bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Theoretical Study To Understand the Impact of Mpro of nCoV on the Hormones
Authors: Babu Singh Madhur , Himani  , Yadav Sandeep , Singh Prashant
Published: February 2024

Amidst the unprecedented 2019 coronavirus outbreak and the substantial loss of lives due to the scarcity of information about the virus and lack of viable drugs, understanding the impact of the nCoV Main Protease (Mpro) on the endocrine system has emerged as a critical topic to pursue. This study explores the potential interactions between four key hormones (cortisol, cortisone, estradiol, and estrone) and the Mpro of nCoV using various in‐silico methodologies. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations scrutinized the electron density delocalization of these hormones. Through molecular docking, the molecular‐level binding of Mpro of nCoV with these hormones was studied, revealing cortisol as the hormone exhibiting the most promising binding affinity (−100.05 kcal/mol). Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, emulating human body conditions at distinct temperatures, were employed to study the implications of these interactions. The study analysed the various trajectories such as root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuations (RMSF), radius of gyration (Rg), and H‐bond trajectories to understand the potential impact on biological systems. The findings demonstrate the binding potential of the Mpro of nCoV with these hormones, raising plausible concerns regarding consequential physiological changes within the human body.
Constructing Hybrid Semiconductor Thin‐Films for Advanced Photovoltaics
Authors: Orange Tamsen , Tambwe Kevin , Arendse Christopher , Malevu Thembinkosi , Ross Natasha
Published: February 2024

This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in creating hybrid semiconductor perovskite thin films, driving progress in photovoltaic technology. It covers aspects like material design, fabrication techniques, and device structures, all aimed at addressing challenges and guiding the way to efficient and sustainable solar energy conversion. The review reveals the intricate interplay between energy conversion, device processing, and stability enhancement, providing context to the evolving field of photovoltaics. While hybrid metal halide perovskites exhibit innovation, challenges in stability and reproducibility persist. A collective push for progress drives scientific efforts, involving the optimization of absorber layers, innovative deposition methods, and strategic interlayer integration. The synthesis of research and insights traces the evolution of perovskite technology, from the early days of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) to a symphony of innovation. With determination and creativity, hybrid semiconductor perovskite thin films emerge as key players in shaping the future of solar energy conversion.
Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Theranostic Multifunctional Microneedles
Authors: Ertas Yavuz Nuri , Ertas Derya , Erdem Ahmet , Segujja Farouk , Dulchavsky Scott , Ashammakhi Nureddin
Published: February 2024

Microneedles (MNs) have maintained their popularity in therapeutic and diagnostic medical applications throughout the past decade. MNs are originally designed to gently puncture the stratum corneum layer of the skin and have lately evolved into intelligent devices with functions including bodily fluid extraction, biosensing, and drug administration. MNs offer limited invasiveness, ease of application, and minimal discomfort. Initially manufactured solely from metals, MNs are now available in polymer‐based varieties. MNs can be used to create systems that deliver drugs and chemicals uniformly, collect bodily fluids, and are stimulus‐sensitive. Although these advancements are favorable in terms of biocompatibility and production costs, they are insufficient for the therapeutic use of MNs. This is the first comprehensive review that discusses individual MN functions toward the evolution and development of smart and multifunctional MNs for a variety of novel and impactful future applications. The study examines fabrication techniques, application purposes, and experimental details of MN constructs that perform multiple functions concurrently, including sensing, drug‐molecule release, sampling, and remote communication capabilities. It is highly likely that in the near future, MN‐based smart devices will be a useful and important component of standard medical practice for different applications.
Ni3+‐Rich Ni/NiOx@C Nanocapsules Below 4 nm Constructed by Low‐Temperature Graphitization of Self‐Assembled Few‐Layer Coordination Polymers toward Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Cui Fang , Ma Qinghai , Cui Tieyu
Published: February 2024

Low‐cost and eco‐friendly Ni/NiO heterojunctions have been theoretically proven to be the ideal candidate for stepwise electrocatalysis of alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction, attributed to the preferred OHad adsorption by incompletely filled d orbitals of NiO phase and favorable Had adsorption energy of Ni phase. Nevertheless, most Ni/NiO compounds reported so far fail to exhibit excellent catalytic activity, possibly due to the lack of efficient electron transport, limited interfacial active sites, and unregulated Nin+ ratios. To address the above bottlenecks, herein, the ultrasmall Ni/NiOx@C nanocapsules (<5 nm) are directly constructed by graphitization of four‐layer Ni‐based coordination polymers at record low temperatures of 400 °C. Ascribed to the accelerated electron and mass transfer by the carbon nano‐onions coated around Ni/NiOx heterojunctions, the extreme rise in interfaces and Ni3+ defects with t6 2ge1 g electronic configuration owed to the ultrasmall size, the Ni/NiOx@C nanocapsules exhibit the highest catalytic activity and the lowest overpotential of η10 = 80 mV among various Ni/NiO materials (measured on the glassy carbon electrode). This work not only constructs an industrialized high‐efficiency electrocatalyst toward alkaline HER, but also provides a novel strategy for the constant‐scale preparation of multicomponent transition metals‐based nanocrystals below 4 nm.
Ameliorating Mitochondrial Dysfunction for the Therapy of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Zheng Qing , Liu Hanghang , Gao Yifan , Cao Guozhi , Wang Yusong , Li Zhen
Published: February 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is currently the second most incurable central neurodegenerative disease resulting from various pathogenesis. As the “energy factory” of cells, mitochondria play an extremely important role in supporting neuronal signal transmission and other physiological activities. Mitochondrial dysfunction can cause and accelerate the occurrence and progression of PD. How to effectively prevent and suppress mitochondrial disorders is a key strategy for the treatment of PD from the root. Therefore, the emerging mitochondria‐targeted therapy has attracted considerable interest. Herein, the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and PD, the causes and results of mitochondrial dysfunction, and major strategies for ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction to treat PD are systematically reviewed. The study also prospects the main challenges for the treatment of PD.
Mechanical strength and microstructure of ultra‐high‐performance cementitious composite with glass powder substituted cement/silica fume
Authors: Zhang Weijian , Zhang Yafang , Bao Sihai , Yan Keqin , Duan Libin , Zeng Ke
Published: February 2024

Ultra‐high‐performance cementitious composite (UHPCC) incurs higher economic costs and resource wastage due to its high cement/silica fume (SF) content. The paper aims to achieve sustainability and environmental friendliness of UHPCC by substituting cement/SF with glass powder (GP). The influence of various GP particle sizes and substitution levels on the mechanical properties of UHPCC was investigated. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were employed to analyze the impact of GP on the hydration process of UHPCC from a microscopic perspective. In addition, the internal damage pattern of GP‐UHPCC was simulated by the RFPA3D program. The results show that the addition of GP could achieve superior fluidity than GP‐0. Compared to conventional UHPCC, GP‐20 exhibits improved strength, initial flexural toughness, and residual flexural toughness. Furthermore, finer GP particle sizes contribute to enhanced matrix strength and flexural energy absorption capacity to some extent. Additionally, the incorporation of 5%–20% GP leads to an increase in the characteristic peaks of hydrated lime and C‐S‐H gel, which are beneficial to improving the internal microstructure of the matrix. Based on the RFPA3D program, the crack area, principal stress distribution, and acoustic emission energy of specimens with 15%–25% GP substitution levels were significantly higher than those of specimens with low substitution levels (0%–10%). Generally speaking, a GP substitution level of 15%–25% is found the most effective range for improving strength, and toughness behavior in this study.
Communicating Loss: Ice Research, Popular Art and Aesthetics: Introduction
Authors: Hemkendreis Anne , Jürgens Anna-Sophie
Published: February 2024

Climate change—in the form of melting ice—is one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century—a challenge that is difficult to measure, visualise and communicate. Communicating with, and about, ice through different media—including art, images and (popular) visual fiction—gives ice agency. As an active agent evocating the climate emergency and inspiring climate awareness, ice is more than a passive stage in science, (popular) arts and aesthetics. The visual culture and cultural ideas of ice are deeply rooted in colonial fantasies from the nineteenth century, in which ice functioned as a sublime testing ground for heroic deeds. Today, this imaginary has been questioned and transformed into moments of encounter, emotional address and feelings of connection. Using ice for aesthetic communication of climate change challenges the presumed superiority of humans above nature. It gives hope for a fundamental change in material presence (with ice as a shape-shifter) and thus leads to an emotional entanglement of humans with the world’s cryosphere. This chapter not only illuminates the cultural power of ice research but also contributes to a better understanding of the cultural work that emerges from our ecological crisis.
Ventriculo-atrial shunt in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Momin Sheikh M. B. , Mullins Sophie R. , Craven Claudia L. , Watkins Laurence , Toma Ahmed K.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

CSF diversion  is a recognised intervention in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), particularly in the presence of vision-threatening papilledema. Although ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunt insertion is a routine neurosurgical procedure, ventriculoperitoneal and lumboperitoneal shunts have been mostly used in this particular indication. This study aims to look at a single centre’s experience with VA shunts in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Methods

Retrospective case series with a review of electronic records over a 10-year period; exclusion criteria were duplication of same shunt insertion, no VA shunt insertion, paediatric patients and indication other than IIH. Notes were reviewed for demographics, shunt survival (defined by time prior to revision) and reasons for revision.

Results

Eight VA shunt procedures were identified in 6 patients (mean age at insertion 34 ± 10 years) with a mean follow-up of 58 ± 25 months. All shunts were secondary procedures; 2 revisions from lumbo-pleural, 2 from ventriculopleural, 2 from ventriculoatrial and one each from ventriculoperitoneal and combined lumbo-/ventriculoperitoneal. At 50 months, 75% of VA shunts had survived, compared to only 58.3% of VPleural shunts in patients with IIH. Revisions were required due to acute intracranial bleed (1 case)—revised at day 1, and thrombus at distal site (1 case)—revised at day 57. Both shunts were later reinserted. From the latest clinic letters, all patients had their treatment optimised with this procedure, although only two patients had documented resolved papilloedema post-procedure.

Conclusions

Ventriculo-atrial shunts are a safe and efficacious alternative option for CSF diversion in IIH. In this series, only 1 shunt was revised for a VA shunt-specific complication.
Marsupialization as an alternative to reconstruction in endoscopic skull base surgery. How I do it
Authors: Ferlendis Luca , Bossi Bianca , Castelnuovo Paolo , Locatelli Davide
Published: February 2024

Background

To treat extradural solid-cystic lesions of the ventral skull base, a pedicled nasoseptal flap (NSF) maintains patency of the marsupialized cavity and prevents restenosis and cyst recurrence.

Methods

The authors provide a step-by-step description of the surgical technique valid in different lesions of the skull base, all treated via the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). The application is demonstrated by an operative video.

Conclusion

In selected lesions, endoscopic marsupialization using an NSF ensures drainage and ventilation of the surgical cavity. Re-epithelialization provided by a pedicled flap is a viable alternative to multilayer skull base reconstruction.
Functional and perfusion changes associated with silicone oil tamponade after macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery: an optical coherence tomography angiography/microperimetry study
Authors: Nassar Ghada A. , Makled Hebatalla Samir , Youssef Maha Mohamed , Hassan Lameece Moustafa
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The current study utilizes microperimetry and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to assess the optic nerve head vasculature, retinal microvasculature, and retinal sensitivity before and after silicone oil (SO) removal.

Methods

This prospective observational case series study involved 30 eyes subjected to silicone oil endotamponade. Microperimetry and OCTA were utilized to assess the vascular density (VD) of the macula and optic nerve head, as well as the retinal sensitivity (RS), of the participants preoperatively and 1 month following SO removal. The correlation between the various parameters of OCTA and microperimetry was evaluated.

Results

There was a significant improvement in the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (p-value < 0.001) and the postoperative total RS, which was 6.38 ± 2.34 dB as compared to a mean preoperative total RS of 5.04 ± 2.06 dB (p-value < 0.001) and showing a significant increase in all rings. However, there was no significant difference in the pre and postoperative macular VD. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the postoperative VD of the whole disk and the peripapillary capillary plexus, p-values < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively.

Conclusion

The removal of SO resulted in significant improvements in retinal sensitivity, vision, and optic nerve perfusion. However, no significant change was observed in macular VD.

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT04928196.
The Use of Timolol for Wound Healing—A Review
Authors: Lyle Rawlings E. , Budhiraja Anuj , Mehta Alisha , Dahle Sara E. , Isseroff R. Rivkah
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

In recent years, drug repurposing has gained traction as a method to accelerate the availability of effective treatments. This review focuses on timolol, originally a topical non-selective β-adrenergic antagonist used for increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma, and its emerging role in the wound healing landscape—a field that has been lacking in effective treatments for decades.

Recent Findings

Preclinical and clinical studies have highlighted timolol’s promise as a therapeutic option in wound healing. Its benefits are attributed to various mechanisms including improved re-epithelialization, modulation of inflammation, and wound maturation, in addition to its impacts microbial quorum sensing and virulence. However, existing research also points to the need for larger, more comprehensive clinical trials to determine optimal dosing, efficacy, and safety. Some such trials are presently underway.

Timolol presents a new avenue for wound healing therapies, overcoming limitations seen in current treatment options. This review outlines timolol’s historical context in wound care, elaborates on its pharmacological mechanisms, and assesses ongoing research to validate its therapeutic potential. Future studies are needed for more conclusive data on its efficacy and safety in wound management.
Multidomain interventions for sarcopenia and cognitive flexibility in older adults for promoting healthy aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: García-Llorente A. M. , Casimiro-Andújar A. J. , Linhares D. G. , De Souza Vale R. G. , Marcos-Pardo P. J.
Published: February 2024

The global population is undergoing rapid aging, making physical activity a crucial element in preventing mortality and lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Age-related declines in muscle mass and cognitive abilities significantly contribute to frailty and dependency. Thus, this study focuses on a meticulous analysis of the protective effects of multidomain interventions, an emerging resource combating age-related declines. It seeks to underscore their profound impact on cognitive flexibility and sarcopenia, highlighting their pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of aging. To identify relevant randomized controlled trials up to November 2023, we reviewed eight online academic databases, following PERSiST guidelines, PRISMA reporting system, and PICOs criteria. Meta-analyses on selected functional outcomes utilized a random-effects model, including the Timed Up and Go Test, Sit to Stand Test, Victoria Stroop Test, and Trail Making Test. Out of 2082 scrutinized articles, 17 were included in the systematic review, and 8 in the meta-analysis. Positive effects (p = 0.05, I2 = 57%; 95% CI – 0.63 to – 0.05) were observed in cognitive flexibility for certain interventions. Similarly, interventions addressing muscle strength demonstrated improvements in the Sit to Stand Test for the exercise group compared to the control group (p = 0.02, I2 = 0%; 95% CI – 0.63 to – 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of incorporating physical activity as a primary component of public health interventions for promoting healthy aging and reducing the burden of age-related diseases. Future interventions may explore more homogeneous approaches and evaluate the impact of thrice multidomain weekly sessions.
Creep behavior of dry and saturated medium-grain sandstone and its relationship with conventional mechanical properties
Authors: Gu Qingheng , Tan Yunliang , Zhao Guangming , Meng Xiangrui , Cheng Xiang
Published: February 2024

With the large scale mining of coal and the increase of abandoned goafs under weakly cemented aquifer strata in Western China, it is urgent to study the time dependent mechanical properties of water sensitive aquifer strata. In this paper, creep behavior of dry and saturated medium-grain sandstone, which represent two limit states affected by water, were studied and compared. The results showed that water greatly weakens the compressive strength of medium-grained sandstone, but the difference in axial strain between dry and saturated rock samples decreases with the increase of confining pressure. The creep compression volume of rocks decreases with the increase of deviatoric stress, and only under low confining pressure does the creep volume of rocks exhibit expansion. There is an order of magnitude difference in creep strain between medium grained sandstone and other common rocks. The instantaneous elastic modulus has a negative exponential relationship with deviating stress. The creep rate has a positive exponential relationship with deviating stress. Based on Burges model with exponential damage variables, the law of the influence of confining pressure on creep model parameters has been discussed. The linear relationship between elastic modulus of medium-grained sandstone and parameters of Burgers model with damage was found. The research results are conducive to the convenient prediction of creep behavior of medium grained sandstone engineering and the long-term stability control of the surrounding rock.
A Systematic Review on Pill and Medication Dispensers from a Human-Centered Perspective
Authors: Gargioni Luigi , Fogli Daniela , Baroni Pietro
Published: February 2024

As medication adherence represents a critical challenge in healthcare, pill and medication dispensers have gained increasing attention as potential solutions to promote adherence and improve patient outcomes. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology, we carried out a systematic literature review on papers indexed in Scopus and PubMed, which present solutions for pill or medication dispensers. Given the importance of user acceptance for these solutions, the research questions of the survey are driven by a human-centered perspective. We first provide an overview of the different solutions, classifying them according to their stage of development. We then analyze each solution considering its hardware/software architecture. Finally, we review the characteristics of user interfaces designed for interacting with pill and medication dispensers and analyze the involvement of different types of users in dispenser management. On the basis of this analysis, we draw findings and indications for future research that are aimed to provide insights to healthcare professionals, researchers, and designers who are interested in developing and using pill and medication dispensers.
Metabolic profiling of highland barley (Hordeum vulgare var. nudum) genotypes
Authors: Huang Haijiao , Li Yang , Gao Xiaoli , Tian Pengjia , Yangzong Nima , Zhaxi Laba , Chang Zihui , Yin Zhongjiang , Liao Wenhua
Published: February 2024

Highland barley (HB), a valuable crop thriving in challenging conditions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, possesses rich nutrient contents. This study aims to investigate the nutrient profile of HB genotypes and compare the metabolic profiles of three representative genotypes exhibiting high, medium, and low quality. The screening of HB genotypes reveals significant genotype-dependent differences in starch content, protein content, amino acid content, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, β-glucan, and γ-aminobutyric acid. The selected genotypes, namely KKDM2021005, ZJDM012, and DCDM2020017, exemplify high, average, and low quality, respectively. Utilizing LC–MS/MS for metabolic profiling, 617 metabolites from 12 major classes, with flavonoids being the most abundant, are identified. Distinct metabolic profiles are observed among the three genotypes, with 262 DAMs for KKDM2021005 versus DCDM2020017, 261 DAMs for KKDM2021005 versus ZJDM012, and 298 DAMs for ZJDM012 versus DCDM2020017. Enrichment analysis of DAMs highlights pathways associated with anthocyanin, phenylpropanoid, flavone and flavonol, and isoflavonoid biosynthesis. Specific DAMs such as l-valine, l-isoleucine, l-leucine, trifolin, spiraeoside, ferulic acid, betanin, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, along with others, contribute to the observed quality differences among the genotypes. These findings provide a foundation for further exploration of genotype-specific metabolic profiles to manipulate the quality aspects of HB utilizing the existing gene pool. By enhancing its nutritional value, functional properties, and potential health benefits, HB can receive significant value addition.
Biochar application regulating soil inorganic nitrogen and organic carbon content in cropland in the Central Europe: a seven-year field study
Authors: Hematimatin Narges , Igaz Dušan , Aydın Elena , Horák Ján
Published: February 2024

Biochar incorporation into soil has shown potential, in enhancing nitrogen fertilizer (N-fertilizer) efficacy and soil organic carbon content (SOC). This study addresses a critical gap in the literature by investigating the effects of biochar addition over a seven-year period (2014–2020) on inorganic N, SOC, and pH in Haplic Luvisol. The research involved a rain-fed field experiment, with a crop rotation comprising spring barley, maize, spring wheat, and pea. Biochar, applied at the rates of 0, 10, and 20 t ha−1 in 2014, was reapplied to specific plots in 2018. Biochar was also combined with N-fertilizer at three level (N0, N1, and N2). Results showed a significant interactive influence of biochar and N-fertilizer combination on NO3− and NH4+ contents. Intriguingly, the addition of 10 t biochar ha−1 consistently decreased soil inorganic N levels across most of the examined months. Increasing biochar application rates led to a significant rise in pH, establishing a clear, negative correlation between soil pH and inorganic N content. Biochar significantly increased SOC compared to the control, particularly after the reapplication in 2018. However, this effect showed a diminishing trend over time. The study suggests that incorporating biochar treatments may enhance N-fertilizer effectiveness. However, the long-term implications of biochar application with N-fertilizer on N mineralization are specific to individual soil and biochar combinations. Except the application of 20 t ha−1 biochar at N2 in 2019, biochar did not affect the crop yields. Studied soil properties, including those influenced by biochar had nuanced impact on different aspects of crop yield.

Graphical Abstract
Extraction of chlorophyll a from Tetradesmus obliquus—a method upgrade
Authors: Greipel E. , Kósa A. , Böddi B. , Bakony M. , Bernát G. , Felföldi T. , Preininger É. , Kutasi J.
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, the use of algae is prevalent for both industrial and agricultural purposes. The determination of chlorophyll (Chl) content is a commonly used method for estimating the phytoplankton abundance in different water bodies or biomass density of algal cultures. The aim of the present work is to optimise the efficiency of the Chl extraction from the green alga Tetradesmus obliquus using methanol as extracting solvent. The extraction efficiency was estimated by measuring the Chl a concentration of the extracts using fluorescence spectroscopy. To increase the extraction yield, glass fibre filters with algal cells on top were treated with 10% (v/v) formalin prior to the extraction. We found that this pretreatment significantly enhanced the extraction yield of Chl without its chemical decomposition. We also found that the optimal cell concentration for Chl determination ranged from 1.44 × 104 to 3.60 × 105 cells/mL and the extraction efficiency was lower when the cell density of the culture was out of this range. These results highlight the importance of the optimization of the pigment extraction for the studied algal species.
Towards more reliable evaluation in pedestrian detection by rethinking “ignore regions”
Authors: Li Gang , Li Xiang , Zhang Shanshan , Yang Jian
Published: February 2024

It remains a challenging task to detect pedestrians in crowds and it needs more efforts to understand why the detectors fail. When we perform an error analysis based on the traditional evaluation strategy, we find that it produces many misleading false positives, which in fact cover occluded pedestrians. The reason for this is that we usually have two kinds of annotations in the dataset: regular pedestrians (detection targets) labeled by full-body boxes and ignored pedestrians (NOT detection targets) labeled by visible boxes. Ignored pedestrians are labeled as an additional category termed the “ignore region”. Nevertheless, our detectors always predict a full-body box for each pedestrian. This gap results in the following case: when a detector successfully predicts a full-body box for those ignored pedestrians, a false positive is triggered due to the low overlap between the predicted full-body box and the labeled visible box for the ignored pedestrian. This becomes even more harmful as the detector improves and becomes more capable of locating occluded pedestrians. To alleviate this issue, we devise a new pedestrian detection pipeline, which considers the additional visible box at both the detection and evaluation stages. During detection, we predict an extra visible box apart from the full-body box for every instance; during evaluation, we employ visible boxes instead of full-body boxes to match the “ignore region”. We apply the new pipeline to dozens of detection methods and validate the effectiveness of our pipeline in reducing the over-reporting of false positives and providing more reliable evaluation results.
Methods in Historical Corpus Pragmatics
Authors: Landert Daniela
Published: February 2024

Based on an extensive corpus-based study, this revealing book explores how epistemic stance is expressed in the early modern period, and in doing so, presents new methodologies for using corpora to investigate issues in historical pragmatics. It provides a new, corpus-driven method for the analysis of pragmatic functions that rely on context-dependent interpretations. By retrieving passages that include a high-density of the pragmatic function under investigation, the subsequent analysis can reveal previously neglected forms and context-dependent factors. It includes four empirical studies that apply the method to the analysis of epistemic stance in four Early Modern English corpora, the result of which emphasise the importance of context for the expression of stance. It also includes an appendix with inventories of Early Modern English stance expressions, offering starting points for further research studies. It is essential reading for researchers and students in historical pragmatics and corpus pragmatics.
Continuous dependence of stationary distributions on parameters for stochastic predator–prey models
Authors: Duc Toan Nguyen , Thanh Dieu Nguyen , Huu Du Nguyen , Ba Dung Le
Published: February 2024

This research studies the robustness of permanence and the continuous dependence of the stationary distribution on the parameters for a stochastic predator–prey model with Beddington–DeAngelis functional response. We show that if the model is extinct (resp. permanent) for a parameter, it is still extinct (resp. permanent) in a neighbourhood of this parameter. In the case of extinction, the Lyapunov exponent of predator quantity is negative and the prey quantity converges almost to the saturated situation, where the predator is absent at an exponential rate. Under the condition of permanence, the unique stationary distribution converges weakly to the degenerate measure concentrated at the unique limit cycle or at the globally asymptotic equilibrium when the diffusion term tends to 0.
Programmes to manage food selectivity in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Breda Chiara , Santero Sara , Conti Maria Vittoria , Cena Hellas
Published: February 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by impaired social communication and restricted interests/repetitive behaviours. In this regard, sensory processing difficulties and delayed oral motor skills often predispose individuals with ASD to food selectivity (FS). It is usually associated with repetitive eating patterns that can lead to multiple malnutrition conditions. The objective of this narrative review is to present an overview about the existing nutritional interventions aiming at promoting a healthy eating pattern and addressing food selectivity among individuals with ASD. Regarding the interventions targeting nutrition education, the majority of the analysed studies failed to demonstrate their effectiveness. On the other hand, many educational interventions involving taste or cooking sessions, as well as behavioural interventions for FS, demonstrated effective results. Moreover, multidisciplinary in tailoring such programmes, including psychology speech therapy and nutritional skills, is acknowledged as a key approach.
Beyond developmental psychopathology: Positive child development
Authors: Pluess Michael
Published: February 2024

The field of developmental psychopathology has made significant contributions to our understanding of both typical and atypical development. However, while there are established theories for developmental psychopathology with detailed criteria for pathological outcomes, there is less agreement regarding development under optimal conditions and the definition of positive outcomes. In this conceptual paper, I make the case that a better understanding of positive child development is crucial because it will not only advance our general knowledge on human development but also complement current work on developmental psychopathology. After defining positive development as the development of positive functioning in children, such as skills, strengths, competencies, and wellbeing, rather than the absence of problems, current concepts with relevance for positive development are reviewed, before highlighting gaps in our knowledge on positive development and suggestions for future research. Although several of the reviewed frameworks provide important contributions to the conceptualization of positive development, most of them focus on positive functioning in adults with limited consideration of development in the early years. More research is needed that specifically targets the development of positive outcomes from early childhood onward in order to develop a more comprehensive and holistic theory of positive child development.
Construction of a Clear‐Sky Three Dimensional Sub‐Grid Terrain Long‐Wave Radiative Effect Parameterization Scheme Under Isotropic Assumption
Authors: Gu Chunlei , Huang Anning , Li Xin , Yang Ben , Wu Yang
Published: February 2024

Rugged topography considerably regulates the surface downwelling long‐wave radiation (SDLR) flux and further affects the surface radiation and energy balances. The three dimensional sub‐grid terrain long‐wave radiative effect (3DSTLRE) is absent in most current numerical models, which usually adopt plane‐parallel schemes to simulate the SDLR flux. This study has developed a clear‐sky 3DSTLRE parameterization scheme based on the isotropic assumption of SDLR at rugged terrains and systematically evaluated its ability over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Results show that the 3DSTLRE scheme achieves good and stable performance regardless of the horizontal resolution, time of the year, and sub‐grid terrain complexity. At different model horizontal resolutions ranging from 0.025° to 0.8°, the normalized mean absolute errors (NMAE) of the daily SDLR flux simulated by the clear‐sky 3DSTLRE scheme over most of TP are less than 0.9%, and the NMAE of the daily SDLR flux produced by the clear‐sky 3DSTLRE scheme regionally averaged over the grids with different sub‐grid terrain complexity are less than 0.25% in different months. Neglecting the 3DSTLRE in the plane‐parallel schemes may lead to clearly underestimated SDLR flux over the rugged areas, and the underestimation increases with the horizontal resolution and sub‐grid terrain complexity. At different model horizontal resolutions, the mean underestimation of the clear‐sky daily SDLR flux simulated by the plane‐parallel scheme over most of TP ranges from 5 to 20 W · m−2 with a relative underestimation of 4∼10%. The 3DSTLRE scheme can clearly reduce the biases of plane‐parallel scheme and exhibits wide application prospects in various numerical models.
Evaluating the Model Representation of Asian Summer Monsoon Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere Transport and Composition Using Airborne In Situ Observations
Authors: Smith Warren P. , Pan Laura L. , Kinnison Douglas , Atlas Elliot , Honomichl Shawn , Zhang Jun , Tilmes Simone , Fernandez Rafael P. , Saiz‐Lopez Alfonso , Treadaway Victoria , Adcock Karina E. , Laube Johannes C. , von Hobe Marc , Kloss Corinna , Viciani Silvia , D’Amato Francesco , Volk C. Michael , Ravegnani Fabrizio
Published: February 2024

Chemistry Climate Models (CCMs) are essential tools for characterizing and predicting the role of atmospheric composition and chemistry in Earth's climate system. This study demonstrates the use of airborne in situ observations to diagnose the representation of chemical composition and transport by CCMs. Process‐based diagnostics using dynamical and chemical coordinates are presented which minimize the spatial and temporal sampling differences between airborne in situ measurements and CCM grid points. The chosen process is the chemical impact of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM), where deep convection serves as a rapid transport pathway for surface emissions to reach the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). We examine two CCM configurations for their representation of the ASM UTLS using a set of airborne observations from south Asia. The diagnostics reveal good model performance at representing tropospheric tracer distribution throughout the troposphere and lower stratosphere, and excellent representation of chemical aging in the lower stratosphere when chemical loss is dominated by photolysis. Identified model limitations include the use of zonally averaged mole fraction boundary conditions for species with sufficiently short tropospheric lifetimes, which may obscure enhanced regional emissions sources. Overall, the diagnostics underscore the skill of current‐generation models at representing pollution transport from the boundary layer to the stratosphere via the ASM mechanism, and demonstrate the strength of airborne in situ observations toward characterizing this representation.
General Local Reactive Boundary Condition for Dissolution and Precipitation Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Weinmiller J. , Lautenschlaeger M. P. , Kellers B. , Danner T. , Latz A.
Published: February 2024

A general and local reactive boundary condition (RBC) for studying first‐order equilibrium reactions using the lattice Boltzmann method is presented. Its main characteristics are accurate reproduction of wall diffusion, invariance to the wall and grid orientation, and absence of nonphysical artifacts. The scheme is successfully tested for different benchmark cases considering diffusion, advection, and reactions of fluids at solid‐liquid interfaces. Unlike other comparable RBCs from the literature, the novel scheme is valid for a large range of Péclet and Damköhler numbers, and shows realistic pattern formation during precipitation. In addition, quantitative results are in good accordance with analytical solutions and values from literature. Combining the new RBC with the rest fraction method, Péclet‐Reynolds ratios of up to 1,000 can be achieved. Overall, the novel RBC accurately models first‐order reactions, is applicable for complex geometries, and allows efficiently simulating dissolution and precipitation phenomena in fluids at the pore scale.
Thioredoxin-1 decreases alpha-synuclein induced by MPTP through promoting autophagy-lysosome pathway
Authors: Gu Rou , Bai Liping , Yan Fang , Zhang Se , Zhang Xianwen , Deng Ruhua , Zeng Xiansi , Sun Bo , Hu Xiaomei , Li Ye , Bai Jie
Published: February 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the formation of Lewy body in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a major component of Lewy body. Autophagy eliminates damaged organelles and abnormal aggregated proteins. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) is a redox regulating protein and plays roles in protecting dopaminergic neurons against neurotoxicity induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). However, the relationship between Trx-1 and α-syn in PD is still unknown. In the present study, the movement disorder and dopaminergic neurotoxicity in MPTP-treated mice were improved by Trx-1 overexpression and were aggravated by Trx-1 knockdown in the SNpc in mice. The expression of α-syn was increased in the SNpc of MPTP-treated mice, which was inhibited by Trx-1 overexpression and was exacerbated in Trx-1 knockdown mice. Autophagosomes was increased under electron microscope after MPTP treatment, which were recovered in Trx-1 overexpressing mice and were further increased in Trx-1 knockdown in the SNpc in mice. The expressions of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, LC3 II and p62 were increased by MPTP, which were blocked in Trx-1 overexpressing mice and were further increased in Trx-1 knockdown mice. Cathepsin D was decreased by MPTP, which was restored in Trx-1 overexpressing mice and was further decreased in Trx-1 knockdown mice. The mRFP-GFP-LC3 green fluorescent dots were increased by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and further increased in Trx-1 siRNA transfected PC12 cells, while mRFP-GFP-LC3 red fluorescent dots were increased in Trx-1 overexpressing cells. These results indicate that Trx-1 may eliminate α-syn in PD mice through potentiating autophagy-lysosome pathway.
A severe case of cardiospondylocarpofacial syndrome with a novel MAP3K7 variant
Authors: Nyuzuki Hiromi , Ozawa Junichi , Nagasaki Keisuke , Nishio Yosuke , Ogi Tomoo , Tohyama Jun , Ikeuchi Takeshi
Published: February 2024

Cardiospondylocarpofacial syndrome (CSCFS) is a congenital malformation characterized by growth retardation, facial features, short toes with carpal and tarsal fusion, extensive posterior neck vertebral fusion, congenital heart disease, and deafness. Here, we report a severe case of CSCFS with a novel variant, p.Thr187Ile, in MAP3K7. Thr187 is the main phosphorylation site for TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 encoded by MAP3K7, and this variant may cause significant abnormalities in downstream signaling.
Vision-driven metasurfaces for perception enhancement
Authors: Qiu Tianshuo , An Qiang , Wang Jianqi , Wang Jiafu , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Li Shiyong , Lv Hao , Cai Ming , Wang Jianyi , Cong Lin , Qu Shaobo
Published: February 2024

Metasurfaces have exhibited unprecedented degree of freedom in manipulating electromagnetic (EM) waves and thus provide fantastic front-end interfaces for smart systems. Here we show a framework for perception enhancement based on vision-driven metasurface. Human’s eye movements are matched with microwave radiations to extend the humans’ perception spectrum. By this means, our eyes can “sense” visual information and invisible microwave information. Several experimental demonstrations are given for specific implementations, including a physiological-signal-monitoring system, an “X-ray-glasses” system, a “glimpse-and-forget” tracking system and a speech reception system for deaf people. Both the simulation and experiment results verify evident advantages in perception enhancement effects and improving information acquisition efficiency. This framework can be readily integrated into healthcare systems to monitor physiological signals and to offer assistance for people with disabilities. This work provides an alternative framework for perception enhancement and may find wide applications in healthcare, wearable devices, search-and-rescue and others.
Ultrasound-activated piezo-hot carriers trigger tandem catalysis coordinating cuproptosis-like bacterial death against implant infections
Authors: Huang Yanli , Wan Xufeng , Su Qiang , Zhao Chunlin , Cao Jian , Yue Yan , Li Shuoyuan , Chen Xiaoting , Yin Jie , Deng Yi , Zhang Xianzeng , Wu Tianmin , Zhou Zongke , Wang Duan
Published: February 2024

Implant-associated infections due to the formation of bacterial biofilms pose a serious threat in medical healthcare, which needs effective therapeutic methods. Here, we propose a multifunctional nanoreactor by spatiotemporal ultrasound-driven tandem catalysis to amplify the efficacy of sonodynamic and chemodynamic therapy. By combining piezoelectric barium titanate with polydopamine and copper, the ultrasound-activated piezo-hot carriers transfer easily to copper by polydopamine. It boosts reactive oxygen species production by piezoelectrics, and facilitates the interconversion between Cu2+ and Cu+ to promote hydroxyl radical generation via Cu+ -catalyzed chemodynamic reactions. Finally, the elevated reactive oxygen species cause bacterial membrane structure loosening and DNA damage. Transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis reveal that intracellular copper overload restricts the tricarboxylic acid cycle, promoting bacterial cuproptosis-like death. Therefore, the polyetherketoneketone scaffold engineered with the designed nanoreactor shows excellent antibacterial performance with ultrasound stimulation and promotes angiogenesis and osteogenesis on-demand in vivo.
Ultrasmall metal alloy nanozymes mimicking neutrophil enzymatic cascades for tumor catalytic therapy
Authors: Meng Xiangqin , Fan Huizhen , Chen Lei , He Jiuyang , Hong Chaoyi , Xie Jiaying , Hou Yinyin , Wang Kaidi , Gao Xingfa , Gao Lizeng , Yan Xiyun , Fan Kelong
Published: February 2024

Developing strategies that emulate the killing mechanism of neutrophils, which involves the enzymatic cascade of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), shows potential as a viable approach for cancer therapy. Nonetheless, utilizing natural enzymes as therapeutics is hindered by various challenges. While nanozymes have emerged for cancer treatment, developing SOD-MPO cascade in one nanozyme remains a challenge. Here, we develop nanozymes possessing both SOD- and MPO-like activities through alloying Au and Pd, which exhibits the highest cascade activity when the ratio of Au and Pd is 1:3, attributing to the high d-band center and adsorption energy for superoxide anions, as determined through theoretical calculations. The Au1Pd3 alloy nanozymes exhibit excellent tumor therapeutic performance and safety in female tumor-bearing mice, with safety attributed to their tumor-specific killing ability and renal clearance ability caused by ultrasmall size. Together, this work develops ultrasmall AuPd alloy nanozymes that mimic neutrophil enzymatic cascades for catalytic treatment of tumors.
Machine vision-based detections of transparent chemical vessels toward the safe automation of material synthesis
Authors: Tiong Leslie Ching Ow , Yoo Hyuk Jun , Kim Nayeon , Kim Chansoo , Lee Kwan-Young , Han Sang Soo , Kim Donghun
Published: February 2024

Although robot-based automation in chemistry laboratories can accelerate the material development process, surveillance-free environments may lead to dangerous accidents primarily due to machine control errors. Object detection techniques can play vital roles in addressing these safety issues; however, existing detection models still suffer from insufficient accuracy in environments involving complex and noisy scenes. With the aim of improving safety in a surveillance-free laboratory, we report a deep learning (DL)-based object detector, namely, DenseSSD. For the foremost and frequent problem of detecting positions of transparent chemical vessels, DenseSSD achieved a mean average precision (mAP) over 95% based on a complex dataset involving both empty and solution-filled vials, greatly exceeding those of conventional detectors; such high precision is critical to minimizing failure-induced accidents. Additionally, DenseSSD was observed to be generalizable to other laboratory environments, maintaining its high precisions under the variations of solution colors, camera view angles, background scenes, experiment hardware and type of chemical vessels. Such robustness of DenseSSD supports that it can universally be implemented in diverse laboratory settings. This study conclusively demonstrates the significant utility of DenseSSD in enhancing safety within automated material synthesis environments. Furthermore, the exceptional detection accuracy of DenseSSD opens up possibilities for its application in various other fields and scenarios where precise object detection is paramount.