bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transgenerational effects of mycorrhiza are stronger in sexual than in clonal offspring of Fragaria vesca and are partly adaptive
Authors: Latzel Vít , Mizgur‐Hribar Danej , Sammarco Iris , Janoušková Martina
Published: September 2024

Whilst transgenerational effects (TGE) of abiotic conditions are becoming generally accepted in plants, those of biotic interactions remain largely unexplored. We therefore investigated the influence of TGE due to arbuscular mycorrhiza, the most widespread mutualistic interaction of plants with microorganisms, on clonal and sexual offspring of Fragaria vesca. We hypothesized that the ecological and evolutionary significance of TGE will vary between clonal and sexual offspring based on mycorrhizal status and phosphorus (P) availability experienced by the parent.

In a two‐generation greenhouse experiment, parental plants were exposed to full‐factorial combinations of mycorrhizal status and high or low P availability. TGE on mycorrhiza establishment and plant performance were evaluated in their clonal and sexual offspring, which experienced the parental or all non‐parental environments.

Consistently in both generations, mycorrhiza improved plant growth at low P availability, but had no or even negative effect at high P availability, concomitantly with decreased root colonization by the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus. TGE due to mycorrhiza was generally stronger in sexually derived offspring, both on mycorrhiza formation and plant growth. In sexual offspring, parental mycorrhizal status was adaptive if the offspring's mycorrhizal status was of disadvantage: for mycorrhizal offspring growing in high P availability and for non‐mycorrhizal offspring at low P availability.

Synthesis: Our results suggest that clonal and sexual reproduction are under different evolutionary pressures, leading to the development of stronger TGE mechanisms in response to mycorrhizal symbiosis in the latter. The complexity of the observed effects highlights the need for disentangling the mechanisms contributing to the TGE in clonal and sexual reproduction. Our study underlines the importance of considering reproductive strategies and the interplay between environmental factors and TGE in understanding the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of plant–symbiotic interactions.
Idiosyncratic covariates of unemployment duration in Ghana: The joint effect of migration and education
Authors: Oteng Clement , Nyame Isaac N.
Published: September 2024

Underpinned by the human capital theory of migration, this study examines the drivers of unemployment duration in Ghana with a special focus on migration and education. This study employs semiparametric Cox regression and Cox proportional hazard models. Using a sample of 575 individuals in eight districts in Ghana, the study concludes that age, locality, social networks, alternative income sources, migration and education are significant factors influencing individual‐specific unemployment duration in Ghana. Also, the joint effect of education and migration status reduces unemployment duration. The study encourages the youth to take up voluntary services and other forms of industry attachments to build labour market experience. Again, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations should develop and implement industrial attachment and internship programmes as well as create equal job opportunities in rural areas to prevent rural–urban migration.
Efficient CRISPR‐mediated genome editing can be initiated by embryonic injection but not by ovarian delivery in the beetle Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Liu Zi‐Ling , Zhou Yu‐Yu , Xu Qiu‐Xuan , Wang Xing‐Ce , Liu Tong‐Xian , Tian Hong‐Gang
Published: September 2024

The clustered regularly interspaced small palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR‐associated nuclease 9 (Cas9)‐mediated gene editing technology has revolutionized the study of fundamental biological questions in various insects. Diverse approaches have been developed to deliver the single‐guide RNA (sgRNA) and Cas9 to the nucleus of insect embryos or oocytes to achieve gene editing, including the predominant embryonic injection methods and alternative protocols through parental ovary delivery. However, a systematic comparative study of these approaches is limited, especially within a given insect. Here, we focused on revealing the detailed differences in CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing between the embryo and ovary delivery methods in the beetle Tribolium castaneum, using the cardinal and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) as reporter genes. We demonstrated that both genes could be efficiently edited by delivering Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoproteins to the embryos by microinjection, leading to the mutant phenotypes and indels in the target gene sites. Next, the Cas9/sgRNA complex, coupled with a nanocarrier called Branched Amphiphilic Peptide Capsules (BAPC), were delivered to the ovaries of parental females to examine the efficacy of BAPC‐mediated gene editing. Although we observed that a small number of beetles’ progeny targeting the cardinal exhibited the expected white‐eye phenotype, unexpectedly, no target DNA indels were found following subsequent sequencing analysis. In addition, we adopted a novel approach termed “direct parental” CRISPR (DIPA‐CRISPR). However, we still failed to find gene‐editing events in the cardinal or TH gene‐targeted insects. Our results indicate that the conventional embryonic injection of CRISPR is an effective method to initiate genome editing in T. castaneum. However, it is inefficient by the parental ovary delivery approach.
Development of the National Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project assessment
Authors: Kothari Kathryn , Shah Manish I. , Genovesi Andrea L. , Gausche‐Hill Marianne , Owusu‐Ansah Sylvia , Hewes Hilary , Moore Brian , Remick Katherine
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In the United States (US), the quality of care provided to children during emergencies is highly variable. Following implementation of the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP), inclusive of two national online assessments of Emergency Departments (EDs), national organizations involved in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems convened to launch the Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project (PPRP). The PPRP seeks to ensure high‐quality pediatric prehospital emergency care for all children. One of the first priorities of PPRP is to assess the current level of pediatric readiness in EMS systems. The development of the first comprehensive national assessment of pediatric readiness in EMS systems is described.

Methods

The 2020 joint policy statement, “Pediatric Readiness in Emergency Medical Services Systems” and the associated prehospital pediatric readiness checklist served as the foundation for the PPRP assessment. Assessment questions and scoring algorithm were developed using a modified Delphi process. The PPRP Assessment was converted into an online format comprising a website (EMSpedsReady.org), the online assessment, a personalized gap report, and non‐public Tableau data‐monitoring dashboards. A directory of all eligible EMS agencies in the United Staters was created to track participation. A diverse cohort of 15 EMS agencies piloted of the assessment questions and the online version of the assessment. Feedback from the pilot was integrated.

Conclusion

The inaugural PPRP Assessment was open access May through July 2024, and the results will be used to guide future PPRP efforts.
Viral Infection in Endometritis: Is There an Important Role or Not?
Authors: Tehrani Hatav Ghasemi , Rezaei Marzieh , Mehrabian Ferdous , Naghshineh Elham , Moghoofei Mohsen
Published: September 2024

Chronic endometritis (CE) is a frequent pathological condition that is defined as localized inflammation in the endometrium. Some adverse fertility consequences such as recurrent miscarriage and failure of implantation are associated with chronic endometritis. On the one hand, inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of endometritis, and on the other hand, the role of viral infections in inducing inflammation can make this review strongly attractive and practical. We set out to provide an overview of viral infections as a potential etiology of CE pathophysiology through the alteration of an endometrial microenvironment and its association with infertility. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review to demonstrate the role of viral infection in chronic endometritis, and whether or not infection ultimately plays a role..
Policy feedback and voter turnout: Evidence from the Finnish basic income experiment
Authors: Hirvonen Salomo , Schafer Jerome , Tukiainen Janne
Published: September 2024

In many democracies, unemployed and low‐income citizens are less willing to vote. Can social policies weaken the link between income and turnout? We study policy feedback leveraging a unique experiment in Finland, which randomly assigned a sizable group of unemployed to receiving an unconditional basic income (BI) for 2 years (2017–19). Combining individual‐level registry and survey data, we show that the intervention has large positive effects on voter turnout. Unconditional BI increases turnout in municipal elections by about 3 percentage points (p.p.), on average, an effect that is concentrated among marginal voters (+ 6–8 p.p.) and persists in national elections after the end of the experiment. Exploring possible mechanisms, our analysis highlights the role of the interpretive effects that follow from unconditionality in the bureaucratic process, including higher levels of political trust and efficacy. We discuss implications for theories of voter turnout and policy feedback, and the design of BI policies.
Male contraceptive acceptability versus male acceptance of contraceptive responsibility
Authors: Nguyen Brian T.
Published: September 2024

Despite the projected impact of new male contraceptives, resources and investments directed at their development remain limited in part due to concerns that men would not actually use them. Now, more than 30 studies have been conducted over the last 30 years—regionally and internationally, within clinical trials, and across populations—examining men and women's attitudes towards new male contraceptive methods, all consistently demonstrating interest in and willingness to use new methods. Yet even these studies, inclusive of competitive contraceptive market projections, seem not to be convincing enough.

Rather than study whether men would be willing to use male contraceptives, more resources should be devoted to developing the infrastructure and supporting the cultural changes needed to ensure that when new male contraceptives inevitably emerge, that they will be disseminated quickly and made readily accessible.

Men's views on what their roles are in society, families, relationships, and pregnancy prevention are changing in ways that may impact what they consider to be acceptable contraceptive risks. As society moves toward more gender equitable beliefs, men's positive involvement in contraception might organically develop into an expected behavior. Interventions aimed at sensitizing men toward gender equitable beliefs may pay dividends in improving male contraceptive acceptability.

The current lack of a reversible male contraceptive method prevents us from collecting data that might disprove presumptions that men would be unwilling to take on responsibility for pregnancy prevention. However, studies of men's involvement in (1) over‐the‐counter emergency contraception, (2) vasectomy, and (3) abortion offer case studies for men's increasing consciousness of opportunities for shared contraceptive responsibility, the structural and sociopolitical barriers that men face when trying to participate in family planning, and how these might translate into new male contraceptive interest and development.
Cold atmospheric plasma therapy as a novel treatment for Berlin Heart EXCOR pediatric cannula infections
Authors: Schachl Johanna , Königshofer Markus , Stoiber Martin , Socha Martina , Grasl Christian , Abart Theodor , Michel‐Behnke Ina , Wiedemann Dominik , Riebandt Julia , Zimpfer Daniel , Schlöglhofer Thomas
Published: September 2024

Background

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy has been recognized as effective treatment option for reducing bacterial load in chronic wounds, such as adult ventricular assist device (VAD) driveline exit‐site infections. Currently, there have been no reports on the safety and efficacy of CAP therapy for pediatric cannula infections and inflammations in paracorporeal pulsatile VADs.

Methods

The mechanical strength of Berlin Heart EXCOR cannulas were tested both before and after CAP treatment (SteriPlas, Adtec Healthcare Limited, UK) to prove material safety. A ring tensile test of 20 untreated and 20 CAP‐treated (5 min) EXCOR cannulas (Ø12mm), assessed the force at the breaking point of the cannulas (Fmax), at 25% (F25%) and 50% (F50%) of the maximum displacement. Additionally, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs for both groups examined any surface changes. Finally, the case of a 13‐year‐old male EXCOR patient with cannula infections, treated with CAP over 100 days, is presented.

Results

The in vitro measurements revealed no statistically significant differences in mechanical strength between the control and CAP group for F25% (8.18 ± 0.36 N, vs. 8.02 ± 0.43 N, p = 0.21), F50% (16.87 ± 1.07 N vs. 16.38 ± 1.32 N, p = 0.21), and FMAX (44.55 ± 3.24 N vs. 42.83 ± 4.32 N, p = 0.16). No surface structure alterations were identified in the SEM micrographs. The patient's cannula exit‐sites showed a visible improvement in DESTINE wound staging, reduction in bacterial load and inflammatory parameters after CAP treatment without any side effects.

Conclusion

Overall, CAP therapy proved to be a safe and effective for treating EXCOR cannula exit‐site wound healing disorders in one pediatric patient, but further studies should investigate this therapy in more detail.
A synthetic review: natural history of amniote reproductive modes in light of comparative evolutionary genomics
Authors: X Maggs
Published: September 2024

There is a current lack of consensus on whether the ancestral parity mode was oviparity (egg‐laying) or viviparity (live‐birth) in amniotes and particularly in squamates (snakes, lizards, and amphisbaenids). How transitions between parity modes occur at the genomic level has primary importance for how science conceptualises the origin of amniotes, and highly variable parity modes in Squamata. Synthesising literature from medicine, poultry science, reproductive biology, and evolutionary biology, I review the genomics and physiology of five broad processes (here termed the ‘Main Five’) expected to change during transitions between parity modes: eggshell formation, embryonic retention, placentation, calcium transport, and maternal–fetal immune dynamics. Throughout, I offer alternative perspectives and testable hypotheses regarding proximate causes of parity mode evolution in amniotes and squamates. If viviparity did evolve early in the history of lepidosaurs, I offer the nucleation site hypothesis as a proximate explanation. The framework of this hypothesis can be extended to amniotes to infer their ancestral state. I also provide a mechanism and hypothesis on how squamates may transition from viviparity to oviparity and make predictions about the directionality of transitions in three species. After considering evidence for differing perspectives on amniote origins, I offer a framework that unifies (i) the extended embryonic retention model and (ii) the traditional model which describes the amniote egg as an adaptation to the terrestrial environment. Additionally, this review contextualises the origin of amniotes and parity mode evolution within Medawar's paradigm. Medawar posited that pregnancy could be supported by immunosuppression, inertness, evasion, or immunological barriers. I demonstrate that this does not support gestation or gravidity across most amniotes but may be an adequate paradigm to explain how the first amniote tolerated internal fertilization and delayed egg deposition. In this context, the eggshell can be thought of as an immunological barrier. If serving as a barrier underpins the origin of the amniote eggshell, there should be evidence that oviparous gravidity can be met with a lack of immunological responses in utero. Rare examples of two species that differentially express very few genes during gravidity, suggestive of an absent immunological reaction to oviparous gravidity, are two skinks Lampropholis guichenoti and Lerista bougainvillii. These species may serve as good models for the original amniote egg. Overall, this review grounds itself in the historical literature while offering a modern perspective on the origin of amniotes. I encourage the scientific community to utilise this review as a resource in evolutionary and comparative genomics studies, embrace the complexity of the system, and thoughtfully consider the frameworks proposed.
Changes in the medial prefrontal cortex metabolites after 6 months of medication therapy for patients with bipolar disorder: A 1H‐MRS study
Authors: Li Haijin , Gao Ju , Song Huihui , Yang Xuna , Li Cai , Zhang Yue , Wang Jiahui , Liu Yitong , Wang Dong , Li Hong
Published: September 2024

Aims

The study aimed to assess brain metabolite differences in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) between acute and euthymic episodes of bipolar disorder (BD) with both mania and depression over a 6‐month medication treatment period.

Methods

We utilized 1H‐MRS technology to assess the metabolite levels in 53 individuals with BD (32 in depressive phase, 21 in manic phase) and 34 healthy controls (HCs) at baseline. After 6 months of medication treatment, 40 subjects underwent a follow‐up scan in euthymic state. Metabolite levels, including N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA), glutamate (Glu), and Glutamine (Gln), were measured in the mPFC.

Results

Patients experiencing depressive and manic episodes exhibited a notable reduction in NAA/Cr + PCr ratios at baseline compared to healthy controls (p = 0.004; p = 0.006) in baseline, compared with HCs. Over the 6‐month follow‐up period, the manic group displayed a significant decrease in Gln/Cr + PCr compared to the initial acute phase (p = 0.03). No significant alterations were found in depressed group between baseline and follow‐up.

Conclusion

This study suggests that NAA/Cr + PCr ratios and Gln/Cr + PCr ratios in the mPFC may be associated with manic and depressive episodes, implicating that Gln and NAA might be useful biomarkers for distinguishing mood phases in BD and elucidating its mechanisms.
Utilizing sentiment analysis of X data to document the evolution of colorectal surgical innovations: The case of transanal total mesorectal excision
Authors: Weltermann T. , Eltyeb H. , Doggett J. , Brady R. R. W.
Published: September 2024

Aim

The evolution of the utility of medical social media and its global reach has led to a much greater speed of dissemination of medical innovation, such as transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). The acceptability and discussions surrounding such innovations can be followed online. Here, we sought to determine if online discussions over time could match known models of innovation evolution using the example of TaTME since its initial description in 2010.

Methods

Data on using the X hashtag #TaTME were analysed using the social media analytics tool Brandwatch. Trends in mentions, impressions and reach were highlighted over 13 years (1 May 2010 to 31 July 2023). Each mention's sentiment and emotional connotations were analysed using Brandwatch's natural language processing approach.

Results

We identified 18 525 mentions of #TaTME by healthcare professionals, reaching over 30.6 million X users. A Gartner's hype‐cycle‐like pattern was identified for mention volume and emotional connotation over time. The majority of mentions had a neutral (84%; n = 15 341) or positive connotation (15%, n = 2675). A peak of negatively connotated mentions was identified surrounding the temporary suspension of TaTME in 2019.

Conclusion

This study presents a novel method of monitoring online discussions surrounding new surgical innovations by healthcare professionals based on sentiment analysis of public social media data. Mention volume and emotional connotation were the most accurate parameters closely resembling Gartner's hype cycle.
“Society is the present of teaching”: Teaching as a Phenomenon in Levinas's Unedited Lecture Notes
Authors: Castillo Katja
Published: September 2024

In this paper, Katja Castillo approaches the phenomenon of teaching through an analysis of Emmanuel Levinas's unedited conference notes titled “Les nourritures,” “Les enseignements,” and “L'écrit et l'oral.” Levinas's thinking prior to the publication of his major works provides an entry point to his philosophy. In this light Castillo interprets his conference notes as laying the groundwork for the argument he develops later in Totality and Infinity. Drawing on the notes, she describes the phenomenon of teaching as a place to bracket subjective freedom in order to let the other call it into question. The phenomenon of teaching serves as a way to describe the relationship between the same and the other. It is, according to Levinas, a unique interplay between interiority and exteriority, where subjective freedom is intertwined with responsibility to the other, with having to answer to the other. He describes the structure of teaching as characterized by six parts: by being given a past, by reflection, by penetration of freedom, by critical spirit, by transcendence of teaching, and as true symbolism. Following the discussion of Levinas's early writings, Castillo returns to his first major work, Totality and Infinity published in 1961, with the intention of examining the evolution of his phenomenological attitude over time. This approach reveals that Levinas's engagement in formulating a philosophy of education was more robust than previous research has indicated.
Comparable Results Between 8 and 12 Gray TBI in Combination With Fludarabine and Post‐Transplant Cyclophosphamide in MRD‐Negative but Not in MRD‐Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients Transplanted in First Complete Remission
Authors: Steiner Normann , Massoud Radwan , Richter Johanna , Perekhrestenko Tetiana , Gagelmann Nico , Niederwieser Christian , Rathje Kristin , Lastovytska Iryna , Schäfersküpper Mathias , Heidenreich Silke , Rudolph Ina , Zeck Gaby , Janson Dietlinde , Wolschke Christine , Ayuk Francis Ayuketang , Klyuchnikov Evgeny , Kröger Nicolaus
Published: September 2024

Background

The optimal TBI dose for ALL patients undergoing allogeneic SCT is still not clearly defined.

Methods

Single‐center retrospective analysis of high‐risk ALL patients in CR1 treated with 8 Gy (n = 22) or 12 Gy (n = 50) TBI in combination with fludarabine and PTCy. Median patient age in the 8 Gy TBI cohort was 63 (37–79) and 37 (18–56) in the 12 Gy TBI cohort and median follow‐up time was 21 months (range 1–92).

Results

OS and LFS at 2 years after 8 Gy were 65% and 55% versus 74% and 74% after 12 Gy (p = 0.3 and p = 0.2, respectively). CIR and NRM at 2 years were 27% and 14% after 8 Gy versus 4% and 20% after 12 Gy (p = 0.004 and p = 0.4, respectively). MRD‐positive (+) patients (n = 26) receiving 12 Gy (n = 19) showed better OS (p = 0.01), LFS (p = 0.009), GRFS, lower CIR (p = 0.02), and similar NRM than did MRD+ patients receiving 8 Gy (n = 7). MRD‐negative (−) patients (n = 38) receiving 12 Gy (n = 27) had similar OS, LFS, GRFS, lower CIR, and higher NRM (p = 0.04) than did MRD− patients receiving 8 Gy (n = 11).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that 8 Gy TBI in comparison to 12 Gy TBI results in low NRM but a high relapse rate with similar OS, LFS, and GRFS. In MRD+ high‐risk ALL patients, allogeneic SCT with 12 Gy TBI leads to improved OS, LFS, GRFS, and a low relapse rate. Prospective studies comparing the different treatment regimens with larger MRD patient cohorts are needed to confirm this data.
Exploring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through the visual system: A systematic review
Authors: Khanna Raoul K. , Catanese Sophie , Mortemousque Geoffroy , Mureau Nicolas , Emond Patrick , Pisella Pierre‐Jean , Blasco Hélène , Corcia Philippe
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

The human visual system relies on neural networks throughout the brain that are easily accessible for tests exploring eye structures and movements. Over the past two decades, investigations have been carried out on both afferent and efferent components of the visual system in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This approach might represent an innovative biomarker research strategy to better characterise the phenotypic variability of ALS. The purpose of this review was to determine whether exploring the visual system of patients with ALS (pwALS) is an effective strategy.

Methods

The Medline and Web of science databases were searched for studies with terms relating to ALS and vision. Of 1146 references identified, 43 articles were included.

Results

In this review article, both afferent and efferent components of the visual system were found to be impaired in pwALS in the absence of visual complaint, thereby contributing to the hypothesis that ALS is a multisystem disease with sensory involvement. Of note, some areas of the eye remain unexplored (i.e., tears, and retinal function using electroretinography).

Conclusions

According to the findings available in the literature, investigating the oculomotor system and exploring the ocular surface could represent two key promising strategies to identify new diagnostic biomarkers in pwALS. Further longitudinal studies are needed to identify relevant indicators of disease progression and response to therapeutic intervention.
Treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis with oral roflumilast, a multicenter observational study
Authors: Peñuelas Leal Rodrigo , Bagan Leticia , Grau Echevarría Andrés , Peñuelas Ruiz Jose Amancio , Zaragoza Ninet Violeta , Sánchez Carazo Jose Luis , Pérez Pastor Gemma , Labrandero Hoyos Carolina , Finello Malena , Martínez Fernández Sandra , Blaya Imbernon Daniel , González García Ángel , Pérez Zafrilla Elena , Martí Cabrera Miguel , Bagan Jose
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Severe recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) represents a therapeutic challenge because of its impact on the patient's quality of life. Additionally, no approved systemic therapies are available. Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor, has shown promise in other inflammatory dermatological conditions. This study aimed to assess the characteristics, effectiveness, and safety of roflumilast in treating RAS in routine clinical practice.

Methods

This is a single cohort ambispective observational study conducted in five Spanish centers. Twenty‐two patients with RAS treated with roflumilast participated. Data collection included demographic, clinical, and outcome variables. Statistical analysis compared the outcomes of 12 weeks of roflumilast treatment with a similar prior period without treatment.

Results

During treatment with roflumilast, a significant reduction in flare‐ups (88%) and oral ulcers (94%) was observed compared to the untreated period. A reduction in pain (66%) and ulcer duration (63%) was observed. Adverse effects (AEs) occurred in 13 patients, predominantly headache and gastrointestinal disturbances. Most of these were self‐limiting or manageable with dose adjustment. Treatment was withdrawn in three cases, mainly because of AEs.

Conclusions

This study suggests that roflumilast may effectively treat RAS by reducing the number of flare‐ups and ulcers, their duration, and the symptomatology produced by the ulcers. In addition, roflumilast has a good safety profile, is well tolerated at low doses, and does not require close monitoring. These characteristics and its favorable economic profile make roflumilast a promising therapeutic option in this pathology.
Perspective and quality aspects of fermentation in rice milk: effects of bacterial strains and rice variety
Authors: Shiriaev Valerii A. , Lavrentev Filipp V. , Morozova Olga V. , Ashikhmina Mariia S. , Goltsman Liudmila M. , Kondrateva Sofiia A. , Kazantceva Uliana I. , Utkin Roman A. , Arseneva Tamara P. , Iakovchenko Natalia V.
Published: September 2024

Although fermented dairy products with health benefits are the most popular market, the demand for plant‐based products is rapidly growing. The current study investigates the effect of involving Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Bifidobacterium and Propionibacterium strains on rice milk fermentation. Rice's milks were characterised in terms of nutritional value. The acidification process, growth of beneficial bacteria, physicochemical alteration and sensory characteristics of fermented beverages produced from the milk of different types of boiled rice were investigated. The results revealed that changes in all these characteristics depend on the bacterial strain and the rice variety. The highest increase in antioxidant activity after fermentation was shown by Bifidobacterium longum B379M, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii KM‐186 for Krasnodar, basmati and black rice, respectively. The use of chosen bacteria for red rice milk fermentation led to a decrease in antioxidant activity. The highest values for polyphenol content were for samples fermented by Bacillus coagulans MTCC5856 and Streptococcus thermophilus. The greatest increase in bacterial growth during fermentation was demonstrated by the sample fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, B. bifidum and P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii KM‐186. The highest acidification rate values, the most favourable doubling time and the specific growth rate were for samples fermented with L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus H9, B. coagulans MTCC 5856, B. bifidum, P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii KM‐186 depending on the rice type. Considering all data obtained, including sensory characteristics, the most promising bacteria for fermentation are B. bifidum and B. longum B379M.
Prospective evaluation of the accuracy of duplex scanning with spectral analysis in carotid artery disease
Authors: Zbornikova Vera , Lassvik Claes , Johansson Ingegerd
Published: September 2024

Prospective evaluation of duplex scanning of the carotid vessels was performed over a 2‐year period in 125 consecutive patients (249 vessels) with transient ischaemic attacks or minor stroke. Defining disease as a stenosis of > 15% reduction of the vessel diameter, with subgroups of 16‐49% stenosis. 50‐99% stenosis and occlusion, the sensitivity obtained was 96%. specificity 93%. and accuracy 94%. With the use of linear multiregression analyses further subgrouping into 50‐75% and 76‐99% stenosis was performed. The best predictive variables were, in decreasing order, peak systolic velocity, late diastolic velocity and the difference between peak systolic and late diastolic velocity in the internal carotid artery. The additional periorbital Doppler examination caused a slight improvement in determination coefficient and diagnostic accuracy.
Critical Periods for Waterlogging Effects on Yield and Grain Components in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Soybean (Glycine max) and Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor): A Comparative Study
Authors: Sandoval Miqueas N. , Cirilo Alfredo G. , Paytas Marcelo J. , Zuil Sebastián G. , Izquierdo Natalia G.
Published: September 2024

Waterlogging affects a high proportion of cultivated land worldwide. Sunflower, soybean and sorghum growth and yield can be affected differently depending on the moment and duration of waterlogging stress. If stress conditions occur during the critical period for yield potential definition (flowering in, sunflower and sorghum and end of pod formation in soybean) they directly reduce grain number, but if the stress occurs during the grain‐filling period, grain weight would be affected. The aim of this study focuses on determining the effects of the moment and duration of waterlogging stress on the yield and its components in sunflower, soybean and sorghum. This information will be useful to understand the effects of waterlogging on yield and to choose a suitable crop or sowing date based on predicted weather conditions for a certain place. To achieve this objective, four experiments were conducted at the Experimental Station of INTA (Reconquista, Santa Fe, Argentina). The effect of the waterlogging in terms of moment (vegetative, critical and grain‐filling periods) and duration (3, 7 and 10 days) on the three crops was evaluated. Sunflower expressed the most negative impact of waterlogging during the vegetative stages (26, 78 and 98% of yield losses with 3, 7 and 10 days, respectively) while soybean suffered major reductions when the stress occurred during the critical period (5%–17% of yield loses). Sorghum did not express any negative responses for the moments and durations tested. This study suggests that the critical period for a waterlogging event differs, according to crops, from the critical period cited for other stresses. Moreover, the magnitude of the damage will mainly depend on the duration of the event. Further studies are needed to elucidate different physiological responses of the species during waterlogging stress.
Modulation of solid solution in MgxMn1−xAl2xFe2(1−x)O4 spinel ceramics for multifunctional devices
Authors: Xian Yue , Zhou Yang , Chen Jia , Li Wenyuan , Wu Ruifeng , Feng Shuangji , Chang Aimin , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2024

Solid solution modulation is an ideal method for combining the advantages of different parent compounds while mitigating their disadvantages. Here, we investigated the thermal sensitivity, magnetic properties, and microwave absorption of MgxMn1−xAl2xFe2(1−x)O4 (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) spinel solid solution ceramics for application in multifunctional devices. The electrical transport and magnetic properties can be modulated by adjusting the solution ratio. The ceramics exhibit negative temperature coefficient characteristic. The B‐values from 5065–8056 K, suggesting accurate temperature measurements over a wide temperature range. As a type of soft magnetic material, it has a narrow hysteresis loop and high resistivity. Vector network analyzer studies indicate Mg0.2Mn0.8Al0.4Fe1.6O4 could be a candidate for microwave absorption in S‐band. This study successfully extends the applicability of MgxMn1−xAl2xFe2(1−x)O4 ceramics for high‐temperature thermistors and also confirms potential for multifunctional device.
Effect of drying on bioactive compounds in Eugenia uniflora fruit pulp
Authors: Bellaver Mariana , dos Santos Camyla Ribeiro Gonzaga , dos Santos Diniz Freitas Marta , Platt Gustavo Mendes , de Moura Neusa Fernandes
Published: September 2024

Eugenia uniflora is a tropical species rich in bioactive compounds that are highly sensitive to processing conditions, particularly those involving heat. Drying is a widely used method for preserving fruit pulp which can affect the stability of these bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of drying at different temperatures on the retention of phenolic compounds and carotenoids present in the pulp of E. uniflora, with the goal of optimizing the drying process to preserve the pulp's quality. The E. uniflora pulp was dried in an oven with air circulation at three temperatures (45, 65, and 85°C). During the drying process, the moisture content and concentration of phenolics, β‐carotene, and lycopene were measured over time. After 260 min of drying, phenolic compounds decreased by 63.97% (45 and 65°C) and by 59.62% (85°C). Carotenoids losses were even more pronounced exceeding 89%, for all temperatures, with β‐carotene reductions of 92.91%, 90.72%, and 91.11%, at 45, 65, and 85°C, respectively. Several well‐established drying models were tested to represent the moisture content over time. Two models exhibited a high adherence to the experimental data. Zero‐order, first‐order, and second‐order degradation models were used to describe the concentrations of phenolic compounds and carotenoids. For total carotenoids, the model that showed the best results was temperature‐dependent. The first‐order model provided the best fit for β‐carotene and lycopene, with high R2 values of 0.9852 (45°C), 0.9776 (65°C), and 0.9681(85°C) for β‐carotene, and 0.9776 (45°C), 0.9715 (65°C), and 0.9659 (85°C) for lycopene. These results indicate that higher temperatures accelerate the degradation of bioactive compounds, following a predictable dynamic that can be optimized through adjustments to the drying process.

Practical applications

The fruit of Eugenia uniflora contains phenolic and carotenoid compounds with significant nutraceutical potential. However, the production of this fruit is seasonal, necessitating effective preservation methods. Drying, which involves the removal of water from the pulp, is a common procedure aimed at extending the fruit's conservation and shelf life. Despite its benefits, the drying process poses a challenge, as bioactive compounds like phenolic and carotenoids are sensitive to thermal processing. Their degradation during drying can lead to a reduction in the fruit's bioactive potential. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the kinetics of drying and the degradation of these bioactive compounds to optimize the drying process and maximize the fruit's nutraceutical value.
Bringing birth fathers to the forefront: A two‐decade scoping review of birth father experiences in adoption
Authors: Bolsby Samantha , Breen Kyle , Wu Haorui
Published: September 2024

In adoption, it is common to consider the adopted child, the adoptive parents, and the birth mother as part of the adoption galaxy. Yet, birth fathers are often missing elements in adoption‐focused research. This article aims to comprehensively understand the current knowledge regarding birth fathers' experiences in adoption. Adapting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses approach, this review identified 100 peer‐reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2022 on birth fathers in adoption. This article used a mixed‐methods approach to analyze the landscape of the current research. Quantitative analysis confirmed that birth fathers in adoption are under‐researched worldwide. In the qualitative analysis, the following themes emerged regarding birth fathers: a lack of openness, negative stereotypes, gatekeeping, and emotional impacts. The findings demonstrate the importance of considering the wishes and support needs of birth fathers when their child is being placed for adoption.
On buffered moving average models
Authors: Zhuang Yipeng , Li Dong , Yu Philip L. H. , Li Wai Keung
Published: September 2024

There has been growing interest in extending the popular threshold time series models to include a buffer zone for regime transition. However, almost all attention has been on buffered autoregressive models. Note that the classical moving average (MA) model plays an equally important role as the autoregressive model in classical time series analysis. It is therefore natural to extend our investigation to the buffered MA (BMA) model. We focus on the first‐order BMA model while extending to more general MA model should be direct in principle. The proposed model shares the piecewise linear structure of the threshold model, but has a more flexible regime switching mechanism. Its probabilistic structure is studied to some extent. A nonlinear least squares estimation procedure is proposed. Under some standard regularity conditions, the estimator is strongly consistent and the estimator of the coefficients is asymptotically normal when the parameter of the boundary of the buffer zone is known. A portmanteau goodness‐of‐fit test is derived. Simulation results and empirical examples are carried out and lend further support to the usefulness of the BMA model and the asymptotic results.
Advanced precipitation peak offsets middle growing‐season drought in impacting grassland C sink
Authors: Ru Jingyi , Wan Shiqiang , Xia Jianyang , Niu Shuli , Hui Dafeng , Song Jian , Feng Jiayin , Sun Dasheng , Wang Haidao , Qiu Xueli
Published: September 2024

Redistribution of precipitation across seasons is a widespread phenomenon affecting dryland ecosystems globally. However, the impacts of shifting seasonal precipitation patterns on carbon (C) cycling and sequestration in dryland ecosystems remain poorly understood.

In this study, we conducted a 10‐yr (2013–2022) field manipulative experiment that altered the timing of growing‐season precipitation peaks in a semi‐arid grassland.

We found that the delayed precipitation peak suppressed plant growth and thus reduced gross ecosystem productivity, ecosystem respiration, and net ecosystem productivity due to middle growing‐season water stress. Surprisingly, shifting more precipitation to the early growing season can advance plant development, increase the dominance of drought‐tolerant forbs, and thus compensate for the negative impacts of middle growing‐season water stress on ecosystem C cycling, leading to a neutral change in grassland C sink.

Our findings indicate that greater precipitation and plant development in spring could act as a crucial mechanism, maintaining plant growth and stabilizing ecosystem C sink. This underscores the urgent need to incorporate precipitation seasonality into Earth system models, which is crucial for improving projections of terrestrial C cycling and sequestration under future climate change scenarios.
Identification of novel genomic loci for anxiety symptoms and extensive genetic overlap with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Tesfaye Markos , Jaholkowski Piotr , Shadrin Alexey A. , van der Meer Dennis , Hindley Guy F.L. , Holen Børge , Parker Nadine , Parekh Pravesh , Birkenæs Viktoria , Rahman Zillur , Bahrami Shahram , Kutrolli Gleda , Frei Oleksandr , Djurovic Srdjan , Dale Anders M. , Smeland Olav B. , O'Connell Kevin S. , Andreassen Ole A.
Published: September 2024

Aims

Anxiety disorders are prevalent and anxiety symptoms (ANX) co‐occur with many psychiatric disorders. We aimed to identify genomic loci associated with ANX, characterize its genetic architecture, and genetic overlap with psychiatric disorders.

Methods

We included a genome‐wide association study of ANX (meta‐analysis of UK Biobank and Million Veterans Program, n = 301,732), schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BIP), major depression (MD), attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and validated the findings in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort (n = 95,841). We employed the bivariate causal mixture model and local analysis of covariant association to characterize the genetic architecture including overlap between the phenotypes. Conditional and conjunctional false discovery rate analyses were performed to boost the identification of loci associated with anxiety and shared with psychiatric disorders.

Results

Anxiety was polygenic with 12.9k genetic variants and overlapped extensively with psychiatric disorders (4.1k–11.4k variants) with predominantly positive genetic correlations between anxiety and psychiatric disorders. We identified 119 novel loci for anxiety by conditioning on the psychiatric disorders, and loci shared between anxiety and MD , BIP , SCZ , ADHD , and ASD . Genes annotated to anxiety loci exhibit enrichment for a broader range of biological pathways including cell adhesion and neurofibrillary tangle compared with genes annotated to the shared loci.

Conclusions

Anxiety is highly polygenic phenotype with extensive genetic overlap with psychiatric disorders, and we identified novel loci for anxiety implicating new molecular pathways. The shared genetic architecture may underlie the extensive cross‐disorder comorbidity of anxiety, and the identified molecular underpinnings may lead to potential drug targets.
Nanoscale Thermal Cloak Based on Amorphous Hole Structure of Silicon Film
Authors: Zhang Haochun , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2024

With the continuous advancement of microelectronic devices towards miniaturization, diversification, and high frequencies, the excessive heat flux density within the device significantly affects its service life and operational stability. Thermal insulation is a commonly used method in thermal design. Researchers have developed thermal cloaks by transforming crystalline silicon films into functional regions. In previous work, a thermal cloak was successfully created through perforation. However, the perforated structure does not support the stability of the system. In this paper, we aim to construct a thermal cloak by filling the perforated region with an amorphous structure. This approach is designed to ensure both cloaking performance and system stability. We evaluate the cloaking performance by the ratio of thermal cloaking (RTC) and explain its cloaking mechanism through phonon localization theory. We find that the main reason for cloaking generation is the phonon localization phenomenon in the functional region. Our study is valuable for advancing the development of nanoscale thermal cloaks and can serve as a reference for the development of other nanoscale thermal functional devices.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Role of Oxygen and Nitrogen in the Evaporative Condensation Process of Water in the Knudsen Layer
Authors: Tian Zhijun , Liu Yanfeng
Published: September 2024

The influence of different atmospheric pressures on the water evaporation process can be attributed to variations in Knudsen layer thicknesses and air particle densities within it. To investigate the influence, a nonequilibrium molecular dynamics model describing the process is introduced in this paper. Using both evaporation rate and virial pressure, water evaporation processes under four atmospheric pressures are investigated and analyzed. Higher evaporation rates are observed at the early stages of evaporation with higher atmospheric pressure. This anomaly can be attributed to the frequent short-range interaction between air and water molecules, caused by the increase of air molecules density. This can be attributed to the intense interaction between the high density of air molecules in the Knudsen layer and water molecules at the liquid surface, which contributes to the high evaporation rates. In the latter stages of evaporation, the low density of air molecules in the Knudsen layer may weaken the interaction within this layer, thereby further increasing the evaporation rates.
Mode-Resolved Phonon Transmittance Across Ga2O3/SiC Interface Using Lattice Dynamics With Machine Learning Potentials
Authors: Yang HongAo , Liu YuanBin , Cao BingYang
Published: September 2024

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is emerging as a key material in power electronics due to its wide bandgap, with silicon carbide (SiC) serving as a potential efficient heat-removing substrate in Ga2O3 devices. Traditional methods fall short in accurately predicting thermal boundary conductance (TBC) at the Ga2O3/SiC interface. In this work, we combine machine learning potentials (MLP) and lattice dynamics (LD) to access mode-resolved phonon transmittance across Ga2O3/SiC interface. The MLP, specifically the MACE model, was trained using density functional theory (DFT) data to achieve near first-principles accuracy. The LD approach, grounded in the Landauer formula, significantly reduces computational demands by three orders of magnitude compared to traditional molecular dynamics (MD) methods. Our analysis of atomic displacements near the interface confirmed the reliability of our mode-resolved phonon transmittance. We found the TBC for Ga2O3/SiC to be around 137 MW/m2K, notably lower than predictions by the diffuse mismatch model (DMM), suggesting a pronounced material mismatch. Our approach lays the foundation for predicting the TBC of real material interfaces with first-principles accuracy and offers opportunities for the control of TBC in realistic material interfaces.