bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medicinal cannabis tea contains variable doses of cannabinoids and no terpenes
Authors: Sønderskov Marie Bach , Hasselstrøm Jørgen Bo , Bahij Rime , Andersen Charlotte Uggerhøj
Published: July 2024

Tea is a recommended way of administration of prescribed cannabis plant products in Denmark. We aimed to investigate the cannabinoid and terpene doses contained in different teas. We analysed tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and terpene concentrations in three repeated preparations of each type of tea, and in plant material.

In standard tea, concentrations of THC were [median (min‐max)] 9.5 (2.3–15), 19 (13–34), and 36 (26–57) μg/mL for products with a labelled content of 6.3%, 14%, and 22% total THC (THC + THCA), respectively. The CBD concentration in tea from a product labelled with 8% total CBD (CBD + CBDA) was 7.5 (1.9–10) μg/mL. Based on this, the recommended starting amount of 0.2 L of the different teas would contain between 0.46 and 11.3 mg THC, and 0.38 to 2.0 mg CBD. Adding creamer before, but not after boiling, increased the THC and CBD concentration 2.3–4.4 and 2.1‐fold, respectively. Terpenes were detected in plant material, but not in tea.

The study elucidates THC and CBD doses in different teas, which may assist the clinician's choice of cannabis product. Moreover, it underscores the need for caution as administration as tea can result in exposure to different doses, even when the same cannabis product is used.
Peptide derived from plant defensins: A promising 68Ga radiolabelled agent for diagnostic of infection foci in PET
Authors: Osorio Jessica , Rosas Roberto Castro , Vega Mariana Barraco , Reyes Ana Laura , Paolino Andrea , Menéndez Florencia , Vega‐Teijido Mauricio , Savio Eduardo , Giglio Javier , Cecchetto Gianna , Terán Mariella
Published: July 2024

The development of new radiopharmaceuticals for the detection of hidden infection foci has great relevance for early detection and the selection of the correct treatment, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. In that sense, the labelling of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are capable of binding specifically to the pathogenic microorganism which causes the infection, should provide a sufficiently specific agent, able to distinguish an infection from a sterile inflammation. Defensins are particularly interesting molecules with antimicrobial activity, the EcgDf1 defensin was identified from the genome of a Uruguayan native plant, Erythrina crista‐galli, the ‘Ceibo’ tree. Our group has previously reported a synthetic biologically active short analogue EcgDf21 (ERFTGGHCRGFRRRCFCTKHC) successfully labelled with 99mTc. Herein we present a shorter analogue which also preserves the γ‐core domain, as a pharmacophore for a potential infection detection agent. This peptide was derivatized with the bifunctional chelating agent 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane‐1,4,7‐triacetic acid (NOTA) through a lysine linker in the amino‐terminal group (NOTA‐KGHCRGFRRRC) and radiolabelled with 68Ga ([68Ga]Ga‐NOTA‐K‐EcgDf1(10)). The [68Ga]Ga‐NOTA‐K‐EcgDf1(10) labelling procedure rendered a product with high radiochemical purity and stability in the labelling milieu. The Log P value indicated that the complex has a hydrophilic behaviour, confirmed by the biodistribution profile. The [68Ga]Ga‐NOTA‐K‐EcgDf1(10) complex demonstrated specific binding to cultures of Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Its biodistribution showed renal elimination and low accumulation in the rest of the body. It was possible to successfully differentiate sterile inflammation from infection by PET images in nude mice with a target/non‐target ratio of 3.3 for C. albicans and 3.7 for A. niger, respectively.
A Diffusion Approach to Radiance Field Relighting using Multi‐Illumination Synthesis
Authors: Poirier‐Ginter Y. , Gauthier A. , Phillip J. , Lalonde J.‐F. , Drettakis G.
Published: July 2024

Relighting radiance fields is severely underconstrained for multi‐view data, which is most often captured under a single illumination condition; It is especially hard for full scenes containing multiple objects. We introduce a method to create relightable radiance fields using such single‐illumination data by exploiting priors extracted from 2D image diffusion models. We first fine‐tune a 2D diffusion model on a multi‐illumination dataset conditioned by light direction, allowing us to augment a single‐illumination capture into a realistic – but possibly inconsistent – multi‐illumination dataset from directly defined light directions. We use this augmented data to create a relightable radiance field represented by 3D Gaussian splats. To allow direct control of light direction for low‐frequency lighting, we represent appearance with a multi‐layer perceptron parameterized on light direction. To enforce multi‐view consistency and overcome inaccuracies we optimize a per‐image auxiliary feature vector. We show results on synthetic and real multi‐view data under single illumination, demonstrating that our method successfully exploits 2D diffusion model priors to allow realistic 3D relighting for complete scenes.
Stereo‐consistent Screen Space Reflection
Authors: Wu X. , Xu Y. , Wang L.
Published: July 2024

Screen Space Reflection (SSR) can reliably achieve highly efficient reflective effects, significantly enhancing users' sense of realism in real‐time applications. However, when directly applied to stereo rendering, popular SSR algorithms lead to inconsistencies due to the differing information between the left and right eyes. This inconsistency, invisible to human vision, results in visual discomfort. This paper analyzes and demonstrates how screen‐space geometries, fade boundaries, and reflection samples introduce inconsistent cues. Considering the complementary nature of screen information, we introduce a stereo‐aware SSR method to alleviate visual discomfort caused by screen space disparities. By contrasting our stereo‐aware SSR with conventional SSR and ray‐traced results, we showcase the effectiveness of our approach in mitigating the inconsistencies stemming from screen space differences while introducing affordable performance overhead for real‐time rendering.
Patterns of substance use recovery following residential treatment: A repeated measures latent profile analysis
Authors: Robinson Laura D. , Degan Tayla J. , Deane Frank P. , Kelly Peter J.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Ongoing improvement to residential treatment for substance use disorders is critical as it typically targets people with the highest need. Assessing multiple recovery indicators, such as cravings and mental health, at intake and following discharge is important in evaluating treatment effectiveness. To refine services, research should explore whether there are subgroups of individuals with different patterns of recovery following treatment.

Methods

Participants (n = 554) were attending Australian Salvation Army residential treatment services for substance use issues. Data were collected by surveys at intake and 3‐month post‐discharge (‘early recovery’). Recovery indicators were cravings, confidence to resist substance use and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Subgroups of individuals based on these recovery indicators (‘profiles’) were identified using repeated measures latent profile analysis.

Results

Five profiles were identified, three profiles improved over time (81.4%) and two (18.6%) deteriorated across all indicators. These two profiles had the poorest mental health and addiction scores at intake and reported shorter time in treatment compared to the three profiles showing improvement. There were no demographic or substance type differences between profiles.

Discussion and Conclusions

By considering initial severity and multiple recovery indicators at early recovery, this study suggests that individuals at‐risk of poor early recovery can be identified at intake. This opens opportunities for tailored treatment approaches to address both mental health and substance use, thereby potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of relapse.
Validation of the conceptual framework and intervention scope of oral function rehabilitation exercise
Authors: Choi Yong‐Keum , Park Hyang‐Ah , Cha Eun‐Gyeong , Lee Yunhwan , Yun Ji‐Hye
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study used a Delphi survey to define the concept of oral function rehabilitation exercise (OFRE) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and to categorise intervention domains for community‐dwelling older adults.

Background

While numerous studies have been conducted to improve oral function through exercise interventions, the conceptual definition of oral exercise remains unclear and there is a lack of systematic categorisation of oral exercise intervention domains.

Methods

A preliminary model was developed based on the key findings of 19 papers selected from a prior systematic review. Its validity was confirmed through a Delphi survey conducted twice with eight expert panellists. Consensus was achieved by evaluating the validity of the OFRE conceptual framework, the accuracy of OFRE conceptual definitions, and intervention domains.

Results

Through expert consensus, an ICF‐based OFRE conceptual framework was developed that includes 21 factors that affect the oral health status of the older adults. The OFRE intervention domain for improving the health status consisted of oral function rehabilitation warm‐up exercise, masticatory function exercise, swallowing function exercise, articulatory function exercise, salivary function exercise, and oral function rehabilitation cool‐down exercise, and 11 specific intervention methods were derived.

Conclusions

The OFRE intervention can be used for planning and applying successful interventions to improve oral function and life function of older adults.
Perceived organizational support for strengths use and its impact on nurses’ job performance: The mediating roles of control beliefs about stress and optimism
Authors: Bai Chengzhi , Bai Baoyu , Yang Jian , Zhou Suhua
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study explores how perceived organizational support for strengths use influences nurses’ job performance, specifically examining the mediating effects of control beliefs about stress and optimism.

Background

Identifying factors that enhance job performance is crucial in the demanding field of nursing. Previous research has highlighted the positive impact of perceived organizational support for strengths use on job performance.

Method

Conducted between May and October 2023, this study involved 653 nurses from various hospital settings across three Chinese provinces. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling methods ensured a representative sample. Questionnaires distributed via an online platform measured variables including perceived organizational support for strengths use, control beliefs about stress, optimism, and job performance. Data analysis utilized SPSS‐25 and the PROCESS macro, with correlation and regression analyses examining the relationships between perceived organizational support for strengths use, control beliefs about stress, optimism, and job performance.

Results

Perceived organizational support for strengths use positively correlates with control beliefs about stress, optimism, and job performance. Control beliefs about stress and optimism serve as mediators in the relationship between perceived organizational support for strengths use and job performance, both independently and sequentially, with optimism being the more potent mediator.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that control beliefs about stress and optimism independently and sequentially mediate the relationship between perceived organizational support for strengths use and job performance among nurses.

Implications for nursing and health policy

This research underscores the importance of creating a work environment that leverages nurses’ strengths and fosters their ability to manage stress and maintain optimism in the face of workplace challenges. Such an environment can significantly enhance job performance and overall well‐being among nurses.
Overcoming flumatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukaemia: Insights into cellular mechanisms and ivermectin's therapeutic potential
Authors: Huang Jixian , Xiao Jie , He Lifeng , Dai Wenjie , Xiao Jian , Li Yuquan , He Ying , Yu Liang
Published: July 2024

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a haematological malignancy characterized by the constitutive tyrosine kinase activity of the BCR‐ABL1 fusion protein. Flumatinib, a second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has exhibited superior clinical efficacy compared to its precursor, imatinib. However, with increased clinical use, resistance to flumatinib has emerged as a significant challenge. To investigate the mechanisms of flumatinib resistance in CML, we induced the human CML cell line K562 using a flumatinib concentration gradient method in vitro, successfully establishing a flumatinib‐resistant K562/FLM cell line. This cell line exhibited cross‐resistance to imatinib and doxorubicin, but remained sensitive to the antiparasitic agent ivermectin, which possesses antitumoural effects. Through cellular experimentation, we explored the resistance mechanisms, which indicated that K562/FLM cells evade flumatinib cytotoxicity by enhancing autophagy, increasing the expression of membrane transport proteins, particularly P‐glycoprotein, ABCC1 and ABCC4, as well as enhancing phosphorylation of p‐EGFR, p‐ERK and p‐STAT3 proteins. Moreover, it was found that ivermectin effectively suppressed the expression of autophagy and transport proteins in K562/FLM cells, reduced the activity of the aforementioned phosphoproteins, and promoted apoptotic cell death. Collectively, the increased autophagy, higher expression of drug‐efflux proteins and hyperactivation of the EGFR/ERK/STAT3 signalling pathway were identified as pivotal elements promoting resistance to flumatinib. The significant effects of ivermectin might offer a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome flumatinib resistance and optimize the treatment outcomes of CML.
Religious origins of nationalist movements: The experience of India and the Sudan
Authors: Moniruzzaman Md , Ahmed Abdel Rahman AbdelRahman , Fahmida Farzana Kazi , Mujahid Atiqur Rahman
Published: July 2024

Nationalism in Asia and Africa is generally understood as a modern secular movement for independence. However, this idea is contestable. Analysing nationalism in India and the Sudan, this paper argues that nationalist movements there actually had their origins in Islamic religious resistance against the British colonial rule preceding the development of secular nationalism. Depending on political development following the colonial advancement, the secular elite‐led nationalism also largely fostered religious communal nationalism in India and the Sudan. This substantiates the argument that religion never ceased to play the most central role in the nationalist movements in India and the Sudan. Following an inter‐continental approach to study nationalism, this article explores exclusively the connection between religion and the first ever generic nationalist movements in the context of colonialism in India and the Sudan.
Mechanical forces orchestrate the metabolism of the developing oilseed rape embryo
Authors: Rolletschek Hardy , Muszynska Aleksandra , Schwender Jörg , Radchuk Volodymyr , Heinemann Björn , Hilo Alexander , Plutenko Iaroslav , Keil Peter , Ortleb Stefan , Wagner Steffen , Kalms Laura , Gündel André , Shi Hai , Fuchs Jörg , Szymanski Jedrzej Jakub , Braun Hans‐Peter , Borisjuk Ljudmilla
Published: July 2024

The initial free expansion of the embryo within a seed is at some point inhibited by its contact with the testa, resulting in its formation of folds and borders. Although less obvious, mechanical forces appear to trigger and accelerate seed maturation. However, the mechanistic basis for this effect remains unclear.

Manipulation of the mechanical constraints affecting either the in vivo or in vitro growth of oilseed rape embryos was combined with analytical approaches, including magnetic resonance imaging and computer graphic reconstruction, immunolabelling, flow cytometry, transcriptomic, proteomic, lipidomic and metabolomic profiling.

Our data implied that, in vivo, the imposition of mechanical restraints impeded the expansion of testa and endosperm, resulting in the embryo's deformation. An acceleration in embryonic development was implied by the cessation of cell proliferation and the stimulation of lipid and protein storage, characteristic of embryo maturation. The underlying molecular signature included elements of cell cycle control, reactive oxygen species metabolism and transcriptional reprogramming, along with allosteric control of glycolytic flux. Constricting the space allowed for the expansion of in vitro grown embryos induced a similar response.

The conclusion is that the imposition of mechanical constraints over the growth of the developing oilseed rape embryo provides an important trigger for its maturation.
Local adaptation, recombination, and the fate of neopolyploids
Authors: McDaniel Stuart F.
Published: July 2024

Polyploidy is widely recognized as an important speciation mechanism because it isolates tetraploids from their diploid progenitors. Polyploidy also provides new genetic material that may facilitate adaptive evolution. However, new mutations are more likely to arise after a neopolyploid has already successfully invaded a population. Thus, the role of adaptive forces in establishing a polyploid remains unclear. One solution to this apparent paradox may lie in the capacity of polyploids to suppress recombination among preexisting locally adapted alleles. The local adaptation mechanism requires that spatially heterogeneous selection acts on multiple loci and that gene flow introduces maladapted alleles to the population where the polyploid forms. The mechanism requires neither strong genetic drift nor any intrinsic benefit of genome doubling and can accommodate any mode of gene action. A unique prediction of the mechanism is that adaptive alleles should predate polyploidization, a pattern consistent with observations from a few well‐studied polyploids. The mechanism is also consistent with the coexistence of both diploid and tetraploid cytotypes, fitness heterogeneity among independently derived polyploids, and the prevalence of outcrossing among older polyploids. The local adaptation mechanism also makes novel predictions about circumstances favoring polyploid invasions that can be tested using molecular genetic or comparative approaches.
Efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy using house dust mite tablet for 1–4 years old children with perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Sasamoto Koki , Nagakura Ken‐ichi , Asaumi Tomoyuki , Fusayasu Naoko , Ohashi‐Doi Katsuyo , Yanagida Noriyuki , Sato Sakura , Ebisawa Motohiro
Published: July 2024

Background

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been extensively studied in preschoolers. We investigated the efficacy and safety of house dust mite (HDM) SLIT‐tablet for children aged 1–4 years.

Methods

Children aged 1–4 years with AR were divided into SLIT (n = 22) and control (n = 12) groups based on their guardians' preferences. The SLIT group received a daily dose of 10,000 JAU of HDM SLIT‐tablet for 12 months, whereas the control group received symptomatic treatment only.

Results

The baseline median age was 41 and 34 months in the SLIT and control groups, respectively, and the median AR symptom score was 4 for both groups. Compared with baseline, the AR symptom score had decreased significantly in the SLIT group after 12 months (score: 3, p = .002), whereas it tended to increase in the control group (score: 6, p = .08). Adverse reactions to SLIT were mild and occurred in eight patients (36%). In the SLIT group, Dermatophagoides (D.) farinae‐specific IgE (sIgE) levels increased during the first 6 months and decreased to baseline levels at 12 months. In the control group, D. farinae‐sIgE levels had increased significantly at 12 months compared to baseline (p = .01). D. farinae‐specific IgG4 and HDM IgE‐blocking factor levels were significantly increased at 12 months compared to baseline in the SLIT group only (p < .001). A lower wheezing frequency was seen in the SLIT group (0.3%) compared to the control group (0.7%).

Conclusion

This pilot study demonstrated the efficacy, safety, and immunomodulatory effects of HDM SLIT‐tablet in preschoolers with AR.

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Unravelling the genetic basis and regulation networks related to fibre quality improvement using chromosome segment substitution lines in cotton
Authors: Qi Guoan , Si Zhanfeng , Xuan Lisha , Han Zegang , Hu Yan , Fang Lei , Dai Fan , Zhang Tianzhen
Published: July 2024

The elucidation of genetic architecture and molecular regulatory networks underlying complex traits remains a significant challenge in life science, largely due to the substantial background effects that arise from epistasis and gene–environment interactions. The chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) is an ideal material for genetic and molecular dissection of complex traits due to its near‐isogenic properties; yet a comprehensive analysis, from the basic identification of substitution segments to advanced regulatory network, is still insufficient. Here, we developed two cotton CSSL populations on the Gossypium hirsutum background, representing wide adaptation and high lint yield, with introgression from G. barbadense, representing superior fibre quality. We sequenced 99 CSSLs that demonstrated significant differences from G. hirsutum in fibre, and characterized 836 dynamic fibre transcriptomes in three crucial developmental stages. We developed a workflow for precise resolution of chromosomal substitution segments; the genome sequencing revealed substitutions collectively representing 87.25% of the G. barbadense genome. Together, the genomic and transcriptomic survey identified 18 novel fibre‐quality‐related quantitative trait loci with high genetic contributions and the comprehensive landscape of fibre development regulation. Furthermore, analysis determined unique cis‐expression patterns in CSSLs to be the driving force for fibre quality alteration; building upon this, the co‐expression regulatory network revealed biological relationships among the noted pathways and accurately described the molecular interactions of GhHOX3, GhRDL1 and GhEXPA1 during fibre elongation, along with reliable predictions for their interactions with GhTBA8A5. Our study will enhance more strategic employment of CSSL in crop molecular biology and breeding programmes.
Cutaneous legionellosis in an immunocompromised neonate
Authors: Alzahrani Nujood , Monir Reesa L. , Patel Pratik A. , Fox Thomas G. , Gonzalez Mark D. , Lawley Leslie
Published: July 2024

Cutaneous Legionella infection is rare and primarily seen in immunosuppressed patients. Herein, we present a case of cutaneous and pulmonary legionellosis presenting with fever and erythematous subcutaneous nodules in a neonate with severe combined immunodeficiency. This case underscores the importance of considering this diagnosis and highlights the use of modern testing modalities to promptly diagnose and treat infections in immunocompromised patients.
A New Opening for the Alternative Punishments Debate: Applying the Extended Mind Thesis
Authors: Mamak Kamil
Published: July 2024

The debate on alternative punishments appears to be stagnating. The impasse may be overcome if we consider humans from a different philosophical perspective. If we answer differently the question of who we are punishing, we open new possibilities regarding the question of how we punish. In particular, by applying the extended mind thesis we can arrive at interesting outcomes and reopen the debate on alternative punishments. According to this theory, external artifacts—such as smartphones—can be considered part of our minds. In this article, I defend the thesis that restricting access to personal technologies that are a part of one's self should be considered a form of punishment. Thus, a human who is considered from an extended perspective can be punished in a new way.
Classification of spatial dynamics of a vector–host epidemic model in advective heterogeneous environment
Authors: Feng Yuwei , Wang Jinliang
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we propose and analyze a reaction–diffusion vector–host disease model with advection effect in an one‐dimensional domain. We introduce the basic reproduction number (BRN) and establish the threshold dynamics of the model in terms of . When there are no advection terms, we revisit the asymptotic behavior of w.r.t. diffusion rate and the monotonicity of under certain conditions. Furthermore, we obtain the asymptotic behavior of under the influence of advection effects. Our results indicate that when the advection rate is large enough relative to the diffusion rate, tends to be the value of local basic reproduction number (LBRN) at the downstream end, which enriches the asymptotic behavior results of the BRN in nonadvection heterogeneous environments. In addition, we explore the level set classification of , that is, there exists a unique critical surface indicating that the disease‐free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable on one side of the surface, while it is unstable on the other side. Our results also reveal that the aggregation phenomenon will occur, namely, when the ratio of advection rate to diffusion rate is large enough, infected individuals will gather at the downstream end.
The coupled Hirota equations with a 3×3$3\times 3$ Lax pair: Painlevé‐type asymptotics in transition zone
Authors: Zhao Xiaodan , Wang Lei
Published: July 2024

We consider the Painlevé asymptotics for a solution of the integrable coupled Hirota equations with a Lax pair whose initial data decay rapidly at infinity. Using the Riemann–Hilbert (RH) techniques and Deift–Zhou nonlinear steepest descent arguments, in a transition zone defined by , where is a constant, it turns out that the leading‐order term to the solution can be expressed in terms of the solution of a coupled Painlevé II equations, which are associated with a matrix RH problem and appear in a variety of random matrix models.
Online information about oral health in autism spectrum disorder: Is it good enough?
Authors: Flaifl Yara , Hassona Yazan , Altoum Dana , Flaifl Nada , Taimeh Dina
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The use of the internet has surged significantly over the years. Patients and caregivers of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might consult the internet for oral health‐related information. Hence, this study aimed to assess the quality and readability of online information available in the English language regarding oral health in ASD.

Methods

Online search using Google.com was conducted using the terms “Autism and dental care,” “Autism and oral health,” and “Autism and dentistry”. The first 100 websites for each term were screened. Quality of information was assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for printed material (PEMAT‐P) and the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks. A PEMAT score higher than 70% is considered acceptable for readability and actionability. The JAMA benchmarks are authorship, attribution, disclosure, and currency. Readability was evaluated using the Flesch reading ease score and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) readability formula.

Results

Out of the 300 screened websites, 66 were eventually included. The mean PEMAT understandability and actionability scores were 77.13%, and 42.12%, respectively. Only 12.1% of the websites displayed all four JAMA benchmarks. The mean Flesch score was 10th–12th grade level, and the mean SMOG score was 10th grade level.

Conclusion

While the understandability of the information was acceptable, the readability and actionability were too challenging for lay people. Health care professionals and organizations involved in patient education should place more efforts in promoting the quality of online information targeting patients with ASD.
THEORETICAL A‐GRAMMATISM: THE CASE FOR AN ELIMINATIVIST MINIMALISM
Authors: Pañeda Claudia , Lorenzo Guillermo
Published: July 2024

This paper explores patterns of cross‐linguistic, intra‐linguistic and individual variation in the acceptability of sentences with extraction from islands, a classic object of attention of generative grammar. It asks which “competence” concept better fits the presented data. We contrast two alternative views: one that ascribes a multilingual competence to individual speakers, in the “rich competence” tradition of acquisition theory, and another one based on a “competence‐free” kind of model, which is framed as an instantiation of the minimalist approach to the language faculty. We conclude that the latter eliminativist approach is better suited to account for variation in the acceptability of island sentences.
Effects of composite soil conditioner on soil properties and corn yield in a saline–alkali soil
Authors: Fang Yuhang , Huang Hongyan , Wang Xueping , Zhao Yuan , Gao Yan , Cui Xuejun
Published: July 2024

Biochar is widely used in agricultural production because of its ability to improve the physical and chemical properties of soil and promote crop growth. In this study, a combination of different biochar and lake sediments were used to improve saline soils. The four raw materials, including corn stalk and chicken manure liquefaction product (SMLP), rice husk charcoal (RHC) and two types of sediment (S‐1 and S‐2), which was used to improve the saline–alkali soil, respectively. The most significantly effective applied on the soil was when the composite soil conditioner (CSC) prepared by mixing SMLP, RHC, S‐1 and S‐2 at 5:20:6000:500 t·100 ha−1. The results of soil experiments using the above blending levels showed that the spike weight, plant height and root length of corn increased by 12.49%, 47.17% and 22.10%, respectively, and the pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of soil decreased by 4.83% and 24.02%, respectively. The contents of soil nutrients, soil organic matter (SOM), water content (WC) and soluble cations (K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+) all presented an increasing trend, and the contents of Na+ and soluble anions (Cl−, CO32−, HCO3− and SO42−) of soil showed a downward trend. Accordingly, the composite soil conditioner with biochar and dredged sediment achieves a synergistic improvement in soil physical structure and an increase in nutrient content, which is beneficial for promoting the growth characteristics and yield of corn.
Analysis of COVID-19 epidemic with intervention impacts by a fractional operator
Authors: Bhatter Sanjay , Kumawat Sangeeta , Bhatia Bhamini , Purohit Sunil Dutt
Published: July 2024

This study introduces an innovative fractional methodology for analyzing the dynamics of COVID-19 outbreak, examining the impact of intervention strategies like lockdown, quarantine, and isolation on disease transmission. The analysis incorporates the Caputo fractional derivative to grasp long-term memory effects and non-local behavior in the advancement of the infection. Emphasis is placed on assessing the boundedness and non-negativity of the solutions. Additionally, the Lipschitz and Banach contraction theorem are utilized to validate the existence and uniqueness of the solution. We determine the basic reproduction number associated with the model utilizing the next generation matrix technique. Subsequently, by employing the normalized sensitivity index, we perform a sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number to effectively identify the controlling parameters of the model. To validate our theoretical findings, numerical simulations are conducted for various fractional order values, utilizing a two-step Lagrange interpolation technique. Furthermore, the numerical algorithms of the model are represented graphically to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology and to analyze the effect of arbitrary order derivatives on disease dynamics.
The effect of a psychological scare on the dynamics of the tumor-immune interaction with optimal control strategy
Authors: Salih Rafel Ibrahim , Jawad Shireen , Dehingia Kaushik , Das Anusmita
Published: July 2024

Contracting cancer typically induces a state of terror among the individuals who are affected. Exploring how chemotherapy and anxiety work together to affect the speed at which cancer cells multiply and the immune system’s response model is necessary to come up with ways to stop the spread of cancer. This paper proposes a mathematical model to investigate the impact of psychological scare and chemotherapy on the interaction of cancer and immunity. The proposed model is accurately described. The focus of the model’s dynamic analysis is to identify the potential equilibrium locations. According to the analysis, it is possible to establish three equilibrium positions. The stability analysis reveals that all equilibrium points consistently exhibit stability under the defined conditions. The bifurcations occurring at the equilibrium sites are derived. Specifically, we obtained transcritical, pitchfork, and saddle-node bifurcation. Numerical simulations are employed to validate the theoretical study and ascertain the minimum therapy dosage necessary for eradicating cancer in the presence of psychological distress, thereby mitigating harm to patients. Fear could be a significant contributor to the spread of tumors and weakness of immune functionality.
Immersion ellipsometry for the uncorrelated determination of ultrathin film thickness and index of refraction: Theory and examples
Authors: Jafari Samira , Johs Blaine , Linford Matthew R.
Published: July 2024

Immersion ellipsometry can break the well-known correlation between optical constants and thicknesses of ultrathin (<5–10 nm) films, allowing both to be determined. In immersion ellipsometry, ellipsometric data is acquired in air and liquid ambients, and the data sets are combined in the analysis. The contrast in index between the liquid and film adds information to the analysis that breaks the correlation between the film thickness and refractive index that exists for air-only measurements. We describe the theory and practice of immersion ellipsometry. We also discuss the use of multiwavelength immersion ellipsometry to measure the thicknesses and optical constants of two thin films: native oxide on silicon and an alkyl monolayer on that native oxide. The average thicknesses of the native oxide and chloro(dimethyl)octadecylsilane (CDMOS) monolayer were 1.526 ± 0.027 nm and 1.968 ± 0.057 nm, and their average indices of refraction at 633 nm were 1.519 ± 0.005 and 1.471 ± 0.004, respectively. The native oxide and CDMOS monolayer were also characterized with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle goniometry. Both the XPS C 1 s peak and the water contact angle increased substantially after monolayer deposition. While immersion ellipsometry has been known for decades, its use has been limited, maybe due to a lack of awareness of the technique and/or the need to immerse the sample surface in a liquid that could be destructive if the sample is not compatible with the liquid. As ultrathin films become widely used in science technology, immersion ellipsometry should increase in importance.
Reconceptualising Intracareer Transitions as Coach-Becomings: A Rhizomatic Narrative Case Study of an American Basketball Coach
Authors: Darpatova-Hruzewicz Donka , Book Robert T. , Khomutova Anastasiya
Published: July 2024

This paper offers a poststructuralist exploration of the career transitions of an American basketball coach into and within collegiate basketball. We draw on the theory of Deleuze and Guattari to reconceptualise coaching transitions as coach-becomings contrasted with humanist conceptions of outcome-centred, staged processes. Our nomadic analysis is based on longitudinal interviews and ethnographic data collected over a 4-year period. We adopt narrative rhizomatics and ventriloquism to examine the coaching and institutional assemblages engaged in the production of coaching beliefs and behaviours in specific transition contexts. We also attend to the dialogical and performative aspects of analysis in relation to the role of researchers. Our findings suggest that collegiate environments are conducive to disciplinary coaching practices framed within discourses of masculine militarism and dualist representationalism, thus adversely impacting learning, development, and adaptability in transition. We argue that an alternative conceptualisation of transitions as coach-becomings shifts the focus away from arborescent unitary logic to more creative, nonlinear pedagogies that embrace multiplicity and fluidity. Engaging with the Deleuzian ontology of difference also implies raising awareness of coaching as a social and political practice.
Introducing the Task as a Challenge Does Not Mitigate the Negative Effect of Gender Stereotype Threat on Motor Skill Learning in Adolescents
Authors: Soltanifar Sara , Abedanzadeh Rasool , Ahmadinezhad Adele , Mousavi Seyyed Mohammadreza
Published: July 2024

Gender stereotype threat is a sociocultural variable that has received significant attention over the past two decades. We explored whether presenting a task as a practical and challenging activity would reduce the negative impact of implicit activation of gender stereotype threat on motor learning in adolescent girls. Forty-five adolescent girls (Mage ± SD: 13.24 ± 1.06) participated in the study and were asked to throw a tennis ball toward a circular target using their nondominant hand. They were asked to perform five throws as an initial assessment and then were randomly assigned to three groups: IS/CH (i.e., implicit stereotype threat activation and framing the task as a challenge), IS/TH (i.e., implicit stereotype threat activation and framing the task as a threat), and the control (with no instructions). In the IS/CH and IS/TH groups, the participants performed the acquisition phase (five blocks of 10 trials) in the presence of a male evaluator. We used verbal instructions to frame the task as a practical and challenging activity (i.e., learning this task might be a big help in physical education classes in school because it improves throwing skills, and it will help improve control over the nondominant arm which is important in daily activities) and/or threat (i.e., show how good you are on this type of task, and based on your scores, we will be able to measure your natural ability at throwing tasks) before the acquisition phase. One day after the acquisition phase, participants were asked to participate in the retention (10 throws) and transfer tests (10 throws from a distance of 6.5 m). Our findings demonstrated that participants in the control group were able to achieve more effective learning compared with participants in the IS/TH and IS/CH groups. Possible reasons for these results were discussed.
Optical and electronic functionality arising from controlled defect formation in nanoscale complex oxide lateral epitaxy
Authors: Liu Rui , Janicki Tesia D. , Marks Samuel D. , Gyan Deepankar Sri , Zuo Peng , Savage Donald E. , Zhou Tao , Cai Zhonghou , Holt Martin , Butun Serkan , Lu Shaoning , Basit Nasir , Hu Xiaobing , Abbott Tirzah , Kabat Nathaniel , Li Wei , Li Qian , Kelley Kyle P. , Vasudevan Rama K. , Schmidt J. R. , Babcock Susan E. , Evans Paul G.
Published: July 2024

Epitaxial crystallization of complex oxides provides the means to create materials with precisely selected composition, strain, and orientation, thereby controlling their functionalities. Extending this control to nanoscale three-dimensional geometries can be accomplished via a three-dimensional analog of oxide solid-phase epitaxy, lateral epitaxial crystallization. The orientation of crystals within laterally crystallized SrTiO3systematically changes from the orientation of the SrTiO3substrate. This evolution occurs as a function of lateral crystallization distance, with a rate of approximately 50° μm−1. The mechanism of the rotation is consistent with a steady-state stress of tens of megapascal over a 100–nanometer scale region near the moving amorphous/crystalline interface arising from the amorphous-crystalline density difference. Second harmonic generation and piezoelectric force microscopy reveal that the laterally crystallized SrTiO3is noncentrosymmetric and develops a switchable piezoelectric response at room temperature, illustrating the potential to use lateral crystallization to control the functionality of complex oxides.
Astrocytes control quiescent NSC reactivation via GPCR signaling–mediated F-actin remodeling
Authors: Lin Kun-Yang , Gujar Mahekta R. , Lin Jiaen , Ding Wei Yung , Huang Jiawen , Gao Yang , Tan Ye Sing , Teng Xiang , Christine Low Siok Lan , Kanchanawong Pakorn , Toyama Yusuke , Wang Hongyan
Published: July 2024

The transitioning of neural stem cells (NSCs) between quiescent and proliferative states is fundamental for brain development and homeostasis. Defects in NSC reactivation are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Drosophila
quiescent NSCs extend an actin-rich primary protrusion toward the neuropil. However, the function of the actin cytoskeleton during NSC reactivation is unknown. Here, we reveal the fine filamentous actin (F-actin) structures in the protrusions of quiescent NSCs by expansion and super-resolution microscopy. We show that F-actin polymerization promotes the nuclear translocation of myocardin-related transcription factor, a microcephaly-associated transcription factor, for NSC reactivation and brain development. F-actin polymerization is regulated by a signaling cascade composed of G protein–coupled receptor Smog, G protein α
q
subunit, Rho1 guanosine triphosphatase, and Diaphanous (Dia)/Formin during NSC reactivation. Further, astrocytes secrete a Smog ligand folded gastrulation to regulate Gα
q
-Rho1-Dia–mediated NSC reactivation. Together, we establish that the Smog-Gα
q
-Rho1 signaling axis derived from astrocytes, an NSC niche, regulates Dia-mediated F-actin dynamics in NSC reactivation.
Engineering quantum states from a spatially structured quantum eraser
Authors: Schiano Carlo , Sephton Bereneice , Aiello Roberto , Graffitti Francesco , Lal Nijil , Chiuri Andrea , Santoro Simone , Amato Luigi Santamaria , Marrucci Lorenzo , de Lisio Corrado , D’Ambrosio Vincenzo
Published: July 2024

Quantum interference is a central resource in many quantum-enhanced tasks, from computation to communication. While usually occurring between identical photons, it can also be enabled by performing projective measurements that render the photons indistinguishable, a process known as quantum erasing. Structured light forms another hallmark of photonics, achieved by manipulating the degrees of freedom of light, and enables a multitude of applications in both classical and quantum regimes. By combining these ideas, we design and experimentally demonstrate a simple and robust scheme that tailors quantum interference to engineer photonic states with spatially structured coalescence along the transverse profile, a type of quantum mode with no classical counterpart. To achieve this, we locally tune the distinguishability of a photon pair by spatially structuring the polarization and creating a structured quantum eraser. We believe that these spatially engineered multiphoton quantum states may be of significance in fields such as quantum metrology, microscopy, and communication.
Low-temperature dechlorination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for production of H
2
and carbon materials using liquid metal catalysts
Authors: Polo-Garzon Felipe , Wu Zili , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Junyan , Yu Xinbin , Toups Elena , Lopez-Honorato Eddie , Damron Joshua T. , Foster Jeffrey C. , Cheng Yongqiang , Daemen Luke L. , Ramirez-Cuesta Anibal J. , Meyer Harry M.
Published: July 2024

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is ubiquitous in everyday life; however, it is not recycled because it degrades uncontrollably into toxic products above 250°C. Therefore, it is of interest to controllably dechlorinate PVC at mild temperatures to generate narrowly distributed carbon materials. We present a catalytic route to dechlorinate PVC (~90% reduction of Cl content) at mild temperature (200°C) to produce gas H
2
(with negligible coproduction of corrosive gas HCl) and carbon materials using Ga as a liquid metal (LM) catalyst. A LM was used to promote intimate contact between PVC and the catalytic sites. During dechlorination of PVC, Cl is sequestrated in the carbonaceous solid product. Later, chlorine is easily removed with an acetone wash at room temperature. The Ga LM catalyst is reusable, outperforms a traditional supported metal catalyst, and successfully converts (untreated) discarded PVC pipe.
Single-cell RNA-seq reveals distinct metabolic “microniches” and close host-symbiont interactions in deep-sea chemosynthetic tubeworm
Authors: Wang Hao , Xiao Hongxiu , Feng Buhan , Lan Yi , Fung Cheuk Wang , Zhang Huan , Yan Guoyong , Lian Chao , Zhong Zhaoshan , Li Jing , Wang Minxiao , Wu Angela Ruohao , Li Chaolun , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: July 2024

Vestimentiferan tubeworms that thrive in deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems rely on a single species of sulfide-oxidizing gammaproteobacterial endosymbionts housed in a specialized symbiotic organ called trophosome as their primary carbon source. While this simple symbiosis is remarkably productive, the host-symbiont molecular interactions remain unelucidated. Here, we applied an approach for deep-sea in situ single-cell fixation in a cold-seep tubeworm,Paraescarpia echinospica. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and further molecular characterizations of both the trophosome and endosymbiont indicate that the tubeworm maintains two distinct metabolic “microniches” in the trophosome by controlling the availability of chemosynthetic gases and metabolites, resulting in oxygenated and hypoxic conditions. The endosymbionts in the oxygenated niche actively conduct autotrophic carbon fixation and are digested for nutrients, while those in the hypoxic niche conduct anaerobic denitrification, which helps the host remove ammonia waste. Our study provides insights into the molecular interactions between animals and their symbiotic microbes.
Atf3-mediated metabolic reprogramming in hepatic macrophage orchestrates metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis
Authors: Hu Shuwei , Li Rui , Gong Dongxu , Hu Pei , Xu Jitu , Ai Yingjie , Zhao Xiaojie , Hu Chencheng , Xu Minghuan , Liu Chenxi , Chen Shuyu , Fan Jie , Zhao Zhonghua , Zhang Zhigang , Wu Huijuan , Xu Yanyong
Published: July 2024

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is regulated by complex interplay between the macrophages and surrounding cells in the liver. Here, we show that Atf3 regulates glucose-fatty acid cycle in macrophages attenuates hepatocyte steatosis, and fibrogenesis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Overexpression of Atf3 in macrophages protects against the development of MASH in Western diet–fed mice, whereas Atf3 ablation has the opposite effect. Mechanistically, Atf3 improves the reduction of fatty acid oxidation induced by glucose via forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) and Cd36. Atf3 inhibits FoxO1 activity via blocking Hdac1-mediated FoxO1 deacetylation at K242, K245, and K262 and increases Zdhhc4/5-mediated CD36 palmitoylation at C3, C7, C464, and C466; furthermore, macrophage Atf3 decreases hepatocytes lipogenesis and HSCs activation via retinol binding protein 4 (Rbp4). Anti-Rbp4 can prevent MASH progression that is induced by Atf3 deficiency in macrophages. This study identifies Atf3 as a regulator of glucose-fatty acid cycle. Targeting macrophage Atf3 or Rbp4 may be a plausible therapeutic strategy for MASH.