bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wideband mid infrared absorber using surface doped black silicon
Authors: Sarkar S. , Nefzaoui E. , Hamaoui G. , Marty F. , Basset P. , Bourouina T.
Published: December 2022

Black silicon (BSi) is a synthetic nanomaterial with high aspect ratio nano protrusions inducing several interesting properties such as a very large absorptivity of incident radiation. We have recently shown that heavily doping the BSi in volume enables to significantly enhance its mid-infrared absorptivity and tune its spectral range of interest up to 20 μm. In the present letter, we explore the effect of surface doping on BSi radiative properties and its absorptance in particular since surface doping enables reaching even larger dopant concentrations than volume doping but at more limited penetration depths. We considered 12 different wafers of BSi, fabricated with cryogenic plasma etching on n- and p-type silicon wafers and doped using ion-implantation with different dopant types, dosages, and ion beam energies, leading to different dopant concentrations and profiles. The different wafers radiative properties, reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance are experimentally measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We show that doping an n-type BSi wafer with phosphorous with a dose of 1017 atm/cm2 and an energy of 100 keV increases its absorptivity up to 98% in the spectral range of 1–5 μm. We propose a simple phenomenological explanation of the observed results based on the dopant concentration profiles and the corresponding incident radiation penetration depth. Obtained results provide simple design rules and pave the way for using ion-implanted BSi for various applications, such as solar energy harvesting, thermo-photovoltaics, and infrared radiation sensing, where both high absorptance and variable dopant concentration profiles are required.
Grain-scale computations of barchan dunes
Authors: Lima Nicolao C. , Assis Willian R. , Alvarez Carlos A. , Franklin Erick M.
Published: December 2022

Barchans are crescent-shaped dunes commonly found in diverse environments and scales: from the 10-cm-long barchans found under water to the 1-km-long barchans on Mars, passing by the 100-m-long dunes on Earth's deserts. Although ubiquitous in nature, there is a lack of grain-scale computations of the growth and evolution of those bedforms. In this paper, we investigate the values of grain properties (coefficients of sliding friction, rolling friction, and restitution) necessary to carry out numerical simulations of subaqueous barchans with CFD–DEM (computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method), and how the values of those coefficients change the barchan dynamics. We made use of LES (large eddy simulation) for the fluid, varied the coefficients of sliding friction, rolling friction, and restitution in the DEM, and compared the outputs with experiments. We show (i) for the case of glass spheres, the values of coefficients for correctly obtaining the dune morphology, timescales, trajectories of individual grains, and forces experienced by grains; (ii) the LES meshes allowing computations of bedload while capturing the main disturbances of the fluid flow; (iii) how different values of coefficients affect the morphology of barchans; and (iv) that spheres with higher coefficients of rolling friction can be used for simulating barchans consisting of angular grains. Our results represent a significant step for performing simulations that capture, at the same time, details of the fluid flow (large eddies) and grains' motion (individual particles).
Spin direction tunable topological transition in two-dimensional frustrate antiferromagnetic triangular lattice T-FeO2 monolayer
Authors: Zhang Bingwen , Chen Xuejiao , Deng Fenglin , Lv Xiaodong , Zhang Cheng , Zheng Biao , Wang Huining , Wang Jun
Published: December 2022

Recently, numerous two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials are predicted with various promising properties, whereas noncollinear antiferromagnetic 2D materials are rarely reported. In this paper, we predicted a stable 2D noncollinear antiferromagnetic triangular lattice T-FeO2. The ground state is 120° antiferromagnetic with stronger next nearest neighbor exchange coupling than that of nearest neighbor exchange coupling because of the RKKY interaction. Our Monte Carlo simulations reveal that the magnetic phase transition is from a 120° antiferromagnetic state to a stripy state and then to a paramagnetic state with increasing temperature. In addition, by tuning the spin direction from an in plane antiferromagnetic state to a canted weak ferromagnetic state, a nontrivial topological phase transition could be induced. Our investigation about magnetic property and nontrivial topological phase transition is very promising for antiferromagnetic spintronics.
Effects of rotation on collection characteristics of fine particles by droplets
Authors: Yu Bao , Gong Haifeng , Peng Ye , Zhu Xin , Liu Yunqi
Published: December 2022

Removing particles dispersed in fluid through drops is widely presented in various fields, and the critical factor is particles captured by droplets. Drop rotation effects play a dominant role in the capture process. However, their influences on collection characteristics remain unclear. Thus, a particle collection model was developed to simultaneously consider rotation and translation effects on fine particles captured by an individual droplet. The finite volume method was used to solve for flow field and collection efficiency, and the proposed model was verified by comparison with experimental and published results. The Liutex method was used to identify the vortex structure, on which dimensionless droplet rotation rates ranged from 0 to 0.1. Velocity, drag coefficient, radial position, and captured particle velocity distribution and collection efficiency were also investigated in relation to the rotation effect. The results show that the established model is reasonable. Vortex strength increases with increased rotation speed where the increment can be up to 480, and fluid rotation strength depends on the competitive relation between the increase in the rotation rate and the vortex movement. Radial velocity increases in regions where the angle between the positive x axis and the normal vector of drop surface ranges from 115° to 180° but decreases in regions where the angle ranges from −180° to −120°, and corresponding regions produce a comparative relation for improving particle capture. Increasing the rotation rate can increase the drag force coefficient by about 0.025, hindering droplet–particle collision. Average radial velocity of particles with higher than 3.7 mm/s is necessary at high rotation rates, while collection efficiency decreases at increased droplet rotation rates.
Super hydrophilic, ultra bubble repellent substrate for pinhole free Dion–Jacobson perovskite solar cells
Authors: Deng Wen , Wan Fang , Peng Xinxin , Ren Xiaoxue , Wang Jifei , Wu Nan , Qin Weiran , Gao Xiaohui , Xiao Si , Zhang Lin , Yang Bin , He Jun , Yuan Yongbo , Lin Yun
Published: December 2022

The progress in efficiency improvements of blade-coated two-dimensional perovskite solar cells (PSCs) lags behind that of spin-coated ones. Pinholes and voids are two important structural defects hiding in blade-coated large-area perovskite films to deteriorate device efficiency and stability. However, the formation of pinholes and voids is still difficult to predict. On substrates with moderate wettability, Dion–Jacobson perovskite films can be blade-coated with good coverage, but we highlight that the formation of nanoscale voids buried at the bottom side of perovskite films can occur frequently, depending critically on the wettability of substrates. It is revealed that super hydrophilic NiOx substrates with contact angle θ < 5° possesses strong bubble repellent property, which thermal dynamically prevents the retraction of precursor solution and plays an important role to suppress the attachment and growth of bubbles on its surface. The probabilities of forming both pinholes and buried voids in perovskite films on super hydrophilic NiOx substrates are one order of magnitude lower than that on hydrophilic PTAA and poly-TPD substrates. The blade-coated (BDA)MA4Pb5I16 films on NiOx substrate offer PSCs with excellent interfacial hole extraction and reduced leakage current, contributing a significant power conversion efficiency improvement from ∼10% to 16.26%.
A novel coating to avoid corrosion effect between eutectic gallium–indium alloy and heat sink metal for X-ray optics cooling
Authors: Tang Shanzhi , He Tian , Yu Haihan , Ou Zina , Ren Zhongrui , Li Ming , Sheng Weifan
Published: December 2022

Owing to the parasitic vibration effect of the cooling medium and pipes of X-ray optics, the vibration decoupling cooling method based on eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn) alloy has become very crucial for fourth generation synchrotron radiation advanced light sources. However, there is an issue that the corrosion of the EGaIn alloy to the heat sink metal [e.g., copper (Cu) plate] results in the solidification and the failure of eliminating the parasitic vibration effect. To deal with the problem, a novel anti-corrosion coating based on tungsten (W) is presented in this paper. It possesses better corrosion resistance performance compared with the traditional coating of nickel (Ni). The experimental investigation was carried out, in which the EGaIn alloy was exposed to several typical metal materials in conditions of various time durations and various temperatures, which were considered as controls. Furthermore, the corrosion effects are analyzed and evaluated in two aspects of micromorphology and the chemical composition by using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope as well as x-ray diffraction. The results show that non obvious corrosion occurred for W, 0.33 mm and 48 µm thick transition micro-area, respectively, for Cu and Ni. In addition, new substances CuGa2 and Ni3Ga7 occurred, respectively, for Cu and Ni for 36 hours at 250 °C. The EGaIn alloy will freeze after corroding 18 µm substrate for Ni or 30 µm for Cu. Furthermore, the W coating that was prepared by magnetron sputtering has been implemented for feasibility validation.
Single and double thermal reduction processes for synthesis reduced graphene oxide assisted by a muffle furnace: A facile robust synthesis and rapid approach to enhance electrical conductivity
Authors: Al-Mufti Salah M. S. , Almontasser Asma , Rizvi S. J. A.
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, with the rapid development of electronic devices, it is increasingly important to enhance the electrical conductivity of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Thermal reduction (TR) temperature and time play the most crucial role as they control the electrical conductivity of rGO in terms of removal of oxygen-containing functional (OCF) groups. This work proposes a novel systematic approach for quick calibration of the OCF groups and lattice defects of GO to increase the conductivity by tuning the temperature and exposure time of the sample to the temperature. Single TR (STR) and double TR (DTR) processes were used in the current work, in which samples were exposed to temperatures of 500, 700, and 900 °C for 5 min. Further annealing took place for each sample at the same temperature with various reduction times. The results indicate that the DTR process improved the electrical conductivity of rGO samples. The highest enhancement of rGO500-5, rGO700-5, and rGO900-5 conductivities was 52.36%, 57.58%, and 231.81%, respectively. Consequently, this material can be used as a filler to get a well dispersed nanocomposite by accurate addition of rGO in a matrix, which enhances its electrical properties. Based on x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electrical analyses, the plausible STR and DTR mechanism of GO to rGO is effectively proposed.
Intrinsic polarization-sensitive organic photodetector with self-assembled all-polymer heterojunction
Authors: Luo Xuhao , Xue Yingying , Wu Juntao , Cai Wanzhu , Täuber Daniela , Malovicho Ivan , Sava Bogdan , Cen Guobiao , Lu Xing , Zhao Chuanxi , Scheblykin Ivan G. , Yu Jianhui , Mai Wenjie , Liu Feng , Wang Ergang , Hou Lintao
Published: December 2022

Intrinsic polarization-sensitive photodetectors (IPPDs) have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their simplicity in configuration, making them ideal candidates for compact and integrated polarization-sensitive sensing and imaging systems. Photoactive films with intrinsic optical anisotropy are necessary for IPPDs. This study reports an achievement of photoactive films based on all-polymer heterojunction films with in-plane optical anisotropy using a simple bottom-up self-assembly method. Both the donor (TQ1) and acceptor (N2200) polymers have the same spatial orientation with distinct anisotropy, approaching a dichroic ratio (DR) of 8. Polarization-sensitive light absorption is due to the uniaxially oriented polymer chains, which are dominated by lamellar packing with edge-on orientation. For IPPDs based on this anisotropic all-polymer heterojunction film, a photocurrent anisotropy was found with a polarized photocurrent ratio of 2.6. The detectivity of these IPPDs was found to be 1.9 × 1011 Jones (@ ∼600 nm, 0 V bias). Our work shows that oriented polymer donor–acceptor films fabricated using bottom-up self-assembly have great potential in applications, such as polarization detection.
1D model of tokamak scrape-off layer and divertor plasmas: Dimensionless parameters and the results of numerical simulations
Authors: Krasheninnikov S. I. , Kukushkin A. S.
Published: December 2022

Solutions of a 1D model of the scrape-off layer and a divertor plasma in a tokamak are analyzed on the basis of dimensionless parameters governing the physics of both plasma and neutral transport and atomic physics processes. Numerical simulations based on fluid plasma and Monte Carlo neutral modeling confirm earlier results obtained with simplified analytic considerations and numerical simulations performed with fluid neutral description and demonstrate bifurcation of plasma parameters. These simulations also confirm that the major physical reasons for the rollover of the plasma flux to the target, which is the key feature of the phenomenon of divertor plasma detachment, are the impurity radiation loss and plasma recombination. It is suggested that simulations of the edge plasma based on dimensionless parameters provide a powerful tool for checking the consistency of the physics incorporated in existing complex 2D codes used for edge plasma modeling.
Schottky barrier contact on In0.53Ga0.47As with short-wave infrared transparent conductive oxide
Authors: Maeda Tatsuro , Oishi Kazuaki , Ishii Hiroto , Ishii Hiroyuki , Chang Wen Hsin , Shimizu Tetsuji , Endoh Akira , Fujishiro Hiroki , Koida Takashi
Published: December 2022

In this study, we fabricate and investigate Schottky barrier contact on n- and p-type In0.53Ga0.47As with transparent conductive oxide (TCO) that transmits light from the visible to short-wave infrared (SWIR) region. The TCO/p-In0.53Ga0.47As contact exhibits explicit rectifying behavior in current–voltage measurement, with an effective Schottky barrier height of 0.587 eV (I–V) and 0.567 eV (C–V). Conversely, the TCO/n-In0.53Ga0.47As exhibits the Ohmic behavior. From high-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations, we identified two types of interfacial layers between TCO and InGaAs: an In/Ga-rich InGaAs oxide layer and an In/Ga-deficient InGaAs layer. These interfacial layers may have a significant impact on the performance of the Schottky barrier contact. An ultra-thin Ni-layer insertion at the TCO/n+-InGaAs interface reduces the contact resistivity by more than an order of magnitude while maintaining high transparency. The TCO/p-InGaAs Schottky barrier contact also performs broadband light detection from the visible to SWIR region in a front-side illumination manner, which is highly promising for detecting wavelengths covering the optical communication band.
Solution processed organic thermoelectric generators as energy harvesters for the Internet of Things
Authors: Pataki Nathan , Rossi Pietro , Caironi Mario
Published: December 2022

Organic thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are a prospective class of versatile energy-harvesters that can enable the capture of low-grade heat and provide power to the growing number of microelectronic devices and sensors in the Internet of Things. The abundance, low-toxicity, and tunability of organic conducting materials along with the scalability of the fabrication techniques promise to culminate in a safe, low-cost, and adaptable device template for a wide range of applications. Despite recent breakthroughs, it is generally recognized that significant advances in n-type organic thermoelectric materials must be made before organic TEGs can make a real impact. Yet, in this perspective, we make the argument that to accelerate progress in the field of organic TEGs, future research should focus more effort into the design and fabrication of application-oriented devices, even though materials have considerable room for improvement. We provide an overview of the best solution-processable organic thermoelectric materials, design considerations, and fabrication techniques relevant for application-oriented TEGs, followed by our perspective on the insight that can be gained by pushing forward with device-level research despite suboptimal materials.
Lion (Panthera leo) diet and cattle depredation on the Kuku Group Ranch Pastoralist area in southern Maasailand, Kenya
Authors: Olivier Iain R. , Tambling Craig J. , Müller Lana , Radloff Frans G. T.
Published: December 2022

Context African lion (Panthera leo) populations are declining throughout Africa, but the problem is particularly acute in southern Kenya, where human–lion conflict is common. Aims Using the Kuku Group Ranch (KGR) in southern Kenya as a case study, we investigated lion diet and the potential drivers of temporal variation in cattle depredation. Methods Using GPS clusters, we investigated the main prey species consumed by lions to determine lion diet. Prey preference of lions in relation to prey availability was then assessed using a Jacobs index to determine whether cattle or wild prey were preferred. We used reported depredation events recorded by verification officers over 36 months (2016–2018) to investigate whether temporal variation in cattle depredation by lions was linked to variation in lag rainfall, normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) or availability of the most important large non-domestic prey items. Key results Six prey species (cattle, Bos taurus; Burchell’s zebra, Equus quagga; Coke’s hartebeest, Alcelaphus cokeii; Maasai giraffe, Giraffa tippelskirchi; blue wildebeest, Connochaetes taurinus; and eland, Tragelaphus oryx) made up 92% of the biomass consumed by lions on KGR. Cattle are the most consumed prey item and contribute the second most to consumed biomass after giraffe. However, once prey availability is considered, lions preferred wild prey. Verification officers identified 330 cattle depredation events over 3 years, and we show that the most important predictor of monthly cattle depredation by lions was cumulative rainfall in the preceding 3 months. Conclusions Our results on cattle depredation by lions showed that rainfall and its influence on the environment are important drivers of cattle depredation. Understanding the mechanistic link between lion depredation and rainfall enables us to predict when depredation events may increase and allows hypotheses on the reason why this spike in depredation takes place to be explored. Implications Given that climate-change models indicate that East Africa will experience prolonged and increased seasonal rainfall, we predict that periods when cattle are vulnerable to lion depredation may increase. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that cattle husbandry is improved during these wetter periods to minimise the risk of conflict and retaliatory killing of lions.
Transcriptional repressor RST1 controls salt tolerance and grain yield in rice by regulating gene expression of asparagine synthetase
Authors: Deng Ping , Jing Wen , Cao Chengjuan , Sun Mingfa , Chi Wenchao , Zhao Shaolu , Dai Jinying , Shi Xingyu , Wu Qi , Zhang Baolong , Jin Zhuo , Guo Chunxia , Tian Quanxiang , Shen Like , Yu Jun , Jiang Ling , Wang Chunming , Chin Joong Hyoun , Yuan Jingya , Zhang Qun , Zhang Wenhua
Published: December 2022

Salt stress impairs nutrient metabolism in plant cells, leading to growth and yield penalties. However, the mechanism by which plants alter their nutrient metabolism processes in response to salt stress remains elusive. In this study, we identified and characterized the rice (
Oryza sativa
)
rice salt tolerant 1 
(
rst1
) mutant, which displayed improved salt tolerance and grain yield. Map-based cloning revealed that the gene
RST1
encoded an auxin response factor (OsARF18). Molecular analyses showed that RST1 directly repressed the expression of the gene encoding asparagine synthetase 1 (OsAS1). Loss of
RST1
function increased the expression of
OsAS1
and improved nitrogen (N) utilization by promoting asparagine production and avoiding excess ammonium (NH
4
+
) accumulation.
RST1
was undergoing directional selection during domestication. The superior haplotype RST1
Hap III
decreased its transcriptional repression activity and contributed to salt tolerance and grain weight. Together, our findings unravel a synergistic regulator of growth and salt tolerance associated with N metabolism and provide a new strategy for the development of tolerant cultivars.
Supporting university students’ argumentative source-based writing
Authors: Marttunen Miika , Kiili Carita
Published: December 2022

Argumentative writing from sources is a literacy practice that students commonly find challenging. The present article reports a descriptive study where students’ source-based writing in small groups was supported with either print-based or digital scaffolding. Students analyzed source texts given to them and used their analysis to compose a position paper on a controversial educational topic. Position papers were analyzed for depth and breadth of argumentation, stand and justifications, degree of transformation of source texts’ argumentation, and structure. The study suggests that students in both scaffolding groups were fairly capable of identifying relevant reasons representing various perspectives on the topic in source texts and using them to build an argument in their position papers. However, students seldom transformed the arguments by adding their own thoughts or connecting arguments across the texts. Further, quite a few students seem to struggle in structuring their essays: 41% of essays in the print-based scaffolding group and 24% of essays in the digital scaffolding group were unstructured. Instructional implications are discussed.
Investigation of the time resolution of 3D silicon sensors
Authors: Diehl L. , Ferrer O. , Hauser M. , Jakobs K. , King M. , Kramberger G. , Moffat N. , Parzefall U. , Pellegrini G. , Sperlich D.
Published: December 2022

Collider experiments as the upcoming Phase II-LHC or the future circular collider (FCC) will increase the demands on tracking detectors. In the FCC hadron collider, sensors will not only face fluences up to 1 × 1017 neq/cm2, but also high pile-up scenarios. Therefore, sensors will be required not only to have a good spatial resolution and a very high radiation hardness, but also an excellent time resolution of the order of 5 ps. Currently, Low Gain Avalanche Diodes (LGADs) are one of the main candidates when it comes to timing, achieving a resolution well below 30 ps. However, their radiation hardness is not sufficient for future colliders. 3D sensors are an interesting alternative due to their superior radiation hardness. In 3D sensors, which already have been thoroughly investigated for tracking purposes, the drift distances are short, the depletion voltage is very low and the electric field can be very high, thus the signals are fast and short.

In this study, the time resolution of different 3D sensors was investigated with signals generated by MIP-like electrons, as well as by measurements using a laser with an infrared wavelength. It is shown that 3D pixel sensors can achieve time resolutions competitive with those of LGADs. Additionally, Transient Current Technique (TCT) timing measurements have been conducted. These allow to study the position dependence of the time resolution, which is interesting for 3D sensors due to their complex electric field structure. The measurements prove the direct correlation between the time resolution and the electric field configuration. Furthermore, the performance of the sensors is demonstrated before and after irradiation with reactor neutrons.
annotate_my_genomes: an easy-to-use pipeline to improve genome annotation and uncover neglected genes by hybrid RNA sequencing
Authors: Farkas Carlos , Recabal Antonia , Mella Andy , Candia-Herrera Daniel , Olivero Maryori González , Haigh Jody Jonathan , Tarifeño-Saldivia Estefanía , Caprile Teresa
Published: December 2022

Background

The advancement of hybrid sequencing technologies is increasingly expanding genome assemblies that are often annotated using hybrid sequencing transcriptomics, leading to improved genome characterization and the identification of novel genes and isoforms in a wide variety of organisms.

Results

We developed an easy-to-use genome-guided transcriptome annotation pipeline that uses assembled transcripts from hybrid sequencing data as input and distinguishes between coding and long non-coding RNAs by integration of several bioinformatic approaches, including gene reconciliation with previous annotations in GTF format. We demonstrated the efficiency of this approach by correctly assembling and annotating all exons from the chicken SCO-spondin gene (containing more than 105 exons), including the identification of missing genes in the chicken reference annotations by homology assignments.

Conclusions

Our method helps to improve the current transcriptome annotation of the chicken brain. Our pipeline, implemented on Anaconda/Nextflow and Docker is an easy-to-use package that can be applied to a broad range of species, tissues, and research areas helping to improve and reconcile current annotations. The code and datasets are publicly available at https://github.com/cfarkas/annotate_my_genomes
Open-source benchmarking of IBD segment detection methods for biobank-scale cohorts
Authors: Tang Kecong , Naseri Ardalan , Wei Yuan , Zhang Shaojie , Zhi Degui
Published: December 2022

In the recent biobank era of genetics, the problem of identical-by-descent (IBD) segment detection received renewed interest, as IBD segments in large cohorts offer unprecedented opportunities in the study of population and genealogical history, as well as genetic association of long haplotypes. While a new generation of efficient methods for IBD segment detection becomes available, direct comparison of these methods is difficult: existing benchmarks were often evaluated in different datasets, with some not openly accessible; methods benchmarked were run under suboptimal parameters; and benchmark performance metrics were not defined consistently. Here, we developed a comprehensive and completely open-source evaluation of the power, accuracy, and resource consumption of these IBD segment detection methods using realistic population genetic simulations with various settings. Our results pave the road for fair evaluation of IBD segment detection methods and provide an practical guide for users.
The opportunities of research parasitism: A case study using the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD)
Authors: Pilgrim Jack
Published: December 2022

The Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) is primarily used to identify biological specimens based on a mitochondrial gene sequence and has been an underpinning resource for life science researchers. Importantly, curators of BOLD archive DNA extracts where possible, and also record contaminant sequences that can be made available on request. This collegial offering of samples and data led to our work describing the serendipitous discovery of new interactions between a Torix Rickettsia bacterium and their arthropod hosts and resulted in winning the 2022 Junior Research Parasite Award. A case study of this work is presented, which discusses the opportunities provided by secondary data and how careful maintenance of such large-scale repositories plays a vital role in scientific research that goes beyond obvious lines of enquiry.
Depression in Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multifaceted Approach for a Multidimensional Problem
Authors: Bommena Shoma , Goldberg Aaron , Amini Mona , Alishahi Yasmin
Published: December 2022

The prevalence of depression is higher in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in the general population. Women are more significantly affected by depression among those with IBD and in the general population. This review presents evidence on sex-based differences in depression pathogenesis and the effect of depression on various factors associated with IBD that affect women’s lives, including sexual dysfunction, body image dissatisfaction, fertility, and overall quality of life. We also discuss sex-specific effects on IBD treatment, disease activity, and health care costs. Interestingly, women with IBD tend to seek and are more receptive to depression-related information. Given the underdiagnosis and undertreated nature of depression in individuals with IBD, effective screening and an optimal integrative treatment approach with relevant sex-specific needs are discussed. Evidence regarding the efficacy of psychotherapy, antidepressant pharmacotherapy, and IBD-specific therapy for depression is discussed. This review summarizes evidence of the effect of depression on both personal and professional aspects of the daily lives of women with IBD, which extends beyond negative moods. It applies this information to screening and integrative treatment, resulting in a holistic approach to this multidimensional problem. We also discuss how depression affects males with IBD differently from females. Finally, we discuss the need for gender-based studies on depression in individuals with IBD.
New Synthetic Cannabinoid ADB-BUTINACA-Related Death of a Police Dog
Authors: Tokarczyk Bogdan , Suchan Marta , Adamowicz Piotr
Published: December 2022

The popularity of synthetic cannabinoids puts police sniffer dogs at risk of accidental introduction of such substances into the body. The extreme efficacy and potency of many new synthetic cannabinoids are associated with a high risk of serious poisonings and even deaths. The paper presents the toxicological findings in an intoxication of a police dog, in which a new synthetic cannabinoid ADB-BUTINACA was detected and quantified in postmortem materials. The screening analyses were performed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) and liquid chromatography--quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF-MS). LC–MS-MS was also used for quantitative analyses, while LC–QTOF-MS for metabolite identification. Due to unusual matrices, the standard addition method was used for the quantitative determination of ADB-BUTINACA. The determined concentrations of ADB-BUTINACA in blood, lung, stomach, liver and kidney were 8.1 ng/mL, 6.4 ng/g, 1.5 ng/g, 1.8 ng/g and 0.4 ng/g, respectively. Apart from ADB-BUTINACA, the monohydroxylated metabolites and the dihydrodiol metabolite were detected and identified in all analyzed materials, and moreover the product of N-debutylation was found in blood and liver. The described case presents the identification and quantitation of a new synthetic cannabinoid ADB-BUTINACA in postmortem dog specimens. Although the cause of death was acute gastric dilatation, it cannot be ruled out that this process was the result of synthetic cannabinoid inhalation. Due to dogs’ sensitivity to cannabinoids, ADB-BUTINACA poisoning cannot be excluded either. The described case suggests that ADB-BUTINACA elicits serious adverse effects in dogs. The article also indicates the dangers to which police dogs coming into contact with extremely potent drugs may be exposed.
Building structure with elastoplastic bilinear model under multi-dimensional earthquake forces
Authors: Hong Hong-Ki , Liu Li-Wei , Shiao Ya-Po , Chang Cheng-Jih
Published: December 2022

Developed herein is an analysis procedure based on closed-form solutions to elastoplastic bilinear model of building structures accounted for different stiffnesses and yielding forces in different directions and rotated yield ellipses in different floor levels due to the layout of buildings and the complexity of structural members. The seismic design often considers earthquake forces on multiple floor levels but usually only in a single direction. However, in reality, the direction of the earthquake is not limited to one particular direction. Therefore, studying the influence of a two-way, furthermore multi-dimensional, earthquake on buildings is of great value. To estimate the total seismic demand on inelastic building structures subjected to multi-dimensional loading, this paper aims to find closed-form solution responses to an input rectilinear force path for the elastoplastic bilinear model of Hong and Liu (1999) which already has available closed-form solution responses to an input rectilinear displacement path. In this paper the elastoplastic bilinear model of building structures and Minkowski spacetime are adapted to accommodate such situations as different stiffnesses and yielding forces in different directions and rotated yield ellipses in different floor levels.
Association of circulating markers with cognitive decline after radiation therapy for brain metastasis
Authors: Huntoon Kristin , Anderson S Keith , Ballman Karla V , Twohy Erin , Dooley Katharine , Jiang Wen , An Yi , Li Jing , von Roemeling Christina , Qie Yaqing , Ross Owen A , Cerhan Jane H , Whitton Anthony C , Greenspoon Jeffrey N , Parney Ian F , Ashman Jonathan B , Bahary Jean-Paul , Hadjipanayis Constantinos , Urbanic James J , Farace Elana , Khuntia Deepak , Laack Nadia N , Brown Paul D , Roberge David , Kim Betty Y S
Published: December 2022

Background

A recent phase III trial (NCT01372774) comparing use of stereotactic radiosurgery [SRS] versus whole-brain radiation therapy [WBRT] after surgical resection of a single brain metastasis revealed that declines in cognitive function were more common with WBRT than with SRS. A secondary endpoint in that trial, and the primary objective in this secondary analysis, was to identify baseline biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment after either form of radiotherapy for brain metastasis. Here we report our findings on APOE genotype and serum levels of associated proteins and their association with radiation-induced neurocognitive decline.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis of prospectively collected samples from a completed randomized clinical trial, patients provided blood samples every 3 months that were tested by genotyping and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and results were analyzed in association with cognitive impairment.

Results

The APOE genotype was not associated with neurocognitive impairment at 3 months. However, low serum levels of ApoJ, ApoE, or ApoA protein (all P < .01) and higher amyloid beta (Aβ 1–42) levels (P = .048) at baseline indicated a greater likelihood of neurocognitive decline at 3 months after SRS, whereas lower ApoJ levels were associated with decline after WBRT (P = .014).

Conclusions

Patients with these pretreatment serum markers should be counseled about radiation-related neurocognitive decline.
UB2/UB3/TSH4-anchored transcriptional networks regulate early maize inflorescence development in response to simulated shade
Authors: Kong Dexin , Li Changyu , Xue Weicong , Wei Hongbin , Ding Hui , Hu Guizhen , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhang Guisen , Zou Ting , Xian Yuting , Wang Baobao , Zhao Yongping , Liu Yuting , Xie Yurong , Xu Miaoyun , Wu Hong , Liu Qing , Wang Haiyang
Published: December 2022

Increasing planting density has been adopted as an effective means to increase maize (Zea mays) yield. Competition for light from neighbors can trigger plant shade avoidance syndrome, which includes accelerated flowering. However, the regulatory networks of maize inflorescence development in response to high-density planting remain poorly understood. In this study, we showed that shade-mimicking treatments cause precocious development of the tassels and ears. Comparative transcriptome profiling analyses revealed the enrichment of phytohormone-related genes and transcriptional regulators among the genes co-regulated by developmental progression and simulated shade. Network analysis showed that three homologous Squamosa promoter binding protein (SBP)-like (SPL) transcription factors, Unbranched2 (UB2), Unbranched3 (UB3), and Tasselsheath4 (TSH4), individually exhibited connectivity to over 2,400 genes across the V3-to-V9 stages of tassel development. In addition, we showed that the ub2 ub3 double mutant and tsh4 single mutant were almost insensitive to simulated shade treatments. Moreover, we demonstrated that UB2/UB3/TSH4 could directly regulate the expression of Barren inflorescence2 (BIF2) and Zea mays teosinte branched1/cycloidea/proliferating cell factor30 (ZmTCP30). Furthermore, we functionally verified a role of ZmTCP30 in regulating tassel branching and ear development. Our results reveal a UB2/UB3/TSH4-anchored transcriptional regulatory network of maize inflorescence development and provide valuable targets for breeding shade-tolerant maize cultivars.
Early Season Environmental Indicators of Wheat Stripe Rust Epidemics in Kansas and the Central Great Plains Region of the United States
Authors: De Wolf Erick D. , Andersen Onofre Kelsey F. , Lollato Romulo P.
Published: December 2022

During the past two decades, the wheat-producing areas of the Great Plains region in North America experienced frequent, severe yield losses to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici). In general, outbreaks of rust diseases in the Southern Great Plains region often precede disease problems in the Central and Northern Great Plains. However, these generalizations provide little information, and our objective for this study was to identify weather variables, geographical areas, and time periods that influence the early stages of stripe rust epidemics in the Great Plains. Data used in this analysis consisted of monthly summaries of temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture from 10 climate districts in Texas of the United States. These environmental variables were paired with estimates of wheat yield losses to stripe rust in Kansas from 2000 to 2019, with yield loss coded as a binary variable (1 = >4% statewide yield loss). An ensemble of simple models representing weather variables, time periods, and geographical locations were hypothesized to be influential in the development of stripe rust epidemics. Model performance was verified with observations not used in model development. Results of this study indicated that soil moisture within two to three climate districts in Texas were particularly influential in regional disease development. These areas of Texas were 700 to 1,000 km away from locations in Kansas where the disease-related yield losses were observed, and they often preceded disease losses by 3 to 6 months. In the future, these models could help establish priority locations and time periods for disease scouting and inform regional estimates of disease risk.
Efficacy of Organic Fungicides Against Hemp Powdery Mildew Caused byGolovinomyces ambrosiaein a Greenhouse in Tennessee
Authors: Akinrinlola Rufus J. , Hansen Zachariah R.
Published: December 2022

Powdery mildew is a common disease of hemp in greenhouses in Tennessee. Fungicide efficacy data can support the use or approval of new fungicides. Therefore, two greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of nine commercial fungicides against powdery mildew. ‘BaOx2’ or ‘Sweetened’ hemp cultivars, which are susceptible to powdery mildew, were inoculated with a conidial suspension 1 day before or 1 day after the first fungicide application. Two additional fungicide applications were made at 7-day intervals by thoroughly spraying the plants using a hand-held sprayer. Control plants were sprayed with water only. Weekly disease incidence and severity ratings were done three times. Disease index and the area under the disease progress curve were calculated. All the fungicides significantly reduced powdery mildew symptoms. Compared with the control plants, disease reductions ranged from 76 to 100%. Bonide sulfur, Luna Experience, and MilStop exhibited “excellent” efficacy, reducing disease symptoms by 96 to 100%. Cinnerate, Exile, Regalia, and Sil-Matrix exhibited “very good” efficacy, reducing disease symptoms by 86 to 95%. Defguard and Stargus exhibited “good” efficacy, reducing disease symptoms by 76 to 85%. Koch’s postulates were performed with the PM isolate used in this study. The isolate recovered following inoculation was found to be identical to the original isolate used in the experiments. The isolate was identified as Golovinomyces ambrosiae based on ITS, IGS, and β-tubulin sequencing and phylogenetic analysis with nucleotide sequences from closely related species. These findings provide useful information for the control of hemp powdery mildew and further research.
Occupational respiratory allergy to reactive dyes
Authors: Muñoz Xavier , Clofent David , Cruz María-Jesús
Published: December 2022

Purpose of review

Reactive dyes have been shown to cause respiratory sensitization in workers with occupational exposure. The present review analyzes the current knowledge of the role of reactive dyes in promoting occupational respiratory allergy. We discuss the current classification of reactive dyes as well as the potential development of occupational respiratory diseases after exposure to these substances.

Recent findings

Few descriptions of the role of reactive dyes in the development of occupational allergy have been published in recent years. Several reactive dyes are considered causes of occupational asthma (OA), mainly in workers in textile industries. Positive skin tests and the presence of specific serum IgE antibodies to reactive dyes suggest that respiratory symptoms provoked by reactive dyes may be immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reactions. It was suggested that airborne dye molecules may act as haptens and induce IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions.

Reactive dyes are widely used in the textile industry, owing to their ability to produce strong covalent bonds to textile fibers. These substances have been identified as potential respiratory sensitizers causing OA and occupational rhinitis. The clinical presentation and phenotype of patients with OA due to reactive dyes is very similar to those presented by patients with OA to high molecular weight agents. The extensive use of reactive dyes in industry means that it is particularly important to describe their implications for health, which in fact are probably underestimated.
Anlotinib reduces the suppressive capacity of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and potentiates the immune microenvironment normalization window in a mouse lung cancer model
Authors: Zhao XiangFei , Zhao RuGang , Wen JuYi , Zhang Xia , Wu ShanShan , Fang Juan , Ma JunPeng , Zheng Wei , Zhang XinHong , Lu ZeJun , Gao LiPin , Hu Yi
Published: December 2022

By exploring the effects of an antiangiogenic small molecule drug named anlotinib on the levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in a mouse xenograft model of lung cancer, the role of anti-angiogenesis in remodeling the immune microenvironment was discussed. In addition, the impact of anlotinib on the normalization of the immune microenvironment and time window was examined, providing a theoretical basis for the optimization of clinical strategies applying anlotinib combined with PD-1 inhibitors. On the basis of the LLC mouse xenograft model, MDSCs and MDSCs + immune microenvironment were examined in tissues, respectively, according to different samples. The former observation included the control (group A) and anlotinib monotherapy (group B) groups; the latter also included the control (group C) and anlotinib monotherapy (group D) groups. The levels of MDSCs in peripheral blood at different time points were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the levels of MDSCs in tissue samples at different time points were evaluated by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The volumes of subcutaneous xenografts were significantly smaller in the anlotinib treatment group compared with the control group (P < 0.005). Flow cytometry showed that compared with the control group, the intratumoral percentages of total MDSCs (P < 0.01) and mononuclear-MDSCs (P < 0.05) were significantly decreased on days 3 and 17 after anlotinib treatment in peripheral blood samples; however, there was no significant difference in granulocytic-MDSCs changes between the experimental and control groups. Immunofluorescence showed that the levels of MDSCs in both the experimental and control groups reached the lowest points 10 days after drug administration, and were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Anlotinib reduces the levels of MDSCs in the mouse xenograft model of lung cancer, with the characteristics of time window. This study provides a basis for further exploring strategies for anti-angiogenic treatment combined with immunotherapy in lung cancer based on time-window dosing.
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation
Authors: Meattini Icro , Kim Kyubo , Livi Lorenzo
Published: December 2022

Accelerated partial breast irradiation Florence phase 3 trial is a single-center study comparing intensity-modulated based accelerated partial breast irradiation (PBI, 30 Gy in 5 fractions) and whole breast irradiation (50 Gy in 25 fractions) followed by a tumor bed boost (10 Gy in 5 fractions). This easy-to-deliver PBI approach showed excellent long-term disease control with favorable safety and cosmetic outcome profiles. A plateau has been probably reached concerning the reduction of the number of fractions in the postoperative PBI setting. A 5-fraction schedule is the standard regimen and probably the appropriate compromise in terms of efficacy, safety, and quality of life, also considering the negative results of most intraoperative single-fraction PBI trials. A new frontier is now open on the potential benefit of preoperative PBI delivery, although concerns remain on the optimal dose, fractionation, and technique. Hereby we report the accelerated PBI Florence phase 3 trial experience and future perspectives.
Haematopoietic stem cell quiescence exposed using mitochondrial membrane potential
Authors: Ghaffari Saghi
Published: December 2022

Purpose of review

Quiescence is a fundamental property of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Despite the importance of quiescence in predicting the potency of HSCs, tools that measure routinely the degree of quiescence or select for quiescent HSCs have been lacking. This Commentary discusses recent findings that address this fundamental gap in the HSC toolbox.

Recent findings

Highly purified, phenotypically-defined HSCs are heterogeneous in their mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The lowest MMP subsets are enriched in greatly quiescent HSCs with the highest potency within the purified HSC population. MMP provides an intrinsic probe to select HSC subsets with unique cell cycle properties and distinct stem cell potential. Using this approach, new and unanticipated metabolic properties of quiescent HSCs’ exit have been discovered. This methodology may improve the mechanistic understanding, of HSCs’ exit from and entry to, quiescence.

Selecting HSCs using MMP is likely to lead to discoveries of new HSC properties, may improve the ex vivo maintenance of HSCs and has implications for the clinic, including for improving HSC transplantations.