bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A chemical genetic screen with the EXO70 inhibitor Endosidin2 uncovers potential modulators of exocytosis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Wang Diwen , Yin Xianglin , Dai Mingji , Staiger Christopher J. , Zhang Chunhua
Published: June 2024

Exocytosis plays an essential role in delivering proteins, lipids, and cell wall polysaccharides to the plasma membrane and extracellular spaces. Accurate secretion through exocytosis is key to normal plant development as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. During exocytosis, an octameric protein complex named the exocyst facilitates the tethering of secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane. Despite some understanding of molecular and cellular aspects of exocyst function obtained through reverse genetics and direct interaction assays, knowledge about upstream modulators and genetic interactors remains limited. Traditional genetic screens encounter practical issues in exocyst subunit mutant backgrounds, such as lethality of certain knockout mutants and/or potential redundancy of EXO70 homologs. To address these challenges, this study leverages the tunable and reversible nature of chemical genetics, employing Endosidin2 (ES2)—a synthetic inhibitor of EXO70—for a large‐scale chemical genetic mutant screen in Arabidopsis. This approach led to the identification of 70 ES2‐hypersensitive mutants, named es2s. Through a whole‐genome sequencing‐based mapping strategy, 14 nonallelic es2s mutants were mapped and the candidate mutations reported here. In addition, T‐DNA insertion lines were tested as alternative alleles to identify causal mutations. We found that T‐DNA insertion alleles for DCP5, VAS1/ISS1, ArgJ, and MEF11 were hypersensitive to ES2 for root growth inhibition. This research not only offers new genetic resources for systematically identifying molecular players interacting with the exocyst in Arabidopsis but also enhances understanding of the regulation of exocytosis.
Long‐lasting, biochemically modified mRNA, and its frameshifted recombinant spike proteins in human tissues and circulation after COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Boros László G. , Kyriakopoulos Anthony M. , Brogna Carlo , Piscopo Marina , McCullough Peter A. , Seneff Stephanie
Published: June 2024

According to the CDC, both Pfizer and Moderna COVID‐19 vaccines contain nucleoside‐modified messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the viral spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by corona virus (SARS‐CoV‐2), administered via intramuscular injections. Despite their worldwide use, very little is known about how nucleoside modifications in mRNA sequences affect their breakdown, transcription and protein synthesis. It was hoped that resident and circulating immune cells attracted to the injection site make copies of the spike protein while the injected mRNA degrades within a few days. It was also originally estimated that recombinant spike proteins generated by mRNA vaccines would persist in the body for a few weeks. In reality, clinical studies now report that modified SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA routinely persist up to a month from injection and can be detected in cardiac and skeletal muscle at sites of inflammation and fibrosis, while the recombinant spike protein may persist a little over half a year in blood. Vaccination with 1‐methylΨ (pseudouridine enriched) mRNA can elicit cellular immunity to peptide antigens produced by +1 ribosomal frameshifting in major histocompatibility complex‐diverse people. The translation of 1‐methylΨ mRNA using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry identified nine peptides derived from the mRNA +1 frame. These products impact on off‐target host T cell immunity that include increased production of new B cell antigens with far reaching clinical consequences. As an example, a highly significant increase in heart muscle 18‐flourodeoxyglucose uptake was detected in vaccinated patients up to half a year (180 days). This review article focuses on medical biochemistry, proteomics and deutenomics principles that explain the persisting spike phenomenon in circulation with organ‐related functional damage even in asymptomatic individuals. Proline and hydroxyproline residues emerge as prominent deuterium (heavy hydrogen) binding sites in structural proteins with robust isotopic stability that resists not only enzymatic breakdown, but virtually all (non)‐enzymatic cleavage mechanisms known in chemistry.
Development of a high‐throughput dual‐stream liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method to screen for inhibitors of glutamate carboxypeptidase II
Authors: Hoxie Nate , Qiu Yixuan , Kales Stephen C. , Schneider Rick , Hu Xin , Dalal Anu , Ford‐Scheimer Stephanie L. , Wiseman Robyn , Tsukamoto Takashi , Wei Huijun , Slusher Barbara S. , Janiszewski John S. , Hall Matthew D.
Published: June 2024

Rationale

Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) catalyzes the hydrolysis of N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) to yield glutamate (Glu) and N‐acetylaspartate (NAA). Inhibition of GCPII has been shown to remediate the neurotoxicity of excess Glu in a variety of cell and animal disease models. A robust high‐throughput liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was needed to quantify GCPII enzymatic activity in a biochemical high‐throughput screening assay.

Methods

A dual‐stream LC/MS/MS method was developed. Two parallel eluent streams ran identical HILIC gradient methods on BEH‐Amide (2 × 30 mm) columns. Each LC channel was run independently, and the cycle time was 2 min per channel. Overall throughput was 1 min per sample for the dual‐channel integrated system. Multiply injected acquisition files were split during data review, and batch metadata were automatically paired with raw data during the review process.

Results

Two LC sorbents, BEH‐Amide and Penta‐HILIC, were tested to separate the NAAG cleavage product Glu from isobaric interference and ion suppressants in the bioassay matrix. Early elution of NAAG and NAA on BEH‐Amide allowed interfering species to be diverted to waste. The limit of quantification was 0.1 pmol for Glu. The Z‐factor of this assay averaged 0.85. Over 36 000 compounds were screened using this method.

Conclusions

A fast gradient dual‐stream LC/MS/MS method for Glu quantification in GCPII biochemical screening assay samples was developed and validated. HILIC separation chemistry offers robust performance and unique selectivity for targeted positive mode quantification of Glu, NAA, and NAAG.
A review of potassium significance and management approaches in potato production under sandy soils
Authors: Sidhu Simranpreet K. , Zotarelli Lincoln , Sharma Lakesh K.
Published: June 2024

This review focuses on the critical role of potassium (K) in potato cultivation, addressing its essential functions in plant metabolism and the challenges in managing soil K levels, specifically under sandy soils. The K use efficiency is higher in potatoes, with the maximum potential up to 55%, compared to cereals at 19%. Potatoes require high quantities of K, especially in well‐drained sandy soils, to maximise growth and yield. Because K is a highly leaching‐prone nutrient in these soils, its deficiencies could affect plant health, metabolism (K is required to activate more than 60 enzymes) and productivity. Optimal potato growth necessitates maintaining 1.8% K in the tubers, corresponding to a need of 0.22 kg K2O ac−1 for a substantial yield. The review article highlights the significant use of potash fertilisers in the United States, with an average consumption of 4.43 million metric tons between 2010 and 2021, underscoring the importance of K in agricultural practices. The paper also highlights the difference in K requirement and removal among different potato varieties that require the maximum amount in processing types. This manuscript discusses K's management schemes through soil testing, plant tissue analysis and artificial intelligence. The integration of various machine‐learning methods could offer promising prospects for predicting K response in potatoes, aiming to improve nutrient management and sustainable crop production. By synthesising current knowledge and advancements in K fertilisation techniques, this paper provides insights into overcoming the challenges of K management in potato cultivation, ultimately contributing to increased productivity and improved crop quality.
Electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistors with high operational stability and lifetime in practical electrolytes
Authors: Simatos Dimitrios , Nikolka Mark , Charmet Jérôme , Spalek Leszek J. , Toprakcioglu Zenon , Jacobs Ian E. , Dimov Ivan B. , Schweicher Guillaume , Lee Mi Jung , Fernández‐Posada Carmen M. , Howe Duncan J. , Hakala Tuuli A. , Roode Lianne W. Y. , Pecunia Vincenzo , Sharp Thomas P. , Zhang Weimin , Alsufyani Maryam , McCulloch Iain , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: June 2024

A key component of organic bioelectronics is electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistors (EG‐OFETs), which have recently been used as sensors to demonstrate label‐free, single‐molecule detection. However, these devices exhibit limited stability when operated in direct contact with aqueous electrolytes. Ultrahigh stability is demonstrated to be achievable through the utilization of a systematic multifactorial approach in this study. EG‐OFETs with operational stability and lifetime several orders of magnitude higher than the state of the art have been fabricated by carefully controlling a set of intricate stability‐limiting factors, including contamination and corrosion. The indacenodithiophene‐co‐benzothiadiazole (IDTBT) EG‐OFETs exhibit operational stability that exceeds 900 min in a variety of widely used electrolytes, with an overall lifetime exceeding 2 months in ultrapure water and 1 month in various electrolytes. The devices were not affected by electrical stress‐induced trap states and can remain stable even in voltage ranges where electrochemical doping occurs. To validate the applicability of our stabilized device for biosensing applications, the reliable detection of the protein lysozyme in ultrapure water and in a physiological sodium phosphate buffer solution for 1500 min was demonstrated. The results show that polymer‐based EG‐OFETs are a viable architecture not only for short‐term but also for long‐term biosensing applications.
Impedance Inhomogeneity in SiO/Gr Composite Anode
Authors: Gao Xiang , Xu Jun
Published: June 2024

Silicon/carbon (Si/C) composite anode materials have emerged as promising candidates for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), boasting advantages such as high capacity, cost‐effectiveness, and abundance. However, the integration of Si‐based materials into conventional graphite anodes introduces heterogeneous interactions between electrochemical and mechanical behaviors, owing to substantial volume changes and chemical potential variations. One significant consequence of these interactions is the impedance inhomogeneity, which adversely affects the discharging capacity of Si‐based LIBs. In an effort to comprehensively understand this phenomenon and its underlying mechanisms, an electrochemo‐mechanical‐coupled model is established, incorporating detailed particle geometries on the anode side. The model is employed to investigate polarization components and their evolution during the charging/discharging process. Various influencing factors, such as SiO weight percentage (wt%), electrode thickness, and SiO distributions (both in terms of distribution uniformity and direction), are systematically discussed. In this study, an efficient computational approach is offered to analyze battery polarizations, deepening the understanding of the inhomogeneous evolution of these polarizations in Si/C composite anodes. Ultimately, these insights guide the design of anodes for next‐generation high‐energy‐density LIBs.
Mapping mental models through an improved method for identifying causal structures in qualitative data
Authors: Kenzie Erin S. , Wakeland Wayne , Jetter Antonie , Lich Kristen Hassmiller , Seater Mellodie , Davis Melinda M.
Published: June 2024

Qualitative data are commonly used in the development of system dynamics models, but methods for systematically identifying causal structures in qualitative data have not been widely established. This article presents a modified process for identifying causal structures (e.g., feedback loops) that are communicated implicitly or explicitly and utilizes software to make coding, tracking, and model rendering more efficient. This approach draws from existing methods, system dynamics best practice, and qualitative data analysis techniques. Steps of this method are presented along with a description of causal structures for an audience new to system dynamics. The method is applied to a set of interviews describing mental models of clinical practice transformation from an implementation study of screening and treatment for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care. This approach has the potential to increase rigour and transparency in the use of qualitative data for model building and to broaden the user base for causal‐loop diagramming.
Changes in wildlife agency trust and perceived risks before and after the discovery of chronic wasting disease in North Dakota
Authors: Vaske Jerry J. , Miller Craig A. , Parent Chad J. , Bahnson Charlie S.
Published: June 2024

Using a pre−post chronic wasting disease (CWD) natural experiment, we compared deer hunters' perceived trust in the North Dakota Game and Fish (NDGF) Department and perceived CWD risks to wildlife and humans before and after the discovery of the disease in the state. We obtained data from 2 mail surveys. One study was conducted in 2004 (n = 855, response rate = 43%) when CWD had not been detected in North Dakota; the second was conducted in 2021 (n = 3,242, response rate = 29%) after the disease was known to exist in the state. We hypothesized that when compared to the 2021 hunters, the 2004 hunters would (1) be more trusting of the NDGF's management of CWD, (2) perceive more risk to deer, and (3) perceive more risk to humans. All 3 hypotheses were supported. Hunters expressed greater trust in NDGF information regarding CWD (Cohen's d = 0.173, P < 0.001), higher levels of risk to deer (d = 0.433, P < 0.001), and higher levels of risk to humans in 2004 than in 2021 (d = 0.730, P < 0.001).
Comparison of Xrn1 and Rat1 5′ → 3′ exoribonucleases in budding yeast supports the specific role of Xrn1 in cotranslational mRNA decay
Authors: Pérez‐Ortín José E. , Jordán‐Pla Antonio , Zhang Yujie , Moreno‐García Jorge , Bassot Claudio , Barba‐Aliaga Marina , de Campos‐Mata Leire , Choder Mordechai , Díez Juana , Piazza Ilaria , Pelechano Vicent , García‐Martínez José
Published: June 2024

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and most eukaryotes carry two 5′ → 3′ exoribonuclease paralogs. In yeast, they are called Xrn1, which shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and executes major cytoplasmic messenger RNA (mRNA) decay, and Rat1, which carries a strong nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and localizes to the nucleus. Xrn1 is 30% identical to Rat1 but has an extra ~500 amino acids C‐terminal extension. In the cytoplasm, Xrn1 can degrade decapped mRNAs during the last round of translation by ribosomes, a process referred to as “cotranslational mRNA decay.” The division of labor between the two enzymes is still enigmatic and serves as a paradigm for the subfunctionalization of many other paralogs. Here we show that Rat1 is capable of functioning in cytoplasmic mRNA decay, provided that Rat1 remains cytoplasmic due to its NLS disruption (cRat1). This indicates that the physical segregation of the two paralogs plays roles in their specific functions. However, reversing segregation is not sufficient to fully complement the Xrn1 function. Specifically, cRat1 can partially restore the cell volume, mRNA stability, the proliferation rate, and 5′ → 3′ decay alterations that characterize xrn1Δ cells. Nevertheless, cotranslational decay is only slightly complemented by cRat1. The use of the AlphaFold prediction for cRat1 and its subsequent docking with the ribosome complex and the sequence conservation between cRat1 and Xrn1 suggest that the tight interaction with the ribosome observed for Xrn1 is not maintained in cRat1. Adding the Xrn1 C‐terminal domain to Rat1 does not improve phenotypes, which indicates that lack of the C‐terminal is not responsible for partial complementation. Overall, during evolution, it appears that the two paralogs have acquired specific characteristics to make functional partitioning beneficial.
Consistency of eight-dimensional supergravities: anomalies, lattices and counterterms
Authors: Lao Bing-Xin , Minasian Ruben
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We reexamine the question of quantum consistency of supergravities in eight dimensions. Theories with 16 supercharges suffer from the anomalies under the action of its discrete modular groups. In minimally supersymmetric theory coupled to Yang-Mills multiples of rank l with the moduli space given by SO(2, l)/(U(1) × SO(l)), the existence of a counterterm together with the requirement that its poles and zeros correspond to the gauge symmetry enhancement imposes nontrivial constraints on the lattice. The counterterms needed for anomaly cancellation for all cases, that are believed to lead to consistent theories of quantum gravity (l = 2, 10, 18), are discussed.
One-loop quantization of Euclidean D3-branes in holographic backgrounds
Authors: Gautason Friðrik Freyr , van Muiden Jesse
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this note we analyze the semi-classical quantization of D3-branes in three different holographic backgrounds in type IIB string theory. The first background is Euclidean AdS5 with S1× S3 boundary accompanied with a twist to preserve supersymmetry. We work out the spectrum of fluctuations around the classical D3-brane configuration, compute its one-loop partition function, and match to the non-perturbative correction to the superconformal index of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM. We then study Euclidean D3-branes in the Pilch-Warner geometry dual to the IR Leigh-Strassler fixed point of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1* with the aim to find non-perturbative corrections to its index. Finally we study Euclidean D3-branes in the non-geometric $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 J-fold background which is dual to the gauging of the 3D Gaiotto-Witten SCFT.
Transmural cross-sectional findings and bowel damage assessment in preclinical Crohn’s disease: a case-control study
Authors: Rodríguez-Lago Iago , Aduna Marta , Ramírez de la Piscina Patricia , Merino Olga , Carrascosa Juan , Higuera Rebeca , Maíz Ainara , Zapata Eva , Cabriada José Luis , Barreiro-de Acosta Manuel
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a progressive disorder leading to cumulative bowel damage. The Lémann index is a validated tool that can help in monitoring the progression of the disease and evaluating the effectiveness of different therapies. Our aim was to describe the main radiological findings in incidentally diagnosed CD and to evaluate bowel damage in this subgroup compared to patients diagnosed at later stages.

Methods

Patients with an incidental diagnosis of CD during the colorectal cancer screening program were compared to controls with a CD cohort diagnosed after symptomatic onset and matched 1:1 by disease extent. All cross-sectional examinations were centrally read, performing a descriptive analysis of the main findings and calculation of Lémann index.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were included: 19 with preclinical CD (median age 55 years (IQR, 54–62), 53% male, 74% non-smokers; 74% B1 and 26% B2) and 19 matched-controls with symptomatic CD. In those with preclinical CD, the most frequent transmural findings on MRE were contrast enhancement (79%), wall thickening (79%), followed by lymphadenopathy (68%), edema (42%), and increased vascularity (42%). Among those with strictures, controls showed a higher rate of preestenotic dilation (100% vs. 0%, p = 0.01). Bowel damage assessment revealed no statistically significant differences in the Lémann index between preclinical CD and controls (p = 0.95). A statistically significant higher score in the colonic/rectum score was observed (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

Patients with preclinical CD demonstrate similar radiological findings and degree of bowel damage as new-onset symptomatic CD.
Case management-based post-stroke care for patients with acute stroke and TIA (SOS-Care): a prospective cohort study
Authors: Barlinn Kristian , Winzer Simon , Helbig Uwe , Tesch Falko , Pallesen Lars-Peder , Trost Heike , Pfaff Nastasja , Klewin Sandy , Schoene Daniela , Bodechtel Ulf , Schwarze Jens , Puetz Volker , Siepmann Timo , Rosengarten Bernhard , Reichmann Heinz , Schmitt Jochen , Barlinn Jessica
Published: June 2024

Background

The high incidence of stroke recurrence necessitates effective post-stroke care. This study investigates the effectiveness of a case management-based post-stroke care program in patients with acute stroke and TIA.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, patients with TIA, ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage were enrolled into a 12-month case management-based program (SOS-Care) along with conventional care. Control patients received only conventional care. The program included home and phone consultations by case managers, focusing on education, medical and social needs and guideline-based secondary prevention. The primary outcome was the composite of stroke recurrence and vascular death after 12 months. Secondary outcomes included vascular risk factor control at 12 months.

Results

From 11/2011 to 12/2020, 1109 patients (17.9% TIA, 77.5% ischemic stroke, 4.6% intracerebral hemorrhage) were enrolled. After 85 (7.7%) dropouts, 925 SOS-Care patients remained for comparative analysis with 99 controls. Baseline characteristics were similar, except for fewer males and less frequent history of dyslipidemia in post-stroke care. At 12 months, post-stroke care was associated with a reduction in the composite endpoint compared to controls (4.9 vs. 14.1%; HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16–0.56, p < 0.001), with consistent results in ischemic stroke patients alone (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.17–0.61, p < 0.001). Post-stroke care more frequently achieved treatment goals for hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, BMI and adherence to secondary prevention medication (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Case management-based post-stroke care may effectively mitigate the risk of vascular events in unselected stroke patients. These findings could guide future randomized trials investigating the efficacy of case management-based models in post-stroke care.
An experimental evaluation of deep reinforcement learning algorithms for HVAC control
Authors: Manjavacas Antonio , Campoy-Nieves Alejandro , Jiménez-Raboso Javier , Molina-Solana Miguel , Gómez-Romero Juan
Published: June 2024

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a major driver of energy consumption in commercial and residential buildings. Recent studies have shown that Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) algorithms can outperform traditional reactive controllers. However, DRL-based solutions are generally designed for ad hoc setups and lack standardization for comparison. To fill this gap, this paper provides a critical and reproducible evaluation, in terms of comfort and energy consumption, of several state-of-the-art DRL algorithms for HVAC control. The study examines the controllers’ robustness, adaptability, and trade-off between optimization goals by using the Sinergym framework. The results obtained confirm the potential of DRL algorithms, such as SAC and TD3, in complex scenarios and reveal several challenges related to generalization and incremental learning.
The age pattern of the gender gap in mortality: stylized evidence across COVID-19 pandemic times
Authors: Apicella Giovanna , Navarro Eliseo , Requena Pilar , Sibillo Marilena
Published: June 2024

One of the most known gaps between genders relate to survival prospects. The longer life expectancy of women implies greater longevity and morbidity risks and thus involves different needs between genders in silver ages, e.g., health care costs. In this paper, we uncover stylized evidence about the age pattern of the gender gap in mortality, by showing “facts” that are consistently verified in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 situations. We thus capture the general shape of the relationship between male and female mortality rates as it evolves with age. We target the ratio of male to female mortality rates, namely the Gender Gap Ratio (GGR). By means of a graduation technique, we show that the GGR evolution over age follows, for all the nations under study, the same pattern, consisting in a systematic interchange between increasing and decreasing trends within specific age intervals. In other terms, the GGR has an almost stylized shape, with distinct age-specific components, in terms of its slope and curvature.
Bird nesting boxes as a specific artificial microenvironment increasing biodiversity of mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata): a case study of Bory Tucholskie National Park
Authors: Błoszyk Jerzy , Wendzonka Jacek , Kulczak Marta , Lubińska Karolina , Napierała Agnieszka
Published: June 2024

Bory Tucholskie National Park, founded in 1996, is one of the most recently established national parks in Poland, and therefore, has not been thoroughly examined yet. The authors of the current study present results of their research concerning communities of mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata), inhabiting bird nesting boxes within the area of Bory Tucholskie National Park. The mite community comprises two nidicolous species, i.e. Leiodinychus orbicularis (C.L. Koch, 1839) and Chiropturopoda nidiphila (Wiśniewski and Hirschmann 1993). The former is a species characteristic of various types of nests, as well as nesting boxes, where it is usually the eudominant species. The latter is an extremely rare and scarce species of Uropodina, known thus far from woodpeckers’ hollows. The population of L. orbicularis in the analysed communities in the realm of Bory Tucholskie National Park has been estimated to be over 6,000 specimens, and in the case of Ch. nidiphila - over 400 specimens.
Examining the Fraternal Birth Order Effect and Sexual Orientation: Insights from an East European Population
Authors: Fořt Jakub , Kunc Benjamin , Valentova Jaroslava Varella , Bártová Klára , Hudáčová Kateřina
Published: June 2024

The development of human sexual orientation remains a complex and multifaceted subject. It is often studied but its origins continue to elude us. In this preregistered study, our primary objective was to demonstrate the fraternal birth order effect (FBOE), which assumes a higher prevalence of older brothers in gay men than in their straight counterparts and which has also been recently recorded in lesbian women. Our second aim was to explore any potential impact of the FBOE on anal-erotic role orientation (AERO), both in gay and straight men. Our study sample included 693 gay men, 843 straight men, 265 lesbian women, and 331 straight women from Czechia and Slovakia. Employing a conventionally parameterized logistic regression model, we substantiated the FBOE among both gay men (OR = 1.35 for maternal older brothers) and lesbian women (OR = 1.71). These outcomes were confirmed by a more nuanced parameterization recently proposed by Blanchard (2022). Nonmaternal older brothers did not exhibit a significant influence on their younger brothers’ sexual orientation. Contrary to some earlier reports, however, our data did not establish the FBOE as exclusive to gay men with the receptive AERO. Furthermore, our observations indicated a lower offspring count for mothers of gay men compared to mothers of straight men. Emphasizing the positive FBOE outcomes, we acknowledge the need for caution regarding the various options that can be used to estimate the familial influences on sexual orientation.
Home Learning Environment and Screen Time Differentially Mediate the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Preschoolers’ Learning and Behavioural Profiles
Authors: Bonifacci Paola , Compiani Diego , Vassura Chiara , Affranti Alexandra , Peri Benedetta , Ravaldini Viola , Tobia Valentina
Published: June 2024

Environmental variables related to the home context, including home literacy and numeracy, screen exposure and Socioeconomic Status (SES) are potential risks or protective factors for children’s academic achievements and behaviour. The present multi-informant study aims to contribute to this issue by investigating SES’s direct and indirect relationships in early learning (i.e., literacy, numeracy, and cognitive) and behavioural skills within a large sample of young children. One parent and one teacher for each of 1660 preschoolers filled out a questionnaire investigating SES, tablet and TV use, home learning activities, behavioural problems/strengths (parents’ questionnaire), and children’s learning skills and behaviour (teachers’ questionnaire). Results of path analysis showed that tablet time and home learning environment mediate the effect of SES on early learning as assessed by teachers; as for the home learning environment, it was also a mediator of the relationship between SES and behavioural problems. Implications of these results for research in the field and educational policies are discussed.
Effects of AR mathematical picture books on primary school students' geometric thinking, cognitive load and flow experience
Authors: Wu Juan , Jiang Huiting , Long Lifei , Zhang Xueying
Published: June 2024

As an important branch of mathematics, geometry plays a very significant role in developing students’ thinking, but many students need to improve their geometric thinking abilities, especially in understanding graphics and forms. Therefore, it is worthwhile to explore techniques and methods for developing students’ geometric thinking, and Augmented Reality (AR) technology can visualize geometric objects to enhance mathematic learning. This study designed an interactive mathematical picture book by utilizing AR technology, and used a quasi-experimental setting to compare the effects of three different reading materials, including AR mathematical picture books, mathematical picture books and mathematical texts. Eighty-three fourth-grade students at an elementary school in China were divided into three groups to participate in the experiment. The effects on primary school students were measured in terms of geometric thinking level, cognitive load and flow experience. The quantitative findings indicated that after reading the AR mathematical picture book, students’ geometric thinking levels 0–3 were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the other two groups, the students who finished reading the AR mathematical picture book scored significantly higher in geometric thinking and flow experience and significantly lower in cognitive load. Analysis of the semi-structured interviews showed that students enjoyed using AR mathematical picture books and felt that it resulted in a better flow experience and lower cognitive load. As a result, this research indicates that AR mathematical picture book has a significant role in increasing students’ geometrical thinking, and provide a successful teaching case for the application of AR/VR in the classroom.
Using eye tracking to support professional learning in vision-intensive professions: a case of aviation pilots
Authors: Hämäläinen Raija , De Wever Bram , Sipiläinen Katriina , Heilala Ville , Helovuo Arto , Lehesvuori Sami , Järvinen Miitta , Helske Jouni , Kärkkäinen Tommi
Published: June 2024

In an authentic flight simulator, the instructor is traditionally located behind the learner and is thus unable to observe the pilot’s visual attention (i.e. gaze behaviour). The focus of this article is visual attention in relation to pilots’ professional learning in an Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulator. For this purpose, we measured and analysed pilots’ visual scanning behaviour during flight simulation-based training. Eye-tracking data were collected from the participants (N = 15 pilots in training) to objectively and non-intrusively study their visual attention behaviour. First, we derived and compared the visual scanning patterns. The descriptive statistics revealed the pilots’ visual scanning paths and whether they followed the expected flight protocol. Second, we developed a procedure to automate the analysis. Specifically, a Hidden Markov model (HMM) was used to automatically capture the actual phases of pilots’ visual scanning. The advantage of this technique is that it is not bound to manual assessment based on graphs or descriptive data. In addition, different scanning patterns can be revealed in authentic learning situations where gaze behaviour is not known in advance. Our results illustrate that HMM can provide a complementary approach to descriptive statistics. Implications for future research are discussed, including how artificial intelligence in education could benefit from the HMM approach.
Unlocking student engagement and achievement: The impact of leaderboard gamification in online formative assessment for engineering education
Authors: Cigdem Harun , Ozturk Mustafa , Karabacak Yusuf , Atik Nuri , Gürkan Serkan , Aldemir Mevlana Halit
Published: June 2024

Effectively engaging learners in an online learning environment is a crucial component of instructional design that contributes to improving performance. Gamification, a contemporary instructional strategy, seeks to integrate game elements such as leaderboards into non-game contexts with the aim of increasing learner engagement and performance. This quasi-experimental study explores the impact of integrating leaderboards as a gamification element into formative assessment on learner achievement and engagement in an engineering course. Conducted over eight weeks in the Mechatronics Technology Department of a public university in Türkiye, the study involved 159 s-year engineering students. Using a pretest-posttest control group design, the intervention included a pre-test in the first week, six weeks of instruction and formative online assessment, and a post-test in the final week. Analyzing the data using descriptive and inferential statistics, the results of the study show a positive correlation between the incorporation of a leaderboard as a gamification element into formative assessment procedures within an online platform and improved learner achievement and engagement. However, it is noted that gamification may not sustain learners’ long-term attention. Therefore, instructors are advised to carefully consider time and retention concerns when designing or adopting gamified learning opportunities.
Studying the explanations for the automated prediction of bug and non-bug issues using LIME and SHAP
Authors: Schulte Lukas , Ledel Benjamin , Herbold Steffen
Published: June 2024

Context

The identification of bugs within issues reported to an issue tracking system is crucial for triage. Machine learning models have shown promising results for this task. However, we have only limited knowledge of how such models identify bugs. Explainable AI methods like LIME and SHAP can be used to increase this knowledge.

Objective

We want to understand if explainable AI provides explanations that are reasonable to us as humans and align with our assumptions about the model’s decision-making. We also want to know if the quality of predictions is correlated with the quality of explanations.

Methods

We conduct a study where we rate LIME and SHAP explanations based on their quality of explaining the outcome of an issue type prediction model. For this, we rate the quality of the explanations, i.e., if they align with our expectations and help us understand the underlying machine learning model.

Results

We found that both LIME and SHAP give reasonable explanations and that correct predictions are well explained. Further, we found that SHAP outperforms LIME due to a lower ambiguity and a higher contextuality that can be attributed to the ability of the deep SHAP variant to capture sentence fragments.

Conclusion

We conclude that the model finds explainable signals for both bugs and non-bugs. Also, we recommend that research dealing with the quality of explanations for classification tasks reports and investigates rater agreement, since the rating of explanations is highly subjective.
An empirical study of fault localization in Python programs
Authors: Rezaalipour Mohammad , Furia Carlo A.
Published: June 2024

Despite its massive popularity as a programming language, especially in novel domains like data science programs, there is comparatively little research about fault localization that targets Python. Even though it is plausible that several findings about programming languages like C/C++ and Java—the most common choices for fault localization research—carry over to other languages, whether the dynamic nature of Python and how the language is used in practice affect the capabilities of classic fault localization approaches remain open questions to investigate. This paper is the first multi-family large-scale empirical study of fault localization on real-world Python programs and faults. Using Zou et al.’s recent large-scale empirical study of fault localization in Java (Zou et al. 2021) as the basis of our study, we investigated the effectiveness (i.e., localization accuracy), efficiency (i.e., runtime performance), and other features (e.g., different entity granularities) of seven well-known fault-localization techniques in four families (spectrum-based, mutation-based, predicate switching, and stack-trace based) on 135 faults from 13 open-source Python projects from the BugsInPy curated collection (Widyasari et al. 2020). The results replicate for Python several results known about Java, and shed light on whether Python’s peculiarities affect the capabilities of fault localization. The replication package that accompanies this paper includes detailed data about our experiments, as well as the tool FauxPy that we implemented to conduct the study.
Are Female-Breadwinner Couples Always Less Stable? Evidence from French Administrative Data
Authors: Ferrari Giulia , Solaz Anne , Vitali Agnese
Published: June 2024

The paper studies the association between partners' relative incomes and union dissolution among couples in France. With the increase in dual-earner couples and women’s educational level, couples in which women earn more than their partners are structurally becoming more widespread. Because female breadwinning challenges long-lived social norms regarding traditional gender roles, scholars have theorized a higher risk of union dissolution among female-breadwinner couples compared to couples in other income arrangements. We estimate the risk of union dissolution using regression analyses on unique longitudinal data from French administrative sources containing an unconventionally high number of couples (4% of the population) and separation events (more than 100,000), as well as precise and reliable income measurement. Female-breadwinner couples face a higher risk of union dissolution compared to other couple types. This result is robust to various definitions of female breadwinning and controls for partners’ employment status. Contrary to recent research on other countries, we find no sign of a fading effect among younger cohorts. However, among younger, cohabiting couples and couples in registered partnerships the risk of union dissolution is lowest when both partners are employed and provide a similar share of the total couple’s income, suggesting the emergence of a new profile of stable couples. The female-breadwinner penalty in union dissolution is in place; also in France, it holds among married and cohabiting couples and registered partnerships, across all birth cohorts and levels of household income.
SunbYte: an autonomous pointing framework for low-cost robotic solar telescopes on high altitude balloons
Authors: Cho Yun-Hang , Heung Gianni , Bobrov Yakov , Middleton Joseph , Brownlow Josh , Verth Gary , Fedun Viktor
Published: June 2024

The design and usability of a fully autonomous robotic control system (SunbYte - Sheffield University Balloon “lYfted” TElescope) for solar tracking and observational applications onboard high-altitude balloons are addressed here. The design is based on a six-step development plan balancing scientific objectives and practical engineering requirements. The high-altitude solar observational system includes low-cost components such as a Cassegrain-type telescope, stepper motors, harmonic drives, USB cameras and microprocessors. OpenCV installed from ROS (Robotic Operating System), python and C facilitated the collection, compression, and processing of housekeeping and scientific data. This processed data was then transmitted to the ground station through the launch vehicle’s telecommunication link. The SunbYte system allows the brightest spot in the sky, the sun, to be identified, and a telescope pointed towards it with high enough accuracy that a scientific camera can capture images. This paper gathers and presents the results from primarily two missions with the High-Altitude Student Platform (HASP, NASA Balloon Program office and LaSpace). Additionally, a discussion will be made comparing these with an earlier iteration flown with the German-Swedish “REXUS/BEXUS” programme coordinated by the European Space Agency. By capturing and analysing a series of tracking images with the location of the Sun at the calibrated centre, the system demonstrated the tracking capabilities on an unstable balloon during ascent. Housekeeping sensor data was collected to further analyse the thermal and mechanical performance. The low temperature increased friction in the drive train and reduced the responsiveness of the harmonic drive actuation system. This caused some issues which require further work in future missions, for example, with SunbYte 4 and its work when flying with the HEMERA ZPB (Zero Pressure Balloon) program.
Carnitine modulates antioxidative defense in ABI2 mutant under salt stress
Authors: Gokce Azime , Sekmen Cetinel Askim Hediye , Turkan Ismail
Published: June 2024

Carnitine, a ubiquitous compound in living organisms, fulfills diverse roles in energy metabolism, stress resilience, and detoxification. Its antioxidant and osmolyte traits offer relief to stressed plants. Antagonizing abscisic acid (ABA), carnitine influences ABA-responsive genes. Our study, using Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type Ler. (Landsberg erecta) and ABA-insensitive abi2-1 mutants, explored carnitine’s impact on antioxidative responses and ABI2’s role in salt-induced carnitine metabolism. The application of 5 µM carnitine has alleviated the decrease in RWC, shoot weight, and rosette diameter WT plants caused by 80 mM salt stress for 4 days. Carnitine reduced cell membrane damage and salinity effects, evidenced by decreased lipid peroxidation and H2O2. In contrast, the impaired ABI2 of abi2-1, due to deficient phosphatase activity, further exacerbated the inhibitory effect of carnitine on the enzymes of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, consequently reducing stress mitigation. While abi2-1 mutants exhibited unchanged superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, they demonstrated increased catalase and peroxidase activity following carnitine treatment under salt stress compared to WT plants. Conversely, wild-type WT plants treated with carnitine exhibited elevated total glutathione content under salt stress, a response not observed in abi2-1 mutants under carnitine treatment. These results underscore the crucial role of ABI2-dependent ABA signaling in regulating plant carnitine metabolism.
A first molecular insight into the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in the northern Adriatic sea
Authors: Putelli Elisa , Costantini Federica , Tirelli Valentina
Published: June 2024

Mnemiopsis leidyi A. Agassiz, 1865 is an invasive ctenophore that has spread to many areas of the Eurasian seas in recent decades and is one of the 100 most dangerous species in the world. This species was first observed in the northern Adriatic Sea in 2005 and then disappeared until 2016, when its first bloom was recorded. After that, it bloomed every summer in the area, causing severe damage to artisanal fisheries. Given the lack of genetic data for the northern Adriatic, here we compare the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of M. leidyi populations sampled in 2016, 2018 and 2021 on the north-eastern coast of Italy with native populations and those introduced in other basins using two molecular markers: CytB and ITS. The CytB haplotype found in the samples from the northern Adriatic was identical to that found in the Gulf of Mexico and the Black Sea/Mediterranean. ITS analysis revealed 11 alleles, including 8 novel ones. The presence of a panmictic population in the northern Adriatic and the lower genetic variability compared to the native populations suggest that M. leidyi has been introduced into the Adriatic more than once and the species recently expanded in this area.
Teaching speculative design
Authors: Bendor Roy , Lupetti Maria Luce
Published: June 2024

Speculative design is an emerging form of critical material engagement with possible futures. Designers working speculatively call attention to current and future sociotechnical dilemmas, and aim to provoke debate about the moral, political and ethical implications of sociotechnical innovation. Despite the popularity of speculative design and its presence in a variety of domains, there are very few resources that address it as a pedagogical practice. We attempt to fill this gap by presenting the structure, reasoning and outcomes of a graduate course on speculative design we taught during the academic year 2022-3. The article describes class activities and outcomes, discusses the benefits and challenges of teaching speculative design (especially in a design-engineering program), and concludes by identifying the most considerable obstacles awaiting those who want to integrate speculative design into the curriculum. As such, the article provides a useful resource for those interested in understanding the benefits of speculative design as a critical pedagogical practice, and for those who wish to bring that understanding into the classroom.
Front row or backstage? Evidence on concert ticket preferences from a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Thompson Dylan
Published: June 2024

Sophisticated ticketing practices have become widespread in the concert industry in recent years, with a wider range of musicians now experimenting with different ticket pricing schemes. The aim of these practices is to help musicians manage ticket capacity and maximize their concert income. However, there is limited evidence on how musicians can optimally allocate and price tickets with respect to how consumers value different ticket attributes. This study uses a stated preference discrete choice experiment and choice modeling methods to analyze consumer preferences for different attributes of concert tickets. The results of the modeling exercise highlight patterns in consumer preferences across different seating areas within a hypothetical venue, as well as average preferences for other common attributes of concert tickets. Finally, this study provides evidence of the significant welfare consumers derive from the availability of new ticketing innovations in the form of VIP packages.