bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of commercial nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membrane filtration to remove per‐and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Effects of transmembrane pressures and water matrices
Authors: Ma Qingquan , Lei Qian , Liu Fangzhou , Song Zimu , Khusid Boris , Zhang Wen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPerfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are now widely found in aquatic ecosystems, including sources of drinking water and portable water, due to their increasing prevalence. Among different PFAS treatment or separation technologies, nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) both yield high rejection efficiencies (>95%) of diverse PFAS in water; however, both technologies are affected by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This study evaluated the rejection of PFAS of different carbon chain length (e.g., PFOA and PFBA) by two commercial RO and NF membranes under different operational conditions (e.g., applied pressure and initial PFAS concentration) and feed solution matrixes, such as pH (4–10), salinity (0‐ to 1000‐mM NaCl), and organic matters (0–10 mM). We further performed principal component analysis (PCA) to demonstrate the interrelationships of molecular weight (213–499 g·mol−1), membrane characteristics (RO or NF), feed water matrices, and operational conditions on PFAS rejection. Our results confirmed that size exclusion is a primary mechanism of PFAS rejection by RO and NF, as well as the fact that electrostatic interactions are important when PFAS molecules have sizes less than the NF membrane pores.Practitioner Points

Two commercial RO and NF membranes were both evaluated to remove 10 different PFAS.
High transmembrane pressures facilitated permeate recovery and PFAS rejection by RO.
Electrostatic repulsion and pore size exclusion are dominant rejection mechanisms for PFAS removal.
pH, ionic strength, and organic matters affected PFAS rejection.
Mechanisms of PFAS rejection with RO/NF membranes were explained by PCA analysis.
Flow velocity and light intensity combination is important for Microcystis aeruginosa physical suppression
Authors: Senavirathna Mudalige Don Hiranya Jayasanka , Yan Hongyu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe cyanobacterial response to flow velocity or light intensity deviates from the combined effect of both factors. The responses of Microcystis aeruginosa to different combinations of flow velocities and light intensities were tested. Growth (OD730 and protein), stress (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase), and photosynthetic ability (chlorophyll‐a and fluorescence) parameters of M. aeruginosa were measured to evaluate the effects of different combinations. Exposure to different flow velocity–light combinations significantly affected the growth and physiology of M. aeruginosa. Flow velocities of 0.4 m s−1 showed a prominent influence on most of the measured parameters compared with no flow velocity or higher flow velocity conditions. The 1.2‐m s−1 flow velocity and high light intensity (1200 μmol m−2 s−1) exposure caused a significant elevation in oxidative stress. Lower velocities are beneficial for M. aeruginosa at light stress, whereas extreme velocities are adverse and elevate the stress. Two categories of light–velocity combinations were identified as preferred and extreme categories, depending on whether they suppressed or supported M. aeruginosa growth. In controlling cyanobacteria blooms using flow or high‐intensity light, it is imperative to consider the interaction of these two factors, as their combined effects can significantly vary the stress levels in cyanobacteria. A new system, designed to minimize mechanical damage on M. aeruginosa, was used to generate flow velocities. Additionally, the combined effects of flow velocities and light intensities have been considered for the first time.Practitioner Points

Flow velocity can influence the effect of light on Microcystis aeruginosa.
High light exposure effect on Microcystis aeruginosa can be reduced by low flow velocity.
High flow velocity and high light exposure increase the stress on Microcystis aeruginosa.
Different light intensities and flow velocity combinations changed Microcystis aeruginosa stress physiology.
A snapshot of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA throughout wastewater treatment plants in Arkansas
Authors: Long Aaron , Loethen Katie , Behzadnezhad Asal , Zhang Wen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) can spread the viral RNA in wastewater by the feces of those experience COVID‐19 symptoms. While wastewater monitoring of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the raw sewage has been confirmed as an effective tool to predict COVID‐19 infection, the goal of this study is to assess the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA throughout various wastewater treatment processes. Wastewater samples were collected from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the state of Arkansas from August 2020 to June 2021 and measured for the relative concentration of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA using RT‐qPCR. The gene concentrations in the raw wastewater measured in this study were similar to other published studies, targeting the N1 and N2 genes of the virus. The viral RNA concentration was measured after each wastewater treatment step within WWTPs, including primary sedimentation, activated sludge, filtration and disinfection. Results show the most viral RNA removal occurred in the secondary treatment (activated sludge). The viral RNA was only occasionally detected after disinfection (chlorination or UV disinfection). Overall, WWTPs can remove the SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA at an average of 98.7%, while complete removal was achieved on 82% of the sampling days. Further investigation is required to ensure complete viral RNA removal from wastewater such as improving existing treatment process or supplementing with additional treatment steps.Practitioner Points

The viral RNA of SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected in Arkansas wastewater treatment plants.
SARS‐CoV‐2 was rarely detected in treated effluent from wastewater treatment plants.
Activated sludge was effective removing SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA from wastewater.
This study was limited by the direct RNA extraction from wastewater, which lowered the sensitivity of detection.
Food security in slow‐onset disasters: A policy review in Southeast Asian regions
Authors: Le Hiep N. , Sofija Ernesta , Harris Neil , Nguyen Thu , Phung Hai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSlow‐onset disasters, a neglected climatic event, affect the agricultural sector in Southeast Asia and threaten regional food security. Improving food security in slow‐onset disasters requires policy development by both regional and national governments. Despite this articulated need, very little research on the national and regional food security policies in slow‐onset disaster events has been undertaken. Focusing on Southeast Asia, this paper aims to (i) review existing policies to support food security in slow‐onset disasters; (ii) identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the existing policies; (iii) explain the policy window on food security in slow‐onset disasters. An analytical framework of eight components of food security was adopted for the content analysis of 39 related policy documents collected from 11 countries in Southeast Asia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The study found that none of the 39 policies directly targeted improving food security in slow‐onset disasters. Existing policies to support food security in slow‐onset disasters were incorporated in the context of climate change or national target programs on green development, agricultural development, nutrition, and famine. Our analysis also revealed that existing policies primarily focus on the first two pillars of the food security framework: food availability and access, with a predominant emphasis on availability. However, the third pillar, food utilization, is often overlooked. This study recommends developing a comprehensive policy to address protracted food insecurity, particularly among vulnerable populations in areas impacted by slow‐onset disasters.
Curl up with a good B: detecting ultralight dark matter with differential magnetometry
Authors: Bloch Itay M. , Kalia Saarik 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Ultralight dark matter (such as kinetically mixed dark-photon dark matter or axionlike dark matter) can source an oscillating magnetic-field signal at the Earth’s surface, which can be measured by a synchronized array of ground-based magnetometers. The global signal of ultralight dark matter can be robustly predicted for low masses, when the wavelength of the dark matter is larger than the radius of the Earth, λDM ≫ R. However, at higher masses, environmental effects, such as the Schumann resonances, can become relevant, making the global magnetic-field signal B difficult to reliably model. In this work, we show that ∇ × B is robust to global environmental details, and instead only depends on the local dark matter amplitude. We therefore propose to measure the local curl of the magnetic field at the Earth’s surface, as a means for detecting ultralight dark matter with λDM ≲ R. As this measurement requires vertical gradients, it can be done near a hill/mountain. Our measurement scheme not only allows for a robust prediction, but also acts as a background rejection scheme for external noise sources. We show that our technique can be the most sensitive terrestrial probe of dark-photon dark matter for frequencies 10 Hz ≤ $$ {f}_{A^{\prime }} $$

f

A
′

≤ 1 kHz (corresponding to masses 4 × 10−14 eV ≤ $$ {m}_{A^{\prime }} $$

m

A
′

≤ 4 × 10−12 eV). It can also achieve sensitivities to axionlike dark matter comparabe to the CAST helioscope, in the same frequency range.
Relativistic quantum Otto engine: instant work extraction from a quantum field
Authors: Gallock-Yoshimura Kensuke 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this study, we carry out a non-perturbative approach to a quantum Otto engine, employing an Unruh-DeWitt particle detector to extract work from a quantum Klein-Gordon field in an arbitrary globally hyperbolic curved spacetime. We broaden the scope by considering the field in any quasi-free state, which includes vacuum, thermal, and squeezed states. A key aspect of our method is the instantaneous interaction between the detector and the field, which enables a thorough non-perturbative analysis. We demonstrate that the detector can successfully extract positive work from the quantum Otto cycle, even when two isochoric processes occur instantaneously, provided the detector in the second isochoric process receives a signal from the first interaction. This signaling allows the detector to release heat into the field, thereby the thermodynamic cycle is completed. As a demonstration, we consider a detector at rest in flat spacetime and compute the work extracted from the Minkowski vacuum state.
Identification of inflammatory biomarkers in IgA nephropathy using the NanoString technology: a validation study in Caucasians
Authors: Gaumond Laurence , Lamarche Caroline , Beauchemin Stéphanie , Henley Nathalie , Elftouh Naoual , Gerarduzzi Casimiro , Laurin Louis-Philippe 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective and design
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a kidney disease characterized by the accumulation of IgA deposits in the glomeruli of the kidney, leading to inflammation and damage to the kidney. The inflammatory markers involved in IgAN remain to be defined. Gene expression analysis platforms, such as the NanoString nCounter system, are promising screening and diagnostic tools, especially in oncology. Still, their role as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in IgAN remains scarce. In this study, we aimed to validate the use of NanoString technology to identify potential inflammatory biomarkers involved in the progression of IgAN.

Subjects
A total of 30 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN and 7 cases of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated pauci-immune glomerulonephritis were included for gene expression measurement. For the immunofluorescence validation experiments, a total of 6 IgAN patients and 3 controls were included.

Methods
Total RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kidney biopsy specimens, and a customized 48-plex human gene CodeSet was used to study 29 genes implicated in different biological pathways. Comparisons in gene expression were made between IgAN and ANCA-associated pauci-immune glomerulonephritis patients to delineate an expression profile specific to IgAN. Gene expression was compared between patients with low and moderate risk of progression. Genes for which RNA expression was associated with disease progression were analyzed for protein expression by immunofluorescence and compared with controls.

Results
IgAN patients had a distinct gene expression profile with decreased expression in genes IL-6, INFG, and C1QB compared to ANCA patients. C3 and TNFRSF1B were identified as potential biomarkers for IgAN progression in patients early in their disease course. Protein expression for those 2 candidate genes was upregulated in IgAN patients compared to controls. Expression of genes implicated in fibrosis (PTEN, CASPASE 3, TGM2, TGFB1, IL2, and TNFRSF1B) was more pronounced in IgAN patients with severe fibrosis compared to those with none.

Conclusions
Our findings validate our NanoString mRNA profiling by examining protein expression levels of two candidate genes, C3 and TNFRSF1B, in IgAN patients and controls. We also identified several upregulated mRNA transcripts implicated in the development of fibrosis that may be considered fibrotic markers within IgAN patients.
Mirk/Dyrk1B controls ventral spinal cord development via Shh pathway
Authors: Kokkorakis N. , Douka K. , Nalmpanti A. , Politis P. K. , Zagoraiou L. , Matsas R. , Gaitanou M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCross-talk between Mirk/Dyrk1B kinase and Sonic hedgehog (Shh)/Gli pathway affects physiology and pathology. Here, we reveal a novel role for Dyrk1B in regulating ventral progenitor and neuron subtypes in the embryonic chick spinal cord (SC) via the Shh pathway. Using in ovo gain-and-loss-of-function approaches at E2, we report that Dyrk1B affects the proliferation and differentiation of neuronal progenitors at E4 and impacts on apoptosis specifically in the motor neuron (MN) domain. Especially, Dyrk1B overexpression decreases the numbers of ventral progenitors, MNs, and V2a interneurons, while the pharmacological inhibition of endogenous Dyrk1B kinase activity by AZ191 administration increases the numbers of ventral progenitors and MNs. Mechanistically, Dyrk1B overexpression suppresses Shh, Gli2 and Gli3 mRNA levels, while conversely, Shh, Gli2 and Gli3 transcription is increased in the presence of Dyrk1B inhibitor AZ191 or Smoothened agonist SAG. Most importantly, in phenotype rescue experiments, SAG restores the Dyrk1B-mediated dysregulation of ventral progenitors. Further at E6, Dyrk1B affects selectively the medial lateral motor neuron column (LMCm), consistent with the expression of Shh in this region. Collectively, these observations reveal a novel regulatory function of Dyrk1B kinase in suppressing the Shh/Gli pathway and thus affecting ventral subtypes in the developing spinal cord. These data render Dyrk1B a possible therapeutic target for motor neuron diseases.
Digitale Technologien zur Verbesserung der psychischen Gesundheit
Authors: Fuhr Daniela C. , Wolf-Ostermann Karin , Hoel Viktoria , Zeeb Hajo 
Published: January 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Krankheitslast in Bezug auf psychische Erkrankungen ist enorm und wächst weltweit stetig. Der daraus resultierende steigende Bedarf an psychosozialer Hilfe schlägt sich auch in Deutschland negativ auf die Wartezeiten für Psychotherapieplätze nieder. Abhilfe können hier digitale Interventionen für die psychische Gesundheit schaffen, wie etwa Interventionen, die durch oder mithilfe einer Internetseite vermittelt werden (z. B. „Tele-Health“), Smartphone- oder Tablet-App-gestützte Interventionen sowie Interventionen, bei denen Textnachrichten oder virtuelle Realitäten Anwendung finden. In diesem Artikel wird zunächst eine Übersicht über die Funktionen und das Anwendungsspektrum von digitalen Technologien für die psychische Gesundheit gegeben. Die Evidenz von einzelnen digitalen Interventionsformen wird angesprochen. Insgesamt zeigt sich, dass im Vergleich zu keiner Therapie oder einer nicht-therapeutischen Kontrollgruppe digitale Interventionen für die psychische Gesundheit wahrscheinlich kosteneffizient sind. Neuere Ansätze wie das „digitale Phänotypisieren“ werden im Artikel erläutert. Abschließend werden einzelne Arbeiten aus dem „Leibniz WissenschaftsCampus Digital Public Health“ vorgestellt sowie Grenzen und Herausforderungen von Technologien für die psychische Gesundheit diskutiert.
Hydrophobic and hygroscopic properties of cellulose treated with silicone agents
Authors: Perdoch Waldemar , Treu Andreas , Mazela Bartłomiej , Majka Jerzy , Czajkowski Łukasz , Olek Wiesław 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe effects of various cellulose treatments on the hydrophobic properties and sorption behavior with respect to liquid water uptake and water vapor sorption were examined within the study. Different hydrophobic agents based on silicon compounds were applied to improve the properties of cellulose-based sheets. The 1H,1H,2H,2H perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane treatment increased hydrophobicity significantly, while N-octyltriethoxysilane and inorganic sodium silicate solution treatments only slightly affected the properties. Silicone-cellulose interaction varied, influencing the fiber saturation and moisture content of the material. The swelling differences between untreated and treated cellulose and, consequently, the uncovering of new active sorption sites during a swelling process and the increase in the content of bound water were confirmed by the T2 relaxation times analysis. The GDW sorption model estimated maximum water content but lacked activation dynamics. The blocking phenomenon of active sorption sites together with silicone improved hydrophobicity had different mechanisms for applied agents. The 1H,1H,2H,2H perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane additionally cross-linked silane structure and restricted cellulose swelling.
Genetic gains in IRRI’s rice salinity breeding and elite panel development as a future breeding resource
Authors: Khanna Apurva , Anumalla Mahender , Ramos Joie , Cruz Ma Teresa Sta. , Catolos Margaret , Sajise Andres Godwin , Gregorio Glenn , Dixit Shalabh , Ali Jauhar , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Singh Vikas Kumar , Rahman Md. Akhlasur , Khatun Hasina , Pisano Daniel Joseph , Bhosale Sankalp , Hussain Waseem 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Key message
Estimating genetic gains and formulating a future salinity elite breeding panel for rice pave the way for developing better high-yielding salinity tolerant lines with enhanced genetic gains.

Abstract
Genetic gain is a crucial parameter to check the breeding program's success and help optimize future breeding strategies for enhanced genetic gains. To estimate the genetic gains in IRRI’s salinity breeding program and identify the best genotypes based on high breeding values for grain yield (kg/ha), we analyzed the historical data from the trials conducted in the IRRI, Philippines and Bangladesh. A two-stage mixed-model approach accounting for experimental design factors and a relationship matrix was fitted to obtain the breeding values for grain yield and estimate genetic trends. A positive genetic trend of 0.1% per annum with a yield advantage of 1.52 kg/ha was observed in IRRI, Philippines. In Bangladesh, we observed a genetic gain of 0.31% per annum with a yield advantage of 14.02 kg/ha. In the released varieties, we observed a genetic gain of 0.12% per annum with a 2.2 kg/ha/year yield advantage in the IRRI, Philippines. For the Bangladesh dataset, a genetic gain of 0.14% per annum with a yield advantage of 5.9 kg/ha/year was observed in the released varieties. Based on breeding values for grain yield, a core set of the top 145 genotypes with higher breeding values of > 2400 kg/ha in the IRRI, Philippines, and > 3500 kg/ha in Bangladesh with a reliability of > 0.4 were selected to develop the elite breeding panel. Conclusively, a recurrent selection breeding strategy integrated with novel technologies like genomic selection and speed breeding is highly required to achieve higher genetic gains in IRRI’s salinity breeding programs.
Differential correlates of criticism versus emotional overinvolvement towards patients with schizophrenia living in halfway houses or with their families
Authors: Ferentinos Panagiotis , Douki Stamatina , Kourkouni Eleni , Dragoumi Dimitra , Smyrnis Nikolaos , Douzenis Athanassios 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study systematically searched for differential correlates of criticism vs. emotional overinvolvement (EOI) towards patients with schizophrenia in families and halfway houses, which have only incidentally been reported in previous research. Identified patterns were compared across settings.

Methods
We included 40 inpatients with schizophrenia living in halfway houses and 40 outpatients living with their families and recorded the expressed emotion (EE) of 22 psychiatric nurses or 56 parents, respectively, through Five Minutes Speech Samples. Each nurse rated 1–12 inpatients and each inpatient was rated by 2–5 nurses. Each outpatient was rated by one or both parents. As EE ratings had a multilevel structure, weighted Spearman correlations of criticism and EOI with various patient- and caregiver-related characteristics were calculated and compared with Meng’s z-test.

Results
Criticism was weakly negatively correlated with EOI in nurses but negligibly in parents. Distinct patterns of significant differential correlates arose across settings. Outpatients’ aggressive behavior and parents’ related burden were mainly associated with higher criticism. Inpatients’ symptoms (agitation/aggression, negative and other psychotic symptoms) and nurses’ burnout (Depersonalization) were mainly associated with lower EOI. Inpatients’ perceived criticism and outpatients’ previous suicide attempts were equally associated with higher criticism and lower EOI (mirror correlations). Finally, various inpatient attributes (older age, chronicity, unemployment and smoking) triggered higher EOI only. Inpatients’ age, psychopathology (esp. agitation/aggression and negative symptoms) and perceived criticism survived adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest setting-specific pathogenetic pathways of criticism and EOI and might help customize psychoeducational interventions to staff and families.
Turing pattern formation on the sphere is robust to the removal of a hole
Authors: Borgqvist Johannes G. , Gerlee Philip , Lundholm Carl 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe formation of buds on the cell membrane of budding yeast cells is thought to be driven by reactions and diffusion involving the protein Cdc42. These processes can be described by a coupled system of partial differential equations known as the Schnakenberg system. The Schnakenberg system is known to exhibit diffusion-driven pattern formation, thus providing a mechanism for bud formation. However, it is not known how the accumulation of bud scars on the cell membrane affect the ability of the Schnakenberg system to form patterns. We have approached this problem by modelling a bud scar on the cell membrane with a hole on the sphere. We have studied how the spectrum of the Laplace–Beltrami operator, which determines the resulting pattern, is affected by the size of the hole, and by numerically solving the Schnakenberg system on a sphere with a hole using the finite element method. Both theoretical predictions and numerical solutions show that pattern formation is robust to the introduction of a bud scar of considerable size, which lends credence to the hypothesis that bud formation is driven by diffusion-driven instability.