bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune landscape and oncobiota in HPV-Associated Colorectal Cancer: an explorative study
Authors: Ambrosio Maria Raffaella , Niccolai Elena , Petrelli Federica , Di Gloria Leandro , Bertacca Gloria , Giusti Andrea , Baldi Simone , Cavazzana Andrea , Palmeri Matteo , Perotti Bruno , Ramazzotti Matteo , Arganini Marco , Amedei Amedeo
Published: August 2023

Worldwide more than 550,000 new patients suffering from malignant tumors are associated with human papillomaviruses (HPV) infection. However, only a small portion of patients infected progress to cancer, suggesting that other factors other than HPV may play a role. Some studies have investigated HPV infection in colorectal cancer (CRC) with discordant results; moreover, the role of HPV in CRC development is still unknown. We investigated HPV infection in 50 CRC from different regions, excluding the anal one, by immunohistochemistry (IHC), real-time PCR and RNA-seq. For each patient, we studied the tumor microenvironment in neoplastic and matched non-neoplastic samples, and we compared the tumor-infiltrating immune cell phenotypes among HPV-positive and negative samples. Finally, we compared the CRC-associated microbiota in HPV-positive and negative neoplastic samples by 16S rRNA sequencing. HPV infection was identified in 20% of CRC from the right side (caecum, ascending and transverse colon) and in 40% from the left side (descending colon and rectum). In all HPV-positive CRCs we found no expression of p53 and RB, thus suggesting HPV involvement in tumorigenesis. As far as the tumor microenvironment is concerned, in HPV-related cancers we observed a neoplastic environment with a reduced immune surveillance but an enhanced cytotoxic response by lymphocytes. HPV-positive and -negative CRC showed a different microbiota with lack of species normally found in CRC in the HPV-positive ones. Our results support the carcinogenic significance of HPV in CRC, suggesting a role of HPV in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment.
Natural hazard insurance: dissemination strategies using geological knowledge
Authors: Gianni Eleni , Tyrologou Pavlos , Couto Nazaré , Correia Vitor , Brondi Sonia , Panagiotaras Dionisios , Koukouzas Nikolaos
Published: August 2023

During the last decades, natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, storms, droughts, and cyclones, have increased in frequency and severity, influenced by climate change and population growth. These natural hazards can become sudden-onset disasters, causing human losses and property damages that affect economic stability and growth. Although there is a pressing need for risk decrease and adaptation strategies to these unexpected events, targeted natural hazard insurance would be a valuable tool to counteract governmental and individual consequences. This paper summarizes an overview of risk assessment and mitigation strategies based on geological, geomorphological, and meteorological factors. The study includes an examination of monitoring systems for movement and gas emissions, risk and emergency maps, and highlighting the vulnerability of different areas at national and regional levels. Furthermore, the paper addresses the importance of promoting comprehensive geological and geotechnical knowledge among citizens of every socio-economical group and proposing the tools to effectively deliver the message, aiming at increasing the willingness for natural hazard insurance at both individual and governmental scales for human and property protection.
Summer dynamics of cyanobacteria in an oligo-mesotrophic temperate lake in Northwest Ireland
Authors: Garland Darren , Lucy Frances , Touzet Nicolas
Published: August 2023

Despite the potential adverse consequences they can impart on biotopes, cyanobacteria are an understudied component of lake plankton communities in Ireland. This study, in summer 2019, examined cyanobacterial diversity and associated environmental variables in a lake previously impacted by algal blooms, in north-west Ireland. Vertical profiling showed that photosynthetic pigment concentrations were spatially heterogenous for the majority of the survey. However, water column homogeneity was observed towards the end of the survey, coinciding with increases in pigment concentrations. Sunshine hours, nutrient concentrations and wind speed were stable throughout the survey. Spatial homogeneity in pigments was attributed to an increase in minimal temperatures observed in the water column. PCR-DGGE analysis identified patterns in community composition, indicating a rise in cyanobacterial richness concomitant to increase in temperature and photosynthetic pigments. Band sequencing analysis identified phylotypes similar to the toxigenic species Microcystis sp. These were prominent at the end of the survey and coincided with the presence of the mcyE gene and low levels of microcystins, as indicated by real time PCR and ELISA analyses. The summer background presence of toxigenic cyanobacteria with potential bloom-forming capacity highlights the importance of annual lake cyanotoxin monitoring to inform resource management to protect human and animal health.
Prospective Teachers’ Reflections on the Inclusion of Mathematical Modelling During the Transition Period Between the Face-to-Face and Virtual Teaching Contexts
Authors: Ledezma Carlos , Breda Adriana , Font Vicenç
Published: August 2023

Research in mathematics education highlights the importance of including modelling for the teaching of this subject. In 2020, this trend coexisted with a grave contingency situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic but which, despite its negative aspects, provided a realistic and authentic context for modelling. Given this situation, it is relevant to study which aspects of the teaching and learning process prospective teachers related to mathematical modelling in their reflections on its inclusion during the transition period between the face-to-face and virtual teaching contexts. To this end, we used the didactic suitability criteria construct, proposed by the onto-semiotic approach, as a theoretical reference. This is qualitative research of a naturalistic type, since we did not interfere in the Master’s Programme in Mathematics Teacher Education studied. We conducted a content analysis on 122 master’s degree final projects written during the 2019–2020 course and implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. We highlight the following results: (a) about 40% of the prospective teachers stated that they implemented modelling in their didactic units and reflected on its inclusion; (b) in their reflections, the prospective teachers positively assessed the inclusion of modelling mainly based on the epistemic, affective and ecological suitability criteria; and (c) 60% of the prospective teachers did not implement modelling, and we rule out that it was due to a lack of knowledge about this process or of a favourable context for modelling, but because they prioritised other aspects of the mathematical teaching and learning process, given the grave contingency situation.
Examining the Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Family Violence: a Systematic Narrative Review
Authors: McKay Fiona H. , Bennett Rebecca
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This review aimed to investigate and describe the current research that has reported on family violence and food insecurity and to explore any links. Research is beginning to explore the relationship between food insecurity and family violence, as such, this is a good time to review the current body of literature to identify existing gaps.

Methods

This research employed a narrative systematic review allowing for a broad search while maintaining methodological rigour. Key word searches were performed in 6 electronic databases in January 2023. Two overarching concepts were used: “family violence” and “food security”. The findings were synthesised into a narrative review, reporting on specific population groups separately.

Results

The search generated 1724 articles, of which 868 were duplicates. The titles and abstracts of 856 articles were screened; 765 articles were excluded because they did not investigate the experience of food insecurity and family violence. The full text of 91 articles was reviewed, with 32 included in this review. Most were from the USA, and most employed qualitative or mixed methods. Studies explored food insecurity and family violence in women, men and women, children, people who are HIV positive, and the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and food insecurity.

Conclusions

Food insecurity and family violence are significant societal problems, with evidence that both have increased in prevalence and severity due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides initial evidence for a bi-directional relationship between food insecurity and family violence in high income countries.
Functional data analysis approach in population studies: an application to the gender gap in life expectancy
Authors: Feraldi Alessandro , Zarulli Virginia , Mazzuco Stefano , Giudici Cristina
Published: August 2023

This work analyses the contribution of ages and causes of death to gender gap in life expectancy in 20 European and non-European countries between 1959 and 2015, using Functional Data Analysis. Data were retrieved from the WHO Mortality Database and from the Human Mortality Database. We propose a Functional Principal Component Analysis of the age profiles of cause-specific contributions, to identify the main components of the distribution of the age-specific contributions according to causes of death, and to summarize them with few components. Our findings show that the narrowing gender gap in life expectancy was mainly driven by decreasing differences in cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the study reveals that the age cause contributions act almost entirely on only two dimensions: level (extent of the cause-specific contribution to the overall mortality gender gap) and age pattern (location of the curves across ages). Notably, in the last period, it is not the "quantum" of the cause-specific contributions that matters, but the "timing", i.e. location across the age spectrum. Moreover, our results show that in the most recent period the gender gap in life expectancy is affected by composition of the causes of death more than it was in previous periods. We emphasise that Functional Data Analysis could prove useful to deepen our understanding of complex demographic phenomena.
Sex-dependent associations of plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality risk in healthy older men and women: two prospective cohort studies
Authors: Hussain Sultana Monira , Tonkin Andrew M , Watts Gerald F , Lacaze Paul , Yu Chenglong , Beilin Lawrence J , Zhou Zhen , Newman Anne B , Neumann Johannes T , Tran Cammie , McNeil John J
Published: August 2023

The relationship between high plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cause and mortality are not well established in healthy older people. This study examined the associations between HDL-C levels and mortality in initially healthy older men and women. This analysis included participants from the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE; n=18,668) trial and a matched cohort from the UK Biobank (UKB; n=62,849 ≥65 years). Cox regression was used to examine hazard ratios between HDL-C categories <1.03 mmol/L, 1.03–1.55 mmol/L (referent category), 1.55–2.07 mmol/L, and >2.07 mmol/L and all-cause, cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and “non-cancer non-CVD” mortality. Genetic contributions were assessed using a polygenic score for HDL-C. Among ASPREE participants (aged 75±5 years), 1836 deaths occurred over a mean follow-up of 6.3±1.8 years. In men, the highest category of HDL-C levels was associated with increased risk of all-cause (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.26–2.03), cancer (HR 1.37, 95% CI 0.96–2.00), and “non-cancer non-CVD” mortality (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.41–3.42) but not CVD mortality (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.60–1.94). The associations were replicated among UKB participants (aged 66.9±1.5 years), including 8739 deaths over a mean follow-up of 12.7±0.8 years. There was a non-linear association between HDL-C levels and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. The association between HDL-C levels and mortality was unrelated to variations in the HDL-C polygenic score. No significant association was found between HDL-C levels and mortality in women. Higher HDL-C levels are associated with increased risk from cancer and “non-cancer non-CVD” mortality in healthy older men but no such relationship was observed in women.
Soziale Herkunft, Leistung und Aspiration beim Übergang nach der Mittelschule in den Wiener Bezirken
Authors: Vogtenhuber Stefan
Published: August 2023

In diesem Artikel werden die primären und sekundären sozialen Herkunftseffekte in der Entscheidung über den weiteren Bildungsverlauf nach der Mittelschule (MS) in Wien untersucht. Im Zentrum steht dabei die Frage, ob sich beim Übergang aus dem bereits nach Leistung und sozialer Herkunft homogenisierten MS-Milieu weitere soziale Herkunftseffekte zeigen und ob diese Effekte systematisch zwischen den Wiener Bezirken variieren. Bedingt durch regionale Unterschiede in den schulischen Angebotsstrukturen unterscheiden sich auch die Bezirke Wiens erheblich nach dem Anteil der Schüler*innen, die in der unteren Sekundarstufe in eine MS oder in die Unterstufe einer Allgemeinbildenden höheren Schule gehen. Auf Basis einer Sekundäranalyse der Paneldaten des Projekts „Wege in die Zukunft“ zeigt sich, dass die Bildung der Eltern auch aus der MS heraus einen signifikanten Einfluss auf den Übergang in eine zur Matura führende Schule hat. Dabei gewinnen die sekundären, leistungsunabhängigen Herkunftseffekte an Bedeutung je geringer des MS-Anteil im Bezirk ist. In Bezirken mit hohem MS-Anteil, in denen die Lernumgebung im Hinblick auf die Zusammensetzung der Schüler*innen heterogener ist, ist der Übergang hingegen überwiegend von leistungsabhängigen Faktoren bestimmt. Das entspricht eher dem meritokratischen Ideal, wonach leistungsunabhängige Faktoren keinen Einfluss auf die Übergangschance haben sollten.
Fluvial Delivery and Wave Resuspension of Sediment in a Sheltered, Urbanized Pacific Northwest Estuary
Authors: Nowacki Daniel J. , Stevens Andrew W. , Takesue Renee K. , Grossman Eric E.
Published: August 2023

The sequence and timing of sediment delivery and redistribution in coastal systems is important for shoreline stability, ecosystem services, and remediation planning. In temperate estuaries, understanding the role of fluvial sediment delivery and dispersal relative to wind and wave remobilization processes is particularly important to address the fate of contaminants, many of which adsorb to fine particles, and to assess changes in coastal systems under projected changes in climate. Here we present an integrated analysis of observations at multiple timescales to evaluate sediment dynamics and the sedimentary coupling between fluvial and oceanographic processes within Bellingham Bay, Washington, USA, an urban estuary. Time-series data of currents, waves, and turbidity at four moorings along with geochemical data from grab samples and cores of seabed sediment from across the bay are contrasted with the dynamics of the Nooksack River, its fluvial sediment source. Even during large (5-yr return interval) river-flood events, water-column suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) near the bed on the outer delta topset was not correlated with Nooksack River runoff and was instead closely correlated with local wind-wave height. In contrast, near-surface SSC was strongly correlated with fluvial discharge, suggesting intense water-column suspended-sediment stratification during flood events. Grain-size and geochemical ($$^{7}$$

7

Be and excess $$^{210}$$

210

Pb) results from seabed-sediment samples and historical bathymetric measurements of the subaqueous Nooksack River delta reveal spatial gradients of fluvial and wave influence and sediment-accumulation rates. Analysis of historical bathymetric surveys of the Nooksack River delta combined with the geochemical data reveal that about 75% of the fluvial sediment load can be accounted for in the Bellingham Bay receiving system. Studies of this type in urbanized coastal settings can help address ecological and geological questions regarding the risks from contaminants associated with fine-grained sediment, predict longer-term delta morphological evolution, and inform managers planning future coastal restoration efforts
A MRI-based radiomics model for predicting the response to anlotinb combined with temozolomide in recurrent malignant glioma patients
Authors: Li Yurong , Xu Weilin , Fei Yinjiao , Wu Mengxing , Yuan Jinling , Qiu Lei , Zhang Yumeng , Chen Guanhua , Cheng Yu , Cao Yuandong , Zhou Shu
Published: August 2023

Objective

Anlotinib is a multitarget anti-angiogenic drug that combined with temozolomide (TMZ) can effectively prolongs the overall survival (OS) of recurrent malignant glioma(rMG),but some patients do not respond to anlotinib combined with TMZ. These patients were associated with a worse prognosis and lack effective identification methods. Therefore, it is necessary to differentiate patients who may have good response to anlotinb in combination with TMZ from those who are not, in order to provide personalized targeted therapies.

Methods

Fifty three rMG patients (42 in training cohort and 11 in testing cohort) receiving anlotinib combined with TMZ were enrolled. A total of 3668 radiomics features were extracted from the recurrent MRI images. Radiomics features are reduced and filtered by hypothesis testing and Least Absolute Shrinkage And Selection (LASSO) regression. Eight machine learning models construct the radiomics model, and then screen out the optimal model. The performance of the model was assessed by its discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness with validation.

Results

Fifty three patients with rMG were enrolled in our study. Thirty four patients displayed effective treatment response, showed a higher survival benefits than non-response group, the median progression-free survival(PFS) was 8.53 months versus 5.33 months (p = 0.06) and the median OS was 19.9 months and 7.33 months (p = 0.029), respectively. Three radiomics features were incorporated into the model construction as final variables after LASSO regression analysis. In testing cohort, Logistic Regression (LR) model has the best performance with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.93 compared with other models, which can effectively predict the response of rMG patients to anlotinib in combination with TMZ. The calibration curve confirmed the agreement between the observed actual and prediction probability. Within the reasonable threshold probability range (0.38–0.88), the radiomics model shows good clinical utility.

Conclusions

The above-described radiomics model performed well, which can serve as a clinical tool for individualized prediction of the response to anlotinb combined with TMZ in rMG patients.
An Aczel-Alsina aggregation-based outranking method for multiple attribute decision-making using single-valued neutrosophic numbers
Authors: Senapati Tapan
Published: August 2023

The “single-valued neutrosophic set (SVNS)” is used to simulate scenarios with ambiguous, incomplete, or inaccurate information. In this article, with the aid of the Aczel-Alsina (AA) operations, we describe the aggregation operators (AOs) of SVNSs and how they work. AA t-norm (t-NM) and t-conorm (t-CNM) are first extended to single-valued neutrosophic (SVN) scenarios, and then we introduce several novel SVN operations, such as the AA sum, AA product, AA scalar multiplication, and AA exponentiation, by virtue of which we generate a few useful SVN AOs, for instance, the SVN AA weighted average (SVNAAWA) operator, SVN AA order weighted average (SVNAAOWA) operator, and SVN AA hybrid average (SVNAAHA) operator. Next, we create distinct features for such operators, group numerous exceptional cases together, and study the relationships between them. Following that, we created a way for “multiple attribute decision making (MADM)” in the SVN context using the SVNAAWA operator. We provided an illustration to substantiate the appropriateness and, additionally, the productiveness of the produced operators and strategy. Besides this, we contrasted the suggested strategy to the given procedures and conducted a comprehensive analysis of the new framework.
Supporting Tertiary Educators: Insights from the COVID-19 Shift to Online Teaching and Learning and the Role of Senior Management
Authors: Sotardi Valerie A. , Brogt Erik
Published: August 2023

The future of tertiary education grapples with the opportunities, affordances, and limitations of online teaching and learning (T&L), and educators’ valuable insights and experiences can shape and enhance the tertiary sector. The current study provided tertiary educators with an opportunity to anonymously share their online T&L experiences, beliefs, attitudes, and needs in the wake of COVID-19. This dialogue was initiated to promote openness, identify common challenges, and enable tailored resources unique to Aotearoa New Zealand. Our sample comprises 245 educators from 16 tertiary institutions using an online questionnaire to capture their opinions and comments. Although most participants described themselves as confident educators when teaching in a face-to-face environment, they reported comparatively low teacher self-efficacy when teaching online and held mixed attitudes toward online T&L. Educators also reported having poorer wellbeing during the shift to online T&L, and were uneasy about the sub-par quality of learning experiences for their students. In particular, there were broad concerns around the (limited) ability to build meaningful relationships with learners when teaching online, and expressed worry about the potential limitations of online T&L for their respective disciplines. Such concerns may worsen unless tertiary institutions and senior management (1) provide educators with agency, autonomy, and flexibility over how to teach students in their respective courses and qualifications; (2) equip educators with high-quality online T&L resources, training, and professional development, and (3) ensure that educators’ workload is accurate if there are changes to online T&L delivery modes. We include recommendations so that educators can be empowered and support their students.
How Important is Developmental Maturity in Assessing Whether Adolescents Will Share True or False Accounts of a First Offense in Legal Interactions?
Authors: Lavoie Jennifer , Fine Adam D. , Thomas April G. , Frick Paul J. , Steinberg Laurence , Cauffman Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

We examined the developmental and situation-specific differences between four groupings of adolescents charged with a first offense: those who committed the crime and told the authorities they committed the crime (true confessors; 71%), those who committed the crime but told the authorities they did not commit the crime (false deniers; 8%), those who did not commit the crime but told the authorities they did commit the crime (false confessors; 12%) and those who did not commit the crime and told the authorities they did not commit the crime (true deniers; 10%). Findings indicate a developmental profile for each respondent grouping, and an overall effect in which adolescents with lower psychosocial maturity tended to have higher perceptions of the legitimacy and fairness of legal authorities. These results suggest that psychosocial maturity is an important factor to bear in mind even from the first legal interactions with officers of the justice system.
Jet Energy Calibration with Deep Learning as a Kubeflow Pipeline
Authors: Holmberg Daniel , Golubovic Dejan , Kirschenmann Henning
Published: August 2023

Precise measurements of the energy of jets emerging from particle collisions at the LHC are essential for a vast majority of physics searches at the CMS experiment. In this study, we leverage well-established deep learning models for point clouds and CMS open data to improve the energy calibration of particle jets. To enable production-ready machine learning based jet energy calibration an end-to-end pipeline is built on the Kubeflow cloud platform. The pipeline allowed us to scale up our hyperparameter tuning experiments on cloud resources, and serve optimal models as REST endpoints. We present the results of the parameter tuning process and analyze the performance of the served models in terms of inference time and overhead, providing insights for future work in this direction. The study also demonstrates improvements in both flavor dependence and resolution of the energy response when compared to the standard jet energy corrections baseline.
Facial Regulation During Dyadic Interaction: Interpersonal Effects on Cooperation
Authors: Shore Danielle , Robertson Olly , Lafit Ginette , Parkinson Brian
Published: August 2023

This study investigated interpersonal effects of regulating naturalistic facial signals on cooperation during an iterative Prisoner’s Dilemma (IPD) game. Fifty pairs of participants played ten IPD rounds across a video link then reported on their own and their partner’s expressed emotion and facial regulation in a video-cued recall (VCR) procedure. iMotions software allowed us to auto-code actors’ and partners’ facial activity following the outcome of each round. We used two-level mixed effects logistic regression to assess over-time actor and partner effects of auto-coded facial activity, self-reported facial regulation, and perceptions of the partner’s facial regulation on the actor’s subsequent cooperation. Actors were significantly less likely to cooperate when their partners had defected on the previous round. None of the lagged scores based on auto-coded facial activity were significant predictors of cooperation. However, VCR variables representing partner’s positive regulation of expressions and actor’s perception of partner’s positive regulation both significantly increased the probability of subsequent actor cooperation after controlling for prior defection. These results offer preliminary evidence about interpersonal effects of facial regulation in interactive contexts and illustrate how dynamic dyadic emotional processes can be systematically investigated in controlled settings.
Malignant hyperthermia in a young man: A case report
Authors: Mkhayel Samar J. , Sarkis Sarine V.
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction and Importance

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a hypermetabolic reaction caused by exposure to halogenated volatile anesthetics or succinylcholine. Symptoms include unexplained elevations in end-tidal carbon dioxide and body temperature, muscle rigidity, hemodynamic instability, and electrolyte disturbances. Delayed diagnosis and treatment end up with detrimental consequences.

Case presentation

A 19-year-old healthy patient with a negative surgical history for anesthesia complications presented for an elective otolaryngology surgery. Following a smooth induction of general anesthesia and while maintained on sevoflurane, the patient started having elevation in end-tidal carbon dioxide and body temperature followed by hemodynamic instability. MH reaction was suspected. Dantrolene was directly administered intravenously along with cold physiologic saline. Consequently, body temperature as well as end tidal CO2 gradually decreased; the patient improved hemodynamically. The surgery was completed, and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for continuity of care.

Clinical discussion

MH is challenging for both anesthesia and surgical teams as well as for hospitals in general. Although symptoms are non-specific, the diagnosis of MH reaction and the subsequent initiation of treatment with dantrolene should be prompt. As such, hospitals should be logistically prepared for such scenarios. Furthermore, the treating medical team should be trained in advance in order to avoid any possible delay that might result in catastrophic consequences on the patient.

Conclusion

Early recognition and initiation of treatment are important for survival in MH. This can be achieved by proper staff education along with logistical preparedness.

Highlights
Modeling Soybean Planting Decisions with Network Diffusion: Does Herbicide Drift Affect Farmer Profitability and Seed Selection?
Authors: Young Jeffrey S. , McCarty Tanner , Lancaster Sarah , Bish Mandy
Published: August 2023

U.S. soybean farmers are currently grappling with dicamba herbicide drift. Using a network diffusion framework that accommodates key features of soybean farmer networks, we estimate the damages incurred from dicamba drift across different regions. Under our baseline assumptions, we estimate an average yield loss of 3% and predict sizable levels of forced switching to dicamba-resistant seed in response to drift. The relative importance of drift on damage and seed choice holds across a range of economic and network assumptions. In the absence of policy, this damage may cause regional adoption rates of dicamba-resistant soybean seed to increase.
Swimming of an inertial squirmer and squirmer dumbbell through a viscoelastic fluid
Authors: Ouyang Zhenyu , Lin Zhaowu , Lin Jianzhong , Phan-Thien Nhan , Zhu Jue
Published: August 2023

We investigate the hydrodynamics of a spherical and dumbbell-shaped swimmer in a viscoelastic fluid, modelled by the Giesekus constitutive equation. The ‘squirmer’, a model of a micro-swimmer with tangential surface waves at its boundaries, is simulated utilizing a direct-forcing fictitious domain method. We consider the competitive effects of the fluid inertia and elasticity on the locomotion of the swimmers. For the neutral squirmer, its speed increases monotonically with increasing Reynolds number in the Giesekus fluid, in contrast to holding a constant speed in a Newtonian one. Meanwhile, the speed of the finite inertial squirmer increases monotonically with fluid elasticity, as measured by the Weissenberg number. Regarding the dumbbell-shaped swimmers in the Giesekus fluid, we find the pusher–puller (the puller is in front of the pusher) dumbbell swimming to be significantly faster than other dumbbells, providing practical guidance in assembling the complex micro-swimming devices. We further consider the squirmer's (or the dumbbell-shaped squirmer's) energy expenditure and hydrodynamic efficiency, finding that swimming in viscoelastic fluids expends less energy than its Newtonian counterpart, and the neutral squirmer expends more energy than a pusher or puller. The energy expenditure and hydrodynamic efficiency are relevant to steady swimming speeds, in which a faster counterpart squirmer (dumbbell-shaped squirmer) expends less energy but has higher hydrodynamic efficiency.
Dynamics and containment of a viscous liquid atop a granular bed
Authors: Hinton Edward M. , Slim Anja C.
Published: August 2023

We consider the dynamics of a gravity current of viscous liquid propagating above a dense granular medium that obeys a

$\mu (I)$

-rheology. Initially, the pool of liquid depresses the granular layer to form levees at its edges. Next, these levees are pushed outwards by the gravity-driven slumping of the liquid, but the levees are not surmounted. In the third stage, the top of the levee is pushed out beyond the rest of the levee. This segregates the liquid into a pond trapped by the remnant of the original levees, and a slowly spreading thin film ahead of the levees. The trapped fraction of liquid depends on the extent of the early granular erosion, which in turn is controlled by the initial shape of the deposit and the yield criterion of the granular layer. The key physical ingredients that lead to such dynamics are inertia-less flow and a lower layer with a yield criterion. The latter gives rise to the all-important levees, which lead to the eventual trapping.
Maritime cultural heritage in Morocco: context and perspectives
Authors: Trakadas Athena , Karra Azzedine
Published: August 2023

Archaeological research conducted in Morocco over the last two decades has revealed a wealth of diachronic maritime cultural heritage resources, under water and in the coastal zone. However, observation and study has revealed that natural and anthropogenic threats are impacting these resources. Given the challenges to managing maritime cultural heritage (MCH) resources in a country with such an extensive coastline and limited human managerial resources, the national heritage agency and external research institutions have developed methodologies that in part aim at mitigating these threats. This development is illustrated through three projects, briefly outlined here: the Oued Loukkos Survey, the CBDAMM Project and the MarEA Project. These projects incorporate approaches that have been tailored to the Moroccan context, considering the type of resources, the extent of the coastline, types of threats, legislation, and people and institutions involved. In conclusion, this article stresses that an interdisciplinary methodological approach to documentation is necessary in order to inform successful mitigation strategies and to plan for future interventions of MCH.
The Epistemic Projection Approach to Values in Science
Authors: Parker Wendy S.
Published: August 2023

I develop a novel account of how nonepistemic aims and values can appropriately influence scientific investigation. At its heart is a process of epistemic projection in which a nonepistemic aim or value is mapped to an epistemic research problem that aligns with that aim or value. Choices in research are then justified as a means of solving that research problem. This epistemic projection approach makes research responsive to nonepistemic aims and values yet remains consistent with the value-free ideal; it could be acceptable to parties on both sides of the values-in-science debate. It also promises to be useful in practice.
When does education increase political participation? Evidence from Senegal
Authors: Larreguy Horacio , Liu Shelley X.
Published: August 2023

We argue that education's effect on political participation in developing democracies depends on the strength of democratic institutions. Education increases awareness of, and interest in, politics, which help citizens to prevent democratic erosion through increased political participation. We examine Senegal, a stable but developing democracy where presidential over-reach threatened to weaken democracy. For causal identification, we use a difference-in-differences strategy that exploits variation in the intensity of a major school reform and citizens’ ages during reform implementation. Results indicate that schooling increases interest in politics and greater support for democratic institutions—but no increased political participation in the aggregate. Education increases political participation primarily when democracy is threatened, when support for democratic institutions among educated individuals is also greater.
Hiring, Firing, Atomizing; Manpower Agencies and Precarious Labor in Kazakhstan's Oil Sector
Authors: Sorbello Paolo
Published: August 2023

This paper analyses the influence that manpower agencies have on hiring practices and employment in Kazakhstan's oil sector. While influenced by the literature on transition from planned to market economy, this article's main argument is rooted in the understanding that labor precarization is produced through transnational capitalist practices. The influx of foreign capital through the investments of transnational companies (TNCs) also transplanted into Kazakhstan's labor market their antilabor policies and practices. This welcomed the presence of a new, dedicated actor for the establishment and curation of labor relations, namely manpower agencies, especially in the oil-rich region of Atyrau. This article argues there, the rationale for the presence of manpower agencies and the absence of trade unions is directly linked to the activities of TNCs. Manpower agencies have a decisive role in making employment and labor increasingly precarious in the oil sector. Manpower agencies function as a disaggregation force in the oil industry. Their presence stimulates a race to the bottom among workers, who have no other option but to accept precarious, unsafe, and underpaid jobs. Against this backdrop, the paper also offers a peek into “industrial gossip,” gathered during fieldwork in the Atyrau region. This more anthropological side of the argument highlights how the world of manpower agencies helps TNCs thrive by creating an atomized workforce.
Antarctic Sedimentary Basins and Their Influence on Ice‐Sheet Dynamics
Authors: Aitken A. R. A. , Li L. , Kulessa B. , Schroeder D. , Jordan T. A. , Whittaker J. M. , Anandakrishnan S. , Dawson E. J. , Wiens D. A. , Eisen O. , Siegert M. J.
Published: August 2023

Knowledge of Antarctica's sedimentary basins builds our understanding of the coupled evolution of tectonics, ice, ocean, and climate. Sedimentary basins have properties distinct from basement‐dominated regions that impact ice‐sheet dynamics, potentially influencing future ice‐sheet change. Despite their importance, our knowledge of Antarctic sedimentary basins is restricted. Remoteness, the harsh environment, the overlying ice sheet, ice shelves, and sea ice all make fieldwork challenging. Nonetheless, in the past decade the geophysics community has made great progress in internationally coordinated data collection and compilation with parallel advances in data processing and analysis supporting a new insight into Antarctica's subglacial environment. Here, we summarize recent progress in understanding Antarctica's sedimentary basins. We review advances in the technical capability of radar, potential fields, seismic, and electromagnetic techniques to detect and characterize basins beneath ice and advances in integrated multi‐data interpretation including machine‐learning approaches. These new capabilities permit a continent‐wide mapping of Antarctica's sedimentary basins and their characteristics, aiding definition of the tectonic development of the continent. Crucially, Antarctica's sedimentary basins interact with the overlying ice sheet through dynamic feedbacks that have the potential to contribute to rapid ice‐sheet change. Looking ahead, future research directions include techniques to increase data coverage within logistical constraints, and resolving major knowledge gaps, including insufficient sampling of the ice‐sheet bed and poor definition of subglacial basin structure and stratigraphy. Translating the knowledge of sedimentary basin processes into ice‐sheet modeling studies is critical to underpin better capacity to predict future change.
Crustal Stresses in the East Arctic Region From New Data on Earthquake Focal Mechanisms
Authors: Filippova A. I. , Melnikova V. I.
Published: August 2023

East Arctic is a key region for understanding the current geodynamic pattern and lithospheric evolution of the whole Arctic. To close an evident gap in regional seismic data, we calculate source parameters for 103 earthquakes (Mw ≥ 4.2, 1990–2021) and compile a representative uniform data set including source depths, scalar seismic moments, moment magnitudes, and focal mechanisms. On its basis, crustal stresses are estimated within four blocks with the homogeneous stress field. Extension dominates along the Gakkel Ridge and over most of the Laptev Sea shelf. On the continent and east and west of the shelf, it is replaced by compression. The obtained results indicate that the spreading axis of the Gakkel Ridge does not continue to the Laptev Sea shelf and evidence for the Eurasian–North American plate boundary crosses the eastern Laptev Sea shelf and is likely to pass to the Chersky Range through the Yana Bay.
Understanding the Role of Sea Surface Temperature and Urbanization on Severe Thunderstorms Dynamics: A Case Study in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Sari Fitria Puspita , Manola Iris , Tsiringakis Aristofanis , Steeneveld Gert Jan
Published: August 2023

Within the period 2014–2017, five hail events were reported in the city of Surabaya in Indonesia. Although deep convection commonly develops over the Maritime Continent, severe thunderstorms triggering hail events develop less frequently as specific atmospheric conditions are required. The rapid urbanization in Surabaya might have led to increased heat release to the atmosphere and to the deepening of convection, which raises the question of whether urbanization is the culprit of the recent hail events in Surabaya. Hence, for a selected hail event, we used the high‐resolution Weather Research and Forecasting model to understand the storm dynamics and to explore the role of urbanization, sea surface temperature, and aerosol concentration on the storm dynamics with a total of 11 scenarios. The control simulation reveals that low‐level convergence induced by a sea breeze creates instability. At the same time, the urban heat release enhances the energy supply to induce hail formation and retain the storm's lifetime over the city. A factor separation method revealed that the urbanization (added anthropogenic heat flux, urban aerosol, and the rise in building height) and the sea surface temperature increase contribute to the storm enhancement over Surabaya, producing two times higher updraft velocity, doubling the maximum graupel mass mixing ratio and finally resulting in 15%–30% higher accumulated precipitation over Surabaya, compared to the control simulation.
An integrated view of lipid metabolism in ferroptosis revisited via lipidomic analysis
Authors: Kim Jong Woo , Lee Ji-Yoon , Oh Mihee , Lee Eun-Woo
Published: August 2023

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. This process contributes to cellular and tissue damage in various human diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, liver disease, and cancer. Although polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in membrane phospholipids are preferentially oxidized, saturated/monounsaturated fatty acids (SFAs/MUFAs) also influence lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. In this review, we first explain how cells differentially synthesize SFA/MUFAs and PUFAs and how they control fatty acid pools via fatty acid uptake and β-oxidation, impacting ferroptosis. Furthermore, we discuss how fatty acids are stored in different lipids, such as diacyl or ether phospholipids with different head groups; triglycerides; and cholesterols. Moreover, we explain how these fatty acids are released from these molecules. In summary, we provide an integrated view of the diverse and dynamic metabolic processes in the context of ferroptosis by revisiting lipidomic studies. Thus, this review contributes to the development of therapeutic strategies for ferroptosis-related diseases.
Simulation of catalase-dependent tolerance of microbial biofilm to hydrogen peroxide with a biofilm computer model
Authors: Stewart Philip S. , Owkes Mark
Published: August 2023

Hydrogen peroxide (HP) is a common disinfectant and antiseptic. When applied to a biofilm, it may be expected that the top layer of the biofilm would be killed by HP, the HP would penetrate further, and eventually eradicate the entire biofilm. However, using the Biofilm.jl computer model, we demonstrate a mechanism by which the biofilm can persist, and even become thicker, in the indefinite treatment with an HP solution at concentrations that are lethal to planktonic microorganisms. This surprising result is found to be dependent on the neutralization of HP by dead biomass, which provides protection for living biomass deeper within the biofilm. Practically, to control a biofilm, this result leads to the concept of treating with an HP dose exceeding a critical threshold concentration rather than a sustained, lower-concentration treatment.
Light-enabled deracemization of cyclopropanes by Al-salen photocatalysis
Authors: Onneken Carina , Morack Tobias , Soika Julia , Sokolova Olga , Niemeyer Niklas , Mück-Lichtenfeld Christian , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Neugebauer Johannes , Gilmour Ryan
Published: August 2023

Privileged chiral catalysts—those that share common structural features and are enantioselective across a range of reactions—continue to transform the chemical-research landscape1. In recent years, new reactivity modes have been achieved through excited-state catalysis, processes activated by light, but it is unclear if the selectivity of ground-state privileged catalysts can be matched. Although the interception of photogenerated intermediates by ground-state cycles has partially addressed this challenge2, single, chiral photocatalysts that simultaneously regulate reactivity and selectivity are conspicuously scarce3. So far, precision donor–acceptor recognition motifs remain crucial in enantioselective photocatalyst design4. Here we show that chiral Al-salen complexes, which have well-defined photophysical properties, can be used for the efficient photochemical deracemization5 of cyclopropyl ketones (up to 98:2 enantiomeric ratio (e.r.)). Irradiation at λ = 400 nm (violet light) augments the reactivity of the commercial catalyst to enable reactivity and enantioselectivity to be regulated simultaneously. This circumvents the need for tailored catalyst–substrate recognition motifs. It is predicted that this study will stimulate a re-evaluation of many venerable (ground-state) chiral catalysts in excited-state processes, ultimately leading to the identification of candidates that may be considered ‘privileged’ in both reactivity models.
Forced changes in the Pacific Walker circulation over the past millennium
Authors: Falster Georgina , Konecky Bronwen , Coats Sloan , Stevenson Samantha
Published: August 2023

The Pacific Walker circulation (PWC) has an outsized influence on weather and climate worldwide. Yet the PWC response to external forcings is unclear1,2, with empirical data and model simulations often disagreeing on the magnitude and sign of these responses3. Most climate models predict that the PWC will ultimately weaken in response to global warming4. However, the PWC strengthened from 1992 to 2011, suggesting a significant role for anthropogenic and/or volcanic aerosol forcing5, or internal variability. Here we use a new annually resolved, multi-method, palaeoproxy-derived PWC reconstruction ensemble (1200–2000) to show that the 1992–2011 PWC strengthening is anomalous but not unprecedented in the context of the past 800 years. The 1992–2011 PWC strengthening was unlikely to have been a consequence of volcanic forcing and may therefore have resulted from anthropogenic aerosol forcing or natural variability. We find no significant industrial-era (1850–2000) PWC trend, contrasting the PWC weakening simulated by most climate models3. However, an industrial-era shift to lower-frequency variability suggests a subtle anthropogenic influence. The reconstruction also suggests that volcanic eruptions trigger El Niño-like PWC weakening, similar to the response simulated by climate models.
Making Biomedical Research Software FAIR: Actionable Step-by-step Guidelines with a User-support Tool
Authors: Patel Bhavesh , Soundarajan Sanjay , Ménager Hervé , Hu Zicheng
Published: August 2023

Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) guiding principles tailored for research software have been proposed by the FAIR for Research Software (FAIR4RS) Working Group. They provide a foundation for optimizing the reuse of research software. The FAIR4RS principles are, however, aspirational and do not provide practical instructions to the researchers. To fill this gap, we propose in this work the first actionable step-by-step guidelines for biomedical researchers to make their research software compliant with the FAIR4RS principles. We designate them as the FAIR Biomedical Research Software (FAIR-BioRS) guidelines. Our process for developing these guidelines, presented here, is based on an in-depth study of the FAIR4RS principles and a thorough review of current practices in the field. To support researchers, we have also developed a workflow that streamlines the process of implementing these guidelines. This workflow is incorporated in FAIRshare, a free and open-source software application aimed at simplifying the curation and sharing of FAIR biomedical data and software through user-friendly interfaces and automation. Details about this tool are also presented.