bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using personas and the ADKAR framework to evaluate a network designed to facilitate sustained change toward active learning in the undergraduate classroom
Authors: Prunuske Amy J. , Evans-Anderson Heather J. , Furniss Katherine L. , Goller Carlos C. , Mirowsky Jaime E. , Moore Michael E. , Raut Samiksha A. , Swamy Uma , Wick Sue , Wolyniak Michael J.
Published: December 2022

One promising practice for increasing active learning in undergraduate science education is the use of a mentoring network. The Promoting Active Learning and Mentoring (PALM) Network was launched with practitioners from several professional societies and disciplines to make changes in their teaching based on evidence-based practices and to encourage the members to reflect deeply on their teaching experiences. Members of the Network interviewed seven previous Fellows, 1 to 6 years after completing their fellowship, to better understand the value of the Network and how these interactions impacted their ability to sustain change toward more active teaching practices. The interviews resulted in the creation of three personas that reflect the kinds of educators who engaged with the Network: Neil the Novice, Issa the Isolated, and Etta the Expert. Key themes emerged from the interviews about how interactions with the PALM Network sustained change toward evidence-based teaching practices allowing the members to readily adapt to the online learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding how the personas intersect with the ADKAR model contributes to a better understanding of how mentoring networks facilitate transformative change toward active learning and can inform additional professional development programs.
One-sided estimates via function
Authors: Lorente María , Martín-Reyes Francisco J. , Rivera-Ríos Israel P.
Published: December 2022

We recall that $w\in C_{p}^+$ if there exist $\varepsilon >0$ and $C>0$ such that for any $a< b< c$ with $c-b< b-a$ and any measurable set $E\subset (a,b)$, the following holds
\[ \int_{E}w\leq C\left(\frac{|E|}{(c-b)}\right)^{\varepsilon}\int_{\mathbb{R}}\left(M^+\chi_{(a,c)}\right)^{p}w<\infty. \]This condition was introduced by Riveros and de la Torre [33] as a one-sided counterpart of the $C_{p}$ condition studied first by Muckenhoupt and Sawyer [30, 34]. In this paper we show that given $1< p< q<\infty$ if $w\in C_{q}^+$ then
\[ \|M^+f\|_{L^{p}(w)}\lesssim\|M^{\sharp,+}f\|_{L^{p}(w)} \]and conversely if such an inequality holds, then $w\in C_{p}^+$. This result is the one-sided counterpart of Yabuta's main result in [37]. Combining this estimate with known pointwise estimates for $M^{\sharp,+}$ in the literature we recover and extend the result for maximal one-sided singular integrals due to Riveros and de la Torre [33] obtaining counterparts a number of operators.
Dietary selenium supplementation alleviates low salinity stress in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei: growth, antioxidative capacity and hepatopancreas transcriptomic responses
Authors: Yu Qiuran , Han Fenglu , Rombenso Artur , Qin Jian G. , Chen Liqiao , Li Erchao
Published: December 2022

Se is an essential trace element associated with animal growth and antioxidant and metabolic processes. However, whether Se, especially organic Se with higher bioavailability, can alleviate the adverse effects of low salinity stress on marine economic crustacean species has not been investigated. Accordingly, juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were reared in two culture conditions (low and standard salinity) fed diets supplemented with increasing levels of l-selenomethionine (0·41, 0·84 and 1·14 mg/kg Se) for 56 d, resulting in four treatments: 0·41 mg/kg under standard seawater (salinity 31) and 0·41, 0·84 and 1·14 mg/kg Se under low salinity (salinity 3). The diet containing 0·84 mg/kg Se significantly improved the survival and weight gain of shrimp under low salinity stress and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the hepatopancreas. The increased numbers of B and R cells may be a passive change in hepatopancreas histology in the 1·14 mg/kg Se group. Transcriptomic analysis found that l-selenomethionine was involved in the regulatory pathways of energy metabolism, retinol metabolism and steroid hormones. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0·84 mg/kg Se (twice the recommended level) effectively alleviated the effects of low salinity stress on L. vannamei by regulating antioxidant capacity, hormone regulation and energy metabolism.
Fat and lean mass predict time to hospital readmission or mortality in children treated for complicated severe acute malnutrition in Zimbabwe and Zambia
Authors: Bwakura-Dangarembizi Mutsa , Dumbura Cherlynn , Ngosa Deophine , Majo Florence D. , Piper Joe D. , Sturgeon Jonathan P. , Nathoo Kusum J. , Amadi Beatrice , Norris Shane , Chasekwa Bernard , Ntozini Robert , Wells Jonathan C. , Kelly Paul , Prendergast Andrew J. ,   for the HOPE-SAM Study Team
Published: December 2022

HIV and severe wasting are associated with post-discharge mortality and hospital readmission among children with complicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM); however, the reasons remain unclear. We assessed body composition at hospital discharge, stratified by HIV and oedema status, in a cohort of children with complicated SAM in three hospitals in Zambia and Zimbabwe. We measured skinfold thicknesses and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to investigate whether fat and lean mass were independent predictors of time to death or readmission. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between death/readmission and discharge body composition. Mixed effects models were fitted to compare longitudinal changes in body composition over 1 year. At discharge, 284 and 546 children had complete BIA and skinfold measurements, respectively. Low discharge lean and peripheral fat mass were independently associated with death/hospital readmission. Each unit Z-score increase in impedance index and triceps skinfolds was associated with 48 % (adjusted hazard ratio 0·52, 95 % CI (0·30, 0·90)) and 17 % (adjusted hazard ratio 0·83, 95 % CI (0·71, 0·96)) lower hazard of death/readmission, respectively. HIV-positive v. HIV-negative children had lower gains in sum of skinfolds (mean difference −1·49, 95 % CI (−2·01, −0·97)) and impedance index Z-scores (–0·13, 95 % CI (−0·24, −0·01)) over 52 weeks. Children with non-oedematous v. oedematous SAM had lower mean changes in the sum of skinfolds (–1·47, 95 % CI (−1·97, −0·97)) and impedance index Z-scores (–0·23, 95 % CI (−0·36, −0·09)). Risk stratification to identify children at risk for mortality or readmission, and interventions to increase lean and peripheral fat mass, should be considered in the post-discharge care of these children.
Beyond the “wonders of India” (‘ajā’ib al-hind): Yogis in Persian medico-alchemical writings in South Asia
Authors: Speziale Fabrizio
Published: December 2022

This article looks at the translation and circulation of yogis’ learning in Persian medical and alchemical texts produced in South Asia. I suggest that looking at the non-religious environment allows for a more accurate understanding of the overall circulation of yogic knowledge and techniques in the Muslim society of South Asia. Furthermore, I suggest that the assimilation of yogis’ learning in Persian sources concerned not only Yoga but also other types of knowledge associated with yogis. Muslim physicians’ interest in yogis’ knowledge focused on one specific aspect: rasaśāstra “alchemy” and the mastery over the production of mercurial and metallic drugs. The technical and pragmatic focus of Persian medico-alchemical writings contributed to give views of yogis beyond the exotic and foreignizing category of the wonders of India. Medical writings helped to develop views of yogis as a socio-economic group involved in the transmission of a specific body of knowledge. This was an important shift away from the perspective of the ‘ajā’ib al-hind “wonders of India” as well as from the ways in which yogis were perceived in Sufi texts. New perspectives on yogis emerged when Persian-speaking scholars and readers in India needed more pragmatic representations of local groups, such as the physicians who were in the process of appropriating alchemical notions that were closely associated with the yogis.
Market nudges and autonomy
Authors: Ivanković Viktor , Engelen Bart
Published: December 2022

Behavioural techniques or ‘nudges’ can be used for various purposes. In this paper, we shift the focus from government nudges to nudges used by for-profit market agents. We argue that potential worries about nudges circumventing the deliberative capacities or diminishing the control of targeted agents are greater when it comes to market nudges, given that these (1) are not constrained by the principles that regulate government nudges (mildness, sensitivity to people’s interests and public justifiability) and (2) are often ‘stacked’ – they come in great numbers that overwhelm agents. In addition, we respond to possible objections and derive several policy suggestions.
Biosecurity and antimicrobial use in broiler farms across nine European countries: toward identifying farm-specific options for reducing antimicrobial usage
Authors: Mallioris Panagiotis , Teunis Gijs , Lagerweij Giske , Joosten Philip , Dewulf Jeroen , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Stegeman Arjan , Mughini-Gras Lapo ,   the EFFORT consortium
Published: December 2022

Broiler chickens are among the main livestock sectors worldwide. With individual treatments being inapplicable, contrary to many other animal species, the need for antimicrobial use (AMU) is relatively high. AMU in animals is known to drive the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). High farm biosecurity is a cornerstone for animal health and welfare, as well as food safety, as it protects animals from the introduction and spread of pathogens and therefore the need for AMU. The goal of this study was to identify the main biosecurity practices associated with AMU in broiler farms and to develop a statistical model that produces customised recommendations as to which biosecurity measures could be implemented on a farm to reduce its AMU, including a cost-effectiveness analysis of the recommended measures. AMU and biosecurity data were obtained cross-sectionally in 2014 from 181 broiler farms across nine European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain). Using mixed-effects random forest analysis (Mix-RF), recursive feature elimination was implemented to determine the biosecurity measures that best predicted AMU at the farm level. Subsequently, an algorithm was developed to generate AMU reduction scenarios based on the implementation of these measures. In the final Mix-RF model, 21 factors were present: 10 about internal biosecurity, 8 about external biosecurity and 3 about farm size and productivity, with the latter showing the largest (Gini) importance. Other AMU predictors, in order of importance, were the number of depopulation steps, compliance with a vaccination protocol for non-officially controlled diseases, and requiring visitors to check in before entering the farm. K-means clustering on the proximity matrix of the final Mix-RF model revealed that several measures interacted with each other, indicating that high AMU levels can arise for various reasons depending on the situation. The algorithm utilised the AMU predictive power of biosecurity measures while accounting also for their interactions, representing a first step toward aiding the decision-making process of veterinarians and farmers who are in need of implementing on-farm biosecurity measures to reduce their AMU.
Domestic terrorism and leader survival, 1970–2014
Authors: Park Johann , Moon Chungshik
Published: December 2022

Recent scholarly efforts to reveal the political effects of transnational terrorism are encouraging. They contribute to our understanding of how terrorism affects the targeted societies. We attempt to extend this line of research by examining the political impact of domestic terrorism. Domestic incidents overwhelmingly outnumber transnational incidents. In addition, the differences between domestic and transnational incidents may produce political outcomes. We examine the impact of domestic terrorism on the political survival of national leaders in the targeted societies. Our cross-national time-series analysis on a worldwide sample of 172 countries over the 1970–2014 period shows that domestic terrorism has a significant positive impact on leadership change. This impact is robust to various estimation techniques. This result suggests that heightened incidents of domestic terrorism hasten the removal of incumbent leaders in the targeted societies.
A low-profile two-arm backfire tapered cone helical antenna for TT&C in microsatellites
Authors: Kang Zhanyu , He Lianxing , Fei Dongliang , Li Mingkang , Liang Guang
Published: December 2022

A novel low-profile two-arm backfire tapered cone helical antenna for telemetry tracking and command (TT&C) is introduced theoretically and experimentally in this paper. Compared with the conventional helical antenna, this design has a substantial decrease in its height and an increase both in its half power beamwidth (HPBW) and 3-dB axial ratio beamwidth by replacing the uniform structure with two tapered cone structures. It provides a maximum gain of 5.1 dBi, an excellent circular polarization radiation over a wide angular range of more than 124°, a 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth of 18.8%, a wide HPBW of more than 125°, and nearly equal E- and H- plane far-field patterns with high degree of axial symmetry over S-band (2–2.3 GHz). These excellent radiation characteristics with an endurable and compact structure make it an attractive candidate for TT&C application in microsatellite system, where the installation envelope and space for antenna are extremely limited.
An algorithm to reduce human–robot interface compliance errors in posture estimation in wearable robots
Authors: Koginov Gleb , Sternberg Kanako , Wolf Peter , Schmidt Kai , Duarte Jaime E. , Riener Robert
Published: December 2022

Assistive forces transmitted from wearable robots to the robot’s users are often defined by controllers that rely on the accurate estimation of the human posture. The compliant nature of the human–robot interface can negatively affect the robot’s ability to estimate the posture. In this article, we present a novel algorithm that uses machine learning to correct these errors in posture estimation. For that, we recorded motion capture data and robot performance data from a group of participants (n = 8; 4 females) who walked on a treadmill while wearing a wearable robot, the Myosuit. Participants walked on level ground at various gait speeds and levels of support from the Myosuit. We used optical motion capture data to measure the relative displacement between the person and the Myosuit. We then combined this data with data derived from the robot to train a model, using a grading boosting algorithm (XGBoost), that corrected for the mechanical compliance errors in posture estimation. For the Myosuit controller, we were particularly interested in the angle of the thigh segment. Using our algorithm, the estimated thigh segment’s angle RMS error was reduced from 6.3° (2.3°) to 2.5° (1.0°), mean (standard deviation). The average maximum error was reduced from 13.1° (4.9°) to 5.9° (2.1°). These improvements in posture estimation were observed for all of the considered assistance force levels and walking speeds. This suggests that ML-based algorithms provide a promising opportunity to be used in combination with wearable-robot sensors for an accurate user posture estimation.
Diverse Styles of Lithospheric Dripping: Synthesizing Gravitational Instability Models, Continental Tectonics, and Geologic Observations
Authors: McMillan Mitchell , Schoenbohm Lindsay M.
Published: December 2022

Density instabilities in the lithosphere can founder gravitationally via viscous dripping and decoupling from overlying crust. The lithospheric dripping concept has been invoked across the globe, but the diversity of crustal effects, observable evidence, and tectonic settings involved in dripping remain underexplored. Here, we synthesize numerical and analogue modeling studies and geologic data from the literature, including all proposed lithospheric dripping events to‐date. We argue that two distinct styles of dripping can occur depending on crustal strength (relative to that of the mantle lithosphere). Near‐surface contraction and subsidence of strong crusts contrasts with near‐surface extension and uplift of weak crusts. We discuss these events in terms of tectonic setting, timing, size, and the main types of data associated with each event. We also find that lithospheric dripping is associated with a distinct suite of geological observations including sedimentological, structural, volcanic, and geophysical data, which can be used to distinguish strong crusts from weak crusts. We find 27 events for which lithospheric dripping is a key hypothesis, including 9 with clear evidence for strong‐crust dripping and 3 with clear evidence of weak‐crust dripping. We review emerging research methods have the potential to detect the signals of dripping in the geologic and geophysical record, and we suggest additional techniques in light of our strong‐crust versus weak‐crust framework. The diverse tectonic settings and inferred consequences of these lithospheric drips, if confirmed, would demand a shift in our understanding of continental geology to emphasize the role of vertical removal of continental lithosphere.
Tracking the Evolution of an Ocean Within Mimas Using the Herschel Impact Basin
Authors: Denton C. A. , Rhoden A. R.
Published: December 2022

Mimas' small size, lack of geologic activity, and high eccentricity suggest a frozen, inactive history. However, Cassini libration measurements are best explained by a present‐day liquid ocean under an ice shell 24–31 km thick, a configuration that tidal heating can support. These unexpected findings have motivated further study of Mimas' surface geology to constrain its interior evolution. Here, we model the formation of Mimas' large impact basin, Herschel, using iSALE‐2D. Our goal is to determine whether the current estimated ice shell thickness is sufficient to withstand the impact and produce the observed basin morphology. We find that, if Mimas had an ocean at the time of the Herschel‐forming impact, the ice shell had to have been 10s of km thicker than today. These findings are consistent with inferences from minimal tectonic activity that Mimas must be a young ocean world, if it indeed has an ocean today.
SARS-CoV-2 hijacks cellular kinase CDK2 to promote viral RNA synthesis
Authors: Guo Saisai , Lei Xiaobo , Chang Yan , Zhao Jianyuan , Wang Jing , Dong Xiaojing , Liu Qian , Zhang Zixiong , Wang Lidan , Yi Dongrong , Ma Ling , Li Quanjie , Zhang Yongxin , Ding Jiwei , Liang Chen , Li Xiaoyu , Guo Fei , Wang Jianwei , Cen Shan
Published: December 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has devastated global health. Identifying key host factors essential for SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication is expected to unravel cellular targets for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs which have been quested for the preparedness of future viral outbreaks. Here, we have identified host proteins that associate with nonstructural protein 12 (nsp12), the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 using a mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic approach. Among the candidate factors, CDK2 (Cyclin-dependent kinase 2), a member of cyclin-dependent kinases, interacts with nsp12 and causes its phosphorylation at T20, thus facilitating the assembly of the RdRp complex consisting of nsp12, nsp7 and nsp8 and promoting efficient synthesis of viral RNA. The crucial role of CDK2 in viral RdRp function is further supported by our observation that CDK2 inhibitors potently impair viral RNA synthesis and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Taken together, we have discovered CDK2 as a key host factor of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp complex, thus serving a promising target for the development of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitors.
4EBP1 senses extracellular glucose deprivation and initiates cell death signaling in lung cancer
Authors: Wang Yanan , Lei Jiapeng , Zhang Song , Wang Xiaomei , Jin Jiangbo , Liu Yufeng , Gan Mingxi , Yuan Yi , Sun Longhua , Li Xiaolei , Han Tianyu , Wang Jian-Bin
Published: December 2022

Nutrient-limiting conditions are common during cancer development. The coordination of cellular glucose levels and cell survival is a fundamental question in cell biology and has not been completely understood. 4EBP1 is known as a translational repressor to regulate cell proliferation and survival by controlling translation initiation, however, whether 4EBP1 could participate in tumor survival by other mechanism except for translational repression function, especially under glucose starvation conditions remains unknown. Here, we found that protein levels of 4EBP1 was up-regulated in the central region of the tumor which always suffered nutrient deprivation compared with the peripheral region. We further discovered that 4EBP1 was dephosphorylated by PTPMT1 under glucose starvation conditions, which prevented 4EBP1 from being targeted for ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation by HERC5. After that, 4EBP1 translocated to cytoplasm and interacted with STAT3 by competing with JAK and ERK, leading to the inactivation of STAT3 in the cytoplasm, resulting in apoptosis under glucose withdrawal conditions. Moreover, 4EBP1 knockdown increased the tumor volume and weight in xenograft models by inhibiting apoptosis in the central region of tumor. These findings highlight a novel mechanism for 4EBP1 as a new cellular glucose sensor in regulating cancer cell death under glucose deprivation conditions, which was different from its classical function as a translational repressor.
Oriented intergrowth of the catalyst layer in membrane electrode assembly for alkaline water electrolysis
Authors: Wan Lei , Pang Maobin , Le Junfa , Xu Ziang , Zhou Hangyu , Xu Qin , Wang Baoguo
Published: December 2022

The application of membrane electrode assemblies is considered a promising approach for increasing the energy efficiency of conventional alkaline water electrolysis. However, previous investigations have mostly focused on improving membrane conductivity and electrocatalyst activity. This study reports an all-in-one membrane electrode assembly obtained by de novo design. The introduction of a porous membrane readily enables the oriented intergrowth of ordered catalyst layers using solvothermal methods, leading to the formation of an all-in-one MEA for alkaline water electrolysis. This all-in-one MEA features ordered catalyst layers with large surface areas, a low-tortuosity pore structure, integrated catalyst layer/membrane interfaces, and a well-ordered OH- transfer channel. Owing to this design, a high current density of 1000 mA cm−2 is obtained at 1.57 V in 30 wt% KOH, resulting in a 94% energy efficiency. This work highlights the prospects of all-in-one membrane electrode assemblies in designing next-generation high-performance alkaline water electrolysis.
Transition-metal free C–N bond formation from alkyl iodides and diazonium salts via halogen-atom transfer
Authors: Zhang Jing , Jiang Min , Wang Chang-Sheng , Guo Kai , Li Quan-Xin , Ma Cheng , Ni Shao-Fei , Chen Gen-Qiang , Zong Yan , Lu Hua , Xu Li-Wen , Shao Xinxin
Published: December 2022

Construction of C-N bond continues to be one part of the most significant goals in organic chemistry because of the universal applications of amines in pharmaceuticals, materials and agrochemicals. However, E2 elimination through classic SN2 substitution of alkyl halides lead to generation of alkenes as major side-products. Thus, formation of a challenging C(sp3)-N bond especially on tertiary carbon center remains highly desirable. Herein, we present a practical alternative to prepare primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl amines with high efficiency between alkyl iodides and easily accessible diazonium salts. This robust transformation only employs Cs2CO3 promoting halogen-atom transfer (XAT) process under transition-metal-free reaction conditions, thus providing a rapid method to assemble diverse C(sp3)-N bonds. Moreover, diazonium salts served as alkyl radical initiator and amination reagent in the reaction. Mechanism studies suggest this reaction undergo through halogen-atom transfer process to generate active alkyl radical which couples with diazonium cations to furnish final products.
Broadly neutralizing and protective nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/5 and diverse sarbecoviruses
Authors: Li Mingxi , Ren Yifei , Aw Zhen Qin , Chen Bo , Yang Ziqing , Lei Yuqing , Cheng Lin , Liang Qingtai , Hong Junxian , Yang Yiling , Chen Jing , Wong Yi Hao , Wei Jing , Shan Sisi , Zhang Senyan , Ge Jiwan , Wang Ruoke , Dong Jay Zengjun , Chen Yuxing , Shi Xuanling , Zhang Qi , Zhang Zheng , Chu Justin Jang Hann , Wang Xinquan , Zhang Linqi
Published: December 2022

As SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and other variants of concern (VOCs) continue spreading worldwide, development of antibodies and vaccines to confer broad and protective activity is a global priority. Here, we report on the identification of a special group of nanobodies from immunized alpaca with potency against diverse VOCs including Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.2 and BA.4/5, SARS-CoV-1, and major sarbecoviruses. Crystal structure analysis of one representative nanobody, 3-2A2-4, discovers a highly conserved epitope located between the cryptic and the outer face of the receptor binding domain (RBD), distinctive from the receptor ACE2 binding site. Cryo-EM and biochemical evaluation reveal that 3-2A2-4 interferes structural alteration of RBD required for ACE2 binding. Passive delivery of 3-2A2-4 protects K18-hACE2 mice from infection of authentic SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron. Identification of these unique nanobodies will inform the development of next generation antibody therapies and design of pan-sarbecovirus vaccines.
Active hydrogen boosts electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia
Authors: Fan Kui , Xie Wenfu , Li Jinze , Sun Yining , Xu Pengcheng , Tang Yang , Li Zhenhua , Shao Mingfei
Published: December 2022

Electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia is a promising alternative strategy to the traditional Haber-Bosch process but suffers from a low Faradaic efficiency and limited ammonia yield due to the sluggish multi-electron/proton-involved steps. Herein, we report a typical hollow cobalt phosphide nanosphere electrocatalyst assembled on a self-supported carbon nanosheet array synthesized with a confinement strategy that exhibits an extremely high ammonia yield rate of 8.47 mmol h−1 cm−2 through nitrate reduction reaction, which is highly superior to previously reported values to our knowledge. In situ experiments and theoretical investigations reveal that the dynamic equilibrium between the generation of active hydrogen on cobalt phosphide and its timely consumption by nitrogen intermediates leads to a superior ammonia yield with a high Faradaic efficiency. This unique insight based on active hydrogen equilibrium provides new opportunities for large-scale ammonia production through electrochemical techniques and can be further used for carbon dioxide capture.
γ-BaFe2O4: a fresh playground for room temperature multiferroicity
Authors: Orlandi Fabio , Delmonte Davide , Calestani Gianluca , Cavalli Enrico , Gilioli Edmondo , Shvartsman Vladimir V. , Graziosi Patrizio , Rampino Stefano , Spaggiari Giulia , Liu Chao , Ren Wei , Picozzi Silvia , Solzi Massimo , Casappa Michele , Mezzadri Francesco
Published: December 2022

Multiferroics, showing the coexistence of two or more ferroic orderings at room temperature, could harness a revolution in multifunctional devices. However, most of the multiferroic compounds known to date are not magnetically and electrically ordered at ambient conditions, so the discovery of new materials is pivotal to allow the development of the field. In this work, we show that BaFe2O4is a previously unrecognized room temperature multiferroic. X-ray and neutron diffraction allowed to reveal the polar crystal structure of the compound as well as its antiferromagnetic behavior, confirmed by bulk magnetometry characterizations. Piezo force microscopy and electrical measurements show the polarization to be switchable by the application of an external field, while symmetry analysis and calculations based on density functional theory reveal the improper nature of the ferroelectric component. Considering the present findings, we propose BaFe2O4as a Bi- and Pb-free model for the search of new advanced multiferroic materials.
High-frequency synthetic apomixis in hybrid rice
Authors: Vernet Aurore , Meynard Donaldo , Lian Qichao , Mieulet Delphine , Gibert Olivier , Bissah Matilda , Rivallan Ronan , Autran Daphné , Leblanc Olivier , Meunier Anne Cécile , Frouin Julien , Taillebois James , Shankle Kyle , Khanday Imtiyaz , Mercier Raphael , Sundaresan Venkatesan , Guiderdoni Emmanuel
Published: December 2022

Introducing asexual reproduction through seeds – apomixis – into crop species could revolutionize agriculture by allowing F1 hybrids with enhanced yield and stability to be clonally propagated. Engineering synthetic apomixis has proven feasible in inbred rice through the inactivation of three genes (MiMe), which results in the conversion of meiosis into mitosis in a line ectopically expressing the BABYBOOM1 (BBM1) parthenogenetic trigger in egg cells. However, only 10–30% of the seeds are clonal. Here, we show that synthetic apomixis can be achieved in an F1 hybrid of rice by inducing MiMe mutations and egg cell expression of BBM1 in a single step. We generate hybrid plants that produce more than 95% of clonal seeds across multiple generations. Clonal apomictic plants maintain the phenotype of the F1 hybrid along successive generations. Our results demonstrate that there is no barrier to almost fully penetrant synthetic apomixis in an important crop species, rendering it compatible with use in agriculture.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis identifies murine heart molecular features at embryonic and neonatal stages
Authors: Feng Wei , Bais Abha , He Haoting , Rios Cassandra , Jiang Shan , Xu Juan , Chang Cindy , Kostka Dennis , Li Guang
Published: December 2022

Heart development is a continuous process involving significant remodeling during embryogenesis and neonatal stages. To date, several groups have used single-cell sequencing to characterize the heart transcriptomes but failed to capture the progression of heart development at most stages. This has left gaps in understanding the contribution of each cell type across cardiac development. Here, we report the transcriptional profile of the murine heart from early embryogenesis to late neonatal stages. Through further analysis of this dataset, we identify several transcriptional features. We identify gene expression modules enriched at early embryonic and neonatal stages; multiple cell types in the left and right atriums are transcriptionally distinct at neonatal stages; many congenital heart defect-associated genes have cell type-specific expression; stage-unique ligand-receptor interactions are mostly between epicardial cells and other cell types at neonatal stages; and mutants of epicardium-expressed genesWt1andTbx18have different heart defects. Assessment of this dataset serves as an invaluable source of information for studies of heart development.
The lipid flippase SLC47A1 blocks metabolic vulnerability to ferroptosis
Authors: Lin Zhi , Liu Jiao , Long Fei , Kang Rui , Kroemer Guido , Tang Daolin , Yang Minghua
Published: December 2022

Ferroptosis is a type of regulated necrosis caused by unrestricted lipid peroxidation and subsequent plasma membrane rupture. However, the lipid remodeling mechanism that determines sensitivity to ferroptosis remains poorly understood. Here, we report a previously unrecognized role for the lipid flippase solute carrier family 47 member 1 (SLC47A1) as a regulator of lipid remodeling and survival during ferroptosis. Among 49 phospholipid scramblases, flippases, and floppases we analyzed, only SLC47A1 had mRNA that was selectively upregulated in multiple cancer cells exposed to ferroptotic inducers. Large-scale lipidomics and functional analyses revealed that the silencing of SLC47A1 increased RSL3- or erastin-induced ferroptosis by favoring ACSL4-SOAT1–mediated production of polyunsaturated fatty acid cholesterol esters. We identified peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARA) as a transcription factor that transactivates SLC47A1. The depletion of PPARA and SLC47A1 similarly sensitized cells to ferroptosis induction, whereas transfection-enforced re-expression of SLC47A1 restored resistance to ferroptosis in PPARA-deficient cells. Pharmacological or genetic blockade of the PPARA-SLC47A1 pathway increased the anticancer activity of a ferroptosis inducer in mice. These findings establish a direct molecular link between ferroptosis and lipid transporters, which may provide metabolic targets for overcoming drug resistance.
Emergence of the spin polarized domains in the kagome lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet Zn-barlowite (Zn0.95Cu0.05)Cu3(OD)6FBr
Authors: Yuan Weishi , Wang Jiaming , Singer Philip M. , Smaha Rebecca W. , Wen Jiajia , Lee Young S. , Imai Takashi
Published: December 2022

Kagome lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnets are known to be highly sensitive to perturbations caused by the structural disorder. NMR is a local probe ideally suited for investigating such disorder-induced effects, but in practice, large distributions in the conventional one-dimensional NMR data make it difficult to distinguish the intrinsic behavior expected for pristine kagome quantum spin liquids from disorder-induced effects. Here we report the development of a two-dimensional NMR data acquisition scheme applied to Zn-barlowite (Zn0.95Cu0.05)Cu3(OD)6FBr kagome lattice, and successfully correlate the distribution of the low energy spin excitations with that of the local spin susceptibility. We present evidence for the gradual growth of domains with a local spin polarization induced by 5% Cu2+ defect spins occupying the interlayer non-magnetic Zn2+ sites. These spin-polarized domains account for ~60% of the sample volume at 2 K, where gapless excitations induced by interlayer defects dominate the low-energy sector of spin excitations within the kagome planes.
Kinetics and mineralization fraction of organic matter from sewage sludge mixed with soil under controlled laboratory conditions
Authors: da Silva Diogo André Pinheiro , Matos Mateus Pimentel , Marques Marcus Vinícius Araújo , de Matos Antonio Teixeira , de Alencar Neves Thiago
Published: December 2022

The objective of this work was to evaluate the kinetics and mineralization fraction of organic matter from sewage sludge mixed with the soil under controlled laboratory conditions. For this, organic material samples accumulated in layers 0–5 cm, 5–10 cm and 10–15 cm in relation to the surface of a vertical flow constructed wetland system (VF-CW) used for treatment of septic tank sludge, in addition to samples of dewatered sludge from a septic tank and a UASB reactor and non-dewatered sludge from an anaerobic digester were mixed with material collected from the surface layer of a Red Yellow Argisol at rates equivalent to the applications, via organic residues, of 300 and 600 kg ha−1 year−1 of total nitrogen. It was found that the two-phase kinetic equation fit better to the mineralization data of labile and recalcitrant organic carbon. For the lowest nitrogen application rate in the mixtures, the mineralization fractions of the total organic carbon were higher than 73%, while at the highest dose there was a reduction in the mineralization of organic matter by 17% and 63%, respectively in samples collected in layer 10–15 cm from the VF-CW and in the septic tank sludge dewatered in the drying bed.
Fabrication of wafer-scale nanoporous AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet distributed Bragg reflectors via one-step selective wet etching
Authors: Zhao Yongming , Shan Maocheng , Zheng Zhihua , Jian Pengcheng , Liu WeiJie , Tan Shizhou , Chen Changqing , Wu Feng , Dai Jiangnan
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we reported on wafer-scale nanoporous (NP) AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet (DUV) distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) with 95% reflectivity at 280 nm, using epitaxial periodically stacked n-Al0.62Ga0.38N/u-Al0.62Ga0.38N structures grown on AlN/sapphire templates via metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The DBRs were fabricated by a simple one-step selective wet etching in heated KOH aqueous solution. To study the influence of the temperature of KOH electrolyte on the nanopores formation, the amount of charge consumed during etching process was counted, and the surface and cross-sectional morphology of DBRs were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). As the electrolyte temperature increased, the nanopores became larger while the amount of charge reduced, which revealed that the etching process was a combination of electrochemical and chemical etching. The triangular nanopores and hexagonal pits further confirmed the chemical etching processes. Our work demonstrated a simple wet etching to fabricate high reflective DBRs, which would be useful for AlGaN based DUV devices with microcavity structures.
Stress monitoring capability of magnetostrictive Fe–Co fiber/glass fiber reinforced polymer composites under four-point bending
Authors: Katabira Kenichi , Miyashita Tomoki , Narita Fumio
Published: December 2022

Many structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques have been investigated for damage detection in woven glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates. Recently, the GFRP composites integrated with sensors have received attention because the composite material can transmit information about the structural condition during operation. Magnetostrictive materials are considered as feasible candidates to realize the contactless SHM techniques by exploiting the Villari effect, but the theoretical modeling to correlate a magnetostrictive response with structural conditions is a critical issue. In this study, the analytical procedure considering the mechanics of materials and electromagnetism was proposed to model the magnetic induction by the Villari effect of magnetostrictive GFRP laminates under bending. The magnetostrictive Fe–Co fiber/GFRP composites were then developed, and the four-point bending tests were carried out to evaluate the fabricated composites’ stress monitoring capability. The magnetic flux density behavior corresponded to the bending stress fluctuation. The maximum magnetic flux density change was 70.7 mT subjected to the peak bending stress of 158 MPa. The analytical solutions showed reasonable agreement with the experimental results. The applied stress and measured magnetic flux density were correlated by the theoretical models. Thus, these results suggest an important step in realizing the novel contactless SHM technique utilizing magnetostrictive materials.
Kinship practices in the early state El Argar society from Bronze Age Iberia
Authors: Villalba-Mouco Vanessa , Oliart Camila , Rihuete-Herrada Cristina , Rohrlach Adam B. , Fregeiro María Inés , Childebayeva Ainash , Ringbauer Harald , Olalde Iñigo , Celdrán Beltrán Eva , Puello-Mora Catherine , Valério Miguel , Krause Johannes , Lull Vicente , Micó Rafael , Risch Roberto , Haak Wolfgang
Published: December 2022

The Early Bronze Age in Europe is characterized by social and genetic transformations, starting in the early 3rd millennium BCE. New settlement and funerary structures, artifacts and techniques indicate times of change with increasing economic asymmetries and political hierarchization. Technological advances in metallurgy also played an important role, facilitating trade and exchange networks, which became tangible in higher levels of mobility and connectedness. Archeogenetic studies have revealed a substantial transformation of the genetic ancestry around this time, ultimately linked to the expansion of steppe- and forest steppe pastoralists from Eastern Europe. Evidence for emerging infectious diseases such as Yersinia pestis adds further complexity to these tumultuous and transformative times. The El Argar complex in southern Iberia marks the genetic turnover in southwestern Europe ~ 2200 BCE that accompanies profound changes in the socio-economic structure of the region. To answer the question of who was buried in the emblematic double burials of the El Argar site La Almoloya, we integrated results from biological relatedness analyses and archaeological funerary contexts and refined radiocarbon-based chronologies from 68 individuals. We find that the El Argar society was virilocally and patrilineally organized and practiced reciprocal female exogamy, supported by pedigrees that extend up to five generations along the paternal line. Synchronously dated adult males and females from double tombs were found to be unrelated mating partners, whereby the incoming females reflect socio-political alliances among El Argar groups. In three cases these unions had common offspring, while paternal half-siblings also indicate serial monogamy or polygyny.
Precipitation and potential evapotranspiration determine the distribution patterns of threatened plant species in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Li Jiangong , Pandey Bikram , Dakhil Mohammed A. , Khanal Manita , Pan Kaiwen
Published: December 2022

A fundamental goal of ecologists is to determine the large-scale gradients in species richness. The threatened plants are the priority of such studies because of their narrow distribution and confinement to a specific habitat. Studying the distribution patterns of threatened plants is crucial for identifying global conservation prioritization. In this study, the richness pattern of threatened plant species along spatial and elevation gradients in Sichuan Province of China was investigated, considering climatic, habitat-heterogeneity (HHET), geometric constraint and human-induced factors. The species richness pattern was analyzed, and the predictor variables, including mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP), potential evapotranspiration (PET), HHET, and disturbance (DIST), to species richness were linked using the geographical distribution data of threatened species compiled at a spatial resolution of 20 km × 20 km. Generalized linear models and structural equation modelling were used to determine the individual and combined effects of each variable on species richness patterns. Results showed a total of 137 threatened plant species were distributed between 200 and 4800 m.a.s.l. The central region of the province harbors the highest species diversity. MAP and PET profoundly explained the richness pattern. Moreover, the significant role of DIST in the richness patterns of threatened plants was elucidated. These findings could help determine the richness pattern of threatened plant species in other mountainous regions of the world, with consideration of the impact of climate change.
Time pressure reduces misinformation discrimination ability but does not alter response bias
Authors: Sultan Mubashir , Tump Alan N. , Geers Michael , Lorenz-Spreen Philipp , Herzog Stefan M. , Kurvers Ralf H. J. M.
Published: December 2022

Many parts of our social lives are speeding up, a process known as social acceleration. How social acceleration impacts people’s ability to judge the veracity of online news, and ultimately the spread of misinformation, is largely unknown. We examined the effects of accelerated online dynamics, operationalised as time pressure, on online misinformation evaluation. Participants judged the veracity of true and false news headlines with or without time pressure. We used signal detection theory to disentangle the effects of time pressure on discrimination ability and response bias, as well as on four key determinants of misinformation susceptibility: analytical thinking, ideological congruency, motivated reflection, and familiarity. Time pressure reduced participants’ ability to accurately distinguish true from false news (discrimination ability) but did not alter their tendency to classify an item as true or false (response bias). Key drivers of misinformation susceptibility, such as ideological congruency and familiarity, remained influential under time pressure. Our results highlight the dangers of social acceleration online: People are less able to accurately judge the veracity of news online, while prominent drivers of misinformation susceptibility remain present. Interventions aimed at increasing deliberation may thus be fruitful avenues to combat online misinformation.
The superior performance of silica gel supported nano zero-valent iron for simultaneous removal of Cr (VI)
Authors: Salama Eslam , Samy Mahmoud , Shokry Hassan , El-Subruiti Gehan , El-Sharkawy Asmaa , Hamad Hesham , Elkady Marwa
Published: December 2022

Pure nano zero-valent iron (NZVI) was fabricated under optimum conditions based on material production yield and its efficiency toward acid blue dye-25 decolorization. The optimum prepared bare NZVI was immobilized with two different supports of silica and starch to fabricate their composites nanomaterials. The three different prepared zero-valent iron-based nanomaterials were evaluated for removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The silica-modified NZVI recorded the most outstanding removal efficiency for Cr(VI) compared to pristine NZVI and starch-modified NZVI. The removal efficiency of Cr(VI) was improved under acidic conditions and decreased with raising the initial concentration of Cr(VI). The co-existence of cations, anions, and humic acid reduced Cr(VI) removal efficiency. The removal efficiency was ameliorated from 96.8% to 100% after adding 0.75 mM of H2O2. The reusability of silica-modified NZVI for six cycles of Cr(VI) removal was investigated and the removal mechanism was suggested as the physicochemical process. Based on Langmuir isotherm, the maximal Cr(VI) removal capacity attained 149.25 mg/g. Kinetic and equilibrium data were efficiently fitted using the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively confirming the proposed mechanism. Diffusion models affirmed that the adsorption rate was governed by intraparticle diffusion. Adsorption thermodynamic study suggested the spontaneity and exothermic nature of the adsorption process. This study sheds light on the technology that has potential for magnetic separation and long-term use for effective removal of emerging water pollutants.