bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning forecasting of large induced earthquakes via precursory signals
Authors: Convertito Vincenzo , Giampaolo Fabio , Amoroso Ortensia , Piccialli Francesco
Published: February 2024

Precursory phenomena to earthquakes have always attracted researchers’ attention. Among the most investigated precursors, foreshocks play a key role. However, their prompt identification with respect to background seismicity still remains an issue. The task is worsened when dealing with low-magnitude earthquakes. Despite that, seismology and, in particular real-time seismology, can nowadays benefit from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to face the challenge of effective precursory signals discrimination. Here, we propose a deep learning method named PreD-Net (precursor detection network) to address precursory signal identification of induced earthquakes. PreD-Net has been trained on data related to three different induced seismicity areas, namely The Geysers, located in California, USA, Cooper Basin, Australia, Hengill in Iceland. The network shows a suitable model generalization, providing considerable results on samples that were not used during the network training phase of all the sites. Tests on related samples of induced large events, with the addition of data collected from the Basel catalogue, Switzerland, assess the possibility of building a real-time warning strategy to be used to avoid adverse consequences during field operations.
Cell-free DNA methylation analysis as a marker of malignancy in pleural fluid
Authors: Bixby Billie , Vrba Lukas , Lenka Jyoti , Oshiro Marc M. , Watts George S. , Hughes Trina. , Erickson Heidi , Chopra Madhav , Knepler James L. , Knox Kenneth S. , Jarnagin Lisa , Alalawi Raed , Kala Mrinalini , Bernert Richard , Routh Joshua , Roe Denise J. , Garland Linda L. , Futscher Bernard W. , Nelson Mark A.
Published: February 2024

Diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is made by cytological examination of pleural fluid or histological examination of pleural tissue from biopsy. Unfortunately, detection of malignancy using cytology has an overall sensitivity of 50%, and is dependent upon tumor load, volume of fluid assessed, and cytopathologist experience. The diagnostic yield of pleural fluid cytology is also compromised by low abundance of tumor cells or when morphology is obscured by inflammation or reactive mesothelial cells. A reliable molecular marker that may complement fluid cytology for the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion is needed. The purpose of this study was to establish a molecular diagnostic approach based on pleural effusion cell-free DNA methylation analysis for the differential diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion and benign pleural effusion. This was a blind, prospective case–control biomarker study. We recruited 104 patients with pleural effusion for the study. We collected pleural fluid from patients with: MPE (n = 48), indeterminate pleural effusion in subjects with known malignancy or IPE (n = 28), and benign PE (n = 28), and performed the Sentinel-MPE liquid biopsy assay. The methylation level of Sentinel-MPE was markedly higher in the MPE samples compared to BPE control samples (p < 0.0001) and the same tendency was observed relative to IPE (p = 0.004). We also noted that the methylation signal was significantly higher in IPE relative to BPE (p < 0.001). We also assessed the diagnostic efficiency of the Sentinel-MPE test by performing receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC). For the ROC analysis we combined the malignant and indeterminate pleural effusion groups (n = 76) and compared against the benign group (n = 28). The detection sensitivity and specificity of the Sentinel-MPE test was high (AUC = 0.912). The Sentinel-MPE appears to have better performance characteristics than cytology analysis. However, combining Sentinel-MPE with cytology analysis could be an even more effective approach for the diagnosis of MPE. The Sentinel-MPE test can discriminate between BPE and MPE. The Sentinel-MPE liquid biopsy test can detect aberrant DNA in several different tumor types. The Sentinel-MPE test can be a complementary tool to cytology in the diagnosis of MPE.
Categorization of disaster-related deaths in Minamisoma city after the Fukushima nuclear disaster using clustering analysis
Authors: Yoshimura Hiroki , Sawano Toyoaki , Murakami Michio , Uchi Yuna , Kawashima Moe , Kitazawa Kemmei , Nonaka Saori , Ito Naomi , Saito Hiroaki , Abe Toshiki , Moriyama Nobuaki , Sakakibara Mamoru , Yagiuchi Kazuko , Otsuki Mako , Hori Arinobu , Ozaki Akihiko , Yamamoto Chika , Zhao Tianchen , Uchiyama Taiga , Oikawa Tomoyoshi , Niwa Shinichi , Tsubokura Masaharu
Published: February 2024

The medical situation during disasters often differs from that at usual times. Disasters can lead to significant mortality that can be difficult to monitor. The types of disaster-related deaths are largely unknown. In this study, we conducted a survey to categorize the disaster-related deaths caused by a radiation disaster. A total of 520 people living in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, at the time of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, who were certified to have died due to disaster-related causes were surveyed. We divided the participants into those who were at home at the time of the earthquake and those who were in hospitals or facilities when the disaster struck and conducted a hierarchical cluster analysis of the two groups. Disaster-related deaths could be divided into seven groups for those who were at home at the time of the disaster and five groups for those who were in hospitals or facilities at the time of the disaster. Each group showed different characteristics, such as "the group with disabilities," "the group receiving care," and "the group with depression," and it became evident that not only uniform post-disaster support, but support tailored to the characteristics of each group is necessary.
Long-term use of anti-cholesterol drugs and cancer risks in a Japanese population
Authors: Okita Yuki , Sobue Tomotaka , Zha Ling , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Iwasaki Motoki , Inoue Manami , Yamaji Taiki , Tsugane Shoichiro , Sawada Norie
Published: February 2024

Several studies have investigated the association between the use of anti-cholesterol drugs and cancer risks, of which results have been inconsistent. This study included 67,768 participants from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study. The data on anti-cholesterol drug use was collected using three questionnaires of the survey conducted every five years. We divided the participants into three groups according to the duration of the anti-cholesterol drug use. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). During the 893,009 person-years of follow-up from the 10-year follow-up survey, 8,775 participants (5,387 men and 3,388 women) were newly diagnosed with cancers. The duration of anti-cholesterol drug use was significantly associated with a decreased risk of liver cancer (HR:0.26, 95% CI 0.11–0.64 in > 5 y group) and with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer (HR:1.59, 95% CI 1.03–2.47 in > 5 y group). Moreover, a different trend was observed between men and women in the association with the risk of lung cancer. This study suggested that long-term use of anti-cholesterol drugs may have associations with a decreased incidence of liver cancer and with an increased incidence of pancreatic cancers.
Attitudes towards AI: measurement and associations with personality
Authors: Stein Jan-Philipp , Messingschlager Tanja , Gnambs Timo , Hutmacher Fabian , Appel Markus
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of many contemporary technologies, such as social media platforms, smart devices, and global logistics systems. At the same time, research on the public acceptance of AI shows that many people feel quite apprehensive about the potential of such technologies—an observation that has been connected to both demographic and sociocultural user variables (e.g., age, previous media exposure). Yet, due to divergent and often ad-hoc measurements of AI-related attitudes, the current body of evidence remains inconclusive. Likewise, it is still unclear if attitudes towards AI are also affected by users’ personality traits. In response to these research gaps, we offer a two-fold contribution. First, we present a novel, psychologically informed questionnaire (ATTARI-12) that captures attitudes towards AI as a single construct, independent of specific contexts or applications. Having observed good reliability and validity for our new measure across two studies (N1 = 490; N2 = 150), we examine several personality traits—the Big Five, the Dark Triad, and conspiracy mentality—as potential predictors of AI-related attitudes in a third study (N3 = 298). We find that agreeableness and younger age predict a more positive view towards artificially intelligent technology, whereas the susceptibility to conspiracy beliefs connects to a more negative attitude. Our findings are discussed considering potential limitations and future directions for research and practice.
Use of hare bone for the manufacture of a Clovis bead
Authors: Surovell Todd A. , Litynski McKenna L. , Allaun Sarah A. , Buckley Michael , Schoborg Todd A. , Govaerts Jack A. , O’Brien Matthew J. , Pelton Spencer R. , Sanders Paul H. , Mackie Madeline E. , Kelly Robert L.
Published: February 2024

A tubular bone bead dating to ~ 12,940 BP was recovered from a hearth-centered activity area at the La Prele Mammoth site in Converse County, Wyoming, USA. This is the oldest known bead from the Western Hemisphere. To determine the taxonomic origin of the bead, we extracted collagen for zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS). We also used micro-CT scanning for morphological analysis to determine likely skeletal elements used for its production. We conclude that the bead was made from a metapodial or proximal phalanx of a hare (Lepus sp.). This find represents the first secure evidence for the use of hares during the Clovis period. While the use of hare bone for the manufacture of beads was a common practice in western North America during the Holocene, its origins can now be traced back to at least the terminal Pleistocene.
TAFRO syndrome is associated with anti-SSA/Ro60 antibodies, in contrast to idiopathic castleman disease
Authors: Shirakashi Mirei , Nishida Yuri , Nakashima Ran , Fujimoto Masakazu , Hiwa Ryosuke , Tsuji Hideaki , Kitagori Koji , Akizuki Shuji , Morinobu Akio , Yoshifuji Hajime
Published: February 2024

TAFRO syndrome is an acute systemic inflammatory disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis/renal dysfunction, and organomegaly. There have been increasing reports that TAFRO is a disease distinct from idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease and that TAFRO patients may be positive for anti-SSA antibodies. To assess anti-SSA antibody positivity and the clinical characteristics of the two diseases, we retrospectively compared 7 TAFRO and 10 iMCD patients in our hospital. The mean age of onset of TAFRO and iMCD was 48.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 41–53) and 45.0 (IQR, 35–53) years, respectively. The TAFRO and iMCD groups had 6 (86%) and 4 (40%) male patients, respectively, and the following pretreatment laboratory values: platelet count, 3.8 (IQR, 2.2–6.4) and 35.5 (IQR, 22.2–42.8) × 104/μL, respectively; C-reactive protein, 10.2 (IQR, 6.8–21.4) and 9.5 (IQR, 6.2–13.6) mg/dL, respectively; IgG, 1431 (IQR, 1112–1815) and 4725 (IQR, 3755–5121) mg/dL, respectively. RNA immunoprecipitation (5 cases for anti-SSA) or protein array (5 cases for anti-SSA/Ro60) detected anti-SSA antibodies in six (86%) TAFRO patients but not in iMCD patients; it did not detect anti-SSB antibodies in any of the patients. None of the patients were diagnosed with Sjögren syndrome. All iMCD patients treated with tocilizumab (TCZ) responded well. Meanwhile, two of six TAFRO patients treated with TCZ showed inadequate responses; thus, both patients were switched to rituximab, following which they achieved remission. TAFRO and iMCD have different clinical features. TAFRO may be categorized as a severe phenotype of the anti-SSA antibody syndrome.
Factors promoting research activities among Japanese pharmacists: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Takigawa Masaki , Kondo Yuki , Kobayashi Yutaka , Iihoshi Akane , Kinoshita Masako , Ishitsuka Yoichi , Masuda Masayuki
Published: February 2024

Pharmacists are expected to demonstrate their expertise in clinical practice and conduct research activities to generate new evidence. However, the factors promoting research activities among pharmacists remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the research activities of Japanese pharmacists through a questionnaire survey and examined the factors contributing to the promotion of research activities. A web-based questionnaire using Google Forms was disseminated across pharmacists working in community pharmacies, drugstores, hospitals, and clinics. The questionnaire included respondents’ backgrounds, research activities, and research environments. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors promoting pharmacists’ research activities, with experience in research paper acceptance as the objective variable. In total, 401 responses were included in the analysis. Of the respondents, 54.1% were hospital pharmacists, and 77.1% were pharmacists with > 5 years of pharmacist experience. Furthermore, 50.4% of the pharmacists had presented at conferences, and 22.2% had experience in research paper acceptance. The influential factors were “master’s degree or higher,” “number of affiliated academic societies,” “acquisition of specialists/certified pharmacists,” and “daily availability of a consultant for writing research papers.” This study revealed the factors contributing to the promotion of research activities among pharmacists. We believe that our findings will help promote research among pharmacists.
Addressing knowledge gaps in allergies among Syrian hospital patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ataya Jamal , Ismail Abdullah , Soqia Jameel , Kousa Alyamama , Shahoud Zein , Alhalabi Rawan , Zaitouna Mazen
Published: February 2024

Allergies have a significant impact on health and quality of life worldwide, yet there is limited research on the awareness and knowledge of allergies. This study aimed to explore the level of awareness and knowledge of allergies among visitors in Syrian hospitals. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2022, and a standardized international questionnaire was administered to 504 visitors in three hospitals in Syria. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 23. The final sample comprised 504 questionnaires with 61.7% of participants achieving an average score. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in knowledge of allergy scores between the group with only elementary education (M = 3.76, SD = 1.67, p = 0.011), the group with no education (M = 3.65, SD = 1.65, p = 0.006), and the group with a university education (M = 4.44, SD = 1.25). Notably, no significant differences were found between the other educational groups. A one-way ANOVA was employed to assess the effect of place of living on knowledge of allergy, but no significant differences were observed between the groups (p = 0.462). Lastly, a significant negative correlation was detected between participant age and knowledge of allergy scores (r(502) = − 0.102, p = 0.022). Allergies represent a substantial global health concern that demands attention from healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public. This study emphasizes the importance of investing in health education and awareness campaigns to enhance knowledge and comprehension of allergies, particularly individuals with lower levels of education levels. By equipping individuals with the requisite information to effectively manage their allergies, their overall health and wellbeing can be improved.
Exploration of underlap induced high-k spacer with gate stack on strain channel cylindrical nanowire FET for enriched performance
Authors: Barik Rasmita , Dhar Rudra Sankar , Hussein Mousa I.
Published: February 2024

This research explores a comprehensive examination of gate underlap incorporated strained channel Cylindrical Gate All Around Nanowire FET having enriched performances above the requirement of the 2 nm technology node of IRDS 2025. The device installs a combination of strain engineering based quantum well barrier system in the channel region with high-k spacers sandwiching the device underlaps and stack high-k gate-oxide. The underlaps are prone to parasitic resistance and various short channel effects (SCEs) hence, are sandwiched by HfO2 based high-k. This SCE degradations and a strong electric field in the drain-channel region is rendered controlling the leakages. The strain based Nanosystem engineering is incorporated with Type-II heterostructure band alignment inducing quantum well barrier mechanism in the ultra-thin cylindrical channel region creating an electrostatic charge centroid leading to energy band bending and splitting among the two-fold and four-fold valleys of the strained Silicon layer. This provides stupendous electron mobility instigating high current density and electron velocity in the channel. Thereby, the device is susceptible to on-current enhancement via ballistic transport of carriers and carrier confinement via succumbing of quantum charge carriers. The device transconductance, Ion, Ioff, Ion/Ioff ratio are measured and the output performance (ID-VDS) characteristics is determined providing emphatic enrichments in contrast to the existing gate all-around FETs as well as the 2 nm technology node data of IRDS 2025. Hence, the strained channel Nanowire FET device developed here is presented here as the device of the future for various digital applications, RF applications and faster switching speed.
Urban irrigation reduces moist heat stress in Beijing, China
Authors: Sun Shuai , Zhang Qiang , Shi Chunxiang , Singh Vijay P. , Zhang Tao , Gu Junxia , Wang Gang , Wu Wenhuan , Chen Donghui , Wu Jianmei
Published: February 2024

Although urban irrigation can modulate local hydrothermal conditions and mitigate urban heat island effects, its impact on moist heat stress (MHS) is poorly understood. Employing the Weather Research and Forecasting Single-Layer Urban Canopy Model (WRF-SLUCM), we evaluated the effect of urban irrigation on the MHS in Beijing, China, and found that the updated initial soil moisture (SM) field improved the simulation of temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. Besides, urban irrigation reduced urban and rural MHS, and particularly reduced afternoon and evening MHS by up to 1.2 °C but increased morning MHS by up to 0.4 °C. In addition, the effect of different irrigation times on MHS showed that irrigation at 02 and 20 h increased urban and rural MHS, with the best cooling effect at 00 and 13 h, which reduced the MHS by up to 2.65 °C in urban areas and 0.71 °C in rural areas. The findings highlighted mechanistically the effect of urban irrigation on MHS and shed light on how to mitigate urban heat island effects on urban sustainable development.
TMEM16A in smooth muscle cells acts as a pacemaker channel in the internal anal sphincter
Authors: Lu Ping , Lifshitz Lawrence M. , Bellve Karl , ZhuGe Ronghua
Published: February 2024

Maintenance of fecal continence requires a continuous or basal tone of the internal anal sphincter (IAS). Paradoxically, the basal tone results largely from high-frequency rhythmic contractions of the IAS smooth muscle. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that initiate these contractions remain elusive. Here we show that the IAS contains multiple pacemakers. These pacemakers spontaneously generate propagating calcium waves that drive rhythmic contractions and establish the basal tone. These waves are myogenic and act independently of nerve, paracrine or autocrine signals. Using cell-specific gene knockout mice, we further found that TMEM16A Cl− channels in smooth muscle cells (but not in the interstitial cells of Cajal) are indispensable for pacemaking, rhythmic contractions, and basal tone. Our results identify TMEM16A in smooth muscle cells as a critical pacemaker channel that enables the IAS to contract rhythmically and continuously. This study provides cellular and molecular insights into fecal continence.
Magnetic, transport and topological properties of Co-based shandite thin films
Authors: Nakazawa Kazuki , Kato Yasuyuki , Motome Yukitoshi
Published: February 2024

The kagome ferromagnet, Co-based shandite Co3Sn2S2, shows a large anomalous Hall effect (AHE) associated with the Weyl nodes. A thin film with a Co kagome monolayer was predicted to exhibit the quantum AHE, which awaits the experimental realisation. However, it is challenging to precisely predict how the Weyl nodes reside in thin films where the lattice and electronic structures are in general different from the bulk. Here we report comprehensive ab initio results for thin films of Co3Sn2S2 with one, two and three Co layers with Sn or S surface terminations. We find that all the Sn-end films stabilise a ferromagnetic state similar to the bulk, and retain the large AHE down to the monolayer limit where the AHE is quantised, while the magnetic and topological properties drastically change with the number of Co layers in the S-end films. Our results would stimulate further experimental exploration of thin Weyl materials.
Preparation of glycopeptide-modified pH-sensitive liposomes for promoting antigen cross-presentation and induction of antigen-specific cellular immunity
Authors: Yuba Eiji , Gupta Rajesh Kumar
Published: February 2024

Soybean agglutinin-derived glycopeptide-introduced pH-responsive polysaccharide-modified liposomes promote the cross-presentation and induction of antigen-specific cellular immune responses.
Fabrication of 3D objects incorporating peptides covalently attached via reversible disulfide linkages with potential for controlled drug release
Authors: Wan Zhongyuan , Lee Wai Hin , Wang Yicheng , Shegiwal Ataulla , Haddleton David M.
Published: February 2024

Bioapplication of 3D printing in the fabrication of scaffolding, implants of organ replacements/recovery, etc. has been drawing increasing interest due to its capability to replicate complex structures present in organs, etc.
Synthesis of 20-nm-sized CoAl-LDH nanoparticles modified with folic acid for enhanced cancer cell targeting
Authors: Tokudome Yasuaki. , Obata Akiko , Kitagawa Nijika , Nagatsuka Katsumi , Gorai Eisuke , Maehashi Yui , Kishida Yojiro , Murata Hidenobu , Nakahira Atsushi , Kasuga Toshihiro
Published: February 2024

Exceptionally small CoAl LDH nanoparticles modified with folic acid are demonstrated to function as a bio-related material.
Two-state nanocomposite based on symmetric diblock copolymer and planar nanoparticles: mesoscopic simulation
Authors: Malyshev Maxim , Guseva Daria , Komarov Pavel
Published: February 2024

A method for controlling the distribution and orientation of 2D fillers in the copolymer matrix is presented.
Exploring the Mpemba effect: a universal ice pressing enables porous ceramics
Authors: Yang Xiaodan , Shan Yao , Hong Ying , Zhang Zhuomin , Liu Shiyuan , Yan Xiaodong , Gong Xuetian , Zhang Guangzu , Yang Zhengbao
Published: February 2024

A unique technique of “ice and fire” is proposed, that is, manipulation of force via water freezing (ice) and high-temperature sintering (fire) to fabricate ideal porous ceramics.
p-Phenylenediamine-derived carbon nanodots for probing solvent interactions
Authors: V. Nidhisha , Gopal Ritu , C. Anjali , T. P. Amrutha , K. K. Arunima , Praveen Vakayil K. , Kizhakayil Renuka Neeroli
Published: February 2024

Polarity dependent solvatochromism in carbon nanodots derived from p-phenylenediamine. The results warrant promising future of the system in predicting solvent interactions.
Nanomagnetic CoFe2O4@SiO2-EA-H3PO4 as a zwitterionic catalyst for the synthesis of bioactive pyrazolopyranopyrimidines and dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles
Authors: Mirzaie Ali , Shiri Lotfi , Kazemi Mosstafa , Sadeghifard Nourkhoda , Kaviar Vahab Hassan
Published: February 2024

This study presents the development of a phosphoric acid-based zwitterionic catalyst immobilized on CoFe2O4 nanoparticles [CoFe2O4@SiO2-EA-H3PO4].
A first principles study of RbSnCl3 perovskite toward NH3, SO2, and NO gas sensing
Authors: Ahmed Mohammad Tanvir , Roy Debashis , Roman Abdullah Al , Islam Shariful , Ahmed Farid
Published: February 2024

The sensitivity of a RbSnCl3 perovskite 2D layer toward NH3, SO2, and NO toxic gases has been studied via DFT analysis.
Metallocenium incorporated charge-enhanced thiourea catalysts
Authors: Blechschmidt Daniel R. , Mergendahl Cal , Kass Steven R.
Published: February 2024

Metallocenium ions are activated catalysts that can be generated in situ or isolated in some cases.
Synthetic ease and exceptional in vivo performance of pyrazole-based cyclometallated iridium complexes
Authors: Redrado Marta , Romanos Eduardo , Benedi Andrea , Canudo-Barreras Guillermo , Marzo Isabel , Gimeno M. Concepción , Fernández-Moreira Vanesa
Published: February 2024

Novel cyclometallated IrIII complexes, exhibiting dual functionality as potent anticancer agents and photosensitisers, with selective efficacy against specific cancer cell lines.
Fulvic acid modification with phenolic precursors towards controllable solubility performance
Authors: Tkachenko Vitalii , Ambrosini Stefano , Marzban Nader , Pandey Ashish , Vogl Sarah , Antonietti Markus , Filonenko Svitlana
Published: February 2024

The solubility of fulvic acid was tuned through acid-catalyzed condensation with phloroglucinol and glyoxylic acid to enable prolonged delivery of its beneficial properties, such as complexation, buffering, transport of vitamins and minerals, to soil.
Hydrogen-bonded CdSe/PDI with double electric field synergism for enhanced overall water splitting performance
Authors: Xue Jinbo , Lei Chengkun , Li Qiurong , Sun Zhe , Li Huimin , Ding Shihao , Jia Husheng , Shen Qianqian , Liu Xuguang , Zhu Yongfa
Published: February 2024

Interfacial and bulk-phase electric fields in hydrogen-bonded d-CdSe/PDI synergistically promote photocatalytic water splitting.
Highly stable poly-nitro components achieved through supramolecular encapsulation
Authors: Zhang Jichuan , Zhang Jinhao , Singh Jatinder , Wu Wanbao , Staples Richard J. , Zhang Jiaheng , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: February 2024

As representatives of poly-nitro oxidant components, dinitramide [−N(NO2)2, DN] and nitroformate [−C(NO2)3, NF] exhibit a very large potential as energetic materials given their highly available oxygen content.
Dual-environment-sensitive probe to detect protein aggregation in stressed laryngeal carcinoma cells and tissues
Authors: Jing Biao , Bi Yanjie , Kong Hui , Wan Wang , Wang Jizhe , Yu Bo
Published: February 2024

Dual-environment-sensitive probe to visualize and quantify proteome aggregation in buffer, in laryngeal carcinoma cells and clinic laryngeal carcinoma tissues.
Fast and versatile electrodeposition of vertically aligned layered rare-earth hydroxide nanosheets for multicolour luminescence and oil/water separation
Authors: Wu Xiaoli , Guo Yongping , Li Ji-Guang , Liu Yuanli
Published: February 2024

LYH films were prepared via electrodeposition on ITO glass and metal mesh. Bases on the new synthesis, oil/water separators and Y2O3:RE films with multicolor luminescence were obtained.
dppb and TfOH promoted cascade reaction of o-nitrophenylpropiolamides to access C2-spiro-pseudoindoxyls
Authors: Kang Qiongwen , Wang Yan , Wang Zongkang , Fei Nana , He Peng , Kong Lingkai , Li Yanzhong
Published: February 2024

A dppb and TfOH promoted cascade reaction of o-nitrophenylpropiolamides to access C2-spiro-pseudoindoxyls under mild conditions is developed.
Correction: Functionalized graphene-based materials for cementitious applications
Authors: Cacciatore Andrea , Zardi Paolo , Capone Claudia , Maggini Michele
Published: February 2024

Correction for ‘Functionalized graphene-based materials for cementitious applications’ by Andrea Cacciatore et al., RSC Adv., 2024, 14, 3314–3320, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA06886B.
Correction: Reconstruction of the ZIF-67 structure and boosted hydrogen evolution reaction in an alkaline medium
Authors: Guo Hanghang , Chen Aibing , Mi Wanliang , Zhang Yajuan , Shi Xingwei
Published: February 2024

Correction for ‘Reconstruction of the ZIF-67 structure and boosted hydrogen evolution reaction in an alkaline medium’ by Hanghang Guo et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023, 11, 19145–19152, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA03214K.
Changes in physico-chemical characteristics of robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) during natural process using simple solar dryer
Authors: Harijono  , Farhan Wicaksono Mohamad , Narsito Wulan Siti , Yusa Ali Dego
Published: February 2024

A simple solar drying technique was recently introduced for processing robusta coffee (
Coffea canephora) in Indonesia. It is considered a modification of the natural process commonly found in Indonesia. The objective of this work is to evaluate changes in the characteristics of coffee beans during the drying process. The results show that a significant reduction of moisture content and Aw takes place in the first 7 days of drying, followed by a slight increase of total sugar and total acids. The next 14 days of drying occurred at a lower rate, and the abovementioned parameters continued to decrease, but an increase in the pH and total phenols were observed. The yield of the process was 27.5%, and the moisture content of the green bean meets the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) of coffee. The water activity (Aw) of the green bean is considered low which could prevent growth of spoilage microorganism if stored properly. The levels of caffeine and chlorogenic acids in the green bean are considered low for robusta coffee.
Relationship between acaricide resistance and acetylcholinesterase gene polymorphisms in the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: Cossio-Bayugar Raquel , Martinez-Ibañez Francisco , Aguilar-Diaz Hugo , Miranda-Miranda Estefan
Published: February 2024

In this study, we aimed to develop a comprehensive methodology for identifying amino acid polymorphisms in acetylcholinesterase transcript 2 (AChE2) in acaricide-resistant Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. This included assessing AChE2 expression levels through qPCR and conducting 3D modeling to evaluate the interaction between acaricides and AChE2 using docking techniques. The study produced significant results, demonstrating that acaricide-resistant R. microplus ticks exhibit significantly higher levels of AChE expression than susceptible reference ticks. In terms of amino acid sequence, we identified 9 radical amino acid substitutions in AChE2 from acaricide-resistant ticks, when compared to the gene sequence of the susceptible reference strain. To further understand the implications of these substitutions, we utilized 3D acaricide-AChE2 docking modeling to examine the interaction between the acaricide and the AChE2 catalytic site. Our models suggest that these amino acid polymorphisms alter the configuration of the binding pocket, thereby contributing to differences in acaricide interactions and ultimately providing insights into the acaricide-resistance phenomenon in R. microplus.
Effect of perceived crowding on risk perception in leisure sports: an analysis based on Edward T Hall’s concept of ‘proxemics’
Authors: Kim Young-Jae , Kang Seung-Woo
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the social distancing measures necessary for participants to safely engage in leisure sports activities and comply with social distancing requirements during epidemics. Based on crowding and risk perception in public spaces in this context of an epidemic, this investigation was conducted in terms of distance in Edward T. Hall’s concept of ‘proxemics’. The participants were males aged 20–65 who used spaces for leisure sports during COVID-19 in South Korea. An online survey was conducted from September 20 to October 20, 2021, and data from 391 participants were used for the final analysis. Measures of perceived crowding, risk perception, and Hall’s proxemics were used as tools after they were modified and validated. The results show that perceived crowding according to space for leisure sports activities during COVID-19 affected individual risk perception in indoor leisure sports and social risk perception in outdoor leisure activities. Perceived crowding, according to proxemics, influenced (1) personal, social, and public distances in individual risk perception and (2) public and social distances in social risk perception. Therefore, it is necessary to re-examine the scope of social distance in developing risk perception and reducing the perceived crowding of participants in leisure sports to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Moreover, individuals must make efforts to maintain a minimum distance from one another. Further, media education and warning messages must be disseminated to reduce crowding and prevent infection spread.
Comparison and positioning of NGOs aimed at children from the perspective of social marketing on Twitter
Authors: Galiano-Coronil Araceli , Alcedo-Velázquez Marina Yong , Blanco-Moreno Sofía , Tobar Pesántez Luis Bayardo
Published: February 2024

The role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in disseminating and protecting children’s rights is fundamental by increasing society’s knowledge about the reality that children face, thus mobilizing citizen attention. In this paper, we present an original study on social media data, specifically Twitter, to analyze childhood NGOs, evaluating the success of their content (through the likes obtained by publications) from the perspective of social marketing and prospective theory. In addition, it examines the positioning of organizations concerning the types of messages identified. The methodological approach is based on data mining, content analysis, and simple correspondence analysis through which the typology of the messages and positioning map are determined. The results suggest that these organizations generate predictable communication by publishing on specific topics and only increasing the number of tweets in emergencies when they are requiring urgent help. Some tweets show an immediate risk to which children are exposed if they do not receive help, which aligns with one of the premises of the Prospect Theory. Furthermore, a more significant number of posts does not necessarily imply a greater number of likes. Three types of messages have been determined: informative tweets that point out risks (type 1), impartial dialogue tweets (type 2), and action tweets that highlight benefits (type 3), confirmed through the Kruskal-Wallis test to have a relationship with impact. The positioning map shows that type 3 messages, which World Vision Spain opts for, are the most popular, followed by type 1, which Educo leans towards. Finally, there are those of type 2, with which UNICEF Spain is associated. The main implication is that our analysis validates the use of social media such as Twitter to analyze NGOs and proposes these social media platforms to be an important tool in mobilizing the community. In addition, this study offers parameters when constructing the messages for use in social marketing campaigns according to decisions that involve risk or certainty.
Stabilized Brillouin laser with sub-Hz fundamental linewidth aided by frequency shifted optical injection locking
Authors: Chen Mingzhao , Xu Yin , Zhang Zhexin , Luo Xiaojie , Bao Hualong
Published: February 2024

Stable laser emission with ultra-narrow linewidth plays an important role in making fundamental scientific breakthroughs. Here, we propose and demonstrate a new technique for the generation of an ultra-narrow linewidth and highly stable laser based on stimulated Brillouin scattering in combination with a frequency-shifted optical injection locking mechanism. The laser performance is characterized via a delayed self-heterodyne interference system, where the white frequency noise floor is ∼20 mHz2/Hz, corresponding to a fundamental linewidth of about 63 mHz. The maximum deviation in the output power is less than 1.5% over more than 10 min. The operation of the laser can be stabilized without the need for active optoelectronic feedback. The scheme presented in this work enables narrow linewidth and stable single-frequency fiber lasers in a robust and efficient way, which has shown promising potential for many applications.
Geological evidence of extensive N-fixation by volcanic lightning during very large explosive eruptions
Authors: Aroskay Adeline , Martin Erwan , Bekki Slimane , Le Pennec Jean-Luc , Savarino Joël , Temel Abidin , Manrique Nelida , Aguilar Rigoberto , Rivera Marco , Guillou Hervé , Balcone-Boissard Hélène , Phelip Océane , Szopa Sophie
Published: February 2024

Most of the nitrogen (N) accessible for life is trapped in dinitrogen (N
2
), the most stable atmospheric molecule. In order to be metabolized by living organisms, N
2
has to be converted into biologically assimilable forms, so-called fixed N. Nowadays, nearly all the N-fixation is achieved through biological and anthropogenic processes. However, in early prebiotic environments of the Earth, N-fixation must have occurred via natural abiotic processes. One of the most invoked processes is electrical discharges, including from thunderstorms and lightning associated with volcanic eruptions. Despite the frequent occurrence of volcanic lightning during explosive eruptions and convincing laboratory experimentation, no evidence of substantial N-fixation has been found in any geological archive. Here, we report on the discovery of a significant amount of nitrate in volcanic deposits from Neogene caldera-forming eruptions, which are well correlated with the concentrations of species directly emitted by volcanoes (sulfur, chlorine). The multi-isotopic composition (δ
18
O, Δ
17
O) of the nitrates reveals that they originate from the atmospheric oxidation of nitrogen oxides formed by volcanic lightning. According to these first geological volcanic nitrate archive, we estimate that, on average, about 60 Tg of N can be fixed during a large explosive event. Our findings hint at a unique role potentially played by subaerial explosive eruptions in supplying essential ingredients for the emergence of life on Earth.
A massive alteration of gene expression in undescended testicles of dogs and the association of
KAT6A
variants with cryptorchidism
Authors: Stachowiak Monika , Nowacka-Woszuk Joanna , Szabelska-Beresewicz Alicja , Zyprych-Walczak Joanna , Krzeminska Paulina , Sosinski Oskar , Nowak Tomasz , Switonski Marek
Published: February 2024

Cryptorchidism is the most common form of disorder of sex development in male dogs, but its hereditary predisposition is poorly elucidated. The gonadal transcriptome of nine unilaterally cryptorchid dogs and seven control dogs was analyzed using RNA-seq. Comparison between the scrotal and inguinal gonads of unilateral cryptorchid dogs revealed 8,028 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (3,377 up-regulated and 4,651 down-regulated). A similar number of DEGs (7,619) was found by comparing the undescended testicles with the descended testicles of the control dogs. The methylation status of the selected DEGs was also analyzed, with three out of nine studied DEGs showing altered patterns. Bioinformatic analysis of the cDNA sequences revealed 20,366 SNP variants, six of which showed significant differences in allelic counts between cryptorchid and control dogs. Validation studies in larger cohorts of cryptorchid (
n
= 122) and control (
n
= 173) dogs showed that the TT genotype (rs850666472, p.Ala1230Val) and the AA genotype in 3′UTR (16:23716202G>A) in
KATA6
, responsible for acetylation of lysine 9 in histone H3, are associated with cryptorchidism (
P
= 0.0383). Both the transcript level of
KAT6A
and H3K9 acetylation were lower in undescended testes, and additionally, the acetylation depended on the genotypes in exon 17 and the 3′UTR. Our study showed that the massive alteration of the transcriptome in undescended testicles is not caused by germinal DNA variants in DEG regulatory sequences but is partly associated with an aberrant DNA methylation and H3K9 acetylation patterns. Moreover, variants of
KAT6A
can be considered markers associated with the risk of this disorder.
Coordination of rhythmic RNA synthesis and degradation orchestrates 24- and 12-h RNA expression patterns in mouse fibroblasts
Authors: Unruh Benjamin A. , Weidemann Douglas E. , Miao Lin , Kojima Shihoko
Published: February 2024

Circadian RNA expression is essential to ultimately regulate a plethora of downstream rhythmic biochemical, physiological, and behavioral processes. Both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms are considered important to drive rhythmic RNA expression; however, the extent to which each regulatory process contributes to the rhythmic RNA expression remains controversial. To systematically address this, we monitored RNA dynamics using metabolic RNA labeling technology during a circadian cycle in mouse fibroblasts. We find that rhythmic RNA synthesis is the primary contributor of 24-h RNA rhythms, while rhythmic degradation is more important for 12-h RNA rhythms. These rhythms were predominantly regulated by
Bmal1
and/or the core clock mechanism, and the interplay between rhythmic synthesis and degradation has a significant impact in shaping rhythmic RNA expression patterns. Interestingly, core clock RNAs are regulated by multiple rhythmic processes and have the highest amplitude of synthesis and degradation, presumably critical to sustain robust rhythmicity of cell-autonomous circadian rhythms. Our study yields invaluable insights into the temporal dynamics of both 24- and 12-h RNA rhythms in mouse fibroblasts.
Children and extensive reading motivation
Authors: Ito Lesley
Published: February 2024

Extensive reading (ER), which refers to reading a lot of often self-selected material for information, overall meaning, pleasure, and enjoyment, has been growing in popularity in Asia as an effective way for English as a foreign language (EFL) students to improve reading skills and has provided opportunities for comprehensible input (Nation & Waring, 2013). The focus of this action research (AR) project is on young EFL learners in a private language school setting without a grading system. Therefore, it is important that students be intrinsically motivated to read for the school’s ER program to be successful, specifically, the motivation to check out and read books from a school library. Furthermore, this AR project sought to find whether certain methods can increase students’ intrinsic motivation to read. The research methods include questionnaires, student voice recordings, and empirical data on book-borrowing behaviors. The findings show that indirect, rather than direct, teacher recommendation of books seems to be the most effective method to increase intrinsic motivation to do ER.
Social stratification in science: the ultra-elite in the UK
Authors: Bukodi Erzsébet , Goldthorpe John H. , Steinberg Inga
Published: February 2024

We start out from Harriet Zuckerman’s study of the US scientific ultra-elite of Nobel laureates, in which Robert Merton's idea of ‘Matthew effects’ as a key mechanism in the creation of social inequalities was first introduced. We then consider two issues arising from critical commentary on this study by Elisabeth Crawford, a historian of science. First, how far can a scientific ultra-elite be shown to exist as a collectivity that is socially distinctive? Second, how far is Zuckerman’s account of the formation of the US ultra-elite trough ‘bilateral associative selection’ between scientific masters and their would-be apprentices historically specific to the US? In the UK case, we compare the social origins and educational careers of members of two possible scientific ultra-elites, defined by differing degrees of stringency, with those of other elite scientists. We find that as one moves from the elite to the less stringently defined ultra-elite, there is little evidence of increasing social stratification but that such evidence does emerge in moving to the more stringently defined ultra-elite. We also show through two contrasting Cambridge case studies, that the underlying social processes that Zuckerman identifies in ultra-elite formation in the US are also present in these UK contexts.
Scalar fields with derivative coupling to curvature in the Palatini and the metric formulation
Authors: Nezhad Hamed Bouzari , Räsänen Syksy
Published: February 2024

We study models where a scalar field has derivative and non-derivative couplings to the
Ricci tensor and the co-Ricci tensor with a view to inflation. We consider both the metric
formulation and the Palatini formulation. In the Palatini case, the couplings to the Ricci tensor
and the Ricci scalar give the same result regardless of whether the connection is unconstrained or
the non-metricity or the torsion is assumed to vanish. When the co-Ricci tensor is included, the
unconstrained case and the zero torsion case are physically different. We reduce all the actions
to the Einstein frame with minimally coupled matter, and find the leading order differences
between the metric case and the Palatini cases.
The correlations between galaxy properties in different environments of the cosmic web
Authors: Nandi Anindita , Pandey Biswajit , Sarkar Prakash
Published: February 2024

We study the correlations between (u-r)
colour, stellar mass, specific star formation rate (sSFR) and
metallicity of galaxies in different geometric environments of the
cosmic web using a volume limited sample from the SDSS. The
geometric environment at the location of each galaxy is determined
using the eigenvalues of the tidal tensor in three dimensions. We
use the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and the normalized
mutual information (NMI) to quantify the correlations between
these galaxy properties in sheets, filaments and clusters after
matching the stellar mass distributions of the galaxies in these
environments. A two-tailed t-test assesses the statistical
significance of the observed differences between these relations
in different geometric environments. The null hypothesis can be
rejected at >99.99% significance level in most of the cases,
suggesting that the scaling relations between the observable
galaxy properties are susceptible to the geometric environments of
the cosmic web.
Investigation of proton structure function
F2p
at HERA in light of an analytical solution to the Balitsky–Kovchegov equation
Authors: Saikia Ranjan , Phukan Pragyan , Kumar Sarma Jayanta
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the proton structure function

F

2

p

(
x
,

Q

2

)

at small-x is investigated using an analytical solution to the Balitsky–Kovchegov (BK) equation. In the context of the color dipole description of deep inelastic scattering (DIS), the structure function

F

2

p

(
x
,

Q

2

)

is computed by applying the analytical expression for the scattering amplitude N(k, Y) derived from the BK solution. At transverse momentum k and total rapidity Y, the scattering amplitude N(k, Y) represents the propagation of the quark-antiquark dipole in the color dipole description of DIS. Using the BK solution we extracted the integrated gluon density xg(x, Q
2) and then compared our theoretical estimation with the LHAPDF global data fits, NNPDF3.1sx and CT18. Finally, we have investigated the behavior of

F

2

p

(
x
,

Q

2

)

in the kinematic region of 10−5 ≤ x ≤ 10−2 and 2.5 GeV2 ≤ Q
2 ≤ 60 GeV2. Our predicted results for

F

2

p

(
x
,

Q

2

)

within the specified kinematic region are in good agreement with the recent high-precision data for

F

2

p

(
x
,

Q

2

)

from HERA (H1 Collaboration) and the LHAPDF global parametrization group NNPDF3.1sx.