bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coloniality and Necropolitics in the Age of COVID-19: The Question of Palestine
Authors: Gabriel Robin
Published: August 2022

This article interrogates the necropolitical logics of the Israeli settler-state apparatus towards Palestinians in the Occupied Territories during the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines these logics and practices through the prism of coloniality, which conceptualizes manifestations of colonialism (whether material, epistemic, or ontological) as a diffuse set of practices, opening up the conversation to discuss the ways in which international organizations, other states, and the Palestinian Authority continue to inflict the colonial harm through the employment of particular policies. Centring coloniality as an analytic allows a more global perspective and widens the discussion to include the ways in which Palestinians practise decoloniality, building and imagining “otherwise” worlds. This article maps the ways in which the devastation of the pandemic is not a product of the pandemic itself, but larger legacies of material, epistemic, and ontological colonial intervention.
Social Identities Mediate the Relationship Between Isolation, Life Transitions, and Loneliness
Authors: Evans Olivia , Cruwys Tegan , Cárdenas Diana , Wu Betty , Cognian Alicia V.
Published: August 2022

Research has demonstrated that life transitions lead to heightened experiences of loneliness, in part because they engender isolation. We tested whether the degree of isolation during a transition influences loneliness, and if this is due to their effects on social identity processes. Employing an experimental paradigm, Study 1 (N = 213) found that when the transition involved isolation from new networks, in this case studying at university online as opposed to in person, it led to more loneliness, and this was mediated through reduced social identification and continuity of group memberships. Study 2 (N = 215) replicated these effects using a different experimental paradigm in which the transition involved isolation from old group memberships, namely moving to a new neighbourhood from interstate. Study 3 (N = 2346) employed a quasi-experimental repeated-measures design to assess the impact of a highly isolating life transition on loneliness–COVID lockdown. Australians in prolonged lockdown experienced increases in loneliness and this was mediated through (lack of) continuity of group memberships. Overall, these results suggest that isolation needs to be considered when assessing the impact of life transitions on loneliness. Moreover, the mediation results indicate that isolating transitions may be responsible for loneliness because these make it difficult to maintain crucial group memberships and form a sense of identification with relevant new groups.
An analysis of the Clinical and Translational Science Award pilot project portfolio using data from Research Performance Progress Reports
Authors: Klein Sean A. , Baiocchi Michael , Rodu Jordan , Baker Heather , Rosemond Erica , Doyle Jamie Mihoko
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Pilot projects (“pilots”) are important for testing hypotheses in advance of investing more funds for full research studies. For some programs, such as Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) supported by the National Center for Translational Sciences, pilots also make up a significant proportion of the research projects conducted with direct CTSA support. Unfortunately, administrative data on pilots are not typically captured in accessible databases. Though data on pilots are included in Research Performance Progress Reports, it is often difficult to extract, especially for large programs like the CTSAs where more than 600 pilots may be reported across all awardees annually. Data extraction challenges preclude analyses that could provide valuable information about pilots to researchers and administrators.

Methods:

To address those challenges, we describe a script that partially automates extraction of pilot data from CTSA research progress reports. After extraction of the pilot data, we use an established machine learning (ML) model to determine the scientific content of pilots for subsequent analysis. Analysis of ML-assigned scientific categories reveals the scientific diversity of the CTSA pilot portfolio and relationships among individual pilots and institutions.

Results:

The CTSA pilots are widely distributed across a number of scientific areas. Content analysis identifies similar projects and the degree of overlap for scientific interests among hubs.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate that pilot data remain challenging to extract but can provide useful information for communicating with stakeholders, administering pilot portfolios, and facilitating collaboration among researchers and hubs.
La confirmation des évolutions récentes du droit des mesures conservatoires par et devant la Cour internationale de Justice: remarques sur les ordonnances en indication de mesures conservatoires du 7 décembre 2021 dans les affaires relatives à l’Application de la convention internationale sur l’élimination de toutes les formes de discrimination raciale (Arménie c Azerbaïdjan et Azerbaïdjan c Arménie)
Authors: MAUREL RAPHAËL
Published: August 2022

Le 7 décembre 2021, la Cour internationale de Justice a rendu deux ordonnances attendues dans les affaires introduites par l’Arménie contre l’Azerbaïdjan et l’Azerbaïdjan contre l’Arménie. Elle y confirme une tendance à l’appréciation souple de certains critères d’indication des mesures conservatoires, comme celui de la plausibilité des droits allégués et des liens entre ceux-ci et les mesures requises, voire à la marginalisation d’autres critères, comme celui du caractère irréparable du préjudice invoqué. Bien que la cour de La Haye poursuive, au fil de sa jurisprudence, la construction du droit des mesures conservatoires, la manière dont elle mobilise ces critères continue ainsi de susciter des interrogations et critiques.
Conjugacy of local homeomorphisms via groupoids and C*-algebras
Authors: ARMSTRONG BECKY , BRIX KEVIN AGUYAR , CARLSEN TOKE MEIER , EILERS SØREN
Published: August 2022

We investigate dynamical systems consisting of a locally compact Hausdorff space equipped with a partially defined local homeomorphism. Important examples of such systems include self-covering maps, one-sided shifts of finite type and, more generally, the boundary-path spaces of directed and topological graphs. We characterize the topological conjugacy of these systems in terms of isomorphisms of their associated groupoids and C*-algebras. This significantly generalizes recent work of Matsumoto and of the second- and third-named authors.
Simple analytical solutions for the , , and related queues
Authors: Van Houdt Benny
Published: August 2022

In this paper we revisit some classical queueing systems such as the M
$^b$
/E
$_k$
/1/m and E
$_k$
/M
$^b$
/1/m queues, for which fast numerical and recursive methods exist to study their main performance measures. We present simple explicit results for the loss probability and queue length distribution of these queueing systems as well as for some related queues such as the M
$^b$
/D/1/m queue, the D/M
$^b$
/1/m queue, and fluid versions thereof. In order to establish these results we first present a simple analytical solution for the invariant measure of the M/E
$_k$
/1 queue that appears to be new.
Nutritional adequacy of commercial food products targeted at 0–36-month-old children: a study in Brazil and Portugal
Authors: De Araújo Célia Regina Barbosa , Rocha Karini Freire , Carneiro Byanca , Ribeiro Karla Danielly da Silva , de Morais Inês Lança , Breda João , Padrão Patrícia , Moreira Pedro
Published: August 2022

In the context of the global childhood obesity, it is essential to monitor the nutrition value of commercial foods. A cross-sectional study (November 2018 to April 2019) aimed to evaluate the nutritional adequacy of processed/ultra-processed food products targeted at 0–36-month-old children in Portugal and in Brazil. The nutrient profiling model developed by the Pan American Health Organization was used. A total of food 171 products were assessed (123 in Portugal and forty eight in Brazil). From the fifteen available meat- or fish-based meals in Brazil, 60 % exceeded the amount of Na and 100 % exceeded the target for total fat. Given the lack of specification of sugars within carbohydrates in the label of the foods in Brazil, it was not possible to calculate free sugars. In Portugal, from the seventeen fruit and vegetable purees and the six juice/smoothie/tea/drinks available, 82 % and 67 %, respectively, surpassed the level of free sugar, while total and saturated fat was excessive in all yogurt and yogurt-related products (n 21), 40 % of biscuit/wafer/crisps (two out of five) and 13 % meat- or fish-based meals (two out of sixteen). These findings demonstrate the relevance of improving the nutritional profile of some food products targeted to young children.
Towards fast and accurate predictions of radio frequency power deposition and current profile via data-driven modelling: applications to lower hybrid current drive
Authors: Wallace G.M. , Bai Z. , Sadre R. , Perciano T. , Bertelli N. , Shiraiwa S. , Bethel E.W. , Wright J.C.
Published: August 2022

Three machine learning techniques (multilayer perceptron, random forest and Gaussian process) provide fast surrogate models for lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) simulations. A single GENRAY/CQL3D simulation without radial diffusion of fast electrons requires several minutes of wall-clock time to complete, which is acceptable for many purposes, but too slow for integrated modelling and real-time control applications. The machine learning models use a database of more than 16 000 GENRAY/CQL3D simulations for training, validation and testing. Latin hypercube sampling methods ensure that the database covers the range of nine input parameters ($n_{e0}$,$T_{e0}$,$I_p$,$B_t$,$R_0$,$n_{\|}$,$Z_{{\rm eff}}$,$V_{{\rm loop}}$and$P_{{\rm LHCD}}$) with sufficient density in all regions of parameter space. The surrogate models reduce the inference time from minutes to$\sim$ms with high accuracy across the input parameter space.
Runaway dynamics in tokamak disruptions with current relaxation
Authors: Pusztai István , Hoppe Mathias , Vallhagen Oskar
Published: August 2022

The safe operation of tokamak reactors requires a reliable modelling capability of disruptions, and in particular the spatio-temporal dynamics of associated runaway electron currents. In a disruption, instabilities can break up magnetic surfaces into chaotic field line regions, causing current profile relaxation, as well as a rapid radial transport of heat and particles. Using a mean-field helicity transport model implemented in the disruption runaway modelling framework Dream, we calculate the dynamics of runaway electrons in the presence of current relaxation events. In scenarios where flux surfaces remain intact in parts of the plasma, a skin current is induced at the boundary of the intact magnetic field region. This skin current region becomes an important centre concerning the subsequent dynamics: it may turn into a hot ohmic current channel, or a sizeable radially localized runaway beam, depending on the heat transport. If the intact region is in the plasma edge, runaway generation in the countercurrent direction can occur, which may develop into a sizeable reverse runaway beam. Even when the current relaxation extends to the entire plasma, the final runaway current density profile can be significantly affected, as the induced electric field is reduced in the core and increased in the edge, thereby shifting the centre of runaway generation towards the edge.
Social network size and personality traits independently and prospectively predict distress disorders and suicidal behavior in U.S. Army soldiers
Authors: Taylor Charles T. , Campbell-Sills Laura , Kessler Ronald C. , Sun Xiaoying , Nock Matthew K. , Ursano Robert J. , Jain Sonia , Stein Murray B.
Published: August 2022

Background

Personality traits (e.g. neuroticism) and the social environment predict risk for internalizing disorders and suicidal behavior. Studying these characteristics together and prospectively within a population confronted with high stressor exposure (e.g. U.S. Army soldiers) has not been done, yet could uncover unique and interactive predictive effects that may inform prevention and early intervention efforts.

Methods

Five broad personality traits and social network size were assessed via self-administered questionnaires among experienced soldiers preparing for deployment (N = 4645) and new soldiers reporting for basic training (N = 6216). Predictive models examined associations of baseline personality and social network variables with recent distress disorders or suicidal behaviors assessed 3- and 9-months post-deployment and approximately 5 years following enlistment.

Results

Among the personality traits, elevated neuroticism was consistently associated with increased mental health risk following deployment. Small social networks were also associated with increased mental health risk following deployment, beyond the variance accounted for by personality. Limited support was found for social network size moderating the association between personality and mental health outcomes. Small social networks also predicted distress disorders and suicidal behavior 5 years following enlistment, whereas unique effects of personality traits on these more distal outcomes were rare.

Conclusions

Heightened neuroticism and small social networks predict a greater risk for negative mental health sequelae, especially following deployment. Social ties may mitigate adverse impacts of personality traits on psychopathology in some contexts. Early identification and targeted intervention for these distinct, modifiable factors may decrease the risk of distress disorders and suicidal behavior.
Symbiosis in violence: A case study from Sierra Leone of the international humanitarian law implications of parties to the conflict engaging in organized crime
Authors: Longworth Sally
Published: August 2022

This article aims to demonstrate that respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) may help reduce the impact of organized crime in areas affected by armed conflict through a case study of the conflict in Sierra Leone (1991–2002). In this conflict, a symbiosis in violence was created, with diamond smuggling being essential to achieve the parties’ military objectives, and those objectives being increasingly shaped by involvement in diamond smuggling. This led to further violence connected with the conflict and breaches of IHL. Ensuring compliance with IHL may therefore reduce the impact of these activities in armed conflicts. An important tool in securing this compliance is the influence of other States not party to the conflict, further to their obligation to ensure respect for IHL.
No context is too challenging: Promoting, doing and achieving inclusion in the humanitarian response in South Sudan
Authors: Funke Carolin
Published: August 2022

Disability inclusion has become a crucial issue for humanitarian action, at least at the international policy level. However, little is known about how humanitarian actors are “doing inclusion” in practice. With a case study on South Sudan, this article examines whether the increase in publications, policy tools and guidelines has made humanitarian action more inclusive for persons with disabilities, and how stakeholders can overcome persisting barriers for persons with disabilities. The article demonstrates noticeable progress in data collection, capacity-building, the removal of barriers and meaningful participation, but humanitarians still lack the skills, confidence and resources to address many persisting barriers. To advance inclusion, donors and humanitarian organizations must invest more time and resources in capacity-building and coordination.
Large-Scale Evidence for the Effectiveness of Partisan GOTV Robo Calls
Authors: Kling Daniel T. , Stratmann Thomas
Published: August 2022

We document the effectiveness of automated (robo) calls for increasing voter participation in contrast to most published research which finds little or no effect from automated calls. We establish this finding in a large field experiment which mimics campaign behavior with a targeted, partisan get-out-the-vote campaign. Our findings show that across all treatments, automated calls led to three additional votes for every thousand subjects called during the 2014 midterm general election. Additionally, our experimental design allows for testing how the number of calls in a treatment, that is dosage, affects voter turnout. Here, results show that three extra calls increase the treatment effect to seven additional votes per thousand subjects called, but that too many additional calls decrease that effect to statistical insignificance in a six-call treatment.
The Role of IQ and Social Skills in Coping With Uncertainty in 7- to 11-Year-Old Children
Authors: Hentschel Maren , Averbeck Bruno B. , Lange-Küttner Christiane
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Most feedback we receive or give is correct (deterministic feedback), though a small fraction can be wrong for various reasons. Children need to cope with receiving some portion of wrong feedback (stochastic feedback). It is still unknown if better social functioning and communication skills or outstanding intelligence (IQ) or chronological age support children in the coping process. We tested a sample of 7-‍, 9-‍, and 11-year-old children ( N = 60) who deduced a sequence of four left and right button presses from a red and green stochastic feedback signal that was wrong in 15 % of the trials. Children performed worse with stochastic than with deterministic feedback but improved in the repeated trials, especially after receiving positive feedback about whether true or false. Controlling for IQ improved and confirmed these effects, while social and communicative competence explained little or no variance.
Deciphering China's Complex Pattern of Summer Precipitation Trends
Authors: Li Mei , Li Chao , Jiang Zhihong , Zhang Xuebin , Zwiers Francis W.
Published: August 2022

Observations show that summer precipitation in China has undergone pronounced changes, resulting in an enigmatic “north‐south drying‐wetting” pattern in eastern China that is of great concern for socio‐economic development. Scientific consensus on the mechanisms that are responsible for this pattern of change has not yet been achieved. We show that this complex pattern of summer total precipitation trends observed in China since the 1960s is overwhelmingly the result of changes in daily precipitation frequency, rather than being the result of changes in precipitation intensity or the frequency of synoptic circulation patterns favorable to precipitation. Changes in precipitation intensity, which are very likely due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas forcing, contribute a relatively homogeneous wetting tendency across the country while changes due to synoptic circulation change are weak. The changes in daily precipitation frequency that drive the observed patterns of change may be due to aerosols, but improved process understanding will be required to resolve that question and enable reliable projections of regional scale precipitation change in China and elsewhere.
The Complex Relationship Between Hurricanes, Air Pollution, and Climate
Authors: Dasgupta Alakananda
Published: August 2022

A new study focuses on the frequency and distribution of tropical cyclones over the past 40 years.
Role of Mixed Layer Depth in the Location and Development of the Northeast Pacific Warm Blobs
Authors: Shi Jian , Tang Cong , Liu Qinyu , Zhang Yu , Yang Haocheng , Li Chun
Published: August 2022

Warm blobs are persistent warm anomalies in the Northeast Pacific (NEP) upper ocean. Here, we assess the role of mixed layer depth (MLD) in their location and development based on ocean‐atmosphere reanalysis data. We find that warm blobs occur more frequently over 165°–130°W and 35°–50°N with shallow MLD. They are largely confined to the mixed layer, although substantial portions exist beneath it in summer when the MLD shoals. Based on a mixed‐layer heat budget analysis, we reveal that anomalous MLD and heat flux contribute dominantly to the surface heat flux term over the study area from May to July and from September to March, respectively, and have a large effect on warm blob development. Therefore, the MLD has important implications for the location and seasonal evolution of warm blobs and temperature diagnosis over the NEP.
Spatiotemporal Clustering of Paleoseismicity in the Walker Lane, USA: An Extensional Supercycle?
Authors: Pierce Ian K. D.
Published: August 2022

At least five surface rupturing earthquakes that occurred during a <300 year time span near Carson City, Nevada, USA form a spatiotemporal cluster of earthquakes similar to those observed on fault systems around the world. These earthquakes exhibit not only temporal clustering behavior, but also have varying rupture boundaries during successive earthquakes. The Carson Range Fault System is a series of east‐dipping normal faults that extend ∼100 km southwards from Reno, Nevada. Previously published paleoseismic and lidar data spanning this system provide evidence of five surface rupturing earthquakes that occurred across the Carson Range Fault System during the last 2,500 years. The three most recent of these earthquakes occurred from 800 to 500 cal ybp, and two other earthquakes occurred on the nearby Incline Village and East Carson Valley faults during this time. Together these five Mw6.4–7.3 earthquakes form a spatiotemporal cluster or supercycle.
Nightside Plasmaspheric Plume‐To‐Core Migration of Whistler‐Mode Hiss Waves
Authors: Wu Zhiyong , Su Zhenpeng , Goldstein Jerry , Liu Nigang , He Zhaoguo , Zheng Huinan , Wang Yuming
Published: August 2022

Whistler‐mode hiss waves play an important role in the radiation belt electron depletion. Whether the hiss waves with significant differences in amplitude and propagation direction within the plasmaspheric core and plume are related to each other remains unclear. We here show that the plasmaspheric plume facilitates the energy conversion from energetic electrons to hiss waves and then guides hiss waves into the plasmaspheric core. Three ground and space missions captured the initial formation and subsequent rotation of the plasmaspheric plume in the noon‐dusk‐midnight sector following a strong substorm. The observed hiss waves in the nightside plasmaspheric plume and core propagated oppositely but highly correlated with each other at a time lag of 4–10 s. The linear instability of energetic electrons in the plasmaspheric plume qualitatively explains the frequency‐dependence of hiss waves, and the ray‐tracing modeling reproduces the propagation direction and timing of hiss waves.
Holocene Slip Rate Along the Beng Co Fault and Dextral Strike‐Slip Extrusion of Central Eastern Tibet
Authors: Li Kang , Tapponnier Paul , Xu Xiwei , Ren Junjie , Wang Shiguang , Zhao Junxiang
Published: August 2022

The dearth of quantitative studies of Holocene fault slip‐rates makes kinematic modeling of crustal deformation across SE Tibet debatable. The ∼230 km long, WNW‐striking, dextral Beng Co fault (BCF) is the most prominent strike‐slip fault of southern Tibet. Using new UAV topographic data and OSL/14C dating of geomorphic markers, we measure horizontal offsets and ages of fluvial terraces/fans and lacustrine shorelines at eight sites west and east of the Beng Lake pull‐apart. Along the eastern BCF's northern branch, our measurements at two different locations are consistent with offsets of ∼4.7 ± 1.1 and ∼8.7 ± 0.7 m during the past ∼3.1–3.6 and 3.6–5.2 ka, respectively. Along the southern branch, ∼25 ± 5 m of slip have accrued since ∼9 ka. The total Holocene slip‐rate across both faults (4.2–5.4 or 4.8 ± 0.5 mm/yr), consistent with GPS/InSAR values, implies that the BCF contributes significantly to the eastward extrusion of eastern‐central Tibet. This rate is slightly larger than the lower bound of the extension rate (∼6 ± 1.8 mm/yr) recently determined across the middle Gulu rift normal fault, which splays off southwards from the southeastern tip of the BCF's southern branch. Empirical relationships suggest that the reported ∼90 km length of theMw7.7, 1951 Beng Co earthquake surface rupture is too short, which implies that the eastern BCF is immature, or requires additional, partly deep slip, along other branches of the eastern BCF. That there is no field evidence of rupturing along the western BCF in the last ∼1,000 yr indicates that the Bange County area, west of Beng Co, may be at risk of anMw ≈ 7.4? event.
Thiotepa–fludarabine–treosulfan conditioning for 2nd allogeneic HCT from an alternative unrelated donor for patients with AML: a prospective multicenter phase II trial
Authors: Finke Jürgen , Schmoor Claudia , Stelljes Matthias , Burchert Andreas , Dreger Peter , Hegenbart Ute , Wagner-Drouet Eva-Maria , Bornhäuser Martin , Sohlbach Kristina , Schub Natalie , Reicherts Christian , Kobbe Guido , Glass Bertram , Bertz Hartmut , Grishina Olga
Published: August 2022

Therapeutic options for patients with AML relapsing after allogeneic HCT range from chemotherapy or hypomethylating agents with or without donor lymphocyte infusions to a 2nd allogeneic HCT. Available data are based on retrospective single center or registry studies. The aim of this multicenter trial was to investigate prospectively intensive conditioning with Thiotepa, Fludarabine and Treosulfan (TFT) for 2nd allogeneic HCT from an alternative unrelated donor in patients with AML relapse > 6 months after a 1st allogeneic HCT. Primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS) at one year after 2nd HCT. 50 patients median age 53.5 years, in CR/PR (34%) or active relapse (66%) were included. 33 of 38 patients (86.8%) with available data achieved CR 100 days post transplant. 23 patients were alive and free of relapse at primary endpoint one year after 2nd HCT (DFS rate 0.46, 95%-CI (0.32–0.61). Three-year rates of DFS, relapse, non-relapse mortality, and overall survival were 0.24, 95%-CI (0.13–0.36); 0.36 (0.25–0.52); 0.40 (0.29–0.57); and 0.24 (0.13–0.37). Second HCT with TFT conditioning is feasible and has high anti-leukemic efficacy in chemosensitive or refractory AML relapse after prior allogeneic HCT. Still, relapse rates and NRM after 2nd allogeneic HCT remain a challenge. The trial is registered in the German Clinical Trials Registry (number DRKS00005126).
Puerarin ameliorates acute lung injury by modulating NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis
Authors: Cai Dasheng , Zhao Yue , Yu Fang
Published: August 2022

We commenced to analyze putative anti-pyroptosis effects of puerarin (PU) as mediated by the PP2A-HDAC1-NLRP3 pathway in acute lung injury (ALI). ALI animal and cell models were constructed, followed by treatment of PU. Then, the effect of HDAC1, PP2A, and NLRP3 on cell inflammation and pyroptosis was explored. The interaction between HDAC1 and PP2A as well as between PP2A and NLRP3 was analyzed. Our findings suggested that PU downregulated HDAC1 expression to alleviate symptoms of ALI. HDAC1 overexpression promoted inflammation induced by LPS, which reversed the inhibitory effect of PU on ALI. HDAC1 overexpression also decreased PP2A expression, suggesting that PP2A was involved in the effects of HDAC1 on LPS-induced inflammation. PP2A exerted inhibitory effects on NLRP3. Meanwhile, PU hindered the progression of ALI by silencing HDAC1 or overexpressing PP2A both in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, PU restrained pyroptosis of cells induced by NLRP3 inflammasome to abate ALI.
Data-driven models for ground and excited states for Single Atoms on Ceria
Authors: Geiger Julian , Sabadell-Rendón Albert , Daelman Nathan , López Núria
Published: August 2022

Ceria-based single-atom catalysts present complex electronic structures due to the dynamic electron transfer between the metal atoms and the semiconductor oxide support. Understanding these materials implies retrieving all states in these electronic ensembles, which can be limiting if done via density functional theory. Here, we propose a data-driven approach to obtain a parsimonious model identifying the appearance of dynamic charge transfer for the single atoms (SAs). We first constructed a database of (701) electronic configurations for the group 9–11 metals on CeO2(100). Feature Selection based on predictive Elastic Net and Random Forest models highlights eight fundamental variables: atomic number, ionization potential, size, and metal coordination, metal–oxygen bond strengths, surface strain, and Coulomb interactions. With these variables a Bayesian algorithm yields an expression for the adsorption energies of SAs in ground and low-lying excited states. Our work paves the way towards understanding electronic structure complexity in metal/oxide interfaces.
Genetic control of RNA splicing and its distinct role in complex trait variation
Authors: Qi Ting , Wu Yang , Fang Hailing , Zhang Futao , Liu Shouye , Zeng Jian , Yang Jian
Published: August 2022

Most genetic variants identified from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in humans are noncoding, indicating their role in gene regulation. Previous studies have shown considerable links of GWAS signals to expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) but the links to other genetic regulatory mechanisms, such as splicing QTLs (sQTLs), are underexplored. Here, we introduce an sQTL mapping method, ﻿testing for heterogeneity between isoform-eQTLeffects (THISTLE), with improved power over competing methods. Applying THISTLE together with a complementary sQTL mapping strategy to brain transcriptomic (n = 2,865) and genotype data, we identified 12,794 genes with cis-sQTLs at P < 5 × 10−8, approximately 61% of which were distinct from eQTLs. Integrating the sQTL data into GWAS for 12 brain-related complex traits (including diseases), we identified 244 genes associated with the traits through cis-sQTLs, approximately 61% of which could not be discovered using the corresponding eQTL data. Our study demonstrates the distinct role of most sQTLs in the genetic regulation of transcription and complex trait variation.
Classification of Parkinson’s disease and its stages using machine learning
Authors: Templeton John Michael , Poellabauer Christian , Schneider Sandra
Published: August 2022

As digital health technology becomes more pervasive, machine learning (ML) provides a robust way to analyze and interpret the myriad of collected features. The purpose of this preliminary work was to use ML classification to assess the benefits and relevance of neurocognitive features both tablet-based assessments and self-reported metrics, as they relate to Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and its stages [Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) Stages 1–5]. Further, this work aims to compare perceived versus sensor-based neurocognitive abilities. In this study, 75 participants ($$n = 50$$

n
=
50

PD; $$n = 25$$

n
=
25

control) completed 14 tablet-based neurocognitive functional tests (e.g., motor, memory, speech, executive, and multifunction), functional movement assessments (e.g., Berg Balance Scale), and standardized health questionnaires (e.g., PDQ-39). Decision tree classification of sensor-based features allowed for the discrimination of PD from healthy controls with an accuracy of $$92.6\%$$

92.6
%

, and early and advanced stages of PD with an accuracy of $$73.7\%$$

73.7
%

; compared to the current gold standard tools [e.g., standardized health questionnaires ($$78.3\%$$

78.3
%

accuracy) and functional movement assessments ($$70\%$$

70
%

accuracy)]. Significant features were also identified using decision tree classification. Device magnitude of acceleration was significant in 12 of 14 tests ($$85.7\%$$

85.7
%

), regardless of test type. For classification between diagnosed and control populations, 17 motor (e.g., device magnitude of acceleration), 9 accuracy (e.g., number of correct/incorrect interactions), and 8 timing features (e.g., time to between interactions) were significant. For classification between early (H&Y Stages 1 and 2) and advanced (H&Y Stages 3, 4, and 5) stages of PD, 7 motor, 12 accuracy, and 14 timing features were significant. Finally, this work depicts that perceived functionality of individuals with PD differed from sensor-based functionalities. In early-stage PD was shown to be $$21.6\%$$

21.6
%

lower than sensor-based scores with notable perceived deficits in memory and executive function. However, individuals in advanced stages had elevated perceptions (1.57x) for executive and behavioral functions compared to early-stage populations. Machine learning in digital health systems allows for a more comprehensive understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and their stages and may also depict new features that influence the ways digital health technology should be configured.
Manual compression versus MANTA device for access management after impella removal on the ICU
Authors: Cuculi Florim , Burkart Philipp , Cioffi Giacomo , Moccetti Federico , Madanchi Mehdi , Seiler Thomas , Hess Stefanie , Wolfrum Mathias , Jeyarasa Magiliny , Meier Sonja , Kuzmiakova Silvia , Hakimi Maani , Seelos Robert , Kobza Richard , Toggweiler Stefan , Attinger-Toller Adrian , Bossard Matthias
Published: August 2022

To compare the safety and efficacy of manual compression versus use of the MANTA closure device for access management after Impella removal on the intensive care unit (ICU). The number of patients treated with percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (pLVAD), namely Impella and ECMO, for complex cardiac procedures or shock, is growing. However, removal of pLVAD and large bore arteriotomy closure among such patients on the ICU remains challenging, since it is associated with a high risk for bleeding and vascular complications. Patients included in a prospective registry between 2017 and 2020 were analyzed. Bleeding and vascular access site complications were assessed and adjudicated according to VARC-2 criteria. We analyzed a cohort of 87 consecutive patients, who underwent access closure after Impella removal on ICU by using either the MANTA device or manual compression. The cohort´s mean age was 66.1 ± 10.7 years and 76 patients (87%) were recovering from CS. Mean support time was 40 h (interquartile range 24–69 h). MANTA was used in 31 patients (35.6%) and manual compression was applied in 56 patients (64.4%). Overall access related bleedings were significantly lower in the MANTA group (6.5% versus 39.3% (odds ratio (OR) 0.10, 95% CI 0.01–0.50; p = 0.001), and there was no significant difference in vascular complications between the two groups (p = 0.55). Our data suggests that the application of the MANTA device directly on the ICU is safe. In addition, it seems to reduce access related bleeding without increasing the risk of vascular complications.
Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry reveals widespread soil phosphorus limitation to microbial metabolism across Chinese forests
Authors: Cui Yongxing , Bing Haijian , Moorhead Daryl L. , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , Ye Luping , Yu Jialuo , Zhang Shangpeng , Wang Xia , Peng Shushi , Guo Xue , Zhu Biao , Chen Ji , Tan Wenfeng , Wang Yunqiang , Zhang Xingchang , Fang Linchuan
Published: August 2022

Forest soils contain a large amount of organic carbon and contribute to terrestrial carbon sequestration. However, we still have a poor understanding of what nutrients limit soil microbial metabolism that drives soil carbon release across the range of boreal to tropical forests. Here we used ecoenzymatic stoichiometry methods to investigate the patterns of microbial nutrient limitations within soil profiles (organic, eluvial and parent material horizons) across 181 forest sites throughout China. Results show that, in 80% of these forests, soil microbes were limited by phosphorus availability. Microbial phosphorus limitation increased with soil depth and from boreal to tropical forests as ecosystems become wetter, warmer, more productive, and is affected by anthropogenic nitrogen deposition. We also observed an unexpected shift in the latitudinal pattern of microbial phosphorus limitation with the lowest phosphorus limitation in the warm temperate zone (41-42°N). Our study highlights the importance of soil phosphorus limitation to restoring forests and predicting their carbon sinks.
Characterisation of Sr2+mobility in osteoporotic rat bone marrow by cryo-ToF-SIMS and cryo-OrbiSIMS
Authors: Kern Christine , Jamous Reem , El Khassawna Thaqif , Rohnke Marcus
Published: August 2022

Mass spectrometric imaging approach forex vivomonitoring of drug transport in bone sections. Cryo-ToF-SIMS depth profiling and high-resolution imaging as well as OrbiSIMS analysis revealed inhomogeneous Sr2+transport in rat bone marrow.
Retraction: NF-κB inhibition promotes apoptosis in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells by the photothermal effect via the IκBα/AR signaling pathway
Authors: Kong Chenfei , Hao Miao , Chen Xi , Zhao Xiaoming , Wang Yuqian , Li Jing , Gao Yiyao , Zhang Hao , Yang Bai , Jiang Jinlan
Published: August 2022

Retraction of ‘NF-κB inhibition promotes apoptosis in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells by the photothermal effect via the IκBα/AR signaling pathway’ by Chenfei Kong et al., Biomat. Sci., 2019, 7, 2559–2570, https://doi.org/10.1039/C8BM01007B.
Unravelling the semiconductor properties of mixed stack donor acceptor cocrystals of pyrene derivatives and TCNQ: effect of crystal packing versus super-exchange mechanism
Authors: Mandal Arkalekha
Published: August 2022

The role of crystal packing and super-exchange mechanism to dictate the semiconductor properties of two mixed DDADDA stack charge transfer cocrystals is elucidated via theoretical study.
Different nanostructured CoP microcubes derived from metal formate frameworks with enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance
Authors: Duan Zhihao , Jiang Jiahui , Zhao Hang , Hu Qidi , Wan Jian , Zhou Jingbo , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Li
Published: August 2022

Different nanostructured CoP microcubes derived from metal formate frameworks with enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance.
Efficient photoreduction of hexavalent uranium over defective ZnO nanoparticles by oxygen defect engineering
Authors: Deng Xiaochuan , Zou Geng , Tu Boyuan , Hu Mingfang , Zhu Wenkun , He Rong , Chen Tao
Published: August 2022

The oxygen-defect engineering of ZnO-400 nanosheets to enhance their photocatalytic performance for U(vi) reduction.
The competitive role of C–H⋯X (X = F, O) and π–π interactions in contributing to the degree of charge transfer in organic cocrystals: a case study of heteroatom-free donors with p-fluoranil (FA)
Authors: Gao Jiaoyang , Guo Jinjia , Chen Yi , Deng Shunlan , Lu Qidong , Ren Yuxin , Wang Xiaoming , Fan Haibo , Teng Feng , He Xuexia , Jiang Hui , Hu Peng
Published: August 2022

Four binary organic charge transfer cocrystals were grown by the slow cooling method. The competitive role of C–H⋯X (X = F, O) and π–π interactions in contributing to the degree of charge transfer in the cocrystals was investigated.
Revisiting the K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure of Si, Ge–Si alloys, and the isoelectronic series: CuBr, ZnSe, GaAs, and Ge
Authors: Shirley E. L. , Woicik J. C.
Published: August 2022

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) has evolved into an unprecedented local-structure technique that is routinely used to study materials’ problems in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences.
Designing SnS/MoS2 van der Waals heterojunction for direct Z-scheme photocatalytic overall water-splitting by DFT investigation
Authors: Jia Xiaofang , Wang Jinlong , Lu Yue , Sun Jiaming , Li Yang , Wang Yuyan , Zhang Junying
Published: August 2022

Designing direct Z-scheme SnS/MoS2 vdW heterostructure with efficient active sites for photocatalytic overall water-splitting.
Tuning the structural stability and electrochemical properties in graphene anode materials by B doping: a first-principles study
Authors: Guo Xialei , Hou Yuhua , Chen Xuan , Zhang Ruyan , Li Wei , Tao Xiaoma , Huang Youlin
Published: August 2022

Using the DFT method, B-doped graphene with different concentrations shows excellent structural stability, electrochemical performance and strong lithium storage ability, which provides a research strategy for the application of anode materials.
Concerted addition of aldehydes to the singlet biradical [P(μ-NTer)]2
Authors: Rosenboom Jan , Villinger Alexander , Schulz Axel , Bresien Jonas
Published: August 2022

The cycloaddition of aldehydes to the singlet biradical [P(μ-NTer)]2is demonstrated experimentally. High-levelab initiocalculations reveal a minimal electronic activation barrier.
A perspective on iron (Fe) in the atmosphere: air quality, climate, and the ocean
Authors: Al-Abadleh Hind A. , Kubicki James D. , Meskhidze Nicholas
Published: August 2022

We engage in research motivated by climate change and the impacts of pollution on air, water, and human health. The scientific community need to improve communication and knowledge exchange across disciplines to address pressing research questions holistically.
Choline chloride–ethylene glycol based deep-eutectic solvents as lixiviants for cobalt recovery from lithium-ion battery cathode materials: are these solvents really green in high-temperature processes?
Authors: Peeters Nand , Janssens Kwinten , de Vos Dirk , Binnemans Koen , Riaño Sofía
Published: August 2022

The thermal decomposition of the choline chloride–ethylene glycol (ChCl : EG) deep-eutectic solvent (DES) is studied during the leaching of lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) at 180 °C.
Anodic generation of hydrogen peroxide in continuous flow
Authors: Pangotra Dhananjai , Csepei Lénárd-István , Roth Arne , Sieber Volker , Vieira Luciana
Published: August 2022

The study underscores the development of an efficient electrochemical process for anodic H2O2production in continuous flow by investigating electrochemical cell setup, electrolyte flow type and rate, as well as electrolyte composition.
Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and its special applications
Authors: Vanhoof Christine , Bacon Jeffrey R. , Fittschen Ursula E. A. , Vincze Laszlo
Published: August 2022

This review covers developments in and applications of XRF techniques such as EDXRF, WDXRF, TXRF, XRF microscopy using technologies such as synchrotron sources, X-ray optics, X-ray tubes and detectors in laboratory, mobile and hand-held systems.
A diversity maximizing active learning strategy for graph neural network models of chemical properties
Authors: Li Bowen , Rangarajan Srinivas
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a diversity-maximizing strategy for actively constructing a compact molecule set for training graph neural network molecular property models.
Fumarato and phthalato bridged dinuclear metal–organic Cu(ii) and Mn(ii) compounds involving infinite fumarate–water assemblies and unusual structure-guiding H-bonded synthons: antiproliferative evaluation and theoretical studies
Authors: Baishya Trishnajyoti , Sharma Pranay , Gomila Rosa M. , Frontera Antonio , Barcelo-Oliver Miquel , Verma Akalesh K. , Bhattacharyya Manjit K.
Published: August 2022

In vitro anticancer activities have been explored in fumarato and phthalato bridged dinuclear Cu(ii) and Mn(ii) compounds involving infinite fumarate–water assemblies and unusual structure-guiding H-bonded synthons.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-controlled in vitro calcium phosphate biomineralization
Authors: Gashti Mazeyar Parvinzadeh , Stir Manuela , Burgener Matthias , Hulliger Jürg , Choobar Behnam Ghalami , Nooralian Zoha , Moghaddam Milad Rahimi
Published: August 2022

Scanning pyroelectric microscopy of DCPD single crystals.
Pharmaceuticals removal by synergistic adsorption and S-scheme photocatalysis using nano-CeO2-coupled Fe3O4 on a CTAB matrix and investigation of the nanocomposite's antibacterial and antibiofilm activities: intrinsic degradation mechanism
Authors: Janani B. , Okla Mohammad K. , Brindha B. , Dawoud Turki M. , Alaraidh Ibrahim A. , Soufan Walid , Abdel-Maksoud Mostafa A. , Aufy Mohammed , Studenik Christian R. , Khan S. Sudheer
Published: August 2022

S-Scheme photocatalytic mechanism of a fabricated nano-heterojunction.
Copper(i)-catalyzed tandem synthesis of 4,5-functionalized oxazoles from isocyanoacetate and aldehydes
Authors: Wan Yuting , Wu Jieqing , Ma Hongfei , Zhu Hongjun , Walsh Patrick J. , Li Yufeng
Published: August 2022

Herein is developed a tandem reaction for the synthesis of a diverse array of 4,5-difunctionalized oxazoles utilizing easily-accessible ethyl 2-isocyanoacetate and aldehydes (26 examples, 31–83% yields).
Recent progress, synthesis, and application of chitosan-decorated magnetic nanocomposites in remediation of dye-laden wastewaters
Authors: Gulati Shikha , Lingam B Harish Neela , Baul Arikta , Kumar Sanjay , Wadhwa Rachit , Trivedi Manoj , Varma Rajender S. , Amar Anoushka
Published: August 2022

Application of chitosan-decorated magnetic nanocomposites in remediation of dye-laden wastewaters.
Simultaneous one-step regulation of planarization and donor rotation to enhance multi-modal imaging guided therapy
Authors: Zhang Yize , Wang Junjun , Wang Shen , Zhu Xiaojiao , Yu Zhipeng , Wu Zhichao , Yu Jianhua , Zhou Hongping
Published: August 2022

The one-step regulation of planarization and donor rotation provided a convenient method to design theranostic agents for elevating imaging and therapy simultaneously.
Efficient and sustainable production ofp-xylene from biomass-derived 2,5-dimethylfuran and ethylene using alkali metal doped phosphotungstic acid catalysts
Authors: Wu Chengming , Yang Zhao , Li Jifan , Liu Chun-Ling , Dong Wen-Sheng
Published: August 2022

Various alkali metal doped phosphotungstic acid catalysts were synthesized and applied for the conversion of DMF and ethylene to PX. Cs1H2PW exhibited good catalytic activity and excellent recyclability.
Recent advances in microporous metal–organic frameworks as promising adsorbents for gas separation
Authors: Wang Jia-Xin , Liang Cong-Cong , Gu Xiao-Wen , Wen Hui-Min , Jiang Chenghao , Li Bin , Qian Guodong , Chen Banglin
Published: August 2022

We herein not only provide a comprehensive overview of the most important advances in the development of MOFs as separating materials for gas separation over the last five years, but also provide an update of the current challenges in this active field.
In situregulation of dendrite-free lithium anode by improved solid electrolyte interface with defect-rich boron nitride quantum dots
Authors: Pu Jun , Xue Pan , Li Taotao , Wu Jianghua , Zhang Kai , Zhu Kaiping , Guo Shaohua , Hong Guo , Zhou Haoshen , Yao Yagang
Published: August 2022

An improved SEI was designed by modifying defect-rich BN quantum dots. The excellent electron shielding, chemical stabilization and Li-ion adsorption act synergistically on the interface adjustment, thus obtaining dendrite-free deposition.
A near-infrared probe for the real-time detection of lysosomal pH in living cells under “wash free” conditions
Authors: Wang Ziqiang , Pan Tingting , Tian Yanqing , Liao Jianxiang
Published: August 2022

Lysosomal pH is an important indicator for the physiological state of eukaryotic cells.