bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual differences in the evaluation of ambiguous visual and auditory threat‐related expressions
Authors: Whitehead Jocelyne C. , Spiousas Ignacio , Armony Jorge L.
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the neural correlates of the judgement of auditory and visual ambiguous threat‐related information, and the influence of state anxiety on this process. Healthy subjects were scanned using a fast, high‐resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) multiband sequence while they performed a two‐alternative forced‐choice emotion judgement task on faces and vocal utterances conveying explicit anger or fear, as well as ambiguous ones. Critically, the latter was specific to each subject, obtained through a morphing procedure and selected prior to scanning following a perceptual decision‐making task. Behavioural results confirmed a greater task‐difficulty for subject‐specific ambiguous stimuli and also revealed a judgement bias for visual fear, and, to a lesser extent, for auditory anger. Imaging results showed increased activity in regions of the salience and frontoparietal control networks (FPCNs) and deactivation in areas of the default mode network for ambiguous, relative to explicit, expressions. In contrast, the right amygdala (AMG) responded more strongly to explicit stimuli. Interestingly, its response to the same ambiguous stimulus depended on the subjective judgement of the expression. Finally, we found that behavioural and neural differences between ambiguous and explicit expressions decreased as a function of state anxiety scores. Taken together, our results show that behavioural and brain responses to emotional expressions are determined not only by emotional clarity but also modality and the subjects' subjective perception of the emotion expressed, and that some of these responses are modulated by state anxiety levels.
Misconceptions of the marine biological carbon pump in a changing climate: Thinking outside the “export” box
Authors: Frenger Ivy , Landolfi Angela , Kvale Karin , Somes Christopher J. , Oschlies Andreas , Yao Wanxuan , Koeve Wolfgang
Published: January 2024

The marine biological carbon pump (BCP) stores carbon in the ocean interior, isolating it from exchange with the atmosphere and thereby coregulating atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). As the BCP commonly is equated with the flux of organic material to the ocean interior, termed “export flux,” a change in export flux is perceived to directly impact atmospheric CO2, and thus climate. Here, we recap how this perception contrasts with current understanding of the BCP, emphasizing the lack of a direct relationship between global export flux and atmospheric CO2. We argue for the use of the storage of carbon of biological origin in the ocean interior as a diagnostic that directly relates to atmospheric CO2, as a way forward to quantify the changes in the BCP in a changing climate. The diagnostic is conveniently applicable to both climate model data and increasingly available observational data. It can explain a seemingly paradoxical response under anthropogenic climate change: Despite a decrease in export flux, the BCP intensifies due to a longer reemergence time of biogenically stored carbon back to the ocean surface and thereby provides a negative feedback to increasing atmospheric CO2. This feedback is notably small compared with anthropogenic CO2 emissions and other carbon‐climate feedbacks. In this Opinion paper, we advocate for a comprehensive view of the BCP's impact on atmospheric CO2, providing a prerequisite for assessing the effectiveness of marine CO2 removal approaches that target marine biology.
Re‐thinking policy and (multi‐level) governance failure: What went wrong and why in the reception of Ukrainian refugees in Italy?
Authors: Bassoli Matteo , Campomori Francesca
Published: January 2024

Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and the arrival of 170,000 refugees, the already fragile Italian refugee system was forced to undergo major re‐structuring and expansion. Re‐organisation included the adoption of partially new multi‐level governance relationships, as well as political instruments. Despite the widespread positive attitude of public opinion toward the Ukrainian refugees and the bipartisan support for their reception, the outcome of the policy has been not in line with the goals the proponents set out to achieve. In fact, there have been delays, poor assistance to those who have offered to host, and, in the end, a partial waste of the economic and human resources which were devoted to the reception itself. The purpose of this article is to investigate the origin and development of the “vices” of this process, departing from the interpretive lens on policy and governance failure. Our findings consolidate the theoretical challenge to the reductive binary rhetoric on success and failure, and the classic view of failure confined to formulation and implementation. In addition, the article shows that multi‐level governance dynamics are strongly relevant in explaining the “vices” of policies, particularly highlighting the role, until now largely disregarded, of the latent conflicts between the actors involved. The study has benefited from 38 semi‐structured interviews with political actors, including third‐party organisations and public actors, the analysis of political documents, and local and national media.
Mass migration governance and openness toward refugees: Comparing Germany and Turkey
Authors: Erden Yigit , Ozcurumez Saime
Published: January 2024

This study seeks answers to the question: ‘Under what conditions do communities with migration experience in refugee‐receiving states become more open toward accepting more refugees and why?’. The research seeks answers to this question by examining the attitudes of individuals (N = 37) from Turkey who have been living in Germany for at least a year and who have sufficient familiarity with the characteristics of governance of mass migration in both countries. The findings suggest that the respondents are more pessimistic about the consequences of Turkey accepting more refugees in the future, while they are optimistic about the outcomes of the arrival of more refugees in Germany. This study posits that receiving communities' perceptions about the host state's regulatory and institutional capacity in managing mass migration and integration of refugees shape their attitudes toward the possibility of the influx of more refugees over time. The findings indicate that efficient mass migration governance in a receiving state is identified through four characteristics: (i) admission of educated refugees, (ii) proper refugee registration procedures, (iii) systematic integration processes, and (iv) effective monitoring and law enforcement mechanisms. The study concludes that local communities view public authorities as the key actors in managing the consequences of mass migration and establishing and sustaining good mass migration governance at the receiving state level is likely to facilitate positive attitudes towards accepting more refugees.
Decisional needs in people with kidney failure, their relatives and health professionals about end‐of‐life care options: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Buur Louise Engelbrecht , Bekker Hilary Louise , Rodkjær Lotte Ørneborg , Kvist Anne , Kristensen Julie Borg , Søndergaard Henning , Kannegaard Michell , Madsen Jens Kristian , Khatir Dinah Sherzad , Finderup Jeanette
Published: January 2024

Aim

To investigate the decisional needs in Denmark of people with kidney failure, relatives, and health professionals when planning end‐of‐life care.

Design

A qualitative interview study.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured interviews were carried out with people with kidney failure, relatives and health professionals from November 2021 to June 2022. Malterud's systematic text condensation was used to analyse transcripts.

Results

A total of 13 patients, 10 relatives, and 12 health professionals were interviewed. Overall, four concepts were agreed on: (1) Talking about end of life is difficult, (2) Patients and relatives need more knowledge and information, (3) Health professionals need more tools and training, and (4) Experiencing busyness as a barrier to conversations about end of life.

Conclusion

People with kidney failure, relatives, and health professionals shared certain decisional needs while also having some different decisional needs about end‐of‐life care. To meet these various needs, end‐of‐life conversations should be systematic and organized according to the patients' needs and wishes.

Impact

Non‐systematic end‐of‐life care decision‐making processes limit patients' involvement. Patients and relatives need more knowledge about end‐of‐life care, and health professionals need more competences and time to discuss decisional needs. A shared decision‐making intervention for people with kidney failure when making end‐of‐life care decisions will be developed.

Reporting Method

This empirical qualitative research is reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients, relatives, and health professionals have been involved throughout the research process as part of the research team and advisory board. The patients are people with kidney failure and the relatives are relatives of a person with kidney failure. For this study, the advisory board has particularly contributed to the validation of the invitation letter for participation, the interview guides and the preparation of the manuscript.
Biotic interactions vary across species' ranges and are likely conserved through geological time
Authors: Gherghel Iulian , Martin Ryan Andrew
Published: January 2024

Aim

The evolutionary interactions between western spadefoot toads (genus Spea) represent a textbook example of character displacement, facilitated by dietary specialization of one Spea species on fairy shrimp (Anostraca) when all three co‐occur. The aim of this study is to understand the covariation between predator (Spea) and prey (Anostraca) range shifts in response to climate change oscillations, and whether biotic interactions can be used to project species distribution models on different time scales when studying species with dietary specialization. Taxon: Amphibia: Spea spp. and Crustacea: Anostraca.

Location

North America.

Methods

Using multiple modelling techniques, we first estimated the potential distribution of central and western North American fairy shrimp species (Crustacea: Anostraca) and two western spadefoot toad species (Spea bombifrons and Spea multiplicata). We then created a shrimp species richness map by aggregating individual species estimates. Third, we studied the relationship between the probability of spadefoot toad presence and fairy shrimp species richness during the present and Last Glacial Maximum conditions. Finally, we estimated the strength and direction of the co‐occurrence between spadefoot toads and fairy shrimp sampled at the level of entire predicted range and at the regional level (allopatric and sympatric).

Results

First, the same abiotic environmental variables shape spadefoot toad and fairy shrimp species' distributions in central and western North America across time. Second, areas of sympatry of Spea bombifrons and Spea multiplicata correspond with dry conditions and higher shrimp richness. Finally, the spatial patterns of predator–prey co‐occurrence are highly variable across geography, forming a spatial mosaic over the species' ranges.

Main Conclusion

Predator–prey relationships form a spatial mosaic across geography and species ranges. Including biotic interactions into species distribution estimates for organisms with dietary specialization is highly recommended. Biotic interactions can be projected across different time frames for organisms with dietary specialization as they are likely conserved.
Glutathione amino acid precursors protect skin from UVB‐induced damage and improve skin tone
Authors: Cui Xiao , Mi Tingyan , Zhang Hong , Gao Ping , Xiao Xue , Lee Jianming , Guelakis Marian , Gu Xuelan
Published: January 2024

Background

UV radiation exposure causes skin irritation, erythema, darkening and barrier disruption by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Glutathione, a master antioxidant, plays an important role in the antioxidant defence network of the skin.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the in vitro protective effects of the glutathione amino acid precursors blend (GAP) on transcriptomic and phenotypic endpoints against UVB‐induced challenges.

Methods

Normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs) were exposed to GAP, ascorbic acid (AA) and its derivatives. Viability was assessed using the CCK8 method. Melakutis®, a pigmented living skin equivalent (pLSE) model, underwent repeated 50 mJ/cm2 UVB irradiation with or without GAP treatment. Images of the model were captured with consistent camera parameters, and the model's light intensity was measured using a spectrophotometer. Melanin content was determined by measuring absorbance at 405 nm. Confirmation of melanin deposition and distribution was achieved through Fontana‐Masson staining. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted using RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq), and a machine learning approach was employed for transcriptomic aging clock analysis.

Results

In NHEMs, all tested compounds exhibited over 85% viability compared to the vehicle control, indicating no heightened risk of cytotoxicity. Notably, GAP demonstrated greater efficacy in inhibiting melanin production than AA derivatives at equivalent concentrations. In pLSE models, GAP notably enhanced model lightness, and reduced melanin content and deposition following the UVB challenge, whereas AA showed minimal impact. GAP effectively counteracted UVB‐induced alterations in gene expression linked to pigmentation, inflammation and aging. Moreover, recurrent UVB exposure substantially elevated the biological age of pLSE models, a phenomenon mitigated by GAP treatment.

Conclusions

In NHEMs, GAP exhibited enhanced effectiveness in inhibiting melanin production at identical tested doses in comparison to AA derivatives. Noteworthy protective effects of GAP against UVB irradiation were observed in the pLSE models, as evidenced by skin pigmentation measurements and transcriptomic changes.
Perio‐prosthodontic pontic site management, part II: Pontic site reconstruction strategies to enhance the esthetic and biological outcomes
Authors: Gomez Meda Ramon , Esquivel Jonathan
Published: January 2024

Objective

Ridge deformities are present in most patients after tooth extraction; these defects make the management of future implant and pontic sites challenging to deal with. The restorative team should be able to diagnose and treat these deformities to allow for successful outcomes. Many approaches have been described to reconstruct pontic sites, each with specific indications. This article describes the different approaches to reconstructing pontic sites and their indications to allow for a proper esthetic and biological environment for future restorations.

Clinical Considerations

Depending on the severity of the defect, location, and the esthetic necessity, pontic site enhancement can be done through different approaches, some requiring soft tissue grafting, hard tissue grafting, or both. Understanding the indications of the treatment options is essential to allow the clinician to make the right therapeutic decision and achieve the best possible perio‐prosthodontic outcomes.

Conclusions

An adequate balance between the soft tissue and prosthetics is essential to achieve successful results on implant‐supported or tooth‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). Selecting the right approach to treat ridge deformities is necessary to increase treatment success, reduce over‐treatment, and create a biologically sound environment for restorations.

Clinical Significance

Pontic site enhancement through reconstructive surgery will allow for esthetically pleasing and biologically stable results, allowing restorations to emulate natural structures lost after tooth extraction.
Challenges with food safety adoption: A review
Authors: Madilo Felix Kwashie , Kunadu Angela Parry‐Hanson , Tano‐Debrah Kwaku
Published: January 2024

Globally, the risk of foodborne diseases is high among the young, old, pregnant and immunocompromised groups. Strategies to improve safe food supply are poorly understood among stakeholders. In this paper, we discuss the importance of the adoption of food safety standards, the effects of non‐compliance of food safety protocols, consumer‐producer awareness of food safety, and the challenges involved in the adoption of food safety protocols. The major challenges include gaps in dissemination of relevant information, the cost involved in adoption of many food safety programs; low educational levels of food handlers, insufficient food testing laboratories; inadequate funding, equipment, and skilled personnel; and cost of training and education; and lack of coordination among organizations handling food safety issues. Building competencies of food safety personnel, inspectorates, national or regional laboratories and adequate resource support to industry and supporting agencies will enhance safety of the global food supply.
A Test of the Permanent Income Hypothesis When Households are Less Constrained
Authors: AISBETT EMMA , BRUECKNER MARKUS , STEINHAUSER RALF , WILCOX RHETT
Published: January 2024

In 2009, the Australian Government delivered approximately $8 billion in direct payments to households. These payments were randomly allocated over a 5‐week period. Panel model estimates show that for the average household, there was no significant disbursement effect on nondurable consumption. Only for relatively young and low‐income households, for example, at the bottom 10th percentile of each, was there a significant positive effect of the tax bonus payment on nondurable consumption. We argue the null findings on average could be due to macroeconomic and institutional differences leaving Australian households less constrained than their U.S. counterparts.
Oldies, but goldies—preserved morphology and stability of antigenic determinants in decades‐old cryosections of human m. vastus lateralis
Authors: Hutz Bettina , Degens Hans , Korhonen Marko T.
Published: January 2024

Fibre typing by immunohistochemistry on cryosections from human skeletal muscle biopsies is an essential tool in the diagnosis and research of muscular diseases, ageing, and responses to exercise training and disuse. Preserving a good quality in these frozen specimens can be challenging especially if they are stored for longer periods before histological processing, which is often the case in studies with a large number of test subjects and/or repeated sampling separated by multiple years. We demonstrate in this article that both, the morphology and reactivity of epitopes to myosin heavy chain isoforms and dystrophin are well preserved in up to 18‐year‐stored unfixed and unstained cryosections of human m. vastus lateralis (n = 241). Any variation in staining intensity between samples was unrelated to the age of the biopsy donor or the storage period of the unstained cryosections, and in all cases, the obtained images were appropriate for image analysis, such as the determination of the fibre type composition and the fibre cross‐sectional area, and quantitative analysis of muscle capillarisation.
Factors associated with human papillomavirus persistence after loop electrosurgical excision procedure in patients with cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion
Authors: Li Fengzhen , Chen Aiping , Shan Yuping , Yao Yushuang , Lu Ping , Li Ningfeng , Ding Zhaoxia
Published: January 2024

Aim

To seek the high‐risk factors of human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence and residual lesion or recurrence after loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) focus on the predictive value of intraoperative human papilloma virus (IOP‐HPV) testing.

Methods

Intraoperative endocervical sample was obtained with a cytobrush from the remained cervix of 292 patients immediately after LEEP. HPV Genotyping was performed using a polymerase chain reaction technique. All patients followed by HPV genotyping and cytology every 3–6 months. The IOP‐HPV testing results and possible risk factors such as age, cytology grade, menopause status, margin involvement, preoperative HPV status, and cervical lesion grade were assessed in predicting persistence of HPV and residual lesion or recurrence after surgery.

Results

There were 61 (20.9%) patients presented persistent HPV infection. Multivariate analyses showed that IOP‐HPV positive, post‐menopause and preoperative HPV multiplex infection was strongly associated with HPV persistence after LEEP, IOP‐HPV positive and post‐menopause was also associated with residua or recurrent disease after LEEP.

Conclusions

IOP‐HPV positive, post‐menopause, and preoperative HPV multiplex infection are independent predictors of HPV persistence in patients with cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion treated by LEEP. IOP‐HPV test is a new approach that may potentially allow for early identification of patients at high risk of HPV persistence and residua or recurrent disease after LEEP, thereby possibly facilitate an attenuated follow‐up schedule for negative patients those at low risk of persistent HPV infection.
Differential cell size reduction of two sympatric Epithemia (Bacillariophyta) taxa in Nakaikemi Wetland, Japan
Authors: Kamakura Shiho , Ohtsuka Taisuke , Nagumo Tamotsu , Sato Shinya
Published: January 2024

We observed contrasting temporal changes in cell size between two Epithemia taxa. The life cycle of diatoms is closely linked to their cell size, with a gradual decrease during the vegetative stage and a recovery through sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction is triggered when cells become smaller than a species‐specific size threshold and receive species‐specific environmental cues. Few studies have documented the life cycles and frequency of sexual reproduction in diatoms, combining field observations and laboratory culture. We collected two Epithemia taxa, Epithemia gibba var. ventricosa and Epithemia sp. from a pond in Nakaikemi Wetland, and measured their valve lengths monthly for almost 3 years. Additionally, we established cultures of both taxa to examine the rates of cell size reduction, which affect the duration of the vegetative stage. In the field, E. gibba var. ventricosa exhibited a wide range of cell sizes and signs of size recovery. Furthermore, the cultures of this taxon showed a clear decrease in cell size through division, suggesting that sexual reproduction is required for size recovery. On the other hand, Epithemia sp. showed no obvious change in cell size both in the field and in the laboratory. This suggests that either sexual reproduction is not necessary for this taxon to maintain its population or their life cycle extends over several years to several decades. Thus, our findings reveal congeneric taxa sharing a common habitat and substratum, yet exhibiting distinct sexual and asexual strategies. Furthermore, we question the validity of taxonomic classifications previously assigned to these diatoms based on the range of morphological characteristics observed in the present study.
Bilateral lipomatous hamartoma of the tongue: A case report in a child with oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type VI
Authors: Queiroz Aline , Pina Paulo Sérgio Souza , Novaes Myrian Stella Paiva , Dutra Beatriz , de Sousa Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado , Azevedo Luciane Hiramatsu
Published: January 2024

A hamartoma is a benign proliferation of typical mature cells specific to a particular anatomical site. In the oral cavity, they may occur as isolated cases or be associated with genetic syndromes. Oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type VI is a rare genetic disorder with an estimated incidence of one in 50,000–250,000 newborns. Here, we report a case of a 2‐year‐old boy diagnosed with oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type VI who was referred for evaluation of a bilateral and normochromic to slightly pinkish nodule on the lateral surface of the tongue. Clinically, the child presented hypotonia, low visual acuity, absence of oculocephalic reflex, delay in neuropsychomotor development, and polydactyly in the feet. Excisional biopsies of both sides of the tongue were performed using a 1.5 W high‐power diode laser (wavelength of 980 nm), and histopathological analysis revealed abundant mature adipocytes predominantly arranged in lobules that mainly surrounded the minor salivary gland parenchyma. The surgical sites healed with no complications and the patient remains under follow‐up for 10 months. Due to the limited literature on this syndrome and the frequent presence of tongue hamartomas in children, dentists need to be familiar with them.
Revisiting the genus Pseudocuneopsis (Bivalvia, Unionidae): Morphology, mitochondrial phylogenomics, and the description of a new species
Authors: Dai Yu‐Ting , Chen Zhong‐Guang , Peng Ke‐Jia , Ouyang Shan , Huang Xiao‐Chen , Wu Xiao‐Ping
Published: January 2024

Species diversity can be underestimated due to a lack of regional studies and limitations in research methods. China is widely recognized as one of the primary hotspots for the biodiversity of freshwater mussels as it harbours a wealth of endemic species. Pseudocuneopsis was recently established to belong to the Unioninae subfamily within Unionidae and is endemic to China. Recent research has expanded the diversity and range of distribution of this genus. However, sufficient data is required to precisely determine the phylogenetic relationships within Pseudocuneopsis. This study conducted an integrative taxonomy using morphological, COI barcode, and complete maternal mitogenome data to clarify the taxonomy of Pseudocuneopsis. Both morphological and COI barcode data supported the validity of all Pseudocuneopsis species. Furthermore, a new species, Pseudocuneopsis yemaoi sp. n. was described from a tributary of the Man River in Hubei, China. Mitochondrial phylogenomic analyses showed that P. yemaoi was closely related to P. sichuanensis and resolved phylogenetic relationship as (P. capitata + (P. yangshuoensis + (P. sichuanensis + P. yemaoi))). Our results highlight the significance of utilizing integrative classification methods. Moreover, we propose enhancing the research and preservation measures of minor streams in China, as these streams may house distinctive species.
A Case Study of Millennial English Teachers’ Awareness of Digital Media in EFL Classrooms
Authors: Kurniawati Nia , Mayuni Ilza , Lustyantie Ninuk
Published: January 2024

Digital literacy embodies the competence in effectively employing technology for information retrieval, appraisal, creation, and transmission. This case study not only explores the digital literacy of millennial English teachers but uniquely unveils the seamless integration of a diverse array of digital media into their EFL classrooms. The questionnaire served as a means to gauge the extent of the millennial English teachers understood the notion of digital literacy. Meanwhile, to understand how they use digital technology resources in their instructional design and pedagogical strategies, this study deployed observation, interview, and document analysis. Ten English teachers from Cianjur who belong to the millennial generation enlisted in the study. The findings underscored that the participants adeptly utilized an array of digital technology tools in their day-to-day professional undertakings. They have demonstrated proficiency with digital teaching tools and have seamlessly integrated them into their EFL classroom. Nonetheless, there is a discernible need for further support in advancing their digital literacy skills, and further, collaborative environment to explore innovative pedagogical approaches. Also, a sufficient amount of time for professional development is necessary, as are policies that promote the effective use of mobile devices in the classroom. Furthermore, it is imperative to stimulate the teachers’ experimentation with emerging technologies and elevate their digital literacy levels. Therefore, it is advised that government and policymakers proffer substantial, reliable, and easily accessible technical support tailored to the needs of millennial English teachers to continue their digital literacy growth.
The Development of TPACK-Based Learning Media to Enhance the Skills of Written Communication
Authors: Hy Mclean , Boeriswati Endry , Herlina Herlina
Published: January 2024

The research aims to develop a model of existing essay writing teaching materials. In this research, the authors used a research and development (R&D) approach to analyze and demonstrate technology as a solution to a crucial problem in teaching essay writing. Data were obtained through interviews, questionnaires, and observations. To find out the feasibility of the model to be developed, several assessment steps were carried out, namely expert/expert testing, one-on-one trials, small group trials and testing the effectiveness of teaching material models. Based on the test results, the findings of this research indicate that a new teaching material model that can stimulate lecturers and students to learn essay writing is needed. To sum up, to make an effective and enjoyable instructional process, it is necessary to be concerned with instructional methods that are varied and liked by students.
Differential effects of mechano‐electric feedback mechanisms on whole‐heart activation, repolarization, and tension
Authors: Gerach Tobias , Loewe Axel
Published: January 2024

The human heart is subject to highly variable amounts of strain during day‐to‐day activities and needs to adapt to a wide range of physiological demands. This adaptation is driven by an autoregulatory loop that includes both electrical and the mechanical components. In particular, mechanical forces are known to feed back into the cardiac electrophysiology system, which can result in pro‐ and anti‐arrhythmic effects. Despite the widespread use of computational modelling and simulation for cardiac electrophysiology research, the majority of in silico experiments ignore this mechano‐electric feedback entirely due to the high computational cost associated with solving cardiac mechanics. In this study, we therefore use an electromechanically coupled whole‐heart model to investigate the differential and combined effects of electromechanical feedback mechanisms with a focus on their physiological relevance during sinus rhythm. In particular, we consider troponin‐bound calcium, the effect of deformation on the tissue diffusion tensor, and stretch‐activated channels. We found that activation of the myocardium was only significantly affected when including deformation into the diffusion term of the monodomain equation. Repolarization, on the other hand, was influenced by both troponin‐bound calcium and stretch‐activated channels and resulted in steeper repolarization gradients in the atria. The latter also caused afterdepolarizations in the atria. Due to its central role for tension development, calcium bound to troponin affected stroke volume and pressure. In conclusion, we found that mechano‐electric feedback changes activation and repolarization patterns throughout the heart during sinus rhythm and lead to a markedly more heterogeneous electrophysiological substrate.

image

Key points

The electrophysiological and mechanical function of the heart are tightly interrelated by excitation–contraction coupling (ECC) in the forward direction and mechano‐electric feedback (MEF) in the reverse direction.

While ECC is considered in many state‐of‐the‐art computational models of cardiac electromechanics, less is known about the effect of different MEF mechanisms.

Accounting for calcium bound to troponin increases stroke volume and delays repolarization. Geometry‐mediated MEF leads to more heterogeneous activation and repolarization with steeper gradients. Both effects combine in an additive way.

Non‐selective stretch‐activated channels as an additional MEF mechanism lead to heterogeneous diastolic transmembrane voltage, higher developed tension and delayed repolarization or afterdepolarizations in highly stretched parts of the atria.

The differential and combined effects of these three MEF mechanisms during sinus rhythm activation in a human four‐chamber heart model may have implications for arrhythmogenesis, both in terms of substrate (repolarization gradients) and triggers (ectopy).
Chiral Standing Spin Waves and Unidirectional Waves of Odd Elastic Cylindrical Shells
Authors: Lai Andi , Zhou Jiawei , Lim C. W.
Published: January 2024

Rotating waves can be observed in structures with periodic conditions, such as cylinders and spheres. Compared with traveling waves and standing waves, rotating waves have received less attention. In this paper, an odd elastic dynamic model of the cylindrical shells is established, and the dispersion relation, traveling waves, and standing waves are investigated. The non-Hermitian rotating waves and single-handedness chiral standing spin waves are reported, which are novel dynamic phenomenon caused by odd elastic effects. Waves generally cannot propagate in passive materials with vanishingly small elastic modulus. However, a unidirectional wave with the highest cut off frequency can occur in an odd elastic cylindrical shell with vanishingly small elastic modulus. For incompletely restrained end displacements, the odd elastic cylindrical shell can also generate a hybrid mode combining standing spin waves with unidirectional waves.
Physics-Guided, Physics-Informed, and Physics-Encoded Neural Networks and Operators in Scientific Computing: Fluid and Solid Mechanics
Authors: Faroughi Salah A. , Pawar Nikhil M. , Fernandes Célio , Raissi Maziar , Das Subasish , Kalantari Nima K. , Kourosh Mahjour Seyed
Published: January 2024

Advancements in computing power have recently made it possible to utilize machine learning and deep learning to push scientific computing forward in a range of disciplines, such as fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, materials science, etc. The incorporation of neural networks is particularly crucial in this hybridization process. Due to their intrinsic architecture, conventional neural networks cannot be successfully trained and scoped when data are sparse, which is the case in many scientific and engineering domains. Nonetheless, neural networks provide a solid foundation to respect physics-driven or knowledge-based constraints during training. Generally speaking, there are three distinct neural network frameworks to enforce the underlying physics: (i) physics-guided neural networks (PgNNs), (ii) physics-informed neural networks (PiNNs), and (iii) physics-encoded neural networks (PeNNs). These methods provide distinct advantages for accelerating the numerical modeling of complex multiscale multiphysics phenomena. In addition, the recent developments in neural operators (NOs) add another dimension to these new simulation paradigms, especially when the real-time prediction of complex multiphysics systems is required. All these models also come with their own unique drawbacks and limitations that call for further fundamental research. This study aims to present a review of the four neural network frameworks (i.e., PgNNs, PiNNs, PeNNs, and NOs) used in scientific computing research. The state-of-the-art architectures and their applications are reviewed, limitations are discussed, and future research opportunities are presented in terms of improving algorithms, considering causalities, expanding applications, and coupling scientific and deep learning solvers.
Mujeres y poder simbólico en el espacio público. Las diablesas de Mataró, rompiendo la dominación masculina
Authors: Pérez Ferra Judit , Rovira-Martínez Marta
Published: January 2024

Aunque el rol de las mujeres en las festividades tradicionales en Cataluña ha sido subordinado al de los hombres, desde hace unos años las mujeres intentan ganar protagonismo. En este artículo se expone un estudio de caso realizado a propósito de un grupo de diablesas de la ciudad de Mataró (Barcelona). A partir de las entrevistas realizadas y un proceso de observación participante, se estudian las implicaciones que conlleva el hecho de romper con la hegemonía masculina con un grupo formado exclusivamente por mujeres, especialmente cuando se trata de una actividad festiva tradicionalmente ejercida por hombres. El texto analiza las dinámicas internas del grupo, su exposición pública y las relaciones entre poder y vulnerabilidad que conlleva su actividad. Finalmente, se discuten las paradojas que se producen entre un feminismo invisible o implícito y las relaciones de dominación masculina en el campo de la cultura tradicional y en el espacio público.
Use of CRISPR interference for efficient and rapid gene inactivation in
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Authors: Zhou Peng , G. C. Bibek , Stolte Flynn , Wu Chenggang
Published: January 2024

Gene inactivation by creating in-frame deletion mutations in
Fusobacterium nucleatum
is time consuming, and most fusobacterial strains are genetically intractable. Addressing these problems, we introduced a riboswitch-based inducible CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system. This system employs the nuclease-inactive
Streptococcus pyogenes
Cas9 protein (dCas9), specifically guided to the gene of interest by a constantly expressed single-guide RNA (sgRNA). Mechanistically, this dCas9-sgRNA complex serves as an insurmountable roadblock for RNA polymerase, thus repressing the target gene transcription. Leveraging this system, we first examined two non-essential genes,
ftsX
and
radD
, which are pivotal for fusobacterial cytokinesis and coaggregation. Upon adding the inducer, theophylline,
ftsX
suppression caused filamentous cell formation akin to chromosomal
ftsX
deletion, while targeting
radD
significantly reduced RadD protein levels, abolishing RadD-mediated coaggregation. The system was then extended to probe essential genes
bamA
and
ftsZ
, which are vital for outer membrane biogenesis and cell division. Impressively,
bamA
suppression disrupted membrane integrity and bacterial separation, stalling growth, while
ftsZ
targeting yielded elongated cells in broth with compromised agar growth. Further studies on
F. nucleatum
clinical strain CTI-2 and
Fusobacterium periodonticum
revealed reduced indole synthesis when targeting
tnaA
. Moreover, silencing
clpB
in
F. periodonticum
decreased ClpB, increasing thermal sensitivity. In summary, our CRISPRi system streamlines gene inactivation across various fusobacterial strains.

IMPORTANCE

How can we effectively investigate the gene functions in
Fusobacterium nucleatum
, given the dual challenges of gene inactivation and the inherent genetic resistance of many strains? Traditional methods have been cumbersome and often inadequate. Addressing this, our work introduces a novel inducible CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system in which dCas9 expression is controlled at the translation level by a theophylline-responsive riboswitch unit, and single-guide RNA expression is driven by the robust, constitutive
rpsJ
promoter. This approach simplifies gene inactivation in the model organism (ATCC 23726) and extends its application to previously considered genetically intractable strains like CTI-2 and
Fusobacterium periodonticum
. With CRISPRi’s potential, it is a pivotal tool for in-depth genetic studies into fusobacterial pathogenesis, potentially unlocking targeted therapeutic strategies.
N-terminal acetyltransferase 6 facilitates enterovirus 71 replication by regulating PI4KB expression and replication organelle biogenesis
Authors: Yang Hang , Fan Tingting , Xun Meng , Wu Bo , Guo Shangrui , Li Xinyu , Zhao Xiaohui , Yao Haoyan , Wang Hongliang
Published: January 2024

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is an important pathogen for children under the age of five, and currently, no effective treatment is available. Elucidating the mechanism of novel host factors supporting viral infection will reveal potential antiviral targets and aid antiviral development. Here, we demonstrated that a novel N-acetyltransferase, NAT6, is an essential host factor for EV71 replication. NAT6 could promote viral replication organelle (RO) formation to enhance viral replication. The formation of enterovirus ROs requires numerous host factors, including acyl-coenzyme A binding domain containing 3 (ACBD3) and phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIβ (PI4KB). NAT6 could stabilize the PI4KB recruiter, ACBD3, by inhibiting the autophagy degradation pathway. This study provides a fresh insight into the relationship between N-acetyltransferase and viral infection.
Suppression of progesterone by influenza A virus mediates adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in mice
Authors: Creisher Patrick S. , Parish Maclaine A. , Lei Jun , Liu Jin , Perry Jamie L. , Campbell Ariana D. , Sherer Morgan L. , Burd Irina , Klein Sabra L.
Published: January 2024

Pregnant individuals are at risk of severe outcomes from both seasonal and pandemic influenza A viruses. Influenza infection during pregnancy is associated with adverse fetal outcomes at birth and adverse consequences for offspring into adulthood. When outbred dams, with semi-allogenic fetuses, were infected with 2009 H1N1, in addition to pulmonary virus replication, lung damage, and inflammation, the placenta showed evidence of transient cell death and inflammation that was mediated by increased activity along the arachidonic acid pathway leading to suppression of circulating progesterone. Placental damage and suppressed progesterone were associated with detrimental effects on perinatal growth and developmental delays in offspring. Treatment of H1N1-infected pregnant mice with 17-OHPC, a synthetic progestin treatment that is safe to use in pregnancy, prevented placental damage and inflammation and adverse fetal outcomes. This novel therapeutic option for the treatment of influenza during pregnancy should be explored clinically.
Direct Reprogramming of Somatic Skin Cells from a Patient with Huntington’s Disease into Striatal Neurons to Create Models of Pathology
Authors: Kraskovskaya N. A. , Khotin M. G. , Tomilin A. N. , Mikhailova N. A.
Published: January 2024

A new in vitro model of Huntington’s disease (HD) was developed via a direct reprogramming of dermal fibroblasts from HD patients into striatal neurons. A reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells is obviated in the case of direct reprogramming, which thus yields neurons that preserve the epigenetic information inherent in cells of a particular donor and, consequently, the age-associated disease phenotype. A main histopathological feature of HD was reproduced in the new model; i.e., aggregates of mutant huntingtin accumulated in striatal neurons derived from a patient’s fibroblasts. Experiments with cultured neurons obtained via direct reprogramming make it possible to individually assess the progression of neuropathology and to implement a personalized approach to choosing the treatment strategy and drugs for therapy. The in vitro model of HD can be used in preclinical drug studies.
Application of Bayesian statistics to the sector of decay constants in three-flavour $$\chi $$PT
Authors: Kolesár Marián , Říha Jaroslav
Published: January 2024

The sector of decay constants of the octet of light pseudoscalar mesons in the framework of ‘resummed’ SU(3) chiral perturbation theory is investigated. A theoretical prediction for the decay constant of $$\eta $$
η
-meson is compared to a range of available determinations. Compatibility of these determinations with the latest fits of the SU(3) low energy coupling constants is discussed. Using a Bayesian statistical approach, constraints on the low energy coupling constants $$L_4^r$$

L
4
r

and $$L_5^r$$

L
5
r

, as well as higher order remainders to the decay constants $$F_K$$

F
K

and $$F_\eta $$

F
η

, are extracted from the most recent experimental and lattice QCD inputs for the values of the decay constants.
Modified CPL models for dark energy and observational constraints
Authors: Sardar Gopal , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: January 2024

In this work, we consider two modified Chevallier–Polarski–Linder (CPL) models in the background of homogeneous and isotropic Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) space–time, namely, (i) the generalized CPL model (Model I) and (ii) the logarithmic form of the equation of state for the dark energy. From the observational data sets [Formula: see text], we find that at the present epoch (redshift [Formula: see text]), the equation of state for the dark energy converges almost at the same value [Formula: see text] and the variation of [Formula: see text] with respect to the redshift parameter is very small for both models. We also find that the present value of the Hubble parameter [Formula: see text] is almost same for both the models. Finally, we compare the models in the light of Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and Bayesian evidence. However, we find that Model II is better compared to Model I from the estimated value of the deceleration parameter.
Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of novel BASI4O6N2:EU2+ phosphor
Authors: Fukumura Kohei , Shibai Koki , Hattori Sayaka , Murai Kei-Ichiro , Moriga Toshihiro
Published: January 2024

Using Eu2O3, BaCO3, Si3N4 and SiO2 as starting materials, we succeeded in synthesizing BaSi4O6N2:Eu[Formula: see text] by firing the mixture at 1100∘C for 2[Formula: see text]h in a reducing atmosphere (N2(95%)–H2(5%)). As a result, a single phase was obtained by setting the charge composition ratio to Si/[Formula: see text]. When the Eu[Formula: see text] activation amount was 1%, it showed a broad emission in the range of 400–600[Formula: see text]nm under the excitation light of ultraviolet rays at 320[Formula: see text]nm. This phosphor exhibited chromaticity coordinates of [Formula: see text] under irradiation with ultraviolet rays at 320[Formula: see text]nm and is thought to be a promising phosphor for ultraviolet-excited white LEDs.
Using the bond valence sum model to calculate Li-diffusion pathways in Silicene with MgX2 (X=Cl, Br, I) substrates
Authors: Papadopoulou Konstantina A. , Chroneos Alexander , Christopoulos Stavros-Richard G.
Published: January 2024

Using the BVS method, we calculate Li-ion pathways and diffusion barriers in the interface between silicene and MgCl2, MgBr2 and MgI2 substrates and we show that the results are in good agreement with the previously published DFT studies. In addition, we showcase that BVS does not need the exact crystal structure as we examine different initial positions for the Li ion and different interface heights without affecting the calculated [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we show that surface diffusion BVS calculations can be used to roughly optimize the interface, thus completely foregoing DFT geometry optimization calculations. Here, we propose that BVS can substitute DFT as a quick filter when searching for low migration barriers in silicene-based materials, providing good enough accuracy.
Bounds in simple hexagonal lattice and classification of 11-stick knots
Authors: Bao Yueheng , Benveniste Ari , Campisi Marion , Cazet Nicholas , Goh Ansel , Liu Jiantong , Sherman Ethan
Published: January 2024

The stick number and the edge length of a knot type in the simple hexagonal lattice (sh-lattice) are the minimal numbers of sticks and edges required, respectively, to construct a knot of the given type in sh-lattice. By introducing a linear transformation between lattices, we prove that for any given knot both values in the sh-lattice are strictly less than the values in the cubic lattice. Finally, we show that the only non-trivial [Formula: see text]-stick knots in the sh-lattice are the trefoil knot ([Formula: see text]) and the figure-eight knot ([Formula: see text]).