bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of novel highly sensitive sensors for crack detection in metal surfaces: theoretical foundation and experimental validation
Authors: Shaterian Zahra , Horestani Ali K. , Martín Ferran , Mrozowski Michal
Published: October 2023

The application of different types of microwave resonators for sensing cracks in metallic structures has been subject of many studies. While most studies have been focused on improving the sensitivity of planar crack sensors, the theoretical foundation of the topic has not been treated in much detail. The major objective of this study is to perform an exhaustive study of the principles and theoretical foundations for crack sensing based on planar microwave resonators, especially defective ground structures (DGS) including complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs). The analysis is carried out from the equivalent circuit model as well as the electromagnetic (EM) field perspectives, and guidelines for the design of crack sensors with high sensitivity are developed. Numerical and experimental validation of the provided theoretical analysis is another aim of this article. With this aim, the developed guidelines are used to design a crack sensor based on a single-ring CSRR. It is shown that the sensitivity of the proposed sensor is almost three times higher than the sensitivity of a conventional double-ring CSRR. Moreover, it is demonstrated that folded dumbbell-shape DGS resonators can be used to achieve even higher sensitivities. The CSRR-based crack sensors presented in this study and other studies available in the literature are only sensitive to cracks with a specific orientation. To address this limitation, a modified version of the DGS is proposed to sense cracks with arbitrary orientations at the cost of lower sensitivity. The performance of all the presented sensors is validated through EM simulation, equivalent circuit model extraction, and measurement of the fabricated prototypes.
Effect of fluoride varnishes on oral bacteria of preschool children with cavitated and non-cavitated carious lesions: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Manchanda Sheetal , Sardana Divesh , Peng Simin , Lo Edward C. M. , Yiu Cynthia K. Y.
Published: October 2023

We compare the effect of calcium and phosphate-containing sodium fluoride (NaF) varnishes to conventional NaF varnish on S. mutans and L. fermentum counts. 3–4 years old children were grouped according to their caries status (n = 45 each): caries-free, with non-cavitated and with cavitated lesions. Each group was randomly subdivided (n = 15 each) into: Group 1- 5% NaF, Group 2- 5% NaF with tricalcium phosphate, Group 3- 5% NaF with casein phosphopeptide- amorphous calcium phosphate. Biofilm and saliva were collected to quantify microorganisms at baseline (T1) and 24-months (T2). Differences between groups were compared using Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Dunn-Bonferroni post-test, at 0.0167 α-level. Significant difference was found for percentage of children with detectable biofilm L. fermentum (p = 0.013) at T1 and salivary S. mutans (p = 0.011) at T2. Percentage of children increased from T1 to T2 in Group 2 with salivary S. mutans (p = 0.007), salivary L. fermentum (p = 0.035), and biofilm L. fermentum (p = 0.019) and in Group 3 with salivary L. fermentum (p = 0.035). Bacterial change was not significant in both samples of intervention groups, except increase in salivary S. mutans (p = 0.038) in Group 3. Both calcium- and phosphate-containing NaF varnishes demonstrated similar antibacterial effect on S. mutans and L. fermentum compared to conventional NaF varnish.
Corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 1 M HCl by pyrazolone-sulfonamide hybrids: synthesis, characterization, and evaluation
Authors: Ashmawy Ashraf M. , Mostafa M. A. , Kamal Abo-Bakr , Ali Gomaa A. M. , El-Gaby M. S. A.
Published: October 2023

Carbon steel is widely used in the petroleum industry for pipelines, storage tanks, and equipment due to its mechanical properties, and strength. However, challenges such as environmental conditions and corrosive materials can affect its lifespan and require maintenance and repair. This work aimed to prepare pyrazalone-sulfonamide hybrids, and confirmed by mass spectra, FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. These compounds were examined as mild steel corrosion inhibitors in 1 M HCl solutions at 298–323 K using the gravimetric technique, electrochemical measurements, scanning electronic microscope analysis, and quantum chemical calculations. The values of inhibitory efficiency identified by electrochemical and non-electrochemical techniques exhibit good agreement. At various temperatures and in the 50 to 500 ppm concentration range. During the adsorption process, these substances connect to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Some adsorption isotherm and kinetic parameters have been developed and discussed. The metal surface had a thin inhibitory protective layer, according to investigations using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). These findings demonstrated the potential of pyrazolone-sulfonamide as effective organic corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel.
Sealing performance of sealing structure in a sediment sampler under ultra-high pressure
Authors: He Shudong , Peng Youduo , Qiu Sawei , Du Xuelin , Jin Yongping
Published: October 2023

As a key component of a sediment sampler designed for ultra-high pressures, the sealing structure determines whether pressure retention can be reliably achieved. This study constructed a finite element model to study sealing performance and reveal the sealing mechanism. The effects of the hardness and compression rate of O-ring as well as seawater pressure on the sealing performance were studied. The study showed that a self-tightening seal can be formed when the coefficient of friction on the sealing surface is less than or equal to 0.25. In addition, the maximum contact stress of the O-ring increased nearly linearly with increasing pressure, and it was larger than the corresponding pressure. However, with increasing pressure, the maximum Von-Mises stress initially increased rapidly, then tended to stabilize, and then continued to increase. Although increasing the hardness reduced the principal strain, the stress increased correspondingly. Within the compression rate range from 10 to 25%, the hardness of the O-ring had a greater impact on the contact pressure than the compression rate. In order to further verify that the finite element analysis was accurate, the sealing performance was tested, and the results showed that the seal was reliable and capable of sealing a deep-sea sampler.
Higher abundance of Campylobacter in the oral microbiome of Japanese patients with moyamoya disease
Authors: Takayanagi Kai , Kanamori Fumiaki , Ishii Kazuki , Yokoyama Kinya , Araki Yoshio , Sumitomo Masaki , Maeda Sachi , Goto Shunsaku , Ota Shinji , Nagata Yuichi , Nishihori Masahiro , Maesawa Satoshi , Izumi Takashi , Takasu Syuntaro , Saito Ryuta
Published: October 2023

Genetic factors alone cannot explain the pathophysiology of moyamoya disease (MMD), and environmental factors such as an immune response are thought to be involved. Oral and gut microbiomes have attracted attention as environmental factors in the pathophysiology of some vascular and autoimmune diseases. However, the relationship between MMD and these microbiomes is yet to be thoroughly investigated. This prospective case–control study aimed to compare the microbiomes of Japanese patients with MMD with those of healthy individuals to identify the specific bacteria involved in MMD. Saliva and fecal samples were collected from 16 patients with MMD who had not undergone revascularization surgery. Fifteen healthy individuals were matched for age, sex, and body mass index. The microbiomes were determined using 16S rRNA sequencing and analyzed using QIIME2. Differentially abundant microbes were identified using LEfSE and ANCOM-BC. In the oral microbiome, the two analytical methods showed that Campylobacter was more abundant in patients with MMD than in healthy individuals. Differences in the gut microbiome were smaller than those in the oral microbiome. In conclusion, the oral microbiome profiles of patients with MMD significantly differ from those of healthy individuals. Campylobacterspp. could be a substantial environmental factor in the pathophysiology of MMD.
The cytoprotective co-chaperone, AtBAG4, supports increased nodulation and seed protein content in chickpea without yield penalty
Authors: Thanthrige Nipuni , Weston-Olliver Grace , Das Bhowmik Sudipta , Friedl Johannes , Rowlings David , Kabbage Mehdi , Ferguson Brett J. , Mundree Sagadevan , Williams Brett
Published: October 2023

Drought and extreme temperatures significantly limit chickpea productivity worldwide. The regulation of plant programmed cell death pathways is emerging as a key component of plant stress responses to maintain homeostasis at the cellular-level and a potential target for crop improvement against environmental stresses. Arabidopsis thaliana Bcl-2 associated athanogene 4 (AtBAG4) is a cytoprotective co-chaperone that is linked to plant responses to environmental stress. Here, we investigate whether exogenous expression of AtBAG4 impacts nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Transgenic chickpea lines expressing AtBAG4 are more drought tolerant and produce higher yields under drought stress. Furthermore, AtBAG4 expression supports higher nodulation, photosynthetic levels, nitrogen fixation and seed nitrogen content under well-watered conditions when the plants were inoculated with Mesorhizobium ciceri. Together, our findings illustrate the potential use of cytoprotective chaperones to improve crop performance at least in the greenhouse in future uncertain climates with little to no risk to yield under well-watered and water-deficient conditions.
Tumor-suppressive microRNA-152 inhibits the proliferation of Ewing’s sarcoma cells by targeting CDK5R1
Authors: Kawano Masanori , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Itonaga Ichiro , Iwasaki Tatsuya , Kubota Yuta , Tsumura Hiroshi
Published: October 2023

We elucidated the mechanism through which the reduced expression of miR-152 leads to the overexpression of its target cyclin-dependent kinase-5 activator 1 (CDK5R1) in Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) cells and the role of this mechanism in the proliferation of ES cells. To explore possible oncogenic factors in ES, we conducted microarray-based investigation and profiled the changes in miRNA expression and their effects on downstream mRNAs in five ES cell lines and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). miR-152 was significantly downregulated, while cyclin-dependent kinase-5 activator 1 (CDK5R1) expression was significantly upregulated in all tested ES cells as compared to hMSCs. The overexpression of CDK5R1 led to the activation of CDK5, enabling the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein and persistent overexpression of CCNE. Moreover, miR-152 suppressed cell proliferation via cell cycle retardation, and its upregulation reduced tumor size and CCNE expression in tumor tissues. The overexpression of cyclin E (CCNE) has been detected in ES cells, but the detailed mechanisms have not been previously elucidated. These findings identify the miR152-CDK5R1 signaling axis as a critical mechanism for tumorigenesis that may serve as a new therapeutic target in Ewing’s sarcoma. We believe that our results will aid in the development of effective treatment strategies for patients with ES.
Comparative performance of humans versus GPT-4.0 and GPT-3.5 in the self-assessment program of American Academy of Ophthalmology
Authors: Taloni Andrea , Borselli Massimiliano , Scarsi Valentina , Rossi Costanza , Coco Giulia , Scorcia Vincenzo , Giannaccare Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

To compare the performance of humans, GPT-4.0 and GPT-3.5 in answering multiple-choice questions from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC) self-assessment program, available at https://www.aao.org/education/self-assessments. In June 2023, text-based multiple-choice questions were submitted to GPT-4.0 and GPT-3.5. The AAO provides the percentage of humans who selected the correct answer, which was analyzed for comparison. All questions were classified by 10 subspecialties and 3 practice areas (diagnostics/clinics, medical treatment, surgery). Out of 1023 questions, GPT-4.0 achieved the best score (82.4%), followed by humans (75.7%) and GPT-3.5 (65.9%), with significant difference in accuracy rates (always P < 0.0001). Both GPT-4.0 and GPT-3.5 showed the worst results in surgery-related questions (74.6% and 57.0% respectively). For difficult questions (answered incorrectly by > 50% of humans), both GPT models favorably compared to humans, without reaching significancy. The word count for answers provided by GPT-4.0 was significantly lower than those produced by GPT-3.5 (160 ± 56 and 206 ± 77 respectively, P < 0.0001); however, incorrect responses were longer (P < 0.02). GPT-4.0 represented a substantial improvement over GPT-3.5, achieving better performance than humans in an AAO BCSC self-assessment test. However, ChatGPT is still limited by inconsistency across different practice areas, especially when it comes to surgery.
Disposable capillary-fill device for the determination of proteases incorporating elimination of light-shielding from the magnetic beads with cleavage of the electrogenerated chemiluminescence label-tagged peptide probe
Authors: Yang Xiaolin , Li Jie , Qi Honglan , Gao Qiang , Zhang Chengxiao
Published: October 2023

This work describes an ECL-biosensing method that incorporates a disposable ECL capillary-fill device with a peptide-cleavage strategy for the determination of the biomarker PSA, which can eliminate the light-shielding of MBs on the ECL biosensor.
Improving spin crossover characteristics in heteroleptic [FeIII(qsal-5-I)(qsal-5-OMe)]A complexes
Authors: Díaz-Torres Raúl , Gómez-Coca Silvia , Ruiz Eliseo , Harding Phimphaka , Harding David J.
Published: October 2023

Heteroleptic iron(iii) spin crossover complexes are reported with one of the compounds exhibiting a strongly hysteretic spin crossover that is superior to the homoleptic complexes.
Endogenous nitric oxide and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids modulate angiotensin II‐induced constriction in the rabbit afferent arteriole
Authors: Kohagura K. , Endo Y , Ito O. , Arima S. , Omata K , Ito S
Published: October 2023

Nitric oxide (NO) and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), cytochrome P450 epoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid, are released by the vascular endothelium and play important roles in the control of glomerular haemodynamics. We examined whether endogenous NO or EETs modulate angiotensin II‐ (AngII) induced constriction in isolated microperfused afferent arteriole (Af‐Art) of the rabbit kidney.
Revealing trends in densities of juvenile Atlantic salmon,Salmo salarL., in the subarctic River Teno using cluster analysis on long‐term sampling data
Authors: NIEMELÄ E. , JULKUNEN M. , ERKINARO J.
Published: October 2023

Abstract The density of juvenile Atlantic salmon,Salmo salarL., was monitored at 57 sites representing different habitats in the River Teno and two of its major tributaries from 1979 to 1995. Cluster analyses were used to combine sites with similar densities and to study trends in densities within clusters. It was found that management measures have played an important role in maintaining salmon stocks and there was some evidence of increasing juvenile salmon densities. Parr densities decreased significantly in one cluster containing 45% of the sites studied in the River Utsjoki, whereas densities increased significantly in one cluster in the River Teno and in one cluster in the River Inarijoki containing 38% of the sites in these rivers. Fry densities increased significantly in two clusters containing 16% of all the sites studied in the three rivers. In general, the mean densities in successive years in the clusters were independent. The results demonstrate the value of long‐term monitoring in ecological investigations.
Improved adaptive belief propagation algorithm with reduced complexity for concatenated SPC‐RS codes
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Zhang Wei , Jing Yizhe , Zhou Zhihao , Zhao Jianhan , Liu Yanyan
Published: October 2023

In this letter, a novel single parity check‐aided minimum sum (SPC‐aided MS) algorithm is proposed. A cascaded compiled code scheme is used to approximate the adaptive belief propagation (ABP) algorithm for Reed–Solomon (RS) codes using the min sum (MS) algorithm. The computational complexity is greatly reduced compared with the previous algorithm. Simulation results show that the SPC‐aided MS algorithm can achieve coding gains of up to 1.1, 0.7, and 0.6 dB for RS (255,239) code compared with the conventional ABP, LRBP, and HD‐P‐ABP algorithms, respectively under the condition of .
A low‐voltage and low‐power current‐mode winner‐take‐all (maximum) circuit
Authors: Shadmehri Hossein Yaghoobzadeh , Saberi Mehdi , Rahiminejad Ehsan , Ghouchani Mohammad Tavakkoli
Published: October 2023

In this Letter, a new low‐voltage and low‐power current‐mode winner‐take‐all (WTA) circuit is proposed. The proposed circuit is able to operate with a low supply voltage requirement while exhibiting a high accuracy. Moreover, the sensitivity of the circuit to the process variations and mismatches is improved. The proposed WTA circuit is designed and simulated in a 65‐nm technology with a supply voltage of VDD = 0.9 V. The post‐layout simulation results show that the power consumption of the proposed circuit is about 72 μW with the input dynamic range of 40 μA.
Exploring the association between socio‐demographic factors and public acceptance towards fully automated vehicles: Insights from a survey in Australia
Authors: Chen Yilun , Shiwakoti Nirajan , Stasinopoulos Peter , Khan Shah Khalid , Aghabayk Kayvan
Published: October 2023

Fewer studies have investigated the factors affecting fully Automated Vehicles (AVs) acceptance and their association with demographics and travel behaviour in the Australian context. Evidence shows that public opinions and adoption towards AVs may vary by country. Therefore, this study aims to systematically explore the factors affecting public opinion towards fully AVs by conducting a survey in Australia. Specifically, the study examines seven key attributes (benefits/usefulness, ease of use, attitude, data privacy, willingness to pay more, social influence, and trust) towards the opinions of AVs and their association between demographic and travel behaviour. The results from 809 Australian responses show that Australians tend to have a positive attitude toward AVs. Age and years of driving experience are the two most important factors instead of travel characteristics (e.g. frequency of driving cars, travel time by car, and distance of driving cars). Being less exposed to automation technology is likely to be the main reason affecting the adoption of AVs for the two socio‐demographic factors: age and years of driving experience. Males hold a relatively positive attitude towards AVs than females. Likewise, Australians are less likely to pay more for fully AVs than conventional vehicles. Data privacy is also concerning for Australians.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome: prevalence, main characteristics, and outcomes in a Brazilian center
Authors: Santana Monize Nascimento , Ferrari Raphaela , Macedo Arthur Cassa , Marcusso Rosa Maria Nascimento , Fernandes Ruan de Andrade , Vidal José Ernesto
Published: October 2023

Background Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) - immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has been rarely described in low- and middle-income countries.

Objective To describe the prevalence of PML-IRIS among PLWHA with PML and its main features in a tertiary hospital in Brazil.

Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study. We included PLWHA with PML-IRIS patients admitted at Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas, São Paulo, Brazil, between 2011 and 2021. We retrieved information on neurological manifestations, neuroimaging findings, treatments, and outcomes.

Results We identified 11 (11.8%) PML-IRIS cases among 93 patients with definite PML. Eight (73%) cases were men and had a median (IQR) age of 41 (27–50) years. Seven (63.6%) patients developed unmasking PML-IRIS and 4 (36.4%) had paradoxical PML-IRIS. The median (IQR) time from initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) to IRIS diagnosis was 49 (30–70) days. Ten (90.9%) patients received corticosteroids. There were 4 (36%) in-hospital deaths and 3 were associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia. Among the 7 (64%) patients who survived, 5 (71.5%) had sequelae at discharge. One year after the PML-IRIS diagnosis, 6 (54.5%) patients were alive.

Conclusion The prevalence of PML-IRIS was 11.8%. Most patients had unmasking PML-IRIS. In-hospital mortality and morbidity were high. One-year survival was similar to that described in some high-income countries.
Frontal ataxia: historical aspects and clinical definition
Authors: Bonilha Patrícia Áurea Andreucci Martins , Cassarotti Beatriz , Nunes Thabata Emanuelle Martins , Teive Hélio Afonso Ghizoni
Published: October 2023

Frontal ataxia, originally described by Bruns, is characterized by the presence of signs of frontal lobe dysfunction, such as perseveration, paratonia, frontal release signs, cognitive changes, and urinary difficulty, associated with imbalance, slow gait, broad-based, the presence of postural instability and falls, retropulsion, and bradykinesia in the lower limbs. The goal of the present study is to recall the historical aspects of this condition, to draw attention to the importance of this clinical finding for the differential diagnosis of ataxias and to review the main semiological differences between primary ataxias (frontal, cerebellar, and sensory ataxia).
Jean-Martin Charcot: the polymath
Authors: Camargo Carlos Henrique Ferreira , Coutinho Léo , Neto Ylmar Correa , Engelhardt Eliasz , Filho Pericles Maranhão , Walusinski Olivier , Teive Hélio Afonso Ghizoni
Published: October 2023

Jean-Martin Charcot, widely regarded as a leading founder of modern neurology, made substantial contributions to the understanding and characterization of numerous medical conditions. His initial focus was on internal medicine, later expanding to include neuropathology, general neurology, and eventually emerging fields such as neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry. Furthermore, Charcot's intellectual pursuits extended beyond medicine, encompassing research in art history, medical iconography, sociology, religious studies, and the arts, solidifying his status as a polymath.
Frequency of Lymphopenia in Infants with COVID-19: Vaccination Dilemma
Authors: Atasever Neslihan Mete , Dede Elif , Demirbuğa Asuman , Kaçmaz Behiye Benaygül , Keskindemirci Gonca , Somer Ayper , Törün Selda Hançerli
Published: October 2023

Objective Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is mainly a respiratory system disease, many hematological abnormalities have been reported. Due to the application of primary immunization in infancy, our study aimed to examine the relationship between lymphopenia frequency and duration of lymphopenia in infants with COVID-19.

Methods The files of infants hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 in the Pediatric Pandemic Service of Istanbul Medical Faculty between January 2020 and October 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, leukocyte, lymphocyte count, comorbidity, hospitalization, and lymphopenia recovery time were recorded.

Results In this study, 93 infants with COVID-19 were included. Lymphopenia was detected in 62 of these patients (n = 62/93, 66.7%). The 47.3% of the patients were female (n = 44) and the mean age was 6 ± 3.42 months. Comorbidities were detected in the 33% of the patients. Lymphopenia resolved in an average of 11 days. While the mean hospitalization period of patients with lymphopenia was 3.6 ± 2.9 (minimum: 1 and maximum: 15) days, the mean hospitalization period of patients without lymphopenia was 2.5 days. Leukopenia (p: 0.014) and lymphopenia (p: 0.005) were more common in infants with chronic disease. Similarly, the duration of hospitalization and recovery from lymphopenia were statistically significantly longer (p: 0.016). A statistically significant correlation was found between the duration of lymphopenia recovery and the duration of hospitalization (p: 0.001).

Conclusion Although we found lymphopenia as a common finding in infancy in our study, it was not observed frequently enough to require the postponement of the vaccination program due to its short duration. Vaccination should not be delayed due to lymphopenia in infants with COVID-19 to avoid a missed opportunity for vaccination.
The impact of the Prime Time Sister Circles® (PTSC) on blood pressure of low-income mid-life African American women in the United States
Authors: Gaskin Darrell J. , Zare Hossein , Ibe Chidinma A. , Yang Manshu , Jones Wehmah , Gaston Marilyn , Porter Gayle , Woods Denise L. , Balamani Michele , Jones Nicole , Rose Vivienne A. , Williams Richard Allen , Rohde Charles
Published: October 2023

There is a pressing need to develop and evaluate culturally tailored, community-based interventions that address hypertension management among low-income African American women. We employed a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of the Prime Time Sister Circles® Program in reducing blood pressure and body mass index among low-income African American women ages with hypertension. Study participants (N = 339) were African American women aged 40–75 years who were diagnosed with hypertension and received their primary care at government funded health centers in Washington, D.C. Compared to the usual care group, Prime Time Sister Circles® participation was associated with a reduction in systolic BP by − 2.45 (CI − 6.13, 1.23) mmHg, a reduction in diastolic BP by − 3.66 mmHg (CI − 6.32, − 0.99), and a change in BMI by − 0.26 (CI − 2.00, 1.48) from baseline to 15 months. The results suggest that culturally tailored community-based interventions can improve hypertension management in low-income women.
Examining ozone susceptibility in the genus Musa (bananas)
Authors: Farha Mst Nahid , Daniells Jeff , Cernusak Lucas A. , Ritmejerytė Edita , Wangchuk Phurpa , Sitch Stephen , Mercado Lina M. , Hayes Felicity , Brown Flossie , Cheesman Alexander W.
Published: October 2023

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a global air pollutant that adversely affects plant growth. Whereas the impacts of O3 have previously been examined for some tropical commodity crops, no information is available for the pantropical crop, banana (Musa spp.). To address this, we exposed Australia’s major banana cultivar, Williams, to a range of [O3] in open top chambers. In addition, we examined 46 diverse Musa lines growing in a common garden for variation in three traits that are hypothesised to shape responses to O3: (1) leaf mass per area; (2) intrinsic water use efficiency; and (3) total antioxidant capacity. We show that O3 exposure had a significant effect on the biomass of cv. Williams, with significant reductions in both pseudostem and sucker biomass with increasing [O3]. This was accompanied by a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity and phenolic concentrations in older, but not younger, leaves, indicating the importance of cumulative O3 exposure. Using the observed trait diversity, we projected O3 tolerance among the 46 Musa lines growing in the common garden. Of these, cv. Williams ranked as one of the most O3-tolerant cultivars. This suggests that other genetic lines could be even more susceptible, with implications for banana production and food security throughout the tropics.
Genetic manipulation of protein phosphatase 2A affects multiple agronomic traits and physiological parameters in potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Muñiz García María N. , Baroli Irene , Cortelezzi Juan I. , Zubillaga Martina , Capiati Daniela A.
Published: October 2023

In this study, agronomic and functional characteristics of potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants constitutively overexpressing the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) catalytic subunit StPP2Ac2b (StPP2Ac2b-OE) were evaluated. StPP2Ac2b-OE plants display reduced vegetative growth, tuber yield and tuber weight under well-watered and drought conditions. Leaves of StPP2Ac2b-OE plants show an increased rate of water loss, associated with an impaired ability to close stomata in response to abscisic acid. StPP2Ac2b-OE lines exhibit larger stomatal size and reduced stomatal density. These altered stomatal characteristics might be responsible for the impaired stomatal closure and the elevated transpiration rates, ultimately leading to increased sensitivity to water-deficit stress and greater yield loss under drought conditions. Overexpression of StPP2Ac2b accelerates senescence in response to water-deficit stress, which could also contribute to the increased sensitivity to drought. Actively photosynthesising leaves of StPP2Ac2b-OE plants exhibit elevated levels of carbohydrates and a down-regulation of the sucrose transporter StSWEET11, suggesting a reduced sucrose export from leaves to developing tubers. This effect, combined with the hindered vegetative development, may contribute to the reduced tuber weight and yield in StPP2Ac2b-OE plants. These findings offer novel insights into the physiological functions of PP2A in potato plants and provide valuable information for enhancing potato productivity by modulating the expression of StPP2Ac2b.
Context Matters: The Implications of the Mode of Service Provision for Structural and Relational Integration of Refugees in Ghana and Ethiopia
Authors: Agblorti Samuel K M , Getachew Abis , Kuhnt Jana , Muhumad Abdirahman A
Published: October 2023

The ever-increasing protracted refugee situations globally have put local integration of refugees into hosting societies high on the international agenda. While recent international frameworks have called for a deeper integration of refugees through the mainstreaming of refugee service provision into national service provision systems, little attention has been paid to the structures and arrangements—the so-called opportunity structures—specifically to how these can either promote or impede integration into host countries. We focus on the mode of social service provision to refugees and how this shapes the context of refugee integration in Ghana and Ethiopia taking into account the implications for structural and relational integration of refugees. We hold the view that mainstreaming service provision to refugees in camps into national systems does not necessarily lead to better refugee integration outcomes. Differences in the quality-of-service provision between humanitarian actors and hosting countries have the potential to determine integration outcomes.
Antibacterial, bacteriolytic, antibiofilm, and synergistic effects of the peel oils of Citrus microcarpa and Citrus x amblycarpa with tetracycline against foodborne Escherichia coli
Authors: Septama Abdi W , Yuandani Yuandani , Khairunnisa Nur A , Nasution Halimah R , Utami Dinda S , Kristiana Rhesi , Jantan Ibrahim
Published: October 2023

Citrus essential oils (EOs) have shown significant antibacterial activity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the peel oils of Citrus microcarpa and C. x amblycarpa against Escherichia coli. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) was determined by using the broth microdilution assay. The checkerboard method was used to identify synergistic effects of the EOs with tetracycline, while bacteriolysis was assessed by calculating the optical density of the bacterial supernatant, crystal violet assay was used to assess their antibiofilm. Ethidium bromide accumulation test was employed to assess efflux pump inhibition. Electron microscope analysis was performed to observe its morphological changes. The EOs of C. microcarpa and C. x amblycarpa were found to contain D-limonene major compound at 55.78% and 46.7%, respectively. Citrus microcarpa EOs exhibited moderate antibacterial against E. coli with a MIC value of 200 μg/mL. The combination of C. microcarpa oil (7.8 μg/mL) and tetracycline (62.5 μg/mL) exhibited a synergy with FICI of 0.5. This combination inhibited biofilm formation and disrupt bacterial cell membranes. Citrus microcarpa EOs blocked the efflux pumps in E. coli. Citrus microcarpa EOs demonstrated promising antibacterial activity, which can be further explored for the development of drugs to combat E. coli.
Stellar surface information from the Ca ii H&K lines – I. Intensity profiles of the solar activity components
Authors: Cretignier M , Pietrow A G M , Aigrain S
Published: October 2023

The detection of Earth-like planets with the radial-velocity (RV) method is currently limited by the presence of stellar activity signatures. On rotational time-scales, spots and plages (or faculae) are known to introduce different RV signals, but their corrections require better activity proxies. The best-known chromospheric activity proxies in the visible are the Ca ii H&K lines, but the physical quantities measured by their profiles need to be clarified. We first investigate resolved images of the Sun in order to better understand the spectrum of plages, spots, and the network using the Meudon spectroheliogram. We show that distinct line profiles are produced by plages, spots, and by the network component and we also derived the centre-to-limb variations of the three profiles. Some care is required to disentangle their contributions due to their similarities. By combining disc-integrated spectra from the ISS high-resolution spectrograph with SDO direct images of the Sun, we managed to extract a high-resolution emission spectrum of the different components, which tend to confirm the spectra extracted from the Meudon spectroheliogram datacubes. Similar results were obtained with the HARPS-N Sun-as-a-star spectra. We concluded using a three-component model that the temporal variation of the popular Sindex contains, on average for the 24th solar cycle: $70\pm 12{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of plage, $26\pm 12{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of network, and $4\pm 4 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of spots. This preliminary investigation suggests that a detailed study of the Ca ii H&K profiles may provide rich information about the filling factor and distribution of different types of active regions.
Rotational excitation of methanol in collisions with molecular hydrogen
Authors: Dagdigian Paul J
Published: October 2023

This paper presents rate coefficients for transitions between rotational levels of the A-type and E-type nuclear spin modifications of methanol induced by collisions with molecular hydrogen. These rate coefficients are required for an accurate determination of methanol abundance in the interstellar medium, where local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions generally do not apply. Time-independent close-coupling quantum scattering calculations have been employed to calculate cross-sections and rate coefficients for the (de-)excitation of methanol in collisions with para- and ortho-H2. These calculations utilized a potential energy surface (PES) for the interaction of methanol with H2 recently computed by the explicitly correlated CCSD(T)-F12a coupled-cluster method that employed a correlation-consistent aug-cc-pVTZ basis. Rate coefficients for temperatures ranging from 3 to 250 K were calculated for all transitions among the first 76 rotational levels of both A-type and E-type methanol, whose energies are less than or equal to 170 K. These rate coefficients are compared with those by Rabli and Flower who carried out coupled-state calculations using a PES computed by second-order many-body perturbation theory. Simple radiative transfer calculations using the present set of rate coefficients are also reported and compared with such calculations using the rate coefficients previously computed by Rabli and Flower.
A radio bubble shredded by gas sloshing?
Authors: Botteon A , Gastaldello F , ZuHone J A , Balboni M , Bartalucci I , Brunetti G , Bonafede A , Brüggen M , Shimwell T W , van Weeren R J
Published: October 2023

We report on the detection of diffuse radio emission with peculiar morphology in the central region of the galaxy cluster Abell 2657. The most striking feature identified in our 144 MHz LOFAR image is a bifurcated radio arc that extends for a projected size of 150−200 kpc. From the analysis of XMM-Newton data, we find clear evidence of gas sloshing in the cluster and a possible dip in X-ray surface brightness between the two radio arcs which deserves confirmation. Interestingly, the synchrotron emission of the bifurcated radio arc is stretched along the sloshing spiral. We compare our observational results with numerical simulations of non-thermal components interacting with gas motions. We suggest that the detected emission may trace a radio bubble shredded by gas sloshing, where relativistic electrons and magnetic fields are expected to be stretched and stirred as a consequence of tangential flows induced by the spiralling gas motion. Lastly, we report on the presence of two thin (6−7 kpc in width) and parallel strands of radio emission embedded in the outer arc that are morphologically similar to the emerging population of non-thermal filaments observed in galaxy clusters, radio galaxies, and the Galactic centre. While this work further demonstrates the complex interplay between thermal and non-thermal components in the intracluster medium, follow-up observations in radio and X-rays are required to firmly determine the origin of the features observed in Abell 2657.
Physical properties of Centaur (60558) 174P/Echeclus from stellar occultations
Authors: Pereira C L , Braga-Ribas F , Sicardy B , Gomes-Júnior A R , Ortiz J L , Branco H C , Camargo J I B , Morgado B E , Vieira-Martins R , Assafin M , Benedetti-Rossi G , Desmars J , Emilio M , Morales R , Rommel F L , Hayamizu T , Gondou T , Jehin E , Artola R A , Asai A , Colazo C , Ducrot E , Duffard R , Fabrega J , Fernandez-Valenzuela E , Gillon M , Horaguchi T , Ida M , Kitazaki K , Mammana L A , Maury A , Melita M , Morales N , Moya-Sierralta C , Owada M , Pollock J , Sanchez J L , Santos-Sanz P , Sasanuma N , Sebastian D , Triaud A , Uchiyama S , Vanzi L , Watanabe H , Yamamura H
Published: October 2023

The Centaur (60558) Echeclus was discovered on 2000 March 03, orbiting between the orbits of Jupiter and Uranus. After exhibiting frequent outbursts, it also received a comet designation, 174P. If the ejected material can be a source of debris to form additional structures, studying the surroundings of an active body like Echeclus can provide clues about the formation scenarios of rings, jets, or dusty shells around small bodies. Stellar occultation is a handy technique for this kind of investigation, as it can, from Earth-based observations, detect small structures with low opacity around these objects. Stellar occultation by Echeclus was predicted and observed in 2019, 2020, and 2021. We obtain upper detection limits of rings with widths larger than 0.5 km and optical depth of τ = 0.02. These values are smaller than those of Chariklo’s main ring; in other words, a Chariklo-like ring would have been detected. The occultation observed in 2020 provided two positive chords used to derive the triaxial dimensions of Echeclus based on a 3D model and pole orientation available in the literature. We obtained a = 37.0 ± 0.6 km, b = 28.4 ± 0.5 km, and c = 24.9 ± 0.4 km, resulting in an area-equivalent radius of 30.0 ± 0.5 km. Using the projected limb at the occultation epoch and the available absolute magnitude ($\rm {H}_{\rm {v}} = 9.971 \pm 0.031$), we calculate an albedo of pv = 0.050 ± 0.003. Constraints on the object’s density and internal friction are also proposed.
Sustainable all-weather CO2 utilization by mimicking natural photosynthesis in a single material
Authors: Shi Xianjin , Huang Yu , Long Ran , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Liqin , Cao Junji , Zhu Gangqiang , Xiong Yujie
Published: October 2023

Solar-driven CO2 conversion into hydrocarbon fuels is a sustainable approach to synchronously alleviating the energy crisis and achieving net CO2 emissions. However, the dependence of the conversion process on solar illumination hinders its practical application due to the intermittent availability of sunlight at night and on cloudy or rainy days. Here, we report a model material of Pt-loaded hexagonal tungsten trioxide (Pt/h-WO3) for decoupling light and dark reaction processes, demonstrating the sustainable CO2 conversion under dark conditions for the first time. In such a material system, hydrogen atoms can be produced by photocatalytic water splitting under solar illumination, stored together with electrons in the h-WO3 through the transition of W6+ to W5+ and spontaneously released to trigger catalytic CO2 reduction under dark conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate using natural light that CH4 production can persist at night and on rainy days, proving the accomplishment of all-weather CO2 conversion via a sustainable way.
Fixed-energy inverse scattering with radial basis function neural networks and its application to neutron–α interactions
Authors: Balassa Gábor
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes a data-driven method to solve the fixed-energy inverse scattering problem for radially symmetric potentials using radial basis function (RBF) neural networks in an open-loop control system. The method estimates the scattering potentials in the Fourier domain by training an appropriate number of RBF networks, while the control step is carried out in the coordinate space by using the measured phase shifts as control parameters. The system is trained by both finite and singular input potentials, and is capable of modeling a great variety of scattering events. The method is applied to neutron–α scattering at 10 MeV incident neutron energy, where the underlying central part of the potential is estimated by using the measured l = 0, 1, 2 phase shifts as inputs. The obtained potential is physically sensible and the recalculated phase shifts are within a few percent relative error.
Hematopoietic aging: Cellular, molecular, and related mechanisms
Authors: Ye Li , Tian Chuan , Li Ye , Pan Hang , Hu Jinxiu , Shu Liping , Pan Xinghua
Published: October 2023

Aging is accompanied by significant inhibition of hematopoietic and immune system function and disruption of bone marrow structure. Aging-related alterations in the inflammatory response, immunity, and stem cell niches are at the root of hematopoietic aging. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying hematopoietic and bone marrow aging can aid the clinical treatment of aging-related diseases. In particular, it is unknown how the niche reprograms hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in an age-dependent manner to maintain normal hematopoiesis in elderly individuals. Recently, specific inhibitors and blood exchange methods have been shown to reshape the hematopoietic niche and reverse hematopoietic aging. Here, we present the latest scientific discoveries related to hematopoietic aging and hematopoietic system rejuvenation, discuss the relationships between hematopoietic niche aging and HSC aging, and describe related studies on stem cell-mediated regulation of hematopoietic aging, aiming to provide new ideas for further study.
Artificial light at night: a global disruptor of the night-time environment
Authors: Bará Salvador , Falchi Fabio
Published: October 2023

Light pollution is the alteration of the natural levels of darkness by an increased concentration of light particles in the night-time environment, resulting from human activity. Light pollution is profoundly changing the night-time environmental conditions across wide areas of the planet, and is a relevant stressor whose effects on life are being unveiled by a compelling body of research. In this paper, we briefly review the basic aspects of artificial light at night as a pollutant, describing its character, magnitude and extent, its worldwide distribution, its temporal and spectral change trends, as well as its dependence on current light production technologies and prevailing social uses of light. It is shown that the overall effects of light pollution are not restricted to local disturbances, but give rise to a global, multiscale disruption of the night-time environment.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Light pollution in complex ecological systems’.
Mitigating the impacts of street lighting on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
Authors: Evans Darren M.
Published: October 2023

Street lights are not only a major source of direct light pollution emissions, but stock has been transitioning to light-emitting diode (LED) technology in many parts of the world, resulting in increases in the blue part of the visible spectrum that is more harmful to biodiversity and human health. But LEDs can be modified more easily than conventional sodium lamps by adjusting their intensity, spectral output and other features of street light systems. In this Opinion piece, I provide an updated overview of street light mitigation strategies and contend that research in this area has been slow. I show how experimental lighting rigs that mimic real street lights can be used for mitigation testing, since invertebrate behaviour, abundances and interactions can respond quickly and measurably. I demonstrate how advances in network ecology that use species interaction data can provide much-needed assessments of the impacts of street lights on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, and ultimately provide new tools and metrics for biomonitoring. I acknowledge the limitations of measuring local, short-term responses of biodiversity and identify promising avenues for collaborating with industry and government agencies in new or existing road lighting schemes, to minimize the negative long-term impacts at marginal cost.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Light pollution in complex ecological systems’.
Artificial light at night decreases plant diversity and performance in experimental grassland communities
Authors: Bucher Solveig Franziska , Uhde Lia , Weigelt Alexandra , Cesarz Simone , Eisenhauer Nico , Gebler Alban , Kyba Christopher , Römermann Christine , Shatwell Tom , Hines Jes
Published: October 2023

Artificial light at night (ALAN) affects many areas of the world and is increasing globally. To date, there has been limited and inconsistent evidence regarding the consequences of ALAN for plant communities, as well as for the fitness of their constituent species. ALAN could be beneficial for plants as they need light as energy source, but they also need darkness for regeneration and growth. We created model communities composed of 16 plant species sown, exposed to a gradient of ALAN ranging from ‘moonlight only’ to conditions like situations typically found directly underneath a streetlamp. We measured plant community composition and its production (biomass), as well as functional traits of three plant species from different functional groups (grasses, herbs, legumes) in two separate harvests. We found that biomass was reduced by 33% in the highest ALAN treatment compared to the control, Shannon diversity decreased by 43% and evenness by 34% in the first harvest. Some species failed to establish in the second harvest. Specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content and leaf hairiness responded to ALAN. These responses suggest that plant communities will be sensitive to increasing ALAN, and they flag a need for plant conservation activities that consider impending ALAN scenarios.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Light pollution in complex ecological systems’.