bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of Tropical Tree Seedlings to Nutrient Addition: A Meta-analysis to understand future changes in Tropical Forest Dynamics
Authors: Cárate Tandalla Daisy , Homeier Jürgen , Batáry Péter
Published: December 2024

Purpose of the Review

The escalating impacts of human activities and climate change, particularly increased nutrient leaching and deposition, could significantly alter the productivity, structure, and function of tropical vegetation. To better understand how nutrient deposition affects regeneration in tropical ecosystems, we synthesised studies that added N, P, NP, or NPK to the seedlings of tropical tree and shrub species.

Recent Findings

In the tropics, nutrient limitation leads to multiple resource constraints. Our systematic review and hierarchical meta-analyses aimed to: (1) test the effect of nutrient addition on the growth rate and biomass allocation of seedlings of tropical species; (2) examine seedling responses across climate-defined groups; (3) quantify the effects of experimental methods and wood density on species’ responses to experimental fertilisation.

Overall, nutrient addition increased seedling shoot biomass by 26% and growth rates by 14%. Pot and transplantation experiments demonstrated stronger positive effects than in-situ observational studies. Nutrient combinations yielded the highest growth rates (NPK: 27%, and NP: 18%), and N was critical for shoot biomass (N: 38%, and NP: 48%). The responses of shoot biomass indicated co-limitation of N and P, but also high variability in seedling responses to individual nutrients. Temperature and precipitation had indirect regulating effects, while seasonality showed the strongest impact in seasonally dry sites (38% growth rate and 70% shoot biomass). Species showed individual responses to nutrients, influenced by biotic and abiotic interactions. Finally, we suggest tracking additional parameters, like forest successional status, that may intensify nutrient deposition effects on tropical soils due to climate change.
Enhancing Determinism in Atmosphere Plasma Nano-Scale Figuring through Calibration Incorporating Temperature Effects
Authors: Chen Zhixian , Zhan Zejin , Zhang Junqi , Xiao Yuxi , Deng Hui
Published: December 2024

Fused silica optical components have extensive applications in various optical fields, and there is an urgent demand for their high-efficiency and non-damaging manufacturing. Atmosphere plasma, as a non-contact and stress-free machining tool, shows great potential for the highly-efficient and damage-free fabrication of optical components. Nevertheless, the plasma heat significantly affects the volume removal rate (VRR), thereby resulting in a lack of determinism when compared to other physical or mechanical-based figuring processes such as ion beam figuring and magnetorheological finishing. In this study, sacrificial substrates have been used to balance the net heat flux on the entire workpiece surface. The global thermal effect, the dwell site thermal effect, and the thermal effect caused by pre-processing during atmosphere plasma figuring were investigated, and the VRR calibration through plane-etching was proposed. A fused silica workpiece (80 mm × 80 mm), with an initial surface form of 156.8 nm (PV) and 33.46 nm (RMS), was processed, and the residual error after figuring was reduced to 36.7 nm (PV) and 1.97 nm (RMS), demonstrating the capability of nano-scale figuring at full aperture using atmosphere plasma.
Open-source LLMs for text annotation: a practical guide for model setting and fine-tuning
Authors: Alizadeh Meysam , Kubli Maël , Samei Zeynab , Dehghani Shirin , Zahedivafa Mohammadmasiha , Bermeo Juan D. , Korobeynikova Maria , Gilardi Fabrizio
Published: December 2024

This paper studies the performance of open-source Large Language Models (LLMs) in text classification tasks typical for political science research. By examining tasks like stance, topic, and relevance classification, we aim to guide scholars in making informed decisions about their use of LLMs for text analysis and to establish a baseline performance benchmark that demonstrates the models’ effectiveness. Specifically, we conduct an assessment of both zero-shot and fine-tuned LLMs across a range of text annotation tasks using news articles and tweets datasets. Our analysis shows that fine-tuning improves the performance of open-source LLMs, allowing them to match or even surpass zero-shot GPT

$$-$$

-

3.5 and GPT-4, though still lagging behind fine-tuned GPT

$$-$$

-

3.5. We further establish that fine-tuning is preferable to few-shot training with a relatively modest quantity of annotated text. Our findings show that fine-tuned open-source LLMs can be effectively deployed in a broad spectrum of text annotation applications. We provide a Python notebook facilitating the application of LLMs in text annotation for other researchers.
Enhanced Modelling Performance with Boosting Ensemble Meta-Learning and Optuna Optimization
Authors: Anande Tertsegha , Alsaadi Sami , Leeson Mark
Published: December 2024

Improving modeling performance on imbalanced multi-class classification problems has continued to attract attention from researchers considering the critical and significant role such models should play in mitigating the prevalent problem. Ensemble Learning (EL) techniques are among the key methods utilized by researchers as they are known for robust and optimal performance when implemented for classification tasks. This study implements optimized state-of-the-art EL algorithms for imbalanced multi-class classification using engineered data. The optimized models are utilized to construct a Hybrid Pre-Stack Ensemble (Hp-SE) baseline model and 3-Model Stack Ensemble Meta-Learning Architecture (3-MoSELA) implemented to enhance classification performance on the engineered data. The models are assessed using computational statistics and loss performance. Results indicate improved performance by the proposed 3-MoSELA technique with MoSELA models achieving up to 26.7x faster training time beyond the optimized models, reduced loss by more than 80% for all MoSELA models and up to 89.66% by the best-performing model, indicating the method’s potential as a viable method which can be implemented for diverse multi-class meta-classification problems and future related research considerations.
Feasibility of laser cladding for tooling repair in aerospace manufacturing: an alternative to chrome plating
Authors: Koruba Piotr , Pawlicki Marek , Mróz Adrian , Szewczyk Radosław , Reiner Jacek
Published: December 2024

Advanced remanufacturing by additive manufacturing is challenging in aerospace due to the minimization of material costs, preparation times and metal waste. This study analyzed a 40HM low-alloy steel ring as a demo tooling used to produce aircraft engine components. The possibility of using laser cladding with powder process with the additive material NiCrBSi alloy powder was analyzed. Optimal parameters of the process were selected in terms of the assumed structural requirements (geometrical parameters of the clad, its hardness and the size of the heat-affected zone) for the remanufactured surfaces, ultimately obtaining a crack-free multilayer coating with a thickness of 2 mm and a hardness of above 700 HV1. The remanufacturing process was performed on three representative surfaces: flat face, cylindrical external, and internal. This approach allowed an analysis of the possibilities of finishing the laser-deposited layers with the machining methods used in the actual tooling department of the aerospace company: turning, milling, grinding, and center grinding. During chip processing, the defects (holes, cracks) made machining difficult and ineffective, mainly due to accelerated tool wear. Single cracks were observed after the grinding operation, which may reduce the durability of the remanufacturing layer. Both the changes in the microstructure of the demo component and the phases present in the cladding were analyzed. The deposition process was found to form a martensitic structure in the substrate at the cross-section in proximity to the remanufactured surfaces. This was also confirmed by an increase in average hardness from 402 HV1 to 605 HV1 for the analyzed substrate areas.
Politics and administration in support of transformation for sustainable mobility: a case study of the municipality Berlin–Pankow
Authors: Hausigke Sven , Schwedes Oliver
Published: December 2024

The local political system with responsibility for transport planning is in the process of adapting to the goal of sustainable mobility. The resulting mobility policies and the associated planning are bringing about changes in structures and processes that involve governance innovations in decision-making, which are the objects of investigation in this case study. The central, mediating role of stakeholders involved in the administrative framework in a goal-oriented planning process that contributes to the implementation of sustainable mobility measures is part of an internal and external impact analysis conducted in the municipality of Pankow, a district in Berlin (Federal Republic of Germany). In an ex-post process evaluation, which included interviews with key stakeholders in the mobility planning process, we identified several planning cases that represent a typical change in mental infrastructures and ways of dealing with conflicts. These individual processes and adaptations in planning enable public administrators to deal with a transformation of the local living conditions by taking people’s mobility needs into account. Political conflicts in planning that occur on a local level and affect people’s behavior are generally circumvented or deferred rather than managed resulting in a transition that is non-transparent and complicating the local implementation of sustainable mobility.
Influence of ESG among Jordanian fintech businesses: the moderating role of sustainable finance technology
Authors: Alqudah Mohammad Zakaria , Sierra-García Laura , Garcia-Benau María Antonia
Published: December 2024

This study investigates how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors affect the financial performance of fintech companies in Jordan, with a focus on sustainable fintech practices. The study employed a survey methodology, distributing questionnaires to employees in the Jordanian fintech sector to gather primary data. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), ensuring methodological rigor through a robust sample size. The findings reveal that ESG factors have a significant positive impact on fintech performance, which is further enhanced by the adoption of sustainable practices. This underscores the critical role of sustainability in fintech operations and provides actionable insights for industry professionals and policymakers aiming to promote responsible growth. The study contributes to the literature by advancing understanding of ESG integration within fintech and laying the groundwork for future research. It highlights the importance of sustainable practices in enhancing financial performance and provides a foundation for exploring how these practices influence fintech operations. Future research should consider the evolving regulatory environment and its impact on ESG integration in fintech. Longitudinal studies could investigate the sustainability-performance relationship over time, revealing trends and obstacles as fintech firms expand. Additionally, comparative studies across different regions or sectors could offer insights into how various factors shape ESG adoption and its effects on financial outcomes. These future directions will improve our understanding of sustainable fintech and support the global development of responsible financial innovations.
Identifying and assessing the impact of 4M1E factors on construction project delays in Afghanistan using structural equation modeling
Authors: Sharifzada Hijratullah , Wang You , Sadat Said Ikram , Khan Sadiq , Zaland Saifurahman , Akhunzada Khalid
Published: December 2024

Construction projects in Afghanistan are often challenged by significant delays, posing severe challenges to their successful completion. This study aims to comprehensively assess the impact of various delay factors using the 4M1E framework Man, Machine, Material, Method, and Environment within the Afghan construction sector. By employing a validated Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach, the research investigates both direct and indirect effects of these factors on project delays. The analysis reveals that environmental and material factors are particularly influential, with environmental changes often exacerbating delays across other dimensions. The findings underscore the complex interdependencies among the 4M1E factors, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to manage the delay effectively. Practical recommendations are provided to enhance project management practices, with implications that extend beyond Afghanistan to other developing countries facing similar challenges. This study contributes to the academic discourse on construction delays, offering actionable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders in the construction industry.
Estimation of S-wave velocity structures of Tainan area, Taiwan, using array records of microtremors
Authors: Huang Huey-Chu , Chen Jung-Huang , Wu Cheng-Feng , Shih Tien-Han
Published: December 2024

In this study, the shallow S-wave velocity structures beneath the Tainan area, Taiwan are investigated using microtremor array measurements at 18 sites. An F-K spectrum method was used to calculate the dispersion curves for these sites, and surface-wave inversion was used to estimate the S-wave velocity structures beneath the Tainan area. The results indicated that, at frequencies between 0.2 and 1.1 Hz, propagation is concentrated between the northwest and south quadrants, corresponding to the coast of the Taiwan Strait. CHM, a hard central site on the Tainan tableland, was found to have higher phase velocities than the soft sites do, such as site SIM, on the Anping Plain, particularly at frequencies of 0.3–5.0 Hz. Given that the tertiary basement exhibits an S-wave velocity of 1500 m/s, the depth of the Quaternary alluvium in the Tainan area ranges from 400 m at site CHM to 1350 m at site FUP on the Anping Plain. In addition, the depth of the alluvium gradually increases radially from the central CHM site (on the Tainan tableland) to the surrounding areas. These results are consistent with the geolpogy of the Tainan area. Because our shallow S-wave velocity structures are comparable to those proposed in three other studies, our inversion results are concluded to be reasonable and valid. According to the horizontal/vertical (H/V) ratios of our microtremor array data from 18 sites, the predominant frequencies range from 1.0 to 3.8 Hz. Compared with the eastern part (i.e., Dawan lowland), the central part (i.e., Tainan tableland) has higher predominant frequencies.
Acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic neoplasms: clinical implications of myelodysplasia-related genes mutations and TP53 aberrations
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo , Lee Ja Young , Yu Shinae , Yoo Eunkyoung , Kim Hye Ran , Lee Sang Min , Lee Won Sik
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The fifth World Health Organization (WHO) classification (2022 WHO) and International Consensus Classification (ICC) of myeloid neoplasms have recently been published. In this study, patients were reclassified according to the revised classification and their prognoses were analyzed to confirm the clinical utility of the new classifications.

Methods

We included 101 adult patients, 77 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 24 with myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), who underwent bone marrow aspiration and next-generation sequencing (NGS) between August 2019 and July 2023. We reclassified the patients according to the revised criteria, examined the differences, and analyzed the prognosis using survival analysis.

Results

According to the 2022 WHO and ICC, 23 (29.9%) patients and 32 (41.6%) patients were reclassified into different groups, respectively, due to the addition of myelodysplasia-related (MR) gene mutations to the diagnostic criteria or the addition of new entities associated with TP53 mutations. The median overall survival (OS) of patients with AML and MR gene mutations was shorter than that of patients in other AML groups; however, the difference was not significant. Patients with AML and TP53 mutation had a significantly shorter OS than the other AML group (p = 0.0014, median OS 2.3 vs 10.3 months). They also had significantly shorter OS than the AML and MR mutation group (p = 0.002, median OS 2.3 vs 9.6 months).

Conclusion

The revised classifications allow for a more detailed categorization based on genetic abnormalities, which may be helpful in predicting prognosis. AML with TP53 mutations is a new ICC category that has shown a high prognostic significance in a small number of cases.
State Building in Cold War Asia
Authors: Yin Qingfei
Published: December 2024

Departing from conventional studies of border hostility in inter-Asian relations, Yin Qingfei explores how two revolutionary states – China and Vietnam – each pursued policies that echoed the other and collaborated in extending their authority to the borderlands from 1949 to 1975. Making use of central and local archival sources in both Chinese and Vietnamese, she reveals how the people living on the border responded to such unprecedentedly aggressive state building and especially how they appropriated the language of socialist brotherhood to negotiate with authorities. During the continuous Indochina wars, state expansion thus did not unfold on these postcolonial borderlands in a coherent or linear manner. Weaving together international, national, and transnational-local histories, this deeply researched and original study presents a new approach to the highly volatile Sino-Vietnamese relations during the Cold War, centering on the two modernising revolutionary powers' competitive and collaborative state building on the borderlands and local responses to it.
Plebeian Consumers
Authors: Otero-Cleves Ana María
Published: December 2024

Plebeian Consumers is both a global and local study. It tells the story of how peasants, day workers, formerly enslaved people, and small landholders became the largest consumers of foreign commodities in nineteenth-century Colombia, and dynamic participants of an increasingly interconnected world. By studying how plebeian consumers altered global processes from below, Ana María Otero-Cleves challenges ongoing stereotypes about Latin America's peripheral role in the world economy through the nineteenth century, and its undisputed dependency on the Global North. By exploring Colombians' everyday practices of consumption, Otero-Cleves also invites historians to pay close attention to the intimate relationship between the political world and the economic world in nineteenth-century Latin America. She also sheds light on new methodologies and approaches for studying the material world of men and women who left little record of their own experiences.
Respectable Muslims
Authors: Dazey Margot
Published: December 2024

How do Muslims deal with the ever-increasing pressure to assimilate into European societies? Respectable Muslims tells the story of pious citizens who struggle for fair treatment and dignity through good manners and social upliftment. Based on an ethnographic inquiry into France's most prominent Muslim organization, the Union des organisations islamiques de France, the book shows how a non-confrontational approach underpins the fast-expanding Islamic revival movement in Europe. This method is mapped into Islamic notions of proper conduct, such as ihsān (excellence) or ṣabr (patience). These practices of exemplariness also reflect the often-overlooked class divisions separating Muslim communities, with middle-class leaders seeking to curb the so-called 'conspicuous' practices of lower-class worshippers. Chapters demonstrate that the insistence on good behavior comes with costs, both individually and collectively. Respectable Muslims expands on the concept of respectability politics to engage in a trans-Atlantic conversation on the role of class and morals in minority politics.
Community advisory boards as implementation strategies to center partner and patient voice in community health centers
Authors: Lee Rebekka M. , Mallick Kamini , Daly James G. , Thompson Vetta Sanders , Hoffman Elise , Papadopoulos Maria , Curry Stacey
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Community advisory boards (CABs) are a promising approach for strengthening patient and partner voices in community health center (CHC) evidence-based decision-making. This paper aims to describe how CHCs used CABs during the COVID-19 pandemic to improve the reach of testing among populations experiencing health disparities and identify transferable lessons for future implementation.

Methods:

This mixed methods study integrates brief quantitative surveys of community engagement (N = 20) and one-on-one qualitative interviews (N = 13) of staff and community partners engaged in CHC CABs with a cost analysis and qualitative feedback from CHC staff participating in an online learning community (N = 17).

Results:

Community partners and staff engaged in the CHC CABs reported high ratings of engagement, with all mean ratings of community engagement principles above a 4 (“very good” or “often”) out of 5. Qualitative findings provided a more in-depth understanding of experiences serving on the CHC CAB and highlighted how engagement principles such as trust and mutual respect were reflected in CAB practices. We developed a CHC CAB toolkit with strategies for governance and prioritization, cost estimates to ensure sustainment, guidance on integrating quality improvement expertise, testimonies from community members on the benefits of joining, and template agendas and facilitator training to ensure meeting success.

Conclusion:

In alignment with the Translational Science Benefits Model, this study expands research impact through comprehensive mixed methods measurement of community engagement and by transforming findings into an action-orientated guide for CHCs to implement CABs to guide evidence-based decision-making for community and public health impact.
Impacts of pragmatic implementation science in a primary care laboratory
Authors: Huguet Nathalie , Likumahuwa-Ackman Sonja , Holderness Heather , Lee April , DeVoe Jennifer E.
Published: December 2024

The Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control (ISC3) initiative, funded by the National Cancer Institute, called for the development of implementation laboratories to bolster implementation science, create research-ready environments, and expedite adoption and implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) into practice. The Building Research in Implementation and Dissemination to close Gaps and achieve Equity in Cancer Control (BRIDGE-C2) Center is one of seven ISC3 centers. BRIDGE-C2 aims to identify strategies to improve implementation of cancer prevention EBIs and conduct research / develop pragmatic methods to tailor, enhance, and support the adoption and sustainability of these strategies; advance implementation science; and build capacity and training opportunities. Since its inception, the BRIDGE-C2 Center has been conducting research and training activities to advance knowledge on how to effectively implement strategies to improve cancer prevention EBIs in primary care clinics serving socioeconomically disadvantaged patients. The translational science benefits model (TSBM) provides a useful framework for organizing a description of the BRIDGE-C2 Center’s activities. In this paper, we describe examples of BRIDGE-C2 activities and the specific impact indicators within each relevant domain/subdomain of the TSBM, demonstrating that a single activity or project has multiple impacts on methods and capacity building, clinical domains, and community health.
Sharp gradient estimate, rigidity and almost rigidity of Green functions on non-parabolic RCD(0, N) spaces
Authors: Honda Shouhei , Peng Yuanlin
Published: December 2024

Inspired by a result in T. H. Colding. (16). Acta. Math.209(2) (2012), 229-263 [16] of Colding, the present paper studies the Green function

$G$

on a non-parabolic

$\operatorname {RCD}(0,\,N)$

space

$(X,\, \mathsf {d},\, \mathfrak {m})$

for some finite

$N>2$

. Defining

$\mathsf {b}_x=G(x,\, \cdot )^{\frac {1}{2-N}}$

for a point

$x \in X$

, which plays a role of a smoothed distance function from

$x$

, we prove that the gradient

$|\nabla \mathsf {b}_x|$

has the canonical pointwise representative with the sharp upper bound in terms of the

$N$

-volume density

$\nu _x=\lim _{r\to 0^+}\frac {\mathfrak {m} (B_r(x))}{r^N}$

of

$\mathfrak {m}$

at

$x$

;

\[ |\nabla \mathsf{b}_x|(y) \le \left(N(N-2)\nu_x\right)^{\frac{1}{N-2}}, \quad \text{for any }y \in X \setminus \{x\}. \]

Moreover the rigidity is obtained, namely, the upper bound is attained at a point

$y \in X \setminus \{x\}$

if and only if the space is isomorphic to the

$N$

-metric measure cone over an

$\operatorname {RCD}(N-2,\, N-1)$

space. In the case when

$x$

is an

$N$

-regular point, the rigidity states an isomorphism to the

$N$

-dimensional Euclidean space

$\mathbb {R}^N$

, thus, this extends the result of Colding to

$\operatorname {RCD}(0,\,N)$

spaces. It is emphasized that the almost rigidities are also proved, which are new even in the smooth framework.
THE MUSIC OF PROXIMA CENTAURI B: THREE SINGERS ON PLANET M, BY OLI JAN
Authors: Heile Björn , Moran Nikki
Published: December 2024

This article presents an exomusicologically informed response to the theme of alienation through encounter in Oli Jan's Three Singers on Planet M, in which actors execute apparently ritualistic sounds and actions. Their activities signal aesthetic intentionality but do so through an unfamiliar cultural display that defies the rules of our own lived experience of embodiment and environment. The conceit sets up an interesting question related to the somatic imaginary: how can and how do we relate to the imagination of non-human bodies?
‘ARE YOU STILL THERE?’ EXPERIENCING SONIC BOTHY'S VERBAAAAATIM
Authors: Docherty Claire , Iddon Martin , Jensenius Alexander Refsum , MacDonald Raymond , Stanley Jane
Published: December 2024

Sonic Bothy is an inclusive experimental and new-music organisation with an ensemble of musicians with and without disabilities and neurodiversities. This article considers their audiovisual piece Verbaaaaatim (2020–21), its form marked by the context of its development and composition during the COVID-19 pandemic, using a set of interlayered perspectives that mirror the formal layers of the piece. Recorded in a single take, it comprises instrumental sounds, spoken words, written words, static and dynamic graphics and videos of the performers, aligned so that the piece seems consistently to flow onwards, although it is not always clear which element impels its forward motion. The article considers, in particular, Verbaaaaatim's presentation of modes of embodied conviviality between its performers, the ways these find resonance in wider histories of experimental music and the ways in which its elements can be understood in an ecological framework as ‘sound actions’.
A cable-driven elbow exoskeleton with variable stiffness actuator for upper limb rehabilitation
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhang Fuhai , Fu Yili
Published: December 2024

Elbow, with complex physiological structure, plays an important role in upper limb motion which can be assisted with exoskeleton in rehabilitation. However, the stiffness of elbow changes while training which decline the comfort and effect of rehabilitation. Moreover, the rotation axis of elbow is changing which will cause secondary injuries. In this paper, we design an elbow exoskeleton with a variable stiffness actuator and a deviation compensation unit to assist elbow rehabilitation. Firstly, we design a variable stiffness actuator by symmetric actuation principle to adapt the change of elbow stiffness. The parameters of the variable stiffness actuator are optimized by motion simulation. Next, we design a deviation compensation unit to follow the rotation axis deviation outside the horizontal plane. The compensation area is simulated to cover the deviation. Finally, simulation and experiments are carried out to show the performance of our elbow exoskeleton. The workspace can meet the need of daily elbow motion while the variable stiffness actuator can adjust the exoskeleton stiffness as expectation.
Propagation dynamics for an epidemic patch model with variable incubation period
Authors: Xu Zhaoquan , Tan Tianwei , Hsu Cheng-Hsiung
Published: December 2024

We study an epidemic patch model that describes the disease spread in population with variable latency due to the differences in immunologic tolerance between individuals. We focus on whether the disease can spread in space that leads to the emergence of epidemic wave, that is the travelling wave solution with constant speed. We first establish some properties of the linearized wave profile equations, which are helpful in obtaining the priori estimates of travelling waves and wave speeds. Then, applying the truncation method and limiting arguments, we can obtain threshold propagation dynamics of the epidemic model. Our result gives a complete characterization of the existence, nonexistence and minimal wave speed of travelling waves. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to characterize the propagation dynamics of epidemic patch model with variable latency, which contributes to the understanding of the transmission phenomenon of disease.
Fruiting traits and seedling regeneration of the relict mangrove plant Nypa fruticans Wurmb in China
Authors: Zhang Mengwen , Zhong Cairong , Feng Erhui , Lv Xiaobo , Fang Zanshan , Cheng Cheng
Published: December 2024

Nypa fruticans Wurmb is both a relic plant and a true mangrove. In China, wild populations are distributed only on Hainan Island and face significant challenges in regeneration from seedlings. This study explored the underlying causes of recruitment limitation by examining seed morphological traits from three distinct populations (Haikou, Wenchang and Wanning) and analysing seed germination and seedling growth characteristics under varying conditions. The key findings are as follows: fruiting and seed-setting rates for N. fruticans were notably low, standing at only 21 and 40%, respectively. The Wanning population exhibited significantly higher rates compared to the other two populations. Under natural conditions, the germination and seedling emergence rates were also modest, at 36.58 and 22.99%, respectively. The germination and emergence rates of the Wanning population were significantly greater than those of the Haikou and Wenchang populations. Meanwhile, seeds from a single population did not differ in germination rates among three in situ N. fruticans habitats, but seedling emergence rates differed significantly. Optimal conditions for seed germination involved a light intensity of 60%, a salinity of 5‰ and a flooding time of 8 h/day. In natural settings, these three environmental factors fall short of the ideal conditions. The study underscores that light, salinity and flooding are primary factors contributing to the limitations in N. fruticans seedling recruitment. In addition to advocating increased investment in scientific research and technology to address seed source issues, we recommend heightened efforts in habitat restoration, in situ conservation and the optimization of relocation and field return strategies to bolster N. fruticans populations.
The Haptic in Soundscape Composition
Authors: North Kristian
Published: December 2024

This article presents the concept of a ‘haptic aurality’ in soundscape composition, an aesthetic and perceptual model derived from visual art theory, media studies and phenomenology that extends the haptic beyond its common association to vibroacoustic phenomena in the sonic arts. Included in this framework are both the standard haptic arguments, from psychology and engineering, including notions of kinaesthesia and proprioception, and varied definitions of the haptic as a not necessarily tactile mode of knowing touch that involves synaesthesia, transmodal perception and philosophical notions of sensory dedifferentiation. In adapting this survey of sometimes contradictory accounts of the haptic as parameters for compositional analysis and application, the article simultaneously creates novel engagements between soundscape composition and acousmatic practice.
Trends of Summer Lake Surface Water Temperature on the Tibetan Plateau and Their Response to Climate Change
Authors: Shi Yi , Huang Anning , Wu Yang , Lazhu  , Wen Lijuan
Published: December 2024

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is covered by numerous lakes, and lake surface water temperature (LSWT) is an essential indicator of climate change, while few observations hinder our understanding of LSWT variation and its causes over TP. This study aims to simulate the summer LSWT long‐term trends of 81 TP lakes during 1980–2018 and quantify the impacts and contributions of atmospheric variables. Results show that TP lakes warmed with 0.32°C decade−1 on average. Northern TP lakes warmed faster than the southern ones (0.44 vs. 0.16°C decade−1) due to stronger trends of atmospheric variables and higher sensitive of colder lakes to atmospheric changes. 55 (67.9%) lakes of the total lakes studied in current work warmed slower than air due to weakened shortwave radiation (SW↓). Attribution analysis suggests that the air warming and wetting over TP dominate lakes' warming. Regarding synthesis contributions, air warming contributed 79.3%, with increased surface air temperature (SAT) and downward longwave radiation (LW↓) accounting for 41.6% and 37.7%, respectively, and air wetting indicated by increased surface specific humidity (SSH) contributed 39.0%, followed by a positive contribution (16.8%) from declined wind speed (WS). The negative contribution (−35.1%) from weakened SW↓ nearly counterbalances the positive effects of increased LW↓. 55.1% of the total synthesis contribution arises from the cross contribution through interactions among atmospheric variables and is mainly reflected in SAT and SSH, accounting for 26.8% and 24.8%, respectively. The findings enhance understanding of climate change impacts on lake systems and offer insights for lake resource management.
Basic Physics Predicts Stronger High Cloud Radiative Heating With Warming
Authors: Gasparini B. , Mandorli G. , Stubenrauch C. , Voigt A.
Published: December 2024

Radiative heating of clouds, particularly those in the upper troposphere, alters temperature gradients in the atmosphere, affecting circulation and precipitation in today's and future climates. However, the response of cloud radiative heating to global warming remains largely unknown. We study changes to high cloud radiative heating in a warmer climate, identify physical mechanisms responsible for these changes, and develop a theory based on well‐understood physics to predict them. Our approach involves a stepwise procedure that builds upon a simple hypothesis of an upward shift in cloud radiative heating at constant temperature and gradually incorporates additional physics. We find that cloud radiative heating intensifies as clouds move upward, suggesting that the role of high clouds in controlling atmospheric circulations increases in a warmer climate.
Typhoon‐Induced Near‐Inertial Waves Around Miyakojima Island in 2015
Authors: Zheng Hua , Zhu Xiao‐Hua , Nakamura Hirohiko , Park Jae‐Hun , Jeon Chanhyung , Zhang Chuanzheng , Zhao Ruixiang , Zhu Ze‐Nan , Nishina Ayako , Min Hong Sik , Kim Dong Guk , Na Hanna , Qiao Yu‐Xiang , Hirose Naoki
Published: December 2024

In 2015, four typhoons traversed the regions surrounding the Ryukyu Island Chain, resulting in different near‐inertial waves (NIWs), the characteristics of which were investigated through in situ observations around Miyakojima Island and numerical simulations covering the East Asian marginal seas. The spatial distribution of typhoon‐induced near‐inertial motions was significantly correlated with the typhoon tracks and background currents. Typhoons Chan‐hom and Goni traversed the observation transect, resulting in different spatial patterns of NIWs owing to their different tracks. Observations on both the western and eastern sides of the Ryukyu Island Chain failed to capture NIWs after typhoon Chan‐hom, because they were positioned to the left of the typhoon track where near‐inertial motions were enhanced only in the upper 50 m. In contrast, NIWs were negligible on the left side and energetic on the right side of typhoon Goni. Despite being hundreds of kilometers from the observation transect, typhoons Soudelor and Dujuan induced NIWs with higher energy levels than those induced by typhoons Chan‐hom and Goni. The energy propagation of NIWs after typhoons Soudelor and Dujuan was significantly influenced by background currents. The western boundary currents, including the Kuroshio and Ryukyu Currents, create negative relative vorticity on their right, which works like a waveguide for the poleward advection of NIWs. However, the Ryukyu Current can be impeded by westward‐propagating cyclonic eddies from the North Pacific, which further disrupts the waveguide.
Body composition in prepubertal children with idiopathic premature adrenarche: implications for cardiometabolic health
Authors: Ben Simon Asaf , Yackobovitch-Gavan Michal , Uretzky Adi , Segev-Becker Anat , Perl Liat , Midlij Eyas , Borger Ophir , Brener Avivit , Lebenthal Yael
Published: December 2024

Background

Premature adrenarche (PA) has been reported as a potential precursor of metabolic disease. We aimed to explore the interaction between body composition and cardiometabolic health of prepubertal children with PA.

Methods

This observational study comprised of 87 children with PA (15 boys, 8.0 ± 1.2 years) and 87 healthy sex- and age-matched controls. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results

Children with PA had a higher median BMI z-scores (P = 0.001), higher median fat percentage (P = 0.006), and lower muscle-to-fat z-scores (P = 0.050) compared to controls. There were no significant group differences in blood pressure percentiles and lipid profiles. Fat percentage of children with PA was positively correlated and the MFR z-score was negatively correlated with: BMI z-score, systolic blood pressure percentile, and atherogenic dyslipidemia index (P < 0.001 for all). There were significant correlations between parental and offspring MFR z-scores in the control group (father-child: r = 0.528, P = 0.020; mother-child: r = 0.359, P = 0.031), but none in the PA group.

Conclusions

Children with PA exhibited an unfavorable body composition in association with their metabolic health even before the onset of puberty. Furthermore, while healthy children displayed heritable body composition traits, children with PA did not, possibly suggesting a relatively greater role for environmental factors in the PA group.

Impact

Prepubertal children with premature adrenarche have a low muscle-to-fat ratio compared to healthy sex- and age- matched controls.

The body composition of prepubertal children with premature adrenarche is associated with their systolic blood pressure percentile and atherogenic dyslipidemia index.

Children with premature adrenarche and healthy weight exhibited higher adiposity compared to healthy weight controls, and those with overweight/obesity showed higher rates of elevated blood pressure and higher dyslipidemic atherogenic indices compared to overweight/obesity controls.

These findings highlight the importance of early identification, intervention, and lifestyle changes for children with premature adrenarche to help prevent cardiometabolic complications.
Increased Herpes simplex virus 1, Toxoplasma gondii and Cytomegalovirus antibody concentrations in severe mental illness
Authors: Andreou Dimitrios , Steen Nils Eiel , Jørgensen Kjetil Nordbø , Ueland Thor , Wortinger Laura A. , Mørch-Johnsen Lynn , Drabløs Ina , Calkova Tereza , Yolken Robert H. , Andreassen Ole A. , Agartz Ingrid
Published: December 2024

Infections with Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) and Toxoplasma gondii (TG) have been implicated in severe mental illness. All three pathogens have high seroprevalence in the human population, are neurotropic and establish a persistent infection. We hypothesized that exposed (seropositive) patients with severe mental illness would show higher immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations than exposed healthy controls (HC). We included 765 patients with severe mental illness (schizophrenia n = 515, bipolar disorder n = 250) and 541 HC. CMV, HSV1 and TG IgG seropositivity and concentrations were measured with immunoassays (seropositivity: CMV, n = 447 patients vs. 296 HC; HSV1, n = 355 vs. 238; and TG, n = 159 vs. 126). Among seropositive participants, patients had higher HSV1 (p < 0.001) and TG (p = 0.003) IgG concentrations than HC. Stratifying by diagnosis, both schizophrenia (p = 0.001) and bipolar disorder (p = 0.001) had higher HSV1 IgG concentrations, while schizophrenia only had higher TG (p = 0.009) and CMV (p = 0.045) IgG concentrations than HC. In SZ, higher HSV1 IgG concentrations were associated with higher psychotic (p = 0.030) and manic (p = 0.008) symptom scores, but only among CMV- or TG-infected patients which suggests synergistic effects. Among all participants, HSV1 IgG concentrations were inversely associated with interleukin-18 (p < 0.001) and positively associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = 0.002) and B cell-activating factor (p = 0.004), possibly indicating T cell exhaustion, enhanced inflammation, and increased B-cell response, respectively. Patients with severe mental illness exhibit a heightened immune system response to HSV1, TG, and CMV infections suggesting immune system dysfunction and/or a more severe infection. For HSV1, higher IgG concentrations were linked to a greater clinical burden.
Women’s perspectives of molecular breast imaging: a qualitative study
Authors: Elliott Helen , Allen A. Joy , Forester Nerys D. , Graziadio Sara , Jones W. S. , Lendrem Beverley Clare , Pearce Mark S. , Powell Timothy , Scott Jason , Bray Alison
Published: December 2024

Background

Mammography has poor sensitivity in dense breast tissue. Retrospective studies suggest that Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), has superior diagnostic accuracy to mammography in women with very dense breast tissue. Women’s perspectives of MBI are unknown, but are crucial to understanding the feasibility of, and routes to, adoption into practice.

Method

Semi-structured interviews with screened and unscreened women explored acceptability of MBI. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Four themes were generated from nineteen interviews: (1) presumed negative aspects of MBI are acceptable (2) convenience of access, (3) comfort in familiarity and (4) need for shared decisions relating to risk. Presumed negative aspects of MBI, such as radiation dose and forty-minute scan time, were acceptable provided there are benefits. Some participants were concerned about equitable access, such as parking. Participants expressed comfort in existing and familiar screening processes. Participants acknowledged that informing women of their breast density may result in increased anxiety, but it was still felt to be important to ensure women are fully informed of the risks and harms of screening.

Conclusions

Women consider MBI to be an acceptable breast imaging modality. High-quality information enabling informed decision-making is essential.
In vitro model of retinoblastoma derived tumor and stromal cells for tumor microenvironment (TME) studies
Authors: Alefeld Emily , Haase André , Van Meenen Dario , Budeus Bettina , Dräger Oliver , Miroschnikov Natalia , Ting Saskia , Kanber Deniz , Biewald Eva , Bechrakis Nikolaos , Dünker Nicole , Busch Maike Anna
Published: December 2024

Retinoblastoma (RB) is an intraocular tumor arising from retinal cone progenitor cells affecting young children. In the last couple of years, RB treatment evolved towards eye preserving therapies. Therefore, investigating intratumoral differences and the RB tumor microenvironment (TME), regulating tumorigenesis and metastasis, is crucial. How RB cells and their TME are involved in tumor development needs to be elucidated using in vitro models including RB derived stromal cells. In the study presented, we established primary RB derived tumor and stromal cell cultures and compared them by RNAseq analysis to identify their gene expression signatures. RB tumor cells cultivated in serum containing medium were more differentiated compared to RB tumor cells grown in serum-free medium displaying a stem cell like phenotype. In addition, we identified differentially expressed genes for RB tumor and stromal derived cells. Furthermore, we immortalized cells of a RB1 mutated, MYCN amplified and trefoil factor family peptid 1 (TFF1) positive RB tumor and RB derived non-tumor stromal tissue. We characterized both immortalized cell lines using a human oncology proteome array, immunofluorescence staining of different markers and in vitro cell growth analyses. Tumor formation of the immortalized RB tumor cell line was investigated in a chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Our studies revealed that the RB stromal derived cell line comprises tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), glia and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), we were able to successfully separate via magnetic cell separation (MACS). For co-cultivation studies, we established a 3D spheroid model with RB tumor and RB derived stromal cells. In summary, we established an in vitro model system to investigate the interaction of RB tumor cells with their TME. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between RB tumor malignancy and its TME and will facilitate the development of effective treatment options for eye preserving therapies.