bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Forest Operations and Silvicultural Treatments on Litter Decomposition Rate: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Latterini Francesco , Dyderski Marcin K. , Horodecki Paweł , Picchio Rodolfo , Venanzi Rachele , Lapin Katharina , Jagodziński Andrzej M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose of Review

As litter decomposition is a fundamental process in forest ecosystems, representing the link between aboveground and belowground biogeochemical processes, we developed an effect size summarisation of the implications of forest management on litter decomposition rate, by applying a multi-level meta-analysis and multivariate mixed-effects meta-analytic linear models. Our aim was to review the findings of the current literature and to understand how forest management, silvicultural treatment, and forest operations could affect litter decomposition rate. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of environmental variables that included stand type, climatic conditions, and the percentage of biomass removal on litter decomposition rate.

Recent Findings

We found a statistically significant reduction in litter decomposition rate associated with clear-cutting, and no statistically significant differences for the overall effects of retention forestry and logging activities (disturbed forest soil in the form of skid trails or strip roads). Concerning the sub-group analysis and multivariate meta-regression, there were no significant effects for stand type (broadleaf, coniferous, or mixed) or climatic conditions (mean annual temperature and annual precipitation). The percentage of biomass removal showed a significant positive correlation with the effect size, thus indicating that higher biomass removal in the framework of retention forestry leads to an increase in litter decomposition rate. Also, the mesh size of the litterbag showed a positive correlation with the effect size, suggesting that there is a probability of a factor of stronger disturbance to large-body decomposer organisms such as microarthropods.

Litter decomposition rate is related, among other factors, to soil microclimatic conditions and soil biota. Therefore, this process can be strongly influenced by active forest management, meant as a silvicultural treatment carried out by applying a given harvesting system. In the context of retention forestry, increased light availability seems to be the driving force in shaping increased litter decomposition rates with increasing biomass removal. On the other hand, when a clear-cut is applied, the stronger modification to the edaphic community leads to decreased litter decomposition rates. It is worth noting that the modification may also be related to soil manipulation to favour the establishment of artificial regeneration. The findings, however, showed very large variability, thus suggesting the need for further research on such a complex topic. Multidisciplinary studies that analyse the microclimate and the edaphic biological communities along with the litter decomposition are particularly recommended.
Non-linear Wire Rope Isolator Model to Enhance Transportation Simulation of Fragile Equipment
Authors: Barnaba Andrea , Neri Paolo , Bucchi Francesco , Passarelli Donato
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Wire rope isolators are often used as means of vibration isolation for the transportation of fragile machine equipment. When deployed as suspension systems in a transportation scenario, a simple spring–damper model is often used to predict the dynamic loads that act on the structure being transported. However, this simple model has proved to be too simplistic to be used in the development of an accurate numerical model that can predict the vibration levels experienced by the inner components of fragile equipment during its transportation. This paper describes the experimental tests conducted on a wire rope isolator used for the transportation of the prototype SSR1 cryomodule.

Materials and methods

A hysteretic Bouc–Wen model has been used to analytically describe the force–deformation relationship of the wire rope isolators. The developed model of the isolator has been implemented in a larger model to simulate the actual transportation of the prototype SSR1 cryomodule, a section of the new PIP-II linear accelerator under construction at Fermilab. A series of multibody dynamic simulations with rigid and flexible components was used to numerically determine the acceleration of some critical components.

Results and conclusions

An actual experimental transportation was simulated using two numerical models: the developed Bouc–Wen model and a conventional spring–damper model. It is shown how the Bouc–Wen formulation of the isolator characteristics drastically improves the correspondence between experimental and simulated results if compared to a spring–damper model, especially in the range of 0–30 Hz which is the most critical for transportation problems.
Exergy and economic analyses of CCP system using full capacity of steam production and waste heat recovery in Kurdistan petrochemical complex
Authors: Naderi Pak Abbas , Lahonian Mansour , Mirzaei Hooshyar , Aminian Saman , Ranjbari Leyla
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study is to analyze a combined cooling and power system from both exergy and economic perspectives, taking into account low-, medium-, and high-pressure steams. The system configuration consists of various components, namely the boiler, tank, turbine, generator, unit referred to as 180, absorption chiller, and separator. The high- and medium-pressure steams are utilized to generate power in the chiller turbine. Additionally, the low-pressure steam, which is discharged from the turbines and recycled from different sections of the system, is used to provide heat for the absorption chillers and cool the water used in the production line, thereby reducing the capacity requirements of the wet cooling towers. Among the available options, the turbine with a cost of 300 €/kW proves to be the most suitable choice for the proposed system. The results indicate that increasing the generator temperature from 65 °C to 90 °C leads to an increase in the coefficient of performance (COP) from 0.67 to 0.77. Moreover, the COP, power production, turbine efficiency, and total exergy efficiency of the proposed system are determined as 0.73, 5000 kW, 16,876 kW, 35.98%, and 57%, respectively. Ultimately, by implementing the proposed system, the product's production has been enhanced by 7% while generating an additional 16 MW of power, which represents a significant capacity for the Kurdistan Petrochemical Complex.
International trends on transformative learning for urban sustainability
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Brandli Luciana Londero , Dinis Maria Alzira Pimenta , Vidal Diogo Guedes , Paço Arminda , Levesque Vanessa , Salvia Amanda Lange , Kozlova Valerija , Ávila Lucas Veiga , Fritzen Barbara , Abubakar Ismaila Rimi , Pace Paul
Published: July 2023

It is widely assumed that transformative societal action is required to address the world's many sustainability challenges of today. This is especially true in an urban context, since urban sustainability may assist in improving the conditions of the urban environment and the quality of life of humans. Nevertheless, and despite the many advantages that urban sustainability may bring about, there is a need for studies that look at the role that transformative learning may play in influencing it. This study will address this need. It provides an analysis of the subject matter of transformative learning and how it may be practised and experienced in an urban context, thus contributing to urban sustainability in practical terms. It reports on a survey specifically directed to the teaching staff, on the extent to which transformative learning is being deployed in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in supporting urban sustainability efforts. In addition, the study ends by listing and presenting examples of approaches, methods, and initiatives in transformative learning within an urban sustainability context, and provides an analysis of its main features and learned lessons. It concludes with some best practices for transformative learning that could assist in designing and implementing urban sustainability teaching at HEIs, on a broader scale. It can be stated that not only can sustainability thought improve the urban conditions, but as the developing world gets further urbanised, sustainability in the urban context specifically becomes a matter of particular relevance.
How Accurate are GPT-3’s Hypotheses About Social Science Phenomena?
Authors: Rosenbusch Hannes , Stevenson Claire E. , van der Maas Han L. J.
Published: July 2023

We test whether GPT-3 can accurately predict simple study outcomes in the social sciences. Ground truth outcomes were obtained by surveying 600 adult US citizens about their political attitudes. GPT-3 was prompted to predict the direction of the empirical inter-attitude correlations. Machine-generated hypotheses were accurate in 78% (zero-shot), 94% (five-shot and chained prompting), and 97% (extensive finetuning) of cases. Positive and negative correlations were balanced in the ground truth data. These results encourage the development of hypothesis engines for more challenging contexts. Moreover, they highlight the importance of addressing the numerous ethical and philosophical challenges that arise with hypothesis automation. While future hypothesis engines could potentially compete with human researchers in terms of empirical accuracy, they have inherent drawbacks that preclude full automations for the foreseeable future.
Implementation of a novel color additive for bleach disinfectant wipes enhances cleaning performance in an academic medical center
Authors: Tyan Kevin , Kang Jason
Published: July 2023

Effective hospital environmental cleaning requires proper technique and training. Highlight is a novel additive that colorizes bleach wipes to help visualize wiped surfaces and fades to colorless to confirm effective cleaning. In a 401-bed hospital study, Highlight reduced fluorescent marker removal failure rates from a baseline of 12.4% to 0.6%.
Yet more characterisations of parallelograms
Authors: Hajja Mowaffaq , Krasopoulos Panagiotis T.
Published: July 2023

This article, like our previous one [1], combines known and new characterisations of parallelograms. Both can be thought of as additions to Martin Josefsson’s series on ‘characterisations of’ and ‘properties of’ various types of quadrilaterals – a series that does not include parallelograms. Josefsson’s publications can be found listed in [2], [3] and [4]. For the importance of characterisations in geometry, see [5].
Definitions of parasitism, considering its potentially opposing effects at different levels of hierarchical organization
Authors: Rózsa Lajos , Garay József
Published: July 2023

An annotated synthesis of textbook definitions of parasitism is presented. Most definitions declare parasitism is a long-lasting relationship between individuals of different species harming the hosts. The infection-induced costs are interpreted as diseases in the medical-veterinary literature. Alternatively, evolutionary ecologists interpret it as a reduction of host's fitness (longevity, fertility or both). Authors often assume that such effects decrease host population growth and select for antiparasitic defences, which is not necessarily true because infections may simultaneously express opposite effects at different levels of biological organization. (i) At the cellular level, infection-induced cell growth, longevity and multiplication may yield tumours maladaptive at higher levels. (ii) At the individual level, reduced host longevity, fertility or both are interpreted as disease symptoms or reduced fitness. (iii) Contrary to common sense, the growth rate of infected host lineages may increase in parallel with the individuals' reduced survival and fertility. This is because selection favours not only the production of more offspring but also their faster production. (iv) Finally, infections that reduce host individuals' or lineages' fitness may still increase infected host populations' growth rate in the context of ecological competition. Therefore, differences between parasitism and mutualism may depend on which level of organization one focuses on.
“Unlawful Intimacy”: Mixed-Race Families, Miscegenation Law, and the Legal Culture of Progressive Era Mississippi
Authors: Schumaker Kathryn
Published: July 2023

This article examines the enforcement of anti-miscegenation law in Progressive Era Mississippi by focusing on a series of unlawful cohabitation prosecutions of interracial couples in Natchez. It situates efforts to police and punish mixed-race families within the broader legal culture of Jim Crow, as politicians, judges, and district attorneys sought stricter enforcement of morals laws, including those barring interracial cohabitation. This article argues that the historic prerogative of white men to choose their sexual and domestic partners undermined the illegality of interracial marriage. Lynching deterred Black men from cohabiting with white women, but prosecutions for “unlawful cohabitation” did not effectively punish white men and Black women who formed lasting partnerships. This article relies on extensive research in local court records that reveal that prosecutions of white men and Black women often resulted in fines and, in many cases, had little effect on these mixed-race families. In Natchez and elsewhere, eugenic ideologies of “white racial purity” were no match for a patriarchal legal culture that gave white men leeway to ignore the law when it suited them, even amid outward denunciations of miscegenation. In Mississippi, many white men did not view relationships between white men and Black women as a clear threat to white supremacy, creating space for some interracial families to survive into the twentieth century.
Association between social network and dietary variety among community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Yokoro Miyuki , Otaki Naoto , Imamura Tomomi , Tanino Norikazu , Fukuo Keisuke
Published: July 2023

Objective:

Social networks are critical social health factors for older adults. This study examined the association between social networks and dietary variety among community-dwelling older adults.

Design:

A cross-sectional study, using the dietary variety score (DVS) developed for older Japanese people to assess dietary variety and the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) to assess social networks.

Setting:

N City, H Prefecture, Japan.

Participants:

Community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years (n 1229).

Results:

The LSNS-6 score in the low DVS group was lower than that in the middle and high DVS groups (12·2 ± 5·6 v. 13·4 ± 5·4 and 14·4 ± 5·7, P < 0·001). The population of social isolation (LSNS-6, < 12) in the low DVS group was higher than that in the middle and high DVS groups (43·5 % v. 35·8 % and 31·0 %, P = 0·005). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the LSNS-6 score was positively correlated with DVS (standardised coefficient, 0·092; P = 0·002). Social isolation was also significantly associated with a low DVS in the multivariate-adjusted logistic analysis model (OR, 1·30; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·68; P = 0·048). Stratified analysis results revealed the LSNS-6 and DVS were significantly associated in participants with the following characteristics: younger age (< 75 years), women and those living with someone.

Conclusions:

Social networks were associated with dietary variety; social isolation was related to poor dietary variety among community-dwelling older adults. An association between social networks and dietary variety was observed among young-old older adults, women and those living with someone.
Ethofumesate applied at greater than labeled rates postemergence to sugarbeet
Authors: Lystad Alexa L. , Peters Thomas J.
Published: July 2023

Ethofumesate is a broad-spectrum, soil-applied herbicide used to control broadleaf and grass weeds in sugarbeet crops. Ethofumesate is commonly applied preemergence at rates ranging from 1.25 to 4.2 kg ai ha−1, or applied postemergence (POST), up to 0.38 kg ai ha−1. The Generic Crop Science company has developed a new Ethofumesate 4SC label that has increased ethofumesate POST rates up to 4.48 kg ha−1 in sugarbeet with more than two true leaves per plant. Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 to evaluate sugarbeet tolerance and herbicide efficacy. Field tolerance experiments indicated sugarbeet stature from ethofumesate applied POST at 0.28, 0.56, and 1.12 kg ha−1 was the same as that of the nontreated control, but ethofumesate at 2.24 kg ha−1 reduced sugarbeet stature, although that rate did not affect yield components. Ethofumesate applied POST at 4.48 kg ha−1 reduced sugarbeet stature and affected sugarbeet yield components. Ethofumesate applied alone POST provided weed control of up to 85%, 76%, and 84% on common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, and waterhemp, respectively, in field efficacy experiments. Mixing ethofumesate at 1.12 kg ha−1 with glyphosate does not provide a second effective herbicide for POST control of common lambsquarters or redroot pigweed, but it does provide residual control of these weeds when at least one-half inch of penetrating rainfall occurs, following application. In greenhouse experiments, ethofumesate alone or ethofumesate plus glyphosate applied to common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, or waterhemp at heights of less than 2.5 cm provided the best combination of burndown and soil residual control compared with weeds that were 2.5 to 5 cm tall. Ethofumesate applied POST at 1.12 kg ha−1 plus glyphosate provided the best combination of tolerance and efficacy, especially on waterhemp.
Present‐Day Strike‐Slip Faulting and Intracontinental Deformation of North China: Constraints From Improved GPS Observations
Authors: Li Xinnan , Hammond William C. , Pierce Ian K. D. , Bormann Jayne M. , Zhang Zhuqi , Li Chuanyou , Zheng Wenjun , Zhang Peizhen
Published: July 2023

We investigate the present‐day strike‐slip faulting and intracontinental deformation of North China using horizontal GPS velocities and a block modeling strategy. The data demonstrate that the fault slip rates and block rotations in North China can be better constrained using GPS velocities where the influence of groundwater extraction has been reduced by applying median spatial filtering of the velocity field. The modeled senses of motion and slip rates on active faults are generally in good agreement with the geological estimates. The left‐lateral slip rate along the boundary fault of Weihe Graben is apparently lower than the differential motion between the South China Block and Ordos Block. The missing left‐lateral slip is accommodated by the counterclockwise rotation of the Ordos Block. The sinistral slip rate along the eastern segment of the Altyn Tagh‐Haiyuan‐Qinling fault system decreases eastward from ∼1.0 to ∼0 mm/yr, much slower than that expected in the fast eastward extrusion hypothesis. We interpret the systematic counterclockwise rotation of blocks and left/right‐lateral faulting in North China to be driven both by the left‐lateral shear between the South China Block to the south and Yinshan‐Yanshan Block to the north and a push from the Tibetan Plateau on the southwestern margin of the Ordos Block.
Autoantibodies in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Denzel Dominik , Runge Kimon , Feige Bernd , Pankratz Benjamin , Pitsch Karoline , Schlump Andrea , Nickel Kathrin , Voderholzer Ulrich , Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Domschke Katharina , Schiele Miriam A. , Endres Dominique
Published: July 2023

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a frequent and debilitating mental illness. Although efficacious treatment options are available, treatment resistance rates are high. Emerging evidence suggests that biological components, especially autoimmune processes, may be associated with some cases of OCD and treatment resistance. Therefore, this systematic literature review summarizing all case reports/case series as well as uncontrolled and controlled cross-sectional studies investigating autoantibodies in patients with OCD and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) was performed. The following search strategy was used to search PubMed: “(OCD OR obsessive-compulsive OR obsessive OR compulsive) AND (antib* OR autoantib* OR auto-antib* OR immunoglob* OR IgG OR IgM OR IgA)”. Nine case reports with autoantibody-associated OCD/OCS were identified: five patients with anti-neuronal autoantibodies (against N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor [NMDA-R], collapsin response mediator protein [CV2], paraneoplastic antigen Ma2 [Ma2], voltage gated potassium channel complex [VGKC], and “anti-brain” structures) and four with autoantibodies associated with systemic autoimmune diseases (two with Sjögren syndrome, one with neuropsychiatric lupus, and one with anti-phospholipid autoantibodies). Six patients (67%) benefited from immunotherapy. In addition, eleven cross-sectional studies (six with healthy controls, three with neurological/psychiatric patient controls, and two uncontrolled) were identified with inconsistent results, but in six studies an association between autoantibodies and OCD was suggested. In summary, the available case reports suggest an association between OCD and autoantibodies in rare cases, which has been supported by initial cross-sectional studies. However, scientific data is still very limited. Thus, further studies on autoantibodies investigated in patients with OCD compared with healthy controls are needed.
A ribonuclease activity linked to DYW1 in vitro is inhibited by RIP/MORF proteins
Authors: Boyd Robert D. , Hayes Michael L.
Published: July 2023

Organellar C-to-U RNA editing in plants occurs in complexes composed of various classes of nuclear-encoded proteins. DYW-deaminases are zinc metalloenzymes that catalyze hydrolytic deamination required for C-to-U modification editing. Solved crystal structures for DYW-deaminase domains display all structural features consistent with a canonical cytidine deamination mechanism. However, some recombinant DYW-deaminases from plants have been associated with ribonuclease activity in vitro. Direct ribonuclease activity by an editing factor is confounding since it is not required for deamination of cytosine, theoretically would be inimical for mRNA editing, and does not have a clear physiological function in vivo. His-tagged recombinant DYW1 from Arabidopsis thaliana (rAtDYW1) was expressed and purified using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). Fluorescently labeled RNA oligonucleotides were incubated with recombinant AtDYW1 under different conditions. Percent relative cleavage of RNA probes was recorded at multiple time points from triplicate reactions. The effects of treatment with zinc chelators EDTA and 1, 10-phenanthroline were examined for rAtDYW1. Recombinant His-tagged RNA editing factors AtRIP2, ZmRIP9, AtRIP9, AtOZ1, AtCRR4, and AtORRM1 were expressed in E. coli and purified. Ribonuclease activity was assayed for rAtDYW1 in the presence of different editing factors. Lastly, the effects on nuclease activity in the presence of nucleotides and modified nucleosides were investigated. RNA cleavage observed in this study was linked to the recombinant editing factor rAtDYW1 in vitro. The cleavage reaction is sensitive to high concentrations of zinc chelators, indicating a role for zinc ions for activity. The addition of equal molar concentrations of recombinant RIP/MORF proteins reduced cleavage activity associated with rAtDYW1. However, addition of equal molar concentrations of purified recombinant editing complex proteins AtCRR4, AtORRM1, and AtOZ1 did not strongly inhibit ribonuclease activity on RNAs lacking an AtCRR4 cis-element. Though AtCRR4 inhibited AtDYW1 activity for oligonucleotides with a cognate cis-element. The observation that editing factors limit ribonuclease activity of rAtDYW1 in vitro, suggests that nuclease activities are limited to RNAs in absence of native editing complex partners. Purified rAtDYW1 was associated with the hydrolysis of RNA in vitro, and activity was specifically inhibited by RNA editing factors.
Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN colonization of rice endosphere triggers an atypical transcriptomic response compared to rice native Burkholderia s.l. endophytes
Authors: King Eoghan , Wallner Adrian , Guigard Ludivine , Rimbault Isabelle , Parrinello Hugues , Klonowska Agnieszka , Moulin Lionel , Czernic Pierre
Published: July 2023

The plant microbiome has recently emerged as a reservoir for the development of sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. However, the response of plants to beneficial microbes emerges as a critical issue to understand the molecular basis of plant-microbiota interactions. In this study, we combined root colonization, phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses to unravel the commonalities and specificities of the response of rice to closely related Burkholderia s.l. endophytes. In general, these results indicate that a rice-non-native Burkholderia s.l. strain, Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN, is able to colonize the root endosphere while eliciting a markedly different response compared to rice-native Burkholderia s.l. strains. This demonstrates the variability of plant response to microbes from different hosts of origin. The most striking finding of the investigation was that a much more conserved response to the three endophytes used in this study is elicited in leaves compared to roots. In addition, transcriptional regulation of genes related to secondary metabolism, immunity, and phytohormones appear to be markers of strain-specific responses. Future studies need to investigate whether these findings can be extrapolated to other plant models and beneficial microbes to further advance the potential of microbiome-based solutions for crop production.
Phytochemical analysis for ten Peruvian Mentheae (Lamiaceae) by liquid chromatography associated with high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Serrano Carlos A. , Villena Gretty K. , Rodríguez Eric F. , Calsino Belea , Ludeña Michael A. , Ccana-Ccapatinta Gari V.
Published: July 2023

The profile of secondary metabolites in ten members of tribe Mentheae (Nepetoideae, Lamiaceae) from Peru by liquid chromatography associated with high resolution mass spectrometry, is presented. Salvianolic acids and their precursors were found, particularly rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid ester derivatives, as well as a diversity of free and glycosylated flavonoids as main substances. At all, 111 structures were tentatively identified.
Harnessing adaptive bistable stiffness of hair-cell-bundle structure for broadband vibration applications
Authors: Yoon Jong-Yun , Kim Gi-Woo
Published: July 2023

This study presents an initial study on the adaptive bistable stiffness of the hair cell bundle structure in a frog cochlea, and aims to harness its bistable nonlinearity that features a negative stiffness region for broadband vibration applications such as vibration-based energy harvesters. To this end, the mathematical model for describing the bistable stiffness is first formulated based on the modeling concept of piecewise type nonlinearities. The harmonic balance method was then employed to examine the nonlinear responses of bistable oscillator, mimicking hair cells bundle structure under the frequency sweeping condition, and their dynamic behaviors induced by bistable stiffness characteristics are projected on phase diagrams, and Poincare maps concerning the bifurcation. In particular, the bifurcation mapping at the super- and sub-harmonic regimes provides a better perspective to examine the nonlinear motions which occur in the biomimetic system. The use of bistable stiffness characteristics of hair cell bundle structure in frog cochlea thus offers physical insights to harness the adaptive bistable stiffness for metamaterial-like potential engineering structures such as vibration-based energy harvester, and isolator etc.
Genetic characterization of primary and metastatic high-grade serous ovarian cancer tumors reveals distinct features associated with survival
Authors: Kotnik Emilee N. , Mullen Mary M. , Spies Nicholas C. , Li Tiandao , Inkman Matthew , Zhang Jin , Martins-Rodrigues Fernanda , Hagemann Ian S. , McCourt Carolyn K. , Thaker Premal H. , Hagemann Andrea R. , Powell Matthew A. , Mutch David G. , Khabele Dineo , Longmore Gregory D. , Mardis Elaine R. , Maher Christopher A. , Miller Christopher A. , Fuh Katherine C.
Published: July 2023

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is the most lethal histotype of ovarian cancer and the majority of cases present with metastasis and late-stage disease. Over the last few decades, the overall survival for patients has not significantly improved, and there are limited targeted treatment options. We aimed to better characterize the distinctions between primary and metastatic tumors based on short- or long-term survival. We characterized 39 matched primary and metastatic tumors by whole exome and RNA sequencing. Of these, 23 were short-term (ST) survivors (overall survival (OS) < 3.5 years) and 16 were long-term (LT) survivors (OS > 5 years). We compared somatic mutations, copy number alterations, mutational burden, differential gene expression, immune cell infiltration, and gene fusion predictions between the primary and metastatic tumors and between ST and LT survivor cohorts. There were few differences in RNA expression between paired primary and metastatic tumors, but significant differences between the transcriptomes of LT and ST survivors in both their primary and metastatic tumors. These findings will improve the understanding of the genetic variation in HGSC that exist between patients with different prognoses and better inform treatments by identifying new targets for drug development.
Symmetry breaking in core-valence double ionisation of allene
Authors: Ideböhn Veronica , Linguerri Roberto , Cornetta Lucas M. , Olsson Emelie , Wallner Måns , Squibb Richard J. , Couto Rafael C. , Karlsson Leif , Nyman Gunnar , Hochlaf Majdi , Eland John H. D. , Ågren Hans , Feifel Raimund
Published: July 2023

Conventional electron spectroscopy is an established one-electron-at-the-time method for revealing the electronic structure and dynamics of either valence or inner shell ionized systems. By combining an electron-electron coincidence technique with the use of soft X-radiation we have measured a double ionisation spectrum of the allene molecule in which one electron is removed from a C1s core orbital and one from a valence orbital, well beyond Siegbahns Electron-Spectroscopy-for-Chemical-Analysis method. This core-valence double ionisation spectrum shows the effect of symmetry breaking in an extraordinary way, when the core electron is ejected from one of the two outer carbon atoms. To explain the spectrum we present a new theoretical approach combining the benefits of a full self-consistent field approach with those of perturbation methods and multi-configurational techniques, thus establishing a powerful tool to reveal molecular orbital symmetry breaking on such an organic molecule, going beyond Löwdins standard definition of electron correlation.
Biosynthetic flexibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa leads to hydroxylated 2-alkylquinolones with proinflammatory host response
Authors: Savchenko Viktoriia , Szamosvári Dávid , Bao Yifan , Pignitter Marc , Böttcher Thomas
Published: July 2023

The human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces various 4(1H)-quinolones with diverse functions. Among these, 2-nonyl-4(1H)-quinolone (NQ) and its N-oxide (NQNO) belong to the main metabolites. Their biosynthesis involves substrates from the fatty acid metabolism and we hypothesized that oxidized fatty acids could be responsible for a so far undetected class of metabolites. We developed a divergent synthesis strategy for 2′-hydroxy (2′-OH) and 2′-oxo- substituted quinolones and N-oxides and demonstrated for the first time that 2′-OH-NQ and 2′-OH-NQNO but not the corresponding 2′-oxo compounds are naturally produced by PAO1 and PA14 strains of P. aeruginosa. The main metabolite 2′-OH-NQ is produced even in concentrations comparable to NQ. Exogenous availability of β-hydroxydecanoic acid can further increase the production of 2′-OH-NQ. In contrast to NQ, 2′-OH-NQ potently induced the cytokine IL-8 in a human cell line at 100 nм, suggesting a potential role in host immune modulation.
Insect diversity is a good indicator of biodiversity status in Africa
Authors: Landmann Tobias , Schmitt Michael , Ekim Burak , Villinger Jandouwe , Ashiono Faith , Habel Jan C. , Tonnang Henri E. Z.
Published: July 2023

Reliable metrics to monitor human impacts on biodiversity are essential for informing conservation policy. As insects are indicators of global change, whose declines profoundly affect ecosystems, insect diversity may predict biodiversity status. Here we present an unbiased and straightforward biodiversity status metric based on insect diversity (richness) and landscape naturalness. Insect diversity was estimated using spatially explicit earth observation data and insect species assemblages across microhabitats in two agro-ecological zones in Africa. Landscape naturalness was estimated using various human impact factors. Biodiversity status values differed considerably (p < 0.05) between protected and non-protected areas, while protected areas, regardless of agro-ecology, shared similar biodiversity status values. The metric is consistent when using richness from different indicator taxa (i.e., stingless bees, butterflies, dragonflies) and independent data for landscape naturalness. Our biodiversity status metric is applicable to data-scarce environments and practical for conservation actions and reporting the status of biodiversity targets.
Grassland carbon-water cycling is minimally impacted by a photovoltaic array
Authors: Kannenberg Steven A. , Sturchio Matthew A. , Venturas Martin D. , Knapp Alan K.
Published: July 2023

Agrivoltaic systems, whereby photovoltaic arrays are co-located with crop or forage production, can alleviate the tension between expanding solar development and loss of agricultural land. However, the ecological ramifications of these arrays are poorly known. We used field measurements and a plant hydraulic model to quantify carbon-water cycling in a semi-arid C3 perennial grassland growing beneath a single-axis tracking solar array in Colorado, USA. Although the agrivoltaic array reduced light availability by 38%, net photosynthesis and aboveground net primary productivity were reduced by only 6–7% while evapotranspiration decreased by 1.3%. The minimal changes in carbon-water cycling occurred largely because plant photosynthetic traits underneath the panels changed to take advantage of the dynamic shading environment. Our results indicate that agrivoltaic systems can serve as a scalable way to expand solar energy production while maintaining ecosystem function in managed grasslands, especially in climates where water is more limiting than light.
Longevity factor klotho enhances cognition in aged nonhuman primates
Authors: Castner Stacy A. , Gupta Shweta , Wang Dan , Moreno Arturo J. , Park Cana , Chen Chen , Poon Yan , Groen Aaron , Greenberg Kenneth , David Nathaniel , Boone Tom , Baxter Mark G. , Williams Graham V. , Dubal Dena B.
Published: July 2023

Cognitive dysfunction in aging is a major biomedical challenge. Whether treatment with klotho, a longevity factor, could enhance cognition in human-relevant models such as in nonhuman primates is unknown and represents a major knowledge gap in the path to therapeutics. We validated the rhesus form of the klotho protein in mice showing it increased synaptic plasticity and cognition. We then found that a single administration of low-dose, but not high-dose, klotho enhanced memory in aged nonhuman primates. Systemic low-dose klotho treatment may prove therapeutic in aging humans.
Loss of allosteric regulation in α-isopropylmalate synthase identified as an antimicrobial resistance mechanism
Authors: Sullivan Jaryd R. , Courtine Christophe , Taylor Lorne , Solomon Ori , Behr Marcel A.
Published: July 2023

Despite our best efforts to discover new antimicrobials, bacteria have evolved mechanisms to become resistant. Resistance to antimicrobials can be attributed to innate, inducible, and acquired mechanisms. Mycobacterium abscessus is one of the most antimicrobial resistant bacteria and is known to cause chronic pulmonary infections within the cystic fibrosis community. Previously, we identified epetraborole as an inhibitor against M. abscessus with in vitro and in vivo activities and that the efficacy of epetraborole could be improved with the combination of the non-proteinogenic amino acid norvaline. Norvaline demonstrated activity against the M. abscessus epetraborole resistant mutants thus, limiting resistance to epetraborole in wild-type populations. Here we show M. abscessus mutants with resistance to epetraborole can acquire resistance to norvaline in a leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) editing-independent manner. After showing that the membrane hydrophobicity and efflux activity are not linked to norvaline resistance, whole-genome sequencing identified a mutation in the allosteric regulatory domain of α-isopropylmalate synthase (α-IPMS). We found that mutants with the α-IPMSA555V variant incorporated less norvaline in the proteome and produced more leucine than the parental strain. Furthermore, we found that leucine can rescue growth inhibition from norvaline challenge in the parental strain. Our results demonstrate that M. abscessus can modulate its metabolism through mutations in an allosteric regulatory site to upregulate the biosynthesis of the natural LeuRS substrate and outcompete norvaline. These findings emphasize the antimicrobial resistant nature of M. abscessus and describe a unique mechanism of substrate-inhibitor competition.
Atomic diffusion of sulfate and chloride ions in the nanometer cavity of C-S-H/Nanoclay
Authors: dalvand Ali , Hashemi Seyed Amir Hossein , Farokhzad Reza , Delnavaz Ali
Published: July 2023

Concrete is notably vulnerable to aggressive ions such as sulfate and chloride penetrating its inner nanopores and damaging its microstructure or the reinforcements it encompasses. Nanoclay particles, being impermeable to...
Correction: Pyrrolopyrrole aza-BODIPY near-infrared photosensitizer for dual-mode imaging-guided photothermal cancer therapy
Authors: Wu Chaolong , Huang Xiaoyu , Tang Yunyun , Xiao Wanyue , Sun Liguo , Shao Jinjun , Dong Xiaochen
Published: July 2023

Correction for ‘Pyrrolopyrrole aza-BODIPY near-infrared photosensitizer for dual-mode imaging-guided photothermal cancer therapy’ by Chaolong Wu et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 790–793, https://doi.org/10.1039/C8CC07768A.
Effect of fluoro and hydroxy analogies of diglyme on sodium-ion storage in graphite: a computational study
Authors: Rathnayake R. M. N. M. , Searles Debra J. , Duignan Timothy T. , Zhao X. S.
Published: July 2023

Binding of F-diglyme and OH-diglyme derivatives could be effectively used to tune the co-intercalation of Na into graphite.
Tunable J-type aggregation of silicon phthalocyanines in a surface-anchored metal–organic framework thin film
Authors: Chen Hongye , Martín-Gomis Luis , Xu Zhiyun , Fischer Jan C , Howard Ian A , Herrero David , Sobrino-Bastán Víctor , Sastre-Santos Ángela , Haldar Ritesh , Wöll Christof
Published: July 2023

Tunable J-type coupling in silicon pthalocyanine chromophores, assembled as crystalline, surface anchored metal–organic framework thin films.
Accurate calculation of second osmotic virial coefficients of proteins using mixed Poisson–Boltzmann and extended DLVO theory
Authors: Pusara Srdjan , Wenzel Wolfgang , Kozlowska Mariana
Published: July 2023

New model xDLVO-CGhybr calculating second osmotic virial coefficient of protein solutions is developed. Data calculated agrees well with experiments due to accurate estimation of electrostatic protein–protein interactions using a hybrid methodology.
Role of halogen atoms in the mechanical properties of para-substituted benzaldehyde oximes
Authors: Harsha Priyasha , Das Dinabandhu
Published: July 2023

The mechanical properties of 4-halogen-substituted benzaldehyde oxime crystals depend upon the halogen atom providing different strengths of intermolecular interactions.
Selective catalytic synthesis of α-alkylated ketones and β-alkylated secondary alcohols via hydrogen-borrowing
Authors: Bakibillah Md. , Reja Sahin , Sarkar Kaushik , Mukherjee Deboshmita , Kumar Das Rajesh
Published: July 2023

A group of three Ir-(iii) complexes supported by a picolinamidato moiety was prepared.
A ruthenium catalyzed Dolye–Kirmse rearrangement reaction of sulfoxonium ylides with sulfides or selenides
Authors: Hao Ying-Di , Liang Jiao , Lin Zhi-Qian , Huang Tian-Le , Xu Ya-Di , Guo Li , Yang Zhong-Zhen , Wu Yong
Published: July 2023

A ruthenium-catalyzed Dolye–Kirmse rearrangement reaction of sulfoxonium ylides to afford sulfide- or selenide-containing compounds has been developed.
A multi-walled carbon nanotube-supported acidic ionic liquid catalyst for the conversion of biomass-derived saccharides to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Niakan Mahsa , Masteri-Farahani Majid , Seidi Farzad , Karimi Sabah , Shekaari Hemayat
Published: July 2023

Herein, the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was functionalized with 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane followed by anchoring of 1-vinylimidazole on the surface through the thiol–ene click reaction.
Towards the sustainable extraction and purification of non-animal proteins from biomass using alternative solvents
Authors: Kopilovic Bojan , Valente Ana I. , Ferreira Ana M. , Almeida Mafalda R. , Tavares Ana P. M. , Freire Mara G. , Coutinho João A. P.
Published: July 2023

This review aims to assess the advances in protein extraction and separation from non-animal biomass using alternative solvents, namely ILs, and DESs. Also, the economic and environmental challenges of using such alternative solvents are discussed.
A porous carbon membrane with abundant intrinsic carbon defects as an integrated gas-diffusion electrode for CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Min Shixiong , Chang Huaiyu , Tao Huanhuan , Wang Fang
Published: July 2023

A highly defective porous carbon membrane (HDPCM) is developed via CO2 thermal etching, which exhibits high efficiency for electrocatalytic CO2-to-CO conversion and can be formulated into an integrated gas-diffusion electrode for direct use in a flow cell.
Geomorphological Study of the Talumopatu Geothermal Area Gorontalo Regency Gorontalo Province
Authors: Hamim Rivaldi Helamsyah Putra , Arifin Yayu Indriati , Manyoe Intan Noviantari
Published: July 2023

Geomorphological research is urgently needed to be carried out in areas with geothermal potential such as in Talumopatu. Geomorphological analysis was chosen to complete the data in the early stages of the geothermal exploration of the study area. The purpose of this study was to determine the geomorphological characteristics of the study area. This study uses image interpretation methods and field excursions to observe the morphology of the study area. The stages of data processing use software applications based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The Geomorphological analysis consists of analysis of morphography, morphometry and morphogenesis. The analysis results are then compiled to produce a geomorphological map that refers to the van Zuidam classification. In accordance with the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that the geomorphological condition of the study area is divided into three parts, namely the Alluvial Plain Unit, Peneplains Unit, and Residual Hills Unit.
Construction Validity Testing on Blended Learning Implementation Evaluation Instruments
Authors: Yusuf Muhammad , Andariana Andi , Bte Abustang Perawati , Mannan Abdul , Tabbu Muhammad Ansarullah S. , Qaiyimah Dinil , Haris
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine the construct validity of the instrument used in the application of Blended Learning. Respondents were randomly selected 60 students from the Department of Geography, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Makassar State University, 60 students from the Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Patompo University, and 60 students from the Department of Primary Teacher Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Megarezky University. Construct validity was tested by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through the AMOS 22.0 application. The analysis findings reveal that the indicators employed in developing the Instrument for Blended Learning Model Application encompass the constructs of Orientation, Organization, Investigation, Presentation, Analysis, and Evaluation. These constructs meet the criteria of Construct Reliability, Variance Extracted, and Discriminant Validity. Consequently, the instrument proves suitable for implementation in research examining the application of the Blended Learning Model.
The Effect of Practicum Methods on Geographic Information System Learning Outcomes and Students’ Activeness in Senior High School
Authors: Estining Sejati Andri , Ihsan HL Nur , Sugiarto Agus , Tipa Anasi Putri , Hariyadi Eko , Nasruddin  , Kasmiati Sitti
Published: July 2023

This research aimed to determine the effect of practicum learning methods on Geographic Information System (GIS) learning outcomes and high school students activities. The subjects of this research were students of class X Senior High School 1 Pare, Kediri Regency, even in the semester 2018/2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. The research instrument used essay questions and student activity rubrics. The data are in the form of learning outcomes and student activities. Data collection techniques include a pretest, posttest, and student activity observation. The gain score data were analyzed using parametric inferential statistics with MANOVA. The hypothesis test results showed that the significance value of the practical method on learning outcomes was 0.000, and the practice method to activity was 0.000. The significance value of the two variables is below 0.05. This test shows that the practicum method affects the learning outcomes of GIS and the activity of high school students. Improved learning outcomes from a score of 55.4 to 82.7. Increased activity from 30 inactive categories to 75.8 active categories. This influence is reflected during learning, where practicum provides a deepening that involves many senses, making learning meaningful, collaborative, and student-centered.
Development of Google Sites Assisted Learning Media on Vibration, Waves and Sound Material
Authors: Reskiyati  , Abdjul Tirtawaty , Supartin
Published: July 2023

Students can master and understand the material properly requires a quality learning media or device. This study aims to determine the quality (valid, practical, and effective) of google sites-assisted learning media on vibration, wave and sound material. This research is a Research and Development (R&D) study using a 4-D model. Collecting data using observation, questionnaires and tests. Data analysis used descriptive qualitative analysis. The results showed that the developed Google Sites assisted learning media met the valid, practical and effective qualities. Based on the results obtained that google sites assisted learning media is feasble and can be used learning process.