bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La revolución de la Inteligencia Artificial en tiempos de negacionismo tecnológico
Authors: Prendes-Espinosa Mª Paz
Published: December 2023

Artificial Intelligence has been developing technically for decades, but it is in 2022 when the irruption of ChatGPT shakes the foundations of educational systems and all teachers, academics and people involved in one way or another in education. The need arises to know what it is, what it is for and what implications it can have on our systems, models and strategies in education. In this article we explain what Artificial Intelligence is and address some reflections on its educational impact. We also suggest in this article some Artificial Intelligence tools that may be useful to teachers, researchers, students and in general, to anyone interested in knowing a little better what this innovative technology -which we have called the "fourth educational revolution"- can be used for. Finally, we make some recommendations on their use in education.

La Inteligencia Artificial lleva desarrollándose técnicamente durante décadas, pero es en 2022 cuando la irrupción de ChatGPT hace temblar los cimientos de los sistemas educativos y de todos los docentes, académicos y personas involucradas de un modo u otro en la formación. Surge la necesidad de saber qué es, para qué sirve y qué implicaciones puede tener en nuestros sistemas, modelos y estrategias en educación. En este artículo explicamos qué es la Inteligencia Artificial y abordamos algunas reflexiones sobre su impacto educativo. Además sugerimos algunas herramientas de Inteligencia Artificial que pueden ser útiles a los docentes, a los investigadores, a los estudiantes y en general, a cualquier persona interesada en conocer un poco mejor para qué se puede usar esta tecnología innovadora que hemos denominado como la "cuarta revolución educativa". Por último, hacemos algunas recomendaciones sobre su uso en educación.
Successful surgical interventions for a giant and complicated myoepithelial carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Vu Quang Vinh , Hoang Thanh Tuan , Tran Van Anh , Tong Thanh Hai , Nguyen Hong Ha
Published: December 2023

Ethmoid myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare tumor, with only 14 cases reported to date. This report discusses the largest tumor of this type ever recorded in the ethmoid region. The tumor caused extensive damage to facial structures, complicating treatment. The patient’s age and comorbidities increased the risk of intraoperative bleeding, presenting challenges to the complete removal of the tumor and the reconstruction of the damaged structures. To reduce the risk of intraoperative hemorrhage, shorten the surgery time, and manage potential heartrelated complications, arterial embolization was performed using gelatin sponges and coils. Definitive surgery was then carried out using a skin flap and mucosal flap to successfully reconstruct the defect. Postoperative radiotherapy was deemed unnecessary. The patient recovered well, with a satisfactory aesthetic outcome. No recurrence was observed during a 3-year follow-up period.
Effort cost of harvest affects decisions and movement vigor of marmosets during foraging
Authors: Hage Paul , Jang In Kyu , Looi Vivian , Fakharian Mohammad Amin , Orozco Simon P , Pi Jay S , Sedaghat-Nejad Ehsan , Shadmehr Reza
Published: December 2023

Our decisions are guided by how we perceive the value of an option, but this evaluation also affects how we move to acquire that option. Why should economic variables such as reward and effort alter the vigor of our movements? In theory, both the option that we choose and the vigor with which we move contribute to a measure of fitness in which the objective is to maximize rewards minus efforts, divided by time. To explore this idea, we engaged marmosets in a foraging task in which on each trial they decided whether to work by making saccades to visual targets, thus accumulating food, or to harvest by licking what they had earned. We varied the effort cost of harvest by moving the food tube with respect to the mouth. Theory predicted that the subjects should respond to the increased effort costs by choosing to work longer, stockpiling food before commencing harvest, but reduce their movement vigor to conserve energy. Indeed, in response to an increased effort cost of harvest, marmosets extended their work duration, but slowed their movements. These changes in decisions and movements coincided with changes in pupil size. As the effort cost of harvest declined, work duration decreased, the pupils dilated, and the vigor of licks and saccades increased. Thus, when acquisition of reward became effortful, the pupils constricted, the decisions exhibited delayed gratification, and the movements displayed reduced vigor.
Ryanodine receptor 2 inhibition reduces dispersion of cardiac repolarization, improves contractile function, and prevents sudden arrhythmic death in failing hearts
Authors: Joshi Pooja , Estes Shanea , DeMazumder Deeptankar , Knollmann Bjorn C , Dey Swati
Published: December 2023

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) from ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) is a leading cause of death, but current therapies are limited. Despite extensive research on drugs targeting sarcolemmal ion channels, none have proven sufficiently effective for preventing SCD. Sarcoplasmic ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) Ca2+ release channels, the downstream effectors of sarcolemmal ion channels, are underexplored in this context. Recent evidence implicates reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidation and hyperactivity of RyR2s in the pathophysiology of SCD. We tested the hypothesis that RyR2 inhibition of failing arrhythmogenic hearts reduces sarcoplasmic Ca2+ leak and repolarization lability, mitigates VT/VF/SCD and improves contractile function. We used a guinea pig model that replicates key clinical aspects of human nonischemic HF, such as a prolonged QT interval, a high prevalence of spontaneous arrhythmic SCD, and profound Ca2+ leak via a hyperactive RyR2. HF animals were randomized to receive dantrolene (DS) or placebo in early or chronic HF. We assessed the incidence of VT/VF and SCD (primary outcome), ECG heart rate and QT variability, echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) structure and function, immunohistochemical LV fibrosis, and sarcoplasmic RyR2 oxidation. DS treatment prevented VT/VF and SCD by decreasing dispersion of repolarization and ventricular arrhythmias. Compared to placebo, DS lowered resting heart rate, preserved chronotropic competency during transient β-adrenergic challenge, and improved heart rate variability and cardiac function. Inhibition of RyR2 hyperactivity with dantrolene mitigates the vicious cycle of sarcoplasmic Ca2+ leak-induced increases in diastolic Ca2+ and ROS-mediated RyR2 oxidation, thereby reducing repolarization lability and protecting against VT/VF/SCD. Moreover, the consequent increase in sarcoplasmic Ca2+ load improves contractile function. These potentially life-saving effects of RyR2 inhibition warrant further investigation, such as clinical studies of repurposing dantrolene as a potential new therapy for heart failure and/or SCD.
Activin A marks a novel progenitor cell population during fracture healing and reveals a therapeutic strategy
Authors: Yao Lutian , Lu Jiawei , Zhong Leilei , Wei Yulong , Gui Tao , Wang Luqiang , Ahn Jaimo , Boerckel Joel D , Rux Danielle , Mundy Christina , Qin Ling , Pacifici Maurizio
Published: December 2023

Insufficient bone fracture repair represents a major clinical and societal burden and novel strategies are needed to address it. Our data reveal that the transforming growth factor-β superfamily member Activin A became very abundant during mouse and human bone fracture healing but was minimally detectable in intact bones. Single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed that the Activin A-encoding gene Inhba was highly expressed in a unique, highly proliferative progenitor cell (PPC) population with a myofibroblast character that quickly emerged after fracture and represented the center of a developmental trajectory bifurcation producing cartilage and bone cells within callus. Systemic administration of neutralizing Activin A antibody inhibited bone healing. In contrast, a single recombinant Activin A implantation at fracture site in young and aged mice boosted: PPC numbers; phosphorylated SMAD2 signaling levels; and bone repair and mechanical properties in endochondral and intramembranous healing models. Activin A directly stimulated myofibroblastic differentiation, chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in periosteal mesenchymal progenitor culture. Our data identify a distinct population of Activin A-expressing PPCs central to fracture healing and establish Activin A as a potential new therapeutic tool.
Optimal transport for automatic alignment of untargeted metabolomic data
Authors: Breeur Marie , Stepaniants George , Keski-Rahkonen Pekka , Rigollet Philippe , Viallon Vivian
Published: December 2023

Untargeted metabolomic profiling through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) measures a vast array of metabolites within biospecimens, advancing drug development, disease diagnosis, and risk prediction. However, the low throughput of LC-MS poses a major challenge for biomarker discovery, annotation, and experimental comparison, necessitating the merging of multiple datasets. Current data pooling methods encounter practical limitations due to their vulnerability to data variations and hyperparameter dependence. Here, we introduce GromovMatcher, a flexible and user-friendly algorithm that automatically combines LC-MS datasets using optimal transport. By capitalizing on feature intensity correlation structures, GromovMatcher delivers superior alignment accuracy and robustness compared to existing approaches. This algorithm scales to thousands of features requiring minimal hyperparameter tuning. Manually curated datasets for validating alignment algorithms are limited in the field of untargeted metabolomics, and hence we develop a dataset split procedure to generate pairs of validation datasets to test the alignments produced by GromovMatcher and other methods. Applying our method to experimental patient studies of liver and pancreatic cancer, we discover shared metabolic features related to patient alcohol intake, demonstrating how GromovMatcher facilitates the search for biomarkers associated with lifestyle risk factors linked to several cancer types.
Brain state and cortical layer-specific mechanisms underlying perception at threshold
Authors: Morton Mitchell P , Denagamage Sachira , Blume Isabel J , Reynolds John H , Jadi Monika P , Nandy Anirvan S
Published: December 2023

Identical stimuli can be perceived or go unnoticed across successive presentations, producing divergent behavioral outcomes despite similarities in sensory input. We sought to understand how fluctuations in behavioral state and cortical layer and cell class-specific neural activity underlie this perceptual variability. We analyzed physiological measurements of state and laminar electrophysiological activity in visual area V4 while monkeys were rewarded for correctly reporting a stimulus change at perceptual threshold. Hit trials were characterized by a behavioral state with heightened arousal, greater eye position stability, and enhanced decoding performance of stimulus identity from neural activity. Target stimuli evoked stronger responses in V4 in hit trials, and excitatory neurons in the superficial layers, the primary feed-forward output of the cortical column, exhibited lower variability. Feed-forward interlaminar population correlations were stronger on hits. Hit trials were further characterized by greater synchrony between the output layers of the cortex during spontaneous activity, while the stimulus-evoked period showed elevated synchrony in the feed-forward pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that a state of elevated arousal and stable retinal images allow enhanced processing of sensory stimuli, which contributes to hits at perceptual threshold.
HI-FISH: WHOLE BRAIN IN SITU MAPPING OF NEURONAL ACTIVATION IN DROSOPHILA DURING SOCIAL BEHAVIORS AND OPTOGENETIC STIMULATION
Authors: Watanabe Kiichi , Chiu Hui , Anderson David J.
Published: December 2023

Monitoring neuronal activity at single-cell resolution in freely moving
Drosophila
engaged in social behaviors is challenging because of their small size and lack of transparency. Extant methods, such as Flyception, are highly invasive. Whole-brain calcium imaging in head-fixed, walking flies is feasible but the animals cannot perform the consummatory phases of social behaviors like aggression or mating under these conditions. This has left open the fundamental question of whether neurons identified as functionally important for such behaviors using loss-or gain-of-function screens are actually active during the natural performance of such behaviors, and if so during which phase(s). Here we describe a method, called HI-FISH, for brain-wide mapping of active cells expressing the Immediate Early Gene
hr38
using a high-sensitivity/low background amplification method called HCR-3.0. Using double-labeling for hr38 mRNA and for GFP, we describe the activity of several classes of aggression-promoting neurons during courtship and aggression, including P1
a
cells, an intensively studied population of male-specific interneurons. Using HI-FISH in combination with optogenetic activation of aggression-promoting neurons (opto-HI-FISH) we identify candidate downstream functional targets of these cells in a brain-wide, unbiased manner. Finally we compare the activity of P1
a
neurons during sequential performance of courtship and aggression, using intronic vs. exonic
hr38
probes to differentiate newly synthesized nuclear transcripts from cytoplasmic transcripts synthesized at an earlier time. These data provide evidence suggesting that different subsets of P1
a
neurons may be active during courtship vs. aggression. HI-FISH and associated methods may help to fill an important lacuna in the armamentarium of tools for neural circuit analysis in
Drosophila
.
Key determinants of the dual clamp/activator function of Complexin
Authors: Makke Mazen , Pastor-Ruiz Alejandro , Yarzagaray Antonio , Gaya Surya , Zimmer Michelle , Frisch Walentina , Bruns Dieter
Published: December 2023

Complexin determines magnitude and kinetics of synchronized secretion, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remained unclear. Here, we show that the hydrophobic face of the amphipathic helix at the C-terminus of Complexin II (CpxII, amino acids 115–134) binds to fusion-promoting SNARE proteins, prevents premature secretion, and allows vesicles to accumulate in a release-ready state in mouse chromaffin cells. Specifically, we demonstrate that an unrelated amphipathic helix functionally substitutes for the C-terminal domain (CTD) of CpxII and that amino acid substitutions on the hydrophobic side compromise the arrest of the pre-fusion intermediate. To facilitate synchronous vesicle fusion, the N-terminal domain (NTD) of CpxII (amino acids 1–27) specifically cooperates with synaptotagmin I (SytI), but not with synaptotagmin VII. Expression of CpxII rescues the slow release kinetics of the Ca2+-binding mutant Syt I R233Q, whereas the N-terminally truncated variant of CpxII further delays it. These results indicate that the CpxII NTD regulates mechanisms which are governed by the forward rate of Ca2+ binding to Syt I. Overall, our results shed new light on key molecular properties of CpxII that hinder premature exocytosis and accelerate synchronous exocytosis.
Key determinants of the dual clamp/activator function of Complexin
Authors: Makke Mazen , Ruiz Alejandro Pastor , Yarzagaray Antonio , Gaya Surya , Zimmer Michelle , Frisch Walentina , Bruns Dieter
Published: December 2023

Complexin determines magnitude and kinetics of synchronized secretion, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remained unclear. Here, we show that the hydrophobic face of the amphipathic helix at the C-terminus of Complexin II (CpxII, amino acids 115- 134) binds to fusion-promoting SNARE proteins, prevents premature secretion and allows vesicles to accumulate in a release-ready state. Specifically, we demonstrate that an unrelated amphipathic helix functionally substitutes for the CTD of CpxII and that amino acid substitutions on the hydrophobic side compromise the arrest of the prefusion intermediate. To facilitate synchronous vesicle fusion, the N-terminal domain (NTD) of CpxII (amino acids 1-27) specifically cooperates with synaptotagmin I, but not with synaptotagmin VII. Expression of CpxII rescues the slow release kinetics of the Ca
2+
- binding mutant SytI R233Q, whereas the N-terminally truncated variant of CpxII further delays it. These results indicate that the CpxII NTD regulates mechanisms which are governed by the forward rate of Ca
2+
binding to SytI. Overall, our results shed new light on key molecular properties of CpxII that hinder premature exocytosis and accelerate synchronous exocytosis.
The Aurora kinase inhibitor AT9283 inhibits Burkitt lymphoma growth by regulating Warburg effect
Authors: Jiang Kaiming , Bai Lihong , Wang Canfei , Xiao Xiang , Cheng Zhao , Peng Hongling , Liu Sufang
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate the effect of the kinase inhibitor AT9283 on Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cells and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The effect of AT9283 on the proliferation of BL cell lines was tested using the MTT assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle were measured by flow cytometry. The proteins associated with the cell cycle, apoptosis, and the Warburg effect were detected using Western blotting. Alterations in glycolytic metabolism in terms of glucose intake and lactate concentrations were determined by glucose and lactate assays.

Results

The current study utilized the GEPIA, the Human Protein Atlas (HAP) database and immunohistochemistry to conduct analyses, which revealed a high expression of Aurora kinases and Warburg effect-related proteins in malignant B-cell lymphoma tissues. AT9283 significantly inhibited the cell proliferation of BL cells and induced G2/M arrest. Additionally, AT9283 induced apoptosis in BL cells and reversed the Warburg effect by increasing glucose uptake and reducing lactate production. Moreover, the protein expression of hexokinase 2, pyruvate kinase M2, and lactate dehydrogenase A was significantly suppressed by AT9283, possibly through the inhibition of c-Myc and HIF-1α protein expression.

Conclusion

The reversal of the Warburg effect in BL cells and the subsequent inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis were observed by targeting Aurora A and Aurora B with AT9283. This finding may present new therapeutic options and targets for BL.
Feasibility of using chest computed tomography (CT) imaging at the first lumbar vertebra (L1) level to assess skeletal muscle mass: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Shaohua , Han Xia , Li Jianjun , Xie Xia , Yang Yunkai , Jiang Wangyan , Liu Li , Liu Zhelong
Published: December 2023

Background

Skeletal muscle mass is an essential parameter for diagnosing sarcopenia. The gold standard for assessing skeletal muscle mass is using computed tomography (CT) to measure skeletal muscle area at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level. This study aims to investigate whether skeletal muscle mass could be evaluated at the first lumbar vertebra (L1) level using images obtained from routine chest CT scans.

Methods

Skeletal muscle index (SMI, cm2/m2) and skeletal muscle density (SMD, HU) are commonly used to measure relative muscle mass and the degree of fat infiltration. This study used CT images at the L1 level to measure the skeletal muscle area (SMA, cm2) in 815 subjects from the health examination center. Linear regression analysis was used to explore the association between L1 and L3 measurements. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the predictive performance of L1 SMI for sarcopenia. The sex-specific cut-off values for low skeletal muscle mass in patients under the age of 60 were determined using the following formula: “mean − 1.28 × standard deviation.” A multivariate linear regression model was established.

Results

A significantly higher SMI at the L1 level was found in males than in females (43.88 ± 6.33 cm2/m2 vs 33.68 ± 5.03 cm2/m2; P < 0.001). There were strong correlations between measures at the L1 and L3 levels in both the total subject and sex-specific analyses. A negative association was found between age and L3 SMI in males (r = −0.231, P = 0.038). Both body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) were positively associated with L1 SMI in both males and females. A multivariate analysis was used to establish a prediction rule to predict SMI at the L3 level. The assessment of consistency and interchangeability between predicted and actual SMI at the L3 level yielded moderately good results. Considering the significant differences observed between male and female participants, the sex-specific cut-off values of the L1 SMI for defining low skeletal muscle mass were 36.52 cm2/m2 in males and 27.29 cm2/m2 in females.

Conclusions

Based on a population from central China, the correlated indicators obtained at the L1 level from routine chest CT scans may serve as effective surrogate markers for those at the L3 level in assessing overall skeletal muscle mass.
In Situ Crystallization of Copper(I)‐Based Hybrid Halides Assisted by Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium for a Large‐Area Scintillation Imaging Screen
Authors: Tang Baoling , Jin Jiance , Han Kai , Li Tianrui , Zhang Haoran , Zhang Xuejie , Molokeev Maxim , Wang Yuzhen , Xia Zhiguo , Lei Bingfu
Published: February 2025

Exploring new types of scintillators, especially fabricating large‐area scintillating screens, is essential in applications of life science, industry, and material science. However, the thickness and light scattering in composite scintillator film present a major challenge for balancing the spatial resolution and radioluminescence intensity. Herein, an in situ crystallization route is developed to innovate the preparation of the large‐area scintillating screens based on the hybrid copper(I)‐based C6H8N2OCuX (X = I and Br), in which carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC‐Na) contribute to the “CMC‐Na membrane” film formation and further increase absorption cross‐section for X‐ray radiation owing to the existence of Na elements. The choice of halogen can regulate the photoluminescence of C6H8N2OCuX (X = I, Br, and Cl) from cyan to green and then to yellow, and significant scintillation property can be achieved for C6H8N2OCuI with the light yield of 52 000 photons MeV−1 and detection limit of 43.14 nGy s−1. Finally, the high X‐ray absorption assisted by CMC‐Na, as well as the thin thickness of the composite scintillator films help to realize remarkable spatial resolution above 14 lp mm−1. This study provides a foundation for discovering high‐performance copper(I)‐based halides scintillators and offers a creative think film preparation method for X‐ray imaging.
High‐Temperature Resistant Polyimide Aerogels With Extreme Condition Tolerance Constructed by In Situ Skeleton Encapsulation Growth
Authors: Liu Chun , Wang Mingkang , Zhao Xin , Yang Changpeng , Wei Ran , Zeng Wentao , Ding Feng , Zhang Sizhao , Lei Yongjun
Published: February 2025

Polyimide aerogel (PIA) can enable to withstand the extreme conditions in a great measure due to their exceptional thermal stability and excellent mechanical toughness properties derived from the rigid‐ring structures, which are rather promising alternatives in terms of high‐performance thermal protection materials for aerospace field. However, PIA usually suffers from poor dimensional stability at high‐temperature atmosphere, accordingly leading into the degradation of macroscopic features, eventually restricting their extreme‐ambient applications. Here, an in situ skeleton encapsulation growth strategy is proposed to modulate aerogel networking skeleton construction pattern, namely forming the binary organic–inorganic nature skeletons originated from PIA nanoscale structures encapsulated with polymethylsilsesquioxane. The resulting aerogel demonstrates superior dimensional stability (linear shrinkage down to 1.11% even experiencing at 300 °C for 3000 s) despite facing high‐temperature heat flux shock, suggesting an excellent high‐temperature resistant ability depending upon encapsulated Si‐O‐phase‐layer networking skeletons formation and intrinsic strong chemical bonds of polyimide chains. Further, the aerogels own the exceptional extreme‐condition tolerance when subjected to thermal shock cycling (−196 °C—300 °C), and fantastic flame retardancy at 1200 °C. This approach to developing PIA broadens the applicability of high‐performance PIA and holds significant potential for aerospace thermal protection, particularly in extreme conditions.
Muscle soreness but not neuromuscular fatigue responses following downhill running differ according to the number of exercise bouts
Authors: Bontemps Bastien , Louis Julien , Owens Daniel J. , Miríc Stella , Vercruyssen Fabrice , Gruet Mathieu , Erskine Robert M.
Published: February 2025

Repeated sessions of eccentric‐biased exercise promote strength gains through neuromuscular adaptation. However, it remains unclear whether increasing the number of these sessions can mitigate the extent of neuromuscular fatigue and exercise‐induced muscle damage (EIMD) in response to a standardised eccentric‐biased bout. Twelve healthy untrained adults (five females and seven males; 25.1 ± 4.9 years; and : 49.4 ± 6.2 mL kg−1 min−1) completed two blocks of five downhill running (DR) sessions on a motorised treadmill at a speed equivalent to 60%–65% for 15–30 min. Knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric torque (MVT), electrically evoked measures of neuromuscular fatigue (peripheral and central components), and lower‐limb perceived muscle soreness (PMS) and perceived load (RPE × session duration) were assessed before and immediately after a 15 min standardised DR bout at baseline and after 5 and 10 DR sessions. MVT decreased following a standardised DR bout (p < 0.01) similarly at all three time points (−14%, −11% and −9%; p > 0.05). The same observations were found for all peripheral and central neuromuscular fatigue indicators after 0, 5 and 10 DR sessions. Quadriceps (but not plantar flexor or gluteus) PMS was lower after 10 DR sessions (8.7 ± 8.5 mm) compared to baseline (29.6 ± 22.2 mm and p = 0.01), but no difference was observed after 5 DR sessions (15.4 ± 11.9 mm and p = 0.08). Ten repeated sessions of eccentric‐biased exercise led to a reduction in quadriceps femoris PMS following a standardised DR bout but neither 5 nor 10 sessions altered the central or peripheral fatigue responses to the same standardised DR bout. These findings suggest distinct physiological adaptations to repeated eccentric‐biased exercise regarding EIMD and neuromuscular fatigue.
Unlocking the Potential of Rare Earth‐Doped Down‐Conversion Materials for Enhanced Solar Cell Performance and Durability
Authors: Chen Fengshi , Wang Yao , Yusoff Abd. Rashid bin Mohd , Yu Yaming , Gao Peng
Published: February 2025

Solar energy, as a renewable resource, offers an excellent solution to the increasing global energy demand. Solar cells convert solar energy into electricity, prompting extensive research in this field in recent years. However, enhancing solar cell efficiency presents several challenges. Currently, solar cells can only utilize a limited portion of the solar spectrum, as most UV and infrared light remain unabsorbed. Additionally, UV light can compromise the stability of solar cells. Therefore, optimizing the utilization of solar photons across the spectrum is essential for improving both the efficiency and stability of these devices. Down‐conversion (DC) technology, also known as quantum cutting, effectively enhances the spectral absorption of solar cells, thereby increasing their efficiency and stability. Rare earth ions, with their unique electronic configurations and optical properties, are pivotal in DC research related to solar cells. This review discusses the principles of DC technology and the synthesis of DC materials, emphasizing the application of rare earth‐based DC materials in enhancing the efficiency and stability of various types of solar cells and their role in modifying the solar spectrum.
OSIRISC: Co-Design of an Integrated Observatory to Monitor Vulnerability to Coastal Risks of Erosion and Marine Flooding in Brittany
Authors: Le Dantec Nicolas , Jaud Marion , Henaff Alain , Le Berre Iwan , Meur-Ferec Catherine , Ruaud Quentin , Rouan Mathias , Pierson Julie , Lummert Caroline , Philippe Manuelle , Lami Thibaud , Letortu Pauline , Guillou Elisabeth , Suanez Serge , Lendre Sylvain
Published: February 2025

OSIRISC is the integrated observatory of systemic vulnerability to coastal risks of erosion and marine flooding in Brittany. OSIRISC approach considers all components of vulnerability: hazards, exposure, risk management and social representations. Using data in various formats, from reference databases and satellite imagery to in situ measurements and surveys with questionnaires, etc., OSIRSIC “measures” these four components over time, with indicators that were co-designed by researchers and risk management stakeholders. Data collection is collaborative, relying both on academics and local risk management authorities, which are involved in the formal partnership Litto’Risques that is meant to enable capacity-building. OSIRISC provides technical and methodological support for collaborative observation and decision-aid for management of coastal erosion and marine flooding risks, as well as training, low-cost instrumentation for field observation protocols, data dissemination through web platforms OSI and MADDOG and networking. The success of OSIRISC observatory relies on the close interaction between academics and local authorities, which requires in-depth involvement of both parties in joint actions (data collection, sharing expertise, …), as well as political support to achieve partnership agreements and engage in long-term observation.
Citizens’ Observatory on Rockfalls in the Madeira Island, Portugal
Authors: Rodrigues Domingos , Gouveia Fátima , Lobo Paulo , Peixoto Ana , Caldeira Nuno , Figueira Rui
Published: February 2025

Natural hazards occur frequently on Madeira Island and their impact can be devastating. Precipitation-triggered hazards including debris flows, landslides and floods, are the main causes of damage and death. Coastal slides and erosion are also important in the region, and earthquakes have also been recorded.
Communication and Dissemination of AGEO
Authors: Ortega Rodríguez A. , Cseko A. , García C. , Cruz Pérez N. , Santamarta Cerezal J. C. , Rodríguez J. S. , Montoya-Montes I. , Galindo Jiménez I. , Sánchez Jiménez N. , López-Davalillo J. C. García , García-Moreno I.
Published: February 2025

Communication was a vital component for AGEO project, as it enabled the Consortium to engage with the stakeholders and raise awareness about geohazards and how to react to them. Bidirectional communication was established with the public, receiving feedback on how to improve the citizens’ preparedness towards geohazards.
Presentation of the Citizens’ Observatory Pilots
Authors: Jaud Marion , Le Dantec Nicolas , Lummert Caroline , Cocquempot Lucie , Montoya-Montes Isabel , Pinto Claudia , Ferreira Mónica Amaral , Parker Kieran , Lemon Kirstin , Rodrigues Domingos , Gouveia Fatima P. , Holohan Eoghan , Correia Vitor , Gomes Rui Carrilho
Published: February 2025

The AGEO project aims to implement five pilots of citizen observatories to improve the monitoring and management of natural hazards in the Atlantic Arc Area, through active participation of stakeholders, local communities and citizens in multiple aspects of risk assessment and prevention. These will be referred to as “pilots” in the following.
Shifts in Composition of Jobs: Upgrading, Downgrading or Polarization? The Case of Russia 2000–2019
Authors: Gimpelson Vladimir , Kapeliushnikov Rostislav
Published: February 2025

In this study, we explore the evolution of the job structure in the Russian economy during the first 20 years of this century. Does it change through a consequent substitution of relatively worse (in terms of quality) jobs by better jobs? Or through the destruction of middle-quality jobs? Or do we observe stagnation and conservation of the job structure? Structural change of this sort can be brought by various factors among which technological progress and international trade that shape demand for labour of different quality and complexity play a special role. In search for clues to these questions, the authors use large data sets that cover two sub-periods divided by the 2008/2009 crisis. The estimates presented in the paper allow rejection of the polarization hypothesis and they document a fast upgrade of the job structure during the first sub-period and a stalemate during the second one. Apparently, risks of job polarization are likely to be minimal until economic growth is recovered and a movement to the technological frontier is accelerated.
Structural Changes in Canadian Employment from 1997 to 2022
Authors: Feor Brittany , Willcox Michael
Published: February 2025

This chapter discusses structural changes in employment and real wages in Canada between 1997 and 2022. The European Jobs Monitor (2017) ‘jobs’ approach reveals a long-term pattern of upgrading, particularly after the 2008 financial crisis. There is variation in these patterns within the 25-year period including a shift towards higher quality jobs after the financial crisis and evidence of wage polarization between 2020 and 2022. Employment and wage trends by sector, sex and age were explored. Employment shifted away from manufacturing towards the healthcare and social assistance, professional, scientific and technical services and construction sectors since the late 1990s which accelerated after the global financial crisis. The wage gap and difference in employment shares between men and women has narrowed over time, despite recent widening following the pandemic. Canada’s ageing population has resulted in a growing share of mature workers in the labour market and in core-age workers becoming more concentrated in mid-to-high wage jobs.
Structural Changes in Brazilian Employment (2002–2021)
Authors: Rodrigues-Silveira Rodrigo
Published: February 2025

This chapter explores the structural changes in employment in Brazil during the period comprehended between 2002 and 2021, subdivided into three sub-periods: 2002–2014, sustained growth and expansion; 2015–2019, political and economic crises; and 2019–2021, the COVID-19 pandemics and its impacts on the labour market. It employs the ‘jobs approach’ (Fernández-Macías, Job polarization in Europe? Changes in the employment structure and job quality, 1995–2007.” Work and Occupations, 39 (2), 157–82, 2012; CEA, Job creation and employment opportunities: The United States labor market, 1993–1996: A report. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Labor, Office of the Chief Economist. https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/009637143, 1996; Wright & Dwyer, The patterns of job expansions in the USA: A comparison of the 1960s and 1990s. Socio-Economic Review 1 (3), 289–325, 2003) to empirically assess the changes during the period considering wage as the fundamental measure of job quality. The Brazilian National Household Survey (PNAD), administered by the IBGE (Brazilian Statistical Office) since 1976, constitutes the core data source. According to the analysis, since the beginning of the twenty-first century, Brazil has experienced an upgrading in its employment structure. Even considering the macroeconomic and political crises starting in 2015, the advancements observed from 2002 to 2014 were not reverted.
Separation of Bioparticles Using Acoustofluidics
Authors: Ostasevicius Vytautas , Jurenas Vytautas , Venslauskas Mantas , Kizauskiene Laura
Published: February 2025

Preserving erythrocytes can facilitate blood transfusion in harsh environments, such as rural clinics, long-distance military operations and long-distance travel.
Airways and Inhalational Lung Disease
Authors: Cereghetti Grazia M. , Christe Andreas
Published: February 2025

Airways and inhalational diseases represent a significant portion of respiratory pathologies, with chronic respiratory diseases being the third leading cause of death globally in 2019. Computed tomography (CT), particularly high-resolution CT (HRCT), is the gold standard for diagnosing and assessing airway diseases. HRCT allows visualization of key patterns such as airway wall thickening, bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis, and mosaic perfusion. While chest radiography provides rapid preliminary assessment, especially in emergencies, it has lower sensitivity and specificity compared to CT due to its two-dimensional nature. HRCT is crucial for detecting inhalational lung diseases and diagnosing occupational lung diseases (OLD). This overview presents CT imaging appearances, etiology, pathophysiology, and pathology of various airways and inhalational diseases, including tracheal pathologies. It highlights key diagnostic features and considerations for radiologists, emphasizing the role of HRCT in accurately depicting disease processes in small airways and occasionally leading to specific diagnoses among clinically relevant possibilities.
Challenges in Thoracic Oncological Interpretation
Authors: Azour Lea
Published: February 2025

Thoracic oncologic imaging interpretation includes evaluation of technical, patient, lung, and lesion features to reach leading differential considerations. Subsequent imaging-based management recommendations synthesize this evaluation of disease morphology with knowledge of histopathology and clinical outcomes.

Challenges in thoracic oncologic imaging interpretation arise due to the variability in lung lesion growth rates, the range of imaging presentations of lung malignancies, the existence of pathologies with overlapping appearances, and the possibility of intercurrent neoplastic and nonneoplastic processes. Awareness of these features, as well as evolving algorithmic guidelines for the screening and surveillance of thoracic oncological diseases, can facilitate the accurate and standard reporting of oncologic findings.
Diagnosis of Focal Lung Disease
Authors: Leung Ann
Published: February 2025

Diagnosis of focal lung disease which, by definition, is confined to one distinct area of the lung is one of the most common clinical scenarios encountered on chest imaging studies. The first step in the diagnostic approach on CT studies is determination of the primary area of involvement: airway, vessel, parenchyma, or pleura. For focal lung disease localized in the lung parenchyma, the differential diagnosis is largely based upon its primary manifestation using the following morphologic groups: nodule/mass; abnormalities of lung attenuation; and linear opacities, septal or non-septal. The differential diagnosis can be further refined by sequential evaluation initially directed to the area of involvement to determine potential distinguishing characteristics followed by completion of a “satisfaction of search” to note important positive and negative findings. Comparison with prior imaging studies and integration of patient demographics and past medical history are important to allow an accurate and relevant list of diagnostic possibilities. To minimize the likelihood of errors associated with failed heuristics and cognitive biases, radiologists should mentally structure their differential diagnosis by categories of disease with thoughtful selection and prioritization of the top three categories and the two to three most likely entities within each categorical group.
Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Diseases
Authors: Schaefer-Prokop Cornelia , Pompe Esther
Published: February 2025

This chapter provides a review of pulmonary manifestations associated with systemic diseases, particularly focusing on sarcoidosis, connective tissue diseases (CTDs), and vasculitis. The role of imaging, especially high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), is highlighted as a key tool in diagnosing and managing these conditions. Pulmonary sarcoidosis, the most common manifestation in systemic diseases, presents varied CT findings from typical perilymphatic nodules to complex fibrotic changes, with prognosis often related to the extent of pulmonary involvement. The chapter also covers CTD-related lung disease, including conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, and polymyositis/dermatomyositis, where the extent and type of lung involvement often dictate prognosis. It emphasizes that while imaging findings can suggest CTD, diagnosis is primarily reliant on serological and clinical criteria, highlighting the multidisciplinary approach needed for accurate diagnosis and management. Furthermore, pulmonary vasculitis, including ANCA-associated vasculitis and Goodpasture’s syndrome, presents with distinct imaging features that may guide treatment decisions. The chapter underscores the importance of early detection and consistent monitoring of lung disease in patients with systemic conditions to improve patient outcomes, with specific attention to the prognostic value of imaging patterns in these diseases.
Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Authors: Kallianos Kimberly
Published: February 2025

Familiarity with the CT features of pulmonary vascular disease, including pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension, is essential to ensure diagnostic accuracy. Acute and chronic pulmonary emboli have characteristic imaging findings; however, the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism can be challenging due to the high prevalence of image artifacts. Foreign materials may also embolize within the pulmonary arterial system. While relatively uncommon, pulmonary hypertension is disorder where accurate interpretation of CT imaging features is of critical importance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined a classification scheme with five groups of pulmonary hypertension patients. Characteristic lung parenchymal findings, in addition to pulmonary arterial abnormalities, are useful in distinguishing the etiology of pulmonary hypertension and in determining the most appropriate management.
Academic Qualification of Second Career Teachers in Mathematics—challenges, Conditions of Success and Desiderata
Authors: Hoffkamp Andrea , Koch Kerstin
Published: February 2025

Since October 2017, the Faculty of Mathematics at TU Dresden has been responsible for the academic training of second career mathematics teachers. In our article, we present the programme for scientific education in the Faculty of Mathematics and address the specific requirements in academic teaching. On the basis of selected results of various surveys, we exemplify the challenges we face in the education in mathematics and in the subject didactics of mathematics. We present how we meet these challenges and discuss conditions for success. In the conclusion, we use criteria for the effectiveness of teacher training and standards of academic profession in teacher education to discuss the extent to which the qualification programme is an effective teacher training format and what desiderata still exist.
Teacher Shortages in Germany—Causes, Countermeasures, and Assessments by Educational Scientists
Authors: Kreienbaum Maria Anna , Wüllner Sabrina
Published: February 2025

Currently, in most of the Federal States in Germany, there are shortages of highly qualified teachers. In the presented study, the discussed causes and recommended measures regarding the phenomenon are summarized and systematized. For this purpose, interviews with eight educational scientists of different denominations were conducted. Next, the results obtained through content analysis were systematized in a discursively designed instance model. Then, a communicative validation as well as a classification and discussion of the crisis took place during a two-day conference at the University of Wuppertal. On the one hand, the interviewees refer to the aspects focused on in the academic discourse, for instance, when they take a critical look at demand forecasts or regard lateral entry as a possible solution. On the other hand, reinterpretations and reassessments of certain aspects become clear when dropouts or the pursuit of alternative career paths are interpreted in a positive way.
Educating Ireland’s First Generation of Computer Science Teachers for Secondary and Primary Schools; an Unfinished Story
Authors: O’Brien Pamela , Kiely Natasha , Galvin Conor
Published: February 2025

The introduction of Computer Science, as a formal curricular area, in the Irish education system has provided many opportunities for the Department of Education, professional development bodies, schools, teachers and students. However, it has also posed significant challenges, particularly in the area of upskilling teachers equipped to teach the subject. This paper presents an overview of the historical and current approach to the introduction of this new subject area, and introduces one innovative and novel professional development provision for teachers, developed by the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS). It outlines the lessons learned through the design and delivery of the post graduate Computer Science for Teachers programmes by the TUS team, to support the introduction of the new project based, student led Computer Science curriculum at second level. Finally, it looks to the future of teacher education in this challenging and exciting subject domain.
DNA methylation patterns contribute to changes of cellular differentiation pathways in leukocytes with LOY from patients with Alzheimer´s disease
Authors: Jąkalski Marcin , Bruhn-Olszewska Bożena , Rychlicka-Buniowska Edyta , Davies Hanna , Sarkisyan Daniil , Siedlar Maciej , Baran Jarosław , Węglarczyk Kazimierz , Jaszczynski Janusz , Ryś Janusz , Gedraitis Vilmantas , Filipowicz Natalia , Klich-Rączka Alicja , Kilander Lena , Ingelsson Martin , Dumanski Jan P.
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common and increasing societal problem due to the extending human lifespan. In males, loss of chromosome Y (LOY) in leukocytes is strongly associated with AD. We studied here DNA methylation and RNA expression in sorted monocytes and granulocytes with and without LOY from male AD patients. Through multi-omic analysis, we identified new candidate genes along with those previously associated with AD. Global analyses of DNA methylation in samples with LOY vs. normal state showed that hypomethylation dominated both in granulocytes and monocytes. Our findings highlight LOY-related differences in DNA methylation that occur in gene regulatory regions. Specifically, we observed alterations in key genes involved in leukocyte differentiation: FLI1, involved in early hematopoiesis; RUNX1, essential for blood cell development; RARA, regulating gene expression in response to retinoic acid; CANX, crucial for protein folding; CEBPB, a transcription factor important for immune responses; and MYADM, implicated in cell adhesion and migration. Moreover, protein–protein interaction analysis in granulocytes identified that products of two of these genes, CANX and CEBPB, are key hub proteins. This research underscores the potential of multi-omic approach in pure hematopoietic cell populations to uncover the molecular underpinnings of AD. Finally, our results link previous analysis showing impact of LOY on leukocyte differentiation, LOY-associated transcriptional dysregulation and GWAS studies of LOY.