bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frontline Citizens: Liberation Movements, Transnational Solidarity, and the Making of Anti-Imperialist Citizenship in Tanzania
Authors: Burton Eric
Published: February 2024

This article explores the intricate relationship between transnational solidarity and citizenship in socialist Tanzania, renowned for its extensive and enduring support of liberation movements from the 1960s to the 1980s. Termed “frontline citizenship”, this unique political subjectivity, evolving in the 1960s, was shaped not only by Tanzania's geopolitical location, nationalist struggles against colonialism, and government efforts to instil attitudes of anti-colonial solidarity in the population, but also by initiatives of hosted liberation movements, Tanzanians’ embrace of global anti-imperialist currents from Cuba to China and Vietnam, and critiques of politicians in exile. The article highlights the gendered and generational aspects of the solidarity regime, scrutinizes contested material solidarities, and discusses the partial decline of the frontline citizenship discourse. It does so by investigating the role of media, the impact of the paramilitary National Service, and the dynamics of material support practices. Drawing on multi-archival research, interviews, memoirs, and secondary literature, with a focus on South Africa's African National Congress (ANC), the analysis challenges conventional views of state-sponsored solidarity, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between state initiatives and grassroots participation as well as “external” and “internal” actors. Conceiving socialist Tanzania's solidarity regime in this way contributes to a broader understanding of the intersection between anti-imperialist world-making, nationalist state-building, and everyday performances of citizenship.
Confinement of transitioning particles in bi-helical Wendelstein-type configurations
Authors: Tykhyy A.V. , Kolesnichenko Ya.I.
Published: February 2024

Recently, stochastic motion of 3.5-MeV alpha particles with orbits that vary between locally trapped and locally passing states (transitioning particles) in a Helias reactor was observed numerically. This validated the theoretical predictions that (i) the stochastic diffusion represents a mechanism of considerable delayed loss of fast ions in quasi-isodynamic stellarators and (ii) it is possible to prevent the escape of particles to the wall by closing the separatrix between the locally trapped and passing states. It was concluded that, in principle, the separatrix could be made closed, resulting in a reduction of fast ion losses, by compensating for the effect of the helical component of the magnetic field

$(1, 1)$

with an enhanced ‘anti-helical’ harmonic

$(1, -1)$

; the enlargement of this harmonic was proposed previously for other reasons. This possibility is explored in this work. Equations of previous relevant works were generalised to include the

$(1, -1)$

harmonic. Calculations were carried out for several magnitudes of the ratio of anti-helical to helical magnetic field harmonics. Positive effects were found already at the smallest anti-helical harmonic considered: when the latter ratio is 0.25, transitioning particles with the smallest and intermediate pitch parameters are confined and, moreover, their fraction decreased. When the ratio is 0.85, almost all transitioning particles are confined and their fraction is minimal; well-confined localised orbits dominate at the smallest pitch parameters.
Minke whale entanglement in static fishing gear: identifying consistent areas of high risk in Western Scotland
Authors: Rayner Jessica , Embling Clare B. , Ryan Conor , Hartny-Mills Lauren
Published: February 2024

Entanglement in static fishing gear is the largest cause of non-natural mortality for minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Scottish waters. To mitigate whale entanglement, one priority is to identify areas where the risk of entanglement is consistently high. Sightings data for minke whales and creel fleets were collected by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, during vessel line transect surveys conducted between 2008 and 2014. Habitat modelling was used to relate survey, environmental, and temporal variables to the co-occurrence of minke whales and creels in coastal waters of western Scotland. This revealed that minke whale occurrence was related to depth, peaking around 70 m. Using predictive habitat modelling, the overlap between minke whale habitat and the creel fishery was measured as risk of entanglement. A method was developed to quantify the consistency of risk over the seven-year time period. This allowed for the identification of areas where there had been a consistently low, medium, or high risk of entanglement from 2008 to 2014. The three areas with a consistent high risk of entanglement were identified: Inner Sound and Sound of Raasay, east of North and South Uist, and north of The Small Isles. The method presented here could be used to guide management to areas where mitigation efforts will be the most consistently effective over time.
Safe and socially compliant robot navigation in crowds with fast-moving pedestrians via deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Feng Zhen , Xue Bingxin , Wang Chaoqun , Zhou Fengyu
Published: February 2024

Safe and socially compliant navigation in a crowded environment is essential for social robots. Numerous research efforts have shown the advantages of deep reinforcement learning techniques in training efficient policies, while most of them ignore fast-moving pedestrians in the crowd. In this paper, we present a novel design of safety measure, named Risk-Area, considering collision theory and motion characteristics of different robots and humans. The geometry of Risk-Area is formed based on the real-time relative positions and velocities of the agents in the environment. Our approach perceives risk in the environment and encourages the robot to take safe and socially compliant navigation behaviors. The proposed method is verified with three existing well-known deep reinforcement learning models in densely populated environments. Experiment results demonstrate that our approach combined with the reinforcement learning techniques can efficiently perceive risk in the environment and navigate the robot with high safety in the crowds with fast-moving pedestrians.
L’apprentissage du vocabulaire en français L2 avec Netflix : effet des activités de pré-/post-visionnage
Authors: Suter Lea , Berthele Raphael , Thomas Anita
Published: February 2024

Les inputs audiovisuels tels que les films et les séries sont de plus en plus souvent utilisés dans les cours de langue étrangère (LE) car ils permettent une exposition authentique à la langue. Plusieurs études suggèrent qu’ils soutiennent l’apprentissage de nouveaux mots, mais que l’inclusion d’activités de pré-/post-visionnage pourrait renforcer cet apprentissage. La présente étude a été menée en Suisse alémanique et s’intéresse à l’effet de la présence et du placement d’une telle activité sur l’apprentissage de 51 mots cibles. Dans une étude within-design, 97 apprenants de français langue étrangère de 13–14 ans ont regardé trois extraits de la série télévisée « Plan Cœur » (Netflix, 2018). Les trois conditions étaient : épisode seul, épisode et activité avant, épisode et activité après. Les activités portaient sur la reconnaissance du sens des mots cibles. Trois post-tests immédiats et un post-test différé du même type (reconnaissance de sens) ont été effectués auprès des quatre classes de niveau scolaire supérieur (classes générales et prégymnasiales/GPG) et des deux classes de niveau scolaire inférieur (classes à exigences de base/EBA). Nos résultats confirment la supériorité des conditions avec activité ainsi qu’une différence (peu surprenante) selon le niveau scolaire. On trouve aussi une interaction entre le moment de test et condition avec plus de réponses correctes aux post-tests immédiats. La différence entre activité pré et post est cependant négligeable. Ces résultats soulignent l’importance des activités pré-/post-visionnage pour l’apprentissage de nouveaux mots en LE.
Enhancing self-esteem in adults with body dysmorphic symptoms: experimental testing and initial evaluation of a brief internet-based training
Authors: Bosbach Katharina , Martin Alexandra , Stricker Johannes , Schoenenberg Katrin
Published: February 2024

Background:

Low self-esteem is an important factor associated with body dysmorphic concerns. In treatment, self-esteem cannot always be adequately addressed. Internet-based interventions offer a low-threshold and cost-efficient possibility for treating body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

Aims:

For this reason, we conducted two studies to explore the effectiveness of an internet-based intervention targeting improving self-esteem in adults with BDD symptoms.

Method:

The first study investigated the differential effects of a 1-week self-esteem training compared with a 1-week attention-focus training. Two hundred twenty adults with elevated body dysmorphic symptoms were randomly assigned to one of the two trainings. Our second study (n = 58 adults with body dysmorphic symptoms) evaluated an extended 2-week stand-alone self-esteem training.

Results:

In the first study, self-esteem in different domains (appearance, performance and social), self-focused attention, and BDD symptom severity improved in both groups. Other-focused attention only increased in the attention training group. Participants’ overall adherence was high. In the second study we observed significant improvements in self-esteem, BDD symptom severity, and other secondary outcomes, with additional improvements in most outcomes in the second week. Adherence was again high.

Conclusions:

Together, these findings show that a brief internet-based intervention may be a highly accepted and effective way of improving self-esteem in people suffering from BDD symptoms.
ACTIVE REMODELLING OF TISSUES TO DESCRIBE BIPHASIC RHEOLOGICAL RESPONSES
Authors: GERMANO DOMENIC P. J. , KHUU STEPHANIE , JENNER ADRIANNE L. , OSBORNE JAMES M. , MYERSCOUGH MARY R. , FLEGG MARK B.
Published: February 2024

Tissues form from collections of cells that interact together mechanically via cell-to-cell adhesion, mediated by transmembrane cell adhesion molecules. Under a sufficiently large amount of induced stress, these tissues can undergo elastic deformation in the direction of tension, where they then elongate without any topological changes, and experience plastic deformation within the tissue. In this work, we present a novel mathematical model describing the deformation of cells, where tissues are elongated in a controlled manner. In doing so, the cells are able to undergo remodelling through elastic and then plastic deformation, in accordance with experimental observation. Our model describes bistable sizes of a cell that actively deform under stress to elongate the cell. In the absence of remodelling, the model reduces to the standard linear interaction model. In the presence of instant remodelling, we provide a bifurcation analysis to describe the existence of the bistable cell sizes. In the case of general remodelling, we show numerically that cells within a tissue may populate both the initial and elongated cell sizes, following a sufficiently large degree of stress.
The effects of astaxanthin supplementation on liver enzyme levels
Authors: Arefpour Hoda , Rasaei Niloufar , Amini Mohammad Reza , Salavatizadeh Marieh , Hashemi Mohtaram , Makhtoomi Maede , Hajiaqaei Mahdi , Gholizadeh Mohammad , Askarpour Moein , Hekmatdoost Azita
Published: February 2024

Abstract: According to previous studies, astaxanthin exerts various biological effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities; however, its effects on liver enzymes have not yet been well elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess astaxanthin’s effects on liver enzymes. A systematic literature search was conducted using scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar up to February 2023 to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). A random-effects model was used for the estimation of the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD). Overall, we included five trials involving 196 subjects. The duration of the intervention was between 4 and 48 weeks, and the dose was between 6 and 12 mg/day. ALT levels increased in the intervention group compared to the control group following astaxanthin supplementation (WMD: 1.92 U/L, 95% CI: 0.16 to 3.68, P=0.03), whereas supplementation with astaxanthin had a non-significant effect on AST (WMD: 0.72 U/L, 95% CI: –0.85 to 2.29, P=0.36), GGT (WMD: 0.48 U/L, 95% CI: –2.71 to 3.67, P=0.76), and ALP levels (WMD: 2.85 U/L, 95% CI: –7.94 to 13.63, P=0.60) compared to the placebo group. Our data showed that astaxanthin supplementation increases ALT concentrations in adults without affecting the levels of other liver enzymes. Further long-term and well-designed RCTs are necessary to assess and confirm these findings.
Exhumed Serpentinites and Their Tectonic Significance in Non‐Collisional Orogens
Authors: Donoso‐Tapia Damián , Flores Kennet E. , Martin Celine , Gazel Esteban , Marsh Jeffrey
Published: February 2024

Exhumed serpentinites are fragments of ancient oceanic lithosphere or mantle wedge that record deep fluid‐rock interactions and metasomatic processes. While common in suture zones after closure of ocean basins, in non‐collisional orogens their origin and tectonic significance are not fully understood. We study serpentinite samples from five river basins in a segment of the non‐collisional Andean orogen in Ecuador (Cordillera Real). All samples are fully serpentinized with antigorite as the main polymorph, while spinel is the only relic phase. Watershed delineation analysis and in‐situ B isotope data suggest four serpentinite sources, linked to mantle wedge (δ11B = ∼−10.6 to −0.03‰) and obducted ophiolite (δ11B = −2.51 to +5.73‰) bodies, likely associated with Triassic, Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous, and potentially Late Cretaceous‐Paleocene high‐pressure (HP)–low‐temperature metamorphic sequences. Whole‐rock trace element data and in‐situ B isotopes favor serpentinization by a crust‐derived metamorphic fluid. Thermodynamic modeling in two samples suggests serpentinization at ∼550–500°C and pressures from 2.5 to 2.2 GPa and 1.0–0.6 GPa for two localities. Both samples record a subsequent overprint at ∼1.5–0.5 GPa and 680–660°C. In the Andes, regional phases of slab rollback have been reported since the mid‐Paleozoic to Late Cretaceous. This tectonic scenario favors the extrusion of HP rocks into the forearc and the opening of back‐arc basins. Subsequent compressional phases trigger short‐lived subduction in the back‐arc that culminates with ophiolite obduction and associated metamorphic rock exhumation. Thus, we propose that serpentinites in non‐collisional orogens are sourced from extruded slivers of mantle wedge in the forearc or obducted ophiolite sequences associated with regional back‐arc basins.
Investigating Subglacial Water‐Filled Cavities by Spectral Analysis of Ambient Seismic Noise: Results on the Polythermal Tête‐Rousse Glacier (Mont Blanc, France)
Authors: Guillemot A. , Bontemps N. , Larose E. , Teodor D. , Faller S. , Baillet L. , Garambois S. , Thibert E. , Gagliardini O. , Vincent C.
Published: February 2024

Polythermal glaciers can trap considerable volumes of liquid water with the potential to generate devastating outburst floods. This study aims to identify water‐filled subglacial reservoirs from ambient seismic noise collected by moderate‐cost surveys. The horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio technique is highly sensitive to impedance contrasts at interfaces, thus commonly used to estimate glacier thickness. Here, we focus on the inverse ratio, that is, the V/H spectral ratio (VHSR), whose high values indicate a low impedance volume beneath the surface, suggesting subglacial cavities. We analyze VHSR peaks from a seismic array of 60 nodes installed on the Tête‐Rousse Glacier (Mont Blanc massif, French Alps); data were gathered over 15 days. Mapping the VHSR amplitude over the free surface reveals the main cavity locations and the basal areas affected by melting within the glacier. Results obtained in the field are supported by a conceptual model based on 3D finite‐element simulations.
Earth's Free Surface Complicates Inference of Absolute Stress From Earthquake‐Induced Stress Rotations
Authors: Hardebeck Jeanne L.
Published: February 2024

The stress redistribution from an earthquake can produce localized measurable rotations of the principal stress axes if the absolute level of differential stress in the crust is on the order of the earthquake stress drop. Two simple analytic solutions have been developed to estimate the differential stress from an observed stress rotation. However, each has assumptions that may not be accurate near Earth's free surface. I model synthetic earthquakes in an elastic half‐space, and show that the assumptions of the methods are accurate for strike‐slip earthquakes, and for deep dip‐slip earthquakes. However, they are incorrect for shallow dip‐slip earthquakes. I introduce a free surface correction for one of the methods for dip‐slip earthquakes. I revise an analysis of stress rotations due to great subduction zone earthquakes, including this correction. The results support the original conclusion of near complete stress drop for many shallow subduction zone earthquakes.
Marine Fuel Regulations and Engine Emissions: Impacts on Physicochemical Properties, Cloud Activity and Emission Factors
Authors: Santos L. F. E. D. , Salo K. , Kong X. , Hartmann M. , Sjöblom J. , Thomson E. S.
Published: February 2024

Marine regulations aim to reduce sulfur and nitrogen exhaust emissions from maritime shipping. Here, two compliance pathways for reducing sulfur dioxide emissions, fuel sulfur content reduction and exhaust wet scrubbing, are studied for their effects on physicochemical properties and cloud forming abilities of engine exhaust particles. A test‐bed diesel engine was utilized to study fresh exhaust emissions from combustion of non‐compliant, high sulfur content fuel with (WS) and without (HiS) the usage of a wet scrubber as well as a regulatory compliant, low sulfur content fuel (LoS). Particle number emissions are decreased by ≈99% when switching to LoS due to absence of 20–30 nm sulfate rich particles. While number emissions for WS are also decreased, a shift in the sulfate mode toward larger sizes was found to increase particle mass emission factors by at least 31%. Changes in the mixing state induced by the compliance measures are reflected in the hygroscopicity of the exhaust particles. Fuel sulfur reduction decreased cloud condensation nuclei emissions by at least 97% due to emissions of primarily hydrophobic soot particles. Wet scrubbing increased those emissions, mainly driven by changes in particle size distributions. Our results indicate that both compliance alternatives have no obvious impact on the ice forming abilities of 200 nm exhaust particles. These detailed results are relevant for atmospheric processes and might be useful input parameters for cloud‐resolving models to investigate ship aerosol‐cloud interactions and to quantify the impact of shipping on radiative budgets from local to global scales.
Alternating Conditional Expectations: Introducing a Non‐Parametric Statistical Method to Interpret Long‐Term Greenhouse Gas Flux Measurements Over Semi‐Arid and Wetland Ecosystems
Authors: Baldocchi Dennis D. , Arias Ortiz Ariane
Published: February 2024

We explore the potential of using a non‐parametric statistical method called Alternating Conditional Expectations, ACE, to quantify functional relationships in biogeosciences. Here, ACE is used to quantify the non‐linear and multi‐faceted responses of greenhouse gas fluxes to a set of biophysical forcings, when the shapes of those response surfaces are unknown. We evaluated the statistical method over two contrasting ecosystems and two contrasting time steps. One case involved quantifying the biophysical controls of water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes over a semi‐arid oak savanna using daily integrated fluxes. The other case evaluated the responses of CO2 and methane (CH4) flux measurements to a set of biophysical forcings at a restored tidal wetland using thirty‐minute averages. The statistical model, based on 4 independent variables, explained up over 90% of the variation in daily integrated flux densities of water vapor and net carbon dioxide exchange at the savanna site. This fit was defined by distinct non‐linear responses to such drivers as gross primary production, photosynthetically active radiation, air temperature, vapor pressure deficit and soil moisture. At the tidal wetland site, we evaluated net carbon dioxide and methane fluxes with short‐term measurements to capture the influence of rising and falling tides and seasonality in biological activity. The statistical model defined the shape of the forcing of fluxes due to the roles of carbon exudates, water table depth, oxygen level in the water column, temperature and vegetation status. The statistical fits of the greenhouse gas fluxes were less precise than the savanna case. The fetch varies on a run‐to‐run basis as it is comprised of a heterogeneous mosaic of open water and vegetation. Furthermore, it is difficult to monitor the environmental conditions of the archaea and bacteria in the sediments that produce methane and carbon dioxide.
Observations of Geomagnetic Crochet at High‐Latitudes Due To X1.5 Class Solar Flare on 3 July 2021
Authors: Rao S. S. , Srivastava Nandita , Chakraborty Monti , Kumar Sandeep , Chakrabarty D.
Published: February 2024

On 3 July 2021, an X1.5 solar flare from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration solar Active Region AR12838 (24°N, 88°W) occurred at 14:18 UT, peaked at 14:29 UT, and decayed at 14:34 UT. The study of this X1.5 solar flare is significant due to its unique geomagnetic crochet feature at high latitudes and its effective signature on Earth. The study examined X‐rays, the extreme ultraviolet spectrum, ionospheric equivalent current (IEC), and geomagnetic field components. The study reveals a sudden increase in IEC during the X1.5 flare episode, forming a zonal current region and producing a geomagnetic crochet signature in geomagnetic field components at high latitudes (50°–80°N) along the 11°–26°E longitude sector during the flare peak time. All three geomagnetic field components show different sensitivity to the solar flare effect (sfe), and the amplitude and phase of the geomagnetic crochet across latitudes (for a given longitude) are consistent with the variations in the IEC. The present study is the first to appraise geomagnetic crochets of low magnitude (8–40 nT) and short duration (10–15 min) at high latitudes, particularly in the polar cusp region, during the X‐class limb flare.
The structure of psychiatric comorbidity without selection and assortative mating
Authors: Ayorech Ziada , Torvik Fartein Ask , Cheesman Rosa , Eilertsen Espen M. , Valstad Mathias , Bjørndal Ludvig Daae , Røysamb Espen , Havdahl Alexandra , Ystrøm Eivind
Published: February 2024

The widespread comorbidity observed across psychiatric disorders may be the result of processes such as assortative mating, gene-environment correlation, or selection into population studies. Between-family analyses of comorbidity are subject to these sources of bias, whereas within-family analyses are not. Because of Mendelian inheritance, alleles are randomly assigned within families, conditional on parental alleles. We exploit this variation to compare the structure of comorbidity across broad psychiatric polygenic scores when calculated either between-family (child polygenic scores) or within-family (child polygenic scores regressed on parental polygenic scores) in over 25,000 genotyped parent-offspring trios from the Norwegian Mother Father and Child Cohort study (MoBa). We fitted a series of factor models to the between- and within-family data, which consisted of a single genetic p-factor and a varying number of uncorrelated subfactors. The best-fitting model was identical for between- and within-family analyses and included three subfactors capturing variants associated with neurodevelopment, psychosis, and constraint, in addition to the genetic p-factor. Partner genetic correlations, indicating assortative mating, were not present for the genetic p-factor, but were substantial for the psychosis (b = 0.081;95% CI [0.038,0.124]) and constraint (b = 0.257;95% CI [0.075,0.439]) subfactors. When average factor levels for MoBa mothers and fathers were compared to a population mean of zero we found evidence of sex-specific participation bias, which has implications for the generalizability of findings from cohort studies. Our results demonstrate the power of the within-family design for better understanding the mechanisms driving psychiatric comorbidity and their consequences on population health.
Transcriptomic effects of paternal cocaine-seeking on the reward circuitry of male offspring
Authors: Huang Nan , Cui Jian , Fan Guangyuan , Pan Tao , Han Kunxiu , Xu Kailiang , Jiang Changyou , Liu Xing , Wang Feifei , Ma Lan , Le Qiumin
Published: February 2024

It has been previously established that paternal development of a strong incentive motivation for cocaine can predispose offspring to develop high cocaine-seeking behavior, as opposed to sole exposure to the drug that results in drug resistance in offspring. However, the adaptive changes of the reward circuitry have not been fully elucidated. To infer the key nuclei and possible hub genes that determine susceptibility to addiction in offspring, rats were randomly assigned to three groups, cocaine self-administration (CSA), yoked administration (Yoke), and saline self-administration (SSA), and used to generate F1. We conducted a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of the male F1 offspring across seven relevant brain regions, both under drug-naïve conditions and after cocaine self-administration. Pairwise differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) exhibited more pronounced transcriptomic changes in response to cocaine exposure, while the dorsal hippocampus (dHip), dorsal striatum (dStr), and ventral tegmental area (VTA) exhibited changes that were more closely associated with the paternal voluntary cocaine-seeking behavior. Consistently, these nuclei showed decreased dopamine levels, elevated neuronal activation, and elevated between-nuclei correlations, indicating dopamine-centered rewiring of the midbrain circuit in the CSA offspring. To determine if possible regulatory cascades exist that drive the expression changes, we constructed co-expression networks induced by paternal drug addiction and identified three key clusters, primarily driven by transcriptional factors such as MYT1L, POU3F4, and NEUROD6, leading to changes of genes regulating axonogenesis, synapse organization, and membrane potential, respectively. Collectively, our data highlight vulnerable neurocircuitry and novel regulatory candidates with therapeutic potential for disrupting the transgenerational inheritance of vulnerability to cocaine addiction.
The effect of salt substitution on frequency and severity of headache: results from the SSaSS cluster-randomised controlled trial of 20,995 participants
Authors: Haghdoost Faraidoon , Gnanenthiran Sonali R. , Shan Sana , Kaistha Prachi , Huang Liping , Tian Maoyi , Liu Yishu , Yin Xuejun , Zhang Xinyi , Hao Zhixin , Wu Yangfeng , Di Tanna Gian Luca , Neal Bruce , Rodgers Anthony
Published: February 2024

Background

Headache is one of the most common neurological symptoms. Headache disorders are associated with a high global burden of disease. Prior studies indicate that short-to-medium term sodium reduction reduces headache symptom. This study evaluated the effects of long-term reduced-sodium, added-potassium salt on headache frequency and severity in rural China.

Methods

The Salt substitute and stroke study (SSaSS) was an open-label cluster-randomised trial in rural China designed to evaluate the effect of salt substitution on mortality and cardiovascular events. Participants included adults with a history of prior stroke and those aged ≥60 years with uncontrolled high blood pressure (BP). Villages were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio either to intervention with salt substitute (75% sodium chloride and 25% potassium chloride by mass) or to control with continued use of regular salt (100% sodium chloride). In this pre-specified analysis, between-group differences in headache frequency and severity were evaluated. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier number: NCT02092090).

Results

A total of 20,995 participants were included in the trial (mean age 64.3 years, 51% female, mean follow-up 4.7 years). At final follow-up at the end of the study, headache outcome data including frequency and severity of headaches was available for 16,486 (98%) of 16,823 living participants. Overall, 4454/16,486 (27%) individuals reported having headache: 27.4% in the intervention group (2301/8386) vs 26.6% in the control group (2153/8100) (RR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.16, p = 0.48). There was no difference in headache severity between intervention and control groups (p = 0.90).

Conclusion

Long term salt substitution did not reduce the frequency or severity of headaches in this population.
Bilateral choroid plexus resection in a 9p hexasomy/tetrasomy mosaic patient
Authors: Takada Rei , Tozawa Takenori , Yamanaka Takumi , Moroto Masaharu , Iehara Tomoko , Chiyonobu Tomohiro
Published: February 2024

Previous reports have shown that a gain of the chromosome 9 short arm (9p) is associated with choroid plexus hyperplasia (CPH). Furthermore, CPH can lead to communicating hydrocephalus; however, no cases of CPH with 9p gain requiring choroid plexus resection have been reported. Here, we describe the first case in which a 9p hexasomy/tetrasomy mosaic patient required choroid plexus resection for hydrocephalus. This finding suggested that the 9p copy number is correlated with CPH severity.
T-DOpE probes reveal sensitivity of hippocampal oscillations to cannabinoids in behaving mice
Authors: Kim Jongwoon , Huang Hengji , Gilbert Earl T. , Arndt Kaiser C. , English Daniel Fine , Jia Xiaoting
Published: February 2024

Understanding the neural basis of behavior requires monitoring and manipulating combinations of physiological elements and their interactions in behaving animals. We developed a thermal tapering process enabling fabrication of low-cost, flexible probes combining ultrafine features: dense electrodes, optical waveguides, and microfluidic channels. Furthermore, we developed a semi-automated backend connection allowing scalable assembly. We demonstrate T-DOpE (Tapered Drug delivery, Optical stimulation, and Electrophysiology) probes achieve in single neuron-scale devices (1) high-fidelity electrophysiological recording (2) focal drug delivery and (3) optical stimulation. The device tip can be miniaturized (as small as 50 µm) to minimize tissue damage while the ~20 times larger backend allows for industrial-scale connectorization. T-DOpE probes implanted in mouse hippocampus revealed canonical neuronal activity at the level of local field potentials (LFP) and neural spiking. Taking advantage of the triple-functionality of these probes, we monitored LFP while manipulating cannabinoid receptors (CB1R; microfluidic agonist delivery) and CA1 neuronal activity (optogenetics). Focal infusion of CB1R agonist downregulated theta and sharp wave-ripple oscillations (SPW-Rs). Furthermore, we found that CB1R activation reduces sharp wave-ripples by impairing the innate SPW-R-generating ability of the CA1 circuit.
Indication of critical scaling in time during the relaxation of an open quantum system
Authors: Wu Ling-Na , Nettersheim Jens , Feß Julian , Schnell Alexander , Burgardt Sabrina , Hiebel Silvia , Adam Daniel , Eckardt André , Widera Artur
Published: February 2024

Near continuous phase transitions, universal power-law scaling, characterized by critical exponents, emerges. This behavior reflects the singular responses of physical systems to continuous control parameters like temperature or external fields. Universal scaling extends to non-equilibrium dynamics in isolated quantum systems after a quench, where time takes the role of the control parameter. Our research unveils critical scaling in time also during the relaxation dynamics of an open quantum system. Here we experimentally realize such a system by the spin of individual Cesium atoms dissipatively coupled through spin-exchange processes to a bath of ultracold Rubidium atoms. Through a finite-size scaling analysis of the entropy dynamics via numerical simulations, we identify a critical point in time in the thermodynamic limit. This critical point is accompanied by the divergence of a characteristic length, which is described by critical exponents that turn out to be unaffected by system specifics.
Transient chemical and structural changes in graphene oxide during ripening
Authors: Otsuka Hayato , Urita Koki , Honma Nobutaka , Kimuro Takashi , Amako Yasushi , Kukobat Radovan , Bandosz Teresa J. , Ukai Junzo , Moriguchi Isamu , Kaneko Katsumi
Published: February 2024

Graphene oxide (GO)—the oxidized form of graphene—is actively studied in various fields, such as energy, electronic devices, separation of water, materials engineering, and medical technologies, owing to its fascinating physicochemical properties. One major drawback of GO is its instability, which leads to the difficulties in product management. A physicochemical understanding of the ever-changing nature of GO can remove the barrier for its growing applications. Here, we evidencde the presence of intrinsic, metastable and transient GO states upon ripening. The three GO states are identified using a $$\pi -{\pi }^{*}$$
π
−

π

*

transition peak of ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra and exhibit inherent magnetic and electrical properties. The presence of three states of GO is supported by the compositional changes of oxygen functional groups detected via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and structural information from X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Although intrinsic GO having a $$\pi -{\pi }^{*}$$
π
−

π

*

transition at 230.5 ± 0.5 nm is stable only for 5 days at 298 K, the intrinsic state can be stabilized by either storing GO dispersions below 255 K or by adding ammonium peroxydisulfate.
Circulating tumor cells in early lobular versus ductal breast cancer and their associations with prognosis
Authors: Alkhafaji Silver , Wolf Denise M. , Magbanua Mark Jesus M. , J. van ‘t Veer Laura , Park John W. , Esserman Laura , Mukhtar Rita A.
Published: February 2024

This is a secondary data analysis of the TIPPING study, which included 1,121 patients with stage I-III breast cancer who had enumeration of CTCs (by either CellSearch or immunomagnetic enrichment and flow cytometry [IE/FC]) and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) at the time of surgical resection between 1999 and 2012. The primary endpoint was mean number of CTCs by histology, taking into account method of detection and treatment type, and evaluation of histology specific prognostic cutpoints. Overall, patients with ILC had significantly higher CTC counts than those with IDC, a finding which persisted in the 382 patients with CTC enumeration by IE/FC method. Additionally, among those with primary surgery, patients with ILC had significantly higher mean CTC counts than those with IDC (mean 2.11 CTCs/mL versus 0.71 CTCs/mL respectively, p < 0.001), which persisted on multivariate analysis. Patients with ILC and CTC-high/DTC-high status trended towards reduced DRFS HR = 9.27, 95% CI 0.95–90.5, p = 0.055) and had significantly decreased BCSS (HR = 10.4, 95% CI 1.07–99.7, P = 0.043) compared with those who were CTC-low/DTC-low. In the IDC group, CTC-high/DTC-high status was not associated with either DRFS or BCSS. In neoadjvuantly treated patients, there was no significant difference in CTC counts in the ILC group versus the IDC group (mean 0.89 CTCs/mL versus 1.06 CTCs/mL respectively, p = 0.82). Our findings contribute to the limited literature on CTCs and DTCs in ILC, and suggest that clinical utility and optimal thresholds for CTC and DTC assays may differ by histologic subtype in early-stage breast cancer.
Genome-scale pan-cancer interrogation of lncRNA dependencies using CasRx
Authors: Montero Juan J. , Trozzo Riccardo , Sugden Maya , Öllinger Rupert , Belka Alexander , Zhigalova Ekaterina , Waetzig Paul , Engleitner Thomas , Schmidt-Supprian Marc , Saur Dieter , Rad Roland
Published: February 2024

Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) dominate the transcriptome, their functions are largely unexplored. The extensive overlap of lncRNAs with coding and regulatory sequences restricts their systematic interrogation by DNA-directed perturbation. Here we developed genome-scale lncRNA transcriptome screening using Cas13d/CasRx. We show that RNA targeting overcomes limitations inherent to other screening methods, thereby considerably expanding the explorable space of the lncRNAome. By evolving the screening system toward pan-cancer applicability, it supports molecular and phenotypic data integration to contextualize screening hits or infer lncRNA function. We thereby addressed challenges posed by the enormous transcriptome size and tissue specificity through a size-reduced multiplexed gRNA library termed Albarossa, targeting 24,171 lncRNA genes. Its rational design incorporates target prioritization based on expression, evolutionary conservation and tissue specificity, thereby reconciling high discovery power and pan-cancer representation with scalable experimental throughput. Applied across entities, the screening platform identified numerous context-specific and common essential lncRNAs. Our work sets the stage for systematic exploration of lncRNA biology in health and disease.
Submovement interpersonal coupling is associated to audio-motor coordination performance
Authors: Laroche Julien , Tomassini Alice , Fadiga Luciano , D’Ausilio Alessandro
Published: February 2024

Acting in concert with others, a key aspect of our social life, requires behavioral coordination between persons on multiple timescales. When zooming in on the kinematic properties of movements, it appears that small speed fluctuations, called submovements, are embedded within otherwise smooth end-point trajectories. Submovements, by occurring at a faster timescale than that of movements, offer a novel window upon the functional relationship between distinct motor timescales. In this regard, it has previously been shown that when partners visually synchronize their movements, they also coordinate the timing of their submovement by following an alternated pattern. However, it remains unclear whether the mechanisms behind submovement coordination are domain-general or specific to the visual modality, and whether they have relevance for interpersonal coordination also at the scale of whole movements. In a series of solo and dyadic tasks, we show that submovements are also present and coordinated across partners when sensorimotor interactions are mediated by auditory feedback only. Importantly, the accuracy of task-instructed interpersonal coordination at the movement level correlates with the strength of submovement coordination. These results demonstrate that submovement coordination is a potentially fundamental mechanism that participates in interpersonal motor coordination regardless of the sensory domain mediating the interaction.
Altered hippocampal neurogenesis in a mouse model of autism revealed by genetic polymorphisms and by atypical development of newborn neurons
Authors: Barón-Mendoza Isabel , Mejía-Hernández Montserrat , Hernández-Mercado Karina , Guzmán-Condado Jessica , Zepeda Angélica , González-Arenas Aliesha
Published: February 2024

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit atypical hippocampal anatomy and connectivity throughout their lifespan, potentially linked to alterations in the neurogenic process within the hippocampus. In this study, we performed an in-silico analysis to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes relevant to adult neurogenesis in the C58/J model of idiopathic autism. We found coding non-synonymous (Cn) SNPs in 33 genes involved in the adult neurogenic process, as well as in 142 genes associated with the signature genetic profile of neural stem cells (NSC) and neural progenitors. Based on the potential alterations in adult neurogenesis predicted by the in-silico analysis, we evaluated the number and distribution of newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) of young adult C58/J mice. We found a reduced number of newborn cells in the whole DG, a higher proportion of early neuroblasts in the subgranular layer (SGZ), and a lower proportion of neuroblasts with morphological maturation signs in the granule cell layer (GCL) of the DG compared to C57BL/6J mice. The observed changes may be associated with a delay in the maturation trajectory of newborn neurons in the C58/J strain, linked to the Cn SNPs in genes involved in adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Associations between Th1-related cytokines and complicated pediatric appendicitis
Authors: Elliver Matilda , Salö Martin , Roth Bodil , Ohlsson Bodil , Hagander Lars , Gudjonsdottir Johanna
Published: February 2024

The pathogenesis of appendicitis is not understood fully, and the diagnosis can be challenging. Previous research has suggested an association between a T helper (Th) 1-dependent immune response and complicated appendicitis. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between serum concentrations of the Th1-associated cytokines interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-β) and the risk of complicated appendicitis in children. Appendicitis severity was determined through histopathological examination. A total of 137 children < 15 years with appendicitis were included with a median age of 10 years (IQR 8–12); 86 (63%) were boys, and 58 (42%) had complicated appendicitis. Children with complicated appendicitis had significantly higher concentrations of serum IL-6 and IL-10, and lower of TNF-β. After adjustment for age, symptom duration, and presence of appendicolith in a multivariable logistic regression, a higher concentration of IL-6 remained associated with an increased risk of complicated appendicitis (aOR 1.001 [95% CI 1.000–1.002], p = 0.02). Serum concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-10, IL-17A and TNF-β were not significantly associated with the risk of complicated appendicitis. In conclusion, our results suggests that the systemic inflammatory response in complicated appendicitis is complex and not solely Th1-dependent.
The spectrum of psychological disorders in family members of patients suffering from delirium associated with critical illness: a prospective, observational study
Authors: Kotfis Katarzyna , Maj Patrycja , Szylińska Aleksandra , Pankowiak Maria , Reszka Elżbieta , Ely E. Wesley , Marra Annachiara
Published: February 2024

During intensive care unit admission, relatives of critically ill patients can experience emotional distress. The authors hypothesized that families of patients who are diagnosed with intensive care unit (ICU) delirium experience more profound depression and anxiety disorders related to stress than do families of patients without delirium. We performed a prospective observational single-center study including families of adult patients (age above 18 years) hospitalized in a 17-bed ICU of a university hospital for at least 48 h who completed research questionnaires at day 2 after admission and day 30 after initial evaluation using dedicated questionnaires (HADS, CECS, IES, PTSD-C). A total of 98 family members of patients hospitalized in the ICU were included in the final analysis (50 family members whose relatives were CAM-ICU positive (DEL+), and 48 family members of patients without delirium (DEL−)). No statistically significant differences in demographics and psychosocial data were found between the groups. In the follow-up 30 days after the first conversation with a family member, the mean PTSD score for the relatives of patients with delirium was 11.02 (Me = 13.0; SD = 5.74), and the mean score for nondelirious patients' family members was 6.42 (Me = 5.5; SD = 5.50; p < 0.001). A statistically significant increase in IES scores for family members of patients with delirium was observed for total PTSD (p = 0.001), IES—intrusion (p < 0.001), and IES—hyperarousal (p = 0.002). The prevalence of anxiety symptoms, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was higher in families of patients diagnosed with ICU delirium within 48 h of admission to the ICU. No factors increasing the depth of these disorders in family members of patients with ICU delirium were identified. Taking appropriate actions and thus providing families with appropriate support will contribute to the understanding of unfavorable emotional states, including anxiety, stress, depression, anger, agitation, or avoidance.
Expermental investigation on adsorption of methylene blue dye from waste water using corncob cellulose-based hydrogel
Authors: Majamo Samuel Latebo , Amibo Temesgen Abeto , Mekonnen Dereje Tadesse
Published: February 2024

Hydrogel from corncob cellulose was synthesized in this investigation. The synthesized Hydrogel was characterized by SEM, XRD, and FTIR instruments. As the results indicate the synthesized hydrogel has required and important features, these suggest the suitability of hydrogel for the adsorption of methylene blue dye (MBD). Three important process variables (dosage, contact time, and initial concentration) with three levels were studied during the adsorption process at 30 °C and neutral pH. The efficiency of hydrogel for adsorption of MBD was determined in each experiment. The experimental results were statistically analyzed and interpreted. The maximum removal efficiency was achieved at 2.22 g/L of dosage, 80.36 min of contact time, and 74.54 mg/L of initial concentration. At this condition, 98.25% of MBD was achieved through experimental tests. Kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics studies were performed. Langmuir isotherm is more suitable to describe the adsorption process and the Pseudo second-order kinetic model fits this process. From the thermodynamics studies, all negative values of change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), and positive value of change in enthalpy (ΔH°), and change in entropy (ΔS°) indicate that the carried out experimental process is a spontaneous and endothermic. Moreover, the regeneration experiment for adsorbent was performed. The treatment of real textile industry waste water was conducted and the removal efficiency of hydrogel was 64.76%. This removal percentage reduction from sythetic aqueous solution is due to involvement of other pollutants in the real waste water. The synthesized hydrogel adsorbent is suitable up to the third cycle without significant loss in removal efficiency.