bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced strength and toughness of SiC/C composite ceramics via SiC@graphene core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Zhitong , Zhao Jian , Liu Malin , Liu Zebing , Cheng Xinyu , Chang Jiaxing , Yang Xu , Li Bowen , Liu Bing , Liu Rongzheng
Published: September 2024

Developing high strength and tough silicon carbide (SiC) composite ceramics remains a significant challenge. Here, we report the process of synthesizing fully densified SiC/C composite ceramics using SiC@graphene (SiC@G) core–shell nanoparticles as raw materials through spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1700°C and 45 MPa. The SiC@G nanoparticles were synthesized by the fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FB‐CVD) method. During the sintering process, graphene coated, the surface of nanosized SiC particles exhibited high electrical and thermal conductivity, facilitating the uniform distribution of pulse current and heat and promoting the densification of SiC/C composite ceramics. For the prepared SiC/C composite ceramic, the carbon content reaches as high as 14.3 wt%, with carbon uniformly dispersed in a particulate form within the SiC matrix and stable interface bonding. Consequently, the introduction of excessive carbon does not compromise the hardness (28.8 GPa) and flexural strength (517.34 MPa) of the SiC/C composite ceramics. Furthermore, the carbon particles effectively enhance the toughness of the SiC/C composite material through mechanisms such as crack branching, bridging, and deflection, resulting in a fracture toughness of 7.38 MPa m1/2. The preparation strategy in this study provides a novel route for sintering SiC composites with high‐carbon content through nanoscale powder structure design, resulting in the attainment of high‐performance lightweight composite materials.
Concurrent Validity of Abbreviated Walk Tests Among Adults With Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disability
Authors: Goh Rena Wen Yi , Chan Gideon Ji Yan , Mohammad Hanip Lynn Amelia , Kwok Boon Chong
Published: September 2024

Background

Walk tests are common gait speed and endurance assessments. Shorter test versions could benefit adults with intellectual disability. Thus, the concurrent validity of shorter tests was studied.

Methods

Thirty‐five adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability, aged 21–64 years, were assessed with the 4‐m walk test, 10‐m walk test for gait speed, 2‐min walk test, and 6‐min walk test for endurance. Correlation and Bland–Altman plots analyses were used to establish concurrent validity between shorter and standard tests.

Results

Strong positive relationships were found for gait speed tests, r = 0.94, p < 0.001, and endurance tests, r = 0.83, p < 0.001, and differences between shorter and standard tests were within limits of agreement.

Conclusions

The concurrent validity of shorter walk tests was established in this study. This would mean that adults with intellectual disability with lower levels of fitness could be assessed.

Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12624000203550.
Loving our leaders: A triangular theory of love for political figures
Authors: Goldberg Sydney M. , Sternberg Robert J.
Published: September 2024

Many people support and stand by political candidates in the same way that a person might support a significant other. In two studies, we preliminarily explored the utility of a triangular theory of love proposed for political figures. In the first study, data from 87 university students were used to obtain results relating to levels of intimacy, passion, commitment, and satisfaction for a participant‐chosen political figure. We hypothesized that intimacy, passion, and commitment would predict higher levels of satisfaction with political figures. Correlational analyses revealed significant relationships between all three variables and satisfaction. In stepwise multiple regressions, intimacy and passion retained significant relationships with satisfaction. In the second study, 299 university students reported levels of intimacy, passion, commitment, and satisfaction for three political figures: Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama. All three variables were significantly correlated with satisfaction for each candidate. Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that intimacy and commitment, but not passion, predicted satisfaction for Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Intimacy, passion, and commitment significantly predicted satisfaction for Barack Obama. Voters may experience a kind of love for political figures, and understanding this relationship may have implications for helping voters make informed decisions during elections.
Joint Modifiable Risk Factor Control and Incident Stroke in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Hou Xuefei , Yue Suru , Xu Zihan , Li Xiaolin , Wang Yingbai , Wang Jia , Chen Xiaoming , Wu Jiayuan
Published: September 2024

Recent guidelines have recognized several factors, including blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), smoking, and physical activity, as key contributors to stroke risk. However, the impact of simultaneous management of these risk factors on stroke susceptibility in individuals with hypertension remains ambiguous. This study involved 238 388 participants from the UK Biobank, followed up from their recruitment date until April 1, 2023. Cox proportional hazard models with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to illustrate the correlation between the joint modifiable risk factor control and the stroke risk. As the degree of risk factor control increased, a gradual reduction in stroke risk was observed. Hypertensive patients who had the optimal risk factor control (≥5 risk factor controls) had a 14.6% lower stroke risk than those who controlled 2 or fewer (HR: 0.854; 95% CI: 804–0.908; p < 0.001). The excess risk of stroke linked to hypertension slowly diminished as the number of controlled risk factors increased. However, the risk was still 25.1% higher for hypertensive patients with optimal risk factor control as compared to the non‐hypertensive population (HR: 1.251; 95% CI: 1.100–1.422; p < 0.001). The protective effect of joint risk factor control against the stroke risk due to hypertension was stronger in medicated hypertensive patients than in those not medicated. This finding leads to the conclusion that joint risk factor control combined with pharmacological treatment could potentially eliminate the excess risk of stroke associated with hypertension.
A Retrospective Comparative Study of Mid‐Term Outcomes of Atherectomy, Drug‐Coating Balloon Angioplasty, and Plain Old Balloon Angioplasty for Isolated Atherosclerotic Popliteal Artery Lesions
Authors: Dong Zhiyong , Guo Lianrui , Tong Zhu , Cui Shijun , Gao Xixiang , Zhang Chengchao , Guo Jianming , Gu Yongquan
Published: September 2024

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 217 consecutive Chinese patients with isolated atherosclerotic popliteal artery lesions treated with atherectomy technique, DCB, and plain old balloon angioplasty from August 2017 to August 2022. There was no difference in the 48‐month patency rate between the atherectomy, DCB, and POBA groups (65%, 56%, and 51%, respectively; p = 0.3), as well as in adjusted Cox regression. Similarly, no difference was observed in the 48‐month clinically driven target lesion revascularization‐free (CDTLR‐free) rate among the groups (77%, 74%, and 65%; p = 0.34), confirmed by adjusted Cox regression. In the 48 months, a significant difference was observed in amputation‐free rates between the atherectomy, DCB, and POBA groups (97%, 91%, and 83%, respectively; p < 0.05). Adjusted Cox regression indicated POBA had worse outcomes than DCB and atherectomy. In the stenosis and occlusion subgroup, the 48‐month primary patency rates were 65%, 70%, and 54% (p > 0.9) and 65% versus 49% versus 49% (p = 0.3), showing no differences among the three groups. In the short lesion subgroup (<10 cm), the 48‐month primary patency rates were 65%, 66%, and 61% for atherectomy, DCB, and POBA, respectively (p = 0.7). In the long lesion subgroup (≥10 cm), the 48‐month patency rates were higher in the atherectomy and DCB groups compared to POBA (64%, 44%, and 34%), with no significant difference among the groups (p = 0.13). DCB and atherectomy demonstrate improved short‐ and mid‐term clinical outcomes compared to POBA in Chinese patients with popliteal artery disease.
RNA methylation sequencing shows different gene expression signatures for response to azacytidine therapy in high‐grade myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Gulei Diana , Moisoiu Vlad , Kegyes David , Drula Rares , Iluta Sabina , Tigu Adrian Bogdan , Nistor Madalina , Jitaru Ciprian , Bancos Anamaria , Rotariu Petra , Popovici Corina , Dima Delia , Tomai Radu , Rus Ioana , Constantinescu Catalin , Munteanu Raluca , Cenariu Diana , Sezerman Ugur , Zdrenghea Mihnea , Cermak Jaroslav , Einsele Hermann , Ghiaur Gabriel , Tomuleasa Ciprian
Published: September 2024

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are myeloid malignancies with heterogeneous genotypes and phenotypes, characterized by ineffective haematopoiesis and a high risk of progression towards acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Prognosis for patients treated with hypomethylating agents (HMAs), as is azacytidine, the main drug used as frontline therapy for MDS is mostly based on cytogenetics and next generation sequencing (NGS) of the initial myeloid clone. Although the critical influence of the epigenetic landscape upon cancer cells survival and development as well on tumour environment establishment is currently recognized and approached within current clinical practice in MDS, the heterogenous response of the patients to epigenetic therapy is suggesting a more complex mechanism of action, as is the case of RNA methylation. In this sense, the newly emerging field of epitranscriptomics could provide a more comprehensive perspective upon the modulation of gene expression in malignancies, as is the proof‐of‐concept of MDS. We initially did RNA methylation sequencing on MDS patients (n = 6) treated with azacytidine and compared responders with non‐responders. Afterwards, the genes identified were assessed in vitro and afterwards validated on a larger cohort of MDS patients treated with azacytidine (n = 58). Our data show that a more accurate prognosis could be based on analysing the methylome and thus we used methylation sequencing to differentially split high‐grade MDS patients with identical demographical and cytogenetic features, between azacytidine responders and non‐responders.
Periodontitis and Oral Health–Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Agnese Catiusse Crestani Del' , Schöffer Caroline , Kantorski Karla Zanini , Zanatta Fabricio Batistin , Susin Cristiano , Antoniazzi Raquel Pippi
Published: September 2024

Aim

To investigate the association between periodontitis and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adults, and to compare OHRQoL across different severities of the disease.

Materials and Methods

Searches were conducted in five electronic databases up to December 2023. Observational studies that provided a clear definition of periodontitis and used validated measures of OHRQoL were included. Meta‐analyses were performed both overall and based on factors that could explain heterogeneity between studies.

Results

Sixty studies comprising 14,851 individuals were included in the review. Meta‐analyses showed that periodontitis was associated with impaired OHRQoL: any OHRQoL instruments (n = 33 studies; SMD: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.53–0.93), solely using the OHIP‐14 (n = 26 studies; MD: 5.14, 95% CI: 3.64–6.64), and risk assessment (n = 9 studies; adjusted RR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12–1.78). Stages III–IV periodontitis had a greater impact than Stages I–II periodontitis. Subgroup and meta‐regression analyses indicated smaller effect size estimates for individuals with comorbidities.

Conclusions

Periodontitis negatively impacts OHRQoL, with a positive score–response relationship found between periodontitis severity and poorer OHRQoL. However, the magnitude of this association appears to be diminished in individuals with comorbidities.
From Roots to Routes: Transnational Spaces and Identities of Syrian Youth Within Everyday Geographies of Istanbul
Authors: Ayyildiz Şeyma
Published: September 2024

This article highlights the importance of understanding migration beyond past and present negotiations, arguing that Syrian students' everyday geographies are crucial for negotiating the future, contributing to the ongoing discourse on spatiality and migration studies. Space‐based interactions are constructing the future of young migrants both within national and international contexts. This study utilized virtual ethnographies, in‐depth interviews, and participant observations in Istanbul to explore the everyday experiences of Syrian students, providing insights into their future and current routes. It employs Massey's concepts of routes and roots, recognizing the duality between them from sociological and human geographical perspectives. It is discussed that understanding roots and routes can be achieved through an intersectional approach that integrates religion, education, age, and gender. This research study argues that categorizing students as local or global is insufficient due to the intertwining of perceptions of space with local and global dynamics in the context of multiple identities.
Do We Know the Long‐Term Effects of the Most Popular Traditional Swallow Maneuvers on the Submental Muscles?
Authors: Söyler Ayşe Kübra , Kıylıoğlu Nefati , Serel Arslan Selen , Demir Numan , Gök Mustafa , Ertekin Ersen , Düger Tülin
Published: September 2024

Background

Various trainings focus on the submental muscles (SMs) for dysphagia rehabilitation because of their importance for swallowing safety and efficiency. According to the current literature, swallow‐specific tasks may be optimal exercises for dysphagia. The effortful swallow (ES) and the Masako maneuver (MM) are the most commonly used swallow‐specific tasks in the clinical settings for dysphagia for years, but long‐term effects for these trainings is insufficient.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate and compare the effects of ES and MM on SM activity, strength and thickness.

Methods

Thirty‐seven healthy adults were randomised to ES, MM and control groups, and ES and MM groups completed 6 weeks of swallowing training. Participants in both training groups performed a total of 120 swallows in each session, while control group did not participate in any swallowing training. Surface electromyography was used to evaluate SM activity, digital dynamometer for SM strength and ultrasonography for SM thickness.

Results

Both trainings did not change SM activity (p > 0.05), but increased SM strength (p < 0.05). MM increased the thickness of all SM (p < 0.05), and ES increased the thickness of mylohyoid (right, left) and digastric muscle (right) (p < 0.05), and there was no change in all evaluation parameters in the control group (p > 0.05). Also, trainings were not superior to each other in any parameter (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study provided new evidence to the literature to show that ES and MM trainings are effective for improving SM strength and thickness. Considering that SM is important in terms of swallowing safety and effectiveness, it is thought that both trainings may be promising by increasing the strength and mass of SM, especially in individuals with reduced SM strength and mass.
Expanding the cyanobacterial flora of India: Multiple novel species of Nostoc and Desmonostoc from Jammu and Kashmir, India using a polyphasic approach
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Saraf Aniket , Pal Sagarika , Singh Prashant
Published: September 2024

This investigation reports the polyphasic characterization of six cyanobacterial strains that were isolated from Basantgarh village of district Udhampur in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Morphological examination of the isolated strains indicated that the strains are members of the genus Nostoc or its morphotypes. Phylogenetic analyses using the 16S rRNA gene showed that five strains clustered in the Nostoc sensu stricto clade, whereas one strain clustered in the Desmonostoc clade. Further, comparative studies with their phylogenetically related taxa, based on morphology, folded secondary structures, phylogeny of the ITS rRNA region, and the percent genetic homology of 16S rRNA gene and ITS rRNA region clearly established the strains as novel taxa belonging to the genera Nostoc and Desmonostoc. Also, two strains 21A‐PS and 2JNA‐PS emerged as conspecific to each other, representing the same species of Nostoc. Hence, in accordance with the International code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, this study describes Nostoc jammuense, Nostoc globosum, Nostoc breve, and Nostoc coriaceum, as novel species of the genus Nostoc, while Desmonostoc raii is described as a novel species of the genus Desmonostoc. This study adds novel species of Nostoc from Indian habitats and reinforces the need to explore the Nostoc sensu stricto clade for more novel taxa.
Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition impairs triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐1 in periodontal tissue
Authors: Vargas Breno da Silva , Vargas Bruno Sérgio Ferreira , Clemente‐Napimoga Juliana Trindade , Hammock Bruce D. , Abdalla Henrique B. , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Napimoga Marcelo H.
Published: September 2024

Aims

Periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory disorder affecting the oral cavity, driven by dysbiotic oral biofilm and host immune response interactions. While the major clinical focus of periodontitis treatment is currently controlling oral biofilm, understanding the immune response is crucial to prevent disease progression. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibition has shown promise in preventing alveolar bone resorption. Triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells (TREMs) play pivotal roles in regulating inflammation and bone homeostasis, and dysregulation of TREM signaling is implicated in periodontitis. Here, we investigated the impact of sEH inhibition on TREM 1 and 2 expression, associated with inflammatory cytokines, and histologically assessed the inflammatory infiltrate in periodontal tissue.

Methods

The experimental periodontitis model was induced by placing a ligature around the upper second molar. For 14 days, animals were treated daily with a sEH inhibitor (TPPU) or vehicle. The alveolar bone loss was examined using a methylene blue stain. Gingival tissues were used to measure the mRNA expression of TREM‐1, TREM‐2, IKKβ, NF‐κB, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α by RT‐qPCR. Another set of experiments was performed to determine the histological inflammatory scores.

Results

In a ligature‐induced periodontitis model, sEH inhibition prevented alveolar bone loss and reduced TREM1 expression, albeit with a slight elevation compared to the disease‐free group. In contrast, TREM2 expression remained elevated, suggesting sustained immunomodulation favoring resolution. The inhibition of sEH reduced the expression of NF‐κB, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α, while no differences were found in the expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, and IKKβ. In histological analysis, sEH inhibition reduced the inflammatory leukocyte infiltrate in periodontal tissues close to the ligature.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the potential of sEH inhibition to modulate periodontal inflammation by regulating TREM‐1 alongside decreased IL‐1β and TNF‐α expression, highlighting a promising therapeutic approach for periodontitis management.
REM sleep and mental disorders on the 70th anniversary of the discovery of REM sleep
Authors: Benca Ruth M.
Published: September 2024

The discovery of rapid eye movement sleep in 1953 led to numerous studies investigating the relationship between rapid eye movement sleep abnormalities and psychiatric disorders. The most salient findings were the association of rapid eye movement sleep alterations—reduced rapid eye movement sleep latency, increased rapid eye movement sleep volume of total sleep, and increased rapid eye movement density—with major depression. This paper briefly reviews the history of rapid eye movement sleep research in psychiatry with a focus on the work related to major depressive disorder and some of the various theories that have been proposed to explain the associated rapid eye movement sleep abnormalities. Given the increasing evidence that rapid eye movement sleep is important for emotional processing, memory and cognition, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms for the relationship between rapid eye movement sleep and mood disorders could lead to improved treatments for these common and disabling illnesses.
Fecal microbiota of diarrheic calves: Before, during, and after recovering from disease
Authors: Jessop Emma , Renaud David L. , Verbrugghe Adronie , Obregon Dasiel , Macnicol Jenniffer , McMahon Aoife , Li Lynna , Gamsjäger Lisa , Gomez Diego E.
Published: September 2024

Background

It is unknown if gastrointestinal dysbiosis in diarrheic calves causes disease or is a consequence of the disease.

Objectives

Describe the fecal microbiota of calves before, during, and after recovering from diarrhea.

Animals

Fifteen female Holstein calves of 0 to 21 days old from a single farm. Seven calves remained healthy throughout the study, and 8 developed diarrhea on Day 14.

Methods

Longitudinal cohort study. Microbiota composition was characterized by amplifying the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results

Diversity (Shannon index) increased with age in healthy and diarrheic calves from Day 3 to 21, but diarrheic calves had a lower diversity on the day diarrhea was first observed (Day 14). By Day 21, diversity increased in calves that recovered from diarrhea and was not significantly different from that of their healthy counterparts (P > .05). Weighted UniFrac distance showed significant differences in the fecal microbiota between diarrheic and healthy calves at Day 14 of age (PERMANOVA, P < .05), but not before or after diarrhea (PERMANOVA, P > .05). Lactobacillus, Clostridium Sensu Stricto 1, and Collinsella were differentially abundant on Day 10 in calves that developed diarrhea on Day 14 (P < .05).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The fecal microbiota of healthy and diarrheic calves evolved similarly during the first 10 days of age but differed significantly on the day of onset of diarrhea. Enriching Lactobacillus, Clostridium Sensu Stricto 1, and Collinsella before diarrhea onset could have been contributed to the development of diarrhea.
Introducing John Ganim's Theatricality, Medievalism, and Orientalism
Authors: Queen Christopher
Published: September 2024

The following introduction provides a personal and critical backdrop for a cluster of five essays that celebrate the pedagogical and scholarly career of Dr. John Ganim following his recent retirement from the University of California, Riverside. By way of a brief review of Ganim's Chaucerian Theatricality and Medievalism and Orientalism, this introduction highlights the foundational arguments of Ganim's book‐length studies to provide prefatory context for the essays that follow from the cluster's contributing authors: Stephanie Trigg (University of Melbourne), Louise D'Arcens (Macquarie University), Seth Lerer (University of California, San Diego), Andrea Denny‐Brown (University of California, Riverside), and Shayne Legassie (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill).
Adaptive potential in the face of a transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils
Authors: Strickland Kasha , Jones Menna E. , Storfer Andrew , Hamede Rodrigo K. , Hohenlohe Paul A. , Margres Mark J. , McCallum Hamish I. , Comte Sebastien , Lachish Shelly , Kruuk Loeske E. B.
Published: September 2024

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) not only cause catastrophic declines in wildlife populations but also generate selective pressures that may result in rapid evolutionary responses. One such EID is devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) in the Tasmanian devil. DFTD is almost always fatal and has reduced the average lifespan of individuals by around 2 years, likely causing strong selection for traits that reduce susceptibility to the disease, but population decline has also left Tasmanian devils vulnerable to inbreeding depression. We analysed 22 years of data from an ongoing study of a population of Tasmanian devils on Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania, to (1) identify whether DFTD may be causing selection on body size, by estimating phenotypic and genetic correlations between DFTD and size traits, (2) estimate the additive genetic variance of susceptibility to DFTD, and (3) investigate whether size traits or susceptibility to DFTD were under inbreeding depression. We found a positive phenotypic relationship between head width and susceptibility to DFTD, but this was not underpinned by a genetic correlation. Conversely, we found a negative phenotypic relationship between body weight and susceptibility to DFTD, and there was evidence for a negative genetic correlation between susceptibility to DFTD and body weight. There was additive genetic variance in susceptibility to DFTD, head width and body weight, but there was no evidence for inbreeding depression in any of these traits. These results suggest that Tasmanian devils have the potential to respond adaptively to DFTD, although the realised evolutionary response will critically further depend on the evolution of DFTD itself.
Editing of the MeSWEET10a promoter yields bacterial blight resistance in cassava cultivar SC8
Authors: Wang Yajie , Geng Mengting , Pan Ranran , Zhang Tong , Lu Xiaohua , Zhen Xinghou , Che Yannian , Li Ruimei , Liu Jiao , Chen Yinhua , Guo Jianchun , Yao Yuan
Published: September 2024

Cassava starch is a widely used raw material for industrial production and food source for people. However, cassava bacterial blight (CBB) caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam) results in severe yield losses and is the most destructive bacterial disease in all worldwide cassava‐growing regions. Xam11 is a highly pathogenic subspecies from China that infects the Chinese local cassava South China No. 8 (SC8) cultivar with marked symptoms. This study showed that the transcription activator‐like effector TALE20Xam11 of Xam11 strain regulates the expression of disease‐susceptibility gene MeSWEET10a by binding to the EBETALE20 region of the MeSWEET10a promoter in cassava cultivar SC8. CRISPR/Cas9‐generated mutations of the EBETALE20 region resulted in a significant reduction in MeSWEET10a expression after infection by Xam11, correlating with reduced disease symptoms, smaller lesion sizes and decreased bacterial proliferation compared with the wild type. Importantly, the edited plants maintained normal growth, development and yield characteristics under greenhouse conditions. The results lay a research foundation for breeding resistant cassava cultivar SC8 to bacterial blight.
LL37‐DNA Complex Drives Vitiligo Progression Through TLR9‐MyD88 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wang Jingying , Mao Hanxiao , Liu Rulan , Zeng Ziyuan , Xie Lvsha , Yang Yan , He Yuanmin
Published: September 2024

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic depigmentation and milk‐white patches on the skin. Skin infiltration by autoreactive CD8+ T cells causes melanocyte destruction in vitiligo. Multiple risk factors, particularly immune‐related inflammatory factors, are involved in the disappearance of melanocytes. LL37 is a classic damage‐associated molecular pattern molecule that is involved in the development of various autoimmune diseases. An enhanced expression of LL37 in vitiligo is known; however, the exact role of LL37 in melanocyte loss has not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we detected increased LL37 expression in vitiligo serum and lesions. Furthermore, we confirmed that cultured keratinocytes released LL37 after treatment with H2O2. Moreover, the LL37‐DNA complex enhanced the secretion of CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL16 from keratinocytes via the TLR9‐MyD88 signaling pathway and facilitated the migration of CD8+ T cells. Altogether, our study demonstrates that LL37 released from keratinocytes binds to DNA and contributes to melanocyte destruction under oxidative stress‐induced autoimmunity in vitiligo.
Expression of AtNF‐YB1 activates early flowering, showing potential in breeding hybrid rice
Authors: Peng Meifang , Gan Feng , Pan Chunmei , Lin Xiaomin , Lin Feng , Ren Yuanhang , Na Shungui , Zhu Xinhai , Tang Wenwen , Wu Zhixue , Fan Xiaoli , Chen Kegui
Published: September 2024

The nuclear factor Y (NF‐Y) has been shown to be involved in plant growth and development in response to various environmental signals. However, the integration of these mechanisms into breeding practices for new cultivars has not been extensively investigated. In this study, the Arabidopsis gene AtNF‐YB1 was introduced into rice, including inbred Kasalath and the hybrids Jinfeng × Chenghui 727 and Jinfeng × Chuanhui 907. The obtained transgenic rice showed early flowering under both natural long day (NLD) and natural short day (NSD) conditions. For the inbred Kasalath, the transgenic lines clearly showed a shorter plant height and lower grain yield, with a decrease in spike length and grain number but more productive panicles. However, the hybrids with AtNF‐YB1 had much smaller or even zero reduction in spike length and grain number and more productive panicles. Thus, maintained or even increased grain yields of the transgenic hybrids were recorded under the NLD conditions. Quantitative PCR analysis indicated that the rice flowering initiation pathways were early activated via the suppression of Ghd7 induction in the transgenic rice. RNA‐Seq further demonstrated that three pathways related to plant photosynthesis were markedly upregulated in both Jinfeng B and the hybrid Jinfeng × Chuanhui 907 with AtNF‐YB1 expression. Moreover, physiological experiments showed an upregulation of photosynthetic rates in the transgenic lines. Taken together, this study suggests that AtNF‐YB1 expression in rice not only induces early flowering but also benefits photosynthesis, which might be used to develop hybrid varieties with early ripening.
Developmental Competence of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos and Interspecies ICSI Zygotes From Bovine Small Antral Follicles
Authors: Duy Pham‐Truong , Nhu Bui Le Quynh , Dinh Pham Quoc , Nam Cao Hoang , Phuong Lam Do Truc , Tri Dao Quang , Chien Pham Minh , Nguyen Nhat‐Thinh , Van Thuan Nguyen , Bui Hong‐Thuy
Published: September 2024

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) play a crucial role in conserving threatened wildlife species such as Bos gaurus. ART requires a large number of mature oocytes, and small antral follicles (SAFs) in the ovary are often used to obtain abundant sources of bovine oocytes. However, oocytes from SAFs often experience difficulty completing maturation and obtaining high quality and quantity of blastocyst formation compared to fully grown oocytes. This study aimed to increase the number of high‐quality mature oocytes and improve their potential for ART applications in cloned and interspecies intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) embryos by utilising L‐ascorbic acid (LAA) in pre in vitro maturation (pre‐IVM) culture. First, oocytes isolated from SAFs were cultured with the duration of pre‐IVM 0, 6, 8, 10 h and different concentrations of LAA to determine good conditions for oocyte maturation. Then, mature oocytes were assessed for their developmental competence through parthenogenesis, cloned and interspecies ICSI embryos. The results showed that 8‐h pre‐IVM with 50 μg/mL LAA improved the maturation rate and developmental competence of parthenogenetic and clone embryos, especially, improving the high blastocyst quality by increasing cell number and expression of histone acetylation at lysine 9 (H3K9ac). In addition, the culture process improved the nuclear reprogramming of somatic cells after nuclear transfer into mature oocytes, resulting in an increased hatching rate of cloned embryos. It also enhanced the activation and the pronuclear formation rate of Gaurus‐Taurus zygotes. Overall, the established pre‐IVM culture method enhanced the meiotic and developmental competence of embryos. This procedure opened hope for the preservation of endangered species and other applications.
The political identity of China's emerging youth
Authors: Qin Guangqiang , Li Xuehan
Published: September 2024

Objective

We examine the political identity and its determinants of China's young generation who are increasingly emerging from new industries and platforms.

Methods

Using survey data collected in China in 2020 from a representative sample, we employ Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and quantile regression models to analyze the effects of multiple factors on the political identity of emerging youth. Additionally, we employ the Shapley value decomposition method to compare the explanatory contributions of different factors. The instrumental variable method (2SLS) is also used to address the possible endogeneity between public participation and political identity.

Results

We find that the overall political identity of emerging youth scores high, and “authority resilience” rather than “identity decline” is a more suitable term to describe the political identity of this group. Educational enlightenment does not dissolve political identity; the higher the economic benefits and the stronger the sense of external political efficacy, the greater the political identity of China's emerging youth. Young people who are willing to participate in public affairs but lack access to the channels to do so have a lower degree of political identity.

Conclusion

Governance performance theory and institutional environment theory have more explanatory power than culturalism for understanding the political identity of emerging youth. Although postmaterialistic values prevail among the young generations, they are unlikely to challenge the legitimacy of the Chinese regime in the short term.
The closed future
Authors: Torrengo Giuliano
Published: September 2024

Many philosophers take for granted that there is a strong pre‐theoretical intuition that the future is open and that it is worth trying to make sense of that intuition in theoretical terms. In this paper, I give a characterisation of the ordinary intuition in terms of three elements: our sense of agency, the difference in normativity between memories and expectations and naïve understanding of causality. Those intuitions allow us to pin down certain desiderata that an account of openness should respect. Firstly, the fact that the future is open is not merely due to our epistemic situation (the fact that we do not know what the future will bring). Secondly, openness is not merely a matter of nomological indeterminism; even if indeterminism is part of what makes the future open, it cannot be the end of the story. Thirdly, openness requires more than ‘modal flexibility’ (i.e. the fact that the future could be different from what actually will be). I provide a minimal theory of openness, which respects those desiderata and which is based on the semantic notion of unsettledness and the metaphysical notion of indeterminacy. Roughly, the future is open if future‐tensed claims concerning contingent matters are such that their truth value is presently unsettled, and they are semantically unsettled because the future is metaphysically indeterminate. I then argue that this theory is compatible with what I call the closed future view. According to the latter, there is only one way in which things will go, although, given indeterminism, it is unsettled which way it is. I then consider an objection to my compatibility claim: if the open future claim is metaphysically substantive, there should be a way to differentiate it from the closed future scenario. I consider whether a friend of openness could rely on a dynamic metaphysics of time (such as presentism, or the growing block view) in order to differentiate their position from the closed future scenario. I argue that the appeal to a dynamic universe is ineffective.
Beyond Repressed Memory: Current Alternative Solutions to the Controversy
Authors: Dodier Olivier , Otgaar Henry , Mangiulli Ivan
Published: September 2024

Debates surrounding the origin of recovered memories of child abuse have traditionally focused on two conflicting arguments, namely that these memories are either false memories or instances of repressed memories (i.e., reflecting the idea that people can unconsciously block traumatic autobiographical experiences and eventually regain access). While scientific evidence for the first is clearly established, the second is the subject of a controversy in the academic, clinical, and legal fields. This controversy rages on today. In this introductory article to our topic “Beyond Repressed Memory: Current Alternative Solutions to the Controversy,” we present alternative and more parsimonious explanations for repressed memories that we sorted into three categories: cognitive, motivational, and biological factors. Our aim is to provide a timely overview to help clinical and legal professionals, academics, and the general public to move beyond the idea that traumatic memories can be unconsciously repressed.
Recurrent excision of a hAT‐like transposable element in CmAPRR2 leads to the “shooting star” melon phenotype
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liao Shengjin , Zhang Jie , Sun Honghe , Li Shaofang , Zhang Haiying , Gong Guoyi , Shen Huolin , Xu Yong
Published: September 2024

The external appearance of fruit commodities is an essential trait that has profound effects on consumer preferences. A natural melon variety, characterized by an uneven and patchy arrangement of dark green streaks and spots on the white‐skinned rind, resembles shooting stars streaking across the sky; thus, this variety is called “Shooting Star” (SS). To investigate the mechanism underlying the SS melon rind pattern, we initially discovered that the variegated dark green color results from chlorophyll accumulation on the white skin. We then constructed a segregation population by crossing a SS inbred line with a white rind (WR) inbred line and used bulk segregant analysis (BSA) revealed that the SS phenotype is controlled by a single dominant gene, CmAPRR2, which has been previously confirmed to determine dark green coloration. Further genomic analysis revealed a hAT‐like transposable element (TE) inserted in CmAPRR2. This TE in CmAPRR2 is recurrently excised from rind tissues, activating the expression of CmAPRR2. This activation promotes the accumulation of chlorophyll, leading to the variegated dark green color on the rind, and ultimately resulting in the SS rind phenotype. Therefore, we propose that the SS phenotype results from the recurrent excision of the hAT‐like TE in CmAPRR2.
First record of Forcipomyia (Microhelea) eriophora (Williston, 1896) ectoparasitic midges occurrence on Heraclides anchisiades capys (Hübner, 1809) butterfly caterpillar hosts in Brazil
Authors: Caique Dantas Vasconcelos  , Caio Cezar Dias Corrêa  , Gabriel Santos Vieira
Published: September 2024

In this work we report for the first time the occurrence of female adults of the biting midge Forcipomyia (Microhelea) eriophora feeding on butterfly Heraclides anchisiades capys caterpillars. We collected the caterpillars and Ceratopogonidae specimens on Citrus limon (L.) (Rutaceae) tree leaves from the campus of the Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (UEFS), Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. In Brazil, host records of Forcipomyia (Microhelea) eriophora on caterpillars remain scarce due to significant gaps in our understanding of ectoparasitic habits within Ceratopogonidae.
A Step-Wise Method for Measuring Thermophysical Parameters of an Isotropic Material, Considering the Effect of Thermal Contact Resistance and Lateral Convection Losses
Authors: Dia Mohameth , Diallo Mamadou Salif , Faye Mactar , Sambou Vincent
Published: September 2024

This work proposes a model based on the step-wise method to identify conductivity and heat capacity. Contrary to conventional models, this model considers the thermal properties of the heating element, the thermal contact resistance at the measurement point, and the lateral convection losses around the device. The mathematical model is solved using a numerical approach based on the finite element method (FEM) to obtain the temperature distribution over the entire measurement device. This temperature field is generated by the passage of electric current through a flat electrical resistor made of thin metal foil (Kapton). Heat is produced as a progressive function. A thermocouple placed at a distance from the heat source measures the temperature response. A sensitivity analysis showed that the heating element parameters did not affect the long-term estimates. Additionally, this sensitivity analysis showed the possibility of estimating conductivity, heat capacity, contact resistance, and convection coefficient. Experimental data obtained with this model on two materials are compared with results obtained using conventional methods (HotDisk TPS2200, fluxmeter). There is a 2.5% difference between the thermal conductivities obtained with our model and the HotDisk and fluxmeter methods. The maximum relative error in thermal capacity is 6%.
A Wide-Bandwidth and High-Resolution Identification Method for the Dynamic Characteristics of Annular Gas Seals Using Hilbert Transform
Authors: Wang Tianhao , Li Zhigang , Li Jun
Published: September 2024

Efficient and accurate parameter identification methods are urgently needed to develop high-performance sealing devices. Although the existing prediction methods have been widely validated, researchers are still grappling with the tradeoff between frequency resolution and computational cost. This paper proposed a Hilbert-transform-based time-frequency analysis method to identify the dynamic characteristics of annular gas seals. The frequency-sweep whirling orbit model (FSM) was adopted as the excitation signal of rotor whirling motion. The transient flow field within the seal clearance was numerically simulated by the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) solution combined with the mesh deformation technique. The empirical amplitude-modulated (AM) and frequency-modulated (FM) decomposition and the direct quadrature method were utilized to approximate the analytic signals of monitored response forces. High-resolution and frequency-dependent dynamic coefficients were determined by the Hilbert transform (HT) of the linear response-force/rotor-motion model. To validate the present method and determine the frequency-sweep mode, the dynamic coefficients of three typical annular gas seals, including a labyrinth seal (LABY), a fully partitioned pocket damper seal (FPDS), and a hole-pattern seal (HPS), were evaluated by the linear and quadratic frequency-sweep modes, respectively. The results indicate that the dynamic coefficients obtained by the quadratic FSM are all in good agreement with the experimental data, and have almost the same accuracy as the well-known multifrequency whirling orbit model (MFM). Combined with the proposed adaptive time-step scheme, the present method can obtain high-frequency-resolution dynamic coefficients of annular gas seals with a 48.6% reduction in computational time compared to MFM. Furthermore, the application of the present method in wide-bandwidth cases was also illustrated.
Fabrication Time Diagrams for In-Space Manufacturing of Large Reticulated Structures
Authors: Bhundiya Harsh G. , Marshall Michael A. , Cordero Zachary C.
Published: September 2024

In-space manufacturing (ISM), or the construction of structures from raw feedstock materials in the space environment, is a promising approach for building large, external support structures for future space missions. Most research and development on ISM to date has focused on ground-based or microgravity-based demonstrations of candidate fabrication processes; however, the combined design of the ISM spacecraft and the fabrication process has not been fully investigated. In this paper, we estimate the fabrication times for truss support structures subject to various spacecraft constraints, including the available fabrication power, the attitude control system (ACS) authority, and the avoidance of control–structure interactions. Using the key assumptions of (1) a fabrication process that sequentially extrudes struts, (2) a fixed spacecraft orientation, and (3) negligible effects of environmental disturbance torques, we generate fabrication time diagrams that depict the dominant constraints and estimates of the fabrication time for a range of dimensions. Our results indicate that for large, dense reticulated geometries such as the curved gridshell and tetrahedral truss, the angular momentum storage of the spacecraft ACS is the dominant constraint on fabrication time. Additionally, our results suggest the following strategies for reducing fabrication time: manufacturing with multiple spacecraft; using stiff, lightweight feedstock; maximizing fabrication power and ACS capability; and minimizing spacecraft bus mass. These strategies represent design tradeoffs, emphasizing how the design of an ISM spacecraft cannot be considered independently of the fabricated structure.
Ultrasound-Enabled Adaptive Protocol for Fast Charging of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Im Ganghyeok , Lu Wei , Popa Bogdan Ioan , Epureanu Bogdan I.
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces an ultrasound-assisted multistage constant current (UA-MSCC) charging protocol to enhance the charging performance of lithium-ion batteries. In this approach, ultrasound is applied during the final portion of each MSCC charging phase. Experimental results demonstrate that ultrasound decreases the internal resistance of pouch cells by up to 7%, leading to significant increase in charging capacity during each MSCC stage. The overall charging time is reduced by 26% compared to the conventional constant current–constant voltage (CCCV) protocol. The performance improvement delivered by this ultrasound-assisted charging approach is especially large when the battery is charged at low temperatures and to a partial capacity. Notably, the application of ultrasound improves the coulombic efficiency to levels comparable to that at the room temperature when charging in cold environments (0 °C). This approach can be applied to commercial batteries to immediately improve their charging performance, and can be seamlessly integrated into battery management systems. Unlike approaches that necessitate electrode material modifications or electrolyte additives, which require a long development time, this UA-MSCC charging protocol offers a practical and easily applicable solution for improving the battery charging performance.
Heat Transfer Performance Analysis of Medium–Deep Coaxial Borehole Heat Exchanger: Combination of Heat Extraction Operation Test and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Li Jiangbo , Lei Yanzi , Li Lei , Chen Sihao
Published: September 2024

Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy source that can effectively reduce carbon emissions. Coaxial borehole heat exchanger (CBHE) is a crucial component of the geothermal mining system. To understand the heat transfer mechanism of a CBHE and to design its construction, this paper analyzes the geotechnical thermal response characteristics of CBHE under constant power conditions. comsol was used to simulate the performance of the heat exchanger during intermittent operation in both summer and winter. The results indicate that the inlet water temperature and the thermal conductivity of the grouting material have a weak impact on the energy efficiency coefficient of the heat exchanger. The energy efficiency coefficient can increase by about 22% when the inner pipe's thermal conductivity is low. The temperature difference between the medium flowing into the inner pipe at the bottom of a shallow-cased buried pipe and the medium flowing out of the inner pipe defines the thermal short-circuit value. The influence on the thermal short-circuit value is on the order of the inner pipe thermal conductivity, grouting material thermal conductivity, and the inlet water temperature. The fluctuation of soil temperature in the summer is greater than that in the winter, and the soil temperature of shallow-buried pipes is easier to recover in the winter. The characteristic law obtained in this paper provides a valuable reference for the scientific design of CBHE.