bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic profiling of pan-drug resistant proteus mirabilis Isolates reveals antimicrobial resistance and virulence gene landscape
Authors: Soliman Sarah , Abdalla Salah , Zedan Amal , Enany Shymaa
Published: September 2024

Proteus mirabilis is a gram-negative pathogen that caused significant opportunistic infections. In this study we aimed to identify antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and virulence determinants in two pan-drug resistant isolate “Bacteria_11” and “Bacteria_27” using whole genome sequencing. Proteus mirabilis “Bacteria_11” and “Bacteria_27” were isolated from two different hospitalized patients in Egypt. Antimicrobial susceptibility determined using Vitek 2 system, then whole genome sequencing (WGS) using MinION nanopore sequencing was done. Antimicrobial resistant genes and virulence determinants were identified using ResFinder, CADR AMR database, Abricate tool and VF analyzer were used respectively. Multiple sequence alignment was performed using MAFFT and FastTree, respectively. All genes were present within bacterial chromosome and no plasmid was detected. “Bacteria_11” and “Bacteria_27” had sizes of approximately 4,128,657 bp and 4,120,646 bp respectively, with GC content of 39.15% and 39.09%. “Bacteria_11” and “Bacteria_27” harbored 43 and 42 antimicrobial resistance genes respectively with different resistance mechanisms, and up to 55 and 59 virulence genes respectively. Different resistance mechanisms were identified: antibiotic inactivation, antibiotic efflux, antibiotic target replacement, and antibiotic target change. We identified several genes associated with aminoglycoside resistance, sulfonamide resistance. trimethoprim resistance tetracycline resistance proteins. Also, those responsible for chloramphenicol resistance. For beta-lactam resistance, only blaVEB and blaCMY-2 genes were detected. Genome analysis revealed several virulence factors contribution in isolates pathogenicity and bacterial adaptation. As well as numerous typical secretion systems (TSSs) were present in the two isolates, including T6SS and T3SS. Whole genome sequencing of both isolates identify their genetic context of antimicrobial resistant genes and virulence determinants. This genomic analysis offers detailed representation of resistant mechanisms. Also, it clarifies P. mirabilis ability to acquire resistance and highlights the emergence of extensive drug resistant (XDR) and pan-drug resistant (PDR) strains. This may help in choosing the most appropriate antibiotic treatment and limiting broad spectrum antibiotic use.
Valuation of the EQ-5D-3L in Jordan
Authors: Al Rabayah Abeer , Roudijk Bram , Purba Fredrick Dermawan , Rencz Fanni , Jaddoua Saad , Siebert Uwe
Published: September 2024

Background

In Jordan, no national value set is available for any preference-accompanied health utility measure.

Objective

This study aims to develop a value set for EQ-5D-3L based on the preferences of the Jordanian general population.

Methods

A representative sample of the Jordanian general population was obtained through quota sampling involving age, gender, and region. Participants aged above 18 years were interviewed via videoconferencing using the EuroQol Valuation Technology 2.1 protocol. Participants completed ten composite time trade-offs (cTTO) and ten discrete choice experiments (DCE) tasks. cTTO and DCE data were analyzed using linear and logistic regression models, respectively, and hybrid models were applied to the combined DCE and cTTO data.

Results

A total of 301 participants with complete data were included in the analysis. The sample was representative of the general population regarding region, age, and gender. All model types applied, that is, random intercept model, random intercept Tobit, linear model with correction for heteroskedasticity, Tobit with correction for heteroskedasticity, and all hybrid models, were statistically significant. They showed logical consistency in terms of higher utility decrements with more severe levels. The hybrid model corrected for heteroskedasticity was selected to construct the Jordanian EQ-5D-3L value set as it showed the best fit and lowest mean absolute error. The predicted value for the most severe health state (33333) was − 0.563. Utility decrements due to mobility had the largest weight, followed by anxiety/depression, while usual activities had the smallest weight.

Conclusion

This study provides the first EQ-5D-3L value set in the Middle East. The Jordanian EQ-5D-3L value set can now be used in health technology assessments for health policy planning by the Jordanian health sector’s decision-makers.
Multiscale spatial analysis of two plant–insect interactions: effects of landscape, resource distribution, and other insects
Authors: Pocull Guillem , Baskett Carina , Barton Nicholas H.
Published: September 2024

Context

Biotic resource exploitation is a critical determinant of species’ distributions. However, quantifying resource exploitation patterns through space and time can be difficult, complicating their incorporation in spatial ecology studies. Therefore, understanding the local drivers of spatial patterns of resource exploitation may contribute to better large-scale species distribution models.

Objectives

We investigated (1) how the resource exploitation patterns of two trophic interactions (plant–insect) are explained by insect behaviour, resource aggregation, and potential insect-insect interactions. We also analyzed how (2) resource patch size and (3) resource accessibility in a heterogeneous landscape affected host exploitation patterns.

Methods

We quantified nectar robbing by insects in the genus Bombus (bumblebees) and seed predation by Brachypterolus vestitus larvae (Antirrhinum beetle) on Antirrhinum majus L. (wild snapdragons) in the Pyrenees Mountains, Catalonia, Spain. We tested hypotheses about resource exploitation by integrating spatial analyses at multiple scales.

Results

Both trophic interactions were aggregated, explained by the aggregation of their resource. At some scales, nectar robbing is more aggregated than the resource. Trophic interaction abundance is proportional to resource patch size, following the ideal free distribution model. Landscape features do not explain the locations exploited. Nectar robbing and seed predation occur together more often than expected.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that multiple biotic and ecological spatial factors may simultaneously affect resource exploitation at a local scale. These findings should be considered when developing agricultural projects, management plans and conservation policies.
Spin order and dynamics in the topological rare-earth germanide semimetals
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Zhen Zhixuan , Meng Jing , Plokhikh Igor , Wu Delong , Gawryluk Dariusz J. , Xu Yang , Zhan Qingfeng , Shi Ming , Pomjakushina Ekaterina , Shiroka Toni , Shang Tian
Published: September 2024

The REAl(Si,Ge) (RE = rare earth) family, known to break both the inversion- and time-reversal symmetries, represents one of the most suitable platforms for investigating the interplay between correlated-electron phenomena and topologically nontrivial bands. Here, we report on systematic magnetic, transport, and muon-spin rotation and relaxation (uSR) measurements on (Nd,Sm)AlGe single crystals, which exhibit antiferromagnetic (AFM) transitions at TN = 6.1 and 5.9 K, respectively. In addition, NdAlGe undergoes also an incommensurate-to-commensurate ferrimagnetic transition at 4.5 K. Weak transverse-field µSR measurements confirm the AFM transitions, featuring a ∼90% magnetic volume fraction. Zero-field (ZF) µSR measurements reveal a more disordered internal field distribution in NdAlGe than in SmAlGe, reflected in a larger transverse muon-spin relaxation rate λT at T ≪ TN. This may be due to the complex magnetic structure of NdAlGe, which undergoes a series of metamagnetic transitions in an external magnetic field, while SmAlGe shows only a robust AFM order. In NdAlGe, the topological Hall effect (THE) appears between the first and the second metamagnetic transitions for H ∥ c, while it is absent in SmAlGe. Such THE in NdAlGe is most likely attributed to the field-induced topological spin textures. The longitudinal muon-spin relaxation rate λL, diverges near the AFM order, followed by a clear drop at T < TN. In the magnetically ordered state, spin fluctuations are significantly stronger in NdAlGe than in SmAlGe. In general, our longitudinal-field μSR data indicate vigorous spin fluctuations in NdAlGe, thus providing valuable insights into the origin of THE and of the possible topological spin textures in REAl(Si,Ge) Weyl semimetals.
Paediatric very rare tumours registration and management in European countries with low health expenditure average rates
Authors: Roganovic Jelena , Virgone Calogero , Ben-Ami Tal , Reguerre Yves , Ferrari Andrea , Orbach Daniel , Godzinski Jan , Bisogno Gianni , Farinha Nuno Jorge , Krawczyk Malgorzata , Schneider Dominik T. , Brecht Ines B. , Bien Ewa
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Within the Paediatric Rare Tumours Network—European Registry (PARTNER) project, we aimed to evaluate the situation on the registration and management of paediatric patients affected by very rare tumours (VRT) in the European low health expenditure average rates (LHEAR) countries.

Methods

A survey regarding infrastructure, organisation, and clinical decision-making information on VRT was designed. This survey was distributed to the representatives of LHEAR countries involved in the activities of the PARTNER Work Package 7.

Results

Eighteen answers from 17 countries were collected regarding the national organisation, methods of registration of VRT cases, the availability of medical experts in VRT, the access to updated diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (such as proton therapy, immunotherapy and, targeted therapies), and research on paediatric VRT. A high variability in the registration and management of patients with VRT has been observed with additional wide inequalities in pathology review, uniformity of clinical decisions, availability of selected procedures, and diagnostic and research tools.

Conclusion

In the majority of LHEAR countries, no clinical or research structures have been implemented for children and adolescents with VRT. Therefore, VRT still have an orphan status in these countries. These significant differences on the technology access and use between European regions need to be addressed.
Assimilation or Striking a Bicultural Balance? Acculturation Profiles Among Turkish Immigrant Parents in Four European Countries
Authors: Francot Ryanne J. R. M. , Alaylı Ayça , Broekhuizen Martine L. , Leseman Paul P. M.
Published: September 2024

The current study examined the acculturation profiles among Turkish immigrant parents (n = 943) in England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway, hereby considering the different national integration policies. Using a data-driven approach by applying Latent Profile Analysis, we identified four acculturation profiles in the total sample as well as in the samples per country: assimilation, integration, separation, and marginalization. Although nearly complete metric measurement equivalence of the profiles across countries was established, one deviating profile was found in the Netherlands. The profiles across countries differed in size, which was tentatively related to the predominant integration policies of the countries. In England, characterized by a relatively multicultural national integration policy, the integration profile was more prominent compared to other countries, whereas in countries with a stronger emphasis on assimilation (the Netherlands, Norway regarding language education) or with a history of exclusion and segregation (Germany), the assimilation and separation profiles were relatively large. Implications for national and local policy are discussed in the light of the pressure on immigrants, especially parents, to assimilate into the majority society.
Reflecting Experiences of Regional Academic, Tourism, and Education Specialists in Geoheritage Evaluation for Fujairah, UAE and Southeast Arabia
Authors: Sayama Kenta , Parker Adrian G , Parton Ash , Viles Heather
Published: September 2024

In Southeast Arabia (i.e. the United Arab Emirates [UAE] and Oman), geoconservation is a budding initiative, but to date, there has been limited evaluation of geoheritage sites in this region. Many geoheritage evaluation methods have been developed over the last 20 years, but the most popular methods reflect experiences from experts in Europe. The representativeness of these methods for different regional, cultural, and social contexts requires scrutiny. This study developed the first parametric method for geoheritage evaluation focused on Southeast Arabia, using Fujairah, UAE as a case study. The study applied a novel approach based on questionnaires completed by regional geoscience academics, local nature tourism professionals, and local science teachers. The preferences they expressed for scientific value, educational value, and touristic value, respectively, were used to develop the evaluation method. To test the requirements for informed decisions by tourism professionals and science teachers, the study compared results of questionnaires from two occasions: after a seminar on regional geoheritage sites, and after site visits. The resulting method deviates from previous methods in the relative weight it places on various criteria, substantiating the need to target wider regional voices in methods for geoheritage evaluation in Fujairah and Southeast Arabia. It reflects the need to consider cultural and societal differences, as well as curricular requirements for the educational value, that are not highlighted in existing evaluation methods. The applicability of the method was tested and confirmed by ranking geosites in Fujairah, and the method could be used at a regional scale in the future.
Statistics Evolution and Revolution to Meet Data Science Challenges
Authors: Wu Hulin
Published: September 2024

The advent of the Big Data era has necessitated a transformational shift in statistical research, responding to the novel demands of data science. Despite extensive discourse within statistical communities on confronting these emerging challenges, we offer our unique perspectives, underscoring the extended responsibilities of statisticians in pre-analysis and post-analysis tasks. Moreover, we propose a new definition and classification of Big Data based on data sources: Type I Big Data, which is the result of aggregating a large number of small datasets via data sharing and curation, and Type II Big Data, which is the Real-World Data (RWD) amassed from business operations and practices. Each category necessitates distinct data preprocessing and preparation (DPP) methods, and the objectives of analysis as well as the interpretation of results can significantly diverge between these two types of Big Data. We further suggest that the statistical communities should consider adopting and rapidly incorporating new paradigms and cultures by learning from other disciplines. Particularly, beyond Breiman’s (Stat Sci 16(3):199–231, 2021) two modeling cultures, statisticians may need to pay more attention to a newly emerging third culture: the integration of algorithmic modeling with multi-scale dynamic modeling based on fundamental physics laws or mechanisms that generate the data. We draw from our experience in numerous related research projects to elucidate these novel concepts and perspectives.
On the decomposition of the extensions of the Gini index that are based on the ‘metallic’ sequences of number theory
Authors: Bárcena-Martin Elena , Silber Jacques
Published: September 2024

The present paper extends the work of Subramanian (Econ Bull 41(4):2309–2319, 2021), as well as that of Creedy and Subramanian (Exploring a new class of inequality measures and associated value judgements: Gini and Fibonacci-type sequences, 2022), by showing how this new extension of the Gini index may be decomposed by income sources, income classes and population subgroups. It also gives an empirical illustration applying this extension of the Gini index to the analysis of the inequality in expenditure on social protection among European countries in 2018. In the decomposition by benefit function it appears that the housing function consistently exhibits the smallest contribution, due to its low expenditure weight, while the old-age function has the lowest inequality but the highest contribution, due to its substantial expenditure weight. The family/children function's contribution increases when a higher weight is given to lower expenditures, highlighting a pronounced inequality at lower expenditure levels. Conversely, the old-age function shows higher inequality among countries with higher expenditures. In the breakdown by welfare systems, we observe greater inequality between systems than within them.
Discrimination in Middle Eastern and North African Americans predicts Worse Mental Health as Mediated by Sleep
Authors: Rastegar Pedram , Zendels Philip , Peterman Amy
Published: September 2024

Discrimination is a salient stressor linked with a variety of health outcomes including depression and anxiety among Middle Eastern and North African Americans (MENA). Among other minoritized racial and ethnic groups, sleep difficulties have been identified as potential mechanisms that explain the relationship between discrimination and mental health. However, this has not been explored within MENA samples. Thus, the focus of this study is to examine if two sleep measures (e.g., sleep disturbance and sleep-related impairment) mediate the relationship between discrimination and two mental health outcomes: depression and anxiety. We recruited 126 MENA adults from across the USA through Prolific. Findings revealed that sleep-related impairment fully mediated the relationship between discrimination and mental health outcomes, whereas sleep disturbances only partially mediated these outcomes. Results suggest sleep difficulties are one pathway that could explain the relationship between discrimination and mental health among MENA. Future work should continue to explore this relationship, as well as investigate discrimination and sleep as possible places of intervention to protect the health of MENA individuals.
Evaluating Operation Good Food & Beverages, a Black Youth-Driven Public Advocacy Campaign
Authors: Kearney Matthew D. , Eaton Tiffany M. , Grabill Megan , Anderson Siani , Kumanyika Shiriki
Published: September 2024

Background

Food and beverage (F&B) marketing practices that contradict health guidelines are particularly concerning for children and adolescents, who are developmentally more susceptible than adults to persuasive advertising and to Black communities, due to ethnically-targeted marketing, contributing to higher rates of obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases. Accordingly, here we evaluated Operation Good Food and Beverages (OGF&B), an online social marketing campaign calling for shifting toward more marketing of healthier F&B to Black youth and Black communities.

Methods

OGF&B was developed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team of academic, advocacy, and advertising partners and active for four months in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Primary campaign components were social media content (e.g., TikTok, Instagram), and an informational website with a signable petition and a social media toolkit. Our mixed-methods evaluation used qualitative data to contextualize quantitative metrics like online impressions, website visits, and petition signatures. Qualitative data consisted of analysis of social media content and thematic elements from 15 interviews with campaign advisors, youth consultants, and influencers.

Results

The campaign achieved 3,148,869 impressions, 3,799 unique website visits, and 1,077 petition signatures. Instagram Reels and content featuring people had higher engagement. Instagram Reels received more likes than static posts or TikTok videos. Interviewees who participated mentioned personal values and community welfare as key motivations. Social media influencers who declined participation noted time constraints and lack of compensation as barriers.

Conclusion

Despite pandemic-related restrictions that precluded in-person engagement, this brief campaign implementation period provided useful insights for leveraging OGF&B or similar campaigns.
Psychische Gesundheit und Burnout-Risiko bei weiblichen Beschäftigten verschiedener Berufsgruppen mit hohem Anteil an Interaktionsarbeit
Authors: Rother Janosch , Darius Sabine , Thielmann Beatrice , Böckelmann Irina
Published: September 2024

Interaktionsarbeit ist charakteristisch für Dienstleistungs‑, Gesundheits- und Sozialberufe, in denen der Austausch mit Kunden, Patienten, Klienten oder Schülern eine zentrale Rolle spielt. Sie umfasst ein breites Spektrum von Tätigkeiten, die sowohl emotionale als auch kognitive Fähigkeiten erfordern und oft die Bewältigung von emotionaler Arbeit beinhalten, wie das Management der eigenen Gefühle und die Beeinflussung der Emotionen anderer im Rahmen der beruflichen Rolle. Ziel der Studie war es, die psychische Gesundheit und das Burnout-Risiko von Beschäftigten verschiedener Berufsgruppen mit einem hohen Anteil an Interaktionsarbeit zu untersuchen und vergleichend zu analysieren. An der Untersuchung nahmen 309 Frauen aus drei verschiedenen Berufsgruppen (dialogisch-interaktive Erwerbsarbeit bei Erzieherinnen und medizinischen Fachangestellten sowie reine Interaktionsarbeit bei Bankkauffrauen) mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 43,1 ± 11,5 Jahren teil. Die psychische Gesundheit wurde mit dem General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) und das Burnout-Risiko mit dem Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) untersucht.

Der Gesamtwert des GHQ lag bei 12,2 ± 5,4 Punkten, wobei bei diesem Parameter kein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den Interaktionsberufen festgestellt werden konnte. Lediglich in der MBI-Dimension „Leistungsfähigkeit“ fanden sich signifikante Unterschiede zwischen Erzieherinnen und Medizinischen Fachangestellten (p = 0,041), wobei die Erzieherinnen eine geringere Leistungsfähigkeit angaben. Weitere Unterschiede fanden sich zwischen den Berufsgruppen nicht. Insgesamt ergab sich ein hohes Burnout-Risiko von 4 % bei der Gesamtstichprobe, was in etwa der Lebenszeitprävalenz in Deutschland entspricht.

Das Fehlen signifikanter Unterschiede bei Burnout und psychischen Beeinträchtigungen zwischen Interaktionsarbeit im Dienstleistungssektor und in Gesundheits- und Sozialberufen lässt sich durch ähnliche Arbeitsanforderungen erklären, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die in beiden Bereichen zentrale Emotionsarbeit und soziale Interaktion. Die ständige Notwendigkeit, mit den Emotionen anderer umzugehen und die eigenen Gefühle zu regulieren, kann gleichermaßen zu emotionaler Erschöpfung führen – unabhängig von der Art der Interaktionsarbeit. Soziale Unterstützung am Arbeitsplatz und effektive Bewältigungsstrategien könnten in den untersuchten Berufsgruppen ähnlich ausgeprägt sein und somit die Auswirkungen der Interaktionsarbeit auf die psychische Gesundheit abmildern.
The PreDI matrix-a common terminology for offsite construction: definition, verification, and demonstration in environmental impact studies
Authors: Chaudhary Kaden , Pan Annika , Yin Hongxi , Qu Ming , Wang Cindy , Yi David
Published: September 2024

Given the increasing interest in offsite construction and the prefabricated components it produces, this paper aims to establish a common matrix, the PreDI, for the offsite construction industry. The effort is to enhance the comparability of research and practices in offsite construction, making it more universally understood. Offsite construction involves manufacturing components in a factory and then assembling them on-site. It is considered a more sustainable approach due to less material usage, energy consumption, and waste generation during component fabrication. However, the lack of common terminology for offsite construction poses many challenges in the industry and its research, hindering communication and research.

The Prefabricated Dimensions and Integrations (PreDI) matrix, developed in the study, provides a solution for industry and research use. Thus, industry and academia can utilize the PreDI widely, accurately, and precisely in communication. This paper demonstrates the PreDI matrix’s application in life cycle assessment research on offsite construction, showcasing its utility and setting the stage for more robust research analyses in the future. Using the PreDI matrix in 24 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon houses further highlights its potential in the industry. Finally, the paper concludes with a broader outlook on its impacts on offsite construction.
Spinal Discitis and Epidural Abscess
Authors: Veljanoski Damjan , Bhatt Pragnesh
Published: September 2024

Spinal infections (SIs) are rare conditions affecting the intervertebral disc, vertebral body and/or adjacent spinal tissues. The lumbar region is most commonly involved, followed by the thoracic and cervical regions. Patients present with varied, non-specific clinical features leading to diagnostic and treatment delays. Clinicians need to have a low threshold to suspect SI. In this Element, two real-life cases of patients with SIs will be presented first. Core knowledge will be reviewed next, followed by diagnostic pitfalls and clinical pearls. Finally, the 'typical' clinical workflow for a patient with SI will be presented and the various treatment options will be explored.
The Self-Care of Older Australians During Bushfires and COVID-19: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Thompson Cristina , Dilworth Tasmin , James Sharon , Haynes Katharine , Batterham Marijka , Halcomb Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

Objective

This article sought to explore how older people maintained their health and managed chronic conditions during the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires, floods, and COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. This knowledge is important in the context of intersecting public health and environmental hazards.

Methods

Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 19 community-dwelling older people living in South Eastern New South Wales, a region significantly impacted by the successive disasters.

Results

Three themes summarized participants’ experiences. Participants described disruption to daily activities and social networks, delayed treatment and disruption to health services, and the exacerbation of health issues and emergence of new health challenges as
challenges to managing health and self-care
.
Strategies for staying healthy
were described as drawing on connections and relationships and maintaining a sense of normalcy. Finally, the
compounding nature of disasters
highlighted the impact of successive events.

Conclusions

Understanding older people’s experiences of self-care during disasters is critical for developing interventions that are better targeted to their needs. This study highlights the importance of social connectedness, habit, and routine in health and well-being. Results should inform policymaking and guide interventions in health care for older people.
The complex relationship between precipitation and productivity in drylands
Authors: Wang Lixin , Collins Scott L.
Published: September 2024

Drylands provide multiple essential services to human society, and dryland vegetation is one of the foundations of these services. There is a paradox, however, in the vegetation productivity–precipitation relationship in drylands. Although water is the most limiting resource in these systems, a strong relationship between precipitation and productivity does not always occur. Such a paradox affects our understanding of dryland vegetation dynamics and hinders our capacity to predict dryland vegetation responses under future climates. In this perspective, we examine the possible causes of the dryland precipitation–productivity paradox. We argue that the underlying reasons depend on the location and scale of the study. Sometimes multiple factors may interact, resulting in a less significant relationship between vegetation growth and water availability. This means that when we observe a poor correlation between vegetation growth and water availability, there are potentially missing sources of water input or a lack of consideration of other important processes. The paradox could also be related to the inaccurate measurement of vegetation productivity and water availability indicators. Incorporating these complexities into predictive models will help us better understand the complex relationship between water availability and dryland ecosystem processes and improve our ability to predict how these ecosystems will respond to the multiple facets of climate change.
Clive Palmer’s claims against Australia for billions renew pressure to remove investor rights to sue governments from trade agreements
Authors: Ranald Patricia
Published: September 2024

The Australian debate over Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) sharpened in 2023 because Australian mining billionaire Clive Palmer, having previously registered his mining company in Singapore, has claimed to be a Singaporean investor. He is using ISDS provisions in the 2012 ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and the amended 2017 Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement to sue the Australian government for a total of A$410 billion in three separate claims. This article uses Cox’s critical theory framework developed by Schneiderman to explain the historical development and power dynamics of ISDS, the contest between its business supporters and social movement critics, and the impact of this contest on governments. It then analyses the Palmer claims and explores the global debate about ISDS, including its increased use by fossil fuel companies against government regulation of carbon emissions, which has led to increased resistance from social movements and governments. ISDS is also being reviewed by the United Nations and World Bank institutions which provide arbitrators for its tribunals and by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The conclusion assesses the debate over whether ISDS can be reformed and its future viability.
Quenched worst-case scenario for root deletion in targeted cutting of random recursive trees
Authors: Eslava Laura , López Sergio I. , Ortiz Marco L.
Published: September 2024

We propose a method for cutting down a random recursive tree that focuses on its higher-degree vertices. Enumerate the vertices of a random recursive tree of size n according to the decreasing order of their degrees; namely, let $(v^{(i)})_{i=1}^{n}$ be such that $\deg(v^{(1)}) \geq \cdots \geq \deg (v^{(n)})$. The targeted vertex-cutting process is performed by sequentially removing vertices $v^{(1)}, v^{(2)}, \ldots, v^{(n)}$ and keeping only the subtree containing the root after each removal. The algorithm ends when the root is picked to be removed. The total number of steps for this procedure, $K_n$, is upper bounded by $Z_{\geq D}$, which denotes the number of vertices that have degree at least as large as the degree of the root. We prove that $\ln Z_{\geq D}$ grows as $\ln n$ asymptotically and obtain its limiting behavior in probability. Moreover, we obtain that the kth moment of $\ln Z_{\geq D}$ is proportional to $(\!\ln n)^k$. As a consequence, we obtain that the first-order growth of $K_n$ is upper bounded by $n^{1-\ln 2}$, which is substantially smaller than the required number of removals if, instead, the vertices were selected uniformly at random.
Intraseasonal Variations and Extreme Occurrence in the Local Sea Level Along the Western Coast of India Remotely Controlled by a Basin‐Scale Climate Variability
Authors: Yamagami Y. , Suzuki T. , Tatebe H.
Published: September 2024

The equatorial Kelvin waves, remotely excited by basin‐scale climate modes, and subsequent coastal trapped waves significantly influence the intraseasonal variations, their low‐frequency modulations, and the frequency of extreme sea level events along the western coast of India. This study demonstrates that the frequency of extreme events are linked to the phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole mode. The temporal changes in the occurrence frequency of extremes are simulated in an eddy‐resolving ocean model consistently with observations. However, a non‐eddying model significantly underestimate the occurrence frequency of extreme sea level events, suggesting the importance of coastal trapped wave propagations regulated by the horizontal scale with the Rossby radius of deformation. This result implies that many state‐of‐the‐art climate models with a one‐degree ocean horizontal resolution may underestimate future coastal sea level variability and the frequency of extreme events under global warming and potential modulations of major internal climate modes.
Shadowgraph Measurements of Rotating Convective Planetary Core‐Style Flows
Authors: Abbate Jewel A. , Aurnou Jonathan M.
Published: September 2024

The local scale of rotating convection, ℓ, is a fundamental parameter in many turbulent geophysical and astrophysical fluid systems, yet it is often poorly constrained. Here we conduct rotating convection laboratory experiments analogous to convecting flows in planetary cores and subsurface oceans to obtain measurements of the local scales of motion. Utilizing silicone oil as the working fluid, we employ shadowgraph imagery to visualize the flow, from which we extract values of the characteristic cross‐axial scale of convective columns and plumes. These measurements are compared to the theoretical values of the critical onset length scale, ℓcrit, and the turbulent length scale, ℓturb. Our experimentally obtained length scale measurements simultaneously agree with both the onset and turbulent scale predictions across three orders of magnitude in convective supercriticality , a correlation that is consistent with inferences made in prior studies. We further explore the nature of this correlation and its implications for geophysical and astrophysical systems.
At the Junction Between Deep Learning and Statistics of Extremes: Formalizing the Landslide Hazard Definition
Authors: Dahal Ashok , Huser Raphaël , Lombardo Luigi
Published: September 2024

The most adopted definition of landslide hazard combines spatial information about landslide location (susceptibility), threat (intensity), and frequency (return period). Only the first two elements are usually considered and estimated when working over vast areas. Even then, separate models constitute the standard, with frequency being rarely investigated. Frequency and intensity are dependent on each other because larger events occur less frequently and vice versa. However, due to the lack of multi‐temporal inventories and joint statistical models, modeling such properties via a unified hazard model has always been challenging and has yet to be attempted. Here, we develop a unified model to estimate landslide hazard at the slope unit level to address such gaps. We employed deep learning, combined with extreme‐value theory to analyze an inventory of 30 years of observed rainfall‐triggered landslides in Nepal and assess landslide hazard for multiple return periods. We also use our model to further explore landslide hazard for the same return periods under different climate change scenarios up to the end of the century. Our model performs excellently (with an accuracy of 0.78 and an area under the curve of 0.86) and can be used to model landslide hazard in a unified manner. Geomorphologically, we find that under climate change scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585), landslide hazard is likely to increase up to two times on average in the lower Himalayan regions (Siwalik and lower Himalayas; ≈110–3,500 m) while remaining the same in the middle Himalayan region (≈3,500–5,000 m) whilst decreasing slightly in the upper Himalayan region (≳5,000 m) areas.
Evolution of West‐East Contrast in the Subarctic Pacific Gyre During the Plio‐Pleistocene Based on Palynological Evidence at ODP Sites 882 and 887
Authors: Zorzi C. , de Vernal A.
Published: September 2024

Fragmentary and contradictory evidence prevents a clear understanding of the possible role of the North Pacific Ocean surface on the ice‐sheet evolution. New palynological data encompassing the Pliocene and Pleistocene at Ocean Drilling Program Site 882 in the northwest Pacific document sea‐surface conditions from dinoflagellate cysts in addition to atmospheric trajectories from pollen grains and spores. The comparison of the Site 882 record with that of Site 887 from the northeast Pacific also permits documenting West to East contrasts across the subarctic North Pacific. The dinocyst assemblages at the two sites indicate strong temperature contrasts until 4.2 Ma, with much warmer conditions in the East. From 4.2 to 3.6 Ma, dinocyst assemblages of both sites are characterized by alternated dominance of the extinct taxa Habibacysta tectata and Impagidinium detroitense suggesting homogenous and cool conditions across the subarctic Pacific gyre. A major transition is recorded in the palynological assemblages at Site 882 around 2.7 Ma. It is marked by the highest occurrence of Habibacysta tectata and high percentages of Filisphaera microornata additionally to thermophilic taxa. Dinocyst record indicates high seasonality and warmer surface conditions due to reinforced stratification, which support the hypothesis of high evaporation at the origin of atmospheric moisture supply to high latitudes. During the last 1.2 Ma, the increase of Operculodinium centrocarpum relative to Nematosphaeropsis labyrinthus is tentatively interpreted as a reinforced influence of the subtropical waters. Hence, we suggest that the warm surface ocean fostered the inception and growth of northwestern North American ice‐sheets during the Pliocene and Pleistocene.
HIF1A-AS2 promotes the metabolic reprogramming and progression of colorectal cancer via miR-141-3p/FOXC1 axis
Authors: Zhong Xinyang , Wang Yaxian , He Xuefeng , He Xinxin , Hu Zijuan , Huang Huixia , Chen Jiayu , Chen Keji , Wei Ping , Zhao Senlin , Wang Yilin , Zhang Hong , Feng Bo , Li Dawei
Published: September 2024

lncRNA can regulate tumorigenesis development and distant metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the detailed molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. Using RNA-sequencing data, RT-qPCR, and FISH assay, we found that HIF1A-AS2 was upregulated in CRC tissues and associated with poor prognosis. Functional experiments were performed to determine the roles of HIF1A-AS2 in tumor progression and we found that HIF1A-AS2 can promote the proliferation, metastasis, and aerobic glycolysis of CRC cells. Mechanistically, HIF1A-AS2 can promote FOXC1 expression by sponging miR-141-3p. SP1 can transcriptionally activate HIF1A-AS2. Further, HIF1A-AS2 can be packaged into exosomes and promote the malignant phenotype of recipient tumor cells. Taken together, we discovered that SP1-induced HIF1A-AS2 can promote the metabolic reprogramming and progression of CRC via miR-141-3p/FOXC1 axis. HIF1A-AS2 is a promising diagnostic marker and treatment target in CRC.
Tuning singlet oxygen generation with caged organic photosensitizers
Authors: Nestoros Eleni , de Moliner Fabio , Nadal-Bufi Ferran , Seah Deborah , Ortega-Liebana M. Carmen , Cheng Zhiming , Benson Sam , Adam Catherine , Maierhofer Larissa , Kozoriz Kostiantyn , Lee Jun-Seok , Unciti-Broceta Asier , Vendrell Marc
Published: September 2024

Controlling the succession of chemical processes with high specificity in complex systems is advantageous for widespread applications, from biomedical research to drug manufacturing. Despite synthetic advances in bioorthogonal and photochemical methodologies, there is a need for generic chemical approaches that can universally modulate photodynamic reactivity in organic photosensitizers. Herein we present a strategy to fine-tune the production of singlet oxygen in multiple photosensitive scaffolds under the activation of bioresponsive and bioorthogonal stimuli. We demonstrate that the photocatalytic activity of nitrobenzoselenadiazoles can be fully blocked by site-selective incorporation of electron-withdrawing carbamate moieties and restored on demand upon uncaging with a wide range of molecular triggers, including abiotic transition-metal catalysts. We also prove that this strategy can be expanded to most photosensitizers, including diverse structures and spectral properties. Finally, we show that such advanced control of singlet oxygen generation can be broadly applied to the photodynamic ablation of human cells as well as to regulate the release of singlet oxygen in the semi-synthesis of natural product drugs.
PMEL is involved in snake colour pattern transition from blotches to stripes
Authors: Tzika Athanasia C. , Ullate-Agote Asier , Helleboid Pierre-Yves , Kummrow Maya
Published: September 2024

Corn snakes are emerging models for animal colouration studies. Here, we focus on the Terrazzo morph, whose skin pattern is characterized by stripes rather than blotches. Using genome mapping, we discover a disruptive mutation in the coding region of the Premelanosome protein (PMEL) gene. Our transcriptomic analyses reveal that PMEL expression is significantly downregulated in Terrazzo embryonic tissues. We produce corn snake PMEL knockouts, which present a comparable colouration phenotype to Terrazzo and the subcellular structure of their melanosomes and xanthosomes is also similarly impacted. Our single-cell expression analyses of wild-type embryonic dorsal skin demonstrate that all chromatophore progenitors express PMEL at varying levels. Finally, we show that in wild-type embryos PMEL-expressing cells are initially uniformly spread before forming aggregates and eventually blotches, as seen in the adults. In Terrazzo embryos, the aggregates fail to form. Our results provide insights into the mechanisms governing colouration patterning in reptiles.
A molecular mechanism to diversify Ca2+ signaling downstream of Gs protein-coupled receptors
Authors: Brands Julian , Bravo Sergi , Jürgenliemke Lars , Grätz Lukas , Schihada Hannes , Frechen Fabian , Alenfelder Judith , Pfeil Cy , Ohse Paul Georg , Hiratsuka Suzune , Kawakami Kouki , Schmacke Luna C. , Heycke Nina , Inoue Asuka , König Gabriele , Pfeifer Alexander , Wachten Dagmar , Schulte Gunnar , Steinmetzer Torsten , Watts Val J. , Gomeza Jesús , Simon Katharina , Kostenis Evi
Published: September 2024

A long-held tenet in inositol-lipid signaling is that cleavage of membrane phosphoinositides by phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) isozymes to increase cytosolic Ca2+ in living cells is exclusive to Gq- and Gi-sensitive G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here we extend this central tenet and show that Gs-GPCRs also partake in inositol-lipid signaling and thereby increase cytosolic Ca2+. By combining CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to delete Gαs, the adenylyl cyclase isoforms 3 and 6, or the PLCβ1-4 isozymes, with pharmacological and genetic inhibition of Gq and G11, we pin down Gs-derived Gβγ as driver of a PLCβ2/3-mediated cytosolic Ca2+ release module. This module does not require but crosstalks with Gαs-dependent cAMP, demands Gαq to release PLCβ3 autoinhibition, but becomes Gq-independent with mutational disruption of the PLCβ3 autoinhibited state. Our findings uncover the key steps of a previously unappreciated mechanism utilized by mammalian cells to finetune their calcium signaling regulation through Gs-GPCRs.
Strong bottom currents in large, deep Lake Geneva generated by higher vertical-mode Poincaré waves
Authors: Reiss Rafael Sebastian , Lemmin Ulrich , Monin Claire , Barry David Andrew
Published: September 2024

Although internal seiches are ubiquitous in large, deep lakes, little is known about the effect of higher vertical-mode seiches on deepwater dynamics. Here, by combining entire summer season current and temperature observations and 3D numerical modeling, we demonstrate that previously undetected vertical mode-two and mode-three Poincaré waves in 309-meter deep Lake Geneva (Switzerland/France) generate bottom-boundary layer currents up to 4 cm s−1. Poincaré wave amphidromic patterns revealed three strong cells excited simultaneously. Weak hypolimnetic stratification (N2 ≈ 10−6s−2), typical of deep lakes, significantly modified the wave structure by shifting the lower vertical node in the lake’s center from ~75-meter depth (without stratification) to ~150-meter depth (with stratification). This shift induces shear in the middle of the hypolimnion and strengthens bottom currents, with important implications for hypolimnetic mixing and sediment-water exchange. Our findings demonstrate that classical concepts based on constant temperature layers cannot correctly characterize higher vertical-mode Poincaré seiches in deep lakes.
Elucidating the assembly of gas vesicles by systematic protein-protein interaction analysis
Authors: Iburg Manuel , Anderson Andrew P , Wong Vivian T , Anton Erica D , He Art , Lu George J
Published: September 2024

Gas vesicles (GVs) are gas-filled microbial organelles formed by unique 3-nm thick, amphipathic, force-bearing protein shells, which can withstand multiple atmospheric pressures and maintain a physically stable air bubble with megapascal surface tension. However, the molecular process of GV assembly remains elusive. To begin understanding this process, we have devised a high-throughput in vivo assay to determine the interactions of all 11 proteins in the pNL29 GV operon. Complete or partial deletions of the operon establish interdependent relationships among GV proteins during assembly. We also examine the tolerance of the GV assembly process to protein mutations and the cellular burdens caused by GV proteins. Clusters of GV protein interactions are revealed, proposing plausible protein complexes that are important for GV assembly. We anticipate our findings will set the stage for designing GVs that efficiently assemble in heterologous hosts during biomedical applications.
Detection of gluten peptides in human duodenal fluids with immuno-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Dayon Loïc , Núñez Galindo Antonio , Chevalier Julien , Aquarius Michèl , Otten Britt , Troost Freddy J. , Duncan Peter , Affolter Michael
Published: September 2024

A method capable of measuring the 33-mer gluten peptide in human duodenal fluids relies on the combination of peptide enrichment using specific antibody and peptide detection using sensitive high-resolution MS/MS (PRM acquisition mode).
A flexible electrochemical sensor based on Fe-doped polydopamine derived carbon for simultaneous detection of dopamine and uric acid
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Wang Wenbin , Gao Meng , Fu Min , Ma Linzheng , Chen Wei
Published: September 2024

Schematic of the process for the fabrication of the Fe/PDA-C/CC electrode.
Improved boosting and self-attention RBF networks for COD prediction based on UV-vis
Authors: Chen Xi'ang , Wang Senlin , Chen Hao , Fan Renhao
Published: September 2024

A self-attention mechanism is introduced into the radial basis function (RBF) network, resulting in a COD detection model based on the saRBF framework.
Sensitive label free imaging of 3D cell models with minimal toxicity using confocal reflectance
Authors: Taylor Michael A. , Choi Jung Un Ally , Muthuswamy Shiva , Enriquez Martinez Marco A. , Lauko Jan , Kijas Amanda W. , Rowan Alan E.
Published: September 2024

Cells that are cultured in transparent 3D hydrogels can be imaged with high sensitivity and low background using confocal reflectance imaging. This label-free approach allows long-term live imaging with low toxicity and minimal specimen preparation.
A biomimetic human disease model of bacterial keratitis using a cornea-on-a-chip system
Authors: Deng Yudan , Li Lingjun , Xu Jian , Yao Yili , Ding Jiangtao , Wang Lei , Luo Chunxiong , Yang Wei , Li Lingli
Published: September 2024

This study presents a cornea-on-a-chip model for bacterial keratitis, elucidating antibiotic effectiveness in terms of bacterial eradication, cellular apoptosis reduction, and scar formation mitigation, offering new insights for ocular drug testing.
Electrical nature of randomly oriented low-dimensional structural hybrids of carbon
Authors: Saini Sonia , Bhattacharjee Kuntala , Gouda Girish M.
Published: September 2024

(a, c) Overall schematic depiction of the electrical characterizations carried out on the hybrid carbon film. (b) Various possible interinlinked pathways within the film during two-probe I–V measurements.