bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cavitron extraction of xylem water suggests cryogenic extraction biases vary across species but are independent of tree water stress
Authors: Duvert Clément , Barbeta Adrià , Hutley Lindsay B. , Rodriguez Leidy , Irvine Dylan J. , Taylor Andrew R.
Published: February 2024

Cryogenic vacuum distillation (CVD) is a widely used technique for extracting plant water from stems for isotopic analysis, but concerns about potential isotopic biases have emerged. Here, we leverage the Cavitron centrifugation technique to extract xylem water and compare its isotopic signature to that of CVD‐extracted bulk stem water as well as source water. Conducted under field conditions in tropical northern Australia, our study spans seven tree species naturally experiencing a range of water stress levels. Our findings reveal a significant deuterium bias in CVD‐extracted bulk stem water when compared to xylem water (median bias −14.9‰), whereas xylem water closely aligned with source water (median offset −1.9‰). We find substantial variations in deuterium bias among the seven tree species (bias ranging from −19.3‰ to −9.1‰), but intriguingly, CVD‐induced biases were unrelated to environmental factors such as relative stem water content and predawn leaf water potential. These results imply that inter‐specific differences may be driven by anatomical traits rather than tree hydraulic functioning. Additionally, our data highlight the potential to use a site‐specific deuterium offset, based on the isotopic signature of local source water, for correcting CVD‐induced biases.
Distribution, trends and drivers of precipitation use efficiency in the loess plateau
Authors: Shi Xiaoliang , Zhang Dan , Ding Hao , Chen Xi , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2024

Against the background of climate change, the global carbon and water cycle has undergone significant changes, and it is of great significance to explore the interrelationships of the carbon and water cycles in different regions to cope with future climate change. In this study, based on gross primary productivity (GPP) and precipitation (PRE) data, the precipitation use efficiency (PUE) of the Loess Plateau (LP) was calculated, and the Sen trend analysis and Mann‐Kendall test were used to analyse the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of PUE, as well as the first‐order difference method was used to derive the relative contributions to quantify the impact of vegetation growth and meteorological factors on PUE. The results show that (1) from 2001 to 2018, the spatial distribution pattern of vegetation PUE exhibited an increasing trend from northwest to southeast. On the time scale, the multi‐year average value of PUE was 1.17 gC m−2 mm−1, showing an overall upward trend. Among the different land cover types, paddy fields had the highest PUE level, and sparse grassland had the lowest; (2) LAI had the highest relative contribution to vegetation PUE, followed by temperature (Temp), net radiation of the ground surface (RN), specific humidity (Shum), and wind speed (WS). LAI contributes positively to 88.9% of the area. RN positively influences high‐altitude areas, while Shum had a larger area with a negative contribution. The contribution of Temp increases from northwest to southeast, and WS has balanced positive and negative contributions; (3) LAI is the dominant factor for the spatial and temporal variation of PUE in the LP, and the size of the areas where different meteorological factors dominate the changes of PUE are as follows: WS > Shum>RN > Temp. At high altitudes, the dominant meteorological driver is WS, while at low altitudes, the dominant climate driver is Shum. This study is of guiding significance for the ecological restoration and management of the LP, and it can also provide a scientific basis for the improvement of ecosystems and the sustainable management of water resources in the context of global climate change.
Storage dynamics of ions on graphene
Authors: Guo Minghao , Ni Kun , Zhu Yanwu
Published: February 2024

Carbon has been widely utilized as electrode in electrochemical energy storage, relying on the interaction between ions and electrode. The performance of a carbon electrode is determined by a variety of factors including the structural features of carbon material and the behavior of ions adsorbed on the carbon surface in the specific environment. As the fundamental unit of graphitic carbons, graphene has been employed as a model to understand the energy storage mechanism of carbon materials through various experimental and computational methods, ex‐situ or in‐situ. In this article, we provide a succinct overview of the state‐of‐the‐art proceedings on the ion storage mechanism on graphene. Topics include the structure engineering of carbons, electric gating effect of ions, ion dynamics on the interface or in the confined space, and specifically lithium‐ion storage/reaction on graphene. Our aim is to facilitate the understanding of electrochemistry on carbon electrodes.
The distribution of parent‐reported attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and subclinical autistic traits in children with and without an ADHD diagnosis
Authors: Chau Tracey , Tiego Jeggan , Brown Louise E. , Mellahn Olivia J. , Johnson Beth P. , Arnatkeviciute Aurina , Fulcher Ben D. , Matthews Natasha , Bellgrove Mark A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Autistic traits are often reported to be elevated in children diagnosed with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the distribution of subclinical autistic traits in children with ADHD has not yet been established; knowing this may have important implications for diagnostic and intervention processes. The present study proposes a preliminary model of the distribution of parent‐reported ADHD and subclinical autistic traits in two independent samples of Australian children with and without an ADHD diagnosis.

Methods

Factor mixture modelling was applied to Autism Quotient and Conners' Parent Rating Scale – Revised responses from parents of Australian children aged 6–15 years who participated in one of two independent studies.

Results

A 2‐factor, 2‐class factor mixture model with class varying factor variances and intercepts demonstrated the best fit to the data in both discovery and replication samples. The factors corresponded to the latent constructs of ‘autism’ and ‘ADHD’, respectively. Class 1 was characterised by low levels of both ADHD and autistic traits. Class 2 was characterised by high levels of ADHD traits and low‐to‐moderate levels of autistic traits. The classes were largely separated along diagnostic boundaries. The largest effect size for differences between classes on the Autism Quotient was on the Social Communication subscale.

Conclusions

Our findings support the conceptualisation of ADHD as a continuum, whilst confirming the utility of current categorical diagnostic criteria. Results suggest that subclinical autistic traits, particularly in the social communication domain, are unevenly distributed across children with clinically significant levels of ADHD traits. These traits might be profitably screened for in assessments of children with high ADHD symptoms and may also represent useful targets for intervention.
The need for cannabis education in dental hygiene programs
Authors: Joffray Jennifer L. , Johnson Deborah
Published: February 2024

Purpose/objective

Cannabis and the endocannabinoid system (ESC) are rarely included in training programs for healthcare providers. Knowledge within the medical and dental health professionals is lacking regarding the treatment of patients using medical or recreational cannabis. Patients are unaware of the risks associated with cannabis use, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess, educate, and treat the patients who use cannabis. With the increased legalization and use of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes across the US, this study demonstrated the lack of cannabis education provided in dental hygiene programs.

Methods

In 2021, an online survey was conducted with 327 dental hygiene program directors. Respondents were asked to answer 26 questions.

Results

With a 21% response rate and 100% completion rate, 60% of the participants responded that cannabis content was provided in their dental hygiene program, 38% responded with a “no,” and one responded with “I do not know.” No significant difference was found regardless of whether cannabis was legal in the state for medical or recreational use and whether the cannabis content was included in the dental hygiene curriculum.

Conclusions

The results indicate that every dental hygiene program should provide cannabis content, and each patient should receive a cannabis assessment at every dental hygiene appointment. Further research is required to identify standardized educational content on cannabis and the ESC, which will enable educators to teach students. The development and implementation of a standardized cannabis use assessment and the creation of standardized recommendations for patients who use cannabis to alleviate adverse oral health effects are important.
Evaluation of a virtual interprofessional oral‐systemic health simulation experience in nursing, dentistry, medicine, and pharmacy education
Authors: Roitman J , Haber J , Cipollina J , Feldman L , Fletcher J , Allen K , Crotty K , Kudlowitz D , Anderson M.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The annual teaching oral‐systemic health (TOSH) virtual clinical simulation and case study activity exposes interprofessional teams of nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, dental, medical, and pharmacy students to a virtual clinical simulation experience that uses oral‐systemic health as a clinical exemplar for promoting interprofessional core competencies. The present study examines changes in participating students’ self‐reported interprofessional competencies following participation in virtual TOSH from 2020 to 2022. These findings are also compared to those from in‐person TOSH (2019) to examine the equivalence of student outcomes of both the in‐person and virtual programs.

Methods

A pre‐ and post‐test evaluation design was used to examine the effectiveness of exposure to the TOSH program on self‐reported attainment of interprofessional competencies for participating students using the interprofessional collaborative competency attainment scale.

Results

Analysis of pre‐ and post‐surveys demonstrated statistically significant improvement in students’ self‐rated interprofessional experience competencies following the virtual TOSH program, which aligns with results from the in‐person cohorts. Similar findings between the in‐person and virtual cohorts indicated no statistically significant difference between the two formats.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the success of TOSH in promoting attainment of interprofessional competencies among future health professionals. We encourage administrators and faculty who lead health professional programs to take advantage of using virtual simulations as an integral component of interprofessional oral health clinical experiences where students from different health professions learn from and about each other in assessing and treating patients across the lifespan.
Automated Quality Evaluation Index for Arterial Spin Labeling Derived Cerebral Blood Flow Maps
Authors: Dolui Sudipto , Wang Ze , Wolf Ronald L. , Nabavizadeh Ali , Xie Long , Tosun Duygu , Nasrallah Ilya M. , Wolk David A. , Detre John A. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2024

Background

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) derived cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps are prone to artifacts and noise that can degrade image quality.

Purpose

To develop an automated and objective quality evaluation index (QEI) for ASL CBF maps.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Data from N = 221 adults, including patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury.

Field Strength/Sequence

Pulsed or pseudocontinuous ASL acquired at 3 T using non‐background suppressed 2D gradient‐echo echoplanar imaging or background suppressed 3D spiral spin‐echo readouts.

Assessment

The QEI was developed using N = 101 2D CBF maps rated as unacceptable, poor, average, or excellent by two neuroradiologists and validated by 1) leave‐one‐out cross validation, 2) assessing if CBF reproducibility in N = 53 cognitively normal adults correlates inversely with QEI, 3) if iterative discarding of low QEI data improves the Cohen's d effect size for CBF differences between preclinical AD (N = 27) and controls (N = 53), 4) comparing the QEI with manual ratings for N = 50 3D CBF maps, and 5) comparing the QEI with another automated quality metric.

Statistical Tests

Inter‐rater reliability and manual vs. automated QEI were quantified using Pearson's correlation. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The correlation between QEI and manual ratings (R = 0.83, CI: 0.76–0.88) was similar (P = 0.56) to inter‐rater correlation (R = 0.81, CI: 0.73–0.87) for the 2D data. CBF reproducibility correlated negatively (R = −0.74, CI: −0.84 to −0.59) with QEI. The effect size comparing patients and controls improved (R = 0.72, CI: 0.59–0.82) as low QEI data was discarded iteratively. The correlation between QEI and manual ratings (R = 0.86, CI: 0.77–0.92) of 3D ASL was similar (P = 0.09) to inter‐rater correlation (R = 0.78, CI: 0.64–0.87). The QEI correlated (R = 0.87, CI: 0.77–0.92) significantly better with manual ratings than did an existing approach (R = 0.54, CI: 0.30–0.72).

Data Conclusion

Automated QEI performed similarly to manual ratings and can provide scalable ASL quality control.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Advancements in the study of synaptic plasticity and mitochondrial autophagy relationship
Authors: Zhu Yousong , Hui Qinlong , Zhang Zheng , Fu Hao , Qin Yali , Zhao Qiong , Li Qinqing , Zhang Junlong , Guo Lei , He Wenbin , Han Cheng
Published: February 2024

Synapses serve as the points of communication between neurons, consisting primarily of three components: the presynaptic membrane, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane. They transmit signals through the release and reception of neurotransmitters. Synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to undergo structural and functional changes, is influenced by proteins such as growth‐associated proteins, synaptic vesicle proteins, postsynaptic density proteins, and neurotrophic growth factors. Furthermore, maintaining synaptic plasticity consumes more than half of the brain's energy, with a significant portion of this energy originating from ATP generated through mitochondrial energy metabolism. Consequently, the quantity, distribution, transport, and function of mitochondria impact the stability of brain energy metabolism, thereby participating in the regulation of fundamental processes in synaptic plasticity, including neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and neurotransmitter release. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the proteins associated with presynaptic plasticity, postsynaptic plasticity, and common factors between the two, as well as the relationship between mitochondrial energy metabolism and synaptic plasticity.
Moment arm and torque generating capacity of semitendinosus following tendon harvesting for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A simulation study
Authors: du Moulin William , Bourne Matthew , Diamond Laura E. , Konrath Jason , Vertullo Christopher , Saxby David J.
Published: February 2024

Altered semitendinosus (ST) morphology and distal tendon insertion following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may reduce knee flexion torque generating capacity of the hamstrings via impaired ST force generation and/or moment arm. This study used a computational musculoskeletal model to simulate mechanical consequences of tendon harvest for ACLR on ST function by modeling changes in ST muscle tendon insertion point, moment arm, and torque generating capacity across a physiological range of motion. Simulated ST function was then compared between ACLR and uninjured contralateral limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging from 18 individuals with unilateral history of ACLR involving a hamstring autograft was used to analyse bilateral hamstring muscle (ST, semimembranosus, bicep femoris long head and short head) morphology and distal ST tendon insertion. The ACLR cohort was sub‐grouped into those with and without ST regeneration. For each participant with ST regeneration (n = 7), a personalized musculoskeletal model was created including postoperative remodeling of ST using OpenSim 4.1. Knee flexion and internal rotation moment arms and torque generating capacities of hamstrings were evaluated. Bilateral differences were calculated with an asymmetry index (%) ([unaffected limb–affected limb]/[unaffected limb + affected limb]*100%). Smaller moment arms or knee torques within injured compared to uninjured contralateral limbs were considered a deficit. Compared to uninjured contralateral limbs, ACLR limbs with tendon regeneration (n = 7) had minor reductions in knee flexion (5.80% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.97–7.62]) and internal rotation (4.92% [95% CI = 2.77–7.07]) moment arms. Decoupled from muscle morphology, altered ST moment arms in ACLR limbs with tendon regeneration resulted in negligible deficits in knee flexion (1.20% [95% CI = 0.34–2.06]) and internal rotation (0.24% [95% CI = 0.22–0.26]) torque generating capacity compared to uninjured contralateral limbs. Coupled with muscle morphology, ACLR limbs with tendon regeneration had substantial deficits in knee flexion (19.32% [95% CI = 18.35–20.28]) and internal rotation (15.49% [95% CI = 14.56–16.41]) torques compared to uninjured contralateral limbs. Personalized musculoskeletal models with measures of ST distal insertion and muscle morphology provided unique insights into post‐ACLR ST and hamstring function. Deficits in knee flexor and internal rotation moment arms and torque generating capacities were evident in those with ACLR even when tendon regeneration occurred. Future studies may wish to implement this framework in personalized musculoskeletal models following ACLR to better understand individual muscle function for injury prevention and treatment evaluation.
Patellar tendon biomechanical and morphologic properties and their relationship to serum clinical variables in persons with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Patel Shivam H. , Campbell Nathan W. C. , Emenim Chinonso E. , Farino Dominick O. , Damen Frederick W. , Rispoli Joseph V. , Goergen Craig J. , Haus Jacob M. , Sabbaghi Arman , Carroll Chad C.
Published: February 2024

Tendon biomechanical properties and fibril organization are altered in patients with diabetes compared to healthy individuals, yet few biomarkers have been associated with in vivo tendon properties. We investigated the relationships between in vivo imaging‐based tendon properties, serum variables, and patient characteristics across healthy controls (n = 14, age: 45 ± 5 years, body mass index [BMI]: 24 ± 1, hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]: 5.3 ± 0.1%), prediabetes (n = 14, age: 54 ± 5 years, BMI: 29 ± 2; HbA1c: 5.7 ± 0.1), and type 2 diabetes (n = 13, age: 55 ± 3 years, BMI: 33 ± 2, HbA1c: 6.7 ± 0.3). We used ultrasound speckle‐tracking and measurements from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to estimate the patellar tendon in vivo tangent modulus. Analysis of plasma c‐peptide, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), adiponectin, leptin, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) was completed. We built regression models incorporating statistically significant covariates and indicators for the clinically defined groups. We found that tendon cross‐sectional area normalized to body weight (BWN CSA) and modulus were lower in patients with type 2 diabetes than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). Our regression analysis revealed that a model that included BMI, leptin, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), age, and group explained ~70% of the variability in BWN CSA (R2 = 0.70, p < 0.001). For modulus, including the main effects LDL, groups, HbA1c, age, BMI, cholesterol, IGF‐1, c‐peptide, leptin, and IL‐6, accounted for ~54% of the variability in modulus (R2 = 0.54, p < 0.05). While BWN CSA and modulus were lower in those with diabetes, group was a poor predicter of tendon properties when considering the selected covariates. These data highlight the multifactorial nature of tendon changes with diabetes and suggest that blood variables could be reliable predictors of tendon properties.
Malnutrition and pectoralis muscle index in medical intensive care unit patients: A matched cohort study
Authors: Smith Luke O. , Vest Michael T. , Rovner Alisha J. , Caplan Richard J. , Trabulsi Jillian C. , Patel Juhie B. , Meng Sarah W. , Shapero Mary , Earthman Carrie P.
Published: February 2024

Background

Muscle assessment is an important component of nutrition assessment. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) consortium recently underscored the need for more objective muscle assessment methods in clinical settings. Various assessment techniques are available; however, many have limitations in clinical populations. Computed tomography (CT) scans, obtained for diagnostic reasons, could serve multiple purposes, including muscle measurement for nutrition assessment. Although CT scans of the chest are commonly performed clinically, there is little research surrounding the utility of pectoralis muscle measurements in nutrition assessment. The primary aim was to determine whether CT‐derived measures of pectoralis major cross‐sectional area (PMA) and quality (defined as mean pectoralis major Hounsfield units [PMHU]) could be used to identify malnutrition in patients who are mechanically ventilated in an intensive care unit (ICU). A secondary aim was to evaluate the relationship between these measures and clinical outcomes in this population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 33 pairs of age‐ and sex‐matched adult patients who are being mechanically ventilated in the ICU. Patients were grouped by nutrition status. Analyses were performed to determine differences in PMA and mean PMHU between groups. Associations between muscle and clinical outcomes were also investigated.

Results

Compared with nonmalnourished controls, malnourished patients had a significantly lower PMA (P = 0.001) and pectoralis major (PM) index (PMA/height in m2; P = 0.001). No associations were drawn between PM measures and clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

These findings regarding CT PM measures lay the groundwork for actualizing the GLIM call to action to validate quantitative, objective muscle assessment methods in clinical settings.
An Improved k‐Nearest Neighbor Algorithm for Recognition and Classification of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Ma Xuesi , Han Xiang , Zhang Lina
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To complete the task of automatic recognition and classification of thyroid nodules and solve the problem of high classification error rates when the samples are imbalanced.

Methods

An improved k‐nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm is proposed and a method for automatic thyroid nodule classification based on the improved KNN algorithm is established. In the improved KNN algorithm, we consider not only the number of class labels for various classes of data in KNNs, but also the corresponding weights. And we use the Minkowski distance measure instead of the Euclidean distance measure.

Results

A total of 508 ultrasound images of thyroid nodules, including 415 benign nodules and 93 malignant nodules, were used in the paper. Experimental results show the improved KNN has 0.872549 accuracy, 0.867347 precision, 1 recall, and 0.928962 F1‐score. At the same time, we also considered the influence of different distance weights, the value of k, different distance measures on the classification results.

Conclusions

A comparison result shows that our method has a better performance than the traditional KNN and other classical machine learning methods.
Adjuvant Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Recurrent Respiratory Papilloma Patients Older than 45
Authors: Ivancic Ryan , Freeman Taylor , de Silva Brad , Forrest Arick , Kim Brandon , Matrka Laura
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The primary objective was to examine the intersurgical interval (ISI) of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in patients older than 45 years before and after a Gardasil vaccination series.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients >45 years of age diagnosed with RRP from 2012 to 2022. Patients were excluded if they did not receive at least two doses of the Gardasil vaccine series or if they underwent two or fewer surgeries during the study period.

Results

Thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria, 11 males and two females. The age at initial diagnosis ranged from 46 to 80 years, with a mean of 59 years. There was a significant increase in the average ISI, from 126 ± 87 days pre‐vaccination compared to 494 ± 588 days post‐vaccination (p < 0.01). The average number of surgeries per patient was 6.8 ± 2.4 over an average follow‐up of 49.7 ± 30.3 months.

Conclusion

Adjuvant Gardasil use in RRP patients older than 45 years significantly increases the ISI. Current CDC recommendations include only patients ages 9 to 45, but this study provides evidence that RRP patients outside this age range may benefit from adjuvant HPV vaccination.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3226–3229, 2024
Omnivorous summer feeding by juvenile Antarctic krill in coastal waters
Authors: Conroy John A. , Steinberg Deborah K. , Nardelli Schuyler C. , Schofield Oscar
Published: February 2024

The Antarctic krill Euphausia superba is often considered an herbivore but is notable for its trophic flexibility, which includes feeding on protistan and metazoan zooplankton. Characterizing krill trophic position (TP) is important for understanding carbon and energy flow from phytoplankton to vertebrate predators and to the deep ocean, especially as plankton composition is sensitive to changing climate. We used repeated field sampling and experiments to study feeding by juvenile krill during three austral summers in waters near Palmer Station, Antarctica. Our approach was to combine seasonal carbon budgets, gut fluorescence measurements, imaging flow cytometry, and compound‐specific isotope analysis of amino acids. Field measurements coupled to experimentally derived grazing functional response curves suggest that phytoplankton grazing alone was insufficient to support the growth and basal metabolism of juvenile krill. Phytoplankton consumption by juvenile krill was limited due to inefficient feeding on nanoplankton (2–20 μm), which constituted the majority of autotrophic prey. Mean krill TP and the metazoan dietary fraction increased in years with higher mesozooplankton biomass, which was not coupled to phytoplankton biomass. Comparing TP estimates using δ15N of different amino acids indicated a substantial and consistent food‐web contribution from heterotrophic protists. Phytoplankton, metazoans, and heterotrophic protists all were important contributors to a diverse krill diet that changed substantially among years. Juvenile krill fed mostly on heterotrophic prey during summer near Palmer Station, and this food web complexity should be considered more broadly throughout the changing Southern Ocean.
Variability in the phytoplankton response to upwelling across an iron limitation mosaic within the California current system
Authors: Lin YuanYu , Torano Olivia , Whitehouse Logan , Pierce Emily , Till Claire P. , Hurst Matthew , Freiberger Robert , Mellett Travis , Maldonado Maria T. , Guo Jian , Sutton Mariam , Zeitz David , Marchetti Adrian
Published: February 2024

Coastal upwelling currents such as the California Current System (CCS) comprise some of the most productive biological systems on the planet. Diatoms dominate these upwelling events in part due to their rapid response to nutrient entrainment. In this region, they may also be limited by the micronutrient iron (Fe), an important trace element primarily involved in photosynthesis and nitrogen assimilation. The mechanisms behind how diatoms physiologically acclimate to the different stages of the upwelling conveyor belt cycle remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we explore their physiological and metatranscriptomic response to the upwelling cycle with respect to the Fe limitation mosaic that exists in the CCS. Subsurface, natural plankton assemblages that would potentially seed surface blooms were examined over wide and narrow shelf regions. The initial biomass and physiological state of the phytoplankton community had a large impact on the overall response to simulated upwelling. Following on‐deck incubations under varying Fe physiological states, our results suggest that diatoms quickly dominated the blooms by “frontloading” nitrogen assimilation genes prior to upwelling. However, diatoms subjected to induced Fe limitation exhibited reductions in carbon and nitrogen uptake and decreasing biomass accumulation. Simultaneously, they exhibited a distinct gene expression response which included increased expression of Fe‐starvation induced proteins and decreased expression of nitrogen assimilation and photosynthesis genes. These findings may have significant implications for upwelling events in future oceans, where changes in ocean conditions are projected to amplify the gradient of Fe limitation in coastal upwelling regions.
A Digital Twin for a Chiral Sensing Platform
Authors: Nyman Markus , Garcia‐Santiago Xavier , Krstić Marjan , Materne Lukas , Fernandez‐Corbaton Ivan , Holzer Christof , Scott Philip , Wegener Martin , Klopper Wim , Rockstuhl Carsten
Published: February 2024

Nanophotonic concepts can improve measurement techniques by enhancing and tailoring the light–matter interaction. However, the optical response of devices that implement such techniques can be intricate, depending on the sample under investigation. Nanophotonics is therefore a ripe field for applying the concept of a digital twin: a digital representation of an entire real‐world device. In this work, the concept of a digital twin is detailed with the example of a nanophotonically enhanced chiral sensing platform. In that platform, helicity‐preserving cavities enhance the interaction between chiral molecules and light, allowing faster measurement of the circular dichroism of the molecules. The sheer presence of the molecules affects the cavity's functionality, demanding a holistic treatment to understand the device's performance. In the digital twin, optical and quantum chemistry simulations are fused to provide a comprehensive description of the system and predict the circular dichroism spectrum. Performing simulations in lockstep with the experiment will allow a clear interpretation of measurement results. This work also demonstrates how to design a cavity‐enhanced circular dichroism spectrometer by utilizing the digital twin. The digital twin can be used to guide experiments and analyze results, and its underlying concept can be translated to many other optical experiments.
Enhancing Mechanical Stimulated Brillouin Scattering Imaging with Physics‐Driven Model Selection
Authors: Shaashoua Roni , Levy Tal , Rotblat Barak , Bilenca Alberto
Published: February 2024

Brillouin microscopy (BM) is an emerging technique for all‐optical mechanical imaging without the need for physical contact with the sample or for an external mechanical stimulus. However, BM often retrieves a single Brillouin frequency shift for multiple mechanically different materials of structures and/or in regions—sufficiently larger than the phonon wavelength—inside the volume and its surroundings, resulting in significantly limited mechanical specificity in the Brillouin shift images produced. Here, a new physics‐driven model selection framework is developed based on information theory and a physical‐statistical overfit Brillouin water peak threshold that enables the robust identification of single‐ and multi‐peak Brillouin signatures in the sample pixels. The model selection framework is applied to Brillouin data of material interfaces and living NIH/3T3 cells measured by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) microscopy, facilitating the quantification of the Brillouin frequency shift of materials in different regions of the sample and significantly improving mechanical specificity compared with the standard single peak fitting analysis.
Adsorbent Material Used for the Treatment of Per‐ and Poly‐Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): A Short Review
Authors: Gomri Chaimaa , Benkhaled Belkacem Tarek , Cretin Marc , Semsarilar Mona
Published: February 2024

PFAS, or per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have received considerable attention due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. To address this problem, adsorption has emerged as an effective method for removing PFAS compounds from water. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of various adsorbents used for PFAS removal, including activated carbon, ion exchange resins, clay, and emerging materials such as covalent and metal‐organic framework adsorbents. The effectiveness of these adsorbents in removing PFAS compounds is discussed, along with the factors influencing their adsorption, such as pH, competitive matters, and temperature.
Reimagining Chitosan‐Based Antimicrobial Biomaterials to Mitigate Antibiotic Resistance and Alleviate Antibiotic Overuse: A Review
Authors: Dhlamini Khanyisile Sheer , Selepe Cyril Tlou , Ramalapa Bathabile , Tshweu Lesego , Ray Suprakas Sinha
Published: February 2024

This paper reports recent advancements in chitosan‐based antimicrobial biomaterials that aim to address the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Today, AMR is one of the most significant public health challenges the world is facing. To combat the overuse of antibiotics, a range of materials, including advanced nanosized polymers, have been explored as potential antimicrobial agents. In this direction, chitosan scores highly because of its unique combination of properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, bioactivity, non‐toxic, and, most importantly, its intrinsic antibacterial and antifungal activity. Herein, an overview of chitosan and its derivatives as potential alternatives to conventional antimicrobial therapeutics is reported. This review starts with understanding the AMR mechanism, which is critical for developing suitable materials for treating infectious diseases. Then, the inherent characteristics, modes of antimicrobial action, and factors that impact the antimicrobial effectiveness of chitosan and its derivatives are discussed. The authors further summarize various clinical trial results of chitosan‐based materials as antimicrobial agents. Finally, various antimicrobial applications of chitosan‐based materials are reported. In summary, this review offers new insights into the design of chitosan‐based sustainable materials for various antimicrobial applications.
A singular growth phenomenon in a Keller–Segel–type parabolic system involving density‐suppressed motilities
Authors: Wang Yulan , Winkler Michael
Published: February 2024

A no‐flux initial‐boundary value problem for
is considered in a ball , where and .

Under the assumption that , it is shown that for each , there exist and a positive with the property that whenever is nonnegative with , the global solutions to () emanating from the initial data have the property that
Nano‐Micron Combined Hydrogel Microspheres: Novel Answer for Minimal Invasive Biomedical Applications
Authors: Liu Jiacheng , Du Chengcheng , Chen Hong , Huang Wei , Lei Yiting
Published: February 2024

Hydrogels, key in biomedical research for their hydrophilicity and versatility, have evolved with hydrogel microspheres (HMs) of micron‐scale dimensions, enhancing their role in minimally invasive therapeutic delivery, tissue repair, and regeneration. The recent emergence of nanomaterials has ushered in a revolutionary transformation in the biomedical field, which demonstrates tremendous potential in targeted therapies, biological imaging, and disease diagnostics. Consequently, the integration of advanced nanotechnology promises to trigger a new revolution in the realm of hydrogels. HMs loaded with nanomaterials combine the advantages of both hydrogels and nanomaterials, which enables multifaceted functionalities such as efficient drug delivery, sustained release, targeted therapy, biological lubrication, biochemical detection, medical imaging, biosensing monitoring, and micro‐robotics. Here, this review comprehensively expounds upon commonly used nanomaterials and their classifications. Then, it provides comprehensive insights into the raw materials and preparation methods of HMs. Besides, the common strategies employed to achieve nano‐micron combinations are summarized, and the latest applications of these advanced nano‐micron combined HMs in the biomedical field are elucidated. Finally, valuable insights into the future design and development of nano‐micron combined HMs are provided.
Stimuli‐Responsive Polymers for Engineered Emulsions
Authors: Rajbanshi Abhishek , Hilton Eleanor , Dreiss Cécile A. , Murnane Darragh , Cook Michael T.
Published: February 2024

Emulsions are complex. Dispersing two immiscible phases, thus expanding an interface, requires effort to achieve and the resultant dispersion is thermodynamically unstable, driving the system toward coalescence. Furthermore, physical instabilities, including creaming, arise due to presence of dispersed droplets of different densities to a continuous phase. Emulsions allow the formulation of oils, can act as vehicles to solubilize both hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules, and can be tailored to desirable rheological profiles, including “gel‐like” behavior and shear thinning. The usefulness of emulsions can be further expanded by imparting stimuli‐responsive or “smart” behaviors by inclusion of a stimuli‐responsive emulsifier, polymer or surfactant. This enables manipulation like gelation, breaking, or aggregation, by external triggers such as pH, temperature, or salt concentration changes. This platform generates functional materials for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, oil recovery, and colloid engineering, combining both smart behaviors and intrinsic benefit of emulsions. However, with increased functionality comes greater complexity. This review focuses on the use of stimuli‐responsive polymers for the generation of smart emulsions, motivated by the great adaptability of polymers for this application and their efficacy as steric stabilizers. Stimuli‐responsive emulsions are described according to the trigger used to provide the reader with an overview of progress in this field.
Cholesterol metabolism: physiological regulation and diseases
Authors: Guo Jiarui , Chen Silong , Zhang Ying , Liu Jinxia , Jiang Luyang , Hu Lidan , Yao Ke , Yu Yibo , Chen Xiangjun
Published: February 2024

Cholesterol homeostasis is crucial for cellular and systemic function. The disorder of cholesterol metabolism not only accelerates the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but is also the fundamental cause of other ailments. The regulation of cholesterol metabolism in the human is an extremely complex process. Due to the dynamic balance between cholesterol synthesis, intake, efflux and storage, cholesterol metabolism generally remains secure. Disruption of any of these links is likely to have adverse effects on the body. At present, increasing evidence suggests that abnormal cholesterol metabolism is closely related to various systemic diseases. However, the exact mechanism by which cholesterol metabolism contributes to disease pathogenesis remains unclear, and there are still unknown factors. In this review, we outline the metabolic process of cholesterol in the human body, especially reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Then, we discuss separately the impact of abnormal cholesterol metabolism on common diseases and potential therapeutic targets for each disease, including CVD, tumors, neurological diseases, and immune system diseases. At the end of this review, we focus on the effect of cholesterol metabolism on eye diseases. In short, we hope to provide more new ideas for the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases from the perspective of cholesterol.
Blocking the Self‐Destruct Program of Dopamine Neurons through Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Nuclease Inhibition
Authors: Patel Jaimin , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M.
Published: February 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that pathognomonically involves the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, resulting in a myriad of motor and non‐motor symptoms. Given the insurmountable burden of this disease on the population and healthcare system, significant efforts have been put forth toward generating disease modifying therapies. This class of treatments characteristically alters disease course, as opposed to current strategies that focus on managing symptoms. Previous literature has implicated the cell death pathway known as parthanatos in PD progression. Inhibition of this pathway by targeting poly (ADP)‐ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1) prevents neurodegeneration in a model of idiopathic PD. However, PARP1 has a vast repertoire of functions within the body, increasing the probability of side effects with the long‐term treatment likely necessary for clinically significant neuroprotection. Recent work culminated in the development of a novel agent targeting the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) nuclease domain, also named parthanatos‐associated apoptosis‐inducing factor nuclease (PAAN). This nuclease activity specifically executes the terminal step in parthanatos. Parthanatos‐associated apoptosis‐inducing factor nuclease inhibitor‐1 was neuroprotective in multiple preclinical mouse models of PD. This piece will focus on contextualizing this discovery, emphasizing its significance, and discussing its potential implications for parthanatos‐directed treatment. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Three exonic variants in the COL4A5 gene alter RNA splicing in a minigene assay
Authors: Zhang Ran , Lang Yanhua , Shi Xiaomeng , Zhang Yiyin , Liu Xuyan , Pan Fengjiao , Qiao Dan , Teng Xin , Shao Leping
Published: February 2024

Background

X‐linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is an inherited renal disease caused by rare variants of COL4A5 on chromosome Xq22. Many studies have indicated that single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in exons can disrupt normal splicing process of the pre‐mRNA by altering various splicing regulatory signals. The male patients with XLAS have a strong genotype–phenotype correlation. Confirming the effect of variants on splicing can help to predict kidney prognosis. This study aimed to investigate whether single nucleotide substitutions, located within three bases at the 5′ end of the exons or internal position of the exons in COL4A5 gene, cause aberrant splicing process.

Methods

We analyzed 401 SNVs previously presumed missense and nonsense variants in COL4A5 gene by bioinformatics programs and identified candidate variants that may affect the splicing of pre‐mRNA via minigene assays.

Results

Our study indicated three of eight candidate variants induced complete or partial exon skipping. Variants c.2678G>C and c.2918G>A probably disturb classic splice sites leading to corresponding exon skipping. Variant c.3700C>T may disrupt splicing enhancer motifs accompanying with generation of splicing silencer sequences resulting in the skipping of exon 41.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that two missense variants positioned the first nucleotides of the 5′ end of COL4A5 exons and one internal exonic nonsense variant caused aberrant splicing. Importantly, this study emphasized the necessity of assessing the effects of SNVs at the mRNA level.
NGOs' least‐played role: Bridging between a divided public administration: The case of Yemen
Authors: Elayah Moosa , Al‐Awami Hasan , Almatari Wjdan , AbouAssi Khaldoun
Published: February 2024

This article examines the bridging role non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) can play between a divided public administration in a conflict‐ridden country. Based on interviews with various stakeholders in Yemen, we argue that NGO might need to mediate between conflicting authorities to effectively carry out their activities. By doing so, they serve as a bridge that could help maintain relations between the two fragmented administrations and possibly facilitate the process of post‐conflict state building. While not all NGOs are capable or required to fulfill this role, we identify four enabling factors: (1) the readiness of stakeholders to engage; (2) public support for the NGO; and (3) NGOs' adequate capacity; and (4) the donor's support.
Bending performance analysis of variable stiffness composite laminates
Authors: Niu Xuejuan , Li Bochao , Zhang Xu
Published: February 2024

For fiber‐reinforced polymer structures, the out‐of‐plane stiffness is much lower than the in‐plane stiffness and is extremely prone to damage and instability. The potential of variable stiffness (VS) laminates was explored to enhance the stiffness in the thickness direction. Based on the finite strip method (FSM), a semi‐analytical solution for bending problems of laminates was derived, which is called the variable‐stiffness discrete strip (VSDS) method. By comparing with traditional constant stiffness (CS) laminates, the influence of design parameters of VS laminates on the bending shape and stress distribution of laminates under two load cases were studied. Combining the results of FE models, the accuracy of VSDS has been verified, and the strategy of VS layout configuration design to improve the bending resistance was proved.

Highlights

Variable stiffness discrete strips (VSDS) method was presented based on FSM.

Bending performances of VS laminates under two load conditions were studied.

The method has the ability to reduce the computation cost of bending problems.

The solutions of VSDS agree well with the results of FE models.

The improvement mechanism of VS laminates on bending resistance was explored.
Polyurethane‐polyisocyanurate (PUR‐PIR) foams based on castor oil modified with tire rubber waste: Statistical‐based analysis
Authors: Saboia Matheus Marciano , da Silva Andressa Ilidia Calheiros , Monteceli Francisco Maciel , de Souza Sampaio Nilo Antônio , da Conceição Monique Osório Talarico , Mulinari Daniella Regina
Published: February 2024

This study explores the utilization of bio‐polyol, derived from castor oil modified with waste tire rubber (WTR), in the synthesis of rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams. Two WTR concentrations (10% and 20%) were incorporated, investigating their impact on foaming, cellular structure, and various foam properties. Response surface methodology assessed the influence of polyol/isocyanate ratios and WTR content on thermal, physical, and mechanical responses. Results indicated significant effects of polyol/isocyanate ratios on thermal and density properties, while WTR content exhibited an opposite trend. Mechanical behavior showed a distinct pattern compared to thermal and physical aspects, suggesting no conclusive correlation between compressive stress variability and polyol/isocyanate ratio or WTR content. Consequently, the application of these foams depends on specific property requirements, highlighting the potential of sustainable bio‐polyols and recycled WTR in replacing conventional petroleum‐based counterparts in polyurethane foam production.

Highlights

Development of rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams based on castor oil.

Polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams modified with waste tire rubber.

Increased isocyanate index impacts thermal stability and density.

Response surface methodology showed variability in compressive stress behavior and the polyol/isocyanate ratio.

For application of polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams will depend on the desired properties.