bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain network connectivity underlying remission in early psychosis: a whole brain model approach
Authors: Mana Ludovica , López-González Ane , Alemán-Gómez Yasser , Baumann Philipp S. , Jenni Raoul , Alameda Luis , Abrahamyan Empson Lilith , Klauser Paul , Conus Philippe , Hagmann Patric , Vila-Vidal Manel , Deco Gustavo
Published: November 2023

Background

Alterations in brain connectivity occur early during psychosis and underlie the clinical manifestations of the illness as well as patient functioning and outcome. After a first episode of psychosis (FEP), different trajectories are possible and best described by the clinical-staging model that places the patient along a continuum of conditions: from non-remitting chronic symptoms to full-remission, often followed by relapses. However, little is known about the differences in brain connectivity that could underlie these differences in clinical outcome.

Methods

In this study, we included resting-state fMRI and DSI data from a cohort of 128 healthy controls (HC) and 88 patients with early psychosis (EP) stratified based on their ability to remit after the FEP. In particular we focused on differences between stage IIIb,c remitting-relapsing (EP3R) and stage IIIa non-remitting (EP3NR) patients. We investigated alterations in resting-state functional connectivity (FC), and combined information derived from fMRI and DSI into generative whole-brain models of each condition to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Results

Opposite alterations in FC could be found in patients as compared to HC, depending on their stage. In non-remitting patients (EP3NR), we observed a reduction of FC, aligned with the reduced structural connectivity found in previous studies, while remitting-relapsing patients (EP3R) showed increased FC, potentially indicating a relevant compensatory mechanism. By means of a whole-brain network model, we showed that in HC a subset of areas is characterized by increased stability to prevent an oversynchronisation of the network, while in EP3 patients such property is lost. This alteration was more relevant in the EP3R than in EP3NR patients, probably indicating a compensatory response to the reduced effective conductivity (global coupling) highlighted by the model in both EP3 conditions as compared to controls.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the significance of categorizing patients into subgroups based on the progression of their psychotic disorders, providing insights into the factors contributing to heterogeneity in functional alterations. They enhance our understanding of the interplay between structural and functional properties, shedding light on the mechanisms of psychosis emergence, remission and progression, with potential implications for future therapeutic advancements.
Enrichable consortia of microbial symbionts degrade macroalgal polysaccharides inKyphosusfish
Authors: Oliver Aaron , Podell Sheila , Kelly Linda Wegley , Sparagon Wesley J. , Plominsky Alvaro M. , Nelson Robert S. , Laurens Lieve M. L. , Augyte Simona , Sims Neil A. , Nelson Craig E. , Allen Eric E.
Published: November 2023

Coastal herbivorous fishes consume macroalgae, which is then degraded by microbes along their digestive tract. However, there is scarce foundational genomic work on the microbiota that perform this degradation. This study explores the potential ofKyphosusgastrointestinal microbial symbionts to collaboratively degrade and ferment polysaccharides from red, green, and brown macroalgae throughin silicostudy of carbohydrate-active enzyme and sulfatase sequences. Recovery of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) reveals differences in enzymatic capabilities between the major microbial taxa inKyphosusguts. The most versatile of the recovered MAGs were from the Bacteroidota phylum, whose MAGs house enzymes able to decompose a variety of algal polysaccharides. Unique enzymes and predicted degradative capacities of genomes from theBacillota(genusVallitalea) andVerrucomicrobiota(order Kiritimatiellales) suggest the potential for microbial transfer between marine sediment andKyphosusdigestive tracts. Few genomes contain the required enzymes to fully degrade any complex sulfated algal polysaccharide alone. The distribution of suitable enzymes between MAGs originating from different taxa, along with the widespread detection of signal peptides in candidate enzymes, is consistent with cooperative extracellular degradation of these carbohydrates. This study leverages genomic evidence to reveal an untapped diversity at the enzyme and strain level amongKyphosussymbionts and their contributions to macroalgae decomposition. Bioreactor enrichments provide a genomic foundation for degradative and fermentative processes central to translating the knowledge gained from this system to the aquaculture and bioenergy sectors.

Importance

Seaweed has long been considered a promising source of sustainable biomass for bioenergy and aquaculture feed, but scalable industrial methods for decomposing terrestrial compounds can struggle to break down seaweed polysaccharides efficiently due to their unique sulfated structures. Fish of the genusKyphosusfeed on seaweed by leveraging gastrointestinal bacteria to degrade algal polysaccharides into simple sugars. This study is the first to build genomes for these gastrointestinal bacteria to enhance our understanding of herbivorous fish digestion and fermentation of algal sugars. Investigations at the gene level identifyKyphosusguts as an untapped source of seaweed-degrading enzymes ripe for further characterization. These discoveries set the stage for future work incorporating marine enzymes and microbial communities in the industrial degradation of algal polysaccharides.
Episodic and associative memory from spatial scaffolds in the hippocampus
Authors: Chandra Sarthak , Sharma Sugandha , Chaudhuri Rishidev , Fiete Ila
Published: November 2023

Hippocampal circuits in the brain enable two distinct cognitive functions: the construction of spatial maps for navigation and the storage of sequential episodic memories. This dual role remains an enduring enigma. While there have been advances in modeling spatial representations in the hippocampus, we lack good models of its role in episodic memory. Here we present a neocortical-entorhinal-hippocampal network model that implements a high-capacity general associative memory, spatial memory, and episodic memory by factorizing content storage from the dynamics of generating error-correcting stable states. Unlike existing neural memory models, which exhibit a memory cliff, the circuit (which we call Vector-HaSH, Vector Hippocampal Scaffolded Heteroassociative Memory) exhibits a graceful tradeoff between number of stored items and detail. Next, we show that structured internal scaffold states are essential for constructing episodic memory: they enable high-capacity sequence memorization by abstracting the chaining problem into one of learning low-dimensional transitions. Finally, we show that previously learned spatial sequences in the form of cortico-hippocampal location-landmark associations can in turn be used as larger scaffolds and associated with neocortical inputs for a high-fidelity one-shot memory, providing the first circuit model of the "memory palaces" used in the striking feats of memory athletes.
The human voice aligns with whole-body kinetics
Authors: Pouw Wim , Raphael Werner , Burchardt Lara S. , Selen Luc P.J.
Published: November 2023

Humans often vocalize while concurrently gesturing with their hands. Fluctuations in the intensity and tone of the voice have been shown to synchronize with gestural upper limb movement. This research provides direct evidence that interactions between arm movements and postural muscle activity cause these voicing fluctuations. We show that specific muscles (e.g., pectoralis major, erector spinae), associated with upper limb movement and their postural anticipations, are especially likely to interact with the voice. Adding mass to the upper limb increased this interaction. Ground-reaction forces were also found to relate to postural muscles, and these measurements also directly covaried with fluctuations in the voice during some movement conditions. These results show that the voice co-patterns with whole-body kinetics, i.e. forces. We thereby go beyond kinematic analyses in studying interactions between gesturing and vocalization, invoking several implications for biomechanical modeling. We conclude that human voicing has evolved in a dynamical interaction with the whole-body motor system.
GPRC5A regulates keratinocyte adhesion and migration through nuclear translocation of its C-terminus region
Authors: Chanteloube Sarah , Ya Choua , Provost Gabrielle Le , Berthier Aurore , Dieryckx Cindy , Goff Sandrine Vadon-Le , Nadal Florence , Fromy Bérengère , Debret Romain
Published: November 2023

G-Protein Coupled Receptor, Class C, Group 5, Member A (GPRC5A) is well-documented in lung and various epithelial cancers. However, its role in the skin remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the function of this receptor in skin biology and our research demonstrated that its expression responds to mechanical substrate changes in human primary keratinocytes. Furthermore, we observed GPRC5A reinduction during wound healing at the leading edges in anex vivoburn model, coinciding with the translocation of its C-terminal region into the nucleus. We identified the cleavage site of GPRC5A by N-TAILS analysis, and cathepsin G was characterized as responsible for proteolysis in cultured cells.

To gain a deeper understanding of GPRC5A’s role in keratinocyte, we performed GPRC5A knockdown in N/TERT-1 cells using short-hairpin RNA. Our findings strongly suggest a close association between GPRC5A and adhesion regulation pathways, but also demonstrate that GPRC5AKDenhanced cell adhesion while reducing cell migration and differentiation. Importantly, these effects were reversed by adding a recombinant polypeptide mimicking the C-terminal region of GPRC5A.

Overall, our study reveals an unexpected role of GPRC5A in regulating keratinocyte behavior, implicating its C-terminal region translocation into the nucleus. These results open up interesting strategic pathways for wound healing.
DNA methylation by CcrM contributes to genome maintenance in theAgrobacterium tumefaciensplant pathogen
Authors: Martin Sandra , Fournes Florian , Ambrosini Giovanna , Iseli Christian , Bojkowska Karolina , Marquis Julien , Guex Nicolas , Collier Justine
Published: November 2023

Thecellcycle-regulated DNAmethyltransferase CcrM is conserved in mostAlphaproteobacteria, but its role in bacteria with complex or multicentric genomes remains unexplored. Here, we compare the methylome, the transcriptome and the phenotypes of wild-type and CcrM-depletedAgrobacterium tumefacienscells with a dicentric genome with two essential replication origins. We find that DNA methylation has a pleiotropic impact on motility, biofilm formation and viability. Remarkably, CcrM promotes the expression of therepABCCh2operon, encoding proteins required for replication initiation/partitioning atori2, and inhibitsgcrA, encoding a conservedglobalcell cycle regulator. Imagingori1andori2in live cells, we show that replication fromori2is often delayed in cells with a hypo-methylated genome, whileori2over-initiates in cells with a hyper-methylated genome. We thus propose that methylation by CcrM stimulates RepABC-dependent chromosomal origins, uncovering a novel and original connection between CcrM-dependent DNA methylation and genome maintenance in anAlphaproteobacterialpathogen.
Allosteric Competition and Inhibition in AMPA Receptors
Authors: Hale W. Dylan , Romero Alejandra Montaño , Gonzalez Cuauhtemoc U. , Jayaraman Vasanthi , Lau Albert Y. , Huganir Richard L. , Twomey Edward C.
Published: November 2023

Excitatory neurotransmission is principally mediated by AMPA-subtype ionotropic glutamate receptors (AMPARs). Dysregulation of AMPARs is the cause of many neurological disorders and how therapeutic candidates such as negative allosteric modulators inhibit AMPARs is unclear. Here, we show that non-competitive inhibition desensitizes AMPARs to activation and prevents positive allosteric modulation. We dissected the noncompetitive inhibition mechanism of action by capturing AMPARs bound to glutamate and the prototypical negative allosteric modulator, GYKI-52466, with cryo-electron microscopy. Noncompetitive inhibition by GYKI-52466, which binds in the transmembrane collar region surrounding the ion channel, negatively modulates AMPARs by decoupling glutamate binding in the ligand binding domain from the ion channel. Furthermore, during allosteric competition between negative and positive modulators, negative allosteric modulation by GKYI-52466 outcompetes positive allosteric modulators to control AMPAR function. Our data provide a new framework for understanding allostery of AMPARs and foundations for rational design of therapeutics targeting AMPARs in neurological diseases.
Structure of Transmembrane AMPA Receptor Regulatory Protein Subunit γ2
Authors: Hale W. Dylan , Romero Alejandra Montaño , Huganir Richard L. , Twomey Edward C.
Published: November 2023

Transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs) are claudin-like proteins that tightly regulate AMPA receptors (AMPARs) and are fundamental for excitatory neurotransmission. We used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to reconstruct the 36 kDa TARP subunit γ2 to 2.3 Å and reveal the structural diversity of TARPs. Our data reveals critical motifs that distinguish TARPs from claudins and define how sequence variations within TARPs differentiate subfamilies and their regulation of AMPARs.
Competition for shared resources increases dependence on initial population size during coalescence of gut microbial communities
Authors: Goldman Doran A. , Xue Katherine S. , Parrott Autumn B. , Jeeda Rashi R. , Franzese Lauryn R. , Lopez Jaime G. , Vila Jean C. C. , Petrov Dmitri A. , Good Benjamin H. , Relman David A. , Huang Kerwyn Casey
Published: November 2023

The long-term success of introduced populations depends on their initial size and ability to compete against existing residents, but it remains unclear how these factors collectively shape colonization. Here, we investigate how initial population (propagule) size and resource competition interact during community coalescence by systematically mixing eight pairs ofin vitromicrobial communities at ratios that vary over six orders of magnitude, and we compare our results to a neutral ecological model. Although the composition of the resulting co-cultures deviated substantially from neutral expectations, each co-culture contained species whose relative abundance depended on propagule size even after ∼40 generations of growth. Using a consumer-resource model, we show that this dose-dependent colonization can arise when resident and introduced species have high niche overlap and consume shared resources at similar rates. This model predicts that propagule size will have larger, longer-lasting effects in diverse communities in which niche overlap is higher, and we experimentally confirm that strain isolates show stronger dose dependence when introduced into diverse communities than in pairwise co-culture. This work shows how neutral-like colonization dynamics can emerge from non-neutral resource competition and have lasting effects on the outcomes of community coalescence.
Coevolution-induced stabilizing and destabilizing selection shapes species richness in clade co-diversification
Authors: Zeng Yichao , Hembry David H.
Published: November 2023

Coevolution can occur as a result of species interactions. However, it remains unclear how coevolutionary processes translate into the accumulation of species richness over macroevolutionary timescales. Assuming speciation occurs in a metacommunity as a result of genetic differentiation across communities due to dispersal limitation, we examine the effects of coevolution-induced stabilizing and destabilizing selection of a single quantitative trait on species diversification. We propose and test two hypotheses. (1) Stabilizing selection within communities enhances species diversification through strengthened dispersal limitation. (2) Destabilizing selection within communities impedes species diversification through weakened dispersal limitation. Here, we simulate clade co-diversification using an individual-based model, considering scenarios where phenotypic evolution is shaped by neutral dynamics, mutualistic coevolution, or antagonistic coevolution, where coevolution operates through trait matching or trait difference, and where the strength of coevolutionary selection is symmetrical or asymmetrical. Our assumption that interactions occur between an independent party (whose individuals can establish or persist in a community independently, e.g. hosts) and a dependent party (whose individuals cannot establish or persist in a community without the independent party, e.g. parasites or obligate mutualists) yields two contrasting results. Stabilizing selection within communities enhances species diversification in the dependent clade but not in the independent clade. Conversely, destabilizing selection within communities impedes species diversification in the independent clade but not in the dependent clade. These results are partially corroborated by empirical dispersal data, suggesting that these mechanisms might explain the diversification of some of the most species-rich clades in the Tree of Life.
Assessment of photosynthetic activity in dense microalgae cultures using oxygen production
Authors: Vera-Vives Antoni Mateu , Michelberger Tim , Morosinotto Tomas , Perin Giorgio
Published: November 2023

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms playing a pivotal role in primary production in aquatic ecosystems, sustaining the entry of carbon in the biosphere. Microalgae have also been recognized as sustainable source of biomass to complement crops. For this objective they are cultivated in photobioreactors or ponds at high cell density to maximize biomass productivity and lower the cost of downstream processes.

Photosynthesis depends on light availability, that is often not constant over time. In nature, sunlight fluctuates over diurnal cycles and weather conditions. In high-density microalgae cultures of photobioreactors outdoors, on top of natural variations, microalgae are subjected to further complexity in light exposure. Because of the high-density cells experience self-shading effects that heavily limit light availability in most of the mass culture volume. This limitation strongly affects biomass productivity of industrial microalgae cultivation plants with important implication on economic feasibility.

Understanding how photosynthesis responds to cell density is informative to assess functionality in the inhomogeneous light environment of industrial photobioreactors. In this work we exploited a high-sensitivity Clark electrode to measure microalgae photosynthesis and compare cultures with different densities, usingNannochloropsisas model organism. We observed that cell density has a substantial impact on photosynthetic activity, and demonstrated the reduction of the cell’s light-absorption capacity by genetic modification is a valuable strategy to increase photosynthetic functionality of dense microalgae cultures.

Highlights

Microalgae biomass is a promising alternative to crops.

The impact of cultivation at scale on photosynthesis is still under-investigated.

The Photosynthesis-Irradiance (PI) relationship is informative.

High-sensitivity oxygen measurements for PI investigation was validated.

The effect of cell density on PI was studied inNannochloropsispale mutants.
Molecular simulation of imperfect structure I CO2 hydrate growth in brine
Authors: Fu Ziyi , Jing Xianwu , Zhou Li , Luo Qin , Zhang Pengfei
Published: November 2023

In order to investigate the viability of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in seawater, molecular dynamics techniques were employed to study the dynamic evolution of CO2 hydrate in saline water. The simulation was conducted under specific conditions: a temperature of 275 K, a pressure of 10 MPa and a simulated marine environment achieved using a 3.4 wt% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The total simulation time was 1000 ns. The results of the simulation indicate that the pre-existence of CO2 hydrate crystals as seeds leads to rapid growth of CO2 hydrate. However, analysis of the F3 and F4 order parameters reveals that the hydrate does not meet the standard values of the perfect structure I (sI) type, confirming the existence of an imperfect structure during the simulation. Additionally, the changes in the number of different phase states of water molecules during the hydrate growth process shows that there are always some liquid water molecules, which means some water molecules fail to form solid water cages. Further investigation suggests that the presence of Na+ and Cl− hampers the hydrogen bonds between water molecules, resulting in incomplete cage structures. By analyzing the density variations in the system, it is observed that CO2 hydrate, with a density of around 1.133 g cm−3, forms rapidly, surpassing the average density of seawater. This density increase facilitates the efficient and swift containment of CO2 on the seabed, thereby supporting the feasibility of the CO2 storage theory.
Dynamic multi-attribute grey target group decision model based on quantum-like Bayesian networks
Authors: Zhang Na , Wang Haiyan , Gong Zaiwu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Grey target decision-making serves as a pivotal analytical tool for addressing dynamic multi-attribute group decision-making amidst uncertain information. However, the setting of bull's eye is frequently subjective, and each stage is considered independent of the others. Interference effects between each stage can easily influence one another. To address these challenges effectively, this paper employs quantum probability theory to construct quantum-like Bayesian networks, addressing interference effects in dynamic multi-attribute group decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the bull's eye matrix of the scheme stage is derived based on the principle of group negotiation and maximum satisfaction deviation. Secondly, a nonlinear programming model for stage weight is constructed by using an improved Orness measure constraint to determine the stage weight. Finally, the quantum-like Bayesian network is constructed to explore the interference effect between stages. In this process, the decision of each stage is regarded as a wave function which occurs synchronously, with mutual interference impacting the aggregate result. Finally, the effectiveness and rationality of the model are verified through a public health emergency.

Findings

The research shows that there are interference effects between each stage. Both the dynamic grey target group decision model and the dynamic multi-attribute group decision model based on quantum-like Bayesian network proposed in this paper are scientific and effective. They enhance the flexibility and stability of actual decision-making and provide significant practical value.

Originality/value

To address issues like stage interference effects, subjective bull's eye settings and the absence of participative behavior in decision-making groups, this paper develops a grey target decision model grounded in group negotiation and maximum satisfaction deviation. Furthermore, by integrating the quantum-like Bayesian network model, this paper offers a novel perspective for addressing information fusion and subjective cognitive biases during decision-making.
Healthcare digitalisation and its association with quality and employee health, a mixed-methods study
Authors: Qvarfordt Maria , Lagrosen Stefan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Previous research has identified associations between quality management and employee health. This study's purpose was to (1) examine those associations in a public healthcare organisation and (2) explore and describe the association between digitalisation and employee health.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire including indices to measure quality management values, employee health and digitalisation was answered by 118 managers in Swedish public healthcare. Correlation analysis was used to analyse the data. Based on the survey results, 12 qualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare managers.

Findings

The findings show that employee health is associated with quality management and digitalisation. Categories were defined to describe the managers' views of the relationship between digitalisation and health.

Research limitations/implications

Causality was not explicitly tested and cannot be assumed. However, the results strengthen the body of research showing that quality management is related to employee health, and associations between health and digitalisation were identified.

Practical implications

The findings and model should be helpful for healthcare managers in a digitalising environment who aim to preserve or enhance employee health whilst ensuring high service quality.

Originality/value

The results were used to create an integrated conceptual model depicting the association between quality, digitalisation and health. This association has not previously been studied.
Critical datafication literacy – a framework for educating about datafication
Authors: Sander Ina
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In light of a need for more critical education about datafication, this paper aims to develop a framework for critical datafication literacy that is grounded in theoretical and empirical research. The framework draws upon existing critical data literacies, an in-depth analysis of three well-established educational approaches – media literacy, the German “(politische) Bildung” and Freirean “critical pedagogy” – and empirical analyses of online educational resources about datafication.

Design/methodology/approach

The study interconnects theoretical analyses with an empirical mixed methods investigation that includes expert interviews with creators of online educational resources about datafication and a qualitative survey with educators interested in teaching about data technologies.

Findings

The research identified novel findings on the goals of resource creators and educators, such as a focus on empowering and emancipatory approaches, fostering systemic understanding of datafication and encouraging collective action. Such perspectives are rare in existing critical data literacy conceptualisations but show resemblance to traditional education scholarship. This highlights how much can be learnt from practitioners and from these more established educational approaches. Based on these findings, a framework for critical datafication literacy is suggested that aims for systemic understanding of datafication, encouraging critical thinking and enabling learners to make enlightened choices and take different forms of action.

Originality/value

The study is unique in its interconnection of theoretical and empirical research, and it advances previous research by suggesting a grounded framework for critical datafication literacy.
What drives customers to use virtual fitting rooms? The moderating effect of fashion consciousness
Authors: Zhang Wenkun , Wang Yanan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Despite significant advances in previous work, there are still gaps in the research on customers' acceptance of virtual fitting rooms (VFRs). This research aims to highlight the effects of the characteristics of VFRs on the intention to use.

Design/methodology/approach

Fashionable clothing shoppers in Harmony Shopping Plaza and Ginza Shopping Plaza in Jinan, China, were chosen as the main sample. A total of 304 valid questionnaires were collected using a questionnaire QR code, which was scanned to access the questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test the relevant hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that customers' usage intention (UI) was positively associated with perceived efficiency, design and perceived security. Furthermore, the mediating effects of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were significant between design, vividness and UI.

Originality/value

In contrast to existing research, which focuses primarily on the posterior effects of psychological perception and behavior, this paper focuses on the antecedents of customer psychological perceptions. This study also examines the moderating effect of fashion consciousness, which also provides reference value for future research. The findings of this paper provide practical guidance for the promotion of VFRs.
Moderate size diversity of tree roots has largest effect on the carbon loss in tropical soils
Authors: Chen Deyun , Xia Shangwen , Li Sicheng , Ding Xiaoyue , Zhang Shuting , Chen Hong , Wu Jianping
Published: December 2023

Most studies focused on the above‐ground diversity on leaf litter decomposition and soil respiration in tropical ecosystems, however, the mechanism understanding of root diversity on decomposition is still unclear.

We selected the fine‐roots of 21 dominant tree species from a tropical rainforest in Xishuangbannan, China, then conducted a 360‐day and well‐replicated (21 replications) incubation decomposition experiment with a 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 species gradient of root diversity. The fine‐root mass loss, CO2 release, and their potential drivers were analysed.

The results showed that as fine‐root diversity increased, soil properties, microbial diversity and fungal biomass changed nonlinearly, leading to higher litter mass loss and soil CO2 release in the moderate diversity with 9, 12 and 15 species mixtures. Non‐additive effect analysis also indicated that synergistic effects were greater in these three mixtures than others on soil CO2 release and litter mass loss. The indirect effects of soil properties and microbial communities were larger than the direct effect of fine‐root diversity.

Our findings suggest that fine‐root diversity has nonlinear relationships with litter decomposition and soil CO2 release in tropical forests, thus highlighting the importance of plant diversity due to its role in the carbon cycle under global change scenario.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
For and against climate capitalism
Authors: Webber Sophie
Published: November 2023

This paper starts from the point that our current political‐economic‐climate conjuncture demands new engagements at the dynamic interface of climate capitalism. Using two cases of climate capitalist responses to climate challenges, I demonstrate the reparative potentials that emerge from the tensions and ambiguities that typify that conjuncture. In the first case, I examine financialised climate infrastructure in Jakarta, Indonesia, that promises to protect the city from flooding while enriching city elites, but against which diverse social movements and collectives have organised. The second case is about a cooperative energy provider in Australia, operating on the terrain of a neoliberalised electricity market and climate change, and working towards multifaceted repair by collectivising and redistributing surplus and modelling democratic engagement. Those involved in these vastly different cases both pursue repair and reparations through climate capitalist projects by reckoning with historical and present climate debts while constructing forward‐looking programs. As such, they chart the first steps towards reparative climate futures.
Using artificial intelligence to create diverse and inclusive medical case vignettes for education
Authors: Bakkum Michiel J. , Hartjes Mariëlle G. , Piët Joost D. , Donker Erik M. , Likic Robert , Sanz Emilio , de Ponti Fabrizio , Verdonk Petra , Richir Milan C. , van Agtmael Michiel A. , Tichelaar Jelle
Published: November 2023

Aims

Medical case vignettes play a crucial role in medical education, yet they often fail to authentically represent diverse patients. Moreover, these vignettes tend to oversimplify the complex relationship between patient characteristics and medical conditions, leading to biased and potentially harmful perspectives among students. Displaying aspects of patient diversity, such as ethnicity, in written cases proves challenging. Additionally, creating these cases places a significant burden on teachers in terms of labour and time. Our objective is to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted computer‐generated clinical cases to expedite case creation and enhance diversity, along with AI‐generated patient photographs for more lifelike portrayal.

Methods

In this study, we employed ChatGPT (OpenAI, GPT 3.5) to develop diverse and inclusive medical case vignettes. We evaluated various approaches and identified a set of eight consecutive prompts that can be readily customized to accommodate local contexts and specific assignments. To enhance visual representation, we utilized Adobe Firefly beta for image generation.

Results

Using the described prompts, we consistently generated cases for various assignments, producing sets of 30 cases at a time. We ensured the inclusion of mandatory checks and formatting, completing the process within approximately 60 min per set.

Conclusions

Our approach significantly accelerated case creation and improved diversity, although prioritizing maximum diversity compromised representativeness to some extent. While the optimized prompts are easily reusable, the process itself demands computer skills not all educators possess. To address this, we aim to share all created patients as open educational resources, empowering educators to create cases independently.
Genetic identification of familial hypercholesterolemia within whole genome sequences in 6820 newborns
Authors: Zhou Yingchao , Luo Gang , Zhang Ai , Gao Shuai , Tang Yaqi , Du Zhanhui , Pan Silin
Published: November 2023

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is defined as a monogenic disease, characterized by elevated low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels. FH remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in Chinese. We whole‐genome sequenced 6820 newborns from Qingdao of China to investigate the FH‐related gene (LDLR,APOB,PCSK9) mutation types, carrier ratio and genotype–phenotype correlation. In this study, the prevalence of FH in Qingdao of China was 0.47% (95% CI: 0.32%–0.66%). The plasma lipid levels of FH‐related gene mutation carriers begin to increase as early as infant. T‐CHO and LDL‐C of FH infants was higher by 48.1% (p < 0.001) and 42.9% (p < 0.001) relative to non‐FH infants. A total of 22 FH infants and their parent participate in further studies. The results indicated that FH infant parent noncarriers have the normal plasma lipid level, while T‐CHO and LDL‐C increased in FH infants and FH infant parent carriers, but no difference between the groups. This highlights the importance of genetic factors. In conclusion, the spectrum of FH‐causing mutations in the newborns of Qingdao, China was described for the first time. These data can serve as a considerable dataset for next‐generation sequencing analysis of the Chinese population with FH and potentially helping reform regional policies for early detection and prevention of FH.
Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoproliferative disorder following COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Stephan Carla , Barone Paul , Kim Jeanyoung , Ma Linglei
Published: November 2023

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, COVID‐19 vaccines were administered worldwide. A number of skin reactions, including primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) were reported following COVID‐19 vaccination. We report a case of primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoproliferative disorder (PCMZLPD) secondary to COVID‐19 vaccination. A 57‐year‐old man presented with an erythematous nodule on his left arm at the site of vaccine inoculation following his first dose of the Moderna (mRNA‐1273) vaccine a few weeks prior. The nodule continued to progress in size after the second dose. A skin biopsy specimen of the nodule showed a diffuse dermal infiltrate of small to medium‐sized lymphocytes with plasma cells and histiocytes. The infiltrate was composed of CD3+ T cells with CD20+ and CD79a+ B cells. The neoplastic B cells reacted with BCL‐2 and were negative for BCL‐6 and CD10. Kappa light chain restriction was identified by in situ hybridization. Gene rearrangement studies revealed kappa light chain monoclonality, confirming the diagnosis of PCMZLPD. The temporal association with the Moderna vaccination and the occurrence of the lesion at the inoculation site indicate a COVID‐19 vaccination‐induced PCMZLPD. This is one of the rare cases of PCMZLPD following COVID‐19 vaccination.
Small biochar particles added to coarse sandy subsoil greatly increase water retention and affect hydraulic conductivity
Authors: Bruun E. W. , Ravenni G. , Müller‐Stöver D. , Petersen C. T.
Published: November 2023

Sandy soils can benefit greatly from the addition of biochar, but the benefits depend on the properties of both the soil and the biochar. This study investigated the role of biochar particle size in controlling pore size distribution, hydraulic conductivity and water retention after careful mixing with coarse sandy subsoil. Intact commercial pellets of straw biochar (SB; approx. 8 × 5 mm) and ground pellets separated into 6 size fractions (median diameter 15, 33, 44, 81, 135 and 205 μm) were investigated at two concentrations (1.50 and 3.00 wt%). The results were compared with effects obtained with another feedstock (wood; WB) and another soil. Light microscopy and water retention measurements showed that smaller biochar particles settled into large existing soil pores, creating smaller interstitial pores to a much greater extent than larger particles. Accordingly, small particles (≤44 μm) had large enhancing effects on water retention and hydraulic conductivity in the medium suction range (pF1.7‐pF3.0), which were not found to a similar extent after the addition of larger particles (>81 μm). It was not possible to systematically distinguish the effects obtained with the three smallest particle fractions (SB15, WB18 and SB33). All effects measured were greatest at the highest biochar concentration level. In one soil, amendment with 3.00 wt% of SB15 decreased the fractional volume of drainable pores with an equivalent diameter of ≥60 μm from 31.3 vol% in the control to 19.1 vol%, while increasing the volume of pores in the 0.2–60 μm range that could potentially retain plant‐available water from 8.7 vol% to 20.1 vol%. Hydraulic conductivity at pF1.7 was increased by a factor of 10 (from 2.3 to 22.5 cm/day) and at pF3.0 by a factor of 14 (from 0.1*10−3 to 1.4*10−3 cm/day). Similar effects were observed in the other soil but at slightly different levels. The PDI version of the bimodal van Genuchten model was successfully fitted to measured water retention and log‐transformed hydraulic conductivity data (RMSE values in the interval 0.0011–0.0029 and 0.024–0.215, respectively). Dynamic simulation under variable field conditions including the hydraulic properties of biochar‐amended soil layers could be a useful method to investigate the effects on crop water supply, water and fertilizer utilization and yields.
The effect of allyl isothiocyanate addition on consumers' saltiness perception
Authors: Amyoony Jamal , Gorman Mackenzie , Dabas Tanvi , Moss Rachael , McSweeney Matthew B.
Published: December 2023

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a chemical irritant, through cross‐modal interactions, may impact the human perception of tastes and odours. Currently, new strategies are being explored to reduce the salt content present in foods, without impacting their sensory appeal. AITC may be able to increase the saltiness perception of salt‐reduced foods. As such, the objective was to first determine the detection threshold of AITC, and then evaluate its cross‐modal interaction with saltiness in model solutions and soup. The study included ninty participants. The basic tastes and burning sensation of model solutions were evaluated using general labelled magnitude scales. The soups were evaluated using hedonic and intensity scales, as well as temporal check‐all‐that‐apply (TCATA). The group mean of the individual threshold was 0.123 mg/100 mL. The AITC increased the saltiness perception of the model solutions but also suppressed the sweetness. The AITC also increased the saltiness perception of the soup during both the static and dynamic evaluation, but it also added other flavours to the soup including metallic, bitter and sour. The AITC decreased the overall liking and liking of the soup's flavour.
Ad hoc decisions as latent strategies: How do firms use nonstandard employment contracts?
Authors: Bouwhuis Stef , Pavlopoulos Dimitris , Garnier‐Villarreal Mauricio , Smits Wendy
Published: November 2023

We derive a typology of firms regarding how they use non‐standard contracts, using register data. We find that 58% of firms fit the core‐periphery model. They use non‐standard contracts differently for low‐skilled and high‐skilled employees. The other firms use non‐standard contracts similarly for different groups of employees.
Clinical harm reduction in substance use: An ethics‐oriented primer and critique for hospital‐based providers
Authors: Kontos Nicholas , Rao Vinod
Published: November 2023

Aims and Objectives

Substance use‐targeted harm reduction (HR) has successfully expanded from public health into clinical settings. Hospital‐based providers are in positions to encounter, precipitate and/or mediate ethically fraught situations that can arise around clinical HR‐informed interventions. We examine why these situations occur and how they might be better addressed.

Method

Literature focused on principles, ethics, and clinical implementation of HR are reviewed to identify core elements of this approach. Next, ethical vulnerabilities within those elements are identified and critiqued. A more productive discourse for acknowledging, voicing and addressing ethical dilemmas in HR is sought.

Results

Public health orientation and humane concern for substance users, along with a strong anti‐stigmatization mission and occasional aversion to a rigid medical model and ‘establishment’ contributed to HR's successes but can also frame any dissent over its methods as being stigma‐fuelled. Practically distilled concepts from moral philosophy and the medical humanities can inform good faith discussions based on common‐ground concern for patients.

Conclusion

HR's use in the general hospital and other clinical settings is a positive development, but one that brings with it new ethical demands. Broader knowledge of the principles of HR, of the application of those principles to the hospital setting, and of common‐ground concepts from outside of HR could help facilitate productive ethical engagement around substance‐using patients.
Ascorbic acid encapsulation by complex coacervation of kappa carrageenan and calcium caseinate pretreated by high‐power ultrasound
Authors: Pérez‐Cortés M. , Ruiz‐Espinosa H. , Rojas‐López M. , Amador‐Espejo G. G.
Published: November 2023

Encapsulation by coacervation has received interest in the last few years because of its low cost. Ultrasound (US) processing has proven to be an adequate technology for protein denaturation, increasing coacervation yield. There is a lack of information regarding its effects on encapsulation yield. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of US treatments on calcium caseinate (CaCN)–kappa carrageenan (KC) coacervates and the improvements in encapsulation efficiency (EE) of ascorbic acid (AA). US‐treatments (50% and 100% amplitude, 2 and 4 min) were applied to a 2% CaCN solution. Caseinate solution was mixed with a soy oil–AA (25%) W/O emulsion to form a second emulsion W/O/W. Finally, the second emulsion was employed for complex coacervation with KC (2% solution). The results showed a 10% increase in EE in the US‐treatments, with better stability and release profiles compared to the control. Sonication proved to be effective for coacervation improvement.

Practical Applications

Ultrasound pretreatment of calcium caseinate for coacervation along with kappa carrageenan showed an increase in the coacervation yield. This result was mainly attributed to the structural protein modification obtained after ultrasound (US) treatment. These coacervates can be employed to encapsulate bioactive compounds, such as ascorbic acid (AA), which is one of the most labile vitamins. In this sense, the US application leads to increases in encapsulation efficiency (around 10%) with a better stability and release profile than the capsules without treatment. These results create an opportunity to encapsulate AA and use the capsules in systems with a wide range of pH, increasing the chances of having functional products on the market.
Getting the consistency right in thickened liquids using Viscgo Sticks: A validation study
Authors: Jones Debra , Allsopp Karen , Burden Sorrel
Published: November 2023

Background

Dysphagia is a condition whereby a person's ability to swallow, eat and drink is impacted. One strategy to manage dysphagia and aid safe swallowing is the modification of food and drink, including using thickening agents to thicken drinks. Drinks are thickened to levels appropriate to a person's swallowing abilities and the underutilised ‘syringe flow test’ is currently the recommended method for checking thickness levels. Viscgo Sticks were developed as a practical alternative to the flow test.

Methods

This is a real‐world validation study designed to determine validity and reliability of Viscgo Sticks. Independent researchers and healthcare professionals tested Viscgo Sticks (Viscgo Limited) against the flow test in three levels of thickened drinks. Researchers also conducted tests with different thickening agents and different drink types: water, milk, orange juice and hot tea.

Results

The intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of Viscgo Sticks was moderate to almost perfect (κ = 0.45–0.98) within and between researchers and substantial (κ = 0.66–0.67) within and between healthcare professionals. When tested by researchers and healthcare professionals against the flow test, Viscgo Sticks correctly classified 83.33%–100% of thickened drinks with high accuracy (area under curve = 0.70–1.00).

Conclusions

A simple and reliable tool like Viscgo Sticks, which can verify a prescribed thickness level of liquid, is invaluable in healthcare settings where day‐to‐day drink preparation occurs. Overall, Viscgo Sticks provide a reliable and valid means to test thickened drinks in clinical practice with a few exceptions identified.
Razor sharp: The role of Occam's razor in science
Authors: McFadden Johnjoe
Published: November 2023

Occam's razor—the principle of simplicity—has recently been attacked as a cultural bias without rational foundation. Increasingly, belief in pseudoscience and mysticism is growing. I argue that inclusion of Occam's razor is an essential factor that distinguishes science from superstition and pseudoscience. I also describe how the razor is embedded in Bayesian inference and argue that science is primarily the means to discover the simplest descriptions of our world.