bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple sexual partnership among school-going adolescents in Benin: a population-based study of prevalence and predictors
Authors: Gbordzoe Newton Isaac , Obeng Paul , Ogum Mary Aku , Amoadu Mustapha , Sarfo Jacob Owusu , Hagan Jnr. John Elvis
Published: November 2023

Aim

The study investigated the prevalence and determinants of multiple sexual partnerships among school-going adolescents.

Methods

A secondary analysis of data from the 2016 Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) was conducted to determine the prevalence and determinants of multiple sexual partners among 2496 school-going adolescents aged 13–17 years in Benin.

Results

The overall prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships was 26.1% among adolescents. After adjusting for other factors, male sex (AOR = 4.80, 95% CI 3.78–6.09), truancy (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.35–2.12), sedentary lifestyle (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.00–1.62), cigarette smoking (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI 1.95–5.07) and alcohol use (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.44–2.20) were significantly associated with the increased odds of engaging in multiple sexual partnerships. However, younger age (AOR = .37, 95% CI 0.25–0.56), lower grade (AOR = .52, 95% CI 0.42–65), and parental monitoring (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.55–0.91) were significantly associated with lower odds of engaging in multiple sexual partnerships.

Conclusions

Risky sexual behaviour interventions should focus on adolescents’ personal, school and psychosocial characteristics using multidisciplinary approaches. These approaches will contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3, target 3.4 of promoting adolescent mental health and well-being, and Goal 4, target 1 of ensuring equitable education toward effective learning outcomes among Beninese school-going adolescents.
Craving among patients seeking treatment for substance use disorder
Authors: Cless Mallory M. , Courchesne-Krak Natasia S. , Bhatt Kush V. , Mittal Maria Luisa , Marienfeld Carla B.
Published: November 2023

Background

Craving has been implicated as a central feature of addiction and a predictor of relapse. However, a complete understanding of how craving varies across patient populations is lacking. This study aimed to better inform the effective and accurate use of craving as a clinical prognostic tool for patients with substance use disorders (SUD).

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized information gathered on patients (n = 112) entering specialty treatment for a SUD. Craving in the prior 30 days was assessed with a single item with other intake questionnaires.

Results

Patients who reported substance use in the last 30 days were more likely to report craving compared to patients who did not report substance use in the last 30 days (AOR = 6.86 [95% CI 2.17–21.7], p-value = 0.001). Patients who reported Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity were less likely to report craving compared to patients who did not report Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity (AOR = 0.28 [95% CI 0.08–0.95], p-value = 0.04). There was no association between craving and Adverse Childhood Events (OR = 1.03 [95% CI 0.84–1.25], p-value = 0.81).

Conclusion

The association between recent substance use and craving supports previous findings. The observed variation in craving among patients who report Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity is novel and suggests socio-cultural influences and possibly genetic factors influencing reported craving amongst patients. Additional research is needed to further understand the underlying factors leading to this finding, in order for better utilization of craving as a clinical indicator across patient populations.
Addressing malaria incidence in Africa through health care expenditure and access to basic sanitation services
Authors: Eboh Alfred , Adebayo Aderonke Omotayo
Published: November 2023

Background

Malaria is a significant public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the impact of health care expenditure and access to basic sanitation services on malaria incidence in 28 selected African countries from 2000 to 2019.

Methods

The study was anchored on Health Production Function [HPF] model while General Panel Linear Model was adopted to examine the relationships between the variables. The retrospective research design was utilised. The statistical diagnostics tests were performed to check for multicollinearity, hereroskedasticity, normality and model specification using correlation matrix, Breusch Pagan/Cook Weisberg, Shapiro–Wilk and the Hausman specification. The hypotheses were tested at the 5% significance level and the analysis of the data was aided by the use of the STATA 13.0.

Results

Domestic Government General Health Expenditure [DGGHE] had a positive relationship with Malaria Incidence [MI], although it was not statistically significant [coefficient = 0.0454708, p-value = 0.604]. Out-Of-Pocket Health Expenditure [OOPHE] demonstrated a statistically significant positive association with MI [coefficient = 0.2839394, p-value = 0.009]. External Health Expenditure [EHE] showed a statistically significant negative relationship with MI [coefficient = − 0.1452344, p-value = 0.012]. Moreover, People using at least Basic Sanitation Services [PBSS] exhibited a statistically significant negative relationship with MI [coefficient = − 0.3854207, p-value = 0.000].

Conclusions

The results suggested that while government health expenditure alone may not significantly impact malaria incidence, increased out-of-pocket expenditure and external health expenditure, as well as improved access to basic sanitation services, are associated with a higher likelihood of reducing malaria incidence in the selected African countries. Addressing malaria incidence in Africa requires a comprehensive approach that includes adequate government health care expenditure, reduction of out-of-pocket costs, increased external funding, and improved access to basic sanitation services. By implementing these recommendations, policymakers can make significant progress in reducing the burden of malaria and improving public health outcomes in affected African countries.
MaSPL16 positively regulates fruit ripening in bananas via the direct transcriptional induction of MaNAC029
Authors: Wei Wei , Yang Ying-ying , Wu Chao-jie , Kuang Jian-fei , Chen Jian-ye , Shan Wei
Published: November 2023

Fruit ripening (FR) is attributed to the selective expression of several genes precisely governed by various specific transcription factors (TFs). The NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) TF, MaNAC029, positively regulated banana ripening by directly inducing ethylene biosynthesis and transcription of fruit quality-related genes. However, its upstream regulatory mechanism still needs to be clarified. Herein, yeast one-hybrid screening revealed that a SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like (SPL) TF, MaSPL16, was a potentially upstream regulator of Musa acuminata NAC (NAM, ATAF, CUC) 029 (MaNAC029). Furthermore, gel mobility shift assay revealed that MaSPL16 can directly bound with the “GTAC” element of the MaNAC029 promoter. The gene expression and promoter activity assays demonstrated that Musa acuminata SPL (SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like) 16 (MaSPL16) expression was inducible by ethylene and ripening. MaSPL16 was localized to the nucleus, displayed a potenial capacity for transcriptional activation of MaNAC029. More critically, the transient expression of MaSPL16 in bananas accelerated FR via the upregulation of MaNAC029 and its downstream genes. Collectively, the mechanistic basis of a regulatory cascade involving MaSPL16-MaNAC029 that governed ethylene biosynthesis and fruit quality throughout the entire process of banana fruit ripening was unveiled. These outcomes increase the understanding of the gene-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in FR. They are envisaged to help devise molecular techniques to regulate maturation and improve future fruit quality.
Joy with Java
Authors: Samanta Debasis , Sarma Monalisa
Published: November 2023

The Java programming language has been one of the most powerful tools available to computer programmers since its inception in 1995. It has also consistently changed since then, making it a vast and powerful resource for object-oriented programming today. This lucid textbook introduces the student not only to the nuances of object-oriented programming, but also to the many syntaxes and semantics of the modern Java language. Each concept of programming is explained, and then illustrated with small but effective ready-to-run programs. Important points to be noted have been emphasized and hints have been given at the end of each discussion so that programmers are careful to avoid common pitfalls. Finally, a number of practice problems taken from real world scenarios encourage the student to think in terms of problem solving, consolidating the knowledge gained.
Governance and Leadership
Authors: Fulop Naomi J. , Ramsay Angus I. G.
Published: November 2023

Lessons from service and system failures describe the pivotal roles played by governance and leadership in delivering high-quality, safe care. This Element sets out what the terms governance and leadership mean and how thinking about them has developed over time. Using real-world examples, the authors analyse research evidence on the influence of governance and leadership on quality and safety in healthcare at different levels in the health system: macro level (what national health systems do), meso level (what organisations do), and micro level (what teams and individuals do). The authors describe behaviours that may help boards focus on improving quality and show how different leadership approaches may contribute to delivering major system change. The Element presents some critiques of governance and leadership, including some challenges that can arise and gaps in the evidence, and then draws out lessons for those seeking to strengthen governance and leadership for improvement. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Leicester's Men and their Plays
Authors: Johnson Laurie
Published: November 2023

For three decades, the Earl of Leicester's Men dominated the early Elizabethan stage and helped develop the main features of Shakespearean theatre. Leicester's Men and their Plays is the first book-length study of this foundational playing company, who toured more widely than any other company, performed more often for Queen Elizabeth's court than any other adult troupe, and established the first major playhouses near London. Building on decades of established scholarship, Laurie Johnson makes exciting new discoveries from primary sources and unearths the rich and fascinating life stories of the first Elizabethan players. His findings overturn fundamental assumptions of theatre history and provide new understandings of the players' circumstances and family origins. Through incisive research and engaging storytelling, Johnson shows how the players and their families adapted to life working under one of the most powerful nobles in the volatile Elizabethan court.
Antibiotic stewardship in Indian palliative care: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Thomas David , Kamalumpundi Vijayvardhan , Thampi Amirtha , Lockman Kashelle , Carter Mary B. , Vidwan Navjyot , Broderick Ann
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Characterize antibiotic prescribing behaviors at an Indian palliative care center after the initiation of the Antibiotic Order Form (AOF): an antibiotic stewardship program involving a paper form to track antibiotic use and to provide prescription guidelines.

Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting:

Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences (TIPS) is a palliative care organization in Kerala, India.

Methods:

Antibiotic prescription data and patient data were collected for adult patients treated at TIPS between January 1, 2017, and October 31, 2019. Descriptive statistics and a Zero-Inflated Poisson regression model were used to analyze antibiotic prescriptions. AOF completion and prescription concordance with institutional guidelines were also evaluated.

Results:

Out of 7,450 unique patients, 675 (9%) were prescribed 1,448 antibiotics. Age was the strongest factor in determining the number of antibiotic courses with each additional year of age decreasing the expected antibiotic prescription count by 2% per year. The most common antibiotics prescribed were topical metronidazole (44%) and penicillins (29%). Among patients who died, 5% were prescribed antibiotics within the final month of life. In total, 32% of antibiotic prescriptions were documented in AOFs, and 18% were concordant with all institutional antibiotic prescribing guidelines.

Conclusions:

This study is the first to analyze an antibiotic stewardship intervention in a palliative care setting within a low- and middle-income country. This retrospective study provides a benchmark of antibiotic use within Indian palliative care and highlights areas for future stewardship research including topical metronidazole use within palliative care and higher rates of antibiotic use among younger palliative care patients.
We’ll take it from here: Veterans Affairs OPAT management of home IV therapy initiated at community hospitals
Authors: Tiemann Allison R. , Guastadisegni Jessica M. , Kouma Marcus A. , Kelly Kevin C. , Arasaratnam Reuben J. , Storey Donald F.
Published: November 2023

An outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy team from a Veterans Affairs facility managed patients discharged from their own facility and neighboring community hospitals. There were no significant differences in adverse outcomes between the groups, but a majority of regimens were modified from those initially proposed by community providers.
Hospital-onset bacteremia and fungemia: examining healthcare-associated infections prevention through a wider lens
Authors: Schrank Gregory M. , Snyder Graham M. , Leekha Surbhi
Published: November 2023

A hospital-onset bacteremia and fungemia (HOB) metric will expand hospital surveillance of bloodstream infections beyond current state and provide an opportunity to re-evaluate infection prevention strategies. Here we consider the added value and potential pitfalls of HOB surveillance and present a framework for the standardized assessment of HOB events.
Coastal management in Brazil from the perspective of the public policy cycle: Analysis of the “multiscale management” proposed in the National Coastal Management Plan
Authors: Pinheiro Giuliana Dos Santos , Tupiassu Lise , Reymão Ana Elizabeth Neirão
Published: November 2023

This article explores the institutionalization of multiscale management in the Brazilian coastal zone, following the National Coastal Management Plan. It employs Secchi’s COQ3 framework to analyze and shed light on this subject. The study uses an exploratory and qualitative approach, employing case studies. It examines the evolution of coastal management in Brazil and highlights the challenges of multiscale management institutionalization. Drawing from Saravia’s public policy cycle insights, it assesses coastal management as a public policy, emphasizing variables and deficiencies in the process. The findings indicate fragmentation and regulatory shortcomings. To achieve integrated management, political cooperation is necessary for aligning interests and effective policy implementation across federal scales, contributing to sustainable coastal resource development in Brazil.
Hybrid axisymmetric model for forced heave of a shallowly submerged cylindrical wave energy converter
Authors: McCauley Guy , Wolgamot Hugh , Draper Scott , Orszaghova Jana
Published: November 2023

Shallowly submerged oscillating structures may be found in wave energy devices or semi-submersible vessels. Predicting the force on such structures is critical for design purposes, but complicated due to nonlinear phenomena which can occur in shallow water, including wave breaking and bore formation. Such effects are particularly important around the first ‘resonance’ frequency of the fluid on top of the device, where linear theory predicts large flows on/off the cylinder and corresponding surface elevations and forces. In an effort to create a reliable and efficient model to predict the hydrodynamic force on a shallowly submerged truncated vertical cylinder, an axisymmetric nonlinear hybrid model is developed for forced heave oscillations. The flow above the cylinder is modelled using the nonlinear shallow water equations, and linear potential flow theory is used in the surrounding fluid. The model is compared with experimental results for forced heave oscillations and performs well for predicting the heave force. It is then used to examine linearised heave force for increasing amplitudes of (prescribed) harmonic heave motion. There is a significant reduction in the peaks of radiation damping and added mass coefficients with increasing amplitude, and associated shifts in the frequencies of the peaks.
THE SIZE INHERITED AGE EFFECT ON RADIOCARBON DATES OF ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS: REDATING CHARCOAL FRAGMENTS IN A SAND-BED STREAM, MACDONALD RIVER, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Authors: Wood Rachel , King Fleur , Esmay Rebecca , Chen Qianyang , Schneider Larissa , Dotte-Sarout Emilie , Fallon Stewart , Fryirs Kirstie , Gillespie Richard , Blong Russell
Published: November 2023

Radiocarbon dates on charred plant remains are often used to define the chronology of archives such as lake cores and fluvial sequences. However, charcoal is often older than its depositional context because old-wood can be burnt and a range of transport and storage stages exist between the woodland and stream or lake bed (“inherited age”). In 1978, Blong and Gillespie dated four size fractions of charcoal found floating or saltating in the Macdonald River, Australia. They found larger fragments gave younger age estimates, raising the possibility that taphonomic modifications could help identify the youngest fragments. In 1978 each date required 1000s charcoal fragments. This study returns to a sample from the Macdonald River to date individual charcoal fragments and finds the inherited age may be more than 1700 years (mode 250 years) older than the collection date. Taphonomic factors, e.g., size, shape or fungal infestation cannot identify the youngest fragments. Only two fragments on short-lived materials correctly estimated the date of collection. In SE Australia, this study suggests that wood charcoal will overestimate the age of deposition, taphonomic modifications cannot be used to identify which are youngest, and multiple short-lived materials are required to accurately estimate the deposition age.
Association between ultra-processed food and flavonoid intakes in a nationally representative sample of the US population
Authors: Leitão Alice Erwig , Roschel Hamilton , Oliveira-Júnior Gersiel , Genario Rafael , Franco Tathiane , Monteiro Carlos Augusto , Martinez-Steele Euridice
Published: November 2023

Consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) has been associated with several chronic diseases and poor diet quality. It is reasonable to speculate that the consumption of UPF negatively associates with flavonoid dietary intake; however, this assumption has not been previously examined. The present study aims to assess association between the dietary contribution of UPF and flavonoid intake in the US population aged 0 years and above. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of dietary data collected by 24-h recalls from 7640 participants participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018. Foods were classified according to the Nova classification system. The updated US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods (Release 3.3) database was used to estimate total and six classes of flavonoid intakes. Flavonoid intakes were compared across quintiles of dietary contribution of UPF (% of total energy intake) using linear regression models. The total and five out of six class flavonoid intakes decreased between 50 and 70 % across extreme quintiles of the dietary contribution of UPF (Pfor linear trend < 0·001); only isoflavones increased by over 260 %. Our findings suggest that consumption of UPF is associated with lower total and five of six class flavonoid intakes and with higher isoflavone intakes, supporting previous evidence of the negative impact of UPF consumption on the overall quality of the diet and health outcomes.
Taste preferences, cardiometabolic diseases and mild cognitive impairment: a prospective cohort analysis of older Chinese adults
Authors: Yuan Dianqi , Tang Huameng , Yang Peisen , Guo Chao
Published: November 2023

Taste preference is a pivotal predictor of nutrient intake, yet its impact on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the association between taste preferences and MCI and the role of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in this association. The study included older adults, aged 65–90 years, with normal cognitive function at baseline who were enrolled in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 2008 to 2018. MCI was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination, and multivariable Cox regression models were applied. Among 6423 participants, 2534 (39·45 %) developed MCI with an incidence rate of 63·12 - per 1000 person-years. Compared with individuals with insipid taste, those preferring sweetness or spiciness had a higher MCI risk, while saltiness was associated with a lower risk. This association was independent of objective dietary patterns and was more pronounced among urban residents preferring sweetness and illiterate participants preferring spiciness. Notably, among sweet-liking individuals, those with one CMD experienced a significant detrimental effect, and those with co-occurring CMD had a higher incidence rate of MCI. Additionally, regional variations were observed: sweetness played a significant role in regions known for sweet cuisine, while the significance of spiciness as a risk factor diminishes in regions where it is commonly preferred. Our findings emphasize the role of subjective taste preferences in protecting cognitive function and highlight regional variations. Target strategies should focus on assisting individuals with CMD to reduce excessive sweetness intake and simultaneously receiving treatment for CMD to safeguard cognitive function.
Reversibility of affine transformations
Authors: Gongopadhyay Krishnendu , Lohan Tejbir , Maity Chandan
Published: November 2023

An element g in a group G is called reversible if g is conjugate to g−1 in G. An element g in G is strongly reversible if g is conjugate to g−1 by an involution in G. The group of affine transformations of $\mathbb D^n$ may be identified with the semi-direct product $\mathrm{GL}(n, \mathbb D) \ltimes \mathbb D^n $, where $\mathbb D:=\mathbb R, \mathbb C$ or $ \mathbb H $. This paper classifies reversible and strongly reversible elements in the affine group $\mathrm{GL}(n, \mathbb D) \ltimes \mathbb D^n $.
Bridging Policy and Research in Eldercare
Authors: Keating Norah C. , Fast Janet E. , Connidis Ingrid A. , Penning Margaret , Keefe Janice
Published: November 2023

A new paradigm for continuing care policy has emerged that is based on assumptions about the benefits of caring partnerships and client-centred care delivery. Such assumptions place the interface between formal and informal care squarely on the policy agenda. The authors describe how existing research can contribute to the debate stimulated by the new policy paradigm and suggest future research that is informed by the paradigm. They argue that theory is an important tool to make policy agendas more explicit and they use human ecology theory to illustrate how theory can frame the development of research to address policy. Finally, they describe barriers to be overcome in order for policy and research to inform one another.
A Model of Consumer Participation: The Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative
Authors: Parboosingh Jean , Stachenko Sylvie , Inhaber Suzanne
Published: November 2023

The issue of linking research and policy is not unique to health care of the elderly; it has been articulated by numerous stakeholder groups, including those with specific diseases, such as breast cancer. A method of enhancing these links is now being systematically addressed in the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative with the input of women with breast cancer. The Initiative consists of a number of components and demonstrates a model of consumer participation at multiple levels in setting the agenda for research and policy development, thus enhancing accountability in the transfer of research findings into policy. The concept of consumer participation in linking research and policy is transferable to other diseases and other population groups, such as seniors.
Parliamentary questions as an intra-coalition control mechanism in mixed regimes
Authors: Block Sebastian
Published: November 2023

Research on intra-coalition control shows that monitoring increases with the ideological distance between coalition partners. However, the focus of scholarship has been primarily on parliamentary regimes, not mixed regimes. In mixed regimes, intra-coalition control becomes more complex due to a dual executive. Parties must simultaneously monitor each other and the directly elected Head of Executive (HoE). This article examines intra-coalition control in mixed regimes by analyzing parliamentary questions from 21 German city councils. The German local level resembles a mixed regime. The executive consists of the coalition cabinet supported by the council majority and the directly elected mayor as the HoE. The results show that the division of governmental responsibilities affects intra-coalition control. When a coalition party is aligned with the HoE, the balance of power within the coalition is affected, and the other partners intensify controlling the aligned party. Additionally, policy divisiveness and issue salience are driving factors for intra-coalition control.
NUMAC: Description of the Nested Unified Model With Aerosols and Chemistry, and Evaluation With KORUS‐AQ Data
Authors: Gordon Hamish , Carslaw Ken S. , Hill Adrian A. , Field Paul R. , Abraham Nathan Luke , Beyersdorf Andreas , Corr‐Limoges Chelsea , Ghosh Pratapaditya , Hemmings John , Jones Anthony C. , Sanchez Claudio , Wang Xuemei , Wilkinson Jonathan
Published: November 2023

We describe and evaluate a system for regional modeling of atmospheric composition with the Met Office Unified Model (UM), suitable for climate, weather forecasting and air quality applications. In this system, named NUMAC (“Nested UM with Aerosols and Chemistry”), a global model provides boundary conditions for regional models nested within it, using the Met Office's Regional Nesting Suite for multi‐scale simulations. The regional models, which can run at convection‐permitting or cloud‐resolving scales, use the same code as the global model. The system includes double‐moment prognostic aerosol microphysics with interactive chemistry of sulfur species, ozone, NOx, and CO as in the UK Earth System Model. Double‐moment prognostic cloud microphysics is optional. To test NUMAC, we compare simulations to surface and aircraft measurements from NASA's Korea‐United States Air Quality campaign over South Korea. The performance of the regional model, which we run at 5 km resolution, is similar to the well‐evaluated global model when the regional and global models use the same emissions. Most species such as ozone, NOx, OH, or PM2.5 are simulated within a factor of 2 of observations most of the time, though they are biased low compared to monitors in polluted areas (observed surface dry PM2.5 averages 28 μgm−3 but we simulate 17 μgm−3). Meteorology and clouds are represented satisfactorily. With higher‐resolution emissions, many of the low model biases are reduced, but a tuning was required to keep NO concentrations realistic, indicating shortcomings in the chemistry scheme. We demonstrate the potential of NUMAC for studies of aerosol‐cloud interactions.
External Forcings Caused the Tripole Trend of Asian Precipitation During the Holocene
Authors: Xu Hongna , Wang Tao , Wang Huijun , Chen Shengqian , Chen Jianhui
Published: November 2023

To investigate the evolution of precipitation over Asian continent in the Holocene and the associated mechanisms, we used a set of simulations of the transient climate evolution over the past 21,000 years (TraCE‐21ka), multimodel results from the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project Phase 4 (PMIP4), and proxy records in Asia. The TraCE‐21ka results showed a tripole pattern in suborbital‐scale precipitation trends over the Asian continent during the Holocene, with a trend of increase over southern parts of the monsoon regions and arid Central Asia (ACA), and a trend of decline over northern parts of the monsoon regions and their areas of transition with ACA. This tripole pattern was corroborated by proxy records from multiple regions and multimodel results from the PMIP4. Further analysis based on single‐forcing simulations of TraCE‐21ka indicated that influences from different external forcings were different on the Asian precipitation in the main rainy seasons in the Holocene and that their combined effects shaped the tripole pattern. In summer, orbital forcing, by reducing solar radiation in mid‐to‐high latitudes and weakening the land‐sea thermal contrast, has been the dominant factor in the long‐term evolution of precipitation in the monsoon region and West Asia. In winter and spring, changes in meltwater flux played dominant roles in intensifying local water cycle and horizontal moisture advection, which drove the trend of increase in precipitation in ACA. Additionally, changes in greenhouse gas concentration and continental ice sheet forcings both also contribute to the increase in precipitation in ACA.
High‐Speed Video Observations of Needles Evolving Into Negative Leaders in a Positive Cloud‐To‐Ground Lightning Flash
Authors: Wu Bin , Qi Qi , Lyu Weitao , Ma Ying , Chen Lyuwen , Lyu Fanchao , Zhang Yang , Fan Yanfeng , Rakov Vladimir A.
Published: November 2023

High‐speed video records of a single‐stroke positive cloud‐to‐ground (+CG) flash were used to examine the evolution of eight needles developing more or less radially from the +CG channel. All these eight needles occurred during the later return‐stroke stage and the following continuing current stage. Six needles, after their initial extension from the lateral surface of the parent channel core, elongated via bidirectional recoil events, which are responsible for flickering, and two of them evolved into negative stepped leaders. For the latter two, the mean extension speed decreased from 5.3 × 106 to 3.4 × 105 and then to 1.3 × 105 m/s during the initial, recoil‐event, and stepping stages, respectively. The initial needle extension ranged from 70 to 320 m (N = 8), extension via recoil events from 50 to 210 m (N = 6), and extension via stepping from 810 to 1,870 m (N = 2). Compared with needles developing from leader channels, the different behavior of needle flickering, the longer length, the faster extension speed, and the higher flickering rate observed in this work may be attributed to a considerably higher current (rate of charge supply) during the return‐stroke and early continuing‐current stages of +CG flashes.
Zonal Indian Ocean Variability Drives Millennial‐Scale Precipitation Changes in Northern Madagascar
Authors: Tiger Benjamin H. , Burns Stephen , Dawson Robin R. , Scroxton Nick , Godfrey Laurie R. , Ranivoharimanana Lovasoa , Faina Peterson , McGee David
Published: November 2023

The low latitude Indian Ocean is warming faster than other tropical basins, and its interannual climate variability is projected to become more extreme under future emissions scenarios with substantial impacts on developing Indian Ocean rim countries. Therefore, it has become increasingly important to understand the drivers of regional precipitation in a changing climate. Here we present a new speleothem record from Anjohibe, a cave in northwest (NW) Madagascar well situated to record past changes in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). U‐Th ages date speleothem growth from 27 to 14 ka. δ18O, δ13C, and trace metal proxies reconstruct drier conditions during Heinrich Stadials 1 and 2, and wetter conditions during the Last Glacial Maximum and Bølling–Allerød. This is surprising considering hypotheses arguing for southward (northward) ITCZ shifts during North Atlantic cooling (warming) events, which would be expected to result in wetter (drier) conditions at Anjohibe in the Southern Hemisphere tropics. The reconstructed Indian Ocean zonal (west‐east) sea surface temperature (SST) gradient is in close agreement with hydroclimate proxies in NW Madagascar, with periods of increased precipitation correlating with relatively warmer conditions in the western Indian Ocean and cooler conditions in the eastern Indian Ocean. Such gradients could drive long‐term shifts in the strength of the Walker circulation with widespread effects on hydroclimate across East Africa. These results suggest that during abrupt millennial‐scale climate changes, it is not meridional ITCZ shifts, but the tropical Indian Ocean SST gradient and Walker circulation driving East African hydroclimate variability.
SCFβTrCP-mediated degradation of SHARP1 in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Enriqué Steinberg Juliana Haydeé , Rossi Fabiana Alejandra , Magliozzi Roberto , Yuniati Laurensia , Santucci Matteo , Rossi Mario , Guardavaccaro Daniele , Lauriola Angela
Published: November 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer associated with metastasis, high recurrence rate, and poor survival. The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor SHARP1 (Split and Hairy-related Protein 1) has been identified as a suppressor of the metastatic behavior of TNBC. SHARP1 blocks the invasive phenotype of TNBC by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factors and its loss correlates with poor survival of breast cancer patients. Here, we show that SHARP1 is an unstable protein that is targeted for proteasomal degradation by the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex SCFβTrCP. SHARP1 recruits βTrCP via a phosphodegron encompassing Ser240 and Glu245 which are required for SHARP1 ubiquitylation and degradation. Furthermore, mice injected with TNBC cells expressing the non-degradable SHARP1(S240A/E245A) mutant display reduced tumor growth and increased tumor-free survival. Our study suggests that targeting the βTrCP-dependent degradation of SHARP1 represents a therapeutic strategy in TNBC.
Prediction on X-ray output of free electron laser based on artificial neural networks
Authors: Li Kenan , Zhou Guanqun , Liu Yanwei , Wu Juhao , Lin Ming-fu , Cheng Xinxin , Lutman Alberto A. , Seaberg Matthew , Smith Howard , Kakhandiki Pranav A. , Sakdinawat Anne
Published: November 2023

Knowledge of x-ray free electron lasers’ (XFELs) pulse characteristics delivered to a sample is crucial for ensuring high-quality x-rays for scientific experiments. XFELs’ self-amplified spontaneous emission process causes spatial and spectral variations in x-ray pulses entering a sample, which leads to measurement uncertainties for experiments relying on multiple XFEL pulses. Accurate in-situ measurements of x-ray wavefront and energy spectrum incident upon a sample poses challenges. Here we address this by developing a virtual diagnostics framework using an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict x-ray photon beam properties from electron beam properties. We recorded XFEL electron parameters while adjusting the accelerator’s configurations and measured the resulting x-ray wavefront and energy spectrum shot-to-shot. Training the ANN with this data enables effective prediction of single-shot or average x-ray beam output based on XFEL undulator and electron parameters. This demonstrates the potential of utilizing ANNs for virtual diagnostics linking XFEL electron and photon beam properties.
Themis2 regulates natural killer cell memory function and formation
Authors: Nabekura Tsukasa , Deborah Elfira Amalia , Tahara Saeko , Arai Yuya , Love Paul E. , Kako Koichiro , Fukamizu Akiyoshi , Muratani Masafumi , Shibuya Akira
Published: November 2023

Immunological memory is a hallmark of the adaptive immune system. Although natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells important for the immediate host defence, they can differentiate into memory NK cells. The molecular mechanisms controlling this differentiation are yet to be fully elucidated. Here we identify the scaffold protein Themis2 as a critical regulator of memory NK cell differentiation and function. Themis2-deficient NK cells expressing Ly49H, an activating NK receptor for the mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) antigen m157, show enhanced differentiation into memory NK cells and augment host protection against MCMV infection. Themis2 inhibits the effector function of NK cells after stimulation of Ly49H and multiple activating NK receptors, though not specific to memory NK cells. Mechanistically, Themis2 suppresses Ly49H signalling by attenuating ZAP70/Syk phosphorylation, and it also translocates to the nucleus, where it promotes Zfp740-mediated repression to regulate the persistence of memory NK cells. Zfp740 deficiency increases the number of memory NK cells and enhances the effector function of memory NK cells, which further supports the relevance of the Themis2-Zfp740 pathway. In conclusion, our study shows that Themis2 quantitatively and qualitatively regulates NK cell memory formation.
Reactivity of complex communities can be more important than stability
Authors: Yang Yuguang , Coyte Katharine Z. , Foster Kevin R. , Li Aming
Published: November 2023

Understanding stability—whether a community will eventually return to its original state after a perturbation—is a major focus in the study of various complex systems, particularly complex ecosystems. Here, we challenge this focus, showing that short-term dynamics can be a better predictor of outcomes for complex ecosystems. Using random matrix theory, we study how complex ecosystems behave immediately after small perturbations. Our analyses show that many communities are expected to be ‘reactive’, whereby some perturbations will be amplified initially and generate a response that is directly opposite to that predicted by typical stability measures. In particular, we find reactivity is prevalent for complex communities of mixed interactions and for structured communities, which are both expected to be common in nature. Finally, we show that reactivity can be a better predictor of extinction risk than stability, particularly when communities face frequent perturbations, as is increasingly common. Our results suggest that, alongside stability, reactivity is a fundamental measure for assessing ecosystem health.
Asymmetric conformations and lipid interactions shape the ATP-coupled cycle of a heterodimeric ABC transporter
Authors: Tang Qingyu , Sinclair Matt , Hasdemir Hale S. , Stein Richard A. , Karakas Erkan , Tajkhorshid Emad , Mchaourab Hassane S.
Published: November 2023

Here we used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), double electron-electron resonance spectroscopy (DEER), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, to capture and characterize ATP- and substrate-bound inward-facing (IF) and occluded (OC) conformational states of the heterodimeric ATP binding cassette (ABC) multidrug exporter BmrCD in lipid nanodiscs. Supported by DEER analysis, the structures reveal that ATP-powered isomerization entails changes in the relative symmetry of the BmrC and BmrD subunits that propagates from the transmembrane domain to the nucleotide binding domain. The structures uncover asymmetric substrate and Mg2+ binding which we hypothesize are required for triggering ATP hydrolysis preferentially in one of the nucleotide-binding sites. MD simulations demonstrate that multiple lipid molecules differentially bind the IF versus the OC conformation thus establishing that lipid interactions modulate BmrCD energy landscape. Our findings are framed in a model that highlights the role of asymmetric conformations in the ATP-coupled transport with general implications to the mechanism of ABC transporters.
Lanthanum modulated reaction pacemakers on a single catalytic nanoparticle
Authors: Raab Maximilian , Zeininger Johannes , Suchorski Yuri , Genest Alexander , Weigl Carla , Rupprechter Günther
Published: November 2023

Promoters are important in catalysis, but the atomistic details of their function and particularly their role in reaction instabilities such as kinetic phase transitions and oscillations are often unknown. Employing hydrogen oxidation as probe reaction, a Rh nanotip for mimicking a single Rh nanoparticle and field electron microscopy for in situ monitoring, we demonstrate a La-mediated local catalytic effect. The oscillatory mode of the reaction provides a tool for studying the interplay between different types of reaction pacemakers, i.e., specific local surface atomic configurations that initiate kinetic transitions. The presence of La shifts the bistable reaction states, changes the oscillation pattern and deactivates one of two pacemaker types for the La-free surface. The observed effects originate from the La-enhanced oxygen activation on the catalyst. The experimental observations are corroborated by micro-kinetic model simulations comprising a system of 25 coupled oscillators.
Multipole engineering by displacement resonance: a new degree of freedom of Mie resonance
Authors: Tang Yu-Lung , Yen Te-Hsin , Nishida Kentaro , Li Chien-Hsuan , Chen Yu-Chieh , Zhang Tianyue , Pai Chi-Kang , Chen Kuo-Ping , Li Xiangping , Takahara Junichi , Chu Shi-Wei
Published: November 2023

The canonical studies on Mie scattering unravel strong electric/magnetic optical responses in nanostructures, laying foundation for emerging meta-photonic applications. Conventionally, the morphology-sensitive resonances hinge on the normalized frequency, i.e. particle size over wavelength, but non-paraxial incidence symmetry is overlooked. Here, through confocal reflection microscopy with a tight focus scanning over silicon nanostructures, the scattering point spread functions unveil distinctive spatial patterns featuring that linear scattering efficiency is maximal when the focus is misaligned. The underlying physical mechanism is the excitation of higher-order multipolar modes, not accessible by plane wave irradiation, via displacement resonance, which showcases a significant reduction of nonlinear response threshold, sign flip in all-optical switching, and spatial resolution enhancement. Our result fundamentally extends the century-old light scattering theory, and suggests new dimensions to tailor Mie resonances.
Symptomatic, functional and quality of life measures of remission in 194 outpatients with schizophrenia followed naturalistically in a 6-month, non-interventional study of aripiprazole once-monthly
Authors: Correll Christoph U. , Brieden Andreas , Janetzky Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

An important goal in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia is remission in various domains, i.e., of symptoms, psychosocial functioning and subjective well-being. We undertook a post hoc analysis of pre-stabilized outpatients with schizophrenia and complete outcome data who had been enrolled in a 6-month non-interventional study of aripiprazole once-monthly (AOM) at 75 German sites. Key outcomes were (i) symptomatic remission (cross-sectional Andreasen et al. criteria (≤mild positive and negative key symptoms on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS))); (ii) functional remission (Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale score >70), and (iii) subjective well-being remission (WHO-5 scale score ≥13) at week 24. Of 242 enrolled patients, 194 (80.2%) (age = 43.9 ± 15.3 years; 51.5% male, illness duration = 14.0 ± 12.0 years) with complete data were analyzed. While 61.3% of the patients achieved symptomatic remission and 76.8% achieved remission regarding subjective well-being, only 24.7% achieved psychosocial functioning remission at 6 months. Remission rates were similar for men and women and across strata of disease duration with, on average, less remission in patients with longer illness duration. Correlations of improvements on the BPRS and GAF were weak, with the weakest correlation between the BPRS depressive mood item and the GAF scale, but similarly high correlation between BPRS subscales or the BPRS depressive mood item and subjective well-being. These findings suggest that while treatment with AOM can lead to symptomatic remission and remission regarding subjective well-being, additional interventions such as psychosocial therapy or supported employment and education may be necessary to achieve functional remission.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the ocular characteristics in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Dastamooz Sima , Tham Clement C. Y. , Yam Jason C. S. , Li Minghui , Wong Stephen H. S. , Sit Cindy H. P.
Published: November 2023

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ocular characteristics. Systematic review with meta-analysis. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, Embase, EBSCOhost, and Cochrane library) were selected for a systematic literature search from database inception to July 2022. The observational studies assessing and reporting at least one outcome regarding ocular characteristics in children and adolescents with ADHD or ASD aged 6–17 were included. Studies in languages other than English, studies of adult or elderly human populations, and animal studies were excluded. The results were analyzed following the PRISMA guideline 2020. The findings of 15 studies, including 433 participants with ADHD, 253 participants with ASD, and 514 participants with typical development (TD), revealed that there were no significant differences in retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, and macular thickness between the ADHD group and the TD group. In subgroup analysis, significant differences in inferior ganglion cell (MD = − 3.19; 95% CI = [− 6.06, − 0.31], p = 0.03) and nasal macular thickness (MD = 5.88; 95% CI = [− 0.01, 11.76], p = 0.05) were detected between the ADHD group and the TD group. A significant difference in pupillary light reflex (PLR) was also observed between the ASD group and the TD group (MD = 29.7; 95% CI = [18.79, 40.63], p < 0.001). Existing evidence suggests a possible association between children and adolescents with ADHD or ASD and ocular characteristics. Given the limited number of studies, further research on a larger cohort is necessary to claim a possible diagnosis of ADHD or ASD through ocular characteristics.
Macular vessel density in central retinal artery occlusion with retinal arterial cannulation
Authors: Soga Naoki , Tanaka Shin , Inoue Maiko , Inoue Tatsuya , Hayashi Atsushi , de Juan Eugene , Kadonosono Kazuaki
Published: November 2023

To characterize and compare macular vessel density in central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) eyes with retinal arterial cannulation and CRAO eyes with standard treatment. This study was Cross-sectional, observational study. Twenty-two eyes with nonarteric CRAO which underwent retinal arterial cannulation and 19 eyes with nonarteric CRAO with standard treatment were included. Optical coherent tomography angiography (OCTA)-based macular vessel density and visual acuity were examined. The dynamic ranged-based normalized rates of vessel density was compared within each group at the first visit to the clinic and 7 days after the onset. Macular vessel density in cannulation group was significantly better at 7 days after the onset than that at the first visit (3.73 ± 3.02 mm−1 vs. 7.89 ± 1.02 mm−1, P = 0.0001), while there wasn’t significant improvement of macular vessel density in standard treatment group at 7 days after the onset (2.13 ± 1.62 mm−1 vs. 2.89 ± 0.22 mm−1, P = 0.067). At one month after the onset, mean LogMAR visual acuity in CRAO eyes with cannulation significantly improved compared with that at the first visit after the onset (1.678 vs. 0.979, P = 0.00012). Macular vessel density loss in CRAO eyes was improved by retinal arterial cannulation. Early intervention of retinal arterial cannulation is useful for minimizing visual impairment in CRAO eyes.