bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recalcitrance: The foreclosure of news about violence in Mexico
Authors: R. Donnelly Meghan
Published: May 2023

Since President Felipe Calderón declared his so‐called “war on organized crime” in December 2006, the dominant discourse about violence in Mexico has created the idea of a battle against or disputes between organized crime groups, and it has framed victims of murders and disappearances as themselves criminals. Recent scholarship highlights the role that journalists and news outlets have played in bolstering this narrative; however, ethnographic fieldwork with Mexican journalists complicates the notion that they and others unknowingly or uncritically reaffirm dominant interpretations about violence. This article introduces the concept of recalcitrance to elucidate how, even when reporters actively work to investigate beyond official statements, fear contributes to the reproduction of dominant discourses and forecloses the possibility of creating different kinds of news, truths, and narratives.
Government Spending, Debt Management, and Wealth and Income Inequality in a Growing Monetary Economy*
Authors: GOKAN YOICHI , TURNOVSKY STEPHEN J.
Published: May 2023

This paper compares the impact of government investment and government consumption on macroeconomic aggregates and inequality when the government deficit is money‐financed while maintaining a fixed debt‐money ratio. Real aggregate quantities are independent of the debt‐money ratio, as is wealth inequality, but income inequality is impacted. We also investigate the impact of these two forms of government expenditure on the macroeconomic aggregates and distributions, illustrating their sharply contrasting effects on the tradeoffs they entail. While government investment is more effective in increasing the growth rate and moderating inflation, it has a more adverse effect on long‐run income inequality.
Step‐back anterior repositioning splint retraction for temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction in adult patients
Authors: Li Hui , Shen Da , Chen Zhihong , Li Jian
Published: May 2023

Background

Anterior repositioning splint (ARS) is used to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement with reduction (DDwR). However, high recurrence rate remains a problem especially in patients with unstable occlusions.

Objective

This study optimised standard ARS therapy and proposed a step‐back ARS retraction (SAR) method in adult patients with DDwR.

Methods

Dental examinations and magnetic resonance imaging of TMJ were obtained before treatment (T0), 1 to 3 months (T1), 3 to 6 months (T2) and 6 to 12 months (T3) during treatment in 48 adults (average age 27.1 ± 5.7 years). After 3 months of basic ARS wearing, personalised treatment for patients with normal disc–condyle relationship was prescribed depending on bilaminar zone adaptations and severity of molar openbite. SAR which required sequential ARS wearing was designed for patients with deep overbite/overjet until retrodiscal tissue adaptations and stable occlusions were achieved.

Results

The maximum interincisal opening was increased from 44.3 ± 6.9 to 45.3 ± 6.3 mm (p < .01), and joint pain was alleviated after ARS treatment. The overall success rate of ARS wearing was 92.1% (58/63) featured by a recaptured disc. Fifteen patients who underwent SAR therapy all showed bilaminar zone adaptations in the end, and one patient had positive condylar bone remodelling.

Conclusions

ARS treatment could improve mouth opening and joint symptoms in adult DDwR patients. SAR method was suitable for treating DDwR patients with deep overbite and overjet and improved retrodiscal tissue adaptations and condylar bone remodelling.
Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Religiosity: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Kanol Eylem , Michalowski Ines
Published: May 2023

How does a major external shock that potentially threatens the community and the individual impact religiosity in the context of ongoing secularization? Do individuals in a rich and secularized society such as Germany react to potential community‐level (sociotropic) and individual‐level (egotropic) threat with heightened religiosity? We estimate multilevel regression models to investigate the impact of sociotropic and egotropic existential security threats associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic on individuals’ religiosity. Our data come from a rolling cross‐sectional online survey conducted in Germany among 7,500 respondents across 13 waves in 2020. Our findings suggest that a global health pandemic such as COVID‐19 increases individuals’ perception of existential and economic threat, which, in turn, leads to an increase in religiosity. However, this relationship is only true for egotropic existential security threat but not for sociotropic threat. We discuss the theoretical implications of these findings.
Feral American mink Neogale vison continues to expand its European range: time to harmonise population monitoring and coordinate control
Authors: Vada Rachele , Illanas Sonia , Acevedo Pelayo , Adriaens Tim , Apollonio Marco , Belova Olgirda , Blanco‐Aguiar Jose Antonio , Csányi Sándor , Body Guillaume , Fernández‐De‐Mera Isabel G. , Ferroglio Ezio , Jansen Patrick A. , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Keuling Oliver , Palazón Santiago , Plis Kamila , Podgórski Tomasz , Rickowski Fiona , Scandura Massimo , Shakun Vasilij , Smith Graham C. , Stephens Philip A. , Van Den Berge Koen , Veeroja Rauno , Zanet Stefania , Zihmanis Ilgvars , Vicente Joaquin
Published: May 2023

The American mink Neogale vison is an invasive alien species in Europe that threatens endemic biodiversity and can transmit zoonotic diseases, including the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. The last attempt to map the geographic range of this species in Europe, at continental scale, dates back to 2007.

We aimed to update the distribution map of the feral American mink and assess its temporal trends. The information we collected was critically analysed with the aim of improving future monitoring protocols and data collection.

We gathered and standardised data from 34 databases, covering 32 countries. Through 3 five‐year periods from 2007 to 2021, changes in range size, hunting bags and capture statistics were analysed. We also reviewed the current situation of mink farming in the different European countries and recorded population control schemes.

The American mink is now widespread in the Baltic States, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Poland, Scandinavia, Spain and the UK. The species is reported to be absent in some areas (e.g. parts of the UK, Iceland and Norway). Data are deficient for several countries, mainly in south‐eastern Europe. These findings indicate that, during the last 15 years, the species has continued to spread across the continent, increasing its potential extent of occurrence in most countries. Our effort to collect and harmonise data across international borders highlighted information gaps and heterogeneity in data quality.

Updated distribution data on the species provided here will aid risk assessment and risk management policies. These actions require a coordinated effort for population monitoring at continental level. Monitoring effort and data collection should be intensified in south‐eastern Europe to improve data on the current distribution of this invasive species.
The involvement of CdhR in Porphyromonas gingivalis during nitric oxide stress
Authors: Boutrin Marie‐Claire , Mishra Arunima , Wang Charles , Dou Yuetan , Fletcher Hansel M.
Published: May 2023

Porphyromonas gingivalis, the causative agent of adult periodontitis, must gain resistance to frequent oxidative and nitric oxide (NO) stress attacks from immune cells in the periodontal pocket to survive. Previously, we found that, in the wild‐type and under NO stress, the expression of PG1237 (CdhR), the gene encoding for a putative LuxR transcriptional regulator previously called community development and hemin regulator (CdhR), was upregulated 7.7‐fold, and its adjacent gene PG1236 11.9‐fold. Isogenic mutants P. gingivalis FLL457 (ΔCdhR::ermF), FLL458 (ΔPG1236::ermF), and FLL459 (ΔPG1236‐CdhR::ermF) were made by allelic exchange mutagenesis to determine the involvement of these genes in P. gingivalis W83 NO stress resistance. The mutants were black pigmented and β hemolytic and their gingipain activities varied with strains. FLL457 and FLL459 mutants were more sensitive to NO compared to the wild type, and complementation restored NO sensitivity to that of the wild type. DNA microarray analysis of FLL457 showed that approximately 2% of the genes were upregulated and over 1% of the genes downregulated under NO stress conditions compared to the wild type. Transcriptome analysis of FLL458 and FLL459 under NO stress showed differences in their modulation patterns. Some similarities were also noticed between all mutants. The PG1236‐CdhR gene cluster revealed increased expression under NO stress and may be part of the same transcriptional unit. Recombinant CdhR showed binding activity to the predicted promoter regions of PG1459 and PG0495. Taken together, the data indicate that CdhR may play a role in NO stress resistance and be involved in a regulatory network in P. gingivalis.
The integration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium signalling in abiotic stress responses
Authors: Ravi Barkha , Foyer Christine H. , Pandey Girdhar K.
Published: May 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium (Ca2+) signalling are interconnected in the perception and transmission of environmental signals that control plant growth, development and defence. The concept that systemically propagating Ca2+ and ROS waves function together with electric signals in directional cell‐to‐cell systemic signalling and even plant‐to‐plant communication, is now firmly imbedded in the literature. However, relatively few mechanistic details are available regarding the management of ROS and Ca2+ signals at the molecular level, or how synchronous and independent signalling might be achieved in different cellular compartments. This review discusses the proteins that may serve as nodes or connecting bridges between the different pathways during abiotic stress responses, highlighting the crosstalk between ROS and Ca2+ pathways in cell signalling. We consider putative molecular switches that connect these signalling pathways and the molecular machinery that achieves the synergistic operation of ROS and Ca2+ signals.
Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma with pleomorphic and spindle cells: An autopsy‐proven case
Authors: Uruga Hironori , Tamura Tetsuo , Miura Yasuro , Itonaga Jumpei , Koyama Rikako , Imamura Tsunao , Takazawa Yutaka
Published: May 2023

Pancreatic acinar cell carcinomas are glandular and have amphophilic/eosinophilic cytoplasm, presenting acinar, solid, and trabecular structures. Unusual histological features of acinar cell carcinoma are known, such as oncocytic, pleomorphic, spindle, and clear cell variants, but their clinical significance has not been well described. A man in his 70s was referred to our hospital because of elevated serum pancreatic enzymes. Contrast‐enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed slight swelling of the pancreatic head and suspension of the main pancreatic duct in the pancreatic body. He died only 14 days after admission. Gross findings at autopsy showed an ill‐defined tumor located in the pancreatic head, involving the gastric and duodenal walls. Peritoneal dissemination, liver metastases, and lymph node metastases were also observed. Microscopically, tumor cells had moderate‐to‐severe nuclear atypia and amphophilic cytoplasm showing pleomorphism, and diffusely proliferated in solid pattern without lumina, were admixed with spindle cells. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells including pleomorphic and spindle cells were positive for B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia 10 and trypsin. Consequently, the diagnosis was pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma with pleomorphic and spindle cells. We encountered a rare variant of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma with pleomorphic and spindle cells. Clinically, our case showed rapid progression.
ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 16 is a potential marker for prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Bai Chen , Chen Deng‐gang
Published: May 2023

The mortality rate of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains high. Immunohistochemical staining, Western blotting and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were employed to evaluate ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 16 (ADAMTS16) levels in ccRCC tissues and paired normal tissues, and all tissues were obtained from clinical samples of 46 cases of ccRCC patients. Moreover, we analyzed the role ADAMTS16 in the progression of ccRCC using Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay and flow cytometry. ADAMTS16 levels in ccRCC tissues were markedly low, relative to normal tissues, and ADAMTS16 level closely correlated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis as well as pathological grade. Patients with elevated ADAMTS16 expressions have a more favorable survival outcome, relative to patients with low expression of ADAMTS16. In vitro study showed ADAMTS16 expression markedly decreased in ccRCC cells and acted as a tumor suppressor compared with the normal cells. The expression of ADAMTS16 is down‐regulated in ccRCC tissues, relative to normal tissues, and it may inhibit the malignancies of ccRCC. Such inhibitory effect may be ascribed to the involvement of AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. Hence, the present study of ADAMTS16 will provide new insight into the underlying biological mechanisms of ccRCC.
How the initial discovery of modified RNA enabled evasion of innate immune responses and facilitated the development of RNA therapeutics
Authors: Sioud Mouldy
Published: May 2023

Besides being the physical link between DNA and proteins, RNAs play several other key roles, including RNA catalysis and gene regulation. Recent advances in the design of lipid nanoparticles have facilitated the development of RNA‐based therapeutics. However, chemically and in vitro transcribed RNAs can activate innate immunity, leading to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and interferons, a response similar to the one induced by viral infections. Since these responses are undesirable for certain therapeutic applications, it is important to develop ways to block the sensing of exogenous RNAs by immune cells, such as monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. Fortunately, RNA sensing can be blocked by chemical modifications of certain nucleotides, particularly uridine, a finding that has facilitated the development of RNA‐based therapeutics such as small interfering RNAs and mRNA vaccines. Here, I provide a backstory on how improved understanding of RNA sensing by innate immunity can be applied to develop more effective RNA therapeutics.
Playing for Keeps: A Long‐Term Community‐Engaged Research Partnership to Support Safe and Healthy Elementary School Recess
Authors: London Rebecca A. , Claassen Jennette
Published: May 2023

The field of community‐engaged research emphasizes the importance of creating long‐lasting, mutually beneficial, and reciprocal collaborations. However, many issues prevent collaborations from reaching this goal, including institutional structures at universities, power dynamics between research and community partners, and the project‐based nature of research funding. In this article, the authors reflect on the 15‐year research collaboration they have sustained with particular attention to the “how” of building trust, maintaining communications, and learning together. We conclude that our mutual commitment to supporting children and youth through play, and our attention to positionality and shared learning, have created the platform for a lasting partnership.
OsCBL5–CIPK1–PP23 module enhances rice grain size and weight through the gibberellin pathway
Authors: Zhang Yachun , Gan Lu , Zhang Yujie , Huang Baosheng , Wan Binliang , Li Jinbo , Tong Liqi , Zhou Xue , Wei Zhisong , Li Yan , Song Zhaojian , Zhang Xianhua , Cai Detian , He Yuchi
Published: May 2023

Grain size is a key factor in determining rice (Oryza sativa) yield, and exploring new pathways to regulate grain size has immense potential to improve yield. In this study, we report that OsCBL5 encodes a calcineurin B subunit protein that significantly promotes grain size and weight. oscbl5 plants produced obviously smaller and lighter seeds. We further revealed that OsCBL5 promotes grain size by affecting cell expansion in the spikelet hull. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that CBL5 interacts with CIPK1 and PP23. Furthermore, double and triple mutations were induced using CRISPR/Cas9 (cr) to analyze the genetic relationship. It was found that the cr‐cbl5/cipk1 phenotype was similar to that of cr‐cipk1 and that the cr‐cbl5/pp23, cr‐cipk1/pp23, and cr‐cbl5/cipk1/pp23 phenotype was similar to that of cr‐pp23, indicating that OsCBL5, CIPK1, and PP23 act as a molecular module influencing seed size. In addition, the results show that both CBL5 and CIPK1 are involved in the gibberellic acid (GA) pathway and significantly affect the accumulation of endogenous active GA4. PP23 participates in GA signal transduction. In brief, this study identified a new module that affects rice grain size, OsCBL5–CIPK1–PP23, which could potentially be targeted to improve rice yield.
Quantum Borcherds–Bozec algebras via semi‐derived Ringel–Hall algebras II: Braid group actions
Authors: Lin Ji , Lu Ming , Ruan Shiquan
Published: May 2023

Based on the realization of quantum Borcherds–Bozec algebra and quantum‐generalized Kac–Moody algebra via semi‐derived Ringel–Hall algebra of a quiver with loops, we deduce the braid group actions of introduced by Fan and Tong recently and establish braid group actions for by applying the Bernstein‐Gelfand‐Ponomarev (BGP)‐reflection functors to semi‐derived Ringel–Hall algebras.
Koecher–Maass series have infinitely many critical zeros
Authors: Meher Jaban , Pandey Manish Kumar , Shankhadhar Karam Deo
Published: May 2023

In this article, we prove the infinitude of the non‐trivial zeroes of Koecher–Maass series associated to a Siegel cusp form of weight and degree 2 on the critical line.
Upright Against the Waves
Authors: Sukel Kayt
Published: May 2023

Luxury cruise lines are offering guests expedition tours to Antarctica, with a mandatory two-day sail through the notoriously rough Drake Passage. Many companies are designing new custom expedition ships to treat passengers, in theory, to a smoother, more comfortable ride.
Generating Offshore Wind Careers
Authors: Nemo Leslie
Published: May 2023

In than three years, 94 offshore wind turbines will stand in waters off New York. Servicing the machines will be a small army of workers who will likely find, train, and apply for their jobs all between now and when these turbines are operational.
Dual Function Matrix Projective Synchronization for Fractional-Order Hyperchaotic Systems
Authors: He Jinman , Pei Lijun
Published: May 2023

It is well known that the variability and complexity of projection proportionality factors of dual projective synchronization (DPS) can effectively enhance signal confidentiality. However, in most literatures, the proportionality factors are some simple fixed constants, which can't ensure high security of information. For two pairs of fractional-order hyperchaotic systems (FOHS), how to expand the projection proportionality factors to increase its complexity? Then, our work will propose a new synchronization type, i.e., Dual Function Matrix Projective Synchronization (DFMPS) and realize the DFMPS for FOHS for the first time. Firstly, based on the traditional DPS, we generalize the proportionality factors to a function matrix depending on time t, present the error functions and define the DFMPS. Then, for FOHS, the active controller and synchronization condition are designed and proved. At the same time, when the system is affected by parameter disturbances, the active controller can eliminate the influence of parameter disturbances to the system's DFMPS, which indicates that the proposed control strategy has strong robustness. Finally, the DFMPS of two pairs of fractional-order hyperchaotic Chen and Rabinovich systems are realized, and synchronizing analysis and system robustness analysis are verified by numerical simulation. Particularly, the DFMPS can be degenerated to dual antisynchronization, dual complete synchronization, DPS, modified DPS and dual matrix projective synchronization. This work extends the synchronization types for FOHS and offers a useful method to explore DFMPS for other fractional-order systems.
Exploring the Intersection of Metaverse, Digital Twins, and Artificial Intelligence in Training and Maintenance
Authors: Bordegoni Monica , Ferrise Francesco
Published: May 2023

As technology advances, we are surrounded by more complex products that can be challenging to use and troubleshoot. We often turn to online resources and the help of others to learn how to use a product’s features or fix malfunctions. This is a common issue in both everyday life and industry. The key to being able to use a product or fix malfunctions is having access to accurate information and instructions and gaining the necessary skills to perform the tasks correctly. This paper offers an overview of how artificial intelligence, digital twins, and the metaverse—currently popular technologies—can enhance the process of acquiring knowledge, know-how, and skills, with a focus on industrial maintenance. However, the concepts discussed may also apply to the maintenance of consumer products.
Harnessing Multi-Domain Knowledge for User-Centric Product Conceptual Design
Authors: Guo Xin , Huang Zechuan , Liu Ying , Zhao Wu , Yu Zeyuan
Published: May 2023

Conceptual design is the design phase that deploys product functions and structures based on user requirements and ultimately generates conceptual design solutions. The increasing diversification of products has led to the promotion of customized design that involves deep user participation. As a result, there has been a growing focus on user-centric conceptual design. In this regard, the relationship among users, designers, and design solutions has been changed, which has brought challenges to the traditional designer-oriented design model. To address the complex understanding and decision-making problem caused by deeper user participation, emerging new user-centric product conceptual design model needs to be discussed. In the new design model, addressing the changing or growing requirements of users through the design of solutions and leveraging multi-domain knowledge to guide the conceptual design process are the critical areas of focus. To further describe this design model, this paper examines the user-centric interconnection among users, designers, design solutions, and multi-domain knowledge. In order to optimize design solutions, the solution resolution process and knowledge mapping based on design deviations are considered effective approaches. In addition, the paper also presents the types of design deviations and the multi-domain knowledge support techniques.
Design of Position Estimator for Rope Driven Micromanipulator of Surgical Robot Based on Parameter Autonomous Selection Model
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Wang Jie , Chen Congcong , Luo Yang , Wang Xiaohua , Yu Lingtao
Published: May 2023

As the micromanipulator of surgical robots works in a narrow space, it is difficult to install any position sensors at the end, so the position control and position detection cannot be accurately performed. A position estimator based on the parameter autonomous selection model is proposed to estimate the end position indirectly. First, a single joint principle prototype and a position estimator model are established through the 4DOF driving scheme of the micromanipulator and the cable-driven model. Second, the proposed parameter change model is combined with the parameter selection method to form a parameter autonomous selection model. Finally, a position estimator based on the parameter autonomous selection model is established. The experimental results show the maximum estimation error of the position estimator is 0.1928 deg. Compared with other position estimation methods, the position estimator proposed in this paper has higher accuracy and better robustness, which lays a foundation for the full closed-loop control of micromanipulator position.
Kinematic Modeling and Open-Loop Control of a Twisted String Actuator-Driven Soft Robotic Manipulator
Authors: Konda Revanth , Bombara David , Chow Ember , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2023

Realizing high-performance soft robots is challenging because many existing soft or compliant actuators exhibit limitations like fabrication complexity, high power requirement, slow actuation, and low force generation. Due to their high-force output and power efficiency, compactness, and simplicity in fabrication, twisted string actuators (TSAs) have exhibited strong potential in mechatronic and robotic applications. However, they have had limited uses in soft robotics. Consequently, modeling and control of TSA-driven soft robots have not been sufficiently studied. This article presents the first study on the modeling and control of a TSA-driven soft robotic manipulator. A physics-based model was developed to predict the manipulator’s kinematic motion. An inverse model was derived to realize open-loop control. Models that describe the behavior of TSAs were utilized in a novel way to develop the proposed kinematic and inverse models of the soft robot. The proposed modeling and control approaches were experimentally verified to be effective. For example, the modeling and control errors of the bending angle were 1.60 deg (3.11%) and 2.11 deg (3.68%), respectively.
Microkinetic based growth and property modeling of plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition silicon nitride thin film
Authors: Iwao Toshihiko , Yang Tsung-Hsuan , Hwang Gyeong S. , Ventzek Peter L. G.
Published: May 2023

We demonstrate a microkinetic modeling framework which is a first principle-based surface reaction thermodynamics modeling methodology to describe the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition process of silicon nitride thin film formation. The results illustrating the relationship between silicon nitride growth per cycle (GPC) and quasi self-limiting behavior on both dichlorosilane precursor dose amount and plasma nitridation time are consistent with the experiment. Ultimately, GPC is limited to the equivalent of a half monolayer of a Si3N4 crystalline structure. Importantly, we have observed a strong correlation between subsurface NH terminated Si group concentration and HF wet etch rate by an experiment, which varies with substrate temperature.
Auditory discrimination of natural soundscapes
Authors: Apoux Frédéric , Miller-Viacava Nicole , Ferrière Régis , Dai Huanping , Krause Bernie , Sueur Jérôme , Lorenzi Christian
Published: May 2023

A previous modelling study reported that spectro-temporal cues perceptually relevant to humans provide enough information to accurately classify “natural soundscapes” recorded in four distinct temperate habitats of a biosphere reserve [Thoret, Varnet, Boubenec, Ferriere, Le Tourneau, Krause, and Lorenzi (2020). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 147, 3260]. The goal of the present study was to assess this prediction for humans using 2 s samples taken from the same soundscape recordings. Thirty-one listeners were asked to discriminate these recordings based on differences in habitat, season, or period of the day using an oddity task. Listeners' performance was well above chance, demonstrating effective processing of these differences and suggesting a general high sensitivity for natural soundscape discrimination. This performance did not improve with training up to 10 h. Additional results obtained for habitat discrimination indicate that temporal cues play only a minor role; instead, listeners appear to base their decisions primarily on gross spectral cues related to biological sound sources and habitat acoustics. Convolutional neural networks were trained to perform a similar task using spectro-temporal cues extracted by an auditory model as input. The results are consistent with the idea that humans exclude the available temporal information when discriminating short samples of habitats, implying a form of a sub-optimality.
Spatially selective active noise control systems
Authors: Xiao Tong , Xu Buye , Zhao Chuming
Published: May 2023

Active noise control (ANC) systems are commonly designed to achieve maximal sound reduction regardless of the incident direction of the sound. When desired sound is present, the state-of-the-art methods add a separate system to reconstruct it. This can result in distortion and latency. In this work, we propose a multi-channel ANC system that only reduces sound from undesired directions, and the system truly preserves the desired sound instead of reproducing it. The proposed algorithm imposes a spatial constraint on the hybrid ANC cost function to achieve spatial selectivity. Based on a six-channel microphone array on a pair of augmented eyeglasses, results show that the system minimized only noise coming from undesired directions. The control performance could be maintained even when the array was heavily perturbed. The proposed algorithm was also compared with the existing methods in the literature. Not only did the proposed system provide better noise reduction, but it also required much less effort. The binaural localization cues did not need to be reconstructed since the system preserved the physical sound wave from the desired source.
Shock-recovered maskelynite indicates low-pressure ejection of shergottites from Mars
Authors: Hu Jinping , Asimow Paul D. , Liu Yang , Ma Chi
Published: May 2023

Diaplectic feldspathic glass, commonly known as maskelynite, is a widely used impact indicator, notably for shergottites, whose shock conditions are keys to their geochemistry and launch mechanism. However, classic reverberating shock recovery experiments show maskelynitization at higher shock pressures (>30 gigapascals) than the stability field of the high-pressure minerals found in many shergottites (15 to 25 gigapascals). Most likely, differences between experimental loading paths and those appropriate for martian impacts have created this ambiguity in shergottite shock histories. Shock reverberation yields lower temperature and deviatoric stress than single-shock planetary impacts at equivalent pressure. We report the Hugoniot equation of state of a martian analog basalt and single-shock recovery experiments, indicating partial-to-complete maskelynitization at 17 to 22 gigapascals, consistent with the high-pressure minerals in maskelynitized shergottites. This pressure explains the presence of intact magmatic accessory minerals, used for geochronology in shergottites, and offers a new pressure-time profile for modeling shergottite launch, likely requiring greater origin depth.
Energy budget diagnosis of changing climate feedback
Authors: Cael B. B. , Bloch-Johnson Jonah , Ceppi Paulo , Fredriksen Hege-Beate , Goodwin Philip , Gregory Jonathan M. , Smith Christopher J. , Williams Richard G.
Published: May 2023

The climate feedback determines how Earth’s climate responds to anthropogenic forcing. It is thought to have been more negative in recent decades due to a sea surface temperature “pattern effect,” whereby warming is concentrated in the western tropical Pacific, where nonlocal radiative feedbacks are very negative. This phenomenon has however primarily been studied within climate models. We diagnose a pattern effect from historical records as an evolution of the climate feedback over the past five decades. Our analysis assumes a constant rate of change of the climate feedback, which is justified post hoc. We find a decrease in climate feedback by 0.8 ± 0.5 W m
−2
K
−1
over the past 50 years, corresponding to a reduction in climate sensitivity. Earth system models’ climate feedbacks instead increase over this period. Understanding and simulating this historical trend and its future evolution are critical for reliable climate projections.
Inhibition of VEGF binding to neuropilin-2 enhances chemosensitivity and inhibits metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Xu Zhiwen , Goel Hira Lal , Burkart Christoph , Burman Luke , Chong Yeeting E. , Barber Alison G. , Geng Yanyan , Zhai Liting , Wang Mengdie , Kumar Ayush , Menefee Ann , Polizzi Clara , Eide Lisa , Rauch Kaitlyn , Rahman Justin , Hamel Kristina , Fogassy Zachary , Klopp-Savino Sofia , Paz Suzanne , Zhang Mingjie , Cubitt Andrea , Nangle Leslie A. , Mercurio Arthur M.
Published: May 2023

Although blocking the binding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to neuropilin-2 (NRP2) on tumor cells is a potential strategy to treat aggressive carcinomas, a lack of effective reagents that can be used clinically has hampered this potential therapy. Here, we describe the generation of a fully humanized, high-affinity monoclonal antibody (aNRP2-10) that specifically inhibits the binding of VEGF to NRP2, conferring antitumor activity without causing toxicity. Using triple-negative breast cancer as a model, we demonstrated that aNRP2-10 could be used to isolate cancer stem cells (CSCs) from heterogeneous tumor populations and inhibit CSC function and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. aNRP2-10 sensitized cell lines, organoids, and xenografts to chemotherapy and inhibited metastasis by promoting the differentiation of CSCs to a state that is more responsive to chemotherapy and less prone to metastasis. These data provide justification for the initiation of clinical trials designed to improve the response of patients with aggressive tumors to chemotherapy using this monoclonal antibody.
Gut pathogen colonization precedes bloodstream infection in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Schwartz Drew J. , Shalon Nitan , Wardenburg Kate , DeVeaux Anna , Wallace Meghan A. , Hall-Moore Carla , Ndao I. Malick , Sullivan Janice E. , Radmacher Paula , Escobedo Marilyn , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Warner Barbara B. , Tarr Phillip I. , Dantas Gautam
Published: May 2023

Bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs) resulting in late-onset sepsis affect up to half of extremely preterm infants and have substantial morbidity and mortality. Bacterial species associated with BSIs in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) commonly colonize the preterm infant gut microbiome. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the gut microbiome is a reservoir of BSI-causing pathogenic strains that increase in abundance before BSI onset. We analyzed 550 previously published fecal metagenomes from 115 hospitalized neonates and found that recent ampicillin, gentamicin, or vancomycin exposure was associated with increased abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae in infant guts. We then performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing on 462 longitudinal fecal samples from 19 preterm infants (cases) with BSI and 37 non-BSI controls, along with whole-genome sequencing of the BSI isolates. Infants with BSI caused by Enterobacteriaceae were more likely than infants with BSI caused by other organisms to have had ampicillin, gentamicin, or vancomycin exposure in the 10 days before BSI. Relative to controls, gut microbiomes of cases had increased relative abundance of the BSI-causing species and clustered by Bray-Curtis dissimilarity according to BSI pathogen. We demonstrated that 11 of 19 (58%) of gut microbiomes before BSI, and 15 of 19 (79%) of gut microbiomes at any time, harbored the BSI isolate with fewer than 20 genomic substitutions. Last, BSI strains from the Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae families were detected in multiple infants, indicating BSI-strain transmission. Our findings support future studies to evaluate BSI risk prediction strategies based on gut microbiome abundance in hospitalized preterm infants.
Talk To A Scientist: a Framework for a Webinar-Based Outreach Program for Scientists to Engage with K–12 Students
Authors: Mhade Shreeya , Kadam Snehal , Kaushik Karishma S.
Published: May 2023

Science outreach programs that enable real-time interactions between scientists and school-aged children are known to positively impact learning gains and students’ perceptions of scientists. To expand K–12 outreach by scientists, it is important to build structured outreach programs which offer scientists well-defined opportunities, while providing school students regular and diverse interactions.
Inexpensive DIY Bioprinting in a Secondary School Setting
Authors: Sun Leo Ming Pong , To Andrew Ching-Yuet
Published: May 2023

Bioprinting is a technique that allows custom printing of cell-laden tissue using the principle of three-dimensional (3D) printing. The technique has various applications, ranging from tissue engineering to materials science.
Investigating Anti-Vaccination Stances on Social Media: an Assignment To Promote Science Literacy
Authors: Ratnayake Ayuni W. , Ashok Aarthi
Published: May 2023

In this digital age in which social media use among young adults continues to rise, consideration of the impact of these platforms on our students and on science literacy pedagogy is essential. This has been highlighted during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic, when mis- and disinformation surrounding the pandemic and vaccinations were so prevalent on social media platforms that it provoked a cautionary announcement from the World Health Organization.
Early initiation of antibiotic therapy and short-term outcomes in preterm infants: a single-centre retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Köstlin-Gille Natascha , Serna-Higuita Lina Maria , Bubser Caren , Arand Joerg , Haag Laura , Schwarz Christoph E , Heideking Martin , Poets Christian F , Gille Christian
Published: May 2023

Background

Sepsis is one of the most important complications in preterm infants. For this reason, many such infants receive antibiotics during their hospital stay. However, early antibiotic therapy has also been associated with adverse outcome. It is yet largely unclear if the time of onset of antibiotic therapy influences the outcome. We here investigated whether the timing of initiation of antibiotic therapy plays a role in the association between antibiotic exposure and short-term outcome.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data from 1762 very low birthweight infants born in a German neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between January 2004 and December 2021.

Results

Antibiotics were administered to 1214 of the 1762 (68.9%) infants. In 973 (55.2%) of the 1762 of infants, antibiotic therapy was initiated within the first two postnatal days. Only 548 (31.1%) infants did not have any antibiotic prescription during their stay in the NICU. Antibiotic exposure at every timepoint was associated with an increased risk of all short-term outcomes analysed in univariable analyses. In multivariable analyses, initiation of antibiotic therapy within the first two postnatal days and initiation between postnatal days 3 and 6 was independently associated with an increased risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (OR 3.1 and 2.8), while later initiation of antibiotic therapy was not.

Conclusion

Very early initiation of antibiotic therapy was associated with an increased risk of BPD. Due to the study design, no conclusions on causality can be drawn. If confirmed, our data suggest that an improved identification of infants at low risk of early-onset sepsis is needed to reduce antibiotic exposure.
Surgical management of spontaneous bowel perforation and fascial dehiscence in a patient on bevacizumab and pembrolizumab in the setting of activeClostridium difficileinfection
Authors: Mubashir Mujtaba , Tang Brian , DeBernardo Robert L , Feng Xiaoxi
Published: May 2023

Immunotherapy such as bevacizumab and pembrolizumab is used to treat an increasing number of malignancies. These medications have been associated with poor wound healing and several gastrointestinal complications, including intestinal perforations in rare cases. We present a unique case of a patient with metastatic cervical cancer on pembrolizumab and recent bevacizumab therapy, presenting with a colonic perforation requiring urgent exploratory laparotomy, in the setting of activeClostridium difficileinfection. She required a second laparotomy shortly after due to fascial dehiscence, where a synthetic absorbable mesh was used for fascial approximation. We review the factors that led to these events and describe the surgical technique used for safe abdominal closure.
Newly diagnosed hepatitis C infection after pancreas transplantation with multiple treatment failures
Authors: Schulz Philipp , Wiginton Ashley , Mahgoub Amar
Published: May 2023

This case represents the first report of a detected hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection following a pancreas transplantation that failed two different sofosbuvir (SOF)-based treatments. We present the case of a woman in her 30s with a history of kidney transplantation, who developed viremic symptoms 3 months after pancreas transplantation and with two subsequent negative HCV antibody tests. Further work-up revealed a positive HCV RNA test (genotype 1A, treatment naive). Two different direct-acting antiviral agents regimes with SOF failed in our case, and the patient achieved a sustained virological response with a 16-week course of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir.
Why understanding food choice is crucial to transform food systems for human and planetary health
Authors: Rampalli Krystal K , Blake Christine E , Frongillo Edward A , Montoya Joseph
Published: May 2023

What, how and why people eat has long been understood to be important for human health, but until recently, has not been recognised as an essential facet of climate change and its effects on planetary health. The global climate change and diet-related health crises occurring are connected to food systems, food environments and consumer food choices. Calls to transform food systems for human and planetary health highlight the importance of understanding individual food choice. Understanding what, how and why people eat the way they do is crucial to successful food systems transformations that achieve both human and planetary health goals. Little is known about how food choice relates to climate. To clarify potential paths for action, we propose that individual food choice relates to climate change through three key mechanisms. First, the sum of individual food choices influences the supply and demand of foods produced and sold in the marketplace. Second, individual food decisions affect type and quantity of food waste at the retail and household level. Third, individual food choices serve as a symbolic expression of concern for human and planetary health, which can individually and collectively stimulate social movements and behaviour change. To meet the dietary needs of the 2050 global population projection of 10 billion, food systems must transform. Understanding what, how and why people eat the way they do, as well as the mechanisms by which these choices affect climate change, is essential for designing actions conducive to the protection of both human and planetary health.
Evaluation of the impact of a smartphone application on adherence to home exercise program for people with chronic low back pain: research protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lechauve Jean-Baptiste , Dobija Lech , Pereira Bruno , Grolier Maxime , Goldstein Anna , Lanhers Charlotte , Coudeyre Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes are highly recommended for individuals with the most disabling low back pain (LBP). However, the long-term adherence to regular home exercise is often poor. We aim to perform a prospective, controlled, pilot, randomised study that will evaluate the impact of a smartphone application on adherence to exercise programme for people with chronic LBP (CLBP).

Methods and analysis

120 participants with non-specific CLBP aged 18–65 years will be recruited and randomised in two groups: an experimental group benefitting from education in the application’s use in addition to a conventional multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme (exercises and self-management education) and a control group who will only participate in the multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme. Both groups will undergo the programme 5 days a week for 3 weeks. The primary outcome will be a change in patient’s adherence to physical exercise (Exercise Adherence Rating Scale) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes will be function (Oswestry Disability Index), beliefs concerning physical activity (Evaluation of Physical Activity Perception), pain (Numeric Rating Scale), and physical capacity and qualitative adherence (video).

Statistical analyses will be performed according to intention to treat. A linear mixed model will be used to compare the primary endpoint between groups at 6 months post-randomisation.

The study could demonstrate the impact of using a smartphone application on adherence to exercise programme in people with CLBP. We hypothesise that the application’s use will improve outcomes through improved exercise adherence.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of Ile de France 3. The results of this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international scientific meetings and will also be disseminated to the participants.

Trial registration number

NCT04264949.
Protocol for a cohort study to evaluate the effectiveness and
cost-effectiveness of general population screening for cardiovascular
disease: the Viborg Screening Programme (VISP)
Authors: Høgh Annette , Lindholt Jes Sanddal , Søgaard Rikke , Refsgaard Jens , Svenstrup Dorte , Moeslund Niels-Jørgen , Bredsgaard Mette , Dahl Marie
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing.
Furthermore, asymptomatic individuals may not receive timely preventive
initiatives to minimise the risk of further CVD events. Paradoxically,
80% of CVD events are preventable by early detection, followed by
prophylactic initiatives. Consequently, we introduced the
population-based Viborg Screening Programme (VISP) for subclinical and
manifest CVD, focusing on commonly occurring, mainly asymptomatic
conditions, followed by prophylactic initiatives.

The aim of the VISP was to evaluate the health benefits, harms and
cost-effectiveness of the VISP from a healthcare sector perspective.
Furthermore, we explored the participants’ perspectives.

Methods and analysis

From August 2014 and currently ongoing, approximately 1100 men and
women from the Viborg municipality, Denmark, are annually invited to
screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease,
carotid plaque, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cardiac arrhythmia
on their 67th birthday. A population from the surrounding municipalities
without access to the VISP acts as a control. The VISP invitees and the
controls are followed on the individual level by nationwide registries.
The primary outcome is all-cause mortality, while costs,
hospitalisations and deaths from CVD are the secondary
endpoints.

Interim evaluations of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness are
planned every 5 years using propensity score matching followed by a Cox
proportional hazards regression analysis by the ‘intention-to-treat’
principle. Furthermore, censoring-adjusted incremental costs, life-years
and quality-adjusted life-years are estimated. Finally, the
participants’ perspectives are explored by semistructured face-to-face
interviews, with participant selection representing participants with
both negative and positive screening results.

Ethics and dissemination

The VISP is not an interventional trial. Therefore, approval from a
regional scientific ethical committee is not needed. Data collection
from national registries was approved by the Regional Data Protection
Agency (record no. 1-16-02-232-15). We ensure patient and public
involvement in evaluating the acceptability of VISP by adopting an
interviewing approach in the study.

Trial registration number

NCT03395509.