bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reception Baseline Assessment and ‘small acts’ of micro‐resistance
Authors: Roberts‐Holmes Guy , Sousa Diana , Lee Siew Fung
Published: April 2024

In September 2021, following the global COVID‐19 pandemic, the Department for Education introduced a national standardised digital Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) for all English 4‐year‐old children. We analyse RBA and its associated Quality Monitoring Visits, as a further intensification of the new public management of early years education to produce ‘school‐ready’ human capital. This paper reports on professionals' and children's responses to RBA by analysing the mixed‐methods data from a nationwide survey of early years professionals (n = 1032) and six in‐depth case study Reception classes with teacher interviews (n = 14) and researcher observations (n = 12). An adult thematic analysis of the responses suggests that some children and their teachers used their agency in creative ‘small acts’ of micro‐resistance. These ‘small acts’ of resistance and refusal are theorised as micro‐political contestations of a policy that is antithetical to early education's socio‐cultural approach. More research is needed to further understand the politics of young children's rights, agency, micro‐resistance and refusal.
BAG3 regulates cilia homeostasis of glioblastoma via its WW domain
Authors: Roth Caterina , Paulini Lara , Hoffmann Marina E. , Mosler Thorsten , Dikic Ivan , Brunschweiger Andreas , Körschgen Hagen , Behl Christian , Linder Benedikt , Kögel Donat
Published: April 2024

The multidomain protein BAG3 exerts pleiotropic oncogenic functions in many tumor entities including glioblastoma (GBM). Here, we compared BAG3 protein–protein interactions in either adherently cultured or stem‐like cultured U251 GBM cells. In line with BAG3's putative role in regulating stem‐like properties, identified interactors in sphere‐cultured cells included different stem cell markers (SOX2, OLIG2, and NES), while interactomes of adherent BAG3‐proficient cells indicated a shift toward involvement of BAG3 in regulation of cilium assembly (ACTR3 and ARL3). Applying a set of BAG3 deletion constructs we could demonstrate that none of the domains except the WW domain are required for suppression of cilia formation by full‐length BAG3 in U251 and U343 cells. In line with the established regulation of the Hippo pathway by this domain, we could show that the WW mutant fails to rescue YAP1 nuclear translocation. BAG3 depletion reduced activation of a YAP1/AURKA signaling pathway and induction of PLK1. Collectively, our findings point to a complex interaction network of BAG3 with several pathways regulating cilia homeostasis, involving processes related to ciliogenesis and cilium degradation.
Adults' interpretation of invitations using the word ‘time’
Authors: Wylie Breanne E. , Merriwether Ella P. , Olaguez Alma P. , Lieber Miriam , Klemfuss J. Zoe , Lyon Thomas D. , McWilliams Kelly
Published: April 2024

The present study examined adults' interpretations of invitations using the word ‘time’. Recent research has demonstrated that children may misunderstand these invitations as solely requesting temporal information (Friend et al., 2022). This study tested whether adults perceive the ambiguity in these invitations and whether they understand the source of children's pseudotemporal errors. We examined 401 adult participants' perceptions of invitations using the word ‘time’, varying the phrasing of the invitation (about the time vs. what happened) and whether the participant had exposure to a child's pseudotemporal response. Adults largely interpreted the invitations as requests for what happened during an event, not requests for when an event occurred. They rated the invitations as clear, not difficult and appropriate for elementary‐aged children. However, they were more likely to rate about the time invitations as temporal compared to what happened invitations. Additionally, their perceptions of clarity and age appropriateness decreased when they were exposed to children's overtly pseudotemporal responses. These results suggest that although adults typically fail to identify the ambiguity in invitations using the word ‘time’, they are able to adjust their interpretation of the questions, at least when they are provided clear evidence of children's misinterpretation.
Influence of different indica rice (Oryza sativa L. subsp. indica Kato) flours on the quality and flavor characteristics of fermented rice cakes
Authors: Chen Zhaogui , Chen Chunmei , Chen Cheng , Chen Siyu , Li Weixi , Gu Zhengbiao , Hong Yan
Published: April 2024

Backgrounds and Objectives

Fermented rice cake is a common traditional fermented food in China with a crystal clear color, unique flavor, dense honeycomb structure, and soft and delicate texture. As its raw materials are not uniform, different batches often have poor product quality stability and different volatile flavor components. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of different indica rice flours on processing adaptability and their impacts on the flavor characteristics.

Findings

The results show that the seven indica rice flours have significantly different basic compositions and physicochemical properties (p < .05). Specifically, the fermented rice cake prepared with TG2 showed a large specific volume, good elasticity, bright color, high volatile flavor compound contents, and the maximum comprehensive sensory evaluation score. Additionally, partial least squares discriminant analysis was conducted, and three volatile compounds were identified with variable importance for the projection >1 and odor activity value >1 as the criteria, namely, ethanol, styrene, and phenethyl alcohol, which played major roles in forming the overall aroma of fermented rice cakes.

Conclusions

The texture, color, and sensory score of fermented rice cakes are closely related to the basic components of the indica rice flour, and the most popular fermented rice cakes have a specific volume of no less than 2 mL/g, an L* of above 78, and a TPA‐tested elasticity of about 3 mm.

Significance and Novelty

This study may help improve the processing of fermented rice cakes and provide a theoretical basis for their production and flavor control.
Horizontal GBR with anorganic equine bone combined with a customized titanium mesh
Authors: Orlando Francesco , Foiani Simone , Dellavia Claudia , Graziano Daniele , Di Stefano Danilo Alessio
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

This case report describes the fixed rehabilitation of the lower left arch in a patient following an horizontal GBR procedure by means of a customized titanium mesh and a new slow resorption bone substitute of equine origin.
A case of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with decompensated alcohol‐related liver cirrhosis treated successfully by chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Li Yan , Kong Ling‐zhijie
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

This report describes a case of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with MYD88 L265P and KM2DT mutation and decompensated alcohol‐related liver cirrhosis. And the treatment is successful in this patient, who had multiple complications and poor prognostic factors.

This report describes a case of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with MYD88 L265P and KM2DT mutation and decompensated alcohol‐related liver cirrhosis. The lymphoma showed a complete response with no MYD88 L265P mutation after four courses of combination chemotherapy. Lymphoma is one of the most common malignant tumors, but cases of DLBCL with cirrhosis are much rarer especially with alcohol‐related cirrhosis. And we reviewed the relevant mechanisms. Although we did not find a definite association between the pathogenesis of the patient's alcohol‐related cirrhosis and that of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, the treatment is successful in this patient, who had multiple complications and poor prognostic factors.
Economically competitive Organic Acid‐Base mixtures as Catalysts for the Self‐Condensation of Diols into Polyethers
Authors: Kilens Flore , Olazabal Ane , Mantione Daniele , Basterretxea Andere , Sardon Haritz , Jehanno Coralie
Published: April 2024

Organocatalysts are used in a wide range of polymerisation reactions with the advantage of being often more benign or sustainable, while maintaining high catalytic activity. However, the low thermal stability of most of these compounds remain an obstacle for high temperature reactions. It was recently reported that complexes formed from a base such as 1,4,7‐triazabicyclodecene (TBD) and an acid such as methane sulfonic acid (MSA) demonstrate high thermal stability while efficiently catalysing polycondensation reactions. However, TBD is not cost‐efficient neither available at industrial scale, which makes it unfit for scaling up. Herein, eight different bases have been investigated to replace TBD. First, we confirmed the complex formation between the MSA and the base by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy while confirming the thermal stability of the mixtures by thermogravimetric analysis before evaluating their catalytic activity in the self‐condensation of 1,6‐hexanediol. Among the different investigated bases, 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyl guanidine (TMG) appeared to be the most appropriate option since it gathers both high thermal stability and good catalytic activity. These characteristics make TMG suitable for replacing TBD in the self‐condensation of diols while opening the way for being used in a wide range of high temperature (de)polymerisation reactions.
Improving the Performance of LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 via Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnxOy Coating
Authors: Blanga Shalev , Harsha Akella Sri , Tsubery Merav , Zysler Melina , Taragin Sarah , Noked Malachi
Published: April 2024

Nickel‐rich cathode materials such as LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 (NMC90) have gained attention due to their ability to deliver high energy densities while being cost‐effective for Lithium‐ion battery manufacturing. However, NMC90 cathodes suffer irreversible parasitic reactions such as electrolyte decomposition, severe capacity fading and impedance build‐up upon prolonged cycling. Herein, we synthesize a conformal ultrathin, surface protection layer on NMC90 powder using ZnxOy via atomic layer deposition technique (ZnxOy@NMC90). Prolonged electrochemical investigation of full cells at high discharge rates of 2 C shows that ZnxOy@NMC90 cells yielded ~31 % improvement in discharge capacity compared to pristine NMC90. Furthermore, operando electrochemical mass spectroscopy studies show that the ZnxOy@NMC90 cells have significantly suppressed electrolyte decomposition as compared to pristine NMC90 cells. Post‐cycling electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies show that the ZnxOy@NMC90 full cells have significantly reduced impedance compared with pristine NMC90 cells. Additionally, post cycling manganese dissolution studies show that ZnxOy@NMC90 cells have greatly enhanced chemo‐mechanical integrity thereby contributing to improved electrochemical performances. Our results underscore the potential of tailored ZnxOy surface coatings on nickel‐rich cathode materials to address critical challenges in advanced energy storage systems, offering promising prospects for the development of high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries.
A note on rank deficiency and numerical modeling
Authors: Neymeyr Klaus , Sawall Mathias , Andersons Tomass
Published: April 2024

Linearly dependent concentration profiles of a chemical reaction can result in a spectral data matrix with a chemical rank smaller than the number of absorbing chemical species. Such a rank deficiency is problematic for a factor analysis as some information on the pure component spectra cannot be recovered from the mixture data. Matrix augmentation can break rank deficiencies and enable successful pure component recovery. In contrast to this, an artificial breakdown of a rank deficiency can be caused by a numerical finite precision simulation of the underlying kinetic model and can fake a successful MCR analysis. This work discusses the problem and points out some remedies.
Ferrocene‐Based N‐Heterocyclic Silylenes: Monomeric Silanechalcogenones, Silanimines, Silirenes, and Insertion Products with P4
Authors: Jacob Hannes L. , Weyer Nadine , Leibold Michael , Bruhn Clemens , Siemeling Ulrich
Published: April 2024

The stable ferrocene‐based N‐heterocyclic silylenes fc[(N{B})2Si] (A; fc=1,1’‐ferrocenylene, {B}=(HCNDipp)2B, Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) and fc[(NDipp)2Si] (B) are compared in a study focussing on their reactivity towards a range of small to moderately sized molecular substrates, viz. P4, S8, Se8, MesN3 (Mes=mesityl), RC≡CH, and RC≡CR (R=Ph, SiMe3). The Dipp‐substituted congener B exhibits a more pronounced ambiphilicity and is sterically less congested than its 1,3,2‐diazaborolyl‐substituted relative A, in line with the higher reactivity of the former. The difference in reactivity is obviously due more to electronic than to steric reasons, as is illustrated by the fact that both A and B react with the comparatively bulky substrate MesN3 under mild conditions to afford the corresponding silanimine fc[(N{B})2Si=NMes] and fc[(NDipp)2Si=NMes], respectively. The heavier ketone analogues fc[(N{B})2Si=E] (E=S, Se, Te) are readily available from A and the corresponding chalcogen. In contrast, the reaction of the more reactive silylene B with elemental sulfur or selenium is unspecific, affording product mixtures. However, fc[(NDipp)2Si=Se] is selectively prepared from B and (Et2N)3PSe; the Te analogue is also accessible, but crystallises as head‐to‐tail dimer.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Orange Emissive Carbon Dots Specific for Staining of Mitochondria in both Cancer and Non‐Cancer Cells
Authors: Sahrawat Udisha , Garg Richa , Anjum Farhan , Salam Abdul , Kaushik Kush , Sapkal Goraksha T. , Kanti Nandi Chayan
Published: April 2024

Mitochondria are recognized as essential organelles that form a dynamic network responsible for energy production, calcium homeostasis, and cell signalling for cell metabolism. Dysfunction in mitochondria results in many diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Muscular dystrophy, Diabetes, and Parkinson's. As a result, it is of great significance to directly visualize mitochondria inside cellular environment for therapeutic target. Carbon dots (CDs) are one of the probes with low toxicity and high biocompatibility that have been utilized for mitochondrial visualization. However, till date, CDs are synthesized using multi‐step synthesis and most of them emit in the blue to green region thus limiting their application in bioimaging. Herein, we synthesized orange emissive mitochondria‐specific CDs via a one‐pot method using 3‐(carboxypropyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide (TPP) and citric acid as precursors. Synthesized CDs have excellent photoluminescence properties to stain and image mitochondria in different cancerous and non‐cancerous mammalian cells.
A fuzzy model for generalized transportation problems in China
Authors: Aljanabi Mohanad R. , Borna Keivan , Ghanbari Shamsollah
Published: April 2024

This study underscores the growing significance of multimodal transportation within the cargo sector and its consequential environmental impacts. We present a novel mathematical model for operation scheduling, incorporating variables such as resource availability, customer service benchmarks, and environmental considerations. Our objective is to mitigate transportation expenses and reduce delivery delays. The proposed approach advocates LU decomposition with a pivot strategy for rapid model resolution, adherence to convergence criteria, optimization of cost strategies, and efficient resource utilization. Leveraging the adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and genetic algorithm (GA), our methodology facilitates learning from past decisions to enhance solutions, aligning supply, and demand efficiently. We evaluate financial and environmental implications across four scenarios, offering insights into the economic and environmental advantages of various transportation modes—trains, ships, airplanes—compared to truck transportation, with a specific focus on CO2 emission impacts. Implementing the ANFIS+GA model in multimodal scenarios yield impressive results: minimal MAPE transportation cost of 0.17%, R2 transportation cost of 0.996, MAPE CO2 emissions of 0.13%, and R2 CO2 emissions of 0.996. By identifying cost‐efficient routes and optimizing resource allocations, our approach enables informed decisions regarding vehicle distribution, supplier selection, and contract negotiations. Additionally, we use LU decomposition to establish the supplier risk threshold, crucial for comparing emission trade variances. Multimodal scenarios typically yield lower emissions, favoring buying emission allowances low and selling them high. Notably, the risk threshold affects low‐emission provider utilization, impacting transportation emissions. With a risk threshold of 0.12 and an emission price of 1.2, our ANFIS+GA‐based multimodal approach achieves a significant −20% deviation in CO2 emissions.
Interplay Between Ni and Brønsted and Lewis Acid Sites in the Hydrodesulfurization of Dibenzothiophene
Authors: Valderrama‐Zapata Rodrigo , García‐Sánchez Julieth T. , Vargas‐Montañez Omar J. , Rincón‐Ortiz Sergio A. , Mora‐Vergara Iván D. , Pérez‐Martínez David , Morales‐Valencia Edgar M. , Baldovino‐Medrano Víctor G.
Published: April 2024

Ni‐MoS2/γ‐Al2O3 catalysts are commonly used in hydrotreating to enhance fossil fuel quality. The extensive research on these catalysts reveals a gap in understanding the role of Ni, often underestimated as an inactive sulfide phase or just a MoS2 promoter. In this work, we focused on analyzing whether well‐dispersed supported nickel nanoparticles can be active in the hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene. We dispersed Ni by Strong Electrostatic Adsorption (SEA) method across four supports with different types of acidity: silica (~ neutral acidity), γ‐Al2O3 (Lewis acidity), H+‐Y zeolite, and microporous‐mesoporous H+‐Y zeolite (both with Brønsted‐Lewis acidity). Our findings reveal that Ni is indeed active in dibenzothiophene hydrodesulfurization, even with alumina and silica as supports, although their catalytic activity declines abruptly in the first hours. Contrastingly, the acid nature of zeolites imparts sustained stability and performance, attributed to robust metal‐support interactions. The efficacy of the SEA method and the added mesoporosity in zeolites further amplify catalytic efficiency. Overall, we demonstrate that Ni nanoparticles may perform as a hydrogenating metal in the same manner as noble metals such as Pt and Pd perform in hydrodesulfurization. We discuss some of the probable reasons for such performance and remark on the role of Ni in hydrotreatment.
London Dispersion Effects on the Structure and Properties of Nonlinear Optical BiB3O6 Crystal
Authors: Li Rukang
Published: April 2024

α‐BiB3O6 (BiBO) is an important nonlinear optical (NLO) material with high efficiency for applications in harmonic generations and quantum technology. Owing to its low symmetry and cooperative Bi3+ lone pair arrangement, it has also exceptional large piezoelectric and electro‐optic coefficients and strong anisotropies on other material characteristics. Previous theoretical calculations on its physical (mainly optical) properties often gave confusing results. It is found here that London dispersion (LD) tends to stabilize structures with closer pack entities like lone pair heavy ion Bi3+ with large polarizabilities, which is ignored in most previous density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Present study shows that without considering the LD effect, the structure of α‐BiB3O6 (BiBO) was predicted with an over‐estimated (by over 10 %) unique b‐axis while underestimates a and overestimates c in a less amount. Consequently it is not possible to use the calculated structure to obtain meaningful properties of this important material. By applying a modified post‐DFT LD correction based on linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) and B3LYP functional, the experimental structure is well reproduced with the theoretical optimized one. Many important material property tensors of BiBO crystal are calculated in unprecedented precisions, including: dielectric constants (static and in THz range), elastic and elasto‐optic constants, piezoelectric constants, refractive indices, NLO and electro‐optic (EO) coefficients. Among them, theoretical calculation of the refractive indices in the THz range by diagonalizing the clamped‐ion dielectric constants was firstly achieved at least for BiBO crystal. The calculation also confirms that BiBO has an exceptional large piezoelectric constant d22=40 pC/N and largest free EO coefficients
,
,
on the order of 10 pm/V among borate crystals. The calculation also reveals that the large free EO coefficients are largely originated from the piezoelectric induced photo‐elastic effect and for practical high speed applications only the clamped‐ion EO coefficients take effect. The clamped ion EO coefficient of
=−4.17 pm/V,
=−2.61 pm/V are obtained for the first time and may be consulted if one seeks to design BiBO crystal as a high‐speed EO modulator. Furthermore, full tensor matrix of the elasto‐optic constants was obtained on the first time. Together with the calculated elastic constants, it can help to design acoustic optic modulating devices with preferable figure of merits 10 times that of traditional quartz crystal.
Influence of Donor‐Acceptor Interactions on MLCT Hole Reconfiguration in {Ru(bpy)} Chromophores
Authors: Cotic Agustina , Heinemann Frank W. , Slep Leonardo D. , Cadranel Alejandro
Published: April 2024

In MLCT chromophores, internal conversion (IC) in the form of hole reconfiguration pathways (HR) is a major source of dissipation of the absorbed photon energy. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize their impact in energy conversion schemes by slowing them down. According to previous findings on {Ru(bpy)} chromophores, donor‐acceptor interactions between the Ru ion and the ligand scaffold might allow to control HR/IC rates. Here, a series of [Ru(tpm)(bpy)(R‐py)]2+ chromophores, where tpm is tris(1‐pyrazolyl)methane, bpy is 2,2’‐bipyridine and R‐py is a 4‐substituted pyridine, were prepared and fully characterized employing electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, steady‐state absorption/emission spectroscopy and electronic structure computations based on DFT/TD‐DFT. Their excited‐state decay was monitored using nanosecond and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. HR/IC lifetimes as slow as 568 ps were obtained in DMSO at room temperature, twice as slow as in the reference species [Ru(tpm)(bpy)(NCS)]+.
Behavior of Lithium Amide Under Argon Plasma
Authors: Wen Jiaqi , Wen Hong , Wu Han , Yang Liang , Guan Yeqin , Cai Yongli , Gao Wenbo , Wang Qianru , Zhang Shaoqian , Guo Jianping , Chen Ping
Published: April 2024

Alkali and alkaline earth metal amides are a type of functional materials for hydrogen storage, thermal energy storage, ion conduction, and chemical transformations such as ammonia synthesis and decomposition. The thermal chemistry of lithium amide (LiNH2), as a simple but representative alkali or alkaline earth metal amide, has been well studied previously encouraged by its potentials in hydrogen storage. In comparison, little is known about the interaction of plasma and LiNH2. Herein, we report that the plasma treatment of LiNH2 in an Ar flow under ambient temperature and pressure gives rise to distinctly different reaction products and reaction pathway from that of the thermal process. We found that plasma treatment of LiNH2 leads to the formation of Li colloids, N2, and H2 as observed by UV‐vis absorption, EPR, and gas products analysis. Inspired by this very unique interaction between plasma and LiNH2, a chemical loop for ammonia decomposition to N2 and H2 mediated by LiNH2 was proposed and demonstrated.
Circular And Sustainable: Evaluating Lithium‐Ion Battery Recycling using a Combined Statistical Entropy and Life Cycle Assessment Methodology
Authors: Tas Gulsah , Klemettinen Anna , Serna‐Guerrero Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

While there has been a growing interest on the concept of Circular Economy (CE), its correlation with sustainability remains controversial. In this work, the combination of Statistical Entropy Analysis (SEA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is proposed as a new methodology to evaluate recycling processes from the perspective of materials circularity and environmental impacts using a Li‐ion battery recycling process as a case study. This work addresses the need of quantitative circularity indicators, as SEA evaluates the concentration of materials at a systems level, while LCA measures the environmental impact of recycling processes in comparison with virgin raw materials production. It was found that process optimization points can be found by simultaneously accounting for materials recovery and the LCA categories of global warming potential, ozone depletion and mineral resource scarcity. Furthermore, a strong correlation was found for the first time between the recovery of critical elements and the environmental impact of raw materials production. The proposed methodology thus offers a robust analysis of a product lifecycle that aids in its design and optimization from the CE perspective.
Unlocking Enhanced Butadiene Selectivity: The Crucial Role of Zeolite Channel Confinement in the Selective Decarbonylation of γ‐Valerolactone
Authors: Qiao Yukai , Xiao Yao , Zhang Xinbao , Yu Weiwei , Li Junjie , Xu Longya , Zhu Xiangxue , Zheng Anmin , Li Xiujie
Published: April 2024

Herein, we report a highly selective production route for butadiene from γ‐valerolactone over zeolite catalysts. The catalytic performance of eight zeolites with different framework topologies were compared, revealing that zeolites with narrower 10‐membered ring channels exhibit enhanced selectivity of butadiene. Specifically, ZSM‐35 and ZSM‐22, featuring the narrowest 10‐membered ring channels, demonstrate the highest butadiene selectivity to 61 % and 59 %, respectively. Notably, surface passivation of ZSM‐35 leads to a remarkable increase in butadiene selectivity to 82 %, maintaining a 99 % conversion. Additionally, we propose a reaction network and identify cyclopentenone as a key intermediate in the transformation of γ‐valerolactone to butadiene. Both experimental and theoretical results conclude that confinement effect of 10‐membered ring channels improves the selectivity of butadiene.
Whole genomes show contrasting trends of population size changes and genomic diversity for an Amazonian endemic passerine over the late quaternary
Authors: Dalapicolla Jeronymo , Weir Jason T. , Vilaça Sibelle Torres , Quaresma Tânia Fontes , Schneider Maria P. C. , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza R. , Aleixo Alexandre
Published: April 2024

The “Amazon tipping point” is a global change scenario resulting in replacement of uplandterra‐firmeforests by large‐scale “savannization” of mostly southern and eastern Amazon. Reduced rainfall accompanying the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) has been proposed to have acted as such a tipping point in the past, with the prediction thatterra‐firmeinhabiting species should have experienced reductions in population size as drier habitats expanded. Here, we use whole‐genomes of an Amazonian endemic organism (Scale‐backed antbirds –Willisornisspp.) sampled from nine populations across the region to test this historical demography scenario. Populations from southeastern Amazonia and close to the Amazon–Cerradoecotone exhibited a wide range of demographic patterns, while most of those from northern and western Amazonia experienced uniform expansions between 400 kya and 80–60 kya, with gradual declines toward 20 kya. Southeastern populations ofWillisorniswere the last to diversify and showed smaller heterozygosity and higher runs of homozygosity values than western and northern populations. These patterns support historical population declines throughout the Amazon that affected more strongly lineages in the southern and eastern areas, where historical “tipping point” conditions existed due to the widespread replacement of humid forest by drier and open vegetation during the LGM.
Demography and movement patterns of a freshwater ciliate: The influence of oxygen availability
Authors: Brans Victor , Manzi Florent , Jacob Staffan , Schtickzelle Nicolas
Published: April 2024

In freshwater habitats, aerobic animals and microorganisms can react to oxygen deprivation by a series of behavioural and physiological changes, either as a direct consequence of hindered performance or as adaptive responses towards hypoxic conditions. Since oxygen availability can vary throughout the water column, different strategies exist to avoid hypoxia, including that of active ‘flight’ from low‐oxygen sites. Alternatively, some organisms may invest in slower movement, saving energy until conditions return to more favourable levels, which may be described as a ‘sit‐and‐wait’ strategy. Here, we aimed to determine which, if any, of these strategies could be used by the freshwater ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila when faced with decreasing levels of oxygen availability in the culture medium. We manipulated oxygen flux into clonal cultures of six strains (i.e. genotypes) and followed their growth kinetics for several weeks using automated image analysis, allowing to precisely quantify changes in density, morphology and movement patterns. Oxygen effects on demography and morphology were comparable across strains: reducing oxygen flux decreased the growth rate and maximal density of experimental cultures, while greatly expanding the duration of their stationary phase. Cells sampled during their exponential growth phase were larger and had a more elongated shape under hypoxic conditions, likely mirroring a shift in resource investment towards individual development rather than frequent divisions. In addition to these general patterns, we found evidence for intraspecific variability in movement responses to oxygen limitation. Some strains showed a reduction in swimming speed, potentially associated with a ‘sit‐and‐wait’ strategy; however, the frequent alteration of movement paths towards more linear trajectories also suggests the existence of an inducible ‘flight response’ in this species. Considering the inherent costs of turns associated with non‐linear movement, such a strategy may allow ciliates to escape suboptimal environments at a low energetic cost.
Modelling of sap flux density of oak in a humid region in China
Authors: Liu Yujie , Chen Zhengbing , Cheng Lei , Qin Shujing , Wan Liuliu , Yin Jiabo , Xu Jijun , Wang Yongqiang , Zhang Quan , Zhang Lu
Published: April 2024

Transpiration plays a vital role in determining the watershed water cycle. However, we still have little knowledge of the characteristics of tree transpiration in the Hanjiang River Basin, which is the water source for the middle route of South‐to‐North water diversion project. Here, we measured sap flux density of oak trees (Quercus, the dominant species here) at the 10‐min resolution for 2 years and explored its response to the environmental conditions. The incoming short‐wave radiation and vapour pressure deficit well explained the variation of daytime sap flux density, and a statistical model was then proposed to calculate the daytime sap flux density correspondingly; then a nighttime sap flux density module was proposed based on the daytime sap flux density calculation. Sap flux density showed clear counter‐clockwise hysteresis response to incoming short‐wave radiation, and clockwise hysteresis response to vapour pressure deficit. Our sap flux density model can well reproduce the corresponding hysteresis response to incoming short‐wave radiation and vapour pressure deficit. This study unravelled the environmental controls of sap flux density of the oak trees in the Hanjiang River Basin, proposed an efficient model for the sap flux density simulation, provided important knowledge for understanding the corresponding forests' water use, which is of critical significance in determining the water availability for the middle route of the South‐to‐North water diversion project.
Exploring the dynamic microbial tapestry of South Asian rivers: insights from the Ganges and Yamuna ecosystems
Authors: Chaturvedi Sadashiv , Chakraborty Biswameet , Min Liu , Kumar Amit , Pathak Bikram , Kumar Rupesh , Yu Zhi‐Guo
Published: April 2024

This review meticulously examines the dynamics of river microbiomes, with an emphasis on the Ganges and Yamuna rivers of South Asia. These rivers are vital for both ecological and cultural landscapes and offer to understand the interaction between ecological and anthropogenic factors and their impact on microbial communities and activities. Ecological and hydrological factors such as seasonal changes, water flow and physico‐chemical properties of rivers influence microbial diversity and abundance. The effect of heavy metals from industrial and agricultural sources on the river microbiome and how these pollutants modify microbial community structures and ecosystem health are not understood well yet. This underscores the need for sustainable water treatment and remediations for practical engineering solutions. The study reveals how these interactions, whether symbiotic or competitive, affect the composition and functionality of riverine microbial communities. An innovative aspect of our research is the potential of river microbiomes as indicators of urban sewage contamination. We demonstrate how microbial patterns can signal pollution levels, proving valuable for environmental monitoring, management and mitigation. A special attention to the role of microbes in river ecosystems' biogeochemical cycles has been paid to how these microbes contribute to nutrient recycling, organic matter decomposition and overall ecosystem productivity, underlining their crucial role in maintaining the aesthetic value of the river. Additionally, study evaluates the latest methodologies for analysing microbiome metagenomic data, including functional annotation and microbial community analysis techniques. Findings highlight the key importance of understanding river microbiomes for hydrology, ecology and microbiology researchers.
Broadband multi‐layered stepped cone shaped metamaterial absorber for energy harvesting and stealth applications
Authors: Bağmancı Mehmet , Wang Lulu , Sabah Cumali , Karaaslan Muharrem , Paul Liton Chandra , Rani Tithi , Unal Emin
Published: April 2024

In this study, a broadband polarization and angle‐independent metamaterial absorber (MA) is investigated in the microwave range. It is made up of a periodic array of multi‐layered metal‐dielectric stepped cones. Since the dimensions of the layers forming the unit cell are different, each layer resonates at different frequencies with overlapping bands. The overall response of the structure, with its extremely wide bandwidth, can be obtained by summing all the overlapping frequency responses corresponding to each layer. In numerical simulation, it is observed that the absorption at normal incidence is above 90% in the frequency range between 9.68 and 17.45 GHz and 95% in the frequency range between 9.91 and 14.86 GHz. The energy harvesting ratios of the structure are also evaluated in a wide spectral band. A power ratio of around 90% is obtained in the same frequency range in accordance with absorption response. A noticeable harvesting efficiency of up to 82% is observed, which represents the energy level converted into electrical energy on resistors.
Triboelectric–Electromagnetic Hybrid Energy Nanogenerator with Variable‐Frequency Effect Inspired by Magnetic Gears for Efficient Use of Low‐Speed Flow Energy
Authors: Xie Zhijie , Qin Zhenfeng , Wang Yu , Yu Di , Li Zhen
Published: April 2024

In the macrocontext of a low‐carbon and energy‐efficient economy, the rise of new energy vehicles is expected to replace traditional fuel vehicles. However, with the increasing number of new energy vehicles, the source of electricity for charging facilities faces new challenges. This study proposes a triboelectric–electromagnetic energy hybrid nanogenerator (VF‐TEMG) with a variable‐frequency effect inspired by an axial magnetic gear. The unit consists of one triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) unit and two electromagnetic generator (EMG) units. The TENG unit employs a ternary dielectric structure to achieve kilovoltage output and reduce torque. Moreover, charging efficiency is enhanced using a mixture of high voltage from the TENG and EMG high current. Using the magnetic field modulation principle, the magnetic poles, which are produced by the low‐speed rotor permanent magnets, are modulated by a pole‐modulating piece into a magnetic pole harmonic equal to the number of pairs of high‐speed rotor permanent magnets. Consequently, when the low‐speed rotor starts to rotate, it drives the high‐speed rotor to rotate at high speed, thereby achieving variable‐frequency motion. This work establishes the theoretical and experimental basis for harvesting and effectively utilizing green energy based on frequency conversion.
Characterization and utilization of industrial wastewater in biorefinery systems: A comprehensive approach
Authors: Castellanos Humberto Garcia , Aryanfar Yashar , fardinnia Hamidreza , Arslan Busra , Ilbas Mustafa , Keçebaş Ali
Published: April 2024

This review explores the innovative utilization of industrial effluents in biorefinery applications, addressing the environmental challenges posed by the complex mixture of pollutants in industrial wastewater. It emphasizes the transformation of these effluents into valuable resources, such as biofuels, biochemicals, and bioplastics, through advanced biotechnological processes including anaerobic digestion, fermentation, enzymatic conversion, and microbial biomass production. The study highlights the critical role of microbial biocatalysts in breaking down diverse pollutants and transforming waste into wealth, thereby contributing to sustainable industrial practices and a circular economy. Challenges such as variability in effluent composition, inhibitory substances, and the necessity for robust bioprocesses are discussed, along with suggestions for future research directions like effluent characterization, development of specialized microbial consortia, and effective monitoring and control strategies. The review underscores the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and government to advance biorefinery technologies, ultimately advocating for a sustainable and resource‐efficient future through the innovative treatment of industrial wastewaters.
Navigating the emotional terrain of prison reentry: State‐sanctioned gendered violence
Authors: Kellett Nicole Coffey
Published: April 2024

The emotional experiences of incarceration are directly tied to state‐sanctioned gendered violence. Most incarcerated women have a history of trauma, stemming directly from broader socio‐political and economic forces, which is further rendered throughout the incarceration and reentry process. The carceral system in the United States disrupts family and social support systems, fails to provide accessible and adequate mental health and substance use services, and denies stabilization resources such as housing, employment, and citizenry for women once released from prison, yet their emotional experiences are largely absent in analyses of this gendered violence. Drawing from a larger intimate ethnography project with a woman, LaTasha, recently released from a 25‐year to life prison sentence, this article examines how women negotiate and express emotions within the context of prison reentry contributing to feminist anthropological scholarship on state‐sanctioned gender violence. Through an in‐depth analysis of the challenges LaTasha faces in rebuilding relationships with family, navigating a system in which she has been outcasted, and asserting herself after being systematically disempowered, we gain insight into the ways in which carceral systems have prevented emotional complexity resulting in a form of incipient and largely invisible violence.
Protein identification and potential bioactive peptides from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds
Authors: Lin Chu‐Ti , Tejano Lhumen A. , Panjaitan Fenny Crista A. , Permata Vinny Nabila Surya , Sevi Tesalonika , Chang Yu‐Wei
Published: April 2024

Pumpkin is an economically important crop all over the world. Approximately, 18%–21% of pumpkins, consisting of peels and seeds by‐products, are wasted during processing. In addition, the seeds are rich in protein and have the potency of bioactive peptide production. This study aims to recognize the proteins and investigate the potential bioactive peptides from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds. Pumpkin seeds were subjected to hot air drying (HAD) at 55°C for 12 h and freeze‐drying (FD) at −80°C for 54 h before they were powdered, analyzed, and precipitated by isoelectric point to obtain pumpkin seed protein isolates (PSPI). PSPI comprised 11S globulin subunit beta, 2S seed storage albumin, and chaperonin CPN60‐1. To generate hydrolysate peptides, PSPI was hydrolyzed using papain, pepsin, and bromelain. FD group pepsin hydrolysates had the highest peptide content of 420.83 mg/g. ACE inhibition and DPP‐IV inhibition activity were analyzed for each enzymatic hydrolysate. The pepsin hydrolyzed sample exhibited the highest ACE inhibition of 70.26%, and the papain hydrolyzed sample exhibited the highest DPP‐IV inhibition of 30.51%. The simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) conducted by pepsin and pancreatin increased ACE inhibitory activity from 76.93% to 78.34%, and DPP‐IV inhibited activity increased from 58.62% to 77.13%. Pepsin and papain hydrolysates were fractionated using ultrafiltration to measure ACE and DPP‐IV inhibition activity. The highest free radical scavenging abilities were exhibited by the <1 kDa hydrolysate fractions with 78.34% ACE inhibitory activities and 79.55% DPP‐IV inhibitory activities. This research revealed that pumpkin seeds had the potency to produce bioactive peptides.
Comparative study of second‐line labor induction methods in patients with unfavorable cervix after first‐line low‐dose oral misoprostol
Authors: Nace Marie‐Cécile , Delotte Jérôme , Gauci Pierre‐Alexis
Published: April 2024

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate low‐dose oral misoprostol induction, and compare different methods used in second‐line induction in patients with a Bishop score less than 6.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed the medical history and courses of pregnancy of all patients induced with first‐line of low‐dose oral misoprostol (50 μg every 4 h with a total of 200 μg/24 h) from April 2021 to June 2022 in a university hospital center, and reported outcomes according to the second‐line method of induction.

Results

Among 437 labor inductions with low‐dose oral misoprostol, 120 patients required a second‐line induction. Predictive factors of first‐line failure were higher body mass index (P = 0.011), absence of premature rupture of membranes (P = 0.021) and earlier term of pregnancy (P < 0.001). Regarding second methods of induction of labor, time from induction to delivery was shorter in the oxytocin group than the dinoprostone and misoprostol groups (24.0 vs. 41 and 51.0 h, respectively; P < 0.001), and was also significantly shorter in the dinoprostone than the misoprostol group (P = 0.048). Cesarean section rates did not differ between the three groups (P = 0.651). There were no clinically significant differences in adverse events between the groups.

Conclusion

Normal body mass index, previous rupture of membranes and later term of induction of labor were the three favoring success factors during first‐line oral misoprostol. In cases of a Bishop score <6, oxytocin may be the best option to reduce duration to delivery, with the same maternal‐fetal outcomes, including a similar rate of vaginal delivery.
Maternal methylosome protein 50 is essential for embryonic development in medaka Oryzias latipes
Authors: Duan Shi , Yang Qing , Wu Fan , Li Zhenyu , Hong Wentao , Cao Mengxi , Chen Xinhua , Zhong Xueping , Zhou Qingchun , Zhao Haobin
Published: April 2024

Methylosome protein 50 (Mep50) is a protein that is rich in WD40 domains, which mediate and regulate a variety of physiological processes in organisms. Previous studies indicated the necessity of Mep50 in embryogenesis in mice Mus musculus and fish. This study aimed to further understand the roles of maternal Mep50 in early embryogenesis using medaka Oryzias latipes as a model. Without maternal Mep50, medaka zygotes developed to the pre‐early gastrula stage but died later. The transcriptome of the embryos at the pre‐early gastrula stage was analyzed by RNA sequencing. The results indicated that 1572 genes were significantly upregulated and 741 genes were significantly downregulated in the embryos without maternal Mep50. In the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the DNA‐binding proteins, such as histones and members of the small chromosome maintenance complex, were enriched. The major interfered regulatory networks in the embryos losing maternal Mep50 included DNA replication and cell cycle regulation, AP‐1 transcription factors such as Jun and Fos, the Wnt pathway, RNA processing, and the extracellular matrix. Quantitative RT‐PCR verified 16 DEGs, including prmt5, H2A, cpsf, jun, mcm4, myc, p21, ccne2, cdk6, and col1, among others. It was speculated that the absence of maternal Mep50 could potentially lead to errors in DNA replication and cell cycle arrest, ultimately resulting in cell apoptosis. This eventually resulted in the failure of gastrulation and embryonic death. The results indicate the importance of maternal Mep50 in early embryonic development, particularly in medaka fish.
Leadership development in genetic counseling graduate programs
Authors: Polanski Amanda , Hall April , Reiser Catherine , Uttal Katherine , Kuhl Ashley
Published: April 2024

Leadership is emerging as an important component of health professional training. This study aimed to characterize current leadership development in accredited genetic counseling programs. Semi‐structured interviews with program leadership were conducted to explore their program's leadership curricula and their perspectives on the meaning of leadership and its place in genetic counseling training. Eleven interviews were conducted and focused on seven categories related to study goals. Using the Framework Method, themes were generated within the predefined categories. Categories and themes included Defining Leadership (Positional vs Non‐positional, Beliefs about Leadership, Role of Leadership in the Field of Genetic Counseling), Leadership Curricula Origin and Delivery (Course‐based and Longitudinal, Explicit vs. Implicit, Origin of Material), Role of Faculty and Students (Role of Faculty, Expectations for Students and Qualities of Students), Skills, Evaluation, Priority (Potential for Improvement, Barriers and Facilitators), and Standards (Current Incorporation, Potential Incorporation). All programs had some form of leadership development, but many participants lacked a personal or program definition of leadership. Leadership development varied in curricula and delivery, but most were longitudinal and faculty‐driven, with communication, teaching, advocacy, and collaboration as commonly taught skills. However, leadership development opportunities were rarely labeled as such, and participants identified labeling current leadership development as the top area for improvement. Labeling leadership development could improve assessment of current efforts and the ability to address gaps in leadership curricula. This would lay the foundation for necessary intentional leadership development, in turn helping us better advocate for our patients and the profession.