bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TBC1 domain-containing proteins are frequently involved in triple-negative breast cancers in connection with the induction of a glycolytic phenotype
Authors: Lupi Mariadomenica , Avanzato Daniele , Confalonieri Stefano , Martino Flavia , Pennisi Rosa , Pupo Emanuela , Audrito Valentina , Freddi Stefano , Bertalot Giovanni , Montani Francesca , Matoskova Bronislava , Sigismund Sara , Di Fiore Pier Paolo , Lanzetti Letizia
Published: September 2024

Metabolic plasticity is a hallmark of cancer, and metabolic alterations represent a promising therapeutic target. Since cellular metabolism is controlled by membrane traffic at multiple levels, we investigated the involvement of TBC1 domain-containing proteins (TBC1Ds) in the regulation of cancer metabolism. These proteins are characterized by the presence of a RAB-GAP domain, the TBC1 domain, and typically function as attenuators of RABs, the master switches of membrane traffic. However, a number of TBC1Ds harbor mutations in their catalytic residues, predicting biological functions different from direct regulation of RAB activities. Herein, we report that several genes encoding for TBC1Ds are expressed at higher levels in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) vs. other subtypes of breast cancers (BC), and predict prognosis. Orthogonal transcriptomics/metabolomics analysis revealed that the expression of prognostic TBC1Ds correlates with elevated glycolytic metabolism in BC cell lines. In-depth investigations of the three top hits from the previous analyses (TBC1D31, TBC1D22B and TBC1D7) revealed that their elevated expression is causal in determining a glycolytic phenotype in TNBC cell lines. We further showed that the impact of TBC1D7 on glycolytic metabolism of BC cells is independent of its known participation in the TSC1/TSC2 complex and consequent downregulation of mTORC1 activity. Since TBC1D7 behaves as an independent prognostic biomarker in TNBC, it could be used to distinguish good prognosis patients who could be spared aggressive therapy from those with a poor prognosis who might benefit from anti-glycolytic targeted therapies. Together, our results highlight how TBC1Ds connect disease aggressiveness with metabolic alterations in TNBC. Given the high level of heterogeneity among this BC subtype, TBC1Ds could represent important tools in predicting prognosis and guiding therapy decision-making.
Large-scale analysis of whole genome sequencing data from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cancer specimens demonstrates preservation of clinical utility
Authors: Basyuni Shadi , Heskin Laura , Degasperi Andrea , Black Daniella , Koh Gene C. C. , Chmelova Lucia , Rinaldi Giuseppe , Bell Steven , Grybowicz Louise , Elgar Greg , Memari Yasin , Robbe Pauline , Kingsbury Zoya , Caldas Carlos , Abraham Jean , Schuh Anna , Jones Louise ,   PARTNER Trial Group,   Personalised Breast Cancer Program Group, Tischkowitz Marc , Brown Matthew A. , Davies Helen R. , Nik-Zainal Serena
Published: September 2024

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) provides comprehensive, individualised cancer genomic information. However, routine tumour biopsies are formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE), damaging DNA, historically limiting their use in WGS. Here we analyse FFPE cancer WGS datasets from England’s 100,000 Genomes Project, comparing 578 FFPE samples with 11,014 fresh frozen (FF) samples across multiple tumour types. We use an approach that characterises rather than discards artefacts. We identify three artefactual signatures, including one known (SBS57) and two previously uncharacterised (SBS FFPE, ID FFPE), and develop an “FFPEImpact” score that quantifies sample artefacts. Despite inferior sequencing quality, FFPE-derived data identifies clinically-actionable variants, mutational signatures and permits algorithmic stratification. Matched FF/FFPE validation cohorts shows good concordance while acknowledging SBS, ID and copy-number artefacts. While FF-derived WGS data remains the gold standard, FFPE-samples can be used for WGS if required, using analytical advancements developed here, potentially democratising whole cancer genomics to many.
DNA methylation controls stemness of astrocytes in health and ischaemia
Authors: Kremer Lukas P. M. , Cerrizuela Santiago , El-Sammak Hadil , Al Shukairi Mohammad Eid , Ellinger Tobias , Straub Jannes , Korkmaz Aylin , Volk Katrin , Brunken Jan , Kleber Susanne , Anders Simon , Martin-Villalba Ana
Published: September 2024

Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the mammalian brain and provide structural and metabolic support to neurons, regulate synapses and become reactive after injury and disease. However, a small subset of astrocytes settles in specialized areas of the adult brain where these astrocytes instead actively generate differentiated neuronal and glial progeny and are therefore referred to as neural stem cells1–3. Common parenchymal astrocytes and quiescent neural stem cells share similar transcriptomes despite their very distinct functions4–6. Thus, how stem cell activity is molecularly encoded remains unknown. Here we examine the transcriptome, chromatin accessibility and methylome of neural stem cells and their progeny, and of astrocytes from the striatum and cortex in the healthy and ischaemic adult mouse brain. We identify distinct methylation profiles associated with either astrocyte or stem cell function. Stem cell function is mediated by methylation of astrocyte genes and demethylation of stem cell genes that are expressed later. Ischaemic injury to the brain induces gain of stemness in striatal astrocytes7. We show that this response involves reprogramming the astrocyte methylome to a stem cell methylome and is absent if the de novo methyltransferase DNMT3A is missing. Overall, we unveil DNA methylation as a promising target for regenerative medicine.
Mapping glycoprotein structure reveals Flaviviridae evolutionary history
Authors: Mifsud Jonathon C. O. , Lytras Spyros , Oliver Michael R. , Toon Kamilla , Costa Vincenzo A. , Holmes Edward C. , Grove Joe
Published: September 2024

Viral glycoproteins drive membrane fusion in enveloped viruses and determine host range, tissue tropism and pathogenesis1. Despite their importance, there is a fragmentary understanding of glycoproteins within the Flaviviridae2, a large virus family that include pathogens such as hepatitis C, dengue and Zika viruses, and numerous other human, animal and emergent viruses. For many flaviviruses the glycoproteins have not yet been identified, for others, such as the hepaciviruses, the molecular mechanisms of membrane fusion remain uncharacterized3. Here we combine phylogenetic analyses with protein structure prediction to survey glycoproteins across the entire Flaviviridae. We find class II fusion systems, homologous to the Orthoflavivirus E glycoprotein in most species, including highly divergent jingmenviruses and large genome flaviviruses. However, the E1E2 glycoproteins of the hepaciviruses, pegiviruses and pestiviruses are structurally distinct, may represent a novel class of fusion mechanism, and are strictly associated with infection of vertebrate hosts. By mapping glycoprotein distribution onto the underlying phylogeny, we reveal a complex evolutionary history marked by the capture of bacterial genes and potentially inter-genus recombination. These insights, made possible through protein structure prediction, refine our understanding of viral fusion mechanisms and reveal the events that have shaped the diverse virology and ecology of the Flaviviridae.
Recurrent evolution and selection shape structural diversity at the amylase locus
Authors: Bolognini Davide , Halgren Alma , Lou Runyang Nicolas , Raveane Alessandro , Rocha Joana L. , Guarracino Andrea , Soranzo Nicole , Chin Chen-Shan , Garrison Erik , Sudmant Peter H.
Published: September 2024

The adoption of agriculture triggered a rapid shift towards starch-rich diets in human populations1. Amylase genes facilitate starch digestion, and increased amylase copy number has been observed in some modern human populations with high-starch intake2, although evidence of recent selection is lacking3,4. Here, using 94 long-read haplotype-resolved assemblies and short-read data from approximately 5,600 contemporary and ancient humans, we resolve the diversity and evolutionary history of structural variation at the amylase locus. We find that amylase genes have higher copy numbers in agricultural populations than in fishing, hunting and pastoral populations. We identify 28 distinct amylase structural architectures and demonstrate that nearly identical structures have arisen recurrently on different haplotype backgrounds throughout recent human history. AMY1 and AMY2A genes each underwent multiple duplication/deletion events with mutation rates up to more than 10,000-fold the single-nucleotide polymorphism mutation rate, whereas AMY2B gene duplications share a single origin. Using a pangenome-based approach, we infer structural haplotypes across thousands of humans identifying extensively duplicated haplotypes at higher frequency in modern agricultural populations. Leveraging 533 ancient human genomes, we find that duplication-containing haplotypes (with more gene copies than the ancestral haplotype) have rapidly increased in frequency over the past 12,000 years in West Eurasians, suggestive of positive selection. Together, our study highlights the potential effects of the agricultural revolution on human genomes and the importance of structural variation in human adaptation.
The Therapeutic Potential of Gold Complexes
Authors: Wani Waseem A , Alajmi Mohamed F , Hussain Afzal , Wani Irshad Ahmad
Published: September 2024

Globally, millions of deaths are reported annually due to cancers, bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic diseases, diabetes and inflammatory conditions. Metal complexes have been extensively developed and tested for anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is quite encouraging to learn that quite a lot of metal complexes with interesting therapeutic properties have been developed.

This concise book reviews the recent advances made in the development of gold complexes as therapeutics, highlighting the different ligand architectures that have been used for their development. The mechanisms of therapeutic action, the development of nanodrugs and the toxicity issues of gold complexes are all discussed in detail. Finally, the book reflects on the future research and development in gold complexes as therapeutic agents. Postgraduates and researchers in drug discovery and development interested in metal-based therapeutics and biomedical applications of gold will find this book enlightening.
Carbon quantum dots: promising carbon nanomaterials for organic nanozymes, biological imaging and therapeutic applications
Authors: Navya P. N. , Malik Uzma , Jakku Ranjith Kumar , Koley Paramita , Ojha Ruchika , Selvakannan P. R. , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: September 2024

Carbon dots, the organic analogs of quantum dots represent the class of fluorescent nanoparticles derived from carbon sources, which are emerging non-toxic biological imaging agents, carbon-based nanozymes and therapeutic agents. These nanostructured carbon dot materials consist of either graphitic or an amorphous carbon core that is covered by varying functional groups, together making these particles chemically stable, water-dispersible, bio-compatible, photoluminescent and photostable. This chapter begins with a detailed description of these nanostructured carbon materials, their classification based on structure and composition, the origin of their fluorescence, synthetic strategies, and surface modification using various chemical functional groups. This is followed by their application as bio-imaging agents, carbon dots-based nanozymes as well as their therapeutic potential and how strongly they rely upon doping, surface modification, biocompatibility, and the less immunogenic response within the biological system.
Bifunctional plasmonic materials in total water splitting
Authors: Melvin Ambrose Ashwin , Kim See Woo , Choi Jeong-Woo
Published: September 2024

Photocatalytic water splitting has gained significant attention as a sustainable energy source, potentially replacing fossil fuels with clean hydrogen energy. While plasmonic materials have shown enhanced efficiency in photocatalytic water splitting, integrating bifunctional catalysts has further increased efficiency, achieving total water splitting in some instances. This chapter provides a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of plasmonic materials when combined or transformed into bifunctional catalysts, offering new insights for developing highly efficient novel bifunctional plasmonic catalysts.
Nanomaterials and their use in bioelectronic medicine
Authors: McBeth Craig , Achadu Ojodomo J.
Published: September 2024

The world of bioelectronics is an ever-evolving landscape with novel developments progressing a greater understanding of the electrical phenomena that underpin biological processes. The advent of innovative nanomaterials, nanocomposites, and nanosensors has pushed the boundaries on what is considered feasible within the field, allowing for the implementation of wearable technologies capable of real-time monitoring, and stimulation of electrical circuitry within biology. The chapter herein explores the use of bioelectronics for medical applications, discussing the various concepts and synthesis methods utilized in the fabrication of several types of (nano)materials and their implementation in sensors, as well as some niche applications of technology that are both utilized in ongoing treatments and in the early stages of clinical application.
Advancing lithium-ion battery technology with heteroatom doped graphene anodes
Authors: Shamraiz Umair , Raza Bareera , ul Ain Noor , Badshah Amin
Published: September 2024

Graphene, with its exceptional and unrivaled properties, has solidified its position as the leading contender for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. However, the trajectory of progress for graphene-based lithium-ion batteries hinges entirely upon a profound comprehension of its underlying structural intricacies and the avenues for enhancement made possible through heteroatom doping. This chapter serves as a concise exploration of the concept of heteroatom doping in graphene—a paradigm-shifting approach that reshapes graphene’s electronic attributes, conductivity, and structural framework alongside its far-reaching applications in the realm of lithium-ion batteries. The contiguous three-dimensional graphene matrix, thoughtfully integrated, emerges as a pivotal element in the optimization of ion and electron transport within the electrode materials. The judicious introduction of heteroatoms, in this context, further augments these intrinsic properties, thus fortifying electrode stability to an even greater degree. Within the confines of this chapter, we summarized recent advancements in the utilization of heteroatom-doped graphene for lithium-ion batteries, illuminating the exciting developments in this dynamic field.
Development of an in vitro platform for the analysis of contractile and calcium dynamics in single human myotubes
Authors: Vesga-Castro Camila , Mosqueira-Martín Laura , Ubiria-Urkola Paul , Marco-Moreno Pablo , González-Imaz Klaudia , Rendon-Hinestroza Jorge , Vallejo-Illarramendi Ainara , Paredes Jacobo
Published: September 2024

This 2D human muscle system, μGrooves, promote myoblast alignment and fusion and enhance myotubes differentiation. Robust high-content assays of functional outcomes, contractility and calcium, are made with increased sensitivity and reproducibility.
Peptides in the detection of metal ions
Authors: Li Xin-Yi , Zhou Xiao-Dong , Hu Ji-Ming
Published: September 2024

This review discusses the development and application of peptides in the detection of metal ions, revealing the efficiency, selectivity and potential in metal-peptides sensing system.
Europium(ii/iii) coordination chemistry toward applications
Authors: Lewandowski Elizabeth C. , Arban Colin B. , Deal Morgan P. , Batchev Andrea L. , Allen Matthew J.
Published: September 2024

This article describes applications of Eu, including MRI, luminescence, catalysis, and separation science.
Synthesis and characterization of tetrapodal nickel complexes with adaptable ligand binding geometries
Authors: Cho Hsien-Liang , Gullett Kelly L. , Fout Alison R.
Published: September 2024

This study explores the versatile binding properties of a tetrapodal ligand framework with nickel, demonstrating ligand fluxionality through the interconversions of several complexes.
Developing non-radioactive, radical methods to screen for radiolytic stability
Authors: Wackerle Brandon G. , Vicente Madison R. , Zohara Fatema Tuz , Peterman Dean R. , Wetzler Modi , Brumaghim Julia L.
Published: September 2024

A non-radioactive, radical method is reported as a screening tool for radiolytic degradation. Similar degradation products and trends are observed between this newly developed, higher-throughput assay and traditional gamma radiolysis.
Rational design of anthocyanidins-directed near-infrared two-photon fluorescent probes
Authors: Zhang Xiu-e , Wei Xue , Cui Wei-Bo , Bai Jin-Pu , Matyusup Aynur , Guo Jing-Fu , Li Hui , Ren Ai-Min
Published: September 2024

Theoretical insights into the photophysical properties of long-wavelength anthocyanidins and ICT and PET mechanisms of a two-photon fluorescent probe for nitroreductase.
Ultrastable electrolyte (>3500 hours at high current density) achieved by high-entropy solvation toward practical aqueous zinc metal batteries
Authors: Xie Bin , Zheng Chaohe , Lang Haoran , Li Min , Hu Qiang , Tan Xin , Zheng Qiaoji , Huo Yu , Zhao Jingxin , Yang Jia-Lin , Gu Zhen-Yi , Lin Dunmin , Wu Xing-Long
Published: September 2024

Ultrastable (>3500 h) electrolyte at high current density by high-entropy solvation for AZIBs. With increasing solvation configuration entropy, O–H bond order in active H2O and ionic conductivity are increased, realizing highly reversible Zn anode.
Atomically dispersed metal cocatalysts for solar energy conversion
Authors: Kong Kejian , Zhang Hao , Han Ali , Li Feng , Wang Dingsheng
Published: September 2024

This review explores the role of atomic metal site cocatalysts in photocatalysis for solar energy conversion, focusing on the recent advances in single-atom and atomic cluster cocatalysts, their structure–activity relationships, and key applications.
Synthesis and anti-cancer activity of acetals of arjunolic acid
Authors: Bhujel Manohar , Sripada Lakshminath , K. Buvanesvaragurunathan , Perumal Pandikumar , Jain Dolly , Pandey Nishant , Bajaj Avinash , Golakoti Nageswara Rao
Published: September 2024

Novel acetals of arjunolic acid were synthesized and studied for their anti-cancer activity. Among them, compound AA-9 proved to be the most potent against the CT-26 colon cancer cell line with an IC50 of 2.56 μM.
Fumarate production from pyruvate and low concentrations of CO2 with a multi-enzymatic system in the presence of NADH and ATP
Authors: Takeuchi Mika , Amao Yutaka
Published: September 2024

Fumarate production from pyruvate and low-concentration CO2 below 15% with a multi-enzyme system consisting of pyruvate carboxylase, malate dehydrogenase and fumarase in the presence of ATP and NADH was developed.
Divergent reactivity of U(iii) and U(ii) complexes with organoazides via isolable diazenylimido intermediates
Authors: Deng Chong , Yang Yihu , Wang Yi , Huang Wenliang
Published: September 2024

The first uranium organoazide complexes were isolated as U(v) and U(iv) diazenylimido complexes. They exhibited divergent reactivity to yield U(iv) azido or U(iv) imido products via C–N bond cleavage or dinitrogen extrusion.
A triazole-based covalent organic framework as a photocatalyst toward visible-light-driven CO2 reduction to CH4
Authors: Biswas Sandip , Rahimi Faruk Ahamed , Saravanan R. Kamal , Dey Anupam , Chauhan Jatin , Surendran Devika , Nath Sukhendu , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: September 2024

Rational design of a TFPB-TRZ COF bearing the small and heteroatom-rich organic node TRZ (triazole moiety) which facilitates the stabilization of the CO intermediate at the imine (–CN–) site of the COF via electron donation from an N-hetero species.
Recent advances in in situ/operando characterization of lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Leckie Thomas J. , Robertson Stuart D. , Brightman Edward
Published: September 2024

We review the recent literature on spectroscopic/electrochemical operando methods as they are increasingly being applied to understand lithium–sulfur batteries.
CADGen: Computer‐aided design sequence construction with a guided codebook learning
Authors: Zhou Shengdi , Zan Xiaoqiang , Li Zhuqing , Zhou Bin
Published: September 2024

Computer‐aided design (CAD) software continues to be a crucial tool in digital twin application and manufacturing, facilitating the design of various products. We present a novel CAD generation method, an agent that constructs the CAD sequences containing the sketch‐and‐extrude modelling operations efficiently and with high quality. Starting from the sketch and extrusion operation sequences, we utilise the transformer encoder to encode them into different disentangled codebooks to represent their distribution properties while considering their correlations. Then, a combination of auto‐regressive and non‐autoregressive samplers is trained to sample the code for CAD sequence construction. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our model generates diverse and high‐quality CAD models. We also show some cases of real digital twin applications and indicate that our generated model can be used as the data source for the digital twin platform, exhibiting designers' potential.
Inaugural editorial‐Digital Twins and Applications
Authors: Sun Youxian , Wang Wenhai , Yang Qiang , Zhang Yinan
Published: September 2024

Academician of the CAE member Youxian Sun from Zhejiang University initiated Digital Twins and Applications (ISSN 2995‐2182). It is published by Zhejiang University Press and the Institution of Engineering and Technology and sponsored by Zhejiang University. Digital Twins and Applications aim to provide a specialised platform for researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to publish high‐quality, state‐of‐the‐art research on digital twin technologies and their applications.
Availability evaluation and optimisation of advanced receiver autonomous integrity monitoring fault detection and exclusion considering temporal correlations
Authors: Du Jingtian , Fang Kun , Wang Zhipeng , Zhu Yanbo
Published: September 2024

The Advanced Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (ARAIM) provides an Aircraft‐Based Augmentation System function for aircraft Global Navigation Satellite System equipment. Currently, the consideration of temporal correlations of test statistics is an important update to the ARAIM baseline algorithm. However, due to the tight budgets of integrity and continuity, the updated ARAIM Fault Detection and Exclusion (FDE) is not satisfactory in availability coverage. The baseline algorithm is based on equal allocation of integrity and continuity, which causes ARAIM to be susceptible to faults and satellite outages. An availability optimisation of ARAIM FDE based on dynamic budget allocation is proposed, aiming to make full use of the prior knowledge provided by the Integrity Support Message (ISM). The contribution of each solution separation test in the ARAIM FDE to the total continuity and integrity risks is estimated, and the continuity and integrity allocation constraints are obtained. The impacts of faults and satellite outages on availability are analysed, and a predictive Protection Level (PL) for ARAIM FDE is proposed for use as an objective function for optimising risk allocation. Then, a risk allocation method based on the multiplier penalty function method is proposed. The performances of the baseline algorithm and the proposed method under the maximum Number of Effective Samples are simulated. For dual‐constellation H‐ARAIM, the optimised Horizontal PL (HPL) is 40% lower than that of the baseline algorithm on average, and the average number of critical satellites supporting RNP 0.3 is less than 1 worldwide. For the three‐constellation V‐ARIAM, the optimised HPL is 27% lower than that of the baseline algorithm on average, and the optimised Vertical PL (VPL) is 18% lower. The proposed method has high availability coverage and can better respond to the requirements for high‐performance navigation services.
Unveiling accretion in the massive young stellar object G033.3891
Authors: Koumpia E. , Sun D. , Koutoulaki M. , Ilee J. D. , de Wit W.-J. , Oudmaijer R. D. , Frost A. J.
Published: September 2024

Context. The inner parts of the hot discs surrounding massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) are still barely explored due to observational limitations in terms of angular resolution, scarcity of diagnostic lines, and the embedded and rare nature of these targets.

Aims. We present the first K-band spectro-interferometric observations towards the MYSO G033.3891, which based on former kinematic evidence via the CO bandhead emission is known to host an accreting disc.

Methods. Using the high spectral resolution mode (R∼4000) of the GRAVITY/VLTI, we spatially resolved the emission of the inner dusty disc and the crucial gaseous interface between the star and the dusty disc. Using detailed modelling on the K-band dust continuum and tracers known to be associated with the ionised and molecular gaseous interface (Brγ, CO), we report on the smallest scales of accretion and ejection.

Results. The new observations in combination with our geometric and kinematic models employed to fit former high spectral resolution observations on the source (R∼30 000; CRIRES/VLTI) allowed us to constrain the size of the inner gaseous disc both spatially and kinematically via the CO overtone emission at only 2 au. Our models reveal that both Brγ and CO emissions are located well within the dust sublimation radius (5 au) as traced by the hot 2.2 µm dust continuum.

Conclusions. Our paper provides the first case study where the tiniest scales of gaseous accretion around the MYSO G033.3891 are probed both kinematically and spatially via the CO bandhead emission. This analysis of G033.3891 stands as only the second instance of such an investigation within MYSOs, underscoring the gradual accumulation of knowledge regarding how massive young stars gain their mass while further solidifying the disc nature of accretion at the smallest scales of MYSOs.
Variation in the polarity separation of sunspot groups throughout their evolution
Authors: Muraközy Judit
Published: September 2024

During the emergence of sunspot groups, the footpoints of their leading and following parts move apart. This diverging motion results in the stretching of the active regions, which continues throughout the decay phase. The aim of the present work is to study the separation distance variations throughout the active region evolution on a large statistical sample. Altogether, we took more than 2000 individual sunspot groups into account. Our investigation is mainly based on data of the SoHO/MDI-Debrecen Sunspot Data (SDD) catalog, which covers the years 1996–2010, specifically, nearly the whole of solar cycle 23. For our check of the possible cyclical variation, we used Debrecen Photoheliographic Data (DPD), which contains data for solar cycles 20–24. The separation distance was calculated between the leading and following centers of mass, revealing that it starts to increase after the emergence and shows a plateau around the peak flux. The polarity separation reaches its maximum in the decay phase and then starts to decrease in the cases of the largest and midsize groups, but it does continue its rise in the case of the smallest groups. This decrease is caused by the eastward motion of the leading part, while the following part continues its backward motion. The separation distance is size-dependent, that is, the larger the sunspot group, the greater its extent. The cycles and cycle phase dependencies as well as related hemispheric connections have also been observed.
Derivation of a generalized Kappa distribution from the scaling properties of solar wind magnetic field fluctuations at kinetic scales
Authors: Belardinelli Daniele , Benella Simone , Stumpo Mirko , Consolini Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

Context. Kinetic-scale dynamics in weakly collisional space plasmas usually exhibits a self-similar statistics of magnetic field fluctuations. This implies the existence of an invariant probability density function (master curve).

Aims. We provide an analytical derivation of the master curve by assuming that perpendicular fluctuations can be modeled through a scale-dependent Langevin equation.

Methods. In our model, magnetic field fluctuations are the stochastic variable, and their scale-to-scale evolution is assumed to be a Langevin process. We propose a formal derivation of the master curve describing the statistics of the fluctuations at kinetic scales. The model predictions were tested on independent data samples of the fast solar wind measured near the Sun by Parker Solar Probe and near the Earth by Cluster.

Results. The master curve is a generalization of the Kappa distribution with two parameters: One parameter regulates the tails, and the other controls the asymmetry. The model predictions match the spacecraft observations up to 5σ and even beyond in the case of perpendicular magnetic field fluctuations.
Anti-Acute Fatigue Effects of Ethanol Extract of Bidens pilosa L. and the Profiling of Antioxidant Index in ICR Mice
Authors: WANG Xiaoqin , ZHANG Yaqin , WANG Gongwu , CAO Jun
Published: September 2024

The effects of ethanol extract of Bidens pilosa L. (EEB) on acute exercise fatigue and its underlying biochemical mechanism were investigated in this study. Sixty adult male ICR mice were divided into control, model, vitamin C (VC) 100, EEB40, EEB80, and EEB160 groups, receiving VC (100 mg/kg) or EEB (40, 80, 160 mg/kg) for 28 days (intragastrically, I.G.). The mice underwent tail-suspension, elevated plus maze (EPM), rotarod, and loaded swimming tasks and biochemical indices were measured. There were no significant differences in body weight, tail suspension time, EPM open arm time/entries and serum cortisone levels among the groups. Compared with the model group, there was an increase in rotarod latency in the VC100/EEB80 groups and an increase in loaded swimming time in the EEB80/EEB160 groups. Furthermore, the haptic and muscle glycogen levels decreased in the model group, while the haptic glycogen levels increased in the all VC/EEB groups. Similarly, the serum lactate and creatinine levels increased in the model group, but decreased in lactate (except for EEB160), creatinine (except for EEB40) and lactate dehydrogenase in the EEB80 group. In the liver, malonaldehyde (MDA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels increased in the model group; however, glutathione reductase (GR) (except for EEB40), glutathione (GSH) and GSH/GSSG ratios increased, with GSSG levels decreasing in all VC/EEB groups. In the quadriceps, the GR levels increased in the model, whereas it decreased in the VC100, EEB40 and EEB80 groups. These results suggest that EEB has anti-acute fatigue effect, potentially attributed to mitigate metabolite accumulation, enhancing glycogen reserves, and fortifying the antioxidant mechanism.
Die Unit-Dose Versorgung als pflegeentlastende Maßnahme – eine
bundesweite Erhebung zur zeitlichen Entlastung der
Pflegefachkräfte
Authors: Düpmeier Sandra , Lenssen Rebekka , Sommer Beatrix , Kreimendahl Alina , Moeller Desdemona , Liekweg Andrea
Published: September 2024

Zielsetzung Der Pflegefachkräftemangel steht im Fokus des Gesundheitswesens. Eine
Arzneimittelversorgung im Unit-Dose-Verfahren wird als pflegeentlastende
Maßnahme diskutiert. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, die zeitliche
Pflegeentlastung durch die Unit-Dose-Versorgung empirisch zu
ermitteln.Methoden In elf Kliniken wurden an sieben Tagen die aufgewendete Zeit
für pflegerische Tätigkeiten im Arzneimittelversorgungsprozess (Bestellen,
Einsortieren, Stellen, Kontrolle und sonstige Tätigkeiten) auf
Unit-Dose-versorgten und klassisch versorgten Stationen erhoben.Ergebnisse In
Summe werden für die betrachteten Tätigkeiten auf Unit-Dose Stationen
durchschnittlich 6,7 Minuten pro Patient pro Tag weniger benötigt als auf
klassisch versorgten Stationen.Schlussfolgerung Eine Unit-Dose-Versorgung führt
zu einer zeitlichen Entlastung des Pflegepersonals.
Leiharbeit in der Pflege – eine Einordnung im Sturm der Kritik
Authors: Kuhnert Jenny
Published: September 2024

Pflegende, die über Leiharbeitsagenturen auf Intensivstationen eingesetzt werden, stehen seit vielen Jahren in der Kritik – sowohl in der politischen Diskussion als auch unter den Pflegenden. Autorin Jenny Kuhnert war selbst knapp fünf Jahre in der Zeitarbeit tätig und schildert ihre Sicht der Dinge.
Estudo histomorfométrico do reparo de defeito ósseo não crítico após implantação de microesferas de hidroxiapatita com substituição por magnésio
Authors: Silva Jacqueline de Azerêdo , Santos George Gonçalves dos , Ribeiro Iorrana Índira dos Anjos , Silva Ana Maria Guerreiro Braga da , Barreto Isabela Cerqueira , Matos Marcos Almeida , Barreto Maurício Andrade , Miguel Fúlvio Borges
Published: September 2024

Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo fazer uma análise histomorfométrica do reparo de um defeito ósseo não crítico após a implantação de microesferas de hidroxiapatita (HA) com substituição por magnésio (Mg).

Métodos Trinta ratos foram distribuídos em 3 grupos experimentais, avaliados aos 15 e 45 dias após a cirurgia: GHA (defeito ósseo preenchido com microesferas de HA); GHAMg (defeito ósseo preenchido com microesferas de HA com substituição por 1 mol% de Mg) e GC (defeito ósseo sem implantação de biomateriais).

Resultados Aos 15 dias, evidenciou-se que os biomateriais preencheram toda a extensão do defeito, com neoformação de matriz osteoide de permeio às microesferas. No GC, essa neoformação ficou restrita às bordas, com deposição de tecido conjuntivo frouxo de espessura reduzida. Aos 45 dias, a neoformação óssea preencheu quase toda a extensão do defeito ósseo nos 3 grupos, com deposição osteoide estatisticamente significativa no GC, apesar da espessura reduzida em comparação ao GHA e o GHAMg. Os grupos com implantação de biomaterial apresentaram matriz osteoide mais abundante do que aos 15 dias.

Conclusão Os biomateriais estudados apresentaram biocompatibilidade, osteocondutividade e bioatividade. A concentração de Mg na HA com substituição não estimulou a formação óssea mais significativa do que a HA sem este íon.
Comparative Evaluation of Large Language Models for Translating Radiology Reports into Hindi
Authors: Gupta Amit , Rastogi Ashish , Malhotra Hema , Rangarajan Krithika
Published: September 2024

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the performance of four publicly available large language models (LLMs)—GPT-4o, GPT-4, Gemini, and Claude Opus—in translating radiology reports into simple Hindi.

Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 100 computed tomography (CT) scan report impressions were gathered from a tertiary care cancer center. Reference translations of these impressions into simple Hindi were done by a bilingual radiology staff in consultation with a radiologist. Two distinct prompts were used to assess the LLMs' ability to translate these report impressions into simple Hindi. Translated reports were assessed by a radiologist for instances of misinterpretation, omission, and addition of fictitious information. Translation quality was assessed using Bilingual Evaluation Understudy (BLEU), Metric for Evaluation of Translation with Explicit ORdering (METEOR), Translation Edit Rate (TER), and character F-score (CHRF) scores. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the LLM performance across prompts.

Results Nine instances of misinterpretation and two instances of omission of information were found on radiologist evaluation of the total 800 LLM-generated translated report impressions. For prompt 1, Gemini outperformed others in BLEU (p < 0.001) and METEOR scores (p = 0.001), and was superior to GPT-4o and GPT-4 in TER and CHRF (p < 0.001), but comparable to Claude (p = 0.501 for TER and p = 0.90 for CHRF). For prompt 2, GPT-4o outperformed all others (p < 0.001) in all metrics. Prompt 2 yielded better BLEU, METEOR, and CHRF scores (p < 0.001), while prompt 1 had a better TER score (p < 0.001).

Conclusion While each LLM's effectiveness varied with prompt wording, all models demonstrated potential in translating and simplifying radiology report impressions.
Doing good for political gain: the instrumental use of the SDGs as nonmarket strategies
Authors: Röell Christiaan , Arndt Felix , Benischke Mirko H. , Piekkari Rebecca
Published: September 2024

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are changing the way multinational enterprises (MNEs) engage with host governments. The SDGs offer MNEs a unique opportunity to build political influence by assisting governments in attaining a host country’s social needs. However, international business scholars have largely remained silent on how MNEs strategize to repurpose ‘doing good’ into political influence. Based on a multiple case study of four Western European MNE subsidiaries in Indonesia, we uncover the strategies that MNEs use to turn their SDG initiatives into political access and influence. Our study reveals three nonmarket strategies – SDG-directed cross-sector partnership, SDG-directed conflict management, and SDG-directed constituency building. These actionable strategies help MNEs manage the tensions arising from misaligned government priorities, high levels of perceived corruption, and skepticism toward foreign firms. Our findings advance the literature on international nonmarket strategy by explaining how MNE subsidiaries resolve these tensions and convert SDG-directed investments into political access and influence without succumbing to locally institutionalized norms of corruption. Finally, our study suggests that emerging-market governments may benefit from rewarding MNEs for their investments that contribute to the SDGs, as long as they provide clear guidance and multi-stakeholder platforms that foster effective collaborations with MNEs.
Linearly polarized luminescence of polyyne molecules aligned in PVA films
Authors: Wakabayashi Tomonari , Fujii Yuri , Ikeda Yuya , Morimoto Keito , Kohno Nanase , Suzuki Hal
Published: September 2024

Size-selected linear sp-carbon chain molecules of hydrogen-capped polyyne C12H2 are dispersed in stretched polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films to align them along the direction of stretching of the film. The order parameter for anisotropic molecular orientation is determined from the angular dependence of UV absorption band intensities using linearly polarized incident light. Phosphorescence spectra at cryogenic temperature of 20 K of aligned C12H2 polyyne molecules in the stretched PVA film exhibit anisotropic properties, namely linearly polarized luminescence (LPL). Molecular orientation is modeled by the |cos⁡θ|N distribution of linear molecules to simulate angle-dependent polarized optical emission intensities. The ensemble of aligned polyyne molecules is demonstrated to be an ideal molecular system for consideration of linear dichroism in LPL as well as in photo absorption.
Unveiling the conformational diversity of succinic acid: Insights from IR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Da Silva Sa Lucas , Camiruaga Ander , Le Barbu-Debus Katia , Claus Jordan A. , Goubet Manuel , Pollet Rodolphe , Chin Wutharath
Published: September 2024

Small α-dicarbonyl compounds like succinic acid are found abundantly in the atmosphere, thereby contributing to the formation of secondary organic aerosols through solid or liquid particles and gas-phase molecular clusters. The vibrational spectrum of succinic acid was measured in two different environments to evidence the role of the medium on the geometry adopted by the acid. Different structures were observed. The planar and extended structures of succinic acid were favored in the solid state whereas the non-planar gauche conformer was the predominant form in an argon matrix at 20 K, similar to the gas phase. Aided by quantum chemistry calculations and the non-covalent interactions analysis, we investigated the conformational diversity of succinic acid to understand the factors that govern the stability of the acid.
3D–2D neural nets for phase retrieval in noisy interferometric imaging
Authors: Proppe Andrew H. , Thekkadath Guillaume , England Duncan , Bustard Philip J. , Bouchard Frédéric , Lundeen Jeff S. , Sussman Benjamin J.
Published: September 2024

In recent years, neural networks have been used to solve phase retrieval problems in imaging with superior accuracy and speed than traditional techniques, especially in the presence of noise. However, in the context of interferometric imaging, phase noise has been largely unaddressed by existing neural network architectures. Such noise arises naturally in an interferometer due to mechanical instabilities or atmospheric turbulence, limiting measurement acquisition times and posing a challenge in scenarios with limited light intensity, such as remote sensing. Here, we introduce a 3D–2D Phase Retrieval U-Net (PRUNe) that takes noisy and randomly phase-shifted interferograms as inputs and outputs a single 2D phase image. A 3D downsampling convolutional encoder captures correlations within and between frames to produce a 2D latent space, which is upsampled by a 2D decoder into a phase image. We test our model against a state-of-the-art singular value decomposition algorithm and find PRUNe reconstructions consistently show more accurate and smooth reconstructions, with a ×2.5–4 lower mean squared error at multiple signal-to-noise ratios for interferograms with low (<1 photon/pixel) and high (∼100 photons/pixel) signal intensity. Our model presents a faster and more accurate approach to perform phase retrieval in extremely low light intensity interferometry in the presence of phase noise and will find application in other multi-frame noisy imaging techniques.
Dielectric, structural, and vibrational properties of (Na0.975Bi0.025) (Nb0.95Ti0.05) O3 at elevated temperature
Authors: Jayakrishnan V. B. , Mishra S. K. , Shinde A. B. , Wajhal S. , Krishna P. S. R. , Sastry P. U. , Phapale S. B. , Roy Aditya Prasad , Bansal Dipanshu
Published: September 2024

We have studied the dielectric, structural, and vibrational properties of 0.95NaNbO3–0.05(Na0.50Bi0.50)TiO3 (05NBT) solid solution belonging to the NN–NBT family that possess efficient power functionality and large electro-strain. We found that the magnitude of dielectric permittivity increases with temperature and shows diffuse peak anomalies at various temperatures. Detailed analyses of temperature-dependent neutron diffraction patterns revealed that the sample has the ideal cubic perovskite structure above 650 °C. On cooling, it undergoes a series of structural phase transitions from cubic to orthorhombic phases due to condensation of various lattice instabilities. The amplitude of antiferrodistortive distortion mode analysis showed that the value of primary distortive mode decreases on heating and, finally, diminishes at the phase transition temperatures. The displacement patterns corresponding to various lattice instabilities responsible for this structural phase transition are identified. Raman spectra exhibit noticeable changes in the relative intensities between the peaks as well as broadening, merging, and disappearance of certain peaks on heating. The symmetrical and asymmetrical stretching modes (ν1 and ν2) of BO6 octahedra exhibit opposite behavior with temperature while the bending modes merge into a single broad band. This provides clear evidence of local structural changes in the system.
The presence of nanoparticles in aqueous droplets containing plant-derived biopolymers plays a role in heterogeneous ice nucleation
Authors: Bieber Paul , Darwish Ghinwa H. , Algar W. Russ , Borduas-Dedekind Nadine
Published: September 2024

Organic matter can initiate heterogeneous ice nucleation in supercooled water droplets, thereby influencing atmospheric cloud glaciation. Predicting the ice nucleation ability of organic matter-containing cloud droplets is challenging due to the unknown mechanism for templating ice. Here, we observed the presence of nanoparticles in aqueous samples of known ice-nucleating biopolymers cellulose and lignin, as well as in newly identified ice-nucleating biopolymers xylan and laminarin. Using our drop Freezing Ice Nuclei Counter (FINC), we measured the median ice nucleation temperature (T50) of xylan and of laminarin droplets of 2 μl to be −14.2 and −20.0 °C, respectively. Next, we characterized these samples using nanoparticle tracking analysis, and we detected and quantified nanoparticles with mean diameters between 132 and 267 nm. Xylan contained the largest nanoparticles and froze at higher temperatures. Xylan also dictated the freezing in a 1:1:1:1 mixture with cellulose, lignin, laminarin, and xylan. Filtration experiments down to 300 kDa with the xylan sample indicated that the presence of nanoparticles triggered freezing. Overall, only samples with mean diameters above 150 nm froze above −20 °C. Furthermore, we determined the ice-active site densities normalized to particle concentrations, surface area, and mass of the nanoparticles to show that the samples’ nucleation site densities are similar to sea spray aerosols and nanometer-sized dust. The identification and characterization of xylan and laminarin as nanometer-sized ice-nucleating substances expands the growing list of organic matter capable of impacting cloud formation and thus climate.
A Chebyshev tau matrix method to directly solve two-dimensional ocean acoustic propagation in undulating seabed environment
Authors: Ma Xian , Wang Yongxian , Zhou Xiaolan , Xu Guojun , Gao Dongbao
Published: September 2024

Accurate calculations of ocean acoustic propagation are of significant importance in various aspects such as marine environmental monitoring, oceanic communication, and navigation. Various mature simplified models have been developed, such as the normal mode model, parabolic approximation model, and wavenumber integration model. The above-mentioned models and algorithms all have limitations, namely, “applicable domain,” which restrict their range of application. Instead of simplifying model, the algorithm described in this article aims at solving the Helmholtz equation, which governs ocean acoustic propagation. It solves the ocean acoustic propagation without being constrained by model application conditions and has a wide range of applications, which is a versatile method for solving acoustic propagation. The algorithm utilizes Chebyshev tau matrix method to directly solve the two-dimensional acoustic Helmholtz equation, which could solve the situation of uneven media within irregular domain, addressing the issue of traditional spectral method being unsuitable for non-rectangular domain. Compared with the mature programs, the new spectral method offers higher computational accuracy and is capable of calculating acoustic propagation in more complex ocean environments.