bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blight of moss caused by Pythium sp. in Greenland
Authors: Hoshino Tamotsu , Tojo Motoaki , Yomoto Isao
Published: January 2024

Pythium sp. actively attacks mosses (Sanionia uncinata) growing in Kangerlussuaq, Ammassalik, Kulusuk, and Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland. This is the first report of the occurrence of Pythium moss blight in Greenland. All isolates from Greenland could grow at o ° C, and the mycelial growth rate of isolates from Greenland, compared with that of isolates from the Temperate Zone, were very low at temperatures above 10°C. However, the optimal growth temperature of Greenlandic isolates was the same as that of isolates from the Temperate Zone. These results suggest that isolates of Greenland originally developed from isolates from the Temperate Zone and adapted to growth under Arctic conditions.
Agrocybe praemagna; a new alpine species from Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, USA
Authors: Moser Meinhard M. , Horak Egon
Published: January 2024

Agrocybe praemagna is described as a new species occurring in open alpine (occasionally also subalpine) habitats of the Rocky Mts., USA. Based upon relevant literature records a summary of Agrocybe species reported from alpine and arctic localities is presented.
The ISAM 6 Symposium, itinerary and list of participants and contributors
Authors: Borgen Thorbjørn , Knudsen Henning
Published: January 2024

Not relevant
Benthic carbon cycling in Young Sound, Northeast Greenland
Authors: Thamdrup Bo , Glud Ronnie N. , Hansen Jens W.
Published: January 2024

We present a synthesis of studies on benthic carbon cycling and related biogeochemical aspects performed in High Arctic Young Sound. Benthic carbon oxidation rates measured as the exchange of oxygen and DIC across the sediment/water interface increased rapidly from c. 5 to 10 mmol m-2 d-1 following the summer thaw in response to the settling of planktonic debris. Within few weeks, the exchange rates at 36 m depth returned to c. 5 mmol m-2 d-1. This background level was maintained throughout the rest of the annual cycle and found repeatedly over several years. The background activity was also maintained for 400 days in sediment cores incubated without external carbon sources, demonstrating that benthic carbon cycling was fuelled mainly by a large pool of relatively inert organic matter with a half-life >>1 yr.

Carbon oxidation rates decreased exponentially with water depth, the difference between 20 m and 163 m being approximately a factor of 6, while oxygen penetration increased from 7 to 16 mm over this range. Except for the shallowest sites, sulfate reduction was the most important carbon oxidation process, contributing 40–50%, while denitrification accounted for less than 5%. The remaining mineralization was shared equally between microbial iron reduction and aerobic respiration. Integrated over the entire outer Young Sound area, 1.3 Gg organic C was oxidized and 0.57 Gg organic C was buried. Thus, c. 30% of the organic carbon flux to the seafloor was preserved in the sedimentary record. Half of the carbon oxidation occurred at water depths shallower than 30 m, while burial was focused at the depths of around 80–100 m dominating the basin hypsometry. Sediment incubation experiments showed Q10 values of 2–3 for carbon oxidation rates, which agrees well with data from temperate sediments. Thus, patterns of carbon mineralization are qualitatively similar in Arctic and temperate sediments, but the low water temperature during settlement of spring and summer blooms leads to a less pronounced benthic-pelagic coupling in Arctic than in temperate coastal waters.
Benthic primary production in Young Sound, Northeast Greenland
Authors: Krause-Jensen Dorthe , Kühl Michael , Christensen Peter B. , Borum Jens
Published: January 2024

The extreme and variable light climate of polar marine environments imposes a substantial limitation on benthic primary production and demands efficient adaptive capacities of the primary producers. This chapter reviews the composition, abundance, primary production and adaptive strategies of benthic primary producers in Young Sound. Benthic primary producers occurred in the 0-50 m depth range and the relative importance of microalgae, crustose coralline macroalgae and foliose macroalgae varied systematically with depth. On a summer day with optimal light conditions benthic primary production showed a maximum of c.

70 mmol O2 m-2 d-1 in shallow water. Production rates declined gradually to c. 20 mmol O2 m-2 d-1at 10–20 m depth and to 2.5 mmol O2 m-2 d-1 at 30 m depth.

Foliose macroalgae contributed markedly to primary production in shallow water but became insignificant at water depths >15 m, while benthic diatoms contributed most to primary production at intermediate water depths (5-30 m). At water depths greater than 30 m only coralline algae occurred, but their production was low because of their low abundance, low Pmax and the low ambient irradiance at those depths. All algal groups were well adapted to the ambient irradiance and could, within minutes, acclimate their photosynthetic performance to changing light conditions. The benthic primary production in Young Sound markedly surpassed the pelagic primary production down to water depths of 20 m and the results thereby underline the potential  importance of benthic primary production in shallow-water Arctic ecosystems.
An estimation of walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) predation on bivalves in the Young Sound area (NE Greenland)
Authors: Born Erik W. , Acquarone Mario
Published: January 2024

The total consumption of bivalve prey by walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) in the important inshore summer feeding area Young Sound (about 74° N) in Northeast Greenland was estimated. To determine relative area use, the movement and activity of three adult male walruses carrying satellite transmitters were studied during the open-water season in 1999 and 2001. Because one of the animals was tracked during both years the study covered a total of four “walrus seasons”.

Overall, the animals spent c. 30% of their time in the water inshore in Young Sound between Sandøen and Zackenberg. The remaining time was spent along the coast north and south of Young Sound and offshore in the Greenland Sea. The total amount of bivalve food consumed in Young Sound by the walruses during a total of 1620 “walrus feeding days” was calculated from information on the total number of walruses using the area (n=60), occupancy in the study area, and estimates obtained from satellite telemetry on the number of daily feeding dives (118-181/24 h at sea). Depending on the applied estimator of number of feeding dives, the estimated consumption by walruses of shell-free (SF) bivalve wet weight (WW) during the open-water period ranged between 111 and 171 tons.

Based on estimates of mean total body mass (TBM: 1000 kg) of walruses using the area and daily per capita gross food intake (6% of TBM), the corresponding estimate of consumption by walruses is c. 97 tons SF WW. It is suggested that the two lowest estimates of total consumption are the most plausible.
The annual organic carbon budget of Young Sound, NE Greenland
Authors: Glud Ronnie N. , Rysgaard Søren
Published: January 2024

On the basis of data presented in the previous chapters a carbon budget for the respective compartments of the outer region of Young Sound (76 km2) was established. The average and maximum water depth of the region was 76 m and 177 m, respectively. Primary production was mainly related to the activity of phytoplankton (65%), benthic macrophytes (21%) and benthic microphytes (13%), while the contribution sea-ice algae and corallines was negligible (<1%). The pelagic grazing community was completely dominated by copepods, which were capable of consuming 87% of the pelagic primary production.

The benthic carbon demand was almost balanced by the measured sedimentation of POC and the benthic primary production. The organic carbon collected in the sediment traps was estimated to consist of 40% terrestrial carbon, 20% fecal pellets, while the rest was poorly defined marine detritus. The benthic sink for settling organic material was dominated by microbial respiration (59%) and only to a minor extent related to macrofauna respiration (15%) and carbon preservation (26%).

The total primary production in the region (1119 t C yr-1) only sustained c. 40% the estimated organic carbon demand (2850 t C yr-1). Thus, the independently determined input of TOC (990 t C yr-1) imported to Region 1 from land via freshwater runoff and the TOC import of 1446 t C yr-1 from the Greenland Sea are required to balance the carbon sinks of the net heterotrophic region. A complete balance between the respective compartments cannot be expected, as the various components of the carbon budget are determined independently. The microbial and viral loops remain poorly constrained, as does the carbon demand of the top predators. Only the importance of walrus was quantitatively assessed.
Effects of climate variation on the breeding ecology of Arctic shorebirds
Authors: Meltofte Hans , Piersma Theunis , Boyd Hugh , McCaffery, Brian , Ganter Barbara , Golovnyuk Viktor V. , Graham Katherine , Gratto-Trevor Cheri L. , Morrison R.I.G. , Nol Erica , Rösner Hans-Ulrich , Schamel Douglas , Schekkerman Hans , Soloviev Mikhail Y. , Tomkovich Pavel S. , Tracy Diane M. , Tulp Ingrid , Wennerberg Liv
Published: January 2024

About 50 species of shorebirds breed in the Arctic, where they constitute the most characteristic component of the tundra avifauna. Here, we review the impact of weather and climate on the breeding cycle of shorebirds based on extensive studies conducted across the Arctic. Conditions for breeding shorebirds are highly variable among species, sites and regions, both within and between continents.

Weather effects on breeding are most moderate in the Low Arctic of northern Europe and most extreme in the Siberian High Arctic. The decision of whether or not to breed upon arrival on the breeding grounds, the timing of egg-laying and the chick-growth period are most affected by annual variation in weather. In large parts of the Arctic, clutch initiation dates are highly correlated with snowmelt dates and in regions and years where extensive snowmelt occurs before or soon after the arrival of shorebirds, the decision to breed and clutch initiation dates appear to be a function of food availability for laying females. Once incubation is initiated, adult shorebirds appear fairly resilient to variations in temperature with nest abandonment primarily occurring in case of severe weather with new snow covering the ground. Feeding conditions for chicks, a factor highly influenced by weather, affects juvenile production in most regions.

Predation has a very strong impact on breeding productivity throughout the Arctic and subarctic, with lemming Dicrostonyx spp. and Lemmus spp. fluctuations strongly influencing predation rates, particularly in the Siberian Arctic.

The fate of Arctic shorebirds under projected future climate scenarios is uncertain, but High Arctic species and populations appear particularly at risk. Climatic amelioration may benefit Arctic shorebirds in the short term by increasing both survival and productivity, whereas in the long term habitat changes both on the breeding grounds and in the temperate and tropical non-breeding areas may put them under considerable pressure and may bring some of them near to extinction. Their relatively low genetic diversity, which is thought to be a consequence of survival through past climatically-driven population bottlenecks, may also put them more at risk to anthropogenic-induced climate variation than other avian taxa.
The ability to sense the environment is heterogeneously distributed in cell populations
Authors: Goetz Andrew , Akl Hoda , Dixit Purushottam
Published: January 2024

Channel capacity of signaling networks quantifies their fidelity in sensing extracellular inputs. Low estimates of channel capacities for several mammalian signaling networks suggest that cells can barely detect the presence/absence of environmental signals. However, given the extensive heterogeneity and temporal stability of cell state variables, we hypothesize that the sensing ability itself may depend on the state of the cells. In this work, we present an information theoretic framework to quantify the distribution of sensing abilities from single cell data. Using data on two mammalian pathways, we show that sensing abilities are widely distributed in the population and most cells achieve better resolution of inputs compared to an “
average cell
”. We verify these predictions using live cell imaging data on the IGFR/FoxO pathway. Importantly, we identify cell state variables that correlate with cells’ sensing abilities. This information theoretic framework will significantly improve our understanding of how cells sense in their environment.
NAD+ prevents septic shock-induced death by non-canonical inflammasome blockade and IL-10 cytokine production in macrophages
Authors: Iske Jasper , El Fatimy Rachid , Nian Yeqi , Ghouzlani Amina , Eskandari Siawosh K. , Cetina Biefer Hector Rodriguez , Vasudevan Anju , Elkhal Abdallah
Published: January 2024

Septic shock is characterized by an excessive inflammatory response depicted in a cytokine storm that results from invasive bacterial, fungi, protozoa, and viral infections. Non-canonical inflammasome activation is crucial in the development of septic shock promoting pyroptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine production via caspase-11 and Gasdermin-D (GSDMD). Here, we show that NAD+ treatment protected mice towards bacterial and LPS induced endotoxic shock by blocking the non-canonical inflammasome specifically. NAD+ administration impeded systemic IL-1β and IL-18 production and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis of macrophages via the IFN-β/STAT-1 signaling machinery. More importantly, NAD+ administration not only improved casp-11-/- survival but rendered WT mice completely resistant to septic shock via the IL-10 signaling pathway that was independent from the non-canonical inflammasome. Here, we delineated a two-sided effect of NAD+ blocking septic shock through a specific inhibition of the non-canonical inflammasome and promoting immune homeostasis via IL-10, underscoring its unique therapeutic potential.
Piezo1 mechanosensing regulates integrin-dependent chemotactic migration in human T cells
Authors: Liu Chinky Shiu Chen , Mandal Tithi , Biswas Parijat , Hoque Md. Asmaul , Bandopadhyay Purbita , Sinha Bishnu Prasad , Sarif Jafar , D’Rozario Ranit , Sinha Deepak Kumar , Sinha Bidisha , Ganguly Dipyaman
Published: January 2024

T cells are crucial for efficient antigen-specific immune responses and thus their migration within the body, to inflamed tissues from circulating blood or to secondary lymphoid organs, play a very critical role. T cell extravasation in inflamed tissues depends on chemotactic cues and interaction between endothelial adhesion molecules and cellular integrins. A migrating T cell is expected to sense diverse external and membrane-intrinsic mechano-physical cues, but molecular mechanisms of such mechanosensing in cell migration are not established. We explored if the professional mechanosensor Piezo1 play any role during integrin-dependent chemotaxis of human T cells. We found that deficiency of Piezo1 in human T cells interfered with integrin-dependent cellular motility on ICAM-1-coated surface. Piezo1 recruitment at the leading edge of moving T cells is dependent on and follows focal adhesion formation at the leading edge and local increase in membrane tension on chemokine receptor activation. Piezo1 recruitment and activation, followed by calcium influx and calpain activation, in turn are crucial for the integrin LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) recruitment at the leading edge of the chemotactic human T cells. Thus, we find that Piezo1 activation in response to local mechanical cues constitutes a membrane-intrinsic component of the ‘outside-in’ signaling in human T cells, migrating in response to chemokines, that mediates integrin recruitment to the leading edge.
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone is a direct inhibitor of human and murine pyridoxal phosphatase
Authors: Brenner Marian , Zink Christoph , Witzinger Linda , Keller Angelika , Hadamek Kerstin , Bothe Sebastian , Neuenschwander Martin , Villmann Carmen , von Kries Jens Peter , Schindelin Hermann , Jeanclos Elisabeth , Gohla Antje
Published: January 2024

Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to cognitive impairment in human brain disorders for decades. Still, the molecular mechanisms linking vitamin B6 to these pathologies remain poorly understood, and whether vitamin B6 supplementation improves cognition is unclear as well. Pyridoxal 5’-phosphate phosphatase (PDXP), an enzyme that controls levels of pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP), the co-enzymatically active form of vitamin B6, may represent an alternative therapeutic entry point into vitamin B6-associated pathologies. However, pharmacological PDXP inhibitors to test this concept are lacking. We now identify a PDXP and age-dependent decline of PLP levels in the murine hippocampus that provides a rationale for the development of PDXP inhibitors. Using a combination of small-molecule screening, protein crystallography, and biolayer interferometry, we discover, visualize, and analyze 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) as a direct and potent PDXP inhibitor. 7,8-DHF binds and reversibly inhibits PDXP with low micromolar affinity and sub-micromolar potency. In mouse hippocampal neurons, 7,8-DHF increases PLP in a PDXP-dependent manner. These findings validate PDXP as a druggable target. Of note, 7,8-DHF is a well-studied molecule in brain disorder models, although its mechanism of action is actively debated. Our discovery of 7,8-DHF as a PDXP inhibitor offers novel mechanistic insights into the controversy surrounding 7,8-DHF-mediated effects in the brain.
Deep learning insights into the architecture of the mammalian egg-sperm fusion synapse
Authors: Elofsson Arne , Han Ling , Bianchi Enrica , Wright Gavin J , Jovine Luca
Published: January 2024

A crucial event in sexual reproduction is when haploid sperm and egg fuse to form a new diploid organism at fertilization. In mammals, direct interaction between egg JUNO and sperm IZUMO1 mediates gamete membrane adhesion, yet their role in fusion remains enigmatic. We used AlphaFold to predict the structure of other extracellular proteins essential for fertilization to determine if they could form a complex that may mediate fusion. We first identified TMEM81, whose gene is expressed by mouse and human spermatids, as a protein having structural homologies with both IZUMO1 and another sperm molecule essential for gamete fusion, SPACA6. Using a set of proteins known to be important for fertilization and TMEM81, we then systematically searched for predicted binary interactions using an unguided approach and identified a pentameric complex involving sperm IZUMO1, SPACA6, TMEM81 and egg JUNO, CD9. This complex is structurally consistent with both the expected topology on opposing gamete membranes and the location of predicted N-glycans not modeled by AlphaFold-Multimer, suggesting that its components could organize into a synapse-like assembly at the point of fusion. Finally, the structural modeling approach described here could be more generally useful to gain insights into transient protein complexes difficult to detect experimentally.
Deep learning insights into the architecture of the mammalian egg-sperm fusion synapse
Authors: Elofsson Arne , Han Ling , Bianchi Enrica , Wright Gavin J. , Jovine Luca
Published: January 2024

Fertilization is a crucial event in sexual reproduction culminating in the fusion of the haploid sperm and egg to form a new diploid organism. In mammals, egg receptor JUNO and sperm IZUMO1 directly interact to mediate adhesion between gamete membranes; however, their role in fusion remains enigmatic. Here, we used AlphaFold to predict the structure of other extracellular proteins that are essential for fertilization to determine if they could form a complex that may mediate fusion. We first identified TMEM81, whose gene is expressed by mouse and human spermatids, as a protein that has structural homologies with both IZUMO1 and another sperm molecule essential for gamete fusion, SPACA6. Using a set of proteins known to be important for fertilization and TMEM81, we then systematically searched for predicted direct binary interactions using an unguided approach and identified a pentameric complex of three sperm (IZUMO1, SPACA6 and TMEM81) and two egg (JUNO and CD9) proteins. We show that this complex is structurally consistent with both the expected topology on opposing gamete membranes and the location of predicted N-linked glycans that were not considered during prediction with AlphaFold-Multimer. Our model suggests that these proteins could organize to form a synapse-like complex between the sperm and egg membrane at the point of fertilization. Finally, the structural modeling approach described here could be more generally useful to gain structural insights into highly transient protein complexes that are difficult to detect experimentally.
Neutrophil extracellular traps in central nervous system (CNS) diseases
Authors: Shao Bo-Zong , Jiang Jing-Jing , Zhao Yi-Cheng , Zheng Xiao-Rui , Xi Na , Zhao Guan-Ren , Huang Xiao-Wu , Wang Shu-Ling
Published: January 2024

Excessive induction of inflammatory and immune responses is widely considered as one of vital factors contributing to the pathogenesis and progression of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Neutrophils are well-studied members of inflammatory and immune cell family, contributing to the innate and adaptive immunity. Neutrophil-released neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play an important role in the regulation of various kinds of diseases, including CNS diseases. In this review, current knowledge on the biological features of NETs will be introduced. In addition, the role of NETs in several popular and well-studied CNS diseases including cerebral stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and neurological cancers will be described and discussed through the reviewing of previous related studies.
Temporal trends of land-use favourability for the strongly declining little bustard: assessing the role of protected areas
Authors: González del Portillo David , Morales Manuel B. , Arroyo Beatriz
Published: January 2024

The little bustard (Tetrax tetrax) is a steppe bird strongly and negatively influenced by agricultural intensification in Europe. Here, we use the little bustard as a model species to examine how favourability (relative occurrence likelihood of a species based on environmental characteristics, such as habitat availability) varies regionally with degree of protection in north-western Spain. The Natura2000 network is one of the main biodiversity conservation tools of the European Union, aiming to protect areas hosting species of conservation concern from unfavourable land-use changes. The network covers many landscapes across the continent, including farmland. Additionally, we examine the relationship between trends in land-use favourability and little bustard population trends over a decade in the Nature Reserve of Lagunas de Villafáfila, a protected area also in the Natura2000 network where active and intense management focused on steppe bird conservation is carried out. Favourability was much greater in Villafáfila than in both protected areas with lower degree of protection and in non-protected areas. Land-use favourability increased slightly between 2011 and 2020 both in and out of protected areas, whereas little bustard populations declined sharply in that period, even in Villafáfila. Spatial variations in little bustard abundance within Villafáfila depended on social attraction (increasing with the number of neighbouring males) but not significantly on small-scale variations in land-use favourability. These results suggest that land-use management in Natura2000 areas needs to be more conservation-focused, favouring natural and seminatural habitats and traditional farming practices to improve land-use favourability for little bustards and other steppe birds. Additional factors, such as field-level agricultural management or social interaction variables that may cause an Allee effect, should be incorporated in little bustard favourability models to improve their use in conservation planning.
Metagenomic assembly is the main bottleneck in the identification of mobile genetic elements
Authors: Kerkvliet Jesse J. , Bossers Alex , Kers Jannigje G. , Meneses Rodrigo , Willems Rob , Schürch Anita C.
Published: January 2024

Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) are commonly found on acquired mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as plasmids or transposons. Understanding the spread of resistance genes associated with mobile elements (mARGs) across different hosts and environments requires linking ARGs to the existing mobile reservoir within bacterial communities. However, reconstructing mARGs in metagenomic data from diverse ecosystems poses computational challenges, including genome fragment reconstruction (assembly), high-throughput annotation of MGEs, and identification of their association with ARGs. Recently, several bioinformatics tools have been developed to identify assembled fragments of plasmids, phages, and insertion sequence (IS) elements in metagenomic data. These methods can help in understanding the dissemination of mARGs. To streamline the process of identifying mARGs in multiple samples, we combined these tools in an automated high-throughput open-source pipeline, MetaMobilePicker, that identifies ARGs associated with plasmids, IS elements and phages, starting from short metagenomic sequencing reads. This pipeline was used to identify these three elements on a simplified simulated metagenome dataset, comprising whole genome sequences from seven clinically relevant bacterial species containing 55 ARGs, nine plasmids and five phages. The results demonstrated moderate precision for the identification of plasmids (0.57) and phages (0.71), and moderate sensitivity of identification of IS elements (0.58) and ARGs (0.70). In this study, we aim to assess the main causes of this moderate performance of the MGE prediction tools in a comprehensive manner. We conducted a systematic benchmark, considering metagenomic read coverage, contig length cutoffs and investigating the performance of the classification algorithms. Our analysis revealed that the metagenomic assembly process is the primary bottleneck when linking ARGs to identified MGEs in short-read metagenomics sequencing experiments rather than ARGs and MGEs identification by the different tools.
Effects of nanoplastics on the gut microbiota of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Zhu Chenxi , Li Yiming , Liu Guoxing , Abdullah Anisah Lee , Jiang Qichen
Published: January 2024

Nanoplastics (NPs) are an abundant, long-lasting, and widespread type of environmental pollution that is of increasing concern because of the serious threats they might pose to ecosystems and species. Identifying the ecological effects of plastic pollution requires understanding the effects of NPs on aquatic organisms. Here, we used the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) as a model species to investigate whether ingestion of polystyrene NPs affects gut microbes and leads to metabolic changes in L. vannamei. The abundance of Proteobacteria increased and that of Bacteroidota decreased after NPs treatment. Specifically, Vibrio spp., photobacterium spp., Xanthomarina spp., and Acinetobacter spp. increased in abundance, whereas Sulfitobacter spp. and Pseudoalteromonas spp. decreased. Histological observations showed that L. vannamei exposed to NP displayed a significantly lower intestinal fold height and damaged intestinal structures compared with the control group. Exposure to NPs also stimulated alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme, and acid phosphatase activity, resulting in an immune response in L. vannamei. In addition, the content of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and glucose were significantly altered after NP exposure. These results provided significant ecotoxicological data that can be used to better understand the biological fate and effects of NPs in L. vannamei.
Lineamientos para la aplicación de licencias Creative Commons a los resultados de investigación
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Published: January 2024

Las licencias Creative Commons, CC, son autorizaciones de uso mundial y estandarizadas que facilitan a los autores otorgar licencias sobre sus obras al público, seleccionando las condiciones que ellos hayan determinado previamente
Formulation of Emulsion Paint Derived from Waste Expanded Polystyrene as a Binder
Authors: Titus Uhiene , Kalu Kalu M. , Saa-Aondo Mtswen , John Luntsi , Chinedu Emmanuel K. , Yelwa J. M.
Published: January 2024

Emulsion paint, also known as water-based paint, is a type of paint that consists of small water droplets suspended in a binder. The binder, typically made of acrylic or vinyl acetate polymers, acts as a film-forming agent that holds the pigments and other additives together. Emulsion paint was formulated from waste expanded polystyrene as a binder. The formulated emulsion paint which underwent a three-staged process had a pH of 7.82, density of 1.31 g/cm3, the drying time was 15-20 and 85-90 minutes for the set to touch and set to hard drying times respectively, viscosity of 10.4 Cp. The formulated paint exhibited good adhesion, tackiness, opacity, flexibility and stability properties. The paint also possessed good resistance to blistering; which indicates that it has good external exposure resistance and thus; can perform well when exposed to environmental conditions such as rain and sun. Effects of concentration on viscosity, density, melting point, refractive index, moisture uptake, turbidity, elongation at break and water solubility were studied for the polystyrene binder to ascertain for its suitability. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer was employed to characterized the binder. This investigation revealed favourable properties of a conventional emulsion paint inherent in the formulated polystyrene binder derived emulsion paint such as, drying time, moisture uptake, water solubility.
Constraints and Suggestions of Fruit Crop Growers of Vijayapura District, India
Authors: Chikkalaki Anil Sidaray , Krishnamurthy B.
Published: January 2024

The study was conducted in Vijayapura district of Karnataka during 2019-20 to analyse the constraints and suggestions of fruit crop growers. Forty each grape, lime and pomegranate growers were selected by use of simple random sampling technique. Thus, making a total sample size of 120. Personal interview method was used to collect data and appropriate statistical tools were applied to analyse the data. The findings revealed that, with respect to the constraints faced by fruit crop growers in fruit crop production, production constraints were lack of irrigation facilities (87.50%) followed by high cost of inputs (73.33%). Major financial constraints were non-availability of credit at right time (73.33%) followed by inadequate credit (70.83%). High wages (70.00%) and non-availability of labourer (61.67%) were the main issues relating to labour constraints. Regarding marketing constraints, fluctuating price (87.17%) followed by delayed cash payment and exploitation by middlemen (77.50%) were the major constraints. The suggestions offered by the fruit crop growers are provision for irrigation facility (85.00%) followed by provision of timely and adequate market information (76.67%), protection from exploitation by middlemen (75.00%). Provision for suitable market infrastructure, timely and adequate credit, timely and adequate cash payment, continuous power supply, interest free credit and longer repayment period for credit were other suggestions offered to improve the returns from fruit crop cultivation.
Mitigation of Arsenic Contamination through Biotechnological Approaches in Rice
Authors: Prasad Bishun Deo , Sahni Sangita
Published: January 2024

Arsenic poisoning negatively impacts plants, soil, water, and human health, posing a serious threat to sustainable agriculture. Pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial processes that contain arsenic are widely used, which leads to soil contamination and reduces soil fertility and productivity. The drinking of groundwater contaminated with arsenic affects around 300 million people globally. Prolonged exposure to arsenic has been linked to a number of health concerns, including cancer, developmental abnormalities, and skin sores. Concerns have been raised over the possible health effects of arsenic, which is mostly exposed to consumers through the consumption of contaminated food. Because arsenic-contaminated soil and irrigation water affect rice more than other crops, rice is frequently consumed with elevated levels of arsenic in it. In present review, the challenges related to arsenic toxicity and its possible solutions in rice have been discussed.
Translation Techniques and Appropriateness of English Idioms in The Founder
Authors: Modesty Nadeline Calista , Harsono Ivonne Muliawati
Published: January 2024

This thesis is about the idiom translation of the movie The Founder by John Lee Hancock. In this thesis, the writer analyzes the techniques and appropriateness of the idiom translation by using Molina and Albir (2002) and Larson's accuracy, clarity, and naturalness (1984) theory. The writer seeks to disclose the most common technique used for translating idioms and how to make a good-quality translation. This study was done using a qualitative approach. The data analysis showed that out of 18 techniques proposed by Molina and Albir (2002) only 5 were utilized by the translator and out of five techniques, the established equivalent was used the most. The data analysis also shows that among 20 idioms, 10 idioms are appropriately translated. The writer suggests that future studies could be conducted on other aspects of the subtitles of The Founder.
A Multimodal Analysis on Rick Singer from Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal
Authors: Sethio Anastasya Chandraputri , Nugroho Aylanda Hidayati Dwi
Published: January 2024

Multimodal communication employs multiple semiotic modes to convey meaning. Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal is a documentary about Rick Singer, an education entrepreneur who committed the bribes. This study analyzed his representation through the oral and visual modes and was aimed at showing how multimodality could help reveal particular character representations. This study applies multimodal theory (Kress & Leeuwen, 2006) and semiotic modes (Chia & Chan, 2017). The oral monologues and dialogues, and the visuals of people, objects, and places were scrutinized to observe how Rick Singer was depicted. As a result, he was seen being portrayed as a wealthy and successful entrepreneur with many high-ranking connections, who strategically manipulated his clients and his university partners in a clever scheming maneuver. The interplay of both the oral and visual modes has resulted in a relatively complete picture of the main actor of this documentary.
Persuasive Strategies Used by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in Their Campaign Speeches
Authors: Arella Vinia Welliani
Published: January 2024

This study aims to analyze the persuasive strategies employed by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in their campaign speeches, guided by the theoretical framework proposed by Beebe and Beebe (2012). Through qualitative analysis of paragraphs extracted from two campaign speech transcripts, the study identifies the distinct persuasive strategies of each speaker. Joe Biden used causal reasoning, specific evidence, evidence to tell a story, concrete examples, emotion-arousing words, metaphors and similes, fear appeals, appeal to emotions of hope, appeal to emotions of courage, and shared myths, while Kamala Harris used deductive reasoning, specific evidence, evidence to tell a story, concrete examples, emotion-arousing words, fear appeals, appeal to emotions of hope, and appeal to emotions of courage.
Gita Wirjawan’s Use of Politeness in Requesting and Using Addressing Terms in Two Endgame Podcasts
Authors: Supriyono Olivia Faustine , Kuntjara Esther Harijanti
Published: January 2024

This research examines politeness in two Endgame podcasts, focusing on Gita Wirjawan's request and the use of address terms with a minister and a non-government employee. The writer analyzes politeness expressed by Gita Wirjawan in two podcasts on his channel using First-Order Politeness by Watts (2003) and the Indonesian (Javanese) politeness principle by Suseno (2001) and Kuntjara (2009). A descriptive qualitative approach is employed in this study. The analysis shows that Gita often uses direct language for requests, utilizes the term 'you' to blur their distance. The findings show that Gita wanted to look neutral with someone who has the same rank and tended to appear to have a lower rank when he talks with someone with a higher rank. In conclusion, differences in rank influence how people communicate.
Aleida’s Poisonous Parenting Styles in Orange is the New Black
Authors: Bethari Chili Podang , Mochtar Jenny
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to provide an analysis into the specific type of poisonous parenting style Aleida Diaz has in Orange is the New Black, the reason behind her adoption of such poisonous parenting styles and the resulting consequences on herself. In analyzing Aleida’s parenting, we use Dunham & Dermer’s theory of poisonous parenting styles, specifically the Dismissive and Contemptuous Parent, combined with Baumrind’s Uninvolved or Neglectful Parenting Style that includes consequences of such parenting styles. In addition, we also use Mother-Daughter Relationship theory to understand the underlying reason behind Aleida’s adoption of these poisonous parenting styles. We divide the analysis into three parts. In the first part, we analyze what kind of mother Aleida is. In the second part, we analyze why she adopts such parenting styles. In the third part, we analyze what consequences she experiences as a result of her poisonous parenting styles. Ultimately, the finding will reveal that there is a vicious cycle of these poisonous parenting styles that turns out to be difficult to break from one generation to the next.
The Hegemony of Patriarchal Culture in Critical Eleven and The Architecture of Love
Authors: Tamara Jessica
Published: January 2024

This article is intended to analyze how patriarchy values are still implemented in Indonesian literature and this it will specifically analyze how Raia and Anya from Ika Natassa’s work called Critical Eleven and The Architecture of Love face the problem with patriarchy culture that is still affecting their attitude when they face the values. This paper will be talking about the theories using 3M masak, macak, manak (cooking, dressing -up, having babies). The thesis will be talking about Raia and Anya who are affected with these norm values around them with their daily life. This article shows how the patriarch values affect both Raia and Anya in their life and how those values are still implemented in Ika Natassa’s book.
Short Interpregnancy Intervals Among Women Experiencing Homelessness in Colorado
Authors: Sakai-Bizmark Rie , Jackson Nicholas J. , Wu Frank , Marr Emily H. , Kumamaru Hiraku , Estevez Dennys , Gemmill Alison , Moreno Jessica C. , Henwood Benjamin F.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Short interpregnancy intervals (SIPIs) are associated with increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Disparities exist across socioeconomic status, but there is little information on SIPIs among women experiencing homelessness.

Objective

To investigate (1) differences in rates and characteristics of SIPIs between women experiencing homelessness and domiciled women, (2) whether the association of homelessness with SIPIs differs across races and ethnicities, and (3) whether the association between SIPIs of less than 6 months (very short interpregnancy interval [VSIPIs]) and maternal and neonatal outcomes differs between participant groups.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used a Colorado statewide database linking the Colorado All Payer Claims Database, Homeless Management Information System, death records, and infant birth records. Participants included all women who gave birth between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2022, to May 10, 2023.

Exposures

Homelessness and race and ethnicity.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome consisted of SIPI, a binary variable indicating whether the interval between delivery and conception of the subsequent pregnancy was shorter than 18 months. The association of VSIPI with maternal and neonatal outcomes was also tested.

Results

A total of 77 494 women (mean [SD] age, 30.7 [5.3] years) were included in the analyses, of whom 636 (0.8%) were women experiencing homelessness. The mean (SD) age was 29.5 (5.4) years for women experiencing homelessness and 30.7 (5.3) years for domiciled women. In terms of race and ethnicity, 39.3% were Hispanic, 7.3% were non-Hispanic Black, and 48.4% were non-Hispanic White. Associations between homelessness and higher odds of SIPI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.23 [95% CI, 1.04-1.46]) were found. Smaller associations between homelessness and SIPI were found among non-Hispanic Black (AOR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.37-0.96]) and non-Hispanic White (AOR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.39-0.84]) women compared with Hispanic women. A greater association of VSIPI with emergency department visits and low birth weight was found among women experiencing homelessness compared with domiciled women, although no significant differences were detected.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of women who gave birth from 2016 to 2021, an association between homelessness and higher odds of SIPIs was found. These findings highlight the importance of conception management among women experiencing homelessness. Racial and ethnic disparities should be considered when designing interventions.
Addressing the Drug-Shortage Crisis in Oncology
Authors: Yang Y. Tony , Socal Mariana , Bennett Charles L.
Published: January 2024

This Viewpoint offers strategies for addressing shortages in essential chemotherapeutic drugs.
A comparative analysis of two century‐old historical map and satellite images for assessing land use transformation and preservation of the historical monuments of the Ahmad Shahi old city, Kandahar
Authors: Farooqi Javed Ahmad , Ono Hiroko
Published: January 2024

This study evaluates land use transformation in Kandahar's old city, also known as Ahmad Shahi city, the birthplace and first capital of modern Afghanistan. The city consists of four rectangular quarters and is surrounded by a high strong mud wall, entrance gates, and a moat. In the early 20th century, the city experienced significant and arbitrary expansion, which certainly affected the urban fabric of the area, the streets were widened, and the city wall, towers, and gates were demolished, and the area was added to the construction of new government buildings, commercial establishments, and residential plots. This study aims to evaluate the alterations in the old city's urban morphology, culture, and sociology by conducting a comparative analysis of three maps from different time periods and considering various factors within the target area.
Commissioning and clinical evaluation of a novel high‐resolution quality assurance digital detector array for SRS and SBRT
Authors: Zhou Yang , Liu Yimei , Chen Meining , Fang Jianlan , Xiao Liangjie , Huang Shaomin , Qi Zhenyu , Deng Xiaowu , Zhang Jun , Peng Yinglin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

We aimed to perform the commissioning and clinical evaluation of myQA SRS detector array for patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)/ stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) plans.

Methods

To perform the commissioning of myQA SRS, its dose linearity, dose‐rate dependence, angular dependence, and field‐size dependence were investigated. Ten SBRT plans were selected for clinical evaluation: 1) Common clinical deviations based on the original SBRT plan (Plan0), including multileaf collimator (MLC) positioning deviation and treatment positioning deviation were introduced. 2) Compared the performance of the myQA SRS and a high‐resolution EPID dosimetry system in PSQA measurement for the SBRT plans. Evaluation parameters include gamma passing rate (GPR) and distance‐to‐agreement (DTA) pass rate (DPR).

Results

The dose linearity, angle dependence, and field‐size dependence of myQA SRS system exhibit excellent performance. The myQA SRS is highly sensitive in the detection of MLC deviations. The GPR of (3%/1 mm) decreases from 90.4% of the original plan to 72.7%/62.9% with an MLC outward/inward deviation of 3 mm. Additionally, when the setup error deviates by 1 mm in the X, Y, and Z directions with the GPR of (3%/1 mm) decreasing by an average of −20.9%, −25.7%, and −24.7%, respectively, and DPR (1 mm) decreasing by an average of −33.7%, −32.9%, and −29.8%. Additionally, the myQA SRS has a slightly higher GPR than EPID for PSQA, However, the difference is not statistically significant with the GPR of (3%/1 mm) of (average 90.4%% vs. 90.1%, p = 0.414).

Conclusion

Dosimetry characteristics of the myQA SRS device meets the accuracy and sensitivity requirement of PSQA for SRS/SBRT treatment. The dose rate dependence should be adequately calibrated before its application and a more stringent GPR (3%/1 mm) evaluation criterion is suggested when it is used for SRS/SBRT QA.
Robust Super‐Lubricity for Novel Cartilage Prototype Inspired by Scallion Leaf Architecture
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhao Weiyi , Zhang Yunlei , Zhao Xiaoduo , Ma Shuanhong , Scaraggi Michele , Zhou Feng
Published: January 2024

The simultaneous achievement ‐under physiologically high contact pressures‐ of ultra‐low friction, nearly zero surface wear, and long lifetime in the development of human cartilage prosthetics is still a big challenge. In this work, inspired by the unique lubrication mechanism of scallion leaves resulting from the synergy of oriented surface micro‐topography and mucus hydration, a novel layered soft hydrogel as cartilage prototype is developed by chemically embedding thick hydrophilic polyelectrolyte brush chains into the sub‐surface of a high strength anisotropic hydrogel bulk. It exhibits an anisotropic polymer network with unique mechanical properties (tensile strength: 8.3 to 23.7 MPa; elastic modulus 20.0 to 30.0 MPa), anisotropic hydrated surface texture, super‐lubricity, and excellent wear resistance. Thydrogel architecture can exhibit low coefficient of friction (COF) less than ≈0.01 under a wide range of contact stresses (0.2 to 2.4 MPa) and maintain cartilage‐like long‐lasting (50k sliding cycles) robust super‐lubricity (COF ≈ 0.006) and nearly‐zero wear under high contact pressure (≈2.4 MPa) condition. Theoretical underpinning reveals how multiscale surface anisotropy, mechanics, and hydration regulate super‐low friction generation. This work provides a novel design paradigm for the fabrication of robust soft materials with extraordinary lubricity as implantable prototypes and coatings.