bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downloading appetite? Investigating the role of parasocial relationship with favorite social media food influencer in followers’ disordered eating behaviors
Authors: Shabahang Reza , Kim Sohee , Chen Xiuhan , Aruguete Mara S. , Zsila Ágnes
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Although a number of investigations have been carried out on the marketing outcomes of parasocial relationships (PSR) with food influencers on social media, little attention has been paid to the potential contribution of these one-sided emotional bonds to followers’ eating attitudes and habits. Drawing on the Parasocial Theory, the role of parasocial attachment with food influencers was investigated in predicting eating disorders, food addiction, and grazing. To increase the accuracy of PSR measurement, a brief self-report scale was developed to gauge social media users’ feelings of mutual awareness, attention, and adjustment with their favorite food influencer at a distance through social media.

Methods

Participants were a convenience sample of 405 Iranian social media users (231women; Mage = 28.16, SDage = 9.40), who followed a favorite food influencer on social media.

Results

The 8-item Parasocial Relationship with Favorite Food Influencer Scale (PSRFFIS) revealed a unidimensional structure with excellent content and construct validity and internal consistency. Regarding gender differences, men showed stronger parasocial attachment to their favorite food influencers. Adjusting age, gender, and subjective social status as control variables, PSR with favorite food influencers partially contributed to the explanation of eating disorder symptom severity, food addiction, and grazing.

Conclusion

These findings show that PSR with favorite food influencers appears to be associated with followers’ craving for food, which, in turn, may contribute to maladaptive eating habits. This highlights media-related factors, such as PSR with food influencers, as potential drivers of dysfunctional eating habits in the digital age, particularly in countries like Iran where disordered eating is prevalent.

Level of evidence

Level V—based on cross-sectional data (correlational study; scale development)
Pressurized environments directly influence friction and wear of dry steel contacts—Investigations in a novel high fluid pressure tribometer
Authors: Reichle Paul , Barz Jakob , Umlauf Georg , Tovar Günter E. M.
Published: April 2024

To reduce the usage of classical lubricants in deep drawing, a new tribological system based on volatile lubricants was developed. Therefore, a volatile medium is injected under high pressure into the interstice between drawing tool and sheet metal. Depending on temperature and pressure, the temporary lubricant may exist in its gaseous or liquid phase. In this study, a novel high fluid pressure tribometer was designed to investigate the friction and wear of dry steel contacts under comparable conditions like in dry deep drawing. Therefore, a new ball-on-disc tribometer was designed and integrated into a high-pressure vessel. To specifically investigate the effects of different environments (technical air, liquid and gaseous carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon) at atmospheric and high pressure (0.1 MPa, 6 MPa) on tribology, the specimens and all components were operating unlubricated. During the experiments, the friction was measured continuously. Results show that the highest friction occurs in air and the lowest in carbon dioxide environment. Subsequent to the experiments, the wear of the specimens was assessed along with changes in surface chemistry related to tribochemical reactions. Therefore, the tribology of the dry sliding contacts is correlated to changes of the surface chemistry. Also differences as well as similarities regarding the different fluid environments are shown. As the results show, the differences between the media used are most pronounced at elevated pressure. Concluding, this work gives clear indications on the suitability of volatile lubricants in dry friction or rather gas lubrication, especially for dry deep drawing.
Integrating Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Verbal Behavior (VB) in Early Intervention
Authors: Ming Siri , Stewart Ian , McElwee John
Published: April 2024

Applying relational frame theory (RFT) to language intervention programs allows behavior analysts to maintain a focus on programming for generative language by providing systematic multiple exemplar training to establish repertoires of derived relational responding. Applying Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior provides for a focus on identifying sources of control for discriminated responding, and effective means of teaching early verbal operants. Both emphasize the centrality of repertoires of cooperation in language development, and an expansive understanding of contextual control. Our work emphasizes the utility of integrating these two approaches, and this article outlines the relevant theoretical background and empirical basis for assessment and teaching programs, discusses points of intersection of the two approaches, provides examples of application, and prompts future research efforts.
The endpoint Stein–Tomas inequality: old and new
Authors: Oliveira e Silva Diogo
Published: April 2024

The Stein–Tomas inequality from 1975 is a cornerstone of Fourier restriction theory. Despite its respectable age, it is a fertile ground for current research. This note is centered around three classical applications – to Strichartz inequalities, Salem sets and Roth’s theorem in the primes – and three recent improvements: the sharp endpoint Stein–Tomas inequality in three space dimensions, maximal and variational refinements, and the symmetric Stein–Tomas inequality with applications.
The 3-D time-dependent Navier–Stokes equations on multi-connected domains with inhomogeneous boundary conditions and spectral hyperviscosity
Authors: Avrin Joel
Published: April 2024

We consider the time-dependent 3-D Navier–Stokes equations (NSE) on a multi-connected bounded domain $$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R^{\textrm{3}}}$$

Ω
⊂

R
3

with inhomogeneous boundary data $$\beta \in H^{1/2}(\Gamma )$$

β
∈

H

1
/
2

(
Γ
)

on $$\partial \Omega =\Gamma $$

∂
Ω
=
Γ

, where $$\Gamma $$
Γ
is a union of Lipschitz continuous surfaces $$\Gamma _{0},\Gamma _{1},\dots ,\Gamma _{l}$$

Γ
0

,

Γ
1

,
⋯
,

Γ
l

. This assumption includes the particular case when the $$\Gamma _{i}$$

Γ
i

are disjoint, the stationary version of which is classically known as Leray’s problem. Existence results for Leray’s problem have either assumed flux conditions beyond the general flux condition necessitated by compatibility constraints, or required size restrictions on the data. Here we incorporate a spectral hyperviscosity term in the time-dependent case and obtain existence and foundational results, assuming only the general flux condition and without imposing size restrictions on the boundary data $$\beta $$
β
. For any such $$\beta \in H^{1/2}(\Gamma )$$

β
∈

H

1
/
2

(
Γ
)

we establish global existence and uniqueness of mild solutions. Then on any interval [0, T] on which these solutions and the corresponding NSE solution share a common $$H^{1}$$

H
1

-bound (as is present on local intervals of existence of strong solutions, in certain special cases, or as is commonly assumed in achieving strong convergence results in numerical studies) we show for slightly more regular $$\beta $$
β
that the spectrally-hyperviscous solutions converge strongly and uniformly in $$H^{1}(\Omega )$$

H
1

(
Ω
)

to the NSE solution as the spectral hyperviscosity term vanishes in the limit of key parameters. To achieve this robust sense of approximation of the NSE system, an involved setup and specially-adapted semigroup techniques assume essential roles, and the exposition is new for the case $$\beta =0$$

β
=
0

as well. Our final results adapt the NSE reformulation in Liu et al. (J Comput Phys 229(9):3428–3453, 2010) to recast our approximating system in a form potentially more adaptable to computation.
The Effect of Tempering Temperature on Microstructure and Wear Behavior of Tungsten and Boron Alloyed Ni-Hard 4 White Cast Irons
Authors: Barutçuoğlu Burak , Koç Funda Gül , Erişir Ersoy , Karaarslan Gülben
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the effect of tempering temperature on the microstructure and wear resistance of high-alloy white cast iron (Ni-Hard 4) with 1.15% W and 0.5% B additions. Specimens were austenitized at 850 °C for 5 h, quenched in air, and tempered at temperatures between 250 and 650 °C for 4 h. Equilibrium and non-equilibrium thermodynamic calculations were performed using Thermo-Calc software. After the microstructural investigations, hardness testing was carried out. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to conduct wear tests under dry sliding conditions. Microstructure and worn surfaces were examined using light and scanning electron microscopes. The results showed that increasing tempering temperature resulted in a higher volume fraction of carbides. It was found that tempering at 550 °C for four hours increases resistance to wear giving the lowest measured values of weight loss and wear rate. Accordingly, tempering allows the precipitation of fine carbides in the martensitic matrix which may increase wear resistance.
Wie Schülerinnen und Schüler und Lehramtsstudierende komplexe Bilder beschreiben
Authors: Kellermann Katharina , Schmitt Lukas
Published: April 2024

Personen- und Vorgangsbeschreibungen gehören zum Deutschunterricht der Primar- sowie Sekundarstufe dazu. Schreibdidaktische Forschungen fokussieren zumeist Raumbeschreibungen, sodass eine empirische Überprüfung der literalen Entwicklung für Bildbeschreibungen noch wenig vorhanden ist. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden schriftliche Bildbeschreibungen von Lernenden der Primar- und Sekundarstufe sowie Lehramtsstudierenden (N = 318) zu Gustav Klimts Gemälde „Adele Bloch-Bauer II“ hinsichtlich der groben Anordnungsstruktur (Figur und Hintergrund), des Gebrauchs von Lokaladverbien und Konnektoren zur Kohärenzherstellung untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Anordnung der Bildelemente häufiger von der Figur ausgeht und der Wechsel der Ordnungsstruktur mit steigender Jahrgangsstufe signifikant abnimmt. Demgegenüber nimmt der Einsatz lokaladverbialer Ausdrücke und Konnektoren mit zunehmender Jahrgangsstufe bis hin zum Lehramtsstudiengang signifikant zu. Trotz seiner Komplexität eignet sich das hier verwendete Bildmaterial dank seiner übersichtlichen Struktur gut für schriftliche Beschreibungen im schulischen Kontext im Primar- und Sekundarbereich.
Developing a CRISPR/FrCas9 system for core promoter editing in rice
Authors: Wang Hui , Ding Jian , Zhu Jingyan , Liu Xiaoshuang , Xu Rongfang , Qin Ruiying , Gu Dongfang , Li Min , Wei Pengcheng , Li Juan
Published: April 2024

Small mutations in the core promoter region of a gene may result in substantial changes in expression strengths. However, targeting TA-rich sequences of core promoters may pose a challenge for Cas9 variants such as SpCas9 and other G-rich PAM-compatible Cas9s. In this study, we engineered a unique FrCas9 system derived from Faecalibaculum rodentium for plant genome editing. Our findings indicate that this system is efficient in rice when the TATA sequence is used as a PAM. In addition, FrCas9 demonstrated activity against all 16 possible NNTA PAMs, achieving an efficiency of up to 35.3% in calli and generating homozygous or biallelic mutations in 31.3% of the T0 transgenic plants. A proof-of-concept experiment to examine editing of the rice WX core promoter confirmed that FrCas9-induced mutations could modify gene expression and amylose content. Multiplex mutations and deletions were produced by bidirectional editing, mediated by FrCas9, using a single palindromic TATA sequence as a PAM. Moreover, we developed FrCas9-derived base editors capable of programmable conversion between A·T and G·C pairs in plants. This study highlights a versatile FrCas9 toolset for plant core promoter editing, offering great potential for the fine-tuning of gene expression and creating of new germplasms.
Digital transformation under the governance of Palestinian banks
Authors: Awwad Bahaa Subhi , Razia Bahaa Subhi , Razia Alaa Subhi
Published: April 2024

This study aims to understand and evaluate the impact of applying governance principles on digital transformation in Palestinian banks listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange. A questionnaire was distributed to 750 employees from the study population. It included four axes representing governance principles (board of directors’ tasks, board practices and conflicts of interest, disclosure and transparency, and risk management) and a fifth axe representing digital transformation. The study found a strong, statistically significant positive effect of applying governance principles on digital transformation in Palestinian banks. The results also showed the keenness of the boards of directors to discuss the commitment of bank management to implement the provisions and regulations of governance issued by the Palestine Monetary Authority. This helped in developing and approving the necessary policies for risk management and enhanced the effectiveness of oversight of the digital transformation system. This was reflected in increasing customer confidence in the banks’ performance and maintaining the interests of related parties. The study recommended the need to enhance the level of transparency and disclosure regarding governance performance and the progress of digital transformation in banks. It also recommended developing an integrated framework for analyzing and managing risks related to digital transformation. This assists in providing comprehensive training and development programs for practitioners to enhance their capabilities in the field of digital transformation and applying governance principles.
Virtual reality technology for learning detailed design in landscape architecture
Authors: Ha Jaeyoung , Alrayyan Kawthar , Alam M. M. Lekhon
Published: April 2024

There is much interest in employing computer technology in design professions and education. However, few attempts have been made to apply immersive visualization technology to learn design details in landscape architecture. This study aims to illuminate how virtual reality (VR) technology helps students with design details in landscape architecture. Students were given a course project to create 3D models such as boardwalk structures located in residential pond areas. Based on their 3D models, we asked 16 research participants to answer survey questionnaires about the perception of realism, scale, and effectiveness of using computer technology in semi-immersive environments (e.g., monitor display-based) as opposed to fully immersive environments (e.g., VR head-mounted display-based). The results of our study showed that students had a higher realism in fully immersive environments compared to semi-immersive environments. In terms of perception of scale, participants perceived the height of the simulated model to be higher than they had anticipated in fully immersive environments. While there were no statistically significant findings regarding the effectiveness of design evaluation in the two modalities, students mentioned that VR technology can effectively assist in creating design details, as it provides them with a better understanding of the spatial characteristics of models.
“It’s been years and it still hurts”: Paediatric Critical Care staff experiences of being involved in serious investigations at work: a qualitative study
Authors: Morrison Rachael , Yeter Esra , Syed-Sabir Hena , Butcher Isabelle , Duncan Heather , Webb Sarah , Shaw Rachel
Published: April 2024

Background

Evidence conducted globally has shown that patient care improves when staff are well. Investigations, although necessary to understand errors and unanticipated events, can be distressing. Feelings of shame and guilt are associated with making mistakes and can lead to moral injury.

Objective

To explore staff experiences of investigations to develop a staff care package. Design: Exploratory qualitative.

Setting(s)

Paediatric Critical Care (PCC) in a UK quaternary hospital.

Participants

14 doctors and nurses.

Methods

PCC staff who had experienced an investigation were interviewed individually. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Fourteen interviews were conducted. Investigations involved Serious incidents, Disciplinary, and Professionalism cases. Four main themes related to: (1) Emotional impact; (2) Negotiating process; (3) Communication challenges; (4) Needing support.

Conclusions

This research has identified aspects of the investigation process which can be upsetting for staff, cause unnecessary distress or moral injury. Findings informed a model for a Feelings First Care Pathway for Serious Investigations.
Beckett and Cioran
Authors: Matthews Steven
Published: April 2024

This Element discusses the association between Samuel Beckett, and the Romanian-born philosopher, E. M. Cioran. It draws upon the known biographical detail, but, more substantially, upon the terms of Beckett's engagement with Cioran's writings, from the 1950s to the 1970s. Certain of Cioran's key conceptualisations, such as that of the 'meteque', and his version of philosophical scepticism, resonate with aspects of Beckett's writing as it evolved beyond the 'siege in the room'. More particularly, aspects of Cioran's conclusion about the formal nature that philosophy must assume chime with some of the formal decisions taken by Beckett in the mid-late prose. Through close reading of some of Beckett's key works such as Texts for Nothing and How It Is, and through consideration of Beckett's choices when translating between English and French, the issues of identity and understanding shared by these two settlers in Paris are mutually illuminated.
Growing mycelium leather: a paste substrate approach with post-treatments
Authors: Crawford Assia , Ruthanna Miller Sarah , Branco Sara , Fletcher Jessica , Stefanov Dimitar
Published: April 2024

This research investigates a novel method for cultivating mycelium-based leather substitutes using a carefully formulated paste consistency substrate. The primary objectives are to enhance nutrient availability, facilitate scalability, and streamline cultivation processes. The study spans a 21-day cultivation period, during which a flower-based medium is employed, eliminating the need for labor-intensive harvesting techniques. Two fungal species, Ganoderma lucidum (rishi) and Pleurotus djamor (pink oyster) are tested to assess their compatibility with the growth method. These species were chosen based on their rapid colonization rates and inherent resilience. The investigation delves into various combinations of crosslinking agents, including glycerol (a plasticizer), commercial tanner, citric acid, and magnesium sulfate. The effects of these agents on tensile strength are compared and qualitative data is analyzed through the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereo microscopy. Furthermore, the study explores the fabrication potential of non-woven textiles derived from mycelium, emphasizing their suitability as eco-friendly leather alternatives. Scaled prototypes are highlighted to demonstrate their feasibility. Post-treatment processes, such as dyeing with bio-based dyes and acrylic leather paint, are evaluated for their aesthetic impact. The research contributes a biodegradable material alternative that addresses the environmental challenges of high textile consumption. The findings add to the growing body of sustainable design methods in the realm of leather-like materials in bio-design.
Unravelling the existence of asymmetric bubbles in viscoelastic fluids
Authors: Moschopoulos P. , Spyridakis A. , Dimakopoulos Y. , Tsamopoulos J.
Published: April 2024

We study the motion and deformation of a single bubble rising inside a cylindrical container filled with a viscoelastic material. We solve numerically the mass and momentum balances along with the constitutive equation for the viscoelastic stresses, without assuming axial symmetry to allow the growth of three-dimensional disturbances. Hence, we may predict the emergence of the notorious knife-edge shape of the bubble, which is a result of a purely elastic instability triggered in the locality of the trailing edge. Our results compare well with existing experiments. We visualize, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the flow kinematics and dynamics that arise downstream of the bubble. We propose two quantities, one kinematical and one geometrical, for the determination of the onset of the instability. We demonstrate that extension-rate thinning in the constitutive law is necessary for the emergence of the instability. Moreover, our results indicate that increasing (a) the deformability of the bubble and (b) the initial extension rate hardening of the viscoelastic material, prior to thinning, triggers the instability earlier. These novel findings help us formulate and propose a mechanism that controls the onset of the instability and explain why the knife-edge shape is not encountered as frequently.
Uniform propagation of chaos for a dollar exchange econophysics model
Authors: Cao Fei , Cortez Roberto
Published: April 2024

We study the poor-biased model for money exchange introduced in Cao & Motsch ((2023) Kinet. Relat. Models 16(5), 764–794.): agents are being randomly picked at a rate proportional to their current wealth, and then the selected agent gives a dollar to another agent picked uniformly at random. Simulations of a stochastic system of finitely many agents as well as a rigorous analysis carried out in Cao & Motsch ((2023) Kinet. Relat. Models 16(5), 764–794.), Lanchier ((2017) J. Stat. Phys. 167(1), 160–172.) suggest that, when both the number of agents and time become large enough, the distribution of money among the agents converges to a Poisson distribution. In this manuscript, we establish a uniform-in-time propagation of chaos result as the number of agents goes to infinity, which justifies the validity of the mean-field deterministic infinite system of ordinary differential equations as an approximation of the underlying stochastic agent-based dynamics.
Exercise intensity at RPE13 in female Kendo practitioners
Authors: Kitahara Akari , Tamai Shinsuke , Sagayama Hiroyuki , Nomura Shoko , Kagawa Rina , Suzuki Hideo , Tsurushima Hideo , Watanabe Koichi
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Introduction: Kendo, a Japanese martial art, requires rigorous physical and mental training. Kendo practitioners who engage in daily mental training may experience a disparity between their subjective perception of exertion and the actual physiological load on their bodies. Methods: Fifteen healthy adult female kendo practitioners were recruited as participants. Participants were asked to report levels of exertion using the Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during a progressive, load-incremented stress test. The participants’ heart rate at the time of reporting RPE13, which is considered a “somewhat hard” level of exertion, as well as heart rate at the anaerobic threshold (AT) to measure actual load, were compared to the maximum heart rate measurement obtained during the test. Results: The participants’ heart rates at RPE13 were found to be higher than those at AT, based on their values as percentages of maximum heart rates. Conclusion: This study discovered that kendo practitioners engaged in regular mental training exhibited a higher heart rate at “somewhat hard” exertion (RPE13) compared to the anaerobic threshold (AT), indicating a relative increase in RPE. Additional research is necessary to determine if this effect is attributable to mental training.
Psychologische Beratung und Coaching
Authors: Grolimund Fabian
Published: April 2024

Der direkte Weg zur erfolgreichen Beratung: Worauf es wirklich ankommt!

Die Beratungssituation unterscheidet sich deutlich von therapeutischen Settings: Insgesamt haben Klienten, die eine Beratung aufsuchen, konkretere und spezifischere Probleme ohne Krankheitswert. Sie erwarten von Beratenden, dass sie ihr Fachwissen einsetzen, fehlende Informationen liefern, Wege aufzeigen und ihnen dabei helfen, schwierige Entscheidungen zu treffen oder mit bestimmten Situationen besser zurechtzukommen.

Dieses Handbuch vermittelt Ihnen alle grundlegenden und weiterführenden Kompetenzen zur Durchführung eines professionellen Beratungsgesprächs. Das Konzept dieses Buchs entstand an der Universität Fribourg (CH), wo der Autor als Dozent zur Psychologischen Beratung lehrte.

Fabian Grolimund führt in anschaulicher Weise und mit vielen Beispielen sowie praktischen Übungen durch die sechs Phasen jeder Beratung:

Erstkontakt
Beziehungsaufbau
Zielanalyse
Problemanalyse
Lösungsentwicklung
Abschluss

Für die 3. Auflage wurde der Text aktualisiert.
Role of Air‐Sea Interaction in the Energy Balance of Anticyclonic and Cyclonic Eddies in the Kuroshio Extension
Authors: Cai Jinzhuo , Li Mingkui , Yang Haiyuan , Chen Zhaohui
Published: April 2024

Using eddy‐resolving Community Earth System Model (CESM) simulations, this study investigates mesoscale eddy energetics and the role of air‐sea interaction for both anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies (AEs and CEs) in the Kuroshio Extension (KE) region. Based on energy budget analysis and eddy tracking algorithm, it is found that eddy energy balance depicts similar characteristics for AEs and CEs. The eddy kinetic energy (EKE) is generated through barotropic instability, vertical buoyancy flux, as well as transported from the upper stream Kuroshio. In addition, the temperature variance, which is directly related to eddy potential energy, is maintained by baroclinic instability. Air‐sea heat flux and wind stress act as eddy killers to move energy from oceanic eddies. For both AEs and CEs, heat exchange between atmosphere and oceanic eddies dominates the dissipation of temperature variance and accounts for more than 60% and 72% of the total dissipation, respectively. In comparison, the role of wind power in damping the EKE is relatively small. Only 14% (5%) of EKE dissipation in AEs (CEs) is attributed to eddy wind power.
Local and Regional Diurnal Variability of Aerosol Properties Retrieved by DSCOVR/EPIC UV Algorithm
Authors: Torres O. , Ahn C.
Published: April 2024

The hour‐to‐hour variability of 388 nm aerosol optical depth (AOD) and single scattering albedo (SSA) derived from near UV observations by the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) on the Deep Space Climate Observatory has been evaluated at multiple locations around the world. AOD retrievals by the EPIC near UV algorithm (EPICAERUV) have been compared to ground based AOD measurements at 16 Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) stations representative of the most commonly observed aerosol types over geographic regions in three continents. Obtained results show that, in general, the EPICAERUV algorithm reproduces closely the hour‐to‐hour AOD variability reported by AERONET ground‐truth observations. Although most sites in the analysis show high correlation between the AOD hourly measurements by the ground‐based and space‐borne measuring techniques. Best algorithm performance is observed in the presence of carbonaceous and desert dust aerosols. The diurnal cycle of the retrieved SSA product was also analyzed. Although, a direct comparison of hourly EPICAERUV retrievals to equivalent ground‐based observations was not possible, the satellite result shows that diurnal SSA variability as large as 0.05 can be observed mostly associated with carbonaceous aerosols. EPICAERUV observed diurnal cycle of retrieved AOD on a regional basis was examined for the unusually active seasons of aerosol production of Saharan desert dust aerosols in 2020, and during the 2023 Canadian wildfires. Results presented in this study confirm the EPIC near UV aerosol product is well suited for observing diurnal variability of aerosols and, therefore, it is an important resource for climate and air quality studies.
Rapid Acceleration of Arctic Near‐Surface Wind Speed in a Warming Climate
Authors: Liu Wanlei , Yang Song , Chen Deliang , Zha Jinlin , Zhang Gangfeng , Zhang Zhengtai , Zhang Tuantuan , Xu Lianlian , Hu Xiaoming , Deng Kaiqiang
Published: April 2024

Arctic near‐surface wind speed (NWS) plays an increasingly crucial role in influencing the local air‐sea interactions and the safety of trans‐Arctic shipping, but its potential changes in a warming climate and underlying causes remain unclear. Using reanalysis and model simulation data sets, we reveal that the Arctic NWS has increased remarkably since the 1960s, with the strongest increase in the Arctic Ocean surface. We propose that the acceleration of Arctic NWS is primarily driven by reduced stability in the lower troposphere due to increased upward heat fluxes and decreased surface roughness owing to the losses of Arctic glaciers and sea ice in a warming climate. In addition, the coupled climate models project a robust increase in the Arctic NWS under various warming scenarios during the 21st century, especially in the vicinity of the Kara Sea and the Beaufort Sea.
Relating Multidimensional Deprivation Index to Adherence Outcomes in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant
Authors: Curtis Kaley , Arcona Zachary , Buchanan Cindy , Miller Kristen , Lyons Emma , Ruzicka Elizabeth , Christofferson Elizabeth Steinberg
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Adherence to immunosuppressant medications is critical for positive posttransplant outcomes in pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. Systemic oppression across economic, health, education, and housing domains can result in barriers to regularly taking immunosuppressant medications posttransplantation, leading to disparate health outcomes for marginalized families. This study evaluates whether the level of deprivation in families’ counties of residence creates barriers to medication adherence among pediatric SOT patients by utilizing a multidimensional index of poverty and variability in immunosuppressant medication values as a measure of adherence.

Method:

Coefficient of variation in immunosuppressant levels of tacrolimus and rapamycin was used as a measure of adherence and was collected from a sample of adolescent SOT patients living in the United States ( N = 55, 67% female, 93% White, Mdnage = 15.3 years) through electronic medical record review. A family’s experience of poverty in their county of residence was determined using the Census Bureau multidimensional deprivation index.

Results:

Living in a county with higher levels of multidimensional deprivation was associated with more variability in levels of immunosuppressant medication for adolescents (β = 1.79, p < .01 tacrolimus; β = 2.23, p < .05 rapamycin).

Conclusions:

Screening for intersecting levels of systemic deprivation (e.g., economic, health, neighborhood, and education) at the county level can inform what resources are needed to support adolescents’ adherence behaviors.

Implications for Impact Statement

This article utilizes a multidimensional index of poverty and variability of immunosuppressant medication as an indicator of adherence to evaluate how social deprivation is related to adherence in adolescent solid organ transplant patients. Recommendations for addressing social determinants of health related to posttransplant care are discussed.
Folic acid supplementation on inflammation and homocysteine in type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mokgalaboni Kabelo , Mashaba Given. R. , Phoswa Wendy N. , Lebelo Sogolo. L.
Published: April 2024

Background

The beneficial effects of folate have been observed under different conditions, but the available evidence on inflammation and reduction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is limited. The study aimed to explore the effects of folate on inflammation and homocysteine amongst individuals with T2DM.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were used to search for evidence. A random-effect model meta-analysis through Review Manager (version 5.4) and metaHun was performed. Results were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals graphically using forest and funnel plots.

Results

Data from 9 trials with 426 patients living with T2DM were analyzed. Folic acid supplementation significantly revealed a large effect size on homocysteine levels compared to placebo, SMD = −1.53, 95%CI (−2.14,−0.93), p < 0.05. Additionally, we observed a medium marginal effect size on C-reactive protein (SMD = −0.68, 95%CI (−1.34, −0.01), p = 0.05). However, no significant effect on tumor necrosis factor-α (SMD = −0.86, 95%CI (−2.65, 0.93), p = 0.34), and interleukin-6 (SMD = −0.04, 95%CI (−1.08, 1.01), p = 0.95) was observed.

Conclusion

Evidence analyzed in this study suggests that folic acid supplementation in T2DM reduces homocysteine and may mitigate CVDs. However, its effect on inflammation is inconclusive.
Factors associated with body weight gain and insulin-resistance: a longitudinal study
Authors: Buscemi Carola , Randazzo Cristiana , Barile Anna Maria , Bo Simona , Ponzo Valentina , Caldarella Rosalia , Malavazos Alexis Elias , Caruso Roberta , Colombrita Piero , Lombardo Martina , Buscemi Silvio
Published: April 2024

Background

Obesity is the result of energy intake (EI) chronically exceeding energy expenditure. However, the potential metabolic factors, including insulin resistance, remain unclear. This study longitudinally investigated factors associated with changes in body weight.

Subjects

A cohort of 707 adults without diabetes were investigated at the 4-year follow-up visit. The habitual intake of energy and macronutrients during the past 12 months was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire for the local population. Homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used as a surrogate measure of insulin resistance. Additionally, PNPLA3 was genotyped.

Results

Eighty-seven participants were weight gainers (G; cutoff value = 5 kg), and 620 were non-gainers (NG). Initial anthropometric (G vs. NG: age, 44 ± 13 vs 51 ± 13 years, P < 0.001; body mass index, 27.8 ± 6.5 vs 28.1 ± 5.1 kg/m2, P = ns; body weight, 76.7 ± 22.1 vs 74.2 ± 14.7 kg, P = ns; final body weight, 86.3 ± 23.7 vs 72.9 ± 14.2 kg, P < 0.001) and diet characteristics, as well as insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR values, were similar in both groups. Four years later, G showed significantly increased EI, insulin concentrations, and HOMA-IR values. G had a higher prevalence of the PNPLA3 CG and GG alleles than NG (P < 0.05). The presence of G was independently associated with age (OR = 1.031), EI change (OR = 2.257), and unfavorable alleles of PNPLA3 gene (OR = 1.700). Final body mass index, waist circumference, and EI were independently associated with final HOMA-IR (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

EI is associated with body weight gain, and genetic factors may influence the energy balance. Insulin resistance is a consequence of weight gain, suggesting a possible intracellular protective mechanism against substrate overflow.

Clinical trial registration

ISRCTN15840340.
P4HA2 activates mTOR via hydroxylation and targeting P4HA2-mTOR inhibits lung adenocarcinoma cell growth
Authors: Jin Ersuo , Wang Shengjie , Chen Donglai , Wang Jia-Ping , Zeng Yuanyuan , Sun Runfeng , Zhang Hong-Tao
Published: April 2024

Abstract,

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase functions as a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism, and its complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2 phosphorylate distinct substrates. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling is commonly implicated in human diseases, including cancer. Despite three decades of active research in mTOR, much remains to be determined. Here, we demonstrate that prolyl 4-hydroxylase alpha-2 (P4HA2) binds directly to mTOR and hydroxylates one highly conserved proline 2341 (P2341) within a kinase domain of mTOR, thereby activating mTOR kinase and downstream effector proteins (e.g. S6K and AKT). Moreover, the hydroxylation of P2341 strengthens mTOR stability and allows mTOR to accurately recognize its substrates such as S6K and AKT. The growth of lung adenocarcinoma cells overexpressing mTORP2341A is significantly reduced when compared with that of cells overexpressing mTORWT. Interestingly, in vivo cell growth assays show that targeting P4HA2-mTOR significantly suppresses lung adenocarcinoma cell growth. In summary, our study reveals an undiscovered hydroxylation-regulatory mechanism by which P4HA2 directly activates mTOR kinase, providing insights for therapeutically targeting mTOR kinase-driven cancers.
Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and regulated cell death in tumors: insights into apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis
Authors: Chen Cong , Liu Jian , Lin Xia , Xiang Aizhai , Ye Qianwei , Guo Jufeng , Rui Tao , Xu Jian , Hu Shufang
Published: April 2024

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the main stromal component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), play multifaceted roles in cancer progression through paracrine signaling, exosome transfer, and cell interactions. Attractively, recent evidence indicates that CAFs can modulate various forms of regulated cell death (RCD) in adjacent tumor cells, thus involving cancer proliferation, therapy resistance, and immune exclusion. Here, we present a brief introduction to CAFs and basic knowledge of RCD, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. In addition, we further summarize the different types of RCD in tumors that are mediated by CAFs, as well as the effects of these modes of RCD on CAFs. This review will deepen our understanding of the interactions between CAFs and RCD and might offer novel therapeutic avenues for future cancer treatments.
Consistent signatures in the human gut microbiome of old- and young-onset colorectal cancer
Authors: Qin Youwen , Tong Xin , Mei Wei-Jian , Cheng Yanshuang , Zou Yuanqiang , Han Kai , Yu Jiehai , Jie Zhuye , Zhang Tao , Zhu Shida , Jin Xin , Wang Jian , Yang Huanming , Xu Xun , Zhong Huanzi , Xiao Liang , Ding Pei-Rong
Published: April 2024

The incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer (yCRC) has been increasing in recent decades, but little is known about the gut microbiome of these patients. Most studies have focused on old-onset CRC (oCRC), and it remains unclear whether CRC signatures derived from old patients are valid in young patients. To address this, we assembled the largest yCRC gut metagenomes to date from two independent cohorts and found that the CRC microbiome had limited association with age across adulthood. Differential analysis revealed that well-known CRC-associated taxa, such as Clostridium symbiosum, Peptostreptococcus stomatis, Parvimonas micra and Hungatella hathewayi were significantly enriched (false discovery rate <0.05) in both old- and young-onset patients. Similar strain-level patterns of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides fragilis and Escherichia coli were observed for oCRC and yCRC. Almost all oCRC-associated metagenomic pathways had directionally concordant changes in young patients. Importantly, CRC-associated virulence factors (fadA, bft) were enriched in both oCRC and yCRC compared to their respective controls. Moreover, the microbiome-based classification model had similar predication accuracy for CRC status in old- and young-onset patients, underscoring the consistency of microbial signatures across different age groups.
Intracellular magnesium optimizes transmission efficiency and plasticity of hippocampal synapses by reconfiguring their connectivity
Authors: Zhou Hang , Bi Guo-Qiang , Liu Guosong
Published: April 2024

Synapses at dendritic branches exhibit specific properties for information processing. However, how the synapses are orchestrated to dynamically modify their properties, thus optimizing information processing, remains elusive. Here, we observed at hippocampal dendritic branches diverse configurations of synaptic connectivity, two extremes of which are characterized by low transmission efficiency, high plasticity and coding capacity, or inversely. The former favors information encoding, pertinent to learning, while the latter prefers information storage, relevant to memory. Presynaptic intracellular Mg2+ crucially mediates the dynamic transition continuously between the two extreme configurations. Consequently, varying intracellular Mg2+ levels endow individual branches with diverse synaptic computations, thus modulating their ability to process information. Notably, elevating brain Mg2+ levels in aging animals restores synaptic configuration resembling that of young animals, coincident with improved learning and memory. These findings establish intracellular Mg2+ as a crucial factor reconfiguring synaptic connectivity at dendrites, thus optimizing their branch-specific properties in information processing.
Biomolecular condensates form spatially inhomogeneous network fluids
Authors: Dar Furqan , Cohen Samuel R. , Mitrea Diana M. , Phillips Aaron H. , Nagy Gergely , Leite Wellington C. , Stanley Christopher B. , Choi Jeong-Mo , Kriwacki Richard W. , Pappu Rohit V.
Published: April 2024

The functions of biomolecular condensates are thought to be influenced by their material properties, and these will be determined by the internal organization of molecules within condensates. However, structural characterizations of condensates are challenging, and rarely reported. Here, we deploy a combination of small angle neutron scattering, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to provide structural descriptions of model condensates that are formed by macromolecules from nucleolar granular components (GCs). We show that these minimal facsimiles of GCs form condensates that are network fluids featuring spatial inhomogeneities across different length scales that reflect the contributions of distinct protein and peptide domains. The network-like inhomogeneous organization is characterized by a coexistence of liquid- and gas-like macromolecular densities that engenders bimodality of internal molecular dynamics. These insights suggest that condensates formed by multivalent proteins share features with network fluids formed by systems such as patchy or hairy colloids.
Atomic-scale visualization of the interlayer Rydberg exciton complex in moiré heterostructures
Authors: Zhao Meng , Wang Zhongjie , Liu Lu , Wang Chunzheng , Liu Cheng-Yen , Yang Fang , Wu Hua , Gao Chunlei
Published: April 2024

Excitonic systems, facilitated by optical pumping, electrostatic gating or magnetic field, sustain composite particles with fascinating physics. Although various intriguing excitonic phases have been revealed via global measurements, the atomic-scale accessibility towards excitons has yet to be established. Here, we realize the ground-state interlayer exciton complexes through the intrinsic charge transfer in monolayer YbCl3/graphite heterostructure. Combining scanning tunneling microscope and theoretical calculations, the excitonic in-gap states are directly profiled. The out-of-plane excitonic charge clouds exhibit oscillating Rydberg nodal structure, while their in-plane arrangements are determined by moiré periodicity. Exploiting the tunneling probe to reflect the shape of charge clouds, we reveal the principal quantum number hierarchy of Rydberg series, which points to an excitonic energy-level configuration with unusually large binding energy. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of mapping out the charge clouds of excitons microscopically and pave a brand-new way to directly investigate the nanoscale order of exotic correlated phases.
Structural insights into the transporting and catalyzing mechanism of DltB in LTA D-alanylation
Authors: Zhang Pingfeng , Liu Zheng
Published: April 2024

DltB, a model member of the Membrane-Bound O-AcylTransferase (MBOAT) superfamily, plays a crucial role in D-alanylation of the lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a significant component of the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria. This process stabilizes the cell wall structure, influences bacterial virulence, and modulates the host immune response. Despite its significance, the role of DltB is not well understood. Through biochemical analysis and cryo-EM imaging, we discover that Streptococcus thermophilus DltB forms a homo-tetramer on the cell membrane. We further visualize DltB in an apo form, in complex with DltC, and in complex with its inhibitor amsacrine (m-AMSA). Each tetramer features a central hole. The C-tunnel of each protomer faces the intratetramer interface and provides access to the periphery membrane. Each protomer binds a DltC without changing the tetrameric organization. A phosphatidylglycerol (PG) molecule in the substrate-binding site may serve as an LTA carrier. The inhibitor m-AMSA bound to the L-tunnel of each protomer blocks the active site. The tetrameric organization of DltB provides a scaffold for catalyzing D-alanyl transfer and regulating the channel opening and closing. Our findings unveil DltB’s dual function in the D-alanylation pathway, and provide insight for targeting DltB as a anti-virulence antibiotic.
A liquid metal-based module emulating the intelligent preying logic of flytrap
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Shen Yajing
Published: April 2024

Plant species like the Venus flytrap possess unique abilities to intelligently respond to various external stimuli, ensuring successful prey capture. Their nerve-devoided structure provides valuable insights for exploring natural intelligence and constructing intelligent systems solely from materials, but limited knowledge is currently available and the engineering realization of such concept remains a significant challenge. Drawing upon the flytrap’s action potential resulting from ion diffusion, we propose a signal accumulation/attenuation model and a corresponding liquid metal-based logic module, which operates on the basis of the shape change of liquid metal within a sodium hydroxide buffer solution. The module itself exhibits memory and counting properties without involving any other electronic components, intelligently responding to various stimulus sequences, and reproducing the flytrap’s most logical function. We also demonstrate and forecast its potential as a moving window integration-based high-pass filter, artificial synapse in neural networks, and other related applications. This research provides a fresh perspective on comprehending the intelligence inherent in nature and its realization through physical structures, which is expected to inspire logic device development in a broad engineering field.
Giant and controllable nonlinear magneto-optical effects in two-dimensional magnets
Authors: Wu Dezhao , Ye Meng , Chen Haowei , Xu Yong , Duan Wenhui
Published: April 2024

The interplay of polarization and magnetism in materials with light can create rich nonlinear magneto-optical (NLMO) effects, and the recent discovery of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals magnets provides remarkable control over NLMO effects due to their superb tunability. Here, based on first-principles calculations, we reported giant NLMO effects in CrI3-based 2D magnets, including a dramatic change of second-harmonics generation (SHG) polarization direction (90°) and intensity (on/off switch) under magnetization reversal and a 100% SHG circular dichroism effect. We further revealed that these effects could not only be used to design ultra-thin multifunctional optical devices but also to detect subtle magnetic orderings. Remarkably, we analytically derived conditions to achieve giant NLMO effects and proposed general strategies to realize them in 2D magnets. Our work not only uncovers a series of intriguing NLMO phenomena but also paves the way for both fundamental research and device applications of ultra-thin NLMO materials.