bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophages facilitate tumor cell PD‐L1 expression via an IL‐1β‐centered loop to attenuate immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Xu Cheng , Xia Yu , Zhang Bai‐Wei , Drokow Emmanuel Kwateng , Li Hua‐Yi , Xu Sen , Wang Zhen , Wang Si‐Yuan , Jin Ping , Fang Tian , Xiong Xiao‐Ming , Huang Pu , Jin Ning , Tan Jia‐Hong , Zhong Qing , Chen Yu‐Xin , Zhang Qi , Fang Yong , Ye Fei , Gao Qing‐Lei
Published: March 2023

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) play critical roles in reprogramming other immune cells and orchestrating antitumor immunity. However, the interplay between TAMs and tumor cells responsible for enhancing immune evasion remains insufficiently understood. Here, we revealed that interleukin (IL)‐1β was among the most abundant cytokines within the in vitro tumor‐macrophage coculture system, and enhanced IL‐1β expression was associated with impaired cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells in human ovarian cancer, indicating the possibility that IL‐1β mediated immunosuppression during tumor‐TAMs crosstalk. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that IL‐1β significantly boosted programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression in tumor cells via the activation of the nuclear factor‐κb signaling cascade. Specifically, IL‐1β released from TAMs was triggered by lactate, the anaerobic metabolite of tumor cells, in an inflammasome activation‐dependent manner. IL‐1β sustained and intensified immunosuppression by promoting C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 secretion in tumor cells to fuel TAMs recruitment. Importantly, IL‐1β neutralizing antibody significantly curbed tumor growth and displayed synergistic antitumor efficacies with anti‐PD‐L1 antibody in tumor‐bearing mouse models. Together, this study presents an IL‐1β‐centered immunosuppressive loop between TAMs and tumor cells, highlighting IL‐1β as a candidate therapeutic target to reverse immunosuppression and potentiate immune checkpoint blockade.
Hopes and concerns regarding the implementation of expanded access protocols in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Lee Ikjae , Simmons Zachary
Published: March 2023

See article on pages 456–463 in this issue.
Preparation of polyaniline/cellulose nanofiber composites with enhanced anticorrosion performance for waterborne epoxy resin coatings
Authors: Zhao Yuxiang , Huang Minggang , Gao Zhiwei , He Heng , Chen Yan , He Feng , Lin Yi , Yan Bin , Chen Sheng
Published: March 2023

In this work, polyaniline‐cellulose nanofiber (PANI‐CNF) nanocomposites were prepared by in‐situ polymerization of aniline on 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) oxidized CNFs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope demonstrate the successful polymerization of aniline on CNFs. The PANI‐CNF nanocomposites were added as nanofillers to waterborne epoxy resin (WER) in different proportions. The composite coatings with different contents of PANI‐CNFs were prepared by fabricating the mixture on the Q235 steel sheets. The corrosion resistance of different coatings was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results confirmed that composite coatings containing 0.5% PANI‐CNF exhibit the optimum anticorrosion behaviors and best corrosion resistance, which shows the lowest corrosion current density (1.788 × 10−7 A/cm−2) and highest corrosion potential (−0.458 V). In addition, PANI‐CNF can significantly enhance the anticorrosion performance of WER coatings and maintain a high value even after 40 days of immersion in NaCl solutions. The above performances are attributed to the synergistic effect of the barrier effects and the passivation mechanism. Therefore, the bio‐based composite materials developed in this work are promising in enhancing the corrosion protection of mild steel, which is essential for the sustainable development of waterborne coatings.
Quasi‐Van der Waals Epitaxial Growth of GaN on Hexagonal Boron Nitride via Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Han Min , Ryu Beo Deul , Ko Kang Bok , Hong Chang-Hee
Published: March 2023

Herein, GaN grown on hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) layer is investigated through surface treatment to improve the quality of the GaN layer. The surface treatment method comprises the annealing and nitridation methods. The surface bonding property of the h‐BN layer is confirmed after surface treatment methods by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These conditions affect the formation of the N–H bond and limit the N–O bonding. For the X‐ray diffraction results of the GaN template on the h‐BN layer, the full width at half maximum of the GaN (002) plane significantly decreases with the surface treatment of the h‐BN layer, whereas that of the GaN (102) plane changes slightly. Moreover, the Raman spectra are measured to confirm the stress relaxation caused by the effect of quasi‐van der Waals (QvdW) epitaxy between the GaN and h‐BN layers. The GaN/h‐BN with surface treatment has smaller compressive strain value than GaN/sapphire. The QvdW epitaxy between the GaN and h‐BN layers affects the improvement of the GaN quality on h‐BN layer owing to the increased dangling bond density with surface treatment. Therefore, this indicates that the GaN grown on the h‐BN layer is QvdW epitaxy.
H∞ Control design for discrete‐time nonlinear delayed systems
Authors: Subramaniyam Ramasamy , Joo Young Hoon
Published: March 2023

This manuscript concerns the stabilization of discrete‐time Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy systems with additive time‐varying delay components. By constructing a suitable fuzzy Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional (LKF) with membership functions, the sufficient condition of the stability criteria has been established for the discrete‐time T‐S fuzzy systems with additive time‐varying delays. To do this, the extended version of Wirtinger's inequality is used to bound the forward differences of the LKF. By utilizing the T‐S fuzzy model approach, the dynamics of each fuzzy rule is expressioned by a linear system. Then, a fuzzy controller is designed to guarantee the performance of the closed‐loop system formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, the numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of our theoretical findings.
Size‐Dependent Electrochemistry of Oxygenated Ti3C2Tx MXenes
Authors: Lei Ling , Yin Jiaxi , Wu Kangbing , Yang Nianjun
Published: March 2023

2D MXenes are widely proved to be potential electrode materials, although the size effect on their electrochemistry is not fully understood. In this work, Ti3C2Tx nanoflakes are prepared through acidic etching of Ti3AlC2 powders, followed by the intercalation treatment with tetrapropylammonium hydroxide. Such a method produces large‐scale delaminated and oxygenated nanoflakes. With aid of centrifugation, the nanoflakes with varied lateral sizes and thicknesses are collected, where electrochemical response of charged redox probes and polar phenol molecules is varied. Density functional theory and energy dispersive spectroscopy confirm such electrochemical response is dependent on the size and thickness of used nanoflakes, more exactly the oxygen content on their surface. Taking the nanoflakes obtained using a centrifugal speed of 5000 rpm (MX‐TPA0.2) as an example, they feature good dispersibility, a high oxygen content, a small size, and a thin thickness. On these nanoflakes electrochemical response of polar p‐substituted phenols is pronounced, stemming from a strong electron‐withdrawing interaction of their oxygenated termination with the Ar‐OH. A sensitive electrochemical sensor is further constructed for the detection of p‐nitrophenol. This work thus provides an approach to synthesize MXenes with different sizes and thicknesses as well as further to reveal size‐dependent electrochemistry of MXenes.
Inhibition of sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury via thecircITCH‐miR‐579‐3p‐ZEB2axis
Authors: Li Qing , Wang Tianyi , Wang Ximin , Ge Xin‐Yu , Yang Tao , Bai Guang , Wang Wei
Published: March 2023

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are linked to the regulation of sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the function of circITCH in the development of sepsis‐induced AKI is still unclear. The levels of circITCH, miR‐579‐3p and ZEB2 were examined by real‐time PCR and immunoblotting. Then, the roles of circITCH in cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated HK‐2 cells were evaluated. The further mechanism was investigated using rescue assays. CircITCH was downregulated in septic AKI patients and LPS‐triggered HK‐2 cells. CircITCH overexpression restored cell viability in LPS‐treated HK‐2 cells and restrained apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine production. CircITCH negatively regulated miR‐579‐3p, thereby upregulating ZEB2 expression. Taken together, circITCH alleviates LPS‐induced HK‐2 cell injury by regulating miR‐579‐3p/ZEB2 signal axis, which provides a theoretical basis for AKI therapy.
Making Reference Genomes Useful: Annotation
Authors: García-Sancho Miguel , Lowe James
Published: March 2023

Through examining how the reference genomes of yeast, human and pig were annotated, in this chapter we further identify how the involvement or non-involvement of particular communities in the creation of a reference genome can affect the nature of the product. We therefore continue to distinguish the qualities of separate reference genomes, which are otherwise rendered as commensurate and equivalent objects by data repositories such as RefSeq. In doing so, we present alternative historical trajectories to the narrative centred around the Human Genome Project. In particular, this chapter conveys how the relationship between pig genomicists and a key annotation group at the Sanger Institute shaped the direction of annotation at that institution. This led the Sanger Institute group to formulate a new way of conducting ‘community annotation’, an approach that had previously been performed in a limited and attenuated fashion, for example at the jamboree meetings of Celera Genomics.
Improving and Going Beyond Reference Genomes
Authors: García-Sancho Miguel , Lowe James
Published: March 2023

In this chapter, we show that many of the features of ‘post-genomics’ were present in pre-reference genome research, and the reference genomics of yeast and pig. Due to the problems we identify with the notion of ‘post-genomics’, we instead propose the term ‘post-reference genomics’, which encompasses all the forms of genomic-related research opened up by the existence of a reference sequence. To identify what is distinct about post-reference genomics, we detail the relationship between two modes of research: functional and systematic. We observe how the evolving relationship between these two modes of research differs across species, and attribute this to distinct relationships between scientific communities and the pre-reference genomics or reference genomics work they were involved in. We close by considering the role of reference genomes and other genomic resources in seeding ‘webs of reference’ that enable researchers and other practitioners to explore the possible variation exhibited by a given species.
Accessing chiral-even quark generalised parton distributions in the exclusive photoproduction of a γπ± pair with large invariant mass in both fixed-target and collider experiments
Authors: Duplančić Goran , Nabeebaccus Saad , Passek-Kumerički Kornelija , Pire Bernard , Szymanowski Lech , Wallon Samuel
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We compute the exclusive photoproduction of a γπ± pair using the collinear factorisation framework, in the kinematic regime where the pair has a large invariant mass and the meson has a sufficiently large transverse momentum to not resonate with the outgoing nucleon. This exclusive channel presents a new avenue for the investigation of GPDs. It is particularly interesting as the high centre of mass energies available at future experiments will allow the study of GPDs at small skewness ξ. We compute the scattering amplitude of the process, at leading twist and leading order in αs, which is used to estimate its cross-section and linear polarisation asymmetries with respect to the incoming photon, for JLab 12-GeV, COMPASS, future EIC and LHC (in ultra-peripheral collisions) kinematics. We find that the order of magnitude of estimates are sufficiently large for a dedicated experimental analysis to be performed, especially at JLab. We also compare the results from an asymptotic distribution amplitude (DA) to those using a recently proposed holographic DA.
SEMA6C: a novel adhesion-independent FAK and YAP activator, required for cancer cell viability and growth
Authors: Fard Damon , Testa Erika , Panzeri Valentina , Rizzolio Sabrina , Bianchetti Giada , Napolitano Virginia , Masciarelli Silvia , Fazi Francesco , Maulucci Giuseppe , Scicchitano Bianca Maria , Sette Claudio , Viscomi Maria Teresa , Tamagnone Luca
Published: March 2023

Transmembrane semaphorins are signaling molecules, controlling axonal wiring and embryo development, which are increasingly implicated in human diseases. Semaphorin 6C (Sema6C) is a poorly understood family member and its functional role is still unclear. Upon targeting Sema6C expression in a range of cancer cells, we observed dramatic growth suppression, decreased ERK phosphorylation, upregulation of cell cycle inhibitor proteins p21, p27 and p53, and the onset of cell senescence, associated with activation of autophagy. These data are consistent with a fundamental requirement for Sema6C to support viability and growth in cancer cells. Mechanistically, we unveiled a novel signaling pathway elicited by Sema6C, and dependent on its intracellular domain, mediated by tyrosine kinases c-Abl and Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK). Sema6C was found in complex with c-Abl, and induced its phosphorylation, which in turn led to FAK activation, independent of cell–matrix adhesion. Sema6C-induced FAK activity was furthermore responsible for increased nuclear localization of YAP transcriptional regulator. Moreover, Sema6C conferred YAP signaling-dependent long-term cancer cell survival upon nutrient deprivation. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that Sema6C elicits a cancer promoting-signaling pathway sustaining cell viability and self-renewal, independent of growth factors and nutrients availability.
Detection of gases and organic vapors by cellulose-based sensors
Authors: Pena-Pereira Francisco , Lavilla Isela , de la Calle Inmaculada , Romero Vanesa , Bendicho Carlos
Published: March 2023

The growing interest in the development of cost-effective, straightforward, and rapid analytical systems has found cellulose-based materials, including cellulose derivatives, cellulose-based gels, nanocellulosic materials, and the corresponding (nano)cellulose-based composites, to be valuable platforms for sensor development. The present work presents recent advances in the development of cellulose-based sensors for the determination of volatile analytes and derivatives of analytical relevance. In particular, strategies described in the literature for the fabrication and modification of cellulose-based substrates with responsive materials are summarized. In addition, selected contributions reported in the field of paper-based volatile sensors are discussed, with a particular emphasis on quick response (QR) code paper-based platforms, intelligent films for food freshness monitoring, and sensor arrays for volatile discrimination purposes. Furthermore, analytical strategies devised for the determination of ionic species by in situ generation of volatile derivatives in both paper-based analytical devices (PADs) and microfluidic PADs will also be described.

Graphical abstract
Therapeutic perspective for children and young adults living with thalassemia and sickle cell disease
Authors: Ferraresi Marta , Panzieri Daniele Lello , Leoni Simona , Cappellini Maria Domenica , Kattamis Antonis , Motta Irene
Published: March 2023

Hemoglobinopathies, including thalassemias and sickle cell disease, are the most common monogenic diseases worldwide, with estimated annual births of more than 330,000 affected infants. Hemoglobin disorders account for about 3.4% of deaths in children under 5 years of age. The distribution of these diseases is historically linked to current or previously malaria-endemic regions; however, immigration has led to a worldwide distribution of these diseases, making them a global health problem. During the last decade, new treatment approaches and novel therapies have been proposed, some of which have the potential to change the natural history of these disorders. Indeed, the first erythroid maturation agent, luspatercept, and gene therapy have been approved for beta-thalassemia adult patients. For sickle cell disease, molecules targeting vaso-occlusion and hemoglobin S polymerization include crizanlizumab, which has been approved for patients ≥ 16 years, voxelotor approved for patients ≥ 12 years, and L-glutamine for patients older than 5 years. 

   Conclusion: We herein present the most recent advances and future perspectives in thalassemia and sickle cell disease treatment, including new drugs, gene therapy, and gene editing, and the current clinical trial status in the pediatric populations.

What is Known:• Red blood cell transfusions, iron chelation therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have been the mainstay of treatment of thalassemia patients for decades.• For sickle cell disease, until 2005, treatment strategies were mostly the same as those for thalassemia, with the option of simple transfusion or exchange transfusion. In 2007, hydroxyurea was approved for patients ≥ 2 years old.

What is New:• In 2019, gene therapy with betibeglogene autotemcel (LentiGlobin BB305) was approved for TDT patients ≥ 12 years old non β0/β0 without matched sibling donor.• Starting from 2017 several new drugs, such as L-glutamine (approved only by FDA), crizanlizumab (approved by FDA and EMA for patients ≥ 16 years), and lastly voxelotor (approved by FDA and EMA for patients ≥ 12 years old).
Pazopanib with Topotecan weekly for patients with platinum-resistant or intermediate-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer: results of a multicentre, open label phase I/II study (TOPAZ)
Authors: Chekerov Radoslav , Arndt Tjadina , Pietzner Klaus , Canzler Ulrich , Wimberger Pauline , Strauß Hans-Georg , Mahner Sven , Woelber Linn , de Gregorio Nikolaus , Stocker Gertraud , von Abel Ekkehard , Neunhoeffer Tanja , Belau Antje Kristina , Mustea Alexander , Yalinkaya Isil , Braicu Elena Ioana , Richter Rolf , Sehouli Jalid ,   for the NOGGO ovarian cancer study group
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Pazopanib has promising antiangiogenetic activity in solid cancers. The investigator-initiated phase I/II trial evaluated the combination of Topotecan with Pazopanib in platinum-resistant or intermediate-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC).

Methods

Patients (≥ 18 years) with first or second recurrence were enrolled in this multicentre open-label trial. Phase I analysed Topotecan 4 mg/m2 (day 1, 8, 15, ever 28 days) for six cycles to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of Pazopanib added in a dose-escalating scheme with 400 mg starting dose. The phase II analysed safety and efficacy aspects. For all patients with clinical remission a maintenance with Pazopanib until progression was allowed. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT 01600573.

Results

Between June 2012 and February 2017, 11 patients were enrolled in the phase I, and 50 patients in the phase II study. The MTD of Pazopanib was determined by 400 mg/daily. Haematological and liver toxicities determined the dose limiting toxicities (DLT) and the most common grade 3–4 adverse events: leucopenia (25%), neutropenia (22%), thrombocytopenia (19%), accumulation of cholestatic (20%) and hepatocellular damage (15%), which often caused dose modifications, but no new life-threatening events. Overall response was 16% and clinical benefit rate 68%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.5 months (95% CI 2.0—5.0). Due to early progression only 20% of the patients were able to start with maintenance treatment.

Conclusion

The combination of pazopanib and weekly topotecan is feasible, resulting in a manageable haematological and liver toxicity, but despite its encouraging response rate, was not associated with a significant survival benefit.
Boolean finite cell method for multi-material problems including local enrichment of the Ansatz space
Authors: Petö Márton , Eisenträger Sascha , Duvigneau Fabian , Juhre Daniel
Published: March 2023

The Finite Cell Method (FCM) allows for an efficient and accurate simulation of complex geometries by utilizing an unfitted discretization based on rectangular elements equipped with higher-order shape functions. Since the mesh is not aligned to the geometric features, cut elements arise that are intersected by domain boundaries or internal material interfaces. Hence, for an accurate simulation of multi-material problems, several challenges have to be solved to handle cut elements. On the one hand, special integration schemes have to be used for computing the discontinuous integrands and on the other hand, the weak discontinuity of the displacement field along the material interfaces has to be captured accurately. While for the first issue, a space-tree decomposition is often employed, the latter issue can be solved by utilizing a local enrichment approach, adopted from the extended finite element method. In our contribution, a novel integration scheme for multi-material problems is introduced that, based on the B-FCM formulation for porous media, originally proposed by Abedian and Düster (Comput Mech 59(5):877–886, 2017), extends the standard space-tree decomposition by Boolean operations yielding a significantly reduced computational effort. The proposed multi-material B-FCM approach is combined with the local enrichment technique and tested for several problems involving material interfaces in 2D and 3D. The results show that the number of integration points and the computational time can be reduced by a significant amount, while maintaining the same accuracy as the standard FCM.
Overcoming biases and identifying opportunities for citizen science to contribute more to global macroinvertebrate conservation
Authors: Deacon Charl , Govender Suvania , Samways Michael J.
Published: March 2023

Citizen Science (CS) provides valuable data to assist professional scientists in making informed decisions on macroinvertebrate conservation. However, CS is not developed nor implemented uniformly across the globe, and there are biases and challenges in the extent that it can contribute to global macroinvertebrate conservation. Here, a meta-analysis was performed using 107 Citizen Science Projects (CSPs) to identify underlying biases related to taxon representativity, country wealth, and demographic participation. Macroinvertebrate orders with the highest representativity were Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera, accounting for 53% of represented macroinvertebrate groups. The orders Scorpiones, Parasitiformes, and Spirobolida had proportionately the highest IUCN threat statuses, but significantly lower CSP representation, indicating that these orders require more public attention. Hymenoptera, Odonata, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera and Clitellata had the highest levels of Data Deficient species, suggesting that the primary objective of CSPs targeted at these orders should be collecting distribution and abundance data to improve Red List assessments. Global distribution of CSPs was uneven and the number of CSPs per country was positively correlated with national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and GDP per capita, suggesting that countries with relatively low GDP face challenges to successfully establish and maintain CSPs. Establishing new CSPs can assist macroinvertebrate conservation in these countries, where biodiversity levels are often high. To accommodate these biases, CSP development should adopt a bottom-up approach, in which CSPs are designed to address data gaps, and to address local socio-economic limitations and cultural ideologies. Guidelines for such development are presented here, with emphasis on addressing societal variations and inter-disciplinary communication gaps to ensure equitable opportunities for CSP participation.
Experimental characterisation of the local mechanical behaviour of cellulose fibres: an in-situ micro-profilometry approach
Authors: Maraghechi S. , Bosco E. , Suiker A. S. J. , Hoefnagels J. P. M.
Published: March 2023

The accurate mechanical characterisation of fibres of micrometric length is a challenging task, especially in the case of organically-formed fibres that naturally exhibit considerable irregularities along the longitudinal fibre direction. The present paper proposes a novel experimental methodology for the evaluation of the local mechanical behaviour of organically-formed (aged and unaged) and regenerated cellulose fibres, which is based on in-situ micro-tensile testing combined with optical profilometry. In order to accurately determine the cross-sectional area profile of a cellulose fibre specimen, optical profilometry is performed both at the top and bottom surfaces of the fibre. The evolution of the local stress at specific fibre locations is next determined from the force value recorded during the tensile test and the local cross-sectional area. An accurate measurement of the corresponding local strain is obtained by using Global Digital Height Correlation (GDHC), thus resulting in multiple, local stress–strain curves per fibre, from which local tensile strengths, elastic moduli, and strains at fracture can be deduced. Since the variations in the geometrical and material properties within an individual fibre are comparable to those observed across fibres, the proposed methodology is able to attain statistically representative measurement data from just one, or a small number of fibre samples. This makes the experimental methodology very suitable for the mechanical analysis of fibres taken from valuable and historical objects, for which typically a limited number of samples is available. It is further demonstrated that the accuracy of the measurement data obtained by the present, local measuring technique may be significantly higher than for a common, global measuring technique, since possible errors induced by fibre slip at the grip surfaces are avoided.
Inoculation of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria improves soil phosphorus mobilization and maize productivity
Authors: Beltran-Medina Isidro , Romero-Perdomo Felipe , Molano-Chavez Lady , Gutiérrez Angelica Y. , Silva Antonio M. M. , Estrada-Bonilla German
Published: March 2023

Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria represent a bioalternative in making soil-immobilized phosphorus (P) available to plants, and consequently improve agriculture sustainability and reduce nutrient pollution. In this study, we examined whether Rhizobium sp. B02 inoculation can affect the soil P fractions. Moreover, we investigated how inoculation influences the growth, physiological traits, and productivity of the maize crop. Field tests were carried out to evaluate the combined application of strain B02 and reduced doses of P fertilizer. Soil P fractionation was performed after crop harvesting, assessing the P dynamics. To study the plant response, samplings were carried out in three phenological stages—the vegetative stage of the 7 fully emerged leaves with leaf collars (V7), the vegetative stage of the tassel (VT), and the reproductive stage of physiological maturity (R6). Using 50% of P fertilizer recommended, the strain inoculation increased the labile inorganic P fraction by 14% compared to the control treatment at the same dose, indicating that it favored the Pi mobility. Under these same conditions in the V7 and VT phenological stages, the inoculation significantly improved shoot length (28 and 3%) and shoot dry weight (9.8 and 12%). B02 inoculation increased grain yield by 696 kg ha−1 using 50% of the recommended rate of P fertilizer, phenocopying the complete P fertilization treatment without inoculation. Therefore, Rhizobium sp. B02 inoculation replaced 50% of P fertilizer in maize and increased the soil P availability.
Towards an institutional “landscape” view of modern money creation mechanisms and some reflections on their ecological significance
Authors: Hook Andrew
Published: March 2023

In recent years, a number of different strands within heterodox economic thinking have successfully provided more empirically robust and sociologically informed analyses of how money gets created. However, there is a tendency within these analyses to discuss the different money creation theories and institutional practices in isolation, inhibiting a broader audience from grasping the whole institutional picture. By integrating contemporary heterodox theories and the latest empirical evidence, this article therefore attempts to develop a “landscape” view of modern money creation that visualizes and explains the different ways that modern money is created. It suggests that, while it is ultimately only commercial banks that can “create” new bank deposits in customers’ accounts, this may be initiated by one of three institutional mechanisms: by customers “borrowing new money into existence” when commercial banks make loans; by central banks creating new money when they purchase assets such as government bonds from investors; and by the government “spending new money into existence”. The article also reflects on how a clearer institutional understanding of these processes may be helpful in improving our overall capacity to think about how money creation may better serve current urgent social and environmental needs, especially in the post-COVID-19 context.
A Study on the Impact of Silicon and Manganese on Peritectic Behavior in Low Alloy Steels Assisted by Mold Thermal Mapping Technology and Shell Growth Measurements
Authors: Balogun Damilola , Roman Muhammad , Gerald Rex E. , Bartlett Laura , Huang Jie , O’Malley Ronald
Published: March 2023

Non-uniform shell growth commonly caused by the peritectic transformation in low carbon and low alloy steels has been directly correlated with mold thermal maps using a mold immersion test into a molten steel alloy. Mold thermal maps were obtained by performing real-time temperature measurements with optical fibers embedded 1 mm from the mold working surface. Shell growth measurements were obtained by 3D optical scanning of the recovered steel shell following immersion testing. The effects of silicon and manganese on the shell growth and mold temperature maps have been examined in relation to the peritectic transformation for varying carbon contents. Results of thermodynamic and kinetic simulations using ThermoCalc and its kinetic module—DICTRA predicted that silicon expands the carbon content range to values between (0.12 pct C to 0.21 pct C) where peritectic behavior occurs and that manganese shrinks the carbon content range and shifts the range to lower carbon contents (0.06 pct C to 0.12 pct C). The results of these simulations were used to guide the selection of chemistries examined in the dip test experiments with the aim of validating the software predictions. Dip tests were performed at similar steel making temperatures that were used for the software simulations between 1600 °C and 1650 °C. Both software results and experimental observation showed relatively good agreement for the compositions examined.
Yoga Programme for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention (YOGA-DP) Among High-Risk People in India: A Multicenter Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chattopadhyay Kaushik , Mishra Pallavi , Singh Kavita , Singh Kalpana , Harris Tess , Hamer Mark , Greenfield Sheila Margaret , Manjunath Nandi Krishnamurthy , Nair Rukamani , Mukherjee Somnath , Tandon Nikhil , Lewis Sarah Anne , Kinra Sanjay , Prabhakaran Dorairaj ,   YOGA-DP Study Team
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Many Indians are at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The blood glucose level can be improved through a healthy lifestyle (such as physical activity and a healthy diet). Yoga can help in T2DM prevention, being a culturally appropriate approach to improving lifestyle. We developed the Yoga Programme for T2DM Prevention (YOGA-DP), a 24-week structured lifestyle education and exercise (Yoga) program that included 27 group Yoga sessions and self-practice of Yoga at home. In this study, the feasibility of undertaking a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) was explored that will evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness among high-risk individuals in India.

Methods

A multicenter, two-arm, parallel-group, feasibility RCT was conducted in India. The outcome assessors and data analysts were blinded. Adults with a fasting blood glucose level of 100–125 mg/dL (i.e., at high risk of T2DM) were eligible. Participants were randomized centrally using a computer-generated randomization schedule. In the intervention group, participants received YOGA-DP. In the control group, participants received enhanced standard care.

Results

In this feasibility trial, the recruitment of participants took 4 months (from May to September 2019). We screened 711 people and assessed 160 for eligibility. Sixty-five participants (33 in the intervention group and 32 in the control group) were randomized, and 57 (88%) participants were followed up for 6 months (32 in the intervention group and 25 in the control group). In the intervention group, the group Yoga sessions were continuously attended by 32 (97%) participants (median (interquartile range, IQR) number of sessions attended = 27 (3)). In the intervention group, Yoga was self-practiced at home by 30 (91%) participants (median (IQR) number of days per week and minutes per day self-practiced = 2 (2) and 35 (15), respectively). In the control group, one (3%) participant attended external Yoga sessions (on Pranayama) for 1 week during the feasibility trial period. There was no serious adverse event.

Conclusions

The participant recruitment and follow-up and adherence to the intervention were promising in this feasibility study. In the control group, the potential contamination was low. Therefore, it should be feasible to undertake a definitive RCT in the future that will evaluate YOGA-DP’s effectiveness among high-risk people in India.

Feasibility Trial Registration

Clinical Trials Registry—India (CTRI) CTRI/2019/05/018893; registered on May 1, 2019.
Shape-Controlled Synthesis of Platinum-Based Nanocrystals and Their Electrocatalytic Applications in Fuel Cells
Authors: Li Can , Clament Sagaya Selvam N. , Fang Jiye
Published: March 2023

To achieve environmentally benign energy conversion with the carbon neutrality target via electrochemical reactions, the innovation of electrocatalysts plays a vital role in the enablement of renewable resources. Nowadays, Pt-based nanocrystals (NCs) have been identified as one class of the most promising candidates to efficiently catalyze both the half-reactions in hydrogen- and hydrocarbon-based fuel cells. Here, we thoroughly discuss the key achievement in developing shape-controlled Pt and Pt-based NCs, and their electrochemical applications in fuel cells. We begin with a mechanistic discussion on how the morphology can be precisely controlled in a colloidal system, followed by highlighting the advanced development of shape-controlled Pt, Pt-alloy, Pt-based core@shell NCs, Pt-based nanocages, and Pt-based intermetallic compounds. We then select some case studies on models of typical reactions (oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode and small molecular oxidation reaction at the anode) that are enhanced by the shape-controlled Pt-based nanocatalysts. Finally, we provide an outlook on the potential challenges of shape-controlled nanocatalysts and envision their perspective with suggestions. "Image missing"
Optical properties of synthesized Au/Ag Nanoparticles using 532 nm and 1064 nm pulsed laser ablation: effect of solution concentration
Authors: AdibAmini Shaghayegh , Sari Amir Hossein , Dorranian Davoud
Published: March 2023

The primary objective of this experimental research is to introduce the capacity of laser irradiation into the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles from noble metals. Gold and silver nanoparticles are produced through the laser ablating gold and silver targets in distilled water. Originally, the samples are synthesized by using Nd:YAG laser with 1064 nm wavelength and 7 ns pulse width. Following this, solutions mixed with different volumetric ratios, are irradiated by the second harmonic of the said laser at 532 nm wavelength. The absorption peak of gold nanoparticles around 530 nm, is used to transfer the laser energy to nanoparticles and synthesize Au/Ag bimetallic nanoparticles. The wavelength and volumetric ratio of solutions are the experiment's variables. The bimetallic nanoparticles are characterized as follows: X-ray diffraction pattern, spectroscopy in the range of UV–Vis-NIR and IR, Photoluminescence spectrum, Dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, FE-SEM and TEM images are used to study the size and morphology of nanoparticles. One of the aims of the research is to investigate the effects of laser wavelength and different volumetric concentrations on the optical properties of Au/Ag bimetallic nanoparticles. On the other hand, the study revealed that silver concentration and laser wavelength in the synthesis of Au/Ag bimetallic nanoparticles with different structures, cause the formation of crystalline structure, growth of grain size, and therefore silver oxide reduction.
The importance of pseudouridylation: human disorders related to the fifth nucleoside
Authors: Keszthelyi Tália Magdolna , Tory Kálmán
Published: March 2023

Pseudouridylation is one of the most abundant RNA modifications in eukaryotes, making pseudouridine known as the “fifth nucleoside.” This highly conserved alteration affects all non-coding and coding RNA types. Its role and importance have been increasingly widely researched, especially considering that its absence or damage leads to serious hereditary diseases. Here, we summarize the human genetic disorders described to date that are related to the participants of the pseudouridylation process.
Do pathogens always evolve to be less virulent? The virulence–transmission trade-off in light of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kun Ádám , Hubai András G. , Král Adrienn , Mokos Judit , Mikulecz Benjámin Áron , Radványi Ádám
Published: March 2023

The direction the evolution of virulence takes in connection with any pathogen is a long-standing question. Formerly, it was theorized that pathogens should always evolve to be less virulent. As observations were not in line with this theoretical outcome, new theories emerged, chief among them the transmission–virulence trade-off hypotheses, which predicts an intermediate level of virulence as the endpoint of evolution. At the moment, we are very much interested in the future evolution of COVID-19’s virulence. Here, we show that the disease does not fulfill all the assumptions of the hypothesis. In the case of COVID-19, a higher viral load does not mean a higher risk of death; immunity is not long-lasting; other hosts can act as reservoirs for the virus; and death as a consequence of viral infection does not shorten the infectious period. Consequently, we cannot predict the short- or long-term evolution of the virulence of COVID-19.
A review on using nanocomposites as shielding materials against ionizing radiation
Authors: Bawazeer Omemh , Makkawi Khadijah , Aga Zubeda Bi , Albakri Huda , Assiri Naseem , Althagafy Khalid , Ajlouni Abdul-Wali
Published: March 2023

Lead aprons are used in medical applications as a traditional shielding material, but this use was faced by many health problems including toxicity, heavyweight, and cracks, this motivated researchers to develop new shielding materials, to overcome these health problems depending on some promising materials, i.e., nanomaterials and polymers, which provide many properties that overcome the undesirable properties in lead aprons, and provide the proper or better shielding properties against ionizing radiation. Recently, nanomaterials in different forms have attracted considerable attention for radiation shielding applications, due to their prominent chemical and physical properties. This work will review the basics of radiation, radiation protection, lead aprons, nanomaterials, synthesis and characterization methods, polymers, and the scientific efforts to introduce nanocomposites as materials used in attenuation radiation beams and hence, to be used as proper radiation shielding materials.
Spatial variation and relationship between soil dissolved organic matter and bacterial community in urban greenspaces
Authors: Liu Siwan , Hao Zhineng , Gao Li , Fan Linhua , Yang Fang , Zamyadi Arash , Li Ming
Published: March 2023

Large-scale investigations of soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the relationship between bacterial diversity and DOM with climatic gradients are important to reveal the influence of climatic factors on soil DOM. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the distribution pattern of DOM at a large scale, (2) investigate the effects of climate change on DOM components and microbial communities, and (3) investigate the relationship between microbial communities and DOM components. This study involved the collection of 54 urban greenspaces samples from five climate zones in mainland China and utilization of FT-ICR-MS and 16S rRNA sequencing techniques to reveal the relationship between microbial communities and DOM. Our results showed that the DOM in soil was DOM inated by lignins, followed by proteins, unsaturated hydrocarbons and lipids. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that lignins and proteins shared a negative response pattern with mean annual precipitation (MAP), while lipids and tannins showed a positive correlation with MAP. The differences in bacterial community composition among different climatic zones were not significant, and the DOM inant bacteria in the soil were Proteobacteria, followed by Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria. Bacterial diversity was highest in the subtropical monsoon climate, lowest in the tropical monsoon climate. In addition, SEM indicated that there was a significant correlation between the composition and diversity of DOM and the diversity and abundance of bacteria. Our results provided a deeper understanding of the impact of climatic factors on DOM components and the relationship between bacterial diversity and DOM in urban greenspaces.

Graphical Abstract
Think about the stakeholders first! Toward an algorithmic transparency playbook for regulatory compliance
Authors: Bell Andrew , Nov Oded , Stoyanovich Julia
Published: March 2023

Increasingly, laws are being proposed and passed by governments around the world to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) systems implemented into the public and private sectors. Many of these regulations address the transparency of AI systems, and related citizen-aware issues like allowing individuals to have the right to an explanation about how an AI system makes a decision that impacts them. Yet, almost all AI governance documents to date have a significant drawback: they have focused onwhatto do (or what not to do) with respect to making AI systems transparent, but have left the brunt of the work to technologists to figure outhowto build transparent systems. We fill this gap by proposing a stakeholder-first approach that assists technologists in designing transparent, regulatory-compliant systems. We also describe a real-world case study that illustrates how this approach can be used in practice.
Minimal Euler characteristics for even-dimensional manifolds with finite fundamental group
Authors: Adem Alejandro , Hambleton Ian
Published: March 2023

We consider the Euler characteristics

$\chi (M)$

of closed, orientable, topological

$2n$

-manifolds with

$(n-1)$

-connected universal cover and a given fundamental group G of type

$F_n$

. We define

$q_{2n}(G)$

, a generalised version of the Hausmann-Weinberger invariant [19] for 4–manifolds, as the minimal value of

$(-1)^n\chi (M)$

. For all

$n\geq 2$

, we establish a strengthened and extended version of their estimates, in terms of explicit cohomological invariants of G. As an application, we obtain new restrictions for nonabelian finite groups arising as fundamental groups of rational homology 4–spheres.
An extension of Venkatesh’s converse theorem to the Selberg class
Authors: Booker Andrew R. , Farmer Michael , Lee Min
Published: March 2023

We extend Venkatesh’s proof of the converse theorem for classical holomorphic modular forms to arbitrary level and character. The method of proof, via the Petersson trace formula, allows us to treat arbitrary degree

$2$

gamma factors of Selberg class type.
Active nematic fluid films
Authors: Rangamani P.
Published: March 2023

Coupling surface deformations with active stresses in two-dimensional nematic liquid crystal films leads to a rich area of investigation, particularly in biological fluid mechanics across multiple scales from tissue mechanics to cell membrane mechanics. In Al-Izzi & Morris (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 957, 2023, A4), the authors derive the complete set of governing equations for such systems. Their results provide an extended theoretical framework with which active nematic fluid films with in-plane flow and out-of-plane deformation can be analysed. To illustrate the potential applications of this framework, a few specific biologically inspired examples are discussed.
Workload analysis of a two-queue fluid polling model
Authors: Kapodistria Stella , Saxena Mayank , Boxma Onno J. , Kella Offer
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we analyze a two-queue random time-limited Markov-modulated polling model. In the first part of the paper, we investigate the fluid version: fluid arrives at the two queues as two independent flows with deterministic rate. There is a single server that serves both queues at constant speeds. The server spends an exponentially distributed amount of time in each queue. After the completion of such a visit time to one queue, the server instantly switches to the other queue, i.e., there is no switch-over time.

For this model, we first derive the Laplace–Stieltjes transform (LST) of the stationary marginal fluid content/workload at each queue. Subsequently, we derive a functional equation for the LST of the two-dimensional workload distribution that leads to a Riemann–Hilbert boundary value problem (BVP). After taking a heavy-traffic limit, and restricting ourselves to the symmetric case, the BVP simplifies and can be solved explicitly.

In the second part of the paper, allowing for more general (Lévy) input processes and server switching policies, we investigate the transient process limit of the joint workload in heavy traffic. Again solving a BVP, we determine the stationary distribution of the limiting process. We show that, in the symmetric case, this distribution coincides with our earlier solution of the BVP, implying that in this case the two limits (stationarity and heavy traffic) commute.