bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The lingering effects of Neanderthal introgression on human complex traits
Authors: Wei Xinzhu , Robles Christopher R , Pazokitoroudi Ali , Ganna Andrea , Gusev Alexander , Durvasula Arun , Gazal Steven , Loh Po-Ru , Reich David , Sankararaman Sriram
Published: March 2023

The genetic variants introduced into the ancestors of modern humans from interbreeding with Neanderthals have been suggested to contribute an unexpected extent to complex human traits. However, testing this hypothesis has been challenging due to the idiosyncratic population genetic properties of introgressed variants. We developed rigorous methods to assess the contribution of introgressed Neanderthal variants to heritable trait variation and applied these methods to analyze 235,592 introgressed Neanderthal variants and 96 distinct phenotypes measured in about 300,000 unrelated white British individuals in the UK Biobank. Introgressed Neanderthal variants make a significant contribution to trait variation (explaining 0.12% of trait variation on average). However, the contribution of introgressed variants tends to be significantly depleted relative to modern human variants matched for allele frequency and linkage disequilibrium (about 59% depletion on average), consistent with purifying selection on introgressed variants. Different from previous studies (McArthur et al., 2021), we find no evidence for elevated heritability across the phenotypes examined. We identified 348 independent significant associations of introgressed Neanderthal variants with 64 phenotypes. Previous work (Skov et al., 2020) has suggested that a majority of such associations are likely driven by statistical association with nearby modern human variants that are the true causal variants. Applying a customized fine-mapping led us to identify 112 regions across 47 phenotypes containing 4303 unique genetic variants where introgressed variants are highly likely to have a phenotypic effect. Examination of these variants reveals their substantial impact on genes that are important for the immune system, development, and metabolism.
Context-dependent requirement of G protein coupling for Latrophilin-2 in target selection of hippocampal axons
Authors: Pederick Daniel T , Perry-Hauser Nicole A , Meng Huyan , He Zhigang , Javitch Jonathan A , Luo Liqun
Published: March 2023

The formation of neural circuits requires extensive interactions of cell-surface proteins to guide axons to their correct target neurons. Trans-cellular interactions of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor latrophilin-2 (Lphn2) with its partner teneurin-3 instruct the precise assembly of hippocampal networks by reciprocal repulsion. Lphn2 acts as a repulsive receptor in distal CA1 neurons to direct their axons to the proximal subiculum, and as a repulsive ligand in the proximal subiculum to direct proximal CA1 axons to the distal subiculum. It remains unclear if Lphn2-mediated intracellular signaling is required for its role in either context. Here, we show that Lphn2 couples to Gα12/13 in heterologous cells; this coupling is increased by constitutive exposure of the tethered agonist. Specific mutations of Lphn2’s tethered agonist region disrupt its G protein coupling and autoproteolytic cleavage, whereas mutating the autoproteolytic cleavage site alone prevents cleavage but preserves a functional tethered agonist. Using an in vivo misexpression assay, we demonstrate that wild-type Lphn2 misdirects proximal CA1 axons to the proximal subiculum and that Lphn2 tethered agonist activity is required for its role as a repulsive receptor in axons. By contrast, neither tethered agonist activity nor autoproteolysis were necessary for Lphn2’s role as a repulsive ligand in the subiculum target neurons. Thus, tethered agonist activity is required for Lphn2-mediated neural circuit assembly in a context-dependent manner.
Responses of maize hybrids to water stress conditions at different developmental stages: accumulation of reactive oxygen species, activity of enzymatic antioxidants and degradation in kernel quality traits
Authors: Yousaf Muhammad Irfan , Riaz Muhammad Waheed , Shehzad Aamar , Jamil Shakra , Shahzad Rahil , Kanwal Shamsa , Ghani Aamir , Ali Farman , Abdullah Muhammad , Ashfaq Muhammad , Hussain Quaid
Published: March 2023

Sustainable maize production under changing climatic conditions, especially heat and water stress conditions is one of the key challenges that need to be addressed immediately. The current field study was designed to evaluate the impact of water stress on morpho-physiological, biochemical, reactive oxygen species, antioxidant activity and kernel quality traits at different plant growth stages in maize hybrids. Four indigenous i.e., YH-5427, YH-5482, YH-5395, JPL-1908, and one multinational maize hybrid i.e., NK-8441 (Syngenta Seeds) were used for the study. Four stress treatments (i) Control (ii) 3-week water stress at pre-flowering stage (iii) 3-week water stress at anthesis stage (iv) 3-week water stress at grain filling/post-anthesis stage. The presence of significant oxidative stress was revealed by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROXs) i.e., H2O2 (1.9 to 5.8 µmole g−1 FW) and malondialdehyde (120.5 to 169.0 nmole g−1 FW) leading to severe negative impacts on kernel yield. Moreover, a severe reduction in photosynthetic ability (50.6%, from 34.0 to 16.8 µmole m−2 s−1), lower transpirational rate (31.3%, from 3.2 to 2.2 mmol m−2 s−1), alterations in plant anatomy, reduced pigments stability, and deterioration of kernel quality was attributed to water stress. Water stress affected all the three studied growth stages, the pre-flowering stage being the most vulnerable while the post-anthesis stage was the least affected stage to drought stress. Antioxidant activity was observed to increase under all stress conditions in all maize hybrids, however, the highest antioxidant activity was recorded at the anthesis stage and in maize hybrids YH-5427 i.e., T-SOD activity was increased by 61.3% from 37.5 U mg−1 pro to 60.5 U mg−1 pro while CAT activity was maximum under water stress conditions 8.3 U mg−1 pro as compared to 10.3 U mg−1 pro under control (19.3%). The overall performance of maize hybrid YH-5427 was much more promising than other hybrids, attributed to its higher photosynthetic activity, and better antioxidant defense mechanism. Therefore, this hybrid could be recommended for cultivation in drought-prone areas.
RNA sequencing-based exploration of the effects of far-red light on microRNAs involved in the shade-avoidance response of D. officinale
Authors: Yang Yifan , Qiu Yuqiang , Ye Wei , Sun Gang , Li Hansheng
Published: March 2023

Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale) has remarkable medicinal functions and high economic value. The shade-avoidance response to far-red light importantly affects the D. officinale productivity. However, the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs involved in the far-red light-avoidance response is unknown. Previous studies have found that, in D. officinale, 730 nm (far-red) light can promote the accumulation of plant metabolites, increase leaf area, and accelerate stem elongation. Here, the effects of far-red light on D. officinale were analysed via RNA-seq. KEGG analysis of miRNA target genes revealed various far-red light response pathways, among which the following played central roles: the one-carbon pool by folate; ascorbate and aldarate; cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis; and sulfur metabolism. Cytoscape analysis of DE miRNA targets showed that novel_miR_484 and novel_miR_36 were most likely involved in the effects of far-red light on the D. officinale shade avoidance. Content verification revealed that far-red light promotes the accumulation of one-carbon compounds and ascorbic acid. Combined with qPCR validation results, the results showed that miR395b, novel_miR_36, novel_miR_159, novel_miR_178, novel_miR_405, and novel_miR_435 may participate in the far-red light signalling network through target genes, regulating the D. officinale shade avoidance. These findings provide new ideas for the efficient production of D. officinale.
Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Prostanthera phylicifolia (Lamiaceae) assemblage resolves relationships of the ‘Critically Endangered’ P. gilesii and other putative new species
Authors: O'Donnell Ryan Patric
Published: March 2023

Prostanthera gilesii is a critically endangered species from the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. A conservation management strategy is currently underway for this species, whose phylogenetic affinities are not known. Morphologically, P. gilesii resembles P. phylicifolia and a population of uncertain identity from Evans Crown Nature Reserve in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales (P. sp. Evans Crown). The taxonomy of P. phylicifolia, however, is unclear. Prostanthera phylicifolia was described from populations in the Victorian Alps and Monaro; however, populations spanning from Victoria to southern Queensland have been variously identified as either P. phylicifolia or P. scutellarioides despite substantial geographic disjunctions and morphological dissimilarity. To examine the relationship between populations identified as P. phylicifolia, P. gilesii and P. sp. Evans Crown, nuclear (external transcribed spacer, ETS) and chloroplast (trnH-psbA intergenic spacer) regions were sequenced and combined with an existing Prostanthera dataset and analysed with maximum-likelihood and Bayesian-inference methods. Prostanthera gilesii and P. sp. Evans Crown were recovered as sister taxa within a clade consisting of populations morphologically similar to the type of P. phylicifolia from the Victorian Alps and Snowy Mountains, Monaro and Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. Populations from northern New South Wales and southern Queensland identified as P. phylicifolia or P. scutellarioides were recovered as an assemblage of unrelated clades. The molecular phylogeny supports P. gilesii and P. phylicifolia as closely related as hypothesised based on morphology and supports P. sp. Evans Crown as a population which requires additional study to assess its taxonomic status.
New Philippine moss records and additions to the Luzon moss flora
Authors: Linis Virgilio Cutibar
Published: March 2023

Four new Philippine moss records and five additions for the Luzon moss flora are presented. Anomodontopsis rugelii (Müll. Hal.) Ignatov & Fedosov; Chaetmitrium horridulum Bosch & Sande Lac.; Chaetomitrium vrieseanum Bosch & Sande Lac.; and Dicranoloma deplanchei (Duby) Par. are new country moss records while Anomodon pseudotristis (Müll. Hal.) Kindb.; Bescherellia elegantissima Duby; Claopodium assurgens (Sull. & Lesq.) Cardot; Pseudoparaphysanthus moutieri (Broth. & Paris) S. Olsson, Enroth, Huttunen & D. Quandt and Racopilum magnirete E.B. Bartram are new additions to the Luzon moss flora. Anomodontopsis Ignatov & Fedosov is a new genus record for the Philippines. This report of new records for the Philippine and Luzon’s moss flora has once again highlighted the importance of continued bryological studies in the archipelago. In this respect, field collecting in the country’s intervening islands and understudied areas is still necessary to further improve of knowledge of Philippine moss flora.
Grevillea tesselata Olde (Proteaceae: Grevilleoideae: Hakeinae), a rare new species of uncertain affinity from the Avon Wheatbelt region of south-west Western Australia.
Authors: Olde Peter Maurice
Published: March 2023

Grevillea tesselata Olde is described here as a new species from south-west Western Australia, known only from a small population in a fragmented roadside landscape, and previously recognised under the phrase name Grevillea sp. Trayning (W. Johnston WJ 071). Following the Flora of Australia, the new species keys to the Grevillea Acacioides Group which comprises only three species, G. endlicheriana Meisn., G. acacioides C.A.Gardner ex McGill. and G. gordoniana C.A.Gardner. A binary assessment of 50 morphological characters presented here supports the view that G. acacioides and G. endlicheriana are sister species. A key to the new species is provided and its distribution updated. Grevillea tesselata has a Priority One Conservation Code according to the Western Australian Herbarium.
Caloglossa fluviatilis Krayesky, Fredericq & J.N.Norris (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta) from Bataan province, Luzon Island, Philippines, a new country record
Authors: Linis Virgilio Cutibar , Vitug Lawrence Victor
Published: March 2023

Caloglossa fluviatilis is one of the least known freshwater algal species of its genus, having been reported from its type locality in Pedro Miguel, Republic of Panama, and Chalakkudy and Periyar Rivers in the State of Kerala, India. This study presents a new locality record of the species from Bataan province on the island of Luzon, Philippines. C. fluviatilis is characterised by having (1) a thallus having a width at the internode region narrower than 1.0 mm, (2) moderate development of adventitious secondary branches at the node, and (3) fewer than eight rhizoidal filaments arising from pericentral cells at the node. Indeed, this Philippine population of C. fluviatilis has helped fill the gaps and extended the distribution of the species to the western Pacific region. Further studies and reassessment of freshwater Caloglossa specimens will contribute to further understanding of these little-known genus members.
Restio chromosomes: Chromosome numbers in some Australian Restionaceae (Poales): new counts and an inferred base number for Leptocarpoideae
Authors: Briggs Barbara
Published: March 2023

As per paper
Assessment and Characterization of Residual Concentrations from Some Cook-in Food Packages Utilized in Nigeria – ‘Moi-Moi’: A Case Study
Authors: Ngozi Iguh, Blessing , Njideka Bede, Evelyn , Nkeiru Akanbi, Magdalene
Published: March 2023

Aim: To assess the magnitude and safety of migrants from three cook-in food packaging materials (plantain leaf, polyethylene film and aluminium foil) into cooked ‘moi-moi’.

Methodology: The ‘moi-moi’ was prepared, packaged in three different packaging materials and cooked to doneness. Analyses of possible migrants from the packaging materials were carried out using standard methods. Raw ‘moi-moi’ paste and cooked ‘moi-moi’ samples were analysed for migrants from associated packaging material on day zero and day 3 of frozen storage. Proximate composition and sensory evaluation as affected by the packaging materials were also conducted. Data obtained were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means separated by Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT).

Results: Results obtained showed that the heavy metals originally present in the aluminium foil and plantain leaf gained entrance into the cooked ‘moi-moi’ and the same was the pesticide residue from the plantain leaf. Phthalates and some volatile organic compounds were found to migrate from polyethylene film into the cooked ‘moi-moi’. The proximate compositions showed that the ‘moi-moi’ cooked in plantain leaf had the highest value in ash (9.14%), fibre (3.95%) and protein (21.41%) followed by that in aluminium foil with 6.47% in ash and 1.34% in fibre. The sensory results showed no significant differences in taste, after taste perception, mouthfeel and general acceptability among the ‘moi-moi’ samples cooked in the different packaging materials on day O (the day ‘moi-moi’ was cooked). Nonetheless, on day 3 (3 days frozen storage), significant differences in appearance, mouthfeel, aroma, and general acceptability of the ‘moi-moi’ samples existed except in after taste perception.

Conclusion: The concentrations of all the migrants were found to increase with increase in contact time but were all below the safety limits stipulated by WHO, Codex Alimentarius and JECFA even on day 3 of frozen storage.
Efficiency of Resource Use in Rainfed Maize Production System by Small-Scale Farmers in Central Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Osim O. O. , Oniah M. O.
Published: March 2023

The study determined resource use efficiency in maize crop production by small-scale farmers in the Central Agricultural Zone of Cross River State Nigeria. It specifically examined the allocative efficiency of resources used by small-scale farmers in rainfed maize production in the area. Primary data were used to conduct the study. Statistical tools employed were multiple regression analysis and allocative efficiency index (AEI). The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that the variables of farm size (x1), farm capital (x3), fertilizer (x4), farm credit (x6), extension service (x7), seeds planted (x8) had a positive relationship with the output of maize. The allocative efficiency index (AEI) of the various productive resources showed that farm size (x1), fertilizer (x3), and herbicides (x5) were found to be underutilized since their allocative efficiency index (AEI) was greater than one (1) and their marginal value product (MVP) were greater than their marginal factor cost (MFC) while Labour(x2) was over-utilized as the allocative efficiency index (AEI) was less than one (1). Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made; maize farmers should improve their use of productive resources such as land, capital, fertilizers, herbicide and seeds. Labour factor should be maximally utilized to create a favourable return to a unit of man day employed in maize production in the area.
Association between Socio Personal, Psychological and Communicational Attributes of NHM Flower Grower Beneficiaries and their Adoption Behaviour
Authors: Patel Sheetal , Swarnkar V. K.
Published: March 2023

India has an ancient heritage of floriculture, still, 98.5% of flowers are grown under open cultivation and hardly 1.5% of flowers are grown in a greenhouse. Commercial floriculture is now recognized as an important sector with the potential for generating employment and earning valuable foreign exchange. There has been tremendous growth in the demand and consumption of floriculture products in the last two decades. The research study was conducted in the Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2016-2017. Ujjain district is one of the important flower-growing districts and hence, it is considered under National Horticultural Mission (NHM) program by taking 120 flower growers. Out of the total of 25 villages, 4 villages were selected by random sampling method and data was collected by using an interview schedule. The adoption behavior of respondents, in the present study, refers to the extent of improved flower production technology and practices adopted by the respondents under the NHM program on their farm as per the recommendations. For measuring the level of adoption behaviour, an adoption index was developed which consisted of 14 practices. The Education level, annual income, source of irrigation, farm mechanization, marketing behavior, information-seeking behavior, mass media communication, risk-taking ability, and knowledge level of the flower growers were found to be positively and significantly associated with their adoption behavior of improved flower production technologies. Hence it is concluded that there is a need to promote flower cultivation for better livelihood of the flower growers.
Implementation of National Information and Communication Technology Curriculum in Grade Nine: A Case of Trashigang Dzongkhag
Authors: Kelzang  , Tshering Tsheten , Thinley Thukten
Published: March 2023

This study aims to study the impact of the information and communication technologies (ICT) on students' learning. A quantitative method was used with cross sectional research design. A questionnaire was designed to comprehend the questions related to the objectives and a sample of 10 teachers, 10 principals and 109 class IX students was enrolled from various middle, higher and central schools under Trashigang dzongkhag, Bhutan. Data was presented in tabulated form and the Pearson correlation test was applied to determine the relationship among the dependent and independent variables. The findings revealed that students have access to various kinds of ICT applications and resources, have an adequate number of ICT equipment available for their use, and are familiar with ICT applications.

Additionally, a strong positive linear correlation exists between availability of human, ICT resources, user-ability of using ICT resources and the student's educational learning. It is recommended for students to learn ICT related skills and to make the best use of the different communication technologies in their pedagogical activities. Additionally, stakeholders should focus on developing ICT-based infrastructure and ICT skilled human resources to bring beneficial results in the learning process of students’ educational endeavors.
Trends in Area, Production, and Productivity of Coffee in Chikkamagaluru District of Karnataka, India
Authors: Nayak G. H. Harish , Varalakshmi A. , Manjunath M. G. , Avinash G. , Veershetty  , Baishya Moumita
Published: March 2023

Coffee is a significant commodity crop worldwide, and Karnataka, an Indian state with coffee-growing regions such as Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Hassan, is a major producer. Chikkamagaluru, also known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka, is the primary location for Arabica coffee production and cultivation of various other spice crops such as areca nut, pepper, cardamom, vanilla, lime, clove, and cinnamon. Despite the importance of coffee production, coffee growers encounter multiple challenges in cultivating and yielding high-quality coffee. Therefore, researchers have explored issues associated with coffee production and yield and suggested feasible solutions. To make informed decisions, it is essential to analyze the productivity and production of the coffee-growing region. This study used 25 years of coffee time series data obtained from the Coffee Board of India, Bengaluru, from 1995-1996 to 2019-2020, to investigate the coffee-growing region's problems. The data was analyzed using linear (linear, cubic) and nonlinear (exponential, logistic, and Gompertz) growth models. The results showed that the cubic model provided the best fit for the Chikkamagaluru district's coffee-growing region. Meanwhile, the linear and Gompertz models were the best fit for coffee output and productivity, respectively. The study revealed a decrease in Chikkamagaluru coffee productivity over the study period, despite an increase in the coffee-growing area.
Leverage and Dividend Policy: Evidence from the Indonesian Stock Exchange
Authors: Nur Dhani Ichsanuddin
Published: March 2023

Aims: This research aims to determine the effect of ownership based on managerial and institutional on the leverage and corporate dividends.

Study Design:  We analyzed the correlation between leverage and dividends interaction in several companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange.

Methodology: Some hypotheses were created and then tested using an equation model. Some equations used in this model can generate an equation system that can describe the variables' dependencies. Furthermore, the two-stage least square (TSLS) method was used as the estimation technique.

Results: A high level of managerial ownership can decrease leverage and corporate dividend payments. Also, high external capital is needed to increase dividend payments to achieve high asset growth.

Conclusion: In contrast, high sales growth can decrease the leverage, but increased profitability may lower the dividend payments. Using high force means reducing dividend payments. This research provides information and data as a basis for consideration, support, and sources of thought to management as decision-makers to improve company performance and business development. This research implies that companies can use it as a reference in making financial decisions about the company's business strategy to improve its performance to have a competitive advantage and avoid financial distress.
Evaluation of Pollutant Discharge from Slaughterhouses on Receiving Water Bodies
Authors: Daniel Ogbebor , John Ugbebor N. , Ngozi Udeh U.
Published: March 2023

Aim: The aim of this study is to appraisal the consequences of slaughterhouse wastewater discharge into surface water of selected slaughterhouse environment.

Study Design: Three (3) main stream/surface water discharged slaughterhouses was analyzed. Water samples were collected at the Middle Course (MC) of the receiving water body. Sampling was be carried out between the hours of 10.00 am and 11.00 am when the discharge of effluent into the rivers/streams always occur.

Methodology: Wastewater samples were collected from the different slaughterhouses in order to determine the quality of the effluent before it was discharged into nearby stream/river. The MC samples will be collected from about 40 m from the point of entry of the slaughterhouse waste. Waste samples were collected from each sampling site with a clean polyethylene bottles. The containers was washed with diluted HCl and then rinsed with the wastewater from the slaughterhouse so as to neutralize or reduce the effect of external contaminants. The samples were appropriately labeled and transported to the laboratory, stored in the refrigerator at 4⁰C prior to being analyzed for the physical, chemical and biological parameters present.

Results: The parameters assessed include, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Solids (TS), Phosphate, pH, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Cadmium and Lead. High level of BOD, COD, and TS was revealed on receiving streams with minimum values of 1001mg/l, 1120mg/l, and 990mg/l.

Conclusion: The physico-chemical parameters showed the negative impact of the abattoir effluent on the stream thus rendering the water of worthless value to humans. Furthermore, the abattoir urgently needs an effluent treatment facility to be installed to reduce the health hazard its effluent poses on the abattoir users and users of the streams receiving the effluent.
The Rapid Growth of Mega-Journals
Authors: Ioannidis John P. A. , Pezzullo Angelo Maria , Boccia Stefania
Published: March 2023

This Viewpoint examines the increase in “mega-journals” (prolific publishers of medical articles) and both the opportunities and threats to scientific research they present.
Development of Osteoarthritis in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Metformin vs a Sulfonylurea
Authors: Baker Matthew C. , Sheth Khushboo , Liu Yuhan , Lu Di , Lu Rong , Robinson William H.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Metformin may have a protective association against developing osteoarthritis (OA), but robust epidemiological data are lacking.

Objective

To determine the risk of OA and joint replacement in individuals with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin compared with a sulfonylurea.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used claims data from the Optum deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database between December 2003 and December 2019. Participants included individuals aged 40 years or older with at least 1 year of continuous enrollment and type 2 diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes or a prior diagnosis of OA, inflammatory arthritis, or joint replacement were excluded. Time-conditional propensity score matching was conducted using age, sex, race, Charlson comorbidity score, and treatment duration to create a prevalent new-user cohort. Data were analyzed from April to December 2021.

Exposures

Treatment with metformin or a sulfonylurea.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcomes of interest were incident OA and joint replacement. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of incident OA and joint replacement. In a sensitivity analysis, individuals only ever treated with metformin were compared with individuals only ever treated with a sulfonylurea, allowing for longer-term follow up of the outcome (even after stopping the medication of interest).

Results

After time-conditional propensity score matching, the metformin and control groups each included 20 937 individuals (mean [SD] age 62.0 [11.5] years; 24 379 [58.2%] males). In the adjusted analysis, the risk of developing OA was reduced by 24% for individuals treated with metformin compared with a sulfonylurea (aHR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.68-0.85; P < .001), but there was no significant difference for risk of joint replacement (aHR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.50-1.27; P = .34). In the sensitivity analysis, the risk of developing OA remained lower in individuals treated with metformin compared with a sulfonylurea (aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65-0.90; P < .001) and the risk of joint replacement remained not statistically significant (aHR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.60-1.82; P = .89).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of individuals with diabetes, metformin treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing OA compared with sulfonylurea treatment. These results further support preclinical and observational data that suggest metformin may have a protective association against the development of OA; future interventional studies with metformin for the treatment or prevention of OA should be considered.
Ambient Temperature Increases and Preschoolers’ Outdoor Physical Activity
Authors: Koepp Andrew E. , Lanza Kevin , Byrd-Williams Courtney , Bryan Amy E. , Gershoff Elizabeth T.
Published: March 2023

This cross-sectional study evaluates the association of high outdoor temperatures with children’s engagement in physical activity during play.
Consistency and stability of gaze behavior when reading manga
Authors: Wada Yuichi
Published: March 2023

Manga, a Japanese comic, conveys contextual information about underlying stories based on the expression of a mixture of textual and pictorial elements. Two experiments were designed to assess whether individuals' eye movements when reading manga were consistent, independent of the specific materials, and stable over time. Experiment 1 examined the consistency of eye‐movement parameters when participants read two distinct manga works and a narrative text and demonstrated that the parameters were consistent among the different reading materials. Experiment 2 provided evidence of the stability of parameters over time (i.e., an average interval of approximately 3 months). In summary, eye‐movement parameters observed during manga reading were reliable stability indices over time and consistency among diverse materials. These findings imply that gaze behavior during manga reading could be an effective methodology for investigating individual differences in various aspects of cognitive processes, such as face perception and story comprehension.
Investigations of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in Wire + Arc Additively Manufactured Niobium–Zirconium Alloy
Authors: Islam Saiful , Ahsan Md. Rumman Ul , Seo Gi-Jeong , Lee Ho-Jin , Park Taejoon , Pourboghrat Farhang , Kim Duck Bong
Published: March 2023

Herein, the feasibility of the gas tungsten arc welding‐based wire + arc additive manufacturing process for fabricating thin wall structures of niobium‐1 wt% zirconium (NbZr1) alloy is investigated. Three different heat input conditions (low, medium, and high) have been selected for fabricating it. The microstructure is characterized by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The microstructure shows the columnar dendritic structure elongated in the build direction. No cracks or porosity are observed in the structure. Average Vickers hardness for low, medium, and high heat input conditions are 146.6, 162.1, and 163.5 HV, respectively. There is an increasing trend of microhardness value along the deposition height, which can be attributed to the difference in secondary dendritic arm spacing and the formation of precipitates. The tensile strength of the specimen is comparable to the conventional and additively manufactured structures. EBSD analysis confirms that possible subgrains are responsible for good mechanical properties at room temperature. In the majority of the tensile samples, the failure mechanism has been identified as a ductile fracture. The mechanical characteristics fluctuate with locations in each of the thin walls, suggesting anisotropy in the deposits.
Yield Strength Enhancement Without Ductility Loss Through Controlling the Intercritical Annealing Time in Medium‐Mn Steels
Authors: Elbeltagy Asmaa , Xu Zigan , Shen Xiao , Krupp Ulrich , Song Wenwen
Published: March 2023

Herein, the effect of shortening the intercritical annealing (IA) time in a two‐step process “intercritical annealing and tempering (IAT)” on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of medium‐manganese steel (MMnS) made of Fe–0.05C–7Mn–1.5Cu–1.5Ni–1.5Al–1.5Si–0.5Mo (wt%) and containing copper‐rich (CRP) and Ni(Al/Mn) precipitates is investigated. The atom probe tomography (APT), electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD), and the synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (SYXRD) are used to study precipitation, phase microstructure evolution, the austenite stability, and deformation mechanisms. Shortening the IA step, which is carried out at 700 °C, from 2 min (IAT‐2) to 1 min (IAT‐1), results in a yield strength (YS) increment of around 218 MPa with less than 1% loss of ductility. While the enhanced yield strength in IAT‐1 is attributed to the four times higher precipitates’ number density (n), the insignificant loss of ductility is attributed to the enhanced austenite stability factor from 4.5 to 9.2 in IAT‐2 and IAT‐1, respectively. The simultaneous increase in YS without ductility loss reflects that controlling the IA time is a promising strategy to overcome the yield strength and ductility trade‐off without the need for higher additions of costly alloying elements such as Ni, Al, Mn, and Cu.
Corrosion‐Responsive Self‐Healing Coatings
Authors: Yimyai Tiwa , Crespy Daniel , Rohwerder Michael
Published: March 2023

Organic coatings are one of the most popular and powerful strategies for protecting metals against corrosion. They can be applied in different ways, such as by dipping, spraying, electrophoresis, casting, painting, or flow coating. They offer great flexibility of material designs and cost effectiveness. Moreover, self‐healing has evolved as a new research topic for protective organic coatings in the last two decades. Responsive materials play a crucial role in this new research field. However, for targeting the development of high‐performance self‐healing coatings for corrosion protection, it is not sufficient just to focus on smart responsive materials and suitable active agents for self‐healing. A better understanding of how coatings can react on different stimuli induced by corrosion, how these stimuli can spread in the coating, and how the released agents can reach the corroding defect is also of high importance. Such knowledge would allow the design of coatings that are optimized for specific applications. Herein, the requirements and possibilities from the corrosion and synthesis perspectives for designing materials for preparing self‐healing coatings for corrosion protection are discussed.
A Biocompatible Supercapacitor Diode with Enhanced Rectification Capability toward Ion/Electron‐Coupling Logic Operations
Authors: Ma Hongyun , Liang Jie , Qiu Jian , Jiang Li , Ma Lingxiao , Sheng Hongwei , Shao Mingjiao , Wang Qi , Li Fengfeng , Fu Yujun , Wang Jing , Xie Erqing , Chai Yang , Lan Wei
Published: March 2023

The main challenge faced by the forthcoming human–computer interaction is that biological systems and electronic devices adopt two different information carriers, i.e., ions and electrons, respectively. To bridge the gap between these two systems, developing ion/electron‐coupling devices for logic operation is a feasible and effective approach. Accordingly, herein a supercapacitor‐based ionic diode (CAPode) that takes electrochemically amorphized molybdenum oxide as the working electrode is developed. Benefiting from its unique size and charge dual ion‐sieving effects, the molybdenum oxide electrode exhibits a record‐high rectification ratio of 136, which is over 10 times higher than those of reported systems. It also delivers an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 448 F g⁻1 and an excellent cycling stability of up to 20 000 cycles, greatly outperforming those of previous works. These excellent rectification capability and electrochemical performances allow the as‐built CAPode to work well in AND and OR logic gates, validating great potential in ion/electron‐coupling logic operations. More attractively, the superior biocompatibilities of molybdenum oxide and relevant constituent materials enable the constructed CAPode to be applied as bioelectronics without regard to biosafety, paving a new way toward forthcoming human–computer interaction.
Integrated Logic for Dielectric Elastomers: Replicating the Reflex of the Venus Flytrap
Authors: Ciarella Luca , Richter Andreas , Henke E.‐F. Markus
Published: March 2023

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are electroactive polymers commonly used in soft robotics. Bulky and stiff high‐voltage circuits are usually needed to control their operation. This article presents autonomous control in a multi‐functional device made entirely of DEs. A gripper made of DE actuators is controlled by dielectric elastomer sensors through an electrical circuit. The circuit itself is composed of a network of actuators and sensors. The final structure requires only a constant power supply to work and produces its controlling signals. Every component can be manufactured simultaneously with the same materials and processes. At first, the logical control of the gripper is demonstrated by directly connecting a sensor to the gripper that opens when the sensor is stretched. Then, a DE level‐triggered flip‐flop (also called latch) is introduced to have bi‐stability between open and closed states. Finally, the latch is integrated inside the gripper, allowing it to sense objects. The device autonomously grips an object that is placed in it, resembling the closing mechanism of the plant Dionaea muscipula, also known as the Venus flytrap.
Ionic Liquid Passivation for High‐Performance Sky‐Blue Quasi‐2D Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Sun Jiayun , Ren Zhenwei , Wang Zhaojin , Wang Haoran , Wu Dan , Sun Xiao Wei , Choy Wallace C. H. , Wang Kai
Published: March 2023

Great progress has been made in high‐performance perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). However, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of blue PeLEDs still lags. Particularly, defects are inevitable in solution‐processed perovskite films, which inhibit the efficient radiative recombination in blue PeLEDs. Herein, a facile ionic liquid (IL, 1,3‐dimethyl‐3‐imidazolium hexafluorophosphate) post‐treatment on the as‐fabricated quasi‐2D perovskite film is reported, to passivate the uncoordinated Pb through the strong interaction with IL. The IL‐assisted perovskite film demonstrates a great enhancement of radiative recombination efficiency, and the photoluminescence quantum yield of the film increases from 35.7% to 74.6%. IL post‐treatment also adjusts the energy level of perovskite film and enhances the hole injection in PeLED. As a result, the peak EQE of the sky‐blue quasi‐2D PeLED is improved from 4.0% to 9.0%, while the turn‐on voltage is reduced from 3.3 to 3.0 V. This work contributes to a feasible and effective approach for improving the quality of blue quasi‐2D perovskites and enhancing the efficiency of blue PeLEDs.
A Biologically Interfaced Evolvable Organic Pattern Classifier
Authors: Gerasimov Jennifer Y. , Tu Deyu , Hitaishi Vivek , Harikesh Padinhare Cholakkal , Yang Chi‐Yuan , Abrahamsson Tobias , Rad Meysam , Donahue Mary J. , Ejneby Malin Silverå , Berggren Magnus , Forchheimer Robert , Fabiano Simone
Published: March 2023

Future brain–computer interfaces will require local and highly individualized signal processing of fully integrated electronic circuits within the nervous system and other living tissue. New devices will need to be developed that can receive data from a sensor array, process these data into meaningful information, and translate that information into a format that can be interpreted by living systems. Here, the first example of interfacing a hardware‐based pattern classifier with a biological nerve is reported. The classifier implements the Widrow–Hoff learning algorithm on an array of evolvable organic electrochemical transistors (EOECTs). The EOECTs’ channel conductance is modulated in situ by electropolymerizing the semiconductor material within the channel, allowing for low voltage operation, high reproducibility, and an improvement in state retention by two orders of magnitude over state‐of‐the‐art OECT devices. The organic classifier is interfaced with a biological nerve using an organic electrochemical spiking neuron to translate the classifier's output to a simulated action potential. The latter is then used to stimulate muscle contraction selectively based on the input pattern, thus paving the way for the development of adaptive neural interfaces for closed‐loop therapeutic systems.
Far‐Red Interlayer Excitons of Perovskite/Quantum‐Dot Heterostructures
Authors: Kim Taek Joon , Lee Sang‐hun , Lee Eunji , Seo Changwon , Kim Jeongyong , Joo Jinsoo
Published: March 2023

Interlayer excitons (IXs) at the interface of heterostructures (HSs) with a staggered band alignment are fascinating quantum quasi‐particles with light‐emitting and long‐lifetime characteristics. In this study, the energy band alignments (EBAs) of the HS of MAPbI3 perovskite thin sheets with CdSe‐ZnS core–shell quantum dot (QD) layers are modulated by using different diameters of the QDs. Far‐red IX emission is observed at 1.42 eV from the HS of MAPbI3/CdSe‐ZnS‐QD (λem = 645 nm) with type‐II EBA owing to charge transfer. The lifetime of the far‐red IXs is estimated to be 5.68 µs, which is considerably longer than that (0.715 ns) of the intralayer excitons from CdSe‐ZnS‐QD. With increasing incident excitation power, the PL peak and its intensity of IXs are blue‐shifted and linearly increased, respectively, indicating a strong dipole alignment of far‐red IXs at the heterojunction. Back focal plane imaging suggests that the directions of dipole moments of the IXs are relatively out‐of‐plane compared to those of the intralayer excitons (MAPbI3 and CdSe‐ZnS‐QD). Notably, the abnormal behavior of the optical characteristics is observed near the phase transition temperature (90 K) of MAPbI3. MAPbI3/CdSe‐ZnS‐QD HS photodetectors show the increase in photocurrent and detectivity compared to MAPbI3 at IX excitation.
Combustion Activation Induced Solid‐State Synthesis for N, B Co‐Doped Carbon/Zinc Borate Anode with a Boosting of Sodium Storage Performance
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Dingyue , Guo Mingyi , Huang Zheng , Wang Xu , Gao Caiqin , Gao Fan , Terrones Mauricio , Wang Yanqing
Published: March 2023

Zinc borates have merits of low voltage polarization and suitable redox potential, but usually suffer from low rate capability and poor cycling life, as an emerging anode candidate for Na+ storage. Here, a new intercalator‐guided synthesis strategy is reported to simultaneously improve rate capability and stabilize cycling life of N, B co‐doped carbon/zinc borates (CBZG). The strategy relies on a uniform dispersion of precursors and simultaneously stimulated combustion activation and solid‐state reactions capable of scalable preparation. The Na+ storage mechanism of CBZG is studied: 1) ex situ XRD and XPS demonstrate two‐step reaction sequence of Na+ storage: Zn6O(OH)(BO3)3+Na++e−↔3ZnO+Zn3B2O6+NaBO2+0.5H2 ①, Zn3B2O6+6Na++6e−↔3Zn+3Na2O+B2O3 ②; reaction ① is irreversible in ether‐based electrolyte while reversible in ester‐based electrolyte. 2) Electrochemical kinetics reveal that ether‐based electrolyte possesses faster Na+ storage than ester‐based electrolyte. The composite demonstrates an excellent capacity of 437.4 mAh g−1 in a half‐cell, together with application potential in full cells (discharge capacity of 440.1 mAh g−1 and stable cycle performance of 2000 cycles at 5 A g−1). These studies will undoubtedly provide an avenue for developing novel synthetic methods of carbon‐based borates and give new insights into the mechanism of Na+ storage in ether‐based electrolyte for the desirable sodium storage.
Carrier Dynamics of Efficient Triplet Harvesting in AgBiS2/Pentacene Singlet Fission Solar Cells
Authors: Geng Pai , Chen Dezhang , Shivarudraiah Sunil B. , Chen Xihan , Guo Liang , Halpert Jonathan E.
Published: March 2023

Singlet fission is a process by which an organic semiconductor is able to generate two triplet excitons from a single photon. If charges from the triplets can be successfully harvested without heavy losses in energy, then this process can enable a single‐junction solar cell to surpass the Shockley–Queisser limit. While singlet fission processes are commonly observed in several materials, harvesting the resulting triplets is difficult and has been demonstrated with only a few transport materials. Here, transient absorption spectroscopy is used to investigate singlet fission and carrier transfer processes at the AgBiS2/pentacene (AgBiS2/Pc) heterojunction. The successful transfer of triplets from pentacene to AgBiS2 and the transfer of holes from AgBiS2 to pentacene is observed. Further singlet fission in pentacene by modifying the crystallinity of the pentacene layer and have fabricated the first singlet fission AgBiS2/Pc solar cell is enhanced. Singlet fission devices exhibit higher external quantum efficiency compared with the control devices, and thus demonstrating the significant contribution of charges from the singlet fission process.
Early Endosomes Act as Local Exocytosis Hubs to Repair Endothelial Membrane Damage
Authors: Raj Nikita , Greune Lilo , Kahms Martin , Mildner Karina , Franzkoch Rico , Psathaki Olympia Ekaterini , Zobel Thomas , Zeuschner Dagmar , Klingauf Jürgen , Gerke Volker
Published: March 2023

The plasma membrane of a cell is subject to stresses causing ruptures that must be repaired immediately to preserve membrane integrity and ensure cell survival. Yet, the spatio‐temporal membrane dynamics at the wound site and the source of the membrane required for wound repair are poorly understood. Here, it is shown that early endosomes, previously only known to function in the uptake of extracellular material and its endocytic transport, are involved in plasma membrane repair in human endothelial cells. Using live‐cell imaging and correlative light and electron microscopy, it is demonstrated that membrane injury triggers a previously unknown exocytosis of early endosomes that is induced by Ca2+entering through the wound. This exocytosis is restricted to the vicinity of the wound site and mediated by the endosomal soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) VAMP2, which is crucial for efficient membrane repair. Thus, the newly identified Ca2+‐evoked and localized exocytosis of early endosomes supplies the membrane material required for rapid resealing of a damaged plasma membrane, thereby providing the first line of defense against damage in mechanically challenged endothelial cells.