bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal evolution and sediment provenance of the Cooper–Eromanga Basin: Insights from detrital apatite
Authors: Nixon Angus L. , Fernie Nicholas , Glorie Stijn , Hand Martin , Bendell Betina
Published: January 2024

The prolific hydrocarbon and geothermal potential of the Cooper–Eromanga Basin has long been recognised and studied, however, the thermal history which underpins these resources has largely remained elusive. This study presents new apatite fission track and U–Pb data for eight wells within the southwestern domain of the Cooper–Eromanga Basin, from which thermal history and detrital provenance reconstructions were conducted. Samples taken from sedimentary rocks of the upper Eromanga Basin (Winton, Mackunda and Cadna‐owie Formations) yield dominant Early‐Cretaceous and minor Late‐Permian–Triassic apatite U–Pb ages that are (within uncertainty) equivalent to corresponding fission track age populations. Furthermore, the obtained Cretaceous apatite ages correlate well with the stratigraphic ages for each analysed formation, suggesting (1) little time lag between apatite exposure in the source region and sediment deposition, and (2) that no significant (>ca. 100°C) reheating affected these formations in this region following deposition. Cretaceous apatites were likely distally sourced from an eastern Australian volcanic arc, (e.g. the Whitsunday Igneous Association), and mixed with Permian–Triassic sediment sources from the New England and/or Mossman Orogens. Deeper samples (>2000 m) from within the southwestern Cooper Basin yielded partially reset fission track ages, indicative of heating to temperatures exceeding ca. 100–80°C after deposition. The associated thermal history models are broadly consistent with previous studies and suggest that maximum temperatures were reached at ca. 100–70 Ma as a result of hydrothermal circulation correlating with high rates of sedimentation. Subsequent Late‐Cretaceous–Palaeogene cooling is interpreted to reflect post magmatic thermal subsidence and cessation of hydrothermal activity, as well as potential modified rock thermal conductivity as a response to fluid flow. Five of the seven modelled wells record a Neogene heating event, the geological significance of which remains tentative but may suggest possible reactivation of the Cooper Hot Spot and associated hydrothermal circulation.
Why college majors and selectivity matter: Major groupings, occupation specificity, and job skills
Authors: Weiss Deborah M. , Spitzer Matthew L. , Cronin Colton , Chin Neil
Published: January 2024

We provide new approaches to examining the returns to college majors and institutional selectivity. Using unique resume data, we devise new groupings of majors and use these to construct five measures that characterize majors. Applying these measures to the National Survey of College Graduates, we find that majors that lead to jobs that are math‐intensive or writing‐intensive have higher earnings and also a higher return to selectivity. Majors that are occupationally specific also have higher earnings but have a lower return to institutional selectivity. We find that the value of selectivity relative to major increases as selectivity rises.
Comparing the glycaemic outcomes between real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (rt‐CGM) and intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) among adults and children with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Yongwen , Sardana Divesh , Kuroko Sarahmarie , Haszard Jillian J. , de Block Martin I. , Weng Jianping , Jefferies Craig , Wheeler Benjamin John
Published: January 2024

Aim

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) versus intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) on key glycaemic metrics (co‐primary outcomes HbA1c and time‐in‐range [TIR] 70–180 mg/dL, 3.9–10.0 mmol/L) among people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of clinical trials were searched. Inclusion criteria were RCTs; T1D populations of any age and insulin regimen; comparing any type of rtCGM with isCGM (only the first generation had been compared to date); and reporting the glycaemic outcomes. Glycaemic outcomes were extracted post‐intervention and expressed as mean differences and 95% CIs between the two comparators. Results were pooled using a random‐effect meta‐analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. The quality of evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach.

Results

Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria (4 parallel and 1 crossover design; 4 with CGM use <8 weeks), involving 446 participants (354 adults; 92 children and adolescents). Overall, meta‐analysis showed rtCGM compared to isCGM improved absolute TIR by +7.0% (95% CI: 5.8%–8.3%, I2 = 0%, p < 0.01) accompanied by a favorable effect on time‐below‐range <70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) – 1.7% (95%CI: −3.0% to −0.4%; p = 0.03). No differences were seen regarding HbA1c.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis highlights that for people with T1D, rtCGM confers benefits over isCGM primarily related to increased TIR, with improvements in hypo‐ and hyperglycaemia.
Queer migration, heteronormativity and the ‘ethnic closet’: Chinese queer international students' intersectional experience in New Zealand
Authors: Cui Le , Song Lin
Published: January 2024

Drawing on semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 15 Chinese queer international students from New Zealand's tertiary institutions, this paper explores their motivations to pursue higher education transnationally and unpacks the interconnected power structures underpinning their experiences. We find that despite the imagination and initial perception of New Zealand as one of the most queer‐friendly higher education destinations, Chinese queer international students are confronted by the ‘ethnic closet’—a heteronormative power structure simultaneously disciplining racial/ethnic and sexual identities. The interplay between these two key aspects of students' identity has meant that Chinese queer international students, as migrants who occupy disadvantaged positions in local racial power relations, frequently experience heteronormative microaggressions on campus. These students' ethnic identity, which lies in the heart of their social support system, has also become a hindrance in their queer identity development. Our findings challenge the perceived dichotomy between China as homophobic and ‘the West’ as queer‐friendly, and reveal the need for a more nuanced understanding of queer international students' experiences, in order to better support them in a higher education setting.
Heterospecific interference modulates the reproductive traits of a ladybird beetle
Authors: Sariq Mohd , Omkar  , Mishra Geetanjali
Published: January 2024

Reproductive interference between species is vital to understand interspecific interactions along with their ecological and evolutionary patterns in nature. We studied potential reproductive interference between two sympatric species of ladybird beetles Propylea dissecta and Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Our aim was to determine whether heterospecific matings occur between these two species, and if so, how they affect the reproductive output of females of both species. We found that heterospecific mating occurs, with P. dissecta females mating with C. sexmaculata males, but not vice versa. To compare the effect of conspecific and heterospecific males on the reproductive output of P. dissecta females, we used two mixed mating treatments: conspecific mixed (an additional P. dissecta male with conspecific pair of P. dissecta), and heterospecific mixed (a C. sexmaculata male with conspecific pair of P. dissecta). We found that conspecific interference did not affect reproductive parameters. However, the presence of a heterospecific C. sexmaculata male interfered with conspecific matings in P. dissecta through multiple mating attempts, resulting in reduced fitness and reproductive success of P. dissecta. Our results indicate that the presence of heterospecific males significantly affected the reproductive output of P. dissecta, apparently as a result of the greater attempted mating activity of C. sexmaculata males. Our findings may be relevant for effective biocontrol strategies involving these insect species.
Preliminary study to evaluate the use of fast abdominal ultrasonography of horses with colic in first opinion ambulatory practice
Authors: Corrie Sam , Chapman Kristina , Schofield Imogen , Mair Tim S.
Published: January 2024

Background

Colic is the commonest emergency in first opinion equine practice. Early referral is important for horses requiring surgery. Fast localised abdominal ultrasonography of horses (FLASH) is frequently used as a diagnostic tool in the investigation of colic at referral hospitals, but its use in first opinion practice has not been evaluated.

Objective

To assess the value of FLASH scanning in the primary assessment of horses with colic in the field, using a portable wireless ultrasound system.

Study design

Prospective study (2018–2021).

Methods

Any horse examined for colic as an emergency in a first opinion ambulatory practice was eligible for inclusion in the study. A FLASH examination was performed using a wireless handheld ultrasound scanner, with the images displayed on a smartphone or tablet. The findings on FLASH scans and the outcome of the case (recovered, referred for surgery or euthanised without referral) were recorded.

Results

In total, 135 equids with acute colic were evaluated. Of the 135 horses, 49 (36%) had an abnormal finding on FLASH scanning, including distended loops of small intestine (n = 34), thickened small intestinal walls (n = 23) and/or distension of the stomach (n = 7). Reduced small intestinal motility was recorded in 52 animals (38%). Follow‐up information was available in all animals: 50 (37%) were euthanised due to clinical deterioration and the owners' decision not to undertake surgery; 85/135 (63%) survived, including 5/85 (6%) that underwent surgery and 80/85 (94%) that resolved with medical management.

Main limitations

Small number of cases. Lack of results of post‐mortem examination of horses that were euthanised. Potential selection bias.

Conclusion

The FLASH technique can be valuable in the primary assessment of horses with colic in first opinion ambulatory practice. Further evaluation with more cases is required.
Targeted rainfall enhancement as an objective of forestation
Authors: Staal Arie , Theeuwen Jolanda J. E. , Wang‐Erlandsson Lan , Wunderling Nico , Dekker Stefan C.
Published: January 2024

Forestation efforts are accelerating across the globe in the fight against global climate change, in order to restore biodiversity, and to improve local livelihoods. Yet, so far the non‐local effects of forestation on rainfall have largely remained a blind spot. Here we build upon emerging work to propose that targeted rainfall enhancement may also be considered in the prioritization of forestation. We show that the tools to achieve this are rapidly becoming available, but we also identify drawbacks and discuss which further developments are still needed to realize robust assessments of the rainfall effects of forestation in the face of climate change. Forestation programs may then mitigate not only global climate change itself but also its adverse effects in the form of drying.
‘It's a job to be done’. Managing polypharmacy at home: A qualitative interview study exploring the experiences of older people living with frailty
Authors: Previdoli Giorgia , Alldred David P. , Silcock Jonathan , Tyndale‐Biscoe Savi , Okeowo Daniel , Cheong V‐Lin , Fylan Beth
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Many older people live with both multiple long‐term conditions and frailty; thus, they manage complex medicines regimens and are at heightened risk of the consequences of medicines errors. Research to enhance how people manage medicines has focused on adherence to regimens rather than on the wider skills necessary to safely manage medicines, and the older population living with frailty and managing multiple medicines at home has been under‐explored. This study, therefore, examines in depth how older people with mild to moderate frailty manage their polypharmacy regimens at home.

Methods

Between June 2021 and February 2022, 32 patients aged 65 years or older with mild or moderate frailty and taking five or more medicines were recruited from 10 medical practices in the North of England, United Kingdom, and the CARE 75+ research cohort. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted face to face, by telephone or online. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings

Five themes were developed: (1) Managing many medicines is a skilled job I didn't apply for; (2) Medicines keep me going, but what happened to my life?; (3) Managing medicines in an unclear system; (4) Support with medicines that makes my work easier; and (5) My medicines are familiar to me—there is nothing else I need (or want) to know.

While navigating fragmented care, patients were expected to fit new medicines routines into their lives and keep on top of their medicines supply. Sometimes, they felt let down by a system that created new obstacles instead of supporting their complex daily work.

Conclusion

Frail older patients, who are at heightened risk of the impact of medicines errors, are expected to perform complex work to safely self‐manage multiple medicines at home. Such a workload needs to be acknowledged, and more needs to be done to prepare people in order to avoid harm from medicines.

Patient and Public Involvement

An older person managing multiple medicines at home was a core member of the research team. An advisory group of older patients and family members advised the study and was involved in the first stages of data analysis. This influenced how data were coded and themes shaped.
Investigation of the effect of impurity of precursor materials on Si‐doped boron carbide properties
Authors: Ayguzer Yasar Zeynep , Koelle Matthew M. , Haber Richard A.
Published: January 2024

Boron carbide is a notable ceramic, with its high hardness and low density. However, it suffers a sudden loss in strength under high shear stress. Doping boron carbide with Si/B is widely used to increase its resistance to amorphization. High purity boron and silicon hexaboride precursor powders are used for doping boron carbide, but these materials have high costs and supply chain constraints. This research investigated the effect of substituting lower purity B or using pure Si powder instead of SiB6 on materials’ properties such as elastic and mechanical properties, microstructure, and amorphization resistances. It was observed that using lower‐purity boron or pure Si powder instead of SiB6 did not significantly affect critical properties, such as fracture toughness, hardness, or amorphization resistance. However, Young's modulus values decreased as B purity decreased and as Si was used instead of SiB6. These findings demonstrate that substituting precursor materials in Si/B co‐doped B4C is possible with little change in the material's properties. This facilitates the use of easier‐to‐access, cheaper production routes to be used for silicon‐doped boron carbide products.
Impact of impurities on the thermal properties of a Li2S–SiS2–LiPO3 glass
Authors: Wheaton Jacob , Martin Steve W.
Published: January 2024

The preparation of 0.58 Li2S + 0.315 SiS2 + 0.105 LiPO3 glass, and the impacts of polysulfide and P1P defect structure impurities on the glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallization temperature (Tc), working range (ΔT≡ Tc ‐ Tg), fragility index, and the Raman spectra were evaluated using statistical analysis. In this study, 33 samples of this glass composition were synthesized through melt‐quenching. Thermal analysis was conducted to determine the glass transition temperature, crystallization temperature, working range, and fragility index through differential scanning calorimetry. The quantity of the impurities described above was determined through Raman spectroscopy peak analysis. Elemental sulfur was doped into a glass to quantify the wt% sulfur content in the glasses. Linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the impact of polysulfide impurities and P1P defect impurities on the thermal properties. Polysulfide impurities were found to decrease the Tg at rate of nearly 12°C per 1 wt% increase in sulfur concentration. The sulfur concentration does not have a statistically significant impact on the other properties (α = 0.05). The P1P defect structure appears to decrease the resistance to crystallization of the glass by measurably decreasing the working range of the glasses, but further study is necessary to fully quantify and determine this.
Gene polymorphisms of an interleukin‐23 receptor associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in the Western Chinese Han population
Authors: Ren Ruyu , Tan Huiling , Wang Xuean , Wang Li , Yang Bin
Published: January 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease which is closely related to genetic background. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been found to play an important role in the development of RA. This study intends to investigate the links between gene polymorphisms in the interleukin‐23 receptor (IL23R) and interleukin 17A (IL17A) and susceptibility to RA in the Western Chinese Han population. Four SNPs (rs6693831 T > C, rs1884444 G > T, and rs7517847 T > G in IL23R gene, and rs2275913 G > A in IL17A gene) were genotyped in 246 RA patients and 362 healthy controls by high resolution melting analysis. The comparative analyses among genotype distributions, clinical indicators, and IL‐17A and IL‐23R levels in RA patients were also performed. The study revealed that the SNP rs6693831 and rs1884444 of IL23R had a significant association with RA susceptibility. The frequencies of rs6693831 genotype CC and allele C were significantly higher in the RA group and associated with higher RA risk compared with genotype TT and allele T (OR = 7.797, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.072–14.932 and OR = 5.984, 95%CI = 3.190–11.224, respectively). The TT genotype of rs1884444 appeared to decrease the RA risk compared with the GG genotype (OR = .251, 95%CI = .118–.536). The genotype CC and allele C of rs6693831 and the genotype GG and allele G of rs1884444 may be risk factors for RA. IL23R gene polymorphisms may be involved in the risk of RA susceptibility in the Western Chinese Han population.
Survey of staff experiences of potential stigma during the COVID19 pandemic
Authors: Higgins Niall , Jones Lee , Hutton Tara , Dart Nathan , Fawcett Lisa , Muir‐Cochrane Eimear
Published: January 2024

The impact of COVID‐19 on everyone's lives has been significant. However, there is also another factor related to the well‐being of healthcare workers (HCWs) and that is how they are perceived by the general public. The aim of this study is to provide insight into the scope of this potential problem and describe how HCWs perceive community views and if this influences provision of patient care. A paper‐based survey was conducted within mental health wards and community services as well as medical and surgical wards of a large metropolitan hospital in Queensland. Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to explore the dimensionality of the HCW stigma scale from the staff survey. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to assess validity and reliability. A total of 545 staff (67.9% nursing, 6.6% medical, 14.7% Allied Health and 10.8% Administrative) completed the survey between June and July 2020. Exploratory Factor Analysis showed that five factors explained 55% of the variance and represent factors of (i) Alienation, (ii) Social isolation, (iii) Perceived workplace harmony, (iv) Perceived job demands, (v) Clinical self‐efficacy. The survey displayed high internal reliability and discriminant validity was observed for all subscales. Australian HCW's reported feeling well supported at work and appreciated by society in general during the pandemic, possibly because Australian healthcare services were better prepared than those countries that first experienced COVID‐19.
Topotactic transformation of gadolinite‐ to melilite‐type structure revisited
Authors: Gorelova Liudmila A. , Vereshchagin Oleg S. , Shagova Anastasia K. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G. , Pankin Dmitrii V. , Bocharov Vladimir N. , Kasatkin Anatoly V. , Pekov Igor V.
Published: January 2024

Topotactic reactions can lead to the formation of new phases, which cannot be obtained via classical synthesis methods. The high‐temperature topotactic transformation of gadolinite‐type compounds, homilite Ca2Fe2+B2Si2O8O2 and datolite Ca2□B2Si2O8(OH)2, into a melilite‐type compound, okayamalite Ca2B2SiO7, was studied by in situ high‐temperature single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and ex situ Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, the density functional theory was used to calculate the electronic structures and Raman spectra of datolite, homilite, and okayamalite. At low temperatures (250–500°C), homilite undergoes the Fe oxidation process, whereas at high temperatures, both homilite and datolite transform into okayamalite (750 and 780°C, respectively). The transformation of datolite into okayamalite is a conversion of a single crystal to a polycrystalline aggregate, while the transformation of homilite into okayamalite is a transformation of a single crystal to a single crystal. Datolite derived from okayamalite is similar to natural okayamalite, whereas homilite derived from okayamalite shows Fe3+ for Si/B substitution. The existence of tetrahedrally coordinated Fe3+ leads to a stabilizing effect, resulting in the formation of a single crystal of okayamalite. In addition, the incorporation of iron into the structure of okaymalite leads to a change in the thermal behavior of the compound (α11 = 22 and 15×10−6°C–1 for datolite‐derived and homilite‐derived okayamalites, respectively). However, the thermal expansion of okayamalites is almost isotropic, which is typical for melilite‐type compounds.

datolite, high‐temperature, homilite, okayamalite, topotactic reaction
Enhanced environmental purification with novel Pd/ZnO nanorod–decorated building materials through piezo‐photocatalytic synergistic effect
Authors: Tian Jiayi , Wang Dong , Zheng Wei , Zhou Hongmiao , Xiong Yan , Zou Han , Ma Shu , Han Changcun , Huang Yizhong
Published: January 2024

Integrating photocatalytic technology with building materials is an imperative new trend in the green building field. Here, a novel Pd/ZnO nanorod array‐decorated ceramic tile has been designed for the first time, aiming to purify the surrounding environment. Because of the piezoelectric characteristics of ZnO nanorods, the environmental degradation efficiency of this tile‐based structure under light irradiation could be improved through injecting mechanical vibration stress. The unique piezo‐photocatalytic synergistic effect, due to the piezoelectric field created by bent ZnO nanorods and the Schottky junction formed by the noble metal Pd/ZnO heterostructures, could effectively separate the photoinduced carriers and reduce the rate of recombination, boosting the degradation efficiency. The tile‐based Pd/ZnO reaches the greatest catalytic efficiency of 75% for dye degradation in 30 min when ultrasonic and solar irradiation are applied simultaneously. Present results offer a fresh idea for creating novel piezo‐photocatalytic materials applied in eco‐friendly green buildings.
Retailer access pricing and supplier relations in the agency model
Authors: Gao Ming
Published: January 2024

In vertical relations where a retailer enters into agency contracts with multiple heterogenous suppliers of unrelated products, I show the retailer can turn the products into complements or substitutes by charging or subsidizing consumers for access. The optimal access price depends critically on the revenue share that the retailer takes from each supplier, and the retailer's cross‐price elasticity with respect to each supplier's price. When firms price simultaneously, the retailer optimally subsidizes consumer access if and only if the aggregate of these two factors across all suppliers exceeds 1. When the retailer prices before suppliers, it benefits from an additional demand amplification effect: The retailer can use the access price to manipulate suppliers' best responses such that they always lead to demand surges across the whole network of suppliers, which then benefits the retailer through revenue sharing. Under different circumstances, the retailer may achieve this through either further raising a positive access price, or further reducing a negative access price.
The radiopacity of single‐shade composite resins: A comparative evaluation
Authors: Ağaccıoğlu Merve , Yılmaz Merve Nur
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of single‐shade composite resins with group and multi‐shade composite resins via a digital image analysis.

Materials and Methods

Disc‐shaped (5 mm in diameter, 2 mm in thickness) specimens were prepared with one multi‐shade (Estelite Sigma Quick‐ESQ), four single‐shade (Omnichroma‐OC, Charisma Topaz One‐CTO, Vitra Unique‐VU, and ZenChroma‐ZC), three group‐shade (G‐aenial Achord‐GA, Optishade‐OS, and Estelite Asteria‐EA), and one posterior composite resin (Estelite Posterior‐EP) (n = 3). A radiographic image of all the specimens, an aluminum step‐wedge, and a 2 mm thick tooth section were taken. Mean gray values (MGV) of the specimens, enamel, and dentin were calculated by ImageJ software. Composition analysis was performed with EDS, and SEM images (×10,000) were obtained. The data were analyzed with Kruskal‐Wallis and Post hoc adjusted Bonferroni analysis (p = 0.05).

Results

The mean MGV of CTO, the highest of all test groups, was significantly higher than OC and dentin (p = 0.04 and p = 0.009, relatively). The lowest mean MGV was also observed in a single‐shade group, OC. EDS analysis showed that the tested materials comprised various radiopaque elements.

Conclusions

All of the single‐shade and group‐shade groups exceeded the MGV value of dentin, which is clinically expected from any restorative material.

Clinical Significance

The radiopacity properties of various single‐shade composite resins which as a category is a rising trend in esthetic dentistry were investigated. It is important for clinicians to be aware of novel materials' physical qualities including radiopacity, a daily clinical criteria for restorative materials.
User Data and Endogenous Entry in Online Markets*
Authors: Abrardi Laura , Cambini Carlo , Congiu Raffaele , Pino Flavio
Published: January 2024

We investigate how the presence of a Data Broker (DB), who sells consumer data to downstream firms, affects firm entry and competition in a horizontally differentiated oligopoly market, in which data allow firms to price discriminate. The DB chooses the price and amount of data sold to each firm. We show that the data sale by the DB reduces excessive market entry, as the competition induced by personalized prices exerts a downward pressure on prices and profits. The data‐induced entry barrier and resulting weakened competition dominates the pro‐competitive effect of personalized prices. Consequently, while the DB's presence might alleviate excessive market entry, it also diminishes consumer surplus.
Elemental and macromolecular plasticity of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlorophyta) in response to resource limitation and growth rate
Authors: Isanta‐Navarro Jana , Peoples Logan M. , Bras Benedicta , Church Matthew J. , Elser James J.
Published: January 2024

With the ongoing differential disruption of the biogeochemical cycles of major elements that are essential for all life (carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus), organisms are increasingly faced with a heterogenous supply of these elements in nature. Given that photosynthetic primary producers form the base of aquatic food webs, impacts of changed elemental supply on these organisms are particularly important. One way that phytoplankton cope with the differential availability of nutrients is through physiological changes, resulting in plasticity in macromolecular and elemental biomass composition. Here, we assessed how the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii adjusts its macromolecular (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) and elemental (C, N, and P) biomass pools in response to changes in growth rate and the modification of resources (nutrients and light). We observed that Chlamydomonas exhibits considerable plasticity in elemental composition (e.g., molar ratios ranging from 124 to 971 for C:P, 4.5 to 25.9 for C:N, and 15.1 to 61.2 for N:P) under all tested conditions, pointing to the adaptive potential of Chlamydomonas in a changing environment. Exposure to low light modified the elemental and macromolecular composition of cells differently than limitation by nutrients. These observed differences, with potential consequences for higher trophic levels, included smaller cells, shifts in C:N and C:P ratios (due to proportionally greater N and P contents), and differential allocation of C among macromolecular pools (proportionally more lipids than carbohydrates) with different energetic value. However, substantial pools of N and P remained unaccounted for, especially at fast growth, indicating accumulation of N and P in forms we did not measure.
A metabolomics perspective on root‐derived plant immunity and phytohormone interaction
Authors: Demiwal Pratibha , Tayade Sumedh , Yadav Shri Ram , Sircar Debabrata
Published: January 2024

A plant's root system is essential to its survival as it supports anchorage and absorbs water and minerals from the ground. Several microorganisms interact with roots in the rhizosphere, and they can be neutral, positive, or negative. Identifying beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms and limiting or promoting their colonization is essential for roots to survive. Signaling molecules and metabolites play an important regulatory role in determining root‐microbe associations. Phytohormones modulate plant‐microbe interactions by metabolic reprogramming and transmitting long‐range signals, resulting in local and systemic resistance. Mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics provides a powerful means to study root‐microbe interactions. It provides a qualitative and quantitative approach for determining the mechanisms of root‐microbe interactions and also helps to understand pathogen‐induced metabolic reprogramming. By using metabolomics, one can identify biomarker metabolites that indicate disease resistance or sensitivity in the roots. Compared to other omics methods, metabolomics is still underutilized in root‐pathogen interaction studies. It is, therefore, vital that metabolomics is popularized to gain a better understanding of disease resistance and susceptibility. Through untargeted metabolomics, we can gain insight into plant‐microbial interactions across a variety of tissues, which helps us develop more effective crop and plant protection measures. In this review, we describe the current status and progress in metabolomics applications for studying root‐microbe interactions with an emphasis on root‐derived phytohormones and specialized metabolites. In addition, we also proposed the use of metabolomics to identify novel biomarkers during root‐microbe interactions, to distinguish resistant genotypes from susceptible ones, or to predict nondestructively early disease progression.
Modeling population distribution: A visual and quantitative analysis of gradient boosting and deep learning models for multi‐output spatial disaggregation
Authors: Georgati Marina , Monteiro João , Martins Bruno , Keßler Carsten , Hansen Henning Sten
Published: January 2024

Spatially aggregated data on socio‐demographic groups often fail to capture the population's spatial heterogeneity in cities. This poses challenges for urban planning, particularly when addressing the needs of groups such as migrants or families with children. Moreover, the commonly provided aggregated units, such as census tracts, vary in size and across data sources. Existing literature on disaggregation typically handles individual subgroups separately, ignoring their interrelations in the downscaling process. This article explores the potentials of multi‐output regression models for simultaneous spatial downscaling of multiple groups and conducts a detailed spatial error analysis using individualized neighborhoods. We experiment with self‐training gradient‐boosting trees and fully convolutional neural networks, assessing the quality of results against ground truth data at the target resolution. We show that the evaluation of the disaggregated results at this detailed resolution requires unconventional methods. The methodology proves convenient and achieves high‐accuracy results using input datasets of building features.
Pacing intracellular Ca2+ signals in exocrine acinar cells
Authors: Yule David I. , Takano Takahiro
Published: January 2024

An increase in intracellular [Ca2+] in exocrine acinar cells resident in the salivary glands or pancreas is a fundamental event that drives fluid secretion and exocytosis of proteins. Stimulation with secretagogues initiates Ca2+ signals with precise spatiotemporal properties thought to be important for driving physiological output. Both in vitro, in acutely isolated acini, and in vivo, in animals expressing genetically encoded indicators, individual cells appear specialized to initiate Ca2+ signals upon stimulation. Furthermore, these signals appear to spread to neighbouring cells. These properties are present in the absence of a conventional pacemaker mechanism dependent on the cyclical activation of Ca2+‐dependent or Ca2+‐conducting plasma membrane ion channels. In this article, we propose a model for ‘pacing’ intracellular Ca2+ signals in acinar cells based on the enhanced sensitivity of a subpopulation of individual cells and the intercellular diffusion through gap junctions of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate and Ca2+ to neighbouring cells.

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Impact of Cylinder-to-Cylinder Dispersion of Exhaust Gas Recirculation on the Three-Way Catalyst Performance and Tailpipe Emissions of Spark-Ignition Engines
Authors: Piqueras Pedro , de la Morena Joaquín , José Sanchis Enrique , Conde Carla
Published: January 2024

New generations of spark-ignition engines include exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to improve the engine efficiency. Depending on the design of the EGR routing, some differences in the total amount of recirculated gases that reach each cylinder can be induced. This affects the air-to-fuel ratio on each cylinder due to the combination of the different temperature and composition of the gases at the intake valve closure. As a consequence, significant deviations in the combustion process and the subsequent composition upstream the three-way catalyst can be reached. This paper explores these effects on catalyst performance and tailpipe emissions, individualizing the behavior for each regulated species. The study was performed in a four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with Atkinson cycle and a close-coupled three-way catalyst. The most significant deterioration in conversion efficiency appeared for the nitrogen oxides, directly linked to the EGR dispersion level. In the case of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, no significant impact was observed except at high average EGR rates, where one or more of the cylinders exceeded the EGR tolerance for that speed and load. Based on these results, a strategy where the fuel injector command is adapted to correct the air-to-fuel ratio deviations induced by the EGR was developed and implemented.
Rapid prototyping of etch test structures for hard mask development using electron beam lithography
Authors: Kazanowska Barbara A. , Dangerfield Aaron M. , Wang Han , Lee Gene , Bozano Luisa D.
Published: January 2024

Semiconductor manufacturing depends on the development of new processes, advanced patterning, and novel materials to create smaller and higher performing devices to follow the industry roadmaps for applications for computing and systems (such as smartphones and servers). For dynamic random access memory (DRAM) applications, the biggest efforts are engaged in scaling and shrinking of the nodes, and these then affect the area density, performance, and cost of the DRAM cells. However, while we are reaching a slowdown in dimension-scaling, more innovation is needed to sustain the high aspect ratios required in the capacitor’s architecture—whether it is moving toward 3D architectures or developing new materials to sustain the challenge of scaling. To accelerate the learning, it is essential to screen novel hard mask (HM) materials in a rapid fashion to speed their development. While EUV (extreme ultraviolet—a wavelength of 13.5 nm) lithography requires 300 mm wafers, electron beam lithography (EBL) generates nanoscale patterns in a maskless manner on smaller substrates (from 300 mm wafers to 10 mm2 coupons) mimicking sub-50 nm EUV features. The primary goal of this work is to create a path for rapid screening of HM materials that are still under early phase development and which are prepared in small chamber tools (coupon chambers) and, therefore, not ready for 300 mm process integration. While the features investigated of 44 nm half pitch seem extremely reasonable for e-beam, the requirements and the approaches used to address the needed patterned area, resolution, speed, and uniformity exceed the standard conditions previously reported in the literature. Each aspect will be evaluated in the context of a “dots on the fly,” or DOTF, patterning technique.
Performance of three hydrophone flow shields in a tidal channel
Authors: Cotter Emma , McVey James , Weicht Linnea , Haxel Joseph
Published: January 2024

Pseudosound caused by turbulent pressure fluctuations in fluid flow past a hydrophone, referred to as flow noise, can mask propagating sounds of interest. Flow shields can mitigate flow noise by reducing non-acoustic pressure fluctuations sensed by a hydrophone. We evaluate the performance of three hydrophone flow shields (two nylon fabrics and an oil-filled enclosure) in a tidal channel with peak current speed of 1.3 m s−1. All three flow shields reduced flow noise without attenuating propagating sound below 20 kHz. The oil-filled enclosure performed best, reducing flow noise by over 30 dB at frequencies below 40 Hz.
Perceptions of Collaboration Between General and Special Educators in Physical Education
Authors: Mihajlovic Christopher
Published: January 2024

This article describes the perceptions and experiences of collaboration between teachers of physical education (n = 3) and special educators (n = 3) on teaching pupils with disabilities. Using a qualitative approach, the study seeks to establish the nature and extent of collaboration among these teachers and to identify the benefits and barriers to implementation. Semistructured interviews were used as the main data source. Data were collected from teachers working in the public school system in the southern part of Finland. The findings indicate that while teachers are mostly aware of the value of collaboration, its implementation varies immensely among the different schools. While the special educators in this study see themselves mainly responsible for supporting pupils with disabilities, the physical education teachers showed a strong commitment to the subject matter of their teaching. Participants also reported several challenges relating to time constraints, a lack of classroom support, and a shared vision of inclusive teaching.
The cytosolic aminotransferase VAS1 coordinates aromatic amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism
Authors: Wu Jie , Chen Yanhong , Huang Yuxin , Hao Bingbing , Dai Shengkun , Zhao Lingling , Zhao Zhehui , Zhao Cuihuan , Zhang Limin , Li Yunhai , Xu Xuexia , Li Nan , Huang Ancheng C. , Zhou Jiahai , Tan Minjia , Zhu Wentao , Zhao Qiao
Published: January 2024

The aromatic amino acids (AAAs) phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan are basic protein units and precursors of diverse specialized metabolites that are essential for plant growth. Despite their significance, the mechanisms that regulate AAA homeostasis remain elusive. Here, we identified a cytosolic aromatic aminotransferase, REVERSAL OF SAV3 PHENOTYPE 1 (VAS1), as a suppressor of
arogenate dehydrogenase 2
(
adh2
) in Arabidopsis (
Arabidopsis thaliana
). Genetic and biochemical analyses determined that VAS1 uses AAAs as amino donors, leading to the formation of 3-carboxyphenylalanine and 3-carboxytyrosine. These pathways represent distinct routes for AAA metabolism that are unique to specific plant species. Furthermore, we show that VAS1 is responsible for cytosolic AAA biosynthesis, and its enzymatic activity can be inhibited by 3-carboxyphenylalanine. These findings provide valuable insights into the crucial role of VAS1 in producing 3-carboxy AAAs, notably via recycling of AAAs in the cytosol, which maintains AAA homeostasis and allows plants to effectively coordinate the complex metabolic and biosynthetic pathways of AAAs.
Binding of GTP to BifA is required for the production of Pel-dependent biofilms in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Van Loon Jaime C. , Whitfield Gregory B. , Wong Nicole , O'Neal Lindsey , Henrickson Amy , Demeler Borries , O'Toole G. A. , Parsek Matthew R. , Howell P. Lynne
Published: January 2024

The Pel exopolysaccharide is one of the most mechanistically conserved and phylogenetically diverse bacterial biofilm matrix determinants. Pel is a major contributor to the structural integrity of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms, and its biosynthesis is regulated by the binding of cyclic-3′,5′-dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) to the PelD receptor. c-di-GMP is synthesized from two molecules of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) by diguanylate cyclases with GGDEF domains and degraded by phosphodiesterases with EAL or HD-GYP domains. As the
P. aeruginosa
genome encodes 43 c-di-GMP metabolic enzymes, one way signaling specificity can be achieved is through direct interaction between specific enzyme-receptor pairs. Here, we show that the inner membrane hybrid GGDEF-EAL enzyme, BifA, directly interacts with PelD via its cytoplasmic HAMP, GGDEF, and EAL domains. Despite having no catalytic function, the degenerate active site motif of the BifA GGDEF domain (GGDQF) has retained the ability to bind GTP with micromolar affinity. Mutations that abolish GTP binding result in increased biofilm formation but stable global c-di-GMP levels. Our data suggest that BifA forms a dimer in solution and that GTP binding induces conformational changes in dimeric BifA that enhance the BifA-PelD interaction and stimulate its phosphodiesterase activity, thus reducing c-di-GMP levels and downregulating Pel biosynthesis. Structural comparisons between the dimeric AlphaFold2 model of BifA and the structures of other hybrid GGDEF-EAL proteins suggest that the regulation of BifA by GTP may occur through a novel mechanism.

IMPORTANCE

c-di-GMP is the most common cyclic dinucleotide used by bacteria to regulate phenotypes such as motility, biofilm formation, virulence factor production, cell cycle progression, and cell differentiation. While the identification and initial characterization of c-di-GMP metabolic enzymes are well established, our understanding of how these enzymes are regulated to provide signaling specificity remains understudied. Here we demonstrate that the inactive GGDEF domain of BifA binds GTP and regulates the adjacent phosphodiesterase EAL domain, ultimately downregulating Pel-dependent
P. aeruginosa
biofilm formation through an interaction with PelD. This discovery adds to the growing body of literature regarding how hybrid GGDEF-EAL enzymes are regulated and provides additional precedence for studying how direct interactions between c-di-GMP metabolic enzymes and effectors result in signaling specificity.
Gut microbiota-derived butyrate promotes coronavirus TGEV infection through impairing RIG-I-triggered local type I interferon responses via class I HDAC inhibition
Authors: Yin Lingdan , Liu Xiang , Yao Yao , Yuan Mengqi , Luo Yi , Zhang Guozhong , Pu Juan , Liu Pinghuang
Published: January 2024

Swine enteric coronaviruses (SECoVs) infection
in vivo
alters the composition of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing gut microbiota, but whether microbiota-derived SCFAs impact coronavirus gastrointestinal infection is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that SCFAs, particularly butyrate, substantially increased alphacoronavirus TGEV infection at the late stage of infection, without affecting viral attachment or internalization. Furthermore, enhancement of TGEV by butyrate depended on impeding virus-induced type I interferon (IFN) responses. Mechanistically, butyrate suppressed the cytoplasmic viral RNA sensor RIG-I expression and downstream type I IFN signaling activation by inhibiting class I HDAC, thereby promoting TGEV infection. Our work reveals novel functions of gut microbiota-derived SCFAs in enhancing enteric coronavirus infection by impairing RIG-I-dependent type I IFN responses. This implies that bacterial metabolites could be therapeutic targets against SECoV infection by modulating antiviral immunity in the intestine.
Clinical human metapneumovirus isolates show distinct pathogenesis and inflammatory profiles but similar CD8
+
T cell impairment
Authors: Sojati Jorna , Zhang Yu , Williams John V.
Published: January 2024

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus in the
Pneumoviridae
family and a leading cause of acute upper and lower respiratory infections, particularly in children, immunocompromised patients, and the elderly. Although nearly every person is infected with HMPV during early childhood, re-infections occur often, highlighting difficulty in building long-term immunity. Inflammatory responses, including PD-1-mediated impairment of virus-specific CD8
+
T cells (T
CD8
), contribute to HMPV disease severity. HMPV strains are divided into four lineages: A1, A2, B1, and B2. However, little is known about immune responses to different viral subtypes. Here, we characterize responses to four HMPV clinical isolates—TN/94-344 (A1), TN/94-49 (A2), C2-202 (B1), and TN/96-35 (B2)—
in vivo
in C57BL/6 (B6) mice. TN/94-49 was avirulent, while TN/94-344, C2-202, and TN/96-35 showed varying degrees of weight loss and clinical disease. Differences in disease did not correlate to virus burden in upper or lower tracts. TN/94-49 HMPV exhibited highest nose titers and delayed lung clearance. Cytokine profiles differed between HMPV isolates, with TN/96-35 inducing the broadest lung inflammatory cytokines. TN/96-35 also showed lower HMPV burden and less weight loss than other virulent isolates, suggesting a more efficient antiviral response. Interestingly, disease correlated with higher expression of T-cell chemoattractant CXCL9. All isolates elicited PD-1 upregulation and decreased IFNγ and CD107a expression in virus-specific T
CD8
, with little difference between HMPV subtypes. This work uncovers previously uncharacterized variations in immune responses to clinical HMPV isolates of different lineages.

IMPORTANCE

This study extensively explored differences in T-cell-mediated immunity between human metapneumovirus (HMPV) clinical isolates. Much existing HMPV research has been done with strains passaged extensively in cell lines, likely acquiring mutations advantageous to
in vitro
replication. Clinical isolates are collected directly from human patients and have undergone <10 passages, serving as more physiologically relevant models of HMPV infection. Additionally, existing animal studies of HMPV disease mainly focus on lung pathogenesis, while HMPV infects both upper and lower airways of humans. This work highlights distinct differences in HMPV burden in upper and lower tracts between clinical isolates. Lastly, this study uniquely explores differences in host immunity between all four HMPV genetic lineages. The predominant HMPV subtype in circulation varies seasonally; thus, understanding host responses to all subgroups is critical for developing effective HMPV vaccines.