Potential Expansion Research Articles

Response of an obligate CAM plant to competition and increased watering intervals.

Climate change has exacerbated precipitation variability, profoundly impacting vegetation dynamics and community structures in arid ecosystems. There remains a notable knowledge gap regarding the ecological effects of altered precipitation on crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants and their interactions with other photosynthetic types. This study investigated the response of the typical obligate CAM plant Orostachys fimbriata to extended watering intervals (WI4-WI8) and various competitive patterns (M1-M4) with the C3 grass Melilotus officinalis and the C4 grass Setaria viridis through greenhouse experiments. The results showed that: (1) In species mixtures, CAM plants had slightly reduced the total biomass (TB) compared to monocultures, yet maintained competitiveness by increasing the root-to-shoot biomass (R:S) ratio, stabilizing plant height, and sustaining their photosynthetic rates. (2) As watering intervals increased, CAM plants adapted by further elevating the R:S ratio, reducing height, and decreasing aboveground biomass. However, their height, CO2 assimilation rate, and above- and below-ground biomass were significantly suppressed, particularly when coexisting with C4 plants. More extreme watering regime caused a 47.6% decrease in TB of CAM plants in M4, while C3 and C4 grasses declined by 53.2% and 37.8%, respectively. (3) Given the predicted extension of drought intervals and the intensification of individual rainfall events under future climate conditions, the competitive pressure from C4 plants with high drought tolerance and resource acquisition advantages may limit the expansion potential of CAM plants in drylands. This study enhances the understanding of adaptive mechanisms of CAM plants competing and coexisting with grasses under variable environments, providing scientific bases for predicting arid ecosystem dynamics.

Exploring the moiré effect of graphene structure through optical diffraction experiments

Abstract Moiré effect is a common phenomenon that arises from a slight mismatch in the period of two structures. A prominent example in the microscopic world is magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene (MATBG). In this work, to enhance undergraduate students' advanced learning of interference and diffraction, we reproduced the microscopic structure of MATBG on a macroscopic scale by creating hexagonal structured masks. By designing a suitable optical path, we were able to realize the optical diffraction of this macrostructure. The results revealed two additional periodic diffraction patterns in the twisted double-layer masks, which are relevant to the moiré effect. Through theoretical derivation and computer simulation, we explained the observed diffraction patterns, which matched well with the experiments. This designed project not only improves students' knowledge in optics and laboratory operation skills, but also deepens their comprehension of moiré effect and crystal diffraction, showcasing its potential for further expansion and application in undergraduate physics education.

Adapting to change: exploring the distribution dynamics of the alien and potentially invasive aphid species Cinara curvipes (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the context of global warming

This study investigates the potential ecological niche and distribution of the Nearctic bow-legged fir aphid, Cinara curvipes, an alien and potentially invasive species, across Europe. Utilising climate modelling based on climatic preferences in its native range, we assess the suitability of European climates for facilitating the spread of this aphid. Coupled with the presence of suitable host plants, mostly firs (Abies spp.) or cedars (Cedrus spp.), there is potential for the bow-legged fir aphid to extend its range across most European regions, with projections suggesting potential expansion into Asia Minor. Furthermore, future climate scenarios predict a northward expansion of suitable habitats for this aphid species, confirmed by its detection in Denmark and Norway. Our research reveals that C. curvipes displays notably higher fecundity compared to its Cinara genus counterparts. Specifically, wingless viviparous females of this species achieve peak fecundity at lower temperatures (10–15°C), explaining their spring mass appearances. At 25°C, nymphs fail to moult or reach maturity, leading to summer population declines. Unique survival mechanisms, including the production of numerous winged morphs under overcrowded conditions, enable rapid dispersal facilitated by human-mediated transport, notably through the “Christmas trees” trade. Its high reproductive output allows the species to quickly colonise new habitats and exploit available resources, contributing to its potential invasiveness. We emphasise the critical need for collaborative engagement among researchers, stakeholders, and the public to bolster citizen science initiatives and reinforce environmental monitoring networks, all within the framework of an early detection and rapid response (EDRR) process. This collaborative approach is vital for effective environmental management and mitigating potential invasive threats.

Swelling potential and swelling pressure calculation methods: A comprehensive review

Expansive soils, characterized by volume changes due to variations in water content, significantly affect geotechnical engineering. Proper assessment of swelling potential and swelling pressure is essential for improving foundation design on expansive soils, enabling a reduction in risks arising from soil expansion. Different methods for measuring and calculating swelling potential and swelling pressure have been developed, ranging from empirical to analytical approaches, many of which are based on laboratory tests and analysis of soil properties. The paper presents a new classification of these methods, categorizing them into qualitative, semi-qualitative, and quantitative methods. Indirect methods of swell classification are qualitative and semi-qualitative approaches, which may be either single or multi-index methods. In contrast, quantitative approaches are direct methods based on laboratory or field test results. This review will provide researchers and engineers with an easy evaluation of the expansion potential of expansive soils using various methods.

Accelerating Fock Build via Hybrid Analytical-Numerical Integration.

A hybrid analytical-numerical integration scheme is introduced to accelerate the Fock build in self-consistent field (SCF) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. To evaluate the Coulomb matrix J[D], the density matrix D is first decomposed into two parts, the superposition of atomic density matrices D⊕A and the rest DR = D-D⊕A. While J[D⊕A] is evaluated analytically, J[DR] is evaluated fully numerically [with the multipole expansion of the Coulomb potential (MECP)] during the SCF iterations. Upon convergence, DR is further split into those of near (DRC) and distant (DRL) atomic orbital (AO) pairs, such that J[DRC] and J[DRL] are evaluated seminumerically and fully numerically (with MECP). Such a hybrid J-build is dubbed "analytic-MECP" (aMECP). Likewise, the analytic evaluation of K[D⊕A] and seminumerical evaluation of K[DR] are also invoked for the construction of the exchange matrix K[D] during the SCF iterations. The chain-of-spheres (COSX) algorithm [Chem. Phys. 356, 98 (2009]) is employed for K[DR] but with a revised construction of the S-junctions for overlap AO pairs. To distinguish from the original COSX algorithm (which does not involve the partition of the density matrix D), we denote the presently revised variant as COSx. Upon convergence, DR is further split into those of near (DRC) and distant (DRL) AO pairs followed by a rescaling, leading to and , respectively. and are then evaluated analytically and seminumerically (with COSx), respectively. Such a hybrid K-build is dubbed "analytic-COSx" (aCOSx). Extensive numerical experimentations reveal that the combination of aMECP and aCOSx is highly accurate for ground state SCF calculations ( error in energy) and is particularly efficient for calculations of large molecules with extended basis sets. As for TDDFT excitation energies, a medium grid for MECP and a coarse grid for COSx are already sufficient.

Engineering and Design Considerations for Steel Furnace Slag Aggregates in Concrete Pavements

The use of steel furnace slag (SFS) aggregates is limited in the United States and abroad, primarily because of the inherent expansion potential of the material, which results from the hydration of the free calcium and magnesium oxides present from the slagging process. When used in concrete, the literature presents contradictory findings, such as that the strength can increase or decrease with the addition of SFS aggregates. Microstructural investigations of the SFS aggregates as well as the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in mortars revealed that the mechanical properties are strongly dependent on the SFS type and source. Certain SFS types can develop with a porous interior and/or a porous outer layer of different composition, both of which act as weaknesses in the bulk concrete. Depending on the SFS type, the ITZ may also be more porous, which can lead to further weakening of the concrete. Given the potential deleterious expansion of SFS, there are rapid screening protocols, which can quantify both the free lime content (complexometric titration) and expansion potential (autoclave index test) of the SFS. While the literature currently presents limits for the SFS to be used as a base material, no limits are defined for the use of SFS in bound applications, despite the fact that low expansion SFS aggregates are being used in several countries for certain applications.

The Legal Definition of Religion in the Context of Modern Religious Exercise with Psychedelics: Protection, Double Standards, and Potential Expansion under RFRA

In the United States, the convergence of religious freedom and the prohibition of controlled substances is legally complex, increasing, and evolving. As interest in psychedelic religious practices expands, legal protection of religious exercise pursuant to the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) enables certain religious communities to use controlled substances in rituals through exemptions from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). RFRA was enacted in response to a Supreme Court case that failed to safeguard sacramental drug use as a legitimate religious exercise and requires application of stricter analysis of federal government activities that infringe religious freedom. Key to this protection is defining what constitutes a legitimate religious belief when it involves illegal substances. By analyzing court precedents, this essay explores how the legal definition of religion has preferred Judeo-Christian concepts and determined, with a bias, that psychedelic religious practices are not recognizable enough as religious. It argues that the evolving nature of society and religious practice necessitates a reevaluation of legal standards to ensure that the legal right to religious exercise, as applied and intended, protects the minority and remains consistent with modern expressions of faith and ritual.

Intraspecific genetic variation in the lymphatic filariasis vector Mansonia dives (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand: Hidden species or genetically divergent populations?

Mansonia dives is recognized as a vector for brugian filariasis in Thailand. A recent study analyzing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene revealed two distinct clades within the Ma. dives population in Thailand. This study aimed to examine the genetic diversity and structure of Ma. dives using the COI gene and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region to determine the presence of distinct species or genetically divergent populations. We analyzed 60 COI and 60 ITS2 sequences from Ma. dives populations in Narathiwat, Ranong, Tak, and Trat. The results showed a nucleotide diversity of 0.019 and a haplotype diversity of 0.979 for the COI gene, while the ITS2 region displayed a nucleotide diversity of 0.005 and a haplotype diversity of 0.545. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses of the COI gene identified two genetic lineages: one confined to Trat and another encompassing the other sites. However, species delimitation methods suggested that these genetic differences were insufficient to classify the lineages as distinct species. In contrast, the ITS2 analysis indicated a uniform genetic pattern across all populations. We conducted neutrality tests and mismatch distribution to examine the demographic history. For the COI gene, Tajima's D was slightly positive and non-significant (0.014), while Fu's Fs was negative (-9.750), indicating a potential expansion phase. Conversely, for the ITS2 region, Tajima's D and Fu's Fs were positive and non-significant, suggesting that the population might be in equilibrium or undergoing contraction. Moreover, the mismatch distribution analysis for the ITS2 region was inconclusive. The apparent discrepancies between these markers indicate the presence of genetically divergent populations, rather than distinct species.

DYNAMIC ASSESSMENT OF GROWTH, YIELD, AND QUALITY TRAITS IN HIGH-YIELDING RICE VARIETIES UNDER TIDAL AGROECOSYSTEMS

Introduction: Swamplands, including tidal and freshwater areas, offer significant potential for agricultural expansion in Indonesia, particularly for rice cultivation. However, challenges such as low productivity and quality hinder the full realization of this potential. While new high-yielding varieties (NHVs) like Inpara-3, Inpari-33, Inpari-47, Inpari-48, and Logawa have been developed to address these challenges, factors like pre-harvest conditions (NHV selection) and post-harvest processes (drying, milling, storage) significantly impact rice quality. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the performance of several new high-yielding varieties of rice in tidal lands based on growth, yield, and grain quality. Method: The study collected data on growth, yield, and quality parameters. Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test) was used to compare treatment means and identify correlations between variables. Results and Discussion: The study revealed that new high-yielding rice varieties (NHVs) demonstrated significant adaptability to tidal agroecosystems, with notable effects on plant height, panicle length, 1,000-grain weight, harvest age, and dry grain yield. Inpari-33, Logawa, and Inpari-47 showed superior performance, yielding 5.48 t/ha, 5.33 t/ha, and 5.29 t/ha, respectively, while also exhibiting good growth characteristics. All tested varieties fell into the third category of medium-quality rice due to a high percentage of broken grains, influenced by genetic traits and post-harvest processing. Research Implications: The study identifies Inpari-33, Logawa, and Inpari-47 as promising NHVs for tidal rice cultivation. By highlighting the potential of these varieties in challenging environments, the research contributes to improving rice production and food security in marginal areas.

Derivation and Physical Interpretation of the General Solutions to the Wave Equations for Electromagnetic Potentials

AbstractThe inhomogeneous wave equations for the scalar, vector, and Hertz potentials are derived starting from retarded charge, current, and polarization densities and then solved in the reciprocal (or k‐) space to obtain general solutions, which are formulated as nested integrals of such densities over the source volume, k‐space, and time. The solutions provide real‐space forms of the potentials and fields that are inherently free of singularities and do not require introduction by fiat of combinations of advanced and retarded terms as done previously to cure such singularities for the point‐charge model. Physical implications of these general solutions are discussed through specific examples involving either the real or reciprocal space forms of the different potentials. This approach allows for real‐ and reciprocal‐space expansions of potentials and fields for arbitrary distributions of charges and may lead to applications in condensed matter research and fluorescence‐based imaging.

Automatic landslide prioritization at regional scale through PS-InSAR cluster analysis and socio-economic impacts

The present study is part of an initiative to revise the PAI landslide inventories for post-seismic reconstruction in the Central Apennines (Italy), affected by the 2016-2017 seismic sequence. We introduce an innovative automated workflow for classifying and prioritizing landslide-prone areas using multi-sensor Persistent Scatterers (PS). This approach aims to support post-seismic reconstruction efforts by government institutions through a comprehensive and up-to-date ranking of landslides. The methodology integrates post-seismic multi-sensor interferometric datasets, advanced clustering techniques, and socio-economic factors to establish a standard procedure for monitoring hazardous areas and prioritizing resource allocation. Key findings demonstrate the efficacy of the method in identifying critical regions that require immediate intervention, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of field inspections and territorial planning activities. Our multi-sensor analysis reveals that approximately 6% of landslides are not detectable by interferometric technique, 45% show stability with no detected deformation via PS data, and 19% are accurately mapped with deformation confined within their boundaries. Notably,30% of analyzed landslides exhibit displacement beyond their mapped perimeters, indicating potential expansion or underestimation of their extent. The integration of data from multiple sources provides a more robust understanding of potential risks across the study area, promoting a structured approach to hazard management that ensures interventions are both scientifically grounded and economically justified.

Niche Partitioning and Intraspecific Variation of Thaumarchaeota in Deep Ocean Sediments.

Deep-sea sediments contain a large number of Thaumarchaeota that are phylogenetically distinct from their pelagic counterparts. However, their ecology and evolutionary adaptations are not well understood. Metagenomic analyses were conducted on samples from various depths of a 750-cm sediment core collected from the Mariana Trench Challenger Deep. The abundance of Thaumarchaeota and archaeal amoA generally decreased with depth, except for an unexpected peak midway through the core. The thaumarchaeotal metagenome-assembled genomes were classified into diverse phylogenetic clusters associated with amoA-NP-γ, amoA-NP-θ, and amoA-NP-δ of ammonia-oxidising Thaumarchaeota and non-ammonia-oxidising lineages. The most abundant group was within amoA-NP-γ, which is usually found in coastal and shallow habitats, indicating potential niche expansion from marine shallow to hadal environments. This benthic group showed within-species genomic variations compared to the previously identified Hadal water group, suggesting microdiversification of hadal Thaumarchaeota along with niche separation between benthic and pelagic environments. Evolutionary adaptations associated with the benthic-to-pelagic transition included reduced genome size, loss of motility/cell adhesion, altered energy metabolism, and different mechanisms for substrate acquisition and regulation (e.g., ammonium). These findings offer new insights into the evolution of hadal Thaumarchaeota and demonstrate, for the first time, intraspecies-level genomic variation in Thaumarchaeota related to the benthic-versus-pelagic niche partitioning in the deep ocean.

Measuring trade costs and analyzing the determinants of trade growth between Cambodia and major trading partners: 1993-2019.

High trade costs pose substantial barriers to the process of trade liberalization. This study aims to measure trade costs and explore the driving forces behind the growth of bilateral trade between Cambodia and its top 30 trading partners from 1993 to 2019. Using a micro-founded measure of trade costs derived from the gravity model, we find that Cambodia's average trade costs decreased by 35.43 percent between 1993 and 2019. Fluctuations in average trade costs persisted until 2014, despite Cambodia's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2004. Since then, these costs have declined more rapidly. Cambodia's bilateral trade costs are lower with its major trading partners in Southeast Asia and East Asia than with those in South Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Cambodia's average trade costs with developing and emerging economies are lower than those with developed economies. Between 2014 and 2019, Cambodia experienced a notable decline in average trade costs with trading partners along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) corridors by 34.78 percent, twice as fast as with non-BRI trading partners. Regarding the decomposition of trade growth, we find that the expansion of Cambodian trade over the period from 1993 to 2019 was driven by three factors: the rise in income (59.65 percent), the decline in trade costs (56.69 percent), and the decline in multilateral resistance (-16.34 percent). The findings of this study have significant implications for a better understanding of Cambodia's development process toward global trade integration over the past two decades. Our results suggest that Cambodia can optimize its trade expansion potential by focusing on its relations with trading partners exhibiting high economic growth potential and those showing substantial reductions in trade costs.

Cooperation of acetate regulating and rGO modification of Bi2WO6 for enhancing the H2O2 photosynthesis coupled with selective glucose oxidation

Coupling H2O2 photosynthesis with biomass valorization shows an expansive potential for the storing renewable energy. Here, we prepared a Bi2WO6 (BWO-a/rGO) by acetate regulation and rGO modification of Bi2WO6 during a one-step solvothermal process. Compared with the conventional Bi2WO6, the as-prepared BWO-a/rGO exhibits a significantly enhanced H2O2 photosynthesis rate of 1.864mMg-1 h-1 and an arabinose formation rate of 0.96mMh-1. The addition of manganese acetate and rGO in BWO are indicated to be very effective for regulating the electron density and modifying the carrier migration of BWO, respectively. Thus, boosting both the H2O2 photosynthesis and glucose photo-oxidation to increase the whole reaction efficiency. This work has shown great potential for promoting the practical implementation of BWO in photocatalytic H2O2 synthesis coupled with biomass valorization and provided an effective way for the creation of high-performance chalcogenide photocatalysts.

Navigating climate shifts for an endemic lizard from a semi-arid environment

Ecological niche models (ENMs) are crucial for understanding species distribution and identifying areas maintaining climatic stability over time (i.e., thermal refugia). Human-induced global climate change underscores the importance of such refugia, which directly impacts species distribution, especially for ectothermic species relying on the environmental temperature to keep their metabolism active. Tropidurus cocorobensis is an endemic, heliothermic, and generalist lizard from Caatinga, a heterogeneous semi-arid domain characterized by low and irregular precipitation patterns and high temperature and solar radiation. Despite its endemism, there is no information concerning temporarily stable (refugial) and unstable (recently colonized) regions for its occurrence, nor future predictions of local thermal suitability in different climate change scenarios. Using ENMs, we assessed Caatinga's past, present, and future thermal suitability for T. cocorobensis, identifying potential changes in its thermal refugia over time. Our results indicated Depressão Sertaneja Meridional (DSM) and Campo Maior Complex (CMC) as climatically stable Caatinga Ecoregions, serving as climate refugia for T. cocorobensis. While DSM covers much of the species' current distribution, CMC lacks occurrence data. Contrastingly, the Chapada Diamantina Complex, a known habitat for the species, was not recovered as a climate refugia nor was suitable for future scenarios, therefore representing a climatically unstable area. Future projections indicate a potential expansion of T. cocorobensis' climate refugia, possibly linked to the species' generalist habits. However, the optimistic outlook for this species may not mirror the overall well-being of the Caatinga domain since generalist species often fill niches left by specialists unable to adapt to stressful environments. Future studies should prioritize comparing the climatic refugia of specialist and generalist species envisioning a comprehensive understanding of the ecological dynamics within the Caatinga ecosystem. This approach will be crucial for formulating effective conservation strategies amid the ongoing challenges of climate change in this domain.

An Analysis on Research Trends in Rural Spaces using Text Mining

Background and objective: As the significance and function of rural areas change, the value of rural space has become increasingly recognized in modern society. Consequently, while the concept of rural space has developed over time and led to modifications in relevant policies, there are insufficient studies that focus on these changes based on a broad definition of rural space. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze trends in rural space research over time by applying text mining to academic papers on the topic of domestic rural space.Methods: First, for data collection, the search keyword was set as 'rural space' in the Korea Citation Index (KCI), and 1,581 academic papers from 2003 to 2024 were collected. After removing inappropriate ones, a total of 473 articles were selected. The analysis was conducted by dividing the data into five periods. Following that, preprocessing and word frequency, TF-IDF, and LDA topic modeling analysis were performed through Textom, a big data analytics platform.Results: The analysis revealed several key trends over the five periods. First, the volume of research on rural space has increased over time, indicating a growing interest in this field. Second, shifts in the paradigm of rural space research were observed through changes in keywords, reflecting evolving research priorities. Third, it was discovered that rural space research is gradually developing into a comprehensive approach and expanding into empirical research. This expansion is characterized by three themes extracted from each period: 'village-level development,' 'landscape and environment,' and 'service development and value creation'.Conclusion: The findings showed an increasing focus on preserving 'ruralness', which is a unique feature of rural space, as attention shifts toward landscape preservation, ecology, and the environment. This trend aligns with the expectations and values for rural space, as well as social demands that value sustainable development, indicating the potential for further research expansion and revitalization.

Възможности на MLSсистемите за развитие на бизнеса с недвижими имоти (на примера на CaliforniaRegionalMultipleListingService)

The real estate market has always been an essential indicator of the economy, playing a significant role in measuring economic stability and growth. In recent years, new opportunities for developing and optimising this sector have emerged with the advancement of technology. MLS systems are one of the most significant technological tools impacting the real estate business. With their support, the real estate business can optimise processes, reduce costs, and increase the efficiency of marketing activities. This study focuses on MLS systems in the real estate business and the opportunities these types of systems offer for business development in the real estate sector, specifically the operations and the activity of the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS). The aim set out in this article is toexamine and analyse the state of CRMLS, as well as the opportunities it provides for the development of the real estate business, and based on this, to offer guidelines for the development of this business through MLS systems and their potential broader implementation and expansion in the Bulgarian market. Based on the analysis, specific conclusions are drawn, problems are identified, and solutions are proposed.

Electrical Characteristics of Solution-Based Thin-Film Transistors with a Zinc-Tin Oxide/Carbon Nanotube Stacked Nanocomposite Active Layer.

A stacked nanocomposite zinc-tin oxide/single-walled carbon nanotubes (ZTO/SWNTs) active layer was fabricated for thin-film transistors (TFTs) as an alternative to the conventional single-layer structure of mixed ZTO and SWNTs. The stacked nanocomposite of the solution-processed TFTs was prepared using UV/O3 treatment and multiple annealing steps for each layer. The electrical properties of the stacked device were superior to those of the single-layer TFT. The ZTO/SWNT TFT, fabricated using a stacked structure with ZTO on the top and SWNT at the bottom layer, showed a significant improvement in the field-effect mobility of 15.37 cm2/V·s (factor of three increase) and an Ion/Ioff current ratio of 8.83 × 108 with improved hysteresis. This outcome was attributed to the surface treatment and multiple annealing of the selected active layer, resulting in improved contact and a dense structure. This was also attributed to the controlled dispersion of SWNT, as electron migration paths without dispersants. This study suggests the potential expansion of applications, such as flexible electronics and low-cost fabrication of TFTs.

Production of sterile trout (Triploids) by chromosome set manipulation using thermal shock treatment in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from Kashmir Himalayas.

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a promising cultivable fish species with significant potential for expansion. As a cold-water fish belonging to the Salmonidae family, it requires an optimal temperature range of 10-15°C for optimal growth. This study explores a method for producing sterile rainbow trout with maximum survival rates by using heat shock treatment to enhance growth characteristics and improve aquaculture practices. A control group and four heat shock treatments were given at 26°C and 28°C for 10 min, applied 15 and 20 min after the mixing of eggs and milt, using a water bath. Among the treated groups, the highest fertilisation, hatching and yolk sac absorption rates were 90.3 ± 0.3%, 81.8 ± 0.8% and 83.9 ± 0.5%, respectively. The highest triploidy rate of 76.6 ± 3.3% was observed with a heat shock at 28°C, 20 min after fertilisation. In contrast, none of the fish from the control group were triploids. The control group demonstrated higher survival rates at fertilisation (93.1 ± 0.4%), hatching (84.2 ± 0.4%) and complete yolk sac absorption (86.2 ± 0.5%) compared to the heat-shocked groups. The diploid and triploid chromosome numbers in rainbow trout were determined to be 2n = 60 and 3n = 91, respectively. This study confirms that heat shock treatment can effectively induce triploidy in rainbow trout, with significant variations in triploidy rates depending on the temperature and timing of the shock. While heat shock can enhance the production of sterile fish, it is essential to balance the treatment parameters to maintain high survival rates. These findings contribute to the optimisation of triploidy induction techniques and support the advancement of aquaculture practices by improving the growth, management and survival rates of rainbow trout which could significantly benefit aquaculture efficiency and sustainability.

Engineered Cellular Therapies for the Treatment of Thoracic Cancers.

Thoracic malignancies (lung cancers and malignant pleural mesothelioma) are prevalent worldwide and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Effective treatments are needed for patients with advanced disease. Cell therapies are a promising approach to the treatment of advanced cancers that make use of immune effector cells that have the ability to mediate antitumor immune responses. In this review, we discuss the prospect of chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells, natural killer (NK) cells, T cell receptor-engineered (TCR-T) cells, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as treatments for thoracic malignancies. CAR-T cells and TILs have proven successful in several hematologic cancers and advanced melanoma, respectively, but outside of melanoma, results have thus far been unsuccessful in most other solid tumors. NK cells and TCR-T cells are additional cell therapy platforms with their own unique advantages and challenges. Obstacles that must be overcome to develop effective cell therapy for these malignancies include selecting an appropriate target antigen, combating immunosuppressive cells and signaling molecules present in the tumor microenvironment, persistence, and delivering a sufficient quantity of antitumor immune cells to the tumor. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer great promise as a source for both NK and T cell-based therapies due to their unlimited expansion potential. Here, we review clinical trial data, as well as recent basic scientific advances that offer insight into how we may overcome these obstacles, and provide an overview of ongoing trials testing novel strategies to overcome these obstacles.