bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spiritual Health Relationship with Educational and Well-Being Components in Master Nursing Students of Intensive Care: An Iranian Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Salesi Mahmood , Shahhoseini Aliakbar , Vahedian-Azimi Amir
Published: February 2024

Background

The ability of nurses to provide spiritual care relies heavily on their own spirituality and spiritual health. This study aimed to determine the pattern of relationship between educational and well-being components with spiritual health among nursing students of intensive care.

Method

This study consisted of two phases: a three-step Delphi approach and a cross-sectional study. The second phase utilized a quantitative design to examine the draft of the final Delphi design. Master's nursing students in critical care were evaluated for their spiritual health and its relationship with educational components (satisfaction with education, educational self-efficacy, educational motivation) and well-being components (psychological well-being, thoughtful practice, and cultural intelligence).

Results

A total of 220 nursing students from 11 schools of nursing and midwifery at various universities of medical science in 7 provinces of Iran participated in the study. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed two fit models. Model 1 showed a significant direct effect of educational components on civil behavior (β = 0.76, P < 0.001) and well-being components on lifelong learning (β = 0.81, P < 0.001). These variables predicted 0.08 of the changes in spiritual health. Model 2 demonstrated a significant indirect effect of spiritual health through mediating educational and well-being components on civil behavior (β = 0.205, P < 0.05) and lifelong learning (β = 0.259, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The relationship between educational and well-being components with spiritual health in nursing students should be considered by the educational system to maintain and enhance the spiritual health of students which is one of the most important prerequisites to provide holistic care.
We could help them in many ways. Health coaches’ experiences from targeted health dialogues with 70-year-olds: a qualitative study
Authors: Stenman Emelie , Sundquist Kristina , Brorsson Annika
Published: February 2024

Background

Targeted health dialogues (THDs) have been implemented in primary care in many Swedish regions in an attempt to prevent cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A THD is a counselling meeting with a specially educated health dialogue coach. It is preceded by blood tests (cholesterol, plasma glucose), blood pressure measuring, anthropometric measures, and a lifestyle questionnaire. Health advice is given based on an illustrative health profile. In southern Sweden, all 40- and 50-year-olds are invited to a THD. Recently, a pilot project with similar THDs for 70-year-olds was performed at 14 healthcare centers. The aim of the present study was to examine the health dialogue coaches’ experiences of THDs in 70-year-olds.

Methods

Sixteen of 22 coaches consented to participate in the study. Twelve of 14 healthcare centers were represented. Data were collected through three focus groups, and two individual interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, thereafter analyzed inspired by systematic text condensation. The researchers conducted the analyses separately, whereafter differences were discussed until consensus was reached.

Results

Support from all co-workers at the healthcare center and time for planning and reflection were mentioned as success factors for the implementation of THDs. The lifestyle questionnaire was perceived to be a bit too extensive for 70-year-olds, especially regarding physical activity and diet. Waist-hip ratio was perceived as a problematic measure. In particular, women often had high values despite a lean body composition and low BMI. Many coaches believed that the 70-year-old participants belonged to the healthier part of the population, and they also had the impression that there was a lower participation rate among immigrants, possibly due to language difficulties. The coaches enjoyed the THDs and believed that the 70-year-olds appreciated them as well. The THDs provided an opportunity to discuss not only cardiovascular risk factors but health issues and life in general.

Conclusions

The health dialogue coaches valued THDs with 70-year-olds highly, but minor adaptations of the information given, questionnaire and health profile were suggested in what the coaches thought could increase participation and facilitate the dialogues with this age group.
Care
Authors: May Todd
Published: February 2024

Caring is a central aspect of our being. Without it, we would just float along in the world, attaching ourselves superficially to one activity after another as they came up. Caring anchors us to the world and to each other. And yet, understanding what caring is and how it operates in our lives is a challenge. Todd May meets that challenge, canvassing various approaches to care and offering an overview of the key role it plays in our lives.

With wit and insight, May addresses the difficulties between understanding care as a reflective attitude and as an emotion, between care and love, between caring for humans and for non-human animals, between self-care and concern for others, and between care and vulnerability.
On the conditions for absolute minimum fuel burn for turbofan powered, civil transport aircraft and a simple model for wave drag
Authors: Poll D.I.A. , Schumann U.
Published: February 2024

In a recent series of papers, Poll and Schumann have been developing a simple model for estimating fuel burn for turbofan powered, civil transport aircraft for a given mass, Mach number and flight level and in a specified ambient temperature profile for all phases of flight. This paper focuses upon the combination of Mach number and flight level at which an aircraft cruises with the absolute minimum fuel burn. For a given aircraft type, the information necessary to determine these conditions must be specified and this poses a challenge. An initial attempt to obtain these data has been described previously by the first author. In this paper, the optimum conditions are found using a completely different approach. Starting from first principles and using established theory, the equations governing the situation where engine overall efficiency and airframe lift-to-drag ratio both have local maxima at the same flight condition are developed. This special case is termed the “design optimum” condition and, for a specified aircraft mass and a specified atmospheric temperature versus pressure profile, it gives the lowest possible fuel burn for any aircraft and engine combination. The design optimum occurs at a particular Mach number and Reynolds number, and it is a fixed characteristic of the aircraft. The analysis reveals the significance of Reynolds number variations, wave drag, including its derivatives with respect to both lift coefficient and Mach number, and the atmospheric properties. Whilst wave drag is notoriously difficult to determine accurately, it is found that solutions to the equations are not particularly sensitive to the accuracy of this quantity. Consequently, a simple, physically realistic model can give good results. An appropriate model is developed and a complete, approximate solution is obtained. Taking the International Standard Atmosphere as the design atmosphere, results are presented for the 53 aircraft types previously considered by Poll and Schumann. Relative to the design optimum conditions, when Reynolds number is constant and wave drag is zero, compressibility alone reduces L/D by about 5%, reduces lift coefficient by about 1.5% and increases drag coefficient by about 3.5%. Reynolds number variation has little effect upon L/D, but it reduces lift coefficient and drag coefficient by a further 7% and 8% respectively. The reduction in lift coefficient has a significant impact on the optimum cruise flight level.

In general, an aircraft’s operating optimum will not coincide with its design optimum, but deviations are expected to be small. Therefore, using the design optimum solution as a reference point, an improved version of the operating optimum estimation method described by Poll and Schumann in previous work is developed. This allows the estimation of the conditions for absolute minimum fuel burn for an aircraft of given mass flying thorough any atmosphere. Updated coefficients for the 53 aircraft types are given.
The Ethical and Legal Dilemmas of Digital Accountability Research and the Utility of International Norm-Setting
Authors: Anstis Siena , Dalek Jakub , Deibert Ronald J.
Published: February 2024

Nearly every aspect of our life is impacted by digital technologies manufactured and sold by companies. Legislative frameworks to limit the harms of such technologies have been slow to develop and remain entangled in controversy.1 The expanding role of digital technologies has been accompanied by a disturbing descent into authoritarianism in many countries that is also, in part, fueled by these very same tools.2 The decline of liberal democratic institutions is said to be linked to various properties of the digital ecosystem—from security flaws in popular applications used by states to engage in covert and remote surveillance3 to the development and exploitation of social media algorithms that push violent and divisive content.4 There is no doubt, then, that digital accountability research—which we define as evidence-based research seeking to track and expose risks to civil society in the digital ecosystem—is critical. This essay highlights the legal and ethical challenges faced in digital accountability research and concludes that a comprehensive and global ethical framework for such research is a critical step forward. As legal frameworks and norms continue to shift with respect to digital accountability research, such collaborative, international norm-setting would help ensure that digital accountability research continues.
Ukrainian Business and Human Rights Strategy: A Breakthrough Delayed
Authors: Konopka Ihor
Published: February 2024

In 2021, the first-ever Ukrainian business and human rights strategy and action plan were approved. Although a positive political shift, the Government-led endevour failed dismally. This piece explores the drafting process and content of the policy in question, its many shortcomings and the possible way forward as business and human rights becomes even more pressing matter in times of war and in post-conflict context.
The Pain Research Enrichment Program (PREP): Developing an immersive program for research assistants at an academic medical center
Authors: Pierce Jennifer , Shaikh Sana , Zubieta Caroline S. , Zhu Guohao
Published: February 2024

Research experience is often important for academic and career development. This paper describes the implementation and impact of a training program for temporary research assistants (RAs) at an academic medical center. The program includes a 9-month didactic lecture series covering research and professional development skills, a Quality Improvement project focused on improving research processes, and manuscript writing. Overall, the program goals of increasing confidence, self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and well-being, as well as providing an opportunity for career exploration, were met. Thus, this program has the potential to support temporary RAs and enhance their early research experiences.
On the stochastic bifurcations regarding random iterations of polynomials of the form
$z^{2} + c_{n}$
Authors: WATANABE TAKAYUKI
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we consider random iterations of polynomial maps
$z^{2} + c_{n}$
, where
$c_{n}$
are complex-valued independent random variables following the uniform distribution on the closed disk with center c and radius r. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, we study the (dis)connectedness of random Julia sets. Here, we reveal the relationships between the bifurcation radius and connectedness of random Julia sets. Second, we investigate the bifurcation of our random iterations and give quantitative estimates of bifurcation parameters. In particular, we prove that for the central parameter
$c = -1$
, almost every random Julia set is totally disconnected with much smaller radial parameters r than expected. We also introduce several open questions worth discussing.
On determining and breaking the gauge class in inverse problems for reaction-diffusion equations
Authors: Kian Yavar , Liimatainen Tony , Lin Yi-Hsuan
Published: February 2024

We investigate an inverse boundary value problem of determination of a nonlinear law for reaction-diffusion processes, which are modeled by general form semilinear parabolic equations. We do not assume that any solutions to these equations are known a priori, in which case the problem has a well-known gauge symmetry. We determine, under additional assumptions, the semilinear term up to this symmetry in a time-dependent anisotropic case modeled on Riemannian manifolds, and for partial data measurements on

${\mathbb R}^n$

.

Moreover, we present cases where it is possible to exploit the nonlinear interaction to break the gauge symmetry. This leads to full determination results of the nonlinear term. As an application, we show that it is possible to give a full resolution to classes of inverse source problems of determining a source term and nonlinear terms simultaneously. This is in strict contrast to inverse source problems for corresponding linear equations, which always have the gauge symmetry. We also consider a Carleman estimate with boundary terms based on intrinsic properties of parabolic equations.
Shall the robots remember? Conceptualising the role of non-human agents in digital memory communication
Authors: Makhortykh Mykola
Published: February 2024

The rise of digital technology has led to fundamental changes in how individual and collective perspectives on the past are transmitted and engaged. An immediate implication of these changes relates to the shift away from human communication as a single form of communication about memory towards multiple models which involve non-human (or robotic) agents. These non-human agents are primarily constituted by artificial intelligence (AI)-driven systems, such as search engines and conversational agents, which retrieve information about the past for human users and are increasingly used to generate memory-related content. To account for the growing complexity of memory-related digital communication, the article introduces three agency-based models of such communication: (1) human-to-human; (2) human-to-robot; and (3) robot-to-robot. It discusses examples of communication practices enabled by these models and scrutinises their implications for individual and collective memory transmission. The article concludes by outlining several directions for memory communication research increasingly shaped by non-human agents.
Robert Southwell and the ‘Empresse of the skyes’: A Reading of ‘The Sequence on the Virgin Mary and Christ’
Authors: Hawlin Stefan
Published: February 2024

‘The Sequence on the Virgin Mary and Christ’, by the poet and martyr St Robert Southwell, S.J. (1561–95), is a beautiful work that is generally still undervalued. The sequence explores the physical, moral, and emotional unity of Mary and her Son in the work of our salvation. The larger context is the Protestant devaluing of hyperdulia. In its historical moment – it was written sometime in the 1580s – it is a subtle exploration of the theme of kenosis and of what a ‘prince’ or ‘queen’ should really be. While being relatively inexplicit, Southwell seems to poise the Virgin Mary against that other ‘empress’, Elizabeth I, and writes with intimacy from the perspective of his own self-understanding as ‘Beatae Virginis filius’ (a son of the Blessed Virgin). The sequence’s modern, editorial title needs to be replaced with one that matches its devotional aims and content. As he faced up to the almost certain prospect of his own martyrdom, Southwell looked to Mary as true mother and queen to sustain him in his sacrifice.
Nonlocal anisotropic interactions of Coulomb type
Authors: Mora Maria Giovanna
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we review some recent results on nonlocal interaction problems. The focus is on interaction kernels that are anisotropic variants of the classical Coulomb kernel. In other words, while preserving the same singularity at zero of the Coulomb kernel, they present preferred directions of interaction. For kernels of this kind and general confinement we will prove existence and uniqueness of minimizers of the corresponding energy. In the case of a quadratic confinement we will review a recent result by Carrillo and Shu about the explicit characterization of minimizers, and present a new proof, which has the advantage of being extendable to higher dimensions. In light of this result, we will re-examine some previous works motivated by applications to dislocation theory in materials science. Finally, we will discuss some related results and open questions.
Working with the tensions of transdisciplinary research: a review and agenda for the future of knowledge co-production in the Anthropocene
Authors: Harris Frances , Lyon Fergus , Sioen Giles B. , Ebi Krsitie L.
Published: February 2024

Non-technical summary

Transdisciplinary approaches for sustainability brings natural and social science researchers together with non researchers to fill gaps in scientific knowledge and catalyze change. By connecting diverse academic fields and sectors, it addresses complex problems and enables learning for problem solving. However, institutional barriers, funding constraints, time limitations, and evaluation criteria hinder collaborative progress. Our review reveals tensions at institutional and individual levels. Our findings underscore the significance of soft skills in assembling effective transdisciplinary teams. Embracing transdisciplinary science, as suggested by our review, can enhance problem-solving, and foster transformations for sustainability and resilience.

Technical summary

Sustainability challenges in the age of the Anthropocene require researchers and practitioners to collaborate across multiple academic disciplines and multiple professions outside of universities. In this paper we draw on theories of institutional logics to explore how those involved in transdisciplinary environmental research and practice draw on particular sets of values and norms but encounter challenges to collaboration. These institutional logics include (among others) seeking societal/environmental impact, commercial objectives, and academic knowledge generation. In this paper we review the growing literature on the research experience of transdisciplinarity in sustainability; discuss the processes of managing such research; and present a framework that outlines the challenges and tensions at each stage of the innovation/research process. We set out an agenda for managing tension that calls for recognizing the challenges, learning how to work with tensions, and building capabilities for future careers involving transdisciplinary research. The paper shows a key competence or skill for transdisciplinarians is the ability to develop complex collaborative relationships for sustainability drawing together different institutional logics, approaches, methods, goals, and values.

Social media summary

Transdisciplinary science: bridging disciplines, solving challenges. Soft skills and collaboration key to success.
Variation in the Reflection Height of VLF/LF Transmitter Signals in the D‐Region Ionosphere and the Possible Source: A 2018 Meteoroid in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Ohya H. , Suzuki T. , Tsuchiya F. , Nakata H. , Shiokawa K.
Published: February 2024

Several studies have examined ionospheric variation associated with meteorites, meteoroids, or meteors based on Global Satellite Navigation System total electron content observations. However, there have been few quantitative studies of the D‐region of the ionosphere (60–90 km), which is associated with meteoroids. We investigated variation in the D‐region during the passage of a meteoroid over northeastern Hokkaido, Japan, at 11:55:55 UT on 18 October 2018, using very low‐frequency (VLF, 3–30 kHz) and low‐frequency (LF, 30–300 kHz) signals observed by three transmitters [JJY (40 kHz), JJY (60 kHz), and JJI (22.2 kHz)], at Rikubetsu, Japan. Periodic variation of 100–200 s was observed in the VLF and LF amplitudes upon arrival of the acoustic wave. The vertical seismic velocity of Hi‐net and F‐net data also showed acoustic waves. Although the main period of the acoustic wave was 0.1–0.5 s in the seismic data, a longer period component (100–200 s) remained during propagation up to the D‐region ionosphere. The estimated velocity of the acoustic waves was ∼340 m/s on the ground according to the Hi‐net seismic data. The acoustic wave originated near the endpoint (25 km altitude) of the meteoroid trajectory. Based on the observed propagation time of the acoustic waves and ray tracing results, the acoustic waves propagated obliquely from near the endpoint of the meteoroid trajectory up to a D‐region height (about ∼90 km altitude), south of the Rikubetsu receiver.
Polygenic risk for major depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, neuroticism, and schizophrenia are correlated with experience of intimate partner violence
Authors: Ratanatharathorn Andrew , Quan Luwei , Koenen Karestan C. , Chibnik Lori B. , Weisskopf Marc G. , Slopen Natalie , Roberts Andrea L.
Published: February 2024

Research has suggested that mental illness may be a risk factor for, as well as a sequela of, experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). The association between IPV and mental illness may also be due in part to gene-environment correlations. Using polygenic risk scores for six psychiatric disorders - attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder (BPD), major depressive disorder (MDD), neuroticism, and schizophrenia—and a combined measure of overall genetic risk for mental illness, we tested whether women’s genetic risk for mental illness was associated with the experience of three types of intimate partner violence. In this cohort of women of European ancestry (N = 11,095), participants in the highest quintile of genetic risk for ADHD (OR range: 1.38–1.49), MDD (OR range: 1.28–1.43), neuroticism (OR range: (1.18–1.25), schizophrenia (OR range: 1.30–1.34), and overall genetic risk (OR range: 1.30–1.41) were at higher risk for experiencing more severe emotional and physical abuse, and, except schizophrenia, more severe sexual abuse, as well as more types of abuse and chronic abuse. In addition, participants in the highest quintile of genetic risk for neuroticism (OR = 1.43 95% CI: 1.18, 1.72), schizophrenia (OR = 1.33 95% CI: 1.10, 1.62), and the overall genetic risk (OR = 1.40 95% CI: 1.15, 1.71) were at higher risk for experiencing intimate partner intimidation and control. Participants in the highest quintile of genetic risk for ADHD, ASD, MDD, schizophrenia, and overall genetic risk, compared to the lowest quintile, were at increased risk for experiencing harassment from a partner (OR range: 1.22–1.92). No associations were found between genetic risk for BPD with IPV. A better understanding of the salience of the multiple possible pathways linking genetic risk for mental illness with risk for IPV may aid in preventing IPV victimization or re-victimization.
Selective alterations of endocannabinoid system genes expression in obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Bellia Fabio , Girella Antonio , Annunzi Eugenia , Benatti Beatrice , Vismara Matteo , Priori Alberto , Festucci Fabiana , Fanti Federico , Compagnone Dario , Adriani Walter , Dell’Osso Bernardo , D’Addario Claudio
Published: February 2024

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is listed as one of the top 10 most disabling neuropsychiatric conditions in the world. The neurobiology of OCD has not been completely understood and efforts are needed in order to develop new treatments. Beside the classical neurotransmitter systems and signalling pathways implicated in OCD, the possible involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged in pathophysiology of OCD. We report here selective downregulation of the genes coding for enzymes allowing the synthesis of the endocannabinoids. We found reduced DAGLα and NAPE-PLD in blood samples of individuals with OCD (when compared to healthy controls) as well as in the amygdala complex and prefrontal cortex of dopamine transporter (DAT) heterozygous rats, manifesting compulsive behaviours. Also mRNA levels of the genes coding for cannabinoid receptors type 1 and type 2 resulted downregulated, respectively in the rat amygdala and in human blood. Moreover, NAPE-PLD changes in gene expression resulted to be associated with an increase in DNA methylation at gene promoter, and the modulation of this gene in OCD appears to be correlated to the progression of the disease. Finally, the alterations observed in ECS genes expression appears to be correlated with the modulation in oxytocin receptor gene expression, consistently with what recently reported. Overall, we confirm here a role for ECS in OCD at both preclinical and clinical level. Many potential biomarkers are suggested among its components, in particular NAPE-PLD, that might be of help for a prompt and clear diagnosis.
Risk of cancer and serious disease in Danish patients with urgent referral for serious non-specific symptoms and signs of cancer in Funen 2014–2021
Authors: Grønnemose Rasmus Birkholm , Hansen Per Syrak , Worsøe Laursen Søren , Gerke Oke , Kjellberg Jakob , Lykkegaard Jesper , Thye-Rønn Clara , Høilund-Carlsen Poul Flemming , Thye-Rønn Peter
Published: February 2024

Background

In 2011, as the first European country, Denmark introduced the non-organ-specific cancer patient pathway (CPP) for patients presenting with non-specific symptoms and signs of cancer (NSSC). The proportion of patients with cancer over time is unknown.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all patients with a NSSC-CPP investigational course in the province of Funen to the Diagnostic Centre in Svendborg from 2014 to 2021 was performed to evaluate the proportion of patients with cancer and serious disease over time.

Results

A total of 6698 patients were referred to the NSSC-CPP of which 20.2% had cancer. While the crude referral rate increased from 114 per 100,000 people in 2014 and stabilised to around 214 in 2017–2021, the cancer detection rate of the total yearly new cancers in Funen diagnosed through the NSSC-CPP in DC Svendborg increased from 3 to 6%.

Conclusions

With now high and stable conversion and crude referral rates, the NSSC-CPP is one of the largest CPPs in Denmark as measured by the number of new cancer cases found. Similar urgent referral programmes in other countries might fill an unmet medical need for patients presenting with serious non-specific symptoms and signs of cancer in general practice.
Homochiral antiferromagnetic merons, antimerons and bimerons realized in synthetic antiferromagnets
Authors: Bhukta Mona , Dohi Takaaki , Bharadwaj Venkata Krishna , Zarzuela Ricardo , Syskaki Maria-Andromachi , Foerster Michael , Niño Miguel Angel , Sinova Jairo , Frömter Robert , Kläui Mathias
Published: February 2024

The ever-growing demand for device miniaturization and energy efficiency in data storage and computing technology has prompted a shift towards antiferromagnetic topological spin textures as information carriers. This shift is primarily owing to their negligible stray fields, leading to higher possible device density and potentially ultrafast dynamics. We realize in this work such chiral in-plane topological antiferromagnetic spin textures namely merons, antimerons, and bimerons in synthetic antiferromagnets by concurrently engineering the effective perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, the interlayer exchange coupling, and the magnetic compensation ratio. We demonstrate multimodal vector imaging of the three-dimensional Néel order parameter, revealing the topology of those spin textures and a globally well-defined chirality, which is a crucial requirement for controlled current-induced dynamics. Our analysis reveals that the interplay between interlayer exchange and interlayer magnetic dipolar interactions plays a key role to significantly reduce the critical strength of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction required to stabilize topological spin textures, such as antiferromagnetic merons, in synthetic antiferromagnets, making them a promising platform for next-generation spintronics applications.
Modern anthropogenic drought in Central Brazil unprecedented during last 700 years
Authors: Stríkis Nicolas Misailidis , Buarque Plácido Fabrício Silva Melo , Cruz Francisco William , Bernal Juan Pablo , Vuille Mathias , Tejedor Ernesto , Santos Matheus Simões , Shimizu Marília Harumi , Ampuero Angela , Du Wenjing , Sampaio Gilvan , Sales Hamilton dos Reis , Campos José Leandro , Kayano Mary Toshie , Apaèstegui James , Fu Roger R. , Cheng Hai , Edwards R. Lawrence , Mayta Victor Chavez , Francischini Danielle da Silva , Arruda Marco Aurélio Zezzi , Novello Valdir Felipe
Published: February 2024

A better understanding of the relative roles of internal climate variability and external contributions, from both natural (solar, volcanic) and anthropogenic greenhouse gas forcing, is important to better project future hydrologic changes. Changes in the evaporative demand play a central role in this context, particularly in tropical areas characterized by high precipitation seasonality, such as the tropical savannah and semi-desertic biomes. Here we present a set of geochemical proxies in speleothems from a well-ventilated cave located in central-eastern Brazil which shows that the evaporative demand is no longer being met by precipitation, leading to a hydrological deficit. A marked change in the hydrologic balance in central-eastern Brazil, caused by a severe warming trend, can be identified, starting in the 1970s. Our findings show that the current aridity has no analog over the last 720 years. A detection and attribution study indicates that this trend is mostly driven by anthropogenic forcing and cannot be explained by natural factors alone. These results reinforce the premise of a severe long-term drought in the subtropics of eastern South America that will likely be further exacerbated in the future given its apparent connection to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
All-in-one, all-optical logic gates using liquid metal plasmon nonlinearity
Authors: Xu Jinlong , Zhang Chi , Wang Yulin , Wang Mudong , Xu Yanming , Wei Tianqi , Xie Zhenda , Liu Shiqiang , Lee Chao-Kuei , Hu Xiaopeng , Zhao Gang , Lv Xinjie , Zhang Han , Zhu Shining , Zhou Lin
Published: February 2024

Electronic processors are reaching the physical speed ceiling that heralds the era of optical processors. Multifunctional all-optical logic gates (AOLGs) of massively parallel processing are of great importance for large-scale integrated optical processors with speed far in excess of electronics, while are rather challenging due to limited operation bandwidth and multifunctional integration complexity. Here we for the first time experimentally demonstrate a reconfigurable all-in-one broadband AOLG that achieves nine fundamental Boolean logics in a single configuration, enabled by ultrabroadband (400–4000 nm) plasmon-enhanced thermo-optical nonlinearity (TONL) of liquid-metal Galinstan nanodroplet assemblies (GNAs). Due to the unique heterogeneity (broad-range geometry sizes, morphology, assembly profiles), the prepared GNAs exhibit broadband plasmonic opto-thermal effects (hybridization, local heating, energy transfer, etc.), resulting in a huge nonlinear refractive index under the order of 10−4−10−5 within visual-infrared range. Furthermore, a generalized control-signal light route is proposed for the dynamic TONL modulation of reversible spatial-phase shift, based on which nine logic functions are reconfigurable in one single AOLG configuration. Our work will provide a powerful strategy on large-bandwidth all-optical circuits for high-density data processing in the future.
Intestinal stroma guides monocyte differentiation to macrophages through GM-CSF
Authors: Kvedaraite Egle , Lourda Magda , Mouratidou Natalia , Düking Tim , Padhi Avinash , Moll Kirsten , Czarnewski Paulo , Sinha Indranil , Xagoraris Ioanna , Kokkinou Efthymia , Damdimopoulos Anastasios , Weigel Whitney , Hartwig Olga , Santos Telma E. , Soini Tea , Van Acker Aline , Rahkonen Nelly , Flodström Tullberg Malin , Ringqvist Emma , Buggert Marcus , Jorns Carl , Lindforss Ulrik , Nordenvall Caroline , Stamper Christopher T. , Unnersjö-Jess David , Akber Mira , Nadisauskaite Ruta , Jansson Jessica , Vandamme Niels , Sorini Chiara , Grundeken Marijke Elise , Rolandsdotter Helena , Rassidakis George , Villablanca Eduardo J. , Ideström Maja , Eulitz Stefan , Arnell Henrik , Mjösberg Jenny , Henter Jan-Inge , Svensson Mattias
Published: February 2024

Stromal cells support epithelial cell and immune cell homeostasis and play an important role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis. Here, we quantify the stromal response to inflammation in pediatric IBD and reveal subset-specific inflammatory responses across colon segments and intestinal layers. Using data from a murine dynamic gut injury model and human ex vivo transcriptomic, protein and spatial analyses, we report that PDGFRA+CD142−/low fibroblasts and monocytes/macrophages co-localize in the intestine. In primary human fibroblast-monocyte co-cultures, intestinal PDGFRA+CD142−/low fibroblasts foster monocyte transition to CCR2+CD206+ macrophages through granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Monocyte-derived CCR2+CD206+ cells from co-cultures have a phenotype similar to intestinal CCR2+CD206+ macrophages from newly diagnosed pediatric IBD patients, with high levels of PD-L1 and low levels of GM-CSF receptor. The study describes subset-specific changes in stromal responses to inflammation and suggests that the intestinal stroma guides intestinal macrophage differentiation.
Serum amyloid A promotes glycolysis of neutrophils during PD-1 blockade resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: He Meng , Liu Yongxiang , Chen Song , Deng Haijing , Feng Cheng , Qiao Shuang , Chen Qifeng , Hu Yue , Chen Huiming , Wang Xun , Jiang Xiongying , Xia Xiaojun , Zhao Ming , Lyu Ning
Published: February 2024

The response to programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade varies in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We utilize a panel of 16 serum factors to show that a circulating level of serum amyloid A (SAA) > 20.0 mg/L has the highest accuracy in predicting anti-PD-1 resistance in HCC. Further experiments show a correlation between peritumoral SAA expression and circulating SAA levels in patients with progressive disease after PD-1 inhibition. In vitro experiments demonstrate that SAA induces neutrophils to express PD-L1 through glycolytic activation via an LDHA/STAT3 pathway and to release oncostatin M, thereby attenuating cytotoxic T cell function. In vivo, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 or SAA eliminates neutrophil-mediated immunosuppression and enhances antitumor efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment. This study indicates that SAA may be a critical inflammatory cytokine implicated in anti-PD-1 resistance in HCC. Targeting SAA-induced PD-L1+ neutrophils through STAT3 or SAA inhibition may present a potential approach for overcoming anti-PD1 resistance.
Nanocurvature-induced field effects enable control over the activity of single-atom electrocatalysts
Authors: Wang Bingqing , Wang Meng , Fan Ziting , Ma Chao , Xi Shibo , Chang Lo‐Yueh , Zhang Mingsheng , Ling Ning , Mi Ziyu , Chen Shenghua , Leow Wan Ru , Zhang Jia , Wang Dingsheng , Lum Yanwei
Published: February 2024

Tuning interfacial electric fields provides a powerful means to control electrocatalyst activity. Importantly, electric fields can modify adsorbate binding energies based on their polarizability and dipole moment, and hence operate independently of scaling relations that fundamentally limit performance. However, implementation of such a strategy remains challenging because typical methods modify the electric field non-uniformly and affects only a minority of active sites. Here we discover that uniformly tunable electric field modulation can be achieved using a model system of single-atom catalysts (SACs). These consist of M-N4 active sites hosted on a series of spherical carbon supports with varying degrees of nanocurvature. Using in-situ Raman spectroscopy with a Stark shift reporter, we demonstrate that a larger nanocurvature induces a stronger electric field. We show that this strategy is effective over a broad range of SAC systems and electrocatalytic reactions. For instance, Ni SACs with optimized nanocurvature achieved a high CO partial current density of ~400 mA cm−2 at >99% Faradaic efficiency for CO2 reduction in acidic media.
Evidence review and considerations for use of first line genome sequencing to diagnose rare genetic disorders
Authors: Wigby Kristen M. , Brockman Deanna , Costain Gregory , Hale Caitlin , Taylor Stacie L. , Belmont John , Bick David , Dimmock David , Fernbach Susan , Greally John , Jobanputra Vaidehi , Kulkarni Shashikant , Spiteri Elizabeth , Taft Ryan J.
Published: February 2024

Early use of genome sequencing (GS) in the diagnostic odyssey can reduce suffering and improve care, but questions remain about which patient populations are most amenable to GS as a first-line diagnostic test. To address this, the Medical Genome Initiative conducted a literature review to identify appropriate clinical indications for GS. Studies published from January 2011 to August 2022 that reported on the diagnostic yield (DY) or clinical utility of GS were included. An exploratory meta-analysis using a random effects model evaluated DY based on cohort size and diagnosed cases per cohort. Seventy-one studies met inclusion criteria, comprising over 13,000 patients who received GS in one of the following settings: hospitalized pediatric patients, pediatric outpatients, adult outpatients, or mixed. GS was the first-line test in 38% (27/71). The unweighted mean DY of first-line GS was 45% (12–73%), 33% (6–86%) in cohorts with prior genetic testing, and 33% (9–60%) in exome-negative cohorts. Clinical utility was reported in 81% of first-line GS studies in hospitalized pediatric patients. Changes in management varied by cohort and underlying molecular diagnosis (24–100%). To develop evidence-informed points to consider, the quality of all 71 studies was assessed using modified American College of Radiology (ACR) criteria, with five core points to consider developed, including recommendations for use of GS in the N/PICU, in lieu of sequential testing and when disorders with substantial allelic heterogeneity are suspected. Future large and controlled studies in the pediatric and adult populations may support further refinement of these recommendations.
Exploiting macro- and micro-structural brain changes for improved Parkinson’s disease classification from MRI data
Authors: Camacho Milton , Wilms Matthias , Almgren Hannes , Amador Kimberly , Camicioli Richard , Ismail Zahinoor , Monchi Oury , Forkert Nils D. ,   For the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Accurate PD diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prognosis but can be challenging, especially at early disease stages. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an explainable deep learning model for PD classification from multimodal neuroimaging data. The model was trained using one of the largest collections of T1-weighted and diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets. A total of 1264 datasets from eight different studies were collected, including 611 PD patients and 653 healthy controls (HC). These datasets were pre-processed and non-linearly registered to the MNI PD25 atlas. Six imaging maps describing the macro- and micro-structural integrity of brain tissues complemented with age and sex parameters were used to train a convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify PD/HC subjects. Explainability of the model’s decision-making was achieved using SmoothGrad saliency maps, highlighting important brain regions. The CNN was trained using a 75%/10%/15% train/validation/test split stratified by diagnosis, sex, age, and study, achieving a ROC-AUC of 0.89, accuracy of 80.8%, specificity of 82.4%, and sensitivity of 79.1% on the test set. Saliency maps revealed that diffusion tensor imaging data, especially fractional anisotropy, was more important for the classification than T1-weighted data, highlighting subcortical regions such as the brainstem, thalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, and cortical areas. The proposed model, trained on a large multimodal MRI database, can classify PD patients and HC subjects with high accuracy and clinically reasonable explanations, suggesting that micro-structural brain changes play an essential role in the disease course.
Cerebellar interpositus nucleus exhibits time-dependent errors and predictive responses
Authors: Parras Gloria G. , Delgado-García José M. , López-Ramos Juan Carlos , Gruart Agnès , Leal-Campanario Rocío
Published: February 2024

Learning is a functional state of the brain that should be understood as a continuous process, rather than being restricted to the very moment of its acquisition, storage, or retrieval. The cerebellum operates by comparing predicted states with actual states, learning from errors, and updating its internal representation to minimize errors. In this regard, we studied cerebellar interpositus nucleus (IPn) functional capabilities by recording its unitary activity in behaving rabbits during an associative learning task: the classical conditioning of eyelid responses. We recorded IPn neurons in rabbits during classical eyeblink conditioning using a delay paradigm. We found that IPn neurons reduce error signals across conditioning sessions, simultaneously increasing and transmitting spikes before the onset of the unconditioned stimulus. Thus, IPn neurons generate predictions that optimize in time and shape the conditioned eyeblink response. Our results are consistent with the idea that the cerebellum works under Bayesian rules updating the weights using the previous history.
The multiscale nexus among land use-land cover changes and water quality in the Suquía River Basin, a semi-arid region of Argentina
Authors: Paná Sofía , Marinelli M. Victoria , Bonansea Matías , Ferral Anabella , Valente Donatella , Camacho Valdez Vera , Petrosillo Irene
Published: February 2024

Agricultural intensification and urban sprawl have led to significant alterations in riverscapes, and one of the critical consequences is the deterioration of water quality with significant implications for public health. Therefore, the objectives of this study were the assessment of the water quality of the Suquía River, the assessment of LULC change at different spatial scales, and the analysis of the potential seasonal correlation among LULC change and Water Quality Index (WQI). The Sample Sites (SS) 1 and 2 before Cordoba city had the highest WQI values while from SS3 the WQI decreased, with the lowest WQI close to the wastewater treatment plant (SS7) after Cordoba city. From SS8 in a agricultural context, the WQI increases but does not reach the original values. In light of analysis carried out, the correlation between water quality variables and the different LULC classes at the local and regional scales demonstrated that WQI is negatively affected by agricultural and urban activities, while natural classes impacted positively. The spatialization of the results can help strongly in assessing and managing the diffusion of point and non-point pollution along the riverscape. The knowledge gained from this research can play a crucial role in water resources management, which supports the provision of river ecosystem services essential for the well-being of local populations.
Clinical features and risk factors for postoperative recurrence in patients with Cushing's syndrome of different etiologies
Authors: Cai Yunjia , Zhao Xue , Ren Linan , Liu Siyuan , Liu Xinming , Gang Xiaokun , Wang Guixia
Published: February 2024

The clinical characteristics of Cushing’s syndrome (CS) vary with etiology, and few studies have investigated the risk factors affecting CS recurrence after surgery. This retrospective study involved 202 patients diagnosed with CS between December 2012 and December 2022. The patients were divided into three groups according to etiology: Cushing's disease (CD), adrenocortical adenoma (ACA), and ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome (EAS). Of the patients with CS, 41.9% had hypokalemia and 15.0% had hypophosphatemia. The cortisol levels were negatively correlated with blood potassium, blood chlorine, and blood phosphorus. Moreover, 22.4% of patients had an abnormal heart structure, 11.2% had centripetal remodeling, 5.6% had centripetal hypertrophy, and 5.6% had centrifugal hypertrophy. The overall recurrence rate of CS caused by pituitary tumors and adrenal adenoma was 25.7%. The recurrence times were longer in the ACA group versus the CD group, in patients < 50 years of age versus in patients ≥ 50 years old group, and in patients with CD with tumors ≥ 1 cm versus tumors < 1 cm. Age, preoperative cortisol level, postoperative cortisol level, and absolute neutrophil value were closely related to postoperative recurrence, and etiology was an independent predictor of tumor recurrence in patients with CS. The results of this study showed that CS caused by different etiologies showed different clinical manifestations, blood electrolyte characteristics, and that CS could affect patient cardiac structure and function. Etiology is an independent predictor of tumor recurrence in patients with CS.
Analysis of web design visual element attention based on user educational background
Authors: Qing Haohua , Ibrahim Roliana , Nies Hui Wen
Published: February 2024

The evolution of Internet technology has led to an increase in online users. This study focuses on the pivotal role of visual elements in web content conveyance and their impact on user browsing behavior. Therefore, the use of visual elements in web design based on big data has aroused widespread concern among web designers, they apply visual elements to their web design works to make the web more attractive. This study examines the composition and distribution characteristics of key visual elements identified through user behavior data in a big data environment and discusses the use of visual elements in web design in the era of network economy. In addition, this paper issued 200 questionnaires to investigate the degree of attention to visual elements in web pages for users of different occupations and different educational backgrounds. Our survey indicated that visual elements captured the attention of 41% of corporate employees, whereas a mere 1% of social welfare workers focused on web content; 36% of undergraduates pay attention to visual elements of web pages, but only 5% and 4% of postgraduates and doctoral degrees and above. Therefore, the visual elements of the designed web page need to conform to the user's cultural background and professional background.