bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactive effects of soil moisture, air temperature and litter nutrient diversity on soil microbial communities and Folsomia candida population
Authors: Biryol Charlotte , Aupic‐Samain Adriane , Lecareux Caroline , Gauquelin Thierry , Baldy Virginie , Santonja Mathieu
Published: April 2024

Soil organisms play a key role in carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. While soil organisms are strongly influenced by litter chemistry and are highly sensitive to abiotic conditions, little is known about the interactive effects of these two factors. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted a 10 week microcosm experiment in which we simulated the effects of climate change on soil ecology. More specifically, we studied relationships among litter nutrient concentration, microbial biomass, Collembola demographic parameters, and litter decomposition, exploring the potential impacts of increasing air temperature and decreasing soil moisture. To develop a gradient of nutrient concentrations, we created six tree litter mixtures with materials gathered from Quercus pubescens and its companion species. In contrast to microbes, we observed that Collembola abundance and litter decomposition were interactively affected by soil moisture and air temperature: the negative effect of increasing air temperature on Collembola abundance was amplified by reduced soil moisture, whereas the positive effect of increasing air temperature on litter decomposition disappeared under reduced soil moisture conditions. In contrast to fungi, the response of bacterial biomass and Collembola abundance to litter nutrient concentration was dependent on abiotic conditions. More specifically, the relationships between nutrients, especially calcium and magnesium, and bacterial biomass and Collembola abundance were less robust or disappeared under drier or warmer conditions. In conclusion, our findings underscore that ongoing climate change could affect soil organisms directly as well as indirectly, by altering their responses to litter nutrient concentrations. In addition, we found that nutrient‐rich habitats might be more affected than nutrient‐poor habitats by altered climatic conditions.
A meta‐analysis of the effects of climate change‐related abiotic factors on aboveground and belowground plant‐associated microbes
Authors: Quiroga Gabriela , Castagneyrol Bastien , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Moreira Xoaquín
Published: April 2024

The abiotic environment exerts strong effects on plant‐associated microbes, shaping their interactions with plants and resulting ecosystem processes. However, these abiotic effects on plant–microbe interactions are often highly specific and contingent on the abiotic driver or microbial group, requiring synthesis work describing general patterns and from this generate hypotheses and guide mechanistic work. To address this, we conducted a meta‐analysis of the effects of climate change‐related abiotic factors, namely warming, drought, and eCO2, on plant‐associated microbes distinguishing by microbial taxonomic or biological group (bacteria, fungi or virus) and the plant part where microbes are found or associated with (phyllosphere or rhizosphere). We found abiotic driver‐specific patterns, whereby drought significantly reduced microbial abundance, whereas warming and eCO2 had no significant effects. In addition, these abiotic effects were contingent on the microbial taxonomic group, with fungi being negatively affected by drought but positively affected by warming (eCO2 enrichment had no effect), whereas bacteria and viruses were not significantly affected by any factor. Likewise, rhizospheric microbes were negatively affected by drought but positively affected by warming (eCO2 enrichment had no effect), whereas phyllospheric microbes were not significantly affected by any factor. Collectively, these findings point to important implications for global change research by highlighting contrasting effects of climate change‐related abiotic drivers on plant‐associated microbes and the contingency of such effects on microbe life histories and the nature of their interactions with plants.
Job analysis of vaccination health workers at public health centers and sub‐centers
Authors: Park No‐Yai , Cho Chung‐Min , Lee Eun‐Hyun , Park Jeong‐Mo , Lee Young‐Ran , Hong Jeong‐Ik , Kwon Geun‐Yong
Published: April 2024

Objective

To analyze duties, tasks, and task elements of health workers in charge of vaccination at public health centers in South Korea.

Design

Descriptive study using a survey.

Sample

Health workers in charge of vaccination for more than 1 year at 254 public health centers in South Korea. Of 631 health workers, 401 responded to the questionnaire, and 379 responses were included in the analysis after excluding 22 incomplete responses.

Measurements

The Developing A Curriculum (DACUM) workshop was conducted to identify the frequency, importance, and difficulty of duties, tasks, and task elements.

Results

Four duties (vaccination promotion, vaccination administration and symptom management, execution of vaccination, and vaccination education), 18 tasks, and 81 task elements were identified. “Execution of vaccination” exhibited the highest determinant coefficient. “Implementing the budget” exhibited the highest determinant coefficient among tasks, and “dealing with an emergency in the case of adverse events” exhibited the highest determinant coefficient among task elements.

Conclusions

Duty, task, and task elements with high determinant coefficients have high educational needs. Education demands was higher for administrative work than for direct vaccination. Developing an educational curriculum based on DACUM results could contribute to the professional education of vaccine workers.
Antibody response to malaria vaccine candidates in pregnant women with Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma haematobium infections
Authors: Frempong Naa Adjeley , Mama Atikatou , Adu Bright , Kusi Kwadwo Asamoah , Ofori Michael F. , Ahiabor Charity , Anyan William K. , Debrah Alex Yaw , Anang Abraham A. , Ndam Nicaise T. , Courtin David
Published: April 2024

Malaria in pregnancy has severe consequences for the mother and foetus. Antibody response to specific malaria vaccine candidates (MVC) has been associated with a decreased risk of clinical malaria and its outcomes. We studied Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Schistosoma haematobium (Sh) infections and factors that could influence antibody responses to MVC in pregnant women. A total of 337 pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) and 139 for delivery participated in this study. Pf infection was detected by qPCR and Sh infection using urine filtration method. Antibody levels against CSP, AMA‐1, GLURP‐R0, VAR2CSA and Pfs48/45 MVC were quantified by ELISA. Multivariable linear regression models identified factors associated with the modulation of antibody responses. The prevalence of Pf and Sh infections was 27% and 4% at ANC and 7% and 4% at delivery. Pf infection, residing in Adidome and multigravidae were positively associated with specific IgG response to CSP, AMA‐1, GLURP‐R0 and VAR2CSA. ITN use and IPTp were negatively associated with specific IgG response to GLURP‐R0 and Pfs48/45. There was no association between Sh infection and antibody response to MVC at ANC or delivery. Pf infections in pregnant women were positively associated with antibody response to CSP, GLURP‐R0 and AMA‐1. Antibody response to GLURP‐R0 and Pfs48/45 was low for IPTp and ITN users. This could indicate a lower exposure to Pf infection and low malaria prevalence observed at delivery.
Effect of poly‐L‐lactic acid and polydioxanone biostimulators on type I and III collagen biosynthesis
Authors: Bernardo Rachel Thacyana Rorato , Oliveira Renata Cristina Gobbi de , Freitas Karina Maria Salvatore de , Albergaria‐Barbosa José Ricardo de , Rizzatti‐Barbosa Célia Marisa
Published: April 2024

Objective

Safe, effective, and biocompatible minimally invasive procedures with the potential to stimulate collagen production have been made to recover dermal thickness and skin quality. The main of this animal model experiment was to observe the effect of poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) and polydioxanone (PDO) biostimulators in collagen I and III after hypodermal injection.

Methodology

Sixteen adult female rats (Wistar) were randomized into four groups and had dorsal treatment with: G1: hypodermic subcision (HS) only; G2: HS and PLLA hypodermic injection (HI), G3: HS and PDO HI; G4: Control, with no treatment.

Results

In histochemical, it was observed hypodermal and dermal tissue in more organized thickness in G3 and in G4 when compared to G1 and G2. There was few difference in G1 compared to G4. The tissue of G2 showed irregularities in the arrangement of collagen fibers, less defined structure and lower distribution of type I collagen compared to the other groups. There is a greater tendency for the proportions of type III collagen among tissues treated with both biostimulators (G2 and G3). PLLA and PDO had relatively similar percentages of collagen when compared to G4. The amount of type I collagen was higher in tissues treated with subcision, while type III collagen was higher in tissues treated with both biostimulators.

Conclusion

G3 showed better performance in collagen production, although small, when compared with G2.
Differential responses of photosynthesis, yield and soil properties 4 years after a single application of zeolites and biochar in a rainfed olive orchard
Authors: Martins Sandra , Brito Cátia , Gonçalves Alexandre , Moutinho‐Pereira José , Pereira Ermelinda , Arrobas Margarida , Rodrigues Manuel Â. , Nunes Fernando , Correia Carlos M.
Published: April 2024

Olive orchards represent a key agricultural system in the Mediterranean Basin. Soil degradation processes associated with unsustainable agronomic practices and climate change could severely impact the sustainability of Mediterranean rainfed olive orchards. In this context, soil amendments are important tools that can be used to enhance soil fertility for sustained environmental quality and plant performance. In this study, a field trial was conducted for 4 years in olive tree (Olea europaea L.) to assess the effects of a mineral fertilizer compound and the combination with a single application of zeolites or biochar on the physiological and biochemical performance, tree nutritional status, crop yield and soil chemical and biological properties to gain knowledge towards more sustainable management. Our results showed that the addition of zeolites and biochar to mineral fertilizer ameliorated the physiological and biochemical performance, as evidenced by consistent increments of relative water content, stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis and by lower signs of oxidative stress during the periods of greater climate adversity. However, crop yield was not significantly different among soil treatments. On the other hand, soil chemical and biological traits at the surface layer (0–10 cm) have shown different and relevant responses after 4 years of soil amendment application. In fact, zeolite supply stood out as increased pH, extractable K, cation exchange capacity, microbial biomass carbon and microbial biomass quotient and reduced extractable Cu. Furthermore, zeolites induced positive changes in soil enzymatic activity, leading to increases in 10 enzymes involved in C, N and P cycles. In contrast, the effects of biochar on soil properties were much more reduced, given that it decreased the microbial biomass nitrogen and enhanced the activities of three P‐cycle enzymes. In summary, our data demonstrated that both soil amendments can be an interesting complement to mineral fertilization, in order to increase trees' resilience under rainfed conditions and to promote soil health, although the use of zeolites appears to be a more promising strategy because of the induction of higher soil sustainability.
The phylogeny of ceutorhynchine weevils (Ceutorhynchinae, Curculionidae): Mitogenome data improve the resolution of tribal relationships
Authors: Letsch Harald , Vukotić Sonja , Gottsberger Brigitte , Friedman Ariel Leib Leonid , Wanat Marek , Beran Franziska , Fiedler Konrad , Riedel Alexander
Published: April 2024

Ceutorhynchinae Gistel are a diverse weevil subfamily of almost worldwide distribution and considerable economic importance. Nevertheless, the classification of Ceutorhynchinae and their phylogenetic relationships are not yet fully resolved. Here, we sequenced the mitogenomes of 54 ceutorhynchine species. Phylogenetic analyses by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference were performed on a dataset of 13 protein‐coding and two ribosomal genes. All analyses recovered three well supported clades A–C. A principal component analysis shows that codon usage differs considerably between these clades, indicating a compositional asymmetry in ceutorhynchine mitogenomes. This increased the challenge of resolving the early relationships among the three clades. The resolution of the later diversification was more robust, and the resulting topologies were largely compatible with each other and with the current taxonomic classification. Exceptions are the genera Micrelus Thomson, which is transferred from the tribe Ceutorhynchini to Egriini Pajni and Kohli (new position) and Amalus Schoenherr, which is transferred to Phytobiini Gistel (new position). Amalini Wagner 1936 is a junior synonym of Phytobiini Gistel 1848 (syn. n.). Coeliodini Lacordaire (new status), a tribe previously regarded as junior synonym of Ceutorhynchini, is re‐established. Our analyses also clarified the difficult assignments of taxa to the tribes Scleropterini Schultze and Phytobiini. All taxa with the ability to jump as adult beetles belong to clade B, which comprises the tribes Cnemogonini Colonnelli, Hypurini Schultze, Mecysmoderini Wagner and Phytobiini. With dense taxon sampling and appropriate analytical methods, mitogenome data provide a phylogeny well suited to improve the traditional classification of this neglected and species‐rich taxon.
Low‐temperature thermochronology and the timing of motion on detachment faults
Authors: Lister Gordon , Forster Marnie
Published: April 2024

Ios (an island in the Cycladic archipelago, Greece) was the first recognized Aegean metamorphic core complex. There is a paradoxical absence of an age jump in low‐temperature geochronology transects across the Ios Detachment Fault. This paper explains why this is so, by modelling the conductive response to detachment faulting. We demonstrate that transects across detachment faults consistently record age jumps only at shallow palaeodepths. Conductive relaxation of the perturbed geotherm keeps pace with fault movement, so the hangingwall heats just as fast as the footwall cools. Key variables are the fractional depth to the partial resetting zone, d [0.0.1], and the magnitude and rate of slip on the detachment. At shallow palaeodepths (d < 0.3, 10–50 km slip), significant age jumps occur across the actual fault contact. At deeper levels of exposure, this is no longer the case, and the effects of a ‘stewing zone’ readily become evident.
An intervention to improve lumbar puncture rates for meningitis surveillance in children at four secondary health facilities in Malawi: A before/after analysis
Authors: Zulu Madalitso D. , Msuku Harrison , Stanley Christopher C. , Phiri Vincent S. , Topazian Hillary M. , Chinkhumba Jobiba , Hoffman Irving F. , Juliano Jonathan J. , Mathanga Don P. , Mvalo Tisungane
Published: April 2024

Objectives

A lumbar puncture (LP) procedure plays a key role in meningitis diagnosis. In Malawi and other sub‐Saharan African countries, LP completion rates are sometimes poor, making meningitis surveillance challenging. Our objective was to measure LP rates following an intervention to improve these during a sentinel hospital meningitis surveillance exercise in Malawi.

Methods

We conducted a before/after intervention analysis among under‐five children admitted to paediatric wards at four secondary health facilities in Malawi. We used local and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to determine indications for LP, as these are widely used in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). The intervention comprised of refresher trainings for facility staff on LP indications and procedure, use of automated reminders to perform LP in real time in the wards, with an electronic data management system, and addition of surveillance‐specific clinical officers to support existing health facility staff with performing LPs. Due to the low numbers in the before/after analysis, we also performed a during/after analysis to supplement the findings.

Results

A total of 13,375 under‐five children were hospitalised over the 21 months window for this analysis. The LP rate was 10.4% (12/115) and 60.4% (32/53) in the before/after analysis, respectively, and 43.8% (441/1006) and 72.5% (424/599) in the supplemental during/after analysis, respectively. In our intervention‐specific analysis among the three individual components, there were improvements in the LP rate by 48% (p < 0.001) following the introduction of surveillance‐specific clinical officers, 10% (p < 0.001) following the introduction of automated reminders to perform an LP and 13% following refresher training.

Conclusions

This analysis demonstrated a rise in LP rates following our intervention. This intervention package may be considered for planning future facility‐based meningitis surveillances in similar low‐resource settings.
The use of intracellular dyes to create a multiplexed flow cytometry‐based red blood cell phenotyping assay
Authors: Liwski Robert , Greenshields Anna , Grace Ian , Rourke Craig , Cheng Calvino , Quinn Jason George
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives

Flow cytometry can be used to phenotype red blood cell antigens, allowing for high‐throughput testing while using low reagent volumes. This article utilizes intracellular dyes to pre‐label red blood cells to further multiplex flow cytometry‐based red blood cell antigen phenotyping.

Materials and Methods

Red blood cells were pre‐labelled using the intracellular dyes V450 and Oregon Green. These dyes are detected fluorescently via flow cytometry. Four combinations of intracellular staining were used to allow four patient or donor red blood cells to be analysed in a single test well. Antigen phenotyping was then performed via flow cytometry using a previously described method.

Results

The intracellular dyes showed uniform staining when measured in mean fluorescence intensity and allowed the red blood cells to be clearly distinguished from one another. The presence or absence of red blood cell antigens was determined with 100% accuracy.

Conclusion

The use of intracellular dyes allowed a fourfold increase in the throughput of our previously described flow cytometry‐based red blood cell antigen phenotyping method. The described method allows up to 48 patients to be simultaneously phenotyped using a single 96‐well microplate. Furthermore, additional fluorescent dyes could potentially increase the throughput exponentially.
Facing SARS‐CoV‐2 emergence on the animal health perspective: The role of the World Organisation for Animal Health in preparedness and official reporting of disease occurrence
Authors: Lina Awada , Keith Hamilton , Jenny Hutchison , Mariana Marrana , Gregorio Torres , Laure Weber‐Vintzel , Paolo Tizzani
Published: April 2024

Aims

Current data suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) emerged from an animal source. However, to date, there is insufficient scientific evidence to identify the source of SARS‐CoV‐2 or to explain the original route of transmission to humans. A wide range of mammalian species have been shown to be susceptible to the virus through experimental infection, and in natural environments when in contact with infected humans. The main objective of this work was to provide a summary of the official data shared by countries on SARS‐CoV‐2 in animals with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), to highlight the role of WOAH as an international organization in coordinating scientific information actions and to discuss the implications and impact of these activities.

Methods and Results

Between January 2020 and December 2022, 36 countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa officially reported SARS‐CoV‐2 identification in 26 animal species. Affected countries were generally responsive in confirming the pathogen (median of 5 days after onset) and reporting to WOAH (median of 7 days after confirmation).

Conclusions

During the pandemic, WOAH, supported by its network of experts, played a crucial role in collecting, analysing and disseminating veterinary scientific information, acting as the reference organization on these issues, thus avoiding misinformation and disinformation. Future perspectives to avoid new emerging threats are discussed.
Aged Tendons Exhibit Altered Mechanisms of Strain-Dependent Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Authors: Aggouras Anthony N. , Stowe Emma J. , Mlawer Samuel J. , Connizzo Brianne K.
Published: April 2024

Aging is a primary risk factor for degenerative tendon injuries, yet the etiology and progression of this degeneration are poorly understood. While aged tendons have innate cellular differences that support a reduced ability to maintain mechanical tissue homeostasis, the response of aged tendons to altered levels of mechanical loading has not yet been studied. To address this question, we subjected young and aged murine flexor tendon explants to various levels of in vitro tensile strain. We first compared the effect of static and cyclic strain on matrix remodeling in young tendons, finding that cyclic strain is optimal for studying remodeling in vitro. We then investigated the remodeling response of young and aged tendon explants after 7 days of varied mechanical stimulus (stress deprivation, 1%, 3%, 5%, or 7% cyclic strain) via assessment of tissue composition, biosynthetic capacity, and degradation profiles. We hypothesized that aged tendons would show muted adaptive responses to changes in tensile strain and exhibit a shifted mechanical setpoint, at which the remodeling balance is optimal. Interestingly, we found that 1% cyclic strain best maintains native physiology while promoting extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover for both age groups. However, aged tendons display fewer strain-dependent changes, suggesting a reduced ability to adapt to altered levels of mechanical loading. This work has a significant impact on understanding the regulation of tissue homeostasis in aged tendons, which can inform clinical rehabilitation strategies for treating elderly patients.
Transonic Compressor Darmstadt Open Test Case: Experimental Investigation of Stator Secondary Flows and Hub Leakage
Authors: Klausmann Fabian S. , Kilian Nicklas , He Xiao , Spieker Daniel , Schmidt Benedikt , Schiffer Heinz-Peter
Published: April 2024

The future trend of clean sky aviation has led to a smaller core engine, resulting in highly loaded stages with increased relative tip gaps and leakage flows, which causes a reinforced influence of secondary flow phenomena. This article experimentally investigates the secondary flow effects in the 3D-optimized shrouded stator of the TUDa-GLR-OpenStage, representative of a transonic high-pressure compressor front stage, and its susceptibility to typical hub leakage flows. The impact of stator hub leakage on efficiency and total pressure ratio is investigated for several operating speeds, from subsonic to nominal transonic operating conditions. Steady five-hole probe and time-resolved virtual multi-hole probe measurements at different operating conditions at nominal speed are conducted to investigate the underlying loss mechanisms. The leakage mass flow is determined using the measured pressure difference within the fin seal. Steady results show that the optimized 3D stator effectively suppresses the hub corner separation compared to the predecessor 2D stator, but its performance is further limited by a near-tip separation. With the increased stator hub leakage (at a leakage-to-main flow ratio of about 0.4%), the compressor isentropic efficiency generally drops (by about −0.5%) at the full operating range due to an enhanced hub corner separation effect. However, the increased leakage also helps alleviate the tip-corner separation when operating near stall, leading to a smaller efficiency penalty under these conditions. Unsteady results reveal the sensitivity of transient compressor performance to the passing rotor wake, but limited interaction between this phenomenon and the increased leakage is observed. These findings provide insight into the stator hub leakage-related penalties on the compressor aerodynamics efficiency.
Numerical Investigation of In-Cylinder Combustion Behaviors in a Medium-Speed Diesel Engine
Authors: Yan Yuchao , Shang Tansu , Li Lingmin , Yang Ruomiao , Liu Zhentao , Liu Jinlong
Published: April 2024

This study aims to advance understanding of in-cylinder combustion processes in medium-speed diesel engines, which are extensively employed in heavy-duty applications where electrification proves inefficient yet remains insufficiently examined in the literature. By modeling a four-stroke engine with dimensions of 210 mm bore and 310 mm stroke, operating at 900 rpm under full load, this research identifies distinct combustion characteristics that differentiate medium-speed engines from their high-speed counterparts. Key findings illustrate that super turbocharging in medium-speed engines enhances the combustion of the fuel–air mixture under elevated temperatures and pressures. Moreover, an increased stroke length promotes gas velocity and turbulence, facilitating fuel atomization and mixing. Notably, rapid fuel ignition occurs near the nozzle due to the high temperature of compressed air, reducing the ignition delay. As a result, the premixed combustion stage nearly disappears, with diffusion combustion dominating, especially pronounced with long-duration injection, a characteristic of medium-speed engines. The study also reveals a more uniform but elevated distribution of nitrogen oxide emissions in medium-speed engines, attributed to prolonged high-temperature conditions that both facilitate their formation. Early stages of diffusion combustion show high concentrations of incomplete combustion products. However, as the combustion process progresses, the conditions favor the complete oxidation of these products at high temperatures, resulting in decreased carbon-based pollutions. In addition, the larger combustion chamber and enhanced turbulence characteristic of medium-speed engines support efficient fuel and air mixing without necessitating the swirl effect required by high-speed engines, diminishing the dependence on wall impingement dynamics for air utilization. Consequently, efficiency optimization strategies for medium-speed engines, emphasizing adjustable injection parameters, encounter fewer constraints than those inherent to the spatial limitations of high-speed engines.
Flexible VO2 films grown on ZnO-nanorod buffered polyimide sheets with large insulator metal transition: Evaluation of flexible performance
Authors: Ozawa Yukito , Hiranabe Rai , Shimono Shinpei , Liu Qiuzhi , Okimura Kunio
Published: April 2024

We fabricated stand-alone flexible vanadium dioxide (VO2) films on 10 μm-thick polyimide (PI) sheets with large insulator metal transition (IMT). Zinc oxide (ZnO)-nanorods grown by the chemical synthesis method as a buffer layer between VO2 and PI realized IMT with resistance change nearly three orders of magnitude. Highly bm axis oriented VO2 films on ZnO_NR buffered PI realized switching of 1450 nm infrared-light more than 40%. The transmittance values at a metallic phase below 2% at temperatures higher than 70 °C were quite low, suggesting high potential for various applications in the infrared and terahertz wavelength region. Number densities of cracks in the VO2 films were estimated from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Quantitative relation between crack density and the bias voltage suggested the strain-induced formation of cracks in the VO2 films prepared by biased-sputtering. As for flexible performance, the stand-alone VO2 films on PI were directed to bending examinations up to 2000 times. The ZnO-nanorods buffered VO2 films on PI showed high durability for maintaining the superior IMT characteristics. The results obtained in this study show a way to realize practical flexibility of VO2 stand-alone sheets which are able to apply for a variety of fields utilizing switching of VO2.
Multi-step plasma etching of high aspect ratio silicon nanostructures for metalens fabrication
Authors: Zhu Xiaoli , Wang Zihao , Zhu Chenxu , Shen Jiashi , Shokouhi Babak , Ekinci Huseyin , Cui Bo
Published: April 2024

Inductively coupled plasma etching of silicon nanostructures for metalens applications using a continuous, multi-step C4F8/SF6 plasma was investigated to achieve high aspect ratio (HAR) features down to tens of nanometers with smooth sidewalls. In the process, the ion bombardment and the free radical transport significantly change among HAR nanostructures as the etching progresses, posing challenges to profile control. With a fixed gas ratio, a change in the profile angle occurs at a depth of approximately 400 nm, transitioning from a positive taper to a negative one. Additionally, a wave-like pillar profile is produced when using three separate (i.e., plasma turned off after each step) etching processes with varying gas ratios. To optimize passivation and etching, we adopt a three-step C4F8/SF6 plasma etching process with varying gas ratios at different etching depths. By keeping the plasma on after each step, the continuous, three-step process provides more flexibility for tuning the etching of HAR nanostructures with smooth and vertical profiles. Metalens nanostructures with 71 nm diameter and 1 μm height were created using the appropriate gas ratio. The feature size variation is less than 10 nm. This proposed continuous, multi-step process improves the controllability of silicon etching in C4F8/SF6 plasma, facilitating the nanofabrication of silicon metalens and other nanodevices.
Talker change detection by listeners varying in age and hearing loss
Authors: Best Virginia , Ahlstrom Jayne B. , Mason Christine R. , Perrachione Tyler K. , Kidd Gerald , Dubno Judy R.
Published: April 2024

Despite a vast literature on how speech intelligibility is affected by hearing loss and advanced age, remarkably little is known about the perception of talker-related information in these populations. Here, we assessed the ability of listeners to detect whether a change in talker occurred while listening to and identifying sentence-length sequences of words. Participants were recruited in four groups that differed in their age (younger/older) and hearing status (normal/impaired). The task was conducted in quiet or in a background of same-sex two-talker speech babble. We found that age and hearing loss had detrimental effects on talker change detection, in addition to their expected effects on word recognition. We also found subtle differences in the effects of age and hearing loss for trials in which the talker changed vs trials in which the talker did not change. These findings suggest that part of the difficulty encountered by older listeners, and by listeners with hearing loss, when communicating in group situations, may be due to a reduced ability to identify and discriminate between the participants in the conversation.
Investigation on the contribution of swim bladder to hearing in crucian carp (Carassius carassius)
Authors: Li Hongquan , Gao Zhanyuan , Song Zhongchang , Su Yingnan , Hui Jiangang , Ou Wenzhan , Zhang Jinhu , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2024

The swim bladder in some teleost fish functions to transfer the sound energy of acoustic stimuli to the inner ears. This study uses the auditory evoked potential tests, micro-computed tomography scanning, reconstruction, and numerical modeling to assess the contribution of the swim bladder to hearing in crucian carp (Carassius carassius). The auditory evoked potential results show that, at the tested frequency range, the audiogram of fish with an intact swim bladder linearly increases, ranging from 100 to 600 Hz. Over this frequency, the sound pressure thresholds have a local lowest value at 800 Hz. The mean auditory threshold of fish with an intact swim bladder is lower than that of fish with a deflated swim bladder by 0.8–20.7 dB. Furthermore, numerical simulations show that the received pressure of the intact swim bladders occurs at a mean peak frequency of 826 ± 13.6 Hz, and no peak response is found in the deflated swim bladders. The increased sensitivity of reception in sound pressure and acceleration are 34.4 dB re 1 μPa and 40.3 dB re 1 m·s−2 at the natural frequency of swim bladder, respectively. Both electrophysiological measurement and numerical simulation results show that the swim bladder can potentially extend hearing bandwidth and further enhance auditory sensitivity in C. carassius.
Relationship Between Short- and Long-Term Planning in Sports: A 12-Week Case Study of a Spanish Canoeing Coach
Authors: Costa Jardel , Neves Gonçalo , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo , Ribeiro João , Ramos Ana , Bell Lee , Loureiro Manuel , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Mesquita Isabel , Coutinho Patrícia , Afonso José
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to bridge the gap in the literature on real-world analyses of coaches’ approaches to planning. A 12-week qualitative case study of a Spanish canoeing coach was carried out to examine the relationship between long- and short-term planning, analyze adaptations made to the original designs, and thus, enhance current understanding of this dialogue in a specific real-life context. To achieve this purpose, the first author followed the participant during training sessions in an unobtrusive manner, recording any relevant topic related to the research goal in the form of field observation notes. Weekly semistructured interviews were also carried out. Data were examined through thematic analysis, and two main themes were identified: (a) interplay and tension management between short- and long-term planning and (b) the dynamic tension between club and national team planning. Findings observed that the coach’s application of concepts related to planning usually had to be adapted. Indeed, external factors and demands obligated the coach to attribute more emphasis to short-term planning, despite the existence of a long-term plan. Moreover, findings established the need to understand sports planning as a micropolitical process, influenced by external pressures, organizational demands, and the constraints generated by sports practitioners.
Utilizing Sport Education During Off-Season High School Golf Team Preparation: A Case Study
Authors: Layne Todd , Simonton Kelly , Hastie Peter , Brunsdon Jamie
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Limited research has examined the Sport Education instructional model and its use with high school athletic teams. The purpose of this study was to see if the model could be utilized as an effective approach to preparing and training youth golf athletes in a motivating way, specifically in the off-season. Method: Participants (N = 9) were placed on teams for a total of eight practice sessions. A mixed-method analysis via survey analysis of motivational basic needs, emotions, and competencies, and focus group interviews occurred. Results: Interviews revealed that the Sport Education format enhanced enjoyment and group connection. Survey data indicated that autonomy support from instructor, enjoyment, and all three motivational needs (i.e., competence, relatedness, autonomy) trended upward. Shame, anger, and anxiety trended down. Discussion/Conclusion: The Sport Education model provides a unique opportunity for coaches to create a learning environment that is friendly, fun, and supportive of player development.
Landscapes of Performance: Using Local Geography for the Testing of Sport School Pupils in Sweden, 1972–2023
Authors: Svensson Daniel
Published: April 2024

Does nature still matter in sport? In the balancing between natural and scientific training, Swedish upper-secondary ski schools have played an important role. This paper deals with specific landscape features for testing at three Swedish ski schools: Hallstatestet in Sollefteå, Hovfjällsracet in Torsby, and Stoltjonastestet in Järpen. The following questions will be addressed: How do the coaches at each school use local tests to analyze performance? How is the importance of local tests articulated, and what roles do history and nature play in this process? The paper concludes that the use of local landscapes to articulate elite performance connects ideas of measurability and scientization to the lingering tradition of natural training. Local landscapes thereby become a mediator between scientific and experiential knowledge about sport performance and point out how local sport heritage can be used for addressing environmental issues in sport.
A Perfect Storm: Black Feminism and Women’s National Basketball Association Black Athlete Activism
Authors: Cardoso Brown Letisha Engracia , Williams A. Lamont , Schweinbenz Amanda N. , Pegoraro Ann
Published: April 2024

This article pays homage to Black Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players and their activist efforts. Such players are often-overlooked activists who are always “holdin it down” while simultaneously keeping activism at the forefront of their agenda. When the 2020 Women’s National Basketball Association season opened, the athletes in this league took the opportunity to highlight social injustice in the United States; not surprising given the history of Black feminism and athlete activism in this league. Using underwater waves as a metaphor, we examine how the intersectionality of Black feminism and Black athlete activism has largely gone unnoticed. Feminism and women’s rights movements have largely been associated with White women while Black activism has been associated with Black men. This manuscript aims to highlight the efforts of Black women and nonbinary athletes whose work has been instrumental in societal progression.
All the Right Questions: Exploring Racial Stereotypes in Sports Press Conferences
Authors: Peña Vincent
Published: April 2024

Sports press conferences are an area in need of more study and critique, especially regarding how sports journalists ask questions to athletes. This study analyzes the press conferences (N = 44) for four major college football teams during the 2021–2022 season, using textual analysis to explore whether sports journalists’ questions differ based on the race of the athlete and whether those questions reflect racial stereotypes. This study relies on theories of race and representation, including racial formation theory and color-blind racism, and builds upon research on stereotypes in sports. The author found that questions asked to White and Black athletes often reflected stereotypical binaries that emphasized White athletes’ intelligence, leadership, and humanity while highlighting Black athletes’ athleticism, strength, and physical ability.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strains performing similarly during fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates show pronounced differences in transcriptional stress responses
Authors: Cámara Elena , Mormino Maurizio , Siewers Verena , Nygård Yvonne
Published: April 2024

Improving our understanding of the transcriptional changes of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
during fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates is crucial for the creation of more efficient strains to be used in biorefineries. We performed RNA sequencing of a CEN.PK laboratory strain, two industrial strains (KE6-12 and Ethanol Red), and two wild-type isolates of the LBCM collection when cultivated anaerobically in wheat straw hydrolysate. Many of the differently expressed genes identified among the strains have previously been reported to be important for tolerance to lignocellulosic hydrolysates or inhibitors therein. Our study demonstrates that stress responses typically identified during aerobic conditions such as glutathione metabolism, osmotolerance, and detoxification processes also are important for anaerobic processes. Overall, the transcriptomic responses were largely strain dependent, and we focused our study on similarities and differences in the transcriptomes of the LBCM strains. The expression of sugar transporter-encoding genes was higher in LBCM31 compared with LBCM109 that showed high expression of genes involved in iron metabolism and genes promoting the accumulation of sphingolipids, phospholipids, and ergosterol. These results highlight different evolutionary adaptations enabling
S. cerevisiae
to strive in lignocellulosic hydrolysates and suggest novel gene targets for improving fermentation performance and robustness.

IMPORTANCE

The need for sustainable alternatives to oil-based production of biochemicals and biofuels is undisputable.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
is the most commonly used industrial fermentation workhorse. The fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates, second-generation biomass unsuited for food and feed, is still hampered by lowered productivities as the raw material is inhibitory for the cells. In order to map the genetic responses of different
S. cerevisiae
strains, we performed RNA sequencing of a CEN.PK laboratory strain, two industrial strains (KE6-12 and Ethanol Red), and two wild-type isolates of the LBCM collection when cultivated anaerobically in wheat straw hydrolysate. While the response to inhibitors of
S. cerevisiae
has been studied earlier, this has in previous studies been done in aerobic conditions. The transcriptomic analysis highlights different evolutionary adaptations among the different
S. cerevisiae strains
and suggests novel gene targets for improving fermentation performance and robustness.
Optimization of the antifungal properties of the bacterial peptide EntV by variant analysis
Authors: Guha Shantanu , Cristy Shane A. , Buda De Cesare Giuseppe , Cruz Melissa R. , Lorenz Michael C. , Garsin Danielle A.
Published: April 2024

Fungal resistance to commonly used medicines is a growing public health threat, and there is a dire need to develop new classes of antifungals. We previously described a peptide produced by
Enterococcus faecalis
, EntV, that restricts
Candida albicans
to a benign form rather than having direct fungicidal activity. Moreover, we showed that one 12-amino acid (aa) alpha helix of this peptide retained full activity, with partial activity down to the 10aa alpha helix. Using these peptides as a starting point, the current investigation sought to identify the critical features necessary for antifungal activity and to screen for new variants with enhanced activity using both biofilm and
C. elegans
infection assays. First, the short peptides were screened for residues with critical activity by generating alanine substitutions. Based on this information, we used synthetic molecular evolution (SME) to rationally vary the specific residues of the 10aa variant in combination to generate a library that was screened to identify variants with more potent antifungal activity than the parent template. Five gain-of-function peptides were identified. Additionally, chemical modifications to the peptides to increase stability, including substitutions of D-amino acids and hydrocarbon stapling, were investigated. The most promising peptides were additionally tested in mouse models of oropharyngeal and systemic candidiasis where their efficacy in preventing infection was demonstrated. The expectation is that these discoveries will contribute to the development of new therapeutics in the fight against antimicrobial resistant fungi.

IMPORTANCE

Since the early 1980s, the incidence of disseminated life-threatening fungal infections has been on the rise. Worldwide,
Candida
and
Cryptococcus
species are among the most common agents causing these infections. Simultaneously, with this rise of clinical incidence, there has also been an increased prevalence of antifungal resistance, making treatment of these infections very difficult. For example, there are now strains of
Candida
auris that are resistant to all three classes of currently used antifungal drugs. In this study, we report on a strategy that allows for the development of novel antifungal agents by using synthetic molecular evolution. These discoveries demonstrate that the enhancement of antifungal activity from naturally occurring peptides is possible and can result in clinically relevant agents that have efficacy in multiple
in vivo
models as well as the potential for broad-spectrum activity.
Recombinational exchange of M-fibril and T-pilus genes generates extensive cell surface diversity in the global group A
Streptococcus
population
Authors: Bessen Debra E. , Beall Bernard W. , Hayes Andrew , Huang Weihua , DiChiara Jeanne M. , Velusamy Srinivasan , Tettelin Hervé , Jolley Keith A. , Fallon John T. , Chochua Sopio , Alobaidallah Mosaed S. A. , Higgs Charlie , Barnett Timothy C. , Steemson John T. , Proft Thomas , Davies Mark R.
Published: April 2024

Among genes present in all group A streptococci (GAS), those encoding M-fibril and T-pilus proteins display the highest levels of sequence diversity, giving rise to the two primary serological typing schemes historically used to define strain. A new genotyping scheme for the pilin adhesin and backbone genes is developed and, when combined with
emm
typing, provides an account of the global GAS strain population. Cluster analysis based on nucleotide sequence similarity assigns most T-serotypes to discrete pilin backbone sequence clusters, yet the established T-types correspond to only half the clusters. The major pilin adhesin and backbone sequence clusters yield 98 unique combinations, defined as “pilin types.” Numerous horizontal transfer events that involve pilin or
emm
genes generate extensive antigenic and functional diversity on the bacterial cell surface and lead to the emergence of new strains. Inferred pilin genotypes applied to a meta-analysis of global population-based collections of pharyngitis and impetigo isolates reveal highly significant associations between pilin genotypes and GAS infection at distinct ecological niches, consistent with a role for pilin gene products in adaptive evolution. Integration of
emm
and pilin typing into open-access online tools (
pubmlst.org
) ensures broad utility for end-users wanting to determine the architecture of M-fibril and T-pilus genes from genome assemblies.

IMPORTANCE

Precision in defining the variant forms of infectious agents is critical to understanding their population biology and the epidemiology of associated diseases. Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) is a global pathogen that causes a wide range of diseases and displays a highly diverse cell surface due to the antigenic heterogeneity of M-fibril and T-pilus proteins which also act as virulence factors of varied functions.
emm
genotyping is well-established and highly utilized, but there is no counterpart for pilin genes. A global GAS collection provides the basis for a comprehensive pilin typing scheme, and online tools for determining
emm
and pilin genotypes are developed. Application of these tools reveals the expansion of structural-functional diversity among GAS via horizontal gene transfer, as evidenced by unique combinations of surface protein genes. Pilin and
emm
genotype correlations with superficial throat vs skin infection provide new insights on the molecular determinants underlying key ecological and epidemiological trends.
Tackling obesity while preventing obesity stigma
Authors: Darling Jonathan C , Rudolf Mary C J , Rubino Francesco , Greenough Anne
Published: April 2024

Obesity is a significant public health problem. Prevalence is rising in children and young people, with lifelong health impacts and implications for paediatric clinical practice. Obesity stigma is increasingly acknowledged as a problem within health services. Health professionals can inadvertently contribute to this stigma, which is harmful and in itself can promote weight gain. A complex web of factors contributes to obesity, and a simplistic approach exclusively focused on personal responsibility, diet and exercise is unhelpful. A more nuanced, sensitive and informed approach is needed, with careful use of language and non-judgemental partnership working.