bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of emerging contaminants on soil microbial community composition, soil enzyme activity, and strawberry plant growth in polyethylene microplastic-containing soils
Authors: Chahal Shawninder , Wang Peiying , Bueno Vinicius , Anand Hemanshu , Bayen Stéphane , Ghoshal Subhasis , Gravel Valérie , Tufenkji Nathalie
Published: February 2023

Emerging contaminants were found to alter the soil microbial community composition. However, no changes were observed when these compounds were added to soil containing 100 mg kg−1 HDPE microplastics.
A label-free fluorescent aptamer sensor for testosterone based on SYBR Green I
Authors: Hou Yucui , Lu Xiaoling , Yang Jie , Tang Chunhua , Jiang Hanbing , Cai Tongji , Chen Meilun , Wei Zheng , Yu Peng
Published: February 2023

An unlabeled testosterone detection sensor was constructed by aptamer and SG I.
Determination of 21 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in paper- and cardboard-based food contact materials by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Miralles Pablo , Beser María Isabel , Sanchís Yovana , Yusà Vicent , Coscollà Clara
Published: February 2023

In this work, a new analytical method was developed and validated for the determination of the total content of 21 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in paper- and cardboard-based food contact materials (FCMs).
Anl-arginine-functionalized pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular photosensitizer for synergistically enhanced cancer therapeutic effectiveness
Authors: Chao Shuang , Shen Ziyan , Li Bowen , Pei Yuxin , Pei Zhichao
Published: February 2023

A supramolecular photosensitizer system LAP5⊃NBSPD was constructed based on host–guest interactions betweenl-arginine-functionalized pillar[5]arene (LAP5) and NBS pyridine derivative (NBSPD) to synergistically enhance cancer therapeutic effectiveness.
2D carbon nitride as a support with single Cu, Ag, and Au atoms for carbon dioxide reduction reaction
Authors: Posada-Pérez Sergio , Vidal-López Anna , Solà Miquel , Poater Albert
Published: February 2023

Single metal atoms supported on 2D carbon nitride are promising electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction reaction.
F and rare V4+doped cobalt hydroxide hybrid nanostructures: excellent OER activity with ultralow overpotential
Authors: Muthukumar Pandi , Nantheeswaran Periyappan , Mariappan Mariappan , Pannipara Mehboobali , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G. , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: February 2023

V and F-codoped cobalt hydroxide nanowires with spherical nanoassemblies exhibited excellent OER activity that required a very low overpotential of 136 mV for producing the benchmark current density of 10 mA cm−2.
Genomic characterization supporting the development of new food and crop options from the Australian flora
Authors: Henry Robert J.
Published: February 2023

Genome analysis is facilitating the use of crop wild relatives in the Australian flora for food crop improvement. Options for domestication of new food species from this diverse flora are also being revealed.
Niacin/β-hydroxybutyrate regulates milk fat and milk protein synthesis via the GPR109A/Gi/mTORC1 pathway
Authors: Chen Jiaming , Lin Tongbin , Zhang Shuchang , Yue Xianhuai , Liu XingHong , Wu Caichi , Liang Yunyi , Zeng Xiangfang , Ren Man , Chen Fang , Guan Wutai , Zhang Shihai
Published: February 2023

Both niacin and BHBA promote milk fat and milk protein synthesis with the activation of GPR109A/mTORC1 signaling in mammary gland epithelial cells.
Hard ferrite magnetic insulators revealing giant coercivity and sub-terahertz natural ferromagnetic resonance at 5–300 K
Authors: Gorbachev Evgeny A. , Kozlyakova Ekaterina S. , Alyabyeva Liudmila N. , Ahmed Asmaa , Trusov Lev A.
Published: February 2023

Temperature dependencies of magnetic properties of single-domain Al-substituted hexaferrite particles were investigated. The coercivity values and natural ferromagnetic resonance frequencies pass through maxima at 180 K, reaching 42 kOe and 297 GHz.
Nitrogen-rich covalent phosphazene-based framework for efficient removal of lead(ii) ions
Authors: Peng Lin-ling , Zhou Wei-Fang , Xu Wei-Feng , Liu Yu , Zhou Cong-Shan , Xie Jun , Tang Ke-Wen
Published: February 2023

Nitrogen-rich phosphazene-based covalent organic framework was synthesized for efficient Pb2+ removal from aqueous solution. The N-CPF exhibits an exceedingly high Pb2+ uptake capacity of 816 mg g−1 and a fast adsorption rate.
Synchronous coupling of defects and a heteroatom-doped carbon constraint layer on cobalt sulfides toward boosted oxide electrolysis activities for highly energy-efficient micro-zinc–air batteries
Authors: Zhao Juanjuan , Tan Hao , Zi Zhenfa , Song Li , Hu Haibo , Zhang Haijun , Wu Mingzai
Published: February 2023

Coupling Co1-xS nanoparticles of rich cobalt vacancies (VCo) between layered carbon framework, the Co1-xS@N/S-C was designed to demonstrate an effective defect and structure synergistic engineering for boosted oxide electrolysis activities for zinc air batteries.
Carbon nanowires made by the insertion-and-fusion method toward carbon–hydrogen nanoelectronics
Authors: Liu Fu , Wang Qingqing , Tang Yuchao , Du Wan , Chang Weiwei , Fu Zewei , Zhao Xinluo , Liu Yi
Published: February 2023

Carbon nanowires can be made via the insertion-and-fusion of short carbon chains inside carbon nanotubes, and carry H adatoms that can tune the electronic and magnetic properties of carbon chains upon the varied H positions in C–H nanoelectronics.
The role of CaMKK2 in Golgi-associated vesicle trafficking
Authors: Kennedy Grace , Gibson Olivia , T. O'Hare Dáire , Mills Ian G. , Evergren Emma
Published: February 2023

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase, that is involved in maintaining various physiological and cellular processes within the cell that regulate energy homeostasis and cell growth. CaMKK2 regulates glucose metabolism by the activation of downstream kinases, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and other calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases. Consequently, its deregulation has a role in multiple human metabolic diseases including obesity and cancer. Despite the importance of CaMKK2, its signalling pathways and pathological mechanisms are not completely understood. Recent work has been aimed at broadening our understanding of the biological functions of CaMKK2. These studies have uncovered new interaction partners that have led to the description of new functions that include lipogenesis and Golgi vesicle trafficking. Here, we review recent insights into the role of CaMKK2 in membrane trafficking mechanisms and discuss the functional implications in a cellular context and for disease.
Semantic Difficulty for Bilingual Children: Effects of Age, Language Exposure, and Language Ability
Authors: McMillen Stephanie , Albudoor Nahar , Peña Elizabeth D. , Bedore Lisa M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Semantic tasks evaluate dimensions of children's lexical-semantic knowledge. However, the relative ease of semantic task completion depends on individual differences in developmental and language experience factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how language experience and language ability impact semantic task difficulty in English for school-age Spanish–English bilingual children with and without developmental language disorder (DLD).

Method:

Participants included 232 Spanish–English bilingual children in second through fifth grade with (
n
= 35) and without (
n
= 197) DLD. Data included children's performance on the English Semantics subtest of the Bilingual English–Spanish Assessment—Middle Extension Field Test Version (BESA-ME), age of English acquisition, and percent English language exposure. Task difficulty, a measurement of the relative ease of task completion, was calculated for six semantic task types included on the BESA-ME. Multilevel regression modeling was conducted to estimate longitudinal growth trajectories for each semantic task type.

Results:

Results showed that language ability and grade level drive semantic task difficulty for all task types, and children with DLD experienced greater difficulty on all task types compared to their typically developing peers. Longitudinally, semantic task difficulty decreased for all children, regardless of language ability, indicating that semantic task types became easier over time. While children made gains on all semantic tasks, the growth rate of task difficulty was not equal across task types, where some task types showed slower growth compared with others. English language exposure emerged as a significant predictor of semantic task difficulty while age of acquisition was not a significant factor.

Conclusions:

This study clarifies developmental profiles of lexical-semantic performance in bilingual children with and without DLD and supports clinical decision-making regarding children's English language learning.
Time‐space‐power allocation for enhanced IoT‐terminal services in cognitive satellite‐aerial networks
Authors: Li Tong , Yao Ru‐Gui , Fan Ye , Zuo Xiao‐Ya
Published: February 2023

In remote and inaccessible areas, the traffic request for Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) terminals is growing. This paper proposes a cognitive satellite‐aerial network (CSAN) to provide sufficient access services. The proposed CSAN consists of the primary beam‐hopping (BH) satellite and secondary aerial‐based station (ABS) systems. Since the two systems share spectrums, co‐channel interference (CCI) between the two systems is complicated, and the quality of service (QoS) is seriously degraded. To improve the QoS, the dynamic BH (DBH) pattern, ABS access in the time domain, and ABS power control in the power domain are studied. First, based on the sparsity of the DBH pattern, the greedy quick tracking (GAT) algorithm is proposed to design the DBH pattern quickly. Then, subject to the DBH pattern, a greedy access monitor (GAM) algorithm is determined for timely ABS access and power control. Since each ABS only serves terminals within a suitable distance, the placement and terminal cluster of multi‐ABSs in the space domain are required to ensure full terminal coverage. Thus, the mutual selection K algorithm is proposed to save required ABS numbers and improve service fairness among terminal clusters. Simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of time‐space‐power allocation for enhanced IoT‐terminal services in the proposed CSAN.
A video drowning detection device based on underwater computer vision
Authors: Liu Tingzhuang , He Xinyu , He Linglu , Yuan Fei
Published: February 2023

Drowning is a significant public health concern. A video drowning detection algorithm is a helpful tool for finding drowning victims. However, there are three challenges that drowning detection research typically encounters: a lack of actual drowning video data, subtle early drowning traits, and a lack of real time. In this paper, the authors propose an underwater computer vision based drowning detection device composed of embedded AI devices, camera, and waterproof case to solve the above problems. The detection device utilizes the high‐performance computing of Jetson Nano to realize real‐time detection of drowning events through the proposed drowning detection algorithm on the acquired underwater video stream. The proposed drowning detection algorithm primarily consists of two stages: in the first step, to successfully solve the interference of the surroundings and to give a trustworthy basis for video drowning detection, the YOLOv5n network is used to detect the near‐vertical human body based on the characteristics of the drowning person. In the second stage, the authors propose a lightweight drowning detection network (DDN) based on a deep Gaussian model for fast feature vector detection. The lightweight DDN is combined with the Gaussian model to detect anomaly in the high‐level semantic features, which has higher robustness and solves the lack of drowning videos. The experimental results show that the proposed drowning detection algorithm has good comprehensive performance and practical application value.
Synergistic enhancement of dielectric properties of polymer matrix composites by micro‐nano bicomponent ceramics and conductive particles
Authors: Wu Dongyi , Zhai Yue , Xu Haiping , Guo Lihe
Published: February 2023

Barium titanate (BaTiO3, BT) was co‐doped by solid‐state sintering with niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) and cobalt trioxide (Co3O4) as dopants. The modified barium titanate containing Nb and Co (BTNC) with larger particle size (0.5–1 μm) and silver powder (Ag) with smaller particle size (25 nm) were co‐filled with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to prepare (BTNC‐Ag)/PVDF three‐phase composites. The morphology and crystal structure of composites were characterised by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. SEM shows that when the volume ratio of BTNC and Ag in the composite is 4:1, the two fillers have good dispersion in polymer matrix and could intersperse with each other to reduce voids. XRD patterns display that the filling of BTNC and Ag powders was conducive to promoting the enhancement of the diffraction peaks of β phase and γ phase in PVDF. The dielectric properties of the composites are effectively enhanced through the synergistic effect of the micro‐nano bicomponent ceramic BTNC and conductive particles Ag co‐filled polymer PVDF. When the volume ratio of filler (BTNC:Ag = 4:1) to matrix PVDF is 2/1, the dielectric properties of the composite are the best, the dielectric constant reaches 134.1 at 102 Hz and the dielectric loss is 0.04.
Multiple‐model generalised labelled multi‐Bernoulli filter with distributed sensors for tracking manoeuvring targets using belief propagation
Authors: Cao Chenghu , Zhao Yongbo
Published: February 2023

The multi‐sensor multiple‐model generalised labelled multi‐Bernoulli filter (MS‐MM‐GLMB) is presented for tracking multiple manoeuvring targets. And we develop efficient implementation for computing multi‐target posterior. The proposed implementation of the MS‐MM‐GLMB filter is composed of two main parts including centralised fusion with distributed sensors and posterior calculation using belief propagation. Specifically, the centralised fusion with distributed sensors is performed based on common predicted information to enable a full parallelisation. This fusion strategy yields the exact solution along with independence of the sensor ordering. More importantly, this fusion allows multiple sensor fusion with the MM‐GLMB filters for iterative update step for synchronous measurements. Subsequently, the belief propagation algorithm is adopted to implement the MS‐MM‐GLMB filter by efficiently calculating the marginal posterior distributions of GLMB form with superior tracking performance. The belief propagation solution to solving data association is presented for the computationally efficient centralised tracking of the manoeuvring targets. Compared with Gibbs‐based implementation, the proposed belief‐propagation‐based method performs well or better, especially in more challenging scenario.
Calculations for the optical system for the first ITER plasma
Authors: Plaum Burkhard , Preynas Mélanie , Choe Munseok
Published: February 2023

A dedicated optical system is designed for the breakdown of the first ITER plasma, when the machine will not be equipped with the equatorial ECRH-launcher. Seven beams from the upper launcher will be transmitted via several in-vessel mirrors through the resonance layer to a beam-dump. The whole system was simulated with the PROFUSION package to obtain the beam parameters, estimate spill-over effects and determine the required polarization in the launcher in order to have X-mode polarization in the resonance.
ABC model for estimating sea lamprey local population size using a simple nest count during the spawning season
Authors: Dhamelincourt Marius , Tentelier Cédric , Elosegi Arturo
Published: February 2023

Population estimation implies considering the biology of the species, but also the constraints of logistic aspects such as cost. While common methods based on individual counts can provide precise estimates, they require an extensive sampling effort. An alternative to these methods is using cues linked to the species abundance. In that case, producing absolute estimates requires assessing the relationship between the individuals and these cues. In this paper, we propose a model based on data on spawning behaviour and Approximate Bayesian Computation to estimate the number of sea lamprey spawners using nest counts data. By counting the daily number of occupied nests and using parameters from a behavioural study, we set up a model simulating a spawning season and returning a population estimate by comparison with field data. Our model gives realistic estimates and we discuss the parameters on which to prioritize data collection with a sensitivity analysis, and show that halving the sample size provides a still satisfactory accuracy. We made an easily parametrizable application to run the model for any people interested in sea lamprey population estimation, and believe this framework to be a good way to increase data collection for both endangered and invasive sea lamprey.
An incentive mechanism for integration of business applications between organizations
Authors: Esmaeilyfard Rasool , Salehi Atefe
Published: February 2023

Extending services and operations of organizations in the field of e-business or e-government sometimes requires the integration of business applications. However, sometimes due to challenges and risks, such as complex business processes reengineering, upstream organizations are reluctant to integrate their applications. This paper focuses on two critical questions; (1) How can organizations be encouraged to participate in integrating their business applications? (2) What is the amount of incentives required? In this study, cooperative game theory and the externalities of these systems have been considered to form a stable coalition between organizations for integrating their business applications. We provided an algorithm for determining the incentives to integrate the business applications with other organizations in this coalition. These incentives can be extended to various management issues for better decision-making such as economic aspects, public subsidies, and public participation. The results of experiments have shown that creating a coalition based on this strategy is always possible, and the benefits of organizations in the coalition rise with increasing service delivery in business applications.
Reflections on the Present World of Chinese Traditional Culture from the Perspective of Comparison between Chinese and Western Philosophy
Authors: Wang Jiangyan
Published: February 2023

Philosophy is an eternal topic of human development, and it is also the basic promoter of the inheritance and development of traditional culture. Since ancient times, there have been many differences in concepts and mechanisms between Chinese and Western philosophies. Moral ethics, natural health preservation, and the golden mean are the main manifestations of Chinese philosophical concepts. This is also the main feature of Chinese traditional culture, which shows strong secularism as a whole. Western philosophy is mainly characterized by the origin of elements, metaphysics, and unity of will and spirit, which also makes most Western cultures surpass the present world. At present, my country is at a critical stage of national rejuvenation. The inheritance and development of Chinese traditional culture have become the only task for national rejuvenation, and it is also the main means for Chinese excellent traditional culture to go abroad and enhance China’s soft power. In this regard, to promote the inheritance and development of Chinese traditional culture, based on the comparative perspective of Chinese and foreign philosophy, this paper analyzes the secularism of Chinese traditional culture and proposes the secular development and future succession of Chinese traditional culture.
Efficacy of Melatonin for Insomnia in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Xiong Mei , Li Fang , Liu Zhaohua , Xie Xin , Shen Hongli , Li Weiteng , Wei Liping , He Rongfang
Published: February 2023

Aim This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of melatonin in treating insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods Comprehensive searches were conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from their inception to April 20, 2022. Data were extracted and assessed for quality by two researchers. Statistical analysis was performed using the Stata 15.0 software.

Results Four studies including 238 patients were included. The results showed that compared with the control group, melatonin could shorten the sleep-onset latency (standardized mean difference [SMD] = − 1.34, 95% CI: −2.19 to −0.48), reduce the number of awakenings (SMD = -2.35, 95% CI: −4.62 to −0.08), and prolong the total sleep time (SMD = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.5–2.33) in children with ASD.

Conclusion Melatonin has a certain effect on relieving sleep disturbances in children with ASD, which can shorten sleep latency, reduce the number of awakenings, and prolong total sleep time. Larger studies are required to verify this hypothesis.
How are Research for Development Programmes Implementing and Evaluating Equitable Partnerships to Address Power Asymmetries?
Authors: Snijder Mieke , Steege Rosie , Callander Michelle , Wahome Michel , Rahman M. Feisal , Apgar Marina , Theobald Sally , Bracken Louise J. , Dean Laura , Mansaray Bintu , Saligram Prasanna , Garimella Surekha , Arthurs-Hartnett Sophia , Karuga Robinson , Mejía Artieda Adriana Elizabeth , Chengo Victoria , Ateles Joanes
Published: February 2023

The complexity of issues addressed by research for development (R4D) requires collaborations between partners from a range of disciplines and cultural contexts. Power asymmetries within such partnerships may obstruct the fair distribution of resources, responsibilities and benefits across all partners. This paper presents a cross-case analysis of five R4D partnership evaluations, their methods and how they unearthed and addressed power asymmetries. It contributes to the field of R4D partnership evaluations by detailing approaches and methods employed to evaluate these partnerships. Theory-based evaluations deepened understandings of how equitable partnerships contribute to R4D generating impact and centring the relational side of R4D. Participatory approaches that involved all partners in developing and evaluating partnership principles ensured contextually appropriate definitions and a focus on what partners value.
Intrinsic anharmonicity tuned by in-plane rotational phonon mode in two-dimensional group-IB chalcogenides
Authors: Zhou Ran , Liang Hanpu , Duan Yifeng
Published: February 2023

Anharmonicity as a fundamental issue inspires numerous interesting phenomena in phase transition, electronic structure, thermal transport, and so on. Here, we find that the peculiar A1u phonon mode of in-plane rotational vibration of group-IB-atom ring introduces the anharmonicity into the s(I) and s(II) phases of two-dimensional group-IB chalcogenides. Compared to the high-symmetry s(I) phase, the A1u phonon mode is always active and the anharmonicity is stronger in the symmetry-breaking s(II) phase by releasing the strain energy. The temperature-hardened A1u mode stabilizes the s(I) phase and reduces the lattice thermal conductivity by strengthening the anharmonicity. The strain-softened A1u mode drives the s(II)-to-s(I) phase transition and enhances the lattice thermal conductivity by weakening the anharmonicity. We also establish the relationships of the anharmonicity vs the band structure and Poisson's ratio. As the anharmonicity is weakened during the strain-induced s(II)-to-s(I) phase transition, the bandgap significantly increases. Meanwhile, the weaker anharmonicity implies the lower Poisson's ratio, which further drops much faster with the strain. Our work realizes the tuning of anharmonicity by the peculiar phonon mode in 2D group-IB chalcogenides, which provides a useful guidance for further understanding the anharmonic effect.
Nonlinear branched flow of intense laser light in randomly uneven media
Authors: Jiang K. , Huang T. W. , Wu C. N. , Yu M. Y. , Zhang H. , Wu S. Z. , Zhuo H. B. , Pukhov A. , Zhou C. T. , Ruan S. C.
Published: February 2023

Branched flow is an interesting phenomenon that can occur in diverse systems. It is usually linear in the sense that the flow does not alter the properties of the medium. Branched flow of light on thin films has recently been discovered. It is therefore of interest to know whether nonlinear light branching can also occur. Here, using particle-in-cell simulations, we find that in the case of an intense laser propagating through a randomly uneven medium, cascading local photoionization by the incident laser, together with the response of freed electrons in the strong laser fields, triggers space–time-dependent optical unevenness. The resulting branching pattern depends dramatically on the laser intensity. That is, the branching here is distinct from the existing linear ones. The observed branching properties agree well with theoretical analyses based on the Helmholtz equation. Nonlinear branched propagation of intense lasers potentially opens up a new area for laser–matter interaction and may be relevant to other branching phenomena of a nonlinear nature.
Special features of diagnostics of magnetic properties of “pipe-layer” chains of spheres
Authors: Sandulyak Darya , Sandulyak Anna , Gorpinenko Yurij , Sandulyak Alexander , Polismakova Maria , Solovev Igor
Published: February 2023

Circuit sensor contours created by using the technology of printed circuit boards and placed between spheres of radius R that are in contact allow measuring magnetic (micro-)fluxes Φc over the cores of different radii rc in a magnetized chain of spheres, which are basic elements of a granular medium. The main goal is to obtain information about the magnetic properties of the “pipe-layers” of a magnetized chain of spheres as a quasi-continuous magnet by virtue of the fact that such step-by-step data Φc can also be used to directly judge the step-by-step changes in magnetic fluxes along the “pipe-layers” (limited by adjacent circuit sensors). According to the data Φc, measured using eight sensors (from rc/R = 0.2 to rc/R = 0.9 at steps of 0.1), magnetic fluxes Φp were obtained along seven thin “pipe-layers” of different relative radii rp/R (from 0.25 to 0.85). The Φp data were obtained using chains in which the number of spheres (from 2 to 12) and the intensity of the magnetizing field varied (from 10 to 55 kA/m). The induction values in each of the “pipe-layers” were found and characterized. The values of their magnetic permeability were also found, which reflect the magnitude of the excess field intensity between the granules in comparison with the intensity of the magnetization field, which is of fundamental importance, for example, in matters of fine magnetic separation.
Development and x-ray imaging performance of Tb-doped GdAlO3-αAl2O3 submicron-diameter phase-separated scintillator fibers
Authors: Yoshino M. , Kamada K. , Yamamoto S. , Yajima R. , Sasaki R. , Sagisaka M. , Kataoka J. , Horiai T. , Yokota Y. , Yoshikawa A.
Published: February 2023

Scintillators are key components in high-energy x-ray detectors for x-ray computed tomography, which are applied in medical diagnosis, nondestructive testing, and security inspection. Scintillators in x-ray imaging are required to have both high spatial resolution and sensitivity; however, a trade-off between spatial resolution and sensitivity exists. To improve the sensitivity of a scintillator, its thickness must be increased; however, spatial resolution deteriorates with increasing thickness. Here, we developed a well-aligned Tb-doped GdAlO3-αAl2O3 phase-separated scintillator fiber (PSSF) with a diameter of 1.25-μm by a micro-pulling-down method. The luminescence, scintillation, and imaging performances of a grown PSSF sample were evaluated. X-ray-induced radioluminescence measurements of the sample showed Tb3+ 4f–4f emissions in the wavelength range of 470–700 nm, and the maximum emission peak was at 550 nm. The contrast transfer function at 10 lp/mm was 82% for both 270 and 500 μm-thick PSSF samples. We calculated the luminescence index, which is the product of the scintillator’s light yield and sensitivity, of the samples and compared their values with commercially available conventional CsI:Tl columnar scintillators. The Tb-doped GdAlO3-αAl2O3 PSSF exhibits higher contrast transfer function and luminescence index values at above 60 keV x-ray region compared with the tested conventional scintillators.
Defining and targeting tumor-associated macrophages in malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Wu Licun , Kohno Mikihiro , Murakami Junichi , Zia Amin , Allen Jonathan , Yun Hana , Chan Meilin , Baciu Cristina , Liu Mingyao , Serre-Beinier Veronique , De Palma Michele , Felley-Bosco Emanuela , Yeung Jonathan , Pugh Trevor J. , de Perrot Marc
Published: February 2023

Defining the ontogeny of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) is important to develop therapeutic targets for mesothelioma. We identified two distinct macrophage populations in mouse peritoneal and pleural cavities, the monocyte-derived, small peritoneal/pleural macrophages (SPM), and the tissue-resident large peritoneal/pleural macrophages (LPM). SPM rapidly increased in tumor microenvironment after tumor challenge and contributed to the vast majority of M2-like TAM. The selective depletion of M2-like TAM by conditional deletion of the Dicer1 gene in myeloid cells (D
−/−
) promoted tumor rejection. Sorted SPM M2-like TAM initiated tumorigenesis in vivo and in vitro, confirming their capacity to support tumor development. The transcriptomic and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that both SPM and LPM contributed to the tumor microenvironment by promoting the IL-2-STAT5 signaling pathway, inflammation, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. However, while SPM preferentially activated the KRAS and TNF-α/NFkB signaling pathways, LPM activated the IFN-γ response. The importance of LPM in the immune response was confirmed by depleting LPM with intrapleural clodronate liposomes, which abrogated the antitumoral memory immunity. SPM gene signature could be identified in pleural effusion and tumor from patients with untreated mesothelioma. Five genes,
TREM2, STAB1, LAIR1, GPNMB
, and
MARCO
, could potentially be specific therapeutic targets. Accordingly, Trem2 gene deletion led to reduced SPM M2-like TAM with compensatory increase in LPM and slower tumor growth. Overall, these experiments demonstrate that SPM M2-like TAM play a key role in mesothelioma development, while LPM more specifically contribute to the immune response. Therefore, selective targeting of monocyte-derived TAM may enhance antitumor immunity through compensatory expansion of tissue-resident TAM.
Estimating human mobility in Holocene Western Eurasia with large-scale ancient genomic data
Authors: Schmid Clemens , Schiffels Stephan
Published: February 2023

The recent increase in openly available ancient human DNA samples allows for large-scale meta-analysis applications. Trans-generational past human mobility is one of the key aspects that ancient genomics can contribute to since changes in genetic ancestry—unlike cultural changes seen in the archaeological record—necessarily reflect movements of people. Here, we present an algorithm for spatiotemporal mapping of genetic profiles, which allow for direct estimates of past human mobility from large ancient genomic datasets. The key idea of the method is to derive a spatial probability surface of genetic similarity for each individual in its respective past. This is achieved by first creating an interpolated ancestry field through space and time based on multivariate statistics and Gaussian process regression and then using this field to map the ancient individuals into space according to their genetic profile. We apply this algorithm to a dataset of 3138 aDNA samples with genome-wide data from Western Eurasia in the last 10,000 y. Finally, we condense this sample-wise record with a simple summary statistic into a diachronic measure of mobility for subregions in Western, Central, and Southern Europe. For regions and periods with sufficient data coverage, our similarity surfaces and mobility estimates show general concordance with previous results and provide a meta-perspective of genetic changes and human mobility.
The European migrant crisis in Polish parliamentary discourse
Authors: Klepański Jakub , Hartliński Maciej , Żukowski Arkadiusz
Published: February 2023

The European migrant crisis constitutes one of the greatest challenges of the second Decade of the 21st century. Controlled by the populist Law and Justice, the Polish government has been one of the few to oppose receiving refugees, although it is obliged to through the cooperation of EU states. The authors analyzed 852 parliamentary speeches of 24 Polish political leaders since 2011 to 2019. Considering the analysis results, it is possible to conclude that the more severe the crisis became, the more dynamically the number of reports on the migrant crisis increased in parliamentary discourse. The research confirms that the two biggest parties present dramatically disparate views on the issue. The study also confirms that the views and declarations of the analyzed political leaders are compatible with the views of their electorates.
Accumulated precursors of specific GPI-anchored proteins upregulate GPI biosynthesis with ARV1
Authors: Liu Yi-Shi , Wang Yicheng , Zhou Xiaoman , Zhang Linpei , Yang Ganglong , Gao Xiao-Dong , Murakami Yoshiko , Fujita Morihisa , Kinoshita Taroh
Published: February 2023

We previously reported that glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis is upregulated when endoplasmic reticulum–associated degradation (ERAD) is defective; however, the underlying mechanistic basis remains unclear. Based on a genome-wide CRISPR–Cas9 screen, we show that a widely expressed GPI-anchored protein CD55 precursor and ER-resident ARV1 are involved in upregulation of GPI biosynthesis under ERAD-deficient conditions. In cells defective in GPI transamidase, GPI-anchored protein precursors fail to obtain GPI, with the remaining uncleaved GPI-attachment signal at the C-termini. We show that ERAD deficiency causes accumulation of the CD55 precursor, which in turn upregulates GPI biosynthesis, where the GPI-attachment signal peptide is the active element. Among the 31 GPI-anchored proteins tested, only the GPI-attachment signal peptides of CD55, CD48, and PLET1 enhance GPI biosynthesis. ARV1 is prerequisite for the GPI upregulation by CD55 precursor. Our data indicate that GPI biosynthesis is balanced to need by ARV1 and precursors of specific GPI-anchored proteins.
The septin cytoskeleton: Heteromer composition defines filament function
Authors: Güler Gizem Özbaykal , Mostowy Serge
Published: February 2023

Septins are an evolutionarily conserved protein family whose members form hetero-oligomeric complexes that assemble into filaments and higher-order structures. In this issue, Martins et al. (2022. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202203016) and Cannon et al. (2023. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202204063) report that heteromer composition impacts the physiological role of septin filaments in yeast and human cells.
Pleiotrophin drives a prometastatic immune niche in breast cancer
Authors: Ganguly Debolina , Schmidt Marcel O. , Coleman Morgan , Ngo Tuong-Vi Cindy , Sorrelle Noah , Dominguez Adrian T.A. , Murimwa Gilbert Z. , Toombs Jason E. , Lewis Cheryl , Fang Yisheng V. , Valdes-Mora Fatima , Gallego-Ortega David , Wellstein Anton , Brekken Rolf A.
Published: February 2023

Metastatic cancer cells adapt to thrive in secondary organs. To investigate metastatic adaptation, we performed transcriptomic analysis of metastatic and non-metastatic murine breast cancer cells. We found that pleiotrophin (PTN), a neurotrophic cytokine, is a metastasis-associated factor that is expressed highly by aggressive breast cancers. Moreover, elevated PTN in plasma correlated significantly with metastasis and reduced survival of breast cancer patients. Mechanistically, we find that PTN activates NF-κB in cancer cells leading to altered cytokine production, subsequent neutrophil recruitment, and an immune suppressive microenvironment. Consequently, inhibition of PTN, pharmacologically or genetically, reduces the accumulation of tumor-associated neutrophils and reverts local immune suppression, resulting in increased T cell activation and attenuated metastasis. Furthermore, inhibition of PTN significantly enhanced the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade and chemotherapy in reducing metastatic burden in mice. These findings establish PTN as a previously unrecognized driver of a prometastatic immune niche and thus represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
Age-associated B cells are heterogeneous and dynamic drivers of autoimmunity in mice
Authors: Nickerson Kevin M. , Smita Shuchi , Hoehn Kenneth B. , Marinov Anthony D. , Thomas Kayla B. , Kos Justin T. , Yang Yi , Bastacky Sheldon I. , Watson Corey T. , Kleinstein Steven H. , Shlomchik Mark J.
Published: February 2023

Age-associated B cells (ABCs) are formed under inflammatory conditions and are considered a type of memory B cell (MBC) expressing the transcription factor T-bet. In SLE, ABC frequency is correlated with disease, and they are thought to be the source of autoantibody-secreting cells. However, in inflammatory conditions, whether autoreactive B cells can become resting MBCs is uncertain. Further, the phenotypic identity of ABCs and their relationship to other B cell subsets, such as plasmablasts, is unclear. Whether ABCs directly promote disease is untested. Here we report, in the MRL/lpr SLE model, unexpected heterogeneity among ABC-like cells for expression of the integrins CD11b and CD11c, T-bet, and memory or plasmablast markers. Transfer and labeling studies demonstrated that ABCs are dynamic, rapidly turning over. scRNA-seq identified B cell clones present in multiple subsets, revealing that ABCs can be plasmablast precursors or undergo cycles of reactivation. Deletion of CD11c-expressing B cells revealed a direct role for ABC-like B cells in lupus pathogenesis.
Is the observable Universe consistent with the cosmological principle?
Authors: Kumar Aluri Pavan , Cea Paolo , Chingangbam Pravabati , Chu Ming-Chung , Clowes Roger G , Hutsemékers Damien , Kochappan Joby P , Lopez Alexia M , Liu Lang , Martens Niels C M , Martins C J A P , Migkas Konstantinos , Ó Colgáin Eoin , Pranav Pratyush , Shamir Lior , Singal Ashok K , Sheikh-Jabbari M M , Wagner Jenny , Wang Shao-Jiang , Wiltshire David L , Yeung Shek , Yin Lu , Zhao Wen
Published: February 2023

The cosmological principle (CP)—the notion that the Universe is spatially isotropic and homogeneous on large scales—underlies a century of progress in cosmology. It is conventionally formulated through the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmologies as the spacetime metric, and culminates in the successful and highly predictive Λ-Cold-Dark-Matter (ΛCDM) model. Yet, tensions have emerged within the ΛCDM model, most notably a statistically significant discrepancy in the value of the Hubble constant,H0. Since the notion of cosmic expansion determined by a single parameter is intimately tied to the CP, implications of theH0tension may extend beyond ΛCDM to the CP itself. This review surveys current observational hints for deviations from the expectations of the CP, highlighting synergies and disagreements that warrant further study. Setting aside the debate about individual large structures, potential deviations from the CP include variations of cosmological parameters on the sky, discrepancies in the cosmic dipoles, and mysterious alignments in quasar polarizations and galaxy spins. While it is possible that a host of observational systematics are impacting results, it is equally plausible that precision cosmology may have outgrown the FLRW paradigm, an extremely pragmatic but non-fundamental symmetry assumption.
Exponential horn revisited: wave equation, normal modes and experimental measurements
Authors: Matar M , Parodi M A , Raviola L , Novara I , Vera F , Gómez B J , Roatta A , Repetto C E
Published: February 2023

In this work, a theoretical analysis is first presented to find the wave equation corresponding to the propagation of disturbances in the air contained inside a tube of variable cross section. In particular, the case of a tube with a circular cross section whose area varies exponentially as a function of the axial coordinate is studied. The hypotheses of the model used are discussed and the solutions of the wave equation obtained are presented. Secondly, and with the aim of validating the model used, measurements are made on a tube such as the one described, built using a 3D printer.
Geometric and electronic diversity of metal doped boron clusters
Authors: Chen Bole , He Kaihua , Dai Wei , Gutsev Gennady L , Lu Cheng
Published: February 2023

Being intermediate between small compounds and bulk materials, nanoparticles possess unique properties different from those of atoms, molecules, and bulk matter. In the past two decades, a combination of cluster structure prediction algorithms and experimental spectroscopy techniques was successfully used for exploration of the ground-state structures of pure and metal-doped boron clusters. The fruitfulness of this dual approach is well illustrated by the discovery of intriguing microstructures and unique physicochemical properties such as aromaticity and bond fluxionality for both boron and metal-doped boron clusters. Our review starts with an overview of geometrical configurations of pure boron clusters B
n
, which are presented by planar, nanotube, bilayer, fullerene-like and core–shell structures, in a wide range of n values. We consider next recent advances in studies of boron clusters doped with metal atoms paying close and thoughtful attention to modifications of geometric and electronic structures of pure boron clusters by heteroatoms. Finally, we discuss the possibility of constructing boron-based nanomaterials with specific functions from metal-boron clusters. Despite a variety of fruitful results obtained in numerous studies of boron clusters, the exploration of boron-based chemistry has not yet reached its peak. The intensive research continues in this area, and it should be expected that it brings exciting discoveries of intriguing new structures.
Theoretical investigation of the interaction of ultra-high intensity laser pulses with near critical density plasmas
Authors: Vladisavlevici I M , Vizman D , d’Humières E
Published: February 2023

A theoretical model of energy transfer from laser to particles in the ultra-high intensity regime of laser plasma interaction is proposed, assuming that most of the laser energy will be transferred to hot electrons. Varying the target density and thickness, the optimal parameters for the maximum conversion efficiency of the laser energy to particles are studied. Through 2D particle-in-cell simulations, the model is validated for a near-critical density plasma between

0.5
−
20

n

c

(where

n

c

=
1.1
⋅

10

21

cm−3 is the critical density for a laser wavelength of

λ
=
1
 
μ

m) irradiated by a laser pulse of intensity in the range 1020–1023 W cm−2 and the pulse duration in the range 6.5–100 fs. As an application to this model, laser ion acceleration is studied for a laser intensity of 1022 W cm−2 and a pulse duration of 20 fs. Based on the literature and new findings from our model, the optimum thickness for ion acceleration and the maximum ion energies for an expansion like mechanism are predicted. These results can be used for applications requiring high energy ions and for preparations of experiments at the Apollon and ELI laser facilities.
An alternative approach to study the phase transitions and stability Analysis of Kerr-Newman-Kasuya black hole
Authors: Chaudhary Shahid , Sultan Muhammad Danish , Rehman Atiq ur , Zaidi Syed Najaf Abbas , Ali H. Elhosiny
Published: February 2023

We present the alternative approach to study the thermodynamics of Kerr-Newman-Kasuya spacetime (rotating dyon black hole) through deflection angle. We first compute the deflection angle of the considered model by using the Gauss Bonnet theorem. After calculating the thermodynamical quantities, we observe that temperature fluctuations in the deflection angle can be used to deduce the stable and unstable phases. Then, looking into the Gibbs free energy optical dependency to the Hawking-Page transition. We demonstrate, among other things, that the transition between a large to a small black hole takes place at a particular deflection angle value. Moreover, we also observe that heat capacity against deflection angle plays a vital role in the local stability of the Kerr-Newman-Kasuya spacetime.
Synthesis of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles by a liquid-phase microplasma-assisted electrochemical process for photocatalytic activity
Authors: Iqbal Tariq , Khan Muhammad Abdul Rauf , Batool Syeda Kanwal , Shafique M , Waheed Anjam , Wee M F Mohd Razip , Iqbal Qamar
Published: February 2023

Dye contamination is becoming a more significant environmental challenge with the development of the textile industry. Scientists from all over the world are working hard to create new, more efficient ways to reduce environmental pollution through environmentally friendly synthesis techniques. In this regard, hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles have been synthesized by the novel, quick, cheap, and environmentally safe microplasma technique for the photodegradation of rhodamine-B under direct Sunlight. Thus, the synthesized α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were characterized by various characterization techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis spectroscopy). The structural and optical properties were found to vary with changing precursor concentrations. We measured the photocatalytic decolorization efficiency of synthesized hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles for rhodamine-B dye under direct Sunlight. It was found that α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles exhibited a decolorization capability with 73.75% decolorization of the dye at the rate of 0.04305 g.mg−1.min−1 after 100 min of irradiation, exhibiting excellent performance to remove organic contaminants from wastewater.
Heat transfer analysis of a convective radiative porous moving longitudinal fin exposed to magnetic field by Adomian decomposition sumudu transform method
Authors: Pavithra C G , Gireesha B J , Keerthi M L
Published: February 2023

A massive number of engineering disciplines are concerned with the enhancement of heat exchange. In this regard, the present article focuses on thermal analysis of natural convection and radiation of a fractional ordered moving fin problem exposed to the magnetic field and also for the first time Adomian decomposition sumudu transform method (ADSTM) has been introduced to solve the energy balance equation comprising the Peclet number. The governing equations along with the corresponding boundary conditions were solved with the aid of ADSTM. The accuracy of the present work has been validated through comparison with the numerical results. ADSTM results are in good agreement with the existing numerical results. The effect of various parameters on the dimensionless temperature profile for different fractional values of

α

is discussed in graphical records. We found that the temperature distribution along the tip of the fin increases by 1.53% as the Peclet number increases by 400%, and the thermal gradient along the fin tip decreases by 15.09% as the Hartman number increases by 400%.