bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To prove or improve? Examining how paradoxical tensions shape evaluation practices in accreditation contexts
Authors: Onyura Betty , Fisher Abigail J. , Wu Qian , Rajkumar Shrutikaa , Chapagain Sarick , Nassuna Judith , Rojas David , Nirula Latika
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Although programme evaluation is increasingly routinised across the academic health sciences, there is scant research on the factors that shape the scope and quality of evaluation work in health professions education. Our research addresses this gap, by studying how the context in which evaluation is practised influences the type of evaluation that can be conducted. Focusing on the context of accreditation, we critically examine the types of paradoxical tensions that surface as evaluation‐leads consider evaluation ideals or best practices in relation to contextual demands associated with accreditation seeking.

Methods

Our methods were qualitative and situated within a critical realist paradigm. Study participants were 29 individuals with roles requiring responsibility and oversight on evaluation work. They worked across 4 regions, within 26 academic health science institutions. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and analysed using framework and matrix analyses.

Results

We identified three overarching themes: (i) absence of collective coherence about evaluation practice, (ii) disempowerment of expertise and (iii) tensions as routine practice. Examples of these latter tensions in evaluation work included (i) resourcing accreditation versus resourcing robust evaluation strategy (performing paradox), (ii) evaluation designs to secure accreditation versus design to spur renewal and transformation (performing–learning paradox) and (iii) public dissemination of evaluation findings versus restricted or selective access (publicising paradox). Sub‐themes and illustrative data are presented.

Discussion

Our study demonstrates how the high‐stakes context of accreditation seeking surfaces tensions that can risk the quality and credibility of evaluation practices. To mitigate these risks, those who commission or execute evaluation work must be able to identify and reconcile these tensions. We propose strategies that may help optimise the quality of evaluation work alongside accreditation‐seeking efforts. Critically, our research highlights the limitations of continually positioning evaluation purely as a method versus as a socio‐technical practice that is highly vulnerable to contextual influences.
What the hell is water? Changing medical education's ideology through validity
Authors: Kinnear Benjamin , Schumacher Daniel J.
Published: February 2024

@Midwest_MedPeds and @DrDanSchumacher call for a "What the hell is water?" reckoning with #MedEd using academic excellence as a central selection metric
Cherry‐picking learning tasks in the orchard of postgraduate medical education ‐ a socio‐cultural perspective
Authors: Stalmeijer Renée E. , Meeuwissen Stephanie N. E.
Published: February 2024

'@ReneeStalmeijer and @SNEMeeuwissen use a socio‐cultural perspective, empirical examples, and the cherry‐picking metaphor, to explore interactions between trainees and healthcare teams that impact trainees’ selection of learning tasks during workplace learning
Inflammatory bowel disease induces pathological α‐synuclein aggregation in the human gut and brain
Authors: Espinosa‐Oliva Ana M. , Ruiz Rocío , Soto Manuel Sarmiento , Boza‐Serrano Antonio , Rodriguez‐Perez Ana I. , Roca‐Ceballos María A. , García‐Revilla Juan , Santiago Marti , Serres Sébastien , Economopoulus Vasiliki , Carvajal Ana E. , Vázquez‐Carretero María D. , García‐Miranda Pablo , Klementieva Oxana , Oliva‐Martín María J. , Deierborg Tomas , Rivas Eloy , Sibson Nicola R. , Labandeira‐García José L. , Machado Alberto , Peral María J. , Herrera Antonio J. , Venero José L. , de Pablos Rocío M.
Published: February 2024

Aims

According to Braak's hypothesis, it is plausible that Parkinson's disease (PD) originates in the enteric nervous system (ENS) and spreads to the brain through the vagus nerve. In this work, we studied whether inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in humans can progress with the emergence of pathogenic α‐synuclein (α‐syn) in the gastrointestinal tract and midbrain dopaminergic neurons.

Methods

We have analysed the gut and the ventral midbrain from subjects previously diagnosed with IBD and form a DSS‐based rat model of gut inflammation in terms of α‐syn pathology.

Results

Our data support the existence of pathogenic α‐syn in both the gut and the brain, thus reinforcing the potential role of the ENS as a contributing factor in PD aetiology. Additionally, we have analysed the effect of a DSS‐based rat model of gut inflammation to demonstrate (i) the appearance of P‐α‐syn inclusions in both Auerbach's and Meissner's plexuses (gut), (ii) an increase in α‐syn expression in the ventral mesencephalon (brain) and (iii) the degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons, which all are considered classical hallmarks in PD.

Conclusion

These results strongly support the plausibility of Braak's hypothesis and emphasise the significance of peripheral inflammation and the gut‐brain axis in initiating α‐syn aggregation and transport to the substantia nigra, resulting in neurodegeneration.
Vagal activation alters prandial bile acid composition and glycemia in patients with hypoglycemia after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Honka Henri , Bhattacharjee Jashdeep , Zadeh Mansour , Kohli Rohit , Gastaldelli Amalia , Salehi Marzieh
Published: February 2024

Background

Altered prandial glycemic response after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is exaggerated in patients with post‐RYGB hypoglycemia. Increased contribution of glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) to prandial insulin secretion plays a key role in developing hypoglycemia after RYGB, but the role of nonhormonal gut factors remains unknown. Here, the effect of vagal activation on prandial bile acid (BA) composition in relation to glucose, insulin and gut hormone responses was examined in a small size group of nondiabetic subjects after RYGB with intact gallbladder compared to nonoperated controls.

Methods

Concentrations of blood glucose, hormones, and BAs were measured in two RYGB subjects with documented hypoglycemia (HGB), three asymptomatic RYGB‐treated subjects (AGB), and four nonoperated controls with intact gallbladders during a meal‐tolerance test with (MTT‐Sham) and without (MTT) preceding modified sham feeding (chew and spit).

Key Results

Meal ingestion raised serum total BAs in RYGB‐treated subjects without any effect in nonoperated controls. Modified sham feeding similarly increased meal‐induced responses of conjugated BAs (CBAs) in all subjects (p < 0.05 compared to MTT alone), whereas unconjugated BAs (UBAs), mainly deoxycholic and chenodeoxycholic acid, were raised only in the HGB group (p < 0.001 for interaction). Prandial UBAs had an inverse correlation with glucose nadir (r = −0.75, p < 0.05) and were directly associated with ISR and GLP‐1 during MTT‐Sham.

Conclusions & Inferences

In this small cohort, vagal activation by modified sham feeding increases prandial CBAs in both operated and nonoperated subjects but enhances UBAs only in patients with documented post‐RYGB hypoglycemia. Our findings highlight a potential role for nonhormonal gut factors, such as BA and gut microbiome, in glucose abnormalities after RYGB.
The prevalence of controls in phyllosphere microbiome research: a methodological review
Authors: Welsh Brady L. , Eisenhofer Raphael
Published: February 2024

DNA contamination can critically confound microbiome studies. Here, we take a systematic approach to review the current literature and investigate the prevalence of contamination controls in phyllosphere microbiome research over the past decade. By utilising systematic review principles for this review, we were able to conduct a thorough investigation, screening 450 articles from three databases for eligibility and extracting data in a controlled and methodical manner. Worryingly, we observed a surprisingly low usage of both positive and negative contamination controls in phyllosphere research. As a result, we propose a set of minimum standards to combat the effects of contamination in future phyllosphere research.
Microbe‐induced plant resistance alters aphid inter‐genotypic competition leading to rapid evolution with consequences for plant growth and aphid abundance
Authors: Xi Xinqiang , Dean Andrew , Zytynska Sharon E.
Published: February 2024

Plants and insect herbivores are two of the most diverse multicellular groups in the world, and both are strongly influenced by interactions with the belowground soil microbiome. Effects of reciprocal rapid evolution on ecological interactions between herbivores and plants have been repeatedly demonstrated, but it is unknown if (and how) the soil microbiome could mediate these eco‐evolutionary processes on a shared host plant. We tested the role of a plant‐beneficial soil bacterium Acidovorax radicis in altering eco‐evolutionary interactions between different aphid genotypes (Sitobion avenae, genotypes Sickte and Fescue) feeding on barley Hordeum vulgare. We measured fecundity, longevity and population growth of two aphid genotypes reared separately or together (population mixture) on three different barley varieties that were inoculated with or without A. radicis. Results showed that across all plant varieties A. radicis increased plant growth and suppressed aphid populations via reduced longevity and fecundity. The strength of effect was dependent on aphid genotype and barley variety, while the direction of effect was altered by aphid population mixture. Using Lotka–Volterra modelling, we demonstrated that while A. radicis inoculation decreased growth rates for both aphid genotypes it increased the competitiveness of one genotype against the other. In general, in the presence of A. radicis, the Fescue aphid genotype became more inhibitory of Sickte aphids, while Sickte aphids facilitated the growth of Fescue aphids. Our work demonstrates that plant rhizosphere microbiomes exert community‐level influences by mediating eco‐evolutionary interactions between herbivores and host plants. By altering competitive interaction outcomes among aphids and thus impacting processes such as rapid evolution, soil microbes contribute to the short‐ and long‐term structure and functioning of terrestrial habitats.
Does leadership gender representativeness improve policy outcomes? Evidence from local governments in China
Authors: Wang Chengwei , Ma Liang , Christensen Tom
Published: February 2024

Numerous studies have delved into the intricate dynamics of representative bureaucracy in public service provision, yet a significant gap exists in our understanding of the distinctions between top leaders and members of the top management team (TMT). Using the panel data of 317 subdistricts in Beijing, this research revealed that top female leaders have stronger influences on public service delivery than female TMT members. Top female leaders handle citizens' complaints better than their male counterparts, while the effect of TMT gender representation is nonsignificant. This research underscores the imperative need to differentiate between the representative roles of top leaders and TMT members, thereby revealing nuanced effects in the realm of gender representation.
Spatiotemporal transcriptomic atlas of rhizome formation in Oryza longistaminata
Authors: Lian Xiaoping , Zhong Liyuan , Bai Yixuan , Guang Xuanmin , Tang Sijia , Guo Xing , Wei Tong , Yang Feng , Zhang Yujiao , Huang Guangfu , Zhang Jing , Shao Lin , Lei Guijie , Li Zheng , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Zhang Shilai , Liu Huan , Hu Fengyi
Published: February 2024

Rhizomes are modified stems that grow underground and produce new individuals genetically identical to the mother plant. Recently, a breakthrough has been made in efforts to convert annual grains into perennial ones by utilizing wild rhizomatous species as donors, yet the developmental biology of this organ is rarely studied. Oryza longistaminata, a wild rice species featuring strong rhizomes, provides a valuable model for exploration of rhizome development. Here, we first assembled a double‐haplotype genome of O. longistaminata, which displays a 48‐fold improvement in contiguity compared to the previously published assembly. Furthermore, spatiotemporal transcriptomics was performed to obtain the expression profiles of different tissues in O. longistaminata rhizomes and tillers. Two spatially reciprocal cell clusters, the vascular bundle 2 cluster and the parenchyma 2 cluster, were determined to be the primary distinctions between the rhizomes and tillers. We also captured meristem initiation cells in the sunken area of parenchyma located at the base of internodes, which is the starting point for rhizome initiation. Trajectory analysis further indicated that the rhizome is regenerated through de novo generation. Collectively, these analyses revealed a spatiotemporal transcriptional transition underlying the rhizome initiation, providing a valuable resource for future perennial crop breeding.
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive histiocytosis with multisystem involvement: A case report
Authors: Tu Yaojun , Lu Yao
Published: February 2024

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive histiocytosis is a rare disease that usually occurs in infants and young children and is characterized by ALK‐positive histiocytes infiltrating organs. We present a case of multisystem involvement of ALK‐positive histiocytosis in a female infant with skin nodules as the initial presentation. Despite multiorgan involvement, most tumors had spontaneously regressed, and all bones were partially healed after 40 months of regular follow‐up without treatment. However, gait abnormalities persisted, indicating that early treatment may have greater impact in maintaining a child's quality of life when the disease involves the brain or the critical period of bone development.
Identifying the best method for restoring dung beetle biodiversity and function in the early stages of rainforest restoration
Authors: Menéndez Rosa , Monteith Geoff B. , van Oosterzee Penny , Preece Noel D.
Published: February 2024

With less than half of the world's tropical forests remaining, ecological restoration is urgently needed to halt biodiversity loss. However, the efficacy of different active reforestation methods remains largely untested particularly with respect to the recovery of fauna during the early years of restoration. Here, we present the results of a long‐term restoration project in the Australian Wet Tropics after 6 years of planting. Using dung beetles as bioindicators of restoration success, we investigated how the diversity and density of trees in experimental plots influence the recovery of dung beetle diversity and their ecological functions (dung removal and secondary seed dispersal). We found that after only 6 years since planting, a native dung beetle community, representing around 41% of the species found in the adjacent rainforest, has colonized the experimental plots. Plots with the highest diversity of trees (24 species planted) showed higher dung beetle diversity, dung removal, and seed dispersal but only when the density of trees on the plots was low. These plots also have higher species richness, diversity, and abundance of rainforest species, while the opposite trend was found for open‐habitat species. Therefore, planting a higher diversity of trees appears to be the best method for the early recovery of rainforest dung beetle communities and their functions. This is particularly crucial at low tree density, which is a common issue in active restoration projects as tree mortality is relatively high in the early years.
The influence of the perceived requirements of the next match and motivation on the mental fatigue of soccer players
Authors: Rubio‐Morales A. , Díaz‐García J. , Harper L. D. , García‐Calvo T.
Published: February 2024

The high cognitive and/or emotional demands of competition can lead to a state of mental fatigue which has shown to be detrimental to soccer performance. However, there is a need to further understand the true mental demands of soccer players. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of motivation and the perceived requirements of the next match on mental fatigue perceived by soccer players over the passing of a season. The combined effect of both variables on the perception of mental fatigue, as well as the influence of the time of the season on perceived mental fatigue, were also analyzed. Twenty‐six semi‐professional Spanish male players (M = 26.31 ± 5.18 years) participated in the present study, conducted during the 2020–2021 season. Perceived mental fatigue and motivation were measured at each training session. The perceived requirements of the next match were also measured in each of the competitive weeks. Linear mixed models were run with R Studio to examine the influence of motivation and the perceived difficulty of the next match on perceived mental fatigue, the combined effect of both variables on perceived mental fatigue, and the influence of the passing of the season on perceived mental fatigue. The results showed a negative and significant influence of motivation on perceived mental fatigue (p < 0.001) and a positive and significant influence of the perceived requirements of the next match on perceived mental fatigue (p < 0.001). Regarding the combined effect, there was a positive and significant effect (p < 0.01) of the perceived difficulty of the next match on the relation between motivation and perceived mental fatigue. A negative influence of season passage on perceived mental fatigue levels was found (p < 0.001). We recommended coaches to consider using the most motivating training tasks when higher next‐match requirements are perceived and to be careful with avoidance strategies for mental fatigue, especially at the beginning of the season.
What's a(t) stake? On stakes, encroachers, knowledge
Authors: Baumann Peter
Published: February 2024

According to subject‐sensitive invariantism (SSI), whether S knows that p depends not only on the subject's epistemic position (the presence of a true belief, sufficient warrant, etc.) but also on non‐epistemic factors present in the subject's situation; such factors are seen as “encroaching” on the subject's epistemic standing. Not the only such non‐epistemic factor but the most prominent one consists in the subject's practical stakes. Stakes‐based SSI holds that two subjects can be in the same epistemic position with respect to some proposition but with different stakes for the two subjects so that one of them might know the proposition while the other might fail to know it. It is remarkable that the notion of stakes has not been discussed much in great detail at all so far. This paper takes a closer look at this notion and proposes a detailed, new analysis. It turns out that there is more than one kind of stakes, namely event‐stakes, knowledge‐stakes and action‐stakes. I discuss several issues that even plausible notions of stakes raise and propose solutions.
Bidirectional biotic interchange between Taiwan Island and Mainland China via land bridges—A case study of Obeidia Walker (Geometridae, Lepidoptera)
Authors: Cheng Rui , Jiang Nan , Luo A’rong , Orr Michael , Zhou Qingsong , Shi Xiaoyu , Han Hongxiang , Zhu Chaodong
Published: February 2024

Biotic exchanges between Taiwan and Mainland China have shaped the biodiversity and ecosystems of both regions. Exchanges from Mainland China to Taiwan have received more attention, mainly studied in terrestrial vertebrates, while the reverse direction and invertebrates have largely been overlooked. Here, we explore the dispersal events between these two regions based on the moths of three species groups of Obeidia, including Taiwan taxa and its relatives from mainland. We conducted mixed methods and analysis, including reconstructing a phylogenetic tree, estimating associated divergence times and inferring ancestral areas and source regions, to explore the phylogeographical structure and genetic pattern of three groups based on eight genes. Our results revealed a structure of three clades and every clade included at least one Taiwanese taxa and its closest relatives of mainland of China, and also served Taiwan as an important source region of two mainland taxa. Our study revealed various origin pattern and dispersal models on the basis of three species groups of Obeidia. Bi‐directional biotic exchange via a land bridge were found: four Taiwanese taxa originated from mainland, and two of them migrated back to mainland. Both eastern Himalayas and south China are important origin areas for Taiwan biota, and the dominant source region may need multiple insect cases to confirm. Our study also provided evidences for disjunct distribution from the perspective of insecta molecular phylogeny.
Stratification of the transverse momentum map
Authors: Mol Maarten
Published: February 2024

Given a Hamiltonian action of a proper symplectic groupoid (for instance, a Hamiltonian action of a compact Lie group), we show that the transverse momentum map admits a natural constant rank stratification. To this end, we construct a refinement of the canonical stratification associated to the Lie groupoid action (the orbit type stratification, in the case of a Hamiltonian Lie group action) that seems not to have appeared before, even in the literature on Hamiltonian Lie group actions. This refinement turns out to be compatible with the Poisson geometry of the Hamiltonian action: it is a Poisson stratification of the orbit space, each stratum of which is a regular Poisson manifold that admits a natural proper symplectic groupoid integrating it. The main tools in our proofs (which we believe could be of independent interest) are a version of the Marle–Guillemin–Sternberg normal form theorem for Hamiltonian actions of proper symplectic groupoids and a notion of equivalence between Hamiltonian actions of symplectic groupoids, closely related to Morita equivalence between symplectic groupoids.
Human sodium current voltage‐dependence at physiological temperature measured by coupling a patch‐clamp experiment to a mathematical model
Authors: Abrasheva Veronika O. , Kovalenko Sandaara G. , Slotvitsky Mihail , Romanova Serafima А. , Aitova Aleria A. , Frolova Sheida , Tsvelaya Valeria , Syunyaev Roman A.
Published: February 2024

Voltage‐gated Na+ channels are crucial to action potential propagation in excitable tissues. Because of the high amplitude and rapid activation of the Na+ current, voltage‐clamp measurements are very challenging and are usually performed at room temperature. In this study, we measured Na+ current voltage‐dependence in stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes at physiological temperature. While the apparent activation and inactivation curves, measured as the dependence of current amplitude on voltage, fall within the range reported in previous studies, we identified a systematic error in our measurements. This error is caused by the deviation of the membrane potential from the command potential of the amplifier. We demonstrate that it is possible to account for this artifact using computer simulation of the patch‐clamp experiment. We obtained surprising results through patch‐clamp model optimization: a half‐activation of −11.5 mV and a half‐inactivation of −87 mV. Although the half‐activation deviates from previous research, we demonstrate that this estimate reproduces the conduction velocity dependence on extracellular potassium concentration.

image

Key points

Voltage‐gated Na+ currents play a crucial role in excitable tissues including neurons, cardiac and skeletal muscle.

Measurement of Na+ current is challenging because of its high amplitude and rapid kinetics, especially at physiological temperature.

We have used the patch‐clamp technique to measure human Na+ current voltage‐dependence in human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes.

The patch‐clamp data were processed by optimization of the model accounting for voltage‐clamp experiment artifacts, revealing a large difference between apparent parameters of Na+ current and the results of the optimization.

We conclude that actual Na+ current activation is extremely depolarized in comparison to previous studies.

The new Na+ current model provides a better understanding of action potential propagation; we demonstrate that it explains propagation in hyperkalaemic conditions.
Sensitivity of Phonation Onset Pressure to Vocal Fold Stiffness Distribution
Authors: Deng Jonathan J. , Peterson Sean D.
Published: February 2024

Phonation onset is characterized by the unstable growth of vocal fold (VF) vibrations that ultimately results in self-sustained oscillation and the production of modal voice. Motivated by histological studies, much research has focused on the role of the layered structure of the vocal folds in influencing phonation onset, wherein the outer “cover” layer is relatively soft and the inner “body” layer is relatively stiff. Recent research, however, suggests that the body-cover (BC) structure over-simplifies actual stiffness distributions by neglecting important spatial variations, such as inferior–superior (IS) and anterior–posterior gradients and smooth transitions in stiffness from one histological layer to another. Herein, we explore sensitivity of phonation onset to stiffness gradients and smoothness. By assuming no a priori stiffness distribution and considering a second-order Taylor series sensitivity analysis of phonation onset pressure with respect to stiffness, we find two general smooth stiffness distributions most strongly influence onset pressure: a smooth stiffness containing aspects of BC differences and IS gradients in the cover, which plays a role in minimizing onset pressure, and uniform increases in stiffness, which raise onset pressure and frequency. While the smooth stiffness change contains aspects qualitatively similar to layered BC distributions used in computational studies, smooth transitions in stiffness result in higher sensitivity of onset pressure than discrete layering. These two general stiffness distributions also provide a simple, low-dimensional, interpretation of how complex variations in VF stiffness affect onset pressure, enabling refined exploration of the effects of stiffness distributions on phonation onset.
Dual-Orthogonal-Plane Particle Image Velocimetry Measurement of the Turbulent Flow in the Channel Head of a Large-Scale Steam Generator Mockup
Authors: Li Sen , Liao Juan , He Chuangxin , Song Chunjing , Liu Yingzheng , Zhong Yun
Published: February 2024

In this work, a large-scale mockup of a compact complex system integrating a steam generator (SG) and a reactor coolant pump (RCP) is considered. The three-dimensional turbulent flow in the steam generator channel head (SGCH) is measured in detail. Dual-orthogonal-plane particle image velocimetry (PIV) is employed to extract high-resolution flow information in two orthogonal planes. Two separate measurements are first made to see the three-dimensional time-mean flow dynamics and the statistical quantities in the two planes. These measurements highlight two distinct flow phenomena: jet arrays and massive turbulent separation bubbles (TSBs). These patterns are attributed to mass flow redistribution in the U-shaped tubes. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) identifies the first POD mode as corresponding to the TSB breathing-like motion, which significantly intensifies the side view streamwise velocity fluctuations, leading to them reaching 370% of the local mean velocity. To examine the unsteady behavior of massively separated regions, the dual-orthogonal-plane PIV system is then synchronized to simultaneously measure variations in the flow fields, and the missing data due to illumination interference are reconstructed using gappy POD. The synchronized analysis reveals a direct relationship between the low-frequency fluctuations in the side and front views. These fluctuations are in phase across both views, indicating a synchronized behavior that spans the entire field. This large-scale low-frequency breathing motion has critical implications for numerical simulations and sheds light on the unsteady behavior of the RCP system within the SGCH.
In-house synthesized poly(ether ether ketone) ionenes. I. ToF-SIMS spectra in the positive ion mode
Authors: Strange Lyndi E. , Heldebrant David J. , Ravula Sudhir , Chen Ping , Zhu Zihua , Bara Jason E. , Yao Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Static time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was performed for acquiring the high-resolution surface spectra of four types of synthesized imidazolium ionene membranes. These novel membranes have aromatic ether–ketone–ether linkages inspired by poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK). The PEEK-ionenes synthesized for this study have imidazolium cations placed in the polymeric backbone with bistriflimide [Tf2N]− counterions. The attention given to synthetically modified PEEK derivatives, such as PEEK-ionenes, is considerable due to their ability to selectively capture CO2 molecules and other light gases. Therefore, it is important to characterize the surface of these synthesized novel PEEK-ionenes. In this work, characteristic and unique peaks were identified in the positive spectra of each sample. The differences in mass spectra among the samples provide insights for optimizing or fine-tuning the PEEK-ionenes synthesis to achieve a high-performance CO2 separation membrane with enhanced permeability, selectivity, and mechanical stability. The SIMS spectra and identified characteristic peaks of these synthesized ionenes will serve as a reference in the positive mode, complementing the corresponding spectra reported in the negative ion mode (Paper II).
Neural processing of auditory temporal modulations in awake infants
Authors: Lorenzini Irene , Labendzki Pierre , Basire Clémence , Hababou-Bernson Marielle , Calcus Axelle , Cabrera Laurianne
Published: February 2024

The amplitude modulation following response (AMFR) is the steady-state auditory response signaling phase-locking to slow variations in the amplitude (AM) of auditory stimuli that provide fundamental acoustic information. From a developmental perspective, the AMFR has been recorded in sleeping infants, compared to sleeping or awake adults. The lack of AMFR recordings in awake infants limits conclusions on the development of phase-locking to AM. Moreover, previous studies assessing phase-locking to AM using non-speech carriers have not included slow AM rates (<20 Hz), which are particularly important for speech processing. This study aimed at disentangling these issues by recording the AMFR with electroencephalography: in awake infants (3- and 10-month-olds) and awake young adults and for both slow and faster modulation rates (8 and 40 Hz). The AMFR was observable at 8 Hz at all ages (40%, 60%, and 33% of significant AMFR at 3 months, 10 months, and adults, respectively), but only adults showed reliable responses at 40 Hz (6% of significant AMFR at both 3 and 10 months, 100% in adults), thus, ruling out the possibility that sleep has a suppressing effect on the response. This pattern might be explained by developmental differences in the sources of neural processing of faster AM rates.
An Investigation of the Sled-Push Exercise Using a Resisted Sled Machine in Apparently Healthy Older Adults: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Baumann Micheal , Hill Christopher , Camic Clayton , Chomentowski Peter , Siqueira Vitor , Petruzzello Steven , Sebastião Emerson
Published: February 2024

Physical function is regarded as the cornerstone of healthy aging, and exercise is an important determinant of healthy aging. This study examined the feasibility and physiological (heart rate, blood pressure, blood lactate, and rate of perceived exertion) and psychological (enjoyment) response resulting from an acute progressive sled-push (SLP) exercise session using the novel XPO Sled Trainer in older adults and compared that with walking (WKC) condition. The exercise session comprised six exercise bouts at 75%, 85%, 100% (2×), and 125% (2×) of normal velocity with a 2-min rest between bouts. Thirty-six older adults were randomly allocated into either the SLP or WKC conditions. No adverse events were observed during the exercise session, and all participants completed the exercise protocol as prescribed. One-third of the participants in the SLP group reported minimal body discomfort. Significantly higher responses were observed for all physiological variables as the intensity of the exercise increased in the SLP group compared with the WKC group (p < .001). The SLP group presented a decline in enjoyment as the intensity of the exercise increased (during), but similar enjoyment level than the WKC group for the overall exercise session (p = .711). Our findings support the viability and safety of SLP exercise using the XPO Sled Trainer in older adults. Such exercise demonstrated an intensity-driven modality that may have potential to elucidate positive adaptations in the cardiovascular system of older adults with acceptable levels of enjoyment.
Constructing Diaspora Space and Consciousness Through Sport and Livelihoods in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: McSweeney Mitchell
Published: February 2024

Applying the concept of diaspora, this paper examines an organization in Kampala, Uganda that utilizes sport to foster cultural belonging and increase livelihood opportunities for refugees. A participatory action research approach was implemented with multiple forms of data collection including semistructured interviews, photovoice, and photocollaging. Findings highlight how sport and livelihoods are used by refugees to resist exclusion and other inequalities in Kampala and to express diaspora space and consciousness. Discussion highlights the usefulness of the concept of diaspora for understanding the intersections of sport, refugees, livelihoods, and, more importantly, to stimulate a homing desire for refugees forcibly displaced.
Transcription activation in
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella
Authors: Busby Stephen J. W. , Browning Douglas F.
Published: February 2024

Promoter-specific activation of transcript initiation provides an important regulatory device in
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella
. Here, we describe the different mechanisms that operate, focusing on how they have evolved to manage the “housekeeping” bacterial transcription machinery. Some mechanisms involve assisting the bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase or replacing or remodeling one of its subunits. Others are directed to chromosomal DNA, improving promoter function, or relieving repression. We discuss how different activators work together at promoters and how the present complex network of transcription factors evolved.
Recognizing big mantle wedges in deep time: Constraints from the Western Mongolia Collage in Central Asia
Authors: Cui Xing , Cawood Peter A. , Sun Min , Zhao Guochun
Published: February 2024

A big mantle wedge (BMW) is defined as the broad region of upper mantle above a stagnant slab in the mantle transition zone (MTZ). It is a common and significant structure within Earth's interior at modern convergent plate margins as revealed by seismic data yet rarely identified in fossil convergent systems. We propose the existence of a BMW beneath the Western Mongolia Collage during the early to middle Paleozoic based on a comprehensive chronology of geological events that characterized the accretionary orogen in this region. The trench-arc system initially developed above a NE-dipping subduction zone, with subduction-related arc magmatism clustered at ca. 530–490 Ma and accumulations of flysch-like sequences from the Cambrian to early Silurian constituting the accretionary wedge of the Altai Zone. The westward migration of the arc was likely driven by slab rollback and trench retreat, leading to gradual formation of a BMW as the slab stagnated at the MTZ. The BMW influenced the tectonic evolution of the entire Western Mongolia Collage, inducing Ordovician–Silurian intraplate magmatism in regions inboard of the migrating magmatic arc and the potential opening of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean. Westward movement of the trench-arc continued until the Devonian, resulting in back-arc basin formation in the Chinese Altai and intraplate magmatism in the Hovd and Lake Zones of the Western Mongolia Collage, forming a trench–arc–back-arc and intraplate tectonic system. Mantle flow within the BMW is inferred to have impacted magmatism, basin migration, and the stress and thermal state of the overriding plate.
Supplemental Material: Subduction erosion revealed by exhumed lower arc crustal rocks in an accretionary complex, northeastern China
Authors: Xu Mengyu , Xiao W.J. , al. et
Published: February 2024

Figures S1–S14, Tables S1–S10, and methods.  
Fermionic Quartet and Vestigial Gravity
Authors: Volovik G. E.
Published: February 2024

We discuss the two-step transitions in superconductors, where the intermediate state between the Cooper pair state and the normal metal is the 4-fermion condensate, which is called the intertwined vestigial order. We discuss different types of the vestigial order, which are possible in the spin-triplet superfluid 3He, and the topological objects in the vestigial phases. Since in 3He the order parameter $${{A}_{{\alpha i}}}$$ represents the analog of gravitational tetrads, we suggest that the vestigial states are possible in quantum gravity. As in superconductors, the fermionic vacuum can experience two consequent phase transitions. At first transition the metric appears as the bilinear combination of tetrads $${{g}_{{\mu \nu }}} = {{\eta }_{{ab}}}\langle \hat {E}_{\mu }^{a}\hat {E}_{\nu }^{b}\rangle $$, while the tetrad order parameter is still absent, $$e_{\mu }^{a} = \langle \hat {E}_{\mu }^{a}\rangle = 0$$. This corresponds to the bosonic Einstein general relativity, which emerges in the fermionic vacuum. The nonzero tetrads $$e_{\mu }^{a} = \langle \hat {E}_{\mu }^{a}\rangle \ne 0$$ appear at the second transition, where a kind of the Einstein–Cartan–Sciama–Kibble tetrad gravity is formed. This suggests that on the levels of particles, gravity acts with different strength on fermions and bosons.
Characteristics of children requiring admission to neonatal care and paediatric intensive care before the age of 2 years in England and Wales: a data linkage study
Authors: Seaton Sarah E , Battersby Cheryl , Davis Peter J , Fenton Alan C , Anderson Josie , van Hasselt Tim J , Draper Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Objective

To quantify the characteristics of children admitted to neonatal units (NNUs) and paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) before the age of 2 years.

Design

A data linkage study of routinely collected data.

Setting

National Health Service NNUs and PICUs in England and Wales

Patients

Children born from 2013 to 2018.

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measure

Admission to PICU before the age of 2 years.

Results

A total of 384 747 babies were admitted to an NNU and 4.8% (n=18 343) were also admitted to PICU before the age of 2 years. Approximately half of all children admitted to PICU under the age of 2 years born in the same time window (n=18 343/37 549) had previously been cared for in an NNU.

The main reasons for first admission to PICU were cardiac (n=7138) and respiratory conditions (n=5386). Cardiac admissions were primarily from children born at term (n=5146), while respiratory admissions were primarily from children born preterm (<37 weeks’ gestational age, n=3550). A third of children admitted to PICU had more than one admission.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals caring for babies and children in NNU and PICU see some of the same children in the first 2 years of life. While some children are following established care pathways (eg, staged cardiac surgery), the small proportion of children needing NNU care subsequently requiring PICU care account for a large proportion of the total PICU population. These differences may affect perceptions of risk for this group of children between NNU and PICU teams.
Review of implementation models for children’s sleep support services in the UK
Authors: Jarvis Katie , Cartledge Anna , Martin Sarah , Lawson Candi , Palmer Marissa , Beevers Vicki , Elphick Heather E
Published: February 2024

Sleep deprivation has a serious impact on physical and mental health. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders are frequently affected by chronic insomnia, defined as difficulty in either initiating sleep, maintaining sleep continuity or poor sleep quality which can lead to long-term detrimental effects on behaviour, learning and development.

Interventions to address chronic insomnia in children include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. While some children unequivocally benefit from pharmacological treatment, recommendations suggest an intervention based on cognitive–behavioural techniques involving a thorough assessment of the child’s sleep pattern, environment and psychosocial factors supporting the child to learn to self-soothe as first-line treatment. Evidence from sleep clinics delivered by trained community practitioners supports the efficacy of an intensive programme, whereby education, practical advice and follow-up support were key factors; however, these services are inconsistently resourced. In practice, sleep support interventions range from verbal advice given in clinics to healthy sleep leaflets to tailored and non-tailored parent-directed interventions. Delivery models include promotion of safe sleep within a wider health promotion context and targeted early intervention within sleep clinics delivered in health and community services or by the third sector but evidence for each model is lacking.

We describe a comprehensive whole systems city-wide model of sleep support, ranging from awareness raising, universal settings, targeted support for complex situations to specialist support, delivered according to complexity and breadth of need. By building capacity and quality assurance into the existing workforce, the service has been sustainable and has continued to develop since its initial implementation in 2017. With increasing access to specialist sleep services across the UK, this model could become a widely generalisable approach for delivery of sleep services to children in the UK and lead to improved outcomes in those with severe sleep deprivation.
Variant and clinical landscape of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy based on 1516 families with mtDNA variants in a tertiary centre
Authors: Zheng Yuxi , Wang Yingwei , Jiang Yi , Wang Junwen , Li Shiqiang , Xiao Xueshan , Sun Wenmin , Wang Panfeng , Zhang Qingjiong , Jia Xiaoyun
Published: February 2024

Aims

To investigate the clinical characteristics of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) with mtDNA primary mutations to better understand features associated with prognosis.

Methods

This study enrolled 1540 LHON patients from 1516 unrelated families genetically confirmed by Sanger or whole-mitochondrial sequencing between 1997 and 2022. The spectrum of variants was summarised and compared in different ethnic groups. Clinical data from outpatients were collected, including onset age, disease course, optic disc categories and the corresponding visual acuity.

Results

Of the 1516 LHON families, 13 pathogenic mtDNA variants were detected, in which the proportion of m.11778G>A, m.3460G>A and m.3635G>A was significantly different from non-East Asians (p<0.0001). About 95% (1075/1131) of patients were between 8 and 40 years old at onset, with a median onset age of 16. The eyes of m.14484T>C patients presented with better visual acuity and slower progression across patients with different onset ages and initial severity. Eyes (N=439) with available fundus images were divided into four categories (C1–C4). The progression grades were derived from the category and the corresponding time course, where a higher grade (C3–C4 within 1 year) was associated with greater visual impairment than a lower grade (C1–C2 over 1 year) (p=4.60E-05) . A prognostic matrix showed that later onset and a higher progression grade are associated with higher risk of blindness.

Conclusion

Compared with non-East Asians, Chinese LHON patients had higher proportions of m.11778G>A and m.3635G>A and lower m.3460G>A mutations. A novel progression grade derived from optic disc category was proposed. The prognostic matrix indicated that lower grade and younger-onset age are the most favourable prognostic factors.
Conversion to faricimab after prior anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for persistent diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Durrani Asad Farooq , Momenaei Bita , Wakabayashi Taku , Vemula Sudheshna , Pandit Saagar A , Hsu Jason , Ho Allen C , Spirn Marc J , Klufas Michael A , Garg Sunir J , Vander James F , Regillo Carl D , Chiang Allen , Kuriyan Ajay E , Yonekawa Yoshihiro
Published: February 2024

Background

To assess the anatomical and functional outcomes in eyes with persistent diabetic macular oedema (pDME) on chronic anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy switched to intravitreal faricimab.

Methods

Patients with pDME on chronic anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy that were switched to faricimab and received at least three injections at our institution between April 2022 and May 2023 were included in this study. Patients were excluded if they had complete response to previous treatment but were switched to extend treatment intervals if they had steroid or laser treatment for DME within 6 months prior to switch. Clinical and imaging data were extracted from the electronic medical record. Central foveal thickness (CFT) and Snellen visual acuity (VA) were obtained before and after three intravitreal faricimab injections. Generalised estimating equations were used to analyse the change in CFT and VA.

Result

During the study period, 69 eyes of 53 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 68.6±9.0 years. The mean number of injections prior to switch was 18.1±16.0. Pre-switch mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution VA was 0.40±0.30 (Snellen equivalent 20/50) and 0.38±0.27 (Snellen equivalent 20/48) after three faricimab injections (p=0.397). Mean CFT improved from 380±155 microns to 323±147 microns (p<0.001). No ophthalmic or systemic adverse events occurred during the study period.

Conclusions

Intravitreal faricimab can improve anatomic outcomes while maintaining visual acuity in eyes with pDME previously treated with anti-VEGF therapy.