bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic gains for obtaining improved progenies of oil palm in Colombia
Authors: Tupaz-Vera Andrés , Ayala-Diaz Iván , Barrera Carlos Felipe , Romero Hernán Mauricio
Published: February 2023

The success of breeding programs depends on the available genetic variability and the adequate selection of parents to produce seeds that generate added value to the developed cultivars that solve limiting problems of the crops. The determination of genetic gain is a powerful tool to advance the selection of outstanding progenitors that are subsequently used to obtain improved cultivars for traits of interest. With the main objective of calculating the genetic gain in different cycles, this research evaluated the yield, vegetative parameters, and oil production components in two oil palm populations identified as C0-Monterrey and C1-Vizcaina. The analysis was carried out using the analysis of variance. Genetic variation and heritability coefficients for all the evaluated traits were also calculated to obtain the components of phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental variation. Genetic gains (Δg) were more representative in the yield traits of fresh fruit bunches, with 19%, for the number of bunches per plant, with a Δg of 18.7%, and for the oil to bunch with a Δg of 6%. Low environmental influences were observed in the phenotypic variation for the different traits evaluated. Finally, high heritability values were observed for genetic traits such as height increase, with 93%, and average bunch weight, with 85%. The development of new progenies using elite dura-type female parents derived from these evaluated populations, with excellent yields of fresh fruit, bunch components, and slow growth, will be the future of oil palm cultivation. In the meantime, progeny trials must focus on improving the ability to select outstanding parents for the best DxP progenies.
Sequencing the B Cell Receptor Repertoires of Antibody-Deficient Individuals With and Without Infection Susceptibility
Authors: Lim Yoong Wearn , Ramirez Neftali Jose , Asensio Michael A. , Chiang Yao , Müller Gabriele , Mrovecova Pavla , Mitsuiki Noriko , Krausz Máté , Camacho-Ordonez Nadezhda , Warnatz Klaus , Adler Adam S. , Grimbacher Bodo
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Most individuals with antibody deficiency (hypogammaglobulinemia) need immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgG-RT) from healthy plasma donors to stay clear of infections. However, a small subset of hypogammaglobulinemic patients do not require this substitution therapy. We set out to investigate this clinical conundrum by asking whether the peripheral B cell receptor repertoires differ between antibody-deficient patients who do and do not need IgG-RT.

Methods

We sequenced and analyzed IgG and IgM heavy chain B cell receptor repertoires from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from patients with low serum IgG concentrations who did or did not require IgG-RT.

Results

Compared to the patients who did not need IgG-RT, those who needed IgG-RT had higher numbers of IgG antibody clones, higher IgM diversity, and less oligoclonal IgG and IgM repertoires. The patient cohorts had different heavy chain variable gene usage, and the patients who needed IgG-RT had elevated frequencies of IgG clones with higher germline identity (i.e., fewer somatic hypermutations).

Conclusion

Antibody-deficient patients with infection susceptibility who needed IgG-RT had more diverse peripheral antibody repertoires that were less diverged from germline and thus may not be as optimal for targeting pathogens, possibly contributing to infection susceptibility.
Smart streetlight system using mobile applications: secured fault detection and diagnosis with optimal powers
Authors: Kanthi M. , Dilli Ravilla
Published: February 2023

A street lighting system is a very essential part of the highways and streets of a smart city. Managing power consumption and maintenance of a street light system will be a challenging task in huge countries. The proposed work is mainly focused on the minimization of power consumption in the implementation of a smart street lighting system. Also, use a mobile application for setting up the brightness levels of the lamps in an encrypted form so that an unauthorized person will not be able to modify the settings. In the existing streetlight system, wireless sensors are installed to control and monitor the streetlamps. In the proposed system, using an nRF24L01 radio transceiver module, a secured communication link is established to operate the streetlights depending on the ambient weather conditions, movement of humans, vehicles and any other objects. A failsafe mechanism is implemented in the modules for conventional lamp operation in the case of module failures. Light-dependent resistor (LDR) is used to determine the ambient brightness levels to automatically turn on/off the streetlights based on weather conditions and lighting on roads. Using smartphones, we access and control the brightness information from the master node at which the nRF24L01 radio transceiver module is installed, and the same information is relayed to all the slave nodes. The results show that we could effectively monitor and control the brightness of streetlights in a secure way and there is a significant amount of power savings. The proposed system saves the average powers of 53.45%, 44.76%, 39.39%, and 32.25% respectively for 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% idle mode brightness compared to the state-of-the-art techniques present in the literature.
Ultra-processed food consumption and nutritional frailty in older age
Authors: Zupo Roberta , Donghia Rossella , Castellana Fabio , Bortone Ilaria , De Nucci Sara , Sila Annamaria , Tatoli Rossella , Lampignano Luisa , Sborgia Giancarlo , Panza Francesco , Lozupone Madia , Colacicco Giuseppe , Clodoveo Maria Lisa , Sardone Rodolfo
Published: February 2023

Frailty is a multidisciplinary public health issue and nutrition is key concern. Given the scientific consistency about inflammation as shared pathway to poor nutrition and frailty, food processing seems a suitable target to gain evidence in frailty prevention nutrition settings. This study aimed to assess diet in relation to nutritional frailty using the NOVA classification. Browsing the dataset of the Salus in Apulia, 2185 older adults were found to have completed the nutritional assessment, providing eligible data for this study goal. A validated construct, based on the co-presence of physical frailty by CHS criteria plus nutritional imbalance, was applied to characterize nutritional frailty phenotypes. Using the NOVA classification, daily food and beverage intakes from an 85-item self-administered FFQ were assigned to three categories, and effect sizes were tested among groups according to nutritional frailty status (presence/absence). Raw and adjusted logistic regression models were run to assess associations between NOVA food categories by quintiles of daily exposure (very-low, low, mild, moderate, high) and nutritional frailty. Nutritional frailty prevalence was 27%, being more frequent in males. Eating more unprocessed or minimally processed foods was inversely related to nutritional frailty, even after adjustment (OR: 0.10, 95%CI 0.07–0.16), showing a downward ORs behavior toward lower consumption quintiles. Listing in the quintile of moderate consumption of processed foods meant a nearly 50% increase in nutritional frailty probability (OR: 1.46, 95%CI 1.03–2.06), while the probability was double for the highest quintile against the lowest (OR: 3.22, 95%CI 2.27–4.58). A growing probability of nutritional frailty was found for increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods, but significance was lacking. The contribution of food processing to poor nutrition needs to be considered when promoting a better understanding of effective nutritional screening in aging. Therefore, food processing should be accounted for when composing diet guidelines for the older population within the framework of multidisciplinary efforts to ease the frailty healthcare burden.
Feasibility Study of High-Velocity Oxy-fuel (HVOF) Sprayed Cermet and Alloy Coatings for Geothermal Applications
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Tabecki Andrew , Bennett Mike , Begg Henry , Lionetti Stefano , Paul Shiladitya
Published: February 2023

Geothermal is one of the least utilized renewable energy sources due to high investment costs and long development cycle. A major cost for geothermal operations is drilling, where the cost is dependent on drilling depth, tripping times, environments, etc. These costs can increase significantly for greater drilling depths, harsher environments, component failures, etc. During drilling, hammers break the rock through repetitive impact and cuttings are removed via a high-velocity stream. Component lifetime can be extended by selecting appropriate coatings resulting in reduced lost time and improved drilling efficiency. High-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying is one of the most popular technique to deposit thick, dense and highly adherent coatings. This paper discusses the characteristics of cermet and alloy coatings using liquid-fueled HVOF spraying technique and their performance in simulated geothermal drilling environment. Properties of the deposited cermet (WC-CoCr, CrC-NiCr) and alloy (Ni self-fluxing, Fe-based amorphous) coatings in terms of surface roughness, thickness, porosity, hardness, adhesion strength, and erosion–corrosion resistance have been studied, and their performance are compared with selected benchmarking steel used in geothermal drilling. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations are made on the type of HVOF coatings that can potentially be used in geothermal applications.
Prevalence and predictors of sleep problems in women following a cancer diagnosis: results from the women’s wellness after cancer program
Authors: Edmed Shannon L. , Huda M. Mamun , Smith Simon S. , Seib Charrlotte , Porter-Steele Janine , Anderson Debra , McCarthy Alexandra L.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Using a discrete dataset from the Women’s Wellness after Cancer Program (WWACP), we examine the prevalence and predictors of self-reported sleep problems in women previously treated for cancer.

Methods

Participants were 351 women (Mage = 53.2, SD = 8.8) from the WWACP who had completed surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for breast, gynaecological or blood cancers within the previous 24 months. Sleep problems were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Baseline data (i.e. prior to intervention randomisation) were analysed.

Results

Most women (59%) reported clinically significant sleep disturbance (PSQI > 5), 40% reported insufficient sleep duration (< 7 h), 38% self-reported poor sleep quality and 28% reported poor habitual sleep efficiency (sleep efficiency < 75%). Fewer psychological and vasomotor climacteric symptoms, age < 45 years and having a partner were associated with reduced odds (AOR < 1) of sleep problems. Higher levels of pain-related disability, and an intermediate compared to ‘high’ level of education, were associated with increased odds (AOR > 1) of sleep problems.

Conclusions

These findings confirm previous studies that have found a high prevalence of sleep problems in women previously treated for cancer. A range of sociodemographic, climacteric and pain-related factors were associated with sleep problems in this study.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Targeted interventions to improve sleep quality after cancer treatment should be explored in this population. Predictors identified in this study could inform intervention targeting and development.
BPLC + NOSO: backpropagation of errors based on latency code with neurons that only spike once at most
Authors: Jin Seong Min , Kim Dohun , Yoo Dong Hyung , Eshraghian Jason , Jeong Doo Seok
Published: February 2023

For mathematical completeness, we propose an error-backpropagation algorithm based on latency code (BPLC) with spiking neurons conforming to the spike–response model but allowed to spike once at most (NOSOs). BPLC is based on gradients derived without approximation unlike previous temporal code-based error-backpropagation algorithms. The latency code uses the spiking latency (period from the first input spike to spiking) as a measure of neuronal activity. To support the latency code, we introduce a minimum-latency pooling layer that passes the spike of the minimum latency only for a given patch. We also introduce a symmetric dual threshold for spiking (i) to avoid the dead neuron issue and (ii) to confine a potential distribution to the range between the symmetric thresholds. Given that the number of spikes (rather than timesteps) is the major cause of inference delay for digital neuromorphic hardware, NOSONets trained using BPLC likely reduce inference delay significantly. To identify the feasibility of BPLC + NOSO, we trained CNN-based NOSONets on Fashion-MNIST and CIFAR-10. The classification accuracy on CIFAR-10 exceeds the state-of-the-art result from an SNN of the same depth and width by approximately 2%. Additionally, the number of spikes for inference is significantly reduced (by approximately one order of magnitude), highlighting a significant reduction in inference delay.
Lightweight dense video captioning with cross-modal attention and knowledge-enhanced unbiased scene graph
Authors: Han Shixing , Liu Jin , Zhang Jinyingming , Gong Peizhu , Zhang Xiliang , He Huihua
Published: February 2023

Dense video captioning (DVC) aims at generating description for each scene in a video. Despite attractive progress for this task, previous works usually only concentrate on exploiting visual features while neglecting audio information in the video, resulting in inaccurate scene event location. In this article, we propose a novel DVC model named CMCR, which is mainly composed of a cross-modal processing (CM) module and a commonsense reasoning (CR) module. CM utilizes a cross-modal attention mechanism to encode data in different modalities. An event refactoring algorithm is proposed to deal with inaccurate event localization caused by overlapping events. Besides, a shared encoder is utilized to reduce model redundancy. CR optimizes the logic of generated captions with both heterogeneous prior knowledge and entities’ association reasoning achieved by building a knowledge-enhanced unbiased scene graph. Extensive experiments are conducted on ActivityNet Captions dataset, the results demonstrate that our model achieves better performance than state-of-the-art methods. To better understand the performance achieved by CMCR, we also apply ablation experiments to analyze the contributions of different modules.
Impact of network centrality and income on slowing infection spread after outbreaks
Authors: Yücel Shiv G. , Pereira Rafael H. M. , Peixoto Pedro S. , Camargo Chico Q.
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on how the spread of infectious diseases worldwide are importantly shaped by both human mobility networks and socio-economic factors. However, few studies look at how both socio-economic conditions and the complex network properties of human mobility patterns interact, and how they influence outbreaks together. We introduce a novel methodology, called the Infection Delay Model, to calculate how the arrival time of an infection varies geographically, considering both effective distance-based metrics and differences in regions’ capacity to isolate—a feature associated with socio-economic inequalities. To illustrate an application of the Infection Delay Model, this paper integrates household travel survey data with cell phone mobility data from the São Paulo metropolitan region to assess the effectiveness of lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19. Rather than operating under the assumption that the next pandemic will begin in the same region as the last, the model estimates infection delays under every possible outbreak scenario, allowing for generalizable insights into the effectiveness of interventions to delay a region’s first case. The model sheds light on how the effectiveness of lockdowns to slow the spread of disease is influenced by the interaction of mobility networks and socio-economic levels. We find that a negative relationship emerges between network centrality and the infection delay after a lockdown, irrespective of income. Furthermore, for regions across all income and centrality levels, outbreaks starting in less central locations were more effectively slowed by a lockdown. Using the Infection Delay Model, this paper identifies and quantifies a new dimension of disease risk faced by those most central in a mobility network.
Scheme for the excitation of thorium-229 nuclei based on electronic bridge excitation
Authors: Li Lin , Li Zi , Wang Chen , Gan Wen-Ting , Hua Xia , Tong Xin
Published: February 2023

Thorium-229 possesses the lowest first nuclear excited state, with an energy of approximately 8 eV. The extremely narrow linewidth of the first nuclear excited state, with an uncertainty of 53 THz, prevents direct laser excitation and realization of the nuclear clock. We present a proposal using the Coulomb crystal of a linear chain formed by $$^{229}$$

229

Th$$^{3+}$$

3
+

ions, where the nuclei of $$^{229}$$

229

Th$$^{3+}$$

3
+

ions in the ion trap are excited by the electronic bridge (EB) process. The 7$$P_{1/2}$$

P

1
/
2

state of the thorium-229 nuclear ground state is chosen for EB excitation. Using the two-level optical Bloch equation under experimental conditions, we calculate that 2 out of 36 prepared thorium ions in the Coulomb crystal can be excited to the first nuclear excited state, and it takes approximately 2 h to scan over an uncertainty of 0.22 eV. Taking advantage of the transition enhancement of EB and the long stability of the Coulomb crystal, the energy uncertainty of the first excited state can be limited to the order of 1 GHz.
Coupling analysis and vibration control of vehicle vertical vibration and pitching vibration
Authors: Zou Xiaojun , Zhang Bao , Yin Guodong , Wang Hongnan
Published: February 2023

The decoupling analysis of vertical vibration and pitching vibration is the basis of improving vehicle comfort performance and realizing vehicle body vibration control. In order to study the coupling behavior of vehicle body vibration, the vibration characteristics of the suspension and the body are analyzed through mathematical modeling and vibration tests. The research shows that the vibration characteristics of the front and rear suspensions are the key factors affecting the coupling between the vertical vibration and the pitching vibration. By controlling the difference ξ between the square of the rotating radius of the body and the product of the distance from the center of mass to the front and rear axles, the correlation between front and rear suspension vibration and the coupling of the body vibration can be reduced effectively. Through the reasonable matching of front and rear suspension stiffness, the ξ value can be reduced effectively. The research results provide a theoretical basis and reference for mastering the coupling mechanism between vertical vibration and pitching vibration and for the body vibration control.
Effects of biochar and biofertilizer on groundnut production: a perspective for environmental sustainability in Bangladesh
Authors: Shikha Fouzia Sultana , Rahman Md Mashiur , Sultana Naznin , Mottalib Md Abdul , Yasmin Monira
Published: February 2023

Regular large-scale application of fertilizers, pesticides, and mulching can lead to soil health degradation and increase negative environmental impacts, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Considering these factors by applying biochar and biofertilizer (rhizobium inoculants) in groundnut production, a novel experiment was conducted for increasing soil fertility, groundnut productivity, and soil carbon stock in Bangladesh's Charland agroecosystems. The two-year experiment involved seven treatments consisting of T1 (control), T2 (soil test based (STB) fertilizer dose following fertilizer recommendation guide (FRG) 2018), T3 ((T2 minus nitrogen fertilizer) + biofertilizer), T4 (T3 + biochar), T5 (T2 + biochar), T6 (only biofertilizer), and T7 (only biochar). The result showed that the T4 treatment had the highest nodule counts (78.17 plant−1), nodule weights (122.97 mg plant−1), root weight (1.47 g plant−1) and nut yields (2.30 t ha−1), all of which were statistically identical compared to the other treatments. In addition, the T3 treatment had the highest recorded shoot weight (35.47 g plant−1), whereas the control T1 treatment had the lowest (16.50 g plant−1) shoot weight. Results showed that biochar-based rhizobium inoculants increased nodulation, root weight, shoot weight, nut yield and soil nutrient uptake in plant growth at all four stages (seedling, flowering, pod formation and harvesting). The result revealed that biochar-based rhizobium inoculants modulated the abundance of functional microbes through increased soil nitrification and reduced denitrification compared to the N-use treatments. Moreover, this interactive system significantly improved soil NO3−, leading to an increase in N uptake, thereby promoting plant growth and increasing nut yield. Considering all parameters, the soil amended biochar as a carrier of rhizobium inoculants had the highest soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (1.76 t ha−1), about 26% higher than other treatments, which saved a considerable amount of 6.6 kg CO2eq ha−1 GHG emissions and aided in promoting environmental sustainability towards climate-smart agriculture.

Graphical Abstract
Corpus Pragmatics
Authors: Landert Daniela , Dayter Daria , Messerli Thomas C. , Locher Miriam A.
Published: February 2023

This Element discusses the challenges and opportunities that different types of corpora offer for the study of pragmatic phenomena. The focus lies on a hands-on approach to methods and data that provides orientation for methodological decisions. In addition, the Element identifies areas in which new methodological developments are needed in order to make new types of data accessible for pragmatic research. Linguistic corpora are currently undergoing diversification. While one trend is to move towards increasingly large corpora, another trend is to enhance corpora with more specialised and layered annotation. Both these trends offer new challenges and opportunities for the study of pragmatics. This volume provides a practical overview of state-of-the-art corpus-pragmatic methods in relation to different types of corpus data, covering established methods as well as innovative approaches. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Inference and Learning from Data
Authors: Sayed Ali H.
Published: February 2023

This extraordinary three-volume work, written in an engaging and rigorous style by a world authority in the field, provides an accessible, comprehensive introduction to the full spectrum of mathematical and statistical techniques underpinning contemporary methods in data-driven learning and inference. This final volume, Learning, builds on the foundational topics established in volume I to provide a thorough introduction to learning methods, addressing techniques such as least-squares methods, regularization, online learning, kernel methods, feedforward and recurrent neural networks, meta-learning, and adversarial attacks. A consistent structure and pedagogy is employed throughout this volume to reinforce student understanding, with over 350 end-of-chapter problems (including complete solutions for instructors), 280 figures, 100 solved examples, datasets and downloadable Matlab code. Supported by sister volumes Foundations and Inference, and unique in its scale and depth, this textbook sequence is ideal for early-career researchers and graduate students across many courses in signal processing, machine learning, data and inference.
Threatened and Recently Extinct Vertebrates of the World
Authors: Richardson Matthew
Published: February 2023

Habitat loss and degradation are currently the main anthropogenic causes of species extinctions. The root cause is human overpopulation. This unique volume provides, for the very first time, a comprehensive overview of all threatened and recently extinct mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes within the context of their locations and habitats. The approach takes a systematic examination of each biogeographic realm and region of the world, both terrestrial and marine, but with a particular emphasis on geographic features such as mountains, islands, and coral reefs. It reveals patterns useful in biodiversity conservation, helps to put it all into perspective, and ultimately serves as both a baseline from which to compare subsequent developments as well as a standardization of the way threatened species are studied.
The Bayeux Tapestry and Its Contexts
Authors: Pastan Elizabeth Carson , White Stephen D. , Gilbert Kate
Published: February 2023

A full and provocative reappraisal of the Bayeux 'Tapestry', its origins, design and patronage.
The Advancement of Music in Enlightenment England
Authors: Eggington Tim
Published: February 2023

Casts new and valuable light on English musical history and on Enlightenment culture more generally.
Thermal‐Infrared Emission Spectroscopy of Graybody Minerals (Sulfide): Implications for Extraterrestrial Exploration for Magmatic Ore Deposits
Authors: Hubbard Kevin M. , Haberle Christopher W. , Elkins‐Tanton Linda T. , Christensen Philip R. , Semken Steven
Published: February 2023

Graybody materials exhibit systematically low emissivity across their spectrum. This characteristic violates the key assumption of unit emissivity at some wavenumber in the spectrum used to calibrate thermal‐infrared emission data. This assumption makes graybody materials “appear colder” than their actual physical temperature and imparts a slope in emission spectra that is non‐physical in nature, both of which affect interpretations of planetary surfaces. Pyrrhotite derived from the Stillwater Complex's J‐M Reef in Montana, USA exhibits systemic graybody behavior across its mid‐infrared spectrum and thus has a steep negative spectral slope from high to low wavenumbers when calibrated using conventional methods. A new measurement technique is introduced for deriving the absolute emissivity of graybody materials using reference samples with known Christiansen Frequencies during calibration. The reference temperature method significantly reduces the spectral slope of and provides a more accurate estimation of the absolute emissivity of graybody materials. After correcting the temperature of pyrrhotite using results from a series of reference experiments, we conclude that the emission spectrum of pyrrhotite is spectrally featureless and has a maximum emissivity of ∼0.7. If sulfide mineral deposits are exposed on Mars, they will not be identified using spectral features found in the mid‐infrared (5–40 μm). However, they could be located by identifying basaltic terrain that appears colder than their surroundings and with apparent emissivity spectra that exhibit negative spectral slopes from high to low wavenumbers and are spectrally neutral.
Observations of Satellite Land Surface Phenology Indicate That Maximum Leaf Greenness Is More Associated With Global Vegetation Productivity Than Growing Season Length
Authors: Gao Xiaojie , McGregor Ian R. , Gray Josh M. , Friedl Mark A. , Moon Minkyu
Published: February 2023

Vegetation green leaf phenology directly impacts gross primary productivity (GPP) of terrestrial ecosystems. Satellite observations of land surface phenology (LSP) provide an important means to monitor the key timing of vegetation green leaf development. However, differences between satellite‐derived LSP proxies and in situ measurements of GPP make it difficult to quantify the impact of climate‐induced changes in green leaf phenology on annual GPP. Here, we used 1,110 site‐years of GPP measurements from eddy‐covariance towers in association with time series of satellite LSP observations from 2000 to 2014 to show that while satellite LSP explains a large proportion of variation in annual GPP, changes in green‐leaf‐based growing season length (GSL, leaf development period from spring to autumn) had less impact on annual GPP by ∼30% than GSL changes in GPP‐based photosynthetic duration. Further, maximum leaf greenness explained substantially more variance in annual GPP than green leaf GSL, highlighting the role of future vegetation greening trends on large‐scale carbon budgets. Site‐level variability contributes a substantial proportion of annual GPP variance in the model based on LSP metrics, suggesting the importance of local environmental factors altering regional GPP. We conclude that satellite LSP‐based inferences regarding large‐scale dynamics in GPP need to consider changes in both green leaf GSL and maximum greenness.
Auroral, Ionospheric and Ground Magnetic Signatures of Magnetopause Surface Modes
Authors: Archer M. O. , Hartinger M. D. , Rastätter L. , Southwood D. J. , Heyns M. , Eggington J. W. B. , Wright A. N. , Plaschke F. , Shi X.
Published: February 2023

Surface waves on Earth's magnetopause have a controlling effect upon global magnetospheric dynamics. Since spacecraft provide sparse in situ observation points, remote sensing these modes using ground‐based instruments in the polar regions is desirable. However, many open conceptual questions on the expected signatures remain. Therefore, we provide predictions of key qualitative features expected in auroral, ionospheric, and ground magnetic observations through both magnetohydrodynamic theory and a global coupled magnetosphere‐ionosphere simulation of a magnetopause surface eigenmode. These show monochromatic oscillatory field‐aligned currents (FACs), due to both the surface mode and its non‐resonant Alfvén coupling, are present throughout the magnetosphere. The currents peak in amplitude at the equatorward edge of the magnetopause boundary layer, not the open‐closed boundary as previously thought. They also exhibit slow poleward phase motion rather than being purely evanescent. We suggest the upward FAC perturbations may result in periodic auroral brightenings. In the ionosphere, convection vortices circulate the poleward moving FAC structures. Finally, surface mode signals are predicted in the ground magnetic field, with ionospheric Hall currents rotating perturbations by approximately (but not exactly) 90° compared to the magnetosphere. Thus typical dayside magnetopause surface modes should be strongest in the East‐West ground magnetic field component. Overall, all ground‐based signatures of the magnetopause surface mode are predicted to have the same frequency across L‐shells, amplitudes that maximize near the magnetopause's equatorward edge, and larger latitudinal scales than for field line resonance. Implications in terms of ionospheric Joule heating and geomagnetically induced currents are discussed.
From tuberculosis bedside to bench: UBE2B splicing as a potential biomarker and its regulatory mechanism
Authors: Lyu Mengyuan , Zhou Jian , Zhou Yanbing , Chong Weelic , Xu Wei , Lai Hongli , Niu Lu , Hai Yang , Yao Xiaojun , Gong Sheng , Wang Qinglan , Chen Yi , Wang Yili , Chen Liyu , Zengwanggema  , Zeng Jiongjiong , Wang Chengdi , Ying Binwu
Published: February 2023

Alternative splicing (AS) is an important approach for pathogens and hosts to remodel transcriptome. However, tuberculosis (TB)-related AS has not been sufficiently explored. Here we presented the first landscape of TB-related AS by long-read sequencing, and screened four AS events (S100A8-intron1-retention intron, RPS20-exon1-alternaitve promoter, KIF13B-exon4-skipping exon (SE) and UBE2B-exon7-SE) as potential biomarkers in an in-house cohort-1. The validations in an in-house cohort-2 (2274 samples) and public datasets (1557 samples) indicated that the latter three AS events are potential promising biomarkers for TB diagnosis, but not for TB progression and prognosis. The excellent performance of classifiers further underscored the diagnostic value of these three biomarkers. Subgroup analyses indicated that UBE2B-exon7-SE splicing was not affected by confounding factors and thus had relatively stable performance. The splicing of UBE2B-exon7-SE can be changed by heat-killed mycobacterium tuberculosis through inhibiting SRSF1 expression. After heat-killed mycobacterium tuberculosis stimulation, 231 ubiquitination proteins in macrophages were differentially expressed, and most of them are apoptosis-related proteins. Taken together, we depicted a global TB-associated splicing profile, developed TB-related AS biomarkers, demonstrated an optimal application scope of target biomarkers and preliminarily elucidated mycobacterium tuberculosis-host interaction from the perspective of splicing, offering a novel insight into the pathophysiology of TB.
Removal of Cu2+, Fe2+ and SO42− ions from industrial wastewater by ion exchange resins contained in a rotating perforated cylindrical basket of different heights
Authors: Zakaria K. K. , Farag H. A. , El-Gayar D. A.
Published: February 2023

The present study is concerned with the development of a new cylindrical basket filled with ion exchange resin. The performance of the reactor was examined by removing Cu2+, Fe2+ and SO42− ions from synthetic wastewater. Variables studied were the initial ion concentration in the solution, contact time, resin height inside the cylindrical basket and cylindrical basket rotational speed. Dimensionless analysis was used to obtain a mass transfer correlation for each of the mentioned ions suitable for scale up and design of the present reactor. The experimental results revealed that both the percentage and the rate of removal of (Cu2+, Fe2+ and SO42−) ions decrease as the initial ion concentration in the solution increases, while they increase as the contact time, rotational speed and (L/d) ratio increase. Both Langmuir’s and Freundlich’s adsorption isotherms were examined and it was found that Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm gives a better fitting for the obtained data than Freundlich’s. Regeneration ability was tested, which revealed the high resin efficiency upon operating several consequence cycles that could reach 4 cycles with a slight decrease in the removal efficiency.
Novel approach to studying effects of inhalational exposure on lung function in civilians exposed to the World Trade Center disaster
Authors: Wang Yuyan , Berger Kenneth I. , Zhang Yian , Shao Yongzhao , Goldring Roberta M. , Reibman Joan , Liu Mengling
Published: February 2023

It is increasingly important to study the impact of environmental inhalation exposures on human health in natural or man-made disasters in civilian populations. The members of the World Trade Center Environmental Health Center (WTC EHC; WTC Survivors) had complex exposures to environmental disaster from the destruction of WTC towers and can serve to reveal the effects of WTC exposure on the entire spectrum of lung functions. We aimed to investigate the associations between complex WTC exposures and measures of spirometry and oscillometry in WTC Survivors and included 3605 patients enrolled between Oct 1, 2009 and Mar 31, 2018. We performed latent class analysis and identified five latent exposure groups. We applied linear and quantile regressions to estimate the exposure effects on the means and various quantiles of pre-bronchodilator (BD) % predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio, as well as the resistance at an oscillating frequency of 5 Hz (R5), frequency dependence of resistance R5–20, and reactance area (AX). Compared with Group 5, which had low or unknown exposure and was treated as the reference group, Group 1, the local workers with both acute and chronic exposures, had a lower median of % predicted FVC (−3.6; 95% CI: −5.4, −1.7) and higher (more abnormal) measures of AX at 10th quantile (0.77 cmH2O L–1 s; 95% CI: 0.41, 1.13) and 25th quantile (0.80 cmH2O L−1 s; 95% CI: 0.41, 1.20). Results suggested heterogeneous exposures to the WTC disaster had differential effects on the distributions of lung functions in the WTC Survivors. These findings could provide insights for future investigation of environmental disaster exposures.
Experimental venous thrombus resolution is driven by IL-6 mediated monocyte actions
Authors: Obi Andrea T. , Sharma Sriganesh B. , Elfline Megan A. , Luke Catherine E. , Dowling Abigail R. , Cai Qing , Kimball Andrew S. , Hollinstat Mike , Stanger Livia , Moore Bethany B. , Jaffer Farouc A. , Henke Peter K.
Published: February 2023

Deep venous thrombosis and residual thrombus burden correlates with circulating IL-6 levels in humans. To investigate the cellular source and role of IL-6 in thrombus resolution, Wild type C57BL/6J (WT), and IL-6−/− mice underwent induction of VT via inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis or stasis. Vein wall (VW) and thrombus were analyzed by western blot, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Adoptive transfer of WT bone marrow derived monocytes was performed into IL6-/- mice to assess for rescue. Cultured BMDMs from WT and IL-6−/− mice underwent quantitative real time PCR and immunoblotting for fibrinolytic factors and matrix metalloproteinase activity. No differences in baseline coagulation function or platelet function were found between WT and IL-6−/− mice. VW and thrombus IL-6 and IL-6 leukocyte-specific receptor CD126 were elevated in a time-dependent fashion in both VT models. Ly6Clo Mo/MØ were the predominant leukocyte source of IL-6. IL-6−/− mice demonstrated larger, non-resolving stasis thrombi with less neovascularization, despite a similar number of monocytes/macrophages (Mo/MØ). Adoptive transfer of WT BMDM into IL-6−/− mice undergoing stasis VT resulted in phenotype rescue. Human specimens of endophlebectomized tissue showed co-staining of Monocyte and IL-6 receptor. Thrombosis matrix analysis revealed significantly increased thrombus fibronectin and collagen in IL-6−/− mice. MMP9 activity in vitro depended on endogenous IL-6 expression in Mo/MØ, and IL-6−/− mice exhibited stunted matrix metalloproteinase activity. Lack of IL-6 signaling impairs thrombus resolution potentially via dysregulation of MMP-9 leading to impaired thrombus recanalization and resolution. Restoring or augmenting monocyte-mediated IL-6 signaling in IL-6 deficient or normal subjects, respectively, may represent a non-anticoagulant target to improve thrombus resolution.
The impact of hypoxia and oxidative stress on proteo-metabolomic alterations of 3D cholangiocarcinoma models
Authors: Phukhum Pimpawadee , Phetcharaburanin Jutarop , Chaleekarn Kwuanjira , Kittirat Yingpinyapat , Kulthawatsiri Thanaporn , Namwat Nisana , Loilome Watcharin , Khuntikeo Narong , Titapun Attapol , Wangwiwatsin Arporn , Khampitak Tueanjit , Suksawat Manida , Klanrit Poramate
Published: February 2023

The three-dimensional multicellular spheroid (3D MCS) model has been employed in cholangiocarcinoma research as it generates 3D architecture and includes more physiological relevance with the multicellular arrangement. However, it is also essential to explain the molecular signature in this microenvironment and its structural complexity. The results indicated that poorly differentiated CCA cell lines were unable to form 3D MCS due to the lack of cell adhesion molecules with more mesenchymal marker expression. The well-differentiated CCA and cholangiocyte cell lines were able to develop 3D MCSs with round shapes, smooth perimeter, and cell adhesion molecules that led to the hypoxic and oxidative microenvironment detected. For MMNK-1, KKU-213C, and KKU-213A MCSs, the proteo-metabolomic analysis showed proteins and metabolic products altered compared to 2D cultures, including cell–cell adhesion molecules, energy metabolism-related enzymes and metabolites, and oxidative-related metabolites. Therefore, the 3D MCSs provide different physiological states with different phenotypic signatures compared to 2D cultures. Considering the 3D model mimics more physiological relevance, it might lead to an alternate biochemical pathway, targeting to improve drug sensitivity for CCA treatment.
A new patient-specific overformed anatomical implant design method to reconstruct dysplastic femur trochlea
Authors: Öztürk Yetkin , Ayazoğlu Murat , Öztürk Çağrı , Arabacı Atakan , Solak Nuri , Özsoy Serhat
Published: February 2023

Patellar luxation with condylar defect is a challenging situation for reconstruction in humans. Patella reluxation, cartilage damage and pain are the most common complications. This study aims to present a new patient specific method of overformed implant design and clinical implantation that prevents luxation of patella without damaging the cartilage in a dog. Design processes are Computer Tomography, Computer Assisted Design, rapid prototyping of the bone replica, creation of the implant with surgeon’s haptic knowledge on the bone replica, 3D printing of the implant and clinical application. The implant was fully seated on the bone. Patella reluxation or implant-related bone problem was not observed 80 days after the operation. However, before the implant application, there were soft tissue problems due to previous surgeries. Three-point bending test and finite element analysis were performed to determine the biomechanical safety of the implant. The stress acting on the implant was below the biomechanical limits of the implant. More cases with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm the success of this method in patellar luxation. Compared with trochlear sulcoplasty and total knee replacement, there was no cartilage damage done by surgeons with this method, and the implant keeps the patella functionally in sulcus. This is a promising multidisciplinary method that can be applied to any part of the bone and can solve some orthopaedic problems with surgeon’s haptic knowledge.
Variability by region and method in human brain sodium concentrations estimated by 23Na magnetic resonance imaging: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ridley Ben , Morsillo Filomena , Zaaraoui Wafaa , Nonino Francesco
Published: February 2023

Sodium imaging (23Na-MRI) is of interest in neurological conditions given potential sensitivity to the physiological and metabolic status of tissues. Benchmarks have so far been restricted to parenchyma or grey/white matter (GM/WM). We investigate (1) the availability of evidence, (2) regional pooled estimates and (3) variability attributable to region/methodology. MEDLINE literature search for tissue sodium concentration (TSC) measured in specified ‘healthy’ brain regions returned 127 reports, plus 278 retrieved from bibliographies. 28 studies met inclusion criteria, including 400 individuals. Reporting variability led to nested data structure, so we used multilevel meta-analysis and a random effects model to pool effect sizes. The pooled mean from 141 TSC estimates was 40.51 mM (95% CI 37.59–43.44; p < 0.001, I2Total=99.4%). Tissue as a moderator was significant (F214 = 65.34, p-val < .01). Six sub-regional pooled means with requisite statistical power were derived. We were unable to consider most methodological and demographic factors sought because of non-reporting, but each factor included beyond tissue improved model fit. Significant residual heterogeneity remained. The current estimates provide an empirical point of departure for better understanding in 23Na-MRI. Improving on current estimates supports: (1) larger, more representative data collection/sharing, including (2) regional data, and (3) agreement on full reporting standards.
Exfoliation procedure-dependent optical properties of solution deposited MoS2 films
Authors: Busch Robert T. , Sun Lirong , Austin Drake , Jiang Jie , Miesle Paige , Susner Michael A. , Conner Benjamin S. , Jawaid Ali , Becks Shannon T. , Mahalingam Krishnamurthy , Velez Michael A. , Torsi Riccardo , Robinson Joshua A. , Rao Rahul , Glavin Nicholas R. , Vaia Richard A. , Pachter Ruth , Joshua Kennedy W. , Vernon Jonathan P. , Stevenson Peter R.
Published: February 2023

The development of high-precision large-area optical coatings and devices comprising low-dimensional materials hinges on scalable solution-based manufacturability with control over exfoliation procedure-dependent effects. As such, it is critical to understand the influence of technique-induced transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) optical properties that impact the design, performance, and integration of advanced optical coatings and devices. Here, we examine the optical properties of semiconducting MoS2 films from the exfoliation formulations of four prominent approaches: solvent-mediated exfoliation, chemical exfoliation with phase reconversion, redox exfoliation, and native redox exfoliation. The resulting MoS2 films exhibit distinct refractive indices (n), extinction coefficients (k), dielectric functions (ε1 and ε2), and absorption coefficients (α). For example, a large index contrast of Δn ≈ 2.3 is observed. These exfoliation procedures and related chemistries produce different exfoliated flake dimensions, chemical impurities, carrier doping, and lattice strain that influence the resulting optical properties. First-principles calculations further confirm the impact of lattice defects and doping characteristics on MoS2 optical properties. Overall, incomplete phase reconfiguration (from 1T to mixed crystalline 2H and amorphous phases), lattice vacancies, intraflake strain, and Mo oxidation largely contribute to the observed differences in the reported MoS2 optical properties. These findings highlight the need for controlled technique-induced effects as well as the opportunity for continued development of, and improvement to, liquid phase exfoliation methodologies. Such chemical and processing-induced effects present compelling routes to engineer exfoliated TMDC optical properties toward the development of next-generation high-performance mirrors, narrow bandpass filters, and wavelength-tailored absorbers.
Temporal resolution of NAIL-MS of tRNA, rRNA and Poly-A RNA is overcome by actinomycin D
Authors: Hagelskamp Felix , Borland Kayla , Ammann Gregor , Kaiser Stefanie M.
Published: February 2023

Metabolic labelling of RNA in human cell culture results in hybrid RNA species which can act to improve the temporal resolution of RNA modification dynamics studies.
Single crystal growth and effect of cleavage micro-striations on the crystallinity and optical properties of mercurous halide single crystals
Authors: Bi Yanxiao , Liu Lin , Yue Zhongjie , Li Rongzhen , Zhang Guodong , Tao Xutang
Published: February 2023

Diffraction spots are produced by light irradiation and are formed due to the micro-striations on the (001) surface of Hg2X2 crystals.
Effect of (H2O)n (n = 1 and 2) on HOCl + Cl reaction
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kumar Pradeep
Published: February 2023

We investigate the effect of water molecules (H2O and (H2O)2) on HOCl + Cl˙ → ClO˙ + HCl (R1), and HOCl + Cl˙ → OH˙ + Cl2 (R2) reactions, using quantum chemical and kinetics calculations.
A promising approach to an environmentally friendly pest management solution: nanocarrier-delivered dsRNA towards controlling the destructive invasive pest Tuta absoluta
Authors: Wang Xiaodi , Ji Shunxia , Bi Siyan , Tang Yanhong , Zhang Guifen , Yan Shuo , Wan Fanghao , Lü Zhichuang , Liu Wanxue
Published: February 2023

Nanocarrier-delivered dsRNA can be a promising environmentally friendly pest management solution.
Insights into the effect of regulation of molecular composition on the properties of (AuAg)9clusters
Authors: Yan Xiaoxun , Su Shangyu , Li Xiaowu , Jin Shan , Zhu Manzhou
Published: February 2023

The control of metals and ligands provides an opportunity to explore the effects of regulation on related structures and performance.
Advances in S–N bond formation via electrochemistry: a green route utilizing diverse sulfur and nitrogen sources
Authors: Ye Zenghui , Zhang Xi , Ma Weiyuan , Zhang Fengzhi
Published: February 2023

This review summarizes recent advances in S–N bond formation via electrochemistry from diverse sulfur and nitrogen sources to valuable sulfur–nitrogen-bond-containing compounds, such as sulfenamides, sulfinamides, sulfonamides, sulfoximines, isothiazoles and thiadiazoles.
Recovery of cobalt as CoS from spent Li-ion batteries and investigation of its use as an electrode material for supercapacitors
Authors: Yasa Sezgin , Birol Burak , Gencten Metin
Published: February 2023

Recovery of CoS from the cathode of spent Li-ion batteries and producing a supercapacitor using of this CoS.