bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does science teacher certification matter? A closer look at first‐year science teacher impacts on student outcomes in Texas
Authors: Mansell Kristin E.
Published: January 2024

This study examines the certification pathway of science teachers in Texas, how science teacher certification patterns have changed over time, and the association of certification pathway to student outcomes in science. This quantitative study uses administrative data from the Texas Statewide Longitudinal Data System (UH‐ERC). The UH‐ERC database includes data from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), The Higher Education Coordinating Boards (THECB), and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) which can be linked together to provide a cradle‐to‐workforce portrait of Texas residents. Cohorts were created of novice teachers to isolate teacher preparation rather than professional development associated with years of experience. Results indicated that teachers new to the labour market are increasingly being certified through alternative pathways, particularly in districts closer to metropolitan areas. Findings suggest that students who are taught by teachers who were prepared through an alternative pathway have lower test scores on the biology end‐of‐course State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test than students who were taught by teachers prepared through a traditional certification pathway.
GO‐PEG Represses the Progression of Liver Inflammation via Regulating the M1/M2 Polarization of Kupffer Cells
Authors: Ding Xiaomeng , Pang Yanting , Liu Qing , Zhang Haopeng , Wu Jiawei , Lei Jialin , Zhang Ting
Published: January 2024

As a highly promising nanomaterial, exploring the impact of the liver, a vital organ, stands out as a crucial focus in the examination of its biological effects. Kupffer cells (KCs) are one of the first immune cells to contact with exotic‐substances in liver. Therefore, this study investigates the immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of polyethylene glycol‐modified graphene oxide (GO‐PEG) on KCs. Initial RNA‐seq and KEGG pathway analyses reveal the inhibition of the TOLL‐like receptor, TNF‐α and NOD‐like receptor pathways in continually stimulated KCs exposed to GO‐PEG. Subsequent biological experiments validate that a 48‐hour exposure to GO‐PEG alleviates LPS‐induced KCs immune activation, characterized by a shift in polarization from M1 to M2. The underlying mechanism involves the absorption of double‐stranded RNA/single‐stranded RNA, inhibiting the activation of TLR3 and TLR7 in KCs. Employing a Kupffer/AML12 cell co‐culture model and animal studies, it is observed that GO‐PEG indirectly inhibit oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in AML12 cells, partially mitigating systemic inflammation and preserving liver tissue/function. This effect is attributed to the paracrine interaction between KCs and hepatocytes. These findings suggest a meaningful and effective strategy for treating liver inflammation, particularly when combined with anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Benzoquinone‐Lubricated Intercalation in Manganese Oxide for High‐Capacity and High‐Rate Aqueous Aluminum‐Ion Battery
Authors: Meng Huan , Ran Qing , Zhu Mei‐Hua , Zhao Qiang‐Zuo , Han Gao‐Feng , Wang Tong‐Hui , Wen Zi , Lang Xing‐You , Jiang Qing
Published: January 2024

Aqueous aluminum‐ion batteries are attractive post‐lithium battery technologies for large‐scale energy storage in virtue of abundant and low‐cost Al metal anode offering ultrahigh capacity via a three‐electron redox reaction. However, state‐of‐the‐art cathode materials are of low practical capacity, poor rate capability, and inadequate cycle life, substantially impeding their practical use. Here layered manganese oxide that is pre‐intercalated with benzoquinone‐coordinated aluminum ions (BQ‐AlxMnO2) as a high‐performance cathode material of rechargeable aqueous aluminum‐ion batteries is reported. The coordination of benzoquinone with aluminum ions not only extends interlayer spacing of layered MnO2 framework but reduces the effective charge of trivalent aluminum ions to diminish their electrostatic interactions, substantially boosting intercalation/deintercalation kinetics of guest aluminum ions and improving structural reversibility and stability. When coupled with Zn50Al50 alloy anode in 2 m Al(OTf)3 aqueous electrolyte, the BQ‐AlxMnO2 exhibits superior rate capability and cycling stability. At 1 A g−1, the specific capacity of BQ‐AlxMnO2 reaches ≈300 mAh g−1 and retains ≈90% of the initial value for more than 800 cycles, along with the Coulombic efficiency of as high as ≈99%, outperforming the AlxMnO2 without BQ co‐incorporation.
A Systems Approach to Study Collagen Type I Self‐Assembly: Kinetics and Morphology
Authors: Vena María Paula , van Hazendonk Laura S. , van Zyl Willem , Tuinier Remco , Friedrich Heiner
Published: January 2024

Collagen type I, the main component of the extracellular matrix in vertebrates, is widely used in tissue engineering applications. This is on account that collagen molecules can self‐assemble under certain conditions into 3D fibrillar hydrogels. Although there is an extensive body of literature studying collagen self‐assembly, there is a lack of systematic understanding on how different experimental factors, such as pH and temperature, and their cumulative effects guide the self‐assembly process. In this work, a comprehensive workflow to study the interactive effects of several assembly parameters on the collagen self‐assembly process is implemented. This workflow consists of: 1) efficient statistical sampling based on Design of Experiments, 2) high‐throughput and automated data collection and 3) automated data analysis. This approach enables to screen several parameters simultaneously and derive a set of mathematical equations that link parameters with the kinetics and morphological aspects of collagen self‐assembly, and can be used to design collagen constructs with predefined characteristics.
Two‐Pronged Maneuver of Inner Regulation and Surface Repair for Stable Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells with Ultralow Open‐Circuit Voltage Deficit
Authors: Wang Sanlong , Sun Hongrui , Wang Pengyang , Qi Shanshan , Shi Biao , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: January 2024

Despite inorganic perovskites are suitable for application into tandem solar cells, the unsatisfactory crystal quality and inevitable surface defects of low‐temperature fabricated inorganic perovskites lead to undesirable open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficit, which limits the further development of inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs). Herein, dimethylammonium chloride (DMACl) was introduced into perovskite precursor to prolong the solid‐state reactions between intermediate phases of DMAPbX3 and Cs4PbX6, and mediate crystallization process of inorganic perovskite, leading to obtain high‐quality CsPbI2.75Br0.25 perovskite films without DMA+ residue in perovskite films after annealing. Additionally, the energy level position of perovskite slightly downshift after adding DMACl, narrowing the band offsets between perovskite and carrier transport layers. To further reduce VOC deficit and improve the performance of IPSCs, cesium iodide (CsI) thin layer is evaporated onto the perovskite surface to repair inevitable I‐related defects. Ultimately, the VOC and performance of IPSCs are improved without introducing organic components into final perovskite films. A champion photoelectric conversion efficiency of 20.75% is achieved, and the VOC deficit is significantly decreased to 0.382 V, which is the minimum VOC deficit of IPSCs at present. Additionally, the stability of the perovskite films and IPSCs has also been remarkably enhanced.
A new early water frog (Telmatobius) from the Miocene of the Bolivian Altiplano
Authors: Gómez Raúl O. , Ventura Tomás , Turazzini Guillermo F. , Marivaux Laurent , Flores Rubén Andrade , Boscaini Alberto , Fernández‐Monescillo Marcos , Quispe Bernardino Mamani , Prámparo Mercedes B. , Fauquette Séverine , Martin Céline , Münch Philippe , Pujos François , Antoine Pierre‐Olivier
Published: January 2024

We describe the new frog Telmatobius achachila sp. nov. from the late Middle to earliest Late Miocene of Achiri, based on a partial skeleton found at 3960 m above sealevel in the Bolivian Altiplano. This skeleton, attributed to a male adult, constitutes the first documented fossil record of the speciose living genus Telmatobius, endemic to the Andean Cordillera and the Altiplano. Phylogenetic analysis confirms the new species as being part of the crown group, and diverging both later than the T. verrucosus group and earlier than the T. bolivianus, T. marmoratus and T. macrostomus groups. Coupled with its accurate stratigraphic provenance and age, this phylogenetic position provides a relevant calibration point for timing the evolutionary history of these highland, mostly aquatic frogs. The skeleton of T. achachila indicates that several of the osteological peculiarities of extant Telmatobius were already acquired at c. 12 Ma, including some that might be linked to their aquatic lifestyle. Together with mixed montane–rainforest pollen vegetation uncovered in the same level, this fossil specimen further provides key data enabling a more accurate reconstruction of ancestral habitats and elevation ranges of Telmatobius, agreeing with the previously postulated conditions in which these water frogs might have first evolved. Ultimately, this discovery adds to the sparse evidence of a humid tropical Bolivian Altiplano just prior to: (1) the Late Miocene uplift pulse of the Central Altiplano; and (2) the drastic climate deterioration that occurred from Late Miocene time onward, leading to the harsh highland‐steppe environments reigning there today.
Learners' Perceived Development of Spoken Grammar Awareness after Corpus‐Informed Instruction: An Exploration of Learner Diaries
Authors: Jones Christian , Oakey David
Published: January 2024

Developing spoken grammar awareness is a crucial first step in fostering noticing habits (Schmidt, 1990) in second language learners. Classroom instruction using corpus‐informed materials is an ideal way to assist this development, given that these materials are based on research which informs us about the most frequent forms and uses of spoken grammar and thus materials can help us to make frequent forms more salient to learners. However, as Badger (2018) notes, few studies seek to investigate what students actually notice outside of the classroom, following instruction. In this qualitative study, we aimed to address this gap by giving four intermediate learners instruction sessions using corpus‐informed materials to teach three aspects of spoken grammar which corpora show are very frequent (vague language, ellipsis, and discourse markers). Following instruction, learner diaries were submitted over a three‐week period to track (a) whether learners noticed the spoken grammar forms focused upon during the instruction in their day‐to‐day conversations in the UK, (b) whether they used any of the forms, and (c) the extent to which they perceived that this awareness helped them to have more successful conversations. The diaries were supported by a qualitative questionnaire administered 2 weeks after the final diary was submitted. Results show that learners reported noticing the forms in a variety of conversations, although this awareness was not always accurate. They also reported making some use of the forms themselves and the general perception was that the language taught was useful to them.
What is Psychodrama?
Authors: Krüger Reinhard T.
Published: January 2024

Psychodrama therapists believe in the idea of spontaneously creative human beings. Mental disorders are understood as blockages or deficits in the patients’ inner creativity. Psychodrama originated from Moreno’s experience at the Impromptu Theatre in Vienna in 1921. A gentle, beautiful actress who today can be believed to have suffered from a borderline organization had unexpectedly developed uncontrollable anger outbursts in her new marriage. Moreno then had the actress enact the roles of street girls and witches in the Impromptu Theatre. As a result, the actress gained ego control over her anger outbursts in her marriage in everyday life. Her outbursts became less frequent and shorter, and sometimes she would laugh even before having her anger outburst. On the basis of this experience, Moreno developed a causal psychotherapy of psychoses from 1936 onwards (Moreno 1939). Later, he also developed therapy for people with neurosis (Moreno 1945b). According to Moreno (1979, p. 77), the playful transition through the absurdity of neurotic or psychotic patterns helps patients to experience the “true second time, which liberates from the first”. Moreno was so fascinated that he had it written on his tombstone in Vienna: “Here lies the one who brought laughter to psychiatry.”
The Pathogenesis of Mental Illnesses, Diagnostics, and Therapy Planning
Authors: Krüger Reinhard T.
Published: January 2024

The pathological concept of psychodrama therapy is not based on clinical symptoms, but on the different conflict qualities lived out by the patient in everyday life and the level of their conflict processing. These determine the severity and nature of the mental disorder and allow for appropriate planning of psychotherapy, counselling, or coaching. They are indicative of certain psychodramatic methods, for example, therapeutic work with psychodramatic dialogue with role reversal or work on rigid defense patterns (ego states).
Trauma-Related Disorders
Authors: Krüger Reinhard T.
Published: January 2024

In order to achieve success in addressing post-traumatic disorders, all psychotherapy methods must deal with the dissociation and flashbacks of these patients in a disorder-specific manner. The patient should learn to free himself from flashbacks in psychological crises through self-stabilization techniques. When narrating a traumatizing situation, he should reflect on what he would have needed in the situation instead. He should rewrite the traumatizing situation into a coping fairy tale. The basis of trauma processing is the dissolution of dissociation through the focused external role change between four different metacognitive processes - the patient’s ego in the control and information space, his ego in the observation and narration space, his ego in the interaction space between perpetrator and victim, and his ego in a safe place. In this way, the patient dissolves his metacognitive confusion. He gains ego control over his dysfunctional self-regulation in the as-if mode of play. Psychodramatic acting in the as-if mode is more healing than purely verbal therapy. This is because the patient differentiates and completes the cognitive thought content in the traumatizing situation in psychodramatic action on the psychosomatic level of sensorimotor patterns of action, physical sensations, and affect. Or he completes the psychosomatic level of experience with the associated linguistic terms and thoughts to form a meaningful narrative. The disorder-specific psychodramatic action methods qualitatively enhance the depth psychological, behavioral, and systemic psychotherapy of people with post-traumatic disorders.
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorders
Authors: Krüger Reinhard T.
Published: January 2024

The disorder-specific psychodrama therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorders begins by developing the patient’s self at the symptom level. The patient symbolizes his current obsessive thoughts (his sadistic superego), as a ‘tormenting spirit’ to which he is exposed, with a chair and a hand puppet on the object level. The compulsive actions are symbolized with another chair as self-protection against the threat of the ‘tormenting spirit’. As a doppelganger, the therapist empowers the patient to develop a relationship with his ‘tormenting spirit’ in a progressive way on the level of play, similar to child therapy, and thus to gain ego control over his masochistic self-censorship. At some point, the patient discovers on his own the inner conflicts that cause his obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The basis of the therapy is the resolution of the patient’s metacognitive confusion through separate external symbolization of the three involved metacognitive processes (ego-states) with chairs. These are his masochistic, self-injurious thinking, his self-protection through adaptation, and his healthy adult thinking. The presented action methods can qualitatively enrich the depth psychological, behavioral, and systemic therapy psychotherapy of obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Tumor-derived cell-free DNA and circulating tumor cells: partners or rivals in metastasis formation?
Authors: Witz Andréa , Dardare Julie , Betz Margaux , Gilson Pauline , Merlin Jean-Louis , Harlé Alexandre
Published: January 2024

The origin of metastases is a topic that has sparked controversy. Despite recent advancements, metastatic disease continues to pose challenges. The first admitted model of how metastases develop revolves around cells breaking away from the primary tumor, known as circulating tumor cells (CTCs). These cells survive while circulating through the bloodstream and subsequently establish themselves in secondary organs, a process often referred to as the “metastatic cascade”. This intricate and dynamic process involves various steps, but all the mechanisms behind metastatic dissemination are not yet comprehensively elucidated. The “seed and soil” theory has shed light on the phenomenon of metastatic organotropism and the existence of pre-metastatic niches. It is now established that these niches can be primed by factors secreted by the primary tumor before the arrival of CTCs. In particular, exosomes have been identified as important contributors to this priming. Another concept then emerged, i.e. the “genometastasis” theory, which challenged all other postulates. It emphasizes the intriguing but promising role of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in metastasis formation through oncogenic formation of recipient cells. However, it cannot be ruled out that all these theories are intertwined. This review outlines the primary theories regarding the metastases formation that involve CTCs, and depicts cfDNA, a potential second player in the metastasis formation. We discuss the potential interrelationships between CTCs and cfDNA, and propose both in vitro and in vivo experimental strategies to explore all plausible theories.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Inhibitor VP3.15 Ameliorates Neurogenesis, Neuronal Loss and Cognitive Impairment in a Model of Germinal Matrix-intraventricular Hemorrhage of the Preterm Newborn
Authors: Atienza-Navarro Isabel , del Marco Angel , Alves-Martinez Pilar , Garcia-Perez Maria de los Angeles , Raya-Marin Alvaro , Benavente-Fernandez Isabel , Gil Carmen , Martinez Ana , Lubian-Lopez Simon , Garcia-Alloza Monica
Published: January 2024

Advances in neonatology have significantly reduced mortality rates due to prematurity. However, complications of prematurity have barely changed in recent decades. Germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) is one of the most severe complications of prematurity, and these children are prone to suffer short- and long-term sequelae, including cerebral palsy, cognitive and motor impairments, or neuropsychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, GM-IVH has no successful treatment. VP3.15 is a small, heterocyclic molecule of the 5-imino-1,2,4-thiadiazole family with a dual action as a phosphodiesterase 7 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibitor. VP3.15 reduces neuroinflammation and neuronal loss in other neurodegenerative disorders and might ameliorate complications associated with GM-IVH. We administered VP3.15 to a mouse model of GM-IVH. VP3.15 reduces the presence of hemorrhages and microglia in the short (P14) and long (P110) term. It ameliorates brain atrophy and ventricle enlargement while limiting tau hyperphosphorylation and neuronal and myelin basic protein loss. VP3.15 also improves proliferation and neurogenesis as well as cognition after the insult. Interestingly, plasma gelsolin levels, a feasible biomarker of brain damage, improved after VP3.15 treatment. Altogether, our data support the beneficial effects of VP3.15 in GM-IVH by ameliorating brain neuroinflammatory, vascular and white matter damage, ultimately improving cognitive impairment associated with GM-IVH.
Sedimenting-particle redistribution in a horizontal Couette
Authors: Davoodi M. , Clarke A.
Published: January 2024

Flow between axially rotating concentric cylinders is well known to exhibit rich dynamics. Hence, Taylor instabilities have been studied, both experimentally and theoretically, for many years. Although usually studied in the abstract, such geometries arise in a range of practical situations including drilling, when a drilling fluid flow enters a well via a pipe that is the centre body and returns via the annulus between the pipe and the borehole wall. In drilling, the centre body rotates and the annular flow contains rock cuttings. Here, we report the development of an Eulerian-Eulerian solver, based on OpenFOAM, that solves for this cuttings transport problem in the presence of both gravity and Taylor vortices. To check the reliability of the solver, we conduct a set of experiments spanning a wide range of complex flow regimes. We show that the model successfully predicts, in all regimes, the observed complex redistribution of particulates. However, for suspension flows under viscously dominated conditions, high particle concentrations and in rectilinear flow, particle pressure and normal stress differences are sufficient to capture particle migration. Results show that in more complex flows exemplified by the Taylor–Couette flow studied here, more realistic predictions of non-Brownian particle migration require inclusion of forces arising through the relative velocity of the two phases including lift forces originating both from inertia and particle rotation.
Classification of simple smooth modules over the Heisenberg–Virasoro algebra
Authors: Tan Haijun , Yao Yufeng , Zhao Kaiming
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we classify simple smooth modules over the mirror Heisenberg–Virasoro algebra

${\mathfrak {D}}$

, and simple smooth modules over the twisted Heisenberg–Virasoro algebra

$\bar {\mathfrak {D}}$

with non-zero level. To this end we generalize Sugawara operators to smooth modules over the Heisenberg algebra, and develop new techniques. As applications, we characterize simple Whittaker modules and simple highest weight modules over

${\mathfrak {D}}$

. A vertex-algebraic interpretation of our result is the classification of simple weak twisted and untwisted modules over the Heisenberg–Virasoro vertex algebras. We also present a few examples of simple smooth

${\mathfrak {D}}$

-modules and

$\bar {\mathfrak {D}}$

-modules induced from simple modules over finite dimensional solvable Lie algebras, that are not tensor product modules of Virasoro modules and Heisenberg modules. This is very different from the case of simple highest weight modules over

$\mathfrak {D}$

and

$\bar {\mathfrak {D}}$

which are always tensor products of simple Virasoro modules and simple Heisenberg modules.
Acceptability of self-administered antigen test for COVID-19 in the Philippines
Authors: Yang Jayne Eunice U. , Jackarain Faisal H. , de Vergara Tisha Isabelle M. , Santillan Joshua F. , Reyes Patrick Wincy C. , Arellano Ma Cecilia Victoria B. , Garcia Jainor Timothy U. , Samonte Sheena Jasley G. , Marfori Anne Julienne G. , Guerrero Anna Melissa S.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

In response to the Omicron surge in early 2022, the HTA Philippines evaluated the acceptability of Filipinos in using self-administered antigen tests (SAAgTs) as part of COVID-19 HTAs in the Philippines.

Methods

Scoping review from literature databases was initially conducted to identify preset codes in the use of SAAgT. Preset codes were used to establish the questions for focus group discussions (FGDs). Semi-structured questionnaires were created through Delphi technique. FGDs with four stakeholder groups (i.e., nine healthcare workers [HCWs], seven representatives of at-risk groups, six economic frontliners, and seven representatives of micro–small–medium-sized enterprises) were conducted.

Results

Discomfort in being a target of stigma and being prescribed an “illness identity” when suspected or confirmed COVID-19-positive, along with lack of confidence to perform self-test, caused hesitancy in self-testing among participants. The need for subsidies for test kits from the government or employers was emphasized to increase its accessibility. Having a designated access point and reporting system for SAAgT was highlighted to avoid nepotism (padrino system attributed to debt of gratitude), inequitable distribution, and lapses in reporting. A participatory approach to education was perceived as crucial to reduce any misconceptions associated with the use of SAAgT.

Conclusions

All FGD groups expressed favorable reviews on the implementation of SAAgT because it can potentially reduce the burden of health facility-administered tests. These findings were considered by the HTA Council in the recommendation of SAAgT as part of the overarching national strategies for the diagnosis and screening of COVID-19.
Differences Between True and False Autobiographical	Memories
Authors: Wachendörfer Merle Madita , Oeberst Aileen
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Despite a number of real-life cases of false memories and various studies on the suggestion of false memories, little attention has been paid to the distinction between true and false memory reports. The present review summarizes the current state of research on comparing true and false memories. After an extensive search, n = 22 articles (24 studies) were included in the scoping review. From 70 statement characteristics, seven yielded significant differences that have been repeatedly obtained and outnumbered null results. From 61 self-evaluations, significant differences were found repeatedly and more often than null results for seven variables. However, due to substantial conceptual caveats in 18 studies, robust differences between true and false memories are documented for only six variables – three self-report measures (subjective confidence, vividness/clarity, auditory experience) and three statement characteristics (number of idea units, number of words, amount/quantity of details). Differences do not guarantee discriminability, however. Therefore, we argue that reliable and valid indicators for forensic practice may not be derived. Instead, we put forward several recommendations for future research, which is urgently needed.
False Memory Facilitation Through Semantic Overlap
Authors: Suzuki Ikuo
Published: January 2024

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of semantic overlap from multiple sources on false memories. Participants were presented with paired study lists comprising items highly associated with one nonstudied critical item. There were three types of list pairs: (1) the sharing condition, in which the words in both lists were classified into different semantic groups that converged on the same critical word (semantic overlap), (2) the repetition condition, in which the two lists comprised identical words, and (3) the single condition, in which the paired lists were attributed to different semantic groups that did not share a critical item. In Experiment 1, participants were presented with the paired study lists and responded to free recall tests and a recognition test including remember-know judgments. In Experiment 2, the participants responded to a recognition test, and the participants in Experiment 3 recalled the studied items. The results indicated that the false recall and false recognition rates in the sharing condition were higher than those in the repetition and single conditions. These results suggest that activation from multiple independent sources may have an accumulative additive effect. The findings are discussed in relation to the Activation-Monitoring theory.
The Interannual Wintertime Climate Modes Over Mid‐High Latitude Eurasia and Their Climate Impacts
Authors: Zhang Xinyou , Sun Xuguang , Yuan Shuai , Zhang Zhiqi , Yang Xiu‐Qun , Fang Jiabei
Published: January 2024

Eurasian teleconnection pattern (EU) and its two variants (EU1 and EU2) are the representative wintertime atmospheric teleconnections over Eurasian continent. They are mainly indicative of the local features and closely related to other teleconnection patterns. What are the major interannual climate modes over mid‐high latitude Eurasia in boreal winter is still an open question. With the ERA5 reanalysis data sets after removing the linear impact of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), three wintertime climate modes over mid‐high latitude Eurasia are identified by the first three empirical orthogonal function (EOF) modes of the anomalous relative tendency (ART) of 500 hPa geopotential height. They approximately explain 75% of the interannual variance in total. The three climate modes have combined features of EU‐like patterns with Arctic Oscillation (AO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and West Atlantic (WA) teleconnections, respectively, and they are named EU‐AO, EU‐NAO and EU‐WA climate modes accordingly. All the three climate modes originate mainly from the North Atlantic and demonstrate clear Rossby wave trains downstream to East Asia along the great circle route, and they can be primarily stimulated and maintained by positive air‐sea feedback over North Atlantic regarding to the obvious North Atlantic tripole‐like sea surface temperature patterns. Interannual climate variations over the most Eurasian continent are strongly linked to and well reproduced by the three ENSO‐independent climate modes, which can be applied as the important signals for monitoring and predicting winter interannual climate variabilities over mid‐high latitude Eurasia.
The mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel (mitoKATP) controls skeletal muscle structure and function
Authors: Di Marco Giulia , Gherardi Gaia , De Mario Agnese , Piazza Ilaria , Baraldo Martina , Mattarei Andrea , Blaauw Bert , Rizzuto Rosario , De Stefani Diego , Mammucari Cristina
Published: January 2024

MitoKATP is a channel of the inner mitochondrial membrane that controls mitochondrial K+ influx according to ATP availability. Recently, the genes encoding the pore-forming (MITOK) and the regulatory ATP-sensitive (MITOSUR) subunits of mitoKATP were identified, allowing the genetic manipulation of the channel. Here, we analyzed the role of mitoKATP in determining skeletal muscle structure and activity. Mitok−/− muscles were characterized by mitochondrial cristae remodeling and defective oxidative metabolism, with consequent impairment of exercise performance and altered response to damaging muscle contractions. On the other hand, constitutive mitochondrial K+ influx by MITOK overexpression in the skeletal muscle triggered overt mitochondrial dysfunction and energy default, increased protein polyubiquitination, aberrant autophagy flux, and induction of a stress response program. MITOK overexpressing muscles were therefore severely atrophic. Thus, the proper modulation of mitoKATP activity is required for the maintenance of skeletal muscle homeostasis and function.
Secretomics reveals hormone-therapy of breast cancer may induce survival by facilitating hypercoagulation and immunomodulation in vitro
Authors: Augustine Tanya N. , Buthelezi Sindisiwe , Pather Kyrtania , Xulu Kutlwano R. , Stoychev Stoyan
Published: January 2024

Tumour cell haematogenous dissemination is predicated on molecular changes that enhance their capacity for invasion and preparation of the pre-metastatic niche. It is increasingly evident that platelets play an essential role in this transformation. The systemic nature of signalling molecules and extravascular factors that participate in mediating platelet-tumour cell interactions led to the development of an in vitro co-culture using whole blood and breast tumour cells, allowing us to decipher the impact of hormone-therapy on tumour cells and associated changes in the plasma proteome. Using mass spectrometry, we determined dysregulation of proteins associated with maintaining an invasive tumour phenotype. Tumour changes in genes associated with EMT and survival were documented. This is postulated to be induced via tumour cell interactions with the coagulatory and immune systems. Results highlight tumour cell adaptability to both treatment and blood resulting in a pro-tumorigenic response and a hypercoagulatory state. We illustrate that the breast cancer cell secretome can be altered by hormone-therapy, subject to the tumour subphenotype and linked to platelet activation. More sophisticated co-culture systems are required to recapitulate these interactions to better understand tumorigenesis. Moreover, deeper plasma profiling, using abundant protein depleted and/or vesicle enriched strategies, will likely reveal additional secretory proteins related to tumour cell-platelet interactions.
Study on unconfined compressive strength and deformation characteristics of chlorine saline soil
Authors: Li Hongru , Yang Min
Published: January 2024

The distribution of saline soil is wide and the area is large in China. The saline soil in different regions shows their own characteristics. The saline soil of single salt is configured by adding different contents of NaCl to the loess in Xi'an. The effects of chlorine content and water content on soil strength and volume change in a large water content range was studied, and the change mechanism was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the strength of chloride saline soil increases with the decrease of water content. The moisture content of 12% is the critical point of strength change of chloride saline soil. When the moisture content is greater than 12%, the strength of soil decreases with the increase of salt content. When the water content is less than 12%, the strength of saline soil is 3% NaCl content > 1% NaCl content > 5% NaCl content > 0% NaCl content. The volume change of the sample consists of three parts: elastic deformation during sample pressing, volume shrinkage during water loss and salt expansion. In the absence of NaCl and 1% NaCl content, the sample was in the state of shrinkage during the loading process, in which with the decrease of moisture content shrinkage rate slowed down. The volume change rate of 3% and 5% NaCl showed an inflection point from negative to positive when the water content was 15%. When the water content is less than 12%, the saline soil with 3% NaCl content has the characteristics of high strength and unobvious salt expansion. The method of adding 3% NaCl to loess in Xi 'an area can be used to simulate the cement between soil particles, which provides a reference for artificially preparing structural soil. According to the microstructure analysis, the higher the salt content of saline soil, the smaller the soil pores, and the contact form of soil particles gradually develops from the point contact between soil particles to the salt-wrapped structure.
DGS-SCSO: Enhancing Sand Cat Swarm Optimization with Dynamic Pinhole Imaging and Golden Sine Algorithm for improved numerical optimization performance
Authors: Adegboye Oluwatayomi Rereloluwa , Feda Afi Kekeli , Ojekemi Oluwaseun Racheal , Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Khan Baseem , Kamel Salah
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces DGS-SCSO, a novel optimizer derived from Sand Cat Swarm Optimization (SCSO), aiming to overcome inherent limitations in the original SCSO algorithm. The proposed optimizer integrates Dynamic Pinhole Imaging and Golden Sine Algorithm to mitigate issues like local optima entrapment, premature convergence, and delayed convergence. By leveraging the Dynamic Pinhole Imaging technique, DGS-SCSO enhances the optimizer's global exploration capability, while the Golden Sine Algorithm strategy improves exploitation, facilitating convergence towards optimal solutions. The algorithm's performance is systematically assessed across 20 standard benchmark functions, CEC2019 test functions, and two practical engineering problems. The outcome proves DGS-SCSO's superiority over the original SCSO algorithm, achieving an overall efficiency of 59.66% in 30 dimensions and 76.92% in 50 and 100 dimensions for optimization functions. It also demonstrated competitive results on engineering problems. Statistical analysis, including the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test and Friedman Test, validate DGS-SCSO efficiency and significant improvement to the compared algorithms.
Spatio-temporal variation of noise pollution in South Paris during and outside the COVID-19 lockdowns
Authors: Abdmouleh M. A. , Dahech S.
Published: January 2024

Noise pollution is one of the major environmental problems of contemporary societies. In urban areas, road transport is the main source impacting the spatio-temporal variation of air quality. This work aims to analyse the spatio-temporal variability of the noise level in the 13th arrondissement during peak hours, focusing on the comparison of noise levels between the COVID-19 lockdown and non-lockdown days. This paper provides data that could be used to evaluate noise mitigation options. Mobile surveys, using EXTECH 4017764 sensors, were used to cover 272 points. In this work, the mobile measurements use the median of instant noise levels measured every 5 s over a 5-min period during the peak period. This study confirms that road traffic appears to be the determining factor in noise pollution. The noise levels calculated in 2020 show a strong spatio-temporal variability explained by the proximity of the emission sources, but also that the noise level decreases by 6–10 dB (A) during the lockdowns. Indeed, near the main roads, 57–63 dB (A) are recorded during the lockdowns, compared to 67–72 dB (A) outside the lockdowns. Mainly the number of vehicles contribute to a large part of the noise level, to which the noise of construction sites can occasionally be added as in the south-eastern part of the study area.
A computational model of stem cells’ internal mechanism to recapitulate spatial patterning and maintain the self-organized pattern in the homeostasis state
Authors: Khorasani Najme , Sadeghi Mehdi
Published: January 2024

The complex functioning of multi-cellular tissue development relies on proper cell production rates to replace dead or differentiated specialized cells. Stem cells are critical for tissue development and maintenance, as they produce specialized cells to meet the tissues’ demands. In this study, we propose a computational model to investigate the stem cell’s mechanism, which generates the appropriate proportion of specialized cells, and distributes them to their correct position to form and maintain the organized structure in the population through intercellular reactions. Our computational model focuses on early development, where the populations overall behavior is determined by stem cells and signaling molecules. The model does not include complicated factors such as movement of specialized cells or outside signaling sources. The results indicate that in our model, the stem cells can organize the population into a desired spatial pattern, which demonstrates their ability to self-organize as long as the corresponding leading signal is present. We also investigate the impact of stochasticity, which provides desired non-genetic diversity; however, it can also break the proper boundaries of the desired spatial pattern. We further examine the role of the death rate in maintaining the system’s steady state. Overall, our study sheds light on the strategies employed by stem cells to organize specialized cells and maintain proper functionality. Our findings provide insight into the complex mechanisms involved in tissue development and maintenance, which could lead to new approaches in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Modern analogs for ammonia flux from terrestrial hydrothermal features to the Archean atmosphere
Authors: Felix J. David
Published: January 2024

The isotopic composition of nitrogen in the rock record provides valuable evidence of reactive nitrogen sources and processing on early Earth, but the wide range of δ15N values (− 10.2 to + 50.4‰) leads to ambiguity in defining the early Precambrian nitrogen cycle. The high δ15N values have been explained by large fractionation associated with the onset of nitrification and/or fractionation produced by ammonia-ammonium equilibrium and water–air flux in alkaline paleolakes. Previous flux sensitivity studies in modern water bodies report alkaline pH is not a prerequisite and temperature can be the dominate parameter driving water–air flux. Here, I use the chemical and physical components of 1022 modern hydrothermal features to provide evidence that water–air NH3 flux produced a significant source of fixed nitrogen to early Earth’s atmosphere and biosphere. With regard to the modeled average NH3 flux (2.1 kg N m−2 year−1) and outlier removed average flux (1.2 kg N m−2 year−1), the Archean Earth’s surface would need to be 0.0092, and 0.017% terrestrial hydrothermal features, respectively, for the flux to match the annual amount of N produced by biogenic fixation on modern Earth. Water–air NH3 flux from terrestrial hydrothermal features may have played a significant role in supplying bioavailable nitrogen to early life.
Ppe.RPT/SSC-1: from QTL mapping to a predictive KASP test for ripening time and soluble solids concentration in peach
Authors: da Silva Linge Cassia , Fu Wanfang , Calle Alejandro , Rawandoozi Zena , Cai Lichun , Byrne David H. , Worthington Margaret , Gasic Ksenija
Published: January 2024

Genomic regions associated with ripening time (RPT) and soluble solids concentration (SSC) were mapped using a pedigreed population including multiple F1 and F2 families from the Clemson University peach breeding program (CUPBP). RPT and SSC QTLs were consistently identified in two seasons (2011 and 2012) and the average datasets (average of two seasons). A target region spanning 10,981,971–11,298,736 bp on chromosome 4 of peach reference genome used for haplotype analysis revealed four haplotypes with significant differences in trait values among different diplotype combinations. Favorable alleles at the target region for both RPT and SSC were determined and a DNA test for predicting RPT and SSC was developed. Two Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) assays were validated on 84 peach cultivars and 163 seedlings from the CUPBP, with only one assay (Ppe.RPT/SSC-1) needed to predict between early and late-season ripening cultivars and low and high SSC. These results advance our understanding of the genetic basis of RPT and SSC and facilitate selection of new peach cultivars with the desired RPT and SSC.
Biological structural study of emerging shaped nanoparticles for the blood flow in diverging tapered stenosed arteries to see their application in drug delivery
Authors: Akbar Noreen Sher , Habib M. Bilal , Rafiq Maimona , Muhammad Taseer , Alghamdi Metib
Published: January 2024

The magnetic force effects and differently shaped nano-particles in diverging tapering arteries having stenoses are being studied in current research via blood flow model. There hasn’t been any research done on using metallic nanoparticles of different shapes with water as the base fluid. A radially symmetric but axially non-symmetric stenosis is used to depict the blood flow. Another significant aspect of our research is the study of symmetrical distribution of wall shearing stresses in connection with resistive impedance, as well as the rise of these quantities with the progression of stenosis. Shaping nanoparticles in accordance with the understanding of blood flow in arteries offers numerous possibilities for improving drug delivery, targeted therapies, and diagnostic imaging in the context of cardiovascular and other vascular-related diseases. Exact solutions for different flow quantities namely velocity, temperature, resistance impedance, boundary shear stress, and shearing stress at the stenosis throat, have been assessed. For various parameters of relevance for Cu-water, the graphical results of several types of tapered arteries (i.e. diverging tapering) have been explored.
Mechanical property analysis and dry sand three-body abrasive wear behaviour of AZ31/ZrO2 composites produced by stir casting
Authors: Kumar T. Satish , Raghu R. , Thankachan Titus , Čep Robert , Kalita Kanak
Published: January 2024

An experimental study of three body abrasive wear behaviour of AZ31/15 vol.% Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) reinforced composites prepared by stir casting has been carried out. Microstructural analysis of the developed composites was carried out and found out that the microstructure of the composites revealed a uniform distribution of ZrO2 particles with refinement in the grain size of the matrix from 70 to 20 µm. The alterations in the microstructure led to an enhancement in both hardness (68–104 HV) and tensile strength (156–236 MPa) due to Orowan strengthening, quench hardening effect and better bonding. Response surface methodology was applied to formulate the three-body abrasive wear test characteristics such as load, speed, and time. Three body abrasive test results were utilized to generate surface graphs for different combinations of wear test parameters revealed an increase in specific wear rate. The specific wear rate was observed to increase with increase in speed up to a certain level and then started to decrease. The lowest possible specific wear rate was obtained for an optimized load of 20 N and a speed of 190 ms−1. Scanning electron microscopic examination of wear-tested samples showed higher specific wear rate at higher loads with predominantly abrasion type material removal. In conclusion, this study makes a substantial contribution to the field by elucidating the complex relationships among microstructure, mechanical properties, and the three-body abrasive wear behavior of AZ31/ZrO2 composites. The determination of optimal wear conditions and the insights gained into wear mechanisms provide valuable information for designing materials, implementing engineering solutions, and advancing the creation of wear-resistant components across a range of industries.
GC/MS and LC/MS serum metabolomic analysis of Chinese LN patients
Authors: Wang Wei , Kou Jun , Long Jie , Wang Tao , Zhang Mingmei , Wei Meng , Xie Qingyun
Published: January 2024

China, being a densely populated nation, faces a substantial economic burden due to a high incidence of lupus nephritis (LN) cases. The concealed onset of LN has resulted in many individuals have missed the optimal timing for treatment. The aim of the research is to study the serum metabolomics of Chinese LN patients using gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS) and liquid chromatography (LC)/MS to identify potential diagnostic markers. Fifty LN patients and fifty normal controls, matched for Body Mass Index (BMI) and age, were selected. Serum analysis was conducted using GC/MS and LC/MS, followed by multivariate statistical analysis. Various multidimensional analyses, including principal component analysis, partial least squares discrimination analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis, along with one-dimensional analyses such as t-tests, were performed. Metabolites with variable importance in projection value > 1 and a p-value < 0.05 were considered critical biomarkers for LN. Furthermore, identified biomarkers delineated relevant metabolic pathways, and a metabolic pathway map was obtained from the database. Forty-one metabolites were identified as potential LN biomarkers, primarily associated with immune regulation, energy metabolism, intestinal microbial metabolism, renal damage, and oxidative stress. The potential for diagnosing LN and other diseases through metabolomics is demonstrated. Future research should explore larger sample sizes, metabolomic comparisons across different diseases and health states, and integration of metabolomics with clinical diagnostics. Such studies will enhance the understanding of metabolomics in medical diagnosis and provide robust support for its practical application.
Selective extraction and quantitative analysis of pyrroloquinoline quinone from food
Authors: Ma Ke , Su Ze-Yu , Pei An-Ran , Yang Xue-Peng
Published: January 2024

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is widely present in various foods that has attracted significant attention due to its potential health benefits.