bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TGF‐β/Smads signaling pathway, Hippo‐YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, and VEGF: Their mechanisms and roles in vascular remodeling related diseases
Authors: Liu Hui , Sun Mingyue , Wu Nan , Liu Bin , Liu Qingxin , Fan Xueli
Published: November 2023

Vascular remodeling is a basic pathological process in various diseases characterized by abnormal changes in the morphology, structure, and function of vascular cells, such as migration, proliferation, hypertrophy, and apoptosis. Various growth factors and pathways are involved in the process of vascular remodeling. The transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling pathway, which is mainly mediated by TGF‐β1, is an important factor in vascular wall enhancement during vascular development and regulates the vascular response to injury by promoting the accumulation of intimal tissue. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has an important effect on initiating the formation of blood vessels. The Hippo‐YAP/TAZ signaling pathway also plays an important role in angiogenesis. In addition, studies have shown that there is a certain interaction between the TGF‐β/Smads signaling pathway, Hippo‐YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, and VEGF. Many studies have shown that in the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, aneurysm, vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia, pulmonary hypertension, restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and other diseases, various inflammatory reactions lead to changes in vascular structure and vascular microenvironment, which leads to vascular remodeling. The occurrence of vascular remodeling changes the morphology of blood vessels and thus changes the hemodynamics, which is the cause of further development of the disease process. Vascular remodeling can cause vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction and vascular homeostasis regulation. This review aims to explore the mechanisms of the TGF‐β/Smads signaling pathway, Hippo‐YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, and vascular endothelial growth factor in vascular remodeling and related diseases. This paper is expected to provide new ideas for research on the occurrence and development of related diseases and provide a new direction for research on the treatment of related diseases.
A multicenter analysis on the changes of sIgE in China during the early period of COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Li Yunzhu , Li Linfeng
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aims to analyze the changes in allergen composition ratio during the early stages of the COVID‐19 outbreak in China and analyze the underlying factors contributing to these alterations.

Methods

A multicenter study approach was employed. A total of 618 male and female patients (0–89 years old) were recruited from the dermatology, pediatrics, and allergy departments of 17 hospitals across 15 Chinese cities between January 2020 and June 2021. Serum samples were collected and subjected to allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) detection using the reversed enzyme allegro‐sorbent test. The allergens included Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pteronyssinus), Dermatophagoides farina (D. farina), Ambrosia artemisiifolia (A. artemisiifolia), Salix babylonica (S. babylonica), dog dander, alternaria, cockroach, Artemisia argyi (A. argyi), cat dander, house dust, milk, hen's egg, mutton, cod, peanut, beef, soybean, shrimp, crab, and wheat. Each participant was required to exhibit at least one positive sIgE detection result (≥0.35 IU/mL). The chi‐square test was used to analyze the differences between groups.

Results

The positive sIgE proportion of inhalation allergens were significantly lower than that of ingestion allergens. As restrictions on outdoor activities and seafood imports persisted, the positive sIgE proportion of wheat and shrimp exhibited a significant decrease in the spring of 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. Conversely, there was a substantial increase in the positive proportion of crab. The fluctuation in the ratio of D. pteronyssinus and D. farina appeared to be influenced more by seasonal factors rather than the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, no noteworthy disparities were observed in the proportions of other allergens.

Conclusion

The alterations in allergen composition during the initial phase of the epidemic may be attributed to several factors, such as decreased travel, increased mask usage, reduced carbohydrate consumption, and changes in seafood consumption. However, factors such as season, cultural practices, and customs may also influence the composition of allergens.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors signature reveal the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma energy metabolism phenotype and clinical outcome
Authors: Yao Yuan , Wang Di , Zhang Yu , Tang Qiaofei , Xu Zhi , Qin Lingshan , Qu Yonggang , Yan Zhiyong
Published: November 2023

Background

Peroxisome proliferator activating receptors (PPARs) are important regulators of nuclear hormone receptor function, and they play a key role in biological processes such as lipid metabolism, inflammation and cell proliferation. However, their role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is unclear.

Methods

We used multiple datasets, including TCGA‐HNSC, GSE41613, GSE139324, PRJEB23709 and IMVigor, to perform a comprehensive analysis of PPAR‐related genes in HNSC. Single‐cell sequencing data were preprocessed using Seurat packets, and intercellular communication was analyzed using CellChat packets. Functional enrichment analysis of PPAR‐related genes was performed using ClusterProfile and GSEA. Prognostic models were constructed using LASSO and Cox regression models, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed using human protein mapping (The Human Protein Atlas).

Results

Our single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed distinct cell populations in HNSC, with T cells having the most significant transcriptome differences between tumors and normal tissues. The PPAR features were higher in most cell types in tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. We identified 17 PPAR‐associated differentially expressed genes between tumors and normal tissues. A prognostic model based on seven PPAR‐associated genes was constructed with high accuracy in predicting 1, 2 and 3 year survival in patients with HNSC. In addition, patients with a low risk score had a higher immune score and a higher proportion of T cells, CD8+ T cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes. They also showed higher immune checkpoint gene expression, suggesting that they might benefit from immunotherapy. PPAR‐related genes were found to be closely related to energy metabolism.

Conclusions

Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of PPAR related genes in HNSC. The identified PPAR features and constructed prognostic models may serve as potential biomarkers for HNSC prognosis and treatment response. In addition, our study found that PPAR‐related genes can differentiate energy metabolism and distinguish energy metabolic heterogeneity in HNSC, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of HNSC progression and therapeutic response.
How and when abusive supervision leads to recovery activities: The recovery paradox and the conservation of resources perspectives
Authors: Tu Min‐Hsuan , Chi Nai‐Wen
Published: November 2023

Decades of research have shown that abusive supervision hurts employees' well‐being. However, little is known about whether employees can recover from abuse during their leisure time. Building on the perspective of recovery paradox and the conservation of resources (COR) theory, we theorize that as an intense social stressor, daily abusive supervision depletes employees' resources and triggers their need for recovery, which in turn reduces physical and social recovery activities but increases low‐effort activities. We also propose that employees' extraversion influence employees' choices of recovery activities when facing a paradoxical recovery situation (i.e., feeling too exhausted to engage in active recovery activities. To test our hypotheses, we employed the experience sampling method to collect 1511 daily responses from 203 full‐time employees. The results of the multilevel path analyses indicated that (a) abusive supervision increased employees' need for recovery, which in turn increased next‐day positive moods via facilitating low‐effort activities, and reduced next‐day positive moods via inhibiting social activities; and (b) these indirect effects were strengthened for employees with lower (vs. higher) extraversion. Theoretical and practical implications are further discussed.
Enhancing growth, quality, and metabolism of nitrogen of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) by high red–blue light intensity
Authors: Chen Yanqi , Liu Jiayuan , Liu Wenke
Published: November 2023

Background

In countries characterized by limited per capita arable land and grassland, agricultural development is hindered by insufficient forage productivity. The plant factory with artificial light (PFAL) system has emerged as a highly efficient approach to address this challenge by cultivating forage on finite land resources. In the PFAL framework, the regulation of light intensity plays a critical role in determining both the yield and quality of cultivated plants.

Aims

This study seeks to delve into the optimal range of light intensity for achieving high efficiency and quality in the production of alfalfa in the PFAL. Additionally, it seeks to explore the effects of light intensity on nitrogen metabolism, as well as the accumulation and metabolism of amino acid in alfalfa.

Methods

To achieve these objectives, alfalfa was sown and subjected to five treatments involving red and blue LED light in a 4:1 ratio. The light intensities used were 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 µmol m–2 s−1, respectively. The alfalfa plants were then harvested at intervals of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 days. The quality and nitrogen metabolisms of alfalfa during this period were assessed by evaluating the plant's growth performance and determining the optimal cutting time.

Conclusion

In summary, high‐light intensity (400–600 µmol m−2 s−1) improved alfalfa yield and quality, while also promoting nitrogen and amino acid metabolism. Photon flux density at 400–500 µmol m−2 s−1 light intensity for a duration of 30 days was identified as the optimal condition for PFAL alfalfa production.
Variability in Minimal Clinically Important Difference Calculation and Reporting in the Otolaryngology Literature
Authors: Tripathi Siddhant H. , Min Susie , Cody Alexander S. , Shukla Geet , Houssein Firas A. , Howard John S. , Hu Alex , Previtera Melissa J. , Phillips Katie M. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Best practices for calculation of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of outcome measures include the use of complementary methodologies (broadly classified as anchor‐based and distribution‐based) and reporting of the MCID's predictive ability. We sought to determine MCID calculation and reporting patterns within the otolaryngology literature.

Methods

A systematic search strategy of Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases was developed and implemented to identify studies reporting the determination of an MCID for an outcome measure. Studies specifically within the otolaryngology literature (defined as journals classified as “otorhinolaryngology” in the Journal Citation Reports database) were included. All those journals were additionally searched for relevant articles.

Results

There were 35 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Of these studies, 88.6% reported MCID of a patient‐reported outcome measure and the remainder were for objective outcome measurements. Anchor‐based methods were used by 82.9% of studies and distribution‐based methods were used by 68.6% of studies. Of all studies, 31.4% utilized anchor‐based methods alone, 17.1% utilized distribution‐based methods alone, and 51.4% used both methods. Only 25.7% of studies reported the sensitivity (median: 60.8%, range: 40.5%–86.7%) and specificity (median: 80.4%, range: 63.5%–88.0%) of the MCID to detect patients experiencing clinically important change.

Conclusion

Deviation from best practices in MCID calculation and reporting exists within the otolaryngology literature, with almost half of all studies only using one method of MCID calculation and almost three‐quarters not reporting the predictive ability (sensitivity/specificity) of the calculated MCID. When predictive ability is reported, however, MCIDs appear to be more specific than sensitive.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:2059–2069, 2024
Progressive Brain Atrophy in Multiple System Atrophy: A Longitudinal, Multicenter, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Krismer Florian , Péran Patrice , Beliveau Vincent , Seppi Klaus , Arribarat Germain , Pavy‐Le Traon Anne , Meissner Wassilios G. , Foubert‐Samier Alexandra , Fabbri Margherita , Schocke Michael M. , Gordon Mark Forrest , Wenning Gregor K. , Poewe Werner , Rascol Olivier , Scherfler Christoph
Published: November 2023

Objective

To determine the rates of brain atrophy progression in vivo in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA).

Background

Surrogate biomarkers of disease progression are a major unmet need in MSA. Small‐scale longitudinal studies in patients with MSA using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess progression of brain atrophy have produced inconsistent results. In recent years, novel MRI post‐processing methods have been developed enabling reliable quantification of brain atrophy in an automated fashion.

Methods

Serial 3D‐T1‐weighted MRI assessments (baseline and after 1 year of follow‐up) of 43 patients with MSA were analyzed and compared to a cohort of early‐stage Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and healthy controls (HC). FreeSurfer's longitudinal analysis stream was used to determine the brain atrophy rates in an observer‐independent fashion.

Results

Mean ages at baseline were 64.4 ± 8.3, 60.0 ± 7.5, and 59.8 ± 9.2 years in MSA, PD patients and HC, respectively. A mean disease duration at baseline of 4.1 ± 2.5 years in MSA patients and 2.3 ± 1.4 years in PD patients was observed. Brain regions chiefly affected by MSA pathology showed progressive atrophy with annual rates of atrophy for the cerebellar cortex, cerebellar white matter, pons, and putamen of −4.24 ± 6.8%, −8.22 ± 8.8%, −4.67 ± 4.9%, and − 4.25 ± 4.9%, respectively. Similar to HC, atrophy rates in PD patients were minimal with values of −0.41% ± 1.8%, −1.47% ± 4.1%, −0.04% ± 1.8%, and −1.54% ± 2.2% for cerebellar cortex, cerebellar white matter, pons, and putamen, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with MSA show significant brain volume loss over 12 months, and cerebellar, pontine, and putaminal volumes were the most sensitive to change in mid‐stage disease. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Co2FeGe Heusler Alloy Nanoparticle Catalysts for Propyne Hydrogenation and Ammonia Decomposition
Authors: Kojima Takayuki , Nakaya Yuki , Tate Souta , Kameoka Satoshi , Furukawa Shinya
Published: November 2023

Heusler alloys (X2YZ) can be a candidate for new catalysts as well as other intermetallic compounds. We previously found good catalytic properties of Co2FeGe for selective hydrogenation of alkynes and developed nanoparticles of Co2FeGe supported on SiO2. However, the average diameter of the nanoparticles was 23 nm, which is not small enough compared to those of state‐of‐the‐art nanoparticle catalysts. In this study, we developed SiO2‐supported Co2FeGe nanoparticles of <10 nm in diameter. A catalytic test for selective hydrogenation of propyne indicated a partial formation of sites with low selectivity including excess Co atoms. For ammonia decomposition, enhancement of turnover frequency was achieved by reducing the particle size.
Glass fiber/epoxy composites with improved interfacial adhesion by using cross‐linking sizing agent
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Zhang Dedong , Han Xiang , Li Xinxin , Huyan Chenxi , Li Junfeng , Liu Dong , Chen Fei
Published: November 2023

Glass fibers (GFs) are frequently employed as reinforcement fibers for polymer resins such as epoxy and polyester. The mechanical behaviors of GFs polymer composites are nevertheless constrained by weak interfacial adhesion between polymer matrix and GFs. Herein, we invented a cross‐linking modified sizing agent using polyethyleneimine and bisphenol A epoxy emulsion, and studied the effect of cross‐linking extent on GF surface characteristics and GF/epoxy interfacial adhesion. The treatment of GFs with cross‐linking modified sizing agent facilitated the formation of interpenetrating polymer networks in composites for strengthening interface interaction. The results show that the modified GFs have a rough surface and improved interfacial adhesion with epoxy matrix. When sizing agents with cross‐linking extent of the 23.0%, the GF/epoxy composites show advanced interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and transverse fiber bundle tension (TFBT) strength. This work demonstrates that the cross‐linking extent of sizing agent could regulate interfacial adhesion, which is a facile and promising strategy in reinforcing glass fiber polymer composites.

Highlights

Crosslink the sizing agent to enhance GF mechanical properties was reported.

GF surface energy was enhanced and thickness of GF/epoxy interphase increased.

IFSS and TFBT strength of the GF/resin composites increased by 23.65% and 30.54%, respectively.
Regulation and prediction of the dielectric constant and interfacial binding energy of surface modified hexagonal boron nitride/polyphenylene oxide@cyanate ester resin
Authors: Zhao Xuanzheng , Lan Bijian , Lu Yinxiang , Bai Yu
Published: November 2023

Particulate‐filled materials with superior mechanical properties and wave permeability have received extensive research attention in the military industry. To elucidate the role of reinforcement in polymers, γ‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) is used to modify hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) nanoparticles, which are then filled into polyphenylene oxide@bisphenol A dicyanate ester composite, exhibiting a 1.46‐fold increase in flexural strength and a dielectric constant of 2.66 at 12 GHz. Finite element analysis is employed to design composite material models, successfully predicting the dielectric properties of composites at different frequencies and reinforcement filling levels. The change in the interface energy induced by the silane coupling agent is quantitatively calculated by molecular dynamics simulation, demonstrating that the modified nanoparticles are conducive to improving the flexural strength. Overall, the predicted dielectric and mechanical properties of composites can be utilized to screen for composites that possess excellent dielectric and mechanical properties, thereby greatly improving efficiency.

Highlights

A hexagonal boron nitride/polyphenylene oxide@cyanate ester is prepared.

Finite element analysis is employed to predict the dielectric properties.

The interface energy is calculated by molecular dynamics simulation.

The resin has superior mechanical and dielectric properties.
The dynamics of vegetation diversity and biomass under traditional grazing in Ethiopia's Somali rangeland
Authors: Gebremedhn Haftay Hailu , Dejene Sintayehu Werkneh , Tuffa Samuel , Tesfay Yayneshet , Mensah Sylvanus , Devenish Adam John Mears
Published: November 2023

Traditional grazing management practices are central to rangeland productivity and biodiversity. However, the degradation of rangelands and loss of ecosystem services have raised concerns about the future of pastoralism as a form of land use. It is imperative to understand how these practices influence vegetation attributes, e.g., herbaceous species diversity and composition, growth forms (grass, forbs), life form (annuals, perennials), tree metrics (density, canopy cover, and biomass). This study evaluates vegetation shifts under three grazing management practices‐enclosures, open grazing, and browsing lands‐in the Somali pastoral ecosystem of Ethiopia. Enclosures exhibited the highest diversity in herbaceous species, with open grazing lands favoring forbs and annuals. Distinct compositional shifts in herbaceous species were observed across regimes, especially in grass and annuals. Enclosures had three times higher herbage biomass of open grazing and double that of browsing management practice. Conversely, browsing management practices presented optimal wood biomass, density, and canopy cover. The results highlight that a transition to combined enclosure and browsing practices can elevate plant production and diversity, benefiting the Somali rangeland economy. Consequently, dryland restoration should incorporate indigenous knowledge to ensure future rangeland sustainability and biodiversity preservation.
Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a valuable source of disease‐related biomarkers: Evidence from comparative proteomics studies
Authors: Alexovič Michal , Uličná Csilla , Sabo Ján , Davalieva Katarina
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The discovery of specific and sensitive disease‐associated biomarkers for early diagnostic purposes of many diseases is still highly challenging due to various complex molecular mechanisms triggered, high variability of disease‐related interactions, and an overlap of manifestations among diseases. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) contain protein signatures corresponding to essential immunological interplay. Certain diseases stimulate PBMCs and contribute towards modulation of their proteome which can be effectively identified and evaluated via the comparative proteomics approach.

Experimental design

In this review, we made a detailed survey of the PBMCS‐derived protein biomarker candidates for a variety of diseases, published in the last 15 years. Articles were preselected to include only comparative proteomics studies.

Results

PBMC‐derived biomarkers were investigated for cancer, glomerular, neurodegenerative/neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, endocrinal, infectious, and other diseases. A detailed review of these studies encompassed the proteomics platforms, proposed candidate biomarkers, their immune cell type specificity, and potential clinical application.

Conclusions

Overall, PBMCs have shown a solid potential in giving early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for many diseases. The future of PBMC biomarker research should reveal its full potential through well‐designed comparative studies and extensive testing of the most promising protein biomarkers identified so far.
A Lesson from RττK(*)$R_{\tau \tau }^{K^{(\ast )}}$ and RννK(*)$R_{\nu \nu }^{K^{(\ast )}}$ at Belle II
Authors: de Giorgi Arturo , Piazza Gioacchino
Published: November 2023

Within the assumption of Left‐Handed (LH) New Physics (NP), the relations between and for several Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) scenarios are reviewed, commonly considered to explain the Lepton flavor Universality (LFU) violation observed in charged and neutral‐current semileptonic B decays. The latest world averages that include the recent LHCb measurement and assess the possibility of simultaneously explaining B‐anomalies without spoiling current bounds on di‐neutrino and di‐tau modes are employed. This is particularly relevant in light of the upcoming results by Belle II on neutrinos and the continuing improvement in accuracy and sensitivity achieved in tau modes.
Identification and functional analysis of the female determiner gene in the bean bug, Riptortus pedestris
Authors: Wang Haiqiang , Ying Jinjun , Mao Zeping , Wang Biyun , Ye Zhuangxin , Chen Youyuan , Chen Jianping , Zhang Chuanxi , Li Junmin , Zhuo Jichong
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Homing‐based gene drives targeting sex‐specific lethal genes have been used for genetic control. Additionally, understanding insect sex determination provides new targets for managing insect pests. While sex determination mechanisms in holometabolous insects have been thoroughly studied and employed in pest control, the study of the sex determination pathway in hemimetabolous insects is limited to only a few species. Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius; Hemiptera: Heteroptera), commonly known as the bean bug, is a significant pest for soybeans. Nonetheless, the mechanism of its sex determination and the target gene for genetic control are not well understood.

RESULTS

We identified Rpfmd as the female determiner gene in the sex determination pathway of R. pedestris. Rpfmd encodes a female‐specific serine/arginine‐rich protein of 436 amino acids and one non‐sex‐specific short protein of 98 amino acids. Knockdown of Rpfmd in R. pedestris nymphs caused death of molting females with masculinized somatic morphology but did not affect male development. Knockdown of Rpfmd in newly emerged females inhibited ovary development, while maternal‐mediated RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of Rpfmd expression resulted in male‐only offspring. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that Rpfmd regulates X chromosome dosage compensation and influences various biological processes in females but has no significant effect on males. Moreover, RNAi mediated knockdown of Rpfmd‐C had no influence on the development of R. pedestris, suggesting that Rpfmd regulates sex determination through female‐specific splicing isoforms. We also found that Rpfmd pre‐mRNA alternative splicing regulation starts at the 24‐h embryo stage, indicating the activation of sex differentiation.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms that Rpfmd, particularly its female‐specific isoform (Rpfmd‐F), is the female determiner gene that regulates sex differentiation in R. pedestris. Knockdown of Rpfmd results in female‐specific lethality without affecting males, making it a promising target for genetic control of this soybean pest throughout its development stages. Additionally, our findings improve the understanding of the sex‐determination mechanism in hemimetabolous insects. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Correlation‐Driven Magnetic Frustration and Insulating Behavior of TiF3
Authors: Fernando Gayanath W. , Sheets Donal , Hancock Jason , Ernst Arthur , Geilhufe Richard Matthias
Published: November 2023

The halide perovskite TiF3, renowned for its intricate interplay between structure, electronic correlations, magnetism, and thermal expansion, is investigated. Despite its simple structure, understanding its low‐temperature magnetic behavior has been a challenge. Previous theories propose antiferromagnetic ordering. In contrast, experimental signatures for an ordered magnetic state are absent down to 10 K. The current study has successfully reevaluated the theoretical modeling of TiF3, unveiling the significance of strong electronic correlations as the key driver for its insulating behavior and magnetic frustration. In addition, frequency‐dependent optical reflectivity measurements exhibit clear signs of an insulating state. The analysis of the calculated magnetic data gives an antiferromagnetic exchange coupling with a net Weiss temperature of order 25 K as well as a magnetic response consistent with a S = 1/2 local moment per Ti3+. Yet, the system shows no susceptibility peak at this temperature scale and appears free of long‐range antiferromagnetic order down to 1 K. Extending ab initio modeling of the material to larger unit cells shows a tendency for relaxing into a noncollinear magnetic ordering, with a shallow energy landscape between several magnetic ground states, promoting the status of this simple, nearly cubic perovskite structured material as a candidate spin liquid.
Influence of Cobalt Doping on the Photogenerated Holes in ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Jradi Zahraa , Marin Dara , Campos Andréa , O’Byrne Martin , Margeat Olivier , Bertaina Sylvain , Savoyant Adrien
Published: November 2023

The efficient cobalt doping of zinc oxide nanoparticles grown by chemical method, with Co2+ substituting the Zn2+ cations, is proved by electron spin resonance spectroscopy for cobalt concentration from 0.01% to 1.00%. The gradual killing of the usual core‐defect signal (g ≈ 1.96) as the Co concentration is increased prevents its ionization by optical excitation from X0 to X−, thus inhibiting the corresponding hole releasing. Consequently, the methyl radical is no longer generated on the nanoparticles surface by the photo‐Kolbe reaction . It is thus confirmed that the hole involved in the dissociation of surface acetate actually comes from the optically excited core‐defect g = 1.96, and that the number of these defects can be tuned by some very small amount of cobalt impurities.
Exciton–Polaritons in CsPbBr3 Crystals Revealed by Optical Reflectivity in High Magnetic Fields and Two‐Photon Spectroscopy
Authors: Yakovlev Dmitri R. , Crooker Scott A. , Semina Marina A. , Rautert Janina , Mund Johannes , Dirin Dmitry N. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Bayer Manfred
Published: November 2023

Cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) is a representative material of the emerging class of lead halide perovskite semiconductors that possess remarkable optoelectronic properties. Its optical properties in the vicinity of the bandgap energy are greatly contributed by excitons, which form exciton polaritons due to strong light–matter interactions. Exciton–polaritons in solution‐grown CsPbBr3 crystals are examined by means of circularly polarized reflection spectroscopy measured in high magnetic fields up to 60 T. The excited 2P exciton state is measured by two‐photon absorption. Comprehensive modeling and analysis provides detailed quantitative information about the exciton–polariton parameters: exciton binding energy of 32.5 meV, oscillator strength characterized by longitudinal–transverse splitting of 5.3 meV, damping of 6.7 meV, reduced exciton mass of 0.18m0, exciton diamagnetic shift of 1.6 μeV T−2, and exciton Landé factor . It is shown that the exciton states can be described within a hydrogen‐like model with an effective dielectric constant of 8.7. From the measured exciton longitudinal–transverse splitting, Kane energy of Ep = 15 eV is evaluated, which is in reasonable agreement with values of 11.8–12.5 eV derived from the carrier effective masses.
MFF‐Net: Multiscale feature fusion semantic segmentation network for intracranial surgical instruments
Authors: Liu Zhenzhong , Zheng Laiwang , Yang Shubin , Zhong Zichen , Zhang Guobin
Published: November 2023

Background

In robot‐assisted surgery, automatic segmentation of surgical instrument images is crucial for surgical safety. The proposed method addresses challenges in the craniotomy environment, such as occlusion and illumination, through an efficient surgical instrument segmentation network.

Methods

The network uses YOLOv8 as the target detection framework and integrates a semantic segmentation head to achieve detection and segmentation capabilities. A concatenation of multi‐channel feature maps is designed to enhance model generalisation by fusing deep and shallow features. The innovative GBC2f module ensures the lightweight of the network and the ability to capture global information.

Results

Experimental validation of the intracranial glioma surgical instrument dataset shows excellent performance: 94.9% MPA score, 89.9% MIoU value, and 126.6 FPS.

Conclusions

According to the experimental results, the segmentation model proposed in this study has significant advantages over other state‐of‐the‐art models. This provides a valuable reference for the further development of intelligent surgical robots.
Differentiating Between V‐ and G‐Series Nerve Agent and Simulant Vapours Using Fluorescent Film Responses
Authors: Fan Shengqiang , Loch Alex S. , Vongsanga Kylie , Dennison Genevieve H. , Burn Paul L. , Gentle Ian R. , Shaw Paul E.
Published: November 2023

In‐field rapid and reliable identification of nerve agents is critical for the protection of Defence and National Security personnel as well as communities. Fluorescence‐based detectors can be portable and provide rapid detection of chemical threats. However, most current approaches cannot differentiate between dilute vapors of nerve agent classes and are susceptible to false positives due to the presence of common acids. Here a fluorescence‐based method is shown for rapid differentiation between the V‐series and phosphonofluoridate G‐series nerve agents and avoids false positives due to common acids. Differentiation is achieved through harnessing two different mechanisms. Detection of the V‐series is achieved using photoinduced hole transfer whereby the fluorescence of the sensing material is quenched in the presence of the V‐series agent. The G‐series is detected using a turn‐on mechanism in which a silylated excited state intramolecular proton transfer sensing molecule is selectively deprotected by hydrogen fluoride, which is typically found as a contaminant and/or breakdown product in G‐series agents such as sarin. The strategy provided discrimination between classes, as the sensor for the G‐series agent class is insensitive to the V‐series agent, and vice versa, and neither responded to common acids.
A Systematic Review of Medium‐Mn Steels with an Assessment of Fatigue Behavior
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Sen Indrani , Bandyopadhyay Tapas Kumar
Published: November 2023

Deformation‐induced mechanisms, namely, transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) and twinning‐induced plasticity (TWIP), are primarily responsible for improved tensile properties in medium‐Mn steels. Additionally, lower density and processing costs make these steels useful in various industries, particularly the automotive industry, which mandates a good understanding of underlying processing–microstructure–property correlations. Therefore, the present study reviews different thermomechanical processes and corresponding microstructural evolutions, followed by mechanical properties. In addition, an assessment of the fatigue behavior of medium‐Mn steels based on duplex or multiphase microstructure and associated mechanisms has been presented. In high‐cycle fatigue (HCF) loading, strain‐induced martensite formation through TRIP at the crack tip is a barrier to dislocation motion. It deviates the crack propagation path to adjacent phases, which results in higher fatigue life. On the other hand, relatively high martensite boundaries initiate microcracks and accelerate crack propagation, resulting in lower life in low‐cycle fatigue (LCF). However, the TWIP mechanism prevents cyclic softening and promotes cyclic saturation, extending fatigue life. The compositions of medium‐Mn steel for enhanced fatigue resistance have been proposed. To that end, it is hypothesized that the TRIP + TWIP mechanisms lead to exceptional LCF performance. Further, microalloyed medium‐Mn steels are expected to exhibit improved LCF and HCF behavior.
Cognitive decline assessment in speakers of understudied languages
Authors: Hatahet Oula , Roser Florian , Seghier Mohamed L.
Published: November 2023

Projected trends in population aging have forecasted a massive increase in the number of people with dementia, in particular in sub‐Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Cognitive decline is a significant marker for dementia, typically assessed with standardized neuropsychological tools that have been validated in some well‐researched languages such as English. However, with the existing language diversity, current tools cannot cater to speakers of understudied languages, putting these populations at a disadvantage when it comes to access to early and accurate diagnosis of dementia. Here, we shed light on the detrimental impact of this language gap in the context of the MENA region, highlighting inadequate tools and an unacceptable lack of expertise for a MENA population of a half billion people. Our perspective calls for more research to unravel the exact impact of the language gap on the quality of cognitive decline assessment in speakers of understudied languages.

Highlights

Cognitive decline is a marker for dementia, assessed with neuropsychological tests.

There is a lack of culturally valid tests for speakers of understudied languages.

For example, suboptimal cognitive tests are used in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Linguistic diversity should be considered in the development of cognitive tests.
Revealing visual working memory operations with pupillometry: Encoding, maintenance, and prioritization
Authors: Koevoet Damian , Strauch Christoph , Van der Stigchel Stefan , Mathôt Sebastiaan , Naber Marnix
Published: November 2023

Pupillary dynamics reflect effects of distinct and important operations of visual working memory: encoding, maintenance, and prioritization. Here, we review how pupil size predicts memory performance and how it provides novel insights into the mechanisms of each operation. Visual information must first be encoded into working memory with sufficient precision. The depth of this encoding process couples to arousal‐linked baseline pupil size as well as a pupil constriction response before and after stimulus onset, respectively. Subsequently, the encoded information is maintained over time to ensure it is not lost. Pupil dilation reflects the effortful maintenance of information, wherein storing more items is accompanied by larger dilations. Lastly, the most task‐relevant information is prioritized to guide upcoming behavior, which is reflected in yet another dilatory component. Moreover, activated content in memory can be pupillometrically probed directly by tagging visual information with distinct luminance levels. Through this luminance‐tagging mechanism, pupil light responses reveal whether dark or bright items receive more attention during encoding and prioritization. Together, conceptualizing pupil responses as a sum of distinct components over time reveals insights into operations of visual working memory. From this viewpoint, pupillometry is a promising avenue to study the most vital operations through which visual working memory works.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Attention

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Psychology > Theory and Methods
Status of the SIRGAS Reference Frame: Recent Developments and New Challenges
Authors: Alves Costa Sonia M. , Sánchez Laura , Piñón Diego , Tarrio Mosquera José A. , Guimarães Gabriel , Gómez Demián D. , Drewes Hermann , Mackern Oberti María V. , Antokoletz Ezequiel D. , Matos Ana C. O. C. de , Blitzkow Denizar , Silva Alberto da , Inzunza Jesarella , España Draco , Rodríguez Oscar , Rozas-Bornes Sergio , Guagni Hernan , González Guido , Paucar-Llaja Oscar , Pampillón José M. , Alvarez-Calderón Álvaro
Published: November 2023

In accordance with recent developments of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and the policies promoted by the Subcommittee on Geodesy of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), a main goal of the Geodetic Reference System for the Americas (SIRGAS) is the procurement of an integrated regional reference frame. This frame should support the precise determination of geocentric coordinates and also provide a unified physical reference frame for gravimetry, physical heights, and a geoid. The geometric reference frame is determined by a network of about 500 continuously operating GNSS stations, which are routinely processed by ten analysis centers. The GNSS solutions from the analysis centers are used to generate weekly station positions aligned to the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) and multi-year (cumulative) reference frame solutions. This processing is also the basis for the generation of precise tropospheric zenith path delays with an hourly sampling rate over the Americas. The reference frame for the determination of physical heights is a regional densification of the International Height Reference Frame (IHRF). Current efforts focus on the estimation and evaluation of potential values obtained from high resolution gravity field modelling, an activity tightly coupled with geoid determination. The gravity reference frame aims to be a regional densification of the International Terrestrial Gravity Reference Frame (ITGRF). Thus, SIRGAS activities are focused on evaluating the quality of existing absolute gravity stations and to identify regional gaps where additional absolute gravity stations are needed. Another main goal of SIRGAS is to promote the use of its geodetic reference frame at the national level and to support capacity building activities in the region. This paper summarizes key milestones in the establishment and maintenance of the SIRGAS reference frame and discusses current efforts and future challenges.
“I Had to Bear This Burden”: Youth Transcending Constraints to Become Farmers in Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Narayanan Sudha
Published: November 2023

In the context of a wider trend in India of young people’s reluctance to pursue farming as an occupation, the experience of young farmers in Madhya Pradesh provides evidence to the contrary. This case study of two districts in Madhya Pradesh suggests that several young farmers, given a choice, would rather engage in agriculture as a full-time activity. In this, the main barriers for young farmers are in the form of larger constraints such as water availability, the quality of land, and these farmers’ limited ability to expand farm size through land purchase. To be sure, several young farmers feel stuck in agriculture and are waiting to find off-farm jobs. Even for this group of farmers, however, agriculture seems to provide a fallback option, in a context where these off-farm jobs are difficult to obtain and often are of poor quality. As in many other contexts, significant differences exist between young men and women in terms of their aspirations to become farmers and their ability to fulfill these aspirations.
Youth and Agriculture in Indonesia
Authors: Ambarwati Aprilia , Chazali Charina , Sadoko Isono , White Ben
Published: November 2023

This chapter reflects on the changing place of young men and women in Indonesian agriculture, based on available secondary sources and some preliminary local-level studies. Contrary to general perceptions or expectations about youth, agriculture still employs a much higher proportion of young people than industry or any other sector, and this proportion has been relatively stable in recent years. The chapter first provides a general picture of agrarian structures in Indonesia. The next section summarizes what we know about the changing position of young men and women within these structures, including: the age and gender of farmers, modes of intergenerational transfer of farm land and property, young people’s apparent turn away from agriculture, patterns of rural youth mobility, agricultural education, and institutions representing rural youth interests. The main part of this chapter concludes with some reflections on policy. The final part then explains the selection of locations and the basic shared methodology for the three local case-study chapters that follow.
Young Farmers’ Access to Land: Gendered Pathways into and Out of Farming in Nigara and Langkap (West Manggarai, Indonesia)
Authors: Chazali Charina , Ambarwati Aprilia , Huijsmans Roy , White Ben
Published: November 2023

This chapter describes rural young men and women’s pathways out of and (back) into farming in two villages in West Manggarai district, Flores island, Eastern Indonesia. The chapter has seven sections. First, we describe the methodology and our sample in the two sites. The second section then provides the geographical and social context and describes livelihood patterns in the research villages. Next, we present illustrative cases of young people’s pathways out of and (back) into farming, both young men and women, followed by an account of the tensions arising through the process of land transfer between generations in the fourth section. The fifth and sixth sections focus on young people’s farming practices and how the government supports young farmers. In the final section, we reflect on how gender, generation, and class combine to shape the pathways of young farmers out of and (back) into farming and their access to agrarian resources.
Pluriactive and Plurilocal: Young People’s Pathways Out of and into Farming in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: White Ben , Wijaya Hanny
Published: November 2023

In this chapter we explore young people’s spatial and sectoral mobility, specifically their trajectories out of and into farming, in the Javanese village of Kaliloro, focusing on young men and women from small-farm and landless families who make up the majority of the population. The study is based on field research in Kaliloro in 1972–1973, 1999–2000, and 2016–2018 and thus provides the opportunity for an analysis with some historical depth.
Conclusion: Youth Aspirations, Trajectories, and Farming Futures
Authors: Akram-Lodhi A. Haroon , Huijsmans Roy
Published: November 2023

This book commenced with a question of global importance: in a world in which farming populations are ageing, who is going to provide the planet’s peoples with the “sufficient, safe and nutritious food” that is needed to meet the “dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life” (FAO 2006)? In other words, where are the people who are needed to generationally renew farming? As explained in the introduction, addressing this question meant going against the grain of much research on youth and agriculture. Rather than seeking to understand youth’s apparent disinterest in farming and their exodus from the countryside, the research teams focused on those youth and young adults who stayed in, returned, or relocated to rural areas and were involved in farming (often alongside various other economic activities). Thereby, the case studies presented in this book have put in the spotlight the next generation of farmers. In this concluding chapter, we draw out some important issues emerging from across the chapters and reflect on key differences. This way, we reiterate the various pathways of becoming a farmer, the main challenges experienced by these young farming women and men, and the roles that policies and organizations could play in facilitating the process of becoming a farmer.
Impervious Odds and Complicated Legacies: Young People’s Pathways into Farming in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Jansen Travis , Srinivasan Sharada , Akram-Lodhi A. Haroon
Published: November 2023

Ontario is the most populated province in Canada and has some of its most productive agricultural soils. However, Ontario faces problems attracting youth into agriculture. Since 1991, the province has lost about two-thirds of its 18,440 young farmers, and less than 10 per cent of Ontario’s current farmers are under the age of 35. Part of these losses can be attributed to the challenges that Ontario’s youth face in becoming a farmer. To understand these challenges, it is necessary to understand the different pathways that young people take to becoming a farmer. By understanding these pathways, it becomes possible to create more opportunities and reduce the challenges that young people must overcome. This chapter will differentiate the pathways of entry into farming for young people in Ontario, highlighting differences in how they access resources, their motivations for farming, and the type of farming that they carry out. Understanding the unique circumstances facing Ontario’s young farmers can help identify ways to encourage young people to begin a career in farming.