bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated electrophysiological and genomic profiles of single cells reveal spiking tumor cells in human glioma
Authors: Curry Rachel N. , Ma Qianqian , McDonald Malcolm F. , Ko Yeunjung , Srivastava Snigdha , Chin Pey-Shyuan , He Peihao , Lozzi Brittney , Athukuri Prazwal , Jing Junzhan , Wang Su , Harmanci Arif O. , Arenkiel Benjamin , Jiang Xiaolong , Deneen Benjamin , Rao Ganesh , Harmanci Akdes Serin
Published: March 2024

Prior studies have described the complex interplay that exists between glioma cells and neurons, however, the electrophysiological properties endogenous to tumor cells remain obscure. To address this, we employed Patch-sequencing on human glioma specimens and found that one third of patched cells inIDHmutant (IDHmut) tumors demonstrate properties of both neurons and glia by firing single, short action potentials. To define these hybrid cells (HCs) and discern if they are tumor in origin, we developed a computational tool, Single Cell Rule Association Mining (SCRAM), to annotate each cell individually. SCRAM revealed that HCs represent tumor and non-tumor cells that feature GABAergic neuron and oligodendrocyte precursor cell signatures. These studies are the first to characterize the combined electrophysiological and molecular properties of human glioma cells and describe a new cell type in human glioma with unique electrophysiological and transcriptomic properties that are likely also present in the non-tumor mammalian brain.
Metastable network phases from controlled self-assembly of high-
χ
block copolymers
Authors: Chang Cheng-Yen , Chen Yun-Hao , Ho Rong-Ming
Published: March 2024

Well-ordered nanonetwork materials with triply periodic minimal surface texture are appealing and promising for innovative properties such as optical and mechanical metamaterials as inspired by nature (e.g., the photonic property from the wing structure of a butterfly and the high-impact property from the dactyl club of a mantis shrimp). Network structures possess self-supporting frameworks, open-cell character, high porosity, and large specific surface area, giving specific functions and complexity for practical applications. Here, a facile approach with simple routes for acquiring of metastable network phases beyond conventional phase diagrams is proposed and examined. By taking advantage of controlled self-assembly for high-interaction-parameter () block copolymers (BCPs), it is feasible to acquire network phases from the use of a selective solvent for self-assembly under controlled evaporation of the solvent. In contrast with the thermodynamically stable equilibrium phases from intrinsic BCPs and their blends with conventional network phases, a variety of kinetically trapped network phases with a high degree of ordering can be obtained from a single-composition lamellar phase, giving an easy method to acquire metastable network phases even for a primitive phase with large packing frustration (i.e., entropic penalty). Furthermore, the windows for network phases can even be expanded through controlled self-assembly of star-BCPs as compared with the linear-conformation diblocks. As a result, the topological architecture of BCPs could be another controlling factor to vary the phase behaviors, which may provide easy access to a variety of metastable network phases from thermodynamically stable phases through a kinetically controlled process for self-assembly.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamic mass generation and topological order in overscreened Kondo lattices
Authors: Ge Yang , Komijani Yashar
Published: March 2024

Multichannel Kondo lattice models are examples of strongly correlated electronic systems that exhibit non-Fermi-liquid behavior due to the presence of a continuous channel symmetry. Mean-field analyses have predicted that these systems undergo channel symmetry breaking at low temperature. We use the dynamical large-N technique to study temporal and spatial fluctuations of the multichannel Kondo model on a honeycomb lattice and find that this prediction is not generally true. Rather, we find a (2+1)-dimensional conformally invariant fixed point, governed by critical exponents that are found numerically. When we break time-reversal symmetry by adding a Haldane mass to the conduction electrons, three phases, separated by continuous transitions, are discernible: one characterized by dynamic mass generation and spontaneous breaking of the channel symmetry, one where topological defects restore channel symmetry but preserve the gap, and one with a Kondo-coupled chiral spin liquid. We argue that the last phase is a fractional Chern insulator with anyonic excitations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Did Merkel's 2015 decision attract more migration to Germany?
Authors: TJADEN JASPER , HEIDLAND TOBIAS
Published: March 2024

In 2015, German Chancellor Angela Merkel decided to allow over a million asylum seekers to cross the border into Germany. One key concern was that her decision would signal an open‐door policy to aspiring migrants worldwide – thus further increasing migration to Germany and making the country permanently more attractive to irregular and humanitarian migrants. This ‘pull‐effect’ hypothesis has been a mainstay of policy discussions ever since. With the continued global rise in forced displacement, not appearing welcoming to migrants has become a guiding principle for the asylum policy of many large receiving countries. In this article, we exploit the unique case study that Merkel's 2015 decision provides for answering the fundamental question of whether welcoming migration policies have sustained effects on migration towards destination countries. We analyze an extensive range of data on migration inflows, migration aspirations and online search interest between 2000 and 2020. The results reject the ‘pull effect’ hypothesis while reaffirming states’ capacity to adapt to changing contexts and regulate migration.
White American transgender adults' retrospective reports on the social and contextual aspects of their gender identity development
Authors: Herry Emily , Rodan S. M. , Martin Madeline , Sanjak Mariam M. , Mulvey Kelly Lynn
Published: March 2024

A growing body of research has attended to the experiences of transgender and gender non‐conforming (TGN) youth's gender identity development. However, practical and ethical concerns have impeded our ability to understand the experiences of TGN youth. Thus, the aim of this study was to utilize one‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews to explore White American TGN adults' (N = 15) retrospective accounts of their gender identity development in childhood and adolescence. Findings demonstrate considerable heterogeneity in TGN adults' retrospective accounts of their gender identity development. However, TGN adults consistently highlighted the role of social (e.g. friends, family and teachers) and contextual (e.g. online, offline, educational and geographical) factors in their gender identity journeys. This study provides new insight into the role of social and contextual factors in TGN adults' retrospective accounts of their gender identity development, demonstrating the importance of continuing to examine these factors in gender diversity research.
Spitz melanocytic neoplasms with MLPH::ALK fusions: Report of two cases with previously unreported features and literature review
Authors: Salah Haneen T. , Yang Richard K. , Roy‐Chowdhuri Sinchita , Ross Merrick I. , Aung Phyu P. , Rothrock Aimi T. , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Curry Jonathan L. , Prieto Victor G. , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Cho Woo Cheal
Published: March 2024

ALK‐fused Spitz melanocytic neoplasms are a distinct subgroup of melanocytic lesions exhibiting unique histopathologic characteristics. These lesions often manifest as exophytic or polypoid tumors, characterized by fusiform‐to‐epithelioid melanocytes arranged in a nested, fascicular, or plexiform growth pattern. Several fusion partners of the ALK gene have been identified in spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms, with TPM3 and DCTN1 being the most prevalent. Less common fusion partners include NPM1, TPR, CLIP1, GTF3C2, EEF2, MYO5A, KANK1, and EHBP1. The MLPH gene, which encodes melanophilin (MLPH), playing a crucial role in regulating skin pigmentation by acting as a linker between RAB27A and myosin Va during melanosome transport, has also recently been recognized as a rare fusion partner of ALK in Spitz melanocytic neoplasms. Currently, there exists a sparse documentation within English literature, illustrating a limited number of cases featuring MLPH::ALK fusion in Spitz melanocytic neoplasms. In this report, we present two additional cases, including a previously unreported instance of Spitz melanoma, contributing to the expanding knowledge on ALK‐fused Spitz melanocytic neoplasms. In addition, we provide a comprehensive review of the clinical, histopathologic, and molecular features observed in documented cases with this novel fusion.
Temporal dynamics of invertebrate community assembly in Lake Victoria since the late Pleistocene based on chitinous remains
Authors: King Leighton , Courtney‐Mustaphi Colin , Cuenca‐Cambronero Maria , Wienhues Giulia , Ngoepe Nare , Muschick Moritz , Temoltzin‐Loranca Yunuen , Vogel Hendrik , Grosjean Martin , Tinner Willy , Cohen Andrew , Kishe Mary , Heiri Oliver , Seehausen Ole , Matthews Blake
Published: March 2024

Preserved assemblages of invertebrate remains in lacustrine sediment reveal temporal variations of community composition and environmental conditions. However, records for large tropical lakes are scarce. Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake, has a dynamic history of changes in water level, biogeochemistry and fish community composition over the past ~17,000 cal yr BP.

In order to quantify changes in the invertebrate assemblage of Lake Victoria from the late Pleistocene throughout the Holocene, we examined chitinous remains of Cladocera and larval dipterans (Chironomidae and Chaoboridae) from a sediment core (37 m water depth) dated from ~13,700 cal yr BP to present.

We identified four major phases in the invertebrate assemblage throughout this period of lake history. Firstly, Chironomidae and Chaoboridae appeared at low abundances during the earliest stages of lake inundation in the late Pleistocene, at a time when Cladocera were notably absent. Secondly, chaoborids and chironomids increased in abundance during the mid‐Holocene, which coincided with high diatom production toward the end of the Holocene African Humid Period. Thirdly, starting ~4,700 cal yr BP, Alona, a predominantly littoral cladoceran genus, consistently appeared in the invertebrate assemblage alongside changes in mixing regimes and persisted throughout the late Holocene to the present. Fourthly, the arrival of both Chydorus and Bosmina longirostris marked the establishment of an abundant cladoceran assemblage at ~1,350 cal yr BP. The assemblage then gradually shifted toward the increasing dominance of B. longirostris, a planktonic cladoceran.

Several of the observed changes in the invertebrate assemblage occurred concurrently with changes in climatic conditions in East Africa and diatom productivity that have been previously recorded in Lake Victoria. This multi‐millennial record of sedimentary invertebrate assemblages in Lake Victoria elucidates some of the temporal development of these communities throughout most of the dynamic modern history of the ecosystem.
HER2 evaluation for clinical decision making in human solid tumours: pearls and pitfalls
Authors: Zhang Huina , Finkelman Brian S , Ettel Mark G , Velez Moises J , Turner Bradley M , Hicks David G
Published: March 2024

The significant clinical benefits of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐targeted therapeutic agents have revolutionized the clinical treatment landscape in a variety of human solid tumours. Accordingly, accurate evaluation of HER2 status in these different tumour types is critical for clinical decision making to select appropriate patients who may benefit from life‐saving HER2‐targeted therapies. HER2 biomarker scoring criteria is different in different organ systems, and close adherence to the corresponding HER2 biomarker testing guidelines and their updates, if available, is essential for accurate evaluation. In addition, knowing the unusual patterns of HER2 expression is also important to avoid inaccurate evaluation. In this review, we discuss the key considerations when evaluating HER2 status in solid tumours for clinical decision making, including tissue handling and preparation for HER2 biomarker testing, as well as pathologist's readout of HER2 testing results in breast carcinomas, gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas, colorectal adenocarcinomas, gynaecologic carcinomas, and non‐small cell lung carcinomas.
Support and employment preferences in online platform work: A cluster analysis of German‐speaking workers
Authors: Klaus Dominik , Lamura Maddalena , Bilger Marcel , Haas Barbara
Published: March 2024

Online platform work is an emerging field of non‐standard employment. Up to now, there has been little knowledge of the perspective of online platform workers on social protection and regulation. We provide quantitative data (n = 1727) on their needs for support and on their employment status preferences. Given the heterogeneity of German‐speaking online platform workers, we have conducted a cluster analysis to group workers according to task length, hourly wage, working hours and experience on online platforms. Most of the respondents are solo‐self‐employed and hybrid workers. They prefer support instruments that improve their skills and income over those that aim to strengthen their rights. The majority of platform workers are in favour of working outside of platforms. The study also shows that despite the low dependence on platform income, the actual poverty risk is relatively high.
Generosity of old‐age pensions for the self‐employed—A typology of European welfare states
Authors: Höppner Julia
Published: March 2024

Research on pension generosity has so far used employees in standard employment as the reference point, ignoring nonstandard forms of employment such as the self‐employed. Moreover, as one of the major concepts of welfare state analysis, generosity has not been considered in research on the old‐age security of the self‐employed. Hence, there is a ‘missing link’ between the two strands in the literature. This paper aims to close this research gap by analysing the differences between 12 European welfare states regarding the generosity of old‐age pensions for the self‐employed. Based on the degree of strictness of access and benefit level, a typology is developed that results in four types of generosity: high generosity, low generosity, basic security and selective generosity.
RETRACTED: Effect of Chinese herbal compound dressings in treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Qian , Liu Fei , Zhao Changxiu , Xu Xin , Wang Yaqi , Zuo Weiwei
Published: March 2024

This meta‐analysis aims to systematically investigate the clinical efficacy of Chinese herbal compound dressings in treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). A comprehensive computerised search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases, from database inception to November 2023, to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) concerning the use of Chinese herbal compound dressings in patients with DFU. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the quality based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. Overall, 18 RCTs involving 1405 DFU patients were included. The analysis indicated that compared to the control group, the group treated with Chinese herbal compound dressings had significantly shorter ulcer healing time (standardised mean difference [SMD] = −2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.53 to −1.46, p < 0.001), reduced ulcer surface area (SMD = −3.38, 95% CI: −4.67 to −2.09, p < 0.001), and higher healing rates (odds ratio [OR] = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.72–2.92, p < 0.001) as well as overall effectiveness rates (OR = 4.56, 95% CI: 3.10–6.71, p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that the external application of Chinese herbal compound dressings in patients with DFU can significantly shorten the ulcer healing time and improve wound healing rates.
Effects of evidence‐based nursing care interventions on wound pain and wound complications following surgery for finger tendon injury
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Lan , Wang Chun‐Yan , Pan Liu‐Liu , Li Yu‐Jie
Published: March 2024

We conducted this study aimed to examine the impact of evidence‐based nursing interventions on postoperative wound pain and complications after surgery for finger tendon injury. A total of 86 patients treated for finger tendon injuries at our hospital from January 2021 to October 2023 were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The control group received conventional nursing care, while the experimental group received evidence‐based nursing interventions. The study compared the postoperative wound pain intensity, incidence of complications and patient satisfaction with nursing care between the two groups. The analysis revealed that compared with conventional care, evidence‐based nursing interventions significantly reduced the level of wound pain (p = 0.034) and the incidence of complications (4.65% vs. 18.60%, p = 0.043). It also increased patient satisfaction with the nursing care (97.67% vs. 83.72%, p = 0.026). The study indicates that the application of evidence‐based nursing interventions for patients with finger tendon injuries can reduce postoperative wound pain, decrease the incidence of complications and enhance patient satisfaction with nursing care.
Construction of a nursing assessment framework for patients in anaesthesia recovery period: A modified Delphi study
Authors: Peng Lang , Zang Xianxian , Liu Ruili , Bai Ping , Wang Lu , Yang Guoyong
Published: March 2024

Aim

To construct a nursing assessment framework for patients in anaesthesia recovery period.

Design

A three‐round modified Delphi method was employed to capture the consensus of 22 panellists.

Methods

The initial items in the nursing assessment framework for patients in anaesthesia recovery period were developed based on the mini‐clinical evaluation exercise (mini‐CEX). A panel of 22 experts participated in this study. The panellists have more than 10 years of experience in either clinical anaesthesia, or post‐anesthesia nursing, or operating room nursing, or surgical intensive nursing. Between March and April 2023, the panellists evaluated and recommended revisions to the initial framework.

Results

This study resulted in the development of a nursing assessment framework for patients in anaesthesia recovery period. The initial version of the framework consisted of six dimensions with 27 items. Six items were modified after the first round of consultation. After the second round, five modifications and four deletions were made based on expert opinion. The third round resulted in a convergence of expert opinion. The framework, which consists of 24 items across five dimensions, was refined. The five dimensions are as follows: History‐taking, Physical assessment, Clinical judgement, Organizational efficiency and Humanistic concern.

Conclusion

The nursing assessment framework for patients in anaesthesia recovery period was reached consensus between the 22 experts’ opinions.

Implications for the profession and patient care

The assessment framework constructed in this study could be used for the process evaluation of post‐anesthesia nursing. The framework may guide perianesthesia nurses in the timely and effective assessment of patients during this critical phase of care. It may be used for perianesthesia nursing education or to evaluate nurses' assessment skills.

Reporting method

The study is reported in accordance with the Guidance on Conducting and Reporting DElphi Studies (CREDES) recommendations.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Inhibition of UBA52 induces autophagy via EMC6 to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression
Authors: Tong Li , Zheng Xiaofei , Wang Tianqi , Gu Wang , Shen Tingting , Yuan Wenkang , Wang Siyu , Xing Songlin , Liu Xiaoying , Zhang Chong , Zhang Chao
Published: March 2024

Ubiquitin A‐52 residue ribosomal protein fusion product 1 (UBA52) has a role in the occurrence and development of tumours. However, the mechanism by which UBA52 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis and progression remains poorly understood. By using the Cell Counting Kit (CCK‐8), colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays, we assessed the effects of UBA52 knockdown and overexpression on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells in vitro. By establishing subcutaneous and metastatic tumour models in nude mice, we evaluated the effects of UBA52 on HCC cell proliferation and migration in vivo. Through bioinformatic analysis of data from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, we discovered that UBA52 is associated with autophagy. In addition, we discovered that HCC tissues with high UBA52 expression had a poor prognosis in patients. Moreover, knockdown of UBA52 reduced HCC cell growth and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, knockdown of UBA52 induced autophagy through EMC6 in HCC cells. These findings suggest that UBA52 promoted the proliferation and migration of HCC cells through autophagy regulation via EMC6 and imply that UBA52 may be a viable novel treatment target for HCC patients.
Effect of coffee staining and simulated oral hygiene methods on the color and translucency of a nanoceramic resin
Authors: Schneider Luiz Felipe , Mueller Bruna , Nisie Tango Rubens , Volpato Claudia Angela Maziero
Published: March 2024

Objective

Evaluate the color and translucency of a nanoceramic resin subjected to hygiene practices and immersion in coffee over time.

Materials and Methods

Specimens (n = 80, HT and LT, 0.5‐mm thick) of a nanoceramic resin were obtained and were divided in groups according to the simulated oral hygiene: no intervention (NT), brushing with an electric brush and water (BN), brushing with an electric brush and toothpaste for 10 s (BT), and immersion in mouthwash for 30 s (MW). Oral hygiene practices were repeated after staining in coffee solution for 15, 48, 336, 1440, 8640, and 35,040 min. Spectral wavelengths were recorded with a spectrophotometer at each time. ∆E00, ∆L′, ∆C′, ∆H′, and TP00 were calculated by CIEDE2000 and were evaluated by 2‐way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05).

Results

ANOVA showed significance among factors for ΔE00 (p < 0.05), with higher ΔE00 for NT‐HT (11.7) and NT‐LT (11.2). After T6 (2‐year simulation), the lowest values were found for BT‐HT (5.3) and BT‐LT (4.9). All groups showed a reduction in lightness and translucency and increased chroma and hue. However, the smallest variations were found in the BT groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Brushing with toothpaste effectively minimized the color change of NCRs caused by coffee staining.

Clinical Significance

Oral hygiene practices, such as brushing with toothpaste, might be important to minimize staining of nanoceramic resin restorations, especially in patients who frequently consume coffee.
Translation and validation of prolonged grief disorder (PG‐13) scale in Urdu among bereaved adolescents with intellectual disability
Authors: Haider N.‐u.‐a. , Zaman N. I.
Published: March 2024

Background

The study aimed to translate and validate the Prolonged Grief Disorder (PG‐13) scale from English into Urdu language. This involved examining its psychometric properties, evaluating its factor structure and assessing both convergent and discriminant validity. The study was conducted within the cultural context of Pakistan and focused on the assessment of manifestations of grief, including symptoms of prolonged grief, in adolescents with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability (ID). The PG‐13 scale was selected for this study due to its demonstrated accuracy in measuring prolonged grieving symptoms in bereaved population.

Method

A total of 140 adolescents, aged 10–19 years according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2018 criteria, were selected from 14 cities in Pakistan. These participants had lost loved ones within the time span of the last 4 years. The WHO (2018) guidelines for translation, adaptation, and validation were followed.

Results

The findings suggest that the translated and validated PG‐13 scale has adequate psychometric properties, with Cronbach alpha coefficient of .97. Confirmatory factor analysis supports a single‐factor structure for the scale, with factor loadings ranging from .80 to .95.

Conclusion

The PG‐13 Urdu version is a reliable and validated scale available for assessing grieving symptoms in the Pakistani context.
The rise of data‐driven microscopy powered by machine learning
Authors: Morgado Leonor , Gómez‐de‐Mariscal Estibaliz , Heil Hannah S. , Henriques Ricardo
Published: March 2024

Optical microscopy is an indispensable tool in life sciences research, but conventional techniques require compromises between imaging parameters like speed, resolution, field of view and phototoxicity. To overcome these limitations, data‐driven microscopes incorporate feedback loops between data acquisition and analysis. This review overviews how machine learning enables automated image analysis to optimise microscopy in real time. We first introduce key data‐driven microscopy concepts and machine learning methods relevant to microscopy image analysis. Subsequently, we highlight pioneering works and recent advances in integrating machine learning into microscopy acquisition workflows, including optimising illumination, switching modalities and acquisition rates, and triggering targeted experiments. We then discuss the remaining challenges and future outlook. Overall, intelligent microscopes that can sense, analyse and adapt promise to transform optical imaging by opening new experimental possibilities.
Coupling Information Disclosure with a Quality Standard in R&D Contests*
Authors: Cai Gaoyang , Jiao Qian , Lu Jingfeng , Zheng Jie
Published: March 2024

We study two‐player R&D contest design using both an information disclosure policy and a quality standard as instruments. The ability of an innovator is known only to himself. The organizer commits ex‐ante to a minimum quality standard and whether to have innovators' abilities publicly revealed before they conduct R&D activities. We find that without quality standards, fully concealing innovators' abilities elicits both higher expected aggregate quality and expected highest quality. With optimally set quality standards, although fully concealing ability information still elicits higher expected aggregate quality, fully disclosing this information leads to a higher level of expected highest quality. Moreover, the optimal quality standards are compared across different objectives and disclosure policies.
Lesson from the emergence, spread and decline of Dickeya solani, the virulent potato blackleg and soft rot bacterial pathogen in Finland
Authors: Degefu Yeshitila
Published: March 2024

The threat of emerging plant diseases has become more frequent as global warming and international trade are increasing. Blackleg and soft rot of potatoes caused by the group of bacteria in the family Pectobacteriaceae and the genera Dickeya and Pectobacterium are important diseases causing economic losses globally. In the European Union, they are regulated non‐quarantine pests. Five species are commonly known to cause blackleg symptoms on potatoes indistinguishable from each other. For decades, P. atrosepticum has been the classic seed potato bacterial pathogen in cool temperate climates of Europe and North America, causing blackleg disease. However, recently several new species, unknown in Northern Europe, have emerged as virulent pathogens. One of these species is D. solani. In Finland, D. solani was first found in 2004 and has been the cause of major outbreaks of blackleg in Finland for more than a decade. Currently, its incidence has declined significantly because of a stringent, concerted engagement strategy adopted to combat the pathogen that is described in detail in this article. This strategy implemented in Finland could serve as a model system to combat other emerging and re‐emerging species of Dickeya and Pectobacterium and serve as useful support information for the formulation of a policy framework for the management of emerging plant health risks.
Bacteria and viruses and their role in the preschool wheeze to asthma transition
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Apostolidou Evaggelia , Miligkos Michael , Xepapadaki Paraskevi
Published: March 2024

Wheezing is the cardinal symptom of asthma; its presence early in life, mostly caused by viral infections, is a major risk factor for the establishment of persistent or recurrent disease. Early‐life wheezing and asthma exacerbations are triggered by common respiratory viruses, mainly rhinoviruses (RV), and to a lesser extent, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza, human metapneumovirus, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, influenza, and bocavirus. The excess presence of bacteria, several of which are part of the microbiome, has also been identified in association with wheezing and acute asthma exacerbations, including haemophilus influenza, streptococcus pneumoniae, moraxella catarrhalis, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and chlamydophila pneumonia. While it is not clear when asthma starts, its characteristics develop over time. Airway remodeling already appears between the ages of 1 and 3 years of age even prior to the presence of atopic inflammation or an asthma diagnosis. The role of genetic defect or variations hampering the airway epithelium in response to environmental stimuli and severe disease morbidity are now considered as major determinants for early structural changes. Repeated viral infections can induce and perpetuate airway hyperresponsiveness. Allergic sensitization, that often precedes infection‐induced wheezing, shifts inflammation toward type‐2, while common respiratory infections themselves promote type‐2 inflammation. Nevertheless, most children who wheeze with viral infections during infancy and during preschool years do not develop persistent asthma. Multiple factors, including illness severity, viral etiology, allergic sensitization, and the exposome, are associated with disease persistence. Here, we summarize current knowledge and developments in infection epidemiology of asthma in children, describing the known impact of each individual agent and mechanisms of transition from recurrent wheeze to asthma.
Progovernment militias, identity leadership, and ethnic defection: Evidence from Israel's recruitment of the South Lebanese Army
Authors: Voller Yaniv
Published: March 2024

Ethnic defection has been identified as a potential game changer in conflicts. However, the factors that enable this process require further study. One factor that has been often overlooked is that of social identity and, more particularly, identity leadership. Ethnic defection is a social as much as it is a political process. Incumbents who can utilize this element may be more successful in encouraging a continuous and more persistent process of ethnic defection. A particularly useful tool for counterinsurgency (COIN) leaders to function as identity leaders is that of militias. Traditionally perceived in the literature as ad hoc outcomes of defection, this article demonstrates how militia recruitment can serve as a platform for recruiters to serve as identity leaders and create among recruits a distinct sense of identity that further distances them from other group members and strengthens their group identity. Success in enabling this group categorization could pave the way for more defectors to switch to the government side in a way less relevant than material incentives. The article illustrates this process by employing the case of Israel's recruitment of Shi‘a defectors into pro‐Israel militias in South Lebanon and the Security Belt during the 1980s and 1990s.
What they notice in photographs: A study of preservice teachers' noticing in a formative assessment cycle
Authors: Dyess Sarah Roller , Marin Katherine Ariemma , Cunningham Elizabeth Petit
Published: March 2024

Noticing is an essential skill for all teachers of mathematics. Mathematics teacher educators have utilized a variety of tools to practice and develop preservice teachers' (PSTs') ability to notice, which we extend to include photographs and learning trajectories. This article explores PSTs' noticing skills by analyzing work samples from a methods course assignment that examined teacher noticing and planning for future instruction. The work samples were analyzed using structural coding. Results indicate that PSTs can: (a) notice students' mathematical thinking in photographs they captured; (b) attend to and interpret the mathematics in photographs, but need additional support to consider how to respond to the mathematical thinking; and (c) use learning trajectories or progressions to help them notice, but there is less evidence of them using learning trajectories or progressions as a tool to respond to students' mathematical thinking. Implications for mathematics teacher education and future research are considered.
Crops use inorganic and labile organic phosphorus from both high‐ and low‐availability layers in no‐till compost‐amended soils
Authors: Li Xue , Hallama Moritz , Romanyà Joan
Published: March 2024

Organic fertilization in no‐till soils increases soil organic matter and nutrient pools primarily in surface soils. However, little is known about how microbial activity affects crop access to phosphorus (P) forms at the surface, where the organic fertilizer is applied, and the subsurface, the main rooting zone. We aimed to study the changes in organic and inorganic P (Po; Pi) forms and compounds in no‐till compost amended surface (0–5 cm) and subsurface (5–15 cm) soils growing a crop rotation for 2 years in pots. Crops were grown in pots with compost amended to the soil surface, while unamended and compost‐amended pots without crops were used as controls. We measured changes in microbial C (carbon), soluble C, total Po and Pi forms, the moderately accessible EDTA‐NaOH‐Pi (‐Po), and labile NaHCO3‐Pi (‐Po). P compounds in the EDTA‐NaOH extract were measured by 31P‐NMR. Compost addition increased the levels of total Pi and although it had no effect on total Po, increases of inositol, other phosphate monoesters and orthophosphate diesters could be observed. After the application of compost, the amount of total organic C, soluble carbon and all P forms increased in surface soil, while in the subsurface soil, there was a reduction in organic C and an increase in soluble C, total Pi, EDTA‐NaOH‐Pi and NaHCO3‐Pi and the EDTA‐NaOH‐Po and labile NaHCO3‐Po. Growing crops reduced all measured Pi forms and labile NaHCO3‐Po, increased EDTA‐NaOH‐Po in surface soils and had no observable impact on total Po in either organic C‐enriched surface or organic C‐reduced subsurface soils. Crops mostly used Pi from the low P availability C‐reduced subsurface layer, where NaHCO3‐Po pools also decreased. Large reductions in NaHCO3‐Po and increased levels of IHP and other‐monoesters in crop‐growing organic C‐enriched surface layers may suggest microbial formation of monoesters Po and crop use of labile Po pools. In summary, Po formation in C‐enriched surface layers and the mobilization of all Pi forms throughout the soil profile are particularly important findings for the understanding of P dynamics in compost‐amended no‐till systems.
Phosphorus dissolution and diffusion from struvite and its impact on phosphorus availability in Acrisol and Cambisol soils
Authors: Jia Lulu , Wei Jinju , Zeng Qingyang , Luo Qi , Yan Xiao , Wu Jianfu , Wei Zongqiang
Published: March 2024

There is a growing interest in recovering and recycling phosphorus (P) from waste streams to reduce reliance on finite and non‐renewable phosphate rock in agriculture. Struvite, derived from waste streams, has emerged as a potential alternative P fertilizer. However, its behaviour in soil remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the behaviour and effectiveness of struvite as a P fertilizer in acidic Acrisol and calcareous Cambisol soils, focusing on the P dissolution from struvite, struvite P diffusion in soil and P availability. Our findings revealed that the P dissolution from struvite in solution is pH‐dependent, with the most dissolution observed at pH 4.5 and significantly less at pH 7.0 and pH 8.5. Consequently, P dissolution from struvite was more rapid in the Acrisol compared with the Cambisol. This was supported by the increased accumulation of water‐soluble P in the Acrisol and acid‐extractable P in the Cambisol within the 0–1 cm concentric soil section surrounding the struvite application site, as demonstrated in the petri dish experiment. However, the Acrisol exhibited a gradual decrease in P diffusion over time, in contrast to the Cambisol, which showed an increasing trend. This can be attributed to the stronger P fixation observed in the Acrisol. The application of struvite resulted in increased soil P availability, as determined by the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique, particularly in the Acrisol where struvite was concentrated. Furthermore, the presence of organic acids enhanced struvite P availability in both Acrisol and Cambisol soils. These findings contribute to a better understanding of struvite behaviour in different soil environments and provide valuable insights for optimizing its use as a sustainable and efficient P fertilizer.
How to apply multiple scrambling in Japanese
Authors: Abe Jun
Published: March 2024

In this paper, I argue that the phenomena of multiple scrambling in Japanese are best captured by assuming different derivations, depending on whether they involve long‐distance or clause‐internal scrambling. I argue that long‐distance multiple scrambling involves remnant VP scrambling, on the assumption that long‐distance scrambling necessarily produces a focus chain, which thus prohibits separate applications of scrambling in multiple scrambling configurations. The evidence comes from (i) long‐distance multiple scrambling of wh‐phrases that behaves like wh‐movement, and (ii) long‐distance multiple scrambling of quantificational phrases (QPs) that behaves as if these QPs constitute a single QP. As for clause‐internal multiple scrambling, I argue that it may involve separate applications of scrambling as well as remnant VP scrambling. The evidence comes from scope facts that involve two scrambled QPs: when the two QPs undergo remnant VP scrambling, they both take scope in their original positions; when they are separately scrambled, they show a different pattern of reconstruction with respect to scope.
Bacterial cellulose as an ideal potential treatment for burn wounds: A comprehensive review
Authors: Jabbari Farzaneh , Babaeipour Valiollah
Published: March 2024

Burn wound regeneration is a complex process, which has many serious challenges such as slow wound healing, secondary infection, and inflammation. Therefore, it is essential to utilise appropriate biomaterials to accelerate and guide the wound healing process. Bacterial cellulose (BC), a natural polymer synthesised by some bacteria, has attracted much attention for wound healing applications due to its unique properties including excellent physicochemical and mechanical properties, simple purification process, three‐dimensional (3D) network structure similar to extracellular matrix, high purity, high water holding capacity and significant permeability to gas and liquid. BC's lack of antibacterial activity significantly limits its biomedical and tissue engineering application, but adding antimicrobial agents to it remarkably improves its performance in tissue regeneration applications. Burn wound healing is a complex long‐lasting process. Using biomaterials in wound treatment has shown that they can satisfactorily accelerate wound healing. The purpose of this review is to elaborate on the importance of BC‐based structures as one of the most widely used modern wound dressings in the treatment of burn wounds. In addition, the combination of various drugs, agents, cells and biomolecules with BC to expand its application in burn injury regeneration is discussed. Finally, the main challenges and future development direction of BC‐based structures for burn wound repair are considered. The four most popular search engines PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar were used to help us find relevant papers. The most frequently used keywords were bacterial cellulose, BC‐based biocomposite, wound healing, burn wound and vascular graft.
Neural dynamics of predictive timing and motor engagement in music listening
Authors: Zalta Arnaud , Large Edward W. , Schön Daniele , Morillon Benjamin
Published: March 2024

Why do humans spontaneously dance to music? To test the hypothesis that motor dynamics reflect predictive timing during music listening, we created melodies with varying degrees of rhythmic predictability (syncopation) and asked participants to rate their wanting-to-move (groove) experience. Degree of syncopation and groove ratings are quadratically correlated. Magnetoencephalography data showed that, while auditory regions track the rhythm of melodies, beat-related 2-hertz activity and neural dynamics at delta (1.4 hertz) and beta (20 to 30 hertz) rates in the dorsal auditory pathway code for the experience of groove. Critically, the left sensorimotor cortex coordinates these groove-related delta and beta activities. These findings align with the predictions of a neurodynamic model, suggesting that oscillatory motor engagement during music listening reflects predictive timing and is effected by interaction of neural dynamics along the dorsal auditory pathway.
Decoupled supercapacitive electrolyzer for membrane-free water splitting
Authors: Toledo-Carrillo Esteban A. , García-Rodríguez Mario , Sánchez-Moren Lorena M. , Dutta Joydeep
Published: March 2024

Green hydrogen production via water splitting is vital for decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries. Its integration with renewable energy sources remains to be a challenge, due to the susceptibility to hazardous gas mixture during electrolysis. Here, we report a hybrid membrane-free cell based on earth-abundant materials for decoupled hydrogen production in either acidic or alkaline medium. The design combines the electrocatalytic reactions of an electrolyzer with a capacitive storage mechanism, leading to spatial/temporal separation of hydrogen and oxygen gases. An energy efficiency of 69% lower heating value (48 kWh/kg) at 10 mA/cm
2
(5 cm–by–5 cm cell) was achieved using cobalt-iron phosphide bifunctional catalyst with 99% faradaic efficiency at 100 mA/cm
2
. Stable operation over 20 hours in alkaline medium shows no apparent electrode degradation. Moreover, the cell voltage breakdown reveals that substantial improvements can be achieved by tunning the activity of the bifunctional catalyst and improving the electrodes conductivity. The cell design offers increased flexibility and robustness for hydrogen production.
Atlas of cardiac endothelial cell enhancer elements linking the mineralocorticoid receptor to pathological gene expression
Authors: Deng Lisa , Pollmeier Luisa , Bednarz Rebecca , Cao Can , Laurette Patrick , Wirth Luisa , Mamazhakypov Argen , Bode Christine , Hein Lutz , Gilsbach Ralf , Lother Achim
Published: March 2024

Endothelial cells play crucial roles in physiology and are increasingly recognized as therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease. Here, we analyzed the regulatory landscape of cardiac endothelial cells by assessing chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, and 3D chromatin organization and confirmed the functional relevance of enhancer-promoter interactions by CRISPRi-mediated enhancer silencing. We used this dataset to explore mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in cardiovascular disease and compared six different experimental models of heart failure, hypertension, or diabetes. Enhancers that regulate gene expression in diseased endothelial cells were enriched with binding sites for a distinct set of transcription factors, including the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), a known drug target in heart failure and hypertension. For proof of concept, we applied endothelial cell–specific MR deletion in mice to confirm MR-dependent gene expression and predicted direct MR target genes. Overall, we have compiled here a comprehensive atlas of cardiac endothelial cell enhancer elements that provides insight into the role of transcription factors in cardiovascular disease.
Wireless magnetoelectrically powered organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Butscher Julian F. , Hillebrandt Sabina , Mischok Andreas , Popczyk Anna , Booth Jonathan H. H. , Gather Malte C.
Published: March 2024

Compact wireless light sources are a fundamental building block for applications ranging from wireless displays to optical implants. However, their realization remains challenging because of constraints in miniaturization and the integration of power harvesting and light-emission technologies. Here, we introduce a strategy for a compact wirelessly powered light-source that consists of a magnetoelectric transducer serving as power source and substrate and an antiparallel pair of custom-designed organic light-emitting diodes. The devices operate at low-frequency ac magnetic fields (~100 kHz), which has the added benefit of allowing operation multiple centimeters deep inside watery environments. By tuning the device resonance frequency, it is possible to separately address multiple devices, e.g., to produce light of distinct colors, to address individual display pixels, or for clustered operation. By simultaneously offering small size, individual addressing, and compatibility with challenging environments, our devices pave the way for a multitude of applications in wireless displays, deep tissue treatment, sensing, and imaging.
Biological and genomic characteristics of three novel bacteriophages and a phage-plasmid of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Uskudar-Guclu Aylin , Unlu Sezin , Salih-Dogan Hanife , Yalcin Suleyman , Basustaoglu Ahmet
Published: March 2024

Bacteriophages have emerged as promising candidates for the treatment of difficult-to-treat bacterial infections. The aim of this study is to isolate and characterize phages infecting carbapenem-resistant and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producer Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Water samples were taken for the isolation of bacteriophages. One-step growth curve, the optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI), thermal and pH stabilities, transmission electron microscopy and whole-genome sequencing of phages were studied. Four phages were isolated and named Klebsiella phage Kpn02, Kpn17, Kpn74, and Kpn13. The optimal MOI and latent periods of phage Kpn02, Kpn17, Kpn74, and Kpn13 were 10, 1, 0.001, and 100 PFU/CFU and 20, 10, 20, and 30 min, respectively. Burst sizes ranged from 811 to 2363. No known antibiotic resistance and virulence genes were identified. No tRNAs were detected except Klebsiella phage Kpn02 which encodes 24 tRNAs. Interestingly, Klebsiella phage Kpn74 was predicted to be a lysogenic phage whose prophage is a linear plasmid molecule with covalently closed ends. Of the Klebsiella-infecting phages presented in current study, virulent phages suggest that they may represent candidate therapeutic agents against MDR K. pneumoniae, based on short latent period, high burst sizes and no known antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in their genomes.