bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Three‐Frequency Ca+ Doppler Lidar for Ion Temperature Measurements in the E and F Regions
Authors: Wu Fang , Jiao Jing , Du Lifang , Zheng Haoran , Wang Zelong , Cheng Xuewu , Wu Fuju , Xia Yuan , Wang Jiqin , Wang Wei , Wang Kexin , Xun Yuchang , Xu Jiyao , Zhu Yajun , Yuan Wei , Liu Weijun , Yang Guotao
Published: October 2024

The ion temperature is an important parameter for ionospheric detection, yet there is limited research on ion temperatures at altitude range from 80 to 300 km. Currently, a single‐frequency Ca+ ion optical parametric oscillator (OPO) Lidar system can be used to obtain the Ca+ ion density in this region at Yanqing Station, Beijing (40.4°N, 116.0°E). In this study, the ion temperature can be obtained by extending our original lidar to include three‐frequency Ca+ Doppler detection. This development represents a pioneering step on measuring ion temperatures by lidar in the ionospheric E‐F region. Preliminary results in the E region show that lidar temperatures at 90–105 km under the condition of smooth changes in Ca+ ion morphology align reasonably with satellite‐based observations and model‐derived temperatures. Additionally, the exploratory ion temperatures of the F layer peak heights at 200–300 km were obtained. Furthermore, parameter optimization and temperature error analysis in the E‐F region are explored, providing valuable insights for the development of Ca+ Doppler lidar systems. The advent of Ca+ Doppler lidar has greatly expanded the lidar detection altitude range of temperature and the possibilities for in‐depth research on ion temperature and velocity in regions affected by complex electrodynamic effects. These findings lay the foundation for subsequent studies of coupling processes in the ionospheric E‐F region.
Impact of Asian Dust on Cirrus Formation Over the Central Pacific: CALIOP‐ and CloudSat‐Observation‐Based Case Studies
Authors: Shen Huijia , Yin Zhenping , He Yun , Ansmann Albert , Zhan Yifan , Wang Longlong , Jing Dongzhe
Published: October 2024

Cirrus clouds are of great importance to the global climate, with their net radiative forcing strongly dependent on the microphysical properties that are related to the ice‐nucleating regime. However, the influence of long‐range transport of dust on primary ice formation in cirrus clouds is limitedly understood, specifically over the clean remote ocean regions. Here, two case studies show that transpacific Asian dust can impact the ice formation of cirrus clouds over the central Pacific based on Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization and Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR, CloudSat) observations. One case shows a well‐developed horizontally extended cirrus embedded in a pure dust layer, with an average dust‐related ice‐nucleating particle concentration (INPC) of 7 L−1 and 96 L−1 for an ice saturation ratio Si of 1.15 and 1.25, respectively; ice crystal number concentration (ICNC) with diameters >25 and 100 μm (denoted as nice,25 μm and nice,100 μm) are 64 L−1 and 7 L−1, respectively. Another case shows that cirrus clouds with a much smaller horizontal extent appeared in the vicinity of polluted dust, with an average INPC of 42–310 L−1 for the typical higher Si of 1.25–1.35 by considering a tenfold reduction of the ice nucleation efficiency of ice crystals; nice,25 μm and nice,100 μm are 168 L−1 and 20 L−1, respectively. The estimated INPC and ICNC values suggest the dominance of ice formation by dust‐induced heterogeneous nucleation, proving that the long‐range transport of dust toward the upper troposphere and the potential influence on cirrus formation over the central Pacific should be well considered in atmospheric models.
Quantitative phase microscopies: accuracy comparison
Authors: Chaumet Patrick C. , Bon Pierre , Maire Guillaume , Sentenac Anne , Baffou Guillaume
Published: October 2024

Quantitative phase microscopies (QPMs) play a pivotal role in bio-imaging, offering unique insights that complement fluorescence imaging. They provide essential data on mass distribution and transport, inaccessible to fluorescence techniques. Additionally, QPMs are label-free, eliminating concerns of photobleaching and phototoxicity. However, navigating through the array of available QPM techniques can be complex, making it challenging to select the most suitable one for a particular application. This tutorial review presents a thorough comparison of the main QPM techniques, focusing on their accuracy in terms of measurement precision and trueness. We focus on 8 techniques, namely digital holographic microscopy (DHM), cross-grating wavefront microscopy (CGM), which is based on QLSI (quadriwave lateral shearing interferometry), diffraction phase microscopy (DPM), differential phase-contrast (DPC) microscopy, phase-shifting interferometry (PSI) imaging, Fourier phase microscopy (FPM), spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM), and transport-of-intensity equation (TIE) imaging. For this purpose, we used a home-made numerical toolbox based on discrete dipole approximation (IF-DDA). This toolbox is designed to compute the electromagnetic field at the sample plane of a microscope, irrespective of the object’s complexity or the illumination conditions. We upgraded this toolbox to enable it to model any type of QPM, and to take into account shot noise. In a nutshell, the results show that DHM and PSI are inherently free from artefacts and rather suffer from coherent noise; In CGM, DPC, DPM and TIE, there is a trade-off between precision and trueness, which can be balanced by varying one experimental parameter; FPM and SLIM suffer from inherent artefacts that cannot be discarded experimentally in most cases, making the techniques not quantitative especially for large objects covering a large part of the field of view, such as eukaryotic cells.
Ultrasensitive liquid sensor based on an embedded microchannel bulk acoustic wave resonator
Authors: Gu Xiyu , Liu Yan , Qu Yuanhang , Chen Xiang , Liu Zesheng , Cai Yao , Liu Wenjuan , Guo Shishang , Sun Chengliang
Published: October 2024

The high-frequency and high-quality factor characteristics of bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators have significantly advanced their application in sensing technologies. In this work, a fluidic sensor based on a BAW resonator structure is fabricated and investigated. Embedded microchannels are formed beneath the active area of the BAW device without the need for external processes. As liquid flows through the microchannel, pressure is exerted on the upper wall (piezoelectric film) of the microchannel, which causes a shift in the resonant frequency. Using density functional theory, we revealed the intrinsic mechanism by which piezoelectric film deformation influences BAW resonator performance. Theoretically, the upwardly convex piezoelectric film caused by liquid flow can increase the resonant frequency. The experimental results obtained with ethanol solutions of different concentrations reveal that the sensor, which operates at a high resonant frequency of 2.225 GHz, achieves a remarkable sensitivity of 5.1 MHz/% (221 ppm/%), with an ultrahigh linearity of 0.995. This study reveals the intrinsic mechanism of liquid sensing based on BAW resonators, highlights the potential of AlN/Al0.8Sc0.2N composite film BAW resonators in liquid sensing applications and offers insights for future research and development in this field.
Oral syphilis - the great imitator: a series of six cases
Authors: Maloney Brian , Healy Claire M.
Published: October 2024

Syphilis is an infectious disease which can present with multitudinous mucocutaneous manifestations. Often referred to as the ‘great mimicker', syphilis can present with non-specific symptoms and has a tropism for various organ systems. The oral cavity has been identified as a site commonly affected in the early stages of syphilis infection. Identification of the diverse presentations seen across the different stages of syphilis infection can assist in early diagnosis and treatment for this cohort of patients. Despite accurate diagnostic tools and the susceptibility of the infection to standard antimicrobial therapy, syphilis infections continue to rise worldwide.

We present the clinical features and management of six cases of oral syphilis who presented to our unit. One case presented in 2008, but the other five cases presented between 2016 and 2023, reflecting the increasing incidence of syphilis infection. Five cases presented in the secondary stage of the infection while one presented with a primary infection in the form of a single chancre.

The documented cases demonstrate the non-specific and variable clinical features of oral syphilis and highlight the importance of awareness in the dental profession of these manifestations. Dentists have an important role to play in recognising the disease and arranging appropriate testing for early intervention. This will not only reduce the incidence of the devastating consequences of tertiary infections but will also result in reduced spread of the disease.
Stage-specific modulation of multinucleation, fusion, and resorption by the long non-coding RNA DLEU1 and miR-16 in human primary osteoclasts
Authors: Moura Sara Reis , Sousa Ana Beatriz , Olesen Jacob Bastholm , Barbosa Mário Adolfo , Søe Kent , Almeida Maria Inês
Published: October 2024

Osteoclasts are the only cells able to resorb all the constituents of the bone matrix. While the modulation of osteoclast activity is well established for preventing bone-related diseases, there is an increasing demand for novel classes of anti-resorption agents. Herein, we investigated non-coding RNA molecules and proposed DLEU1 and miR-16 as potential candidates for modulating osteoclast functions. DLEU1 and miR-16 target cell fusion at both the early and late stages of osteoclastogenesis but operate through independent pathways. DLEU1 silencing hinders the fusion process, leading to abrogation of the phagocytic cup fusion modality and a reduction in the fusion events between mononucleated precursors and multinucleated osteoclasts, while miR-16 influences monocyte-to-osteoclast differentiation, impairing osteoclasts formation but not the number of nuclei at early stages. On the other hand, using these non-coding RNAs to engineer mature osteoclasts has implications for bone resorption. Both DLEU1 and miR-16 influence the speed of resorption in pit-forming osteoclasts, without affecting the resorbed area. However, the impact of increasing miR-16 levels extends more broadly, affecting trench-forming osteoclasts as well, leading to a reduction in their percentage, speed, and resorbed area. These findings offer potential new therapeutic targets to ameliorate bone destruction in skeletal diseases.
High mitochondrial DNA content is a key determinant of stemness, proliferation, cell migration, and cancer metastasis in vivo
Authors: Mauro-Lizcano Marta , Di Pisa Filippo , Larrea Murillo Luis , Sugden Conor J. , Sotgia Federica , Lisanti Michael P.
Published: October 2024

Here, we examined the potential role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in conveying aggressive phenotypes in cancer cells, using two widely-used breast cell lines as model systems (MCF7[ER+] and MDA-MB-231[ER-]). These human breast cancer cell lines were fractionated into mtDNA-high and mtDNA-low cell sub-populations by flow cytometry, using SYBR Gold as a vital probe to stain mitochondrial nucleoids in living cells. Enrichment of mtDNA-high and mtDNA-low cell sub-populations was independently validated, using a specific DNA-binding mAb probe (AC-30-10), and mitochondrial-based functional assays. As predicted, mtDNA-high MCF7 cells showed significant increases in mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, and superoxide production, as well as increased mitochondrial respiration and ATP production. Moreover, mtDNA-high MCF7 cells demonstrated increases in stemness features, such as anchorage-independent growth and CD44 levels, as well as drug-resistance to Gemcitabine and Tamoxifen. Proliferation rates were also significantly increased, with a dramatic shift towards the S- and G2/M-phases of the cell cycle; this was indeed confirmed by RNA-Seq analysis. Complementary results were obtained with MDA-MB-231 cells. More specifically, mtDNA-high MDA-MB-231 cells showed increases in stemness features and ATP production, as well as rapid cell cycle progression. Moreover, mtDNA-high MDA-MB-231 cells also exhibited increases in both cell migration and invasion, suggesting a role for mtDNA in distant metastasis. To test this hypothesis more directly, a preclinical in vivo model was utilized. For this purpose, MDA-MB-231 tumour cell grafts were treated with an established mtDNA synthesis inhibitor, namely Alovudine (3’-deoxy-3’-fluorothymidine). As expected, drug-induced depletion of mtDNA led to a shift from mitochondrial to glycolytic metabolism. Interestingly, Alovudine very effectively reduced the formation of spontaneous metastases by nearly 70%, but minimally inhibited tumour growth by approximately 20%. Taken together, these data suggest that high mtDNA content is a key driver of stemness, proliferation, and migration, as well as cancer cell metastasis.
Amodiaquine ameliorates stress-induced premature cellular senescence via promoting SIRT1-mediated HR repair
Authors: Du Jie , Chen Fuqiang , Du Chenghong , Zhao Wenna , Chen Zihan , Ding Zhenhua , Zhou Meijuan
Published: October 2024

DNA damage is considered to be a potentially unifying driver of ageing, and the stalling of DNA damage repair accelerates the cellular senescence. However, augmenting DNA repair has remained a great challenge due to the intricate repair mechanisms specific for multiple types of lesions. Herein, we miniaturized our modified detecting system for homologous recombination (HR) into a 96-well-based platform and performed a high-throughput chemical screen for FDA-approved drugs. We uncovered that amodiaquine could significantly augment HR repair at the noncytotoxic concentration. Further experiments demonstrated that amodiaquine remarkably suppressed stress-induced premature cellular senescence (SIPS), as evidenced by senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining or senescence‐related markers p21WAF1 and p16ink4a, and the expression of several cytokines. Mechanistic studies revealed that the stimulation of HR repair by amodiaquine might be mostly attributable to the promotion of SIRT1 at the transcriptional level. Additionally, SIRT1 depletion abolished the amodiaquine‐mediated effects on DNA repair and cellular senescence, indicating that amodiaquine delayed the onset of SIPS via a SIRT1-dependent pathway. Taken together, this experimental approach paved the way for the identification of compounds that augment HR activity, which could help to underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting DNA repair for treating aging-related diseases.
Structural basis for synthase activation and cellulose modification in the E. coli Type II Bcs secretion system
Authors: Anso Itxaso , Zouhir Samira , Sana Thibault Géry , Krasteva Petya Violinova
Published: October 2024

Bacterial cellulosic polymers constitute a prevalent class of biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides that are synthesized by several types of bacterial cellulose secretion (Bcs) systems, which include conserved cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP)-dependent cellulose synthase modules together with diverse accessory subunits. In E. coli, the biogenesis of phosphoethanolamine (pEtN)-modified cellulose relies on the BcsRQABEFG macrocomplex, encompassing inner-membrane and cytosolic subunits, and an outer membrane porin, BcsC. Here, we use cryogenic electron microscopy to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of BcsA-dependent recruitment and stabilization of a trimeric BcsG pEtN-transferase for polymer modification, and a dimeric BcsF-dependent recruitment of an otherwise cytosolic BcsE2R2Q2 regulatory complex. We further demonstrate that BcsE, a secondary c-di-GMP sensor, can remain dinucleotide-bound and retain the essential-for-secretion BcsRQ partners onto the synthase even in the absence of direct c-di-GMP-synthase complexation, likely lowering the threshold for c-di-GMP-dependent synthase activation. Such activation-by-proxy mechanism could allow Bcs secretion system activity even in the absence of substantial intracellular c-di-GMP increase, and is reminiscent of other widespread synthase-dependent polysaccharide secretion systems where dinucleotide sensing and/or synthase stabilization are carried out by key co-polymerase subunits.
Artificial superconducting Kondo lattice in a van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Fan Kai , Jin Heng , Huang Bing , Duan Guijing , Yu Rong , Liu Zhen-Yu , Xia Hui-Nan , Liu Li-Si , Zhang Yao , Xie Tao , Tang Qiao-Yin , Chen Gang , Zhang Wen-Hao , Chen F. C. , Luo X. , Lu W. J. , Sun Y. P. , Fu Ying-Shuang
Published: October 2024

Engineering Kondo lattice with tailored functionality is desirable for elucidating the heavy fermion physics. We realize the construction of an artificial Kondo lattice/superconductor heterojunction by growing monolayer VSe2 on bulk 2H-NbSe2 with molecular beam epitaxy. Spectroscopic imaging scanning tunneling microscopy measurements show the emergence of a new charge density wave (CDW) phase with $$\sqrt{3}\times$$

3

×
$$\sqrt{3}$$

3

periodicity on the monolayer VSe2. Unexpectedly, a pronounced Kondo resonance appears around the Fermi level, and distributes uniformly over the entire film, evidencing the formation of Kondo lattice. Density functional theory calculations suggest the existence of magnetic interstitial V atoms in VSe2/NbSe2, which play a key role in forming the CDW phase along with the Kondo lattice observed in VSe2. The Kondo origin is verified from both the magnetic field and temperature dependences of the resonance peak, yielding a Kondo temperature of ~ 44 K. Moreover, a superconducting proximity gap opens on monolayer VSe2, whose shape deviates from the function of one-band BCS superconductor, but is reproduced by model calculations with heavy electrons participating the pairing condensate. Our work lays the experimental foundation for studying interactions between the heavy fermion liquids and the superconducting condensate.
Extracellular plant subtilases dampen cold-shock peptide elicitor levels
Authors: Chen Changlong , Buscaill Pierre , Sanguankiattichai Nattapong , Huang Jie , Kaschani Farnusch , Kaiser Markus , van der Hoorn Renier A. L.
Published: October 2024

Recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns on the cell surface is crucial for plant immunity. The proteinaceous nature of many of these patterns suggests that secreted proteases play important roles in their formation and stability. Here we demonstrate that the apoplastic subtilase SBT5.2a inactivates the immunogenicity of cold-shock proteins (CSPs) of the bacterial plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae by cleaving within the immunogenic csp22 epitope. Consequently, mutant plants lacking SBT5.2a activity retain higher levels of csp22, leading to enhanced immune responses and reduced pathogen growth. SBT5.2 sensitivity is influenced by sequence variation surrounding the cleavage site and probably extends to CSPs from other bacterial species. These findings suggest that variations in csp22 stability among bacterial pathogens are a crucial factor in plant–bacteria interactions and that pathogens exploit plant proteases to avoid pattern recognition.
Assessing the impacts of fertility and retirement policies on China’s carbon emissions
Authors: Tang Ling , Yang Junai , Zheng Jiali , Sun Xinlu , Cheng Lu , He Kehan , Li Ling , Li Jinkai , Cai Wenjia , Wang Shouyang , Drummond Paul , Mi Zhifu
Published: October 2024

The gradual adjustment of fertility and retirement policies in China has social benefits in terms of coping with population aging. However, the environmental consequences of these policies remain ambiguous. Here we compile environmentally extended multiregional input–output tables to estimate household carbon footprints for different population age groups in China. Subsequently, we estimate the age-sex-specific population under different fertility policies up to 2060 and assess the impacts of fertility and retirement policies on household carbon footprints. We find that Chinese young people have relatively higher household carbon footprints than their older counterparts due to differences in income by age group. Relaxing fertility policies and delaying retirement age are associated with an increase in population (and labour supply) and thus increases in household carbon footprints, with the majority of these increases from the fertility side. These results may help policymakers understand interactions among those measures targeting population aging and climate action.
Structural basis of antimicrobial membrane coat assembly by human GBP1
Authors: Kuhm Tanja , Taisne Clémence , de Agrela Pinto Cecilia , Gross Luca , Giannopoulou Evdokia A. , Huber Stefan T. , Pardon Els , Steyaert Jan , Tans Sander J. , Jakobi Arjen J.
Published: October 2024

Guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) are interferon-inducible guanosine triphosphate hydrolases (GTPases) mediating host defense against intracellular pathogens. Their antimicrobial activity hinges on their ability to self-associate and coat pathogen-associated compartments or cytosolic bacteria. Coat formation depends on GTPase activity but how nucleotide binding and hydrolysis prime coat formation remains unclear. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the full-length human GBP1 dimer in its guanine nucleotide-bound state and describe the molecular ultrastructure of the GBP1 coat on liposomes and bacterial lipopolysaccharide membranes. Conformational changes of the middle and GTPase effector domains expose the isoprenylated C terminus for membrane association. The α-helical middle domains form a parallel, crossover arrangement essential for coat formation and position the extended effector domain for intercalation into the lipopolysaccharide layer of gram-negative membranes. Nucleotide binding and hydrolysis create oligomeric scaffolds with contractile abilities that promote membrane extrusion and fragmentation. Our data offer a structural and mechanistic framework for understanding GBP1 effector functions in intracellular immunity.
A viscoelastic-plastic model for the core of various close-packings of multifilament polyamide-6 yarns
Authors: Razbin Milad , Salehian Mortaza , Gharehaghaji Ali Akbar
Published: October 2024

Different forms of close-packed yarns can be produced by varying the number of monofilaments in the core region, ranging from one to five. Numerous efforts have been made to model or simulate the mechanical response of close-packed yarns; however, previous studies have predominantly focused on one or two monofilaments in the core. In this study, we propose an analytical approach that combines a geometrical model with an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the tensile behavior of close-packed yarns containing 2 to 5 monofilaments in the core region. The novelty of this hybrid model lies not only in accounting for more than two monofilaments in the core but also in extending the prediction range from elastic to viscoelastic-plastic behavior. Validation of the proposed method showed excellent agreement between experimental and theoretical results. Numerical simulations further confirmed that the results align with theoretical predictions, demonstrating the model’s accuracy in predicting the tensile behavior of close-packed yarns. This modeling approach has the potential to significantly improve the understanding and modeling of textile structures.
Rapid method to screen biomaterial angiogenesis in vivo using fluorescence imaging in mice
Authors: Kim Boram , Swain Joseph W. R. , Fowler Martha J. , Yang Claire Y. , Vohidona Dilrasobonu , Hartgerink Jeffrey D. , Veiseh Omid
Published: October 2024

A novel, non-invasive fluorescence IVIS imaging technique allows for real-time analysis of angiogenesis in biomaterials, streamlining angiogenic screening and enabling continuous monitoring of vascularization in living organisms.
Mechanistic differences between the Ru(ii) and Zn(ii)-catalyzed cross-coupling of cyclopropenes with diazo compounds: a DFT study
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Lv Kang , Bao Xiaoguang
Published: October 2024

A detailed computational study was performed to shed light on the mechanistic differences between the Ru(ii) and Zn(ii)-catalyzed cross-coupling of cyclopropenes with diazo compounds.
Deep ion mass transfer addressing the capacity shrink challenge of aqueous Zn‖MnO2 batteries during the cathode scaleup
Authors: Jiang Na , Zeng You , Yang Qi , Lu Puda , Qu Keqi , Ye Lihang , Lu Xuejun , Liu Ziqiang , Li Xixian , Tang Yongchao , Cao Jinchao , Chen Shimou , Zhi Chunyi , Qiu Jieshan
Published: October 2024

This work shows that the introduction of interstitial carbon into the MnO2 lattice could reduce the affinity toward SO42− and OH−, thus suppressing the surface coverage of ZHS and improving the Zn||MnO2 battery performance under large loading mass.
Development of a two-dimensional peptide functionalized-reduced graphene oxide biomaterial for wound care applications
Authors: Joshi Shubhi , Barman Panchali , Maan Mayank , Goyal Hemant , Sharma Sheetal , Kumar Rajesh , Verma Gaurav , Saini Avneet
Published: October 2024

Peptide functionalized-reduced graphene oxide biomaterial for wound care applications.
Tremendous advances, multifaceted challenges and feasible future prospects of biodegradable medical polymer materials
Authors: Li Fulong , Chen Chao , Chen Xiaohong
Published: October 2024

This work contributes to the ongoing efforts of BMPMs in the biomedical field and provides a steppingstone for developing more effective BMPM-based products for clinical applications.
On-demand controlled bidirectional DNAzyme path for ultra-sensitive heavy metal ion detection
Authors: Xu Jing , Li Yujin , Wang Futing , Luo Xinqi , Zhang Wei , Lyu Yifan , Yang Hongfen , Cai Ren , Tan Weihong
Published: October 2024

A bidirectional self-powered biosensor is constructed for the quasi-simultaneous detection of Pb2+ and Hg2+ based on MoS2@CuS heterostructures as an accelerator and hybridization chain reaction as a signal amplification strategy.
Photovoltaic-driven stable electrosynthesis of H2O2 in simulated seawater and its disinfection application
Authors: Wen Yichan , Feng Youyou , Wei Jing , Zhang Ting , Cai Chengcheng , Sun Jiyi , Qian Xufang , Zhao Yixin
Published: October 2024

The N-doped carbon catalysts achieved a record-high H2O2 production rate under an industrial current density over 200 h in simulated seawater. This H2O2 solution achieved 100% removal rate for E. coli and negligible toxicity to living organisms.
Pentacosacyclenes: cruciform molecular nanocarbons based on cyclooctatetraene
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Chmielewski Piotr J. , Lis Tadeusz , Czarnecki Mirosław , Stępień Marcin
Published: October 2024

In pentacosacyclenes, a saddle-shaped cyclooctatetraene ring (orange) undergoes acenaphthylene fusion (green) and rylene extension (yellow). Their properties are further tuned by peripheral decoration with alkyl groups (red) or imide rings (blue).
Valorisation of food waste with distinct carbon-to-nitrogen ratios by the microalga Isochrysis galbana: laboratory demonstration and techno-economic assessment
Authors: Zeng Xu , Zhao Zhi-yuan , Wang Gui-meng , Ayittey Derek M. , Zhu Jia-le , Zhou Zhi-gang , Ho Kin-chung , Lin Carol Sze Ki , Sun Zheng
Published: October 2024

Valorization of food waste with varying C/N ratios through microalgal cultivation for the tailored production of high value-added products.
Sulfur-doped g-C3N4/V2C MXene Schottky junctions for superior photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Wang Haitao , Fan Jipeng , Zou Jing , Zheng Yujie , Wang Dingsheng , Jiang Jizhou
Published: October 2024

An advanced sulfur-doped g-C3N4/V2C MXene (SCN/V2C) Schottky junction HER photocatalyst was prepared via vacuum ball milling and subsequent annealing.
Correction: Review on the synthesis of Li-rich layered oxide cathodes
Authors: Gu Kexin , Shi Zhepu , Li Xiao , Qiu Bao , Liu Zhaoping
Published: October 2024

Correction for ‘Review on the synthesis of Li-rich layered oxide cathodes’ by Kexin Gu et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, 12, 24727–24745, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03917C.
Rashba asymmetric topological insulator BiTeCl under compression: equation of state, vibrational features and electronic properties
Authors: Bandiello E. , Osman H. H. , Sans J. A. , Rodríguez-Hernández P. , Muñoz A. , González-Platas J. , Popescu C. , Greenberg E. , Prakapenka V. , Drasar C. , Romero A. H. , Manjón F. J.
Published: October 2024

BiTeCl under high-pressure conditions is characterized. The equation of state, vibrational features, and electronic band structure are discussed, as well as the non-pure van der Waals character of the interlayer bonding of the low-pressure phase.
Tetracationic macrocycles form highly stable inclusion complexes with uric acid enabling solution-phase and paper-strip bicolor colorimetric detection of hyperuricemia
Authors: Sun Jian-Da , Zhang Jiangshan , Zhuang Sheng-Yi , Wang Hui , Zhou Wei , Li Zhan-Ting , Zhang Dan-Wei
Published: October 2024

Uric acid can be detected using a bicolor colorimetric system of tetracationic macrocycles and rhodamine B in solution or a paper assay.
In situ controllable construction of Ni@NiO Schottky heterojunctions for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Rui , Pu Ziyi , Zhou Rongxiu , Li Yuanzhi , Huang Yexiong , Li Shuaiqi , Yang Jie , Zhang Dingke , Pi Mingyu
Published: October 2024

Ni@NiO was prepared by in situ partial reduction strategy via vacuum annealing and the HER activity was significantly enhanced.
SDMA as a marker and mediator in cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Riddell Alexandra , Flynn Arun , Bergugnat Hugo , Dowsett Laura B. , Miller Alyson A.
Published: October 2024

Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a methylated derivative of arginine, generated by all cells as a by-product of cellular metabolism and eliminated via the kidney. For many years SDMA has been considered inert and of little biological significance. However, a growing body of evidence now suggests this view is outdated and that circulating SDMA levels may, in fact, be intricately linked to endothelial dysfunction and vascular risk. In this review, we specifically examine SDMA within the context of cerebrovascular disease, with a particular focus on ischaemic stroke. We first discuss pre-clinical evidence supporting the notion that SDMA has effects on nitric oxide signalling, inflammation, oxidative stress, and HDL function. We then appraise the most recent clinical studies that explore the relationship between circulating SDMA and cerebrovascular risk factors, such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and atherosclerosis, exploring whether any associations may arise due to the existence of shared risk factors. Finally, we consider the evidence that elevated circulating SDMA is linked to poor outcomes following ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. We draw upon pre-clinical insights into SDMA function to speculate how SDMA may not only be a marker of cerebrovascular disease but could also directly influence cerebrovascular pathology, and we highlight the pressing need for more mechanistic pre-clinical studies alongside adequately powered, longitudinal clinical studies to fully evaluate SDMA as a marker/mediator of disease.
Benefit–Cost Analyses of Hearing Aids, Over-the-Counter Hearing Devices, and Hearing Care Services
Authors: Jilla Anna Marie , Johnson Carole E. , Baldwin Jonathan D. , Huntington-Klein Nick
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

Limited accessibility to hearing health care threatens healthy aging in place for older adults with hearing loss. A willingness-to-pay (WTP) approach was used to determine benefits and value of prescription advanced digital technology (ADT) hearing aids, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices, and rehabilitative services using benefit–cost analyses.

Method:

This study was a cross-sectional survey with chart review of hearing aid users at two independent audiology practices. Seventy hearing aid users (response rate: 15.6%) provided their WTP for ADT prescription hearing aids, OTC hearing devices, and hearing rehabilitative services. Benefit–cost ratios and net social benefit were calculated using deterministic and exploratory approaches. Point estimates for benefit–cost ratios and net social benefit were derived using bootstrap sampling with replacement (
N
= 5,000).

Results:

Median WTP for ADT prescription hearing aids and rehabilitative services were $2,000 and $250, respectively. WTP was lowest for OTC devices (
Mdn
= $0; maximum = $500). Benefit–cost ratios and net social benefit for ADT prescription hearing aids, OTC devices, and hearing rehabilitative services favored these interventions when out-of-pocket costs remained low. Benefit–cost analyses also produced results favoring prescription ADT hearing aid intervention with costs as high as $1,530 per device.

Conclusions:

WTP results indicated that all interventions under study have a measurable consumer-perceived benefit. Results of benefit–cost analyses favored the interventions but only when costs were lower than market prices. The benefit–cost analysis results for hearing care services underscore their value when provided as part of a comprehensive rehabilitative plan that may inform future health policy changes.
A Multimodal Investigation of Listening Effort in Single-Sided Deafness
Authors: Nguyen Don Luong , Valentin Olivier , Lehmann Alexandre , Prévost François
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

For patients with single-sided deafness (SSD), choosing between bone conduction devices (BCDs) and contralateral routing of signal hearing aids (CROS) is challenging due to mixed evidence on their benefits. The lack of clear guidelines complicates clinical decision making. This study explores whether realistic spatial listening measures can reveal a clinically valid benefit and if the optimal choice varies among patients. By assessing listening effort through objective and subjective measures, this research evaluates the efficacy of BCD and CROS, seeking to provide evidence-based recommendation anchored in the effectiveness of these devices in real-world scenarios.

Method:

Thirteen participants with SSD performed the Hearing-in-Noise Test while using a BCD, CROS hearing aids, and no hearing device (unaided). Subjective listening effort was assessed using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire after each testing block. An objective measurement of listening effort was obtained by measuring the peak pupil dilation (PPD) during the task using eye tracking glasses.

Results:

No significant difference of either PPD or NASA-TLX scores was observed between the three device conditions (BCD, CROS, and unaided). However, a trend is noted toward reduced PPD in the BCD and CROS conditions. The lack of significance in pupillometry results does not stem from technical issues, as the study's findings confirm its effectiveness in measuring task difficulty, and validate its use for assessing listening effort.

Conclusions:

Although the results from the present study cannot significantly differentiate the hearing devices, we observe a trend that points toward reduced listening effort when using hearing devices. Future investigations should aim to optimize metrics of listening effort, perhaps making them clinically useful on an individual level.
Early Oral Language and Cognitive Predictors of Emergent Literacy Skills in Arabic-Speaking Children: Evidence From Saudi Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Alsiddiqi Zakiyah A. , Stojanovik Vesna , Pagnamenta Emma
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

Although children with developmental language disorder (DLD) are known to have difficulties with emergent literacy skills, few available studies have examined emergent literacy skills in Arabic-speaking children with DLD. Even though Arabic language characteristics, such as diglossia and orthographic structure, influence the acquisition of literacy in Arabic-speaking children, research shows that oral language skills, such as vocabulary, and cognitive skills, such as verbal short-term memory (VSTM), predict literacy in Arabic-speaking children. Moreover, linguistic and memory abilities are impaired in children with DLD, including Arabic-speaking children. The current study examines the relationships between oral language, VSTM, and emergent literacy skills in Arabic-speaking typically developing (TD) children and children with DLD.

Method:

Participants were 40 TD children (20 girls; aged 4;0–6;11 [years;months]) and 26 children with DLD (nine girls, aged 4;0–6;11). All participants were monolingual Arabic speakers and matched on age and socioeconomic status. A set of comprehensive Arabic language (vocabulary knowledge, morphosyntactic, and listening comprehension skills), VSTM, and emergent literacy (phonological awareness and letter knowledge skills) tests were administered.

Results:

The DLD group scored significantly lower than the TD group on language, VSTM, and emergent literacy measures. Results revealed that the contributions of oral language and VSTM to emergent literacy skills across TD and DLD groups were different. In the TD group, VSTM predicted emergent literacy skills, whereas in the DLD groups, both vocabulary knowledge and VSTM predicted emergent literacy skills.

Conclusions:

This study represents an important first step in understanding emergent literacy skills and their relationships to language and memory in Arabic-speaking children with and without DLD. The implications of these findings for clinical and education provision are discussed.
The Role of Hearing Difficulty: Cognitive-Communication and Speech-in-Noise Deficits in Adults Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Lander Devan M. , Roup Christina M.
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a high rate of occurrence across the lifespan. Following mild TBI (mTBI), perceived deficits in cognitive communication and hearing may be noted. This study aimed to determine if adults with a history of mTBI and hearing difficulty perceived greater degrees of cognitive-communication difficulty and performed poorer on a speech-in-noise task when compared to participants with mTBI and controls without reported hearing difficulty.

Method:

Adults aged 19–77 years with and without a history of mTBI were analyzed. Participants were divided into three groups: control (
n
= 49), mTBI (
n
= 22), and mTBI with hearing difficulty (mTBI-HD,
n
= 26). Perception of hearing difficulty was based on a score of ≥ 20 on the Hearing Handicap Inventory or a score ≥ 2 on the Adult Auditory Performance Scale. Self-perceived cognitive communication was measured using the Cognitive Difficulties Scale (CDS) and the La Trobe Communication Questionnaire (LCQ). Speech-in-noise performance was measured using the low-cue speech recognition threshold (SRT) from the Listening in Spatialized Noise–Sentences (LiSN-S) test.

Results:

Adults in the mTBI-HD group reported significantly greater degrees of cognitive-communication difficulties (higher CDS and LCQ scores) and exhibited significantly poorer speech-in-noise performance on the low-cue LiSN-S condition when compared to the control and mTBI groups. Results also revealed significant correlations between the LiSN-S low-cue SRT and perceived cognitive communication on the CDS.

Conclusions:

Results of the current study indicate that adults with a history of mTBI and hearing difficulty experience greater subjective cognitive-communication difficulties and perform more poorly on difficult speech-in-noise tasks than adults who do not experience self-perceived hearing difficulties. The results of this study support the consideration of hearing and cognitive-communication difficulties when determining appropriate speech, language, and hearing assessment, treatment, and intervention strategies for individuals following mTBI.
Optimal design of hollow conductor for high‐speed synchronous motor exploiting adaptive‐sampling radial basis function algorithm
Authors: Li Ruiye , Cheng Peng , Lan Hai
Published: October 2024

As aircraft electrification advances, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) require higher power density and efficiency, but optimisation is hindered by high computational costs and resource consumption. To address this, the paper proposes a multi‐objective optimisation method based on adaptive sampling radial basis function (ASRBF). The ASRBF algorithm adaptively adds sample points by estimating expected improvements at prediction points, enabling the surrogate model to rapidly approximate the global optimum while significantly reducing function evaluations. It integrates optimisation objectives and constraints using probabilistic improvement techniques, enhancing robustness and convergence speed by avoiding excessive exploration of invalid regions. Mathematical test functions validate ASRBF's excellent performance in handling complex objective domains. Applied to high‐speed PMSM with hollow conductors, it aims to minimise AC losses while maximising slot fill factor and heat dissipation, resulting in a 15% reduction in losses and an increase in conductor heat dissipation area and slot fill factor, at one‐thousandth of the cost of the full factorial optimisation method. The ASRBF algorithm efficiently constructs surrogate models for multi‐dimensional, multi‐objective, non‐linear, and constrained problems, providing a powerful tool for comprehensive performance optimisation of complex systems such as motors.
A fault detection and location algorithm for the LVDC interconnection network in rural area
Authors: Liu Chengwei , Rodriguez‐Bernuz Joan Marc , Liu Di , Yang Saizhao , Li Yitong , Hong Qiteng , Junyent‐Ferré Adrià
Published: October 2024

Low voltage DC (LVDC) microgrids (MGs) can be linked together through an interconnection network to enhance the utilization of their energy resources in remote locations, particularly in rural low‐income areas. However, the identification of the fault is challenging due to the fast fault transients and equipment limitations, where there are no sensors and DC circuit breakers (DCCBs) in the lines. To solve this problem, this article proposes a fault detection and location algorithm without requiring extra sensors and DCCBs in lines. The proposed algorithm uses the sensors of the interface converters to detect the fault. Following this, a coordinated current injection method is used to identify the faulty element by coordinating converters with disconnectors. This process employs two strategies “weight check” and “scope check” to minimize the time and the number of actions. The algorithm is robust to various fault impedance, fault types and network topology modifications. The effectiveness of the algorithm is validated through a series of simulation case studies.
Two‐stage low‐carbon scheduling of integrated energy system based on carbon emission flow model
Authors: Xia Jia‐Wei , Hu Dandan , Xiao Chu‐Peng , Wang Zhen‐Yu , Liu Zhi‐Wei
Published: October 2024

Under the influence of environmental pollution and energy scarcity, integrated energy systems (IES) have received extensive attention in the field of energy supply due to their ability to consume renewable energy and enhance energy utilization. In the context of low‐carbon scheduling for IES, numerous studies calculate the system's carbon emissions based on the carbon emission coefficients of energy devices. However, IES is a multi‐energy coupling system in which a device's energy input can originate from multiple sources with varying degrees of carbon emissions, making it difficult to accurately calculate the resulting carbon emissions using fixed coefficients. Consequently, a carbon emission flow (CEF) model is constructed for the system to calculate carbon emissions. In addition to the basic input–output CEF model, the CEF model for energy storage devices is considered, and carbon emission constraints during system operation are formulated based on the CEF model. Furthermore, many studies on low‐carbon scheduling of IES overlook the uncertainties associated with load and renewable energy. Therefore, a two‐stage scheduling model consisting of day‐ahead stage and intra‐day stage is developed to achieve reliable energy supply. Finally, through experiments, the low‐carbon performance and reliability of the model are validated.
ELEPHANT: ExtragaLactic alErt Pipeline for Hostless AstroNomical Transients
Authors: Pessi P. J. , Durgesh R. , Nakazono L. , Hayes E. E. , Oliveira R. A. P. , Ishida E. E. O. , Moitinho A. , Krone-Martins A. , Moews B. , de Souza R. S. , Beck R. , Kuhn M. A. , Nowak K. , Vaughan S.
Published: October 2024

Context. Transient astronomical events that exhibit no discernible association with a host galaxy are commonly referred to as hostless. These rare phenomena can offer unique insights into the properties and evolution of stars and galaxies. However, the sheer number of transients captured by contemporary high-cadence astronomical surveys renders the manual identification of all potential hostless transients impractical. Therefore, creating a systematic identification tool is crucial for studying these elusive events.

Aims. We present the ExtragaLactic alErt Pipeline for Hostless AstroNomical Transients (ELEPHANT), a framework for filtering hostless transients in astronomical data streams. It was designed to process alerts from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) presented in the Fink broker; however, its underlying concept can be applied to other data sources.

Methods. We used Fink to access all the ZTF alerts produced between January 2022 and December 2023, selecting alerts associated with extragalactic transients reported in SIMBAD or TNS, as well as those classified as supernovae (SNe) or kilonovae (KNe) by the machine learning (ML) classifiers within the broker. We then processed the associated stamps using a sequence of image analysis techniques to retrieve hostless candidates.

Results. We find that ≲2% of all analyzed transients are potentially hostless. Among them, only ~10% have a spectroscopic class reported on TNS, with type Ia SNe being the most common class, followed by superluminous SNe. In particular, among the host-less candidates retrieved by our pipeline, there is SN 2018ibb, which has been proposed to be a pair instability SN candidate, and SN 2022ann, one of only five known SNe Icn. When no class is reported on TNS, the dominant classes are quasi-stellar object (QSO) and SN candidates, with the former obtained from SIMBAD and the latter inferred using the Fink ML classifier.

Conclusions. ELEPHANT represents an effective strategy to filter extragalactic events within large and complex astronomical alert streams. There are many applications for which this pipeline will be useful, ranging from transient selection for follow-up to studies of transient environments. The results presented here demonstrate the feasibility of developing specially crafted pipelines that enable a variety of scientific studies based on large-scale surveys.