bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New type of filaments for improved accuracy of multiple sulfur isotope analyses by electron‐impact gas‐source mass spectrometry
Authors: Cartigny Pierre , Bouyon Amaury , Bars Hartmut , Albrecht Nina , Kohl Issaku E. , Landais Guillaume , Duverger Arnaud , Farquhar James
Published: September 2024

Rationale

The analysis of the three sulfur stable isotope ratios (33S/32S, 34S/32S, 36S/32S) is routinely performed by gas‐source isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) on the SF6 gaseous molecule, collecting SF5+ ions at m/z ~ 127, 128, 129 and 131. High precision and accuracy are commonly achieved owing to a lack of correction because fluorine has only one isotope and the inert nature of the SF6 molecule. The analysis of the 36S/32S ratio is, however, complicated by the low abundance of 36S (~0.015%) and the possible occurrence of trace amounts of fluorocarbon compounds leading to 12C3F5+ ions at m/z ~ 131, i.e. where 36SF5+ ions are collected.

Methods

We used gas‐source high‐resolution IRMS to better characterize the nature of possible interferences, and we tested novel types of filaments in order to investigate their influence on possible interferences.

Results

We confirm that the 12C3F5+ ion represents the main isobaric interference at m/z ~ 131. We also demonstrate that tungsten fluoride adducts are formed from the reaction of fluorine ions derived during fragmentation of the SF6 molecule with the hot tungsten filament. These reactions lead to the formation of e.g. WF5+, WF4+, WF3+ ions, including doubly charged ions. WF4++, in particular, leads to isobaric interference on m/z ~ 128, 129 and 131 from 180WF4++, 182WF4++ and 186 WF4++ ions, respectively. Because 180W (0.12%) is at low abundance, its influence on δ33S measurements would remain negligible, but 182W (26.5%) and 186W (28.4%) lead to scale contraction for both δ34S and δ36S.

Conclusions

Rather than correcting for these interferences, or working at high mass resolution, we suggest avoiding W isobaric interferences by using other types of filaments, with initial reports on both pure Re filaments and Y2O3‐coated W filaments.
Reactive Dyes Bearing Bis(Monochlorotriazine) Group: Synthesis, Photophysical Properties and Realization of Salt‐Free Dyeing
Authors: Yan Yuan , Meng Ru , Pan Yuan , Pan Rubin , Zhu Senqiang , Liu Rui , Zhu Hongjun
Published: September 2024

A series of novel reactive dyes D1–D3 based on vinamidinium salt were designed and synthesized. Bis(monochlorotriazine) was introduced as the reactive group and sodium sulfonate was the water‐soluble group. Their photophysical properties were studied systematacially. The strong and sharp ground‐state absorption peak in the 250–320 nm range in the UV‐vis absorption spectrum of the aqueous solution could be attributed to the 1π–π* transition by the parent structure of the dyes, and the relatively broad absorption peak in the range of 300–650 nm could be attributed to the 1π–π* mixed intramolecular charge transfer. By applying this series of reactive dyes to the dyeing of four fabrics (silk, cotton, polyester/cotton blends, and polyester), the dyeing depths were in the range of 5.2–28.6 under salt‐free conditions. The results show that D3 with higher planarity can increase the dyeing depth. At length, fastening tests on dyed cotton fabrics and silk showed that this series of reactive dyes had a color fastness between grades 3 and 5 for abrasion and soap‐washing. In summary, these reactive dyes could be potential dyes for salt‐free dyeing applications.
Investigation and Regulation of DNA Nanostructures on Activating cGAS‐STING Signaling
Authors: Zou Kexuan , Zhang Pengfei , Wang Yuqi , Liu Yan , Ji Bin , Zhan Pengfei , Song Jie
Published: September 2024

DNA nanostructures have shown great potential in biomedical fields. However, the immune responses, especially the activation of the cGAS‐STING signaling (A‐cGSs), induced by DNA nanostructures, remain incompletely understood. Here, the ability of various DNA nanostructures from double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA), single‐stranded tiles (SSTs) to DNA origami is investigated on A‐cGSs. Unlike natural dsDNA which triggers potent A‐cGSs, the structural interconnectivity of various DNA configurations can substantially reduce the occurrence of A‐cGSs, irrespective of their form, dimensions, and conformation. However, wireframe DNA nanostructures can activate the cGAS‐STING signaling, suggesting that decreasing A‐cGSs is dsDNA compactness‐dependent. Based on this, a reconfigurable DNA Origami Domino Array (DODA) is used to systematically interrogate how dsDNA influences the A‐cGSs and demonstrates that the length, number, and space of dsDNA array coordinately influence the activation level of cGAS‐STING signaling, realizing a regulation of innate immune response. The above data and findings enhance the understanding of how DNA nanostructures affect cellular innate immune responses and new insights into the modulation of innate immune responses by DNA nanomedicine.
Electronic Engineering of Crystalline/Amorphous CoP/FeCoPx Nanoarrays for Efficient Water Electrolysis
Authors: Zhang Jinyang , Zhang Yujing , Zhou Jiayi , Guo Haoran , Qi Limin
Published: September 2024

The development of bifunctional, non‐noble metal‐based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) through morphology and electronic engineering is highly attractive for efficient water splitting. Herein, hierarchical nanoarrays consisting of crystalline cobalt phosphide nanorods covered by amorphous Fe‐doped cobalt phosphide nanocuboids (CoP/FeCoPx) are constructed as bifunctional catalysts for both HER and OER. Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that the catalysts exhibit balanced dual‐catalytic properties due to simultaneous introduction of Fe doping and phosphorus vacancies, leading to an optimized electronic structure of the CoP/FeCoPx. Furthermore, the hierarchical nanoarrays made of crystalline/amorphous heterostructures significantly enhance the performance of the electrocatalysts. As a result, the CoP/FeCoPx catalyst demonstrates remarkable performance in both HER and OER, with overpotentials of 74 and 237 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH, respectively, as well as a low cell voltage of 1.53 V at 10 mA cm−2 for alkaline overall water splitting. This work integrates the morphology engineering involving design of hierarchical crystalline/amorphous nanoarrays and the electronic engineering through Fe doping and phosphorus vacancies for efficient water electrolysis. It may open a new route toward rational design and feasible fabrication of high‐performance, multifunctional, non‐noble metal‐based electrocatalysts for energy conversion.
Transabdominal ultrasound finding of gastric lipoma
Authors: Sirlyn Quanson , Upton Anthony
Published: September 2024

Gastric lipomas are uncommon; as they grow, they can potentially prolapse into the pyloric canal and cause gastric outlet obstruction, ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. Ultrasound features of Gastric lipomas are generally displayed as a well‐defined, oval shape with consistent fat density. Sonographers should uphold a high level of vigilance for the detection of these tumours, particularly in patients who present with mid‐epigastric pain, indigestion and postprandial vomiting. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are imperative for optimising patient outcomes.
Determining the relationship between pre-plant Verticillium dahliae inoculum densities and development of Verticillium wilt of tomatoes
Authors: Retief Estianne , Lamprecht Sandra , McLeod Adele
Published: September 2024

Verticillium dahliae is an economically important soilborne pathogen of tomato of which the microsclerotial inoculum can survive in the soil for extended periods of time. Previous studies, including two studies on tomato, reported that pre-plant microsclerotia soil densities can sometimes, but not always, predict the incidence or severity of Verticillium wilt. The overall objective of the study was to determine if V. dahliae pre-plant microsclerotia densities can be used as a predictive tool for the development of Verticillium wilt of tomatoes. A published qPCR assay was optimised and could detect 4.20 fg V. dahliae DNA (0.16 microsclerotia/g soil) from tomato field soils. There were no noticeable variations in the average number of microsclerotia per hectare across five commercial tomato fields, regardless of whether a high density (four composite samples from 20 soil cores/ha), medium density (four composite samples from 12 soil cores/ha), or low density (one composite sample from five soil cores/ha) sampling method was employed. A highly intensive sampling strategy (20 independently analysed soil cores/ha) was investigated for its predictive value in disease development since it allowed for correlation analyses to be conducted. A significant correlation (r = 0.578, P = 0.008) was evident between the number of microsclerotia pre-plant and disease severity during the season in only one of the three investigated fields; no correlation existed with yield. A glasshouse plant bioassay, using specific quantities of inoculated microsclerotia, established that the microsclerotia threshold required for significant disease development was five microsclerotia/g soil (283.8 fg DNA/g soil). However, one and two microsclerotia/g soil, although not causing significant symptoms, were able to sometimes infect the plants. This study showed that pre-plant V. dahliae soil densities do not have a disease predictive value in tomato, and that plant infection can develop at very low soil inoculum densities.
Preliminary Insight Into Torsion of Additively-Manufactured Polylactic Acid (PLA)-Based Polymers
Authors: Sadaghian H. , Khodadoost S. , Seifiasl A. , Buswell R. A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Polymers in practical applications often face diverse torsional loads, such as polymeric gears, couplings, scaffolds, etc. Meanwhile, additive manufacturing enables the creation of intricate geometries for specific needs and its application to fabricate various component parts has grown exponentially. Nevertheless, research on cyclic and reversed cyclic torsional loading of additively-manufactured polymers is very limited.

Objective

Mechanical characterization of monotonic, cyclic, and reversed cyclic torsion in polylactic acid (PLA), PLA Premium, and PLA Tough materials.

Methods

Specimens were 3D-printed with a 0° build orientation using an extrusion technique and two infill orientation angles (± 45° and 0°/90°). Specimens were subjected to underwent monotonic, cyclic, and reversed cyclic torsion until failure.

Results

Regardless of material type, ductile fracture governed the behavior under monotonic loading and brittle failure under cyclic and reversed cyclic loadings. Specimens with a ± 45° infill orientation outperformed their 0°/90° counterparts across all materials, with PLA Premium exhibiting superior performance compared to PLA and PLA Tough. Importantly, it was demonstrated that the previously-proposed multilinear idealized shear stress-shear strain curve, developed for monotonic loading of 15 different polymers, also applies to the envelope curves of cyclic and reversed cyclic loading in PLA-based polymers. Thus, it is useful as material model input for numerical simulation purposes.
Predicting Short Time-to-Crime Guns: a Machine Learning Analysis of California Transaction Records (2010–2021)
Authors: Laqueur Hannah S. , Smirniotis Colette , McCort Christopher
Published: September 2024

Gun-related crime continues to be an urgent public health and safety problem in cities across the US. A key question is: how are firearms diverted from the legal retail market into the hands of gun offenders? With close to 8 million legal firearm transaction records in California (2010–2020) linked to over 380,000 records of recovered crime guns (2010–2021), we employ supervised machine learning to predict which firearms are used in crimes shortly after purchase. Specifically, using random forest (RF) with stratified under-sampling, we predict any crime gun recovery within a year (0.2% of transactions) and violent crime gun recovery within a year (0.03% of transactions). We also identify the purchaser, firearm, and dealer characteristics most predictive of this short time-to-crime gun recovery using SHapley Additive exPlanations and mean decrease in accuracy variable importance measures. Overall, our models show good discrimination, and we are able to identify firearms at extreme risk for diversion into criminal hands. The test set AUC is 0.85 for both models. For the model predicting any recovery, a default threshold of 0.50 results in a sensitivity of 0.63 and a specificity of 0.88. Among transactions identified as extremely risky, e.g., transactions with a score of 0.98 and above, 74% (35/47 in the test data) are recovered within a year. The most important predictive features include purchaser age and caliber size. This study suggests the potential utility of transaction records combined with machine learning to identify firearms at the highest risk for diversion and criminal use soon after purchase.
Pore pressure estimation of the calcareous formations in the Middle Magdalena Valley Basin, Colombia
Authors: Rivera Melina , Montes Luis Alfredo , Castillo Luis Antonio
Published: September 2024

The reliable prediction of pore pressure is essential for petroleum engineering in its different stages, with the Eaton and Bowers' methods being the most used for this purpose. However, their application in carbonate rocks still needs to be improved because carbonates do not compact uniformly with depth, as shale does. This research calculated the pore pressure using the Eaton, Bowers, and Weakley methods and well logs of a carbonate formation and found that the Weakley's approach predicts pressure more accurately. The method presented uses an acoustic impedance equation derived from the Bowers' method, whose parameters were calibrated with the Weakley's pore pressure profile. The pore pressure estimated near the borehole, via the acoustic impedance provided by the pre-stack inversion, is very close to that observed during drilling, which indicates a reliable prediction. The method was applied to a seismic line and well logs in the Middle Magdalena Valley Basin—Colombia, where the overpressured well Lizama 158 caused a significant environmental disaster in 2018. The obtained subsurface pore pressure distribution is reliable, matches overpressure in calcareous rocks near the well, and estimates anomalous pressure in zones distant from the well.
In vitro regeneration protocol for endemic Campanula leblebicii Yıldırım
Authors: Kartal Yasemin , Sevindik Başar , Pirhan Ademi Fahri
Published: September 2024

Campanula leblebicii, discovered by Yıldırım, is found only in the village of Ovacık in the Kemalpaşa district of İzmir province, and it is one of the valuable endemic species for Turkey flora. Petiole and leaf explants were cultured on full-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 30.0 g L−1 sucrose; 4.0 g L−1 Gelrite; 0.3 mg L−1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 mg L−1 zeatin (ZEA); and 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 mg L−1 6-benzyladenine (BA) for callus initiation. To obtain shoot formation, callus was transferred to full-strength MS medium containing 0.3 mg L−1 NAA; 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 mg L−1 gibberellic acid (GA3); and 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 mg L−1 BA. Efficient callus (93.33%) and shoot formation (73.33) were observed from petiole explants cultured on MS medium containing 0.3 mg L−1 NAA and 1.0 mg L−1 BA. Rooting was obtained spontaneously in all shoot initiation medium, but efficient rooting occurred on MS medium supplemented with 0.3 mg L−1 NAA and 1.0 mg L−1 BA. Plants were acclimatized to the pots including sterile peat and perlite (1:1, v/v), and, in total, 12 plants were acclimatized from one genotype.
Detection of substance use in clinical forensic cases: urine analysis of victims and perpetrators
Authors: Heinsvig Pia Johansson , Holler Katinka Rønnow , Lindholst Christian , Nielsen Trine Skov
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the prevalence of substance use among victims and perpetrators involved in clinical forensic cases. Urine samples from 455 individuals aged 18 and above, collected in 2019, were analyzed using two LC-MS-based analytical methods and an HS-GC-FID method for the most frequently reported substances of abuse and medication. Data from case documents, encompassing gender, age, and the individual’s role, were recorded in a database. Both the urine samples and the information from case documents were fully anonymized. The most frequently detected substance was alcohol (37% of all cases), followed by cannabis (22% of all cases) and central nervous system stimulants (24% of all cases). Other classes of substances detected included benzodiazepines, anabolic steroids, antipsychotic agents, and antidepressants. No drugs or alcohol were detected in 32% of the victims and 19% of the perpetrators. The study also examines the interrelationship of drug patterns between victims and perpetrators, and results show that both parties were influenced by substances at the time of the incident. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the use of substances between perpetrators of blunt and sharp force cases and perpetrators in cases of sexual assault. Timely sample collection and a structured toxicological analysis of both victims and perpetrators in the same case are vital in clinical forensic cases to enhance comprehension of the connection between criminal activities and substance use. This understanding enables the development of prevention strategies at an informed level.
Current diagnostic and quantitative techniques in the field of lymphedema management: a critical review
Authors: Vargo Mary , Aldrich Melissa , Donahue Paula , Iker Emily , Koelmeyer Louise , Crescenzi Rachelle , Cheville Andrea
Published: September 2024

Lymphedema evaluation entails multifaceted considerations for which options continue to evolve and emerge. This paper provides a critical review of the current status of diagnostic and quantitative measures for lymphedema, from traditional and novel bedside assessment tools for volumetric and fluid assessment, to advanced imaging modalities. Modalities are contrasted with regard to empirical support and feasibility of clinical implementation. The manuscript proposes a grid framework for comparing the ability of each modality to quantify specific lymphedema characteristics, including distribution, dysmorphism, tissue composition and fluid content, lymphatic anatomy and function, metaplasia, clinical symptoms, and quality of life and function. This review additionally applies a similar framework approach to consider how well assessment tools support important clinical needs, including: (1) screening, (2) diagnosis and differential diagnosis, (3) individualization of treatment, and (4) monitoring treatment response. The framework highlights which clinical needs are served by an abundance of assessment tools and identifies others that have problematically few. The framework clarifies which tools have greater or lesser empirical support. The framework is designed to assist stakeholders in selecting appropriate diagnostic and surveillance modalities, gauging levels of confidence when applying tools to specific clinical needs, elucidating overarching patterns of diagnostic and quantitative strengths and weaknesses, and informing future investigation.
Potential prognostic biomarker SERPINA12: implications for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Huan , Kong Panpan , Hou Songyu , Dong Xiaogang , Abula Imamumaimaitijiang , Yan Dong
Published: September 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most prevalent malignant tumors, exhibiting a high morbidity and mortality rate. The mechanism of its occurrence and development requires further study. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of SERPINA12 in the diagnosis, prognosis prediction and biological function within HCC.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were employed to analyze the relationship between clinical features and SERPINA12 expression in HCC. Kaplan–Meier curves were utilized to analyze the correlation between SERPINA12 expression and prognosis in HCC. The function of SERPINA12 was determined by enrichment analysis, and the relationship between SERPINA12 expression and immune cell infiltration was investigated. The expression of SERPINA12 was examined in 75 patients with HCC using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry, and survival analysis was performed.

Results

The expression of SERPINA12 from TCGA database was found to be significantly higher in HCC tissues than in normal tissues and carried a poor prognosis. ROC curve demonstrated the diagnostic potential of SERPINA12 for HCC. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that pathologic T stage, tumor status, and SERPINA12 expression were independently associated with patient survival. The SERPINA12 expression was found to correlate with immune cell infiltration. Our RT-qPCR and immunohistochemical analysis revealed high expression of SERPINA12 in tumor tissues. Survival analysis indicated its association with poor prognosis.

Conclusion

SERPINA12 is a promising biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis, and it is associated with immune cell infiltration.
Child Psychological Adjustment in Planned Gay Father Families: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Carone Nicola , Cruciani Gianluca , Quintigliano Maria , Baiocco Roberto , Lingiardi Vittorio
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The increase in gay fatherhood through adoption, surrogacy, and coparenting arrangements (i.e., “planned gay father families”) worldwide has turned a spotlight onto the impact of parental gender and sexual orientation on children’s psychological adjustment. The present meta-analysis compared the scores of children of gay fathers on standardized indexes of psychological adjustment with normative data and examined possible differences in children’s psychological adjustment between planned gay father families and heterosexual parent families.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, the databases PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Scopus, and ProQuest were searched for peer-reviewed articles and grey literature (e.g., dissertations) in the English language that were published (or made available, in the case of grey literature) in or before October 2023 (with a further check in July 2024). From a total of 1993 results, 17 papers assessing children’s adjustment using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire or the Child Behavior Checklist were reviewed. Collectively, these papers provided 54 effect sizes estimated across 1509 participants (n = 628 children of gay fathers; n = 881 children of heterosexual parents).

Results

All children scored below the clinical range for psychopathological symptoms when compared with normative data. Also, regardless of the path to parenthood, children of gay fathers displayed significantly better adjustment than children of heterosexual parents (Hedges’ g = −0.20, 95% CI [−0.29, −0.10], p < .001). Child’s assigned sex at birth (p = .048) and age (p = .005), as well as parent education (p = .003), were significant moderators.

Conclusions

Planned gay father families constitute a healthy context for children to flourish, disconfirming widespread assumptions that gay fathers are less suited to parenthood than heterosexual parents.

Policy Implication

The results emphasize to policymakers and practitioners that supportive environments and reduced discrimination at both interpersonal and institutional levels are crucial for the healthy psychological adjustment of children of gay fathers.
Association between cMIND diet and hypertension among older adults in China: a nationwide survey
Authors: Wang Yazhu , Zhang Yu , Zeng Xinrong , Xian Xiaobing , Chen Jingyu , Niu Tengfei
Published: September 2024

Background

Existing research indicates that the Mediterranean diet has a positive impact on preventing and treating hypertension. However, its specific effect on hypertension among elderly Chinese individuals is unclear.

Aims

The objective of this research was to explore the association between the Chinese version of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (cMIND) diet and hypertension among elderly Chinese individuals, aiming to offer novel strategies for alleviating the burden of hypertension in this demographic.

Methods

In this study, we used cross-sectional data published in 2018 by the China Longitudinal Health and Longevity Survey (CLHLS) to develop a binary logistic regression model to investigate the correlation between cMIND diet and hypertension in a Chinese elderly population. Restricted cubic spline was used to test for linear associations, and further subgroup analyses were performed to test for interactions.

Results

In total, 7,103 older adults were included in the study, with a prevalence of hypertension of 39.0%. When the cMIND diet score was used as a continuous variable, a significant protective effect against hypertension was present (OR = 0.955, 95% CI:0.923–0.988, p = 0.008); when used as a categorical variable, this protective effect was still present at higher levels (compared to lower levels) of the cMIND diet (OR = 0.869, 95% CI: 0.760–0.995, p = 0.042).

Discussion

Although the Mediterranean diet has great potential to reduce the chance of hypertension, it should also consider the effect on the Chinese population. The results of this study provide new ways to reduce the disease burden of hypertension in Chinese older adults and improve quality of life in later life.

Conclusion

The cMIND diet can considerably reduce the risk of hypertension among older adults in China.
Reinforced Lyapunov controllers for low-thrust lunar transfers
Authors: Holt Harry , Baresi Nicola , Armellin Roberto
Published: September 2024

Future missions to the Moon and beyond are likely to involve low-thrust propulsion technologies due to their propellant efficiency. However, these still present a difficult trajectory design problem, owing to the near continuous thrust, lack of control authority and chaotic dynamics. Lyapunov control laws can generate sub-optimal trajectories for such missions with minimal computational cost and are suitable for feasibility studies and as initial guesses for optimisation methods. In this work a Reinforced Lyapunov Controller is used to design optimal low-thrust transfers from geostationary transfer orbit towards lunar polar orbit. Within the reinforcement learning (RL) framework, a dual-actor network setup is used, one in each of the Earth- and Moon-centred inertial frames respectively. A key contribution of this paper is the demonstration of a forwards propagated trajectory, removing the need to define a patch point a priori. This is enabled by an adaptive patch distance and extensive initial geometry exploration during the RL training. Results for both time- and fuel-optimal transfers are presented, along with a Monte Carlo analysis of the robustness to disturbances for such transfers. Phasing is introduced where necessary to aid rendezvous with the Moon. The results demonstrate the potential for such techniques to provide a basis for the design and guidance of low-thrust lunar transfers.
Unravelling the role of SHANK3 mutations in targeted therapies for autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Li Xingshen
Published: September 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents a significant challenge due to its complex genetic basis and associated comorbidities. Among the genes implicated in ASD, SHANK3 has been identified as a critical player, affecting synaptic structure and function. This review examines the role of SHANK3 in ASD, highlighting the genetic diversity and the systemic nature of the disorder. Utilizing animal models, studies have uncovered autism-like behaviours and synaptic dysfunctions linked to SHANK3 deficiency, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, the review delves into the specific gene families associated with ASD, emphasizing the dynamic regulation between translation and transcription processes and the impact of mutations on synaptic translation and proteins. Molecular changes in SHANK3-deficient animal models reveal alterations in protein composition, localization, and transcription, particularly affecting the striatum and involving essential proteins and signalling pathways. Therapeutic strategies, including pharmaceutical compounds and genetic restoration, show promise in addressing the neuropsychiatric symptoms and physiological abnormalities observed in SHANK3-deficient mice. This research not only advances our understanding of ASD's neurobiological basis but also underscores the potential of targeted interventions to mitigate symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by ASD and related disorders.
Knowns and Unknowns in Future Human Pressures on the Ocean
Authors: Vargas‐Fonseca O. Alejandra , Frazier Melanie , Lombard Amanda T. , Halpern Benjamin S.
Published: September 2024

Growing demands on ocean resources are placing increasing pressures on ocean ecosystems. To assess the current state of knowledge of future human pressures on the ocean, we conducted a literature review of recent and projected trends of 25 anthropogenic pressures, comprising most of the identified human pressures on the global oceans. To better understand gaps in the data, we developed a comprehensive framework of the activities contributing to each pressure. All pressures were allocated to five categories (biological disruption, disturbance and removal, altered ocean chemistry, pollution, and climate pressures). All pressures are expected to worsen in the future under business‐as‐usual scenarios (or similar) based on past trajectories and/or models of future scenarios. Eight of the pressures assessed have not been projected into the future (diseases and pathogens, introduced coastal wildlife predation, disruption to sediment dynamics, wildlife strikes, organic and inorganic chemical pollution, light and noise pollution), likely due to the limited availability of data describing current pressures, the challenges of modeling future pressures, and high levels of uncertainty. We thus recommend they receive priority attention to assess their likely future trajectories, given their potential magnitude of influence.
First Observation of Temporal Variation of STEVE Altitudes Using Triangulation by Two Color Cameras
Authors: Chen L. , Shiokawa K. , Connors M. , Kato Y. , Tsuboi T.
Published: September 2024

We present a unique triangulation measurement of Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement (STEVE) observed on Sept 3rd, 2022, at Athabasca, Canada. Using two Digital single‐lens reflex (DSLR) color cameras with all‐sky fish‐eye lenses, we show the profile of STEVE altitude variation over time in 1 min resolution for the first time. We estimate the altitude variation of its visible purplish arc and green picket fence structures. We also compare the DLSR camera images with narrowband all‐sky images of an Optical Mesosphere Thermosphere Imager (OMTI) to see the correspondence of color camera images with 630 nm and OH‐band auroral/airglow emission images. The height of the purplish STEVE arc was stable at 150–170 km while present (∼0,546–0,633 UT), except for a short excursion to ∼200 km at 0,600 UT. The green picket fence structures appeared at 0,549 UT when the intensity of the STEVE arc started to intensify. They presented only for ∼7 min, and their altitude was steady at ∼110 km. The vertical movement of the STEVE arc to ∼200 km was found to be accompanied by the motion across the local magnetic field lines, suggesting a southward E × B drift underlying the westward ion drift. From the comparison with the OMTI images, we find that the purplish STEVE arc moved closer to the 630 nm arc in the all‐sky image when it rose to a higher altitude, indicating the occurrence of electron heating at a same or slightly higher altitude than the STEVE.
Novel concept-based image captioning models using LSTM and multi-encoder transformer architecture
Authors: Osman Asmaa A. E. , Shalaby Mohamed A. Wahby , Soliman Mona M. , Elsayed Khaled M.
Published: September 2024

Captioning an image involves using a combination of vision and language models to describe the image in an expressive and concise sentence. Successful captioning task requires extracting as much information as possible from the corresponding image. One of these key pieces of information is the topic to which the image belongs. The state-of-the-art methods used topic modeling depending only on caption text in order to extract these topics. The problem with extracting the topics using topic modeling only on caption text is that it lacks the consideration of the image’s semantic information. Instead, concept modeling extracts the concepts directly from the images in addition to considering the corresponding caption text. Concept modeling can be used in image captioning to extremely capture the image contexts and benefit from it to produce more accurate descriptions. In this paper, novel image captioning models are proposed by utilizing the concept modeling technique. The first concept-based model is proposed by utilizing LSTM as a decoder while the second model is proposed in association with new multi-encoder transformer architecture. Standard metrics have been used to evaluate the proposed models using Microsoft COCO and Flickr30K datasets. The proposed models outperformed the related work methods with reduced computational complexity.
Rational design of metal-based nanocomposite catalysts for enhancing their stability in solid acid catalysis
Authors: Lei Zhenyu , Jia Mingjun
Published: September 2024

The design of metal-based nanocomposite catalysts with enhanced stability in solid-acid catalysis.
(Ga1−xAlx)4B2O9: controlled surface acid–base properties and catalytic behavior towards the Strecker reaction
Authors: Wang Weilu , Fan Zhong , Tang Shiji , Wu Yun , Xu Ke , Luo Binbin , Suib Steven L.
Published: September 2024

A sol–gel method is proposed to obtain continuously adjustable acidity and basicity of the metal borate catalyst (AlxGa1−x)4B2O9, which exhibits controlled catalytic activity toward the Strecker reaction.
Nitrogen-doped carbon layer coated Co(OH)F/CoP2 nanosheets for high-current hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline freshwater and seawater
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Fan Chao , Wang Kang , Wang Yan-Qin
Published: September 2024

A NC-layer-coated Co(OH)F/CoP2 catalyst NC@Co(OH)F/CoP2/NF loaded on nickel foam (NF) was successfully fabricated, which exhibits excellent electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance both in alkaline freshwater and seawater.
Trimming defective perovskite layer surfaces for high-performance solar cells
Authors: Kim Chanhyeok , Kim Kihoon , Kim Youngmin , Tsvetkov Nikolai , Jeon Nam Joong , Kang Bong Joo , Min Hanul
Published: September 2024

The defect density on the top surface of the perovskite thin film was significantly higher than that in the bulk. A trimming solvent treatment removed the defective top surface, substantially reducing the defect concentration and strain.
Lewis base promoted [4 + 2] annulation of o-acylamino-aryl MBH carbonates with isatin
Authors: Shen Li-Wen , Luo Nian , Jia Yun-Qing , Wang Guang-Wei , Yuan Shu-Pei , Xiang Min
Published: September 2024

This study reports the first [4 + 2] annulation reaction of o-acylamino-aryl MBH carbonates and isatin. This approach has enabled the first synthesis of the 1,4-dihydrospiro[benzo[d][1,3]oxazine-2,4′-oxindoles] scaffold, achieving yields of up to 98%.
High-throughput optimization of the C–H arylation of oxetanes via Ni/aldehyde photocatalysis
Authors: Diccianni Justin B. , Hao Bo , Liu, Wei , Strambeanu Iulia I.
Published: September 2024

A method for the direct arylation of oxetanes was developed to address challenges with previous photoredox C–H arylation techniques, including inconsistent light sources, hazardous solvents, expensive photocatalysts, and high oxetane loadings.
Investigating chemical diversity: o-propargylphenols as key compounds in the divergent synthesis of 2-substituted benzofurans and chromenes
Authors: Gritti Alessandra , Brambilla Elisa , Nania Ilaria , Turba Federico , Pirovano Valentina , Abbiati Giorgio
Published: September 2024

A divergent MW-enhanced, base- vs. gold-catalyzed strategy for the regioselective synthesis of benzofurans and chromenes starting from underexplored C-sp3 monoaryl-substituted o-propargylphenols.
The energy shear of protohaloes
Authors: Musso Marcello , Despali Giulia , Sheth Ravi K.
Published: September 2024

As it collapses to form a halo, the shape of a protohalo patch is deformed by the initial shear field. This deformation is often modeled using the ‘deformation’ tensor, constructed from second derivatives of the gravitational potential, whose trace gives the initial overdensity. However, especially for lower mass protohaloes, this matrix is not always positive definite: one of its eigenvalues has a different sign from the others. We argue that the evolution of a patch is better described by the ‘energy shear’ tensor, which is actually positive definite and plays a direct role in the evolution, and test our analytical result against N-body simulations. We discuss the implications of this positive-definiteness for analytical models of halo abundances, assembly and of the cosmic web.
The Normal Growth Rate of Human Fingernails in Indian Population
Authors: Babu Vishnu , Ibrahim Mohamed , Pandian K Shyamnath Krishna , Madhavan Latha , Sharma Anirudha N. , R. Krishnamoorthy , Thatte Mukund , Bhat Anil , K. Sridhar
Published: September 2024

Background: India, with a large population working in industries, has a considerable amount of nail bed injuries day to day as well as infections and other issues with nails. However, there are no normative data for nail growth in our population. This study aims to measure and analyze the rate of nail growth in the Indian population, which will be a valuable tool for clinical assessment and treatment.

Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the average rate of nail growth of all fingers in the Indian population between the age group of 18 to 40 years.

Materials and Methods: Fifty young adults whose 500 fingernails were painted with three coats of nail polish following a standardized protocol, and the rate of the growth of the nails was recorded with a digital Vernier caliper from the nail fold every 10 days for 1 month.

Results: The average fingernail growth is 0.103 mm/d. There is no correlation of nail growth with sex or hand dominance. Nail growth is more in the left index finger (0.13 mm/d) and the left thumb, while it is the least in little fingers (0.101 mm/d). Initial fingernail growth was higher in older individuals, however. At the end of the study period, nail growth was equal. The nail growth rate reduces as the days progress.

Conclusion: We have reported the normative data of nail growth as 0.103 mm per day. In the majority of the healthy population, this rate would hold true.
A flexible strategy to fabricate trumpet-shaped porous PDMS membranes for organ-on-chip application
Authors: Xie Yingying , Guo Yaqiong , Xie Fuwei , Dong Yan , Zhang Xiaoqing , Li Xiang , Zhang Xu
Published: September 2024

Porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane is a crucial element in organs-on-chips fabrication, supplying a unique substrate that can be used for the generation of tissue–tissue interfaces, separate co-culture, biomimetic stretch application, etc. However, the existing methods of through-hole PDMS membrane production are largely limited by labor-consuming processes and/or expensive equipment. Here, we propose an accessible and low-cost strategy to fabricate through-hole PDMS membranes with good controllability, which is performed via combining wet-etching and spin-coating processes. The porous membrane is obtained by spin-coating OS-20 diluted PDMS on an etched glass template with a columnar array structure. The pore size and thickness of the PDMS membrane can be adjusted flexibly via optimizing the template structure and spinning speed. In particular, compared to the traditional vertical through-hole structure of porous membranes, the membranes prepared by this method feature a trumpet-shaped structure, which allows for the generation of some unique bionic structures on organs-on-chips. When the trumpet-shape faces upward, the endothelium spreads at the bottom of the porous membrane, and intestinal cells form a villous structure, achieving the same effect as traditional methods. Conversely, when the trumpet-shape faces downward, intestinal cells spontaneously form a crypt-like structure, which is challenging to achieve with other methods. The proposed approach is simple, flexible with good reproducibility, and low-cost, which provides a new way to facilitate the building of multifunctional organ-on-chip systems and accelerate their translational applications.
Traditional owner-led wartaji (dingo) research in Pirra Country (Great Sandy Desert): a case study from the Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area
Authors: Smith Bradley P. , Loughridge Jacob , Rangers Nyangumarta , Wright Charlie , Badal Augustine , Rose Nyaparu (Margaret) , Hunter Elliot , Kalpers José
Published: September 2024

Warning This article may contain images, names of or references to deceased Aboriginal people. The Nyangumarta people are the Traditional Owners of more than 33,000 km2 of land and sea in north-western Australia, encompassing Pirra Country (The Great Sandy Desert) and nearby coastal areas. They are also the custodians and managers of the Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area (IPA). The wartaji (or dingo) holds immense cultural significance for the Nyangumarta people and is a vital part of a healthy Country. This inspired the community and rangers to focus on the wartaji as a key part of the management objectives of the IPA. We detail the development of the resulting collaborative research project between the IPA rangers and university-based scientists. The project not only presented an opportunity for the Nyangumarta community to deepen their understanding of wartaji residing on their Country, but also upskilled the Nyangumarta rangers in wartaji monitoring and management. This project is a testament to the importance of First Nations groups developing and addressing their research priorities. IPA-managed lands and associated ranger programs offer the perfect opportunity, funding and support to make these conservation-related decisions and implement actions. The collaboration with academic and non-academic researchers promises to enhance this conservation effort through mutual learning.
Performance enhancement and mechanism of electroenhanced peroxymonosulfate activation by single-atom Fe catalyst modified electrodes
Authors: Li Shuaishuai , Wang Wei , Wu Huizhong , Zhang Xiuwu , Liang Ruiheng , Zhang Xuyang , Song Ge , Jing Jiana , Li Shasha , Zhou Minghua
Published: September 2024

Peroxymonosulfate-based electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (PMS-EAOPs) have great potential for sustainable water purification, so an in-depth understanding of its catalytic mechanism is imperative to facilitate its practical application. Herein, the performance enhancement and mechanism of electroenhanced PMS activation by single-atom Fe catalyst modified carbon felt was investigated. Compared with the anode, the cathode exhibited faster bisphenol A degradation (
k
cathode
= 0.073 vs.
k
anode
= 0.015 min
−1
), increased PMS consumption (98.8 vs. 10.3%), and an order of magnitude reduction of Fe dissolution (0.068 vs. 0.787 mg L
−1
). Mass transfer is a key factor limiting PMS activation, while the electrostriction of water in the hydrophobic region caused by cathode electric field (CEF) significantly increased mass transfer coefficient (
k
m, cathode
= 1.49 × 10
−4
vs.
k
m, anode
= 2.68 × 10
−5
m s
−1
). The enhanced activation of PMS is a synergistic result between electroactivation and catalyst-activation, which is controlled by the applied current density.
1
O
2
and direct electron transfer are the main active species and activation pathway, which achieve high degradation efficiency over pH 3 to 10. Density functional theory calculations prove CEF increases the adsorption energy, lengthens the O–O bond in PMS, and promotes charge transfer. A flow-through convection unit achieves sustainable operation with high removal efficiency (99.5% to 97.5%), low electrical energy consumption (0.15 kWh log
–1
m
–3
), and low Fe leaching (0.81% of the total single atom Fe). This work reveals the critical role of electric fields in modulating Fenton-like catalytic activity, which may advance the development of advanced oxidation processes and other electrocatalytic applications.
Molecular-level design of alternative media for energy-saving pilot-scale fibrillation of nanocellulose
Authors: Liu Shih-Hsien , Rukmani Shalini J. , Mohan Mood , Yu Yan , Vural Derya , Johnson Donna A. , Copenhaver Katie , Bhagia Samarthya , Lamm Meghan E. , Li Kai , Chen Jihua , Goswami Monojoy , Smith Micholas Dean , Petridis Loukas , Ozcan Soydan , Smith Jeremy C.
Published: September 2024

The outstanding mechanical properties, light weight, and biodegradability of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) make them promising components of renewable and sustainable next-generation reinforced composite biomaterials and bioplastics. Manufacturing CNFs at a pilot scale requires disc-refining fibrillation of dilute cellulose fibers in aqueous pulp suspensions to shear the fibers apart into their nanodimensional forms, which is, however, an energy-intensive process. Here, we used atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to examine media that might facilitate the reduction of interactions between cellulose fibers, thereby reducing energy consumption in fibrillation. The most suitable medium found by the simulations was an aqueous solution with 0.007:0.012 wt.% NaOH:urea, and indeed this was found in pilot-scale experiments to reduce the fibrillation energy by ~21% on average relative to water alone. The NaOH:urea-mediated CNFs have similar crystallinity, morphology, and mechanical strength to those formed in water. The NaOH and urea act synergistically on CNFs to aid fibrillation but at different length scales. NaOH deprotonates hydroxyl groups leading to mesoscale electrostatic repulsion between fibrils, whereas urea forms hydrogen bonds with protonated hydroxyl groups thus disrupting interfibril hydrogen bonds. This suggests a general mechanism in which an aqueous medium that contains a strong base and a small organic molecule acting as a hydrogen-bond acceptor and/or donor may be effectively employed in materials processes where dispersion of deprotonable polymers is required. The study demonstrates how atomic-detail computer simulation can be integrated with pilot-scale experiments in the rational design of materials processes for the circular bioeconomy.