bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lonesome plants: How isolation affects seed set of a threatened dioecious shrub
Authors: García‐Guzmán Patricio , Carvajal Danny E. , Carozzi‐Figueroa Giovanni , Loayza Andrea P.
Published: March 2024

Plant reproductive failure is a critical concern for conserving rare and endangered species that typically have low‐density and sparse populations. One important factor contributing to reproductive failure is the spatial arrangement of plants within a population, which can lead to isolation and negatively affect seed production, particularly in obligate outcrossers. Additionally, plant size can compound this effect, influencing seed production via multiple processes. Here, we investigate how spatial distribution and size influence the reproductive success of Vasconcellea chilensis, an endemic‐threatened papaya species in Chile. We first examined whether V. chilensis can produce seeds via apomixis using pollinator exclusion experiments. We then used Spatial Point Pattern Analysis (SPPA) in three populations to explore the spatial arrangement of plants. Finally, we assessed whether plant size and neighbor distance influence the reproductive success V. chilensis is a dioecious shrub unable to produce fruits through apomixis. The SPPA revealed significant clustering of female and male plants at different spatial scales, indicating a non‐random distribution. Moreover, a significant spatial association between the sexes was observed. In two populations, closer proximity to male plants was linked to higher seed production. Our study revealed that the reproductive system of V. chilensis is susceptible to distance‐dependent reproductive failure due to pollen limitation. While the species' spatial structure may partially mitigate this risk, female plants isolated from male counterparts will likely experience reduced seed set.
CSI Launches Autism Mentorship STEM Program
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: March 2024

As the academic year got underway, Dr. Kristen Gillespie‐Lynch launched Making Mentors: Enhancing Access to STEM Careers for Autistic Youth through Mentorship Programs and Makerspaces. Gillespie‐Lynch, Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Project REACH at the College of Staten Island (CSI), is partnering with the Education Development Center (EDC) and New York University's (NYU) Maker Program on this project, which is funded by a $1.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
ATP1A2‐related epileptic encephalopathy and movement disorder: Clinical features of three novel patients
Authors: Córdoba Natalia Martínez , Lince‐Rivera Isabella , Gómez Jorge Luis Ramón , Rubboli Guido , De la Rosa Sebastián Ortiz
Published: March 2024

Objective

Variants in the ATP1A2 gene exhibit a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from familial hemiplegic migraine to childhood epilepsies and early infantile developmental epileptic encephalopathy (EIDEE) with movement disorders. This study aims to describe the epileptology of three unpublished cases and summarize epilepsy features of the other 17 published cases with ATP1A2 variants and EIDEE.

Methods

Medical records of three novel patients with pathogenic ATP1A2 variants were retrospectively reviewed. Additionally, the PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched until December 2023 for articles on EIDEE with ATP1A2 variants, without language or publication year restrictions.

Results

Three female patients, aged 6 months–10 years, were investigated. Epilepsy onset occurred between 5 days and 2 years, accompanied by severe developmental delay, intellectual disability, drug‐resistant epilepsy, severe movement disorder, and recurrent status epilepticus. All individuals had pathogenic variants of the ATP1A2 gene (ATP1A2 c.720_721del (p.Ile240MetfsTer9), ATP1A2c.3022C > T (p.Arg1008Trp), ATP1A2 c.1096G > T (p.Gly366Cys), according to ACMG criteria. Memantine was p) rescribed to three patients, one with a reduction in ictal frequency, one with improvement in gait pattern, coordination, and attention span, and another one in alertness without significant side effects.

Significance

This study reinforces the association between ATP1A2 variants and a severe phenotype. All patients had de novo variants, focal motor seizures with impaired awareness as the primary type of seizure; of the 11 EEGs recorded, 10 presented a slow background rhythm, 7 multifocal interictal epileptiform discharges (IED), predominantly temporal IEDs, followed by frontal IED, as well as ten ictal recordings, which showed ictal onset from the same regions mentioned above. Treatment with antiseizure medication was generally ineffective, but memantine showed moderate improvement. Prospective studies are needed to enlarge the phenotype and assess the efficacy of NMDA receptor antagonist therapies in reducing seizure frequency and improving quality of life.
The effects of high‐intensity ultrasonic treatment on emulsification, rheological properties, and flow behavior of liquid egg yolk
Authors: Yoshimasa Tsujii , Akihiro Handa , Li Po‐Hsien , Wang Jiunnye , Huang Ping‐Hsiu , Ho Jou‐Hsuan
Published: March 2024

High‐intensity ultrasonic (HIU) treatment has been used to improve and modify the functional properties of food. HIU potentially inactivates microorganisms in food and modifies the physicochemical properties via the cavitation effect. This study evaluated the combination of different HIU power intensities, temperatures, and times for their effects on diluted liquid egg yolks’ physicochemical properties and rheological and flow behavior. The results showed that Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli in the diluted liquid egg yolks were significantly destroyed as HIU power was increased, and complete destroyed conditions were achieved at 210 W, 60°C for 6 or 9 min. Moreover, the emulsifying activity index of the diluted liquid egg yolks increased significantly at 45 and 60°C under the 75 W HIU treatment, whereas the maximum emulsifying stability index was obtained at 30°C, 210 W for 9 min. Yolk viscosity was positively correlated with HIU power intensity and temperature; the same trend was observed for flow behavior and shear stress. The fluid dynamics of the storage modulus (G′) for the 150 and 210 W HIU treatments increased significantly following the increase in temperature to 45 and 60°C, and G′ > loss modulus (G″). However, free hydrogen sulfide group content also increased significantly after the HIU treatment. Thus, this study revealed that the HIU treatment effectively destroyed the bacteria population in the diluted liquid egg yolk while maintaining or improving the emulsification properties. Moreover, the diluted liquid egg yolk flow parameters apply to egg yolk product manufacturing processes.
An early enriched experience drives targeted microglial engulfment of miswired neural circuitry during a restricted postnatal period
Authors: Rogerson‐Wood Lara , Goldsbury Claire S. , Sawatari Atomu , Leamey Catherine A.
Published: March 2024

Brain function is critically dependent on correct circuit assembly. Microglia are well‐known for their important roles in immunological defense and neural plasticity, but whether they can also mediate experience‐induced correction of miswired circuitry is unclear. Ten‐m3 knockout (KO) mice display a pronounced and stereotyped visuotopic mismapping of ipsilateral retinal inputs in their visual thalamus, providing a useful model to probe circuit correction mechanisms. Environmental enrichment (EE) commenced around birth, but not later in life, can drive a partial correction of the most mismapped retinal inputs in Ten‐m3 KO mice. Here, we assess whether enrichment unlocks the capacity for microglia to selectively engulf and remove miswired circuitry, and the timing of this effect. Expression of the microglial‐associated lysosomal protein CD68 showed a clear enrichment‐driven, spatially restricted change which had not commenced at postnatal day (P)18, was evident at P21, more robust at P25, and had ceased by P30. This was observed specifically at the corrective pruning site and was absent at a control site. An engulfment assay at the corrective pruning site in P25 mice showed EE‐driven microglial‐uptake of the mismapped axon terminals. This was temporally and spatially specific, as no enrichment‐driven microglial engulfment was seen in P18 KO mice, nor the control locus. The timecourse of the EE‐driven corrective pruning as determined anatomically, aligned with this pattern of microglia reactivity and engulfment. Collectively, these findings show experience can drive targeted microglial engulfment of miswired neural circuitry during a restricted postnatal window. This may have important therapeutic implications for neurodevelopmental conditions involving aberrant neural connectivity.
Pornography usage during adolescence: Does it lead to risky sexual behavior?
Authors: Mubasshera Hamida
Published: March 2024

Are youths who consume pornography more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors? Using longitudinal data from the National Study of Youth and Religion and an individual fixed effects strategy, this paper investigates the relationship between pornography use among 13‐ to 23‐year‐olds and a range of subsequent risky sexual behaviors. It also estimates a lagged dependent variable model where risky sexual behavior of the previous wave is included as a control. The findings suggest that moderate and frequent pornography use increases the likelihood of engaging in acts such as unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners. Finally, a heterogeneity analysis by gender reveals that males and females behave differently in response to exposure to pornography, but that is true for only a few indicators of risky sex. The paper's findings provide critical information on determinants of risky sexual behavior and meaningful evidence for the policy debate on government censoring and monitoring online behavior.
Coin of the Realm
Authors: Anthony Daniel R.
Published: March 2024

Glenna Goodacre Designs a New Dollar for the Third Millennium
GEMME NUMMARIE
Authors: Jones W. LaBier
Published: March 2024

The use of coins as personal adornments began at the end of the first century in ancient Rome when the imperial coinage was mounted as jewels. These were worn in rings, pendants, and brooches, conveying class and cultural distinction. In modern times Bulgari, one of the world's most highly regarded jewelry firms, continues this tradition of using ancient Greek and Roman coins in its designs. Bulgari refers to these as gemme nummarie, or coin gems.
RODIN'S TORSO OF A MAN
Authors: Langland Tuck
Published: March 2024

“It is necessary to trap the accidents and convert them into science.”—Rodin
ANDREA PALLADIO
Authors: Pepe Franco
Published: March 2024

The most influential and the most well known among the architects living in the nineteenth century.
Developmental trajectory of depressive symptoms among left‐behind adolescents: The effects of parent‐adolescent separation and parent‐adolescent cohesion
Authors: Liu Yuan , Wang Lei , Zhao Jingxin
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Left‐behind adolescents are vulnerable to depressive symptoms under the context of parent‐adolescent separation. However, limited knowledge is available regarding left‐behind adolescents' depression trajectory and the protective resources against it. The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the depression trajectory and its association with parent‐adolescent separation (left‐behind status, age of separation and duration of separation) and parent‐adolescent cohesion (father‐adolescent cohesion, mother‐adolescent cohesion) among left‐behind adolescents.

Methods

The participants were 1,107 left‐behind adolescents (Mage = 13.23 ± 0.86 years at T1; 45.17% girls; 38.48% both‐parent migrant adolescents, 61.52% father‐only migrant adolescents) from two rural areas of Shandong Province in China, who were participated in assessment at three time points with 6 months apart from November 2014 to November 2015.

Results

The results indicated that the trajectory of left‐behind adolescents' depression symptoms showed a decreasing trend. Both‐parent migrant adolescents reported a higher initial level of depressive symptoms than father‐only migrant adolescents. Duration of separation positively predicted the initial level of left‐behind adolescents' depressive symptoms. Mother‐adolescent cohesion negatively predicted the initial level and positively predicted the change rate of left‐behind adolescents' depressive symptoms. Moreover, mother‐adolescent and father‐adolescent cohesion buffered the negative effect of parent‐adolescent separation on the initial level of left‐behind adolescents' depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the protective role of parent‐adolescent cohesion for left‐behind adolescents, having important implications for interventions targeted toward mitigating the detrimental influence of parent‐adolescent separation on left‐behind adolescents' depression trajectory.
The kinetics of Torque Teno virus plasma load following calcineurin inhibitor dose change in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Regele Florina , Haupenthal Frederik , Doberer Konstantin , Görzer Irene , Kapps Sebastian , Strassl Robert , Bond Gregor
Published: March 2024

Torque Teno virus (TTV) is nonpathogenic, highly prevalent, and reflects the immune status of its host. Thus, TTV plasma load was suggested for the guidance of immunosuppression post solid organ transplantation. The present study was designed to determine the kinetics of TTV following changes in calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) dose. A total of 48 adult recipients of a kidney graft transplanted at the Medical University of Vienna between 2018 and 2019 with isolated changes in CNI dose were selected from the prospective TTV‐POET trial. TTV plasma load was quantified by in‐house PCR. At Day 30 following CNI dose adaptation (median 33% of daily dose) no changes in TTV load were noted. However, at Day 60, following CNI dose reduction a lower TTV load of 6.4 log10 c/mL (median; interquartile range [IQR] 4.9–8.1) compared with the baseline of 7.1 log10 c/mL (IQR 5.3–8.9) was noted (p = 0.001); there was also a trend toward a higher TTV load following CNI increase (6.6 log10 c/mL, IQR 4.1–9.7 vs. 5.2 log10 c/mL, IQR 4.5–6.8; p = 0.09). The data suggested that TTV load changes become noticeable only 2 months after CNI dose adaptation, which might be the ideal time point for TTV load monitoring.
Prevalence of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases in children with short bowel syndrome: A single center study
Authors: Du Nicole , Torres Clarivet
Published: March 2024

Patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) have multiple risk factors for eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) including increased risk for intestinal dysbiosis and food allergy compared to their counterparts with normal anatomy. However, there is limited data on the prevalence of EGIDs in children with SBS. We aimed to define the prevalence of EGIDs in an SBS cohort and its association with different risk factors via a retrospective chart review of patients with SBS at Children's National Hospital. The prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in our SBS cohort was 10%, eosinophilic gastritis was 4.9%, and eosinophilic enteritis was 4.9%. SBS patients with history of allergy or atopy were more likely to have esophageal and intestinal eosinophilia on biopsy than patients without allergy. The prevalence of EGIDs in our SBS cohort is significantly higher than in the general population and may be associated with allergic polarization.
Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Polycaprolactone Foam via Phase Separation and Silica Modification for Oil–Water Separation
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Liu Qianwei , Pan Yamin , Tu Yongqiang , Liu Xianhu
Published: March 2024

Rising oil spills from contemporary industrial activities pose threats to local ecosystems. This study presents a novel approach, fabricating superhydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) 3D porous foam for oil–water separation using thermally induced nonsolvent‐induced phase separation (TINIPS) and silica modification, achieving an impressive water contact angle of 151.56°. PCL foam exhibits remarkable versatility, proving effective in oil absorption on water surfaces and underwater, with an adsorption capacity reaching 9.32 times its weight. Additionally, film‐like PCL foam emerges as a valuable tool for oil–water separation through filtration, maintaining a flux of 13.63 m3 m−2 h−1 even after 10 cycles. This research advances superhydrophobic materials, demonstrating practical applications in mitigating environmental challenges posed by oil spills.
Dynamical complexity of a fractional‐order neural network with nonidentical delays: Stability and bifurcation curves
Authors: Mo Shansong , Huang Chengdai , Li Huan , Wang Huanan
Published: March 2024

Recently, many scholars have discovered that fractional calculus possess infinite memory and can better reflect the memory characteristics of neurons. Therefore, this paper studies the Hopf bifurcation of a fractional‐order network with short‐cut connections structure and self‐delay feedback. Firstly, we use the Laplace transform to obtain the characteristic equation of the model, which is the transcendental equation containing four times transcendental item. Secondly, by selecting the communication delay as the bifurcation parameter and the other delay as the constant in its stability interval, the conditions for the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation are established; the bifurcation diagrams are provided to ensure that the derived bifurcation findings are accurate. Thirdly, in the case of identical neurons, the crossing curves method is exploited to the fractional‐order functional function equation to extract the Hopf bifurcation curve. Finally, two numerical examples are employed to confirm the efficiency of the developed theoretical outcomes.
Role of solar PV in net‐zero growth: An analysis of international manufacturers and policies
Authors: Aleksandra Arcipowska , Sara Blanco Perez , Małgorzata Jakimów , Brian Baldassarre , Davide Polverini , Miguel Cabrera
Published: March 2024

In May 2022, the European Commission adopted a new European Union (EU) Solar Energy Strategy [1] aiming to ensure that solar energy achieves its full potential in helping to meet the European Green Deal's climate and energy targets. A goal of the strategy is to reach nearly 600 GW of installed solar photovoltaics (PV) capacity by 2030. While Europe is a pioneer in the definition of new policy requirements to ensure the circularity and sustainability of PV products, its manufacturing capabilities are limited. The EU mostly imports PV modules from China, which for the last decade has remained the global leader in PV manufacturing across the supply chain. This article aims to provide insight into the solar PV industry and the surrounding policy context, focusing on the manufacturing phase and its climate impact. It provides a comparative overview of the key players in the European and Chinese PV markets with an overview of the whole supply chain (i.e. production of polysilicon, cells, wafers and modules). Having in mind the net‐zero commitments across the globe, and a central role of the solar PV in the energy transition, the demand for PV products is expected to grow exponentially in the next decades. With this in mind, the authors look into environmental impacts from the PV manufacturing. A simplified analysis concludes on the suitability of the PV manufacturing process today and indicates the opportunities for the net‐zero transition in the future. While the focus is on the carbon impacts of the solar PV industry, the authors also identify other relevant aspects (such as circularity), laying the ground for a future research.
Unraveling paralog‐specific Notch signaling through thermodynamics of ternary complex formation and transcriptional activation of chimeric receptors
Authors: Ramsey Kristen M. , Barrick Doug
Published: March 2024

Notch signaling in humans is mediated by four paralogous receptors that share conserved architectures and possess overlapping, yet non‐redundant functions. The receptors share a canonical activation pathway wherein upon extracellular ligand binding, the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) is cleaved from the membrane and translocates to the nucleus where its N‐terminal RBP‐j‐associated molecule (RAM) region and ankyrin repeat (ANK) domain bind transcription factor CSL and recruit co‐activator Mastermind‐like‐1 (MAML1) to activate transcription. However, different paralogs can lead to distinct outcomes. To better understand paralog‐specific differences in Notch signaling, we performed a thermodynamic analysis of the Notch transcriptional activation complexes for all four Notch paralogs using isothermal titration calorimetry. Using chimeric constructs, we find that the RAM region is the primary determinant of stability of binary RAMANK:CSL complexes, and that the ANK regions are largely the determinants of MAML1 binding to pre‐formed RAMANK:CSL complexes. Free energies of these binding reactions (ΔGRA and ΔGMAML) vary among the four Notch paralogs, although variations for Notch2, 3, and 4 offset in the free energy of the ternary complex (ΔGTC, where ΔGTC = ΔGRA + ΔGMAML). To probe how these affinity differences affect Notch signaling, we performed transcriptional activation assays with the paralogous and chimeric NICDs, and analyzed the results with an independent multiplicative model that quantifies contributions of the paralogous RAM, ANK, and C‐terminal regions (CTR) to activation. This analysis shows that transcription activation correlates with ΔGTC, but that activation is further modified by CTR identity in a paralog‐specific way.
Liquid–liquid phase separation of α‐synuclein is highly sensitive to sequence complexity
Authors: Mahapatra Anindita , Newberry Robert W.
Published: March 2024

The Parkinson's‐associated protein α‐synuclein (α‐syn) can undergo liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), which typically leads to the formation of amyloid fibrils. The coincidence of LLPS and amyloid formation has complicated the identification of the molecular determinants unique to LLPS of α‐syn. Moreover, the lack of strategies to selectively perturb LLPS makes it difficult to dissect the biological roles specific to α‐syn LLPS, independent of fibrillation. Herein, using a combination of subtle missense mutations, we show that LLPS of α‐syn is highly sensitive to its sequence complexity. In fact, we find that even a highly conservative mutation (V16I) that increases sequence complexity without perturbing physicochemical and structural properties, is sufficient to reduce LLPS by 75%; this effect can be reversed by an adjacent V‐to‐I mutation (V15I) that restores the original sequence complexity. A18T, a complexity‐enhancing PD‐associated mutation, was likewise found to reduce LLPS, implicating sequence complexity in α‐syn pathogenicity. Furthermore, leveraging the differences in LLPS propensities among different α‐syn variants, we demonstrate that fibrillation of α‐syn does not necessarily correlate with its LLPS. In fact, we identify mutations that selectively perturb LLPS or fibrillation of α‐syn, unlike previously studied mutations. The variants and design principles reported herein should therefore empower future studies to disentangle these two phenomena and distinguish their (patho)biological roles.
Engineering a monobody specific to monomeric Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Amesaka Hiroshi , Hara Mizuho , Sakai Yuki , Shintani Atsuko , Sue Kaori , Yamanaka Tomoyuki , Tanaka Shun‐ichi , Furukawa Yoshiaki
Published: March 2024

Misfolding of mutant Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1) has been implicated in familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A natively folded SOD1 forms a tight homodimer, and the dimer dissociation has been proposed to trigger the oligomerization/aggregation of SOD1. Besides increasing demand for probes allowing the detection of monomerized forms of SOD1 in various applications, the development of probes has been limited to conventional antibodies. Here, we have developed Mb(S4) monobody, a small synthetic binding protein based on the fibronectin type III scaffold, that recognizes a monomeric but not dimeric form of SOD1 by performing combinatorial library selections using phage and yeast‐surface display methods. Although Mb(S4) was characterized by its excellent selectivity to the monomeric conformation of SOD1, the monomeric SOD1/Mb(S4) complex was not so stable (apparent Kd ~ μM) as to be detected in conventional pull‐down experiments. Instead, the complex of Mb(S4) with monomeric but not dimeric SOD1 was successfully trapped by proximity‐enabled chemical crosslinking even when reacted in the cell lysates. We thus anticipate that Mb(S4) binding followed by chemical crosslinking would be a useful strategy for in vitro and also ex vivo detection of the monomeric SOD1 proteins.
The Effect of Oxidation of Vicinal Au Surface on the Magnetic Properties of Surface‐Supported Mn Nanowires
Authors: Smelova Ekaterina M. , Tsysar Kseniya M. , Gimaev Radel R. , Zverev Vladimir I.
Published: March 2024

It is well‐established that oxidation of a stepped surface can lead to the formation of 1D metal oxide nanowires along the steps. However, it is still uncertain how the extent of surface oxidation impacts the characteristics of these nanowires. Ab initio study of the effect of the oxidation state of a nonmagnetic vicinal Au surface on the magnetic properties of 1D Mn nanowires formed on the step edge is presented. Herein, the magnetic properties and electronic structure of two different types of nanowires are investigated: 1D manganese oxides (MnO) and 1D dioxides (MnO2), which correspond to different levels of oxidation of the substrate surface.
Pulsed Photothermal Therapy of Solid Tumors as a Precondition for Immunotherapy
Authors: Farivar Negin , Khazamipour Nastaran , Roberts Morgan E. , Nelepcu Irina , Marzban Mona , Moeen Alireza , Oo Htoo Zarni , Nakouzi Nader Al , Dolleris Casper , Black Peter C. , Daugaard Mads
Published: March 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) refers to the use of plasmonic nanoparticles to convert electromagnetic radiation in the near infrared region to heat and kill tumor cells. Continuous wave lasers have been used clinically to induce PTT, but the treatment is associated with heat‐induced tissue damage that limits usability. Here, the engineering and validation of a novel long‐pulsed laser device able to induce selective and localized mild hyperthermia in tumors while reducing the heat affected zone and unwanted damage to surrounding tissue are reported. Long‐pulsed PTT induces acute necrotic cell death in heat affected areas and the release of tumor associated antigens. This antigen release triggers maturation and stimulation of CD80/CD86 in dendritic cells in vivo that primes a cytotoxic T cell response. Accordingly, long‐pulsed PTT enhances the therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibition and increases survival of mice with bladder cancer. Combined, the data promote long‐pulsed PTT as a safe and effective strategy for enhancing therapeutic responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors while minimizing unwanted tissue damage.
A Flexible, Adaptive, and Self‐Powered Triboelectric Vibration Sensor with Conductive Sponge‐Silicone for Machinery Condition Monitoring
Authors: Zou Yongjiu , Sun Minzheng , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Junpeng , Li Fangming , Dong Fangyang , Zhao Zhenhang , Du Taili , Ji Yulong , Sun Peiting , Xu Minyi
Published: March 2024

Vibration sensors for continuous and reliable condition monitoring of mechanical equipment, especially detection points of curved surfaces, remain a great challenge and are highly desired. Herein, a highly flexible and adaptive triboelectric vibration sensor for high‐fidelity and continuous monitoring of mechanical vibration conditions is proposed. The sensor is entirely composed of flexible materials. It consists of a conductive sponge‐silicone layer and a fluorinated ethylene propylene film. It can detect vibration acceleration of 5 to 50 m s−2 and vibration frequency of 10 to 100 Hz. It has strong robustness and stability, and the output performance barely changes after the durability test of 168 000 working cycles. Additionally, the flexible sensor can work even when the detection point of the mechanical equipment is curved, and the linear fit of the output voltage and acceleration is very close to that when the detection point is flat. Finally, it can be applied to monitoring the working condition of blower and vehicle engine, and can transmit vibration signal to mobile phone application through Wi‐Fi module for real‐time monitoring. The flexible triboelectric vibration sensor is expected to provide a practical paradigm for smart, green, and sustainable wireless sensor system in the era of Internet of Things.
Formation of Disordered High‐Entropy‐Alloy Nanoparticles for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Huang Xianfeng , Wu Zenan , Zhang Bo , Yang Guangxing , Wang Hao‐Fan , Wang Hongjuan , Cao Yonghai , Peng Feng , Li Shuang , Yu Hao
Published: March 2024

Nanoparticles composed of high‐entropy alloys (HEA NPs) exhibit remarkable performance in electrocatalytic processes such as hydrogen evolution and oxidations. In this study, two types of quinary HEA NPs of PtRhPdIrRu, are synthesized, featuring disordered and crystallized nanostructures, both with and without a boiling mixture. The disordered HEA NPs (d‐HEA NPs) with a size of 3.5 nm is synthesized under intense boiling conditions, attributed to improved heat and mass transfer during reduction of precursors and particle growth. The disordered HEA NPs displayed an exceptionally high turnover frequency of 33.1 s−1 at an overpotential of 50 mV, surpassing commercial Pt NPs in acidic electrolytes by 5.4 times. Additionally, d‐HEA NPs exhibited superior stability at a constant electrolyzing current of 50 mA cm−2 compared to commercial Pt NPs. When employed as the anodic catalyst in an H2‐O2 fuel cell, d‐HEA NPs demonstrated a remarkable high current power density of 15.3 kW per gram of noble metal. Consequently, these findings highlight the potential of d‐HEA NPs in electrochemical applications involving hydrogen.
Artificial and Biosynthetic Nanoparticles Boost Bioelectrochemical Reactions via Efficient Bidirectional Electron Transfer of Shewanella loihica
Authors: Chen Han , Wei Yu‐Qing , Xu Meng‐Yuan , Zhu Ma‐Wei , Liu Junying , Yong Yang‐Chun , Fang Zhen
Published: March 2024

Bioelectrochemical reactions using whole‐cell biocatalysts are promising carbon‐neutral approaches because of their easy operation, low cost, and sustainability. Bidirectional (outward or inward) electron transfer via exoelectrogens plays the main role in driving bioelectrochemical reactions. However, the low electron transfer efficiency seriously inhibits bioelectrochemical reaction kinetics. Here, a three dimensional and artificial nanoparticles‐constituent inverse opal‐indium tin oxide (IO‐ITO) electrode is fabricated and employed to connect with exoelectrogens (Shewanella loihica PV‐4). The above electrode collected 128‐fold higher cell density and exhibited a maximum current output approaching 1.5 mA cm−2 within 24 h at anode mode. By changing the IO‐ITO electrode to cathode mode, the exoelectrogens exhibited the attractive ability of extracellular electron uptake to reduce fumarate and 16 times higher reverse current than the commercial carbon electrode. Notably, Fe‐containing oxide nanoparticles are biologically synthesized at both sides of the outer cell membrane and probably contributed to direct electron transfer with the transmembrane c‐type cytochromes. Owing to the efficient electron exchange via artificial and biosynthetic nanoparticles, bioelectrochemical CO2 reduction is also realized at the cathode. This work not only explored the possibility of augmenting bidirectional electron transfer but also provided a new strategy to boost bioelectrochemical reactions by introducing biohybrid nanoparticles.
Anchoring Ultrafine β‐Mo2C Clusters Inside Porous Co‐NC Using MOFs for Electric‐Powered Coproduction of Valuable Chemicals
Authors: Chen Yu‐Zhen , Fan Yi‐Wen , Wang Yang , Li Zhibo
Published: March 2024

Electroredox of organics provides a promising and green approach to producing value‐added chemicals. However, it remains a grand challenge to achieve high selectivity of desired products simultaneously at two electrodes, especially for non‐isoelectronic transfer reactions. Here a porous heterostructure of Mo2C@Co‐NC is successfully fabricated, where subnanometre β‐Mo2C clusters (<1 nm, ≈10 wt%) are confined inside porous Co, N‐doped carbon using metalorganic frameworks. It is found that Co species not only promote the formation of β‐Mo2C but also can prevent it from oxidation by constructing the heterojunctions. As noted, the heterostructure achieves >96% yield and 92% Faradaic efficiency (FE) for aldehydes in anodic alcohol oxidation, as well as >99.9% yield and 96% FE for amines in cathodal nitrocompounds reduction in 1.0 M KOH. Precise control of the reaction kinetics of two half‐reactions by the electronic interaction between β‐Mo2C and Co is a crucial adjective. Density functional theory (DFT) gives in‐depth mechanistic insight into the high aldehyde selectivity. The work guides authors to reveal the electrooxidation nature of Mo2C at a subnanometer level. It is anticipated that the strategy will provide new insights into the design of highly effective bifunctional electrocatalysts for the coproduction of more complex fine chemicals.
Evaluate Chat‐GPT's programming capability in Swift through real university exam questions
Authors: Zhang Zizhuo , Wen Lian , Jiang Yanfei , Liu Yongli
Published: March 2024

In this study, we evaluate the programming capabilities of OpenAI's GPT‐3.5 and GPT‐4 models using Swift‐based exam questions from a third‐year university course. The results indicate that both GPT models generally outperform the average student score, yet they do not consistently exceed the performance of the top students. This comparison highlights areas where the GPT models excel and where they fall short, providing a nuanced view of their current programming proficiency. The study also reveals surprising instances where GPT‐3.5 outperforms GPT‐4, suggesting complex variations in AI model capabilities. By providing a clear benchmark of GPT's programming skills in an academic context, our research contributes valuable insights for future advancements in AI programming education and underscores the need for continued development to fully realize AI's potential in educational settings.
Influence of near‐field ground motions with fling‐step and forward‐directivity characteristics on seismic response of stilted buildings in mountainous area
Authors: Li Ruifeng , Li Yingmin , Pan Weihao , Liu Liping
Published: March 2024

Near‐field ground motions with fling‐step and forward‐directivity characteristics contain large‐amplitude pulses in velocity history, causing severe damage to stilted buildings in mountainous areas. In this study, three groups of 20 near‐field ground motions with fling‐step and forward‐directivity characteristics and 10 far‐field ground motions were selected as seismic inputs. Nonlinear response history analysis (NLRHA) was performed on plane finite element models of two seven‐story stilted frame structures, one with steel braces in the stilted story and the other without steel braces in the slope direction. Structural seismic response obtained from NLRHA was discussed in terms of inter‐story drift ratio (IDR) and peak floor acceleration (PFA). In addition, damage to two structures was assessed using the modified Park–Huang damage model. The results show that stilted structures exhibit greater inter‐story ratios and damage index values under near‐field ground motions with fling‐step characteristics and forward‐directivity characteristics than far‐field ground motions, where the stilted story has the highest amplification ratio in both IDR and damage index among floors. Designers should pay sufficient attention to the influence of ground motions with fling‐step and forward‐directivity characteristics on seismic demands and damage to stilted structures. The peak inter‐story ratio and damage index of stilted structures with steel braces were significantly lower than that of stilted structures without braces, proving the validation of setting steel braces on reducing the seismic demands of stilted structures and improving structural seismic safety. Additional NLRHA performed using artificial pulses shows that the seismic response of stilted buildings is related to pulse periods of near‐field ground motions and the greatest seismic demands and damage are obtained when the pulse period is 1.5–1.6 times the fundamental period of the stilted building.
Identifying anthropogenic legacy in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Antonelli Marta , Laube Patrick , Doering Michael , Scherelis Victoria , Wu Sidi , Hurni Lorenz , Heitzler Magnus , Weber Christine
Published: March 2024

The legacy of historic anthropogenic disturbance can significantly affect the structure and function of contemporary freshwater ecosystems. Environmental research and management that neglect anthropogenic legacy are likely to lead to a biased interpretation of present and future ecosystem dynamics. Yet, anthropogenic legacy remains poorly considered, mainly because of the challenges associated with its identification. Synthesizing past progress in legacy research, we present a conceptual framework for the systematic identification of anthropogenic legacy. We focus on the dynamic processes occurring during legacy formation (e.g., disturbance regime, ecosystem trajectories). Based on the review of relevant case studies, we discuss the historical and contemporary sources of information (e.g., communication, cartographic, paleoenvironmental sources) that can be employed for legacy identification. Finally, we provide practical examples of anthropogenic legacy identification in real‐world freshwater ecosystems. Produced in multidisciplinary collaboration, this review presents a comprehensive approach to anthropogenic legacy to foster its informed and systematic consideration in freshwater research and management.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems
Thermophilic cyanobacteria—exciting, yet challenging biotechnological chassis
Authors: Rasul Faiz , You Dawei , Jiang Ying , Liu Xiangjian , Daroch Maurycy
Published: March 2024

Thermophilic cyanobacteria are prokaryotic photoautotrophic microorganisms capable of growth between 45 and 73 °C. They are typically found in hot springs where they serve as essential primary producers. Several key features make these robust photosynthetic microbes biotechnologically relevant. These are highly stable proteins and their complexes, the ability to actively transport and concentrate inorganic carbon and other nutrients, to serve as gene donors, microbial cell factories, and sources of bioactive metabolites. A thorough investigation of the recent progress in thermophilic cyanobacteria reveals a significant increase in the number of newly isolated and delineated organisms and wide application of thermophilic light-harvesting components in biohybrid devices. Yet despite these achievements, there are still deficiencies at the high-end of the biotechnological learning curve, notably in genetic engineering and gene editing. Thermostable proteins could be more widely employed, and an extensive pool of newly available genetic data could be better utilised. In this manuscript, we attempt to showcase the most important recent advances in thermophilic cyanobacterial biotechnology and provide an overview of the future direction of the field and challenges that need to be overcome before thermophilic cyanobacterial biotechnology can bridge the gap with highly advanced biotechnology of their mesophilic counterparts.

Key points

• Increased interest in all aspects of thermophilic cyanobacteria in recent years

• Light harvesting components remain the most biotechnologically relevant

• Lack of reliable molecular biology tools hinders further development of the chassis

Graphical Abstract
Effect of different compatibilization routes on the mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of polypropylene/cellulose nanocrystals nanocomposites
Authors: Benchikh Lilia , Aouissi Tahar , Aitferhat Yazid , Chorfi Hichem , Abacha Ilyes , Kebaili Maya , Guessoum Melia , Merzouki Abdelhafid , Grohens Yves , Carraro Mauro , Djellali Souad
Published: March 2024

The combination of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with synthetic polymers like polypropylene (PP) offers the opportunity to create advanced nanocomposites with significant advantages in terms of mechanical properties, improved thermal stability, enhanced barrier properties, and sustainability. However, a major drawback for incorporation of CNCs in polymer matrices is their poor dispersion and incompatibility with industrial processing of many composites. This work aims to improve the dispersion of hydrophilic CNCs in a hydrophobic matrix using a method which could be adapted for the industrial level. CNCs are extracted from Ampelodesmos mauritanicus (El Diss plant) (CNCD) and incorporated in a polypropylene matrix using the masterbatch method. A first nanocomposite (PP/CNC-Gr) was prepared by adding maleic anhydride (MA) to a CNCD/PP suspension, while the second nanocomposite (PP/CNC-Co) was achieved by using a MA-grafted PP (PP-g-MA) as a third component. Concentrated masterbatch underwent solution casting followed by homogenization in a Brabender mixer. Mechanical properties comparison showed that PP/CNC-Co nanocomposites exhibited greater resistance relatively to PP/CNC-Gr nanocomposites. Moreover, PP/CNC-Co nanocomposites revealed an improved thermal stability and a higher complex viscosity, particularly with 3% of CNCD. Properties enhancements are attributed to the reaction between MA groups grafted to PP chains and hydroxyl groups of CNCDs, which enables an improved interfacial adhesion, leading to more continuous materials, as perceived from the increase in viscosity and morphology observation. On the other hand, MA reaction with PP chains and CNCD induced only a partial coverage of CNCDs during nanocrystals treatment, conferring relatively lower properties to PP/CNC-Gr nanocomposites.
Cancer-related cognitive impairment and wellbeing in patients with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma compared to population norms and healthy controls: an exploratory study
Authors: Gates Priscilla , Dhillon Haryana. M. , Krishnasamy Mei , Wilson Carlene , Gough Karla
Published: March 2024

Purpose

There has been little dedicated research on cancer-related cognitive impairment in patients with aggressive lymphoma. We describe and compare patients’ cognitive function with that of healthy controls and patients’ wellbeing and distress with general population values. We also explore associations between patients’ neuropsychological test performance and self-reported cognitive function and distress.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data from a feasibility study of 30 patients with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma and 72 healthy controls. Patients completed neuropsychological tests and self-report measures before and 6–8 weeks after chemotherapy. Healthy controls completed neuropsychological tests and the FACT-Cog at enrolment and 6 months later. Mixed models were used to analyze neuropsychological test and FACT-Cog scores. One-sample t-tests were used to compare patients’ self-reported wellbeing and distress with population norms. Associations were explored with Kendall’s Tau b.

Results

Patients and healthy controls were well matched on socio-demographics. Differences between neuropsychological test scores were mostly large-sized; on average, patients’ scores on measures of information processing speed, executive function, and learning and memory were worse both before and after chemotherapy (all p ≤ 0.003). The same pattern was observed for impact of perceived cognitive impairment on quality-of-life (both p < 0.001). Patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing scores were lower than population norms both before and after chemotherapy (all p ≤ 0.018). Associations between neuropsychological performance and other measures were mostly trivial (all p > 0.10).

Conclusion

For many patients with aggressive lymphoma, impaired neuropsychological test performance and impact of perceived impairments on quality-of-life precede chemotherapy and are sustained after chemotherapy. Findings support the need for large-scale longitudinal studies with this population to better understand targets for interventions to address cognitive impairments.
Experimental Study on the Accelerating Creep of Rock Under Dry and Wet Conditions Based on a New Test Method
Authors: Hashiba K. , Fukui K.
Published: March 2024

Creep tests under constant stress are among the most important tests for investigating the time-dependent behavior of rock. In previous studies, creep tests were conducted under various loading and environmental conditions; however, it was very difficult to demonstrate accelerating creep at failure at stresses less than 50% of strength in conventional creep tests. In this study, a new test method is proposed that combines an alternating loading-rate test and a creep test in the post-failure region. The accelerating creep as well as the loading-rate dependence of strength were successfully obtained simultaneously from a single specimen. This test method was applied to three rock types under dry and wet conditions. The results of Sanjome andesite under both dry and wet conditions, Kimachi sandstone under dry conditions, and Tage tuff under dry conditions showed a similar relationship between creep strain, creep strain rate, and residual time (i.e., creep lifetime minus elapsed time), from high to low creep stress levels, and a close relationship between accelerating creep and the loading-rate dependence of strength. Further, the mechanism responsible for the time dependence was found not to change significantly from high to low stress levels. In contrast, different results were obtained when high and low creep stress levels were compared in Kimachi sandstone and Tage tuff under wet conditions. The larger increase in creep strain with increasing creep strain rate at lower creep stress levels was related to the shape of the stress–strain curve in the post-failure region.
Gram-negative rough mutants used as test bacteria can increase sensitivity of direct bioautography
Authors: Balázs Viktória L. , Böszörményi Andrea , Kocsis Béla , Horváth Györgyi
Published: March 2024

Currently, the antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) is an outstanding research field due to antibiotic resistance of microorganisms. Thin-layer chromatography‒direct bioautography (TLC‒DB) is an effective, fast method to find components with antimicrobial activity in a mixture of plant compounds, e.g., in EOs. The volatility and hydrophobic characters of EOs require special experimental conditions, and disc diffusion assay is not appropriate to explore the antimicrobial activity of them. The aim of this study was to use “R” mutants, which are more sensitive to synthetic antimicrobial drugs, in DB to increase the sensitivity of this method. Our hypothesis was that these mutants show sensitivity to some EOs (thyme, clove, and peppermint) as well. The chemical composition of our tested EOs was measured with gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS). The main compounds (39.8% thymol, 78.8% eugenol, and 50.4% menthol) of EOs showed notable antibacterial activity in TLC‒DB. Based on our results, we suggest to use Salmonella minnesota Re595 rough strain as test bacterium in bioautography, because it showed the highest sensitivity to the tested antibiotics (gentamicin and cephalexin) and EOs. Furthermore, this rough mutant could make TLC‒DB more faster, because only 4 h incubation time was enough to detect the inhibition zones of the active compounds used in this study.