bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Social Dialogue in European Countries (1980–2018)
Authors: Afonso Alexandre , Kiecker Maximilian , Goulart Pedro
Published: December 2024

This paper provides a quantitative assessment of the political and structural determinants of social dialogue in 25 European countries between 1980 and 2018 using a measure of social dialogue based on an original survey of industrial relations and social policy experts. We assess hypotheses on the role of structural (unionisation, employer organisation) and political (government partisanship, government strength) factors on the extent of cooperation between governments, trade unions and employers in public policymaking. We find a declining trend in the overall extent of social dialogue in the countries surveyed. Using panel regressions, we show that higher levels of social dialogue are more prevalent among governments where there is a balance of power between right‐wing and left‐wing parties, and thus where unions and employers can act as ‘brokers’ between left and right parties. We find no association between most structural factors (unionisation, collective bargaining coverage, employer organisation) and levels of social dialogue.
Intermittent fasting for weight management and metabolic health: An updated comprehensive umbrella review of health outcomes
Authors: Hua Zixin , Yang Siyu , Li Jiqian , Sun Yiqi , Liao Yin , Song Siyang , Cheng Sheng , Li Zhe , Li Ze , Li Dandan , Guo Heng , Yang Hongge , Zheng Yingming , Li Xingang
Published: December 2024

Aims

To provide an updated comprehensive evaluation of the quality and evidence association of existing studies on health outcomes related to intermittent fasting (IF).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, covering literature up to June 2024. Meta‐analyses and systematic reviews that include adult populations and quantitatively analyse health outcomes related to IF interventional studies are included. For evidence with complete data, we reanalyzed health evidence effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals using random‐effects models. Article quality and the certainty of the evidence were graded using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR‐2), Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system, and a standardized credibility grading system.

Results

Twelve meta‐analysis studies and 122 health outcome associations with IF were identified. High‐quality evidence indicated significant associations between time‐restricted eating (TRE) and weight loss, fat mass reduction, decreased fasting insulin and glycosylated haemoglobin levels in overweight or obese adults, as well as between the 5:2 diet and reduced low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Moderate‐to‐low‐quality evidence suggested associations between modified alternate‐day fasting and improvements in body weight, lipid profile and blood pressure. Additionally, high‐to‐low‐quality evidence showed that IF regimens effectively improved liver health in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Conclusions

This umbrella review highlights IF, especially TRE, as a promising intervention for weight and metabolic health, particularly beneficial for overweight or obese adults. We also highlight the need for further extensive research to understand the long‐term effects, individualized IF plans and potential adverse effects of IF in different populations.
Inferring long‐distance movements of insects using combined hydrogen isotope and genetic analyses: A case study of the African edible bush‐cricket
Authors: Valtonen Anu , Holm Sille , Korkiatupa Eveliina , Malinga Geoffrey M. , Nakadai Ryosuke , Nyeko Philip , Roininen Heikki , Strandberg Ursula , Wassenaar Leonard I. , Pilecky Matthias
Published: December 2024

The degree to which individuals within populations vary in whether, how far and what direction they disperse is central in order to understand many foundational questions in ecological entomology, including factors determining population and invasion dynamics, species' ability to respond to climate change or when designing conservation strategies for threatened species.

This study combined stable hydrogen isotope analysis of nymphal and adult wing chitin with population genetic analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to understand long‐distance movements of African edible bush cricket (Ruspolia differens) in East Africa.

Results revealed that at most 77% of non‐swarming adults and 85% swarming adults originated locally, that is, within a range of a few hundred kilometres. In contrast, non‐local adults captured in Uganda likely originated from Ethiopia, Kenya or South Sudan based on the H isotopic evidence. Genetic analysis revealed 150 COI haplotypes with no significant differentiation among geographic source regions and no evidence of genetic isolation by movement distance.

The observed frequent long‐distance movements, together with the historical records, which indicate that the swarm movements can be irregular in their direction, suggest that the movements represent nomadism rather than regular long‐distance migration. Our results thus provide a valuable case study of what characterizes nomadic movements in insects, which have been one of the outstanding open questions in movement ecology of animals.
Using cluster‐based permutation tests to estimate MEG/EEG onsets: How bad is it?
Authors: Rousselet Guillaume A.
Published: December 2024

Localising effects in space, time and other dimensions is a fundamental goal of magneto‐ and electroencephalography (EEG) research. A popular exploratory approach applies mass‐univariate statistics followed by cluster‐sum inferences, an effective way to correct for multiple comparisons while preserving high statistical power by pooling together neighbouring effects. Yet, these cluster‐based methods have an important limitation: each cluster is associated with a unique p‐value, such that there is no error control at individual timepoints, and one must be cautious about interpreting when and where effects start and end. Sassenhagen and Draschkow (2019) provided an important reminder of this limitation. They also reported results from a simulation, suggesting that onsets estimated from EEG data are both positively biased and very variable. However, the simulation lacked comparisons to other methods. Here, I report such comparisons in a new simulation, replicating the positive bias of the cluster‐sum method, but also demonstrating that it performs relatively well, in terms of bias and variability, compared to other methods that provide pointwise p‐values: two methods that control the false discovery rate and two methods that control the familywise error rate (cluster‐depth and maximum statistic methods). I also present several strategies to reduce estimation bias, including group calibration, group comparison and using binary segmentation, a simple change point detection algorithm that outperformed mass‐univariate methods in simulations. Finally, I demonstrate how to generate onset hierarchical bootstrap confidence intervals that integrate variability over trials and participants, a substantial improvement over standard group approaches that ignore measurement uncertainty.
An integrated approach to address the biodegradability of cosmetic formulations as part of a corporate sustainability strategy
Authors: Zacarias Cyro Hauaji , Paludetti Mayara Fregonezi , de Oliveira Andréia Ávila Soares , Federico Leonardo Bruno
Published: December 2024

Objective

The biodegradability of organic chemicals with usual down‐the‐drain disposal in their end‐of‐life is a key parameter to be considered by industries pursuing sustainability in their new product developments. It is a property that, once improved in any formulated product portfolio, will allow for a significant reduction in the presence of its ingredients in the natural environment, with a potential reduction in the pollution‐related environmental impact after consumption. This article aimed to propose an intelligent strategy for addressing biodegradability in the cosmetics sector, with the potential to support both product claims and corporate sustainability initiatives.

Methods

The framework for achieving a portfolio biodegradability indicator is composed of three levels of assessment, the first being an ingredient level assessment, the second being an individual product biodegradability calculation (PBI—Product Biodegradability Index), and finally a third level to calculate an emission‐based, company‐wide biodegradability indicator (GBI—Global Biodegradability Index). A case study is presented and discussed in detail, as a proof of applicability of the whole framework to support new developments for an improved environmental performance. Important insights in terms of ingredients assessment criteria are also presented.

Results

A fictitious portfolio composed of two soaps (a bar and a liquid), two hair care products (shampoo and hair conditioner) and one bath oil resulted in a GBI of 92.8%. The bar soap was the main contributor for this global index, with a PBI of 98.8% and a relatively high consumption volume of 1 ton/year, which accounts for approximately 66% of the total portfolio consumption. Other products, like hair care, presented lower PBIs, but their lower mass consumption representativeness within the portfolio prevented a significant negative impact on the global index. The main strategic directions derived from the case study, to ensure a stable and high biodegradability of the consumed organic mass, were properly discussed.

Conclusion

The output of this framework provided an intelligent management strategy for innovation, where reformulation efforts can be targeted at products and ingredients with the highest potential to improve the biodegradability profile of the total organic mass released to the environment from a given portfolio.
Biases in Routine Influenza Surveillance Indicators Used to Monitor Infection Incidence and Recommendations for Improvement
Authors: Eales Oliver , McCaw James M. , Shearer Freya M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Monitoring how the incidence of influenza infections changes over time is important for quantifying the transmission dynamics and clinical severity of influenza. Infection incidence is difficult to measure directly, and hence, other quantities which are more amenable to surveillance are used to monitor trends in infection levels, with the implicit assumption that they correlate with infection incidence.

Methods

Here, we demonstrate, through mathematical reasoning using fundamental mathematical principles, the relationship between the incidence of influenza infections and three commonly reported surveillance indicators: (1) the rate per unit time of influenza‐like illness reported through sentinel healthcare sites, (2) the rate per unit time of laboratory‐confirmed influenza infections and (3) the proportion of laboratory tests positive for influenza (‘test‐positive proportion’).

Results

Our analysis suggests that none of these ubiquitously reported surveillance indicators are a reliable tool for monitoring influenza incidence. In particular, we highlight how these surveillance indicators can be heavily biassed by the following: the dynamics of circulating pathogens (other than influenza) with similar symptom profiles, changes in testing rates and differences in infection rates, symptom rates and healthcare‐seeking behaviour between age‐groups and through time. We make six practical recommendations to improve the monitoring of influenza infection incidence. The implementation of our recommendations would enable the construction of more interpretable surveillance indicator(s) for influenza from which underlying patterns of infection incidence could be readily monitored.

Conclusions

The implementation of all (or a subset) of our recommendations would greatly improve understanding of the transmission dynamics, infection burden and clinical severity of influenza, improving our ability to respond effectively to seasonal epidemics and future pandemics.
Method to characterize phase transformation kinetics at high temperature
Authors: Seymour Kevin C. , McCormack Scott J. , Ribero Daniel , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: December 2024

A new method is described to characterize the transformation kinetics of reconstructive systems at high temperatures using synchrotron X‐ray radiation, a quadrupole lamp furnace, and a detector capable of collecting a diffraction pattern of sufficient range in a minimal amount of time. Using this method, the activation energy for a reconstructive phase transformation in Dy2TiO5 was determined to be 149 kJ/mol. This value is more reasonable when compared with the uncertain values determined using conventional methods such as differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, the new method also provides higher quality data with improved time resolution, leading to better determination of fitted kinetic parameters.
Nurse‐Administered Screening Tools for Detecting Elder Abuse in Emergency Departments: A Scoping Review
Authors: El Hussein Mohamed , Sheehan Dawson
Published: December 2024

Aim

Identify and describe nurse‐administered screening tools used in emergency departments (ED) to detect elder abuse.

Design

A scoping review of literature published between 1999 and 2024 was conducted following the guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis and a methodological framework for scoping studies.

Methods

Two reviewers, an academic faculty member and a senior undergraduate, conducted the screening and data extraction, aiming to identify studies using a nurse‐administered screening tool in the ED to detect elder abuse.

Data Sources

The final search was conducted on 24 April 2024, using the CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Review databases.

Results

Ten studies out of 145 met the inclusion criteria, identifying six screening tools that assist healthcare providers, such as nurses, in detecting elder abuse in EDs. The results were summarised and presented according to each screening tool.

Implications for the Profession

Nurses in EDs are well‐positioned to identify elder abuse due to the significant time spent observing and interacting with patients. The implementation of a screening tool can support nurses in detecting elder abuse and initiating appropriate interventions.

Impact

Elder abuse is a widespread public health issue projected to increase continuously with the rapidly ageing population. Incorporating nurse‐administered screening tool into EDs has demonstrated practicality and usefulness in identifying elder abuse cases. Various tools exist; however, these instruments are underutilised due to limited reliability and feasibility testing, with no definitive screening tool identified as the “gold standard” for elder abuse detection. Without formal screening, elder abuse is likely to remain undetected, leaving victims vulnerable to harmful consequences. Due to the limited testing and evaluation of a reliable ED screening tool for elder abuse, future research should focus on developing and validating a new screening tool intended specifically for use by nurses in EDs.

Reporting Method

The EQUATOR guidelines for PRISMA were met.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contributions.
CineECG Repolarization Gradients Predict Acute Hemodynamic Response in CRT Patients
Authors: Sedova Ksenia , Azarov Jan E. , Van Dam Peter M. , Necasova Lucie , Kukla Jan , Sramko Marek , Kryze Lukas , Kautzner Josef
Published: December 2024

Introduction

A variable proportion of non‐responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) warrants the search for new approaches to optimize the position of the left ventricular (LV) lead and the CRT device programming. CineECG is a novel ECG modality proposed for the spatial visualization and quantification of myocardial depolarization and repolarization sequences.

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate CineECG‐derived parameters in different pacing modes and to test their associations with acute hemodynamic responses in CRT patients.

Methods and Results

CineECG was used to construct the average electrical path within the cardiac anatomy from the 12‐lead ECG. CineECG and LV dP/dt max were tested in 15 patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and left bundle branch block (QRS: 170 ± 17 ms; LVEF: 26 ± 5.5%) under pacing protocols with different LV lead localizations. The CineECG‐derived path directions were computed for the QRS and ST‐T intervals for the anteroposterior (Xh), interventricular (Yh), and apicobasal (Zh) axes. In a multivariate linear regression analysis with adjustment for the pacing protocol type, the ST‐T path direction Yh was independently associated with the increase in dP/dt max during CRT, [regression coefficient 639.4 (95% confidence interval: 187.9–1090.9), p = 0.006]. In ROC curve analysis, the ST‐T path direction Yh was associated with the achievement of a 10% increase in dP/dt max (AUC: 0.779, p = 0.002) with the optimal cut‐off > 0.084 (left‐to‐right direction) with sensitivity 0.67 and specificity 0.92.

Conclusion

The acute hemodynamic response in CRT patients was associated with specific CineECG repolarization sequence parameters, warranting their further testing as potential predictors of clinical outcomes.
Malformations vs. Neoplasia in the Oral Cavity: Special Emphasis on Mixed Odontogenic Tumors
Authors: Soluk‐Tekkesin Merva , Bologna‐Molina Ronell , Magliocca Kelly , van Heerden Willie , Robinson Liam , Bilodeau Elizabeth Ann , Hussaini Haizal Mohd , Adisa Akinyele Olumuyiwa , Tilakaratne Wanninayake Mudiyanselage , Li Jiang , Hunter Keith David , Gomez Ricardo Santiago
Published: December 2024

Background

The terminology surrounding developmental lesions in the oral cavity is widely applied, often leading to confusion in differentiating between developmental malformations and neoplasia. Odontogenic tumor classification includes both true neoplasms and malformations which make it very complex and dynamic.

Method and Conclusion

In this brief report, we will first discuss the concepts of malformations and neoplasia and then focusing on their relevance to odontogenic tumors, which impacts their classification and treatment, particularly mixed odontogenic lesions.
Lrp Family Regulator SCAB_Lrp2 Responds to the Precursor Tryptophan and Represses the Thaxtomin Biosynthesis in Streptomyces scabies
Authors: He Haoyang , Tang Lijuan , Song Mingrui , Chen Hui , Zou Youquan , Li Xueyan , Yang Endong , Wu Hang , Zhang Buchang , Liu Jing
Published: December 2024

Streptomyces scabies is a well‐researched plant pathogen belonging to the genus Streptomyces. Its virulence is linked to the production of the secondary metabolite thaxtomin A, which is tightly regulated at the transcriptional level. The leucine‐responsive regulatory protein (Lrp) family is conserved in prokaryotes and is involved in various crucial biological processes. However, the regulatory interaction between Lrp protein and pathogenic Streptomyces species remains poorly understood. This study aims to explore the role of SCAB_Lrp2 in regulating thaxtomin biosynthesis and pathogenicity, and to analyse the shared and unique features of Lrp homologues in S. scabies. We observed that SCAB_Lrp2 (SCAB_75421) showed significant homology with SCAB_Lrp, a recognised activator of thaxtomin A production in S. scabies. Our results revealed a regulatory interaction between SCAB_Lrp2 and SCAB_Lrp in terms of their targets, although SCAB_Lrp2 does not respond to the amino acid‐effectors of SCAB_Lrp. In contrast to SCAB_Lrp, deletion of SCAB_Lrp2 resulted in a notable increase in thaxtomin A production with the emergence of a hypervirulent phenotype in S. scabies. Further analysis revealed that SCAB_Lrp2 represses the transcription of the thaxtomin biosynthetic gene cluster by directly regulating the cluster‐situated regulator (CSR) gene txtR. Moreover, the precursor of thaxtomin, tryptophan, acts as an effector of SCAB_Lrp2, strengthening the repressive effect on thaxtomin biosynthesis through txtR. These findings provide new insights into the functional conservation and diversity of Lrp homologues involved in the biosynthesis of thaxtomin phytotoxins in pathogenic Streptomyces species.
The implementation and evaluation of a family‐led novel intervention for delirium prevention and management in adult critically ill patients: A mixed‐methods pilot study
Authors: Johnson Gideon U. , Towell‐Barnard Amanda , McLean Christopher , Ewens Beverley
Published: December 2024

Background

Family‐led interventions have been identified as effective in many areas of care including the management of delirium. However, because of the heterogeneity and ambiguity of family‐led interventions, they are not consistently applied within intensive care units. A user‐friendly digital intervention may therefore support consistent family integration into delirium management.

Aim

To explore the feasibility and acceptability of a family member's voice reorientation intervention for delirium prevention and management in an adult intensive care unit.

Study Design

Parallel, convergent mixed‐methods pilot study was conducted in a general adult intensive care unit in the United Kingdom. Thirty participants (15 patients and 15 family members) were enrolled in the study. For the qualitative component, 17 participants (three patients, six family members and eight nurses) contributed to the evaluation.

Results

The median frequency of the family member's voice reorientation intervention was 2.3 times per day (range 3.3), and the median Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale score was −1 (range 2.5). Qualitative data revealed seven themes: acceptance of the intervention, communication, delirium awareness, reactions to the intervention, cognitive state, perception of the intensive care unit and psychological well‐being.

Conclusion

Nurses can involve family members in person‐centred care within the intensive care unit. Results from this study indicate that the family member's voice reorientation programme is feasible and acceptable and may be an effective strategy for providing ongoing orientation, reassurance and comfort to critically ill adult patients to prevent or manage delirium. A larger study is needed to evaluate its impact on delirium.

Relevance for Clinical Practice

The family member's voice reorientation intervention offers critical care nurses a feasible, family‐centred approach to support delirium care in the intensive care unit. Integrating this non‐invasive tool into practice may enable nurses to enhance patient outcomes, reduce anxiety and strengthen collaboration between patients, families and health care professionals.
Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) Alleviate Intestinal Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury by Regulating the Cholinergic‐miRNA 124 Pathway
Authors: Geng YanXia , Lv Hai , Liu Yu , Guo DingDing , Zheng JingJing , Li YingXin , Jiang Hua , Chen Dong
Published: December 2024

Objective

Intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IIRI) is common in a variety of critical diseases and acute stress, and acupuncture is a promising treatment for IIRI. The aim of this study is to explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) in improving IIRI from the perspective of the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway (CAP) and miRNA 124.

Methods

Seven groups of mice were performed: Control group, I/R group (IIRI model), EA group (I/R + EA), miRNA mimic group (I/R + EA + miRNA 124 mimic), miRNA inhibitor group (I/R + EA + miRNA 124 inhibitor), PNU group (I/R + EA + α7nAChR agonist), and MLA group (I/R + EA+ α7nAChR antagonist). The expression of intestinal macrophages, α7nAChR, miRNA 124, and related molecules, including p‐STAT3 and IL‐6, as well as histological damage (Chiu's score) and mucosal permeability (serum FD4 concentration), were detected.

Results

The serum FD4 concentrations in the EA and PNU groups were significantly lower compared to the I/R group (p < 0.05). The expression of intestinal α7nAChR and miRNA 124 in the EA, miRNA mimic, and PNU groups was higher than that in the I/R group (p < 0.05), while levels of p‐STAT3 and IL‐6 were reduced (p < 0.05). Conversely, in the miRNA inhibitor and MLA groups, miRNA 124 levels were significantly lower than in the EA group (p < 0.05), and IL‐6 levels were increased (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

EA at Zusanli may induce miRNA124 through the cholinergic pathway on intestinal macrophages, which may be a key neuro‐immune target of EA in the treatment of IIRI.
Interstitial Cells of Cajal Are Required for Different Intestinal Motility Responses Induced by Acupuncture
Authors: Du Longhua , Qin Qingguang , He Xun , Wang Xiaoxi , Sun Guang , Zhu Bing , Liu Kun , Gao Xinyan
Published: December 2024

Background

The movement of intestinal smooth muscle is regulated by the external autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its internal enteric nervous system (ENS). Previous studies have shown that acupuncture has a bidirectional regulating effect on intestinal motility through the sympathetic and vagal ANSs. ENS can independently regulate the sensory, secretory, and motor functions of the intestine. The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), the pacemaker cells in ENS, play a key role in maintaining gastrointestinal motility. However, studies on the role and mechanism of ICC in the regulation of intestinal function by acupuncture are still unclear.

Methods

To investigate the effect of ICC on the regulation of intestinal motility by manual acupuncture (MA), we recorded the pressure of warm water‐filled manometric balloons in duodenum, jejunum, and distal colon in ICC deficiency WsWs−/− rats and wild‐type littermates WsRC+/+ rats, and performed MA at ST25 (Tianshu), ST37 (Shangjuxu), LI11 (Quchi), and BL25 (Danchangshu) acupoints. Furthermore, the excretion of phenol red in feces before and after MA at ST37 or ST25 was assessed.

Key Result

In WsRC+/+ rats, MA at ST37, LI11, and BL25 promoted duodenal, jejunal, and distal colon motility, whereas MA at ST25 significantly inhibited duodenal and jejunal motility and promoted distal colon motility. ICC deficiency in WsWs−/− rats led to a reduction in the promoting effect of LI11 on duodenal motility, a decrease in the promoting effect of ST37 on jejunal motility, and a significant reduction in the promoting effect of BL25 on distal colonic motility in those rats. Additionally, ICC absence significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of ST25 on duodenal motility. MA at ST37 or ST25 did not change the content of phenol red in the feces in WsRC+/+ and WsWs−/− rats.

Conclusion and Inferences

Our results suggest that the absence of ICC impairs the bidirectional regulatory effect of MA on intestinal function. It reveals the important role of ICC in the treatment of intestinal dysfunction diseases by acupuncture and provides a new theoretical basis for the treatment of such diseases by MA.
Entrepreneurial Bricolage and Disruptive Innovation: The Joint Effect of Learning From Failure and Institutional voids
Authors: Yu Xiaoyu , Cao Gang , Wang Xinchun
Published: December 2024

Disruptive innovation is increasingly recognized as a strategy for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to gain a competitive edge. However, SMEs often face resource constraints that create significant challenges to developing such innovation. Aiming to provide a potential solution for this problem, this study investigates how entrepreneurial bricolage can help SMEs overcome resource constraints to develop disruptive innovation in the context of emerging markets. Drawing on the resource orchestration perspective and using data from two waves of a survey involving 269 Chinese SMEs, the results indicate that entrepreneurial bricolage has a positive impact on disruptive innovation. Moreover, we find that failure‐based learning behaviors can strengthen the positive role of entrepreneurial bricolage in driving an SME's disruptive innovation, particularly when faced with high institutional voids. These findings provide compelling insights for SMEs in emerging markets seeking to gain competitive advantages through disruptive innovation.
The calcium sensor AtCML8 contributes to Arabidopsis plant cell growth by modulating the brassinosteroid signaling pathway
Authors: Lucchin Amandine , Fouassier Hélène , Robe Eugénie , Mbengue Malick , Aguilar Marielle , San Clemente Hélène , Vert Grégory , Galaud Jean‐Philippe , Aldon Didier
Published: December 2024

Calcium signaling plays an essential role in integrating plant responses to diverse stimuli and regulating growth and development. While some signaling components and their roles are well‐established, such as the ubiquitous calmodulin (CaM) sensor, plants possess a broader repertoire of calcium sensors. Notably, CaM‐like proteins (CMLs) represent a poorly characterized class for which interacting partners and biological functions remain largely elusive. Our work investigates the role of Arabidopsis thaliana CML8 that exhibits a unique expression profile in seedlings. A reverse genetic approach revealed a function of CML8 in regulating root growth and hypocotyl elongation. RNA‐seq analyses highlighted CML8 association with the regulation of numerous genes involved in growth and brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. Using co‐immunoprecipitation experiments, we demonstrated that CML8 interacts with the BR receptor, BRI1, in planta in a ligand‐dependent manner. This finding suggests the existence of a novel regulatory step in the BR pathway, involving calcium signaling.
Diffuse iris melanoma leading to secondary glaucoma in a lion (Panthera leo)—A case report
Authors: Correa Jade Caproni , Moreira Matheus Vilardo Lóes , Javorouski Manoel Lucas , Werner Juliana , Shaw Gillian , Schreider Barbara , D'Otaviano de Castro Vilani Ricardo Guilherme , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano
Published: December 2024

Objective

To describe the case of a 12‐year‐old male African lion (Panthera leo) presented with ocular discharge, corneal edema, and buphthalmos of the right eye.

Procedures

Ocular ultrasonography showed an intraocular mass involving the iris and ciliary body. Enucleation was performed.

Results

Subsequent histopathological analysis revealed a pleomorphic pigmented neoplastic cell population infiltrating, expanding and effacing the iris and ciliary body and occupying the ciliary cleft. The histopathological and immunohistochemical features were consistent with a diffuse iris melanoma (DIM).

Conclusion

DIM is the most common primary intraocular neoplasm of domestic cats, but rarely reported in large felids. The prognosis in large felids is unknown and warrants identifying additional cases and careful monitoring of affected individuals.
Investigation of Aqueous Ammonia/Hydrogen Blends for Use In Advanced Dual-Fuel Combustion
Authors: Tyrewala Daanish S. , Rothamer David , Ghandhi Jaal
Published: December 2024

Aqueous ammonia (NH4OH, a solution of 29.1% NH3 in water) and aqueous ammonia/hydrogen (NH4OH/H2) premixed blends were explored using a dual-fuel strategy with #2 diesel directly injected. Diesel fuel was substituted (at constant energy) with NH4OH and NH4OH/H2 blends at constant fuel energy while maintaining phasing using the diesel SOI timing. NH4OH/H2 blends were evaluated to investigate the efficacy of hydrogen for improving ignition quality and flame speed of the premixed mixture, and to determine if aqueous ammonia/hydrogen blends could be used as substitutes to represent the performance of anhydrous ammonia. The hydrogen concentration in the blends was adjusted to match adiabatic flame temperature (TAd) to anhydrous ammonia. Substitution of diesel fuel energy for aqueous ammonia was limited to 50% by energy at low-loads due to combustion instability, and challenges maintaining intake runner temperature at mid-loads due to significant enthalpy required to vaporize the aqueous ammonia. NH4OH/H2 blends exhibited improved combustion stability and led to over 4% decrease in unburned-to-supplied premixed energy, but were not suitable surrogates for NH3 combustion due to controlled end-gas autoignition (c-EGAI) and hydrogen preignition issues.
Effect of Blending Ammonia With Natural Gas Hydrocarbons on the Performance of a Heavy-Duty Spark Ignition Engine
Authors: Alvarez Luis F. , Askari Omid , Dumitrescu Cosmin E.
Published: December 2024

Ammonia (NH3) is a promising carbon-free fuel candidate to replace conventional petroleum-based fuels. However, when compared to conventional hydrocarbons, NH3 has poor combustion characteristics such as a low flame speed, a low calorific value, narrow flammability limits, and it requires a high ignition energy. As a result, the use of NH3 in practical power generation applications such as internal combustion engines may require a secondary fuel to promote and sustain the ammonia flame as well as hardware engine modifications such as a higher compression ratio, a high-energy ignition coil, etc. This work investigated the use of a dual-fuel approach involving NH3 and natural gas (NG) components (i.e., methane, propane, and ethane) in a single-cylinder four-stroke heavy-duty compression ignition engine converted to spark ignition, at an engine speed of 1000 RPM, equivalence ratio of 0.8, and an energy substitution ratio (ESR) of the hydrocarbon fuel up to 0.4. The goal was to identify ways to minimize engine modifications when ammonia is used. The results showed no penalty on efficiency when replacing the NG components with NH3, as the overall combustion phasing was more optimal as ESR increased. In addition, since all the IMEP values were significantly close to each other for different ST, no need for significant change in the engine control strategy was identified. The COVIMEP (coefficient of variance of indicated mean effective pressure) showed an increase with ESR, suggesting that the addition of NH3 to the mixture led to more cycle-to-cycle variations, with propane having the highest COVIMEP. This higher cycle-to-cycle variation for propane-ammonia mixtures was probably coming from a competition between its higher reactivity when compared to the other two hydrocarbons and the effect of different fuel properties on the in-cylinder gas motion.
Decanol/Biodiesel Blends for Full Diesel Fuel Replacement
Authors: Markov Krasimir , Stanchev Hristo
Published: December 2024

In the modern world, in the conditions of increasingly severe emission standards, increased oil prices and the political pressure to abandon internal combustion engines and implement electric vehicles, the search for alternative solutions for engines development is a key decision. One of these solutions currently accepted by European politicians is the use of biofuels. A highly promising fuel, which is at the very beginning of its research as an application in diesel engines, is the 1-decanol. Except for the higher viscosity and latent heat of vaporization, all its other properties are very similar to diesel fuel. One of the two ways to reduce viscosity is by blending it with another fuel, for which rapeseed biodiesel was chosen. The objective of the research is to investigate engine performance and emissions at different loads and engine speeds using decanol-biodiesel blends. Two types of blends were studied — Dec70B30 and Dec50B50. The study was conducted on a turbocharged diesel engine with common rail injection system. Compared to the diesel fuel, the results show a decrease in brake power up to 21.5%, increase in BSFC up to 19.96% at low and average loads and speeds, reduction of the CO2 emissions up to 23.33% while PM, HC and NOx emissions are variable in nature showing high increase or reduction depending the load, speed and used blend.
Synthesis of silver-decorated titanium dioxide nanostructured films for enhanced visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Montefalcon Laika Jayne C. , Montallana Arantxa Danielle S. , Ontoria Aian B. , Wada Motoi , Vasquez Magdaleno R.
Published: December 2024

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been extensively investigated for applications in photocatalysis due to its stability, nontoxicity, and robust photocatalytic properties. Although thin films of TiO2 are effective in wastewater treatment, their dense structure limits surface accessibility. The oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique can be used to create high surface area nanostructured thin films essential for photocatalytic applications. In this study, OAD was used to grow TiO2 thin films. To extend the activity to the visible light region, plasma-reduced silver (Ag) particles were coupled to the TiO2 surface. The Ag-decorated TiO2 (Ag-TiO2) nanostructured films were fabricated using a custom-built magnetron sputter deposition system with OAD technique capability. Different substrate angles of 0°, 35°, and 70° with respect to the target normal were used. The films were characterized for their structural, compositional, and optical properties. The photodegradation performance was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as the test analyte under visible light irradiation. The results showed a significant improvement in degradation efficiency using plasma-reduced Ag-TiO2. Substrates tilted at 70° achieved the highest MB degradation efficiency of 89.84% after 5 h exposure. This tilt angle also revealed high surface roughness and high surface area. By tilting the substrate with respect to the target, high surface area thin films can be fabricated. This technique is ideal for applications that depend on the area of contact, such as photocatalysis.
Supplemental Material: Glacial isostatic adjustment driven by asymmetric ice sheet melt during the Last Interglacial causes multiple local sea-level peaks
Authors: Creel Roger C. , Austermann Jacqueline
Published: December 2024

 Supporting information, including Figures S1–S2 and Tables S1–S7.  
Supplemental Material: Late Mesozoic intracontinental reactivation of the southern Altai, Central Asia
Authors: He Zhiyuan , al. et
Published: December 2024

Supplemental Text S1: Analytical procedures for thermochronology; Table S1: Apatite fission-track data for Paleozoic basement rocks from the southern Altai; Table S2: Single-grain apatite (U-Th)/He results from the southern Altai; Figure S1: Apatite fission-track radial plots; Figure S2: Apatite (U-Th)/He ages versus effective uranium content [eU]; Figure S3: Thermal history modeling results for each analyzed sample generated by QTQt, along with apatite fission-track length distribution histograms for each analyzed sample.
Supplemental Material: Subduction zone rocks oxidized by supercritical fluid: Constraints from an ultrahigh-pressure eclogite-vein system in the Dabie orogen, China
Authors: Chen Tie-Nan , Chen Ren-Xu , al. et
Published: December 2024

Major and trace elements, Fe-S compositions, Sr isotopes and oxygen fugacities of the Bixiling samples.
Canonical quantization of the U(1) gauge field in the right Rindler-wedge in the Rindler coordinates
Authors: Takeuchi Shingo
Published: December 2024

In this study, the canonical quantization of the U(1) gauge field in the Lorentz-covariant gauge in the right Rindler-wedge (RRW) of the four-dimensional Rindler coordinates is performed. Specifically, we obtain the gauge-fixed Lagrangian by the Lorentz-covariant gauge in the RRW of the Rindler coordinates, which is composed of the U(1) gauge field and B-field. Then, we obtain the mode-solutions of the U(1) gauge field and B-field by solving the equations of motion obtained from that gauge-fixed Lagrangian. Subsequently, defining the Klein–Gordon inner-product in the RRW of the Rindler coordinates, we determine the normalization constants of all directions of the mode-solutions of the U(1) gauge field and B-field. Then, for the U(1) gauge field given by those normalized mode-expanded solutions, we obtain the commutation relations of the creation and annihilation operators defined in the RRW of the Rindler coordinates by formulating the canonical commutation relations. In addition, we provide a polarization vector for the annihilation operators obtained in this way. Using these result, we show that the Minkowski ground state can be expressed as the outer-product of the left and right Rindler-wedges state on which those creation and annihilation operators act. Then, tracing out the left Rindler states of that Minkowski ground state, we obtain the density matrix of the U(1) gauge field in the RRW. From this, we show that the U(1) gauge field in a constant accelerated system will feel the Unruh temperature as well.
Computational reproducibility in computational social science
Authors: Schoch David , Chan Chung-hong , Wagner Claudia , Bleier Arnim
Published: December 2024

Open science practices have been widely discussed and have been implemented with varying success in different disciplines. We argue that computational-x disciplines such as computational social science, are also susceptible to the symptoms of the crises, but in terms of reproducibility. We expand the binary definition of reproducibility into a tier system which allows increasing levels of reproducibility based on external verifiability to counteract the practice of open-washing. We provide solutions for barriers in Computational Social Science that hinder researchers from obtaining the highest level of reproducibility, including the use of alternate data sources and considering reproducibility proactively.
Structure Amplification on Multi-layer Stochastic Block Models
Authors: He Kun , Xin Xiaodong , Bao Jialu , Wang Meng , Selman Bart , Hopcroft John E.
Published: December 2024

Much of the complexity of social, biological, and engineering systems arises from the complicated interactions among the entities in the corresponding networks. A number of network analysis tools have been successfully used to discover latent structures termed communities in such networks. However, some communities with relatively weak structures can be difficult to uncover because they are obscured by other stronger connections. To cope with this situation, our previous work proposes an algorithm called HICODE to detect and amplify the dominant and hidden community structures. In this work, we conduct a comprehensive and systematic theoretical analysis on the impact of hidden community structure and the efficacy of the HICODE algorithm, as well as provide illustrations of the detection process and results. Specifically, we define a multi-layer stochastic block model and use this model to explain why the existence of hidden structure makes the detection of dominant structure harder than equivalent random noises, which can also explain why many community detection algorithms only focusing on the dominant structure do not work well as expected. We then provide theoretical analysis that the iterative reducing methods could help to enhance the discovery of hidden structure as well as the dominant structure in the multi-layer stochastic block model for the two cases of accurate and inaccurate detection. Finally, visual simulations and experimental results are presented to show the process of HICODE algorithm and the impact of different number of layers on the detection quality.
Tucker Decomposition-Enhanced Dynamic Graph Convolutional Networks for Crowd Flows Prediction
Authors: Dai Genan , Kong Weiyang , Liu Yubao , Zhang Bowen , Peng Xiaojiang , Fan Xiaomao , Huang Hu
Published: December 2024

Crowd flows prediction is an important problem for traffic management and public safety. Graph Convolutional Network (GCN), known for its ability to effectively capture and utilize topological information, has demonstrated significant advancements in addressing this problem. However, GCN-based models were often based on predefined crowd-flow graphs via historical movement behaviors of human beings and traffic vehicles, which ignored the abnormal changes in crowd flows. In this study, we propose a multi-scale fusion GCN-based framework with Tucker decomposition named mTDNet to enhance dynamic GCN for crowd flows prediction. Following the paradigm of extant methods, we also employ the predefined crowd-flow graphs as a part of mTDNet to effectively capture the historical movement behaviors of crowd flows. To capture the abnormal changes, we propose a Tucker decomposition-based network with the product of the adjacency matrix of historical movement pattern graphs and an Adaptive Learning Tensor (
ALT
) by reconstructing the crowd flows. Particularly, we utilize the Tucker decomposition scheme to decompose
ALT
, which enhances the dynamic learning of graph structures, allowing for effective capturing of the dynamic changes in crowd flow, including abnormal changes. Furthermore, a multi-scale 3DGCN is utilized to mine and fuse the multi-scale spatio-temporal information from crowd flows, to further boost the mTDNet prediction performance. Experiments conducted on two real-world datasets showed that the proposed mTDNet surpasses other crowd flow prediction methods.
The Effect of Dietary Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Growth Performance, Zinc in Tissues, and Immune Response in the Rare Minnow (Gobiocypris rarus)
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Wu Menghan , Wu Jinming , Wan Jing , He Yongfeng , Ding Yifan , Liu Jun , Su Liangxia
Published: December 2024

In recent years, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained attention as feed additives due to their high bioavailability. However, research on their impact on fish growth and health is limited. To investigate the influences of dietary addition of ZnO NPs on growth performance and immune function of rare minnow, rare minnows were fed diets with different ZnO NPs content. Growth analysis showed that ZnO NPs had a negative effect on the weight of rare minnow, decreasing and then increasing condition factors (CFs) and specific growth rate. Additionally, the accumulated zinc (Zn) level was significantly higher (p  < 0.05), and the liver injury index was significantly higher (p  < 0.05) in the dietary ZnO NPs group compared to the control group. The number of erythrocytes and leukocytes in blood samples increased and then decreased after treatment with ZnO NPs. It was further found that ZnO NPs as a dietary supplement significantly increased the Zn content and markedly repressed the expression of growth‐related genes after 60 days of accumulation in muscle tissues, and accumulation in liver tissues for 60 days significantly enhanced the expression of immune modulation–related genes expression (p < 0.05). The findings suggested that short‐term supplementation of ZnO NPs could positively affect fish growth and immune function. However, prolonged supplementation of dietary ZnO NPs resulted in reduced body weight and compromised immune function owing to the buildup of Zn in different tissues.