bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human papillomavirus E7 protein induces homologous recombination defects and PARPi sensitivity
Authors: He Siqi , Wang Ao , Wang Jing , Tang Zizhi , Wang Xiaojun , Wang Danqing , Chen Jie , Liu Cong , Zhao Mingcai , Chen Hui , Song Liang
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Cervical cancer is a common gynecological malignancy, pathologically associated with persistent infection of high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Previous studies revealed that HPV-positive cervical cancer displays genomic instability; however, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood.

Methods

To investigate if DNA damage responses are aggravated in precancerous lesions of HPV-positive cervical epithelium, cervical tissues were biopsied and cryosectioned, and subjected to immunofluorescent staining. Cloned HA-tagged E6 and E7 genes of HPV16 subtype were transfected into HEK293T or C33A cells, and indirect immunofluorescent staining was applied to reveal the competency of double strand break (DSB) repair. To test the synthetic lethality of E7-indued HRD and PARP inhibitor (PARPi), we expressed E7 in C33A cells in the presence or absence of olaparib, and evaluated cell viability by colony formation.

Results

In precancerous lesions, endogenous DNA lesions were elevated along with the severity of CIN grade. Expressing high-risk viral factor (E7) in HPV-negative cervical cells did not impair checkpoint activation upon genotoxic insults, but affected the potential of DSB repair, leading to homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Based on this HPV-induced genomic instability, the viability of E7-expressing cells was reduced upon exposure to PARPi in comparison with control cells.

Conclusion

In aggregate, our findings demonstrate that HPV-E7 is a potential driver for genome instability and provides a new angle to understand its role in cancer development. The viral HRD could be employed to target HPV-positive cervical cancer via synthetic lethality.
Begleitsedierung bei Behandlungsverzicht mit Sterbewunsch oder beim Sterbefasten: eine ethische Stellungnahme
Authors: Schöne-Seifert Bettina , Birnbacher Dieter , Dufner Annette , Rauprich Oliver
Published: January 2024

Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit Sedierungen von Patienten am Lebensende. In der Regel werden Sedierungen nur als ultima ratio vorgenommen, wenn die Betroffenen dem Tod bereits nahe sind und Leidenssymptome aufweisen, die anders nicht zu lindern sind. Doch wie sind Fälle zu beurteilen, in denen Patienten sich selbstbestimmt für einen Behandlungs- oder einen Flüssigkeits‑/Nahrungsverzicht entscheiden, um zu sterben, und dafür eine „Begleitsedierung“ erbitten oder erwarten – auch wenn dies aus medizinischer Sicht über eine Anwendung von Sedierung als letztes Mittel hinausgeht? Wir argumentieren hier dafür, dass Zusage wie Anwendung einer Begleitsedierung ethisch und rechtlich nicht nur als ultima ratio, sondern grundsätzlich zulässig sind. Eine klare Verpflichtung zu sedieren sehen wir darüber hinaus bei akutem Leiden jeder Art, während in einigen anderen Konstellationen Vorbehalte individueller Ärzte gegenüber vermeintlich verfrühten oder unnötigen Sedierungen respektiert werden müssen. Vor dem Hintergrund des ethischen und juridischen Grundrechts auf ein selbstbestimmtes Sterben plädieren wir allerdings dafür, auch solche Vorbehalte zu überdenken. Die medizinischen Leitlinien sollten entsprechend überarbeitet werden.
Detector development for particle physics
Authors: Waid Simon , Maier Jürgen , Gaggl Philipp , Gsponer Andreas , Sieberer Patrick , Babeluk Maximilian , Bergauer Thomas
Published: January 2024

In high-energy physics experiments, tracking and vertexing is nowadays mostly done using semiconductor detectors. Among the employed detectors are hybrid pixel sensors, passive sensors and recently also depleted monolithic active pixel sensors (DMAPS), which integrate the particle sensor with front-end electronics. Currently, the dominant material for the production of such sensors is silicon. However, the use of silicon carbide is currently being investigated. In this work we report on our progress on the development of silicon-based DMAPS. Further, we present two approaches for reading out passive silicon carbide detectors at particle rates from the kHz to the GHz range.
Virus-induced brain pathology and the neuroinflammation-inflammation continuum: the neurochemists view
Authors: Sian-Hulsmann Jeswinder , Riederer Peter
Published: January 2024

Fascinatingly, an abundance of recent studies has subscribed to the importance of cytotoxic immune mechanisms that appear to increase the risk/trigger for many progressive neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. Events associated with the neuroinflammatory cascades, such as ageing, immunologic dysfunction, and eventually disruption of the blood–brain barrier and the “cytokine storm”, appear to be orchestrated mainly through the activation of microglial cells and communication with the neurons. The inflammatory processes prompt cellular protein dyshomeostasis. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease share a common feature marked by characteristic pathological hallmarks of abnormal neuronal protein accumulation. These Lewy bodies contain misfolded α-synuclein aggregates in PD or in the case of AD, they are Aβ deposits and tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles. Subsequently, these abnormal protein aggregates further elicit neurotoxic processes and events which contribute to the onset of neurodegeneration and to its progression including aggravation of neuroinflammation. However, there is a caveat for exclusively linking neuroinflammation with neurodegeneration, since it’s highly unlikely that immune dysregulation is the only factor that contributes to the manifestation of many of these neurodegenerative disorders. It is unquestionably a complex interaction with other factors such as genetics, age, and environment. This endorses the “multiple hit hypothesis”. Consequently, if the host has a genetic susceptibility coupled to an age-related weakened immune system, this makes them more susceptible to the virus/bacteria-related infection. This may trigger the onset of chronic cytotoxic neuroinflammatory processes leading to protein dyshomeostasis and accumulation, and finally, these events lead to neuronal destruction. Here, we differentiate “neuroinflammation” and “inflammation” with regard to the involvement of the blood–brain barrier, which seems to be intact in the case of neuroinflammation but defect in the case of inflammation. There is a neuroinflammation-inflammation continuum with regard to virus-induced brain affection. Therefore, we propose a staging of this process, which might be further developed by adding blood- and CSF parameters, their stage-dependent composition and stage-dependent severeness grade. If so, this might be suitable to optimise therapeutic strategies to fight brain neuroinflammation in its beginning and avoid inflammation at all.
Augmented reality for sailing: a comparative study of head stabilized vs boat stabilized visualization data for wind and bearing angle
Authors: Laera Francesco , Foglia Mario Massimo , Fiorentino Michele
Published: January 2024

The wind has been a natural and renewable resource used for professional and recreational maritime transportation of small and large vessels since human history. Sailing is making a comeback due to the growing focus on sustainability, accelerated by the recent global energy crisis. Seafarers rely on wind and bearing angle visualization to navigate efficiently and safely, thanks to the use of sensors and compasses. This paper focuses on Augmented Reality in Head-Mounted Displays visualization of wind and bearing angle data. We analyzed the literature and generated a heatmap of the used areas in the user’s field of view. Second, we designed and implemented two interfaces that use two different visualization techniques: Boat Stabilized (BS) and Head Stabilized (HS). We compared them in between the subject experiment (N = 44), using a simulated Virtual Reality simulator of the sailing scenario. The user’s primary task is wind events recognition, while obstacles (buoys) detection is secondary. We measured both task errors and reaction time, and submit NASA RTLX, SUS, UEQ, and visive auditive and kinesthetic (VAK) questionnaires. We found that BS has a significantly lower reaction time and better usability in the primary and secondary tasks. Both visualization techniques have similar users perceived cognitive load and user experience evaluation. VAK test showed that BS is better for kinaesthetic types and HS is better for visual types.
Migraine chronification as an allostatic disorder: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Calabrò Calogero , Di Tillo Eliana , Pensato Umberto , Zenesini Corrado , Favoni Valentina , Fontana Camilla , Cevoli Sabina , Tossani Eliana , Cortelli Pietro , Grandi Silvana , Pierangeli Giulia
Published: January 2024

Objective

The underpinning biologics of migraine chronification are not well understood. We aim to investigate the role of the cumulative burden of stress, namely the allostatic load, in migraine chronification.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. The allostatic load was measured with a composite multi-system score (BALI: Bologna Allostatic Load Index), evaluating 20 biomarkers representing four physiological systems: immune, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neuroendocrinological systems. BALI score was subdivided into high score and low score based on the distribution in controls. Migraine patients were included and subclassified into low-frequency episodic migraine group (low-EM group), high-frequency episodic migraine group (high-EM group), and chronic migraine group (CM group).

Results

The distribution of BALI high-score increased in parallel with headache attacks monthly frequency: 16% in low-EM group (n = 10), 24% in high-EM group (n = 12), and 40% in CM group (n = 21) (p = 0.017). In a multivariable analysis, the odds ratio of having a high-score BALI in CM patients (vs. low-EM patients) was 2.78 (95% CI 1.07–7.22; p = 0.036). Individual BALI biomarkers values which were significantly different among migraine subgroups included systolic blood pressure (p = 0.018), diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), and heart rate (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Our study substantiates this emerging concept of migraine chronification as an allostatic disorder.
Motion Transition Under Urgent Change of Target Step-stone During Three-Dimensional Biped Walking
Authors: Zhang Runming , Yu Zhangguo , Chen Xuechao , Huang Qiang
Published: January 2024

Controlling a biped robot to walk through rough terrains is crucial to the robot’s field application. For a human in the workplace, the ability to flexibly transfer motion while walking in some urgent circumstances is necessary. Explicitly, the according scenario can be dodging an approaching object or instantly modifying the target place to step on. The function is also important for humanoid robot workers. Therefore, we proposed a walking control framework that achieves three-dimensional (3-D) walking and transfers the whole body motion when the target stepping location is urgently changed. The proposed framework contains a motion planner which outputs the desired center of mass (CoM) and center of pressure (CoP) trajectories in 3-D space and a hierarchical whole body controller (WBC) that outputs corresponding whole body joints’ trajectories. In the motion planner, the CoM jerk for each loop is calculated by the Linear-Quadratic-Tracker (LQT), a variation of the Linear-Quadratic-Regulator (LQR). The LQT coefficients adapt to the adjusted step length, making the desired CoM and CoP trajectories respond flexibly to the change of target step-stone. In WBC, three levels of tasks are defined, which meet dynamic, kinematic, and viable contact constraints, respectively. The optimal joints’ angular accelerations are obtained by exploiting the nullspace of the first two levels tasks and by quadratic programming (QP) for the third-level task. In the simulations, our method is demonstrated to be effective for the robot to transfer the motion under urgent change of the target step-stone.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of encapsulated tea polyphenols in chitosan/alginate-coated zein nanoparticles: a possible supplement against fish pathogens in aquaculture
Authors: Fabrikov Dmitri , Varga Ágnes Timea , García María Carmen Vargas , Bélteky Péter , Kozma Gábor , Kónya Zoltán , López Martínez Josefa L. , Barroso Fernando , Sánchez-Muros María José
Published: January 2024

Regulation of antibiotic use in aquaculture calls for the emergence of more sustainable alternative treatments. Tea polyphenols (GTE), particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have various biological activities. However, tea polyphenols are susceptible to degradation. In this work, EGCG and GTE were encapsulated in zein nanoparticles (ZNP) stabilized with alginate (ALG) and chitosan (CS) to reduce the degradation effect. ALG-coated ZNP and ALG/CS-coated ZNP encapsulating EGCG or GTE were obtained with a hydrodynamic size of less than 300 nm, an absolute ζ-potential value >30 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency greater than 75%. The antioxidant capacity of the encapsulated substances, although lower than that of the free ones, maintained high levels. On the other hand, the evaluation of antimicrobial activity showed greater efficiency in terms of growth inhibition for ALG/CS-ZNP formulations, with average overall values of around 60%, reaching an inhibition of more than 90% for Photobacterium damselae. These results support encapsulation as a good strategy for tea polyphenols, as it allows maintaining significant levels of antioxidant activity and increasing the potential for antimicrobial activity, in addition to increasing protection against sources of degradation.
Potential Issues in Mandating a Disclosure of Institutional Investigation in Retraction Notices
Authors: Tang Bor Luen
Published: January 2024

A retraction notice is a formal announcement for the removal of a paper from the literature, which is a weighty matter. Xu et al. (Science and Engineering Ethics, 29(4), 25 2023) reported that 73.7% of retraction notices indexed by the Web of Science (1927–2019) provided no information about institutional investigations that may have led to the retractions, and recommended that Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) retraction guidelines should make it mandatory to disclose institutional investigations leading to retractions in such notices. While this recommendation would add to the transparency of the retraction process, a blanket mandate as such could be potentially problematic. For research misconduct (RM)-positive cases, a mandatory investigative disclosure may be abused by some to deflect responsibility. More importantly, a mandatory disclosure could harm authors and institutions in RM-negative cases (i.e. those stemming from honest errors with no misconduct). I illustrate with case vignettes the potential epistemic injustice and confusion that a mandate for investigation disclosure in retraction notices could incur, and suggest a more nuanced approach to its implementation.
Chitosan-loaded piperlongumine nanoparticles and kaempferol enhance the anti-cancer action of doxorubicin in targeting of Ehrlich solid adenocarcinoma: in vivo and in silico modeling study
Authors: Ibrahim Fawziya A. R. , Hussein Neveen A. , Soliman Aisha Y. M. , shalaby Thanaa I. , Rashad Mona M. , Matar Noura A. , El-Sewedy Tarek S.
Published: January 2024

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic drug that generates free radical-induced toxicities. Natural agents are used to potentiate or ameliorate the toxicity of chemotherapy. None of the studies investigating whether antioxidants or prooxidants should be used with chemotherapy have addressed their efficacy in the same study. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential synergy between doxorubicin and two natural rarely in vivo studied anticancer agents; the antioxidant “Kaempferol” and prooxidant “Piperlongumine” in Ehrlich tumor mice model. 77 albino mice were divided into 11 groups; Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells were injected intramuscularly to develop solid tumors. After 14 days, intratumoral injections of single or combinations of free or Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin, Piperlongumine, and Kaempferol were performed. Tumor Characterization of nanoparticles was measured, tumors were histopathologically examined and evaluation of expression for cancer-related genes by real-time PCR. In silico molecular docking was performed to uncover potential novel targets for Piperlongumine and Kaempferol. Despite receiving half of the overall dose compared to the free drugs, the combined doxorubicin/ piperlongumine-chitosan nanoparticles treatment was the most efficient in reducing tumor volume; down-regulating Cyclin D1, and BCL2; as well as the Beclin-1, and Cyclophilin A genes modulating growth, apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis, respectively; up-regulating the Glutathione peroxidase expression as a defense mechanism protecting from oxidative damage. When combined with doxorubicin, Kaempferol and Piperlongumine were effective against Ehrlich solid tumors. However, the combination with the Piperlongumine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles significantly enhanced its anticancer effect compared to the Kaempferol or the same free compounds.
HCMV IE1/IE1mut Therapeutic Vaccine Induces Tumor Regression via Intratumoral Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Formation and Peripheral Immunity Activation in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Jiang Shasha , Liu Fengjun , Li Zonghui , Liu Wenxuan , Zhang Xianjuan , Nan Fulong , Li Jun , Yu Meng , Wang Yunyang , Wang Bin
Published: January 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly malignant invasive brain tumor, is associated with poor prognosis and survival and lacks an effective cure. High expression of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) immediate early protein 1 (IE1) in GBM tissues is strongly associated with their malignant progression, presenting a novel target for therapeutic strategies. Here, the bioluminescence imaging technology revealed remarkable tumor shrinkage and improved survival rates in a mouse glioma model treated with HCMV IE1/IE1mut vaccine. In addition, immunofluorescence data demonstrated that the treated group exhibited significantly more and larger tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) than the untreated group. The presence of TLS was associated with enhanced T cell infiltration, and a large number of proliferating T cells were found in the treated group. Furthermore, the flow cytometry results showed that in the treatment group, cytotoxic T lymphocytes exhibited partial polarization toward effector memory T cells and were activated to play a lethal role in the peripheral immunological organs. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of B cells in the draining lymph nodes expressed CD40 and CD86. Surprisingly, quantitative polymerase chain reaction indicated that a high expression of cytokines, including chemokines in brain tumors and immune tissues, induced the differentiation, development, and chemokine migration of immune cells in the treated group. Our study data demonstrate that IE1 or IE1mut vaccination has a favorable effect in glioma mice models. This study holds substantial implications for identifying new and effective therapeutic targets within GBM.
Acute myeloid leukemia patient with active disseminated tuberculosis bridged to transplant with reduced 14-day venetoclax and azacitidine schedule
Authors: Lentner Theresa , Krajnik Gerhard
Published: January 2024

A 59-year-old female patient was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and tuberculosis. As a further complication, she developed idiopathic bowel perforation. Her infectious and intestinal situation demanded shorter periods of neutropenia and did not permit a high-dose, curative therapy regimen. Moreover, simultaneous administration of venetoclax and antitubercular therapy with rifampicin causes CYP3A4 interactions and thereby higher levels of toxicity. She was treated with a shortened, 14-day therapy regimen with azacitidine and venetoclax as antileukemic treatment together with ethambutol, pyrazinamide, isoniazid, and rifampicin as antitubercular therapy, which resulted in a complete remission and to an improvement of the tuberculosis without any greater toxicity or other adverse events.
Autistic traits, sensory sensitivity and eating disturbances in a sample of young adults referring to a generalized mental health clinic
Authors: Nisticò Veronica , Ingrosso Gianmarco , Lombardi Francesco , Chiudinelli Elia , Bianchini Giulia , Faggioli Raffaella , Bertani Angelo , Gambini Orsola , Demartini Benedetta
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The relationship between autistic traits and eating disturbances has been given considerable attention over the last decades. The rise of a dimensional approach to psychopathology has expanded the way we think about autism, acknowledging that subthreshold autistic manifestations span across the general population and are more pronounced in psychiatric patients. Here we investigated the prevalence of eating disorders and its potential relationship with autistic traits and sensory sensitivity in a group of patients who were referred for the first time to a mental health outpatient clinic, without a formal diagnosis yet.

Methods

259 young adults (between 18 and 24 years old) completed: the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), the Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (SWEAA), the Autism Quotient (AQ), the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), and the Sensory Perception Quotient—Short Form 35 item (SPQ-SF35).

Results

23.55% of participants scored above the cut-off at the EAT-26, suggesting that they presented a risk for eating disorders and should be assessed by a specialized clinician; associations emerged between hypersensitivity in the touch and vision domain and both the EAT-26 and the SWEAA; the presence of autistic traits was largely associated with eating disturbances.

Conclusions

This study underlines the significance of the eating domain as a central psychopathological feature in the distress experienced by young adults with general psychiatric symptoms and psychological suffering; it adds evidence to the association between autistic traits and eating disorders and opens to new research questions about the role of subthreshold autistic traits in general psychopathology.

Level of evidence: Level I: Evidence obtained from experimental studies.
Overlapping Training and Roles: An Exploration of the State of Interprofessional Practice between Behavior Analysts and School Psychologists
Authors: Snyder Sara M. , Huber Heartley , Hornsby Tiffany , Leventhal Brian
Published: January 2024

Board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) working in the schools often are charged with supporting students with and without disabilities who engage in challenging behavior. Meeting the unique needs of these students often requires a collaborative approach with other school-based professionals. We specifically sought to understand how behavior analysts engage in interprofessional collaboration with school psychologists (SPs), professionals who also have training to support students who engage in challenging behavior. We disseminated a survey across the United States targeting school-based BCBAs and SPs to further understand how their training and job responsibilities overlap. We also asked respondents about the extent to which they collaborate with the other professionals, modes of their collaboration, and barriers and facilitators in effective collaboration. Our findings in this exploratory study indicate BCBAs’ and SPs’ training and responsibilities do indeed overlap in relevant areas. Roles diverge in the frequency each professional participates in common educational and behavioral practices. Both groups report similar barriers when engaging in interprofessional collaboration, although BCBAs are more likely to report differing philosophies as a barrier. For both groups, findings suggest that BCBAs and SPs can find common ground if their professional colleagues indicate that they also value collaboration. Recommendations for future research and study limitations are also discussed.
Evaluation of sintered bauxite proppant for binary enhanced geothermal systems
Authors: KC Bijay , Ghazanfari Ehsan , McLennan John , Frash Luke P. , Meng Meng
Published: January 2024

Solid granular proppant particles are widely used in oil and gas development to sustain permeability through fractures after hydraulic stimulation. Similar proppants are of interest for geothermal applications where the goal of sustaining permeability is the same, but the harsh geothermal environment risks rapid proppant degradation that will reduce fracture permeability. Here, we present proppant conductivity experiments using saw cut granite, tensile fractured granite, and aluminum control specimens packed with sintered bauxite ceramic proppants at concentrations of 0.0, 0.1, and 1.0 kg/m2. Simulated geothermal conditions included temperatures up to 130 °C and normal closure stresses up to 60 MPa. Compared to unpropped specimens, peak fracture conductivity enhancement was up to 6 orders of magnitude. At simulated geothermal conditions, proppants were able to sustain fracture conductivity over 60 h, but chemical dissolution and decreasing permeability over time were evident. Irreversible conductivity reductions with crushing and embedment of proppants during loading stages were also observed. Overall, sintered bauxite proppant remains a promising option for low-temperature binary-cycle enhanced geothermal systems.
Instability mechanism and control technology of soft rock roadways affected by mining in karst mountain area
Authors: Ma Zhenqian , Zheng Hanghang , Zhang Dongyue , Zhou Lang , Cao Juncai , Liang Xuchao , Chen Chuan
Published: January 2024

The deformation and damage of soft rock roadways in karst mountainous area is serious, which greatly restricts the safe and efficient mining of coal resources. To explore the instability mechanism of soft rock roadway under the influence of mining, the 226 rail cross-cut of Shanjiaoshu Coal Mine in China was taken as an engineering background. The methods of field monitoring and drilling imaging were adopted to analyze the roadway failure characteristics. In addition, the distributions of the plastic zone, surface displacement, and fracture fractal evolution characteristics of the surrounding rock for different stress wave peak and stress wave frequency are compared and analyzed using UDEC software. Then, the combined support scheme of “secondary strong bolting and grouting” is proposed to control the severe deformation of the roadway. The primary support mainly adopts short hollow grouting anchor cable to strengthen the shallow broken surrounding rock within 0–3 m. The secondary reinforced support adopts long hollow grouting anchor cable or constant resistance large deformation anchor cable to fully mobilize the bearing capacity of deep surrounding rock and to ensure the long-term stability of the roadway. On-site monitoring showed that the scheme could effectively control the severe deformation of the roadway, which also provided a reference for other similar roadway support.
A unique subseafloor microbiosphere in the Mariana Trench driven by episodic sedimentation
Authors: Liu Jiwen , Li Da-Wei , He Xinxin , Liu Ronghua , Cheng Haojin , Su Chenglong , Chen Mengna , Wang Yonghong , Zhao Zhongsheng , Xu Hanyue , Cheng Zhangyu , Wang Zicheng , Pedentchouk Nikolai , Lea-Smith David J. , Todd Jonathan D. , Liu Xiaoshou , Zhao Meixun , Zhang Xiao-Hua
Published: January 2024

Hadal trenches are characterized by enhanced and infrequent high-rate episodic sedimentation events that likely introduce not only labile organic carbon and key nutrients but also new microbes that significantly alter the subseafloor microbiosphere. Currently, the role of high-rate episodic sedimentation in controlling the composition of the hadal subseafloor microbiosphere is unknown. Here, analyses of carbon isotope composition in a ~ 750 cm long sediment core from the Challenger Deep revealed noncontinuous deposition, with anomalous 14C ages likely caused by seismically driven mass transport and the funneling effect of trench geomorphology. Microbial community composition and diverse enzyme activities in the upper ~ 27 cm differed from those at lower depths, probably due to sudden sediment deposition and differences in redox condition and organic matter availability. At lower depths, microbial population numbers, and composition remained relatively constant, except at some discrete depths with altered enzyme activity and microbial phyla abundance, possibly due to additional sudden sedimentation events of different magnitude. Evidence is provided of a unique role for high-rate episodic sedimentation events in controlling the subsurface microbiosphere in Earth’s deepest ocean floor and highlight the need to perform thorough analysis over a large depth range to characterize hadal benthic populations. Such depositional processes are likely crucial in shaping deep-water geochemical environments and thereby the deep subseafloor biosphere.
Greenhouse gas levels (CH4 and CO2) in Lagos state and Oyo state, Nigeria
Authors: Faraday Ediagbonya Thompson , Oluwabunmi Olabiyi Abosede
Published: January 2024

The proliferation of greenhouse gases has emerged as a grave menace to humanity. According to scientists, the concentration of these gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, is directly linked to the rapid pace of global warming and climate change. To investigate this matter, a study was conducted utilizing a portable gas detector to measure the levels of carbon dioxide and methane in four locations each in Ibadan and Lagos for three months. Readings were collected at each sampling site three times, with each collection period lasting 5 to 15 min. These readings were taken at intervals of 2 to 3 h over a period of 3 months, while also exploring their correlation with meteorological parameters (Temperature, wind speed and relative humidity). Farms, airports, residential areas, and dump sites were deliberately selected due to their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The study yielded the following mean concentrations of CO2 in Lagos: 717.67 ppm in Residential Areas, 751.78 ppm in Farmland, 743.78 ppm at the Airport, and 732.56 ppm at the Dumpsite. Similarly, the mean concentrations of CH4 were 0.14 ppm, 0.30 ppm, 0.36 ppm, and 0.45 ppm, respectively. In Ibadan, the average CO2 concentrations were 676.44 ppm in residential areas, 765.11 ppm in farms, 653.33 ppm at the airport, and 683.67 ppm at the dump site. The average CH4 concentrations were 0.08 ppm, 0.32 ppm, 0.43 ppm, and 0.30 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, significant relationships between CO2 and CH4 with meteorological parameters were observed, with R2 values of 0.200 for CO2 in Ibadan, 0.08 for CO2 in Lagos, 0.56 for CH4 in Ibadan, and 0.35 for CH4 in Lagos. Cities, farms, airports, and landfills are responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions. The massive release of CO2 and CH4 has resulted in profound impacts and consequences that fuel climate change. This research provides valuable insights into the issue, consequences, and mitigation strategies pertaining to the reduction and regulation of CO2 and CH4 emissions in Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria.
miniSCIDOM: a scintillator-based tomograph for volumetric dose reconstruction of single laser-driven proton bunches
Authors: Corvino A. , Reimold M. , Beyreuther E. , Brack F.-E. , Kroll F. , Pawelke J. , Schilz J. D. , Schneider M. , Schramm U. , Umlandt M. E. P. , Zeil K. , Ziegler T. , Metzkes-Ng J.
Published: January 2024

Laser plasma accelerators (LPAs) enable the generation of intense and short proton bunches on a micrometre scale, thus offering new experimental capabilities to research fields such as ultra-high dose rate radiobiology or material analysis. Being spectrally broadband, laser-accelerated proton bunches allow for tailored volumetric dose deposition in a sample via single bunches to excite or probe specific sample properties. The rising number of such experiments indicates a need for diagnostics providing spatially resolved characterization of dose distributions with volumes of approximately 1 cm

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for single proton bunches to allow for fast online feedback. Here we present the scintillator-based miniSCIDOM detector for online single-bunch tomographic reconstruction of dose distributions in volumes of up to approximately 1 cm

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. The detector achieves a spatial resolution below 500

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m and a sensitivity of 100 mGy. The detector performance is tested at a proton therapy cyclotron and an LPA proton source. The experiments’ primary focus is the characterization of the scintillator’s ionization quenching behaviour.
The importance of Righi–Leduc heat flux to the ablative Rayleigh–Taylor instability during a laser irradiating targets
Authors: Cui Ye , Yang Xiao-Hu , Ma Yan-Yun , Zhang Guo-Bo , Xu Bi-Hao , Chen Ze-Hao , Li Ze , Shao Fu-Qiu , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2024

The Righi–Leduc heat flux generated by the self-generated magnetic field in the ablative Rayleigh–Taylor instability driven by a laser irradiating thin targets is studied through two-dimensional extended-magnetohydrodynamic simulations. The perturbation structure gets into a low magnetization state though the peak strength of the self-generated magnetic field could reach hundreds of teslas. The Righi–Leduc effect plays an essential impact both in the linear and nonlinear stages, and it deflects the total heat flux towards the spike base. Compared to the case without the self-generated magnetic field included, less heat flux is concentrated at the spike tip, finally mitigating the ablative stabilization and leading to an increase in the velocity of the spike tip. It is shown that the linear growth rate is increased by about 10% and the amplitude during the nonlinear stage is increased by even more than 10% due to the feedback of the magnetic field, respectively. Our results reveal the importance of Righi–Leduc heat flux to the growth of the instability and promote deep understanding of the instability evolution together with the self-generated magnetic field, especially during the acceleration stage in inertial confinement fusion.
Viscosity-modulated clustering of heated bidispersed particles in a turbulent gas
Authors: Saieed Ahmed , Hickey Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2024

Clustering of externally and evenly heated particles is enhanced by the increased viscosity of heated fluid in the vicinity of these clusters – a phenomenon known as viscous capturing (VC). Herein we study, via direct numerical simulations of decaying turbulence, the effect of temperature-driven viscosity on clustering with different particle loading densities. We employ a two-way momentum and energy coupling, and gas viscosity is modelled by a power law to understand the role of the increased drag and particle back-reaction force on the clustering intensity. For the continuum and dispersed phases, Eulerian and Lagrangian point particle schemes have been used, neglecting inter-particle collisions. We found that the enhanced viscosity-driven clustering is a strong function of particle loading density, as the increase in particle number density enables the formation of large uneven clusters before heating, which is the main condition for VC to take effect. Higher number density should result in greater turbulence modulation and negate local temperature-based viscous effects leading to VC. However, due to higher local particle number density in the clusters and interphase heat transfer, increased drag force prevails in such cases and delivers excessive clustering. By sampling conditionally the particle velocity and temperature inside the clusters, it is found that the thermodynamic and kinematic properties of the particles in the clusters are highly correlated, and this correlation increases with the particle loading density. Therefore, based on the particle number density, temperature-based viscosity can enhance considerably the clustering of heated particles and alter the effect of particles on the underlying turbulence.
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) supplementation relieves symptoms and inflammation among COVID-19 positive adults: a single-blind randomized trial
Authors: Angeles-Agdeppa Imelda , Nacis Jacus S. , Dayrit Fabian M. , Tanda Keith V.
Published: January 2024

A clinical study conducted in 2020 showed that virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been found effective in the rapid relief of COVID-19 symptoms and normalization of the C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration among probable and suspected cases of COVID-19. This present study aimed to validate those results and to evaluate the effects of VCO among COVID-19 patients through a 28-day randomized, single-blind trial conducted among 76 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain report)-confirmed adults, with VCO given as a COVID-19 adjunct therapy. The results showed that VCO recipients were free from symptoms and had normal CRP concentrations by day 14. In comparison, participants in the control group reported relief from signs and symptoms on day 23, with normal CRP concentrations on day 25. This second study bolsters the use of VCO as an effective adjunct therapy for COVID-19-positive patients showing mild-to-moderate symptoms.
Dimensions of Local Authority: Mapping Local Political Institutions in Canada's Cities
Authors: Horak Martin , Kurs Charlotte , Taylor Zack
Published: January 2024

Our knowledge of the institutional features of local government in Canadian cities is surprisingly fragmentary. The academic literature has long identified dominant tendencies in Canadian local institutions, but systematic empirical data has been missing. In this article, we address this gap in knowledge in two ways. We introduce the Canadian Municipal Attributes Portal (CMAP), a new open-access database that contains information on dozens of institutional features of local government for nearly 100 of the most populous municipalities in Canada. We then propose a new multidimensional index of authority concentration, which is designed to capture variation in the local structure of decision-making authority in a systematic and nuanced manner. We apply this index to a systematic pan-Canadian subsample of 65 CMAP municipalities. The result is a rich portrait of institutional variety, one that both corroborates and substantially extends our current understanding of the shape of municipal institutions in Canadian cities.
Alice or Bob?: Process polymorphism in choreographies
Authors: GRAVERSEN EVA , HIRSCH ANDREW K. , MONTESI FABRIZIO
Published: January 2024

We present PolyChor

$\lambda$

, a language for higher-order functional choreographic programming—an emerging paradigm for concurrent programming. In choreographic programming, programmers write the desired cooperative behaviour of a system of processes and then compile it into an implementation for each process, a translation called endpoint projection. Unlike its predecessor, Chor

$\lambda$

, PolyChor

$\lambda$

has both type and process polymorphism inspired by System F

$_\omega$

. That is, PolyChor

$\lambda$

is the first (higher-order) functional choreographic language which gives programmers the ability to write generic choreographies and determine the participants at runtime. This novel combination of features also allows PolyChor

$\lambda$

processes to communicate distributed values, leading to a new and intuitive way to write delegation. While some of the functional features of PolyChor

$\lambda$

give it a weaker correspondence between the semantics of choreographies and their endpoint-projected concurrent systems than some other choreographic languages, we still get the hallmark end result of choreographic programming: projected programmes are deadlock-free by design.
Measuring Anxiety Symptoms – Psychometric Properties of the Dutch Version of the Lehrer–Woolfolk Anxiety Scale Questionnaire
Authors: Peerbooms Vivian , Michael van den Boogaard Th. , Melchior Kim , Jongerling Joran , van der Heiden Colin
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Introduction: The Lehrer–Woolfolk Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (LWASQ) is a self-report questionnaire based on the tripartite model of Lang (1971) for measuring treatment progress. However, so far little is known about its psychometric qualities. Two studies were conducted to get more clarity on the factor structure and reliability of the LWASQ. Method: Factor structure and internal consistency of the LWASQ were assessed using a sample of 2,117 patients with anxiety disorders. Test–retest reliability was measured with a three-week interval, using a sample of 49 people in a general population. We aimed to measure construct validity with a third sample of patients with anxiety disorders, but were not able to due to a small sample size. Results: Factor analysis confirmed the three known factors of the LWASQ, i.e., somatic complaints, cognitive problems, and behavioral complaints. Both internal consistency for all three subscales ( r = .852–.927) and test–retest reliability were found to be good ( r = .88). Conclusion: Psychometric properties of the LWASQ are promising, but further validation is needed to draw more definitive conclusions regarding its usefulness in a clinical population.
Modulation of Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation on Wintertime Variability of Intraseasonal 2‐m Temperature Over Northern Eurasia and Its Potential Impact on Subseasonal Prediction in China
Authors: Xie Xinrui , Wu Jiye , Luo Jing‐Jia , Xu Jianxiang , Yan Huiping
Published: January 2024

The mid‐high latitude intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) has remarkable impacts on the Northern Hemisphere. However, the interannual variance of the mid‐high latitude ISO and its underlying mechanism are rarely explored. Here, we find that the tropical stratospheric Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) has notable impacts. A statistically significant contrast in the interannual variability of intraseasonal 2‐m temperature (T2m) over northern Eurasia is detected between the easterly (EQBO) and westerly (WQBO) QBO phase. The influence of the QBO could be attributed to the interactions of ISO perturbation and QBO‐related winter‐mean flow. Specifically, the ISO perturbation is more efficient in extracting kinetic and potential energy from the winter‐mean flow in EQBO. Additionally, the northern Eurasia ISO propagates southeastward and exert effects on China. Due to this, the subseasonal forecast system of NUIST (NUIST CFS1.1) displays higher skill in predicting the T2m in China during EQBO phase at 3, 4, and 5 pentads in advance.
Delayed Recovery of the Irminger Interior From Cooling in 2015 Due To Widespread Buoyancy Loss and Suppressed Restratification
Authors: Nelson Monica , Straneo Fiamma , Purkey Sarah G. , de Jong Marieke Femke
Published: January 2024

Watermass transformation in the Irminger Sea, a key region for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, is influenced by atmospheric and oceanic variability. Strong wintertime atmospheric forcing in 2015 resulted in enhanced convection and the densification of the Irminger Sea. Deep convection persisted until 2018, even though winters following 2015 were mild. We show that this behavior can be attributed to an initially slow convergence of buoyancy, followed by more rapid convergence of buoyancy. This two‐stage recovery, in turn, is consistent with restratification driven by baroclinic instability of the Irminger Current (IC), that flows around the basin. The initial, slow restratification resulted from the weak horizontal density gradients created by the widespread 2015 atmospheric heat loss. Faster restratification occurred once the IC recovered. This mechanism explains the delayed recovery of the Irminger Sea following a single extreme winter and has implications for the ventilation and overturning that occurs in the basin.
Identification of Rainfall Events and Heavy Rainfall Events From Radar Measurements in Southeastern Australia
Authors: Bowden Annabel J. , Jakob Christian , Soderholm Joshua
Published: January 2024

Radar data can be of significant utility in investigating characteristics of rainfall events that cannot be studied with rain gauges alone. The recent establishment of a long‐term, quality‐controlled data set covering most of the radars on the Australian continent enables a deeper characterization of rainfall, including heavy rainfall events. This study develops a methodology to identify and characterize rainfall events from radar data and tests its utility by applying it to the regions surrounding the major cities of Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. The event characteristics studied include rainfall accumulation and intensity, event duration and spatial extent, and the contribution convective areas make to the overall event rainfall. Rainfall events in Brisbane and Sydney are found to be more intense, more convective, and smaller in extent whilst producing larger rainfall accumulations than Melbourne rainfall events. Rainfall event duration and total accumulated rainfall are strongly positively correlated, as are the overall event intensity and the intensity of convective rainfall. The events that produce the largest rainfall accumulations exhibit significant differences from the events that produce the highest rainfall intensities. Overall, the study demonstrates that long‐term radar data sets in Australia provide an invaluable and rich source to study rainfall characteristics in a variety of regions at a high spatial and temporal resolution.
Permafrost Degradation Risk Evaluation in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau Under Climate Change Based on Machine Learning Models
Authors: Zhang Mingyi , Li Renwei , Pei Wansheng , Zhou Yanqiao , Li Guanji , Yang Sheng
Published: January 2024

Permafrost in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) is sensitive to climate warming, but the associated degradation risk still lacks accurate evaluation. To address this issue, machine learning (ML) models are established to simulate the mean annual ground temperature (MAGT) and active layer thickness (ALT), and climate data from shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) are prepared for evaluation in the future period. Based on the projections, permafrost is expected to remain relatively stable under the SSP1‐2.6 scenario, and large‐scale permafrost degradation will occur after the 2050s, resulting in area losses of 30.15% (SSP2‐4.5), 58.96% (SSP3‐7.0), and 65.97% (SSP5‐8.5) in the 2090s relative to the modeling period (2006–2018). The average permafrost MAGT (ALT) is predicted to increase by 0.50°C (59 cm), 0.67°C (89 cm), and 0.79°C (97 cm) in the 2090s with respect to the modeling period under the SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0, and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios, respectively. Permafrost in the Qilian Mountains and Three Rivers Source region are fragile and vulnerable to degradation. In the future period, permafrost on the sunny slopes is more prone to degradation and the sunny‐shade slope effect of permafrost distribution will be further enhanced under climate warming. The lower limit of permafrost distribution is expected to rise by about 100 m in the 2050s under the SSP2‐4.5 scenario. These findings can provide valuable insights about future permafrost changes in the QTP.