bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Foreign Policy Becomes Trade Policy: The EU's Anti‐Coercion Instrument
Authors: Freudlsperger Christian , Meunier Sophie
Published: February 2024

The European Union (EU) has taken a geoeconomic turn since 2017 by creating a series of new unilateral instruments designed to preserve European autonomy and adjust to the progressive unravelling of the liberal international economic order. The most controversial of these instruments is the 2023 Anti‐Coercion Instrument (ACI), designed to deter third countries from targeting the EU and its member states with economic coercion through measures affecting trade or investment. This article analyses why this new policy instrument was created, traces its institutional genesis and explores its implications by asking whether the ACI represents an intentional attempt to transform the foreign policy issue of coercion into a commercial one. Using process tracing based on interviews and primary and secondary materials, we argue that ‘foreign policy becoming trade policy’ through the ACI was an unintended consequence both of external pressures to institutionalise the trade–security nexus and of the EU's uneven internal competence base.
The effect of competition on the demand for skilled labor: Matching with externalities in the NBA
Authors: Kuehn Joseph
Published: February 2024

I study how heterogeneity in competition can affect the demand for skilled labor in a way that generates a dispersion in productivity across otherwise similar firms. This is explored in the setting of professional basketball where heterogeneity in competition is easily measured. I develop and estimate a matching model with externalities, where the value of a match between a firm and worker depends on the entire allocation of matches. I find that competition has a significant effect on hiring decisions in the National Basketball Association, resulting in a clustering of talent among rivals. A counterfactual shows that competition in the league's playoff format explains 17.59% of the widely observed gap in talent between the league's two conferences.
Evaluation of possible role of fluoride in pathogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis: A pilot study
Authors: Arakeri Gururaj , Rao US Vishal , Patil Shekar , Kunigal Sateesh , Reddy Roopa , Krishnan Murugesan , Hale Beverley , Brennan Peter A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder. Although areca nut chewing is an established risk factor, its low prevalence among nut chewers indicates additional factors likely facilitates pathogenesis. We recently demonstrated high fluoride levels in smokeless tobacco products and hypothesized a potential pathological role of fluoride in OSMF. Further exploring this novel role, this study compared fluoride levels in tissue, serum, and saliva samples from OSMF patients and healthy controls.

Methods

The ethically approved study included 25 clinically confirmed OSMF patients and 25 healthy matched controls. OSMF cases underwent buccal mucosal incisional biopsy, while controls had buccal mucosa tissue sampling during third molar removal. Fasting venous blood and unstimulated saliva were collected. Fluoride levels were analysed using ion chromatography and expressed as median (IQR).

Results

OSMF cases showed significantly higher fluoride concentrations compared with controls in tissue biopsies (30.1 vs. 0 mg/kg, p < 0.0001), serum (0.4 vs. 0 mg/L, p = 0.005) and saliva (1.3 vs. 0 mg/L, p < 0.0001). Majority (68%) of controls had undetectable fluoride levels across all samples. Tissue fluoride weakly correlated with OSMF severity (r = −0.158, p = 0.334).

Conclusion

The preliminary findings demonstrated increased tissue fluoride levels in OSMF patients compared with healthy controls. Along with a previous study showing high fluoride content in smokeless tobacco products, these findings provided early evidence suggesting fluoride could play a contributory role in OSMF pathogenesis. Further large‐scale investigation is warranted to definitively establish whether the association between fluoride exposure and OSMF is indicative of causation.
The interplay of local adaptation and gene flow may lead to the formation of supergenes
Authors: Jay Paul , Aubier Thomas G. , Joron Mathieu
Published: February 2024

Supergenes are genetic architectures resulting in the segregation of alternative combinations of alleles underlying complex phenotypes. The co‐segregation of alleles at linked loci is often facilitated by polymorphic chromosomal rearrangements suppressing recombination locally. Supergenes are involved in many complex polymorphisms, including sexual, colour or behavioural polymorphisms in numerous plants, fungi, mammals, fish, and insects. Despite a long history of empirical and theoretical research, the formation of supergenes remains poorly understood. Here, using a two‐island population genetic model, we explore how gene flow and the evolution of overdominant chromosomal inversions may jointly lead to the formation of supergenes. We show that the evolution of inversions in differentiated populations, both under disruptive selection, leads to an increase in frequency of poorly adapted, immigrant haplotypes. Indeed, rare allelic combinations, such as immigrant haplotypes, are more frequently reshuffled by recombination than common allelic combinations, and therefore benefit from the recombination suppression generated by inversions. When an inversion capturing a locally adapted haplotype spreads but is associated with a fitness cost hampering its fixation (e.g. a recessive mutation load), the maintenance of a non‐inverted haplotype in the population is enhanced; under certain conditions, the immigrant haplotype persists alongside the inverted local haplotype, while the standard local haplotype disappears. This establishes a stable, local polymorphism with two non‐recombining haplotypes encoding alternative adaptive strategies, that is, a supergene. These results bring new light to the importance of local adaptation, overdominance, and gene flow in the formation of supergenes and inversion polymorphisms in general.
Social connections and social identity as a basis for learning and support: Experiences of medical students with minoritised and non‐minoritised ethnic identities
Authors: Bull Stephanie , Terry Rohini , Rice Neil , Carrieri Daniele , Tarrant Mark , Curnow Gerens
Published: February 2024

Background

Social connections between medical students provide a key basis for learning and support. These connections, and associated social identity, may be patterned by ethnicity, and students often perform similarly academically to those they connect with. The mechanisms that underpin the formation of these connections and the role that they play are not fully understood. This study explored how medical students connect with each other, and the potential impact of this on their academic attainment and well‐being, with a focus on students with minoritised ethnic identities.

Methods

A mixed methods study combining (1) a survey to establish the number and strength of connections formed by Years 1 and 2 medical students with both minoritised and non‐minoritised ethnicities and (2) semi‐structured interviews to understand how connections were formed, whether this was shaped by ethnicity and the role of connections in supporting students with their learning and well‐being.

Results

One hundred fifty‐one students (15.5% response rate) completed the survey. Students connected regularly with three to four peers with the goal of supporting learning and 71.9% of students reported a sense of social identification with this group. There was no statistical difference between ethnically minoritised and White students on either of these measures (t = 0.1, p = 0.92, χ2 = 2.9, p = 0.56). Interviews with 19 students found that social connections were shaped by perceptions of their self‐identity and the need to find ‘equilibrium’ by forming relationships with compatible others. The education environment, including its ethnic diversity, impacted on the opportunities to make connections. Students who were ethnically minoritised reported encountering challenges, especially in the clinical environment, and described the burden of these for them.

Discussion

Curriculum designers should consider the time and space that is afforded to student interaction during course development, as finding compatible others with whom students can socially connect is important to balancing well‐being with academic performance.
The effects of contractual and relational governance on public‐private partnership sustainability
Authors: Li Juankun , Liu Bingsheng , Wang Dan , Casady Carter B.
Published: February 2024

The study investigates how contractual and relational governance influence partner behaviors and promote sustainability performance of infrastructure public‐private partnerships (PPPs). Survey data from 217 Chinese PPP projects were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. This study found that both contractual and relational governance have positive effects on PPP sustainability, with contractual governance having a stronger impact. Contractual governance complements relational governance in promoting cooperative behavior, but relational governance does not amplify the effect of contractual governance on opportunistic behavior. The findings highlight the role of contracts in curbing opportunism and promoting collaboration via multiple functions of control, coordination, and adaption, while also revealing the limitations of relational approaches in the context of government‐business relationships and performance ambiguity. This study contributes to the PPP governance literature by uncovering the individual and interactive effects of contractual and relational governance on the economic, social, and environmental aspects of PPP sustainability.
Associations of conservatism and jumping to conclusions biases with aberrant salience and default mode network
Authors: Miyata Jun , Sasamoto Akihiko , Ezaki Takahiro , Isobe Masanori , Kochiyama Takanori , Masuda Naoki , Mori Yasuo , Sakai Yuki , Sawamoto Nobukatsu , Tei Shisei , Ubukata Shiho , Aso Toshihiko , Murai Toshiya , Takahashi Hidehiko
Published: February 2024

Aim

While conservatism bias refers to the human need for more evidence for decision‐making than rational thinking expects, the jumping to conclusions (JTC) bias refers to the need for less evidence among individuals with schizophrenia/delusion compared to healthy people. Although the hippocampus‐midbrain‐striatal aberrant salience system and the salience, default mode (DMN), and frontoparietal networks (“triple networks”) are implicated in delusion/schizophrenia pathophysiology, the associations between conservatism/JTC and these systems/networks are unclear.

Methods

Thirty‐seven patients with schizophrenia and 33 healthy controls performed the beads task, with large and small numbers of bead draws to decision (DTD) indicating conservatism and JTC, respectively. We performed independent component analysis (ICA) of resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. For systems/networks above, we investigated interactions between diagnosis and DTD, and main effects of DTD. We similarly applied ICA to structural and diffusion MRI to explore the associations between DTD and gray/white matter.

Results

We identified a significant main effect of DTD with functional connectivity between the striatum and DMN, which was negatively correlated with delusion severity in patients, indicating that the greater the anti‐correlation between these networks, the stronger the JTC and delusion. We further observed the main effects of DTD on a gray matter network resembling the DMN, and a white matter network connecting the functional and gray matter networks (all P < 0.05, family‐wise error [FWE] correction). Function and gray/white matter showed no significant interactions.

Conclusion

Our results support the novel association of conservatism and JTC biases with aberrant salience and default brain mode.
Unexpected location of a pilonidal sinus
Authors: Grande‐Moreillo Carme , Fuentes‐Carretero Sara , Corella‐Vicente Francesca , Margarit‐Mallol Jaume
Published: February 2024

Pilonidal sinus disease is typically located in the sacrococcygeal area, although it has been described in other locations. We present a rare case of pilonidal sinus on the scalp and its management.
No seroconversion in a retrospective study analyzing QuantiFERON TB‐gold testing in pediatric psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa patients taking biologic therapy at an academic center in New York City
Authors: Katsiaunis Apostolos , Conway Jade , Lipner Shari R.
Published: February 2024

Guidelines are inconsistent regarding annual QuantiFERON® TB Gold (QFT) tests in children taking biologics for dermatological conditions, and there is limited research on seroconversion, especially in regions with high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence. A retrospective review of pediatric patients taking biologic treatment for psoriasis or hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) who had one baseline and at least one follow‐up QFT test was conducted to assess for seroconversion during treatment. Thirty‐two patients were included, with no instances of seroconversion. These findings suggest that routine annual TB rescreening for pediatric patients taking biologic therapy for dermatologic conditions may not be necessary without additional TB exposure risks or symptomatology.
Carbonate microbialites and chemotrophic microbes: Insights from caves from south‐east China
Authors: Ren Min , Jones Brian , Nie Xiaomin , Lin Xin , Meng Chuang
Published: February 2024

Chemosynthetic microorganisms facilitate microbialite development in many caves throughout the world. In Youqin Cave and Tian'e Cave, located in the Carboniferous–Triassic carbonates on the South China Block, five Quaternary speleothems (stalagmite, stalactite and cave pearl) that are 2.3 to 11.0 cm long were examined for their petrographic, geochemical and microbiological features to reveal how chemotrophs contribute to microbialite growth. In the speleothems, millimetre‐sized stromatolites, thrombolites and calcified microbial mats are characterized by alternating light, calcitic microlaminae and dark, clay and organic‐rich calcite microlaminae. Filamentous (reticulate, smooth, nodular and helical), coccoid and bacilliform microbes, originally carried into the caves from surface soils, are more common in the dark microlaminae/clots than in the light microlaminae. 16S rRNA gene sequencing shows that the biotas in the microbialites are dominated by chemoorganotrophic heterotrophic bacteria, including primarily Sphingomonas, Crossiella and Acinetobacter, and rare Archaea. Diverse metabolic pathways of these prokaryotes, including ureolysis, denitrification and nitrite ammonification, contributed to increases in localized pH and/or dissolved inorganic carbon in these microenvironments, prompting carbonate precipitation. Development of the cave microbialites was probably controlled by the evolution of the cave microbial community as environmental conditions changed. Microbialite growth was probably mediated by the microorganisms that flourished on the speleothem surfaces during periods of low drip water rates and slow calcite precipitation. The change from microstromatolites to microthrombolites was probably linked to a decrease in cell populations in the microbial communities. These cave microbialites provide clear insights regarding the biogenicity and growth mechanisms of chemosynthetic microbialites. Given their association with chemolithotrophic activities that can date back to the Meso‐Archean, cave microbialites provide insights into the biogenicity and growth mechanisms of chemosynthesis‐based microbialites throughout geological history.
The Relationships between Drought Exposure, Fertility Preferences, and Contraceptive Behaviors: A Multicountry Study
Authors: Somefun Oluwaseyi , Banougnin Boladé Hamed , Smith‐Greenaway Emily
Published: February 2024

The interplay between population dynamics and the environment has long interested demographers. Although studies have explored how climate patterns affect macrolevel population processes, such as mortality and migration, little is known about their impact on individual‐level demographic behaviors. This study fills this research gap by examining the linkages between exposure to drought and women's fertility preferences and contraceptive behaviors in sub‐Saharan Africa. We analyze data from the Demographic and Health Surveys Program, focusing on 17 countries in East, Southern, and West Africa. We investigate whether women's recent exposure to drought episodes in their community affects their fertility preferences and modern contraceptive use. Generally, the findings show that drought is relevant to understanding women's fertility preferences and behaviors in the vast majority of countries; however, drought exposure has variable impacts. Moreover, whereas in some countries, drought exposure encourages contraceptive behaviors that align with women's preferences, in select countries it is associated with behavior that is misaligned with women's stated preferences. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of examining climate events as complex forces that have localized meanings for demographic outcomes.
Parliamentary Status and Drivers of Sympathy for the Radical Right
Authors: Kleinert Manuel
Published: February 2024

Demand‐side research on the Radical right‐wing populist parties (RRPPs) has highlighted anti‐immigration attitudes, political dissatisfaction and their interaction as drivers of sympathy for them. Supply‐side research studies the isolation that RRPPs often face in their respective parliaments. Linking these perspectives, we theorize and test whether cross‐country differences in parliamentary isolation of an RRPP can predict differences in attitudinal associations. Conducting OLS regression analyses on 15 country samples, we find that that, beyond direct association with sympathy for RRPPs, the moderating term of anti‐immigration attitudes and political dissatisfaction varies considerably across our samples. This variation is consistent with the parliamentary status of the RRPP in each country at the time of data collection. In predicting sympathy for RRPPs, these factors reinforce each other when the RRPPs is isolated in parliament; attenuate each other when the RRPP is in government; and are independent from one another when the RRPP has a history of government.
The novel alleles, HLA‐G*01:04:09 and HLA‐DPB1*04:01:01:136, detected in a hematopoietic cell donor
Authors: French Albert J. E. , Lucas Jonathan A. M. , Turner Thomas R. , Marsh Steven G. E. , Mayor Neema P.
Published: February 2024

Two novel alleles, HLA‐G*01:04:09 and HLA‐DPB1*04:01:01:136, were identified in a single healthy individual.
The proliferative effects of stem cells from apical papilla‐conditioned medium on rat corneal endothelial cells
Authors: Rahimiyan Kimia , Nasr Esfahani Mohammad Hossein , Karamali Fereshteh
Published: February 2024

The cornea, positioned at the forefront of the eye, refracts the light for focusing images on the retina. Damage to this transparent structure can lead to various visual disorders. The corneal endothelial cells (CECs) are crucial for transparency and homeostasis, but lack the ability to reproduce. Significant damage results in structure destruction and vision impairment. While extensive research has aimed at the restoring the corneal endothelial layer, including endothelial proliferation for functional monolayers remains challenging. Our previous studies confirmed the proliferative activity of stem cells from apical papilla‐conditioned medium (SCAP‐CM) on the retinal pigmented epithelium as a single cell layer. This study investigates how SCAP‐CM influences the proliferation and migration of CECs. Our results introduced Matrigel, as a new matrix component for in vitro culture of CECs. Moreover, 60% of SCAP‐CM was able to stimulate CEC proliferation as well as migrate to repair wound healing during 24 h. Confluent CECs also expressed specific markers, ATP1a1, ZO‐1 and CD56, indicative of CEC characteristics, aligning with the recapitulation of differentiation when forming a homogenous monolayer at the same level of isolated CECs without in vitro culture. These findings suggested that SCAP‐CM administration could be useful for future preclinical and clinical applications.
Fungal mycelia: From innovative materials to promising products: Insights and challenges
Authors: Sun Wenjing
Published: February 2024

In transitioning toward a sustainable economy, mycelial materials are recognized for their adaptability, biocompatibility, and eco-friendliness. This paper updates the exploration of mycelial materials, defining their scope and emphasizing the need for precise terminology. It discusses the importance of mycelial type and characteristics, reviews existing and future research directions, and highlights the need for improved understanding, clarity, and standardization in this emerging field, aiming to foster and guide future research and development in sustainable material science.
Framing Physical Literacy for Adults Through a Rehabilitation Lens: An Expert Consensus Study
Authors: Petrusevski Celeste , MacDermid Joy C. , Wilson Michael G. , Richardson Julie
Published: February 2024

Research indicates a positive relationship between physical literacy and healthy aging; however, there is no consensus on the components required to become a physically literate adult. The objective of this study was to understand how physical literacy for adults with chronic conditions is characterized from the perspective of healthcare professionals. Physiotherapy leaders and physical literacy researchers within North America were invited to an online consensus panel and presented with questions related to physical literacy and rehabilitation. A nominal group technique was used for idea generation, clarification, and ranking. Confidence and safety with movements, motivation and commitment to physical activity, the ability to self-monitor changes in function, and understanding the benefits of physical activity were key components when defining physical literacy. There is a need to reconceptualize physical literacy to include the rehabilitation needs of adults living with chronic conditions, and to design programs that promote physical literacy to enhance function and mobility.
Peripheral neural interfaces: Skeletal muscles are hyper-reinnervated according to the axonal capacity of the surgically rewired nerves
Authors: Tereshenko Vlad , Dotzauer Dominik C. , Schmoll Martin , Harnoncourt Leopold , Carrero Rojas Genova , Gfrerer Lisa , Eberlin Kyle R. , Austen William G. , Blumer Roland , Farina Dario , Aszmann Oskar C.
Published: February 2024

Advances in robotics have outpaced the capabilities of man-machine interfaces to decipher and transfer neural information to and from prosthetic devices. We emulated clinical scenarios where high- (facial) or low-neural capacity (ulnar) donor nerves were surgically rewired to the sternomastoid muscle, which is controlled by a very small number of motor axons. Using retrograde tracing and electrophysiological assessments, we observed a nearly 15-fold functional hyper-reinnervation of the muscle after high-capacity nerve transfer, demonstrating its capability of generating a multifold of neuromuscular junctions. Moreover, the surgically redirected axons influenced the muscle’s physiological characteristics, by altering the expression of myosin heavy-chain types in alignment with the donor nerve. These findings highlight the remarkable capacity of skeletal muscles to act as biological amplifiers of neural information from the spinal cord for governing bionic prostheses, with the potential of expressing high-dimensional neural function for high-information transfer interfaces.
An unusual dual sugar-binding lectin domain controls the substrate specificity of a mucin-type O-glycosyltransferase
Authors: Collette Abbie M. , Hassan Sergio A. , Schmidt Susan I. , Lara Alexander J. , Yang Weiming , Samara Nadine L.
Published: February 2024

N-acetylgalactosaminyl-transferases (GalNAc-Ts) initiate mucin-type O-glycosylation, an abundant and complex posttranslational modification that regulates host-microbe interactions, tissue development, and metabolism. GalNAc-Ts contain a lectin domain consisting of three homologous repeats (α, β, and γ), where α and β can potentially interact with O-GalNAc on substrates to enhance activity toward a nearby acceptor Thr/Ser. The ubiquitous isoenzyme GalNAc-T1 modulates heart development, immunity, and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, but its substrates are largely unknown. Here, we show that both α and β in GalNAc-T1 uniquely orchestrate the O-glycosylation of various glycopeptide substrates. The α repeat directs O-glycosylation to acceptor sites carboxyl-terminal to an existing GalNAc, while the β repeat directs O-glycosylation to amino-terminal sites. In addition, GalNAc-T1 incorporates α and β into various substrate binding modes to cooperatively increase the specificity toward an acceptor site located between two existing O-glycans. Our studies highlight a unique mechanism by which dual lectin repeats expand substrate specificity and provide crucial information for identifying the biological substrates of GalNAc-T1.
The molecular basis of cell memory in mammals: The epigenetic cycle
Authors: Espinosa-Martínez Mencía , Alcázar-Fabra María , Landeira David
Published: February 2024

Cell memory refers to the capacity of cells to maintain their gene expression program once the initiating environmental signal has ceased. This exceptional feature is key during the formation of mammalian organisms, and it is believed to be in part mediated by epigenetic factors that can endorse cells with the landmarks required to maintain transcriptional programs upon cell duplication. Here, we review current literature analyzing the molecular basis of epigenetic memory in mammals, with a focus on the mechanisms by which transcriptionally repressive chromatin modifications such as methylation of DNA and histone H3 are propagated through mitotic cell divisions. The emerging picture suggests that cellular memory is supported by an epigenetic cycle in which reversible activities carried out by epigenetic regulators in coordination with cell cycle transition create a multiphasic system that can accommodate both maintenance of cell identity and cell differentiation in proliferating stem cell populations.
Synthesis, insertion, and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein within lipid bilayers
Authors: Zhang Yuanzhong , Anbir Sara , McTiernan Joseph , Li Siyu , Worcester Michael , Mishra Pratyasha , Colvin Michael E. , Gopinathan Ajay , Mohideen Umar , Zandi Roya , Kuhlman Thomas E.
Published: February 2024

Throughout history, coronaviruses have posed challenges to both public health and the global economy; nevertheless, methods to combat them remain rudimentary, primarily due to the absence of experiments to understand the function of various viral components. Among these, membrane (M) proteins are one of the most elusive because of their small size and challenges with expression. Here, we report the development of an expression system to produce tens to hundreds of milligrams of M protein per liter of
Escherichia coli
culture. These large yields render many previously inaccessible structural and biophysical experiments feasible. Using cryo–electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, we image and characterize individual membrane-incorporated M protein dimers and discover membrane thinning in the vicinity, which we validated with molecular dynamics simulations. Our results suggest that the resulting line tension, along with predicted induction of local membrane curvature, could ultimately drive viral assembly and budding.
Performing forceful robot manipulation tasks
Authors: Yashinski Melisa
Published: February 2024

A planning framework enables a robot to perform forceful manipulation tasks, such as opening a push-twist medicine bottle.
An exploration of mechanisms underlying
Desemzia incerta
colonization resistance to methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
on the skin
Authors: Wei Monica , Knight Simon A. B. , Fazelinia Hossein , Spruce Lynn , Roof Jennifer , Chu Emily , Kim Daniel Y. , Bhanap Preeti , Walsh Jasmine , Flowers Laurice , Zhu Jun , Grice Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2024

Colonization of human skin and nares by methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) leads to the community spread of MRSA. This spread is exacerbated by the transfer of MRSA between humans and livestock, particularly swine. Here, we capitalized on the shared features between human and porcine skin, including shared MRSA colonization, to study novel bacterial mediators of MRSA colonization resistance. We focused on the poorly studied bacterial species
Desemzia incerta
, which we found to exert antimicrobial activity through a secreted product and exhibited colonization resistance against MRSA in an
in vivo
murine skin model. Using parallel genomic and biochemical investigation, we discovered that
D. incerta
secretes an antimicrobial protein. Sequential protein purification and proteomics analysis identified 24 candidate inhibitory proteins, including a promising peptidoglycan hydrolase candidate. Aided by transcriptional analysis of
D. incerta
and MRSA cocultures, we found that exposure to
D. incerta
leads to decreased MRSA biofilm production. These results emphasize the value of exploring microbial communities across a spectrum of hosts, which can lead to novel therapeutic agents as well as an increased understanding of microbial competition.

IMPORTANCE

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) causes a significant healthcare burden and can be spread to the human population via livestock transmission. Members of the skin microbiome can prevent MRSA colonization via a poorly understood phenomenon known as colonization resistance. Here, we studied the colonization resistance of
S. aureus
by bacterial inhibitors previously identified from a porcine skin model. We identify a pig skin commensal,
Desemzia incerta
, that reduced MRSA colonization in a murine model. We employ a combination of genomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic analyses to explore the mechanisms of inhibition between
D. incerta
and
S. aureus
. We identify 24 candidate antimicrobial proteins secreted by
D. incerta
that could be responsible for its antimicrobial activity. We also find that exposure to
D. incerta
leads to decreased
S. aureus
biofilm formation. These findings show that the livestock transmission of MRSA can be exploited to uncover novel mechanisms of MRSA colonization resistance.
Supplemental Material: Exothermic reactions and 39Ar–40Ar thermochronology: Hydration leads to younger apparent ages
Authors: Schorn Simon , al. et
Published: February 2024

Detailed methods, phase diagram, additional age maps and diagrams, and geochronological data table.  
Hepatoblastoma in a cirrhotic child with Alagille syndrome
Authors: Agrawal Sumit , Sahoo Bishnupriya , Kumar Karunesh , Malhotra Smita , Sibal Anupam
Published: February 2024

Alagille syndrome (AGS) is a genetic disorder due to mutations in theJAGGED 1orNOTCH 2genes leading to multisystemic manifestations. Though these patients are at risk of developing various liver tumours, no cases of hepatoblastoma among young children with cirrhosis in AGS have been reported. We report a male toddler, with cirrhosis due to AGS who developed a hepatoblastoma. He underwent a liver transplant for decompensated chronic liver disease with marked pruritus, very high alpha-fetoprotein levels and malignant liver lesions on positron emission tomography CT. His explant histology revealed a paucity of bile ducts and liver lesions turned out to be hepatoblastoma for which he received postoperative chemotherapy. The genetic testing sent before transplantation confirmed the clinical diagnosis of AGS. Hepatoblastoma should be suspected in any child with AGS presenting with a right upper quadrant mass even in the setting of chronic liver disease.
Vitamin C Deficiency as a Mimicker of a Coagulation Disorder
Authors: Malani Kanika Ajay , O'Brien Jill
Published: February 2024

Scurvy is caused by vitamin C deficiency and is often thought of as an ancient malady. However, it still afflicts present-day patients with insufficient nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption and disorders of absorption. Scurvy is traditionally characterised by ecchymosis, petechiae, haemorrhages, poor wound healing, myalgias and arthralgias, but it can also present with non-specific symptoms, including mood changes, fatigue, malaise and dyspnoea. Although scurvy can present with signs of excess bleeding, it does not involve blood clotting. We present a case of concurrent scurvy and pulmonary embolism in which clinical presentation and laboratory findings mimicked a coagulation disorder, resulting in delayed diagnosis and excessive resource expenditure. This case underscores the importance of obtaining an early dietary and substance use history in patients with unexplained haematological symptoms. These crucial components of history-taking can significantly reduce invasive and costly tests, resulting in quicker diagnosis and enhanced patient outcomes.
Improving gut health and growth in early life: a protocol for an individually randomised, two-arm, open-label, controlled trial of a synbiotic in infants in Kaffrine District, Senegal
Authors: Momo Kadia Benjamin , Khouma Marietou , Sow Doudou , Faye Babacar , Ramsteijn Anouschka S , Calvo-Urbano Beatriz , Jobarteh Modou L , Ferguson Elaine , Haggarty Paul , Webster Joanne P , Walker Alan W , Heffernan Claire , Allen Stephen J
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Infants exposed to enteropathogens through poor sanitation and hygiene can develop a subclinical disorder of the gut called environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), characterised by abnormal intestinal histology and permeability. EED can contribute to stunting through reduced digestion and absorption of nutrients, increased susceptibility to infections, increased systemic inflammation and inhibition of growth hormones. EED can be apparent by age 12 weeks, highlighting the need for early intervention. Modulating the early life gut microbiota using synbiotics may improve resistance against colonisation of the gut by enteropathogens, reduce EED and improve linear growth.

Methods and analysis

An individually randomised, two-arm, open-label, controlled trial will be conducted in Kaffrine District, Senegal. Infants will be recruited at birth and randomised to either receive a synbiotic containing twoBifidobacteriumstrains and oneLactobacillusstrain, or no intervention, during the first 6 months of life. The impact of the intervention will be evaluated primarily by comparing length-for-age z-score at 12 months of age in infants in the intervention and control arms of the trial. Secondary outcome variables include biomarkers of intestinal inflammation, intestinal integrity and permeability, gut microbiota profiles, presence of enteropathogens, systemic inflammation, growth hormones, epigenetic status and episodes of illness during follow-up to age 24 months.

Discussion

This trial will contribute to the evidence base on the use of a synbiotic to improve linear growth by preventing or ameliorating EED in a low-resource setting.

Trial registration number

PACTR202102689928613.
Eggs for Improving Nutrition, cognitive development and reducing linear growth retardation among Infants and young Children (ENRICH): protocol of an egg supplementation trial among children aged 9–18 months in Hyderabad, India
Authors: Banjara Santosh Kumar , Challa Sai Ram , Augustine Little Flower , Dasi Teena , Madhari Radhika , Fernandez Rao Sylvia , Palika Ravindranadh , Pullakhandam Raghu , Kalashikam Rajender Rao , Kumar Ramachandrappa Naveen , Palepu Dharani Pratyusha , Chilumula Monica , Selvaraj Kiruthika , Gopinath Preethi , Davies-Kershaw Hilary , Jobarteh Modou Lamin , Haggarty Paul , Heffernan Claire , Ferguson Elaine , Kulkarni Bharati
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Evidence on the impact of nutrient-rich animal source foods such as eggs for improving child growth and cognition is inconsistent. This study aims to examine the impact of an egg intervention in children, along with behaviour change communication (BCC) to the mother, on linear growth and cognition, and nutritional status in children aged 9–18 months.

Methods and analysis

A 9-month open-labelled randomised controlled trial will be conducted in three urban slums in Hyderabad, India, as a substudy of an observational cohort study (n=350) following pregnant women and their children until 18 months of age in a population at risk of stunting. The children born to women enrolled during the third trimester of pregnancy will be block randomised in a 1:4 ratio into the intervention (n=70) and control (n=280) groups. Children in the intervention group will be supplemented with one egg per day starting from 9 months until 18 months of age. BCC designed to enhance adherence to the intervention will be used. The control group will be a part of the observational cohort and will not receive any intervention from the study team. The primary outcome will be length-for-age z-scores, and the secondary outcomes will include cognition, blood biomarkers of nutritional status including fatty acid profile and epigenetic signatures linked with linear growth and cognition. Multivariate intention-to-treat analyses will be conducted to assess the effect of the intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the Institutional ethics committees of ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated to policy-makers. Findings will also be shared with study participants and community leaders.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2021/11/038208
Importance of high-resolution spatial data for the detection of winter wildlife responses to edges
Authors: Baril-Chauvette Yann , Suffice Pauline , Desrochers André
Published: February 2024

Several wildlife species are thought to avoid edges of large habitat gaps, such as clear-cuts, but detailed evidence is rarely available for edges of smaller gaps. We compared the responses of nine wintering mammal species to forest edges in southern Quebec, Canada, using high-resolution spatial data from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and low-resolution photo-interpretation. We defined edges of open areas as roads, lakes, rivers, or forest open areas. We geolocated mammal snow tracks along systematic transect lines between 2009 and 2018. We compared distances of snow tracks and reference points along transects to the nearest edge with linear models. LiDAR data revealed five species avoiding forest open area edges, whereas no avoidance was shown using photo-interpretation data. Weasels ( Mustela sp.) were the only species showing a positive association with forest open area edges using photo-interpreted data. No significant response was detected for river or lake edges. Four species were positively associated with road edges. We conclude that avoidance of small forest open area edges is widespread in our study area, but it can only be detected with high-resolution spatial data. Our results imply that edge effect can operate at a fine scale and using appropriate spatial resolution is crucial to detect such effects.
A blowing-up formula for the intersection cohomology of the moduli of rank 2 Higgs bundles over a curve with trivial determinant
Authors: Yoo Sang-Bum
Published: February 2024

We prove that a blowing-up formula for the intersection cohomology of the moduli space of rank [Formula: see text] Higgs bundles over a curve with trivial determinant holds. As an application, we derive the Poincaré polynomial of the intersection cohomology of the moduli space under a technical assumption.
Kähler–Einstein metrics on smooth Fano toroidal symmetric varieties of type AIII
Authors: Hong Kyusik , Hwang DongSeon , Park Kyeong-Dong
Published: February 2024

The wonderful compactification [Formula: see text] of a symmetric homogeneous space of type AIII[Formula: see text] for each [Formula: see text] is Fano, and its blowup [Formula: see text] along the unique closed orbit is Fano if [Formula: see text] and Calabi–Yau if [Formula: see text]. Using a combinatorial criterion for K-polystability of smooth Fano spherical varieties obtained by Delcroix, we prove that [Formula: see text] admits a Kähler–Einstein metric for each [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] admits a Kähler–Einstein metric if and only if [Formula: see text].
Oscillating soliton stars with network of domain walls
Authors: Owusu Stephen , Campos José A. V. , Brito Francisco A.
Published: February 2024

In this work, we study oscillating soliton stars (oscillatons) with network of domain walls. We consider a Lagrangian with three scalar fields coupled among themselves by a specific potential. We choose an appropriate potential to admit the formation of network of domain walls on the oscillatons. With small perturbations applied to this potential, we then compute the Einstein–Klein–Gordon (EKG) equations numerically and analyze the mass profile of this new object. From the results we discuss how the stability of the oscillatons is affected by the network. At some conditions, the network provides a ‘bouncing stability’ to the oscillatons.
First-principles study of the effect of alkaline-earth metal doping on the intrinsic MoSe2 photovoltaic properties
Authors: Su Dan , Liu Guili , Mu Yansong , Wei Ran , Ma Mengting , Yang Zhonghua , Zhang Guoying
Published: February 2024

In this study, the effect of alkaline-earth metal element doping on the photoelectric properties of intrinsic MoSe2 is systematically investigated based on the first-principles approach, and it is believed that the findings of this work will give some theoretical guidance for future research on MoSe2 doping modification. The results show that all the doping systems exhibit good stability, and Be atom doping has the lowest formation energy value, making the doping easier to produce. The doping of alkaline-earth metal elements resulted in some lattice distortion of MoSe2. Intrinsic MoSe2 is a semiconductor with a direct bandgap of 1.498[Formula: see text]eV, and the doping of alkaline-earth metal elements causes the bandgap value to decrease in each system, and the bandgap is the smallest when Be is doped. All doped systems exhibit P-type conducting properties. Compared with the intrinsic MoSe2, all doped systems have their conduction band fraction moved to the low-energy direction overall, and new density of states peaks appear near the Fermi energy level. These state density peaks mainly originate from the results contributed by the s-orbitals of each doping system Mo-4d, Se-4p, and each dopant atom. The analysis of the work function reveals that the work function of each doped system is smaller than the intrinsic MoSe2, then the energy required for the occurrence of electron leaps is reduced, which improves the electron mobility of the doped system. The Mulliken Population analysis shows that stable chemical bonds are formed between the doped alkaline-earth metal elements and the surrounding Se atoms. The examination of the optical characteristics demonstrated that, in comparison to the intrinsic MoSe2, all doped systems’ greatest dielectric absorption peaks were attenuated and moved toward the low-energy region; the doping of alkaline-earth metal elements broadened the light absorption edge of the intrinsic MoSe2. The absorption peaks of each doping system are shifted toward the low-energy region with the red-shift phenomenon, and the light absorption is good in the ultraviolet region.
Conductivity in the half-filled disordered Hubbard model: A typical medium dynamical mean-field study
Authors: Hoang Anh-Tuan , Nguyen Thi-Hai-Yen , Le Duc-Anh
Published: February 2024

The conductivity for half-filled disordered Hubbard model in different interaction regimes is studied using a typical medium dynamical mean-field theory. The Kubo formula with the geometrically averaged Green function is used to calculate the optical and dc conductivity of the system. The dependence of the conductivities in the model on the random potential and temperature in the weak and intermediate interaction regimes is investigated numerically. It is shown that in the weak interaction regime at a fixed temperature the optical conductivity at low frequencies as well as the dc conductivity get decreased as disorder strength increases. Whereas in the intermediate interaction regime, the results show a reentrant effect of the insulating phases. Our dc conductivity of a non-interacting disordered system is consistent with those known in the literature and our other results are in agreement with the phase diagram obtained by using typical medium theory with different impurity solvers.
The profound effect of heat transfer on magnetic peristaltic flow of a couple stress fluid in an inclined annular tube
Authors: Ahmed M. M. , Eldesoky I. M. , Nasr Ahmed G. , Abumandour Ramzy M. , Abdelsalam Sara I.
Published: February 2024

In this study, we explore the analysis of peristaltic flow with heat transfer occurring within the gap between coaxial inclined tubes. The inner tube’s wall is rigid, while the outer tube’s wall features a sinusoidal wave propagating through it. The cylindrical system is employed to formulate the problem. The flow is characterized using continuity, momentum, and energy equations. We apply the assumption of long wavelength and the low Reynolds number approximation to simplify the nonlinear governing equation, subsequently solving it through perturbation techniques. We investigate the impact of crucial parameters, such as the magnetic field, porous media, slipping conditions, and others, on the peristaltic flow of a couple stress fluid. Our focus lies on assessing their influence on axial velocity, pressure gradient, and flow streamlines. The outcomes are visually presented through graphical representations. Notably, an increase in the slipping parameter results in a reduction of fluid velocity, attributed to the reverse slipping of the flow. The introduction of a magnetic field leads to an augmentation of the pressure gradient. Moreover, elevating the peristaltic amplitude and heat source induces the formation of a vortex within the flow. The presence of porous media leads to an increase in the pressure difference of the fluid flow. The primary objective of this research is to enhance our understanding of the peristaltic motion of non-Newtonian fluid dynamics, specifically incorporating a couple stress fluid. This contributes to a deeper understanding of crucial fluids, such as blood, within the human circulatory system. The implications extend to biological and industrial applications like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiosurgery, advancing our scholarly understanding of fluid behavior, especially in non-Newtonian scenarios.
Broadband sound absorption using acoustic black holes with micro-perforated panels
Authors: Meng Daxiang , Liang Xiao , Liang Haofeng , Chu Jiaming , Zhou Zhuo , Zhou Guojian , Duan Jianhong , Chen Jianwen
Published: February 2024

In order to achieve broadband sound absorption, we propose a composite structure combining acoustic black holes (ABHs) and micro-perforated panels (MPPs). Here, we adopt both simulant and experimental methods to describe the sound transmission mechanism of the proposed composite ABH. This mechanism allows the ABH to have a sound absorption coefficient of over 0.8 in the range of 400–3200[Formula: see text]Hz and above 0.7 between 250[Formula: see text]Hz and 400[Formula: see text]Hz. The total length of the proposed ABH is 155[Formula: see text]mm, in which the thickness of the MPPs is 0.5[Formula: see text]mm, the pore size is 0.3[Formula: see text]mm and the porosity is 0.1 and 0.16, overcoming the length size and bandwidth limit for sound wave suppression in current ABHs. This work can further progress in elucidating the acoustic characteristics of ABH and open new avenues in ultra-broad-band sound wave control.