performed and the nonlinear scalings of the radiated power with beam parameters are found, showing good agreement with the analytical model.
Harnessing collisional nonlinearity for enhanced harmonic generation by ultraviolet plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Silvestri Matteo , Venturi Matteo , Di Muzio Mattia , Adhikary Raju , Ferrante Carino , Benassi Paola , Marini Andrea
Published: August 2024

We investigate the contribution of inelastic electron collisions to nonlinear (NL) dynamics in ultraviolet plasmonic nanoparticles, exploring their potential for harmonic generation. Employing the Landau weak coupling formalism to model radiation-driven electron dynamics in sodium and aluminum, we account for both electron–electron and electron–phonon scattering processes by a set of hydrodynamic equations, which we solve perturbatively to obtain third-order NL susceptibilities. Furthermore, we model high harmonic generation enhanced by localized surface plasmons in nanospheres composed of such poor metals, demonstrating their efficient operation for extreme ultraviolet generation. Our investigation reveals that plasmonic nanospheres composed of sodium and aluminum produce a large field intensity enhancement of ≃103–105, boosting the harmonic generation process. Our findings indicate that poor metals hold great promise for advanced extreme ultraviolet nano-sources with potential applications in nano-spectroscopy.
Couette flow turbulence reduction by the flow spanwise reflection symmetry breaking: On the universality of the control strategy
Authors: Chagelishvili George , Khujadze George , Gogichaishvili David
Published: August 2024

We investigate the effectiveness and universality of the turbulence control strategy for wall-bounded shear flows proposed by Chagelishvili et al. The basis of this strategy is the continuous seeding of the flow viscous sub-layer with spanwise asymmetric and specially designed velocity perturbations. This seed velocity field, amplifying due to the shear flow non-normality, breaks the flow spanwise reflection symmetry, specifically leading to the generation of a secondary nonuniform spanwise mean flow, which significantly reduces the flow turbulence. For now, this strategy is realized by a weak near-wall volume forcing, which, though theoretical/hypothetical, initiates the needed seed velocity field in the flow. To confirm the practical significance of this control strategy, we evaluated its effectiveness in the plane Couette flow at various Reynolds numbers, and with the forcing locations at different distances from the wall. The universality of the discussed turbulence control strategy is shown through the direct numerical simulations. The simulations with the near-wall volume forcing having specially designed, fixed configuration and amplitude result in the reduction of turbulence kinetic energy production by 30%–40% across a wider range of Reynolds numbers, Reτ=52, 92, 128, and 270, and the forcing various wall-normal localizations in plus units, ypeak+=0.16, 0.28, 0.38, 0.81, 2.56, and  2.76.