bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Murky waters: Assessing the vulnerabilities of Indo‐West Pacific non‐marine elasmobranchs to inform future conservation planning priorities
Authors: Mather Rachel , Chin Andrew , Rigby Cassandra , Cooke Steven J. , Fahmi  , Haque Alifa Bintha , Mizrahi Meira , Grant Michael I. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Globally, freshwater environments are imperilled, with freshwater vertebrate species declining at twice the rate of marine and terrestrial populations. Non‐marine elasmobranchs (freshwater obligates and euryhaline generalists) remain understudied and overlooked by conservation efforts.
This study aimed to adapt and apply a vulnerability assessment framework to understand the conservation priorities of Indo‐West Pacific non‐marine elasmobranch species. An exposure sensitivity adaptability (ESA) framework was used to assess vulnerability to environmental threats, and an exposure susceptibility productivity (ESP) framework was used to assess vulnerability to fisheries.
Resulting species vulnerabilities were categorized into three conservation priority tiers. The general patterns of conservation priority tiering were as follows: (i) large‐bodied euryhaline species occurring in densely populated nations had the highest ESA and ESP vulnerabilities; (ii) freshwater obligates also had high ESA vulnerability rankings, although ESP vulnerability rankings were lower as their smaller body sizes suggest increased population productivity and higher potential for resilience; and (iii) euryhaline species with large range proportions in northern Australia had moderate to low vulnerability rankings across ESA and ESP assessments, as these species benefit from reduced fisheries mortality compared with species occurring in other regions.
The outcomes from the vulnerability assessment framework for the conservation priority rankings of species corresponded with their respective International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status, whereby priority 1 and 2 species also have elevated extinction risks. Environmental threats were at high or moderate levels in all nations assessed, while Cambodia, China, Malaysia, and Myanmar face the highest pressure from inland fisheries.
The major knowledge gaps identified included species‐specific productivity estimates, population dynamics (population movements and habitat requirements), and information on mortality from the threats considered. The present ESA–ESP framework was effective for the broad and data‐poor context of Indo‐West Pacific non‐marine elasmobranchs, and the results will be useful for guiding future conservation planning for high‐priority species and nations.
Repeating fast radio bursts reveal the secret of pulsar magnetospheric activity
Authors: Xu Renxin , Wang Weiyang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe puzzling mechanism of coherent radio emission remains unknown, but fortunately, repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) provide a precious opportunity, with extremely bright subpulses created in a clear and vacuum‐like pulsar magnetosphere. FRBs are millisecond‐duration signals that are highly dispersed at distant galaxies but with uncertain physical origin(s). Coherent curvature radiation by bunches has already been proposed for repeating FRBs. The charged particles are created during central star's quakes, which can form bunches streaming out along curved magnetic field lines, so as to trigger FRBs. The nature of narrow‐band radiation with time‐frequency drifting can be a natural consequence that bunches could be observed at different times with different curvatures. Additionally, high linear‐polarization can be seen if the line of sight is confined to the beam angle, whereas the emission could be highly circular‐polarized if off‐beam. It is also discussed that pulsar surface may be full of small hills (i.e., zits) which would help producing bulk of energetic bunches for repeating FRBs as well as for rotation‐powered pulsars.
Field‐ and Pilot‐Scale Approaches to Assess Finished Water Storage Tanks
Authors: Gomez‐Alvarez Vicente 
Published: December 2023

Key TakeawaysThe US Environmental Protection Agency released its Storage Tank Assessment Study Protocol in 2021 as an optional tool to help water utilities gauge water quality issues.Knowledge about the complexity of storage tank ecosystems and associated potential public health risks can be included in water management programs.Pilot‐scale and field‐based testing with genomic data yielded insights into biogeochemical processes of tank ecosystems that can help utilities minimize bacterial growth.
The Human Right to Water: UN Definitions, Implications, and Effects
Authors: Li Samuel , Carpenter Adam 
Published: December 2023

Key TakeawaysIn 2010, the United Nations (UN) embarked on formally recognizing the human right to water, although safe water had been in its scope as early as 1977.Departments, committees, councils, and other bodies within the UN have outlined standards, definitions, and goals to serve as a universal framework for working toward safe, affordable, accessible water.The UN has provided guidance to countries and governments worldwide, helping developing as well as developed nations.
Unlocking the potential of teak seed waste: carbonization for sustainable resource transformation
Authors: Adeniyi Adewale George , Iwuozor Kingsley O. , Ezzat Abdelrahman O. , Muritala Kabiru B. , Emenike Ebuka Chizitere , Oyekunle Ifeoluwa Peter 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe importance of carbonizing teak seed waste lies in unlocking its untapped potential for sustainable resource transformation while achieving waste management and converting the waste to more valuable products. This study investigates the production and characterization of teak‐seed biochar employing a top‐lit updraft reactor. The process parameters include a carbonization time of 2 h and a peak temperature of 379 °C, resulting in a substantial yield of 42%. Elemental analysis reveals the biochar's composition, consisting of 77.20% carbon and 18.79% potassium, positioning it as a valuable resource with versatile applications. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showcases a rich variety of functional groups within the biochar, including alcohols, carboxylic and phenolic groups, amides, and various hydrocarbon structures, signifying its multifaceted potential for applications like the adsorption of aqueous pollutants, soil stabilization, and enhanced ion‐exchange capacity. Textural assessments emphasize its noteworthy surface area (Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) analysis: 190.05 m2g−1; Langmuir: 1664.35 m2g−1), micropore volume (0.069 cm3g−1), and total pore volume (0.097 cm3/g−1), primarily characterized by mesoporous attributes (pore diameter: 2.153 nm), rendering it suitable for various applications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of surface morphology reveals a rough texture embellished with various‐sized and shaped particles, distinguished by their silvery, shiny appearance, which is attributed to the biochar's elemental composition, particularly the presence of potassium. These findings underline the promising potential of teak seed biochar across multiple applications, including agriculture, wastewater treatment, and environmental remediation.
Association of white matter hyperintensities with long‐term EGFR‐TKI treatment and prediction of progression risk
Authors: Yang Hang , Meng Rui , Jiang Junjie , Luo Yan , Deng Xiaolin , Yang Sibo , Chen Shengcai , Wu Jiehong , Wan Yan , Li Yanan , Jin Huijuan , He Quanwei , Wang David , Chang Jiang , Yang Kunyu , Zhou Yifan , Hu Bo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that brain white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are more common in patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) and identify clinical risk factors associated with WMH.Experimental designThis multiple‐center, prospective cohort study was conducted from March 2017 to July 2020. Two groups of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received or did not receive EGFR‐TKI were included and followed up for more than 24 months. The progression of WMH was defined as an increase of ≥1 point on the Fazekas visual rating scale between the baseline and at the 2‐year follow‐up. A modified Poisson regression model was performed to evaluate risk factors on increased WMH load.ResultsAmong 286 patients with NSCLC, 194 (68%) patients with NSCLC who received EGFR‐TKI and 92 (32%) patients with NSCLC without EGFR‐TKI treatment were analyzed. Modified Poisson regression analysis showed that EGFR‐TKI treatment was independently associated with the WMH progression (EGFR‐TKI: aRR 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46–5.06, p = .002). Interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐10 were associated with increased WMH in the adjusted model (IL‐2: aRR 1.55 [95% CI 1.06–2.25], p = .023; IL‐4: aRR 1.66 [95% CI 1.13–2.43], p = .010; IL‐10: aRR 1.48 [95% CI 1.06–2.06], p = .020).ConclusionPatients with NSCLC who received EGFR‐TKI may be at higher risk of developing WMH or worsening of WMH burden. The impact of increased WMH lesions in these patients is to be further assessed. IL‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐10 may be used as potential biomarkers to monitor the risk of increased WMH burden
Associations of circulating immunomarkers with the efficacy of immunotherapy for primary hepatic carcinoma
Authors: Liu Sha , Xu Wentao , Shu Hang , Dai Ying , Du Yingying , Liu Yunmei , Huang Lei , Sun Guoping 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPeripheral blood immunomarkers are associated with prognosis in patients with solid tumors receiving chemotherapy or immunotherapy. In this study, the associations of circulating neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), as well as their dynamic changes were investigated in relation to the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with primary liver cancer.MethodsComparisons were made between NLR, MLR, and PLR among individuals exhibiting disease control (defined as the best response of partial response [PR] or stable disease [SD]) and those with progressive disease (PD). Additionally, disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and progression‐free survival (PFS) were compared between individuals with different NLR, MLR, and PLR levels before initiating palliative immunotherapy. Furthermore, comparisons were made between patients with different alterations in the ratios at the second cycle of immunotherapy compared to baseline. These analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate approaches. A total of 119 Chinese patients with liver cancer who underwent immunotherapy were included in this study, which focused on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).ResultsIn cases with HCC (n = 104), the cutoffs of NLR, MLR, and PLR to differentiate treatment responders from nonresponders were 3.38, 0.28, and 227.18, respectively. Patients with the best response of PR or SD had significantly lower NLR and MLR. Patients with NLR <3.38 and those with MLR <0.28 significantly had longer OS and PFS than their counterparts, and those with PLR <227.18 had significantly longer PFS, both in overall patients and in various patient subgroups. Lower NLR, MLR, or PLR was associated with earlier BCLC stage, fewer metastatic sites, less frequent extrahepatic metastasis, or better performance status. For individuals who had an unfavorable baseline NLR ≥3.38, MLR ≥0.28, or a favorable baseline PLR <227.18 prior to first immunotherapy, a decrease in NLR, MLR, or PLR at Cycle 2 of immunotherapy was significantly associated with a higher DCR.ConclusionsAmong patients with HCC who received immunotherapy, lower NLR, and MLR at baseline in overall patients were significantly associated with better disease control and more favorable survival outcomes (both OS and PFS), and lower PLR was significantly associated with longer PFS. The findings of this research may offer useful hints foranoptimized selection of patients with liver cancer who may benefit more from immunotherapy.
Two Allogons of an O2‐activating Bis(disiloxido)ferrate(II) Accessible Selectively just by Variation of the Crystallization Temperature
Authors: Beckmann Fabian , Woite Philipp , Yelin Stefan , Kass Dustin , Usvyat Denis , Roemelt Michael , Limberg Christian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDeprotonation of O(iPr2SiOH)2 (iPrLH2) with LiOtBu followed by reaction with FeCl2 in THF led to the complex [iPrL2Fe][Li(THF)2]2, 2, which represents a structural and spectroscopic model of the α‐Fe sites of Fe/ZSM‐5. Reaction with O2 in THF solution proceeds rather fast and is complete within 200 ms; an intermediate O2 adduct could not be identified by stopped‐flow methods. Cooling blue solutions of 2 to −80 °C led to the growth of blue crystals of 2⋅THF, the analysis of which by XRD revealed a FeO4 core that is somewhat distorted from planarity towards a tetrahedral structure. By contrast, cooling such solutions to −30 °C led to pink crystals of an allogon featuring a perfectly square planar FeO4 entity. Hence, 2 represents a unique case where two different structural isomers (allogons) can be crystallized from the same solvent selectively, controlled by the temperature. DFT calculations were performed to understand this finding.
Ferroelectricity and Related Properties of Nitratecadmate(II) Hybrid with Metal‐Vacancy
Authors: Wang Na , Yue Zhi‐Yuan , Li Hua‐Kai , Liu Shan‐Shan , Miao Le‐Ping , Ye Heng‐Yun , Shi Chao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAll crystals are not ideal, and many of their properties are often determined not by the regular arrangement of atoms, but by the irregular arrangement of crystal defects. Many properties of materials can be controlled effectively by proper use of solid defects. By substitution of NH4+ ion of a hexagonal perovskite structure (H2dabco)(NH4)(NO3)3 (dabco=1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 1) with Cd2+ ion, we obtained a new metal‐vacancy compound (H2dabco)2Cd(H2O)2(NO3)6 (2). It exhibits a ferroelectric‐paraelectric phase transition at 261 K. A comparison of the various‐temperature single‐crystal structures indicates that the coordination twist of Cd2+ ion leads to instability of the lattices and excellent ferroelectricity. These findings reveal that the vacancy can be utilized as an element to produce ferroelectricity and may start the chemistry of metal‐vacancy coordination compounds. These findings reveals that the vacancy can be utilized as an effective means to tune the symmetry and produce ferroelectricity.
Electron and Spin Delocalization in [Co6Se8(PEt3)6]0/+1 Superatoms
Authors: Xu Yunyao , Chen Jia , Aydt Alexander P. , Zhang Lichirui , Sergeyev Ivan , Keeler Eric G. , Choi Bonnie , He Shoushou , Reichman David R. , Friesner Richard A. , Nuckolls Colin , Steigerwald Michael L. , Roy Xavier , McDermott Ann E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMolecular clusters can function as nanoscale atoms/superatoms, assembling into superatomic solids, a new class of solid‐state materials with designable properties through modifications on superatoms. To explore possibilities on diversifying building blocks, here we thoroughly studied one representative superatom, Co6Se8(PEt3)6. We probed its structural, electronic, and magnetic properties and revealed its detailed electronic structure as valence electrons delocalize over inorganic [Co6Se8] core while ligands function as an insulated shell. 59Co SSNMR measurements on the core and 31P, 13C on the ligands show that the neutral Co6Se8(PEt3)6 is diamagnetic and symmetric, with all ligands magnetically equivalent. Quantum computations cross‐validate NMR results and reveal degenerate delocalized HOMO orbitals, indicating aromaticity. Ligand substitution keeps the inorganic core nearly intact. After losing one electron, the unpaired electron in [Co6Se8(PEt3)6]+1 is delocalized, causing paramagnetism and a delocalized electron spin. Notably, this feature of electron/spin delocalization over a large cluster is attractive for special single‐electron devices.
A compact bipolar high‐voltage pulser with a novel transistor gate–source protection scheme for ultrasound imaging applications
Authors: Ehsanipour Reza , Shoaei Omid 
Published: December 2023

SummaryIn this article, a compact integrated high‐voltage (HV) pulser is presented, which can serve as an actuator in area‐limited medical ultrasound imaging applications. The proposed HV pulser is capable of producing bipolar return‐to‐zero (RTZ) HV pulses with a maximum peak‐to‐peak amplitude of 60 V. A novel RTZ stage including a new transistor gate–source protection scheme is used in this work, resulting in a reduced die area by enabling the use of an embedded transmit/receive (T/R) switch and obviating the need for a separate T/R switch. The proposed HV pulser also incorporates programmable delay elements by which the RTZ time can be controlled. By selecting the minimum allowed value of delay, the pulser is able to generate square‐wave HV pulses as well. Designed and implemented in a 0.18‐μm HV Bipolar‐CMOS‐DMOS (BCD) technology, the pulser occupies a layout area of 0.455 mm2. The function of the proposed design has been verified using post‐layout simulations when driving a 220‐pF capacitor in parallel with a 1‐kΩ resistor load. The simulation results indicate that the pulser consumes an average power of 14.85 mW when producing 2‐MHz, three‐cycle HV pulses with a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 5 kHz.
A 14T radiation hardened SRAM for space applications with high reliability
Authors: Bai Na , Qin Zhangyi , Li Li , Xu Yaohua , Wang Yi 
Published: December 2023

SummaryStatic Random Access Memory (SRAM) is vital in aerospace applications, but it may experience soft errors in strong radiation environments. This paper proposes a reconfigurable radiation SRAM with two operating modes catering to different environmental requirements: (1) traditional triple modular redundancy mode used when the radiation environment is strong and (2) SRAM cell expansion mode used when the radiation is not very strong. For example, when the memory capacity of a single module is 8 k, the memory capacity is 8 k in traditional triple modular redundancy mode, but it can be tripled to 24 K in extended mode. As can be obviously seen, this design can adjust the size according to the needs. In SRAM cell expansion mode, the proposed 14T SRAM cell enables the memory to maintain radiation resistance. Compared with DICE, RHBD‐12T, and WHIT, the read speed is improved by 3.8%, 5.7%, and 11.5% respectively, but compared with WE‐QUATRO, the read speed is reduced by 1.9%. The hold static noise margin is 1.378 times than DICE, 1.201 times than WE‐QUATRO, 1.045 times than RHBD‐12T, and 1.14 times than WHIT, respectively. The proposed 14T cell in this paper exhibits the highest critical charge value compared with the other cells. Combined with the expansion mode of the reconfiguration design, it shows great stability.
Permafrost microbial communities follow shifts in vegetation, soils, and megafauna extinctions in Late Pleistocene NW North America
Authors: Murchie Tyler J. , Long George S. , Lanoil Brian D. , Froese Duane , Poinar Hendrik N. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe analyzed the microbial constituent of sedimentary ancient DNA sequence data recovered from subarctic loessal permafrost sediments dating between 30,000 and 4000 years ago. These data were originally studied for paleo‐ecological shifts in plants and animals associated with the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. Here, we explore whether there were changes in microbial communities paralleling the transition from distinctive cold‐adapted Ice Age megafauna and vegetation communities—the mammoth steppe ecosystem—toward the expansion of woody shrubs, extirpation of grazing megaherbivores, and development of the boreal forest. We observe a clear shift in the relative proportions of prokaryotic taxa after ca. 13,300 years ago associated with the collapse of the mammoth steppe. These data are consistent among study sites and between replicates processed with different methodologies (shotgun sequencing and targeted capture), which highlights that the “off‐target” fraction of metagenomic data used to study macro‐ecosystems can also be used to investigate synchronous changes in microbial communities. Functional analyses were performed with SEED and KEGG databases where we observed a shift in methane metabolism pathways after ~13,100 years ago, which suggests that there was a shift in methanogenesis away from animal gut microflora at the end of the Pleistocene. There does not appear to be a significant shift in the overall diversity of microbial communities despite the observed taxonomic and functional changes.
Electrochemical detection of tryptophan in fish and pharmaceutical supplement at glassy carbon electrode modified with Fe doped ZnO nanoparticle
Authors: Teshome Toleshi , Addisu Kitte Shimeles , Gure Abera , Gonfa Guta 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe co‐precipitation approach was employed in this study to create Fe doped ZnO (Fe‐ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). To characterize the synthesized NPs, Ultra violet‐Visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) were used. Here, a novel electrochemical approach for the detection of tryptophan (Trp) using a glassy carbon electrode modified with Fe‐ZnO NPs (Fe‐ZnO/GCE) is demonstrated. The research findings revealed that Fe‐ZnO/GCE enhanced the electron transfer rate of Trp oxidation. The sensitivity of Trp detection using Fe‐ZnO/GCE in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at pH 64.0 was significantly improved compared to bare GCE due to the electrocatalytic activity of Fe‐ZnO NPs. Fe‐ZnO/GCE exhibited a linear response with Trp concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 150 μM with the limit of detection (LOD) is 0.089 μM (3σ/m) and limit of quantification (LOQ) about 0.3 μM (10σ/m) using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The Fe‐ZnO/GCE sensor was also effectively used to detect Trp in African catfish and multivitamin tablets. Trp analysis in real samples exhibited good recovery values of 89.60 to 99.15 %, demonstrating the accuracy and practicality of the method.
TBDLNet: A network for classifying multidrug‐resistant and drug‐sensitive tuberculosis
Authors: Zhu Ziquan , Tao Jing , Wang Shuihua , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yudong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper proposes applying a novel deep‐learning model, TBDLNet, to recognize CT images to classify multidrug‐resistant and drug‐sensitive tuberculosis automatically. The pre‐trained ResNet50 is selected to extract features. Three randomized neural networks are used to alleviate the overfitting problem. The ensemble of three RNNs is applied to boost the robustness via majority voting. The proposed model is evaluated by five‐fold cross‐validation. Five indexes are selected in this paper, which are accuracy, sensitivity, precision, F1‐score, and specificity. The TBDLNet achieves 0.9822 accuracy, 0.9815 specificity, 0.9823 precision, 0.9829 sensitivity, and 0.9826 F1‐score, respectively. The TBDLNet is suitable for classifying multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis and drug‐sensitive tuberculosis. It can detect multidrug‐resistant pulmonary tuberculosis as early as possible, which helps to adjust the treatment plan in time and improve the treatment effect.