bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Filterless narrowband photodetectors enabled by controllable band modulation through ion migration: The case of halide perovskites
Authors: Li Yu , Yu Shanshan , Yang Junjie , Zhang Kai , Hu Mingyu , Qiu Weitao , Guo Fumin , Qian Wei , Reinecke Sean , Chen Tao , Saidaminov Makhsud I. , Wang Jian , Yang Shihe 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNarrowband photodetectors conventionally rely on optical structure design or bandpass filters to achieve the narrowband regime. Recently, a strategy for filterless narrowband photoresponse based on the charge collection narrowing (CCN) mechanism was reported. However, the CCN strategy requires an electrically and optically “thick” photoactive layer, which poses challenges in controlling the narrowband photoresponse. Here we propose a novel strategy for constructing narrowband photodetectors by leveraging the inherent ion migration in perovskites, which we term “band modulation narrowing” (BMN). By manipulating the ion migration with external stimuli such as illumination, temperature, and bias voltage, we can regulate in situ the energy‐band structure of perovskite photodetectors (PPDs) and hence their spectral response. Combining the Fermi energy levels obtained by the Kelvin probe force microscopy, the internal potential profiles from solar cell capacitance simulator simulation, and the anion accumulation revealed by the transient ion‐drift technique, we discover two critical mechanisms behind our BMN strategy: the extension of an optically active but electronically dead region proximal to the top electrode and the down‐bending energy bands near the electron transport layer. Our findings offer a case for harnessing the often‐annoying ion migration for developing advanced narrowband PPDs.image
Spatiotemporal variation in soil salinity under irrigated fields at Bochessa catchment in Central Ethiopia
Authors: Wendemeneh Demelash , Ayana Mekonen , Haileslassie Amare , Lohani Tarun Kumar 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSoil salinity and sodicity problems are one of the major challenges to the permanence of irrigated agriculture in Ethiopia. This manuscript, therefore, concerns its spatial and temporal variation under irrigated fields and suggests possible management options. For this investigation, eight monitoring locations were selected based on the irrigation intensity that farmers practised in the area. With each location, three irrigated farmers' fields were randomly selected for sampling purposes. Likewise, six farmers' fields from the rain‐fed system were also selected for comparison purposes. Sampling was performed at the beginning and end of each cropping season for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019. The major physical and chemical properties of the soil were analysed in accordance with standard laboratory procedures. A linear model of two‐way analysis of variance was used to analyse parameters across time and space. The results indicated that the majority of the soil properties studied showed significant differences (p < 0.05) over time. This implies that the change is in accordance with the seasonal soil property, possibly due to irrigation practices. Similarly, approximately 90% of the soil properties studied showed noticeable differences (p < 0.05) across locations. Almost all salinity indicators showed an increasing trend in irrigated fields compared to their situation in rain‐fed fields. For instance, the electrical conductivity (EC) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) values across the fields ranged from 0.54 to 0.82 dS m−¹ and 8–1%, respectively, with maximum values observed in irrigated fields. This implies that irrigation practices influence soil properties in the area. In addition, the ESP values approaching the maximum permissible limit suggest that sodicity may cause more problems than salinity in the area. Therefore, agronomic practices (e.g. residue management, deep tillage, salt‐tolerant crops and periodic fallowing), irrigation and drainage management practices, and amendments may help farmers mitigate salinity and sodicity problems in the area.
Isolation of TiNbN wear particles from a coated metal‐on‐metal bearing: Morphological characterization and in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity in human osteoblasts
Authors: Sellin Marie‐Luise , Seyfarth‐Sehlke Anika , Aziz Mahammad , Fabry Christian , Wenke Katrin , Høl Paul Johan , Rios‐Mondragon Ivan , Cimpan Mihaela Roxana , Frank Marcus , Bader Rainer , Jonitz‐Heincke Anika 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo improve the wear resistance of articulating metallic joint endoprostheses, the surfaces can be coated with titanium niobium nitride (TiNbN). Under poor tribological conditions or malalignment, wear can occur on these implant surfaces in situ. This study investigated the biological response of human osteoblasts to wear particles generated from TiNbN‐coated hip implants. Abrasive particles were generated in a hip simulator according to ISO 14242‐1/−2 and extracted with Proteinase K. Particle characteristics were evaluated by electron microscopy and energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Human osteoblasts were exposed to different particle dilutions (1:20, 1:50, and 1:100), and cell viability and gene expression levels of osteogenic markers and inflammatory mediators were analyzed after 4 and 7 days. Using ICP‐MS, EDS, and DLS measurements, ~70% of the particles were identified as TiNbN, ranging from 39 to 94 nm. The particles exhibited a flat and subangular morphology. Exposure to particles did not influence cell viability and osteoblastic differentiation capacity. Protein levels of collagen type 1, osteoprotegerin, and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand were almost unaffected. Moreover, the pro‐inflammatory response via interleukins 6 and 8 was minor induced after particle contact. A high number of TiNbN wear particles only slightly affected osteoblasts' differentiation ability and inflammatory response compared to metallic particles. Nevertheless, further studies should investigate the role of these particles in peri‐implant bone tissue, especially concerning other cell types.
HAGLR, stabilized by m6A modification, triggers PTEN‐Akt signaling cascade‐mediated RPE cell pyroptosis via sponging miR‐106b‐5p
Authors: Luo Rong , Li Lan , Han Qingluan , Fu Jingsong , Xiao Fan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractConsistent hyperglycaemia on retinal microvascular tissues is recognized as a vital inducer of diabetic retinopathy (DR) pathogenesis. In view of the essential functionality of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in multiple human diseases, we aim to figure out the exact role and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA HOXD Cluster Antisense RNA 1 (HAGLR) in DR pathogenesis. Serum specimens from patients with proliferative DR and healthy volunteers were collected for measuring HAGLR levels. Human primary retinal pigment epithelium (HRPE) cells kept in high glucose (HG) condition were applied to simulating hyperglycaemia of DR pathology in vitro. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, either pyroptosis was assess using Cell Counting Kit‐8 TUNEL, flow cytometry, and enzyme‐linked immunoassay assays. Bioinformatics analysis was subjected to examine the interaction between HAGLR and N6‐methyladenosine (m6A)‐bind protein IGF2BP2, as determined using RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‐down. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to assess the HAGLR‐miR‐106b‐5p‐PTEN axis. Levels of pyroptosis‐associated biomarkers were detected using western blotting. Aberrantly overexpressed HAGLR was uncovered in the serum samples of DR patients and HG‐induced HRPE cells, of which knockdown attenuated HG‐induced cytotoxic impacts on cell apoptosis and pyroptosis. Whereas, reinforced HAGLR further aggravated these effects. IGF2BP2 positively regulated HAGLR in a m6A‐dependent manner. HAGLR served as a sponge for miR‐106b‐5p to upregulate PTEN, thereby activating Akt signaling cascade. Rescue assays demonstrated that PTEN overexpression abolished the inhibition of silenced HAGLR on pyroptosis in HRPE cells. HAGLR, epigenetically modified by IGF2BP2 in an m6A‐dependent manner, functioned as a sponge for miR‐106b‐5p, thereby activating PTEN/Akt signaling cascade to accelerate DR pathology.
Serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy of the tail tip of post‐metamorphic amphioxus finds novel myomeres with odd shapes and unusually prominent sclerocoels
Authors: Holland Nicholas D. , Holland Linda Z. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSerial block‐face scanning electron microscopy of the tail tip of post‐metamorphic amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae) revealed some terminal myomeres never been seen before with other techniques. The morphology of these myomeres differed markedly from the chevron shapes of their more anterior counterparts. Histologically, these odd‐shaped myomeres ranged from empty vesicles bordered by undifferentiated cells to ventral sacs composed of well‐developed myotome, dermatome, and sclerotome. Strikingly, several of these ventral sacs gave rise to a nipple‐like dorsal projection composed either entirely of sclerotome or a mixture of sclerotome and myotome. Considered as a whole, from posterior to anterior, these odd‐shaped posterior myomeres suggested that their more substantial ventral part may represent the ventral limb of a chevron, while the delicate projection represents a nascent dorsal limb. This scenario contrasts with formation of chevron‐shaped myomeres along most of the antero‐posterior axis. Although typical chevron formation in amphioxus is surprisingly poorly studied, it seems to be attained by a dorso‐ventral extension of the myomere accompanied by the assumption of a V‐shape; this is similar to what happens (at least superficially) in developing fishes. Another unusual feature of the odd‐shaped posterior myomeres of amphioxus is their especially distended sclerocoels. One possible function for these might be to protect the posterior end of the central nervous system from trauma when the animals burrow into the substratum.
Live‐virus serum neutralization after bivalent SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Benning Louise , Bartenschlager Marie , Kim Heeyoung , Kälble Florian , Nusshag Christian , Buylaert Mirabel , Reichel Paula , Schaier Matthias , Morath Christian , Zeier Martin , Schnitzler Paul , Bartenschlager Ralf , Speer Claudius 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe development of bivalent booster vaccines addresses the ongoing evolution of the emerging B.1.1.529 (omicron) variant subtypes that are known to escape vaccine‐induced neutralizing antibody response. Little is known about the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of bivalent mRNA vaccines in hemodialysis patients with impaired vaccine response. In this prospective, observational cohort study, we analyzed SARS‐CoV‐2 anti‐S1 IgG, surrogate neutralizing antibodies (SNA), and live‐virus neutralization against the SARS‐CoV‐2 wildtype and the BA.5 variant in 42 hemodialysis patients with and without prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection before and after an additional fifth bivalent vaccine dose. Anti‐S1 IgG and SNA were significantly higher in hemodialysis patients with prior infection than in patients without infection (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). In patients without prior infection, both antibody levels increased, and live‐virus neutralizing antibodies against the wildtype and the BA.5 variant were correspondingly significantly higher after bivalent booster vaccination (p < 0.001 for both). Conversely, in patients with prior infection, anti‐S1 IgG and SNA did not alter significantly, and bivalent booster vaccination did not induce additional humoral immune response against the SARS‐CoV‐2 wildtype and the BA.5 variant. Thus, bivalent mRNA vaccines might increase humoral responses in hemodialysis patients without prior infection. Larger clinical trials are needed to help guide vaccination strategies in these immunocompromised individuals.
Regional and remote influences of ocean‐atmospheric processes on northeast monsoon rainfall during 2021 over India
Authors: Vijaya Bhaskara Rao S. , Pradhan Prabodha Kumar , Raman Mekalathur Roja , Kumar Vinay , Sunilkumar Khadgarai , Jena Babula , Koteswara Rao Kundeti 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSevere rainfall during the recent northeast monsoon season (October, November and December) in 2021 caused unexpected disasters (triggered flooding and landslides) in the pilgrim city of Tirupati and the metropolitan city of Chennai over the peninsular of India (PI). The remote and regional influence of several ocean‐atmospheric climate indices on northeast monsoon rainfall (NEMR) during the OND season is investigated to understand the contributory mechanisms of extreme rainfall events over the PI during 2021. The interannual variability of NEMR and its relationship with the OND sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly over the Niño3.4 and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) regions are considered. In addition, SST anomalies over the Bay of Bengal (BoB), such as east BoB (EBoB), east equatorial Indian Ocean (EEIO) and their gradients (GSST) connections with NEMR, are also examined. The impact of Siberian High (SH), Western Pacific High (WPH), Arabian Sea Surface Pressure (ASSP), easterly waves (EW) and land surface temperature contrast (LSTC) is also analysed and incorporated to find a specific linkage with NEM 2021. The results show that excess NEMR during OND 2021 is suggestively associated with favourable large‐scale conditions like negative IOD and the La Niña phase over the Indo‐Pacific region. In November 2021, two deep depressions made landfall over Tamil Nadu (within the latitude of 11°–13°N) and over adjoining areas, which caused copious amounts of rainfall (maximum ~90 mm·day−1), leading to flooding conditions over Tirupati and Chennai. During the NEM season, abundant warming of BoB and weak vertical wind shear, along with negative anomalies of ASSP, modulated the cyclonic activities that enhanced the sufficient moisture transports from BoB to the PI. The MSLP anomalies over the ASSP region depict a significant correlation (−0.47) with the interannual variability of NEM as compared to SH and WPH during the OND season of 2021.
Pattern scaling the parameters of a Markov‐chain gamma‐distribution daily precipitation generator
Authors: Kemsley Sarah Wilson , Osborn Timothy J. , Dorling Stephen R. , Wallace Craig 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGeneral circulation models (GCMs) are the most sophisticated tools at our disposal for studying future climates, but there are limitations to overcome. These include resolutions that may be too coarse for impact assessments, limited or zero availability of some policy‐relevant scenarios, and limited time‐series length for assessing the risk of extreme events. We illustrate how these limitations can be addressed by combining a stochastic precipitation generator (SPG) with pattern scaling (PS) of its key parameters. Computationally inexpensive, SPG parameters can be perturbed to generate time‐series representative of weather under a future climate with high spatial and temporal resolution. If the SPG parameter perturbations are derived directly from GCM simulations projections can only be made for scenarios already simulated by the GCM. Instead, we obtain the parameter perturbations using PS, facilitating emulation of scenarios not necessarily explicitly simulated by the GCM, and where we scale perturbations approximately linearly with global temperature change. PS is commonly applied to estimate perturbations in the mean of climate variables, but rarely to higher‐order parameters as we demonstrate here. We apply PS for the first time, globally, to the parameters of a daily, first‐order Markov‐chain gamma‐distribution SPG using output from the IPSL‐CM6A‐LR GCM to perturb an SPG fitted to observed data from two stations in diverse climates (Santarém, Brazil and Reykjavik, Iceland) to illustrate this novel approach. We produce time series corresponding to a range of GWLs and demonstrate the capability of the combined SPG‐PS approach to study local‐scale, future daily precipitation characteristics, climate and subsequent risk of extreme weather events.
Aerosol characteristics in CMIP6 models' global simulations and their evaluation with the satellite measurements
Authors: Bharath Jaisankar , Kumar Tumuluru Venkata Lakshmi , Salgueiro Vanda , Costa Maria João , Mall Rajesh Kumar 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGlobal and regional trends of the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) Phase 6 simulations for the study period 1971–2014 were compared against the satellite retrievals and the intermodel variations were analysed. The AOD from multimodel mean (MMM) of eight general circulation models (GCMs) has been evaluated against the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Multi‐angle Imaging Spectro Radiometer (MISR) AOD for the 2001–2014 period. Angstrom exponents (AE and its first derivative) that represent the size distribution of aerosols are estimated globally from the perturbed initial condition ensemble of MRI‐ESM2‐0 and MPI‐ESM‐1‐2‐HAM models to report the aerosol variations through their size distribution. We found that the global AOD obtained from the MMM8 showed an insignificant decreasing trend, while this trend is significantly positive over the northern tropical region. The MMM8 has overestimated the MODIS AOD over North Africa, India, China, and Australia while this overestimation is confined to North Africa and eastern China when compared against MISR AOD. The absolute percent bias of MMM8 is 28.1% and 24.1% over the globe when compared against MODIS and MISR AOD, respectively. The spatial pattern of AE showed the dominance of fine‐ and coarse‐mode particles during the boreal/austral winter and summer seasons, respectively, that replicate the seasonality of aerosols. The AE derived from MPI‐ESM‐1‐2‐HR demonstrated better agreement with AATSR SU's (Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer instrument series, with the algorithm developed by Swansea University) AE (550–870 nm). On the other hand, MRI‐ESM2‐0 consistently underestimated AE across different regions and wavelength ranges, suggesting an over representation of larger aerosol particles in the model's portrayal of aerosol size distribution compared to satellite observations.
Mesenchymal stromal cell response to intervertebral disc‐like pH is tissue source dependent
Authors: Cannon Kyle , Gill Sanjitpal , Mercuri Jeremy 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) has become increasingly prevalent and is a common contributing factor to low back pain. Current treatment options are limited to either symptom management or surgery. A promising treatment option being explored is intradiscal administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). However, there remains a gap in knowledge as to whether MSCs from different tissue sources have similar responses to the low pH microenvironment of the IVD and the possible mechanisms governing these responses. To study this, MSCs from three different tissue sources: adipose (adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cell), bone marrow (bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells), and amnion (amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cell) were cultured at low pHs representative of IVDD. MSCs were assessed for survival, senescence, apoptosis, metabolic activity, and cytokine release profile. Additionally, western blot was utilized to assess acid sensing ion channel 1 and 3 expression. The results of this study indicated that MSC viability, cell proliferation, senescence, and metabolic activity is negatively affected by low pH and alters MSC cytokine production. This study also demonstrated that MSCs behavior is dependent on tissue source. Understanding how MSC behavior is altered by pH will allow further research aimed at increasing the efficacy of MSC therapy to promote in situ IVD tissue regeneration to combat IVDD.
Strategic transition
Authors: Mallon Mark R. , Lanivich Stephen E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThere are few theories explaining how firms can persist through large‐scale changes. Extending Penrose's maxim that the firm can continue to grow or exist by exiting unprofitable markets and entering higher‐growth areas, we explicate a theory of how firm resources affect the success of this transformational phenomenon, which we call strategic transition. We propose that resource redeployability, relatedness of industries, and slack resources enable firms to transform themselves such that they operate in an entirely new domain. Furthermore, we point to the equifinality of strategic transition and produce a typology of the paths firms may take to achieve it.Key Points
We extend Penrose's maxim that the firm can continue to grow or exist by exiting unprofitable markets and entering higher‐growth areas.
We explicate a theory of how firm resources affect this transformational phenomenon, which we call strategic transition.
We propose that resource redeployability, the relatedness between the old and new industry, and slack resources affect the ability of firms to transform themselves such that they operate in an entirely new domain.
We also illustrate to the equifinality of strategic transition and produce a typology of the paths firms may take to achieve it.
Links among MRI features in paraspinal muscles, inflammatory processes, and related back pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Cui Peng , Li Yongjin , Wang Yu , Lu Shibao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have provided evidence that structural changes in paraspinal muscles are associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), ubiquitous with low back pain (LBP), and potentially thought to be regulated by inflammatory processes. However, the links remain unclear.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to investigate structural changes in paraspinal muscles that differed in healthy and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients, and LDH patients with and without LBP, and to determine the link with the expression of inflammatory marker(s).MethodsCross‐sectional areas (CSAs) and fatty degeneration of muscles were measured in this prospective cohort study. Multifidus muscle (MM) tissue was procured from included individuals undergoing surgery. Gene expression was quantified using qPCR assays. Independent t‐test, Chi‐square, and Spearman correlation were used for evaluating the links among structural changes, expression of inflammatory markers, and clinical outcomes.ResultsFunctional CSA and fatty degeneration of MM were larger in healthy group than LDH group. A significant increase in fat infiltration in MM in LBP group than in non‐LBP group. TNF‐alpha (TNF‐α) was 28‐fold greater in high‐fat infiltration group than low‐fat infiltration group within MM. Expression of TNF‐α and IL‐1β in MM was moderately correlated with functional CSA and fatty degeneration of MM, which was moderately correlated with clinical outcomes.ConclusionsResults support the hypothesis that IDD is associated with dysregulation of inflammatory state of local MM, which provides initial evidence that inflammatory dysregulation in paraspinal muscles has the potential for a broad impact on tissue health and LBP symptoms.