bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The H3K27me3 histone mark correlates with repression of colour and aroma development post-harvest in strawberry fruit
Authors: Baldwin Ashley , Lechon Tamara , Marchbank Angela , Scofield Simon , Lieu Kerstin , Wilson Charlotte L , Ludlow Richard A , Herbert Robert J , Nützmann Hans-Wilhelm , Rogers Hilary J
Published: November 2024

Strawberry ripening is non-climacteric, and post-harvest fruit enter senescence and deteriorate rapidly. Chilled storage induces transcriptome-wide changes in gene expression, including down-regulation of aroma-related genes. Histone marks are associated with transcriptional activation or repression; the H3K27me3 mark is mainly associated with repression of gene expression. Here genes associated with H3K27me3 were identified through ChIP-seq in ripe red strawberry fruit at harvest and after 5 d of chilled storage in the dark. The number of ChIP peaks increased with storage time, indicating an increased role for this mark in regulation of gene expression following chilled dark storage. Comparing ChIP-seq data with RNA-seq data from the same material identified 440 genes whose expression correlated with H3K27me3 repression. Abiotic stress genes, especially cold stress response genes, were down-regulated during storage. Increased association with the H3K27me3 mark indicated that they may be repressed via this epigenetic mark. Other functional groups included cell wall and carbohydrate metabolism. The association with the H3K27me3 mark of two transcription factor genes (FaHY5 and FaTRAB1) and of FaADH, involved in ester biosynthesis, was validated by ChIP-PCR. These three genes were all down-regulated during storage and indicated a network of H3K27me3 gene repression affecting both anthocyanin and ester biosynthesis.
Cultivar-dependent differences in plant bud microbiome and functional gene pathways in woody plants commonly used in urban green space
Authors: Roslund Marja I , Galitskaya Polina , Saarenpää Mika , Sinkkonen Aki
Published: November 2024

Plant richness and microbiota have been associated with plant health; hardly any studies have investigated how plant taxa differs in microbiota in the context of human health. We investigated the microbial differences in buds of 83 woody plant taxa used in urban green spaces in hemiboreal climate, using 16S rRNA and whole metagenome shotgun sequencing. Bud microbial community was the richest in Cotoneaster Nanshan and C. integerrimus, and Malus domestica cultivars “Sandra” and “Lobo” and poorest in Ribes glandulosum. Metagenomic shotgun sequencing of two M. domestica and four Ribes varieties confirmed differences in taxa in bud microbiota and indicated higher siderophore synthesis in Malus. Microbial richness, including bacteria, archaea, and viruses, and functional richness of gene pathways was higher in Malus compared to Ribes. The 10 most abundant amplicon sequence units, often referred as species, belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria. The differences between plant taxa were evident in classes Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria, known for potential human health benefits. Since environmental microbiota contributes to human microbiota and immunoregulation, horticultural cultivars hosting rich microbiota may have human health benefits. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of microbially-oriented plant selection in optimizing human microbiota and planetary health.
Impact of high hydrostatic pressure and UV-C radiation on total aerobic bacteria in Minas Frescal cheese
Authors: Teixeira Cristiane Correia , Poeys de Carvalho Rafael Marques Pereira , da Silva Guilherme Castro Luz , Domingues Josiane Roberto , Rosenthal Amauri , Ramos Gustavo Luis de Paiva Anciens , Gonzalez Alice Gonçalves Martins
Published: November 2024

Minas Frescal cheese (MFC) is a perishable product with high water activity and neutral pH, conditions that favor the development of microorganisms. Total aerobic bacteria (TAB) can deteriorate the cheese, negatively affecting its sensory characteristics. By controlling TAB, the shelf life of the product is extended and its quality is maintained, contributing to meeting consumer expectations. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effect of technological treatments of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and ultraviolet C radiation (UV-C) on the TAB count present in the natural microbiota of MFC, as an alternative to control the microbiological quality of this product. After production, MFC were subjected to treatments with different levels of HHP (100–400 MPa/10 min) and UV-C (0.097–0.392 J/cm2 s−1). The combinations of HHP and UV-C doses were determined by a central composite rotational design. The model efficiently described the individual and combined effect of HHP and UV-C on TAB, demonstrating that gradually increasing HHP levels reduces TAB counts in MFC, regardless of the UV-C dose applied. This study contributes significantly to the literature by providing new insights into how these technologies can be used to improve the microbiological quality of fresh cheeses.
Spectral analysis of ultraluminous X-ray pulsars with models of X-ray pulsars
Authors: Kumar Manish , Sharma Rahul , Paul Biswajit , Rana Vikram
Published: November 2024

A fraction of the ultraluminous X-ray (ULX) sources are known to be accreting neutron stars as they show coherent X-ray pulsations with pulse periods ranging from ${\sim} 1{\!-\!}30$ s. While initially thought to host intermediate-mass black holes, ULXs have since been recognized as a diverse class of objects, including ULX pulsars. These pulsars require models specifically tailored to account for their unique accretion physics, distinct from those used for Galactic black hole binaries. The X-ray spectra of all Galactic accreting X-ray pulsars (including sources in the Magellanic Clouds) are dominated by a high-energy cut-off power law and some of the sources show a soft excess, some emission lines, cyclotron absorption features, etc. In this work, we undertake a comprehensive analysis of the broad-band X-ray spectra of five ULX pulsars using simultaneous XMM–Newton and NuSTAR observations and show that their X-ray spectra can be effectively described by spectral models, similar to those used for the local accretion-powered X-ray pulsars. A soft excess is detected in all the sources which is also consistent with the local X-ray pulsars that have low absorption column density. We have marginal detection or low upper limit on the presence of the iron K-alpha emission line from these sources, which is a key difference of the ULX pulsars with the local accreting X-ray pulsars. We discuss the implication of this on the nature of the binary companion and the accretion mechanism in the ULX pulsars.
On the non-dissipative orbital evolution of a binary system comprising non-compact components with misaligned spin and orbital angular momenta
Authors: Lazovik Y A , Ivanov P B , Papaloizou J C B
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we determine the non-dissipative tidal evolution of a close binary system with an arbitrary eccentricity in which the spin angular momenta of both components are misaligned with the orbital angular momentum. We focus on the situation where the orbital angular momentum dominates the spin angular momenta and so remains at small inclination to the conserved total angular momentum. Torques arising from rotational distortion and tidal distortion taking account of Coriolis forces are included. This extends the previous work of Ivanov & Papaloizou relaxing the limitation resulting from the assumption that one of the components is compact and has zero spin angular momentum. Unlike the above study, the evolution of spin–orbit inclination angles is driven by both types of torque. We develop a simple analytic theory describing the evolution of orbital angles and compare it with direct numerical simulations. We find that the tidal torque prevails near ‘critical curves’ in parameter space where the time-averaged apsidal precession rate is close to zero. In the limit of small spin, these curves exist only for systems that have at least one component with retrograde rotation. As in our previous work, we find solutions close to these curves for which the apsidal angle librates. As noted there, this could result in oscillation between prograde and retrograde states. We consider the application of our approach to systems with parameters similar to those of the misaligned binary DI Her.
Constraining the AGN formation channel for detected black hole binary mergers up to z = 1.5 with the Quaia catalogue
Authors: Veronesi Niccolò , van Velzen Sjoert , Rossi Elena Maria , Storey-Fisher Kate
Published: November 2024

Statistical analyses based on the spatial correlation between the sky maps of gravitational wave (GW) events and the positions of potential host environments are a powerful tool to infer the origin of the black hole binary mergers that have been detected by the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA instruments. In this paper, we tighten our previous constraints on the fraction of detected GW events that may have originated from active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We consider 159 mergers detected not later than 1st June, 2024, and the all-sky quasar catalogue Quaia. We increase by a factor of 5.3 and 114, the number of considered GW sources and AGN, respectively, also extending our analysis from redshift 0.3 to 1.5. This is possible thanks to the uniformity of the AGN catalogue and its high level of completeness, which we estimate as a function of redshift and luminosity. We find at a 95 per cent credibility level that un-obscured AGN with a bolometric luminosity higher than $10^{44.5}\,{\rm erg\ s}^{-1}$ ($10^{45}\,{\rm erg\ s}^{-1}$) do not contribute to more than the 21 (11) per cent of the detected GW events.
SPathDB: a comprehensive database of spatial pathway activity atlas
Authors: Li Feng , Song Xinyu , Fan Wenli , Pei Liying , Liu Jiaqi , Zhao Rui , Zhang Yifang , Li Mengyue , Song Kaiyue , Sun Yu , Zhang Chunlong , Zhang Yunpeng , Xu Yanjun
Published: November 2024

Spatial transcriptomics sequencing technology deepens our understanding of the diversity of cell behaviors, fates and states within complex tissue, which is often determined by the fine-tuning of regulatory network functional activities. Therefore, characterizing the functional activity within tissue space is helpful for revealing the functional features that drive spatial heterogeneity, and understanding complex biological processes. Here, we describe a database, SPathDB (http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/SPathDB/), which aims to dissect the pathway-mediated multidimensional spatial heterogeneity in the context of functional activity. We manually curated spatial transcriptomics datasets and biological pathways from public data resources. SPathDB consists of 1689 868 spatial spots of 695 slices from 84 spatial transcriptome datasets of human and mouse, which involves 36 tissues, and also diseases such as cancer, and provides interactive analysis and visualization of the functional activities of 114 998 pathways across these spatial spots. SPathDB provides five flexible interfaces to retrieve and analyze pathways with highly variable functional activity across spatial spots, the distribution of pathway functional activities along pseudo-space axis, pathway-mediated spatial intercellular communications and the associations between spatial pathway functional activity and the occurrence of cell types. SPathDB will serve as a foundational resource for identifying functional features and elucidating underlying mechanisms of spatial heterogeneity.
RASP v2.0: an updated atlas for RNA structure probing data
Authors: Mu Kunting , Fei Yuhan , Xu Yiran , Zhang Qiangfeng Cliff
Published: November 2024

RNA molecules function in numerous biological processes by folding into intricate structures. Here we present RASP v2.0, an updated database for RNA structure probing data featuring a substantially expanded collection of datasets along with enhanced online structural analysis functionalities. Compared to the previous version, RASP v2.0 includes the following improvements: (i) the number of RNA structure datasets has increased from 156 to 438, comprising 216 transcriptome-wide RNA structure datasets, 141 target-specific RNA structure datasets, and 81 RNA–RNA interaction datasets, thereby broadening species coverage from 18 to 24, (ii) a deep learning-based model has been implemented to impute missing structural signals for 59 transcriptome-wide RNA structure datasets with low structure score coverage, significantly enhancing data quality, particularly for low-abundance RNAs, (iii) three new online analysis modules have been deployed to assist RNA structure studies, including missing structure score imputation, RNA secondary and tertiary structure prediction, and RNA binding protein (RBP) binding prediction. By providing a resource of much more comprehensive RNA structure data, RASP v2.0 is poised to facilitate the exploration of RNA structure-function relationships across diverse biological processes. RASP v2.0 is freely accessible at http://rasp2.zhanglab.net/.
Integration of transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of TFEB reveals its dual functional roles in Pan-cancer
Authors: Luo Jing-Fang , Wang Shijia , Fu Jiajing , Xu Peng , Shao Ningyi , Lu Jia-Hong , Ming Chen
Published: November 2024

Transcription factor EB (TFEB) mainly regulates the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, associated with many diseases, including cancer. However, the role of TFEB in pan-cancer has not been investigated systematically. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed TFEB targets under three stresses in Hela cells by cross-validation of RNA-seq and ChIP-seq. 1712 novel TFEB targets have not been reported in the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and ChIP Enrichment Analysis databases. We further investigated their distributions and roles among the pan-cancer co-expression networks across 32 cancers constructed by multiscale embedded gene co-expression network analysis (MEGENA) based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Specifically, TFEB might serve as a hidden player with multifaceted functions in regulating pan-cancer risk factors, e.g. CXCL2, PKMYT1 and BUB1, associated with cell cycle and immunosuppression. TFEB might also regulate protective factors, e.g. CD79A, related to immune promotion in the tumor microenvironment. We further developed a Shiny app website to present the comprehensive regulatory targets of TFEB under various stimuli, intending to support further research on TFEB functions. Summarily, we provided references for the TFEB downstream targets responding to three stresses and the dual roles of TFEB and its targets in pan-cancer, which are promising anticancer targets that warrant further exploration.
Snus and Cardiometabolic Health Markers Among Swedish Young Adults
Authors: Zettergren Anna , Andersson Niklas , Pershagen Göran , Lindh Christian , Georgelis Antonios , Kull Inger , Melén Erik , Ekström Sandra , Ljungman Petter , Bergström Anna
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Snus is suggested as a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease, but little is known about health effects in young populations, particularly in women. We aimed to investigate associations between snus and cardiometabolic health markers among young men and women.

Aims and Methods

This study was conducted within the BAMSE (Swedish acronym for Children, Allergy, Environment, Stockholm, Epidemiology) birth cohort and included participants followed up around 24 years (n = 2256) and 26 years (n = 1011). Snus use was assessed at 24 years by questionnaires. Cardiometabolic health markers were recorded at clinical examinations at 24 and 26 years. Associations between snus use and cardiometabolic markers were assessed by multivariable linear regression.

Results

Snus was used by 6.4% (n = 81) among women and 21.9% (n = 219) among men. Compared to no tobacco use, daily exclusive snus use among women at 24 years was associated with higher body mass index (BMI) (adjusted β: 1.93 kg/m2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54, 3.33) and waist circumference (WC) (aβ: 3.80 cm, 95% CI = 0.41, 7.18) at 24 years, and with higher BMI (aβ: 2.73 kg/m2, 95% CI = 0.53 to 4.93) at 26 years. Among men, using ≥4 cans/week was associated with increased BMI (aβ: 2.48 kg/m2, 95% CI = 0.73, 4.24) and a tendency toward increased body fat (aβ: 2.31%, 95% CI = −0.53, 5.14) at 26 years. Snus use was not associated with glycemic status or blood pressure.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that snus is associated with increased BMI, and possibly other measures of adiposity, among young women and heavy-using young men. Given the cross-sectional study design, the results should be interpreted with caution.

Implications

We found cross-sectional associations between snus use and measures of increased adiposity in a cohort of Swedish young adults, including BMI and WC among women and BMI among heavy snus-using men. We did not find associations between snus use and body fat %, glycemic status, or blood pressure. This is one of few studies to investigate the health effect of snus among both women and men as well as cardiometabolic health markers in young adults. Given the recent trends of increased snus use among young adults, our findings highlight the need for further research on snus on cardiometabolic health.
Effect of Nutrition Education During Pregnancy on Iron–Folic Acid Supplementation Compliance and Anemia in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Engidaw Melaku Tadege , Lee Patricia , Fekadu Gelana , Mondal Prasenjit , Ahmed Faruk
Published: November 2024

Context

Stakeholders implement nutrition education to prevent and control anemia during pregnancy. Nutrition education during pregnancy can increase the consumption of iron–folic acid (IFA) supplements and encourage behavioral changes. However, there is no comprehensive meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of this intervention.

Objective

This review aimed to determine the effect of nutrition education on IFA supplementation (IFAS) compliance, hemoglobin level change, and prevalence of anemia in low- and middle-income countries.

Data Sources

The systematic searches on Ovid Medline, Scopus, Embase (Elsevier), Web of Science, Health and Medical Collection (ProQuest), and Google Scholar were conducted until September 11, 2023. The updated searches were performed on November 16, 2023.

Data Extraction

In total, 12 436 records were imported to Covidence. Of these, 9109 records were screened by title and abstract. A total of 112 records were evaluated in full, and 53 articles were ultimately included based on eligibility.

Results

Fifty-three peer-reviewed research articles met the inclusion criteria, involving 13 475 pregnant women. Those who received nutrition education during pregnancy were 2.80 times more likely to comply with IFAS (odds ratio = 2.80; 95% CI: 2.04, 3.83; I2 = 66.20%). There was an average increase of 0.88 g/dL (Cohen’s d = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.63, 1.13; I2 = 96.17%) in hemoglobin levels among women who received nutrition education. A meta-regression analysis revealed that 61.85% (adjusted R2 = 61.85%) of heterogeneity between standardized mean differences was explained by anemia status, intervention duration, and geographic region. Also, pregnant women in the nutrition education group had a 34% (relative risk = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.80, I2 = 86.85%) lower risk of anemia compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Nutrition education during pregnancy improves compliance with IFAS, increases hemoglobin levels, and reduces the risk of anemia. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the existing nutrition education program to prevent and control anemia during pregnancy.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023454241.
Migratory mixing of Gallinago delicata (Wilson’s Snipe) in wintering areas highlights the need for international coordination for monitoring and management
Authors: Carpenter Bobbi G , Campbell Caitlin J , Fanning Andrew , McBride Mark
Published: November 2024

Determining migratory connectivity is essential to understanding population dynamics and managing and conserving migratory species. Gallinago delicata (Wilson’s Snipe) is a widely hunted wetland bird distributed throughout North America and parts of South America with little known regarding migratory strategy, connectivity, or population trends. Here, we used stable hydrogen isotope analysis of feathers to identify breeding areas and determine the degree of migratory mixing of 323 G. delicata harvested in Florida during the nonbreeding season. Our results demonstrate a high degree of migratory mixing between breeding and nonbreeding seasons and provide evidence that breeding birds from throughout Canada and the northwestern United States migrate to Florida. We also found evidence of long-distance migration across both latitudinal and longitudinal bands, with 104 individuals traveling from breeding grounds in western Canada or Alaska to nonbreeding habitat in Florida; the farthest-traveling individual likely migrated at least 4,270 km. Our findings highlight the crucial role of active and coordinated monitoring and management of the widely harvested G. delicata, which as long-distance migrants are disproportionately vulnerable to global environmental change.
Moralism without populism? The salience of corruption in the electoral manifestos and legislature speeches of Czech and Slovak parties
Authors: Michal Aleš
Published: November 2024

Corruption remains a significant political issue in Central Europe. This article examines its salience in political discourse in Czechia and Slovakia, where recent anti-corruption campaigns have seen considerable success. Utilizing data from the Comparative Manifesto Project, ParlSpeech, and Slovak Parliamentary TV, the study finds that an oppositional stance is the primary predictor for frequent mentions of corruption rather than the anticipated role of populism. Populist parties then emphasize the issue more in parliamentary speeches than in their campaign promotions, though some specific nuances among different populist subtypes.
EARLY FLOWERING 3 alleles affect the temperature responsiveness of the circadian clock in Chinese cabbage
Authors: Wang Shan , Feng Daling , Zheng Yakun , Lu Yin , Shi Kailin , Yang Rui , Ma Wei , Li Na , Liu Mengyang , Wang Yanhua , Hong Yiguo , McClung C Robertson , Zhao Jianjun
Published: November 2024

Temperature is an environmental cue that entrains the circadian clock, adapting it to local thermal and photoperiodic conditions that characterize different geographic regions. Circadian clock thermal adaptation in leafy vegetables such as Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) is poorly understood but essential to sustain and increase vegetable production under changing climates. We investigated circadian rhythmicity in natural Chinese cabbage accessions grown at 14, 20, and 28 °C. The circadian period was significantly shorter at 20 °C than at either 14 or 28 °C, and the responses to increasing temperature and temperature compensation (Q10) were associated with population structure. Genome-wide association studies mapping identified variation responsible for temperature compensation as measured by Q10 value for temperature increase from 20 to 28 °C. Haplotype analysis indicated that B. rapa EARLY FLOWERING 3 H1 Allele (BrELF3H1) conferred a significantly higher Q10 value at 20 to 28 °C than BrELF3H2. Co-segregation analyses of an F2 population derived from a BrELF3H1 × BrELF3H2 cross revealed that variation among BrELF3 alleles determined variation in the circadian period of Chinese cabbage at 20 °C. However, their differential impact on circadian oscillation was attenuated at 28 °C. Transgenic complementation in Arabidopsis thaliana elf3-8 mutants validated the involvement of BrELF3 in the circadian clock response to thermal cues, with BrELF3H1 conferring a higher Q10 value than BrELF3 H2 at 20 to 28 °C. Thus, BrELF3 is critical to the circadian clock response to ambient temperature in Chinese cabbage. These findings have clear implications for breeding new varieties with enhanced resilience to extreme temperatures.
Infiltration depth, rooting depth, and regolith flushing—A global perspective
Authors: Fan Ying , Miguez-Macho Gonzalo
Published: November 2024

In the vegetation root zone, infiltration (Inf) parts in two directions with distinct Earth-system functions. One goes up as evapotranspiration (E + Tr), returning Inf to the atmosphere (short-circuiting) and affecting short-term weather/climate and the carbon cycle. The other goes down as deep drainage (DD), flushing the regolith, mobilizing nutrients/contaminates and dissolved minerals into aquifers and rivers, eventually reaching the ocean (long-circuiting) thus regulating global biogeochemical cycles and long-term climate. We ask, what is the modern-day global structure in short- vs. long-circuiting? What forces and feedbacks create such structures? Synthesizing site-studies aided by global modeling, we found that: (i) long-circuiting prevails in evenly wet climates, in well-drained landscapes with a deep vadose zone, in substrates with deep conduits, and with plant biomass below natural equilibrium; (ii) soil B-horizons, via geochemical and vegetation feedbacks, enhance short-circuiting, while deep rock fractures enable long-circuiting even in dry climates; (iii) in dry climate/season and in uplands, plant roots follow Inf into deep vadose zone to tap wet-season Inf; (iv) plant water-use reinforces shallow Inf, reducing DD and regolith flushing in dry and season-dry climates; (v) where short-circuiting prevails, a dry soil zone separates modern surface processes from fossil groundwater; and (vi) the E + Tr supply depth, regolith flushing rate, and groundwater residence time vary greatly across the land, arising from multiscale drivers/feedbacks among climate, drainage, substrate, and biomass. These findings link site-based process discoveries to Earth-system level structures and functions of water belowground, shedding light on where/when/how the infiltrated rain influences the atmosphere above or the ocean downstream.
Productive policing: Lessons from preventative police strategies in times of New Public Management
Authors: Foshaugen Marina Hiller , Vestad Maja
Published: November 2024

Police patrol work intersects the global trends of both crime prevention strategies and New Public Management (NPM). Based on a case study conducted among operative policing units in the Norwegian nighttime economy, we canvass lessons from environments in which the tensions that arise from reactive and proactive police strategies are particularly evident. The emphasis on measurable and quantifiable tasks in line with NPM principles, coupled with the pressures to perform according to an overall strategy of crime prevention, present challenges for proactive policing conducted at street-level. The practical implications of this strategic duality are discussed. We suggest that the notion of productive policing sits at the core of this tension as a way of producing both order and quantifiable outcomes.
Performance Evaluation of Electron Multiplier Tubes as a High-Intensity Muon Beam Monitor of Accelerator Neutrino Experiments
Authors: Honjo Takashi , Ashida Yosuke , Auersperg-Castell Oderich F , Friend Megan , Heitkamp Ian , Ichikawa Atsuko K , Ishitsuka Masaki , Izumi Nao , Kasama Sohei , Kashiwagi Shigeru , Kawamura Yuma , Kikawa Tatsuya , Kobata Takuya , Matsubara Tsunayuki , Miyabe Manabu , Nakamura Kiseki D , Nakamura Hina , Sato Yukine , Sakashita Ken , Seiya Yoshihiro , Takifuji Kouichi , Tokiyasu Atsushi , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Yasutome Kenji
Published: November 2024

Upgrade work towards increasing the beam intensity of the neutrino beamline at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) is underway. Monitoring tertiary muon beams is essential for stable operation of the beamline. Accordingly, we plan to replace the present muon monitor sensors with electron multiplier tubes (EMTs). We investigated the radiation tolerance and linearity response of EMTs using a 90 MeV electron beam. EMTs were irradiated with electrons up to 470 nC. EMTs show higher radiation tolerance than the Si sensors which are presently used as one of the muon monitor detectors for the Tokai-to-Kamioka (T2K) long-baseline neutrino experiment at J-PARC. The integrated charge yield decrease is found to be less than 8% after a beam irradiation equivalent to 132 days of operation at the future J-PARC beam power of 1.3 MW. The EMTs show linearity better than $\pm$5% up to the future beam intensity. The observed yield decrease is likely due to dynode deterioration, based on detailed investigation. The studies described here confirm that EMTs can be used as a high-intensity muon beam monitor. Owing to the reported results, we are proceeding with the installation in the J-PARC neutrino beamline.
Exactly Solvable Inhomogeneous Fermion Systems
Authors: Sasaki Ryu
Published: November 2024

15 exactly solvable inhomogeneous (spinless) fermion systems on 1D lattices are constructed explicitly based on the discrete orthogonal polynomials of the Askey scheme, e.g. Krawtchouk, Hahn, Racah, Meixner, and q-Racah polynomials. The Schrödinger and Heisenberg equations are solved explicitly, as the entire set of the eigenvalues and eigenstates are known explicitly. The ground-state two-point correlation functions are derived explicitly. The multipoint correlation functions are obtained by Wick’s theorem. 15 corresponding exactly solvable XX spin systems are also displayed. They all have nearest-neighbor interactions. The exact solvability of the Schrödinger equation means that the corresponding Fokker–Planck equation is also exactly solvable. This leads to 15 exactly solvable birth and death fermions and 15 birth and death spin models. These provide plenty of material for calculating interesting quantities, e.g. entanglement entropy, etc.
On solutions to the Cauchy problem for a class of forced Burgers equations
Authors: Tiwari S , Engu S , Sahoo Manas Ranjan
Published: November 2024

A Cauchy problem for forced Burgers equation (FBE) with time-dependent coefficients is studied in this work. We find explicit solutions of the FBE in terms of Hermite polynomials subject to various classes of initial data. Further, we prove the existence of solutions of FBE with respect to the bounded, continuous and summable initial data. We then derive an approximate solution to the Cauchy problem and find the error estimations between the true and approximate solutions. We give asymptotic profiles of the solutions depending on the initial data.
The Economics of Financial Stress
Authors: Sergeyev Dmitriy , Lian Chen , Gorodnichenko Yuriy
Published: November 2024

We study the psychological costs of financial constraints and their economic consequences. Using a representative survey of U.S. households, we document the prevalence of financial stress in U.S. households and a strong relationship between financial stress and measures of financial constraints. We incorporate financial stress into an otherwise standard dynamic model of consumption and labour supply. We emphasize two key results. First, both financial stress itself and naivete about financial stress are important components of a psychology-based theory of the poverty trap. Sophisticated households, instead, save extra to escape high-stress states because they understand that doing so alleviates the economic consequences of financial stress. Second, the financial stress channel dampens or reverses the counterfactual large negative wealth effect on labour earnings because relieving stress frees up cognitive resources for productive work. Financial stress also has macroeconomic implications for wealth inequality and fiscal multipliers.
Measuring energy expenditure in narcolepsy using doubly labeled water and respiration chamber calorimetry
Authors: Donjacour Claire E H M , Gool Jari K , Schoffelen Paul F , Wouters Loek , Overeem Sebastiaan , Lammers Gert Jan , Pijl Hanno , Westerterp Klaas R
Published: November 2024

Study Objectives

Hypocretin deficiency causes type 1 narcolepsy, a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and fragmented nocturnal sleep. Two-thirds of people with narcolepsy are also overweight, of which half are obese. The pathophysiology behind weight gain in people with narcolepsy remains unknown. We assessed a possible decrease in energy expenditure as a cause for overweight in narcolepsy using respiration chamber calorimetry and doubly labeled water.

Methods

Ten males with type I narcolepsy and nine matched (for age, sex, and BMI) healthy controls were enrolled. Participants stayed in a respiration chamber for 24 hours. They subsequently received doubly labeled water and wore an accelerometer for 2 weeks to assess energy expenditure and physical activity under daily living conditions. Total daily energy expenditure, resting energy expenditure (REE), overnight metabolic rate, physical activity level, and activity-induced energy expenditure were measured.

Results

No significant differences were found in REE, mean 24-hour respiration chamber energy expenditure, overnight metabolic rate, and activity-induced energy expenditure when comparing people with narcolepsy type 1 to controls. Physical activity was also comparable between groups.

Conclusions

Energy expenditure in narcolepsy type 1 is similar to matched controls, suggesting comparable metabolism and physical activity rates. It remains possible that metabolic changes are most pronounced around disease onset. In addition, patients had to discontinue their medication which may have influenced the results. Still, our findings suggest that other factors may also play a role in weight gain in narcolepsy, such as differences in dietary behavior.
Tensions, Challenges, and Opportunities: Internal Networks Supporting Gender Equality Policy Processes and Structural Change in Universities
Authors: Tildesley Rebecca , Bustelo María
Published: November 2024

This article examines the role of internal networks in supporting gender equality (GE) units and GE policy processes within universities, focusing on the tensions, challenges, and opportunities that can be encountered. Using two illustrative cases from Spain and employing a qualitative approach, it explores how these networks, bridging top-down and bottom-up approaches, navigate the balance between centralized and decentralized approaches in managing and implementing GE plans and the impact of institutionalization. Research has examined GE policy networks and women’s academic participation, but within-university GE networks are less studied. Tensions arise between institutionalization and feminist activism, coordinated action and idea generation, and local ownership and change agents’ limited authority. Challenges include obtaining institutional recognition while maintaining feminist sensibility, emphasizing the importance of nurturing networks. We highlight the productive power of resistance and the need to capitalize on context-specific opportunities for driving structural change in universities.
Cold plasma for enhanced water purification
Authors: Maybin Jordanne-Amee , McClenaghan Laura A , Gilmore Brendan F , Thompson Thomas P
Published: November 2024

Access to clean water remains a critical global challenge, with traditional water treatment methods often failing to eliminate complex pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, dyes, and antibiotics. Cold atmospheric plasma technology offers a promising solution by generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species at room temperature, effectively degrading these contaminants and inactivating pathogens. Recent advancements in cold plasma have shown significant potential in water treatment applications. Cold plasma has demonstrated efficacy in disrupting bacterial biofilms, reducing antibiotic contaminants, and degrading complex organic pollutants, making it an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods. This review examines the principles of plasma technology, evaluates its performance in water sanitation, and addresses the challenges of scalability and economic feasibility. By integrating cold plasma into existing water treatment systems and developing standardized protocols, this technology can significantly contribute to sustainable water management and public health, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Effect of Shortening High-School Duration by One Year on Student Outcomes: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Denteh Augustine , Asare Samuel , Senadza Bernardin
Published: November 2024

In 2010, the government of Ghana shortened the duration of senior high school by one year. As a result of this policy, the 2009 and 2010 high-school entry cohorts experienced exogenously different years of education but took the same exit exam in 2013. Using nationwide administrative data on the two cohorts, we find that the one-year reduction in schooling substantially worsened performance in all subjects. The most economically significant declines occurred in two core subjects with the lowest historical pass rates—core mathematics and integrated science. Analysis by gender shows larger detrimental effects for female students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects. We also find suggestive evidence that the policy negatively impacted students in the long term.
Phyllospheric bacterial communities in spinach are influenced by soil nitrogen availability
Authors: Solis Salazar Karla , Palanisamy Vignesh , Chitlapilly Dass Sapna , Castillo Alejandro , Joshi Vijay
Published: November 2024

Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for the growth and development of plants. As with most crops, nitrogen-based fertilizers are used to improve productivity and quality of spinach. Although the significance of the soil microbiome in the inorganic nitrogen cycle is recognized, soil nitrogen's impact on phyllosphere bacterial communities remains unclear. This study investigates changes in the bacterial community composition and diversity residing on spinach leaves cultivated in soils with varying nitrogen levels. Sixty-eight spinach samples were processed using culture-dependent and independent methods to evaluate phyllosphere-associated bacterial communities. In culture-dependent methods, populations of Mesophiles (MS), Psychrotrophs (PY), coliforms (CL), and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were quantified by plate counts using appropriate culture media. In culture-independent methods, bacteria were determined by amplicon sequencing based on the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Counts of MS, PY, CL, and LAB on low-nitrogen soil-grown spinach were 7.4, 7.1, 6.9, and 5.5 log CFU/g, respectively, while high-nitrogen soil-grown spinach showed counts of 7.5, 7.0, 7.0, and 5.7 log CFU/g. These counts did not differ significantly between the nitrogen levels used for spinach cultivation (p > 0.05). Amplicon sequencing, however, revealed differences in relative abundance between different taxa levels and soil nitrogen levels. The relative abundance of Erwinaceae and Planococcaceae was higher in high-nitrogen soil-grown spinach. The relative abundance of Pseudomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Rhizobiaceae was higher in low-nitrogen soil-grown spinach. Soil nitrogen content significantly affected spinach phyllosphere microbiome beta-diversity. Our results suggest that bacterial communities of spinach phyllosphere are influenced by soil nitrogen content.
Time‐series transcriptomics reveals distinctive mRNA expression dynamics associated with gene ontology specificity and protein expression in skeletal muscle after electrical stimulation‐induced resistance exercise
Authors: Kusano Tatsuya , Sotani Yuta , Takeda Reo , Hatano Atsushi , Kawata Kentaro , Kano Ryotaro , Matsumoto Masaki , Kano Yutaka , Hoshino Daisuke
Published: November 2024

Resistance exercise upregulates and downregulates the expression of a wide range of genes in skeletal muscle. However, detailed analysis of mRNA dynamics such as response rates and temporal patterns of the transcriptome after resistance exercise has not been performed. We aimed to clarify the dynamics of time‐series transcriptomics after resistance exercise. We used electrical stimulation‐induced muscle contraction as a resistance exercise model (5 sets × 10 times of 3 s of 100‐Hz electrical stimulation) on the tibialis anterior muscle of rats and measured the transcriptome in the muscle before and at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 h after muscle contractions by RNA sequencing. We also examined the relationship between the parameters of mRNA dynamics and the increase in protein expression at 12 h after muscle contractions. We found that the function of the upregulated genes differed after muscle contractions depending on their response rate. Genes related to muscle differentiation and response to mechanical stimulus were enriched in the sustainedly upregulated genes. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the magnitude of upregulated mRNA expression and the corresponding protein expression level at 12 h after muscle contractions. Although it has been theoretically suggested, this study experimentally demonstrated that the magnitude of the mRNA response after electrical stimulation‐induced resistance exercise contributes to skeletal muscle adaptation via increases in protein expression. These findings suggest that mRNA expression dynamics such as response rate, a sustained upregulated expression pattern, and the magnitude of the response contribute to mechanisms underlying adaptation to resistance exercise.
When Leaders Don’t Walk the Walk: A National Survey of Academic Nurse Leader Perceptions of Staff Burnout
Authors: Martinez-Hollingsworth Adrienne , Goodolf Dawn , Martin Nia , Kim Linda , Saylor Jennifer , Evans Jennifer , Hines Annette , Jun Jin
Published: November 2024

AIM

This survey explored nurse leaders’ impressions of burnout on college/school of nursing (CON/SON) administrative staff and leadership-facilitated strategies used to promote resilience building/mitigate burnout.

BACKGROUND

Administrative staff are foundational to the success of a university’s CON/SON, yet few studies have explored the impact of burnout in this group.

METHOD

Cross-sectional survey distributed to associate dean and business officer attendees of the 2022 American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Business Officers of Nursing Schools meeting (summer 2022) (n = 64).

RESULTS

Most respondents lacked a burnout mitigation plan (46/64, 72%); many also lacked a personal strategy for managing their own burnout (46/64, 72%) and did not personally participate in university activities to maintain their well-being (45/64, 70%).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the impact of nurse leaders who fail to model self-care, which may limit the benefit of costly burnout mitigation activities and resources in their universities.
Critical Data for Critical Care: A Primer on Leveraging Electronic Health Record Data for Research From Society of Critical Care Medicine’s Panel on Data Sharing and Harmonization
Authors: Heavner Smith F. , Kumar Vishakha K. , Anderson Wes , Al-Hakim Tamara , Dasher Pam , Armaignac Donna Lee , Clermont Gilles , Cobb J. Perren , Manion Sean , Remy Kenneth E. , Reuter-Rice Karin , Haendel Melissa ,   Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Discovery Panel on Data Sharing and Harmonization
Published: November 2024

A growing body of critical care research draws on real-world data from electronic health records (EHRs). The bedside clinician has myriad data sources to aid in clinical decision-making, but the lack of data sharing and harmonization standards leaves much of this data out of reach for multi-institution critical care research. The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Discovery Data Science Campaign convened a panel of critical care and data science experts to explore and document unique advantages and opportunities for leveraging EHR data in critical care research. This article reviews and illustrates six organizing topics (data domains and common data elements; data harmonization; data quality; data interoperability and digital infrastructure; data access, sharing, and governance; and ethics and equity) as a data science primer for critical care researchers, laying a foundation for future publications from the SCCM Discovery Data Harmonization and Sharing Guiding Principles Panel.
Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Zhixin , Hong Shaodong , Yu Hui , Zhang Xuanye , Li Zichun , Chen Ping , Zhou Yixin
Published: November 2024

Background:

The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy (ICI + Chemo) shows promise in recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RM-NPC), but some patients experience limited benefit and survival predictors remain unclear. Furthermore, ICIs efficacy in subsequent treatments needs further evaluation.

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and major conference proceedings was conducted to identify studies for meta-analysis. The objective was to compare ICI + Chemo with chemotherapy in first-line treatment and identify efficacy predictors, and to evaluate ICIs alone in subsequent-line treatment for RM-NPC, with a focus on progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and treatment-related adverse events (AEs).

Results:

Fifteen trials involving 1928 patients were included. Three trials compared ICI + Chemo with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment, while 12 trials evaluated ICIs alone in subsequent-line treatment of RM-NPC patients. First-line ICI + Chemo showed superior PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43–0.63; P <0.001) and ORR (risk ratio [RR] = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.05–1.24; P <0.001) compared to chemotherapy, without increased AEs (RR = 1.01, 95% CI, 0.99–1.03; P = 0.481). Neither programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) nor other factors predicted the efficacy of ICI + Chemo vs. chemotherapy. Subsequent-line ICIs alone had a median PFS of 4.12 months (95% CI, 2.93–5.31 months), an ORR of 24% (95% CI, 20–28%), with grade 1–5/grade 3–5 AEs at 79%/14%. However, ICIs alone were associated with significantly shorter PFS (HR = 1.31, 95% CI, 1.01–1.68; P = 0.040) than chemotherapy alone.

Conclusions:

ICI + Chemo confers superior survival benefits compared to chemotherapy in first-line RM-NPC treatment, independent of PD-L1 expression or other factors. However, ICIs alone demonstrate a manageable safety profile but do not surpass chemotherapy in efficacy for subsequent-line treatment.
Cosmic Radiation Exposure: A Review of Recent Research on the Incidence and Prevention of Cancer in Aircrews
Authors: Eckhardt Lisa D.
Published: November 2024

The author provides a literature review examining the clinical risks of cosmic radiation exposure and incidence of cancer in aircrews including pilots, flight attendants, and flight engineers or navigators. The review focuses on ionizing radiation exposure in aircrews as an occupational working group. The author will discuss the types of cancer associated with cosmic ionizing radiation exposure and the prevalence of certain cancer types noted in this population. Monitoring of ionizing radiation of aircrews in the United States is not required in 2024, which makes assessing exposure a challenge. The author also discusses associated risk factors and prevention strategies in aircrews. United States aircrews are an occupational group with known elevated exposure to ionizing radiation from natural cosmic sources, which has been linked to health risks, particularly for cancer. This occupational group is not monitored in 2024 and would benefit from occupational exams for medical surveillance and hazard awareness.