bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling and the formation of borderland subjectivities: A study of identity construction among Chinese international students in the United States
Authors: Yin Peng
Published: August 2023

Based on two representative cases drawn from a larger multi-sited ethnographic project, this study examines the process of identity construction among Chinese international students in the U.S.A., focusing on how the students (re)negotiate their subject positions vis-à-vis their home and host societies. Building on a conceptualization of the students as borderland subjects, the study brings to the fore a critical and creative state of in-betweenness characterizing the positioning of the students, putting into question the paradigm of adjustment and adaption that has long dominated research on international student migration (ISM). To unveil the subtleties behind the students’ formation of borderland subjectivities, the study draws on the notion of scale. By examining the scaling practices of the students, the study provides a nuanced account of how the students discursively index and connect multiple spatial–temporal contexts to guide their journey toward becoming borderland subjects. By combining the notion of scale with the borderland trope, the study sheds light on an emerging avenue of research that aims to uncover the transformative and fluid underpinnings of ISM.
Assessment of sectoral greenhouse gas emission effects of biomass, fossil fuel, and (non)metallic ore utilization of the Nordic economy
Authors: Alola Andrew Adewale , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Olagunju Ishaaqa
Published: August 2023

In a rare empirical approach, and considering the uniqueness of the Nordic economy, this study examines the differential effect of domestic material utilization, i.e., biomass, fossil fuel, metallic ores, and non-metallic ores on the sectoral greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, i.e., industrial, agricultural, land use, land use change and forestry (LULCF), waste management, and energy GHG emissions in the period 1990–2020. By applying competent econometric tools that accounts for potential estimation bias, the result revealed that metallic ore consumption among the Nordic countries is detrimental to the region’s environmental sustainability, more so to the region’s greening circular economy drive. This is because metallic ore utilization spurs industrial, agricultural, LULCF, waste management, and energy GHG emissions. Similarly, biomass material consumption spurs GHG emissions arising from the LULCF, waste management, and energy sector activities while fossil fuel materials spur LULCF and energy GHG emissions. However, non-metallic ores consumption provides a desirable outcome as it mitigates GHG emission with respective elasticities of ~0.06, ~0.01, and ~0.05, in the industrial, agricultural, and waste management sector activities while biomass also plays a statistically significant role of reducing agricultural GHG emission by ~0.02% when there is a percent increase in the consumption of biomass. Important policy measures are put forward following the interesting revelation from the investigation.
Revisiting Alwyn H. Gentry’s forest transect data: latitudinal beta diversity patterns are revealed using a statistical sampling-model-based approach
Authors: Chao Anne , Chiu Chun-Huo , Hu Kai-Hsiang , Zelený David
Published: August 2023

Gentry’s forest transect data have been frequently used to assess global patterns of plant diversity and plant species compositional changes along environmental and geographical gradients. Based on the worldwide woody plant abundance records from Gentry’s 197 localities/plots (each consisting of ten 2 m × 50 m subplots/transects), we apply a recently developed sampling-model-based standardization method (iNEXT.beta3D standardization) to examine how beta diversity among subplots varies with latitude. Beta diversity quantifies the extent of among-subplot differentiation which represents the interacting effect of species abundance distribution and spatial aggregation. Here beta diversity is obtained by a multiplicative decomposition scheme based on the framework of Hill numbers of any order q ≥ 0. Under statistical sampling models, data in nearly all of the 197 localities were incomplete, i.e., there were species present in the assemblage but undetected in the data. For Gentry’s data collected along narrow transects, the dependence among sampled individuals due to spatial aggregation is generally weak. The observed beta diversity depends on the among-subplot differentiation and sampling effort/completeness, which in turn induce dependence of the observed beta diversity on alpha and gamma diversity. To control for sampling effort/completeness, the iNEXT.beta3D method standardizes both alpha and gamma diversity at the same level of sample coverage to formulate coverage-based beta diversity. The resulting standardized beta diversity provides a statistical solution to remove the dependence of beta diversity on both alpha and gamma diversities, and thus reflects the pure among-subplot differentiation. The coverage-based standardization reveals latitudinal beta diversity patterns/trends not only for richness-based, but also for abundance-sensitive beta diversity.
Geodatenkultur der Diversität: eine neopragmatische Skizzierung
Authors: Edler Dennis , Kühne Olaf , Keil Julian , Korte Annika , Weißmann Marco , Galla Christopher , Zilt Luca , Dickmann Frank
Published: August 2023

In recent years, fundamental changes regarding geospatial data resources have become apparent. The establishment of gaming software and associated web-based exchange and communication platforms offer cartography and geoinformation sciences new potentials of geospatial data, which requires a rethinking, especially in the field of 3D visualization. The resources of official geospatial data holding agencies and first VGI communities from early times of digitization are extended by geospatial data originating from 3D modeling in gaming and containing high creative potential. Here, in relation to the availability of geodata resources, a change in the geospatial data culture becomes apparent, from a geospatial data culture of dependency (ca. 1830–1980), to a geospatial data culture of participation (ca. 1980–2020), to its further development to a geospatial data culture of diversity (since ca. 2020). These three paradigms of a geospatial data culture are discussed in this paper, after a conceptual reflection that builds on a neopragmatic understanding. Case studies are based on virtual and augmented reality. With these examples, the synthesis of different geospatial data resources for targeted 3D cartographic applications is highlighted.
Effect of Waste Tire Rubber on Properties of Asphalt Cement and Asphalt Concrete Mixtures: State of the Art
Authors: Alsheyab Mohammad A. T. , Khedaywi Taisir , Ogiliat Omar
Published: August 2023

This research paper aims at providing a comprehensive analysis of the effect of the addition of waste tire rubber to asphalt mix and its properties. Having reviewed several published research papers, it is concluded that the addition of waste tire rubber to asphalt mix increases the softening point, viscosity, flow, void mineral aggregate (VMA), and Marshall stability. On the other hand, it reduces the penetration, ductility, specific gravity, flash point, and retained stability. It is stated also that the addition of waste tire rubber to asphalt mix is a safe way of managing huge amounts of waste tires generated around the world in a high-value reuse.
Interaction of the pre- and postnatal environment in the maternal immune activation model
Authors: Gundacker Anna , Cuenca Rico Laura , Stoehrmann Peter , Tillmann Katharina E. , Weber-Stadlbauer Ulrike , Pollak Daniela D.
Published: August 2023

Adverse influences during pregnancy are associated with a range of unfavorable outcomes for the developing offspring. Maternal psychosocial stress, exposure to infections and nutritional imbalances are known risk factors for neurodevelopmental derangements and according psychiatric and neurological manifestations later in offspring life. In this context, the maternal immune activation (MIA) model has been extensively used in preclinical research to study how stimulation of the maternal immune system during gestation derails the tightly coordinated sequence of fetal neurodevelopment. The ensuing consequence of MIA for offspring brain structure and function are majorly manifested in behavioral and cognitive abnormalities, phenotypically presenting during the periods of adolescence and adulthood. These observations have been interpreted within the framework of the “double-hit-hypothesis” suggesting that an elevated risk for neurodevelopmental disorders results from an individual being subjected to two adverse environmental influences at distinct periods of life, jointly leading to the emergence of pathology. The early postnatal period, during which the caregiving parent is the major determinant of the newborn´s environment, constitutes a window of vulnerability to external stimuli. Considering that MIA not only affects the developing fetus, but also impinges on the mother´s brain, which is in a state of heightened malleability during pregnancy, the impact of MIA on maternal brain function and behavior postpartum may importantly contribute to the detrimental consequences for her progeny. Here we review current information on the interaction between the prenatal and postnatal maternal environments in the modulation of offspring development and their relevance for the pathophysiology of the MIA model.
Evaluation of Levels and Determinants of Patient Satisfaction with Primary Health Care Services in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Radwan Nashwa Mohamed , Alkattan Abdullah Naji , Haji Alhan Mohammedamin , Alabdulkareem Khaled Ibrahim
Published: August 2023

Background

The Saudi Ministry of Health makes continual efforts to provide high-quality preventive services through a large network of primary health care (PHC) centers. Patient satisfaction is integral to measuring health outcomes and the quality of these services.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases for studies investigating patient satisfaction with PHC services in Saudi Arabia in the past 10 years. The risk of bias and heterogeneity across the included studies were assessed with Newcastle Ottawa scale and I2 test, respectively. Review Manger version 5.311 was used for data analysis with the random effect model. The quality of evidence of each outcome was measured with the GRADE approach.

Results

The review included 3302 Saudi residents from six observational studies conducted in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Most studies included in the review had low risk of bias regarding the studied domains. The review indicated moderate overall satisfaction with PHC services (77.00%) among participants. More than 60% of the participants (63.11% and 82.59%) were satisfied with the continuity and communication of PHC services, respectively, whereas, less than half (41.73% and 46.92%) were satisfied with the accessibility of the PHC services and the health education provided at these centers. Moreover, low satisfaction was found among older patients and those with low educational levels. Other sociodemographic factors did not determine patient satisfaction.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This review indicated a moderate level of overall patient satisfaction with respect to the targeted satisfaction level for Saudi Ministry of Health 2023 PHC services of 85%. Additional efforts and continuing evaluation by health care providers will be crucial to address the weaknesses in PHC services.
Proper Ehresmann semigroups
Authors: Kudryavtseva Ganna , Laan Valdis
Published: August 2023

We propose a notion of a proper Ehresmann semigroup based on a three-coordinate description of its generating elements governed by certain labelled directed graphs with additional structure. The generating elements are determined by their domain projection, range projection and σ-class, where σ denotes the minimum congruence that identifies all projections. We prove a structure result on proper Ehresmann semigroups and show that every Ehresmann semigroup has a proper cover. Our covering monoid turns out to be isomorphic to that from the work by Branco, Gomes and Gould and provides a new view of the latter. Proper Ehresmann semigroups all of whose elements admit a three-coordinate description are characterized in terms of partial multiactions of monoids on semilattices. As a consequence, we recover the two-coordinate structure result on proper restriction semigroups.
Direct Action: The Invention of a Transnational Concept
Authors: Scalmer Sean
Published: August 2023

“Direct action” emerged as a central concept in labour-movement politics in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This article traces and explains that process of invention. In doing so, it seeks to settle three currently unresolved historical problems: the problem of the meaning of direct action; the problem of its relative novelty; and the problem of its relationship to nation. The article draws upon pamphlets and newspapers published on four continents in English, French, Spanish, and German. It argues that the concept of direct action was used in several analytically distinguishable ways: categorical; performative; and strategic. While aspects of direct action were evident in many nations over several decades, French activists played a decisive and catalytic role in the development of the concept. They welded the categorical, performative, and strategic together. They assembled key performances into an agreed repertoire. And they underlined the revolutionary significance of this combination. This new assemblage was then widely taken up across the global labour movement.
Breathing Life into the Kampala Convention: Towards Workable Enforcement Mechanisms
Authors: Addadzi-Koom Maame Efua
Published: August 2023

The Kampala Convention is a global first, yet, over a decade since it came into force, Africa hosts more than half of the world's internally displaced persons (IDPs). This article explores how the Kampala Convention could mitigate internal displacement by asking which of the enforcement mechanisms in the convention would work best to protect and advance durable solutions for IDPs in Africa. The convention adopts a state obligation model and contains judicial and non-judicial enforcement mechanisms. Evaluation of these mechanisms reveals some flaws, including the unclear mandate of the Conference of States, an inoperative African Court and private actors lacking locus standi. The article argues that some amendments to the convention are necessary to foster enforcement. Literature on internal displacement in Africa from an enforcement perspective is limited, so this article makes a significant contribution.
THE ESTIMATION RISK IN EXTREME SYSTEMIC RISK FORECASTS
Authors: Hoga Yannick
Published: August 2023

Systemic risk measures have been shown to be predictive of financial crises and declines in real activity. Thus, forecasting them is of major importance in finance and economics. In this paper, we propose a new forecasting method for systemic risk as measured by the marginal expected shortfall (MES). It is based on first de-volatilizing the observations and, then, calculating systemic risk for the residuals using an estimator based on extreme value theory. We show the validity of the method by establishing the asymptotic normality of the MES forecasts. The good finite-sample coverage of the implied MES forecast intervals is confirmed in simulations. An empirical application to major U.S. banks illustrates the significant time variation in the precision of MES forecasts, and explores the implications of this fact from a regulatory perspective.
Anatomical Intelligence: Live coding as performative dissection
Authors: Chicau Joana , Reus Jonathan
Published: August 2023

This article describes the method of ‘dissective’ live coding, as developed through the artistic-research project Anatomies of Intelligence. In this work we investigate how live coding can be used as an approach for performative explorations of a data corpus and a machine learning algorithm operating on this corpus. The artistic framework of this project collides early Enlightenment-era anatomical epistemologies with contemporary machine learning, creating a fertile space for novel, embodied artistic methods to emerge. We engage audiences in an immersive, live-coded experience where image and sound are driven by our dissective approach, revealing the underlying rhythms and structures of a machine learning algorithm running live on an artist-made dataset. To support these performances we have developed a custom browser-based software, the Networked Theatre, used for both hybrid in-person/online audiovisual performances. In this article we describe this work and reflect on our experience as performers and audience feedback, which suggests that our dissective method of live coding, based on examining ‘ready-made’ algorithms, offers a unique experiential entryway into the bodies of machine learning and data corpi.
Systematic Validation of Ensemble Cloud‐Process Simulations Using Polarimetric Radar Observations and Simulator Over the NASA Wallops Flight Facility
Authors: Matsui Toshi , Wolff David B. , Lang Stephen , Mohr Karen , Zhang Minghua , Xie Shaocheng , Tang Shuaiqi , Saleeby Stephen M. , Posselt Derek J. , Braun Scott A. , Chern Jiun‐Dar , Dolan Brenda , Pippitt Jason L. , Loftus Adrian M.
Published: August 2023

The BiLateral Operational Storm‐Scale Observation and Modeling (BLOSSOM) project was initiated to establish a long‐term supersite to improve understanding of cloud physical states and processes as well as to support satellite and climate model programs over the Wallops Flight Facility site via a bilateral approach of storm‐scale observations and process modeling. This study highlights a noble systematic validation framework of the BLOSSOM ensemble cloud‐process simulations through mixed‐phase, light‐rain, and deep‐convective precipitation cases. The framework consists of creating a domain‐shifted ensemble of large‐scale forcing data sets, and configuring and performing cloud‐process simulations with three different bulk microphysics schemes. Validation uses NASA S‐band dual‐POLarimetric radar observations in the form of statistical composites and skill scores via a polarimetric radar simulator and newly developed CfRad Data tool (CfRAD). While the simulations capture the overall structures of the reflectivity composites, polarimetric signals are still poorly simulated, mainly due to a lack of representation of ice microphysics diversity in shapes, orientation distributions, and their complex mixtures. Despite the limitation, this new ensemble‐based validation framework demonstrates that (a) no particular forcing or microphysics scheme outperforms the rest and (b) the skill scores of coarse‐ and fine‐resolution ensemble simulations with different domain‐shifted forcing and microphysics schemes are highly correlated with each other with no clear improvement. On the other hand, this suggests that coarse‐resolution ensemble simulations are relevant for selecting the best meteorological forcing and microphysics scheme before conducting computationally demanding large eddy simulations in support of aircraft and satellite instrument development as well as cloud‐precipitation‐convection parameterizations.
Improving the Electron Radiation Belt Nowcast and Forecast Using the SafeSpace Data Assimilation Modeling Pipeline
Authors: Brunet A. , Dahmen N. , Katsavrias C. , Santolík O. , Bernoux G. , Pierrard V. , Botek E. , Darrouzet F. , Nasi A. , Aminalragia‐Giamini S. , Papadimitriou C. , Bourdarie S. , Daglis I. A.
Published: August 2023

The H2020 SafeSpace project aims at the implementation of a space weather safety prototype, in particular to predict the deep charging hazard. The proposed service is built on a Sun‐to‐Earth chain of physical codes that propagates physical information and uncertainties in order to model the outer radiation belt dynamics. In this paper, we present the inner magnetosphere section of the SafeSpace pipeline that relies on solar wind driven and hourly updated models that describe the trapped electron environment (VLF waves, cold plasma and seed population densities), as well as the physical processes to which the trapped electrons are subjected to, such as radial diffusion and wave particle interactions. Then, this physical configuration is poured into the Salammbô‐EnKF model, a data assimilation radiation belt model which provides a global forecast of the densities across the radiation belts. We have compared the forecasting performance of this new modeling pipeline to a reference model during the St. Patrick's Day storm in 2015. We show that the new SafeSpace implementation shows closer results to the observations in addition to a better forecast within the prediction horizon.
Kinetics of Cold Ions in Asymmetric Reconnection: Particle‐In‐Cell Simulation
Authors: Song Liangjin , Zhou Meng , Yi Yongyuan , Zhong Zhihong , Deng Xiaohua
Published: August 2023

Cold ions from Earth's ionosphere and plasmasphere have frequently been observed at the magnetopause, where they impact reconnection and get energized in the process. The behavior of cold ions in different regions of magnetopause reconnection is not well understood. This study investigates their kinetics in asymmetric reconnection through a 2.5‐D fully kinetic simulation. The simulation starts with cold ions being present only in the magnetosphere. We find that the velocity distribution functions (VDFs) of cold ions in different reconnection regions are composed of two types of particles, distinguished by their ability to penetrate the magnetosheath. One type produces ring‐shaped distributions in the magnetosheath due to meandering motion, while the other generates ring‐shaped distributions in the magnetospheric separatrix as a result of gyromotion. The reconnection electric field Ey has a negative effect on one type and a positive effect on the other. Moreover, the Hall electric field Ez can stepwise accelerate the meandering particles. The cold ion temperature increases significantly in the magnetosheath as compared to its original temperature, the enhancement is a kinetic effect as a result of the ring‐shaped velocity distribution. On the other hand, in the remaining regions, cold ions experience bulk heating, resulting in noticeable temperature elevation. These findings further emphasize the necessity to examine the VDF for an all‐round comprehension of the particle heating mechanism and contribute to a better understanding of cold ion dynamics at the Earth's magnetopause.
Targeting SphK1/2 by SKI-178 inhibits prostate cancer cell growth
Authors: Jin Lu , Zhu Jin , Yao Linya , Shen Gang , Xue Bo-xin , Tao Wei
Published: August 2023

Sphingosine kinases (SphK), including SphK1 and SphK2, are important enzymes promoting progression of prostate cancer. SKI-178 is a novel and highly potent SphK1/2 dual inhibitor. We here tested the potential anti-prostate cancer cell activity of SKI-178. Bioinformatics analyses and results from local tissues demonstrated that that both SphK1 and SphK2 are upregulated in human prostate cancer tissues. Ectopic overexpression of SphK1 and SphK2, by lentiviral constructs, promoted primary prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration. In primary human prostate cancer cells and immortalized cell lines, SKI-178 potently inhibited cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression and cell migration, causing robust cell death and apoptosis. SKI-178 impaired mitochondrial functions, causing mitochondrial depolarization, reactive oxygen species production and ATP depletion.SKI-178 potently inhibited SphK activity and induced ceramide production, without affecting SphK1/2 expression in prostate cancer cells. Further, SKI-178 inhibited Akt-mTOR activation and induced JNK activation in prostate cancer cells. Contrarily, a constitutively-active Akt1 construct or the pharmacological JNK inhibitors attenuated SKI-178-induced cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells. In vivo, daily intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of SKI-178 potently inhibited PC-3 xenograft growth in nude mice. SphK inhibition, ceramide production, ATP depletion and lipid peroxidation as well as Akt-mTOR inactivation and JNK activation were detected in PC-3 xenograft tissues with SKI-178 administration. Together, targeting SphK1/2 by SKI-178 potently inhibited prostate cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
Pancreatic acinar cell fate relies on system xC- to prevent ferroptosis during stress
Authors: Pan Zhaolong , Van den Bossche Jan-Lars , Rodriguez-Aznar Eva , Janssen Pauline , Lara Olaya , Ates Gamze , Massie Ann , De Paep Diedert Luc , Houbracken Isabelle , Mambretti Marco , Rooman Ilse
Published: August 2023

Acinar cell dedifferentiation is one of the most notable features of acute and chronic pancreatitis. It can also be the initial step that facilitates pancreatic cancer development. In the present study, we further decipher the precise mechanisms and regulation using primary human cells and murine experimental models. Our RNAseq analysis indicates that, in both species, early acinar cell dedifferentiation is accompanied by multiple pathways related to cell survival that are highly enriched, and where SLC7A11 (xCT) is transiently upregulated. xCT is the specific subunit of the cystine/glutamate antiporter system xC-. To decipher its role, gene silencing, pharmacological inhibition and a knock-out mouse model were used. Acinar cells with depleted or reduced xCT function show an increase in ferroptosis relating to lipid peroxidation. Lower glutathione levels and more lipid ROS accumulation could be rescued by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine or the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1. In caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice, xCT also prevents lipid peroxidation in acinar cells. In conclusion, during stress, acinar cell fate seems to be poised for avoiding several forms of cell death. xCT specifically prevents acinar cell ferroptosis by fueling the glutathione pool and maintaining ROS balance. The data suggest that xCT offers a druggable tipping point to steer the acinar cell fate in stress conditions.
A stable and replicable neural signature of lifespan adversity in the adult brain
Authors: Holz Nathalie E. , Zabihi Mariam , Kia Seyed Mostafa , Monninger Maximillian , Aggensteiner Pascal-M. , Siehl Sebastian , Floris Dorothea L. , Bokde Arun L. W. , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Brühl Rüdiger , Martinot Jean-Luc , Martinot Marie-Laure Paillère , Orfanos Dimitri Papadopoulos , Paus Tomáš , Poustka Luise , Fröhner Juliane H. , Smolka Michael N. , Vaidya Nilakshi , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Brandeis Daniel , Buitelaar Jan K. , Nees Frauke , Beckmann Christian ,   IMAGEN Consortium, Martinot Jean-Luc , Paillère Martinot Marie-Laure , Fröhner Juliane H. , Smolka Michael N. , Walter Henrik , Banaschewski Tobias , Marquand Andre F.
Published: August 2023

Environmental adversities constitute potent risk factors for psychiatric disorders. Evidence suggests the brain adapts to adversity, possibly in an adversity-type and region-specific manner. However, the long-term effects of adversity on brain structure and the association of individual neurobiological heterogeneity with behavior have yet to be elucidated. Here we estimated normative models of structural brain development based on a lifespan adversity profile in a longitudinal at-risk cohort aged 25 years (n = 169). This revealed widespread morphometric changes in the brain, with partially adversity-specific features. This pattern was replicated at the age of 33 years (n = 114) and in an independent sample at 22 years (n = 115). At the individual level, greater volume contractions relative to the model were predictive of future anxiety. We show a stable neurobiological signature of adversity that persists into adulthood and emphasize the importance of considering individual-level rather than group-level predictions to explain emerging psychopathology.
The non-classical major histocompatibility complex II protein SLA-DM is crucial for African swine fever virus replication
Authors: Pannhorst Katrin , Carlson Jolene , Hölper Julia E. , Grey Finn , Baillie John Kenneth , Höper Dirk , Wöhnke Elisabeth , Franzke Kati , Karger Axel , Fuchs Walter , Mettenleiter Thomas C.
Published: August 2023

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a lethal animal pathogen that enters its host cells through endocytosis. So far, host factors specifically required for ASFV replication have been barely identified. In this study a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen in porcine cells indicated that the genes RFXANK, RFXAP, SLA-DMA, SLA-DMB, and CIITA are important for productive ASFV infection. The proteins encoded by these genes belong to the major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II), or swine leucocyte antigen complex II (SLA II). RFXAP and CIITA are MHC II-specific transcription factors, whereas SLA-DMA/B are subunits of the non-classical MHC II molecule SLA-DM. Targeted knockout of either of these genes led to severe replication defects of different ASFV isolates, reflected by substantially reduced plating efficiency, cell-to-cell spread, progeny virus titers and viral DNA replication. Transgene-based reconstitution of SLA-DMA/B fully restored the replication capacity demonstrating that SLA-DM, which resides in late endosomes, plays a crucial role during early steps of ASFV infection.
Comparison of the effects of use, protection, improper renovation and removal of asbestos products on the example of typical old office buildings in Poland
Authors: Obmiński Andrzej
Published: August 2023

The study focused on old, German building types “LIPSK” and “BERLIN” used in Poland, since the 1960s in Eastern Europe. The different operations on buildings were analysed: protection and maintenance of asbestos products, asbestos removal and inadvertent damage to asbestos as a result of building renovation. Measurements of respirable (countable) asbestos fibres in the air were carried out using the PCOM + PLM method and SEM–EDS. In the case of the accidental destruction of products, initial contamination was ≈7000 f/m3. After 16 weeks from the end of the activity and 20 days of extreme ventilation, contamination decreased to about 500 f/m3. At the same time, in similar rooms, without extreme ventilation, the pollution was above 4000 f/m3. The average increase in pollution in a dozen or so similar buildings, after asbestos removal in places beyond the work zones, ranged from ≈ 1700–2700 f/m3 and lasted for one or two years. These buildings, used without ACM destruction or after product impregnation, have maintained low asbestos contamination < 300 f/m3 for more than 10–20 years. So, due to the easy release of asbestos that occurs with any ACM removal and the increased risk of occupant exposure, these works are often inappropriate for the buildings in question.
An exhaustive scrutiny to amplify the heating prospects by devising a core@shell nanostructure for constructive magnetic hyperthermia applications
Authors: Tsopoe S. P. , Borgohain C. , Kar Manoranjan , Kumar Panda Shantanu , Borah J. P.
Published: August 2023

An interfacial integration at the nanoscale domain through a core@shell (CS) nanostructure has constructively unbarred a wide dimension to researchers on biomedical applications, especially for magnetic fluid hyperthermia. Lately, the interconnection of the exchange bias effect (EBE) through the interface coupling to the magnetic heating efficiency has uttered its utmost prominence for researchers. Here, we delineate the ascendency of the heating ability through a coalescing assembly of mixed ferrite Co0.5Zn0.5 Fe2O4 (CZ) and soft magnetic material Fe3O4 (F), by devising a network of CoZnFe2O4@Fe3O4 (CZF) CS nanostructure. A hefty interface activity with validation of the EBE phenomenon is divulged through magnetic scrutiny for the CS sample. The magnetic nanoparticles heating response to applied magnetic field and frequency is discerned at three distinct fields, where the outcome prevailed to inflated specific loss power for CS CZF in distinction to bare F and CZ samples for all the assessments. Remarkably; a lofty intrinsic loss parameter is also perceived for the CS sample recorded to about 5.36 nHm2 g−1; which is another eccentric outcome that significantly labels the CS CZF sample as a potentially high heating competence agent. This comprehension accords to a finer perspective to meliorate the theranostic environment for hyperthermia applications.
Mechanical properties of rooted soil under freeze–thaw cycles and extended binary medium constitutive model
Authors: Luo Wei , Xiang Bo , Liu Enlong , Zhao Haisong , Wu Kai , He Yunyong
Published: August 2023

In seasonally frozen soil, soil sometimes is affected by freeze–thaw cycles and root systems. In order to study its mechanical characteristics, a series of consolidation drained triaxial tests under different confining pressures (25, 50, 100, 200 kPa), different freeze–thaw cycles (N = 0, 1, 5, 15) and different root-containing conditions (r = 0, 1, 3) were carried out. The test results show that the specimens exhibit strain softening behavior and volumetric dilatancy phenomena and shear failure under lower confining pressure, and strain hardening and volumetric contraction, bulging failure under higher confining pressure. With the increase of freeze–thaw cycles, the bearing capacity of the sample decreases and the volume strain increases. With the increase of volume ration of roots in the sample, the bearing capacity increases and the volume strain decreases. Based on the binary medium model, the soil is abstracted into bonded elements and frictional elements. At the same time, the bonded elements are transformed into frictional element when the bonded elements are broken during the loading process. Also, the root is abstracted into another non-destructive bonded elements material, which bears the load together. The linear elastic constitutive model is used for root and bonded elements, and the double-hardening model is used for friction elements. Considering the influence of freeze–thaw cycles, the extended binary model is derived here. Finally, the experimental results show that the predicted results of this model are in good agreement with the experimental results, and the new model can relatively well simulate the strain softening and volumetric dilatancy phenomena.
In vitro cholesterol lowering activity of Ganoderma australe mycelia based on mass spectrometry, synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared analysis and liver-spheroid bioactivity
Authors: Wongkhieo Sudthirak , Tangmesupphaisan Wanthongchai , Siriwaseree Jeeraprapa , Aramsirirujiwet Yaovapa , Wiriyajitsomboon Prissana , Kaewgrajang Tharnrat , Pumloifa Saifa , Paemanee Atchara , Kuaprasert Buabarn , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Chester Adrian H. , Swainson Napachanok M.
Published: August 2023

Mycelia were cultivated from a Thai wild mushroom identified as Ganoderma australe based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and morphological analyses. The mycelial extracts were examined for their active ingredients using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS) method. This revealed the presence of lovastatin and tentative compounds including p-coumaric, nicotinamide, gamma-aminobutyric acid, choline, nucleosides, amino acids, and saccharides. The extracts had an inhibitory effect on the activity of HMG-CoA reductase in a concentration-dependent manner. At 2.5 mg/mL, the G. australe extracts did not interfere with the viability of HepG2 spheroids, but their biochemical composition was altered as determined by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The lipid profile of the spheroids treated with the mycelial extract was distinct from that of the control and the 5 µM lovastatin treatment, corresponding with the production of cholesterol by the spheroids. The mycelia of G. australe increased the percentage of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) production to 71.35 ± 2.74%, compared to the control and lovastatin-treated spheroids (33.26 ± 3.15% and 32.13 ± 3.24%, respectively). This study revealed the superior effect of natural compound mixtures to pure lovastatin, and the potential use of Thailand’s wild G. australe as a functional food to prevent or alleviate hypercholesterolemia.
Low T direct plasma assisted growth of graphene on sapphire and its integration in graphene/MoS2 heterostructure-based photodetectors
Authors: Muñoz R. , López-Elvira E. , Munuera C. , Carrascoso F. , Xie Y. , Çakıroğlu O. , Pucher T. , Puebla S. , Castellanos-Gomez A. , García-Hernández M.
Published: August 2023

We report on outstanding photo-responsivity, R > 103 A/W, fast response (~0.1 s), and broadband sensitivity ranging from the UV to the NIR in two terminal graphene/MoS2 photodetectors. Our devices are based on the deterministic transfer of MoS2 on top of directly grown graphene on sapphire, and their performance outperforms previous similar photodetectors using large-scale grown graphene. Here we devise a protocol for the direct growth of transparent (transmittance, Tr > 90%), highly conductive (sheet resistance, R□ < 1 kΩ) uniform and continuous graphene films on sapphire at 700 °C by using plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with C2H2/H2 gas mixtures. Our study demonstrates the successful use of plasma-assisted low-temperature CVD techniques to directly grow graphene on insulators for optoelectronic applications.
Unified short syntheses of oxygenated tricyclic aromatic diterpenes by radical cyclization with a photoredox catalyst
Authors: Hashimoto Riichi , Hanaya Kengo , Sugai Takeshi , Higashibayashi Shuhei
Published: August 2023

The biomimetic two-phase strategy employing polyene cyclization and subsequent oxidation/substitution is an effective approach for divergent syntheses of [6-6-6]-tricyclic diterpenes. However, this strategy requires lengthy sequences for syntheses of oxygenated tricyclic aromatic abietane/podocarpane diterpenes owing to the many linear oxidation/substitution steps after cyclization. Here, we present a new synthetic route based on a convergent reverse two-phase strategy employing a reverse radical cyclization approach, which enabled the unified short syntheses of four aromatic abietane/podocarpane diterpenes and the divergent short syntheses of other related diterpenes. Oxygenated and substituted precursors for cyclization were convergently prepared through Friedel-Crafts acylation and rhodium-catalyzed site-selective iodination. Radical redox cyclization using an iridium photoredox catalyst involving neophyl rearrangement furnished the thermodynamically favored 6-membered ring preferentially. (±)-5,6-Dehydrosugiol, salvinolone, crossogumerin A, and Δ5-nimbidiol were synthesized in only 8 steps. An oxygenated cyclized intermediate was also useful for divergent derivatization to sugiol, ferruginol, saprorthoquinone, cryptomeriololide, and salvinolone.
Transformational learning and engagement on climate action for students attending a climate negotiation
Authors: Snorek Julie , Gilmore Elisabeth
Published: August 2023

When Greta Thunberg addressed world leaders at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s 24th Conference of Parties (COP24), it highlighted how young people including Indigenous youth are seeking to influence international climate change negotiations. However, young people face barriers to effectively engaging in the COP processes with few opportunities to learn about the structure and practices for COP Observers. In this paper, we describe and evaluate a structured learning experience developed to support students conducting research related to climate change and their engagement with international climate negotiations. Before attending the COP24, students were given in-person and online training about the UNFCCC, its processes, and major issues under negotiation. They also developed and presented their work during a COP side event. Through pre- and post-surveys and in-depth interviews, we asked students about their expectations and degree of engagement and agency at the COP and more broadly on climate action. Students reported that the academic scaffolding before and during the COP provided most of the students with tools for navigating the complexities of the COP. For all of the students, learning through engagement with the COP24 process supported greater self-efficacy and literacy in relation to climate change action.
Climate justice through climate finance? Lessons from Oceania
Authors: Morgan Edward A. , Petrou Kirstie
Published: August 2023

Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are at the forefront of climate change and the movement for climate justice. However, in Western discourse, the PICs are often portrayed as small and isolated, which reinforces the idea that climate change impacts are primarily happening in places remote from wealthier nations. This, in turn, affects political relations and attitudes to climate action and justice. By contrast, Pacific world views focus on themes of genuine connection and kinship that are enduring and reciprocal, and more than simple political statements about ‘Pacific family’. Achieving climate justice in Oceania requires that we truly engage with Pacific understandings of family and connection. Here, we consider how these themes can be incorporated into carbon finance initiatives, which are key tools for achieving climate justice. In so doing, we examine how justice issues around carbon finance, including (1) accessibility and resources; (2) failure to understand ecological and social connections; and (3) loss of rights, privatisation, and enclosure of commons, could benefit from this approach. We conclude that learning from Pacific informed understandings of kin and connection would strengthen climate justice in Oceania and beyond, and enhance the tools employed to achieve it.
RiPP enzyme heterocomplex structure-guided discovery of a bacterial borosin α-N-methylated peptide natural product
Authors: Crone K. K. , Jomori T. , Miller F. S. , Gralnick J. A. , Elias M. H. , Freeman M. F.
Published: August 2023

Through a combination of in vitro structure–activity assays, crystallography, and in vivo knockout experiments, we have identified and structurally characterized the first bacterial borosin natural product.
A nanowire-on-microrod polyaniline@FeS2 hybrid as the cathode in high-performance Al-ion batteries
Authors: Bai Haiyuan , Xu Jing , Liu Jinyun , Han Tianli , Niu Junjie
Published: August 2023

A nanowire-on-microrod structured polyaniline (PANI)@FeS2 hybrid was developed via a facile metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived chemical method.
Static embedding with pair coupled cluster doubles based methods
Authors: Chakraborty Rahul , Boguslawski Katharina , Tecmer Paweł
Published: August 2023

An approximate treatment of environmental effects in pCCD-based methods from WFT-in-DFT.
DEERefiner-assisted structural refinement using pulsed dipolar spectroscopy: a study on multidrug transporter LmrP
Authors: Kao Te-Yu , Chiang Yun-Wei
Published: August 2023

DEERefiner provides an efficient approach for modeling atomic-level protein structures, notably showcasing its effectiveness on the multidrug transporter LmrP using pulsed dipolar spectroscopy data.
Improved resistive switching performance and realized electric control of exchange bias in a NiO/HfO2 bilayer structure
Authors: Lu Yu , Yuan Yuan , Liu Ruobai , Liu Tianyu , Chen Jiarui , Wei Lujun , Wu Di , Zhang Wei , You Biao , Du Jun
Published: August 2023

The schematic description of ‘Set’ and ‘Reset’ processes and electric control of exchange bias by using a NiO/HfO2 resistive layer.
Drift velocity saturation in field-effect transistors based on single CdSe nanowires
Authors: Jin Weifeng , Yang Xinyang
Published: August 2023

This is the first experimental report on the saturation drift velocity in field-effect transistors based on CdSe nanowires.
Interpretable models for extrapolation in scientific machine learning
Authors: Muckley Eric S. , Saal James E. , Meredig Bryce , Roper Christopher S. , Martin John H.
Published: August 2023

On average, simple linear models perform equivalently to black box machine learning models on extrapolation tasks.
The more the better: on the formation of single-phase high entropy alloy nanoparticles as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Pittkowski Rebecca K. , Clausen Christian M. , Chen Qinyi , Stoian Dragos , van Beek Wouter , Bucher Jan , Welten Rahel L. , Schlegel Nicolas , Mathiesen Jette K. , Nielsen Tobias M. , Du Jia , Rosenkranz Asger W. , Bøjesen Espen D. , Rossmeisl Jan , Jensen Kirsten M. Ø. , Arenz Matthias
Published: August 2023

Within situX-ray powder diffraction and multi-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we probe high entropy alloy nanoparticle formation. When inhibiting precursor mobility, single-phase formation is governed by stochastics and favored for five elements.
Determination of the isotopic composition of copper in a certified reference material HICU-1 by MC-ICP-MS using gravimetric isotope mixture calibration
Authors: Yang Lu , Methven Brad , Mester Zoltán , Meija Juris
Published: August 2023

An independent and fully calibrated copper isotope ratio measurement of a high-purity copper certified reference material, HICU-1, was achieved by MC-ICP-MS with use of gravimetric isotope mixture calibration.
Capacitive platform for real-time wireless monitoring of liquid wicking in a paper strip
Authors: Ruiz-García Isidoro , Escobedo Pablo , Ramos-Lorente Celia E. , Erenas Miguel M. , Capitán-Vallvey Luis F. , Carvajal Miguel A. , Palma Alberto J. , López-Ruiz Nuria
Published: August 2023

Wireless electronic platform for real-time flow monitoring in paper strips. Experimental/numerical study for physical-based modelling of capillary-driven flow dynamics.
Thymoquinone-loaded lipid nanocapsules with promising anticancer activity for colorectal cancer
Authors: Selmi Mouna , Salek Abir , Barboura Mahassen , Njim Leila , Trabelsi Amine , Lahmar Aida , Lautram Nolwenn , Roger Emilie , Baati Tarek , Ghedira Leila chekir
Published: August 2023

Lipid nanocapsules was used as thymoquinone nano delivery system to treat colorectal cancer (CRC). TQ-LNCs show a suitable mean size particle and a high drug payload, inducing an early decrease in tumor growth following intratumoral administration to mice.
Raman spectroscopy of a few layers of bismuth telluride nanoplatelets
Authors: Carozo Victor , Carvalho Bruno R. , Safeer Syed Hamza , Seixas Leandro , Venezuela Pedro , Terrones Mauricio
Published: August 2023

Exploring the art of tailoring electronic and phonon properties in a few layers of Bi2Te3 crystals through layer variation with Raman spectroscopy.
Zirconium-doped BiOCl for enhanced visible light-induced photocatalytic degradation of RhB dye and photoelectrochemical studies
Authors: Zulkiflee Asyiqin , Khan Mohammad Mansoob , Khan Mohd Yusuf , Khan Abuzar , Ummer Aniz Chennampilly , Harunsani Mohammad Hilni
Published: August 2023

Zr-doped BiOCl for enhanced visible-light-induced photocatalytic degradation of RhB dye and photoelectrochemical studies.
Correction: Efficient binder-free electrode with a derivative synthesis of a four-leaf clover cobalt oxide from a metal organic framework on nickel foam as an energy storage device
Authors: Chiu Yu-Hsuan , Kubendhiran Subbiramaniyan , Huang Hsiao-Wen , Kongvarhodom Chutima , Chen Hung-Ming , Yougbaré Sibidou , Saukani Muhammad , Lin Lu-Yin
Published: August 2023

Correction for ‘Efficient binder-free electrode with a derivative synthesis of a four-leaf clover cobalt oxide from a metal organic framework on nickel foam as an energy storage device’ by Yu-Hsuan Chiu et al., New J. Chem., 2023, 47, 14656–14666, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NJ02051G.