bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of adaptive capacity of rural women farmers: The role of climate action and information mediums in rural Ghana
Authors: Gyimah Amma Birago Kantanka , Antwi‐Agyei Philip , Adom‐Asamoah Gifty , Baffour‐Ata Frank
Published: March 2024

Gender‐differentiated roles, responsibilities, access, rights, and knowledge gaps shape women's vulnerability to climate change. This is especially critical for women farmers whose livelihoods are climate‐dependent. A key component in building women farmers’ resilience to climate change is deepening their adaptive capacity. Therefore, this research sought to measure the adaptive capacity of women farmers from two unique districts of Ghana using the sustainable livelihood capitals and investigate how access to climate information and the uptake of climate action can influence women's adaptive capacity. Rural women farmers (n = 497) were interviewed through a survey and supported with key informant interviews from six agricultural staff at the selected districts. The adaptive capacity of respondents was rated moderate at 0.405. Differences between the adaptive capacity of women from different agroecological zones (Dormaa East—0.422; East Gonja—0.388) were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). All climate information mediums except the TV medium had a significant prediction on women farmers’ adaptive capacity. The odds of a decreasing relationship of predictor variables, such as extension officer medium, radio, and adaptation action, require strategic structuring to accrue holistic benefit. The study thus recommends deepening women's benefit from extension services by attracting and retaining female extensionists, while training extensionists on tailored techniques for engaging female farmers. Again, extensionists who report high outreach to female farmers should be incentivized. Traditional and modern Information and Communication Technology mediums must be explored and integrated as alternatives. Co‐benefit practices for both adaptation and mitigation should be encouraged among women farmers to deepen climate action.
Anatomical organization of the cerebrum of the praying mantis Hierodula membranacea
Authors: Althaus Vanessa , Exner Gesa , von Hadeln Joss , Homberg Uwe , Rosner Ronny
Published: March 2024

Many predatory animals, such as the praying mantis, use vision for prey detection and capture. Mantises are known in particular for their capability to estimate distances to prey by stereoscopic vision. While the initial visual processing centers have been extensively documented, we lack knowledge on the architecture of central brain regions, pivotal for sensory motor transformation and higher brain functions. To close this gap, we provide a three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the central brain of the Asian mantis, Hierodula membranacea. The atlas facilitates in‐depth analysis of neuron ramification regions and aides in elucidating potential neuronal pathways. We integrated seven 3D‐reconstructed visual interneurons into the atlas. In total, 42 distinct neuropils of the cerebrum were reconstructed based on synapsin‐immunolabeled whole‐mount brains. Backfills from the antenna and maxillary palps, as well as immunolabeling of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), further substantiate the identification and boundaries of brain areas. The composition and internal organization of the neuropils were compared to the anatomical organization of the brain of the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and the two available brain atlases of Polyneoptera—the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) and the Madeira cockroach (Rhyparobia maderae). This study paves the way for detailed analyses of neuronal circuitry and promotes cross‐species brain comparisons. We discuss differences in brain organization between holometabolous and polyneopteran insects. Identification of ramification sites of the visual neurons integrated into the atlas supports previous claims about homologous structures in the optic lobes of flies and mantises.
A Flow Injection Amperometric Sensor for Nitrate Detection Based on Cu Foam/Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Junlapak Nuttakorn , Numnuam Apon , Nontipichet Natha , Kangkamano Tawatchai , Thavarungkul Panote , Kanatharana Proespichaya , Khumngern Suntisak
Published: March 2024

Nitrate (NO3−) contamination from agricultural and industrial waste affects environmental water quality and can cause severe diseases if consumed in drinking water. Therefore, the detection of NO3−is a necessary precaution. This work describes the development of an electrochemical sensor for NO3−detection that combines the advantages of ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) and copper foam (Cu foam) on a glassy carbon electrode (Cu foam/OMC/GCE). The large surface area, uniform pore structure, and large pore volume of OMC supported the electrodeposition of Cu foam to create a highly porous electrocatalytic structure for NO3−reduction. Under optimal conditions, the developed electrochemical sensor exhibited linearity from 1.0 μM to 5.0 mM and a detection limit of 1.0 μM (S/N=3). Moreover, the proposed electrochemical sensor exhibited acceptable selectivity, and good stability and reproducibility. The developed sensor detected NO3−in drinking water samples with recoveries of 88.2±0.9 to 112.5±6.3 %.
Metabolic imbalance driving immune cell phenotype switching in autoimmune disorders: Tipping the balance of T‐ and B‐cell interactions
Authors: Barberis Matteo , Rojas López Alejandra
Published: March 2024

The interplay between the immune system and the metabolic state of a cell is intricate. In all phases of an immune response, the corresponding metabolic changes shall occur to support its modulation, in addition to the signalling through the cytokine environment and immune receptor stimulation. While autoimmune disorders may develop because of a metabolic imbalance that modulates switching between T‐cell phenotypes, the effects that the interaction between T and B cells have on one another's cellular metabolism are yet to be understood in disease context. Here, we propose a perspective which highlights the potential of targeting metabolism to modulate T‐ and B‐cell subtypes populations as well as T–B and B–T cell interactions to successfully treat autoimmune disorders. Specifically, we envision how metabolic changes can tip the balance of immune cells interactions, through definite mechanisms in both health and disease, to explain phenotype switches of B and T cells. Within this scenario, we highlight targeting metabolism that link inflammation, immunometabolism, epigenetics and ageing, is critical to understand inflammatory disorders. The combination of treatments targeting immune cells that cause (T/B) cell phenotype imbalances, and the metabolic pathways involved, may increase the effectiveness of treatment of autoimmune disorders, and/or ameliorate their symptoms to improve patients’ quality of life.
Green and Hawksbill Sea turtles of Eastern Atlantic: New insights into a globally important rookery in the Gulf of Guinea
Authors: Ferreira‐Airaud Betânia , Vieira Sara , Branco Maria , Pina Antunes , Soares Venceslau , Tiwari Manjula , Witt Matthew , Castilho Rita , Teodósio Alexandra , Hawkes Lucy A.
Published: March 2024

Sea turtles are critical components of marine ecosystems, and their conservation is important for Ocean Governance and Global Planet Health. However, there is limited knowledge of their ecology in the Gulf of Guinea. To fill this knowledge gap, this study presents the first integrative assessment of green and hawksbill turtles in the region, combining nesting surveys over 9 years and telemetry data, to offer insights into these population dynamics, and behaviours, including nesting preferences, morphological and reproductive parameters, diving patterns and inter‐nesting core‐use areas. Both green and hawksbill turtles are likely making a recovery on São Tomé, potentially driven by sustained conservation efforts. There are preliminary indications of recovery, but we interpret this cautiously. Coupled with satellite tracking, this study estimated that 482 to 736 green turtles and 135 to 217 hawksbills nest on the beaches of São Tomé. Their movements overlap significantly with a proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA), which suggests they may be well placed for conservation if managed appropriately. However, the presence of artisanal fisheries and emerging threats, such as sand mining and unregulated tourism, highlight the urgent need for robust management strategies that align global conservation objectives with local socioeconomic realities. This study significantly enhances our understanding of the ecology and conservation needs of the green and hawksbill turtles in the Gulf of Guinea. The insights gleaned here can contribute to the development of tailored conservation strategies that benefit these populations and the ecosystem services upon which they depend.
Assessment of environmental water strategies for improving fringing vegetation health by modelling vegetation condition in a connected floodplain lakes system
Authors: Wu Chunying , Webb J. Angus , Stewardson Michael J.
Published: March 2024

Across the globe, environmental water has been allocated with the purpose of preserving the health and vitality of floodplain vegetation. However, the influences of environmental water volume and environmental water delivery strategies have not been studied widely because of shortage of on‐ground monitoring data. Remotely sensed data can bridge this gap by providing long‐term and continuous information; Landsat imagery from 1988 to 2020 was used in this research. We used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as an indicator of physiological condition of lake‐fringing trees on the Hattah Lakes floodplain, south‐east Australia. We employed the random forest (RF) regression method to model the relationship between NDVI and various climate and hydrological factors, such as the volume of water delivered to the connected lakes system as environmental water allocations or natural floods. The RF models performed well overall, with a mean R2 value of 0.73. The analysis identified the monthly total of environmental water delivered 3 months prior to the Landsat image date as a more crucial factor than natural floods over the same period for driving vegetation condition. Environmental water from 3 months previously exerts a positive influence on NDVI until the volume reaches a specific threshold. We have observed significant improvements in floodplain vegetation through the current environmental water strategy, particularly since the construction of pumping infrastructure in 2013. We suggest that managers aim to inundate the lake fringing area every 3 years, specifically from August to September, by delivering environmental water up to the modelled threshold volume. Finally, the use of infrastructure has proven to be an effective and efficient method for irrigating floodplain lakes, leading to improvements in vegetation condition while conserving water resources.
Restoration of an Indigenous aquaculture system can increase reef fish density and fisheries harvest in Hawai‘i
Authors: Innes‐Gold Anne A. , Madin Elizabeth M. P. , Stokes Kaci , Ching Casey , Kawelo Hi‘ilei , Kotubetey Keli‘i , Reppun Frederick , Rii Yoshimi M. , Winter Kawika B. , McManus Lisa C.
Published: March 2024

While aquaculture is increasingly considered a globally important source of protein, growing fish for human consumption is not new. Indigenous aquaculture systems, such as loko i‘a (fishponds), were successfully implemented in ancient Hawai‘i and represent a technological advancement designed to sustain a growing human population while maintaining—instead of supplanting—natural ecosystem function in the process of increasing food availability. Biocultural restoration efforts in Hawai‘i, aimed at revitalizing Indigenous stewardship, have included restoration of loko i‘a to sustainably increase the availability of local seafood. While it is clear from historical accounts that loko i‘a can augment fish within estuaries, their role as a nursery ground that supplements surrounding fish populations and fisheries harvest (i.e., providing spillover) remains unstudied in the current literature. This study aimed to test the extent to which loko i‘a restoration can supplement fish populations and fisheries harvest both inside the loko i‘a and in the surrounding waters. A food web model was constructed representing nutrients, phytoplankton, fish, and fisheries in three distinct habitats. The model, set in Kāne‘ohe Bay, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, revealed that there were interactive effects of the area under loko i‘a management, bay fishing effort, and fish dispersal rates on fish density and fisheries harvest. We found that increasing the area under loko i‘a management not only increased loko i‘a fish density and fisheries harvest but also created the potential to supplement bay fish populations and fisheries harvest under certain scenarios. We also identified a trade‐off whereby at high fish dispersal rates, a larger area under loko i‘a management provided maximal benefits to the bay fish population and fisheries harvest, while at low fish dispersal rates, a smaller area under loko i‘a management was more beneficial to bay fish populations and harvest. As expected, loko i‘a also created a surplus of fish within the pond. Our results support the idea that restoration of Indigenous aquaculture systems can positively impact conservation efforts and food security by increasing local fish availability, through both direct production and supplementation of surrounding fish stocks.
Deconstructing the mangrove carbon cycle: Gains, transformation, and losses
Authors: Adame M. F. , Cormier N. , Taillardat P. , Iram N. , Rovai A. , Sloey T. M. , Yando E. S. , Blanco‐Libreros J. F. , Arnaud M. , Jennerjahn T. , Lovelock C. E. , Friess D. , Reithmaier G. M. S. , Buelow C. A. , Muhammad‐Nor S. M. , Twilley R. R. , Ribeiro R. A.
Published: March 2024

Mangroves are one of the most carbon‐dense forests on the Earth and have been highlighted as key ecosystems for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Hundreds of studies have investigated how mangroves fix, transform, store, and export carbon. Here, we review and synthesize the previously known and emerging carbon pathways in mangroves, including gains (woody biomass accumulation, deadwood accumulation, soil carbon sequestration, root and litterfall production), transformations (food web transfer through herbivory, decomposition), and losses (respiration as CO2 and CH4, litterfall export, particulate and dissolved carbon export). We then review the technologies available to measure carbon fluxes in mangroves, their potential, and their limitations. We also synthesize and compare mangrove net ecosystem productivity (NEP) with terrestrial forests. Finally, we update global estimates of carbon fluxes with the most current values of fluxes and global mangrove area. We found that the contributions of recently investigated fluxes, such as soil respiration as CH4, are minor (<1 Tg C year−1), while the contributions of deadwood accumulation, herbivory, and lateral export are significant (>35 Tg C year−1). Dissolved inorganic carbon exports are an order of magnitude higher than the other processes investigated and were highly variable, highlighting the need for further studies. Gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) per area of mangroves were within the same order of magnitude as terrestrial forests. However, ER/GPP was lower in mangroves, explaining their higher carbon sequestration. We estimate the global mean mangrove NEP of 109.1 Tg C year−1 (7.4 Mg C ha−1 year−1) or through a budget balance, accounting for lateral losses, a global mean of 66.6 Tg C year−1 (4.5 Mg C ha−1 year−1). Overall, mangroves are highly productive, and despite losses due to respiration and tidal exchange, they are significant carbon sinks.
Comparison of sediment and water column nutrient processing rates in agricultural streams of contrasting buffer land use
Authors: Larson James H. , Bailey Sean W. , Kreiling Rebecca M. , Bartsch Lynn A. , Frost Paul C. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A. , Pearce Nolan J. T. , Evans Mary Anne
Published: March 2024

Watershed nutrient management often focuses on actions that reduce the movement of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from agricultural lands into streams. One area of management focus is the buffer of land adjacent to streams. Wetlands and forests in this buffer can intercept and retain N and P from the landscape. In addition to directly intercepting agricultural nutrients, natural habitats in the buffer can alter stream geomorphology and influence the in‐stream processing and transformation of N and P to less labile and mobile forms. Here, we assess the influence of buffer land cover on in‐stream processing of N and P. We measured nutrient dynamics in the water column and sediments of agricultural streams in the Fox River and Duck Creek watersheds (WI, USA) during the growing season. In these streams, water column processing was low, possibly due to a lack of primary producers in the water column. Water column P processing was weakly associated with wetland land cover in the buffer, but buffer land cover had no clear effect on inorganic N processing. On the other hand, sediments were almost always a source of inorganic P and a sink for inorganic N. Sediment P release was higher in streams with more agricultural land cover in the buffer. Sediments in streams with agricultural land cover in the buffer also removed more nitrate, even after accounting for the greater availability of nitrate in those streams. The buffer land cover conditions we quantified occupy a very small portion of the overall watershed (100 m wide, for 1 km upstream of the study site) but nevertheless appear to influence in‐stream cycling of N and P. For P management, reducing agricultural land cover in buffers is already a priority due to the ability of wetlands and forests to intercept nutrients, but this study suggests there may be some additional benefit due to changes in in‐stream P processing.
Intestinal tissue‐resident memory T cells maintain distinct identity from circulating memory T cells after in vitro restimulation
Authors: Beumer‐Chuwonpad Ammarina , Behr Felix M. , van Alphen Floris P.J. , Kragten Natasja A. M. , Hoogendijk Arie J. , van den Biggelaar Maartje , van Gisbergen Klaas P.J.M.
Published: March 2024

Resident memory T (TRM) cells have been recently established as an important subset of memory T cells that provide early and essential protection against reinfection in the absence of circulating memory T cells. Recent findings showing that TRM expand in vivo after repeated antigenic stimulation indicate that these memory T cells are not terminally differentiated. This suggests an opportunity for in vitro TRM expansion to apply in an immunotherapy setting. However, it has also been shown that TRM may not maintain their identity and form circulating memory T cells after in vivo restimulation. Therefore, we set out to determine how TRM respond to antigenic activation in culture. Using Listeria monocytogenes and LCMV infection models, we found that TRM from the intraepithelial compartment of the small intestine expand in vitro after antigenic stimulation and subsequent resting in homeostatic cytokines. A large fraction of the expanded TRM retained their phenotype, including the expression of key TRM markers CD69 and CD103 (ITGAE). The optimal culture of TRM required low O2 pressure to maintain the expression of these and other TRM‐associated molecules. Expanded TRM retained their effector capacity to produce cytokines after restimulation, but did not acquire a highly glycolytic profile indicative of effector T cells. The proteomic analysis confirmed TRM profile retention, including expression of TRM‐related transcription factors, tissue retention factors, adhesion molecules, and enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism. Collectively, our data indicate that limiting oxygen conditions supports in vitro expansion of TRM cells that maintain their TRM phenotype, at least in part, suggesting an opportunity for therapeutic strategies that require in vitro expansion of TRM.
Synthetic Studies and Structural Aspects of Dinuclear Sulfur Titanium Compounds
Authors: Álvarez‐Ruiz Elena , González‐Pérez Juan Ignacio , Hernán‐Gómez Alberto , Martín Avelino , Mena Miguel , Santamaría Cristina
Published: March 2024

A series of dinuclear sulfur‐bridged titanium derivatives [Ti(η5‐C5Me5)R(μ‐S)]2 (R=NMe2 (1), Ph (2), CH2Ph (3), CH2SiMe3 (4)) has been synthesized from the reaction of [Ti(η5‐C5Me5)Cl(μ‐S)]2 with the corresponding lithium salt or Grignard reagent. Formulation of 1–4 as symmetric dimers has been confirmed by crystallographic studies. The analogous reaction with Mg(C3H5)Cl afforded the paramagnetic mixed‐valence Ti(III)/Ti(IV) compound [{Ti(η5‐C5Me5)(μ‐S)}2(μ‐C3H5)] (5). Contrasting with complexes 1–4, compound 5 exhibits a bridging μ‐CH2CHCH2 fragment between the titanium atoms, which prevents the formation of a planar Ti2S2 core in the solid‐state structure. Complex 1 reacts with SiH3Ph to give [{Ti(η5‐C5Me5)(μ‐S)}2(μ‐NMe2)] (6), a paramagnetic mixed‐valence Ti(III)/Ti(IV) compound, structurally and electronically similar to 5. Under mild conditions, treatment of compounds 3 and 4 with H2 (1 atm) generates quantitatively the Ti(III) tetrametallic sulfide cluster [Ti(η5‐C5Me5)(μ3‐S)]4, along with the corresponding alkane.
Multi‐factor Analysis of Capacity Allocation Optimization for Novel Wind‐Hydrogen Coupled Power Generation Systems
Authors: Meng Zhaoxin , Liu Yixue , Di Junjie , He Qing , Shen Yi , Du Dongmei
Published: March 2024

Wind power generation has the problem of wind resource waste. Wind‐hydrogen coupled can enhance wind power's utilization and revenue. Currently, there is no discussion of the impact of multiple factors on the system configuration. In this study, take the annual profit of the wind‐hydrogen coupled power generation systems (WHCPGS) as the objective function, and construct the multi‐factor capacity configuration model. Using particle swarm optimization (PSO) to solve the model, and analyzes the impact of multi‐factors on the system's annual profit and revenue mode. The results show that with 30 wind turbines, the coupled system annual profit increases by 43% compared to the alone system. The higher investment does not make the system more rewarding. The configuration results are the same for investments of 0.8 billion ¥ and 1 billion ¥. The price at 0.20 ¥ kW−1 h−1, the coupled system has the optimal annual profit. Fuel cells’ (FCs) electricity price and hydrogen transportation distance are crucial factors influencing the mode of the system profit. This study has specific reference significance for the practical application of capacity configuration of the system.
Tweaking the Efficiency of Asymmetric Hybrid Supercapacitors with Mechanochemically Synthesized Mixed‐Metal–Organic Framework‐Derived Metal Oxides
Authors: Shahul Hameed Arif Mohamed , Shanmugam Ganesan , Thirugnanasambandam Eswaramoorthi , Kamaraj Santhosh
Published: March 2024

Novel electrode and electrolyte materials are crucial for enhancing supercapacitor efficiency. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained attention owing to their high porosity and surface area. However, their low capacity limits their usage. To tackle this, a highly effective mechanochemical annealing strategy is implemented to improve their efficiency. Three different forms of metal oxides NiCo2O4 are derived from bimetallic MOFs by incorporating Ni2+ and Co2+ with linkers 1,3,5‐benzene tricarboxylic acid (MO‐1), 2,6‐naphthalene dicarboxylic acid (MO‐2), and 1,2,4,5‐benzene tetracarboxylic acid (MO‐3). The synthesized metal oxides have different morphologies due to different linkers and displayed remarkable electrochemical performance, attributed to favorable charge transport paths and enhanced electrochemical double‐layer capacitance with an enlarged specific surface area. These metal oxides exhibit specific capacitance values of 913.3, 43.4, and 210 F g−1 at operating voltages of 0.55, 0.55, and 0.6 V for MO‐1, MO‐2, and MO‐3, respectively. Notably, MO‐1 shows extended discharging time and demonstrates the characteristic behavior of battery‐type supercapacitors, making it versatile. The fabricated hybrid supercapacitor (bimetal hybrid supercapacitor) shows pseudocapacitive behavior, reaching up to 1.5 V with a specific capacitance of 65.6 F g−1, energy density of 73.83 W h kg−1, and power density of 1181.2 W kg−1.
Erosion processes and sediment source tracing on heterogeneous slopes in the red soil region of southern China
Authors: Wu Tieniu , Lei Longyu , Luo Yuanyong , Zhang Hailin , Jie Yi , Liu Haijun
Published: March 2024

Understanding erosion, sediment sources and the spatial distribution along heterogeneous slopes is essential for soil and water conservation. In this study, soils derived from nodular limestone, mud‐like limestone and limestone breccia (abbreviated as SMTL, SMDL and SLBC, respectively) were utilized to establish artificial homogeneous and heterogeneous slopes. The homogeneous slopes MTL, MDL and LBC represent SMTL‐, SMDL‐ and SLBC‐filled‐ slopes, respectively. The heterogeneous slopes were abbreviated as MTL/MDL, MDL/LBC and LBC/MTL. Rare earth elements (REEs; lanthanide, cerium and ytterbium) were used to tag soils on the upper and lower slope sections to track sediment transport and deposition. The results showed that for homogeneous slopes, the LBC slope was the most severely eroded, followed by the MDL and MTL slopes. For heterogeneous slopes, the order of erosion was LBC/MTL > MTL/MDL > MDL/LBC. Upslope sections contributed a sizable portion of the total sediment yield, ranging from 51% to 79%. Over time, the difference in the sediment contribution between the upslope and downslope regions decreased and reached equilibrium. Runoff rates on heterogeneous slopes demonstrated an inverse function (R2 > 0.75) in contrast to a logarithmic distribution (R2 > 0.87) on homogeneous slopes. Heterogeneous slopes displayed minimal intersegment variation and the absence of a consistent ordering of the magnitude of hydraulic parameters. Conversely, the hydraulic parameters of homogeneous slopes were consistently ordered across the slope sections. For sediment transport, all slopes exhibited suspension‐dominated flow with percentages greater than 89%. However, the particle size distribution of the sediment of heterogeneous slopes exhibited greater diversity and complexity because of the coexistence of distinct soils. These findings underscore the importance of customized strategies for soil and water conservation in environments characterized by diverse soil parent materials.
On robust boundary treatments for wall‐modeled LES with high‐order discontinuous finite element methods
Authors: Fukushima Yuma , Haga Takanori
Published: March 2024

To robustly and accurately simulate wall‐bounded turbulent flows at high Reynolds numbers, we propose suitable boundary treatments for wall‐modeled large‐eddy simulation (WMLES) coupled with a high‐order flux reconstruction (FR) method. First, we show the need to impose an auxiliary boundary condition on auxiliary variables (solution gradients) that are commonly introduced in high‐order discontinuous finite element methods (DFEMs). Auxiliary boundary conditions are introduced in WMLES, where the grid resolution is too coarse to resolve the inner layer of a turbulent boundary layer. Another boundary treatment to further enhance stability with under‐resolved grids, is the use of a modal filter only in the wall‐normal direction of wall‐adjacent cells to remove the oscillations. A grid convergence study of turbulent channel flow with a high Reynolds number () shows that the present WMLES framework accurately predicts velocity profiles, Reynolds shear stress, and skin friction coefficients at the grid resolutions recommended in the literature. It was confirmed that a small amount of filtering is sufficient to stabilize computation, with negligible influence on prediction accuracy. In addition, non‐equilibrium periodic hill flow with a curved wall, including flow separation, reattachment, and acceleration at a high Reynolds number (), is reported. Considering stability and the prediction accuracy, we recommend a loose auxiliary wall boundary conditions with a less steep velocity gradient for WMLES using high‐order DFEMs.
Fungal Carbon: A Cost‐Effective Tunable Network Template for Creating Supercapacitors
Authors: Jones Mitchell P. , Jiang Qixiang , Mautner Andreas , Naghilou Aida , Prado‐Roller Alexander , Wolff Marion , Koch Thomas , Archodoulaki Vasiliki‐Maria , Bismarck Alexander
Published: March 2024

Carbons form critical components in biogas purification and energy storage systems and are used to modify polymer matrices. The environmental impact of producing carbons has driven research interest in biomass‐derived carbons, although these have yield, processing, and resource competition limitations. Naturally formed fungal filaments are investigated, which are abundantly available as food‐ and biotechnology‐industry by‐products and wastes as cost‐effective and sustainable templates for carbon networks. Pyrolyzed Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus eryngii filament networks are mesoporous and microscale with a size regime close to carbon fibers. Their BET surface areas of ≈282 m2 g−1 and ≈60 m2 g−1, respectively, greatly exceed values associated with carbon fibers and non‐activated pyrolyzed bacterial cellulose and approximately on par with values for carbon black and CNTs in addition to pyrolyzed pinewood, rice husk, corn stover or olive mill waste. They also exhibit greater specific capacitance than both non‐activated and activated pyrolyzed bacterial cellulose in addition to YP‐50F (coconut shell based) commercial carbons. The high surface area and specific capacitance of fungal carbon coupled with the potential to tune these properties through species‐ and growth‐environment‐associated differences in network and filament morphology and inclusion of inorganic material through biomineralization makes them potentially useful in creating supercapacitors.
Negotiating the salientization of identity: Hindu? Indian? American?
Authors: Harshe Gaurav
Published: March 2024

This chapter starts by briefly decluttering how religion is defined through western theistic attributes, then explores students’ Hindu experiences while centering a counter socio‐religio‐cultural narrative of lived religion. I look into systemic institutional misalignments stemming from white Christian supremacy and lastly, aspects of student leadership on campuses. The chapter closes with critical reflections on scholar‐practitioner essays that address campus dynamics and my recommendations therefrom.

Practical Takeaways

Supporting Hindu students requires a deeper understanding of Hindu traditions’ sociological, historical, and geographical roots as well as its contemporary manifestations in the US American diaspora and its complex relations to transnational social constructs.

Decentering white Christian manifestations in higher education settings for Hindu students can look like not requiring proof of “authenticity” for observances, alleviating programming and facilities hurdles, providing resources for physical spaces or offering reliable rides to places of worship, accommodating lacto‐vegetarian dietary needs, hiring dedicated staff that equitably enhance the internal diversity, and expanding interfaith engagements beyond Abrahamic faiths to include variably‐denominated Hindus.

Developing inter‐functional‐area policies to redress multiple layers of marginalized religious, spiritual, and secular identities in their relations to other identities including race, caste, ethnicity, tribe, gender, (dis)ability, sexuality, and class. This includes critically interrogating internalized forms of oppression.
Differential contributions of the hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA1 subfield to mnemonic discrimination
Authors: Mitchnick Krista A. , Marlatte Hannah , Belchev Zorry , Gao Fuqiang , Rosenbaum R. Shayna
Published: March 2024

Evidence suggests that individual hippocampal subfields are preferentially involved in various memory‐related processes. Here, we demonstrated dissociations in these memory processes in two unique individuals with near‐selective bilateral damage within the hippocampus, affecting the dentate gyrus (DG) in case BL and the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) subfield in case BR. BL was impaired in discriminating highly similar objects in memory (i.e., mnemonic discrimination) but exhibited preserved overall recognition of studied objects, regardless of similarity. Conversely, BR demonstrated impaired general recognition. These results provide evidence for the DG in discrimination processes, likely related to underlying pattern separation computations, and the CA1 in retention/retrieval.
Households catastrophic health expenditure among older people with noncommunicable diseases: A cross‐sectional study from Iran
Authors: Meshkat Sayed Amir Masoud , Kassaeian Sayed Saeed , Danaei Navid , Gharibi Farid
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Noncommunicable diseases are one of the main difficulties faced by older adults in many countries. The study aimed to investigate the households' catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) among older people with noncommunicable diseases.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted between October and December 2022 in Semnan, Iran, with the participation of 400 older individuals suffering from diabetes and hypertension. The Content Validity Ratio (which is calculated based on necessity criterion) and Content Validity Index (which calculated based on relevance, transparency, and simplicity criteria) values of 0.94 and 0.89, respectively, confirmed the content validity of the researcher‐made questionnaire. The occurrence of CHE was estimated using the World Health Organization's rule of “allocating at least 40% of non‐food household costs to healthcare.” Due to the qualitative nature of the data, the χ2 test was utilized to assess the statistical association between demographic and background variables and occurrence of CHE.

Results

Older people with diabetes and hypertension had an annual direct medical costs of $821 averagely, which includes 9.7% for diagnosis, 23.9% for doctor visits, and 66.4% for treatment. Direct medical costs account for around 0.26 of nonfood costs, with 12.5% of seniors facing high medical charges. Age, marital status, type of basic health insurance, diabetes, the time elapsed since initial diabetes diagnosis, the severity of diabetes complications, and the development of diabetes‐related visual impairments, are associated with CHE (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

While the prevalence of CHE among elderly individuals with diabetes and hypertension is reasonably manageable, targeted promotional efforts are still necessary to protect those at high risk.
Fortunellin ameliorates LPS‐induced acute lung injury, inflammation, and collagen deposition by restraining the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Liu Danjuan , Guo Rongjie , Shi Bingbing , Chen Min , Weng Shuoyun , Weng Junting
Published: March 2024

Objective

Acute lung injury (ALI) is the prevalent respiratory disease of acute inflammation with high morbidity and mortality. Fortunellin has anti‐inflammation property, but its role in ALI remains elusive. Thus, this study clarified the function of fortunellin on ALI pathogenesis.

Methods

The ALI mouse model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction, and lung tissue damage was evaluated utilizing hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. The edema of lung tissue was measured by the lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio. The lung capillary permeability was reflected by the protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Inflammatory cell infiltration was measured by the evaluation of the content of myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophils, and leukocytes in BALF. Cell apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The secretions of inflammatory cytokines were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays. Lung tissue collagen deposition was evaluated by Masson staining.

Results

Fortunellin attenuated LPS‐induced lung tissue damage and reduced the W/D ratio, the content of MPO in lung tissue, the total protein contents in BALF, and the neutrophils and leukocytes number. Besides, fortunellin alleviated LPS‐stimulated lung tissue apoptosis, inflammatory response, and collagen deposition. Furthermore, Fortunellin repressed the activity of the Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB)/NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) pathway in the LPS‐stimulated ALI model and LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, fortunellin attenuated LPS‐stimulated tissue injury, apoptosis, inflammation, and collagen deposition of the lung via restraining the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway.

Conclusion

Fortunellin attenuated LPS‐stimulated ALI through repressing the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway. Fortunellin may be a valuable drug for ALI therapy.
Pyroptosis and polarization of macrophages in septic acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice
Authors: Zhou Sijiang , Yang Xia , Mo Kanglin , Ning Zong
Published: March 2024

Background

Pyroptosis and polarization are significant contributors to the onset and development of many diseases. At present, the relationship between pyroptosis and polarization in acute lung injury (ALI) caused by sepsis remains unclear.

Methods

The ALI model for sepsis was created in mice and categorized into the blank control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, LPS + low‐dose Belnacasan group, LPS + high‐dose Belnacasan group, LPS + low‐dose Wedelolactone group, LPS + high‐dose Wedelolactone group, and positive control group. The wet‐dry specific gravity was evaluated to compare pulmonary edema. Hematoxylin–eosin, Masson, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining techniques were conducted to observe and contrast the pathological changes in lung tissue. ELISA was utilized to identify M1 and M2 macrophages and correlated inflammatory factors. Immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry were employed to identify markers of M1 and M2 macrophages in lung tissue. Propidium iodide staining, together with flow cytometry, was utilized to observe the degree and positive rate of pyroptosis of alveolar macrophages. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of Caspase 1, Caspase 11, GSDMD, and IL‐18 in the lung tissues of each group. The real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to ascertain relative expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase 1, Caspase 11, GSDMD, IL‐18, iNOS, and Arg‐1 in lung tissues of all groups.

Results

In mice with sepsis‐induced ALI, both classical and nonclassical pathways of pyroptosis are observed. Inhibiting pyroptosis has been found to ameliorate lung injury, pulmonary edema, and inflammation induced by LPS. Notably, the expression of NLRP3, Caspase 1, Caspase 11, GSDMD, IL‐1β, IL‐18, TGF‐β, CD86, CD206, iNOS, and Arg‐1 were all altered in this process. Additionally, alveolar macrophages were polarized along with pyroptosis in mice with ALI caused by sepsis.

Conclusion

Pyroptosis of alveolar macrophages in the context of ALI in mice infected with sepsis has been linked to the polarization of alveolar macrophages toward type M1.
COVID‐19 in patients with Down syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Pitchan Velammal Praveen N. K. , Balasubramanian Suryakumar , Ayoobkhan Fathima Shehnaz , Mohan Gautham V. K. , Aggarwal Pearl , Rabaan Ali A. , Khan Syed A. , Yasmin Farah , Koritala Thoyaja , Surani Salim R.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Down syndrome (DS) is associated with multiple comorbid conditions and chronic immune dysfunction. Persons with DS who contract COVID‐19 are at high risk for complications and have a poor prognosis. We aimed to study the clinical symptoms, laboratory and biochemical profiles, radiologic findings, treatment, and outcomes of patients with DS and COVID‐19.

Method

We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library using the keywords COVID‐19 or coronavirus or SARS‐CoV‐2 and DS or trisomy 21. Seventeen articles were identified: eight case reports and nine case series published from December 2019 through March 2022, with a total of 55 cases.

Results

Patients averaged 24.8 years (26 days to 60 years); 29 of the patients were male. The most common symptoms were fever, dyspnea, and cough. Gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract symptoms were commonly reported for pediatric patients. The most common comorbidities present in patients with DS were obesity (49.0%), hypothyroidism (21.6%) and obstructive sleep apnea (15.6%). The patients were hospitalized for a mean of 14.8 days. When the patients were compared with the general COVID‐19 population, the mean number of hospitalized days was higher. Most patients had leukopenia, lymphopenia, and elevated inflammatory markers (d‐dimer and C‐reactive protein). Bilateral infiltrations and bilateral ground‐glass opacifications were frequently seen in chest radiographs and chest computed tomographic imaging. Most of the patients were treated with methylprednisolone, macrolides, and hydroxychloroquine. Of the 55 patients, 22 died. The mean age of the patients who died was 42.8 years. Mortality rate was higher in individuals with DS over 40 years of age.

Conclusion

More studies are needed to better understand COVID‐19 infections among persons with DS. In addition, the study was limited by a lack of statistical analyses and a specific comparison group.
Pathways and technologies for modern irrigation services: Iran country paper
Authors: Ehsani Mehrzad , Khaledi Houman
Published: March 2024

I.R. Iran, with 8.8 million ha of irrigated area, is fifth in the world with respect to irrigated land. Scarcity of water resources and great difficulty with water accessibility have brought about initiatives of technology building, as well as approaches to agricultural water management by local communities. During recent decades a huge public budget has been invested in order to improve irrigation services. Improving performance of irrigation systems needs proper diagnosis of the problems and a systematic approach towards modernization. Also having been recently developed and modernized, adjustment of the laws and regulations of the water sector has caused management frameworks of irrigation networks to be gradually improved. In general, in addition to the management framework, equipping with modern tools for measuring water flow and applying tools such as geographic information systems and databases have led to the improvement of water distribution and management. Technical, managerial and policies programmes, as well as investment in water resources and irrigation infrastructures in addition to training and education of farmers and field engineers in water saving in agriculture and enhancing water productivity, resulted in positive impacts on better management of limited fresh water in irrigation.
Mechanical properties of human kidney cells and their effects on the atomic force microscope beam vibrations
Authors: Jafari Ali , Sadeghi Ali , Lafouti Mansoureh
Published: March 2024

In the present investigation, the mechanical properties of normal and carcinomatous cells of kidney tissue (HEK‐293, ACHN, respectively) were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Initially, the elastic modulus of ACHN cells was measured following chemotherapy with the anti‐cancer drug Cisplatin and plasma treatment. The MTT assay was employed to ascertain the most effective dosages for incubation periods of 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, guided by the IC50 concentration for cell viability during chemotherapy treatment. Analysis at these specified time points revealed a progressive increase in the elastic modulus of ACHN cells when subjected to Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Specifically, the elastic modulus increased by 1.847, 4.416, 6.035, 8.029, and 9.727 times in comparison to untreated cells at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. ACHN cells were subsequently treated with plasma for 30 and 60 s for 24 and 48‐h incubation periods. The plasma treatment increased the ACHN cell's elastic modulus. In the subsequent phase of the research, a combination of theoretical (finite element method [FEM]) and experimental methodologies was employed to investigate the resonant frequencies and magnitude of the frequency response function (FRF) concerning the movement of the AFM cantilever. This examination was conducted using ACHN cells as specimens, both before and after exposure to chemotherapy and plasma treatments. The results showed that higher sample elastic modulus increased the resonant frequency, indicating that treated cells had a higher resonant frequency than untreated cells. In conclusion, the FEM and experimental results were compared and found to be in good agreement.

Highlights

Using Cisplatin anti‐cancer drug increases the elastic modulus of ACHN cell.

Applying plasma treatment increases the elastic modulus of ACHN cell.

For both of the chemo and plasma therapies, increasing the incubation time increases the influence of therapies oh the cell mechanics.

Using finite element modeling (FEM) the real dynamic behavior of atomic force microscope cantilever by considering human kidney cells as the soft samples is possible.
Investigating the relationship between residual stress and micromechanical properties of blood vessels using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Han Yibo , Zhang Liyuan , Kong Lingwen , Wang Guixue , Ye Zhiyi
Published: March 2024

The magnitude of vascular residual stress, an inherent characteristic exclusive to the vasculature, exhibits a strong correlation with vascular compliance, tensile resistance, vascular rigidity, and vascular remodeling subsequent to vascular transplantation. Vascular residual stress can be quantified by evaluating the magnitude of the opening angle within the vascular ring. For decellularized vessels, the vascular ring's opening angle diminishes, consequently reducing residual stress. The decellularization process induces a laxity in the vascular fiber structure within decellularized vessels. To investigate the interrelation between the magnitude of residual stress and the microstructure as well as mechanical properties of elastin and collagen within blood vessels, this study employed fresh blood vessels, stress‐relieved vessels, and sections of decellularized blood vessels. Structural scanning and force map experiments on the surface of the sections were conducted using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The findings revealed well‐organized arrangements of elastin and collagen within fresh vessels, wherein the regularity of collagen and elastin exhibited variability as residual stress declined. Furthermore, both stress‐relieved and decellularized vessel sections exhibited a reduction in the mean Young's modulus to varying extents in comparison to fresh vessels. The validity of our experimental results was further corroborated through finite element simulations. Hence, residual stress assumes a crucial role in upholding the structural stability of blood vessels, and the intricate association between residual stress and the microstructural and micromechanical properties of blood vessels holds significant implications for comprehending the impact of vascular diseases on vascular structure and advancing the development of biomimetic artificial blood vessels that replicate residual stress.

Research Highlights

In this inquiry, we scrutinized the interconnection amid vascular residual stress and the microscale and nanoscale aspects of vascular structure and mechanical function, employing AFM. We ascertained that residual stress assumes a pivotal role in upholding vascular microstructure and mechanical attributes. The experimental outcomes were subsequently validated through finite element simulation.