bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Puritanism, Spiritual Kinship, and the Lord's Supper in Elizabethan and early Stuart England
Authors: Baddley Jonathan
Published: November 2024

The rhetoric of spiritual kinship was a pungent part of a “discourse of separation” which materialized among the English puritans in post-Reformation England. Using print literature aimed at properly preparing the godly to come “worthily” to the Lord's Supper, most of which was penned by puritan divines, this article examines family language in use among the godly in the context of the communion meal in the Elizabethan and early Stuart national church. This rhetoric signaled a real identity – an identity tied intimately to the nexus of right doctrine and a certain type of English Protestant practice. The present essay traces out the theological framework that buttressed this identity and suggests the ways in which family language fostered both inclusive and exclusive responses among the godly as they sought to “rightly” celebrate the sacrament. It argues that the use of the language of spiritual kinship helped the godly come to terms with their uncomfortable position in a national church they considered insufficiently reformed, and with the difficulties that ensued from “holy” living, as naturally unholy beings, in a fallen world. This study contributes to our understanding of the informal mechanisms by which early modern English Protestants could navigate the choppy waters of social and religious life in Elizabethan and early Stuart England. More generally, this consideration of a distinctive puritan usage of familiar scriptural language to make sense of England's religious landscape in this period underscores the interpretive importance of remaining acutely aware of discursive context in early modern religious sources.
“All Say He is a Downright Methodist”: The Ministry and Evangelical Loyalism of the Rev. William Stringer
Authors: Tirenin Gregory
Published: November 2024

William Stringer was at various times a cheesemonger, a Methodist lay preacher, a priest, and an American Loyalist exile. Originally from London, Stringer preached the Gospel for the early Methodist movement, but longed for priestly ordination in the Church of England. Unable to achieve this goal due to his humble background, he was instead ordained in 1764 by the controversial and ecumenically minded Greek Orthodox bishop, Gerasimos Avontilies (also known as Erasmus of Arcadia), who ordained several Methodists under Greek Orthodox rites in London. Having acquired illicit ordination, Stringer moved to Philadelphia where he ministered to a parish that had broken from the Church of England during the Great Awakening. The clergy of Philadelphia responded negatively and wrote to Archbishop Richard Terrick of London, who ordered Stringer to desist from his ministry. However, Stringer did such a remarkable job of bringing his congregation back into the Anglican fold that Terrick agreed to re-ordain him in London under Anglican rites in 1773. With the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1775, Stringer supported the British cause and rejected the revolt as inconsistent with Christian obedience. He was forced to leave America and return to England, where he lived out the rest of his life as a curate. Despite his initial transgressions, I argue that Stringer was a force for order, stability, and orthodoxy in a revolutionary world.
A new genus and species of Microphalloidea (Digenea), parasite of Peropteryx spp. (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae) from the Neotropical region of Mexico revealed by morphological and phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Ruiz-Torres N.G. , Hernandez-Mena D.I. , García-Prieto L. , Falcón L.I. , Panti-May J.A. , Rico-Chávez O.
Published: November 2024

The present study aims to describe a new genus and species of microphalloid digenean parasite of two species of bats of the genus Peropteryx from the Mexican Neotropics (in the states of Chiapas and Yucatán). Morphological and molecular data (28s rDNA ribosomal gene sequences) were used to study Digeneans. Sagittatrema zutzi gen. nov. sp., nov., is diagnosed morphologically by having a sagittiform body, a genital pore in the midline of the body, posterior to the ventral sucker, and a cirrus sac running through much of the diameter of the ventral sucker. The nine sequences generated from the 28S rDNA gene were used to examine the phylogenetic affinities of this new taxon within the superfamily Microphalloidea Ward, 1901, using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses. Both analyses resulted in trees with similar topologies and formed a well-supported clade (Bt = 100; pp = 1) with the Sagittatrema sequences. Because of the new genus’s phylogenetic position and that some sister families to the proposed taxa, like Pleurogenidae and Prosthogonimidae, are polyphyletic, we prefer to consider Sagittatrema as a genus incertae sedis within Microphalloidea. A full systematic review of microphalloids is needed to confirm their phylogenetic position.
Rhododendron diversity conservation in global botanic gardens: a case study of Maddenia species
Authors: Hu Ling , MacKay Marion , Gardiner Susan E. , Tate Jennifer A.
Published: November 2024

Effective ex situ conservation of plants in botanic gardens requires sufficient wild accessions to represent wild diversity. In Rhododendron L. (Ericaceae), c. 64% of the taxa are threatened or require field investigation. As a case study of the analysis of ex situ conservation gaps we used ecogeographical representation as a proxy for genetic representation in ex situ collections of the 65 taxa of Rhododendron subsection Maddenia. We compiled the first list profiling both wild distributions and ex situ wild collections of all taxa in subsection Maddenia. Our results reveal that 55 Maddenia taxa are in cultivation. Of the 18 threatened taxa all are in cultivation but nine require further collection to capture adequate wild diversity. There are 12 Data Deficient taxa: these await further field investigation of wild populations and nine of them require wild collections to conserve genetic diversity. The UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and China are the top five countries holding ex situ collections of subsection Maddenia; in these countries nearly 66% of the ex situ sites hold > 86% of the global living collections of subsection Maddenia. We recommend that wild collections of endemic species of subsection Maddenia should be established in all 10 countries of origin and that data should be shared internationally for metacollections. In addition to proposing priorities, our case study highlights the challenges facing data and collection management to help achieve effective ex situ conservation for Rhododendron species.
Ethical challenges for Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in the evolving evidence landscape
Authors: Refolo Pietro , Duthie Katherine , Hofmann Björn , Stanak Michal , Bertelsen Neil , Bloemen Bart , Di Bidino Rosella , Oortwijn Wija , Raimondi Costanza , Sacchini Dario , van der Wilt Gert Jan , Bond Kenneth
Published: November 2024

Since its inception, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) has typically determined the value of a technology by collecting information derived from randomized clinical trials (RCTs), in line with the principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM). However, data from RCTs did not constitute the sole source of information, as other types of evidence (such as primary qualitative research) have often been utilized. Recent advances in both generating and collecting other types of evidence are broadening the landscape of evidence, adding complexity to the discussion of “robustness of evidence.” What are the consequences of these recent developments for the methodology and conduct of HTA, the HTA community, and its ethical commitments? The aim of this article is to explore some ethical challenges that are emerging in the current evolving evidence landscape, particularly changes in evidence generation and collection (e.g., diversification of data sources), and shifting standards of evidence in the field of HTA (e.g., increasing acceptability of evidence that is thought of as lower quality). Our conclusion is that deciding how to best maintain trustworthiness is common to all these issues.
Implementing a sandbox approach in health technology assessment: benefits and recommendations
Authors: Elvidge Jamie , Crabb Nick , Delnoij Diana , Knies Saskia , Lundin Douglas , Houÿez François , Röning Juha , Wang Junfeng , Jiu Li , Bennett Alastair , Zhang Yingying , Dawoud Dalia
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The sandbox approach, developed in the financial technologies sector, creates an environment to collaboratively develop and test innovative new products, methods and regulatory approaches, separated from business as usual. It has been used in health care to encourage innovation in response to emerging challenges, but, until recently, has not been used in health technology assessment (HTA). This article summarizes our learnings from using the sandbox approach to address three challenges facing HTA organizations and to identify implications for the use of this approach in HTA.

Methods

We identified three challenging contemporary HTA-related topics to explore in a sandbox environment, away from the pressures and interests of “live” assessments. We convened a pool of 120 stakeholders and experts to participate in various sandbox activities and ultimately co-develop solutions to help HTA organizations respond to the identified challenges.

Results

Important general learnings about the potential benefits and implementation of a sandbox approach in HTA were identified. Consequently, we developed recommendations to guide its use, including how to implement an HTA sandbox in an effective way and the types of challenges for which it may be best suited.

Conclusions

For many HTA organizations, it is difficult to carefully consider emerging challenges and innovate their processes due to risks associated with decision errors and resource limitations. The sandbox approach could reduce these barriers. The potential benefits of addressing HTA challenges in a collaborative “safe space” are considerable.
A framework for improved collaboration on HTA in the Asia-Pacific region: a role for HTAsiaLink
Authors: Nugraha Ryan Rachmad , Suharlim Christian , Prawiranegara Rozar , Putra Arry Lesmana , Sayekti Mutia A. , Armansyah Armansyah , Masytoh Lusiana Siti , Saxena Sweta , Susanto Anastasia , Langerbrunner John C. , Rahmayanti Nurul Maretia , Choi Miyoung , Wiweko Budi , Hidayat Budi
Published: November 2024

Countries frequently use health technology assessment (HTA) to set priorities for introducing new interventions or evaluating existing interventions; however, applying the tool effectively is heavily dependent on a country’s resources and capacity. Infrastructure and data, technical expertise, broad stakeholder involvement, and financial support are required to improve HTA processes. In the Asia-Pacific, HTAsiaLink was established to facilitate this practice, but strengthening and legitimizing this organization are needed to maximize its potential to support HTA institutionalization in the region. To realize this objective, HTAsiaLink can serve as a center of excellence while providing experiential learning and sharing information. As a learning hub, HTAsiaLink can share resources—particularly data—that can contribute to joint HTAs as done in the European Union and strengthen capacity in countries needing to develop their HTA expertise.
Second language knowledge can influence native language performance in exclusively native contexts
Authors: Pelzl Eric , Jończyk Rafał , van Hell Janet G.
Published: November 2024

Over the past decades, bilingualism researchers have come to a consensus around a fairly strong view of nonselectivity in bilingual speakers, often citing Van Hell and Dijkstra (2002) as a critical piece of support for this position. Given the study’s continuing relevance to bilingualism and its strong test of the influence of a bilingual’s second language on their first language, we conducted an approximate replication of the lexical decision experiments in the original study (Experiments 2 and 3) using the same tasks and—to the extent possible—the same stimuli. Unlike the original study, our replication was conducted online with Dutch–English bilinguals (rather than in a lab with Dutch–English–French trilinguals). Despite these differences, results overall closely replicated the pattern of cognate facilitation effects observed in the original study. We discuss the replication of outcomes and possible interpretations of subtle differences in outcomes and make recommendations for future extensions of this line of research.
Characterisation of pathogenic Leptospira in invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) in northeast and southwest France
Authors: Ayral Florence , Harran Elena , Fournier-Chambrillon Christine , Gautrelet Manon , Tourniaire Océane , Peutot Alexis , Groud Karine , Thenon Nathan , Fournier Pascal , Richomme Céline
Published: November 2024

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Although crucial to mitigate the disease risk, basic epidemiological information is lacking, such as the identities of Leptospira maintenance hosts. The raccoon (Procyon lotor), an alien invasive species in France, could pose a public health risk if it carries pathogenic Leptospira. We investigated the rate and type (selective vs. unselective) of Leptospira carriage in the two main raccoon populations in France. Out of the 141 raccoons collected, seven (5%) tested quantitative PCR positive, targeting lfb1 gene, based on kidney, lung, and urine samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of three different L. interrogans clusters. The results suggest that raccoons were more likely accidental hosts and made only a limited contribution to Leptospira maintenance.
Understanding behavioural drivers of iron and folic acid supplementation and vitamin A- and iron-rich food consumption among women and adolescent girls in Niger
Authors: Conrad Abigail , Burns Jen , Sherburne Lisa , Kaled Mamoudou Djibo , Souley Hadiara , Nielsen Jennifer
Published: November 2024

Objective:

This study examined drivers and barriers to iron and folic acid supplementation and consumption of iron- and vitamin A-rich foods among women of reproductive age and adolescent girls in Niger.

Design:

This was an exploratory qualitative study using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews.

Setting:

This study was conducted in the rural areas of three districts in Maradi and Zinder regions of southern Niger.

Participants:

The study included a purposive sample of 56 WRA (15–49 years), 34 non-pregnant adolescent girls (10–14 years), 105 family members and community leaders, 32 health workers and 12 national and regional level stakeholders.

Results:

Respondents demonstrated widespread knowledge of recommendations for iron and folic acid during pregnancy and had positive attitudes towards supplements. However, supply barriers were significant, and adherence was limited by side effects, among other constraints. Despite knowledge about and positive attitudes towards micronutrient-source foods, respondents reported that limited food access was an overriding constraint to increasing consumption. Women of reproductive age were seen as nutritionally vulnerable; however, husbands were often not able to provide sufficient nutritious food, and there was a cultural expectation that wives serve themselves food last. Adolescent girls were not seen as nutritionally vulnerable, and there was little family support for their consumption of nutritious foods.

Conclusions:

Projects should work with local actors to develop multi-pronged solutions that address supply and access barriers for iron and folic acid and micronutrient-rich foods and to improve social support for nutrition.
Design of a pHEMT RF mixer based on compact microstrip diplexer
Authors: Ali Firas M.
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a new topology for a microwave active mixer using compact microstrip diplexer constituted from two dual-mode open loop resonators. The resonators are tuned to the radio frequency (RF) and local-oscillator (LO) frequencies, respectively, to effectively isolate the two input signals, while the diplexer output port is connected to the gate circuit of a commercial low cost GaAs pHEMT transistor. The drain circuit of the active device is connected to the load via an intermediate-frequency (IF)-modified Chebyshev low-pass filter to remove the unwanted RF and LO signals and reduce other spurious frequencies at the output of the mixer circuit. The circuit has been designed and constructed for an RF of 850 MHz, LO frequency of 1050 MHz, and an IF of 200 MHz. Experimental measurements show that the circuit provides a conversion gain of 18 dB at LO drive power of +2 dBm. It also operates satisfactorily over the RF range from 800 to 900 MHz with good image frequency rejection and stable operation.
Strategic States: The Congressional Roots of Federal Grant Applications
Authors: McLaughlin Peter T. , Finocchiaro Charles J. , Crespin Michael H.
Published: November 2024

While a large body of research explores the federal-level influences over distributive politics decisions, very little attention has been given to the active role state and local governments play in the geographic distribution of federal funds. Before presidents, legislators, and agency leaders can influence the selection of federal grants, state and local governments must expend time and resources to submit grant proposals. We focus on grant applications as our unit of analysis and advance a theory that congressional representation influences the grant application behavior of state and local governments. We analyze US Department of Transportation grant applications and awards from 2009 to 2022 and find evidence that congressional representation meaningfully influences state-level grant application behavior. States apply more aggressively for federal transportation grants when represented by senators in the Senate majority party, and states apply more efficiently for grants when represented by a senator holding an advantageous committee leadership post.
Updated Smoke Exposure Estimate for Indonesian Peatland Fires Using a Network of Low‐Cost PM2.5 Sensors and a Regional Air Quality Model
Authors: Graham Ailish M. , Spracklen Dominick V. , McQuaid James B. , Smith Thomas E. L. , Nurrahmawati Hanun , Ayona Devina , Mulawarman Hasyim , Adam Chaidir , Papargyropoulou Effie , Rigby Richard , Padfield Rory , Choiruzzad Shofwan
Published: November 2024

Indonesia accounts for more than one third of the world's tropical peatlands. Much of the peatland in Indonesia has been deforested and drained, meaning it is more susceptible to fires, especially during drought and El Niño events. Fires are most common in Riau (Sumatra) and Central Kalimantan (Borneo) and lead to poor regional air quality. Measurements of air pollutant concentrations are sparse in both regions contributing to large uncertainties in both fire emissions and air quality degradation. We deployed a network of 13 low‐cost PM2.5 sensors across urban and rural locations in Central Kalimantan and measured indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations during the onset of an El Niño dry season in 2023. During the dry season (September 1st to October 31st), mean outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were 136 μg m−3, with fires contributing 90 μg m−3 to concentrations. Median indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios were 1.01 in rural areas, considerably higher than those reported during wildfires in other regions of the world (e.g., USA), indicating housing stock in the region provides little protection from outdoor PM2.5. We combined WRF‐Chem simulated PM2.5 concentrations with the median fire‐derived I/O ratio and questionnaire results pertaining to participants' time spent I/O to estimate 1.62 million people in Central Kalimantan were exposed to unhealthy, very unhealthy and dangerous air quality (>55.4 μg m−3) during the dry season. Our work provides new information on the exposure of people in Central Kalimantan to smoke from fires and highlights the need for action to help reduce peatland fires.
Validation of TROPOMI SIF Products With Improved Geolocation Match Between In Situ and Satellite Measurements
Authors: Zeng Qicheng , Wu Xiaodan , Tang Rongqi , Pei Jing , Du Xianglei , Pan Fei , Wen Jianguang , Xiao Qing
Published: November 2024

Direct comparison with in situ measurements serves as the primary method for validating TROPOMI SIF products. However, due to geometric errors in satellite data, the exact spatial extent of the nominal validation pixel may not align with the in situ site perfectly. In addressing this challenge, this study proposed, for the first time, a method to precisely identify the validation pixels matching with in situ sites. Moreover, the accuracy of the TROPOMI SIF product was reevaluated with the improved geolocation match method between the satellite pixel and the corresponding in situ site. The results indicate that ignoring the geometric errors of TROPOMI pixels can result in a 49% probability of mismatch between the validation pixel and the in situ site. The errors caused by geolocation mismatch mainly come from two aspects. One is the incorrect extraction of the validation pixel, with a maximum error of 1.385 mWm−2 sr−1 nm−1. The other is the pixel‐scale reference “truth,” which resulted from the improper upscaling function of in situ measurements, and the maximum of this kind of error was 0.445 mWm−2 sr−1 nm−1. With this improved geolocation match method, the TROPOMI SIF product showed a RMSE of 0.58 mWm−2 sr−1 nm−1, a bias of 0.19 mWm−2 sr−1 nm−1, and a R2 of 0.51, which indicate a better performance than without considering geometric location matching errors.
Single-cell morphometrics reveals T-box gene-dependent patterns of epithelial tension in the Second Heart field
Authors: Guijarro Clara , Song Solène , Aigouy Benoit , Clément Raphaël , Villoutreix Paul , Kelly Robert G.
Published: November 2024

The vertebrate heart tube extends by progressive addition of epithelial second heart field (SHF) progenitor cells from the dorsal pericardial wall. The interplay between epithelial mechanics and genetic mechanisms during SHF deployment is unknown. Here, we present a quantitative single-cell morphometric analysis of SHF cells during heart tube extension, including force inference analysis of epithelial stress. Joint spatial Principal Component Analysis reveals that cell orientation and stress direction are the main parameters defining apical cell morphology and distinguishes cells adjacent to the arterial and venous poles. Cell shape and mechanical forces display a dynamic relationship during heart tube formation. Moreover, while the T-box transcription factor Tbx1 is necessary for cell orientation towards the arterial pole, activation of Tbx5 in the posterior SHF correlates with the establishment of epithelial stress and SHF deletion of Tbx5 relaxes the progenitor epithelium. Integrating findings from cell-scale feature patterning and mechanical stress provides new insights into cardiac morphogenesis.
On the engineering of higher-order Van Hove singularities in two dimensions
Authors: Chandrasekaran Anirudh , Rhodes Luke C. , Morales Edgar Abarca , Marques Carolina A. , King Phil D. C. , Wahl Peter , Betouras Joseph J.
Published: November 2024

The properties of correlated electron materials are often intricately linked to Van Hove singularities (VHS) in the vicinity of the Fermi energy. The class of these VHS is of great importance, with higher-order ones—with power-law divergence in the density of states—leaving frequently distinct signatures in physical properties. We use a new theoretical method to detect and analyse higher-order VHS (HOVHS) in two-dimensional materials and apply it to the electronic structure of the surface layer of Sr2RuO4. We then constrain a low energy model of the VHS of the surface layer of Sr2RuO4against angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and quasiparticle interference data to analyse the VHS near the Fermi level. We show how these VHS can be engineered into HOVHS.
Alternative splicing is coupled to gene expression in a subset of variably expressed genes
Authors: Karlebach Guy , Steinhaus Robin , Danis Daniel , Devoucoux Maeva , Anczuków Olga , Sheynkman Gloria , Seelow Dominik , Robinson Peter N.
Published: November 2024

Numerous factors regulate alternative splicing of human genes at a co-transcriptional level. However, how alternative splicing depends on the regulation of gene expression is poorly understood. We leveraged data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project to show a significant association of gene expression and splicing for 6874 (4.9%) of 141,043 exons in 1106 (13.3%) of 8314 genes with substantially variable expression in nine GTEx tissues. About half of these exons demonstrate higher inclusion with higher gene expression, and half demonstrate higher exclusion, with the observed direction of coupling being highly consistent across different tissues and in external datasets. The exons differ with respect to multiple characteristics and are enriched for hundreds of isoform-specific Gene Ontology annotations suggesting an important regulatory mechanism. Notably, splicing-expression coupling of exons with roles in JUN and MAP kinase signalling could play an important role during cell division.
Local certification of unitary operations
Authors: Kukulski Ryszard , Stępniak Mateusz , Hendzel Kamil , Pawela Łukasz , Gardas Bartłomiej , Puchała Zbigniew
Published: November 2024

In this work, we analyze the local certification of unitary quantum channels, which is a natural extension of quantum hypothesis testing. A particular case of a quantum channel operating on two systems corresponding to product states at the input, is considered. The goal is to minimize the probability of the type II error, given a specified maximum probability of the type I error, considering assistance through entanglement with auxiliary systems. Our result indicates connection of the local certification problem with a product numerical range of unitary matrices. We show that the optimal local strategy does not need usage of auxiliary systems and requires only single round of one-way classical communication. Moreover, we compare local and global certification strategies and show that typically local strategies are optimal, yet in some extremal cases, where global strategies make no errors, local ones may fail miserably. Finally, some application for local certification of von Neumann measurements are discussed as well.
Investigating ultra-high dose rate water radiolysis using the Geant4-DNA toolkit and a Geant4 model of the Oriatron eRT6 electron linac
Authors: Chappuis Flore , Tran Hoang Ngoc , Jorge Patrik Gonçalves , Zein Sara A. , Kyriakou Ioanna , Emfietzoglou Dimitris , Bailat Claude , Bochud François , Incerti Sébastien , Desorgher Laurent
Published: November 2024

Ultra-high dose rate FLASH radiotherapy, a promising cancer treatment approach, offers the potential to reduce healthy tissue damage during radiotherapy. As the mechanisms underlying this process remain unknown, several hypotheses have been proposed, including the altered production of radio-induced species under ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) conditions. This study explores realistic irradiation scenarios with various dose-per-pulse and investigates the role of pulse temporal structure. Using the Geant4 toolkit and its Geant4-DNA extension, we modeled the Oriatron eRT6 linac, a FLASH-validated electron beam, and conducted simulations covering four distinct dose-per-pulse scenarios – 0.17 Gy, 1 Gy, 5 Gy, and 10 Gy – all featuring a 1.8 µs pulse duration. Results show close agreement between simulated and experimental dose profiles in water, validating the eRT6 model for Geant4-DNA simulations. We observed important changes in the temporal evolution of certain species, such as the earlier fall in hydroxyl radicals ($$^{ \bullet } \text{O}\text{H}$$) and reduced production and lifetime of superoxide ($${\text{O}}_{2}^{{\bullet\:}-}$$) with higher dose-per-pulse levels. The pulse temporal structure did not influence the long-term evolution of species. Our findings encourage further investigation into different irradiation types, such as multi-pulse configurations, and emphasize the need to add components in water to account for relevant cellular processes.
Full-waveform inversion reveals diverse origins of lower mantle positive wave speed anomalies
Authors: Schouten Thomas L. A. , Gebraad Lars , Noe Sebastian , Gülcher Anna J. P. , Thrastarson Solvi , van Herwaarden Dirk-Philip , Fichtner Andreas
Published: November 2024

Determining Earth’s structure is paramount to unravel its interior dynamics. Seismic tomography reveals positive wave speed anomalies throughout the mantle that spatially correlate with the expected locations of subducted slabs. This correlation has been widely applied in plate reconstructions and geodynamic modelling. However, global travel-time tomography typically incorporates only a limited number of easily identifiable body wave phases and is therefore strongly dependent on the source-receiver geometry. Here, we show how global full-waveform inversion is less sensitive to source-receiver geometry and reveals numerous previously undetected positive wave speed anomalies in the lower mantle. Many of these previously undetected anomalies are situated below major oceans and continental interiors, with no geologic record of subduction, such as beneath the western Pacific Ocean. Moreover, we find no statistically significant correlation positive anomalies as imaged using full-waveform inversion and past subduction. These findings suggest more diverse origins for these anomalies in Earth’s lower mantle, unlocking full-waveform inversion as an indispensable tool for mantle exploration.
A longitudinal investigation of the determinants of stroke survivors’ utilisation of a healthy lifestyle for stroke rehabilitation in Australia
Authors: Rahman Md Sazedur , Adams Jon , Peng Wenbo , Sibbritt David
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to determine the longitudinal predictors of lifestyle behaviours among stroke survivors in New South Wales, Australia. This longitudinal study utilised data from the baseline survey (2005–2009) and a sub-study survey (2017) of the 45 and Up Study. Physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking status, and supplement use were included as dependent variables. Generalised estimating equation models were employed to assess the longitudinal association between the dependent variable and demographic and health status measures. The average age of the participants (n = 576) was 67 (SD = 9) years at baseline and 76 (SD = 9) years at the sub-study survey time, with 54.9% being male. The longitudinal analysis revealed that the likelihood of moderate/high physical activity significantly declined over time and was lower among participants with diabetes, but was higher among those with university education. The likelihood of smoking was significantly higher in females, moderate/high-risk alcohol consumers, and those with depression, but was lower among supplement users. The likelihood of moderate/high-risk alcohol consumption significantly declined with time, and was lower among females, but higher among smokers. The likelihood of supplement use significantly declined over time, but was higher among females and/or those with asthma. Our findings help illustrate that many stroke survivors may benefit from further support in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as part of their stroke management and long-term rehabilitation, which is crucial to optimising their quality of life and successful secondary stroke prevention.
Identification of virus epitopes and reactive T-cell receptors from memory T cells without peptide synthesis
Authors: Wang Lihui , Xu Runda , Huang Daosheng , Peng Pai , Sun Keyong , Hu Jie , Liu Bei-zhong , Fang Liang , Zhang Liwen , Sun Xin , Gu Fei , Tang Ni , Huang Ai-long , Lin Xin , Lan Xun
Published: November 2024

Identifying epitopes and their corresponding T-cell receptor (TCR) sequences is crucial in the face of rapidly mutating viruses. Peptide synthesis is often required to confirm the exact epitope sequences, which is time-consuming and expensive. In this study, we introduce a scalable workflow to identify the exact sequences of virus epitopes and reactive TCRs targeting the epitopes from memory T cells. Following the narrowing down of epitopes to specific regions via the tandem minigene (TMG) system, our workflow incorporates the utilization of peptide-major histocompatibility complex-displaying yeasts (pMHC-displaying yeasts) to rapidly screen immunogenic epitopes’ precise sequences, obviating the necessity for the chemical synthesis of peptides. Focusing on SARS-CoV-2, we identify the precise sequences of reactive TCRs, targeting conserved epitopes across the Coronaviridae family, from the blood of COVID-19-recovered individuals over 8 months. Notably, we reveal that at least 75% (6/8) of the tested donors harbor T cells targeting a shared epitope, KTFPPTEPK, derived from the N protein. Furthermore, several identified TCRs exhibit cross-reactivity to mutant epitopes, suggesting a potential mechanism for sustained T-cell responses against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
An AIE probe for simultaneous monitoring of endogenous and exogenous hypochlorite and Zn2+ at dual channels in living cells
Authors: Li Na-Na , Liang Ye-Jin , Li Hai-Long , Wei Ting-Ting , Jin Zhan-Bin , Xu Xing-Yu , Ren Hai-Xian , Lin Wan-Ying , Zong Zi-Ao , Zuo Yao
Published: November 2024

Zn2+ and ClO− may be associated with a variety of pathologies, and their simultaneous measurement is of great significance for disease diagnosis and environmental protection.
Radiolytic degradation of selective actinide extractants from the bis-1,2,4-triazine family in cyclohexanone solutions
Authors: Sulich Adrian , Grodkowski Jan , Bobrowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2024

Absorption spectra of transients derived from bis-1,2,4-triazine ligands in cyclohexanone solutions mimicking the extraction system studied by pulse radiolysis. The addition of benzophenone and saturation by O2 protect ligands from radiation damage.
A combination of experimental and theoretical methods in evaluating triazole derivatives' mild steel corrosion inhibition ability in an acidic solution
Authors: Hong Cat Van Ngo , Quang Trung Nguyen , Dinh Tu Tai Pham , Nam Pham Cam , Quy Huong Dinh
Published: November 2024

The introduction of many nitrogen heteroatoms into inhibitor molecules improves corrosion inhibition efficiency.
Functionalised biphenylene and graphenylene: excellent choices for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Basak Krishnanshu , Ghosh Mainak , Singh N. Bedamani , Mondal Rajkumar , Jana Debnarayan
Published: November 2024

We have extensively investigated the influence of vacancy induced defects on quantum capacitance of well studied biphenylene and graphenylene monolayers.
Morphology-dependent Li+ ion dynamics in X-ray amorphous and crystalline Li3PS4 prepared by solvent-assisted synthesis
Authors: Spychala Jonas , Mandl Christoph , Hogrefe Katharina , Wilkening H. Martin R. , Gadermaier Bernhard
Published: November 2024

Ionic conductivity of Li3PS4 if synthesized by a solvent-assisted method strongly depends on overall and surface morphology. Amorphous Li3PS4 shows a rather high conductivity which is only slightly enhanced when going to the (nano-)crystalline form.
Crystalline bilayer formation in homoleptic low-spin Fe(ii) compounds with alkyl chain substituents
Authors: Geoghegan Blaise L. , Koutsoukos Spyridon , Phonsri Wasinee , Murray Keith S. , Cragg Peter J. , Dymond Marcus K. , Gass Ian A.
Published: November 2024

A series of alkyl chain containing, asymmetric, homoleptic Fe(ii) compounds with formula [FeII(LCn)2](X)2 where n = 4, 14 and X = BF4 (1C4 and 1C14) or n = 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and X = CF3SO3 (1C6–1C12 and 1C16), are reported.
Enzymatic treatment to decrease the allergenicity of Pru p 3 from peach
Authors: Tobajas Ana P. , Agulló-García Ana , Cubero José L. , Colás Carlos , Civera Alba , Esteban Clara , Sánchez Lourdes , Pérez María D.
Published: November 2024

Processing of Pru p 3 allergen with a food-grade fungal protease significantly degrades and reduces the allergenicity of Pru p 3 opening up new strategies for the food industry to reduce the allergenicity of peach-based products.
5-Axis CNC micro-milling machine for three-dimensional microfluidics
Authors: Modarelli Mitchell J. C. , Kot-Thompson Devin M. , Hoshino Kazunori
Published: November 2024

We fabricate 3D microfluidics and high-aspect-ratio walls (∼50 : 1) using a custom 5-axis CNC mill with sub-μm repeatability and step resolution.
A lignin-based biocomposite hydrogel for antimicrobial and wound healing applications
Authors: Preet Jaskiran , Pathania Khushboo , Kaur Jasdeep , Singh Rachna , Salunke Deepak B. , Pawar Sandip V.
Published: November 2024

Brief method for hydrogel preparation.
High-throughput approach to measure number of nanoparticles associated with cells: size dependence and kinetic parameters
Authors: Richards Ceri J. , Melero Martinez Paula , Roos Wouter H. , Åberg Christoffer
Published: November 2024

Using calibrated flow cytometry, we measured the actual numbers of nanoparticles associated with cells for 40–200 nm polystyrene particles. Next, we fitted a kinetic model to obtain the adsorption, desorption and internalization rate constants.
Amphoteric β-cyclodextrin coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles: new insights into synthesis and application in MRI
Authors: Calsolaro Federica , Garello Francesca , Cavallari Eleonora , Magnacca Giuliana , Trukhan Mikhail V. , Valsania Maria Carmen , Cravotto Giancarlo , Terreno Enzo , Martina Katia
Published: November 2024

A simple, efficient MW/US-assisted protocol is reported for obtaining MNPs. Amino citrate-modified βCD acts as a flexible amphoteric device for developing MNPs in preclinical MRI diagnostic and theranostic applications.
A dual-functional fluorescent nanoprobe based on UIO-66-NH2 for the continuous detection of o-phenylenediamine and Ag+
Authors: Si Yanmei , Li Yansong , Zhou Ranxu , Zhang Xin , Liu Wei , Yue Duyuan , Yan Yehao
Published: November 2024

UIO-66-NH2 was successfully prepared with blue fluorescence at 426 nm and used as the fluorescent MOF probe for the continuous sensing detection of o-phenylenediamine and Ag+.
Influence of magnetic convection on separation efficiency in magnetophoretic microfluidic processes: a combined simulation and experimental study
Authors: Wittmann Leonie , Krucker-Velasquez Emily , Schaupp Julia , Westphal Laura , Swan James W. , Alexander-Katz Alfredo , Bazant Martin Z. , Schwaminger Sebastian P. , Berensmeier Sonja
Published: November 2024

The study gives a detailed analysis of the hydrodynamics of magnetophoretic microfluidic processes, particularly focusing on the interplay of forces and particle concentrations by combining experimental and simulative findings.
Nickel single atoms anchored on a bipyridine-based covalent organic framework: boosting active sites for photodegradation of acetaminophen
Authors: Wen Guijiao , Peng Qianqian , Yuan Chen , He Juan , Hou Xiandeng
Published: November 2024

Single Ni atom photocatalyst Ni-TpBpy with tetra-coordinated N2–Ni–Cl2 environment showed boosted visible-light-driven photodegradation activity of ACT, attributed to efficient O2 adsorption and activation, enhanced charge separation and migration.
Microneedles: multifunctional devices for drug delivery, body fluid extraction, and bio-sensing
Authors: Wang Zhitao , Tong Siyu , Niu Jiaqi , Cao Cheng , Gao Ang , Jiao Yingao , Fu Yanfei , Li Dongxia , Pan Xinni , Cui Daxiang , Sheng Nengquan , Yan Li , Cui Shengsheng , Lin Shujing , Liu Yanlei
Published: November 2024

Used in drug delivery, body-fluid extraction, and bio-sensing, microneedle-based devices provide a novel perspective to overcome the traditional limits of biomedical engineering.
Constructing self-standing Fe2O3-Pt/NF nanoflowers with synergistic active sites for efficient electrocatalytic overall (sea) water splitting
Authors: Xiao Weiping , Zhang Yue , Ke Changwang , Zhao Qin , Han Fengyan , Guo Junpo , Yang Xiaofei
Published: November 2024

The corrosion engineering strategy is used to synthesize self-standing Fe2O3-Pt/NF heterostructures for efficient water splitting in alkaline solution, attributed to abundant active sites, fast electron transfer, and strong electronic interaction.
Recent advances in site-selective transformations of β-enaminones via transition-metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization/annulation
Authors: Roy Prasanta , Mahato Karuna , Shrestha Divya , Mohandoss Sonaimuthu , Lee Seung Woo , Lee Yong Rok
Published: November 2024

β-Enaminone transformation strategies are widely employed in the synthesis of numerous biologically active drugs and natural products, highlighting their significance in medicinal chemistry.
Reversible aminolysis: a new concept for postpolymerization modification
Authors: Kasai Koki , Amii Hideki , Kakuchi Ryohei
Published: November 2024

Efficient yet reversible aminolysis postpolymerization modification reactions.
[Ru]-Catalyzed olefin metathesis and ethenolysis for the synthesis and recycling of bio-based polycarbonates and polycyanurates
Authors: Pinson Dana M. , Eckstrom Francesca D. , Ostrom Gregory S. , Randall McClain K. , Baldwin Lawrence C. , Harvey Benjamin G.
Published: November 2024

Eugenol was converted to an unsaturated polycarbonate and polycyanurate. These polymers were then successfully depolymerized and repolymerized via [Ru]-catalyzed ethenolysis, demonstrating a novel approach to the recycling of bio-based polymers.
Facet-engineered CeO2 with Cu single atoms drives photocatalytic selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Li Yifei , Meng Senyao , Wang Ping , He Miao , Yao Jiasai , Yang Cheng , Mo Fangzhou , Li Jiang , Li Zhenxing
Published: November 2024

The facet effects of CeO2 on photocatalytic selective oxidation were systematically studied by employing the selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-diformylfuran as a model reaction.
Reconstruction and immobilization of polymolybdate induced by metal–organic coordination units for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Ma Jingyi , Chang Zhihan , Xi Xue , Liang Juju , Lin Yuchun , Zhu Yaling , Wang Xiuli
Published: November 2024

The reconstruction and oriented immobilization of polymolybdate occur, induced by metal–organic coordination units. The title complex possesses obvious electrocatalytic activity in 1 M KOH/simulated seawater for hydrogen evolution reactions.
Newly synthesized sulfonamide derivatives explored for DNA binding, enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxicity activities: a mixed computational and experimental analyses
Authors: Arshad Nasima , Mehmood Yasir , Ismail Hammad , Perveen Fouzia , Javed Aneela , Channar Pervaiz Ali , Saeed Aamer , Naseem Sadia , Naseer Fatima
Published: November 2024

This work reports synthesis, characterization, DNA, enzyme binding and cytotoxicity activity of three 4-((3-arylthiazolo[3,4-d]isoxazol-5-yl)amino)benzene sulfonamide derivatives with a thaizaole(3,4-d)isoxazole-based fused ring heterocyclic system.
Effective BPA degradation in water: the integration of bimetallic UiO-66 Ce–Zr
Authors: Gallo Leidy Marcela , Obeso Juan L. , Portillo-Vélez Nora S. , Garduño-Albino Carlos E. , Flores Catalina V. , Herrera-Zuñiga Leonardo , Islas-Jácome Alejandro , Peralta Ricardo A. , Leyva Carolina
Published: November 2024

In this work, a bimetallic MOF UiO-66 Ce–Zr to degrade bisphenol A (BPA) in water was synthesised. The material exhibited a remarkable degradation efficiency of 84.3% under UV irradiation for 240 minutes.
Dual ligand-enabled iron and halogen-containing carboxylate-based photocatalysis for chloro/fluoro-polyhaloalkylation of alkenes
Authors: Han Wanru , Zhao Zhenyan , Jiang Kui , Lan Yu , Yu Xuehan , Jiang Xiaoyu , Yang Wei , Wei Donghui , Li Shi-Jun , Niu Linbin
Published: November 2024

Dual ligand-enabled iron photocatalysis for the conversion of all kinds of halogen-containing carboxylates (CnXmCOO−, X: F, Cl, Br) to CnXm radicals is disclosed for chloro/fluoro-polyhaloalkylation of non-activated alkenes.
Double coordination shell modulation of nitrogen-free atomic manganese sites for enhancing oxygen reduction performance
Authors: Bai Xue , Wang Yin , Han Jingyi , Chen Siyu , Niu Xiaodi , Guan Jingqi
Published: November 2024

Utilizing double coordination shell modulation, we construct a novel nitrogen-free single-atom manganese coordination configuration catalyst on graphene oxide (Mn–S1O4G), which exhibits excellent ORR and zinc–air battery performances.
Merging nucleophilic phosphine catalysis and photocatalysis for the rapid assembly of 2-oxabicyclo-[2.1.1]hexane scaffolds from feedstock allyl alcohols
Authors: Whalley David M. , Carlino Luca , Putra Okky Dwichandra , Anderson Niall A. , Coote Susannah C. , Lorthioir Olivier
Published: November 2024

A synthesis of 2-oxabicyclo-[2.1.1]hexanes from readily available allyl alcohols and electron-poor arylalkynes. The transformation utilises phosphine catalysis and energy transfer catalysis for rapid assembly of these diverse scaffolds.
Electrochemical trifluoromethylation of alkynes: the unique role of DMSO as a masking auxiliary
Authors: Jang Jihoon , Hwang Ho Seong , Jeong Haeryeong , Cho Eun Jin
Published: November 2024

An electrochemical trifluoromethylation method for terminal alkynes has been developed, facilitating the synthesis of CF3-alkynes with DMSO as a masking auxiliary.
AuPt nanostructures with a high hydrogen evolution reaction activity through a halide-mediated microwave assisted route
Authors: Zhang Xuesong , Chacón-Borrero Jesús , He Ren , Gázquez Jaume , Torras Miquel , Cabot Andreu , Roig Anna , Guardia Pablo
Published: November 2024

In light of the escalating scarcity and rising costs of platinum, it is imperative to take a strategic approach to its rational utilization as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
YAP signaling orchestrates the endothelin-1-guided invadopodia formation in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Tocci Piera , Caprara Valentina , Roman Celia , Sestito Rosanna , Rosanò Laura , Bagnato Anna
Published: November 2024

The high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HG-SOC) is a notoriously challenging disease, characterized by a rapid peritoneal dissemination. HG-SOC cells leverage actin-rich membrane protrusions, known as invadopodia, to degrade the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) and invade, initiating the metastatic cascade. In HG-SOC, the endothelin-1 (ET-1)/endothelin A receptor (ETAR)-driven signaling coordinates invadopodia activity, however how this axis integrates pro-oncogenic signaling routes, as YAP-driven one, impacting on the invadopodia-mediated ECM degradation and metastatic progression, deserves a deeper investigation. Herein, we observed that downstream of the ET-1/ET-1R axis, the RhoC and Rac1 GTPases, acting as signaling intermediaries, promote the de-phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of YAP. Conversely, the treatment with the dual ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, macitentan, inhibits the ET-1-driven YAP activity. Similarly, RhoC silencing, or cell transfection with a dominant inactive form of Rac1, restores YAP phosphorylation. Mechanistically, the ET-1R/YAP signal alliance coordinates invadopodia maturation into ECM-degrading structures, indicating how such ET-1R-guided protein network represents a route able to enhance the HG-SOC invasive potential. At functional level, we found that the interconnection between the ET-1R/RhoC and YAP signals is required for MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteolytic functions, cell invasion, and cytoskeleton architecture changes, supporting the HG-SOC metastatic strength. In HG-SOC patient-derived xenografts (PDX) macitentan, turning-off the invadopodia regulators RhoC/YAP, halts the metastatic colonization. ET-1R targeting, hindering the YAP activity, weakens the invadopodia machinery, embodying a promising therapeutic avenue to prevent peritoneal dissemination in HG-SOC.