bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mediation of Genre, Identity, and Difference in Contemporary (Popular) Music Streaming
Authors: MUCHITSCH VERONIKA , WERNER ANN
Published: February 2024

Music streaming service Spotify has recently declared that genre is becoming less important in popular music culture, linking this idea to post-identity claims. In contrast, the central argument of this article is that genre continues to matter in music streaming, where algorithmic recommendation systems remediate genre and its association with constructions of identity and difference. We examine Spotify's mediation of genre through a multimodal discourse analysis of genre metadata as presented on the website Every Noise at Once, playlist curation, and media discourse. Analysing the genres bubblegrunge and rap français (French rap), we show that the algorithmic and human processes of Spotify and its users rearticulate genre, shaping, in turn, patterns of recommendation, curation, and consumption. These processes remediate earlier constructions of identity, temporality, and place in music culture. Simultaneously, they intensify differentiation and individuation, tying in with postulations of multiplicity and diversity in neoliberalism that conceal power imbalances.
Genetic characterization of new source of resistance for tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) from snapmelon (C. melo var. momordica)
Authors: Padmanabha K. , Choudhary H. , Mishra Gyan , Mandal Bikash , Solanke Amolkumar , Mishra Dwij C. , Yadav Ramesh Kumar
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to understand the genetics of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) in the identified novel source of resistance from Indian melon germplasm DSM-19 (Cucumis melo var. momordica) as viral diseases in muskmelon cause significant economic yield loss. To achieve this, a cross was made between the highly susceptible genotype Pusa Sarda (C. melo var. inodorus), known for its desirable fruit characters, and the resistant source DSM-19 to generate the suitable populations for inheritance study. These populations were screened under natural epiphytotic conditions and further validated through challenge inoculation with viruliferous whiteflies. The inheritance of ToLCNDV resistance in snapmelon germplasm DSM-19 was identified as monogenic recessive in both the screening methods. Moreover, a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker named ‘CAPS 16 (2)’ was designed near to SNP marker D16 located on chromosome 11 of melon, and it was found to be linked to the ToLCNDV resistance gene in DSM-19. This is the first report on genetics of ToLCNDV resistance in snapmelon germplasm from India. Snapmelon line DSM-19 can be used as a source for fine mapping and introgression of the ToLCNDV resistance into susceptible muskmelon cultivars.
A critical overview of emotion processing assessment in non-affective and affective psychoses
Authors: Gorrino Irene , Rossetti Maria Gloria , Girelli Francesca , Bellani Marcella , Perlini Cinzia , Mattavelli Giulia
Published: February 2024

Aims

Patients with affective and non-affective psychoses show impairments in both the identification and discrimination of facial affect, which can significantly reduce their quality of life. The aim of this commentary is to present the strengths and weaknesses of the available instruments for a more careful evaluation of different stages of emotion processing in clinical and experimental studies on patients with non-affective and affective psychoses.

Methods

We reviewed the existing literature to identify different tests used to assess the ability to recognise (e.g. Ekman 60-Faces Test, Facial Emotion Identification Test and Penn Emotion Recognition Test) and to discriminate emotions (e.g. Face Emotion Discrimination Test and Emotion Differentiation Task).

Results

The current literature revealed that few studies combine instruments to differentiate between different levels of emotion processing disorders. The lack of comprehensive instruments that integrate emotion recognition and discrimination assessments prevents a full understanding of patients’ conditions.

Conclusions

This commentary underlines the need for a detailed evaluation of emotion processing ability in patients with non-affective and affective psychoses, to characterise the disorder at early phases from the onset of the disease and to design rehabilitation treatments.
A Warmer and Wetter World Would Aggravate GHG Emissions Intensity in China's Cropland
Authors: Zhang Jingting , Tian Hanqin , Li Xiaoyong , Qin Xiaoyu , Fang Shanmin , Zhang Jingfang , Zhang Wenxiu , Wang Siyuan , Pan Shufen
Published: February 2024

Many agricultural regions in China are likely to become appreciably wetter or drier as the global climate warming increases. However, the impact of these climate change patterns on the intensity of soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (GHGI, GHG emissions per unit of crop yield) has not yet been rigorously assessed. By integrating an improved agricultural ecosystem model and a meta‐analysis of multiple field studies, we found that climate change is expected to cause a 20.0% crop yield loss, while stimulating soil GHG emissions by 12.2% between 2061 and 2090 in China's agricultural regions. A wetter‐warmer (WW) climate would adversely impact crop yield on an equal basis and lead to a 1.8‐fold‐ increase in GHG emissions relative to those in a drier‐warmer (DW) climate. Without water limitation/excess, extreme heat (an increase of more than 1.5°C in average temperature) during the growing season would amplify 15.7% more yield while simultaneously elevating GHG emissions by 42.5% compared to an increase of below 1.5°C. However, when coupled with extreme drought, it would aggravate crop yield loss by 61.8% without reducing the corresponding GHG emissions. Furthermore, the emission intensity in an extreme WW climate would increase by 22.6% compared to an extreme DW climate. Under this intense WW climate, the use of nitrogen fertilizer would lead to a 37.9% increase in soil GHG emissions without necessarily gaining a corresponding yield advantage compared to a DW climate. These findings suggest that the threat of a wetter‐warmer world to efforts to reduce GHG emissions intensity may be as great as or even greater than that of a drier‐warmer world.
Enhanced Occurrence of Atmospheric Blocking in the Southern Hemisphere by Baroclinic Annular Mode
Authors: Liu Zhaoyu , Wang Lei
Published: February 2024

Atmospheric blocking is a large‐amplitude, quasi‐stationary, and long‐lasting flow regime in the extratropics. To understand the physical processes governing the occurrence of atmospheric blocking, we identify that the positive phase of Baroclinic Annular Mode (BAM) increases the occurrence of blocking events in the Southern Hemisphere atmosphere. As BAM can translate to regional scales, we identify an enhanced zonal flux of wave activity and reduced dispersiveness associated with high BAM states that are dynamically conducive to the occurrence of atmospheric blocking. Blocking frequency in the high BAM state almost doubles as compared to the climatology, and the enhanced occurrence of blocks is most significant within BAM‐associated wave packets. This finding suggests BAM can be employed as a new source of predictability for atmospheric blocking.
Climate Control of Iodine Isotopic Composition Evidenced by Argentine Entisols Records
Authors: Fan Yukun , Cheng Peng , Negri Agustín , Lan Jianghu , Liu Xingxing , Zhou Weijian , Liu Qi , Hou Xiaolin
Published: February 2024

The long half‐life of 129I makes it useful for dating marine sediments aged 2–90 Ma. However, the lack of initial value dating hinders its application for dating terrestrial sediments. A large scatter of 129I/127I in prenuclear terrestrial samples has been reported; however, the key influencing factors remain unclear. This study presented iodine isotope data from three Argentine Entisol profiles and developed an iodine‐source model to determine the influence of the source on iodine isotopic composition. The temporal patterns demonstrated clear climate modulations in natural terrestrial iodine isotopes over the last ∼15 Kyr. The model identified rock weathering as a major source of iodine in continental sediments. Higher 129I/127I ratios at mid‐high latitudes arise from weak geomagnetic shielding of cosmic rays and thus a high production rate, implying limited meridional diffusion of atmospheric iodine. These findings reveal that environmental factors are significant for constraining the initial value of terrestrial 129I.
Long Lifetime Hiss Rays in the Disturbed Plasmasphere
Authors: Wu Zhiyong , Su Zhenpeng , Zheng Huinan , Wang Yuming , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Shinohara Iku , Matsuoka Ayako , Kasahara Yoshiya , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Kumamoto Atsushi , Matsuda Shoya , Kasaba Yasumasa , Teramoto Mariko , Hori Tomoaki
Published: February 2024

Plasmaspheric hiss waves are important to shape the Earth’s electron radiation belt. These waves are commonly envisioned to have a long lifetime which allows them to permeate the global plasmasphere from a spatially restricted source. However, this hypothesis has not been experimentally confirmed yet, because of the challenging observational requirements in terms of location and timing. With wave and particle measurements from five magnetospheric satellites and detailed modeling, we present the first report of long lifetime (∼42 s) hiss rays in the substorm‐disturbed plasmasphere. The low‐frequency hiss waves are found to originate from the middle piece of the plasmaspheric plume, bounce between two hemispheres, and eventually drift into the plasmaspheric core. These hiss rays can travel through ∼3 hr magnetic local time and ∼4 magnetic shell. Such a long‐time and large‐scale permeation of hiss rays could benefit from the ducting process by plasmaspheric field‐aligned density irregularities.
Rotation of the Microplates Within the Plate Boundary in Southwestern United States
Authors: Savage J. C.
Published: February 2024

I investigate the long‐term, rigid motions of the 20 microplates identified by McCaffrey (2005, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004jb003307) within the Pacific‐North America plate boundary in southwestern United States. Those motions are described by the Euler vectors ( for the ith microplate) given by McCaffrey for each microplate. McCaffrey noticed that the Euler poles for those microplates were aligned along the great circle that connects the geometric center of the microplate distribution with the PACI pole, the pole of rotation of the Pacific Plate (PA) about the North American Plate (NA). To explain that alignment, Thatcher et al. (2016, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015jb0126678.0) proposed replacing each by two, vertical‐axis rotations of the microplate, one describing the trajectory (orbit) of its center of mass (CM) and the other its rotation (spin) about that CM, where . Moreover, they suggested that the orbital motion was being driven by drag from the rotating PA, which suggests that the poles coincide with the PACI pole. Then rotation vectors consistent with the given can be found for 17 of the microplates; the other 3 microplates are apparently affected by Basin‐and‐Range extension as well as PA relative motion. The long‐term motion of each of the 17 microplates then can be described as an orbital rotation about the PACI pole plus spin about the CM of the microplate. The closer the microplate CM is to the PA, the more nearly its orbital rotation rate approaches the rotation rate of the PA about the PACI pole.
Rare Event Probability Estimation for Groundwater Inverse Problems With a Two‐Stage Sequential Monte Carlo Approach
Authors: Friedli Lea , Linde Niklas
Published: February 2024

Bayesian inversions followed by estimations of rare event probabilities are often needed to analyze groundwater hazards. Instead of focusing on the posterior distribution of model parameters, the main interest lies then in the distribution of a specific quantity of interest contingent upon these parameters. To address the associated methodological challenges, we introduce a two‐stage Sequential Monte Carlo approach. In the first stage, it generates particles that approximate the posterior distribution; in the second stage, it employs subset sampling techniques to assess the probability of the rare event of interest. By considering two hydrogeological problems of increasing complexity, we showcase the efficiency and accuracy of the resulting PostRisk‐SMC method for rare event probability estimation related to groundwater hazards. We compare the performance of the PostRisk‐SMC method with a traditional Monte Carlo approach that relies on Markov chain Monte Carlo samples. We showcase that our estimates align with those of the traditional method, but the coefficients of variation are notably lower for the same computational budget when targeting more rare events. Furthermore, we highlight that the PostRisk‐SMC method allows estimating rare event probabilities approaching one in a billion using less than one hundred thousand forward simulations. Even if the presented examples are related to groundwater hazards, the methodology is well‐suited for addressing a wide range of topics in the geosciences and beyond.
Groundwater Levels Are Dropping Around the World
Authors: Bourzac Katherine
Published: February 2024

Well data from around the world show declines driven by water use and climate change.
CO2 gas-triggered wettability control of silylation-modified CNC films by manipulating the surface structure and introducing tertiary amino groups
Authors: Taniyama Hiroyuki , Takagi Koji
Published: February 2024

Here, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films were chemically modified in a two-stage process to realize surface wettability control through the introduction of CO2 gas. In addition to controlling the surface structure of the silylation-modified CNC film, functional groups derived from silane compounds were installed, and the corresponding effects on the resulting chemical modification were investigated. In the first stage, methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and hexyltriethoxysilane (HTES) combined with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) were subjected to condensation under alkaline conditions. In the second stage, (3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl)trimethoxysilane (DMAPS) generated an amino group to control the surface wettability by adsorption CO2 gas. Then, the silylation-modified CNC film was fabricated on a glass substrate by spin coating. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si-NMR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) inspection indicated that the silane compounds were bonded to the CNC film surface and that tertiary amino groups were successfully introduced. The surface structure of the silylation-modified CNC film was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the surface roughness calculating indicated a root-mean-square roughness (RMS) of 4.2 nm. The water contact angles before and after the CO2 gas treatment were evaluated as 73o and 22o, respectively.
The interplay of ethics and genetic technologies in balancing the social valuation of the human genome in UNESCO declarations
Authors: Gaydarska Hristina , Takashima Kayo , Shahrier Shibly , Raz Aviad , Minari Jusaku
Published: February 2024

This study investigates changes in the social valuation of the human genome over the more than 30 years since the establishment of the Human Genome Project. It offers a descriptive sociological analysis of the three waves of this valuation, mainly by considering three key UNESCO declarations and a relevant report. These waves represent a shifting balance between collectivism and individualism, starting with a broadly constructed valuation of the human genome as common human heritage and moving toward a valuation of dynamic applications within various social and medical contexts (e.g., personalized genomic medicine and genome editing). We seek to broaden the analytical perspective by examining how the declarations’ ethical foci are framed within the context of rapidly evolving genetic technologies and their social applications. We conclude by discussing continuity and change in value balancing vis-à-vis changing genomic technologies.
Doping-dependent charge- and spin-density wave orderings in a monolayer of Pb adatoms on Si(111)
Authors: Vandelli M. , Galler A. , Rubio A. , Lichtenstein A. I. , Biermann S. , Stepanov E. A.
Published: February 2024

In this work we computed the phase diagram as a function of temperature and doping for a system of lead adatoms allocated periodically on a silicon (111) surface. This Si(111):Pb material is characterized by a strong and long-ranged Coulomb interaction, a relatively large value of the spin-orbit coupling, and a structural phase transition that occurs at low temperature. In order to describe the collective electronic behavior in the system, we perform many-body calculations consistently taking all these important features into account. We find that charge- and spin-density wave orderings coexist with each other in several regions of the phase diagram. This result is in agreement with the recent experimental observation of a chiral spin texture in the charge density wave phase in this material. We also find that the geometries of the charge and spin textures strongly depend on the doping level. The formation of such a rich phase diagram in the Si(111):Pb material can be explained by a combined effect of the lattice distortion and electronic correlations.
A large-scale magnetic field produced by a solar-like dynamo in binary neutron star mergers
Authors: Kiuchi Kenta , Reboul-Salze Alexis , Shibata Masaru , Sekiguchi Yuichiro
Published: February 2024

The merger of two neutron stars launches a relativistic jet, which must be driven by a strong large-scale magnetic field. However, the magnetohydrodynamical mechanism required to build up this magnetic field remains uncertain. By performing an ab initio super-high-resolution neutrino-radiation magnetohydrodynamics merger simulation in full general relativity, we show that the αΩ dynamo mechanism, driven by the magnetorotational instability, builds up the large-scale magnetic field inside the long-lived remnant of the binary neutron star merger. As a result, the magnetic field induces a Poynting-flux-dominated relativistic outflow with an isotropic equivalent luminosity of ~1052 erg s−1 and a magnetically driven post-merger mass ejection of ~0.1 M⊙. Therefore, the magnetar hypothesis, in which an ultra-strongly magnetized neutron star drives a relativistic jet in binary neutron star mergers, is possible. Magnetars can be the engines of short, hard gamma-ray bursts, and they should be associated with very bright kilonovae, which current telescopes could observe. Therefore, this scenario is testable in future observations.
Mitochondrial somatic mutation and selection throughout ageing
Authors: Serrano Isabel M. , Hirose Misa , Valentine Charles C. , Roesner Sharon , Schmidt Elizabeth , Pratt Gabriel , Williams Lindsey , Salk Jesse , Ibrahim Saleh , Sudmant Peter H.
Published: February 2024

Mitochondrial genomes co-evolve with the nuclear genome over evolutionary timescales and are shaped by selection in the female germline. Here we investigate how mismatching between nuclear and mitochondrial ancestry impacts the somatic evolution of the mitochondrial genome in different tissues throughout ageing. We used ultrasensitive duplex sequencing to profile ~2.5 million mitochondrial genomes across five mitochondrial haplotypes and three tissues in young and aged mice, cataloguing ~1.2 million mitochondrial somatic and ultralow-frequency inherited mutations, of which 81,097 are unique. We identify haplotype-specific mutational patterns and several mutational hotspots, including at the light strand origin of replication, which consistently exhibits the highest mutation frequency. We show that rodents exhibit a distinct mitochondrial somatic mutational spectrum compared with primates with a surfeit of reactive oxygen species-associated G > T/C > A mutations, and that somatic mutations in protein-coding genes exhibit signatures of negative selection. Lastly, we identify an extensive enrichment in somatic reversion mutations that ‘re-align’ mito-nuclear ancestry within an organism’s lifespan. Together, our findings demonstrate that mitochondrial genomes are a dynamically evolving subcellular population shaped by somatic mutation and selection throughout organismal lifetimes.
A comprehensive database of exosome molecular biomarkers and disease-gene associations
Authors: Qi Yue , Xu Rongji , Song Chengxin , Hao Ming , Gao Yue , Xin Mengyu , Liu Qian , Chen Hongyan , Wu Xiaoting , Sun Rui , Zhang Yuanfu , He Danni , Dai Yifan , Kong Congcong , Ning Shangwei , Guo Qiuyan , Zhang Guangmei , Wang Peng
Published: February 2024

Exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular communication and can be used as biomarkers for diagnostic and therapeutic clinical applications. However, systematic studies in cancer-associated exosomal nucleic acids remain a big challenge. Here, we developed ExMdb, a comprehensive database of exosomal nucleic acid biomarkers and disease-gene associations curated from published literature and high-throughput datasets. We performed a comprehensive curation of exosome properties including 4,586 experimentally supported gene-disease associations, 13,768 diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers, and 312,049 nucleic acid subcellular locations. To characterize expression variation of exosomal molecules and identify causal factors of complex diseases, we have also collected 164 high-throughput datasets, including bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. Based on these datasets, we performed various bioinformatics and statistical analyses to support our conclusions and advance our knowledge of exosome biology. Collectively, our dataset will serve as an essential resource for investigating the regulatory mechanisms of complex diseases and improving the development of diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers.
A computational fluid dynamics investigation of endothelial cell damage from glaucoma drainage devices
Authors: Basson Nicol , Peng Chao-Hong Surachai , Geoghegan Patrick , van der Lecq Tshilidzi , Steven David , Williams Susan , Lim An Eng , Ho Wei Hua
Published: February 2024

Glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) are prosthetic-treatment devices for treating primary open-angle glaucoma. Despite their effectiveness in reducing intraocular pressures (IOP), endothelial cell damage (ECD) is a commonly known side-effect. There have been different hypotheses regarding the reasons for ECD with one being an induced increase in shear on the corneal wall. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was used to investigate this hypothesis in silico. The Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) was selected as the subject of this study using an idealised 3D model of the anterior chamber with insertion angles and positions that are commonly used in clinical practice. It was found that a tube-cornea distance of 1.27 mm or greater does not result in a wall shear stress (WSS) above the limit where ECD could occur. Similarly, a tube-cornea angle of 45° or more was shown to be preferable. It was also found that the ECD region has an irregular shape, and the aqueous humour flow fluctuates at certain insertion angles and positions. This study shows that pathological amounts of WSS may occur as a result of certain GDD placements. Hence, it is imperative to consider the associated fluid force interactions when performing the GDD insertion procedure.
A reproducible ensemble machine learning approach to forecast dengue outbreaks
Authors: Sebastianelli Alessandro , Spiller Dario , Carmo Raquel , Wheeler James , Nowakowski Artur , Jacobson Ludmilla Viana , Kim Dohyung , Barlevi Hanoch , Cordero Zoraya El Raiss , Colón-González Felipe J , Lowe Rachel , Ullo Silvia Liberata , Schneider Rochelle
Published: February 2024

Dengue fever, a prevalent and rapidly spreading arboviral disease, poses substantial public health and economic challenges in tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide. Predicting infectious disease outbreaks on a countrywide scale is complex due to spatiotemporal variations in dengue incidence across administrative areas. To address this, we propose a machine learning ensemble model for forecasting the dengue incidence rate (DIR) in Brazil, with a focus on the population under 19 years old. The model integrates spatial and temporal information, providing one-month-ahead DIR estimates at the state level. Comparative analyses with a dummy model and ablation studies demonstrate the ensemble model’s qualitative and quantitative efficacy across the 27 Brazilian Federal Units. Furthermore, we showcase the transferability of this approach to Peru, another Latin American country with differing epidemiological characteristics. This timely forecast system can aid local governments in implementing targeted control measures. The study advances climate services for health by identifying factors triggering dengue outbreaks in Brazil and Peru, emphasizing collaborative efforts with intergovernmental organizations and public health institutions. The innovation lies not only in the algorithms themselves but in their application to a domain marked by data scarcity and operational scalability challenges. We bridge the gap by integrating well-curated ground data with advanced analytical methods, addressing a significant deficiency in current practices. The successful transfer of the model to Peru and its consistent performance during the 2019 outbreak in Brazil showcase its scalability and practical application. While acknowledging limitations in handling extreme values, especially in regions with low DIR, our approach excels where accurate predictions are critical. The study not only contributes to advancing DIR forecasting but also represents a paradigm shift in integrating advanced analytics into public health operational frameworks. This work, driven by a collaborative spirit involving intergovernmental organizations and public health institutions, sets a precedent for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global health challenges. It not only enhances our understanding of factors triggering dengue outbreaks but also serves as a template for the effective implementation of advanced analytical methods in public health.
Reconstructing historic and modern potato late blight outbreaks using text analytics
Authors: Saffer Ariel , Tateosian Laura , Saville Amanda C. , Yang Yi-Peng , Ristaino Jean B.
Published: February 2024

In 1843, a hitherto unknown plant pathogen entered the US and spread to potato fields in the northeast. By 1845, the pathogen had reached Ireland leading to devastating famine. Questions arose immediately about the source of the outbreaks and how the disease should be managed. The pathogen, now known as Phytophthora infestans, still continues to threaten food security globally. A wealth of untapped knowledge exists in both archival and modern documents, but is not readily available because the details are hidden in descriptive text. In this work, we (1) used text analytics of unstructured historical reports (1843–1845) to map US late blight outbreaks; (2) characterized theories on the source of the pathogen and remedies for control; and (3) created modern late blight intensity maps using Twitter feeds. The disease spread from 5 to 17 states and provinces in the US and Canada between 1843 and 1845. Crop losses, Andean sources of the pathogen, possible causes and potential treatments were discussed. Modern disease discussion on Twitter included near-global coverage and local disease observations. Topic modeling revealed general disease information, published research, and outbreak locations. The tools described will help researchers explore and map unstructured text to track and visualize pandemics.
Cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system provided by four active supplementary irrigation methods
Authors: Timponi Goes Cruz Alessandra , Antoniw Klemz Adriane , Ribeiro Rosa Edvaldo Antônio , Soares Grecca Fabiana , Mattos Bianca , Piasecki Lucila , Machado Ricardo , Ignácio Sérgio Aparecido , da Silva Neto Ulisses Xavier
Published: February 2024

This in vitro study evaluated the bacterial reduction provided by the EndoActivator (EA), Easy Clean (EC), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and XP-Endo Finisher. Eight-four mesial roots of mandibular first molars were instrumented, inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis, and divided into four groups (n. 20). Bacterial reduction in the main canals and dentinal tubules were respectively determined by MTT assays and Live/Dead BackLight technique through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) at 50, 100, and 150 µm in-depth (n. 10 per group). Statistical analyses were conducted following a significance level of 95% (P < 0.05). A significant statistical difference was just identified between XPF and EC in the main canals. In the dentinal tubules from the main root canals, at 100 and 150 µm in-depths, significant statistical differences were only observed between XPF and EC (P = 0.027) for the former and between XPF and EC (P = 0.011) and XPF and PUI (P = 0.021) for the latter. In the dentinal tubules from the isthmus, at 100 µm in-depth, statistically relevant differences did occur between XPF and EC (P = 0.038) and EC and EA (P = 0.029). At 150 µm in-depth, these differences were only significant by comparing XPF and PUI (P = 0.025) and XPF and EC (P = 0.036). Although no irrigation method could thoroughly disinfect the RCS, bacterial reduction indexes were generally better after using XPF.
The improvement of block chain technology simulation in supply chain management (case study: pesticide company)
Authors: Gozali Lina , Kristina Helena Juliana , Yosua Andrew , Zagloel Teuku Yuri M. , Masrom Maslin , Susanto Sani , Tanujaya Harto , Irawan Agustinus Purna , Gunadi Ariawan , Kumar Vikas , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Jap Tji Beng , Daywin Frans Jusuf
Published: February 2024

This research was conducted on industrial agriculture in Indonesia. Risk analysis was carried out based on previous research. One source of risk was obtained, namely raw materials that did not meet specifications, which was then proposed to be mitigated by evaluating supplier performance. This activity involves a lot of data, requiring efficient and effective data storage and access. The level in the simulation layout includes analysing system needs, using problem diagrams, compiling activity diagrams, deciding subprocesses, and filtering information. The analysis is carried out by comparing the use of supply chains with Blockchain and without Blockchain, which is then obtained to determine whether there is an increase. A sequentially stored data scenario describes a situation when the transaction process is in progress and is stored sequentially according to the process that occurs. Storing data in groups explains a problem when a transaction has been completed and stored in groups with similar data, making it easier to track specific data. In this regard, a simulation will be carried out using a website, namely a blockchain demo. The design stage starts with identifying system requirements, creating use case diagrams, compiling activity diagrams, determining subprocesses, and selecting information. The simulation results obtained will be analysed to determine the feasibility of Blockchain as a means of supporting risk mitigation related to data using aspects, including security, trust, traceability, sustainability, and costs.
Systematic comparison of household income, consumption, and assets to measure health inequalities in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Poirier Mathieu J. P.
Published: February 2024

There has been no systematic comparison of how the three most common measures to quantify household SES—income, consumption, and asset indices—could impact the magnitude of health inequalities. Microdata from 22 Living Standards Measurement Study surveys were compiled and concentration indices, relative indices of inequality, and slope indices of inequality were calculated for underweight, stunting, and child deaths using income, consumption, asset indices, and hybrid predicted income. Meta-analyses of survey year subgroups (pre-1995, 1995–2004, and post-2004), outcomes (child deaths, stunting, and underweight), and World Bank country-income status (low, low-middle, and upper-middle) were then conducted. Asset indices and the related hybrid income proxy result in the largest magnitudes of health inequalities for all 12 overall outcomes, as well as most country-income and survey year subgroupings. There is no clear trend of health inequality magnitudes changing over time, but magnitudes of health inequality may increase as country-income levels increase. There is no significant difference between relative and absolute inequality measures, but the hybrid predicted income measure behaves more similarly to asset indices than the household income it is supposed to model. Health inequality magnitudes may be affected by the choice of household SES measure and should be studied in further detail.
Identification of SLC40A1, LCN2, CREB5, and SLC7A11 as ferroptosis-related biomarkers in alopecia areata through machine learning
Authors: Xu Wen , Wei Dongfan , Song Xiuzu
Published: February 2024

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common non-scarring hair loss condition driven by the collapse of immune privilege and oxidative stress. The role of ferroptosis, a type of cell death linked to oxidative stress, in AA is yet to be explored, even though it's implicated in various diseases. Using transcriptome data from AA patients and controls from datasets GSE68801 and GSE80342, we aimed to identify AA diagnostic marker genes linked to ferroptosis. We employed Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) for immune cell infiltration evaluation. Correlations between ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (FRDEGs) and immune cells/functions were identified using Spearman analysis. Feature selection was done through Support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) and LASSO regression models. Validation was performed using the GSE80342 dataset, followed by hierarchical internal validation. We also constructed a nomogram to assess the predictive ability of FRDEGs in AA. Furthermore, the expression and distribution of these molecules were confirmed through immunofluorescence. Four genes, namely SLC40A1, LCN2, CREB5, and SLC7A11, were identified as markers for AA. A prediction model based on these genes showed high accuracy (AUC = 0.9052). Immunofluorescence revealed reduced expression of these molecules in AA patients compared to normal controls (NC), with SLC40A1 and CREB5 showing significant differences. Notably, they were primarily localized to the outer root sheath and in proximity to the sebaceous glands. Our study identified several ferroptosis-related genes associated with AA. These findings, emerging from the integration of immune cell infiltration analysis and machine learning, contribute to the evolving understanding of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in AA. Importantly, this research lays a solid foundation for subsequent studies exploring the intricate relationship between AA and ferroptosis.
Cancer-related cells and oncosomes in the liquid biopsy of pancreatic cancer patients undergoing surgery
Authors: Shishido Stephanie N. , Lin Emmeline , Nissen Nicholas , Courcoubetis George , Suresh Divya , Mason Jeremy , Osipov Arsen , Hendifar Andrew E. , Lewis Michael , Gaddam Srinivas , Pandol Stephen , Kuhn Peter , Lo Simon K.
Published: February 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a five-year survival rate of less than 10% due to its late diagnosis, rapid metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance. For a small proportion (10–20%) of early-stage patients however, surgical resection of the pancreatic tumor offers the best chance for survival but the effect of surgery on disease dissemination is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to characterize cellular and acellular blood-based analytes in portal and peripheral blood before pancreatic manipulation, during tumor dissection and immediately after surgical resection to determine the effects of the surgery. This study used the non-enriching third generation High-Definition Single Cell Assay (HDSCA3.0) workflow to investigate heterogeneous circulating rare cell population in the blood. Blood from both sites taken before surgical manipulation of the pancreas had significantly greater incidence of total rare cellular and acellular analytes than normal donor samples. Post-surgery portal and peripheral blood had significantly greater incidence of specific cellular and acellular subtypes compared to the matched pre- and during-surgery samples. Our results reveal that in patients with PDAC liquid biopsy analytes are increased in both the portal and peripheral blood; portal blood contains a higher frequency of analytes than in the peripheral blood; total analytes in the portal and peripheral blood samples were significantly associated with the tumor volume and pathological T stage; and the surgical procedure increased the blood levels of circulating cellular and acellular analytes, but not Epi.CTCs or Mes.CTCs. This study demonstrates liquid biopsy’s utility in monitoring patients with PDAC with surgically resectable disease.
Bob1 maintains T follicular helper cells for long-term humoral immunity
Authors: Yanagi Masahiro , Ikegami Ippei , Kamekura Ryuta , Sato Tatsuya , Sato Taiki , Kamiya Shiori , Murayama Kosuke , Jitsukawa Sumito , Ito Fumie , Yorozu Akira , Kihara Miho , Abe Takaya , Takaki Hiromi , Kawata Koji , Shigehara Katsunori , Miyajima Satsuki , Nishikiori Hirotaka , Sato Akinori , Tohse Noritsugu , Takano Ken-ichi , Chiba Hirofumi , Ichimiya Shingo
Published: February 2024

Humoral immunity is vital for host protection, yet aberrant antibody responses can trigger harmful inflammation and immune-related disorders. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, central to humoral immunity, have garnered significant attention for unraveling immune mechanisms. This study shows the role of B-cell Oct-binding protein 1 (Bob1), a transcriptional coactivator, in Tfh cell regulation. Our investigation, utilizing conditional Bob1-deficient mice, suggests that Bob1 plays a critical role in modulating inducible T-cell costimulator expression and cellular respiration in Tfh cells. This regulation maintains the long-term functionality of Tfh cells, enabling their reactivation from central memory T cells to produce antibodies during recall responses. In a bronchial asthma model induced by house dust mite (HDM) inhalation, Bob1 is observed to enhance HDM-specific antibodies, including IgE, highlighting its pivotal function in Tfh cell regulation. Further exploration of Bob1-dependent mechanisms in Tfh cells holds promise for governing protective immunity and addressing immune-related disorders.
Maximum tree height in European Mountains decreases above a climate-related elevation threshold
Authors: Gelabert P. J. , Rodrigues M. , Coll L. , Vega-Garcia C. , Ameztegui A.
Published: February 2024

Mountain forests face important threats from global change and spatio-temporal variation in tree height can help to monitor these effects. In this study, we used the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation space-borne laser sensor to examine the relationship between maximum tree height and elevation, and the role of climate, in the main European mountain ranges. We found a piecewise relationship between elevation and maximum tree height in all mountain ranges, supporting the existence of a common breakpoint that marks the beginning of tree development limitations. Temperature and precipitation were identified as the most important drivers of tree height variation. Additionally, we predicted significant upward displacement of the breakpoint for the period 2080-2100 under climate change scenarios, potentially increasing the area without growth limitations for trees. These findings contribute to understanding the impacts of global warming on mountain forest ecosystems and provide insights for their monitoring and management.
Improving design features and air bubble manipulation techniques for a single-step sandwich electrochemical ELISA incorporating commercial electrodes into capillary-flow driven immunoassay devices
Authors: Kaewarsa Phuritat , Schenkel Melissa S. , Rahn Kira L. , Laiwattanapaisal Wanida , Henry Charles S.
Published: February 2024

The iceCaDI, a capillary-driven immunoassay device, uses a commercial electrode for single-step electrochemical ELISA. It has a hinge-based assembly, air baffle for reagent dispersal, and vent holes for bubble release, quantifying CRP in 8 min.
Cas-based bacterial detection: recent advances and perspectives
Authors: Lan Huatao , Shu Weitong , Jiang Dan , Yu Luxin , Xu Guangxian
Published: February 2024

Rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens. CRISPR/Cas has strong potential and application prospects in the field of bacterial detection.
Production and transport of plasma-generated hydrogen peroxide from gas to liquid
Authors: Schüttler Steffen , Schöne Anna Lena , Jeß Emanuel , Gibson Andrew R. , Golda Judith
Published: February 2024

The transport of H2O2 and OH from an atmospheric pressure plasma jet to a liquid sample are investigated using multiple detection techniques and a plasma-chemical global model. Scaling and formation pathways species are presented and discussed.
Self-propelled motion controlled by ionic liquids
Authors: Hua Er , Gao Jun , Xu Yu , Matsuo Muneyuki , Nakata Satoshi
Published: February 2024

We studied the self-propulsion of a camphor disk floating on a water surface using two types of ionic liquids (hexylammonium-trifluoroacetate (HHexam-TFA) and hexylethylenediaminium-trifluoroacetate (HHexen-TFA)).
A solid substrate based on clay minerals for sampling organic liquids in molecular LIBS analysis
Authors: Santos Layla P. , Pereira José F. Q. , Raimundo Ivo M.
Published: February 2024

A clay mineral substrate based on a mixture of bentonite and sepiolite allows the direct molecular LIBS analysis of flammable liquids, such as toluene, gasoline and diesel.
Enhanced acoustic streaming effects via sharp-edged 3D microstructures
Authors: Harley William S. , Kolesnik Kirill , Heath Daniel E. , Collins David J.
Published: February 2024

The use of 3D sharp-edged microstructures enhances the versatility of sharp-edge driven microstreaming, with control over the magnitude and orientation of streaming vortexes for targeted particle microfluidic manipulation.
From animal testing to in vitro systems: advancing standardization in microphysiological systems
Authors: Reyes Darwin R. , Esch Mandy B. , Ewart Lorna , Nasiri Rohollah , Herland Anna , Sung Kyung , Piergiovanni Monica , Lucchesi Carolina , Shoemaker James T. , Vukasinovic Jelena , Nakae Hiroki , Hickman James , Pant Kapil , Taylor Anne , Heinz Niki , Ashammakhi Nureddin
Published: February 2024

For MPS technology to be effective not only innovation but standardization will be vital. This will require the consensus of all interested parties including academics, developers, regulatory agencies, metrology institutions, and stakeholders.
A novel radiolabelled salmochelin derivative for bacteria-specific PET imaging: synthesis, radiolabelling and evaluation
Authors: Margeta Renato , Schelhaas Sonja , Hermann Sven , Schäfers Michael , Niemann Silke , Faust Andreas
Published: February 2024

A 68Ga-labelled salmochelin-related PET-radiotracer was developed based on a Trojan horse strategy by targeting the siderophore mediated iron-transport for specific imaging of bacterial infection.
An asymmetrically coordinated ZnCoFe hetero-trimetallic atom catalyst enhances the electrocatalytic oxygen reaction
Authors: Chen Changli , Chai Jing , Sun Mengru , Guo Tianqi , Lin Jie , Zhou Yurong , Sun Zhiyi , Zhang Fang , Zhang Liang , Chen Wenxing , Li Yujing
Published: February 2024

In this work, we design an asymmetric hetero-trimetallic single-atom catalyst with ZnN3CoN3FeN2S active catalytic sites to enhance the oxygen reaction performances.
A supramolecular strategy to precisely fabricate binary-doped metal-free graphdiyne for high-performance zinc–air batteries
Authors: Xiong Zecheng , Wang Fuhui , Zeng Yan , Sun Hao , Jin Weiyue , Liu Hongye , Huang Yang , Yi Yuanping , Liu Huibiao
Published: February 2024

A supramolecular binary doping metal-free graphdiyne is achieved via controllable N–H⋯F hydrogen bonds between trifluoro-graphdiyne skeleton and guest molecules. The as-prepared zinc-air battery exhibits high cycling stability and specific capacity.
METTL3 promotes osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells by up-regulating m6A modification of circCTTN
Authors: Chen Shujiang , Duan Xiaoqiong , He Yanjin , Chen Wenchuan
Published: February 2024

Background: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) are promising seed cells in bone tissue engineering. circRNA and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation play important roles in osteogenic differentiation. Here, we investigated the potential relevance of a critical circRNA, hsa_circ_0003376 (circCTTN), and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs.

Methods: Expression of circCTTN after hUCMSC osteogenic induction was detected by qRT-PCR. Three databases (RMBase v2.0, BERMP, and SRAMP) were used to predict m6A sites of circCTTN. RNA was enriched by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect m6A level of circCTTN after METTL3 overexpression and osteogenic induction. RNA pull-down, Western blotting, and protein mass spectrometry were performed to investigate the potential mechanisms by which METTL3 promoted m6A modification of circCTTN. Bioinformatic analyses based on database (STRING) search and co-immunoprecipitation were used to analyze the proteins that interacted with METTL3.

Results: Overexpression of METTL3 promoted osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs and increased m6A level of circCTTN. Two potential m6A modification sites of circCTTN were predicted. No direct interaction between METTL3 and circCTTN was observed. Thirty-one proteins were pulled down by probes specific for circCTTN, including NOP2, and two m6A reading proteins, EIF3A and SND1. Bioinformatics analysis and co-immunoprecipitation showed that METTL3 interacted with EIF3A indirectly through NOP2.

Conclusions: METTL3 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs by increasing the m6A level of circCTTN. However, METTL3 does not bind directly to circCTTN. METTL3 interacts with circCTTN indirectly through NOP2 and EIF3A.