bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Norms Predict Bullying: Evidence from an Anti-Bullying Intervention Trial in Indonesia
Authors: Zaneva Mirela , Minnick Emilie , Nahar  , Ginting Valentina , Aryani Farida , Ohan Faridah , Haryanti Rina Herlina , Winarna Sri , Arsianto Yuli , Budiyawati Hening , Widowati Evi , Saraswati Rika , Kristianto Yuliana , Suryani Yulinda Erma , Ulum Derry Fahrizal , Bowes Lucy
Published: September 2023

Social norms pertaining to negative or violent interpersonal behaviours constitute a promising target for programs designed to reduce bullying. Yet, there is a lack of evidence on anti-bullying programs targeting social norms in non-Western, low- and middle-income countries. Here, we report findings on the relationship between social norms and bullying from one such large-scale program, the feasibility trial of the ROOTS-Indonesia intervention. This intervention was delivered across 12 secondary schools in two different regions in Indonesia. We report findings based on a total of 7,203 students at baseline (in South Sulawesi, n = 1901, mean age = 13 years, 53% female; and in Central Java, n = 5302, mean age = 13.3 years, 48% female). Via a multilevel analytic approach, we found consistent evidence that the extent to which negative behaviours were considered normative by students was associated with how much they would engage in bullying, both as perpetrators and as victims. Our data reveal some encouraging trends suggesting the ROOTS-Indonesia intervention reduced negative social norms. We note a trend such that where social norms decreased the most at follow-up, the rates of bullying similarly decreased the most. Overall, we provide further evidence that social norms are a promising avenue for the reduction of negative interpersonal behaviours.
Mining and Energy Law
Authors: Hepburn Samantha
Published: September 2023

Mining and Energy Law provides students with a comprehensive overview of the national electricity, resources and energy markets and how they are regulated. The second edition has been comprehensively updated to include new content on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Australian Energy Market Commission, the gas export market, resource royalties and environmental impact assessments. It also discusses the impacts of climate change and environmental regulation on energy policies in Australia, including climate legislation, the regulation of renewable energy sources, initiatives such as carbon capture and storage, and the transition away from fossil fuels. Each chapter includes lists of further reading and review questions to engage students with the various aspects of the energy and resources sectors. Updated case and legislation extracts articulate the nature of the regulatory and statutory obligations that Australia's mining, offshore and onshore petroleum, natural gas and resources companies must adhere to.
Quantum Mechanics with Concept Maps
Authors: Wick Michael
Published: September 2023

Many physics textbooks take a traditional approach to the demonstration of mathematical relationships and derivations, presenting them in linear order. However, many physical derivations follow a tree-shaped structure with interconnected steps running in parallel, where numerous individual equations are manipulated and combined to reach a final result. Thus, conventional presentation often leads to derivations being spread over several book pages and linked by formula numbering. This title takes a novel and intuitive approach to introductory quantum mechanics by utilising concept maps to address non-linear structures in key mathematical relationships. Concept maps are structures in a form similar to flowcharts where derivations, concepts, and relations are visualised on one page, supported by concise accompanying text on the opposite page. Perfect as a supporting and guiding tool for undergraduates, this book is designed to aid in the understanding and memorisation of key derivations and mathematical concepts in quantum mechanics.
WEAK HEIRS, COHEIRS, AND THE ELLIS SEMIGROUPS
Authors: MALINOWSKI ADAM , NEWELSKI LUDOMIR
Published: September 2023

Assume

$G\prec H$

are groups and

${\cal A}\subseteq {\cal P}(G),\ {\cal B}\subseteq {\cal P}(H)$

are algebras of sets closed under left group translation. Under some additional assumptions we find algebraic connections between the Ellis [semi]groups of the G-flow

$S({\cal A})$

and the H-flow

$S({\cal B})$

. We apply these results in the model theoretic context. Namely, assume G is a group definable in a model M and

$M\prec ^* N$

. Using weak heirs and weak coheirs we point out some algebraic connections between the Ellis semigroups

$S_{ext,G}(M)$

and

$S_{ext,G}(N)$

. Assuming every minimal left ideal in

$S_{ext,G}(N)$

is a group we prove that the Ellis groups of

$S_{ext,G}(M)$

are isomorphic to closed subgroups of the Ellis groups of

$S_{ext,G}(N)$

.
Coupling capacity in C*-algebras
Authors: Skalski Adam , Todorov Ivan G. , Turowska Lyudmila
Published: September 2023

Given two unital C*-algebras equipped with states and a positive operator in the enveloping von Neumann algebra of their minimal tensor product, we define three parameters that measure the capacity of the operator to align with a coupling of the two given states. Further, we establish a duality formula that shows the equality of two of the parameters for operators in the minimal tensor product of the relevant C*-algebras. In the context of abelian C*-algebras, our parameters are related to quantitative versions of Arveson's null set theorem and to dualities considered in the theory of optimal transport. On the other hand, restricting to matrix algebras we recover and generalize quantum versions of Strassen's theorem. We show that in the latter case our parameters can detect maximal entanglement and separability.
A weighted Trudinger–Moser inequalities and applications to some weighted Laplacian equation in with new exponential growth conditions
Authors: Aouaoui Sami
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we prove some weighted sharp inequalities of Trudinger–Moser type. The weights considered here have a logarithmic growth. These inequalities are completely new and are established in some new Sobolev spaces where the norm is a mixture of the norm of the gradient in two different Lebesgue spaces. This fact allowed us to prove a very interesting result of sharpness for the case of doubly exponential growth at infinity. Some improvements of these inequalities for the weakly convergent sequences are also proved using a version of the Concentration-Compactness principle of P.L. Lions. Taking profit of these inequalities, we treat in the last part of this work some elliptic quasilinear equation involving the weighted

$(N,q)-$

Laplacian operator where

$1 < q < N$

and a nonlinearities enjoying a new type of exponential growth condition at infinity.
Quantitative regeneration: Skoog and Miller revisited
Authors: Melnyk Charles W.
Published: September 2023

In 1957, Skoog and Miller published their seminal work on the effects of hormones upon plant growth. By varying the concentrations of auxin and cytokinin, they observed dramatic differences in shoot and root growth from tobacco stem cultures. Their finding that quantitative differences in hormone concentrations could dramatically alter the fate of developing organs provided a foundation for understanding organ formation and tissue regeneration. Their in vitro assays established plant propagation techniques that were critical for regenerating transgenic plants. Here, I discuss their original paper, what led to their findings and its impact on our understanding of hormone interactions, how plants regenerate and in vitro tissue culture techniques.
The long exact sequence of homotopy n-groups
Authors: Buchholtz Ulrik , Rijke Egbert
Published: September 2023

Working in homotopy type theory, we introduce the notion of n-exactness for a short sequence
$F\to E\to B$
of pointed types and show that any fiber sequence
$F\hookrightarrow E \twoheadrightarrow B$
of arbitrary types induces a short sequence

that is n-exact at
$\| E\|_{n-1}$
. We explain how the indexing makes sense when interpreted in terms of n-groups, and we compare our definition to the existing definitions of an exact sequence of n-groups for
$n=1,2$
. As the main application, we obtain the long n-exact sequence of homotopy n-groups of a fiber sequence.
Detection of dsrAB operon expression in Desulfotalea psychrophila cells subjected to simulated Martian conditions of temperature and regolith's sulphate minerals composition
Authors: Mosquera Sergio , Ivey Mack , Chevrier Vincent F.
Published: September 2023

Discoveries of transient liquid water in the Martian polar caps and the presence of liquid lakes and subsurface oceans in icy satellites have increased the interest of scientists in the capabilities of terrestrial extremophiles to grow and remain metabolically active in these extreme environments. The principal goal of this research is to understand the metabolic capacity of the anaerobic psychrophile, Desulfotalea psychrophila, cultured at subfreezing temperatures in media containing various concentrations of sulphate minerals. In this regard, our experiments focused on the detection of D. psychrophila survival and active metabolism, employing a biochamber that can recreate Martian temperatures. Using standard bacteriological methods for determining growth, combined with molecular and enzymatic determination of sulphate reduction, we have found that D. psychrophila is capable to carry out biological processes at temperatures down to −5°C, at concentrations that range from 0.35 to 18 wt% of MgSO4, 0.1 wt% of CaSO4 and 10 to 14 wt% of FeSO4 in which the highest sulphate concentration gradually returned the biosynthetic rate to basal limits, and the lowest temperature decreased bacterial cell division. These chemical salts, whose ions are classified as chaotropes, are known to act by maintaining water molecules in liquid state at subfreezing temperatures and by altering the stability of cellular components. This ‘chaotropic effect’ could potentially benefit the microbial metabolic activity up to a concentration in which cellular viability is jeopardized. Consequently, our hypothesis is directed towards the detection of metabolic activity as an indirect measurement of the potential influence of these ions in the flexibility/functionality of biological structures that at cold temperatures are highly rigid, compact and partially/non-functional due to water freezing. Studies of this type of microorganism are critical considering the possibility of survival and colonization of psychrophilic sulphate reducers in other planets and icy satellites.
Changing roles of health insurers in France, Germany, and the Netherlands: any lessons to learn from Bismarckian systems?
Authors: Schut Frederik T. , Henschke Cornelia , Or Zeynep
Published: September 2023

Bismarckian health systems are mainly governed by social health insurers, but their role, status, and power vary across countries and over time. We compare the role of health insurers in three distinct social health insurance systems in improving health systems' efficiency. In France, insurers work together as a single payer within a highly regulated context. Although this gives insurers substantial bargaining power, collective negotiations with providers are highly political and do not provide appropriate incentives for efficiency. Both Germany and the Netherlands have introduced competition among insurers to foster efficiency. However, the rationale of insurer competition in Germany is unclear because contracts are mostly concluded at a collective level and individual insurers have little power to influence health system efficiency. In the Netherlands, insurer competition is substantially more effective, but primarily focused on price and cost containment. In all three countries, the role of insurers has been transforming slowly to respond to common challenges of assuring care quality and continuity for an ageing population. To assure sustainability, they need to ensure that care providers cooperate with the same quality and efficiency objectives, but their capacity to do so has been limited by insufficient support to enforce public information on provider quality.
Anomalously Darker Land Surfaces Become Wetter Due To Mesoscale Circulations
Authors: Cheng Yu , Hu Zeyuan , McColl Kaighin A.
Published: September 2023

“Land radiative management” (LRM)—intentionally increasing land surface albedo to reduce regional temperatures—has been proposed as a form of geoengineering. Its effects on local precipitation and soil moisture over long timescales are not well understood. We use idealized cloud‐permitting simulations and a conceptual model to understand the response of precipitation and soil moisture to a mesoscale albedo anomaly at equilibrium. Initially, differential heating between a high‐albedo anomaly and the lower‐albedo surrounding environment drives mesoscale circulations, increasing precipitation and soil moisture in the surrounding environment. However, over time, increasing soil moisture reduces the differential heating, eliminating the mesoscale circulations. At equilibrium, the fractional increase in simulated soil moisture is up to 1.3 times the fractional increase in co‐albedo (one minus albedo). Thus, LRM may increase precipitation and soil moisture in surrounding regions, enhancing evaporative cooling and spreading the benefits of LRM over a wider region than previously recognized.
Does a Shallow Magma Reservoir Exist in the Wudalianchi Volcanic Field? Constraints From Magnetotelluric Imaging
Authors: Sun Xiangyu , Zhan Yan , Zhao Lingqiang , Xu Jiandong , Zhao Yongwei , Zhao Bin , Yang Wendong
Published: September 2023

We obtain new images of the 3D resistivity structure of the Wudalianchi volcanic field (WVF). No low‐resistivity structure is found beneath Laoheishan and Huoshaoshan volcanoes in the WVF, which challenges the hypothesis of one or more magma reservoirs in the upper crust of this region. We observe a low‐resistivity body beneath Weishan volcano; however, estimated magma emplacement rates conflict with the observed volume of that body. Due to the relatively low geothermal gradient and surface heat flow in the area, magma would cool rapidly and could not be sustained for a long time unless new magma was regularly introduced into the system, but our observations do not support this scenario. We suggest that the magma in the WVF mainly originates from the mantle or the base of the crust with little crustal residence, and that the low‐resistivity body in the upper crust is likely due to saline aqueous free fluids.
Cyclone Impacts on Sea Ice Concentration in the Atlantic Arctic Ocean: Annual Cycle and Recent Changes
Authors: Aue Lars , Rinke Annette
Published: September 2023

We quantify sea ice concentration (SIC) changes related to synoptic cyclones separately for each month of the year in the Greenland, Barents and Kara Seas for 1979–2018. We find that these SIC changes can be statistically significant throughout the year. However, their strength varies from region to region and month to month, and their sign strongly depends on the considered time scale (before/during vs. after cyclone passages). Our results show that the annual cycle of cyclone impacts on SIC is related to varying cyclone intensity and traversed sea ice conditions. We further show that significant changes in these cyclone impacts have manifested in the last 40 years, with the strongest changes occurring in October and November. For these months, SIC decreases before/during cyclones have more than doubled in magnitude in the Barents and Kara Seas, while SIC increases following cyclones have weakened (intensified) in the Barents Sea (Kara Sea).
Coseismic Kinematics of the 2023 Kahramanmaras, Turkey Earthquake Sequence From InSAR and Optical Data
Authors: He Lijia , Feng Guangcai , Xu Wenbin , Wang Yuedong , Xiong Zhiqiang , Gao Hua , Liu Xiaoge
Published: September 2023

We derive the ALOS‐2 coseismic interferograms, pixel‐offsets and Sentinel‐2 sub‐pixel offsets of the 2023 Mw7.8 and Mw7.7 Kahramanmaras, Turkey earthquake sequence. Offset maps show that the sequence ruptured ∼300 km along the East Anatolian Fault (EAF) and ∼180 km along the secondary Cardak and Dogansehir faults. We infer the coseismic slip distribution and interseismic fault motion by inverting the co‐ and inter‐seismic observations. Inversion results show that the coseismic slip (∼8.0 m) and interseismic strike‐slip rate (∼4.6 mm/yr) on the main rupture of the Mw7.8 event are basically consistent with the ∼8.4 m and ∼3.9 mm/yr of the Mw7.7 event. Most coseismic slips of the Mw7.8 and Mw7.7 events occur within 10 and 12 km at depth, respectively, in keeping with the interseismic locking depth of 10.4 ± 3.3 km and 11.1 ± 3.1 km. This implies that the coseismic rupture kinematics correlate with the interseismic strain accumulation. Moreover, static stress changes show that the Mw7.7 event is likely promoted by ∼2 bar stress increase from the Mw7.8 event on the central section of its main rupture.
Determining a Lower Limit of Luminosity for the First Satellite Observation of a Reverse Beam Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flash Associated With a Cloud to Ground Lightning Leader
Authors: Chaffin Jeffrey M. , Pu Yunjiao , Smith David M. , Cummer Steve , Splitt Michael
Published: September 2023

We provide an updated analysis of the gamma ray signature of a terrestrial gamma ray flash (TGF) detected by the Fermi Gamma ray Burst Monitor first reported by Pu et al. (2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL089427). A TGF produced 3 ms prior to a negative cloud‐to‐ground return stroke was close to simultaneous with an isolated low‐frequency radio pulse during the leader’s propagation, with a polarity indicating downward moving negative charge. In previous observations, this “slow” low‐frequency signal has been strongly correlated with upward‐directed (opposite polarity) TGF events (Pu et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL082743; Cummer et al., 2011, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL048099), leading the authors to conclude that the Fermi gamma ray observation is actually the result of a reverse positron beam generating upward‐directed gamma rays. We investigate the feasibility of this scenario and determine a lower limit on the luminosity of the downward TGF from the perspective of gamma ray timing uncertainties, TGF Monte Carlo simulations, and meteorological analysis of a model storm cell and its possible charge structure altitudes. We determined that the most likely source altitude of the TGF reverse beam was 7.5 km ± 2.6 km, just below an estimated negative charge center at 8 km. At that altitude, the Monte Carlo simulations indicate a lower luminosity limit of 2 × 1018 photons above 1 MeV for the main downward beam of the TGF, making the reverse beam detectable by the Fermi Gamma ray Burst Monitor.
USP32 deubiquitinase: cellular functions, regulatory mechanisms, and potential as a cancer therapy target
Authors: Li Shuang , Song Yang , Wang Kexin , Liu Guoxiang , Dong Xiaolei , Yang Fanghao , Chen Guang , Cao Can , Zhang Huhu , Wang Mengjun , Li Ya , Zeng Teng , Liu Chunyan , Li Bing
Published: September 2023

An essential protein regulatory system in cells is the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The substrate is modified by the ubiquitin ligase system (E1-E2-E3) in this pathway, which is a dynamic protein bidirectional modification regulation system. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are tasked with specifically hydrolyzing ubiquitin molecules from ubiquitin-linked proteins or precursor proteins and inversely regulating protein degradation, which in turn affects protein function. The ubiquitin-specific peptidase 32 (USP32) protein level is associated with cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, invasion, and other cellular biological processes. It is an important member of the ubiquitin-specific protease family. It is thought that USP32, a unique enzyme that controls the ubiquitin process, is closely linked to the onset and progression of many cancers, including small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, glioblastoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, acute myeloid leukemia, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In this review, we focus on the multiple mechanisms of USP32 in various tumor types and show that USP32 controls the stability of many distinct proteins. Therefore, USP32 is a key and promising therapeutic target for tumor therapy, which could provide important new insights and avenues for antitumor drug development. The therapeutic importance of USP32 in cancer treatment remains to be further proven. In conclusion, there are many options for the future direction of USP32 research.
Confidence in visual detection, familiarity and recollection judgments is preserved in schizophrenia spectrum disorder
Authors: Rouy Martin , Pereira Michael , Saliou Pauline , Sanchez Rémi , el Mardi Wassila , Sebban Hanna , Baqué Eugénie , Dezier Childéric , Porte Perrine , Micaux Julia , de Gardelle Vincent , Mamassian Pascal , Moulin Chris J. A. , Dondé Clément , Roux Paul , Faivre Nathan
Published: September 2023

An effective way to quantify metacognitive performance is to ask participants to estimate their confidence in the accuracy of their response during a cognitive task. A recent meta-analysis1 raised the issue that most assessments of metacognitive performance in schizophrenia spectrum disorders may be confounded with cognitive deficits, which are known to be present in this population. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the reported metacognitive deficits are metacognitive in nature or rather inherited from cognitive deficits. Arbitrating between these two possibilities requires equating task performance between experimental groups. Here, we aimed to characterize metacognitive performance among individuals with schizophrenia across three tasks (visual detection, familiarity, recollection) using a within-subject design while controlling experimentally for intra-individual task performance and statistically for between-subject task performance. In line with our hypotheses, we found no metacognitive deficit for visual detection and familiarity judgments. While we expected metacognition for recollection to be specifically impaired among individuals with schizophrenia, we found evidence in favor of an absence of a deficit in that domain also. We found no specific metacognitive deficit in schizophrenia spectrum disorder in the visual or memory domain. The clinical relevance of our findings is discussed in light of a hierarchical framework of metacognition.
Design of a silicon Mach–Zehnder modulator via deep learning and evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Aparecido de Paula Romulo , Aldaya Ivan , Sutili Tiago , Figueiredo Rafael C. , Pita Julian L. , Bustamante Yesica R. R.
Published: September 2023

As an essential block in optical communication systems, silicon (Si) Mach–Zehnder modulators (MZMs) are approaching the limits of possible performance for high-speed applications. However, due to a large number of design parameters and the complex simulation of these devices, achieving high-performance configuration employing conventional optimization methods result in prohibitively long times and use of resources. Here, we propose a design methodology based on artificial neural networks and heuristic optimization that significantly reduces the complexity of the optimization process. First, we implemented a deep neural network model to substitute the 3D electromagnetic simulation of a Si-based MZM, whereas subsequently, this model is used to estimate the figure of merit within the heuristic optimizer, which, in our case, is the differential evolution algorithm. By applying this method to CMOS-compatible MZMs, we find new optimized configurations in terms of electro-optical bandwidth, insertion loss, and half-wave voltage. In particular, we achieve configurations of MZMs with a $$40~\text {GHz}$$

40

GHz

bandwidth and a driving voltage of $$6.25~\text {V}$$

6.25

V

, or, alternatively, $$47.5~\text {GHz}$$

47.5

GHz

with a driving voltage of $$8~\text {V}$$

8

V

. Furthermore, the faster simulation allowed optimizing MZM subject to different constraints, which permits us to explore the possible performance boundary of this type of MZMs.
Metamagnetic transition in single-crystalline UIr$$_{2}$$Si$$_{2}$$
Authors: Szlawska Maria , Majewicz Magdalena , Kowalska Dorota A. , Kaczorowski Dariusz
Published: September 2023

A single crystal of the ternary uranium silicide UIr$$_{2}$$

2

Si$$_{2}$$

2

was studied by means of of X-ray diffraction, magnetization, heat capacity and electrical transport measurements. The studied compound orders antiferromagnetically at the Néel temperature of 5.5 K and undergoes a metamagnetic transition at 1.8 K in a field of 1.52 T. The metamagnetic transition has a spin-flop character.
Whole-brain characterization of apoptosis after sevoflurane anesthesia reveals neuronal cell death patterns in the mouse neonatal neocortex
Authors: Areias Julie , Sola Chrystelle , Chastagnier Yan , Pico Julien , Bouquier Nathalie , Dadure Christophe , Perroy Julie , Szabo Vivien
Published: September 2023

In the last two decades, safety concerns about general anesthesia (GA) arose from studies documenting brain cell death in various pharmacological conditions and animal models. Nowadays, a thorough characterization of sevoflurane-induced apoptosis in the entire neonatal mouse brain would help identify and further focus on underlying mechanisms. We performed whole-brain mapping of sevoflurane-induced apoptosis in post-natal day (P) 7 mice using tissue clearing and immunohistochemistry. We found an anatomically heterogenous increase in cleaved-caspase-3 staining. The use of a novel P7 brain atlas showed that the neocortex was the most affected area, followed by the striatum and the metencephalon. Histological characterization in cortical slices determined that post-mitotic neurons were the most affected cell type and followed inter- and intracortical gradients with maximal apoptosis in the superficial layers of the posterodorsal cortex. The unbiased anatomical mapping used here allowed us to confirm sevoflurane-induced apoptosis in the perinatal period, neocortical involvement, and indicated striatal and metencephalic damage while suggesting moderate hippocampal one. The identification of neocortical gradients is consistent with a maturity-dependent mechanism. Further research could then focus on the interference of sevoflurane with neuronal migration and survival during development.
Positive and negative psychosocial impacts on cancer survivors
Authors: Yao Grace , Lai Jin-Shei , Garcia Sofia F. , Yount Susan , Cella David
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to understand psychosocial impacts on cancer survivors using the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) Psychosocial Illness Impact banks. Cancer survivors (n = 509; age: 59.5 ± 1.4; 51.5% men) completed the PROMIS positive and negative illness impact items consisting of four sub-domains: self-concept (SC), social impact (SI), stress response (SR), and spirituality (Sp). Illness impact was defined as changed scores from items measuring “current” experiences to recalled experiences prior to cancer diagnosis. Descriptive statistics, effect sizes (ES), and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated at item and sub-domain levels. Analysis of variance was used to identify potentially influential factors on the impacts. Our study found survivors reported stronger positive than negative impacts (overall ES mean: 0.30 vs. 0.23) in general; and more moderate (ES ≧ 0.30) positive than negative impacts at the item level, 54.3% (25 of 46) and 40% (16 of 40) for positive and negative items, respectively. Participants reported more positive impacts on SI and Sp but more negative impacts on SR. The CV results showed more individual differences appeared on positive SC items. Younger survivors reported stronger positive and negative impacts. Women reported higher positive impacts. Survivors with higher education levels tended to have higher positive SI impacts, while those with a lower family income reported higher negative SI and negative SR impacts. We conclude positive and negative psychosocial impacts coexisted—the strength of impacts varied across sub-domains. Age, gender, education, and family income influenced the psychosocial impacts reported by survivors. These findings provide a foundation to develop interventions to strengthen positive and minimize negative impacts and improve cancer survivors’ overall well-being.
Catalytic asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation of unprotected indoles with nitroalkenes using a novel chiral Yb(OTf)3–pybox complex
Authors: Karimi Babak , Jafari Ehsan , Mansouri Fariborz , Tavakolian Mina
Published: September 2023

Chiral chloro-indeno pybox has served as a new ligand for the Yb(OTf)3-catalyzed asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction of indoles with nitroalkenes. The tunable nature of pybox ligands enables the rational design of catalysts for optimal performance in terms of both activity and stereoselectivity in a Friedel–Crafts-type reaction. Good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities were obtained for a relatively wide range of substrates, including sterically hindered compounds, under optimized reaction conditions.
Enantioseparation and molecular docking study of selected chiral pharmaceuticals on a commercialized phenylcarbamate-β-cyclodextrin column using polar organic mode
Authors: Dobó Máté , Ádám Márk , Fiser Béla , Papp Lajos Attila , Dombi Gergely , Sekkoum Khaled , Szabó Zoltán-István , Tóth Gergő
Published: September 2023

The chiral separation capability of Chiral-CD-Ph column, containing phenylcarbamate-β-cyclodextrin as the chiral selector in polar organic mode was investigated. A total of twenty-five compounds with different structures and acid–base properties were evaluated, and twenty of them were separated using acetonitrile or methanol as eluent. The effects of various chromatographic parameters, such as the type and proportion of organic modifier, flow rate, and column temperature were analyzed in detail in relation to chromatographic performance. A U-shape retention curve was observed when a mixture of acetonitrile and methanol was used as the eluent, indicating different types of interactions in different solvent mixtures. Van 't Hoff analysis was used for calculation of thermodynamic parameters which revealed that the enantioseparation is mainly enthalpy controlled; however, entropic control was also observed. The enantiomer recognition ability at the atomic level was also investigated through a molecular docking study, which revealed surface binding in polar organic mode instead of inclusion complexation. Our work proves that the phenylcarbamate-β-cyclodextrin-based chiral stationary phase can be effectively used in polar organic mode for the chiral separation of structurally diverse compounds. Furthermore, it is important to note that our study demonstrated that surface binding is responsible for the formation of supramolecular complexes in certain cyclodextrin derivatives.
Heat waves characteristics intensification across Indian smart cities
Authors: Goyal Manish Kumar , Singh Shivam , Jain Vijay
Published: September 2023

Indian cities have frequently observed intense and severe heat waves for the last few years. It will be primarily due to a significant increase in the variation in heat wave characteristics like duration, frequency, and intensity across the urban regions of India. This study will determine the impact of future climate scenarios like SSP 245 and 585 over the heat wave characteristics. It will present the comparison between heat waves characteristics in the historical time (1981 to 2020) with future projections, i.e., D1 (2021–2046), D2 (2047–2072), and D3 (2073–2098) for different climate scenarios across Indian smart cities. It is observed that the Coastal, Interior Peninsular, and North-Central regions will observe intense and frequent heat waves in the future under SSP 245 and 585 scenarios. A nearly two-fold increase in heat wave' mean duration will be observed in the smart cities of the Interior Peninsular, Coastal, and North Central zones. Thiruvananthapuram city on the west coast has the maximum hazard associated with heat waves among all the smart cities of India under both SSPs. This study assists smart city policymakers in improving the planning and implementation of heat wave adaptation and mitigation plans based on the proposed framework for heat action plans and heat wave characteristics for improving urban health well-being under hot weather extremes in different homogeneous temperature zones.
A quantitative analysis of spontaneous alternation behaviors on a Y-maze reveals adverse effects of acute social isolation on spatial working memory
Authors: Kim Joowon , Kang Hyeyeon , Lee Young-Beom , Lee Boyoung , Lee Doyun
Published: September 2023

Animals tend to alternate between different choices, which requires the ability to remember recent choices. The Y-maze spontaneous alternation test is widely used in various animal models for assessing short-term memory, and its precise evaluation depends upon the accurate determination of the arm visit sequence. However, an objective method for defining arm visits is lacking owing to uncertainty regarding the extent to which an animal must go into the arm to be considered visited. Here, we conducted quantitative analyses on mice behavior in the Y-maze while systematically varying the arm visit threshold and assessed the effect of acute social isolation on spatial working memory. Our results revealed that 24-h social isolation significantly reduced spontaneous alternation rate when the arm threshold was set at the distal part of the arm. Furthermore, the memory of the recently visited arms faded away faster in the socially isolated mice. However, other behavioral factors were comparable to those of the group-housed mice, indicating a specific impairment of short-term memory. Our findings suggest that the location of arm visit threshold is critical for the precise evaluation of short-term memory, and our study provides a method for comprehensively and systematically assessing spontaneous alternation behavior in the Y-maze.
Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Kazakhstan: evidence from a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Nursultanova Liza , Kabulbayev Kairat , Ospanova Dinara , Tazhiyeva Aigul , Datkhayev Ubaidilla , Saliev Timur , Tanabayeva Shynar , Fakhradiyev Ildar
Published: September 2023

To date, there have been no large-scale national studies of the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Kazakhstan. It includes the research based on the analysis of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The aim of this study was to investigate the population prevalence of CKD and associated risk factors in Kazakhstan. The cross-sectional study consisted of a nationally representative sample of n = 6 720 adults aged 18 to 69 from 14 regions and 3 major cities in Kazakhstan. The study covered the period from October 2021 to May 2022. The WHO STEPS questionnaire was used for the survey. For the diagnosis of CKD, creatinine levels in collected blood samples were measured to assess eGFR. Demographic characteristics were collected and studied. The total and adjusted prevalence of factors associated with the presence of CKD were calculated and analysed using logistic regression. 73.5% (n = 4940) of participants had normal eGFR, while 25.2% (n = 1695) had mild CKD (eGFR = 60–89 mL/min/1.7 m2). The overall prevalence of CKD with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.7 m2 was 1.3% (n = 85), of which 0.2% (n = 15) had eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.7 m2. A mild degree of CKD was most often determined in residents of the East Kazakhstan region in 10.4%, and in 7.8–8.0% of cases. The majority of CKD patients was detected in the East Kazakhstan region and Almaty city, 15.3% and 10.6% of cases respectively. In mild and CKD with GFR < 60 ml/min/1.7 m2, the age of participants was 50–69 years in 61.5% and 78.8% of cases, respectively (p < 0.001). In addition to the association with the place of residence, a statistically significant relationship was found between the risk of developing CKD and underweight (OR 1.43, 95% CI (1.09–1.88), p < 0.001), as well as the presence of obesity (OR 1.24, 95% CI (0.99–1.53), p = 0.04). We observed the prevalence of CKD with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.7 m2 at the level of 1.3%. However, a fairly large part of study participants had a mild CKD (25.2%). The results of this study can be used for the optimization of the doctors workload and the timely provision of care to patients with CKD.
Identification of phytochemical, antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial potential of Calotropis procera leaf aqueous extract
Authors: Ahmad Nejhad Armin , Alizadeh Behbahani Behrooz , Hojjati Mohammad , Vasiee Alireza , Mehrnia Mohammad Amin
Published: September 2023

Since the dawn of civilization, people have turned to plants as a safe and efficient form of treatment for a variety of diseases. It has long been known that Calotropis procera has the potential to treat a number of diseases. In this study, the C. procera leaf aqueous extract was obtained using the maceration method, and p-coumaric was found to be the main compound. The extract was rich in phenols (174.82 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and flavonoids (1781.7 µg quercetin equivalent/g). The extract had high antioxidant properties, as indicated by the IC50 values obtained for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (366.33 μg/mL) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) (169.04 μg/mL), as well as the ferric ions reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (1.67 μg ascorbic acid equivalent/g of the extract). The cytotoxicity of the extract was evaluated against the survival of HT 29 cells, and the IC50 was found to be 236.87 μg/mL. The most resistant and sensitive strains to the extract were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The morphological changes of these strains were demonstrated through scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The C. procera extract could be therefore used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agent.
Increased risk of flash droughts with raised concurrent hot and dry extremes under global warming
Authors: Zeng Zhaoqi , Wu Wenxiang , Peñuelas Josep , Li Yamei , Jiao Wenzhe , Li Zhaolei , Ren Xinshuai , Wang Ke , Ge Quansheng
Published: September 2023

Flash droughts pose large threats to crop yields and ecosystem services due to their sudden onset and rapid intensification, arousing wide public concern in a warming climate. Their long-term characteristics of change, underlying mechanisms, and especially potential impacts on agriculture, forests, and populations at a global scale, however, remain largely unknown. We used in situ observations, two observation-based global reanalysis data sets, and 22 Earth system models to determine that flash droughts are shifting toward more frequent, accelerated-onset, and longer duration. These changes increased the exposure of agricultural areas, forested areas, and populations to flash droughts by 20.3%, 17.1%, and 30.0%, respectively, during 2001–2020 compared to 1981–2000, with a disproportionate increase in integrated risks across the Amazon Basin and eastern and southern Asia. The increase in concurrent hot and dry climatic conditions driven by warming has been mostly responsible for enabling and intensifying flash droughts over large regions. State-of-the-art Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models, however, failed to identify the acceleration of the onset time of flash droughts and widely underestimated the occurrence of flash droughts that are driven only by precipitation deficits or by heat waves, probably because they misrepresent the dependence between precipitation and temperature and underestimate the sensitivity of soil moisture to temperature and precipitation at short timescales (e.g., 5 days). These syntheses comprehensively advance our understanding of the characteristics and impacts of flash droughts but also highlight that the CMIP6 models need to be validated to represent the correct covariability between climatic variables at short timescales to provide more reliable projections of flash droughts.
Anti-fungal bioactive terpenoids in the bioenergy crop switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) may contribute to ecotype-specific microbiome composition
Authors: Li Xingxing , Chou Ming-Yi , Bonito Gregory M. , Last Robert L.
Published: September 2023

Plant derived bioactive small molecules have attracted attention of scientists across fundamental and applied scientific disciplines. We seek to understand the influence of these phytochemicals on rhizosphere and root-associated fungi. We hypothesize that – consistent with accumulating evidence that switchgrass genotype impacts microbiome assembly – differential terpenoid accumulation contributes to switchgrass ecotype-specific microbiome composition. An initial in vitro Petri plate-based disc diffusion screen of 18 switchgrass root derived fungal isolates revealed differential responses to upland- and lowland-isolated metabolites. To identify specific fungal growth-modulating metabolites, we tested fractions from root extracts on three ecologically important fungal isolates – Linnemania elongata, Trichoderma sp. and Fusarium sp. Saponins and diterpenoids were identified as the most prominent antifungal metabolites. Finally, analysis of liquid chromatography-purified terpenoids revealed fungal inhibition structure – activity relationships (SAR). Saponin antifungal activity was primarily determined by the number of sugar moieties – saponins glycosylated at a single core position were inhibitory whereas saponins glycosylated at two core positions were inactive. Saponin core hydroxylation and acetylation were also associated with reduced activity. Diterpenoid activity required the presence of an intact furan ring for strong fungal growth inhibition. These results inform future breeding and biotechnology strategies for crop protection with reduced pesticide application.
AR6 scenarios database: an assessment of current practices and future recommendations
Authors: Peters Glen P. , Al Khourdajie Alaa , Sognnaes Ida , Sanderson Benjamin M.
Published: September 2023

Mitigation scenarios have become an important element of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports. We critically assess the curation of the IPCC mitigation scenarios database, with a focus on improving curation and utilisation. The existing method of curation favours particular models, and results may have limited statistical meaning. We draw lessons from experiences with the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) used by the IPCC Working Group I and II communities. We propose that the scientific community takes a more active role in curating the database around policy-relevant knowledge gaps, through an open and peer reviewed process of Model Intercomparison Projects (MIPs) supplemented with individual model studies. The database should be publicly accessible from the time of scenario submission, and actively involve a broad community in developing tools and analysing the database. These suggestions can broaden participation, increase transparency, and enhance the relevance of the database for users.
Climate action post-Paris: how can the IPCC stay relevant?
Authors: Hermansen Erlend A. T. , Boasson Elin L. , Peters Glen P.
Published: September 2023

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been a crucial facilitator of climate change research and governance. After its sixth assessment cycle, the organization is at a critical juncture. The amount of climate science has grown tremendously over the past three decades, but so has global emissions of greenhouse gases. If the world is to reach the objectives implied by the Paris Agreement, climate action must accelerate on an unprecedented scale and pace, across widely differing contexts. Scientific knowledge will play a key role in this endeavour. Everyone who produces or relies on climate knowledge needs to wrestle with this pivotal question: How can IPCC processes and outcomes be reformed to produce knowledge that is more relevant for climate action? The organizational and resource constraints of the IPCC must be considered when searching for answers. This is an introduction to a special collection of research articles, reviews and perspectives dealing with this question from many different angles. In this introduction, we present four possible reform agendas for the IPCC in the form of ideal types, all with their advantages and disadvantages. This introduction does not advocate a certain set of reforms but rather attempts to spur discussions and reflections on the IPCC and its future.
Coated microbubbles swim via shell buckling
Authors: Chabouh Georges , Mokbel Marcel , van Elburg Benjamin , Versluis Michel , Segers Tim , Aland Sebastian , Quilliet Catherine , Coupier Gwennou
Published: September 2023

Engineered microswimmers show great promise in various biomedical applications. However, their application is hindered by the slow mobility, limited maneuverability and poor biocompatibility. Lipid coated microbubbles have high compressibility and are already approved for clinical use as diagnostic ultrasound contrast agents. Here we experimentally investigate the swimming motion of these microbubbles under external cyclic overpressure. A net displacement was generated via reproducible and non-destructive cycles of deflation and re-inflation of the microbubble. We also propose a numerical model which allows a maximum swimming speed on the order of meters per second, which falls in the range of blood flow velocity in large vessels. Unlike the acoustic radiation force technique, where the displacement is always directed along the axis of ultrasound propagation, here, the direction of propulsion is controlled in the shell reference frame. This provides a solution toward controlled steering for ultrasound molecular imaging and drug delivery.
Binding affinity-based intracellular drug detection enabled by a unimolecular cucurbit[7]uril-dye conjugate
Authors: Liu Yanxi , Hu Changming , Serna Julian A. , Biedermann Frank , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: September 2023

We demonstrate an application of macrocyclic cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) host covalently coupled to a nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) fluorescent dye (CB7-NBD conjugate) as a sensor for detecting diverse analytes in the intracellular compartment of live cells.
Polymeric copper(i)–NHC complexes with bulky bidentate (N^C) ligands: synthesis and solid-state luminescence
Authors: Sathyanarayana Arruri , Réveret François , Jouffret Laurent , Boyer Damien , Chadeyron Geneviève , Cisnetti Federico
Published: September 2023

Aqueous phase syntheses of copper(i) coordination polymers yielded bulk samples of luminescent powders with moderate to excellent photoluminescence quantum yields.
Novel design of dual-action Pt(iv) anticancer pro-drugs based on cisplatin and derivatives of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib and nilotinib
Authors: Beirne Darren Fergal , Farkaš Barbara , Donati Chiara , Gandin Valentina , Rozas Isabel , Velasco-Torrijos Trinidad , Montagner Diego
Published: September 2023

A novel strategy for the development of Pt(IV) cisplatin-based prodrugs with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKi's) containing a detailed theoretical approach, synthesis, chemical characterization and preliminary results as anticancer agents and TKi's
Theoretical study of the formation of metal–oxo species of the first transition series with the ligand 14-TMC: driving factors of the “Oxo Wall”
Authors: Monika  , Kumar Manjeet , Somi  , Sarkar Arup , Gupta Manoj Kumar , Ansari Azaj
Published: September 2023

This work is based on the formation of high-valence metal–oxo species from the metal hydroperoxo species of the 3d series with two different ligand architectures. Our electronic structures and energy barriers support the concept of the “Oxo Wall”.
A phthalocyanine-based porous organic polymer for a lithium-ion battery anode
Authors: Guo Lihua , Li Chunhua , Zhou Yougui , Hao Xinmeng , Li Huipeng , Shang Hong , Sun Bing
Published: September 2023

A phthalocyanine-based porous organic polymer was constructed in situ on copper foil directly used as an anode without any binder or conductive additives, exhibiting great potential for high-energy density lithium-ion batteries.