bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Straw return with chemical fertilizer improves soil carbon pools and CO2 emissions by regulating stoichiometry
Authors: Song Jiajie , Xu Wen , Song Jianheng , Bai Jinze , Gao Guoxi , Zhang Zhihao , Yu Qi , Hao Jiaqi , Ren Guangxin , Han Xinhui , Wang Xiaojiao , Ren Chengjie , Feng Yongzhong , Wang Xing
Published: December 2024

Straw return with chemical fertilizers is integral to improving soil quality and the sustainability of agricultural production. However, little is known about how straw return with chemical fertilizer application affects CO2 emissions and carbon pools from the perspective of nutrient stoichiometry. We conducted a 2‐year (2020–2021) field experiment in a wheat–maize rotation system in silty clay loam to study the effects of straw return and fertilizer application on CO2 emissions, soil carbon pools and yields by applying stoichiometry. A split‐plot experimental design was used (straw was main treatment, and fertilizer was the split‐plot treatment). The treatments were no straw return + no fertilizer (S0W), no straw return + mineral nitrogen fertilizer (S0N), no straw return + mineral nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer (S0NP), straw return + no fertilizer (SW), straw return + mineral nitrogen fertilizer (SN) and straw return + mineral nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer (SNP). The results indicated that, compared with S0W, the SNP treatment significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC) storage by 17% and 13% in the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil horizons, respectively. Additionally, compared with S0W, the SNP and SN treatments significantly increased the annual cumulative CO2 emissions by 85% and 41%, respectively. Furthermore, the SNP and SN treatments significantly increased the annual yield by 61% and 38%, respectively, compared with S0W. Our results indicated that straw and fertilizer inputs reduced the C:Nimbalance in the topsoil (0–20 cm), with fertilizer inputs showing a more pronounced effect. However, straw incorporation increased the C:Nimbalance in subsoil (20–40 cm). Redundancy analysis (RDA) and structural equation models (SEM) suggested that 0–20 cm carbon‐phosphorus ratio (C:P) and nitrogen‐phosphorus ratio (N:P) could be significant predictors of annual yield and CO2 emissions. In conclusion, straw and fertilizers enhanced soil nutrient effectiveness and reduced carbon mineralization in favour of SOC storage. However, the input of exogenous materials (straw and fertilizers) disrupted the soil ecological stoichiometric balance and stimulated microbial activity, leading to increased CO2 emissions. Overall, this study provides theoretical guidance and scientific support for the green development of agriculture.
Aberrant extracellular dopamine clearance in the prefrontal cortex exhibits ADHD‐like behavior in NCX3 heterozygous mice
Authors: Inagaki Ryo , Kita Satomi , Niwa Nozomu , Fukunaga Kohji , Iwamoto Takahiro , Moriguchi Shigeki
Published: December 2024

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves dopaminergic dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), manifesting hyperactivity, inattention, and cognitive deficits. However, the ADHD‐associated candidate genes underlying dopaminergic neurotransmission alterations remain poorly defined. Here, we identified the abundant localization of sodium‐calcium exchanger 3 (NCX3) levels in the dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area, a major source of dopaminergic innervation to the PFC. We confirmed that NCX3 knockdown in N27 cells caused aberrant dopamine influx through the strong interaction between calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II alpha and dopamine transporter. In addition, we assessed behavioral changes and underlying molecular properties in NCX3 heterozygous (NCX3+/−) mice. NCX3+/− mice exhibited hyperactivity, cognitive deficits, and social dysfunction which were alleviated by treating with methylphenidate. Furthermore, NCX3+/− mice displayed a persistent elevation of basal dopamine levels and decreased extracellular levels of dopamine triggered by social stimuli in the PFC of NCX3+/− mice. In agreement with the rise in extracellular dopamine levels in the PFC, NCX3+/− mice showed activation of dopamine D1 receptor signaling pathways in the PFC compared to wild‐type mice. Thus, deficiency of NCX3 leads to impaired dopaminergic neurotransmission in the PFC, which likely accounts for the ADHD‐like behavior in NCX3+/− mice.
Multi‐employer bargaining in Denmark: Interwoven processes of coordination
Authors: ANDERSEN Søren Kaj
Published: December 2024

In response to a renewed focus on multi‐employer bargaining in policy recommendations and policymaking, this article analyses and discusses coordination in the Danish multi‐employer bargaining system. Focusing on two main dimensions of coordination – horizontal, between various key actors at a centralized national level, and vertical, between national and local actors – I find that several interwoven processes of coordination strengthen the multi‐employer bargaining system, offering potential benefits for both employers and employees. However, it takes considerable resources to be part of a highly coordinated multi‐employer bargaining system and to harvest the benefits. Accordingly, various capacities among key actors are decisive for a well‐functioning multi‐employer bargaining system.
Introduction: exemples internationaux de négociation collective à plusieurs niveaux et leçons à retenir
Authors: GRIMSHAW Damian
Published: December 2024

L'idée que la négociation collective à plusieurs niveaux pourrait favoriser un développement économique plus inclusif et plus durable suscite un regain d'intérêt dans le monde entier. De récentes expériences nationales montrent que le déploiement de nouveaux systèmes de négociation collective s'accompagne parfois de tensions et de contradictions, et mettent en lumière un déficit de connaissances sur les idiosyncrasies des institutions. Dans ce dossier, les auteurs s'appuient sur la théorie institutionnelle des relations du travail pour réaliser une évaluation critique des éléments empiriques disponibles à ce jour et présentent les leçons à retenir pour la création de systèmes efficaces et pérennes de négociation à plusieurs niveaux.
Danemark: une négociation multiemployeurs reposant sur des processus de coordination imbriqués
Authors: ANDERSEN Søren Kaj
Published: December 2024

Face au regain d'intérêt porté à la négociation multiemployeurs pour nourrir l'action publique ou les recommandations en la matière, l'auteur analyse les formes de coordination, principalement horizontale et verticale, dans le système de négociation multiemployeurs danois. Il montre que plusieurs processus de coordination imbriqués viennent renforcer ce système, offrant des possibilités d'avantages tant aux employeurs qu'aux salariés. Cependant, il faut des ressources substantielles pour faire partie d'un système fortement coordonné et en tirer bénéfice. De ce fait, les principaux acteurs doivent posséder un certain nombre de capacités pour assurer le bon fonctionnement du système.
Beneficios potenciales y complejas contingencias de la negociación colectiva multinivel
Authors: GRIMSHAW Damian , BRANDL Bernd , BERTRANOU Fabio , GONTERO Sonia
Published: December 2024

En este artículo se examina críticamente la evidencia empírica internacional sobre los beneficios económicos de la negociación colectiva multinivel, mostrando el carácter contingente de las ganancias esperadas, que dependen de varias condiciones propicias interrelacionadas. El proceso de reforma institucional exige prestar especial atención a cuatro factores clave: el compromiso político de un país con el diálogo social, el grado de comprensión de la compleja arquitectura institucional de la negociación colectiva, la priorización de la representación democrática inclusiva y los recursos disponibles para invertir en las capacidades de las organizaciones de trabajadores y de empleadores. Se concluye exponiendo algunas cuestiones fundamentales de política.
Supervivencia y revitalización de la negociación colectiva multiempresarial en las economías de mercado liberales
Authors: WRIGHT Chris F.
Published: December 2024

En este artículo se examinan las condiciones para la implantación eficaz de la negociación colectiva multiempresarial en países que carecen de instituciones favorables. Se exponen los casos del Reino Unido, Nueva Zelandia y Australia, tres economías de mercado liberales en las que este sistema ha sobrevivido en algunos sectores o ha habido intentos recientes de revitalizarlo. Se constata la importancia de las instituciones reguladoras (leyes) y cognitivas (usos sociales) para que los actores en las relaciones laborales, en primer lugar, tengan el poder y los recursos con que apoyar en la práctica la negociación multiempresarial y, en segundo lugar, acepten la legitimidad de este método de determinación de los salarios.
A Comparative Prospective Study on the Accuracy and Efficiency of Autonomous Robotic System Versus Dynamic Navigation System in Dental Implant Placement
Authors: Yu Muqiao , Luo Yilin , Li Bolin , Xu Lingqiao , Yang Xingmei , Man Yi
Published: December 2024

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of and discrepancies between planned and final implant positions using dynamic computer‐assisted implant surgery (d‐CAIS) and autonomous robotic computer‐assisted implant surgery (r‐CAIS) in clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

The study included 83 patients, who received 135 implants between December 2022 and March 2024 (r‐CAIS group: 43 patients with 71 implants; d‐CAIS group: 40 patients with 64 implants). Cone‐beam computed tomography scans taken before and after surgery assessed linear and angular deviations between the groups in both 2D and 3D spaces. The duration of surgery was also analysed.

Results

The angular deviation between d‐CAIS and r‐CAIS was 3.61° ± 1.65° versus 1.62° ± 0.93° (p < 0.001), the platform deviation was 1.12 ± 0.51 mm versus 0.50 ± 0.19 mm (p < 0.001) and the apex deviation was 1.36 ± 0.57 mm versus 0.58 ± 0.21 mm (p < 0.001). The d‐CAIS group experienced significantly longer drilling and implant placement times compared to the r‐CAIS group (10.6 ± 3.8 vs. 8.3 ± 3.4 min, p < 0.01), while preparation time showed no statistical difference between the groups (7.2 ± 3.3 vs. 6.2 ± 2.7 min, p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The robotic system demonstrated higher accuracy and efficiency of implant placement than the dynamic navigation system in partially edentulous patients.
Motivational interviewing for fall prevention (MI‐FP) pilot study: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kiyoshi‐Teo Hiroko , Eckstrom Elizabeth , Cohen Deborah J. , De Lima Bryanna , Northrup‐Snyder Kathlynn , Dieckman Nathan F. , Winters‐Stone Kerri
Published: December 2024

Background

The Motivational Interviewing for Fall Prevention (MI‐FP) study aimed to engage older adults in fall prevention strategies. We report on the feasibility, intervention fidelity, and preliminary impact of MI‐FP.

Methods

We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to test MI‐FP among older (age ≥ 65) primary care patients at high fall risk in a Pacific Northwest clinic in the United States. The intervention group received up to eight motivational interviewing (MI) sessions by MI practitioners over 6 months and the control group received standard care. Feasibility was defined as ≥75% retention and ≥75% reporting satisfaction at 6 months. Intervention fidelity was assessed by meeting pre‐determined MI proficiency standards using MI Treatment Integrity (MITI 4.2) coding scheme, and ≥75% of the intervention group completing ≥6 MI sessions. Preliminary impact was assessed at 6 and 12 months for changes in concern about falling, readiness to engage in fall prevention, fall prevention behaviors, physical function, and fall rates between groups.

Results

Participants (n = 200) had a mean age of 80 years and 67% were female. The overall retention rate was 75.0% (n = 150). Among 81.3% (n = 122) who reported satisfaction, 82.8% were satisfied (n = 101). The intervention group had significantly lower retention than the control group at 6 months (68.3% vs. 81.8%, p = 0.04). A proficient MI intervention was delivered, but only 57.4% (n = 58) engaged in ≥6 MI sessions. The preliminary impact of the intervention showed promising trends, but there were no significant differences by group for any outcome measure at 6 or 12 months (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Virtual MI‐FP may improve accessibility for older adults to discuss fall prevention, but future studies are needed to improve retention and intervention completion.
The dispute for other legal knowledges in the judicial field: Indigenous territorial ontologies and mining extractivism in Guerrero, Mexico
Authors: Bravo Espinosa Yacotzin , Sierra Camacho María Teresa
Published: December 2024

The Mè’phàà people in Guerrero, Mexico, won a judgment against open‐pit mining by which they asserted their sacred and integral conceptions of territory as part of their collective rights. Through the sentence, they avoided the dispossession of their lands and life project. This article analyzes how discourses around indigenous territorial ontologies were brought into play through anthropological expert reports. We are interested in highlighting the challenges and limits of judicial knowledge when disputing different rationalities and epistemologies regarding territory, grievances, and rights within the legal space. We document the production of non‐Western legal knowledge in the judicial field, revealing indigenous territory visions that confront the extractive projects. We focus our ethnographic gaze on the cultural and legal translation of the knowledge of the Mè’phàà people to analyze the scope and limits of a dialogue of knowledges and its effects on the judicialization and the politicization of the indigenous struggle.
Are spinal cord and medulla samples from embalmed donors suitable for histological examination? A pilot study
Authors: Trucas Marcello , Dervan Adrian , Quondamatteo Fabio
Published: December 2024

A general belief exists that tissue from anatomical donors, especially from the central nervous system (CNS), may not be suitable for histological investigation. This is based on the idea that fixation routinely used in embalming whilst optimal for enabling dissection, insufficiently preserves tissue architecture at the cellular level. However, anatomical donors represent a precious resource for microscopical investigation, provided that preservation is sufficient to enable recognition of structures at the histological level. This could considerably extend the biomedical knowledge currently gained from donations. In this study, we addressed this question and examined histologically, samples of medulla and spinal cord from donors from the Anatomical Gift Programme of RCSI in Dublin. Samples of medulla and spinal cord in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions were obtained with appropriate permissions from four different donors that had been previously embalmed for routine anatomical examination. The tissue obtained was processed for paraffin embedding and routine histology. Analysis revealed that several features were identifiable with good histological detail. A scoring system was applied to evaluate the level of histological preservation in the various samples by assessing the following parameters: tissue integrity, presence of leptomeninges along the entire section surface, distinction/adherence grey/white matter, identification of neurons, other cell nuclei, neuropil pattern, capillaries and other intraneural vessels. Lumbar spinal cord and to a lesser extent medulla and cervical spinal cord showed on average good quality of preservation. Conversely, thoracic spinal cord tended, in general, to be less well preserved. We can conclude that spinal cord and medulla samples from embalmed donors can be suitable for histological examination. These findings open new avenues of study of spinal cord and brain stem anatomy on cadaveric tissue from donors already existing in anatomy donation programmes. These results also pave the way for the potential development of new human models of study useful to spinal cord and brain stem researchers. Finally, this expands considerably the impact of the generosity of anatomical donors for the advancement of biomedical knowledge.
A Standard Area Diagram Set to Estimate the Severity of Angular Leaf Spot in the Leaflets of Common Bean: Development and Validation
Authors: Soares Fernanda Dornelas , Rios Jonas Alberto , Debona Daniel , Silva Leandro Castro , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to develop and validate a standard area diagram set (SADs) to estimate the severity of angular leaf spot (ALS), caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora griseola, in the leaflets of common bean plants. For the elaboration of SADs, the minimum and maximum disease severity limits in the leaflets were considered, along with the intermediate levels following linear increments. The SADs had 10 levels of severity as follows: 0.5%, 2.2%, 4.5%, 9.6%, 20.1%, 30.8%, 41.2%, 52.1%, 67.4%, and 77.3%. The validation was performed by 20 raters, 10 inexperienced and 10 experienced in quantifying severities of foliar diseases. The severity estimates were obtained in 150 leaflets displaying different levels of severity without and using the proposed SADs. Accuracy, precision and reliability of the estimates were improved using SADs. The SADs obtained in the present study proved to be adequate to estimate the severity of ALS in the leaflets of common bean plants with the potential of use in any study in which it is crucial to quantify the severity of this foliar disease to discriminate treatments with precision and accuracy.
Population health and public health: Commonalities and differences
Authors: Bhosale Ankita Shashikant , Urquhart Olivia , Carrasco‐Labra Alonso , Mathur Manu Raj , Rafia Kaz , Glick Michael
Published: December 2024

Objective

To explore the synergy between population health and public health by initiating a discourse about their interconnected roles, responsibilities, and approaches in achieving optimal health outcomes.

Overview

Population health and public health, although distinct, are interconnected disciplines critical for enhancing health outcomes. Population health focuses on analyzing health determinants and outcomes within specific groups, employing data to guide targeted interventions and policies. Public health, on the other hand, prioritizes broader preventive measures and community‐wide interventions to safeguard health. Both fields benefit from a transdisciplinary approach that integrates strategies to address and improve health.

Such integration is essential for addressing health disparities and improving the efficiency of health systems. By combining the analytical strengths of population health with the implementation capabilities of public health, a more comprehensive framework can be developed. These collaborations will not only enhance the effectiveness of health programs but also promote health equity by leveraging collective expertise and resources. They will facilitate the development of interventions that are both preventive and responsive, capable of addressing the upstream determinants of health and the immediate needs of communities. Such transdisciplinary efforts were demonstrated within the oral health field during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusions

The synergy between population and public health can lead to robust health outcomes, fostering comprehensive health promotion and disease prevention strategies. By aligning research, practices, and policies, these integrated approaches will transcend traditional boundaries within the healthcare sector to build efficient health systems.
Context, Emergence and Critical Realism: A Response to Navarrete and Fryer
Authors: Elder‐Vass Dave
Published: December 2024

This is a response to Cristián Navarrete and Tom Fryer's recent paper on contextual emergence and critical realism. Their paper raises some stimulating challenges to critical realist accounts of emergence, but I argue that it does not establish that critical realist accounts of emergence are flawed, nor that the contextual emergence tradition has significant improvements to offer.
Divergence in Regulatory Regions and Gene Duplications May Underlie Chronobiological Adaptation in Desert Tortoises
Authors: Mellor N. Jade , Webster Timothy H. , Byrne Hazel , Williams Avery S. , Edwards Taylor , DeNardo Dale F. , Wilson Melissa A. , Kusumi Kenro , Dolby Greer A.
Published: December 2024

Many cellular processes and organismal behaviours are time‐dependent, and asynchrony of these phenomena can facilitate speciation through reinforcement mechanisms. The Mojave and Sonoran desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii and G. morafkai respectively) reside in adjoining deserts with distinct seasonal rainfall patterns and they exhibit asynchronous winter brumation and reproductive behaviours. We used whole genome sequencing of 21 individuals from the two tortoise species and an outgroup to understand genes potentially underlying these characteristics. Genes within the most diverged 1% of the genome (FST ≥ 0.63) with putatively functional variation showed extensive divergence in regulatory elements, particularly promoter regions. Such genes related to UV nucleotide excision repair, mitonuclear and homeostasis functions. Genes mediating chronobiological (cell cycle, circadian and circannual) processes were also among the most highly diverged regions (e.g., XPA and ZFHX3). Putative promoter variants had significant enrichment of genes related to regulatory machinery (ARC‐Mediator complex), suggesting that transcriptional cascades driven by regulatory divergence may underlie the behavioural differences between these species, leading to asynchrony‐based prezygotic isolation. Further investigation revealed extensive expansion of respiratory and intestinal mucins (MUC5B and MUC5AC) within Gopherus, particularly G. morafkai. This expansion could be a xeric‐adaptation to water retention and/or contribute to differential Mycoplasma agassizii infection rates between the two species, as mucins help clear inhaled dust and bacterial. Overall, results highlight the diverse array of genetic changes underlying divergence, adaptation and reinforcement during speciation.
ClpS Directs Degradation of N‐Degron Substrates With Primary Destabilizing Residues in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis
Authors: Presloid Christopher J. , Jiang Jialiu , Kandel Pratistha , Anderson Henry R. , Beardslee Patrick C. , Swayne Thomas M. , Schmitz Karl R.
Published: December 2024

Drug‐resistant tuberculosis infections are a major threat to global public health. The essential mycobacterial ClpC1P1P2 protease has received attention as a prospective target for novel antibacterial therapeutics. However, efforts to probe its function in cells are constrained by our limited knowledge of its physiological proteolytic repertoire. Here, we interrogate the role of mycobacterial ClpS in directing N‐degron pathway proteolysis by ClpC1P1P2 in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis. Binding assays demonstrate that mycobacterial ClpS binds canonical primary destabilizing residues (Leu, Phe, Tyr, Trp) with moderate affinity. N‐degron binding restricts the conformational flexibility of a loop adjacent to the ClpS N‐degron binding pocket and strengthens ClpS•ClpC1 binding affinity ~30‐fold, providing a mechanism for cells to prioritize N‐degron proteolysis when substrates are abundant. Proteolytic reporter assays in M. smegmatis confirm degradation of substrates bearing primary N‐degrons, but suggest that secondary N‐degrons are absent in mycobacteria. This work expands our understanding of the mycobacterial N‐degron pathway and identifies ClpS as a critical component for substrate specificity, providing insights that may support the development of improved Clp protease inhibitors.
Impacts of fiscal stress labels on student achievement and achievement gaps
Authors: Thompson Paul N. , Khan Muhammad Aatir
Published: December 2024

This paper considers the effects of Ohio fiscal stress labels on student achievement and achievement gaps. We estimate data on math and English Language Arts achievement and achievement gaps in school districts from 2009 to 2018. Two‐way fixed effects estimates indicate that student achievement declines by between 0.038 and 0.048 standard deviations when their schools receive a fiscal stress label designation, although these effects become insignificant when using stacked differences‐in‐differences. We find that fiscal stress label receipt leads to a statistically significant closing of the White–Black achievement gap, but find more negligible changes in the achievement gaps across gender and socioeconomic groups.
Mouse Tail‐Skin Dissociation and Preparation of Live Single‐Cell Suspension for Downstream Analysis of Melanocytes
Authors: Chelakkot Vipin Shankar , Thomas Kiara , Hussein Leen , Romigh Todd , Ni Ying , Arbesman Joshua
Published: December 2024

Isolating high‐quality viable single cells from mouse tail skin, a well‐established model for studying skin cells and melanoma pathogenesis, is challenging due to the presence of dense connective tissue and hair follicles. Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) is a powerful tool for studying skin cell heterogeneity. However, the lack of a robust protocol for the efficient generation of highly viable single‐cell suspension from mouse tail skin has limited its application for studying melanocyte‐interacting cells and characterizing the melanocyte niche. We developed a robust protocol for generating highly viable single‐cell suspensions from mouse tail skin, facilitating single‐cell transcriptomic profiling of keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts. We demonstrate the successful isolation of melanocytes and other melanocyte‐interacting cells using our protocol and a proof‐of‐concept scRNA‐seq study for interrogating the melanocyte niche. Our protocol employs a two‐stage enzyme dissociation step, followed by debris removal and subsequent live cell enrichment, to obtain a single‐cell suspension with high cell viability. This straightforward protocol enables the isolation of viable single cells from mouse tail skin for downstream scRNA‐seq studies. Further, this approach allows comprehensive analysis of the melanocyte niche and melanocyte‐interacting cells, potentially aiding in identifying the melanoma cell of origin.
Sputum metagenomics reveals a multidrug resistant Pseudomonas‐dominant severe asthma phenotype in an Asian population
Authors: Ivan Fransiskus Xaverius , Tiew Pei Yee , Jaggi Tavleen Kaur , Thng Kai Xian , Pang Pee Hwee , Ong Thun How , Abisheganaden John Arputhan , Koh Mariko Siyue , Chotirmall Sanjay H.
Published: December 2024

Background and Objective

While the lung microbiome in severe asthma has been studied, work has employed targeted amplicon‐based sequencing approaches without functional assessment with none focused on multi‐ethnic Asian populations. Here we investigate the clinical relevance of microbial phenotypes of severe asthma in Asians using metagenomics.

Methods

Prospective assessment of clinical, radiological, and immunological measures were performed in a multi‐ethnic Asian severe asthma cohort (N = 70) recruited across two centres in Singapore. Sputum was subjected to shotgun metagenomic sequencing and patients followed up for a 2‐year period. Metagenomic assessment of sputum microbiomes, resistomes and virulomes were related to clinical outcomes.

Results

The lung microbiome in a multi‐ethnic Asian cohort with severe asthma demonstrates an increased abundance of Pseudomonas species. Unsupervised clustering of sputum metagenomes identified two patient clusters: C1 (n = 52) characterized by upper airway commensals and C2 (n = 18) dominated by established respiratory pathogens including M. catarrhalis, S. aureus and most significantly P. aeruginosa. C2 patients demonstrated a significantly increased exacerbation frequency on 2‐year follow up and an antimicrobial resistome characterized by multidrug resistance. Virulomes appear indistinguishable between severe asthmatics with or without co‐existing bronchiectasis, and C2 patients exhibit increased gene expression related to biofilm formation, effector delivery systems and microbial motility. Independent comparison of the C2 cluster to a non‐asthmatic bronchiectasis cohort demonstrates analogous airway microbial virulence patterns.

Conclusion

Sputum metagenomics demonstrates a multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas‐dominant severe asthma phenotype in Asians, characterized by poor clinical outcome including increased exacerbations which is independent of co‐existing bronchiectasis.
Foreign English teachers’ intercultural reactions to China's “Double Reduction” policy
Authors: Curran Nate Ming
Published: December 2024

The Chinese government's 2021 “Double Reduction” policy decimated the online language tutoring industry. Beyond erasing billions of dollars of value, hundreds of thousands of foreign‐based online English teachers lost their jobs as a result of the policy. This article examines online English teachers’ responses to the Double Reduction policy. Drawing on analyses of YouTube videos about the ban uploaded by 13 Inner Circle English teachers, I argue that online teachers’ videos about the ban fulfill two overlapping purposes. On the one hand, the videos serve as a space for both uploaders and their audience of other teachers to emotionally process the national ban, including the loss of both their livelihoods and the intercultural connections they had formed with students in China. On the other hand, the videos help uploaders to build their own brand—often by encouraging other teachers to exploit their self‐entrepreneurial potential. Limitations, implications, and avenues for future research are discussed.
New insights on the evolution of processionary moths (Thaumetopoea spp., Lepidoptera, Notodontidae) based on a RAD‐seq phylogeny
Authors: Kerdelhué Carole , Sauné Laure , Burban Christian
Published: December 2024

Thaumetopoea is a genus of Lepidoptera referred to as the processionary moths species, that comprises famous defoliators of forest trees. They are also a threat to human and animal health due to the urticating setae carried by their larvae. Their phylogenetic relationships were studied so far using morphological data, mitochondrial DNA and only a few nuclear markers. Results remained controversial so far, notably for the winter Conifer‐feeding species complex encompassing T. pityocampa and T. wilkinsoni. In particular, since the first identification of divergent mitochondrial clades, several new species were described and incongruent phylogenies were proposed in this group. We here explored the potential of nuclear RAD‐seq data to resolve these inconsistencies and compare the resultant phylogeny with the information provided by the mitochondrial COI gene. It allows to propose a robust phylogeny and decipher cases of mitochondrial introgressions and nuclear‐mitochondrial discordance, which raises doubts about the validity of some recently described species. Hence, we recommend caution before describing new taxa in this group from mitochondrial data alone. Species delineation between geographically bounded and genetically differentiated lineages cannot be addressed pertinently without dedicated sampling and associated population genomic and ecological studies.
Numerical study of magnetic nanoparticles injection into a brain tumor considering the effects of injection volume and location on the termination of cancerous cells
Authors: Kazemi Alamouti Adeleh , Raouf Izaz , Zahabi Saeed , Salimibani Milad
Published: December 2024

Lately, magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) hyperthermia gained much attention because of its therapeutic efficiency. It is challenging to predict all the treatment parameters during the actual therapeutic environment. Hence, the numerical approaches can be utilized to optimize various parameters of interest. In the present research, MNP hyperthermia on a cancerous tumor placed inside the human brain is investigated numerically using a realistically shaped model for the head layers and the tumor. Applying the boundary conditions, a steady-state Pennes’s bioheat transfer equation is solved using the finite element method scheme. The effects of MNP injection volume and location on tumor thermal distribution are examined and discussed in detail. The total volume of the brain tumor is 5990 mm3. Three different volumes of injection per point, namely, 0.6, 1.2, and 3 μl, as well as several injection points, are performed. It is observed that choosing a higher number of MNP injection points affects the temperature distribution in terms of uniformity. In contrast, an accurate injection volume provides lower temperatures for the treatment of cancerous tissue. Moreover, it is concluded that interfaces between the different layers of the anatomically correct brain model play a critical role in thermal therapy. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that the optimal condition for MNP hyperthermia of a cancerous tumor with a volume of 5990 mm3 is the total injection volume of 80 μl through 20 different points all over the brain tumor considering an injection volume of 4 μl for each point.
Novel tri-specific T-cell engager targeting IL-13Rα2 and EGFRvIII provides long-term survival in heterogeneous GBM challenge and promotes antitumor cytotoxicity with patient immune cells
Authors: Park Daniel H , Bhojnagarwala Pratik S , Liaw Kevin , Bordoloi Devivasha , Tursi Nicholas J , Zhao Shushu , Binder Zev A , O’Rourke Donald , Weiner David B
Published: December 2024

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is known for its high antigenic heterogeneity, which undermines the effectiveness of monospecific immunotherapies. Multivalent immunotherapeutic strategies that target multiple tumor antigens simultaneously could enhance clinical outcomes by preventing antigen-driven tumor escape mechanisms.

Methods

We describe novel trivalent antibodies, DNA-encoded tri-specific T-cell engagers (DTriTEs), targeting two GBM antigens, epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) and IL-13Rα2, and engaging T cells through CD3. We engineered three DTriTE constructs, each with a unique arrangement of the antigen-binding fragments within a single-chain sequence. We assessed the binding efficiency and cytotoxic activity of these DTriTEs in vitro on target cells expressing relevant antigens. In vivo efficacy was tested in immunocompromised mice, including a longitudinal expression study post-administration and a survival analysis in an NOD scid gamma (NSG)-K mouse model under a heterogeneous tumor burden. RNA sequencing of DTriTE-activated T cells was employed to identify the molecular pathways influenced by the treatment. The antitumor cytotoxicity of patient-derived immune cells was evaluated following stimulation by DTriTE to assess its potential effectiveness in a clinical setting.

Results

All DTriTE constructs demonstrated strong binding to EGFRvIII and IL-13Rα2-expressing cells, induced significant T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and enhanced cytokine production (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin(IL)-2). The lead construct, DT2035, sustained expression for over 105 days in vivo and exhibited elimination of tumor burden in a heterogeneous intracranial GBM model, outperforming monospecific antibody controls. In extended survival studies using the NSG-K model, DT2035 achieved a 67% survival rate over 120 days. RNA sequencing of DTriTE-activated T cells showed that DT2035 enhances genes linked to cytotoxicity, proliferation, and immunomodulation, reflecting potent immune activation. Finally, DT2035 effectively induced target-specific cytotoxicity in post-treatment peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with GBM, highlighting its potential for clinical effectiveness.

Conclusions

DTriTEs exhibit potent anti-tumor effects and durable in vivo activity, offering promising therapeutic potential against GBM. These findings support further development of such multivalent therapeutic strategies to improve treatment outcomes in GBM and potentially other antigenically heterogeneous tumors. The opportunity to advance such important therapies either through biologic delivery or direct in vivo nucleic acid production is compelling.
Heavy quarkonium spectral function in the spinning black hole background
Authors: Zhu Zhou-Run , Sun Manman , Zhou Rui , Ma Zhuang , Han Jinzhong
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we study the dissociation of heavy quarkonium in the spinning black hole background. Specifically, we analyze the spectral function of charmonium and bottomonium in the spinning black hole background and examine how the angular momentum affects the dissociation of

$$J/\Psi $$

J
/
Ψ

and

$$\Upsilon (1S)$$

Υ
(
1
S
)

. From the results, we find that the angular momentum and temperature decreases the peak height and expands the peak width of the spectral function, thereby enhancing the dissociation of heavy vector mesons. Moreover, the angular momentum has a stronger dissociation effect in the transverse orientation, revealing the directional influence of angular momentum.
Bayesian Frequency Estimation under Local Differential Privacy with an Adaptive Randomized Response Mechanism
Authors: Aydin Soner , Yıldırım Sinan
Published: December 2024

Frequency estimation plays a critical role in many applications involving personal and private categorical data. Such data are often collected sequentially over time, making it valuable to estimate their distribution online while preserving privacy. We propose AdOBEst-LDP, a new algorithm for adaptive, online Bayesian estimation of categorical distributions under local differential privacy (LDP). The key idea behind AdOBEst-LDP is to enhance the utility of future privatized categorical data by leveraging inference from previously collected privatized data. To achieve this, AdOBEst-LDP uses a new adaptive LDP mechanism to collect privatized data. This LDP mechanism constrains its output to a
subset
of categories that “predicts” the next user’s data. By adapting the subset selection process to the past privatized data via Bayesian estimation, the algorithm improves the utility of future privatized data. To quantify utility, we explore various well-known information metrics, including (but not limited to) the Fisher information matrix, total variation distance, and information entropy. For Bayesian estimation, we utilize
posterior sampling
through stochastic gradient Langevin dynamics, a computationally efficient approximate Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method.

We provide a theoretical analysis showing that (i) the posterior distribution of the category probabilities targeted with Bayesian estimation converges to the true probabilities even for approximate posterior sampling, and (ii) AdOBEst-LDP eventually selects the optimal subset for its LDP mechanism with high probability if posterior sampling is performed exactly. We also present numerical results to validate the estimation accuracy of AdOBEst-LDP. Our comparisons show its superior performance against non-adaptive and semi-adaptive competitors across different privacy levels and distributional parameters.
Decarbonizing the Food System with Microbes and Carbon-Neutral Feedstocks
Authors: Mahmud Niaz , Taiwo Kayode J. , Usack Joseph G.
Published: December 2024

Harnessing CO2 and CO2-derived C1–C2 compounds for microbial food production can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and boost sustainability within the food sector. These innovative technologies support carbon neutrality by generating nutrient-rich edible microbial biomass and biocompounds using autotrophic and heterotrophic microbes. However, qualifying microbial food viability and future impacts in the food sector remains challenging due to their diversity, technical complexity, socioeconomic forces, and incipient markets. This review provides an overview of microbial food systems and then delves into the technical interplay among feedstocks, microbes, carbon fixation platforms, bioreactor operations, and downstream processes. The review further explores developing markets for microbial food products, the industrial landscape, economic drivers, and emerging trends in next-generation food products. The analysis suggests a transformative shift in the food industry is underway, yet significant challenges persist, such as securing cost-effective feedstocks, improving downstream processing efficiency, and gaining consumer acceptance. These challenges require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to ensure the future commercial success of microbial foods—doing so will create myriad opportunities to transform and decarbonize our food system.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Clinical Translation of High-Resolution Spatial Transcriptomics
Authors: Pentimalli Tancredi Massimo , Karaiskos Nikos , Rajewsky Nikolaus
Published: December 2024

Pathology has always been fueled by technological advances. Histology powered the study of tissue architecture at single-cell resolution and remains a cornerstone of clinical pathology today. In the last decade, next-generation sequencing has become informative for the targeted treatment of many diseases, demonstrating the importance of genome-scale molecular information for personalized medicine. Today, revolutionary developments in spatial transcriptomics technologies digitalize gene expression at subcellular resolution in intact tissue sections, enabling the computational analysis of cell types, cellular phenotypes, and cell–cell communication in routinely collected and archival clinical samples. Here we review how such molecular microscopes work, highlight their potential to identify disease mechanisms and guide personalized therapies, and provide guidance for clinical study design. Finally, we discuss remaining challenges to the swift translation of high-resolution spatial transcriptomics technologies and how integration of multimodal readouts and deep learning approaches is bringing us closer to a holistic understanding of tissue biology and pathology.
Racial Bias in Clinical and Population Health Algorithms: A Critical Review of Current Debates
Authors: Coots Madison , Linn Kristin A. , Goel Sharad , Navathe Amol S. , Parikh Ravi B.
Published: December 2024

Among health care researchers, there is increasing debate over how best to assess and ensure the fairness of algorithms used for clinical decision support and population health, particularly concerning potential racial bias. Here we first distill concerns over the fairness of health care algorithms into four broad categories: (a) the explicit inclusion (or, conversely, the exclusion) of race and ethnicity in algorithms, (b) unequal algorithm decision rates across groups, (c) unequal error rates across groups, and (d) potential bias in the target variable used in prediction. With this taxonomy, we critically examine seven prominent and controversial health care algorithms. We show that popular approaches that aim to improve the fairness of health care algorithms can in fact worsen outcomes for individuals across all racial and ethnic groups. We conclude by offering an alternative, consequentialist framework for algorithm design that mitigates these harms by instead foregrounding outcomes and clarifying trade-offs in the pursuit of equitable decision-making.
Are there cortical somatotopic motor maps outside of the human precentral gyrus?
Authors: Mitev Deyan Ivaylov , Koldewyn Kami , Downing Paul E.
Published: December 2024

We investigated previous claims about the existence of somatotopic motor maps in the human lateral occipitotemporal cortex (LOTC) and the precuneus, in comparison to known maps in the precentral and postcentral gyri. Consistent with previous findings, we identified clear somatotopic motor maps in the latter two regions. With multiple quantitative measures of activity and connectivity, however, we found no evidence for a map in the LOTC and limited evidence for a map in the precuneus.
Light touch alters vestibular-evoked balance responses: insights into dynamics of sensorimotor reweighting
Authors: Goar Megan H. , Barnett-Cowan Michael , Horslen Brian C.
Published: December 2024

This study reveals that minimal fingertip contact (light touch) during balance tasks not only diminishes the impact of electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) on sway but also exposes a high-frequency center of pressure element, correlated to vestibular inputs, not typically seen in free standing. Specifically, light touch decreases the magnitude of EVS-induced sway while increasing coherence with EVS at higher frequencies. This illustrates the central nervous system’s capacity to adaptively reweight sensorimotor processes for balance control.
Inequalities Involving the Derivative of Rational Functions With Prescribed Poles
Authors: Gupta Preeti
Published: December 2024

This paper gives an upper bound of a modulus of the derivative of rational functions. where r(z) has exactly n poles a1, a2, ⋯, an and all the zeros of r(z) lie in k ≥ 1 except the zeros of order s at z0, |z0| < k. Moreover, we give an upper bound of a modulus of the derivative of rational functions. , where r(z) has the zeros z0, z1, ⋯, zv with |zi| < k for 0 ≤ i ≤ v and the remaining n − (s0 + s1+⋯+sv) zeros lie in Additionally, we provide proofs for several results that not only generalize certain inequalities for rational functions with restricted zeros but also offer refinements of certain polynomial inequalities as special cases.
Bayesian Optimization of Operating Points of a Continuous Perhydro‐Dibenzyltoluene Dehydrogenation Reactor
Authors: Verhoolen Alexander , Geißelbrecht Michael , Kadar Julian , Preuster Patrick , Wasserscheid Peter , Graichen Knut
Published: December 2024

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) are a promising option for hydrogen storage, but a high efficiency of the LOHC cycle is essential in order to serve as an attractive technology in the context of decarbonization. This paper presents different methods to optimize steady‐state operating points of a LOHC dehydrogenation (DH) reactor. For this purpose, an analytical model of a DH reactor is described, which is extended to a hybrid model (HM) to achieve sufficient model accuracy. The model quality is subsequently validated by measurements. For the optimization of the steady‐state operation point, a Bayesian optimization framework is presented and compared to classical model‐based optimization. The methods are evaluated with the HM as well as with experimental results.