bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on presentations of self-harm over an 18-month period to a tertiary hospital
Authors: O’Malley A. , McIntyre A. , McGilloway A. , Doherty A. , Hallahan B.
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

To examine and compare rates and methods of self-harm presenting to a tertiary referral hospital during an 18-month period since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with a similar period immediately prior to the pandemic onset.

Methods:

Data from an anonymized database compared rates of self-harm presentations and methods employed between 1st March 2020 and 31st August 2021 to a similar time-frame prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results:

A 9.1% increase in presentations with self-harm was noted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Periods of more stringent restrictions were associated with higher levels of self-harm (daily rate of 2.10 v 0.77). A higher lethality of attempt was demonstrated post-COVID-19 onset (χ2 = 15.38, p < 0.001). Fewer individuals presenting with self-harm were diagnosed with an adjustment disorder since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 84, 11.1%, v. n = 112, 16.2%, χ2 = 7.898, p = 0.005), with no other differences pertaining to psychiatric diagnosis noted. More patients actively engaged with mental health services (MHS) presented with self-harm (n = 239 (31.7%) v. n = 137, (19.8%), χ2 = 40.798, p ≤ 0.001) since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:

Despite an initial reduction, an increase in rates of self-harm has occurred since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with higher rates evident during periods of higher government mandated restrictions. An increase in active patients of MHS presenting with self-harm potentially relates to reduced availability of supports and particularly group activities. The recommencement of group therapeutic interventions for individuals attending MHS in particular is warranted.
Multiplication is to addition as addition is to what?
Authors: Sporn Howard
Published: February 2023

When children are first taught about multiplication of the natural numbers, it is usually presented as repeated addition. Later, learning about raising to an exponent is presented as repeated multiplication. Then the following analogy is obvious: addition is to multiplication as multiplication is to raising to an exponent. An interesting question is to ask what happens if we go in the other direction. That is, multiplication is to addition as addition is to what? In this paper, we will answer this question, and show that there are several possible operations that could be used to answer the question. Some of them will be presented in connection with algebraic semirings. A semiring is a set, together with two operations, semiring addition and semiring multiplication, satisfying certain properties. We will define several semirings, such that the semiring multiplication is ordinary addition. In each case, the semiring addition will then be an answer to the question in the title of this paper.
Visualising connections between types of polygonal number
Authors: Sarp Umit
Published: February 2023

Figurate numbers are numbers that can be represented by a regular and discrete geometric pattern of evenly-spaced points. Their study has attracted the attention of many mathematicians and scientists since the dawn of mathematical history, including Pythagoras of Samos (582 BC-507 BC), Diophantus of Alexandria (200/214-284/298), Fibonacci (1170-1250), Pierre de Fermat (1601-1665), Leonhard Euler (1707-1783), Waclaw Franciszek Sierpińshi (1882-1969) [1]. Although it is not one of the basic topics, it serves many fields of mathematics, such as Number Theory and Geometry. Many special numbers are related to figurate numbers. Polynomial values, some theorems and solutions of Diophantine equations are expressed in figurate numbers and studied [2, 3, 4]. Two-dimensional figurate numbers are known as polygonal numbers. In the early 1990's, polygonal numbers were expressed and visualised with the help of computers [5]. Richard K. Guy asked the question ‘Every number is expressible as the sum of how many polygonal numbers?’ [6]. As can be understood from his study, it is seen that most of the studies conducted are about ordinary polygonal numbers. But Euler proved the ‘generalized pentagonal number theorem’ about partitions [7].
Cryptography based on algebraic perpendicularities
Authors: Tossavainen Timo
Published: February 2023

Cryptography, the mathematics of protecting secret or sensitive information, is a continuously evolving area of interest. A concrete example of this is the fact that worldwide spending on information security and risk management technology and services has been estimated to reach over $150 billion in 2021. Modern cryptography is actually not a single separate domain of mathematics but an advanced encryption scheme can be based on applications of results in number theory, such as the Euler–Fermat Theorem, or involve the discrete logarithm problem using either a primitive root of a large prime or an element of an elliptic curve over a prime field. In the background, probability theory, statistics, studies on computational models and finite geometries, etc. play a major role. Recent research has considered even DNA-based molecular cryptography systems.
Looking at Suez Canal Infrastructures: Water, Plants, and the Urban Drainage, Sewage, and Bathroom Systems
Authors: Gamal-Eldin Mohamed
Published: February 2023

They (infrastructures)are political structures and cultural forms that have, for some time, been associated as symbols, promises, and vectors of modernity.
Are there negative cycles of peer victimization and rejection sensitivity? Testing ri-CLPMs in two longitudinal samples of young adolescents
Authors: Kellij Sanne , Lodder Gerine M.A. , Giletta Matteo , Zimmer-Gembeck Melanie J. , Güroğlu Berna , Veenstra René
Published: February 2023

This study’s aim was to examine whether there are negative increasing cycles of peer victimization and rejection sensitivity over time. Drawing from Social Information Processing Theory, we hypothesized that victimization leads to higher levels of rejection sensitivity, which would put adolescents at risk for higher future victimization. Data were collected in a four-wave study with 233 Dutch adolescents starting secondary education (Mage = 12.7 years), and a three-wave study with 711 Australian adolescents in the last years of primary school (Mage = 10.8 years). Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were used to disentangle between-person from within-person effects. In each sample, a significant between-person association was found: adolescents with higher levels of victimization as compared to their peers also reported higher levels of rejection sensitivity. At the within-person level, all concurrent associations between individual fluctuations of victimization and rejection sensitivity were significant, but there were no significant cross-lagged effects (except in some sensitivity analyses). These findings demonstrate that victimization and rejection sensitivity are interrelated, but there may not be negative victimization-rejection sensitivity cycles during the early-middle adolescent years. Possibly, cycles establish earlier in life or results are due to shared underlying factors. Further research is needed examining different time lags between assessments, age groups, and contexts.
Physicians Controlling Women’s Reproductive Choices: The Slow Liberalization of Abortion Laws in Finland
Authors: Takala Tuija , Häyry Matti
Published: February 2023

This paper provides an overview of the development and the sociopolitical background of legislation pertaining to abortion in Finland from the nineteenth century to the current day. The first Abortion Act came to force in 1950. Before that, abortions were handled under criminal law. The 1950 law was restrictive and allowed abortions in very limited circumstances only. Its main aim was to reduce the number of abortions and especially illegal abortions. It was not very successful in reaching these goals, but, significantly, it moved abortions from the realm of the criminal law to the hands of medical professionals. The birth of the welfare state and the prenatal attitudes of 1930s and 1940s Europe played their part in shaping the law. By late 1960s, with the rise of the women’s rights movement and other changes in society, there was pressure to change the outdated law. The new 1970 Abortion Act was broader and allowed abortions for limited social reasons too but left very limited, if any, room for a woman’s right to choose. After a citizen’s initiative in 2020, the year 2023 will see a significant amendment to the 1970 law; during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, an abortion can be performed on the woman’s request alone. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of women’s rights and abortion laws in Finland.
Effects of a household air pollution intervention using liquefied petroleum gas stoves, continuous fuel distribution and behavioural messaging on dietary and sodium intake of adult women in Puno, Peru: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tarazona-Meza Carla , Williams Kendra N , Malpartida Gary , Kephart Josiah L , Fandiño-Del-Río Magdalena , Simkovich Suzanne , Hossen Shakir , Chiang Marilu , Koehler Kirsten , Checkley William ,   Cardiopulmonary Outcomes and Household Air Pollution (CHAP) trial Investigators
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Household air pollution (HAP) is a widespread environmental exposure worldwide. While several cleaner fuel interventions have been implemented to reduce personal exposures to HAP, it is unclear if cooking with cleaner fuels also affects the choice of meals and dietary intake.

Design:

Individually randomised, open-label controlled trial of a HAP intervention. We aimed to determine the effect of a HAP intervention on dietary and Na intake. Intervention participants received a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stove, continuous fuel delivery and behavioural messaging during 1 year whereas control participants continued with usual cooking practices that involved the use of biomass-burning stoves. Dietary outcomes included energy, energy-adjusted macronutrients and Na intake at baseline, 6 months and 12 months post-randomisation using 24-h dietary recalls and 24-h urine. We used t-tests to estimate differences between arms in the post-randomisation period.

Setting:

Rural settings in Puno, Peru.

Participants:

One hundred women aged 25–64 years.

Results:

At baseline, control and intervention participants were similar in age (47·4 v. 49·5 years) and had similar daily energy (8894·3 kJ v. 8295·5 kJ), carbohydrate (370·8 g v. 373·3 g) and Na intake (4·9 g v. 4·8 g). One year after randomisation, we did not find differences in average energy intake (9292·4 kJ v. 8788·3 kJ; P = 0·22) or Na intake (4·5 g v. 4·6 g; P = 0·79) between control and intervention participants.

Conclusions:

Our HAP intervention consisting of an LPG stove, continuous fuel distribution and behavioural messaging did not affect dietary and Na intake in rural Peru.
Global Variability of Density Contrast Across the 660‐km Discontinuity
Authors: Wang Jingchuan , Gu Yu Jeffrey , Schmerr Nicholas
Published: February 2023

This study investigates lateral variations in density contrast across the 660‐km discontinuity, which is critical for understanding mantle convection and composition. We produce a global map of density jump, with values ranging from 3.8% to 9.3%, at the mineralogical phase boundary by applying inversions of amplitude variations with offset to underside S reflections. Our observations reveal a global average velocity jump of 4.1% and a density jump of 5.3%, favoring a pyrolitic bulk composition. Near major subduction zones, most notably the western Pacific and South America, we identify reduced density jumps in regions of depressed 660‐km discontinuity, consistent with basalt fractions greater than 30% in a mechanically mixed mantle. The causal association between density jump and compositional changes is further supported by a moderate correlation between lateral variations in density jump and those of water content anomalies.
Experimental Measurement of Enhanced and Hindered Particle Settling in Turbulent Gas‐Particle Suspensions, and Geophysical Implications
Authors: Penlou Baptiste , Roche Olivier , Manga Michael , van den Wildenberg Siet
Published: February 2023

The dynamics of geophysical dilute turbulent gas‐particles mixtures depends to a large extent on particle concentration, which in turn depends predominantly on the particle settling velocity. We experimentally investigate air‐particle mixtures contained in a vertical pipe in which the velocity of an ascending air flux matches the settling velocity of glass particles. To obtain local particle concentrations in these mixtures, we use acoustic probing and air pressure measurements and show that these independent techniques yield similar results for a range of particle sizes and particle concentrations. Moreover, we find that in suspensions of small particles (78 μm) the settling velocity increases with the local particle concentration due to the formation of particle clusters. These clusters settle with a velocity that is four times faster than the terminal settling velocity of single particles, and they double settling speeds of the suspensions. In contrast, in suspensions of larger particles (467 μm) the settling velocity decreases with increasing particle concentration. Although particle clusters are still present in this case, the settling velocity is decreased by 30%, which is captured by a hindered settling model. These results suggest an interplay between hindered settling and cluster‐induced enhanced settling, which in our experiments occur respectively at Stokes number O(100) and O(1). We discuss implications for volcanic plumes and pyroclastic currents. Our study suggests that clustering and related enhanced or hindered particle settling velocities should be considered in models of volcanic phenomena and that drag law corrections are needed for reliable predictions and hazard assessment.
Climatology of Transport in the Strait of Belle Isle
Authors: Shaw J.‐L. , Galbraith P. S.
Published: February 2023

The Strait of Belle Isle (SBI) is an important pathway for water mass exchanges between the Labrador Shelf and the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL), particularly for transport toward the GSL. Seasonal and inter‐annual variability of transport in the SBI are examined using 15 years of moored acoustic Doppler current profiler data. Tidal currents are largely along strait and homogeneous with depth. Transports are toward the GSL on average, lowest (−1.0 ± 0.8 dSv) from April to July, and highest (−4.0 ± 1.1 dSv) from September to January. Averaged seasonal transports are usually within one standard deviation of previously published modeled values. The volume of winter Labrador Shelf water (LShW) entering the GSL is computed by transport integration and compares well with integrated volumes that meet LShW temperature‐salinity criteria during an annual March survey of the GSL. Integrating over the whole year showed that on average 649 ± 397 km3 enters the GSL after the March surveys are conducted, independently of the volume that has entered up to March; this addition represents on average about a third of the total volume. Annual volumes of LShW calculated from transport suggest that flow through the SBI accounts for 12%–18% of the GSL winter surface mixed layer. Cross‐strait current shear may affect transport integration values, but sea surface temperature data suggests this bias is limited to the summer. Corrections are empirically derived to account for cross‐strait shear in our transport calculation. The corrected time series suggests that the average transport may be flowing toward the Labrador Shelf in July (0.6 ± 1.0 CI [0.1 1.1] dSv).
Modeling Potential Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Process Chains and Effects From Artificial Lake‐Level Lowering at Gepang Gath Lake, Indian Himalaya
Authors: Sattar Ashim , Allen Simon , Mergili Martin , Haeberli Wilfried , Frey Holger , Kulkarni Anil V. , Haritashya Umesh K. , Huggel Christian , Goswami Ajanta , Ramsankaran RAAJ
Published: February 2023

Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are a severe threat to communities in the Himalayas; however, GLOF mitigation strategies have been implemented for only a few lakes, and future changes in hazard are rarely considered. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of current and future GLOF hazard for Gepang Gath Lake, Western Himalaya, considering rock and/or ice avalanches cascading into the lake. We consider ground surface temperature and topography to define avalanche source zones located in areas of potentially degrading permafrost. GLOF process chains in current and future scenarios, also considering engineered lake lowering of 10 and 30 m, were evaluated. Here, varied avalanche impact waves, erosion patterns, debris flow hydraulics, and GLOF impacts at Sissu village, under 18 different scenarios were assessed. Authors demonstrated that a larger future lake does not necessarily produce larger GLOF events in Sissu, depending, among other factors, on the location from where the triggering avalanche initiates and strikes the lake. For the largest scenarios, 10 m of lowering reduces the high‐intensity zone by 54% and 63% for the current and future scenarios, respectively, but has little effect on the medium‐intensity flood zone. Even with 30 m of lake lowering, the Sissu helipad falls in the high‐intensity zone under all moderate‐to‐large scenarios, with severe implications for evacuations and other emergency response actions. The approach can be extended to other glacial lakes to demonstrate the efficiency of lake lowering as an option for GLOF mitigation and enable a robust GLOF hazard and risk assessment.
The International Reference Ionosphere - A Model Ionosphere
Authors: Bilitza Dieter
Published: February 2023

An accurate and reliable description of Earth’s ionosphere is of critical importance because of our increased reliance on satellite technology and the significant impact the ionosphere has on it.
Physician Interest in Hiring Pediatric Psychologists in Specialty Care Roles
Authors: Dawson Anne E. , David Jennie G. , Threlkeld Brooke M.
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Integration of pediatric psychology into medical specialty clinics remains an ongoing need in pediatrics, which is dependent on hiring psychologists. The perspectives of physicians who may be involved in the hiring process are not well-understood. This study sought to identify the considerations of physicians in leadership positions in medical training programs.

Methods:

Participants included a national sample of 64 physician training directors across five specialty areas (gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, neurology, urology, and cardiology). Physicians completed a survey assessing knowledge of pediatric psychology, the current integration of psychologists and trainees, and considerations for hiring pediatric psychology. Physicians provided feedback on a fictional pediatric psychology applicant's “cold email.”

Results:

The majority (65.6%) of participants reported current psychology integration in the overarching specialty (e.g., neurology); however, integration of psychology trainees and psychology within each subspecialty population (e.g., epilepsy) was less prevalent. Participants indicated varied responses to the “cold email” and identified several considerations in the hiring of pediatric psychologists, including funding, applicant's experience/expertise, and role in the hiring decision.

Conclusions:

Physician training directors indicated a generally positive interest in working with psychology. Respondents offered diverse considerations related to hiring pediatric psychologists, including multiple considerations specific to the “cold email.” Funding barriers were highlighted as an obstacle.

Implications for Impact Statement

The study explores areas of pediatric psychology integration and room for (hiring) expansion in five pediatric specialty medical disciplines, with a specific focus on physician considerations in hiring. We offer recommendations for prospective psychologists seeking employment in pediatric specialty and subspecialty care.
Development of an Online Peer Support Program for Adolescents With Food Allergies
Authors: Engel Melissa L. , Warren Christopher M. , Gupta Ruchi S.
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Food allergies pose unique psychosocial difficulties for adolescents, yet interventions to date have tended to focus on young children and their caregivers. Peer support interventions have been effective in other pediatric populations, and accumulating literature supports the use of digital platforms. This project describes the development, feasibility, and acceptability of an online video-based peer support program for adolescents with food allergies.

Methods:

“Teen Talks” were developed in partnership with Food Allergy Research and Education to allow youth with FA to connect on an audio-video platform. Teen Talks occur monthly and are open to all youth with food allergies aged 11–22 years. A peer leadership committee was created to generate monthly themes and facilitate breakout discussions. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed via attendance and a program evaluation survey.

Results:

Attendance across 16 months of Teen Talks ranged from 40 to 91 participants each month, representing all major geographic regions of the United States and the full spectrum of eligible ages. Program evaluation data ( N = 68 teens, 72 parents) suggest acceptability: 92.65% of teens and 91.89% of parents would recommend this program to another teen with food allergies. Quantitative and qualitative responses indicate that participants have developed friendships, feel less alone, and look forward to Teen Talks each month.

Conclusions:

Teen Talks are created through an iterative process that brings adolescent voices to the forefront. They are freely available nationwide, reducing barriers to access and promoting inclusion. Consistent high attendance and favorable evaluations suggest that Teen Talks are feasible and well-accepted.

Implications for Impact Statement

Teen Talks is a video-based, interactive peer support program for youth with food allergies that is created through an iterative process and brings adolescent voices to the forefront. Teen Talks are freely available nationwide with no commitment required, reducing barriers to access and promoting inclusion. Consistent high attendance and favorable evaluations from both teens and parents demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of this program.
Intravenous immunoglobulin resistance in Kawasaki disease patients: prediction using clinical data
Authors: Lam Jonathan Y. , Song Min-Seob , Kim Gi-Beom , Shimizu Chisato , Bainto Emelia , Tremoulet Adriana H. , Nemati Shamim , Burns Jane C.
Published: February 2023

Background

About 10–20% of Kawasaki disease (KD) patients are resistant to the initial infusion of intravenous immunoglobin (IVIG). The aim of this study was to assess whether IVIG resistance in KD patients could be predicted using standard clinical and laboratory features.

Methods

Data were from two cohorts: a Korean cohort of 7101 KD patients from 2015 to 2017 and a cohort of 649 KD patients from San Diego enrolled from 1998 to 2021. Features included laboratory values, the worst Z-score from the initial echocardiogram or during hospitalization, and the five clinical KD signs at presentation.

Results

Five machine learning models achieved a maximum median AUC of 0.711 [IQR: 0.706–0.72] in the Korean cohort and 0.696 [IQR: 0.609–0.722] in the San Diego cohort during stratified 10-fold cross-validation using significant laboratory features identified from univariate analysis. Adding the Z-score, KD clinical signs, or both did not considerably improve the median AUC in either cohort.

Conclusions

Using commonly measured clinical laboratory data alone or in conjunction with echocardiographic findings and clinical features is not sufficient to predict IVIG resistance. Further attempts to predict IVIG resistance will need to incorporate additional data such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and genetics to achieve meaningful predictive utility.

Impact

We demonstrated that laboratory, echocardiographic, and clinical findings cannot predict intravenous immunoglobin (IVIG) resistance to a clinically meaningful extent using machine learning in a homogenous Asian or ethnically diverse population of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD).

Visualizing these features using uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) is an important step to evaluate predictive utility in a qualitative manner.

Further attempts to predict IVIG resistance in KD patients will need to incorporate novel biomarkers or other specialized features such as genetic differences or transcriptomics to be clinically useful.
Polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4) potentiates anoikis-resistance of p53KO mammary epithelial cells by inducing a hybrid EMT phenotype
Authors: Fonseca Irina , Horta Cíntia , Ribeiro Ana Sofia , Sousa Barbara , Marteil Gaëlle , Bettencourt-Dias Mónica , Paredes Joana
Published: February 2023

Polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4), the major regulator of centriole biogenesis, has emerged as a putative therapeutic target in cancer due to its abnormal expression in human carcinomas, leading to centrosome number deregulation, mitotic defects and chromosomal instability. Moreover, Plk4 deregulation promotes tumor growth and metastasis in mouse models and is significantly associated with poor patient prognosis. Here, we further investigate the role of Plk4 in carcinogenesis and show that its overexpression significantly potentiates resistance to cell death by anoikis of nontumorigenic p53 knock-out (p53KO) mammary epithelial cells. Importantly, this effect is independent of Plk4’s role in centrosome biogenesis, suggesting that this kinase has additional cellular functions. Interestingly, the Plk4-induced anoikis resistance is associated with the induction of a stable hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype and is partially dependent on P-cadherin upregulation. Furthermore, we found that the conditioned media of Plk4-induced p53KO mammary epithelial cells also induces anoikis resistance of breast cancer cells in a paracrine way, being also partially dependent on soluble P-cadherin secretion. Our work shows, for the first time, that high expression levels of Plk4 induce anoikis resistance of both mammary epithelial cells with p53KO background, as well as of breast cancer cells exposed to their secretome, which is partially mediated through P-cadherin upregulation. These results reinforce the idea that Plk4, independently of its role in centrosome biogenesis, functions as an oncogene, by impacting the tumor microenvironment to promote malignancy.
Elephant TP53-RETROGENE 9 induces transcription-independent apoptosis at the mitochondria
Authors: Preston Aidan J. , Rogers Aaron , Sharp Miranda , Mitchell Gareth , Toruno Cristhian , Barney Brayden B. , Donovan Lauren N. , Bly Journey , Kennington Ryan , Payne Emily , Iovino Anthony , Furukawa Gabriela , Robinson Rosann , Shamloo Bahar , Buccilli Matthew , Anders Rachel , Eckstein Sarah , Fedak Elizabeth A. , Wright Tanner , Maley Carlo C. , Kiso Wendy K. , Schmitt Dennis , Malkin David , Schiffman Joshua D. , Abegglen Lisa M.
Published: February 2023

Approximately 20 TP53 retrogenes exist in the African and Asian elephant genomes (Loxodonta Africana, Elephas Maximus) in addition to a conserved TP53 gene that encodes a full-length protein. Elephant TP53-RETROGENE 9 (TP53-R9) encodes a p53 protein (p53-R9) that is truncated in the middle of the canonical DNA binding domain. This C-terminally truncated p53 retrogene protein lacks the nuclear localization signals and oligomerization domain of its full-length counterpart. When expressed in human osteosarcoma cells (U2OS), p53-R9 binds to Tid1, the chaperone protein responsible for mitochondrial translocation of human p53 in response to cellular stress. Tid1 expression is required for p53-R9-induced apoptosis. At the mitochondria, p53-R9 binds to the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family member Bax, which leads to caspase activation, cytochrome c release, and cell death. Our data show, for the first time, that expression of this truncated elephant p53 retrogene protein induces apoptosis in human cancer cells. Understanding the molecular mechanism by which the additional elephant TP53 retrogenes function may provide evolutionary insight that can be utilized for the development of therapeutics to treat human cancers.
Structure of the planar cell polarity cadherins Fat4 and Dachsous1
Authors: Medina Elliot , Easa Yathreb , Lester Daniel K. , Lau Eric K. , Sprinzak David , Luca Vincent C.
Published: February 2023

The atypical cadherins Fat and Dachsous are key regulators of cell growth and animal development. In contrast to classical cadherins, which form homophilic interactions to segregate cells, Fat and Dachsous cadherins form heterophilic interactions to induce cell polarity within tissues. Here, we determine the co-crystal structure of the human homologs Fat4 and Dachsous1 (Dchs1) to establish the molecular basis for Fat-Dachsous interactions. The binding domains of Fat4 and Dchs1 form an extended interface along extracellular cadherin (EC) domains 1-4 of each protein. Biophysical measurements indicate that Fat4-Dchs1 affinity is among the highest reported for cadherin superfamily members, which is attributed to an extensive network of salt bridges not present in structurally similar protocadherin homodimers. Furthermore, modeling suggests that unusual extracellular phosphorylation modifications directly modulate Fat-Dachsous binding by introducing charged contacts across the interface. Collectively, our analyses reveal how the molecular architecture of Fat4-Dchs1 enables them to form long-range, high-affinity interactions to maintain planar cell polarity.
TRIM21 inhibits irradiation-induced mitochondrial DNA release and impairs antitumour immunity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumour models
Authors: Li Jun-Yan , Zhao Yin , Gong Sha , Wang Miao-Miao , Liu Xu , He Qing-Mei , Li Ying-Qin , Huang Sheng-Yan , Qiao Han , Tan Xi-Rong , Ye Ming-Liang , Zhu Xun-Hua , He Shi-Wei , Li Qian , Liang Ye-Lin , Chen Kai-Lin , Huang Sai-Wei , Li Qing-Jie , Ma Jun , Liu Na
Published: February 2023

Although radiotherapy can promote antitumour immunity, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, tumour cell-intrinsic tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21) in tumours, is inversely associated with the response to radiation and CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumour immunity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Knockout of TRIM21 modulates the cGAS/STING cytosolic DNA sensing pathway, potentiates the antigen-presenting capacity of NPC cells, and activates cytotoxic T cell-mediated antitumour immunity in response to radiation. Mechanistically, TRIM21 promotes the degradation of the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 2 (VDAC2) via K48-linked ubiquitination, which inhibits pore formation by VDAC2 oligomers for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release, thereby inhibiting type-I interferon responses following radiation exposure. In patients with NPC, high TRIM21 expression was associated with poor prognosis and early tumour relapse after radiotherapy. Our findings reveal a critical role of TRIM21 in radiation-induced antitumour immunity, providing potential targets for improving the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with NPC.
Network of hotspot interactions cluster tau amyloid folds
Authors: Mullapudi Vishruth , Vaquer-Alicea Jaime , Bommareddy Vaibhav , Vega Anthony R. , Ryder Bryan D. , White Charles L. , Diamond Marc. I. , Joachimiak Lukasz A.
Published: February 2023

Cryogenic electron microscopy has revealed unprecedented molecular insight into the conformations of β-sheet-rich protein amyloids linked to neurodegenerative diseases. It remains unknown how a protein can adopt a diversity of folds and form multiple distinct fibrillar structures. Here we develop an in silico alanine scan method to estimate the relative energetic contribution of each amino acid in an amyloid assembly. We apply our method to twenty-seven ex vivo and in vitro fibril structural polymorphs of the microtubule-associated protein tau. We uncover networks of energetically important interactions involving amyloid-forming motifs that stabilize the different fibril folds. We evaluate our predictions in cellular and in vitro aggregation assays. Using a machine learning approach, we classify the structures based on residue energetics to identify distinguishing and unifying features. Our energetic profiling suggests that minimal sequence elements control the stability of tau fibrils, allowing future design of protein sequences that fold into unique structures.
Non-polar ether-based electrolyte solutions for stable high-voltage non-aqueous lithium metal batteries
Authors: Li Zheng , Rao Harsha , Atwi Rasha , Sivakumar Bhuvaneswari M. , Gwalani Bharat , Gray Scott , Han Kee Sung , Everett Thomas A. , Ajantiwalay Tanvi A. , Murugesan Vijayakumar , Rajput Nav Nidhi , Pol Vilas G.
Published: February 2023

The electrochemical instability of ether-based electrolyte solutions hinders their practical applications in high-voltage Li metal batteries. To circumvent this issue, here, we propose a dilution strategy to lose the Li+/solvent interaction and use the dilute non-aqueous electrolyte solution in high-voltage lithium metal batteries. We demonstrate that in a non-polar dipropyl ether (DPE)-based electrolyte solution with lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide salt, the decomposition order of solvated species can be adjusted to promote the Li+/salt-derived anion clusters decomposition over free ether solvent molecules. This selective mechanism favors the formation of a robust cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) and a solvent-deficient electric double-layer structure at the positive electrode interface. When the DPE-based electrolyte is tested in combination with a Li metal negative electrode (50 μm thick) and a LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2-based positive electrode (3.3 mAh/cm2) in pouch cell configuration at 25 °C, a specific discharge capacity retention of about 74% after 150 cycles (0.33 and 1 mA/cm2 charge and discharge, respectively) is obtained.
Investigating bio-remediation capabilities of a constructed wetland through spatial successional study of the sediment microbiome
Authors: Kumar V. , Bera T. , Roy S. , Vuong P. , Jana C. , Sarkar D. J. , Devi M. S. , Jana A. K. , Rout A. K. , Kaur P. , Das B. K. , Behera B. K.
Published: February 2023

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are engineered environments designed to utilise natural processes to treat urban or industrial wastewater, with the core driver of the bioremediation process provided by the microorganisms present within. This study isolated 32 bacterial strains from sediment across the Sardar Bherry CW to find candidates with remediation properties and to understand how the physiochemical gradient from wastewater input influences the functional properties of the bacteria present. Bacterial isolates recovered closer to the wastewater effluence were more likely to be pathogenic, with increased haemolytic activity, causing high rates of fish mortality. In contrast, isolates recovered further from the wastewater source were observed to be non-pathogenic and have increased inhibitory effect against pathogenic strains. Extracellular proteins extracted from non-pathogenic isolates also appeared to be effective at inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, including multidrug resistant strains. Non-pathogenic isolates recovered across all sampling sites displayed the ability to reduce high levels of ammonia in solution during laboratory testing. Antibiogram assays of the recovered isolates showed a relatively high rate of multidrug resistant or marginally resistant bacteria across all sampling sites, highlighting a potential limitation within the CW bioremediation process in mitigating antibiotic resistant strains. This isolate based study provided an avenue to understand the influence of spatial succession from wastewater effluence on bacterial characteristics, as well as obtain candidates that can be further investigated for optimisation in bioremediation efforts. The cultured isolates can supplement future environmental sequencing studies by providing wet lab specimens to compare (meta)genomic information discovered within the CW ecosystem.
Info-gap theory to determine cost-effective eradication of invasive species
Authors: Liu Yang , Thomas Melissa L. , Coupland Grey T. , Wang Penghao , Zheng Dan , McKirdy Simon J.
Published: February 2023

Invasive species eradication campaigns often fail due to stochastic arrival events, unpredictable detectability and incorrect resource allocation. Severe uncertainty in model parameter estimates may skew the eradication policy results. Using info-gap decision theory, this research aims to provide managers with a method to quantify their confidence in realizing successful eradication of particular invasive species within their specified eradication budgets (i.e. allowed eradication cost) in face of information-gaps. The potential introduction of the Asian house geckoHemidactylus frenatusto Barrow Island, Australia is used as a case study to illustrate the model. Results of this research demonstrate that, more robustness to uncertainty in the model parameters can be earnt by (1) increasing the allowed eradication cost (2) investment in pre-border quarantine and border inspection (i.e. prevention) or (3) investment in post-border detection surveillance. The combination of a post-border spatial dispersal model and info-gap decision theory demonstrates a novel and spatially efficient method for managers to evaluate the robustness of eradication policies for incursion of invasive species with unexpected behaviour. These methods can be used to provide insight into the success of management goals, in particular the eradication of invasive species on islands or in broader mainland areas. These insights will assist in avoiding eradication failure and wasteful budget allocation and labour investment.
Evaluation of sisal fiber and aluminum waste concrete blend for sustainable construction using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system
Authors: Agor Chima Dike , Mbadike Elvis Michael , Alaneme George Uwadiegwu
Published: February 2023

This research study presents evaluation of aluminum waste-sisal fiber concrete’s mechanical properties using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to achieve sustainable and eco-efficient engineering works. The deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) tools enables the optimization of building materials combined with admixtures to create durable engineering designs and eliminate the drawbacks encountered in trial-and-error or empirical method. The features of the cement-AW blend's setting time were evaluated in the laboratory and the results revealed that 0–50% of aluminum-waste (AW) inclusion increased both the initial and final setting time from 51–165 min and 585–795 min respectively. The blended concrete mix's flexural strength tests also show that 10% sisal-fiber (SF) substitution results in a maximum flexural strength of 11.6N/mm2, while 50% replacement results in a minimum flexural strength of 4.11N/mm2. Moreover, compressive strength test results show that SF and AW replacements of 0.08% and 0.1%, respectively, resulted in peak outcome of 24.97N/mm2, while replacements of 0.5% and 0.45% resulted in a minimum response of 17.02N/mm2. The ANFIS-model was developed using 91 datasets obtained from the experimental findings on varying replacements of cement and fine-aggregates with AW and SF respectively ranging from 0 to 50%. The ANFIS computation toolbox in MATLAB software was adopted for the model simulation, testing, training and validation of the response function using hybrid method of optimization and grid partition method of FIS at 100 Epochs. The compressive strength behavior is the target response, and the mixture variations of cement-AW and fine aggregates-SF combinations were used as the independent variables. The ANFIS-model performance assessment results obtained using loss function criteria demonstrates MAE of 0.1318, RMSE of 0.412, and coefficient of determination value of 99.57% which indicates a good relationship between the predicted and actual results while multiple linear regression (MLR) model presents a coefficient of determination of 82.46%.
Potential of land-based climate change mitigation strategies on abandoned cropland
Authors: Gvein Maren H. , Hu Xiangping , Næss Jan S. , Watanabe Marcos D. B. , Cavalett Otávio , Malbranque Maxime , Kindermann Georg , Cherubini Francesco
Published: February 2023

Natural revegetation, afforestation, and lignocellulosic crops for bioenergy, possibly coupled with a developing technology like carbon capture and storage, are the most common land-based climate change mitigation options. However, they can compete for land and threaten food security or nature conservation. Using abandoned cropland for their deployment can minimize these risks, but associated potentials are unclear. Here, we compare alternative land-based mitigation options by integrating historical and future (up to 2050) abandoned cropland with site-specific biomass yields and life-cycle emissions. Considering natural revegetation in biodiversity priority areas and different measures in the remaining land can achieve a mitigation potential of 0.8–4.0 GtCO2-equivalents yr−1 (2–11% of 2021 global CO2 emissions). Afforestation generally provides larger climate benefits than bioenergy, but bioenergy with carbon capture and storage delivers the highest mitigation in most locations. Overall, these results offer refined estimates of mitigation potentials from abandoned cropland and highlight opportunities for context-specific mitigation measures.
Propane oxidative dehydrogenation using CO2 over CrOx/Fe–CeO2 catalysts
Authors: Wang Hedun , Nguyen Thu D. , Tsilomelekis George
Published: February 2023

The kinetic behavior of CrOx sites supported on Fe doped CeO2 was studied for CO2-assisted propane oxidative dehydrogenation.
Enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction of cobalt hydroxide by fabricating nanocomposites with fluorine-doped graphene oxide
Authors: Muthukumar Pandi , Nantheeswaran Periyappan , Mariappan Mariappan , Pannipara Mehboobali , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G. , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: February 2023

The integration of electronegative F into graphene oxide improves the charge-transfer kinetics and stability of the Co2+ active center and showed enhanced OER activity.
Direct observation of the local microenvironment in inhomogeneous CO2 reduction gas diffusion electrodes via versatile pOH imaging
Authors: Böhme Annette , Bui Justin C. , Fenwick Aidan Q. , Bhide Rohit , Feltenberger Cassidy N. , Welch Alexandra J. , King Alex J. , Bell Alexis T. , Weber Adam Z. , Ardo Shane , Atwater Harry A.
Published: February 2023

We demonstrate pOH imaging with confocal microscopy to probe the microenvironment of an operating CO2 reduction gas diffusion electrode. We find that the micrometer-scale morphology plays an important role in defining the CO2 reduction performance.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of the anti-breast cancer activity of 1,3-oxazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine and 1,3-oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Velihina Yevheniia , Gesese Raey , Zhirnov Victor , Kobzar Oleksandr , Bui Benjamin , Pilyo Stepan , Vovk Andriy , Shen Hai-Ying , Brovarets Volodymyr
Published: February 2023

The prepared oxazolopyrimidine derivatives exhibited high anti-breast-cancer activity and ADK suppression, indicating their potential as candidates in the targeted search for new, highly effective antitumor drugs.
Tuning the electrical properties of graphene oxide through low-temperature thermal annealing
Authors: Valentini Cataldo , Montes-García Verónica , Livio Pietro Antonio , Chudziak Tomasz , Raya Jésus , Ciesielski Artur , Samorì Paolo
Published: February 2023

The thermally-reduced graphene oxide (TrGO) obtained under air or inert atmosphere at relatively low temperatures (<300 °C) has been widely investigated as a scalable and low-cost method to produce materials featuring graphene-like characteristics.
CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots grown within Fe-doped zeolite X with improved stability for sensitive NH3 detection
Authors: Wu Wan , Zhao Chunyu , Hu Mingyou , Pan Aizhao , Xiong Wei , Chen Yinghao
Published: February 2023

Functional nanocomposites fabricated by growing CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs within Fe-doped zeolite X with improved stability for sensitive NH3 detection.
Performance and stability improvement of perovskite solar cells using a nanopillar conductive polymer formed via electropolymerisation
Authors: Shirasaka Tomoya , Kogo Atsushi , Koura Setsuko
Published: February 2023

Controlled nanopillar morphology of P3MT by electropolymerisation enables void-less uniform perovskite formation and exhibits conversion efficiency of 11.11%. Solar cells based on P3MT showed better stability than conventional PEDOT:PSS-based cells.
Recent progress of theoretical studies on electro- and photo-chemical conversion of CO2with single-atom catalysts
Authors: Jiang Liyun , Yang Qingqing , Xia Zhaoming , Yu Xiaohu , Zhao Mengdie , Shi Qiping , Yu Qi
Published: February 2023

Recent progress of theoretical studies on electro- and photo- chemical conversion of CO2with single-atom catalysts has been presented, from the intermediates to the final products.
Elicitation for activation of the actinomycete genome's cryptic secondary metabolite gene clusters
Authors: El-Hawary Seham S. , Hassan Marwa H. A. , Hudhud Ahmed O. , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan , Mohammed Rabab
Published: February 2023

Elicitation of secondary metabolites in actinomycetes: (TFD) Transcription Factor Decoys, (ORG) Overexpression of regulatory genes, (PRS) Promoter Replacement Strategy, (GRG) Global regulatory gene, (RGMS) Reporter-guided Mutant Selection.
Multiscale quantum algorithms for quantum chemistry
Authors: Ma Huan , Liu Jie , Shang Honghui , Fan Yi , Li Zhenyu , Yang Jinlong
Published: February 2023

We propose a multiscale quantum computing framework suitable for efficient simulations of complex chemical systems on near-term quantum devices.
Superconductivity in hydrated Lix(H2O)yTaS2
Authors: Liu Huanlong , Huangfu Shangxiong , Lin Hai , Zhang Xiaofu , Schilling Andreas
Published: February 2023

We have studied the structural and physical properties of the superconducting hydrated Lix(H2O)yTaS2 (0.22 ≤ x ≤ 0.58, y ≈ 0.86). The transition temperature shows a dome-shape dependence on the Li content with a maximum Tc of 4.6 K for x ≈ 0.42.
Improved photovoltaic performance of Pb-free AgBi2I7 based photovoltaics
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Ahmad Khursheed , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: February 2023

Bismuth based hybrid perovskites light absorbers are good candidates for developing lead-free and air-stable photovoltaics, but they have historically been constrained by poor surface morphologies and large band-gap energies.
A serial attention module‐based deep convolutional neural network for mixed Gaussian‐impulse removal
Authors: Jiang Jielin , Yang Kang , Xu Xiaolong , Cui Yan
Published: February 2023

The removal of mixed noise is a challenging task because the attenuation of the noise distribution cannot be described precisely. The coupling of additive white Gaussian noise and impulse noise (IN) is a typical case. At present, most methods use a two‐phase strategy, that is, IN detection coupled with additive white Gaussian noise removal, often leading to poor denoising results with an increase in the ratio of IN. In this paper, an effective convolutional neural network (CNN) model is proposed, namely a serial attention module‐based CNN (SACNN), for mixed noise removal. In contrast to the existing two‐phase methods, SACNN unifies the denoising process into a single CNN framework. In SACNN, residual learning and batch normalization are used to train the model, which speeds up the convergence and improves the mixed noise removal performance. Meanwhile, the serial attention module is applied to better preserve the texture details. The experimental results reveal that SACNN achieves superior quality metrics and visual appearance when compared to several leading approaches.