bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the potential of the basic substance chitosan in managing Podosphaera pannosa on cutting roses and Erysiphe polygoni on French hydrangea
Authors: Wulf Florian , Podhorna Jana , Rybak Malgorzata , Büttner Carmen , Bandte Martina
Published: February 2023

Horticultural production systems have to move forwards to an environment-friendly and sustainable plant production. Basic substances can be added to reduce the use of synthetic plant protectant in conventional plant protection strategies. Regarding the protection of ornamental plants, less is known about the usage and behaviour of these alternative strategies and components. In our study, an infection of Podosphaera pannosa and Erysiphe polygoni in two different cultivars of cutting roses and one cultivar of French hydrangea was investigated. We studied the effect of a weekly foliar treatment of the basic substance chitosan (0.05 g/m2) compared to a water control and potassium hydrogen carbonate (VitiSan, Biofa GmbH, Münsing, Germany) in both production systems. As a result, in cutting roses as well as in French hydrangea, we found a significantly decreased infected leaf area following the use of chitosan and VitiSan compared to the water control. In both treatments, we found a stronger effect in French hydrangea, compared to roses. Results also indicate that the basic substance chitosan has to be used at a low pathogen level. We present a promising approach to reduce conventional plant protectants in ornamental plant production.
A Pilot Study on the Co-existence of Diabetes and Endometriosis in Reproductive-Age Women: Potential for Endometriosis Progression
Authors: Alhallak Iad , Quick Charles M. , Graham Garrett L. , Simmen Rosalia C. M.
Published: February 2023

Endometriosis (ENDO) is a chronic estrogen-dependent gynecological condition that affects reproductive-age women, causing pelvic pain, infertility, and increased risk for ovarian cancer. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease with significant morbidity and mortality and rising incidence worldwide. The occurrence of DM among ENDO patients remains understudied, despite commonalities in these conditions’ immune, inflammatory, and metabolic dysfunctions. This pilot study evaluated whether a subset of women with ENDO manifests DM co-morbidity and if so, whether DM promotes ENDO status. Archived ectopic lesions obtained at ENDO surgery from non-diabetic (ENDO-N; n = 11) and diabetic (ENDO-DM; n = 15) patients were identified by a search of an electronic health database. Retrieved samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for markers of proliferation (Ki67, PTEN), steroid receptor signaling (ESR, PGR) and macrophage infiltration (CD68). Immunostaining data were expressed as percentages of immune-positive cells in lesion stroma and epithelium. In lesion stroma, the percentages of nuclear immune-positive cells were higher for ESR2 and lower for PGR-T, in ENDO-DM than ENDO-N patients. The percentages of nuclear immune-positive cells for ESR1 and PTEN tended to be higher and lower, respectively, in ENDO-DM than ENDO-N groups. In lesion glandular epithelium, the percentages of nuclear immune-positive cells were higher for ESR1 and ESR2, in ENDO-DM than ENDO-N groups. ENDO-N lesions had lower percentages of stromal CD68 immune-positive cells than ENDO-DM Type 1 lesions. Findings demonstrate DM in a subset of women with ENDO, which was associated with significant changes in lesion stromal and epithelial nuclear steroid hormone receptor levels, suggestive of disease progression.
The influence of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on kynurenic acid production in rat kidney: a novel path for kidney protection?
Authors: Zakrocka Izabela , Załuska Wojciech
Published: February 2023

Background

Kidney diseases have become a global health problem, affecting about 15% of adults and being often under-recognized. Immunological system activation was shown to accelerate kidney damage even in inherited disorders. The kynurenine pathway is the main route of tryptophan degradation. A metabolite of kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), produced by kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs), was reported to affect fluid and electrolyte balance as a result of natriuresis induction. The accumulation of KYNA was shown in patients with impaired kidney function and its level was related to the degree of kidney damage. Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors are well-known analgesics and most of them demonstrate an anti-inflammatory effect. Their main mechanism of action is prostaglandin synthesis blockade, which is also responsible for their nephrotoxic potential. Since the KYN pathway is known to remain under immunological system control, the purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of 9 COX inhibitors on KYNA production together with KATs’ activity in rat kidneys in vitro.

Methods

Experiments were carried out on kidney homogenates in the presence of L-KYN and the selected compound in 6 various concentrations.

Results

Among the examined COX inhibitors only acetaminophen did not change KYNA production in rat kidneys in vitro. Additionally, acetaminophen did not affect the activity of KAT I and KAT II, whereas acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen inhibited only KAT II. The remaining COX inhibitors decreased the activity of both KATs in rat kidneys in vitro.

Conclusion

Our study provides novel mechanisms of COX inhibitors action in the kidney, with possible implications for the treatment of kidney diseases.

Graphical abstract
Watch and Ward
Authors: James Henry
Published: February 2023

The Cambridge Edition of the Complete Fiction of Henry James provides, for the first time, a scholarly edition of a major writer whose work continues to be read, quoted, adapted and studied. While Watch and Ward has long been dismissed as an early apprentice work, it marks an important stage in James's development as a fiction writer, building upon the stories he wrote during the late 1860s and pointing, at the same time, to the works he would write during the ensuing decade and which would secure his reputation, including 'Daisy Miller', The American and The Portrait of a Lady. Extensive explanatory notes enable modern readers to understand the novel's historical, cultural and literary references.
Médicos escritores en España, 1885-1955
Authors: Sosa-Velasco Alfredo J.
Published: February 2023

Una definición cultural más comprensiva del nacionalismo español.
Lope de Vega en la invención de España
Authors: Ryjik Veronika
Published: February 2023

Este proyecto explora el papel del teatro lopesco en la construcción del 'yo' colectivo nacional. Se analizan la imagen de España y de los españoles creada por Lope mediante una constante manipulación de la historia patria, así como los posibles efectos de la propagación de esta imagen durante el siglo XVII.
Advance Consent in Acute Stroke Trials: Survey of Canadian Stroke Physicians
Authors: Udoh Ubong , Dewar Brian , Nicholls Stuart , Fedyk Mark , Fahed Robert , Perry Jeff , Hill Michael D. , Menon Bijoy , Swartz Richard H. , Poppe Alexandre Y. , Gocan Sophia , Brehaut Jamie , Dainty Katie , Shepherd Victoria , Dowlatshahi Dar , Shamy Michel
Published: February 2023

Advance consent presents a potential solution to the challenge of obtaining informed consent for participation in acute stroke trials. Clinicians in stroke prevention clinics are uniquely positioned to identify and seek consent from potential stroke trial participants. To assess the acceptability of advance consent to Canadian stroke clinic physicians, we performed an online survey. We obtained 58 respondents (response rate 35%): the vast majority (82%) expressed comfort with obtaining advance consent and 92% felt that doing so would not be a significant disruption to clinic workflow. These results support further study of advance consent for acute stroke trials.
A multisite exploration of the association between critical care implementation factors and clinical outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Silver Santana , Redmond Sarah , Jones Kayla Christine , George Emily , Zornes Sarah , Barwise Amelia , Leppin Aaron , Dong Yue , Harmon Lori A. , Kumar Vishakha K. , Kordik Christina , Drainoni Mari-Lynn , Walkey Allan J.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Little is known about strategies to implement new critical care practices in response to COVID-19. Moreover, the association between differing implementation climates and COVID-19 clinical outcomes has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between implementation determinants and COVID-19 mortality rates.

Methods:

We used mixed methods guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with critical care leaders and analyzed to rate the influence of CFIR constructs on the implementation of new care practices. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons of CFIR construct ratings were performed between hospital groups with low- versus high-mortality rates.

Results:

We found associations between various implementation factors and clinical outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Three CFIR constructs (implementation climate, leadership engagement, and engaging staff) had both qualitative and statistically significant quantitative correlations with mortality outcomes. An implementation climate governed by a trial-and-error approach was correlated with high COVID-19 mortality, while leadership engagement and engaging staff were correlated with low mortality. Another three constructs (needs of patient; organizational incentives and rewards; and engaging implementation leaders) were qualitatively different across mortality outcome groups, but these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Improving clinical outcomes during future public health emergencies will require reducing identified barriers associated with high mortality and harnessing salient facilitators associated with low mortality. Our findings suggest that collaborative and engaged leadership styles that promote the integration of new yet evidence-based critical care practices best support COVID-19 patients and contribute to lower mortality.
Exploring Social Media Network Connections to Assist During Public Health Emergency Response: A Retrospective Case-Study of Hurricane Matthew and Twitter Users in Georgia, USA
Authors: Muniz-Rodriguez Kamalich , Schwind Jessica S. , Yin Jingjing , Liang Hai , Chowell Gerardo , Fung Isaac Chun-Hai
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To assist communities who suffered from hurricane-inflicted damages, emergency responders may monitor social media messages. We present a case-study using the event of Hurricane Matthew to analyze the results of an imputation method for the location of Twitter users who follow school and school districts in Georgia, USA.

Methods:

Tweets related to Hurricane Matthew were analyzed by content analysis with latent Dirichlet allocation models and sentiment analysis to identify needs and sentiment changes over time. A hurdle regression model was applied to study the association between retweet frequency and content analysis topics.

Results:

Users residing in counties affected by Hurricane Matthew posted tweets related to preparedness (n= 171; 16%), awareness (n= 407; 38%), call-for-action or help (n= 206; 19%), and evacuations (n= 93; 9%), with mostly a negative sentiment during the preparedness and response phase. Tweets posted in the hurricane path during the preparedness and response phase were less likely to be retweeted than those outside the path (adjusted odds ratio: 0.95; 95% confidence interval: 0.75, 1.19).

Conclusions:

Social media data can be used to detect and evaluate damages of communities affected by natural disasters and identify users’ needs in at-risk areas before the event takes place to aid during the preparedness phases.
Where Does General Relativity Break Down?
Authors: Weatherall James Owen
Published: February 2023

It is widely accepted by physicists and philosophers of physics alike that there are certain contexts in which general relativity will “break down.” In such cases, one expects to need some as-yet-undiscovered successor theory. This article discusses certain pathologies of general relativity that might be taken to signal that the theory is breaking down and considers how one might expect a successor theory to do better. The upshot is an unconventional interpretation of the “strong cosmic censorship hypothesis.”
How to Measure Effect Sizes for Rational Decision Making
Authors: Jäntgen Ina
Published: February 2023

Absolute and relative outcome measures measure a treatment’s effect size, purporting to inform treatment choices. I argue that absolute measures are at least as good as, if not better than, relative ones for informing rational decisions across choice scenarios. Specifically, this dominance of absolute measures holds for choices between a treatment and a control group treatment from a trial and for ones between treatments tested in different trials. This distinction has hitherto been neglected, just like the role of absolute and baseline risks in rational decision making that my analysis reveals. Recognizing both aspects advances the discussion on reporting outcome measures.
T Falls Apart: On the Status of Classical Temperature in Relativity
Authors: Chua Eugene Yew Siang
Published: February 2023

I argue that the classical temperature concept falls apart in special relativity by examining four consilient procedures for establishing classical temperature: Carnot processes, thermometers, kinetic theory, and black-body radiation. I show that their relativistic counterparts demonstrate no such consilience. I suggest two interpretations for this situation: eliminativism akin to simultaneity, or pluralism akin to rotation.
Random Foraging and Perceived Randomness
Authors: Abrams Marshall
Published: February 2023

Research in evolutionary ecology on random foraging seems to ignore the possibility that some random foraging is an adaptation not to environmental randomness, but to what Wimsatt called “perceived randomness.” This occurs when environmental features are unpredictable, whether physically random or not. Mere perceived randomness may occur, for example, due to effects of climate change or certain kinds of static landscape variation. I argue that an important mathematical model concerning random foraging doesn’t depend on environmental randomness, despite contrary remarks by researchers. I use computer simulations to illustrate the idea that random foraging is an adaptation to mere perceived randomness.
Measuring the Nonexistent: Validity before Measurement
Authors: Zhao Kino
Published: February 2023

This article examines the role existence plays in measurement validity. I argue that existing popular theories of measurement and of validity follow a correspondence framework, which starts by assuming that an entity exists in the real world with certain properties that allow it to be measurable. Drawing on literature from the sociology of measurement, I show that the correspondence framework faces several theoretical and practical challenges. I suggest the validity-first framework of measurement, which starts with a practice-based validation process as the basis for a measurement theory and only posits objective existence when it is scientifically useful to do so.
Temporal Neutrality Implies Exponential Temporal Discounting
Authors: Callender Craig
Published: February 2023

How should one discount utility across time? The conventional wisdom in social science is that one should use an exponential discount function. Such a function is a representation of the axioms that provide a well-defined utility function plus a condition known as stationarity. Yet stationarity doesn’t really have much intuitive normative pull on its own. Here I try to cast it in a normative glow by deriving stationarity from two explicitly normative premises, both suggested by the philosophical thesis of temporal neutralism. Putting the argument in this form helps us better understand exponential discounting and challenges to it.
New Voters and Old Voters: Understanding Volatility in Quebecers’ Federal Election Votes between 2008 and 2019
Authors: Embree Robert , Westlake Daniel
Published: February 2023

Federal elections between 2008 and 2019 saw a great of volatility in Quebec, with important consequences for election outcomes. The surge in New Democratic Party (NDP) support in Quebec led the party to official opposition, while Liberal gains in 2011 led the party to a majority government, and Bloc Québécois gains in 2019 helped to reduce the Liberals to a minority. To what extent was this volatility driven by voters switching parties and to what degree was it driven by voters entering and exiting the electorate? This article uses ecological inference based on riding-level data to examine the dynamics of party competition in Quebec from 2008 to 2019. We show that while voter mobilization mattered to volatility, vote switching was the important driver of changing party fortunes during this period.
Correlations of whole blood heavy metals with serum immunological and oxidative markers during the early dry period and transition period of dairy cattle
Authors: Karimi Negar , Seifi Hesam Aldin , Heidarpour Mohammad
Published: February 2023

Immunological and oxidative alterations have been reported around calving in dairy cattle. In addition, the levels of heavy metals rise in the blood around parturition, which might affect body systems. Therefore, in this Research Communication we evaluate the changes in whole blood lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) around calving, in comparison with the beginning of the dry period, and assess the correlations of these elements with immunological factors and oxidative markers. Samples were collected from 30 clinically healthy dairy cows in the early dry period (−6 w), one week before expected calving (−1 w), and one week postpartum (+1 w). The highest concentrations of Pb, As, and Cd were observed at −1 w and all the three elements decreased after parturition leading to significantly lower As and Cd, compared to −1 w (P < 0.05). The lowest levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, immunoglobulin G, interleukin 4, interleukin 10 and haptoglobin were found at −1 w simultaneous with the highest measures of the heavy metals, with tumor necrosis factor-alpha being significantly lower at this time (P < 0.05). At −6 w, As concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated negatively (r = −0.366) and positively (r = 0.417) with total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde, respectively. Furthermore, at −1 w Pb and As had significant (P < 0.05) negative correlations with interferon gamma (r = −0.502) and interleukin 4 (r = −0.483), respectively. After parturition, Pb was observed to be negatively correlated with total antioxidant capacity (r = −0.538, P < 0.05). The observed results revealed that the alterations in immunological factors and antioxidant capacity around parturition were correlated with Pb and As levels.
Larvae of Spirocerca lupi and another spirurid species in the same dung beetles: notes on species identification
Authors: Doanh P.N. , Hoa L.T.K. , Hien H.V. , Chinh N.N. , Phuc P.T.H. , Lan N.T.K.
Published: February 2023

Various dung beetle species of the family Scarabaeidae have been reported as intermediate hosts of Spirocerca lupi from different geographical locations, but there has been no data from south-east Asian countries. In the present study in Vietnam, by using morphological and molecular approaches, we identified the third-stage larvae of S. lupi for the first time in two dung beetle species, Catharsius molossus and Copris szechouanicus, adding them as new intermediate hosts of this nematode. In addition, both beetle species were infected with larvae of another spirurid nematode of Physocephalus sp. At large magnifications above 200×, these two spirurid larvae can be differentiated from each other by their body size (1880–2662 vs. 1417–1635 μm) and detailed morphological features of the anterior and posterior ends, such as the length of the buccal cavity, the position of the nerve ring and excretory pore, and tail characters. However, it is difficult to distinguish them at a lower magnification due to their minute size. Moreover, morphometric data of S. lupi larvae vary among reports and the body length may overlap with that of Physocephalus sp., thus, misidentification may occur, indicating the necessity of careful examination for accurate identification. The findings of the present study also supposed that larvae of S. lupi and more spirurid nematodes may be concurrently found in various dung beetle species, including C. molossus and C. szechouanicus, in other south-east Asian countries. Thus, more investigations in various countries should be conducted to identify spirurid larvae from dung beetles in order to fully understand their role as intermediate hosts of S. lupi and other spirurid nematodes.
Soft-walled monothalamid foraminifera from the intertidal zones of the Lorn area, north-west Scotland
Authors: Henderson Zaineb
Published: February 2023

Recent advances in molecular phylogeny and increasing numbers of studies carried out worldwide in subtidal and deep-water marine sites have confirmed that monothalamid foraminifera represent a significant component of the marine benthos. Fewer studies have been carried out on monothalamids in littoral zones, and here I describe more than 13 novel morphotypes of soft-walled monothalamids found at several intertidal sites in the Lorn area of north-west Scotland. Samples of sediment were collected from these areas and monothalamid tests were removed from the mud by direct manipulation with brushes, by coverslip-capture, by capture with a magnet for those with magnetic particles or by extraction from mud balls. Attached forms of tests from the same sites were isolated from collected seaweed blades, pebbles and decaying shells. Monothalamids were observed live and photographed in their natural colours, followed by examination after preservation in alcohol and embedding in glycerol. The greatest diversity of species was found to be at estuaries near to the mouths of the sea lochs, and the abundance of some of the species varied with the time of the year, being different for each species. The observed taxa included a Vellaria sp. and Psammophaga sp., two allogromiids, three saccamminids and six undetermined species; each assemblage of specimens may have contained more than one species not readily discernible by morphological characteristics alone. Taxonomic parallels between the described specimens and those in reports for other parts of the world and in deeper waters in western Scotland are discussed.
The sacrifice of the Holy Christ in an unholy world
Authors: Sonderegger Katherine
Published: February 2023

In much modern christology, the notion of the incommensurate governs the relation of divine to human in Jesus Christ. In christologies influenced by Austin Farrer, and more distantly, by Nicholas of Cusa, the incommensurability of the infinite to the finite makes the idiom of paradox congenial, even necessary. Such demanding and unrelenting emphasis upon diastasis echoes a more ancient preoccupation with holiness in a fallen and unholy world. In Israel's scriptures, and in their lasting influence in the patristic era, the transcendent holiness of God threatens to prohibit the presence of the Holy One in the midst of unholy people. A record of this threat can be seen in the alien, fragmentary and unrecognisable Gospel portraits of the holy Christ to a sinful world. Yet the doctrine of the incarnation demands a divine presence to sinners and a sinful cosmos, a ‘making flesh’ as well as an ‘assuming flesh’. The concept and practice of sacrifice is proposed as a form of relation between deity and humanity such that the holy Christ can dwell and abide in an unholy world.
Cognitive pragmatics: Insights from homesign conversations
Authors: de Vos Connie
Published: February 2023

Homesign is a visual–gestural form of communication that emerges between deaf individuals and their hearing interlocutors in the absence of a conventional sign language. I argue here that homesign conversations form a perfect testcase to study the extent to which pragmatic competence is foundational rather than derived from our linguistic abilities.
Interventions for Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia Living in the Community: A Rapid Review of Reviews
Authors: Huggins Madison , Pesut Barbara , Puurveen Gloria
Published: February 2023

This rapid review of systematic reviews examines non-professional interventions that have been implemented to support family caregivers of older adults with dementia who are living in the community. There is a robust body of empirical literature examining such interventions for family caregivers; therefore, this rapid review includes only systematic reviews. MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases were searched from September 2020 to December 2020, and 19 systematic reviews were selected for a full review. Psychosocial, psychoeducational, social support, and multicomponent interventions consistently show positive impacts on a variety of outcomes. The evidence suggests that multicomponent interventions that are tailored to the needs of individual caregivers are the most impactful interventions and should be utilized in future program development. The most effective combination of interventions is unknown and warrants further investigation. However, the repeated success of psychoeducational, psychosocial, and social support interventions suggests that when used together, they may be a successful combination that contributes to positive impacts on caregivers. This multicomponent intervention should be flexible, as interventions are most effective when they are tailored to the individual needs of caregivers and adapted over time as the needs of the caregiver and person living with dementia change with disease progression.
Characteristics of patients with SARS-COV-2 PCR re-positivity after recovering from COVID-19
Authors: Hu Cheng-Yi , Lei Yi , Tang Yu-Wen , Cui Wen-Shuai , Wu Pei-Lian , Li Yan-Fang , Zhou Yan , Li Xin-Yan , Cui Hao , Xiao Lu-Shan , Zhao Zhu-Xiang
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) PCR re-positivity after recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients (n = 1391) from Guangzhou, China, who had recovered from COVID-19 were recruited between 7 September 2021 and 11 March 2022. Data on epidemiology, symptoms, laboratory test results and treatment were analysed. In this study, 42.7% of recovered patients had re-positive result. Most re-positive patients were asymptomatic, did not have severe comorbidities, and were not contagious. The re-positivity rate was 39%, 46%, 11% and 25% in patients who had received inactivated, mRNA, adenovirus vector and recombinant subunit vaccines, respectively. Seven independent risk factors for testing re-positive were identified, and a predictive model was constructed using these variables. The predictors of re-positivity were COVID-19 vaccination status, previous SARs-CoV-12 infection prior to the most recent episode, renal function, SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibody levels and white blood cell count. The predictive model could benefit the control of the spread of COVID-19.
Faux ami?Interrogating the normative coherence of ‘digital constitutionalism’
Authors: Costello Róisín Á
Published: February 2023

This article interrogates the normative coherence of the label of ‘digital constitutionalism’. In particular, I argue that the use of the label ‘constitutionalism’ in digital contexts often conflates the practical realities of existing contractual governance models with the superficial appeal of constitutional structures. As a result, the label is misleading in both normative and qualitative terms as it obscures the true nature of the governance architectures to which it is applied, which are more appropriately understood as implementing a distinct genre of ‘private policy’.
Evidence of H+‐Band EMIC Waves in the Inner Radiation Belt Observed by Van Allen Probes During Magnetic Storms
Authors: He Zhaohai , Xu Jiyao , Wang Chi , Dai Lei , Ni Binbin , Roth Ilan
Published: February 2023

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves play an important role in the losses of ring current ions and outer radiation belt relativistic electrons. While EMIC waves have been reported to occur frequently in the outer belt and slot region, there is little information about the occurrence of EMIC waves in the inner radiation belt. On basis of the magnetometer observations from Van Allen Probes, we analyze two representative events of H+‐band EMIC waves that occurred in the inner zone on December 21 and June 22, 2015. We find that these waves occurred synchronously accompanying with 5–35 keV proton dispersive injections at the dawn and night sectors. During the periods of EMIC waves, the perpendicular temperature of injected protons increased, while the corresponding parallel component decreased. By analyzing the relation between the temperature anisotropy and parallel plasma beta for the two cases, we suggest that the evident enhancements of the temperature anisotropy (T⊥/T∥) of 5–35 keV protons may provide the energy source to excite the H+‐band EMIC waves. A total of 16 left‐hand H+‐band EMIC wave events have been found in the inner radiation belt during the 4‐year (2013–2016) interval and all occur during magnetic storms. The statistical results implicated that left‐hand H+‐band EMIC waves in the inner radiation belt is associated with storm‐time ion injections.
Influence of Time‐Varying Atmospheric Channel on Time Reversal Spatial Power Combination of Sparse Array on Ground
Authors: Du Yunlong , He Junlong , Zhao Deshuang
Published: February 2023

The spatial power combination based on the time reversal (TR) technique is severely affected by the time‐varying characteristics of channels. In this paper, a mathematical model of TR power combination in the slowly time‐varying atmospheric channel and the concept of channel time‐varying factor are proposed to study the feasibility of this technique for spatial power combination in incompletely reciprocal channels. Combining the theoretical analysis and Monte Carlo simulations, we analyze the relationship between the power combination efficiency and the permittivity of the time‐varying atmospheric channel, which follows a normal distribution. The results indicate that the power combination efficiency of the TR technique will be lower than that of the completely reciprocal channel if the atmospheric channel is slowly varied, and the faster the channel changes, the lower the efficiency becomes. In order to keep the power combination efficiency above 50%, the channel time‐varying factor needs to be less than about 54.3% of the signal period. And when it takes more than 90%, the signals radiated by each antenna have been completely incoherent at target point. Different from the short‐distance power combination, when the target point is far away and at a high altitude, the time‐variability of the atmosphere over such a huge area is not negligible, so the power combination efficiency will be also severely affected. The mathematical model and results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for further research of long‐distance spatial power combination based on the TR technology and error estimation in related engineering design.
Identification and characterization of the long non-coding RNA NFIA-AS2 as a novel locus for body mass index in American Indians
Authors: Bandesh Khushdeep , Traurig Michael , Chen Peng , Hsueh Wen-Chi , Hanson Robert L. , Piaggi Paolo , Baier Leslie J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Genome-wide association studies have shown that body mass index (BMI), an estimate of obesity, is highly polygenic. Individual variants typically have small effect sizes, making it challenging to identify unique loci in under-represented ethnic groups which lack statistical power due to their small sample size. Yet obesity is a major health disparity and is particularly prevalent in southwestern American Indians. Here, we identify and characterize a new locus for BMI that was detected by analyzing moderate associations with BMI obtained in a population-based sample of southwestern American Indians together with the well-powered GIANT dataset.

Methods

Genotypes for 10.5 million variants were tested for association with BMI in 5870 American Indians and 2600 variants that showed an association P < 10−3 in the American Indian sample were combined in a meta-analysis with the BMI data reported in GIANT (N = 240,608). The newly identified gene, NFIA-AS2 was functionally characterized, and the impact of its lead associated variant rs1777538 was studied both in-silico and in-vitro.

Results

Rs1777538 (T/C; C allele frequency = 0.16 in American Indians and 0.04 in GIANT, meta-analysis P = 5.0 × 10−7) exhibited a large effect in American Indians (1 kg/m2 decrease in BMI per copy of C allele). NFIA-AS2 was found to be a nuclear localized long non-coding RNA expressed in tissues pertinent to human obesity. Analysis of this variant in human brown preadipocytes showed that NFIA-AS2 transcripts carrying the C allele had increased RNA degradation compared to the T allele transcripts (half-lives = 9 h, 13 h respectively). During brown adipogenesis, NFIA-AS2 featured a stage-specific regulation of nearby gene expression where rs1777538 demonstrated an allelic difference in regulation in the mature adipocytes (the strongest difference was observed for L1TD1, P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Our findings support a role for NFIA-AS2 in regulating pathways that impact BMI.
Formation of sub-100-nm suspended nanowires with various materials using thermally adjusted electrospun nanofibers as templates
Authors: Oh Yongkeun , Kwon Dae-Sung , Jo Eunhwan , Kang Yunsung , Sim Sangjun , Kim Jongbaeg
Published: February 2023

The air suspension and location specification properties of nanowires are crucial factors for optimizing nanowires in electronic devices and suppressing undesirable interactions with substrates. Although various strategies have been proposed to fabricate suspended nanowires, placing a nanowire in desired microstructures without material constraints or high-temperature processes remains a challenge. In this study, suspended nanowires were formed using a thermally aggregated electrospun polymer as a template. An elaborately designed microstructure enables an electrospun fiber template to be formed at the desired location during thermal treatment. Moreover, the desired thickness of the nanowires is easily controlled with the electrospun fiber templates, resulting in the parallel formation of suspended nanowires that are less than 100 nm thick. Furthermore, this approach facilitates the formation of suspended nanowires with various materials. This is accomplished by evaporating various materials onto the electrospun fiber template and by removing the template. Palladium, copper, tungsten oxide (WO3), and tin oxide nanowires are formed as examples to demonstrate the advantage of this approach in terms of nanowire material selection. Hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas sensors comprising palladium and tungsten oxide, respectively, are demonstrated as exemplary devices of the proposed method.
Systemic kappa opioid receptor antagonism accelerates reinforcement learning via augmentation of novelty processing in male mice
Authors: Farahbakhsh Zahra Z. , Song Keaton , Branthwaite Hannah E. , Erickson Kirsty R. , Mukerjee Snigdha , Nolan Suzanne O. , Siciliano Cody A.
Published: February 2023

Selective inhibition of kappa opioid receptors (KORs) is highly anticipated as a pharmacotherapeutic intervention for substance use disorders and depression. The accepted explanation for KOR antagonist-induced amelioration of aberrant behaviors posits that KORs globally function as a negative valence system; antagonism thereby blunts the behavioral influence of negative internal states such as anhedonia and negative affect. While effects of systemic KOR manipulations have been widely reproduced, explicit evaluation of negative valence as an explanatory construct is lacking. Here, we tested a series of falsifiable hypotheses generated a priori based on the negative valence model by pairing reinforcement learning tasks with systemic pharmacological KOR blockade in male C57BL/6J mice. The negative valence model failed to predict multiple experimental outcomes: KOR blockade accelerated contingency learning during both positive and negative reinforcement without altering innate responses to appetitive or aversive stimuli. We next proposed novelty processing, which influences learning independent of valence, as an alternative explanatory construct. Hypotheses based on novelty processing predicted subsequent observations: KOR blockade increased exploration of a novel, but not habituated, environment and augmented the reinforcing efficacy of novel visual stimuli in a sensory reinforcement task. Together, these results revise and extend long-standing theories of KOR system function.
Genomic ALK alterations in primary and relapsed neuroblastoma
Authors: Rosswog Carolina , Fassunke Jana , Ernst Angela , Schömig-Markiefka Birgid , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Bartenhagen Christoph , Cartolano Maria , Ackermann Sandra , Theissen Jessica , Blattner-Johnson Mirjam , Jones Barbara , Schramm Kathrin , Altmüller Janine , Nürnberg Peter , Ortmann Monika , Berthold Frank , Peifer Martin , Büttner Reinhard , Westermann Frank , Schulte Johannes H. , Simon Thorsten , Hero Barbara , Fischer Matthias
Published: February 2023

Background

Genomic alterations of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (ALK) occur recurrently in neuroblastoma, a pediatric malignancy of the sympathetic nervous system. However, information on their development over time has remained sparse.

Methods

ALK alterations were assessed in neuroblastomas at diagnosis and/or relapse from a total of 943 patients, covering all stages of disease. Longitudinal information on diagnostic and relapsed samples from individual patients was available in 101 and 102 cases for mutation and amplification status, respectively.

Results

At diagnosis, ALK point mutations occurred in 10.5% of all cases, with highest frequencies in stage 4 patients <18 months. At relapse, ALK alteration frequency increased by 70%, both in high-risk and non-high-risk cases. The increase was most likely due to de novo mutations, frequently leading to R1275Q substitutions, which are sensitive to pharmacological ALK inhibition. By contrast, the frequency of ALK amplifications did not change over the course of the disease. ALK amplifications, but not mutations, were associated with poor patient outcome.

Conclusions

The considerably increased frequency of ALK mutations at relapse and their high prevalence in young stage 4 patients suggest surveying the genomic ALK status regularly in these patient cohorts, and to evaluate ALK-targeted treatment also in intermediate-risk patients.
Selection, recombination and population history effects on runs of homozygosity (ROH) in wild red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Hewett Anna M. , Stoffel Martin A. , Peters Lucy , Johnston Susan E. , Pemberton Josephine M.
Published: February 2023

The distribution of runs of homozygosity (ROH) may be shaped by a number of interacting processes such as selection, recombination and population history, but little is known about the importance of these mechanisms in shaping ROH in wild populations. We combined an empirical dataset of >3000 red deer genotyped at >35,000 genome-wide autosomal SNPs and evolutionary simulations to investigate the influence of each of these factors on ROH. We assessed ROH in a focal and comparison population to investigate the effect of population history. We investigated the role of recombination using both a physical map and a genetic linkage map to search for ROH. We found differences in ROH distribution between both populations and map types indicating that population history and local recombination rate have an effect on ROH. Finally, we ran forward genetic simulations with varying population histories, recombination rates and levels of selection, allowing us to further interpret our empirical data. These simulations showed that population history has a greater effect on ROH distribution than either recombination or selection. We further show that selection can cause genomic regions where ROH is common, only when the effective population size (Ne) is large or selection is particularly strong. In populations having undergone a population bottleneck, genetic drift can outweigh the effect of selection. Overall, we conclude that in this population, genetic drift resulting from a historical population bottleneck is most likely to have resulted in the observed ROH distribution, with selection possibly playing a minor role.
Transportation of dislocation plasticity in a dual-phase TiMo alloy
Authors: Men Jinghui , Fu Xiaoqian , Yu Qian
Published: February 2023

Understanding the coordinated deformation of multiple phases under applied stress is crucial for the structural design of dual-phase or multiphase advanced alloys. In this study, in-situ transmission electron microscope tensile tests were performed to investigate the dislocation behaviors and the transportation of dislocation plasticity during the deformation of a dual-phase Ti-10(wt.%) Mo alloy having hexagonal close-packed α phase and body-centered cubic β phase. We demonstrated that the dislocation plasticity preferred to transmit from alpha to alpha phase along the longitudinal axis of each plate, regardless of where dislocations were formed. The intersections of different α plates provided local stress concentration that facilitated the initiation of dislocation activities from there. Dislocations then migrated along the longitudinal axis of α plates and carried dislocation plasticity from one plate to another through these intersections as well. Since the α plates distributed in various orientations, dislocation slips occurred in multiple directions, which is beneficial for uniform plastic deformation of the material. Our micropillar mechanical testing further quantitatively demonstrated that the distribution of α plates and the α–α plates’ intersections plays important role in tuning the mechanical properties of the material.
A quaternary solid-form of ritonavir: an oxalate salt oxalic acid co-crystal acetone solvate
Authors: Wang Chang , Turner Thomas D. , Ma Cai Y. , Pask Christopher M. , Rosbottom Ian , Hong Richard S. , Sheikh Ahmad Y. , Yin Qiuxiang , Roberts Kevin J.
Published: February 2023

Solid-state analysis of a new quaternary solid-form of ritonavir: an oxalate salt oxalic acid co-crystal acetone solvate.
What do we talk about, when we talk about single-crystal termination-dependent selectivity of Cu electrocatalysts for CO2reduction? A data-driven retrospective
Authors: Rossi Kevin
Published: February 2023

We mine from the literature experimental data on the CO2electrochemical reduction selectivity of Cu single crystal surfaces and leverage data-driven methods to quantify the qualitative and quantitative agreement between previous milestone reports.
Nonadiabatic wave packet dynamics and predissociation resonances in sodium hydride
Authors: Karlsson Hans O.
Published: February 2023

Predissociation resonances and nonadiabatic vibrational wave packet dynamics, initiated by sequences of femtosecond laser pulses, were computed for sodium hydride in the gas phase.
Dynamic experiment on remediation of acid mine drainage by iron–carbon microelectrolysis enhancing sulfate-reducing bacteria
Authors: Li Hanzhe , Di Junzhen , Dong Yanrong , Bao Sihang , Fu Saiou
Published: February 2023

This study combined IC-ME technology with SRB to strengthen biological activity and to achieve the simultaneous removal of heavy metal ions and sulfate to provide new methods for realizing low-cost, efficient and stable treatment of AMD.
Polychlorinated alkylation annulation of N-arylacrylamide under electrochemical conditions
Authors: Dai Yuyu , Cui Miao , Li Xiaoqing , Chen Huiming , Xu Xiangsheng
Published: February 2023

A novel and unprecedented method for the polychlorinated alkylation annulation of N-arylacrylamide has been developed under electrochemical conditions with diazo salt as the mediator at the cathode reduction and CH2Cl2 as the substrate and solvent.
A benzothiadiazole-based Pt(ii) coordination polymer as an efficient heterogeneous photocatalyst for visible-light-driven aerobic oxidative coupling of amines
Authors: Ahmed Shakil , Kumar Atul , Mukherjee Partha Sarathi
Published: February 2023

A solid-state emissive supramolecular coordination polymer (TBP) with multiple benzothiadiazole units selectively converts benzylamines to their corresponding imines under visible light within 2 hours at room temperature.
Correction: Interfacial engineering of a Mo/Hf0.3Zr0.7O2/Si capacitor using the direct scavenging effect of a thin Ti layer
Authors: Kim Se Hyun , Yu Geun Taek , Park Geun Hyeong , Lee Dong Hyun , Park Ju Yong , Yang Kun , Lee Eun Been , Lee Je In , Park Min Hyuk
Published: February 2023

Correction for ‘Interfacial engineering of a Mo/Hf0.3Zr0.7O2/Si capacitor using the direct scavenging effect of a thin Ti layer’ by Se Hyun Kim et al., Chem. Commun., 2021, 57, 12452–12455, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CC04966F.
Phenediamine bridging phthalocyanine-based covalent organic framework polymers used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Luyi , Zhao Jianjun , Chen Jun , Jiang Tingting , Zhang Qian , Zhong Shengwen , Dmytro Sydorov
Published: February 2023

Phthalocyanine-based COFs (CoTAPc-PDA/BDA/TDA) with increasing pore sizes are prepared, which provides large specific surface area and mesoporous channels for Li+. As until pore size increases, surface area increases accordingly, resulting in improved electrochemical behaviors.
A novel 2,6-bis(benzoxazolyl)phenol macrocyclic chemosensor with enhanced fluorophore properties by photoinduced intramolecular proton transfer
Authors: Paderni Daniele , Barone Giampaolo , Giorgi Luca , Formica Mauro , Macedi Eleonora , Fusi Vieri
Published: February 2023

The novel ESIPT-mediated ratiometric metal chemosensor L gives rise to a peculiar displacement of fluorescence emission from green to blue upon Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) complexation, while Pb(ii) is a fluorescence quencher.
Overview of Polyethylene Based Multi-layered Geomembrane Through Blown Extrusion Process
Authors: Halake Kantappa , Sharma Sanjay , Jain Gaurav
Published: February 2023

Geomembranes are low-permeable liners used to control the molecular migration in many proven applications. Landfills is most common application in the field of civil and environmental engineering. Geomembrane is the main component in lining system which works as hydraulic barrier. The polyolefins are the basic materials of liner and more commonly polypropylene and polyethylene are preferred. Commercial manufacturing process involves extrusion techniques viz cast extrusion and blown extrusion process. The individual process is designed for multiple layered structures which are then coextruded to lead into a single liner. Typical structure comprises, high to low-density polyethylene (PE) resin, processing aids, stabilisers to retard the degradation through ultra-violet rays, photo-oxidation, and thermal oxidation. The stabilizer is usually used in smaller dosses to avoid degradations which includes, 2 to 3% carbon-black (CB), 0.5 to 1% antioxidants (AO), and plasticizing additives to introduce the flexibility. During the process, components are homogenised in specially designed screws of feeding and mixing zones. The formulated melt is co-extruded through specially designed die of multi-layered structures. The subsequent melt enters in circular die with a certain pressure which leads to bubbled shaped films. The variation in the surface morphology layer structure and layer number are the important technical aspects to alter the required end application. Finally, manufactured geomembrane is qualified as per the international specifications which are governed by geosynthetic research institute (GSI/GRI).