bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How tree species have modified the potentially toxic elements distributed in the developed soil–plant system in a post-fire site in highly industrialized region
Authors: Woś Bartłomiej , Likus-Cieślik Justyna , Pająk Marek , Pietrzykowski Marcin
Published: August 2024

The biogeochemical cycles of trace elements are changed by fire as a result of the mineralization of organic matter. Monitoring the accumulation of trace elements in both the environment and the tree biomass during the post-fire (PF) forest ecosystem regeneration process is important for tree species selection for reforestation in ecosystems under anthropogenic pressure. We analyzed the soil concentrations of different groups of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including beneficial (Al), toxic (Cd, Cr, Pb), and microelements (Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn), and their bioaccumulation in the tree species (Pinus sylvestris, Betula pendula, Alnus glutinosa) biomass introduced after a fire in a forest weakened by long-term emissions of industrial pollutants. The results indicated no direct threat from the PTEs tested at the PF site. The tree species introduced 30 years ago may have modified the biogeochemical cycles of the PTEs through different strategies of bioaccumulation in the belowground and aboveground biomass. Alder had relatively high Al concentrations in the roots and a low translocation factor (TF). Pine and birch had lower Al concentrations in the roots and higher TFs. Foliage concentrations and the TF of Cd increased from alder to pine to birch. However, the highest concentration and bioaccumulation factor of Cd was found in the alder roots. The concentrations of Cr in the foliage and the Cr TFs in the studied species increased from pine to birch to alder. Higher concentrations of Cu and Ni were found in the foliage of birch and alder than of pine. Among the species, birch also had the highest Pb and Zn concentrations in the roots and foliage. We found that different tree species had different patterns of PTE phytostabilization and ways they incorporated these elements into the biological cycle, and these patterns were not dependent on fire disturbance. This suggests that similar patterns might also occur in more polluted soils. Therefore, species-dependent bioaccumulation patterns could also be used to design phytostabilization and remediation treatments for polluted sites under industrial pressure.
Moral Distress Consultation Services: Insights from Consultants
Authors: Amos Vanessa , Whitehead Phyllis , Epstein Beth
Published: August 2024

Moral distress reflects often recurrent problems within a healthcare environment that impact the quality and safety of patient care. Examples include inadequate staffing, lack of necessary resources, and poor interprofessional teamwork. Recognizing and acting on these issues demonstrates a collaborative and organizational commitment to improve. Moral distress consultation is a health system-wide intervention gaining momentum in the United States. Moral distress consultants assist healthcare providers in identifying and strategizing possible solutions to the patient, team, and systemic barriers behind moral distress. Moral distress consultants offer unique perspectives on the goals, successes, areas for improvement, and sustainability of moral distress consultation. Their ideas can help shape this intervention’s continued growth and improvement. This qualitative descriptive study features 10 semi-structured interviews with moral distress consultants at two institutions with longstanding, active moral distress consultation services. Themes from consultant transcripts included consultant training, understanding the purpose of moral distress consultation, interfacing with leadership teams, defining success, and improving visibility and sustainability of the service. These findings describe the beginnings of a framework that organizations can use to either start or strengthen moral distress consultation services, as well as the first steps in developing an evaluation tool to monitor their utility and quality.
Guidance-As-Progressive in Human Skill Training Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Haifei , Liu Xing , Huang Panfeng
Published: August 2024

To achieve psychological inclusion and skill development orientation in human skill training, this paper proposes a haptic-guided training strategy generation method with Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL)-based agent as the core and Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) tuning as the auxiliary. The information of the expert and trainee is stored first with a designed database that can be accessed in real-time, which establishes the data foundation. Then, under the DRL framework, a strategy generation agent is designed, which consists of an actor-network and two Q-networks. The former network generates the agent’s decision policy, while the other two Q-networks work to approximate the state-action value function, and the parameters of all of them are administrated by the Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) algorithm. In addition, for the first time, the psychological ZPD evaluation method is integrated into the strategy generation of the DRL-based agent, which is utilized to describe the relationship between a trainees intrinsic skills and guidance. With it, the problem of transitional guidance or insufficient guidance can be handled well. Finally, simulation experiments validate the proposed method, demonstrating its efficiency in regulating the trainee under favorable training conditions.
Psychometric Properties of the Reflective Function Questionnaire for Youth Five-Item Version in Adolescents with Restrictive Eating Disorders
Authors: Jewell Tom , McLaren Veronica , Sharp Carla
Published: August 2024

Mentalizing difficulties are an established correlate of eating disorders, but there is a need to establish the validity and reliability of easy-to-administer instruments to measure the construct in adolescents. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of a five-item version of the Reflective Function Questionnaire for Youth (RFQY-5) in a sample of adolescents with restrictive eating disorders recruited for a prospective observational study. Adolescents completed the 46-item version of the RFQ-Y at the start of treatment (T1) (n = 171) and nine months later (n = 51). The factor structure, internal reliability and convergent validity of the RFQY-5 were assessed at T1. Sensitivity to change was assessed in a subsample of n = 51 who completed the RFQ-Y nine months after the start of treatment (T2). At T1, the RFQY-5 demonstrated inadequate internal reliability (McDonald’s Omega = 0.657) and poor model fit for the unidimensional structure (Χ2(5) = 29.98; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.801; TLI = 0.602; RMSEA = 0.171; SRMR = 0.070). Convergent validity was partially supported. The RFQY-5 was not sensitive to change. The RFQY-5 was found to have inadequate psychometric properties in adolescents with restrictive eating disorders. Psychometric studies are needed to further develop valid and reliable measures of mentalizing for this population.
Children in Mental Health Crisis: Pediatric Primary Care Providers’ Role in Bridging Treatment Following Higher Levels of Care
Authors: Ferro Rebecca A. , Edwards Sarah , Coble Kelly , Riddle Mark , Reinblatt Shauna P. , Ader Chelsie , Crosby Budinger Meghan , Bettencourt Amie F.
Published: August 2024

The current study examines the role of pediatric PCPs in bridging treatment for youth who have experienced mental health crises and the characteristics of these patients for whom PCPs sought psychiatric consultation and referral support from a child psychiatry access program, Maryland Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care. Psychiatric consultation and referral calls between 2012 and 2021 were included if a) the patient was recently seen in a higher level of care and b) the PCP was bridging treatment following the patient’s discharge; 208 calls met criteria. The most common mental health concerns included depressed mood, suicidal thoughts/gestures, and anxiety. Acute concerns of aggression, suicide attempts, and hallucinations were also reported. Over half of the patients had two or more mental health diagnoses. At the time of the call, only one quarter of these patients had outpatient therapy services while about half were receiving medication treatment. Most of these patients were discharged from the higher level of care without a care plan. Pediatric PCPs are managing their patients’ complex mental health concerns following receipt of higher levels of care. Improvements in collaboration and care coordination between pediatric PCPs and emergency department providers are needed.
Graph-theoretic modeling reveals connectivity hotspots for herbivorous reef fishes in a restored tropical island system
Authors: Peterson Emily A. , Stuart Courtney E. , Pittman Simon J. , Benkwitt Cassandra E. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Malhi Yadvinder , Salmon Teva , Stoll Benoit , Purkis Sam J. , Wedding Lisa M.
Published: August 2024

Context

Seascape connectivity refers to how the spatial configuration of marine habitats facilitates or hinders the movement of organisms, nutrients, materials or energy. Predicting and ranking potential connectivity among habitat patches for coral reef fishes helps to understand how reef fishes could utilize and connect multiple habitat types through the flow of nutrients, energy and biomass across the wider seascape during foraging movements.

Objectives

To advance a spatially explicit understanding of connectivity linkages within a tropical atoll system by modeling, mapping and quantifying potential seascape connectivity for two locally abundant herbivorous reef fish species, the parrotfish, Chlorurus spilurus (pahoro hohoni or pa’ati pa’apa’a auahi), and the surgeonfish, Acanthurus triostegus (manini).

Methods

We applied a two-step modeling approach by first mapping habitat suitability for the focal species. A graph-theoretic modeling technique was then applied to model and measure the contribution of benthic habitat patches to species-specific potential connectivity within the seascape.

Results

Habitat suitability was higher and less fragmented for C. spilurus than for A. triostegus. Potential ecological connectivity estimates for C. spilurus were higher across the entire seascape, with differences between species likely driven by local-scale benthic habitat patch configuration and species home ranges. Hotspots of ecological connectivity across the atoll were mapped for both species.

Conclusions

Despite advances in the application of graph-theoretic techniques in the coastal environment, few marine conservation and restoration measures currently integrate spatial information on ecological connectivity. This two-step spatial modeling approach holds great potential for rapid application of connectivity modeling at multiple spatial scales, which may predict ecological responses to conservation actions including active habitat restoration.
Local factors have a greater influence on the abundance of alfalfa weevil and its larval parasitoids than landscape complexity in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Levi-Mourao Alexandre , Meseguer Roberto , Madeira Filipe , Martinez-Casasnovas José Antonio , Costamagna Alejandro C. , Pons Xavier
Published: August 2024

Context

The alfalfa weevil Hypera postica Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the most destructive pests of alfalfa worldwide. Both local and landscape-scale factors can significantly influence crop pests, natural enemies, and the effectiveness of biological control services, but the relative influence of these factors is unclear.

Objectives

We investigated the influence of the local variables and surrounding landscape composition and configuration on the abundance of alfalfa weevil, and on the abundance and parasitism rates of its larval parasitoids, Bathyplectes spp.

Methods

We sampled 65 commercial alfalfa fields along the Ebro Basin, Spain, over a period of 3 years, recording the field characteristics and landscape structure at three buffer radii of 250, 500 and 1000 m from the center of each field.

Results

The abundance of weevil larvae was positively associated with the field perimeter and with the uncut alfalfa surrounding the pipes of the sprinkler irrigation system, but only one configuration variable was positively correlated: the alfalfa edge density. No local characteristics or landscape structures were associated with the abundance of adult weevils. The abundance of Bathyplectes spp. adults was positively associated to local factors such as the densities of alfalfa weevils and aphids. Few landscape structure variables, such as alfalfa edge density and Simpson’s Diversity Index, had explanatory value only at 250 m buffer radius. The rate of larval parasitism was affected by local variables, such as alfalfa weevil abundance and field age.

Conclusion

Our results provide, for the first time in the Mediterranean region and Europe, evidence of the relative importance of landscape structure and local factors on the abundance of the alfalfa weevil and its larval parasitoids, Bathyplectes spp. The strongest influences were based on local characteristics.
Benchmarking and the Technicization of Academic Discourse: The Case of the EU at-Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion Composite Indicator
Authors: Zieleńska Marianna , Wnuk Magdalena
Published: August 2024

Drawing on the critical discourse analysis of journals and working papers from 2011-2020 referring to the at-risk of poverty or social exclusion composite indicator (AROPE), we shed light on how benchmarks technicize academic discourse, particularly in its part contributed by economists. First developed to measure progress towards the poverty target set in the EU's Europe 2020 strategy, AROPE has easily permeated academic debate. Its anchoring in statistical procedures and expertise has allowed it to function in this debate as a neutral and purely technical measurement tool, obscuring the interests and normative choices underlying its design and implementation. As a result, the discursive practices associated with the benchmark have led to the reproduction and legitimization of the anti-poverty policy objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy. Simultaneously, AROPE has provided a 'cognitive infrastructure' that enabled an economic view of the world geared towards raising competitiveness. It has made it possible to assess which Member State is doing well and which is doing poorly, and making recommendations on how the laggards should improve. Our analysis shows that benchmarks such as AROPE support the process of shaping Europe as a supranational entity, creating a picture of common European problems with uniform definitions, on the basis of which it is possible to divide Member States into better and worse performers and even promote common solutions through good practices. We conclude by highlighting that the academic discourse around AROPE, generated mainly by economists, reflects the growing interdependence of the academic and political spheres and the pressure for research to have social and political impact.
The validity of single-item measures of health-related quality of life across groups differing in acute respiratory symptom severity
Authors: Smith Adam B. , Ware John E. , Aluko Patricia , Kulasekaran Anuradha
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Practical considerations precluding health-related quality of life (HRQOL) monitoring in population and clinical research have spawned development of improved items for more brief surveys of frequently measured HRQOL outcomes. The aim of this study was to validate the use of the Quality of Life General (QGEN-8), a shorter 8-item alternative to the longer 36-item short form (SF)-36 Health Survey for measuring the same eight HRQOL domains across groups of adults with varying severity of acute respiratory symptoms, such as cough and sore throat.

Methods

National Opinion Research Center (NORC) representative probability (N = 1,648) and supplemental opt-in (N = 5,915) U.S. adult samples were surveyed cross-sectionally online in 2020. Parallel analyses compared QGEN-8 and SF-36 estimates of group means for each of eight matching profile domains and summary physical and mental scores across groups differing in severity of acute symptoms and chronic respiratory conditions using analysis of covariance (ANCOVAs) controlling for socio-demographics and presence of chronic respiratory conditions.

Results

In support of discriminant validity, ANCOVA estimates of QGEN-8 means with SF-36 estimates revealed the same patterns of declining HRQOL with the presence and increasing severity of symptoms and chronic condition severity.

Conclusion

QGEN-8® shows satisfactory validity and warrants further testing in cross-sectional and longitudinal population and clinical survey research as a more practical method for estimating group differences in SF-36 profile and summary component HRQOL scores.
Urban equilibrium: legal imperatives for sustainable development and habitat preservation in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Zhanwen Que , Islam Md. Ziaul
Published: August 2024

Shenzhen, a bustling metropolis in China, is currently grappling with the delicate balance between urban expansion and environmental preservation. This study finds that the disintegration of habitats due to urban development in Shenzhen city significantly impacts the ecosystem of animals and plants, detrimentally altering their living conditions. The study results reveal that the expansion of construction land in China has surged by an impressive 84.39% between 2000 and 2020, which has come at the cost of diminishing wetlands, farmland, and woodlands by 57.24%, 16.58%, and 1.86%, respectively. Between 1980–2020, the urban expanse of Shenzhen expanded dramatically, growing from 16.0 square kilometres to 850.2 square kilometres. This transformation was primarily driven by the rapid conversion of forested areas, which saw a staggering decrease of approximately 300% to 780 km2 by 2020. Additionally, half of Shenzhen’s expansion can be attributed to the transformation of agricultural land, with an additional 40% stemming from the clearing of forests and approximately 9% resulting from the decrease in water resources. Furthermore, non-urban green spaces, particularly built-up areas, have significantly expanded, now encompassing approximately 60% of the city in 2018. Therefore, based on the existing literature and authoritative legal texts, this study aims to examine the legal frameworks of the Shenzhen government and, along with China’s national legislation, to make room for wildlife and biodiversity conservation in a metropolis like Shenzhen.
Characterising the urinary acylcarnitine and amino acid profiles of HIV/TB co-infection, using LC–MS metabolomics
Authors: Pretorius Charles , Luies Laneke
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection presents significant challenges due to the complex interplay between these diseases, leading to exacerbated metabolic disturbances. Understanding these metabolic profiles is crucial for improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Objective

This study aimed to characterise the urinary acylcarnitine and amino acid profiles, including 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), in patients co-infected with HIV and TB using targeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS) metabolomics.

Methods

Urine samples, categorised into HIV, TB, HIV/TB co-infected, and healthy controls, were analysed using HPLC–MS/MS. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA and a Kruskal-Wallis test to determine significant differences in the acylcarnitine and amino acid profiles between groups.

Results

The study revealed significant metabolic alterations, especially in TB and co-infected groups. Elevated levels of medium-chain acylcarnitines indicated increased fatty acid oxidation, commonly associated with cachexia in TB. Altered amino acid profiles suggested disruptions in protein and glucose metabolism, indicating a shift towards diabetes-like metabolic states. Notably, TB was identified as a primary driver of these changes, affecting protein turnover, and impacting energy metabolism in co-infected patients.

Conclusion

The metabolic profiling of HIV/TB co-infection highlights the profound impact of TB on metabolic pathways, which may exacerbate the clinical complexities of co-infection. Understanding these metabolic disruptions can guide the development of targeted treatments and improve management strategies, ultimately enhancing the clinical outcomes for these patients. Further research is required to validate these findings and explore their implications in larger, diverse populations.
Machine Learning-based Differentiation of Japanese Plum Cultivars Based on Metabolite Profiling
Authors: Silue Yardjouma , Fawole Olaniyi A. , Majoni Taongashe , Opara Umezuruike L. , Okolie Jude A.
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the metabolite diversity of twelve Japanese plum cultivars grown in South Africa to understand their differential organoleptic characteristics and nutritional properties. The goal is to differentiate or associate these plum cultivars based on their metabolic profiles. Metabolite profiling was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at different postharvest ripening stages. Different unsupervised machine learning algorithms were applied: hierarchical clustering, K-means clustering, Density-Based Spatial Applications with Noise, and principal component analysis (PCA). Results revealed that each cultivar contains a unique combination of 13 amino acids, 4 sugars (contributing to organoleptic characteristics), and numerous phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities (contributing to nutritional value). The levels of these compounds are cultivar-dependent and vary with postharvest stages. The number of clusters of plum cultivars varied with both the clustering algorithm and postharvest stages. However, certain cultivars were consistently grouped regardless of the clustering method, indicating similar characteristics and responses to storage and shelf-life conditions. Similar consistent groupings were observed after cold storage and shelf life. Our findings also showed that K-means clustering is the most effective model for plum cultivar differentiation based on the Silhouette Score and Davies-Bouldin Index. This study enhances our understanding of how metabolites evolve over different postharvest stages and provides a robust framework for differentiating plum cultivars, which can aid in sorting and grading operations. The research offers actionable insights to improve postharvest handling and storage practices, which are critical for maintaining the nutritional quality of plums, an important fruit for human health.
Exercise and resting periods: Thermal comfort dynamics in gym environments
Authors: Avci Ali Berkay , Balci Görkem Aybars , Basaran Tahsin
Published: August 2024

Physical exercise spaces emerged as popular facilities due to recognizing the significance of physical well-being. This study investigates the relationship among physiological responses, human body energy transfer modes, and indoor environmental conditions in influencing thermal comfort perception within indoor physical exercise space. Seven male participants engaged in a 30 min constant-work-rate cycling exercise and a 20 min resting period in a climatic chamber. The physiological and environmental responses were recorded during the experiments, and the body’s energy transfer modes were calculated using the collected data. The dataset was prepared using the 2 min averages of the collected data and calculated parameters across the experiment phases, including the features of skin temperature, core temperature, skin relative humidity, heart rate, oxygen consumption, body’s heat transfer rates through convection, radiation, evaporation, and respiration, net metabolic heat production rate (metabolic rate minus external work rate), indoor air temperature, indoor relative humidity, air velocity, and radiant temperature. Gradient boosting regressor (GBR) was selected as the analyzing method to estimate predicted mean vote (PMV) and thermal sensation vote (TSV) indices during exercise and resting periods using features determined in the study. Thus, the four GBR models were defined as PMV-Exercise, PMV-Resting, TSV-Exercise, and TSV-Resting. In order to optimize the models’ performances, the hyperparameter tuning process was executed using the GridSearchCV method. A permutation feature importance analysis was performed, emphasizing the significance of net metabolic heat production rate (24.2%), radiant temperature (17.0%), and evaporative heat transfer rate (13.1%). According to the results, PMV-Exercise, PMV-Resting, and TSV-Resting GBR models performed better, while TSV-Exercise faced challenges in predicting exercise thermal sensations. Critically, this study addresses the need to understanding the interrelationship among physiological responses, environmental conditions, and human body energy transfer modes during both exercise and resting periods to optimize thermal comfort within indoor exercise spaces. The results of this study contribute to the operation of indoor gym environments to refine their indoor environmental parameters to optimize users’ thermal comfort and well-being. The study is limited to a small sample size consisting solely of male participants, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings. Future research could explore personalized thermal comfort control systems and synergies between comfort optimization and energy efficiency in indoor exercise spaces.
Characteristics of opinions in the societal and non-societal domains
Authors: Singh Loitongbam Gyanendro , Singh Sanasam Ranbir
Published: August 2024

With the increasing availability of user opinions on the web, understanding the distinct nature of opinions in societal and non-societal contexts becomes crucial for opinion mining and sentiment analysis tasks. Societal topics, encompassing social unrest, terrorist acts, and government policies, differ significantly from non-societal topics like product reviews, movie reviews, and restaurant reviews. Given the regional specificity of societal issues and the lack of sentiment-annotated resources for them, this paper highlights the need to comprehend the differences in opinions between these domains for effective sentiment analysis. Through statistical text and network analysis, it investigates word usage, sentiment word association, and homogeneity in societal versus non-societal contexts. The study also explores graph-based analysis as a novel approach to sentiment analysis, considering its advantage in easily expanding context through the addition of nodes, as opposed to the complexity of inserting relevant tokens in text. The findings suggest that while non-societal sentiment resources might not be directly applicable to societal domains, graph-based analysis offers promising avenues for sentiment analysis in diverse societal topics.
A Time-Limited Scoping Review Investigating the Use of Wearable Biosensors in the Substance Use Field
Authors: Jeyadevan Ashani , Grigg Jodie
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this time-limited scoping review was to investigate applications of wearables under investigation in the substance use field and consider the feasibility of these devices as an overdose intervention tool.

Recent Findings

Wearables were used for drug use detection, overdose detection and/or opioid overdose detection paired with naloxone delivery. Highest accuracy was associated with wrist-worn devices interpreted with machine learning algorithms. Challenges included difficulty in continuous monitoring, optimising algorithms, variability in device accuracy, and differences between lab and community settings. Qualitative studies investigated willingness to wear biosensors, and identified key themes of comfort, security, and aesthetics.

Findings represent promising first steps towards use of wearables as a harm reduction tool for people who use substances. However, few studies investigated overdose detection and real-time intervention, and devices were limited in their biosensing capacities. As technologies advance, systematic reviews are required, and devices should be evaluated and validated to ensure they are fit-for-purpose.
Fuzzy cognitive network process for software reliability and quality measurement: comparisons with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Yuen Kevin Kam Fung
Published: August 2024

Software reliability and quality measurement has a long-lasting impact on the final products and user experiences. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and its various hybrid models, including fuzzy AHP, have been applied to software reliability and quality measurement in various aspects. Related studies indicate that limitations in the paired ratio scales of AHP may lead to misapplications, which most AHP users might not be aware of. To address this issue, the fuzzy cognitive network process (FCNP) is proposed as a promising alternative applied for software reliability and quality measurement. One application based Fuzzy AHP is revisited to demonstrate the feasibility and usability of the FCNP. The paper discusses conversion from the FAHP to the FCNP, examining their reproducibility, comparability, merits, and limitations. The proposed fuzzy CNP method can a valuable tool for software customers, designers, developers, testers, and purchasers, to evaluate the level of software reliability and quality in general applications within intelligent environment.
A Novel Multiple-Network Analysis Integrating Metabolomics and Pharmacology for Mechanism Study of Medicine: A Case Study of CDD-2101 Against Constipation
Authors: Shi Jingchun , Xiang Li , Lam Yan Y. , Ning Ziwan , Liu Jie , Li Yaqi , Zhou Yujuan , Zhai Lixiang , Lin Chengyuan , Zhu Lin , Bian Zhaoxiang
Published: August 2024

Constipation affects more than 14% of the global population with complex pathogenesis. Compound Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), such as CDD-2101, a manufactured version of a time-tested TCM, hold great promise for constipation treatment due to the multiple-component-multiple-target strategy. Here, a novel multiple network analysis based on metabolomics and network pharmacology was developed to decipher the complex interplays between CDD-2101 and constipation. First, CDD-2101 alleviated constipation in a loperamide-induced acute constipation mice model and no adverse effect was observed. Then, fecal metabolomics and phytochemistry profiles were conducted by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The untargeted metabolomics built a metabolomic network related to significantly modulated pathways during the constipation alleviation, including bile acid secretion, steroid hormone biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and linoleic acid metabolism. Based on the phytochemistry, network pharmacology predicted similar modulated pathways and built a hub-target network including retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA), cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), and phospholipase A2-IVA (PLA2G4). Third, integrated networks were built to select the key pathways and targets, as well as the key ingredients, including rhein, hesperetin, albiflorin, and magnolol from the TCM, which were corroborated by molecular docking, in vitro enzyme assays, and targeted metabolomics results. Finally, an integrated network was built to elucidate the multi-ingredient-multi-symptom linkage during the treatment. In conclusion, the novel multiple-network analysis revealed the complex “multi-component-multi-target-multi-pathway” mechanisms of CDD-2101 against constipation. Our work provides insight into the understanding of active compounds and pharmacological mechanisms, contributing to the development of natural medicines.
Assessing muscle quality as a key predictor to differentiate fallers from non-fallers in older adults
Authors: Michel Emeline , Zory Raphael , Guerin Olivier , Prate Frederic , Sacco Guillaume , Chorin Fréderic
Published: August 2024

Background

Falling is an important public health issue because of its prevalence and severe consequences. Evaluating muscle performance is important when assessing fall risk. The study aimed to identify factors [namely muscle capacity (strength, quality, and power) and spatio-temporal gait attributes] that best discriminate between fallers and non-fallers in older adults. The hypothesis is that muscle quality, defined as the ratio of muscle strength to muscle mass, is the best predictor of fall risk.

Methods

184 patients were included, 81% (n = 150) were women and the mean age was 73.6 ± 6.83 years. We compared body composition, mean grip strength, spatio-temporal parameters, and muscle capacity of fallers and non-fallers. Muscle quality was calculated as the ratio of maximum strength to fat-free mass. Mean handgrip and power were also controlled by fat-free mass. We performed univariate analysis, logistic regression, and ROC curves.

Results

The falling patients had lower muscle quality, muscle mass-controlled power, and mean weighted handgrip than the non-faller. Results showing that lower muscle quality increases fall risk (effect size = 0.891). Logistic regression confirmed muscle quality as a significant predictor (p < .001, OR = 0.82, CI [0.74; 0.89]). ROC curves demonstrated muscle quality as the most predictive factor of falling (AUC = 0.794).

Conclusion

This retrospective study showed that muscle quality is the best predictor of fall risk, above spatial and temporal gait parameters. Our results underscore muscle quality as a clinically meaningful assessment and may be a useful complement to other assessments for fall prevention in the aging population.
Surface Modification of a Zeolite Microfiltration Membrane: Characterization and Application to the Treatment of Colored and oily Wastewaters
Authors: Bahrouni Jamila , Aloulou Hajer , Attia Afef , Dammak Lasaad , Amar Raja Ben
Published: August 2024

Membrane-based technologies used for water treatment can be an excellent alternative to handle wastewater including both conventional and emerging pollutants as they can provide technological (e.g., high quality of treated water) and economic (e.g., small footprint and low unit cost of production) advantages over other water treatment processes. Recently, low cost ceramic membranes fabricated from natural resources like kaolinitic clay, bentonite clay, phosphate are increasingly used owing to their low-cost starting materials, low sintering temperature and their excellent additional properties. Moreover, the modification of the surface by grafting process provides membranes appropriate for low UF process (dp < 10 nm) and suitable for micropollutants removal at relatively high permeate flux value which can be maintained during filtration due to antifouling characteristics of the UF active layer. In this work, the surface of microfiltration membranes made from natural zeolite was chemically modified by grafting with 1 H, 1 H, 2 H, 2 H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane molecule named PFAS. Various characterization methods and techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury porosimetry, FTIR, TGA, and contact angle, were used to check the properties of the membranes surface before and after grafting. The grafted membranes pore size and porosity were reduced, as proved by SEM images. The determination of the water permeability shows a reduction from 1218 L.h−1.m−2.bar −1 to 204 L.h−1.m−2.bar −1 which confirm the surface densification. The application of the grafted membrane to the treatment of Indigo Blue (IB) colored solution and oily wastewater was investigated to evaluate the performances of this membrane in terms of permeate flux and pollutants retention. The filtration results revealed a good retention of color and oil, exceeding 95% for both parameters. Therefore, it is interesting to recommend this new low-cost membrane for the treatment of industrial wastewater containing recalcitrant pollutants such as color. The study of the effect of the treated colored solution on plant growth, shows that the presence of some residual nutrients required for crops growth, might make the IB treated water beneficial for irrigation purposes.
Precipitation Control on Weathering Intensity and Depositional Flux of Meteoric 10Be Revealed From Soil Profiles Along a Climate Gradient (Chile)
Authors: Krone Laura V. , Wittmann Hella , von Blanckenburg Friedhelm
Published: August 2024

Along a climate gradient in the Chilean coastal mountains, we investigated denudation rates using the meteoric cosmogenic nuclide 10Be and its ratio to stable 9Be, and chemical depletion fractions (CDFs) in bulk soil samples. We find that the fraction of 9Be released from bedrock is a sensitive indicator of weathering, similar to CDF. Meteoric 10Be decreases exponentially with depth, reflecting the reactive nature of this tracer. We also measured denudation rates by the well‐understood in situ cosmogenic 10Be system on quartz. Assuming that both systems record the same denudation rate we calculated the depositional flux of meteoric 10Be for each study site. The flux agrees to that derived from atmospheric models in the mediterranean and humid areas. In contrast, in the arid and semi‐arid areas, the calculated flux agrees with a precipitation‐derived flux, indicating delivery of 10Be to be affected by small‐scale climatic variations not reflected by current atmospheric models.
Improving Low‐Cloud Fraction Prediction Through Machine Learning
Authors: Zhang Haipeng , Zheng Youtong , Li Zhanqing
Published: August 2024

In this study, we evaluated the performance of machine learning (ML) models (XGBoost) in predicting low‐cloud fraction (LCF), compared to two generations of the community atmospheric model (CAM5 and CAM6) and ERA5 reanalysis data, each having a different cloud scheme. ML models show a substantial enhancement in predicting LCF regarding root mean squared errors and correlation coefficients. The good performance is consistent across the full spectrums of atmospheric stability and large‐scale vertical velocity. Employing an explainable ML approach, we revealed the importance of including the amount of available moisture in ML models for representing spatiotemporal variations in LCF in the midlatitudes. Also, ML models demonstrated marked improvement in capturing the LCF variations during the stratocumulus‐to‐cumulus transition (SCT). This study suggests ML models' great potential to address the longstanding issues of “too few” low clouds and “too rapid” SCT in global climate models.
Geodynamic Evolution of the Lau Basin
Authors: Peng Diandian , Stegman Dave R.
Published: August 2024

The formation of Lau Basin records an extreme event of plate tectonics, with the associated Tonga trench exhibiting the fastest retreat in the world (16 cm/yr). Yet paleogeographic reconstructions suggest that seafloor spreading in the Lau Basin only initiated around 6 Ma. This kinematics is difficult to reconcile with our present understanding of how subduction drives plate motions. Using numerical models, we propose that eastward migration of the Lau Ridge concurrent with trench retreat explains both the narrow width and thickened crust of the Lau Basin. To match the slab geometry and basin width along the Tonga‐Kermadec trench, our models suggest that fast trench retreat rate of 16 cm/yr might start ~15 Ma. Tonga slab rollback induced vigorous mantle flow underneath the South Fiji Basin which is driving the extension and thinning of the basin and contributing to its observed deeper bathymetry compared to neighboring basins.
Structural Constraints in Current Stomatal Conductance Models Preclude Accurate Prediction of Evapotranspiration
Authors: Raghav Pushpendra , Kumar Mukesh , Liu Yanlan
Published: August 2024

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a critical role in water and energy budgets at regional to global scales. ET is composed of direct evaporation (E) and plant transpiration (T) where the latter is regulated via stomatal conductance (gsc), which depends on a multitude of plant physiological processes and hydrometeorological forcings. In recent years, significant advances have been made toward estimating gsc using a variety of models, ranging from relatively simple empirical models to more complex and data‐intensive plant hydraulic models. Using machine learning (ML) and eddy covariance flux tower data of 642 site years across 84 sites distributed across 10 land covers globally, here we show that structural constraints inherent in current empirical and plant hydraulic models of gsc limit their effectiveness for predicting ET. These constraints also prevent the models from fully utilizing the available hydrometeorological data at eddy covariance sites. Even if these gsc models are calibrated locally, structural simplifications inherent in them limit their capability to accurately capture gsc dynamics. In contrast, a ML approach, wherein the model structure is learned from the data, outperforms traditional models, thus highlighting that there still is significant room for improvement in the structure of traditional models for predicting ET. These results underscore the need to prioritize improvements in gsc models for more accurate ET estimation. This, in turn, will help reduce uncertainties in the assessments of plants' role in regulating the Earth's climate.
Rational combinatorial targeting by adapter CAR-T-cells (AdCAR-T) prevents antigen escape in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Atar Daniel , Ruoff Lara , Mast Anna-Sophia , Krost Simon , Moustafa-Oglou Moustafa , Scheuermann Sophia , Kristmann Beate , Feige Maximilian , Canak Aysegül , Wolsing Kathrin , Schlager Lennart , Schilbach Karin , Zekri Latifa , Ebinger Martin , Nixdorf Daniel , Subklewe Marion , Schulte Johannes , Lengerke Claudia , Jeremias Irmela , Werchau Niels , Mittelstaet Joerg , Lang Peter , Handgretinger Rupert , Schlegel Patrick , Seitz Christian M.
Published: August 2024

Targeting AML by chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) is challenging due to the promiscuous expression of AML-associated antigens in healthy hematopoiesis and high degree of inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity. Here, we present single-cell expression data of AML-associated antigens in 30 primary pediatric AML samples. We identified CD33, CD38, CD371, IL1RAP and CD123 as the most frequently expressed. Notably, high variability was observed not only across the different patient samples but also among leukemic cells of the same patient suggesting the necessity of multiplexed targeting approaches. To address this need, we utilized our modular Adapter CAR (AdCAR) platform, enabling precise qualitative and quantitative control over CAR-T-cell function. We show highly efficient and target-specific activity for newly generated adapter molecules (AMs) against CD33, CD38, CD123, CD135 and CD371, both in vitro and in vivo. We reveal that inherent intratumoral heterogeneity in antigen expression translates into antigen escape and therapy failure to monotargeted CAR-T therapy. Further, we demonstrate in PDX models that rational combinatorial targeting by AdCAR-T-cells can cure heterogenic disease. In conclusion, we elucidate the clinical relevance of heterogeneity in antigen expression in pediatric AML and present a novel concept for precision immunotherapy by combinatorial targeting utilizing the AdCAR platform.
Enzalutamide inhibits PEX10 function and sensitizes prostate cancer cells to ROS activators
Authors: Feng Yuankang , Zhang Yu , Li Hao , Wang Tao , Lu Fubo , Liu Ruoyang , Xie Guoqing , Song Liang , Huang Budeng , Li Xiang , Ding Yinghui , Yang Jinjian , Jia Zhankui , Huang Zhenlin
Published: August 2024

Sharply increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) are thought to induce oxidative stress, damage cell structure and cause cell death; however, its role in prostate cancer remains unclear. Enzalutamide is a widely used anti-prostate cancer drug that antagonizes androgen binding with its receptor. Further exploration of the mechanism and potential application strategies of enzalutamide is crucial for the treatment of prostate cancer. Here, we confirmed PEX10 can be induced by ROS activators while reduce ROS level in prostate cancer cells, which weakened the anti-tumor effect of ROS activators. The androgen receptor (AR) can promote the expression of PEX10 by acting as an enhancer in cooperation with FOXA1. The anti-tumor drug enzalutamide inhibits PEX10 by inhibiting the function of AR, and synergize with ROS activators ML210 or RSL3 to produce a stronger anti-tumor effect, thereby sensitizing cells to ROS activators. This study reveals a previously unrecognized function of enzalutamide and AR by regulating PEX10 and suggests a new strategy of enzalutamide application in prostate cancer treatment.
Heterozygous knockout of Synaptotagmin13 phenocopies ALS features and TP53 activation in human motor neurons
Authors: Lehmann Johannes , Aly Amr , Steffke Christina , Fabbio Luca , Mayer Valentin , Dikwella Natalie , Halablab Kareen , Roselli Francesco , Seiffert Simone , Boeckers Tobias M. , Brenner David , Kabashi Edor , Mulaw Medhanie , Ho Ritchie , Catanese Alberto
Published: August 2024

Spinal motor neurons (MNs) represent a highly vulnerable cellular population, which is affected in fatal neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In this study, we show that the heterozygous loss of SYT13 is sufficient to trigger a neurodegenerative phenotype resembling those observed in ALS and SMA. SYT13+/− hiPSC-derived MNs displayed a progressive manifestation of typical neurodegenerative hallmarks such as loss of synaptic contacts and accumulation of aberrant aggregates. Moreover, analysis of the SYT13+/− transcriptome revealed a significant impairment in biological mechanisms involved in motoneuron specification and spinal cord differentiation. This transcriptional portrait also strikingly correlated with ALS signatures, displaying a significant convergence toward the expression of pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory genes, which are controlled by the transcription factor TP53. Our data show for the first time that the heterozygous loss of a single member of the synaptotagmin family, SYT13, is sufficient to trigger a series of abnormal alterations leading to MN sufferance, thus revealing novel insights into the selective vulnerability of this cell population.
The radiative feedback continuum from Snowball Earth to an ice-free hothouse
Authors: Eisenman Ian , Armour Kyle C.
Published: August 2024

Paleoclimate records have been used to estimate the modern equilibrium climate sensitivity. However, this requires understanding how the feedbacks governing the climate response vary with the climate itself. Here we warm and cool a state-of-the-art climate model to simulate a continuum of climates ranging from a nearly ice-covered Snowball Earth to a nearly ice-free hothouse. We find that the pre-industrial (PI) climate is near a stability optimum: warming leads to a less-stable (more-sensitive) climate, as does cooling of more than 2K. Physically interpreting the results, we find that the decrease in stability for climates colder than the PI occurs mainly due to the albedo and lapse-rate feedbacks, and the decrease in stability for warmer climates occurs mainly due to the cloud feedback. These results imply that paleoclimate records provide a stronger constraint than has been calculated in previous studies, suggesting a reduction in the uncertainty range of the climate sensitivity.