bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
My choice, my actions: self-determination, not instrumental value of outcomes enhances outcome monitoring during learning
Authors: Giersiepen Maren , Schütz-Bosbach Simone , Kaiser Jakob
Published: August 2024

Freedom of choice enhances our sense of agency. During goal-directed behavior, the freedom to choose between different response options increases the neural processing of positive and negative feedback, indicating enhanced outcome monitoring under conditions of high agency experience. However, it is unclear whether this enhancement is predominantly driven by an increased salience of self- compared to externally determined action outcomes or whether differences in the perceived instrumental value of outcomes contribute to outcome monitoring in goal-directed tasks. To test this, we recorded electroencephalography while participants performed a reinforcement learning task involving free choices, action-relevant forced choices, and action-irrelevant forced choices. We observed larger midfrontal theta power and N100 amplitudes for feedback following free choices compared with action-relevant and action-irrelevant forced choices. In addition, a Reward Positivity was only present for free but not forced choice outcomes. Crucially, our results indicate that enhanced outcome processing is not driven by the relevance of outcomes for future actions but rather stems from the association of outcomes with recent self-determined choice. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of self-determination in tracking the consequences of our actions and contribute to an understanding of the cognitive processes underlying the choice-induced facilitation in outcome monitoring.
Polyelectrolyte-assisted uniform electron transporting layer on texture substrate for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ishikawa Ryo
Published: August 2024

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells using textured transparent conductive films exhibit high efficiencies with improved short-circuit current density. However, uniform electron transport layer (ETL) deposition on textures by solution process is challenging. In this study, uniform ETL were formed by sequentially spin- coating polyelectrolyte with positively and negatively charged segments and negative SnO2 colloid solution and electrostatically enhancing the SnO2 coverage. The stabilized power output (SPO) was improved from 12.9% to 18.6% by incorporating this polyelectrolyte/SnO2 bilayer.
Defog YOLO for road object detection in foggy weather
Authors: Shi Xiaolong , Song Anjun
Published: August 2024

Object detection research predominantly focuses on clear weather conditions, often overlooking the challenges posed by foggy weather. Fog impairs the vision of onboard cameras, creating significant obstacles for autonomous vehicles. To tackle these issues, we present the Defog YOLO algorithm, specifically designed for road object detection in foggy conditions. Our approach integrates an enhanced U-Net framework for visual defogging, where the encoder leverages super-resolution back projection to combine multi-layer features. The decoder employs a back projection feedback mechanism to improve image restoration. Additionally, we augment the Feature Pyramid Network with a noise-aware attention mechanism, allowing the network to emphasize critical channel and spatial information while mitigating noise. Given the scarcity of labeled foggy images, we introduce a fog addition module to generate a more diverse training dataset. We validate our method using a synthesized FOG-TRAINVAL dataset, derived from the VOC dataset, demonstrating its robustness in foggy scenarios. Experimental results show that our proposed method achieves an mAP score of 60% on the Real-world Task-driven Testing Set foggy weather test set, with a precision of 86.7% and a recall of 54.2%. These findings underscore the effectiveness and improved generalizability of our approach for object detection in adverse weather conditions.
Management of a pregnant woman with Marfan syndrome and aortic root and aberrant right subclavian artery aneurysm: a case report
Authors: Voges Inga , Hoffmann Ulrike , Attman Tim , Uebing Anselm
Published: August 2024

Background

Marfan syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disorder that commonly affects the cardiovascular, skeletal, and ocular system. The increased risk of developing thoracic aortic aneurysms that can lead to aortic dissection and rupture is the main source of mortality in these patients. Pregnancy-induced changes can further increase the risk for aortic complications, especially in patients with an aortic root diameter > 45 mm.

Case summary

The case of a 26-year-old female with Marfan syndrome who was lost to follow-up for five years and presented to our department being pregnant at 21 weeks is presented. Echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) showed an aortic root diameter of 55 mm and a large aneurysm of an aberrant right subclavian artery. Following multidisciplinary team discussion, valve-sparing aortic root and ascending aortic replacement was performed at 22 weeks of gestation without any complications. During the remaining pregnancy, the patient had frequent clinical and CMR follow-up investigations showing a mild increased size of the subclavian aneurysm. Uncomplicated caesarean delivery was performed at 35 weeks of gestation, and the subclavian artery aneurysm was successfully treated by interventional embolization.

Discussion

Although cardiovascular surgery in our patient during pregnancy was uncomplicated, the case illustrates that pre-pregnancy counselling in Marfan patients is recommended to reduce the risk for mother and child.
Current use of echocardiography in cardio-oncology: nationwide real-world data from an ANMCO/SIECVI joint survey
Authors: Barbieri Andrea , Camilli Massimiliano , Bisceglia Irma , Mantovani Francesca , Ciampi Quirino , Zito Concetta , Canale Maria Laura , Khoury Georgette , Antonini-Canterin Francesco , Carerj Scipione , Campana Marco , Riccio Carmine , Gulizia Michele Massimo , Grimaldi Massimo , Gabrielli Domenico , Colivicchi Furio , Pepi Mauro , Oliva Fabrizio
Published: August 2024

Aims

The need for cardio-oncology competencies is constantly growing, and with the establishment of cardio-oncology services, cardiovascular imaging, particularly transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), has become pivotal in patients’ management. However, care pathways for oncologic patients largely depend on local health structures’ resources. This survey from Associazione Italiana Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri and the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging aimed at investigating the use of echocardiography in cardio-oncology services and knowledge levels on cancer patients’ care.

Methods and results

Data were obtained via an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire uploaded to the promoting societies’ websites. Responses came from 159 centres with echocardiography. According to one-third of participating centres, workload related to cancer patients represented >30% of the total requests. The most common TTE indication (85%) was left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) evaluation. Many centres (55%) still assessed LVEF solely by bidimensional method or visual estimation in case of inadequate acoustic windows. At the same time, almost 40% of centres reported routinely using global longitudinal strain when feasible. We further performed a sub-analysis according to the presence (33%) or absence (77%) of dedicated cardio-oncologists, revealing significant differences in cardiovascular surveillance strategies and cardiotoxicity management.

Conclusion

This survey on echocardiography practice for cancer patients reveals a significant gap between actual clinical practice and standards proposed by recommendations, underlying the need for stronger partnerships between cardiologists and oncologists and dedicated, well-structured cardio-oncology services.
A secret life of Queen Eleanor of Austria: correspondence, courtiers and covert agents
Authors: Hoffman Maxim
Published: August 2024

This article seeks to reassess the influence of Eleanor of Austria as queen of France. Her dual role as a foreign queen consort not only encompassed her persona as a queen of peace, emphasized at public appearances, but also involved an intimate sphere of back-channel diplomacy where she maintained close connections with her siblings, Emperor Charles V and Queen Mary of Hungary. First, Eleanor’s peace-making identity in public diplomacy will be discussed. Then, by examining dispatches from imperial ambassadors, this article demonstrates how Eleanor stimulated the Habsburg information-gathering process. Furthermore, an analysis of her unedited correspondence provides insight into the political and cultural context in which she operated as a letter writer at the court of François Ier. This article then illuminates the prominent roles played by her courtiers, and most notably Beatriz Pacheco, as informants of the imperial ambassadors and her support for covert agents such as Domingo Leyton, thus offering a more political and personal portrayal of the queen’s entourage. In this way, the article aims to present novel perspectives on secrecy and espionage at the French and Habsburg Renaissance courts.
Comparative Study of Antioxidant Activity of Dextran-Coated Iron Oxide, Gold, and Silver Nanoparticles Against Age-Induced Oxidative Stress in Erythrocytes
Authors: Yadav Somu , Bhagat Stuti , Singh Sanjay , Maurya Pawan Kumar
Published: August 2024

Erythrocytes undergo several changes during human aging and age-related diseases and, thus, have been studied as biomarkers of the aging process. The present study aimed to explore the antioxidant ability of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) such as iron oxide (Fe3O4), gold (Au), and silver (Ag) to mitigate age-related oxidative stress in human erythrocytes. Metal and metal oxide NPs behave like antioxidative enzymes, directly influencing redox pathways and thus have better efficiency. Additionally, biopolymer coatings such as dextran enhance the biocompatibility of these NPs. Therefore, dextran-coated Fe3O4, Au, and Ag NPs were synthesized using wet chemical methods and were characterized. Their hemocompatibility and ability to protect erythrocytes from age-induced oxidative stress were investigated. The Fe3O4 and Au NPs were observed to protect erythrocytes from hydrogen peroxide and age-induced oxidative damage, including decreased antioxidant levels, reduced activity of antioxidative enzymes, and increased amounts of oxidative species. Pretreatment with NPs preserved the morphology and membrane integrity of the erythrocyte. However, Ag NPs induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes similar to hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, dextran-coated Fe3O4 and Au nanoparticles have the potential to be employed as antioxidant therapies against age-related oxidative stress.
What Does It Mean to Successfully Age?: Multinational Study of Older Adults’ Perceptions
Authors: Burton Elissa , Teater Barbra , Chonody Jill , Alford Sabretta
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Successful aging is a mainstay of the gerontological literature, but it is not without criticism, including the often-limited way that it is studied and measured as well as the exclusion of older adults’ voices in its formulation and understanding. This study sought to address these issues through a qualitative investigation across multiple countries.

Research Design and Methods

This was a mixed-methods, cross-sectional, exploratory study using an online survey. Nations that received the survey included Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and the Unites States. Participants aged 65 and older were asked to describe what successful aging means to them in an open-ended survey item. Summative content analysis was utilized to examine the responses.

Results

Successful aging was defined by 1,994 participants, and 6 themes along with 20 subthemes were found. In contrast to conception that successful aging is solely or predominantly related to the absence of disease and decline, the most prominent theme in this study was “active, independent, and engaged” as the hallmark of success.

Discussion and Implications

Although health and health maintenance were present in other themes, these findings support a multidimensional definition of successful aging that promotes the perspectives of older people. Future research should seek to further investigate the ways in which person-in-environment factors influence definitions of successful aging, including culture, gender and gender identity, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.
Ethylene in fruits: beyond ripening control
Authors: Huang Wei , Tan Cong , Guo Hongwei
Published: August 2024

Fruits are a rich source of nutrients, minerals, and dietary fibers for both humans and animals. While the gaseous phytohormone ethylene is well-known for its role in controlling fruit ripening, there is growing evidence that ethylene also plays crucial roles in regulating other developmental processes of fruits, such as sex determination, fruit set, and fruit growth. In this review, we aim to revisit these findings from various species like cucumber, melon, tomato, rice, maize, and more. These studies not only enhance our understanding of ethylene’s function in fruits but also highlight the potential for manipulating ethylene to improve crops. Furthermore, we discuss recent studies that show the ethylene precursor ACC (1-AMINOCYCLOPROPANE-1-CARBOXYLATE), and the ethylene signaling components EIN2 (ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE2) and EIN3 (ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3) have ethylene-independent function in specific conditions. This phenomenon, combined with findings of dosage-dependent ethylene functions in certain conditions, highlights the importance of analyzing mutants with completely blocked ethylene pathways in different species at specific developmental stages and tissue types. Overall, this review offers a timely and essential summary of ethylene’s role in sex determination, fruit formation, and fruit growth, which could be beneficial for horticulture crop breeding.
Compatibility of medication admixtures in continuous subcutaneous infusions: prioritizing laboratory testing for common combinations
Authors: Leong Marco Cheok In , Michael Natasha , Wojnar Robert
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Continuous subcutaneous infusions (CSCIs) are indicated as an alternative therapy when the oral route is not viable. However, despite their widespread use in palliative care, the evidence for admixture compatibility remains a limitation. It is estimated that a significant number of admixtures used in practice are not supported by laboratory studies, which may lead to suboptimal clinical outcomes. The study aimed to determine the frequency of admixtures used in clinical practice without compatibility data generated by laboratory studies, and thereby identifying the most commonly prescribed admixtures that require laboratory data, which can help to guide the prioritization of future testing.

Methods

This study was conducted across five palliative care services (three inpatients and two communities) in Victoria, Australia between May and July 2021. Electronic or paper medication charts of CSCIs were reviewed across all participating sites for all infusions administered. Data collected included medication combinations, dose, diluent, final volume, duration of infusion, reports of infusion-related reactions, and observed incompatibility.

Key findings

A total of 616 infusions containing two to three medications were assessed. Only 60% of these infusions were validated by laboratory data. Eleven most commonly prescribed admixtures with no laboratory compatibility data were identified over the 3-month period.

Conclusion

Laboratory testing for the identified admixtures should be advocated to promote the safe and effective use of these medications.
The relationship between person-centred care and well-being and satisfaction with care of patients living with obesity
Authors: Crompvoets Paige I , Nieboer Anna P , van Rossum Elisabeth F. C , Cramm Jane M
Published: August 2024

Person-centred care (PCC) is associated with improved patient well-being and higher levels of satisfaction with care but its impact on individuals living with obesity is not well-established. The main aim of this study was to assess the relationship between PCC and the physical and social well-being of patients living with obesity, as well as their satisfaction with care. This study is based on a cross-sectional, web-based survey administered among a representative panel of Dutch individuals living with obesity. The primary outcomes were physical and social well-being and satisfaction with care. The primary exposure was a rating of overall PCC, encompassing its eight dimensions. In addition, covariates considered in the analyses included sex, age, marital status, education level, body mass index, and chronic illness. The data from a total of 590 participants were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple regression analyses. Among PCC dimensions, participants rated ‘access to care’ the highest (M 4.1, SD 0.6), while ‘coordination of care’ (M 3.5, SD 0.8) was rated lower than all other dimensions. Participants’ overall PCC ratings were positively correlated with their physical (r = 0.255, P < .001) and social well-being (r = 0.289, P < .001) and their satisfaction with care (r = 0.788, P < .001), as were the separate dimension scores. After controlling for sex, age, marital status, education level, body mass index, and chronic illness in the regression analyses, participants’ overall PCC ratings were positively related to their physical (β = 0.24, P < .001) and social well-being (β = 0.26, P < .001), and satisfaction with care (β = 0.79, P < .001). PCC holds promise for improved outcomes among patients living with obesity, both in terms of physical and social well-being, as well as satisfaction with care. This is an important finding, particularly when considering the profound physical, social, and psychological consequences associated with obesity. In addition to highlighting the potential benefits of PCC in the healthcare of individuals living with obesity, the findings offer valuable insights into strategies for further refining the provision of PCC to meet the specific needs of these patients.
Jumping Performance and Behavior of the Globular Springtail Dicyrtomina minuta
Authors: Smith A A , Harrison J S
Published: August 2024

Synopsis

Springtails are among the most abundant arthropods on earth and they exhibit unique latch-mediated spring-actuated jumping behaviors and anatomical systems. Despite this, springtail jumps have not been well described, especially for those with a globular body plan. Here, we provide a complete description and visualization of jumping in the globular springtail Dicyrtomina minuta. A furca-powered jump results in an average take-off velocity of 1 ms−1 in 1.7 ms, with a fastest acceleration to liftoff of 1938 ms−2. All jumps involve rapid backwards body rotation throughout, rotating on average at 282.2 Hz with a peak rate of 368.7 Hz. Despite body lengths of 1–2 mm, jumping resulted in a backwards trajectory traveling up to 102 mm in horizontal distance and 62 mm in vertical. Escape jumps in response to posterior stimulation did not elicit forward-facing jumps, suggesting that D. minuta is incapable of directing a jump off a flat surface within the 90° heading directly in front of them. Finally, two landing strategies were observed: collophore-anchoring, which allows for an immediate arrest and recovery, and uncontrolled landings where the springtail chaotically tumbles. In comparison to other fast jumping arthropods, linear performance measures globular springtail jumps place them between other systems like fleas and froghoppers. However, in angular body rotation, globular springtails like D. minuta surpass all other animal systems. Given the extraordinary performance measures, unique behavioral responses, and understudied nature of these species, globular springtails present promising opportunities for further description and comparison.
Chinese Firms in the US–China Trade War: Decoupling through Reshoring?
Authors: Zeng Ka , Kim Soo Yeon
Published: August 2024

This paper leverages firm-level data to examine the impact of the US–China trade war on the greenfield investment of Chinese investors. Our research yields a few interesting findings. Importantly, our longitudinal analysis of Chinese greenfield investment projects yields evidence that the tariffs have dampened overall Chinese investment. Further analyses for different world regions indicate that while the tariffs have generally had a chilling effect on Chinese investment in most world regions, they may have prompted Chinese investors to engage in “tariff-jumping” in the United States. Our analysis further shows that the trade war may have incentivized Chinese investors to increasingly invest in countries with good political ties with Beijing, presumably as a buffer against potential downturns in bilateral relations. It may also have contributed, at least in part, to a reduced willingness by Chinese state-owned enterprises to engage in overseas investment. However, we found no evidence that the tariffs have led to a perceptible shift in China's investment flows toward BRI countries. Overall, these findings help to illuminate the extent to which policies of “decoupling” may have induced shifts in Chinese investors’ investment patterns, at least in the short-run.
Exploring the Interactive Impacts of Citronellol, Thymol, and Trans-Cinnamaldehyde in Broilers: Moving towards an Improved Performance, Immunity, Gastrointestinal Integrity, and Clostridium perfringens Resistance
Authors: Abd El-Hamid Marwa I , El-Malt Rania M S , Al-Khalaifah H S , Al-Nasser Afaf , Elazab Sara T , Basiony Asmaa , Ali Amira M , Mohamed Dalia I , Nassan Mohamed A , Ibrahim Doaa
Published: August 2024

Aims

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of dietary citronellol, thymol, and trans-cinnamaldehyde (CTC) essential oils blend on broilers` growth performance, immunity, intestinal microbial count, gut integrity, and resistance against Clostridium perfringens utilizing the necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge model.

Methods and results

A total of 200 Ross 308 male broiler chicks received either a control diet or diet supplemented with three graded levels of CTC blend including 300, 600, and 900 mg of CTC blend/Kg diet and experimentally infected with C. perfringens strain at 23 days of age. Herein, dietary CTC blend fortifications significantly improved the broilers` growth performance, which was supported by upregulating the expression levels of MUC-2, occludin, and JAM-2 genes. Moreover, dietary CTC blend inclusion significantly enhanced the levels of blood phagocytic percentage and serum IgA, IgG, and MPO, and reduced the values of serum CRP, and NO at 5 days pre-infection, 10-, and 15 days post-infection (dpi) with C. perfringens. At 15 dpi, CTC blend inclusion significantly reduced the intestinal digesta pH, coliforms and C. perfringens loads, and the expression levels of genes related to C. perfringens virulence (cpe, cnaA, and nanI), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α), and chemokines (CCL20), in addition to increasing the count of beneficial total Lactobacillus and total aerobic bacteria, and the expression levels of genes related to anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) and chemokines (AvBD6, and AvBD612).

Conclusion

Our results point to the growth-provoking, immunostimulant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antivirulence characteristics of the CTC blend, which improves the broilers' resistance to C. perfringens and ameliorates the negative impacts of NE.
Overwintering potential of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Austria
Authors: Wernicke Matthias , Egartner Alois , Blümel Sylvia , Moraiti Cleopatra A , Papadopoulos Nikos T
Published: August 2024

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), one of the most important invasive pests of fresh fruits and vegetables from the coastal Mediterranean habitats, is expanding its current geographic distribution to cooler more temperate areas of Europe. Every year since 2010 the fly is detected in the area of Vienna, Austria. However, whether it can establish permanent populations is not known. In this current paper, the capacity of C. capitata to overwinter in Vienna, Austria (48.1° northern latitude) was studied over 2 consecutive winter seasons (2020–2022). Overwintering trials with different life stages (larva, pupa, and adult) of C. capitata were performed in the open field and in the protected environment of a basement without a heating system. Control flies were kept under constant conditions in a climate chamber (25 °C, 60% RH, 14:10 L:D). Our data showed that no life stage of the Mediterranean fruit fly was able to survive the Austrian winter in the open field. However, in the protected environment C. capitata outlived the winter months in all studied life stages at least in small numbers and several surviving females were able to lay eggs at the time of the following fruiting season. Implications of these findings for the ongoing geographic range expansion of the pest in temperate European countries are discussed.
Genetic background affects neutrophil activity and determines the severity of autoinflammatory osteomyelitis in mice
Authors: Pavliuchenko Nataliia , Kuzmina Maria , Danek Petr , Spoutil Frantisek , Prochazka Jan , Skopcova Tereza , Pokorna Jana , Sedlacek Radislav , Alberich-Jorda Meritxell , Brdicka Tomas
Published: August 2024

The knowledge about the contribution of the innate immune system to health and disease is expanding. However, to obtain reliable results, it is critical to select appropriate mouse models for in vivo studies. Data on genetic and phenotypic changes associated with different mouse strains can assist in this task. Such data can also facilitate our understanding of how specific polymorphisms and genetic alterations affect gene function, phenotypes, and disease outcomes. Extensive information is available on genetic changes in all major mouse strains. However, comparatively little is known about their impact on immune response and, in particular, on innate immunity. Here, we analyzed a mouse model of chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, an autoinflammatory disease driven exclusively by the innate immune system, which is caused by an inactivating mutation in the Pstpip2 gene. We investigated how the genetic background of BALB/c, C57BL/6J, and C57BL/6NCrl strains alters the molecular mechanisms controlling disease progression. While all mice developed the disease, symptoms were significantly milder in BALB/c and partially also in C57BL/6J when compared to C57BL/6NCrl. Disease severity correlated with the number of infiltrating neutrophils and monocytes and with the production of chemokines attracting these cells to the site of inflammation. It also correlated with increased expression of genes associated with autoinflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, neutrophil activation, and degranulation, resulting in altered neutrophil activation in vivo. Together, our data demonstrate striking effects of genetic background on multiple parameters of neutrophil function and activity influencing the onset and course of chronic multifocal osteomyelitis.
Differential changes in mast cells with food reintroduction in children with eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Ebanks Andrew , Wang Ming-Yu , Hoffmann Natalie , Wershil Barry K , Wechsler Joshua B
Published: August 2024

Intraepithelial mast cells (MCs) are increased in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and reduced with elimination of dietary antigens. Single food reintroduction can identify triggers of eosinophilia; however, the extent to which specific foods trigger intraepithelial mastocytosis remains unknown. We hypothesized that specific foods drive different degrees of MC inflammation. We previously reported a prospective pediatric EoE cohort treated with a 4-food elimination diet (4FED) with removal of soy, egg, wheat, and milk. We retrieved unstained slides in which baseline, 4FED, and post-4FED diet reintroduction time points were available. Slides were stained with tryptase, and intraepithelial MCs were counted. Comparisons were made by stratifying patients by eosinophilia, basal cell hyperplasia (BCH), endoscopic abnormalities, and symptoms. Pearson correlation was assessed for MCs with eosinophilic, endoscopic, and BCH severity; symptoms; and a novel mucosal activity score combining endoscopic and histologic structural severity. Slides were available from 37 patients with at least 1 food reintroduced. MCs were significantly reduced with 4FED. Wheat led to increased intraepithelial MCs in the upper esophagus and with food-induced eosinophilia, while milk led to significantly increased MCs in the upper and lower esophagus and was significantly associated with patients with food-triggered eosinophilia, endoscopic abnormalities, BCH, and symptoms. MCs best correlated with the mucosal activity score during milk reintroduction. In children with EoE, MCs are reduced with 4FED. During milk reintroduction, significant increases in MCs were observed with all metrics of inflammation along with moderate correlation with structural mucosal activity that was not seen with other foods. This suggests that milk exerts unique effects either directly or indirectly on MCs in the esophagus in EoE patients.
Bison mother–offspring acoustic communication
Authors: Clarke Jennifer A
Published: August 2024

Mother–offspring communication is especially crucial for social species in order to synchronize activities essential for early survival including nursing, resting, maintaining proximity during group movements between food or water sources, and locating one another if separated in a large social group. One of the most social ungulate species in North America is the American Bison (Bison bison), formerly known as buffalo. Adult female bison associate with their young for over a year and communication between mother and offspring is likely essential for establishing and maintaining a bond upon which the life of a calf depends. One goal of this study was to quantify and compare the acoustic form of vocalizations of adult female, subadult, and calf bison and to determine how age classes differed in call structure. The other goal was to identify the contexts in which bison vocalized. Vocalizations of 101 bison (53 adult females, 15 subadults, 33 calves) in a semi-free-ranging herd in Montana were analyzed and found to be pulsatile sounds, unlike vocalizations of bison bulls or domestic cows and calves. Vocalizations of bison cows, subadults, and calves differed significantly in total duration, numbers of pulses, pulse duration, and pulse rate. Seven distinct call contexts were identified. The majority of calls were “moving-on calls” (39%), when a cow called and her calf ran to her side and the 2 moved on together, and “contact calls” (21%) when a cow called and her calf called back but neither changed their location. “Imprinting calls” and “nursing calls” were also identified. Mother–offspring acoustic communication in bison appears especially critical for coordinating movements. Understanding the role of acoustic communication in maintaining the bond between bison mothers and their offspring can contribute to the humane management and welfare of this iconic species.
Cost trends of metastatic renal cell carcinoma therapy: the impact of oral anticancer agents and immunotherapy
Authors: Forman Rebecca , Long Jessica B , Westvold Sarah J , Agnish Khushi , Mcmanus Hannah D , Leapman Michael S , Hurwitz Michael E , Spees Lisa P , Wheeler Stephanie B , Gross Cary P , Dinan Michaela A
Published: August 2024

Background

Immunotherapy (IO) and oral anticancer agents (OAA) have improved outcomes for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), but there is a need to understand real-world costs from the perspective of payers and patients.

Methods

We used retrospective fee-for-service Medicare 100% claims data to study patients diagnosed with mRCC in 2015-2019. We identified initial treatment type and costs (the year after diagnosis) and analyzed differences in monthly and 12-month costs over time and between OAA, IO, and combination groups and the association between Out-Of-Pocket (OOP) costs and adherence.

Results

We identified 15 407 patients with mRCC (61% male; 85% non-Hispanic White). A total of 6196 received OAA, IO, or combination OAA/IO as initial treatment. OAA use decreased (from 31% to 11%) with a simultaneous rise in patients receiving IO (3% to 26%) or combination IO/OAA therapy (1% to 11%). Medicare payments for all patients with mRCC increased by 41%, from $60 320 (95% confidence interval = 58 260 to 62 380) in 2015 to $85 130 (95% confidence interval = 82 630 to 87 630) in 2019. Payments increased in patients who received OAA, IO, or combination OAA/IO but were stable in those with other/no treatment. Initial higher OOP responsibility ($200-$1000) was associated with 13% decrease in percent days covered in patients receiving OAA in the first 90 days of treatment, compared with those whose OOP responsibility was less than $200.

Conclusion

From 2015 to 2019, costs for Medicare patients with mRCC rose substantially due to more patients receiving IO or IO/OAA combined therapy and increases in costs among those receiving those therapies. Increased OOP costs was associated with decreased adherence.
Migrant necropolitics in No Man’s Land camps
Authors: Pasha Suraina
Published: August 2024

Through genealogical explorations of the understudied No Man’s Land camps at Rukban and Zero Point, this paper aims to contribute a decolonial, South-centric perspective to critical refugee politics literature. The two No Man’s Land camps are conceptualized here as necropolitical spaces of migrant abandonment and containment, where States effectively determine ‘who may live and who must die’ through their violent expulsion of unwanted populations, securitized border policies and restrictions on life-saving aid. Despite their immobilization, the paper highlights how the displaced migrants formed self-government and engaged in claim-making for aid, rights, and homeland political change, thus transforming the death worlds of the No Man’s Land camps into spaces of vibrant political contention. This necropolitical resistance comes with the risk of death or redisplacement, but it provides tantalizing clues of the possibilities of living, even if only momentarily, beyond the law and the State.
One giant leap: Helping astronauts walk safely on the moon
Authors: Rhoades Jesse , Geijtenbeek Thomas
Published: August 2024

Humans walk differently on the Moon, risking musculoskeletal injuries affecting the safety of all crew members. Jesse Rhoades and Thomas Geijtenbeek explain how a new approach to data analysis could reduce this risk for astronauts in NASA’s current Moon exploration programme Artemis
Using geostatistics to fight neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Purkiss Jana , Clark Freya N , Giorgi Emanuele
Published: August 2024

Jana Purkiss, Freya N. Clark and Emanuele Giorgi describe a spatial solution to controlling diseases such as leprosy, dengue and rabies that affect around a billion people worldwide
Presenting data the Significance way – Part 2
Authors: Krause Andreas , Rennie Nicola
Published: August 2024

The latest instalment of our data visualisation guide, created by Andreas Krause and Nicola Rennie for Significance and our sister platform Real World Data Science, offers authors a complete guide to creating the best data visualisation for the needs of both their article and Significance magazine
Utilization of a paediatric feeding tube for temporary arterial revascularisation/vascular salvage in traumatic extremity injury within a regional hospital setting
Authors: Arakkakunnel Johnny , Fry Damian
Published: August 2024

We present the management of a 16-year-old female patient with a complete transection of the right brachial artery, following a close-range high velocity penetrating gunshot wound. Due to the unique challenges posed in a regional setting, lack of formal vascular expertise on-site, and inability to transfer to a vascular trauma centre, a Temporary Intravascular Shunt was employed using a paediatric feeding tube to revascularise the limb. This article highlights the successful temporary revascularization approach and the importance of resourcefulness in managing complex vascular trauma in non-specialized centres.
Herbivore-induced volatiles reduce the susceptibility of neighboring tomato plants to transmission of a whitefly-borne begomovirus
Authors: Yang Fengbo , Huang Tianyu , Tong Hong , Shi Xiaobin , Zhang Rong , Gu Weina , Li Yue , Han Peng , Zhang Xiaoming , Yang Yuting , Zhou Zhixiong , Wu Qingjun , Zhang Youjun , Su Qi
Published: August 2024

Plant viruses exist in a broader ecological community that includes non-vector herbivores that can impact vector abundance, behavior, and virus transmission within shared host plants. However, little is known about the effects of non-vector herbivore infestation on virus transmission by vector insects on neighboring plants through inter-plant airborne chemicals. In this study, we investigated how volatiles emitted from tomato plants infested with the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) affect the infection of neighboring plants by tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Exposure of neighboring tomato plants to volatiles released from T. urticae-infested tomato plants reduced subsequent herbivory as well as TYLCV transmission and infection, and the jasmonic acid signaling pathway was essential for generation of the inter-plant defense signals. We also demonstrated that (E)-β-ocimene and methyl salicylic acid were two volatiles induced by T. urticae that synergistically attenuated TYLCV transmission and infection in tomato. Thus, our findings suggest that plant–plant communication via volatiles likely represents a widespread defensive mechanism that substantially contributes to plant fitness. Understanding such phenomena may help us to predict the occurrence and epidemics of multiple herbivores and viruses in agroecosystems, and ultimately to manage pest and virus outbreaks.
The VR technology-based image restoration of Manchu traditional lifestyle and culture
Authors: Jin Lei , Hamid Abu Bakar Bin Abd , Mustapha Arniatul Aiza Binti , Song Yanli , Liu Xun
Published: August 2024

The study aims to identify the impact of digital means such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) on educational and historical-cultural processes related to the traditional Manchu lifestyle and culture. To achieve this goal, it developed a research scheme based on the example of the Manchu traditions and culture. Accordingly, the research included two-phase testing. Thus, the testing determined the optimal means of creating virtual expositions with augmented reality elements. The study showed the potential of using digital means based on VR and AR in the study of historical and cultural concepts and paradigms related to the traditional Manchu lifestyle and culture. The survey results revealed that the use of VR in the context of studying the traditions and culture of the Manchus increased the learning effectiveness by 50,000 per cent compared to the median initial indicators of the total sample and by 26,316 per cent compared to the median initial indicators of the general focus group. The results of the study have practical value for educational institutions. The research gives insight into the most optimal use of digital means of VR and AR for improving learning effectiveness and student interest.
Social group identities and semantic domains in the ancient Near East
Authors: Lindén Krister , Svärd Saana , Alstola Tero , Jauhiainen Heidi , Hardwick Sam , Sahala Aleksi , Debourse Céline , Bennett Ellie , Tambs Lena , Wasmuth Melanie , Holmqvist Elisabeth , Bonnie Rick , Lorenzon Marta
Published: August 2024

Digital Humanities has an increasing need for widely applicable and easy-to-use methods across disciplinary boundaries. We believe that the cross-disciplinary methods we have developed for the study of the ancient Near East are useful for the study of other research questions outside the field of “Digital Assyriology”. The article presents an overview of automated language processing for lexical-semantic analysis, social network analysis, and content analysis. We draw on the work in our research group, which aims to address how changing empires affect social group identities and lifeways in the first millennium BCE in Mesopotamia. The article places the methods our research team has developed into the larger methodological context of Digital Humanities (DH). The article presents an overview of the tools our research group has found useful in our study of ancient social groups. Sections 1 and 2 give the necessary background for the reader to understand the particular challenges related to the study of ancient Mesopotamia and how we have overcome them. The concrete case studies presented in Sections 3 and 4, however, are kept as general as possible, to facilitate similar approaches in adjacent fields of study. Our methodology and approaches are well documented and openly available, and in our view can be used on similar text materials, by other groups interested in DH approaches.
Short-period post-common envelope binaries with Balmer emission from SDSS and LAMOST based on ZTF photometric data
Authors: Li Lifang , Zhang Fenghui
Published: August 2024

We present here 55 short-period post-common envelope binaries (PCEBs) containing a hot white dwarf (WD) and a low-mass main sequence (MS). Based on the photometric data from Zwicky Transient Facility survey data Release 19 (ZTF DR19), the light curves are analysed for about 200 WDMS binaries with emission line(s) identified from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) or the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fibre Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) spectra, in which 55 WDMS binaries are found to exhibit variability in their luminosities with a short period and are thus short-period binaries (i.e. PCEBs). In addition, it is found that the orbital periods of these PCEBs locate in a range from 2.2643 to 81.1526 h. However, only six short-period PCEBs are newly discovered and the orbital periods of 19 PCEBs are improved in this work. Meanwhile, it is found that three objects are newly discovered eclipsing PCEBs, and a object (i.e. SDSS J1541) might be the short-period PCEB with a late M-type star or a brown dwarf companion based on the analysis of its spectral energy distribution. At last, the mechanism(s) being responsible for the emission features in the spectra of these PCEBs are discussed, the emission features arising in their optical spectra might be caused by the stellar activity or an irradiated component owing to a hot WD companion because most of them contain a WD with an effective temperature higher than $\sim$10 000 K.
Galaxy build-up in the first 1.5 Gyr of cosmic history: insights from the stellar mass function at z ~ 4–9 from JWST NIRCam observations
Authors: Weibel Andrea , Oesch Pascal A , Barrufet Laia , Gottumukkala Rashmi , Ellis Richard S , Santini Paola , Weaver John R , Allen Natalie , Bouwens Rychard , Bowler Rebecca A A , Brammer Gabe , Carnall Adam C , Cullen Fergus , Dayal Pratika , Dickinson Mark , Donnan Callum T , Dunlop James S , Giavalisco Mauro , Grogin Norman A , Illingworth Garth D , Koekemoer Anton M , Labbe Ivo , Marchesini Danilo , McLeod Derek J , McLure Ross J , Naidu Rohan P , Pérez-González Pablo G , Shuntov Marko , Stefanon Mauro , Toft Sune , Xiao Mengyuan
Published: August 2024

Combining the public JWST/NIRCam imaging programs CEERS, PRIMER, and JADES, spanning a total area of $\sim 500\, {\rm arcmin}^2$, we obtain a sample of $\gt $30 000 galaxies at $z_{\rm phot}\sim 4\!-\!9$ that allows us to perform a complete, rest-optical-selected census of the galaxy population at $z\gt 3$. Comparing the stellar mass $M_*$ and the UV-slope $\beta$ distributions between JWST- and HST-selected samples, we generally find very good agreement and no significant biases. Nevertheless, JWST enables us to probe a new population of UV-red galaxies that was missing from previous HST-based Lyman-break galaxy (LBG) samples. We measure galaxy stellar mass functions (SMFs) at $z\sim 4\!-\!9$ down to limiting masses of $10^{7.5}\!-\!10^{8.5}\, {\rm M_\odot }$, finding steep low-mass slopes over the entire redshift range, reaching values of $\alpha \approx -2$ at $z\gtrsim 6$. At the high-mass end, UV-red galaxies dominate at least out to $z\sim 6$. The implied redshift evolution of the SMF suggests a rapid build-up of massive dust-obscured or quiescent galaxies from $z\sim 6$ to $z\sim 4$ as well as an enhanced efficiency of star formation towards earlier times ($z\gtrsim 6$). Finally, we show that the galaxy mass density grows by a factor $\sim 20\times$ from $z\sim 9$ to $z\sim 4$. Our results emphasize the importance of rest-frame optically selected samples in inferring accurate distributions of physical properties and studying the mass build-up of galaxies in the first 1.5 Gyr of cosmic history.
High-quality chromosome scale genome assemblies of two important Sorghum inbred lines, Tx2783 and RTx436
Authors: Wang Bo , Chougule Kapeel , Jiao Yinping , Olson Andrew , Kumar Vivek , Gladman Nicholas , Huang Jian , Llaca Victor , Fengler Kevin , Wei Xuehong , Wang Liya , Wang Xiaofei , Regulski Michael , Drenkow Jorg , Gingeras Thomas , Hayes Chad , Armstrong J Scott , Huang Yinghua , Xin Zhanguo , Ware Doreen
Published: August 2024

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is a significant grass crop globally, known for its genetic diversity. High quality genome sequences are needed to capture the diversity. We constructed high-quality, chromosome-level genome assemblies for two vital sorghum inbred lines, Tx2783 and RTx436. Through advanced single-molecule techniques, long-read sequencing and optical maps, we improved average sequence continuity 19-fold and 11-fold higher compared to existing Btx623 v3.0 reference genome and obtained 19 and 18 scaffolds (N50 of 25.6 and 14.4) for Tx2783 and RTx436, respectively. Our gene annotation efforts resulted in 29 612 protein-coding genes for the Tx2783 genome and 29 265 protein-coding genes for the RTx436 genome. Comparative analyses with 26 plant genomes which included 18 sorghum genomes and 8 outgroup species identified around 31 210 protein-coding gene families, with about 13 956 specific to sorghum. Using representative models from gene trees across the 18 sorghum genomes, a total of 72 579 pan-genes were identified, with 14% core, 60% softcore and 26% shell genes. We identified 99 genes in Tx2783 and 107 genes in RTx436 that showed functional enrichment specifically in binding and metabolic processes, as revealed by the GO enrichment Pearson Chi-Square test. We detected 36 potential large inversions in the comparison between the BTx623 Bionano map and the BTx623 v3.1 reference sequence. Strikingly, these inversions were notably absent when comparing Tx2783 or RTx436 with the BTx623 Bionano map. These inversion were mostly in the pericentromeric region which is known to have low complexity regions and harder to assemble and suggests the presence of potential artifacts in the public BTx623 reference assembly. Furthermore, in comparison to Tx2783, RTx436 exhibited 324 883 additional Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and 16 506 more Insertions/Deletions (INDELs) when using BTx623 as the reference genome. We also characterized approximately 348 nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) disease resistance genes in the two genomes. These high-quality genomes serve as valuable resources for discovering agronomic traits and structural variation studies.