bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A theoretical perspective on solid-state ionic interfaces
Authors: Carrasco Javier 
Published: September 2024

Solid-state ionic conductors find application across various domains in materials science, particularly showcasing their significance in energy storage and conversion technologies. To effectively utilize these materials in high-performance electrochemical devices, a comprehensive understanding and precise control of charge carriers’ distribution and ionic mobility at interfaces are paramount. A major challenge lies in unravelling the atomic-level processes governing ion dynamics within intricate solid and interfacial structures, such as grain boundaries and heterophases. From a theoretical viewpoint, in this Perspective article, my focus is to offer an overview of the current comprehension of key aspects related to solid-state ionic interfaces, with a particular emphasis on solid electrolytes for batteries, while providing a personal critical assessment of recent research advancements. I begin by introducing fundamental concepts for understanding solid-state conductors, such as the classical diffusion model and chemical potential. Subsequently, I delve into the modelling of space-charge regions, which are pivotal for understanding the physicochemical origins of charge redistribution at electrified interfaces. Finally, I discuss modern computational methods, such as density functional theory and machine-learned potentials, which offer invaluable tools for gaining insights into the atomic-scale behaviour of solid-state ionic interfaces, including both ionic mobility and interfacial reactivity aspects.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Royal Society Newton International Fellowship’.
Infrasound associated with the eruption of the Hunga volcano
Authors: Guo Quan , Jin Xinxin , Sun Guanwen , Zhang Yuxin , Cui Hanyin , Feng Xiujuan 
Published: September 2024

On 13–15 January 2022, the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano erupted. This powerful eruption generated infrasonic waves with amplitudes of thousands of Pascals in the near field. The ground infrasonic stations in China, located approximately 10 000 km from the Hunga volcano, also received waves with frequencies from 0.01 to 0.05 Hz. However, the amplitude reached 17 Pa, which is higher than the predicted amplitude using the absorption model without considering the dispersion effect in the thin thermosphere. At high altitudes, dispersion exists and the sound speed depends on the ratio of the molecular mean collision ratio to sound frequency, which is proportional to the ratio (frequency/pressure). And attenuation coefficients are complex to model. We simulate dispersive sound speeds and attenuation coefficients at different frequencies according to theory and our experimental data. In the thermosphere, the dispersion effect causes noticeable changes of sound speed and then affects wave propagation paths in the far field. The abnormal attenuation coefficient has a smaller impact on thermospheric returns than that of the dispersive sound speed, but it is also not negligible. It explains the large amplitude of thermospheric signals received in our infrasound stations.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Royal Society Newton International Fellowship’.
Unlocking the hidden dimension: power of chirality in scientific exploration
Authors: Kartouzian Aras , Cameron Robert P. 
Published: September 2024

In the boundless landscape of scientific exploration, there exists a hidden, yet easily accessible, dimension that has often not only intrigued and puzzled researchers but also provided the key. This dimension is chirality, the property that describes the handedness of objects. The influence of chirality extends across diverse fields of study from the parity violation in electroweak interactions to the extremely large macroscopic systems such as galaxies. In this opinion piece, we will delve into the power of chirality in scientific exploration by examining some examples that, at different scales, demonstrate its role as a key to a better understanding of our world. Our goal is to incite researchers from all fields to seek, implement and utilize chirality in their research. Going this extra mile might be more rewarding than it seems at first glance, in particular with regard to the increasing demand for new functional materials in response to the contemporary scientific and technological challenges we are facing.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Royal Society Newton International Fellowship’.
Ultra-high-cardinality geometric shaping in the finite SNR regime
Authors: Goossens Sebastiaan , Gültekin Yunus Can , Vassilieva Olga , Kim Inwoong , Palacharla Paparao , Okonkwo Chigo , Alvarado Alex 
Published: September 2024

Four-dimensional (4D) constellations with up to 131 072 points (17 bit/4D-sym) are designed for the first time using geometric shaping. The constellations are optimized in terms of mutual information (MI) and generalized MI (GMI) for the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel, targeting a forward error correction (FEC) rate of 0.8 at finite signal-to-noise ratios. The presented 15–17 bit constellations are currently the highest-performing constellations in the literature, having a gap to the AWGN capacity as low as 0.17 dB (MI) and 0.45 dB (GMI) at 17 bit/4D-sym. For lower cardinalities, our constellations match or closely approach the performance of previously published optimized constellations. We also show that (GMI-)optimized constellations with a symmetry constraint, optimized for a FEC rate of 0.8, perform nearly identical to their unconstrained counterparts for cardinalities above 8 bit/4D-sym. A symmetry constraint for MI-optimized constellations is shown to have a negative impact in general. The proposed procedure relies on a Monte-Carlo-based approach for evaluating performance and is extendable to other (nonlinear) channels. Stochastic gradient descent is used for the optimization algorithm for which the gradients are computed using automatic differentiation.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Royal Society Newton International Fellowship’.
Exploring a cost-effective and straightforward mechanism for uninterrupted
in situ
maximum wave runup measurements
Authors: Villarroel-Lamb Deborah , Simons Richard R. 
Published: September 2024

Wave runup, the excess water level above mean sea level, has been measured using different techniques with varying degrees of precision and associated practical limitations. This critical parameter, typically included in coastal assessment studies, varies temporally and spatially and depends on variables that include beach characteristics and nearshore hydrodynamics. Access to continuous datasets, using efficient mechanisms can assist resource-limited regions, such as Caribbean small-island developing states (SIDS), in overcoming coastal resilience obstacles. Experiments were conducted at University College London (UCL) and the University of the West Indies (UWI), which were designed to explore the temporal behaviour of the water surface within the bed during runup events. The experiments encompassed linear waves impacting a static porous bed (UCL) and a moveable granular beach (UWI), with pressure sensors buried at the base of each beach. The analyses showed that the averaged values of the time-varying water elevations within the bed, when spatially presented, produced a quadratic or cubic polynomial fit, where the curves’ stationary points were accurate indicators of the location of the maximum runup position at the surface of the bed. In this way, an arrangement of buried pressure sensors can be used as an efficient means to accurately produce a continuous time series of maximum runup positions.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Royal Society Newton International Fellowship’.
Population genetics of Himalayan langurs and its taxonomic implications
Authors: Sharwary M.R , Arekar K. , Karanth P. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHimalayan langurs (Semnopithecus schistaceus) are one of the most widely distributed colobine monkeys found in the Himalayas from Pakistan in the west to Bhutan in the east. Further, their distribution encompasses a wide range of elevation (from the foothills of the Himalayas to 4,270 m above sea level) and is interspersed with numerous deep river valleys. In this study, we investigate the role of riverine barriers and elevational gradients in shaping the population genetic structure in these langurs. Previous mitochondrial marker-based broad scale studies suggested limited role of river valleys in shaping the phylogeography of these langurs. Here we have utilized nuclear microsatellites and a more fine-scale sampling to further explore this issue. Fecal samples were non-invasively collected from two Indian Himalayan states Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand based on distribution records from past studies. A total of 7 microsatellite markers were genotyped for these samples. The data were subjected to various analyses, including Neighbor-joining tree, PCoA, AMOVA, STRUCTURE, and paired Mantel test. The results show an overall lack of population genetic structure and a much higher geneflow along elevational gradient than across river valleys. Significant isolation by distance was also observed. Additionally, our results do not support splitting the Himalayan langurs into multiple species/subspecies based on elevational gradient.
Enhancer activation from transposable elements in extrachromosomal DNA
Authors: Kraft Katerina , Murphy Sedona E. , Jones Matthew G. , Shi Quanming , Bhargava-Shah Aarohi , Luong Christy , Hung King L. , He Britney J. , Li Rui , Park Seung K. , Weiser Natasha E. , Luebeck Jens , Bafna Vineet , Boeke Jef D. , Mischel Paul S. , Boettiger Alistair N. , Chang Howard Y. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractExtrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is a hallmark of aggressive cancer, contributing to both oncogene amplification and tumor heterogeneity. Here, we used Hi-C, super-resolution imaging, and long-read sequencing to explore the nuclear architecture ofMYC-amplified ecDNA in colorectal cancer cells. Intriguingly, we observed frequent spatial proximity between ecDNA and 68 repetitive elements which we called ecDNA-interacting elements or EIEs. To characterize a potential regulatory role of EIEs, we focused on a fragment of the L1M4a1#LINE/L1 which we found to be co-amplified withMYCon ecDNA, gaining enhancer-associated chromatin marks in contrast to its normally silenced state. This EIE, in particular, existed as a naturally occurring structural variant upstream ofMYC, gaining oncogenic potential in the transcriptionally permissive ecDNA environment. This EIE sequence is sufficient to enhanceMYCexpression and is required for cancer cell fitness. These findings suggest that silent repetitive genomic elements can be reactivated on ecDNA, leading to functional cooption and amplification. Repeat element activation on ecDNA represents a mechanism of accelerated evolution and tumor heterogeneity and may have diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
Sex-specific chemosensory gene expression in the whitelined sphinx moth (Lepidoptera:Hyles lineata) suggests a role for odorant-binding proteins in host plant choice
Authors: Godfrey R. Keating , Auletta Anthony , Cheung Edison , Harper Riley , Kates Kireina , Kawahara Akito Y. , Li Yichen , Mercado Cristina , Miguelena Fernando , Pickett Ginger , DiGennaro Peter 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe whitelined sphinx moth,Hyles lineata, is a generalist during both the larval and adult stages with a broad geographic range extending across North and Central America. Within the genusHylesthere have been multiple transitions to a narrower host plant range, makingHylesan ideal group to study the evolution and mechanisms of host plant selection. We characterize sex- and appendage-specific chemosensory gene expression inH. lineata, the oldest extant member of the genus. We also describe female-specific gene expression in appendages used to sense plant surfaces as a means of identifying candidate genes involved in host plant choice. Sensilla on these appendages house sensory neurons and support cells that express chemosensory genes, receptors, and small proteins that bind, shuttle, and transport small molecules to allow detection of odorants and other small molecules. We considered genes detected more frequently in the female leg and ovipositor samples to be candidate oviposition-relevant genes. Most chemosensory genes of interest were detected in both sexes, while several odorant receptors were only detected in females. We identified 18 putative chemosensory genes that were specific to female legs, ovipositors, or both body parts. However, most of these genes did not reach statistical criteria to be considered differentially expressed. Instead, a set of OBPs show statistically significant female-biased expression in legs and ovipositors. These genes may serve as candidates for future study of the evolution and mechanisms of oviposition behavior in this species and its relatives.SummaryThe sphinx moth genusHylescontains both generalist and specialized feeders, making it an ideal system to study the evolution of host plant breadth. The whitelined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) is a generalist feeder at both adult and larval stages and is the oldest lineage of the genus. In this analysis of sex-specific gene expression, Godfrey and colleagues identify several odorant binding proteins as being more frequently detected in female appendages used to assess host plants. These genes could play a role in host plant selection and can be targets for future mechanistic studies on this species.
Toward an understanding of the small groups of thumb muscles that produce lateral pinch movement: application to surgical restoration of grasp following neurologic impairment
Authors: Smith Cole D. , Towles Joseph D. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT AND KEY TERMSPurposeTendon transfer surgeries that engage the flexor pollicis longus muscle (FPL) are commonly performed to enable lateral pinch grasp in persons with tetraplegia. Functional outcomes, however, have been mixed. This might be the case, in part, because FPL produces hyperflexion at the interphalangeal (IP) joint and radial deviation at the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Therefore, the goal of this simulation study was to investigate whether small groups of muscles could produce movement with less IP joint hyperflexion and CMC ab/adduction than FPL produces during lateral pinch movement.MethodsWe adapted a published, open-source computational musculoskeletal model of the hand to implement lateral pinch grasp. A forward-dynamics simulation approach was used to drive the thumb for 27 muscle groups being considered from an extended posture to a flexed posture to make contact with the side of the index finger. We calculated CMC ab/adduction deviation from the flexion-extension plane and IP joint flexion in the plane that all muscle groups produced, and compared those joint angle movements to those of FPL when it alone drove the thumb.ResultsOf the 27 simulations, three muscle groups, each consisting of three or four muscles, generated lower IP joint flexion and CMC ab/adduction than those of FPL.ConclusionsThis simulation work points to the potential of novel, multi-insertion site tendon transfer surgeries to out-perform the current standard of care to restore lateral pinch grasp following tetraplegia.
An online, group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is acceptable to stroke survivors: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Foote Hannah , Bowen Audrey , Cotterill Sarah , Patchwood Emma 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMental health difficulties are common post-stroke and developing support for psychological adjustment is a research priority. Wellbeing After Stroke (WAterS) is a nine-week, online, group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-informed intervention, delivered by trained third-sector practitioners, supervised by a clinical neuropsychologist. This study aimed to explore the acceptability of WAterS from the stroke survivors ‘ perspective.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve stroke survivors who received WAterS. The interview schedule was informed by theorised components of acceptability, including understanding, burden and perception of effectiveness. The data were analysed inductively and deductively using Template Analysis.Six qualitative themes were generated. Results indicate the intervention was mostly understandable and participants were able to engage with ACT and apply it to life. Online delivery reduced burden in accessing the intervention, and was acceptable when supported by live facilitation and a physical handbook. Group cohesion and understanding was facilitated by practitioners. The social aspect of the group was beneficial. Attending WAterS supported some participants to seek further support; others were left feeling unsupported when the intervention ended.Stroke survivors valued attending an online, group ACT-informed intervention, delivered by practitioners. This is a promising avenue in increasing the reach of interventions to support wellbeing.
Diazinon residues levels in farm-gateBrassica oleraceavar.acephalaof Kimira-Oluch Smallholder Farm Improvement Project, Kenya
Authors: Oromo George Odoyo , Owuor Philip Okinda , Kwach Bowa , Otieno Peter 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTPesticides use in vegetable production often has residual effects on the plants and environment with potential health risks. Diazinon, though associated with human health impacts, is a popular pesticide in the production ofBrassica oleraceavar.acephalaat the Kimira-Oluch Smallholder Farmers Improvement Project (KOSFIP), Kenya. The long preharvest interval (PHI) of diazinon application may not be observed by farmers with inadequate appreciation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). It is not documented whether diazinon residues levels in the farm-gateBrassica oleraceavar.acephalaof KOSFIP could be a health risk to the consumers. The diazinon residues levels and corresponding health risks in farm-gateBrassica oleracea var, acephalaat KOSFIP were determined. Cross-sectional survey based on snowball sampling identified 40 farms applying diazinon on the vegetable. Triplicate samples were collected from each farm for residue analysis, using the QuEChERS method, and LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Standard normal distribution function f(z), revealed ≈ 78% of farm-gate samples had detectable residual diazinon levels and 70% were above the Codex MRL of 0.05 mg/kg. The farm-gateBrassica oleracea var. acephalaare exposing consumers to health risks. Efforts must be intensified to ensure GAP are adopted. The estimated farm-gate samples with health risk indices for children and adults (HRIc and HRIA) >1.0 were 64% and 26%, respectively. Farm-gateBrassica oleracea var. acephaladiazinon levels are therefore causing high health risks to both children and adults. Farm-gate residual levels and HRI were comparatively higher than findings of most previous studies. Inappropriate label PHI and malpractices against GAP may be responsible for high residual levels. There should be regular surveillance and trainings of farmers on GAP for sustainable production ofBrassica oleraceavar.acephalain the Lake Victoria region. Use of diazinon onBrassica oleraceavar.acephalashould be discouraged and alternative approaches including integrated pest management practices should be encouraged.
Single-molecule magnetic tweezers reveals that TAV2b-derived peptides underwind and stabilize double-stranded RNA
Authors: Rashid Zainab M. , Quack Salina , Klein Misha , Smitskamp Quinte , America Pim P. B. , Albers Marvin A. , Paulus Jannik , Grossmann Tom N. , Dulin David 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDouble-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has evolved into a key tool in understanding and regulating biological processes, with promising implications in therapeutics. However, its efficacy is often limited due to instability in biological settings. Recently, the development of peptidic dsRNA binders derived from naturally occurring RNA-binding proteins has emerged as a favorable starting point to address this limitation. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how these high affinity dsRNA binders alter the structure and flexibility of dsRNA. To this end, we employed single-molecule magnetic tweezers experiments to investigate the effects of TAV2b-derived peptidic dsRNA binders on the mechanical properties of dsRNA. Torque spectroscopy assays demonstrated that these peptides underwind dsRNA, while also stabilizing the duplex. Additionally, force spectroscopy experiments demonstrate that a wild type TAV2b peptide derivative extends the contour length and lowers the bending rigidity of dsRNA, while a homodimeric version triggers the formation of higher order complexes at forces below 1 pN. Our study presents a quantitative approach to investigate how these peptides alter the structure of dsRNA, and whether peptide structural design alters the affinity to dsRNA and its stability. This approach could inform the design of more potent and effective dsRNA binders in the efforts to advance RNA therapeutics.
Longitudinal and Geographic Trends in Perceived Racial Discrimination Among Adolescents in the U.S.: The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study
Authors: Fields Christopher T. , Black Carmen , Calhoun Amanda J. , Assari Shervin , Zhou Xin , Nagata Jason , Gee Dylan G. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study examines longitudinal and geographic trends in perceived racial discrimination among U.S. adolescents using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. A diverse sample of 11,868 children aged 9-10 at baseline from 22 sites across the U.S. was analyzed, assessing perceived discrimination at ages 10-11, 11-12, and 13-14 using items adapted from the Perceived Discrimination Scale. Binomial logistic regression models were used to evaluate longitudinal trends and geographic variation, adjusting for demographic factors such as race/ethnicity, parental education, and income. Results show that perceived racial discrimination increased significantly from ages 10-11 to 13-14, particularly among Black and Asian adolescents. By age 13-14, nearly half of Black adolescents and over a quarter of Asian adolescents reported discrimination. Geographic analysis revealed that Black adolescents in the Western U.S. and predominantly White affluent neighborhoods had the highest odds of perceived discrimination. Higher state-level anti-Black bias was associated with lower discrimination rates among Black adolescents but higher rates for Asian adolescents. These findings highlight the evolving nature of racial discrimination during adolescence and underscore the need for targeted interventions that address racism’s mental health impacts on adolescents, particularly in high-risk geographic and socio-economic contexts.