bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal coatings for ultrasound visualization: Experiment and theory
Authors: Trushkevych O. , Reshetnyak V. , Turvey M. , Edwards R. S.
Published: June 2024

Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films are formed of droplets of liquid crystal (LC) held in a polymer matrix. Similar to aligned LC films, PDLCs exhibit the acousto-optic (AO) effect when excited by acoustic waves of sufficient amplitude, whereby the PDLC film becomes transparent in the excited regions (acoustic clearing). Despite decades of research there is still debate over the mechanisms of the AO effect for the case of LC films, with several competing theories, and AO effects in PDLC have not been studied theoretically. This paper explores the AO effect in PDLC both experimentally and theoretically, and attempts a theoretical description of the observed phenomena based on the theoretical approach by Selinger for aligned LC films. The acousto-optic effect in PDLC is shown to be due to direct interaction of acoustic waves with LC droplets, rather than due to compression of the droplet itself. Polarizing microscopy revealed changes in droplet shape at excited points. This is consistent with reorientation as a contributing factor, possibly coexisting with flows at higher excitation powers. In previous experimental studies PDLC films were prepared with cover slides, in the same way as LC AO cells, significantly limiting applications by adding complexity to the design. Also, to exhibit AO clearing it was considered that the PDLC needed to be prepared with high LC concentrations (over 75% by weight). We demonstrate that no cover slide is necessary, and that PDLC coatings without a cover have improved sensitivity to acoustic waves. We demonstrate the AO effect for LC concentrations as low as 40% by weight. The ability to use standard composition PDLC, with no top cover, is paving the way to paint-on visual ultrasound sensors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Testing the Renormalization of the von Klitzing Constant by Cavity Vacuum Fields
Authors: Enkner Josefine , Graziotto Lorenzo , Appugliese Felice , Rokaj Vasil , Wang Jie , Ruggenthaler Michael , Reichl Christian , Wegscheider Werner , Rubio Angel , Faist Jérôme
Published: June 2024

The value of fundamental physical constants is affected by the coupling of matter to the electromagnetic vacuum state, as predicted and explained by quantum electrodynamics. In this work, we present a millikelvin magnetotransport experiment in the quantum Hall regime that assesses the possibility of the von Klitzing constant being modified by strong cavity vacuum fields. By employing a Wheatstone bridge, we measure the difference between the quantized Hall resistance of a cavity-embedded Hall bar and the resistance standard, achieving an accuracy down to one part in 105 for the lowest Landau level. While our results do not suggest any deviation that could imply a modified Hall resistance, our work represents pioneering efforts in exploring the fundamental implications of vacuum fields in solid-state systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hard X-ray operation of X-ray gas monitors at the European XFEL
Authors: Maltezopoulos Theophilos , Brinker Frank , Dietrich Florian , Freund Wolfgang , Grünert Jan , Jastrow Ulf Fini , Kujala Naresh , Laksman Joakim , Liu Jia , Tiedtke Kai , Tschentscher Thomas
Published: June 2024

X-ray gas monitors (XGMs) are operated at the European XFEL for non-invasive single-shot pulse energy measurements and average beam-position monitoring. The underlying measurement principle is the photo-ionization of rare gas atoms at low gas pressures and the detection of the photo-ions and photo-electrons created. These are essential for tuning and sustaining self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) operation, machine radiation safety, and sorting single-shot experimental data according to pulse energy. In this paper, the first results from XGM operation at photon energies up to 30 keV are presented, which are far beyond the original specification of this device. Here, the Huge Aperture MultiPlier (HAMP) is used for single-shot pulse energy measurements since the standard X-ray gas monitor detectors (XGMDs) do not provide a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio, even at the highest operating gas pressures. A single-shot correlation coefficient of 0.98 is measured between consecutive XGMs operated with HAMP, which is as good as measuring with the standard XGMD detectors. An intra-train non-linearity of the HAMP signal is discovered, and operation parameters to mitigate this effect are studied. The upper repetition rate limit of HAMP operation at 2.25 MHz is also determined. Finally, the possibilities and limits for future XGM operation at photon energies up to 50 keV are discussed.
Mapping of lithium ion concentrations in 3D structures through development of in situ correlative imaging of X-ray Compton scattering-computed tomography
Authors: Leung Chu Lun Alex , Wilson Matthew D. , Connolley Thomas , Huang Chun
Published: June 2024

Understanding the correlation between chemical and microstructural properties is critical for unraveling the fundamental relationship between materials chemistry and physical structures that can benefit materials science and engineering. Here, we demonstrate novel in situ correlative imaging of the X-ray Compton scattering computed tomography (XCS-CT) technique for studying this fundamental relationship. XCS-CT can image light elements that do not usually exhibit strong signals using other X-ray characterization techniques. This paper describes the XCS-CT setup and data analysis method for calculating the valence electron momentum density and lithium-ion concentration, and provides two examples of spatially and temporally resolved chemical properties inside batteries in 3D. XCS-CT was applied to study two types of rechargeable lithium batteries in standard coin cell casings: (1) a lithium-ion battery containing a cathode of bespoke microstructure and liquid electrolyte, and (2) a solid-state battery containing a solid-polymer electrolyte. The XCS-CT technique is beneficial to a wide variety of materials and systems to map chemical composition changes in 3D structures.
Self-calibration strategies for reducing systematic slope measurement errors of autocollimators in deflectometric profilometry
Authors: Geckeler Ralf D. , Just Andreas , Krause Michael , Schnabel Olaf , Lacey Ian , English Damon , Yashchuk Valeriy V.
Published: June 2024

Deflectometric profilometers are used to precisely measure the form of beam shaping optics of synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers. They often utilize autocollimators which measure slope by evaluating the displacement of a reticle image on a detector. Based on our privileged access to the raw image data of an autocollimator, novel strategies to reduce the systematic measurement errors by using a set of overlapping images of the reticle obtained at different positions on the detector are discussed. It is demonstrated that imaging properties such as, for example, geometrical distortions and vignetting, can be extracted from this redundant set of images without recourse to external calibration facilities. This approach is based on the fact that the properties of the reticle itself do not change – all changes in the reticle image are due to the imaging process. Firstly, by combining interpolation and correlation, it is possible to determine the shift of a reticle image relative to a reference image with minimal error propagation. Secondly, the intensity of the reticle image is analysed as a function of its position on the CCD and a vignetting correction is calculated. Thirdly, the size of the reticle image is analysed as a function of its position and an imaging distortion correction is derived. It is demonstrated that, for different measurement ranges and aperture diameters of the autocollimator, reductions in the systematic errors of up to a factor of four to five can be achieved without recourse to external measurements.
High-confidence placement of low-occupancy fragments into electron density using the anomalous signal of sulfur and halogen atoms
Authors: Ma Shumeng , Damfo Shymaa , Bowler Matthew W. , Mykhaylyk Vitaliy , Kozielski Frank
Published: June 2024

Fragment-based drug design using X-ray crystallography is a powerful technique to enable the development of new lead compounds, or probe molecules, against biological targets. This study addresses the need to determine fragment binding orientations for low-occupancy fragments with incomplete electron density, an essential step before further development of the molecule. Halogen atoms play multiple roles in drug discovery due to their unique combination of electronegativity, steric effects and hydrophobic properties. Fragments incorporating halogen atoms serve as promising starting points in hit-to-lead development as they often establish halogen bonds with target proteins, potentially enhancing binding affinity and selectivity, as well as counteracting drug resistance. Here, the aim was to unambiguously identify the binding orientations of fragment hits for SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 1 (nsp1) which contain a combination of sulfur and/or chlorine, bromine and iodine substituents. The binding orientations of carefully selected nsp1 analogue hits were focused on by employing their anomalous scattering combined with Pan-Dataset Density Analysis (PanDDA). Anomalous difference Fourier maps derived from the diffraction data collected at both standard and long-wavelength X-rays were compared. The discrepancies observed in the maps of iodine-containing fragments collected at different energies were attributed to site-specific radiation-damage stemming from the strong X-ray absorption of I atoms, which is likely to cause cleavage of the C—I bond. A reliable and effective data-collection strategy to unambiguously determine the binding orientations of low-occupancy fragments containing sulfur and/or halogen atoms while mitigating radiation damage is presented.
Career challenges of international female faculty in US universities: from a linguistic profiling perspective
Authors: Park Sunyoung , Jeong Shinhee
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review how international female faculty experience linguistic challenges and bias in their US university careers.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing related literature, the authors explore the career challenges of international female faculty including hiring, promotion and tenure and leadership opportunities from a linguistic profiling perspective.

Findings

International female faculty have relatively few hiring opportunities, specifically when institutions and fields openly accept linguistic profiling and bias and are less likely to hire non-native English-speaking international faculty. In the promotion and tenure process, international female faculty have struggled with standard academic English criteria and poor teaching evaluations from students because of the faculty’s different English usage such as word choice, grammar and pragmatics. In terms of leadership opportunities, international female professors have faced linguistic bias that non-native English faculty members are not competent, credible, intelligent or skilled because they speak accented English.

Originality/value

This study can help researchers and career development practitioners by adding linguistic profiling specific diversity and inclusion perspectives to existing literature. The findings expand the perspectives and practices related to the career challenges of international female faculty due to linguistic profiling.
A case study on the effectiveness of cocurricular interdisciplinary sustainability programming for graduate students to create sustainability leaders
Authors: Woo E. , Wooldridge Margaret , LaPorte Elizabeth Ann
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainability-focused, cocurricular, interdisciplinary programming for graduate students at creating future leaders in sustainability, i.e. did interdisciplinary sustainability programming further prepared graduate students in sustainability leadership beyond the scope of the individual student academic programs from the perspective of the student participants.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of the study was met by evaluating the University of Michigan Dow Sustainability Fellows Program. With a decade of graduate-student participation, surveys and interviews of Fellows alumni from 2013 to 2020 were used to assess the program impact on creating sustainability leaders. Opportunities for program reflections were included through prompted open-ended questions.

Findings

A majority (88%) of the Fellows who responded to the survey agreed with the statement that their career path was positively affected by their participation in the program and that the cocurricular program provided opportunities to explore sustainability-related topics from perspectives they would not have experienced otherwise. The interdisciplinary aspect of the program and the focus on practical community sustainability projects were the most valued attributes of the cocurricular programming.

Research limitations/implications

Supporting cocurricular interdisciplinary programs requires significant resources and intentionality to engage diverse disciplines and diverse partner organizations.

Practical implications

Programs that provide experiential opportunities to build interdisciplinary team skills successfully enable graduate students to become leaders in sustainability fields in the workplace and in outreach and service.

Social implications

Cocurricular graduate student programming focused on community sustainability projects can successfully create valued learning experiences while simultaneously supporting communities with practical solutions to sustainability challenges.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first longitudinal assessment of the effectiveness of the interdisciplinary cocurricular programming on graduate student sustainability leadership outcomes. The results include feedback received from eight years of cocurricular programming.
Information seeking and communication model (ISCM): application and extension
Authors: Baggs Emily , O'Neal Kaitlyn , Robson Andrew , Robinson Lyn
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The paper reports on developments in the Information Seeking and Communication Model (ISCM) since it was first presented in 2013, focussing on how the model, derived by explicitly drawing on previous models, frameworks, and concepts, has been applied, adapted and extended. This paper summarises the reception of the ISCM, and describes two new applications in different contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review details applications of, comments on and critiques of, the ISCM since its introduction. Two exploratory studies of health information seeking behaviour show the application of the ISCM in novel contexts.

Findings

The literature cited here, and the two studies outlined show the applicability and extendibility of the ISCM, as well as its value in helping to capture the holistic context of information seeking, the interplay between providers and seekers of information, including fluidity of provider/seeker roles, and emotional dimensions of information seeking and use.

Originality/value

The paper responds to the call by Case and Given (2016) for further empirical testing of the ISCM and similar conceptual models. It shows the range of applicability of this model, and models drawn from it, and makes recommendations for further development.
Organizational socialization strategies of interns transitioning to telecommuting work in uncertain times
Authors: Chue Shien , Säljö Roger , Pang Priscilla , Lee Yew-Jin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The study aims to examine how organizational socialization occurs for interns transitioning from onsite to telecommuting work, particularly in a context where traditional supports have been reduced due to the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from interviews (n = 22) of undergraduates interning at advertorial and marketing firms, the study conducted a thematic analysis of workplace learning experiences of undergraduate interns─newcomers at the workplace when disruption of traditional ways of performing work activities occurred. In particular, the enforced telecommuting work-from-home arrangements due to the pandemic provided a unique setting for this study of internship learning in changing contexts. The analyses reveal differences in undergraduate interns’ experiences of organizational socialization when they were at the physical workplace as compared to when they had to work remotely.

Findings

Interns reported benefitting from structured onboarding, supportive peer systems, and regular face-to-face meetings with supervisors, which facilitated their socialization and understanding of workplace culture before the pandemic. However, as telecommuting became the norm during the pandemic, these experiences shifted. Interns adapted by engaging in digital interactions to mirror office dynamics, extending work hours due to blurred work-life boundaries, and independently seeking information in the absence of direct guidance. When adapting to digital communication and independent learning, interns faced challenges like longer working hours and reduced spontaneous interactions, indicating a preference for the traditional, in-person socialization methods of the pre-pandemic workplace.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into interns’ experiences during the global shift to hybrid work as a result of the pandemic, contributing fresh insights into organizational socialization processes amidst workplace disruptions. The conclusions offer valuable implications for future adaptive onboarding practices in educational and professional settings.
Examining community policing policy implementation and racial disparities in officer-involved lethal encounters
Authors: Rhee Yong-Chan , Menifield Charles E.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The goal of this study is to examine how community policing policies (CPP) can be effective in addressing racial disparities in police killings in the United States.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized multi-level mixed modeling techniques.

Findings

The study finds that CPP training for in-service officers is effective when the police chief is black, in contrast to the presence of written CPP statements and CPP training for newly recruited officers. This article concludes that the effectiveness of policy implementation is dependent upon policing leaders who manage policy implementation.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited in that it only includes data from people who were killed by police. In addition, it was extremely difficult to collect data on the race of the officer. Hence, it reduced the number of viable cases that we could include in the analysis.

Practical implications

The most significant practical limitation to our research is the ability to generalize to police departments within a city and between cities. In some cases, police killings were confined to one or two areas in a city.

Social implications

Disproportionality in police killings is important in every country where certain groups are overrepresented in the number of police killings. This is particularly true today, where we see groups like Black Lives Matter highlighting higher levels of lethal force in minority neighborhoods.

Originality/value

Using representative bureaucracy theory, this research shows leaders select and emphasize specific goals among a set of organizational goals, seek to build trust rather than fight crimes and support goals to improve policy outcomes, which fills a theoretical gap in the theory.
Affective dimensions of academic librarians’ experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic: experiences and lessons learned for information literacy
Authors: Bury Sophie
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This article explores the affective dimensions of academic librarians’ experiences during the forced pivot to emergency remote teaching because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Through semi-structured interviews with librarians at 18 university libraries in Ontario, Canada, the researcher prompted study participants to reflect on how their work and that of other librarians in their organization changed during the period of focus, including the main challenges and opportunities experienced for information literacy instruction.

Findings

This study finds evidence of stress and anxiety among academic librarians teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic, including lack of confidence and skills with eLearning and work-life balance challenges. At the same time, the data show strengths and successes fueled by resilience, collaboration and a growing culture of care, which in many cases, resulted in strong expressions of pride by interviewees on what was achieved during this global health crisis.

Originality/value

This study is one of few adopting a qualitative research methodology to explore the affective dimensions of academic librarians’ experience of information literacy instruction during the Covid-19 pandemic. Its implications are instructive for future pedagogical approaches and workplace culture among information literacy teams, including communication, collaboration, flexibility and leadership support.
STATE‐LED GENTRIFICATION AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF URBAN AUTHORITARIAN PRACTICES
Authors: Can Aysegul , Jenss Alke , Fanton Hugo
Published: June 2024

This collection of interventions unites academics hailing from Latin America, the Middle East, Europe and the United States, reintroducing discussions on authoritarian state tactics and coercion into urban renewal dialogues within urban studies. During our discussions, it became apparent that urban authoritarian tactics are crucial in contemporary state‐led gentrification efforts. In this introduction to the series, we aim to merge research on authoritarian measures within neoliberalism with the literature concerning urban transformation and gentrification. By doing so, we bring urban studies into wider discussions regarding the overarching trend of authoritarianism on a global scale within sociology, political economy and international studies.
Abrogating K458 acetylation enhances hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)‐induced differentiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Fang , Peng Yu , Qian Hui , Xiao Meng Chao , Ding Chen Hong , Zhang Xin , Xie Wei Fen
Published: June 2024

Objectives

In this study we aimed to assess the impact of acetylation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) on lysine 458 on the differentiation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining, Dil‐acetylated low‐density lipoprotein (Dil‐Ac‐LDL) uptake, and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) activity analysis were performed to assess the differentiation of HCC cells. HNF4α protein was detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effects of HNF4α‐K458 acetylation on HCC malignancy were evaluated in HCC cell lines, a Huh‐7 xenograft mouse model, and an orthotopic model. The differential expression genes in Huh‐7 xenograft tumors were screened by RNA‐sequencing analysis.

Results

K458R significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of HNF4α on the malignancy of HCC cells, whereas K458Q reduced the inhibitory effects of HNF4α. Moreover, K458R promoted, while K458Q decreased, HNF4α‐induced HCC cell differentiation. K458R stabilized HNF4α, while K458Q accelerated the degradation of HNF4α via the ubiquitin proteasome system. K458R also enhanced the ability of HNF4α to inhibit cell growth of HCC in the Huh‐7 xenograft mouse model and the orthotopic model. RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed that inhibiting K458 acetylation enhanced the transcriptional activity of HNF4α without altering the transcriptome induced by HNF4α in HCC.

Conclusion

Our data revealed that inhibiting K458 acetylation of HNF4α might provide a more promising candidate for differential therapy of HCC.
Neurofunctional changes related to methamphetamine and sexual cues in methamphetamine dependence from short‐ to long‐term abstinence
Authors: Yan Cui , Yang Wenhan , Luo Jing , Tang Fei , Liu Jun
Published: June 2024

Aims

Abuse of methamphetamine has aroused concern worldwide. Stimulant use and sexual behaviours have been linked in behavioural and epidemiological studies. Although methamphetamine‐related neurofunctional differences are reported in previous studies, only few studies have examined neurofunctional changes related to methamphetamine and sexual cues in methamphetamine dependence from short‐ to long‐term abstinence.

Methods

Neurofunctional changes were measured using a cue‐reactivity task involving methamphetamine, sexual, and neutral cues in 20 methamphetamine abusers who were evaluated after a short‐ (1 week to 3 months) and long‐term (10–15 months) abstinence.

Results

Five brain regions mainly involved in the occipital lobe and the parietal lobe were found with the group‐by‐condition interaction. Region‐of‐interest analyses found higher sexual‐cue‐related activation than other two activations in all five brain regions in the long‐term methamphetamine abstinence group while no group differences were found. Negative relationships between motor impulsivity and methamphetamine‐ or sexual‐cue‐related activations in the left middle occipital gyrus, the superior parietal gyrus and the right angular gyrus were found.

Conclusions

The findings suggested that methamphetamine abstinence may change the neural response of methamphetamine abusers to methamphetamine and sexual cues, and the neurofunction of the five brain regions reported in this study may partly recover with long‐term methamphetamine abstinence. Given the use and relapse of methamphetamine for sexual purposes, the findings of this study may have particular clinical relevance.
ATP6V1A is required for synaptic rearrangements and plasticity in murine hippocampal neurons
Authors: Esposito Alessandro , Pepe Sara , Cerullo Maria Sabina , Cortese Katia , Semini Hanako Tsushima , Giovedì Silvia , Guerrini Renzo , Benfenati Fabio , Falace Antonio , Fassio Anna
Published: June 2024

Aim

Understanding the physiological role of ATP6V1A, a component of the cytosolic V1 domain of the proton pump vacuolar ATPase, in regulating neuronal development and function.

Methods

Modeling loss of function of Atp6v1a in primary murine hippocampal neurons and studying neuronal morphology and function by immunoimaging, electrophysiological recordings and electron microscopy.

Results

Atp6v1a depletion affects neurite elongation, stabilization, and function of excitatory synapses and prevents synaptic rearrangement upon induction of plasticity. These phenotypes are due to an overall decreased expression of the V1 subunits, that leads to impairment of lysosomal pH‐regulation and autophagy progression with accumulation of aberrant lysosomes at neuronal soma and of enlarged vacuoles at synaptic boutons.

Conclusions

These data suggest a physiological role of ATP6V1A in the surveillance of synaptic integrity and plasticity and highlight the pathophysiological significance of ATP6V1A loss in the alteration of synaptic function that is associated with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. The data further support the pivotal involvement of lysosomal function and autophagy flux in maintaining proper synaptic connectivity and adaptive neuronal properties.
Aetiological profile of acute encephalitis syndrome in Assam, India, during a 4‐year period from 2019 to 2022
Authors: Sonowal Dharitree , Sharma Ajanta , Sarmah Kimmi , Upadhaya Deepak , Kumar Sachin , Kaur Harpreet
Published: June 2024

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is a major public health concern in India as the aetiology remains unknown in the majority of cases with the current testing algorithm. We aimed to study the incidence of Japanese encephalitis (JE) and determine the aetiology of non‐JE AES cases to develop an evidence‐based testing algorithm. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were tested for Japanese encephalitis virus by ELISA and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Multiplex real‐time PCR was done for Dengue, Chikungunya, West Nile, Zika, Enterovirus, Epstein Barr Virus, Herpes Simplex Virus, Adenovirus, Cytomegalovirus, Herpesvirus 6, Parechovirus, Parvovirus B19, Varicella Zoster Virus, Scrub typhus, Rickettsia species, Leptospira, Salmonella species, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Plasmodium species and by ELISA for Mumps and Measles virus. Of the 3173 CSF samples, 461 (14.5%) were positive for JE. Of the 334 non‐JE AES cases, 66.2% viz. Scrub typhus (25.7%), Mumps (19.5%), Measles (4.2%), Parvovirus B19 (3.9%) Plasmodium (2.7%), HSV 1 and 2 (2.4%), EBV and Streptococcus pneumoniae (2.1% each), Salmonella and HHV 6 (1.2% each) were predominant. Hence, an improved surveillance system and our suggested expanded testing algorithm can improve the diagnosis of potentially treatable infectious agents of AES in India.
Outer membrane vesicles from X‐ray‐irradiated Pseudomonas aeruginosa alleviate lung injury caused by P. aeruginosa infection‐mediated sepsis
Authors: Bi Hongxia , Qin Jiayuan , Huang Jiaqi , Zhong Cejun , Liu Yanbin
Published: June 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection causes pneumonia and sepsis. Previous research found that X‐ray radiation can induce P. aeruginosa to release outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of relatively consistent sizes. This study found that OMVs derived from X‐ray‐irradiated P. aeruginosa can significantly inhibit lung leakage, inflammatory cell infiltrating into lung, and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, IL‐1β and TNFα caused by P. aeruginosa infection under preventive and therapeutic administration conditions. Under the same conditions, OMVs also significantly alleviated pathological characteristics of lung injury, including pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhage, and alveolar wall thickening. OMVs also significantly reduced bacterial burdens in peritoneal cavity, accompanied by a reduction in the number of viable bacteria capable of forming bacterial colonies. Pretreating macrophages and neutrophils with OMVs enhances their bactericidal ability. When bacteria were cocultured with treated cells, the number of viable bacteria capable of forming bacterial colonies was significantly reduced. OMVs themselves have not been shown to cause any lung injury or affect bacterial viability. Therefore, OMVs derived from X‐ray‐irradiated P. aeruginosa may not only be applied in prevention and treatment of diseases associated with P. aeruginosa infection, but also served as an excellent vaccine development platform.
DCAF2 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of mouse progenitor spermatogonia by targeting p21 and thymine DNA glycosylase
Authors: Wei Hongwei , Wang Zhijuan , Huang Yating , Gao Longwei , Wang Weiyong , Liu Shuang , Sun Yan‐Li , Liu Huiyu , Weng Yashuang , Fan Heng‐Yu , Zhang Meijia
Published: June 2024

DDB1‐Cullin‐4‐associated factor‐2 (DCAF2, also known as DTL or CDT2), a conserved substrate recognition protein of Cullin‐RING E3 ligase 4 (CRL4), recognizes and degrades several substrate proteins during the S phase to maintain cell cycle progression and genome stability. Dcaf2 mainly expressed in germ cells of human and mouse. Our study found that Dcaf2 was expressed in mouse spermatogonia and spermatocyte. The depletion of Dcaf2 in germ cells by crossing Dcaf2fl/fl mice with stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8(Stra8)‐Cre mice caused a reduction in progenitor spermatogonia and differentiating spermatogonia, eventually leading to the failure of meiosis initiation and male infertility. Further studies showed that depletion of Dcaf2 in germ cells caused abnormal accumulation of the substrate proteins, cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21) and thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG), decreasing of cell proliferation, increasing of DNA damage and apoptosis. Overexpression of p21 or TDG attenuates proliferation and increases DNA damage and apoptosis in GC‐1 cells, which is exacerbated by co‐overexpression of p21 and TDG. The findings indicate that DCAF2 maintains the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor spermatogonia by targeting the substrate proteins p21 and TDG during the S phase.
From educator to facilitator: Healthcare professionals' experiences of, and views about, delivering a type 1 diabetes structured education programme (DAFNEplus ) informed by behavioural science
Authors: Lawton Julia , Rankin David , Scott Elaine , Lorencatto Fabiana , Gericke Chiara , Heller Simon R. , de Zoysa Nicole ,   the DAFNEplus Study Group
Published: June 2024

Aims

The DAFNEplus programme incorporates behaviour change techniques into a modified educational intervention and was developed to help address the glycaemic drift observed amongst graduates of standard DAFNE programmes. As the programme's success will be contingent on staff buy‐in, we explored healthcare professionals' experiences of, and views about, delivering DAFNEplus during a clinical trial to help inform decision making about rollout post‐trial.

Methods

We interviewed n = 18 nurses and dieticians who delivered DAFNEplus during the trial. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

While many shared initial reservations, all described how their experiences of DAFNEplus programme delivery had had a positive, transformative impact upon their perceptions and working practices. This transformation was enabled by initial training and supervision sessions, the confidence gained from using scripts to support novel programme content delivery, and experiences of delivering the programme and observing DAFNEplus principles being well received by, and having a positive impact on, attendees. Due to these positive experiences, interviewees described a strongly felt ethical mandate to use some DAFNEplus techniques and curriculum content in routine clinical care. While being supportive of a national rollout, they anticipated a variety of attitudinal and logistical (e.g. workload) challenges.

Conclusions

This study provides a vital dimension to the evaluation of the DAFNEplus programme. Interviewees found the intervention to be acceptable and expressed high levels of buy‐in. As well as offering potential endorsement for a national rollout, our findings offer insights which could help inform development and rollout of future behaviour change interventions to support diabetes self‐management.
Cumulative effect of metabolic risk factors on left ventricular geometry in those with versus without early‐onset type 2 diabetes or prediabetes: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study
Authors: Yoshida Yilin , Zu Yuanhao , Fan Bingbing , Li Shengxu , Yoshida Tadashi , Harville Emily , Zhang Tao , Bae Sejong , Shikany James , Fonseca Vivian A.
Published: June 2024

Aim

To investigate metabolic risk factors (RFs) that accumulated over 20 years related to left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT) and LV remodelling patterns in participants with versus without early‐onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) or prediabetes (pre‐D).

Methods

A total of 287 early‐onset T2D/pre‐D individuals versus 565 sociodemographic‐matched euglycaemic individuals were selected from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, years 0‐25. We used the area under the growth curve (AUC) derived from quadratic random‐effects models of four or more repeated measures of RFs (fasting glucose [FG], insulin, triglycerides [TG], low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c), total cholesterol (total‐c), blood pressure and body mass index) to estimate the cumulative burden, and their associations with LV outcomes.

Results

One standard deviation greater AUC of log (TG) (per 0.48) and HDL‐c (per 13.5 mg/dL) were associated with RWT (β 0.21 and −0.2) in the early‐onset T2D/pre‐D group, but not in the euglycaemia group (β 0.01 and 0.05, P interactions .02 and .03). In both the early‐onset T2D/pre‐D and euglycaemia groups, greater AUCs of log (FG) (per 0.17) and log (insulin) (per 0.43) were associated with higher RWT (β ranges 0.12‐0.24). Greater AUCs of systolic blood pressure (per 10 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (per 7.3 mmHg) were associated with higher RWT and LVMI, irrespective of glycaemic status (β ranges 0.17‐0.28). Cumulative TG (odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.8‐6.3), HDL‐c (0.23, 0.09‐0.59), total‐c (1.9, 1.1‐3.1) and FG (2.2, 1.25‐3.9) were statistically associated with concentric hypertrophy in the T2D/pre‐D group only.

Conclusions

Sustained hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia are associated with RWT, and those individuals with early T2D/pre‐D are potentially at greater risk because of their higher levels of glucose and insulin. Dyslipidaemia was associated with LV structural abnormalities in those individuals with early‐onset T2D/pre‐D.
The changing landscape of parenting education programs for divorcing and separating parents: An introduction
Authors: Ferraro Anthony J. , Markham Melinda Stafford
Published: June 2024

This introduction details why there has been an emphasis placed on examining the value and efficacy of divorce and coparenting education programming. A set of articles is then described that, as a collection, provide insight into what is known and where we need to move forward as a field in the best interests of divorcing and separating parents and their children. We highlight seven original articles that provide foundations on this topic and synthesize consistent themes across these articles herein.
Pacific salmon in the Canadian Arctic highlight a range‐expansion pathway for sub‐Arctic fishes
Authors: Dunmall Karen M. , Langan Joseph A. , Cunningham Curry J. , Reist James D. , Melling Humfrey ,   Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee,   Olokhaktomiut Hunters and Trappers Committee,   Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee,   Sachs Harbour Hunters and Trappers Committee,   Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee,   Kugluktuk Hunters and Trappers Organization
Published: June 2024

Rapid climate change is altering Arctic ecosystems at unprecedented rates. These changes in the physical environment may open new corridors for species range expansions, with substantial implications for subsistence‐dependent communities and sensitive ecosystems. Over the past 20 years, rising incidental harvest of Pacific salmon by subsistence fishers has been monitored across a widening range spanning multiple land claim jurisdictions in Arctic Canada. In this study, we connect Indigenous and scientific knowledges to explore potential oceanographic mechanisms facilitating this ongoing northward expansion of Pacific salmon into the western Canadian Arctic. A regression analysis was used to reveal and characterize a two‐part mechanism related to thermal and sea‐ice conditions in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas that explains nearly all of the variation in the relative abundance of salmon observed within this region. The results indicate that warmer late‐spring temperatures in a Chukchi Sea watch‐zone and persistent, suitable summer thermal conditions in a Beaufort Sea watch‐zone together create a range‐expansion corridor and are associated with higher salmon occurrences in subsistence harvests. Furthermore, there is a body of knowledge to suggest that these conditions, and consequently the presence and abundance of Pacific salmon, will become more persistent in the coming decades. Our collaborative approach positions us to document, explore, and explain mechanisms driving changes in fish biodiversity that have the potential to, or are already affecting, Indigenous rights‐holders in a rapidly warming Arctic.
Antimicrobial efficacy of DJK‐5 peptide in combination with EDTA against biofilms in dentinal tubules: Primary irrigation, recovery and re‐irrigation
Authors: Amhmed Mohamed , Liu He , Häkkinen Lari , Haapasalo Markus , Shen Ya
Published: June 2024

Aim

To investigate the dynamic recovery of biofilms within dentinal tubules after primary irrigation with different protocols, and to evaluate the efficacy of various re‐irrigation protocols on recovered biofilm, considering factors such as smear layer, nutrient conditions, and primary irrigants.

Methodology

A total of 416 mono or multi‐species biofilms samples were prepared from human teeth and incubated for 3 weeks. After inducing a smear layer on half of the samples, all specimens were irrigated with one of the following irrigant sequences: (1) 6% NaOCl +17% EDTA, (2) 6% NaOCl +8.5% EDTA, (3) 6% NaOCl and (8.5% EDTA +10 μg/mL DJK‐5 antimicrobial peptide), or (4) sterile water. Thirty‐two samples were used to assess immediate effect, whilst the rest were re‐incubated to assess biofilms recovery. Nutrient conditions were defined based on whether culture media were changed (nutrient‐rich) or not (nutrient‐poor) during re‐incubation. After 16 weeks, recovered biofilms underwent re‐irrigation using four additional protocols, with or without DJK‐5 peptide, based on primary irrigants. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was employed to evaluate immediate irrigant effects, biofilms recovery intervals (1, 3, 5, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after primary irrigation), and re‐irrigation effects at the 16‐week. Statistical analysis included one‐way anova and two‐way mixed anova tests.

Results

The DJK‐5 peptide irrigation protocols demonstrated the highest killing rates during primary irrigation and resulted in a longer biofilms recovery time of 16 weeks compared to non‐peptide protocols (p < .001). Both primary irrigation type and smear layer presence significantly influenced biofilms recovery (p < .001). In the absence of smear layer, re‐irrigation efficacy didn't significantly differ from primary irrigation, regardless of primary irrigation type or nutrient conditions. However, with a smear layer present, re‐irrigation led to significantly higher proportion of dead bacteria compared to primary irrigation (p < .05). Inclusion of the DJK‐5 peptide into the re‐irrigation protocol displayed superior killing rate compared to other protocols (p < .001).

Conclusions

Biofilms exhibited susceptibility to both peptide and non‐peptide protocols during re‐irrigation, irrespective of nutrient conditions or primary irrigation protocols. The DJK‐5 peptide irrigation protocols consistently displayed superior effectiveness compared to non‐peptide protocols.
Time to SARS‐CoV‐2 clearance in African, Caucasian, and Asian ethnic groups
Authors: Ndjengue Nson Louis Sides , Ndombi Delpo Dede Daniella , Lotola Mougeni Fabrice , Bouassa Natacha , Bennjakhoukh Basma , Luthi Alexandra , Voubou Anselme , Atatama Juliette , Tat Pambou Raymond , Mvogo Guy Dieudonné , Sah Victorien , Atangana Bertin , Mveang Nzoghe Amandine , Maloupazoa Siawaya Anicet Christel , Essone Paulin N. , Mougola Bissiengou Pélagie , Ndeboko Bénédicte , Djoba Siawaya Joel Fleury
Published: June 2024

Background

COVID‐19 may become a seasonal disease. SARS‐CoV‐2 active circulation coupled with vaccination efforts has undoubtedly modified the virus dynamic. It is therefore important investigate SARS‐CoV‐2 dynamic in different groups of population following the course of spatiotemporal variance and immunization.

Methods

To investigate SARS‐CoV‐2 clearance in different ethnic groups and the impact of immunization, we recruited 777 SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients (570 Africans, 156 Caucasians, and 51 Asians). Participants were followed and regularly tested for 2 months until they had two negative tests.

Results

The vaccination rate was 64.6%. African individuals were less symptomatic (2%), Caucasians (41%) and Asians (36.6%). On average, viral clearance occurred after 10.5 days. Viral load at diagnosis was inversely correlated with viral clearance (p < 0.0001). The time of SARS‐CoV‐2 clearance was higher in Africans and Caucasians than in Asians (Dunn's test p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). On average, viral clearance occurred within 9.5 days during the second semester (higher rate of vaccination and SARS‐CoV‐2 exposition), whereas it took 13.6 days during the first semester (lower rate of vaccination and SARS‐CoV‐2 exposition) (Mann–Whitney t‐test p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In conclusion, ethnicity and spatiotemporal changes including SARS‐CoV‐2 exposition and immunization affect SARS‐CoV‐2 clearance.
Like Drifting Sand Dunes: Noisy Lessons in a Porous Field
Authors: Vella Raphael
Published: June 2024

This paper argues that the teaching of art in Higher Educational Institutions is inherently paradoxical. Informed by the transgressive and interdisciplinary qualities of contemporary artistic practices, education nevertheless is often made to fit into a reductionist, outcome‐oriented and individualistic discourse. Taking a weeklong workshop at the Nida Art Colony in Lithuania as a practical axis for its reflections on the fluid nature of art education, the paper discusses possibilities of extending beyond pedagogical, political, human/nonhuman and other borders and treating ‘noise’ and other ‘interferences’ as opportunities for transgression and dialogue. This workshop with students from the Vilnius Academy of Arts took place in September 2022, at a time characterised by the Russia–Ukraine war. Nida's proximity to Russia's exclave Kaliningrad, its location on the narrow Curonian Spit, and its immediate environment characterised by woods and sand dunes provide this paper with a setting for a discussion about a variety of borders: territorial borders, border pedagogies, perceived borders between human and nonhuman entities, between land and sea, and so on. Borders are described as dominant indicators of power and distinction, while educational standards and instruments of measurement often replicate similar distinctions between the known and the unfamiliar. Yet, borders can also be shifted while new connections and dialogues across real and conceptual borders can be forged in a porous process that is predisposed towards flexible scenarios characterised by the ‘not‐yet’. The surrounding forest and wetlands and huge drifting sand dunes in Nida become analogies for the changing structure of the workshop, silently yet overpoweringly advocating for a mutable pedagogy. Analysed through the work of various contemporary artists, this nonhuman intrusion into a pedagogical and creative experience is both undefined and vulnerable, unlike the preordained structures of attainment targets often associated with contemporary schooling.
Migrant Form and Art's Education
Authors: Baldacchino John
Published: June 2024

The fate of art's education looks like a cynical and rather hopeless process. Those who belong to the field pledged their loyalty to the discipline by dint of how they regard art as being inherently pedagogical – what is here called art's education. Decades of engagement in art's education leaves one travelling over spaces that present themselves as widening chasms between art's education (the pedagogical inherence of art) and art education (art's location within the structures of schooled education). Chasms aside, new borders and unnecessary walls keep being erected just as new territories and jurisdictions are continuously declared. Those of us who have always regarded themselves as migrants within the field would be forgiven to pine with nostalgia for when, not so long ago, art and education moved and roamed with pride and autonomy. Maybe it is this nostalgia which keeps us hoping, while knowing very well that often we tend to idealise the very ‘past’ in which we take false solace.