bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Float, fly, then sink: wetland plant seed buoyancy is lost after internal dispersal by waterbirds
Authors: Navarro-Ramos María J. , Green Andy J. , de Vries Robin , van Leeuwen Casper H. A.
Published: June 2024

Seed dispersal distance is an important indicator of how well a plant species can cope with environmental changes. Seeds of wetland plants are primarily dispersed by hydrochory (floating on the water surface) or endozoochory (ingestion and egestion by animals). However, both mechanisms can also be combined (diplochory), which increases dispersal distances. In wetlands, seeds often float on the water surface before ingestion and transport by animals, such as waterbirds. Here, we consider what happens next after endozoochory and test whether seeds dispersed inside waterbirds can then continue to disperse by hydrochory. We experimentally assessed the buoyancy capacity of 41 wetland plant species for 14 weeks before and after simulated passage through avian digestive systems. This revealed that (1) seeds of plants previously assigned a hydrochory dispersal syndrome floated longer than those from other syndromes, but with considerable overlap; (2) fully aquatic and shoreline plant species had seeds with stronger buoyancy than terrestrial plants; and (3) digestive processes negatively affected seed buoyancy capacity for all plant species, which included wetland species with a typical hydrochory syndrome. The capacity for hydrochory is more limited after endozoochory than beforehand, with strong implications for the effectiveness of seed dispersal.
Structure and functional implications of photoreceptive systems in non-marine ostracods: a review
Authors: Bellavere Elena , Matzke-Karasz Renate , Romano Donato , Rossetti Giampaolo
Published: June 2024

Ostracods are small, bivalved crustaceans living in all types of aquatic habitats. All non-marine species belong to the order Podocopida. They usually possess a simple optical system composed of three eyecups called naupliar eye. Phylogenetic data and morphological characteristics support the homology of naupliar eyes between ostracods and other crustacean groups. The photoreceptive system is formed by several specialised cells and can be approximated by a lens-mirror optical apparatus. In some cases, a transparent area of the calcitic carapace can form an additional lens. The visual stimuli are processed by the protocerebrum, possibly via monoaminergic neurons. The presence or absence of one or more specialised cells influence the function of the eyes, and, most likely, their evolution or loss are associated with the adaptation to different habitats. Podocopid ostracods may express long wavelength-sensitive rhabdomeric opsins and may possess nonvisual opsins. The few ethological experiments so far conducted demonstrate that non-marine ostracods might be capable of associative learning when trained with light or specific light wavelengths. This work will provide an overview of what is known and what remains to be further investigated about vision and how light cues affect the behaviour in non-marine ostracods.
Crystallization experiments of the wheel-and-axle host compound, 1,4-phenylene-bis(di-p-tolylmethanol), from pyridine and methylpyridine mixtures
Authors: Barton Benita , Vorgers Jarryd A. , Hosten Eric C.
Published: June 2024

1,4-Phenylene-bis(di-p-tolylmethanol) (H), a host compound with the wheel-and-axle design, formed complexes with organic guest solvents pyridine (PYR) and 2-, 3- and 4-methylpyridine (2MP, 3MP and 4MP). The host: guest (H: G) ratios were 1:3, 1:2, 1:2 and 1:1, respectively. Host crystallization experiments from mixed guests demonstrated H to prefer both PYR and 4MP; however, it was established that these difficult-to-separate (by fractional distillations) guest mixtures cannot be purified/separated by means of H through supramolecular chemistry strategies owing to these selectivities for PYR and 4MP being less than optimal. Single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments showed that each guest compound was held in its complex by means of a classical hydrogen bond with H, and that one of the preferred guests, PYR, experienced a significantly shorter contact of this type than the other guests. Hirshfeld surface analyses demonstrated that PYR was also involved in a greater percentage of (guest)N···H(host) interactions compared with the other guest molecules. Thermal analyses, on the other hand, revealed that 4MP (also a favoured guest species) formed the most stable complex of the four in this investigation. These results with H were compared to those obtained when employing a closely related host compound from a previous report, 1,4-bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)benzene: while both host species preferred the same guests (PYR and 4MP), the extent of the selectivity of that host compound compared with H in the present work was significantly more enhanced. Thus, minor modifications may deleteriously affect the selectivity behaviour of closely related host compounds.
A contextual integrity approach to genomic information: what bioethics can learn from big data ethics
Authors: de Groot Nina F.
Published: June 2024

Genomic data is generated, processed and analysed at an increasingly rapid pace. This data is not limited to the medical context, but plays an important role in other contexts in society, such as commercial DNA testing, the forensic setting, archaeological research, and genetic surveillance. Genomic information also crosses the borders of these domains, e.g. forensic use of medical genetic information, insurance use of medical genomic information, or research use of commercial genomic data. This paper (1) argues that an informed consent approach for genomic information has limitations in many societal contexts, and (2) seeks to broaden the bioethical debate on genomic information by suggesting an approach that is applicable across multiple societal contexts. I argue that the contextual integrity framework, a theory rooted in information technology and big data ethics, is an effective tool to explore ethical challenges that arise from genomic information within a variety of different contexts. Rather than focusing on individual control over information, the contextual integrity approach holds that information should be shared and protected according to the norms that govern certain distinct social contexts. Several advantages of this contextual integrity approach will be discussed. The paper concludes that the contextual integrity framework helps to articulate and address a broad spectrum of ethical, social, and political factors in a variety of different societal contexts, while giving consideration to the interests of individuals, groups, and society at large.
Real-time explicit co-simulation of wire-rope systems for industrial mobile harbor cranes
Authors: Mohammadi Narges , Rouvinen Asko , Korkealaakso Pasi , Escalona José L.
Published: June 2024

This paper presents an investigation into the real-time explicit co-simulation of mobile harbor cranes under hoisting operation. The system is divided into two subsystems, with Subsystem 1 representing the payload and Subsystem 2 encompassing the wire-rope system. To capture the real-time behavior of the wire ropes accurately, the ALEM (Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian Modal) method is employed in this study. Using this formulation, the intricate behavior of the wire ropes, encompassing elasticity, bending effects, and dynamic influences, is rigorously considered. The dynamic equations governing the payload are solved using the Runge–Kutta4 method, while the Generalized Alpha method is utilized to solve the wire-rope system. Both the Gauss–Seidel and Jacobi methods are investigated as two coupling techniques to connect the subsystems. Additionally, the study delves into the impact of the extrapolation method and macro time step on results accuracy and efficiency. The findings demonstrate that co-simulation employing the Gauss–Seidel method and FOH (First-Order Hold) extrapolation yields optimum and accurate simulations. Moreover, the study successfully achieves real-time simulation by optimizing the wire-rope system simulation, accounting for all degrees of freedom inherent in a 3D system. Remarkably, the maximum error observed in the axial force amounts to a mere 0.6% when employing real-time simulation. These findings can hold practical value for employing the current wire-rope subsystem in the interface modeling of real-world industrial cranes.
Translation and linguistic validation of 24 PROMIS item banks into French
Authors: Ahmed Sara , Parks-Vernizzi Emily , Perez Barbara , Arnold Benjamin , Boucher Abigail , Hossenbaccus Mushirah , Correia Helena , Bartlett Susan J.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) was developed to provide reliable, valid, and normed item banks to measure health. The item banks provide standardized scores on a common metric allowing for individualized, brief assessment (computerized adaptive tests), short forms (e.g. heart failure specific), or profile assessments (e.g. PROMIS-29). The objective of this study was to translate and linguistically validate 24 PROMIS adult item banks into French and highlight cultural nuances arising during the translation process.

Methods

We used the FACIT translation methodology. Forward translation into French by two native French-speaking translators was followed by reconciliation by a third native French-speaking translator. A native English-speaking translator fluent in French then completed a back translation of the reconciled version from French into English. Three independent reviews by bilingual translators were completed to assess the clarity and consistency of terminology and equivalency across the English source and French translations. Reconciled versions were evaluated in cognitive interviews for conceptual and linguistic equivalence.

Results

Twenty-four adult item banks were translated: 12 mental health, 10 physical health, and two social health. Interview data revealed that 577 items of the 590 items translated required no revisions. Conceptual and linguistic differences were evident for 11 items that required iterations to improve conceptual equivalence and two items were revised to accurately reflect the English source.

Conclusion

French translations of 24 item banks were created for routine clinical use and research. Initial translation supported conceptual equivalence and comprehensibility. Next steps will include validation of the item banks.
Growing Old, but Paying Back: Understanding How Age Influences Corporate Social Innovation Depth and Breadth of Multinationals in Weak Institutional Contexts
Authors: Attah-Boakye Rexford , Adams Kweku , Yu Honglan , Mali Dafydd , Lim Hyoungjoo
Published: June 2024

Corporate Social Innovation (CSI) has emerged as a research priority for multinational enterprises (MNEs) due to the increasing popularity of sustainable development solutions addressing wicked problems in the 21st century. Although most studies on CSI have focused on data from developed economies, emphasising the younger generation's forward-looking, sustainable, and environmentally friendly attitudes, there exists a gap in our understanding of the attitude of the older generation towards CSI practices of MNEs operating in emerging economies. The UN's SDG 3 advocates for the well-being of all at all ages. Despite this, healthcare outcomes in global-south countries fall below standard. Therefore, we conducted an in-depth critical analysis of textual data concerning CSI practices of 115 healthcare MNEs operating in 13 emerging economies. We quantified the number of CSI practices in their annual reports and operationalised the dependent variable using an entropy index to calculate the density and percentage score of CSI. Drawing on Upper Echelons, our analysis revealed that older CEOs are likelier to promote, initiate, and implement CSI in greater depth and breadth. These findings present a compelling case supporting the argument that CEOs and board members tend to contribute more to society as they age. We offer empirical evidence supporting the strengthening roles of senior board members and female board chairs. Our findings complement existing CSI studies from developed countries and illustrate how CEO and board characteristics influence the depth and breadth of CSI in emerging economies.
Superior In Vivo Wound-Healing Activity of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles with Nepeta cataria (Catnip) on Excision Wound Model in Rat
Authors: Sari Berfin Rumeysa , Yesilot Sukriye , Ozmen Ozlem , Aydin Acar Cigdem
Published: June 2024

Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized with Nepeta cataria plant extract. It was determined that the synthesized Nc-AgNPs gave a strong absorbance peak at 438 nm wavelength in the UV-vis spectrophotometer. SEM and TEM analyses of Nc-AgNPs showed that the synthesized nanoparticles had a spherical morphology. Based on XRD analysis, the average crystallite size of Nc-AgNPs was calculated at 15.74 nm. At the same time, EDS spectrum analysis exhibited dominant emission energy at 3 keV, indicative of Nc-AgNPs. Nc-AgNPs showed an inhibition zone of 12 nm in gram-negative Escherichia coli, 10 nm in gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis, and 11 nm in Staphylococcus aureus. Nc-AgNPs showed high antioxidant properties, with 63% at 5000 μg/mL. The wound-healing properties of Nc-AgNPs were evaluated in vivo in wound models created in a total of 20 Wistar albino male rats, divided into four groups. After 10 days of treatment, the highest wound closure rate was seen in the Nc-AgNP + Vaseline (Group IV) treatment group, at 94%. It was observed that Nc-AgNP + Vaseline nanoformulation significantly increased wound healing, similar to Silverdin®, and Vaseline alone supported healing but did not result in complete closure. Histopathological examination revealed an increase in mature Type 1 collagen in Group IV and positive control (Group II), with better collagen maturation in vehicle control (Group III) compared to negative control (Group I). Immunohistochemical analysis showed complete epithelialization in Group IV and Group II, with distinct cytokeratin expressions, while Group III exhibited mild expressions.
Psychometric Validation of the Modified Functional Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (f-SARA) in Patients With Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Potashman Michele , Popoff Evan , Powell Lauren , Mackenzie Ainsley , Beiner Melissa Wolfe , Coric Vlad , Schmahmann Jeremy , L’Italien Gilbert
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to generate evidence to support psychometric validity of the modified functional Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (f-SARA) among patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Psychometric measurement properties and minimal change thresholds of the f-SARA were evaluated using data from a cohort of SCA subjects (recruited at Massachusetts General Hospital [MGH]; n = 33) and data from a phase 3 trial of troriluzole in adults with SCA (NCT03701399 [Study 206]; n = 217), including a subset of patients with the SCA3 genotype (n = 89). f-SARA item ceiling effects were absent within the MGH cohort, while floor effects were present. Excellent internal consistency reliability was demonstrated (αtotal = 0.90; αitems-removed = 0.86–0.90), and item-to-total correlations were strong (r = 0.82–0.91, per item). High test–retest reliability was demonstrated with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.91 (total) and 0.73–0.92 (items). Convergent and divergent validity was supported, with strong correlations observed between the f-SARA and similarly constructed scales (FARS-FUNC, BARS, PROM-ADL, and FARS-ADL; all p < 0.001) and weaker correlations observed among measures of differing constructs. Mean item and total scores increased with disease severity (by FARS-FUNC quartile; p < 0.001). A 1-point threshold for meaningful changes was supported as 0.5 × SD = 0.89, SEM = 1.12, and mean changes from baseline for patients classified as “improved,” “no change,” or “deteriorated” were −0.68, 0.02, and 0.58, respectively. Similar trends were observed in Study 206 all-SCA and SCA3 cohorts. The measurement properties of the f-SARA provide evidence of its psychometric validity, responsiveness, and suitability as a clinical outcome measure in patients with SCA, including those with SCA3.
A journey towards teacher empowerment in differentiated instruction: implications for a sustainable teacher professional development model
Authors: Liang Weijun , To Jessica , Lo Yuen Yi
Published: June 2024

This article reports a longitudinal case study examining how teachers were empowered to develop their professional capacity to cater for learner diversity through implementing differentiated instruction. Data were collected from multiple sources including lesson co-planning meetings, teacher interviews and lesson observations in a primary school in Hong Kong. The findings suggested a three-stage journey towards teacher empowerment mediated by both external and internal factors. The findings also highlighted the potential interplay of teacher empowerment, teacher professional development and its sustainability, shedding light on a sustainable model for teacher professional development.
Partial Image Active Annotation (PIAA): An Efficient Active Learning Technique Using Edge Information in Limited Data Scenarios
Authors: Kadir Md Abdul , Alam Hasan Md Tusfiqur , Srivastav Devansh , Profitlich Hans-Jürgen , Sonntag Daniel
Published: June 2024

Active learning (AL) algorithms are increasingly being used to train models with limited data for annotation tasks. However, the selection of data for AL is a complex issue due to the restricted information on unseen data. To tackle this problem, a technique we refer to as Partial Image Active Annotation (PIAA) employs the edge information of unseen images as prior knowledge to gauge uncertainty. This uncertainty is determined by examining the divergence and entropy in model predictions across edges. The resulting measure is then applied to choose superpixels from input images for active annotation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of PIAA in multi-class Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) segmentation tasks, attaining a Dice score comparable to state-of-the-art OCT segmentation algorithms trained with extensive annotated data. Concurrently, we successfully reduce annotation label costs to 12%, 2.3%, and 3%, respectively, across three publicly accessible datasets (Duke, AROI, and UMN).
‘Sky’s the limit’: a case study in fostering young children’s creativity during STEM online learning experiences
Authors: Maslin Kimberly , Murcia Karen , Blackley Susan , Lowe Geoff
Published: June 2024

Fostering young children’s creativity is a desired outcome of STEM learning experiences. Such experiences often incorporate hands-on activities that encourage agency, curiosity, and experimentation. While educators generally have a good understanding of how to nurture creativity within a physical learning environment, less is known about creativity in an online context. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, little research focused on young children’s online learning. During the pandemic, studies involving this age group focused upon the experiences and perceptions of emergency remote learning, rather than intentional online education strategies. This gap creates an opportunity to explore the potential of STEM online learning experiences to meaningfully engage young children in creative thinking. This article analyses key themes emerging from video and interview data obtained during a series of STEM shows and workshops delivered by Scitech to Year 1 children in regional Western Australia, framed by the A-E of Children’s Creativity Framework. Findings illustrate how intentional online learning experiences can engage children creatively, and in turn supports a reframing of perceptions regarding the effectiveness of online delivery for young children.
A risk prediction model for Maritime accidents
Authors: Medda Andrea , Serra Patrizia , Mandas Marco , Fancello Gianfranco
Published: June 2024

This study proposes analytical tools to predict maritime accidents involving dangerous goods to help improve maritime safety and preserve maritime and coastal heritage. Maritime accidents of dangerous goods can have devastating consequences, causing loss of life, damage to the environment and economic losses. There have been numerous studies attempting to predict maritime accidents, but most have focused on a single type of accident (e.g. oil spills) or a single region (e.g. Baltic Sea, Maritime Silk Road, etc.). This study takes a different approach, using a global dataset on maritime accidents of dangerous goods from 2010 to 2019 (that includes information on the type of casualty, the location, the amount of material released, the type of material released, the cause of the accident, and the outcome), it applies both a machine learning technique and a statistical approach based on the Fourier distribution of rare events as a dual approach to address the problem. Using the Tyrrhenian area as a case study, the results show that the proposed tools can predict the probability of an accident occurring with an acceptable level of accuracy. The paper can provide a valuable tool for decision makers and stakeholders, who can use the findings to identify regions at risk of maritime accidents and take measures to prevent their occurrence.
Metacognitive Therapy Versus Exposure-Based Treatments of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Preliminary Comparative Trial in an Ordinary Clinical Practice
Authors: Nordahl Johanne , Hjemdal Odin , Johnson Sverre U. , Nordahl Hans M.
Published: June 2024

Cognitive behavioral therapy, prolonged exposure, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing are effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They emphasize the processing of trauma-related memories and exposure as central components in treatment. In contrast, the metacognitive model emphasizes that PTSD is caused by a persistent negative thinking style, and the goal is to find alternative coping strategies and modify metacognitive beliefs without the use of exposure. In a quasi-experimental A-B design, patients diagnosed with PTSD received either MCT (n = 32) or TAU “treatment as usual” (n = 28) consisting of exposure-based treatments and were tested on different measures of symptoms. The results indicated that both treatments were effective and performed well on both trauma and anxiety symptoms. Recovery rates and clinical improvement were higher in the MCT condition at post-treatment. The study indicates that MCT could potentially be a viable alternative to trauma-focused treatment of PTSD.

Clinical trial registration: The study is a clinical and quality audit of an ordinary routinely delivered clinical service in a specialized trauma clinic involving treatments for patients with PTSD. The trial was a preliminary stage in a larger trial of chronic PTSD.
Atypical lobular hyperplasia: what we need to know
Authors: Ferre Romuald , Kuzmiak Cherie M.
Published: June 2024

Atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) is defined as an epithelial proliferation that does not meet the qualitative or quantitative abnormalities to be classified as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). ALH is part of the high-risk lesions, subclassified among the lobular neoplasia. This review provides the characteristics of ALH, focusing on the imaging appearance. In addition, current outcomes and updated management are reviewed.
Deep‐Learning‐Based Prediction of the Tetragonal → Cubic Transition in Davemaoite
Authors: Wu Fulun , Sun Yang , Wan Tianqi , Wu Shunqing , Wentzcovitch Renata M.
Published: June 2024

Davemaoite, that is, CaSiO3 perovskite (CaPv), is the third most abundant phase in the lower mantle and exhibits a tetragonal‐cubic phase transition at high pressures and temperatures. The phase boundary in CaPv has recently been proposed to be close to the cold slab adiabat and cause mid‐mantle seismic wave speed anomalies (Thomson et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586‐019‐1483‐x). This study utilized accurate deep‐learning‐based simulations and thermodynamic integration techniques to compute free energies at temperatures ranging from 300 to 3,000 K and pressures up to 130 GPa. Our results indicate that CaPv exhibits a single cubic phase throughout lower‐mantle conditions. This suggests that the phase diagram proposed by Thomson et al. requires revision, and mid‐mantle seismic anomalies are likely attributable to other mechanisms.
Primary Production and Respiration in the Norwegian Sea Estimated From Biogeochemical Argo Floats
Authors: Mork Kjell Arne , Gundersen Kjell , Børsheim Knut Yngve , Dall'Olmo Giorgio , Skagseth Øystein , Søiland Henrik
Published: June 2024

Biogeochemical (BGC) Argo floats were used in this study to investigate phytoplankton blooms. We assessed the seasonal and annual rates of net primary and community production, along with respiration in the Norwegian Sea. The years 2020 and 2021 were contrasted to illuminate similarities and differences. In both years the onset of the bloom occurred at the beginning of February, coinciding with a deep winter mixed layer. However, during spring and summer the biological production appeared to develop differently. In 2020 the mixed layer depth shoaled quickly in April due to surface heating, triggering a strong spring bloom event. In contrast, a significant surface cooling in April 2021 triggered a substantial vertical mixing, that delayed the mixed layer's shoaling. This delay initiated cascading effects impacting nitrate consumption and bloom development that resulted in increased respiration in 2021 compared to 2020. In both years, vertical nitrate mixing from deeper layers to the surface emerged as a pivotal factor determining primary production. Using a mixed layer model in combination with Argo observations, we found that the upward nutrient fluxes due to mixing doubled net community production. These findings underscore the capability of BGC‐Argo floats, operating at a 5‐day resolution, to unveil the intricate interplay between hydrography, physical drivers, and biogeochemical processes in shaping phytoplankton dynamics and overall ecosystem productivity in the Norwegian Sea.
Causal Drivers of Land‐Atmosphere Carbon Fluxes From Machine Learning Models and Data
Authors: Farahani Mozhgan A. , Goodwell Allison E.
Published: June 2024

Interactions among atmospheric, root‐soil, and vegetation processes drive carbon dioxide fluxes (Fc) from land to atmosphere. Eddy covariance measurements are commonly used to measure Fc at sub‐daily timescales and validate process‐based and data‐driven models. However, these validations do not reveal process interactions, thresholds, and key differences in how models replicate them. We use information theory‐based measures to explore multivariate information flow pathways from forcing data to observed and modeled hourly Fc, using flux tower data sets in the Midwestern U.S. in intensively managed corn‐soybean landscapes. We compare multiple linear regressions, long‐short term memory, and random forests (RF), and evaluate how different model structures use information from combinations of sources to predict Fc. We extend a framework for model predictive and functional performance, which examines a suite of dependencies from all forcing variables to the observed or modeled target. Of the three model types, RF exhibited the highest functional and predictive performance, correctly capturing strong dependencies between radiation and temperature variables with Fc. Regionally trained models demonstrate lower predictive but higher functional performance compared to site‐specific models, suggesting superior reproduction of observed relationships at the expense of predictive accuracy. This study shows that some metrics of predictive performance encapsulate functional behaviors better than others, highlighting the need for multiple metrics of both types. This study improves our understanding of carbon fluxes in an intensively managed landscape, and more generally provides insight into how model structures and forcing variables translate to interactions that are well versus poorly captured in models.
An Index Description of the General Characteristics of Thermospheric Density Based on the Two‐Line‐Element Data Sets and the Spectral Whitening Method
Authors: Wu Yihan , Mao Tian , Wang Jing‐Song , Tang Wei , Song Qiao , Zhao Ming‐Xian
Published: June 2024

The thermospheric density and its variations are crucial to aerospace activities as well as space weather research and operation. However, due to the difficulties in observing the thermosphere, there has been a lack of effective descriptions for the general characteristics of thermospheric density. In this paper, the Two‐Line‐Element data sets (TLEs) from multi‐target low Earth orbit satellites are used to derive a proxy of the daily average atmospheric density in the thermospheric shell located in the vicinity of LEOs' orbital altitude. It captures the overall characteristics of the thermosphere and exhibits good correlations (∼0.9) with modeled and observed thermospheric density. By applying the spectral whitening method to this proxy, a new index is derived to describe non‐periodic perturbation of the density where the specific satellite passed by. The fact that the obtained from different satellites within the same thermospheric shell presents significant consistency to each other means that the new index is a good indicator for the overall feature of the variations of thermospheric density, and it is possible to define a unified regional index to describe density disturbances for the thermospheric shell where these satellites fly through. Moreover, the at different altitudes also present good consistency suggesting the possibility of defining a global index , capable of describing the density variation of the entire thermosphere.
Efficient and stable hybrid perovskite-organic light-emitting diodes with external quantum efficiency exceeding 40 per cent
Authors: Kong Lingmei , Luo Yun , Wu Qianqian , Xiao Xiangtian , Wang Yuanzhi , Chen Guo , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Kai , Choy Wallace C. H. , Zhao Yong-Biao , Li Hongbo , Chiba Takayuki , Kido Junji , Yang Xuyong
Published: June 2024

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on perovskite semiconductor materials with tunable emission wavelength in visible light range as well as narrow linewidth are potential competitors among current light-emitting display technologies, but still suffer from severe instability driven by electric field. Here, we develop a stable, efficient and high-color purity hybrid LED with a tandem structure by combining the perovskite LED and the commercial organic LED technologies to accelerate the practical application of perovskites. Perovskite LED and organic LED with close photoluminescence peak are selected to maximize photon emission without photon reabsorption and to achieve the narrowed emission spectra. By designing an efficient interconnecting layer with p-type interface doping that provides good opto-electric coupling and reduces Joule heating, the resulting green emitting hybrid LED shows a narrow linewidth of around 30 nm, a peak luminance of over 176,000 cd m−2, a maximum external quantum efficiency of over 40%, and an operational half-lifetime of over 42,000 h.
Efficient bone marrow irradiation and low uptake by non-haematological organs with an yttrium-90-anti-CD66 antibody prior to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Orchard Kim , Langford Jonathan , Guy Matthew , Lewis Gemma , Michopoulou Sofia , Cooper Margaret , Zvavamwe Clint , Richardson Deborah , Lewington Valerie
Published: June 2024

We report the results of a Phase I radiation dose escalation study using an yttrium-90 (90Y) labelled anti-CD66 monoclonal antibody given with standard conditioning regimen for patients receiving haematopoietic stem cell transplants for myeloid leukaemia or myeloma. The 90Y-labelled anti-CD66 was infused prior to standard conditioning. In total, 30 patients entered the trial and 29 received 90Y-labelled mAb, at infused radiation activity levels of 5, 10, 25, or 37.5 megaBequerel (MBq)/kg lean body weight. A prerequisite for receiving the 90Y-labelled mAb was favourable dosimetry determined by single-photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT) dosimetry following administration of indium-111 (111In) anti-CD66. Estimated absorbed radiation doses delivered to the red marrow demonstrated a linear relationship with the infused activity of 90Y-labelled mAb. At the highest activity level of 37.5 MBq/kg, mean estimated radiation doses for red marrow, liver, spleen, kidneys and lungs were 24.6 ± 5.6 Gy, 5.8 ± 2.7 Gy, 19.1 ± 8.0 Gy, 2.1 ± 1.1 and 2.2 ± 0.9, respectively. All patients engrafted, treatment-related mortality 1-year post-transplant was zero. Toxicities were no greater than those anticipated for similar conditioning regimens without targeted radiation. The ability to substantially intensify conditioning prior to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation without increasing toxicity warrants further testing to determine efficacy. clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01521611.
Venetoclax therapy and emerging resistance mechanisms in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Nwosu Gus O. , Ross David M. , Powell Jason A. , Pitson Stuart M.
Published: June 2024

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly aggressive and devastating malignancy of the bone marrow and blood. For decades, intensive chemotherapy has been the frontline treatment for AML but has yielded only poor patient outcomes as exemplified by a 5-year survival rate of < 30%, even in younger adults. As knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of AML has advanced, so too has the development new strategies with potential to improve the treatment of AML patients. To date the most promising of these targeted agents is the BH3-mimetic venetoclax which in combination with standard of care therapies, has manageable non-haematological toxicity and exhibits impressive efficacy. However, approximately 30% of AML patients fail to respond to venetoclax-based regimens and almost all treatment responders eventually relapse. Here, we review the emerging mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired venetoclax resistance in AML and highlight recent efforts to identify novel strategies to overcome resistance to venetoclax.
Nonlinear country-heterogenous impact of the Indian Ocean Dipole on global economies
Authors: Cai Wenju , Liu Yi , Lin Xiaopei , Li Ziguang , Zhang Ying , Newth David
Published: June 2024

A positive Indian Ocean Dipole features an anomalously high west-minus-east sea surface temperature gradient along the equatorial Indian Ocean, affecting global extreme weathers. Whether the associated impact spills over to global economies is unknown. Here, we develop a nonlinear and country-heterogenous econometric model, and find that a typical positive event causes a global economic loss that increases for further two years after an initial shock, inducing a global loss of hundreds of billion US dollars, disproportionally greater to the developing and emerging economies. The loss from the 2019 positive event amounted to US$558B, or 0.67% in global economic growth. Benefit from a negative dipole event is far smaller. Under a high-emission scenario, a projected intensification in Dipole amplitude causes a median additional loss of US$5.6 T at a 3% discount rate, but likely as large as US$24.5 T. The additional loss decreases by 64% under the target of the Paris Agreement.
descSPIM: an affordable and easy-to-build light-sheet microscope optimized for tissue clearing techniques
Authors: Otomo Kohei , Omura Takaki , Nozawa Yuki , Edwards Steven J. , Sato Yukihiko , Saito Yuri , Yagishita Shigehiro , Uchida Hitoshi , Watakabe Yuki , Naitou Kiyotada , Yanai Rin , Sahara Naruhiko , Takagi Satoshi , Katayama Ryohei , Iwata Yusuke , Shiokawa Toshiro , Hayakawa Yoku , Otsuka Kensuke , Watanabe-Takano Haruko , Haneda Yuka , Fukuhara Shigetomo , Fujiwara Miku , Nii Takenobu , Meno Chikara , Takeshita Naoki , Yashiro Kenta , Rosales Rocabado Juan Marcelo , Kaku Masaru , Yamada Tatsuya , Oishi Yumiko , Koike Hiroyuki , Cheng Yinglan , Sekine Keisuke , Koga Jun-ichiro , Sugiyama Kaori , Kimura Kenichi , Karube Fuyuki , Kim Hyeree , Manabe Ichiro , Nemoto Tomomi , Tainaka Kazuki , Hamada Akinobu , Brismar Hjalmar , Susaki Etsuo A.
Published: June 2024

Despite widespread adoption of tissue clearing techniques in recent years, poor access to suitable light-sheet fluorescence microscopes remains a major obstacle for biomedical end-users. Here, we present descSPIM (desktop-equipped SPIM for cleared specimens), a low-cost ($20,000–50,000), low-expertise (one-day installation by a non-expert), yet practical do-it-yourself light-sheet microscope as a solution for this bottleneck. Even the most fundamental configuration of descSPIM enables multi-color imaging of whole mouse brains and a cancer cell line-derived xenograft tumor mass for the visualization of neurocircuitry, assessment of drug distribution, and pathological examination by false-colored hematoxylin and eosin staining in a three-dimensional manner. Academically open-sourced (https://github.com/dbsb-juntendo/descSPIM), descSPIM allows routine three-dimensional imaging of cleared samples in minutes. Thus, the dissemination of descSPIM will accelerate biomedical discoveries driven by tissue clearing technologies.
Axial de-scanning using remote focusing in the detection arm of light-sheet microscopy
Authors: Dibaji Hassan , Kazemi Nasaban Shotorban Ali , Grattan Rachel M. , Lucero Shayna , Schodt David J. , Lidke Keith A. , Petruccelli Jonathan , Lidke Diane S. , Liu Sheng , Chakraborty Tonmoy
Published: June 2024

Rapid, high-resolution volumetric imaging without moving heavy objectives or disturbing delicate samples remains challenging. Pupil-matched remote focusing offers a promising solution for high NA systems, but the fluorescence signal’s incoherent and unpolarized nature complicates its application. Thus, remote focusing is mainly used in the illumination arm with polarized laser light to improve optical coupling. Here, we introduce a novel optical design that can de-scan the axial focus movement in the detection arm of a microscope. Our method splits the fluorescence signal into S and P-polarized light, lets them pass through the remote focusing module separately, and combines them with the camera. This allows us to use only one focusing element to perform aberration-free, multi-color, volumetric imaging without (a) compromising the fluorescent signal and (b) needing to perform sample/detection-objective translation. We demonstrate the capabilities of this scheme by acquiring fast dual-color 4D (3D space + time) image stacks with an axial range of 70 μm and camera-limited acquisition speed. Owing to its general nature, we believe this technique will find its application in many other microscopy techniques that currently use an adjustable Z-stage to carry out volumetric imaging, such as confocal, 2-photon, and light sheet variants.
Tau follows principal axes of functional and structural brain organization in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ottoy Julie , Kang Min Su , Tan Jazlynn Xiu Min , Boone Lyndon , Vos de Wael Reinder , Park Bo-yong , Bezgin Gleb , Lussier Firoza Z. , Pascoal Tharick A. , Rahmouni Nesrine , Stevenson Jenna , Fernandez Arias Jaime , Therriault Joseph , Hong Seok-Jun , Stefanovic Bojana , McLaurin JoAnne , Soucy Jean-Paul , Gauthier Serge , Bernhardt Boris C. , Black Sandra E. , Rosa-Neto Pedro , Goubran Maged
Published: June 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a brain network disorder where pathological proteins accumulate through networks and drive cognitive decline. Yet, the role of network connectivity in facilitating this accumulation remains unclear. Using in-vivo multimodal imaging, we show that the distribution of tau and reactive microglia in humans follows spatial patterns of connectivity variation, the so-called gradients of brain organization. Notably, less distinct connectivity patterns (“gradient contraction”) are associated with cognitive decline in regions with greater tau, suggesting an interaction between reduced network differentiation and tau on cognition. Furthermore, by modeling tau in subject-specific gradient space, we demonstrate that tau accumulation in the frontoparietal and temporo-occipital cortices is associated with greater baseline tau within their functionally and structurally connected hubs, respectively. Our work unveils a role for both functional and structural brain organization in pathology accumulation in AD, and supports subject-specific gradient space as a promising tool to map disease progression.
Twist piezoelectricity: giant electromechanical coupling in magic-angle twisted bilayer LiNbO3
Authors: Yao Hulin , Zheng Pengcheng , Zhang Shibin , Hu Chuanjie , Fang Xiaoli , Zhang Liping , Ling Dan , Chen Huanyang , Ou Xin
Published: June 2024

Twisted a pair of stacked two-dimensional materials exhibit many exotic electronic and photonic properties, leading to the emergence of flat-band superconductivity, moiré engineering and topological polaritons. These remarkable discoveries make twistronics the focus point of tremendous interest, but mostly limited to the concept of electrons, phonons or photons. Here, we present twist piezoelectricity as a fascinating paradigm to modulate polarization and electromechanical coupling by twisting precisely the stacked lithium niobate slabs due to the interlayer coupling effect. Particularly, the inversed and twisted bilayer lithium niobate is constructed to overcome the intrinsic mutual limitation of single crystals and giant effective electromechanical coupling coefficient$${k}_{t}^{2}$$kt2is unveiled at magic angle of$$111^\circ$$111∘, reaching 85.5%. Theoretical analysis based on mutual energy integrals shows well agreements with numerical and experimental results. Our work opens new venues to flexibly control multi-physics with magic angle, stimulating progress in wideband acoustic-electric, and acoustic-optic components, which has great potential in wireless communication, timing, sensing, and hybrid integrated photonics.
A bioinspired surface tension-driven route toward programmed cellular ceramics
Authors: Hong Ying , Liu Shiyuan , Yang Xiaodan , Hong Wang , Shan Yao , Wang Biao , Zhang Zhuomin , Yan Xiaodong , Lin Weikang , Li Xuemu , Peng Zehua , Xu Xiaote , Yang Zhengbao
Published: June 2024

The intriguing biomineralization process in nature endows the mineralized biological materials with intricate microarchitected structures in a facile and orderly way, which provides an inspiration for processing ceramics. Here, we propose a simple and efficient manufacturing process to fabricate cellular ceramics in programmed cell-based 3D configurations, inspired by the biomineralization process of the diatom frustule. Our approach separates the ingredient synthesis from architecture building, enabling the programmable manufacturing of cellular ceramics with various cell sizes, geometries, densities, metastructures, and constituent elements. Our approach exploits surface tension to capture precursor solutions in the architected cellular lattices, allowing us to control the liquid geometry and manufacture cellular ceramics with high precision. We investigate the geometry parameters for the architected lattices assembled by unit cells and unit columns, both theoretically and experimentally, to guide the 3D fluid interface creation in arranged configurations. We manufacture a series of globally cellular and locally compact piezoceramics, obtaining an enhanced piezoelectric constant and a designed piezoelectric anisotropy. This bioinspired, surface tension-assisted approach has the potential to revolutionize the design and processing of multifarious ceramic materials for structural and functional applications in energy, electronics and biomedicine.
Laboratory realization of relativistic pair-plasma beams
Authors: Arrowsmith C. D. , Simon P. , Bilbao P. J. , Bott A. F. A. , Burger S. , Chen H. , Cruz F. D. , Davenne T. , Efthymiopoulos I. , Froula D. H. , Goillot A. , Gudmundsson J. T. , Haberberger D. , Halliday J. W. D. , Hodge T. , Huffman B. T. , Iaquinta S. , Miniati F. , Reville B. , Sarkar S. , Schekochihin A. A. , Silva L. O. , Simpson R. , Stergiou V. , Trines R. M. G. M. , Vieu T. , Charitonidis N. , Bingham R. , Gregori G.
Published: June 2024

Relativistic electron-positron plasmas are ubiquitous in extreme astrophysical environments such as black-hole and neutron-star magnetospheres, where accretion-powered jets and pulsar winds are expected to be enriched with electron-positron pairs. Their role in the dynamics of such environments is in many cases believed to be fundamental, but their behavior differs significantly from typical electron-ion plasmas due to the matter-antimatter symmetry of the charged components. So far, our experimental inability to produce large yields of positrons in quasi-neutral beams has restricted the understanding of electron-positron pair plasmas to simple numerical and analytical studies, which are rather limited. We present the first experimental results confirming the generation of high-density, quasi-neutral, relativistic electron-positron pair beams using the 440 GeV/c beam at CERN’s Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) accelerator. Monte Carlo simulations agree well with the experimental data and show that the characteristic scales necessary for collective plasma behavior, such as the Debye length and the collisionless skin depth, are exceeded by the measured size of the produced pair beams. Our work opens up the possibility of directly probing the microphysics of pair plasmas beyond quasi-linear evolution into regimes that are challenging to simulate or measure via astronomical observations.
Gel-assisted mass spectrometry imaging enables sub-micrometer spatial lipidomics
Authors: Chan Yat Ho , Pathmasiri Koralege C. , Pierre-Jacques Dominick , Hibbard Maddison C. , Tao Nannan , Fischer Joshua L. , Yang Ethan , Cologna Stephanie M. , Gao Ruixuan
Published: June 2024

A technique capable of label-free detection, mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful tool for spatial investigation of native biomolecules in intact specimens. However, MSI has often been precluded from single-cell applications due to the spatial resolution limit set forth by the physical and instrumental constraints of the method. By taking advantage of the reversible interaction between the analytes and a superabsorbent hydrogel, we have developed a sample preparation and imaging workflow named Gel-Assisted Mass Spectrometry Imaging (GAMSI) to overcome the spatial resolution limits of modern mass spectrometers. With GAMSI, we show that the spatial resolution of MALDI-MSI can be enhanced ~3-6-fold to the sub-micrometer level without changing the existing mass spectrometry hardware or analysis pipeline. This approach will vastly enhance the accessibility of MSI-based spatial analysis at the cellular scale.
Variability of the Indian Ocean Dipole post-2100 reverses to a reduction despite persistent global warming
Authors: Wang Guojian , Cai Wenju , Santoso Agus
Published: June 2024

Previous examination of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) response to greenhouse warming shows increased variability in the eastern pole but decreased variability in the western pole before 2100. The opposing response is due to a shallowing equatorial thermocline promoting sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the east, but a more stable atmosphere decreasing variability in equatorial zonal winds that weakens SST variability in the west. Post-2100, how the IOD may change remains unknown. Here we show that IOD variability weakens post-2100 in majority of models under a long-term high emission scenario to 2300. Post-2100, the atmosphere stability increases further and persistent ocean warming arrests or even reverses the eastern Indian Ocean shallowing thermocline. These changes conspire to drive decreased variability in both poles, reducing amplitude of moderate, strong and early-maturing positive IOD events. Our result highlights a nonlinear response of the IOD to long-term greenhouse warming under the high emission scenario.