bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A distributed approach for persistent homology computation on a large scale
Authors: Ceccaroni Riccardo , Di Rocco Lorenzo , Ferraro Petrillo Umberto , Brutti Pierpaolo
Published: August 2024

Persistent homology (PH) is a powerful mathematical method to automatically extract relevant insights from images, such as those obtained by high-resolution imaging devices like electron microscopes or new-generation telescopes. However, the application of this method comes at a very high computational cost that is bound to explode more because new imaging devices generate an ever-growing amount of data. In this paper, we present PixHomology, a novel algorithm for efficiently computing zero-dimensional PH on images, optimizing memory and processing time. By leveraging the Apache Spark framework, we also present a distributed version of our algorithm with several optimized variants, able to concurrently process large batches of astronomical images. Finally, we present the results of an experimental analysis showing that our algorithm and its distributed version are efficient in terms of required memory, execution time, and scalability, consistently outperforming existing state-of-the-art PH computation tools when used to process large datasets.
Workflow for development of CAPS markers with one type of restriction enzyme to identify citrus cultivars
Authors: Nishimura Kazusa , Okuma Maho , Kaneyoshi Junko , Yamasaki Atsu , Nagasaka Kyoka , Murata Kazuki , Monden Yuki , Kato Kenji , Nishida Hidetaka , Nakazaki Tetsuya , Nakano Ryohei
Published: August 2024

Given the ease of propagating fruit tree species through cloning, the economic viability of their breeding programs hinges on protecting breeders' rights. This necessitates the development of highly accurate DNA markers for cultivar identification. Here, we present a methodology for the rapid design of cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers to discriminate newly bred Japanese citrus cultivars from genetically related cultivars. We first compared the performance of ddRAD-seq and MIG-seq in citrus germplasm. The ddRAD-seq libraries generated using EcoRI and HindIII restriction enzymes yielded the highest number of polymorphisms. Subsequently, ddRAD-seq with EcoRI and HindIII was employed to analyze 29 citrus cultivars and thus identify 331,801 genome-wide polymorphisms. A semi-automated bioinformatics pipeline was then utilized to identify candidate CAPS markers, resulting in the discovery of 14,072 potential markers. Of these candidates, 52 were chosen for validation based on their recognition by the PstI restriction enzyme. This evaluation resulted in the development of 11 highly discriminative CAPS markers. Remarkably, a combination of only six such markers was sufficient to differentiate newly bred cultivars from their genetically related parents. The single restriction enzyme employed for these markers facilitates straightforward multiplexing. Finally, a combination of one multiplex marker testing two loci and four singleplex markers was successfully selected that completely discriminated the cultivars other than the bud sports used in this study. The pipeline established here extends beyond citrus and has the potential to simplify marker development and cultivar protection in various plant species.
Implicit Social Attunement and Alcohol Use: The Effect of Peer Feedback on Willingness to Drink in Social Settings
Authors: Kroon Emese , Zhang Ran , Colyer-Patel Karis , Weidema Alix , Ünsal Doğa , Larsen Helle , Cousijn Janna
Published: August 2024

Social context plays an important role in alcohol consumption. While most studies focus on explicit social drinking norms, this study aimed to (1) develop an implicit social attunement (ISA) task to experimentally assess how willingness to drink alcohol is affected by social alcohol drinking (SAD), social non-alcohol drinking (SNAD), and social non-drinking (SND) settings and peer feedback on willingness to drink in these settings, and (2) assess how ISA is associated with explicit social attunement, age, alcohol use and related problems. Participants (N = 506) aged 16–60 years completed the ISA task and questionnaires assessing alcohol use and alcohol use–related problems, age, and explicit social attunement online. Willingness to drink was highest in the SAD setting (SAD: M(SD) = 5.70 (2.68); SNAD: M(SD) = 4.03 (2.20); SND: M(SD) = 2.02 (1.30)) and—regardless of social setting—lower peer willingness to drink induced higher ISA than higher peer willingness to drink (SAD: t(325) =  − 2.929, p = .035; SNAD: t(325) =  − 2.888 p = .036; SND: t(325) =  − 6.764, p < .001). Higher ISA to higher peer willingness in the SAD (r = .15, p = .001) and SNAD (r = .11, p = .011) settings was associated with higher alcohol use and related problems, while higher ISA to lower peer willingness in the SND setting was associated with lower alcohol use and related problems (r =  − .18, p = .002) and recent alcohol use (standard drinks: r =  − .14, p = .011; binge drinking days: r =  − .16, p = .005). Explicit social attunement, but not ISA, mediated the association between lower age and higher alcohol use and related problems (b =  − .013, p = .009). Results indicate that peer feedback can be a protective or risk factor for alcohol use, depending on the social setting. Future studies are needed to elucidate differences between implicit and explicit social attunement behaviors in their associations with age and alcohol use and related problems.
On minimal generating sets for the mapping class group of a punctured surface
Authors: Monden Naoyuki
Published: August 2024

Let Σg,p be an oriented surface of genus g with p punctures. We denote by $$\cal{M}_{g,p}$$

M

g
,
p

and $$\cal{M}_{g,p}^{\pm}$$

M

g
,
p

±

the mapping class group and the extended mapping class group of Σg,p, respectively. In this paper, we show that $$\cal{M}_{g,p}$$

M

g
,
p

and $$\cal{M}_{g,p}^{\pm}$$

M

g
,
p

±

are generated by two elements for g ≥ 3 and p ≥ 0.
Borel edge colorings for finite-dimensional groups
Authors: Weilacher Felix
Published: August 2024

We study the potential of Borel asymptotic dimension, a tool introduced recently in [2], to help produce Borel edge colorings of Schreier graphs generated by Borel group actions. We find that it allows us to recover the classical bound of Vizing in certain cases, and also use it to exactly determine the Borel edge chromatic number for free actions of abelian groups.
Making Tangible the Long-Term Harm Linked to the Chilling Effects of AI-enabled Surveillance: Can Human Flourishing Inform Human Rights?
Authors: Rautenberg Niclas , Murray Daragh
Published: August 2024

AI-enabled State surveillance capabilities are likely to exert chilling effects whereby individuals modify their behavior due to a fear of the potential consequences if that behavior is observed. The risk is that chilling effects drive individuals towards the mainstream, slowly reducing the space for personal and political development. This could prove devastating for individuals’ ability to freely develop their identity and, ultimately, for the evolution and vibrancy of democratic society. As it stands, human rights law cannot effectively conceptualize this cumulative, longer-term, harm, and so cannot accurately evaluate the cost/benefit of AI tools, risking irreparable harm. As chilling effects impact individuals’ ability to live a good, self-determined life, the concept of human flourishing is relevant. This article engages with Aristotelian naturalism, the life-satisfaction approach, and the capabilities approach to determine which best resonates with the concept of identity as relevant to chilling effects and human rights law. It concludes that the capabilities approach may overcome some of the problems associated with the human rights law approach and may provide a framework capable of capturing both the intricate processes of free identity development and of conceptualizing the harm linked to AI surveillance. The challenge, however, is to ‘operationalize’ this approach.
Event-specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification for living modified cotton MON88701, MON531, MON15985, MON88913, and COT102
Authors: Choi Wonkyun , Yoon A-Mi , Lee Jun-Woo , Lim Hye Song , Jung Young Jun , Lee Jung Ro
Published: August 2024

Gossypium hirsutum L., commonly known as upland cotton, is cultivated globally for natural fiber, feed, and seed oil. To enhance agricultural productivity and quality, living modified (LM) cotton has been developed and utilized since the late 1990s. Due to environmental concerns, such as biodiversity risks associated with living modified organisms (LMOs), the Korean government, including the Ministry of Environment, has been conducting LMO natural environment monitoring and post-management projects. In this study, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to detect five specific LM cotton events (MON88701, MON531, MON15985, MON88913, and COT102), which were the most abundant volunteers observed from 2019 to 2021 in South Korea. The event-specific LAMP assays for the five LM cotton events were established with a 40-min reaction time using LAMP reaction buffer, Bst DNA polymerase, and event-specific primers. The limit of detection ranged from 0.01 to 1 ng/μL. The assays' specificity and sensitivity were validated through colorimetric changes, fluorescence intensity measurements, and conventional PCR. To demonstrate the practical application of the LAMP assays, we tested 22 LM cotton volunteers collected from the natural environment in 2021. Each LAMP assay event-specifically amplified the respective LM cotton volunteers. These results indicate that the developed LAMP assays are effective tools for the efficient management and detection of LM cotton in field surveys, supporting regulatory compliance and environmental monitoring efforts.
Unveiling the Characteristics of ER70S-6 low Carbon Steel Alloy Produced by wire arc Additive Manufacturing at Different Travel Speeds
Authors: Dekis Mohammed , Tawfik Mahmoud , Egiza Mohamed , Dewidar Montasser
Published: August 2024

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) produces metal components with crucial properties dependent on process parameters. Understanding the effects of these parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties is vital for optimizing WAAM. This study investigated the impact of varying travel speeds (TS) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of low carbon steel ER70S-6 alloy produced by WAAM process. The hypothesis centred on the impact of different TS values on heat input (HI) and cooling rates, and the subsequent effects on the resulting microstructure and mechanical properties of the deposited material. ER70S-6 alloy was deposited at three different TS: 120, 150, and 180 mm/min. Microstructure and mechanical properties (microhardness, tensile strength, elongation) were evaluated for each TS condition. Distinct microstructures were observed in the deposited samples, influenced by cooling rates at different TS. Distinct microstructures emerged in different regions of the deposits due to varying cooling rates at different TS. Higher TS (180 mm/min) significantly reduced pores and cracks while enhancing yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) up to 25.2 ± 0.77% elongation and 502.3 ± 3.17 MPa UTS, respectively. However, UTS remained slightly lower (93%) than the catalogued value for ER70S-6 (540 MPa), indicating a mild softening effect. TS significantly influenced the microstructure and mechanical properties of WAAM-produced ER70S-6 alloy. This study provides key insights into optimizing WAAM parameters for low carbon steel, paving the way for improved component production for diverse industrial applications.
Preparation of Novel Marine Enterococcus faecium MSD8 Exopolysaccharide Ointment and In Vivo Evaluation of Its Impact on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Male Albino Rats
Authors: Abdel-monem Doaa A. , Sabry Soraya A. , Ghozlan Hanan A. , Zaghloul Eman H.
Published: August 2024

The current study describes the isolation of exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from marine samples and testing different sugar additives with different proportions for enhanced EPS yield. The isolate MSD8 showed the most potential, yielding 200 mg/L of EPS after being cultivated at 37 °C for 48 h on de Man Rogosa and Sharpe medium (MRS) supplemented with 3% sucrose. The marine isolate MSD8 was identified as Enterococcus faecium with 99.58% probability using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The obtained sequence was deposited in GenBank and assigned the accession number MW924065. The feature of MSD8-EPS was characterized by estimating the total carbohydrate content by UV–vis to be ~ 71%. The FTIR analysis further indicated the presence of characteristic bands of polysaccharide. The cytotoxicity of the produced MSD8-EPS was assessed using human skin fibroblasts (HSF). The IC50 was determined to be > 100 μg/mL, which signifies that MSD8-EPS is safe for skin application. The produced EPS was used to prepare a novel ointment, which was tested for wound healing ability in male albino rats. The ointment significantly (P ≤ 0.05) shortened the time needed for wound healing, as it successfully healed the wounds by 94.93% on the 7th day and completely (100%) healed the wound by the 12th day. In comparison, the control group was healed by 73.2% and 84.83%, respectively. The data confirm that the prepared ointment can safely be used for pharmaceutical wound care products.
Filling the ponds of Hattuşa - a geohydrological approach to determine inflows by time and volume
Authors: Wittenberg Hartmut , Aksoy Hafzullah
Published: August 2024

In the ruins of Hattuşa, the capital of the Hittite Empire more than 3,000 years ago, large, sedimented water storage ponds have been uncovered since 1998. An investigation based on time series of measured groundwater levels, showed that the ponds were supplied from layered aquifers which were opened at their source horizons directly at the uphill edge of the pond. When the groundwater level at the pond exceeds a threshold given by the geology at that edge, water pours into the pond. The principles and the path of filling become clear, but not the volumes and time distribution of the transfers. These results of the previous studies were amply published and are shortly summarized. The present investigation is also based on the time series of groundwater levels and of the discharge of a modern fountain as well as the local hydrogeological properties. The approach is simple but shows the effect of storage in the aquifer which delays the outflow into the pond, so that water from the rainy season was available in the dry season. Also, the annual outflow values are determined. Besides gaining knowledge it is an aim of the article to encourage interdisciplinary and process-oriented thinking.
Soziale und soziomathematische Normen in mathematikhaltigen Fachkraft-Kind-Diskursen in Kindertagesstätten
Authors: Vogler Anna-Marietha
Published: August 2024

Bereits in der Kindertagesstätte, so die Annahme des Beitrages, werden junge Lernende in Interaktionen mit Peers und Fachkräften in Mikrokulturen des Mathematiktreibens hineinsozialisiert. Diese Kulturen sind geprägt von bestimmten Normen und bedeutend für die weitere Lernbiographie im Fach. Während die Mikrokulturen des Mathematikunterrichts und Normen unterrichtlicher Diskurse in mathematikdidaktischen Arbeiten vielfach beschrieben werden, existieren – trotz der Bedeutsamkeit – bisher keine vergleichbaren Ausführungen im Elementarbereich. Ziel des Beitrags ist es daher, die Theorie der Normen auf den Bereich der frühen mathematischen Diskurse zu erweitern und soziale sowie soziomathematische Normen in Fachkraft-Kind-Diskursen rekonstruktiv zu erfassen. Ein besonderer Fokus liegt dabei auf den Relevanzsetzungen der elementarpädagogischen Fachkräfte in ihrer Rolle als Repräsentant*innen der mathematischen Kultur. Die Analysen von zwei von Fachkräften selbst entwickelten und realisierten Situationen aus dem Bereich der Geometrie zeigen, dass die rekonstruierbaren sozialen Normen der Diskurse in der Kindertagesstätte zum Teil denen des Mathematikunterrichts gleichen. Die emergenten soziomathematischen Normen stehen hingegen teilweise im Widerspruch zu tragfähigen mathematischen Konzepten, die im schulischen Diskurs vermittelt werden, und sind hierdurch nicht anschlussfähig.
Application of the sono-Fenton/UV process on the treatment of table olive processing wastewater
Authors: Çokay E. , Eker S. , Taşkın E.
Published: August 2024

The Mediterranean Basin economies of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey depend on the table olive and olive oil industries. Table olive processing wastewater characteristics and quantity depend on olive varietal and processing methods. Olives and processing methods provide phenol, suspended particles, dissolved inorganic solids, and refractory organics. Due of its complexity, conventional methods struggle to tackle table olive processing wastewater. A novel approach to enhanced oxidation processes integrates many ways to boost hydroxyl radical formation and scale up efficiency. UV assisted sono-Fenton process as a modified Fenton process was applied to table olive washing wastewater to achieve high formation of hydroxyl radicals. When UV assisted sono-Fenton experiments executed to determine the optimum reaction conditions, the effects of hydrogen peroxide, ferrous ion concentrations and reaction time on the oxidation of table olive washing wastewater investigated by using a statistical experimental design. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and phenol removal efficiencies were examined by keeping the pH constant. The UV assisted sono-Fenton process achieved 53% phenol, 68% TOC, and 80% COD removal efficiencies. The results show that the UV assisted sono-Fenton process can treat effectively table olive processing wastewater. Optimum reaction conditions for the UV assisted sono-Fenton process were determined. UV assisted sono-Fenton process provides a significant reduction in reaction time and minimizes the costs of process associated with low chemical requirements. So, these optimum reaction conditions were resulted in low sludge production at the UV assisted sono-Fenton process while treating table olive processing wastewater.
Movement- and Posture-based Measures of Sedentary Patterns and Associations with Metabolic Syndrome in Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic Adults
Authors: Jankowska Marta M. , Tribby Calvin P. , Hibbing Paul R. , Carlson Jordan A. , Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Sears Dorothy D. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Natarajan Loki
Published: August 2024

Background

Sedentary behavior has been identified as a significant risk factor for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). However, it is unclear if the sedentary pattern measurement approach (posture vs. movement) impacts observed associations or if associations differ for Hispanic/Latino communities, who have higher risk of MetS.

Methods

Participants from the Community of Mine (CoM) study (N = 602) wore hip-based accelerometers for 14 days and completed MetS-associated biomarker assessment (triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol, waist circumference). Sedentary patterns were classified using both cutpoints (movement-based) and the Convolutional Neural Network Hip Accelerometer Posture (CHAP) algorithm (posture-based). We used logistic regression to estimate associations between MetS with sedentary patterns overall and stratified by Hispanic/Latino ethnicity.

Results

CHAP and cutpoint sedentary patterns were consistently associated with MetS. When controlling for total sedentary time and moderate to vigorous physical activity, only CHAP-measured median sedentary bout duration (OR = 1.15, CI: 1.04, 1.28) was significant. In stratified analysis, CHAP-measured median bout duration and time spent in sedentary bouts ≥ 30 min were each associated with increased odds of MetS, but the respective associations were stronger for Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (OR = 1.71 and 1.48; CI = 1.28–2.31 and 1.12–1.98) than for non-Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (OR = 1.43 and 1.40; CI = 1.10–1.87 and 1.06–1.87).

Conclusions

The way sedentary patterns are measured can impact the strength and precision of associations with MetS. These differences may be larger in Hispanic/Latino ethnic groups and warrants further research to inform sedentary behavioral interventions in these populations.
A history of childhood schizophrenia and lessons for autism
Authors: Fellowes Sam
Published: August 2024

The diagnosis of childhood schizophrenia was widely employed in the U.S. from the 1930s to the late 1970s. In this paper I will provide a history of the diagnosis. Some of the earliest publications on childhood schizophrenia outlined the notion that childhood schizophrenia had different types. I will outline the development of these types, outlining differing symptoms and causes associated with various types. I outline how different types of childhood schizophrenia were demarcated from one another primarily on age of onset and the type of psychosis which was believed to be present. I will outline how various child psychiatrists viewed the types of childhood schizophrenia posited by other child psychiatrists. I will outline the process of abandoning childhood schizophrenia. I use my history to challenge what I believe are misconceptions about childhood schizophrenia. Also, I will use my history to draw lessons for thinking about modern notions of autism. It shows potential problems around formulating psychiatric diagnoses around causes and how compromises might be needed to prevent those problems. Additionally, childhood schizophrenia shows that psychiatrists could formulate subtypes that are not based upon functioning levels and that we can conceive of subtypes as dynamic whereby someone can change which subtype they exhibit over time.
On D(j)-groups with an element of order $$p^{j+1}$$ for some prime p
Authors: Herzog Marcel , Longobardi Patrizia , Maj Mercede
Published: August 2024

An element x of $$G^{*}$$

G

∗

will be called deficient if $$ \langle x\rangle < C_G(x)$$

⟨
x
⟩

<

C
G

(
x
)

and it will be called non-deficient if $$\langle x\rangle = C_G(x)$$

⟨
x
⟩

=

C
G

(
x
)

. If $$x\in G$$

x
∈
G

is deficient (non-deficient), then the conjugacy class $$x^G$$

x
G

of x in G will be also called deficient (non-deficient). Let j be a non-negative integer. We shall say that the group G has defect j, denoted by $$G\in D(j)$$

G
∈
D
(
j
)

or by the phrase “G is a D(j)-group", if exactlyj non-trivial conjugacy classes of G are deficient. This paper deals with groups G which belong to D(j) for some positive integerj and which contain an element x of order $$p^{j+1}$$

p

j
+
1

for some prime p. We determine all finite D(j)-groups. Then we prove that if such groups are locally graded, then they have to be finite.
4D fabrication of shape-changing systems for tissue engineering: state of the art and perspectives
Authors: Bonetti Lorenzo , Scalet Giulia
Published: August 2024

In recent years, four-dimensional (4D) fabrication has emerged as a powerful technology capable of revolutionizing the field of tissue engineering. This technology represents a shift in perspective from traditional tissue engineering approaches, which generally rely on static—or passive—structures (e.g., scaffolds, constructs) unable of adapting to changes in biological environments. In contrast, 4D fabrication offers the unprecedented possibility of fabricating complex designs with spatiotemporal control over structure and function in response to environment stimuli, thus mimicking biological processes. In this review, an overview of the state of the art of 4D fabrication technology for the obtainment of cellularized constructs is presented, with a focus on shape-changing soft materials. First, the approaches to obtain cellularized constructs are introduced, also describing conventional and non-conventional fabrication techniques with their relative advantages and limitations. Next, the main families of shape-changing soft materials, namely shape-memory polymers and shape-memory hydrogels are discussed and their use in 4D fabrication in the field of tissue engineering is described. Ultimately, current challenges and proposed solutions are outlined, and valuable insights into future research directions of 4D fabrication for tissue engineering are provided to disclose its full potential.
Large sieve inequalities for periods of Maass forms
Authors: Lekkas Dimitrios , Voskou Marios
Published: August 2024

For $$\Gamma $$
Γ
a Fuchsian Group of the first kind, we obtain large sieve inequalities with weights the hyperbolic periods of Maass forms of even weight. This is inspired by work of Chamizo, who proved a large sieve inequality with weights values of Maass forms of weight 0. The motivation is applications in counting problems in $$\Gamma _1 \backslash \Gamma /\Gamma _2$$

Γ
1

\
Γ
/

Γ
2

, where $$\Gamma _1$$

Γ
1

, $$\Gamma _2$$

Γ
2

are hyperbolic subgroups of $$\Gamma $$
Γ
.
Early Childhood Sleep Difficulties and Middle Childhood Internalizing and Externalizing Psychopathology Among Children with Histories of Early Adversity
Authors: Lee Amy Hyoeun , Bernard Kristin , Dozier Mary
Published: August 2024

Children who have experienced adversity, including abuse and neglect, are at elevated risk for both sleep problems and psychopathology. Sleep disturbance may be one pathway by which early adversity confers risk for psychopathology. Previous studies with such children have found associations between sleep difficulties and internalizing and externalizing problems in early childhood, and between sleep and externalizing problems in middle childhood. Here, we sought to examine the links between early childhood sleep difficulties and middle childhood internalizing and externalizing psychopathology in children with histories of early adversity followed longitudinally. Participants were 153 children (44% female) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of an early childhood parenting intervention following involvement with child protective services. Caregivers reported on children’s sleep difficulties at ages 2, 3, and 4 and children’s internalizing and externalizing problems at ages 8, 9, and 10. Using a structural equation modeling approach, we found that mean levels of early childhood sleep difficulties were significantly and positively associated with internalizing, β = .449, p = .010, 95% CI [.106, .792], but not with externalizing, β = .229, p = .137, 95% CI [-.072, .529], problems in middle childhood, controlling for sex, age 4 psychopathology, and caregiver depression. Findings extend prior work demonstrating associations between sleep problems and psychopathology among children with histories of early adversity. More research is needed to elucidate the potential role of sleep difficulties in the development of internalizing problems in this population.
Alteration of stress-physiological mechanisms in sRNA-treated sweet corn plants during MDMV infection
Authors: Balassa Kinga , Balassa György , Rudnóy Szabolcs
Published: August 2024

Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) can significantly reduce the growth and development of susceptible varieties of sweet corn. The virus utilises the energy and reserve sources of plant cells to ensure its reproduction in the microspaces formed by cell membranes. Therefore, the severity of stress can be monitored by examining certain physiological changes, for example, changes in the degree of membrane damage caused by lipid peroxidation, as well as changes in the amount of photosynthetic pigments. The activation of antioxidant enzymes (e.g. ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione reductase) and the accumulation of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties can indirectly protect against the oxidative stress caused by the presence of the positive orientation, single-stranded RNA-virus. This study demonstrates the changes in these physiological processes in a sweet corn hybrid (Zea mays cv. saccharata var. Honey Koern.) susceptible to MDMV infection, and suggests that exogenous small RNA treatment can mitigate the damage caused by virus infection.
A diffusion-based integrative approach for culturing previously uncultured bacteria from marine sediments
Authors: Ahmad Tariq , Ishaq Sidra Erum , Liang Lewen , Xie Ruize , Wang Yinzhao , Wang Fengping
Published: August 2024

Traditional cultivation methods with defined growth media can only isolate and cultivate a small number of microbes. However, much higher microbial diversity has been detected by cultivation-independent tools from a range of natural ecosystems. These represent a large unexplored pool of potentially novel taxa. In this study, a diffusion-based integrative cultivation approach (DICA) was developed to efficiently isolate novel taxonomic candidates from marine sediment. DICA combined a newly designed diffusion-based apparatus called a “microbial aquarium” with modified low-nutrient media. To determine the efficiency of DICA, cultivation results were compared with traditional cultivation approach (TCA). Both cultivation approaches resulted in the isolation of numerous representatives from the phyla Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, Bacteroidota, and Bacillota. However, the newly developed DICA also led to the successful cultivation of species from rarely cultivated phyla such as Verrucomicrobiota and Balneolota. Based on 16S rRNA analyses, the application of DICA resulted in the successful cultivation of 115 previously uncultured taxa out of a total of 196 isolates. Among these, 39 were identified at the genus level and 4 at the family level, showcasing a novelty ratio of 58%. Conversely, the TCA cultivated 12% (20/165) of novel isolates, with all at species level only. The isolated microbial diversity showed that species recovered by DICA belong to 12 different classes, twice the number produced by TCA. Overall, these results demonstrate that the newly designed DICA produces a high recovery of diverse and previously uncultured bacteria.
Effect of Er:YAG laser surface treatment on surface properties and shear-bond strength of resin-cement to three translucent zirconia: an in-vitro study
Authors: Abdullah Hager , Abdulsamee Nagy , Farouk Hanaa , Saba Dalia A.
Published: August 2024

Achieving optimal bonding to translucent zirconia poses certain challenges as there is no consensus on ideal surface treatment method. Therefore, the aim of present investigation is to evaluate effect of Er:YAG laser treatment on wettability, surface roughness and shear-bond strength of three Yttrium oxide-stabilized zirconium-oxide polycrystal translucent zirconias. 120 specimens (n = 40/zirconia type) were prepared from three commercially-available translucent zirconias (Dentsply Sirona, USA); Translucent, High-Translucent and Ultra-Translucent zirconia. Specimens were sub-divided (n = 20/surface-treatment) into control and Er:YAG laser surface-treated groups. Regarding water wettability test; goniometer was used to measure contact angle before and after laser treatment. Surface roughness was measured using atomic force microscope. For shear-bond strength (SBS) test; the control group was sandblasted. All resin-bonded zirconia specimens were thermocycled for 5000 cycle and subjected to shear force using universal testing machine with 0.5 mm/min crosshead-speed. Results were statistically analyzed using two-way-analysis-of- variance (p ≤ 0.05). There was significant decrease in average contact angles (p-value < 0.001) in all zirconia groups after laser treatment. For roughness test; insignificant difference in average Ra in Translucent zirconia group. However, significant increase in mean Ra was revealed after laser treatment for High and Ultra-Translucent zirconias. For SBS test, results revealed insignificant difference in average bond strength after laser treatment in Translucent and High-translucent zirconia groups. Significant increase in mean bond strength of Ultra-Translucent zirconia was recorded. Er: YAG laser treatment significantly affected surface properties and shear-bond strength of Ultra-Translucent zirconia. Er:YAG laser irradiation may be a promising zirconia surface treatment method.

Graphical Abstract
Tribute to Michael O’Rourke (1937–2024): A Collective Tribute to a Colleague, Friend and Mentor
Authors: Avolio Alberto , Gow Barry , Nichols Wilmer , Winter Dean , Hayward Christopher , Gallagher David , Cockcroft John , Adji Audrey , Hashimoto Junichiro , Vlachopoulos Charalambos
Published: August 2024

A collective tribute to a colleague, friend, and mentor from those that have known him through his journey of the meanderings of the arterial pulse in health and disease; a journey that extended beyond borders and confines, with far-reaching personal and global impact. The Editorial Board of the Artery Research Journal and the Executive Committee of the Artery Society extend their due respects to Prof. Michael O’Rourke.
Variations in source-specific soil organic matter components across 32 forest sites in China
Authors: Sun Guodong , Wang Mengke , Zhang Qiang , Wang Yinghui , Yang Yuanxi , Xu Shan , Wang Junjian
Published: August 2024

Forest soils store substantial amounts of carbon in various soil organic matter (SOM) components due to high plant litter inputs and active microbial turnover. However, the variations in plant- and microbial-derived SOM components in surface and subsurface forest soils across a wide geographic scale remain poorly understood. This study investigated the SOM components from aboveground and belowground plant inputs and fungal and bacterial necromass in surface (soil0–5 cm) and subsurface (soil5–10 cm) soils across 32 forest sites in China and analyzed their relationships with climate and edaphic factors. Compared to soil0–5 cm, soil5–10 cm exhibited lower soil organic carbon content and cutin biomarker concentration but higher concentrations of fungal necromass carbon and lignin phenols. Higher mean annual precipitation led to higher concentrations of cutin and suberin biomarkers in soil0–5 cm and soil5–10 cm, respectively. Higher soil organic carbon content was associated with lower plant-derived lignin biomarkers, higher lignin oxidation degrees, and increased microbial necromass-derived amino sugars across sites, highlighting the pivotal role of microbial necromass in SOM stabilization. Additionally, both fungal and bacterial necromass decreased with increasing mineral weathering across sites. These insights improve the understanding of environmental drivers of source-specific carbon storage in forest soils.

Graphical Abstract
Legal changes: ecosystem health and the redefinition of sustainability in the Green Deal
Authors: Chiti Edoardo
Published: August 2024

This contribution to the Symposium on Ecosystem Restoration and EU Law is concerned with the changing features of sustainability. It argues that the Commission is gradually articulating, next to the consolidated objective of sustainable development, an ecological understanding of sustainability. It discusses the meaning and relevance of such new understanding, by asking how ecological sustainability is formulated as a policy objective and jurified in the legislation stemming from the Green Deal. It then reflects on the distinction between ecological sustainability and sustainable development. The contribution finally presents some thoughts on the relevance that the ongoing process of complication of the legal construction of sustainability may have for the Green Deal.
Carbon removals, ecosystems and the European Green Deal
Authors: Bogojević Sanja
Published: August 2024

Restoring ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity is one of many regulatory ambitions under the European Green Deal. The motivations to do so include, but are not limited to, enabling carbon removal by capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in land. The business model of such schemes is to help the EU and its Member States meet their climate obligations whilst safeguarding biodiversity, and when relevant, enable sustainable agricultural practices by creating transferable carbon credits awarded to land managers pursuing such practices. The idea of introducing market-based mechanisms in the management of ecosystem services is not a novelty, but the increasing prominence of carbon removals in the European Green Deal and its related legislative actions warrants careful consideration of legal quandaries about how such removals are to be carried out, why, where and by whom.
Reordering the European ground – regrounding the European legal order?
Authors: Petersmann Marie
Published: August 2024

This contribution to the Symposium on Ecosystem Restoration and EU Law assesses the underground protection schemes suggested by the European Green Deal (EGD) for the European Union (EU). By addressing the overground bias that environmental laws and policies have traditionally suffered from, the analysis engages with the EU Soil Strategy for 2030, its ‘Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”’, and the proposed 2023 Soil Monitoring Directive. The Article explores how and to what extent this agenda for the preservation and restoration of soils is legally reordering the European ground and, simultaneously, how and to what extent it is regrounding the European legal order.
Dynamics of particle aggregation in dewetting films of complex liquids
Authors: Zhang J. , Sibley D.N. , Tseluiko D. , Archer A.J.
Published: August 2024

We consider the dynamic wetting and dewetting processes of films and droplets of complex liquids on planar surfaces, focusing on the case of colloidal suspensions, where the particle interactions can be sufficiently attractive to cause agglomeration of the colloids within the film. This leads to an interesting array of dynamic behaviours within the liquid and of the liquid–air interface. Incorporating concepts from thermodynamics and using the thin-film approximation, we construct a model consisting of a pair of coupled partial differential equations that represent the evolution of the liquid film and the effective colloidal height profiles. We determine the relevant phase behaviour of the uniform system, including finding associated binodal and spinodal curves, helping to uncover how the emerging behaviour depends on the particle interactions. Performing a linear stability analysis of our system enables us to identify parameter regimes where agglomerates form, which we independently confirm through numerical simulations and continuation of steady states, to construct bifurcation diagrams. We obtain various dynamics such as uniform colloidal profiles in an unstable situation evolving into agglomerates and thus elucidate the interplay between dewetting and particle aggregation in complex liquids on surfaces.
It takes three to tangle
Authors: Vowinckel Bernhard
Published: August 2024

The clustering of debris floating on liquid interfaces such as water surfaces is a complex phenomenon that finds its applications in numerous examples from industrial processing and environmental systems. The recent paper by Shin & Coletti (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 984, 2024, R7) presents an experimental campaign investigating the three effects of turbulence, particle interactions and interfacial effects, to elucidate how the three force scales drag, capillary forces and lubrication give rise to three distinct regimes of clustering in dense suspensions. The study, hence, provides a useful systematic to categorize the clustering mechanisms. As an important finding, it is shown that, depending on volume fraction and non-dimensional turbulent shear, particles either tend to cluster into aggregate sizes larger than the Kolmogorov scale or can break into pieces that are as small as the primary particle size.
Turbulence modulation by charged inertial particles in channel flow
Authors: Cui Yuankai , Zhang Huan , Zheng Xiaojing
Published: August 2024

Large amounts of small inertial particles embedded in a turbulent flow are known to modify the turbulent statistics and structures, a phenomenon referred to as turbulence modulation. While particle electrification is ubiquitous in particle-laden turbulence and significantly alters particle behaviour, the effects of inter-particle electrostatic forces on turbulence modulation and the underlying physical mechanisms remain unclear. To fill this gap, we perform a series of point-particle direct numerical simulations of turbulent channel flows at a friction Reynolds number of approximately 540, laden with uncharged and charged bidisperse particles. The results demonstrate that, compared to flows laden with uncharged particles, the presence of inter-particle electrostatic forces leads to substantial changes in both turbulent intensities and structures. In particular, the inner-scaled mean streamwise fluid velocity is found to shift towards lower values, indicating a noticeable increase in fluid friction velocity. Turbulent intensities appear to be further suppressed through facilitating the particles to extract momentum from the fluid phase and increasing extra turbulent kinetic dissipation by particles. Importantly, the overall drag is enhanced by indirectly strengthening the contribution of particle stress, even though the contribution of the total fluid stress is decreased. On the other hand, the magnitude of the large-scale motions is weakened by simultaneously reducing turbulent production and increasing particle feedback around the scales of the large-scale motions. Meanwhile, the average streaky fluid structures in the streamwise–spanwise planes and inclined fluid structures in the streamwise–wall-normal planes become expanded and flattened, respectively.
Debating the domus ecclesiae at Dura-Europos: the Christian Building in context
Authors: Angelo Camille Leon , Silver Joshua
Published: August 2024

At Dura-Europos, homes were architecturally adapted across the late 2nd and 3rd c. CE by different religious groups to serve the needs of their communities. Although the Synagogue, Mithraeum, and Christian Building all began as domestic structures and share a similar architectural development, the origins of the latter have received unique attention through its classification as a domus ecclesiae or house church. This (hyper)focus on the structure's past use as a house does not do full justice to the archaeology of the building. Through an analysis of architectural adaptations, including before-and-after 3D reconstructions and daylight simulations, the authors show how the renovations significantly differentiated the Christian Building from its domestic antecedent and from Dura's houses more broadly. This approach is meant to shift attention away from more generalized, translocal, evolutionary models of Christian architectural development to micro-level archaeological analysis that situates structures within the spatial vernacular of their local contexts.
Ratgeber Tics
Authors: Döpfner Manfred , Roessner Veit , Woitecki Katrin , Rothenberger Aribert
Published: August 2024

Bei Tics handelt es sich um unwillkürliche, plötzlich auftretende Muskelzuckungen oder Bewegungen, die sich beispielsweise in Form von Blinzeln, Grimassieren, Augenverdrehen oder Kopfrucken zeigen, oder um Äußerungen von Lauten, Geräuschen, Worten oder Sätzen. Treten sie als Kombination aus motorischen und vokalen Tics auf, spricht man von einem Tourette-Syndrom.
Die aktualisierte Auflage des Ratgebers gibt eine knappe Übersicht über die Erscheinungsformen, die Ursachen, den Verlauf und die Behandlungsmöglichkeiten von Tic-Störungen. Der Ratgeber will Eltern, Lehrkräften und anderen Bezugspersonen eine erste Orientierung geben, wenn sie mit einer Tic-Störung in der Familie oder im Beruf konfrontiert werden. Außerdem erhalten Jugendliche, die von Tics betroffen sind, Tipps zur Selbsthilfe. Der Ratgeber enthält zahlreiche konkrete Ratschläge, die dabei helfen, in der Familie und in der Schule mit der Tic-Problematik besser zurechtzukommen.
Formation of an Extended Equatorial Shadow Zone for Low‐Frequency Saturn Kilometric Radiation
Authors: Wu Siyuan , Ye Shengyi , Taubenschuss Ulrich , Fischer Georg , Jackman Caitriona M. , Zarka Philippe , Kurth William S. , Wang Mengmeng , Cecconi Baptiste , Ning Hao , Long Minyi , Baskevitch Claire
Published: August 2024

Saturn Kilometric Radiation (SKR), being the dominant radio emission at Saturn, has been extensively investigated. The low‐frequency extension of SKR is of particular interest due to its strong association with Saturn's magnetospheric dynamics. However, the highly anisotropic beaming of SKR poses challenges for observations. In most cases, the propagation of SKR is assumed to follow straight‐line paths. We explore the propagation characteristics of SKR across different frequencies in this study. An extended equatorial shadow region for low‐frequency SKR is identified, resulting from the merging of the Enceladus plasma torus and the previously known equatorial shadow zone. Ray‐tracing simulations reveal that low‐frequency (100 kHz) SKR is unable to enter the shadow region and is instead reflected toward high latitudes. In contrast, high‐frequency SKR (100 kHz) generally propagates without hindrance. Observations suggest that some low‐frequency SKR can enter the shadow region through reflection by the magnetosheath or leakage from the plasma torus.
Reconstructing and Mapping Annual Net Primary Productivity (NPP) Since 1940 Using Tree Rings in Southern Indiana, U.S.
Authors: Li Hang , Speer James H. , Thapa Ichchha
Published: August 2024

Vegetation absorption is one major form of carbon storage. The earliest spatial distribution of the Net Primary Production (NPP), an index to estimate how much carbon is absorbed, could extend back to the 1980s from satellite imagery. Our study reconstructed a time series annual NPP maps in the southern Indiana since 1940 with point‐by‐point regression models and ring‐width index (RWI) from 16 tree‐ring chronologies. Our RWI‐NPP model had a good performance using Random Forest (RF) regression comprehensively considering both normal and dry years. The RWI‐NPP model performance gap between forest and grassland is acceptable. We also found that the tendency (model of the tendency = −0.50) based on the combination of real NPP data and simulated NPP data were opposite to the one (slope = 18.70) only based on real NPP data where the extended data set could correct some bias caused by limited data. There is a huge NPP fluctuation in the recent years (2010–2013) which is highly likely to be caused by the combination of higher frequency of extreme climate events and the intensive land‐use and land‐cover change. We assume that most of the vegetation pixels had the same growing pattern with the plot in Morgan Monroe Flux Tower whose dominant species is ACSH (35.66%) or the plot in Hoot Woods whose dominant species is FRAM (34.41%). This study is novel in the assessment of the spatial distribution patterns of NPP since 1940. We can witness how the NPP changes within the last 70 years.