bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The paradox of authenticity: The Korean Product Showroom of Mitsukoshi department store in colonial Seoul
Authors: Oh Younjung
Published: March 2023

Mitsukoshi, a famed Japanese department store, opened a Korean Product Showroom in its Keijō (Seoul) branch in 1930. The Korean Product Showroom was the only space decorated in ‘Korean style’ within the Keijō Mitsukoshi building, which was designed in Neo-Renaissance style, much like its flagship store in Tokyo. This showroom offered Korean artefacts as luxury souvenirs aimed at Japanese tourists. The most popular items sold in the showroom were Koryŏ-style celadon ware and lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl, which Mitsukoshi ordered from local workshops in Korea. Interestingly, the workshops were run by Japanese entrepreneurs and sometimes even employed Japanese artisans. This article examines the inauthentic authenticity of ‘Korean style’ and ‘Korean products’ that the Japanese produced and consumed in colonial Korea. It does not imply that only Koreans are entitled to represent Korean culture. There have been many studies asserting that Korean culture was destroyed and distorted from its ‘original’ forms by Japan’s cultural genocide during the colonial period. This article neither is interested in repeating such criticism nor focuses on recuperating genuineKoreanness. Rather, it explores why the Japanese desired ‘pure Korea’ and how that desire shaped ‘Korean style’ and ‘Korean products’ through Keijō Mitsukoshi’s Korean Product Showroom and its products.
A Shakespearean Prophecy Fulfilled? Slav Solidarity and the Colonial Gaze in Czech Tourism on the Eastern Adriatic (1890s–1930s)
Authors: Jeschke Felix
Published: March 2023

This article discusses discourses of Czech tourism on the Eastern Adriatic coast between the turn of the twentieth century and the 1930s using the Czech resorts in Baška on Krk Island and Kupari near Dubrovnik as case studies. The author argues that the ideological foundation of this type of tourism was a narrative of proximity between the Czechs and their fellow Slav Croatians. At the same time, the practice of Czech tourism was characterized by a pattern of cultural paternalism and economic exploitation toward the local population. It thus became a pseudo-colonial enterprise that distorted the Czech national myth of democracy, rationalism, and cosmopolitanism. Nevertheless, tourism still contributed to cultural mediation between Czechs and South Slavs. This article illustrates that point by highlighting the commemoration of the Yugoslav playwright Ivo Vojnović by Czech tourists in the 1930s.
A comprehensive review of the latest path planning developments for multi-robot formation systems
Authors: Abujabal Nour , Fareh Raouf , Sinan Saif , Baziyad Mohammed , Bettayeb Maamar
Published: March 2023

There has been a continuous interest in multi-robot formation systems in the last few years due to several significant advantages such as robustness, scalability, and efficiency. However, multi-robot formation systems suffer from well-known problems such as energy consumption, processing speed, and security. Therefore, developers are continuously researching for optimal solutions that can gather the benefits of multi-robot formation systems while overcoming the possible challenges. A backbone process required by any multi-robot system is path planning. Thus, path planning for multi-robot systems is a recent top research topic. However, the literature lacks a recent comprehensive review of path planning works designed for multi-robot systems. The aim of this review paper is to provide a comprehensive assessment and an insightful look into various path planning techniques developed in multi-robot formation systems, in addition to highlighting the basic problems involved in this field. This will allow the reader to discover the research gaps that must be solved for a better path planning experience for multi-robot formation systems. Finally, an illustrative comparative example is presented at the end of the paper to show the advantages and disadvantages of some popular path planning techniques.
Raising Dogs that Bite: How Pastoralists and Breeders Care for Tibetan Mastiffs
Authors: Zhou Yufei
Published: March 2023

Tibetan pastoralists have long been using dogs as guards. Since the late 1980s, the same dogs, called “Tibetan Mastiffs,” have become valuable pets for Han Chinese consumers. This paper discusses how commodification transforms the value of these dogs, and the care relationship between humans and dogs. Tibetan pastoralists and dogs participate in a reciprocal yet distanced care relationship through raising and guarding, which is not confined to a pursuit of dogs’ ferocity. In contrast, a taste for ferocity prevails in the Tibetan Mastiff market, and breeders care for dogs in a more dedicated, and yet more unilateral and dangerous, way. The unintended consequence of breeders’ care is that they raise dogs that sometimes bite; this is explained based on a process of value transformation in dogs’ guarding abilities, from ethical virtue to commercial price.
Es nuestra tradición: the archaeological implications of an ethnography on a modern ballgame in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Stoll Marijke M.
Published: March 2023

Pre-hispanic ballgames have an extensive temporal depth and geographical breadth across Mesoamerica, with over 1,500 ball courts recorded on 1,200 archaeological sites in Mexico alone. It is likely that ballgames played critical but variable roles in how communities related to each other. Most interpretations emphasize ballgames as cosmological rituals and legitimation practices exclusive to elites, perhaps often overlooking the more mundane sociopolitical processes and reasons why they carried such critical meaning for people of all classes and statuses. Ethnographic research on modern ballgames played by Indigenous and mestizo communities today can helpfully provide some insights or maybe deeper understandings into ancient ballgame practices and their relation to Mesoamerican communities. While modern games are not isomorphic with the ancient games, the duration of these traditions underscores their continuing importance and their relativity to current research. In this article I present the results of an ethnographic study of the modern ballgame pelota mixteca de hule (Mixtec rubber ballgame) in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. Considering the results from the ethnographic data, I then discuss an archaeological case study in the Nejapa Valley of southeastern Oaxaca where numerous ballcourts were recently documented over the past decade.
Making Women Visible: How Gender Quotas Shape Global Attitudes toward Women in Politics
Authors: Kim Jessica , Fallon Kathleen M.
Published: March 2023

Since the 1990s, gender quotas have been celebrated for improving women’s equality. Yet their cross-national and longitudinal impact on attitudes toward female politicians and the mechanism through which this process occurs are not well understood. Using multilevel modeling on 87 nations, we examine how different types of quotas, with varied features and levels of strength, shape beliefs about women in politics. We give particular attention to the mechanism of visibility created by quotas in impacting attitudes. Results suggest that unlike quotas with features facilitating low visibility (i.e., weak quotas), those producing high visibility (i.e., robust quotas) significantly impact public approval of women in politics. However, the direction of this effect varies by quota type. Social context also matters. Robust quota effects—both positive and negative—are especially pronounced in democracies but are insignificant in nondemocracies. Limited differences by gender (men versus women) emerge. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Unveiling claims of discrimination based on nationality in the context of occupation under international humanitarian and human rights law
Authors: Dvaladze George
Published: March 2023

This article examines international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights guarantees of equality and non-discrimination applicable to cases of belligerent occupation. Capitalizing on the responsibilities of the Occupying Power with respect to different categories of persons living in the occupied territory distinguished by their nationality, it looks at the contents of obligations stemming from relevant norms of the two regimes and their interplay. It also addresses questions of the adequacy, utility and limits of IHL and human rights in according protection from discrimination and inequality to the inhabitants of the occupied territory.
A Secondary Zone of Uplift Measured After Megathrust Earthquakes: Caused by Early Downdip Afterslip?
Authors: Ragon Théa , Simons Mark
Published: March 2023

A secondary zone of surface uplift (SZU), located from 200 to 400 km landward of the trench, has been measured after several megathrust earthquakes. The SZU reached a few centimeters hours to days after the 2011 Mw 9.1 Tohoku (Japan) and 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule (Chile) earthquakes. Published coseismic finite‐fault models for these events do not reproduce the measured SZU. One interpretation is that this SZU is universal, driven by volume deformation around the slab interface (van Dinther et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-019-02250-z). In contrast, we demonstrate the SZU may instead result from slip on the slab interface, and suggest it might be caused by rapid afterslip. We can reproduce the SZU with fault slip if elastic heterogeneities associated with the subducting slab are accounted for, as opposed to assuming homogeneous or layered elastic lithospheric structures.
The Cycle of Large‐Scale Aggregation in Tropical Radiative‐Convective Equilibrium
Authors: Dygert Brittany D. , Hartmann Dennis L.
Published: March 2023

In numerical experiments in tropical radiative‐convective equilibrium with interactive sea surface temperature (SST), the interaction between SST gradients and circulation can lead to an inter‐annual oscillation between aggregated and relatively disaggregated convection. We investigate these oscillations in a global aquaplanet model with uniform insolation, no rotation, and slab ocean. The large‐scale circulation organizes into warm convective regions and cooler subsiding regions. The cycle is characterized by variations in the surface temperature contrast between these warm and cold regions and the fraction of the domain that is subsiding. The temperature contrast grows as the warm region warms, the cool region cools, and the subsiding region expands. When the temperature contrast has reached its maximum, the large‐scale circulation becomes much more effective at removing energy from the warm region, which enables evaporative cooling and cloud shortwave reflection to rapidly cool the warm region. The efficiency of atmospheric transport in cooling the warm region is associated with positive skewness of the SST distribution and a minimum in the area of rising motion. During the decline of SST contrast, evaporative cooling declines in the subsiding region and the cold pool begins to warm. Low clouds in the subsiding region decline due to a decrease in longwave cooling above the boundary layer associated with decreased subsidence drying as the subsiding region expands. At temperatures warmer than the current tropics, the response of the hydrologic cycle to SST contrast becomes stronger, so that the oscillation speeds up, weakens in amplitude, and vanishes at sufficiently high temperatures.
Characterization of early psychosis patients carrying a genetic vulnerability to redox dysregulation: a computational analysis of mechanism-based gene expression profile in fibroblasts
Authors: Giangreco Basilio , Dwir Daniella , Klauser Paul , Jenni Raoul , Golay Philippe , Cleusix Martine , Baumann Philipp S. , Cuénod Michel , Conus Philippe , Toni Nicolas , Do Kim Q.
Published: March 2023

In view of its heterogeneity, schizophrenia needs new diagnostic tools based on mechanistic biomarkers that would allow early detection. Complex interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors may lead to NMDAR hypofunction, inflammation and redox dysregulation, all converging on oxidative stress. Using computational analysis, the expression of 76 genes linked to these systems, known to be abnormally regulated in schizophrenia, was studied in skin-fibroblasts from early psychosis patients and age-matched controls (N = 30), under additional pro-oxidant challenge to mimic environmental stress. To evaluate the contribution of a genetic risk related to redox dysregulation, we investigated the GAG trinucleotide polymorphism in the key glutathione (GSH) synthesizing enzyme, glutamate-cysteine-ligase-catalytic-subunit (gclc) gene, known to be associated with the disease. Patients and controls showed different gene expression profiles that were modulated by GAG-gclc genotypes in combination with oxidative challenge. In GAG-gclc low-risk genotype patients, a global gene expression dysregulation was observed, especially in the antioxidant system, potentially induced by other risks. Both controls and patients with GAG-gclc high-risk genotype (gclcGAG-HR) showed similar gene expression profiles. However, under oxidative challenge, a boosting of other antioxidant defense, including the master regulator Nrf2 and TRX systems was observed only in gclcGAG-HR controls, suggesting a protective compensation against the genetic GSH dysregulation. Moreover, RAGE (redox/inflammation interaction) and AGMAT (arginine pathway) were increased in the gclcGAG-HR patients, suggesting some additional risk factors interacting with this genotype. Finally, the use of a machine-learning approach allowed discriminating patients and controls with an accuracy up to 100%, paving the way towards early detection of schizophrenia.
Fludarabine/TBI 8 Gy versus fludarabine/treosulfan conditioning in patients with AML in first complete remission: a study from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the EBMT
Authors: Bug Gesine , Labopin Myriam , Niittyvuopio Riitta , Stelljes Matthias , Reinhardt Hans Christian , Hilgendorf Inken , Kröger Nicolaus , Kaare Ain , Bethge Wolfgang , Schäfer-Eckart Kerstin , Verbeek Mareike , Mielke Stephan , Carlson Kristina , Bazarbachi Ali , Spyridonidis Alexandros , Savani Bipin N. , Nagler Arnon , Mohty Mohamad
Published: March 2023

The optimal reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen is a matter of debate. We retrospectively compared conditioning with fludarabine plus fractionated total body irradiation of 8 Gy (FluTBI) and fludarabine plus treosulfan 30, 36 or 42 g/m2 (FluTreo) in 754 patients with AML above the age of 40 years undergoing an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in first complete remission (CR). After balancing patient characteristics by propensity score matching of 115 patients in each group, FluTBI was associated with a significantly lower probability of relapse compared to FluTreo (18.3% vs. 34.7%, p = 0.018) which was counteracted by a higher non-relapse mortality (NRM, 16.8% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.02). Thus, overall survival and graft-versus-host disease-free and relapse-free survival at 2 years were similar between groups (OS 66.9% vs. 67.8%, GRFS 50.3% vs. 45.6%). Univariate analysis by age group demonstrated a higher NRM exclusively in patients ≥55 years of age treated with FluTBI compared to FluTreo (27.6% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.02), while a similarly low NRM was observed in patients <55 years in both groups (6.0% vs. 4.7%, p = ns). We conclude that both conditioning regimens are effective and safe, but FluTBI may better be reserved for younger patients below the age of 55 years.
Liquid biopsy on the horizon in immunotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer: current status, challenges, and perspectives
Authors: Yang Ying , Liu Hongyang , Chen Youming , Xiao Nan , Zheng Zhaoyang , Liu Hongchun , Wan Junhu
Published: March 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most threatening malignancies to human health and life. In most cases, patients with NSCLC are already at an advanced stage when they are diagnosed. In recent years, lung cancer has made great progress in precision therapy, but the efficacy of immunotherapy is unstable, and its response rate varies from patient to patient. Several biomarkers have been proposed to predict the outcomes of immunotherapy, such as programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and tumor mutational burden (TMB). Nevertheless, the detection assays are invasive and demanding on tumor tissue. To effectively predict the outcomes of immunotherapy, novel biomarkers are needed to improve the performance of conventional biomarkers. Liquid biopsy is to capture and detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and exosomes in body fluids, such as blood, saliva, urine, pleural fluid and cerebrospinal fluid as samples from patients, so as to make analysis and diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. The application of liquid biopsy provides a new possible solution, as it has several advantages such as non-invasive, real-time dynamic monitoring, and overcoming tumor heterogeneity. Liquid biopsy has shown predictive value in immunotherapy, significantly improving the precision treatment of lung cancer patients. Herein, we review the application of liquid biopsy in predicting the outcomes of immunotherapy in NSCLC patients, and discuss the challenges and future directions in this field.
Structural insights into the mechanism of leptin receptor activation
Authors: Saxton Robert A. , Caveney Nathanael A. , Moya-Garzon Maria Dolores , Householder Karsten D. , Rodriguez Grayson E. , Burdsall Kylie A. , Long Jonathan Z. , Garcia K. Christopher
Published: March 2023

Leptin is an adipocyte-derived protein hormone that promotes satiety and energy homeostasis by activating the leptin receptor (LepR)–STAT3 signaling axis in a subset of hypothalamic neurons. Leptin signaling is dysregulated in obesity, however, where appetite remains elevated despite high levels of circulating leptin. To gain insight into the mechanism of leptin receptor activation, here we determine the structure of a stabilized leptin-bound LepR signaling complex using single particle cryo-EM. The structure reveals an asymmetric architecture in which a single leptin induces LepR dimerization via two distinct receptor-binding sites. Analysis of the leptin–LepR binding interfaces reveals the molecular basis for human obesity-associated mutations. Structure-based design of leptin variants that destabilize the asymmetric LepR dimer yield both partial and biased agonists that partially suppress STAT3 activation in the presence of wild-type leptin and decouple activation of STAT3 from LepR negative regulators. Together, these results reveal the structural basis for LepR activation and provide insights into the differential plasticity of signaling pathways downstream of LepR.
Endothelial deletion of PTBP1 disrupts ventricular chamber development
Authors: Liu Hongyu , Duan Ran , He Xiaoyu , Qi Jincu , Xing Tianming , Wu Yahan , Zhou Liping , Wang Lingling , Shao Yujing , Zhang Fulei , Zhou Huixing , Gu Xingdong , Lin Bowen , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Yan , Liu Yi , Li Li , Liang Dandan , Chen Yi-Han
Published: March 2023

The growth and maturation of the ventricular chamber require spatiotemporally precise synergy between diverse cell types. Alternative splicing deeply affects the processes. However, the functional properties of alternative splicing in cardiac development are largely unknown. Our study reveals that an alternative splicing factor polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) plays a key role in ventricular chamber morphogenesis. During heart development, PTBP1 colocalizes with endothelial cells but is almost undetectable in cardiomyocytes. The endothelial-specific knockout of Ptbp1, in either endocardial cells or pan-endothelial cells, leads to a typical phenotype of left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC). Mechanistically, the deletion of Ptbp1 reduces the migration of endothelial cells, disrupting cardiomyocyte proliferation and ultimately leading to the LVNC. Further study shows that Ptbp1 deficiency changes the alternative splicing of β-arrestin-1 (Arrb1), which affects endothelial cell migration. In conclusion, as an alternative splicing factor, PTBP1 is essential during ventricular chamber development, and its deficiency can lead to congenital heart disease.
The structural basis of the pH-homeostasis mediated by the Cl−/HCO3− exchanger, AE2
Authors: Zhang Qing , Jian Liyan , Yao Deqiang , Rao Bing , Xia Ying , Hu Kexin , Li Shaobai , Shen Yafeng , Cao Mi , Qin An , Zhao Jie , Cao Yu
Published: March 2023

The cell maintains its intracellular pH in a narrow physiological range and disrupting the pH-homeostasis could cause dysfunctional metabolic states. Anion exchanger 2 (AE2) works at high cellular pH to catalyze the exchange between the intracellular HCO3− and extracellular Cl−, thereby maintaining the pH-homeostasis. Here, we determine the cryo-EM structures of human AE2 in five major operating states and one transitional hybrid state. Among those states, the AE2 shows the inward-facing, outward-facing, and intermediate conformations, as well as the substrate-binding pockets at two sides of the cell membrane. Furthermore, critical structural features were identified showing an interlock mechanism for interactions among the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain and the transmembrane domain and the self-inhibitory effect of the C-terminal loop. The structural and cell-based functional assay collectively demonstrate the dynamic process of the anion exchange across membranes and provide the structural basis for the pH-sensitive pH-rebalancing activity of AE2.
Lamella-heterostructured nanoporous bimetallic iron-cobalt alloy/oxyhydroxide and cerium oxynitride electrodes as stable catalysts for oxygen evolution
Authors: Zeng Shu-Pei , Shi Hang , Dai Tian-Yi , Liu Yang , Wen Zi , Han Gao-Feng , Wang Tong-Hui , Zhang Wei , Lang Xing-You , Zheng Wei-Tao , Jiang Qing
Published: March 2023

Developing robust nonprecious-metal electrocatalysts with high activity towards sluggish oxygen-evolution reaction is paramount for large-scale hydrogen production via electrochemical water splitting. Here we report that self-supported laminate composite electrodes composed of alternating nanoporous bimetallic iron-cobalt alloy/oxyhydroxide and cerium oxynitride (FeCo/CeO2−xNx) heterolamellas hold great promise as highly efficient electrocatalysts for alkaline oxygen-evolution reaction. By virtue of three-dimensional nanoporous architecture to offer abundant and accessible electroactive CoFeOOH/CeO2−xNx heterostructure interfaces through facilitating electron transfer and mass transport, nanoporous FeCo/CeO2−xNx composite electrodes exhibit superior oxygen-evolution electrocatalysis in 1 M KOH, with ultralow Tafel slope of ~33 mV dec−1. At overpotential of as low as 360 mV, they reach >3900 mA cm−2 and retain exceptional stability at ~1900 mA cm−2 for >1000 h, outperforming commercial RuO2 and some representative oxygen-evolution-reaction catalysts recently reported. These electrochemical properties make them attractive candidates as oxygen-evolution-reaction electrocatalysts in electrolysis of water for large-scale hydrogen generation.
A randomized clinical trial for comparing the efficacy of desensitizing toothpastes on the relief of dentin hypersensitivity
Authors: Jang Ji-Hyun , Oh Soram , Kim Hyun-Jung , Kim Duck-Su
Published: March 2023

The 4-week double-blind clinical trial to manage dentin hypersensitivity (DH) using different desensitizing toothpastes was conducted. 53 participants with DH were enrolled in this trial. The participants were randomized into 3 groups: Group N; no active ingredient-containing toothpaste (Pleasia fluoride-free), Group SC; a toothpaste containing strontium chloride (Sensodyne Original), and Group TP; a toothpaste containing tricalcium phosphate (Vussen S). They were instructed to brush their teeth manually for 3 min, 3 times per day for 4 weeks with the allocated toothpastes, and were assessed at baseline (0), 2, and 4 weeks, respectively. Schiff sensitivity score was recorded to 3 different stimuli (air-blast, cold, and acid) at each assessment. Overall DH was also assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). The longer participants used the toothpastes, the greater reduction in DH in all groups to the three stimuli. Group TP demonstrated significant reduction of DH compared to group N for air-blast and cold stimuli. Group TP showed significantly lower VAS than group N and SC. Tricalcium phosphate containing toothpaste used in this trial was most useful to reduce DH. It can be one of the treatment options that alleviate DH.
Short-term memory capacity analysis of Lu3Fe4Co0.5Si0.5O12-based spin cluster glass towards reservoir computing
Authors: Liao Zhiqiang , Yamahara Hiroyasu , Terao Kenyu , Ma Kaijie , Seki Munetoshi , Tabata Hitoshi
Published: March 2023

Reservoir computing is a brain heuristic computing paradigm that can complete training at a high speed. The learning performance of a reservoir computing system relies on its nonlinearity and short-term memory ability. As physical implementation, spintronic reservoir computing has attracted considerable attention because of its low power consumption and small size. However, few studies have focused on developing the short-term memory ability of the material itself in spintronics reservoir computing. Among various magnetic materials, spin glass is known to exhibit slow magnetic relaxation that has the potential to offer the short-term memory capability. In this research, we have quantitatively investigated the short-term memory capability of spin cluster glass based on the prevalent benchmark. The results reveal that the magnetization relaxation of Co, Si-substituted Lu3Fe5O12 with spin glass behavior can provide higher short-term memory capacity than ferrimagnetic material without substitution. Therefore, materials with spin glass behavior can be considered as potential candidates for constructing next-generation spintronic reservoir computing with better performance.
Effect of Ag modification on TiO2 and melem/g-C3N4 composite on photocatalytic performances
Authors: Michalska M. , Matějka V. , Pavlovský J. , Praus P. , Ritz M. , Serenčíšová J. , Gembalová L. , Kormunda M. , Foniok K. , Reli M. , Simha Martynková G.
Published: March 2023

Here, the comparison of two different semiconductor materials is demonstrated, TiO2 and melem/g-C3N4 composites—modified with balls of approximately 5 nm Ag nanoparticles (NPs) as photocatalysts for the degradation of the model dye acid orange 7 (AO7). The melem molecule synthesized here is one of a series of organic compounds consisting of triazine ring compounds with a structure similar to that of melam and melamine. The photodegradation process of AO7 was carried out to examine all powder materials as a potential photocatalyst. Additionally, two different lamps of wavelengths 368 nm (UV light) and 420 nm (VIS light) were applied to compare the photodegradation tests. A new synthesis route for the acquisition of Ag NPs (Ag content 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 wt%), based on a wet and low temperature method without the use of reducing reagents was proposed. The best photocatalytic performances under UV and VIS light were obtained for both, TiO2 and melem/g-C3N4 materials (new synthesis route) modified with a very low Ag content—0.5 wt%. The photodegradation activities using UV lamp (3 h, 368 nm irradiation) for samples with 0.5 wt% of Ag: TiO2 and melem/g-C3N4, in excess of 95 and 94%, respectively, were achieved. The highest photoactive materials melem/g-C3N4 with 0.5 and 1 wt% Ag revealed 98% of activity under the VIS lamp after 3 h long irradiation. Our work demonstrates a novel, environmentally acceptable, and cost-effective chemical strategy for preparation of photocatalysts suitable for degradation of organic contaminants in wastewater treatment.
Deep sequencing of microRNAs reveals circadian-dependent microRNA expression in the eyestalks of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Yu Changyue , Huang Zhiwei , Xu Yingkai , Zhang Baoli , Li Yingdong
Published: March 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding RNAs. In crustaceans, miRNAs might be involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms. Many physiological functions of crustaceans including immunity and hormone secretion exhibit circadian rhythms, but it remains unclear whether specific miRNAs contribute to the alteration of crustacean physiological processes under circadian rhythms. This study investigated the mechanisms of miRNA regulation of circadian rhythms in the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), one of China's most important aquaculture species. We obtained eyestalks from crab specimens at four time points (6:00; 12:00; 18:00; 24:00) during a 24-h period. We identified 725 mature miRNAs, with 23 known miRNAs differentially expressed depending on the time of day. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the putative target genes for differentially expressed miRNAs were significantly enriched in the immune response and endocrine-related pathways. Numerous putative target genes are involved in the circadian-related pathways and enriched on circadian-control genes. These results suggest that the expression of miRNAs regulates some specific physiological functions in E. sinensis under circadian cycles. We also profiled various putative target genes enriched under the circadian-related pathway. This study performed miRNA expression in the eyestalks of E. sinensis during a 24-h daily cycle, providing insights into the molecular mechanism underlying crustacean circadian rhythms and suggesting miRNAs' role in studying crustacean physiology should not be overlooked.
Perceived difficulty of upwind shouting is a misconception explained by convective attenuation effect
Authors: Pulkki Ville , Daugintis Rapolas , Lähivaara Timo , Öyry Aleksi
Published: March 2023

It is a common thought that in windy conditions the voice of a shouter emanates towards the upwind with lower strength than towards the downwind. Contradicting with this, acoustics literature states that a source emanates with a higher amplitude against the upwind direction in comparison with the downwind direction, which is known as the convective amplification or attenuation effect. This article shows that the discrepancy arises because shouters receive their own voice at their ear canals worse when facing against the upwind direction than in the corresponding down-wind case. When shouting upwind, the ears are situated downwind from the mouth, and the strength of one’s own voice decreases in the ears due to the convective attenuation effect depending on frequency, making the shouter believe that it is more difficult to shout against the wind. This is shown by computational simulations and real measurements using models of a human shouter with simplified geometries.
Environmental-friendly regenerated lignocellulose functionalized cotton fabric to prepare multi-functional degradable membrane for efficient oil–water separation and solar seawater desalination
Authors: Li Jiangyi , Gao Junkai , Fang Jiangyu , Ling Tian , Xia Mengsheng , Cao Xue , Han Zhi , Chen Yan
Published: March 2023

Freshwater pollution and shortage have become an imminent problem. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a multi-functional membrane for the production of fresh water. In this work, the regenerated lignocellulose modified cotton fabric was developed as a novel, multi-functional and degradable membrane (LCPT@CF) for efficient oil–water separation and solar steam generation for the first time. The fabrication method has the merits of simple, environmentally friendly and cost effective. The regenerated lignocellulose was adhered on the surface of cotton fabric by tannic acid and polyvinyl alcohol complexes tightly, and the multilayered structures of the LCPT@CF can be formed, which endowed the membranes with underwater superoleophobic property and durability. The underwater superoleophobic property enabled LCPT@CF to purify various kinds of oil-in-water emulsions with a separation efficiency of more than 99.90%. Moreover, benefiting from the excellent photothermal conversion capacity of regenerated lignocellulose, the LCPT@CF achieved high evaporation rate of 1.39 kg m−2 h−1 and favorable evaporation efficiency of 84% under 1 sun illumination, and the LCPT@CF also presented excellent salt-resistance for evaporating seawater for 20 cycles, without salt accumulation. More importantly, the LCPT@CF could be naturally degradable by microorganisms in the natural condition within 3 months, which had outstanding environmental friendliness. These above results demonstrated that the green and efficient LCPT@CF could play great potential in oil–water separation and sewage purification.
Possible correlation of apical localization of MUC1 glycoprotein with luminal A-like status of breast cancer
Authors: Semba Ryoko , Horimoto Yoshiya , Sakata-Matsuzawa Madoka , Ishizuka Yumiko , Denda-Nagai Kaori , Fujihira Haruhiko , Noji Miki , Onagi Hiroko , Ichida Miyu , Miura Hiroyoshi , Watanabe Junichiro , Saito Mitsue , Saito Tsuyoshi , Arakawa Atsushi , Irimura Tatsuro
Published: March 2023

Adjuvant chemotherapy has played a major role in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer for many years. To better determine which patient subsets need adjuvant chemotherapy, various gene expression analyses have been developed, but cost-effective tools to identify such patients remain elusive. In the present report, we retrospectively investigated immunohistochemical expression and subcellular localization of MUC1 in primary tumors and examined their relationship to tumor malignancy, chemotherapy effect and patient outcomes. We retrospectively examined three patient cohorts with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative invasive breast cancer: 51 patients who underwent 21-gene expression analysis (multi-gene assay-cohort), 96 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy-cohort), and 609 patients whose tumor tissue was used in tissue-microarrays (tissue-microarray-cohort). The immunohistochemical staining pattern of the anti-MUC1 monoclonal antibody, Ma695, was examined in cancer tissues, and subcellular localization was determined as apical, cytoplasmic or negative. In the multi-gene assay-cohort, tumors with apical patterns had the lowest recurrence scores, reflecting lower tumor malignancy, and were significantly lower than MUC1-negative tumors (P = 0.038). In the neoadjuvant chemotherapy-cohort, there was no correlation between MUC1 staining patterns and effects of chemotherapy. Finally, in the tissue-microarray-cohort, we found that patients with apical MUC1 staining patterns had significantly longer disease-free-survival and overall survival than other patterns (P = 0.020 and 0.039, respectively). Our data suggest that an apical MUC1 staining pattern indicates luminal A-likeness. Assessment of the subcellular localization of MUC1 glycoprotein may be useful for identifying patients who can avoid adjuvant chemotherapy.
Study on the influence of shot peening strengthening before shot peen forming on 2024-T351 aluminum alloy fatigue crack growth rate
Authors: Li Guowei , Dong Zhicheng , Luo Tianhao , Huang Heyuan
Published: March 2023

It is sparse and inconclusive that research on the subject whether the fatigue life of the structure will be reduced by shot peening strengthening before shot peen forming (S + F), and this study investigates accordingly. First, the crack growth rate test of the machine-processing plate and shot peening strengthening before shot peen forming plate demonstrate that both plates’ final crack growth rate and length are similar. However, the test shows the “fluctuation phenomenon” of crack growth rate and the “intersection phenomenon” in the Paris curve. This study is based on a self-developed simulation plugin for crack growth paths. The results verify that “fluctuation” causes the differential distribution of the overall stress intensity factor in the strengthened (4.5% increase compared to machine-processing) and formed (9.8% decrease compared to machine-processing) crater areas of the shot peening strengthening before shot peen forming plate. Comparing to the full coverage strengthening area, the forming area (only 30% coverage) in the early stage of growth as well as the gain amplitude of the residual stress in the late stage of growth gradually decrease and tend to be the same as that of the machine-processing, as validated by the “intersection phenomenon”.
New insight into atomic-level interpretation of interactions in molecules and reacting systems
Authors: Lefebvre Corentin , Khartabil Hassan , Hénon Eric
Published: March 2023

During a reaction the molecules undergo phases of electronic structure reorganisation. This phenomenon can now be detected by monitoring the curvature of the atomic IGM-DOI indices along the reaction path.
An energy minimization strategy based on an improved nonlinear conjugate gradient method for accelerating the charged polymer dynamics simulation
Authors: Lin Hao , Shi Yiwei , Shang Enlong , Dai Shuyang
Published: March 2023

Combining a non-linear conjugate gradient method for solving large-scale unconstrained optimization problems with a Brownian dynamics model for polymer chains, we study the pre-equilibrium simulation of charged polymers in different dielectric systems.
Influence of lattice water molecules on the magnetization dynamics of binuclear dysprosium(iii) compounds: insights from magnetic andab initiocalculations
Authors: Du Jiyuan , Wei Shilong , Jiang Zhijie , Ke Hongshan , Sun Lin , Zhang Yiquan , Chen Sanping
Published: March 2023

By rationally changing the amount of substance of the base, two novel centrosymmetric binuclear compounds have been synthesized, and the introduction of lattice water significantly enhances the single-molecule magnet performance.
Rutin attenuates d-galactose-induced oxidative stress in rats’ brain and liver: molecular docking and experimental approaches
Authors: Saafan Shaimaa M. , Mohamed Shymaa A. , Noreldin Ahmed E. , El Tedawy Fayza A. , Elewa Yaser H. A. , Fadly Reda S. , Al Jaouni Soad Khalil , El-Far Ali H. , Alsenosy Abdelwahab A.
Published: March 2023

Oxidative stress results from the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defence and is primarily involved in aging.
Determination of broadband-light atomic absorption through interferometric spectrometry with a spatial heterodyne spectrometer
Authors: Li Xunyu , Riedel Jens , You Yi
Published: March 2023

A spatial heterodyne spectrometer (SHS) was combined with a flame atomic absorption (FAA) setup to reveal the analytical potential of SHS to be used as a tool for high-resolution atomic absorption studies.
The complete change in bile acids and steroids in systematic metabolomics applied to the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Xu Hualin , Xu Yupin , Zhao Guoqiang , Fu Xukun , Zhao Jian , Wang Huaqian , Cai Yuliang , Lin Hongmei
Published: March 2023

A systematic analysis of serum, placental tissue and urine from women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy was performed by untargeted metabolomics.
Largely conjugated planar acceptor and rotatable donors to construct AIEgens with large molar extinction coefficients for the detection of metal ions
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yi Long , Zhao Xiaofang , Li Chunbin , Liu Lingxiu , Gong Jianye , Feng Lina , Wang Jianguo , Jiao Zhe , Jiang Guoyu
Published: March 2023

A strategy of largely conjugated planar acceptor and rotatable donors was proposed to construct AIEgens with large molar extinction coefficients.
Surfactant assisted synthesis of strontium hexaferrite microspheres for the fabrication of high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Elanthamilan Elaiyappillai , Wang Sea-Fue
Published: March 2023

Synthesis of magnetic strontium hexaferrite particles by a chemical co-precipitation method for asymmetric supercapacitor applications.
Fabrication of a Co3O4 monolithic membrane catalyst as an efficient PMS activator for the removal of methylene blue
Authors: Zhang Chengkai , Liao Xiaogang , Wang Xiaoya , Li Gang
Published: March 2023

An oxalate-pyrolysis method was proposed for the fabrication of an integral Co3O4 catalyst towards PMS activation to degrade MB.
Engineering 3D structure Mn/YTiOx nanotube catalyst with an efficient H2O and SO2 tolerance for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3
Authors: Cui Rongji , Huang Xiaosheng , Zhang Guodong , Tang Zhicheng
Published: March 2023

A novel Mn/YTiOx catalyst was designed and showed superior N2 selectivity and H2O/SO2 resistance for the low-temperature NH3-SCR reaction due to the increased chemisorbed oxygen and the electron transfer between Y and Mn.
Assessor in action: assessment literacy development in a biochemistry context
Authors: Feola Stephanie , Lemons Paula P. , Loertscher Jennifer A. , Minderhout Vicky , Lewis Jennifer E.
Published: March 2023

Instructors make assessment decisions based on their knowledge and experiences. Assessment practice is an essential element of instruction, and the outcomes of assessments have a broad impact on both students and instructors. Efforts to provide strengths-focused, relevant professional development support regarding assessment are enhanced by greater understanding of the complex nature of assessment practices. In this study, the Teacher Assessment Literacy in Practice (TALiP) framework was used to guide our investigation of one biochemistry instructor's assessment literacy, relevant to her integration of a biochemistry threshold concept, the physical basis of interactions (PBI), into her course. Qualitative framework analysis was used to examine classroom artifacts and interview data to reveal that community support and self-reflection influenced the instructor's enactment of specific assessments aligned with her instructional goals. Additionally, the instructor was seen to leverage assets to develop her assessment literacy within a single semester.
Progress of electrochemical synthesis of nitric acid: catalyst design, mechanistic insights, protocol and challenges
Authors: Adalder Ashadul , Paul Sourav , Ghorai Uttam Kumar
Published: March 2023

A rational approach for construction of superior model electrocatalysts for nitrogen oxidation to nitric acid and their mechanistic insights, protocols, and various challenges that would be a viable alternative to the century-old Ostwald process.
Single-component electroluminescent white light-emitting diodes based on zinc oxide quantum dots with high color rendition and tunable correlated color temperature
Authors: Zhao Yongshuang , Yang Yue , Chen Lixiang , Jiang Haohong , Hu Yuanhong , Lan Zhaojue , Miao Yanqin , Wang Yude , Lei Yanlian , Zhu Furong
Published: March 2023

Single-component WLEDs with tunable CCT from 3303 to 8055 K and very high CRI >90 have been realized using ZnO-QDs as emissive layer, which opens up a new avenue for the development of low-cost, environment-friendly, and high-performance single-component WLEDs.
Role of the electrolyte layer in CMOS-compatible and oxide-based vertical three-terminal ECRAM
Authors: Han Geonhui , Seo Jongseon , Kim Hyejin , Lee Deaseok
Published: March 2023

Vertical three-terminal electrochemical random access memory (ECRAM) is developed to demonstrate the feasibility of high-density integration and mass production. Improved retention was obtained by investigation of role of the electrolyte layer.
Structure–metal ion selectivity of rhodamine-based chemosensors
Authors: Ghosh Pritam , Roy Partha
Published: March 2023

A structure–property correlation between rhodamine-based chemosensors and metal ion selectivity has been discussed here.
Fluorescent indicator displacement assay for the discovery of UGGAA repeat-targeted small molecules
Authors: Shibata Tomonori , Matsumoto Yasumasa , Iihara Akiko , Yamada Kazunori , Ochiai Hiroshi , Saito Ryo , Kusaka Shinichi , Kume Toshiyuki
Published: March 2023

Fluorescent indicator displacement assay using selective fluorescent indicator NBD-NCD for UGGAA repeat enables the detection of the interaction between small molecules and UGGAA repeats.
Host behaviour of two tricyclic fused systems in mixed anisole guest solvents
Authors: Barton Benita , Trollip Danica B. , Hosten Eric C.
Published: March 2023

N,N′-Bis(5-phenyl-5-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenyl)ethylenediamine H1 possessed a remarkable affinity for 4-MA due to significantly shorter intermolecular host⋯host C–H⋯π and π⋯π (the stereoview here) interactions in H1·4MA compared with in H1·3MA.
Pattern-free solar absorber driven by superposed Fabry–Perot resonances
Authors: Liu Haotuo , Yu Kun , Zhang Kaihua , Ai Qing , Xie Ming , Wu Xiaohu
Published: March 2023

We develop a design method for a pattern-free absorber driven by superposed Fabry–Perot resonances, which can achieve an average absorption of 96% in the solar irradiation band.
Molecular insights into the stereospecificity of arginine in RNA tetraloop folding
Authors: Vijay Amal , Mukherjee Arnab
Published: March 2023

The effect of arginine chirality on RNA tetraloop dynamics by a combination of enhanced sampling methods.
Dual mechanism of ion (de)intercalation and iodine redox towards advanced zinc batteries
Authors: Yang Yongqiang , Guo Shan , Pan Yicai , Lu Bingan , Liang Shuquan , Zhou Jiang
Published: March 2023

We propose a dual-storage ion solution of Zn2+and I−with a cathode containing a mixture of NH4V4O10and porous activated carbon, exhibiting a dual mechanism of Zn2+(de)intercalation and iodine redox with adsorption–desorption.
Maximizing the ionic liquid content and specific surface area in hierarchically nanoporous hypercrosslinked poly(ionic liquid)s towards the efficient conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates
Authors: Lyu Hongbing , Wang Xiaochen , Sun Wanting , Xu Ergang , She Yaping , Liu Anqiu , Gao Daming , Hu Miao , Guo Jianhua , Hu Kunhong , Cheng Jihai , Long Zhouyang , Liu Yangqing , Zhang Pengjie
Published: March 2023

Nanoporous poly(ionic liquid)s with both great porosities and high IL contents are prepared through a two-step synthetic strategy, serving as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 cycloaddition with epoxides under mild conditions.
Metal-free, 2-MeTHF mediated C(sp)–H functionalization of alkynes with anilines to access diaryl 1,2-diketones bearing lowerE-factors
Authors: Bhukta Swadhapriya , Chatterjee Rana , Dandela Rambabu
Published: March 2023

A metal-free and efficient oxidative C(sp)–H functionalization of alkynes has been developed for the synthesis of 1,2-diketones.
Changes in permselectivity of radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes with different cationic headgroup chemistries are primarily due to water content differences
Authors: Chakraborty Arup , Salam Ihtasham , Choolaei Mehdi , Lee Judy , Crean Carol , Whelligan Daniel K. , Bance-Soualhi Rachida , Varcoe John R.
Published: March 2023

For anion-exchange membranes, different cationic chemistries change the balance between permselectivity and conductivity, due to changes in water content.
Synthesis, structure and spectroscopic properties of BODIPY dyes incorporating the pentafluorosulfanylphenyl group
Authors: James Richard D. , Cucinotta Fabio , Waddell Paul G. , Benniston Andrew C.
Published: March 2023

Six compounds (BD1–BD6) are discussed based on the borondipyrromethene (BODIPY) core and functionalised in the meso position or the 3,5-positions with pentafluorosulfanylaryl subunits.
The effect of boron doping on the optical, morphological and structural properties of Cu3SbS3thin films preparedviaspin coating
Authors: Yağci Özlem , Yüksel Sureyya Aydın , Bozkurt Kutsal , Altındal Ahmet
Published: March 2023

For the first time, boron doped Cu3SbS3thin films were producedviaspin coating method. Boron doped Cu3SbS3 thin films will provide new dimensions for the design of environmentally friendly, low cost and highly efficient solar cell absorber layer.
Effects of indium doping on methanol deep oxidation over Ag/CeO2 catalysts
Authors: Xiao Yongli , Chen Yongdong , Deng Jie , Luo Li , Li Yue , Bai Xinyu
Published: March 2023

Deep methanol oxidation reaction of Ag loaded on indium-doped cerium oxide nanorods.