bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotic interactions between the human pathogen Legionella pneumophila and nematode grazers in cooling tower biofilms
Authors: Ortlieb Christin , Labrosse Aurélie , Ruess Liliane , Steinert Michael
Published: October 2024

Biofilms in cooling towers represent a common habitat for the human pathogen Legionella pneumophila. Within the biofilm consortium, frequent interactions with protozoa, i.e. amoebae and ciliates, were reported, while nematodes have only recently been considered as potential environmental reservoir for the pathogenic bacteria. This study is the first approach to investigate the biotic interactions between L. pneumophila and bacterial-feeding nematodes in a semi-natural biofilm model. The species were Diploscapter coronatus, Diploscapter pachys, Plectus similis and Plectus sp., which all co-occur with L. pneumophila in the environment. Biofilms derived from cooling towers were either inoculated with mCherry-labeled L. pneumophila solely or in combination with GFP-labeled Escherichia coli. All experiments were conducted in single-species set-ups and multi-species (D. coronatus and P. similis) set-ups, to account for interspecific competition. Bacterial ingestion was assessed after 24 and 96 h as fluorescence patterns in the digestive tract of the nematodes using confocal laser scanning microscopy. L. pneumophila cells were ingested by all nematode species, with D. coronatus having the highest pathogen load. The fluorescence intensity (i.e. bacterial load) varied between compartments within the digestive tract and was independent of incubation time. Bacterial cells accumulated mostly around the cardia and in the intestine, while less cells were found within stoma and pharynx. Interspecific competition changed the pattern, i.e. with incubation of D. coronatus and P. similis in the same biofilm a significantly higher pathogen load occurred in the intestine of D. coronatus than P. similis after 24 h and 96 h. Remarkably, when given a choice between L. pneumophila and E. coli, P. similis was the only nematode species containing both bacteria after incubation for 24 h. None of the other nematode species contained E. coli after 24 h and 96 h incubation, while L. pneumophila was present. This study thus provides the first evidence, that under environmental conditions L. pneumophila is a frequent diet of bacterial-feeding nematodes, highlighting their potential as pathogen vectors or even host in cooling tower habitats.
Undergraduate Research Science Capital: Measuring capacity to engage in research
Authors: Boyd Evelyn Abagayle , Lazar Kelly Best
Published: October 2024

Undergraduate research has been identified as a high-impact educational practice. However, despite the body of evidence on the outcomes of undergraduate research, few studies have focused on the influences students face regarding participation. Developed using Science Capital and Social Cognitive Career Theory, a survey comprised of potential influences to undergraduate science research participation was disseminated to science majors at four R1 institutions in the Southeastern United States. Participation rates across several demographic factors and effect of participation influences were analysed. Results reveal a significantly greater proportion of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) and disability communities indicating participating in research than their peers. Additionally, fourteen participation influences were identified as having a significant difference in their level of influence to the ability to participate in research between researchers and non-researchers. These include professor influence, interest in research, interest in science, coursework in the major, and major all being rated as opportunities with a significant difference of effect between researchers and those who have not yet participated in research. The results of this study will be beneficial for science departments and their respective institutions to improve the equity of access to their undergraduate research experiences.
The post-cranial anatomy and functional morphology of Conoryctes comma (Mammalia: Taeniodonta) from the Paleocene of North America
Authors: Kynigopoulou Zoi , Shelley Sarah L. , Williamson Thomas E. , Brusatte Stephen L.
Published: October 2024

Conoryctes comma is a member of the enigmatic group Taeniodonta, Paleogene mammals that have been found only in North America. Taeniodonts were part of the first wave of placental mammal diversification after the end-Cretaceous extinction. The lack of postcranial elements has limited the understanding of the anatomy and locomotion of Conoryctes, and how it compared to other taeniodonts. We here describe the postcranial anatomy and functional morphology of Conoryctes, based largely on nine new specimens found in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico, USA. The specimens include elements of the axial column, such as the axis, sacrum, and ribs; the humerus, ulna, radius, and part of the manus; the innominate, femur, tibia, and part of the pes, including the tarsals. Conoryctes was a medium-sized mammal, with a robust humerus, radius, and femur, and with anatomical similarities to other conoryctid taeniodonts and Onychodectes. The tarsal elements of Conoryctes show characteristics of the “leptictimorph astragalocalcaneal morphology” as seen in other Paleogene mammals, such as Escavadodon, Palaeanodon, and Procerberus. Anatomical features of the forelimb and hindlimb of Conoryctes indicate that it was a scratch-digging animal with powerful forearm muscles and well-stabilized digits, features that may have helped it adapt to the subtropical forests of the San Juan Basin, approximately 63 million years ago. This corroborates the previous hypothesis that digging adaptations are seen in all members of Taeniodonta for which the postcranial elements are known, and that digging ability was present in the common ancestor of the clade and potentially central to their radiation after the environmental destruction of the end-Cretaceous extinction.
Simultaneous adsorption of ammonia nitrogen and phosphate on electro-assisted magnesium/aluminum-loaded sludge-based biochar and its utilization as a plant fertilizer
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Chu-Ya , Zhou Heng-Deng , Xue Dong-Xin , Xiong Xiao-Lu , Zhu Guangcan
Published: October 2024

Herein, Mg/Al-loaded sludge-based biochar was prepared via electro-assisted impregnation. The structure and chemical analysis of modified sludge-based biochar (MgSBC-0.5(@Al) showed that the material was loaded with MgO and Al2O3. The specific surface area of MgSBC-0.5(@Al) was 11.27 times higher than that of unmodified sludge-based biochar (SBC). The simultaneous adsorption performance of MgSBC-0.5(@Al for ammonia nitrogen (NH4+–N) and phosphate phosphorus (PO43−–P) was studied. The maximum adsorption capacities of MgSBC-0.5(@Al for NH4+–N and PO43−–P at 298 K were 65.19 and 92.10 mg·g−1, respectively, 4.45 and 6.28 times higher than those of SBC. The external and internal elemental compositions of the modified and unmodified biochar specimens were quantitatively characterized using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The results emphasized the importance of Mg-loading for NH4+–N and PO43−–P capture. MgO was mainly loaded on the surface of biochar, enabling adsorption through chemical reactions. Analysis showed that the adsorption of NH4+–N and PO43−–P on the modified biochar proceeded simultaneously through multiple mechanisms. Particularly, the adsorption of NH4+–N and PO43−–P occurred through the precipitation of struvite and physical adsorption, with PO43−–P also adsorbed through the formation of MgHPO4 and CaHPO4. Other data indicated that Al, Ca, and Fe had a trapping effect on the adsorbate. Importantly, the biochar after adsorption could be used as a soil amendment.
Determination of the mean duration of recent infection and false recency rate for the HIV triplex multiplex bead assay
Authors: Domaoal Robert A. , Vuong Jeni , Zheng Amy , Detorio Mervi , Parekh Bharat S. , Yufenyuy Ernest L.
Published: October 2024

Background

We developed the HIV Triplex multiplex bead assay to identify and serotype HIV infection with high sensitivity and specificity; and distinguish recent from long-term HIV-1 infections. It can facilitate accurate incidence estimation, while reducing the number of tests and blood collected, which is highly desirable for use in future studies and surveys. Using previously collected, treatment-naive longitudinal seroconversion HIV-1 positive panels and specimens from individuals infected for >12 months, we determined the assay’s mean duration of recent infection (MDRI) and false-recency rate (FRR) respectively, at various mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) cutoffs.

Methods

We tested seroconversion specimens (N = 814) from 142 individuals infected with HIV-1 subtypes B, C, or AE, and 1341 cross-sectional specimens from individuals infected >12 months. The MFI cutoffs of 1000 to 2000 were evaluated for recency classification, including an MFI of 1250 corresponding to the limiting antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay (LAg-EIA) cutoff of 1.5 normalized optical density for MDRI and FRR. We used four statistical methods: Methods 1 and 2 used the empirically balanced observation time approach. Method 2 MFI values were raised to power = 1.33, based on a repeated measures model to linearize the relationship between MFI and time points, whereas Method 1 was not linearized. Methods 3 and 4 employed quadratic and linear interpolations for each seroconversion panel. FRR was calculated by dividing the number of specimens misclassified as recent by the total number of specimens tested.

Results

MDRI values ranged from 135–146 days at MFI = 1000 to 229–279 days at MFI = 2000 by the 4 methods. FRR varied from 0.15%-1.27% with increasing MFI cutoff. At MFI = 1250, the average MDRI of 4 methods was 169 days and ranged from 159–183 with overlapping 95% CIs and FRR = 0.52%.

Conclusion

The HIV Triplex assay demonstrates a longer dynamic range compared to current HIV recency assays with a low FRR for cutoffs examined. With a longer dynamic range and low FRR, the MDRI for recent infection can be extended as appropriate to detect more recent infections, increasing the value of incidence assays benefiting public health surveillance and future surveys.
Modification of the association between coffee consumption and constipation by alcohol drinking: A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2007–2010
Authors: Kong Wanru , Sheng Wei , Zheng Ya
Published: October 2024

Background

The association between coffee consumption and constipation remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship of coffee consumption with the risk of constipation, while also investigating potential effect modifiers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 7844 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010. Coffee consumption was extracted from the 24-hour dietary recall. Constipation was assessed using the Bristol Stool Form Scale. The association between coffee consumption and constipation was assessed using multivariable restricted cubic spline and logistic regression with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

There was a J-shaped relationship between total coffee consumption and the risk of constipation in the whole population (p for nonlinearity = 0.049), with 1–2 cups/day of total coffee potentially reducing the risk of constipation by 39% (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.35–1.06, p = 0.07). As for caffeinated coffee, a J-shaped association between its consumption and the risk of constipation was also observed in the whole population (p for nonlinearity = 0.008), with 1–2 cups/day being significantly associated with a reduced risk (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.95, p = 0.03). When restricting to never drinkers of alcohol, the associations between total and caffeinated coffee consumption and constipation shifted to inverse linear trends, where at least 3 cups/day was significantly associated with an 88% reduction in constipation risk (total coffee: OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02–0.68, p = 0.02; caffeinated coffee: OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02–0.70, p = 0.02). Decaffeinated coffee showed no association with constipation.

Conclusions

Consuming 1–2 cups of caffeinated coffee daily was associated with a reduced risk of constipation in the general population. Among never drinkers of alcohol, a linear protective effect was observed, with a notable 88% reduction in constipation risk for those consuming at least 3 cups per day. Moderate caffeinated coffee intake may therefore be a viable dietary strategy for managing constipation in the general population.
Integrating field surveys and remote sensing to optimize phosphorus resource management for rainfed rice production in the Central plateau of Burkina Faso
Authors: Iwasaki Shinya , Kanda Takashi , Nakamura Satoshi , Uchida Satoshi , Saïdou Simporé , Barro Albert , Nagumo Fujio
Published: October 2024

Rice production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is restricted by low water availability, soil fertility, and fertilizer input, and phosphate rock (PR) application is expected to increase production. Soil water conditions and soil types affect the efficacy of phosphorus fertilization in improving productivity. However, these factors are rarely discussed together. In this study, we aimed to investigate the soil types and soil water conditions in the fields, as well as their effects on rice productivity after phosphorus fertilization, and optimize the findings using remote sensing techniques. A soil profiling survey, followed by a field experiment in seven farmer fields, was performed in the Central plateau of Burkina Faso. The following treatments were applied: nitrogen and potassium fertilization without phosphorus (NK), PR application with NK (NK+PR), and triple super phosphate (TSP) application with NK (NK+TSP). Submergence duration and cumulative water depth were recorded manually. The inundation score, estimated using a digital elevation model, explained the distribution of soil types and soil water conditions and correlated negatively with sand content and positively with silt and clay content, indicating an illuvial accumulation of fine soil particles with nutrient transportation. The field experiment showed that although grain yield was significantly restricted by phosphorus deficiency, the increase in yield after phosphorus fertilization was higher in Lixisols and Luvisols than in Cambisols because of the low Bray-2-phosphorus content of Lixisols and Luvisols. The inundation score correlated positively with grain yields after NK+PR and NK+TSP treatments. In conclusion, soils with low inundation scores (mainly Lixisols and Luvisols) showed a drastic increase in grain yield after TSP application, whereas those with high inundation scores showed comparable yields after PR and TSP application despite the low phosphorus fertilization effect. Our findings would help optimize fertilization practices to increase rice productivity in SSA.
Association between Thai language proficiency and adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviors (CPB) among Myanmar migrant workers in Southern Thailand
Authors: Htet Hein , Chuaychai Aungkana , Sottiyotin Tida , Htet Kyaw Ko Ko , Sriplung Hutcha , Wichaidit Wit , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: October 2024

The association between host country language proficiency and disease prevention among migrants is underexplored. The objective of this study is to assess the extent to which self-reported command of the Thai language is associated with adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviors (CPB) among Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. We distributed a self-administered structured questionnaire in Burmese language to 1,050 Myanmar migrant workers in Southern Thailand from September 2022 to January 2023. The questionnaire included background characteristics, self-reported Thai language proficiency based on the Common European Framework Reference (CEFR), and self-reported CPB adherence at residence and workplace. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression analysis. Although slightly less than half of the participants reported CEFR A1 level or higher in Thai speaking and listening skills, less than 10 percent did so for reading and writing skills. Workplace COVID-19 preventive adherence scores were initially found to be significantly associated with A1 level or higher speaking and listening skills. However, after adjusting for confounders, these associations were not statistically significant (Speaking skill’s Adjusted Beta = 0.713, 95% CI = -0.011, 1.437; Listening skill’s Adjusted Beta = -0.367, 95% CI = -1.087, 0.353). No significant associations were found between any language skill domain and residence COVID-19 preventive adherence scores for both unadjusted and adjusted analysis. The study findings may have implications for relevant stakeholders in migrant services, migrant health, and infectious disease control. However, information biases, language barriers, and lack of generalizability should be considered as caveats in the interpretation of the study findings.
Association of Childhood Abuse With Incident Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Anyane-Yeboa Adjoa , Casey Kevin , Roberts Andrea L. , Lopes Emily , Burke Kristin , Ananthakrishnan Ashwin , Richter James , Cozier Yvette C. , Koenen Karenstan C. , Chan Andrew T. , Khalili Hamed
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION:

A link between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), stressful life events, and psychological factors has previously been reported. Our objective was to examine the relationship between emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of childhood and risk of IBD using a large cohort of female health professionals.

METHODS:

We included participants in the Nurses' Health Study II who completed the Physical and Emotional Abuse Subscale of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Sexual Maltreatment Scale of the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale in 2001. Diagnosis of IBD was determined by self-report and confirmed independently by 2 physicians through review of medical records. We used Cox proportional hazard modeling to estimate the risk of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) while adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS:

Among 68,167 women followed from 1989 until 2017, there were 146 incident cases of CD and 215 incident cases of UC. Compared with women with no history of abuse, the adjusted hazard ratios of CD were 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67–2.02) for mild, 1.58 (95% CI 0.92–2.69) for moderate, and 1.95 (95% CI 1.22–3.10) for severe abuse (P
trend = 0.002). We did not observe an association between childhood abuse and risk of UC.

DISCUSSION:

Women who reported early life severe abuse had an increased risk of CD. These data add to the growing body of evidence on the critical role of early life stressors in development of CD.
Come By Chance: a gently compelling narrative podcast about fractured family and identity in a small Canadian community
Authors: McHugh Siobhán
Published: October 2024

Newfoundland is ‘a chunk of rock about the size of Iceland,’ says Luke Quinton, host of CBC’s podcast serial Come By Chance. ‘Newfoundland may be just off the coast of Canada, but culturally, it's a world removed, and it's not a place that gives up its secrets easily.’ This review of Come By Chance’s seven episodes argues the series has muscular writing, strong character depiction and a tight narrative structure missing from many recent podcast serials, as Quinton proceeds to tease out some of those secrets, framed by a fateful incident involving two baby boys, Clarence Hynes and Craig Avery, that changed their lives forever.
TRAUMA podcast: 24 years, seven tragedies: The experience of survivors and the collective trauma of an entire country
Authors: Theodosiadou Sofia
Published: October 2024

In TRAUMA, we meet survivors and relatives of victims who are tracing seven disastrous events and fatal accidents that have afflicted Greece in the twenty-four years from 1999 to the present. The testimonies reveal a pattern: a lack of trust in the State and a sense of impunity of the Greek politicians in charge. The podcast explores a difficult piece of modern Greek history and moves the lens of the narration to the people that were involved either as survivors, experts in the field or relatives of the victims. TRAUMA audio documentary uncovers a crucial question: how trauma has been built into the national identity of a country like Greece? The present review explores the diverse answers to this question that come out of the podcast.
Not just dubbing: ways to work with more than one language in audio documentaries and podcasts
Authors: Wincott Abigail , Preger Sven
Published: October 2024

In radio journalism, ‘foreign language’ interviewee voices have traditionally been almost entirely covered by a voiced translation of their words. In this article we examine experimentation with some different approaches to multilingual content in recent German, French and English-language audio documentaries that challenges assumptions that dubbing over other languages is the only option for factual audio. We explore the practical constraints influencing these choices, as well as the powerful social, cultural and institutional values that shape usage: concerning the status of different languages, the paradigm of monolingual media, and the quest for authenticity and direct access to reality (the illusion of non-mediation). We use this analysis to suggest some descriptors for these varied techniques and suggest that they offer not only more creative scope for producers, but also new ways for to let more voices be heard, and better reflect the rich, multilingual reality of our world.
Beyond The Broadcast: Nello and The People’s Method
Authors: McKenzie-Witter Weyland
Published: October 2024

This article explores the development of an audio praxis that combines oral history, sound design, storytelling, and archival material to engage with and critically examine history. The author reflects on the creation and impact of a number of audio projects that address historical silences, elevate marginalised voices, and engender a more critical understanding of history. By analysing the audio projects as well as related workshops and community engagement initiatives the article demonstrates the power of podcasts as tools for academic research, public education and digital preservation.
Narrative Podcasting in an age of Obsession by Neil Verma: A Review
Authors: Chatterjee Sanhita
Published: October 2024

Neil Verma’s new book Narrative Podcasting in an Age of Obsession progresses our understanding of podcasting by not only unpacking the aesthetic passions of the medium but also unpacking how audio as a medium is able to combine affect, knowledge and memory. The concepts proposed in the book, like recessive epistemology, mimetic obsession and so on will help researchers, students as well as practitioners develop a critical understanding of narrative podcasts. Even though the book only studies American podcasts, the concepts proposed in the book takes podcast studies a step further and will definitely aid scholars across the globe to further their research in their specific contexts.
PENGUKURAN RISIKO PORTOFOLIO SAHAM JAKARTA ISLAMIC INDEX DENGAN STOCHASTIC DOMINANCE
Authors: Rufida Angger Salsabila , Tarno Tarno , Kartikasari Puspita
Published: October 2024

Stocks is one of the assets which has a high level of liquidity. Optimizing stock investment can be done by diversifying the portfolio. Stochastic Dominance is a portfolio formation method that looks at the amount of dominance of each stock pair. This study’s purpose is to apply the Stochastic Dominance method to create an optimal portfolio on sharia index called JII from April 2018 to March 2022. This study indicate that out of the 5 selected stocks, there are 4 stocks that dominate each stock pair, including ADRO, ICBP, PTBA, UNTR. ADRO proportion are 57,14% while ADRO, PTBA, and UNTR’s proportion are each 14,28%. The level of risk on this research is measured by a VaR with historical simulation method. Using this method, the maximum potential loss of the formed portfolio for the next month is 8.5% at a 95% confidence level.
Boosting farm resilience: Integrating vegetables and spices in nutmeg and arecanut agroforestry
Authors: S. Gayathiri  , Rajalingam G.V  , Irene Vethamoni P  , Vanitha K  , Malathi P
Published: October 2024

Experiments were conducted to develop a suitable intercropping model under a nutmeg and areca nut-based mixed farming system for higher productivity in the Thondamuthur region of Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Coriander cv.CO4, Fenugreek cv.CO2, Okra hybrid Co 4, Cluster beans cv. MDU 1, Vegetable cowpea cv.PKM 1, Lablab (bush type) Co(Gb-16)) and Small onion cv.CO 4 was intercropped under 14-year-old Arecanut and 18-year-old Nutmeg trees. The design followed was RBD with three replications. Results revealed that the growth and yield of intercrops were reduced under intercropping compared to pure cropping. Among the intercrops, okra was the least affected, yielding 19.8t/ha, 7.78% lower than pure cropping. Coriander and fenugreek were the most affected. The yield of coriander and fenugreek was 0.43 and 0.47 t/ha, respectively 24.88% and 25.05% lower than pure cropping. The growth of nutmeg and areca nut trees were also influenced due to intercropping with vegetable cowpeas. The increment in DBH of nutmeg was maximum (0.52 cm) with vegetable cowpea intercropping and minimum (0.33 cm) with coriander intercropping. The increment in DBH of arecanut was maximum (0.42 cm) with vegetable cowpea intercropping and minimum (0.25 cm) with fenugreek intercropping. The B:C ratio was highest (2.17) under small onion intercropping. Small onion cultivation was successful under nutmeg and arecanut-based mixed farming systems.
Exploring the effect of fertilizer application on yield and decoding CO2 flux under flooded paddy conditions towards sustainable agriculture
Authors: Abirami R  , Leninraja D  , Jothimani S  , Ramesh P T  , Bhuvaneswari J
Published: October 2024

The impact of organic and inorganic nutrient management on the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), soil properties such as available nutrients, microbial population and soil organic carbon (SOC) were investigated in paddy (Oryza sativa L.) field (at 8o 46’ N Latitude and 77o 42?’ E Longitude) under flooded condition during late pishanam season in 2023-2024. The treatments were designed to observe the effects of applying fertilizer based on the soil test crop response (100 % STCR-based NPK) that had been modified by organic amendments, which include absolute control (unfertilized), inorganic fertilizers, sole application of organic amendments (Farm yard manure, Green leaf manure, Vermicompost and Poultry manure) and combined these organic amendments with inorganic fertilizers. The main objective of this study is to understand the intricate relationship between fertilizers and carbon flux in paddy soils, which is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural practices that minimize environmental harm while ensuring food security. The observation of the experimental field study reported that the combined application of poultry manure at the rate of 5 tonnes per hectare with 100% STCR-based inorganic fertilizer recorded maximum yield and yield attributes. The treatment combination of poultry manure + inorganic fertilizer enhanced in sequestrating the soil organic carbon (0.67%) resulted in higher grain yield (5972 kg ha-1) and also observed that this combination will limit the emission of CO2 to the atmosphere. Therefore, it could be a better choice for carbon storage and higher productivity in a sustainable rice cropping system.
Effect of spermidine intake on skeletal muscle regeneration after chemical injury in male mice
Authors: Iwata Tomohiro , Shirai Takanaga , Uemichi Kazuki , Tanimura Riku , Takemasa Tohru
Published: October 2024

Skeletal muscle has a high regenerative ability and maintains homeostasis by rapidly regenerating from frequent damage caused by intense exercise or trauma. In sports, skeletal muscle damage occurs frequently due to intense exercise, so practical methods to promote skeletal muscle regeneration are required. Recent studies have shown that it may be possible to promote skeletal muscle regeneration through new pathways, such as promoting autophagy and improving mitochondrial function. Spermidine is a type of polyamine, and oral intake of spermidine promotes autophagy and improves mitochondrial function without inhibiting mTOR. Therefore, we evaluate the effects of spermidine intake on skeletal muscle regeneration after injury using a mouse model of cardiotoxin‐induced muscle injury. Our results showed no significant change in skeletal muscle wet weight with spermidine intake at all time points. In addition, although spermidine intake significantly increased the mean fiber cross‐sectional area 14 days after injury, these effects were not observed at other time points. In addition, we analyzed stem cells, autophagy, mTOR signaling, inflammation, and mitochondria, but no significant effects of spermidine intake were observed at almost all time points and protein expression levels. Therefore, spermidine intake does not affect skeletal muscle regeneration after chemical injury, and if there is any, it is very limited.
Heparanase‐induced endothelial glycocalyx degradation exacerbates lung ischemia/reperfusion injury in male mice
Authors: Noda Kentaro , Atale Neha , Al‐Zahrani Amer , Furukawa Masashi , Snyder Mark E. , Ren Xi , Sanchez Pablo G.
Published: October 2024

The endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) is a carbohydrate‐rich layer on the vascular endothelium, and its damage can lead to endothelial and organ dysfunction. Heparanase (HPSE) degrades the eGC in response to cellular stress, but its role in organ dysfunction remains unclear. This study investigates HPSE's role in lung ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. A left lung hilar occlusion model was used in B6 wildtype (WT) and HPSE genetic knockout (−/−) mice to induce I/R injury in vivo. The left lungs were ischemic for 1 h followed by reperfusion for 4 h prior to investigations of lung function and eGC status. Data were compared between uninjured lungs and I/R‐injured lungs in WT and HPSE−/− mice. WT lungs showed significant functional impairment after I/R injury, whereas HPSE−/− lungs did not. Inhibition or knockout of HPSE prevented eGC damage, inflammation, and cellular migration after I/R injury by reducing matrix metalloproteinase activities. HPSE−/− mice exhibited compensatory regulation of related gene expressions. HPSE facilitates eGC degradation leading to inflammation and impaired lung function after I/R injury. HPSE may be a therapeutic target to attenuate graft damage in lung transplantation.
A software tool for fabricating phantoms mimicking human tissues with designated dielectric properties and frequency
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Xu Guofang , Zhang Qiaotian , Liu Henghui , Nan Xiang , Han Jijun
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Dielectric materials play a crucial role in assessing and refining the measurement performance of dielectric properties for specific tasks. The availability of viable and standardized dielectric materials could greatly enhance medical applications related to dielectric properties. However, obtaining reliable phantoms with designated dielectric properties across a specified frequency range remains challenging. In this study, we propose software to easily determine the components of dielectric materials in the frequency range of 16 MHz to 3 GHz.

Methods

A total of 184 phantoms were fabricated and measured using open-ended coaxial probe method. The relationship among dielectric properties, frequency, and the components of dielectric materials was fitted through feedforward neural networks. Software was developed to quickly calculate the composition of dielectric materials.

Results

We performed validation experiments including blood, muscle, skin, and lung tissue phantoms at 128 MHz, 298 MHz, 915 MHz, and 2.45 GHz. Compared with literature values, the relative errors of dielectric properties are less than 15 %.

Conclusions

This study establishes a reliable method for fabricating dielectric materials with designated dielectric properties and frequency through the development of the software. This research holds significant importance in enhancing medical research and applications that rely on tissue simulation using dielectric phantoms.
Towards defining the public interest in technology: lessons from history
Authors: Washington Anne L. , Cheung Joanne
Published: October 2024

The public interest suggests a singular approach to a social good, but lessons from history illustrate the nuances of sharing open space, transportation networks, and policy mandates. Serving the public exists across a spectrum of possibilities. In this essay, we consider how the emerging field of public interest technology could learn from previous assumptions about who counts as the public and how benefits or harms can be overly concentrated in certain populations. We situate public interest technology as a growing capability of government public service, an institutionalized professional practice like public interest law, as well as a site of critical inquiry. Our definition of the public interest is motivated by a theory of change that recognizes the strength of inclusion. Punctuated with historic and contemporary examples, this essay argues that by acknowledging conflicts of interest and embracing the marginal, public interest technology could build ethical infrastructures to serve all.
59. Kolloquium der Südwestdeutschen und Schweizerischen Kriminologischen Institute und Lehrstühle – Tagungsbericht
Authors: Brettel Hauke , Weinand Marisa , Steffan Christian , Schallert Christoph , Ramm Yannick , Tries Marc , Horten Barbara
Published: October 2024

Vom 27. bis 29. Juni 2024 fand im Wilhelm-Kempf-Haus in Wiesbaden-Naurod bei Mainz das 59. Kolloquium der Südwestdeutschen und Schweizerischen Kriminologischen Institute und Lehrstühle statt. Veranstalter waren der Lehrstuhl für Kriminologie, Strafrecht und Medizinrecht der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz und das Zentrum für interdisziplinäre Forensik (ZiF). Insgesamt wurden zehn Forschungsprojekte und Berichte vorgestellt.
Exploring deceptions: cognitive strategies and dynamics in espionage
Authors: Lenzi Rafael G.
Published: October 2024

The paper examines deceptions employed during the Cold War with the purpose of exploring their underlying conceptions, mechanisms, and applications. It focuses on the interactions between the deceiver and the deceived, analyzing both sides’ perspectives. The examination centers on declassified guides, recently published as The Official
C.I.A. Manual of Trickery and Deception, which contain detailed instructions concerning how spies should carry out their activities of deception. Three kinds of procedures were selected for analysis: behavior in public for men and women, group infiltration, and the use of secret recognition signals. To provide a practical visualization, the 2012 movie Argo, based on a real-life operation using the same principles, is complementarily analyzed. Merleau-Ponty’s approach to perception and sensation is considered along with Husserl’s concepts of sedimentation and lifeworld, while narrative semiotics and its framework guide the treatment of textuality and the approach to persuasion. The article conceives of sedimentation and contemplation of the lifeworld as mandatory components of a kind of deception that is primarily acted, reflecting upon how the spies’ interference affects the environment. The results indicate a common structure for deceptions that builds on what Greimas calls a “fiduciary contract.”
A comparative syntax of the formal politeness markers in Japanese and Korean: -Mas/-Des and -(Su)pni
Authors: An Duk-Ho
Published: October 2024

Taking Miyagawa’s (2022. Syntax in the treetops. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press) discussion as a point of departure, I examine the properties of the formal politeness markers in Japanese and Korean, namely, -mas/-des and -(su)pni. Besides being markers of formal politeness (or allocutive agreement), these elements are parallel in that they are all limited to Emonds’ (1970. Root and structure-preserving transformations. Ph.D. dissertation, MIT) root contexts and are able to license special interrogative particles, which according to Miyagawa (2022. Syntax in the treetops. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press) is a consequence of their head-to-head φ-feature movement. In addition to the systematic similarities, there is an important difference concerning their base-generation in TP-internal and TP-external positions, which I suggest reflects a general pattern of grammaticalization in these languages. In addition to providing support for Miyagawa’s analysis, the discussion in this paper also shows that aspects of the behavior of Japanese and Korean, such as the formal politeness markers -mas/-des and -(su)pni, can generally be better understood when they are analyzed side-by-side rather than in isolation.
Piliečių į(si)traukimo galimybės tvarkant vietos reikalus Klaipėdos miesto savivaldybėje
Authors: Stumbraitė-Vilkišienė Edita
Published: October 2024

Piliečių dalyvavimo problematiką tiriantys mokslininkai akcentuoja, kad demokratiniuose procesuose pasigendama aktyvaus piliečių
įsitraukimo į viešųjų klausimų sprendimą, eilinis pilietis paprastai yra apatiškas ir tingus veikti. Drauge pažymima, kad vietos savivalda
yra arčiausiai gyventojų veikianti valdžia, kuri gali parinkti tinkamiausius bendravimo su gyventojais būdus ir priemones, atsižvelgdama
į vietos sąlygas ir gyventojų poreikius. Straipsnyje siekiama įvertinti, kokias piliečių įtraukimo galimybes siūlo Klaipėdos miesto
savivaldybės administracija. Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos piliečių dalyvavimo ir įtraukimo sampratų skirtys, teisės aktuose reglamentuojamos
gyventojų dalyvavimo galimybės. Atlikus empirinį kokybinį tyrimą, gautų rezultatų pagrindu, taikant turinio analizės metodą,
įvertinta, kaip dažnai 2023 metais Klaipėdos miesto savivaldybės gyventojai buvo kviečiami įsitraukti į įvairias su viešaisiais reikalais
susijusias veiklas, kokiose srityse ir kokiais būdais gyventojų dalyvavimo buvo tikimasi tvarkant vietos reikalus. Piliečių įtraukimo galimybės
vertinamos tiesioginio individualaus dalyvavimo aspektu, plačiau nedetalizuojant organizuoto (grupinio) įtraukimo galimybių.
Historical archaeology in the Indian Ocean world
Authors: Rødland Henriette
Published: October 2024

This edited volume by Mark Hauser and Julia Jong Haines aims to bring together local narratives within the context of the Indian Ocean in modern times, from c. AD 1500, and establish how these narratives can inform historical archaeology. As the editors highlight in the introductory chapter, historical archaeology has been greatly informed and inspired by the Atlantic world and its colonial histories. Here, they seek instead to foreground the Indian Ocean as a setting for historical archaeology in its own right. The authors use the long and deep history of interconnectedness and trade in this ocean as a basis for understanding more recent history, not just in light of colonial impact but through bottom-up approaches that focus on the local in the global. The case studies in this book and its overall theme are also part of the ongoing process to decentralise Europe in archaeological discourse. The book consists of 11 chapters, including an introductory chapter by Haines and Hauser and two commentaries. The majority of the case studies are from island East Africa or South India, which naturally limits the scope somewhat.
Revealing the Spatial Pattern of Brain Hemodynamic Sensitivity to Healthy Aging through Sparse Dynamic Causal Model
Authors: Baron Giorgia , Silvestri Erica , Benozzo Danilo , Chiuso Alessandro , Bertoldo Alessandra
Published: October 2024

Age-related changes in the BOLD response could reflect neurovascular coupling modifications rather than simply impairments in neural functioning. In this study, we propose the use of a sparse dynamic causal model (sDCM) to decouple neuronal and vascular factors in the BOLD signal, with the aim of characterizing the whole-brain spatial pattern of hemodynamic sensitivity to healthy aging, as well as to test the role of hemodynamic features as independent predictors in an age-classification model. sDCM was applied to the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of a cohort of 126 healthy individuals in a wide age range (31 females), providing reliable estimates of the hemodynamic response function (HRF) for each subject and each region of interest. Then, some features characterizing each HRF curve were extracted and used to fit a multivariate logistic regression model predicting the age class of each individual. Ultimately, we tested the final predictive model on an independent dataset of 338 healthy subjects (173 females) selected from the Human Connectome Project in Aging and Development cohorts. Our results entail the spatial heterogeneity of the age effects on the hemodynamic component, since its impact resulted to be strongly region- and population-specific, discouraging any space-invariant–corrective procedures that attempt to correct for vascular factors when carrying out functional studies involving groups with different ages. Moreover, we demonstrated that a strong interaction exists between certain right-hemisphere hemodynamic features and age, further supporting the essential role of the hemodynamic factor as independent predictor of biological aging, rather than a simple confounding variable.
Alternative splicing generates isoform diversity in MEN1
Authors: Ramachandran Anassuya , Le Quesne Stabej Polona , Boyle Veronica , Elston Marianne S , Pattison Sharon , Lawrence Ben , Print Cris
Published: October 2024

Although the gene MEN1 has a long-standing association with cancer, its mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood, acting both as a tumour suppressor in neuroendocrine tumours and as an oncogene in leukaemia. The best-characterised isoform of the encoded protein, MENIN, is the 610-amino acid MENIN isoform 2. We hypothesise that some of the complexity of MEN1 biology can be attributed to a currently unappreciated contribution of different MENIN isoforms. Through in silico data mining, we show alternative splicing along the entire length of MEN1. Splice junction data suggest that the transcript encoding MENIN isoform 2 is the most abundant in all tissues examined, making a strong argument for this to be the reference transcript/protein isoform of MEN1. We also report novel splicing events, including a novel exon from within intron 7 that is relatively highly expressed in many tissues. These splicing events are predicted to contribute to MENIN diversity by generating isoforms with in-frame insertions, deletions or unique amino termini that, in turn, could have altered interactions with partner proteins. Finally, we have compiled 2574 unique genomic variants reported in MEN1 within somatic and germline databases and have identified several variants that could impact individual MENIN isoforms. We have also collated studies pertinent to MENIN function in the literature and summarised the impact of MEN1 variants on 74 biological variables. We propose a set of four MEN1 variants, MENINL22R, MENINH139D, MENINA242V and MENINW436R, that represent a cohort with different biological properties, which should be investigated concurrently to better dissect MENIN function.
Effect of furfural residue ash (FRA) as additive on Portland cement and magnesium oxysulfate cement
Authors: Sun Yining , Sun Ruize , Jia Xin , An Ping , Liu Yujian , Wu Jinjie , Song Xingfei , Xu Guangwen
Published: October 2024

The global production of furfural generates substantial amounts of furfural residue waste annually, which, if not properly managed, can lead to significant environmental pollution. However, the ash produced from the combustion of this biomass waste shows promise as a cement additive, offering an innovative solution for furfural residue management. In this study, ash obtained from the combustion of furfural residue in industrial boilers was used as an additive in both Portland cement and magnesium oxysulfate cement, with concentrations ranging from 5% to 20%. Mortar specimens were then prepared and tested for compressive and flexural strength at 3, 7, and 28 days. The results indicated that at a 10 wt% addition, the formation of cotton-like structures and ettringite needles was most pronounced, resulting in the highest compressive and flexural strengths in the Portland cement specimens. Similarly, in magnesium oxysulfate cement, a 10 wt% ash addition significantly promoted the formation of the 5·1·7 phase, leading to the highest compressive strength. In summary, under appropriate conditions, furfural residue ash can be effectively utilized as a cement additive, contributing to resource recovery and sustainable waste management.
Genetic and clinical factors influencing CF-associated liver disease: the impact of SERPINA1 variants and CFTR genotypes in Romanian pediatric cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Moiceanu Elena-Simona , Stan Iustina Violeta , Moșescu Simona Elena , Chiș Adina , Vulturar Romana , Leucuța Daniel-Corneliu , Nițescu Gabriela Viorela , Iacobescu Maria , Petran Elena Mădălina , Dumitrașcu Dan Lucian
Published: October 2024

Background. Hepatic disease represents a significant complication in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), yet its relationship with specific genetic factors, including CFTR (Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) mutations and SERPINA1 alleles, is not well understood. This study aims to clarify these associations within a Romanian pediatric CF population.
Methods. In this cross-sectional, prospective study, we examined 71 children with CF, comparing those with hepatic disease (n=25) to those without (n=46). We collected comprehensive clinical, biochemical, and genetic data, focusing on CFTR genotypes and SERPINA1 alleles. Key outcomes included the prevalence of hepatic disease in relation to specific genotypes, fibrosis markers, and liver function tests.
Results. The DF508/DF508 genotype was the most prevalent, occurring in 49% of the cohort. No significant associations were found between hepatic disease and specific CFTR genotypes or SERPINA1 alleles. However, children with hepatic disease exhibited significantly higher fibrosis scores (APRI and FIB-4), suggesting more advanced liver involvement. Additionally, a slight delay in CF diagnosis was observed in those with hepatic disease, though this difference did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion. This pioneering study in Romania underscores the complexity of hepatic disease in CF. While specific CFTR genotypes and SERPINA1 alleles were not significantly associated with hepatic complications, the findings emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and monitoring using fibrosis markers to identify children at risk for liver involvement.