bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different serotonergic neurons regulate appetite for sucrose and hunger for proteins
Authors: Dorn Katharina , Gompert Magdalena , He Jianzheng , Scholz Henrike
Published: December 2024

For the organism it is important to replenish internal energy storages selectively and selective appetite for nutrients might uncover internal energy requirements. How is the selective uptake of a specific nutrient regulated? Here we show that in
Drosophila melanogaster
different sets of serotonergic neurons regulate appetite for sucrose and hunger for proteins. Increased neuronal activity in specific subsets of serotonergic neurons and interfering with serotonin reuptake using a mutated serotonin transporter reduced the appetite for sucrose selectively, but not the hunger for proteins. The insulin receptor together with the serotonin transporter regulates the selective sucrose appetite. We provide evidence that the cellular location of the serotonin transporter depends on the insulin receptor. This mechanism might allow optimizing nutrient intake and in turn might prevent overconsumption by repressing appetite for sucrose. Given the conserved nature of the molecules involved it is likely that the mechanism is conserved in higher organisms.
Targeting the Hippo pathway in cancers via ubiquitination dependent TEAD degradation
Authors: Pham Trang H , Pahuja Kanika Bajaj , Hagenbeek Thijs J , Zbieg Jason , Noland Cameron L , Pham Victoria C , Yao Xiaosai , Rose Christopher M , Browder Kristen C , Lee Ho-June , Yu Mamie , Liang-Chu May , Martin Scott , Verschueren Erik , Li Jason , Kubala Marta H , Fong Rina , Lorenzo Maria , Beroza Paul , Hsu Peter , Paul Sayantanee , Villemure Elisia , Lee Wendy , Cheung Tommy K , Clausen Saundra , Lacap Jennifer , Liang Yuxin , Cheng Jason , Schmidt Steve , Modrusan Zora , Cohen Michael , Crawford James , Jasper Heinrich , Ashworth Alan , Lill Jennie R , Malek Shiva , Rudolph Joachim , Wertz Ingrid E , Chang Matthew T , Ye Xin , Dey Anwesha
Published: December 2024

The Hippo pathway is among the most frequently altered key signaling pathways in cancer. TEAD1-4 are essential transcription factors and key downstream effectors in the Hippo pathway in human cells. Here, we identified RNF146 as a ubiquitin ligase (E3) of TEADs, which negatively regulates their stability in cells through proteasome-mediated degradation. We show that RNF146-mediated TEAD ubiquitination is dependent on the TEAD PARylation state. We further validated the genetic interaction between RNF146 and the Hippo pathway in cancer cell lines and the model organism
Drosophila melanogaster.
Despite the RNF146 and proteasome-mediated degradation mechanisms, TEADs are stable proteins with a long half-life in cells. We demonstrate that degradation of TEADs can be greatly enhanced pharmacologically with heterobifunctional chemical inducers of protein degradation (CIDEs). These TEAD-CIDEs can effectively suppress activation of YAP/TAZ target genes in a dose-dependent manner and exhibit significant anti-proliferative effects in YAP/TAZ-dependent tumor cells, thus phenocopying the effect of genetic ablation of TEAD protein. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the ubiquitin-proteasome system plays an important role in regulating TEAD functions and provides a proof-of-concept demonstration that pharmacologically induced TEAD ubiquitination could be leveraged to target YAP/TAZ-driven cancers.
A novel human pluripotent stem cell gene activation system identifies IGFBP2 as a mediator in the production of haematopoietic progenitors in vitro
Authors: Petazzi Paolo , Ventura Telma , Luongo Francesca Paola , McClafferty Heather , May Alisha , Taylor Helen Alice , Shipston Michael J , Romanò Nicola , Forrester Lesley M , Menendez Pablo , Fidanza Antonella
Published: December 2024

A major challenge in the stem cell biology field is the ability to produce fully functional cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that are a valuable resource for cell therapy, drug screening, and disease modelling. Here, we developed a novel inducible CRISPR-mediated activation strategy (iCRISPRa) to drive the expression of multiple endogenous transcription factors (TFs) important for in vitro cell fate and differentiation of iPSCs to haematopoietic progenitor cells. This work has identified a key role for IGFBP2 in developing haematopoietic progenitors. We first identified nine candidate TFs that we predicted to be involved in blood cell emergence during development, then generated tagged gRNAs directed to the transcriptional start site of these TFs that could also be detected during single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). iCRISPRa activation of these endogenous TFs resulted in a significant expansion of arterial-fated endothelial cells expressing high levels of IGFBP2, and our analysis indicated that IGFBP2 is involved in the remodelling of metabolic activity during in vitro endothelial to haematopoietic transition. As well as providing fundamental new insights into the mechanisms of haematopoietic differentiation, the broader applicability of iCRISPRa provides a valuable tool for studying dynamic processes in development and for recapitulating abnormal phenotypes characterised by ectopic activation of specific endogenous gene expression in a wide range of systems.
Base editing of Ptbp1 in neurons alleviates symptoms in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Böck Desiree , Wilhelm Maria , Mumenthaler Jonas , Carpanese Daniel Fabio , Kulcsár Peter I , d'Aquin Simon , Cremonesi Alessio , Rassi Anahita , Häberle Johannes , Patriarchi Tommaso , Schwank Gerald
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multifactorial disease caused by irreversible progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons (DANs). Recent studies have reported the successful conversion of astrocytes into DANs by repressing polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1), which led to the rescue of motor symptoms in a chemically-induced mouse model of PD. However, follow-up studies have questioned the validity of this astrocyte-to-DAN conversion model. Here, we devised an adenine base editing strategy to downregulate PTBP1 in astrocytes and neurons in a chemically-induced PD mouse model. While PTBP1 downregulation in astrocytes had no effect, PTBP1 downregulation in neurons of the striatum resulted in the expression of the DAN marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in non-dividing neurons, which was associated with an increase in striatal dopamine concentrations and a rescue of forelimb akinesia and spontaneous rotations. Phenotypic analysis using multiplexed iterative immunofluorescence imaging further revealed that most of these TH-positive cells co-expressed the dopaminergic marker DAT and the pan-neuronal marker NEUN, with the majority of these triple-positive cells being classified as mature GABAergic neurons. Additional research is needed to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the expression of the observed markers and understand how the formation of these cells contributes to the rescue of spontaneous motor behaviors. Nevertheless, our findings support a model where downregulation of neuronal, but not astrocytic, PTBP1 can mitigate symptoms in PD mice.
Genome concentration limits cell growth and modulates proteome composition in Escherichia coli
Authors: Mäkelä Jarno , Papagiannakis Alexandros , Lin Wei-Hsiang , Lanz Michael Charles , Glenn Skye , Swaffer Matthew , Marinov Georgi K , Skotheim Jan M , Jacobs-Wagner Christine
Published: December 2024

Defining the cellular factors that drive growth rate and proteome composition is essential for understanding and manipulating cellular systems. In bacteria, ribosome concentration is known to be a constraining factor of cell growth rate, while gene concentration is usually assumed not to be limiting. Here, using single-molecule tracking, quantitative single-cell microscopy, and modeling, we show that genome dilution in Escherichia coli cells arrested for DNA replication limits total RNA polymerase activity within physiological cell sizes across tested nutrient conditions. This rapid-onset limitation on bulk transcription results in sub-linear scaling of total active ribosomes with cell size and sub-exponential growth. Such downstream effects on bulk translation and cell growth are near-immediately detectable in a nutrient-rich medium, but delayed in nutrient-poor conditions, presumably due to cellular buffering activities. RNA sequencing and tandem-mass-tag mass spectrometry experiments further reveal that genome dilution remodels the relative abundance of mRNAs and proteins with cell size at a global level. Altogether, our findings indicate that chromosome concentration is a limiting factor of transcription and a global modulator of the transcriptome and proteome composition in E. coli. Experiments in Caulobacter crescentus and comparison with eukaryotic cell studies identify broadly conserved DNA concentration-dependent scaling principles of gene expression.
Long non-coding RNA Malat1 fine-tunes bone homeostasis and repair by orchestrating cellular crosstalk and β-catenin-OPG/Jagged1 pathway
Authors: Qin Yongli , Shirakawa Jumpei , Xu Cheng , Chen Ruge , Yang Xu , Ng Courtney , Nakano Shinichi , Elguindy Mahmoud , Deng Zhonghao , Prasanth Kannanganattu V , Eissmann Moritz F , Nakagawa Shinichi , Ricci William M , Zhao Baohong
Published: December 2024

The IncRNA Malat1 was initially believed to be dispensable for physiology due to the lack of observable phenotypes in Malat1 knockout (KO) mice. However, our study challenges this conclusion. We found that both Malat1 KO and conditional KO mice in the osteoblast lineage exhibit significant osteoporosis. Mechanistically, Malat1 acts as an intrinsic regulator in osteoblasts to promote osteogenesis. Interestingly, Malat1 does not directly affect osteoclastogenesis but inhibits osteoclastogenesis in a non-autonomous manner in vivo via integrating crosstalk between multiple cell types, including osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and chondrocytes. Our findings substantiate the existence of a novel remodeling network in which Malat1 serves as a central regulator by binding to β-catenin and functioning through the β-catenin-OPG/Jagged1 pathway in osteoblasts and chondrocytes. In pathological conditions, Malat1 significantly promotes bone regeneration in fracture healing. Bone homeostasis and regeneration are crucial to well-being. Our discoveries establish a previous unrecognized paradigm model of Malat1 function in the skeletal system, providing novel mechanistic insights into how a lncRNA integrates cellular crosstalk and molecular networks to fine tune tissue homeostasis, remodeling and repair.
The integrated WF-Haldane (WFH) model of genetic drift resolving the many paradoxes of molecular evolution
Authors: Ruan Yongsen , Wang Xiaopei , Hou Mei , Diao Wenjie , Tracy Miles E , Xu Shuhua , Liufu Zhongqi , Wen Haijun , Wu Chung-I
Published: December 2024

Genetic drift, the random changes in frequencies of neutral variants, is the fundamental force of molecular evolution. Under-estimation of genetic drift is a major cause of mis-conclusions on evolution. However, the standard Wright-Fisher (WF) model of random sampling in population of size
N
only partially defines genetic drift with 1/
N
or 1/
N

e

(
N

e

being a function of varying
N
’s). In parallel, JBS Haldane proposed the branching process for genetic drift (Haldane 1927), whereby each gene copy is transmitted to
K
descendants with the mean and variance of
E
(
K
) and
V
(
K
). Genetic drift in its essence is
V
(
K
), i.e., the variance in transmission success, or
V
(
K
)/
N
when averaged over the population. Under the general WF models (i.e., the standard model as well as the many modifications), paradoxes have emerged. They include: i) Most curiously, genetic drift may often become stronger as
N
becomes larger at the ecological time scale, opposite to the model; ii) Sex chromosomes experience drift differently even with the same normalized
N
; iii) Genetic drift operates on advantageous mutations depends on
V
(
K
) but not on
N
; iv) Irresolution and paradoxes emerge in multi-copy gene systems, including diploidy, viruses and others, whereby evolution progresses both within and between individuals (Wang, et al. 2024). We now show that the integration of the WF and Haldane (i.e., WFH) model can resolve these paradoxes. Most important, the WFH model can fully define genetic drift in molecular evolution.
A novel device-free Wi-Fi indoor localization using a convolutional neural network based on residual attention
Authors: Maashi Mashael , Al Mazroa Alanoud , Alotaibi Shoayee Dlaim , Alshuhail Asma , Saeed Muhammad Kashif , Salama Ahmed S.
Published: December 2024

These days, location-based services, or LBS, are used for various consumer applications, including indoor localization. Due to the ease with which Wi-Fi can be accessed in various interior settings, there has been increasing interest in Wi-Fi-based indoor localisation. Deep learning in indoor localisation systems that use channel state information (CSI) fingerprinting has seen widespread adoption. Usually, these systems comprise two primary components: a positioning network and a tracking system. The positioning network is responsible for learning the planning from high-dimensional CSI to physical positions, and the following system uses historical CSI to decrease positioning error. This work presents a novel localization method that combines high accuracy and generalizability. However, existing convolutional neural network (CNN) fingerprinting placement algorithms have a limited receptive area, limiting their effectiveness since important data in CSI has not been thoroughly explored. We offer a unique attention-augmented residual CNN to remedy this issue so that the data acquired and the global context in CSI may be utilized to their full potential. On the other hand, while considering the generalizability of a monitoring device, we uncouple the scheme from the CSI environments to make it feasible to use a single tracking system across all contexts. To be more specific, we recast the tracking issue as a denoising task and then used a deep route before solving it. The findings illuminate perspectives and realistic interpretations of the residual attention-based CNN (RACNN) in device-free Wi-Fi indoor localization using channel state information (CSI) fingerprinting. In addition, we study how the precision change of different inertial dimension units may negatively influence the tracking performance, and we implement a solution to the problem of exactness variance. The proposed RACNN model achieved a localization accuracy of 99.9%, which represents a significant improvement over traditional methods such as K-nearest neighbors (KNN) and Bayesian inference. Specifically, the RACNN model reduced the average localization error to 0.35 m, outperforming these traditional methods by approximately 14% to 15% in accuracy. This improvement demonstrates the model’s ability to handle complex indoor environments and proves its practical applicability in real-world scenarios.
Convolutional neural network (CNN) based month’s name recognition in Gurumukhi script for Punjab state of India
Authors: Singh Tajinder Pal , Gupta Sheifali , Hussain Jamil , Juneja Sapna , Garg Meenu , Gupta Deepali , Alsafyani Majed
Published: December 2024

In the context of natural language recognition, the development of an automated system for data analysis and interpretation has tremendous demand. Developing such kinds of systems for a country like India, however, has been found to be a laborious task when compared to other countries due to India’s use of multiple scripts and languages. Gurumukhi is the regional language of Punjab, and the development of an automated text recognition system in the Gurumukhi language is found to be very critical because of the character’s intricate structure. Influenced by this problem, the present work has been conducted to design an error-free classification model of Gurumukhi text. A convolutional neural network (CNN) based classification model was designed to perform holistic word recognition of Gurumukhi months. For this work, a dataset of 24,000 word images of 24 different Gurumukhi months has also been prepared from 500 distinct writers. The highest accuracy obtained using the proposed model on validation data is 99.7%.
DNA metabarcoding reveals diet diversity and niche partitioning by two sympatric herbivores in summer
Authors: Li Ruofei , Wang Dandan , Cao Zhiming , Liu Yuqin , Wu Wenguo , Liu Wuhua , Zhan Jianwen , Xu Yongtao
Published: December 2024

Background

Food provides essential nutrients and energy necessary for animals to sustain life activities. Accordingly, dietary niche analysis facilitates the exploration of foraging strategies and interspecific relationships among wildlife. The vegetation succession has reduced understory forage resources (i.e., shrubs and herbs) available to sika deer (Cervus nippon kopschi). Little is known about the summer foraging strategies or the interspecific relationship between sika deer and Reeves’ muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi).

Methods

The present study used high-throughput sequencing and DNA metabarcoding techniques to investigate the feeding habits and interspecific relationships between sika deer and Reeves’ muntjac in our study.

Results

A total of 458 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified from fecal samples, with 88 ASVs (~19.21%) unique to sika deer and 52 ASVs (~11.35%) unique to Reeves’ muntjac, suggesting the consumption and utilization of specific food items for the two species. The family Rosaceae was the most abundant for both species, especially Rubus spp. and Smilax china. Alpha diversity (local species richness) indicated that the dietary species richness of sika deer was higher than that of Reeves’ muntjac, but the difference was not statistically significant. Sika deer also exhibited a higher evenness index (J′ = 0.514) than Reeves’ muntjac (J′ = 0.442). Linear discriminant effect size analysis revealed significant differences in forage plants between the two herbivores. The niche breadths of sika deer and Reeves’ muntjac were 11.36 and 14.06, respectively, and the dietary niche overlap index was 0.44. Our findings indicate the diet partitioning primarily manifested in the differentiation of food items and the proportion, which ultimately reduces the overlap of nutritional niches and helps avoid conflicts resulting from resource utilization. This study provides a deeper insight into the diversity of foraging strategies and the interspecific relationship of herbivores from the food dimension.
Malignant behaviors and immune response in melanoma: Epstein-Barr virus induced gene 3 as a therapeutic target based on an in-vitro exploration
Authors: Zhang Ying , Cheng Fengrui , Cai Xingrui , Wu Jingping
Published: December 2024

Background

Epstein-Barr virus induced gene 3 (EBI3), a member of the IL-12 family, is known to be involved in malignant progression in a variety of cancers, but its role in melanoma is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of EBI3 on the malignant phenotype melanoma to reveal its potential as a therapeutic target.

Methods

In this study, we used bioinformatics to analyze the expression of EBI3 in pan-cancer and verified its expression level in melanoma cells by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, the effects of EBI3 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assays. Changes in immune-related cytokines were detected by ELISA, and macrophage polarization was observed using immunofluorescence. Finally, the phosphorylation levels of signaling pathways such as Smad3, STAT6 and cGAS-STING were analyzed by Western blot.

Results

EBI3 was evidently highly-expressed in melanoma, and silencing of EBI3 could visibly suppress the survival and migration/invasion of melanoma cells, concurrent with the increased levels of BAX and CDH1 and the decreased expressions of BCL2 and CDH2. Meanwhile, EBI3 knockdown diminished the phosphorylation levels of both Smad3 and STAT6 and the levels of immune response-relevant cytokines in melanoma cells, while aggravating the macrophage M1 polarization and the expression of cGAS, p-STING and p-IRE1 α in THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages co-cultured with EBI3-silenced melanoma cells.

Conclusion

This study filled the blank on the involvement of EBI3 in melanoma, hinting the possibility of controlling EBI3 as a therapeutic strategy in the management of melanoma.
Impact of storage and extraction methods on peat soil microbiomes
Authors: Cronin Dylan , Li Yueh-Fen , Evans Paul , Tyson Gene W. , Woodcroft Ben J. , Rich Virginia I. ,   IsoGenie 2016 and 2019 Field Teams
Published: December 2024

Recovered microbial community structure is known to be influenced by sample storage conditions and nucleic acid extraction methods, and the impact varies by sample type. Peat soils store a large portion of soil carbon and their microbiomes mediate climate feedbacks. Here, we tested three storage conditions and five extraction protocols on peat soils from three physicochemically distinct habitats in Stordalen Mire, Sweden, revealing significant methodological impacts on microbial (here, meaning bacteria and archaea) community structure. Initial preservation method impacted alpha but not beta diversity, with in-field storage in LifeGuard buffer yielding roughly two-thirds the richness of in-field flash-freezing or transport from the field on ice (all samples were stored at −80 °C after return from the field). Nucleic acid extraction method impacted both alpha and beta diversity; one method (the PowerSoil Total RNA Isolation kit with DNA Elution Accessory kit) diverged from the others (PowerMax Soil DNA Isolation kit-High Humic Acid Protocol, and three variations of a modified PowerMax Soil DNA/RNA isolation kit), capturing more diverse microbial taxa, with divergent community structures. Although habitat and sample depth still consistently dominated community variation, method-based biases in microbiome recovery for these climatologically-relevant soils are significant, and underscore the importance of methodological consistency for accurate inter-study comparisons, long-term monitoring, and consistent ecological interpretations.
Population Dynamics of the Fish Species Brama brama (Bonnaterre, 1788) in the Central-eastern Atlantic Ocean, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: YAO Ahou Nindo Astrile Nerie , SORO Yaya , AHOULOU Elie Jonathan , OUATTARA N’Golo
Published: December 2024

To find out more about the exploitation status of the fish species Brama brama in Côte d’Ivoire, population dynamics were undertaken with Logiciet FiSAT II (FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools) software (version 1.2.2). Samples were collected from artisanal marine fishermen landing at the Abobodoumé pirogue wharf, Abidjan. The study of this population dynamics is the first of its kind in the central-eastern portion of the Atlantic bordering Côte d'Ivoire. A total of 505 individuals were collected. Most were small, ranging in size from 18 to 36 cm, and weighing 95.6 to 523.4 g respectively. Von Bertalanffy growth was deployed using FiSAT II to determine the growth parameters of this Atlantic pomfret. The asymptotic length is L∞ = 35.70 cm, with a growth performance Ø' = 3.25, justifying the high specific growth rate K = 1.4 yr-1. Theoretical age (t0 = - 0.97 yr-1) and longevity or maximum age (tmax = 2.14 yr-1) were determined. This maximum age obtained in Ivorian waters confirms that the fish caught are too young. Natural mortality for this species (M = 2.14 yr-1) is lower than fishing mortality (F = 4.01 yr-1). The exploitation rate (E = 0.65) is higher than the critical value (E = 0.5). These results suggest that this species is overexploited in Ivorian waters, even though the size of first capture is greater than the size of first maturity.
Study of Blood Lactate Levels at Admission as a Predictor of Mortality and Morbidity in Critically Ill Children in a Tertiary Care Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Samatha Aleti , Panuganti Suresh Kumar , Vempati Venkateshwar , Boda Sudha
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim: Patients with severe illness are at an elevated risk of experiencing multiple organ failure, which in turn increases their likelihood of mortality. Hyperlactatemia is recognized as a distinct risk factor for the onset of organ dysfunction and mortality, as well as morbidity in children’s. Present study aims to to determine threshold values for the prediction of in-hospital mortality in the larger cohort of critically ill children and to evaluate the predictive value of blood lactate levels at admission.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted with 202 critically ill children, ranging in age from one month to 18 years, admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Arterial blood samples were obtained upon admission, and subsequent measurements of lactate levels were conducted. The demographical data, clinical status and organ involvement were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS Version 21.0 and P < 0.05 was considered to be significant.
Results: Survivors geometric mean lactate levels at admission were lower (1.2 mmol/L) than non-survivors' (4.8 mmol/L), and higher lactate levels at admission were substantially linked to both mortality and morbidity (length of hospital stay, need for ventilator and inotropic support). The sensitivity and specificity of the blood lactate levels were 93.6% and 89.7%, achieved at the optimal cut-off value of 4.05 mmol/L. The incidence of multi organ dysfunction, need for ventilator and inotropic support, duration of hospital stay in critically ill children was significantly associated with increased blood lactate levels at admission (P<0.01).
Conclusion: A high level of blood lactate upon admission was independently predictive of in-hospital mortality in the pediatric population. The early identification of children who are at a high risk for mortality allows for prompt intervention, thereby enhancing the overall outcomes.
Role of Micronutrients in Preventing Chronic Diseases: A Review
Authors: Pandarinathan S. , Khatri Aastha , Niharika M. , Karthikeyan K. , Jagadeesan R. , Mohapatra Rashmi , Jena Jay Prasad
Published: December 2024

Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are essential nutrients required in small quantities but play a critical role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. These nutrients are integral to various physiological processes, such as immune function, antioxidant defense, enzyme activity, and gene regulation. Deficiencies in key micronutrients, such as Vitamin D, iron, zinc, and folate, have been linked to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Recent research highlights the synergistic effects of micronutrients, where combined nutrient intake enhances bioavailability and effectiveness, emphasizing the need for diverse dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet. Advances in nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition have shown promise in tailoring dietary interventions based on individual genetic profiles, optimizing the preventive impact of micronutrients. The development of functional foods and biofortification of crops presents sustainable solutions to combat micronutrient deficiencies in resource-limited populations. Emerging trends in supplementation, such as high-dose Vitamin C in cancer therapy and magnesium in managing metabolic syndrome, indicate potential therapeutic roles for micronutrients beyond basic nutrition. However, challenges remain, particularly in assessing nutrient bioavailability and addressing confounding factors in epidemiological studies. Ethical considerations in clinical trials and the limitations of current research methodologies call for more comprehensive, long-term studies to better understand the complex interactions between micronutrients and chronic disease prevention. Sustainable agricultural practices and policies focused on enhancing the micronutrient content of foods are important for addressing global nutrition challenges. As research progresses, leveraging new technologies for more accurate nutrient assessment and targeted interventions will be essential in reducing the global burden of chronic diseases. By integrating scientific advancements with public health strategies, there is potential to improve population health outcomes through optimized micronutrient intake. This comprehensive approach highlights the importance of focusing on both individual dietary interventions and broader food system changes to effectively harness the benefits of micronutrients in chronic disease prevention and management.
Effect of Wetting and Drying Cycles on Soil Properties under Irrigation with Water of Varying Salinity Concentration
Authors: Alhadede Abd Al-kader A. , Alhadidi Khalid Ekhlayef N.
Published: December 2024

This study examines the impact of alternating wetting and drying cycles, typical of field irrigation, on soil chemical properties under different salt concentrations. It focuses on how these cycles, combined with high thermal conditions, affect soil fertility and structure, especially in summer, The aim was to assess the effect of wetting and drying cycles on the soil's chemical properties, focusing on the influence of varying salinity levels in irrigation water,This study was conducted at five sites in Nineveh Governorate, northern Iraq, selected for soil texture variation. Surface soil samples were collected from the (0-20) cm depth, and both chemical and physical analyses were performed. Soil columns were also irrigated with well water at different salinity concentrations. Soil underwent ten cycles of wetting and drying, each lasting ten days. After the final cycle, samples were taken for chemical analysis to evaluate changes in properties such as electrical conductivity, pH, ion concentrations, calcium carbonate, and cation exchange capacity, Results indicated that wetting and drying cycles increased electrical conductivity, decreased soil pH, and raised ion concentrations. Calcium carbonate content decreased, while cation exchange capacity and structural stability increased. Organic matter remained unchanged.
Impact of Rationing on Growth Parameters (Length-weight) and Survival of Sarotherodon melanotheron Rüppell, 1852 Larvae at the Layo Aquaculture Experimental Station in Ivory Coast
Authors: N'DRI Kouamé Marcel , AGNISSAN Aka Jean-Paul , ALLA Yao Laurent , TANO Kouassi , ADEPO Boyo Assi Cedric , YAO Kouakou
Published: December 2024

Fish feeding is one of the major constraints to the development of fish farming. The general objective of this work is to contribute to the improvement of aquaculture production. Specifically, it involves determining the physicochemical parameters of the breeding water ; larvae growth parameters and the survival rate of Sarotherodon melanotheron Fry. To this end, three batches (1, 2, 3) of 75 individuals, tested in triplicate, were formed in 50 L happas. For 5 weeks, they were fed with Koudijs feed at ration rates of 10% (batch 1), 20% (batch 2) and 30% (batch 3) of biomass. Each week, physico-chemical parameters were recorded, and 10 Fry were taken at random from each happa, weighed and measured individually. At the end of the experiment, all surviving individuals per batch were counted. Results showed that the temperature (28.98 ± 1.21°C), the dissolved oxygen (6.826 ± 0.92 mg/l) and the pH (6.946 ± 0.77) were within the range recommended for rearing this species. Zootechnical parameters such as Average Weight, Average Size, ADG and Survival Rate of individuals from batch 2 (20%) were better, with respective values of 1745 ± 297.71 mg; 45 ± 2.5 mm; 49.01 ± 2.91 mg/d and 100%. However, the lowest values for Average Weight (1574 ± 381.57 mg), Average Size (43.6 ± 3.31 mm) and ADG (44.11 ± 1.70 mg/d) were recorded in batch 1. In view of the results, fish farmers should opt for the 20% rationing rate.
Climate-Resilient Rice Cultivation in India: Overcoming Challenges for Sustainable Food Security
Authors: S. M Kishore , N. S Renukaswamy , Kavya D. , Subramaniam K.R. Siva , Ankireddypalli Jaya Kishore , Pavankumar  , K. R Shashank , S.M Bharthisha
Published: December 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to rice cultivation in India, impacting yield and production due to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and increasing salinity. India, the world's second-largest rice producer, faces challenges in maintaining rice output amid these environmental stresses. Studies highlight temperature increases leading to significant yield reductions, with potential losses in major river basins. Climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) practices, such as direct-seeded rice, drought-tolerant varieties and integrated crop diversification, offer solutions to mitigate these impacts. CRA emphasizes water conservation, reduced labour costs and improved input efficiency. Climate-resilient rice varieties, particularly those tolerant to salinity and submergence, are crucial for sustaining food security and farmer livelihoods in vulnerable regions. Despite benefits, barriers to adoption include policy issues, lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to technology. Collaborative efforts between government, NGOs and local communities are essential for fostering the widespread implementation of these practices to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
Effect of Priming on the Phenology, Growth, and Yield of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt)
Authors: Abdoul-Karim TOUDOU DAOUDA , Fati HAMANI YOUNSA , Sanoussi ATTA
Published: December 2024

The Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) is a neglected crop species' third most important legume. It is cultivated for its numerous benefits. However, in the current context of decreasing rainfall, seed germination is often slow or even absent, leading to low yields. This study aims to evaluate the effect of seed priming on the phenological, growth, yield parameters, and yield components of Bambara groundnut cultivars under real field conditions during the 2023 rainy season. The experiment was conducted at the experimental station of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey (Niger). The experimental design used was a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Three treatments were compared: (i) soaking seeds in tap water for 12 hours, (ii) soaking seeds in tap water for 24 hours, and (iii) a control group without soaking. The results showed a significant difference between treatments for the time to emergence (P = 0.016), flowering (P = 0.001), and the date of 50% flowering (P = 0.0013). No significant differences were observed among cultivars for these parameters. Priming did not considerably affect LAI (leaf area index) across cultivars and treatments. Regarding yield and yield components, soaking for 24 hours resulted in significantly higher values, except for dry biomass yield.
Energy Assessment in Rabi Sunflower under Varying Drip Irrigation Regimes and Fertigation Levels
Authors: Sairam A. , Kumar K. Avil , Suresh G. , Chaitanya K.
Published: December 2024

Efficient Irrigation and Nutrient Management Strategies are Important for Sustainability of Agriculture. In order to elucidate the above hypothesis, an on-farm experiment was carried out at Water Technology Centre, PJTSAU, Hyderabad to study the effect of different combinations of drip irrigation regimes and fertigation levels on energy dynamics under Rabi sunflower. The experimental design was split-plot design and contained three replications for DRSH-1 sunflower variety. Three treatments of drip irrigation were compared as main plots (0.8 Epan, 1.0 Epan and 1.2 Epan base values of the Epan pan) and four levels of fertigation at the sub-plots (60%, 80%, 100% and 120% of the recommended dose). 75:90:30 kg NPK ha-1 was set for the fertilizer recommendation. Energy parameters: energy output, energy efficiency, net energy gain, energy profit, and energy intensity were assessed across treatment combinations. The findings indicated that peak energy consumption transpired under settings integrating 1.2 Epan irrigation with a 120% recommended dosage of N and K₂O fertigation. The optimal irrigation level was 1.0 Epan, which produced enhanced outcomes in energy output (102.6 GJ ha-1), use efficiency (5.02), and nett energy gains (90.1 GJ ha-1) relative to lower irrigation levels. The application of the full prescribed dose in fertigation treatments proved to be excellent, exhibiting exceptional performance across all energy metrics: output (105.6 GJ ha-1), usage efficiency (8.1), nett energy (92.5 GJ ha-1), profitability (0.223), and intensiveness (0.0022). Statistical study revealed no significant interaction between irrigation and fertigation treatments, indicating that these parameters independently affect energy efficiency indicators.
Effect of Silicon Fertilizers on Management of Brown Spot Disease of Sugarcane under Natural Field Conditions
Authors: S. P. Mulik , S. V. Nalawade , S. U. Deshmukh , Y.S. Balgude , A. C Jadhav
Published: December 2024

Brown spot (Cercospora longipes), which was a minor fungal foliar disease is now causing serious threat to sugarcane production and had shifted to the major one. To improve the quality of sugarcane and increase its production it is necessary to prevent the crop from negative impacts of diseases. Field bioefficacy experiment was conducted to studied silicon fertilizer treatments for the management of brown spot disease of sugarcane caused by Cercospora longipes during 2022-23 at Central Sugarcane Research Station, Padegaon. A field experiment was laid out in randomized block design during Suru 2023 with eight treatments and three replications by using susceptible cv. CoM 0265. The results indicated that the brown spot disease intensity ranged from 6.82 to 38.85 per cent during period of experiment. Among the treatments, foliar spray of Potassium silicate @ 0.5% at 120 and 150 DAP was found significantly superior and the most effective for the control of brown spot disease of sugarcane as compared to the rest of the treatments and recorded minimum per cent disease intensity (6.82%) and highest 82.45 per cent disease control , highest number of internode length (23.23cm), cane girth (12.15 cm), No. of internodes (21.92/cane), single cane weight (2.14 kg), NMC (88,890/ha), CCS yield (21.96 t/ha), cane yield (147.50 t/ha), CCS% (14.89%), Brix (21.87), Purity (95.21%) and sucrose content (21.12%), respectively as compared to untreated control. The analysis of silicon and potassium concentration showed that the range of mean Si and K concentration observed was 5.97 g/kg to 11.31 g/kg and 1.25% to 2.13% respectively. The observations showed that mean Si and K concentrations were found highest in foliar spray of Potassium silicate @ 0.5% at 120 DAP and 150 DAP.
Nichtsteuerbarkeit der Innenumsätze schließt Rechtsprechungsreihe zur Organschaft ab — Zugleich Anmerkung zum BFH, Urt. v. 29.8.2024 – V R 14/24 (V R 20/22; V R 40/19)
Authors: Wüst Christian
Published: December 2024

Das BFH-Urteil v. 29.8.2024 (V R 14/24 (V R 20/22; V R 40/19)) beendet das letzte noch offene Verfahren seit den Vorlagebeschlüssen des BFH vom 11.12.2019 (XI R 16/18), 7.5.2020 (V R 40/19) und 26.1.2023 (V R 20/22 (V R 40/19)) zu Grundsatzfragen der deutschen Organschaftsregelung. Die Nachfolgeentscheidung zum EuGH-Urteil v. 11.7.2024 (C-184/23) bestätigt die grundsätzliche Nichtsteuerbarkeit der Innenumsätze. Dieses Ergebnis hatte der EuGH in seiner Entscheidung Finanzamt T II bereits eindeutig vorweggenommen. Insofern bringt das nun ergangene BFH-Urteil keine Überraschungen mehr. Dennoch wirft die Entscheidung neue Zweifelsfragen sowohl zu den Innenumsätzen als auch zu den unentgeltlichen Wertabgaben an den nichtunternehmerischen Bereich i.e.S. auf.
Teacher Noticing
Authors: Jackson Daniel O.
Published: September 2021

In multiple domains of schooling, including that of language education, teacher noticing refers to how teachers attend to students' ideas, interpret these ideas, and decide how to respond to them. Mostly outside the TESOL field, individual and collaborative practices designed to enhance teacher noticing have been described. Recent TESOL research, too, has shown how a focus on teacher noticing may contribute to pre‐service teacher development in contexts where English is taught as an additional language. Some key findings are that the amount of noticing reported by novice teachers varies greatly across individuals, and this noticing is often linked to emotion. Teacher noticing can contribute to evidence‐based reflection. On the strength of this growing area of study, practical suggestions are made that are tailored to pre‐service teacher development, classroom learning, and in‐service teacher development.
Flipped Learning
Authors: Kostka Ilka
Published: September 2021

Flipped learning is an instructional approach that emerged in US primary and secondary education (K‐12), mainly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), but it gained popularity in all subject areas. English language teaching is no exception, as flipped learning has drawn the attention of both researchers and practitioners. Simply described, flipped learning shifts the work that students do in class and at home. Instead of the teacher initially presenting course content to students in class and sending them home to apply what they have learned, students learn the content outside the class, either through print and online materials or through videos. In class, the teacher supports students as they apply these concepts to collaborative activities. The result of this “flip” is a transformation in how and where learning occurs. This entry describes flipped learning and the pedagogical implications of implementing this approach in English language teaching.
Applied Cognitive Linguistics
Authors: Galantomos Ioannis
Published: September 2021

The goal of this entry is to introduce the main tenets of cognitive science and cognitive linguistics and to acknowledge their applications to second language (L2) learning and teaching within the framework of applied cognitive linguistics. Cognitive linguistics addresses language learning in terms of communication, cognition, and their relation to the physical, spatial, and social world. Ample research data suggest that an Applied Cognitive Linguistics approach moves L2 pedagogy away from traditional distinctions, such as the lexicon–grammar dichotomy, and highlights the systematicity that underlies various language structures, for instance figurative language. From this perspective, adopting an applied cognitive linguistics‐based model gives rise to and redefines new and current concepts and teaching tools such as conceptual fluency, motivation, conceptual syllabus, pedagogical grammar, and figurative, metaphorical, idiomatic, and metonymic competence. Taken together, these notions are expected to enhance L2 classroom practice.
The Novice Years of TESOL Teaching
Authors: Farrell Thomas S. C.
Published: September 2021

Many TESOL teacher educators, teachers, students, and administrators assume that once novice TESOL teachers have graduated they will be able to apply what they have learned in the teacher preparation program during their first year of teaching. However, the transition from the teacher education program to the first year of teaching has been characterized as a type of “reality shock” because of the collapse of the missionary ideals formed during teacher training, caused by the harsh and rude reality of classroom life and by the realities of the social and political contexts of the school. This reality shock is often aggravated because novice teachers have not one, but two complex jobs during these years: teaching effectively and learning to teach. Thus, during the transition from training to teaching, novice teachers must be able to construct and reconstruct new knowledge and theory through participating in specific social contexts and engaging in particular types of activities and processes. This being so, novice TESOL teachers have special needs and interests that are different from their more experienced colleagues.
A novel angular dependency model for MatriXX response and its application to true composite dose verification for IMRT plans
Authors: Zhou Yin , Sang Jiugao , Chen Haibo , Zhu Meng , Wang He , Zhai Shuwei , Lu Lina , Liu Hui , Zhu Zhengfei , Hui Zhouguang , Dai Jianrong , Huan Jian
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper proposes a model for the angular dependency of MatriXX response and investigates whether MatriXX, with the angular‐model‐based approach can be applied to true composite dose verification for IMRT plans.

Method

This model attributes the angular dependence of MatriXX response to dynamical translation of its effective measurement plane (EMP) due to the change of beam angle. Considering this mechanism, true composite dose verifications for IMRT plans specified in AAPM TG 119 report using both MatriXX and Gafchromic EBT3 films were undertook and compared to validate the applicability of MatriXX for patient specific QA of composite beam IMRT plans. Dose verifications using MatriXX with and without angular‐model‐based approach were performed.

Results

MatriXX with angular‐model‐based approach achieved gamma passing rates with 3%/3 mm and 3%/2 mm criteria better than 98.3% and 98.1% respectively for true composite dose verification of plans in AAPM TG 119 report. The 3%/3 mm and 3%/2 mm gamma passing rates using MatriXX without angular‐model‐based approach ranged from 85.8% to 98.2% and from 81.3% to 96.5%, respectively. The p‐values from the single sided paired t‐test indicated no statistical difference between the passing rates from MatriXX with angular‐model‐based approach and from films, and significant difference between the passing rates from uncorrected MatriXX and from films.

Conclusion

The proposed model for angular dependent MatriXX response is necessary and effective. Dose verification using MatriXX with angular‐model‐based approach is acceptable for true composite beam IMRT plans with required accuracy to simplify patient specific QA.
Building Better Brussels: Production Urbanism as a Policy
Authors: Borret Kristiaan
Published: September 2021

Kristiaan Borret is bouwmeester (master architect) for the Brussels area. His job is to encourage and oversee the city's urban development. Here he describes the context of this development and gives various examples of creative ways to facilitate bringing production activities back into the urban zone. There is a lively public appreciation of the need to foster this integration as it is adding a new vitality of hybrid forms and functions that further animates city living.
Defects in Hybrid Perovskites: The Secret of Efficient Charge Transport
Authors: Musiienko Artem , Ceratti Davide Raffaele , Pipek Jindřich , Brynza Mykola , Elhadidy Hassan , Belas Eduard , Betušiak Marián , Delport Geraud , Praus Petr
Published: September 2021

The interaction of free carriers with defects and some critical defect properties are still unclear in methylammonium lead halide perovskites (MHPs). Here, a multi‐method approach is used to quantify and characterize defects in single crystal MAPbI3, giving a cross‐checked overview of their properties. Time of flight current waveform spectroscopy reveals the interaction of carriers with five shallow and deep defects. Photo‐Hall and thermoelectric effect spectroscopy assess the defect density, cross‐section, and relative (to the valence band) energy. The detailed reconstruction of free carrier relaxation through Monte Carlo simulation allows for quantifying the lifetime, mobility, and diffusion length of holes and electrons separately. Here, it is demonstrated that the dominant part of defects releases free carriers after trapping; this happens without non‐radiative recombination with consequent positive effects on the photoconversion and charge transport properties. On the other hand, shallow traps decrease drift mobility sensibly. The results are the key for the optimization of the charge transport properties and defects in MHP and contribute to the research aiming to improve perovskite stability. This study paves the way for doping and defect control, enhancing the scalability of perovskite devices with large diffusion lengths and lifetimes.