bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerating Glacier Area Loss Across the Andes Since the Little Ice Age
Authors: Carrivick Jonathan L. , Davies Morwenna , Wilson Ryan , Davies Bethan J. , Gribbin Tom , King Owen , Rabatel Antoine , García Juan‐Luis , Ely Jeremy C.
Published: July 2024

Andean glaciers are losing mass rapidly but a centennial‐scale context to those rates is lacking. Here we show the extent of >5,500 glaciers during the Little Ice Age chronozone (LIA; c. 1,400 to c. 1,850) and compute an overall area change of −25% from then to year 2000 at an average rate of −36.5 km2 yr−1 or −0.11% yr−1. Glaciers in the Tropical Andes (Peru, Bolivia) have depleted the most; median −56% of LIA area, and the fastest; median −0.16% yr−1. Up to 10 × acceleration in glacier area loss has occurred in Tropical mountain sub‐regions comparing LIA to 2,000 rates to post‐2000 rates. Regional climate controls inter‐regional variability, whereas local factors affect intra‐region glacier response time. Analyzing glacier area change by river basins and by protected areas leads us to suggest that conservation and environmental management strategies should be re‐visited as proglacial areas expand.
From inflammation to bone formation: the intricate role of neutrophils in skeletal muscle injury and traumatic heterotopic ossification
Authors: Shu Lin-Zhen , Zhang Xian-Lei , Ding Yi-Dan , Lin Hui
Published: July 2024

Neutrophils are emerging as an important player in skeletal muscle injury and repair. Neutrophils accumulate in injured tissue, thus releasing inflammatory factors, proteases and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to clear muscle debris and pathogens when skeletal muscle is damaged. During the process of muscle repair, neutrophils can promote self-renewal and angiogenesis in satellite cells. When neutrophils are abnormally overactivated, neutrophils cause collagen deposition, functional impairment of satellite cells, and damage to the skeletal muscle vascular endothelium. Heterotopic ossification (HO) refers to abnormal bone formation in soft tissue. Skeletal muscle injury is one of the main causes of traumatic HO (tHO). Neutrophils play a pivotal role in activating BMPs and TGF-β signals, thus promoting the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and progenitor cells into osteoblasts or osteoclasts to facilitate HO. Furthermore, NETs are specifically localized at the site of HO, thereby accelerating the formation of HO. Additionally, the overactivation of neutrophils contributes to the disruption of immune homeostasis to trigger HO. An understanding of the diverse roles of neutrophils will not only provide more information on the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle injury for repair and HO but also provides a foundation for the development of more efficacious treatment modalities for HO.
Time-of-flight resolved stimulated Raman scattering microscopy using counter-propagating ultraslow Bessel light bullets generation
Authors: Lin Shulang , Gong Li , Huang Zhiwei
Published: July 2024

We present a novel time-of-flight resolved Bessel light bullet-enabled stimulated Raman scattering (B2-SRS) microscopy for deeper tissue 3D chemical imaging with high resolution without a need for mechanical z-scanning. To accomplish the tasks, we conceive a unique method to enable optical sectioning by generating the counter-propagating pump and Stokes Bessel light bullets in the sample, in which the group velocities of the Bessel light bullets are made ultraslow (e.g., vg ≈ 0.1c) and tunable by introducing programmable angular dispersions with a spatial light modulator. We theoretically analyze the working principle of the collinear multicolor Bessel light bullet generations and velocity controls with the relative time-of-flight resolved detection for SRS 3D deep tissue imaging. We have also built the B2-SRS imaging system and present the first demonstration of B2-SRS microscopy with Bessel light bullets for 3D chemical imaging in a variety of samples (e.g., polymer bead phantoms, biological samples such as spring onion tissue and porcine brain) with high resolution. The B2-SRS technique provides a > 2-fold improvement in imaging depth in porcine brain tissue compared to conventional SRS microscopy. The method of optical sectioning in tissue using counter-propagating ultraslow Bessel light bullets developed in B2-SRS is generic and easy to perform and can be readily extended to other nonlinear optical imaging modalities to advance 3D microscopic imaging in biological and biomedical systems and beyond.
Whole-exome sequencing of individuals from an isolated population under extreme conditions implicates rare risk variants of schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Lei , Du Yang , Hu Yang , Li Xue-Song , Chen Yuewen , Cheng Yong
Published: July 2024

Schizophrenia (SCZ), which affects approximately 1% of the world’s population, is a global public health concern. It is generally considered that the interplay between genes and the environment is important in the onset and/or development of SCZ. Although several whole-exome sequencing studies have revealed rare risk variants of SCZ, no rare coding variants have been strongly replicated. Assessing isolated populations under extreme conditions might lead to the discovery of variants with a recent origin, which are more likely to have a higher frequency than chance to reflect gene-environment interactions. Following this approach, we examined a unique cohort of Tibetans living at an average altitude above 4500 meters. Whole-exome sequencing of 47 SCZ cases and 53 controls revealed 275 potential novel risk variants and two known variants (12:46244485: A/G and 22:18905934: A/G) associated with SCZ that were found in existing databases. Only one gene (C5orf42) in the gene-based statistics surpassed the exome-wide significance in the cohort. Metascape enrichment analysis suggested that novel risk genes were strongly enriched in pathways relevant to hypoxia, neurodevelopment, and neurotransmission. Additionally, 47 new risk genes were followed up in Han sample of 279 patients with SCZ and 95 controls, only BAI2 variant appearing in one case. Our findings suggest that SCZ patients living at high altitudes may have a unique risk gene signature, which may provide additional information on the underlying biology of SCZ, which can be exploited to identify individuals at greater risk of exposure to hypoxia.
Cancer risk in individuals with polydactyly: a Swedish population-based cohort study
Authors: Wachtmeister Alexandra , Tettamanti Giorgio , Nordgren Ida , Norrby Christina , Laurell Tobias , Lu Yunxia , Skarin Nordenvall Anna , Nordgren Ann
Published: July 2024

Background

Polydactyly is a feature of several cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS), however, cancer risk in individuals with polydactyly is largely unknown.

Methods

We performed a matched cohort study using data from Swedish national registers. We included 6694 individuals with polydactyly, born in Sweden between 1970–2017. Polydactyly was categorised as thumb polydactyly, finger polydactyly, polydactyly+ (additional birth defects and/or intellectual disability) or isolated polydactyly. Each exposed individual was matched to 50 comparisons by sex, birth year and birth county. Associations were estimated through Cox proportional hazard models.

Findings

An increased childhood cancer risk was found in males (HR 4.24, 95% CI 2.03–8.84) and females (HR 3.32, 95% CI 1.44–7.63) with polydactyly+. Isolated polydactyly was associated with cancer in childhood (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.05–3.33) and young adulthood (HR 2.30, 95% CI 1.17–4.50) in males but not in females. The increased cancer risk remained after exclusion of two known CPS: Down syndrome and neurofibromatosis. The highest site-specific cancer risk was observed for kidney cancer and leukaemia.

Conclusions

An increased cancer risk was found in individuals with polydactyly, especially in males and in individuals with polydactyly+. We encourage future research about polydactyly and cancer associations and emphasise the importance of clinical phenotyping.
Seasonal environmental transitions and metabolic plasticity in a sea-ice alga from an individual cell perspective
Authors: Duncan Rebecca J. , Søreide Janne E. , Nielsen Daniel A. , Varpe Øystein , Wiktor Józef , Tobin Mark J. , Pitusi Vanessa , Petrou Katherina
Published: July 2024

Sea-ice microalgae are a key source of energy and nutrient supply to polar marine food webs, particularly during spring, prior to open-water phytoplankton blooms. The nutritional quality of microalgae as a food source depends on their biomolecular (lipid:protein:carbohydrate) composition. In this study, we used synchrotron-based Fourier transform infra-red microspectroscopy (s-FTIR) to measure the biomolecular content of a dominant sea-ice taxa, Nitzschia frigida, from natural land-fast ice communities throughout the Arctic spring season. Repeated sampling over six weeks from an inner (relatively stable) and an outer (relatively dynamic) fjord site revealed high intra-specific variability in biomolecular content, elucidating the plasticity of N. frigida to adjust to the dynamic sea ice and water conditions. Environmental triggers indicating the end of productivity in the ice and onset of ice melt, including nitrogen limitation and increased water temperature, drove an increase in lipid and fatty acids stores, and a decline in protein and carbohydrate content. In the context of climate change and the predicted Atlantification of the Arctic, dynamic mixing and abrupt warmer water advection could truncate these important end-of-season environmental shifts, causing the algae to be released from the ice prior to adequate lipid storage, influencing carbon transfer through the polar marine system.
The potential climate benefits of seaweed farming in temperate waters
Authors: Bullen Cameron D. , Driscoll John , Burt Jenn , Stephens Tiffany , Hessing-Lewis Margot , Gregr Edward J.
Published: July 2024

Seaweed farming is widely promoted as an approach to mitigating climate change despite limited data on carbon removal pathways and uncertainty around benefits and risks at operational scales. We explored the feasibility of climate change mitigation from seaweed farming by constructing five scenarios spanning a range of industry development in coastal British Columbia, Canada, a temperate region identified as highly suitable for seaweed farming. Depending on growth rates and the fate of farmed seaweed, our scenarios sequestered or avoided between 0.20 and 8.2 Tg CO2e year−1, equivalent to 0.3% and 13% of annual greenhouse gas emissions in BC, respectively. Realisation of climate benefits required seaweed-based products to replace existing, more emissions-intensive products, as marine sequestration was relatively inefficient. Such products were also key to reducing the monetary cost of climate benefits, with product values exceeding production costs in only one of the scenarios we examined. However, model estimates have large uncertainties dominated by seaweed production and emissions avoided, making these key priorities for future research. Our results show that seaweed farming could make an economically feasible contribute to Canada’s climate goals if markets for value-added seaweed based products are developed. Moreover, our model demonstrates the possibility for farmers, regulators, and researchers to accurately quantify the climate benefits of seaweed farming in their regional contexts.
Improved tactile speech perception and noise robustness using audio-to-tactile sensory substitution with amplitude envelope expansion
Authors: Fletcher Mark D. , Akis Esma , Verschuur Carl A. , Perry Samuel W.
Published: July 2024

Recent advances in haptic technology could allow haptic hearing aids, which convert audio to tactile stimulation, to become viable for supporting people with hearing loss. A tactile vocoder strategy for audio-to-tactile conversion, which exploits these advances, has recently shown significant promise. In this strategy, the amplitude envelope is extracted from several audio frequency bands and used to modulate the amplitude of a set of vibro-tactile tones. The vocoder strategy allows good consonant discrimination, but vowel discrimination is poor and the strategy is susceptible to background noise. In the current study, we assessed whether multi-band amplitude envelope expansion can effectively enhance critical vowel features, such as formants, and improve speech extraction from noise. In 32 participants with normal touch perception, tactile-only phoneme discrimination with and without envelope expansion was assessed both in quiet and in background noise. Envelope expansion improved performance in quiet by 10.3% for vowels and by 5.9% for consonants. In noise, envelope expansion improved overall phoneme discrimination by 9.6%, with no difference in benefit between consonants and vowels. The tactile vocoder with envelope expansion can be deployed in real-time on a compact device and could substantially improve clinical outcomes for a new generation of haptic hearing aids.
Classification of rotation-invariant biomedical images using equivariant neural networks
Authors: Bengtsson Bernander Karl , Sintorn Ida-Maria , Strand Robin , Nyström Ingela
Published: July 2024

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an imaging technique used to visualize and analyze nano-sized structures and objects such as virus particles. Light microscopy can be used to diagnose diseases or characterize e.g. blood cells. Since samples under microscopes exhibit certain symmetries, such as global rotation invariance, equivariant neural networks are presumed to be useful. In this study, a baseline convolutional neural network is constructed in the form of the commonly used VGG16 classifier. Thereafter, it is modified to be equivariant to the p4 symmetry group of rotations of multiples of 90° using group convolutions. This yields a number of benefits on a TEM virus dataset, including higher top validation set accuracy by on average 7.6% and faster convergence during training by on average 23.1% of that of the baseline. Similarly, when training and testing on images of blood cells, the convergence time for the equivariant neural network is 7.9% of that of the baseline. From this it is concluded that augmentation strategies for rotation can be skipped. Furthermore, when modelling the accuracy versus amount of TEM virus training data with a power law, the equivariant network has a slope of − 0.43 compared to − 0.26 of the baseline. Thus the equivariant network learns faster than the baseline when more training data is added. This study extends previous research on equivariant neural networks applied to images which exhibit symmetries to isometric transformations.
Semantic and traditional feature fusion for software defect prediction using hybrid deep learning model
Authors: Abdu Ahmed , Zhai Zhengjun , Abdo Hakim A. , Algabri Redhwan , Al-masni Mohammed A. , Muhammad Mannan Saeed , Gu Yeong Hyeon
Published: July 2024

Software defect prediction aims to find a reliable method for predicting defects in a particular software project and assisting software engineers in allocating limited resources to release high-quality software products. While most earlier research has concentrated on employing traditional features, current methodologies are increasingly directed toward extracting semantic features from source code. Traditional features often fall short in identifying semantic differences within programs, differences that are essential for the development of reliable and effective prediction models. In contrast, semantic features cannot present statistical metrics about the source code, such as the code size and complexity. Thus, using only one kind of feature negatively affects prediction performance. To bridge the gap between the traditional and semantic features, we propose a novel defect prediction model that integrates traditional and semantic features using a hybrid deep learning approach to address this limitation. Specifically, our model employs a hybrid CNN-MLP classifier: the convolutional neural network (CNN) processes semantic features extracted from projects’ abstract syntax trees (ASTs) using Word2vec. In contrast, the traditional features extracted from the dataset repository are processed by a multilayer perceptron (MLP). Outputs of CNN and MLP are then integrated and fed into a fully connected layer for defect prediction. Extensive experiments are conducted on various open-source projects to validate CNN-MLP’s effectiveness. Experimental results indicate that CNN-MLP can significantly enhance defect prediction performance. Furthermore, CNN-MLP’s improvements outperform existing methods in non-effort-aware and effort-aware cases.
Variations in the expression of odorant binding and chemosensory proteins in the developmental stages of whitefly Bemisia tabaci Asia II-1
Authors: Gouda M. N. Rudra , Subramanian S.
Published: July 2024

The cotton whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is considered as a species complex with 46 cryptic species, with Asia II-1 being predominant in Asia. This study addresses a significant knowledge gap in the characterization of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs) in Asia II-1. We explored the expression patterns of OBPs and CSPs throughout their developmental stages and compared the motif patterns of these proteins. Significant differences in expression patterns were observed for the 14 OBPs and 14 CSPs of B. tabaci Asia II-1, with OBP8 and CSP4 showing higher expression across the developmental stages. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that OBP8 and CSP4 form distinct clades, with OBP8 appearing to be an ancestral gene, giving rise to the evolution of other odorant-binding proteins in B. tabaci. The genomic distribution of OBPs and CSPs highlights gene clustering on the chromosomes, suggesting functional conservation and evolutionary events following the birth-and-death model. Molecular docking studies indicate strong binding affinities of OBP8 and CSP4 with various odour compounds like β-caryophyllene, α-pinene, β-pinene and limonene, reinforcing their roles in host recognition and reproductive functions. This study elaborates on our understanding of the putative roles of different OBPs and CSPs in B. tabaci Asia II-1, hitherto unexplored. The dynamics of the expression of OBPs and CSPs and their interactions with odour compounds offer scope for developing innovative methods for controlling this global invasive pest.
Ocean warming and acidification adjust inter- and intra-specific variability in the functional trait expression of polar invertebrates
Authors: Williams Thomas J. , Reed Adam J. , Peck Lloyd S. , Godbold Jasmin A. , Solan Martin
Published: July 2024

Climate change is known to affect the distribution and composition of species, but concomitant alterations to functionally important aspects of behaviour and species-environment relations are poorly constrained. Here, we examine the ecosystem ramifications of changes in sediment-dwelling invertebrate bioturbation behaviour—a key process mediating nutrient cycling—associated with near-future environmental conditions (+ 1.5 °C, 550 ppm [pCO2]) for species from polar regions experiencing rapid rates of climate change. We find that responses to warming and acidification vary between species and lead to a reduction in intra-specific variability in behavioural trait expression that adjusts the magnitude and direction of nutrient concentrations. Our analyses also indicate that species behaviour is not predetermined, but can be dependent on local variations in environmental history that set population capacities for phenotypic plasticity. We provide evidence that certain, but subtle, aspects of inter- and intra-specific variation in behavioural trait expression, rather than the presence or proportional representation of species per se, is an important and under-appreciated determinant of benthic biogeochemical responses to climate change. Such changes in species behaviour may act as an early warning for impending ecological transitions associated with progressive climate forcing.
Investigating the applicability of novel hydrate dissociation inhibitors in oilwell cement through molecular simulations
Authors: Bu Yuhuan , Lu Zilong , Lu Chang , Liu Huajie , Guo Shenglai , Liu Hexing
Published: July 2024

In the field of hydrate formation cementing, the method of developing the low hydration exothermic cement systems cannot effectively solve the problem of hydrate dissociation caused by the hydration heat release of cement. Therefore, we proposed a new approach to address this issue by employing cement additives that can effectively delay the dissociation of hydrate. In our previous work, we designed a novel hydrate dissociation inhibitor, PVCap/dmapma, however, its applicability with cement slurry remains unverified. In this study, we established a more realistic model of oilwell cement gel based on experimental data. Additionally, we investigated the potential effects of PVCap/dmapma on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cement gel through molecular simulations. The results suggest that PVCap/dmapma has no negative effect on the performance of cement slurry compared to Lecithin. By adding PVCap/dmapma to cement slurry, the problem of cementing in hydrate formations is expected to be solved.
A digital twin for parallel liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: He Mengjia , Faderl Dilara , MacKinnon Neil , Cheng Yen-Tse , Buyens Dominique , Jouda Mazin , Luy Burkhard , Korvink Jan G.
Published: July 2024

One approach to increasing nuclear magnetic resonance measurement sample throughput is to implement multiple, independent detection sites. However, the presence of radio frequency interference poses a challenge in multi-detector systems, particularly in unshielded coil arrays lacking sufficient electrical isolation. This issue can lead to unwanted coupling of inductive coils, resulting in excitation pulse interference and signal transfer among multiple detection sites. Here we propose a theoretical framework that combines electromagnetic simulation with spin-dynamic calculations. This framework enables the evaluation of coil coupling effects, the design of parallel pulse sequences to mitigate inter-channel coupling, and the separation of composite free induction decays obtained from multiple detectors. The parallel pulse compensation scheme was validated by a 2-channel parallel spectroscopy experiment. These results provide valuable insights for the design of parallel nuclear magnetic resonance hardware and for exploring the limits of parallelization capacity within a fixed magnet system.
LINE-1 RNA triggers matrix formation in bone cells via a PKR-mediated inflammatory response
Authors: Mangiavacchi Arianna , Morelli Gabriele , Reppe Sjur , Saera-Vila Alfonso , Liu Peng , Eggerschwiler Benjamin , Zhang Huoming , Bensaddek Dalila , Casanova Elisa A , Medina Gomez Carolina , Prijatelj Vid , Della Valle Francesco , Atinbayeva Nazerke , Izpisua Belmonte Juan Carlos , Rivadeneira Fernando , Cinelli Paolo , Gautvik Kaare Morten , Orlando Valerio
Published: July 2024

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic modules of viral derivation that have been co-opted to become modulators of mammalian gene expression. TEs are a major source of endogenous dsRNAs, signaling molecules able to coordinate inflammatory responses in various physiological processes. Here, we provide evidence for a positive involvement of TEs in inflammation-driven bone repair and mineralization. In newly fractured mice bone, we observed an early transient upregulation of repeats occurring concurrently with the initiation of the inflammatory stage. In human bone biopsies, analysis revealed a significant correlation between repeats expression, mechanical stress and bone mineral density. We investigated a potential link between LINE-1 (L1) expression and bone mineralization by delivering a synthetic L1 RNA to osteoporotic patient-derived mesenchymal stem cells and observed a dsRNA-triggered protein kinase (PKR)-mediated stress response that led to strongly increased mineralization. This response was associated with a strong and transient inflammation, accompanied by a global translation attenuation induced by eIF2α phosphorylation. We demonstrated that L1 transfection reshaped the secretory profile of osteoblasts, triggering a paracrine activity that stimulated the mineralization of recipient cells.
Diffusive delivery of plasmid DNA using zwitterionic carboxyalkyl poly(1-vinylimidazole) into skeletal muscle in vivo
Authors: Misaizu Ren , Endo-Takahashi Yoko , Nirasawa Kei , Negishi Yoichi , Asayama Shoichiro
Published: July 2024

Zwitterionic carboxyalkyl poly(1-vinylimidazole), CA1(7)-PVIm, formed the polyion complex (PIC) with plasmid DNA (pDNA), leading to the diffusive delivery of the pDNA into skeletal muscle in vivo.
Hydrazido complexes prepared by methylation of an anionic end-on bridging dinitrogen dititanium complex
Authors: Ishida Yutaka , Nakanishi Yusuke , Hiratsuka Takuma , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki
Published: July 2024

Stepwise methylation of end-on bridging dinitrogen to a hydrazido ligand to a pentamethylhydrazinium salt is mediated by a titanium complex.
Chemical shaping of CPO-27-M (M = Co, Ni) through an in situ crystallization within chitosan hydrogels
Authors: Khadiri Yassine , Volkringer Christophe , Royer Sébastien , El Kadib Abdelkrim , Loiseau Thierry , Dhainaut Jérémy
Published: July 2024

CPO-27 MOF beads were prepared by an in situ crystallization approach with consequent increase of their maximal CO2 gravimetric uptake.
Stereodynamic control of nonadiabatic processes in low-energy Be+(2P) + H2 (v = 0, j = 2) collisions
Authors: Mao Ye , Chen Hanghang , Yang Zijiang , Buren Bayaer , Chen Maodu
Published: July 2024

Dynamics calculations are conducted to investigate the stereodynamic control in collisions between Be+(2P) and H2 (v = 0, j = 2). The results reveal that the reactive and quenching processes tend to β = 60° and 0° preparations, respectively.
The valence electron affinity of uracil determined by anion cluster photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Clarke Connor J. , Burrow E. Michi , Verlet Jan R. R.
Published: July 2024

The electron affinity of the valence (π*) state of uracil is measured to be −2 ± 18 meV.
Construction of C–X (X = N, O) bonds from benzyl alcohols via Cu-BTC-catalyzed oxidative coupling
Authors: Wu Yujuan , Zhang Lianji , Liu Huimin , Wang Yongfei , Wang Cuiping , Hu Zhizhi , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: July 2024

Herein, an efficient and environmentally friendly Cu-BTC catalytic system is reported, which can be successfully applied to the oxidative coupling of benzyl alcohols for the construction of C–X (X = N, O) bonds.
Potassium-modified calcium-ferrate-catalyzed hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to produce light olefins
Authors: Cui Aixin , Wu Man , Guo Tuo , Sun Xiunan , Chen Yulong , Guo Qingjie
Published: July 2024

Effect of co-doping of Ca and K in Ca2−xKxFe2O5 catalysts on CO2 hydrogenation performance.
A portable smartphone platform based on fluorescent carbon quantum dots derived from biowaste for on-site detection of permanganate
Authors: Xu Li , Zhu Chenfei , Duan Xiaogang , Bao Lei , Wang Guanglin , Fu Wei
Published: July 2024

A schematic illustration of the synthesis pathway of CQDs and their application in MnO4− sensing based on a smartphone-assisted platform is shown.
Controllable transformation of biomass-derived diols over an ammonia-modified H-Beta zeolite
Authors: Ai Shuo , Huang Zhenhua , Feng Zhenhua , Gao Kaili , Liu Linghui
Published: July 2024

For the controllable transformation of C3–6 diols in ethylene glycol (EG), a H-Beta zeolite catalyst was modified with NH3via incomplete desorption.
Unexpected conformational dynamics associated with racemization in the [Cp′′′2NdI] complex in solution {where Cp′′′ = 1,3,4-tris(tert-butyl)cyclopentadienide}
Authors: Babailov S. P. , Afonin M. Yu. , Kompankov N. B. , Fomin E. S.
Published: July 2024

1H NMR measurements are reported for the C6D6 solution of the complex bis(tris(tert-butyl)cyclopentadienyl)neodymium(iii) iodide [Cp′′′2NdI] {where Cp′′′ = 1,3,4-tris(tert-butyl)cyclopentadienide}.
A viscosity-sensitive fluorescent probe with a large Stokes shift for monitoring lipid droplets and its application in cell, tobacco leaf, and food detection
Authors: He Yuan , Yang Yun-Hao , Chen Guo-Yu , Li Lin , Wang Lin-Qing , Li Long-Ke , Wang Jian-Yong
Published: July 2024

Lipid droplets are important organelles in eukaryotic cells and play an integral role in cellular metabolism.
A highly specific aptamer for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein from the authentic strain
Authors: Khrenova Maria G. , Nikiforova Lyudmila , Grabovenko Fedor , Orlova Nadezhda , Sinegubova Maria , Kolesov Denis , Zavyalova Elena , Subach Maksim F. , Polyakov Igor V. , Zatzepin Timofei , Zvereva Maria
Published: July 2024

MEZ is a 31-mer aptamer that is highly specific to the RBD from the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-Hu-1 strain with Kd = 6.5 nM.
Recent progress on CO2 separation membranes
Authors: Fan Yuheng , Yu Weichu , Wu Aibin , Shu Wenming , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2024

Presently, excessive carbon dioxide emissions represent a critical environmental challenge.
Hydrazone-functionalized nanoscale covalent organic frameworks as a nanocarrier for pH-responsive drug delivery enhanced anticancer activity
Authors: Fu Datian , Zhong LiLi , Xu Jin , Mo Anwei , Yang Min
Published: July 2024

Novel hydrazone-functionalized NCOF NPs conjugated with doxorubicin, which have the capability of drug release in response to endosome/lysosome pH stimuli.
Optimization of silver nanoparticles synthesis via Plackett–Burman experimental design: in vitro assessment of their efficacy against oxidative stress-induced disorders
Authors: Fazil Madiha Muhammad , Gul Anum , Jawed Huma
Published: July 2024

Biosynthesized nanoparticles and its anti-glycation, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Photocatalytic systems: reactions, mechanism, and applications
Authors: Mohamadpour Farzaneh , Amani Ali Mohammad
Published: July 2024

The photocatalytic field revolves around the utilization of photon energy to initiate various chemical reactions using non-adsorbing substrates, through processes such as single electron transfer, energy transfer, or atom transfer.
Performance and mechanism of U(vi) removal from solution by humic acid-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticle-modified biochar from filamentous green algae
Authors: Shen Mingyang , Dai Weisheng , Qiu Muqing , Hu Baowei
Published: July 2024

The adsorbent material of humic acid-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified biochar from filamentous green algae were fabricated using the co-precipitation method and applied for U(vi) elimination.
Construction of Zn–Cu bimetallic metal–organic frameworks for carbon dioxide capture
Authors: Li Xinyu , Li Shijie , Liu Jiahao , Zhang Jin , Ren Yunpeng , Zhao Jianguo
Published: July 2024

This work demonstrated the hydrothermal synthesis of bimetallic MOF(Zn/Cu-BTC) for CO2 adsorption with high CO2/N2 adsorption selectivity.
Computational design of the novel Fe-doped single-layer SrS: structural, electro-magnetic, and optical properties
Authors: Elaggoune Warda , Ersan Fatih , Meddour Athmane
Published: July 2024

Our work introduces, for the first time, the doping approach of monolayer Sr1−xFexS, offering promising avenues for applications in spintronics and monolayer-based solar cells.
Selective detection of NO using the perovskite-type oxide LaMO3 (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) as the electrode material for yttrium-stabilized zirconia-based electrochemical sensors
Authors: Sun Hongqian , Song Jing , Shi Pengfei , Cheng Zhenqian , Tian Liangliang , Zhou Mingjun , Qi Tao
Published: July 2024

An yttrium-stabilized zirconia-based electrochemical sensor with LaCrO3 as the electrode material was used to selectively detect NO.
A highly stable high-energy layered oxide cathode for rechargeable sodium ion batteries
Authors: Li Ting , Zhang Yangyang , Zhang Yushuo , Xiang Xingde , Liu Song , Chen Chunxia
Published: July 2024

A Li/Ti-dual doped nickel/manganese oxide is designed as a new cathode material for sodium ion batteries, which shows excellent electrochemical performance with a high capacity of 153 mA h g−1 and an impressive retention of 83% after 100 cycles.
Conformal encapsulation of mammalian stem cells using modified hyaluronic acid
Authors: Whitewolf Jack , Highley Christopher B.
Published: July 2024

Conformal coatings designed using a hyaluronic acid hydrogel system are used to encapsulate cells and to assemble multicellular structures.
Cationic-motif-modified exosomes for mRNA delivery to retinal photoreceptors
Authors: Millán Cotto Héctor A. , Pathrikar Tanvi Vinod , Hakim Bill , Baby Helna M. , Zhang Hengli , Zhao Peng , Ansaripour Ronak , Amini Rouzbeh , Carrier Rebecca L. , Bajpayee Ambika G.
Published: July 2024

Cationic-motif-modified exosomes provide a platform for gene delivery by overcoming ocular barriers faced during topical delivery as they exhibit full-depth penetration in porcine retinal explants significantly higher than native exosomes.
Enhancement in the linear electrical properties and thermal stability of chromite perovskites through entropy engineering
Authors: Wang Yunfei , Sun Hao , Zhou Yang , Wu Ruifeng , Liu Yafei , Zhi Lili , Chang Aimin , Zhang Bo
Published: July 2024

Energy band structure of LaCrO3-based ceramics is modified by entropy engineering to enhance the linear electrical properties and thermal stability in low-temperature thermistor applications.
Rare earth-based Cs2NaRECl6 (RE = Tb, Eu) halide double perovskite nanocrystals with multicolor emissions for anticounterfeiting and LED applications
Authors: Li Yao , Yang Qingxing , Li Huwei , Fu Xinyu , Yue Hongxia , Li Zheyu , Feng Jing , Zhang Hongjie
Published: July 2024

Cs2NaRECl6 (RE = Tb, Eu) NCs with multicolor emissions under different light excitation have great potential in anticounterfeiting and LEDs.
Differential changes in end organ immune cells and inflammation in salt-sensitive hypertension: effects of increasing M2 macrophages
Authors: Navaneethabalakrishnan Shobana , Goodlett Bethany L. , Smith Hannah L. , Montalvo Robert A. , Cardenas Alyssa , Mitchell Brett M.
Published: July 2024

Salt-sensitive hypertension (SSHTN) is associated with M1 macrophage polarization and inflammatory responses, leading to inflammation-associated lymphangiogenesis and functional impairment across multiple organs, including kidneys and gonads. However, it remains unclear whether promoting M2 macrophage polarization can alleviate the hypertension, inflammation, and end organ damage in mice with salt sensitive hypertension (SSHTN). Male and female mice were made hypertensive by administering nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; 0.5 mg/ml) for 2 weeks in the drinking water, followed by a 2-week interval without any treatments, and a subsequent high salt diet for 3 weeks (SSHTN). AVE0991 (AVE) was intraperitoneally administered concurrently with the high salt diet. Control mice were provided standard diet and tap water. AVE treatment significantly attenuated BP and inflammation in mice with SSHTN. Notably, AVE promoted M2 macrophage polarization, decreased pro-inflammatory immune cell populations, and improved function in renal and gonadal tissues of mice with SSHTN. Additionally, AVE decreased lymphangiogenesis in the kidneys and testes of male SSHTN mice and the ovaries of female SSHTN mice. These findings highlight the effectiveness of AVE in mitigating SSHTN-induced elevated BP, inflammation, and end organ damage by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and suppressing pro-inflammatory immune responses. Targeting macrophage polarization emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for alleviating inflammation and organ damage in SSHTN. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying AVE-mediated effects and to assess its clinical potential in managing SSHTN.
Configuration of multi‐shaper Time‐Sensitive Networking for industrial applications
Authors: Pop Paul , Alexandris Konstantinos , Wang Tongtong
Published: July 2024

IEEE 802.1 Time‐Sensitive Networking (TSN) has proposed several shapers, for example, time‐aware shaper (TAS, 802.1Qbv), asynchronous traffic shaping (ATS, 802.1Qcr), credit‐based shaper (CBS, 802.1Qav), and cyclic queuing and forwarding (CQF, 802.1Qch). The shapers have their advantages and disadvantages and can be used in isolation or in combination to address the varied timing requirements of industrial application streams. There is very limited work on how to analyse and configure shaper combinations. The authors are interested in the configuration optimisation of multi‐shaper TSN networks, targeting the TAS + CBS, TAS + ATS, and TAS + Multi‐CQF combinations. The authors first propose multi‐shaper integration approaches, focusing on a novel iterative delay analysis for TAS + ATS, an approach to integrate TAS and CQF by placing constraints on TAS scheduling as well as the TAS and CBS integration. We formulate the combinatorial optimisation problem of configuring multi‐shaper TSN networks, which consists, for example, of the routing of streams, the assignment of streams to the egress port queues, and the synthesis of gate control lists for TAS. Then, the authors propose a solution based on a simulated annealing metaheuristic. The proposed solutions are evaluated on large realistic test cases, up to tens of thousands of streams and devices.
Les lasers et l’optique adaptative
Authors: Michau Vincent , Védrenne Nicolas
Published: July 2024

L’intégration de l’optique adaptative avec un laser, en corrigeant les aberrations optiques induites par l’atmosphère, vise à maintenir la qualité du faisceau sur de grandes distances. La combinaison de ces deux techniques présente un intérêt majeur pour la défense, notamment pour les armes à énergie dirigée et les communications optiques en espace libre. Cet article fait le point sur les développements en cours, les principaux programmes et les défis dans ces domaines.
Pediatric Syncope: Is the Diagnostic Guideline Implemented and
Adhered to?
Authors: Gatamova Diane , Kiess Wieland , DallaPozza Robert , Merkenschlager Andreas
Published: July 2024

Background We sought to investigate adherence to the current pediatric
syncope guideline in the emergency department and its impact on the frequency of
missed or unnecessary diagnostic measures. For the first time, in 2014 updated
guideline defines indispensable basic diagnostic measures and a consecutive
algorithm for safe clinical decision making.

Patients and method We analyzed retrospectively 314 pediatric patients,
166 were presented before and 148 after publication of this guideline
update.

Results After guideline publication, 54 patients (36.5%) were not treated
in accordance with the guideline and 2 (0.63%) cases caused by epileptic
seizures were initially misdiagnosed as reflex syncope. Among these 54 patients,
32 (59.3%) inpatient admissions were inappropriate, as well as 11 (20.4%)
electroencephalographies, 4 (7.4%) sleep-deprivation EEGs, 2 (3.7%) magnetic
resonance imaging, 5 (9.3%) urine diagnostics and 32 (59.3%) blood tests. In 21
cases (38.9%), the medical history was insufficient. ECG was missed in 42
patients (77.8%). There was no significant difference between the pre- and
post-guideline groups concerning diagnostic work-up (p=0,12).

Discussion This non-compliance with the guideline did not cause a large
number of misdiagnosed epileptic seizures (1.4%) or adverse outcomes but led to
waste of resources in healthcare system and undue burdens on patients and their
families.

Conclusion In addition to establishment of clinical guidelines, the need
for additional measures and strategies to promote their implementation seems
obvious.
1,2-Bis(phenylsulfonyl)ethylene (BPSE): A Potent Radical C2 Synthon Available in the Radical and Electron-Transfer-Based Organic Synthesis
Authors: Ryu Ilhyong , Landais Yannick , Sumino Shuhei , Robert Frédéric
Published: July 2024

In this Short Review, we discuss radical reactions using 1,2-bis(phenylsulfonyl)ethylene (BPSE), which has drawn significant attention as a versatile building block for (phenylsulfonyl)ethenylation. Regardless of its E or Z form, BPSE exhibits reliable reactivity towards the attack of alkyl and aryl radicals in order to function as a reliable radical C2 synthon.

1 Introduction

2 Use in Radical Chain Reactions

3 Use in Reactions Utilizing an Electron-Transfer Process

4 Use in Radical-Based C–H Alkenylation

5 Conclusion
Early Diagnosis of Sepsis: The Role of Biomarkers and Rapid Microbiological Tests
Authors: Plata-Menchaca Erika P. , Ruiz-Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Ferrer Ricard
Published: July 2024

Sepsis is a medical emergency resulting from a dysregulated response to an infection, causing preventable deaths and a high burden of morbidity. Protocolized and accurate interventions in sepsis are time-critical. Therefore, earlier recognition of cases allows for preventive interventions, early treatment, and improved outcomes. Clinical diagnosis of sepsis by clinical scores cannot be considered an early diagnosis, given that underlying molecular pathophysiological mechanisms have been activated in the preceding hour or days. There is a lack of a widely available tool enhancing preclinical diagnosis of sepsis. Sophisticated technologies for sepsis prediction have several limitations, including high costs. Novel technologies for fast molecular and microbiological diagnosis are focusing on bedside point-of-care combined testing to reach most settings where sepsis represents a challenge.
Investigation of Correlation between Communication Skills and Self-Reported Elder Mistreatment in Family Abuse
Authors: Zarei Sogra , Esmaeilpour-Bandboni Mohammad , Mansour-Ghanaei Roya , Alizadeh Iman
Published: July 2024

Introduction In today's world, old age has become an important global phenomenon following the increase in life expectancy and the decrease in birth rates. Communication skills are an important requirement in old age. Changing role of the family and existing tensions, mental pressures, and modern life undermine the social position of the elderly and lead to abuse of the elderly by family members. The goal of the present study is to determine the relationship between communication skills and family self-reported domestic abuse among older adult in Iran.

Materials and Methods For this cross-sectional-analytical study, 153 elderly adult people admitted in hospitals of the Guilan province were randomly selected. The research instruments were the following questionnaires: demographic characteristics, abbreviated mental test (AMT), the Persian version of Domestic Elder Abuse Questionnaire, family mistreatment of the elderly (Heravy), and Queendom Communication Skill Test–Revise (QCSTR). The data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22) using descriptive (frequency distribution tables, mean, and standard deviation [SD]) and analytical statistics (Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and Spearman's correlation tests) considering the significance level of 0.05.

Results A majority of the elderly were men (51%), were in the age group of 60 to 69 years (72.5%) and married (75.5%), did not hold high school diploma (88.8%), had four to five children (41.2%) with low income (75.9%), and suffered from chronic diseases (68.6%). The mean score of communication skills was 129.09 ± 12.60. The mean score of domestic elder abuse was 2.89 ± 3.97. Communication skills have a significant relationship with age and marital status, but not with sex, education level, income, and chronic disease. There is an inverse correlation between communication skills and domestic elder_abuse (p < 0.001, r = −0.468).

Conclusion Communication skills are one of the influential factors of domestic violence. Therefore, to prevent or reduce the amount of violence, it is recommended that family members increase the communication skills of the elderly.
Current Diagnosis of von Willebrand Disease in Italy: 3 Years Following the Release of the International Guidelines
Authors: Federici Augusto B.
Published: July 2024

The American Society of Hematology–International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis–National Hemophilia Foundation–World Federation of Hemophilia 2021 International Guidelines (IGL) on von Willebrand disease (VWD) have pointed out many challenges, mainly in the diagnostic approach of VWD patients. To determine the impact of these IGL on the current clinical and laboratory diagnosis of Italian VWD patients, we have recently conducted a survey among 43 centers affiliated with the Italian Association of Hemophilia Centers (AICE). Directors and colleagues responsible for the management of VWD patients were invited to report in a detailed questionnaire how IGL recommendations about the assessment of the specific activities of von Willebrand Factor (VWF) could be applied at their local sites. Results from such a survey showed that bleeding assessment tools, VWF antigen, and factor VIII procoagulant are currently in use in all centers. The automated assays for platelet-dependent VWF activity with or without ristocetin described in IGL have been used since 2021 in 37/43 (86%) centers. Among other laboratory tests, VWF collagen binding, ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination, multimeric analysis, VWF propeptide, VWF:FVIII binding assay were available in 49, 63, 26, 7, and 28% of AICE, respectively. Analyses of VWF gene defects are available only at 3/43 (7%) centers. Desmopressin (DDAVP) infusion trials at diagnosis, with measurements of VWF activities at 1 and 4 hours post-DDAVP, is currently performed at 38/43 (88%) centers. Based on this information, a simplified clinical diagnosis using a few automated tests before and after DDAVP has been proposed. Such a diagnostic approach will be validated prospectively in a large cohort of Italian VWD patients.
A Systematic Literature Review of Income Inequality in Central–Eastern European Countries
Authors: Dorjnyambuu Byambasuren
Published: July 2024

This review offers a comprehensive perspective on income inequality literature in Central–Eastern European (CEE) nations, with a specific focus on six countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Czechia, and Slovakia. By thoroughly examining existing research, this review uncovers the underlying factors and root causes contributing to varying income inequality levels and trends across CEE countries. The investigation is conducted through a systematic literature review and network analysis, focusing on the literature published since 1990, mainly on recent studies. The review is structured around three thematic frameworks (concept and measures, evidence, and causes). These three strands of the literature review not only offer a comprehensive picture of income inequality in CEE countries but also identify critical research gaps for further studies. The review underscores several critical areas for improvement within CEE studies. These include addressing gaps in geographical and temporal coverage, utilizing alternative measurements of income inequality, and investigating the causes of diverging trends in income inequality among CEE countries. Moreover, there is a pressing need to expand the understanding of the determinants influencing income inequality in these nations, which presents a significant opportunity for future research.
Multiple bound states for a class of fractional critical Schrödinger–Poisson systems with critical frequency
Authors: He Xiaoming , Meng Yuxi , Winkert Patrick
Published: July 2024

In this paper we study the fractional Schrödinger–Poisson system ε2s(−Δ)su+V(x)u=ϕ|u|2s*−3u+|u|2s*−2u,ε2s(−Δ)sϕ=|u|2s*−1,x∈R3, where s ∈ (0, 1), ɛ > 0 is a small parameter, 2s*=63−2s is the critical Sobolev exponent and V∈L32s(R3) is a nonnegative function which may be zero in some regions of R3, e.g., it is of the critical frequency case. By virtue of a new global compactness lemma, and the Lusternik–Schnirelmann category theory, we relate the number of bound state solutions with the topology of the zero set where V attains its minimum for small values of ɛ.