bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localised impacts on Islamist political mobilisation in Indonesia: Evidence from three sub-provincial units
Authors: Park Jung Hoon
Published: August 2023

What explains the regionally varying electoral outcomes of Islamist parties in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim democracy? By employing a three-stage approach inspired by Evan Lieberman's nested analysis, this article aims to gain a better understanding of how adaptability to local political contexts matters in determining the vote share of the Islamist Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) at the sub-provincial level. It uncovers that PKS’ electoral mobilisation in non-Javanese regions depends more on whether the party leverages a strong predisposition towards personal votes underpinned by pre-existing clientelistic ties. In contrast, the PKS support base in Java tends to be embedded in specific milieus shaped by deep-seated sociocultural cleavages. The findings thus not only demonstrate the limitations of programmatic, institutionalised parties like PKS in the Indonesian context, but also resonate with a larger body of broader literature on politics in the Muslim world, indicating strategic considerations of local political conditions as an important factor in electoral support for political Islam.
The choice of musical instrument matters: Effect of pitched but not unpitched musicianship on tone identification and word learning
Authors: Choi William , To Cheuk Yiu , Cheng Runqing
Published: August 2023

The present study investigated the differential effects of pitched and unpitched musicianship on tone identification and word learning. We recruited 44 Cantonese-pitched musicians, unpitched musicians, and non-musicians. They completed a Thai tone identification task and seven sessions of Thai tone word learning. In the tone identification task, the pitched musicians outperformed the non-musicians but the unpitched musicians did not. In session 1 of the tone word learning task, the three groups showed similar accuracies. In session 7, the pitched musicians outperformed the non-musicians but the unpitched musicians did not. The results indicate that the musical advantage in tone identification and word learning hinges on pitched musicianship. From a theoretical perspective, these findings support the precision element of the OPERA hypothesis. Broadly, they reflect the need to consider the heterogeneity of musicianship when studying music-to-language transfer. Practically, the findings highlight the potential of pitched music training in enhancing tone word learning proficiency. Furthermore, the choice of musical instrument may matter to music-to-language transfer.
German-dominant Vietnamese heritage speakers use semantic constraints of German for anticipation during comprehension in Vietnamese
Authors: Ito Aine , Nguyen Huong Thi Thu , Knoeferle Pia
Published: August 2023

To test effects of German on anticipation in Vietnamese, we recorded eye-movements during comprehension and manipulated i) verb constraints (different vs. similar in German and Vietnamese) and ii) classifier constraints (absent in German). In each of two experiments, participants listened to Vietnamese sentences like “Mai mặc một chiếc áo.” (‘Mai wears a [classifier] shirt.’), while viewing four objects. Between experiments, we contrasted bilingual background: L1 Vietnamese–L2 German late bilinguals (Experiment 1) and heritage speakers of Vietnamese in Germany (Experiment 2). Both groups anticipated verb-compatible and classifier-compatible objects upon hearing the verb/classifier. However, when the (verb) constraints differed (e.g., Vietnamese: mặc ‘wear (a shirt/#earrings)’ – German: tragen ‘wear (a shirt/earrings)’), the heritage speakers were distracted by the object (earrings) compatible with the German (but not the Vietnamese) verb constraints. These results demonstrate that competing information in the two languages can interfere with anticipation in heritage speakers.
Strong Warming Over the Antarctic Peninsula During Combined Atmospheric River and Foehn Events: Contribution of Shortwave Radiation and Turbulence
Authors: Zou Xun , Rowe Penny M. , Gorodetskaya Irina , Bromwich David H. , Lazzara Matthew A. , Cordero Raul R. , Zhang Zhenhai , Kawzenuk Brian , Cordeira Jason M. , Wille Jonathan D. , Ralph F. Martin , Bai Le‐Sheng
Published: August 2023

The Antarctica Peninsula (AP) has experienced more frequent and intense surface melting recently, jeopardizing the stability of ice shelves and ultimately leading to ice loss. Among the key phenomena that can initiate surface melting are atmospheric rivers (ARs) and leeside foehn; the combined impact of ARs and foehn led to moderate surface warming over the AP in December 2018 and record‐breaking surface melting in February 2022. Focusing on the more intense 2022 case, this study uses high‐resolution Polar WRF simulations with advanced model configurations, Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica topography, and observed surface albedo to better understand the relationship between ARs and foehn and their impacts on surface warming. With an intense AR (AR3) intrusion during the 2022 event, weak low‐level blocking and heavy orographic precipitation on the upwind side resulted in latent heat release, which led to a more deep‐foehn like case. On the leeside, sensible heat flux associated with the foehn magnitude was the major driver during the night and the secondary contributor during the day due to a stationary orographic gravity wave. Downward shortwave radiation was enhanced via cloud clearance and dominated surface melting during the daytime, especially after the peak of the AR/foehn events. However, due to the complex terrain of the AP, ARs can complicate the foehn event by transporting extra moisture to the leeside via gap flows. During the peak of the 2022 foehn warming, cloud formation on the leeside hampered the downward shortwave radiation and slightly increased the downward longwave radiation.
Beyond the Case Study: Characterizing Natural Floodplain Heterogeneity in the United States
Authors: Iskin Emily P. , Wohl Ellen
Published: August 2023

We use the five landscape ecology metrics of aggregation index, percentage of like adjacencies, interspersion and juxtaposition index, patch density, and Shannon's evenness index to assess spatial heterogeneity at 15 floodplains in the continental United States. Assessments are based on floodplain classes and patches delineated remotely using topography and vegetation. Floodplain reaches examined here represent diverse drainage areas, flow regimes, valley geometries, channel planforms, and biomes. We selected sites with minimal direct human alteration. Our objectives are to quantify floodplain spatial heterogeneity; evaluate whether statistically significant patterns are present; and interpret the statistical analyses with respect to the influence of lateral channel mobility and valley‐floor space available. We develop a conceptual model of the influences on lateral mobility and space available, and then test specific hypotheses derived from this conceptual model. These natural floodplains have a median aggregation index of 58.8%, median percentage of like adjacencies of 58.5%, median interspersion and juxtaposition index of 74.9%, median density of 1,241 patches/ha, and median Shannon's evenness index of 0.934 (n = 15). In other words, natural floodplains have moderate aggregation of classes, high evenness and intermixing of classes, and a wide range of patch densities. Drainage area, the ratio of floodplain/channel width, elevation, precipitation, total sinuosity, large wood volume, planform, and flow regime emerge as important variables to floodplain heterogeneity. These results highlight the influence of biotic‐abiotic interactions in shaping floodplain heterogeneity across diverse river corridors.
Hypothalamus volume mediates the association between adverse childhood experience and PTSD development after adulthood trauma
Authors: Xie Hong , Shih Chia-Hao , Aldoohan Sulaiman D. , Wall John T. , Wang Xin
Published: August 2023

The hypothalamus is critical for regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and response to stress. Adverse childhood experience (ACE) can affect brain structure, which may contribute to development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after subsequent adult trauma. It is unclear, however, if ACE history is particularly associated with aspects of hypothalamic structure which contribute to development of PTSD. To address this issue, the present study longitudinally assessed hypothalamic volumes and their associations with ACE and early post-trauma stress symptoms in subjects who did or did not develop PTSD during 12 months after adult trauma. 109 subjects (18–60 years, F/M = 75/34) completed the PTSD Checklist (PCL) questionnaire for post-trauma stress symptoms, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) for ACE assessment, and an initial MRI brain scan for hypothalamic volume measurement, within 2 weeks after adult trauma. At post-trauma 12 months, subjects underwent a subsequent PTSD diagnosis interview using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), and a follow-up MRI scan. Left and right hypothalamus volumes at 2 weeks after adult trauma negatively correlated with CTQ scores. Right hypothalamus volume at this early time mediated an association between ACE and PTSD symptoms 12 months later. Right hypothalamus volumes also remained persistently smaller from 2 weeks to 12 months after trauma in survivors who developed PTSD. These results suggest that smaller right hypothalamus volume may be related to ACE history in ways that contribute to PTSD development after trauma in adulthood.
Ferroptosis contributes to multiple sclerosis and its pharmacological targeting suppresses experimental disease progression
Authors: Van San Emily , Debruyne Angela C. , Veeckmans Geraldine , Tyurina Yulia Y. , Tyurin Vladimir A. , Zheng Hao , Choi Sze Men , Augustyns Koen , van Loo Geert , Michalke Bernhard , Venkataramani Vivek , Toyokuni Shinya , Bayir Hülya , Vandenabeele Peter , Hassannia Behrouz , Vanden Berghe Tom
Published: August 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by central nervous (CNS) demyelination resulting in axonal injury and neurological deficits. Essentially, MS is driven by an auto-amplifying mechanism of inflammation and cell death. Current therapies mainly focus on disease modification by immunosuppression, while no treatment specifically focuses on controlling cell death injury. Here, we report that ferroptosis, an iron-catalyzed mode of regulated cell death (RCD), contributes to MS disease progression. Active and chronic MS lesions and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients revealed several signs of ferroptosis, reflected by the presence of elevated levels of (labile) iron, peroxidized phospholipids and lipid degradation products. Treatment with our candidate lead ferroptosis inhibitor, UAMC-3203, strongly delays relapse and ameliorates disease progression in a preclinical model of relapsing-remitting MS. In conclusion, the results identify ferroptosis as a detrimental and targetable factor in MS. These findings create novel treatment options for MS patients, along with current immunosuppressive strategies.
The first linkage map for Australo-Papuan Treefrogs (family: Pelodryadidae) reveals the sex-determination system of the Green-eyed Treefrog (Litoria serrata)
Authors: Bertola Lorenzo V. , Hoskin Conrad J. , Jones David B. , Zenger Kyall R. , McKnight Donald T. , Higgie Megan
Published: August 2023

Amphibians represent a useful taxon to study the evolution of sex determination because of their highly variable sex-determination systems. However, the sex-determination system for many amphibian families remains unknown, in part because of a lack of genomic resources. Here, using an F1 family of Green-eyed Treefrogs (Litoria serrata), we produce the first genetic linkage map for any Australo-Papuan Treefrogs (family: Pelodryadidae). The resulting linkage map contains 8662 SNPs across 13 linkage groups. Using an independent set of sexed adults, we identify a small region in linkage group 6 matching an XY sex-determination system. These results suggestLitoria serratapossesses a male heterogametic system, with a candidate sex-determination locus on linkage group 6. Furthermore, this linkage map represents the first genomic resource for Australo-Papuan Treefrogs, an ecologically diverse family of over 220 species.
Long-range, non-local switching of spin textures in a frustrated antiferromagnet
Authors: Haley Shannon C. , Maniv Eran , Wu Shan , Cookmeyer Tessa , Torres-Londono Susana , Aravinth Meera , Maksimovic Nikola , Moore Joel , Birgeneau Robert J. , Analytis James G.
Published: August 2023

Antiferromagnetic spintronics is an emerging area of quantum technologies that leverage the coupling between spin and orbital degrees of freedom in exotic materials. Spin-orbit interactions allow spin or angular momentum to be injected via electrical stimuli to manipulate the spin texture of a material, enabling the storage of information and energy. In general, the physical process is intrinsically local: spin is carried by an electrical current, imparted into the magnetic system, and the spin texture will then rotate in the region of current flow. In this study, we show that spin information can be transported and stored “non-locally" in the material FexNbS2. We propose that collective modes can manipulate the spin texture away from the flowing current, an effect amplified by strong magnetoelastic coupling of the ordered state. This suggests a novel way to store and transport spin information in strongly spin-orbit coupled magnetic systems.
Ultrahigh-efficient material informatics inverse design of thermal metamaterials for visible-infrared-compatible camouflage
Authors: Xi Wang , Lee Yun-Jo , Yu Shilv , Chen Zihe , Shiomi Junichiro , Kim Sun-Kyung , Hu Run
Published: August 2023

Multispectral camouflage technologies, especially in the most frequently-used visible and infrared (VIS-IR) bands, are in increasing demand for the ever-growing multispectral detection technologies. Nevertheless, the efficient design of proper materials and structures for VIS-IR camouflage is still challenging because of the stringent requirement for selective spectra in a large VIS-IR wavelength range and the increasing demand for flexible color and infrared signal adaptivity. Here, a material-informatics-based inverse design framework is proposed to efficiently design multilayer germanium (Ge) and zinc sulfide (ZnS) metamaterials by evaluating only ~1% of the total candidates. The designed metamaterials exhibit excellent color matching and infrared camouflage performance from different observation angles and temperatures through both simulations and infrared experiments. The present material informatics inverse design framework is highly efficient and can be applied to other multi-objective optimization problems beyond multispectral camouflage.
The Ycf48 accessory factor occupies the site of the oxygen-evolving manganese cluster during photosystem II biogenesis
Authors: Zhao Ziyu , Vercellino Irene , Knoppová Jana , Sobotka Roman , Murray James W. , Nixon Peter J. , Sazanov Leonid A. , Komenda Josef
Published: August 2023

Robust oxygenic photosynthesis requires a suite of accessory factors to ensure efficient assembly and repair of the oxygen-evolving photosystem two (PSII) complex. The highly conserved Ycf48 assembly factor binds to the newly synthesized D1 reaction center polypeptide and promotes the initial steps of PSII assembly, but its binding site is unclear. Here we use cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structure of a cyanobacterial PSII D1/D2 reaction center assembly complex with Ycf48 attached. Ycf48, a 7-bladed beta propeller, binds to the amino-acid residues of D1 that ultimately ligate the water-oxidising Mn4CaO5 cluster, thereby preventing the premature binding of Mn2+ and Ca2+ ions and protecting the site from damage. Interactions with D2 help explain how Ycf48 promotes assembly of the D1/D2 complex. Overall, our work provides valuable insights into the early stages of PSII assembly and the structural changes that create the binding site for the Mn4CaO5 cluster.
Functional divergence of CYP76AKs shapes the chemodiversity of abietane-type diterpenoids in genus Salvia
Authors: Hu Jiadong , Qiu Shi , Wang Feiyan , Li Qing , Xiang Chun-Lei , Di Peng , Wu Ziding , Jiang Rui , Li Jinxing , Zeng Zhen , Wang Jing , Wang Xingxing , Zhang Yuchen , Fang Shiyuan , Qiao Yuqi , Ding Jie , Jiang Yun , Xu Zhichao , Chen Junfeng , Chen Wansheng
Published: August 2023

The genus Salvia L. (Lamiaceae) comprises myriad distinct medicinal herbs, with terpenoids as one of their major active chemical groups. Abietane-type diterpenoids (ATDs), such as tanshinones and carnosic acids, are specific to Salvia and exhibit taxonomic chemical diversity among lineages. To elucidate how ATD chemical diversity evolved, we carried out large-scale metabolic and phylogenetic analyses of 71 Salvia species, combined with enzyme function, ancestral sequence and chemical trait reconstruction, and comparative genomics experiments. This integrated approach showed that the lineage-wide ATD diversities in Salvia were induced by differences in the oxidation of the terpenoid skeleton at C-20, which was caused by the functional divergence of the cytochrome P450 subfamily CYP76AK. These findings present a unique pattern of chemical diversity in plants that was shaped by the loss of enzyme activity and associated catalytic pathways.
XCP1 cleaves Pathogenesis-related protein 1 into CAPE9 for systemic immunity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Ying-Lan , Lin Fan-Wei , Cheng Kai-Tan , Chang Chi-Hsin , Hung Sheng-Chi , Efferth Thomas , Chen Yet-Ran
Published: August 2023

Proteolytic activation of cytokines regulates immunity in diverse organisms. In animals, cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific proteases (caspases) play central roles in cytokine maturation. Although the proteolytic production of peptide cytokines is also essential for plant immunity, evidence for cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific proteases in regulating plant immunity is still limited. In this study, we found that the C-terminal proteolytic processing of a caspase-like substrate motif “CNYD” within Pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR1) generates an immunomodulatory cytokine (CAPE9) in Arabidopsis. Salicylic acid enhances CNYD-targeted protease activity and the proteolytic release of CAPE9 from PR1 in Arabidopsis. This process involves a protease exhibiting caspase-like enzyme activity, identified as Xylem cysteine peptidase 1 (XCP1). XCP1 exhibits a calcium-modulated pH-activity profile and a comparable activity to human caspases. XCP1 is required to induce systemic immunity triggered by pathogen-associated molecular patterns. This work reveals XCP1 as a key protease for plant immunity, which produces the cytokine CAPE9 from the canonical salicylic acid signaling marker PR1 to activate systemic immunity.
Copper(I)-catalyzed asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 1,3-enynes and azomethine ylides
Authors: Wang Bo-Ran , Li Yan-Bo , Zhang Qi , Gao Dingding , Tian Ping , Li Qinghua , Yin Liang
Published: August 2023

Herein, we report a copper(I)-catalyzed asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides and 1,3-enynes, which provides a series of chiral poly-substituted pyrrolidines in high regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivities. Both 4-aryl-1,3-enynes and 4-silyl-1,3-enynes serve as suitable dipolarophiles while 4-alkyl-1,3-enynes are inert. Moreover, the method is successfully applied in the construction of both tetrasubstituted stereogenic carbon centers and chiral spiro pyrrolidines. The DFT calculations are also conducted, which imply a concerted mechanism rather than a stepwise mechanism. Finally, various transformations started from the pyrrolidine bearing a triethylsilylethynyl group and centered on the alkyne group are achieved, which compensates for the inertness of 4-alkyl-1,3-enynes in the present reaction.
Size-dependent vitrification in metallic glasses
Authors: Di Lisio Valerio , Gallino Isabella , Riegler Sascha Sebastian , Frey Maximilian , Neuber Nico , Kumar Golden , Schroers Jan , Busch Ralf , Cangialosi Daniele
Published: August 2023

Reducing the sample size can profoundly impact properties of bulk metallic glasses. Here, we systematically reduce the length scale of Au and Pt-based metallic glasses and study their vitrification behavior and atomic mobility. For this purpose, we exploit fast scanning calorimetry (FSC) allowing to study glassy dynamics in an exceptionally wide range of cooling rates and frequencies. We show that the main α relaxation process remains size independent and bulk-like. In contrast, we observe pronounced size dependent vitrification kinetics in micrometer-sized glasses, which is more evident for the smallest samples and at low cooling rates, resulting in more than 40 K decrease in fictive temperature, Tf, with respect to the bulk. We discuss the deep implications on how this outcome can be used to convey glasses to low energy states.
Bivalent COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccination (BA.1 or BA.4/BA.5) increases neutralization of matched Omicron variants
Authors: Springer David N. , Bauer Michael , Medits Iris , Camp Jeremy V. , Aberle Stephan W. , Burtscher Clemens , Höltl Eva , Weseslindtner Lukas , Stiasny Karin , Aberle Judith H.
Published: August 2023

We report SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers in sera of triple-vaccinated individuals who received a booster dose of an original monovalent or a bivalent BA.1- or BA.4/BA.5-adapted vaccine or had a breakthrough infection with Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2 or BA.4/BA.5. A bivalent BA.4/BA.5 booster or Omicron-breakthrough infection induced increased Omicron-neutralization titers compared with the monovalent booster. The XBB.1.5 variant effectively evaded neutralizing-antibody responses elicited by current vaccines and/or infection with previous variants.
A microfluidic platform for the controlled synthesis of architecturally complex liquid crystalline nanoparticles
Authors: Pilkington Colin P. , Contini Claudia , Barritt Joseph D. , Simpson Paul A. , Seddon John M. , Elani Yuval
Published: August 2023

Soft-matter nanoparticles are of great interest for their applications in biotechnology, therapeutic delivery, and in vivo imaging. Underpinning this is their biocompatibility, potential for selective targeting, attractive pharmacokinetic properties, and amenability to downstream functionalisation. Morphological diversity inherent to soft-matter particles can give rise to enhanced functionality. However, this diversity remains untapped in clinical and industrial settings, and only the simplest of particle architectures [spherical lipid vesicles and lipid/polymer nanoparticles (LNPs)] have been routinely exploited. This is partially due to a lack of appropriate methods for their synthesis. To address this, we have designed a scalable microfluidic hydrodynamic focusing (MHF) technology for the controllable, rapid, and continuous production of lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) nanoparticles (both cubosomes and hexosomes), colloidal dispersions of higher-order lipid assemblies with intricate internal structures of 3-D and 2-D symmetry. These particles have been proposed as the next generation of soft-matter nano-carriers, with unique fusogenic and physical properties. Crucially, unlike alternative approaches, our microfluidic method gives control over LLC size, a feature we go on to exploit in a fusogenic study with model cell membranes, where a dependency of fusion on particle diameter is evident. We believe our platform has the potential to serve as a tool for future studies involving non-lamellar soft nanoparticles, and anticipate it allowing for the rapid prototyping of LLC particles of diverse functionality, paving the way toward their eventual wide uptake at an industrial level.
Identification of novel hypermethylated or hypomethylated CpG sites and genes associated with anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Singh Purnima , Zhou Liting , Shah Disheet A. , Cejas Romina B. , Crossman David K. , Jouni Mariam , Magdy Tarek , Wang Xuexia , Sharafeldin Noha , Hageman Lindsey , McKenna Donald E. , Horvath Steve , Armenian Saro H. , Balis Frank M. , Hawkins Douglas S. , Keller Frank G. , Hudson Melissa M. , Neglia Joseph P. , Ritchey A. Kim , Ginsberg Jill P. , Landier Wendy , Burridge Paul W. , Bhatia Smita
Published: August 2023

Anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of late morbidity in childhood cancer survivors. Aberrant DNA methylation plays a role in de novo cardiovascular disease. Epigenetic processes could play a role in anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy but remain unstudied. We sought to examine if genome-wide differential methylation at ‘CpG’ sites in peripheral blood DNA is associated with anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy. This report used participants from a matched case–control study; 52 non-Hispanic White, anthracycline-exposed childhood cancer survivors with cardiomyopathy were matched 1:1 with 52 survivors with no cardiomyopathy. Paired ChAMP (Chip Analysis Methylation Pipeline) with integrated reference-based deconvolution of adult peripheral blood DNA methylation was used to analyze data from Illumina HumanMethylation EPIC BeadChip arrays. An epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) was performed, and the model was adjusted for GrimAge, sex, interaction terms of age at enrollment, chest radiation, age at diagnosis squared, and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs: diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia). Prioritized genes were functionally validated by gene knockout in human induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. DNA-methylation EPIC array analyses identified 32 differentially methylated probes (DMP: 15 hyper-methylated and 17 hypo-methylated probes) that overlap with 23 genes and 9 intergenic regions. Three hundred and fifty-four differential methylated regions (DMRs) were also identified. Several of these genes are associated with cardiac dysfunction. Knockout of genes EXO6CB, FCHSD2, NIPAL2, and SYNPO2 in hiPSC-CMs increased sensitivity to doxorubicin. In addition, EWAS analysis identified hypo-methylation of probe ‘cg15939386’ in gene RORA to be significantly associated with anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy. In this genome-wide DNA methylation profile study, we observed significant differences in DNA methylation at the CpG level between anthracycline-exposed childhood cancer survivors with and without cardiomyopathy, implicating differential DNA methylation of certain genes could play a role in pathogenesis of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy.
The search for spontaneous edge currents in Sr2RuO4 mesa structures with controlled geometrical shapes
Authors: Curran P. J. , Bending S. J. , Gibbs A. S. , Mackenzie A. P.
Published: August 2023

Scanning Hall microscopy has been used to search for spontaneous edge fields in geometrically shaped mesa structures etched into the ab surface of Sr2RuO4 single crystals in order to test recent theories of the direction of edge current flow as a function of facet orientation and band filling. We find no evidence for spontaneous edge fields in any of our mesa structures above our experimental noise floor of ± 25 mG. We do, however, observe pronounced vortex clustering at low fields and temperatures, consistent with the established semi-Meissner scenario whereby a long range attractive component to the vortex-vortex interaction arises due, for example, to the multiband nature of the superconductivity. We also see clear evidence for the formation of a square vortex lattice inside square mesa structures above 1.3 K. Our results are discussed in terms of recent relevant experimental results and theoretical predictions.
Measurement of the $$ ^{181} $$Ta($$n,\gamma $$) cross sections up to stellar s-process temperatures at the CSNS Back-n
Authors: An Zhendong , Qiu Weiwei , Jiang Wei , Yang Gaole , Li Xiankai , Liao Zhengfa , Zhuang Ziyue , Zhang Xiaoping , Chen Shengli , Guo Chenchen , Xiao Erxi , Fang Xiao , Li Xinxiang , Wang Hongwei , Hu Xinrong , Jiang Bing , Shen Wenqing , Wang Jincheng , Ren Jie , Ruan Xichao , Wang Dexin , Zhang Su-Yalatu , Luo Wen , Zhu Zhichao , Lan Haoyang , Cao Zongwei , Ma Xu , Liu Yingdu , Wang Pusen , Yang Yi , Su Ping , Deng Xiangai , He Wanbing , Ma Yugang , Ma Chunwang , Wang Yuting , He Pengqin , Tang Renguang , Zhou Tao , Wang Jing , Yi Han , Zhang Yue , Chen Yonghao , Fan Ruirui , Gao Keqing , Li Qiang , Sun Kang , Tan Zhixin , Gu Minhao , Jing Hantao , Tang Jingyu
Published: August 2023

The neutron capture cross section of $$ ^{181} $$

181

Ta is relevant to s-process of nuclear astrophysics, extraterrestrial samples analysis in planetary geology and new generation nuclear energy system design. The $$^{181}$$

181

Ta($$n,\gamma $$

n
,
γ

) cross section had been measured between 1 eV and 800 keV at the back-streaming white neutron facility (Back-n) of China spallation neutron source(CSNS) using the time-of-flight (TOF) technique and $$\hbox {C}_{6}\,\hbox {D}_{6}$$

C
6

D
6

liquid scintillator detectors. The experimental results are compared with the data of several evaluated libraries and previous experiments in the resolved and unresolved resonance region. Resonance parameters are extracted using the R-Matrix code SAMMY in the 1–700 eV region. The astrophysical Maxwell average cross section(MACS) from kT = 5 to 100 keV is calculated over a sufficiently wide range of neutron energies. For the characteristic thermal energy of an astrophysical site, at kT = 30keV the MACS value of $$^{181}$$

181

Ta is 834 ± 75 mb, which shows an obvious discrepancy with the Karlsruhe Astrophysical Database of Nucleosynthesis in Stars (KADoNiS) recommended value 766 ± 15 mb. The new measurements strongly constrain the MACS of $$^{181}$$

181

Ta($$n,\gamma $$

n
,
γ

) reaction in the stellar s-process temperatures.
Reliability of threshold determination using portable muscle oxygenation monitors during exercise testing: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sendra-Pérez Carlos , Sanchez-Jimenez Jose Luis , Marzano-Felisatti Joaquín Martín , Encarnación-Martínez Alberto , Salvador-Palmer Rosario , Priego-Quesada Jose I.
Published: August 2023

Over the last few years, portable Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology has been suggested for determining metabolic/ventilator thresholds. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the reliability of a portable muscle oxygenation monitor for determining thresholds during exercise testing. The proposed PICO question was: Is the exercise intensity of muscle oxygenation thresholds, using portable NIRS, reliable compared with lactate and ventilatory thresholds for exercise intensity determined in athletes? A search of Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science was undertaken and the review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Fifteen articles were included. The domains which presented the highest biases were confounders (93% with moderate or high risk) and participant selection (100% with moderate or high risk). The intra-class correlation coefficient between exercise intensity of the first ventilatory or lactate threshold and the first muscle oxygenation threshold was 0.53 (obtained with data from only 3 studies), whereas the second threshold was 0.80. The present work shows that although a portable muscle oxygenation monitor has moderate to good reliability for determining the second ventilatory and lactate thresholds, further research is necessary to investigate the mathematical methods of detection, the capacity to detect the first threshold, the detection in multiple regions, and the effect of sex, performance level and adipose tissue in determining thresholds.
A multi-omics analysis identifies molecular features associated with fertility in heifers (Bos taurus)
Authors: Marrella Mackenzie A. , Biase Fernando H.
Published: August 2023

Infertility or subfertility is a critical barrier to sustainable cattle production, including in heifers. The development of heifers that do not produce a calf within an optimum window of time is a critical factor for the profitability and sustainability of the cattle industry. In parallel, heifers are an excellent biomedical model for understanding the underlying etiology of infertility because well-nourished heifers can still be infertile, mostly because of inherent physiological and genetic causes. Using a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip, we collected genotypic data, which were analyzed using an association analysis in PLINK with Fisher’s exact test. We also produced quantitative transcriptome data and proteome data. Transcriptome data were analyzed using the quasi-likelihood test followed by the Wald’s test, and the likelihood test and proteome data were analyzed using a generalized mixed model and Student’s t-test. We identified two SNPs significantly associated with heifer fertility (rs110918927, chr12: 85648422,P= 6.7 × 10−7; and rs109366560, chr11:37666527,P= 2.6 × 10−5). We identified two genes with differential transcript abundance (eFDR ≤ 0.002) between the two groups (Fertile and Sub-Fertile): Adipocyte Plasma Membrane Associated Protein (APMAP, 1.16 greater abundance in the Fertile group) and Dynein Axonemal Intermediate Chain 7 (DNAI7, 1.23 greater abundance in the Sub-Fertile group). Our analysis revealed that the protein Alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase FTO was more abundant in the plasma collected from Fertile heifers relative to their Sub-Fertile counterparts (FDR < 0.05). Lastly, an integrative analysis of the three datasets identified a series of molecular features (SNPs, gene transcripts, and proteins) that discriminated 21 out of 22 heifers correctly based on their fertility category. Our multi-omics analyses confirm the complex nature of female fertility. Very importantly, our results also highlight differences in the molecular profile of heifers associated with fertility that transcend the constraints of breed-specific genetic background.
The importance of the thickness of femoral lateral wall for treating intertrochanteric fractures: a finite elements analysis
Authors: Li Shuang , Su Zhi-hao , Zhu Jia-min , Sun Wan-ju , Zhu Yi-Chen , Wang Jian , Li Kai , Ni Ming , Han Shuai
Published: August 2023

To explore how the thickness of the femoral lateral wall influences the effectiveness of internal fixation systems used to treat intertrochanteric fractures. CT images of the pelvis and femur of a male adult were used to construct an intertrochanteric fracture model (AO/OTA 31-A2) with various thicknesses of the femoral lateral wall (FLW). Four finite element (FE) models were created with the lateral femoral walls being 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm thick. The fracture models were fixed with a dynamic hip screw (DHS), a proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA), and a proximal femoral locking compression plate (P-FLCP). A simulated vertical load was applied to the femoral head. The stress and displacement of the implant and femur in each model were recorded for comparison. The FE analysis of the intertrochanteric fracture models showed that the PFNA system could provide better stability than the DHS and P-FLCP with the same thickness of FLW. The FLW provided buttress support to the femoral head and neck when using a DHS and PFNA, and the buttress strength was proportional to the thickness of FLW. The maximum stress in the DHS model was recorded on the DHS plate which accommodated the lag screw. For the PFNA model, the maximum stress appeared at the connection between the nail and blade. In the P-FLCP model, the maximum stresses were highly concentrated at the connection between the cephalic nails and the proximal plate. The thickness of the femoral lateral wall should be considered an important factor when selecting a suitable internal fixation system for intertrochanteric fractures. Based on the FE analysis, intramedullary fixation, such as PFNA, experiences lower stress levels and a moderate displacement in comparison to DHS and P-FCLP when used to treat intertrochanteric fractures.
In vitro alternative for reactogenicity assessment of outer membrane vesicle based vaccines
Authors: Molenaar-de Backer Marijke W. A. , Doodeman Paulien , Rezai Fereshte , Verhagen Lisa M. , van der Ark Arno , Plagmeijer Els M. , Metz Bernard , van Vlies Naomi , Ophorst Olga , Raeven René H. M.
Published: August 2023

Intrinsic or added immune activating molecules are key for most vaccines to provide desired immunity profiles but may increase systemic reactogenicity. Regulatory agencies require rabbit pyrogen testing (RPT) for demonstration of vaccine reactogenicity. Recently, the monocyte activation test (MAT) gained popularity as in vitro alternative, yet this assay was primarily designed to test pyrogen-free products. The aim was to adjust the MAT to enable testing of pyrogen containing vaccines in an early stage of development where no reference batch is yet available. The MAT and RPT were compared for assessing unknown safety profiles of pertussis outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccine candidates to those of Bexsero as surrogate reference vaccine. Pertussis OMVs with wild-type LPS predominantly activated TLR2 and TLR4 and were more reactogenic than Bexsero. However, this reactogenicity profile for pertussis OMVs could be equalized or drastically reduced compared to Bexsero or a whole-cell pertussis vaccine, respectively by dose changing, modifying the LPS, intranasal administration, or a combination of these. Importantly, except for LPS modified products, reactogenicity profiles obtained with the RPT and MAT were comparable. Overall, we demonstrated that this pertussis OMV vaccine candidate has an acceptable safety profile. Furthermore, the MAT proved its applicability to assess reactogenicity levels of pyrogen containing vaccines at multiple stages of vaccine development and could eventually replace rabbit pyrogen testing.
Understanding plant pathogen interactions using spatial and single-cell technologies
Authors: Zhu Jie , Moreno-Pérez Alba , Coaker Gitta
Published: August 2023

Plants are in contact with diverse pathogens and microorganisms. Intense investigation over the last 30 years has resulted in the identification of multiple immune receptors in model and crop species as well as signaling overlap in surface-localized and intracellular immune receptors. However, scientists still have a limited understanding of how plants respond to diverse pathogens with spatial and cellular resolution. Recent advancements in single-cell, single-nucleus and spatial technologies can now be applied to plant–pathogen interactions. Here, we outline the current state of these technologies and highlight outstanding biological questions that can be addressed in the future.
Zero- to low-field relaxometry of chemical and biological fluids
Authors: Alcicek Seyma , Put Piotr , Kubrak Adam , Alcicek Fatih Celal , Barskiy Danila , Gloeggler Stefan , Dybas Jakub , Pustelny Szymon
Published: August 2023

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry is an analytical method that provides information about molecular environments, even for NMR “silent” molecules (spin-0), by analyzing the properties of NMR signals versus the magnitude of the longitudinal field. Conventionally, this technique is performed at fields much higher than Earth’s magnetic field, but our work focuses on NMR relaxometry at zero and ultra-low magnetic fields (ZULFs). Operating under such conditions allows us to investigate slow (bio)chemical processes occurring on a timescale from milliseconds to seconds, which coincide with spin evolution. ZULFs also minimize T2 line broadening in heterogeneous samples resulting from magnetic susceptibility. Here, we use ZULF NMR relaxometry to analyze (bio)chemical compounds containing 1H-13C, 1H-15N, and 1H-31P spin pairs. We also detected high-quality ULF NMR spectra of human whole-blood at 0.8 μT, despite a shortening of spin relaxation by blood proteomes (e.g., hemoglobin). Information on proton relaxation times of blood, a potential early biomarker of inflammation, can be acquired in under a minute using inexpensive, portable/small-size NMR spectrometers based on atomic magnetometers.
Magnetic super-structure and active surface role in the onset of magnetic excitons revealed in TbCu2 nanoparticles
Authors: Jefremovas Elizabeth M. , de la Fuente Rodríguez María , Alba Venero Diego , Echevarría–Bonet Cristina , Bender Philipp , Fåk Björn , Blanco Jesús A. , Fernández Barquín Luis
Published: August 2023

Antiferromagnetic materials are receiving renewed interest on behalf of their potential for information technologies. Recent reports have also revealed how the physics governing such magnetic arrangements and their excitations become more complex compared to traditional ferromagnetic materials, especially at the nanoscale. Here, we address two main issues that are of prime interest to their technological transfer. First, using small-angle neutron scattering, we show the existence of a magnetic helix-like super-structure in a polycrystalline TbCu2 alloy, preserved at both bulk and nanoparticle ensembles of 8 nm. Second, using inelastic neutron scattering, we elucidate the magnetic excitons and the crystalline electric field energy level schemes of TbCu2 in bulk and nanoparticle ensembles. This allows to understad the effect of the surface broken symmetry on the quantum energy levels at the nanoscale, so as the key role of interfacial effects on the propagation of magnetic excitations. Our research provides insights for the realization of magnetic moment dynamics models based on complex nanometric super-structures, and for nanoparticles to be integrated in spintronics and information technology applications.
mRNA-activated DNAzyme nanoprobe for tumor cell precise imaging and gene therapy
Authors: Fan Mingzhu , Huang Huakui , Xu Yang , Wang Shulong , Chen Shengyu , Luo Zhihui , Xu Jiayao
Published: August 2023

A novel fluorescent biosensor with high specificity was developed for imaging analysis of intracellular survivin mRNA, and in situ generation of DNAzyme for silencing tumor-related genes, selectively inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.
Silver nanoparticles in electrochemical immunosensing and the emergence of silver–gold galvanic exchange detection
Authors: Walgama Charuksha , Raj Nikhil
Published: August 2023

Electrochemical immunosensors based on Ag–Au galvanic-exchange reaction.
BaLa5V2O3N7: a novel anti-perovskite oxynitride for electrode applications
Authors: Zhang Shi-Rui , Wang Xiao-Ming , Fang Lei-Ming , Li Jia-Chen , Xu Ying-Ying , Ren Zi-Han , Yang Zu-Pei , Kuang Xiao-Jun , Jiao Huan
Published: August 2023

A new anti-perovskite transition metal oxynitride BaLa5V2O3N7 was synthesized. The unique structure makes the material exhibit high conductivity at low temperature and can be used as an anode material for vanadate-based solid fuel cells.
A chiral two-dimensional perovskite-like lead-free bismuth(iii) iodide hybrid with high phase transition temperature
Authors: Peng Hang , Liu Qin , Lu Yan-Zi , Yang Shu-Jing , Qi Jun-Chao , Chen Xiao-Gang , Liao Wei-Qiang
Published: August 2023

[(S)-3-Aminopyrrolidinium I]2Bi2/3I4 is a novel chiral two-dimensional perovskite-like lead-free bismuth(iii) iodide hybrid showing a high phase transition temperature and a narrow bandgap.
Realizing high performance bifunctional energy storage devices and electrocatalytic water splitting catalysts through regulated interface engineering of ZnCo2O4@Co3O4 nanosheets
Authors: Miao Lihua , Sui Lili , Shen Xiaoyan , Yang Dan , Huang He , Kuang Ye
Published: August 2023

ZnCo2O4@Co3O4 nanowires are successfully synthesized through hydrothermal synthesis and electrodeposition. As electrocatalysts for water splitting, ZnCo2O4@Co3O4 shows an excellent electrocatalytic performance. The fabricated product also shows a specific capacitance of 1316 F g−1 at 1 A g−1.
The influence of advanced materials on the analytical performance of semiconductor-based gas sensors
Authors: Jouyban-Gharamaleki Vahid , Jin Han , Jouyban Abolghasem , Soleymani Jafar
Published: August 2023

Chemiresistive gas sensors are metal oxide-based sensors that have received significant attention in different fields.
The bound state in the continuum in flexible terahertz metasurfaces enabled sensitive biosensing
Authors: Qiu Dan , Sun Shuai , Cheng Xuelan , Jin Xiaoyu , Qiao Yutong , Zhang Wei , Yang Dexing , Chen Xianzhong , Li Zeren , Li Jia , Yao Jianquan
Published: August 2023

The combination of a flexible device and novel electromagnetic resonances offers new dimensions to manipulate electromagnetic waves and promises new device functionalities.
Magnon–phonon coupling: from fundamental physics to applications
Authors: Wang Ke , Ren Kai , Hou Yinlong , Cheng Yuan , Zhang Gang
Published: August 2023

In this review, we presents an advanced and physical understanding of magnon–phonon coupling in magnetic insulators, and then discuss deeply the influence of magnon–phonon coupling on the properties of magnons and phonons.
2D photosensitive porphyrin-based MOFs integrated with a Pd cocatalyst with fast charge transfer for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Tang Yacen , Chen Mingzuo , Zhang Chenghua , Li Huyumao , He Youzhou , Lai Xiangdong , Tao Liujun , Jing Jiajia , Liu Xingyan
Published: August 2023

A series of 2D MOF nanosheets are prepared by a simple hydrothermal method for photocatalytic hydrogen production, in which PdTCPP integrates a photosensitive porphyrin with cocatalysts so as to realize fast charge carrier transport.
Color-tunable emissions realized by Tb3+ to Eu3+ energy transfer in ZnGdB5O10 under near-UV excitation
Authors: Gao Yan , Cong Rihong , Yang Tao
Published: August 2023

Efficient energy transfer (as high as 94.71%) between two typical rare earth activators Tb3+ and Eu3+ in ZnGdB5O10 is utilized to achieve wide range color-tunable emissions from green (0.2915, 0.5915) to red (0.6207, 0.3731).
Efficient visible light-initiated hydrogenation of nitrobenzene for chemoselective production of aniline, azoxybenzene, azobenzene and hydrazobenzene over CQDs/CdS nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Hurunqing , Deng Zirong , Wang Bingqing , Ding Zhengxin , Li Zhaohui
Published: August 2023

Visible light-initiated chemoselective hydrogenation of nitrobenzene into different products is realized over CQDs/CdS via simply regulating the reaction medium.
Efficient algal lipid extraction via a green bio-electro-Fenton process and its conversion into biofuel and bioelectricity with concurrent wastewater treatment in a photosynthetic microbial fuel cell
Authors: Das Swati , Raj Rishabh , Ghangrekar Makarand M.
Published: August 2023

Algal biofuel production via a green bio-electro-Fenton process is a promising alternative to meet global energy demand.
Reprogramming the metabolism of oleaginous yeast for sustainably biosynthesizing the anticarcinogen precursor germacrene A
Authors: Liu Qi , Zhang Ge , Su Liqiu , Liu Pi , Jia Shiru , Wang Qinhong , Dai Zongjie
Published: August 2023

The highest titer of the anticancer precursor sesquiterpene germacrene A was observed in oleaginous yeast using multi-layered systematic metabolic engineering strategies.
Association of lipid metabolism-related metabolites with overweight/obesity based on the FTO rs1421085
Authors: Farooq Sabiha , Rana Sobia , Siddiqui Amna Jabbar , Iqbal Ayesha , Bhatti Adil Anwar , Musharraf Syed Ghulam
Published: August 2023

FTO variant rs1421085 based obesity phenotype and anthropometric parameters of Pakistani population is associated with lipid based metabolites.
Efficient synthesis of functionalized trifluoromethyl cyclopropanes via cyclopropanation of α-trifluoromethyl styrenes with chloroacetonitrile and ethyl chloroacetate
Authors: Deng Yupian , Liu Ying , He Jingjing , Zheng Pai , Sun Zhudi , Cao Song
Published: August 2023

A practical method for the synthesis of functionalized trifluoromethyl cyclopropanes via cyclopropanation of α-trifluoromethyl styrenes with chloroacetonitrile or ethyl chloroacetate was developed.
Novel luminescent hierarchical porous hydrogels with a three-dimensional interconnected network structure from feather keratin crosslinking reaction
Authors: Wang Chun-Feng , Wu Jin Chuan , Li Qingxin
Published: August 2023

Six novel luminescent hierarchical porous hydrogels with a 3D interconnected network were prepared using natural keratin wastes, chitosan, seaweed and fluorescence groups as raw materials by direct-synthesis.