bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical Pedagogy and Active Approaches to Teaching Shakespeare
Authors: Kitchen Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Active approaches to teaching Shakespeare are growing in popularity, seen not only as enjoyable and accessible, but as an egalitarian and progressive teaching practice. A growing body of resources supports this work in classrooms. Yet critiques of these approaches argue they are not rigorous and do little to challenge the conservative status quo around Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Shakespeare scholarship more broadly is increasingly recognising the role of critical pedagogy, particularly feminist and decolonising approaches, and asks how best to teach Shakespeare within twenty-first century understandings of cultural value and social justice. Via vignettes of schools' participation in Coram Shakespeare School Foundation's festival, this Element draws on critical theories of education, play and identity to argue active Shakespeare teaching is a playful co-construction with learners and holds rich potential towards furthering social justice-oriented approaches to teaching the plays.
Transport Costs and Economic Change in Roman Britain
Authors: Ortman Scott , Bulik Olivia , Wiseman Rob , Lobo José , Bettencourt Luis , Lodwick Lisa
Published: November 2023

Reductions in the cost of transporting manufactured goods have been an important element in economic development in the recent past, and previous research suggests that the Roman period in Britain also saw substantial reductions in such costs. The authors investigate how far it is possible to measure changes in transport costs by considering the spatial distributions of pottery from known Roman production locations over time. Their analysis of an extensive database of pottery assemblages is designed to evaluate a series of expectations concerning how reductions in transport costs may have affected such assemblages and their distribution. Results suggest that costs were reduced by a factor of about two, leading to related changes in pottery production, distribution, and consumption over time. The ability to quantify changes in transport costs opens new perspectives for investigating the general determinants of economic development using archaeological data.
Tima
Authors: Tabain Marija , Schneider-Blum Gertrud
Published: November 2023

Tima (ISO 639-3: tms) is a Niger-Congo language spoken by roughly 7,000 people in the Nuba mountains of Sudan, in north-eastern Africa, as well as in smaller communities in the bigger towns of Sudan such as Khartoum and Port Sudan. It is part of the Katla language group which includes the languages Katla and Julut as well as Tima, with Tima being the most distinct of the three. All three languages are regarded as endangered, mainly due to the spreading influence of Arabic in recent decades, but also due to greater speaker mobility. Broadly speaking, there is a decline in speaker fluency from older to younger speakers of Tima. The Tima people are not only exposed to Arabic as the lingua franca and official language of Sudan, but also to English and Kiswahili. These latter languages were introduced into the school system during the extremely difficult circumstances of the second civil war (1983–2005), when teachers from Kenya came to the Tima region (in addition, many Tima people went to Kenya for further education).1
Intracranial electrical brain stimulation as an approach to studying the (dis)continuum of memory experiential phenomena
Authors: Curot Jonathan , Servais Anaïs , Barbeau Emmanuel J.
Published: November 2023

Déjà vu and involuntary autobiographical memories (IAM) can be induced by intracranial electric brain stimulation in epileptic patients, sometimes in the same individual. We suggest that there may be different types of IAM which should be taken into account and provide several ideas to test the hypothesis of a continuity between IAM and déjà vu phenomena.
Does inhibitory (dys)function account for involuntary autobiographical memory and déjà vu experience?
Authors: Burns Thomas F.
Published: November 2023

External cues and internal configuration states are the likely instigators of involuntary autobiographical memories (IAMs) and déjà vu experience. Indeed, Barzykowski and Moulin discuss relevant neuroscientific evidence in this direction. A complementary line of enquiry and evidence is the study of inhibition and its role in memory retrieval, and particularly how its (dys)function may contribute to IAMs and déjà vu.
Are involuntary autobiographical memory and déjà vu cognitive failures?
Authors: Mace John H.
Published: November 2023

This commentary supports Barzykowski and Moulin's model, but departs from it on the question of functionality, where IAMs and déjà vu fractionate. The authors seem to say that IAMs are functional, while déjà vu is not. As there is no hard evidence supporting the idea that IAMs are functional, I argue that both phenomena should be viewed as cognitive failures.
Chocolate unicorns and smiling teddy biscuits: analysis of the use of child-directed marketing on the packages of Australian foods
Authors: Jones Alexandra , Shahid Maria , Morelli Georgia , Howes Kylie , Riesenberg Devorah , Sievert Katherine , Pettigrew Simone , Sacks Gary
Published: November 2023

Objective:

The use of food packaging as a vehicle for marketing to children is under investigated. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and types of child-directed promotional techniques used on food packaging in Australia.

Design:

Based on existing literature and regulations, we developed a framework to classify on-pack child-directed promotional techniques involving the use of characters and other elements that appeal to children. We analysed the packaging of all products in eight food categories available for sale from supermarkets in 2019 and recorded the use of child-directed promotions on pack. We assessed the number and proportion of products displaying child-directed promotional techniques overall and assessed the healthiness of products using child-directed promotions against four indicators of healthiness to provide summary data overall and for the manufacturers who most frequently employed child-targeted strategies.

Setting:

Data were collected from the FoodSwitch database in Sydney, Australia.

Results:

901/8006 (11·3 %) products displayed one or more child-directed on-pack element. Most frequent was on foods for infants and young children (n 315), confectionery (n 283), snack foods (n 172) and dairy (n 168). Personified characters were the most commonly used element (n 512). Products using child-directed promotional techniques scored poorly on all four indicators of healthiness: mean health star rating 2·34 (out of 5); 81 % ultra-processed and 6·1 % and 4·5 % products eligible to market to children under Western Pacific and Mexican nutrient profiling schemes, respectively.

Conclusions:

Australian children are targeted by promotional techniques on the packaging of unhealthy food products. Stronger regulation of these techniques is warranted to protect children’s health.
Spatial–temporal analysis and spatial drivers of hepatitis-related deaths in 183 countries, 2000–2019
Authors: Li Jie , Xu Zejia , Zhu Hong
Published: November 2023

Hepatitis is the seventh leading cause of mortality worldwide and is the only communicable disease where mortality is increasing, yet the long-term spatial–temporal variation at global scale and its possible causes, i.e., drivers, remain unknown. Firstly, this study employed the measure of spatial autocorrelation, Moran’s I, and the measure of local spatial cluster, Getis-Ord Gi*, to characterize the spatial variation of mortality due to hepatitis in 183 countries globally for years 2000, 2010, 2015 and 2019. Then, a novel spatial statistical method, named the Geographical Detector, was utilized to investigate eight possible influencing factors, i.e., risk factors, of the spatial–temporal variation of mortality due to hepatitis. The results showed significant disparities of hepatitis-related mortality rates among countries. Hot spots, representing locations with higher mortality rates, were consistently observed in Africa, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, while the cold spots, representing locations with lower mortality rates, were predominantly found in Europe and the Americas. Potential spatial drivers of hepatitis mortality, identified by geographical detector, include “health expenditure”, “universal health coverage”, and “per capita income”. However, “hepatitis B immunization” and “total population” were not identified as significant spatial drivers for hepatitis mortality The findings highlighted the critical role of socioeconomic factors in the variations in hepatitis mortality, and pointed out relative importance of increasing health expenditure, per capita income, and improve universal health coverage on alleviating global hepatitis-related mortality.
Development of a deep learning based image processing tool for enhanced organoid analysis
Authors: Park Taeyun , Kim Taeyul K. , Han Yoon Dae , Kim Kyung-A , Kim Hwiyoung , Kim Han Sang
Published: November 2023

Contrary to 2D cells, 3D organoid structures are composed of diverse cell types and exhibit morphologies of various sizes. Although researchers frequently monitor morphological changes, analyzing every structure with the naked eye is difficult. Given that deep learning (DL) has been used for 2D cell image segmentation, a trained DL model may assist researchers in organoid image recognition and analysis. In this study, we developed OrgaExtractor, an easy-to-use DL model based on multi-scale U-Net, to perform accurate segmentation of organoids of various sizes. OrgaExtractor achieved an average dice similarity coefficient of 0.853 from a post-processed output, which was finalized with noise removal. Correlation between CellTiter-Glo assay results and daily measured organoid images shows that OrgaExtractor can reflect the actual organoid culture conditions. The OrgaExtractor data can be used to determine the best time point for organoid subculture on the bench and to maintain organoids in the long term.
Assessment of aortic to peripheral vascular stiffness and gradient by segmented upper limb PWV in healthy and hypertensive individuals
Authors: Wang Jue , Jing Congcong , Hu Xiaojuan , Cui Ji , Tang Qingfeng , Tu Liping , Zhao Shiju , Huang Jinlian , Guo Dandan , Li Yongzhi , Xu Jiatuo
Published: November 2023

Theoretically pulse wave velocity (PWV) is obtained by calculating the distance between two waveform probes divided by the time difference, and PWV ratio is used to assess the arterial stiffness gradient (SG) from proximal to distal. The aim was to investigate segmental upper-limb PWV (ulPWV) differences and the effects of hypertension and or aging on each ulPWV and SG. The study collected multi-waveform signals and conduction distances from 167 healthy individuals and 92 hypertensive patients. The results showed significant differences between ulPWVs (P < 0.001), with increased and then decreased vascular stiffness along the proximal transmission to the distal peripheral artery and then to the finger. Adjusted for age and sex, ulPWVs in hypertension exceeded that of healthy individuals, with significant differences between groups aged ≥ 50 years (P < 0.05). The hrPWV/rfPWV (heart-radial/radial-finger) was reduced in hypertension and differed significantly between the aged ≥ 50 years (P = 0.015); the ratio of baPWV (brachial-ankle) to ulPWV differed significantly between groups (P < 0.05). Hypertension affected the consistency of rfPWV with hfPWV (heart-finger). The findings suggest that segmented ulPWV is instrumental in providing stiffness corresponding to the physiological structure of the vessel. The superimposition of hypertension and or aging exacerbates peripheral arterial stiffness, as well as alteration in stiffness gradient.
Prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in university students and academic staff in Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Nurshad , Samadder Mitu , Shourove Jahid Hasan , Taher Abu , Islam Farjana
Published: November 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of medical conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. While there are numerous studies on the prevalence of MetS in the general adult population worldwide, limited information exists regarding its prevalence among university students and academic staff. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS and associated risk factors among Bangladesh university students and academic staff. For this cross-sectional study, 583 participants were randomly selected from university students (n = 281) and academic staff (n = 302) in Bangladesh. The participants' fasting blood samples were collected, and their serum lipid profile levels, fasting blood glucose, and other parameters were measured using standard methods. MetS was defined according to the NCEP-ATP III model guidelines. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to the participants to gather information on socio-demographics, lifestyle risk behaviours, and personal medical history. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the risk factors associated with MetS. Overall, the prevalence of MetS was 27.7% in students and 47.7% in staff. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in MetS prevalence between male students (34.8%) and female students (17.2%). In contrast, it was comparatively higher in female staff (52.3%) than in male staff (45.8%), although the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of MetS and its components increased with age in student and staff groups. The most common component of MetS was low levels of HDL-C, which affected 78% and 81.4% of the students and staff, respectively. Logistic regression modelling showed that increased age, BMI, hypertension, dyslipidemia, low physical activity, and smoking were significantly associated with MetS in students (at least p < 0.05 for all cases). On the other hand, increased age and BMI, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were significantly associated with MetS in academic staff (at least p < 0.05 for all cases). In conclusion, this study indicates a high prevalence of MetS in university students and staff in Bangladesh. Age, BMI, hypertension and dyslipidemia were independently associated with the risk of MetS in both groups. The findings emphasize the importance of interventions for students and staff in academic settings in Bangladesh. It is crucial to implement health promotion activities such as healthy diet and exercise programs more rigorously. Further research with more representative samples is needed to get more clear insights into MetS prevalence in this particular population subgroup for targeted interventions.
Unbalanced sex-ratio in the Neolithic individuals from the Escoural Cave (Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal) revealed by peptide analysis
Authors: Granja Raquel , Araújo Ana Cristina , Lugli Federico , Silvestrini Sara , Silva Ana Maria , Gonçalves David
Published: November 2023

The sex profile estimation of pre-historic communities is often complicated by the commingled and scattered nature of skeletal assemblages. Demographic profiles are usually lacking and provide very truncated representations of these populations but proteomic analysis of sex-specific amelogenin peptides in tooth enamel brings new promise to these studies. The main objective was to obtain the sex profile of the human assemblage recovered from the Neolithic cave-necropolis of Escoural (Montemor-o-Novo, southern Portugal) through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The secondary objective was to analyse sex-specific linear enamel hypoplasias (LEH), and to test the reliability of canine odontometric sex estimation. Sex estimation through peptide analysis was carried out in 36 left permanent canines which were macroscopically examined for the presence of LEH. The canine buccolingual diameter was used for odontometric sex estimation. The obtained sex ratio (0.5:1, M:F) is biased to female individuals, probably due to cultural factors since the natural sex ratio of the human population falls between 0.95:1 and 1.02:1 (M:F). A high frequency of LEH was observed, but with no significant sexual differences (p = 0.554). The mean LEH age of onset occurred at 3 years of age, with no significant differences between the sexes (p = 0.116), and was possibly related to the weaning process. Odontometric sex estimation revealed a correct classification of 80%, with a high number of males mistakenly attributed to females. This study is one of the largest samples subjected to peptide analysis, and thus demonstrates its usefulness on the research of commingled and scattered skeletal assemblages.
Tensile-shear properties of steel-Al adhesively bonded dissimilar joints and the effect of Al plate thickness
Authors: Uematsu Yoshihiko , Ozeki Yoshihiro , Toasa Caiza Paul Dario
Published: November 2023

Lap shear dissimilar joints between aluminium (Al) alloy, A6061-T6, and stainless steel, type 304, were fabricated by adhesive bonding. Three Al plates with different thicknesses were used to investigate the effect of the Al plate thickness on the tensile-shear properties, namely the effect of bending stiffness of Al plates. The maximum tensile-shear loads increased with increasing Al plate thicknesses. The fracture through the adhesive layer (cohesive fracture) occurred when the Al plate was the thickest, while the interface fracture between Al plate and adhesive layer appeared on the fracture surface with decreasing Al plate thickness. Fatigue strengths also increased with increasing Al plate thickness. When the fatigue strengths were normalized by the tensile strengths, the effect of the plate thickness became negligible. FEM analyses revealed that the stress concentration at the edge of adhesive on Al side decreased with increasing Al plate thickness, which could be related to the dependence of tensile and fatigue properties on the Al plate thickness.
Blood urea nitrogen concentration is associated with severe abdominal aortic calcification in adults: a cross-sectional investigation
Authors: Xue Kun , Xing Shanshan
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this research is to examine the correlation between blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and severe abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) among American adults aged 40 years and older. A total of 2757 participants in the NHANES from 2013 to 2014 were included in the final analysis. BUN was measured by means of the enzymatic conductivity rate method. AAC scores were quantified by the Kauppila scoring system, and severe AAC was defined as an AAC score ≥ 6. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used in the analyses. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the highest BUN level (log 2-transformed) was associated with an increased risk of severe AAC [odds ratio (OR) = 1.77, 95% CI 1.17, 2.71]. The restricted cubic spline plot displayed a reverse l-shaped association between BUN (log2-transformed) and severe AAC (p for nonlinearity < 0.001). In addition,the interactions of BUN were not discover. In general, there is a positive correlation between BUN and the risk of severe AAC.
Membrane-bound myosin IC drives the chiral rotation of the gliding actin filament around its longitudinal axis
Authors: Sato Yusei , Yoshimura Kohei , Matsuda Kyohei , Haraguchi Takeshi , Marumo Akisato , Yamagishi Masahiko , Sato Suguru , Ito Kohji , Yajima Junichiro
Published: November 2023

Myosin IC, a single-headed member of the myosin I family, specifically interacts with anionic phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI[4,5]P2) in the cell membrane via the pleckstrin homology domain located in the myosin IC tail. Myosin IC is widely expressed and physically links the cell membrane to the actin cytoskeleton; it plays various roles in membrane-associated physiological processes, including establishing cellular chirality, lipid transportation, and mechanosensing. In this study, we evaluated the motility of full-length myosin IC ofDrosophila melanogastervia the three-dimensional tracking of quantum dots bound to actin filaments that glided over a membrane-bound myosin IC-coated surface. The results revealed that myosin IC drove a left-handed rotational motion in the gliding actin filament around its longitudinal axis, indicating that myosin IC generated a torque perpendicular to the gliding direction of the actin filament. The quantification of the rotational motion of actin filaments on fluid membranes containing different PI(4,5)P2concentrations revealed that the rotational pitch was longer at lower PI(4,5)P2concentrations. These results suggest that the torque generated by membrane-bound myosin IC molecules can be modulated based on the phospholipid composition of the cell membrane.
MiR-200b categorizes patients into pancreas cystic lesion subgroups with different malignant potential
Authors: Benke Márton , Zeöld Anikó , Kittel Ágnes , Khamari Delaram , Hritz István , Horváth Miklós , Keczer Bánk , Borka Katalin , Szücs Ákos , Wiener Zoltán
Published: November 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EV) carry their cargo in a membrane protected form, however, their value in early diagnostics is not well known. Although pancreatic cysts are heterogeneous, they can be clustered into the larger groups of pseudocysts (PC), and serous and mucinous pancreatic cystic neoplasms (S-PCN and M-PCN, respectively). In contrast to PCs and S-PCNs, M-PCNs may progress to malignant pancreatic cancers. Since current diagnostic tools do not meet the criteria of high sensitivity and specificity, novel methods are urgently needed to differentiate M-PCNs from other cysts. We show that cyst fluid is a rich source of EVs that are positive and negative for the EV markers CD63 and CD81, respectively. Whereas we found no difference in the EV number when comparing M-PCN with other pancreatic cysts, our EV-based biomarker identification showed that EVs from M-PCNs had a higher level of miR-200b. We also prove that not only EV-derived, but also total cyst fluid miR-200b discriminates patients with M-PCN from other pancreatic cysts with a higher sensitivity and specificity compared to other diagnostic methods, providing the possibility for clinical applications. Our results show that measuring miR-200b in cyst fluid-derived EVs or from cyst fluid may be clinically important in categorizing patients.
Unboxing machine learning models for concrete strength prediction using XAI
Authors: Elhishi Sara , Elashry Asmaa Mohammed , El-Metwally Sara
Published: November 2023

Concrete is a cost-effective construction material widely used in various building infrastructure projects. High-performance concrete, characterized by strength and durability, is crucial for structures that must withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions. Accurate prediction of concrete strength under different mixtures and loading conditions is essential for optimizing performance, reducing costs, and enhancing safety. Recent advancements in machine learning offer solutions to challenges in structural engineering, including concrete strength prediction. This paper evaluated the performance of eight popular machine learning models, encompassing regression methods such as Linear, Ridge, and LASSO, as well as tree-based models like Decision Trees, Random Forests, XGBoost, SVM, and ANN. The assessment was conducted using a standard dataset comprising 1030 concrete samples. Our experimental results demonstrated that ensemble learning techniques, notably XGBoost, outperformed other algorithms with an R-Square (R2) of 0.91 and a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 4.37. Additionally, we employed the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) technique to analyze the XGBoost model, providing civil engineers with insights to make informed decisions regarding concrete mix design and construction practices.
Association between arterial tortuosity and early neurological deterioration in lenticulostriate artery infarction
Authors: Ha Sang Hee , Jeong Soo , Park Jae Young , Chang Jun Young , Kang Dong-Wha , Kwon Sun U. , Kim Jong S. , Kim Bum Joon
Published: November 2023

Early neurological deterioration (END) in lenticulostriate artery (LSA) infarction is associated with perforating artery hypoperfusion. As middle cerebral artery (MCA) tortuosity may alter hemodynamics, we investigated the association between MCA tortuosity and END in LSA infarction. We reviewed patients with acute LSA infarction without significant MCA stenosis. END was defined as an increase of ≥ 2 or ≥ 1 in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) total or motor score, respectively, within first 72 h. The MCA tortuosity index (actual /straight length) was measured. Stroke mechanisms were categorized as branch atheromatous disease (BAD; lesions > 10 mm and 4 axial slices) and lipohyalinotic degeneration (LD; lesion smaller than BAD). Factors associated with END in LD and BAD were investigated. END occurred in 104/390 (26.7%) patients. A high MCA tortuosity index (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 10.63, 95% confidence interval [2.57–44.08], p = 0.001) was independently associated with END. In patients with BAD, high initial NIHSS score (aOR 1.40 [1.03–1.89], p = 0.031) and presence of parental artery disease (stenosis < 50%; aOR 10.38 [1.85–58.08], p = 0.008) were associated with END. In patients with LD, high MCA tortuosity (aOR 41.78 [7.37–237.04], p < 0.001) was associated with END. The mechanism causing END in patients with LD and BAD may differ.
Burden and associated phenotypic characteristics of tuberculosis infection in adult Africans with diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Kibirige Davis , Andia-Biraro Irene , Kyazze Andrew Peter , Olum Ronald , Bongomin Felix , Nakavuma Rose Mwanje , Ssekamatte Phillip , Emoru Reagan , Nalubega Goretti , Chamba Nyasatu , Kilonzo Kajiru , Laizer Sweetness Naftal , Mrema Lucy Elauteri , Olomi Willyhelmina , Minja Lilian Tina , Ntinginya Nyanda Elias , Sabi Issa , Hill Philip C. , te Brake Lindsey , van Crevel Reinout , Sharples Katrina , Critchley Julia
Published: November 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of developing tuberculosis infection (TBI). However, the evidence on the burden and phenotypic characteristics of TBI in African patients with DM is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characterisation of TBI in native African patients living with DM. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and African Journals Online for original studies reporting information on the prevalence and characteristics of TBI in adult Africans with DM. A forest plot was used to describe the pooled prevalence estimate of TBI and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Six studies conducted in four African countries involving 721 participants with DM were included in this systematic review. The pooled prevalence estimate of TBI was 40% (95% CI 20–60%, I2 = 98.52%, p < 0.001). Age ≥ 40 years and glycated haemoglobin levels independently predicted TBI positivity in patients with DM in three studies. Africans with DM have a high prevalence of TBI, especially those who are older or with poorly controlled diabetes. This justifies the need for studies to explore how to screen and manage TBI to avert the progression to active TB disease.
Empirical models for compressive and tensile strength of basalt fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Asghar Muhammad , Javed Muhammad Faisal , Khan M. Ijaz , Abdullaev Sherzod , Awwad Fuad A. , Ismail Emad A. A.
Published: November 2023

When molten magma solidifies, basalt fiber (BF) is produced as a byproduct. Due to its remaining pollutants that could affect the environment, it is regarded as a waste product. To determine the compressive strength (CS) and tensile strength (TS) of basalt fiber reinforced concrete (BFRC), this study will develop empirical models using gene expression programming (GEP), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XG Boost). A thorough search of the literature was done to compile a variety of information on the CS and TS of BFRC. 153 CS findings and 127 TS outcomes were included in the review. The water-to-cement, BF, fiber length (FL), and coarse aggregates ratios were the influential characteristics found. The outcomes showed that GEP can accurately forecast the CS and TS of BFRC as compared to ANN and XG Boost. Efficiency of GEP was validated by comparing Regression (R2) value of all three models. It was shown that the CS and TS of BFRC increased initially up to a certain limit and then started decreasing as the BF % and FL increased. The ideal BF content for industrial-scale BF reinforcement of concrete was investigated in this study which could be an economical solution for production of BFRC on industrial scale.
Phylogenetically and metabolically diverse autotrophs in the world’s deepest blue hole
Authors: Chen Xing , Liu Jiwen , Zhu Xiao-Yu , Xue Chun-Xu , Yao Peng , Fu Liang , Yang Zuosheng , Sun Kai , Yu Min , Wang Xiaolei , Zhang Xiao-Hua
Published: November 2023

The world’s deepest yongle blue hole (YBH) is characterized by sharp dissolved oxygen (DO) gradients, and considerably low-organic-carbon and high-inorganic-carbon concentrations that may support active autotrophic communities. To understand metabolic strategies of autotrophic communities for obtaining carbon and energy spanning redox gradients, we presented finer characterizations of microbial community, metagenome and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) in the YBH possessing oxic, hypoxic, essentially anoxic and completely anoxic zones vertically. Firstly, the YBH microbial composition and function shifted across the four zones, linking to different biogeochemical processes. The recovery of high-quality MAGs belonging to various uncultivated lineages reflected high novelty of the YBH microbiome. Secondly, carbon fixation processes and associated energy metabolisms varied with the vertical zones. The Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle was ubiquitous but differed in affiliated taxa at different zones. Various carbon fixation pathways were found in the hypoxic and essentially anoxic zones, including the 3-hyroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate (3HP/4HB) cycle affiliated to Nitrososphaeria, and Wood-Ljungdahl (WL) pathway affiliated to Planctomycetes, with sulfur oxidation and dissimilatory nitrate reduction as primary energy-conserving pathways. The completely anoxic zone harbored diverse taxa (Dehalococcoidales, Desulfobacterales and Desulfatiglandales) utilizing the WL pathway coupled with versatile energy-conserving pathways via sulfate reduction, fermentation, CO oxidation and hydrogen metabolism. Finally, most of the WL-pathway containing taxa displayed a mixotrophic lifestyle corresponding to flexible carbon acquisition strategies. Our result showed a vertical transition of microbial lifestyle from photo-autotrophy, chemoautotrophy to mixotrophy in the YBH, enabling a better understanding of carbon fixation processes and associated biogeochemical impacts with different oxygen availability.
How does aggregation of doxorubicin molecules affect its solvation and membrane penetration?
Authors: Shirazi-Fard Sadaf , Zolghadr Amin Reza , Klein Axel
Published: November 2023

Aggregation and dynamics of Doxorubicin in solvents like water, DMF, EtOH, DMSO and at DPPC/water and octanol/water interfaces were studied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Robust and rapid partitioning in thermoplastic
Authors: Quan Phenix-Lan , Alvarez-Amador Maria , Jiang Yuhe , Sauzade Martin , Brouzes Eric
Published: November 2023

We developed a microfluidic design that enables rapid and robust partitioning in a thermoplastic device. The device can be operated with a simple pipette. Our work lays the foundation to quantitative digital assays for limited resource settings.
A rapid and direct method for dating blue pen ink in documents using multiset modeling of infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry data
Authors: Braga Kauanny B. N. , Maciel Lanaia Í. L. , Vaz Boniek G. , Pinto Licarion , Santos Jandyson M.
Published: November 2023

A rapid and simple method for dating pen ink was developed, employing FTIR-ATR, DESI-MS, and data fusion modeling, which resulted in a predictive model with an error margin of ±5 years for pen inks of documents dating from 1960 to 2022.
A dual-mode green emissive fluorescent probe for real-time detection of doxycycline in milk using a smartphone sensing platform
Authors: Sun Ruiqing , Liu Ping , Dong Yingjia , Yang Qingli , Ma Yongchao
Published: November 2023

A smartphone sensing platform was constructed based on the NCNSs/electrospun film.
New opportunities for cyclodextrins in supramolecular assembly: metal organic frameworks, crystalline self-assembly, and catalyzed assembly
Authors: Gu Ting , Huang Jianbin , Yan Yun
Published: November 2023

Cyclodextrin (CD) is widely used in supramolecular assembly due to its availability, functionality and excellent biocompatibility. In recent years, new opportunities of CD in supramolecular assembly have emerged, including CD-based frameworks, crystalline self-assembly and catalyzed assembly.
Entropy engineering of La-based perovskite for simultaneous photocatalytic CO2 reduction and biomass oxidation
Authors: Wang Mengchen , Li Liming , Li Yong , Shi Xuxia , Ren Hangxing , Sun Yuetao , Liu Kangning , Song Wei , Li Huamin , Wang Haibin , Han Mei , Wang Xi , Momo Christopher Dorma , Chen Songhua , Liu Lihua , Liang Hongyan
Published: November 2023

The high-entropy perovskite, i.e. La(FeCoNiCrMn)O3, was prepared for simultaneous CO2 reduction and biomass upgrading. An excellent CO evolution rate of 131.8 μmol g−1 h−1 and an xylonic acid yield of 63.9% were gained.
A Co(TAML)-based artificial metalloenzyme for asymmetric radical-type oxygen atom transfer catalysis
Authors: Meeus Eva J. , Igareta Nico V. , Morita Iori , Ward Thomas R. , de Bruin Bas , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: November 2023

We show that the incorporation of a biotinylated Co(TAML) cofactor within streptavidin enables asymmetric radical-type oxygen atom transfer catalysis with improved activity and enantioselectivity.
Synthesis of core–shell polymer particles in supercritical carbon dioxide via iterative monomer addition
Authors: Kortsen Kristoffer , Reynolds-Green Morgan , Hopkins Bradley , McLellan Alison , Derry Matthew J. , Topham Paul D. , Titman Jeremy J. , Keddie Daniel J. , Taresco Vincenzo , Howdle Steven M.
Published: November 2023

Synthesis of polymer core–shell particles via seeded dispersion polymerisation in scCO2 is achieved via iterative addition of a shell monomer to a pre-prepared polymer core. After depressurising the reactor, the products are isolated as dry powders.
Development of new multicomponent crystals of the antifungal drug tioconazole and the assessment of their biopharmaceutical attributes
Authors: Madhesiya Avinash , Dash Sibananda G. , Gupta Princi , Akhir Abdul , Saxena Deepanshi , Maitra Rahul , Chopra Sidharth , Thakur Tejender S.
Published: November 2023

New multicomponent crystals of the antifungal drug tioconazole with improved solubility and dissolution rate were identified with the help of a rational coformer screening.
The electrocatalytic N2 reduction activity of core–shell iron nanoalloy catalysts: a density functional theory (DFT) study
Authors: Das Arunendu , Das Sandeep , Pathak Biswarup
Published: November 2023

The Cu15@Fe50 nanoalloy can efficiently drive the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia, thus maximizing the yield of the desired product.
Pseudo-equilibrium equations for calcium phosphate precipitation with multi-unit particles
Authors: Zhang Tian-Lan
Published: November 2023

Using a pseudo-equilibrium approach, we have derived two types of pseudo-equilibrium equations that reveal the multiple structural units in a precipitate particle and relate the ionic product to the surface proportion of a structural unit.
Crosslinking modification and hydrogen bonding synergy to achieve high breakdown strength and energy density of PMMA-co-GMA/PVDF dielectric composite films
Authors: Zheng Shuo , Zhao Xuanchen , Xie Junhao , Sun Shulin
Published: November 2023

Polymer-based dielectric materials have been used in film capacitors due to their rapid charge–discharge rate, lightness, and low cost.
Understanding the influence of secondary building units on the thermal conductivity of metal–organic frameworks via high-throughput computational screening
Authors: Lin Yuanchuang , Cheng Ruihuan , Liang Tiangui , Wu Weixiong , Li Song , Li Wei
Published: November 2023

The pathway factor was proposed to generally quantify the influence of different secondary building units on the thermal conductivity of metal–organic frameworks.
Theoretical prediction of superatom WSi12-based catalysts for CO oxidation by N2O
Authors: Ye Ya-Ling , Zhang Zhi-Chao , Ni Bi-Lian , Yu Dan , Chen Jing-Hua , Sun Wei-Ming
Published: November 2023

A new series of superatom WSi12-based catalysts for CO oxidation by N2O has been proposed and studied via density functional theory calculations.
Metallosupramolecular polymers: current status and future prospects
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Rahul Dev , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: November 2023

Metallo-supramolecular polymers have gained increasing attention and witnessed continuous development as a vibrant new research interest in the domain of soft materials.
Asymmetric catalysis with FLPs
Authors: Feng Xiangqing , Meng Wei , Du Haifeng
Published: November 2023

This review provides an overview of the important progress in FLP-catalyzed asymmetric reactions made over the past 15 years, and both the merits and limitations of FLP-catalysis have been highlighted.
A new universal aqueous conductive binder via esterification reinforced electrostatic/H-bonded self-assembly for high areal capacity and stable lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Farong , Xia Hongyu , Wei Tongye , Li Huaming , Yang Mei , Cao An-Min
Published: November 2023

A new universal aqueous conductive binder composed of carboxylic CNTs interwoven in flexible membranes of the neutralizing product of 6-amino-1-hexanol and commercial PAA is constructed, enabling high areal capacity and high stability for LIBs.
Unraveling the temperature-responsive solvation structure and interfacial chemistry for graphite anodes
Authors: Mo Yanbing , Liu Gaopan , Chen Jiawei , Zhu Xiao , Peng Yu , Wang Yonggang , Wang Congxiao , Dong Xiaoli , Xia Yongyao
Published: November 2023

Correlations between the temperature-responsive solvation structure, interfacial chemistry and performance of graphite anodes are revealed to understand the structure–property relationships, providing insights into designing temperature-adaptative batteries.
Practical conversion of gem-difluorocyclopropenes for the chemodivergent assembly of fluorinated heterocyclic frameworks
Authors: Pan Dongping , Liu Fu-Xiaomin , Zeng Zhongyi , Ye Junwei , Cai Ying , Wang Shengdong , Zhou Zhi , Yi Wei
Published: November 2023

A green method has been established by employing gem-difluorocyclopropylenes as versatile building blocks, leading to the chemodivergent formation of several fluorinated structural motifs including cyclopropapyrazolopyridines, indolizines etc.
A human initial lymphatic chip reveals distinct mechanisms of primary lymphatic valve dysfunction in acute and chronic inflammation
Authors: Kraus Samantha , Lee Esak
Published: November 2023

Human lymphatic chips recapitulate lymphatics' expansion and compression phases to examine primary lymphatic valve dysfunction in acute and chronic inflammation.
Induced chiroptical properties of helical Eu(iii) complex by electrostatic interaction with DNA
Authors: Li Ziying , Hitomi Nana , Tanaka Hideyuki , Ohmagari Hitomi , Nakamura Kazuki , Hasegawa Miki , Kobayashi Norihisa
Published: November 2023

CPL activity was successfully induced from a helical Eu(iii) complex, EuLCOOH, by electrostatic interaction with DNA in aqueous solutions.
A cross-linkable phthalonitrile derivative as a precursor to synthesize nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots for Ni ion detection
Authors: Fan Zilin , Ran Qimeng , Xu Xiaoling , Tang Yin , Liu Xiaobo , Jia Kun
Published: November 2023

A phthalonitrile derivative containing both melamine and benzoxazine moieties has been used as the precursor to prepare luminescent carbon nanodots for Ni ions detection.
A biscationic imidazolium ionic liquid immobilized on graphene oxide as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of tetraketone derivatives
Authors: Gupta Padmini , Singh Bholey , Dhama Manjeet , Pani Balaram , Mozumdar Subho
Published: November 2023

A bisimidazolium ionic liquid supported on graphene oxide was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of tetraketone derivatives with high reaction yields, facile separation, short reaction time, good stability and recoverability.
A facile synthesis of a MoS2/soluble g-C3N4/CdS ternary composite for high efficiency photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Zheng Hui-Qin , Zhang Wen-Li , Yin Min-Cai , Fan Yao-Ting
Published: November 2023

A MoS2/soluble g-C3N4/CdS ternary composite was synthesized, the hydrogen production rate reached 8116 μmol g−1 h−1. The electron transfer pathway represented either a double or single type II heterojunction photocatalytic system.
Smart bionic applications based on a multiple stimulus response GO-PDANP/PDMS bilayer flexible actuator
Authors: He Song , He Chunxiang , Liu Xinyu , Du Chunhua , Jin Xin , Chen Qilin , Li Ping
Published: November 2023

Flexible actuators, important part of the field of smart materials, can convert one or more stimuli in the environment into mechanical motion, which have been widely used in information technology, biosensors, intelligent robotics and other fields.
Manganese(ii) complexes of hexaazatrinaphthylene and hexaazatrianthracene: synthesis, structure and properties
Authors: Mikhailenko Maxim V. , Ivanov Vladislav V. , Faraonov Maxim A. , Kuzmin Aleksey V. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Konarev Dmitri V.
Published: November 2023

A series of complexes containing dianionic and radical-trianionic hexaazatriphenylene (HATNA) and hexazatrianthracene (HATA) ligands and high-spin MnII ions (S = 5/2) were obtained. It is shown that elongation of the Mn–N bonds results in a decrease of both Mn–ligand and Mn–Mn couplings.
Luminescent covalent organic cages with a C3-symmetric structure for effective enantioseparation
Authors: Li Tianyu , Pan Yuan , Song Haixin , Jiang Hui , Guo Yujing , Shi Linlin , Hao Xinqi , Song Mao-Ping
Published: November 2023

A pair of chiral cages which can reveal diverse host–guest stereoselectivity towards different chiral molecules.
The carrier mobility and superconducting properties of monolayer oxygen-terminated functionalized MXene Ti2CO2
Authors: Shayanfar Reza , Alidoosti Mohammad , Nasr Esfahani Davoud , Pourfath Mahdi
Published: November 2023

The carrier mobility of monolayer Ti2CO2 was evaluated by employing the Boltzmann transport equation and superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of Ti2CO2 was determined by utilizing the Migdal and Eliashberg formalism in the first-principles framework.
Utility of dansyl chloride for the establishment of a sensitive spectrofluorimetric approach for estimating midodrine hydrochloride: application to content uniformity testing
Authors: Derayea Sayed M. , Abdelgaleel Mahmoud , Nagi Dalia M. , Oraby Mohamed , Khashaba Pakinaz Y.
Published: November 2023

Midodrine interacts with dansyl chloride to yield a highly fluorescent product with a large Stokes shift. The reaction provided a highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for determining midodrine as well as testing content uniformity.
Organic fluorophore-based fluorescent probes for abnormal immune response diagnosis and treatment evaluation
Authors: Zuo Shan , Li Yanhua , Ren Tianbing , Yuan Lin
Published: November 2023

Real-time monitoring of the processes involved in abnormal immune responses can be used for the early diagnosis of immune system-related diseases (tumors, transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, etc.), thus facilitating effective interventions.
Investigating structural properties and reaction mechanism of non-stoichiometric spinel LNMOviasolid state NMR
Authors: Asres Nahom Enkubahri , Etxebarria Naiara , Monterrubio Iciar , Saurel Damien , Elkjær Christian Fink , Casas-Cabanas Montse , Reynaud Marine , Fehse Marcus , López del Amo Juan Miguel
Published: November 2023

By applying solid-state6,7Li NMR, we reveal a redox reaction sequence of solid solution and biphasic transition and highlight the existence of intermediate species in non-stoichiometric transition metal-ordered high-voltage LNMO cathode reactionvs.Li.
Enhanced in vivo antiviral activity against pseudorabies virus through transforming gallic acid into graphene quantum dots with stimulation of interferon-related immune responses
Authors: Ye Shiyi , Su Fei , Li Junxing , Yu Bin , Xu Lihua , Xiong Tao , Shao Kang , Yuan Xiufang
Published: November 2023

Antiviral activity of gallic-acid-derived graphene quantum dots against PRV infection in vitro and in vivo.
Predicted novel two-dimensional ferromagnetic VO2 with high Curie temperature and ferroelasticity
Authors: Xiao Wen-Zhi , Feng Ying-Xue
Published: November 2023

A two-dimensional VO2 cleaved from its bulk VO2 counterpart with high Curie temperature and magnetoelastic coupling is predicted from first-principles calculations.
Fabrication of iron manganese metal–organic framework derived magnetic MnFe2O4/C composites for broadband and highly efficient electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Shu Ruiwen , Zhang Jinling , Liu Shuai , Luo Zaigang
Published: November 2023

In this work, magnetic MnFe2O4/C composites were fabricated by pyrolysis of iron manganese bimetallic metal–organic framework, which showed adjustable micromorphology, broadband and highly efficient electromagnetic wave absorption performance.
Subcortical Auditory Processing and Speech Perception in Noise Among Individuals With and Without Extended High-Frequency Hearing Loss
Authors: Çolak Hasan , Aydemir Berfin Eylül , Sakarya Merve Deniz , Çakmak Eda , Alniaçik Asuman , Türkyilmaz Meral Didem
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

The significance of extended high-frequency (EHF) hearing (> 8 kHz) is not well understood so far. In this study, we aimed to understand the relationship between EHF hearing loss (EHFHL) and speech perception in noise (SPIN) and the associated physiological signatures using the speech-evoked frequency-following response (sFFR).

Method:

Sixteen young adults with EHFHL and 16 age- and sex-matched individuals with normal hearing participated in the study. SPIN performance in right speech–right noise, left speech–left noise, and binaural listening conditions was evaluated using the Turkish Matrix Test. Additionally, subcortical auditory processing was assessed by recording sFFRs elicited by 40-ms /da/ stimuli.

Results:

Individuals with EHFHL demonstrated poorer SPIN performances in all listening conditions (
p <
.01). Longer latencies were observed in the V (onset) and O (offset) peaks in these individuals (
p
≤ .01). However, only the V/A peak amplitude was found to be significantly reduced in individuals with EHFHL (
p <
.01).

Conclusions:

Our findings highlight the importance of EHF hearing and suggest that EHF hearing should be considered among the key elements in SPIN. Individuals with EHFHL show a tendency toward weaker subcortical auditory processing, which likely contributes to their poorer SPIN performance. Thus, routine assessment of EHF hearing should be implemented in clinical settings, alongside the evaluation of standard audiometric frequencies (0.25–8 kHz).