Wildfires are becoming more frequent in Central Europe, raising questions about the mechanical and chemical integrity of fire-affected conifer wood. Because commercial species such as silver fir (Abies alba), Norway spruce (Picea abies), and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) are not evolutionarily adapted to fire, their thermo-mechanical response remains poorly quantified. This study investigates oven-dry density, static bending strength, compressive strength parallel to the grain, Brinell hardness, chemical composition, elemental composition, and heat of combustion of wood collected from a recent post-fire stand in Poland. Fire exposure resulted in a slight reduction in oven-dry density, while compressive and bending strengths increased relative to reported reference values, likely due to moisture depletion and partial thermal modification of cell-wall polymers. Chemical analyses showed moderate thermally induced shifts, including higher lignin and carbon content with depth, consistent with progressive carbonization of the affected tissues. Although surface-affected wood retained measurable mechanical capacity and energy value, its structural applicability remains constrained by potential brittleness and the limited sampling depth. These findings provide essential baseline data for evaluating post-fire conifer wood and its potential use in low-grade material and bioenergy applications.

The dynamics of chemical components in sediment porewater are crucial for marine ecological research, resource assessment, and environmental monitoring. A scientific sampling strategy is key to obtaining high-quality porewater. This study aims to explore the effects of circular sampling hole size and layout on sampling effectiveness to optimize the sampling strategy. First, this study analyzed the flow field from time and spatial flow. Then, a simulation model was built using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 to simulate changes in the flow field, Darcy velocity, and effective sampling depth under different conditions. The results showed that the sampling holes finished sampling earlier due to being close to the open boundary; small sample hole sizes could suppress this time lag but reduce efficiency, and the effective sampling range increased exponentially with volume. When R = 5 mm, D = 150 mm, and V = 10 mL, interference between adjacent layers was effectively avoided, balancing timeliness and sample representativeness. Laboratory experiments and sea trials validated the effectiveness of the sampling strategy. This study provides theoretical and practical guidance for deep-sea porewater sampling technology, supporting marine scientific research.

BackgroundMolecular HIV surveillance (MHS) is used in the U.S. to inform public health prevention and intervention activities aimed at helping end the HIV epidemic. Its application in this context is currently challenged by ethical, legal, and social concerns, with gaps in understanding how end users weigh these issues. We sought to identify the preferences of MHS end users for improving MHS.MethodsEnd users completed 12 choice experiment tasks evaluating five attributes of MHS for cluster detection and response. We generated a choice model using conditional logit and report results as relative attribute importance scores, comparing them to attitudinal data from close-ended questions. Responses to open-ended questions provide additional context on areas for MHS improvement.ResultsWe report findings from 55 of 90 potential end-users who felt capable and agreed to participate. End users include researchers (n = 28) and public health practitioners (n = 27); their preferences do not differ significantly (p = 0.174) so their responses are combined. The highest weight is placed on certainty of MHS benefit (38%), followed by depth of HIV sequence sampling (26%). Lower weight is given to reducing stigma (20%) and personalized inferences (10%) and communication (6%). End users highlight improving MHS through implementation support, community engagement, transparent communication, intervention assistance, risk minimization, and impact assessment; researchers stress the need for better data access.ConclusionsEnd users place the highest value on having more evidence of MHS benefits. Improving MHS requires attention to implementation support, community engagement, transparent communication, intervention assistance, risk mitigation, impact assessment, and data access.

A comparative ex vivo study was conducted to evaluate the impact of different nebulizer designs on spatial distribution, tissue concentration, and penetration depth of drugs delivered via pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). Three nebulizer designs were evaluated in a PIPAC box: group 1 [full spray cone-multidirectional nebulizer (FSC-MDN)], group 2 [full spray cone-single directional nebulizer], and group 3 [hollow spray cone-single directional nebulizer]. Spatial aerosol deposition was measured using methylene blue for three-dimensional gravimetryin gram (g). PIPACs with doxorubicin and cisplatin were performed to assess penetration depth (µm) and drug concentrations (µg/g) in porcine peritoneal tissue samples from the bottom, sides, and top of the box. Doxorubicin penetration was evaluated using fluorescence microscopy, and cisplatin concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Group 3 had significantly higher methylene blue deposition at the bottom (35.59 ± 1.46 g) compared with group 1 (24.2 ± 0.23 g, p = 0.0022) and group 2 (31.47 ± 0.52 g, p = 0.0001). Conversely, group 1 showed significantly greater side and top deposition (10.11 ± 0.26 g) than groups 2 (5.01 ± 0.68 g, p = 0.0022) and 3 (3.99 ± 0.42 g, p = 0.0022). Group 1 also demonstrated higher cisplatin concentrations (6.254 ± 2.57 µg/g, p = 0.05) and deeper doxorubicin penetration (179.9 ± 78.77 µm, p = 0.05) than the other groups. Compared with the other single directional nebulizers, group 1 (FSC-MDN) achieved greater side and top deposition, along with enhanced doxorubicin penetration and platinum concentration in the ex vivo PIPAC model.

Abstract Forests, as carbon sinks, represent a key strategy for mitigating climate change. This study assessed carbon stocks and annual carbon accumulation rates (ACAR) across four reservoirs: aboveground biomass (AB: trees and undergrowth), belowground biomass (BB: roots), necromass N (litter and deadwood) and soil in the Maâmora cork oak ( Quercus suber L.) agro-forest in Morocco, along a chronosequence of six stand age classes (< 10, 10–20, 20–40, 40–80, 80–120, and > 120 years). We hypothesized that stand age would significantly influence Carbon distribution and accumulation dynamics. Allometric equations and specific conversion factors were used to estimate biomass and carbon stocks, while soil carbon was calculated from bulk density, organic carbon concentration, and a sampling depth of 40 cm. Stand age significantly affected both Carbon storage and ACAR in all reservoirs. Total carbon stocks ranged from 49.19 to 231.37 Mg C ha −1 for stands aged < 10 and > 120 years, respectively, with an average of 140.96 Mg C ha −1 . AB, BB, and N Carbon stocks ranged from 8.91 to 105.37, 0.25 to 15.26, and 0.03 to 4.13 Mg C ha⁻ 1 , respectively. Soil remained the dominant reservoir (40–106.61 Mg C ha⁻ 1 ). ACAR decreased with age for AB and soil but increased and then stabilized for BB and N. Mean ACARs were 1.15, 0.13, 0.04, and 3.02 Mg C ha⁻ 1 y⁻ 1 for AB, BB, N, and soil, respectively, with a total average of 4.30 Mg C ha⁻ 1 y⁻ 1 . Strong correlations among reservoirs suggested tightly coupled carbon cycling in cork oak ecosystems. Although focused on Mediterranean stands, the observed patterns may also apply to arid regions with similar conditions. We recommend preserving older stands and promoting age-class diversity to enhance long-term carbon sequestration and support climate-resilient forest management across dryland ecosystems.

Differential soil sampling by depth in thin layers is suggested for monitoring of organic carbon (C org ) content and storage in soils of agroecosystems. Its goal is to obtain acceptable values of minimal detectable difference of C org content and storage comparing two observation periods and statistically based idea of C org vertical distribution in surface soil layers in one observation period. Vertical distribution of C org within layer 0–30 cm can serve as an indirect criterion of C org sequestration ability in soil in the initial base period of monitoring before direct measuring of C org in the next observation periods at the same dynamic plot. Graphs of distribution of C org content, soil density and C org storage along the soil profile in natural soils are submitted. Three principal variants of C org content distribution along soil profile and different variants of bulk density vertical distribution in soils of agroecosystems are discussed. Tendencies of increasing variability in C org content due to increasing depth of soil sampling within layer 0–40 cm in soddy-podzolic (Albic Retisols), light-chestnut (Haplic Kastanozems) soils and chernozems were noted. Spatial variability of C org storage in thin layers and in generalized layers of different thickness is discussed.

Testing grain size dependent variability of cosmogenic nuclide concentrations for isochron burial dating of fluvial sediment (Pannonian Basin, Hungary)

Crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has the potential to map the human interactome at high resolution and with high fidelity, replacing indirect, error-prone sampling methods such as affinity pulldown MS. However, the sampling depth of XL-MS remains stubbornly low. We present a crosslinking strategy that splits the crosslinking reaction into two sequential and orthogonal coupling events. The method involves pre-stabilizing the spatial proteome with a fixation protocol inspired by immunofluorescence imaging, followed by a stepwise process that begins with extensively labeling surface-accessible lysines in the cell with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-modified click reagents. We show that a subsequent copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction of the installed precursors generates crosslinks at levels approaching 30% of the total signal, as demonstrated by a subtractive approach. The method generates no detectable side reactions or obvious distortions of the spatial proteome. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are detected at levels approximately 20 times higher than a conventional DSS-based method, outperforming even enrichable crosslinkers.

The ternary III–V semiconductor GaInP is a leading candidate material for the fabrication of ultra-bright red μLED (microlight emitting diodes) structures for application in high-resolution display technologies. When the pixel pitch is reduced to below 10 μm, increased nonradiative sidewall recombination in the active region of LEDs adversely affects the device's optical performance. The cause of this effect is a result of impurities in the lattice arising during the manufacture process. Correlating an understanding of the surface chemistry following the etch processes used to fabricate the mesa structured μLED arrays with the optical performance is essential to develop fabrication approaches to maximize the internal quantum efficiency of the fabricated quantum well structures. In this study, high intensity hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, acquired at a photon beam energy of 6 keV, have been used to acquire reference spectra of the chemical composition of epitaxially grown planar lattice matched Ga0.51In0.49P on a GaAs up to a sampling depth of approximately 20–30 nm into the bulk region of the sample. Using the National Institute of Standards and Technology Spectroscopy Soft and Tender II beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory, a survey scan of the sample along with high-resolution scans of key core levels In 3d, Ga 2p, Ga 3d/In 4d, P 1s, P 2p, and contaminant O 1s were obtained to provide baseline photoemission data on chemical composition.

First report of microplastic presence in marine sediments from a shallow-water mud volcano (Northern Tyrrhenian Sea).

Ageing process characterization of innovative substrates in vertical-flow constructed wetlands after treating greywater.

Abstract Direct measurements of free‐living nitrogen fixation (FLNF) using 15 N‐labeled dinitrogen ( 15 N 2 ) have been complicated by a lack of standardization regarding soil sampling and storage, and because key incubation parameters have yet to be systematically optimized. With the aim of developing a standardized protocol for laboratory assay of carbon (C)‐stimulated FLNF, studies with four Illinois soils were conducted with respect to sampling depth, storage condition and period, surface exposure, moisture content, C source and pH, phosphorus (P) amendment, and incubation period. Among the major findings, diazotrophic activity was greatest with surface (0−7.5 cm) sampling, and storage effects were minimized when field‐moist samples were kept at room temperature (25°C) or in a refrigerator (5°C) for ≤1 day with or without sieving (<2 mm). In the presence of exogenous C (4 mg C g −1 dry soil), the rate of 15 N 2 fixation was maximized at ≥200% water‐holding capacity, with a 3‐day incubation period, and by increasing atmospheric exposure with the use of a shallow soil container. A simulated corn ( Zea mays L.) root exudate was identified as the optimal C source, regardless of a divergent preference observed for soil samples collected before and after a 6‐month interval. By standardizing several key parameters pertinent to the measurement of C‐stimulated FLNF, the work reported can help facilitate research to define the ecological importance and agricultural potential of a process that has largely been unexplored in the soil N cycle.

To reconstruct the 3D geometry from calibrated images, learning-based multi-view stereo (MVS) methods typically perform multi-view depth estimation and then fuse depth maps into a mesh or point cloud. To improve the computational efficiency, many methods initialize a coarse depth map and then gradually refine it in higher resolutions. Recently, diffusion models achieve great success in generation tasks. Starting from a random noise, diffusion models gradually recover the sample with an iterative denoising process. In this paper, we propose a novel MVS framework, which introduces diffusion models in MVS. Specifically, we formulate depth refinement as a conditional diffusion process. Considering the discriminative characteristic of depth estimation, we design a condition encoder to guide the diffusion process. To improve efficiency, we propose a novel diffusion network combining lightweight 2D U-Net and convolutional GRU. Moreover, we propose a novel confidence-based sampling strategy to adaptively sample depth hypotheses based on the confidence estimated by diffusion model. Based on our novel MVS framework, we propose two novel MVS methods, DiffMVS and CasDiffMVS. DiffMVS achieves competitive performance with state-of-the-art efficiency in run-time and GPU memory. CasDiffMVS achieves state-of-the-art performance on DTU, Tanks & Temples and ETH3D.

The locus coeruleus (LC) is a small noradrenergic nucleus in the dorsal pons that sends projections across the brain regulating sleep, arousal, attention, stress responses, and some forms of cognition. LC neurons show pathology in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including age-related accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) and accelerated loss of neuromelanin (NM) pigmentation. NM-sensitive neuroimaging of the LC predicts previous cognitive decline, clinical severity, and future AD progression. While these findings suggest that the LC plays an etiologic role in AD, the molecular landscape of the LC prior to clinical manifestation of sporadic AD remains largely uncharacterized. This information is critical for developing interventions that preserve LC integrity and function. We performed spatially-resolved transcriptomics on 85 sections of human postmortem LC fromN=33 neurotypical middle-aged donors, balanced for epidemiologic AD risk factors including sex, African or European ancestry, andAPOEgenotype (carriers of the E4/risk or E2/protective alleles). Comparing acrossAPOEgenotypes, we find astrocytic gene expression differences proximal to LC neurons. Associating NM content with local gene expression, we show that higher overallAPOEgene expression correlates with reduced NM content and an enrichment of NM-associated genes in aging pathways. Unexpectedly, we find enriched LC expression of cholesterol synthesis genes, alongside evidence for lipid synthesis gene regulatory network activity in NM-containing LC specifically, revealing a potential intersection between intrinsic lipid metabolism in LC neurons, NM, and the role of APOE-mediated lipid biology in AD. Together, these data illuminate the molecular features of the human LC at spatial resolution with unprecedented sampling depth, revealing how AD risk factors and NM content influence resilience and susceptibility of this critical brain nucleus to pathology accumulation and degeneration.

Limited sensitivity and depth of proteome sampling in experiments using data-dependent acquisition (DDA) mass spectrometry are usually attributed to an insufficient rate of fragmentation spectra acquisition relative to the number of coeluting potential targets. Here, we demonstrated that limited sensitivity and dynamic range of MS1 scans reduce detection of low-intensity ions and thus their selection for fragmentation. As abundant ions occupy a large fraction of the ion accumulation capacity, we sought to improve MS1 detection of rare analytes by an easily implementable strategy based on gas-phase segmentation of the MS1 scan range, followed by coaccumulation and detection of all ions. The quadrupolar isolation windows used to segment the MS1 scan range are designed to transmit, on average, an equal number of charges, consistent with the parameter used by many recent mass spectrometers to regulate ion trap filling. This strategy, which we named high dynamic range MS1 (HDR-MS1), reduces the contribution of abundant ions to reaching the maximum ion capacity. As a result, HDR MS1 showed improved dynamic range and sensitivity compared to conventional full-range scans, resulting in a higher number of peptides and protein identifications under identical MS2 parameters, less redundant precursor ion sampling, and a higher rate of quantified precursor ions. HDR MS1 scans are compatible with any DDA precursor selection filter and MS2 parameter, and the generated files can be analyzed using any software for peptide-spectral matching and quantification.

Antarctica, largely free from geopolitical borders, serves as a critical site for scientific research, environmental monitoring and climate studies. The continent’s ice cap holds over 60% of the Earth’s freshwater and provides a stable climatological record spanning 800,000 years. In this study, the relationship between changes in atmospheric CO2 levels over the past century and the microstructural characteristics of Antarctic ice was investigated. While it is well-documented that CO2 fluctuations have driven the periodic expansion and retreat of ice sheets, no research to this day has explored how variations in CO2 concentrations influence the physical integrity of ice at the microscopic scale. To address this, grain size, anisotropy, irregularity, and solidity of surface and near-surface ice samples collected over the past 70 years were analyzed. These microstructural features were compared against historical atmospheric greenhouse gas data from multiple Antarctic research stations, including records from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, and the NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory. Results reveal a correlation between rising CO2 levels and changes in ice microstructure, particularly an increase in the grain size as well as the reduction in the grain aspect ratio and in the morphological solidity. The study remains limited by significant sources of variability, including differences in sampling depths, geographical locations, seasonal effects, and inconsistencies in analytical tools and methodologies reported across the literature. Despite these limitations, this proof-of-concept study elicits the need for continued meta-analyses of existing climate datasets. Such efforts could provide deeper insights into the role of greenhouse gas concentrations in defining the microstructural stability of Antarctic ice, which is critical for predicting ice sheet integrity and its contribution to sea level rise.

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the success of biopsy quality in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of the oral cavity. This retrospective study included patient records of primary OSCC patients, diagnostic pathology reports of the primary biopsies, and corresponding resection tumor sections. The outcome variable was unsuccessful biopsy, defined as an inconclusive biopsy specimen for proper OSCC diagnosis. The primary predictor variable was the biopsy method used, grouped as punch or scalpel biopsy. Secondary predictor variables were sample area, depth, site, and number of samples. Patient- and tumor-related variables, background of the health care professional, and the health care unit were analyzed as additional predictor variables. Data from 312 OSCC patients were included in the study. Primary biopsy was inconclusive in 7.7% of the cases. Areas with punch biopsies yielded smaller (P .001) but diagnostically as accurate samples as scalpel biopsies. Biopsies from the floor of the mouth and gingiva had higher failure rates, while tongue and palate biopsies had higher success rates (P = .037). Punch and scalpel biopsies had similar diagnostic reliability. There were deficiencies in the documentation of prognostic features of the OSCC. Inflammation was the most consistently reported (33.3% in biopsies, 43.9% in resection samples), while tumor budding was documented in only one-third of biopsy samples (6.4%) compared to final resection samples (18.6%). Depth of invasion was reported in 55.1% of biopsies, with 6.1% indicating a minimum invasion depth. General dental practitioners must be both alert and properly trained to perform biopsies. However, considering the internationally varying role of general dental practitioners in biopsy procedures, this requirement must be understood within the context of each country's health care system. OSCC biopsies generally yield high diagnostic success; however, small biopsy size especially impairs diagnostic accuracy. Ensuring larger or several biopsy samples in general and ensuring representative biopsies from particularly challenging areas, such as the gingiva and floor of the mouth, improves the likelihood of conclusive diagnosis in primary OSCC diagnostics. Additionally, clinicians should pay more attention not only to the area but also to biopsy depth. Taken together, there may be a need for more precise biopsy guidelines and protocols for lesions suspicious for OSCC to optimize patient treatment planning.

Fungal and prokaryotic communities in unique ecosystems of Arctic seas are important to study for understanding global biogeochemical cycles and developing approaches to bioremediation of the ecosystems. High-throughput sequencing of the variable regions ITS1/ITS2 (in fungal genomes) and V3-V4 of the 16S rRNA gene (in bacterial genomes) was performed to study the species composition and taxonomic structure of fungal and heterotrophic bacterial communities in surface benthic sediments of the Kara Sea from depths of 16-417 m. The fungal biome was dominated by operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of Ascomycota (more than 50% of ITS reads in each of the 12 samples), which was followed by the division Basidiomycota (10-20%). Сhytridiomycota accounted for no more than 2% of ITS reads. No significant differences in the mycobiome structure of Kara Sea benthic sediments were found depending on the sampling depth. OTUs of Sordariomycetes and Eurotiomycetes (Aspergillaceae) prevailed. Basidiomycetes were represented mainly by yeasts of the families Filobasidiaceae, Malasseziaceae, Sporidiobolaceae, and Tremellaceae. According to fluorescence microscopy, the total number of fungal propagules ranged 207-546 thousand spores and mycelial fragments per 1 g benthic sediment and was minimum at greater depths. At all of the stations examined, sediments were found to contain numerous aerobic heterotrophic bacteria belonging to various families, orders, and classes of the phyla Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota, Gemmatimonadota, Myxococcota, and Acidobacteriota. Interestingly, nucleotide sequences characteristic of strict anaerobes were detected in oxidized surface benthic sediments of the Kara Sea. The set included sulfate-reducing bacteria of the phylum Thermodesulfobacteriota and chemoheterotrophic bacteria of Anaerolineae (phylum Chloroflexota). The data obtained in the study significantly expand our knowledge of the diversity of fungi andbacteria, which are key heterotrophic organisms that destroy organic matter in benthic sediments of Arctic seas.

Abstract On October 24, 2024, an impressive fireball was visible over Austria. After the possible strewn field was calculated, the first sample of the Haag meteorite, with a mass of 8.76 g, was discovered on November 2, 2024, 8 days after the fireball event. Four more samples were found afterward putting the total sample mass at about 151 g. Short‐lived radionuclides were measured shortly after recovery on a small sample, which was also used for almost all analyses presented here. Results confirm that the Haag meteorite derived from the bolide fireball event. Haag is a severely fragmented ordinary chondrite breccia and consists of typical equilibrated and recrystallized lithologies (LL4‐6) as well as impact‐related lithic clasts, such as dark, fine‐grained impact breccias. Most fragments are highly recrystallized (type 6), but some show a well‐preserved chondritic texture, which is of petrologic type 4 since the olivines are equilibrated. The olivines in the bulk rock have Fa contents of 29.5 ± 0.5 mol%, whereas the low‐Ca pyroxenes have compositions of Fs23.9±1.4Wo1.6±0.7 with slightly variable Fs contents up to 28 mol%. However, the occurrence of type 3 fragments in other parts of the rock cannot completely be ruled out. Many clasts are moderately shocked (S4; C‐S4). Using the fragment with the lowest degree of shock to determine the bulk rock's shock degree, Haag has an overall shock degree of S2 (C‐S2). The LL chondrite classification is also supported by O isotope data, the results of bulk chemical analysis, and the physical properties of density and magnetic susceptibility. The nucleosynthetic Ti and Cr isotope data confirm that Haag is an ordinary chondrite, related to the noncarbonaceous (NC) meteorites. Haag does not contain detectable amounts of solar wind‐implanted noble gases, and we rule out any substantial exposure at the direct surface of the parent body. Based on noble gases, Haag has an exposure age of 21–24 Ma and a pre‐atmospheric meteoroid radius of 20–85 cm with a sample depth between 4 and 5 cm below the meteoroid surface, consistent with constraints from cosmogenic radionuclides. The soluble organic compositions of Haag are consistent with the profiles of the Stubenberg (LL6) breccia and show characteristics consistent with the complex shock, brecciation, and lithification history of the breccia. Haag and Stubenberg fell near each other (110 km away) within just 8 years. Since only 8.5% (about 110) of meteorite falls worldwide are LL chondrites, it is remarkable that two LL chondrites fell near each other in such a short time.

This dataset was collected between 1971 and 1975 at Weathership Station India (59°N, 19°W) in the North Atlantic Ocean. It comprises quantitative records of several zooplankton taxa- Calanus finmarchicus, Metridia lucens, Pleuromamma robusta, Oithona spp., Oncaea spp., and Acartia spp.-alongside measurements of phytoplankton abundance, temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a concentration, Secchi depth, and primary production. Sampling frequency and depth resolution varied by parameter. The dataset is organized into separate Excel files for each variable.