bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A FIB-SEM Based Correlative Methodology for X-Ray Nanotomography and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry: An Application Example in Lithium Batteries Research
Authors: Cressa Luca , Fell Jonas , Pauly Christoph , Hoang Quang Hung , Mücklich Frank , Herrmann Hans-Georg , Wirtz Tom , Eswara Santhana
Published: September 2022

Correlative microscopy approaches are attracting considerable interest in several research fields such as materials and battery research. Recent developments regarding X-ray computer tomography have made this technique available in a compact module for scanning electron microscopes (SEMs). Nano-computed tomography (nanoCT) allows morphological analysis of samples in a nondestructive way and to generate 2D and 3D overviews. However, morphological analysis alone is not sufficient for advanced studies, and to draw conclusions beyond morphology, chemical analysis is needed. While conventional SEM-based chemical analysis techniques such as energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) are adequate in many cases, they are not well suited for the analysis of trace elements and low-Z elements such as hydrogen or lithium. Furthermore, the large information depth in typical SEM-EDS imaging conditions limits the lateral resolution to micrometer length scales. In contrast, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) can perform elemental mapping with good surface sensitivity, nanoscale lateral resolution, and the possibility to analyze even low-Z elements and isotopes. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility and compatibility of a novel FIB-SEM-based correlative nanoCT-SIMS imaging approach to correlate morphological and chemical data of the exact same sample volume, using a cathode material of a commercial lithium battery as an example.
TheChangingMeaning ofCooperation:Rural Electrification in Cold War Peru, 1964–1976
Authors: Romero Sommer Gonzalo
Published: September 2022

This article deals with the politics of Peruvian rural electrification during the Cold War years. In 1964, the inhabitants of the Mantaro Valley established the Cooperativa Eléctrica Comunal del Centro Ltda. 127, with the help of the central government and American aid agencies in the context of the Alliance for Progress. At first, this rural electric cooperative was seen as a legitimate way to channel traditional communal practices through an institution that was seen as modern, capitalist, and Western. However, in the fluid context of Peru's Cold War, electric cooperative development quickly became a heated political battleground. After a “revolutionary” military regime took power in 1968, the armed forces eventually defined the cooperative as an obsolete institution and quickly adopted their own cooperative model, free from any capitalist “vices,” as they sought to implement their own “revolution from above.” While the Cooperativa Eléctrica Comunal del Centro represented a successful combination of local discourse, foreign aid, and modern technology, its history also shines a light on the volatile politics of infrastructural development: as its political and economic meaning changed wildly as different political regimes oversaw its expansion and eventual downfall.
Emergent Climate Change Impacts on the Soil C and N Cycles in the Mojave Desert
Authors: Mills Jennifer V. , Maurer Gregory E. , Lammers Laura N. , Amundson Ronald
Published: September 2022

The Mojave Desert has warmed >2°C, and aridified, in the past 50 years, making it a strategic location to investigate climate change impacts on arid soil processes. We resampled a climosequence of soils in the Mojave first sampled in 1973 and compared current soil properties to those 45+ years earlier. Radiocarbon changes revealed that C is cycling rapidly through the soils, particularly near the surface, with a temperature‐sensitive decomposition rate (Arrhenius Ea = 66 kJ/mol). Significant decreases in soil C/N ratios and increases in δ15N values occurred, suggestive of enhanced rates of soil C and N cycling and their losses. Covariation between changes in soil radiocarbon, δ13C, δ15N, and C/N point toward emerging chemical impacts on the coupled C and N cycles in response to climate change.
Magmatic Activity and Dynamics of Melt Supply of Volcanic Centers of Ultraslow Spreading Ridges: Hints From Local Earthquake Tomography at the Knipovich Ridge
Authors: Meier M. , Schlindwein V. , Schmid F.
Published: September 2022

Along ultraslow spreading ridges melt is distributed unequally, but melt focusing guides melt away from amagmatic segments toward volcanic centers. An interplay of tectonism and magmatism is thought to control melt ascent, but the detailed process of melt extraction is not yet understood. We present a detailed image of the seismic velocity structure of the Logachev volcanic center and adjacent region along the Knipovich Ridge. With travel times of P‐ and S‐waves of 3,959 earthquakes we performed a local earthquake tomography. We simultaneously inverted for source locations, velocity structure and the Vp/Vs‐ratio. An extensive low velocity anomaly coincident with high Vp/Vs‐ratios >1.9 lies underneath the volcanic center at depths of 10 km below sea level in an aseismic area. More shallow, tightly clustered earthquake swarms connect the anomaly to a shallow anomaly with high Vp/Vs‐ratio beneath the basaltic seafloor. We consider the deep low‐velocity anomaly to represent an area of partial melt from which melts ascent vertically to the surface and northwards into the adjacent segment. By comparing tomographic studies of the Logachev and Southwest Indian Ridge Segment‐8 volcano we conclude that volcanic centers of ultraslow spreading ridges host spatially confined, circular partial melt areas below 10 km depth, in contrast to the shallow extended melt lenses along fast spreading ridges. Lateral feeding over distances of 35 km is possible at orthogonal spreading segments, but limited at the obliquely spreading Knipovich Ridge.
Hydrologic Sensitivities and ENSO Variability Across Hydrological Regimes in Central Chile (28°–41°S)
Authors: Hernandez Diego , Mendoza Pablo A. , Boisier Juan Pablo , Ricchetti Franco
Published: September 2022

There is strong evidence of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnections in the South Pacific and related impacts on the precipitation regime in Chile; nonetheless, many aspects of the hydrological propagation and temperature responses to ENSO remain unclear in this region. We examine fluctuations across 59 near‐natural catchments in central Chile (28°–41°S) under contrasting ENSO phases during the period 1981–2019. Our results show statistically significant ENSO‐related hydroclimatic anomalies in almost all watersheds analyzed, which confirms the major influence of ENSO within this domain. By comparing El Niño phases against La Niña, we observe generally wetter conditions, warmer winters, cooler late springs, lower (higher) runoff ratios in snowmelt‐driven (rainfall‐driven) basins, and longer storm durations while storm frequencies (i.e., number of events of consecutive days with precipitation) are preserved. Additionally, low (high) elevation catchments are related to positive (negative) streamflow sensitivities to winter temperature, which increase in magnitude with the evaporative index; besides, catchments with sharp warm‐and‐dry conditions yield largely negative sensitivities to late spring temperature. Further, positive streamflow anomalies in rainfall‐driven catchments are explained by temperature and precipitation ENSO‐related amplitudes (El Niño minus La Niña) that separately favor streamflow; however, in mixed regimes and snowmelt‐driven basins these results are spatially scattered. Hence, this study supports that meteorological, hydrological, and physiographic attributes modulate the translation of climate variability into river hydrology. The results presented here unravel the joint effects of precipitation and seasonal temperature fluctuations through different hydrological regimes, across a region that encloses populated cities and water‐intensive activities.
Old Igneous Rocks Hold the Key to Crustal Thickness Evolution
Authors: Luffi Peter , Ducea Mihai
Published: September 2022

The chemical composition of orogenic igneous rocks and their zircons is sensitive to crustal thickness and can be used to quantify the evolution of Moho depths beneath continents back in time.
Ion‐Ion Cross‐Field Instability of Lower Hybrid Waves in the Inner Coma of Comet 67P
Authors: Odelstad Elias , Karlsson Tomas , Eriksson Anders , Bergman Sofia , Stenberg Wieser Gabriella
Published: September 2022

We show that an ion‐ion cross‐field streaming instability between cold newborn cometary ions and heated heavy ions that were picked up upstream is likely a contributing source of observed lower hybrid (LH) waves in the inner coma of comet 67P/Churyumov‐Gerasimenko. Electric field oscillations in the LH frequency range are common here, and have previously been attributed mainly to the lower‐hybrid drift instability, driven by gradients associated with observed local density fluctuations. However, the observed wave activity is not confined to such gradients, nor is it always strongest there. Thus, other instabilities are likely needed as well to explain the observed wave activity. Several previous works have shown the existence of multiple populations of cometary ions in the inner coma of 67P, distinguished by differences in mass, energy and/or flow direction. We here examine two selected time intervals in October and November 2015, with substantial wave activity in the LH frequency range, where we identify two distinct cometary ion populations: a bulk population of locally produced, predominantly radially outflowing ions, and a more tenuous population picked up further upstream and accelerated back toward the comet by the solar wind electric field. These two populations exhibit strong relative drifts (∼20 km/s, or about five times the pickup ion thermal velocity), and we perform an electrostatic dispersion analysis showing that conditions should be favorable for LH wave generation through the ion‐ion cross‐field instability.
The Role of Pore‐Shape and Pore‐Space Heterogeneity in Non‐Archie Behavior of Resistivity Index Curves
Authors: Sun Zhonghao , Torres‐Verdín Carlos
Published: September 2022

Resistivity index curves describe the relationship between electrical resistivity and water saturation of porous media and are critical in formation evaluation and for the geophysical monitoring of subsurface processes. Archie's second equation enforces a linear relationship between resistivity index and water saturation in log‐log plots which has been widely used for the assessment of in situ hydrocarbon saturation. However, resistivity index curves that deviate from Archie's equation are ubiquitous in subsurface reservoirs, especially complex carbonates exhibiting bimodal pore‐size distributions, where the effects of pore‐scale controlling factors on rock resistivity remain unclear. We implement pore‐network models built under controlled conditions of pore shapes, bimodal pore‐size distributions, pore connectivity, micropore fractions, and anisotropy to investigate the effects of pore shapes and pore‐space heterogeneity on resistivity index curves. Results indicate that percolating wetting films associated with pore shapes decrease the resistivity index at low values of water saturation and cause a decrease in saturation exponent. In cases of bimodal pore‐size distributions, micropore fractions control the connectivity between macropores, thus affecting water drainage and resistivity index curves. At low fractions of micropores, the resistivity index curve is governed by the connected macropore system at high values of water saturation and is then determined by micropores, thereby resulting in non‐Archie behavior. Pore‐size distributions and spatial anisotropy also affect the resistivity index curves. We summarize the observed pore‐space heterogeneity effects on resistivity index curves and compare model predictions to numerical simulations; both the geometric mean model and effective medium theory provide acceptable estimates of the electrical properties of bimodal porous media.
In vivo restoration of dystrophin expression in mdx mice using intra-muscular and intra-arterial injections of hydrogel microsphere carriers of exon skipping antisense oligonucleotides
Authors: Cohen Shani Attias , Bar-Am Orit , Fuoco Claudia , Saar Galit , Gargioli Cesare , Seliktar Dror
Published: September 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease caused by a mutation in the X-linked Dytrophin gene preventing the expression of the functional protein. Exon skipping therapy using antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) is a promising therapeutic strategy for DMD. While benefits of AON therapy have been demonstrated, some challenges remain before this strategy can be applied more comprehensively to DMD patients. These include instability of AONs due to low nuclease resistance and poor tissue uptake. Delivery systems have been examined to improve the availability and stability of oligonucleotide drugs, including polymeric carriers. Previously, we showed the potential of a hydrogel-based polymeric carrier in the form of injectable PEG-fibrinogen (PF) microspheres for delivery of chemically modified 2′-O-methyl phosphorothioate (2OMePs) AONs. The PF microspheres proved to be cytocompatible and provided sustained release of the AONs for several weeks, causing increased cellular uptake in mdx dystrophic mouse cells. Here, we further investigated this delivery strategy by examining in vivo efficacy of this approach. The 2OMePS/PEI polyplexes loaded in PF microspheres were delivered by intramuscular (IM) or intra-femoral (IF) injections. We examined the carrier biodegradation profiles, AON uptake efficiency, dystrophin restoration, and muscle histopathology. Both administration routes enhanced dystrophin restoration and improved the histopathology of the mdx mice muscles. The IF administration of the microspheres improved the efficacy of the 2OMePS AONs over the IM administration. This was demonstrated by a higher exon skipping percentage and a smaller percentage of centered nucleus fibers (CNF) found in H&E-stained muscles. The restoration of dystrophin expression found for both IM and IF treatments revealed a reduced dystrophic phenotype of the treated muscles. The study concludes that injectable PF microspheres can be used as a carrier system to improve the overall therapeutic outcomes of exon skipping-based therapy for treating DMD.
Chemical deposition of Cu2O films with ultra-low resistivity: correlation with the defect landscape
Authors: Sekkat Abderrahime , Liedke Maciej Oskar , Nguyen Viet Huong , Butterling Maik , Baiutti Federico , Sirvent Veru Juan de Dios , Weber Matthieu , Rapenne Laetitia , Bellet Daniel , Chichignoud Guy , Kaminski-Cachopo Anne , Hirschmann Eric , Wagner Andreas , Muñoz-Rojas David
Published: September 2022

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) is a promising p-type semiconductor material for many applications. So far, the lowest resistivity values are obtained for films deposited by physical methods and/or at high temperatures (~1000 °C), limiting their mass integration. Here, Cu2O thin films with ultra-low resistivity values of 0.4 Ω.cm were deposited at only 260 °C by atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition, a scalable chemical approach. The carrier concentration (7.1014−2.1018 cm−3), mobility (1–86 cm2/V.s), and optical bandgap (2.2–2.48 eV) are easily tuned by adjusting the fraction of oxygen used during deposition. The properties of the films are correlated to the defect landscape, as revealed by a combination of techniques (positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS), Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence). Our results reveal the existence of large complex defects and the decrease of the overall defect concentration in the films with increasing oxygen fraction used during deposition.
Spanning Fermi arcs in a two-dimensional magnet
Authors: Chen Ying-Jiun , Hanke Jan-Philipp , Hoffmann Markus , Bihlmayer Gustav , Mokrousov Yuriy , Blügel Stefan , Schneider Claus M. , Tusche Christian
Published: September 2022

The discovery of topological states of matter has led to a revolution in materials research. When external or intrinsic parameters break symmetries, global properties of topological materials change drastically. A paramount example is the emergence of Weyl nodes under broken inversion symmetry. While a rich variety of non-trivial quantum phases could in principle also originate from broken time-reversal symmetry, realizing systems that combine magnetism with complex topological properties is remarkably elusive. Here, we demonstrate that giant open Fermi arcs are created at the surface of ultrathin hybrid magnets where the Fermi-surface topology is substantially modified by hybridization with a heavy-metal substrate. The interplay between magnetism and topology allows us to control the shape and the location of the Fermi arcs by tuning the magnetization direction. The hybridization points in the Fermi surface can be attributed to a non-trivial mixed topology and induce hot-spots in the Berry curvature, dominating spin and charge transport as well as magneto-electric coupling effects.
Traject3d allows label-free identification of distinct co-occurring phenotypes within 3D culture by live imaging
Authors: Freckmann Eva C. , Sandilands Emma , Cumming Erin , Neilson Matthew , Román-Fernández Alvaro , Nikolatou Konstantina , Nacke Marisa , Lannagan Tamsin R. M. , Hedley Ann , Strachan David , Salji Mark , Morton Jennifer P. , McGarry Lynn , Leung Hing Y. , Sansom Owen J. , Miller Crispin J. , Bryant David M.
Published: September 2022

Single cell profiling by genetic, proteomic and imaging methods has expanded the ability to identify programmes regulating distinct cell states. The 3-dimensional (3D) culture of cells or tissue fragments provides a system to study how such states contribute to multicellular morphogenesis. Whether cells plated into 3D cultures give rise to a singular phenotype or whether multiple biologically distinct phenotypes arise in parallel is largely unknown due to a lack of tools to detect such heterogeneity. Here we develop Traject3d (Trajectory identification in 3D), a method for identifying heterogeneous states in 3D culture and how these give rise to distinct phenotypes over time, from label-free multi-day time-lapse imaging. We use this to characterise the temporal landscape of morphological states of cancer cell lines, varying in metastatic potential and drug resistance, and use this information to identify drug combinations that inhibit such heterogeneity. Traject3d is therefore an important companion to other single-cell technologies by facilitating real-time identification via live imaging of how distinct states can lead to alternate phenotypes that occur in parallel in 3D culture.
CAR-T cell therapy-related cytokine release syndrome and therapeutic response is modulated by the gut microbiome in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Hu Yongxian , Li Jingjing , Ni Fang , Yang Zhongli , Gui Xiaohua , Bao Zhiwei , Zhao Houli , Wei Guoqing , Wang Yiyun , Zhang Mingming , Hong Ruimin , Wang Linqin , Wu Wenjun , Mohty Mohamad , Nagler Arnon , Chang Alex H. , van den Brink Marcel R. M. , Li Ming D. , Huang He
Published: September 2022

Immunotherapy utilizing chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy holds promise for hematologic malignancies, however, response rates and associated immune-related adverse effects widely vary among patients. Here we show, by comparing diversity and composition of the gut microbiome during different CAR-T therapeutic phases in the clinical trial ChiCTR1800017404, that the gut flora characteristically differs among patients and according to treatment stages, and might also reflect patient response to therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM; n = 43), acute lympholastic leukemia (ALL; n = 23) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; n = 12). We observe significant temporal differences in diversity and abundance of Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, Sutterella, and Collinsella between MM patients in complete remission (n = 24) and those in partial remission (n = 11). Furthermore, we find that patients with severe cytokine release syndrome present with higher abundance of Bifidobacterium, Leuconostoc, Stenotrophomonas, and Staphylococcus, which is reproducible in an independent cohort of 38 MM patients. This study has important implications for understanding the biological role of the microbiome in CAR-T treatment responsiveness of hematologic malignancy patients, and may guide therapeutic intervention to increase efficacy. The success rate of CAR-T cell therapy is high in blood cancers, yet individual patient characteristics might reduce therapeutic benefit. Here we show that therapeutic response in MM, ALL and NHL, and occurrence of severe cytokine release syndrome in multiple myeloma are associated with specific gut microbiome alterations.
Grave-to-cradle upcycling of Ni from electroplating wastewater to photothermal CO2 catalysis
Authors: Wang Shenghua , Zhang Dake , Wang Wu , Zhong Jun , Feng Kai , Wu Zhiyi , Du Boyu , He Jiaqing , Li Zhengwen , He Le , Sun Wei , Yang Deren , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: September 2022

Treating hazardous waste Ni from the electroplating industry is mandated world-wide, is exceptionally expensive, and carries a very high CO2 footprint. Rather than regarding Ni as a disposable waste, the chemicals and petrochemicals industries could instead consider it a huge resource. In the work described herein, we present a strategy for upcycling waste Ni from electroplating wastewater into a photothermal catalyst for converting CO2 to CO. Specifically, magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in amine functionalized porous SiO2, is demonstrated to efficiently scavenge Ni from electroplating wastewater for utilization in photothermal CO2 catalysis. The core-shell catalyst architecture produces CO at a rate of 1.9 mol·gNi−1·h−1 (44.1 mmol·gcat−1·h−1), a selectivity close to 100%, and notable long-term stability. This strategy of upcycling metal waste into functional, catalytic materials offers a multi-pronged approach for clean and renewable energy technologies.
Global energy spectrum of the general oceanic circulation
Authors: Storer Benjamin A. , Buzzicotti Michele , Khatri Hemant , Griffies Stephen M. , Aluie Hussein
Published: September 2022

Advent of satellite altimetry brought into focus the pervasiveness of mesoscale eddies $${{{{{{{\bf{{{{{{{{\mathcal{O}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}({100})$$
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km in size, which are the ocean’s analogue of weather systems and are often regarded as the spectral peak of kinetic energy (KE). Yet, understanding of the ocean’s spatial scales has been derived mostly from Fourier analysis in small "representative” regions that cannot capture the vast dynamic range at planetary scales. Here, we use a coarse-graining method to analyze scales much larger than what had been possible before. Spectra spanning over three decades of length-scales reveal the Antarctic Circumpolar Current as the spectral peak of the global extra-tropical circulation, at ≈ 104 km, and a previously unobserved power-law scaling over scales larger than 103 km. A smaller spectral peak exists at ≈ 300 km associated with mesoscales, which, due to their wider spread in wavenumber space, account for more than 50% of resolved surface KE globally. Seasonal cycles of length-scales exhibit a characteristic lag-time of ≈ 40 days per octave of length-scales such that in both hemispheres, KE at 102 km peaks in spring while KE at 103 km peaks in late summer. These results provide a new window for understanding the multiscale oceanic circulation within Earth’s climate system, including the largest planetary scales.
Liquid-liquid triboelectric nanogenerator based on the immiscible interface of an aqueous two-phase system
Authors: Lu Ye , Jiang Longlong , Yu Yang , Wang Dehua , Sun Wentao , Liu Yang , Yu Jing , Zhang Jun , Wang Kai , Hu Han , Wang Xiao , Ma Qingming , Wang Xiaoxiong
Published: September 2022

Solid nanogenerators often have limited charge transfer due to their low contact area. Liquid–liquid nanogenerators can transfer a charge better than the solid–solid and solid–liquid counterparts. However, the precise manipulation of the liquid morphology remains a challenge because of the fluidity limits of the liquid. In this work, using the surface tension of a droplet to fix its shape, a liquid-liquid triboelectric nanogenerator in Contact-Separation mode is designed using an immiscible aqueous-aqueous interface, achieving a contact surface charge transfer of 129 nC for a single droplet. The configuration is proven to be applicable in humid environments, and the two-phase materials have good biocompatibility and can be used as an effective drug carrier. Therefore, this nanogenerator is useful for designing future implantable devices. Meanwhile, this design also establishes the foundation of aqueous electronics, and additional applications can be achieved using this route.
Determinants of workplace safety towards SARS-Cov-2 and combating COVID-19 among non-healthcare workers in Hong Kong, Nanjing and Wuhan, China
Authors: Tse Lap Ah , Lee Priscilla Ming Yi , Wang Dongming , Li Yan , Yang Shuyuan , Wang Shoulin , Lau Janice Ying Chui , Wu Tangchun , Shen Hongbing , Ji Xiaoming , Chen Weihong
Published: September 2022

There has been no validated tool to assess workplace infection control towards SARS-Cov-2 in non-healthcare industries. In this first year survey during 07/2020–04/2021, 6684 workers were recruited from varied non-healthcare settings of Hong Kong, Nanjing and Wuhan of China and responded standard questionnaires containing information of prevention measures and policies implemented by companies and personal preventive behaviour towards infection control. All participants were randomly stratified into two sub-samples as training and validation sample. Workplace safety index towards SARS-Cov-2 (WSI-SC2) was developed and validated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We identified 14 manifest variables in WSI-SC2, with three sub-indices named “Workplace infection control measures and prevention”, “Company occupational safety and health management and commitment” and “Worker’s personal preventive behavior and awareness towards infectious control”. WSI-SC2 obtained a good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged: 0.76–0.91), good composite reliability (composite reliability ranged: 0.70–0.95) and satisfactory fit of the model (GFI = 0.95; SRMR = 0.05; RMSEA = 0.07). We further performed stratified analysis according to cities, and the index remained stable. Workers with higher scores of WSI-SC2 were more likely to uptake COVID-19 test. This multi-city large study developed a novel and validated tool that could horizontally measure the workplace safety towards SARS-Cov-2 in non-healthcare workers.
Seed germination ecology of hood canarygrass (Phalaris paradoxa L.) and herbicide options for its control
Authors: Kibasa Vicent , Mahajan Gulshan , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh
Published: September 2022

Hood canarygrass (Phalaris paradoxaL.) is a problematic weed in winter crops of Australia. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of environmental factors on seed germination ofP. paradoxaand wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) and herbicide options forP. paradoxacontrol. Results revealed thatP. paradoxahad higher germination (> 89%) at a temperature range from 15/5 ℃ to 25/15 ℃ [day/night (12 h/12 h] compared with 30/20 ℃ and 35/25 ℃. At a temperature regime of 30/20 ℃,P. paradoxahad 1% germination; however, wheat at this temperature range resulted in 79% germination. Exposure of seeds ofP. paradoxato > 150 ℃ pretreatment (radiant heat for 5 min) resulted in no germination. These results suggest that infestation ofP. paradoxacould be reduced by residue burning or by planting wheat crops early in the season when the temperature is relatively high. At a water potential of -0.8 MPa, seed germination ofP. paradoxaand wheat was 75 and 96%, respectively. Similarly, at the highest salt concentration (200 mM sodium chloride), seed germination ofP. paradoxaand wheat was 73 and 79%, respectively. These observations suggest that like wheat,P. paradoxais also highly tolerant to water and salt stress conditions, therefore, it could invade the agro-ecosystem under water and salt stress situations. Germination ofP. paradoxawas found to be low (10%) on the soil surface, suggesting that no-till systems could inhibit the germination ofP. paradoxa. Pre-emergent (PRE) herbicides, namely cinmethylin, pyroxasulfone, and trifluralin, provided 100% control ofP. paradoxa; however, in the presence of 2 t ha−1of residue cover, pyroxasulfone provided better control ofP. paradoxacompared with other herbicides. Post-emergent (POST) herbicides clethodim, haloxyfop, and paraquat provided excellent control ofP. paradoxa, even if the plant size was large (10-leaf stage). Knowledge generated from this study will help in strengthening the integrated management ofP. paradoxa.
Analysis of Aedes aegypti microRNAs in response to Wolbachia wAlbB infection and their potential role in mosquito longevity
Authors: Bishop Cameron , Hussain Mazhar , Hugo Leon E. , Asgari Sassan
Published: September 2022

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of a range of medically important viruses including dengue, Zika, West Nile, yellow fever, and chikungunya viruses. The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis wAlbB strain is a promising biocontrol agent for blocking viral transmission by Ae. aegypti. To predict the long-term efficacy of field applications, a thorough understanding of the interactions between symbiont, host, and pathogen is required. Wolbachia influences host physiology in a variety of ways including reproduction, immunity, metabolism, and longevity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression in eukaryotes and viruses. Several miRNAs are known to regulate biological processes in Drosophila and mosquitoes, including facilitating Wolbachia maintenance. We generated the first chromosomal map of Ae. aegypti miRNAs, and compared miRNA expression profiles between a wAlbB-transinfected Ae. aegypti mosquito line and a tetracycline cleared derivative, using deep small RNA-sequencing. We found limited modulation of miRNAs in response to wAlbB infection. Several miRNAs were modulated in response to age, some of which showed greater upregulation in wAlbB-infected mosquitoes than in tetracycline cleared ones. By selectively inhibiting some differentially expressed miRNAs, we identified miR-2946-3p and miR-317-3p as effecting mosquito longevity in Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes.
Preliminary investigation on stability and hydraulic performance of geotextile sand container breakwaters filled with sand and cement
Authors: Elias Tom , Shirlal Kiran G.
Published: September 2022

Breakwaters are essential constructions providing tranquility to ports and harbour structures, when there is a lack of natural protection measures. Traditionally these massive structures are constructed using natural rocks weighing tonnes. In the present scenario, obtaining huge natural rocks are difficult as well as non-eco-friendly. Geotextiles sand containers (GSCs) emerges as a suitable alternative for the rock armour units of breakwaters and various literatures supports its efficacy. The present investigation aims at analysing the performance of GSCs when filled with a calculated amount of cement and sand. The Hydraulic performance and stability analysis of cement and sand filled geotextile breakwater models are carried out in a 1:30 scaled monochromatic wave flume. When GSC breakwaters are filled with sand and cement, up to 43% increased stability is observed with a considerable decrease in wave runup, rundown and reflection, than sand-alone filled units. As a result, cement-sand filled GSC units can be suggested as a possible alternative to sand alone filled units where vandalism has to be countered.
Synergistic antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli
Authors: Haji Sayran Hamad , Ali Fattma A. , Aka Safaa Toma Hanna
Published: September 2022

Nanotechnology is being investigated for its potential to improve nanomedicine for human health. The purpose of this study was to isolate carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli (CPGB), investigate the presence of carbapenemase resistance genes, determine their antibiogram and ability to biosynthesise silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), and estimate the antibacterial activity of Acinetobacter baumannii-biosynthesised Ag NPs on CPGB alone and in combination with antibiotics. A total of 51 CPGBs were isolated from various specimens in the study. The automated Vitek-2 system was used to identify and test these strains' antimicrobial susceptibilities. The carbapenemase resistance genes were identified using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Under the CPGB, A. baumannii could biosynthesise Ag NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron were used to characterise Ag NPs. The antibacterial activity of Ag NP alone and in combination with antibiotics against CPGB was determined using the broth microdilution method, and their synergistic effect was determined using the checkerboard assay. blaNDM and blaOXA-48 were the most commonly reported, and 90% of the isolates produced multiple carbapenemase genes. Tigecycline proved to be the most effective anti-CPGB antibiotic. Isolates with more resistance genes were more resistant to antibiotics, and isolates with three genes (42%) had the most extensively drug-resistant patterns (38%). A significant relationship was discovered between genetic and antibiotic resistance patterns. Only A. baumannii produced Ag NPs out of all the isolates tested. Ag NPs with a size of 10 nm were confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, and TEM analysis. The Ag NPs were effective against CPGB, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 64 to 8 μg/ml on average. Surprisingly, the combination of Ag NPs and antibiotics demonstrated synergistic and partial synergistic activity (fractional inhibitory concentration between 0.13 and 0.56) against CPGB, as well as a significant reduction in antibiotic concentrations, particularly in the case of A. baumanii versus ceftriaxone (1024 to 4 μg/ml). The notable synergistic activity of Ag NPs with antibiotics represents a valuable nanomedicine that may find clinical application in the future as a combined remedy.
Internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions for sexual dysfunctions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zarski Anna-Carlotta , Velten Julia , Knauer Johannes , Berking Matthias , Ebert David Daniel
Published: September 2022

Sexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent and undertreated. Internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions (IMIs) could be a promising addition to close this treatment gap, given their accessibility, anonymity, and scalability. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of IMIs for sexual dysfunctions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in August 2021 on randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of IMIs on sexual functioning and satisfaction compared to a control condition. Twelve RCTs with 14 comparisons were reviewed with six IMIs targeting female and six IMIs targeting male sexual dysfunctions andn = 952 participants were evaluated in the meta-analysis. IMIs were significantly more effective than control conditions (k = 11 waitlist control group, k = 3 online discussion board) at post-treatment for female sexual functioning (g = 0.59, CI: 0.28–0.90, I2 = 0%) and satisfaction (g = 0.90, CI: 0.02–1.79, I2 = 82%), and male sexual functioning (g = 0.18, CI: 0.02–0.34, I2 = 0%). No significant effect was found for male sexual satisfaction (g = 0.69, CI: −0.13–1.51, I2 = 88%) with substantial heterogeneity in studies. Most studies showed high dropout, with ten studies indicating some concern of risk of bias, and two studies showing high risk of bias. The results suggest that IMIs can be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunctions, although additional high-quality research is needed. Given the limited availability of specialized treatment for sexual dysfunctions and individual preferences for discrete treatment options, IMIs seem to be a valuable addition to routine care, empowering individuals to promote their sexual health on a guided self-help basis.
Biomimetic cardiac tissue culture model (CTCM) to emulate cardiac physiology and pathophysiology ex vivo
Authors: Miller Jessica M. , Meki Moustafa H. , Elnakib Ahmed , Ou Qinghui , Abouleisa Riham R. E. , Tang Xian-Liang , Salama Abou Bakr M. , Gebreil Ahmad , Lin Cindy , Abdeltawab Hisham , Khalifa Fahmi , Hill Bradford G. , Abi-Gerges Najah , Bolli Roberto , El-Baz Ayman S. , Giridharan Guruprasad A. , Mohamed Tamer M. A.
Published: September 2022

There is need for a reliable in vitro system that can accurately replicate the cardiac physiological environment for drug testing. The limited availability of human heart tissue culture systems has led to inaccurate interpretations of cardiac-related drug effects. Here, we developed a cardiac tissue culture model (CTCM) that can electro-mechanically stimulate heart slices with physiological stretches in systole and diastole during the cardiac cycle. After 12 days in culture, this approach partially improved the viability of heart slices but did not completely maintain their structural integrity. Therefore, following small molecule screening, we found that the incorporation of 100 nM tri-iodothyronine (T3) and 1 μM dexamethasone (Dex) into our culture media preserved the microscopic structure of the slices for 12 days. When combined with T3/Dex treatment, the CTCM system maintained the transcriptional profile, viability, metabolic activity, and structural integrity for 12 days at the same levels as the fresh heart tissue. Furthermore, overstretching the cardiac tissue induced cardiac hypertrophic signaling in culture, which provides a proof of concept for the ability of the CTCM to emulate cardiac stretch-induced hypertrophic conditions. In conclusion, CTCM can emulate cardiac physiology and pathophysiology in culture for an extended time, thereby enabling reliable drug screening.
Probing coke formation during the methanol-to-hydrocarbon reaction on zeolite ZSM-5 catalyst at the nanoscale using tip-enhanced fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Bienz Siiri , van Vreeswijk Sophie H. , Pandey Yashashwa , Bartolomeo Giovanni Luca , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Zenobi Renato , Kumar Naresh
Published: September 2022

Inhomogeneities in coke formation during methanol-to-hydrocarbon reaction on the zeolite ZSM-5 catalyst are imaged with ∼35 nm spatial resolution using tip-enhanced fluorescence microscopy.
Governing the crystallographic sites for tuning Eu2+ emission in an apatite oxyfluoride host to be applied for superior white light emitting diodes
Authors: Subhagan Sreevalsa , Ahmad Shahzad , Kundu Partha , Pandey Mukesh Kumar , Som Sudipta , Das Subrata
Published: September 2022

Multi-sized cationic substitution strategies in CSLOF:Eu2+ can tune and improvise the Eu2+ broadband emission to the yellowish region which is compatible for near-UV and violet LEDs for generating superior quality white light for indoor lighting.
A ferromagnetically coupled pseudo-calixarene [Co16] wheel that self-assembles as a tubular network of capsules
Authors: Tsami Pinelopi A. , Tziotzi Thomais G. , Canaj Angelos B. , Singh Mukesh K. , Dalgarno Scott J. , Brechin Euan K. , Milios Constantinos J.
Published: September 2022

A ferromagnetically coupled [Co16] wheel forms a dimeric pseudo-calixarene capsule and tubular network of capsules.
Toxicity of zearalenone and its nutritional intervention by natural products
Authors: Jing Siyuan , Liu Chunmei , Zheng Jian , Dong Zhijian , Guo Na
Published: September 2022

Zearalenone (ZEN) can cause endocrine-disrupting effects, as well as oxidative damage and other hazards that can lead to systemic toxic effects. Natural compounds as dietary supplements can effectively alleviate the ZEN-induced toxic effects.
A chromone-based multi-selective sensor: applications in paper strips and real sample
Authors: Das Asesh , Das Gopal
Published: September 2022

A chromone-based multi-selective sensor: applications in a paper strip and real sample.
Direct imaging of nanoscale field-driven domain wall oscillations in Landau structures
Authors: Singh Balram , Ravishankar Rachappa , Otálora Jorge A. , Soldatov Ivan , Schäfer Rudolf , Karnaushenko Daniil , Neu Volker , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: September 2022

We demonstrate a direct imaging approach to capture the DW oscillation with nanoscale resolution and study its dependency on various physical parameters. This study confirms that the DW oscillations behave as a damped harmonic oscillator.
Halonium, chalconium, and pnictonium salts as noncovalent organocatalysts: a computational study on relative catalytic activity
Authors: Novikov Alexander S. , Bolotin Dmitrii S.
Published: September 2022

DFT calculations shed light on the most and less prospective sigma-hole donating organocatalysts based on onium salts.
Antidiabetic, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extracts
Authors: Idris Muddatstsir , Sukandar Edwin Risky , Purnomo Adi Setyo , Martak Fahimah , Fatmawati Sri
Published: September 2022

As part of our project on exploring Indonesian medicinal plants for antidiabetic and anticancer agents, this study was conducted to investigate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant, cytotoxic and antidiabetic properties of R. tomentosa leaf extracts.
The transesterification of ethylene glycol and 1,2-butanediol with dimethyl carbonate: reaction network and kinetic modeling
Authors: Han Chunrui , Wang Rui , Shu Chang , Li Xingang , Li Hong , Gao Xin
Published: September 2022

The reaction network for the reaction of ethylene glycol and 1,2-butanediol with dimethyl carbonate was investigated and kinetic parameters were obtained via experiments.
A platinum–ruthenium hybrid prodrug with multi-enzymatic activities for chemo-catalytic therapy of hypoxic tumors
Authors: Yang Gang-Gang , Su Xu-Xian , Liang Bing-Bing , Pan Zheng-Yin , Cao Qian , Mao Zong-Wan
Published: September 2022

Regulation of tumor hypoxia and redox homeostasis is a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
Critical behavior of quorum-sensing active particles
Authors: Gnan Nicoletta , Maggi Claudio
Published: September 2022

We study a minimal model of quorum sensing active particles whose self-propulsion speed decreases upon encountering their neighbours. We show that such systems has a motility-induced critical point belonging to the Ising universality class.
A hollow Co3−xCuxS4 with glutathione depleting and photothermal properties for synergistic dual-enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal cancer therapy
Authors: Jiang Ying , Lu Hao , Yuan Xiangyang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Lei Lingli , Li Yongcan , Sun Wei , Liu Jing , Scherman Daniel , Liu Yingshuai
Published: September 2022

We have developed a hollow bimetallic sulfide Co3−xCuxS4 by doping copper ions (Cu2+) into ZIF-67-derived Co3S4 for synergistic dual-enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal cancer therapy.
Describing the Acoustic and Vocal Production Characteristics of the Irrintzi: Feasibility of Its Use for the Treatment of Voice Disorders
Authors: Martínez-Arellano Ana , Campo Arantza , del Rio Beatriz , Garaycochea Octavio , Fernandez Secundino
Published: September 2022

Purpose:

The aims of this study were to analyze and characterize the
irrintzi
(a folkloric shout emitted in a single breath used by the Basque people) acoustically and to describe the mechanism by which it is emitted.

Method:

Thirty-six sound samples of 12 female volunteers were analyzed. Acoustic analysis included primarily fundamental frequency (
f
o
), spectral analysis in the time domain with a narrowband filter, and the use of linear predictive coding (LPC). Laryngeal and pharyngeal movements while emitting an irrintzi were studied by fiberoptic nasal endoscopy. Postural and mandible movements were observed and video recorded. Movements of the larynx and the vocal tract were also studied by lateral pharyngo-laryngeal radioscopy.

Results:

The central part of an irrintzi spectrogram contains a peculiar, repeated M-shaped motif unseen in the spectrogram of any other human vocal emission, and intensity was over 90 dB SPL in all cases.
f
o
was very high (1487 Hz) especially at the end of the irrintzi. Fiberoptic nasal endoscopy consistently revealed considerable elevation of the glottis, with the larynx swinging forward and retraction of the ventricular bands. Lateral radioscopy showed a very high larynx and a high tongue dorsum.

Conclusions:

The
irrintzi
is a sound emitted in a single breath and characterized by its shrillness and loudness, qualities that make it audible in noisy environments and over large distances and the vocal technique observed when it is produced can be explained by the Estill voice model (Steinhauer et al., 2017). The use of this technique may help in the treatment of voice disorders and improve efficiency in singers, teachers, actors, and people who use their voice at high volume or at high frequency.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.20779405
A deep reinforcement learning based approach for dynamic distributed blocking flowshop scheduling with job insertions
Authors: Sun Xueyan , Vogel‐Heuser Birgit , Bi Fandi , Shen Weiming
Published: September 2022

The distributed blocking flowshop scheduling problem (DBFSP) with new job insertions is studied. Rescheduling all remaining jobs after a dynamic event like a new job insertion is unreasonable to an actual distributed blocking flowshop production process. A deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm is proposed to optimise the job selection model, and local modifications are made on the basis of the original scheduling plan when new jobs arrive. The objective is to minimise the total completion time deviation of all products so that all jobs can be finished on time to reduce the cost of storage. First, according to the definitions of the dynamic DBFSP problem, a DRL framework based on multi‐agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG) is proposed. In this framework, a full schedule is generated by the variable neighbourhood descent algorithm before a dynamic event occurs. Meanwhile, all newly added jobs are reordered before the agents make decisions to select the one that needs to be scheduled most urgently. This study defines the observations, actions and reward calculation methods and applies centralised training and distributed execution in MADDPG. Finally, a comprehensive computational experiment is carried out to compare the proposed method with the closely related and well‐performing methods. The results indicate that the proposed method can solve the dynamic DBFSP effectively and efficiently.