bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of CI engine characteristics using Jatropha‐Camphor oil blends with diethyl ether as an additive
Authors: Gurusamy Manikandaraja , Subramaniyan Malarmannan
Published: July 2024

The compression‐ignition properties of crude Jatropha and camphor oil blends with di ethyl ether (DEE) added is covered in this research. Six fuel samples are made based on volume: 90% C70J30 with 10% diethyl ether (C70J30 + 10% DEE), 90% C30J70 with 10% di‐ethyl ether (C50J50 + 10% DEE), 70% Camphor oil with 30% crude Jatropha oil (C70J30), 50% Camphor oil with 50% crude Jatropha oil (C50J50), 30% Camphor oil with 70% crude Jatropha oil (C30750). A four‐stroke, one‐cylinder, naturally aspirated, compression‐ignition engine operating at a constant 1500 rpm with a load range of 0%–100% with a 25% interval is used for the experiment. According to test findings, the C70J30 + 10% DEE has the lowest brake‐specific energy consumption of 11.68 kJ/kWh, the maximum energy efficiency of 62.56%, and the highest thermal efficiency of 30.81%. Compared to the other biofuels examined, this puts it more in line with diesel. Additionally, blends of crude Jatropha oil and camphor oil showed at least 4.46 g/kWh of CO, 0.259 g/kWh of HC, and 74% of smoke opacity when DEE was added. However, it raises CO2 to 0.792 kg/kWh and NO to 9.54 g/kWh. The greatest peak pressure and quickest heat release are produced by adding more DEE as a fuel additive and using a larger percentage of camphor oil. It also increases the coefficient of variation of the peak pressure throughout 100 cycles. All things considered, the C70J30 + 10% DEE's CI engine features are better.
Male reproductive structures of Araucaria araucana and Wollemia nobilis (Araucariaceae, Coniferales) in light of conifer evolution
Authors: Dörken Veit Martin
Published: July 2024

Pollen cones of Araucaria araucana and Wollemia nobilis were investigated. They consist of hundreds of hyposporangiate microsporangiophores with numerous microsporangia, arranged in up to three abaxial rows. Convincing evidence was found that excludes the widely accepted sporophyll concept of coniferous microsporangiophores. It is shown that the units treated generally as sporophylls in fact represent a complex fusion product of numerous microsporangiophores (= synangia). The vasculature in the microsporangiophore may indicate that the hyposporangiate shape is derived from an ancestral perisporangiate condition. In particular, the bundle strands ending blindly in the tissue in distal parts of the scutellum can only be understood as belonging to aborted microsporangia. Transferring this concept to other conifers with hyposporangiate microsporangiophores a perisporangiate origin seems also highly likely for them. This is well supported by the fact that in usually hyposporangiate taxa occasionally perisporangiate microsporangiophores are developed. Thus, the gained results clearly indicate that each microsporangiophore corresponds to a lateral cone (= flower equivalent structure), and the entire pollen cone to a compound structure (= inflorescence equivalent structure). Thus, the evolutionary pathway of araucariaceous pollen cones fits well to the pseudanthial origin suggested previously for the male reproductive structures in other coniferous groups, e.g., Pinaceae or Taxaceae.
Scoring rules and performance, new analysis of expert judgment data
Authors: Nane Gabriela F. , Cooke Roger M.
Published: July 2024

A review of scoring rules highlights the distinction between rewarding honesty and rewarding quality. This motivates the introduction of a scale‐invariant version of the Continuous Ranked Probability Score (CRPS) which enables statistical accuracy (SA) testing based on an exact rather than an asymptotic distribution of the density of convolutions. A recent data set of 6761 expert probabilistic forecasts for questions for which the actual values are known is used to compare performance. New insights include that (a) variance due to assessed variables dominates variance due to experts, (b) performance on mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is weakly related to SA (c) scale‐invariant CRPS combinations compete with the Classical Model (CM) on SA and MAPE, and (d) CRPS is more forgiving with regard to SA than the CM as CRPS is insensitive to location bias.
Development steps of multimodal exercise interventions for older adults with multimorbidity: A systematic review
Authors: Forsyth Faye , Soh Chien Lin , Elks Natasha , Lin Helen , Bailey Kris , Brooman‐White Rosalie , Rowbotham Scott , Mant Jonathan , Hartley Peter , Deaton Christi
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Multicomponent exercise interventions are recommended for older adults and for those with chronic diseases. While multiple programs have been tested, no one has yet explored how these programs were developed. This review set out to determine what development steps multicomponent exercise intervention studies that include older adults with multimorbidity have taken.

Methods

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐eight studies meeting review criteria (Population: adults ≥60 years with multimorbidity; Intervention: exercise interventions with ≥2 components; Comparator: any considered; Outcome: any considered) were retrieved. Most studies (70%) do not report intervention development actions as suggested by available guidance. Notable deviations from recommendations include limited performance of systematic review of previously published evidence, lack of engagement with theory, and few examples of design then refine.

Conclusions

Exercise interventions for older adults with multimorbidity do not appear to follow best practice in terms of their developing. Disregard of development recommendations risks contributing to research redundancy and/or avoidable waste, as important steps that make sure the intervention is warranted, suitable for the population in question, and tested using optimal methods and outcome measures are overlooked.
KeratoEL: Detection of keratoconus using corneal parameters with ensemble learning
Authors: Paul Prodeep Kumar , Hossan Arif , Ullah Shah Muhammad A.
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea thins and bulges outwards into a cone shape. This irregular shape causes light to scatter in multiple directions as it enters the eye, leading to distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light and frequent changes in the prescription of glasses or contact lenses. Detecting keratoconus at an early stage is not only difficult but also challenging.

Methods

The study has proposed an ensemble‐based machine learning (ML) technique named KeratoEL to detect keratoconus at an early stage. The proposed KeratoEL model combines the basic machine learning algorithms, namely support vector machine (SVM), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF) and artificial neural network (ANN). Before employing the ML model for keratoconus detection, the data set is first preprocessed manually by eliminating some features that don't contribute any significant value to predict the exact class. Moreover, the output features are labelled into three different classes and Extra Trees Classifier is used to find out the important features. Then, the features are sorted in descending order and top 45, 30, and 15 features are taken as input datasets against the output. Finally, different machine learning models are tested using the input datasets and performance metrics are measured

Results

The proposed model obtains 98.0%, 98.9% and 99.8% accuracy for top 45, 30, and 15 number of features respectively. Overall experimental results show that the proposed ensemble model outperforms the existing machine learning models.

Conclusion

The proposed KeratoEL model effectively detects keratoconus at an early stage by combining SVM, DT, RF, and ANN algorithms, demonstrating superior performance over existing models. These results underscore the potential of the KeratoEL ensemble approach in enhancing early detection and treatment of keratoconus.
Cultivating nonviolent relationships within global literacy education partnerships
Authors: Wilder Phillip , Cohen James , Deogracias Moses , Trudeau Andrea
Published: July 2024

Global literacy partnerships between the Global North and Global South inevitably reside in the expansive waters of neoliberal reforms and coloniality. Global North and Global South literacy educators within global literacy partnerships must decolonize life through a liberatory praxis whereby they are convinced of the right and the duty to fight, to denounce and to announce. Nonviolent Communication, with its focus on speaking honestly and listening empathetically, provides a framework for cultivating the criticality, awareness, and connection needed to disrupt neoliberal reforms and coloniality within partnerships. Through NVC, the everyday dialogic experiences of Global North and Global South educators can generate a “power with” relationship instead of a “power over” relationship of oppression and coloniality.
TiO2 nanotubes with customized diameters for local drug delivery systems
Authors: Miyabe Sayaka , Fujinaga Yushi , Tsuchiya Hiroaki , Fujimoto Shinji
Published: July 2024

In this study, we evaluated the drug release behavior of diameter customized TiO2 nanotube layers fabricated by anodization with various applied voltage sequences: conventional constant applied potentials of 20 V (45 nm) and 60 V (80 nm), a 20/60 V stepped potential (50 nm [two‐diameter]), and a 20–60 V swept potential (49 nm [full‐tapered]) (values in parentheses indicate the inner tube diameter at the top part of nanotube layers). The structures of the 50 nm (two‐diameter) and 49 nm (full‐tapered) samples had smaller inner diameters at the top part of nanotube layers than that of the 80 nm sample, while the outer diameters at the bottom part of nanotube layers were almost the same size as the 80 nm sample. The 80 nm sample, which had the largest nanotube diameter and length, exhibited the greatest burst release, followed by the 50 nm (two‐diameter), 49 nm (full‐tapered), and 45 nm samples. The initial burst released drug amounts and release rates from the 50 nm (two‐diameter) and 49 nm (full‐tapered) samples were significantly suppressed by the smaller tube top. On the other hand, the largest proportion of the slow released drug amount to the total released drug amount was observed for the 50 nm (two‐diameter) sample. Thus, 50 nm (two‐diameter) achieved suppressed initial burst release and large storage capacity. Therefore, this study has, for the first time, applied TiO2 nanotube layers with modulated diameters (two‐diameter and full‐tapered) to the realization of a localized drug delivery system (LDDS) with customized drug release properties.
RhoB plays a central role in hyperosmolarity‐induced cell shrinkage in renal cells
Authors: Centrone Mariangela , Saltarella Ilaria , D'Agostino Mariagrazia , Ranieri Marianna , Venneri Maria , Di Mise Annarita , Simone Laura , Pisani Francesco , Valenti Giovanna , Frassanito Maria A. , Tamma Grazia
Published: July 2024

The small Rho GTP‐binding proteins are important cell morphology, function, and apoptosis regulators. Unlike other Rho proteins, RhoB can be subjected to either geranylgeranylation (RhoB‐GG) or farnesylation (RhoB‐F), making that the only target of the farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI). Fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments revealed that RhoB is activated by hyperosmolarity. By contrast, hyposmolarity did not affect RhoB activity. Interestingly, treatment with farnesyltransferase inhibitor‐277 (FTI‐277) decreased the cell size. To evaluate whether RhoB plays a role in volume reduction, renal collecting duct MCD4 cells and Human Kidney, HK‐2 were transiently transfected with RhoB‐wildtype‐Enhance Green Fluorescence Protein (RhoB‐wt‐EGFP) and RhoB‐CLLL‐EGFP which cannot undergo farnesylation. A calcein‐based fluorescent assay revealed that hyperosmolarity caused a significant reduction of cell volume in mock and RhoB‐wt‐EGFP‐expressing cells. By contrast, cells treated with FTI‐277 or expressing the RhoB‐CLLL‐EGFP mutant did not properly respond to hyperosmolarity with respect to mock and RhoB‐wt‐EGFP expressing cells. These findings were further confirmed by 3D‐LSCM showing that RhoB‐CLLL‐EGFP cells displayed a significant reduction in cell size compared to cells expressing RhoB‐wt‐EGFP. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis revealed that RhoB‐CLLL‐EGFP expressing cells as well as FTI‐277‐treated cells showed a significant increase in cell apoptosis. Together, these data suggested that: (i) RhoB is sensitive to hyperosmolarity and not to hyposmolarity; (ii) inhibition of RhoB farnesylation associates with an increase in cell apoptosis, likely suggesting that RhoB might be a paramount player controlling apoptosis by interfering with responses to cell volume change.
USP18 promotes colon adenocarcinoma progression via targeting the ERK‐MNK signaling pathway
Authors: Tang Nan , Liu Xiaojian
Published: July 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy worldwide and is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related mortality. Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 18 (USP18) protein has been reported to exert different tumor‐related effects in distinct tumor types. Here, we initially investigated the expression and signaling pathways of USP18 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD).

Methods

A quantitative real‐time PCR was conducted to evaluate the mRNA level of USP18 in cultured cells. Immunohistochemical staining was used to explore the protein expression of USP18 in clinical COAD samples. Specific knockdown was achieved by transient transfection of small interfering RNAs into SW480 and HT29 cells using Lipo3000. Cell conting kit‐8 assay, transwell assay and matrigel‐transwell assays were conducted to evaluate proliferation, migration and invasion capacities, respectively. Western blotting was performed to analyze downstream signaling pathways. A chi‐squared test and univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the clinical data. Xenografts from mice model were assessed to validate the in vitro findings.

Results

Higher USP18 level was identified in COAD tissues and was positively correlated with advanced tumor stage. High USP18 protein expression indicated poorer prognosis of COAD patients. Silencing USP18 suppressed COAD cell proliferation and invasion via destabilizing extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) protein and suppressing ERK downstream pathways. Simultaneously silencing interferon‐stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) with USP18 can partially rescue the tumor cell viability, indicating its involvement in USP18 signaling. The oncogenic effects of USP18 were also confirmed in mice models.

Conclusions

USP18 plays oncogenic effects in colon adenocarcinoma via ISG15‐ERK pathways. High USP18 expression indicates poor clinical outcomes for colon adenocarcinoma patients.
Single‐cell sequencing reveals the correlation of aggrephagy signaling and multiple myeloma immune microenvironment composition
Authors: Wang Xin , Feng Yu , Wang Fangfang , Lin Zhimei , Huang Jingcao , Li Qian , Luo Hongmei , Liu Xiang , Zhai Xinyu , Gao Qianwen , Li Linfeng , Zhang Yue , Wen Jingjing , Zhang Li , Niu Ting , Zheng Yuhuan
Published: July 2024

Aggrephagy, a type of autophagy, degrades the aggregation of misfolded protein in cells. However, the role of aggrephagy in multiple myeloma (MM) has not been fully demonstrated. In this study, we first investigated the correlation between aggrephagy signaling, MM immune microenvironment composition and disease prognosis. Single‐cell RNA‐seq data, including the expression profiles of 12,187 single cells from seven MM bone marrow (BM) and seven healthy BM samples, were analyzed by non‐negative matrix factorization for 44 aggrephagy‐related genes. Bulk RNA‐seq cohorts from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to evaluate the prognostic value of aggrephagy‐related immune cell subtypes and predict immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapeutic response in MM. Compared with healthy BM, MM BM exhibited different patterns of aggrephagy‐related gene expression. In MM BM, macrophages, CD8+ T cells, B cells and natural killer cells could be grouped into four to nine aggrephagy‐related subclusters. The signature of aggrephagy signaling molecule expression in the immune cells correlates with the patient's prognosis. Our investigation provides a novel view of aggrephagy signaling in MM tumor microenvironment cells, which might be a prognostic indicator and potential target for MM treatment.
Decoding dysregulated genes, molecular pathways and microRNAs involved in cervical cancer
Authors: Khokhar Manoj , Kartha Purnima , Hassan Sana , Pandey Rajan Kumar
Published: July 2024

Background

The present study aimed to identify dysregulated genes, molecular pathways, and regulatory mechanisms in human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated cervical cancers. We have investigated the disease‐associated genes along with the Gene Ontology, survival prognosis, transcription factors and the microRNA (miRNA) that are involved in cervical carcinogenesis, enabling a deeper comprehension of cervical cancer linked to HPV.

Methods

We used 10 publicly accessible Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets to examine the patterns of gene expression in cervical cancer. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which showed a clear distinction between cervical cancer and healthy tissue samples, were analyzed using the GEO2R tool. Additional bioinformatic techniques were used to carry out pathway analysis and functional enrichment, as well as to analyze the connection between altered gene expression and HPV infection.

Results

In total, 48 DEGs were identified to be differentially expressed in cervical cancer tissues in comparison to healthy tissues. Among DEGs, CCND1, CCNA2 and SPP1 were the key dysregulated genes involved in HPV‐associated cervical cancer. The five common miRNAs that were identified against these genes are miR‐7‐5p, miR‐16‐5p, miR‐124‐3p, miR‐10b‐5p and miR‐27a‐3p. The hub‐DEGs targeted by miRNA hsa‐miR‐27a‐3p are controlled by the common transcription factor SP1.

Conclusions

The present study has identified DEGs involved in HPV‐associated cervical cancer progression and the various molecular pathways and transcription factors regulating them. These findings have led to a better understanding of cervical cancer resulting in the development and identification of possible therapeutic and intervention targets, respectively.
Leveraging human–mouse studies to advance the genetics of hearing impairment in Africa
Authors: James Kili , Oluwole Oluwafemi G.
Published: July 2024

Mouse models are used extensively to understand human pathobiology and mechanistic functions of disease‐associated loci. However, in this review, we investigate the potential of using genetic mouse models to identify genetic markers that can disrupt hearing thresholds in mice and then target the hearing‐enriched orthologues and loci in humans. Currently, little is known about the real prevalence of genes that cause hearing impairment (HI) in Africa. Pre‐screening mouse cell lines to identify orthologues of interest has the potential to improve the genetic diagnosis for HI in Africa to a significant percentage, for example, 10–20%. Furthermore, the functionality of a candidate gene derived from mouse screening with heterogeneous genetic backgrounds and multi‐omic approaches can shed light on the molecular, genetic heterogeneity and plausible mode of inheritance of a gene in hearing‐impaired individuals especially in the absence of large families to investigate.
SIMPLE procedures: Survey of Internal Medicine Providers' Limitations and Experiences with procedures and medical procedure services
Authors: Cool Joséphine A. , Lai Andrew R. , Kramer Henry , Baduashvili Amiran
Published: July 2024

Background

In response to a decline in bedside procedures performed by hospitalists, some hospital medicine groups have created medical procedure services (MPSs) concentrating procedures under the expertise of trained hospitalist‐proceduralists.

Objectives

To characterize the structure, breadth, and heterogeneity of academic medical center MPSs, as well as compare the procedural landscape for groups with and without an MPS.

Methods

The Survey of Internal Medicine Providers' Limitations and Experiences with Procedures and MPSs, is a cross‐sectional study, conducted in the United States and Canada through a web‐based survey administered from October 2022 to March 2023. We used convenience and snowball sampling to identify eligible study participants. The survey explored presence of MPS, procedure volumes, patient safety, and educational practices. For MPSs, we explored onboarding, staffing, skill maintenancy, funding, and barriers to growth.

Results

Forty institutions (response rate 97.5%), represented by members of the Procedural Research and Innovation for Medical Educators (PRIME) consortium participated in the survey. MPSs were found in 75% of the surveyed institutions. Most MPSs (97%) involved trainees and were staffed by internists (100%) who often had additional clinical duties (70%). The majority (83%) of MPSs used checklists and procedural safety guidelines, but only 53% had a standardized process for tracking complications. There was significant variability in determining procedural competency and supervising trainees. Groups with an MPS reported higher procedure volume compared to those without.

Conclusions

MPSs were highly prevalent among the participating institutions, offered a broad array of bedside procedures, and often included trainees. There was a high variability in funding models, procedure volumes, patient safety practices, and skill maintenance requirements.
Different species of Chiroptera: Immune cells and molecules
Authors: Liu Qinlu , Liu Zegang , Wang Huifang , Yao Xinsheng
Published: July 2024

The distinct composition and immune response characteristics of bats’ innate and adaptive immune systems, which enable them to serve as host of numerous serious zoonotic viruses without falling ill, differ substantially from those of other mammals, it have garnered significant attention. In this article, we offer a systematic review of the names, attributes, and functions of innate and adaptive immune cells & molecules across different bat species. This includes descriptions of the differences shown by research between 71 bat species in 10 families, as well as comparisons between bats and other mammals. Studies of the immune cells & molecules of different bat species are necessary to understand the unique antiviral immunity of bats. By providing comprehensive information on these unique immune responses, it is hoped that new insights will be provided for the study of co‐evolutionary dynamics between viruses and the bat immune system, as well as human antiviral immunity.
Relation between the internal anal sphincter and defecation disorders in patients with anorectal malformations
Authors: den Hollander Venla E. C. , Trzpis Monika , Broens Paul M. A.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate associations between the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), type of congenital anorectal malformations (ARMs), type of operation that patients with ARM had undergone, and objectively measured fecal incontinence and defecation problems.

Methods

We retrospectively included 69 pediatric patients with ARM. All underwent anorectal function tests at the University Medical Center of Groningen during the last 10 years. We assessed anorectal physiology using the Rome IV criteria and anorectal function tests.

Results

We found the reflex in 67% of patients and all types of ARMs. All patients who had not been operated on, and those who had undergone less extensive surgery possessed the reflex. In contrast, patients who underwent posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, 44% possessed it. We found no difference between mean rectal volumes in patients with and without the reflex (251  vs. 325 mL, respectively, p = 0.266). We found that over time, patients without the reflex seemed to develop significantly higher rectal volumes than patients who had it. We did not find a significant difference between the reflex and fecal incontinence; however, it seems that the absence of the reflex, resting anal sphincter pressure, and fecal incontinence are related.

Conclusion

The RAIR seems present in patients with ARM irrespective of their malformation type. Corrective surgery, however, may impair this reflex. Seemingly, its absence results in constipation with enlarged rectal volumes and fecal incontinence. Every effort should be made to preserve this reflex during surgery and to use extensive surgical procedures as sparingly as possible.
One‐step enrichment and stepwise elution of glycoproteins and phosphoproteins by hydrophilic Ti4+‐immobilized dendrimer poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microparticles functionalized with polyethylenimine and phytic acid
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Simin , Wang Xinyan , Li Xinyue , Jiang Minzhi , Chen Shiying , Hu Zaiqi , Li Haitian , Xu Yuzhen , Jin Lei
Published: July 2024

Glycosylation and phosphorylation rank as paramount post‐translational modifications, and their analysis heavily relies on enrichment techniques. In this work, a facile approach was developed for the one‐step simultaneous enrichment and stepwise elution of glycoproteins and phosphoproteins. The core of this approach was the application of the novel titanium (IV) ion immobilized poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microparticles functionalized with dendrimer polyethylenimine and phytic acid. The microparticles possessed dual enrichment capabilities due to their abundant titanium ions and hydroxyl groups on the surface. They demonstrate rapid adsorption equilibrium (within 30 min) and exceptional adsorption capacity for β‐casein (1107.7 mg/g) and horseradish peroxidase (438.6 mg/g), surpassing that of bovine serum albumin (91.7 mg/g). Furthermore, sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was conducted to validate the enrichment capability. Experimental results across various biological samples, including standard protein mixtures, non‐fat milk, and human serum, demonstrated the remarkable ability of these microparticles to enrich low‐abundance glycoproteins and phosphoproteins from biological samples.
Adverse childhood experiences, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and compulsive behaviors among adults in substance use treatment: A latent class analysis
Authors: Basting Evan J. , Medenblik Alyssa M. , Eberwein Julie D. , Garner Alisa R. , Shorey Ryan C. , Stuart Gregory L.
Published: July 2024

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are prevalent and associated with common problems among adults with substance use disorders (SUDs), including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and compulsive behaviors. Most studies consider cumulative ACEs when examining their associations with health and behavioral outcomes. We tested whether patterns of ACEs related to SUD symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and compulsive behaviors among adults receiving treatment for substance use. We identified latent classes of ACEs using medical record data from 721 patients in residential SUD treatment and conducted Wald chi‐square tests to assess whether these latent classes differed in alcohol and drug use disorder symptoms, PTSD symptoms, compulsive sexual behavior, and compulsive gambling. We identified four latent classes: high ACEs (15.1%), maltreatment (12.4%), household problems (22.3%), and low ACEs (49.1%). There were significant differences across latent classes in drug use disorder symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and compulsive sexual behavior, χ2(1, N = 721) = 37.42–107.07, ps < .001. Participants in the high ACEs and household problems classes had more drug use disorder symptoms than those in the low ACEs class. Relative to all other classes, individuals in the low ACEs class had the lowest PTSD symptoms and those in the high ACEs class had the highest PTSD symptoms. Findings indicate that adults with SUDs who have more ACEs have the highest risk for PTSD symptoms and compulsive sexual behavior. Screening for ACEs while considering ACE patterns and frequency may benefit treatment planning for SUD patients with comorbid concerns such as PTSD symptoms and compulsive sexual behavior.
Phylogeography of mammals in Southeast Alaska and implications for management of the Tongass National Forest
Authors: Androski Antonia , Wiens Ben J. , Cook Joseph A. , Dawson Natalie G. , Colella Jocelyn P.
Published: July 2024

Insular evolution on archipelagos generates a significant proportion of global biodiversity, yet islands are among the ecosystems most sensitive to accelerating anthropogenic disturbance, introductions of non‐native species, and emerging pathogens, among other conservation challenges. The Alexander and Haida Gwaii archipelagos along North America's North Pacific Coast support a disproportionate number of endemic taxa compared to other high‐latitude terrestrial ecosystems. In this region, endemics in Canada are explicitly protected, but in the United States, endemics have been operationally ignored. We reviewed regional research on terrestrial mammals and endemics from 2000–2022 to guide wildlife management. Elevated regional endemism is due to a combination of deep and shallow temporal processes (i.e., long‐term refugial isolation vs. recent colonization). With adequate sampling, genomic analyses are well‐suited to identifying nuanced patterns of divergence and endemism, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of regional diversity. We identified 18 mammalian endemics in Southeast Alaska, USA, at varying taxonomic scales, but research effort has significant taxonomic biases and sampling infrastructure remains inadequate. Of the 66 terrestrial and aquatic mammal species in Southeast Alaska, only 55% are represented by ≥10 archived samples over the last 2 decades. Across taxa, major spatial and temporal sampling gaps limit interpretations of wildlife responses to changing environmental conditions. The Tongass National Forest is spread across an island archipelago, and climate change is projected to have disproportionate impacts on island endemics worldwide. In this case, the United States Forest Service is not closely monitoring endemic taxa, as was required by the Tongass Land Management Plan in 1997. Our review underscores a need for increased consideration of how endemism can be incorporated into land and wildlife management across the Alexander Archipelago. Moving forward, we encourage state and federal agencies, Indigenous communities, and international collaborators to continue to partner with natural history biorepositories to ensure strategic wildlife sampling infrastructure is built and made accessible to the broader scientific community as part of the land management process.
Welfare enhancement or environment improvement: How does China's rural revitalization assistance policy work? Evidence from China
Authors: Huang Man , Zhao Xue , Zhuang Jincai
Published: July 2024

In the context of sustainable development, the greatest challenge facing society today is to improve welfare of the disadvantaged while preserving the environment. This paper constructed a theoretical framework of “policy‐welfare‐environment,” explored the effects in terms of individual welfare enhancement and village environment improvement, and conduct empirical tests on a sample of 1208 rural households in China. The results show that: (1) The assistance policy can significantly improve the overall welfare of the disadvantaged groups, and meanwhile, it can improve different dimensions of welfare, with the degree from high to low was a social opportunity, spiritual feeling, and economic situation. (2) The assistance policy can increase the probability of adopting environmental protection behavior, which in turn can significantly improve the village environment. (3) Welfare improvements in social opportunities mediate between the assistance policy and village environment improvements, while improvements in spiritual feelings and economic status do not. In addition, there is age heterogeneity in the welfare enhancement effect of the policy in the economic status dimension and the spiritual feeling dimension. The conclusions provide valuable policy enlightenment for assistance policy formulation and environmental governance, and can protect the ecological environment while improving public welfare, which is in line with the trend of sustainable development.
Variation in soil quality in tropical dryland agroecosystem: Impact of different crop sequences
Authors: Soni Priyanka , Zaya Fahami , Kumar Rahul , Kumari Amrita , Gupta Riya , Singh Nidhi , Ghoshal Nandita
Published: July 2024

Role of crop diversification on productivity has been studied widely but its impact on soil carbon dynamics is least studied. The present study was designed to compare the effects of crop diversification in terms of rice‐based mixed crops viz. wheat (RW), chickpea (RC), and flaxseed (RF) and mono‐crops viz. pigeonpea (PP) and mustard (MU) on major soil quality including physical, chemical and biological parameters, total crop biomass, and carbon input (CI) in a tropical rainfed dryland agroecosystem. Trend of total crop biomass observed was: pigeonpea > rice > wheat > mustard > flaxseed > chickpea. Across all the crop sequences, CI into the soil through crop residues including stubbles and root biomass varied considerably and followed the trend: PP > RW > RF > RC > MU. Levels of soil organic carbon (SOC), humic acid, fulvic acid, water holding capacity (WHC), macro‐aggregate fraction, microbial biomass carbon and phosphorus, enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase, and β‐glucosidase were higher whereas bulk density, meso‐, and micro‐aggregate fractions were lower in the mixed crops than mono‐crops. SOC was positively correlated to all the attributes except bulk density, meso‐, and micro‐aggregate fractions. Lower values of the various soil quality attributes in PP despite the highest CI into the soil as compared to all the mixed crops might be due to the soil carbon priming effect. This study indicated that the quantity of CI through mixed crops had less impact in sustaining soil fertility and productivity of agroecosystems and suggests that the quality of CI play vital role. Mixed cropping sequence especially rice‐wheat was found to be the better option for the dry tropics.
Influence of reclamation techniques and vegetation types on water retention in hard coal spoil heaps
Authors: Singh Pranav Dev , Klamerus‐Iwan Anna , Woś Bartłomiej , Pietrzykowski Marcin
Published: July 2024

This study examines the relationship between the reclamation method (with topsoil and with bare rock), individual species, and land cover (woodland, grassland, and forbsland) on micro‐climate and retention properties, that is, volumetric water content (vwc) and water storage capacity (S). The large overburden dump “Sośnica” in Upper Silesia served as a research site, which makes it possible to investigate the planned experimental variants with relatively homogeneous properties of the deposited rock. The study uses statistical analysis and multilinear regressions to investigate the correlation between reclamation method, species, and land cover with parameters such as atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, vwc, soil temperature (st), and S. The experiments were carried out both in the field and in the laboratory. The results of this study indicate that the parameters related to retention properties were higher in the recultivated areas than in the areas left to natural succession. “S” was significantly higher in grassland and forbsland (15.67–16.52%) than in control plots where 10.23% was found, and in areas where an additional soil layer was applied (14.72%). Maximum vwc (22.17%) was on plots with topsoil than on bare rock (14.89%). Vwc were highest in the areas designated as grassland (28.54%), in comparison with woodlands and forblands (the control without vegetation cover had the worst thermal and retention properties). This study sheds light on the effects of reclamation method, species, and land cover on various parameters and helps to understand the importance of appropriate reclamation techniques for soil and water conservation. Further research on the impacts of reclamation techniques and land cover on micro‐climatic conditions in diverse post‐mining landscapes is crucial for developing globally applicable restoration strategies that promote ecological resilience.
Effects of small rock check dams on channel bed, vegetation diversity, and soil properties 10 years after a severe wildfire in forest micro‐catchments of central eastern Spain
Authors: Martinez Hontecillas Adrian , Lucas‐Borja Manuel Esteban , Carmona‐Yañez Maria Ángeles , Denisi Pietro , Plaza‐Alvarez Pedro Antonio , Zema Demetrio Antonio
Published: July 2024

One of the most common post‐fire management techniques is the construction of check dams in catchments. However, little research has explored how small check dams impact on bed profile, vegetation diversity and soil properties several years after their construction in Mediterranean ephemeral channels draining micro‐catchments burned by severe wildfires. To fill this gap, this study has evaluated the effects of rock check dams installed about 10 years ago in small catchments after a wildfire in Castilla La Mancha (Central Eastern Spain). The changes in channel morphology, plant diversity as well as a large dataset of soil properties have been analysed close to the check dams in comparison to burned but non‐regulated channels. Neither the channel slope nor bed sediment size significantly changed downstream and upstream of the structures in comparison to the non‐regulated channels. Thanks to the unexploited retention capacity, the studied control works are still able to store the mobilised sediments on occasion of the most intense floods. Higher species richness in both upstream and downstream sections (+64%) was detected, while the plant evenness was not altered compared to the non‐regulated channels. Regarding the soil properties, increases in organic matter (over 200%), nutrients (+72% for N and +152% for P) and some cations (+29% for Ca and +86% for Mg) were measured. Overall, the presence of the rock check dams in the burned micro‐catchments, although improving many key plant and soil characteristics, did not sharply change the hydrological, geomorphological and ecological conditions compared with those of the non‐regulated catchments.
Grazer‐induced changes on mechanical properties of diatoms frustule: A new proof for a watery arms race
Authors: Xu Huo , Chen Fengyuan , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Zhen , Pan Ke , Liu Hongbin
Published: July 2024

We investigated changes in physiology and mechanical properties of diatoms exposed to chemical cues released by copepods Pseudodiaptomus annandalei. Our results showed that the diatoms Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Cylindrotheca closterium, Thalassiosira weissflogii, and Amphora coffeaeformis exhibited elevated growth rates and a substantial 2‐ to 50‐fold increase in biogenic silica (BSi) content increase when exposed to the chemical cues except for Cyclotella sp. Atomic force microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses revealed that diatom frustules exhibited a remarkable 3‐ to 10‐fold increase in modulus and a substantial 2‐ to 5‐fold increase in hardness when they received grazing signals. The increase in the proportion of condensed silicon in the frustules could be the major reason for the more mechanically robust cells. Our results indicate that diatoms simultaneously increase their growth rate and robustness when exposed to copepod chemical cues. This study at the nanoscale enhanced our understanding of how diatoms respond to zooplankton predation in marine ecosystems.
Analysis of Macromolecular Systems as Enabler for Energy and Life Science Applications
Authors: Anufriev Ilya , Debbeler Jonas , Traeger Anja , Nischang Ivo
Published: July 2024

Ideas concerning the conceptual existence of macromolecular and colloidal systems found their inception at the beginning of the last century. The experimental technology developed to discover and characterize those systems can be associated with seminal pioneers laying the foundations for microscopic, hydrodynamic, and light scattering approaches. In this perspective, we focus our attention on the origins of the discovery and characterization of macromolecular and colloidal systems with selected examples from the beginnings to the present. This perspective attempts to directly interconnect the design of new macromolecular as well as colloidal systems and the simultaneous development of using advanced characterization techniques for design verification. While not claiming a complete coverage of the entire field of modern polymer science, our selected examples concern the field of life science and the recently and rapidly developing area of energy materials.
The Development and Evaluation of PFSA‐Free Polyacrylonitrile‐co‐Methyl Acrylate (PAN‐MA) Nanofiber Membranes for its Potential Application as a Proton Exchange Membrane in Fuel Cells
Authors: Seda Köksal Yeğin , Öner Mualla , Remis Tomas , Tomas Martin , Kovarik Tomas
Published: July 2024

The significance of hydrogen energy has grown considerably due to climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels. PEM fuel cells are the key hydrogen technologies. Commercial membranes based on perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) with a polymer structure containing fluorine are currently available. However, it has been determined that certain perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) are hazardous, persistent, and bioaccumulative. Advancements in hydrogen technology rely on effective, inexpensive, and perfluorocarbon‐free membranes, specifically proton exchange membranes (PEMs). In this research, a PFSA‐free polyacrylonitrile‐co‐methyl acrylate (PAN‐MA) membrane doped with phosphoric acid is prepared using the electrospinning method and then characterized by SEM, FE‐SEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA, DMA, and EIS. The DMA analysis reveals that the storage modulus of the doped membrane increases from 0.98 to 5.66 MPa at 80 °C. The nanofiber composite membrane, with a thickness of 181 µm, exhibits the highest proton conductivity of 0.306 S m−1 at 20 °C, 1.76 times higher than that of the Nafion 212 membrane. The Nafion 212 membrane has an ionic conductivity of 0.173 S m−1 under the same conditions. These results indicate that the prepared nanofiber membranes are promising materials for evaluating fuel cell applications.
Research Priorities on the Role of α‐Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Burré Jacqueline , Edwards Robert H. , Halliday Glenda , Lang Anthony E. , Lashuel Hilal A. , Melki Ronald , Murayama Shigeo , Outeiro Tiago F. , Papa Stella M. , Stefanis Leonidas , Woerman Amanda L. , Surmeier Dalton James , Kalia Lorraine V. , Takahashi Ryosuke ,   the MDS Scientific Issues Committee
Published: July 2024

Various forms of Parkinson's disease, including its common sporadic form, are characterized by prominent α‐synuclein (αSyn) aggregation in affected brain regions. However, the role of αSyn in the pathogenesis and evolution of the disease remains unclear, despite vast research efforts of more than a quarter century. A better understanding of the role of αSyn, either primary or secondary, is critical for developing disease‐modifying therapies. Previous attempts to hone this research have been challenged by experimental limitations, but recent technological advances may facilitate progress. The Scientific Issues Committee of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) charged a panel of experts in the field to discuss current scientific priorities and identify research strategies with potential for a breakthrough. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Spektroskopie: Vom Spektrum zur Karte
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: July 2024

Die konfokale Ramanmikroskopie verbindet eine hohe Ortsauflösung mit gutem Identifizieren von Substanzen. So lassen sich Prozesse überwachen und Oberflächen kartieren. Anwendungen erstrecken sich von pharmazeutischen Formulierungen bis zum Design neuer Batterien.
Bilanzen der Analytikindustrie: Digitalisierung und KI
Authors: Wetterau Jörg
Published: July 2024

Das Jahr 2023 war für die Laboranalytik und Diagnostik durch den Rückgang pandemiebezogener Produkte durchwachsen. Im laufenden Jahr scheint sich die Stimmung aufzuhellen.
Blickpunkt Nachwuchs: Supersäuren und starke Oxidationsmittel
Authors: Malischewski Moritz
Published: July 2024

Aduc‐Preisträger Moritz Malischewski kombiniert an der FU Berlin Organometall‐ und Koordinationschemie mit Fluorchemie. Er arbeitet unter anderem in supersauren Medien und verwendet dabei perfluorierte Cyclopentadienyl‐Liganden – heraus kommen reaktive und ungewöhnliche Komplexe.
Blickpunkt Nachwuchs: Funktionalisieren mit Licht
Authors: Pospech Jola
Published: July 2024

Die Aduc‐Preisträgerin Jola Pospech entwickelt lichtgetriebene Synthesestrategien. Ihre Forschungsgruppe nutzt dazu einen stabilen Heteroaromaten als Photoredox‐ und Wasserstoffatomtransferkatalysator.
Wie Kationen Zellwände durchdringen
Authors: Meyer Philipp , Banerji Amitabh
Published: July 2024

Mit Kronenethern lassen sich Prozesse der Natur nachahmen und verstehen, etwa der Ionentransport durch Zellmembranen. Das macht sie zu idealen Modellsystemen für Schulen. Allerdings fehlte es bislang an Schüler:innenexperimenten mit für Schulen geeigneten Lösemitteln – ein Projekt aus Potsdam ändert dies nun.
Fachgruppen 2023: Austausch und Förderung
Authors: Karger Gerhard
Published: July 2024

Der positive Trend in den Mitgliederzahlen der einzelnen Fachgruppen ist ungebrochen, auch der relative Anteil studentischer Mitglieder steigt weiter. Schwerpunkte der Fachgruppenarbeit waren im Jahr 2023 wieder der fachliche Austausch, auch in Online‐Vortragsreihen, und die Förderung des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs.
Improving performance of TPU by controlled crosslinking of soft segments
Authors: Barros Junior Lucivan P. , de Souza Lucio R. , Rahimzadeh Rasoul , Manas‐Zloczower Ica
Published: July 2024

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are a family of thermoplastic elastomers with great properties such as high elongation and excellent chemical and abrasion resistance, which are processable by conventional melting methods. Nevertheless, TPUs lose mechanical properties and thermal stability at higher temperatures. In this work, we designed and synthesized a new TPU with limited crosslinking of the soft segments in order to improve its performance at high temperatures while preserving processability. Additionally, the new TPU maintains its transparency. With the incorporation of 10% trifunctional polyol, the Tg was increased by 7°C, the storage modulus at room temperature (25°C) was improved by 412 MPa (136%), the rubbery plateau was extended by 32°C and the thermal stability was enhanced by 4°C at T5. Moreover, the TPU with controlled crosslinking of the soft segments shows exceptional creep behavior both at room temperature and at 150°C, where the creep rate decreased by 80%. The new TPU shows limited decrease in tensile properties and can be processed by conventional thermoplastic processing techniques.

Highlights

Design and synthesis of a new TPU with limited crosslinking of the soft segments.

Incorporation of the crosslinks into the soft segments preserves system processability.

Enhanced mechanical and thermal properties while preserving system transparency.

High temperature application window extended by 32°C.

Creep rate at 150°C lowered by 80%.