bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The perceptual span in dyslexic reading and visual search
Authors: Luke Steven G. , Tolley Celeste , Gutierrez Adriana , Smith Cole , Brown Toni , Woodruff Kate , Ford Olivia
Published: August 2024

Many studies have attempted to identify the root cause of dyslexia. Different theories of dyslexia have proposed either a phonological, attentional, or visual deficit. While research has used eye‐tracking to study dyslexia, only two previous studies have used the moving‐window paradigm to explore the perceptual span in dyslexic reading, and none have done so in visual search. The present study analysed the perceptual span using both reading and visual search tasks to identify language‐independent attentional impairments in dyslexics. We found equivocal evidence that the perceptual span was impaired in dyslexic reading and no evidence of impairment in visual search. However, dyslexic participants did show deficits in the visual search task, with lower search accuracy and shorter saccades compared with controls. These results lend support for a visual, rather than attentional or phonological, account of dyslexia.
Interplay of Metal Ions and Posttranslational Modifications in Proteins
Authors: Peana Massimiliano , Frączyk Tomasz , Zoroddu Maria Antonietta
Published: August 2024

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and metal ions are integral players in the complex regulatory orchestra governing protein function. Several metal ions, including zinc, iron, copper, and others, intricately influence protein structure and activity as cofactors. Concurrently, PTMs, such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination, add an additional layer of complexity to the proteome, dynamically shaping cellular responses. Understanding this bidirectional relationship is crucial for unraveling the complex web of cellular regulation. This review explores the reciprocal impact of metal ions on PTMs and vice versa and provides examples and insights into how metal ions modulate PTMs and, conversely, how PTMs influence metal‐binding proteins, shedding light on the complex crosstalk between these two crucial facets of cellular biology. This interplay is not only central to cellular homeostasis but also holds implications for diseases associated with dysregulated metal‐ion and PTM processes.
Disclosures 15: Can you send information to a potential employer?
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: August 2024

FERPA regulations require you to keep a record of a disclosure of education records if that disclosure is for nondirectory information released to a third party. The record of the disclosure must include (1) the record(s) disclosed, (2) the party receiving the record(s), and (3) the legitimate interest that the party had in requesting the information. “Legitimate interest” is not defined in the regulations. It is different than, but similar to, our frequently mentioned “legitimate educational interest.” The term suggests a much broader meaning. To demonstrate a “legitimate interest,” the requesting party must show that the requested information is necessary to fulfill a recognized function or responsibility of the requesting party.
Stephen Perez: Bringing optimism and answers to Chico State
Authors: D’Orio Wayne
Published: August 2024

Stephen Perez is an optimistic person. But even the president of Cal State Chico admits there are dark clouds threatening the future of not just his university but all of higher education.
Contribution of environmental DNA toward fungal Red Listing
Authors: Copoț Ovidiu , Lõhmus Asko , Abarenkov Kessy , Tedersoo Leho , Runnel Kadri
Published: August 2024

In navigating the biodiversity crisis, a major uncertainty is the conservation status of inconspicuous, yet megadiverse and functionally crucial, soil organisms. Massive datasets on soil biota are accumulating through molecular sampling approaches, but to date these datasets have provided only limited input into conservation planning and management. We investigated how environmental DNA (eDNA) data of soil macrofungi contribute to regional Red List assessments, which are currently based on fruiting bodies (hereafter, fruit‐bodies). In our test region of Estonia (northern Europe), which contained ~15,000 fruit‐body records for 1583 assessed species, an average soil sample increased the range estimates of Threatened and Near Threatened fungal species by 0.18%. Five hundred soil samples almost doubled their known localities and added 19% previously unrecorded species. However, even after accumulating >1000 soil samples, about half of the Threatened and Near Threatened species known by fruit‐bodies remained undetected through eDNA techniques. Effective conservation assessment of soil fungi thus requires both fruit‐body and eDNA data; therefore, special efforts are needed to make these data available to conservationists.
Realizing record efficiencies for ultra‐thin organic photovoltaics through step‐by‐step optimizations of silver nanowire transparent electrodes
Authors: Zheng Xiangjun , Wang Yiming , Chen Tianyi , Kong Yibo , Wu Xiaoling , Zhou Cun , Luo Qun , Ma Chang‐Qi , Zuo Lijian , Shi Minmin , Chen Hongzheng
Published: August 2024

Ultra‐thin (also known as ultra‐flexible) organic photovoltaics (OPVs) represent a strong contender among emerging photovoltaic technologies. However, due to the imbalance between the optical and electrical properties of indium tin oxide (ITO)‐free transparent electrodes, the ultra‐thin OPVs often exhibit lower efficiency compared to the brittle yet more balanced rigid ITO counterparts. Here, we design and fabricate an advanced ultra‐thin OPV, which involves a thoroughly optimized silver nanowires (AgNWs) transparent electrode (named AZAT) with excellent optical, electrical and mechanical properties. Specifically, the high‐kinetic energy spray‐coating method successfully yields a curve‐shaped, tightly connected and uniformly distributed AgNWs film, complemented by a capping layer of zinc oxide:aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO:AZO) to improve charge collection capability. Simultaneously, the transparency of the electrode is enhanced through precise optical optimization. Thus, we implant the AZAT‐based devices on 1.3 μm polyimide substrates and demonstrate ultra‐thin OPVs with a record efficiency of 18.46% and a power density of 40.31 W g−1, which is the highest value for PV technologies. Encouragingly, the AZAT electrode also enables the 10.0 cm2 device to exhibit a high efficiency of 15.67%. These results provide valuable insights for the development of ultra‐thin OPVs with high efficiency, low cost, superior flexibility, and up‐scaling capacity.
Co‐Jump Dependency and Transmission Across US Commodity Futures: A Network Analysis
Authors: Zhang Lei , Chen Yan , Bouri Elie
Published: August 2024

This paper examines the co‐jump transmission in 20 commodity futures returns in the United States using co‐jump network models. Specifically, it reveals co‐jumping behavior in both static and time‐varying settings, considering the overall commodity markets and various commodity groups separately, which helps us understand the dynamic changes in co‐jump dependencies at the overall and sector levels. The main results reveal that co‐jump heterogeneity exists among commodities but is generally more apparent within each commodity group, and co‐jumps vary over time. Gold exerts the strongest influence, with many commodity futures being influenced by the jumps behavior in gold returns. During the COVID‐19 outbreak and the Russia–Ukraine war, the energy group ranks highest in terms of co‐jump network centrality. Our empirical analysis highlights the portfolio performance and risk reduction, and an additional examination shows that centrality information from the co‐jump network contains a highly and statistically forecasting power for US stock market volatility.
Deiche durch Geotextilien resilienter gestalten
Authors: Ebbert Simon , Detert Oliver , Zafar Abdullah
Published: August 2024

Regelmäßig kommt es in Deutschland zu Hochwasserereignissen, bei denen insbesondere die Deiche als Hochwasserschutzstrukturen im Fokus stehen. Durch die hohen Wasserstände in Verbindung mit oftmals lang anhaltenden Hochwasserereignissen war die Standsicherheit der in der Regel als homogene Erdkörper gebauten Deiche häufig kritisch, teilweise kam es sogar zu einem Versagen der Deiche. Durch den Einsatz von Geotextilien können Deiche sowohl im Zuge eines Neubaus bzw. einer Ertüchtigung als auch unmittelbar vor oder während Hochwasserereignissen so verstärkt bzw. gesichert werden, dass die typischen Versagensfälle verhindert oder zumindest deutlich herausgezögert werden können. Einige mögliche Anwendungen von Geotextilien für kurz‐ und langfristige Vorsorgemaßnahmen werden in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt. Dabei handelt es sich sowohl um Anwendungen, die dem Stand der Technik entsprechen, als auch um innovative Anwendungen von Geotextilien in Deichen.
Occupational rehabilitation of Israel Defense Forces veterans with PTSD: A 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Segev Dan , Schiff Miriam , Shelef Leah
Published: August 2024

The MOD Rehabilitation Department (RD) offers three types of rehabilitation tracks (RTs): (a) education, (b) work placement, (c) economic independence. This study aimed to examine which of the offered RTs predicted a better integration into the workforce. This is an observational, prospective, case‐controlled study. Data were collected from administrative files. The data pertained to soldiers injured in military service, under RD care and recognised as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients between 2001 and 2006. As rehabilitation takes 5–6 years, we examined two points in time: 2015 and 5 years later, in 2020. The studied population comprised 462 male military veterans injured during military service and diagnosed with PTSD (mean age at the time of injury was 24.60 [SD 5.70]; median = 22). Of the participants, 87.9% (n = 406) also sustained physical injury, and 12.1% were not injured physically (n = 56; 12.1%). A regression analysis indicated that the educational RT (OR = 19.509; p = .001) predicted integration into the workforce. The whole model explained 49.0% of the variance. Of the three RT types examined, education is the most important. The more years of study, the better the ability to integrate into the workforce.
A surviving neonate with congenitally unguarded tricuspid valve orifice
Authors: Xiao Weiwei , Ji Liqin , Gao Xue , Li Houyu , Zou Anlingzi , He Yao , Yu Shaomei
Published: August 2024

The hospital admitted a 3‐day‐old female infant presenting with persistent facial cyanosis and hypoxic symptoms, and echocardiography revealed a congenitally unguarded tricuspid valve orifice with an atrial septal defect. After being followed up until the age of one and a half years, the child underwent bidirectional Glenn's surgery and achieved successful survival.
Reduced guanidinoacetate in plasma of patients with autosomal dominant Fanconi syndrome due to heterozygous P341L GATM variant and study of organoids towards treatment
Authors: Portales‐Castillo Ignacio , Singal Rhea , Ambrose Anastasia , Song Jong Hee , Son Minsoo , Goo Young Ah. , Zhou Wen , Traum Avram Z. , Coler‐Reilly Ariella , Humphreys Benjamin D. , Civitelli Roberto , Jüppner Harald , Lundquist Andrew L. , Seres Peter , Allegretti Andrew S. , Mercimek‐Andrews Saadet
Published: August 2024

Autosomal dominant Fanconi syndrome due to a GATM variant (GATM‐FS), causes accumulation of misfolded arginine‐glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) in proximal renal tubules leading to cellular injury. GATM‐FS presents during childhood and progresses to end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) in adults. We study creatine metabolism in two individuals of unrelated families with a known GATM variant and the effect of creatine supplementation in kidney organoids. Plasma and urine metabolites were measured by mass spectrometry. Brain creatine was assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Guanidinoacetate (GAA) synthesis by the AGAT mutant was measured in patient‐derived immortalized lymphocytes using stable isotopes of arginine and glycine. The effect of creatine on GATM expression was assessed in human kidney cells and organoids. Several family members from two unrelated families were diagnosed with Fanconi syndrome and had the c.1022C>T (p. P341L) variant in GATM. Two affected individuals in both families had moderately reduced plasma GAA levels. In comparison to wild‐type cells, GAA synthesis by patient‐derived GATMP341L+/− lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) was reduced, but not absent as in GATM cells from a patient with creatine deficiency syndrome. In vitro studies on human kidney organoids revealed reduced AGAT expression after treatment with creatine. Finally, we showed in one patient that creatine supplementation (5 g daily) substantially increased plasma creatine levels. We report low plasma and urine GAA in patients with autosomal dominant GATM‐FS and show that creatine downregulates AGAT in human kidney cells.
Physics‐based compact models of GaN HEMTs for high power RF applications: A review (Invited Paper)
Authors: Mao Shuman , Su Xiang , Wu Qingzhi , Wang Yan , Duan Xiangyang , Tian Shen , Li Xuehuan , Xu Yuehang
Published: August 2024

The compact model plays a pivotal role as a critical link between device fabrication and circuit design. While conventional compact model theories and techniques are generally mature, the intricate physical mechanisms of gallium nitride (GaN) high‐electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) pose challenges due to their strong non‐linearity in high‐power radio frequency (RF) applications. This complexity hinders achieving the required precision for applications using traditional modeling methods. Therefore, the development of physics‐based compact modeling techniques becomes crucial for a deeper understanding of the intricate features of GaN HEMTs. This paper explores the advancements and the current state‐of‐the‐art in physics‐based compact models. The comprehensive review covers both intrinsic core models and real‐device effects models. Core models are presented with a focus on fundamental concepts, development overviews, and applications. Additionally, the real‐device effects models are introduced, encompassing advanced characterization techniques and modeling methodologies. Furthermore, the paper outlines future trends in physics‐based compact modeling, providing valuable insights for individuals engaged in transistor compact modeling work.
Separation and spatial variations of typhoon and non‐typhoon rainfall at different timescales in typical region of southeast China
Authors: Wang Senzhen , Chen Xingwei , Yao Huaxia , Ruan Weifang , Gu Zipeng , Li Xiaocheng , Chen Ying , Liu Meibing , Deng Haijun
Published: August 2024

Rainfall in East Asia is affected by two rain‐bearing systems: tropical cyclones and monsoon‐related frontal systems. Distinguishing typhoon rainfall (TR) and non‐typhoon rainfall (non‐TR) helps to understand the evolution process of regional rainfall at different timescales. Taking Fujian Province in the southeast coast of China as an example, based on the fixed box approach of separating TR, the method of determining the size of fixed box is explored. TR and non‐TR are separated in Fujian Province, and the spatial variations of TR and non‐TR at different timescales (annual, monthly, day of annual‐maximum‐rain) are analysed. The results showed that (1) according to the relationship between the sizes of fixed box and the rate of change of TR, the size of fixed box could be reasonably determined; thus, the expended size of fixed box suitable for separating TR in Fujian was 3.5°, namely the range of 20°–31.8°N and 112.3°–124.2°E. (2) The spatial variations of TR at different timescales in Fujian were similar: TR decreased from the coast to the inland, and the northeast coast of Fujian was the high‐value region. Due to the difference of water vapour sources, non‐TR in March–June increased from the coast to the inland, but the high value of non‐TR in July–September was distributed in the eastern coast. (3) The contribution rates of average TR to the total rainfall of the year, July–September and 1 day were 12.8%, 34.6% and 35.7%, respectively. In eastern coast, TR in July–September accounted for 1/3–1/2 of total rainfall, and the rainfall in a day was mainly affected by TR; while in western inland, rainfall was mainly non‐TR and the influence of TR was less than 1/4.
Hydrolysates from cauliflower and artichoke industrial wastes as biostimulants on seed germination and seedling growth: a chemical and biological characterization
Authors: Salvo Andrea , Masciulli Fabrizio , Ambroselli Donatella , Romano Enrico , Ingallina Cinzia , Spano Mattia , Di Matteo Giacomo , Giusti Anna Maria , Di Sotto Antonella , Percaccio Ester , Di Giacomo Silvia , Vinci Giuliana , Prencipe Sabrina Antonia , Acciaro Erica , Sobolev Anatoly P. , Costantini Lara , Merendino Nicolò , Giulianelli Roberto , Campiglia Enio , Mannina Luisa
Published: August 2024

Background

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) and globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) are vegetables with a high waste index mainly related to stems and leaves. In this study, enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from these wastes were proposed to be used as plant biostimulants. Life cycle assessment methodology was also applied to evaluate environmental performances related to cauliflower and artichoke byproducts.

Results

Hydrolysates (HYs) were chemically and biologically characterized. Amino acids, organic acids, amines, polyols, mineral elements, phenols, tannins, flavonoids and sulfur compounds were identified and quantified by means of NMR, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and UV–visible analyses. Cauliflower leaf and flower HYs showed the highest concentration of free amino acids, whereas stems showed the highest concentration of Ca. Regarding artichoke, asparagine, glutamine and aspartic acid were exclusively detected in stems, whereas artichoke leaves showed the highest Mg and Mn levels together with the highest antioxidant activity. The HYs diluted in water were tested as biostimulants. The impacts of five concentrations of HYs (0.00, 0.28, 0.84, 2.52 and 7.56 g L−1) on seed germination and early seedling growth of crimson clover, alfalfa, durum wheat and corn were investigated.

Conclusions

The application of artichoke biostimulant (0.28 g L−1) positively influenced the coefficient of velocity of germination in alfalfa, crimson clover and durum wheat, whereas cauliflower biostimulant significantly improved corn germination speed. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Graphene Oxide‐Incorporated Polylactic Acid/Polyamidoamine Dendrimer Electroconductive Nanocomposite as a Promising Scaffold for Guided Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Koeini Fatemeh , Solouk Atefeh , Akbari Somaye
Published: August 2024

In the recent years, electroconductive scaffolds have shown promising capabilities in guided regeneration of electroactive tissues including nerve, heart muscle, bone, cartilage, and skin. Herein, the fabrication of a novel electroconductive poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA)/polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer nanofibrous scaffold containing graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets is described. The presence of PAMAM with amine terminal groups successfully aminolyzed PLLA. Interestingly, both PAMAM (5% w/w) and GO (0.5, 1, 2% w/w) not only contributed to reducing the fiber diameter, increasing the hydrophilicity and degradation rate, but also provided a nanocomposite scaffold with enhancement in electrical conductivity. By incorporating 1% w/w of GO, the nanocomposite scaffold exhibited optimized properties, including electrical conductivity (≈3.09 × 10−5 S m−1), crystallinity (≈ 47%), Young's modulus (≈16.95 MPa), as well as strength (≈1.58 MPa). This nanocomposite also demonstrated significant antibacterial activity of ≥ 90% against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Cellular assays confirmed acceptable cytocompatibility of the nanocomposite scaffolds containing GO and PAMAM, which can support the viability and proliferation of PC‐12 cells. In conclusion, the presence of GO nanosheets alongside PAMAM dendrimers can synergically promote the properties of the prepared nanofibrous mats which can be used as potential electroconductive scaffolds for guided tissue regeneration.
Fast cardiac T1ρ,adiab mapping using slice‐selective adiabatic spin‐lock preparation pulses
Authors: Tyler Andrew , Kunze Karl , Neji Radhouene , Masci Pier Giorgio , Razavi Reza , Chiribiri Amedeo , Roujol Sébastien
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Myocardial T1ρ mapping techniques commonly acquire multiple images in one breathhold to calculate a single‐slice T1ρ map. Recently, non‐selective adiabatic pulses have been used for robust spin‐lock preparation (T1ρ,adiab). The objective of this study was to develop a fast multi‐slice myocardial T1ρ,adiab mapping approach.

Methods

The proposed‐sequence reduces the number of breathholds required for whole‐heart 2D T1ρ,adiab mapping by acquiring multiple interleaved slices in each breathhold using slice‐selective T1ρ,adiab preparation pulses. The proposed‐sequence was implemented with two interleaved slices per breathhold scan and was quantitatively evaluated in phantom experiments and 10 healthy‐volunteers against a single‐slice T1ρ,adiab mapping sequence. The sequence was demonstrated in two patients with myocardial scar.

Results

The phantom experiments showed the proposed‐sequence had slice‐to‐slice variation of 1.62% ± 1.05% and precision of 4.51 ± 0.68 ms. The healthy volunteer cohort subject‐wise mean relaxation time was lower for the proposed‐sequence than the single‐slice sequence (137.7 ± 5.3 ms vs. 148.4 ± 8.3 ms, p < 0.001), and spatial‐standard‐deviation was better (18.7 ± 1.8 ms vs. 21.8 ± 3.4 ms, p < 0.018). The mean within‐subject, coefficient of variation was 5.93% ± 1.57% for the proposed‐sequence and 6.31% ± 1.92% for the single‐slice sequence (p = 0.35) and the effect of slice variation (0.81 ± 4.87 ms) was not significantly different to zero (p = 0.61). In both patient examples increased T1ρ,adiab (maximum American Heart Association‐segment mean = 174 and 197 ms) was measured within the myocardial scar.

Conclusion

The proposed sequence provides a twofold acceleration for myocardial T1ρ,adiab mapping using a multi‐slice approach. It has no significant difference in within‐subject variability, and significantly better precision, compared to a 2D T1ρ,adiab mapping sequence based on non‐selective adiabatic spin‐lock preparations.
Using the RE‐AIM and TDF frameworks to evaluate the implementation of a standardized cognitive assessment protocol in outpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Tierney‐Hendricks Carla , Schliep Megan E. , Sun Minsi , Gochyyev Perman , Carter Christopher
Published: August 2024

Background

Impairments in cognition significantly affect patient functioning and rehabilitation outcomes. Assessment is essential to identifying at‐risk individuals and guiding care plans.

Objective

A cognitive assessment protocol was implemented in occupational therapy (OT) and speech‐language pathology (SLP) outpatient practice. Using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE‐AIM) framework and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), this study (1) measured the reach and adoption of the cognitive assessment protocol and (2) explored determinants and strategies that may affect adoption.

Design

Sequential mixed methods.

Setting

Two outpatient rehabilitation clinics (A and B) within a health care network.

Participants

Medical records from 220 adult patients with neurologic diagnosis and 15 OT and SLP clinicians.

Interventions

Cognitive assessment protocol.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Reach of the assessment protocol across patient characteristics and adoption across clinical sites were measured quantitatively via retrospective electronic medical records review. Qualitative data on effectiveness and the implementation process were collected via clinician focus groups.

Results

Protocol adoption rates were 71% and 54% at clinics A and B, respectively. Site B OT was more likely to be noncompliant with protocol adoption compared to Site A, when controlling for patient characteristics, (81% vs. 16%, respectively; odds ratio = 11.4, 95% confidence interval [3.36–38.64], p ≤ .001). Patient age was a significant factor for protocol reach; older age was associated with noncompliance of the SLP protocol adoption, p < .05. Both sites employed implementation strategies targeting the provider level (eg, education/training); Site A additionally included organization‐level strategies (eg, leadership engagement). In the absence of organization‐level strategies, OT and SLP clinicians at Site B identified barriers related to leadership support, resources, and workflow.

Conclusions

Standardized practice protocols are feasible to implement within the rehabilitation setting, though multilevel implementation strategies may be needed to promote adoption. Aligning practices with the needs, values and priorities of the organization, providers, and patients and families is imperative.
Birth Weight and Labor Market Outcomes: Findings From Tohoku Medical Megabank Data
Authors: Matsushima Midori , Obara Taku , Ishikuro Mami , Nakaya Naoki , Hozawa Atsushi , Kuriyama Shinichi
Published: August 2024

Background

Epidemiological and economic literature has revealed that low birth weight (LBW) is related to poor health conditions and a broader range of negative socio‐economic outcomes, including academic achievement, income levels, and working status. However, Japanese evidence for labor outcomes is particularly lacking, as is the question of whether the impact of LBW on adulthood worsens when disasters occur. We aimed to reveal the impact on LBW on labor outcomes during the disaster recovery phase.

Methods

We used a cross‐sectional data set of 4156 national health insurance holders, males aged 40–60 years, from the Miyagi and Iwate prefectures during the earthquake recovery phase. Employing a multinomial probit and logistic model, we estimated the impact of LBW on the employment status, changes in income, and the propensity to face a decline in income with a job change.

Results

The very low birth weights (VLBWs) have a disadvantage in all labor market outcomes. Compared to the non‐LBWs, the VLBWs were 15.2% less likely to be full‐time/self‐employed and 17.1% more likely to be contingent/temporary/part‐time workers. Moreover, 32.9% are more likely to face a decline in income and approximately 3.7 times more likely to change jobs leading to income decline. The LBWs were likely to face a decline in income by 8.6% and 4.6%, respectively, but no other significant effects were found on other outcomes.

Conclusions

The effects were apparent for the VLBW, but not so much for the LBW. The effects became larger during the disaster recovery phase, even though the regional economies were boosted.
Developing a methodology for user‐oriented verification of polar low forecasts
Authors: Hallerstig Matilda , Køltzow Morten Ødegaard , Mayer Stephanie
Published: August 2024

Polar lows exhibit features with very sharp weather contrasts. In weather forecasting, a small misplacement of areas with hazardously high wind speeds can have fatal impacts for people living in polar regions. Therefore, a novel application of spatial verification methods for objective metrics of size, shape, and location of areas with hazardous weather is tested. To separate the effect of errors in polar low location and direction of motion from errors relative to the polar low centre, surface wind fields from the limited‐area weather forecasting model Applications of Research to Operations at Mesoscale‐Arctic and Copernicus Climate Change Service Arctic Regional Reanalysis are centred at the polar low centre and rotated according to the direction of background flow surrounding the polar low. Then the possibilities of the features‐based verification methods SAL (structure, amplitude, location) and MODE (Method for Object‐based Diagnostic Evaluation) are explored using a test case from October 2019. The study demonstrates that the methodology can provide valuable information about forecast performance. MODE is a flexible method with metrics that focus on characteristics of individual objects and can be adapted to questions at hand. For example, a measure of storm eye size was added. SAL, on the other hand, provides effective summary metrics for the full domain and proved particularly useful for evaluation of the overall distribution of wind speed. To evaluate the number of correctly or incorrectly identified areas with harsh weather rather than their details about their shape, contingency scores are more suitable. Applied to a larger dataset, this methodology can assess performance as a function of forecast length, as well as geographical area, and the type of polar low. The methodology can also be applied to other types of low‐pressure systems, such as extratropical cyclones.
Dual PGPR-AMF Inoculation Offsets Salinity Stress Impact on the Fodder Halophyte Sulla carnosa by Concomitantly Modulating Plant ABA Content and Leaf Antioxidant Response
Authors: Hidri Rabaa , Metoui-Ben Mahmoud Ouissal , Debez Ahmed , Zorrig Walid , Abdelly Chedly , Zamarreño Angel María , García-Mina José María , Azcon Rosario , Aroca Ricardo
Published: August 2024

Salt-tolerant microbes are known to mitigate various biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. However, the intimate mechanisms involved, as well as their effects on the production of signaling molecules associated with the host plant–microbe interaction remain largely unknown. The present work aimed to investigate the role and potential uses of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Rhizophagus intraradices and/or halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus subtilis in improving plant growth, functional biochemical synthesis and signaling of endogenous abscisic acid during plant response to short- and long-term salt stress in the forage halophyte Sulla carnosa. Plant growth attributes and biochemical traits were determined at 2 different time intervals (45 and 60 d after transplanting time) when salinity was raised from 100 to 200 mM NaCl. S. carnosa showed significant reduction in dry biomass in response to NaCl stress at the second harvest (200 mM NaCl); however inoculating plants with B. subtilis alone or associated with R. intraradices offset salt impact. Leaf electrolyte leakage was significantly increased by salinity but was significantly reduced following dual microbial inoculation. The applied bacterial inoculants also mitigated oxidative stress as reflected by the higher activities of catalase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) antioxidant enzymes and reduced H2O2 level. Inoculation with B. subtilis and R. intraradices upregulated 9-cisepoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 1 (NCED1) and SOD genes expression in S. carnosa plants upon salinity treatment. Furthermore, dual AMF-PGPR -inoculated plants accumulated significantly higher levels of abscisic acid (ABA) in both leaves and roots than non-inoculated and single inoculated plants under salinity stress at both harvest times, thereby accounting for their higher salt tolerance of salt-challenged S. carnosa plants. As a whole, the use of halophytic plants associated with beneficial soil microorganisms could improve the effectiveness of biological methods for saline soil rehabilitation. At the mechanistic level, ABA might represent a key player in the attenuation of salt impact in inoculated plants.
Quantitative evaluation of striatal uptake ratios using an adaptive template registration method for 123I-ioflupane dopamine transporter SPECT
Authors: Mizumura Sunao , Tamamura Naoyuki , Ebina Junya , Watanabe Hikaru , Hori Masaaki
Published: August 2024

Introduction

123I-FP-CIT (123I-Ioflupane) SPECT shows strong accumulation in the striatum, but morphological standardization is challenging due to low accumulation outside the striatum, particularly in subjects with marked striatal decline. In this study, morphological standardization without MRI was achieved using the adaptive template registration (ATR) method to create a subject-specific optimized template with weighted images of normal-type and egg-shape-type templates. The accuracy of a quantitative method for calculating the ratio with nonspecific accumulation in the occipital lobe was evaluated by placing voxels-of-interest (VOI) on standardized images, particularly targeting the striatum.

Methods

The average images of eight subjects, demonstrating normal-type and egg-shape-type tracer accumulation in 123I-Ioflupane SPECT, were utilized as normal and disease templates, respectively. The study included 300 subjects that underwent both 123I-Ioflupane SPECT and MRI for the diagnosis of suspected Parkinson's disease or for exclusion diagnosis. Morphological standardization of SPECT images using structural MRI (MRI-based method) was considered the standard of truth (SOT). Three morphological standardizations without MRI were conducted. The first involved conventional morphological standardization using a normal template (fixed template method), the second employed the ATR method, with a weighted template, and the third used the split-ATR method, processing the left and right striatum separately to address asymmetrical accumulation. VOIs were set on the striatum, caudate, putamen as regions of specific accumulation, and on the occipital lobe as a reference region for nonspecific accumulation.

Results

Results showed significant and robust linearity in the striatal accumulation ratios for all templates when compared with the occipital lobe accumulation ratio when using the MRI-based method. Comparing intra-class correlations for different linearities, the ATR method and split-ATR method demonstrated higher linearity in the striatum, caudate, and putamen. The split-ATR method showed similar improvements, although more linearity than some of the ATR methods; the effectiveness of the Split-ATR method may vary by image quality, and further validation of its effectiveness in diverse asymmetric accumulation cases seemed warranted.

Conclusion

The use of optimized templates, such as the ATR and split-ATR methods, improved reproducibility in fully automated processing and demonstrated superior linearity compared to that of MRI-based method, in the ratio to the occipital lobe. The ATR method, which enables morphological standardization when using SPECT images only, proved highly reproducible for clinical quantitative analysis of striatal accumulation, facilitating its clinical use.
Natural and revolutionary tumor-specific T-cell therapy
Authors: Dai Zhi , Liu Xue-Meng , Zhao Yun-li , Zhao Li-Xing , Luo Xiao-Dong
Published: August 2024

Recently the FDA conducted a risk investigation and labeled the Boxed Warning for all BCMA- and CD19-directed CAR-T cell therapy, so does it mean that the public must take risk of secondary cancer to receive cell therapy? Here, without lentivirus and professional antigen presenting cell application, a novel tumor-specific T-cell therapy was successfully developed only by co-culturing MHC+ cancer cells and Naïve-T cells under the CD28 co-stimulatory signals. These tumor-specific T-cells could be separated through cell size and abundantly produced from peripheral blood, and would spontaneously attack target cells that carrying the same tumor antigen while avoiding others in vitro test. Moreover, it markedly decreased 90% tumor nodules companying with greatly improving overall survival (76 days vs 30 days) after twice infusion back to mice. This work maximally avoided the risks of secondary cancer and non-specific killing, and might open a revolutionary beginning of natural tumor-specific T-cell therapy.

Graphical Abstract
Racial Discrimination, Religious Coping, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among African American Women and Men
Authors: Ashe Jason , Bentley-Edwards Keisha , Skipper Antonius , Cuevas Adolfo , Vieytes Christian Maino , Bah Kristie , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B. , Waldstein Shari R.
Published: August 2024

Objective

This cross-sectional study examined whether religious coping buffered the associations between racial discrimination and several modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors—systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and cholesterol—in a sample of African American women and men.

Methods

Participant data were taken from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Life Span study (N = 815; 55.2% women; 30–64 years old). Racial discrimination and religious coping were self-reported. CVD risk factors were clinically assessed.

Results

In sex-stratified hierarchical regression analyses adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, and medication use, findings revealed several significant interactive associations and opposite effects by sex. Among men who experienced racial discrimination, religious coping was negatively related to systolic BP and HbA1c. However, in men reporting no prior discrimination, religious coping was positively related to most risk factors. Among women who had experienced racial discrimination, greater religious coping was associated with higher HbA1c and BMI. The lowest levels of CVD risk were observed among women who seldom used religious coping but experienced discrimination.

Conclusion

Religious coping might mitigate the effects of racial discrimination on CVD risk for African American men but not women. Additional work is needed to understand whether reinforcing these coping strategies only benefits those who have experienced discrimination. It is also possible that religion may not buffer the effects of other psychosocial stressors linked with elevated CVD risk.
Longitudinal Relations Between Cyber Dating Aggression and Cyberbullying in Adolescence
Authors: Stevens L. Taylor , Coleman Jasmine N. , Waasdorp Tracy E. , Mehari Krista R.
Published: August 2024

Very little research has examined the longitudinal relations between cyber dating aggression and cyberbullying during adolescence, which is important for informing prevention and intervention. This study fills a gap in the literature by examining the longitudinal relations between cyberbullying and cyber dating aggression. Data were collected from 185 ninth-grade students in the southeastern United States who endorsed being in a dating relationship within the past 30 days and participated in two waves of surveys three months apart. The sample was 50.3% female, 91.1% Black, and the mean age was 14.32 years old (SD = 0.56). Cyberbullying uniquely predicted subsequent increases in cyber dating aggression. Similarly, cyber dating aggression predicted subsequent increases in cyberbullying. In-person aggression (peer-targeted and dating) did not predict their online counterparts (cyberbullying and cyber dating aggression). Overall, these results indicate that aggression perpetrated online may generalize from one relational context (i.e., peer relationship) to another relationship context (i.e., dating relationship), such that efforts targeted at preventing online aggression in both relationship contexts may be most effective in preventing future online aggression.
Microstructurally resolved electrochemical evolution of mechanical- and irradiation-induced damage in nuclear alloys
Authors: Chen Xin , Pozuelo Marta , Gussev Maxim , Chancey Matthew , Wang Yongqiang , Balonis Magdalena , Bauchy Mathieu , Sant Gaurav
Published: August 2024

There is a need for high-throughput, scale-relevant, and direct electrochemical analysis to understand the corrosion behavior and sensitivity of nuclear materials that are exposed to extreme (high pressure, temperature, and radiation exposure) environments. We demonstrate the multi-scale, multi-modal application of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) to electrochemically profile corrosion alterations in nuclear alloys in a microstructurally resolved manner. Particularly, we identify that both mechanically deformed and irradiated microstructures show reduced charge-transfer resistance that leads to accelerated oxidation. We highlight that the effects of mechanical deformation and irradiation are synergistic, and may in fact, superimpose each other, with implications including general-, galvanic-, and/or irradiation-activated stress-corrosion cracking. Taken together, we highlight the ability of non-destructive, electrochemical interrogations to ascertain how microstructural alterations result in changes in the corrosion tendency of a nuclear alloy: knowledge which has implications to rank, qualify and examine alloys for use in nuclear construction applications.
The role of pit lake thermal dynamics on the thermal performance of ground heat exchangers
Authors: Carcamo-Medel Mauricio , Narsilio Guillermo , Fuentes Raul
Published: August 2024

The addition of ground heat exchangers (GHEs) to a pit lake’s basin has the potential for abundant, clean and renewable geothermal energy extraction using shallow geothermal systems. Basin-embedded GHEs avoid direct interaction with mine water, which has been shown to impact efficiency and longevity in mine open-loop geothermal systems negatively. The now accelerated closure of open-pit coal mines presents itself as an opportunity to use this technology. However, no guidelines currently exist for designing or operating GHEs embedded in the sediment of water bodies. Furthermore, the two-way coupling between the complex annual thermal fluid dynamics that lakes are naturally subjected to and heat fluxes on the sediments and the GHE system has not been explored. In this study, we develop and validate finite element models to assess the relevance of lake thermal stratification in the performance of a geothermal system embedded in water bodies basins, e.g., on open-pit mine closures, under temperate residential thermal loads. The results show that the pit lake’s role as a thermal sink improves significantly when the lake’s thermal dynamics are accounted for, with an increase of up to 292% in the lake’s available energy budget. A minor variation in energy budget (~8%) was found whether the lake is modelled explicitly or simplified as a transient Dirichlet temperature boundary condition. This small difference vanishes if horizontal circulation along the lake is considered, highlighting the lake’s thermal energy potential. Finally, the impact on the GHE Coefficient of Performance (COP) is evaluated, with a maximum of ~15% difference among all cases.
The protective effect of vinpocetine against Estradiol-benzoate induced cervical hyperkeratosis in female rats via modulation of SIRT1/Nrf2, and NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Rofaeil Remon R. , Mohyeldin Reham H. , Sharata Ehab E. , Attya Mina Ezzat , Essawy Hany , Ibrahim Osama A. , Abdelzaher Walaa Yehia
Published: August 2024

The current study was assigned to determine the putative preventive role of vinpocetine (VIN) in cervical hyperkeratosis (CHK) in female rats. Estradiol Benzoate (EB) was utilized in a dose f (60 μg/100 g, i.m) three times/week for 4 weeks to induce cervical hyperkeratosis. VIN was administered alone in a dose of (10 mg/kg/day, orally) for 4 weeks and in the presence of EB. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrites (NOx), reduced glutathione (GSH), interleukin-18 (IL-18), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured in cervical tissue. The expression of NLRP3/GSDMD/Caspase-1, and SIRT1/Nrf2 was determined using ELISA. Cervical histopathological examination was also done. EB significantly raised MDA, NOx, TNF-α, IL-18, IL-1β, and GSDMD and up-regulated NLRP3/Caspase-1 proteins. However, GSH, SIRT1, and Nrf2 levels were reduced in cervical tissue. VIN significantly alleviates all biochemical and histopathological abnormalities. VIN considerably mitigates EB-induced cervical hyperkeratosis via NLRP3-induced pyroptosis and SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Seasonal soil health dynamics in soy-wheat relay intercropping
Authors: Thompson Jennifer B. , Döring Thomas F. , Bowles Timothy M. , Kolb Steffen , Bellingrath-Kimura Sonoko D. , Reckling Moritz
Published: August 2024

There is growing interest in intercropping as a practice to increase productivity per unit area and ecosystem functioning in agricultural systems. Relay intercropping with soy and winter wheat may benefit soil health due to increased diversity and longer undisturbed soil cover, yet this remains largely unstudied. Using a field experiment in Eastern Germany, we studied the temporal dynamics of chemical, biological, and physical indicators of soil health in the topsoil over a year of cultivation to detect early effects of soy-wheat relay intercropping compared to sole cropping. Indicators included microbial abundance, permanganate-oxidizable carbon, carbon fractions, pH, and water infiltration. Relay intercropping showed no unique soil health benefits compared to sole cropping, likely affected by drought that stressed intercropped soy. Relay intercropping did, however, maintain several properties of both sole crops including an increased MAOM C:N ratio and higher soil water infiltration. The MAOM C:N ratio increased by 4.2 and 6.2% in intercropping and sole soy and decreased by 5% in sole wheat. Average near-saturated soil water infiltration rates were 12.6, 14.9, and 6.0 cm hr−1 for intercropping, sole wheat, and sole soy, respectively. Cropping system did not consistently affect other indicators but we found temporal patterns of these indicators, showing their sensitivity to external changes.
Bionanocomposite materials for electroanalytical applications: current status and future challenges
Authors: Deffo Gullit , Tonleu Temgoua Ranil Clément , Njanja Evangéline , Puzari Panchanan
Published: August 2024

Bionanocomposites are materials composed of particles with at least one dimension in the range of 1–100 nm and a constituent of biological origin or biopolymers.
Synergistically enhanced photoelectrocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin via oxygen vacancies and internal electric field on a NiSe2/WO3 photoanode
Authors: Yusuf Tunde L. , Ojo Babatope O. , Mushiana Talifhani , Mabuba Nonhlangabezo , Arotiba Omotayo A. , Makgato Seshibe
Published: August 2024

This study presents the in situ deposition of nickel selenide (NiSe2) on tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanorods to enhance the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in water.
Synergistic combination of active Pt species and light-driven photothermal catalysis for highly efficient toluene oxidation
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Ying , Xu Qianglong , Li Xiaolan , Chen Jing , Jia Hongpeng
Published: August 2024

The Pt species in the Pt-P25 catalysts lower the thermochemical energy barrier, while the photocatalytic process on TiO2 enhances the catalytic oxidation reaction.
Thermal deactivation of Pd/Al2O3–Cu/Al2O3-combined three-way catalysts via Cu migration and alloying
Authors: Moushumy Zannatul Mumtarin , Takeuchi Marina , Tsushida Masayuki , Awaya Keisuke , Yoshida Hiroshi , Ohyama Junya , Machida Masato
Published: August 2024

Thermal deactivation of Pd/Al2O3–Cu/Al2O3-combined three-way catalysts proceeds via Cu migration and alloying.
Membrane technology for water reuse in decentralised non-sewered sanitation systems: comparison of pressure driven (reverse osmosis) and thermally driven processes (membrane distillation and pervaporation)
Authors: Mercer E. , Davey C. , Fernández Y. Bajón , Septien S. , Tyrrel S. , Cartmell E. , Pidou M. , McAdam E. J.
Published: August 2024

Thermally driven membrane processes provide an alternative method to conventional pressure driven processes to recover high quality water and manage odour from concentrated blackwater, using a low-grade heat source instead of electrical energy.
Nanoparticle-Mediated Photoporation: Expanding Horizons in Drug Delivery
Authors: McGraw Erin , Laurent Guillaume M. , Avila L. Adriana
Published: August 2024

Photoporation is an effective physical delivery tool for many cell types, including those known to be resistant to traditional transfection methods. It also holds exciting potential for clinical translation due to efficient, targeted delivery.
Endowing rubber with intrinsic self-healing properties using thiourea-based polymer
Authors: Shagufta Afreen , Wang Lei , Fang Senbiao , Kong Qingshan , Zhang Haibo
Published: August 2024

Self-healing polymers are extensively researched for the sustainability of materials.