bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of AGAP2-AS1, DLEU2, HMBOX1_1, and UGDH-AS1 in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Talebi Samaneh , Kargar Mohammad , Jafarinia Mojtaba , Gholamin Mehran
Published: October 2024

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized as viable prognostic and therapeutic indicators for numerous human malignancies. Nonetheless, the operational roles and fundamental mechanisms of important lncRNAs that impact esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain predominantly obscure. Recently, lncRNAs have been identified to exert regulatory influence on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via intricate interplay with EMT-associated transcription factors (TFs) and signaling pathways. The current experimental study aimed to elucidate the expression of four lncRNAs in ESCC patients and explain their potential involvement in the EMT process and the pathogenesis of ESCC.

Methods

In the study, the expression levels of lncRNAs (AGAP2-AS1, DLEU2, HMBOX1_1 (AC108449.2), and UGDH-AS1) and mRNAs (TWIST1, MMP13, and CD44S) between fifty ESCC and adjacent normal tissue samples were measured using quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

The upregulation of CD44S (36%), TWIST1 (52%), DLEU2 (58%), AGAP2-AS1 (62%), and MMP13 (74%), were indicated in ESCC samples, while the downregulation of UGDH-AS1 and HMBOX1_1 were found in 62% and 64% of patients, respectively. The expression levels of lncRNAs and EMT-related markers were found to be significantly correlated in several patient clinicopathological traits (P < 0.05), representing correlations between AGAP2-AS1, DLEU2, HMBOX1_1 (AC108449.2), and UGDH-AS1 with EMT status in ESCC.

Conclusion

Our results have unveiled that these lncRNAs, which regulate EMT, may play a crucial role in the regulatory process of EMT via the CD44S-TWIST1-MMP13 axis. Moreover, it may be assumed that lncRNAs present a promising avenue for both diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in the context of ESCC.
Exploring the impact of brucellosis on maternal and child health: transmission mechanisms, patient effects, and current trends in drug use and resistance: a scoping review
Authors: Huy Tran Xuan Ngoc
Published: October 2024

Background

While often unrecognized, brucellosis, a significant zoonotic disease, silently endangers the health of mothers and children worldwide. This scoping review sheds light on transmission pathways, maternal–fetal consequences, and treatment hurdles, specifically considering maternal and child health concerns.

Method

To comprehensively grasp brucellosis in mothers and children, we systematically scoured electronic databases (DOAJ, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Semantic Scholar) for studies published after 2005. Our search included experimental studies (both randomized controlled clinical trials and quasi-experimental), analytical observations, descriptive reports, qualitative papers, and existing systematic reviews. All retrieved data were then charted and processed following Arksey and O'Malley's established framework for scoping reviews.

Result

Twenty-five studies spanning varied regions and methodologies met inclusion criteria. Key findings demonstrate that zoonotic brucellosis acquisition from livestock exposures among vulnerable maternal groups accounts for up to 70% of cases. Vertical transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding was reported in 15–20% of cases. Substantial risks of miscarriage (25%), preterm birth (20%), hepatosplenomegaly (10%), febrile illness (30%), and possible long-term complications were documented. Treatment success rates using combination antibiotic therapy were reported to be as high as 98%, though emerging antibiotic resistance patterns challenge effective treatment, with 25% of Brucella isolates resistant to rifampin and 51% resistant to both trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and streptomycin.

Conclusion

This review reveals the alarming yet hidden toll brucellosis takes on maternal–fetal pairs and breastfeeding. In regions battling this endemic disease, tailored education, upgraded diagnostic tools, prompt antibiotic therapy, responsible antimicrobial stewardship, and One Health collaborations offer crucial pathways to shield mothers and children from its harmful consequences. Continued research will pave the way for even better solutions to alleviate this complex zoonosis, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Total resection via right mini-thoracotomy for left atrial myxoma in juvenile Carney complex: a case report
Authors: Matsunaga Kazumasa , Ikenaga Shigeru
Published: October 2024

Background

Carney complex is a rare syndrome characterized by skin pigmentation, endocrine disorders, and myxomas. It is particularly notorious for its tendency to exhibit aggressive cardiac myxomas. Herein, we present a case of a juvenile female patient diagnosed with Carney complex who underwent a right lateral mini-thoracotomy.

Case presentation

A 13-year-old girl presented with sudden-onset left hemiplegia and dysarthria. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple areas of restricted diffusion. Echocardiography identified a tumor in the left atrium, suspected to be related to Carney complex based on her medical history and physical examination findings. Surgery was performed via right lateral mini-thoracotomy, which minimized the risk of embolism and ensured a cosmetically favorable outcome. The left atrial wall defect was repaired with autologous pericardium. At 3 years postoperatively, follow-up echocardiography indicated no tumor recurrence and normal cardiac function.

Conclusions

Ongoing follow-ups are essential due to the aggressive nature of the Carney complex and its high recurrence rates. Right lateral mini-thoracotomy offers the advantage of avoiding re-sternotomy and minimizing adhesion dissection, making it the optimal choice for this case.
Determining structural sites of the IGPD protein family from patterns in property-based correlation matrices
Authors: Kumari Rakhi , Deo Nivedita
Published: October 2024

In this work, we use the statistical approach of random matrix and network theory to tackle the problem of identifying the important motifs responsible for the crucial functioning of the protein family. This addresses directly the question of patterns of interaction between amino acid residues (based on properties) in proteins that contribute to protein function. We use the mathematical tools of inverse participation ratio and Shannon entropy to determine the locations of the important groups of correlated amino acid positions, which gives us the structural sites of the IGPD protein. These tools isolate the smallest eigenvalues/outliers corresponding to eigenmodes as the most localized which give the crucial sites for the structure and function of the family. We also create the threshold network of the IGPD protein and find that at a certain threshold, similar sites emerge from the network analysis which in addition gives us the strongest connected sites. This strengthens our method of finding the structural and functional sites. As a bonus we find that these important sites also match with experiments.
Decreased Neutrophils Are Associated With Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Incidence: Results From the CORDIOPREV Study
Authors: Boughanem Hatim , de Larriva Antonio Pablo Arenas , Camargo Antonio , Torres-Peña José D , Ojeda-Rodriguez Ana , Alcala-Diaz Juan F , Romero-Cabrera Juan L , Rangel-Zuñiga Oriol Alberto , Rodríguez-Cantalejo Fernando , Soehnlein Oliver , Macias-Gonzalez Manuel , Tinahones Francisco J , Perez-Martinez Pablo , Delgado-Lista Javier , López-Miranda José
Published: October 2024

Context

Numerous studies have reported an association between neutrophils and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), although this relationship remains unclear.

Objective

To investigate the interaction of neutrophils and a dietary intervention on T2DM incidence after 60 months of follow-up.

Methods

A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the framework of the CORDIOPREV study, which included 462 patients without T2DM at the beginning of the study, randomly assigned to either a Mediterranean or a low-fat diet; 107 developed T2DM. Absolute neutrophil counts and neutrophil-related ratios were measured.

Results

Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the lowest tertile of basal neutrophils was associated with a reduced likelihood of T2DM incidence when compared to the middle (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.499 [95% CI, 0.287-0.866]) and the highest tertiles (HR = 0.442 [95% CI, 0.255-0.768]) in the overall population, after adjusting for clinical variables. This association only remained significant in patients who followed a Mediterranean diet when comparing the lowest to the middle (HR = 0.423 [95% CI, 0.213-0.842]) and the highest tertiles (HR = 0.371 [95% CI, 0.182-0.762]). The predictive capacity yielded an AUC of 0.711 (95% CI, 0.652-0.769), with neutrophils being the most important variable in the in the model. Decrease in neutrophils over the 60 months was associated with increased insulin sensitivity index (R = −0.31; P = .019), particularly in patients who followed the Mediterranean diet.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that monitoring neutrophils can help prevent the development of T2DM, as a reduction in neutrophil counts could be associated with improved insulin sensitivity. Following a Mediterranean diet might be a potential strategy to reduce the incidence of T2DM by lowering neutrophil levels. Further research is necessary to gain a deeper understanding regarding this mechanism.
Sexual Dimorphism in the Immunometabolic Role of Gpr183 in Mice
Authors: von Voss Liv , Arora Tulika , Assis Juliana , Kuentzel Katharina B , Arfelt Kristine N , Nøhr Mark K , Grevengoed Trisha J , Arumugam Manimozhiyan , Mandrup-Poulsen Thomas , Rosenkilde Mette M
Published: October 2024

Context

Excessive eating and intake of a Western diet negatively affect the intestinal immune system, resulting in compromised glucose homeostasis and lower gut bacterial diversity. The G protein–coupled receptor GPR183 regulates immune cell migration and intestinal immune response and has been associated with tuberculosis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Objective

We hypothesized that with these implications, GPR183 has an important immunometabolic role and investigated this using a global Gpr183 knockout mouse model.

Methods

Wild-type (WT) and Gpr183-deficient (Gpr183–/–) mice were fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet (HFSD) for 15 weeks. We investigated changes in weight, body composition, fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, fecal microbiome, and glucose tolerance before and after the diet. Macrophage infiltration into visceral fat was determined by flow cytometry, and hepatic gene expression was measured.

Results

A sexual dimorphism was discovered, whereby female Gpr183–/– mice showed adverse metabolic outcomes compared to WT counterparts with inferior glucose tolerance, lower fecal IgA levels, and increased macrophage infiltration in visceral fat. In contrast, male Gpr183–/– mice had significantly lower fasting blood glucose after diet than male WT mice. Liver gene expression showed reduced inflammation and macrophage markers in Gpr183–/– livers, regardless of sex, while the pancreatic islet area did not differ between the groups. No conclusive differences were found after microbiome sequencing.

Conclusion

Gpr183 maintains metabolic homeostasis in female but not in male mice independent of diet. If confirmed in humans, future therapy targeting GPR183 should consider this sexual dimorphism.
Digital teaching competence of higher education professors: self-perception study in an Ecuadorian university
Authors: Moreira-Choez Jenniffer Sobeida , Zambrano-Acosta Jimmy Manuel , López-Padrón Alexander
Published: October 2024

Background Teaching professionalization aimed at the digital transformation of educational scenarios and training processes for students in contemporary higher education requires the mastery of digital competence by the teaching staff. The objectives of the study were to analyze the self-perceived level of digital teaching competence (DTC) of the faculty of the Technical University of Manabí (UTM), Ecuador, and to establish the relationship between age, sex, and academic profile variables with digital teaching competence. Methods A quantitative methodological approach was adopted to develop a descriptive-correlational field study with a non-experimental design. The participants were 277 professors, selected through non-probabilistic and voluntary sampling, who completed the DigCompEdu Check-In questionnaire sent by e-mail. Results The data revealed that the “integrator” and “expert” categories achieved high levels in all competencies. In particular, 48.74% of the participants were placed in the integrator category in the competence of facilitating skills, while 46.21% positioned themselves as integrators in the competence of evaluation and feedback. Additionally, a significant difference was found in the pedagogy variable in the interaction. Conclusions It is concluded that the competences self-perceived by the professors are within the intermediate categories such as integrator and expert. Likewise, the age, sex, and academic profile variables differ in the digital pedagogy level, which produces an inconsistent relationship, with the exception of the variable evaluates and provides feedback, where it was significant.
Household resilience of women migrant worker sellers of Jamu Gendong
Authors: Diniyati Dian , Widiyanto Ary , Sanudin Sanudin , Fauziyah Eva , Achmad Budiman , Suhaendah Endah , Hani Aditya , Muhtar Muhtar , Danarti Danarti , Widyaningsih Tri Sulistyati , Winara Aji , Najiyati Sri , Dewi Rukmini Nugroho
Published: October 2024

Background The selling of Jamu Gendong (an Indonesian traditional herbal medicine), is closely associated with the informal work of women who migrate to different regions. In Sukoharjo Regency and Wonogiri Regency, Central Java Province, the pressing need to meet household necessities in their places of origin compels women to assume the role of breadwinners. Therefore, this research aimed to identify the livelihood capital and resilience of migrant women selling jamu gendong. Methods The study was conducted in Ciamis Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia, in November 2022, using quantitative and qualitative methods. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The sample comprised 51 women selected through snowball sampling and actively involved in selling Jamu Gendong, along with six key individuals from relevant agencies. Results The research findings indicate that the households of migrant women who sell jamu gendong can survive and adapt during their migration to prevent poverty by implementing diverse livelihood strategies. They are the only ones who move without their family members renting a place to live with them. This research has identified various capital sources, including productive age and skills in preparing jamu gendong; physical capital, including road infrastructure, markets, and access to health and education facilities; and natural, social, and financial capital. This research provides an in-depth understanding of women’s roles in family economic resilience, diversification of life strategies, the importance of social capital in migrant networks, economic empowerment through migration, and the influence of cultural values on livelihood strategies. Conclusions The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the resilience demonstrated by migrant women selling jamu gendong. However, further research should be conducted in areas beyond the city center to obtain a holistic view of their resilience.
Hepatic GPx1 and GIT1 expression altered by ethanol exposure during third trimester-equivalent development
Authors: JOTTY-Arroyo KARICK , Díaz--Castillo Albert , Gomez--Estrada Harold , Pineda--Aleman Rafael
Published: October 2024

Background Ethanol (EtOH) exposure throughout gestation and breastfeeding leads to multiple adverse outcomes in the hepatic system. Under oxidative stress, alterations in the liver are related to the inhibition of induced nitric oxide synthase activity in sinusoidal cells as a consequence of low expression of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-kinase interacting (GIT1). Here, we hypothesized that both glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and GIT1 could be altered by EtOH exposure during the third trimester of human equivalent development. Methods We exposed rats during the third trimester equivalent [postnatal days (PD) 2-8] to moderate levels of maternal EtOH (20%). GPx1 and GIT1 expression was detected by western blotting, and the antioxidant activity of glutathione peroxidase GPx and the concentration of hepatic carbonyl groups (CG were determined by spectrophotometry. Serum biochemistry parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose (gluc), cholesterol (chol), and triglycerides (TG) were also measured. Results We found that ethanol decreased both GIT1 and GPx1 selenoprotein expression, affecting GPx antioxidant activity and increasing protein oxidation. Conclusions These results demonstrate for the first time that the GPx antioxidant system altered by EtOH exposure during the third trimester of development is related to a parallel decrease in GIT1 expression [1].
Computational prediction of a phage cocktail active against multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Nawaz Rabia , Husnain Ali , Ali Arif Muhammad , Hassan Zohal , Ahad Ammara , Amat Ur Rasool Hafsa , Shahid Muhammad , Mehmood Uqba , Razzaq Attia , Idrees Muhammad , G.Carter Wayne
Published: October 2024

Background Antibiotic misuse and overuse have contributed to the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, posing a serious public health problem across the globe. Phage cocktails, which combine multiple phages, provide an efficient method to combat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. This study integrated a computational pipeline to design a phage cocktail against the bacterial strains Acinetobacter baumannii AB0057, Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae HS11286, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa UCBPP-PA14. Methods The whole genome sequences of selected multidrug-resistant bacteria were accessed. Prophage sequences were identified from them which could be expressed to produce viable lytic phages against MDR bacterial strains, thereby reducing the severity of infection. Prophages were annotated for open reading frames (ORFs), putative promoters, virulence factors, transcriptional terminators, ribosomal RNAs, and transfer RNAs. A dot plot was also generated to investigate similar phages and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Results A total of 11 prophages were predicted from the bacterial genomes. About 472 open reading frames were predicted along with 3 transfer RNAs. Additionally, the presence of 754 putative promoters and 281 transcription terminator sequences was also detected. Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses provided insight into the diversity, relatedness, and lytic potential of the phages. The final designed phage cocktail consisted of five selected prophages including Acinetobacter baumannii prophages (2759376-2809756) and (3311844-3364667), and Klebsiella pneumoniae prophages (1288317-1338719), (1778306-1808606), and (2280703-2325555). Conclusion The phage cocktail designed in this study might be useful against MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections, especially where conventional antibiotics fail. Sequence similarity analysis suggested that the phage cocktail may also be effective against other carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae strains.
Awareness of deleterious oral habits and knowledge of habit breaking appliance among parents in Alkharj - A cross sectional study
Authors: Almalki Sultan Abdulrahman , Gowdar Inderjit Murugendrappa , Asiri Saeed N , Jodalli Praveen , Alanazi Bashar Ayed , Alqahtani Osama abdullah , Alanazi Fahad Radhi
Published: October 2024

Background Actions that are repetitive and being practiced automatically are called habits. Oral habits can be classified as normal or deleterious. Oral health education starts from footprints of awareness. Growing children require appropriate guidance for healthy growth and maintenance of their teeth, which makes the parent an active participant in the prevention and treatment of malocclusion and thus is majorly affected by their knowledge and attitude regarding various deleterious oral habits and habit breaking appliances. Aim To assess and compare awareness of deleterious oral habits and knowledge of habit breaking appliance, among parents at Alkharj Saudi Arabia. Methodology Study assessed awareness of deleterious oral habits and knowledge of habit breaking appliances among parents in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia. Results Conclusion Majority of the parents were aware of different deleterious oral habits but not aware of the dimensions of interventions like types of appliances, duration of use, etc. without knowing mentioned facts, in future which leads to development of malocclusion which probably requires orthodontic, surgical or prosthetic intervention correcting the outcomes of oral deleterious habits.
Investigating immersion and migration decisions for agent-based modelling: A cautionary tale
Authors: Bijak Jakub , Modirrousta-Galian Ariana , Higham Philip A , Prike Toby , Hinsch Martin , Nurse Sarah
Published: October 2024

Background Agent-based modelling provides an appealing methodological choice for simulating human behaviour and decisions. The currently dominant approaches based on static transition rates or unverified assumptions are restrictive, and could be enhanced with insights from cognitive experiments on actual decision making. Here, one common concern is that standard surveys or experiments may lack ecological validity, limiting the extent to which research findings can be generalised to real-life settings. For complex, highly emotive decision-making scenarios, such as those related to irregular migration, the typically used short, methodical survey questions may not appropriately map onto complex real-world decisions of interest. Immersive contexts may offer more accurate representations of reality, potentially enhancing the usefulness of experimental information in multi-disciplinary modelling endeavours. Methods This preregistered study, aimed directly at examining the effect of immersion on risk-taking in the context of migration decisions, and indirectly at informing a multi-disciplinary construction of an agent-based model of migration, presents a choice-based interactive fiction game in which players make migration decisions to advance through a story. Participants (N = 1000 Prolific users) took part in one of four experimental conditions, three involving different renditions of the game attempting to create immersion, with the last condition presenting the decisions in standard survey format. Results Although addressing the lack of ecological validity in survey data is important for improving agent-based modelling methodology, the experimental design used to tackle this issue, while responding directly to modelling needs, proved too complex. The created experimental conditions ended up too distinct from each other, involving stimuli that differed in quantity and content. This introduced several unintended and uncontrolled confounds, making it impossible to meaningfully interpret the results of this experiment on its own. Our results act as a cautionary tale for agent-based modellers, highlighting that the modelling needs should not override the principles of experimental design, and provide motivation for more rigorous research on this topic.
NOVEL INVENTION OF SPORE INDUCTION IN A SISTER SPECIES TO GROUP 4 DICTYOSTELIA
Authors: Schaap Pauline
Published: October 2024

Background Dictyostelia are soil amoebas that aggregate to form fruiting bodies with spores and stalk cells in response to starvation. Where known, species across the dictyostelid phylogeny use secreted cAMP, detected by cAMP receptors (cARs) to induce the differentiation of spores and to organize fruiting body construction. However, recent deletion of the single cAR of Polyspondylium violaceum (Pvio) left both its fruiting bodies and spores intact. Methods To investigate whether Pvio sporulation can occur in the absence of secreted cAMP and to explore alternative inducers in a bioassay, three prespore genes were identified and gene fusions of their promoters with the LacZ reporter gene were transformed into Pvio cells. After assessing the spatial expression pattern of the genes and the stage at which prespore gene expression initiated, the effect of cAMP and other Dictyostelium discoideum (Ddis) signal molecules were tested on prespore gene expression in vitro. Results Pvio genes g4562 (psp1), g2696 (psp2) and g2380 (psp3) were identified as homologs of Ddis spore coat genes. They were first expressed around 4 h of starvation in aggregation centres and later in the posterior 4/5th of emerging sorogens and the spore head of early fruiting bodies. Cells from dissociated 4 h aggregates and shaken in suspension for 6 h increased prespore-LacZ reporter activity 4-fold for psp1 and 6-fold for psp2, but this increase was at least 5-fold higher when cells were plated on solid substratum for 6 h to develop normally. cAMP had no effect on prespore gene induction and neither had the Pvio chemoattractant glorin nor the Ddis chemoattractants and differentiation inducers folate, c-di-GMP, DIF-1, GABA, cGMP and 8Br-cAMP. Conclusions The Pvio lineage uniquely evolved a novel genetic network for synthesis, detection and processing of the signal that triggers its main survival strategy.
From operational design domain to test cases: A methodology to include harsh weather
Authors: Warg Fredrik , Donzella Valentina , Chan Pak Hung , Robinson Jonathan , Poledna Yuri , Liandrat Sebastien , Cihan Umut , Aramrattana Maytheewat , Lee Graham , Erdal Aksoy Eren
Published: October 2024

Background To gain widespread use, assisted and automated driving (AAD) systems will have to cope with harsh weather conditions, such as rain, fog, and snow. This affects the development and testing of perception and decision-making systems. Since the weather cannot be controlled in field tests, the availability and use of virtual simulation and test facilities that can accurately reproduce harsh weather becomes vital. Test cases subjecting the system under test to harsh conditions, covering all expected weather phenomena in both typical and challenging scenarios, must be defined to evaluate all aspects of the system. Methods State-of-the-art in scenario-based and hash weather testing for AAD systems was analysed; based on the analysis, a team with diverse expertise in AAD development and testing defined a methodology for defining a set of harsh weather test cases. Results This paper proposes, and exemplifies the use of, a methodology to develop a representative set of test cases based on the defined operational design domain and use cases for an AAD system under development, considering the possibility of reproducing tests in different test environments with a focus on harsh weather. Conclusions We believe that our proposed methodology can accelerate the overall testing process and contribute to the difficult safety assurance challenges for automated vehicles.
The genome sequence of the hawkweed Cheilosia, Cheilosia urbana (Meigen, 1822)
Authors: Falk Steven , Gorše Iva ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Cheilosia urbana (the hawkweed Cheilosia; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence is 546.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.08 kilobases in length.
The ASK trial: a randomised controlled feasibility trial and process evaluation of a complex multicomponent intervention to improve AccesS to living-donor Kidney transplantation
Authors: Bailey Pippa , Caskey Fergus , Babu Adarsh , Ashford Rachel , Pryce Lindsay , Selman Lucy , Kayler Liise , Ben-Shlomo Yoav
Published: October 2024

Background Following identification of barriers to living-donor kidney transplantation, and subsequent development of a multicomponent intervention, we undertook a feasibility trial of the intervention. Trial design Two-arm, parallel group, pragmatic, individually-randomised, controlled, feasibility trial, comparing the new intervention with usual care, with a mixed-methods parallel process evaluation. Based at two UK hospitals. Participants Individuals were eligible if ≥18 years old, active on the kidney transplant waiting list or had been referred for transplant listing without a contraindication to transplantation. Individuals with a living-donor undergoing surgical assessment were excluded. Intervention i) A meeting between a home educator for a dedicated discussion about living-donor kidney transplantation, living kidney donation and potential donors; ii) A standardized letter from a healthcare professional to a candidate’s potential donors; iii) A home-based education and family engagement session undertaken by a living kidney donor and a nurse specialist. Objective To establish the acceptability and feasibility i) of delivering the developed intervention in existing care pathways, and ii) of undertaking a randomised controlled trial of the intervention. Primary outcomes Recruitment and retention. Randomisation Participants were randomly allocated 1:1 to i) the intervention or ii) usual care, stratified by site. Minimisation was used to ensure balance in sex, age group, and socioeconomic strata, with probability weighting of 0.8. Results 183 people were invited to participate. 62 people (34% recruitment) were randomised. 62/62 (100%) completed nurse assessed follow-up at 6 weeks. 51/62 (82%) completed follow-up questionnaires. 3/30 (10%) in the usual care arm and 9/32 (28%) in the intervention arm had individuals ask to be tested for living kidney donation following recruitment to the trial. Conclusions Intervention and trial delivery are feasible and acceptable. Findings have informed the design of an effectiveness and cost-effectiveness trial. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN10989132 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10989132. The trial was registered on 6/11/2020.
The genome sequence of the Cinerous Pearl moth, Anania fuscalis (Denis & Schiffermüller) 1775
Authors: Young Mark R. , Broad Gavin R. , Sivess Laura , Holt Stephanie ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Anania fuscalis (the cinerous pearl; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Crambidae). The genome sequence spans 563.90 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.23 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19,765 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of the alder spittlebug, Aphrophora alni (Fallén, 1805)
Authors: Griffiths Andy , Moran Stephen , Crowley Liam M. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Aphrophora alni (the alder spittlebug; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hemiptera; Aphrophoridae). The genome sequence has a total length of 1,781.50 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 15 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 27.61 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,940 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of the rose sawfly Arge pagana Linnaeus, 1758
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Green Andrew ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from a female specimen of Arge pagana (large rose sawfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Argidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 204.70 megabases. Most of the assembly (94.4%) is scaffolded into 8 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 26.8 kilobases in length.
Addressing climate change in education: objectives, content, and strategies
Authors: Post Piia , Uibu Krista , Terasmaa Jaanus , Jürgenson Evelin , Arro Grete , Laius Anne , Toll Velle
Published: October 2024

Kliimamuutused koos loodusliku mitmekesisuse vähenemisega on inimkonna käekäiku määravad globaalprobleemid ning kliimakriisi süvenemise aeglustamisel ja peatamisel on kliimamuutuste haridusel võtmetähtsus. Kliimamuutuste haridus nõuab terviklikku ja teaduspõhist käsitlust, sealhulgas sotsiaalteaduslike teemade käsitlemist kliimamuutuste kontekstis. Mitmed rahvusvahelised organisatsioonid, sh UNESCO, on algatanud kliimamuutuste hariduse edendamiseks erinevaid tegevusi, kuid paraku ei edene muutused hariduses soovitud tempos. Rahvusvahelisest teaduskirjandusest ilmneb, et õppekavad ei hõlma globaalmuutusi ning õpetajate ettevalmistus ei ole piisav, õpetamaks kliimamuutuste keerulisi ja läbipõimunud teemasid, nende inimtekkelisi põhjuseid, samuti kliimamuutustega kohanemise ja nende leevendamise strateegiaid. Sama kehtib ka Eesti kohta: kliimateadlikkuse projekti eri haridusastmete töörühmade koostatud analüüsidest selgus, et kliima- ja keskkonnaharidus ei ole kooskõlas Eesti ambitsioonikate keskkonnaeesmärkidega ning Eestis puudub lõimitud haridus- ja keskkonnapoliitika. Õpetajate professionaalses arengus ja täienduskoolituses on vaja pöörata kliimamuutuste haridusele senisest rohkem tähelepanu, sest vaatamata õpetajate huvile ja valmisolekule õpetada kliimamuutuste teemasid ei ole õpetajaid nende käsitlemiseks hästi ette valmistatud. Õppekavade ja koolipraktika uuendamine, tehnoloogiate lõimimine, projektide läbiviimine ning koolide keskkonnasõbralikkuse suurendamine on võtmetähtsusega, pakkumaks õpilastele kvaliteetset ja kaasahaaravat kliimamuutuste haridust.
Summary
Küllus planetaarsetes piirides
Authors: Toll Velle
Published: October 2024

Tunnustatud keskkonnateadlase Johan Rockströmi kirjutatud raamat "Suur maailm, väike planeet" pakub lugejatele põneva teekonna tutvumaks Maa taluvuspiiridega inimtekkeliste keskkonnamuutuste suhtes. Peatamaks meie kahjulikku mõju loodusele, peab inimkonna tegevusruum jääma Maa taluvuspiiridesse. Taluvuspiir on lisaks kliimamuutustele ka elurikkuse vähenemisele, keskkonna saastatusele, osoonikihi hõrenemisele, õhusaaste osakeste hulgale, maailmamere hapestumisele, aineringete häiringutele, magevee­ ja maa kasutusele. Enamiku piiride puhul oleme juba ohupiiri ületanud ja pannud emakese Maa tugeva surve alla, seades küsimärgi alla loodushüvede külluse tulevastele põlvedele.
Optimized Noise Suppression for Quantum Circuits
Authors: Wagner Friedrich , Egger Daniel J. , Liers Frauke
Published: October 2024

Quantum computation promises to advance a wide range of computational tasks. However, current quantum hardware suffers from noise and is too small for error correction. Thus, accurately utilizing noisy quantum computers strongly relies on noise characterization, mitigation, and suppression. Crucially, these methods must also be efficient in terms of their classical and quantum overhead. Here, we efficiently characterize and mitigate crosstalk noise, which is a severe error source in, for example, cross-resonance based superconducting quantum processors. For crosstalk characterization, we develop a simplified measurement experiment. Furthermore, we analyze the problem of optimal experiment scheduling and solve it for common hardware architectures. After characterization, we mitigate noise in quantum circuits by a noise-aware qubit routing algorithm. Our integer programming algorithm extends previous work on optimized qubit routing by swap insertion. We incorporate the measured crosstalk errors in addition to other, more easily accessible noise data in the objective function. Furthermore, we strengthen the underlying integer linear model by proving a convex hull result about an associated class of polytopes, which has applications beyond this work. We evaluate the proposed method by characterizing crosstalk noise for two chips with up to 127 qubits and leverage the resulting data to improve the approximation ratio of the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm by up to 10% compared with other established noise-aware routing methods. Our work clearly demonstrates the gains of including noise data when mapping abstract quantum circuits to hardware native ones.

History: Accepted by Giacomo Nannicini, Area Editor for Quantum Computing and Operations Research. Accepted for Special Issue on Quantum Computing.

Funding: This work was supported by Bavarian state government; Bayerische Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Landesentwicklung und Energie.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2024.0551 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2024.0551 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
The Fairtrade academic collaboration model: Putting in place the building blocks of collaboration between Fairtrade and academics
Authors: Schneider Elisabeth , Mendoza Arisbe , Hastings Jesse
Published: October 2024

Fairtrade International and its member organizations have long been involved in producing research, so to better understand operating structures and environments, to identify the causal mechanisms in the Fairtrade Theory of Change results chain, and to assess Fairtrade’s impact. Much of this research has been commissioned. However, Fairtrade increasingly also looks to collaborate with academic institutions in producing research so as to more effectively link to academic networks and areas of expertise. This article summarizes Fairtrade’s academic collaboration model and elaborates on (i) what are the relevant research topics in which Fairtrade is interested, (ii) what a successful collaboration between Fairtrade and academic researchers should entail and (iii) what a collaboration with Fairtrade offers academic researchers. Fairtrade encourages academics to reach out to Fairtrade International with questions, comments and ideas around collaborations via academicpartnerships@fairtrade.net.
Vanadium dioxide and a graphene-based ultra-wideband absorption and polarization conversion switchable terahertz device
Authors: Chen Wenya , Li Chao , Wang Dong , Gao Song , Wu Guozheng , Guo Shijing , Xiong Jiaran
Published: October 2024

A multifunctional terahertz functional device based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) and graphene is proposed, which can realize ultra-wideband absorption and polarization conversion. When the VO2 is in the insulating state, the device can achieve the polarization conversion function to convert the incident wave into the corresponding cross-polarized wave. Polarization conversion ratios (PCRs) can exceed 90% in the 2.1–8 THz frequency range; in the 3–7.5 THz range, the PCR can be more than 95%. When VO2 is in the metallic state and the graphene Fermi energy is 0.9 eV, the device can realize a broadband absorption function. An absorption rate of more than 90% can be achieved over a wide frequency range of 3.3–7.7 THz. In addition, the polarization conversion device can maintain high performance in broadband polarization conversion at incident angles no greater than 40°. The absorber device also exhibits insensitivity to both incident and polarization angles. These advantages which make the proposed multifunctional terahertz functional device have a wide range of applications in the fields of terahertz imaging, sensing, communication, and so on.
Absorption processes of the first and second order in GaAs in the THz-IR range
Authors: Komandin Gennadiy A. , Chuchupal Sergey V.
Published: October 2024

Absorption of THz radiation in gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrates of photoconductive antennas determines the generation and detection efficiency, as well as the dynamic and frequency ranges, of THz spectrometers. Based on the THz and IR experimental data and their calculations using classical dispersion models, absorption processes in the THz–IR regions were analyzed, and broadband data on the temperature evolution of the optical parameters of GaAs substrates were obtained. The contribution of anharmonicity effects in the formation of the dielectric response function of GaAs in the THz range is demonstrated.
Single-pixel imaging robust to arbitrary translational motion
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Liu Zonghao , Zhang Zibang , Lei Lei , Ku Chen Mu , Geng Zihan
Published: October 2024

Single-pixel imaging (SPI) stands out in computational imaging for its simplicity and adaptability, yet its performance has been hampered by artifacts from translational motion. Existing solutions heavily rely on accurate motion modeling, requiring additional hardware and computational costs. In this Letter, we propose translational motion-agnostic SPI (TMA-SPI), a novel, to the best of our knowledge, single-object SPI framework agnostic to arbitrary translational motion. Our dual-domain optimization method leverages the translation invariance property of the amplitude spectrum in the Fourier domain, combined with the spatially finite and nonnegative constraints in the image domain, to produce a clear image of the moving object without any motion estimation or compensation. Through both simulation and the deployment of a real imaging prototype, we demonstrate its superior performance over the conventional SPI method. Our framework is expected to extend the applicability of SPI, offering significant improvements for dynamic sensing applications.
Realizing 0.7 dB/m gain in O + E band by promoting BACs-P formation in bismuth-doped phosphosilicate fiber with double-pass configuration
Authors: Yin Xiaoke , Liu Shaokun , He Le , Li Wenzhen , Chen Yang , Dai Nengli , Li Jinyan
Published: October 2024

The long fiber length required for the amplification of bismuth-doped fiber (BDF) has hindered its practical application. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a feasible method to improve the active absorption of bismuth active centers (BACs) by optimizing the drawing conditions, achieving a high gain with a short fiber length. The bismuth-doped phosphosilicate fiber (BPSF) preform was fabricated by the modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) process and drawn into fiber under nine different conditions. The results indicate that the active absorption of BACs increases as the drawing temperature increases and the drawing speed decreases within these drawing parameters. Meanwhile, the corresponding gain per unit length is improved. Furthermore, a maximum gain of 31.6 dB at 1350 nm with the >20 dB gain wavelength range of 1311–1401 nm was achieved in a double-pass double-pump configuration, using only 45 m BPSF. Meanwhile, the −3 dB bandwidth was 1328–1370 nm. The gain per unit length is 0.7 dB/m, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the highest gain per unit length reported for the BPSF.
Multi-scenario refractive index sensor based on merging BIC in an all-dielectric metasurface
Authors: Zhao Xingchen , Yang Shanqi , Zhang Chiyu , Li Lingqi , Zhang Kun , Kong Weijin
Published: October 2024

In recent years, bound states in the continuum (BICs) in the all-dielectric metasurfaces have attracted considerable attention due to the low radiation loss and large quality factor (Q-factor). In this study, we design a highly sensitive refractive index sensor working in multi-scenario based on merging quasi-BIC in the silicon nitride metasurface. By adjusting the thickness of the metasurface and keeping the structural symmetry, nine BICs distributed in momentum space form the merging BIC at the Γ point with significantly enhanced Q-factor. The transmission spectra of the metasurface sensor disperse with the refractive index in multi-scenario. The modulation depth of the Fano resonance spectrum can exceed 99.9%. The sensitivity and figure of merit of the refractive index sensor based on the merging quasi-BIC can reach 41.35 nm/RIU and 13,389.1 RIU-1 for gas, 59.05 nm/RIU and 8,415.9 RIU-1 for blood, and 66.08 nm/RIU and 8,845.8 RIU-1 for cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of the structural deviations on the Q-factor, which of the merging quasi-BIC maintains higher than that of the isolated quasi-BIC. Our work offers a method for designing high-sensitivity sensors working in multi-scenarios, which may hold significant potential for enhancing device performance in gas and biological detection.
Integrated Quantum Photonics in χ^(2) Materials: Development, Fabrication and Their use for on-Chip Quantum Optics
Authors: Padberg Laura
Published: October 2024

We show our development on devices that enable the realization of quantum optical applications on chip. We present the design and fabrication of devices in ferroelectric materials especially in thin-film lithium niobate.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Mathematical Challenges for the Theory of Hyperbolic Balance Laws in Fluid Mechanics: Complexity, Scales, Randomness
Authors: Lukáčová-Medvid’ová Mária , Rohde Christian
Published: October 2024

Understanding the dynamics of hyperbolic balance laws is of paramount interest in the realm of fluid mechanics. Nevertheless, fundamental questions on the analysis and the numerics for distinctive hyperbolic features related to turbulent flow motion remain vastly open. Recent progress on the mathematical side reveals novel routes to face these concerns. This includes findings about the failure of the entropy principle to ensure uniqueness, the use of structure-preserving concepts in high-order numerical methods, and the advent of tailored probabilistic approaches. Whereas each of these three directions on hyperbolic modelling are of completely different origin they are all linked to small- or subscale features in the solutions which are either enhanced or depleted by the hyperbolic nonlinearity. Thus, any progress in the field might contribute to a deeper understanding of turbulent flow motion on the basis of the continuum-scale mathematical models. We present an overview on the mathematical state-of-the-art in the field and relate it to the scientific work in the DFG Priority Research Programme 2410. As such, the survey is not necessarily targeting at readers with comprehensive knowledge on hyperbolic balance laws but instead aims at a general audience of reseachers which are interested to gain an overview on the field and associated challenges in fluid mechanics.