bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct observation of a few-photon phase shift induced by a single quantum emitter in a waveguide
Authors: Staunstrup Mathias J. R. , Tiranov Alexey , Wang Ying , Scholz Sven , Wieck Andreas D. , Ludwig Arne , Midolo Leonardo , Rotenberg Nir , Lodahl Peter , Le Jeannic Hanna
Published: August 2024

Realizing a sensitive photon-number-dependent phase shift on a light beam is required both in classical and quantum photonics. It may lead to new applications for classical and quantum photonics machine learning or pave the way for realizing photon-photon gate operations. Nonlinear phase-shifts require efficient light-matter interaction, and recently quantum dots coupled to nanophotonic devices have enabled near-deterministic single-photon coupling. We experimentally realize an optical phase shift of 0.19π ± 0.03 radians ( ≈ 34 degrees) using a weak coherent state interacting with a single quantum dot in a planar nanophotonic waveguide. The phase shift is probed by interferometric measurements of the light scattered from the quantum dot in the waveguide. The process is nonlinear in power, the saturation at the single-photon level and compatible with scalable photonic integrated circuitry. The work may open new prospects for realizing high-efficiency optical switching or be applied for proof-of-concept quantum machine learning or quantum simulation demonstrations.
Single-molecule force spectroscopy of toehold-mediated strand displacement
Authors: Walbrun Andreas , Wang Tianhe , Matthies Michael , Šulc Petr , Simmel Friedrich C. , Rief Matthias
Published: August 2024

Toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) is extensively utilized in dynamic DNA nanotechnology and for a wide range of DNA or RNA-based reaction circuits. Investigation of TMSD kinetics typically relies on bulk fluorescence measurements providing effective, bulk-averaged reaction rates. Information on individual molecules or even base pairs is scarce. In this work, we explore the dynamics of strand displacement processes at the single-molecule level using single-molecule force spectroscopy with a microfluidics-enhanced optical trap supported by state-of-the-art coarse-grained simulations. By applying force, we can trigger and observe TMSD in real-time with microsecond and nanometer resolution. We find TMSD proceeds very rapidly under load with single step times of 1 µs. Tuning invasion efficiency by introducing mismatches allows studying thousands of forward/backward invasion events on a single molecule and analyze the kinetics of the invasion process. Extrapolation to zero force reveals single step times for DNA invading DNA four times faster than for RNA invading RNA. We also study the kinetics of DNA invading RNA, a process that in the absence of force would rarely occur. Our results reveal the importance of sequence effects for the TMSD process and have relevance for a wide range of applications in nucleic acid nanotechnology and synthetic biology.
Disinhibition enables vocal repertoire expansion after a critical period
Authors: Heim Fabian , Mendoza Ezequiel , Koparkar Avani , Vallentin Daniela
Published: August 2024

The efficiency of motor skill acquisition is age-dependent, making it increasingly challenging to learn complex manoeuvres later in life. Zebra finches, for instance, acquire a complex vocal motor programme during a developmental critical period after which the learned song is essentially impervious to modification. Although inhibitory interneurons are implicated in critical period closure, it is unclear whether manipulating them can reopen heightened motor plasticity windows. Using pharmacology and a cell-type specific optogenetic approach, we manipulated inhibitory neuron activity in a premotor area of adult zebra finches beyond their critical period. When exposed to auditory stimulation in the form of novel songs, manipulated birds added new vocal syllables to their stable song sequence. By lifting inhibition in a premotor area during sensory experience, we reintroduced vocal plasticity, promoting an expansion of the syllable repertoire without compromising pre-existing song production. Our findings provide insights into motor skill learning capacities, offer potential for motor recovery after injury, and suggest avenues for treating neurodevelopmental disorders involving inhibitory dysfunctions.
A catalog of small proteins from the global microbiome
Authors: Duan Yiqian , Santos-Júnior Célio Dias , Schmidt Thomas Sebastian , Fullam Anthony , de Almeida Breno L. S. , Zhu Chengkai , Kuhn Michael , Zhao Xing-Ming , Bork Peer , Coelho Luis Pedro
Published: August 2024

Small open reading frames (smORFs) shorter than 100 codons are widespread and perform essential roles in microorganisms, where they encode proteins active in several cell functions, including signal pathways, stress response, and antibacterial activities. However, the ecology, distribution and role of small proteins in the global microbiome remain unknown. Here, we construct a global microbial smORFs catalog (GMSC) derived from 63,410 publicly available metagenomes across 75 distinct habitats and 87,920 high-quality isolate genomes. GMSC contains 965 million non-redundant smORFs with comprehensive annotations. We find that archaea harbor more smORFs proportionally than bacteria. We moreover provide a tool called GMSC-mapper to identify and annotate small proteins from microbial (meta)genomes. Overall, this publicly-available resource demonstrates the immense and underexplored diversity of small proteins.
Excitonic signatures of ferroelectric order in parallel-stacked MoS2
Authors: Deb Swarup , Krause Johannes , Faria Junior Paulo E. , Kempf Michael Andreas , Schwartz Rico , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Fabian Jaroslav , Korn Tobias
Published: August 2024

Interfacial ferroelectricity, prevalent in various parallel-stacked layered materials, allows switching of out-of-plane ferroelectric order by in-plane sliding of adjacent layers. Its resilience against doping potentially enables next-generation storage and logic devices. However, studies have been limited to indirect sensing or visualization of ferroelectricity. For transition metal dichalcogenides, there is little knowledge about the influence of ferroelectric order on their intrinsic valley and excitonic properties. Here, we report direct probing of ferroelectricity in few-layer 3R-MoS2 using reflectance contrast spectroscopy. Contrary to a simple electrostatic perception, layer-hybridized excitons with out-of-plane electric dipole moment remain decoupled from ferroelectric ordering, while intralayer excitons with in-plane dipole orientation are sensitive to it. Ab initio calculations identify stacking-specific interlayer hybridization leading to this asymmetric response. Exploiting this sensitivity, we demonstrate optical readout and control of multi-state polarization with hysteretic switching in a field-effect device. Time-resolved Kerr ellipticity reveals direct correspondence between spin-valley dynamics and stacking order.
Rock glaciers across the United States predominantly accelerate coincident with rise in air temperatures
Authors: Kääb Andreas , Røste Julie
Published: August 2024

Despite their extensive global presence and the importance of variations in their speed as an essential climate variable, only about a dozen global time series document long-term changes in the velocity of rock glaciers – large tongue-shaped flows of frozen mountain debris. By analysing historical aerial photographs, we reconstruct here 16 new time series, a type of data that has not previously existed for the North American continent. We observe substantial accelerations, as much as 2–3 fold, in the surface displacement rates of rock glaciers across the mountains of the western contiguous United States over the past six to seven decades, most consistent with strongly increasing air temperatures in that region. Variations between individual time series suggest that different local and internal conditions of the frozen debris bodies modulate this overall climate response. Our observations indicate fundamental long-term environmental changes associated with frozen ground in the study region.
The ontogeny of human fetal trabecular bone architecture occurs in a limb-specific manner
Authors: Wiles Crispin Charles , Suh Sarah Holly , Brown Katharine Robson , Abel Richard Leslie
Published: August 2024

Gestational growth and development of bone is an understudied process compared to soft tissues and has implications for lifelong health. This study investigated growth and development of human fetal limb bone trabecular architecture using 3D digital histomorphometry of microcomputed tomography data from the femora and humeri of 35 skeletons (17 female and 18 male) with gestational ages between 4 and 9 months. Ontogenetic data revealed: (i) fetal trabecular architecture is similar between sexes; (ii) the proximal femoral metaphysis is physically larger, with thicker trabeculae and greater bone volume fraction relative to the humerus, but other aspects of trabecular architecture are similar between the bones; (iii) between 4 and 9 months gestation there is no apparent sexual or limb dimorphism in patterns of growth, but the size of the humerus and femur diverges early in development. Additionally, both bones exhibit significant increases in mean trabecular thickness (and for the femur alone, bone volume fraction) but minimal trabecular reorganisation (i.e., no significant changes in degree of anisotropy, connectivity density, or fractal dimension). Overall, these data suggest that in contrast to data from the axial skeleton, prenatal growth of long bones in the limbs is characterised by size increase, without major reorganizational changes in trabecular architecture.
Optical fibre sensing of turbulent-frequency motions in the oceanic environment
Authors: Spingys Carl P. , Garabato Alberto C. Naveira , Belal Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Observations of turbulence in the oceanic environment are sparse, with very few cases of coherent measurements with significant spatio-temporal extent due primarily to limitations of current observational tools. Here we propose submarine cables with embedded optical fibres as a potential solution to fill this observational gap, and utilise a recent 12-h observational optical fibre data set from a fast-flowing tidal channel to demonstrate such potential. Firstly, the presence of turbulent-scale signals driven by flow-topography interaction is shown at frequencies of 1 Hz and higher. These signals are consistent with the timing of the tidal flow as recorded by a nearby conventional sensor. Secondly, we show the presence of surface gravity waves with periods of 10 s, which are tight in frequency space further offshore but leak energy into the turbulent frequency range on parts of the cable closer to shore. This is compatible with shoreward-propagating surface waves that break in shallow water. Finally, we fit a theoretical spectral structure to the observations to show that much of the collected data (i) has a spectral slope that is consistent with the turbulent inertial subrange, and (ii) has a range of spectral energy consistent with that expected from turbulence generation by bottom drag acting on the tidal flow. In combination, these results highlight the potential for optical fibre sensing of turbulence, and call for a targeted experiment to characterise the fibre’s turbulence-sensing capabilities.
Optimizing Gaussian process regression (GPR) hyperparameters with three metaheuristic algorithms for viscosity prediction of suspensions containing microencapsulated PCMs
Authors: Hai Tao , Basem Ali , Alizadeh As’ad , Sharma Kamal , jasim Dheyaa J. , Rajab Husam , Ahmed Mohsen , Kassim Murizah , Singh Narinderjit Singh Sawaran , Maleki Hamid
Published: August 2024

Suspensions containing microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) play a crucial role in thermal energy storage (TES) systems and have applications in building materials, textiles, and cooling systems. This study focuses on accurately predicting the dynamic viscosity, a critical thermophysical property, of suspensions containing MPCMs and MXene particles using Gaussian process regression (GPR). Twelve hyperparameters (HPs) of GPR are analyzed separately and classified into three groups based on their importance. Three metaheuristic algorithms, namely genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and marine predators algorithm (MPA), are employed to optimize HPs. Optimizing the four most significant hyperparameters (covariance function, basis function, standardization, and sigma) within the first group using any of the three metaheuristic algorithms resulted in excellent outcomes. All algorithms achieved a reasonable R-value (0.9983), demonstrating their effectiveness in this context. The second group explored the impact of including additional, moderate-significant HPs, such as the fit method, predict method and optimizer. While the resulting models showed some improvement over the first group, the PSO-based model within this group exhibited the most noteworthy enhancement, achieving a higher R-value (0.99834). Finally, the third group was analyzed to examine the potential interactions between all twelve HPs. This comprehensive approach, employing the GA, yielded an optimized GPR model with the highest level of target compliance, reflected by an impressive R-value of 0.999224. The developed models are a cost-effective and efficient solution to reduce laboratory costs for various systems, from TES to thermal management.
Digital spatial profiling identifies the tumor center as a topological niche in prostate cancer characterized by an upregulation of BAD
Authors: Huber Ann-Kathrin , Kaczorowski Adam , Schneider Felix , Böning Sarah , Görtz Magdalena , Langhoff David , Schwab Constantin , Stenzinger Albrecht , Hohenfellner Markus , Duensing Anette , Duensing Stefan
Published: August 2024

Prostate cancer is characterized by a high degree of intratumoral heterogeneity. However, little is known about the spatial distribution of cancer cells with respect to specific functional characteristics and the formation of spatial niches. Here, we used digital spatial profiling (DSP) to investigate differences in protein expression in the tumor center versus the tumor periphery. Thirty-seven regions of interest were analyzed for the expression of 47 proteins, which included components of the PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and cell death signaling pathways as well as immune cell markers. A total of 1739 data points were collected from five patients. DSP identified the BCL-2 associated agonist of cell death (BAD) protein as the most significantly upregulated protein in the tumor center. BAD upregulation was confirmed by conventional immunohistochemistry, which furthermore showed a phosphorylation of BAD at serine 112 indicating its inactivation. Knockdown of BAD in prostate cancer cells in vitro led to decreased cell viability and colony growth. Clinically, high BAD expression was associated with a shorter time to biochemical recurrence in 158 mostly high-risk prostate cancer patients. Collectively, our results suggest that the tumor center is a topological niche with high BAD expression that may drive prostate cancer progression.
Effect of the underlayer on the elastic parameters of the CoFeB/MgO heterostructures
Authors: Shekhar S. , Mielcarek S. , Otani Y. , Rana B. , Trzaskowska A.
Published: August 2024

We investigated the thermally induced surface acoustic waves in CoFeB/MgO heterostructures with different underlayer materials. Our results show a direct correlation between the density and elastic parameters of the underlayer materials and the surface phonon dispersion. Using finite element method-based simulations, we calculate the effective elastic parameters (such as elastic tensor, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio) for multilayers with different underlayer materials. The simulation results, either considering the elastic parameters of individual layers or considering the effective elastic parameters of whole stacks, exhibit good agreement with the experimental data. This study will help us deepen our understanding of phonon properties and their interactions with other quasiparticles or magnetic textures with the help of these estimated elastic properties.
CD28 hinge used in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells exhibits local structure and conformational exchange amidst global disorder
Authors: Folimonova Varvara , Chen Xiang , Negi Hitendra , Schwieters Charles D. , Li Jess , Byrd R. Andrew , Taylor Naomi , Youkharibache Philippe , Walters Kylie J.
Published: August 2024

T-cell therapies based on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting of a tumor-specific antigen offer hope for patients with relapsed or refractory cancers. CAR hinge and transmembrane regions link antigen recognition domains to intracellular signal transduction domains. Here, we apply biophysical methods to characterize the structure and dynamic properties of the CD28 CAR hinge (CD28H) used in an FDA-approved CD19 CAR for the treatment of B-lineage leukemia/lymphoma. By using nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY), which detects even transiently occupied structural motifs, we observed otherwise elusive local structural elements amidst overall disorder in CD28H, including a conformational switch from a native β-strand to a 310-helix and polyproline II helix-like structure. These local structural motifs contribute to an overall loosely formed extended geometry that could be captured by NOESY data. All FDA-approved CARs use prolines in the hinge region, which we find in CD28, and previously in CD8α, isomerize to promote structural plasticity and dynamics. These local structural elements may function in recognition and signaling events and constrain the spacing between the transmembrane and antigen recognition domains. Our study thus demonstrates a method for detecting local and transient structure within intrinsically disordered systems and moreover, our CD28H findings may inform future CAR design.
Deposition temperature-mediated growth of helically shaped polymers and chevron-type graphene nanoribbons from a fluorinated precursor
Authors: Teeter Jacob D. , Sarker Mamun , Lu Wenchang , Tao Chenggang , Baddorf Arthur P. , Huang Jingsong , Hong Kunlun , Bernholc Jerry , Sinitskii Alexander , Li An-Ping
Published: August 2024

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) of precise size and shape, critical for controlling electronic properties and future device applications, can be realized via precision synthesis on surfaces using rationally designed molecular precursors. Fluorine-bearing precursors have the potential to form GNRs on nonmetallic substrates suitable for device fabrication. Here, we investigate the deposition temperature-mediated growth of a new fluorine-bearing precursor, 6,11-diiodo-1,4-bis(2-fluorophenyl)-2,3-diphenyltriphenylene (C42H24F2I2), into helically shaped polymer intermediates and chevron-type GNRs on Au(111) by combining scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory simulations. The fluorinated precursors do not adsorb on the Au(111) surface at lower temperatures, necessitating an optimum substrate temperature to achieve maximum polymer and GNR lengths. We compare the adsorption behavior with that of pristine chevron precursors and discuss the effects of C-H and C-F bonds. The results elucidate the growth mechanism of GNRs with fluorine-bearing precursors and establish a foundation for future synthesis of GNRs on nonmetallic substrates.
Acute Type A aortic dissection surgical repair in Octogenarians: A meta-analysis
Authors: Hasan Mohammed Tarek , Rezq Hazem Salah , Saleh Othman , Aboeldahab Heba , El khashab Mohammad K. , Hamouda Salah Mahmoud , Elkersh Hassan , Gbreel Mohamed Ibrahim , Hassaballa Aly Sherif , Awad Ahmed K.
Published: August 2024

Aortic dissection (AD), a life-threatening condition resulting from aortic wall tears, is especially concerning in the elderly. However, few studies have investigated long-term surgical outcomes in octogenarians with Type A aortic dissection (TAAD). Our paper addresses this critical knowledge gap. Four electronic databases were searched from inception till November 2022 to include any observational or randomized controlled trials (RCT) that evaluate long-term surgical outcomes of TAAD in octogenarians alone or compared with Septuagint focusing on factors including surgical approach, comorbidities, and preoperative status. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to pool study estimates and calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We included 18,057 participants (10,253 males, 7804 females). In octogenarians and compared to medical treatment, surgical repair achieved significantly lower rates of re-exploration (9%), antegrade cerebral perfusion (33%), stroke (10%), and respiratory failure (19%). In terms of operative data, octogenarians had shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time (161.89 min), cross-clamp time (103.18 min), and myocardial ischemic time (90.89 min). Compared to septuagenarians, octogenarians had significantly shorter cardiopulmonary bypass and systemic cardiac arrest times (−13.84 min and −2.46 min, respectively). Additionally, octogenarians had a higher risk of respiratory complications (RR = 1.60). No significant differences were found for tracheostomy, antegrade cerebral perfusion, neurologic complications, and renal failure. In conclusion, octogenarians undergoing surgical repair for TAAD face relatively lower complication rates, but a higher risk of respiratory issues compared to septuagenarians, emphasizing the unique surgical challenges in this elderly fragile population.
Metal-ion-selective chiral gelation of a mannose-grafted polyoxometalate cluster
Authors: Wei Mingfeng , Wang Lei , Li Bao , Wu Lixin
Published: August 2024

A series of chiral supramolecular hydrogels, constructed by the selective coordination of transition metal ions to an Anderson-polyoxometalate that has grafted mannose groups, are made up of helical nanofibers with a staggered stacking structure.
Coordination polymers and supramolecular cages based on [(MS4)Cux]x−2 cluster units and N-containing ligands
Authors: Xu Meng-Yuan , Wu Qian , Wang Chen , Sun Yao , Teng Yu-Kang , Zhang Rui , Lu Zhen-Zhong
Published: August 2024

This work demonstrates that the number and arrangement of Cu+ around the (MS4)2− core can be varied with the synthesis conditions, affording heterothiometallic [(MS4)Cux]x−2 cluster units with versatile geometries and connectivities for building CPs.
Ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) manganese-based metal–organic framework nanosheets for selective photocatalytic oxidation of thioether
Authors: Zhu Jing , Huo Cuimeng , Chen Jin , Ma Xiaoxing , Zhu Xiangjun , Li Yan , Li Guofang , Chen Haitao , Duan Xianying , Han Fujiao , Kong Hongjun , Zheng Fuwei , Jiang Aiyun
Published: August 2024

We synthesized a 2D Mn(ii) MOF with adjacent layers stacked by weak interactions. We peeled the MOF into nanosheets using an ultrasound method, thus enhancing the photocatalytic oxidation of thioether due to the exposure of more active centers.
Synergistic effect of the heterojunction g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6/clinoptilolite to enhance the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics in water in the presence of persulfate
Authors: Le Phuong Thu , Nguyen Thu Phuong , Do Thi Hai , Nguyen Hong Nam , Dinh Thi Mai Thanh , Phan Thi Thuy , Tsubota Toshiki , Nguyen Trung Dung
Published: August 2024

Proposed mechanism of OTC photocatalytic degradation by the CNBC-30/PDS/Vis system.
Excitation wavelength-dependent emission of Mn2+/Sn2+ co-doped Cs3ZnI5 for optical fluorescence anti-counterfeiting applications
Authors: Li Xiunan , Zhao Shuang , Yu Hailong , Liu Jing , Hu Bing , Han Qiuju , Wu Wenzhi
Published: August 2024

Mn2+ and Sn2+ co-doped Cs3ZnI5 crystals synthesized via gradient cooling crystallization are used for fluorescence anticounterfeiting. It exhibits excitation-wavelength dependence and utilizes a matrix operation strategy for information encryption.
Porphyrin-linked graphdiyne as a substrate for constructing single-atom catalysts with transition metals towards oxygen reduction reactions and oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Ping Jiejie , Wu Mei , Liu Manyu , Jiang Yan , Shang Wenhui , Jiao Menggai , Ruan Jiahao , Wang Nan , Jia Zhiyu
Published: August 2024

Porphyrin-linked graphdiyne anchored with transition metals exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance, attributed to the modifications in the coordination environment.
Multifunctional MXene composite aerogels modified via hyperbranched gels
Authors: Wang Tairan , Zhang Hengzhi , Tang Shengwei , Jia Chunyang
Published: August 2024

The surface of hyperbranched gel/MXene composite aerogel has parallel walls, and the special morphology gives the aerogel excellent thermal insulation and electromagnetic wave absorption properties.
High-throughput screening of carbon nitride single-atom catalysts for nitrogen fixation based on machine learning
Authors: Xu LinTao , Huang Yuhong , Lin Haiping , Du Ruhai , Wang Min , Ma Fei , Wei Xiumei , Zhu Gangqiang , Zhang Jianmin
Published: August 2024

Compared with the traditional electrocatalyst screening of the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), machine learning (ML) has achieved high-throughput screening with less computational cost.
The interplay between magnetism and structure in Co/Fe-CdSe diluted magnetic quantum dots
Authors: Ibraheem Fatma , Gabrouny Esraa , Nadi Shaimaa , Mahdy Manal A. , Mahdy Iman A. , Ortega J. Enrique , Rogero Celia , Corso Martina , El-Sayed Afaf
Published: August 2024

Revealing the structure-dependent properties of Co/Fe-CdSe DMQD. Co-ions form a β-Co(OH)2 shell, showing soft ferromagnetism and enhanced PL by 250%. Conversely, Fe-ions lead to room-temperature ferromagnetic DMQD, forming a FeSe core in the CdSe QD.
The prototypical major cluster merger Abell 754
Authors: Botteon A. , van Weeren R. J. , Eckert D. , Gastaldello F. , Markevitch M. , Giacintucci S. , Brunetti G. , Kale R. , Venturi T.
Published: August 2024

Context. Abell 754 is a rich galaxy cluster at z = 0.0543 and is considered the prototype of a major cluster merger. As many dynamically unrelaxed systems, it hosts diffuse radio emission on megaparsec-scales. Extended synchrotron sources in the intra-cluster medium (ICM) are commonly interpreted as evidence that a fraction of the gravitational energy released during cluster mergers is dissipated into nonthermal components.

Aims. Here, we aim to use new MeerKAT UHF- and L-band observations to study nonthermal phenomena in Abell 754. These data are complemented with archival XMM-Newton observations to investigate the resolved spectral properties of both the radio and X-ray cluster emission.

Methods. For the first time, we employed the pipeline originally developed to calibrate LOFAR data to MeerKAT observations. This allowed us to perform a direction-dependent calibration and obtain highly sensitive radio images in UHF and L bands that capture the extended emission with unprecedented detail. By using a large XMM-Newton mosaic, we produced thermodynamic maps of the ICM.

Results. Our analysis reveals that the radio halo in the cluster center is bounded by the well-known shock in the eastern direction. Furthermore, in the southwest periphery, we discover an extended radio source that we classify as a radio relic that is possibly tracing a shock driven by the squeezed gas compressed by the merger, outflowing in perpendicular directions. The low-luminosity of this relic appears compatible with direct acceleration of thermal pool electrons. We interpret the observed radio and X-ray features in the context of a major cluster merger with a nonzero impact parameter.

Conclusions. Abell 754 is a remarkable galaxy cluster showcasing exceptional features associated with the ongoing merger event. The high quality of the new MeerKAT data motivates further work on this system.
The pandemic state of exception: restrictions, subjectivities, and authority
Authors: Sirnes Thorvald
Published: August 2024

The pandemic and all of its restrictions dominated public attention and social practices for almost three years. There was declared a state of exception in many national contexts during the pandemic. A revolution took place in the governing of bodies and the obstruction of sociality or the basic togetherness of humans. In a direct, physical way, the pandemic regulations were radically individualizing to a degree that had not been seen in either normal societies or normal crises and emergencies. This pandemic condition of being exposed represented a kind of extreme object existence.
The Challenge of Joseph H. Jackson
Authors: Alcántara Jared E
Published: August 2024

This book explores the challenge of Joseph H. Jackson through a definitive academic biography. Jackson remains a person whose significance to twentieth-century Black Christianity and U.S. history more broadly has not yet been understood or appreciated. The biography chronicles Jackson’s rise to power as pastor of the largest Black church in the United States, the fifteen-thousand-member Olivet Baptist in Chicago, and as the longest-tenured president of the six-million-member National Baptist Convention (1953–1982), at one time the nation’s largest Black organization. It examines Jackson’s political alliances, describes his controversial views on race, catalogues his global ecumenical work, explains his fallout with the family of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and connects his eloquence to the maintenance of power in a tradition that prizes sacred oratory. By making the life and legacy of Dr. Jackson available, this book produces new homiletical (i.e., preaching) knowledge of his theory and practice, recovers neglected civil rights–era church history, and explores how leadership and power is a double-edged sword in modern American religious life.
“As I Come to a Close”
Authors: Alcántara Jared E
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores Joseph H. Jackson’s swift declension toward irrelevance after Martin Luther King’s assassination and his virtual anonymity in the final years of his life. Three cities will frame the telling of the final chapter of Jackson’s life, each of which will have a year attached to it to mark its significance to Jackson’s life and ministry: Chicago 1966, Memphis 1968, and Miami 1982. This chapter will also catalogue the renaming of the street in front of Olivet Baptist Church on account of his feud with King, his loss of the presidency of the National Baptist Convention in 1982 to T. J. Jemison, and his death in 1990.
Teaching Music to Students with Differences and Disabilities
Authors: Hammel Alice M , Hourigan Ryan M
Published: August 2024

Teaching Music to Students with Differences and Disabilities: A Label-Free Approach is designed for faculty, in-service music administrators, in-service music teachers, and preservice music teachers. It is designed as a comprehensive manual and reference guide that introduces those in the field of music education to best practices when teaching music to students with differences and disabilities. It includes research-based strategies for methods courses and professional development. In addition, this text addresses curricular strategies for methods teachers and in-service music educators. This information is grounded in research, special education law, and best practice. A focus of this book is that a student with differences and disabilities is an individual who deserves a music education that is free of labels. The philosophical premise of a label-free approach is centered in the preservation of the individual personhood of each student. Through this approach, music educators will be able to gain and advocate for support, understand their rights and responsibilities, and offer an affective and effective music education for students with and without disabilities. This includes learning strategies for effective collaboration with special educators, teacher educators, and classroom teachers. We also include curriculum development ideas, lesson plan strategies, observation strategies (methods classroom), and practica ideas (methods classroom).
Public School Education within a Democracy
Authors: Hammel Alice M , Hourigan Ryan M
Published: August 2024

Unfortunately, not all students within the current public education system in the United States have an equal opportunity to learn. The school experience for some students is vastly different from the experience of other students, and in some situations, some students are given more opportunities than others. This chapter offers a fundamental look at the current practice of teaching students with differences and disabilities through an examination of current educational and community norms and practice. This includes funding as well as family support challenges. In addition, an overview of the label-free approach is provided as an introduction to the full text. The label-free approach uses domains, rather than medical diagnoses and social justice elements that include adapting the environment for the student, rather than adapting the student to the environment.
The Current Structure of Special Education in Our Schools
Authors: Hammel Alice M , Hourigan Ryan M
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines how educational policy builds and expands on previous sets of legislation. Education policy has become more politically charged and will continue to be so into the middle of the 21st century. Legal wrangling, court decisions, and the timeline of a bill as it becomes law are not always met with public scrutiny or interest. However, there are many seminal moments that have shaped policies, legislation, and litigation in the areas of civil rights and the education of students with differences and disabilities. The keystone legislation examined in this chapter has continued to define the United States as a country and to shape U.S. public policy.
Thriving in a salty future: morpho-anatomical, physiological and molecular adaptations to salt stress in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and other crops
Authors: Liu Xu , Elzenga J Theo M , Venema Jan Henk , Tiedge Kira J
Published: August 2024

Background

With soil salinity levels rising at an alarming rate, accelerated by climate change and human interventions, there is a growing need for crop varieties that can grow on saline soils. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a cool-season perennial leguminous crop, commonly grown as forage, biofuel feedstock and soil conditioner. It demonstrates significant potential for agricultural circularity and sustainability, for example by fixing nitrogen, sequestering carbon and improving soil structures. Although alfalfa is traditionally regarded as a moderately salt-tolerant species, modern alfalfa varieties display specific salt-tolerance mechanisms, which could be used to pave its role as a leading crop able to grow on saline soils.

Scope

Alfalfa’s salt tolerance underlies a large variety of cascading biochemical and physiological mechanisms. These are partly enabled by its complex genome structure and out-crossing nature, but which entail impediments for molecular and genetic studies. This review first summarizes the general effects of salinity on plants and the broad-ranging mechanisms for dealing with salt-induced osmotic stress, ion toxicity and secondary stress. Second, we address the defensive and adaptive strategies that have been described for alfalfa, such as the plasticity of alfalfa’s root system, hormonal crosstalk for maintaining ion homeostasis, spatiotemporal specialized metabolite profiles and the protection of alfalfa–rhizobia associations. Finally, bottlenecks for research of the physiological and molecular salt-stress responses as well as biotechnology-driven improvements of salt tolerance are identified and discussed.

Conclusion

Understanding morpho-anatomical, physiological and molecular responses to salinity is essential for the improvement of alfalfa and other crops in saline land reclamation. This review identifies potential breeding targets for enhancing the stability of alfalfa performance and general crop robustness for rising salt levels as well as to promote alfalfa applications in saline land management.
Teaching Styles in North American University Classrooms: A Corpus-Driven Linguistic Analysis
Authors: Csomay Eniko , Crawford William J
Published: August 2024

Although university teaching styles have been investigated in both educational and applied linguistic research, a comprehensive linguistic analysis of teaching styles has yet to be explored. Previous educational studies have relied on perceptual measures (e.g. class observations or questionnaires) while linguistic studies have analyzed small sets of narrowly defined class sessions (e.g. monologic delivery style) or associated linguistic variation with discourse structure. While these studies have provided valuable insights into classroom teaching, they lack generalizable findings for this context. This study takes an empirical approach to identifying teaching styles based on language behavior in university classrooms. The study uses a corpus of 194 recorded university classrooms at six universities in the USA (1.45 million words). We first apply a novel multidimensional (MD) analysis to identify language variation in university class sessions and then, through cluster analytical methods, we identify text types that we interpret as teaching styles. Four main styles are recognized and functionally interpreted by reference to the co-occurring linguistic features identified in each cluster. Implications are also provided.
Decreased interleukin 4 serum levels correlate with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 inhibitor TM5614 efficacy in patients with malignant melanoma refractory to anti-programmed cell death protein-1 antibodies: post hoc study of the TM5614-MM trial
Authors: Yamazaki Emi , Fujimura Taku , Takahashi-Watanabe Manami , Tada Satsuki , Kitayama Chisako , Amagai Ryo , Kambayashi Yumi , Watanabe Masahiro , Maekawa Masamitsu , Mano Nariyasu , Asano Yoshihide
Published: August 2024

We previously reported that a combination of the PAI-1 inhibitor TM5614 and nivolumab resulted in a 25.9% response rate in patients with anti-PD-1 antibody failure. We therefore comprehensively evaluated the serum levels of chemokines and cytokines in patients enrolled in the protocol per set cohort of the TM5614-MM clinical trial (jRCT2021210029). Our present study revealed significant reductions in IL-4, IL-16 and CXCL2 in the response group treated with TM5614. Our findings suggest that the induction of an antitumour response in our previous clinical trial was due to the activation of tumour-associated macrophages through the blockade of M2 polarization and the reduction of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the tumour-bearing host.
Motivation in Parkinson’s disease: apathetic before you know it
Authors: Manohar Sanjay G
Published: August 2024

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Putaminal dopamine modulates movement motivation in Parkinson’s disease’ by Banwinkler et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae214).
Diverse Sources and Latent Reservoirs of Community-Associated Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Alshannaq Ahmad F , Kates Ashley E , Keating Julie A , Mckinley Linda L , Dixon Jonah W , Safdar Nasia
Published: August 2024

Clostridioides difficile is a spore-forming, toxin-producing, anaerobic bacterium that infects the human gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea and life-threatening colitis. Clostridioides difficile epidemiology continues to evolve, and it is recognized as a major community-associated (CA) pathogen in addition to its established role in causing healthcare-associated (HA) infection. While current surveillance and prevention measures mainly focus on healthcare-associated C. difficile infections (HA-CDI), much less is known about the factors that drive CA-CDI. This review highlights the potential contribution of reservoirs, including asymptomatic carriers, to CA C. difficile transmission. The reservoirs discussed in this review provide potential avenues for research to better understand and reduce CA transmission of C. difficile.
Validation of arteriovenous access stage (AVAS) classification: a prospective, international multicentre study
Authors: Lawrie Katerina , Waldauf Petr , Balaz Peter , Lacerda Ricardo , Aitken Emma , Letachowicz Krzysztof , D'Oria Mario , Di Maso Vittorio , Stasko Pavel , Gomes Antonio , Fontainhas Joana , Pekar Matej , Srdelic Alena ,   VAVASC Study Group, Ianche Franchesco , Nunes Vitor , Fabian Bretislav , Hanko Jennifer , Masengu Agnes , Moran Conor , McGrogan Damian , Murray Aidan , O'Neill Stephen
Published: August 2024

Background

The arteriovenous access stage (AVAS) classification provides evaluation of upper extremity vessels for vascular access (VA) suitability. It divides patients into classes within three main groups: suitable for native fistula (AVAS1) or prosthetic graft (AVAS2), and patients not suitable for conventional native or prosthetic VA (AVAS3). We validated this system on a prospective dataset.

Methods

A prospective, international observational study (NCT04796558) involved 11 centres from 8 countries. Patient recruitment was from March 2021 to January 2024. Demographic data, risk factors, vessels parameters, VA types, AVAS class and early VA failure were collected. Percentage agreement was used to assess predictive ability of AVAS (comparison of AVAS and created VA) and consistency of AVAS assessment between evaluators. Pearson's Chi-squared test was used for comparison of early failure rate of conventional (predicted by AVAS) and unconventional (not predicted by AVAS) VA.

Results

From 1034 enrolled patients, 935 had arteriovenous fistula or graft, 99 patients did not undergo VA creation due opting for alternative renal replacement therapies, experiencing health complications, death or non-compliance. AVAS1 had 91.2%, AVAS2 7.2% and AVAS3 1.6% of patients. Agreement between evaluators was 89%. The most frequently created VAs were radial-cephalic (46%) and brachial-cephalic (27%) fistulae. The accuracy of AVAS versus created access was 79%. In comparison, VA predicted by clinicians versus created access was 62.1%. Inaccuracy of AVAS prediction was more common with higher AVAS classes, and the most common reason for inaccuracy was creation of distal VA despite less favourable anatomy (17%). Patients with unconventional VA had higher early failure rate than patients with conventional VA (20% vs 9.3%, respectively, P = .002)

Conclusion

AVAS is effective in predicting VA creation, but overall accuracy is reduced at higher AVAS classes when the complexity of decision-making increases and proximal vessels require preservation. When AVAS was followed by clinicians, early failure was significantly decreased.
Intra-individual variability in lipoprotein(a): the value of a repeat measure for reclassifying individuals at intermediate risk
Authors: Harb Tarek , Ziogos Efthymios , Blumenthal Roger S , Gerstenblith Gary , Leucker Thorsten M
Published: August 2024

Aims

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are predominantly genetically determined and repeat measurements are generally considered unlikely to be clinically useful. However, the temporal variation of Lp(a) is not well characterized. Our aim was to determine the intra-individual variability of Lp(a) and whether a repeated measure reclassified Lp(a)-specific cardiovascular risk using the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) consensus statement risk categories.

Methods and results

This retrospective cohort study analysed initial and repeated serum Lp(a) levels measured using the same methodology from 609 individuals in the Nashville Biosciences database, a de-identified electronic medical records database. Baseline and follow-up paired values were significantly different (P < 0.05), with an absolute change of ≥10 mg/dL in 38.1% [95% CI 34.2–42%] and a >25% change in 40.5% [95% CI 36.6–44.3%] of individuals. Although the categories of those whose values were in the EAS low-risk and high-risk categories did not change, 53% of those in the intermediate ‘grey-zone’ category transitioned to either the low-risk (20%) or high-risk (33%) category. Black individuals exhibited greater variability than White individuals and women exhibited greater variability than men. There was a positive correlation between the baseline Lp(a) levels and the absolute changes in Lp(a), (r = 0.59, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Temporal-related changes in Lp(a) variability were present in many individuals. A repeat Lp(a) measure may allow more precise Lp(a)-specific cardiovascular risk prediction for individuals whose initial value is in the EAS-defined intermediate ‘grey-zone’ category. Lp(a) variability should be included in calculating the expected effect sizes in future clinical research studies targeting Lp(a).
Aspirin vs. clopidogrel monotherapy after percutaneous coronary intervention: 1-year follow-up of the STOPDAPT-3 trial
Authors: Watanabe Hirotoshi , Natsuaki Masahiro , Morimoto Takeshi , Yamamoto Ko , Obayashi Yuki , Nishikawa Ryusuke , Kimura Tomoya , Ando Kenji , Domei Takenori , Suwa Satoru , Ogita Manabu , Isawa Tsuyoshi , Takenaka Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Takashi , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Hisauchi Itaru , Wakabayashi Kohei , Onishi Yuko , Hibi Kiyoshi , Kawai Kazuya , Yoshida Ruka , Suzuki Hiroshi , Nakazawa Gaku , Kusuyama Takanori , Morishima Itsuro , Ono Koh , Kimura Takeshi
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

There was no previous trial comparing aspirin monotherapy with a P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy following short dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents.

Methods

In the STOPDAPT-3, patients with acute coronary syndrome or high bleeding risk (HBR) were randomly assigned to either 1-month dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and prasugrel followed by aspirin monotherapy (aspirin group) or 1-month prasugrel monotherapy followed by clopidogrel monotherapy (clopidogrel group). This secondary analysis compared aspirin monotherapy with clopidogrel monotherapy by the 30-day landmark analysis. The co-primary endpoints were the cardiovascular endpoint defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, definite stent thrombosis, or ischaemic stroke and the bleeding endpoint defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or 5.

Results

Of the 6002 assigned patients, 5833 patients (aspirin group: N = 2920 and clopidogrel group: N = 2913) were included in the 30-day landmark analysis. Median age was 73 (interquartile range 64–80) years, women 23.4%, acute coronary syndrome 74.6%, and high bleeding risk 54.1%. The assigned monotherapy was continued at 1 year in 87.5% and 87.2% in the aspirin and clopidogrel groups, respectively. The incidence rates beyond 30 days and up to 1 year were similar between the aspirin and clopidogrel groups for both cardiovascular endpoint [4.5 and 4.5 per 100 person-year, hazard ratio 1.00 (95% confidence interval .77–1.30), P = .97], and bleeding endpoint [2.0 and 1.9, hazard ratio 1.02 (95% confidence interval .69–1.52), P = .92].

Conclusions

Aspirin monotherapy compared with clopidogrel monotherapy was associated with similar cardiovascular and bleeding outcomes beyond 1 month and up to 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents (STOPDAPT-3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04609111).
Flight-related determinants of healthcare services utilization of asylum seekers and refugees in Germany: a study based on the German Socio-Economic Panel
Authors: Grochtdreis Thomas , König Hans-Helmut , Dams Judith
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between healthcare services utilization and flight-related characteristics of asylum seekers and refugees in Germany. The 2020 wave of the German Socio-Economic Panel’s Survey of Refugees was used to compile a sample of asylum seekers and refugees (n = 3134). Healthcare services utilization was measured using the self-reported number of visits to primary care physicians and hospitalization. Only the feeling of being welcome and worries about not being able to stay in Germany were identified as potential flight-related determinants of healthcare services utilization.