bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double modals beyond the Atlantic
Authors: Coats Steven , Morin Cameron
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the use of double modals in Australian and New Zealand English using Twitter/𝕏 data. Double modals are rare grammatical constructions long believed to be limited to regional dialects in the Northern UK and the Southern US. Utilizing a geolocated corpus of over 80 million tweets, the study identifies 314 authentic double modal instances across 51 types, primarily occurring in informal tweets. Findings reveal widespread, albeit low-frequency, usage across both countries without clear geographical patterns. The results align with recent studies suggesting double modals are not confined to specific regions but are possible for most English speakers. The study also questions the traditional Scots-Irish origin theory, proposing an alternative view where the feature is a broader syntactic possibility. Future research should explore larger datasets and extend investigations to outer-circle English varieties to understand better the historical spread and syntactic nature of double modals.
Characterizing Older Adults’ Travel Behaviour and Unmet Needs: Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
Authors: Hosford Kate , Pitman Beverley , Brauer Michael , Lavergne Ruth , Winters Meghan
Published: October 2024

This study provides researchers, practitioners, and policy makers with a profile of older adults’ travel behaviour and the older adult population that reports unmet travel needs. In addition, we quantified associations between reporting an unmet travel need and measures of health and social connectedness. Data came from the second follow-up survey of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, collected from 2018 to 2021 (n = 14,167). Nine in ten (90.2%) older adults aged 65 years and older indicated that driving is the main way they get around. Older adults with an unmet travel need were more likely to be women, have lower household incomes and education levels, and have a mobility limitation. People with an unmet travel need had 2.7 times the odds of reporting fair or poor general health (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 2.19, 3.22) and 3.1 times the odds of feeling socially isolated (OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 2.57, 3.72) compared to those without an unmet need.
Current state of quality improvement research across cardiac ICUs: a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (PCICS) survey
Authors: Hummel Kevin , Raymond Tia , Gist Katja M. , Yurasek Gregory K. , Winder Melissa , Brunetti Marissa A.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Outcomes for children with heart disease improved over the past decades. Quality improvement (QI) research in paediatric cardiac critical care is a key driver of improvement. The availability and variability of QI research across the field is unknown. This project represents a step in understanding the role. The Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (PCICS) can serve to support institutions’ needs, drive collaborations, and utilise available infrastructure at member institutions for improvement work.

Methods:

The PCICS Quality Improvement and Safety Committee developed a survey to assess the state of QI research. The survey was disseminated over several months and available via QR code at the World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in 2023.

Results:

Fifty-eight respondents completed the survey representing at least 38 unique institutions. Most respondents participated in QI research (52/58, 90%). Most QI projects were single centre (41% of respondents), and of those, the majority were from a minority of institutions (13 institutions [34% of total institutions]). QI support is available at slightly more than half of units, and 55% (32/58) have access to a QI specialist. QI support and rate of publications is significantly lower for small/medium units as compared to large units. Respondents suggested most interest from PCICS in networking with other members with similar project ideas (50/58, 86%).

Conclusion:

PCICS member institutions are committed to QI research, with limitations in support, local specialists, and networking. Increasing connectivity and accessibility to QI resources may reduce burden to individual members and institutions to achieve QI research.
Social prescription for the elderly: a community-based scoping review
Authors: Sadio Rute , Henriques Adriana , Nogueira Paulo , Costa Andreia
Published: October 2024

Aim:

This scoping review aimed to identify the social prescription activities that exist for the elderly in a community context.

Background:

The increase in population ageing imposes the need to implement specific actions that guarantee elderly people the possibility of experiencing this phase with quality. The pandemic significantly exacerbated the needs of the elderly, leading to, regarding the loss of functional capacity, quality of life, well-being, mental health, and increased loneliness. Social prescription emerges as an innovative and non-clinical strategy, being a personalized approach that focuses on individual needs and objectives (Islam, 2020). By referring primary health care users to resources available in the community, obtaining non-medical support that can be used in conjunction with, or instead of, existing medical treatments (Chng et al., 2021).

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Searches were performed in electronic databases for potential studies: Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Studies were included if they: (1) addressed social prescription interventions; (2) were community based; and (3) included elderly participants. Data extraction followed predefined criteria.

Findings:

Of a total of 865 articles identified, nine were selected. The social prescription activities identified fall into eight main domains: arts, personal development, social interaction, physical activity, gardening, cultural activities, religious activities, and technological activities. The interventions resulted in improved well-being, enhanced quality of life, health promotion, and reduced isolation and loneliness. Social prescription, while innovative, is still an evolving intervention, which can respond to the needs of the elderly population, given the range of activities that may exist in the community. Primary care professionals must develop these interventions, establish a link between health and the community, respond to these needs, and promote healthy ageing.
Sexually transmitted infections in Belgian general practices: a nationwide continuing surveillance study, data from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Bensemmane Sherihane , Moreels Sarah , Lecompte Amaryl , Vanden Berghe Wim , De Schreye Robrecht
Published: October 2024

Aim:

The current study aims at describing sexually transmitted infections (STI) surveillance data collected from 2015 to 2020 as well as investigating patients’ characteristics and risk factors in the sample population.

Background:

Reported STI cases are continuously increasing in Europe. In Belgium, 94.1% of citizens have a regular general practitioner (GP) or are affiliated to a general practice. By using GPs for surveillance, STIs can be monitored in the general population. Between January 2015 and December 2020, the Sentinel General Practitioners (SGP) network retrospectively reported five STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital warts, herpes, and syphilis.

Methods:

In the SGP network database on STIs, participating GPs report on case-by-case basis through paper or online registration forms. We performed descriptive statistics, X2 test and logistic regression using SAS® 9.4. Multivariate multiple logistic regression was performed to investigate the relationship between STIs and patients’ characteristics.

Findings:

During the study period, 1009 cases were reported, corresponding to an episode-based incidence estimated at 121 per 100,000 inhabitants. The majority of patients (59.8%) were men, and 83.6% were under age 30. Among female patients 92.7% had heterosexual contacts whereas 64.4% of male patients did. Women were more likely to be diagnosed with chlamydia (odds ratio [OR] 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–2.17) and herpes (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.04–2.86) than men.

In this study, STI surveillance data were in agreement with literature. Continuous surveillance through the SGP network remains an important tool to obtain information about populations at risk and STI incidence in the general population.
Amicarbazone and other Group 5 herbicide behavior in soil under field and laboratory conditions
Authors: Mueller Thomas C. , Henry Ryan S.
Published: October 2024

Amicarbazone, atrazine, and metribuzin behavior was examined in a field setting in Tennessee and in a laboratory setting using soils collected from Illinois and Tennessee. Fields planted to corn were sampled from 0 to 8 cm depth, and the samples were analyzed using methanolic extraction followed by tandem mass spectrometry analysis to determine residual herbicide concentrations. Conditions were favorable for herbicide degradation, including warm temperatures and adequate rainfall. All herbicide half-lives were <10 d. Laboratory research using soils with known atrazine-use histories showed that amicarbazone did not exhibit enhanced microbial degradation due to previous atrazine use. Apparent amicarbazone and metribuzin persistence levels implied that early-season weed control would be expected, but carryover to injure sensitive rotational crops would not be anticipated under these environmental conditions. Dissipation under field conditions of amicarbazone and metribuzin was not affected by being applied to separate plots or by coapplication to the same plots.
Global Influence of Organic Aerosol Volatility on Aerosol Microphysical Processes: Composition and Number
Authors: Gao Chloe Yuchao , Bauer Susanne E. , Tsigaridis Kostas , Im Ulas
Published: October 2024

We present MATRIX‐VBS, a new aerosol scheme that simulates organic partitioning in an aerosol microphysics model, as part of the NASA GISS ModelE Earth System Model. MATRIX‐VBS builds on its predecessor aerosol microphysics model MATRIX (Bauer et al., 2008, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp‐8‐6003‐2008) and was developed in the box model framework (Gao et al., 2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd‐10‐751‐2017). The scheme features the inclusion of organic partitioning between the gas and particle phases and the photochemical aging process using the volatility‐basis set (Donahue et al., 2006, https://doi.org/10.1021/es052297c). To assess the performance of the new model, we compared its mass concentration, number concentration, and activated number concentration to the original scheme MATRIX, and evaluated its mass concentrations in four seasons against data from the NASA Atmospheric Tomography Mission (ATom) aircraft campaign. Results from MATRIX‐VBS show that organics are transported further away from their source, and their mass concentration increases aloft and decreases at the surface compared to those in MATRIX. The mass concentration of organics at the surface agrees well with measurements, and there are discrepancies for vertical profiles aloft. In the new scheme, the global mass load of organic aerosols increased by 50%, there is also an increased number of particles at the surface and fewer activated ones in most regions. The new scheme presents advanced and more comprehensive capability in simulating aerosol processes.
Conditional Effects of Tides and Waves on Sediment Supply to Salt Marshes
Authors: Sun Jianwei , van Prooijen Bram , Wang Xianye , Xie Weiming , Xu Fan , He Qing , Wang Zhengbing
Published: October 2024

The survival of salt marshes, especially facing future sea‐level rise, requires sediment supply. Sediment can be supplied to salt marshes via two routes: through marsh creeks and over marsh edges. However, the conditions of tides and waves that facilitate sediment import through these two routes remain unclear. To understand when and how sediment is imported into salt marshes, 2‐month measurements were conducted to monitor tides, waves, and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in Paulina Saltmarsh, a meso‐macrotidal system. The results show that the marsh creek tends to import sediment during neap tides with waves. A tidal cycle with a small tidal range result in weaker flow in the marsh creek during ebb tides, reducing the export of sediment. Waves enhance sediment supply to the marsh creek by eroding mudflats. However, strong waves can directly resuspend sediment in marsh creeks during spring tides when the water level is above the marsh canopy, enhancing sediment export through creeks. Net sediment import over marsh edges requires the opposite tidal and wave conditions: spring tides with weak waves. Spring tides provide stronger hydrodynamics, facilitating sediment import over the marsh edge. Increased SSC during the ebb phase can occur with strong waves over the marsh edge, resulting in net sediment export. Therefore, the net import or export of sediment, through the creek and over the marsh edge, depends on the combination of tidal and wave conditions. These conditions can vary between estuaries and even individual marshes. Understanding these conditions is crucial for better management of salt marshes.
Toward the Direct Simulation of the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation in a Global Storm‐Resolving Model
Authors: Franke Henning , Giorgetta Marco A.
Published: October 2024

This study presents the first attempt to simulate a full cycle of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) in a global storm‐resolving model (GSRM) that explicitly simulates deep convection and gravity waves instead of parameterizing them. Using the Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic (ICON) model with horizontal and vertical resolutions of about and , respectively, we show that an untuned state‐of‐the‐art GSRM is already on the verge of simulating a QBO‐like oscillation of the zonal wind in the tropical stratosphere for the right reasons. ICON shows overall good fidelity in simulating the QBO momentum budget and the downward propagation of the QBO jets in the upper QBO domain (25–35 km). In the lowermost stratosphere, however, ICON does not simulate the downward propagation of the QBO jets to the tropopause. This is the result of a pronounced lack of QBO wave forcing, mainly on planetary scales. The lack of planetary‐scale wave forcing in the lowermost stratosphere is caused by an underestimation of planetary‐scale wave momentum fluxes entering the stratosphere. We attribute this lack of planetary‐scale wave momentum fluxes to a substantial lack of convectively coupled equatorial waves (CCEWs) in the tropical troposphere. Therefore, we conclude that in ICON, simulating a realistic spatio‐temporal variability of tropical deep convection, in particular CCEWs, is currently the main roadblock toward simulating a reasonable QBO. To overcome this intermediate situation, we propose to aim at an improved explicit simulation of tropical deep convection by retuning the remaining parameterizations of cloud microphysics and vertical diffusion, and by increasing the horizontal resolution.
Osteopetrosis-like disorders induced by osteoblast-specific retinoic acid signaling inhibition in mice
Authors: Sun Siyuan , Liu Yuanqi , Sun Jiping , Zan Bingxin , Cui Yiwen , Jin Anting , Xu Hongyuan , Huang Xiangru , Zhu Yanfei , Yang Yiling , Gao Xin , Lu Tingwei , Wang Xinyu , Liu Jingyi , Mei Li , Shen Lei , Dai Qinggang , Jiang Lingyong
Published: October 2024

Osteopetrosis is an inherited metabolic disease, characterized by increased bone density and narrow marrow cavity. Patients with severe osteopetrosis exhibit abnormal bone brittleness, anemia, and infection complications, which commonly cause death within the first decade of life. Pathologically, osteopetrosis impairs not only the skeletal system, but also the hemopoietic and immune systems during development, while the underlying osteoimmunological mechanisms remain unclear. Osteoclastic mutations are regarded as the major causes of osteopetrosis, while osteoclast non-autonomous theories have been proposed in recent years with unclear underlying mechanisms. Retinoic acid (RA), the metabolite of Vitamin A, is an essential requirement for skeletal and hematopoietic development, through the activation of retinoic acid signaling. RA can relieve osteopetrosis symptoms in some animal models, while its effect on bone health is still controversial and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we constructed an osteoblast-specific inhibitory retinoic acid signaling mouse model and surprisingly found it mimicked the symptoms of osteopetrosis found in clinical cases: dwarfism, increased imperfectly-formed trabecular bone deposition with a reduced marrow cavity, thin cortical bone with a brittle skeleton, and hematopoietic and immune dysfunction. Micro-CT, the three-point bending test, and histological analysis drew a landscape of poor bone quality. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of the femur and RNA-seq of osteoblasts uncovered an atlas of pathological skeletal metabolism dysfunction in the mutant mice showing that osteogenesis was impaired in a cell-autonomous manner and osteoclastogenesis was impaired via osteoblast-osteoclast crosstalk. Moreover, scRNA-seq of bone marrow and flow cytometry of peripheral blood, spleen, and bone marrow uncovered pathology in the hematopoietic and immune systems in the mutant mice, mimicking human osteopetrosis. Results showed that hematopoietic progenitors and B lymphocyte differentiation were affected and the osteoblast-dominated cell crosstalk was impaired, which may result from transcriptional impairment of the ligands Pdgfd and Sema4d. In summary, we uncovered previously unreported pathogenesis of osteopetrosis-like disorder in mice with skeletal, hematopoietic, and immune system dysfunction, which was induced by the inhibition of retinoic acid signaling in osteoblasts, and sheds new insights into a potential treatment for osteopetrosis.
Modeling of planar germanium hole qubits in electric and magnetic fields
Authors: Wang Chien-An , Ercan H. Ekmel , Gyure Mark F. , Scappucci Giordano , Veldhorst Menno , Rimbach-Russ Maximilian
Published: October 2024

Hole-based spin qubits in strained planar germanium quantum wells have received considerable attention due to their favorable properties and remarkable experimental progress. The sizeable spin-orbit interaction in this structure allows for efficient qubit operations with electric fields. However, it also couples the qubit to electrical noise. In this work, we perform simulations of a heterostructure hosting these hole spin qubits. We solve the effective mass equations for a realistic heterostructure, provide a set of analytical basis wavefunctions, and compute the effective g-factor of the heavy-hole ground state. Our investigations reveal a strong impact of highly excited light-hole states located outside the quantum well on the g-factor. We find that sweet spots, points of operations that are least susceptible to charge noise, for out-of-plane magnetic fields are shifted to impractically large electric fields. However, for magnetic fields close to in-plane alignment, partial sweet spots at low electric fields are recovered. Furthermore, sweet spots with respect to multiple fluctuating charge traps can be found under certain circumstances for different magnetic field alignments. This work will be helpful in understanding and improving the coherence of germanium hole spin qubits.
Long term T cell response and safety of a tetravalent dengue vaccine in healthy children
Authors: Mandaric Sanja , Friberg Heather , Saez-Llorens Xavier , Borja-Tabora Charissa , Biswal Shibadas , Escudero Ian , Faccin Alice , Gottardo Raphael , Brose Manja , Roubinis Nicholas , Fladager Darlene , DeAntonio Rodrigo , Dimero Julie Anne L. , Montenegro Nathali , Folschweiller Nicolas , Currier Jeffrey R. , Sharma Mayuri , Tricou Vianney
Published: October 2024

As robust cellular responses are important for protection against dengue, this phase 2 study evaluated the kinetics and phenotype of T cell responses induced by TAK-003, a live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine, in 4–16-year-old living in dengue-endemic countries (NCT02948829). Two hundred participants received TAK-003 on Days 1 and 90. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot assay [ELISPOT] and intracellular cytokine staining were used to analyze T cell response and functionality, using peptide pools representing non-structural (NS) proteins NS3 and NS5 matching DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4 and DENV-2 NS1. One month after the second TAK-003 dose (Day 120), IFN-γ ELISPOT T cell response rates against any peptide pool were 97.1% (95% CI: 93.4% to 99.1%), and similar for baseline dengue seropositive (96.0%) and seronegative (98.6%) participants. IFN-γ ELISPOT T cell response rates at Day 120 were 79.8%, 90.2%, 77.3%, and 74.0%, against DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4, respectively, and remained elevated through 3 years post-vaccination. Multifunctional CD4 and CD8 T cell responses against DENV-2 NS peptides were observed, independent of baseline serostatus: CD8 T cells typically secreted IFN-γ and TNF-α whereas CD4 T cells secreted ≥ 2 of IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α cytokines. NAb titers and seropositivity rates remained substantially elevated through 3 years post-vaccination. Overall, TAK-003 was well tolerated and elicited durable T cell responses against all four DENV serotypes irrespective of baseline serostatus in children and adolescents aged 4–16 years living in dengue-endemic countries. TAK-003-elicited CD4 and CD8 T cells were multifunctional and persisted up to 3 years post-vaccination.
Depression in the schistosomiasis japonica population based on the PHQ-9 scale: a cross-sectional survey from Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Hu Aizhen , Liu Dele , Xie Huiqun , Wu Xia , Liu Kexing , Zhang Xuyun , Li Linlin , Zhou Xing , Hu Fei
Published: October 2024

Depression is the second leading-cause of disability in China. Although studies have shown that more than 80% of patients with advanced schistosomiasis (AS) suffer from anxiety and depression, these study groups are all hospitalized patients with AS and do not represent the extent of the disease in the whole group. To our knowledge, there are no studies assessing the severity of depression in patients with other forms of schistosomiasis japonicum. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the occurrence and potential risk factors of depression in the schistosomiasis endemic population. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jiangxi Province, where schistosomiasis is relatively common in China, as the investigation site. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale was selected to assess the depressive symptoms in the study population. At the same time, basic personal information of the research subjects and relevant socio-economics and schistosomiasis endemic area indicators were collected. The survey results show that AS has the highest incidence of depression (34.35%), while non-advanced schistosomiasis (N-AS) and control group (CG) have 22.35% and 22.24% respectively; the incidence of depression in AS is significantly higher than in N-AS and CG, while there is no statistical significance in the comparison between N-AS and CG; the incidence of mild depressive symptoms accounts for 61.08%-75.54% of the total incidence of depression in different groups; multivariate analysis shows that the occurrence of moderate/severe depressive symptoms in the AS group was significantly related to above 60 years old, male, the combination of other serious diseases, personal financial difficulties, and marshland and lake endemic areas. In the N-AS group, the occurrence of moderate/severe depressive symptoms was significantly related to the combination of other serious diseases, personal financial difficulties, significant correlation between marshland and lake endemic areas and the level of control of schistosomiasis epidemics. In conclusion, depression is still relatively common among patients with schistosomiasis patients, especially those with AS. It is recommended that the government and relevant departments consider mental health care when developing prevention and control work in schistosomiasis-endemic areas, in order to effectively protect the physical and mental health of schistosomiasis patients and residents in endemic areas.
Observation of molecular resonant double-core excitation driven by intense X-ray pulses
Authors: Pelimanni Eetu , Fouda Adam E. A. , Ho Phay J. , Baumann Thomas M. , Bokarev Sergey I. , Fanis Alberto De , Dold Simon , Grell Gilbert , Ismail Iyas , Koulentianos Dimitrios , Mazza Tommaso , Meyer Michael , Piancastelli Maria-Novella , Püttner Ralph , Rivas Daniel E. , Senfftleben Björn , Simon Marc , Young Linda , Doumy Gilles
Published: October 2024

The ultrashort and intense pulses of X-rays produced at X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) have enabled unique experiments on the atomic level structure and dynamics of matter, with time-resolved studies permitted in the femto- and attosecond regimes. To fully exploit them, it is paramount to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the complex nonlinear interactions that can occur at such extreme X-ray intensities. Herein, we report on the experimental observation of a resonant double-core excitation scheme in N2, where two 1σ core-level electrons are resonantly promoted to unoccupied $$1{\pi }_{g}^{* }$$
1

π

g

*

molecular orbitals by a single few-femtosecond broad-bandwidth XFEL pulse. The production of these neutral two-site double core hole states is evidenced through their characteristic decay channels, which are observed in good agreement with high-level theoretical calculations. Such multi-core excitation schemes, benefiting from the high interaction cross sections and state- and site-selective nature of resonant X-ray interactions, should be generally accessible in XFEL irradiated molecules, and provide interesting opportunities for chemical analysis and for monitoring ultrafast dynamic processes.
Major distribution shifts are projected for key rangeland grasses under a high-emission scenario in East Africa at the end of the 21st century
Authors: Messmer Martina , Eckert Sandra , Torre-Marin Rando Amor , Snethlage Mark , González-Rojí Santos J. , Hurni Kaspar , Beyerle Urs , Hemp Andreas , Kibet Staline , Stocker Thomas F.
Published: October 2024

Grassland landscapes are important ecosystems in East Africa, providing habitat and grazing grounds for wildlife and livestock and supporting pastoralism, an essential part of the agricultural sector. Since future grassland availability directly affects the future mobility needs of pastoralists and wildlife, we aim to model changes in the distribution of key grassland species under climate change. Here we combine a global and regional climate model with a machine learning-based species distribution model to understand the impact of regional climate change on different key grass species. The application of a dynamical downscaling step allows us to capture the fine-scale effects of the region’s complex climate, its variability and future changes. We show that the co-occurrence of the analysed grass species is reduced in large parts of eastern Africa, and particularly in the Turkana region, under the high-emission RCP8.5 scenario for the last 30 years of the 21st century. Our results suggest that future climate change will alter the natural resource base, with potentially negative impacts on pastoralism and wildlife in East Africa.
The Hallmarks of Hulk
Authors: Pires Isabel
Published: October 2024

When Bruce Banner transforms into the Hulk, his body goes through a series of fantastic changes that one would imagine to be possible only in a universe where superheroes exist. However, this chapter discusses how the biological processes behind his transformation are similar to some of the processes that a normal cell goes through to become that biggest of supervillains, the cancer cell. Understanding how this process begins, using the Hulk as our inspiration, we can come to terms with why cancer happens and how it grows, which is the first step to understand how to target and destroy it.
The Flash: The Fastest Man on Fire
Authors: Mackenwells Brian
Published: October 2024

Barry Allen, forensic scientist at Central City, is tidying up his lab one evening before leaving work. He places the chemicals on a shelf, more-or-less at random. But then, out of nowhere, a bolt of lightning streaks through the window, hitting Barry and his shelf of chemicals. He wakes up to discover that he can connect to the ‘Speed Force’ – a mystical force that allows him to be the fastest man alive! That, by the way, is a good reason to study chemistry – you might get superpowers. Having become The Flash, Allen can now run at incredible speeds, which is a pretty cool superpower. Imagine it, you’d never be late! Or, more likely, you’d put off leaving the house for so long that you’d still be late, but even superheroes like a lie-in. Yet, the Flash actually has another, secret, secondary power that makes his super-speed possible. So, let’s look closely and see if we can work out what this secret power is and so describe the science that explains this capacity.
You’ve Got to Learn to Be More Flexible: The Mechanics of Marvellous
Authors: Jesson David
Published: October 2024

Elastigirl – also known as Mrs (Helen) Incredible – is the superhero identity of Helen Parr (neè Truax) with the powers of superflexibility and shapechanging. Elastigirl also has some degree of invulnerability and superhuman strength (although nowhere near the super strength of Mr Incredible). She also happens to be an excellent pilot, tactician and homemaker. Whilst this chapter is much more about the mechanics of her superpowers (and of course the chemistry that underpins these), it is also worth noting some of the psychological aspects that underpin her character, as this tells us about the relationship between any given superpower and what it takes to use it well.
Super Frequently Asked Questions
Authors: Byrne Karl
Published: October 2024

I love comics. I know that might not come as much of a surprise, given this book’s focus, but I thought I should make it clear. We’ve covered a lot of amazing superhero science in the book so far, but by no means everything! There are still lots of questions, queries and conundrums that didn’t quite fit into the previous chapters. So, this chapter will attempt to provide scientific explanations for, well, everything else … However, I must accept that in some cases the answer will have to be ‘magic’ or ‘that’s how the comic book universe works’, but sometimes that’s OK. In some cases, I try to explain something as if it is working within the real world, while in others I’ve attempted to explain them in the comic universe, or in-universe, in nerd speak.
Photoelectrochemical nitrate denitrification towards acidic ammonia synthesis on copper-decorated black silicon
Authors: Li Yuchan , Zhang Qi , Dai Huan , He Dong , Ke Zunjian , Xiao Xiangheng
Published: October 2024

This work highlights the exceptional performance and great potentials of a Cu nanoparticle decorated silicon nanowire arrays (Cu–Si NWs) for photoelectrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia in acidic electrolyte and in realistic wastewater.
One-step fabrication of high energy storage polymer films with a wide bandgap and high melting temperature induced by the fluorine effect for high temperature capacitor applications with ultra-high efficiency
Authors: Xiong Jie , Zhang Guanxiang , Tan Shaobo , Gong Honghong , Xie Yunchuan , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: October 2024

Limiting the conjugate effect and introducing fluorine resolve wide bandgap and heat resistance conflict, enabling efficient energy storage.
Electrochemically promoted diamidation of alkenes to dihydroimidazole skeleton
Authors: Wang Guo-Ao , Chen Kai-Wei , Huang Yu-Da , Zhang Yu-Yuan , Meng Xiu-Jin , Cui Fei-Hu , Pan Ying-Ming , Tang Hai-Tao
Published: October 2024

The dihydroimidazole framework is a valuable heterocyclic compound widely found in natural products, ligands, molecular catalysts, pesticides, etc.
Theoretical investigations of optoelectronic properties, photocatalytic performance as a water splitting photocatalyst and band gap engineering with transition metals (TM = Fe and Co) of K3VO4, Na3VO4 and Zn3V2O8: a first-principles study
Authors: Ali Muhammad Awais , Ul Ain Maryam Noor , Mansha Asim , Asim Sadia , Zahoor Ameer Fawad
Published: October 2024

First-principles density functional investigations of the structural, electronic, optical and thermodynamic properties of K3VO4, Na3VO4 and Zn3V2O8 were performed using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) via ultrasoft pseudopotential and DFT.
From green chemistry to biomedicine: the sustainable symphony of cobalt oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Annu  , Sahu Muskan , Singh Somesh , Prajapati Satypal , Verma Dinesh K. , Shin Dong Kil
Published: October 2024

Unlocking the potential of green-synthesized cobalt oxide nanoparticles: bridging sustainable chemistry with cutting-edge biomedical innovations.
Biomimetic nanoparticles with red blood cell membranes for enhanced photothermal and immunotherapy for tumors
Authors: Hong Liquan , Ye Jingtao , Li Yang , Yin Shouchun
Published: October 2024

The alarming escalation in cancer incidence and mortality has thrust into spotlight the quest for groundbreaking therapeutic strategies.
Kinetic insights into structure sensitivity of Ru catalyzed l-alanine hydrogenation to alaninol
Authors: Song Rui , Yao Chang , Li Wenhua , An Nihong , Shen Yafeng , Fei Nina , Ge Xiaohu , Cao Yueqiang , Duan Xuezhi , Zhou Xinggui
Published: October 2024

Ru(101) sites are identified as the dominant active sites for the hydrogenation of l-alanine to alaninol.
Concurrent production of diesel valeric biofuel and a fuel additive in a one-pot process over SiO2–Al2O3-supported catalysts: influence of the Si/Al ratio
Authors: Martínez Francisco Agustín , Segobia Darío Jobino , Bertero Nicolás Maximiliano
Published: October 2024

The co-production of pentyl valerate biofuel and the diesel additive di-n-pentyl ether from γ-valerolactone, pentanol and H2 in a one-pot process is reported for the first time, analyzing the influence of the Si/Al ratio of the SiO2–Al2O3 support.
A sustainable redox-mediated pathway for improved transition metal organic framework activation and CO2 uptake performance
Authors: Self Taylor Jade , Niu Jiabin , Liu Wen , He Chaobin , Tan Mei Chee
Published: October 2024

Sustainable substitutions in MOF fabrication and processing can confidently be made by employing redox engineering for synergistic valency and defect constitution, based on application, without sacrificing active site functionality.
Revealing the disrupted Li/vacancy structure in Co, Mg, and Al co-doped ultra-high Ni-rich cathodes
Authors: Li Hang , Hua Weibo , Missyul Alexander , Bergfeldt Thomas , Knapp Michael , Ehrenberg Helmut , Pan Feng , Indris Sylvio
Published: October 2024

We first observe the defective Li/vacancy orderings, providing a new perspective to understand the phase transition behaviors of Ni-rich cathodes.
Fluorescent discrimination of cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione in urine samples using a novel seleno-BODIPY probe
Authors: Cugnasca Beatriz S. , Santos Hugo M. , Duarte Frederico , Capelo-Martínez José Luis , Dos Santos Alcindo A. , Lodeiro Carlos
Published: October 2024

Biothiols, such as cysteine (Cys), glutathione (GSH), and homocysteine (Hcy), play crucial roles in various physiological processes and serve as biomarkers for oxidative stress and redox homeostasis.
New [1]benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene-tetraoxide-based TADF emitters with a D–A–D structure for OLED applications
Authors: Montrone Maria , Maggiore Antonio , Moliterni Anna , Pander Piotr , Pugliese Marco , Capodilupo Agostina Lina , Gambino Salvatore , Prontera Carmela Tania , Valenzano Vitantonio , Mariano Fabrizio , Accorsi Gianluca , Sibillano Teresa , Giannini Cinzia , Gigli Giuseppe , Cardone Antonio , Maiorano Vincenzo
Published: October 2024

[1]Benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene as a straightforward electron-acceptor building block to fabricate thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters.
Efficient and stable perovskite solar cells based on insulating polymer modified ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Fan Pu , Tian Jianghao , Wang Kun , Zheng Ding , Yu Junsheng , Russell Thomas P.
Published: October 2024

This approach, combining an insulating polymer with ZnO NPs, offers a simple and economical pathway towards the commercialization of PSCs.
Porosity and fluid pathway development during cadmium sequestration by calcium carbonate replacement
Authors: Julia Maude , Putnis Christine V. , Plümper Oliver , Renard François
Published: October 2024

Replacement by a coupled dissolution–precipitation reaction of two types of CaCO3 by (Ca,Cd)CO3 in CdCl2 solutions and comparison of reaction pathways.
Coati optimized FOPID controller for non‐isolated DC–DC converters in EV charging application
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Palwalia Dheeraj Kumar , Sharma Ashok Kumar , Priyadarshi Neeraj , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar
Published: October 2024

The transportation sector's shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs) has made enough charging facilities necessary. The converter's architecture has undergone several changes to provide the best possible charging for electric vehicles. For EV charging applications, both isolated and non‐isolated converters are employed. The significant strain on switches and losses in the various converter topologies are among the main problems. To minimize these issues, the current‐fed non‐isolated DC–DC converter is proposed with fewer switching devices. The proposed converter design is validated for the EV charging application in the MATLAB/Simulink tool. Moreover, Coati optimized fractional order proportional integral derivative controller is proposed, which provides optimum switching signals for the converter based on the voltage input. Furthermore, the responses are realized for buck and boost modes of operations. It is verified that zero current switching and zero voltage switching are achieved under boost mode. The results analysis demonstrates that the proposed converter has a higher efficiency of 99.7% and 99.02% in buck and boost mode, respectively.
Simulating images of radio galaxies with diffusion models
Authors: Vičánek Martínez T. , Baron Perez N. , Brüggen M.
Published: October 2024

Context. With increasing amounts of data produced by astronomical surveys, automated analysis methods have become crucial. Synthetic data are required for developing and testing such methods. Current classical approaches to simulations often suffer from insufficient detail or inaccurate representation of source type occurrences. Deep generative modeling has emerged as a novel way of synthesizing realistic image data to overcome those deficiencies.

Aims. We implemented a deep generative model trained on observations to generate realistic radio galaxy images with full control over the flux and source morphology.

Methods. We used a diffusion model, trained with continuous time steps to reduce sampling time without quality impairments. The two models were trained on two different datasets, respectively. One set was a selection of images obtained from the second data release of the LOFAR Two-Metre Sky Survey (LoTSS). The model was conditioned on peak flux values to preserve signal intensity information after re-scaling image pixel values. The other, smaller set was obtained from the Very Large Array (VLA) survey of Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-Centimeters (FIRST). In that set, every image was provided with a morphological class label the corresponding model was conditioned on. Conditioned sampling is realized with classifier-free diffusion guidance. We evaluated the quality of generated images by comparing the distributions of different quantities over the real and generated data, including results from the standard source-finding algorithms. The class conditioning was evaluated by training a classifier and comparing its performance on both real and generated data.

Results. We have been able to generate realistic images of high quality using 25 sampling steps, which is unprecedented in the field of radio astronomy. The generated images are visually indistinguishable from the training data and the distributions of different image metrics were successfully replicated. The classifier is shown to perform equally well for real and generated images, indicating strong sampling control over morphological source properties.
Nonthermal GeV emission from the Nereides nebula: Confirming the nature of the supernova remnant G107.7−5.1
Authors: Araya Miguel
Published: October 2024

Context. Recently, the Nereides nebula was discovered through deep optical emission line observations and was classified as a supernova remnant (SNR) candidate, G107.7−5.1.

Aims. Since very little is known about this SNR, we have looked at several archival datasets to better understand the environment and properties of the object.

Methods. We present a detailed analysis of the gamma-ray emission detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope in the region of the nebula. A model of the nonthermal emission is presented that allows us to derive the particle distribution responsible for the gamma rays. We also use molecular gas and atomic hydrogen observations to try to constrain the source age and distance.

Results. An extended (∼2°) GeV source coincident with the location of the nebula is found. The nonthermal emission has a hard spectrum and is detected up to ∼100 GeV, confirming the SNR nature of this object. The GeV properties of G107.7−5.1 are similar to those of other SNRs such as G150.3​ + ​4.5, and it likely expands in a relatively low-density medium. The Nereides nebula is one more example of a growing population of dim SNRs detected at high energies. A simple leptonic model is able to account for the gamma-ray emission. Standard SNR evolutionary models constrain the age to be in the 10 − 50 kyr range, which is consistent with estimates of the maximum particle energy obtained from GeV observations. However, more detailed observations of the source should be carried out to better understand its properties.
Vergabe von Briefdienstleistungen: Das reformierte Postrecht aus der Sicht des Einkaufs
Authors: Kühn Matthias
Published: October 2024

Nach rund 25 Jahren, in denen sich die Welt der Kommunikation stark verändert hat, ist es seit dem 19. Juli 2024 so weit: Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland hat ein neues Postgesetz. Laut Bundesregierung verfolgt die Gesetzesreform einen ganzen Strauß an Zielen, darunter die flächendeckende und erschwingliche Versorgung mit Briefen und Paketen, fairer Wettbewerb, bessere Arbeitsbedingungen und mehr Nachhaltigkeit.
Interne Services: Laborlogistik und Automation in der Krankenhausversorgung
Authors: Kriegel Johannes
Published: October 2024

Die Optimierung der Laborlogistik sowie die Automation der diagnostischen Leistungserbringung ermöglichen die Ressourceneffizienz zu steigern, die Fehlerquoten zu reduzieren sowie das Leistungsspektrum zu erweitern. Dadurch lassen sich erhebliche Mehrwerte, wie schnellere und verlässlichere Testergebnisse, in der Krankenversorgung generieren.
Standards: Ein Barcode für alle Fälle
Authors: Reingardt Sylvia
Published: October 2024

Am 26. Juni 1974 wurde in einem kleinen Lebensmittelgeschäft in Ohio, USA, der Barcode auf einem Kaugummi der Marke Wrigley‘s Juicy Fruit zum ersten Mal gescannt. Dies markierte den Beginn einer Ära, in der Papier und Stift allmählich von präzisen, automatisierten Prozessen abgelöst wurden.
D-dimer—An International Assessment of the Quality of Laboratory Testing: Implications for D-dimer Use in the Real World
Authors: Elbaz Carolyne , Hollestelle Martine J. , Meijer Piet , Liederman Zachary , Selby Rita
Published: October 2024

D-dimer assessment has several established roles in venous thromboembolism (VTE) and disseminated intravascular coagulation diagnosis, and recently the risk stratification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). D-dimer assays are neither standardized nor harmonized, use varying methodologies, and use different reporting units, all resulting in a lack of interchangeability and generalizability of assays. Using large multiyear datasets from an international laboratory quality assurance program, we assessed (1) common D-dimer assays in use worldwide, (2) differences in analytical performance between different methods, and (3) interlaboratory variability between positive samples. External proficiency testing results from laboratories participating in the External Quality Control for Assays and Tests (ECAT) Foundation were analyzed from 2017 to 2023. Annually, between 578 and 690 laboratories participated in the D-dimer sample surveys with response rates ranging from 88 to 97%. The three most common assays in use in 2023 were the Siemens Innovance D-dimer (42%), the IL HemosIL D-dimer HS 500 (20%), and the Diagnostica Stago (Stago) Liatest D-dimer Plus (10%)—all these are automated, quantitative, latex immunoassays expressed in fibrinogen equivalent units (FEU). The highest interlaboratory variability was observed around the typical VTE exclusion threshold of 0.5 mg/L FEU. Lower interlaboratory variability was observed at values above 0.8 mg/L FEU. Our study provides recent, international performance data on currently used D-dimer assays and describes the significant variability between assays and across D-dimer concentrations. We demonstrate that assays are not interchangeable and that using them interchangeably has the potential to result in clinically important errors. There is an urgent need to educate users about these issues and to work towards harmonizing D-dimer units and reporting.
Advancements in textile techniques for cardiovascular tissue replacement and repair
Authors: Bakare Abiola , Mohanadas Hemanth Ponnambalath , Tucker Nick , Ahmed Waqar , Manikandan A. , Faudzi Ahmad Athif Mohd , Mohamaddan Shahrol , Jaganathan Saravana Kumar
Published: October 2024

In cardiovascular therapeutics, procedures such as heart transplants and coronary artery bypass graft are pivotal. However, an acute shortage of organ donors increases waiting times of patients, which is reflected in negative effects on the outcome for the patient. Post-procedural complications such as thrombotic events and atherosclerotic developments may also have grave clinical implications. To address these challenges, tissue engineering is emerging as a solution, using textile technologies to synthesize biomimetic scaffolds resembling natural tissues. This comprehensive analysis explains methodologies including electrospinning, electrostatic flocking, and advanced textile techniques developed from weaving, knitting, and braiding. These techniques are evaluated in the context of fabricating cardiac patches, vascular graft constructs, stent designs, and state-of-the-art wearable sensors. We also closely examine the interaction of distinct process parameters with the biomechanical and morphological attributes of the resultant scaffolds. The research concludes by combining current findings and recommendations for subsequent investigation.