bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERDŐS PROPERTIES OF SUBSETS OF THE MAHLER SETS
Authors: CHALEBGWA TABOKA PRINCE , MORRIS SIDNEY A.
Published: February 2023

Erdős proved that every real number is the sum of two Liouville numbers. A setWof complex numbers is said to have the Erdős property if every real number is the sum of two members ofW. Mahler divided the set of all transcendental numbers into three disjoint classesS,TandUsuch that, in particular, any two complex numbers which are algebraically dependent lie in the same class. The set of Liouville numbers is a proper subset of the setUand has Lebesgue measure zero. It is proved here, using a theorem of Weil on locally compact groups, that if$m\in [0,\infty )$, then there exist$2^{\mathfrak {c}}$dense subsetsWofSeach of Lebesgue measuremsuch thatWhas the Erdős property and no two of theseWare homeomorphic. It is also proved that there are$2^{\mathfrak {c}}$dense subsetsWofSeach of full Lebesgue measure, which have the Erdős property. Finally, it is proved that there are$2^{\mathfrak {c}}$dense subsetsWofSsuch that every complex number is the sum of two members ofWand such that no two of theseWare homeomorphic.
From museumization to decolonization: fostering critical dialogues in the history of science with a Haida eagle mask
Authors: Sera-Shriar Efram
Published: February 2023

This paper explores the process from museumization to decolonization through an examination of a Haida eagle mask currently on display in the Exploring Medicine gallery at the Science Museum in London. While elements of this discussion are well developed in some disciplines, such as Indigenous studies, anthropology and museum and heritage studies, this paper approaches the topic through the history of science, where decolonization and global perspectives are still gaining momentum. The aim therefore is to offer some opening perspectives and methods on how historians of science can use the ideas and approaches relating to decolonization in other fields, and apply them constructively to the history of science, particularly in museum settings. Decolonization is a complicated process and the focus of this paper is squarely on the preliminary steps of its implementation. To understand this process fully, the paper will recontextualize the Indigenous history of the Haida eagle mask at the Science Museum through a careful reconstruction of its provenance record. Through this process it will expose the politics of erasure and hidden voices in museum collections.
The effects of beetroot and nitrate supplementation on body composition: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Afrisham Reza , Farrokhi Vida , Ghanavati Matin , Asbaghi Omid , Mohammadi Shooka , Mohammadian Mehrnaz , Taghvaei-Yazdeli Tahereh , Safaei-Kooyshahi Shayan , Jadidi Yasaman , Ashtary-Larky Damoon
Published: February 2023

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of beetroot (BR) or nitrate supplements on body composition indices. A systematic search was conducted for randomised controlled trials (RCT) published up to August 2022 among online databases including Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Embase. Meta-analyses were carried out using a random-effects model. The I2 index was used to assess the heterogeneity of RCT. A total of twelve RCT met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. The pooled effect size of included studies indicated that BR or nitrate supplementation did not change body weight (weighted mean differences (WMD): –0·14 kg, 95 % CI –1·22, 1·51; P = 0·836; I2 = 0 %), BMI (WMD: −0·07 kg/m2, 95 % CI −0·19,0·03; P = 0·174, I2 = 0 %), fat mass (WMD: –0·26 kg, 95 % CI –1·51, 0·98; P = 0·677, I2 = 0 %), waist circumference (WMD: –0·28 cm, 95 % CI –2·30, 1·74; P = 0·786, I2 = 0 %), body fat percentage (WMD: 0·18 %, 95 % CI –0·62, 0·99; P = 0·651, I2 = 0 %), fat-free mass (WMD: 0·31 kg, 95 % CI –0·31, 1·94; P = 0·703, I2 = 0 %) and waist-to-hip ratio (WMD: 0, 95 % CI –0·01, 0·02; P = 0·676, I2 = 0 %). Subgroup analyses based on trial duration, BR or nitrate dose, study design, baseline BMI and athletic status (athlete v. non-athlete) demonstrated similar results. Certainty of evidence across outcomes ranged from low to moderate. This meta-analysis study suggests that BR or nitrate supplements cannot efficiently ameliorate body composition indices regardless of supplement dosage, trial duration and athletic status.
The 1886 Southwest Railroad Strike, J. West Goodwin's Law and Order League, and the Blacklisting of Martin Irons
Authors: Pearson Chad
Published: February 2023

This article explores blacklisting practices following the massive 1886 Southwest strike staged by the Knights of Labor (KOL) against Jay Gould's railroad empire. It focuses mostly on strike leader Martin Irons and blacklisting advocate and newspaperman J. West Goodwin. The strike, which started in Sedalia, Missouri, before spreading to other states, was a disaster for the KOL. The union declined in its aftermath chiefly because of the repression unleashed by public and private forces, including businessmen-led Law and Order Leagues. After the strike, employers blacklisted many, including strike leader and Sedalia resident Martin Irons. Irons, constantly on the move, suffered from joblessness, underemployment, arrests, and broken health before he died in central Texas in 1900. Few blacklisting advocates wanted Irons to suffer more than J. West Goodwin. The Law and Order League leader and newspaperman repeatedly wrote about what he considered Martin Irons's moral lapses and shortsightedness. By focusing on Goodwin's promotion of blacklisting and Irons's post-strike struggles, this essay helps us better appreciate the underexplored dimensions of this form of punishment.
The prison-handicraft complex: Convict labour in colonial India
Authors: Yang Anand A.
Published: February 2023

Prison labour was an integral part of the penal order in colonial India in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Especially in Bengal, such coerced labour, overwhelmingly male, was increasingly deployed in handicrafts production rather than in extramural construction projects, a regimen that led to the development of a prison-handicraft complex. Colonial efforts to refine this system focused largely on increasing the severity of the conditions of incarceration and indoor work, but also on the conflicting goal of maximizing the profits of its handiwork. Prisons thus emerged as effective sites of handicrafts production, with the products of their forced labour facilitating the revival of the crafts industry whose growth is generally attributed to the rise of an international arts and crafts movement in Britain and India.
Cystic echinococcosis in donkeys in eastern Africa
Authors: Mulinge Erastus , Zeyhle Eberhard , Mbae Cecilia , Gitau Lucy , Kaburu Timothy , Magambo Japhet , Mackenstedt Ute , Romig Thomas , Kern Peter , Wassermann Marion
Published: February 2023

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is endemic in humans and domestic animals in eastern Africa. All the species of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato complex have been reported in this region except for E. equinus, possibly due to the small number of studies involving equids. This study reports the frequency of different Echinococcus species in donkeys from eastern Africa. A total of 5961 donkeys were examined during meat inspection in 3 slaughterhouses in Kenya. Identification of Echinococcus spp. was achieved through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism and sequencing of the mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene. The prevalence of CE was 5.7% (337/5961). The 263 genotyped cysts belonged to E. equinus (n = 163), E. granulosus sensu stricto (n = 70), E. canadensis (G6/7) (n = 26) and E. ortleppi (n = 4). One donkey harboured a metacestode of Spirometra theileri. All E. equinus cases, except 2, originated from southern Ethiopia, whereas the other species were more evenly distributed across the study area. Most of the cysts belonging to E. equinus were fertile (111/163), while those of the other species were non-fertile. This is the first report of Echinococcus spp. in donkeys from sub-Saharan Africa and the first confirmation of E. equinus in East Africa. The frequent fertility of E. equinus cysts in donkeys affirms their suitability as intermediate hosts of this species, while low frequency and cyst fertility suggest a marginal role of donkeys in the transmission of E. granulosus s. s., E. canadensis (G6/7) and E. ortleppi.
More industrious and less austere than expected: evidence from inventories of agricultural workers in north-eastern Catalonia (1725–1807)
Authors: Congost Rosa , Ros Rosa , Saguer Enric
Published: February 2023

This article studies the changes in ownership of real estate, livestock and objects belonging to agricultural workers in the region of Girona, north-eastern Catalonia, through the analysis of a sample of nearly one thousand postmortem inventories dated between 1725 and 1807. It shows that a sizable number of agricultural workers gained greater access to property rights in land and other means of production, as well as undeniable improvements in their consumption levels during that period. Regarding the latter point, comparisons with inventories of the lower classes in Great Britain and other areas of north-western Europe show that the differences are not nearly as radical as suggested by the stereotype often applied to Mediterranean areas. The article thus discusses the apriorisms that have led many researchers to reject the idea that an industrious revolution was possible in southern Europe, and vindicates the need to strengthen dialogue between historiographies.
SMITH AT 300: READING AND REREADING “THE CORRUPTION OF MORAL SENTIMENTS”
Authors: Liu Glory M.
Published: February 2023

“This disposition to admire, and almost to worship, the rich and the powerful, and to despise, or, at least, to neglect persons of poor and mean condition, though necessary both to establish and to maintain the distinction of ranks and the order of society, is, at the same time, the great and most universal cause of the corruption of our moral sentiments.”

TMS I.iii.3.1
Behind the scene of the prevalence of anaemia: an extended way of reporting
Authors: Rahman Sabuktagin , Shaheen Nazma
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To develop the methods for an extended reporting of anaemia and to measure the status of the key contextual underlying factors of anaemia.

Design:

Statistical appraisal of Hb v. key influencers of anaemia in Bangladesh – the intake of animal source food (ASF), concentration of Fe in the drinking groundwater (GWI) and the prevalence of congenital Hb disorder (CH) are conducted. The primary data of the National Micronutrient Survey 2011–2012 and the British Geological Survey 2001 are analysed to assess the intake of ASF and the GWI concentration, respectively. The prevalence of thalassaemia from a national survey is used to appraise the CH. ASF is evaluated relative to the 97·5th percentile intake and group scores are assigned. Association of the GWI and Hb is examined by the linear fit and the mspline fit and the group scores are allocated. Group score is allocated for the prevalence of thalassaemia. Inflammation-adjusted ferritin is considered to report Hb.

Setting:

A nationwide survey in Bangladesh.

Participants:

Preschool children (6–59 months), school-age children (6–14 years) and non-pregnant non-lactating women (NPNLW, 15–49 years).

Results:

The extended reporting to the prevalence of anaemia in Bangladeshi preschool children, school children and women is – anaemia 33 % (ASF: 2·08; GWI: 1·75; CH: 2), anaemia 19 % (ASF: 1·98; GWI: 1·56; CH: 2) and anaemia 26 % (ASF: 2·16; GWI: 1·58; CH: 2), respectively.

Conclusion:

The extended reporting of anaemia is a useful tool to understand the status of the key influencers of anaemia, to design the context-customised intervention and to monitor the intervention.
Trait variations for seed physical characteristics in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) from the Western Himalayas
Authors: Fayaz Humara , Wani Aijaz A. , Mir Asma Hamid , Khan Raheel Shafeeq , Jan Farkhanda , Yasin Mohammad , Bhat Mohd. Ashraf , Mir Reyazul Rouf
Published: February 2023

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important grain legumes after common bean. In the present study, a total of 35 chickpea genotypes including desi and Kabuli types of cultivated chickpea (C. arietinum) were evaluated for seed physical characteristics that are very important for seed storage, processing and determining seed quality traits. Therefore, it has become imperative to study the seed physical characteristics of chickpea during the present study. The analysis of data revealed that substantial variation is present among the genotypes under study with respect to seed physical characteristics such as seed size, seed volume, seed density, hydration capacity, hydration index, swelling capacity and swelling index. These traits are considered important to determine the seed rate at the time of sowing of the crop, cooking quality, storage and processing and thereby have a direct bearing on the economics of chickpea consumption. Our results indicated that the desi, Kabuli and pea-shaped genotypes differ significantly in seed physical characteristics with overall superior trait performance of the Kabuli type compared to other seed types, making them superior with respect to consumer/market demands.
RNO-G detection perspectives of binary neutron star mergers
Authors: Cataldo Maddalena ,   for the RNO-G Collaboration
Published: February 2023

The Radio Neutrino Observatory Greenland (RNO-G) is currently being deployed and it is currently gathering data. As a precursor and complementary detector to the future radio array of IceCube-Gen2 in Antarctica, it will explore mainly the Northern sky via in-ice radio detection technique. The total array configuration includes 35 radio stations and will be fully completed within three years from now. The antennas will register the radio signals produced by the Askaryan effect in cascades generated in ice by neutrinos. RNO-G’s scientific purpose is to detect UHE neutrinos at energies above 10 PeV. Due to the attenuation length of radio waves in ice (order of 1 km) the radio detection allows to address neutrino energies above several PeV. The detector will reach unprecedented sensitivity in the scale from tens of PeV up to EeV. Models predict GRBs induced by binary neutron star mergers as likely transient sources of such highly energetic neutrinos. The current study of NS-NS mergers will therefore possibly be complemented by future RNO-G detections through multimessenger temporal and spatial coincidence, including an alert system. In this presentation, we will describe the instrument capabilities and explore the possibility of detection of such sources with RNO-G.
‘It’s been quite a poor show’ – exploring whether practitioners working for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services are culturally competent to deal with the needs of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities
Authors: Faheem Afsana
Published: February 2023

Cultural competency is a core clinical skill. Yet, psychological therapists may be inadequately trained to deal with the needs of service users from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. This can lead to dissatisfaction with mental health services, disengagement from therapy, and poorer treatment outcomes when compared to the White British population. The aim of this study was to explore whether practitioners working for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services are culturally competent to deal with the needs of diverse communities. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a range of practitioners, from early career psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWPs) to senior cognitive behavioural therapists (n=16). Reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) was used to analyse the data, guided by a six-phase process to produce a robust pattern-based analysis. Overall, three themes were generated: (1) encountering cultural dissonance within therapy; (2) challenges in making cultural adaptations to therapy; and (3) identifying cultural competency needs. Out of sixteen participants, only nine therapists received one-day formal training throughout their therapeutic career, whilst seven reported receiving no cultural competence training at all. Overall, it appears that there is an urgent need and desire for therapists to be offered cultural competency training so that they can better serve BAME communities. Clinical implications and future recommendations are made.

Key learning aims

(1)

To briefly introduce cross-cultural theoretical models that may assist mental health professionals to think critically about Western notions of therapy and whether they are suited to the needs of ethnic minority communities.

(2)

To consider challenges IAPT practitioners encounter during therapy and identify examples of good practice.

(3)

To explore to what extent IAPT practitioners feel culturally competent to deal with the needs of BAME communities.

(4)

To encourage IAPT services and decision makers (e.g. training bodies and commissioners) to enhance cultural competence training so that practitioners can better serve ethnic minority communities.
Tolerance of muscadine grape to 2,4-D choline postemergence-directed
Authors: Sims Kira C. , Mitchem Wayne E. , Jennings Katherine M. , Monks David W. , Jordan David L. , Hoffmann Mark
Published: February 2023

Field studies were conducted in commercial muscadine vineyards in western North Carolina in 2018 and eastern North Carolina in 2019, 2020, and 2021 to determine tolerance of younger (< 9 yr) and older (≥ 9 yr) bearing muscadine grapevines to 2,4-D directed beneath the crop postemergence (POST). Treatments included 2,4-D choline at 0, 0.53, 1.06, 1.60, and 2.13 kg ae ha−1 applied as a single treatment in May or June (spring) at immediate pre-bloom, and sequential treatments at 0.53 followed by (fb) 0.53, 1.06 fb 1.06, 1.6 fb 1.6, or 2.13 fb 2.13 kg ha−1. The first sequential treatment was applied in spring fb another application of the same amount in July (summer) at pre-veraison. No differences in injury on muscadine grapevines were observed from 2,4-D treatments. Differences among treatments were not observed for yield of younger vines. However, for older vines, a difference due to 2,4-D rate was observed in 2018, when yield was higher when 2,4-D was applied at 1.6 kg ha−1 compared with nontreated grapevines, and when 2,4-D was applied at 0.53 and 2.13 kg ha−1. A rate-by-timing interaction was observed in 2019 when yield was lower from 0.53 kg ha−1 2,4-D summer application compared with all other summer treatments but similar to the nontreated. However, no biological pattern was observed from either of these differences. No differences among treatments were observed for fruit pH, titratable acidity, or soluble solid content of either younger or older vines.
Transplant broccoli and collard response to the residual activity of glyphosate applied preplant
Authors: Wright-Smith Hannah E. , Culpepper A. Stanley , Randell-Singleton Taylor M. , Vance Jenna C.
Published: February 2023

Cole crops including broccoli and collard contribute more than $119 million to Georgia’s farm gate value yearly. To ensure maximum profitability, these crops must be planted into weed-free fields. Glyphosate is a tool often used to help achieve this goal because of its broad-spectrum activity on weeds coupled with the knowledge that it poses no threat to the succeeding crop when used as directed. However, recent research suggests that with certain soil textures and production systems, the residual soil activity of glyphosate may damage some crops. Therefore, field experiments were conducted in fall 2019 and 2020 to evaluate transplanted broccoli and collard response to glyphosate applied preplant onto bare soil and what practical mitigation measures could be implemented to reduce crop injury. Herbicide treatments consisted oGf 0, 2.5, or 5 kg ae ha−1 glyphosate applied preplant followed by 1) no mitigation measure, 2) tillage, 3) irrigation, or 4) tillage and irrigation prior to transplanting broccoli and collard by hand. When no mitigation was implemented, the residual activity of glyphosate at 2.5 and 5.0 kg ae ha−1 resulted in 43% to 71% and 79% to 93% injury to broccoli and collard transplants, respectively. This resulted in a 35% to 50% reduction in broccoli marketable head weights and 63% to 71% reduction in collard leaf weights. Irrigation reduced visible damage by 28% to 48%, whereas tillage reduced injury by 43% to 76%, for both crops. Irrigation alleviated yield losses for broccoli but only tillage eliminated yield loss for both crops. Care must be taken when transplanting broccoli and collard into a field recently treated with glyphosate at rates ≥2.5 kg ae ha−1. Its residual activity can damage transplants with injury levels influenced by glyphosate rate, and tillage or irrigation after application and prior to planting.
Multiproxy Reconstructions of Integral Energy Spectra for Extreme Solar Particle Events of 7176 BCE, 660 BCE, 775 CE, and 994 CE
Authors: Koldobskiy Sergey , Mekhaldi Florian , Kovaltsov Gennady , Usoskin Ilya
Published: February 2023

Extreme solar particle events (ESPEs) are rare and the most potent known processes of solar eruptive activity. During ESPEs, a vast amount of cosmogenic isotopes (CIs) 10Be, 36Cl, and 14C can be produced in the Earth's atmosphere and deposited in natural stratified archives. Accordingly, CI measurements in these archives allow us to evaluate particle fluxes during ESPEs. In this work, we present a new method of ESPE fluence (integral flux) reconstruction based on state‐of‐the‐art modeling advances, allowing to fit together different CI data within one model. We represent the ESPE fluence as an ensemble of scaled fluence reconstructions for ground‐level enhancement (GLE) events registered by the neutron monitor network since 1956 coupled with satellite and ionospheric measurements data. Reconstructed ESPE fluences appear softer in its spectral shape than earlier estimates, leading to significantly higher estimates of the low‐energy (E < 100 MeV) fluence. This makes ESPEs even more dangerous for modern technological systems than previously believed. Reconstructed ESPE fluences are fitted with a modified Band function, which eases the use of obtained results in different applications.
Salmonella Typhimurium expressing chromosomally integrated Schistosoma mansoni Cathepsin B protects against schistosomiasis in mice
Authors: Hassan Adam S. , Houle Sébastien , Labrie Lydia , Perera Dilhan J. , Dozois Charles M. , Ward Brian J. , Ndao Momar
Published: February 2023

Schistosomiasis threatens hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The larval stage of Schistosoma mansoni migrates through the lung and adult worms reside adjacent to the colonic mucosa. Several candidate vaccines are in preclinical development, but none is designed to elicit both systemic and mucosal responses. We have repurposed an attenuated Salmonella enterica Typhimurium strain (YS1646) to express Cathepsin B (CatB), a digestive enzyme important for the juvenile and adult stages of the S. mansoni life cycle. Previous studies have demonstrated the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of our plasmid-based vaccine. Here, we have generated chromosomally integrated (CI) YS1646 strains that express CatB to produce a viable candidate vaccine for eventual human use (stability, no antibiotic resistance). 6–8-week-old C57BL/6 mice were vaccinated in a multimodal oral (PO) and intramuscular (IM) regimen, and then sacrificed 3 weeks later. The PO + IM group had significantly higher anti-CatB IgG titers with greater avidity and mounted significant intestinal anti-CatB IgA responses compared to PBS control mice (all P < 0.0001). Multimodal vaccination generated balanced TH1/TH2 humoral and cellular immune responses. Production of IFNγ by both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was confirmed by flow cytometry (P < 0.0001 & P < 0.01). Multimodal vaccination reduced worm burden by 80.4%, hepatic egg counts by 75.2%, and intestinal egg burden by 78.4% (all P < 0.0001). A stable and safe vaccine that has both prophylactic and therapeutic activity would be ideal for use in conjunction with praziquantel mass treatment campaigns.
A neurodevelopmental epigenetic programme mediated by SMARCD3–DAB1–Reelin signalling is hijacked to promote medulloblastoma metastasis
Authors: Zou Han , Poore Bradley , Brown Emily E. , Qian Jieqi , Xie Bin , Asimakidou Evridiki , Razskazovskiy Vladislav , Ayrapetian Deanna , Sharma Vaibhav , Xia Shunjin , Liu Fei , Chen Apeng , Guan Yongchang , Li Zhengwei , Wanggou Siyi , Saulnier Olivier , Ly Michelle , Fellows-Mayle Wendy , Xi Guifa , Tomita Tadanori , Resnick Adam C. , Mack Stephen C. , Raabe Eric H. , Eberhart Charles G. , Sun Dandan , Stronach Beth E. , Agnihotri Sameer , Kohanbash Gary , Lu Songjian , Herrup Karl , Rich Jeremy N. , Gittes George K. , Broniscer Alberto , Hu Zhongliang , Li Xuejun , Pollack Ian F. , Friedlander Robert M. , Hainer Sarah J. , Taylor Michael D. , Hu Baoli
Published: February 2023

How abnormal neurodevelopment relates to the tumour aggressiveness of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common type of embryonal tumour, remains elusive. Here we uncover a neurodevelopmental epigenomic programme that is hijacked to induce MB metastatic dissemination. Unsupervised analyses of integrated publicly available datasets with our newly generated data reveal that SMARCD3 (also known as BAF60C) regulates Disabled 1 (DAB1)-mediated Reelin signalling in Purkinje cell migration and MB metastasis by orchestrating cis-regulatory elements at the DAB1 locus. We further identify that a core set of transcription factors, enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) and nuclear factor I X (NFIX), coordinates with the cis-regulatory elements at the SMARCD3 locus to form a chromatin hub to control SMARCD3 expression in the developing cerebellum and in metastatic MB. Increased SMARCD3 expression activates Reelin–DAB1-mediated Src kinase signalling, which results in a MB response to Src inhibition. These data deepen our understanding of how neurodevelopmental programming influences disease progression and provide a potential therapeutic option for patients with MB.
Russian nuclear energy diplomacy and its implications for energy security in the context of the war in Ukraine
Authors: Szulecki Kacper , Overland Indra
Published: February 2023

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the possibility of reducing Europe’s energy dependence on Russian resources has been hotly debated. The fossil fuel industries received most attention as European Union leaders first introduced gradual sanctions on Russian coal and later on oil and gas, while Russia responded with supply cuts. However, Russia’s role as a major player in the global nuclear power sector has remained largely below the sanctions radar, despite dependencies on Russian nuclear technology, uranium supplies and handling of spent nuclear fuel. Here we analyse the state nuclear company Rosatom and its subsidiaries as tools of Russian energy statecraft. We map the company’s global portfolio, then categorize countries where Russia is active according to the degree and intensity of dependence. We offer a taxonomy of long-term energy dependencies, highlighting specific security risks associated with each of them. We conclude that the war and Russia’s actions in the energy sector will undermine Rosatom’s position in Europe and damage its reputation as a reliable supplier, but its global standing may remain strong.
Development of controlled nanosphere lithography technology
Authors: Osipov Artem A. , Gagaeva Alina E. , Speshilova Anastasiya B. , Endiiarova Ekaterina V. , Bespalova Polina G. , Osipov Armenak A. , Belyanov Ilya A. , Tyurikov Kirill S. , Tyurikova Irina A. , Alexandrov Sergey E.
Published: February 2023

This work is devoted to the development of nanosphere lithography (NSL) technology, which is a low-cost and efficient method to form nanostructures for nanoelectronics, as well as optoelectronic, plasmonic and photovoltaic applications. Creating a nanosphere mask by spin-coating is a promising, but not sufficiently studied method, requiring a large experimental base for different sizes of nanospheres. So, in this work, we investigated the influence of the technological parameters of NSL by spin-coating on the substrate coverage area by a monolayer of nanospheres with a diameter of 300 nm. It was found that the coverage area increases with decreasing spin speed and time, isopropyl and propylene glycol content, and with increasing the content of nanospheres in solution. Moreover, the process of controllably reducing the size of nanospheres in inductively coupled oxygen plasma was studied in detail. It was determined that increasing the oxygen flow rate from 9 to 15 sccm does not change the polystyrene etching rate, whereas changing the high-frequency power from 250 to 500 W increases the etching rate and allows us to control the decreasing diameter with high accuracy. Based on the experimental data, the optimal technological parameters of NSL were selected and the nanosphere mask on Si substrate was created with coverage area of 97.8% and process reproducibility of 98.6%. Subsequently reducing the nanosphere diameter lets us obtain nanoneedles of various sizes, which can be used in field emission cathodes. In this work, the reduction of nanosphere size, silicon etching, and removal of polystyrene residues occurred in unified continuous process of plasma etching without sample unloading to atmosphere.
New evidence on the rural poverty and energy choice relationship
Authors: Di Falco Salvatore , Lynam Gary
Published: February 2023

We combine a global micro level dataset that includes 17 different rural Sub-Saharan countries with satellite information about precipitation during the growing season to estimate the impact of economic conditions on energy choice. Differently from the existing literature, we aim to causally estimate the impact of household welfare variation on the likelihood of choosing a specific energy source. It is found, consistent with theory, that increases in income do determine an increase in the likelihood of using relatively cleaner and more efficient sources of fuel. We find, however, that this impact is quantitatively very small. Results hold conditional on assets, wealth and a large battery of controls and fixed effects. Policy implications are developed.
Nine patients with KCNQ2-related neonatal seizures and functional studies of two missense variants
Authors: Chokvithaya Suphalak , Caengprasath Natarin , Buasong Aayalida , Jantasuwan Supavadee , Santawong Kanokwan , Leela-adisorn Netchanok , Tongkobpetch Siraprapa , Ittiwut Chupong , Saengow Vitchayaporn Emarach , Kamolvisit Wuttichart , Boonsimma Ponghatai , Bongsebandhu-phubhakdi Saknan , Shotelersuk Vorasuk
Published: February 2023

Mutations in KCNQ2 encoding for voltage-gated K channel subunits underlying the neuronal M-current have been associated with infantile-onset epileptic disorders. The clinical spectrum ranges from self-limited neonatal seizures to epileptic encephalopathy and delayed development. Mutations in KCNQ2 could be either gain- or loss-of-function which require different therapeutic approaches. To better understand genotype–phenotype correlation, more reports of patients and their mutations with elucidated molecular mechanism are needed. We studied 104 patients with infantile-onset pharmacoresistant epilepsy who underwent exome or genome sequencing. Nine patients with neonatal-onset seizures from unrelated families were found to harbor pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in the KCNQ2 gene. The p.(N258K) was recently reported, and p. (G279D) has never been previously reported. Functional effect of p.(N258K) and p.(G279D) has never been previously studied. The cellular localization study demonstrated that the surface membrane expression of Kv7.2 carrying either variant was decreased. Whole-cell patch-clamp analyses revealed that both variants significantly impaired Kv7.2 M-current amplitude and density, conductance depolarizing shift in voltage dependence of activation, membrane resistance, and membrane time constant (Tau), indicating a loss-of-function in both the homotetrameric and heterotetrameric with Kv7.3 channels. In addition, both variants exerted dominant-negative effects in heterotetrameric with Kv7.3 channels. This study expands the mutational spectrum of KCNQ2- related epilepsy and their functional consequences provide insights into their pathomechanism.
Sodium benzoate attenuates 2,8-dihydroxyadenine nephropathy by inhibiting monocyte/macrophage TNF-α expression
Authors: Oshima Yoichi , Wakino Shu , Kanda Takeshi , Tajima Takaya , Itoh Tomoaki , Uchiyama Kiyotaka , Yoshimoto Keiko , Sasabe Jumpei , Yasui Masato , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

Sodium benzoate (SB), a known D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) enzyme inhibitor, has an anti-inflammatory effect, although its role in renal damage has not been explored. 2,8-dihydroxyadenine crystal induced chronic kidney disease, in which TNF-α is involved in the pathogenesis, was established by oral adenine administration in C57BL/6JJcl mice (AdCKD) with or without SB to investigate its renal protective effects. SB significantly attenuated AdCKD by decreasing serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, and kidney interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores. The survival of AdCKD mice improved 2.6-fold by SB administration. SB significantly decreased the number of infiltrating macrophages observed in the positive F4/80 immunohistochemistry area and reduced the expression of macrophage markers and inflammatory genes, including TNF-α, in the kidneys of AdCKD. Human THP-1 cells stimulated with either lipopolysaccharide or TNF-α showed increased expression of inflammatory genes, although this was significantly reduced by SB, confirming the anti-inflammatory effects of SB. SB exhibited renal protective effects in AdCKD in DAO enzyme deficient mice, suggesting that anti-inflammatory effect of SB was independent of DAO enzyme activity. Moreover, binding to motif DNA sequence, protein level, and mRNA level of NF-κB RelB were significantly inhibited by SB in AdCKD kidneys and lipopolysaccharide treated THP-1 cells, respectively. We report that anti-inflammatory property of SB is independent of DAO enzymatic activity and is associated with down regulated NF-κB RelB as well as its downstream inflammatory genes such as TNF-α in AdCKD.
Structural basis for the toxic activity of MafB2 from maf genomic island 2 (MGI-2) in N. meningitidis B16B6
Authors: Park So Hyeon , Jeong Sun Ju , Ha Sung Chul
Published: February 2023

The Maf polymorphic toxin system is involved in conflict between strains found in pathogenic Neisseria species such as Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The genes encoding the Maf polymorphic toxin system are found in specific genomic islands called maf genomic islands (MGIs). In the MGIs, the MafB and MafI encode toxin and immunity proteins, respectively. Although the C-terminal region of MafB (MafB-CT) is specific for toxic activity, the underlying enzymatic activity that renders MafB-CT toxic is unknown in many MafB proteins due to lack of homology with domain of known function. Here we present the crystal structure of the MafB2-CTMGI-2B16B6/MafI2MGI-2B16B6 complex from N. meningitidis B16B6. MafB2-CTMGI-2B16B6 displays an RNase A fold similar to mouse RNase 1, although the sequence identity is only ~ 14.0%. MafB2-CTMGI-2B16B6 forms a 1:1 complex with MafI2MGI-2B16B6 with a Kd value of ~ 40 nM. The complementary charge interaction of MafI2MGI-2B16B6 with the substrate binding surface of MafB2-CTMGI-2B16B6 suggests that MafI2MGI-2B16B6 inhibits MafB2-CTMGI-2B16B6 by blocking access of RNA to the catalytic site. An in vitro enzymatic assay showed that MafB2-CTMGI-2B16B6 has ribonuclease activity. Mutagenesis and cell toxicity assays demonstrated that His335, His402 and His409 are important for the toxic activity of MafB2-CTMGI-2B16B6, suggesting that these residues are critical for its ribonuclease activity. These data provide structural and biochemical evidence that the origin of the toxic activity of MafB2MGI-2B16B6 is the enzymatic activity degrading ribonucleotides.
MRI-based deep learning can discriminate between temporal lobe epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and healthy controls
Authors: Chang Allen J. , Roth Rebecca , Bougioukli Eleni , Ruber Theodor , Keller Simon S. , Drane Daniel L. , Gross Robert E. , Welsh James , Abrol Anees , Calhoun Vince , Karakis Ioannis , Kaestner Erik , Weber Bernd , McDonald Carrie , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Bonilha Leonardo ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2023

Background

Radiological identification of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. TLE neuroimaging abnormalities are pervasive at the group level, but they can be subtle and difficult to identify by visual inspection of individual scans, prompting applications of artificial intelligence (AI) assisted technologies.

Method

We assessed the ability of a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm to classify TLE vs. patients with AD vs. healthy controls using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. We used feature visualization techniques to identify regions the CNN employed to differentiate disease types.

Results

We show the following classification results: healthy control accuracy = 81.54% (SD = 1.77%), precision = 0.81 (SD = 0.02), recall = 0.85 (SD = 0.03), and F1-score = 0.83 (SD = 0.02); TLE accuracy = 90.45% (SD = 1.59%), precision = 0.86 (SD = 0.03), recall = 0.86 (SD = 0.04), and F1-score = 0.85 (SD = 0.04); and AD accuracy = 88.52% (SD = 1.27%), precision = 0.64 (SD = 0.05), recall = 0.53 (SD = 0.07), and F1 score = 0.58 (0.05). The high accuracy in identification of TLE was remarkable, considering that only 47% of the cohort had deemed to be lesional based on MRI alone. Model predictions were also considerably better than random permutation classifications (p < 0.01) and were independent of age effects.

Conclusions

AI (CNN deep learning) can classify and distinguish TLE, underscoring its potential utility for future computer-aided radiological assessments of epilepsy, especially for patients who do not exhibit easily identifiable TLE associated MRI features (e.g., hippocampal sclerosis).
Problems in applying Soft OR methods to climate actions: lessons from two cases of governmental use
Authors: Leong Ching , Soon Damien W. X. , Ong Corinne , Howlett Michael
Published: February 2023

The field of Soft Operational Research (Soft OR) has emerged from the attempt to address contextually rich, multi-actor ‘wicked’ problems that are not amenable to traditional ‘hard’ operational research techniques, which often rely on mathematical modelling. This study assesses the use of Soft OR techniques in climate change policymaking. Since climate change problems are classical wicked problems, many assume that Soft OR would be in high demand in developing climate change policy. And the review of the use of these techniques conducted here does find that in the cases where Soft OR methods have been used by academics and other non-governmental actors, they have consistently provided useful results for policymaking. It is puzzling therefore that there is little evidence of governments using Soft OR application in this area. We study two cases of explicit (in Bristol UK) and implicit use (Rhode Island, US) of such techniques by governments to explain why this is so. We argue that notwithstanding the challenges the two cases reveal in their application, Soft OR nevertheless has much to offer policymakers in the arena of climate change policymaking and deserve more attention and use.
Hydrogel mechanics regulate fibroblast DNA methylation and chromatin condensation
Authors: Sumey Jenna L. , Johnston Peyton C. , Harrell Abigail M. , Caliari Steven R.
Published: February 2023

We engineered a hydrogel platform matching either normal or diseased lung tissue mechanics and tracked time-dependent changes in fibroblast DNA methylation and chromatin condensation in response to both static and dynamic mechanical cues.
Theoretical analysis of electrochromism of Ni-deficient nickel oxide – from bulk to surfaces
Authors: Pašti Igor A. , Dobrota Ana S. , Migas Dmitri B. , Johansson Börje , Skorodumova Natalia V.
Published: February 2023

A novel mechanism of NiO electrochromic response is proposed, suggesting the tuning of the electronic structure upon reduction as responsible for color change.
Visible light-induced cascadeN-alkylation/amidation reaction of quinazolin-4(3H)-ones and related N-heterocycles
Authors: Mai Jiexiong , Huang Ziwei , Lv Shaohuan , Chen Quan , Chen Rongrong , Xie Feng , Wang Jun , Li Bin
Published: February 2023

An efficient and visible light-promoted cascadeN-alkylation/amidation of quinazolin-4(3H)-ones with benzyl halides with an important role of K2CO3has been described for the first time to provide a convenient access to quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones.
Synthesis of fluoro- and seleno-containing d-lactose and d-galactose analogues
Authors: Romanò Cecilia , Bengtsson Dennis , Infantino Angela Simona , Oscarson Stefan
Published: February 2023

To allow interaction studies using both 77Se and 19F-NMR, doubly Se/F-substituted compounds were synthesised. Interglycosidic seleno-linkages were formed by reactions between glycosyl selenoates, obtained from selenouronium salts, and triflates.
WOx/ZrOx functionalised periodic mesoporous organosilicas as water-tolerant catalysts for carboxylic acid esterification
Authors: dos Santos-Durndell Vannia C. , Durndell Lee J. , Isaacs Mark A. , Lee Adam F. , Wilson Karen
Published: February 2023

Kicking out water: optimising the interaction between support hydrophobicity and surface acid sites in WOx/ZrOx/PMO catalysts unlocks an efficient route for the upgrading of low-quality waste bio-oil feedstocks to biodiesel.
Improved reversibility of lithium deposition and stripping with high areal capacity under practical conditions through enhanced wettability of the polyolefin separator to highly concentrated electrolytes
Authors: Ugata Yosuke , Motoki Chihaya , Nishikawa Satoshi , Yabuuchi Naoaki
Published: February 2023

Highly concentrated electrolytes (HCEs) have attracted great interest as electrolyte candidates for Li metal batteries because of their functionalities in improving the reversibility and cycling performance of the Li metal negative electrode.
Multifunctional anthraquinone-sulfonic potassium salts passivate the buried interface for efficient and stable planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Hu Yanqiang , Xu Zong , Wang Zhi , Zhou Yifan , Song Wenwu , Gao Yushuang , Sun Guangping , Sun Tongming , Zhang Shufang , Tang Yanfeng
Published: February 2023

A novel interfacial design is reported to improve the photovoltaic performance of SnO2-based planar perovskite solar cells.
Proton-donating and chemistry-dependent buffering capability of amino acids for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Brown John , Grimaud Alexis
Published: February 2023

Amino acids can act as proton donors and have sufficient buffering action to sustain H3O+ reduction at large current density. However, the buffering capacity is dependent on the proximity of the isoelectric point (pI) and buffering pKa.
Emerging trends in the sustainable synthesis of N–N bond bearing organic scaffolds
Authors: Panjacharam Paranimuthu , Ulabala Vijayasree , Jayakumar Jyothylakshmi , Rajasekhara Reddy Sabbasani
Published: February 2023

The recent advances in the construction of N–N bond from primary and secondary amines via direct oxidation method, is an interest of both academia and industry for preparing the organic frameworks such as azos, hydrazines, indazoles and triazoles.
Indium-promoted butenolide synthesis through consecutive C–C and C–O bond formations in aqueous tetrahydrofuran enabled by radicals
Authors: Yanai Hikaru , Rosa Márquez M. , Cembellín Sara , del Campo Teresa Martínez , Almendros Pedro
Published: February 2023

A sustainable approach (with water under ambient conditions, an air- and moisture-stable non-toxic metal, and purification by crystallization) for the synthesis of γ-methylenebutenolides has been developed.
Interpretation of Misarticulated Words by Children With and Without Speech Sound Disorders
Authors: Krueger Breanna I. , Beers Hally , Frankenberry Jacob
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Children with speech sound disorders (SSDs) often struggle with forming early representations for phonemes and words, which could impact their speech production as well as their lexical access. This difficulty may limit their ability to accurately identify nonexemplar productions of words, such as developmental misarticulations produced by peers. The purpose of this study was to examine word interpretation of misarticulated words by children with SSD.

Method:

Seventeen monolingual English-speaking preschoolers were assessed for language, phonological processing, and articulation skills. Participants heard three types of words: accurate productions (e.g., “leaf”), common misarticulated productions (e.g., “weaf”), uncommon misarticulated productions (e.g., “yeaf”), and unrelated nonwords (e.g., “gim”). Children were presented with these words aurally and asked to select the picture that matched what they heard—either a real object or a blank square.

Results:

The proportion of real object picture selections was calculated for each word type and compared within subjects. The findings indicate that children with SSD reliably associated common misarticulated words with pictured objects more frequently than they did in the uncommon misarticulation condition. These results were compared between subjects to typically developing (TD) peers' responses using a one-way analysis of variance. The results indicate that children with SSD identified common substitutions as real object pictures more often than TD peers.

Conclusion:

The results of this study suggest that children with SSD are sensitive to the commonness of misarticulations; however, they accept common substitutions as real object pictures significantly more often than TD peers.
Constraining dark matter decay with cosmic microwave background and weak-lensing shear observations
Authors: Bucko Jozef , Giri Sambit K. , Schneider Aurel
Published: February 2023

From observations at low and high redshifts, it is well known that the bulk of dark matter (DM) has to be stable or at least very long-lived. However, the possibility that a small fraction of DM is unstable or that all DM decays with a half-life time (τ) significantly longer than the age of the Universe is not ruled out. One-body decaying dark matter (DDM) consists of a minimal extension to the ΛCDM model. It causes a modification of the cosmic growth history as well as a suppression of the small-scale clustering signal, providing interesting consequences regarding theS8tension, which is the observed difference in the clustering amplitude between weak-lensing (WL) and cosmic microwave background (CMB) observations. In this paper, we investigate models in which a fraction or all DM decays into radiation, focusing on the long-lived regime, that is,τ ≳ H0−1(H0−1being the Hubble time). We used WL data from the Kilo-Degree Survey (KiDS) and CMB data fromPlanck. First, we confirm that this DDM model cannot alleviate theS8difference. We then show that the most constraining power for DM decay does not come from the nonlinear WL data, but from CMB via the integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect. From the CMB data alone, we obtain constraints ofτ ≥ 288 Gyr if all DM is assumed to be unstable, and we show that a maximum fraction off = 0.07 is allowed to decay assuming the half-life time to be comparable to (or shorter than) one Hubble time. The constraints from the KiDS-1000 WL data are significantly weaker,τ ≥ 60 Gyr andf < 0.34. Combining the CMB and WL data does not yield tighter constraints than the CMB alone, except for short half-life times, for which the maximum allowed fraction becomesf = 0.03. All limits are provided at the 95% confidence level.