bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐arm clinical trial of improved flour targeting intestinal microbiota (MALINEA)
Authors: Vray Muriel , Tondeur Laura , Hedible Boris G. , Randremanana Rindra Vatosoa , Manirakiza Alexandre , Lazoumar Ramatoulaye Hamidou , Platen Cassandre Van , Vargas Antonio , Briend André , Jambou Ronan
Published: April 2024

The main objective of this project was to compare in the field conditions two strategies of re‐nutrition of children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) aged from 6 to 24 months, targeting the microbiota in comparison with a standard regimen. A three‐arm, open‐label, pragmatic randomised trial was conducted in four countries (Niger, CAR, Senegal and Madagascar). Children received for 12 weeks either fortified blended flour (FBF control) = arm 1, or FBF + azithromycin (oral suspension of 20 mg/kg/day daily given with a syringe) for the first 3 days at inclusion = arm 2 or mix FBF with inulin/fructo‐oligosaccharides (6 g/day if age ≥12 months and 4 g if age <12 months) = arm 3. For each arm, children aged from 6 to 11 months received 100 g x 2 per day of flours and those aged from 12 to 24 months received 100 g × 3 per day of FBF. The primary endpoint was nutritional recovery, defined by reaching a weight‐for‐height z‐score (WHZ) ≥ −1.5 within 12 weeks. Overall, 881 children were randomised (297, 290 and 294 in arm 1, arm 2 and arm 3, respectively). Three hundred and forty‐four children were males (39%) and median/mean age were 14.6/14.4 months (SD = 4.9, IQR = 10.5–18.4). At inclusion, the three arms were comparable for all criteria, but differences were observed between countries. Overall, 44% (390/881) of the children recovered at week 12 from MAM, with no significant difference between the three arms (41.4%, 45.5% and 45.9%, in arm 1, arm 2 and arm 3, respectively, p = 0.47). This study did not support the true advantages of adding a prebiotic or antibiotic to flour. When using a threshold of WHZ ≥ −2 as an exploratory endpoint, significant differences were observed between the three arms, with higher success rates in arms with antibiotics or prebiotics compared to the control arm (66.9%, 66.0% and 55.2%, respectively, p = 0.005).
The impact of delirium on clinical and functional outcomes in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Dimitriadou Ioanna , Fradelos Evangelos C. , Skoularigis John , Toska Aikaterini , Vogiatzis Ioannis , Papagiannis Dimitrios , Saridi Maria
Published: April 2024

Background

Delirium, which is prevalent in critical care settings, remains underexplored in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU).

Aim

To investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of delirium in patients with ACS admitted to the CICU.

Study Design

A prospective study (n = 106, mean age 74.2 ± 5.7 years) assessed delirium using the confusion assessment method‐intensive care unit (CAM‐ICU) tool in 21.7% of ACS patients during their CICU stay. Baseline characteristics, geriatric conditions and clinical procedures were compared between delirious and nondelirious patients. The outcomes included in‐hospital mortality, 30‐day and 6‐month mortality, acute adverse events and length of CICU stay and hospital stay (LOS).

Results

Delirious patients who were older and had a higher incidence of coronary artery disease underwent more complex procedures (e.g., pacemaker placement). Multivariate analysis identified central venous catheter insertion, urinary catheterization and benzodiazepine use as independent predictors of delirium. Delirium was correlated with prolonged LOS (p < .001) and increased in‐hospital, 30‐day and 6‐month mortality (p < .001).

Conclusions

Delirium in ACS patients in the CICU extends hospitalization and increases in‐hospital, 30‐day and 6‐month mortality. Early recognition and targeted interventions are crucial for mitigating adverse outcomes in this high‐risk population.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study highlights the critical impact of delirium on outcomes in hospitalized patients with ACS in the CICU. Delirium, often overlooked in ACS management, significantly extends hospitalization and increases mortality rates. Nurses and physicians must be vigilant in identifying delirium early, particularly in older ACS patients or those with comorbidities. Recognizing independent predictors such as catheterization and benzodiazepine use allows for targeted interventions to reduce delirium incidence. Integrating routine delirium assessments and preventive strategies into ACS management protocols can improve outcomes, optimize resource utilization and enhance overall patient care in the CICU setting.
Root and shoot phenology, architecture, and organ properties: an integrated trait network among 44 herbaceous wetland species
Authors: Ye Ziqi , Mu Yanmei , Van Duzen Shianne , Ryser Peter
Published: April 2024

Integrating traits across above‐ and belowground organs offers comprehensive insights into plant ecology, but their various functions also increase model complexity. This study aimed to illuminate the interspecific pattern of whole‐plant trait correlations through a network lens, including a detailed analysis of the root system.

Using a network algorithm that allows individual traits to belong to multiple modules, we characterize interrelations among 19 traits, spanning both shoot and root phenology, architecture, morphology, and tissue properties of 44 species, mostly herbaceous monocots from Northern Ontario wetlands, grown in a common garden.

The resulting trait network shows three distinct yet partially overlapping modules. Two major trait modules indicate constraints of plant size and form, and resource economics, respectively. These modules highlight the interdependence between shoot size, root architecture and porosity, and a shoot–root coordination in phenology and dry‐matter content. A third module depicts leaf biomechanical adaptations specific to wetland graminoids. All three modules overlap on shoot height, suggesting multifaceted constraints of plant stature. In the network, individual‐level traits showed significantly higher centrality than tissue‐level traits do, demonstrating a hierarchical trait integration.

The presented whole‐plant, integrated network suggests that trait covariation is essentially function‐driven rather than organ‐specific.
An oligo peptide transporter family member, OsOPT7, mediates xylem unloading of Fe for its preferential distribution in rice
Authors: Yamaji Naoki , Yoshioka Yuma , Huang Sheng , Miyaji Takaaki , Sasaki Akimasa , Ma Jian Feng
Published: April 2024

Iron (Fe) needs to be delivered to different organs and tissues of above‐ground parts for playing its multiple physiological functions once it is taken up by the roots. However, the mechanisms underlying Fe distribution are poorly understood.

We functionally characterized OsOPT7, a member of oligo peptide transporter family in terms of expression patterns, localization, transport activity and phenotypic analysis of knockdown lines.

OsOPT7 was highly expressed in the nodes, especially in the uppermost node I, and its expression was upregulated by Fe‐deficiency. OsOPT7 transports ferrous iron into the cells coupled with proton. Immunostaining revealed that OsOPT7 is mainly localized in the xylem parenchyma cells of the enlarged vascular bundles in the nodes and vascular tissues in the leaves. Knockdown of OsOPT7 did not affect the Fe uptake, but altered Fe distribution; less Fe was distributed to the new leaf, upper nodes and developing panicle, but more Fe was distributed to the old leaves. Furthermore, knockdown of OsOPT7 also resulted in less Fe distribution to the leaf sheath, but more Fe to the leaf blade.

Taken together, OsOPT7 is involved in the xylem unloading of Fe for both long‐distance distribution to the developing organs and local distribution within the leaf in rice.
The chloroplast singlet oxygen‐triggered biosynthesis of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid is mediated by EX1 and GUN1 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Geng Rudan , Li Xia , Huang Jirong , Zhou Wenbin
Published: April 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and defence hormones like salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) play pivotal roles in triggering cell death. However, the precise mechanism governing the interaction between ROS and SA/JA remains elusive. Recently, our research revealed that RNAi mutants with suppressed expression of PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH8 (PCD8) exhibit an overabundance of tetrapyrrole intermediates, particularly uroporphyrinogen III (Uro III), leading to the accumulation of singlet oxygen (1O2) during the transition from darkness to light, thereby instigating leaf necrosis. In this investigation, we uncovered that 1O2 stimulates biosynthesis of SA and JA, activating SA/JA signalling and the expression of responsive genes in PCD8 RNAi (pcd8) mutants. Introducing NahG or knocking out PAD4 or NPR1 significantly alleviates the cell death phenotype of pcd8 mutants, while coi1 partially mitigates the pcd8 phenotype. Further exploration revealed that EX1 and GUN1 can partially rescue the pcd8 phenotype by reducing the levels of Uro III and 1O2. Notably, mutations in EX1 mutations but not GUN1, substantially diminish SA content in pcd8 mutants compared to the wild type, implying that EX1 acts as the primary mediator of 1O2 signalling‐mediated SA biosynthesis. Moreover, the triple ex1 gun1 pcd8 displays a phenotype similar to ex1. Overall, our findings underscore that the 1O2‐induced cell death phenotype requires EX1/GUN1‐mediated retrograde signalling in pcd8 mutants, providing novel insights into the interplay between ROS and SA/JA.
Impact of prophylactic echinocandin on the development of neurological complications in patients receiving busulfan‐containing conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Horikawa Shogo , Kishimoto Kenji , Uemura Suguru , Hyodo Sayaka , Kozaki Aiko , Saito Atsuro , Ishida Toshiaki , Mori Takeshi , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Kosaka Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2024

Background

Although neurotoxicity is a major adverse event associated with busulfan, little information is available regarding the association between drug interactions and neurological symptoms during busulfan‐based regimens. This study evaluated the association between prophylactic echinocandins and neurological complications in patients receiving busulfan‐containing conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation.

Methods

We retrospectively included consecutive patients who administered intravenous busulfan as a conditioning regimen at our facility between 2007 and 2022. Prophylactic echinocandin use was defined as the use of an echinocandin antifungal drug to prevent invasive fungal disease in SCT recipients. The primary outcome was the incidence of neurological complications within 7 days of busulfan initiation and was compared between the echinocandin group (patients received prophylactic echinocandin) and nonechinocandin group (patients received prophylactic antifungal drugs other than echinocandin and those without antifungal prophylaxis).

Results

Among the 59 patients included in this study, the incidence of neurological complications in the echinocandin (n = 26) and nonechinocandin groups (n = 33) was 30.8% and 63.6%, respectively. We observed a negative association between prophylactic echinocandin use and the development of neurological complications after adjusting for the propensity score for receiving prophylactic echinocandins (adjusted odds ratio 0.294, 95% confidence interval 0.090 to 0.959). We observed a lower incidence of neurological complications in the echinocandin group than in the nonechinocandin group.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that the choice of antifungal prophylaxis is associated with busulfan neurotoxicity.
Let's get physical: Aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and muscle endurance after pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Krysler Amanda R. , Allan Chantal J. , Larsen Ingrid , Mathur Sunita , Morgan Catherine , Greenway Steven C. , Blydt‐Hansen Tom , Khoury Michael , West Lori J. , Urschel Simon
Published: April 2024

Background

Pediatric heart (HTx) and kidney transplant (KTx) recipients may have lower physical fitness than healthy children. This study sought to quantify fitness levels in transplant recipients, investigate associations to clinical factors and quality of life, and identify whether a quick, simple wall‐sit test is feasible as a surrogate for overall fitness for longitudinal assessment.

Methods

Aerobic capacity (6‐min walk test, 6MWT), normalized muscle strength, muscle endurance, physical activity questionnaire (PAQ), and quality of life (PedsQL™) were prospectively assessed in transplanted children and matched healthy controls.

Results

Twenty‐two HTx were compared to 20 controls and 6 KTx. 6MWT %predicted was shorter in HTx (87.2 [69.9–118.6] %) than controls (99.9 [80.4–120] %), but similar to KTx (90.3 [78.6–115] %). Muscle strength was lower in HTx deltoids (6.15 [4.35–11.3] kg/m2) and KTx quadriceps (9.27 [8.65–19.1] kg/m2) versus controls. Similarly, muscle endurance was lower in HTx push‐ups (28.6 [0–250] %predicted), KTx push‐ups (8.35 [0–150] %predicted), HTx curl‐ups (115 [0–450] %predicted), and KTx wall‐sit time (18.5 [10.0–54.0] s) than controls. In contrast to HTx with only 9%, all KTx were receiving steroid therapy. The wall‐sit test significantly correlated with other fitness parameters (normalized quadriceps strength R = .31, #push‐ups R = .39, and #curl‐ups R = .43) and PedsQL™ (R = .36).

Conclusions

Compared to controls, pediatric HTx and KTx have similarly lower aerobic capacity, but different deficits in muscle strength, likely related to steroid therapy in KTx. The convenient wall‐sit test correlates with fitness and reported quality of life, and thus could be a useful easy routine for longitudinal assessment.
The decline of incrementalism in U.S. lawmaking
Authors: Lewallen Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Punctuated equilibrium theory (PET) posits that policy change is incremental for long periods of time with occasional shifts in problem definition and governing authority that produce large changes. Incrementalism results from shared norms and standard operating procedures within policy subsystems. The U.S. Congress experienced a series of institutional changes in the 1990s that both introduced more partisanship into subsystem interactions and made it easier for majority party leaders to enact their agenda. These changes have disrupted many of the processes that produce incrementalism. Using data from 1949 to 2022, I find that U.S. policy outputs, measured through public laws, have experienced fewer incremental changes from one term to the next and more moderate and very large changes since 1995. The shift in outputs has been driven primarily by increased partisan conflict within congressional committees. This study highlights the utility of using the stochastic process approach to compare distributions of outputs across time and not only across countries or institutions.
In search of a sustainable future: A comparative assessment of climate change regimes in Nigeria and Kenya
Authors: Okoli Pontian , Abraham Etisang
Published: April 2024

Climate change has caused significant hardship in sub‐Saharan Africa. As a result, Kenya and Nigeria now have statutes that focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Both countries are also parties to the Paris Agreement. The Kenyan Climate Change Act (2016) and the Nigerian Climate Change Act (2021) are similar in terms of their design and overarching aims. Meanwhile, certain pivotal statutory provisions in both statutes are inconsistent with their overarching aims of enhancing appropriate responses to climate change. There is considerable scope for access to justice to be enhanced in the Kenyan and Nigerian statutes. Further, despite their similarities, the divergent approaches of the statutes undermine regional coherence. Such coherence is critical to effectively addressing climate change because both regional powers face similar vulnerabilities with respect to climate change and socio‐economic challenges. This article, therefore, undertakes a comparative analysis of the Kenyan and Nigerian legal regimes in two key respects, namely, (1) institutional structures and how they impact corruption and (2) accessing justice in the context of climate litigation. The Nigerian regime is behind that of Kenya in both regards. The article concludes by examining how the Aarhus Convention and the International Access to Justice Convention can help to fill any statutory gaps concerning access to justice.
The ‘two lives’ of Esping‐Andersen and the revival of a research programme: Gender equality, employment and redistribution in contemporary social policy
Authors: Ferragina Emanuele
Published: April 2024

This article makes two conceptual contributions to social policy literature. First, we summarise key concepts and insights from Gøsta Esping‐Andersen's major books, tracing his work in ‘two lives’: ‘the foundations, or the welfare state between states and markets’ and ‘the demographic turn’. Analysing the ‘first life’, we revisit the centrality of the decommodification and social stratification concepts and the seeds of the social investment approach. Further, we explore Esping‐Andersen's masterful analysis of the double bind of the welfare state (supporting full‐employment and redistributional harmony) in a post‐industrial era and how countries belonging to different regimes have dealt with it. Through his ‘second life’, we explore the ‘impossible marriage’ between full employment and equality, and the development of the social investment approach. Our second contribution is to critically analyse a tension—generated by the shift from a broad to a narrow social policy perspective—between the two lives and how it raises questions for contemporary social policy. We suggest the field should take stock of Esping‐Andersen's work holistically, going beyond a simplistic use of welfare regime typologies and the universal proposition of a Scandinavian‐style social investment approach. This approach tends to overlook factors related to the international context (e.g., the expansion of the market logic, and questions of exchange, inflation and debt) when assessing the impact of social policy on key outcomes. Our ultimate goal is to revive a research programme based on the integration between social policy and international political economy, a programme geared at critically assessing issues related to gender equality, employment and redistribution.
Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of female pattern hair loss
Authors: Hu Lifang , Dai YeQin , Zhang Hongyan , Wu Yi , Wang Tao , Song Xiuzu
Published: April 2024

Background

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most prevalent type of alopecia among adult women. Presently, topical minoxidil stands as the sole treatment endorsed by the FDA. Addressing cases of FPHL in individuals who develop contact dermatitis in response to minoxidil can pose a challenge for dermatologists.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous injections of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA) in treating FPHL.

Methods

Enrolled outpatients with FPHL who exhibited an allergic reaction to minoxidil solution. Diagnosis of FPHL was established through clinical examination and trichoscopy. Inclusion criteria involved patients with no prior treatment within the last year and without any comorbidities. BTA, specifically 100 units, was mixed with 2 mL of 0.9% normal saline. Twenty injection target sites, spaced 2–3 cm apart, were symmetrically marked on the hairless area of the scalp. A dosage of five units was intradermally injected at each target site. Representative photographs and dermoscopic images of the scalp were captured before and after 3 months of treatment.

Results

A total of 10 FPHL, aged between 26 and 40 years, were included. The average age was 30.3 ± 4.64 years, and all patients had a positive family history of Androgenetic Alopecia. The average duration of the disease was 3.70 ± 1.42 years. According to patients' self‐assessment, after 1 month of treatment, 10 FPHL patients reported experiencing moderate to marked improvement in symptoms related to scalp oil secretion. Three months later, dermatological assessments showed that three had mild improvement, six had no change, and one had a worsening condition. No adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the effectiveness of BTA for FPHL is limited to 3 months. However, it can be considered for tentative use after effective communication with patients. The long‐term efficacy and safety of BTA in treating FPHL require further observation and study.
Trust, corruption, and willingness to pay for improved environmental goods: An experimental analysis from a developing country
Authors: Zambrano‐Monserrate Manuel A.
Published: April 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine whether the type of provider institution affects the Willingness to Pay (WTP) of a population for an urban regeneration project.

Methods

This research conducts a discrete choice experiment under a split‐sample approach, conducting two types of surveys, with the only variation being the administering institution for the funds.

Results

The main findings indicate a significant difference in WTP between the sample associated with international non‐governmental organization (NGO) and the municipal sample. For example, the WTP of the population when the provider institution is an international NGO is almost six times higher than when the administering institution is the municipality, which is related to green spaces. The findings suggest that WTP may be underestimated because of the low levels of trust in local public institutions.

Conclusion

The findings of this study have significant implications for economic valuation and public‐policy development. Future research aiming to estimate WTP for environmental goods and services must carefully consider the choice of administering institutions. The sensitivity of WTP to the institutional context, particularly in developing countries, highlights the need for thorough discussions in focus groups and validation through pilot surveys.
ATG7(2) Interacts With Metabolic Proteins and Regulates Central Energy Metabolism
Authors: Ostacolo Kevin , López García de Lomana Adrián , Larat Clémence , Hjaltalin Valgerdur , Holm Kristrun Yr , Hlynsdóttir Sigríður S. , Soucheray Margaret , Sooman Linda , Rolfsson Ottar , Krogan Nevan J. , Steingrimsson Eirikur , Swaney Danielle L. , Ogmundsdottir Margret H.
Published: April 2024

Macroautophagy/autophagy is an essential catabolic process that targets a wide variety of cellular components including proteins, organelles, and pathogens. ATG7, a protein involved in the autophagy process, plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and can contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer. ATG7 initiates autophagy by facilitating the lipidation of the ATG8 proteins in the growing autophagosome membrane. The noncanonical isoform ATG7(2) is unable to perform ATG8 lipidation; however, its cellular regulation and function are unknown. Here, we uncovered a distinct regulation and function of ATG7(2) in contrast with ATG7(1), the canonical isoform. First, affinity‐purification mass spectrometry analysis revealed that ATG7(2) establishes direct protein–protein interactions (PPIs) with metabolic proteins, whereas ATG7(1) primarily interacts with autophagy machinery proteins. Furthermore, we identified that ATG7(2) mediates a decrease in metabolic activity, highlighting a novel splice‐dependent function of this important autophagy protein. Then, we found a divergent expression pattern of ATG7(1) and ATG7(2) across human tissues. Conclusively, our work uncovers the divergent patterns of expression, protein interactions, and function of ATG7(2) in contrast to ATG7(1). These findings suggest a molecular switch between main catabolic processes through isoform‐dependent expression of a key autophagy gene.
Human ST3Gal II and ST6GalNAc IV genes increase human serum‐mediated cytotoxicity to xenogeneic cells
Authors: Choi Hyunju , Song Kwon‐Ho , Kim Hee‐Do , Park Jun‐Young , Lee Young‐Choon , Choi Hee‐Jung , Kim Cheorl‐Ho
Published: April 2024

Carbohydrate‐antigens widely existed on glycoproteins and glycosphingolipids of all mammalian cells play a crucial role in self‐defense and immunity. Xeno‐reactive antibodies included in natural human sera play a protecting role in an acute phase‐rejection of xenotransplantation. In this study, we investigated the effect of an alteration of glycosylation‐pattern, caused by human sialyltransferases such as hST3Gal II or hST6GalNAc IV, on human serum mediated cytotoxicity in pig kidney PK15 cells. From LDH cytotoxicity assay, cytotoxicity to human serum was significantly increased in hST3Gal II and hST6GalNAc IV‐transfected PK15 cells, as compared to the control. In the hST6Gal I‐carrying cells, the cytotoxicity to human serum was rather decreased. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis revealed that an alteration of pig glycosylation‐pattern by hST3Gal II or hST6GalNAc IV influences on a binding of human IgM or IgG, respectively, in pig kidney cells, regardless of Gal antigen alteration. Finally, we found that hST6GalNAc IV contributed to increase of terminal disialylated tetrasaccharide structure, disialyl T antigen, as evidenced by increase of the MAL II lectin binding capacity in the hST6GalNAc IV‐transfected PK15 cells, compared with control. Therefore, our results suggest that carbohydrate antigens, such as disialyl T antigen, newly synthesized by the ST3Gal II‐ and ST6GalNAc IV are potentially believed to be new xeno‐reactive elements.
Effects of Leading-Edge Blowing Control and Reduced Frequency on Airfoil Aerodynamic Performances
Authors: Chen Yang , Avital Eldad , Willams John , Santra Srimanta , Seifert Avraham
Published: April 2024

Airfoil leading-edge fluid-blowing control is computationally studied to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The fluid injection momentum coefficient Cμ (the ratio of injection to incoming square velocities times the slot's width to airfoil's half chord length) varies from 0.5% to 5.4%. Both static and dynamic conditions are investigated for a NACA0018 airfoil at low speed and Reynolds number of 250 k based on the airfoil's chord length. The airfoil is dynamically pitched at a reduced frequency (the pitching tangential speed to the freestream speed ratio), varying between 0.0078 and 0.2. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and unsteady RANS (URANS) is used in the simulations as based on the Transition SST and Spalart–Allmaras models, generally achieving good agreement with experimental results in lift and drag coefficients and in the pressure coefficient distributions along the airfoil. It is found that oscillating the airfoil can delay stall, as expected, in dynamic stall (DS). Leading-edge blowing control can also significantly delay stall both in static and dynamic conditions as long as sufficient momentum is applied to the control. On the other hand, for a small Cμ such as 0.5%, the leading-edge control worsens the performance and hastens the appearance of stall in both static and dynamic conditions. The airfoil's oscillation reduces the differences between pitch-up and pitch-down aerodynamic performances. Detailed analysis of vorticity, pressure, velocity, and streamline contours is given to provide plausible explanations and insight to the flow.
Effect of Tip Gap Size on the Tip Flow Structure and Turbulence Generation in a Low Reynolds Number Compressor Cascade
Authors: Shi Lei , Hongwei Ma , Wang Huajie , Wang Tianyou
Published: April 2024

Efficient and compact axial compressors are currently undergoing rapid development for use in microcooling systems and small-scale vehicles. Limited experimental work concentrates on the inner flow field of the compressors working at such low Reynolds numbers (Re∼104). This study examines the vortical structures and the resulting turbulence production in the transitional flow over a C4 compressor blade at a Reynolds number Re of 24,000, with a specific focus on the impact of tip clearance. The particle image velocimetry measurements reveal the tip flow structures in detail, including the tip leakage vortex (TLV) and its induced complex vortical structures. The tip secondary flow at the low Reynolds number can be divided as the tip leakage flow (TLF)/vortex and transitional boundary layer both at the end walls and the blade surfaces. The TLV propagates at the highest spanwise positions and farthest pitchwise positions at the middle tip gap size (τ/C = 3%) for the three tip gap sizes investigated. The tip flow fluctuations decrease from τ/C = 5% to τ/C = 3% and then increase from τ/C = 3% to τ/C = 1%. The spatial distribution, streamwise evolution, and individual Reynolds normal stress components contributing to the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) are discussed. The primary contributors to the turbulence generation are examined to elucidate the flow mechanism leading to the distinct anisotropic turbulence structure in the tip region with various tip gap sizes.
Perspectives on Inclusion in Physical Education From Faculty and Students at Three Physical Education Teacher Education Programs in Chile
Authors: Arroyo-Rojas Fabián , Hodge Samuel R.
Published: April 2024

Discourse about, and the preparation of teachers regarding, the inclusion of all students has been lacking in Latin America broadly, including Chile. The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives of physical education teacher education (PETE) faculty members and undergraduate students on inclusion and social justice in Chile. Grounded in social constructionism, the research design of this qualitative inquiry was descriptive multiple case study. The 16 participants were PETE faculty—that is, two assistant professors and one adjunct faculty member (n = 3) and three heads of programs (n = 3)—as well as undergraduate students (n = 10) across three PETE programs in Chile. The primary data sources were 12 individual semistructured interviews with heads of the program and faculty and three focus group interviews with undergraduate students across programs. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis to draw on different themes capturing the perspectives on inclusion and social justice within the Chilean physical education curriculum. Findings were presented through themes and subthemes across PETE programs. Three major discussion themes are presented: (a) disability framed within a deficit model, (b) inclusion as an adapted pedagogical practice, and (c) inclusion as a rights-based model for equality of opportunities. We conclude, analytically, that a lack of critical critique of the deficit model of disability, adapted pedagogical practices alone, and sameness manifests forms of marginalization to students with disabilities in physical education.
Impact of Secondary Organizational Socialization on North American, Asian, and European Early Career Faculty Members’ Delivery of Physical Education Teacher Education
Authors: Dennis Meghan , Baek Seungsoo , Wolecki Adam M. , Lee Wonhee , Molska Natalia D. , Ryan R. Tanner , Curtner-Smith Matthew D.
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To describe the impact of secondary organizational socialization on 10 early career faculty members’ (FMs) delivery of physical education teacher education (PETE). Method: The FMs worked in universities situated on three different continents. Data were collected with four qualitative techniques (formal interviews, written ideal PETE program, document analysis, and prerecorded film) and analyzed by using analytic induction and constant comparison. Findings: FMs delivered PETE that was a hybrid of the behavioristic, traditional/craft, critical-inquiry, and personalistic orientations to teacher education. The cultures and conditions in which FMs worked were mainly positive and favorable and aided them in delivering PETE. FMs coped with negative cultural elements and unfavorable conditions that constrained them through strategic compliance, strategic redefinition, or finding a new position. Conclusion: Findings were similar across continents and should help with efforts to improve the transition of neophyte FMs into the workplace.
Realization of an atomic quantum Hall system in four dimensions
Authors: Bouhiron Jean-Baptiste , Fabre Aurélien , Liu Qi , Redon Quentin , Mittal Nehal , Satoor Tanish , Lopes Raphael , Nascimbene Sylvain
Published: April 2024

Modern condensed matter physics relies on the concept of topology to classify matter, from quantum Hall systems to topological insulators. Engineered systems, benefiting from synthetic dimensions, can potentially give access to topological states predicted in dimensions
D
> 3. We report the realization of an atomic quantum Hall system evolving in four dimensions (4D), with two spatial dimensions and two synthetic ones encoded in the large spin of dysprosium atoms. We measure the nontrivial topological index of the ground band through a full characterization of the nonlinear electromagnetic response and observe the associated anisotropic hyperedge modes. We also excite nonplanar cyclotron motion, in contrast to the planar orbits in
D
≤ 3. Our work may enable the investigation of strongly correlated topological liquids in 4D, generalizing fractional quantum Hall states.
Large-scale photonic chiplet Taichi empowers 160-TOPS/W artificial general intelligence
Authors: Xu Zhihao , Zhou Tiankuang , Ma Muzhou , Deng ChenChen , Dai Qionghai , Fang Lu
Published: April 2024

The pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI) continuously demands higher computing performance. Despite the superior processing speed and efficiency of integrated photonic circuits, their capacity and scalability are restricted by unavoidable errors, such that only simple tasks and shallow models are realized. To support modern AGIs, we designed Taichi—large-scale photonic chiplets based on an integrated diffractive-interference hybrid design and a general distributed computing architecture that has millions-of-neurons capability with 160–tera-operations per second per watt (TOPS/W) energy efficiency. Taichi experimentally achieved on-chip 1000-category–level classification (testing at 91.89% accuracy in the 1623-category Omniglot dataset) and high-fidelity artificial intelligence–generated content with up to two orders of magnitude of improvement in efficiency. Taichi paves the way for large-scale photonic computing and advanced tasks, further exploiting the flexibility and potential of photonics for modern AGI.
Molecular mechanism of actin filament elongation by formins
Authors: Oosterheert Wout , Boiero Sanders Micaela , Funk Johanna , Prumbaum Daniel , Raunser Stefan , Bieling Peter
Published: April 2024

Formins control the assembly of actin filaments (F-actin) that drive cell morphogenesis and motility in eukaryotes. However, their molecular interaction with F-actin and their mechanism of action remain unclear. In this work, we present high-resolution cryo–electron microscopy structures of F-actin barbed ends bound by three distinct formins, revealing a common asymmetric formin conformation imposed by the filament. Formation of new intersubunit contacts during actin polymerization sterically displaces formin and triggers its translocation. This “undock-and-lock” mechanism explains how actin-filament growth is coordinated with formin movement. Filament elongation speeds are controlled by the positioning and stability of actin-formin interfaces, which distinguish fast and slow formins. Furthermore, we provide a structure of the actin-formin-profilin ring complex, which resolves how profilin is rapidly released from the barbed end during filament elongation.
Embattled Harvard honesty professor accused of plagiarism
Authors: O’Grady Cathleen
Published: April 2024

Academic chapter and two books by Francesca Gino appear to copy from student theses, blogs, and news reports
Difficult-to-treat (DTR)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
harboring Verona-Integron metallo-β-lactamase (
bla
VIM
): infection management and molecular analysis
Authors: Vega Ana D. , DeRonde Kailynn , Jimenez Adriana , Piazza Michael , Vu Christine , Martinez Octavio , Rojas Laura J. , Marshall Steven , Yasmin Mohamad , Bonomo Robert A. , Abbo Lilian M.
Published: April 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
harboring Verona Integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase enzymes (VIM-CRPA) have been associated with infection outbreaks in several parts of the world. In the US, however, VIM-CRPA remain rare. Starting in December 2018, we identified a cluster of cases in our institution. Herein, we present our epidemiological investigation and strategies to control/manage these challenging infections. This study was conducted in a large academic healthcare system in Miami, FL, between December 2018 and January 2022. Patients were prospectively identified via rapid molecular diagnostics when cultures revealed carbapenem-resistant
P. aeruginosa
. Alerts were received in real time by the antimicrobial stewardship program and infection prevention teams. Upon alert recognition, a series of interventions were performed as a coordinated effort. A retrospective chart review was conducted to collect patient demographics, antimicrobial therapy, and clinical outcomes. Thirty-nine VIM-CRPA isolates led to infection in 21 patients. The majority were male (76.2%); the median age was 52 years. The majority were mechanically ventilated (
n
= 15/21; 71.4%); 47.6% (
n
= 10/21) received renal replacement therapy at the time of index culture. Respiratory (
n
= 20/39; 51.3%) or bloodstream (
n
= 13/39; 33.3%) were the most common sources. Most infections (
n
= 23/37; 62.2%) were treated with an aztreonam–avibactam regimen. Six patients (28.6%) expired within 30 days of index VIM-CRPA infection. Fourteen isolates were selected for whole genome sequencing. Most of them belonged to ST111 (12/14), and they all carried bla
VIM-2
chromosomally. This report describes the clinical experience treating serious VIM-CRPA infections with either aztreonam–ceftazidime/avibactam or cefiderocol in combination with other agents. The importance of implementing infection prevention strategies to curb VIM-CRPA outbreaks is also demonstrated.
Breaking the habit: isolating nicotine-degrading bacteria in undergraduate microbiology teaching labs
Authors: Mastenbrook J. , Pathak E. , Beaver C. , Stull F. , Koestler B. J.
Published: April 2024

Nicotine is a major alkaloid in tobacco plants and an addictive component of tobacco products. Some bacteria grow on tobacco plants and have evolved the ability to metabolize nicotine. As part of our microbiology teaching lab, we used minimal media with nicotine as the sole carbon source to isolate nicotine-degrading bacteria from tobacco leaves and commercial tobacco products. Students then identified these bacteria using 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical assays and assessed their ability to catabolize nicotine using UV spectroscopy. Students were able to isolate and identify 14 distinct genera that can metabolize nicotine. This modification of the commonly used unknown project gave students firsthand experience using selective media, and students got the opportunity to work with largely uncharacterized microbes with a real-world connection to public health, which increased student engagement. Students had the opportunity to think critically about why nicotine-degrading microorganisms associate with tobacco plants, why there are different bacteria that use the same specialized metabolism, and how these organisms are isolated from other bacteria using selective media.
Metagenome-assembled genomes of the methanogenic enrichment obtained from drilling fluid wastes stored in permafrost
Authors: Shcherbakova V. A. , Rechkina V. I. , Trubitsyn V. E.
Published: April 2024

We studied methanogenic enrichment (Kha) from spent drilling fluid stored in permafrost, Kharasavey (71°10′50″N 66°51′50″E) gas field located in the western part of the Yamal Peninsula. The metagenome-assembled genomes showed that Kha consists of representatives of
Methanosarcina
,
Methanobacterium
,
Proteinifillum
, and
Synergistetes
genera.
Bacterial and fungal community structures in Hulun Lake are regulated by both stochastic processes and environmental factors
Authors: Shang Yongquan , Wang Xibao , Wu Xiaoyang , Dou Huashan , Wei Qinguo , Wang Qi , Liu Gang , Sun Guolei , Wang Lidong , Zhang Honghai
Published: April 2024

Microorganisms are a crucial component of lake ecosystems and significant contributors to biogeochemical cycles. However, the understanding of how primary microorganism groups (e.g., bacteria and fungi) are distributed and constructed within different lake habitats is lacking. We investigated the bacterial and fungal communities of Hulun Lake using high-throughput sequencing techniques targeting 16S rRNA and Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 genes, including a range of ecological and statistical methodologies. Our findings reveal that environmental factors have high spatial and temporal variability. The composition and community structures vary significantly depending on differences in habitats. Variance partitioning analysis showed that environmental and geographical factors accounted for <20% of the community variation. Canonical correlation analysis showed that among the environmental factors, temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen had strong control over microbial communities. However, the microbial communities (bacterial and fungal) were primarily controlled by the dispersal limitations of stochastic processes. This study offers fresh perspectives regarding the maintenance mechanism of bacterial and fungal biodiversity in lake ecosystems, especially regarding the responses of microbial communities under identical environmental stress.

IMPORTANCE

Lake ecosystems are an important part of the freshwater ecosystem. Lake microorganisms play an important role in material circulation and energy flow owing to their unique enzymatic and metabolic capacity. In this study, we observed that bacterial and fungal communities varied widely in the water and sediments of Hulun Lake. The primary factor affecting their formation was identified as dispersal limitation during stochastic processes. Environmental and geographical factors accounted for <20% of the variation in bacterial and fungal communities, with pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen being important environmental factors. Our findings provide new insights into the responses of bacteria and fungi to the environment, shed light on the ecological processes of community building, and deepen our understanding of lake ecosystems. The results of this study provide a reference for lake management and conservation, particularly with respect to monitoring and understanding microbial communities in response to environmental changes.
Maternal and infant outcomes in women with sickle cell disease: a matched cohort study
Authors: Sikdar Oishi , Ambulkar Hemant , Jenkinson Allan , Hedley Catherine , Johns Jemma , Bhat Ravindra , Dassios Theodore , Harris Christopher , Greenough Anne
Published: April 2024

Objective

Women with sickle cell disease (SCD) have adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Our aim was to determine whether the outcomes of SCD mothers and their infants differed from African or Caribbean women not affected by SCD and whether there were differences between SCD individuals with the haemoglobin SS (HbSS) or haemoglobin SC (HbSC) genotypes. Furthermore, we wished to determine if any differences related to deprivation.

Design

A matched cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary perinatal centre in London

Patients

4964 African or Caribbean women without SCD and 148 with SCD.

Main outcome measures

Mode of delivery, maternal exchange transfusion, birthweight, neonatal unit admission, neonatal death and deprivation indices

Results

SCD women were more likely to be delivered by caesarean section (p<0.001) and had babies of lower birthweight (p<0.001). Their infants were no more likely to be admitted to neonatal intensive care unit or suffer a neonatal death. There were no significant differences between the SCD women and those without SCD in their deprivation index or deprivation decile. The women with the HbSS genotype compared to those with the HbSC genotype were more anaemic (p<0.02), required more exchange transfusions (p<0.001) and were more likely to be delivered by caesarean section (p=0.008). The infant outcomes did not differ significantly between the genotypes.

Conclusions

Although, the SCD women, particularly those with the HbSS genotype, had greater morbidity, infant morbidity, and mortality was similar in mothers with the HbSS or HbSC genotypes and those without SCD.
Influencing factors of effective lens position in patients with Marfan syndrome and ectopia lentis
Authors: Shen Xin , Chen Zexu , Jia WanNan , Wang Yalei , Chen Tianhui , Sun Yang , Jiang Yongxiang
Published: April 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to analyse the effective lens position (ELP) in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and ectopia lentis (EL).

Methods

Patients with MFS undergoing lens removal and primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were enrolled in the study. The back-calculated ELP was obtained with the vergence formula and compared with the theoretical ELPs. The back-calculated ELP and ELP error were evaluated among demographic and biometric parameters, including axial length (AL), corneal curvature radius (CCR) and white-to-white (WTW).

Results

A total of 292 eyes from 200 patients were included. The back-calculated ELP was lower in patients undergoing scleral-fixated IOL than those receiving in-the-bag IOL implantation (4.54 (IQR 3.65–5.20) mm vs 4.98 (IQR 4.56–5.67) mm, p<0.001). The theoretical ELP of the SRK/T formula exhibited the highest accuracy, with no difference from the back-calculated ELP in patients undergoing in-the-bag IOL implantation (5.11 (IQR 4.83–5.65) mm vs 4.98 (IQR 4.56–5.67) mm, p=0.209). The ELP errors demonstrated significant correlations with refraction prediction error (PE): a 1 mm ELP error led to PE of 2.42D (AL<22 mm), 1.47D (22 mm≤AL<26 mm) and 0.54D (AL≥26 mm). Multivariate analysis revealed significant correlations of ELP with AL (b=0.43, p<0.001), CCR (b=−0.85, p<0.001) and WTW (b=0.41, p=0.004).

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights into the origin of PE in patients with MFS and EL and potentially refines existing formulas.