bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Groundwater Storage Dynamics and Aquifer Mechanical Properties in the Santa Clara Valley Inferred From InSAR Deformation Over 2017–2022
Authors: Ghobadi‐Far Khosro , Werth Susanna , Shirzaei Manoochehr , Bürgmann Roland
Published: November 2023

We used Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)‐derived vertical land motion (VLM) timeseries during 2017–2022 to examine the compounding impacts of natural and anthropogenic processes on groundwater dynamics in the Santa Clara Valley (SCV). VLM strongly correlates (>0.75) with groundwater level in both unconfined and confined aquifers. We show that VLM in SCV is mainly driven by groundwater dynamics in deep aquifer layers below 120 m. Our results show that during the most recent drought from March 2019 to November 2021, Santa Clara County subsided up to 30 mm due to groundwater depletion, three times as large as average seasonal amplitude of VLM. Owing to the managed aquifer recharge, the region has been able to avoid unrecoverable land subsidence. We utilize InSAR data to calibrate storage coefficient and lag time related to delayed response of clay interbeds to groundwater level changes, which further serves to estimate groundwater volume loss in confined aquifer units during drought.
Connecting the SST Pattern Problem and the Hot Model Problem
Authors: Rugenstein Maria , Dhame Shreya , Olonscheck Dirk , Wills Robert Jnglin , Watanabe Masahiro , Seager Richard
Published: November 2023

In the equatorial and subtropical east Pacific Ocean, strong ocean‐atmosphere coupling results in large‐amplitude interannual variability. Recent literature debates whether climate models reproduce observed short and long‐term surface temperature trends in this region. We reconcile the debate by reevaluating a large range of trends in initial condition ensembles of 15 climate models. We confirm that models fail to reproduce long‐term trends, but also find that many models do not reproduce the observed decadal‐scale swings in the East to West gradient of the equatorial Pacific. Models with high climate sensitivity are less likely to reproduce observed decadal‐scale swings than models with a modest climate sensitivity, possibly due to an incorrect balance of cloud feedbacks driven by changing inversion strength versus surface warming. Our findings suggest that two not well understood problems of the current generation of climate models are connected and we highlight the need to increase understanding of decadal‐scale variability.
Reducing Winter Precipitation Biases Over the Western Tibetan Plateau in the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) With a Revised Parameterization of Orographic Gravity Wave Drag
Authors: Xu Xin , Ji Yuzhi , Zhou Xu , Yang Kun , Lu Yixiong , Zhang Rongrong , Yang Ben , Tang Jianping , Wang Yuan
Published: November 2023

Climate models often overestimate the precipitation in western Tibetan Plateau (TP) during winter, due to their poor ability in representing the orographic drag of unresolved complex terrain. In this study, the parameterization scheme of orographic gravity wave drag (OGWD) in the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) is revised to account for the nonhydrostatic effects (NHE) on the surface momentum flux of vertically‐propagating orographic gravity waves (OGWs). The effect of revised OGWD scheme on the simulation of winter precipitation over the TP is examined using parallel numerical experiments with the original and revised schemes, respectively. The results show that the revised scheme can effectively alleviate the precipitation biases in western TP by improving the atmospheric circulation and water vapor transport (WVT). The NHE reduces the surface wave momentum flux of OGWs which results in weaker zonal OGWD in the mid‐low troposphere and thus stronger westerlies over the TP, reducing the easterly biases in the experiment with the original OGWD scheme. The weakened zonal OGWD promotes a plateau‐scale cyclonic circulation to the north of the TP, which suppresses the northern branch of the bifurcated westerlies detouring the TP. According to quantitative analysis, the WVT into the western TP and surrounding areas by upstream westerlies is notably reduced by the northeasterlies of the cyclonic circulation, which eventually leads to the decrease of precipitation in this region.
Shipboard Observations of Aerosol Chemical Properties Over the Western Pacific Ocean in Winter 2018
Authors: Ma Yining , Ma Yongjing , Zhang Xiangguang , Wu Fangkun , Liu Quan , Wu Xiaoyan , Lyu Yilong , Jiang Jiawei , Zhao Dandan , Ren Xinbing , Li Zhi , Jia Xin , Li Mengchao , Yao Jingyu , Gao Zhongming , Hai Shangfei , Xin Jinyuan
Published: November 2023

Based on a shipboard observation conducted in winter 2018, we reported the aerosol chemical properties and their differences in offshore and remote oceans over the Western Pacific Ocean (WPO). It's found that the chemical compositions over the WPO have significant spatial heterogeneity due to the influences of regional transport of anthropogenic aerosols and long‐path transport of dust aerosols. The average concentration of water soluble ions during the whole sampling period followed Cl− > OC > Na+ >  >  > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > EC > K+ > . Crustal elements of Ca (980.41 ng/m3), Na (971.55 ng/m3), and Al (781.16 ng/m3) were uniformly distributed in offshore area, but high proportion of Na elements dominated in remote regions. The total concentration of heavy metals including Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb and others originating from anthropogenic sources were 208 ng/m3 along the coastal region, about 10 times higher than that of 20.2 ng/m3 in the offshore and remote seas. For the reconstructed components, we found an increase of sea‐salt aerosol ranged from 3% to 72%, and a decrease of black carbon, organic matter and secondary inorganic salts, indicating a transformation from anthropogenic influence to marine environment. The rapidly increased secondary organic matter during dust event revealed that the transport of dust serves as catalysts to promote multi‐phase reactions. Cl− photochemical reaction rate in offshore area was mainly affected by sulfate from anthropogenic emissions, with an average chlorine loss rate of 18%, whereas it was inverse Cl− excess in the remote oceans.
Formation and Quasi‐Periodic Variation of Equatorial Jet Caused by Planetary‐Scale Waves in the Venusian Lower Cloud Layer
Authors: Takagi Masahiro , Ando Hiroki , Imai Masataka , Sugimoto Norihiko , Matsuda Yoshihisa
Published: November 2023

The equatorial jet in the Venusian lower cloud layer (47–55 km altitudes) and its quasi‐periodic variation are found in a general circulation model (GCM). The equatorial jet is produced by the 5.8‐day wave and destroyed by the 7‐day wave, and its quasi‐periodic variation with a timescale of about 280 days is caused by the alternating development of these waves in the GCM. The 5.8‐day wave, which is excited by the Rossby‐Kelvin instability, produces the equatorward angular momentum (AM) flux, and accelerates the zonal‐mean zonal wind in the equatorial region. The 7‐day wave, newly found in the present study, is a planetary‐scale wave antisymmetric about the equator, although it has not yet been observed. It is excited by the coupling among the lower‐altitude equatorial Rossby mode, the mid‐latitude Rossby mode, and the high‐latitude Rossby mode. In the growth period, the 7‐day wave produces the poleward (equatorward) AM flux around the equatorward (poleward) critical latitude. As a result, the zonal‐mean zonal wind is decelerated (accelerated) in the equatorial region and high latitudes (mid‐latitudes). In the regrowth period, the lower‐altitude equatorial Rossby mode disappears due to the disappearance of the equatorial jet, but the high‐latitude Rossby mode is still enhanced by the coupling with the mid‐latitude Rossby mode. These results could provide a possible explanation of the equatorial jet inferred from the recent Akatsuki observation, although it should be investigated by further observations.
A motion characteristics modeled angular position sensor by nonlinear transfer of differential capacitance for miniaturized scanning mirrors
Authors: Liu Songtao , Zhang Gaofei , Zhang Lingyun , Wang Junya , Gong Minghao , You Zheng
Published: November 2023

In this paper, an angular position sensor (APS) designed for a resonant miniaturized scanning mirror (M-SM) is presented. The APS operates based on the principle of differential variable capacitance, significantly expanding the detectable bandwidth from a few hertz to several kilohertz. By modeling the motion characteristics, the sampling rates of the biaxial scanning angles are 1473.6 times and 539.4 times higher than those of conventional sensors. Initially, the motion characteristics model is presented as a simple harmonic motion, converting sampled capacitance into continuous capacitance. Subsequently, the nonparallel state of the M-SM and sensor is transformed into a parallel state through the space coordinate system transformation. Furthermore, a 2D nonlinear angle transfer function is developed to convert the differential capacitance into an angle, thereby mitigating the nonlinear errors resulting from large angles. Achieving an accuracy better than 0.014°, the measuring range expands from ±0.5729° (±10 mrad) to ±5.026° ( ± 87 mrad). Additionally, the capturing mode and tracking mode are proposed to monitor real-time angular changes of the M-SM with an accuracy of 0.017°. High-precision APSs have enhanced beam pointing accuracy and resolution and can thereby be used to advance the development of laser components, including light detection and ranging (LiDAR).
Selective inhibition of CDK9 in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Mustafa Ebtihal H. , Laven-Law Geraldine , Kikhtyak Zoya , Nguyen Van , Ali Simak , Pace Alex A. , Iggo Richard , Kebede Alemwork , Noll Ben , Wang Shudong , Winter Jean M. , Dwyer Amy R. , Tilley Wayne D. , Hickey Theresa E.
Published: November 2023

Targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) remains a clinical challenge due to tumour heterogeneity. Since TNBC have key features of transcriptionally addicted cancers, targeting transcription via regulators such as cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) has potential as a therapeutic strategy. Herein, we preclinically tested a new selective CDK9 inhibitor (CDDD11-8) in TNBC using cell line, patient-derived organoid, and patient-derived explant models. In vitro, CDDD11-8 dose-dependently inhibited proliferation (IC50 range: 281–734 nM), induced cell cycle arrest, and increased apoptosis of cell lines, which encompassed the three major molecular subtypes of TNBC. On target inhibition of CDK9 activity was demonstrated by reduced RNAPII phosphorylation at a CDK9 target peptide and down-regulation of the MYC and MCL1 oncogenes at the mRNA and protein levels in all cell line models. Drug induced RNAPII pausing was evident at gene promoters, with strongest pausing at MYC target genes. Growth of five distinct patient-derived organoid models was dose-dependently inhibited by CDDD11-8 (IC50 range: 272–771 nM), including three derived from MYC amplified, chemo-resistant TNBC metastatic lesions. Orally administered CDDD11-8 also inhibited growth of mammary intraductal TNBC xenograft tumours with no overt toxicity in vivo (mice) or ex vivo (human breast tissues). In conclusion, our studies indicate that CDK9 is a viable therapeutic target in TNBC and that CDDD11-8, a novel selective CDK9 inhibitor, has efficacy in TNBC without apparent toxicity to normal tissues.
Lipolysis supports bone formation by providing osteoblasts with endogenous fatty acid substrates to maintain bioenergetic status
Authors: Nandy Ananya , Helderman Ron C. M. , Thapa Santosh , Jayapalan Shobana , Richards Alison , Narayani Nikita , Czech Michael P. , Rosen Clifford J. , Rendina-Ruedy Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Bone formation is a highly energy-demanding process that can be impacted by metabolic disorders. Glucose has been considered the principal substrate for osteoblasts, although fatty acids are also important for osteoblast function. Here, we report that osteoblasts can derive energy from endogenous fatty acids stored in lipid droplets via lipolysis and that this process is critical for bone formation. As such, we demonstrate that osteoblasts accumulate lipid droplets that are highly dynamic and provide the molecular mechanism by which they serve as a fuel source for energy generation during osteoblast maturation. Inhibiting cytoplasmic lipolysis leads to both an increase in lipid droplet size in osteoblasts and an impairment in osteoblast function. The fatty acids released by lipolysis from these lipid droplets become critical for cellular energy production as cellular energetics shifts towards oxidative phosphorylation during nutrient-depleted conditions. In vivo, conditional deletion of the ATGL-encoding gene Pnpla2 in osteoblast progenitor cells reduces cortical and trabecular bone parameters and alters skeletal lipid metabolism. Collectively, our data demonstrate that osteoblasts store fatty acids in the form of lipid droplets, which are released via lipolysis to support cellular bioenergetic status when nutrients are limited. Perturbations in this process result in impairment of bone formation, specifically reducing ATP production and overall osteoblast function.
Synchronous micromechanically resonant programmable photonic circuits
Authors: Dong Mark , Boyle Julia M. , Palm Kevin J. , Zimmermann Matthew , Witte Alex , Leenheer Andrew J. , Dominguez Daniel , Gilbert Gerald , Eichenfield Matt , Englund Dirk
Published: November 2023

Programmable photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are emerging as powerful tools for control of light, with applications in quantum information processing, optical range finding, and artificial intelligence. Low-power implementations of these PICs involve micromechanical structures driven capacitively or piezoelectrically but are often limited in modulation bandwidth by mechanical resonances and high operating voltages. Here we introduce a synchronous, micromechanically resonant design architecture for programmable PICs and a proof-of-principle 1×8 photonic switch using piezoelectric optical phase shifters. Our design purposefully exploits high-frequency mechanical resonances and optically broadband components for larger modulation responses on the order of the mechanical quality factor Qm while maintaining fast switching speeds. We experimentally show switching cycles of all 8 channels spaced by approximately 11 ns and operating at 4.6 dB average modulation enhancement. Future advances in micromechanical devices with high Qm, which can exceed 10000, should enable an improved series of low-voltage and high-speed programmable PICs.
Reproductive individuality of clonal fish raised in near-identical environments and its link to early-life behavioral individuality
Authors: Scherer Ulrike , Ehlman Sean M. , Bierbach David , Krause Jens , Wolf Max
Published: November 2023

Recent studies have documented among-individual phenotypic variation that emerges in the absence of apparent genetic and environmental differences, but it remains an open question whether such seemingly stochastic variation has fitness consequences. We perform a life-history experiment with naturally clonal fish, separated directly after birth into near-identical (i.e., highly standardized) environments, quantifying 2522 offspring from 152 broods over 280 days. We find that (i) individuals differ consistently in the size of offspring and broods produced over consecutive broods, (ii) these differences are observed even when controlling for trade-offs between brood size, offspring size and reproductive onset, indicating individual differences in life-history productivity and (iii) early-life behavioral individuality in activity and feeding patterns, with among-individual differences in feeding being predictive of growth, and consequently offspring size. Thus, our study provides experimental evidence that even when minimizing genetic and environmental differences, systematic individual differences in life-history measures and ultimately fitness can emerge.
Cooperative Fe sites on transition metal (oxy)hydroxides drive high oxygen evolution activity in base
Authors: Ou Yingqing , Twight Liam P. , Samanta Bipasa , Liu Lu , Biswas Santu , Fehrs Jessica L. , Sagui Nicole A. , Villalobos Javier , Morales-Santelices Joaquín , Antipin Denis , Risch Marcel , Toroker Maytal Caspary , Boettcher Shannon W.
Published: November 2023

Fe-containing transition-metal (oxy)hydroxides are highly active oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts in alkaline media and ubiquitously form across many materials systems. The complexity and dynamics of the Fe sites within the (oxy)hydroxide have slowed understanding of how and where the Fe-based active sites form—information critical for designing catalysts and electrolytes with higher activity and stability. We show that where/how Fe species in the electrolyte incorporate into host Ni or Co (oxy)hydroxides depends on the electrochemical history and structural properties of the host material. Substantially less Fe is incorporated from Fe-spiked electrolyte into Ni (oxy)hydroxide at anodic potentials, past the nominally Ni2+/3+ redox wave, compared to during potential cycling. The Fe adsorbed under constant anodic potentials leads to impressively high per-Fe OER turn-over frequency (TOFFe) of ~40 s−1 at 350 mV overpotential which we attribute to under-coordinated “surface” Fe. By systematically controlling the concentration of surface Fe, we find TOFFe increases linearly with the Fe concentration. This suggests a changing OER mechanism with increased Fe concentration, consistent with a mechanism involving cooperative Fe sites in FeOx clusters.
Genetic separation of Brca1 functions reveal mutation-dependent Polθ vulnerabilities
Authors: Krais John J. , Glass David J. , Chudoba Ilse , Wang Yifan , Feng Wanjuan , Simpson Dennis , Patel Pooja , Liu Zemin , Neumann-Domer Ryan , Betsch Robert G. , Bernhardy Andrea J. , Bradbury Alice M. , Conger Jason , Yueh Wei-Ting , Nacson Joseph , Pomerantz Richard T. , Gupta Gaorav P. , Testa Joseph R. , Johnson Neil
Published: November 2023

Homologous recombination (HR)-deficiency induces a dependency on DNA polymerase theta (Polθ/Polq)-mediated end joining, and Polθ inhibitors (Polθi) are in development for cancer therapy. BRCA1 and BRCA2 deficient cells are thought to be synthetic lethal with Polθ, but whether distinct HR gene mutations give rise to equivalent Polθ-dependence, and the events that drive lethality, are unclear. In this study, we utilized mouse models with separate Brca1 functional defects to mechanistically define Brca1-Polθ synthetic lethality. Surprisingly, homozygous Brca1 mutant, Polq−/− cells were viable, but grew slowly and had chromosomal instability. Brca1 mutant cells proficient in DNA end resection were significantly more dependent on Polθ for viability; here, treatment with Polθi elevated RPA foci, which persisted through mitosis. In an isogenic system, BRCA1 null cells were defective, but PALB2 and BRCA2 mutant cells exhibited active resection, and consequently stronger sensitivity to Polθi. Thus, DNA end resection is a critical determinant of Polθi sensitivity in HR-deficient cells, and should be considered when selecting patients for clinical studies.
Confined Cu-OH single sites in SSZ-13 zeolite for the direct oxidation of methane to methanol
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Han Peijie , Wu Danfeng , Du Congcong , Zhao Jiafei , Zhang Kelvin H. L. , Lin Jingdong , Wan Shaolong , Huang Jianyu , Wang Shuai , Xiong Haifeng , Wang Yong
Published: November 2023

The direct oxidation of methane to methanol (MTM) remains a significant challenge in heterogeneous catalysis due to the high dissociation energy of the C-H bond in methane and the high desorption energy of methanol. In this work, we demonstrate a breakthrough in selective MTM by achieving a high methanol space-time yield of 2678 mmol molCu−1 h−1 with 93% selectivity in a continuous methane-steam reaction at 400 °C. The superior performance is attributed to the confinement effect of 6-membered ring (6MR) voids in SSZ-13 zeolite, which host isolated Cu-OH single sites. Our results provide a deeper understanding of the role of Cu-zeolites in continuous methane-steam to methanol conversion and pave the way for further improvement.
Distributed genotyping and clustering of Neisseria strains reveal continual emergence of epidemic meningococcus over a century
Authors: Zhong Ling , Zhang Menghan , Sun Libing , Yang Yu , Wang Bo , Yang Haibing , Shen Qiang , Xia Yu , Cui Jiarui , Hang Hui , Ren Yi , Pang Bo , Deng Xiangyu , Zhan Yahui , Li Heng , Zhou Zhemin
Published: November 2023

Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) is commonly used to classify bacterial strains into different types, for taxonomical and epidemiological applications. However, cgMLST schemes require central databases for the nomenclature of new alleles and sequence types, which must be synchronized worldwide and involve increasingly intensive calculation and storage demands. Here, we describe a distributed cgMLST (dcgMLST) scheme that does not require a central database of allelic sequences and apply it to study evolutionary patterns of epidemic and endemic strains of the genus Neisseria. We classify 69,994 worldwide Neisseria strains into multi-level clusters that assign species, lineages, and local disease outbreaks. We divide Neisseria meningitidis into 168 endemic lineages and three epidemic lineages responsible for at least 9 epidemics in the past century. According to our analyses, the epidemic and endemic lineages experienced very different population dynamics in the past 100 years. Epidemic lineages repetitively emerged from endemic lineages, disseminated worldwide, and apparently disappeared rapidly afterward. We propose a stepwise model for the evolutionary trajectory of epidemic lineages in Neisseria, and expect that the development of similar dcgMLST schemes will facilitate epidemiological studies of other bacterial pathogens.
Tough soldering for stretchable electronics by small-molecule modulated interfacial assemblies
Authors: Ai Liqing , Lin Weikang , Cao Chunyan , Li Pengyu , Wang Xuejiao , Lv Dong , Li Xin , Yang Zhengbao , Yao Xi
Published: November 2023

The rapid-developing soft robots and wearable devices require flexible conductive materials to maintain electric functions over a large range of deformations. Considerable efforts are made to develop stretchable conductive materials; little attention is paid to the frequent failures of integrated circuits caused by the interface mismatch of soft substrates and rigid silicon-based microelectronics. Here, we present a stretchable solder with good weldability that can strongly bond with electronic components, benefiting from the hierarchical assemblies of liquid metal particles, small-molecule modulators, and non-covalently crosslinked polymer matrix. Our self-solder shows high conductivity (>2×105  S  m−1), extreme stretchability (~1000%, and >600% with chip-integrated), and high toughness (~20 MJ m−3). Additionally, the dynamic interactions within our solder’s surface and interior enable a range of unique features, including ease of integration, component substitution, and circuit recyclability. With all these features, we demonstrated an application as thermoforming technology for three-dimensional (3D) conformable electronics, showing potential in reducing the complexity of microchip interfacing, as well as scalable fabrication of chip-integrated stretchable circuits and 3D electronics.
ACS-20/FATP4 mediates the anti-ageing effect of dietary restriction in C. elegans
Authors: Wang Zi , Zou Lina , Zhang Yiyan , Zhu Mengnan , Zhang Shuxian , Wu Di , Lan Jianfeng , Zang Xiao , Wang Qi , Zhang Hanxin , Wu Zixing , Zhu Huanhu , Chen Di
Published: November 2023

Dietary restriction is an effective anti-ageing intervention across species. However, the molecular mechanisms from the metabolic aspects of view are still underexplored. Here we show ACS-20 as a key mediator of dietary restriction on healthy ageing from a genetic screen of the C. elegans acyl-CoA synthetase family. ACS-20 functions in the epidermis during development to regulate dietary restriction-induced longevity. Functional transcriptomics studies reveal that elevated expression of PTR-8/Patched is responsible for the proteostasis and lifespan defects of acs-20. Furthermore, the conserved NHR-23 nuclear receptor serves as a transcriptional repressor of ptr-8 and a key regulator of dietary restriction-induced longevity. Mechanistically, a specific region in the ptr-8 promoter plays a key role in mediating the transcription regulation and lifespan extension under dietary restriction. Altogether, these findings identify a highly conserved lipid metabolism enzyme as a key mediator of dietary restriction-induced lifespan and healthspan extension and reveal the downstream transcriptional regulation mechanisms.
Solar active region magnetogram image dataset for studies of space weather
Authors: Boucheron Laura E. , Vincent Ty , Grajeda Jeremy A. , Wuest Ellery
Published: November 2023

In this dataset we provide a comprehensive collection of line-of-sight (LOS) solar photospheric magnetograms (images quantifying the strength of the photospheric magnetic field) from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The dataset incorporates data from three sources and provides SDO Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) magnetograms of solar active regions (regions of large magnetic flux, generally the source of eruptive events) as well as labels of corresponding flaring activity. This dataset will be useful for image analysis or solar physics research related to magnetic structure, its evolution over time, and its relation to solar flares. The dataset will be of interest to those researchers investigating automated solar flare prediction methods, including supervised and unsupervised machine learning (classical and deep), binary and multi-class classification, and regression. This dataset is a minimally processed, user configurable dataset of consistently sized images of solar active regions that can serve as a comprehensive image dataset of LOS photospheric magnetograms for solar flare prediction research.
Development of a sandwich ELISA to detect circulating, soluble IRAP as a potential disease biomarker
Authors: Vear Anika , Thalmann Claudia , Youngs Kristina , Hannan Natalie , Gaspari Tracey , Chai Siew Yeen
Published: November 2023

There is growing interest in the use of the enzyme, insulin regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP), as a biomarker for conditions such as cardio-metabolic diseases and ischemic stroke, with upregulation in its tissue expression in these conditions. However, quantification of circulating IRAP has been hampered by difficulties in detecting release of the truncated, soluble form of this enzyme into the blood stream. The current study aimed to develop a sandwich ELISA using novel antibodies directed towards the soluble portion of IRAP (sIRAP), to improve accuracy in detection and quantification of low levels of sIRAP in plasma. A series of novel anti-IRAP antibodies were developed and found to be highly specific for sIRAP in Western blots. A sandwich ELISA was then optimised using two distinct antibody combinations to detect sIRAP in the low nanogram range (16–500 ng/ml) with a sensitivity of 9 ng/ml and intra-assay variability < 10%. Importantly, the clinical validity of the ELISA was verified by the detection of significant increases in the levels of sIRAP throughout gestation in plasma samples from pregnant women. The specific and sensitive sandwich ELISA described in this study has the potential to advance the development of IRAP as a biomarker for certain diseases.
Influence of biofertilizer on heavy metal bioremediation and enzyme activities in the soil to revealing the potential for sustainable soil restoration
Authors: Haroun Mohammed , Xie Shifan , Awadelkareem Waleed , Wang Juanjuan , Qian Xiaoqing
Published: November 2023

Overuse of chemical fertilizer and pesticides in agricultural activity is frequently damaging to soil health and can accumulate heavy metals in the soil environment, causing harm to plants, humans, and the ecosystem. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of biofertilizers in reducing heavy metal levels in contaminated soil and enhancing the activity of soil enzymes that are crucial to plant growth and development. Two bacteria strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. and Bacillus firmus, were chosen to develop biofertilizers based on molasses. The pot experiment was setup using a completely randomized design with four treatments and five levels; Bacillus firmus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used separately, and they were combined for the biofertilizer dose (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mL). Utilizing contaminated soils taken from a greenhouse farm the effect of biofertilizer on heavy metal bioremediation and soil enzyme activity was examined. Methods of soil agrochemical analysis were used to determine the soil physiochemical properties and the concentrations of heavy metals Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd, Mo, Mn, were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry ICP-MS, following DTPA extraction methods. In results, soil pH decreased from 8.28 to 7.39, Ec increased from 0.91 to 1.12, organic matter increased from 18.88 to 20.63 g/kg, N increased gradually from 16.7 to 24.4 mg/kg, and K increased from 145.25 to 201.4 mg/kg. The effect of biofertilizer treatment on soil physiochemical characteristics was significantly positive. Application of biofertilizer significantly increased the heavy metal bioavailability and the activities of soil enzymes. Soil pH were positively correlated with soil Zn (0.99819*), APK (0.95869*) activity and negatively correlated with Fe (0.96759*) also statistically significant at (p < 0.05). The soil Cu positively correlated with Fe (0.99645*), Cd (0.97866*), β.D.GLU (0.99769*) and negatively correlated with PAK (− 0.9624*). Soil ARY had positive correlation with soil Mn (0.99683*), Cd (0.95695*), and negative correlation with PAK (− 0.99424*) at (p < 0.05). Soil enzyme activities were negatively correlated to heavy metals at a significant level. Collectively, the study highlights the potential of biofertilizers as a sustainable and effective approach to enhance soil health and remediate heavy metal-contaminated soils in greenhouses.
Effects of ZnO/trimethylsilyl cellulose nano-composite coating on anti-UV and anti-fungal properties of papers
Authors: Chokboribal Jaroenporn , Amornkitbamrung Lunjakorn , Somchit Wisawakorn , Suchaiya Voravadee , Khamweera Pemika , Pankaew Piyapong
Published: November 2023

Trimethylsilyl cellulose (TMSC) was employed as the coating matrix for the application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) onto paper surfaces and the protections of ZnO/TMSC coating against UV-induced damages and fungal spoilage were evaluated. Filter papers were immersed in 2% w/v TMSC solution loaded with ZnO and air-dried. Three ZnO/TMSC suspensions were prepared with 0.1, 0.5, and 1% w/v ZnO NPs. The presences of ZnO/TMSC protective layers were confirmed with ATR-IR spectroscopy. The coated papers exhibited high surface hydrophobicities. After the coated papers were subject to 365-nm UV irradiation at 400 W for 3 h, the contact angles dramatically dropped. The trimethylsilyl (TMS) groups exposed on the surface formed a moisture barrier and were partially removed on UV exposure. ATR-IR revealed that more TMS groups were removed in the protective layer with no ZnO. UV-irradiated papers turned yellow and papers protected with 1% ZnO/TMSC exhibited significantly lower color changes than that of the uncoated one. Compared to the TMSC-coated paper, the addition of ZnO resulted in a significant reduction in tensile strength at maximum. However, after UV irradiation, significant increases in both the strain at break and strength at maximum were only observed in 1% ZnO/TMSC-protected papers. Regarding their anti-fungal properties, the 1% ZnO/TMSC films were effective in growth inhibitions of Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. on the nonirradiated papers. Despite being hydrophilic after UV-irradiation, growths of the molds were severely suppressed on the UV-irradiated paper.
The effect of ten versus twenty minutes of mindfulness meditation on state mindfulness and affect
Authors: Palmer Robert , Roos Corey , Vafaie Nilofar , Kober Hedy
Published: November 2023

We aimed to elucidate the effects of “dose” of a single-session of mindfulness meditation on state mindfulness and affect as well as moderators of effects. 372 adults recruited remotely via Amazon’s MTurk platform were randomly assigned to either a: 10-min mindfulness meditation, 20-min mindfulness meditation, 10-min control, or 20-min control. Control conditions were recordings of a National Geographic article. Primary outcomes were changes in state mindfulness, anxiety, and negative and positive affect. Moderator variables included neuroticism, trait mindfulness, and prior meditation experience. Collapsing across doses, participants in mindfulness conditions reported greater increases in state mindfulness than in control conditions. There was a greater increase in state mindfulness in the 10-min mindfulness condition versus 10-min control condition. There were no differences between 10- and 20-min mindfulness conditions. Exploratory moderation analyses indicated that meditation (10 or 20) versus control (10 or 20) predicted increased state mindfulness among participants with lower trait mindfulness. Additionally, 20-min versus 10-min meditation predicted greater decreases in state anxiety among individuals with high trait mindfulness. Dose–response relationships were minimal, suggesting that 10 and 20 min of meditation may improve state mindfulness comparably. Findings support the benefits of brief mindfulness meditation and suggest that trait mindfulness moderates certain outcomes.
Examining the physico-chemical, structural and thermo-mechanical properties of naturally occurring Acacia pennata fibres treated with KMnO4
Authors: Sheeba K. R. Jaya , Priya Retnam Krishna , Arunachalam Krishna Prakash , Shobana S. , Avudaiappan Siva , Flores Erick Saavedra
Published: November 2023

Natural fiber is a viable and possible option when looking for a material with high specific strength and high specific modulus that is lightweight, affordable, biodegradable, recyclable, and eco-friendly to reinforce polymer composites. There are many methods in which natural fibres can be incorporated into composite materials. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the physico-chemical, structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of Acacia pennata fibres (APFs). Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the AP fibers' diameter and surface shape. The crystallinity index (64.47%) was discovered by XRD. The irregular arrangement and rough surface are seen in SEM photos. The findings demonstrated that fiber has high levels of cellulose (55.4%), hemicellulose (13.3%), and low levels of lignin (17.75%), which were determined through chemical analysis and validated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). By using FTIR, the functional groups of the isolated AP fibers were examined, and TG analysis was used to look into the thermal degrading behaviour of the fibers treated with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) Due to their low density (520 kg/m3) and high cellulose content (55.4%), they have excellent bonding qualities. Additionally, tensile tests were used for mechanical characterisation to assess their tensile strength (685 MPa) and elongation.
Physico-chemical properties of curcumin nanoparticles and its efficacy against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma
Authors: Rageh Monira M. , Abdelmoneam Eman A. , Sharaky Marwa , Mohamad Ebtesam A.
Published: November 2023

Curcumin is a bioactive component with anticancer characteristics; nevertheless, it has poor solubility and fast metabolism, resulting in low bioavailability and so restricting its application. Curcumin loaded in nano emulsions (Cur-NE) was developed to improve water solubility and eliminate all the limitations of curcumin. Size distribution, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements, UV–Visible spectra, IR spectra and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), were used to characterize the prepared Cur-NE. Cancer therapeutic efficacy was assessed by oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione–S–Transferase (GST), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), DNA damage, apoptotic proteins (caspase-3 and 9), besides investigating tumor histology and monitoring tumor growth. Additionally, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the liver, kidney, heart, and spleen tissues were examined to gauge the adverse effects of the treatment method’s toxicity. The results showed that Cur-NE is more effective than free curcumin at slowing the growth of Ehrlich tumors while significantly increasing the levels of apoptotic proteins. On the other hand, Cur-NE-treated mice showed some damage in other organs when compared to mice treated with free curcumin. Cur-NE has a higher efficacy in treating Ehrlich tumor.
Molecular insights into the VIRESCENS amino acid sequence and its implication in anthocyanin production in red- and yellow-fruited cultivars of date palm
Authors: Alsuhaimi Nadia M. , Al-Kaff Nadia S.
Published: November 2023

This study examined the amino acid sequence of the VIRESCENS gene (VIR), which regulates the production of anthocyanin in 12 cultivars of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), grown in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The gene products were amplified via polymerase chain reactions, amplifying both exons and introns. The products were sequenced for the reconstruction of a phylogenetic tree, which used the associated amino acid sequences. The ripening stages of Khalal, Rutab, and Tamar varied among the cultivars. Regarding VIR genotype, the red date had the wild-type gene (VIR+), while the yellow date carried a dominant mutation (VIRIM), i.e., long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs). The DNA sequence of VIRIM revealed that the insertion length of the LTR-RTs ranged between 386 and 476 bp. The R2 and R3 motifs in both VIR+ and VIRIM were conserved. The C-terminus motifs S6A, S6B, and S6C were found in the VIR+ protein sequence. However, the amino acids at positions 123, 161, 166, and 168 differed between VIR+ and VIRIM, and were not included in the C-terminus motifs. Within the VIR+ allele, the lysine at position 187 in the C-terminus was located immediately after S6B, with a protein binding score of 0.3, which was unique to the dark, red-fruited cultivars Ajwah, Anbarah, and Safawi. In the lighter, red-fruited cultivars, the presence of glutamic acid at the same position suggested that the anthocyanin regulation of date palm might be outside the R2 and R3 domains in the N-terminus.
Impacts of perinatal dioxin exposure on gaze behavior in 2-year-old children in the largest dioxin-contaminated area in Vietnam
Authors: Thao Pham Ngoc , Nishijo Muneko , Tai Pham The , Nghi Tran Ngoc , Hoa Vu Thi , Anh Tran Hai , Tien Tran Viet , Nishino Yoshikazu , Nishijo Hisao
Published: November 2023

Fifty-five children aged 2 years from a birth cohort in the largest dioxin-contaminated area in Bien Hoa city, Vietnam participated in this survey to examine gaze behavior. Exposure levels were indicated by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dibenzodioxin (TCDD) and toxic equivalent of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (TEQ-PCDD/Fs) levels in maternal breast milk. The percentage of the total fixation duration on the face (% Face), mouth (% Mouth), and eye areas (% Eyes) when viewing silent and conversation scenes was used as gaze behavior indices. When they reached 3-year-old, autistic behavior was assessed using the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS). A general linear model adjusted for confounding factors was used to compare gaze indices and ASRS scores between high and low dioxin exposure groups. Effects of perinatal dioxin exposure on gaze behavior were found only when viewing conversation scenes indicated by lower % Face for boys in high TCDD exposure group and lower % Eyes for girls in high TEQ-PCDD/Fs group. Increased autistic traits showed by higher ASRS scores at 3-year-old were found in both gender in the high TCDD exposure group. These findings indicate that perinatal TCDD and TEQ-PCDD/Fs exposure may reduce gaze behavior in 2-year-old children, predicting increased autistic traits at 3-year-old.
Age-dependent sex differences in non-stenotic intracranial plaque of embolic stroke of undetermined source
Authors: Luo Na , Shang Zi-Yang , Yang Ben-Qiang , Ntaios George , Chen Hui-Sheng
Published: November 2023

Age and sex have effect on atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate their effect on non-stenotic intracranial atherosclerotic plaque (NIAP) in embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI). We retrospectively recruited consecutive ESUS patients who underwent intracranial HR-MRI to assess the plaque characteristics (remodeling index [RI], plaque burden [PB], fibrous cap [FC], discontinuity of plaque surface [DPS], intraplaque hemorrhage [IPH] and complicated plaque [CP]). We divided patients into three groups (< 60 years, 60–74 years, ≥ 75 years). 155 patients with ipsilateral NIAP were found from 243 ESUS patients, with 106 men (68.39%) and 49 women (31.61%). In total population or age group under 60 years, there were no significant differences in plaque characteristics between men and women (all p > 0.05). In age group of 60–74 years, men were associated with higher PB (66.27 ± 9.17% vs 60.91 ± 8.86%, p = 0.017) and RI (1.174 vs 1.156, p = 0.019), higher prevalence of DPS (82.50% vs 60.00%, p = 0.036) and complicated plaque (85.00% vs 63.33%, p = 0.036). For subjects ≥ 75 years old, PB were significantly higher in twomen vs men (68.85 ± 6.14% vs 62.62 ± 7.36%, p = 0.040). In addition, the probability for PBupper (≥ median PB), RIupper (≥ median RI) and vulnerable plaque increased as age increased, and its predictive power for index ESUS was higher in men than women. This study identified age-dependent sex differences in NIAP characteristics of ESUS patients, which will help us clarify their etiology.
Group 13 five- and six-membered rings with rare 2π aromaticity
Authors: Huo Yutong , Gu Xiaojiao , Li Xinde , Jin Peng
Published: November 2023

Density functional theory calculations reveal that seven planar five- and six-membered rings of group 13 elements may have rare 2π aromaticity.
Azaphosphinines and their derivatives
Authors: McNeill J. Nolan , Bard Jeremy P. , Johnson Darren W. , Haley Michael M.
Published: November 2023

Azaphosphinines, six-membered heterocycles containing one phosphorus and one nitrogen atom, have emerged from the shadows of their single heteroatom-containing analogues. This review describes the synthesis and applications of these unique compounds.
Synthesis and structure-dependent optical properties of two new organic–inorganic hybrid antimony(iii) chlorides
Authors: Wen Xuemei , Cheng Juan , Qian Peiqi , Zhang Zhizhuan , Zeng Hongmei , Huang Ling , Zou Guohong , Lin Zhien
Published: November 2023

A hybrid antimony(iii) chloride exhibits a second harmonic generation response and green-yellow luminescence, demonstrating the great potential of conformationally flexible amines in the synthesis of bifunctional optical materials.
Tin-doped NiFe2O4 nanoblocks grown on an iron foil for efficient and stable water splitting at large current densities
Authors: Jian Juan , Wang Meiting , Wang Zhuo , Meng Jingwen , Yang Yuqin , Chang Limin
Published: November 2023

The in situ gained cost-effective Sn-NiFe2O4/IF displays excellent and stable bifunctional activity for electrocatalytic water splitting and has the potential for large-scale hydrogen production.
Characterisation of a phosphatase-like nanozyme developed by baking cysteine and its application in reviving mung bean sprouts damaged by ash
Authors: Xie Yingqiu , Shaimoldina Ainur , Fan Haiyan , Myrzagali Sandugash , Nazarbek Guldan , Myrzagalieva Arailym , Orassay Aliya , Amin Amr , Benassi Enrico
Published: November 2023

Baked cysteine is mainly composed of cystine, a dimer with a SS bond. It acts as a nanozyme with phosphatase activity and an allosteric mechanism, repairs damage caused by ash to plant roots and germination and synergically combines with chlorophyll.
Sources and ecological risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and air of the Yangtze River
Authors: Gao Yunze , Zhu Ningzheng , Meng Xiang-Zhou , Ma Wan-Li , Ma Rong-Sheng , Jin Jun-Jie , Ai Fang-Ting , Jin Li-Min , Cai Ming-Hong , Liu Jin-Song , Zhao Jian-Fu , Lindner Simon
Published: November 2023

PAHs concentration in water and air of Yangtze River exhibited a typical spatial trend that was higher in the west but lower in the east. PAHs in the water of the Yangtze River are likely to exert chronic long-term effects on more than 5% of aquatic organisms.
Visible light-driven highly atom-economical divergent synthesis of substituted fluorenols and cyclopropylcarbaldehydes
Authors: Gore Babasaheb Sopan , Pan Lin-Wei , Lin Jun-Hao , Luo Yi-Chi , Wang Jeh-Jeng
Published: November 2023

We report a visible light-promoted intramolecular radical cascade reaction to construct fluorenol and naphthalene-fused cyclopropyl carbaldehyde derivatives.
The interface engineering and structure design of an alloying-type metal foil anode for lithium ion batteries: a review
Authors: Wang Rui , Sun Song , Xu Chunyi , Cai Jiazhen , Gou Huiyang , Zhang Xin , Wang Gongkai
Published: November 2023

This review presents a comprehensive overview on alloying-type metal foil anodes toward high energy density and low-cost LIBs, calling for more attempts in the interdisciplinary fields of electrochemistry, metallic materials science, and mechanics.
Light promoted metal-free regio- and stereoselective isoperfluoropropylation of unactivated alkenes with an i-C3F7-iodine(iii) reagent
Authors: Wu Yaxing , Jiang Yunchen , Wang Fei , Wang Bin , Chen Chao
Published: November 2023

A visible light promoted eco-friendly regio- and stereo-selective isoperfluoropropylation of various terminal alkenes and alkynes with an i-C3F7-iodine(iii) (PFPI) reagent.
Numerical and experimental evaluation of the hydrodynamics in a tubular swirling flow reactor and its comparison with the mixing regime of a stirred dark fermenter
Authors: Mendez-Acosta H. O. , López-Maldonado J. T. , Villalobos-Lara A. D. , Flores-Rangel A. , Rivera F. F.
Published: November 2023

This work aims to the computational fluid dynamics study and experimental evaluation of a homemade tubular swirling flow reactor and its comparison with a classical CSTR typically used in dark fermentation, considering a single phase.
Synthesis and properties of a series of sulfonate ester photoacid generators
Authors: Sun Qixin , Feng Baicheng , Sun Zhendong , Liu Rihong , Ding Hongjiao , Jin Yan
Published: November 2023

A total of six sulfonate polymeric nonionic photoacid generators (PAGs) have been synthesised and subjected to comprehensive characterization for their application in photoresist materials.
A general approach to stereospecific Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of benzylic stereocenters
Authors: Binayeva Meruyert , Ma Xinghua , Ghaemimohammadi Pejman , Biscoe Mark R.
Published: November 2023

Stereospecific Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions using enantioenriched benzylic tricyclohexyltin nucleophiles enable broad access to enantioenriched benzylic stereocenters.
Photocatalytic, modular difunctionalization of alkenes enabled by ligand-to-metal charge transfer and radical ligand transfer
Authors: Bian Kang-Jie , Nemoto David , Chen Xiao-Wei , Kao Shih-Chieh , Hooson James , West Julian G.
Published: November 2023

Simple iron salts are able to photocatalyze the diazidation, dichlorination, and fluorochlorination of alkenes via the merger of ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) and either radical ligand transfer (RLT) or fluorine atom transfer (FAT).