bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The DDHD2-STXBP1 interaction mediates long-term memory via generation of saturated free fatty acids
Authors: Akefe Isaac O , Saber Saber H , Matthews Benjamin , Venkatesh Bharat G , Gormal Rachel S , Blackmore Daniel G , Alexander Suzy , Sieriecki Emma , Gambin Yann , Bertran-Gonzalez Jesus , Vitale Nicolas , Humeau Yann , Gaudin Arnaud , Ellis Sevannah A , Michaels Alysee A , Xue Mingshan , Cravatt Benjamin , Joensuu Merja , Wallis Tristan P , Meunier Frédéric A
Published: February 2024

The phospholipid and free fatty acid (FFA) composition of neuronal membranes plays a crucial role in learning and memory, but the mechanisms through which neuronal activity affects the brain’s lipid landscape remain largely unexplored. The levels of saturated FFAs, particularly of myristic acid (C14:0), strongly increase during neuronal stimulation and memory acquisition, suggesting the involvement of phospholipase A1 (PLA1) activity in synaptic plasticity. Here, we show that genetic ablation of the PLA1 isoform DDHD2 in mice dramatically reduces saturated FFA responses to memory acquisition across the brain. Furthermore, DDHD2 loss also decreases memory performance in reward-based learning and spatial memory models prior to the development of neuromuscular deficits that mirror human spastic paraplegia. Via pulldown-mass spectrometry analyses, we find that DDHD2 binds to the key synaptic protein STXBP1. Using STXBP1/2 knockout neurosecretory cells and a haploinsufficient STXBP1+/− mouse model of human early infantile encephalopathy associated with intellectual disability and motor dysfunction, we show that STXBP1 controls targeting of DDHD2 to the plasma membrane and generation of saturated FFAs in the brain. These findings suggest key roles for DDHD2 and STXBP1 in lipid metabolism and in the processes of synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
Dual-color live imaging unveils stepwise organization of multiple basal body arrays by cytoskeletons
Authors: Shiratsuchi Gen , Konishi Satoshi , Yano Tomoki , Yanagihashi Yuichi , Nakayama Shogo , Katsuno Tatsuya , Kashihara Hiroka , Tanaka Hiroo , Tsukita Kazuto , Suzuki Koya , Herawati Elisa , Watanabe Hitomi , Hirai Toyohiro , Yagi Takeshi , Kondoh Gen , Gotoh Shimpei , Tamura Atsushi , Tsukita Sachiko
Published: February 2024

For mucociliary clearance of pathogens, tracheal multiciliated epithelial cells (MCCs) organize coordinated beating of cilia, which originate from basal bodies (BBs) with basal feet (BFs) on one side. To clarify the self-organizing mechanism of coordinated intracellular BB-arrays composed of a well-ordered BB-alignment and unidirectional BB-orientation, determined by the direction of BB to BF, we generated double transgenic mice with GFP-centrin2-labeled BBs and mRuby3-Cep128-labeled BFs for long-term, high-resolution, dual-color live-cell imaging in primary-cultured tracheal MCCs. At early timepoints of MCC differentiation, BB-orientation and BB-local alignment antecedently coordinated in an apical microtubule-dependent manner. Later during MCC differentiation, fluctuations in BB-orientation were restricted, and locally aligned BB-arrays were further coordinated to align across the entire cell (BB-global alignment), mainly in an apical intermediate-sized filament-lattice-dependent manner. Thus, the high coordination of the BB-array was established for efficient mucociliary clearance as the primary defense against pathogen infection, identifying apical cytoskeletons as potential therapeutic targets.
Rechargeable Battery Electrolytes
Authors: Ma Jianmin , Lu Zhouguang , Ren Yurong
Published: February 2024

Rechargeable batteries are one of the crucial ways we are going to solve the sustainable energy crisis. Lithium-ion batteries have been commercialised and are heavily relied upon, however, the scarcity of lithium resources increases the production cost and hinders further application. Additionally, the toxic and flammable electrolyte brings many potential safety hazards including environmental pollution. Looking for low-cost, safe, and environmentally friendly alternatives to LIBs has become a valuable research direction.

The modification of batteries is focused on the anode, the cathode and electrolyte. Globally, researchers have moved onto new rechargeable batteries based on multivalent metal ions which have been extensively studied, including K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Al3+. However, the electrolyte is a very important component of a battery as its physical and chemical properties directly affect the electrochemical performance and energy storage mechanism.

Finding and selecting an appropriate electrolyte system is a crucial factor that must be taken into account to make these post-lithium-ion batteries commercially viable. Until now, it has been challenging to develop a suitable electrolyte with a wide electrochemical stability window and stable anode interface.

This book covers all the major ion-battery groups and their electrolytes, examining their performance and suitability in different solvents; aqueous, non-aqueous, solid gel and polymer.

It is suitable for all levels of students and researchers who want to understand the fundamentals and future challenges of developing electrolytes.
Analytical techniques for screening of cannabis and derivatives from human hair specimens
Authors: Kale Rohit , Chaturvedi Deepa , Dandekar Prajakta , Jain Ratnesh
Published: February 2024

Cannabis and associated substances are some of the most frequently abused drugs across the globe, mainly due to their anxiolytic and euphorigenic properties.
Electroenzymatic tandem catalysis for the conversion of nitrate into ammonia
Authors: Liu Dongqi , Zhu Xuefang , Sun Jiawei , Wang Pengfei , Chen Yu , Jiang Yucheng
Published: February 2024

A porous silver nanostructure-supported ionic liquid-modified chloroperoxidase nanohybrid was successfully used in electroenzymatic tandem catalysis to achieve an efficient, mild, and stable approach for the conversion of nitrate into ammonia.
New antimony fluorooxoborates with strong birefringence and unprecedented structural characterisation
Authors: Hu Chenhui , Wu Mengfan , Han Jian , Yang Zhihua , Han Shujuan , Pan Shilie
Published: February 2024

The first antimony(iii) fluorooxoborate with unprecedented [B2O4F]∞ chains, namely SbB2O4F, has been successfully synthesized. Remarkably, SbB2O4F displays large birefringence (0.171@1064 nm) and short UV cutoff edges (about 220 nm).
Rigid PN cages as 3-dimensional building blocks for crystalline or amorphous networked materials
Authors: Shayan Mohsen , Abdollahi Maryam F. , Lawrence Mason Chester , Guinand Etienne C. , Goulet Maxime , George Tanner , Masuda Jason D. , Katz Michael J. , Laventure Audrey , Werner-Zwanziger Ulrike , Chitnis Saurabh S.
Published: February 2024

We debut phosphorus nitrogen cages as a new family of convenient and tunable 3-dimensional connectors for reticular chemistry (crystalline or amorphous).
Efficient and chemoselective imine synthesis catalyzed by a well-defined PN3-manganese(ii) pincer system
Authors: Gholap Sandeep Suryabhan , Dakhil Abdullah Al , Chakraborty Priyanka , Dighe Shashikant , Rahman Mohammad Misbahur , Dutta Indranil , Hengne Amol , Huang Kuo-Wei
Published: February 2024

The highly efficient reductive amination of aldehydes with ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen (H2) to form secondary imines is described, as well as the dehydrogenative homocoupling of benzyl amines.
The accuracy limit of chemical shift predictions for species in aqueous solution
Authors: Maste Stefan , Sharma Bikramjit , Pongratz Tim , Grabe Bastian , Hiller Wolf , Erlach Markus Beck , Kremer Werner , Kalbitzer Hans Robert , Marx Dominik , Kast Stefan M.
Published: February 2024

Accurate predictions of chemical shifts of species in aqueous solution are possible by combining ab initio molecular dynamics simulations for ensembles of locally solvated target and reference compound (DSS) with quantum-mechanical solvation models.
Sensitivity of solid phase stability to the interparticle potential range: studies of a new Lennard-Jones like model
Authors: Moro Olivia S. , Ballenegger Vincent , Underwood Tom L. , Wilding Nigel B.
Published: February 2024

Reentrant crystalline phases in the phase diagram of a new Lennard-Jones-like potential introduced by Wang et al. (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 10624).
Impact of crosslinking agents with steric cyclic groups on the properties of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals
Authors: Yu Meina , He Xian , Qin Jing , Hu Yongchuan , Wang Qian , Zou Cheng , Wei Huiyun , Wang Xiao , Gao Yanzi , Yang Huai
Published: February 2024

Combination of steric and chain crosslinking agents can sufficiently improve the electro-optical performance of PDLC films.
Ab initio investigations of circularly polarised luminescence in Samarium(iii)-based complexes
Authors: Grasser Maxime , Le Guennic Boris
Published: February 2024

The present study aims to gain insight into the circularly polarised luminescence (CPL) of lanthanide complexes through the angle of one of their elements, namely Samarium.
THz to far-infrared spectra of the known crystal polymorphs of phenylalanine
Authors: Niehaus Thomas A. , Prost Emilien , Loriot Vincent , Lépine Franck , Bergé Luc , Skupin Stefan
Published: February 2024

Organic molecules such as amino acids display different crystalline structures. We study the structure of four known crystal polymorphs of phenylalanine using DFT numerical computations and experimental vibrational spectra in the 1–40 THz range.
Nanocatalysts for modulating antitumor immunity: fabrication, mechanisms and applications
Authors: Wu Xianbo , Li Yuqing , Wen Mei , Xie Yongting , Zeng Ke , Liu You-Nian , Chen Wansong , Zhao Yanli
Published: February 2024

This review discusses the structures and engineering strategies of nanocatalysts, highlighting their underlying mechanisms and applications in cancer immunotherapy.
An equivariant graph neural network for the elasticity tensors of all seven crystal systems
Authors: Wen Mingjian , Horton Matthew K. , Munro Jason M. , Huck Patrick , Persson Kristin A.
Published: February 2024

An equivariant graph neural network model enables the rapid and accurate prediction of complete fourth-rank elasticity tensors of inorganic materials, facilitating the discovery of materials with exceptional mechanical properties.
Temporal changes in thirdhand cigarette smoke film composition and oxidation of co-existing surface film chemicals
Authors: Hurlock April M. , Collins Douglas B.
Published: February 2024

Thirdhand smoke (THS) residues induce oxidation on indoor surfaces, with autoxidation continuing for weeks after deposition.
Probing the interfacial structure of aqueous surfactants through helium atom evaporation
Authors: Gao Xiao-Fei , Hood David J. , Bertram Timothy H. , Nathanson Gilbert M.
Published: February 2024

We monitor helium atom evaporation from salty water solutions coated with surfactants.
Endocrine-disrupting compounds and their impact on human placental function: evidence from placenta organ-on-chip studies
Authors: Vidal Manuel S. , Richardson Lauren S. , Kumar Kammala Ananth , Kim Sungjin , Lam Po Yi , Cherukuri Rahul , Thomas Tilu Jain , Bettayeb Mohammed , Han Arum , Rusyn Ivan , Menon Ramkumar
Published: February 2024

The effects of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) on the placenta, a critical gestational organ for xenobiotic protection, are well reported; however, models to determine the role of EDCs in placental disruption are limited.
Systematic investigation of the mechanocatalytic partial depolymerization of cellulose towards oligomeric glycans
Authors: Meyer Gregor , Lumpp Dominique , Stulik Anne-Kathrin , Hoffmann Dagmar , Rose Marcus
Published: February 2024

The mechanocatalytic depolymerization of cellulose to oligomeric glycans in a planetary ball mill is systematically studied based on reaction parameters such as acid content, filling level, rotational speed and grinding duration.
Microstructure evolution and the deformation mechanism in nanocrystalline superior-deformed tantalum
Authors: Li Pengtao , Wang Aijuan , Qi Meng , Zhao Chenxi , Li Zhaobo , Zhanhong Wang , Koval Vladimir , Yan Haixue
Published: February 2024

The temperature-controlled relationship between the mechanical properties and deformation mechanism of tantalum (Ta) enables the extension of its application potential in various areas of life, including energy and electronics industries.
High-resolution imaging of 3D stray-field components with a Fe3O4 nanoparticle sensor
Authors: Qi Yan , Kan Yihong , Li Zhenghua
Published: February 2024

An approach to image 3D stray-field components by using a Fe3O4 nanoparticle sensor is provided. This technique offers a way to observe the out-of-plane and in-plane stray-field components, and paves a way for the development of spintronic devices.
Woven fabric-based separators with low tortuosity for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Tianyun , Zhang Lirong , Wang Fujuan , Wang Yanci , Zhang Tian , Ran Fen
Published: February 2024

A textile-assisted yarn-alignment method is developed to design separators with low tortuosity, concentrated pore size distribution, and excellent mechanical properties for sodium-ion batteries to achieve fast ion transport.
Clemastine/tamoxifen hybrids as easily accessible antileishmanial drug leads
Authors: Agostino V. S. , Buerdsell M. L. , Uliana S. R. B. , Denny P. W. , Coelho A. C. , Steel P. G.
Published: February 2024

Simple chimeric structures derived from clemastine and tamoxifen represent easily accessible lead compounds for new antileishmanial drug discovery.
Dextrin conjugation to colistin inhibits its toxicity, cellular uptake and acute kidney injury in vivo
Authors: Varache Mathieu , Rizzo Siân , Sayers Edward J. , Newbury Lucy , Mason Anna , Liao Chia-Te , Chiron Emilie , Bourdiec Nathan , Jones Adam , Fraser Donald J. , Taylor Philip R. , Jones Arwyn T. , Thomas David W. , Ferguson Elaine L.
Published: February 2024

The acute kidney injury (AKI) and dose-limiting nephrotoxicity, which occurs in 20–60% of patients following systemic administration of colistin, represents a challenge in the effective treatment of multi-drug resistant Gram-negative infections.
A zuranolone nanocrystal formulation enables solubility-independent in vivo study of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in a rat model
Authors: Chvíla Stanislav , Kubová Hana , Mareš Pavel , Kudová Eva , Štěpánek František
Published: February 2024

A phospholipid-stabilised nanocrystal suspension enables a solubility-independent formulation approach for preclinical evaluation of poorly soluble neuroactive steroids. The concept was presented in the evaluation of seizure severity in a rat model.
Indocyanine green within glycosylated polymeric micelles as potential image agents to map sentinel lymph nodes and breast cancer
Authors: Lecot Nicole , Fernández-Lomónaco Marcelo , Cerecetto Hugo , Gambini Juan Pablo , Cabral Pablo , Glisoni Romina
Published: February 2024

The overall results presented in this work indicate the potential use of ICG-loaded PEO–PPO PMs as image probe agents to be employed in image-guided surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy and breast cancer diagnostic imaging.
Enhancing the water permeability of composite NF membranes through the incorporation of organic ions in the aqueous phase
Authors: Zhou Shuai , Tan Huifen , Chen Keke , Cheng Xin , Huang Xiaojuan , Gao Congjie
Published: February 2024

Composite nanofiltration (NF) membranes prepared using interfacial polymerization (IP) have gained significant attention in the field of wastewater treatment.
Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles synthesized using extracts of Agrimonia eupatoria L. and in vitro and in vivo studies of potential medicinal applications
Authors: Marković Katarina , Kesić Ana , Novaković Mirjana , Grujović Mirjana , Simijonović Dušica , Avdović Edina H. , Matić Sanja , Paunović Milica , Milutinović Milena , Nikodijević Danijela , Stefanović Olgica , Marković Zoran
Published: February 2024

Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using extracts from the plant Agrimonia eupatoria. After the characterization, their antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and hemolytic activity were investigated.
Water adsorption on MoS2 under realistic atmosphere conditions and impacts on tribology
Authors: Bobbitt N. Scott , Curry John F. , Babuska Tomas F. , Chandross Michael
Published: February 2024

Snapshot of a simulation showing water molecules adsorbing on a sheet of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2).
Glycerol-derived organic carbonates: environmentally friendly plasticizers for PLA
Authors: Seo Hyeon Jeong , Seo Yeong Hyun , Park Sang Uk , Lee Hyun Ju , Lee Mi Ryu , Park Jun Hyeong , Cho Woo Yeon , Lee Pyung Cheon , Lee Bun Yeoul
Published: February 2024

Synopsis: A organic carbonate derived from glycerol, ethanol, and CO2 demonstrates efficient plasticizing properties for PLA, offering a notable advantage in terms of morphological stability over the conventional plasticizer, acetyltributylcitrate.
Computer aided recipe design: optimization of polydisperse chemical mixtures using molecular descriptors
Authors: MacKenzie Anja , Schneider Jakob , Meyer Jan , Loschen Christoph
Published: February 2024

Computational approach for accelerated raw material replacement: reverse design of polydisperse chemical mixtures combining kinetic Monte Carlo and cheminformatics.
[2 + 2] cycloaddition and its photomechanical effects on 1D coordination polymers with reversible amide bonds and coordination site regulation
Authors: Wang Lei , Qiao Si-Bo , Chen Yan-Ting , Ma Xun , Wei Wei-Ming , Zhang Jun , Du Lin , Zhao Qi-Hua
Published: February 2024

Photo-responsive materials can convert light energy into mechanical energy, with great application potential in biomedicine, flexible electronic devices, and bionic systems.
Excitonic cuprophilic interactions in one-dimensional hybrid organic–inorganic crystals
Authors: Hassan Nahid , Nagaraja Suneetha , Saha Sauvik , Tarafder Kartick , Ballav Nirmalya
Published: February 2024

A copper based organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite-like system (TMA) Cu2Br3 is synthesized which exhibits impressive photoconductivity properties due to the emergence of excitonic cuprophilic interactions.
Investigating the impact of a newly developed chemical modification technique on improving the tribological properties of high oleic soybean oil
Authors: Bhowmik Piash , Sharma Brajendra K. , Sarker Majher I. , Choi Hyunsuk , Tang Clement , Roy Sougata
Published: February 2024

Enhancement in tribological properties of high oleic soybean oil (HOSO) by the conversion of the unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids via a novel chemical modification process.
Z-scheme water splitting utilizing CuLi1/3Ti2/3O2 as a hydrogen-evolving photocatalyst with photo-response up to 600 nm
Authors: Yoshino Shunya , Kurutach Tanya , Liu Qingshan , Yamanaka Toshiki , Nozawa Shunsuke , Kobayashi Makoto , Kumagai Hiromu , Kato Hideki
Published: February 2024

CuLi1/3Ti2/3O2 modified with Cr2O3/Ru, which can utilize longer wavelength light in comparison with SrTiO3:Rh, a representative H2-evolving component, was successfully applied to Z-scheme water splitting with BiVO4 and Co(bpy)33+/2+.
A selective colorimetric and efficient removal strategy for mercury(ii) in aquatic systems using mesoporous Fe3O4-loaded silver probes
Authors: Chen Huilan , Li Yunyan , Wang Ziyi , Wang Di , Feng Luping , Li Shuai , Wu Choufei , Wang Hua
Published: February 2024

Mesoporous Fe3O4-loaded silver nanocomposites (Fe3O4@Ag) were simply fabricated as bi-functional nanozymes for the catalysis-based detection and removal of Hg2+ ions.
Design and preparation of fluorescent covalent organic frameworks for biological sensing
Authors: Yang Yajie , Zhang Cheng , Cao Doudou , Song Yingbo , Chen Shusen , Song Yan , Wang Fengju , Wang Guangtong , Yuan Ye
Published: February 2024

Covalent organic frameworks with adjustable topology and high-density conjugated fragments reveal unique advantages in fluorescence imaging, and thus may have great potential applications in bioimaging.
Theoretical study on the degradation mechanism of perfluoro-ethanesulfonic acid under subcritical hydrothermal alkaline conditions
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Zizhong , Zhao Ruisheng , Zhao Hua , Wei Jian
Published: February 2024

Perfluorosulfonic acid, a widely recognized persistent organic pollutant, has attracted significant attention due to its severe environmental contamination, necessitating urgent resolution.
Co(II)-doped hybrid Zn(II) tetraborate complexes, [ZnxCo(1−x)(1,3-dap)B4O7] (1,3-dap = 1,3-diaminopropane): BET analysis and N2/H2O/D2O adsorption studies
Authors: Liu Lei , Pan Chun-Yang , He Yong , Zhong Li-Juan , Beckett Michael A.
Published: February 2024

A series of hybrid tetraborates [ZnxCo(1−x)(1,3-dap)B4O7] were synthesized. This study demonstrates that [ZnxCo(1−x)(1,3-dap)B4O7] exhibits a higher adsorption affinity for H2O compared to D2O, leading to an enrichment of D2O content in mixtures of H2O and D2O.
Triphenyl borates used to avoid the bay-position halogenation of boron subnaphthalocyanines; and for the subnaphthalocyanine, subphthalocyanine and hybrids formation
Authors: Holst Devon P. , Dovijarski Aleksa , Lough Alan J. , Bender Timothy P.
Published: February 2024

Avoiding the random bay-position halogenation of boron subnapthalocyanines and to balance of Lewis's acidity and basicity to enable the formation.
Correction: Ionic supramolecular polymerization of water-soluble porphyrins: balancing ionic attraction and steric repulsion to govern stacking
Authors: Kanzaki Chisako , Yoneda Hiroshi , Nomura Shota , Maeda Takato , Numata Munenori
Published: February 2024

Correction for ‘Ionic supramolecular polymerization of water-soluble porphyrins: balancing ionic attraction and steric repulsion to govern stacking’ by Chisako Kanzaki et al., RSC Adv., 2022, 12, 30670–30681, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA05542B.
Abscisic acid triggers vitamin E accumulation by transient transcript activation of VTE5 and VTE6 in sweet cherry fruits
Authors: Muñoz Paula , Tijero Verónica , Vincent Celia , Munné-Bosch Sergi
Published: February 2024

Tocopherols are lipophilic antioxidants known as vitamin E and synthesized from the condensation of two metabolic pathways leading to the formation of homogentisate and phytyl diphosphate. While homogentisate is derived from tyrosine metabolism, phytyl diphosphate may be formed from geranylgeranyl diphosphate or phytol recycling from chlorophyll degradation. Here, we hypothesized that abscisic acid (ABA) could induce tocopherol biosynthesis in sweet cherries by modifying the expression of genes involved in vitamin E biosynthesis, including those from the phytol recycling pathway. Hence, the expression of key tocopherol biosynthesis genes was determined together with vitamin E and chlorophyll contents during the natural development of sweet cherries on the tree. Moreover, the effects of exogenously applied ABA on the expression of key tocopherol biosynthesis genes were also investigated during on-tree fruit development, and tocopherols and chlorophylls contents were analyzed. Results showed that the expression of tocopherol biosynthesis genes, including VTE5, VTE6, HPPD and HPT showed contrasting patterns of variation, but in all cases, increased by 2- and 3-fold over time during fruit de-greening. This was not the case for GGDR and VTE4, the first showing constitutive expression during fruit development and the second with marked down-regulation at ripening onset. Furthermore, exogenous ABA stimulated the production of both α- and γ-tocopherols by 60% and 30%, respectively, promoted chlorophyll degradation and significantly enhanced VTE5 and VTE6 expression, and also that of HPPD and VTE4, altogether increasing total tocopherol accumulation. In conclusion, ABA increases promote the transcription of phytol recycling enzymes, which may contribute to vitamin E biosynthesis during fruit development in stone fruits like sweet cherries.
AMP-activated protein kinase activation suppresses leptin expression independently of adipogenesis in primary murine adipocytes
Authors: Bustraan Sophia , Bennett Jane , Whilding Chad , Pennycook Betheney R. , Smith David , Barr Alexis R. , Read Jon , Carling David , Pollard Alice
Published: February 2024

Adipogenesis, defined as the development of mature adipocytes from stem cell precursors, is vital for the expansion, turnover and health of adipose tissue. Loss of adipogenic potential in adipose stem cells, or impairment of adipogenesis is now recognised as an underlying cause of adipose tissue dysfunction and is associated with metabolic disease. In this study, we sought to determine the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an evolutionarily conserved master regulator of energy homeostasis, in adipogenesis. Primary murine adipose-derived stem cells were treated with a small molecule AMPK activator (BI-9774) during key phases of adipogenesis, to determine the effect of AMPK activation on adipocyte commitment, maturation and function. To determine the contribution of the repression of lipogenesis by AMPK in these processes, we compared the effect of pharmacological inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). We show that AMPK activation inhibits adipogenesis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Transient AMPK activation during adipogenic commitment leads to a significant, ACC-independent, repression of adipogenic transcription factor expression. Furthermore, we identify a striking, previously unexplored inhibition of leptin gene expression in response to both short-term and chronic AMPK activation irrespective of adipogenesis. These findings reveal that in addition to its effect on adipogenesis, AMPK activation switches off leptin gene expression in primary mouse adipocytes independently of adipogenesis. Our results identify leptin expression as a novel target of AMPK through mechanisms yet to be identified.
Predicting Dysphonia by Measuring Surface Electromyographic Activity of the Supralaryngeal Muscles
Authors: Wang Feifan , Yiu Edwin M.-L.
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

This study set out to investigate whether individuals with dysphonia, as determined by either self-assessment or clinician-based auditory-perceptual judgment, exhibited differences in perilaryngeal muscle activities using surface electromyography (sEMG) during various phonatory tasks. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the effectiveness of sEMG in identifying dysphonic cases.

Method:

A total of 77 adults (44 women, 33 men,
M
age
= 30.4 years) participated in this study, with dysphonic cases identified separately using either a 10-item Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) or clinician-based auditory-perceptual voice quality (APVQ) evaluation. sEMG activities were measured from the areas of suprahyoid and sternocleidomastoid muscles during prolonged vowel /i/ phonations at different pitch and loudness levels. Normalized root-mean-square value against the maximal voluntary contraction (RMS %MVC) of the sEMG signals was obtained for each phonation and compared between subject groups and across phonatory tasks. Additionally, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine how the sEMG measures could predict the VHI-10–based or APVQ-based dysphonic cases.

Results:

Participants who scored above the criteria on either the VHI-10 (
n
= 29) or APVQ judgment (
n
= 17) exhibited significantly higher RMS %MVC in the right suprahyoid muscles compared to the corresponding control groups. Although the RMS %MVC value from the right suprahyoid muscles alone was not a significant predictor of self-evaluated dysphonic cases, a combination of the RMS %MVC values from both the right and left suprahyoid muscles significantly predicted APVQ-based dysphonic cases with a 69.66% fair level.

Conclusions:

This study found that individuals with dysphonia, as determined by either self-assessment or APVQ judgment, displayed more imbalanced suprahyoid muscle activities in voice production compared to nondysphonic groups. The combination of the sEMG measures from both left and right suprahyoid muscles showed potential as a predictor of dysphonia with a fair level of confidence.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25112804
Star formation in outer rings of S0 galaxies
Authors: Tsvetkov N. , Moiseev A. , Sil’chenko O. , Katkov I. , Oparin D. , Uklein R. , Smirnova A.
Published: February 2024

Aims. Though S0 galaxies are usually thought to be “red and dead”, they often present weak star formation organized in ring structures in their outer disks. We try to clarify the nature of this phenomenon and its difference from star formation in spiral galaxies. The nearby luminous S0 galaxy NGC 1211 is studied here.

Methods. By applying Fabry-Perot scanning interferometry at the Russian 6m telescope, we measured the gas rotation in the outer ring of the galaxy. We studied the pattern and properties of the brightest star formation regions with the tunable filter Mapper of Narrow Galaxy Lines (MaNGaL) at the 2.5 m telescope of the Caucasian Mountain Observatory of the SAI MSU.

Results. The gas excitation is strongly inhomogeneous along the ring: in the eastern part, HII-type excitation dominates, while the western part of the ring is partly excited by shocks, as revealed by the emission-line diagnostic diagram. The gas metallicity of the emission clumps in the outer ring also has a broad distribution. The star formation rate is currently falling and is in general too weak for the galaxy gas content. We conclude that the gas in the ring has been accreted recently, about 300 Myr ago, probably from an inclined direction, and that the accretion event has provoked a brief, ineffective starburst.
Efforts to improve the chemical quality of processed chicken meatball products by adding potato skin flour (Solanum tuberosum) as a substitute for tapioca flour
Authors: Sari Dewiarum , Iga Siska Astri , Agung Wicaksono Dani , Fatimatuz Zahro Nila
Published: February 2024

The objective of this research is to investigate the effects of incorporating potato skin flour as a substitute for tapioca flour on the moisture content, protein content, fat content, ash content, carbohydrate content, and crude fiber content of broiler chicken meatballs. The method employed in this research was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), incorporating potato skin flour as a substitute for tapioca flour at different proportions: P0 (0% potato skin flour); P1 (25% potato skin flour); P2 (50% potato skin flour); P3 (75% potato skin flour); and P4 (100% potato skin flour). This research was replicated four times, yielding a total of 20 experimental units ensure robustness and reliability of the findings. The findings of the research demonstrate that the inclusion of potato skin flour as a substitute for tapioca flour has a significant effect (P<0.05) on the moisture content, protein content, fat content, ash content, carbohydrate content, and crude fiber content of broiler chicken meatballs. The best treatment in this research was P4, with a moisture content of 53.20%, protein content of 15.32%, fat content of 8.17%, ash content of 1.92%, carbohydrate content of 21.39%, and crude fiber content of 4.05%.
The effect of light emitting diode (LED) spectrum and light duration on growth and yield of Brassica sinensis L. grown on floating raft hydroponic system
Authors: Budi Priyonggo , Regia Putri Arvi , Andy Saryoko
Published: February 2024

Recent technology in agriculture allows vegetable cultivation in controlled environment by utilizing energy derived from an artificial lighting. Light Emitting Diodes (LED) is a source of artificial light which produce light with the wavelength ranged from ultraviolet - 100 nm to infrared - 3,000 nm. Under natural or artificial lighting condition, plants require energy for photosynthesis from light between 380 nm to 700 nm. In this study we examined the use of two types of 45-watt LED (red and blue – C1, full spectrum – C2) with three different light durations (12 h – D1, 16 h – D2, and 18 h – D3) on the growth and yield performance of brassica under hydroponic technique. Research result showed that full spectrum LED provided better performance in plant height, leaves number and width, fresh yield, root length, and biomass in all combinations with light duration as compared to red and blue LED. The combination of full spectrum LEDs with a duration of 16 h showed the best fresh yield (3.96 kg m-2) followed by 18 h (3.57 kg m-2) and 12 h (3.22 kg m-2). Although the highest production was resulted from the combination of full spectrum LED and 16 h light duration, the most efficient in electric energy utilization was showed in the combination of full spectrum LED and 12 h light duration. All in all, we concluded that the use of full spectrum LED in combination with 16 h light duration feasible to be implemented in brassica cultivation under controlled environment.
Goat manure formula in sludge cake wastewater treatment plant as organic fertilizer
Authors: Yuliany Rivka , Kusmiyati Nur
Published: February 2024

The use of activated sludge in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in industry gives a by- product in the form of sludge cake. Sludge cake presents a new problem for the environment because its accumulation causes the land to become unproductive, disrupts aesthetics, increases microbial activity, and pollutes water and soil, which can be harmful to humans and the environment. PT X is one of the industries that produces 80 kg/day of sludge cake. Based on laboratory results, X WWTP sludge cake has the potential to be used as an organic fertilizer. However, the use of sludge cake as organic fertilizer does not meet fertilizer quality standards and does not provide optimal results for plants. Goat manure is known to increase the organic fertilizer content of sludge cake in accordance with fertilizer quality standards. This research aims to find the best formula for adding goat manure to WWTP sludge cake which is carried out using four treatments, namely sludge cake without treatment, and the addition of goat manure 1.4 kg, 2.1 kg, and 2.8 kg. The stages of the research include the preparation of raw materials, the manufacture of organic fertilizers, and testing the content of organic fertilizers. The results showed that there was an increase in physical and chemical parameters on organic fertilizers, namely pH (6.6), C (22.14%), N (3.55%), P (4.65%), K (0.45%), Ca (0.52%), and Mg (0.26)), as well as a decrease in water content (15.40%) at the end of composting. The addition of goat manure with a combination of other additives to X TWP sludge cake can meet organic fertilizer quality standards. The addition of 2.1 kg of goat manure is the best formula to increase organic fertilizer.
Comparison of helium and argon for the production of carbon monoxide (CO) by a plasma jet for biomedical applications
Authors: Mestre Eloïse , Gibert Titaïna , Dozias Sébastien , Douat Claire
Published: February 2024

Carbon monoxide (CO) has anti-inflammatory properties and its production by plasma could be a significant advantage in the field of plasma medicine. We characterized a pulsed kHz-driven plasma jet to produce CO for biomedical applications. With no target interaction, the CO2 conversion into CO, the breakdown voltage and energy delivered to the plasma were investigated for two noble carrier gases: helium and argon. The breakdown voltage and the energy delivered to the plasma in argon gas were twice as high as in helium. The breakdown voltage was barely affected by the gas flow rate and the applied voltage, while it decreased slightly with the excitation frequency because the amount of residual charges increases with the frequency. However, the energy delivered to the plasma was not particularly affected by a change in frequency or gas flow rate, while it increased linearly with the applied voltage. CO production rose from a couple of ppm to about 2000 ppm for a specific energy input from 2 to 2000 J/L (5 × 10−4 to 5200 × 10−4 eV/(atom or molecule)), making this plasma source safe in terms of CO production for biomedical applications. Unlike literature results, the nature of the noble carrier gas did not have an impact on CO production. The CO concentration produced with 0.3% CO2 admixture increased linearly with the specific energy input (SEI) until reaching a plateau at about 2100ppm. This implies that loss processes were negligible and that CO2 dissociation was mainly due to energetic particles such as electrons and excited noble atoms. The conversion decreased with the ratio of CO2. Helium and argon as carrier gases are equivalent in terms of CO production and the CO concentration can be controlled by the SEI and the ratio of CO2.
Workplace sustainability or financial resilience? Composite-financial resilience index
Authors: Daadmehr Elham
Published: February 2024

Due to the variety of corporate risks in turmoil markets and the consequent financial distress especially in COVID-19 time, this paper investigates corporate resilience and compares different types of resilience that can be potential sources of heterogeneity in firms’ implied rate of return. Specifically, the novelty is not only to quantify firms’ financial resilience but also to compare it with workplace resilience which matters more in the COVID-19 era. The study prepares several pieces of evidence of the necessity and insufficiency of these two main types of resilience by comparing earnings expectations and implied discount rates of high- and low-resilience firms. Particularly, results present evidence of the possible amplification of workplace resilience by the financial status of firms in the COVID-19 era. The paper proposes a novel composite-financial resilience index as a potential measure for disaster risk that significantly and persistently reveals low-resilience characteristics of firms and resilience-heterogeneity in implied discount rates.
Attosecond absorption and reflection spectroscopy of solids
Authors: Di Palo N. , Inzani G. , Dolso G. L. , Talarico M. , Bonetti S. , Lucchini M.
Published: February 2024

Since their introduction, all-optical spectroscopy techniques based on attosecond radiation have gained the attention of the scientific community because of their energy and time resolution, combined with an easier experimental implementation with respect to other approaches based on charged particle detection. At the present time, almost ten years after the first application to a solid sample, attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (ATAS) and attosecond transient reflection spectroscopy (ATRS) have established as powerful tools to investigate how electrons can be excited and accelerated in matter with short light pulses, a key requisite to establish ultrafast switches in quantum electronics and overcome the current rate of data processing and information encoding. In this work, we start with a historical overview of the first pioneering experiments to then introduce the fundamentals of both techniques. We conclude by discussing the current challenges and the possible future developments that are expected to bring ATAS and ATRS beyond their state of the art.
Private health insurance incentives and passive adverse selection: is Lifetime Health Cover responsible for the excess ageing of Australia’s hospital cover risk pool?
Authors: Ryan Jonathon Bruce
Published: February 2024

Objective Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) was introduced in mid-2000 to increase participation in private health insurance that includes hospital cover (PHI-HC) and improve the risk profile of PHI-HC participants. It initially achieved both objectives, but since 2001 the PHI-HC population has aged faster than the general population. The aim of this study was to determine if the excess ageing of the PHI-HC risk pool has been due to passive age-based adverse selection, an inherent risk of LHC. This study has potential implications for the retention of LHC. Methods A descriptive population-level analysis of publicly available administrative datasets was performed. Data relating to PHI-HC were obtained from the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority. National population data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Trends in demography, PHI-HC participation rates and LHC loading payments were analysed. Results By 2021, age-based adverse selection had returned to the pre-LHC level. Based on the available data, this was due to passive age-based adverse selection not active age-based adverse selection. Specifically, it reflected the combination of an avoidable unintended consequence of the introduction of LHC (the over-representation, in 2001, of individuals aged 45–59) and one of LHC’s intended effects (incentivisation of insured individuals to retain PHI-HC). Conclusions This study supports the retention of LHC. Nonetheless, it highlights the risk of passive age-based adverse selection created by incentivising insured individuals to retain PHI-HC in the presence of distortions in the age distribution of the PHI-HC risk pool. Early targeted interventions are required when such distortions arise.
What are the cost and resource implications of voluntary assisted dying and euthanasia?
Authors: Hudson Peter , Marco David , De Abreu Lourenco Richard , Philip Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Objectives Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) legislation has now been passed in all Australian states. Although VAD has been operating in many settings worldwide for a considerable time, the specific costs associated with VAD seem unclear. The aim of this study was therefore to outline the common resource implications associated with VAD. Methods A rapid literature review and grey literature search were undertaken. Results We found a paucity of empirically informed detail regarding the actual costs required to implement VAD. Hence, we tabulated a list of potential costs that could be used for subsequent evaluation and a future research agenda. Conclusions There is a lack of publicly available information related to the costs associated with implementing VAD. Given that this is a significant change in policy and many multidisciplinary practitioners may be directly or indirectly involved in VAD it is important that associated costs are clearly outlined so that appropriate resources can be allocated.
The utility of otolith weight in growth studies of young-of-year bony bream (Nematalosa erebi), Australia’s most widespread freshwater fish
Authors: Pratt Oliver P. , Beesley Leah S. , Pusey Bradley J. , Gwinn Daniel C. , Keogh Chris S. , Setterfield Samantha A. , Douglas Michael M.
Published: February 2024

Otoliths are calcified structures in the inner ear of fish, the analysis of which can be used to derive important life-history characteristics. Otoliths can be used to age young fish by counting daily growth increments visible in the otolith cross-section; however, this is costly and time-consuming. Otolith weight is a potential surrogate for fish age in growth analysis, providing a rapid alternative. Bony bream (Nematalosa erebi) is Australia’s most widespread freshwater fish and an important component of riverine food webs, yet its life-history characteristics are informed by few publications. We investigated the relationship between assumed fish age derived from otolith increments and otolith weight in young-of-year bony bream. We also assessed the utility of otolith weight for use in relative growth rate analysis. Linear modelling showed a significant positive relationship between increment count and otolith weight. Otolith weight when paired with body length was a reliable alternative to increment count, and thus age, for use in relative growth studies. This method can facilitate research into the factors shaping the life history of this ecologically significant species.
Resurfacing of underground peat fire: smouldering transition to flaming wildfire on litter surface
Authors: Zhang Yichao , Shu Yang , Qin Yunzhu , Chen Yuying , Lin Shaorun , Huang Xinyan , Zhou Mei
Published: February 2024

Background Smouldering wildfires in peatlands are one of the largest and longest-lasting fire phenomena on Earth, but it is unclear whether such underground peat fires can resurface to the ground and ignite a flame on the litter layer. Methods This work conducted a laboratory experiment by putting a 5-cm thick litter layer (banyan tree leaves with a density of 27–53 kg/m3) onto a 10-cm thick peat sample (moisture content of 10–100%). Key results and conclusions Tests confirmed that a smouldering peat fire, ignited at the bottom, can propagate upwards and resurface to ignite a flaming wildfire on the surface litter layer. The propensity of litter to be flaming ignited decreased with increasing peat moisture content and litter layer density. We found the threshold of such surface flaming as a function of temperature and temperature increase rate at the interface between peat and litter. Finally, large field experiments successfully reproduced and validated the laboratory observations. Implications This work reveals an important wildfire ignition phenomenon that has received little attention but may cause new spot fires, accelerate fire progression and exacerbate its hazards.
Brain energy metabolism is optimized to minimize the cost of enzyme synthesis and transport
Authors: Gustafsson Johan , Robinson Jonathan L. , Zetterberg Henrik , Nielsen Jens
Published: February 2024

The energy metabolism of the brain is poorly understood partly due to the complex morphology of neurons and fluctuations in ATP demand over time. To investigate this, we used metabolic models that estimate enzyme usage per pathway, enzyme utilization over time, and enzyme transportation to evaluate how these parameters and processes affect ATP costs for enzyme synthesis and transportation. Our models show that the total enzyme maintenance energy expenditure of the human body depends on how glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration are distributed both across and within cell types in the brain. We suggest that brain metabolism is optimized to minimize the ATP maintenance cost by distributing the different ATP generation pathways in an advantageous way across cell types and potentially also across synapses within the same cell. Our models support this hypothesis by predicting export of lactate from both neurons and astrocytes during peak ATP demand, reproducing results from experimental measurements reported in the literature. Furthermore, our models provide potential explanation for parts of the astrocyte–neuron lactate shuttle theory, which is recapitulated under some conditions in the brain, while contradicting other aspects of the theory. We conclude that enzyme usage per pathway, enzyme utilization over time, and enzyme transportation are important factors for defining the optimal distribution of ATP production pathways, opening a broad avenue to explore in brain metabolism.