bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a synthetic biosensor for chemical exchange MRI utilizing in silico optimized peptides
Authors: Fillion Adam J. , Bricco Alexander R. , Lee Harvey D. , Korenchan David E. , Farrar Christian T. , Gilad Assaf A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractChemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI has been identified as a novel alternative to classical diagnostic imaging. Over the last several decades, many studies have been conducted to determine possible CEST agents, such as endogenously expressed compounds or proteins, that can be utilized to produce contrast with minimally invasive procedures and reduced or non‐existent levels of toxicity. In recent years there has been an increased interest in the generation of genetically engineered CEST contrast agents, typically based on existing proteins with CEST contrast or modified to produce CEST contrast. We have developed an in silico method for the evolution of peptide sequences to optimize CEST contrast and showed that these peptides could be combined to create de novo biosensors for CEST MRI. A single protein, superCESTide, was designed to be 198 amino acids. SuperCESTide was expressed in E. coli and purified with size exclusion chromatography. The magnetic transfer ratio asymmetry generated by superCESTide was comparable to levels seen in previous CEST reporters, such as protamine sulfate (salmon protamine) and human protamine. These data show that novel peptides with sequences optimized in silico for CEST contrast that utilize a more comprehensive range of amino acids can still produce contrast when assembled into protein units expressed in complex living environments.
Preparation and properties of Schiff base fluorescent hydrogels with high strength and toughness based on multiple hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic association
Authors: Lu Weineng , He Jinde , Zhang He , Qu Jinqing 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe preparation of hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties by the synergistic interaction of various non‐covalent bonds is one of the research focuses. However, the emerging applications put forward requirements on the function, in addition to the mechanical properties. Therefore, we prepared a physically cross‐linked Schiff base fluorescent hydrogel Poly(methacrylic acid‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate‐co‐(Z)‐N‐(4‐(2‐((1H‐indol‐3‐yl)methylene)hydrazino‐1‐carbonyl)phenyl)methacrylamide) (P(MAA‐PEGA‐IHPMA)) by solvent exchange method, which greatly improved the mechanical properties of the hydrogel, and realized the versatility of the hydrogel. The hydrogel improved the binding energy and crosslinking density through the synergistic effects of non‐covalent bonds such as hydrophobic association, hydrogen bonding and metal complexation. Therefore, the hydrogel had excellent mechanical properties (the maximum tensile fracture stress and strain are 1.45 MPa and 401%, respectively, and the maximum toughness was 3.41 MJ/m3), and could be regulated by changing the content of IHPMA. Moreover, its fluorescence properties could be controlled by the concentration of Zn2+. In addition, P(MAA‐PEGA‐IHPMA) hydrogel also showed temperature response, solvent‐responsive fluorescence, antibacterial properties and shape memory function. The fluorescent hydrogel with high strength and toughness had potential applications in temperature control materials, anti‐fatigue materials and flexible sensors.
Turbulence near a sandbar island in the lower Missouri River
Authors: Li Geng , Elliott Caroline M. , Call Bruce C. , Sansom Brandon J. , Jacobson Robert B. , Wang Binbin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRiver turbulence is spatially variable due to interactions between morphology of rivers and physical mechanics of flowing water. Understanding the variation of turbulence in rivers is important for characterizing transport processes of soluble and particulate materials in these systems. We present an exploratory effort to understand ecologically relevant flow patterns using measurements of mean flow and turbulence in a highly engineered river channel around an island in the lower Missouri River. Specifically, the profiles of mean river velocities were investigated to examine the logarithmic relation and associated parameters, including shear velocity and bed roughness. Turbulence intensity and Reynolds shear stress were compared with classic open‐channel profiles and previously reported river data in the hydraulics literature. With the capability of pulse‐to‐pulse coherent Doppler velocity profiling in high spatial resolution, we estimated the profiles of turbulence dissipation rate using resolved one‐dimensional velocity spectra. These measurement data allow us to examine the validity of turbulence production‐dissipation balance and the classic open‐channel profiles of turbulence statistics, including turbulence intensity, Reynolds shear stress, dissipation rate, and eddy viscosity. The field data show a strong variation of turbulence profiles in close vicinity of the river island. In shallow water depths close to the island, turbulence is substantially enhanced in comparison with classic open‐channel profiles. Such turbulence enhancement is likely attributed to non‐uniformity of the flow structures.
Advanced Hybrid Ceramics for Nuclear and Hydrogen Energy Applications
Authors: Sadiq Iqra , Asim Ali Syed , Ahmad Tokeer 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGlobal energy crisis has encouraged the need for sustainable energy resources, which is the viable alternate of providing effective energy operations and considered as remedy for the ongoing energy crisis. Development in the science and technology eases out plenty of issues that were once thought to be uphill. Presently, earth is being subjected to several grave issues which need to be addressed as soon as possible. Nuclear and hydrogen energy are the important areas which promise the optimistic way of handling the existential energy crisis due to cost, scarcity of resources and unavailability of considerable feedstock. Ceramics are the diverse inorganic materials which offer tremendous chemical and physical characteristics. Due to their structural, compositional and morphological versatility, advanced ceramics based hybrid materials can be exploited in nuclear and hydrogen energy applications as discussed in this review. Extensive survey outlined the applicability of ceramics in various nuclear science based applications as they include fissionable species and possess higher thermal conductivity, their enormous resistance towards radiation and refractoriness in fuels and in waste residuals due to their potential to hold radio nuclides and surveyed the scope of several metal oxides ceramics in carrying out hydrogen energy operations via overall water splitting.
Decentralized robust control of building structures based on sliding mode theory
Authors: Dong Gang , Wang JianGuo , Dong XiaoTian , Geng ShuWei 
Published: July 2023

SummaryIn this paper, a decentralized control algorithm is proposed for actively controlling the response of the flexible tall building structures under earthquake excitations. In the proposed approach, tall building structure was divided into some substructures in the form of state equation. The interaction of the subsystems and external excitations is conducted as bounded generalized force acting on the subsystems. A decentralized control algorithm of tall building structures is established based on the sliding model control theory. The control structure is described based on unit vector control. The control law consists of two parts: a linear control law uL and a nonlinear law uN. The linear control is merely a linear state feedback controller, whereas the nonlinear feedback controller incorporates the discontinuous or continuous nonlinear elements of the control law. Using the advantage of match conditions of sliding mode theory and the bounded feature of generalized force, the overall stability of decentralized control is also investigated. The actuator arrangement and matching conditions are discussed. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by the numerical simulation of the decentralized control of a 20‐story benchmark structure under seismic excitations.
Visual biofeedback for shortening second stage of labor: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Preuss E. , De Porto A. , Zisman I. , Bason H. , Ron‐Tal O. , Tovbin J. , Barzilay E. 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine whether visual biofeedback can be used during labor as an effective tool for shortening the second stage of labor and reducing the need for instrumental delivery.MethodsThis was a single‐center randomized controlled trial. Nulliparous women under epidural anesthesia were randomized at the point of full dilation into the biofeedback group (n = 50) or the control group (n = 50). Both groups received coached maternal pushing during four consecutive contractions, while an experienced obstetrician performed transperineal ultrasound. Only women in the biofeedback group observed the ultrasound display screen. Following this intervention, labor was managed routinely by the obstetric team. Angle of progression (AOP) was measured at rest and while pushing, before and during the first and fourth contractions. Second‐stage duration and delivery outcomes were compared between groups.ResultsVisual biofeedback did not affect the duration of the second stage, which lasted for a median of 2.28 (interquartile range (IQR), 1.25–3.10) h in the biofeedback group vs 2.08 (IQR, 1.58–3.02) h in the control group (P = 0.981). AOP was significantly higher in the biofeedback group compared with the control group, both at rest before the fourth contraction (mean ± SD, 142.6° ± 15.9° vs 136.8° ± 13.1°; P = 0.049) and while pushing during the fourth contraction (mean ± SD, 159.3° ± 19.2° vs 149.4° ± 15.1°; P = 0.005). The increase in AOP was significantly higher in the biofeedback compared with the control group between rest and pushing at the last push (mean ± SD, 16.6° ± 11.0° vs 12.6° ± 8.3°; P = 0.041) and between the first rest and last push (mean ± SD, 24.4° ± 13.6° vs 17.9° ± 11.3°; P = 0.011). The rate of intact perineum was similar between groups (12% vs 8%; P = 0.505).ConclusionsVisual biofeedback during the second stage of labor may facilitate descent of fetal head during maternal pushing without affecting second‐stage duration, possibly due to the short duration of the intervention. Future studies should focus on continuous intervention throughout the second stage of labor. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
What drives population ageing? A cointegration analysis
Authors: De Santis Gustavo , Salinari Giambattista 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWhile “classical” demography imputes population ageing to low fertility, a recent “revisionist” line of thinking signals the emergence of ageing “from the top” (i.e., due to low mortality), starting slightly after World War II. We join this debate proving that, in the long run, mortality affects the population age structure, and therefore also ageing, more than customarily believed. With data taken from the Human Mortality Database on eight populations located in Europe, North America and Oceania, and for as far back as possible (up to 1820 in some cases), and applying cointegration analysis, we show that most of the historical change observed in the proportions of young, adult and old people in these countries can be derived solely from changes in survival, ignoring fertility and migration.
Climate Change Impacts on Rainwater Tank’s Potential Water Savings, Efficiency and Reliability Presenting Relationship Between ‘Seasonality Index’ and Water Savings Efficiency
Authors: Imteaz Monzur A. , Khan Mohammad S. , Yilmaz Abdullah G. , Shanableh Abdallah 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe paper presents potential impacts of climate change on rainwater tanks outcomes such as water savings, reliability and water savings efficiency under two projected climate change scenarios; RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 utilising a case study using rainfall data from four stations within the city of Brisbane, Australia. Historical rainfall data were collected from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website for the selected stations. Projected daily rainfall data were collected from Australian government data portal for the same stations within Brisbane. Using an earlier developed daily water balance model, eTank potential annual water savings were calculated for several weather and climate change scenarios with varied roof areas and rainwater demandValues of ‘Seasonality Index (SI)’, a commonly used factor representing rainfall variability within a year, were explored to validate earlier developed relationships between SI and water savings efficiency through rainwater tanks. It is found that in most cases water savings in future periods are expected to decrease and such decrease is not necessarily attributed to the expected decrease in rainfall amounts in future, rather also affected by future reductions in rainwater tank reliability. Linear relationships between potential future water savings and reliabilities for all the stations are found. Relationship between SI and water savings efficiency was established, and it is found that the relationship slightly varies with an earlier developed relationship using historical data. Compared to earlier established relationship, for lower SI values water savings efficiency is expected to become better, while for higher SI values the water savings efficiency is expected to become worse. Also, an increase of roof area from 100 m2to 200 m2will cause an average increase of water savings efficiency by 25% and an increase of rainwater usage from 200 L/day to 300 L/day will cause an average increase of water savings efficiency by 20%.
Dreams of atomic genocide: The bomb, racial violence, and fantasies of annihilation
Authors: Meiches Benjamin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper examines the influence of nuclear weapons on fantasies of racial violence. Specifically, it argues that weapons impact the emergence of social formations, producing unique patterns of thought, desire, anticipation, and identity. While the effects of nuclear power have been central to disciplinary debates in international studies, existing critical commentary has largely focused on the discriminatory nature of the global nuclear hierarchy. By focusing on the productive impact of weapons on cultural registers, this article demonstrates that nuclear power not only reinforces global structures of racism and colonialism but also creates new articulations of white supremacy. It argues that a specific fantasy of nuclear genocide, seizing nuclear power as a means for executing a global race war, is an expression germane to the nuclear age. This article concludes by arguing that this fantasy plays an important role in white supremacist approaches to politics and existing forms of racist hierarchy.
China, Ethiopia and the Significance of the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Yan Hairong , Sautman Barry 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) mobilizes Chinese construction and investment in developing countries. Ethiopia is Africa's “model” BRI country, due to China's elaborate infrastructure financing and building and its many manufacturing enterprises. Based on field and documentary research, we examine the BRI's meaning, as understood from the perspective of Ethiopia, in comparison to many China-oriented studies. We find that it is an informal Chinese state promise that even when capital flows from China to non-BRI states are curbed, flows to BRI states will be encouraged, and that Ethiopia exercises agency in leveraging the BRI for its development agenda. Using a comprehensive data set, we show that Chinese investment has become even more important in Ethiopia with the BRI and that neither COVID-19 nor Ethiopia's civil war has reversed that trend. We also discuss local criticisms of Chinese activities, which challenge the wholly positive view of the BRI, but do not affirm the US-generated negative narrative.
Lipid droplets: a cellular organelle vital in cancer cells
Authors: Jin Yi , Tan Yanjie , Wu Jian , Ren Zhuqing 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLipid droplets (LDs) are cellular organelles comprising a core of neutral lipids (glycerides, sterols) encased within a single phospholipid membrane, responsible for storing surplus lipids and furnishing cellular energy. LDs engage in lipid synthesis, catabolism, and transport processes by interacting with other organelles (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria), and they play critical roles in regulating cellular stress and immunity. Recent research has uncovered that an elevated number of LDs is a hallmark of cancer cells, attributable to their enhanced lipid uptake and synthesis capacity, with lipids stored as LDs. Depletion of LDs in cancer cells induces apoptosis, prompting the emergence of small molecule antitumor drugs targeting LDs or key factors (e.g., FASN, SCD1) within the lipid synthesis pathway. Advancements in LD isolation and artificial synthesis have demonstrated their potential applicability in antitumor research. LDs extracted from murine adipose tissue and incubated with lipophilic antitumor drugs yield drug-coated LDs, which promote apoptosis in cancer cells. Furthermore, LDs have been employed as biological lenses to augment the resolution of subcellular structures (microfilaments, microtubules), facilitating the observation of intricate structures within thicker cells, including cancer cells. This review delineates the functional and metabolic mechanisms of LDs in cancer cells and encapsulates recent progress in LD-centered antitumor research, offering novel insights for tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Using narratives to infer preferences in understanding the energy efficiency gap
Authors: Wekhof Tobias , Houde Sébastien 
Published: July 2023

AbstractInvesting in energy efficiency is crucial for a low-carbon economy, particularly in the building sector. Despite various subsidy programmes, meeting energy targets is challenging because households do not invest sufficiently. Here we study the low numbers of energy efficiency retrofits carried out by homeowners. We use narratives, an emerging method based on open-ended survey responses, to identify the barriers and determinants behind renovation decisions. Using natural language processing, we transform narratives into quantifiable metrics. Whereas financial considerations are a major barrier for homeowners, their main reasons for renovating are not related to energy savings. Most homeowners delay energy-saving investments until their buildings require renovations. Co-benefits such as environmental concerns and comfort gains are equally or more important than financial motivations. Many homeowners are unaware of existing policies and would favour reducing the bureaucracy of retrofits. Subsidies, although popular, are likely to be mistargeted. Effective policies should also consider institutional factors such as the bureaucratic burden and the accessibility of information.
A future of extreme precipitation and droughts in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Potter Emily R. , Fyffe Catriona L. , Orr Andrew , Quincey Duncan J. , Ross Andrew N. , Rangecroft Sally , Medina Katy , Burns Helen , Llacza Alan , Jacome Gerardo , Hellström Robert Å. , Castro Joshua , Cochachin Alejo , Montoya Nilton , Loarte Edwin , Pellicciotti Francesca 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRunoff from glacierised Andean river basins is essential for sustaining the livelihoods of millions of people. By running a high-resolution climate model over the two most glacierised regions of Peru we unravel past climatic trends in precipitation and temperature. Future changes are determined from an ensemble of statistically downscaled global climate models. Projections under the high emissions scenario suggest substantial increases in temperature of 3.6 °C and 4.1 °C in the two regions, accompanied by a 12% precipitation increase by the late 21st century. Crucially, significant increases in precipitation extremes (around 75% for total precipitation on very wet days) occur together with an intensification of meteorological droughts caused by increased evapotranspiration. Despite higher precipitation, glacier mass losses are enhanced under both the highest emission and stabilization emission scenarios. Our modelling provides a new projection of combined and contrasting risks, in a region already experiencing rapid environmental change.
Clonal origin of KMT2A wild-type lineage-switch leukemia following CAR-T cell and blinatumomab therapy
Authors: Coorens Tim H. H. , Collord Grace , Treger Taryn D. , Adams Stuart , Mitchell Emily , Newman Barbara , Getz Gad , Godfrey Anna L. , Bartram Jack , Behjati Sam 
Published: July 2023

AbstractChildren with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing anti-CD19 therapy occasionally develop acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The clonal origin of such lineage-switch leukemias1–4 remains unresolved. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny of multiple leukemias in a girl who, following multiply relapsed ALL, received anti-CD19 cellular and antibody treatment and subsequently developed AML. Whole genome sequencing unambiguously revealed the AML derived from the initial ALL, with distinct driver mutations that were detectable before emergence. Extensive prior diversification and subsequent clonal selection underpins this fatal lineage switch. Genomic monitoring of primary leukemias and recurrences may predict therapy resistance, especially regarding anti-CD19 treatment.