bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Das Recht und intersektionale Konflikte in globalen Produktionsnetzwerken
Authors: Vestena Carolina A. , Scheper Christian
Published: August 2024

Verstärkt durch die Folgen der Covid-19-Pandemie werden zunehmend intersektionale Dimensionen von Arbeitskonflikten in transnationalen Unternehmen und globalen Produktionsnetzwerken (GPN) diskutiert. Wir betonen in unserem Beitrag, dass Gewalt und intersektionale Ungleichheit in der Ausbeutung von Arbeit im transnationalen Kontext keine Ausnahmen darstellen, sondern vielmehr die GPN strukturell prägen. Konflikte und Gewalt entfalten sich in der hierarchischen globalen Arbeitsteilung entlang mehrdimensionaler Diskriminierungsmerkmale. Während wir mit diesem Befund an bestehende GPN-Analysen anschließen, schlagen wir eine zusätzliche Erklärung für die Persistenz intersektionaler Gewalt vor: neben strukturellen Logiken der Kapitalakkumulation spielt auch das Recht eine wesentliche Rolle. Ausgehend von einer Vignette über die Arbeitsbedingungen in der globalen Kaffeeproduktion in Brasilien analysieren wir die Verflechtung mehrerer Konfliktdimensionen in GPN und schlagen eine Unterscheidung zwischen zwei Prozessen der Rechtsmobilisierung vor, um die rechtliche Dimension dieser Konflikte nachvollziehen zu können: Rechtliche Landnahme und Rechtskämpfe. Unser Beitrag zur Forschung besteht damit in der Identifikation sowohl der Machtverbundenheit als auch des stets konflikthaften Charakters des Rechts in GPN. Darüber hinaus möchten wir im Dialog mit der Friedens- und Konfliktforschung dazu beitragen, das Spannungsfeld zwischen intersektionalen Konflikten, transnationalen Unternehmen und dem Recht in GPN zu konzeptualisieren.
Reductive amination of bio-platform molecules to nitrogen-containing chemicals
Authors: Yan Longfei , Wang Guoyu , Xiang Dongsheng , Zhang Yu , Deng Weiping
Published: August 2024

Catalytic transformation of renewable biomass into value-added chemicals is an appealing strategy to upgrade biomass resources. Due to the presence of abundant oxygen-containing groups such as hydroxyl and aldehyde, biomass and its derived platform molecules have been served as ideal starting feedstock to synthesize valuable N-containing chemicals through reductive amination. In this mini review, we overviewed the recent advances in the reductive amination of several key bio-platform molecules including hydroxyl carboxylic acids, furfural, 5-hydroxylmethyl furfural and levulinic acid, with a focus on the production of amino acids, furan amines and pyrrolidones using thermocatalysis, electrocatalysis or photocatalysis. Moreover, the functions of active sites and the reaction mechanisms in different catalytic systems are discussed to get insights into the key factors in the reductive amination of biomass resources.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid interactions with phytohormones and its role in modulating abiotic and biotic stress in plants
Authors: Islam Syed Nazar ul , Kouser Shaista , Hassan Parveena , Asgher Mohd , Shah Ali Asghar , Khan Nafees A.
Published: August 2024

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a ubiquitous non-protein 4-carbon amino acid present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. It is conventionally recognized as a neurotransmitter in mammals and plays a crucial role in plants. The context of this review centers on the impact of GABA in mitigating abiotic stresses induced by climate change, such as drought, salinity, heat, and heavy metal exposure. Beyond its neurotransmitter role, GABA emerges as a key player in diverse metabolic processes, safeguarding plants against multifaceted abiotic as well as biotic challenges. This comprehensive exploration delves into the GABA biosynthetic pathway, its transport mechanisms, and its intricate interplay with various abiotic stresses. The discussion extends to the nuanced relationship between GABA and phytohormones during abiotic stress acclimation, offering insights into the strategic development of mitigation strategies against these stresses. The delineation of GABA's crosstalk with phytohormones underscores its pivotal role in formulating crucial strategies for abiotic stress alleviation in plants.
Numerical validation of scaling laws for stratified turbulence
Authors: Garaud Pascale , Chini Gregory P. , Cope Laura , Shah Kasturi , Caulfield Colm-cille P.
Published: August 2024

Recent theoretical progress using multiscale asymptotic analysis has revealed various possible regimes of stratified turbulence. Notably, buoyancy transport can either be dominated by advection or diffusion, depending on the effective Péclet number of the flow. Two types of asymptotic models have been proposed, which yield measurably different predictions for the characteristic vertical velocity and length scale of the turbulent eddies in both diffusive and non-diffusive regimes. The first, termed a ‘single-scale model’, is designed to describe flow structures having large horizontal and small vertical scales, while the second, termed a ‘multiscale model’, additionally incorporates flow features with small horizontal scales, and reduces to the single-scale model in their absence. By comparing predicted vertical velocity scaling laws with direct numerical simulation data, we show that the multiscale model correctly captures the properties of strongly stratified turbulence within regions dominated by small-scale isotropic motions, whose volume fraction decreases as the stratification increases. Meanwhile its single-scale reduction accurately describes the more orderly, layer-like, quiescent flow outside those regions.
The Meanings of Home: The Case of the Vinan Refugee Families and the 1923 Greek-Turkish Population Exchange
Authors: Shahollari Lediona
Published: August 2024

With drastic changes in borders and regimes in the post-World War I period, what meaning did home have for those on the ground? How can we understand different conceptualizations of “home” and “homeland”? The 1923 Greek-Turkish population exchange enshrined a notion of “unmixing” that rested on a presumed overlap between religion and ethnicity: Orthodox Christians in Anatolia would be deported to Greece and Greek Muslim nationals would be deported to Turkey. The reduction of identity left other communities that necessarily did not understand themselves as “Turks” or “Greeks” vulnerable to deportation. This article examines the case of an Albanian-speaking Muslim village in Greece, Vinan (Vineni), and the people from there who were deported to Turkey as part of the exchange process. This case illuminates the ways refugees navigated consulates and new national regimes in an attempt to return to their original village. New migration pathways and concepts of home and homeland were negotiated through the process with and for the refugees. This article takes the 1923 Greek-Turkish population exchange as an ongoing process of forging new migration pathways and conceptions of home, as opposed to understanding the 1923 Greek-Turkish population exchange as a singular event.
Quantification of Climate Footprints of Vibrio vulnificus in Coastal Human Communities of the United States Gulf Coast
Authors: Jamal Yusuf , Usmani Moiz , Brumfield Kyle D. , Singh Komalpreet , Huq Anwar , Nguyen Thanh Huong , Colwell Rita , Jutla Antarpreet
Published: August 2024

The incidence of vibriosis is rising globally with evidence of climate variability influencing environmental processes that support growth of pathogenic Vibrio spp. The waterborne pathogen, Vibrio vulnificus can invade wounds and has one of the highest case fatality rates in humans. The bacterium cannot be eradicated from the aquatic environment, hence climate driven environmental conditions enhancing growth and dissemination of V. vulnificus need to be understood to provide preemptive assessment of its presence and distribution in aquatic systems. To achieve this objective, satellite remote sensing was employed to quantify the association of sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll‐a (chl‐a) in locations with reported V. vulnificus infections. Monthly analysis was done in two populated regions of the Gulf of Mexico—Tampa Bay, Florida, and Galveston Bay, Texas. Results indicate warm water, characterized by a 2‐month lag in SST, high concentration of phytoplankton, proxied for zooplankton using 1 month lagged chl‐a values, was statistically linked to higher odds of V. vulnificus infection in the human population. Identification of climate and ecological processes thresholds is concluded to be useful for development of an heuristic prediction system designed to determine risk of infection for coastal populations.
Evaluating Auroral Forecasts Against Satellite Observations Under Different Levels of Geomagnetic Activity
Authors: Mooney M. K. , Forsyth C. , Marsh M. S. , Bradley L. , Finnigan T. , Forde F. , Garrigan F. , Mancini‐Tuffier C. , Mancini‐Tuffier T. , Roberts E. , Vessoni P. , Powell J. , Clark S. , Lao C. J. , Smith A. , Jackson D. R. , Bingham S. , Sharpe M. , Hughes T. , Chisham G. , Milan S.
Published: August 2024

The aurora and associated high energy particles and currents pose a space weather hazard to communication networks and ground‐based infrastructure. Forecasting the location of the auroral oval forms an integral component of daily space weather operations. We evaluate a version of the OVATION‐Prime 2013 auroral forecast model that was implemented for operational use at the UK Met Office Space Weather Operations Cent. Building on our earlier studies, we evaluate the ability of the OVATION‐Prime 2013 model to predict the location of the auroral oval in all latitude and local time sectors under different levels of geomagnetic activity, defined by Kp. We compare the model predictions against auroral boundaries determined from IMAGE FUV data. Our analysis shows that the model performs well at predicting the equatorward extent of the auroral oval, particularly as the equatorward auroral boundary expands to lower latitudes for increasing Kp levels. The model performance is reduced in the high latitude region near the poleward auroral boundary, particularly in the nightside sectors where the model does not accurately capture the expansion and contraction of the polar cap as the open flux content of the magnetosphere changes. For increasing levels of geomagnetic activity (Kp ≥ 3), the performance of the model decreases, with the poleward edge of the auroral oval typically observed at lower latitudes than forecast. As such, the forecast poleward edge of the auroral oval is less reliable during more active and hazardous intervals.
Characterization and Evolution of Seismic Sequences in the Normal Fault Environment of the Southern Apennines
Authors: Scotto di Uccio Francesco , Michele Maddalena , Strumia Claudio , Supino Mariano , Beroza Gregory C. , Chiaraluce Lauro , D’Agostino Nicola , Festa Gaetano
Published: August 2024

The use of seismic catalogs enhanced through advanced detection techniques improves the understanding of earthquake processes by illuminating the geometry and mechanics of fault systems. In this study, we performed accurate hypocentral locations, source parameters estimation and stress release modeling from catalogs of microseismic sequences nucleating in the complex normal fault system of the Southern Apennines (Italy). The application of advanced location techniques resulted in the relocation of ∼30% of the earthquakes in the enhanced catalogs, with hypocenters clearly identifying local patches on kilometer‐scale structures that feature consistent orientation with the main faults of the area. When mapping the stress change on the fault plane, the inter‐event distance compared to the size of the events suggests that the dominant triggering mechanism within the sequences is static stress transfer. The distribution of events is not isotropic but dominantly aligned along the dip direction. These slip‐dominated lineations could be associated with striations related to fault roughness and could map the boundary between locked and creeping domains in Apulian platform and basement.
Haplotype analysis identifies functional elements in monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance
Authors: Thomsen Hauke , Chattopadhyay Subhayan , Weinhold Niels , Vodicka Pavel , Vodickova Ludmila , Hoffmann Per , Nöthen Markus M. , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Schmidt Börge , Hajek Roman , Hallmans Göran , Pettersson-Kymmer Ulrika , Späth Florentin , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Hemminki Kari , Försti Asta
Published: August 2024

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) based on common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have identified several loci associated with the risk of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS), a precursor condition for multiple myeloma (MM). We hypothesized that analyzing haplotypes might be more useful than analyzing individual SNPs, as it could identify functional chromosomal units that collectively contribute to MGUS risk. To test this hypothesis, we used data from our previous GWAS on 992 MGUS cases and 2910 controls from three European populations. We identified 23 haplotypes that were associated with the risk of MGUS at the genome-wide significance level (p < 5 × 10−8) and showed consistent results among all three populations. In 10 genomic regions, strong promoter, enhancer and regulatory element-related histone marks and their connections to target genes as well as genome segmentation data supported the importance of these regions in MGUS susceptibility. Several associated haplotypes affected pathways important for MM cell survival such as ubiquitin-proteasome system (RNF186, OTUD3), PI3K/AKT/mTOR (HINT3), innate immunity (SEC14L1, ZBP1), cell death regulation (BID) and NOTCH signaling (RBPJ). These pathways are important current therapeutic targets for MM, which may highlight the advantage of the haplotype approach homing to functional units.
Coactivator-independent vitamin D receptor signaling causes severe rickets in mice, that is not prevented by a diet high in calcium, phosphate, and lactose
Authors: Doms Stefanie , Verlinden Lieve , Janssens Iris , Vanhevel Justine , Eerlings Roy , Houtman René , Kato Shigeaki , Mathieu Chantal , Decallonne Brigitte , Carmeliet Geert , Verstuyf Annemieke
Published: August 2024

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays a critical role in the regulation of mineral and bone homeostasis. Upon binding of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to the VDR, the activation function 2 (AF2) domain repositions and recruits coactivators for the assembly of the transcriptional machinery required for gene transcription. In contrast to coactivator-induced transcriptional activation, the functional effects of coactivator-independent VDR signaling remain unclear. In humans, mutations in the AF2 domain are associated with hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets, a genetic disorder characterized by impaired bone mineralization and growth. In the present study, we used mice with a systemic or conditional deletion of the VDR-AF2 domain (VdrΔAF2) to study coactivator-independent VDR signaling. We confirm that ligand-induced transcriptional activation was disabled because the mutant VDRΔAF2 protein was unable to interact with coactivators. Systemic VdrΔAF2 mice developed short, undermineralized bones with dysmorphic growth plates, a bone phenotype that was more pronounced than that of systemic Vdr knockout (Vdr−/−) mice. Interestingly, a rescue diet that is high in calcium, phosphate, and lactose, normalized this phenotype in Vdr−/−, but not in VdrΔAF2 mice. However, osteoblast- and osteoclast-specific VdrΔAF2 mice did not recapitulate this bone phenotype indicating coactivator-independent VDR effects are more important in other organs. In addition, RNA-sequencing analysis of duodenum and kidney revealed a decreased expression of VDR target genes in systemic VdrΔAF2 mice, which was not observed in Vdr−/− mice. These genes could provide new insights in the compensatory (re)absorption of minerals that are crucial for bone homeostasis. In summary, coactivator-independent VDR effects contribute to mineral and bone homeostasis.
Postsynaptic lncRNA Sera/Pkm2 pathway orchestrates the transition from social competition to rank by remodeling the neural ensemble in mPFC
Authors: Zhu Ling-Shuang , Lai Chuan , Zhou Chao-Wen , Chen Hui-Yang , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Guo Ziyuan , Man Hengye , Du Hui-Yun , Lu Youming , Hu Feng , Chen Zhiye , Shu Kai , Zhu Ling-Qiang , Liu Dan
Published: August 2024

Individuals’ continuous success in competitive interactions with conspecifics strongly affects their social hierarchy. Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is the key brain region mediating both social competition and hierarchy. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying the neural ensemble in the mPFC remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that in excitatory neurons of prelimbic cortex (PL), lncRNA Sera remodels the utilization of Pkm Exon9 and Exon10, resulting in a decrease in the Pkm1/2 ratio in highly competitive mice. By employing a tet-on/off system, we disrupt or rebuild the normal Pkm1/2 ratio by controlling the expression of Pkm2 in PL excitatory neurons. We find that long-term Pkm2 modulation induces timely competition alteration and hysteretic rank change, through phosphorylating the Ser845 site of GluA1. Together, this study uncovers a crucial role of lncRNA Sera/Pkm2 pathway in the transition of social competition to rank by remodeling neural ensemble in mPFC.
Assessing flash flood erosion following storm Daniel in Libya
Authors: Normand Jonathan C. L. , Heggy Essam
Published: August 2024

The eastern Mediterranean basin is witnessing increased storm activity impacting populous urban coastal areas that historically were not prone to catastrophic flooding. In the fall of 2023, Storm Daniel struck the eastern coast of Libya, causing unprecedented flash floods with a tragic death toll and large-scale infrastructure damages. We use Sentinel-1A C-band SAR images to characterize the resulting flash flood erosion and sediment load dynamics across the watersheds and to map damages within coastal cities at their outlets. Our results suggest that sediment loading, resulting from surface erosion, increased the density of turbid streams. The above exacerbated the catastrophic impact of the flash floods in the coastal cities of Derna and Susah, where 66% and 48% of their respective urban surface have experienced moderate-to-high damages. Our findings highlight the increased vulnerability of coastal watersheds in arid areas within the eastern Mediterranean basin due to the forecasted increase in hydroclimatic extremes and call for a transformative coastal management approach to urgently implement nature-based solutions and land-use changes to mitigate these rising risks.
Electrically activated ferroelectric nematic microrobots
Authors: Máthé Marcell Tibor , Nishikawa Hiroya , Araoka Fumito , Jákli Antal , Salamon Péter
Published: August 2024

Ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals are fluids exhibiting spontaneous electric polarization, which is coupled to their long range orientational order. Due to their inherent property of making bound and surface charges, the free surface of ferroelectric nematics becomes unstable in electric fields. Here we show that ferroelectric liquid bridges between two electrode plates undergo distinct interfacial instabilities. In a specific range of frequency and voltage, the ferroelectric fluid bridges move as active interacting particles resembling living organisms like swarming insects, microbes or microrobots. The motion is accompanied by sound emission, as a consequence of piezoelectricity and electrostriction. Statistical analysis of the active particles reveals that the movement can be controlled by the applied voltage, which implies the possible application of the system in new types of microfluidic devices.
Host-pathogen interactions in the Plasmodium-infected mouse liver at spatial and single-cell resolution
Authors: Hildebrandt Franziska , Iturritza Miren Urrutia , Zwicker Christian , Vanneste Bavo , Van Hul Noémi , Semle Elisa , Quin Jaclyn , Pascini Tales , Saarenpää Sami , He Mengxiao , Andersson Emma R. , Scott Charlotte L. , Vega-Rodriguez Joel , Lundeberg Joakim , Ankarklev Johan
Published: August 2024

Upon infecting its vertebrate host, the malaria parasite initially invades the liver where it undergoes massive replication, whilst remaining clinically silent. The coordination of host responses across the complex liver tissue during malaria infection remains unexplored. Here, we perform spatial transcriptomics in combination with single-nuclei RNA sequencing over multiple time points to delineate host-pathogen interactions across Plasmodium berghei-infected liver tissues. Our data reveals significant changes in spatial gene expression in the malaria-infected tissues. These include changes related to lipid metabolism in the proximity to sites of Plasmodium infection, distinct inflammation programs between lobular zones, and regions with enrichment of different inflammatory cells, which we term ‘inflammatory hotspots’. We also observe significant upregulation of genes involved in inflammation in the control liver tissues of mice injected with mosquito salivary gland components. However, this response is considerably delayed compared to that observed in P. berghei-infected mice. Our study establishes a benchmark for investigating transcriptome changes during host-parasite interactions in tissues, it provides informative insights regarding in vivo study design linked to infection and offers a useful tool for the discovery and validation of de novo intervention strategies aimed at malaria liver stage infection.
Alternative splicing regulation in plants by SP7-like effectors from symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Betz Ruben , Heidt Sven , Figueira-Galán David , Hartmann Meike , Langner Thorsten , Requena Natalia
Published: August 2024

Most plants in natural ecosystems associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to survive soil nutrient limitations. To engage in symbiosis, AM fungi secrete effector molecules that, similar to pathogenic effectors, reprogram plant cells. Here we show that the Glomeromycotina-specific SP7 effector family impacts on the alternative splicing program of their hosts. SP7-like effectors localize at nuclear condensates and interact with the plant mRNA processing machinery, most prominently with the splicing factor SR45 and the core splicing proteins U1-70K and U2AF35. Ectopic expression of these effectors in the crop plant potato and in Arabidopsis induced developmental changes that paralleled to the alternative splicing modulation of a specific subset of genes. We propose that SP7-like proteins act as negative regulators of SR45 to modulate the fate of specific mRNAs in arbuscule-containing cells. Unraveling the communication mechanisms between symbiotic fungi and their host plants will help to identify targets to improve plant nutrition.
Unraveling magneto-elastoresistance in the Dirac nodal-line semi-metal ZrSiSe
Authors: Linnartz J. F. , Kool A. , Lorenz J. P. , Müller C. S. A. , van Delft M. R. , Singha R. , Schoop L. M. , Hussey N. E. , de Visser A. , Wiedmann S.
Published: August 2024

Quantum materials are often characterized by a marked sensitivity to minute changes in their physical environment, a property that can lead to new functionalities and thereby, to novel applications. One such key property is the magneto-elastoresistance (MER), the change in magnetoresistance (MR) of a metal induced by uniaxial strain. Understanding and modeling this response can prove challenging, particularly in systems with complex Fermi surfaces. Here, we present a thorough analysis of the MER in the nearly compensated Dirac nodal-line semi-metal ZrSiSe. Small amounts of strain (0.27%) lead to large changes (7%) in the MR. Subsequent analysis reveals that the MER response is driven primarily by a change in transport mobility that varies linearly with the applied strain. This study showcases how the effect of strain tuning on the electrical properties can be both qualitatively and quantitatively understood. A complementary Shubnikov-de Haas oscillation study sheds light on the root of this change in quantum mobility. Moreover, we unambiguously show that the Fermi surface consists of distinct electron and hole pockets revealed in quantum oscillation measurements originating from magnetic breakdown.
Technology and provenience of the oldest pottery in the northern Pannonian Basin indicates its affiliation to hunter-gatherers
Authors: Petřík Jan , Slavíček Karel , Adameková Katarína , Jaques Victory A. J. , Košťál Martin , Tóth Peter , Petr Libor , Všianský Dalibor , Zikmund Tomas , Kaiser Jozef , Bátora Jozef , Bickle Penny
Published: August 2024

Consensus holds that pottery technology came to Central Europe from the Northern Balkans with independent pottery traditions existing concurrently in Eastern Europe. An unusual grass-tempered pottery dating back to around 5800 cal BC found in lake sediments at Santovka, Slovakia, predated the earliest known Neolithic pottery in the region (~ 5500 cal BC), suggesting unexplored narratives of pottery introduction. Analyses of the pottery’s technology, origin, and grass temper shedding light on ceramic traditions' spread can unveil mobility patterns and community lifestyles. Our findings indicate a non-local provenance, low temperature firing, Festuca sp. grass temper and unique rectangular or cylindrical vessel shapes which align with Eastern European hunter-gatherer practices. Moreover, the pottery style and technology have no analogies in the contemporary Danubian pottery traditions and have more similarities to those of the Eastern traditions. The pottery's raw materials likely originated from distant areas, indicating extensive territorial access for its creators. Our findings imply late Mesolithic hunter-gatherers as the probable artisans and with implications for the site's significance in the late Mesolithic landscape.
A cognitive approach to better understand foraging strategies of the adult domestic hen
Authors: Degrande R. , Cornilleau F. , Jardat P. , Ferreira V. H. B. , Lansade L. , Calandreau L.
Published: August 2024

Foraging is known to be one of the most important activities in the behavioral budget of chickens. However, how these animals adapt different foraging strategies to diverse environmental variations is currently poorly understood. To gain further insight into this matter, in the present study, hens were submitted to the sloped-tubes task. In this task, the experimenter can manipulate the information that enables the hens to find a food reward (visible or not), placed in one of two hollow tubes. First, 12 hens were tested under free-choice conditions (no penalty for exhaustive searching in both tubes). Under these conditions, the hens adopted a non-random, side-biased strategy when the food location was not directly visible. Then, we divided the hens in two cohorts of equal size to study deeper the hens’ foraging strategy when faced (1) with a different container, or (2) with a restrictive environmental constraint under forced-choice conditions (no food reward if the unbaited tube is visited first). This latter constraint increased the risk of the hen not receiving food. A change in the containers didn’t modify the search behavior of the hens. However, in forced-choice conditions when the location of the food was not directly visible, four out of six hens learned to choose by exclusion. We conclude that hens can selectively adapt their foraging strategy to the point of adopting an exclusion performance, depending on available information and environmental constraints (high or low risk).
Wireless high-resolution surface facial electromyography mask for discrimination of standardized facial expressions in healthy adults
Authors: Funk Paul F. , Levit Bara , Bar-Haim Chen , Ben-Dov Dvir , Volk Gerd Fabian , Grassme Roland , Anders Christoph , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Hanein Yael
Published: August 2024

Wired high resolution surface electromyography (sEMG) using gelled electrodes is a standard method for psycho-physiological, neurological and medical research. Despite its widespread use electrode placement is elaborative, time-consuming, and the overall experimental setting is prone to mechanical artifacts and thus offers little flexibility. Wireless and easy-to-apply technologies would facilitate more accessible examination in a realistic setting. To address this, a novel smart skin technology consisting of wireless dry 16-electrodes was tested. The soft electrode arrays were attached to the right hemiface of 37 healthy adult participants (60% female; 20 to 57 years). The participants performed three runs of a standard set of different facial expression exercises. Linear mixed-effects models utilizing the sEMG amplitudes as outcome measure were used to evaluate differences between the facial movement tasks and runs (separately for every task). The smart electrodes showed specific activation patterns for each of the exercises. 82% of the exercises could be differentiated from each other with very high precision when using the average muscle action of all electrodes. The effects were consistent during the 3 runs. Thus, it appears that wireless high-resolution sEMG analysis with smart skin technology successfully discriminates standard facial expressions in research and clinical settings.
Nanoscale synchrotron x-ray analysis of intranuclear iron in melanised neurons of Parkinson’s substantia nigra
Authors: Brooks Jake , Everett James , Hill Emily , Billimoria Kharmen , Morris Christopher M. , Sadler Peter J. , Telling Neil , Collingwood Joanna F.
Published: August 2024

Neuromelanin-pigmented neurons of the substantia nigra are selectively lost during the progression of Parkinson’s disease. These neurons accumulate iron in the disease state, and iron-mediated neuron damage is implicated in cell death. Animal models of Parkinson’s have evidenced iron loading inside the nucleoli of nigral neurons, however the nature of intranuclear iron deposition in the melanised neurons of the human substantia nigra is not understood. Here, scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM) is used to probe iron foci in relation to the surrounding ultrastructure in melanised neurons of human substantia nigra from a confirmed Parkinson’s case. In addition to the expected neuromelanin-bound iron, iron deposits are also associated with the edge of the cell nucleolus. Speciation analysis confirms these deposits to be ferric (Fe3+) iron. The function of intranuclear iron in these cells remains unresolved, although both damaging and protective mechanisms are considered. This finding shows that STXM is a powerful label-free tool for the in situ, nanoscale chemical characterisation of both organic and inorganic intracellular components. Future applications are likely to shed new light on incompletely understood biochemical mechanisms, such as metal dysregulation and morphological changes to cell nucleoli, that are important in understanding the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s.
Overcoming challenges measuring SDG 12 progress using national registers to track chemicals in waste
Authors: Berthiaume Alicia
Published: August 2024

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12 contains ambitions to reduce human and ecological harm from chemicals, including those in waste, but current official indicators (measurable parameters used to evaluate sustainable development conditions) do not measure variables relevant to these goals, such as impact to humans or the environment from chemicals. Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers from around the world comprise rich datasets on chemicals in industrial waste that can and should be used to measure progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 12. However, translation of these data to inform evaluation of the subsequent human and ecological impacts is impeded by gaps in assessment models. Here, data from Canada’s Pollutant Release and Transfer Register – the National Pollutant Release Inventory is used in a case study to offer perspectives on future directions to fill these gaps. The use of such Pollution Release and Transfer Registers will substantially advance the ability to quantify progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal 12 aims of sound management of chemicals in waste and, importantly, human health and ecological harm reduction.
Retrospective evaluation of plasma protein tumour markers for early lung cancer detection
Authors: Davies Michael Peter Alan , Kolamunnage-Dona Ruwanthi , Phillips Suzannah , Lambert Angela , Tate Stephanie , Field John Kirkpatrick
Published: August 2024

Background

Blood-based biomarkers might help lung cancer diagnosis. A panel of serum tumour markers (TM) has been validated for hospital referrals due to clinical suspicion of lung cancer. We have compared plasma from a cohort enriched for early-stage lung cancer, including controls from a healthy population cohort.

Methods

TM assays for CEA, CYFRA 21-1, CA15.3, ProGRP and SCC were run on a Roche Elecsys 2010 Immunoassay Analyser for a retrospective, nested case-control cohort from the Liverpool Lung Project. The primary endpoints were the sensitivity and specificity of a pre-defined TM panel using published thresholds.

Results

Except for ProGRP, TM levels were significantly higher in cases and ROC AUC values demonstrated significant discriminant power. Accuracy and levels were higher for late-stage cancers, except for ProGRP which was highest in stage 1 cancers. Although providing similar sensitivity (82.4% vs 88.5%), TMs performed worse for specificity (39.3% vs 82%) and overall (Youden’s Index 0.22 vs 0.77) and this was not improved by threshold optimisation or binary logistic regression.

Conclusions

Although the TMs were associated with lung cancer status and discriminatory with a high sensitivity when combined, performance was compromised in early-stage disease, which casts some doubt on utility in the screening setting.
Ultra-sensitive molecular residual disease detection through whole genome sequencing with single-read error correction
Authors: Li Xinxing , Liu Tao , Bacchiocchi Antonella , Li Mengxing , Cheng Wen , Wittkop Tobias , Mendez Fernando L , Wang Yingyu , Tang Paul , Yao Qianqian , Bosenberg Marcus W , Sznol Mario , Yan Qin , Faham Malek , Weng Li , Halaban Ruth , Jin Hai , Hu Zhiqian
Published: August 2024

While whole genome sequencing (WGS) of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) holds enormous promise for detection of molecular residual disease (MRD), its performance is limited by WGS error rate. Here we introduce AccuScan, an efficient cfDNA WGS technology that enables genome-wide error correction at single read-level, achieving an error rate of 4.2 × 10−7, which is about two orders of magnitude lower than a read-centric de-noising method. The application of AccuScan to MRD demonstrated analytical sensitivity down to 10−6 circulating variant allele frequency at 99% sample-level specificity. AccuScan showed 90% landmark sensitivity (within 6 weeks after surgery) and 100% specificity for predicting relapse in colorectal cancer. It also showed 67% sensitivity and 100% specificity in esophageal cancer using samples collected within one week after surgery. When AccuScan was applied to monitor immunotherapy in melanoma patients, the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels and dynamic profiles were consistent with clinical outcomes. Overall, AccuScan provides a highly accurate WGS solution for MRD detection, empowering ctDNA detection at parts per million range without requiring high sample input or personalized reagents.
Development of a mix-and-read assay for human asprosin using antibody–oligonucleotide probes and thermofluorimetric analysis
Authors: Hu Juan , Easley Christopher J.
Published: August 2024

A custom thermofluorimetric analysis (TFA) method was developed for asprosin, a recently discovered adipokine hormone. The assay workflow was accomplished in less than 1 hour, and it was validated with human serum samples.
Zn-MOF@rGO nanocomposite: a versatile tool for highly selective and sensitive detection of Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions in water
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Kumar Kuldeep , Kaur Kirtanjot , Arya Kushal , Mehta Surinder Kumar , Singh Surinder , Kataria Ramesh
Published: August 2024

In this work, a hybrid nanocomposite material (PUC2@rGO) was prepared by integrating our previously developed Zn-MOF (PUC2) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through the wet impregnation method.
Immunoaffinity-free chromatographic purification of ovarian cancer biomarker CA125 (MUC16) from blood serum enables mass spectrometry characterization
Authors: Schuster-Little Naviya , Sokolovsky Andrew D. , Gentry Ashten , Saraf Anita , Etzel Mark R. , Patankar Manish S. , Whelan Rebecca J.
Published: August 2024

The enrichment of trace proteins from human fluid samples is of great importance in diverse clinical and industrial applications.
Cu-MOFs@AuPtNPs nanozyme-based immunosorbent assay for colorimetric detection of alpha-fetoprotein
Authors: Tang Sitian , Cai Juan , Zhou Kai , Mei Zhu , Huang Dongmei , Liu Ling , Yang Lunyu , Yin Dan , Hu Liyi
Published: August 2024

A novel MeLISA based on Cu-MOFs@AuPtNPs for ultrasensitive detection of AFP provides a distinct colorimetric result, which was differentiated by the naked eye.
Advances in implants and bone graft types for lumbar spinal fusion surgery
Authors: Cheers Giles Michael , Weimer Lucas Philipp , Neuerburg Carl , Arnholdt Jörg , Gilbert Fabian , Thorwächter Christoph , Holzapfel Boris Michael , Mayer-Wagner Susanne , Laubach Markus
Published: August 2024

Key aspects of an ideal lumbar interbody cage design include stability, porosity, pore size, and surface topography, all achieved through specific material choices and geometry to mimic native bone and enhance biological integration.
Cyclic and acyclic acetals as safe, nonaqueous formaldehyde equivalents for the synthesis of pillararenes
Authors: Machireddy Babitha , He Maggie
Published: August 2024

Pillar[5]arenes were synthesized using cyclic and acyclic acetals as safer and easier to handle alternatives to paraformaldehyde.
Stabilizing zinc anodes via engineering the active sites and pore structure of functional composite layers
Authors: Li Kun , Chen Jiahao , Xu Wang , Yan Zhongfu , Yang Borui , Li Ting , He Miao , Liu Jing , Hu Anjun , Long Jianping
Published: August 2024

A functional composite layer was constructed on the surface of zinc anodes to mitigate the interface disturbance behaviors, resulting in a prolonged cycling stability of zinc anodes.
Equilibrium and non-equilibrium lattice structure, ferrimagnetic spin order and electrical conductivity at high-temperature regime of single-phased and bi-phased Co-rich spinel ferrites
Authors: Bhowmik Rabindra Nath , Sahoo Vimal Narayan , Babu Peram Delli , Sinha Anil K. , Bhisikar Abhay
Published: August 2024

This work investigates the role of stable (sing-phased) and unstable (bi-phased) lattice structures in controlling the magnetic spin order and electronic properties in Co-rich ferrites of compositions Co1.25Fe1.75O4 and Co2.25Fe0.75O4.
Mechanistic insights into CO2 hydrogenation to methanol on Cu(110): unveiling energy linear relationships and enhancing performance strategies
Authors: Qin Huang , Zhang Hai , Wang Xingzi , Fan Weidong
Published: August 2024

The study of energy correlations in catalytic reactions plays a pivotal role in guiding catalyst development.
Weyl semimetal/dielectric/Weyl semimetal stack for highly circularly polarized thermal radiation
Authors: Cui Xin , Fang Qi , Qian Liming , Zheng Gaige
Published: August 2024

The performance of the proposed chiral absorber with varying structural parameters and incidence angles was studied.
Strong effect-correlated electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Tang Yu-Feng , Liu Lin-Bo , Yu Mulin , Liu Shuo , Sui Peng-Fei , Sun Wei , Fu Xian-Zhu , Luo Jing-Li , Liu Subiao
Published: August 2024

This review presents a comparative discussion with respect to the effects strongly correlated with electrochemical CO2 reduction, including intrinsic effects of materials, structure-induced effects, electrolyte effects, and environment effects.
Small lectin ligands as a basis for applications in glycoscience and glycomedicine
Authors: Murphy Paul V. , Dhara Ashis , Fitzgerald Liam S. , Hever Eoin , Konda Saidulu , Mandal Kishan
Published: August 2024

Understanding lectin–ligand interaction inspires synthesis of glycomimetic and glycocluster ligands for applications.
Construction of visible light active CuS/MoS2 heterojunctions for heightened photoreduction of Cr(vi)
Authors: Ma Aijing , Tan Zaitian , Liu Wenjie , Li Xueqian , Wang Kaibo , Zhang Yiming , Jiao Xuan , Li Jiahao , Yang Yuanyuan , Fu Feiyan
Published: August 2024

The constructed CuS/MoS2 heterojunctions showed superior Cr(vi) photoreduction compared to pure CuS and MoS2.
Manipulating anion intercalation into layered double hydroxide for alkaline seawater oxidation at high current density
Authors: Wu Yuewen , Chen Mingpeng , Sun Huachuan , Na Guohao , Li Dequan , Wang Boxue , Chen Yun , Zhou Tong , Qiu Guoyang , Zhao Jianhong , Zhang Yumin , Zhang Jin , Liu Feng , Cui Hao , Liu Qingju
Published: August 2024

A convenient strategy to manipulate anion intercalation into layered double hydroxide is proposed for efficient alkaline seawater oxidation.
Digital chemistry: navigating the confluence of computation and experimentation – definition, status quo, and future perspective
Authors: Bräse Stefan
Published: August 2024

Digital chemistry represents a transformative approach integrating computational methods, digital data, and automation for chemical sciences. Digital toolkits were used to simulate, predict, accelerate, and analyze chemical processes and properties.
A noble nexus: a phosphino-phen ligand for tethering precious metals
Authors: Newman Paul D. , Platts James A. , Alrashidi Basheer , Pope Simon J. A. , Kariuki Benson M.
Published: August 2024

A ditopic ligand with disparate binding sites has been synthesised and utilised for the controlled formation of hetero-bimetallic complexes.
Method development and analysis of nanoparticle size fractions from tire-wear emissions
Authors: Haugen Molly , Bühler Philipp , Schläfle Stefan , O'Loughlin David , Saladin Siriel , Giorio Chiara , Boies Adam
Published: August 2024

A comparison of total particle online analysis to solid particles collected during a full drive cycle.
Air pollution (PM2.5) and its meteorology predictors in Kampala and Jinja cities, in Uganda
Authors: Alaran Aishat Jumoke , O'Sullivan Natasha , Tatah Lambed , Sserunjogi Richard , Okello Gabriel
Published: August 2024

This study contributes insights into the air quality challenges faced by two rapidly urbanising cities in Uganda and lays the groundwork for informed decision-making to protect public health and promote a sustainable environment.
Pea protein hydrolysate stimulates GLP-1 secretion in NCI-H716 cells via simultaneously activating the sensing receptors CaSR and PepT1
Authors: Zhang Mingkai , Zhu Ling , Zhang Hui , Wang Xingguo , Wu Gangcheng
Published: August 2024

PPH-induced GLP-1 secretion may involve CaSR and PepT1 activation accompanied by Ca2+ influx and cAMP generation, which effectively enhance the enzyme activity of prohormone convertase 1/3 (PCSK-1) and ultimately promote GLP-1 secretion.
Sulfonation metabolism in the gut microbiota is the main metabolic pathway of cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic mice
Authors: Yan Guangtao , Qin Zehui , Liu Aitong , Huang Ziwei , Wang Xinhong , Zhang Shanli , Xie Xiaolin , Huang Xiaoqi , Chen Jiannan , Li Yucui , Xie Qingfeng , Liu Yuhong , Su Ziren , Xie Jianhui
Published: August 2024

The interactions between dietary cholesterol and intestinal microbiota strongly affect host health.
Typical structural characteristics and hepatoprotective effects of novel high Fischer ratio oligopeptides from Antarctic krill on acute alcoholic liver injury
Authors: Sun Yan , Shen Huiru , Fan Chaozhong , Wang Cili , Fan Yan , Hao Li , Tian Qiaoji , Hou Hu
Published: August 2024

High Fischer ratio oligopeptides derived from Antarctic krill (HFOPs-AK) were screened, and their typical structure, separation and purification, hepatoprotective effects and potential mechanisms were investigated.
Effect of heat-treated flaxseed lignan macromolecules on the interfacial properties and physicochemical stability of α-linolenic acid-enriched O/W emulsions
Authors: Cheng Chen , Yu Xiao , Huang Fenghong , Wang Lei , Zhu Zhenzhou , Yang Jing , Chen Peng , Deng Qianchun
Published: August 2024

Flaxseed lignan macromolecules (FLMs) are important polyphenols present in flaxseeds with interfacial adsorption behavior.
Mechanochemical modification of cellulose nanocrystals by tosylation and nucleophilic substitution
Authors: Langerreiter Daniel , Attallah Nashwa L. , Schlapp-Hackl Inge , Kostiainen Mauri A. , Kaabel Sandra
Published: August 2024

A mechanochemical solvent-free method enables facile access to surface modified cellulose nanocrystals, through activation and versatile nucleophilic substitution.
Dielectrophoretic and electrochemical impedance mapping of metastatic potential in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells using inkjet-printed castellated microarray
Authors: Awad Mohamad Fawzi , Habli Zeina , Saleh Sahera , El-Sabban Marwan , Khraiche Massoud L.
Published: August 2024

A combined DEP-EIS (DEPIS) approach used for the electrical characterization and differentiation of cancer cells across various metastatic states, utilizing a fully inkjet-printed array.
‘Clickable’ polymeric coatings: from antibacterial surfaces to interfaces with cellular and biomolecular affinity
Authors: Degirmenci Aysun , Sanyal Rana , Sanyal Amitav
Published: August 2024

Functional polymeric interfaces for various biomedical applications can be obtained in a modular fashion using ‘click’-based transformations.
Design, characterization, and release profile of a cannabidiol (CBD)-rich polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel
Authors: Cui Shujun , Bahraminia Maryam , Rouabhia Mahmoud , Semlali Abdelhabib , Béland François , Zhang Ze
Published: August 2024

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been reported to have a plethora of therapeutic opportunities in many diseases.
Gas sensing properties of a Cu-doped PANI nanocomposite towards ammonia
Authors: Verma Arunima , Kumar Tanuj
Published: August 2024

Schematic diagram of PANI@Cu composite films for gas sensing using spin coating.
Leveraging volatile memristors in neuromorphic computing: from materials to system implementation
Authors: Moon Taehwan , Soh Keunho , Kim Jong Sung , Kim Ji Eun , Chun Suk Yeop , Cho Kyungjune , Yang J. Joshua , Yoon Jung Ho
Published: August 2024

This review explores various mechanisms enabling threshold switching in volatile memristors and introduces recent progress in the implementation of neuromorphic computing systems based on these mechanisms.
Efficient mechanochemistry of beta blockers: neutralization, salification, and effect of liquid additives
Authors: Botes Delbert S. , Loya Jesus Daniel , Ghahremani Mahboubeh , Newham Bailee B. , Aleman Mikaela I. , George Gary C. , Unruh Daniel K. , Hutchins Kristin M.
Published: August 2024

The utility of liquid assisted grinding in facilitating the neutralization of commercial beta blocker salts and their free base salification with nicotinic acid/isonicotinic acid is demonstrated. The effect of liquid additives is also investigated.
Silver decorated nickel oxide nanoflake/carbon nanotube nanocomposite as an efficient electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation
Authors: ElSayed Nada Gamal , Farghali Ahmed A. , El Rouby Waleed M. A. , Hmamm Mai F. M.
Published: August 2024

The higher energy density and lesser toxicity of ethanol compared to methanol make it an ideal combustible renewable energy source in fuel cells.
Improved efficiency of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on transparent black TiO2 modified photoanodes
Authors: Peng Yin , Wang Jianyu , Wang Liying , Yang Xijia , Gao Yang , Li Xuesong , Lü Wei
Published: August 2024

This research utilized n-butyl titanate and B-P25 to construct transparent TiO2 photoanodes for QDSSCs. The B-P25 presents rich oxygen vacancies after reduction, facilitate the transport of photogenerated charge carriers in the photoanode films.
Combating multidrug-resistant bacteria with nanostructured guanidine-based polymers
Authors: Zhen Jian-Bin , Yi Jia-Jia , Bu Xin-Yi , Yao Yi-Long , Meng En-Peng
Published: August 2024

A schematic illustration of the octopus-like shaped PGH@AgNPs capturing bacteria.