bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prolonged dry Mid-Holocene recorded by Moon Lake in the Tengger Desert, arid and semiarid China
Authors: Duan Futao , An Cheng-Bang , Wang Wei , Zhao Yongtao , Zhou Aifeng
Published: January 2024

Reconstructing the Mid-Holocene climate change in arid and semiarid areas can help predict regional moisture availability and resultant lake evolution and vegetation changes due to future warming. Here, we present a sediment core (YLH15A) from Moon Lake in the Tengger Desert, arid and semiarid China. Based on robust accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating and multiproxy analyses (pollen, grain size, elements, and total organic carbon), we reconstructed regional climate changes since 7.6 cal ka BP. The climate was generally dry from 7.6 to 2.8 cal ka BP, as indicated by the dried-up lake, strong aeolian activities, and no vegetation, except for a short-term wet interval between 5.4 and 4.9 cal ka BP. The generally dry climate shifted after 2.8 cal ka BP, which is suggested by expanded steppe desert/steppe and increased vegetation cover; it was also accompanied by lake development, which was likely related to increased groundwater recharge originating from regional precipitation and temporary floods from adjacent mountain areas. Our results reveal a prolonged dry Mid-Holocene and relatively wet Late Holocene that are basically consistent with climatic records from the central–east Asian arid and hyperarid areas. The prolonged dry climate in the arid and hyperarid areas is likely to be related to high evaporation triggered by high temperatures during the Middle Holocene.
Severe decline in abundance of Cyathostoma lari, a parasite of the nasal and orbital sinuses of gulls, at their central European nesting grounds
Authors: Heneberg P. , Sitko J. , Yakovleva G. , Lebedeva D.
Published: January 2024

Cyathostoma lari is a parasite of the nasal and orbital sinuses of gulls and other hosts in Europe and Canada. Here, we provide an overview of previously published data on the prevalence and infection intensity of C. lari in gulls. Furthermore, based on our data, we analyze the spatiotemporal trends in the prevalence and intensity of infection by C. lari in Chroicocephalus ridibundus in Czechia (central Europe; data from 1964 to 2014) and compare them with those obtained from five species of gulls in Karelia (Northwest Russia; data from 2012–2020). Based on our preliminary observations, we hypothesized that C. lari is subject to a decline in certain regions, but this decline is not necessarily applicable throughout its distribution range. We found that the C. lari population crashed in specific parts of its distribution range. The reasons are unknown, but the observed population changes correspond with the diet switch of their core host in Czechia, C. ridibundus. We previously observed a diet switch in Czech C. ridibundus from earthworms (intermediate hosts of C. lari) to other types of food. This diet switch affected both young and adult birds. Nevertheless, it may not necessarily affect populations in other regions, where they depend less on earthworms collected from agrocenoses affected by agrochemicals and trampling. Correspondingly, we found that these changes were limited only to regions where the gulls feed (or fed) on arable fields. In Karelia, where arable fields are scarce, gulls likely continue to feed on earthworms and still display high infection rates by C. lari. Therefore, C. lari, a parasite of the nasal and orbital sinuses of gulls, nearly disappeared from their central European nesting grounds but is still present in better-preserved parts of its distribution range.
Word of caution: silent late device embolisation after perimembranous ventricular septal defect closure in a 6-Kg infant
Authors: Haddad Raymond N. , Saliba Zakhia
Published: January 2024

We report on a 6-month-old infant (6 Kg/ 64 cm) with perimembranous ventricular septal defect (absent sub-aortic rim, 10 mm left ventricular entry, and 4 and 6 mm right ventricular exists) and successful retrograde closure using an 8x6 mm KONAR-MF™ VSD occluder (Lifetech, China). Immediate and 48 hours post-procedure ultrasounds showed an accurately positioned device and two jets of mild-to-moderate residual shunts. At the 2-week follow-up, the device did not change position and the shunt was stable and intra-prosthetic. The scheduled 3-month follow-up was skipped for familial reasons. The patient came back without alarming symptoms for the regular 6-month follow-up, and the device was found embolised to the left pulmonary artery. The device was retrieved surgically, and the defect was patch-closed with excellent outcomes. There was a pseudoaneurysm involving the tricuspid valve chordae and the device was endothelialized partially on one edge suggesting that embolization occurred somewhere between 3 months and 6 months post-operative. Defects with compromised anatomies should be closed surgically to avoid suboptimal results, especially in small infants.
Aortic valvar atresia with a normal-sized left ventricle in an adolescent
Authors: Goswami Sourabh , Rajagopal Rengarajan , Deora Surender
Published: January 2024

Atresia of the aortic valve is usually associated with hypoplasia of the mitral valve and the left ventricle. In very rare cases, a ventricular septal defect may be associated with aortic atresia, when left ventricle and mitral valve are normal-sized, due to the presence of an outflow for the left ventricle through the ventricular septal defect. We present the multi-modality imaging findings of an adolescent girl who presented with breathlessness and was later found to have aortic valvar atresia with a normal-sized left ventricle.
Small State Diplomacy in Action: The Real Origins of TPP
Authors: Groser Tim
Published: January 2024

The TPP Agreement – now CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement) – is, by any measure, a central part of the emerging global trade policy framework. To the author's surprise, it survived the decision of the United States to withdraw after USTR Mike Froman had signed the Agreement in Auckland 2015 on behalf of the US. Today, it incorporates 12 economies including leading G20 economies such as Japan, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and the UK, its most recent entrant. Six other economies, including most importantly, China, the world's second largest economy, are now applying for membership. What began between Singapore and New Zealand – a conscious strategic decision on their part to try to incentivize precisely this process of Asia-Pacific regional integration in 1999 – is now clearly a major part of the global geopolitical chessboard.
Transport of Magma in Granitic Mush Systems; an Example From the Götemar Pluton, Sweden
Authors: Mattsson Tobias , McCarthy William , Schmiedel Tobias
Published: January 2024

Granitic magma bodies form in the ephemeral part of magma mush systems and are emplaced by a variety of mechanisms in different tectonic settings. This study investigates how granitic magma emplacement processes and tectonomagmatic interactions assert control over the architecture of mush state pluton‐scale magma transport pathways. The 1.45 Ga shallow‐crustal Götemar pluton is a 4.5 km diameter circular pluton that consists of three granite units: a coarse‐grained red granite, a medium‐grained pale to red granite, and fine‐grained pale microgranite sheets. We employed geological mapping supported by Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) to examine the magmatic and regional tectonic controls on late‐stage magma transport in the Götemar granitic magma mush system. Multiple parallel arcuate subhorizontal microgranite and medium‐grained granite sheets (from 0.1 to 10s of meters thick) were mapped within the pluton. The arcuate sheets pinch out from the northern part of the pluton toward the SE inferring magma propagation direction. A dominant set of vertical granitic sheets within the granite body strikes NW‐SE. The AMS fabrics are contact‐parallel in the main medium‐grained granite body and indicate inflation. Within the microgranite sheets, the AMS fabrics are parallel to the sheet strike and support a sheet propagation direction to the SE. The Götemar pluton displays a clear link between arcuate (concentric) magma‐transporting sheets and concentric strain‐partitioning related to the intrusion of medium‐grained granite magma. The vertical magma sheet orientations are consistent with an NE‐SW extensional stress field that is associated with the extensional back‐arc stress regime of the contemporary Hallandian Orogen.
Indian Ocean Dipole Changes During the Last Interglacial Modulated by the Mean Oceanic Climatology
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Yuan Chaoxia , Behera Swadhin , Luo Jing‐Jia , Yamagata Toshio
Published: January 2024

Investigating the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) during the Last Interglacial (LIG) can advance knowledge of IOD behaviors in orbitally‐induced warmer‐than‐present scenarios. Based on multiple model outputs from the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project Phase 4, the analysis suggests reduced frequencies of the IOD compared to the preindustrial period. Spatially, the whole growing and mature stages of the IOD feature suppressed variability over the west and westward expansions of eastern anomalies, while the eastern perturbation enhances only at the initial phase. The overall amplitude assessed by the dipole mode index shows only minor reductions. These changes are attributed to orbitally‐induced enhancement in mean‐state westward currents along the equator, which transport more anomalous cold water westward. In addition, the subdued El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) during the LIG is unlikely to cause a weakening of the IOD, in association with a less important role of ENSO in the formation of the IOD.
Insights Into the Micromechanics of Dehydration‐Induced Gypsum to γ‐Anhydrite Phase Transition From Instrumented Microindentation Experiments
Authors: Mukherjee Rajiv , Misra Santanu
Published: January 2024

Gypsum, an anisotropic hydrous mineral, localizes strain through dehydration‐induced embrittlement and hydrodynamic lubrication, affecting the deformation in active tectonic settings. Here, we examine the micromechanical status of syn‐ and post‐dehydration gypsum‐phases, crucial for understanding intra‐crystalline deformation. We micro‐indented the (010) planes of natural gypsum crystals from 30 to 140°C at various strain‐rates to track mechanical changes during progressive dehydration and phase transition. Thermogravimetric analyses reveal that gypsum dehydrates between 100 and 140°C following a sigmoidal curve. Micromechanical data show, at 30°C, the mean hardness of gypsum is 2.42 GPa, reducing to 0.5 GPa at 140°C, after complete dehydration. Following the sigmoidal dehydration trend, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, and yield stress likewise drops with progressive dehydration. The Gypsum‐Hemihydrate phase exhibits strain‐rate sensitive elastoplastic deformation between 30 and 110°C, as hardness decreases with increasing strain‐rate. We propose that delamination of the layers and extensive tensile cracking along [010] cause this strain‐rate sensitive behavior, displaying Indentation Size Effect. Dehydrated phases (Hemihydrate and γ‐Anhydrite) are formed as exfoliated pseudomorphic flakes through topotactic transformation along [010] and show two sets of oppositely dipping slip systems. During the late dehydration stage (120–140°C), plastic strain is accommodated by the sliding of these flakes along with inelastic pore compaction, resulting in strain‐rate insensitive plastic deformation of the system.
Flood Risks of Cyber‐Physical Attacks in a Smart Storm Water System
Authors: Lin Chung‐Yi , Yang Yi‐Chen Ethan , Moazeni Faegheh
Published: January 2024

The rise in smart water technologies has introduced new cybersecurity vulnerabilities for water infrastructures. However, the implications of cyber‐physical attacks on the systems like urban drainage systems remain underexplored. This research delves into this gap, introducing a method to quantify flood risks in the face of cyber‐physical threats. We apply this approach to a smart stormwater system—a real‐time controlled network of pond‐conduit configurations, fitted with water level detectors and gate regulators. Our focus is on a specific cyber‐physical threat: false data injection (FDI). In FDI attacks, adversaries introduce deceptive data that mimics legitimate system noises, evading detection. Our risk assessment incorporates factors like sensor noises and weather prediction uncertainties. Findings reveal that FDIs can amplify flood risks by feeding the control system false data, leading to erroneous outflow directives. Notably, FDI attacks can reshape flood risk dynamics across different storm intensities, accentuating flood risks during less severe but more frequent storms. This study offers valuable insights for strategizing investments in smart stormwater systems, keeping cyber‐physical threats in perspective. Furthermore, our risk quantification method can be extended to other water system networks, such as irrigation channels and multi‐reservoir systems, aiding in cyber‐defense planning.
Global increase in tropical cyclone ocean surface waves
Authors: Shi Jian , Feng Xiangbo , Toumi Ralf , Zhang Chi , Hodges Kevin I. , Tao Aifeng , Zhang Wei , Zheng Jinhai
Published: January 2024

The long-term changes of ocean surface waves associated with tropical cyclones (TCs) are poorly observed and understood. Here, we present the global trend analysis of TC waves for 1979–2022 based on the ERA5 wave reanalysis. The maximum height and the area of the TC wave footprint in the six h reanalysis have increased globally by about 3%/decade and 6%/decade, respectively. The TC wave energy transferred at the interface from the atmosphere to the ocean has increased globally by about 9%/decade, which is three times larger than that reported for all waves. The global energy changes are mostly driven by the growing area of the wave footprint. Our study shows that the TC-associated wave hazard has increased significantly and these changes are larger than those of the TC maximum wind speed. This suggests that the wave hazard should be a concern in the future.
Realization of a crosstalk-avoided quantum network node using dual-type qubits of the same ion species
Authors: Feng L. , Huang Y.-Y. , Wu Y.-K. , Guo W.-X. , Ma J.-Y. , Yang H.-X. , Zhang L. , Wang Y. , Huang C.-X. , Zhang C. , Yao L. , Qi B.-X. , Pu Y.-F. , Zhou Z.-C. , Duan L.-M.
Published: January 2024

Generating ion-photon entanglement is a crucial step for scalable trapped-ion quantum networks. To avoid the crosstalk on memory qubits carrying quantum information, it is common to use a different ion species for ion-photon entanglement generation such that the scattered photons are far off-resonant for the memory qubits. However, such a dual-species scheme can be subject to inefficient sympathetic cooling due to the mass mismatch of the ions. Here we demonstrate a trapped-ion quantum network node in the dual-type qubit scheme where two types of qubits are encoded in the S and F hyperfine structure levels of 171Yb+ ions. We generate ion photon entanglement for the S-qubit in a typical timescale of hundreds of milliseconds, and verify its small crosstalk on a nearby F-qubit with coherence time above seconds. Our work demonstrates an enabling function of the dual-type qubit scheme for scalable quantum networks.
Multimodal measures of spontaneous brain activity reveal both common and divergent patterns of cortical functional organization
Authors: Vafaii Hadi , Mandino Francesca , Desrosiers-Grégoire Gabriel , O’Connor David , Markicevic Marija , Shen Xilin , Ge Xinxin , Herman Peter , Hyder Fahmeed , Papademetris Xenophon , Chakravarty Mallar , Crair Michael C. , Constable R. Todd , Lake Evelyn M. R. , Pessoa Luiz
Published: January 2024

Large-scale functional networks have been characterized in both rodent and human brains, typically by analyzing fMRI-BOLD signals. However, the relationship between fMRI-BOLD and underlying neural activity is complex and incompletely understood, which poses challenges to interpreting network organization obtained using this technique. Additionally, most work has assumed a disjoint functional network organization (i.e., brain regions belong to one and only one network). Here, we employ wide-field Ca2+imaging simultaneously with fMRI-BOLD in mice expressing GCaMP6f in excitatory neurons. We determine cortical networks discovered by each modality using a mixed-membership algorithm to test the hypothesis that functional networks exhibit overlapping organization. We find that there is considerable network overlap (both modalities) in addition to disjoint organization. Our results show that multiple BOLD networks are detected via Ca2+signals, and networks determined by low-frequency Ca2+signals are only modestly more similar to BOLD networks. In addition, the principal gradient of functional connectivity is nearly identical for BOLD and Ca2+signals. Despite similarities, important differences are also detected across modalities, such as in measures of functional connectivity strength and diversity. In conclusion, Ca2+imaging uncovers overlapping functional cortical organization in the mouse that reflects several, but not all, properties observed with fMRI-BOLD signals.
Angiogenesis-on-a-chip coupled with single-cell RNA sequencing reveals spatially differential activations of autophagy along angiogenic sprouts
Authors: Lee Somin , Kim Hyunkyung , Kim Bum Suk , Chae Sehyun , Jung Sangmin , Lee Jung Seub , Yu James , Son Kyungmin , Chung Minhwan , Kim Jong Kyoung , Hwang Daehee , Baek Sung Hee , Jeon Noo Li
Published: January 2024

Several functions of autophagy associated with proliferation, differentiation, and migration of endothelial cells have been reported. Due to lack of models recapitulating angiogenic sprouting, functional heterogeneity of autophagy in endothelial cells along angiogenic sprouts remains elusive. Here, we apply an angiogenesis-on-a-chip to reconstruct 3D sprouts with clear endpoints. We perform single-cell RNA sequencing of sprouting endothelial cells from our chip to reveal high activation of autophagy in two endothelial cell populations- proliferating endothelial cells in sprout basements and stalk-like endothelial cells near sprout endpoints- and further the reciprocal expression pattern of autophagy-related genes between stalk- and tip-like endothelial cells near sprout endpoints, implying an association of autophagy with tip-stalk cell specification. Our results suggest a model describing spatially differential roles of autophagy: quality control of proliferating endothelial cells in sprout basements for sprout elongation and tip-stalk cell specification near sprout endpoints, which may change strategies for developing autophagy-based anti-angiogenic therapeutics.
The polyketide to fatty acid transition in the evolution of animal lipid metabolism
Authors: Lin Zhenjian , Li Feng , Krug Patrick J. , Schmidt Eric W.
Published: January 2024

Animals synthesize simple lipids using a distinct fatty acid synthase (FAS) related to the type I polyketide synthase (PKS) enzymes that produce complex specialized metabolites. The evolutionary origin of the animal FAS and its relationship to the diversity of PKSs remain unclear despite the critical role of lipid synthesis in cellular metabolism. Recently, an animal FAS-like PKS (AFPK) was identified in sacoglossan molluscs. Here, we explore the phylogenetic distribution of AFPKs and other PKS and FAS enzymes across the tree of life. We found AFPKs widely distributed in arthropods and molluscs (>6300 newly described AFPK sequences). The AFPKs form a clade with the animal FAS, providing an evolutionary link bridging the type I PKSs and the animal FAS. We found molluscan AFPK diversification correlated with shell loss, suggesting AFPKs provide a chemical defense. Arthropods have few or no PKSs, but our results indicate AFPKs contributed to their ecological and evolutionary success by facilitating branched hydrocarbon and pheromone biosynthesis. Although animal metabolism is well studied, surprising new metabolic enzyme classes such as AFPKs await discovery.
Electrical tuning of branched flow of light
Authors: Chang Shan-shan , Wu Ke-Hui , Liu Si-jia , Lin Zhi-Kang , Wu Jin-bing , Ge Shi-jun , Chen Lu-Jian , Chen Peng , Hu Wei , Xu Yadong , Chen Huanyang , He Dahai , Yang Da-Quan , Jiang Jian-Hua , Lu Yan-qing , Chen Jin-hui
Published: January 2024

Branched flows occur ubiquitously in various wave systems, when the propagating waves encounter weak correlated scattering potentials. Here we report the experimental realization of electrical tuning of the branched flow of light using a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) system. We create the physical realization of the weakly correlated disordered potentials of light via the inhomogeneous orientations of the NLC. We demonstrate that the branched flow of light can be switched on and off as well as tuned continuously through the electro-optical properties of NLC film. We further show that the branched flow can be manipulated by the polarization of the incident light due to the optical anisotropy of the NLC film. The nature of the branched flow of light is revealed via the unconventional intensity statistics and the rapid fidelity decay along the light propagation. Our study unveils an excellent platform for the tuning of the branched flow of light which creates a testbed for fundamental physics and offers a new way for steering light.
Solar-driven membrane separation for direct lithium extraction from artificial salt-lake brine
Authors: Zhang Shenxiang , Wei Xian , Cao Xue , Peng Meiwen , Wang Min , Jiang Lin , Jin Jian
Published: January 2024

The demand for lithium extraction from salt-lake brines is increasing to address the lithium supply shortage. Nanofiltration separation technology with high Mg2+/Li+ separation efficiency has shown great potential for lithium extraction. However, it usually requires diluting the brine with a large quantity of freshwater and only yields Li+-enriched solution. Inspired by the process of selective ion uptake and salt secretion in mangroves, we report here the direct extraction of lithium from salt-lake brines by utilizing the synergistic effect of ion separation membrane and solar-driven evaporator. The ion separation membrane-based solar evaporator is a multilayer structure consisting of an upper photothermal layer to evaporate water, a hydrophilic porous membrane in the middle to generate capillary pressure as the driving force for water transport, and an ultrathin ion separation membrane at the bottom to allow Li+ to pass through and block other multivalent ions. This process exhibits excellent lithium extraction capability. When treating artificial salt-lake brine with salt concentration as high as 348.4 g L−1, the Mg2+/Li+ ratio is reduced by 66 times (from 19.8 to 0.3). This research combines ion separation with solar-driven evaporation to directly obtain LiCl powder, providing an efficient and sustainable approach for lithium extraction.
Obtaining auxetic and isotropic metamaterials in counterintuitive design spaces: an automated optimization approach and experimental characterization
Authors: Meier Timon , Li Runxuan , Mavrikos Stefanos , Blankenship Brian , Vangelatos Zacharias , Yildizdag M. Erden , Grigoropoulos Costas P.
Published: January 2024

Recent advancements in manufacturing, finite element analysis (FEA), and optimization techniques have expanded the design possibilities for metamaterials, including isotropic and auxetic structures, known for applications like energy absorption due to their unique deformation mechanism and consistent behavior under varying loads. However, achieving simultaneous control of multiple properties, such as optimal isotropic and auxetic characteristics, remains challenging. This paper introduces a systematic design approach that combines modeling, FEA, genetic algorithm, and optimization to create tailored mechanical behavior in metamaterials. Through strategically arranging 8 distinct neither isotropic nor auxetic unit cell states, the stiffness tensor in a 5 × 5 × 5 cubic symmetric lattice structure is controlled. Employing the NSGA-II genetic algorithm and automated modeling, we yield metamaterial lattice structures possessing both desired isotropic and auxetic properties. Multiphoton lithography fabrication and experimental characterization of the optimized metamaterial highlights a practical real-world use and confirms the close correlation between theoretical and experimental data.
Genetic ancestry and diagnostic yield of exome sequencing in a diverse population
Authors: Mavura Yusuph , Sahin-Hodoglugil Nuriye , Hodoglugil Ugur , Kvale Mark , Martin Pierre-Marie , Van Ziffle Jessica , Devine W. Patrick , Ackerman Sara L. , Koenig Barbara A. , Kwok Pui-Yan , Norton Mary E. , Slavotinek Anne , Risch Neil
Published: January 2024

It has been suggested that diagnostic yield (DY) from Exome Sequencing (ES) may be lower among patients with non-European ancestries than those with European ancestry. We examined the association of DY with estimated continental/subcontinental genetic ancestry in a racially/ethnically diverse pediatric and prenatal clinical cohort. Cases (N = 845) with suspected genetic disorders underwent ES for diagnosis. Continental/subcontinental genetic ancestry proportions were estimated from the ES data. We compared the distribution of genetic ancestries in positive, negative, and inconclusive cases by Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests and linear associations of ancestry with DY by Cochran-Armitage trend tests. We observed no reduction in overall DY associated with any genetic ancestry (African, Native American, East Asian, European, Middle Eastern, South Asian). However, we observed a relative increase in proportion of autosomal recessive homozygous inheritance versus other inheritance patterns associated with Middle Eastern and South Asian ancestry, due to consanguinity. In this empirical study of ES for undiagnosed pediatric and prenatal genetic conditions, genetic ancestry was not associated with the likelihood of a positive diagnosis, supporting the equitable use of ES in diagnosis of previously undiagnosed but potentially Mendelian disorders across all ancestral populations.
Cross-platform comparison of arbitrary quantum processes
Authors: Zheng Congcong , Yu Xutao , Wang Kun
Published: January 2024

In this work, we present a protocol for comparing the performance of arbitrary quantum processes executed on spatially or temporally disparate quantum platforms using Local Operations and Classical Communication (LOCC). The protocol involves sampling local unitary operators, which are then communicated to each platform via classical communication to construct quantum state preparation and measurement circuits. Subsequently, the local unitary operators are implemented on each platform, resulting in the generation of probability distributions of measurement outcomes. The max process fidelity is estimated from the probability distributions, which ultimately quantifies the relative performance of the quantum processes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this protocol can be adapted for quantum process tomography. We apply the protocol to compare the performance of five quantum devices from IBM and the “Qianshi" quantum computer from Baidu via the cloud. The experimental results unveil two notable aspects: Firstly, the protocol adeptly compares the performance of the quantum processes implemented on different quantum computers. Secondly, the protocol scales, although still exponentially, much more favorably with the number of qubits, when compared to the full quantum process tomography. We view our work as a catalyst for collaborative efforts in cross-platform comparison of quantum computers.
Satellite mapping reveals extensive industrial activity at sea
Authors: Paolo Fernando S. , Kroodsma David , Raynor Jennifer , Hochberg Tim , Davis Pete , Cleary Jesse , Marsaglia Luca , Orofino Sara , Thomas Christian , Halpin Patrick
Published: January 2024

The world’s population increasingly relies on the ocean for food, energy production and global trade1–3, yet human activities at sea are not well quantified4,5. We combine satellite imagery, vessel GPS data and deep-learning models to map industrial vessel activities and offshore energy infrastructure across the world’s coastal waters from 2017 to 2021. We find that 72–76% of the world’s industrial fishing vessels are not publicly tracked, with much of that fishing taking place around South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa. We also find that 21–30% of transport and energy vessel activity is missing from public tracking systems. Globally, fishing decreased by 12 ± 1% at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels by 2021. By contrast, transport and energy vessel activities were relatively unaffected during the same period. Offshore wind is growing rapidly, with most wind turbines confined to small areas of the ocean but surpassing the number of oil structures in 2021. Our map of ocean industrialization reveals changes in some of the most extensive and economically important human activities at sea.
Treatment outcomes for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss in dialysis patients
Authors: Kim Seonju , Lee Dong Kyu , Kim Hae-rim , Park Jung Mee , Kim Soon Bae , Yu Hoon
Published: January 2024

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is challenging for both nephrologists and otolaryngologists treating patients undergoing dialysis. This single-center, retrospective, observational study investigated the treatment outcomes of patients with ISSNHL undergoing dialysis, enrolling 700 patients (47 undergoing and 653 not undergoing dialysis) diagnosed with ISSNHL between January 2005 and December 2021 at Asan Medical Center, Republic of Korea. To balance pre-existing clinical characteristics, 1:5 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed with the patients who were not undergoing dialysis. Treatment included high-dose systemic steroid therapy or intra-tympanic steroid injections. The pure tone average of the groups was compared before and 2 weeks and 2 months after treatment. The hearing-improvement degree was evaluated using Siegel's criteria. Before PSM, age, prevalence of diabetes or hypertension, initial hearing threshold at each frequency level (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz), and treatment strategies exhibited significant between-group differences. However, in the PS-matched cohort, none of the confounders showed significant between-group differences. Two months after steroid treatment, the non-dialysis patient group demonstrated significantly higher average improvement in pure tone audiometry (P = 0.029) and greater percentage of complete response according to Siegel's criteria. This study suggests that treatment outcomes for ISSNHL are significantly poorer for patients undergoing than for those not undergoing dialysis.
Exposure to air pollution and ovarian reserve parameters
Authors: Wieczorek Katarzyna , Szczęsna Dorota , Radwan Michał , Radwan Paweł , Polańska Kinga , Kilanowicz Anna , Jurewicz Joanna
Published: January 2024

Exposure to air pollution is associated with many different health effects, especially cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Additionally, highly significant links between exposure to air pollution and fertility, particularly male fertility was observed, however the studies regarding exposure to selected air pollutants and female fertility assessed by ovarian reserve are rare. Hence, the main aim of the study was to analyze relationship between exposure to ambient air pollution and ovarian reserve parameters among Polish women. The study population consisted of 511 women, who attended to infertility clinic because of diagnostic purposes. Participants filled in the questionnaire about social-demographic, lifestyle and health factors. Infertility specialists assessed ovarian parameters such as: antral follicle count (AFC) and concentration of hormones: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2). The air pollutants level (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matters) were obtained via National Environmental Protection Inspectorate database. Significant negative association between PM2,5 and AMH (p = 0.032), as well as AFC (p = 0.044) was observed. Moreover, SO2 concentrations decrease AFC (p = 0.038). The results also suggest that PM10, PM2.5, SO2 exposure on antral follicle count may be more pronounced among women with a female factor infertility diagnosis. Additionally, exposure to PM2.5 and NOx on AFC and AMH was stronger among older women (> 35 years of age). To conclude, the present study found that air pollution could lead to decrease in follicle antral count and Anti-Müllerian hormone level, especially exposure to PM2,5 and SO2 thus the evidence suggest negative impact to ovarian reserve.
Facile construction of ZIF-94/PAN nanofiber by electrospinning for the removal of Co(II) from wastewater
Authors: Yin Cong , Peng Yinyin , Li Hongjiang , Yang Guang , Yuan Guoyuan
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to synthesize a novel nanofiber adsorbent based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), ZIF-94-PAN, by incorporating ZIF-94 into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) through electrospinning. The investigation of the adsorption characteristics of ZIF-94-PAN for cobalt ions was undertaken, yielding findings that suggest an optimum ZIF-94 loading content within the ZIF-94-PAN composite of 8%. The adsorption experiments revealed that, under pH 8.3 and 298 K, ZIF-94-PAN-8% attained cobalt ion equilibrium adsorption (139.08 mg/g). Additionally, the adsorption kinetics of cobalt ions exhibited conformity with the pseudo-second-order model, whereas adherence to the Freundlich isotherm model indicated a non-homogeneous, endothermic process. XPS analysis unveiled that the adsorption mechanism was characterized by the coordination of nitrogen and oxygen atoms within ZIF-94-PAN with cobalt ions. This study effectively addressed the challenges of separating and recovering MOFs adsorbents by fabricating them as nanofibers. The remarkable adsorption performance and stability of the ZIF-94-PAN nanofibers highlight their potential for removing cobalt-contaminated wastewater.
Reduced length of intensive care unit stay and early mechanical ventilator weaning with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in free fibula flap surgery
Authors: Hsiao Wei-Ling , Wu Yao-Cheng , Tai Hao-Chih
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on postoperative recovery of patients who underwent free fibula flap surgery for mandibular reconstruction. This retrospective study included 188 patients who underwent free fibula flap surgery for complex mandibular and soft tissue defects between January 2011 and December 2022. We divided them into two groups: the ERAS group, consisting of 36 patients who were treated according to the ERAS program introduced from 2021 to 2022. Propensity score matching was used for the non-ERAS group, which comprised 36 cases selected from 152 patients between 2011 and 2020, based on age, sex, and smoking history. After propensity score matching, the ERAS and non-ERAS groups included 36 patients each. The primary outcome was the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay; the secondary outcomes were flap complications, unplanned reoperation, 30-day readmission, postoperative ventilator use length, surgical site infections, incidence of delirium within ICU, lower-limb comorbidities, and morbidity parameters. There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics of the patients. However, the ERAS group showed the lower length of intensive care unit stay (ERAS vs non-ERAS: 8.66 ± 3.90 days vs. 11.64 ± 5.42 days, P = 0.003) and post-operative ventilator use days (ERAS vs non-ERAS: 1.08 ± 0.28 days vs. 2.03 ± 1.05 days, P < 0.001). Other secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, patients in the ERAS group had lower postoperative morbidity parameters, such as postoperative nausea, vomiting, urinary tract infections, and pulmonary complications (P = 0.042). The ERAS program could be beneficial and safe for patients undergoing free fibula flap surgery for mandibular reconstruction, thereby improving their recovery and not increasing flap complications and 30-day readmission.
Machine learning-based radiomics strategy for prediction of acquired EGFR T790M mutation following treatment with EGFR-TKI in NSCLC
Authors: Lu Jiameng , Ji Xiaoqing , Liu Xinyi , Jiang Yunxiu , Li Gang , Fang Ping , Li Wei , Zuo Anli , Guo Zihan , Yang Shuran , Ji Yanbo , Lu Degan
Published: January 2024

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Thr790 Met (T790M) mutation is responsible for approximately half of the acquired resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Identifying patients at diagnosis who are likely to develop this mutation after first- or second-generation EGFR-TKI treatment is crucial for better treatment outcomes. This study aims to develop and validate a radiomics-based machine learning (ML) approach to predict the T790M mutation in NSCLC patients at diagnosis. We collected retrospective data from 210 positive EGFR mutation NSCLC patients, extracting 1316 radiomics features from CT images. Using the LASSO algorithm, we selected 10 radiomics features and 2 clinical features most relevant to the mutations. We built models with 7 ML approaches and assessed their performance through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The radiomics model and combined model, which integrated radiomics features and relevant clinical factors, achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79–0.81) and 0.86 (0.87–0.88), respectively, in predicting the T790M mutation. Our study presents a convenient and noninvasive radiomics-based ML model for predicting this mutation at the time of diagnosis, aiding in targeted treatment planning for NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations.
PD-1 defines a distinct, functional, tissue-adapted state in Vδ1+ T cells with implications for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Davies Daniel , Kamdar Shraddha , Woolf Richard , Zlatareva Iva , Iannitto Maria Luisa , Morton Cienne , Haque Yasmin , Martin Hannah , Biswas Dhruva , Ndagire Susan , Munonyara Martina , Gillett Cheryl , O’Neill Olga , Nussbaumer Oliver , Hayday Adrian , Wu Yin
Published: January 2024

Checkpoint inhibition (CPI), particularly that targeting the inhibitory coreceptor programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), has transformed oncology. Although CPI can derepress cancer (neo)antigen-specific αβ T cells that ordinarily show PD-1-dependent exhaustion, it can also be efficacious against cancers evading αβ T cell recognition. In such settings, γδ T cells have been implicated, but the functional relevance of PD-1 expression by these cells is unclear. Here we demonstrate that intratumoral TRDV1 transcripts (encoding the TCRδ chain of Vδ1+ γδ T cells) predict anti-PD-1 CPI response in patients with melanoma, particularly those harboring below average neoantigens. Moreover, using a protocol yielding substantial numbers of tissue-derived Vδ1+ cells, we show that PD-1+Vδ1+ cells display a transcriptomic program similar to, but distinct from, the canonical exhaustion program of colocated PD-1+CD8+ αβ T cells. In particular, PD-1+Vδ1+ cells retained effector responses to TCR signaling that were inhibitable by PD-1 engagement and derepressed by CPI.
Near-infrared fluorogenic imaging of carbon monoxide in live cells using palladium-mediated carbonylation
Authors: Xiao Zhi-Yi , Tu Bing-Lun , Hua Shan-Hong , Wang Fenglin , Tang Li-Juan , Dong Wan-Rong , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: January 2024

A near infrared fluorogenic probe is developed for imaging exogenous and endogenous carbon monoxide based on palladium-mediated carbonylation.
A terbium(iii) complex-based time-resolved luminescent probe for selenocysteine as an inhibitor of selenoproteins
Authors: Chen Jiefang , Gao Furong , Xu Zhongren , Liu Yuanhao , Hu Ming , Yuan Chengyi , Zhang Yunhua , Liu Wukun , Wang Xiaohui
Published: January 2024

A terbium(iii) complex-based time-resolved luminescence probe for selenocysteine can inhibit selenoprotein activity via a selenolate-triggered cleavage reaction of sulfonamide bonds in living cells.
Ideal two-dimensional quantum spin Hall insulators MgA2Te4 (A = Ga, In) with Rashba spin splitting and tunable properties
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Cheng Xinlu , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2024

The physical mechanism of manipulating the MgA2Te4 (A = Ga, In) family via a vertical electric field to satisfy the demand of topological quantum devices as two-dimensional quantum spin Hall insulators.
Multiple hydrogen bonding driven supramolecular architectures and their biomedical applications
Authors: Liu Yanxia , Wang Lulu , Zhao Lin , Zhang Yagang , Li Zhan-Ting , Huang Feihe
Published: January 2024

Multiple hydrogen bonding driven supramolecular architectures and their biomedical applications.
Urea catalytic oxidation for energy and environmental applications
Authors: Gao Xintong , Zhang Shuai , Wang Pengtang , Jaroniec Mietek , Zheng Yao , Qiao Shi-Zhang
Published: January 2024

This review evaluates state-of-the-art advances in electrocatalytic and photo(electro)catalytic urea oxidation from fundamentals and materials to energy and environmental applications.
Unveiling the mechanism of visible light-assisted peroxymonosulfate activation and carbamazepine degradation using NH2-MIL-125(Ti)@MIL-53(Fe/Co) heterojunction photocatalyst
Authors: Roy Debashis , Saha Chowdhury Sayak , De Sirshendu
Published: January 2024

The direct Z-scheme NH2-MIL-125(Ti)@MIL-53(Fe/Co) exhibits excellent photocatalytic carbamazepine degradation and peroxymonosulfate activation capability under visible light irradiation, with extraordinary activity in contaminated surface water.
Glycerol-based sustainably sourced resin for volumetric printing
Authors: Krumins Eduards , Lentz Joachim C. , Sutcliffe Ben , Sohaib Ali , Jacob Philippa L. , Brugnoli Benedetta , Cuzzucoli Crucitti Valentina , Cavanagh Robert , Owen Robert , Moloney Cara , Ruiz-Cantu Laura , Francolini Iolanda , Howdle Steven M. , Shusteff Maxim , Rose Felicity R. A. J. , Wildman Ricky D. , He Yinfeng , Taresco Vincenzo
Published: January 2024

Volumetric Additive Manufacturing (VAM) represents a revolutionary advancement in the field of Additive Manufacturing, as it allows for the creation of objects in a single, cohesive process, rather than in a layer-by-layer approach.
Automated statistical analysis of raman spectra of nanomaterials
Authors: Martín Sabanés Natalia , Eaton Matthew D. , Moreno-Da Silva Sara , Naranjo Alicia , Pérez Emilio M.
Published: January 2024

We present a computational tool to automatically analyze the Raman spectra of nanomaterials. The software manages hundreds of spectra simultaneously providing statistical information of the main spectral features and publication-ready figures.
Structural distortion-induced monoclinic sodium iron hexacyanoferrate as a high-performance electrode for rocking-chair desalination batteries
Authors: Wu Yuliang , Huang Junkun , Li Chaolin , Wang Wenhui
Published: January 2024

This study reveals that structure distortion induced monoclinic NaFeHCF with minimized defects enables stable, rapid and low energy consumption desalination in rocking-chair desalination battery.
Gas-induced controllable synthesis of the Cu(100) crystal facet for the selective electroreduction of CO2 to multicarbon products
Authors: Wu Haoyang , Wang Zhili , Tian Benqiang , Li Yaping , Chang Zheng , Kuang Yun , Sun Xiaoming
Published: January 2024

The preferential adsorption of CO2 molecules on the Cu(100) facet leads to the facilitated growth of the Cu(100) facet during the Cu electrodeposition process, which promotes the formation of multicarbon products from electrochemical CO2 reduction.
Interface engineering of lithium metal anodes via atomic and molecular layer deposition
Authors: Meng Xiangbo
Published: January 2024

Atomic and molecular layer deposition (ALD and MLD) are two promising tools for practicing interface engineering of lithium metal anodes precisely.
A novel multi-carboxyl functionalized MOF platform for effective photodynamic therapy with hypoxia modulation based on prominent self-oxygen generation
Authors: Gao Guorui , Wang Yifan , Jiang Yu , Luo Shiping , Li Mengnan , Cao Yanyu , Ma Yu , Tang Bo
Published: January 2024

We for the first time, using a multicarboxyl modification strategy, integrated high density Fe-based catalytic centers and the clinically available ICG molecule into the same stable MOFs and obtained a novel self-oxygen generation enhanced PDT platform.
Constructing anion–π interactions in cationic iridium(iii) complexes to achieve aggregation-induced emission properties
Authors: Song Weilin , Gao Jing , Gao Ying , Shan Guo-Gang , Geng Yun , Shao Kuizhan , Su Zhong-Min
Published: January 2024

A design strategy used to develop AIE-active iridium(iii) complexes based on anion–π interactions is reported.
Segmentation‐enhanced gamma spectrum denoising based on deep learning
Authors: Lu Xiangqun , Zheng Hongzhi , Liu Yaqiong , Li Hongxing , Zhou Qingyun , Li Tao , Yang Hongguang
Published: January 2024

Gamma spectrum denoising can reduce the adverse effects of statistical fluctuations of radioactivity, gamma ray scattering, and electronic noise on the measured gamma spectrum. Traditional denoising methods are intricate and require analytical expertise in gamma spectrum analysis. This paper proposes a segmentation‐enhanced Convolutional Neural Network‐Stacked Denoising Autoencoder (CNN‐SDAE) method based on convolutional feature extraction network and stacked denoising autoencoder to achieve gamma spectrum denoising, which adopts the idea of data segmentation to enhance the learning ability of the neural network. By dividing the complete gamma spectrum into multiple segments and then using the segmentation‐enhanced CNN‐SDAE method for denoising, the method can achieve adaptive denoising without manually setting the threshold. The experimental results show that our method can effectively achieve gamma spectrum denoising while retaining the characteristics of the gamma spectrum. Compared with traditional methods, the denoising speed and effectiveness have been significantly improved, and the proposed method demonstrates an approximately 1.72‐fold enhancement in smoothing performance than the empirical mode decomposition method. Furthermore, in terms of retaining gamma spectrum characteristics, it also achieves a performance improvement of approximately three orders of magnitude than the wavelet method.
An efficient load forecasting technique by using Holt‐Winters and Prophet algorithms to mitigate the impact on power consumption in COVID‐19
Authors: Waheed Waqar , Qingshan Xu
Published: January 2024

It is strongly recommended to implement effective long‐term load forecasting for future power generation in the new architecture of the smart grid and buildings. This method is essential for the smart grid's stability, power demand estimation, and an improved energy management system, which will enhance integration between efficient demand response and distributed renewable energy sources. However, due to influencing elements including climatic, societal, and seasonal aspects, it is quite challenging to perform energy prediction with high accuracy. To estimate the load demand before and during the time period of the COVID‐19 paradigm with its diversity and complexity, the authors present and integrate time series forecasting techniques such as Holt‐Winters and Prophet algorithms. In comparison to the Holt‐Winters model, the Prophet model has shown to be more noise‐resistant. Additionally, the Prophet model surpasses the Holt‐Winters model according to the generalisability test of the two models by using the hourly driven power consumption data from Houston, Texas, USA. The resultant constraints and influential factors are discussed, and experimental results can be validated from the pivotal outcome.