bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
West African Sufism and the matter of Black life
Authors: Carter Youssef
Published: May 2023

In this article, I consider how migration practices around the Black Atlantic and discourses of repatriation mobilize Black African diasporic Muslim identities in present-day Senegal and in a mosque in South Carolina that is situated on land that was formerly a slave plantation. I use the term ‘reversion’ as a vocabulary of ‘diasporic becoming’ to signal how notions of Islamic piety are coupled with a politics of Black Atlantic Muslimness in the context of a West African Sufi tariqa – or ‘Black Atlantic Sufism’. Moreover, I consider how identity formation and African Muslim ancestry are impacted by discourses of geographic return and repatriation that are linked to spiritual tourism.
Reimagining African womanhood in an unjust world order: exploring the writings of Ghanaian women’s rights advocates, 1970s–1980s
Authors: Machado-Guichon Mélanie Lindbjerg
Published: May 2023

This article provides the first systematic exploration of the ideas on inequality of the two Ghanaian women’s rights advocates Annie Jiagge and Florence Dolphyne, who were both part of the Ghanaian National Council on Women and Development during the 1970s and 1980s. Zooming in on their work and writings during this time, I challenge the view offered by some scholars that these decades were ‘apolitical’ and shaped by ‘quiet activism’ with regard to the Ghanaian women’s front. I show how Jiagge and Dolphyne actively rearticulated womanhood in postcolonial Ghanaian and African societies, placing women’s ‘issues’ and rights within the framework of an unequal world order. In doing so, I argue that they vernacularized the contemporary global discourse on women’s rights, shaped by the UN Decade for Women (1976–85), in a Ghanaian context, evoking what postcolonial theorist Homi Bhabha has called an in-between ‘third space’ through which the many intersecting and ambivalent aspects affecting the lives of women in postcolonial Africa, and the so-called Third World at large, could be articulated.
Burying at all costs: investing in funerals in southern Benin
Authors: Noret Joël
Published: May 2023

Drawing on research conducted in southern Benin since 2000, this article explores the entanglements between grief, social status and funerals, and accounts for the conditions and the motives of the massive and multifarious investments – inextricably psychic, social and economic – in funerals that can be witnessed locally. I argue that, far from being mere ‘conspicuous consumption’, funeral expenses should be understood as the product of a number of intersecting dynamics, as the lavishness of these events cannot conceal the burden they represent and the anxieties they feed. In fact, filial duties and politics of reputation often entwine to give an existential dimension to these occasions, reinforcing one another to lead social subjects to engage important economic means and to bury their dead ‘at all costs’. In fact, as internalized norms and social pressures finally convince most mourners to organize obsequies beyond their means, the psychic and social tensions of funerals regularly constitute the all too common hidden face of the more commonly reported lavishness.
Picturing Chinese science: wartime photographs in Joseph Needham's science diplomacy
Authors: Barrett Gordon
Published: May 2023

Joseph Needham occupies a central position in the historical narrative underpinning the most influential practitioner-derived definition of ‘science diplomacy’. The brief biographical sketch produced by the Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science sets Needham's activities in the Second World War as an exemplar of a science diplomacy. This article critically reconsiders Needham's wartime activities, shedding light on the roles played by photographs in those diplomatic activities and his onward dissemination of them as part of his self-fashioning. Images were important to the British biochemist, and he was an avid amateur photographer himself, amassing a unique collection of hundreds of images relating to science, technology and medicine in wartime China during his time working as director of the Sino-British Science Co-operation Office. These included ones produced by China's Nationalist Party-led government, and by the Chinese Communist Party. Focusing on these photographs, this article examines the way Joseph Needham used his experiences to underpin claims to authority which, together with the breadth of his networks, enabled him to establish himself as an international interlocutor. All three aspects formed essential parts of his science diplomacy.
Better Intoned Than Read: Sound and Matter in God's Trombones
Authors: HILTON JIM
Published: May 2023

This paper offers close textual readings of poems from James Weldon Johnson's 1927 collection, God's Trombones, uncovering in Johnson's language resonant clues to his thought. In contrast to his disaffected novel The Autobiography of an Ex-colored Man (1912), Johnson's sermon–poems, through reengagement with the folkways of traditional African American worship, forge out a more potent creative space. As hybrid works, they diminish the gap between text and speech, and demand careful and lively ways of reading. My argument situates Johnson's practice in the contexts of sound recording, ragtime, and programmes for African American uplift at the turn of the century.
Predicting live weight using body volume formula in lactating water buffalo
Authors: Ramos-Zapata Remedio , Dominguez-Madrigal Camila , García-Herrera Ricardo-A. , Camacho-Perez Enrique , Lugo-Quintal Jesús Manuel , Tyasi Thobela Louis , Gurgel Antonio Leandro Chaves , Ítavo Luís Carlos Vinhas , Chay-Canul Alfonso Juventino
Published: May 2023

Live weight (LW) is an important piece of information within production systems, as it is related to several other economic characteristics. However, in the main buffalo-producing regions in the world, it is not common to periodically weigh the animals. We develop and evaluate linear, quadratic, and allometric mathematical models to predict LW using the body volume (BV) formula in lactating water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) reared in southeastern Mexico. The LW (391.5 ± 138.9 kg) and BV (333.62 ± 58.51 dm3) were measured in 165 lactating Murrah buffalo aged between 3 and 10 years. The goodness-of-fit of the models was evaluated using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), coefficient of determination (R2), mean-squared error (MSE) and root MSE (RMSE). In addition, the developed models were evaluated through cross-validation (k-folds). The ability of the fitted models to predict the observed values was evaluated based on the RMSEP, R2, and mean absolute error (MAE). LW and BV were significantly positively and strongly correlated (r = 0.81; P < 0.001). The quadratic model had the lowest values of MSE (2788.12) and RMSE (52.80). On the other hand, the allometric model showed the lowest values of BIC (1319.24) and AIC (1313.07). The Quadratic and allometric models had lower values of MSEP and MAE. We recommend the quadratic and allometric models to predict the LW of lactating Murrah buffalo using BV as a predictor.
Phylogenetic placement and reappraisal of Diorygma karnatakense including the new synonym, Diorygma dandeliense, from Maharashtra, India
Authors: Ansil Parayelil A. , Rajeshkumar Kunhiraman C. , Sharma Bharati , Lücking Robert , Hawksworth David L.
Published: May 2023

This study re-examined the status of species of Diorygma Eshw. known from the Western Ghats using an integrative taxonomy approach that includes morphological and chemical data, as well as multigene phylogenetic analyses. Prior to this work, the two species D. karnatakense and D. dandeliense were distinguished primarily on lirellae morphology (branching pattern) and the number of ascospores per ascus. Our study of the morphology, chemistry and molecular phylogeny (mtSSU, LSU and RPB2) of freshly collected samples and re-examination of type material suggests that both names should be synonymized. Consequently, D. karnatakense is accepted as the correct name, with D. dandeliense as a newly proposed synonym. Phylogenetically, D. karnatakense is allied to D. antillarum and D. hieroglyphicum.
Wide complex rhythm in a well neonate: Where are the P waves?
Authors: Jee Gabrielle , Wong Amos , Ofoe Victor , Uzun Orhan
Published: May 2023

A neonate was seen for an evolving broad QRS complex rhythm initially captured at birth as intermittent escape beats on electrocardiogram. Continuous monitoring recorded features mimicking pre-excitation, but closer analysis revealed a regular broad QRS complex rhythm with isorhythmic atrioventricular dissociation, favouring a ventricular source. Treatment with flecainide and propranolol achieved successful control of the incessant arrhythmia with improvement in cardiac function on echocardiogram.
Transcatheter palliation of aortic pseudoaneurysm in the early post-operative period: “bridge to surgery”
Authors: Paksoy Samet , Ugan Atik Sezen , Guzeltas Alper
Published: May 2023

Aortic pseudoaneurysm is a rare, life-threatening complication that can occur after cardiac surgery, trauma, or infections. Surgical repair of aortic pseudoaneurysm is the conventional treatment, but it is associated with very high morbidity and mortality especially in early post-operative period. However, very limited reports of successful transcatheter repair of aortic pseudoaneurysm related to surgery appear in the literature. Herein, a case of a 9-year-old female who developed a pseudoaneurysm, after aortic reconstruction, that was successfully treated percutaneously using atrial septal occluder is presented.
Comprehensive management of type A acute aortic dissection in the paediatric population with ACTA 2 mutation: case reports and literature review of paediatric aortic dissection
Authors: Yoneyama Fumiya , Binsalamah Ziyad , Heinle Jeffery S.
Published: May 2023

Acute aortic dissection in the paediatric population is rare but lethal. We present two paediatric cases of type A acute aortic dissection that required emergent procedures and were later found to have genetic mutations. High index of suspicion, early clinical diagnosis, prompt treatment, the advantageous collaboration between the paediatric team and aortic surgeons, and familial genetic testing are paramount to achieve a good outcome.
The response from Scottish health boards to complaint investigations by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman: A qualitative case-study
Authors: McBurnie Gavin , Williams Jane , Coulter-Smith Margaret
Published: May 2023

This article explores how complaint investigations undertaken by health ombudsman contribute to the improvement of the healthcare system. Using a qualitative case-study approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants form the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) and three health boards within its jurisdiction. Health board participants were frustrated by complaints process used by the SPSO, in particular the lack of communication during an SPSO investigation especially when there were differences in clinical judgment. Using Braithwaite’s typologies of motivational postures and Hertogh’s models of administrative control it was found that a sense of capitulation was the primary determinant in ensuring health board compliance with SPSO recommendations and that the relationship between SPSO and health boards was predominantly coercive in nature. For the SPSO to be more effective in contributing to system improvement requires it to review its role and means of conducting complaint investigations.
Re-evaluation of Genetic Variants in Parkinson’s Disease Using Targeted Panel and Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Kablan Ahmet , Silan Fatma , Ozdemir Ozturk
Published: May 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex disorder with a significant genetic component. Genetic variations associated with PD play a crucial role in the disease’s inheritance and prognosis. Currently, 31 genes have been linked to PD in the OMIM database, and the number of genes and genetic variations identified is steadily increasing. To establish a robust correlation between phenotype and genotype, it is essential to compare research findings with existing literature. In this study, we aimed to identify genetic variants associated with PD using a targeted gene panel with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Our objective was also to explore the idea of re-analyzing genetic variants of unknown significance (VUS). We screened 18 genes known to be related to PD using NGS in 43 patients who visited our outpatient clinic between 2018−2019. After 12−24 months, we re-evaluated the detected variants. We found 14 different heterozygous variants classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or VUS in 14 individuals from nonconsanguineous families. We re-evaluated 15 variants and found changes in their interpretation. Targeted gene panel analysis with NGS can help identify genetic variants associated with PD with confidence. Re-analyzing certain variants at specific time intervals can be especially beneficial in selected situations. Our study aims to expand the clinical and genetic understanding of PD and emphasizes the importance of re-analysis.
Comparative Accuracies of Models for Drag Prediction During Geomagnetically Disturbed Periods: A First Principles Model Versus Empirical Models
Authors: Walterscheid R. L. , Chen M. W. , Chao C.‐C. , Gegenheimer S. , Cabrera‐Guzman J. , McVey J.
Published: May 2023

We examine the accuracy of density prediction by the first principles model Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research and compare it to the accuracy of three empirical models: Jacchia 71, the Naval Research Laboratory Mass Spectrometer Incoherent Scatter Extended 2000 (NRLMSIS), Jacchia 1971, and Jacchia‐Bowman 2008. Comparisons are made for three large storms: the October 2003 storm, the March 2013 storm, and the March 2015 storm. To evaluate the accuracy of these models we use tracking data for nine space objects in low Earth orbit. Additionally, we evaluate the accuracy of the TIEGCM and NRLMSIS with data from high precision accelerometers on the Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) and Gravity field and Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellites. The goal is to assess the use of a first principles model as a potential tool for forecasting satellite drag during large magnetic storms. For the storms considered, we found the TIEGCM, JB2008, and NRLMSIS models to be substantially more accurate than the Jacchia 71 model. The accuracies of the TIEGCM and JB2008 models were similar, but overall, the TIEGCM was more accurate. We found smaller differences for TIEGCM versus CHAMP than for NRLMIS for the Halloween Storm, and smaller differences than results published for JB2008 and the assimilative model HASDM. The empirical models are at present more practical for operational purposes, but the TIEGCM, developed as a research model, with a greater focus on operational use offers the potential for improved utility during stressing conditions.
Comparing Adjoint Waveform Tomography Models of California Using Different Starting Models
Authors: Doody C. , Rodgers A. , Afanasiev M. , Boehm C. , Krischer L. , Chiang A. , Simmons N.
Published: May 2023

Adjoint waveform tomography (AWT) sits at the cutting edge of seismic tomography on local, regional, and global scales. However, the choice in starting model may have a significant impact on the final inversion results. In this paper, we present 3 AWT models of California that are based on different starting models. We chose three models that were inverted at different scales: SPiRaL, a global travel‐time tomography model (Simmons et al., 2021, 10.1093/gji/ggab277), CSEM_NA, a regional adjoint tomography model of North America and the North Atlantic (Krischer et al., 2018, 10.1029/2017JB015289), and WUS256, a regional adjoint tomography model of the western US (Rodgers et al., 2022, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022JB024549). We then inverted three AWT models using the same source and receiver set. We ran each model over three period bands: 30–100 s, 25–100 s, and 20–80 s. Once the iterations were finalized, we used five methods of testing model similarity in both the model and data space. We conclude that the choice of starting model has a minimal impact on long wavelength models if an appropriate multi‐scale inversion approach is used.
Modeling Microplastic and Solute Transport in Vegetated Flows
Authors: Stride Ben , Abolfathi Soroush , Odara M. G. N. , Bending Gary D. , Pearson Jonathan
Published: May 2023

Physical interactions of microplastics within vegetation and turbulent flows of freshwater systems are poorly understood. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the underlying physical transport mechanisms of microplastics over submerged canopies across a range of flow conditions common in the natural environment. The effects of changing canopy heights were investigated by testing two model canopies of varying stem heights, simulating seasonal variation. This study determined and compared the mixing and dispersion processes for microplastics and solutes utilizing fluorometric tracing techniques. A hydrodynamic model was developed based on the advection‐dispersion equation for quantifying microplastic mixing in submerged canopies. Longitudinal dispersion coefficients for neutrally buoyant microplastics (polyethylene) and solutes were significantly correlated within submerged model vegetation irrespective of the complexity of the flow regime. Hydrodynamic and solute transport models were shown to be capable of robust predictions of mixing for neutrally buoyant microplastics in environmental flows over a canopy, facilitating a new approach to quantify microplastic transport and fate. We compare the mixing processes for microplastics and solutes then propose a hydrodynamic model for quantifying the mixing in submerged canopies.
Detection of viral RNAs at ambient temperature via reporter proteins produced through the target-splinted ligation of DNA probes
Authors: Phillips Elizabeth A. , Silverman Adam D. , Joneja Aric , Liu Michael , Brown Carl , Carlson Paul , Coticchia Christine , Shytle Kristen , Larsen Alex , Goyal Nadish , Cai Vincent , Huang Jason , Hickey Jennifer E. , Ryan Emily , Acheampong Joycelynn , Ramesh Pradeep , Collins James J. , Blake William J.
Published: May 2023

Nucleic acid assays are not typically deployable in point-of-care settings because they require costly and sophisticated equipment for the control of the reaction temperature and for the detection of the signal. Here we report an instrument-free assay for the accurate and multiplexed detection of nucleic acids at ambient temperature. The assay, which we named INSPECTR (for internal splint-pairing expression-cassette translation reaction), leverages the target-specific splinted ligation of DNA probes to generate expression cassettes that can be flexibly designed for the cell-free synthesis of reporter proteins, with enzymatic reporters allowing for a linear detection range spanning four orders of magnitude and peptide reporters (which can be mapped to unique targets) enabling highly multiplexed visual detection. We used INSPECTR to detect a panel of five respiratory viral targets in a single reaction via a lateral-flow readout and ~4,000 copies of viral RNA via additional ambient-temperature rolling circle amplification of the expression cassette. Leveraging synthetic biology to simplify workflows for nucleic acid diagnostics may facilitate their broader applicability at the point of care.
Longstanding behavioural stability in West Africa extends to the Middle Pleistocene at Bargny, coastal Senegal
Authors: Niang Khady , Blinkhorn James , Bateman Mark D. , Kiahtipes Christopher A.
Published: May 2023

Middle Stone Age (MSA) technologies first appear in the archaeological records of northern, eastern and southern Africa during the Middle Pleistocene epoch. The absence of MSA sites from West Africa limits evaluation of shared behaviours across the continent during the late Middle Pleistocene and the diversity of subsequent regionalized trajectories. Here we present evidence for the late Middle Pleistocene MSA occupation of the West African littoral at Bargny, Senegal, dating to 150 thousand years ago. Palaeoecological evidence suggests that Bargny was a hydrological refugium during the MSA occupation, supporting estuarine conditions during Middle Pleistocene arid phases. The stone tool technology at Bargny presents characteristics widely shared across Africa in the late Middle Pleistocene but which remain uniquely stable in West Africa to the onset of the Holocene. We explore how the persistent habitability of West African environments, including mangroves, contributes to distinctly West African trajectories of behavioural stability.
Parallel sequencing of extrachromosomal circular DNAs and transcriptomes in single cancer cells
Authors: Chamorro González Rocío , Conrad Thomas , Stöber Maja C. , Xu Robin , Giurgiu Mădălina , Rodriguez-Fos Elias , Kasack Katharina , Brückner Lotte , van Leen Eric , Helmsauer Konstantin , Dorado Garcia Heathcliff , Stefanova Maria E. , Hung King L. , Bei Yi , Schmelz Karin , Lodrini Marco , Mundlos Stefan , Chang Howard Y. , Deubzer Hedwig E. , Sauer Sascha , Eggert Angelika , Schulte Johannes H. , Schwarz Roland F. , Haase Kerstin , Koche Richard P. , Henssen Anton G.
Published: May 2023

Extrachromosomal DNAs (ecDNAs) are common in cancer, but many questions about their origin, structural dynamics and impact on intratumor heterogeneity are still unresolved. Here we describe single-cell extrachromosomal circular DNA and transcriptome sequencing (scEC&T-seq), a method for parallel sequencing of circular DNAs and full-length mRNA from single cells. By applying scEC&T-seq to cancer cells, we describe intercellular differences in ecDNA content while investigating their structural heterogeneity and transcriptional impact. Oncogene-containing ecDNAs were clonally present in cancer cells and drove intercellular oncogene expression differences. In contrast, other small circular DNAs were exclusive to individual cells, indicating differences in their selection and propagation. Intercellular differences in ecDNA structure pointed to circular recombination as a mechanism of ecDNA evolution. These results demonstrate scEC&T-seq as an approach to systematically characterize both small and large circular DNA in cancer cells, which will facilitate the analysis of these DNA elements in cancer and beyond.
A high-quality chromosomal-level genome assembly of Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
Authors: Zhou Shengyang , Xia Tian , Gao Xiaodong , Lyu Tianshu , Wang Lidong , Wang Xibao , Shi Lupeng , Dong Yuehuan , Zhang Honghai
Published: May 2023

Aythya marila is one of the few species of Anatidae, and the only Aythya to live in the circumpolar. However, there is a relative lack of research on genetics of this species. In this study, we reported and assembled the first high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of A. marila. This genome was assembled using Nanopore long reads, and errors corrected using Illumina short reads, with a final genome size of 1.14 Gb, scaffold N50 of 85.44 Mb, and contig N50 of 32.46 Mb. 106 contigs were clustered and ordered onto 35 chromosomes based on Hi-C data, covering approximately 98.28% of the genome. BUSCO assessment showed that 97.0% of the highly conserved genes in aves_odb10 were present intact in the genome assembly. In addition, a total of 154.94 Mb of repetitive sequences were identified. 15,953 protein-coding genes were predicted in the genome, and 98.96% of genes were functionally annotated. This genome will be a valuable resource for future genetic diversity and genomics studies of A. marila.
Integrated gene expression profiles reveal a transcriptomic network underlying the thermogenic response in adipose tissue
Authors: Rodó Jordi , Garcia Miquel , Casana Estefania , Muñoz Sergio , Jambrina Claudia , Sacristan Victor , Franckhauser Sylvie , Grass Ignasi , Jimenez Veronica , Bosch Fatima
Published: May 2023

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are two closely related diseases representing a serious threat worldwide. An increase in metabolic rate through enhancement of non-shivering thermogenesis in adipose tissue may represent a potential therapeutic strategy. Nevertheless, a better understanding of thermogenesis transcriptional regulation is needed to allow the development of new effective treatments. Here, we aimed to characterize the specific transcriptomic response of white and brown adipose tissues after thermogenic induction. Using cold exposure to induce thermogenesis in mice, we identified mRNAs and miRNAs that were differentially expressed in several adipose depots. In addition, integration of transcriptomic data in regulatory networks of miRNAs and transcription factors allowed the identification of key nodes likely controlling metabolism and immune response. Moreover, we identified the putative role of the transcription factor PU.1 in the regulation of PPARγ-mediated thermogenic response of subcutaneous white adipose tissue. Therefore, the present study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms that regulate non-shivering thermogenesis.
Study of the disintegration of loess modified with fly ash and Roadyes
Authors: Li Hongru , Yang Min , Guo Xiaohan
Published: May 2023

The disintegration property of loess is the wetting and subsequent disintegration of loess in water, which is generally an important index for resistance to erosion and disintegration of wet loess slopes and foundations. In this study, a disintegration instrument is developed in this laboratory and used to study the disintegration properties of fly ash-modified loess in foundations and Roadyes-modified loess in subgrades. Disintegration tests are used to compare samples of loess modified with different amounts of fly ash and Roadyes, different water contents and different dry densities; the influence of fly ash and Roadyes content on the disintegration of modified loess is analyzed. The differences in disintegration properties between the pure loess and modified loess are compared to explore the evolution of disintegration properties of modified loess and the optimal incorporation levels of fly ash and Roadyes. The experimental results show that the incorporation of fly ash reduces the disintegration of loess, while the incorporation of Roadyes likewise decreases the disintegration of loess. The disintegration of the loess modified with the two curing agents is better than that of the pure loess and loess mixed with a single curing agent; the optimal incorporation levels are 15% fly ash and 0.5‰ Roadyes. Comparing the evolution of the disintegration curves of samples of loess with different modifications shows is a linear relationship between time and amount of disintegration for pure loess and Roadyes-modified loess. Thus, a linear disintegration model is established in which the parameter P is the disintegration rate. According to the exponential relationship between time and amount of disintegration of fly ash-modified loess and loess modified with both fly ash and Roadyes, an exponential disintegration model is established in which the water stability parameter Q affects the strong and weak disintegration of the modified loess. The relationship between the water stability of the loess (modified with added fly ash and Roadyes) in water and the initial water content and dry density is analyzed. The water stability of the loess first increases and then decreases with increasing initial water content and gradually increases with increasing dry density. When the sample density is the maximum dry density, the sample has the best water stability. These research results provide a basis for the application of loess modified with added fly ash and Roadyes.
Sediment resuspension due to internal solitary waves of elevation in the Messina Strait (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: La Forgia Giovanni , Droghei Riccardo , Pierdomenico Martina , Falco Pierpaolo , Martorelli Eleonora , Bergamasco Alessandro , Bergamasco Andrea , Falcini Federico
Published: May 2023

By combining real-field observations and theoretical predictions, we describe role and relationships among north-propagating internal solitary waves (ISWs) generated by tidal currents in the Messina Strait (Mediterranean Sea), buoyancy deformation, sediment resuspension, and mixing effects. In particular, our results show that the presence of ISWs traveling along the Gioia Basin (north of the Strait) is not strictly related to seasonality. During winter, when the remote observation of ISWs from satellite is particularly rare due to the weak water column stratification, we observe elevation-type ISWs from hydrographic data. This finding reveals a different scenario with respect to the summer one, when the high stratified water column gives rise to depression-type north-propagating ISWs and the subsequent sea surface manifestations, detectable from satellite imagery. Moreover, our beam transmission observations and theoretical predictions of the induced near-bottom horizontal velocity suggest that these elevation-type ISWs induce sediment resuspension over the seafloor, as well as mixing effects as they break on the frontal slope nearby Capo Vaticano.
Relationship between reactive group chemistry and printing properties of heterofunctional reactive dyes via screen printing
Authors: Siddiqua Umme Habibah , Ali Shaukat , Tufail Aasma , Gatasheh Mansour K. , Riaz Luqman , Yasir Muhammad Wahab
Published: May 2023

Screen printing of cotton fabric using newly synthesized azo reactive dyes was carried out in the present study. Functional group chemistry and its effect on the printing properties of cotton fabric by varying the nature, number and position of reactive groups of synthesized azo reactive dyes (D1–D6) was studied. Different printing parameters (Temperature, alkali and urea) and their effect was explored on the physicochemical printing properties e.g., fixation, color yield, and penetration of the dyed cotton fabric. Data revealed that dyes with more reactive groups and having linear and planar structures (D-6) showed enhanced printing properties. Spectraflash spectrophotometer was used to evaluate the colorimetric properties of screen-printed cotton fabric and results showed superb color buildup. Printed cotton samples displayed excellent to very good ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). Presence of sulphonate groups and excellent fastness properties may entitle these reactive dyes as commercially viable for urea free printing of cotton fabric.
Validation of immunoassays for the Chlamydia trachomatis antigen Pgp3 using a chimeric monoclonal antibody
Authors: Goodhew Brook , Tang Xiaoling , Goldstein Jason , Lee Joo , Martin Diana , Gwyn Sarah
Published: May 2023

Seroepidemiology, or measuring antibodies to pathogens to estimate population-level exposure, can provide useful public health data. The tests used, however, often lack sufficient validation data due to absence of a gold standard. For many pathogens, serum antibodies can be detected long after resolution of infection, but infection status is often used as a gold standard for antibody positivity. To ensure that recently developed antibody tests for seroepidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), the causative agent of urogenital chlamydia and the blinding eye disease trachoma, have high performance, we generated a chimeric antibody to the immunodominant Ct antigen Pgp3. Two clones were selected to evaluate the test performance of three assays to measure antibodies to Pgp3: multiplex bead assay (MBA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and lateral flow assay (LFA). Overall, each assay demonstrated high accuracy and precision when tested using either clone, and the clones were stable when stored at − 20 °C and 4 °C for almost 2 years. The limit of detection was similar for MBA and LFA, but almost a log-fold higher (i.e. less sensitive) using ELISA. Overall, the chimeric antibodies represent stable control reagents for tests with robust performance and will facilitate deployment of these tests to other laboratories.
Investigating the effects of wind loading on three dimensional tree models using numerical simulation with implications for urban design
Authors: Amani-Beni Majid , Tabatabaei Malazi Mahdi , Dehghanian Kaveh , Dehghanifarsani Laleh
Published: May 2023

In this study, the effects of wind on an Eastern Red Cedar were investigated using numerical simulations. Two different tree models were proposed, each with varying bole lengths and canopy diameters. A total of 18 cases were examined, including different canopy diameters, bole lengths, and wind velocities. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods, the drag force, deformation, and stress of the tree models were calculated under different wind velocities and geometric parameters. A one-way fluid–structure interaction (FSI) method was used to solve the deformation of the tree. Additionally, velocity and pressure distribution around the tree were obtained. The results indicate that wind velocity and geometric parameters of the tree have a significant impact on deformation, drag force, and stress. As wind velocity increases from 15 to 25 m/s, the force on the tree increases substantially. The results also show that the diameter of the canopy has a bigger effect on stress and strain than the bole length. This study provides insights into tree behavior under wind loading for urban planning and design, informing optimal tree selection and placement for windbreak effectiveness and comfortable environments.
Fishery resource management with migratory prey harvesting in two zones- delay and stochastic approach
Authors: Niranjan H. , Srinivas M. N. , Murty A. V. S. N. , Viswanathan K. K.
Published: May 2023

In this work, we looked at a two-zone aquatic habitat where both prey and predators can access the zones. The prey alternates between two zones at random. The growth of prey in the absence of a predator is believed to be logistic in each zone. The inner steady state is determined. Around the interior steady state, the deterministic model’s local and global stability is investigated. Furthermore, a stochastic stability study is performed in the neighbourhood of a positive steady state, using analytical estimates of population mean square fluctuations to investigate the system’s dynamics in the presence of Gaussian white noise.
Design theory of compact power divider with reconfigurable power division and negative group delay characteristics
Authors: Nair Rekha G. , S Natarajamani
Published: May 2023

This article presents the combined analysis of reconfigurable power division and negative group delay (NGD) in a power divider. A novel composite transmission line based reconfigurable power divider with high power division ratio, variable negative group delay, and lower characteristic impedance is presented in this work. The impedance transformation in composite transmission lines control both negative group delay and power division. This power divider possesses a wide range of power division ratios from 1 to 39, adequate isolation, impedance matching, and NGD of $$-3.4$$

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3.4

ns to $$-4.7$$

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4.7

ns in the reconfigurable transmission path. The negative group delay is achieved without using any additional group delay circuits. Theoretical equations corresponding to the low characteristic impedance of the transmission line sections and that of isolation elements are derived. The measurement results justify the attainment of high tuning of the power division ratio and negative group delay. Isolation and return loss are higher than − 15 dB at the centre frequency of 1.5 GHz. The significant contributions of this design can be listed as the wide reconfigurable power division along with negative group delay and reduced size.
l-Lactate treatment by photosynthetic cyanobacteria expressing heterogeneous l-lactate dehydrogenase
Authors: Kato Yuichi , Inabe Kosuke , Haraguchi Yuji , Shimizu Tatsuya , Kondo Akihiko , Hasunuma Tomohisa
Published: May 2023

l-Lactate is a major waste compound in cultured animal cells. To develop a sustainable animal cell culture system, we aimed to study the consumption of l-lactate using a photosynthetic microorganism. As genes involved in l-lactate utilization were not found in most cyanobacteria and microalgae, we introduced the NAD-independent l-lactate dehydrogenase gene from Escherichia coli (lldD) into Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. The lldD-expressing strain consumed l-lactate added to basal medium. This consumption was accelerated by expression of a lactate permease gene from E. coli (lldP) and an increase in culture temperature. Intracellular levels of acetyl-CoA, citrate, 2-oxoglutarate, succinate, and malate, and extracellular levels of 2-oxoglutarate, succinate, and malate, increased during l-lactate utilization, suggesting that the metabolic flux from l-lactate was distributed toward the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This study provides a perspective on l-lactate treatment by photosynthetic microorganisms, which would increase the feasibility of animal cell culture industries.
2-Oxoglutarate contributes to the effect of foliar nitrogen on enhancing drought tolerance during flowering and grain yield of soybean
Authors: Gai Zhijia , Zhang Maoming , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Jingtao , Liu Jingqi , Cai Lijun , Yang Xu , Zhang Na , Yan Zhengnan , Liu Lei , Feng Guozhong
Published: May 2023

Drought severely affects the growth and yield of soybean plants especially during the flowering period. To investigate the effect of 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) in combination with foliar nitrogen (N) at flowering stage on drought resistance and seed yield of soybean under drought stress. This experiment was conducted in 2021 and 2022 on drought-resistant variety (Hefeng 50) and drought-sensitive variety (Hefeng 43) soybean plants treated with foliar N (DS + N) and 2-oxoglutarate (DS + 2OG) at flowering stage under drought stress. The results showed that drought stress at flowering stage significantly increased leaf malonaldehyde (MDA) content and reduced soybean yield per plant. However, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly increased by foliar N treatment, and 2-oxoglutarate synergistically with foliar N treatment (DS + N + 2OG) was more beneficial to plant photosynthesis. 2-oxoglutarate significantly enhanced plant N content, glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) activity. Furthermore, 2-oxoglutarate increased the accumulation of proline and soluble sugars under drought stress. Under drought stress, soybean seed yield was increased by DS + N + 2OG treatment by 16.48–17.10% and 14.96–18.84% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Thus, the combination of foliar N and 2-oxoglutarate better mitigated the adverse effects of drought stress and could better compensate for the yield loss of soybean under drought stress.
A clinical study of the correlation between metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and coronary plaque pattern
Authors: Zhang Zhijiao , Zheng Mengyao , Lei Hongtao , Jiang Zimeng , Chen Yuhang , He Haiyu , Zhao Gongfang , Huang Hua
Published: May 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and has been correlated with coronary atherosclerosis (CAS). Since NAFLD was renamed metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD) in 2020, no studies have evaluated the correlation between MAFLD and CAS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MAFLD and CAS. A total of 1330 patients underwent continuous coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and abdominal ultrasound as part of a routine physical examination. Ultrasonography was used to assess fatty liver, and CCTA was used to assess coronary artery plaques, degree of stenosis, and diseased blood vessels. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed with plaque type and degree of stenosis as dependent variables and MAFLD and traditional cardiovascular risk factors as independent variables to analyze the correlation between MAFLD and CAS. Among the 1164 patients, 680 (58.4%) were diagnosed with MAFLD through a combination of ultrasound and auxiliary examinations. Compared with the non-MAFLD group, the MAFLD group had more cardiovascular risk factors,and the MAFLD group had more likely to have coronary atherosclerosis, coronary stenosis and multiple coronary artery stenosis.In the univariate logistic regression, MAFLD was significantly correlated with overall plaque, calcified plaques, noncalcified plaques, mixed plaques,and significant stenosis in the coronary arteries.(p < 0.05). After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors , MAFLD was correlated with noncalcified plaques (1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.43; p = 0.007) and mixed plaques (1.54; 95% CI 1.10–2.16; p = 0.011). In this study, MAFLD group had more cardiovascular risk factors, MAFLD was correlated with coronary atherosclerosis,and significant stenosis.Further study found independent associations between MAFLD and noncalcified plaques and mixed plaques, which suggest a clinically relevant link between MAFLD and coronary atherosclerosis.
Infection of neonatal mice with the murine norovirus strain WU23 is a robust model to study norovirus pathogenesis
Authors: Peiper Amy M. , Helm Emily W. , Nguyen Quyen , Phillips Matthew , Williams Caroline G. , Shah Dhairya , Tatum Sarah , Iyer Neha , Grodzki Marco , Eurell Laura B. , Nasir Aqsa , Baldridge Megan T. , Karst Stephanie M.
Published: May 2023

Noroviruses are the leading cause of severe childhood diarrhea and foodborne disease worldwide. While they are a major cause of disease in all age groups, infections in the very young can be quite severe, with annual estimates of 50,000–200,000 fatalities in children under 5 years old. In spite of the remarkable disease burden associated with norovirus infections, very little is known about the pathogenic mechanisms underlying norovirus diarrhea, principally because of the lack of tractable small animal models. The development of the murine norovirus (MNV) model nearly two decades ago has facilitated progress in understanding host–norovirus interactions and norovirus strain variability. However, MNV strains tested thus far either do not cause intestinal disease or were isolated from extraintestinal tissue, raising concerns about translatability of research findings to human norovirus disease. Consequently, the field lacks a strong model of norovirus gastroenteritis. Here we provide a comprehensive characterization of a new small animal model system for the norovirus field that overcomes prior weaknesses. Specifically, we demonstrate that the WU23 MNV strain isolated from a mouse naturally presenting with diarrhea causes a transient reduction in weight gain and acute self-resolving diarrhea in neonatal mice of several inbred mouse lines. Moreover, our findings reveal that norovirus-induced diarrhea is associated with infection of subepithelial cells in the small intestine and systemic spread. Finally, type I interferons (IFNs) are critical to protect hosts from norovirus-induced intestinal disease whereas type III IFNs exacerbate diarrhea. This latter finding is consistent with other emerging data implicating type III IFNs in the exacerbation of some viral diseases. This new model system should enable a detailed investigation of norovirus disease mechanisms.
Accelerated formation of trioximes through confined volume reactors and scale-up using thin film methods
Authors: Brown Hilary M. , Estevez Joseph E. , Bottaro Jeffrey C. , Harvey Benjamin G. , Fedick Patrick W.
Published: May 2023

The systematic screening of acceleration factors across a number of small scale confined volume reactors for the accelerated formation of trioximes. Followed by subsequent scale-up of confined volume reactors utilizing thin film methods.
The role of urea on the dissolution of starch in NaOH–urea aqueous solutions
Authors: Min Yan , Woo Meng Wai , Dai Rui , Yang Nima Qu , Dang Xugang , Liu Wentao , Chen Hui
Published: May 2023

Kamlet-Taft solvation parameter analysis unveiled starch-urea molecular interactions; heat released during urea hydrate formation promoted starch dissolution and urea inhibited retrogradation and degradation of starch via electrostatic repulsion and hydrophobic effects.
A two-step lighting DNA tetrahedral nanoprobe for precise imaging-guided photodynamic therapy of tumors
Authors: Wu Fan , Li Yuancheng , Wang Lijuan , Peng Can , Zeng Youhui , Yang Jinfeng , Zhou Huijun , Zheng Jing
Published: May 2023

In this manuscript, we propose a two-step lighting DNA tetrahedral nanoprobe for precise imaging-guided photodynamic therapy of tumors.
Covalent and non-covalent approaches to suppress plasticization of polymer membranes for gas separation
Authors: Kim Ji Woo , Jo Jin Hui , Jeong Songah , Chi Won Seok , Kim Hyungwoo
Published: May 2023

This article introduces chemical approaches to alleviate plasticization of polymer membranes, an inevitable and detrimental effect on gas separation process.
Fluorescence detected circular dichroism (FDCD) of a stereodynamic probe
Authors: Penasa Roberto , Begato Federico , Licini Giulia , Wurst Klaus , Abbate Sergio , Longhi Giovanna , Zonta Cristiano
Published: May 2023

Fluorescence detected circular dichroism (FDCD) has been used to determine e.e. of carboxylic acids at sensor concentrations down to 0.1 μM also in the presence of chiroptical active contaminants.
Heterojunction construction by a coordination bond between metal–organic frameworks and CdIn2S4for improved photocatalytic performance
Authors: Hu Haijun , Sun Xiaodong , Zhang Kailai , Chen Yang , Li Hui , Huang Hongwei , Ma Yali , Ma Tianyi
Published: May 2023

Using a simple hydrothermal strategy, the novel UiO-66-NH2/CdIn2S4heterojunction connected by a coordination bond was constructed with high photocatalytic activity for water reduction.
Is structural hybridization invoking new dimensions for antimalarial drug discovery research?
Authors: Sharma Bhawana , Agarwal Alka , Awasthi Satish Kumar
Published: May 2023

This review article outlines the currently published most potent hybrid drugs against thePlasmodiumspecies.
Generation and control of localized terahertz fields in photoemitted electron plasmas
Authors: Dias Eduardo J. C. , Madan Ivan , Gargiulo Simone , Barantani Francesco , Yannai Michael , Vanacore Giovanni Maria , Kaminer Ido , Carbone Fabrizio , García de Abajo F. Javier
Published: May 2023

We develop a comprehensive microscopic theory to predictably describe the spatiotemporal dynamics of laser-pulse-induced plasmas, which we apply to investigate the spatial, temporal, and spectral characteristics of the plasma-generated THz fields.
Intervalley scattering induced significant reduction in lattice thermal conductivities for phosphorene
Authors: Wu Yu , Chen Ying , Peng Lei , Zhang Hao , Zhou LiuJiang
Published: May 2023

Intervalley scattering caused by the electron–phonon coupling process has a significant effect on the lattice thermal conductivity for phosphorene.
A facile, one-pot reductive alkylation of aromatic and heteroaromatic amines in aqueous micellar media: a chemoenzymatic approach
Authors: Ganesh Krithika , Sambasivam Ganesh , S Karthikeyan
Published: May 2023

A facile, one-pot chemo-enzymatic approach for reductive alkylation of amines was developed in aqueous micellar media.
De novo three-component synthesis of meta-substituted anilines
Authors: Makarov Anton S. , Bakiev Arthur N. , Eshmemeteva Diana A.
Published: May 2023

A metal- and additive-free reaction of easily accessible N-acylpyridinium iodides, methylvinyl ketones and amines provides access to meta-substituted anilines.
A controllably fabricated polypyrrole nanorods network by doping a tetra-β-carboxylate cobalt phthalocyanine tetrasodium salt for enhanced ammonia sensing at room temperature
Authors: Gai Shijie , Wang Xiaolin , Zhang Runze , Zeng Kun , Miao Shoulei , Wu Yiqun , Wang Bin
Published: May 2023

Anionic doping of TcCoPcTs significantly optimizes the morphology, conductivity and NH3-sensing performance of polypyrrole sensors.