bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromogenic detection of telomere lengths in situ aids the identification of precancerous lesions in the prostate
Authors: Ertunc Onur , Smearman Erica , Zheng Qizhi , Hicks Jessica L. , Brosnan‐Cashman Jacqueline A. , Jones Tracy , Gomes‐Alexandre Carolina , Trabzonlu Levent , Meeker Alan K. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Heaphy Christopher M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Telomeres are terminal chromosomal elements that are essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity. The measurement of telomere content provides useful diagnostic and prognostic information, and fluorescent methods have been developed for this purpose. However, fluorescent‐based tissue assays are cumbersome for investigators to undertake, both in research and clinical settings.

Methods

A robust chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) approach was developed to visualize and quantify telomere content at single cell resolution in human prostate tissues, both frozen and formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE).

Results

This new assay (telomere chromogenic in situ hybridization [“Telo‐CISH”]) produces permanently stained slides that are viewable with a standard light microscope, thus avoiding the need for specialized equipment and storage. The assay is compatible with standard immunohistochemistry, thereby allowing simultaneous assessment of histomorphology, identification of specific cell types, and assessment of telomere status. In addition, Telo‐CISH eliminates the problem of autofluorescent interference that frequently occurs with fluorescent‐based methods. Using this new assay, we demonstrate successful application of Telo‐CISH to help identify precancerous lesions in the prostate by the presence of markedly short telomeres specifically in the luminal epithelial cells.

Conclusions

In summary, with fewer restrictions on the types of tissues that can be tested, and increased histologic information provided, the advantages presented by this novel chromogenic assay should extend the applicability of tissue‐based telomere length assessment in research and clinical settings.
RNAi‐mediated silencing of Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) endogenous genes using orally‐supplied double‐stranded RNAs produced in Escherichia coli
Authors: Ortolá Beltrán , Urbaneja Alberto , Eiras Marcelo , Pérez‐Hedo Meritxell , Daròs José‐Antonio
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, is a major pest affecting fruit and vegetable production worldwide, whose control is mainly based on insecticides. Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) able to down‐regulate endogenous genes, thus affecting essential vital functions via RNA interference (RNAi) in pests and pathogens, is envisioned as a more specific and environmentally‐friendly alternative to traditional insecticides. However, this strategy has not been explored in medfly yet.

RESULTS

Here, we screened seven candidate target genes by injecting in adult medflies gene‐specific dsRNA hairpins transcribed in vitro. Several genes were significantly down‐regulated, resulting in increased insect mortality compared to flies treated with a control dsRNA targeting the green fluorescent protein (GFP) complementary DNA (cDNA). Three of the dsRNAs, homologous to the beta subunit of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase (ATPsynbeta), a vacuolar ATPase (V‐ATPase), and the ribosomal protein S13 (RPS13), were able to halve the probability of survival in only 48 h after injection. We then produced new versions of these three dsRNAs and that of the GFP control as circular molecules in Escherichia coli using a two‐self‐splicing‐intron‐based expression system and tested them as orally‐delivered insecticidal compounds against medfly adults. We observed a significant down‐regulation of V‐ATPase and RPS13 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) (approximately 30% and 90%, respectively) compared with the control medflies after 3 days of treatment. No significant mortality was recorded in medflies, but egg laying and hatching reduction was achieved by silencing V‐ATPase and RPS13.

CONCLUSION

In sum, we report the potential of dsRNA molecules as oral insecticide in medfly. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Rational design, synthesis and binding mechanisms of novel benzyl geranate derivatives as potential eco‐friendly aphid repellents
Authors: Pan Shi‐Xiang , Yang Zhao‐Kai , Liu Yan , Shi Zhuo , Qin Yao‐Guo , Qu Cheng , Li Xue‐Sheng , Zhou Zheng‐Xin , Luo Chen , Yang Xin‐Ling
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

The push–pull strategy is considered as a promising eco‐friendly method for pest management. Plant volatile organic compounds (PVOCs) act as semiochemicals constitute the key factor in implementing this strategy. Benzyl alcohol and geraniol, as functional PVOCs, were reported to regulate insect behavior, showing the potential application in pest control. Using geraniol as lead, a geraniol derivative 5i with fine repellent activity was discovered in our previous work. In order to explore novel, eco‐friendly aphid control agents, a series of benzyl geranate derivatives was designed and synthesized using 5i as the lead and benzyl alcohol as the active fragment.

RESULTS

Benzyl alcohol was firstly evaluated to have repellent activity to Acyrthosiphon pisum. Based on this repellent fragment, a series of novel benzyl geranate derivatives was rationally designed and synthesized using a scaffold‐hopping strategy. Among them, compound T9, with a binding affinity (Kd = 0.43 μm) and a substantial repellency of 64.7% against A. pisum, is the most promising compound. Molecule docking showed that hydrophobic and hydrogen‐bonding interactions substantially influenced the binding affinity of compounds with ApisOBP9. Additionally, T9 exhibited low‐toxicity to honeybees and ladybugs.

CONCLUSION

Using a simple scaffold‐hopping strategy combined with active fragment benzyl alcohol, a new derivative T9, with high aphid‐repellency and low‐toxicity to nontarget organisms, can be considered as a novel potential eco‐friendly aphid control agent for sustainable agriculture. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A performance assessment methodology with coupling between layers for LP‐DMC systems
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Li Lijuan , Yang Shipin
Published: October 2023

For the estimation of performance improvement potentials of LP‐DMC systems, a novel performance assessment methodology with the optimal benchmark considering the coupling between layers was proposed. The controlled variable tracking residuals and variable fluctuations are introduced as the coupling factors that the dynamic layer acts on the steady‐state layer. Correspondingly, the constraint scaling factor and fluctuation domain are introduced as the coupling factors that the steady‐state layer acts on the dynamic layer. The solutions of the two layers are interactive and iterative and eventually converge to optimal results. Then, the optimal results are utilized as the optimal criteria to define the assessment indexes of LP‐DMC. The experiment results in a simulation and an industrial process indicate the validity and rationality of the proposed methodology.
Sustainability assessment in cities in the eastern amazon
Authors: Lima Joana Alicia Pantoja , Progênio Mayke Feitosa , Costa Carlos Eduardo Aguiar de Souza , Crispim Diêgo Lima
Published: October 2023

Indicators are important tools that help monitor and assess sustainability, providing crucial information for public management. This study aimed to analyze the behavior of municipalities in eastern amazon (State of Pará), through sustainability indicators that cover social, economic, environmental and basic sanitation dimensions, applying the statistical method of multivariate analysis. For the selection of indicators, a checklist of academic papers on sustainability was carried out. For the composition of the clusters, the Ward method was applied. To validate the number of groups, the Pakhira‐Bandyopadhyay‐Maulik (PBM) index was used, obtaining 2 groups for the sanitation and general dimensions, 3 for environmental and social and 7 groups for economic. In this study, it was possible to demonstrate that several municipalities have deficiencies related to access to water supply and mainly sewage collection and treatment, causing various consequences for the population, as they do not comply with the commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Size Dependent Phase Transformation of Liquid Gallium
Authors: Liu Jinyun , Song Lijian , He Zidong , Wang Shengding , Zhang Wuxu , Yang Huali , Li Fali , Li Shengbin , Wang Jianing , Xiao Huiyun , Xu Dan , Liu Yiwei , Wu Yuanzhao , Wang Jun‐Qiang , Shui Xiaoxue , Hu Yuan‐Chao , Shang Jie , Li Run‐Wei
Published: October 2023

As the most popular liquid metal (LM), gallium (Ga) and its alloys are emerging as functional materials due to their unique combination of fluidic and metallic properties near room temperature. As an important branch of utilizing LMs, micro‐ and submicron‐particles of Ga‐based LM are widely employed in wearable electronics, catalysis, energy, and biomedicine. Meanwhile, the phase transition is crucial not only for the applications based on this reversible transformation process, but also for the solidification temperature at which fluid properties are lost. While Ga has several solid phases and exhibits unusual size‐dependent phase behavior. This complex process makes the phase transition and undercooling of Ga uncontrollable, which considerably affects the application performance. In this work, extensive (nano‐)calorimetry experiments are performed to investigate the polymorph selection mechanism during liquid Ga crystallization. It is surprisingly found that the crystallization temperature and crystallization pathway to either α −Ga or β −Ga can be effectively engineered by thermal treatment and droplet size. The polymorph selection process is suggested to be highly relevant to the capability of forming covalent bonds in the equilibrium supercooled liquid. The observation of two different crystallization pathways depending on the annealing temperature may indicate that there exist two different liquid phases in Ga.
High‐Affinity Host–Guest Recognition for Efficient Assembly and Enzymatic Responsiveness of DNA Nanostructures
Authors: Narayanan Raghu Pradeep , Prasad Abhay , Buchberger Alex , Zou Lei , Bernal‐Chanchavac Julio , MacCulloch Tara , Fahmi Nour Eddine , Yan Hao , Zhang Fei , Webber Matthew J. , Stephanopoulos Nicholas
Published: October 2023

The combination of multiple orthogonal interactions enables hierarchical complexity in self‐assembled nanoscale materials. Here, efficient supramolecular polymerization of DNA origami nanostructures is demonstrated using a multivalent display of small molecule host–guest interactions. Modification of DNA strands with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and its adamantane guest, yielding a supramolecular complex with an affinity of order 1010 m−1, directs hierarchical assembly of origami monomers into 1D nanofibers. This affinity regime enables efficient polymerization; a lower‐affinity β‐cyclodextrin–adamantane complex does not promote extended structures at a similar valency. Finally, the utility of the high‐affinity CB[7]–adamantane interactions is exploited to enable responsive enzymatic actuation of origami nanofibers assembled using peptide linkers. This work demonstrates the power of high‐affinity CB[7]–guest recognition as an orthogonal axis to drive self‐assembly in DNA nanotechnology.
3D Magnetic Metal‐Organic Frameworks Current Collectors Accelerate the Lithium‐Ion Diffusion Rate for Superlong Cyclic Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Chen Haibo , Hu Jing , Li Hang , Zhang Jianli , Chen Qiang , Hou Guangya , Tang Yiping
Published: October 2023

Lithium, is the most ideal anode material for lithium‐based batteries. However, the overgrowth of lithium dendrites and the low lithium‐ion diffusion rate at low temperatures limit the further application of lithium metal anodes. Here, the applied magnetic field is introduced inside the lithium metal anode by using a novel magnetic metal‐organic framework as a current collector. The magnetic field can improve the conductivity of this novel current collector, thus accelerating the diffusion of lithium ions in the battery, an advantage that is particularly prominent at low temperatures. In addition, the current collector can stabilize the solid electrolyte interface and inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance. The symmetrical cell at room temperature can exceed 4600 h with a hysteresis voltage of only 9 mV. After 300 cycles at room temperature, the capacity of full cell is still 142 mA h g−1, and it remains stable for 380 cycles at 5 °C (capacity above 120 mA h g−1). The strategy of constructing novel current collector with magnetic field can promote the further application of lithium batteries in extreme conditions such as low temperatures.
(Bi,Sb)2Se3 Alloy Thin Film for Short‐Wavelength Infrared Photodetector and TFT Monolithic‐Integrated Matrix Imaging
Authors: Gao Ruisi , He Xin , Chen Chao , Bao Xiaoqing , Yang Feifan , Yang Xuke , He Jungang , Dong Chong , Li Chuanhao , Chen Shuo , Liang Guangxing , Jiang Shenglin , Tang Jiang , Zhang Guangzu , Li Kanghua
Published: October 2023

Short‐wavelength infrared photodetectors play a significant role in various fields such as autonomous driving, military security, and biological medicine. However, state‐of‐the‐art short‐wavelength infrared photodetectors, such as InGaAs, require high‐temperature fabrication and heterogenous integration with complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) readout circuits (ROIC), resulting in a high cost and low imaging resolution. Herein, for the first time, a low‐cost, high‐performance, high‐stable, and thin‐film transistor (TFT) ROIC monolithic‐integrated (Bi,Sb)2Se3 alloy thin‐film short‐wavelength infrared photodetector is reported. The (Bi,Sb)2Se3 alloy thin‐film short‐wavelength infrared photodetectors demonstrate a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 21.1% (light intensity of 0.76 µW cm−2) and a fast response time (3.24 µs). The highest EQE is about two magnitudes than that of the extrinsic photoconduction of Sb2Se3 (0.051%). In addition, the unpackaged devices demonstrate high electric and thermal stability (almost no attenuation at 120 °C for 312 h), showing potential for in‐vehicle applications that may experient such a high temperature. Finally, both the (Bi,Sb)2Se3 alloy thin film and n‐type CdSe buffer layer are directly deposited on the TFT ROIC (with a 64 × 64‐pixel array) with a low‐temperature process and the material identification and imaging applications are presented. This work is a significant breakthrough in ROIC monolithic‐integrated short‐wavelength infrared imaging chips.
Ionic‐Liquid‐Assisted Fabrication of High‐Performance Methylammonium‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells via Smoothed‐Interface Engineering
Authors: Deng Chen , Liu Xingchong , Huang Zhangfeng , Chen Kaipeng , Ren Haorong , Xu Maoxia , Zhang Zetan , Hu Kexin , Yang Chengbin , Yu Hua
Published: October 2023

A judicious modification of the buried interface can enhance the quality of perovskite films and reduce non‐radiative recombination losses, particularly in methylammonium (MA)‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, the ionic‐liquid 1,3‐dimethylimidazolium methanesulfonate (DMIMMeSO4) is employed, characterized by its high ionic conductivity and excellent thermal stability, to regulate the perovskite/SnO2 interface. The nitrogen component in DMIMMeSO4 can interact with Sn4+ through Lewis acid–base interactions, effectively passivating defects associated with tin and suppressing the formation of oxygen vacancies, leading to reduced non‐radiative recombination of charge carriers. In addition, [MeSO4]− can also form coordination bonds with PbI2, creating a better perovskite film with smoothed interface. Moreover, DMIMMeSO4 also optimize the energy‐level alignment, thereby reducing the charge‐transfer barrier and enhancing charge‐extraction efficiency. As a result, power conversion efficiency of 23.91% is achieved by MA‐free PSCs modified with DMIMMeSO4. Furthermore, after 1000 h of ambient air storage, devices that are not encapsulated maintaine over 90% efficiency. In all of these results, it is clearly indicated that interface modulation based on ionic‐liquid‐assisted smoothed‐interface engineering is an effective approach for obtaining high‐performance PSCs.
Micro‐irrigation technologies as management tool to support the ‘water–energy–food’ nexus
Authors: Elshaikh Ahmed , Murtada Razaz
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates the potential of micro‐irrigation technologies' adoption as tools to achieve integrated management for the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus. In addition, the study examines policy aspects of a nexus approach with a focus on the linkages between water, food, and energy systems, which are essential for management and policymaking. The WEF nexus policies effectively highlighted the trade‐offs and interactions at the nexus of water, energy, and food in ecosystem services. Sustainable agricultural production requires irrigation policies and strategies to minimize losses through optimizing water, land, and energy use competencies. Systematic approaches such as the WEF nexus assist in improving the performance of irrigated agriculture through irrigation modernization. The article provides a conceptual framework for considering the nexus approach in relation to micro‐irrigation technology adoption, discusses the policies synergies and trade‐offs, and offers a broader framework for making adaptation responses more effective. The evidence‐based perspectives of this approach consider the factors of agricultural productivity, water use efficiency, and energy consumption. It could be concluded that a nexus‐based adaptation approach that integrates water, energy, and food within irrigation systems is crucial for the effective and sustainable use of different resources. This can promote inclusive and sustainable irrigation development, especially with the great challenges of climate change. Such situations need urgent action from policymaking, contradictory strategies, and the different levels of resources managers.
Diffusion mechanisms of convective instability in liquid and gas mixtures
Authors: Kossov Vladimir , Altenbach Holm
Published: October 2023

A review of publications on stability of mechanical equilibrium of multicomponent mixtures in gases and liquids under non‐isothermal and isothermal conditions is given. Studies where diffusion in binary and multicomponent mixtures led to the occurrence of instability of mechanical equilibrium of the system have been analyzed. The main attention is paid to the description of approaches predicting the areas where there are increasing convective disturbances, as well as the determination of the spectrum of thermophysical parameters where the contribution of convection to heat and mass transfer is negligible. At the same time, the problems determining the role of diffusion, thermodiffusion, and double diffusion mechanisms in the separation of mixture components at the boundary of convective instability were given priority in the description. The results of investigations related to the study of the evolution of flows arising due to instability at the initial stage of mixing were also discussed.
Fermionization of fusion category symmetries in 1+1 dimensions
Authors: Inamura Kansei
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We discuss the fermionization of fusion category symmetries in two-dimensional topological quantum field theories (TQFTs). When the symmetry of a bosonic TQFT is described by the representation category Rep(H) of a semisimple weak Hopf algebra H, the fermionized TQFT has a superfusion category symmetry SRep($$ \mathcal{H} $$
H
u), which is the supercategory of super representations of a weak Hopf superalgebra $$ \mathcal{H} $$
H
u. The weak Hopf superalgebra $$ \mathcal{H} $$
H
u depends not only on H but also on a choice of a non-anomalous ℤ2 subgroup of Rep(H) that is used for the fermionization. We derive a general formula for $$ \mathcal{H} $$
H
u by explicitly constructing fermionic TQFTs with SRep($$ \mathcal{H} $$
H
u) symmetry. We also construct lattice Hamiltonians of fermionic gapped phases when the symmetry is non-anomalous. As concrete examples, we compute the fermionization of finite group symmetries, the symmetries of finite gauge theories, and duality symmetries. We find that the fermionization of duality symmetries depends crucially on F-symbols of the original fusion categories. The computation of the above concrete examples suggests that our fermionization formula of fusion category symmetries can also be applied to non-topological QFTs.
Molecular tracking of interactions between progenitor and endothelial cells via Raman and FTIR spectroscopy imaging: a proof of concept of a new analytical strategy for in vitro research
Authors: Augustyniak Karolina , Pragnaca Aleksandra , Lesniak Monika , Halasa Marta , Borkowska Agata , Pieta Ewa , Kwiatek Wojciech M. , Kieda Claudine , Zdanowski Robert , Malek Kamilla
Published: October 2023

Circulating endothelial cell progenitors originating from the bone marrow are considered to be a powerful tool in the repair of endothelium damage. Due to their unique properties, endothelial progenitors are now broadly investigated to assess their clinical significance in diseases e.g., associated with brain endothelial dysfunction. However, their distinction in terms of the expression of specific markers remains ambiguous. Additionally, endothelial progenitor cells may change their repertoire of markers depending on the microenvironment of the tissue in which they are currently located. Here, we applied the label-free Raman and FTIR imaging to discriminate mice brain endothelium and endothelial progenitors. Cells cultured separately showed distinctly different spectral signatures extracted from the whole cellular interior as well as the detected intracellular compartments (nucleus, cytoplasm, perinuclear area, and lipid droplets). Then, we used these spectroscopic signals to examine the cells co-cultured for 24 h. Principal cluster analysis showed their grouping with the progenitor cells and segregation from brain endothelium at a level of the entire cell machinery (in FTIR images) which resulted from biochemical alternations in the cytoplasm and lipid droplets (in Raman images). The models included in partial least square regression indicated that lipid droplets are the key element for the classification of endothelial progenitor-brain endothelial cells interactions.
The multiple sulfur isotope architecture of the Kambalda nickel camp, Western Australia
Authors: Staude Sebastian , Martin Laure A.J. , Aleshin Matvei , Fiorentini Marco L. , Markl Gregor
Published: October 2023

New data on the multiple sulfur isotope signature of Archean sulfides from country rocks and magmatic mineralization at the Moran deposit (Kambalda, Western Australia) were combined with previously published geochemical data to constrain the various stages of the dynamic evolution of this magmatic system, unveiling new insights into the transport mechanisms of sulfide liquids in komatiite magmas. Sulfides in the Archean magmatic and sedimentary host rocks of the komatiites display a unique mass-independent sulfur isotope signature (Δ33S), which records a photochemical reaction of sulfur in an oxygen-poor atmosphere prior to the Great Oxidation Event.

Sedimentary rocks that are thought to be assimilated by komatiite show a distinctly positive Δ33S signature (+ 0.9 to + 2.4‰). Early ore sulfides situated above these sedimentary rocks contain relatively few valuable metals and display an overlapping Δ33S range (+ 0.6 to + 1.0‰). Subsequent but still early ore sulfides are situated above basalt, as the sedimentary rocks were thermo-mechanically eroded by the sulfide melt, displaying more mantle-like signatures (+ 0.2 to + 0.3‰) and valuable metal content - indistinguishable from the main ore deposit. This reflects a progressive dilution of the contaminant signature by the magmatic isotope signature of the komatiite liquid. Calculated volumes of the interaction of silicate melt and sulfide melt to explain the metal tenor of the ore and its Δ33S signature indicate a decoupling between chemical and isotopic signatures. This can be explained by upgrading the sulfide melt with valuable metals simultaneously with the dissolution of sulfur in the komatiite melt.
A systematic review of venous thromboembolism mechanical prophylaxis devices during surgery
Authors: Herring Brianna , Lowen Darren , Ho Prahlad , Hodgson Russell
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Hospitalisation and surgery are major risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and graduated compression stockings (GCS) are common mechanical prophylaxis devices used to prevent VTE. This review compares the safety and efficacy of IPC and GCS used singularly and in combination for surgical patients.

Methods

Ovid Medline and Pubmed were searched in a systematic review of the literature, and relevant articles were assessed against eligibility criteria for inclusion along PRISMA guidelines.

Results

This review is a narrative description and critical analysis of available evidence. Fourteen articles were included in this review after meeting the criteria. Results of seven studies comparing the efficacy of IPC versus GCS had high heterogeneity but overall suggested IPC was superior to GCS. A further seven studies compared the combination of IPC and GCS versus GCS alone, the results of which suggest that combination mechanical prophylaxis may be superior to GCS alone in high-risk patients. No studies compared combination therapy to IPC alone. IPC appeared to have a superior safety profile, although it had a worse compliance rate and the quality of evidence was poor. The addition of pharmacological prophylaxis may make mechanical prophylaxis superfluous in the post-operative setting.

Conclusion

IPC may be superior to GCS when used as a single prophylactic device. A combination of IPC and GCS may be more efficacious than GCS alone for high-risk patients. Further high-quality research is needed focusing on clinical relevance, safety and comparing combination mechanical prophylaxis to IPC alone, particularly in high-risk surgical settings when pharmacological prophylaxis is contraindicated.
Single- and multi-trait genomic prediction and genome-wide association analysis of grain yield and micronutrient-related traits in ICARDA wheat under drought environment
Authors: Tadesse Wuletaw , Gataa Zakaria El , Rachdad Fatima Ezzahra , Baouchi Adil El , Kehel Zakaria , Alemu Admas
Published: October 2023

Globally, over 2 billion people suffer from malnutrition due to inadequate intake of micronutrients. Genomic-assisted breeding is identified as a valuable method to facilitate developing new improved plant varieties targeting grain yield and micronutrient-related traits. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and single- and multi-trait-based genomic prediction (GP) analysis was conducted using a set of 252 elite wheat genotypes from the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA). The objective was to identify linked SNP markers, putative candidate genes and to evaluate the genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) of grain yield and micronutrient-related traits.. For this purpose, a field trial was conducted at a drought-prone station, Merchouch, Morocco for 2 consecutive years (2018 and 2019) followed by GWAS and genomic prediction analysis with 10,173 quality SNP markers. The studied genotypes exhibited a significant genotypic variation in grain yield and micronutrient-related traits. The GWAS analysis identified highly significantly associated markers and linked putative genes on chromosomes 1B and 2B for zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) contents, respectively. The genomic predictive ability of selenium (Se) and Fe traits with the multi-trait-based GP GBLUP model was 0.161 and 0.259 improving by 6.62 and 4.44%, respectively, compared to the corresponding single-trait-based models. The identified significantly linked SNP markers, associated putative genes, and developed GP models could potentially facilitate breeding programs targeting to improve the overall genetic gain of wheat breeding for grain yield and biofortification of micronutrients via marker-assisted (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) methods.
Sodium-hyaluronate mouthwash on radiotherapy-induced xerostomia: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Rupe Cosimo , Basco Alessia , Gioco Gioele , Patini Romeo , Lucchese Alberta , Micciché Francesco , Massaccesi Mariangela , Lajolo Carlo
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Radiotherapy-induced xerostomia (RIX) is one of the most common adverse effects of radiotherapy (RT) in head and neck cancer patients (HNC) and a major determinant of survivors’ quality of life. The primary objective was to evaluate the reduction of patients’ xerostomia symptoms after the utilisation of a sodium-hyaluronate mouthwash compared to a placebo solution. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the improvement of quality of life and to evaluate the patients’ satisfaction.

Methods

The protocol was approved by the ethical committee (Ref. 50,053/19) and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05103124). The study was a double-blind randomised clinical trial (RCT) with a crossover design and was conducted at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome.

Results

Thirty-two patients completed the study protocol. Lower values of the modified Xerostomia Questionnaire (XQ) were retrieved when comparing the baseline scores to the ones after the treatment, when compared with placebo (Mann–Whitney U test = 0.01); higher values of patients’ satisfaction (Likert scale) and modified XQ were retrieved for the sodium-hyaluronate mouthwash (Mann–Whitney U test = 0.001).

Conclusions

This RCT highlights the advantages of treating RIX with the sodium-hyaluronate mouthwash since it seems to be clinically effective in reducing its symptoms, without any reported adverse events.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05103124 in 17/10/2021.
Is there a need for change in cancer survivorship care? A qualitative exploration of survivor experiences and needs at the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre Clinic
Authors: Obeid Liam Anthony , Dhillon Haryana M. , Tan Sim Y. , Vardy Janette L.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Effective cancer survivorship care is contingent on a comprehensive understanding and management of the dynamic needs of cancer survivors. The Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre (SCSC) clinic established a holistic, multidisciplinary model of survivorship care. We aimed to explore survivors’ experiences and perceptions of the clinic, and to identify their unmet needs.

Methods

Semi-structured focus groups (FGs) involving participants recruited from the SCSC clinic were conducted by an experienced facilitator and observer using a guide covering: survivor perceptions of first SCSC clinic visit, services accessed, ongoing unmet needs, and how needs changed over time. FGs were audio-recorded and transcribed. Interpretive description using a Framework approach was undertaken and participant characteristics summarised descriptively.

Results

Eight FGs were conducted involving a total of 26 participants (mean age: 60), most were female (n = 20), born in Australia (n = 14), and with breast cancer diagnoses (n = 16). Four overarching themes were identified: (i) perceptions of the SCSC clinic; (ii) patient-centred care; (iii) adjustment to illness; and (iv) external supports and resources. Participants valued the centralisation of multidisciplinary survivorship care at the SCSC clinic, which helped their recovery. Mitigating ongoing treatment sequelae, reassurance of good-health, normalisation of survivorship experiences, and handling caregiver stress represent some needs identified.

Conclusions

The SCSC clinic offers holistic, specialised care and reassurance to cancer survivors. Adjustment to the survivorship journey, inter-survivor shared experiences, and management of physical treatment sequelae were perceived as important in their recovery. Managing survivor needs is integral to improving long-term survivorship care.
Cognitive flexibility in a Tanganyikan bower-building cichlid, Aulonocranus dewindti
Authors: Tomasek Maëlan , Stark Midori , Dufour Valérie , Jordan Alex
Published: October 2023

Cognitive flexibility, the ability to modify one’s decision rules to adapt to a new situation, has been extensively studied in many species. In fish, though, data on cognitive flexibility are scarce, especially in the wild. We studied a lekking species of cichlid fish in Lake Tanganyika, Aulonocranus dewindti. Males create sand bowers as spawning sites and maintain them by removing any objects falling into it. In the first part of our experiment, we investigated the existence of spontaneous decision rules for the maintenance of the bowers. We showed that if a snail shell and a stone are placed in their bower, fish prefer to remove the shell first. In the second phase of our experiment, we took advantage of this spontaneous decision rule to investigate whether this rule was flexible. We tested five individuals in a choice against preference task, in which the fish had to modify their preference rule and remove the stone first to be allowed to then remove the shell and have a clean bower. While there was no overall trend towards flexibility in this task, there was variation at an individual level. Some individuals increased their preference for removing the shell first, deciding quickly and with little exploration of the objects. Others were more successful at choosing against preference and showed behaviours suggesting self-regulatory inhibition abilities. Bower-building cichlids could therefore be a promising model to study cognitive flexibility, and other aspects of animal cognition in the wild.
Exploring the role of singing, semantics, and amusia screening in speech-in-noise perception in musicians and non-musicians
Authors: Loutrari Ariadne , Alqadi Aseel , Jiang Cunmei , Liu Fang
Published: October 2023

Sentence repetition has been the focus of extensive psycholinguistic research. The notion that music training can bolster speech perception in adverse auditory conditions has been met with mixed results. In this work, we sought to gauge the effect of babble noise on immediate repetition of spoken and sung phrases of varying semantic content (expository, narrative, and anomalous), initially in 100 English-speaking monolinguals with and without music training. The two cohorts also completed some non-musical cognitive tests and the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA). When disregarding MBEA results, musicians were found to significantly outperform non-musicians in terms of overall repetition accuracy. Sung targets were recalled significantly better than spoken ones across groups in the presence of babble noise. Sung expository targets were recalled better than spoken expository ones, and semantically anomalous content was recalled more poorly in noise. Rerunning the analysis after eliminating thirteen participants who were diagnosed with amusia showed no significant group differences. This suggests that the notion of enhanced speech perception—in noise or otherwise—in musicians needs to be evaluated with caution. Musicianship aside, this study showed for the first time that sung targets presented in babble noise seem to be recalled better than spoken ones. We discuss the present design and the methodological approach of screening for amusia as factors which may partially account for some of the mixed results in the field.
Feasibility and reliability of the pandemic-adapted online-onsite hybrid graduation OSCE in Japan
Authors: Hara Satoshi , Ohta Kunio , Aono Daisuke , Tamai Toshikatsu , Kurachi Makoto , Sugimori Kimikazu , Mihara Hiroshi , Ichimura Hiroshi , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Nomura Hideki
Published: October 2023

Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is widely used to assess medical students’ clinical skills. Virtual OSCEs were used in place of in-person OSCEs during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, their reliability is yet to be robustly analyzed. By applying generalizability (G) theory, this study aimed to evaluate the reliability of a hybrid OSCE, which admixed in-person and online methods, and gain insights into improving OSCEs’ reliability. During the 2020–2021 hybrid OSCEs, one examinee, one rater, and a vinyl mannequin for physical examination participated onsite, and a standardized simulated patient (SP) for medical interviewing and another rater joined online in one virtual breakout room on an audiovisual conferencing system. G-coefficients and 95% confidence intervals of the borderline score, namely border zone (BZ), under the standard 6-station, 2-rater, and 6-item setting were calculated. G-coefficients of in-person (2017–2019) and hybrid OSCEs (2020–2021) under the standard setting were estimated to be 0.624, 0.770, 0.782, 0.759, and 0.823, respectively. The BZ scores were estimated to be 2.43–3.57, 2.55–3.45, 2.59–3.41, 2.59–3.41, and 2.51–3.49, respectively, in the score range from 1 to 6. Although hybrid OSCEs showed reliability comparable to in-person OSCEs, they need further improvement as a very high-stakes examination. In addition to increasing clinical vignettes, having more proficient online/on-demand raters and/or online SPs for medical interviews could improve the reliability of OSCEs. Reliability can also be ensured through supplementary examination and by increasing the number of online raters for a small number of students within the BZs.
DifFuzzAR: automatic repair of timing side-channel vulnerabilities via refactoring
Authors: Lima Rui , Ferreira João F. , Mendes Alexandra , Carreira Carolina
Published: October 2023

Vulnerability detection and repair is a demanding and expensive part of the software development process. As such, there has been an effort to develop new and better ways to automatically detect and repair vulnerabilities. DifFuzz is a state-of-the-art tool for automatic detection of timing side-channel vulnerabilities, a type of vulnerability that is particularly difficult to detect and correct. Despite recent progress made with tools such as DifFuzz, work on tools capable of automatically repairing timing side-channel vulnerabilities is scarce. In this paper, we propose DifFuzzAR, a tool for automatic repair of timing side-channel vulnerabilities in Java code. The tool works in conjunction with DifFuzz and it is able to repair 56% of the vulnerabilities identified in DifFuzz’s dataset. The results show that the tool can automatically correct timing side-channel vulnerabilities, being more effective with those that are control-flow based. In addition, the results of a user study show that users generally trust the refactorings produced by DifFuzzAR and that they see value in such a tool, in particular for more critical code.
A Comparative Study of the Human-Nature Relationship in The Fate of Fausto and I’ll Sow My Hands in the Garden
Authors: Zekavat Massih
Published: October 2023

This article contends that the representation of human-nature relationship in children’s literature can map onto its gender politics through a comparative study of multimodal dynamics of Irish and Persian picturebooks. It builds upon the premise that children’s literature can play a significant role in sustainable education and forming pro-environmental values in the process of socialization during childhood. Oliver Jeffers’ The Fate of Fausto: A Painted Fable (2019) and Hoda Hadadi’s I’ll Sow My Hands in the Garden (2020) are examined within the framework of environmental humanities for their verbal and pictorial depictions of the human-nature relationship. The findings convey that characters’ gender and sexual identities can impact their interactions with nature; at the same time, nature can clear a space for expressing and affirming underrepresented and historically marginalized gender and sexual identities in children’s literature through creative and dynamic multimodal interactions between the text and illustrations. A comparative analysis reveals that Jeffers challenges abstract, absolute masculinity and masculine arrogance and calls for reforming the notion of need in modern societies, while more playful and transgressive dynamics between the text and illustrations provide an effective tool for Hadadi who appropriates the poetry of Forugh Farrokhzad, a maverick female writer, to undermine the plots of male homo-sociality and erotic counterplotting with a subversive alternative to heteropatriarchy and anthropocentrism.
Multi-level control for multiple mobile robot systems
Authors: Roszkowska Elzbieta , Makowski-Czerski Piotr , Janiec Lukasz
Published: October 2023

This paper contributes with a multi-level, hierarchical control system for a fleet of mobile robots sharing a common 2D motion space. The system consists of three levels, with the top level being a supervisor based on a discrete representation of the Multiple Mobile Robot System (MMRS), in which robot motion processes are seen as sequences of stages. The supervisor controls centrally the changes of their stages by robots, ensuring their collision-, and deadlock-free concurrent movement. The intermediate control level supervises locally the execution of robot motion on individual stages in a manner consistent with the decisions of the top level. The lowest level, robot control, is responsible for motion execution as determined by the local supervisor. We capitalize on some earlier results concerning the supervisory control of MMRS and propose a common framework for three supervisory control models. Then we propose relevant solutions for the local supervisors, in particular, a DES-based robot-motion-mode control and application of the Artificial Potential Field model for ensuring collision-free motion of two robots sharing a space sector. Next we assume simple robot control and subject the system to simulation experiments aimed at comparing the impact of the different solutions on the performance of MMRS.
The Effect of Natural Disasters on Hotel Demand, Supply and Labour Markets: Evidence from the La Palma Volcano Eruption
Authors: Leoni Veronica , Boto-García David
Published: October 2023

Natural disasters are an important deterrent factor for tourism activities from both supply and demand perspectives. This paper studies the short-term effect of a volcano eruption on hotel demand, supply and hospitality labour in La Palma (Spain), an island economy that is highly dependent on the tourism sector. Based on a monthly panel dataset, we employ seemingly unrelated difference-in-differences (SUR-DiD) to identify the distinct responses of these three outcomes both during and post eruption. We are particularly interested in examining the asymmetry in their elasticities to the shock, which serve as indicators of disaster resilience. Potential spillover effects on nearby islands are also examined. We find that the eruption resulted in significant yet asymmetrical drops in international demand, number of hotels opened, and hospitality workers hired. Our findings inform about the resilience of the tourism industry to natural disasters, offering relevant insights about heterogeneous effects depending on exposure to the event.
Dual-Band (28/38 GHz) Compact MIMO Antenna System for Millimeter-Wave Applications
Authors: Elsharkawy Rania R. , Hussein Khalid.F. A. , Farahat Asmaa E.
Published: October 2023

The present work proposes a novel design of a dual-band-printed antenna for operation at the millimeter-wave frequencies 28 and 38 GHz that are utilized for the modern and future generations of mobile communications. The antenna is composed of two radiating elements. The first element is the main patch that is fed through a microstrip line with inset feed, and the second element is a parasitic element that is fed through capacitive coupling with the main patch. The design parameters of the proposed antenna are optimized through a complete parametric study to give excellent impedance matching at 28 GHz over the band 27.7–28.3 GHz and at 38 GHz over the band 37.7–38.3 GHz. The surface current distributions at the two operational frequencies are investigated. The designed antenna is used to construct a four-port efficient multi–input–multi–output (MIMO) system. The MIMO system performance is investigated regarding the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), diversity gain (DG), and the channel capacity loss (CCL) showing very good performance. The single-element antenna and the MIMO are fabricated and experimentally evaluated showing excellent impedance matching over the lower and higher frequency bands, which come in agreement with the simulation results. It is shown that the antenna produces maximum gain of 7.4 and 8.1 dBi at 28 and 38 GHz, respectively. The average radiation efficiencies of the proposed antenna are 88% and 88.8% over the lower and higher frequency bands, respectively. In addition, the coupling coefficients between the MIMO antenna systems are measured experimentally showing very low coupling values resulting in an efficient MIMO system that is suitable for future millimeter-wave (mm-wave) applications.
Pars plana vitrectomy in patients aged 85 years and older: a single-centre, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gonzalez-Lopez Julio J. , Arruza Santos Maria E. , Leon Garcia Jorge
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To describe the epidemiology, indications and surgical results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients over 85 years of age.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed including all consecutive patients aged 85 years or older who underwent PPV between September 2018 and March 2022 in a single hospital in Madrid, Spain. Data on diagnosis, comorbidities, surgical indication, surgical details, surgical complications and surgical outcomes were collected from medical records.

Results

A total of 124 eyes of 119 patients (56 males, 47.1%) underwent PPV. Median age was 87 years (range 85–96). The most common surgical indications were complications of cataract surgery in 34 patients (28.6%), macular epiretinal membrane in 32 (26.9%), and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in 12 (10.1%). Mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 13.33 ± 42.34 ETDRS letters and improved to 40.05 ± 41.04 letters at 3 months (p < 0.001). BCVA had improved in 68.82% of patients at 3 months. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD; p < 0.001), RRD (p = 0.003), ocular trauma (p = 0.001) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD; p = 0.002) showed worse BCVA at 3 months from surgery. Patients with better preoperative BCVA (p < 0.001), and those who underwent 25G PPV (p = 0.041) showed better visual outcomes.

Conclusions

PPV is an effective technique for improving visual acuity in patients aged 85 years and older with vitreoretinal diseases. Visual outcomes were better when patients had a better preoperative visual acuity and underwent 25G PPV. Patients with a previous diagnosis of AMD or CKD, and those undergoing surgery for ocular trauma or RRD had worse visual outcomes.