bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manufacturing plant-based non-dairy and probiotic frozen desserts and their impact on physicochemical, sensory and functional aspects
Authors: Akalın Hayriye , Kınık Özer , Şatır Gülçin
Published: March 2024

The present study aimed to produce frozen dessert containing plant-based milk (almond, hazelnut, and lupine) and the probiotic Lb. acidophilus bacteria and to evaluate the chemical, microbiological and sensory properties during the 90 day-storage. Frozen dessert antioxidant capacity at day 0 and 90 of evaluation and changes in the phenolic compounds based on variations between different species were significant (p < 0.05). The differences in Lb. acidophilus counts between storage days were significant and values ranged from 4.15–8.99 log CFU/mL on the first day of storage to 3.61–7.06 at the end of the storage. Regarding the results of general acceptability in sensory evaluation, the highest color, taste and aroma scores was determined on day 0 in the hazelnut-lupine milk frozen dessert sample whereas the lowest was determined on day 30 in the almond-lupine milk frozen dessert sample. The samples with the highest antioxidant capacity were found on day 90 day in lupine frozen dessert (87.28 ± 0.007 mM) whereas the samples with the lowest antioxidant capacity were found on day 0 in the almond-hazelnut-lupine frozen dessert (18.83 ± 4.56 mM). Plant-based milk is considered suitable for the main ingredients in ice cream production, due to its health benefits its potential to be consumed as frozen dessert.
Investigation of MASnIxBr3−x (x = 3, 2, 1, 0) Perovskite Thin Films Produced by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis Method
Authors: Şen Esra , Kaleli Murat , Aldemir Durmuş Ali , Lapa Havva Elif
Published: March 2024

Methylammonium iodide (MAI) and methylammonium bromide (MABr) reactants were synthesized in powder form. Tin-based perovskites (MASnIxBr3−x (x = 3, 2, 1, 0)) were deposited as a thin film on glass substrates using the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to examine the crystallographic characteristics of the synthesized MAI/MABr powders and perovskite thin films. A shift occurred in the XRD peaks by changing the I/Br ratios. Morphological analysis of the MAI and MABr were carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). While the average particle size was calculated a ~ 94 μm for MAI, it was obtained as ~ 188 μm for MABr. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy peaks observed for synthesized MAI and MABr were found to be compatible with commercial MAI and MABr FTIR peaks. Elemental analysis of MASnIxBr3−x (x = 3, 2, 1, 0) perovskite thin films was performed energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Forbidden band gap (Eg) values of perovskite thin films were obtained from Tauc curves. The Eg value increased with an increasing I/Br ratio. The deposition of highly stoichiometric MASnIxBr3–x perovskites thin films was achieved by the USP method. This method has many parameters need to be optimized. This study gives optimum parameters that are difficult to determine.
Learning from a dilemma: The opportunities online teaching provided for teacher growth and development
Authors: Smith Kathy , Mansfield Jennifer , Adams Megan
Published: March 2024

The global 2020 COVID-19 pandemic impacted teaching and learning in all education institutions. The unprecedented and rapid shift from classroom based to fully online teaching raised unfamiliar dilemmas for educators, requiring immediate operational and pedagogical changes to meet previously unimagined demands. This study reports how an Australian school harnessed this experience and the teacher professional learning which ensued. Online focus groups were conducted with 50 teachers. The theoretical lens of Pedagogical equilibrium was used to explain the sense of unrest, curiosity, uncertainty and perplexity evident in teachers’ responses as they began to address unfamiliar challenges. Data analysis revealed such disequilibrium provided opportunity for teachers to work together to socially construct new professional knowledge in three key areas: teacher agency, community collaboration and teacher well-being. The findings demonstrate the importance of positioning such disruptions as opportunities for teacher professional growth and strategically encouraging teachers to reflect, articulate and share their learnings. When done effectively, these processes can embody a dynamic, collaborative community culture based on respect, reciprocity and trust. Such a culture shift not only supports the construction of both individual and collective professional knowledge but also enhances teacher well-being.
$$L^\infty $$ a-priori estimates for subcritical p-laplacian equations with a Carathéodory non-linearity
Authors: Pardo Rosa
Published: March 2024

Let us consider a quasi-linear boundary value problem $$ -\Delta _p u= f(x,u),$$

-

Δ
p

u
=
f

(
x
,
u
)

,

in $$\Omega ,$$

Ω
,

with Dirichlet boundary conditions, where $$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^N $$

Ω
⊂

R

N

, with $$p<N,$$

p
<
N
,

is a bounded smooth domain strictly convex, and the non-linearity f is a Carathéodory function p-super-linear and subcritical. We provide $$L^\infty $$

L
∞

a priori estimates for weak solutions, in terms of their $$L^{p^*}$$

L

p
∗

-norm, where $$p^*= \frac{Np}{N-p}\ $$

p
∗

=

Np

N
-
p

is the critical Sobolev exponent. No hypotheses on the sign of the solutions, neither of the non-linearities are required. This method is based in elliptic regularity for the p-Laplacian combined either with Gagliardo–Nirenberg or with Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg interpolation inequalities. By a subcritical non-linearity we mean, for instance, $$|f(x,s)|\le |x|^{-\mu }\, \tilde{f}(s),$$

|
f

(
x
,
s
)

|

≤

|
x
|

-
μ

f
~

(
s
)

,

where $$\mu \in (0,p),$$

μ
∈
(
0
,
p
)
,

and $$\tilde{f}(s)/|s|^{p_{\mu }^*-1}\rightarrow 0$$

f
~

(
s
)

/

|
s
|

p

μ

∗

-
1

→
0

as $$|s|\rightarrow \infty $$

|
s
|
→
∞

, here $$p^*_{\mu }:=\frac{p(N-\mu )}{N-p}$$

p
μ
∗

:
=

p
(
N
-
μ
)

N
-
p

is the critical Hardy–Sobolev exponent. Our non-linearities includes non-power non-linearities. In particular we prove that when $$f(x,s)=|x|^{-\mu }\,\frac{|s|^{p^*_{\mu }-2}s}{\big [\log (e+|s|)\big ]^\alpha },$$

f

(
x
,
s
)

=

|
x
|

-
μ

|
s
|

p
μ
∗

-
2

s

[

log

(
e
+
|
s
|
)

]

α

,

with $$\mu \in [1,p),$$

μ
∈
[
1
,
p
)
,

then, for any $$\varepsilon >0$$

ε
>
0

there exists a constant $$C_\varepsilon >0$$

C
ε

>
0

such that for any solution $$u\in H^1_0(\Omega )$$

u
∈

H
0
1

(
Ω
)

, the following holds $$\begin{aligned} \Big [\log \big (e+\Vert u\Vert _{\infty }\big )\Big ]^\alpha \le C_\varepsilon \, \Big (1+\Vert u\Vert _{p^*}\Big )^{\, (p^*_{\mu }-p)(1+\varepsilon )}\,, \end{aligned}$$

[

log

(

e
+

‖
u
‖

∞

)

]

α

≤

C
ε

(

1
+

‖
u
‖

p
∗

)

(

p
μ
∗

-
p
)

(
1
+
ε
)

,

where $$C_\varepsilon $$

C
ε

is independent of the solution u.
Het patroon van lokaal recidief na prostatectomie op PSMA PET/CT-scan
Authors: Staal Floor H. E. , Noordzij Walter , Janssen Jorinde , Oprea-Lager Daniëla E. , Engelen Antoine M. , van Limbergen Evert J. , Smeenk Robert Jan , de Jong Marianne A. A. , Budiharto Tom C. G. , Jacobs Inge , Haverkort M. A. Dorien , Brouwer Charlotte L. , Wei Siang Kelvin Ng , Langendijk Johannes A. , Verzijlbergen J. Fred , de Jong Igle Jan , Aluwini Shafak
Published: March 2024

Samenvatting

Deze studie onderzocht het patroon van lokaal recidief (LR) na prostatectomie met behulp van prostaatspecifieke membraanantigeen (PSMA) positronemissietomografie/computertomografie (PET/CT)-scans. In totaal werden retrospectief 103 PSMA PET/CT-scans verzameld van patiënten met verdenking op LR in negen behandelcentra. Een ervaren nucleaire geneeskundige beoordeelde de geanonimiseerde scans opnieuw en identificeerde op 83 PSMA PET/CT-scans 93 laesies als verdacht voor LR. De meest voorkomende locatie van LR (56%) was binnen 2 cm craniaal van de bulbus. Daarnaast werden 24 LR (26%) waargenomen > 2 cm craniaal van de bulbus en caudaal van de top van de symfyse. Slechts 17 LR (18%) werden craniaal van de symfyse gezien. Deze bevindingen dragen bij aan de kennis van het patroon van LR na prostatectomie en kunnen in de toekomst leiden tot gerichtere bestraling van de prostaatloge.
Requiring good governance from private regulators: what about the rest of us after ESL and ISU?
Authors: Lindholm Johan
Published: March 2024

On January 21, 2023, the Court of Justice of the European Union issued two judgments on European Union (EU) law as a check on the regulatory power of sport governing bodies: European Super League (ESL) and International Skating Union (ISU). These judgments clarify that private entities who wield regulatory power are under EU law subject to what can be characterized as good governance requirements. After examining how ESL and ISU enhance substantive and procedural good governance, this article explores who benefits—and more importantly who does not benefit—from these good governance requirements. While there is some ambiguity in the judgments regarding the scope of the good governance requirements, the article argues that they both can and ought to be applied broadly to all who enjoy rights under EU law.
Beginner’s guide to aggregation-diffusion equations
Authors: Gómez-Castro David
Published: March 2024

The aim of this survey is to serve as an introduction to the different techniques available in the broad field of aggregation-diffusion equations. We aim to provide historical context, key literature, and main ideas in the field. We start by discussing the modelling and famous particular cases: heat equation, Fokker–Plank, Porous medium, Keller–Segel, Chapman–Rubinstein–Schatzman, Newtonian vortex, Caffarelli–Vázquez, McKean–Vlasov, Kuramoto, and one-layer neural networks. In Sect. 4 we present the well-posedness frameworks given as PDEs in Sobolev spaces, and gradient-flow in Wasserstein. Then we discuss the asymptotic behaviour in time, for which we need to understand minimisers of a free energy. We then present some numerical methods which have been developed. We conclude the paper mentioning some related problems.
High temperature lubrication performance of chlorophenyl silicone oil
Authors: Meng Yan , Wen Xiangli , Cheng Jie , Bai Pengpeng , Meng Yonggang , Tian Yu
Published: March 2024

Most studies of liquid lubricants were carried out at temperatures below 200 °C. However, the service temperature of lubricants for aerospace and aeroengine has reached above 300 °C. In order to investigate the friction mechanism and provide data for high temperature lubrication, the friction and wear properties of chlorophenyl silicone oil (CPSO)-lubricated M50 steel and Si3N4 friction pairs were investigated herein. Ball-on-disk experimental results show that the lubrication performance of CPSO varies significantly with temperature. Below 150 °C, coefficient of friction (COF) remains at 0.13–0.15 after the short running-in stage (600 s), while the COF in the running-in stage is 0.2–0.3. At 200 °C and above, the running-in time is much longer (1,200 s), and the initial instantaneous maximum COF can reach 0.5. Under this condition, the COF gradually decreases and finally stabilizes at around 0.16–0.17 afterwards. This phenomenon is mainly due to the different thickness of boundary adsorption film. More importantly, the wear rate of M50 steel increases significantly with the temperature, while the wear rate barely changes at temperatures above 200 °C. The anti-wear mechanism is explained as tribochemical reactions are more likely to occur between CPSO and steel surface with the increased temperature, generating the FeCl2 protective film on the metal surface. Accordingly, FeCl2 tribochemical film improves the lubrication and anti-wear capacity of the system. At high temperatures (200–350 °C), FeCl2 film becomes thicker, and the contact region pressure becomes lower due to the larger wear scar size, so the wear rate growth of M50 steel is much smaller compared with that of low temperatures (22–150 °C). The main findings in this study demonstrate that CPSO lubricant has good anti-wear and lubrication capacity, which is capable of working under temperatures up to 350 °C.
Homotopy type through homology groups
Authors: Carnero Bravo Andrés , Antolín Camarena Omar
Published: March 2024

We show that for certain pairs of nonnegative integers, if the reduced integral homology groups of a space are nonzero only in that pair of degrees and those groups are finitely generated free abelian groups, then the space must have the weak homotopy type of a wedge of spheres of whose dimensions belong to the pair.
Gaussian Backbone-Based Spherical Evolutionary Algorithm with Cross-search for Engineering Problems
Authors: Li Yupeng , Zhao Dong , Heidari Ali Asghar , Wang Shuihua , Chen Huiling , Zhang Yudong
Published: March 2024

In recent years, with the increasing demand for social production, engineering design problems have gradually become more and more complex. Many novel and well-performing meta-heuristic algorithms have been studied and developed to cope with this problem. Among them, the Spherical Evolutionary Algorithm (SE) is one of the classical representative methods that proposed in recent years with admirable optimization performance. However, it tends to stagnate prematurely to local optima in solving some specific problems. Therefore, this paper proposes an SE variant integrating the Cross-search Mutation (CSM) and Gaussian Backbone Strategy (GBS), called CGSE. In this study, the CSM can enhance its social learning ability, which strengthens the utilization rate of SE on effective information; the GBS cooperates with the original rules of SE to further improve the convergence effect of SE. To objectively demonstrate the core advantages of CGSE, this paper designs a series of global optimization experiments based on IEEE CEC2017, and CGSE is used to solve six engineering design problems with constraints. The final experimental results fully showcase that, compared with the existing well-known methods, CGSE has a very significant competitive advantage in global tasks and has certain practical value in real applications. Therefore, the proposed CGSE is a promising and first-rate algorithm with good potential strength in the field of engineering design.
Free Vibration of a Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Nanowire/Nanobeam with Movable Ends
Authors: Uzun Büşra , Yaylı Mustafa Özgür
Published: March 2024

Objective

The purpose of this work is to investigate the size-dependent free vibrations of carbon nanotube-reinforced nanowires/nanobeams with movable ends. For this purpose, two movable end conditions are considered for carbon nanotube-reinforced nanowires/nanobeams with different carbon nanotube distributions. The size effect is addressed with the modified couple stress theory, which includes a material length scale parameter.

Methods

In this study, a solution approach based on the Fourier sine series and Stokes' transformation is used. With the help of this approach, both rigid and movable end conditions can be investigated. Firstly, equation sets consisting of infinite series and movable end parameters are derived. Then, eigenvalue problems are obtained for the free vibration of carbon nanotube-reinforced nanowires/nanobeams. The eigenvalues of these problems give the frequencies of the carbon nanotube-reinforced nanowires/nanobeams with movable ends.

Conclusions

The eigenvalue problems obtained in this study can be used to examine both rigid and movable end conditions. The accuracy of the problems obtained for solution is proven by various comparison studies. Then, a series of analyses are carried out for nanowire/nanobeam reinforced with carbon nanotubes, including both the size effect and the rotary inertia effect. When the frequencies of nanowire/nanobeams reinforced with carbon nanotubes are examined, it is understood that the material length scale parameter, carbon nanotube distribution, carbon nanotube volume fraction, rotational and lateral spring parameters can cause significant changes in free vibration.
Molecular identification and management of mycotoxigenic fungi in stored corn Grains
Authors: Haggag Wafaa M. , Diab Mohamed M. , Al-Ansary Noran A. , Ibrahim Mohamed I. M. , Khattab Abd El‑Nasser A. , Abdel-Wahhab Mosaad A. , Ali Medhat K.
Published: March 2024

Mycotoxin-producing molds which considered as common maize grains contaminants are the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium. There are natural and safe ways to protect grains from mold contamination as the use of essential oils and chemical treatments. A total number of 25 samples were used to study the natural frequency in five governorates in Egypt, Molecular identification indicated that the most frequent fungi were Fusarium verticillioides, Aspergillus niger, Talaromyces verruculosus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus. The in vitro studies have been done to determine mycelial growth and spore germination inhibition of the two A. flavus; isolated and reference isolates. Thyme and acetic acid were tested in direct contact assay to study their effects on mycelial growth. Treatments showed significant impact on mycelial growth and spore germination inhibition of both A. flavus isolates. In the postharvest application treatments: as vapour and carrier contact assay, Thyme and Acetic acid were tested to determine their influence on growth and aflatoxin production in A. flavus isolates by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS). Results indicated that both treatments were effective in inhibition of aflatoxin production in both vapour and carrier assays as they succeeded in reducing AFB1 while they inhibited completely the production of AFB2. The extent of the inhibition of aflatoxin production was dependent on the concentration and storage duration of treatments applied.
Understanding the Relation Between Agency and Communion and Victim Impact Statements
Authors: Kragting Marleen , Elbers Nieke , Augusteijn Freya , de Waardt Mijke , Beijers Joris , Kunst Maarten , Pemberton Antony
Published: March 2024

Victim impact statements (VIS) have been widely introduced across different jurisdictions. Although early research examined the impact of VIS on sentencing outcomes, more recently researchers have focussed on their effects on victim posttraumatic stress symptoms. This article offers a different framework to this therapeutic approach. Instead, we emphasize that victims’ affective experience can be conceptualized using the Big Two Framework of agency and communion. Victims suffer damage to their sense of agency—status, respect, and the like—and communion—their experiences of connectedness to others. VIS could provide an opportunity to restore these orientations to self and others. Our research offers an empirical investigation into this framework. Victims who delivered an oral VIS in a Dutch criminal court completed an online survey on their experiences (N = 118). In addition, we conducted in-depth interviews to enrich the information from the survey (N = 24). The results show that both agency and communion-related aspects are present when victims talk about their experiences. Victims, for instance, mention feeling stronger—agency and also to be able to help others—communion. The agency aspect of being heard is apparent both in the survey the interview results. These findings suggest that both agency and communion seem to play a role in the effects of delivering a VIS. Implications of the agency and communion approach are discussed.
Assessing Metal Use and Scarcity Impacts of Vehicle Gliders
Authors: Bitencourt de Oliveira Felipe , Nordelöf Anders , Bernander Maria , Sandén Björn A.
Published: March 2024

This study assesses the metal composition of two vehicle gliders, configured with different equipment levels and evaluates the risk of short and long-term metal scarcity. Entropy analysis is also used for insights on secondary metal recovery strategies. Fifty-five metals are evaluated, with gold, copper, bismuth, lead, molybdenum, and certain rare-earth metals (REMs) subject to the largest supply risks. Differences in equipment levels significantly impact the short-term supply risk for specific metals. Entertainment and communications equipment contain significant amounts of REMs, whereas mirrors and electrical infrastructure contain considerable shares of gold, silver and copper. Some metals are concentrated in a few components while some are dispersed across thousands, impacting recycling opportunities. The broad metal demand of the gliders underscores the automotive industry's role in supply risks for its own manufacturing needs and other societal domains. This emphasizes the significance of comprehensively evaluating metal requirements beyond powertrains for informed resource management.
Aducanumab, Accelerated Approvals & the Agency: Why the FDA Needs Structural Reform
Authors: Herder Matthew
Published: March 2024

The US Food and Drug Administration’s controversial decision to grant accelerated approval to aducanumab (Aduhelm), a therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, has motivated multiple policy reforms. Drawing a case series of other drugs granted accelerated approval and interviews of senior FDA officials, I argue that reform should be informed but not defined by aducanumab. Rather, structural reforms are needed to reshape FDA’s core priorities and restore the regulatory system’s commitment to scientific rigor.
The Association Between Civil Legal Needs After Incarceration, Psychosocial Stress, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Authors: Lu Benjamin , Thomas Kathryn , Feder Solomon , Bhandary-Alexander James , Aminawung Jenerius , Puglisi Lisa B.
Published: March 2024

Many formerly incarcerated people have civil legal needs that can imperil their successful re-entry to society and, consequently, their health. We categorize these needs and assess their association with cardiovascular disease risk factors in a sample of recently released people. We find that having legal needs related to debt, public benefits, housing, or healthcare access is associated with psychosocial stress, but not uncontrolled high blood pressure or high cholesterol, in the first three months after release.
Calculation of astrophysical reaction rate and uncertainty for T(d,n)4He using Bayesian statistical approach
Authors: Esmaeili Seyyed Soheil , Ghasemizad Abbas , Naserghodsi Omid
Published: March 2024

One of the best methods to investigate and calculate a desired quantity using available limited data is the Bayesian statistical method, which has been recently entered the field of nuclear astrophysics and can be used to evaluate the astrophysical S-factors, the cross sections and, as a result, the nuclear reaction rates of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. This study tries to calculate the astrophysical S-factor and the rate of reaction T(d,n)4He as an important astrophysical reaction with the help of this method in energies lower that electron repulsive barrier, and for this purpose, it uses the R-Software, which leads to improved results in comparison with the non-Bayesian methods for the mentioned reaction rate.
Ethnic-Racial Socialization in White American Families and Young Adult Political Attitudes
Authors: Huft Justin , Nieri Tanya , Grindal Matthew
Published: March 2024

The United States is in a time of reckoning with whiteness. Despite white people benefiting from a disproportionate amount of power at every level of government, a significant racial wealth gap, preferential treatment in the legal system, and a rise in white supremacy, “colorblind” critics continue to argue against the relevance of race in a purportedly post-racial society. We assert that parents’ ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) of their children shapes how children view their racial identity and thus influence important political attitudes. ERS is a process by which individuals are taught values, beliefs, and attitudes about ethnicity and race. Most existing research among families of color suggests ERS is strongly linked to a variety of adult political attitudes. However, less is known about the impact of ERS on political attitudes for white young adults. Drawing on survey data from a national U.S. sample of 944 white, young adults (18–25 years old), we find that white ERS is linked with political attitudes. Specifically, we find that increased cultural socialization, preparation for bias, and egalitarianism are positively related to politically conservative ideology, while anti-racism is positively related to politically liberal ideology. Preparation for bias and egalitarianism are positively related to Republican party identification. Promotion of mistrust, silent racial socialization, and anti-racism are positively related to Democratic party affiliation. We suggest ERS impacts the way a person conceptualizes ethnicity and race and is inextricably linked to political outcomes.
Imperial Violence, Law, and Compensation in the Age of Empire, 1919–1922
Authors: Dhillon Hardeep
Published: March 2024

The intricacies of modern compensation procedures that value human life, injury, and property are often overlooked, despite growing demands for reparations and justice following state violence. This article historicizes the legal structures of modern compensation, arguing that the advent of imperial rule was characterized not only by the extraction of material resources and labour, but also by the discriminatory construction and implementation of imperial law, which sought to protect European life, wealth, and property. By focusing on one of the most notorious episodes of violence in British imperial and modern South Asian history – the atrocities committed by British officials in Punjab (1919), including the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre – this article underscores how British officials penalized protests and freedom struggles by legalizing indemnities, taxes, and fines to compensate European families. In contrast, colonial officials grossly undervalued the claims and payments of Indian subjects killed or maimed during state violence, if they did at all. Furthermore, this article reveals how imperial state compensation, managed in relative privacy and buried in legal proceduralism, was rooted in legal structures of intersectional racialized inequality, and political concerns that valued the longevity of imperialism, rather than a meaningful gesture of justice and redress.
Emotional impacts of racial discrimination on caregiver-child dyads: Can mentalizing-focused parenting groups buffer against racism-related stress?
Authors: Willis Henry A. , Polanco-Roman Lillian , Derella Olivia J. , Zayde Amanda
Published: March 2024

Black and Latinx caregivers face high risk for parenting stress and racism-related stress due to experiences of racial discrimination (RD). This study aimed to explore the associations between RD, parenting stress, and psychological distress in caregiver-child dyads, as well as the impact of a mentalizing-focused group intervention on caregivers’ experiences of RD distress. Ethnoracially minoritized caregivers of children aged 5–17 years old participated in a non-randomized clinical trial (N= 70). They received either a 12-session mentalizing-focused group parenting intervention or treatment-as-usual in outpatient psychiatry. We assessed self-reported frequency and distress related to RD, parenting stress, and psychological distress at baseline (T1) and post-intervention (T2). Caregiver- and self-reported child psychological distress were also measured. The results showed that greater RD frequency and greater RD distress separately predicted higher overall parenting stress and parental role-related distress. Greater RD distress was linked to increased psychological distress in caregivers. Similarly, greater RD frequency and distress among caregivers were associated with higher caregiver-reported, but not self-reported, child psychological distress. No significant changes in RD distress were observed between T1 and T2 for either of the treatment groups. These findings highlight the exacerbating role of RD on parenting stress and psychological distress among ethnoracially minoritized caregivers and their children.
Structure, Agency, and Structural Reform: The Case of the European Central Bank
Authors: Braun Benjamin , Di Carlo Donato , Diessner Sebastian , Düsterhöft Maximilian
Published: March 2024

Monetary and financial integration has been shown to increase the pressure on states to liberalize social and labor market policies. If structures do not come with instruction sheets, how do monetary regime pressures translate into policy? Through a case study of the euro area, we show that central banks play an underappreciated role in this process. Using mixed methods to analyze a large amount of data, including the complete corpus of speeches, we trace the evolution of the European Central Bank’s advocacy for structural reforms between 1999 and 2019. To explain the ECB’s activism in a policy area beyond its mandate, we theorize the ECB as navigating a dilemma between governability and legitimacy. Handed a monetary regime under which flexible labor markets were seen as a condition for governability, the ECB saw no alternative but to push governments toward structural reforms, despite the reputational risks. The ECB ended its advocacy when increasing political backlash coincided with a structural regime shift from an inflationary to a deflationary environment.
Expanding the Spatial Reach and Human Impacts of Critical Zone Science
Authors: Singha Kamini , Sullivan Pamela L. , Billings Sharon A. , Walls Leon , Li Li , Jarecke Karla M. , Barnard Holly R. , Gasparini Nicole M. , Madoff Risa D. , Dhital Saroj , Jones Candace , Kastelic Eric C. , Ma Lin , Perilla‐Castillo Paula , Song Boyoung , Zhu Tieyuan
Published: March 2024

Two major barriers hinder the holistic understanding of subsurface critical zone (CZ) evolution and its impacts: (a) an inability to measure, define, and share information and (b) a societal structure that inhibits inclusivity and creativity. In contrast to the aboveground portion of the CZ, which is visible and measurable, the bottom boundary is difficult to access and quantify. In the context of these barriers, we aim to expand the spatial reach of the CZ by highlighting existing and effective tools for research as well as the “human reach” of CZ science by expanding who performs such science and who it benefits. We do so by exploring the diversity of vocabularies and techniques used in relevant disciplines, defining terminology, and prioritizing research questions that can be addressed. Specifically, we explore geochemical, geomorphological, geophysical, and ecological measurements and modeling tools to estimate CZ base and thickness. We also outline the importance of and approaches to developing a diverse CZ workforce that looks like and harnesses the creativity of the society it serves, addressing historical legacies of exclusion. Looking forward, we suggest that to grow CZ science, we must broaden the physical spaces studied and their relationships with inhabitants, measure the “deep” CZ and make data accessible, and address the bottlenecks of scaling and data‐model integration. What is needed—and what we have tried to outline—are common and fundamental structures that can be applied anywhere and used by the diversity of researchers involved in investigating and recording CZ processes from a myriad of perspectives.
Formation and Stability of Salty Soil Seals in Mars‐Like Conditions. Implications for Methane Variability on Mars
Authors: Pavlov Alexander A. , Johnson James , Garcia‐Sanchez Raul , Siguelnitzky Ariel , Johnson Chris , Davis Jeffrey , Guzewich Scott , Misra Prabhakar
Published: March 2024

Methane spikes observed in the Martian atmosphere require the abrupt release of large amounts of methane from the Martian subsurface. The mechanism for such release has not been identified. We tested whether gas traps can form under Mars‐like conditions in the shallow Martian regolith due to salt migration in the icy soil. Experiments were performed on various soil samples in a Mars Simulation Chamber comprising different perchlorate salts and water concentrations mixed with JSC Mars‐1A. Inside the chamber, the samples were exposed to a range of temperatures from −20°C to 10°C and maintained CO2 gaseous pressure between 8 and 10 mbars. As a methane analog, Neon was injected periodically underneath the soil sample. It was found that over a wide range of Mars‐like soil parameters, a gas impermeable soil seal can form over a relatively short period (3–13 days) but requires 5%–10% of perchlorate salt content in the soil. It was determined that such a seal could sustain several mbars of neon above the Martian atmospheric pressure in the soil. Based on our experiments, substantial amounts of gaseous methane may accumulate under the soil seal and get released abruptly into the atmosphere upon seal cracking. An abrupt release of methane from the shallow subsurface may help explain methane variability at the Martian surface, as the Mars Science Laboratory detected.
Improving Simulation of Gas‐Particle Partitioning of Atmospheric Mercury Using CMAQ‐newHg‐Br v2
Authors: Wu L. , Mao H. , Ye Z. , Dibble T. S. , Saiz‐Lopez A. , Zhang Y.
Published: March 2024

Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant whose atmospheric deposition is a major input to the terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. Gas‐particle partitioning (GPP) of gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) redistributes speciated Hg between gas and particulate phase and can subsequently alter Hg deposition flux. Most 3‐dimensional chemical transport models either neglected the Hg GPP process or parameterized it with measurement data limited in time and space. In this study, CMAQ‐newHg‐Br (Ye et al., 2018, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017ms001161) was updated to CMAQ‐newHg‐Br v2 by implementing a new GPP scheme and the most up‐to‐date Hg redox chemistry and was run for the northeastern United States over January‐November 2010. CMAQ‐newHg‐Br v2 reproduced the measured spatiotemporal distributions of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and particulate bound mercury (PBM) concentrations and Hg wet deposition flux within reasonable ranges and simulated dry deposition flux in agreement with previous studies. The GPP scheme improved the simulation of PBM via increasing winter‐, spring‐ and fall‐time PBM concentrations by threefold. It also improved simulated Hg wet deposition flux with an increase of 2.1 ± 0.7 μgm2 in the 11‐month accumulated amount, offsetting half of the decreasing effect of the updated chemistry (−4.2 ± 1.8 μgm2). Further, the GPP scheme captured the observed Kp‐T relationship as reported in previous studies without using measurement data and showed advantages at night and in rural/remote areas where existing empirical parameterizations failed. Our study demonstrated CMAQ‐newHg‐Br v2 a promising assessment tool to quantify impacts of climate change and emission reduction policy on Hg cycling.
Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and survival outcomes of colorectal cancer: evidence from population-based prospective cohorts and Mendelian randomisation
Authors: Zhang Xiaomeng , He Yazhou , Li Xue , Shraim Rasha , Xu Wei , Wang Lijuan , Farrington Susan M. , Campbell Harry , Timofeeva Maria , Zgaga Lina , Vaughan-Shaw Peter , Theodoratou Evropi , Dunlop Malcolm G.
Published: March 2024

Background

To investigate the association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) survival outcomes.

Methods

We conducted analyses among the Study of Colorectal Cancer in Scotland (SOCCS) and the UK Biobank (UKBB). Both cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes were examined. The 25-OHD levels were categorised into three groups, and multi-variable Cox-proportional hazard models were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). We performed individual-level Mendelian randomisation (MR) through the generated polygenic risk scores (PRS) of 25-OHD and summary-level MR using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method.

Results

We observed significantly poorer CSS (HR = 0.65,95%CI = 0.55–0.76,P = 1.03 × 10−7) and OS (HR = 0.66,95%CI = 0.58–0.75,P = 8.15 × 10−11) in patients with the lowest compared to those with the highest 25-OHD after adjusting for covariates. These associations remained across patients with varied tumour sites and stages. However, we found no significant association between 25-OHD PRS and either CSS (HR = 0.98,95%CI = 0.80–1.19,P = 0.83) or OS (HR = 1.07,95%CI = 0.91–1.25,P = 0.42). Furthermore, we found no evidence for causal effects by conducting summary-level MR analysis for either CSS (IVW:HR = 1.04,95%CI = 0.85–1.28,P = 0.70) or OS (IVW:HR = 1.10,95%CI = 0.93–1.31,P = 0.25).

Conclusion

This study supports the observed association between lower circulating 25-OHD and poorer survival outcomes for CRC patients. Whilst the genotype-specific association between better outcomes and higher 25-OHD is intriguing, we found no support for causality using MR approaches.
Oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol activation of ferritinophagy inhibits the development of squamous intraepithelial lesion of cervix in HPV-positive patients
Authors: Wang Tianming , Gong Min , Lu Yingfei , Zhao Chengcheng , Ling Ling , Chen Jianquan , Ju Rong
Published: March 2024

Squamous intraepithelial lesion of cervix (SIL) in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive patient often undergoes a silent and long-course development, and most of them with high-grade transit to cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) is associated with HPV inhibition, autophagy and cholesterol synthesis, however, its function in this long process of SIL development remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that 25-HC generation is inhibited through HSIL-to-CSCC transition. The 25-HC activates ferritinophagy in the early stage of SIL, promoting the vulnerability of HSILs to ferroptosis. Therefore, maintaining 25-HC level is crucial for suppressing HSIL progression and holds promise for developing novel clinical therapies for CSCC.
Ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography features in patients with anterior uveitis
Authors: Nguyen Nam V. , Oyeniran Enny , Zeleny Alexander , Chen Michelle , Sherif Noha A. , Konstantinou Eleni , Vitale Susan , Sen H. Nida , Kodati Shilpa
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA) in patients with anterior uveitis by investigating the detection of retinal vascular leakage (RVL) and the subsequent implications on disease diagnosis and management.

Study design/materials and methods

Patients, who were referred to the National Eye Institute (NEI) for evaluation of anterior uveitis and underwent UWFFA imaging at the initial visit, were included in this study. The electronic medical records of eligible patients were reviewed. The UWFFA images were assessed for severity of retinal vascular leakage, presence of macular leakage, and optic disc leakage by a two-grader system, and intergrader agreement was calculated using the κ-value. Patients with altered diagnoses and management attributable to UWFFA results were noted.

Results

A total of 93 eyes of 63 patients were included in the study. Of 93 eyes, 31 (33.3%) eyes had RVL on UWFFA, with 26 (28.0%) eyes and 5 (5.4%) eyes showing mild and moderate-severe RVL, respectively. Twenty-five (26.9%) eyes showed macular leakage, and 7 (7.5%) eyes showed optic disc leakage. The κ-values ranged from 0.85 – 0.87 indicating excellent intergrader agreement. Of the 31 eyes with RVL, the diagnosis was changed to anterior/intermediate uveitis for 9 (29.0%) eyes and to panuveitis for 4 (12.9%) eyes. Systemic treatment was escalated in 5 patients.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that UWFFA imaging is useful in detecting subclinical posterior involvement in patients with anterior uveitis. Moreover, UWFFA results in altered diagnosis and treatment approaches in a portion of patients.
Parental kinship coefficient but not paternal coloration predicts early offspring growth in lake char
Authors: Garaud Laura , Nusbaumer David , Marques da Cunha Lucas , de Guttry Christian , Ançay Laurie , Atherton Audrey , Lasne Emilien , Wedekind Claus
Published: March 2024

The ‘good genes’ hypotheses of sexual selection predict that females prefer males with strong ornaments because they are in good health and vigor and can afford the costs of the ornaments. A key assumption of this concept is that male health and vigor are useful predictors of genetic quality and hence offspring performance. We tested this prediction in wild-caught lake char (Salvelinus umbla) whose breeding coloration is known to reveal aspects of male health. We first reanalyzed results from sperm competition trials in which embryos of known parenthood had been raised singly in either a stress- or non-stress environment. Paternal coloration did not correlate with any measures of offspring performance. However, offspring growth was reduced with higher kinship coefficients between the parents. To test the robustness of these first observations, we collected a new sample of wild males and females, used their gametes in a full-factorial in vitro breeding experiment, and singly raised about 3000 embryos in either a stress- or non-stress environment (stress induced by microbes). Again, paternal coloration did not predict offspring performance, while offspring growth was reduced with higher kinship between the parents. We conclude that, in lake char, the genetic benefits of mate choice would be strongest if females could recognize and avoid genetically related males, while male breeding colors may be more relevant in intra-sexual selection.
Quantifying the potential renal acid load of edible mushrooms
Authors: Storz Maximilian Andreas
Published: March 2024

The capability of any food to alter net endogenous acid or base production can be estimated using the potential renal acid load (PRAL) estimation method. The PRAL of edible mushrooms has been rarely examined; thus a quantification study ofn = 37 edible mushroom species was performed. Results revealed a heterogeneous picture: although the most commonly consumed mushrooms (e.g.,Agaricus bisporus,Lentinula edodes, andPleurotus ostreatus(white)) have alkalizing properties, several acidifying species (Volvariella volvacea,Pleurotus flabellatus) were identified, which may be attributable to their high phosphorus content.
Enhanced attenuation of chikungunya vaccines expressing antiviral cytokines
Authors: Chuong Christina , Cereghino Chelsea N. , Rai Pallavi , Bates Tyler A. , Oberer Megan , Weger-Lucarelli James
Published: March 2024

Alphaviruses are vector-borne, medically relevant, positive-stranded RNA viruses that cause disease in animals and humans worldwide. Of this group, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is the most significant human pathogen, responsible for generating millions of infections leading to severe febrile illness and debilitating chronic joint pain. Currently, there are limited treatments to protect against alphavirus disease; thus, there is a tremendous need to generate safe and effective vaccines. Live-attenuated vaccines (LAVs) are cost-effective and potent immunization strategies capable of generating long-term protection in a single dose. However, LAVs often produce systemic viral replication, which can lead to unwanted post-vaccination side effects and pose a risk of reversion to a pathogenic phenotype and transmission to mosquitoes. Here, we utilized a chimeric infectious clone of CHIKV engineered with the domain C of the E2 gene of Semliki Forest virus (SFV) to express IFNγ and IL-21—two potent antiviral and immunomodulatory cytokines—in order to improve the LAV’s attenuation while maintaining immunogenicity. The IFNγ- and IL-21-expressing vaccine candidates were stable during passage and significantly attenuated post-vaccination, as mice experienced reduced footpad swelling with minimal systemic replication and dissemination capacity compared to the parental vaccine. Additionally, these candidates provided complete protection to mice challenged with WT CHIKV. Our dual attenuation strategy represents an innovative way to generate safe and effective alphavirus vaccines that could be applied to other viruses.
Suppression of Dexter transfer by covalent encapsulation for efficient matrix-free narrowband deep blue hyperfluorescent OLEDs
Authors: Cho Hwan-Hee , Congrave Daniel G. , Gillett Alexander J. , Montanaro Stephanie , Francis Haydn E. , Riesgo-Gonzalez Víctor , Ye Junzhi , Chowdury Rituparno , Zeng Weixuan , Etherington Marc K. , Royakkers Jeroen , Millington Oliver , Bond Andrew D. , Plasser Felix , Frost Jarvist M. , Grey Clare P. , Rao Akshay , Friend Richard H. , Greenham Neil C. , Bronstein Hugo
Published: March 2024

Hyperfluorescence shows great promise for the next generation of commercially feasible blue organic light-emitting diodes, for which eliminating the Dexter transfer to terminal emitter triplet states is key to efficiency and stability. Current devices rely on high-gap matrices to prevent Dexter transfer, which unfortunately leads to overly complex devices from a fabrication standpoint. Here we introduce a molecular design where ultranarrowband blue emitters are covalently encapsulated by insulating alkylene straps. Organic light-emitting diodes with simple emissive layers consisting of pristine thermally activated delayed fluorescence hosts doped with encapsulated terminal emitters exhibit negligible external quantum efficiency drops compared with non-doped devices, enabling a maximum external quantum efficiency of 21.5%. To explain the high efficiency in the absence of high-gap matrices, we turn to transient absorption spectroscopy. It is directly observed that Dexter transfer from a pristine thermally activated delayed fluorescence sensitizer host can be substantially reduced by an encapsulated terminal emitter, opening the door to highly efficient ‘matrix-free’ blue hyperfluorescence.
Single-protein optical holography
Authors: Thiele Jan Christoph , Pfitzner Emanuel , Kukura Philipp
Published: March 2024

Light scattering by nanoscale objects is a fundamental physical property defined by their scattering cross-section and thus polarizability. Over the past decade, a number of studies have demonstrated single-molecule sensitivity by imaging the interference between scattering from the object of interest and a reference field. This approach has enabled mass measurement of single biomolecules in solution owing to the linear scaling of image contrast with molecular polarizability. Nevertheless, all implementations so far are based on a common-path interferometer and cannot separate and independently tune the reference and scattered light fields, thereby prohibiting access to the rich toolbox available to holographic imaging. Here we demonstrate comparable sensitivity using a non-common-path geometry based on a dark-field scattering microscope, similar to a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. We separate the scattering and reference light into four parallel, inherently phase-stable detection channels, delivering a five orders of magnitude boost in sensitivity in terms of scattering cross-section over state-of-the-art holographic methods. We demonstrate the detection, resolution and mass measurement of single proteins with mass below 100 kDa. Separate amplitude and phase measurements also yield direct information on sample identity and experimental determination of the polarizability of single biomolecules.