bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactive formation of C3N4 as a by-product of AISI 1070 parts produced by laser powder bed fusion in N2 atmosphere
Authors: Gatto Andrea , Tognoli Emanuele , Groppo Riccardo , Cabibbo Marcello , Gatto Maria Laura , Sabbatini Simona , Mengucci Paolo
Published: September 2024

In metal additive manufacturing (AM), inert gases are traditionally used to achieve a controlled atmosphere and mitigate the effects of residual reactive gases. However, the interaction between gases and laser processes, particularly in reactive laser powder bed fusion (RL-PBF) technology, offers the possibility of opening up new avenues for material synthesis. In this experimental work, the authors observed the presence of C3N4 in the residual powder during the manufacture of AISI 1070 steel parts by L-PBF, indicating a reactive process occurred during parts production. This investigation revealed the formation in the working chamber of a waste product containing C3N4 carbon nitride, due to the reaction between the carbon released from the steel and the nitrogen in the chamber. Remarkably, despite carbon depletion, the final product of AISI 1070 steel complies with the specifications of use. Hence, the L-PBF machine was modified to allow black powder sampling from various locations in the chamber. Authors attempted to enhance the production of the C3N4 material by increasing the SED up to 7143 J/mm2 to sublimate a pure graphite rod and concurrently manufacture parts in AISI 1070, in a nitrogen atmosphere. The results obtained at higher SED values showed that in both cases (graphite rod or AISI 1070 steel) a C3N4 compound in the black powder is formed in the investigated atmosphere by reaction of nitrogen atoms with the carbon atoms vaporized by the laser beam. Thus, the study highlights the novel achievement of synthesizing carbon nitride as a high-value by-product while producing functional AISI 1070 steel parts via L-PBF through reaction with nitrogen atmosphere.
Proximal Fibulectomy for Giant Cell Tumours: What Works!
Authors: Prajapati Ashwin , Tadala Harsha S. S. , Gulia Ashish , Puri Ajay
Published: September 2024

Background

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is the most common primary tumor of proximal fibula. Because of its close proximity to vascular structures, common peroneal nerve (CPN) and attachment of lateral collateral ligament (LCL), proximal fibulectomy poses unique challenges. We analyzed oncological and functional outcome of patients who underwent proximal fibulectomy for GCTB of proximal fibula.

Material and methods

Between January 2006 and December 2020, 23 patients underwent proximal fibulectomy for GCTB of proximal fibula, four were recurrent tumors. Mean resection length was 9 cm (5 to 15 cm). The LCL and biceps tendon were not reconstructed in 22 cases. The common peroneal nerve was sacrificed in seven patients including three recurrent cases. Functional status was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scoring system.

Results

There were two vascular complications and one infection. With 4 patients lost to follow up, mean follow up was 90 months (12 to 197). No patient had local or distant recurrence. Mean MSTS score was 26 (21 to 30). Eleven of 23 patients (48%) had loss of common peroneal nerve function with poorer functional outcome. No patient had symptoms suggestive of knee instability.

Conclusion

Proximal fibulectomy is oncologically safe. Reconstruction of the LCL attachment is not mandatory and patients do not have symptomatic knee instability. Functional outcomes are compromised after sacrifice of common peroneal nerve and may be potentially improved with tendon transfers at index surgery.
Bridging Implementation Science and Human-Centered Design: Developing Tailored Interventions for Healthier Eating in Restaurants
Authors: Fuster Melissa , Hipol Shelby , Huang Terry TK , Colón-Ramos Uriyoán , Conaboy Cara , Abreu Rosa , Mortillaro Lourdes Castro , Handley Margaret A.
Published: September 2024

Restaurants are important institutions in the communities’ economy with the potential to promote healthier foods but have been under-engaged in public health nutrition efforts. In particular, independently owned, minority-serving and minority-owned restaurants, remain under-represented in nutrition promotion efforts despite disproportionate burdens of diet-related health outcomes among minority populations. Addressing this gap in engagement, we undertook a process of co-designing and implementing healthy eating-focused interventions in two Latin American restaurants in New York City, combining the Behavior Change Wheel intervention development framework with a Human-Centered Design approach. Restaurant owners and chefs were involved in the research synthesis and solution development processes, resulting in two tailored interventions. This paper describes this co-development process and offers reflections and lessons regarding: (1) implementation research in community settings, (2) the application of Human-Centered Design to promote the uptake of community-based interventions on food and health equity, and (3) the combined use of Human-Centered Design and Implementation science in these complex community settings.
Predictors of university students’ intentions to enroll in computer programming courses: a mixed-method investigation
Authors: Zheng Jiali , Duffy Melissa , Zhu Ge
Published: September 2024

Students in technology majors such as Computer Science and Information Technology need to take a series of computer programming courses to graduate. Yet, not all students will persist in taking programming courses as required, and little is known about the factors influencing their enrollment intentions. Research is needed to better understand which factors predict students’ enrollment intentions for programming courses. Based on Expectancy-Value Theory, we surveyed three hundred university students in China to measure their intentions of enrolling in future programming courses and factors influencing their enrollment intentions. Mediated Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes models were run to identify the relationships between these factors and enrollment intentions. Expectancies, intrinsic value, attainment value, and utility value of the courses directly predict enrollment intentions. Peer comparison, quality of teaching, and programming experiences were found to influence enrollment intentions through expectancies and values indirectly. No gender difference was found in expectancies and enrollment intentions. Qualitative data analysis confirmed the findings from the quantitative data analysis and further revealed that course difficulty is another major factor influencing enrollment intentions. These findings have implications for supporting students' expectancies and values in computer programming and curriculum design.
Estimating prevented planting coverage factor variation
Authors: Boyer Christopher N. , Park Eunchun , Hellwinckel Chad , Smith S. Aaron , Maples William , Perez-Quesada Gabriela
Published: September 2024

Prevented planting payments reimburse crop producers for losses from not being able to plant. These payments provide critical protection to producers; however, these payments, which are determined using a nationwide, crop-specific coverage factor, have been questioned to induce moral hazard. Depending on the region and crop insurance coverage, payments from this provision exceed producers’ losses. This paper estimates the prevented planting coverage factor by coverage level and region that would equitably reimburse corn and soybean producers for their losses. We find the prevented planting coverage factor has significant variation across coverage levels and location within our study region. The prevented planting coverage factor was found to decline as the policy coverage level increases. The further north in the study region the higher the coverage factor, likely due to increased land rent expenses. The results provide a unique perspective of how these coverage factors would vary to equitably compensate producers for losses, which addresses the moral hazard concerns with prevented planting.
Situations predisposing primary care patients to use antibiotics without a prescription in the United States
Authors: Laytner Lindsey A. , Trautner Barbara W. , Nash Susan , Faustinella Fabrizia , Zoorob Roger , Olmeda Kiara , Paasche-Orlow Michael K. , Grigoryan Larissa
Published: September 2024

Background:

Patients’ situations can impact their intentions to use antibiotics without medical guidance (non-prescription use) in the future. This survey determines the prevalence of intended (future) use of non-prescription antibiotics for 13 predefined situations and identifies the sociodemographic characteristics associated with intended use for these types of situations.

Methods:

Patient surveys (N = 564) were conducted from January 2020 to June 2021 in the waiting rooms of 6 safety-net primary care clinics and 2 emergency departments in a private healthcare system. We used principal component analysis to identify 3 situational summary factors: barriers to a doctor visit, accessibility of non-prescription antibiotics, and previous symptom relief with antibiotics. Multivariate linear regression identified the sociodemographic predictors associated with each summary factor.

Results:

The most common situations triggering patients to use non-prescription antibiotics were a perceived high cost of doctor visits (29.8%), having leftover prescription antibiotics (50.4%), and experiencing symptom relief with prior use of antibiotics (47.5%). Multivariate regression results revealed that younger patients (P< 0.04) and patients attending the safety-net health system (P< 0.001) had more intended use of non-prescription antibiotics for all 3 summary factors.

Conclusions:

Future stewardship interventions should consider the types of situations that drive patients’ decisions to use antibiotics without a prescription. Interventions aimed at reducing barriers to health care (eg, high costs and long waits associated with doctor appointments) and educating individuals on medically appropriate, nonantibiotic treatment options may reduce antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance.
Detecting suicide risk among U.S. servicemembers and veterans: a deep learning approach using social media data
Authors: Zuromski Kelly L. , Low Daniel M. , Jones Noah C. , Kuzma Richard , Kessler Daniel , Zhou Liutong , Kastman Erik K. , Epstein Jonathan , Madden Carlos , Ghosh Satrajit S. , Gowel David , Nock Matthew K.
Published: September 2024

Background

Military Servicemembers and Veterans are at elevated risk for suicide, but rarely self-identify to their leaders or clinicians regarding their experience of suicidal thoughts. We developed an algorithm to identify posts containing suicide-related content on a military-specific social media platform.

Methods

Publicly-shared social media posts (n = 8449) from a military-specific social media platform were reviewed and labeled by our team for the presence/absence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors and used to train several machine learning models to identify such posts.

Results

The best performing model was a deep learning (RoBERTa) model that incorporated post text and metadata and detected the presence of suicidal posts with relatively high sensitivity (0.85), specificity (0.96), precision (0.64), F1 score (0.73), and an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.84. Compared to non-suicidal posts, suicidal posts were more likely to contain explicit mentions of suicide, descriptions of risk factors (e.g. depression, PTSD) and help-seeking, and first-person singular pronouns.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the feasibility and potential promise of using social media posts to identify at-risk Servicemembers and Veterans. Future work will use this approach to deliver targeted interventions to social media users at risk for suicide.
Mean‐State and Seasonal Variability in Temperature Structure and Heat Transport in the East Australian Current System From a Multi‐Decadal Regional Ocean Model
Authors: Sobral Fernando , Roughan Moninya , Malan Neil , Li Junde
Published: September 2024

Western Boundary Currents (WBCs) such as the East Australian Current (EAC) are vital for moving heat from low to high latitudes, controlling regional weather and global climate. Previous EAC System studies have provided a general overview of temperature variability and heat transport, but they lacked spatial and seasonal detail. Using a high‐resolution, 26‐year‐long ocean model simulation, we systematically characterize the seasonal variability and structure in key temperature metrics and heat transport in the EAC System. Our findings reveal a clear seasonal cycle with a poleward expansion of key variables in summer (mean and eddy kinetic energy, upper ocean heat content, heat transport) and contraction equatorward with reductions in winter. We show that the dynamical regime transition, from jet to eddy‐dominated at the EAC separation zone (S), modifies the net meridional heat transport. Upstream of separation, transport is poleward, with some zonal input of heat. Downstream of EAC separation, there is an increase in heat recirculation by mesoscale eddies combined with a smaller zonal export of heat. This study highlights the significance of resolving spatio‐temporal variability in WBC systems driven by mesoscale dynamics, which will have implications for the representation of critical dynamics in future climate models.
Divergent Responses of Fir and Pine Trees to Increasing CO2 Levels in the Face of Climate Change
Authors: Correa‐Díaz A. , Gómez‐Guerrero A. , Castruita‐Esparza L. U. , Silva L. C. R. , Horwath W. R.
Published: September 2024

Understanding the response of forests to the increases in atmospheric CO2 (ca) is fundamental to implementing innovative management strategies and for assessing impacts on the global carbon and water cycles. Here, we explored correlations between ecophysiological traits and climate variability that influence changes in stable isotope carbon and oxygen (δ13C and δ18O) of tree‐rings. We present these relationships between species of the contrasting genera Abies and Pinus, along a latitudinal transect encompassing different biogeographical regions in North America. We also tested if the rate of intrinsic water‐use efficiency per unit of ca (dW/dca) during two periods (1890–1965 vs. 1966–2016), for fir and pine were different and indicated acclimation to ca increases. We hypothesize that, spatially and temporally, the divergent responses among species to carbon and oxygen isotopes and dW/dca are influenced by the site conditions and the historical increases in ca. From our results, we show that fir and pine species will behave physiologically different as global warming progresses. Firs are more responsive to atmosphere vapor pressure deficit along different geographical zones. The survival of forests species under climate change will rely on the response to water stress and species' traits that influence the regulation of dW. Finally, we want to highlight the concept of “progressive resource limitation” of soil water and nutrients, previously proposed by other authors, that likely indicate fir species that inhabit moister sites will benefit more from increased ca than pine, but this positive effect is likely transitory as global warming increases.
The Origin and Nature of Magnetic Particles From Soils and Sediments Constrained by Hydrodynamics and Geochemistry Around a Tropical Lagoon System
Authors: Zhang Xinming , Long Xiaoyong , Xiong Chunlin , Liu Chuan , Song Yanwei
Published: September 2024

Magnetic iron oxides are commonly enriched in soils and sediments on Earth's surface. Magnetic properties are widely employed in soil taxonomy, sediment tracing and paleoclimate reconstruction as indicators of associated pedogenic and depositional processes. However, in coastal regions, frequent shifts in pedogenesis and diagenesis accompanied by changes in hydrodynamic and geochemical conditions from land to sea can influence the formation and preservation of magnetic particles in sediment sequences. To discern the origin and nature of magnetic particles driven by these processes, we systematically examined soils and sediments around a tropical lagoon that has been closing for two hundred years. We found that the finest superparamagnetic particles are enriched along with hematite from inland soils with high‐Fe and high‐Al backgrounds, which was driven by pedogenesis. Single‐domain ferrimagnetic particles are enriched along with amorphous iron oxides in the lagoon with high‐Mg and high‐Mn backgrounds, which was driven by early diagenesis in quiet and reducing depositional environments. Coarse titanomagnetite particles are strongly enriched in inshore sediments with high‐Si and high‐Ti backgrounds, which was driven by seawater elutriation. However, magnetic particles in barrier bar soils have mixed features depending on the neighboring environment. Identifying magnetic particles derived from different soils and sediments in tropical coastal regions can assist in tropical coastal paleoclimate and paleoenvironment reconstruction on the basis of magnetic properties along coastal sediment sequences.
Impacts of Anthropogenic Emissions and Open Biomass Burning in South Asia and Southeast Asia on Air Quality and Meteorology Over Southern China
Authors: Li Dongpu , Liu Hongli , Liu Jianbao , Li Jing , Wang Kaicun
Published: September 2024

The emissions from South Asia and Southeast Asia significantly impact air quality and meteorological conditions in China. However, the individual or joint contributions of anthropogenic emissions and/or biomass burning from outside China to surface particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and aerosol optical depth (AOD) over southern China have not been fully investigated. Here, five experiments were designed to investigate the impacts of these emissions in January (winter), March (pre‐monsoon), and October (post‐monsoon) for 2017. Aerosols from South Asia and Southeast Asia contributed less to southern China during winter and post‐monsoon seasons, whereas the wind patterns and emission intensity during the pre‐monsoon season were conducive to the transport of aerosols. During pre‐monsoon season, the total emissions contributed approximately 5.0 μg m−3 to surface PM2.5 in Xizang Province. Biomass burning in Southeast Asia increased PM2.5 in Yunnan Province by 37.9 μg m−3, while anthropogenic emissions increased it by 8.9 μg m−3. Transboundary aerosols can be transported to Xizang Province and Yunnan Province, primarily influencing PM2.5 below 2 km height. It mainly affected PM2.5 levels above the planetary boundary layer over southeast China. Aerosols from outside China can account for 79.5% and 54.8% AOD in Yunnan Province and southeast China, respectively. These aerosols reduced surface incident solar radiation by approximately 6%, leading to decreases in air temperature, wind speed, and boundary layer height. The findings are only applicable to the pre‐monsoon season.
Importance of Intraseasonal Oscillation for the Regional Extreme Consecutive dry Days Events in Spring Over Southern China
Authors: Zeng Zixuan , Sun Jianqi , He Shengping
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the influences of intraseasonal oscillation on two types of regional extreme consecutive dry days events (RECDD) in spring over Southern China (SC). For type‐1 RECDD occurring in entire SC, the 7–25 days and 25–90 days high over Lake Balkhash‐Baikal are important. The 7–25 days high first causes lower‐tropospheric northerlies and moisture deficit in SC, then propagates to Yangtze River Basin and causes lower‐tropospheric warming and decaying moisture deficit in SC. These processes favor dry condition in SC for 1 week. In comparison, the 25–90 days high and associated lower‐tropospheric warming and moisture deficit in SC favor dry condition there for more than one week. For type‐2 RECDD occurring in the southern part of SC, the 7–25 days and 25–90 days high over Northeast Asia are important. The 7–25 days high contributes for one week. It first causes lower‐tropospheric anticyclone around the East China Sea and south‐negative–north‐positive moisture pattern in SC, then propagates to the Sea of Japan and causes lower‐tropospheric south‐warming–north‐cooling pattern and decaying south‐negative–north‐positive moisture pattern in SC. In comparison, the 25–90 days high and associated lower‐tropospheric south‐warming–north‐cooling pattern and south‐negative–north‐positive moisture pattern in SC favor south‐dry–north‐wet pattern there for more than one week. Moreover, the 7–25 days low and decaying 25–90 days high over Lake Balkhash‐Baikal, concurring with 7–25 days low over Bay of Bengal, favor the end of type‐1 RECDD; the 7–25 days low and decaying 25–90 days high over Northeast Asia favor the end of type‐2 RECDD.
Imaging Spectroscopy‐Based Estimation of Aboveground Biomass in Louisiana's Coastal Wetlands: Toward Consistent Spectroscopic Retrievals Across Atmospheric States
Authors: Jensen Daniel , Thompson David R. , Simard Marc , Solohin Elena , Castañeda‐Moya Edward
Published: September 2024

Developing accurate landscape‐scale aboveground biomass (AGB) maps is critical to understanding coastal deltaic wetland resilience, as AGB influences stability and elevation dynamics in herbaceous wetlands. Here we used AVIRIS‐NG imaging spectrometer (or “hyperspectral”) data from NASA's 2021 Delta‐X mission in coastal Louisiana to map seasonal changes in herbaceous AGB across two deltaic basins with contrasting sediment delivery and hydrologic regimes: the Atchafalaya (active) and Terrebonne (inactive). We assessed the impact of atmospheric effects on our retrievals, as high water vapor content in August 2021 caused significant noise in the 880–1,000 and 1,080–1,200 nm near‐infrared (NIR) wavelengths. We hypothesized that correcting these wavelengths with our conditional Gaussian interpolation algorithm would improve AGB estimates due to their association with plant canopy water content. We empirically assessed the performance of the corrected spectra on AGB estimates using Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), finding that the corrected NIR bands attained high variable importance and reduced estimation errors. Our Random Forest regression approach based on the corrected spectra attained equivalent error metrics via leave‐one‐out‐cross‐validation as the PLSR models (R2 = 0.43, mean absolute error = 257.3 g/m2) while greatly improving the AGB maps' visual quality, having better captured variability while reducing noise and discontinuities in AGB estimates across flightlines. The maps show differing seasonal growth, with the Atchafalaya and Terrebonne Basins' AGB increasing from means of 4.3–9.4 and 4.6–8.9 Mg/ha, respectively. We demonstrated that imaging spectroscopy can be applied to assess herbaceous biomass stocks, growth patterns, and resilience in coastal ecosystems.
Quasicrystal metasurface for optical holography and diffraction
Authors: Wen Xin , Hu Zixian , Wang Heng , Chen Yu , Ma Qichang , Li Guixin
Published: September 2024

Quasicrystal metasurfaces, a kind of two-dimensional artificial optical materials with subwavelength meta-atoms arranged in quasi-periodic tiling schemes, have attracted extensive attentions due to their novel optical properties. In a recent work, a dual-functional quasicrystal metasurface, which can be used to simultaneously generate the diffraction pattern and holographic image, is experimentally demonstrated. The proposed method expands the manipulation dimensions for multi-functional quasicrystal metasurfaces and may have important applications in microscopy, optical information processing, optical encryption, etc.
Transport mechanism and structural pharmacology of human urate transporter URAT1
Authors: Dai Yaxin , Lee Chia-Hsueh
Published: September 2024

Urate is an endogenous product of purine metabolism in the liver. High urate levels in the blood lead to gout, a very common and painful inflammatory arthritis. Excreted urate is reabsorbed in the kidney mainly by URAT1 antiporter, a key target for anti-gout drugs. To uncover the mechanisms of urate transport and drug inhibition, we determined cryo-EM structures of human URAT1 with urate, counter anion pyrazinoate, or anti-gout drugs of different chemotypes — lesinurad, verinurad, and dotinurad. We captured the outward-to-inward transition of URAT1 during urate uptake, revealing that urate binds in a phenylalanine-rich pocket and engages with key gating residues to drive the transport cycle. In contrast to the single binding site for urate, pyrazinoate interacts with three distinct, functionally relevant sites within URAT1, a mechanism that has not yet been observed in other anion antiporters. In addition, we found that while all three drugs compete with substrates and halt the transport cycle, verinurad and dotinurad further hijack gating residues to achieve high potency. These insights advance our understanding of organic anion transport and provide a foundation for designing improved gout therapeutics.
Electrohydraulic musculoskeletal robotic leg for agile, adaptive, yet energy-efficient locomotion
Authors: Buchner Thomas J. K. , Fukushima Toshihiko , Kazemipour Amirhossein , Gravert Stephan-Daniel , Prairie Manon , Romanescu Pascal , Arm Philip , Zhang Yu , Wang Xingrui , Zhang Steven L. , Walter Johannes , Keplinger Christoph , Katzschmann Robert K.
Published: September 2024

Robotic locomotion in unstructured terrain demands an agile, adaptive, and energy-efficient architecture. To traverse such terrains, legged robots use rigid electromagnetic motors and sensorized drivetrains to adapt to the environment actively. These systems struggle to compete with animals that excel through their agile and effortless motion in natural environments. We propose a bio-inspired musculoskeletal leg architecture driven by antagonistic pairs of electrohydraulic artificial muscles. Our leg is mounted on a boom arm and can adaptively hop on varying terrain in an energy-efficient yet agile manner. It can also detect obstacles through capacitive self-sensing. The leg performs powerful and agile gait motions beyond 5 Hz and high jumps up to 40 % of the leg height. Our leg’s tunable stiffness and inherent adaptability allow it to hop over grass, sand, gravel, pebbles, and large rocks using only open-loop force control. The electrohydraulic leg features a low cost of transport (0.73), and while squatting, it consumes only a fraction of the energy (1.2 %) compared to its conventional electromagnetic counterpart. Its agile, adaptive, and energy-efficient properties would open a roadmap toward a new class of musculoskeletal robots for versatile locomotion and operation in unstructured natural environments.
Polyphosphonate covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Xu Ke , Oestreich Robert , Haj Hassani Sohi Takin , Lounasvuori Mailis , Ruthes Jean G. A. , Zorlu Yunus , Michalski Julia , Seiffert Philipp , Strothmann Till , Tholen Patrik , Ozgur Yazaydin A. , Suta Markus , Presser Volker , Petit Tristan , Janiak Christoph , Beckmann Jens , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn , Yücesan Gündoğ
Published: September 2024

Herein, we report polyphosphonate covalent organic frameworks (COFs) constructed via P-O-P linkages. The materials are synthesized via a single-step condensation reaction of the charge-assisted hydrogen-bonded organic framework, which is constructed from phenylphosphonic acid and 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis[p‐phenylphosphonic acid]porphyrin and is formed by simply heating its hydrogen-bonded precursor without using chemical reagents. Above 210 °C, it becomes an amorphous microporous polymeric structure due to the oligomerization of P-O-P bonds, which could be shown by constant-time solid-state double-quantum 31P nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The polyphosphonate COF exhibits good water and water vapor stability during the gas sorption measurements, and electrochemical stability in 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte in water. The reported family of COFs fills a significant gap in the literature by providing stable microporous COFs suitable for use in water and electrolytes. Additionally, we provide a sustainable synthesis route for the COF synthesis. The narrow pores of the COF effectively capture CO2.
A working memory dependent dual process model of the testing effect
Authors: Zheng Yicong , Shi Aike , Liu Xiaonan L.
Published: September 2024

This Perspective article expands on a working memory-dependent dual-process model, originally proposed by Zheng et al.1, to elucidate individual differences in the testing effect. This model posits that the testing effect comprises two processes: retrieval-attempt and post-retrieval re-encoding. We substantiate this model with empirical evidence and propose future research. This model invites further studies on the trade-off between testing benefits and WM demands, facilitating the development of personalized educational practices.
Oligodendroglial fatty acid metabolism as a central nervous system energy reserve
Authors: Asadollahi Ebrahim , Trevisiol Andrea , Saab Aiman S. , Looser Zoe J. , Dibaj Payam , Ebrahimi Reyhane , Kusch Kathrin , Ruhwedel Torben , Möbius Wiebke , Jahn Olaf , Lee Jun Yup , Don Anthony S. , Khalil Michelle-Amirah , Hiller Karsten , Baes Myriam , Weber Bruno , Abel E. Dale , Ballabio Andrea , Popko Brian , Kassmann Celia M. , Ehrenreich Hannelore , Hirrlinger Johannes , Nave Klaus-Armin
Published: September 2024

Brain function requires a constant supply of glucose. However, the brain has no known energy stores, except for glycogen granules in astrocytes. In the present study, we report that continuous oligodendroglial lipid metabolism provides an energy reserve in white matter tracts. In the isolated optic nerve from young adult mice of both sexes, oligodendrocytes survive glucose deprivation better than astrocytes. Under low glucose, both axonal ATP levels and action potentials become dependent on fatty acid β-oxidation. Importantly, ongoing oligodendroglial lipid degradation feeds rapidly into white matter energy metabolism. Although not supporting high-frequency spiking, fatty acid β-oxidation in mitochondria and oligodendroglial peroxisomes protects axons from conduction blocks when glucose is limiting. Disruption of the glucose transporter GLUT1 expression in oligodendrocytes of adult mice perturbs myelin homeostasis in vivo and causes gradual demyelination without behavioral signs. This further suggests that the imbalance of myelin synthesis and degradation can underlie myelin thinning in aging and disease.
The Aphasia Recovery Cohort, an open-source chronic stroke repository
Authors: Gibson Makayla , Newman-Norlund Roger , Bonilha Leonardo , Fridriksson Julius , Hickok Gregory , Hillis Argye E. , den Ouden Dirk-Bart , Rorden Christopher
Published: September 2024

Sharing neuroimaging datasets enables reproducibility, education, tool development, and new discoveries. Neuroimaging from many studies are publicly available, providing a glimpse into progressive disorders and human development. In contrast, few stroke studies are shared, and these datasets lack longitudinal sampling of functional imaging, diffusion imaging, as well as the behavioral and demographic data that encourage novel applications. This is surprising, as stroke is a leading cause of disability, and acquiring brain imaging is considered standard of care. The first release of the Aphasia Recovery Cohort includes imaging data, demographics and behavioral measures from 230 chronic stroke survivors who experienced aphasia. We also share scripts to illustrate how the imaging data can predict impairment. In conclusion, recent advances in machine learning thrive on large, diverse datasets. Clinical data sharing can contribute to improvements in automated detection of brain injury, identification of white matter hyperintensities, measures of brain health, and prognostic abilities to guide care.
EnzChemRED, a rich enzyme chemistry relation extraction dataset
Authors: Lai Po-Ting , Coudert Elisabeth , Aimo Lucila , Axelsen Kristian , Breuza Lionel , de Castro Edouard , Feuermann Marc , Morgat Anne , Pourcel Lucille , Pedruzzi Ivo , Poux Sylvain , Redaschi Nicole , Rivoire Catherine , Sveshnikova Anastasia , Wei Chih-Hsuan , Leaman Robert , Luo Ling , Lu Zhiyong , Bridge Alan
Published: September 2024

Expert curation is essential to capture knowledge of enzyme functions from the scientific literature in FAIR open knowledgebases but cannot keep pace with the rate of new discoveries and new publications. In this work we present EnzChemRED, for Enzyme Chemistry Relation Extraction Dataset, a new training and benchmarking dataset to support the development of Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods such as (large) language models that can assist enzyme curation. EnzChemRED consists of 1,210 expert curated PubMed abstracts where enzymes and the chemical reactions they catalyze are annotated using identifiers from the protein knowledgebase UniProtKB and the chemical ontology ChEBI. We show that fine-tuning language models with EnzChemRED significantly boosts their ability to identify proteins and chemicals in text (86.30% F1 score) and to extract the chemical conversions (86.66% F1 score) and the enzymes that catalyze those conversions (83.79% F1 score). We apply our methods to abstracts at PubMed scale to create a draft map of enzyme functions in literature to guide curation efforts in UniProtKB and the reaction knowledgebase Rhea.
In-situ upgrading of Egyptian heavy crude oil using matrix polymer carboxyl methyl cellulose/silicate graphene oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Mostafa Eman M. , Ghanem Alaa , Hosny Rasha , El-Nagar Raghda
Published: September 2024

This study delves into catalytic aquathermolysis to enhance the economic viability of heavy oil production by in-situ upgrading technique. It is known that introducing nanocatalysts would promote the aquathermolysis reaction. Therefore, in this study, the effect of matrix polymer carboxyl methyl cellulose/silicate graphene oxide nanocomposites (CSG1 and CSG2) in the catalytic aquathermolysis of Egyptian heavy crude oil was studied. Characterization techniques including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to evaluate the structure of the synthesized nanocomposites. Results reveal CSG2 has higher crystallinity and superior dispersion compared to CSG1, and both exhibited a good stability in aqueous suspensions. CSG2 enriched with graphene oxide, demonstrates superior thermal stability, suitable for high-temperature applications such as catalytic aquathermolysis process. Single factor and orthogonal tests were used to assess the catalytic aquathermolysis performance of the prepared nanoparticles. The obtained results revealed that the optimum conditions to use CSG1 and CSG2 are 40% water concentration, 225 °C temperature, and 0.5 wt% catalyst percentage. Where, CSG2 showed better viscosity reduction (82%) compared to CSG1 (62%), highlighting its superior performance in reducing the viscosity of heavy oil. Numerical results from SARA analysis, gas chromatography, and rheological testing confirmed the catalytic aquathermolysis's efficacy in targeting asphaltene macromolecules and producing lighter hydrocarbon fractions.
Immunogenetic profiles of 9 human herpes virus envelope glycoproteins
Authors: Georgopoulos Apostolos P. , James Lisa M.
Published: September 2024

Human herpes viruses (HHV) are ubiquitous and have been implicated in numerous long-term health conditions. Since the association between viral exposure and long-term health impacts is partially influenced by variation in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, we evaluated in silico the binding affinities of 9 HHV envelope glycoproteins with 127 common HLA Class I and Class II molecules. The findings show substantial variability in HHV binding affinity across viruses, HLA Class, HLA genes, and HLA alleles. Specific findings were as follows: (1) the predicted binding affinities of HHVs were characterized by four distinct groupings—[HHV1, HHV2], [HHV3, HHV4, HHV5], [HHV6A], [HHV6B, HHV7, HHV8]—with relatively lower binding affinities for HHV1, HHV2, and HHV6a compared to other HHVs; (2) significantly higher binding affinity was found for HLA Class I relative to Class II; (3) analyses within each class demonstrated that alleles of the C gene (for Class I) and DRB1 gene (for Class II) had the highest binding affinities; and (4) for each virus, predicted binding affinity to specific alleles varied, with HHV6a having the lowest affinity for HHV-HLA complexes, and HHV3, HHV4, and HHV5 having the highest. Since HLA-antigen binding is the first step in initiating an immune response to foreign antigens, these relative differences in HHV binding affinities are likely to influence long-term health impacts such that the cells infected with viruses associated with higher binding affinities across common HLA alleles may be more reduced in numbers, thereby lowering the potential for long-term sequelae of their infections.
Controlling phase separations and reactions in trapped microfluidic droplets
Authors: Krauss Sebastian W. , Weiss Matthias
Published: September 2024

Microfluidics and droplet-based assays are the basis for numerous high-throughput experiments, including bio-inspired microreactors and selection platforms for directed evolution. While elaborate techniques are available for the production of picoliter-sized droplets, there is an increasing demand for subsequent manipulation and control of the droplet interior. Here, we report on a straightforward method to rapidly adjust the size of single to several hundred double-emulsion droplets in a microfluidic sieve by varying the carrier fluid’s salt concentration. We show that the concomitant concentration changes in the droplet interior can drive a reversible demixing transition in a biomimetic binary fluid. As another application, we show that growing and shrinking of trapped droplets can be utilized to achieve a reversible dissociation of double-stranded DNA into single strands, i.e. cycles of reversible DNA hybridization, similar to PCR cycles, can be achieved by reversibly changing the droplet size at constant temperature. Altogether, our approach shows how a simple and temporally tunable manipulation of the size and the chemistry in prefabricated droplets can be achieved by an external control parameter.
Long-term outcome and predictors of neurological recovery in cervical spinal cord injury: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Stenimahitis Vasilios , Gharios Maria , Fletcher-Sandersjöö Alexander , El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Singh Aman , Buwaider Ali , Andersson Magnus , Gerdhem Paul , Hultling Claes , Elmi-Terander Adrian , Edström Erik
Published: September 2024

This retrospective study analyzed prognostic factors for neurological improvement and ambulation in 194 adult patients (≥ 15 years) with traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries treated at the neurological SCI unit (SCIU) at the Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm, Sweden, between 2010 and 2020. The primary outcome was American spinal injury association impairment scale (AIS) improvement, with secondary focus on ambulation restoration. Results showed 41% experienced AIS improvement, with 51% regaining ambulation over a median follow-up of 3.7 years. Significant AIS improvement (p < 0.001) and reduced bladder/bowel dysfunction (p < 0.001) were noted. Multivariable analysis identified initial AIS C-D (< 0.001), central cord syndrome (p = 0.016), and C0–C3 injury (p = 0.017) as positive AIS improvement predictors, while lower extremity motor score (LEMS) (p < 0.001) and longer ICU stays (p < 0.001) were negative predictors. Patients with initial AIS C-D (p < 0.001) and higher LEMS (p < 0.001) were more likely to regain ambulation. Finally, older age was a negative prognostic factor (p = 0.003). In conclusion, initial injury severity significantly predicted neurological improvement and ambulation. Recovery was observed even in severe cases, emphasizing the importance of tailored rehabilitation for improved outcomes.
Antagonistic behavior of brain networks mediated by low-frequency oscillations: electrophysiological dynamics during internal–external attention switching
Authors: Hammer Jiri , Kajsova Michaela , Kalina Adam , Krysl David , Fabera Petr , Kudr Martin , Jezdik Petr , Janca Radek , Krsek Pavel , Marusic Petr
Published: September 2024

Antagonistic activity of brain networks likely plays a fundamental role in how the brain optimizes its performance by efficient allocation of computational resources. A prominent example involves externally/internally oriented attention tasks, implicating two anticorrelated, intrinsic brain networks: the default mode network (DMN) and the dorsal attention network (DAN). To elucidate electrophysiological underpinnings and causal interplay during attention switching, we recorded intracranial EEG (iEEG) from 25 epilepsy patients with electrode contacts localized in the DMN and DAN. We show antagonistic network dynamics of activation-related changes in high-frequency (> 50 Hz) and low-frequency (< 30 Hz) power. The temporal profile of information flow between the networks estimated by functional connectivity suggests that the activated network inhibits the other one, gating its activity by increasing the amplitude of the low-frequency oscillations. Insights about inter-network communication may have profound implications for various brain disorders in which these dynamics are compromised.
From bone to nacre – development of biomimetic materials for bone implants: a review
Authors: Tabrizian Parinaz , Davis Sean , Su Bo
Published: September 2024

The unique microstructure of Nacre inspires the fabrication of biomimetic composites with enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility to address the limitations of current bone implants.
Iminobispyrazole (IBP) photoswitches: two pyrazole rings can be better than one
Authors: Wu Jiarong , Li Clara , Kreimendahl Lasse , Greenfield Jake L.
Published: September 2024

Sometimes, two pyrazoles are better than one: exploring the photoswitching properties of synthetically accessible iminobispyrazoles.
Engineering heterostructured Mo2C/MoS2 catalyst with hydrophilicity/aerophobicity via carbothermal shock for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution
Authors: Xiong Hao , Zhang Xinren , Peng Xu , Liu Dengke , Han Yimeng , Xu Fei
Published: September 2024

Mo2C/MoS2 heterostructure catalysts with hydrophilicity/aerophobicity are rapidly synthesized via carbothermal shock, demonstrating the accelerating alkaline HER kinetics.
The wondrous world of ABX3 molecular perovskites
Authors: Kronawitter Silva M. , Kieslich Gregor
Published: September 2024

In this feature article, we provide a personal perspective on the field of molecular perovskites, discussing selected research highlights and pinpointing challenges towards the design of molecular perovskites with targeted properties.
Influence of redox treatments on the low-temperature water gas shift reaction over Pt/CeO2 catalysts
Authors: Molinet-Chinaglia Clément , Vera Elizabeth , Vernoux Philippe , Piccolo Laurent , Loridant Stéphane
Published: September 2024

H2 reducing pretreatment at 500 °C promotes the activity of low-Pt-content Pt/CeO2 catalysts by increasing the number of active Pt0 NPs. A 12 h oxidative post-treatment at 500 °C which forms PtOx species easily activated also leads to improvement.
A machine learning approach for the prediction of aqueous solubility of pharmaceuticals: a comparative model and dataset analysis
Authors: Ghanavati Mohammad Amin , Ahmadi Soroush , Rohani Sohrab
Published: September 2024

Three ML models and their ensemble predict aqueous solubility of small organic molecules using different representations: GCN with molecular graphs, EdgeConv with ESP maps, and XGBoost with tabular features from ESP and Mordred descriptors.
Silica nanoparticles enhance wheat resistance to fusarium head blight through modulating antioxidant enzyme activities and salicylic acid accumulation
Authors: Yin Junliang , Li Keke , Liu Xi , Han Shuo , Han Xiaowen , Liu Wei , Li Yiting , Chen Yunfeng , Zhu Yongxing
Published: September 2024

A possible model of the effect of SiNP200 treatment on enhancing resistance of wheat to fusarium head blight. Red arrows represent upregulation, green arrows represent downregulation, and dashed lines represent possible but unconfirmed routes.
Unveiling the mechanisms of black phosphorus nanosheets-induced viable but non-culturable state in Bacillus tropicus
Authors: Xiong Zhiqiang , Zeng Jin , Zhao Ming , Liu Liwei , Zhang Siyu , Deng Shuo , Liu Daxu , Zhang Xuejiao , Zhao Qing , Xing Baoshan
Published: September 2024

BP nanosheets caused minimal death to Bacillus tropicus cells but induced most of them to enter the VBNC state by inhibiting cellular respiration and metabolic activity, which potentially enhanced the antibiotic tolerance.
Gingerol: extraction methods, health implications, bioavailability and signaling pathways
Authors: Samota Mahesh Kumar , Rawat Mandeep , Kaur Manpreet , Garg Diksha
Published: September 2024

Ginger (Zingiber officinale L. Z.o.) is a well-known spice that has been used for centuries as a food ingredient and in traditional medicine.
Green solvent mixture for ultrasound-assisted solid-phase peptide synthesis: a fast and versatile method and its applications in flow and natural product synthesis
Authors: Liao Jingyuan , Zhang Renrong , Jia Xuelei , Wang Meiling , Li Chaoyi , Wang Juntao , Tang Renjin , Huang Junrong , You Hengzhi , Chen Fen-Er
Published: September 2024

A green binary solvent mixture for ultrasound-assisted SPPS, combined with safe coupling reagents, enables versatile applications.
Fluorescence methods to probe mass transport and sensing in solid-state nanoporous membranes
Authors: Varol H. Samet , Kaya Dila , Contini Emma , Gualandi Chiara , Genovese Damiano
Published: September 2024

This article aims to guide the reader for (red gear) selecting the right nanoporous membrane, and (blue gear) study its nanopore activities by most suitable luminescence method towards (yellow gear) the high-performance membrane application.
Phosphine-free Ru(ii)–CNC pincer complexes with mixed protic- and classical-NHCs in the same molecule for hydrogen production via oxidant-free benzyl alcohol dehydrogenation to benzoic acids
Authors: Srivastava Navdeep , Meena Rohitash , Singh Amrendra K.
Published: September 2024

New phosphine-free complexes with mixed protic- and classical-NHCs in the same molecule are reported. These complexes are shown to be effective catalysts for hydrogen production via oxidant-free benzyl alcohol dehydrogenation to benzoic acids.
Progress and perspectives on the development of inorganic nanofibres/nanowires for functional electrolytes of solid-state lithium metal batteries
Authors: Deng Nanping , Duan Wenwen , Yu Wen , Feng Yang , Feng Zichun , Feng Xiaofan , Peng Zhaozhao , Xiang Hengying , Liu Yong , Kang Weimin
Published: September 2024

The review provides detailed mechanism analysis and design strategies of ion transport, high-valtage stability and anode protection of inorganic nanofibers/nanowires for electrolytes, which will be widely used in solid-state lithium metal batteries.
Laser-induced fibers and copper phthalocyanine modified laser-induced graphene electrodes for sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of nitrite
Authors: Adiraju Anurag , Jalasutram Aditya , Al-Hamry Ammar , Talbi Malak , Wang Junfei , Tegenkamp Christoph , Kanoun Olfa
Published: September 2024

This work demonstrates the potential of laser-induced fibers as functionalization material for electrochemical sensors and implements copper phthalocyanine and laser-induced fibers modified laser-induced graphene electrodes to detect nitrite.
Evaporating potential in a conical PTFE membrane with asymmetric electrodes
Authors: Liu Zheng , Chen Ting , Wang Qingyang , Liu Guohua
Published: September 2024

Power generation from natural evaporation receives great attention as water evaporation is a ubiquitous process.