bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Don’t hog, share and just let your imagination flow’: lessons from structured and unstructured loose parts play in middle primary school classrooms
Authors: Simoncini Kym , Meeuwissen Katy
Published: June 2024

Despite the many benefits of play, within primary school, play is often reduced to lunch breaks, particularly as children move to higher grades. Loose parts play affords children opportunities to develop imagination and 21st-century skills (collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking). As part of a larger project, two Year 4 classes in an Australian primary school (two teachers and 46 children, aged 9–10 years) engaged in one hour of structured or unstructured loose parts play during class time for eight weeks using a Nüdel Kart (loose parts play cart). Children in the structured play group were set challenges and taught creative attitudes and processes. Data was collected through children’s surveys and focus groups and teacher interviews. Children and teachers were overwhelmingly positive about the play sessions. Children enjoyed the opportunities for construction, social skills and creativity, while teachers focused on inclusion and social skills. Future classroom practice recommendations include integrating both play types and meeting creativity and social and emotional curriculum requirements through loose parts play.
Management of industrial wine residues: physicochemical, bacterial and fungal dynamics during composting processes
Authors: Echeverría-Vega Alex , Espinoza-Mondaca Almendra , Arqueros-Sanhueza Eduardo , Mellado-Quintanilla Denisse , Roa-Roco Rosa , González Alvaro , Morales-Vera Rodrigo
Published: June 2024

To foster a circular bioeconomy throughout the management of industrial solid wine residues in the wine industry, this work presents the physicochemical and microbiological dynamics of the composting process with white grape pomace, stalks and wastewater treatment plant sludge from the same winery. Three composting windrows of 41 m3 were constructed with 0, 10 and 20% sludge addition. Physicochemical parameters were assessed following the Test Method for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC), and the diversity and dynamics of the bacterial and fungal communities involved in the composting process were assessed via a high-throughput sequencing metabarcoding approach. The addition of sludge increased the moisture content, bulk density, and pH after six months of turned windrow composting. No effect of sludge addition on the macronutrient composition of the compost was observed. The Shannon‒Wiener index differed among stages and treatments. Bacterial diversity increased over time, while the fungal community appeared to be highly affected by the thermophilic stage, which led to a reduction in diversity that slightly recovered by the end of the process. Furthermore, the sludge exhibited high bacterial diversity but very low fungal diversity. Consequently, the design of on-site biologically based strategies to better manage wine residues can produce soil amendments, improve fertilization, reclaim damaged soils, and ultimately reduce management costs, making composting an economically attractive and sustainable alternative for waste management in the wine industry.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring the biogeography, morphology, and phylogeny of the condylostomatid ciliates (Alveolata, Ciliophora, Heterotrichea), with establishment of four new Condylostoma species and a revision including redescriptions of five species found in China
Authors: Chi Yong , Wei Fan , Tang Danxu , Mu Changjun , Ma Honggang , Wang Zhe , Al-Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Hines Hunter N. , Chen Xiangrui
Published: June 2024

Species of the ciliate class Heterotrichea Stein, 1859 are a cosmopolitan group of unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms, many of which have been widely used as models in various fields of research such as regenerative biology, functional ecology, environmental toxicology, and symbiotic behavior. However, species identification in the heterotrich family Condylostomatidae, especially the most species-rich and type genus Condylostoma Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1824, remains challenging due to incomplete original descriptions, few reliable distinguishing characters, and overlapping features between different species. This study presents an updated revision of Condylostoma and its related genus Condylostomides da Silva Neto, 1994 based on descriptions of five species, including nine populations collected from China, using both morphological and molecular methods. The main findings are as follows: (1) 43 nominal species and about 130 populations are reviewed, resulting in the recognition of 30 valid species of Condylostoma and eight valid species of Condylostomides; (2) keys, synonyms, biogeographic distributions and amended/improved diagnoses of all valid species are provided; (3) based on the available data, four new Condylostoma species (C. marinum sp. nov., C. petzi sp. nov., C. villeneuvei sp. nov., and C. microstomum sp. nov.), one new combination (Condylostomides minimus (Dragesco, 1954) comb. nov. & nom. corr.), and two corrected names (Condylostoma ancestrale Villeneuve-Brachon, 1940 nom. corr. and Condylostomides nigrus (Dragesco, 1960) nom. corr.) are suggested; (4) cryptic species are detected and proposed for the first time to form the Condylostoma curvum species complex; (5) three highly confusing Condylostoma species, C. kris, C. spatiosum, and C. minutum, are redefined for the first time based on modern taxonomic methods; (6) a ‘flagship’ species, Condylostomides coeruleus, is recorded for the first time from the continent of Asia, substantially expanding its biogeography; (7) ciliature adjacent to the distal end of the paroral membrane within the family Condylostomatidae is uniformly defined as frontal membranelles and is classified into three patterns according to the arrangement of kinetosomes, which serve as important key features.
Use of 125 iodine seeds for intra-operative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions (ROLLIS): analysis of the implant of 1757 seeds in 1477 patients
Authors: Penna Antônio Campbell , da Silva Franca Carlos Antônio , de Oliveira Maria Veronica Fonseca Torres , da Fonseca Lea Mirian Barbosa , de Azevedo Brant Saldanha Paula , Balen Jacir Luiz , Rocha Augusto Cesar Peixoto , Pereira Fernanda Philadelpho Arantes , Andrade Valeska Caldoncelli , Machado Rafael Henrique Szymanski , Calas Maria Julia Gregório , Costa Mauricio A. M.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To analyze the feasibility, efficacy and results of the use of 125Iodine seeds for intra-operative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions.

Method

Retrospective review of 1477 patients referred by various breast specialist surgeons, with radiologically detected but clinically nonpalpable microcalcifications, asymmetric density or nodules, submitted to pre-operatory 125Iodine seed implant, between July 2012 and September 2023. A total of 1757 seeds were implanted in ordinary radiologic departments, supported by ultrasonography or mammography exams, chosen according to the morphologic aspect of the lesion. Radioguided surgical procedure took place on the same day or few days after the implant of the seeds, with the help of a radiation detector called Gamaprobe, which directs the surgeons towards the radioactive seeds and to the lesion to be resected.

Results

All implants were performed as outpatient procedures, with patients immediately returning to their daily activities. No complications such as pain, bleeding, infection, and hematoma were recorded. Pathologists had no difficulty in preparing the surgical specimens for histopathologic analysis. Surgical safety margins were considered adequate in all pathologic reports, with no need for re-operations. The healing process was not jeopardized by radiation, and the surgeons were pleased with the improvement in intraoperative lesion localizations and the shortening on operatory time. Cosmetic results were well accepted by the patients.

Conclusion

The 125Iodine seed implant is an effective alternative method for intraoperative localization of radiologically detectable and clinically nonpalpable breast lesions.
Towards eco-friendly cement-based materials: a review on incorporating oil shale ash
Authors: Silva J. V. S. , Reis E. D. , de Azevedo R. C. , Poggiali F. S. J.
Published: June 2024

Considering the growing environmental concerns associated with construction industry activities, this article reviews the potential use of oil shale ash (OSA) as a cement substitute in cementitious materials. Specific issues to be investigated include the ideal OSA content to be incorporated into the mix, the optimum oil shale (OS) burning temperature for obtaining the ash, the influence of the specific area and chemical composition of the OSA on the composites, as well as the effects of its addition on the fresh state, mechanical and durability properties. To this end, the ProKnow-C systematic literature review process was adopted for the first time to study this topic, resulting in a portfolio of 14 manuscripts associated with the questions to be analyzed. The primary outcomes include: OSA contents between 10 and 30% are suitable for replacing cement; the ideal burning temperature for OS is between 600 and 800 ºC; high specific areas (between 6000 and 8000 cm2/g) improve pozzolanic activity; high OSA contents may require the use of water-reducing additives to improve workability; incorporating OSA into Portland cement-based materials can improve their compressive strength and durability. These conclusions highlight the importance of understanding the effects of incorporating OSA in developing cementitious materials, providing a basis for future research.
Longitudinal associations between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth among older adults 11 years after a disaster
Authors: Hikichi Hiroyuki , Taku Kanako , Aida Jun , Kondo Katsunori , Kawchi Ichiro
Published: June 2024

Aims

Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association between post-traumatic stress (PTS) and post-traumatic growth (PTG). Three major issues could account for this inconsistency: (1) the lack of information about mental health problems before the disaster, (2) the concept of PTG is still under scrutiny for potentially being an illusionary perception of personal growth and (3) the overlooking of PTS comorbidities as time-dependent confounding factors. To address these issues, we explored the associations of PTS and PTG with trauma-related diseases and examined the association between PTS and PTG using marginal structural models to address time-dependent confounding, considering pre-disaster covariates, among older survivors of the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

Methods

Seven months before the disaster, the baseline survey was implemented to ask older adults about their health in a city located 80 km west of the epicentre. After the disaster, we implemented follow-up surveys approximately every 3 years to collect information about PTS and comorbidities (depressive symptoms, smoking and drinking). We asked respondents about their PTG in the 2022 survey (n = 1,489 in the five-wave panel data).

Results

PTG was protectively associated with functional disability (coefficient −0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.82, −0.12, P < 0.01) and cognitive decline assessed by trained investigators (coefficient −0.07, 95% CI −0.11, −0.03, P < 0.01) and physicians (coefficient −0.06, 95% CI −0.11, −0.02, P < 0.01), while PTS was not significantly associated with them. Severely affected PTS (binary variable) was associated with higher PTG scores, even after adjusting for depressive symptoms, smoking and drinking as time-dependent confounders (coefficient 0.35, 95% CI 0.24, 0.46, P < 0.01). We also found that an ordinal variable of the PTS score had an inverse U-shaped association with PTG.

Conclusion

PTG and PTS were differentially associated with functional and cognitive disabilities. Thus, PTG might not simply be a cognitive bias among survivors with severe PTS. The results also indicated that the number of symptoms in PTS had an inverse U-shaped association with PTG. Our findings provided robust support for the theory of PTG, suggesting that moderate levels of psychological struggles (i.e., PTS) are essential for achieving PTG, whereas intense PTS may hinder the attainment of PTG. From a clinical perspective, interventions that encourage social support could be beneficial in achieving PTG by facilitating deliberate rumination.
Response of Land Surface Albedo to Fire Disturbance in the Sierra Nevada Seasonal Snow Zone Over the MODIS Record
Authors: Gayler J. M. , Skiles S. M.
Published: June 2024

Wildfires in the snow zone can brighten winter and spring landscapes by removing forest canopy, revealing underlying snow cover. Land surface albedo (LSA) alterations associated with transitioning from a canopied, snow‐hiding vegetation regime to a snow‐revealing landscape have impacts on the surface energy balance, with implications for climate and water supply. Forest fires are increasing in frequency, size, and elevation, but the change in LSA due to fire in the seasonal snow zone (SSZ) is poorly understood. This study addresses this knowledge gap for the Sierra Nevada, where recent climatic changes have contributed to droughts, earlier and more rapidly declining snowpacks, and worsening wildfire impacts. Remotely sensed snow fraction and LSA data from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer were used to assess the impact of wildfire on landscapes in the Sierra Nevada SSZ by comparing LSA in burn scars to unburned control areas and the historical average LSA, then quantifying the surface radiative forcing (RF) associated with change in LSA. Among high and moderate burn severity fires, winter LSA varied depending on snow cover, land characteristics, and burn severity, ranging from 0.12 in low‐snow fire scars to 0.47 in snow‐covered fire scars. This study adds to understanding of how landscapes respond to wildfires and the subsequent impacts on the surface energy balance.
Impacts of Atlantic and Pacific Multidecadal Variability on South American Precipitation and Temperature in the CESM Simulations and Observations
Authors: He Zhaoxiangrui , Dai Aiguo , Vuille Mathias
Published: June 2024

The Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1) and version 2 (CESM2)'s abilities to simulate the impacts of Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) and Pacific multidecadal variability (PMV) on South American precipitation and temperature have not been assessed, and how the AMV and PMV modulate each other's influences on South American climate is not well understood. Here we use observations, reanalyses, and CESM1 and CESM2 simulations from 1920 to 2015 to study those problems. The models can reproduce the observed precipitation and temperature responses to AMV well, but can only roughly reproduce such responses to PMV. The precipitation response over the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ) is better simulated by CESM2 compared to CESM1, which is associated with an improved horizontal moisture flux over this region. However, the models cannot accurately simulate the observed differences between the influences of Pacific interannual and multidecadal variability on South American precipitation and temperature. The impacts of AMV and PMV on South American precipitation are modulated by the other mode via changes in horizontal moisture flux over the SACZ and River Plate basin in summer, as well as changes in vertical motion over the equatorial regions in winter. Similarly, the impacts of AMV and PMV on South American temperature are also modulated by the other mode. Over water‐limited regions, such as northeastern Brazil and southern Argentina, the precipitation and temperature responses are anti‐correlated, possibly via surface evaporation.
Synchronous Tropical Andean Hydroclimate Variability During the Last Millennium
Authors: Bird B. W. , Steinman B. A. , Escobar J. , Correa‐Metrio A. , Holper K. , Gibson D. K. , Mark S. , Fonseca H.
Published: June 2024

The impact of latitudinal variations in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) on northern Andean hydroclimate during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA; 950–1,150 CE) and Little Ice Age (LIA; 1,300–1,850 CE) is uncertain. Synthesis of two new lacustrine paleoclimate records from the Eastern Colombian Andes with existing circum‐Andean records shows that effective moisture anomalies were synchronous and in phase across the tropical Andes during the last millennium. During the MCA, when the ITCZ was shifted northward, topographically controlled responses in the northern Andes to vigorous atmospheric convection resulted in low precipitation and high evaporation, while precipitation was also reduced in the southern tropical Andes. During the LIA, precipitation decreased in the northern Andes as the ITCZ migrated southward but was offset by cooling that lowered evaporation, establishing high effective moisture. In the southern tropical Andes, the southward ITCZ position simultaneously strengthened precipitation, increasing effective moisture. MCA‐like responses to continued warming trends could similarly reduce northern Andean precipitation while increasing evaporation, thereby lowering effective moisture and possibly reducing water resource availability.
First Samples from the Moon’s Farside Return on Chang’e-6
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: June 2024

These samples could provide novel geologic insight into the Moon’s formation and history.
Nitrogen Cycling in Reservoir Drawdown Areas and the Impacts on Water Quality
Authors: Liu Dongsheng , Chen Qiuwen , Maavara Taylor , Zhang Jianyun , Chen Yuchen
Published: June 2024

Reservoir drawdown areas (DAs) can be both important nitrogen (N) sources to river networks and hot spots for N removal from freshwater ecosystems. The net effect of DAs on the N availability in reservoirs within a full hydrological cycle remains unclear. In this paper, the N dynamics in the DA of the Three Gorges Reservoir, Yangtze River, China, are investigated through a combination of discrete and continuous in situ observations and sampling over a span of 2 years, complemented by numerical modeling. We show that the DA is a net source of N to the water column, and that about 30% of the total annual N load released from the DA is mitigated by the sediment through denitrification and capture. The annual net load of the total N from the DA to the reservoir is ca. 0.59 kg per meter along the river, which is on the same order of magnitude as the input load from the density current of the Yangtze River to its tributaries, generally considered to be the primary driver of eutrophication in tributaries. N release in the DA mainly occurs during the drying period, whereas denitrification in the sediment mostly takes place during the flooding period when the oxido‐reducing potential is low. Our findings quantify and therefore clarify the N source/sink dynamics from the DA to the reservoir, offering a new perspective on the importance of DA nutrient loading in decision‐making related to integrated management of inundated lands to alleviate reservoir eutrophication by river damming.
Enhanced Removal of River‐Borne Nitrate in Bioturbated Hyporheic Zone
Authors: Jiang Qihao , Shrivastava Shivansh , Jin Guangqiu , Tang Hongwu , Xu Junzeng , Xu Jing , Huang Changchun
Published: June 2024

The influence of bioturbation induced by bottom‐dwelling macrozoobenthos on nitrogen dynamics in lotic stream sediments remains unclear. In this work, we advance the understanding of faunal bioturbation in lotic environments by developing a fully‐coupled flow and multicomponent reactive transport model and investigate the influence of sediment reworking and burrow ventilation processes on nitrogenous transformations. The model results indicate that sediment reworking and burrow ventilation significantly increase nitrate (NO3−) influx, penetration depth, and reaction rates in the streambed. Denitrification rates were observed up to three times higher in beds with U‐shaped burrows compared to flatbeds. The ratio of mound height to stream water depth ratio (h/H0) is a dominant control on determining the relative importance of the sediment reworking and burrow ventilation processes in modulating nitrogenous reactions. A power‐law scaling framework is ultimately proposed to predict NO3− removal efficiency based on the Damköhler number in bioturbated lotic streambeds.
Chiral quantum heating and cooling with an optically controlled ion
Authors: Bu Jin-Tao , Zhang Jian-Qi , Ding Ge-Yi , Li Jia-Chong , Zhang Jia-Wei , Wang Bin , Ding Wen-Qiang , Yuan Wen-Fei , Chen Liang , Zhong Qi , Keçebaş Ali , Özdemir Şahin K. , Zhou Fei , Jing Hui , Feng Mang
Published: June 2024

Quantum heat engines and refrigerators are open quantum systems, whose dynamics can be well understood using a non-Hermitian formalism. A prominent feature of non-Hermiticity is the existence of exceptional points (EPs), which has no counterpart in closed quantum systems. It has been shown in classical systems that dynamical encirclement in the vicinity of an EP, whether the loop includes the EP or not, could lead to chiral mode conversion. Here, we show that this is valid also for quantum systems when dynamical encircling is performed in the vicinity of their Liouvillian EPs (LEPs), which include the effects of quantum jumps and associated noise—an important quantum feature not present in previous works. We demonstrate, using a Paul-trapped ultracold ion, the first chiral quantum heating and refrigeration by dynamically encircling a closed loop in the vicinity of an LEP. We witness the cycling direction to be associated with the chirality and heat release (absorption) of the quantum heat engine (quantum refrigerator). Our experiments have revealed that not only the adiabaticity breakdown but also the Landau–Zener–Stückelberg process play an essential role during dynamic encircling, resulting in chiral thermodynamic cycles. Our observations contribute to further understanding of chiral and topological features in non-Hermitian systems and pave a way to exploring the relation between chirality and quantum thermodynamics.
Impact of vaccine coverage and disruption to health services on COVID-19 in Ukraine
Authors: Costantino Valentina , MacIntyre Chandini R.
Published: June 2024

COVID-19 surveillance in Ukraine ceased after the Russian invasion of the country in 2022, on a background of low vaccination rates of 34.5% for two doses at this time. We conducted a modelling study to estimate the epidemic trajectory of SARS-COV-2 in Ukraine after the start of the war. We use a COVID-19 deterministic Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) model for Ukraine to estimate the impact of increased vaccination coverage and masking as public health interventions. We fit the model output to case notification data between 6 January and 25 February 2022, then we forecast the COVID-19 epidemic trajectory in different scenarios of mask use and vaccine coverage. In the best-case scenario, 69% of the Ukrainian population would have been infected in the first half of 2022. Increasing mask use from 50 to 80% reduces cases and deaths by 17% and 30% respectively, while increasing vaccination rates to 60% and 9.6% for two and three doses respectively results in a 3% reduction in cases and 28% in deaths. However, if vaccination is increased to a higher coverage of 80% with two doses and 12.8% with three, or mask effectiveness is reduced to 40%, increasing vaccination coverage is more effective. The loss of health services, displacement, and destruction of infrastructure will amplify the risk of COVID-19 in Ukraine and make vaccine programs less feasible. Masks do not need the health infrastructure or cold-chain logistics required for vaccines and are more feasible for rapid epidemic control during war. However, increasing vaccine coverage will save more lives. Vaccination of refugees who have fled to other countries can be more feasibly achieved.
Improving structural and magnetic properties of zinc stannate thin films through nickel doping via sol–gel method
Authors: Cinar Ibrahim
Published: June 2024

Ternary oxides are currently emerging as promising materials for optoelectronic devices and spintronics, surpassing binary oxides in terms of their superior properties. Among these, zinc stannate (Zn2SnO4) stands out due to its stability and attractive physical characteristics. However, despite its outstanding attributes, there is a need to further develop its magnetic properties for spintronic applications. In this study, Ni-doped Zn2SnO4 thin films were synthesized using the sol–gel method, and their magnetic characteristics were investigated for the first time. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the high crystallinity of the synthesized samples, even after the incorporation of Ni dopants, without any secondary phases. SEM imaging revealed the cubic structure morphology of the thin films. An increase in the bandgap, dependent on the Ni dopant concentration, was observed for doped zinc stannate, suggesting potential for tailored electronic properties. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups within the material. Notably, the magnetic properties of the thin films were analyzed using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), revealing diamagnetic behavior for pure zinc stannate and ferromagnetic properties for Ni-doped Zn2SnO4, which increased with dopant concentration. Overall, the results highlight the excellent structural, optical, and ferromagnetic properties of Ni-doped Zn2SnO4 thin films, positioning them for diverse applications, particularly in optoelectronic and spintronic technology.
Securing China’s rice harvest: unveiling dominant factors in production using multi-source data and hybrid machine learning models
Authors: Mokhtar Ali , He Hongming , Nabil Mohsen , Kouadri Saber , Salem Ali , Elbeltagi Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Ensuring the security of China’s rice harvest is imperative for sustainable food production. The existing study addresses a critical need by employing a comprehensive approach that integrates multi-source data, including climate, remote sensing, soil properties and agricultural statistics from 2000 to 2017. The research evaluates six artificial intelligence (AI) models including machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL) models and their hybridization to predict rice production across China, particularly focusing on the main rice cultivation areas. These models were random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), conventional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM), and the hybridization of RF with XGB and CNN with LSTM based on eleven combinations (scenarios) of input variables. The main results identify that hybrid models have performed better than single models. As well, the best scenario was recorded in scenarios 8 (soil variables and sown area) and 11 (all variables) based on the RF-XGB by decreasing the root mean square error (RMSE) by 38% and 31% respectively. Further, in both scenarios, RF-XGB generated a high correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.97 in comparison with other developed models. Moreover, the soil properties contribute as the predominant factors influencing rice production, exerting an 87% and 53% impact in east and southeast China, respectively. Additionally, it observes a yearly increase of 0.16 °C and 0.19 °C in maximum and minimum temperatures (Tmax and Tmin), coupled with a 20 mm/year decrease in precipitation decline a 2.23% reduction in rice production as average during the study period in southeast China region. This research provides valuable insights into the dynamic interplay of environmental factors affecting China’s rice production, informing strategic measures to enhance food security in the face of evolving climatic conditions.
Identification of subgroups and development of prognostic risk models along the glycolysis–cholesterol synthesis axis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Jiuzhou , Qian Bao , Guo Yangjie , He Zhengfu
Published: June 2024

Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous malignant tumors affecting human health. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of lung cancer. Both glycolytic and cholesterogenic pathways play critical roles in metabolic adaptation to cancer. A dataset of 585 LUAD samples was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. We obtained co-expressed glycolysis and cholesterogenesis genes by selecting and clustering genes from Molecular Signatures Database v7.5. We compared the prognosis of different subtypes and identified differentially expressed genes between subtypes. Predictive outcome events were modeled using machine learning, and the top 9 most important prognostic genes were selected by Shapley additive explanation analysis. A risk score model was built based on multivariate Cox analysis. LUAD patients were categorized into four metabolic subgroups: cholesterogenic, glycolytic, quiescent, and mixed. The worst prognosis was the mixed subtype. The prognostic model had great predictive performance in the test set. Patients with LUAD were effectively typed by glycolytic and cholesterogenic genes and were identified as having the worst prognosis in the glycolytic and cholesterogenic enriched gene groups. The prognostic model can provide an essential basis for clinicians to predict clinical outcomes for patients. The model was robust on the training and test datasets and had a great predictive performance.
Modulation of adipose-derived stem cell behavior by prostate pathology-associated plasma: insights from in vitro exposure
Authors: Cruciani Sara , Coradduzza Donatella , Balzano Francesca , Garroni Giuseppe , Azara Emanuela , Pala Renzo , Delitala Alessandro P. , Madonia Massimo , Tedde Alessandro , Capobianco Giampiero , Petrillo Marco , Angelucci Cecilia , Carru Ciriaco , Ventura Carlo , Maioli Margherita
Published: June 2024

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are promising in regenerative medicine. Their proliferation, survival and activation are influenced by specific signals within their microenvironment, also known as niche. The stem cell niche is regulated by complex interactions between multiple cell types. When transplanted in a specific area, ADSCs can secrete several immunomodulatory factors. At the same time, a tumor microenvironment can influence stem cell behavior, modulating proliferation and their ability to differentiate into a specific phenotype. Whitin this context, we exposed ADSCs to plasma samples derived from human patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC), or precancerous lesions (PL), or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for 4, 7 or 10 days. We then analyzed the expression of main stemness-related markers and cell-cycle regulators. We also measured cytokine production and polyamine secretion in culture medium and evaluated cell morphology and collagen production by confocal microscopy. The results obtained from this study show significant changes in the morphology of ADSCs exposed to plasma samples, especially in the presence of prostate cancer plasma, suggesting important implications in the use of ADSCs for the development of new treatments and application in regenerative medicine.
A comparison between the measurement of quantum spatial correlations using qCMOS photon-number resolving and electron multiplying CCD camera technologies
Authors: Roberts K. , Wolley O. , Gregory T. , Padgett M. J.
Published: June 2024

Cameras with single-photon sensitivities can be used to measure the spatial correlations between the photon-pairs that are produced by parametric down-conversion. Even when pumped by a single-mode laser, the signal and idler photons are typically distributed over several thousand spatial modes yet strongly correlated with each other in their position and anti-correlated in their transverse momentum. These spatial correlations enable applications in imaging, sensing, communication, and optical processing. Here we show that, using a photon-number resolving camera, spatial correlations can be observed after only a few 10s of seconds of measurement time, thereby demonstrating comparable performance with previous single photon sensitive camera technologies but with the additional capability to resolve photon-number. Consequently, these photon-number resolving technologies are likely to find wide use in quantum, low-light, imaging systems.
Tuning the thermostability of GHG gels by salts at different positions on the Hofmeister scale
Authors: O’Neill Nichole S. , Alvarez Nicolas J. , Schweitzer-Stenner Reinhard
Published: June 2024

The influence of Hofmeister cations (NH4+, Na+, Mg2+) and anions (H2PO4−, CH3COO−, Cl−, NO3−) on the thermostability of a GHG hydrogel was investigated. The combined results of UV circular dichroism (UVCD) and Small Amplitude Oscillatory Shear Rheology experiments reveal that the addition of salt reduces the stability of the gel phase and the underlying fibrils. In line with the cationic Hofmeister hierarchy, the chaotropic Mg2+ ions caused the greatest thermal destabilization of the gel phase with the gel → sol transition temperature Tgs value lowered by 10 °C. In the absence of salt, the gel → sol transition probed by the storage modulus and microscopy is biphasic. In the presence of salt, it becomes monophasic. Contrary to expectations the presence of Hofmeister anions leads to a nearly identical reduction of the gel → sol transition temperatures. However, UVCD spectra suggest that they affect the ππ-stacking between imidazole groups to a different extent. We relate the absence of ion specificity regarding the solubility of fibrils (probed by UVCD) to the observed enthalpy-entropy compensation of the dissolution process. Our results combined show how CD spectroscopy and rheology combined yields a more nuanced picture of the processes underlying the gel → sol transition.
Genome-wide association study and candidate gene identification for agronomic traits in 182 upward-growing fruits of C. frutescens and C. annuum
Authors: Fu Genying , Yu Shuang , Wu Kun , Yang Mengxian , Altaf Muhammad Ahsan , Wu Zhuo , Deng Qin , Lu Xu , Fu Huizhen , Wang Zhiwei , Cheng Shanhan
Published: June 2024

Pepper agronomic traits serve as pivotal indicators for characterizing germplasm attributes and correlations. It is important to study differential genotypic variation through phenotypic differences of target traits. Whole genome resequencing was used to sequence the whole genome among different individuals of species with known reference genomes and annotations, and based on this, differential analyses of individuals or populations were carried out to identify SNPs for agronomic traits related to pepper. This study conducted a genome-wide association study encompassing 26 key agronomic traits in 182 upward-growing fruits of C. frutescens and C. annuum. The population structure (phylogenetics, population structure, population principal component analysis, genetic relationship) and linkage disequilibrium analysis were realized to ensure the accuracy and reliability of GWAS results, and the optimal statistical model was determined. A total of 929 SNPs significantly associated with 26 agronomic traits, were identified, alongside the detection of 519 candidate genes within 100 kb region adjacent to these SNPs. Additionally, through gene annotation and expression pattern scrutiny, genes such as GAUT1, COP10, and DDB1 correlated with fruit traits in Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum annuum were validated via qRT-PCR. In the CH20 (Capsicum annuum) and YB-4 (Capsicum frutescens) cultivars, GAUT1 and COP10 were cloned with cDNA lengths of 1065 bp and 561 bp, respectively, exhibiting only a small number of single nucleotide variations and nucleotide deletions. This validation provides a robust reference for molecular marker-assisted breeding of pepper agronomic traits, offering both genetic resources and theoretical foundations for future endeavors in molecular marker-assisted breeding for pepper.
Bacterial communities varied in different Coccinella transversoguttata populations located in Tibetan plateau
Authors: Zhang Huanhuan , Yang Kun
Published: June 2024

Coccinella transversoguttata is an important predatory beetle in Asia and America. Currently, few studies have investigated C. transversoguttata in China especially in the Tibetan plateau. In this study, full-length 16 s rRNA sequencing and qPCR experiment were performed on eight C. transversoguttata populations collected from Tibet to analyze their bacterial communities and bacteria abundance. In summary, our results revealed the microbial compositions, diversities and bacterial titers in the bacterial communities in C. transversoguttata populations in the Tibetan plateau. In future, there is a need to explore the differences in microbiota among various C. transversoguttata populations collected from different locations. These results add to our understanding of the complex bacterial communities of C. transversoguttata and their utilization as potential biocontrol factors.
Distinct grey and white matter changes are associated with the phenomenology of visual hallucinations in Lewy Body Disease
Authors: D’Antonio Fabrizia , Teghil Alice , Boccia Maddalena , Bechi Gabrielli Giulia , Giulietti Giovanni , Conti Desirée , Suppa Antonio , Fabbrini Andrea , Fiorelli Marco , Caramia Francesca , Bruno Giuseppe , Guariglia Cecilia , Aarsland Dag , Ffytche Dominic
Published: June 2024

Visual hallucinations in Lewy body disease (LBD) can be differentiated based on phenomenology into minor phenomena (MVH) and complex hallucinations (CVH). MVH include a variety of phenomena, such as illusions, presence and passage hallucinations occurring at early stages of LBD. The neural mechanisms of visual hallucinations are largely unknown. The hodotopic model posits that the hallucination state is due to abnormal activity in specialized visual areas, that occurs in the context of wider network connectivity alterations and that phenomenology of VH, including content and temporal characteristics, may help identify brain regions underpinning these phenomena. Here we investigated both the topological and hodological neural basis of visual hallucinations integrating grey and white matter imaging analyses. We studied LBD patients with VH and age matched healthy controls (HC). VH were assessed using a North-East-Visual-Hallucinations-Interview that captures phenomenological detail. Then we applied voxel-based morphometry and tract based spatial statistics approaches to identify grey and white matter changes. First, we compared LBD patients and HC. We found a reduced grey matter volume and a widespread damage of white tracts in LBD compared to HC. Then we tested the association between CVH and MVH and grey and white matter indices. We found that CVH duration was associated with decreased grey matter volume in the fusiform gyrus suggesting that LBD neurodegeneration-related abnormal activity in this area is responsible for CVH. An unexpected finding was that MVH severity was associated with a greater integrity of white matter tracts, specifically those connecting dorsal, ventral attention networks and visual areas. Our results suggest that networks underlying MVH need to be partly intact and functional for MVH experiences to occur, while CVH occur when cortical areas are damaged. The findings support the hodotopic view and the hypothesis that MVH and CVH relate to different neural mechanisms, with wider implications for the treatment of these symptoms in a clinical context.
Data-fusion for in-situ monitoring and molten state identification during LPBF of NiCoCr medium-entropy alloy
Authors: Li Hong , Yan Shaohua , Fu Yu
Published: June 2024

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an additive manufacturing technology with high practical value. In order to improve the quality of the fabricated parts, process monitoring has become a crucial solution, offering the potential to ensure manufacturing stability and repeatability. However, a cardinal challenge involves discerning a precise correlation between process characteristics and potential defects. This paper elucidates the integration of an off-axis vision monitoring mechanism via a high-speed camera focused on capturing the single-track melting phenomenon. An innovative image processing method was devised to segment the plume and spatters, while Kalman filter was employed for multi-object tracking of the spatters. The features of both the plume and spatters were extracted, and their relationship with molten states was investigated. Finally, the PSO-XGBoost algorithm was utilized to identify five molten states, achieving an accuracy of 92.16%. The novelty of this approach resides in its unique combination of plume characteristics, spatter features, and computationally efficient machine learning models, which collectively address the challenge of limited field of view prevalent in real production scenarios, thereby enhancing process monitoring efficacy. Relative to existing methodologies, the proposed PSO-XGBoost approach offers heightened accuracy, convenience, and appropriateness for the monitoring of the LPBF process. This work provides an effective and novel approach to monitor the LPBF process and evaluate the part fabrication quality for complex and changeable working conditions.
Characterization of air pollution and associated health risks in Gansu Province, China from 2015 to 2022
Authors: Cheng Bowen , Ma Yuxia , Qin Pengpeng , Wang Wanci , Zhao Yuhan , Liu Zongrui , Zhang Yifan , Wei Linbo
Published: June 2024

Air pollution poses a major threat to both the environment and public health. The air quality index (AQI), aggregate AQI, new health risk–based air quality index (NHAQI), and NHAQI-WHO were employed to quantitatively evaluate the characterization of air pollution and the associated health risk in Gansu Province before (P-I) and after (P-II) COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicated that AQI system undervalued the comprehensive health risk impact of the six criteria pollutants compared with the other three indices. The stringent lockdown measures contributed to a considerable reduction in SO2, CO, PM2.5, NO2 and PM10; these concentrations were 43.4%, 34.6%, 21.4%, 17.4%, and 14.2% lower in P-II than P-I, respectively. But the concentration of O3 had no obvious improvement. The higher sandstorm frequency in P-II led to no significant decrease in the ERtotal and even resulted in an increase in the average ERtotal in cities located in northwestern Gansu from 0.78% in P-I to 1.0% in P-II. The cumulative distribution of NHAQI-based population-weighted exposure revealed that 24% of the total population was still exposed to light pollution in spring during P-II, while the air quality in other three seasons had significant improvements and all people were under healthy air quality level.
Stemness subtypes in lower-grade glioma with prognostic biomarkers, tumor microenvironment, and treatment response
Authors: Ye Shengda , Yang Bin , Yang Liu , Wei Wei , Fu Mingyue , Yan Yu , Wang Bo , Li Xiang , Liang Chen , Zhao Wenyuan
Published: June 2024

Our research endeavors are directed towards unraveling the stem cell characteristics of lower-grade glioma patients, with the ultimate goal of formulating personalized treatment strategies. We computed enrichment stemness scores and performed consensus clustering to categorize phenotypes. Subsequently, we constructed a prognostic risk model using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA), random survival forest regression analysis as well as full subset regression analysis. To validate the expression differences of key genes, we employed experimental methods such as quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and assessed cell line proliferation, migration, and invasion. Three subtypes were assigned to patients diagnosed with LGG. Notably, Cluster 2 (C2), exhibiting the poorest survival outcomes, manifested characteristics indicative of the subtype characterized by immunosuppression. This was marked by elevated levels of M1 macrophages, activated mast cells, along with higher immune and stromal scores. Four hub genes—CDCA8, ORC1, DLGAP5, and SMC4—were identified and validated through cell experiments and qPCR. Subsequently, these validated genes were utilized to construct a stemness risk signature. Which revealed that Lower-Grade Glioma (LGG) patients with lower scores were more inclined to demonstrate favorable responses to immune therapy. Our study illuminates the stemness characteristics of gliomas, which lays the foundation for developing therapeutic approaches targeting CSCs and enhancing the efficacy of current immunotherapies. By identifying the stemness subtype and its correlation with prognosis and TME patterns in glioma patients, we aim to advance the development of personalized treatments, enhancing the ability to predict and improve overall patient prognosis.
The impact of telomere length on the risk of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Zuo Mingrong , Li Wenhao , Chen Siliang , Yuan Yunbo , He Yuze , Yang Yuan , Mao Qing , Liu Yanhui
Published: June 2024

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) affects mainly aged populations. The gradual shortening of telomere length (TL) is one of the hallmarks of aging. Whereas the genetic contribution of TL to the iNPH is incompletely understood. We aimed to investigate the causal relationship between TL and iNPH through the Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. We respectively obtained 186 qualified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TL and 20 eligible SNPs of iNPH for MR analysis. The result of MR analysis showed that genetically predicted longer TL was significantly associated with a reduced odd of iNPH (odds ratio [OR] = 0.634 95% Confidence interval [CI] 0.447–0.899, p = 0.011). The causal association remained consistent in multivariable MR (OR = 0.530 95% CI 0.327–0.860, p = 0.010). However, there was no evidence that the iNPH was causally associated with the TL (OR = 1.000 95% CI 0.996–1.004, p = 0.955). Our study reveals a potential genetic contribution of TL to the etiology of iNPH, that is a genetically predicted increased TL might be associated with a reduced risk of iNPH.
A metagenomic assessment of bacterial community in spices sold open-air markets in Saint-Louis, Senegal
Authors: Sané Sarbanding , Diouara Abou Abdallah Malick , Coundoul Seynabou , Tene Sophie Déli , Kane Alé , Wade Serigne Fallou , Tamba Abdoulaye , Diop Mamadou , Mbaye Mame Ndew , Thiam Fatou , Dieng Modou , Mbengue Malick , Nguer Cheikh Momar , Sarr Aminata Diassé , Ndao Ababacar Sadikh , Touré Kane Coumba
Published: June 2024

Natural spices play an essential role in human nutrition and well-being. However, their processing on different scales can expose them to potential sources of contamination. This study aimed to describe the bacterial community genomic footprint in spices sold in Senegal. Spice samples were collected in August 2022 in Saint-Louis, Senegal. The genomic region coding bacterial 16S rRNA was then amplified and sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT). Sequencing was carried out on two batches of samples, one containing part of the “Local Spices or Herbs” (n = 10), and the other, a mixture of 7 spices, Curcuma, Thyme and the other part of the “Local Spices or Herbs” (n = 39). Results showed high bacterial diversity and the predominance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica in samples, with total reads of 65,744 and 165,325 for the two batches, respectively. The sample category “Homemade mixture of food condiments “, which includes all “Local Spices or Herbs” samples, showed remarkable bacterial diversity. These were followed by Curcuma, a blend of 7 spices and thyme. Also, the different categories of spices studied show similarities in their bacterial composition. These results highlight the microbial community’s highly diverse genomic profile, including pathogenic bacteria, in spice samples.