bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partnership in Cancer Research (PCAR) Program Increases Medical Student Knowledge and Confidence to Perform Cancer Research
Authors: Marin Luis P. , Presley Jessica H. , Noori Katerina , McKinstry Diane , Dawson Brandi , Sexton Kevin , Peterson Eric , Harrington Sarah Elizabeth , Gardner Jerad M. , Nagalo Bolni Marius , Montzavi-Karbassi Behjatolah , Post Steven R. , Nicholas Richard W. , Kelly Thomas
Published: November 2023

Arkansas has a high cancer burden, and a pressing need exists for more medical students to pursue oncology as a career. The Partnership in Cancer Research (PCAR) program provides a summer research experience at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for 12 medical students who have completed their first year of medical training. A majority of participants spend time pursuing cancer research in basic science, clinical, or community-based research. Students report on their research progress in an interactive “Live from the Lab!” series and assemble a final poster presentation describing their findings. Other activities include participation in a moderated, cancer-patient support group online, lecture series on cancer topics, medical simulations, palliative care clinic visit, “Death Over Dinner” event, and an entrepreneurship competition. Students completed surveys over PCAR’s first 2 years in operation to evaluate all aspects of the program. Surveys reveal that students enthusiastically embraced the program in its entirety. This was especially true of the medical simulations which received the highest evaluations. Most significantly, surveys revealed that the program increased cancer knowledge and participant confidence to perform cancer research.
Understanding transformative capacity to boost urban climate adaptation: A Semi-Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sousa Ana R. , Cruz Sara Santos , Breda-Vázquez Isabel
Published: November 2023

Transformative capacity (TC) is key for addressing climate change impacts. It refers to urban areas’ ability for profound and intentional change to address current challenges and move towards a more desirable and resilient state. However, its varied applications across disciplines can lead to misunderstandings and implementation challenges. Thus, this Semi-Systematic Literature Review (SSLR) on TC within urban studies from 2016 to 2022 aims to overview and synthesise TC literature and its gaps to inform ongoing debates, intersecting it with climate-related research. The results show an increasing interest in TC within two fields of knowledge: resilience studies and transformative research. The review found TC as a catalyst for transformative actions, promoting sustainable pathways, enhancing resilience, and driving fundamental changes in urban climate adaptation. Finally, the prevailing literature gaps concern the TC concept’s fragmentation, excessive research on governance features, and lack of joint research about TC and innovation.
Interactions between animal enterprises and marketing strategies shape organic multispecies farming systems
Authors: Benoit Marc , Martin Guillaume , Steinmetz Lucille , Ulukan Dephne , Bernes Gun , Brock Christopher , De La Foye Anne , Grillot Myriam , Magne Marie-Angelina , Meischner Tabea , Moerman Marie , Monteiro Leonardo , Oehen Bernadette , Parsons David , Primi Riccardo , Schanz Lisa , Winckler Christoph , Dumont Bertrand
Published: November 2023

One of the key ways to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems is through diversification, taking advantage of synergies between farm enterprises. Among diversified systems, multispecies livestock farms with at least two animal enterprises have rarely been studied. We explored 95 organic farms from six countries, accounting for the proportion of animal enterprises, sales management, workforce size, and work organization. The study reveals various types of interactions between animal enterprises. Complementarities were observed between ruminant and monogastric enterprises, particularly fertilizer transfer from monogastric manure to grasslands. Milk production was often associated with on-farm processing and short distribution channels, which enhanced farm viability and reduced its dependency on herd productivity. Eleven out of the 95 farms combined above-average production efficiency, on-farm processing, and the majority of sales in short distribution channels. Their labor productivity converged toward 22 livestock units per annual work unit, regardless of the number of workers. Combining farm structure; livestock production efficiency; social elements, such as the workforce; and sales management led us to distinguish four types of farms: (i) small and very autonomous grassland farms with on-farm processing and short distribution channels; (ii) dairy farms associated with a high-density pig or poultry enterprise, whose feed purchase contributes to high rates of cattle feeding self-sufficiency and stocking rate; (iii) large farms with an extensive, grassland beef enterprise associated with either sheep or monogastrics; and (iv) dairy sheep associated with goat or beef cattle on rangelands, with high added-value products enhancing salaries. This study highlights for the first time the diversity of organic multispecies livestock farms and how consistent patterns of interactions among farm structure, livestock management, sales management, and workforce management shape them. The results are a preliminary basis for designing policy interventions aiming to scale up organic farming and value social assets of diversified and small farms.
Physics-constrained neural network for solving discontinuous interface K-eigenvalue problem with application to reactor physics
Authors: Yang Qi-Hong , Yang Yu , Deng Yang-Tao , He Qiao-Lin , Gong He-Lin , Zhang Shi-Quan
Published: November 2023

Machine learning-based modeling of reactor physics problems has attracted increasing interest in recent years. Despite some progress in one-dimensional problems, there is still a paucity of benchmark studies that are easy to solve using traditional numerical methods albeit still challenging using neural networks for a wide range of practical problems. We present two networks, namely the Generalized Inverse Power Method Neural Network (GIPMNN) and Physics-Constrained GIPMNN (PC-GIPIMNN) to solve K-eigenvalue problems in neutron diffusion theory. GIPMNN follows the main idea of the inverse power method and determines the lowest eigenvalue using an iterative method. The PC-GIPMNN additionally enforces conservative interface conditions for the neutron flux. Meanwhile, Deep Ritz Method (DRM) directly solves the smallest eigenvalue by minimizing the eigenvalue in Rayleigh quotient form. A comprehensive study was conducted using GIPMNN, PC-GIPMNN, and DRM to solve problems of complex spatial geometry with variant material domains from the field of nuclear reactor physics. The methods were compared with the standard finite element method. The applicability and accuracy of the methods are reported and indicate that PC-GIPMNN outperforms GIPMNN and DRM.
On Global Classical Limit of the (Relativistic) Vlasov–Maxwell System
Authors: Li Donghao , Liu Ling , Zhang Hongwei
Published: November 2023

It is shown that solutions of the (relativistic) Vlasov–Maxwell system converge pointwise to solutions of the Vlasov–Poisson system globally in time at the asymptotic rate of $$c^{-1},$$

c

-
1

,

as the light speed c tends to infinity, which extends the results of Asano and Ukai (Stud Math Appl 18:369–383, 1986), Degond (Math Methods Appl Sci 8:533–558, 1986) and Schaeffer (Commun Math Phys 104:403–421, 1986). The analysis relies on the method of Glassey and Strauss (Commun Math Phys 113:191–208, 1987) and Schaeffer (Commun Math Phys 104:403–421, 1986).
Régimes de pêche et nouvel ordre mondial dans le bassin Indo-Pacifique au xxe siècle
Authors: Heé Nadin
Published: November 2023

Cet article soutient que la territorialisation de l’océan a été l’une des inflexions cruciales du xxe siècle, transformant la souveraineté des États et remodelant profondément leurs territoires. En termes d’échelle, il s’agit de la plus planétaire des nombreuses reconfigurations qui ont marqué le xxe siècle. Une étude approfondie de la mondialisation de l’industrie thonière japonaise permet d’illustrer cette transition et peut nous aider à comprendre pourquoi et comment ce processus a évolué. L’empire japonais était un acteur clef dans la « zone sensible » trans-impériale du bassin Indo-Pacifique, où de multiples empires se rencontraient et interagissaient. Les « intermédiaires » trans-impériaux – tant les migrants humains que les espèces migratrices telles que le thon – agissaient par-delà les frontières et créaient un horizon océanique ouvert et dépendant de conditions écologiques fluctuantes. Ces relations trans-impériales ne prirent pas fin en 1945, et leur héritage pesa lourdement dans le processus de décolonisation, les nouveaux États cherchant à établir leurs territoires en mer comme sur terre. Le succès du Japon dans le maintien de l’accès aux zones de pêche montre comment ces enchevêtrements ont transcendé l’ère dite des empires pour influencer l’établissement d’un nouvel ordre mondial et d’une nouvelle souveraineté océanique.
The Value of Risk in Transformative Experience
Authors: Randell Petronella
Published: November 2023

Risk is inherent to many, if not all, transformative decisions. The risk of regret, of turning into a person you presently consider to be morally objectionable, or of value change are all risks of choosing to transform. This aspect of transformative decision-making has thus far been ignored, but carries important consequences to those wishing to defend decision theory from the challenge posed by transformative decision-making. I contend that a problem lies in a common method used to cardinalise utilities – the von Neumann and Morgenstern (vNM) method – which measures an agent's utility function over sure outcomes. I argue that the risks involved in transformative experiences are constitutively valuable, and hence their value cannot be accurately measured by the vNM method. In Section 1, I outline what transformative experiences are and the problem they pose to decision theory. In Section 2, I outline Pettigrew's (2019, Choosing for Changing Selves) decision-theoretic response, and in Section 3, I present the case for thinking that risks can carry value. In Section 4, I argue for the claim that at least some transformative experiences involve constitutive risk. I argue that this causes a problem for decision-theoretic responses within the vNM framework in Section 5.
Prevalence of mental disorders in South Asia: A systematic review of reviews
Authors: Vidyasagaran Aishwarya L. , McDaid David , Faisal Mehreen R. , Nasir Muhammad , Muliyala Krishna P. , Thekkumkara Sreekanth , Wright Judy , Huque Rumana , Benkalkar Saumit , Siddiqi Najma
Published: November 2023

Mental disorders are increasing in South Asia (SA), but their epidemiological burden is under-researched. We carried out a systematic umbrella review to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders and intentional self-harm in the region. Multiple databases were searched and systematic reviews reporting the prevalence of at least one mental disorder from countries in SA were included. Review data were narratively synthesised; primary studies of common mental disorders (CMDs) among adults were identified from a selected subset of reviews and pooled. We included 124 reviews. The majority (n = 65) reported on mood disorders, followed by anxiety disorders (n = 45). High prevalence of mental disorders and intentional self-harm was found in general adult and vulnerable populations. Two reviews met our pre-defined criteria for identifying primary studies of CMDs. Meta-analysis of 25 primary studies showed a pooled prevalence of 16.0% (95% CI = 11.0–22.0%, I2 = 99.9%) for depression, 12.0% (5.0–21.0%, I2 = 99.9%) for anxiety, and 14.0% (10.0–19.0, I2 = 99.9%) for both among the general adult population; pooled estimates varied by country and assessment tool used. Overall, reviews suggest high prevalence for mental disorders in SA, but evidence is limited on conditions other than CMDs.
Landscapes of Hope and Crisis: Dereliction, Environment, and Leisure in Britain during the Long 1970s
Authors: Saumarez Smith Otto
Published: November 2023

This article surveys plans that envisioned new leisure uses for derelict landscapes in Britain from about 1966 to 1979. These plans were an attempt to transform areas of Britain in ways that cut across issues ranging from deindustrialization to planning, landscape, environmentalism, industrial heritage, and leisure. The author argues for the importance of the profession of landscape architects in setting the agenda for tackling industrial dereliction. It then shows these issues playing out in three locations: in the Lea Valley, in Stoke-on-Trent, and in Telford New Town. Derelict landscapes were a visual manifestation of the various crises that continue to structure historians’ accounts of the 1970s, but the author shows how the response to the issue was characterized by an almost utopian optimism that these problems could be resolved in a way that would stimulate new forms of living.
Taking Stock of Solidarity between People of Color: A Mini Meta-Analysis of Five Experiments
Authors: PÉREZ EFRÉN , VICUÑA BIANCA , RAMOS ALISSON
Published: November 2023

Recent work suggests that solidarity between people of color (PoC) is triggered when a minoritized ingroup believes they are discriminated similarly to another outgroup based on their alleged foreignness or inferiority. Heightened solidarity then boosts support for policies that benefit minoritized outgroups who are not one’s own. Available experiments on this pathway vary by participants (e.g., Asian, Black, Middle Eastern, and Latino adults), manipulations (similar discrimination as foreign vs. inferior), and pro-outgroup outcomes (support for undocumented immigrants, Black Lives Matter). We report a pre-registered mini meta-analysis of this solidarity mechanism. Across five experiments (N = 3,252), similar discrimination as foreign or inferior reliably triggers solidarity between PoC, which then substantially increases support for pro-outgroup policies. This mediated pathway is robust to possible confounding and emerges across studies and planned contrasts of them. We discuss what the viability of this mechanism implies for further theoretic and empirical innovations in a racially diversifying polity.
“I Reserve the Right to Criticize My Friends”: The International Committee for Political Prisoners and ItsLetters from Russian Prisons
Authors: Finkel Stuart D.
Published: November 2023

Campaigns on behalf of Russian political prisoners stretch from the revolutionary “nihilists” of the 1880s to the dissidents of the 1970s. While the efforts of political émigrés and their Western sympathizers – to promote awareness, raise funds, and pressure governments – met with decidedly mixed success, there were several watershed moments. This article examines how one such breakthrough, the compilation and publication ofLetters from Russian Prisonsin 1925, resulted in the formation of the International Committee for Political Prisoners (ICPP) as the first ever transnational amnesty NGO. Along with 300 pages of harrowing accounts of Soviet prisons, camps, and exile, the book featured endorsements by “Twenty-Two Well-Known European and American Authors”. The disputatious process of this volume's compilation and the controversy greeting its issuance show the challenges of extending civil liberties advocacy to include criticism of the Soviet Union among left and liberal figures in the interwar period. In establishing a new field of endeavor – universalist transnational activism to aid political detainees – the ICPP navigated a complex network of relationships among a diverse array of political and intellectual figures.
Managing menstruation during natural disasters: menstruation hygiene management during “super floods” in Sindh province of Pakistan
Authors: Sadique Salma , Ali Inayat , Ali Shahbaz
Published: November 2023

Menstruation is part of women’s normal life, which requires basic hygienic practices. Managing hygiene can be affected by several factors and situations such as natural disasters. Focusing on ‘super flooding’ in Pakistan’s Sindh Province, we pay attention to how this ‘natural disaster’ has affected hygienic practices of menstrual cycle of women. The study meticulously examines the dynamics of menstrual hygiene management, encompassing the nuanced encounters with feelings of shame and embarrassment among girls and women situated in flood camps, schools, and community shelters. It also intends to highlight women’s challenge and embarrassment to participate in the distribution process of essential resources such as pads. The insights garnered from this study hold potential relevance for various stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and researchers, offering a nuanced comprehension of the intersection of menstrual hygiene, climate change, and well-being of women.
A new species of Thelocarpon from Dutch quarries, with a worldwide key to the species of the genus
Authors: van der Kolk Henk-Jan , Timans Harold , Boers Jannes , Sparrius Laurens B.
Published: November 2023

Thelocarpon periphysatum sp. nov. is described from marl quarries in the Netherlands. The species is characterized by perithecioid ascomata that have a green-yellowish ring around the ostiole, abundant periphyses and periphysoids that are up to 120 μm long, the absence of paraphyses and the wide, oblong and often somewhat asymmetrical ascospores. The perithecia are immersed in black cyanobacterial crusts on calcareous rocks. A worldwide key is provided to the 30 species of Thelocarpon that are currently accepted.
Tourism, international wildlife trade and the (in)effectiveness of CITES
Authors: Chavez Jessica , Payuse I Nyoman Aji Duranegara , Kuntayuni  , Campera Marco , Nijman Vincent
Published: November 2023

There are clear links between tourism and the international wildlife trade, especially in countries with high levels of biodiversity and high numbers of international tourists. In the absence of clear regulations and implementation of existing policies, tourists can inadvertently have a negative impact on the environment, including through items bought as souvenirs. Bali is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. We investigated legally protected species that are offered for sale specifically targeting tourists in Bali. During December 2022–June 2023, we surveyed 66 shops offering curios (skulls, bones, carvings) of animals for which the international trade is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). We found items from >500 individuals of 20 CITES-listed species, including primate skulls, ivory carvings and decorated shells. According to vendors, there would be no problem exporting these items despite the absence of CITES permits. Export records over the last two decades provided by the Indonesian authorities, mostly indicating no exports, contrast sharply with our observations in Bali. A short but effective campaign as a collaborative effort between industry, tourism operators, local and expatriate communities and government agencies could result in a drastic reduction of protected and/or CITES-listed species ending up in trade.
Submitral aneurysm correction with mitral valve repair: a case report
Authors: Manuel Valdano , da Costa Marília , Carvalho Joseneyde
Published: November 2023

Submitral aneurysm is a rare type of non-ischaemic ventricular aneurysm. We describe the case of a 26-year-old woman with progressive dyspnoea for approximately 1 year who was diagnosed with a ruptured submitral aneurysm in the left atrium with severe regurgitation. The patient underwent aneurysm correction and mitral valve repair, and post-operative echocardiography showed no residual abnormalities. The patient remains asymptomatic.
Are popular books about diet and health written based on scientific evidence? A comparison of citations between the USA and Japan
Authors: Oono Fumi , Adachi Riho , Yaegashi Akinori , Kishino Madoka , Ogata Risa , Kinugawa Anna , Tsumura Ayari , Suga Mizuki , Matsumoto Moe , Takaoka Tomoya , Kakutani Yuya , Murakami Kentaro , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: November 2023

Objectives:

To describe and compare the references cited in popular books about diet and health between the USA and Japan.

Design:

Books were selected based on their best-seller rankings in the diet and health category of online bookstores. We identified references throughout all pages of the books and examined the number of references, reference format (identifiable or not) and presence of specific types of references, such as systematic reviews of human research. We compared the characteristics of references between the two countries and examined related factors to citation.

Setting:

Cross-sectional study.

Participants:

Books (n 100 in each country).

Results:

Among 100 books from each country, sixty-five US and sixty-six Japanese books had references. Forty-five US books cited more than 100 references, against only five Japanese books. The number of books that cited systematic reviews of human research differed between the USA (n 49) and Japan (n 9). Additionally, the number of books that provided identifiable information for all references was significantly higher in the USA (n 63) than in Japan (n 42). Books whose first authors have licences of medical doctors were more likely to cite references than those without in both countries.

Conclusions:

Two-thirds of books about diet and health cited references in both the USA and Japan, but Japanese books cited fewer references and were less likely to cite systematic reviews and provide identifiable references than US books. Further research into the scientific reliability of information in books about diet and health is warranted.
Puberty as a DOHaD programming window: high-fat diet induces long-term hepatic dysfunction in male rats
Authors: dos Santos Beatriz Gonçalves , Miranda Rosiane Aparecida , Saavedra Lucas Paulo Jacinto , Francisco Flávio Andrade , Ribeiro Maiara Vanusa Guedes , Oliveira Ferreira Anna Rebeka , Ferreira-Junior Marcos Divino , Cavalcante Keilah Valéria Naves , Xavier Carlos Henrique , de Moura Egberto Gaspar , Lisboa Patrícia Cristina , Mota Ariel Penha Carvalho da , Pedrino Gustavo Rodrigues , Armitage James Andrew , Mathias Paulo Cezar de Freitas , Palma-Rigo Kesia , Gomes Rodrigo Mello
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether high-fat (HF) diet intake during puberty can program obesity as well as generate glucose imbalance and hepatic metabolic dysfunctions in adult life. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups: rats fed standard chow (NF) and rats fed a HF from postnatal 30-day-old (PND30) until PND60. Then, both groups were fed a standard chow from PND60 until PND120. Euthanasia and samples collections occurred at PND120. HF animals were overweight (+11%) and had increased adiposity, hyperphagia (+12%), hyperglycaemia (+13%), hyperinsulinemia (+69%), and hypertriglyceridemia (+34%). Plasma glucose levels during intravenous glucose tolerance test (ivGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (ipITT) were also higher in the HF group, whereas Kittwas significantly lower (–34%), suggesting reduced insulin sensitivity. In the same sense, HF animals present pancreatic islets hypertrophy and high β-cell mass. HF animals also had a significant increase in blood glucose levels during pyruvate tolerance test, indicating increased gluconeogenesis. Hepatic morphology analyses showed an increase in lipid inclusion in the HF group. Moreover, PEPCK and FAS protein expression were higher in the livers of the HF animals (+79% and + 37%, respectively). In conclusion, HF during puberty causes obese phenotype leading to glucose dyshomeostasis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can be related to the overexpression of proteins PEPCK and FAS.
“Keeping Condition”: Gender Ambiguity and Sexual Citizenship of Queer Male Thai Classical Musicians
Authors: Wisuttipat Nattapol
Published: November 2023

Gender pluralism has become a rich scholarly topic in Southeast Asia, especially with the rise of LGBT mobilisations across the region in the past decade. Transgender ritual specialists dominate the field of study, with a growing body of literature on Southeast Asian queer expressive cultures. However, queer performances in several classical performing arts are often excluded from the scholarship due to the field's association with the “traditional”. In this article, I address this scholarly gap by examining the social lives of queer men in Thai classical string music. I focus on a strategy called kep aakaan or “keeping condition” in which the musicians in question carefully articulate and disarticulate their femininity to render their gender nonconformity ambiguous under the heteronormative gaze. Using ethnographic methods to investigate the lived experience of queer male musicians on and off the stage, I show that “keeping condition” is not just about managing the display of queer potential but is also closely intertwined with morality and citizenship. Drawing on the ideas of tacit subjects and contextual sensitivities, I argue that “keeping condition” exposes the fluidity in which queer musicking bodies move between queerness and heteronormativity in ways that are more reconciliatory than confrontational. By focusing on the complicities of queerness and heteronormativity, I argue that non-normative classical performing arts can be a productive site for critical gender, sexuality, and queer studies in Southeast Asia, cutting through the “traditional” and “modern” divide that looms large in the region.
Dissecting Earth's Magnetosphere: 3D Energy Transport in a Simulation of a Real Storm Event
Authors: Brenner A. , Pulkkinen T. I. , Al Shidi Q. , Toth G.
Published: November 2023

We present new analysis methods of 3D MHD output data from the Space Weather Modeling Framework during a simulated storm event. Earth's magnetosphere is identified in the simulation domain and divided based on magnetic topology and the bounding magnetopause definition. Volume energy contents and surface energy fluxes are analyzed for each subregion to track the energy transport in the system as the driving solar wind conditions change. Two energy pathways are revealed, one external and one internal. The external pathway between the magnetosheath and magnetosphere has magnetic energy flux entering the lobes and escaping through the closed field region and is consistent with previous work and theory. The internal pathway, which has never been studied in this manner, reveals magnetically dominated energy recirculating between open and closed field lines. The energy enters the lobes across the dayside magnetospheric cusps and escapes the lobes through the nightside plasmasheet boundary layer. This internal circulation directly controls the energy content in the lobes and the partitioning of the total energy between lobes and closed field line regions. Qualitative analysis of four‐field junction neighborhoods indicate the internal circulation pathway is controlled via the reconnection X‐line(s), and by extension, the interplanetary magnetic field orientation. These results allow us to make clear and quantifiable arguments about the energy dynamics of Earth's magnetosphere, and the role of the lobes as an expandable reservoir that cannot retain energy for long periods of time but can grow and shrink in energy content due to mismatch between incoming and outgoing energy flux.
Impact of Variable Fault Geometries and Slip Rates on Earthquake Catalogs From Physics‐Based Simulations of a Normal Fault
Authors: Delogkos Efstratios , Howell Andrew , Seebeck Hannu , Shaw Bruce E. , Nicol Andrew , Mika Liao Yi‐Wun , Walsh John J.
Published: November 2023

Physics‐based earthquake simulators have been developed to overcome the relatively short duration and incompleteness of historical earthquake and paleoseismic records, respectively. These simulators have the potential to be a useful addition to seismic hazard assessment as they produce millions of synthetic earthquakes over thousands to millions of years using predefined fault geometries and slip rates. Due to the sparsity of fault data and the computational expense of the modeling, it is common to simplify earthquake simulator input parameters. Fault surfaces are typically characterized by simplified mapped traces and constant dip with depth, with slip rates that are often assumed to be uniform over the fault plane. This study uses the well‐defined 3D geometry of an active normal fault in offshore Aotearoa New Zealand, the Cape Egmont Fault, to demonstrate the impact of using nonuniform slip rates and nonplanar fault geometries on the resulting synthetic earthquakes from the earthquake simulator RSQSim. Adopting variable slip rates that decrease to zero along the fault tipline (rather than uniform slip rates) reduces unrealistically high nucleation rates of seismicity along fault edges. Introduction of complex 3D fault geometries, including fault segmentation and bends on kilometer scales, and variable slip rates produces less characteristic earthquake populations, increasing the number of M6‐7 moderate‐large magnitude events. Incorporation of variable fault geometries and slip rates in physics‐based simulators may modify the seismic hazards estimated from synthetic earthquake catalogs.
E2E-BPF microscope: extended depth-of-field microscopy using learning-based implementation of binary phase filter and image deconvolution
Authors: Seong Baekcheon , Kim Woovin , Kim Younghun , Hyun Kyung-A , Jung Hyo-Il , Lee Jong-Seok , Yoo Jeonghoon , Joo Chulmin
Published: November 2023

Several image-based biomedical diagnoses require high-resolution imaging capabilities at large spatial scales. However, conventional microscopes exhibit an inherent trade-off between depth-of-field (DoF) and spatial resolution, and thus require objects to be refocused at each lateral location, which is time consuming. Here, we present a computational imaging platform, termed E2E-BPF microscope, which enables large-area, high-resolution imaging of large-scale objects without serial refocusing. This method involves a physics-incorporated, deep-learned design of binary phase filter (BPF) and jointly optimized deconvolution neural network, which altogether produces high-resolution, high-contrast images over extended depth ranges. We demonstrate the method through numerical simulations and experiments with fluorescently labeled beads, cells and tissue section, and present high-resolution imaging capability over a 15.5-fold larger DoF than the conventional microscope. Our method provides highly effective and scalable strategy for DoF-extended optical imaging system, and is expected to find numerous applications in rapid image-based diagnosis, optical vision, and metrology.
High-fidelity 3D live-cell nanoscopy through data-driven enhanced super-resolution radial fluctuation
Authors: Laine Romain F. , Heil Hannah S. , Coelho Simao , Nixon-Abell Jonathon , Jimenez Angélique , Wiesner Theresa , Martínez Damián , Galgani Tommaso , Régnier Louise , Stubb Aki , Follain Gautier , Webster Samantha , Goyette Jesse , Dauphin Aurelien , Salles Audrey , Culley Siân , Jacquemet Guillaume , Hajj Bassam , Leterrier Christophe , Henriques Ricardo
Published: November 2023

Live-cell super-resolution microscopy enables the imaging of biological structure dynamics below the diffraction limit. Here we present enhanced super-resolution radial fluctuations (eSRRF), substantially improving image fidelity and resolution compared to the original SRRF method. eSRRF incorporates automated parameter optimization based on the data itself, giving insight into the trade-off between resolution and fidelity. We demonstrate eSRRF across a range of imaging modalities and biological systems. Notably, we extend eSRRF to three dimensions by combining it with multifocus microscopy. This realizes live-cell volumetric super-resolution imaging with an acquisition speed of ~1 volume per second. eSRRF provides an accessible super-resolution approach, maximizing information extraction across varied experimental conditions while minimizing artifacts. Its optimal parameter prediction strategy is generalizable, moving toward unbiased and optimized analyses in super-resolution microscopy.
Ontogeny of the digestive enzyme activity of the pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) under culture condition
Authors: Lavajoo Fatemeh , Falahatkar Bahram , García-Meilán Irene , Perelló-Amorós Miquel , Efatpanah Iraj , Gutierrez Joaquim
Published: November 2023

The pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a species with a high potential for aquaculture and a valuable food with high market acceptance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional ontogeny of digestive enzyme of pikeperch from hatching to 45 days-post fertilization, 777 degree-day (DPF, dd) under culture condition. The average total length (TL) of larvae measured at hatching was 3.6 ± 0.4 mm (5 DPF; 67 dd) and at the end of experiment (45 DPF, 777 dd) was 27.1 ± 1.1 mm. The survival rate was 80–90% during the experiment period. Inhibition zimography reveals the presence of nine bands with proteolytic activity in the digestive tract of juvenile pikeperch. Zimography results during the ontogeny revealed that in larvae at 8 DPF (108 dd) and 13 DPF (189 dd), three bands were presented. The variations observed in the enzymatic activity reflected a high amount of total protease activity at 10 DPF (133.5 dd). Regarding pepsin, its activity was observed for the first time at 26 DPF (378.9 dd). Lipase activity remained constant from hatching to 26 DPF (378.9 dd). The highest amount of α-amylase activity was detected at 15 DPF (211.5 dd) and 45 DPF (777 dd). The low lipase enzyme activity suggested that live feeds with low lipid were more suitable than diets containing high lipid levels; larvae had also early capability to digest nutrient-dense diet that was high in protein. According to results the pikeperch larvae possess after the exogenous feeding, a functional digestive system with high activities that indicated the gradual development of the digestive system.
Significance of micro-EGFR T790M mutations on EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Masuda Takeshi , Miura Satoru , Sato Yuki , Tachihara Motoko , Bessho Akihiro , Nakamura Atsushi , Miyawaki Taichi , Yoshimine Kohei , Mori Masahide , Shiraishi Hideaki , Hamai Kosuke , Haratani Koji , Maeda Sumiko , Tabata Eriko , Kitagawa Chiyoe , Tanizaki Junko , Imai Takumi , Nogami Shohei , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Hattori Noboru
Published: November 2023

Small amounts of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation (micro-T790M), which is detected using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) but not conventional PCR, in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples have been investigated as a predictive factor for the efficacy of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, the predictive value of micro-T790M remains controversial, possibly owing to the failure to examine artificial T790M in FFPE specimens. Therefore, we examined the predictive value of micro-T790M in first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), and third-generation (3G) EGFR-TKI efficacy using a new method to exclude FFPE-derived artificial mutations in our retrospective cohort. The primary objective was time to treatment failure (TTF) of 1G, 2G, and 3G EGFR-TKIs according to micro-T790M status. In total, 315 patients with EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer treated with 1G, 2G, and 3G EGFR-TKIs were included in this study. The proportion of patients positive for micro-T790M in the 1G, 2G, and 3G EGFR-TKI groups was 48.2%, 47.1%, and 47.6%, respectively. In the micro-T790M-positive group, the TTF was significantly longer in the 2G and 3G EGFR-TKI groups than in the 1G TKI group. No differences in the micro-T790M-negative group were observed. Micro-T790M status detected using ddPCR, eliminating false positives, may be a valuable predictor of EGFR-TKI efficacy.
Efficacy and design requirements of UV light cabinets for disinfection of exchangeable non-sterilizable “dental objects”
Authors: Moufti M. A. , Hamad M. , Al Shawa A. , Mardini A. , Ghebeh S.
Published: November 2023

Non-sterilizable items such as prosthodontics items constitute a high risk of transmitting dangerous pathogens, including Coronavirus, between patients and healthcare personnel. Although UV rays are recognized for their germicidal efficacy, large and expensive UV devices previously hindered their adoption in dental offices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, small UV devices became available for domestic use, albeit with varying designs and effectiveness. Our study assesses the disinfection capacity of a UV light cabinet for four dental materials and discusses crucial design features for effective performance. Specimens of each material (silicone impressions, stone cast, acrylic denture base, and indelible pencils) were contaminated with Escherichia coli Bl21, and randomly divided into three study groups: UV device (UVG), impressions disinfection solution (SG), and control (CG). The experiment was repeated thrice, and disinfection efficacy assessed by colony forming units (CFU) count. A 2.5-min UV exposure achieved full disinfection for all materials. Significantly different results were found between groups (p < 0.05, one-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD), except for indelible pencils, where UVG and SG were both highly effective. UV cabinets surpass SG’s disinfection efficacy. Compact UV devices can offer affordable, portable, and efficient disinfection for non-sterilizable dental objects, with careful consideration of wavelength, exposure, intensity, and safety.
Characterization of flue gas desulphurized (FGD) gypsum of a coal-fired plant and its relevant risk of associated potential toxic elements in sodic soil reclamation
Authors: Sundha Parul , Mukhopadhyay Raj , Basak Nirmalendu , Rai Arvind Kumar , Bedwal Sandeep , Patel Subedar , Kumar Sanjay , Kaur Harshpreet , Chandra Priyanka , Sharma Parbodh Chander , Saxena Sanjeev Kumar , Parihar Somendra Singh , Yadav Rajender Kumar
Published: November 2023

Thermal Power Plant generates FGD gypsum as by-product during coal combustion. This study evaluates the characterization (spectroscopic and elemental), potentially toxic elements (PTEs) distribution, and environmental risk assessment of FGD gypsum for safe and sustainable use in agriculture. The XRD and SEM analysis confirmed the dominance of crystalline CaSO4·2H2O in FGD gypsum. The order of concentrations of PTEs in FGD gypsum was Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > Ni > Co. The residual fraction was the dominant pool, sharing 80–90% of the total PTEs. The heavy metals (HMs) were below the toxic range in the leachates. The Co, Ni, Al, Fe Mn, Zn had low (< 10%) risk assessment code and the ecotoxicity was in the range of 0.0–7.46%. The contamination factor was also low (0.0–0.16) at the normal recommended doses of FGD gypsum application for sodicity reclamation. The enrichment factor was in the order of Al < Mn < Co < Zn < Ni. Mn [enrichment factor (Ef) 1.2–2.0] and Co (Ef1.7–2.8) showed negligible enrichment of metals, whereas Ni (Ef4.3–5.2) and Zn (Ef4.5–5.6) reported moderate accumulation in soil. The application of FGD gypsum @ 10 t ha−1for sodicity reclamation will develop a geo-accumulation index below the critical values indicating its safe and sustainable use to achieve land degradation neutrality (LDN) and UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Genomics of Plasmodium vivax in Colombia reveals evidence of local bottle-necking and inter-country connectivity in the Americas
Authors: Sutanto Edwin , Pava Zuleima , Echeverry Diego F. , Lopera-Mesa Tatiana M. , Montenegro Lidia Madeline , Yasnot-Acosta Maria F. , Benavente Ernest Diez , Pearson Richard D. , Herrera Sócrates , Arévalo-Herrera Myriam , Trimarsanto Hidayat , Rumaseb Angela , Noviyanti Rintis , Kwiatkowski Dominic P. , Price Ric N. , Auburn Sarah
Published: November 2023

Colombia aims to eliminate malaria by 2030 but remains one of the highest burden countries in the Americas. Plasmodium vivax contributes half of all malaria cases, with its control challenged by relapsing parasitaemia, drug resistance and cross-border spread. Using 64 Colombian P. vivax genomes collected between 2013 and 2017, we explored diversity and selection in two major foci of transmission: Chocó and Córdoba. Open-access data from other countries were used for comparative assessment of drug resistance candidates and to assess cross-border spread. Across Colombia, polyclonal infections were infrequent (12%), and infection connectivity was relatively high (median IBD = 5%), consistent with low endemicity. Chocó exhibited a higher frequency of polyclonal infections (23%) than Córdoba (7%), although the difference was not significant (P = 0.300). Most Colombian infections carried double pvdhfr (95%) and single pvdhps (71%) mutants, but other drug resistance mutations were less prevalent (< 10%). There was no evidence of selection at the pvaat1 gene, whose P. falciparum orthologue has recently been implicated in chloroquine resistance. Global population comparisons identified other putative adaptations. Within the Americas, low-level connectivity was observed between Colombia and Peru, highlighting potential for cross-border spread. Our findings demonstrate the potential of molecular data to inform on infection spread and adaptation.
Transgenerational plasticity of exploratory behavior and a hidden cost of mismatched risk environments between parental sexes
Authors: Meuthen Denis , Salahinejad Arash , Chivers Douglas P. , Ferrari Maud C. O.
Published: November 2023

We require a better understanding of the relative contribution of different modes of non-genetic inheritance in behavioral trait development. Thus, we investigate variation in exploratory behavior, which is ecologically relevant and a target of selection. The metabolic hypothesis predicts exploratory behavior to be size-dependent across taxa. This size-dependency is cancelled out under high perceived risk, allowing us to determine the transgenerationally integrated estimated level of risk. Using fathead minnows Pimephales promelas, we manipulated perceived risk in mothers, fathers, caring males and offspring through continuous exposure to either conspecific alarm cues or to a control water treatment. In 1000 four-month old offspring, we determined body sizes and exploratory behavior. Perceived high risk in mothers, followed by personal risk, was most effective in eliminating size-dependent behavior whereas effects of paternal risk on offspring behavioral development were substantially weaker. When maternal risk is high, environmental mismatches between parents prevented offspring from responding appropriately to personal high risk. The environment of the caring male also impacted offspring behavior to a greater extent than that of its genetic parents. Our study highlights the high relative importance of maternal, personal and caring male risk environments and showcases potential costs of an environmental mismatch between parental sexes.
Modeling the dynamics of leptospirosis in India
Authors: Antima  , Banerjee Sandip
Published: November 2023

Leptospirosis, a formidable zoonotic threat spawned by Leptospira, plagues tropical and subtropical realms. This study delves deep into tropical Indian states, namely, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, unraveling the dynamics of leptospirosis through a comprehensive mathematical model that embraces temperature-driven growth rates of Leptospira. Sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation techniques fortified the model’s accuracy, unraveling the factors shaping leptospirosis transmission. Notably, the numerical results highlight the significant impact of rainfall, fishing, climate, mining, agriculture, and cattle farming on leptospirosis prevalence in the endemic states of India. Finally, our study urges resolute preventive action to control and combat leptospirosis in India. Strengthening surveillance, impactful awareness campaigns, targeted interventions, and improved hygiene practices among high-risk individuals are vital. Embracing these proactive strategies will alleviate the burden of leptospirosis and enhance public health in India and beyond.
Determining the defining lengths between mature microRNAs/small interfering RNAs and tinyRNAs
Authors: Sim GeunYoung , Kehling Audrey C. , Park Mi Seul , Divoky Cameron , Zhang Huaqun , Malhotra Nipun , Secor Jackson , Nakanishi Kotaro
Published: November 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are loaded into Argonaute (AGO) proteins, forming RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs). The assembly process establishes the seed, central, 3′ supplementary, and tail regions across the loaded guide, enabling the RISC to recognize target RNAs for silencing. This guide segmentation is caused by anchoring the 3′ end at the AGO PAZ domain, but the minimum guide length required for the conformation remains to be studied because the current miRNA size defined by Dicer processing is ambiguous. Using a 3′ → 5′ exonuclease ISG20, we determined the lengths of AGO-associated miR-20a and let-7a with 3′ ends that no longer reach the PAZ domain. Unexpectedly, miR-20a and let-7a needed different lengths, 19 and 20 nt, respectively, to maintain their RISC conformation. This difference can be explained by the low affinity of the PAZ domain for the adenosine at g19 of let-7a, suggesting that the tail-region sequence slightly alters the minimum guide length. We also present that 17-nt guides are sufficiently short enough to function as tinyRNAs (tyRNAs) whose 3′ ends are not anchored at the PAZ domain. Since tyRNAs do not have the prerequisite anchoring for the standardized guide segmentation, they would recognize targets differently from miRNAs and siRNAs.
Addressing image misalignments in multi-parametric prostate MRI for enhanced computer-aided diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Kovacs Balint , Netzer Nils , Baumgartner Michael , Schrader Adrian , Isensee Fabian , Weißer Cedric , Wolf Ivo , Görtz Magdalena , Jaeger Paul F. , Schütz Victoria , Floca Ralf , Gnirs Regula , Stenzinger Albrecht , Hohenfellner Markus , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , Bonekamp David , Maier-Hein Klaus H.
Published: November 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis on multi-parametric magnetic resonance images (MRI) requires radiologists with a high level of expertise. Misalignments between the MRI sequences can be caused by patient movement, elastic soft-tissue deformations, and imaging artifacts. They further increase the complexity of the task prompting radiologists to interpret the images. Recently, computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tools have demonstrated potential for PCa diagnosis typically relying on complex co-registration of the input modalities. However, there is no consensus among research groups on whether CAD systems profit from using registration. Furthermore, alternative strategies to handle multi-modal misalignments have not been explored so far. Our study introduces and compares different strategies to cope with image misalignments and evaluates them regarding to their direct effect on diagnostic accuracy of PCa. In addition to established registration algorithms, we propose ‘misalignment augmentation’ as a concept to increase CAD robustness. As the results demonstrate, misalignment augmentations can not only compensate for a complete lack of registration, but if used in conjunction with registration, also improve the overall performance on an independent test set.