bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction and Comparison of Novel Decentral Learning Schemes with Multiple Data Pools for Privacy-Preserving ECG Classification
Authors: Baumgartner Martin , Veeranki Sai Pavan Kumar , Hayn Dieter , Schreier Günter
Published: August 2023

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have led to prominent and spectacular innovations in various scenarios. Application in medicine, however, can be challenging due to privacy concerns and strict legal regulations. Methods that centralize knowledge instead of data could address this issue. In this work, 6 different decentralized machine learning algorithms are applied to 12-lead ECG classification and compared to conventional, centralized machine learning. The results show that state-of-the-art federated learning leads to reasonable losses of classification performance compared to a standard, central model (−0.054 AUROC) while providing a significantly higher level of privacy. A proposed weighted variant of federated learning (−0.049 AUROC) and an ensemble (−0.035 AUROC) outperformed the standard federated learning algorithm. Overall, considering multiple metrics, the novel batch-wise sequential learning scheme performed best (−0.036 AUROC to baseline). Although, the technical aspects of implementing them in a real-world application are to be carefully considered, the described algorithms constitute a way forward towards preserving-preserving AI in medicine.
Patterns of life stress and the development of ruminative brooding in adolescence: A person-centered approach
Authors: Shaw Zoey A. , Handley Elizabeth D. , Warmingham Jennifer M. , Starr Lisa R.
Published: August 2023

Research links life stressors, including acute, chronic, and early life stress, to the development of ruminative brooding. However, singular forms of life stress rarely occur in isolation, as adolescents typically encounter stressors that vary on important dimensions (e.g., types, timings, quantities) across development. The current study employs latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify natural clusters of life stress that, over time, may be differently associated with ruminative brooding. Evaluations of episodic, chronic, and early life stress were conducted with community-recruited mid-adolescents (N = 241, Mage = 15.90 years, 53% female) and their parents using the UCLA Life Stress Interview and lifetime adversity portions of the Youth Life Stress Interview. Analyses identified four distinct patterns: low stress, high peer stress, moderate home / family stress, and multifaceted / high school stress. Adolescents in the high peer stress and moderate home / family stress profiles were at highest risk for developing a brooding style over time. Despite high overall levels of stress, teens in the multifaceted / high school stress profile were at not at elevated risk for developing a brooding style. Findings demonstrate the utility of person-centered approaches to identify patterns of stress exposure that heighten risk for brooding over time.
How Transnational Exchanges Shaped Conceptions about Morality and Small Nations in Europe: Catalan (and Spanish) Readings of Václav Havel in the 1990s
Authors: Aguilar López-Barajas José Luis
Published: August 2023

This paper deals with appraisals of Havel made in Spain in the 1990s. During this decade, the Czech politician's popularity reached a peak in Europe, and Spanish politicians approached his vision of morality in politics in different ways, taking advantage of it to support different political and national projects. In the first half of the decade, interpretations of Havel were especially productive in Catalonia, where two almost antagonistic political projects drew inspiration from Havel and elaborated on different concepts of European small nations. The decade's second half gave way to a more one-sided vision of him, in which he was transformed, thanks to the Spanish conservative president José María Aznar, into a reference point to support conservatism and the Atlantic agenda.
Félicien David's Grand Opera Herculanum (1859): Rome, Early Christianity, Multiple Exoticisms, Great Tunes – and Satan
Authors: Locke Ralph P.
Published: August 2023

The longstanding practice of building opera librettos on stories from classical antiquity (especially Greece and Rome, and, to a lesser extent, Egypt, Persia and Babylonia) waned in the early 1800s, as impresarios began to favour plots with more obvious current-day resonance (though sometimes set a few centuries in the past, to skirt objections from government censors and, in some lands, church authorities). Still, imaginative librettists and composers found ways of rejuvenating an ancient setting and producing an opera that spoke to the day's audiences instead of feeling stuffy or academic. One of the biggest successes in French serious opera of the 1850s was Félicien David's Herculanum, set to a text primarily by the renowned playwright and poet Joseph Méry. Widely hailed, not least by composer-critics Hector Berlioz and Ernest Reyer, the work freshened the ‘ancient Rome’ conventions by locating the action far to the south, near what is today Naples, and by including, as the main characters, two powerful aristocrats from the Euphrates valley, and two young adepts of the nascent Christian movement – and a fifth character, Satan himself, come to wreak havoc in the world. All of this would seem a stewpot of a librettist's wild imaginings were it not for the quality and impressive variety of David's music – and the opportunities that libretto and music together give to imaginative performers, as has been demonstrated in the work's three major revivals beginning in 2014 (in Belgium/France, Ireland and Hungary).
It's all relative: The origins, legal character and normative content of the humanitarian principles
Authors: Sharpe Marina
Published: August 2023

Analyses of the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence often focus on the principles’ meanings and/or the challenges of applying them in practice. This article, by contrast, steps back to address foundational but somewhat neglected questions about whether these principles can accurately be designated “the” humanitarian principles; about how they came to govern the whole humanitarian sector; about their legal character and normative content; and, more fundamentally, about whether the principles can even have objective character and content. It begins by defining “humanitarian principles” and determining whether and on what basis certain principles constitute “the” humanitarian principles. The article then traces the history of how the principles came to govern the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and diffused from there to non-governmental organizations and the United Nations system. It then analyzes the principles’ legal character and normative content for each of the above-mentioned categories of actor plus States, demonstrating that the principles do not – and, legally, cannot – have fixed legal character and normative content. While humanitarian actors share common understandings of the principles, legally the character and content of each principle flows from its source for the actor in question.
Acute Social Stress Influences Moral Decision-Making Under Different Social Distances in Young Healthy Men
Authors: Huang Ziyan , Xiao Xiao , Liu Changlin , Cai Qinhong , Liu Chan , Tan Qianbao , Zhan Youlong
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Acute social stress has been shown to influence social decision-making. This study aimed to examine how social distance modulates the influence of acute social stress on young male moral decision-making. Sixty healthy male college students were randomly divided to be exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) or a placebo version of the TSST (P-TSST) before they performed moral decision-making tasks. The results showed that participants under acute social stress showed obvious increases in subjective stress perception, negative affect, salivary cortisol, and alpha-amylase and made more altruistic choices for others compared to the control group. However, social distance regulates the promotion of this acute social stress, with the promotion effect being stronger in socially distant others. Furthermore, the interpersonal order difference of different social distances in altruistic decisions is smaller in low-conflict dilemmas than in high-conflict dilemmas. In addition, an increase in salivary cortisol was positively correlated with altruistic choices toward both acquaintances and strangers, whereas an increase in salivary alpha-amylase was only positively correlated with altruistic choices toward friends. The results suggest that social distance modulates the promotion of acute social stress on moral decision-making, which might stem from the divergent effects of cortisol and alpha-amylase.
Geologic Structure of the Vera Rubin Ridge, Gale Crater, Mars
Authors: Turner Madison , Lewis Kevin
Published: August 2023

Mount Sharp is a 5 km high mound of lithified sediments in the center of Gale crater on Mars. The Curiosity rover has been traversing this field site since its arrival in 2012. Curiosity has revealed a complex depositional and diagenetic history at Mount Sharp, which has been hypothesized to include a stable fluvio‐lacustrine period responsible for sediment accumulation at the base of the mound. We study this history by examining the bedding geometries of exposed bedrock along the traverse. Prior to landing, orbital measurements suggested the stratigraphy typically ranges between 2 and 5° from horizontal and is always oriented radially outward from the center of the mound. Terrestrial lacustrine basins display horizontal to shallowly dipping beds oriented toward the center of the basin. We determine the structure of bedding planes at Mount Sharp with in situ Mastcam and Navcam stereo topographic data from the Curiosity rover on the resistant strata of the Vera Rubin ridge at 24 sites along the Curiosity traverse in addition to long baseline Mastcam stereo and orbital stereo techniques. From this integrated approach, we report a shallow dip (2–7°) to the northwest, away from the central sedimentary mound. This result suggests that layering observed from orbit represents true depositional strata, rather than diagenetic horizons, and are an accurate measure of geologic structure. Additionally, these measurements have major implications for quantifying the vertical extent of the stratigraphy through which Curiosity has traversed.
Quantifying Variability of Incipient‐Motion Thresholds in Gravel‐Bedded Rivers Using a Grain‐Scale Force‐Balance Model
Authors: Feehan Scott A. , McCoy Scott W. , Scheingross Joel S. , Gardner Michael H.
Published: August 2023

Predicting thresholds of sediment motion is critical for a range of applications involving sediment transport. However, thresholds for sediment motion can vary over an order of magnitude for a single characteristic flow and bed configuration. Lacking simple ways to incorporate this variability, many assume thresholds are constant for rough, turbulent flow. Here, we quantify variability of incipient‐motion thresholds based on a commonly used grain‐scale force‐balance model, with model parameter distributions determined from published experiments. We show that variability in the threshold of motion within the 2D force‐balance model occurs predominantly due to variability in the lift coefficient and grain protrusion, and secondarily due to drag coefficient variability. For a known grain size, the mean threshold of motion, and variability about the mean, can be predicted from a family of power laws. These power laws can be altered with site‐specific parameter distributions, allowing for site‐specific application to well‐studied reaches and other planets. Using compiled flume and field data we show that constraining force‐balance parameter distributions with independent data results in narrower distributions of the predicted threshold of motion, consistent with constrained flume experiments. This analysis highlights that while the threshold of sediment motion is variable, the magnitude of variability is predictable within the force‐balance model based on site‐specific physical constraints of local flow and bed conditions.
ASCL2 induces an immune excluded microenvironment by activating cancer-associated fibroblasts in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Dan , Ni Qi-Qi , Liang Qiao-Yan , He Li-Ling , Qiu Bo-Wen , Zhang Ling-Jie , Mou Ting-Yu , Le Chen-Chen , Huang Yuan , Li Ting-Ting , Wang Shu-Yang , Ding Yan-Qing , Jiao Hong-Li , Ye Ya-Ping
Published: August 2023

Proficient mismatch repair or microsatellite stable (pMMR/MSS) colorectal cancers (CRCs) are vastly outnumbered by deficient mismatch repair or microsatellite instability-high (dMMR/MSI-H) tumors and lack a response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In this study, we reported two distinct expression patterns of ASCL2 in pMMR/MSS and dMMR/MSI-H CRCs. ASCL2 is overexpressed in pMMR/MSS CRCs and maintains a stemness phenotype, accompanied by a lower density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) than those in dMMR/MSI CRCs. In addition, coadministration of anti-PD-L1 antibodies facilitated T cell infiltration and provoked strong antitumor immunity and tumor regression in the MC38/shASCL2 mouse CRC model. Furthermore, overexpression of ASCL2 was associated with increased TGFB levels, which stimulate local Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) activation, inducing an immune-excluded microenvironment. Consistently, mice with deletion of Ascl2 specifically in the intestine (Villin-Cre+, Ascl2flox/flox, named Ascl2 CKO) revealed fewer activated CAFs and higher proportions of infiltrating CD8+ T cells; We further intercrossed Ascl2 CKO with ApcMin/+ model suggesting that Ascl2-deficient expression in intestinal represented an immune infiltrating environment associated with a good prognosis. Together, our findings indicated ASCL2 induces an immune excluded microenvironment by activating CAFs through transcriptionally activating TGFB, and targeting ASCL2 combined with ICIs could present a therapeutic opportunity for MSS CRCs.
Senescence program and its reprogramming in pancreatic premalignancy
Authors: Yang Kailing , Li Xiaojia , Xie Keping
Published: August 2023

Tumor is a representative of cell immortalization, while senescence irreversibly arrests cell proliferation. Although tumorigenesis and senescence seem contrary to each other, they have similar mechanisms in many aspects. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is highly lethal disease, which occurs and progresses through a multi-step process. Senescence is prevalent in pancreatic premalignancy, as manifested by decreased cell proliferation and increased clearance of pre-malignant cells by immune system. However, the senescent microenvironment cooperates with multiple factors and significantly contributes to tumorigenesis. Evidently, PDA progression requires to evade the effects of cellular senescence. This review will focus on dual roles that senescence plays in PDA development and progression, the signaling effectors that critically regulate senescence in PDA, the identification and reactivation of molecular targets that control senescence program for the treatment of PDA.
Exome sequencing identifies breast cancer susceptibility genes and defines the contribution of coding variants to breast cancer risk
Authors: Wilcox Naomi , Dumont Martine , González-Neira Anna , Carvalho Sara , Joly Beauparlant Charles , Crotti Marco , Luccarini Craig , Soucy Penny , Dubois Stéphane , Nuñez-Torres Rocio , Pita Guillermo , Gardner Eugene J. , Dennis Joe , Alonso M. Rosario , Álvarez Nuria , Baynes Caroline , Collin-Deschesnes Annie Claude , Desjardins Sylvie , Becher Heiko , Behrens Sabine , Bolla Manjeet K. , Castelao Jose E. , Chang-Claude Jenny , Cornelissen Sten , Dörk Thilo , Engel Christoph , Gago-Dominguez Manuela , Guénel Pascal , Hadjisavvas Andreas , Hahnen Eric , Hartman Mikael , Herráez Belén ,   SGBCC Investigators, Tan Benita Kiat-Tee , Tan Veronique Kiak Mien , Tan Su-Ming , Lim Geok Hoon , Tan Ern Yu , Ho Peh Joo , Khng Alexis Jiaying , Jung Audrey , Keeman Renske , Kiechle Marion , Li Jingmei , Loizidou Maria A. , Lush Michael , Michailidou Kyriaki , Panayiotidis Mihalis I. , Sim Xueling , Teo Soo Hwang , Tyrer Jonathan P. , van der Kolk Lizet E. , Wahlström Cecilia , Wang Qin , Perry John R. B. , Benitez Javier , Schmidt Marjanka K. , Schmutzler Rita K. , Pharoah Paul D. P. , Droit Arnaud , Dunning Alison M. , Kvist Anders , Devilee Peter , Easton Douglas F. , Simard Jacques
Published: August 2023

Linkage and candidate gene studies have identified several breast cancer susceptibility genes, but the overall contribution of coding variation to breast cancer is unclear. To evaluate the role of rare coding variants more comprehensively, we performed a meta-analysis across three large whole-exome sequencing datasets, containing 26,368 female cases and 217,673 female controls. Burden tests were performed for protein-truncating and rare missense variants in 15,616 and 18,601 genes, respectively. Associations between protein-truncating variants and breast cancer were identified for the following six genes at exome-wide significance (P < 2.5 × 10−6): the five known susceptibility genesATM,BRCA1,BRCA2,CHEK2andPALB2, together withMAP3K1. Associations were also observed forLZTR1,ATRIPandBARD1withP < 1 × 10−4. Associations between predicted deleterious rare missense or protein-truncating variants and breast cancer were additionally identified forCDKN2Aat exome-wide significance. The overall contribution of coding variants in genes beyond the previously known genes is estimated to be small.
A tool for rapid, automated characterization of population epigenomics in plants
Authors: Colicchio Jack M. , Amstutz Cynthia L. , Garcia Nelson , Prabhu Keerthana N. , Cairns Thomas M. , Akman Melis , Gottilla Thomas , Gollery Twyla , Stricklin Shawn L. , Bayer Travis S.
Published: August 2023

Epigenetic variation in plant populations is an important factor in determining phenotype and adaptation to the environment. However, while advances have been made in the molecular and computational methods to analyze the methylation status of a given sample of DNA, tools to profile and compare the methylomes of multiple individual plants or groups of plants at high resolution and low cost are lacking. Here, we describe a computational approach and R package (sounDMR) that leverages the benefits of long read nanopore sequencing to enable robust identification of differential methylation from complex experimental designs, as well as assess the variability within treatment groups and identify individual plants of interest. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by profiling a population of Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to a demethylating agent and identify genomic regions of high epigenetic variability between individuals. Given the low cost of nanopore sequencing devices and the ease of sample preparation, these results show that high resolution epigenetic profiling of plant populations can be made more broadly accessible in plant breeding and biotechnology.
Aphid cluster recognition and detection in the wild using deep learning models
Authors: Zhang Tianxiao , Li Kaidong , Chen Xiangyu , Zhong Cuncong , Luo Bo , Grijalva Ivan , McCornack Brian , Flippo Daniel , Sharda Ajay , Wang Guanghui
Published: August 2023

Aphid infestation poses a significant threat to crop production, rural communities, and global food security. While chemical pest control is crucial for maximizing yields, applying chemicals across entire fields is both environmentally unsustainable and costly. Hence, precise localization and management of aphids are essential for targeted pesticide application. The paper primarily focuses on using deep learning models for detecting aphid clusters. We propose a novel approach for estimating infection levels by detecting aphid clusters. To facilitate this research, we have captured a large-scale dataset from sorghum fields, manually selected 5447 images containing aphids, and annotated each individual aphid cluster within these images. To facilitate the use of machine learning models, we further process the images by cropping them into patches, resulting in a labeled dataset comprising 151,380 image patches. Then, we implemented and compared the performance of four state-of-the-art object detection models (VFNet, GFLV2, PAA, and ATSS) on the aphid dataset. Extensive experimental results show that all models yield stable similar performance in terms of average precision and recall. We then propose to merge close neighboring clusters and remove tiny clusters caused by cropping, and the performance is further boosted by around 17%. The study demonstrates the feasibility of automatically detecting and managing insects using machine learning models. The labeled dataset will be made openly available to the research community.
A novel machine learning approach for surface roughness quantification and optimization of cast-on-strap lead-antimony alloy via two-point correlation function
Authors: Basyoni Mohamed , Jiao Yang , Allam Nageh K.
Published: August 2023

Surface roughness has a negative impact on the materials’ lifetime. It accelerates pitting corrosion, increases effective heat transfer, and increases the rate of effective charge loss. However, controlled surface roughness is desirable in many applications. The automotive lead-acid battery is very sensitive to such effects. In our case study, the cast-on-strap machine has the largest effect on the surface roughness of the lead-antimony alloy. In this regard, statistical correlation functions are commonly used as statistical morphological descriptors for heterogeneous correlation functions. Two-point correlation functions are fruitful tools to quantify the microstructure of two-phase material structures. Herein, we demonstrate the use of the two-point correlation function to quantify surface roughness and optimize lead-antimony poles and straps used in the lead-acid battery as a solution to reduce their electrochemical corrosion when used in highly corrosive media. However, we infer that this method can be used in surface roughness mapping in a wide range of applications, such as pipes submerged in seawater as well as laser cutting. The possibility of using information obtained from the two-point correlation function and applying the simulated annealing procedure to optimize the surface micro-irregularities is investigated. The results showed successful surface representation and optimization that agree with the initially proposed hypothesis.
Machine learning-enabled regional multi-hazards risk assessment considering social vulnerability
Authors: Zhang Tianjie , Wang Donglei , Lu Yang
Published: August 2023

The regional multi-hazards risk assessment poses difficulties due to data access challenges, and the potential interactions between multi-hazards and social vulnerability. For better natural hazards risk perception and preparedness, it is important to study the nature-hazards risk distribution in different areas, specifically a major priority in the areas of high hazards level and social vulnerability. We propose a multi-hazards risk assessment method which considers social vulnerability into the analyzing and utilize machine learning-enabled models to solve this issue. The proposed methodology integrates three aspects as follows: (1) characterization and mapping of multi-hazards (Flooding, Wildfires, and Seismic) using five machine learning methods including Naïve Bayes (NB), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), and K-Means (KM); (2) evaluation of social vulnerability with a composite index tailored for the case-study area and using machine learning models for classification; (3) risk-based quantification of spatial interaction mechanisms between multi-hazards and social vulnerability. The results indicate that RF model performs best in both hazard-related and social vulnerability datasets. The most cities at multi-hazards risk account for 34.12% of total studied cities (covering 20.80% land). Additionally, high multi-hazards level and socially vulnerable cities account for 15.88% (covering 4.92% land). This study generates a multi-hazards risk map which show a wide variety of spatial patterns and a corresponding understanding of where regional high hazards potential and vulnerable areas are. It emphasizes an urgent need to implement information-based prioritization when natural hazards coming, and effective policy measures for reducing natural-hazards risks in future.
In vivo monitoring of glutathione in a live rat brain based on the ratiometric signal output of 2D Cu-TCPP(Fe) nanosheets
Authors: Zhao Fan , Tang Xuan , Guo Dongqing
Published: August 2023

A novel electrochemical platform based on the ratiometric signal output of 2D Cu-TCPP(Fe) was developed for GSH determination in a live rat brain, and accurate GSH concentrations were reported in different brain regions upon global cerebral ischemia.
Thiosulfate-mediated seeded growth of Au@AuAg yolk–shell nanocubes with surface concavity: optical and catalytic properties
Authors: Min Yuanyuan , Li Xiaoyu , Wang Yingying , Zhao Yan , Liu Feng , Liu Maochang , Zheng Yiqun
Published: August 2023

Gold@gold–silver (Au@AuAg) yolk–shell nanocubes with surface concavity were prepared via a thiosulfate-mediated galvanic replacement reaction. The nanocubes exhibited noticeable enhancement in catalysis arising from the stepped facets.
Dissolution mechanism of cellulose in a benzyltriethylammonium/urea deep eutectic solvent (DES): DFT-quantum modeling, molecular dynamics and experimental investigation
Authors: Azougagh Omar , Jilal Issam , Jabir Loubna , El-Hammi Hayat , Essayeh Soumya , Mohammed Nor , Achalhi Nafea , El yousfi Ridouan , El Idrissi Abderrahmane , El Ouardi Youssef , Laatikainen Katri , Abou-Salama Mohamed , El Barkany Soufian
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a benzyltriethylammonium/urea DES was investigated as a new green and eco-friendly medium for the progress of organic chemical reactions, particularly the dissolution and the functionalization of cellulose.
The role of small molecular cations in the chemical flow of the interstellar environments
Authors: González-Sánchez Lola , Sathyamurthy N. , Gianturco Francesco A.
Published: August 2023

Formation and destruction channels for HeH+are superimposed on this image depicting NGC 7027, or the “Jewel Bug” nebula, where it has been detected recently. Image by NASA, ESA, and J. Kastner (RIT).
Preparation of a phosphorus-doped copper–nickel electrode and its application in electro-hydrogenation of 5-HMF
Authors: Liu Yu , Peng Yi-Yi , Zhong Yan , Ren Ru-Quan , Fan Yong-Ming
Published: August 2023

A novel dendritic fractal Cuhs–Ni–P/CF electrode was synthesized by electrodeposition for electro-hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
A polyacrylamide–chitosan semi-interpenetrating self-healing network with embedded Keplerate {Mo132} for pH-controlled release of Eu-fluorescent tags
Authors: Grzhegorzhevskii Kirill , Rudakova Ekaterina , Krinochkin Alexey , Kopchuk Dmitry , Shtaitz Yaroslav , Adamova Lidia , Kim Grigory , Rusinova Elena , Shmidt Alisa
Published: August 2023

Using {Mo132} as a nanoscale template, we demonstrate a green synthetic strategy for the fabrication of injectable, self-healing hydrogels with pH-controlled release of an Eu-fluorescent tag under physiologically relevant conditions.
THz enantiomers of drugs recognized by the polarization enhancement of gold nanoparticles on an asymmetric metasurface
Authors: Shi Wei-Nan , Wang Yi-Ming , Fan Fei , Liu Jia-Yue , Cheng Jie-Rong , Wang Xiang-Hui , Chang Sheng-Jiang
Published: August 2023

The recognition of chiral enantiomers by a metasurface was realized; both the detection sensitivity and precision were enhanced by gold nanoparticles.
Kompatible Blutkonserven bei Sichelzellkrankheit und multiplen
Alloantikörpern – ein Fallbericht
Authors: Lipovac Kristina , Lučić Josip , Loeser Evelyn Maria , Lucke Birgit , Burkhardt Jürgen , Wichmann Christian , Strasser Erwin , Humpe Andreas
Published: August 2023

Zusammenfasssung

Patienten, die im Kontext einer Erythrozytenbildungsstörung wie
z. B. einer Sichelzellerkrankung chronisch
substitutionsbedürftig sind, haben ein erhöhtes Risiko einer
Alloimmunisierung, z. B. bei Patienten mit dem Genotyp Duffy null Fy(a-
b-). Im Falle der Bildung von Alloantikörpern ist die Versorgung der
Patienten mit kompatiblen Erythrozytenkonzentraten erschwert.
Anti-Fy-3-Antikörper können bei Personen mit dem Genoytp Duffy
null Fy(a-, b-) gebildet werden. Diese Antikörper können sowohl
Duffy A als auch Duffy B Antigene binden. Der Duffy-Null-Phänotyp, Fy
(a-b-), ist bei Kaukasiern sehr selten, kommt aber bei 68% der Patienten
mit afrikanischer Abstammung vor [1].

Die von uns betreute Patientin ist afrikanischer Abstammung und weist genotypisch
das Allel FY*02 N.01 (Duffy null) auf. Im Rahmen einer
Sichelzellkrise und geplanten Bluttransfusionen fielen eine positive Kreuzprobe
sowie nachweisbare Alloantikörper (Verdacht auf Anti-M, Anti-Jk(b)) auf.
Der anti-M-Titer betrug 64 und der anti-Jk(b)-Titer betrug 32. Die
Genotypisierung ergab den Duffy-Null-Genotyp Fy*02 N.01 (SSP
inno-Train kits KKD SKP0121, MNS SMN1120, Rare ID SSP0620). Ferner zeigte sich
in der Genotypisierung, dass die Patientin M-negativ und Jk(b)-negativ war, was
die Diagnose von anti-M- und anti-Jk(b)-Antikörpern bestärkte.
Die Patientin erhielt eine Transfusion mit Antigen-kompatiblen
Erythrozytenkonzentraten. Der Hämoglobinwert stieg an und ihr klinischer
Zustand verbesserte sich deutlich. Anzeichen einer Hämolyse traten nicht
auf. Die ergänzende serologische Diagnostik bestätigte die
vermuteten Alloantikörper anti-M- und anti-Jk(b). Aufgrund dessen wurde
ein zusätzlicher anti-Fy-3-Antikörper vermutet.

Dieser Fall zeigt die Bedeutung einer Genotypisierung ergänzend zu den
serologischen Befunden. Diese Information unterstützt bei häufig
transfundierten Patienten die Vermeidung einer Alloimmunisierung.
Does Brexit overcome the globalisation trilemma? How British business assess the trade relationship with the EU
Authors: Kröger Sandra , Dede Maria
Published: August 2023

According to Rodrick, there is a globalization paradox between democracy, national sovereignty, and economic integration where only two out of these three can ever be achieved. Brexit was presented by its defenders as a way of resolving the trilemma. This contribution uses a novel survey (n = 95) to examine how UK businesses assess the new Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and the EU and which model of trade they prefer moving forward. The findings by and large confirm expectations. First, the large majority considered that Brexit has had a negative impact on their businesses, including Leave voters. Second, and as regards sovereignty, the majority of Leavers thought labour shortages are a price worth paying for being able to limit freedom of movement as well as preferred to decrease EU regulations in their business sector. Third, economic integration seems to weigh heavier than concerns about sovereignty. Those who consider that Brexit had a negative financial impact on their business, including Leavers, now prefer a closer future relationship between the EU and the UK.
Time-resolved pump–probe spectroscopic ellipsometry of cubic GaN II: Absorption edge shift with gain and temperature effects
Authors: Baron Elias , Goldhahn Rüdiger , Espinoza Shirly , Zahradník Martin , Rebarz Mateusz , Andreasson Jakob , Deppe Michael , As Donat J. , Feneberg Martin
Published: August 2023

We recently published a study concerning femtosecond pump–probe absorption edge spectroscopy of cubic GaN (fundamental bandgap: 3.23 eV), resulting in the transient dielectric function. In the present study, we continue our investigations of those pump–probe measurements by determining the time-dependent transition energy at the Fermi-vector between the conduction and valence bands. The generation of electron–hole pairs by the 266 nm pump-beam (4.66 eV) shifts the absorption edge by ≈500 meV within 1 ps due to many-body effects like band-filling and bandgap renormalization. Modeling this ultra-fast change is achieved by converting the transition energies into free-carrier concentrations, assuming the electron contributions to be dominant. We consider the relaxation, recombination, and diffusion of those free-carriers as well as either an additional gain-recombination or temperature effects. This allows for describing the transition energies on short time scales. Both models yield similar values for the characteristic relaxation time (≈0.21 ps), recombination time (≈25 ps), and diffusion coefficient (≈1 cm2/s).
First-principles property assessment of hybrid formate perovskites
Authors: Popoola Abduljelili , Ghosh P. S. , Kingsland Maggie , Kashikar Ravi , DeTellem D. , Xu Yixuan , Ma S. , Witanachchi S. , Lisenkov S. , Ponomareva I.
Published: August 2023

Hybrid organic–inorganic formate perovskites, AB(HCOO)3, are a large family of compounds that exhibit a variety of phase transitions and diverse properties, such as (anti)ferroelectricity, ferroelasticity, (anti)ferromagnetism, and multiferroism. While many properties of these materials have already been characterized, we are not aware of any study that focuses on the comprehensive property assessment of a large number of formate perovskites. A comparison of the properties of materials within the family is challenging due to systematic errors attributed to different techniques or the lack of data. For example, complete piezoelectric, dielectric, and elastic tensors are not available. In this work, we utilize first-principles density functional theory based simulations to overcome these challenges and to report structural, mechanical, dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties of 29 formate perovskites. We find that these materials exhibit elastic stiffness in the range 0.5–127.0 GPa; highly anisotropic linear compressibility, including zero and even negative values; dielectric constants in the range 0.1–102.1; highly anisotropic piezoelectric response with the longitudinal values in the range 1.18–21.12 pC/N; and spontaneous polarizations in the range 0.2–7.8 μC/cm2. Furthermore, we propose and computationally characterize a few formate perovskites that have not been reported yet.
Water-repellent and self-attachable flexible conductive patch
Authors: Park Seongjin , Kim Jaeil , Lee Sang-Hyeon , Kim Jinseo , Kang Dong Kwan , Kim Somi , Jung Ho-Sup , Jeong Hoon Eui
Published: August 2023

Achieving exceptional water-repellency and reliable reversible adhesion is crucial for the development of wearable flexible electronics. However, simultaneously achieving these properties presents a significant challenge, as water-repellency requires maximizing the presence of air while robust adhesion necessitates enhancing the solid fraction. In this study, we present a flexible and transparent conductive patch that addresses this challenge by offering simultaneous robust superhydrophobicity and strong adhesion in both dry and wet conditions. The device incorporates a unique combination of overhang micropillars, microgrids and a percolating network of carbon nanotubes. The proposed patch demonstrates outstanding water repellency with a contact angle exceeding 150°, while delivering impressive dry adhesion (>200 kPa) and wet adhesion (>150 kPa) performance. Furthermore, the device exhibits tunable electrical conductivity and optical transmittance.
Hydrophobic and oleophobic nanopillars reduce viscous drag in slit nanofluidic channels
Authors: Mino Kensuke , Kazoe Yutaka
Published: August 2023

Nanofluidics exploiting 100 nm nanochannels has developed, and ultrasmall analytical applications in single-molecule level are expected. However, with downscaling the channel size, the required external pressure for driving liquids becomes exceedingly high due to increased fluid resistance and causes a problem to miniaturize a fluidic system. In the present study, we developed a drag reduction method of slit nanochannels with micrometers-width and nanometers-depth for both aqueous and organic reagents by integrating hydrophobic and oleophobic nanostructured surface. A fabrication process based on electron beam lithography and dry etching was established to realize inverted-trapezoidal shaped hydrophobically modified nanopillars with 300 nm width and 210 nm height on a fused-silica substrate. We optimized the geometry of nanopillars, and those with an upper base angle of 78° and an interval of 400 nm induced hydrophobic property for water with a contact angle of 139° and also oleophobic property for hexadecane with that of 108° by the Cassie–Baxter state with the pinning effect. By integrating the nanopillars, drag reduction of slit nanochannels for both water and hexadecane by slipping with the gas–liquid interface at the nanopillar interval was achieved with apparent slip lengths of 269 nm (water) and 108 nm (hexadecane). The drag reduction rate increased with decreasing the channel depth, and for a nanochannel with 208 nm depth, rates of 87% (water) and 80% (hexadecane) were achieved. We demonstrated miniaturization and energy saving of nanofluidic system based on the developed method. This work will greatly contribute to advancement of nanofluidics and engineering for dust proof materials.
Fractal interface of a spreading drop and maximum entropy production principle
Authors: Martyushev Leonid M. , Martyushev Lev L.
Published: August 2023

The viscous spreading of a small liquid drop on a surface, where moving interface changes from circular to fractal, starting at a certain size, is considered. Based on the maximum entropy production principle, the analytical relation between the critical size of the morphological stability of a circular drop and the fractal dimension of the structure that appears during spreading is obtained for the first time. An experiment on the spreading of ink on a surface covered with acrylic paint quantitatively confirmed the validity of this relation.
A green edge-hosted zinc single-site heterogeneous catalyst for superior Fenton-like activity
Authors: Yu Xiaoyong , Liu Hongzhi , Huang Yixuan , Li Changlin , Kuang Liuning , Zhong Jinyu , Zhu Shuo , Gou Yating , Wang Yunhang , Zhang Yinqing , Shan Guoqiang , Lv Zhengxin , Zhang Shuo , Zhu Lingyan
Published: August 2023

Developing green heterogeneous catalysts with excellent Fenton-like activity is critical for water remediation technologies. However, current catalysts often rely on toxic transitional metals, and their catalytic performance is far from satisfactory as alternatives of homogeneous Fenton-like catalysts. In this study, a green catalyst based on Zn single-atom was prepared in an ammonium atmosphere using ZIF−8 as a precursor. Multiple characterization analyses provided evidence that abundant intrinsic defects due to the edge sites were created, leading to the formation of a thermally stable edge-hosted Zn−N
4
single-atom catalyst (ZnN
4
−Edge). Density functional theory calculations revealed that the edge sites equipped the single-atom Zn with a super catalytic performance, which not only promoted decomposition of peroxide molecule (HSO
5
−
) but also greatly lowered the activation barrier for
•
OH generation. Consequently, the as-prepared ZnN
4
−Edge exhibited extremely high Fenton-like performance in oxidation and mineralization of phenol as a representative organic contaminant in a wide range of pH, realizing its quick detoxification. The atom-utilization efficiency of the ZnN
4
−Edge was ~10
4
higher than an equivalent amount of the control sample without edge sites (ZnN
4
), and the turnover frequency was ~10
3
times of the typical benchmark of homogeneous catalyst (Co
2+
). This study opens up a revolutionary way to rationally design and optimize heterogeneous catalysts to homogeneous catalytic performance for Fenton-like application.
The mRNA stability factor Khd4 defines a specific mRNA regulon for membrane trafficking in the pathogenUstilago maydis
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Srimeenakshi , Haag Carl , Petzsch Patrick , Köhrer Karl , Matuszyńska Anna , Zarnack Kathi , Feldbrügge Michael
Published: August 2023

Fungal pathogens depend on sophisticated gene expression programs for successful infection. A crucial component is RNA regulation mediated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). However, little is known about the spatiotemporal RNA control mechanisms during fungal pathogenicity. Here, we discover that the RBP Khd4 defines a distinct mRNA regulon to orchestrate membrane trafficking during pathogenic development ofUstilago maydis. By establishing hyperTRIBE for fungal RBPs, we generated a comprehensive transcriptome-wide map of Khd4 interactions in vivo. We identify a defined set of target mRNAs enriched for regulatory proteins involved, e.g., in GTPase signaling. Khd4 controls the stability of target mRNAs via its cognate regulatory element AUACCC present in their 3′ untranslated regions. Studying individual examples reveals a unique link between Khd4 and vacuole maturation. Thus, we uncover a distinct role for an RNA stability factor defining a specific mRNA regulon for membrane trafficking during pathogenicity.
Reconstitution of phytochrome A-mediated light modulation of the ABA signaling pathways in yeast
Authors: Li Hong , Zhou Yangyang , Qin Xinyan , Peng Jing , Han Run , Lv Yang , Li Cong , Qi Lijuan , Qu Gao-Ping , Yang Li , Li Yanjie , Terzaghi William , Li Zhen , Qin Feng , Gong Zhizhong , Deng Xing Wang , Li Jigang
Published: August 2023

Abscisic acid (ABA), a classical plant hormone, plays an essential role in plant adaptation to environmental stresses. The ABA signaling mechanisms have been extensively investigated, and it was shown that the PYR1 (PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE1)/PYL (PYR1-LIKE)/RCAR (REGULATORY COMPONENT OF ABA RECEPTOR) ABA receptors, the PP2C coreceptors, and the SnRK2 protein kinases constitute the core ABA signaling module responsible for ABA perception and initiation of downstream responses. We recently showed that ABA signaling is modulated by light signals, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely obscure. In this study, we established a system in yeast cells that was not only successful in reconstituting a complete ABA signaling pathway, from hormone perception to ABA-responsive gene expression, but also suitable for functionally characterizing the regulatory roles of additional factors of ABA signaling. Using this system, we analyzed the roles of several light signaling components, including the red and far-red light photoreceptors phytochrome A (phyA) and phyB, and the photomorphogenic central repressor COP1, in the regulation of ABA signaling. Our results showed that both phyA and phyB negatively regulated ABA signaling, whereas COP1 positively regulated ABA signaling in yeast cells. Further analyses showed that photoactivated phyA interacted with the ABA coreceptors ABI1 and ABI2 to decrease their interactions with the ABA receptor PYR1. Together, data from our reconstituted yeast ABA signaling system provide evidence that photoactivated photoreceptors attenuate ABA signaling by directly interacting with the key components of the core ABA signaling module, thus conferring enhanced ABA tolerance to light-grown plants.
A biophysical framework for double-drugging kinases
Authors: Kim Chansik , Ludewig Hannes , Hadzipasic Adelajda , Kutter Steffen , Nguyen Vy , Kern Dorothee
Published: August 2023

Selective orthosteric inhibition of kinases has been challenging due to the conserved active site architecture of kinases and emergence of resistance mutants. Simultaneous inhibition of distant orthosteric and allosteric sites, which we refer to as “double-drugging”, has recently been shown to be effective in overcoming drug resistance. However, detailed biophysical characterization of the cooperative nature between orthosteric and allosteric modulators has not been undertaken. Here, we provide a quantitative framework for double-drugging of kinases employing isothermal titration calorimetry, Förster resonance energy transfer, coupled-enzyme assays, and X-ray crystallography. We discern positive and negative cooperativity for Aurora A kinase (AurA) and Abelson kinase (Abl) with different combinations of orthosteric and allosteric modulators. We find that a conformational equilibrium shift is the main principle governing cooperativity. Notably, for both kinases, we find a synergistic decrease of the required orthosteric and allosteric drug dosages when used in combination to inhibit kinase activities to clinically relevant inhibition levels. X-ray crystal structures of the double-drugged kinase complexes reveal the molecular principles underlying the cooperative nature of double-drugging AurA and Abl with orthosteric and allosteric inhibitors. Finally, we observe a fully closed conformation of Abl when bound to a pair of positively cooperative orthosteric and allosteric modulators, shedding light on the puzzling abnormality of previously solved closed Abl structures. Collectively, our data provide mechanistic and structural insights into rational design and evaluation of double-drugging strategies.
Silica particles convert thiol-containing molecules to disulfides
Authors: Li Yangjie , Kolasinski Kurt W. , Zare Richard N.
Published: August 2023

Synthetic amorphous silica is a common food additive and a popular cosmetic ingredient. Mesoporous silica particles are also widely studied for their potential use in drug delivery and imaging applications because of their unique properties, such as tunable pore sizes, large surfaces areas, and assumed biocompatibility. Such a nanomaterial, when consisting of pure silicon dioxide, is generally considered to be chemically inert, but in this study, we showed that oxidation yields for different compounds were facilitated by simply incubating aqueous solutions with pure silica particles. Three thiol-containing molecules, L-cysteine, glutathione, and D-penicillamine, were studied separately, and it was found that more than 95% of oxidation happened after incubating any of these compounds with mesoporous silica particles in the dark for a day at room temperature. Oxidation increased over incubation time, and more oxidation was found for particles having larger surface areas. For nonporous silica particles at submicron ranges, yields of oxidation were different based on the structures of molecules, correlating with steric hindrance while accessing surfaces. We propose that the silyloxy radical (SiO•) on silica surfaces is what facilitates oxidation. Density functional theory calculations were conducted for total energy changes for reactions between different aqueous species and silicon dioxide surfaces. These calculations identified two most plausible pathways of the lowest energy to generate SiO• radicals from water radical cations H
2
O•
+
and hydroxyl radicals •OH, previously known to exist at water interfaces.
Effect of cabbage cultivars with varying levels of resistance to aphids on the performance of the parasitoid, Aphidius colemani (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Kalule T. , Wright D.J.
Published: August 2023

The effect of aphid resistance in plant cultivars on parasitism of Myzus persicae(Sulzer) and Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) by Aphidius colemaniViereck was investigated under laboratory conditions using three cultivars of common cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. capitata. Significantly greater aphid populations were found on cv. Derby Day (green-leaved, susceptible to both aphid species), regardless of the presence or absence of parasitoids, compared with cv. Minicole (green-leaved, partially resistant with antibiosis factors for B. brassicae) or cv. Ruby Ball (red-leaved, partially resistant with antixenosis factors for B. brassicae). Minicole had the greatest proportion of parasitized aphids and Derby Day the least. A significantly lower percentage of emerged parasitoids were recorded on Minicole for both aphid species compared with Derby Day and Ruby Ball. The implication of the results are discussed in relation to the integrated control of aphids.