bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term follow‐up of a randomized, double‐blind, phase III, multi‐centre study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of field‐directed photodynamic therapy (PDT) of mild to moderate actinic keratosis using BF‐200 ALA versus placebo and the BF‐RhodoLED® lamp
Authors: Reinhold U. , Philipp‐Dormston W. G. , Dirschka T. , Ostendorf R. , Aschoff R. , Berking C. , Jäger A. , Schmitz B. , Foguet M. , Szeimies R.‐M.
Published: December 2024

Background

In actinic keratosis (AK), field cancerization describes areas of skin where multiple visible AK lesions are surrounded by healthy looking skin containing non‐visible (subclinical) lesions. As all AK lesions have a risk of progression to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, experts advise field‐directed treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective field‐directed treatment option for AK; however, long‐term efficacy data are still scarce.

Objectives

This publication presents follow‐up data of a phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of field‐directed PDT.

Methods

The study was conducted in seven centres in Germany. For PDT, participants with AKs on the face and scalp (treatment area of 20 cm2) had received up to two field‐directed PDTs using BF‐200 ALA or placebo, and illumination with narrow‐spectrum red light. Only participants or lesions with complete response 12 weeks after the last PDT were assessed for recurrences. The treatment area was evaluated 6 and 12 months after the last PDT for recurrence, cosmetic outcome and new lesions.

Results

Fifty‐four participants in the BF‐200 ALA and 30 in the placebo group entered the follow‐up. The probability of a participant to be initially completely cleared and to remain cleared for 12 months was 57.4% for BF‐200 ALA versus 20.0% for placebo. The probability of a lesion to be initially cleared and remain cleared for 12 months was 85.4% for BF‐200 ALA versus 31.5% for placebo. 83.3% of participants with cosmetic impairment at baseline rated the cosmetic outcome 12 months after PDT with BF‐200 ALA as very good or good. All parameters of skin quality further improved during follow‐up.

Conclusions

We showed that effectiveness of field‐directed PDT with BF‐200 ALA and narrow‐spectrum red light was maintained during follow‐up. Based on our results, field‐directed PDT is a beneficial long‐lasting treatment for AK patients.

Clinical Trial Registration Numbers

2013‐002510‐12 (EudraCT); NCT01966120 (Clinicaltrials.gov).
Mandala as a New Intervention for Reducing Fear of Childbirth: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Topcu Tuğba , Bingöl Fadime Bayri
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Fear of childbirth is common in nulliparous women. More accessible and less costly interventions such as mandala are needed to reduce fear of childbirth. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of mandala coloring added to antenatal education to reduce fear of childbirth.

Methods

An open, randomized controlled trial with a parallel group design was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Turkey (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT05217368). Nulliparous pregnant women without pregnancy complications, between 24 and 32 weeks’ gestation, and with increased fear of childbirth were included in the study. A total of 140 pregnant women were allocated to the intervention (mandala coloring plus antenatal education) and control (antenatal education alone) groups, and 100 participants completed the study. Fear before childbirth was measured with the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W‐DEQ) version A at baseline and after completion of antenatal education with or without mandala coloring. Fear during childbirth was measured with the W‐DEQ version B retrospectively within one week of giving birth.

Results

At baseline, the intervention and control groups experienced similar fear of childbirth (57.1 vs 57.0; P = .978). After completing antenatal education, the mean fear of childbirth decreased more in the intervention group than in the control group (42.6 vs 50.1; P = .018). In the postpartum period, the intervention group reported less fear during childbirth than the intervention group (68.5 vs 58.0; P = .030). Perinatal outcomes were statistically similar between the 2 groups.

Discussion

Adding mandala coloring to antenatal education significantly reduced fear of childbirth before and during birth. More studies examining the effects of mandala coloring on perinatal mental health should be conducted.
Associations between sleep duration, insomnia, depression, anxiety and registry‐based school grades: A longitudinal study among high‐school students
Authors: Evanger Linn Nyjordet , Pallesen Ståle , Saxvig Ingvild West , Hysing Mari , Sivertsen Børge , Lie Stein Atle , Gradisar Michael , Bjorvatn Bjørn
Published: December 2024

This study explored the prospective associations between sleep patterns, mental health and registry‐based school grades among older adolescents. In the spring of 2019, 1st year high‐school students in Western Norway were invited to a survey assessing habitual sleep duration, insomnia, depression and anxiety. Sleep patterns, depression and anxiety were assessed using the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire, the Bergen Insomnia Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7. Students consenting to data linkage with the county school authorities were re‐invited 2 years later. Registry‐based grade point averages for each of the included school years were accessed through the school authorities. The final longitudinal sample included 1092 students (65.1% girls; initial mean age 16.4 years). Data were analysed using linear mixed models. Longer school night sleep duration and less severe symptoms of insomnia, depression and anxiety were all associated with higher grade point averages at baseline in crude analyses. Shorter school night sleep duration, as well as more severe symptoms of insomnia and depression at baseline, all predicted worse grade point averages at 2‐year follow‐up when controlled for baseline grade point averages. [Correction added on 30 December 2024, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the word “better” has been corrected to “worse”.] By contrast, anxiety symptomatology at baseline was unrelated to changes in grade point averages over time. The longitudinal associations between school night sleep duration and insomnia symptoms on grade point averages were significant also when adjusted for sex and baseline symptoms of depression and anxiety. These findings indicate that shorter school night sleep duration and more severe insomnia symptoms predict lower grade point averages development over time, irrespective of co‐existing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Association of obesity or metabolic syndrome with various allergic diseases: An overview of reviews
Authors: Kuniyoshi Yasutaka , Tsujimoto Yasushi , Banno Masahiro , Taito Shunsuke , Ariie Takashi , Kimoto Takeru
Published: December 2024

The relationship between obesity, metabolic syndrome, related disorders, and various allergic diseases remains unclear. An overview of reviews investigating potential associations between obesity or metabolic syndrome and various allergic diseases was conducted. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses with summary effect size and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for at least one outcome (asthma, atopic dermatitis, and various allergic diseases) were included. This study encompassed 17 systematic review articles and 29 eligible meta‐analyses. All included meta‐analyses indicated a positive association between obesity/overweight and asthma. Three meta‐analyses from one review demonstrated a positive association between obesity/overweight and the risk of atopic dermatitis. However, no meta‐analyses focused on the associations between obesity/overweight or metabolic syndrome and allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or other allergic conditions. All included reviews employed poor methodology according to the AMSTAR‐2 assessment tools. Our findings suggest that obesity likely increases the risk of asthma. However, evidence for associations with other allergic diseases is limited. Furthermore, no meta‐analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between metabolic syndrome and allergic diseases. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the associations between obesity and the full spectrum of allergic diseases.
Overcoming barriers to interreligious peace: Determinants of preferences for religiously similar others in Togo and Sierra Leone
Authors: Köbrich Julia , Stark Tobias H. , Martinović Borja , Adiakpo Yawo Seyram
Published: December 2024

Preferences to interact with similar others are a barrier to positive intergroup contact and, thus, peaceful intergroup relations. A growing literature investigated what shapes contact preferences but more research on changeable factors that can be targeted by interventions is needed. In this article, we focused on preferences for interacting with religiously similar others. To create an interface between practice and research, our hypotheses on changeable determinants of preferences are informed by qualitative interviews on everyday practices of peaceful coexistence in Togo and Sierra Leone. We expected inclusive religious ideas, adaptive coping and emotion regulation skills, and knowledge of outgroup religious practices to be related to weaker preferences for similar others. Further, we argued these associations may vary depending on neighborhood levels of interreligious peace. We tested our hypotheses using survey data (N = 1828) collected among Muslims and Christians in 50 neighborhoods of Lomé (Togo) and Freetown (Sierra Leone). We found that inclusive ideas and knowledge of outgroup practices were associated with weaker, and exclusive ideas with stronger, preferences for similar others. These findings mostly held across groups and countries. Coping and emotion regulation skills did not matter systematically and our hypotheses about the role of neighborhood‐level peace was refuted.
A compound of salicylates, copper and zinc increases coffee resistance against infection by Hemileia vastatrix
Authors: Vieira Brás Verônica , Castro Silva Leandro , Silva Bruno Nascimento , Lata‐Tenesaca Luis Felipe , Quadros Leonardo Packer , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila
Published: December 2024

Coffee leaf rust (CLR), caused by the biotrophic fungus Hemileia vastatrix, has greatly impacted coffee production worldwide due to reductions in yield. This study investigated the potential use of Re‐leaf® (salicylates [0.69%], copper [0.5%] and zinc [6%]) to reduce CLR severity by boosting host defence reactions. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was arranged with plants sprayed with water (control) or Re‐leaf (induced resistance [IR] stimulus) and noninoculated or inoculated with H. vastatrix. In vitro assays showed germ tubes were not formed on urediniospores exposed to IR stimulus at 5–12.5 mL/L and urediniospore germination was significantly lower as rates increased. CLR severity was also significantly reduced compared to the control, with the area under CLR progress curve and intensity of fungal sporulation significantly lower by 96% and 92%, respectively, and incubation period higher by 54% compared to control. The IR stimulus‐sprayed and infected plants showed better photosynthetic performance, preservation of photosynthetic pigments, greater activity of defence‐related enzymes and a more robust antioxidative metabolism compared to water‐sprayed and infected ones. The higher concentration of superoxide anion radical for IR stimulus‐sprayed and infected leaves may intensify cell defence reactions besides having a fungistatic effect. These results strongly support the potential use of IR stimulus to boost defences in coffee tissues and hamper the infection process of H. vastatrix. Its fungistatic effect against germination of fungal urediniospores should also be considered as a strategy to reduce the amount of inoculum required to start a CLR epidemic under field conditions.
Removal of Remazol Brilliant Blue R Dye from Water Using Eggshell Mixed Matrix Membrane through Filtration and Adsorption
Authors: Abdul Aziz A. A. , Mokhter M. A. , Ghazali A. I. , Hanaffi N.
Published: December 2024

Water pollution causes flora and fauna to be destroyed and this process might be irreversible as well as lead to other bad consequences, especially towards human beings. Due to the inefficiencies of the dyeing process, it is estimated that up to 200,000 tonnes of dyes are released into wastewater annually by the textile industry. This research aimed to fabricate the mixed matrix membranes made up of eggshells that were combined with silica (SiO2) for dye removal of Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR). Poly ether sulfone (PES) and N-methyl-pyro-lidone (NMP) will be added in the formulation as a binder and solvent, respectively. The results from the characterisation and filtration process of the ceramic membrane with different ratios of eggshells and silica for removing Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye were compared. The ATR-FTIR showed a strong existence of carbonate minerals and silica proving its functional group and properties of having good capacity in filtration. The water contact angle measurement of the 4:1 ratio of eggshell: silica gave a low contact angle value which is 2.16o while the contact angle for a 1:1 ratio membrane is 1.99o, thus, the synthesis of the membrane was successful. From the filtration process, it was discovered that the 4:1 ratio of eggshell: silica was able to remove the 50 ppm blue dye with a removal efficiency of 81.39% compared to the 1:1 ratio with a removal efficiency of 76.17%. The adsorption capacity or the amount of dye adsorbed onto hollow fibre membrane and flat sheet membrane were found to be 1.423mg/g with an adsorption percentage of 71.15% and 1.616mg/g with an adsorption percentage of 80.80% respectively. To sum up, eggshells are a practical way to remove RBBR dye from a solution and a potential raw material for membrane manufacturing.
Effect of Cloisite 15A Clay Dispersion on the Structural Characteristics of PVDF Nanocomposite Membrane
Authors: Mokhtar N. M. , Naim R. , Ismail N. H.
Published: December 2024

Recent interest in nanoparticles-reinforced polymer matrices has surged due to their superior properties over virgin polymers. Nevertheless, there remains a gap in research regarding the impact of clay dispersion on polymeric membranes employed in membrane distillation (MD). This study aims to investigate how the dispersion of Cloisite 15A (C15A) clay influences the structure of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes and improves dye removal efficiency. A nanocomposite membrane consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride-Cloisite 15A clay (PVDF-C15A) was prepared using a phase-inversion process. Additionally, a PVDF membrane without clay was prepared as a control. The influence of clay on the crystalline structure of the PVDF membrane was examined by analyzing morphology, porosity, wetting pressure, contact angle, surface roughness, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to assess the dispersion state of the clay. The fabricated membranes were evaluated in direct contact membrane distillation for treating dyeing solution. To understand the interaction between dye particles and the membranes, zeta potentials of both the control and nanocomposite membranes were measured. The study revealed that the nanocomposite membrane exhibited higher permeate flux compared to the control membrane. This improvement was primarily attributed to the well-dispersed layered silicate within the nanocomposite membrane, which enhanced its structural properties significantly.
Presentación del Dossier Educación de la primera infancia y la ciudadanía
Authors: Adlerstein-Grimberg Cynthia , Vargas-González Ángela Patricia
Published: December 2024

La ciudadanía se ha convertido en un foco de interés político, social y educativo de las agendas de la primera infancia (Ailwooda et al., 2011; Johansson, 2009; Millei & Imre, 2009). Con la ratificación internacional de la Convención de los Derechos del Niño CDN (UNICEF, 1989) y la consigna de que “no nacemos demócratas: aprendemos a serlo” (OREALC-UNESCO, 2017, p. 7), se impulsa, en el mundo, la educación para la ciudadanía como aspecto consustancial y prioritario de la educación inicial1 (PNUD, 2021). En este contexto, el dossier que presentamos a continuación visibiliza la emergencia reciente de un campo de investigación, no solo de políticas, que reconoce la ciudadanía y la educación ciudadana desde la primera infancia como procesos fundamentales para promover democracias sólidas e inclusivas.
Evolución de la satisfacción laboral de dentistas peruanos
Authors: Otero-Injoque Jaime , Otero-Martínez Jaime A. , Tinedo-López Pedro Luis
Published: December 2024

Antecedentes: La satisfacción laboral de los odontólogos es fundamental para su desempeño en la salud, en el que se combinan destrezas clínicas y administrativas. Objetivo: Analizar la satisfacción laboral del odontólogo peruano en relación con factores relacionados con la práctica. Métodos: Se analizaron los factores influyentes en la satisfacción laboral odontológica usando una encuesta autoadministrada que incluía respuestas cerradas y fue validada por los autores en una muestra de 515 dentistas. El análisis inferencial se realizó por medio de pruebas Chi cuadrado y regresión logística binaria para identificar factores de forma bivariada como multivariada (p < 0,05). Resultados: El 58,5% de los encuestados refirió estar satisfecho. En ese grupo había mayor satisfacción al no contar con secretaria-recepcionista (p = 0,001) o asistente dental (p = 0,004), al uso de un sistema de citas (p = 0,001), cobrar por la consulta (p = 0,003) y tener un práctica odontológica especializada (p = 0,007). La regresión logística binaria mostró que los dos factores con mayor relación con la satisfacción laboral fueron cobrar por la consulta (OR = 2,01; IC: 1,12-3,59; p = 0,01) y la práctica especializada (OR = 1,83; IC: 1,13 - 2,98; p = 0,01). Conclusión: Los factores más relacionados con la satisfacción laboral fueron el cobro por la consulta y la práctica especializada.
Comparing Patellofemoral Kinematics Assessed With a Novel Muscle Actuator System and an Oxford Rig Using Noncadaveric Knees
Authors: Galley Alexandre , Vakili Samira , Borukhov Ilya , Lanting Brent , Piazza Stephen J. , Willing Ryan
Published: December 2024

Total knee replacement (TKR) failure, low patient satisfaction and high revision surgery rates may stem from insufficient preclinical testing. Conventional joint motion simulators for preclinical testing of TKR implants manipulate a knee joint in force, displacement, or simulated muscle control. However, a rig capable of using all three control modes has yet to be described in literature. This study aimed to validate a novel platform, the muscle actuator system (MAS), that can generate gravity-dependent, quadriceps-controlled squatting motions representative of an Oxford rig knee simulator and is mounted onto a force/displacement-control-capable joint motion simulator. Synthetic knee joint phantoms were created that comprised revision TKR implants and key extensor and flexor mechanism analogues, but no ligaments. The combined system implemented a constant force vector acting from simulated hip-to-ankle coordinates, effectively replicating gravity as observed in an Oxford rig. Quadriceps forces and patellofemoral joint kinematics were measured to assess the performance of the MAS and these tests showed high levels of repeatability and reproducibility. Forces and kinematics measured at a nominal patellar tendon length, and with patella alta and baja, were compared against those measured under the same conditions using a conventional Oxford rig, the Pennsylvania State Knee Simulator (PSKS). There was disagreement in absolute kinematics and muscle forces, but similar trends resulting from changing prosthesis design or patellar tendon length.
Continuous-Context, User-Independent, Real-Time Intent Recognition for Powered Lower-Limb Prostheses
Authors: Bhakta Krishan , Maldonado-Contreras Jairo , Camargo Jonathan , Zhou Sixu , Compton William , Herrin Kinsey R. , Young Aaron J.
Published: December 2024

Community ambulation is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it poses significant challenges for individuals with limb loss due to complex task demands. In wearable robotics, particularly powered prostheses, there is a critical need to accurately estimate environmental context, such as walking speed and slope, to offer intuitive and seamless assistance during varied ambulation tasks. We developed a user-independent and multicontext, intent recognition system that was deployed in real-time on an Open Source Leg (OSL). We recruited 11 individuals with transfemoral amputation, with seven participants used for real-time validation. Our findings revealed two main conclusions: (1) the user-independent (IND) performance across speed and slope was not statistically different from user-dependent (DEP) models in real-time and did not degrade compared to its offline counterparts, and (2) IND walking speed estimates showed ∼0.09 m/s mean absolute error (MAE) and slope estimates showed ∼0.95 deg MAE across multicontext scenarios. Additionally, we provide an open-source dataset to facilitate further research in accurately estimating speed and slope using an IND approach in real-world walking tasks on a powered prosthesis.
Tribological Analysis and Thermal Behavior of Gear Tooth Flanks in Polymer Gears During Dry Operation
Authors: Alharbi Khalid Abdulkhaliq M.
Published: December 2024

This study presents comprehensive findings on the tribological and thermal behavior of polymer gears under varying loads and operating conditions. Gear tooth wear-rates and thermal contact behavior were investigated for nylon (PA) and acetal (POM) materials, fabricated using machining (MC). Experimental investigations were performed under loads of 6.5 N m, 8.5 N m, and 9.0 N m, while maintaining a consistent rotational velocity of 1500 rpm. The wear-rates and surface temperatures were systematically monitored utilizing a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) with a precision of 0.1 µm and a high-resolution thermal imaging apparatus. Results revealed that at 9.0 N m, thermal stabilization reduced wear-rates by 15% compared to 8.5 N m, due to the softened material layer acting as an internal lubricant. Conversely, higher wear-rates at 8.5 N m were attributed to localized debris formation and limited thermal softening. Key findings include the identification of the glass transition temperature of PA at approximately 75 °C and its effect on wear behavior. These insights provide a deeper understanding of polymer gear performance, offering guidance for material selection and operational optimization in high-performance applications.
Making reasoning visible through process mapping in digitally simulated clinical reasoning assessments
Authors: Edgar Amanda , Estaphan Suzanne , Chong Luke , Armitage James , Ainge Lucinda , Corrigan Gerry
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Making the processes underpinning students’ approaches to given tasks visible is challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the viability of microanalysis of a digitally simulated clinical reasoning assessment.
Methods: Eighty-five second-year optometry students were invited to participate in recall interviews. Through thematic analysis, we constructed a codebook and through microanalysis, process maps were created.
Results: The codebook had four themes and 27 codes. The 53 process maps were synthesised to demonstrate decision making.
Conclusion: Microanalysis could be used in future studies to explore underlying cognitive processes in digitally simulated clinical reasoning assessment in optometry education.
Sexual selection promotes reproductive isolation in barn swallows
Authors: Schield Drew R. , Carter Javan K. , Scordato Elizabeth S. C. , Levin Iris I. , Wilkins Matthew R. , Mueller Sarah A. , Gompert Zachariah , Nosil Patrik , Wolf Jochen B. W. , Safran Rebecca J.
Published: December 2024

Despite the well-known effects of sexual selection on phenotypes, links between this evolutionary process and reproductive isolation, genomic divergence, and speciation have been difficult to establish. We unravel the genetic basis of sexually selected plumage traits to investigate their effects on reproductive isolation in barn swallows. The genetic architecture of sexual traits is characterized by 12 loci on two autosomes and the Z chromosome. Sexual trait loci exhibit signatures of divergent selection in geographic isolation and barriers to gene flow in secondary contact. Linkage disequilibrium between these genes has been maintained by selection in hybrid zones beyond what would be expected under admixture alone. Our findings reveal that selection on coupled sexual trait loci promotes reproductive isolation, providing key empirical evidence for the role of sexual selection in speciation.
Confronting risks of mirror life
Authors: Adamala Katarzyna P. , Agashe Deepa , Belkaid Yasmine , Bittencourt Daniela Matias de C. , Cai Yizhi , Chang Matthew W. , Chen Irene A. , Church George M. , Cooper Vaughn S. , Davis Mark M. , Devaraj Neal K. , Endy Drew , Esvelt Kevin M. , Glass John I. , Hand Timothy W. , Inglesby Thomas V. , Isaacs Farren J. , James Wilmot G. , Jones Jonathan D. G. , Kay Michael S. , Lenski Richard E. , Liu Chenli , Medzhitov Ruslan , Nicotra Matthew L. , Oehm Sebastian B. , Pannu Jaspreet , Relman David A. , Schwille Petra , Smith James A. , Suga Hiroaki , Szostak Jack W. , Talbot Nicholas J. , Tiedje James M. , Venter J. Craig , Winter Gregory , Zhang Weiwen , Zhu Xinguang , Zuber Maria T.
Published: December 2024

Broad discussion is needed to chart a path forward
The great work continues
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: December 2024

In the highly acclaimed 1991 play
Angels in America
, which explores AIDS in the United States in the 1980s, one of the characters muses about the nature of knowledge and novelty: “Imagination can’t create anything new, can it? It only recycles bits and pieces from the world and reassembles them into visions.” Although the scene’s intent is to ponder the limits of human experience and how the constraints of day-to-day reality are inescapable, the description of imagination aptly describes the creative shuffling that can lead to breakthroughs, like the ones recognized by
Science
at this time every year. In naming the drug lenacapavir as the 2024 Breakthrough of the Year,
Science
acknowledges the next, but by no means final, step in the drive to fight HIV/AIDS, where the rigors of the laboratory and the needs of humanity are inseparable.
The long shot
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: December 2024

An injectable HIV drug with a novel mechanism shows remarkable ability to prevent infection
Google takes key step toward an error-free quantum computer
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: December 2024

Quantum bits’ delicate states preserved by expanding them
Taxonomic diversity and functional potential of microbial communities in oyster calcifying fluid
Authors: Unzueta-Martínez Andrea , Girguis Peter R.
Published: December 2024

Creating and maintaining an appropriate chemical environment is essential for biomineralization, the process by which organisms precipitate minerals to form their shells or skeletons, yet the mechanisms involved in maintaining calcifying fluid chemistry are not fully defined. In particular, the role of microorganisms in facilitating or hindering animal biomineralization is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the taxonomic diversity and functional potential of microbial communities inhabiting oyster calcifying fluid. We used shotgun metagenomics to survey calcifying fluid microbial communities from three different oyster harvesting sites. There was a striking consistency in taxonomic composition across the three collection sites. We also observed archaea and viruses that had not been previously identified in oyster calcifying fluid. Furthermore, we identified microbial energy-conserving metabolisms that could influence the host’s calcification, including genes involved in sulfate reduction and denitrification that are thought to play pivotal roles in inorganic carbon chemistry and calcification in microbial biofilms. These findings provide new insights into the taxonomy and functional capacity of oyster calcifying fluid microbiomes, highlighting their potential contributions to shell biomineralization, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between microbial ecology and biogeochemistry that could potentially bolster oyster calcification.

IMPORTANCE

Previous research has underscored the influence of microbial metabolisms in carbonate deposition throughout the geological record. Despite the ecological importance of microbes to animals and inorganic carbon transformations, there have been limited studies characterizing the potential role of microbiomes in calcification by animals such as bivalves. Here, we use metagenomics to investigate the taxonomic diversity and functional potential of microbial communities in calcifying fluids from oysters collected at three different locations. We show a diverse microbial community that includes bacteria, archaea, and viruses, and we discuss their functional potential to influence calcifying fluid chemistry via reactions like sulfate reduction and denitrification. We also report the presence of carbonic anhydrase and urease, both of which are critical in microbial biofilm calcification. Our findings have broader implications in understanding what regulates calcifying fluid chemistry and consequentially the resilience of calcifying organisms to 21st century acidifying oceans.
Temperature-responsive regulation of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading mesophilic bacterium
Novosphingobium pentaromativorans
US6-1 with a temperature adaptation system
Authors: Liu Zhuangzhuang , Liu Xinran , Huang Haiyan , Cao Feifei , Meng Qiu , Zhu Tingheng , Yin Jianhua , Song Xiaofei , Yu Zhiliang
Published: December 2024

Survivability and tolerance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-degrading bacteria in harsh environments, especially under varying temperatures, are a bottleneck for the effective application of
in situ
bioremediation. In this study, a temperature adaptation system (TAS) was constructed by combining a customized thermotolerant system with a customized cold-resistant system to realize the temperature-responsive regulation of the PAH-degrading mesophilic bacterium
Novosphingobium pentaromativoran
s US6-1. The innovative dual-pronged TAS strategy enabled the chassis strain to effectively tackle conditions under varying temperatures, ensuring robust biological activities across a broadened temperature spectrum and exhibiting the potential to realize the high-efficiency PAH degradation of
N. pentaromativorans
US6-1 in
in situ
bioremediation. Furthermore, the temperature-responsive regulation achieved using the TAS circuit is likely promising for creating intelligent microbial cell factories and avoiding precise temperature maintenance, making it highly useful for industrial applications.

IMPORTANCE

Environmental temperature is among the extremely important factors that determine the bioactivities of pollutant-degrading microorganisms in
in situ
bioremediation. Effectively maintaining the survivability and tolerance of mesophilic microorganisms under harsh conditions and varying temperatures remains a challenge in the application of pollutant bioremediation. This study, for the first time, developed a temperature adaptation system by combining a customized thermotolerant system with a customized cold-resistant system to realize the temperature-responsive regulation of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-degrading mesophilic bacterium
Novosphingobium pentaromativoran
s US6-1, thus diminishing the need for precise temperature control in PAH bioremediation.
Non-lytic spread of poliovirus requires the nonstructural protein 3CD
Authors: Aponte-Diaz David , Harris Jayden M. , Kang Tongjia Ella , Korboukh Victoria , Sotoudegan Mohamad S. , Gray Jennifer L. , Yennawar Neela H. , Moustafa Ibrahim M. , Macadam Andrew , Cameron Craig E.
Published: December 2024

Non-enveloped viruses like poliovirus (PV) have evolved the capacity to spread by non-lytic mechanisms. For PV, this mechanism exploits the host secretory autophagy pathway. Virions are selectively incorporated into autophagosomes, double-membrane vesicles that travel to the plasma membrane, fuse, and release single-membrane vesicles containing virions. Loading of cellular cargo into autophagosomes relies on direct or indirect interactions with microtubule-associated protein 1B-light chain 3 (LC3) that are mediated by motifs referred to as LC3-interaction regions (LIRs). We have identified a PV mutant with a severe defect in non-lytic spread. An F-to-Y substitution in a putative LIR of the nonstructural protein 3CD prevented virion incorporation into LC3-positive autophagosomes and virion trafficking to the plasma membrane for release. Using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy to monitor PV-induced autophagosome biogenesis, for the first time, we show that virus-induced autophagic signals yield normal autophagosomes, even in the absence of virions. The F-to-Y derivative of PV 3CD was unable to support normal autophagosome biogenesis. Together, these studies make a compelling case for the direct role of a viral nonstructural protein in the formation and loading of the vesicular carriers used for non-lytic spread that may depend on the proper structure, accessibility, and/or dynamics of its LIR. The studies of PV 3CD protein reported here will hopefully provoke a more deliberate look at the presence and function of LIR motifs in viral proteins of viruses known to use autophagy as the basis for non-lytic spread.

IMPORTANCE

Poliovirus (PV) and other enteroviruses hijack the cellular secretory autophagy pathway for non-lytic virus transmission. While much is known about the cellular factors required for non-lytic transmission, much less is known about viral factors contributing to transmission. We have discovered a PV nonstructural protein required for multiple steps of the pathway leading to vesicle-enclosed virions. This discovery should facilitate the identification of the specific steps of the cellular secretory autophagy pathway and corresponding factors commandeered by the virus and may uncover novel targets for antiviral therapy.
Supplemental Material: Crustal growth/reworking and stabilization of the western Superior Province: Insights from a Neoarchean gneiss complex of the Winnipeg River terrane
Authors: Ma Chong , al. et
Published: December 2024

Figures S1‒S5; LA-ICP-MS analytical methods; Tables S1‒S2.
Supplemental Material: Mesoproterozoic oxygenation event: From shallow marine to atmosphere
Authors: Xie Baozeng , Tang Dongjie , al. et
Published: December 2024

Table S1: Geochemical data from Member II and III of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation in the Yanqing and Jixian Sections, North China. Table S2: δ34SCAS, CAS, Mg/Ca, δ18Ocarb, Mn/Sr and I/(Ca+Mg) values of carbonates from the Gaoyuzhuang Formation in the Yanqing Section, North China. Mg/Ca, δ18Ocarb, Mn/Sr and I/(Ca+Mg) data are from Shang et al. (2019). 
Supplemental Material: Geological architecture and history of the Antigua volcano and carbonate platform: Was there an Oligo–Miocene lull in Lesser Antilles arc magmatism?
Authors: Montheil Leny , al. et
Published: December 2024

Supplemental Material 1: Description of the sections, ages and depositional settings. Supplemental Material 2: Microfacies and larger benthic foraminifera content. Supplemental Material 3: Description of the seismic profiles 508 and 510. Supplemental Material 4: Structural measurements collected in the field. Supplemental Material 5: Detail of Ar/Ar step-heating analyses.
Supplemental Material: A possible sea-level fall trigger for the youngest rejuvenated volcanism in Hawaiʻi
Authors: Jicha Brian R. , al. et
Published: December 2024

Table S1: Complete 40Ar/39Ar data. Table S2: Fo (=Mg/[Mg+Fe]) and Ni EPMA data for olivine profiles from the Koko Rift (Koko Crater bomb and flow, Kaupo lava flow and Kāohikaipu Island) from core to rim.
Beyond the hook: do angler-fish interactions in a catch-and-release recreational fishery modify fish space use and catchability?
Authors: Griffin Lucas P. , Fordham Gail , Curd George , Adam Pierre André , Narty Christopher , Rose-Innes Keith , Merwe Devan Vd , Brighton Eleanor , Danylchuk Sascha Clark , McGarigal Caitlin , Allen Marin A.W. , Cooke Steven J. , Danylchuk Andy J.
Published: December 2024

By combining acoustic telemetry, mark-and-recapture, and location-specific catch logs, we tested whether angler-fish interactions altered the behavior, space use, and catchability of giant trevally ( Caranx ignobilis) (GT) in coastal waters of the Alphonse Island Group, Seychelles, Indian Ocean. Adult GT near a high human use area with limited provisioning showed restricted movements during the tourism fishing season and had home ranges nearly 50% smaller than that of adult GT from other parts of the atoll group. Despite angler catch maps overlapping with 30% of non-habituated adult GT core use areas, recaptures were infrequent, suggesting that GT became hook shy. Although there was no change in movement patterns during a temporary fishing closure caused by COVID-19, non-habituated GT movement patterns shifted toward wider ranging movements with each successive fishing season, potentially to avoid shallow water areas where angler activities occurred. Our findings highlight how angler interactions and catch-and-release fisheries have the potential to modify the behavior, space use, and catchability of targeted species, and may influence the viability of the fishery by exceeding its capacity.
Reduced maternal–fetal cardiac coupling in moderate preterm labor: a high-resolution symbolic dynamics analysis
Authors: Piña-Martínez Michael Moncerrat , Pliego-Carrillo Adriana Cristina , Ledesma-Ramírez Claudia Ivette , Echeverría Juan Carlos , Mendieta-Zerón Hugo , Santiago-Fuentes Laura Mercedes , Abarca-Castro Eric Alonso , Talavera-Peña Ana Karen , Reyes-Lagos José Javier
Published: December 2024

This research explores maternal–fetal heart rhythm coupling (MFHRC) in full-term and moderate preterm labor using high-resolution joint symbolic dynamics (HRJSD) to identify distinct heart rate patterns indicative of physiological system couplings during active labor stages. This study evidences that preterm labor exhibits unique MFHRC patterns compared to full-term labor, potentially reflecting physiological responses and system complexities differences. The analysis involved 25 maternal–fetal RR time series from women in active full-term labor and 18 from those in moderate preterm labor. HRJSD was utilized to dissect the degree of coupling by examining specific maternal–fetal heart rhythm patterns and calculating global Shannon entropy for both groups. We observed that specific dominant heart rate patterns are preserved in both term and moderate preterm labor, suggesting an intrinsic aspect of cardiovascular coupling irrespective of the labor's condition. Additionally, we found variations in non-dominant patterns between term and preterm labor, which may reflect subtle differences in cardiac responses, hinting at possible adaptive fetal strategies in response to preterm labor conditions. An important finding of our research is the overall decrease in MFHRC in preterm labor, as indicated by higher Shannon entropy values. This decrease suggests a reduced synchronization of maternal–fetal heart rate rhythm during labor in preterm conditions. These insights highlight the importance of MFHRC analysis in understanding the distinct physiological interactions between mother and fetus during labor. The study's findings may pave the way for further research on prenatal health and developing interventions that may guide outcomes in preterm labor.
Planar algebras for the Young graph and the Khovanov Heisenberg category
Authors: Koshida Shinji
Published: December 2024

This paper studies planar algebras of Jones’ style associated with the Young graph. We first see that, given a positive real valued function on the Young graph, we may obtain a planar algebra whose structure is defined in terms of a state sum over the ways of filling planar tangles with Young diagrams. We delve into the case that the function is harmonic and related to the Plancherel measures on Young diagrams. Along with an element that is depicted as a cross of two strings, we see that the defining relations among morphisms for the Khovanov Heisenberg category are recovered in the planar algebra. We also identify certain elements in the planar algebra with particular functions of Young diagrams that include the moments, Boolean cumulants and normalized characters. This paper thereby bridges diagrammatical categorification and asymptotic representation theory. In fact, the Khovanov Heisenberg category is one of the most fundamental examples of diagrammatical categorification whereas the harmonic functions on the Young graph have been a central object in the asymptotic representation theory of symmetric groups.
Estimating the Fundamental Period of Reinforced Concrete Buildings: Integrating Infill Walls and Soil–Structure Interaction Effects for Enhanced Seismic Performance
Authors: Banik Arijit , Debbarma Rama
Published: December 2024

Buildings with reinforced concrete (RC) integrate steel reinforcement with concrete to increase the structure’s durability and load-bearing capability. A significant issue is the corrosion of the steel reinforcement, especially in high-humidity environments or when exposed to deicing salts. This paper proposes a novel technique for predicting the fundamental period (FP) of RC buildings considering infill walls and soil–structure interaction (SSI) effects. The proposed technique is the multi-component attention graph convolutional neural network (MCAGCNN). The primary objective of the proposed method is to achieve high prediction accuracy and minimal error in approximating the FP of RC frame-building models, thereby improving the reliability of structural analysis and design. Initially, data are collected from Housing Database Project Level Files. This study primarily investigated three types of buildings: Bare frames, buildings with fully unfilled walls, and buildings with an open first floor. The research considered the effects of various factors like infill stiffness, number of bays, SSI, bay width, and the FP of the buildings. The concrete grade, the number of stories, the building’s width and length, and the number of bays are the input parameters used to predict the FP. The FP of RC buildings with and without SSI effects is predicted using the proposed MCAGCNN technique. The proposed MCAGCNN approach improves accuracy by 19.36%, 26.42%, and 23.27%, increases precision by 22.36%, 15.42%, and 18.27%, and reduces RMSE by 18.36%, 16.42%, and 28.27%, compared to the existing techniques, including Genetic Algorithms (GA), Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The proposed study also demonstrates a lower [Formula: see text] norm error of 0.045, indicating a high degree of accuracy and minimal deviation between predicted and actual values.
Alternative model of a 1–1–3 composite, its piezoelectric properties and figures of merit
Authors: Topolov Vitaly Yu.
Published: December 2024

A model of a novel 1–3-type composite containing two ferroelectric components is put forward. In this composite, ferroelectric single crystal (SC) rods and ferroelectric ceramic rods are distributed in a polymer matrix. For a lead-free 1–1–3 composite based on domain-engineered [Lix(K[Formula: see text]Nay)[Formula: see text]](Nb[Formula: see text]Taz)O3:Mn SC, effective piezoelectric coefficients [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and energy-harvesting figures of merit (FOMs) [Formula: see text] are studied taking an active influence of the ferroelectric components into account. In a new m–[Formula: see text] diagram, regions of volume fractions of SC (m) and ceramic ([Formula: see text]) are determined where FOM [Formula: see text] changes from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] Pa[Formula: see text]. Effective parameters of the 1–1–3 and related 1–0–3 composites are compared, and consistency is shown. The large longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient [Formula: see text] and FOM [Formula: see text] of the lead-free 1–1–3 composite are to be of interest in piezoelectric sensorics and energy harvesting.
Imaging Findings and Management Strategies for Liver Masses in Children with Predisposition Disorders: A Review by the Pediatric LI-RADS Group
Authors: Kolbe Amy B. , Acord Michael R. , Khanna Geetika , Morin Cara E. , Nguyen HaiThuy N. , Rees Mitchell A. , Ro Esther , Schooler Gary R. , Squires Judy H. , Syed Ali B. , Tang Elizabeth R. , Towbin Alexander J. , Alazraki Adina
Published: December 2024

Children with underlying systemic and predisposition disorders are subject to the development of benign and malignant masses, sometimes in the setting of chronic parenchymal liver disease, and knowledge of the pathophysiology of these disorders and the appearances of potential liver masses is important for the pediatric radiologist.
Demineralization of Osseous Structures as Presentation of a Rare Genetic Disorder That Is Associated With a High Rate of Mortality
Authors: Afrah Adeeba , Finkel Michael A. , Fonseca Carolina , Asato Marianne Tomiyoshi , Jay M. Susan , Pappas Athina , Gowda Shashikala B. , Jay Allison
Published: December 2024

Objectives: Describe the details of the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management of a female neonate with neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT).

Methods: This case report was developed from a retrospective chart review. The female infant was born to consanguineous parents—first cousins, with multiple prenatal concerns, including gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction, polyhydramnios, and suspicion of a hypoplastic left atrium on prenatal echocardiogram (ECHO). Following a planned C‐section at 37 weeks gestation, the neonate exhibited moderate respiratory distress with subcostal retractions. On physical examination, craniotabes, a bell‐shaped chest, and a continuous machinery‐type murmur were noted.

Results: Evaluation at birth revealed a large Patent Ductus Arteriosus and significant demineralization of skeletal structures with atypical rib morphology. Lab work at 24 h of life (HOL) showed elevated serum calcium level (14.3 mg/dL), ionized calcium—iCal (2.32 mmol/L), and normal 25‐OH Vitamin D (54.2 ng/mL). A comprehensive skeletal survey uncovered generalized osteopenia, metaphyseal lucencies, and evidence of healing fractures. Repeat lab work at 43 HOL, showed serum calcium of 18.0 mg/dL, iCal 2.67 mmol/L, and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) of 2116 pg/mL. Diagnosis of NSHPT was established based on laboratory findings. Molecular testing confirmed a homozygous variant (c.1744T >A; p.Cys582Ser) in the calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) gene which confirmed the diagnosis of NSHPT. NSHPT, a rare genetic disorder associated with high mortality rates, is often caused by inactivating CaSR gene variants. The patient’s family history revealed a strong correlation with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), a benign condition associated with asymptomatic hypercalcemia, normal to minimally elevated parathyroid level, and hypocalciuria, it is caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations in the CaSR gene. Treatment of NSHPT typically involves total or subtotal parathyroidectomy; however, initial medical intervention is often necessary. In this case, the neonate underwent medical treatment with calcitonin, furosemide to help facilitate renal clearance of calcium, and intravenous fluids before a successful parathyroidectomy.

Conclusions: This case accentuates the importance of considering rare genetic disorders in neonates with complex clinical presentations and affirms the need for comprehensive counseling and education, particularly in consanguineous parents, to address familial implications and guide appropriate interventions.