bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial derived vesicles‐ Quo Vadis?
Authors: Hazan (Ben‐Menachem) Reut , Pines Ophry , Saada Ann
Published: February 2024

Mitochondria are dynamic, intracellular organelles with a separate genome originating from prokaryotes. They perform numerous functions essential for cellular metabolism and energy production. Mitochondrial‐derived vesicles (MDVs) are single or double membrane‐enclosed vesicles, formed and released from the mitochondrial sub‐compartments into the cytosol, in response to various triggers. MDVs interact with other organelles such as lysosomes and peroxisomes or may be incorporated and excreted via extracellular vesicles (EVs). MDVs selectively incorporate diverse protein and lipid cargoes and are involved in various functions such as mitochondrial quality control, immunomodulation, energy complementation, and compartmentalization and transport. This review aims to provide a summary of the current knowledge of MDVs biogenesis, release, cargoes, and roles.
Gendered precarity in Saudi Arabia: Examining the state policies and patriarchal culture in the labor market
Authors: Aldossari Maryam , Chaudhry Sara
Published: February 2024

This study explores the intersection of state‐driven policies, patriarchal culture, and gender precarity in the Saudi Arabian retail sector, drawing on twenty‐six in‐depth interviews with employees and other stakeholders. We offer a comprehensive understanding of the multi‐layered nature of precarity, focusing on the role of the patriarchal state and culture in perpetuating gender inequalities and shaping individuals' subjective experiences of precarity against the backdrop of structural precarity. For Saudi men, state‐driven policies exacerbate job insecurity and challenge traditional family ideology and the breadwinner model. However, Saudi women faced socio‐economic vulnerability and organisational neglect, leading to underreporting of sexual harassment and limited protests against it. This antagonistic interplay of state policies and entrenched socio‐religious norms creates both structural and subjective precarity in workplaces. Our study highlights the complexities in addressing gender disparities, emphasizing the intersectionality of gender, religiosity, and power relations. It contributes to understanding gender dynamics in Saudi Arabia by illustrating how state policies and patriarchal culture shape both structural and subjective forms of precarity and emphasizes the importance of fostering feminist consciousness amongst women as part of a broader strategy for addressing gender inequalities.
The impact of geopolitics on international student mobility: The Chinese students' perspective
Authors: Mok Ka Ho , Shen Wenqin , Gu Feifei
Published: February 2024

In the last few years, international student mobility has been disrupted not only by the global health crisis resulting from the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic but also adversely affected by the rise of geopolitics. The worsening relationship between China and its western counterparts led by the United States and its allies has significantly influenced students' motivation and plan for overseas education. Based upon interviews with 75 students from leading universities in mainland China, this article examines how Chinese elite students evaluate the impact of the new geopolitics on their overseas study plans and opportunities. The study found that, due to the influence of scientific internationalism ideas and institutional habitus, interviewees underestimated the impact of geopolitical factors. Furthermore, unpleasant environmental factors (such as racial discrimination) caused by geopolitical changes are tolerable because most of the interviewees plan to return China after studying abroad. On the other hand, deterioration of Sino‐US relations has substantially affected Chinese students' international mobility. Many interviewees, especially those majoring in science and engineering, were unable to obtain visas. Some of them gave up their study abroad plans, while others transferred to other study abroad destination countries such as the United Kingdom and Singapore. We also find that the perception of the power shift in the field of higher education shapes the students' decision making. This article critically reflects upon the international student mobility from the broader political economy perspective, discussing policy implications for future international education.
How framing impacts attitudes about electoral rights for non‐resident citizens
Authors: Himmelroos Staffan , Lafleur Jean‐Michel , Lesinska Magdalena , Lisi Marco , Peltoniemi Johanna , Reidy Theresa , Vintila Daniela , von Schoultz Åsa
Published: February 2024

Widespread adoption of policies granting electoral rights to citizens living abroad has spurred vivid scholarly debates regarding the drivers and consequences of extra‐territorial enfranchisement. But, little is known about the views of resident citizens in origin countries on the matter. We address this research gap and investigate how resident citizens' attitudes to external voting rights are affected by different arguments usually salient in homeland political debates. The study draws on an original survey experiment conducted across five countries (Belgium, Finland, Poland, Portugal and Ireland) with different external voting regulations. Our results show that utilitarian arguments on the costs and benefits of extra‐territorial enfranchisement are persuasively shaping public support for the voting rights of nationals living abroad. They further suggest that resident citizens in origin countries that already grant extensive political rights to non‐resident nationals are more receptive to moral arguments of democratic inclusion regarding the recognition of such entitlements.
Meta‐analysis of the influence of tracheal intubation with cuff and without cuff on the incidence of total wound complications in ICU intubation patients
Authors: Jiang Bingyu , Wang Yupeng , He Xiaoyan , Zhang Lele , Fu Shangpeng
Published: February 2024

At present, it is still controversial whether patients in intensive care unit (ICU) use tracheal intubation with or without cuff. This paper evaluates the effect of tracheal intubation with and without cuff on overall complication rate of patients with intubation in ICU. The database of PubMed, Embase, Conchrane Library and Web of Science was searched by computer, and the clinical research on intubation with and without cuff in ICU was collected. The time range was from the database establishment to November 2023. Literature was independently screened, information was extracted, and quality was assessed by two researchers. Finally, there were nine studies included, with 11 068 patients (7391 in cuff group and 3677 in non‐cuff group). The results showed that the overall complication rate of cuff group was significantly lower than that of non‐cuff group, and that of cuff group (RR = 0.53, p < 0.01). In addition, compared with the non‐cuff group, the cuff group had a lower number of tracheal intubation changes [RR = 0.05, p < 0.01] and a lower incidence of aspiration pneumonia (RR = 0.45, p = 0.01). Compared with the non‐cuff group, the cuff group had a higher incidence of oral mucosal ulcers and pharyngitis (RR = 1.99, p = 0.04), while the cuff group had a lower incidence of laryngeal edema (RR = 0.39, p < 0.01). In ICU intubation patients, the use of cuffs reduces overall complication rate in comparison to patients without cuffs. Therefore, patients with intubation in ICU can recommend tracheal intubation with cuff.
Examining the relationship between nutritional status and wound healing in head and neck cancer treatment: A focus on malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies
Authors: Chen Yajun , Li Yuying , Ceng Yaqi , Li Chunlei , Li Yueying , Wang Yujie , Wang Kun
Published: February 2024

The research was conducted to examine the correlation between nutritional status and wound healing in individuals who were receiving treatment for head and neck cancer. Specifically, this study sought to identify crucial nutritional factors that influenced both the recovery process and efficacy of the treatment. From February 2022 to September 2023, this cross‐sectional study was undertaken involving 300 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer who were treated at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China. In order to evaluate nutritional status, body mass index (BMI), serum protein levels and dietary intake records were utilized. The assessment of wound healing was conducted using established oncological wound healing scales, photographic documentation and clinical examinations. After treatment, we observed a noteworthy reduction in both BMI (p < 0.05) and serum albumin levels (p < 0.05). There was slightly increased prevalence of head and neck cancer among males (61.0%, p < 0.05). Over the course of 6 months, significant enhancement in wound healing scores was noted, exhibiting overall improvement of 86% in the healing process. An inverse correlation was identified between nutritional status and wound healing efficacy through multivariate analysis. A logistic regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between elevated levels of serum protein and total lymphocytes and enhanced wound healing. Conversely, negative correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between larger wound size at baseline and healing. The research findings indicated noteworthy association between malnutrition and impaired wound repair among individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancer. The results underscored the significance of integrating nutritional interventions into therapeutic protocol in order to enhance clinical results. This research study provided significant contributions to the knowledge of intricate nature of head and neck cancer management by advocating for multidisciplinary approach that incorporates nutrition as the critical element of patient care and highlighted the importance of ongoing surveillance and customized dietary approaches in order to optimize wound healing and treatment efficacy.
Photoluminescence spectroscopy to detect microregion stress distribution in glass‐to‐metal seals
Authors: Liu Zheng , Gong Keqian , Cai Yangyang , Chen Zhen , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2024

The stress distribution in sealing glass is one of the most concerning issues for glass‐to‐metal (GtM) seals. In this study, photoluminescence spectroscopy was applied by exploiting the piezospectroscopic effect of Cr‐doped α‐Al2O3 (ruby), and the overall stress distribution along the radius of a concentric seal was detected and analyzed. It was discovered that the compressive stress first increased and then decreased at the edge of the seal. The maximum compressive stress of 91 MPa was detected at ∼20 µm from the interface and was ascribed to the interaction between the glass and surface oxide film of the metal. Stress distributions in pore regions were also investigated and obvious stress fluctuations were observed clustering around pores. A circle of compressive stress was observed around the pores in a single glass without a metal housing; for the pores in the center of the concentric seal, the stress distribution was dominated by the inner contraction of the metal housing; and for the pores near the edge of the seal, the concentration of tensile stress located perpendicular to that of the compressive stress. This study demonstrates a high‐resolved and nondestructive method to detect the stress field and explores the potential for future tailorability of stress distribution in GtM seals.
Psychosocial impacts of being nil‐by‐mouth as an adult: A scoping review
Authors: Hepper Elizabeth C. , Wilson John , Drinnan Michael , Patterson Joanne M.
Published: February 2024

Aim

To map existing evidence and identify gaps in the literature concerning psychosocial impacts of being nil by mouth (NBM) as an adult.

Design

A scoping review of the literature was undertaken using JBI guidance. A protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (osf.io/43g9y). Reporting was guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR).

Methods

A comprehensive search of six databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS and Web of Science) was performed for studies published up to February 2023, with no restriction to study type. A scope of the grey literature was also undertaken. Two authors independently assessed eligibility and extracted data. Descriptive statistical analysis and narrative synthesis were used, and patient and public involvement included in funding discussions.

Results

A total of 23 papers were included in the review, consisting of 14 primary studies (7 qualitative and 7 quantitative) and 9 grey literature. Both global psychological distress and distress specific to being NBM (thirst, missing food and drink) were reported. Caregivers also experience distress from their family member being NBM. Furthermore, social impacts were reported for both patient and caregiver, primarily social isolation and subsequent low mood.

Conclusion

Furthermore, research is needed to understand the prevalence of this population, how best to measure psychosocial impacts and to explore whether (and how) psychosocial impacts change over time. Advancement in this area would enable better service development to optimize care for this patient group.

What is known about this topic?

Eating and drinking provides more than nutrition and hydration.

A wide range of conditions can lead to recommendations for no longer eating and drinking (nil by mouth).

Being nil by mouth (NBM) for short periods such as pre‐operative fasting causes distress; however, little is understood about impact on longer‐term abstinence from eating and drinking.

What this paper adds?

Psychosocial consequences of being nil by mouth (NBM)have been investigated by both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Being NBM impacts both patients and caregivers in various psychosocial aspects, including distress and social isolation.

Several gaps remain, however, regarding ways to measure psychosocial impact of being NBM.
Elevational patterns and assembly processes of multifaceted bird diversity in a subtropical mountain system
Authors: Lin Haoxian , Wang Xiaoyi , Zhong Maojun , Tang Ke , Du Yuanbao , Xu Haigen , Yi Jianfeng , Liu Wei , Hu Junhua
Published: February 2024

Aim

Mountain systems harbour disproportionate biodiversity on Earth. However, the mechanism underlying community assembly along elevational gradients remains unclear due to the complexity of environmental constraints and biotic interactions. Birds play a crucial role in mountain system and are sensitive to environmental changes, making them an ideal taxon for exploring diversity patterns and the underlying assembly processes. We aimed to identify the elevational patterns of multifaceted bird diversity and explore how different ecological processes drive community assembly.

Location

A 2600 m elevational gradient on the eastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau.

Methods

We identified the elevational patterns and assembly processes of alpha‐ and beta‐diversity in the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional dimensions. We compared the multidimensional beta‐diversity components and assessed the response of beta‐diversity to variations in elevational and environmental distances. Finally, we examined the roles of spatial and environmental factors in structuring the diversity patterns.

Results

We observed bimodal elevational patterns across species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and functional diversity but distinct community structures in terms of mean pairwise phylogenetic, and functional diversity. We detected a linear decline in phylogenetic and functional diversity with increasing elevation after controlling for the confounding effect of species richness. We documented relatively high taxonomic and phylogenetic total beta‐diversity, but low functional total beta‐diversity. Turnover dissimilarity contributed much more to total beta‐diversity than nestedness‐resultant dissimilarity. The elevational patterns of standardised measures indicated that competition exclusion and environmental filtering jointly shaped the community assembly process. In general, mean annual temperature, annual precipitation, and area significantly influenced the majority of diversity measures.

Conclusions

Our results revealed incongruent community structures across phylogenetic and functional diversity. Additionally, our results indicated that species with similar ecological performances or distinct lineages may exhibit convergent adaptations to cold and dry environments. These findings provide insights into the mechanistic understanding of the community assembly process and assist in conservation planning in mountain systems by integrating multifaceted diversity across different dimensions.
Association between experiencing low healthcare quality and developing dementia
Authors: Aravena José M. , Chen Xi , Levy Becca R.
Published: February 2024

Background

Low healthcare quality has been found to predict the development of a number of illnesses in older adults. However, it has not been investigated as a determinant of dementia. Thus, the goal of this study was to assess whether experiencing low healthcare quality is associated with developing dementia in people aged 60 and older.

Methods

Participants in the Health and Retirement Study, without dementia and aged 60 and older at baseline, were followed from 2006 to 2019. Experiencing low healthcare quality was assessed at baseline through questions about healthcare discrimination and dissatisfaction with healthcare services. The outcome, development of new cases of dementia, was determined through physician diagnosis or a cognition score compatible with dementia (assessed by the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status). Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of dementia, adjusting for participants' demographic, health, and socioeconomic factors.

Results

Among the 3795 participants included in the cohort, 700 developed dementia. Experiencing low healthcare quality was associated with increased dementia risk over 12 years (unadjusted HR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.27–2.21, p‐value <0.001; fully adjusted HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.12–2.01, p‐value: 0.006). Healthcare discrimination and dissatisfaction with the healthcare quality received were independently associated with increased dementia risk.

Conclusions

As predicted, experiencing low healthcare quality was associated with greater dementia risk. To date, most measures to reduce dementia have focused on individual‐level behaviors. Our findings suggest that implementing structural changes to improve healthcare quality delivery for older persons could reduce dementia prevalence.
Everyday nationhood and religion in the context of migration: The case of Lithuanian Catholics in Norway
Authors: Kesylytė‐Allix Eglė
Published: February 2024

In this article, I explore the relationship between religion and nationhood among contemporary Lithuanian migrants in Norway. The central puzzle is the lack of an open national feeling in the religious setting. However, academic literature has well documented the tight connection between the Catholic Church and Lithuanian nationhood. Interpreting the empirical data from qualitative interviews and participant observations through the lens of everyday nationalism, I argue that seeming lacklustre national sensibilities among Lithuanian Catholics do not signal Catholicism's demise as the vehicle for reproducing Lithuanian nationhood. Instead, it is an expression of the resilience of banal forms of nationalism reproduced via the institutional framework of the Catholic Church and the practices of the clergy and laity. I suggest that the case of Lithuanian Catholics in Norway intimates the need for a more nuanced approach to the concept of individual agency as opposed to a strict agency vs. banality dichotomy in everyday nationhood scholarship. Scrutinising habitual, banal forms of nationhood, together with the conscious ones, is pivotal in comprehending the complex relationship between religion and nationalism in empirical cases where visible displays of national sensibilities may be subtle but nonetheless meaningful.
Toward a coordinated understanding of hydro‐biogeochemical root functions in tropical forests for application in vegetation models
Authors: Cusack Daniela F. , Christoffersen Bradley , Smith‐Martin Chris M. , Andersen Kelly M. , Cordeiro Amanda L. , Fleischer Katrin , Wright S. Joseph , Guerrero‐Ramírez Nathaly R. , Lugli Laynara F. , McCulloch Lindsay A. , Sanchez‐Julia Mareli , Batterman Sarah A. , Dallstream Caroline , Fortunel Claire , Toro Laura , Fuchslueger Lucia , Wong Michelle Y. , Yaffar Daniela , Fisher Joshua B. , Arnaud Marie , Dietterich Lee H. , Addo‐Danso Shalom D. , Valverde‐Barrantes Oscar J. , Weemstra Monique , Ng Jing Cheng , Norby Richard J.
Published: February 2024

Tropical forest root characteristics and resource acquisition strategies are underrepresented in vegetation and global models, hampering the prediction of forest–climate feedbacks for these carbon‐rich ecosystems. Lowland tropical forests often have globally unique combinations of high taxonomic and functional biodiversity, rainfall seasonality, and strongly weathered infertile soils, giving rise to distinct patterns in root traits and functions compared with higher latitude ecosystems. We provide a roadmap for integrating recent advances in our understanding of tropical forest belowground function into vegetation models, focusing on water and nutrient acquisition. We offer comparisons of recent advances in empirical and model understanding of root characteristics that represent important functional processes in tropical forests. We focus on: (1) fine‐root strategies for soil resource exploration, (2) coupling and trade‐offs in fine‐root water vs nutrient acquisition, and (3) aboveground–belowground linkages in plant resource acquisition and use. We suggest avenues for representing these extremely diverse plant communities in computationally manageable and ecologically meaningful groups in models for linked aboveground–belowground hydro‐nutrient functions. Tropical forests are undergoing warming, shifting rainfall regimes, and exacerbation of soil nutrient scarcity caused by elevated atmospheric CO2. The accurate model representation of tropical forest functions is crucial for understanding the interactions of this biome with the climate.
New approaches to dissect leaf hydraulics reveal large gradients in living tissues of tomato leaves
Authors: Jain Piyush , Huber Annika E. , Rockwell Fulton E. , Sen Sabyasachi , Holbrook N. Michele , Stroock Abraham D.
Published: February 2024

The water status of the living tissue in leaves is critical in determining plant function and global exchange of water and CO2. Despite significant advances in the past two decades, persistent questions remain about the tissue‐specific origins of leaf hydraulic properties and their dependence on water status.

We use a fluorescent nanoparticle reporter that provides water potential in the mesophyll apoplast adjacent to the epidermis of intact leaves to complement existing methods based on the Scholander Pressure Chamber (SPC). Working in tomato leaves, this approach provides access to the hydraulic conductance of the whole leaf, xylem, and outside‐xylem tissues.

These measurements show that, as stem water potential decreases, the water potential in the mesophyll apoplast can drop below that assessed with the SPC and can fall significantly below the turgor loss point of the leaf. We find that this drop in potential, dominated by the large loss (10‐fold) of hydraulic conductance of the outside‐xylem tissue, is not however strong enough to significantly limit transpiration.

These observations highlight the need to reassess models of water transfer through the outside‐xylem tissues, the potential importance of this tissue in regulating transpiration, and the power of new approaches for probing leaf hydraulics.
Syntrichia ruralis: emerging model moss genome reveals a conserved and previously unknown regulator of desiccation in flowering plants
Authors: Zhang Xiaodan , Ekwealor Jenna T. B. , Mishler Brent D. , Silva Anderson T. , Yu Li'ang , Jones Andrea K. , Nelson Andrew D. L. , Oliver Melvin J.
Published: February 2024

Water scarcity, resulting from climate change, poses a significant threat to ecosystems. Syntrichia ruralis, a dryland desiccation‐tolerant moss, provides valuable insights into survival of water‐limited conditions.

We sequenced the genome of S. ruralis, conducted transcriptomic analyses, and performed comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses with existing genomes and transcriptomes, including with the close relative S. caninervis. We took a genetic approach to characterize the role of an S. ruralis transcription factor, identified in transcriptomic analyses, in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The genome was assembled into 12 chromosomes encompassing 21 169 protein‐coding genes. Comparative analysis revealed copy number and transcript abundance differences in known desiccation‐associated gene families, and highlighted genome‐level variation among species that may reflect adaptation to different habitats. A significant number of abscisic acid (ABA)‐responsive genes were found to be negatively regulated by a MYB transcription factor (MYB55) that was upstream of the S. ruralis ortholog of ABA‐insensitive 3 (ABI3). We determined that this conserved MYB transcription factor, uncharacterized in Arabidopsis, acts as a negative regulator of an ABA‐dependent stress response in Arabidopsis.

The new genomic resources from this emerging model moss offer novel insights into how plants regulate their responses to water deprivation.
Blocking of awn development‐related gene OsGAD1 coordinately boosts yield and quality of Kam Sweet Rice
Authors: Luo Jun , Amin Bakht , Wu Bilong , Wu Bowen , Huang Weiting , Salmen Saleh H. , Fang Zhongming
Published: February 2024

Kam Sweet Rice is a high‐quality local variety of Guizhou province in China, but most varieties have awns on lemma. In this study, we aimed to obtain awnless varieties of Kam Sweet Rice by blocking the awn development‐related gene OsGAD1 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We determined that natural variations of the OsGAD1 triggered different lengths of awns of Kam Sweet Rice. We found that the awning rate of the CRISPR lines of OsGAD1 in Guxiangnuo, Goujingao and Gouhuanggang decreased by over 65%, and the number of grains per panicle and yield per plant increased by more than 17% and 20% compared to the wild‐types. Furthermore, we indicated that blocking OsGAD1 resulted in an increase of over 2% in the brown rice rate and milled rice rate in these varieties. In addition, the analysis of the transcriptome revealed that the regulation of awn development and yield formation in CRISPR lines of OsGAD1 may involve genes associated with phytohormone and nitrogen pathways. These results suggest that blocking OsGAD1 in Kam Sweet Rice using CRISPR/Cas9 technology can be used for breeding programs seeking high yield and grain quality of Kam Sweet Rice.
Modelling the impact of replacing fish oil with plant oils: A meta‐analysis to match the optimal plant oil for major cultured fish
Authors: Qian Yi‐Fan , Wang Jun‐Xian , Qiao Fang , Luo Yuan , Chen Li‐Qiao , Zhang Mei‐Ling , Du Zhen‐Yu
Published: February 2024

The replacement of fish oil with plant oils is a common practice in aquaculture to compensate for the shortage of fish oil supply and has been thoroughly studied. However, because the experimental conditions vary in many aspects, the results are usually inconsistent quantitatively. Therefore, a meta‐analysis was conducted based on a dataset containing 328 articles to systematically model the influence of plant oils on the main aquaculture fish. In addition to demonstrating the species‐specific dose‐dependent impact of plant oils on fish growth, feed utilization efficiency, lipid deposition and health parameters, we have also investigated the role of other factors in this process. We found that the adverse effects caused by plant oils worsen as the experimental duration extends for Atlantic salmon, while Gilthead seabream and European seabass gradually adapt to the change. Further, water temperature could be a decisive factor for Rainbow trout, and early adaptation to plant oils would be helpful for Gilthead seabream. Moreover, sufficient fishmeal supply could alleviate the adverse effects caused by plant oils for most species, but for Gilthead seabream and European seabass, the growth suppression effect of plant oil was larger when fed high‐fishmeal diets. Besides, by comprehensively considering the effects of plant oils, we matched the potential optimal plant oil for each fish species. Our article quantitatively modelled the adverse effects of replacing fish oil with plant oils, investigated the influences of assistant factors and offered a panorama of the research status with emphasis on potential breakthrough orientations.
Efficient drift parameter estimation for ergodic solutions of backward SDEs
Authors: Ogihara Teppei , Stadje Mitja
Published: February 2024

We derive consistency and asymptotic normality results for quasi‐maximum likelihood methods for drift parameters of ergodic stochastic processes observed in discrete time in an underlying continuous‐time setting. The special feature of our analysis is that the stochastic integral part is unobserved and nonparametric. Additionally, the drift may depend on the (unknown and unobserved) stochastic integrand. Our results hold for ergodic semi‐parametric diffusions and backward SDEs. Simulation studies confirm that the methods proposed yield good convergence results.
Are trunk stability and endurance determinant factors for whole‐body dynamic balance in physically active young males? A multidimensional analysis
Authors: De Los Ríos‐Calonge J. , Barbado D. , Prat‐Luri A. , Juan‐Recio C. , Heredia‐Elvar J. R. , Elvira J. L. L. , Vera‐Garcia F. J.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Determine if (a) a better trunk stability and endurance are associated with an improved whole‐body dynamic balance, and if (b) the assessment tests can be interchanged within each capability.

Methods

Sixty‐three physically active young males performed three trunk stability (i.e., the lumbopelvic stability, the unstable sitting and the sudden loading sitting tests), three trunk muscle endurance (i.e., the Biering–Sørensen, the side bridge and the front bridge tests) and four whole‐body dynamic balance (i.e., the tandem and the single‐leg stance, the Y‐Balance, and the single‐leg triple hop tests) tests two times. After assessing the reliability of the variables, a Pearson correlation analysis was performed.

Results

The correlations between trunk stability and endurance tests with dynamic balance tests were non‐significant except for the unstable sitting test with both the tandem (r = 0.502) and the single‐leg stance (r = 0.522) tests. Moreover, no relationships were observed between the trunk stability and the trunk muscle endurance tests. Interestingly, no relationships were found between most tests within each capability (i.e., trunk stability, trunk endurance, and dynamic balance) except: (i) the front bridge stability test and the back (r = 0.461) and the side (r = 0.499) bridge stability tests; (ii) the two side bridge endurance tests (r = 0.786); (iii) the tandem and the single‐leg stance tests (0.439 ≤ r ≤ 0.463); (iv) the Y‐Balance and the single‐leg triple hop tests (0.446 ≤ r ≤ 0.477).

Conclusion

Better trunk function does not seem to be a relevant factor for dynamic balance in young active males. In this population, specific measures are needed as the test interchangeability is questioned.
Bicistronic expression of nuclear transgenes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Jacobebbinghaus Nick , Lauersen Kyle J. , Kruse Olaf , Baier Thomas
Published: February 2024

In eukaryotic organisms, proteins are typically translated from monocistronic messenger RNAs containing a single coding sequence (CDS). However, recent long transcript sequencing identified 87 nuclear polycistronic mRNAs in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii natively carrying multiple co‐expressed CDSs. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of 22 short intergenic sequences derived from these native polycistronic loci by their application in genetic constructs for synthetic transgene expression. A promising candidate sequence was identified based on the quantification of transformation efficiency and expression strength of a fluorescence reporter protein. Subsequently, the expression of independent proteins from one mRNA was verified by cDNA amplification and protein molecular mass characterization. We demonstrated engineered bicistronic expression in vivo to drive successful co‐expression of several terpene synthases with the selection marker aphVIII. Bicistronic transgene design resulted in significantly increased (E)‐α‐bisabolene production of 7.95 mg L−1 from a single open reading frame, 18.1× fold higher than previous reports. Use of this strategy simplifies screening procedures for identification of high‐level expressing transformants, does not require the application of additional fluorescence reporters, and reduces the nucleotide footprint compared to classical monocistronic expression cassettes. Although clear advantages for bicistronic transgene expression were observed, this strategy was found to be limited to the aphVIII marker, and further studies are necessary to gain insights into the underlying mechanism that uniquely permits this co‐expression from the algal nuclear genome.
Tympanic membrane perforations cannot be reliably detected using computed tomography based on 15 cadaver dogs
Authors: Stokowski Scott , Hespel Adrien‐Maxence , Drake Elizabeth , de Swarte Marie , Cole Robert , Johnson Kryssa , Morandi Federica , Zhu Xiaojuan
Published: February 2024

The integrity of the tympanic membrane is an important factor when deciding treatment and therapeutic recommendations for dogs with ear disease; however, otoscopic examination may be difficult to perform due to features of external ear canal disease or patient compliance. CT is useful for the evaluation of middle ear disease, including cases in which middle ear disease is detected incidentally. The tympanic membrane is detectable using CT, but anecdotally, apparent focal defects or discontinuities of the tympanic membrane are often seen in patients with and without ear disease. The purpose of this prospective, observer agreement study was to determine if perforations of the tympanic membrane are reliably detectable on CT. Fifteen cadaver dogs underwent CT and video otoscopy to verify the integrity of each tympanic membrane. Cadavers were randomly assigned to have the tympanic membranes left intact or to undergo a myringotomy on either the left, the right, or both sides. CT was performed immediately following the myringotomies. Four blinded evaluators evaluated the pre‐ and post‐myringotomy scans for a total of 30 scans (60 tympanic membranes). Average accuracy was low (44%), and interobserver agreement for all four evaluators was fair. Although the tympanic membrane is visible on CT, perforations of the tympanic membrane are unlikely to be accurately detected or excluded. The appearance of an intact tympanic membrane or defect in the membrane on CT should not be used as criteria to guide clinical treatment recommendations based on this cadaver model.
Validation of a RANS Turbulence Model for a S833 Wind Turbine Airfoil With a Trailing Edge Flap Using Oil Visualization and Pressure Taps
Authors: Jami Rafat , Johnson David A.
Published: February 2024

The aerodynamics of a small wind turbine blade was captured using a γ–Reθ k–ω shear stress transport transitional turbulence model tuned with production limiter coefficients at a Reynolds number of 1.70×105. The computational fluid dynamics simulations were validated against wind tunnel experiments that included airfoil pressure tap measurements and surface oil flow visualization (SOFV) to capture the flow field. The uniqueness of this blade included a trailing edge flap that was 20% of the chord controlled using a servomotor. The test matrix included angles of attack (AOA) between 1 deg and 7 deg with flap angles of 10 deg in the upward and downward position. Two locations were always observed on the airfoil: a leading edge region of high shear and a midsection of flow separation. Within the flow separation section, two distinct regions existed: a complete detachment of flow from the airfoil surface creating a stagnation region which was followed by a reverse flow region. A third location of flow reattachment near the trailing edge was observed for all cases excluding a downward angled trailing edge flap. The utilization of the flap resulted in changes to the size of the separation zone and the movement of the separation zone along the chord. The numerical skin friction coefficient, oil residue profiles from the SOFV, and pressure tap measurements all showed onset of separation locations on the chord within 10%. The computational fluid dynamics model also predicted the coefficient of pressure across the chord of the airfoil within 10% in comparison to the experimental measurements.
Post-Buckling Analysis of Arch and Serpentine Structures Under End-to-End Compression
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Ye Fuhua , Dong Yuhang , Zhang Fan , Fan Zhichao
Published: February 2024

Arch and serpentine structures are two fundamental structural forms with significant applications in various fields. When subjected to compressive loading at both ends, these structures undergo flexural-torsional post-buckling, resulting in complex deformation modes that are challenging to describe using basic functions (e.g., trigonometric functions and polynomial functions), posing significant challenges in finding analytical solutions. In this study, we propose a novel approach to address this issue. By representing the lateral displacement with a trigonometric series expansion and utilizing the equilibrium equation, the angular displacement is expressed in terms of special functions known as Mathieu functions. Furthermore, the energy method is employed to obtain analytical solutions for the flexural-torsional post-buckling deformation components. The theoretical findings are validated through experiments and finite element analysis. Based on the theoretical results, explicit analytical expressions for the maximum principal strain and the bending-torsion ratio of the structures are derived, offering valuable insights for the design of arch and serpentine structures in practical applications.
Ab initio calculation of nonequilibrium quasiparticle-phonon dynamics in superconductors
Authors: Huang Han , Kielar Samuel , Tian Zhiting
Published: February 2024

Phonon-induced Cooper pair breaking, inciting nonequilibrium quasiparticle (QP) bursts, is known to deteriorate the performance of superconducting devices. However, a detailed understanding of QP-phonon dynamics is lacking due to the absence of a well-established theoretical framework. This paper presents a fully ab initio scheme of calculating nonequilibrium, polarization-dependent QP-phonon dynamics in superconductors. The authors find that with only an 8% deviation from the equilibrium phonon Bose–Einstein distribution, the resulting nonequilibrium QP population is 83 times larger than the equilibrium Fermi–Dirac distribution, and the longitudinal acoustic (LA) phonon polarization is most responsible for QP generation. The authors demonstrated that the qubit transition rate in Josephson junction-based transmon qubits is increased by orders of magnitude when taking these nonequilibrium distributions into account, compared to equilibrium distributions. This framework allows an in-depth exploration of nonequilibrium QP-phonon dynamics in various Josephson-junction-based superconducting devices. It paves the way for formulating advanced phonon shielding strategies to target the LA polarization, potentially leading to enhanced device performance, such as increased coherence time of transmon qubits or reduced thermal noise in cryogenics.
2-mercaptobenzimidazole inhibits corrosion and prolongs the lifetime of an epoxy resin coating on a copper-62 alloy surface in a simulated marine environment at 40 °C
Authors: Chen Jingkang , Li Xu , Xiao Xujie , Zhu Chengfei
Published: February 2024

Epoxy coatings are widely used on metal surfaces in marine environments, but are subject to corrosion. How to improve the corrosion resistance of such materials has therefore become an important research topic. In this study, the corrosion inhibitor 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI) was added to the organic coating of the epoxy resin on the surface of the copper-62 alloy to extend the service life of the coating in marine environments. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of MBI for the copper-62 alloy in simulated marine environments was investigated by means of immersion corrosion tests, Tafel polarization tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The effects of MBI on the damage process and water transport of epoxy coatings were also studied by EIS. It has been shown that MBI acts as an adsorption corrosion inhibitor by electro-attractively adsorbing on the surface of a copper substrate. For a total mass fraction of 0.5 wt. %, the corrosion inhibition efficiency was more than 90%, and the corrosion current density of the copper-62 alloy in simulated seawater with MBI was 6.01 × 10−7 A cm−2. The corrosion current density of the copper-62 alloy in simulated seawater is 1.382 × 10−5 A cm−2. When MBI was added to the epoxy organic coating at a ratio of 0.5 wt. %, the diffusion coefficient of the coating was as low as 9.72 × 10−11 cm2 s−1, and the time to failure of the coating was extended to 1656h, compared to the epoxy coating without the corrosion inhibitor. It has been demonstrated that the addition of MBI can increase the service life of copper-62 alloy/epoxy coatings in marine environments effectively.
Quartz crystal microbalance in soft and biological interfaces
Authors: Reviakine Ilya
Published: February 2024

Applications of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation to studying soft and biological interfaces are reviewed. The focus is primarily on data analysis through viscoelastic modeling and a model-free approach focusing on the acoustic ratio. Current challenges and future research and development directions are discussed.
Microstructures and improved properties of Cu–Mo alloys induced by high current pulsed electron beam irradiation
Authors: Guo Fangqiang , Zhang Conglin , Guan Jintong , Ma Chengjian , Yang Zirun , Guan Qingfeng
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a Cu–Mo alloying layer with improved properties was fabricated by high current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) irradiation. The microstructure of the modified layer was investigated by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The microhardness and friction properties were also measured. After HCPEB irradiation, nano Mo particles, solid solution, and long-period superlattice structures were generated on the surface of Cu–Mo alloys, together with the formation of defect structures. These microstructures led to a significant increase in the surface hardness. The results of sliding wear tests indicated that the HCPEB-irradiated samples exhibited better properties compared with the initial one, which was attributed to the ultrafine Mo particles and the hardened surface.
IRF3 activates RB to authorize cGAS-STING–induced senescence and mitigate liver fibrosis
Authors: Wu Qirou , Leng Xiaohong , Zhang Qian , Zhu Ye-Zhang , Zhou Ruyuan , Liu Yutong , Mei Chen , Zhang Dan , Liu Shengduo , Chen Shasha , Wang Xiaojian , Lin Aifu , Lin Xia , Liang Tingbo , Shen Li , Feng Xin-Hua , Xia Bing , Xu Pinglong
Published: February 2024

Cytosolic double-stranded DNA surveillance by cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)–Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) signaling triggers cellular senescence, autophagy, biased mRNA translation, and interferon-mediated immune responses. However, detailed mechanisms and physiological relevance of STING-induced senescence are not fully understood. Here, we unexpectedly found that interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), activated during innate DNA sensing, forms substantial endogenous complexes in the nucleus with retinoblastoma (RB), a key cell cycle regulator. The IRF3-RB interaction attenuates cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6)–mediated RB hyperphosphorylation that mobilizes RB to deactivate E2 family (E2F) transcription factors, thereby driving cells into senescence. STING-IRF3-RB signaling plays a notable role in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) within various murine models, pushing activated HSCs toward senescence. Accordingly, IRF3 global knockout or conditional deletion in HSCs aggravated liver fibrosis, a process mitigated by the CDK4/6 inhibitor. These findings underscore a straightforward yet vital mechanism of cGAS-STING signaling in inducing cellular senescence and unveil its unexpected biology in limiting liver fibrosis.
Real-time tracking of three-dimensional atomic dynamics of Pt trimer on TiO
2
(110)
Authors: Ishikawa Ryo , Futazuka Toshihiro , Jimbo Yu , Kawahara Kazuaki , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: February 2024

Single and multi-atoms supported on oxide substrates ultimately increase the efficiency of noble metal atom use, and moreover, catalytic activity and selectivity are also improved substantially. However, single and multi-atoms are unstable under catalytic conditions, and these metal atoms spontaneously aggregate and grow into nanoparticles. Catalytic performance is strongly related to local atomic configurations, and hence, it is essential to determine the three-dimensional (3D) atomic structures of multi-atoms on the substrate and their structural dynamics. Here, we show the real-time tracking of the 3D structural evolution of a Pt trimer on TiO
2
(110) substrate at a high temperature, using high-spatiotemporal-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, where sub-angstrom spatial resolution is maintained, while the temporal resolution reaches 40 milliseconds. With the aid of prior structural knowledge of a Pt trimer for 3D reconstruction, the present method could open the way to characterize in situ atomic-scale structural dynamics, especially meta-stable structural transition.