bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyper-ambition and the Replication Crisis: Why Measures to Promote Research Integrity can Falter
Authors: Erden Yasemin J.
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces the concept of ‘hyper-ambition’ in academia as a contributing factor to what has been termed a ‘replication crisis’ across some sciences. The replication crisis is an umbrella term that covers a range of ‘questionable research practices’, from sloppy reporting to fraud. There are already many proposals to address questionable research practices, some of which focus on the values, norms, and motivations of researchers and institutes, and suggest measures to promote research integrity. Yet it is not easy to promote integrity in hyper-competitive academic environments that value high levels of ambition. I argue that in such contexts, it is as likely that a kind of hyper-ambition is fostered that (inadvertently or otherwise) prioritises individual success above all, including to the detriment of scientific quality. In addition, efforts to promote values like integrity falter because they rely on sufficient uniformity in motivations or tendencies. Codes and guidance promoting integrity are, however, likely to influence those for whom such values are not optional, while others simply find ways around them. To demonstrate this I offer a thought experiment in which we consider the imaginary working situations of two ordinary academics. I conclude that tackling questionable research practices in the light of the replication crisis requires robust ‘top down’ measures that expect and accommodate a broader range of academic values, motivations, and tendencies, while challenging those that help to promote hyper-ambition.
Neuropragmatism, the cybernetic revolution, and feeling at home in the world
Authors: Solymosi Tibor
Published: April 2024

In recent work, Mark Johnson has argued that a scientifically updated version of John Dewey’s pragmatism affords human beings the opportunity to feel at home in the world. This feeling at home, however, is not fully problematized, nor explored, nor resolved by Johnson. Rather, Johnson and his collaborators, Don Tucker (2021) and Jay Schulkin (2023), defend this updated pragmatism within the historical development of the sciences of life and mind from the twentieth century to the present day. A central theme in this defense is the affinity pragmatism has with neurophenomenology, especially the enactivism seen in 4E cognition. Another theme is the future orientation of pragmatism, especially as it is focused on developments in cybernetics and artificial intelligence. Given Johnson’s previous work on expanding the number of E’s to 7, and other pragmatist suggestions for more, I argue that neuropragmatism’s development of Dewey’s conception of experience as organism-environment transaction (symbolized by the diphthong, Œ) is critical for understanding what Johnson and Tucker call the cybernetic revolution as an enchanting and welcoming future instead of a disenchanting and alienating one.
Dynamic Analysis of Loneliness at Older Ages in Europe by Gender
Authors: Pagan Ricardo , Malo Miguel Angel
Published: April 2024

In this article, we analyse loneliness trajectories for older people aged 50 or more in selected European countries by gender. We also focus on the relationship between disability and loneliness trajectories. We use three waves of the longitudinal SHARE database. Loneliness trajectories are non-linear, increasing with age for both genders, and have the same shape irrespective of disability status but with different levels of loneliness. Loneliness persistence increases with disability and disability severity, especially for women. Worsening (improving) disability increases (decreases) the risk of loneliness persistence. We build rankings of the country's effects on loneliness persistence by gender. Mediterranean and Eastern European countries have the highest persistence rates, while the lowest rates are in Northern countries.
Synergistic Interaction Effect of Artemisia cina n-hexane Extract and Tagetes lucida Ethyl Acetate Extract on Haemonchus Contortus
Authors: Santiago-Figueroa Itzel , González-Cortazar Manases , Estrada-Flores Julieta Gertrudis , Cuéllar-Ordaz Jorge Alfredo , López-Arellano María Eugenia , González-Reyes Francisco Javier , Olmedo-Juárez Agustín , Higuera-Piedrahita Rosa Isabel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We analysed the possible synergistic activity among active extracts from Artemisia cina and Tagetes lucida combinations on Haemonchus contortus, a nematode parasitising sheep.

Methods

The work was carried out in vitro on eggs and infective larvae (L3) of H. contortus. The results were analysed with SAS 9.1, applying the ANOVA and Tukey test, and the lethal concentration (LC) values LC50 and LC90 were determined with regression analysis, employing Proc Probit of SAS 9.1. Additionally, the lethal concentration (LC) was calculated with LC50 and LC90 to determine the synergistic effect.

Results

The results demonstrated a high efficacy of the two plants studied on both nematode eggs and L3 larvae as well as of their combinations. The highest egg hatching inhibition was obtained with a 50/50 combination, and the best larvae mortality was obtained with 25% A. cina and 75% T. lucida at 10 mg/mL. Additionally, this combination showed a synergistic effect.

Conclusion

The two plant species studied here can be applied as natural anthelmintic alternatives due to their high bioactive effect and synergistic response.
The impact of education costs on income inequality
Authors: Chang Fa-Hsiang
Published: April 2024

Reducing education costs is a crucial policy element with broad support in the U.S. However, is lowering the cost of learning a panacea for eliminating income inequality? In this paper, I theoretically examine the relationship between income inequality and the cost of education by building a three-stage overlapping generation model with two sectors and two education systems. In contrast to conventional studies treating education as a unified concept or in hierarchical order, I consider two types of education, each targeting the training of workers for different roles in production. Workers who decide to spend time learning and improving creativity skills can work to produce intermediate goods used in current production and illuminate future production technology. Coders who produce industrial robots are one example of workers who receive this type of education. The other type of education only improves workers’ efficiency and helps them become experts in positions. For instance, office clerks who receive computer training can become more productive in dealing with their daily tasks. I pick a reasonable set of parameters, and the simulation result implies that reducing the cost of practical training may end up enlarging income inequality. The key is whether the effect resulting from the wage gap between jobs (wageeffect) dominates the effect of changing the share of workers in jobs (compositioneffect). Reducing the cost of learning creativity encourages marginal experts to learn creativity and marginal basic workers to receive training, leading to declining wage gaps and income inequality.
Academic integrity graphic novel mini-cases
Authors: Fischbach Sarah
Published: April 2024

Academic integrity is a crucial aspect of the educational process, often receiving insufficient attention until a violation occurs. Researchers emphasize the importance of students comprehending academic integrity to foster ethical professionalism. However, there is a lack of resources available to effectively support these conversations. This study aims to assess academic integrity efficacy and the multi-dimensional ethical scale (MES) through the use of a graphic novel mini-case study. The analysis reveals a significant relationship between academic integrity efficacy, MES dimensions (moral equity, relativism and contractualism), and the case studies among undergraduate participants. The combination of quantitative and qualitative findings provides valuable insights into how graphic novel mini-cases can engage in academic integrity discussions with undergraduate students. The graphic novel mini-cases, along with their limitations and potential for future research, are provided.
Short-term trends of air quality and pollutant concentrations in Nigeria from 2018–2022 using tropospheric sentinel-5P and 3A/B satellite data
Authors: Omokpariola Daniel O. , Nduka John N. , Omokpariola Patrick L.
Published: April 2024

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of atmospheric parameters in Nigeria, utilizing Sentinel-5P and 3A/B offline datasets from April 2018 to December 2022. The research evaluates the concentrations of pollutants such as Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Ozone (O3), Formaldehyde (HCHO), Methane (CH4), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Aerosol Indices (AI) across different periods. The data analysis employs multivariate techniques, including Factor Analysis, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, Scatter Plots, and Dendrogram Clustering, providing insights into the interrelationships and potential sources of pollution. Additionally, the study examines monthly trends, temperature variations, and their impacts on human health and climate. The findings reveal stable levels of NO2, SO2, O3, and HCHO with minimal fluctuations, while CH4 and CO exhibit slight variations, possibly influenced by emission reductions or atmospheric changes. Aerosol optical indices consistently indicate aerosol presence, influenced by local emissions and atmospheric processes. Multivariate analyses highlight shared patterns among atmospheric constituents, shedding light on potential common sources and chemical relationships. The Pearson correlation coefficients illustrate the strength and direction of linear relationships, offering valuable information on pollution dynamics. The study's visualizations, including scatter plots and dendrogram clustering, enhance the understanding of complex interactions. Overall, the research underscores the significance of continuous monitoring and research efforts for informed decision-making and environmental management in Nigeria.
Analysis of English Classroom Teaching Behavior Mode in Environmental Protection Field Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Li Yuanyuan
Published: April 2024

Learning is to use algorithms to enable machines to learn rules from a large amount of historical data, so as to intelligently identify new samples or predict the future. Deep learning can promote students’ understanding of knowledge, conduct in-depth processing of new knowledge, integrate it with the original knowledge, and apply it to new situations, solve intelligent audio–visual listening from the perspective of deep learning, and focus on cultivating students’ in-depth learning ability and individual differences in innovative thinking. As the main position of ecological education, schools should effectively strengthen the publicity and education of ecological ideas and low-carbon concepts, and integrate them into education and teaching to effectively improve students’ awareness of environmental protection. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of flipped classroom teaching model based on deep learning. Therefore, from the perspective of deep learning, this paper combs the theory of deep learning, constructs a new model of smart classroom, and provides ideas and directions for model reform. In this study, the flipped classroom teaching model based on deep learning was applied to English teaching, and an 8-week teaching experiment was conducted. In addition, this paper believes that it is of great practical significance to carry out environmental protection education with the help of English teaching.
Machine Learning Algorithms for Power System Sign Classification and a Multivariate Stacked LSTM Model for Predicting the Electricity Imbalance Volume
Authors: Bâra Adela , Oprea Simona-Vasilica
Published: April 2024

The energy transition to a cleaner environment has been a concern for many researchers and policy makers, as well as communities and non-governmental organizations. The effects of climate change are evident, temperatures everywhere in the world are getting higher and violent weather phenomena are more frequent, requiring clear and firm pro-environmental measures. Thus, we will discuss the energy transition and the support provided by artificial intelligence (AI) applications to achieve a cleaner and healthier environment. The focus will be on applications driving the energy transition, the significant role of AI, and collective efforts to improve societal interactions and living standards. The price of electricity is included in almost all goods and services and should be affordable for the sustainable development of economies. Therefore, it is important to model, anticipate and understand the trend of electricity markets. The electricity price includes an imbalance component which is the difference between notifications and real-time operation. Ideally it is zero, but in real operation such differences are normal due to load variation, lack of renewable energy sources (RES) accurate prediction, unplanted outages, etc. Therefore, additional energy has to be produced or some generating units are required to reduce generation to balance the power system. Usually, this activity is performed on the balancing market (BM) by the transmission system operator (TSO) that gathers offers from generators to gradually reduce or increase the output. Therefore, the prediction of the imbalance volume along with the prices for deficit and surplus is of paramount importance for producers’ decision makers to create offers on the BM. The main goal is to predict the imbalance volume and minimize the costs that such imbalance may cause. In this chapter, we propose a method to predict the imbalance volume based on the classification of the imbalance sign that is inserted into the dataset for predicting the imbalance volume. The imbalance sign is predicted using several classifiers and the output of the classification is added to the input dataset. The rest of the exogenous variables are shifted to the values from previous day d − 1. Therefore, the input variables are either predicted (like the imbalance sign) or are known from d − 1. Several metrics, such as mean average percentage error (MAPE), determination coefficient R2 and mean average error (MAE) are calculated to assess the proposed method of combining classification machine learning (ML) algorithms and recurrent neural networks (RNN) that memorize variations, namely long short-term memory (LSTM) model.
Klimabewusste Verordnung von Inhalativa – Umsetzung in der hausärztlichen Praxis
Authors: Schmiemann Guido , Dörks Michael , Martin Eric , Grah Christian
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Das Gesundheitswesen ist in Deutschland für 5,2 % der CO2-Emissionen verantwortlich. Die Verordnung von Medikamenten trägt wesentlich dazu bei. Unter den verordneten Arzneimitteln spielen Dosieraerosole (DA) aufgrund der enthaltenen Treibgase eine entscheidende Rolle. Durch einen Wechsel auf Pulverinhalationssysteme (DPI) ist eine deutliche Reduktion der Emissionen möglich.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die S2k-Leitlinie „Klimabewusste Verordnung von Inhalativa“ soll Hilfestellungen bei der Verordnung von inhalativen Arzneimitteln geben, indem sie die vorhandene Evidenz zur Entscheidung zwischen DPI (Pulverinhalatoren) und DA (Dosieraerosolen) zusammenfasst und dabei den Aspekt des Klimaschadens durch Treibmittel explizit aufgreift. Sie richtet sich an alle, die an der Verordnung sowie der Beratung von Betroffenen beteiligt sind.

Material und Methoden

Unter gemeinsamer Federführung von DEGAM (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allgemeinmedizin und Familienmedizin) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin (DGP) wurde die S2k-Leitlinie unter Moderation durch die AWMF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften) erstellt. Die wesentlichen Inhalte aus der Praxisperspektive werden in dieser Arbeit vorgestellt.

Ergebnisse

DA haben in Deutschland insgesamt einen hohen Anteil an den Verordnungen von Inhalativa. Bei der Verordnung sollten die Aspekte des Klimaschadens berücksichtigt werden. Um die Umsetzung in der Praxis zu erleichtern, wurden mehrere Entscheidungshilfen erstellt.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Bedeutung der Verschreibung einer Arzneimittelgruppe in Bezug auf den Klimawandel wird erstmals im Rahmen einer Leitlinie thematisiert. Ein hoher Umsetzungsgrad der Leitlinienempfehlungen kann durch zukünftige Analysen der Verordnungszahlen erhoben werden. Um die Akzeptanz der Entscheidungshilfen zu prüfen, ist ein geplanter Praxistest erforderlich.
Warship 4
Authors: van Zinderen-Bakker Rindert
Published: April 2024

USS Clark (FFG-11) was the fifth ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry class of guided-missile frigates.

The ships were designed in the United States in the mid-1970s as general-purpose escort vessels inexpensive enough to be bought in large quantities to replace World War II-era destroyers and 1960s-era frigates.

Intended to protect convoys, landing forces, supply and replenishment groups.

The frigate was ordered from Bath Iron Works on 27 February 1976 as part of the FY76 program, Clark was laid down on 17 July 1978, launched on 24 March 1979, and commissioned on 9 May 1980. Decommissioned and stricken on 15 March 2000, she was handed over to Poland that same day to become the Polish Navy's Gen. K. Pulaski.
New Seafloor Map Only 25% Done, with 6 Years to Go
Authors: Hornyak Tim
Published: April 2024

Beneath the waves, the vast majority of the ocean is unknown. Seabed 2030 is using cutting-edge technologies to fill in the bathymetric blanks and fully map the seafloor.
Air Pollution Has Masked Climate Change’s Influence on U.S. Rainfall
Authors: Bourzac Katherine
Published: April 2024

A study suggests that high levels of aerosol pollution have offset higher precipitation levels caused by a warming climate.
Strategies to improve implementation of cascade testing in hereditary cancer syndromes: a systematic review
Authors: Chiang Jianbang , Chua Ziyang , Chan Jia Ying , Sule Ashita Ashish , Loke Wan Hsein , Lum Elaine , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Graves Nicholas , Ngeow Joanne
Published: April 2024

Hereditary cancer syndromes constitute approximately 10% of all cancers. Cascade testing involves testing of at-risk relatives to determine if they carry the familial pathogenic variant. Despite growing efforts targeted at improving cascade testing uptake, current literature continues to reflect poor rates of uptake, typically below 30%. This study aims to systematically review current literature on intervention strategies to improve cascade testing, assess the quality of intervention descriptions and evaluate the implementation outcomes of listed interventions. We searched major databases using keywords and subject heading of “cascade testing”. Interventions proposed in each study were classified according to the Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) taxonomy. Quality of intervention description was assessed using the TIDieR checklist, and evaluation of implementation outcomes was performed using Proctor’s Implementation Outcomes Framework. Improvements in rates of genetic testing uptake was seen in interventions across the different EPOC taxonomy strategies. The average TIDieR score was 7.3 out of 12. Items least reported include modifications (18.5%), plans to assess fidelity/adherence (7.4%) and actual assessment of fidelity/adherence (7.4%). An average of 2.9 out of 8 aspects of implementation outcomes were examined. The most poorly reported outcomes were cost, fidelity and sustainability, with only 3.7% of studies reporting them. Most interventions have demonstrated success in improving cascade testing uptake. Uptake of cascade testing was highest with delivery arrangement (68%). However, the quality of description of interventions and assessment of implementation outcomes are often suboptimal, hindering their replication and implementation downstream. Therefore, further adoption of standardized guidelines in reporting of interventions and formal assessment of implementation outcomes may help promote translation of these interventions into routine practice.
Water-based direct photopatterning of stretchable PEDOT:PSS using amphiphilic block copolymers
Authors: Yoon Soon Joo , Ha Jeongdae , Lee Hyeokjun , Park Jin Tae , Lee Bin Hyung , Jang Kyung-In , Yang Anna , Lee Yoon Kyeung
Published: April 2024

The use of water-based chemistry in photolithography during semiconductor fabrication is desirable due to its cost-effectiveness and minimal environmental impact, especially considering the large scale of semiconductor production. Despite these benefits, limited research has reported successful demonstrations of water-based photopatterning, particularly for intrinsically water-soluble materials such as Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) due to significant challenges in achieving selective dissolution during the developing process. In this paper, we propose a method for the direct patterning of PEDOT:PSS in water by introducing an amphiphilic Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEO-PPO-PEO, P123) block copolymer to the PEDOT:PSS film. The addition of the block copolymer enhances the stretchability of the composite film and reduces the hydrophilicity of the film surface, allowing for water absorption only after UV exposure through a photoinitiated reaction with benzophenone. We apply this technique to fabricate tactile and wearable biosensors, both of which benefit from the mechanical stretchability and transparency of PEDOT:PSS. Our method represents a promising solution for water-based photopatterning of hydrophilic materials, with potential for wider applications in semiconductor fabrication.
Association between self-reported METs and other perioperative cardiorespiratory fitness assessment tools in abdominal surgery—a prospective cross-sectional correlation study
Authors: Czajka Szymon , Krzych Łukasz J.
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular complications represent a significant proportion of adverse events during the perioperative period, necessitating accurate preoperative risk assessment. This study aimed to investigate the association between well-established risk assessment tools and self-reported preoperative physical performance, quantified by metabolic equivalent (MET) equivalents, in high-risk patients scheduled for elective abdominal surgery. A prospective cross-sectional correlation study was conducted, involving 184 patients admitted to a Gastrointestinal Surgery Department. Various risk assessment tools, including the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI), Surgical Mortality Probability Model (S-MPM), American University of Beirut (AUB)-HAS2 Cardiovascular Risk Index, and Surgical Risk Calculator (NSQIP-MICA), were utilized to evaluate perioperative risk. Patients self-reported their physical performance using the MET-REPAIR questionnaire. The findings demonstrated weak or negligible correlations between the risk assessment tools and self-reported MET equivalents (Spearman’s ρ = − 0.1 to − 0.3). However, a statistically significant relationship was observed between the ability to ascend two flights of stairs and the risk assessment scores. Good correlations were identified among ASA-PS, S-MPM, NSQIP-MICA, and AUB-HAS2 scores (Spearman’s ρ = 0.3–0.8). Although risk assessment tools exhibited limited correlation with self-reported MET equivalents, simple questions regarding physical fitness, such as the ability to climb stairs, showed better associations. A comprehensive preoperative risk assessment should incorporate both objective and subjective measures to enhance accuracy. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate these findings and develop a comprehensive screening tool for high-risk patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.
Trail pheromone identification in the ant Crematogaster scutellaris
Authors: Scarano Florencia , Giannetti Daniele , Trenti Francesco , Giacomazzi Federico , Vigna Jacopo , Guella Graziano , Grasso Donato A. , Haase Albrecht
Published: April 2024

In this work, we identified the trail pheromone of the ant Crematogaster scutellaris. We combined gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of extracts from the hind tibia, the location of the respective glands, with automated trail following assays. The study found tridecan-2-ol to be the strongest discriminator between hind tibia and other body part extracts. Tridecan-2-ol elicited trail-following behaviour at concentrations of 1 ng/µL. A separation of the enantiomers showed responses to (R)-tridecan-2-ol already at 0.001 ng/µL and only at a 1000-fold higher concentration for (S)-tridecan-2-ol, suggesting that only the R enantiomer is used by C. scutellaris in its natural environment. We also found strong behavioural responses to 2-dodecanol, a substance that was not detectable in the hind tibia extract of C. scutellaris, but which has been reported to be the trail pheromone of the related species C. castanea. We discuss the contribution of these results to the 'dissection and reconstruction' of strategies and mechanisms underlying the social organization of ants.
Aldosterone levels do not predict 28-day mortality in patients treated for COVID-19 in the intensive care unit
Authors: Janc Jarosław , Janc Jędrzej Jerzy , Suchański Michał , Fidut Miłosz , Leśnik Patrycja
Published: April 2024

The immunotropic effects of aldosterone might play a role in COVID-19, as SARS-CoV-2 reportedly uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors as an entry point into cells. Aldosterone function is closely linked to its action on mineralocorticoid receptors in kidneys; it increases the renal retention of sodium and the excretion of potassium, which increases blood pressure. Despite the large number of studies examining the effect of Ang-II and its blockers on the course of COVID-19 infection, there is still uncertainty about the role of aldosterone. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation of aldosterone, urea, creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) levels with 28 days of mortality in patients treated for COVID19 in an intensive care unit (ICU). This cross-selection study involved 115 adult patients who were divided into two groups: those who died within a 28-day period (n = 82) and those who survived (n = 33). The correlation of aldosterone, urea, creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) levels with 28 days of mortality in patients treated for COVID-19 were performed. The patients’ age, sex, scores from the APACHE II, SAPS II, and SOFA scales and comorbidities like HA, IHD and DM were also analyzed. Remarkably, the individuals who survived for 28 days were of significantly lower mean age and achieved notably lower scores on the APACHE II, SAPS II, and SOFA assessment scales. Statistically significantly higher CRP levels were observed on days 3, 5, and 7 in individuals who survived for 28 days. Creatinine levels in the same group were also statistically significantly lower on days 1, 3, and 5 than those of individuals who died within 28 days. The investigation employed both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models to explore factors related to mortality. In the univariate analysis, variables with a p value of less than 0.50 were included in the multivariate model. Age, APACHE II, SAPS II, and SOFA demonstrated significance in univariate analysis and were considered to be associated with mortality. The outcomes of the multivariate analysis indicated that age (HR = 1.03, p = 0.033) served as a robust predictor of mortality in the entire study population. In conclusion the plasma aldosterone level is not associated with ICU mortality in patients with COVID-19. Other factors, including the patient’s age, creatinine or CRP contribute to the severity and prognosis of the disease. This study was retrospectively registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) with registration no. ACTRN12621001300864 (27/09/2021: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=382563&isReview=true).
Declining incidence and improving survival of ocular and orbital lymphomas in the US between 1995 and 2018
Authors: Alfaar Ahmad Samir , Yousef Yacoub A. , W. Wilson Matthew , Hassanain Omneya , Kakkassery Vinodh , Moustafa Mohanad , Kunbaz Ahmad , Esmael Amanne , Strauß Olaf
Published: April 2024

This epidemiological study examined ocular and orbital lymphomas in the United States from 1995 to 2018, using data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries database of 87,543 patients with ocular and adnexal malignancies. We identified 17,878 patients (20.4%) with ocular and orbital lymphomas, with an age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 2.6 persons per million (ppm). The incidence was the highest in the orbit (ASIR = 1.24), followed by the conjunctiva (ASIR = 0.57). Non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma was the most prevalent subtype (85.4%), particularly marginal-zone lymphoma (45.7%). Racial disparities were noted, with Asia–Pacific Islanders showing the highest incidence (orbit, 1.3 ppm). The incidence increased significantly from 1995 to 2003 (Average Percent Change, APC = 2.1%) but declined thereafter until 2018 (APC = − 0.7%). 5-year relative survival (RS) rates varied, with the highest rate for conjunctival lymphoma (100%) and the lowest for intraocular lymphoma (70.6%). Survival rates have generally improved, with an annual increase in the 5-year RS of 0.45%. This study highlights the changing epidemiological landscape, pointing to initial increases and subsequent decreases in incidence until 2003, with survival improvements likely due to advancements in treatment. These findings underscore the need for further research to investigate the root causes of these shifts and the declining incidence of ocular lymphoma.
Haplotype-resolved assembly of auto-polyploid genomes via combining Hi-C and gametic data
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Li Dongxi , Pan Weihua
Published: April 2024

Haplotype-resolved genome assembly plays a crucial role in understanding allele-specific functions. However, obtaining haplotype-resolved assembly for auto-polyploid genomes remains challenging. Existing methods can be classified into reference-based phasing, assembly-based phasing, and gamete binning. Nevertheless, there is a lack of cost-effective and efficient methods for haplotyping auto-polyploid genomes. In this study, we propose a novel phasing algorithm called PolyGH, which combines Hi-C and gametic data. We conducted experiments on tetraploid potato cultivars and divided the method into three steps. Firstly, gametic data was utilized to bin non-collapsed contigs, followed by merging adjacent fragments of the same type within the same contig. Secondly, accurate Hi-C signals related to differential genomic regions were acquired using unique k-mers. Finally, collapsed fragments were assigned to haplotigs based on combined Hi-C and gametic signals. Comparing PolyGH with Hi-C-based and gametic data-based methods, we found that PolyGH exhibited superior performance in haplotyping auto-polyploid genomes when integrating both data types. This approach has the potential to enhance haplotype-resolved assembly for auto-polyploid genomes.
Multi-Attribute Subset Selection enables prediction of representative phenotypes across microbial populations
Authors: Herbst Konrad , Wang Taiyao , Forchielli Elena J. , Thommes Meghan , Paschalidis Ioannis Ch. , Segrè Daniel
Published: April 2024

The interpretation of complex biological datasets requires the identification of representative variables that describe the data without critical information loss. This is particularly important in the analysis of large phenotypic datasets (phenomics). Here we introduce Multi-Attribute Subset Selection (MASS), an algorithm which separates a matrix of phenotypes (e.g., yield across microbial species and environmental conditions) into predictor and response sets of conditions. Using mixed integer linear programming, MASS expresses the response conditions as a linear combination of the predictor conditions, while simultaneously searching for the optimally descriptive set of predictors. We apply the algorithm to three microbial datasets and identify environmental conditions that predict phenotypes under other conditions, providing biologically interpretable axes for strain discrimination. MASS could be used to reduce the number of experiments needed to identify species or to map their metabolic capabilities. The generality of the algorithm allows addressing subset selection problems in areas beyond biology.
Boreal forest cover was reduced in the mid-Holocene with warming and recurring wildfires
Authors: Girardin Martin P. , Gaboriau Dorian M. , Ali Adam A. , Gajewski Konrad , Briere Michelle D. , Bergeron Yves , Paillard Jordan , Waito Justin , Tardif Jacques C.
Published: April 2024

The hemi-boreal zone, marking North America’s southern boreal forest boundary, has evolved post-glaciation, hosting diverse ecosystems including mixed forests with savannas, grasslands, and wetlands. While human, climate, and fire interactions shape vegetation dynamics therein, specific influences remain unclear. Here we unveil 12,000 years of hemi-boreal zone dynamics, exploring wildfire, vegetation, climate, and human population size interactions at such long time scales. Postglacial biomass burning exhibited episodes of persistent elevated activity, and a pivotal shift around 7000 years ago saw the boreal forest transition to an oak-pine barren ecosystem for about 2000 years before reverting. This mid-Holocene shift occurred during a period of more frequent burning and a sudden uptick in mean annual temperatures. Population size of Indigenous peoples mirrored wildfire fluctuations, decreasing with more frequent burning. Anticipated increases of fire activity with climate change are expected to echo transformations observed 7000 years ago, reducing boreal forest extent, and impacting land use.
Genomic profiling and clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA in metastatic prostate cancer: SCRUM-Japan MONSTAR SCREEN project
Authors: Shiota Masaki , Matsubara Nobuaki , Kato Taigo , Eto Masatoshi , Osawa Takahiro , Abe Takashige , Shinohara Nobuo , Nishimoto Koshiro , Yasumizu Yota , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Oya Mototsugu , Fujisawa Takao , Horasawa Satoshi , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Yoshino Takayuki , Nonomura Norio
Published: April 2024

Background

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing has emerged as a novel tool for cancer precision medicine. This study investigated the genomic profiling and clinical utility of ctDNA in metastatic prostate cancer.

Methods

This is a nation-wide prospective observational study. Patients treated with systemic treatment for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) were included. ctDNA was analyzed using FoundationOne Liquid®CDx at enrollment. In a subset of patients, ctDNA after disease progression and tissue prior to the initiation of treatment were examined using FoundationOne Liquid®CDx and FoundationOne®CDx, respectively.

Results

The frequency of AR alterations and homologous recombination repair (HRR) defect was higher in mCRPC compared with mCSPC. Tumor mutational burden was correlated between tissue and ctDNA at pre-treatment, as well as ctDNA between at pre-treatment and at post-treatment. Patients with HRR defect were associated with shorter time to castration resistance in androgen deprivation therapy/combined androgen blockade, but not in androgen receptor pathway inhibitor, compared with patients without HRR defect in mCSPC. Time to treatment failure in patients with AR amplification or AR mutation was shorter compared with patients without AR alterations in mCRPC.

Conclusions

This study revealed valuable findings for the clinical care of metastatic prostate cancer. Especially, predictive factors such as HRR defect in mCSPC should be validated in the future.
Chemically specific sampling bias: the ratio of PM2.5 to surface AOD on average and peak days in the U.S.
Authors: Rosanka Simon , Flesch Madison M. , Chiu Yin Ting T. , Carlton Annmarie G.
Published: April 2024

Accurate quantitative description of the atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) burden requires an understanding of aerosol amounts and physicochemical properties that transcends measurement platforms.
Plant-derived selenium nanoparticles: investigating unique morphologies, enhancing therapeutic uses, and leading the way in tailored medical treatments
Authors: Puri Abhijeet , Mohite Popat , Ansari Yunus , Mukerjee Nobendu , Alharbi Hanan M. , Upaganlawar Aman , Thorat Nanasaheb
Published: April 2024

Selenium (Se) is a paramount micronutrient, indispensable for the holistic health of humans, animals, and microorganisms.
Wetting and strain engineering of 2D materials on nanopatterned substrates
Authors: Adinehloo Davoud , Hendrickson Joshua R. , Perebeinos Vasili
Published: April 2024

The fascinating realm of strain engineering and wetting transitions in two-dimensional (2D) materials takes place when placed on a two-dimensional array of nanopillars or one-dimensional rectangular grated substrates.
Linker-dependent control of the chiroptical properties of polymethylene-vaulted trans-bis[(β-iminomethyl)naphthoxy]platinum(ii) complexes
Authors: Ikeshita Masahiro , Ma Shing Cho , Muller Gilles , Naota Takeshi
Published: April 2024

The effects of polymethylene bridges on the chiroptical properties of trans-bis[(β-iminomethyl)naphthoxy]platinum(ii) platforms were examined using newly designed planar chiral Pt analogues (1) having three-dimensional superstructures.
Full orbital solutions in pre-main sequence high-order multiple systems: GG Tau Ab and UX Tau B
Authors: Duchêne Gaspard , LeBouquin Jean-Baptiste , Ménard François , Cuello Nicolás , Toci Claudia , Langlois Maud
Published: April 2024

Context. High-order multiple (triple and beyond) systems are relatively common. Their interaction with circumstellar and circumbinary material can have a large impact on the formation and evolution of planetary systems and depends on their orbital properties.

Aims. GG Tau and UX Tau are two pre-main sequence high-order multiple systems in which the tightest pair has a projected separation of ≈5–20 au. Characterizing precisely their orbits is crucial to establish their long-term stability, to predict the dynamics and evolution of circumstellar matter, and to evaluate the potential for planet formation in such systems.

Methods. We combine existing astrometric measurements with previously unpublished high-resolution observations of the GG Tau Ab and UX Tau B pairs and perform Keplerian orbital fits.

Results. For GG Tau Ab the data presented here represent the first detection of orbital motion. For both systems they yield dramatic increases in orbital coverage (≳60% and ≈100% for UX Tau B and GG Tau Ab, for orbital periods of ≈32 and ≈8 yr, respectively) and allow us to obtain well-constrained orbital fits, including dynamical masses with ≲10% and ≲7% random and systematic uncertainties. We find that both GG Tau A and UX Tau A–B likely form stable hierarchical systems, although one possible deprojection solution for GG Tau is strongly misaligned and could experience von Zeipel-Lidov-Kozai oscillations. We further find that the UX Tau B orbit is much more eccentric than the GG Tau Ab one, possibly explaining the lack of circumstellar material in the former.

Conclusions. The newly-determined orbits revive the question of the dynamical fate of gas and dust in these two hierarchical systems and should spur new dedicated simulations to assess the long-term evolution of the systems and the dynamical perturbations imposed by the close binaries they host.
The effects of environment on galaxies’ dynamical structures: From simulations to observations
Authors: Ding Y. , Zhu L. , Pillepich A. , van de Ven G. , Corsini E. M. , Iodice E. , Pinna F.
Published: April 2024

We studied the effects of cluster environments on galactic structures by using the TNG50 cosmological simulation and observed galaxies in the Fornax cluster. We focused on galaxies with stellar masses of 108 − 12 M⊙ at z = 0 that reside in Fornax-like clusters with total masses of M200c = 1013.4 − 14.3 M⊙. We characterized the stellar structures by decomposing each galaxy into a dynamically cold disk and a hot non-disk component, and studied the evolution of both the stellar and gaseous constituents. In TNG50, we find that the cold (i.e., star-forming) gas is quickly removed when a galaxy falls into a Fornax-mass cluster. About 42%, 73%, and 87% of the galaxies have lost 80% of their star-forming gas at 1, 2, and 4 billion years after infall, respectively, with the remaining gas concentrating in the inner regions of the galaxy. The radius of the star-forming gaseous disk decreases to half its original size at 1, 2, and 4 billion years after infall for 7%, 27%, and 66% of the galaxies, respectively. As a result, star formation (SF) in the extended dynamically cold disk sharply decreases, even though a low level of SF persists at the center for a few additional gigayears. This leads to a tight correlation between the average stellar age in the dynamically cold disk and the infall time of galaxies. Furthermore, the luminosity fraction of the dynamically cold disk in ancient infallers (i.e., with an infall time ≳8 Gyr ago) is only about one-third of that in recent infallers (infall time ≲4 Gyr ago), controlling for galaxy stellar mass. This quantitatively agrees with what is observed in early-type galaxies in the Fornax cluster. Gas removal stops the possible growth of the disk, with gas removed earlier in galaxies that fell in earlier, and hence the cold-disk fraction is correlated with the infall time. The stellar disk can be significantly disrupted by tidal forces after infall, through a long-term process that enhances the difference among cluster galaxies with different infall times.
Orbital obliquity of the young planet TOI-5398 b and the evolutionary history of the system
Authors: Mantovan G. , Malavolta L. , Locci D. , Polychroni D. , Turrini D. , Maggio A. , Desidera S. , Spinelli R. , Benatti S. , Piotto G. , Lanza A. F. , Marzari F. , Sozzetti A. , Damasso M. , Nardiello D. , Cabona L. , D’Arpa M. , Guilluy G. , Mancini L. , Micela G. , Nascimbeni V. , Zingales T.
Published: April 2024

Multi-planet systems exhibit remarkable architectural diversity. However, short-period giant planets are typically isolated. Compact systems like TOI-5398, with an outer close-orbit giant and an inner small-size planet, are rare among systems containing short-period giants. TOI-5398’s unusual architecture coupled with its young age (650 ± 150 Myr) make it a promising system for measuring the original obliquity between the orbital axis of the giant and the stellar spin axis in order to gain insight into its formation and orbital migration. We collected in-transit (plus suitable off-transit) observations of TOI-5398 b with HARPS-N at TNG on March 25, 2023, obtaining high-precision radial velocity time series that allowed us to measure the Rossiter-McLaughlin (RM) effect. By modelling the RM effect, we obtained a sky-projected obliquity of λ = 3.0−4.2+6.8 deg for TOI-5398 b, consistent with the planet being aligned. With knowledge of the stellar rotation period, we estimated the true 3D obliquity, finding ψ = (13.2 ± 8.2) deg. Based on theoretical considerations, the orientation we measure is unaffected by tidal effects, offering a direct diagnostic for understanding the formation path of this planetary system. The orbital characteristics of TOI-5398, with its compact architecture, eccentricity consistent with circular orbits, and hints of orbital alignment, appear more compatible with the disc-driven migration scenario. TOI-5398, with its relative youth (compared with similar compact systems) and exceptional suitability for transmission spectroscopy studies, presents an outstanding opportunity to establish a benchmark for exploring the disc-driven migration model.
Photo-acoustic technique with widely tuneable laser: Metasurface circular dichroism response
Authors: Skubisz Claudia , Petronijevic Emilija , Leahu Grigore , Cesca Tiziana , Scian Carlo , Mattei Giovanni , Sibilia Concita , Belardini Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Chirality, an intrinsic property of certain entities in the universe, is characterized by the absence of mirror symmetry. Understanding chirality is crucial as it influences molecular interactions and properties. Circular dichroism (CD), measured using circularly polarized light, is a standard technique for probing chirality, but its sensitivity is often limited. Here, we explore extrinsic chirality (i.e. a property arising from asymmetric achiral materials when observed from out of normal incidence directions), using photo-acoustic spectroscopy (PAS). PAS allows direct measurement of local absorption, by monitoring the heat produced and transferred to the surrounding air, regardless the transmitted, reflected, and scattered light that flows away from the sample. In conventional techniques, the CD is usually measured by taking into account only the extinction as transmitted (or reflected) light. In this study, we introduce a new PAS setup that employs an oblique-incidence laser to study extrinsic chirality in silver-coated self-assembled metasurfaces. Our experimental results reveal intriguing CD trends dependent on the angle of incidence and wavelength, indicative of extrinsic chirality. This study expands the application of PAS, enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple wavelengths and providing valuable insights into chiral metasurfaces.
ChatGPT and the digitisation of writing
Authors: Zhao Xin , Cox Andrew , Cai Liang
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study is to uncover how students’ practices of writing in higher education are being impacted by ChatGPT. The use of ChatGPT and other generative AI needs to be set in the context of a longer-term process of the digitisation of writing, where many tools are being employed by students to support writing because it is a complex iterative process. Generative AI appears to have had a large impact on how students write, and we propose a model of generative AI literacy to assess their capabilities in doing so. Semi-structured interviews and observation data were collected at a British University with 23 students from diverse backgrounds, including the UK, USA, China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. The data was analysed thematically. It was found that students used ChatGPT alongside many other tools, and in rather individualistic ways often to address specific challenges they felt they had with writing. Their main concerns were around plagiarism, information inaccuracy and technology dependence. There was a relatively weak understanding or interest in the ethical issues around the exploitative and environmental impacts of generative AI. The social controversy around ChatGPT can be seen as a useful opportunity to engage students in a discussion about the digitisation of writing and promote AI literacy in this context.
Subtitling Saudi Arabic slang into English: the case of “The Book of the Sun” on Netflix
Authors: Ali Sukayna , Al-Jabri Hanan , AL-Adwan Amer , Eliza Abdul Rahman Wan Rose
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study is to analyze Saudi Arabic slang expressions and examine their subtitling into English. The data utilized in this research consists of slang terms identified in the film titled “The Book of the Sun”, available on the streaming platform Netflix, along with their corresponding English translations. This study primarily examines three key dimensions of slang expressions: originality, conciseness, and humor. It also explores the subtitling strategies used to render these slangs and the effectiveness of such strategies. The study’s findings indicate that all identified slangs (100%) are created by assigning new meanings to pre-existing established words in a creative way. Some of them are made concise by mapping them into faʕʕala verb template. Additionally, the subtitler has employed specific strategies to convey the intended meaning of these slangs, namely generalization, paraphrase, official equivalent, direct translation, and cultural substitution. However, the study posits that the strategies employed are ineffective in conveying the intended meaning of slang expressions.