bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial community interactions determine the mineralization of soil organic phosphorus in subtropical forest ecosystems
Authors: Pan Chang , Sun Chenchen , Qu Xinjing , Yu Wenruinan , Guo Jiahuan , Yu Yuanchun , Li Xiaogang
Published: February 2024

In subtropical forest ecosystems with few phosphorus (P) inputs, P availability and forest productivity depend on soil organic P (Po) mineralization. However, the mechanisms by which the microbial community determines the status and fate of soil Po mineralization remain unclear. In the present study, soils were collected from three typical forest types: secondary natural forest (SNF), mixed planting, and monoculture forest of Chinese fir. The P fractions, Po-mineralization ability, and microbial community in the soils of different forest types were characterized. In addition, we defined Po-mineralizing taxa with the potential to interact with the soil microbial community to regulate Po mineralization. We found that a higher labile P content persisted in SNF and was positively associated with the Po-mineralization capacity of the soil microbial community.
In vitro
cultures of soil suspensions revealed that soil Po mineralization of three forest types was distinguished by differences in the composition of fungal communities. We further identified broad phylogenetic lineages of Po-mineralizing fungi with a high intensity of positive interactions with the soil microbial community, implying that the facilitation of Po-mineralizing taxa is crucial for soil P availability. Our dilution experiments to weaken microbial interactions revealed that in SNF soil, which had the highest interaction intensity of Po-mineralizing taxa with the community, Po-mineralization capacity was irreversibly lost after dilution, highlighting the importance of microbial diversity protection in forest soils. In summary, this study demonstrates that the interactions of Po-mineralizing microorganisms with the soil microbial community are critical for P availability in subtropical forests.

IMPORTANCE

In subtropical forest ecosystems with few phosphorus inputs, phosphorus availability and forest productivity depend on soil organic phosphorus mineralization. However, the mechanisms by which the microbial community interactions determine the mineralization of soil organic phosphorus remain unclear. In the present study, soils were collected from three typical forest types: secondary natural forest, mixed planting, and monoculture forest of Chinese fir. We found that a higher soil labile phosphorus content was positively associated with the organic phosphorus mineralization capacity of the soil microbial community. Soil organic phosphorus mineralization of three forest types was distinguished by the differences in the composition of fungal communities. The positive interactions between organic phosphorus-mineralizing fungi and the rest of the soil microbial community facilitated organic phosphorus mineralization. This study highlights the importance of microbial diversity protection in forest soils and reveals the microbial mechanism of phosphorus availability maintenance in subtropical forest ecosystems.
The histone deacetylase Hda1 affects oxidative and osmotic stress response as well as mycoparasitic activity and secondary metabolite biosynthesis inTrichoderma atroviride
Authors: Speckbacher Verena , Flatschacher Daniel , Martini-Lösch Nora , Ulbrich Laura , Baldin Clara , Bauer Ingo , Ruzsanyi Veronika , Zeilinger Susanne
Published: February 2024

The mycoparasitic fungusTrichoderma atrovirideis applied in agriculture as a biostimulant and biologic control agent against fungal pathogens that infest crop plants. Secondary metabolites are among the main agents determining the strength and progress of the mycoparasitic attack. However, expression of most secondary metabolism-associated genes requires specific cues, as they are silent under routine laboratory conditions due to their maintenance in an inactive heterochromatin state. Therefore, histone modifications are crucial for the regulation of secondary metabolism. Here, we functionally investigated the role of the class II histone deacetylase encoding genehda1ofT. atrovirideby targeted gene deletion, phenotypic characterization, and multi-omics approaches. Deletion ofhda1did not result in obvious phenotypic alterations but led to an enhanced inhibitory activity of secreted metabolites and reduced mycoparasitic abilities ofT. atrovirideagainst the plant-pathogenic fungiBotrytis cinereaandRhizoctonia solani. The∆hda1mutants emitted altered amounts of four volatile organic compounds along their development, produced different metabolite profiles upon growth in liquid culture, and showed a higher susceptibility to oxidative and osmotic stress. Moreover,hda1deletion affected the expression of several notable gene categories such as polyketide synthases, transcription factors, and genes involved in the HOG MAPK pathway.

IMPORTANCE

Histone deacetylases play crucial roles in regulating chromatin structure and gene transcription. To date, classical—Zn2+dependent—fungal histone deacetylases are divided into two classes, of which each comprises orthologues of the two sub-groups Rpd3 and Hos2 and Hda1 and Hos3 of yeast, respectively. However, the role of these chromatin remodelers in mycoparasitic fungi is poorly understood. In this study, we provide evidence that Hda1, the class II histone deacetylases of the mycoparasitic fungusTrichoderma atroviride, regulates its mycoparasitic activity, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and osmotic and oxidative stress tolerance. The function of Hda1 in regulating bioactive metabolite production and mycoparasitism reveals the importance of chromatin-dependent regulation in the ability ofT. atrovirideto successfully control fungal plant pathogens.
Supplemental Material: Early Cretaceous continental arc magmatism in the Wakhan Corridor, South Pamir: Mantle evolution and geodynamic processes during flat subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab
Authors: Yang Fan , al. et
Published: February 2024

Text S1: Analytical methods. Table S1: LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb isotopic dating data for the Kalaqigu diorite and monzogranite at the Chinese Wakhan Corridor, South Pamir. Table S2: Representative electron probe analyses of amphibole, biotite, and plagioclase from the Kalaqigu pluton. Table S3: Whole-rock major (wt%) and trace (ppm) elements and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions of Kalaqigu diorite and monzogranite at the Chinese Wakhan Corridor and Taxkorgan S-type monzogranites. Table S4: Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic compositions of Kalaqigu diorite at the Chinese Wakhan Corridor, South Pamir. Table S5: Zircon O isotopic compositions of Kalaqigu diorite and monzogranite at the Chinese Wakhan Corridor, South Pamir. 
When I use a word . . . Medicines regulation—diethylene glycol
Authors: Aronson Jeffrey K
Published: February 2024

In 1937, when diethylene glycol was used as a solvent in the preparation of a medicinal product, an elixir of sulfanilamide, resulting in deaths, public outcry hastened the promulgation of an act that had been in preparation in the USA for several years, but which had met with opposition from pharmaceutical companies. The 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act, as it was known, gave greater powers to the then recently formed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in regulating the contents of medicinal formulations. Nevertheless, although similar regulatory systems have since been established around the world, episodes of poisoning with diethylene glycol in pharmaceutical formulations, whether deliberately included adulteration or as a contaminant, continue to be reported, generally in developing countries, usually affecting children, and often causing deaths.
Use of drugs for hyperlipidaemia and diabetes and risk of primary and secondary brain tumours: nested case–control studies using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD)
Authors: Robinson Jamie W , Martin Richard , Ozawa Mio , Elwenspoek Martha Maria Christine , Redaniel Maria Theresa , Kurian Kathreena M , Ben-Shlomo Yoav
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Previous studies have suggested that fibrates and glitazones may have a role in brain tumour prevention. We examined if there is support for these observations using primary care records from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).

Design

We conducted two nested case–control studies using primary and secondary brain tumours identified within CPRD between 2000 and 2016. We selected cases and controls among the population of individuals who had been treated with any anti-diabetic or anti-hyperlipidaemic medication to reduce confounding by indication.

Setting

Adults older than 18 years registered with a general practitioner in the UK contributing data to CPRD.

Results

We identified 7496 individuals with any brain tumour (4471 primary; 3025 secondary) in total. After restricting cases and controls to those prescribed any anti-diabetic or anti-hyperlipidaemic medication, there were 1950 cases and 7791 controls in the fibrate and 480 cases with 1920 controls in the glitazone analyses. Longer use of glitazones compared with all other anti-diabetic medications was associated with a reduced risk of primary (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.89 per year, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.98), secondary (aOR 0.87 per year, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99) or combined brain tumours (aOR 0.88 per year, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.95). There was little evidence that fibrate exposure was associated with risk of either primary or secondary brain tumours.

Conclusions

Longer exposure to glitazones was associated with reduced primary and secondary brain tumour risk. Further basic science and population-based research should explore this finding in greater detail, in terms of replication and mechanistic studies.
Role of modifiable organisational factors in decreasing barriers to mental healthcare: a longitudinal study of mission meaningfulness, team relatedness and leadership trust among Canadian military personnel deployed on Operation LASER
Authors: Born Jennifer , Liu Aihua , Sudom Kerry , Michaud Kathy , Xi Min , Fikretoglu Deniz
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The literature presents complex inter-relationships among individual-factors and organisational-factors and barriers to seeking mental health support after deployment. This study aims to quantify longitudinal associations between such factors and barriers to mental health support.

Design

A longitudinal online survey of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel collected data at 3 months post-deployment (T1), 6 months post-deployment (T2) and 1 year post-deployment (T3).

Setting

In 2020, as part of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2595 CAF personnel deployed on Operation LASER to support civilian long-term care facilities in Québec and Ontario.

Participants

All Operation LASER personnel were invited to participate: 1088, 582 and 497 responded at T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Most respondents were young, male, non-commissioned members.

Main outcome measures

Barriers to mental health support were measured using 25 self-reported items and grouped into theory-based factors, including eight factors exploring care-seeking capabilities, opportunities and motivations; and two factors exploring moral issues. Logistic regressions estimated the crude and adjusted associations of individual and organisational characteristics (T1) with barriers (T2 and T3).

Results

When adjusting for sex, military rank and mental health status, increased meaningfulness of deployment was associated with lower probability of endorsing barriers related to conflicts with career goals and moral discomfort in accessing support at T2. Higher scores in trust in leadership were associated with lower probability of endorsing four barriers at T2, and five barriers at T3.

Conclusions

We identified several modifiable organisational-level characteristics that may help reduce perceived barriers to mental health support in military and other high-risk occupational populations. Results suggest that promoting individuals’ sense of purpose, instilling trust in leadership and promoting relatedness among team members may improve perceptions of access to mental health supports in the months following a domestic deployment or comparable occupational exposure.
Effectiveness of musculoskeletal manipulations in patients with neck pain: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Gong Zhichao , Gao Yinyan , Liu Wenqi , Liu Xiaowei , Chen Qintao , Zhang Siyi , Liu Lei , Li Jiangshan , Li Wu
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Neck pain is a common problem that severely affects physical and mental health. While musculoskeletal manipulations are recommended as the first-line treatment for adults with neck pain, the comparative effectiveness of different musculoskeletal manipulations remains unclear. This systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) will compare the effectiveness of different types of musculoskeletal manipulations, with the overarching aim of guiding clinical practice.

Methods and analysis

Two independent reviewers will search four English electronic databases (Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed) and three Chinese electronic databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang) for relevant RCTs published from 1 January 2013 to 30 April 2023. The Clinical Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) will be searched for completed but unpublished RCTs. English and Chinese will be used to search English databases and Chinese databases, respectively. RCTs of musculoskeletal manipulations for adults (aged ≥18 years) with neck pain will be considered eligible for inclusion. A pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis will be performed, and pooled risk ratios, standardised mean differences and 95% CIs will be determined.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required as this study is a literature review. The results of this review will be published in peer-reviewed journals or disseminated at conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023420775.
Home palliative medicine: an audit of weekend and public holiday telephones on-call
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano , Bellavia Giuseppe , Intravaia Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To report the on-call activity of a well-established home care programme.

Methods

The charts of consecutive phone calls recorded in the weekend or public holidays were reviewed.

Results

The principal reason to call were based on caregivers’ uncertainty, for the need of information or just to be reassured. The other more frequent reason to call was related to technical problems with peripheral intravenous central catheters.

Conclusions

An integrated system of ‘on call’ allows to select the interventions, covering most of the patients’ needs.
Second Born electrons, Born again seamen
Authors: Rau A.R.P.
Published: February 2024

The multiple puns in the title play on a curiosity, that the rescue of a person overboard at sea and the dominance of the second Born term in forward charge transfer in atomic collisions share common elements of physics. Essentials and commonality in the two are explained.
An analysis of trends in UAV swarm implementations in current research: simulation versus hardware
Authors: Phadke Abhishek , Medrano F. Antonio , Sekharan Chandra N. , Chu Tianxing
Published: February 2024

In the fast-evolving field of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm research, there is a growing emphasis on validating results through simulation rather than hands-on hardware experiments. This article delves into this shift, focusing on fundamental research questions on whether simulation tests verify results with hardware experiments, if they mention reasons for not using hardware, and if they provide plans for future implementation using hardware. By examining relevant trends, this study aims to be among the first to address the question of whether the advancements in simulation platforms and disruption modeling have reduced the perceived need for real-world hardware-based tests to verify performance metrics. Supported by data from articles spanning a decade, this report examines global trends in UAV swarm research and experimentation. Variables such as the country, swarm size, and implementation method are reviewed to reveal current trends in how UAV swarm research is conducted and validated. It is concluded that the increase in the simulation-only deployments used by UAV swarm researchers is being readily accepted by the academic community, viewing it as a viable solution to avoid regulations on the UAV industry as well as a reflection on the advanced simulation and modeling methods being developed to support them.
Convergent close-coupling calculations of positron scattering from neon and argon
Authors: Mori N. A. , Scarlett L. H. , Bray I. , Fursa D. V.
Published: February 2024

Positron scattering from the noble gas atoms neon and argon is calculated using the single-center convergent close-coupling (CCC) method. Unlike previous CCC calculations, we have relaxed the frozen-core approximation by fully opening the outermost s and p shells, and find better agreement with experiment for excitation energies and dipole polarizability. We have used this improved structure model to calculate elastic, elastic differential, total, momentum-transfer, electron-loss, and total bound excitation cross sections. We have applied a complex model potential calculation, scaled to our single-center CCC results, to obtain direct ionization and positronium-formation cross sections for these systems. This complex model potential was also used to calculate results between the positronium-formation and ionization thresholds, giving complete results from $$10^{-5}$$

10

-
5

 eV to 5000 eV. Overall, good agreement is observed with past theory and experiment for most transitions.

Graphic abstract
MGRR-Net: Multi-level Graph Relational Reasoning Network for Facial Action Unit Detection
Authors: Ge Xuri , Jose Joemon M. , Xu Songpei , Liu Xiao , Han Hu
Published: February 2024

The Facial Action Coding System (FACS) encodes the action units (AUs) in facial images, which has attracted extensive research attention due to its wide use in facial expression analysis. Many methods that perform well on automatic facial action unit (AU) detection primarily focus on modeling various AU relations between corresponding local muscle areas or mining global attention–aware facial features; however, they neglect the dynamic interactions among local-global features. We argue that encoding AU features just from one perspective may not capture the rich contextual information between regional and global face features, as well as the detailed variability across AUs, because of the diversity in expression and individual characteristics. In this article, we propose a novel Multi-level Graph Relational Reasoning Network (termed
MGRR-Net
) for facial AU detection. Each layer of MGRR-Net performs a multi-level (i.e., region-level, pixel-wise, and channel-wise level) feature learning. On the one hand, the region-level feature learning from the local face patch features via graph neural network can encode the correlation across different AUs. On the other hand, pixel-wise and channel-wise feature learning via graph attention networks (GAT) enhance the discrimination ability of AU features by adaptively recalibrating feature responses of pixels and channels from global face features. The hierarchical fusion strategy combines features from the three levels with gated fusion cells to improve AU discriminative ability. Extensive experiments on DISFA and BP4D AU datasets show that the proposed approach achieves superior performance than the state-of-the-art methods.
How Do First-Year Engineering Students’ Emotions Change while Working on Programming Problems?
Authors: Atiq Zahra , Batra Rakhi
Published: February 2024

Emotions are a complex multi-faceted phenomenon. To assess the complexity of emotions from different facets, multi-modal approaches are necessary. However, multi-modal approaches are rarely used for assessing emotions, especially in the context of computer programming. This study adopts a multi-modal approach to understand the changes in students’ perception of emotions before and after working on programming problems. Understanding these changes in students’ perceptions may enable educators to devise interventions that help students adjust their perceptions and regulate their emotions as per their skills. We conducted a one-on-one programming session and retrospective think-aloud interview with 17 students from an introductory programming course. During the programming session, students filled surveys and performed four programming tasks. While working on these tasks, students’ eye gaze, video of face and screen, and electrodermal activity data were also collected using a non-invasive device. The data collection for this study was multi-modal, with a mix of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Data analysis was primarily qualitative, with additional triangulation of qualitative and biometric data for select exemplars. The findings of this study suggest that students experience changes in emotions because of many reasons, for instance, they encountered repeated errors, they set high standards for their performance, or they could not manage time. For some students, negative emotions changed to positive emotions when they solved errors without any external help or achieved more than what they expected going into the task. Moreover, the triangulation of qualitative and biometric data of two participants provides a fine-grained analysis of their emotions and behaviors and confirmed the change in the perception of their emotions while performing the programming tasks.
Stretch-induced compliance mechanism in pregnancy-induced cardiac hypertrophy and the impact of cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Ferreira Ana Filipa , Azevedo Maria João , Morais Juliana , Almeida-Coelho João , Leite-Moreira André M. , Lourenço André P. , Saraiva Francisca , Diaz Sílvia O. , Amador Ana Filipa , Sousa Carla , Machado Ana Paula , Sampaio-Maia Benedita , Ramalho Carla , Leite-Moreira Adelino , Barros António S. , Falcão-Pires Inês
Published: February 2024

The sudden increase of volume overload triggers an acute myocardial stretch characterized by an immediate rise in contractility by the Frank–Starling mechanism, followed by a progressive increase known as the slow force response. The present study is the first to characterize echocardiographically the stretch-induced compliance (SIC) mechanism in the context of physiological hypertrophy induced by pregnancy. A distinct functional adaptation to SIC was observed between first and third trimesters, which was influenced by cardiovascular risk factors.
Altered Oxidative Phosphorylation Confers Vulnerability on IDH1-Mutant Leukemia Cells: Is This Therapeutically Tractable?
Authors: Steensma David P.
Published: February 2024

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)–mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is treatable with inhibitors of mutant IDH and also responds well to combination therapies including venetoclax, but most patients with IDH-mutant AML either never achieve complete remission or relapse because mutant hematopoietic stem cells persist despite treatment. An interesting new study in Blood Cancer Discovery characterizes a specific vulnerability in the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system in preleukemic hematopoietic stem cells from patients with IDH1 mutations that is not present in those with IDH2 mutations; will this susceptibility prove amenable to therapy?

See related article by Landberg et al., p. 114 (10).
Anal Canal Melanoma: Challenging the Odds
Authors: Magno Sara , Nunes Hugo
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Anal canal melanoma is a rare form of both anal cancer and skin melanoma, representing 1% of all anal cancers. Diagnosis is often made at an advanced disease stage. Because of late diagnosis and aggressive clinical course, anal canal melanoma has a very poor prognosis. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 61-year-old female with anal canal melanoma and lung, liver, pelvic and central nervous system (CNS) metastasis, BRAF V600E mutated. Combined BRAF/MEK inhibition and CNS radiation therapy were able to achieve excellent local and distant disease control. Conclusion: Anal canal melanoma is a rare and aggressive form of melanoma. Multidisciplinary management in experienced centers is mandatory for good clinical outcomes.
Recent Advances in Implantable Biomaterials for the Treatment of Volumetric Muscle Loss
Authors: Schiltz Leia , Grivetti Elizabeth , Tanner Gabrielle I. , Qazi Taimoor H.
Published: February 2024

Background: Volumetric muscle loss (VML) causes pain and disability in patients who sustain traumatic injury from invasive surgical procedures, vehicle accidents, and battlefield wounds. Clinical treatment of VML injuries is challenging, and although options such as free-flap autologous grafting exist, patients inevitably develop excessive scarring and fatty infiltration, leading to muscle weakness and reduced quality of life. Summary: New bioengineering approaches, including cell therapy, drug delivery, and biomaterial implantation, have emerged as therapies to restore muscle function and structure to pre-injury levels. Of these, acellular biomaterial implants have attracted wide interest owing to their broad potential design space and high translational potential as medical devices. Implantable biomaterials fill the VML defect and create a conduit that permits the migration of regenerative cells from the intact muscle tissue to the injury site. Invading cells and regenerating myofibers are sensitive to the biomaterial’s structural and biochemical properties, which can play instructive roles in guiding cell fate and organization into functional tissue. Key Messages: Many diverse biomaterials have been developed for skeletal muscle regeneration with variations in biophysical and biochemical properties, and while many have been tested in vitro, few have proven their regenerative potential in clinically relevant in vivo models. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in the design, fabrication, and application of acellular biomaterials made from synthetic or natural materials for the repair of VML defects. We specifically focus on biomaterials with rationally designed structural (i.e., porosity, topography, alignment) and biochemical (i.e., proteins, peptides, growth factors) components, highlighting their regenerative effects in clinically relevant VML models.
“I Don’t Feel Judged. I Just Feel Love”: Perceptions of Animals as Support for Grievers
Authors: Cacciatore Joanne , Gorman Richard , Thieleman Kara , Sullivan Mariah
Published: February 2024

This study explored the ways in which nonhuman animals were perceived to provide social support for grievers. A content analysis was conducted and four key qualities of nonhuman companion animals were identified: 1) presence, 2) continuity and purpose, 3) mutuality and connection, and 4) nature of response. Results suggest that people perceive animals to play an important role in providing emotional support through their presence and tactile experiences, to enhance a sense of purpose after loss, and perceived nonjudgmental acceptance of the griever is highly valued. Additionally, some respondents may feel closer to their loved one through contact with animals associated with them. The type of support perceived from animals overlaps in some ways with human support yet is unique in many ways. Animal support may be especially important for grieving people during pandemic isolation and in the absence of strong social networks.
Consumer Considerations of Carbon Paw Prints in Evaluations of Dog Food Products
Authors: van Prooijen Anne-Marie , Smeets Anne E. M. J. , Yang Kelly X. , Hoppezak Priscilla
Published: February 2024

Due to its reliance on meat, the companion animals’ food industry significantly contributes to environmental problems. Despite these environmental implications, little is known about the relative importance that caregivers attach to environmental concerns in their evaluation of companion animals’ food products. Study 1 (N = 317) showed that perceived nutritional value predicted whether caregivers were interested in plant-based dog food products, while pro-environmental identification did not impact the findings. In Studies 2 (N = 460) and 3 (N = 194), the promoted benefits of a fictitious dog food product were manipulated. Findings revealed that perceived health benefits rather than perceived environmental benefits were the main determinant of product interest. Together, these findings suggest that environmental concerns play a limited role in people’s views of companion animals’ food products. It is therefore important to address concerns about the health impacts of companion animals’ food products with plant-based content.
Mating sub-behaviours in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus on agar and evidence for female cooperation
Authors: Doi Kentaro , Shinya Ryoji
Published: February 2024

The pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the cause of pine wilt disease and reproduces by copulation within host pine trees. Female mate selection in B. xylophilus mating behaviour has been reported but definitive evidence is lacking. Furthermore, while the mating behaviour of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans on agar has been well understood, the mating behaviour of B. xylophilus on agar has not been studied in detail, and the differences in their characteristics remain unclear. Here, we addressed these knowledge gaps by observing B. xylophilus mating behaviour on agar. We identified six primary mating sub-behaviours in B. xylophilus males. Comparative analysis with C. elegans revealed distinct differences in the sequence of mating stages. Notably, B. xylophilus males actively searched for the female’s vulva during the wrapping stage, whereas females exhibited back-and-forth locomotion to align the male spicule with the vulva location. Additionally, we conducted mating assays using anaesthetised female nematodes to evaluate the female’s role in the mating behaviours of B. xylophilus. The mating duration increased significantly when females were anaesthetised, and the probabilities of reaching the wrapping and vulva location stages were reduced. Therefore, B. xylophilus females actively cooperate in mating behaviours. Our findings highlight unique aspects of mating behaviours in B. xylophilus and provide insights concerning differences in mating behaviours between B. xylophilus and C. elegans.
Monitoring Erosion of a Submerged Stone Age Site and Its Implications for Managing Underwater Cultural Heritage. A Case Study at Tybrind Vig, Denmark
Authors: Bohr Sigurd Arve Baslund , Uldum Otto , Gregory David
Published: February 2024

Known locations with submerged and well-preserved Stone Age sites in Denmark are, in most cases, under constant threat of erosion. The results presented here have been gathered at Tybrind Vig by surveying a 165 m-long transect at 5-metre intervals from the shore, by measurements taken with a total station. To supplement this, the surrounding area was surveyed with an echo sounder/sonar unit that yielded 3D coordinates post-processed in GIS to investigate volumetric changes in the seabed over time. The transect data was used to calibrate the elevation data from the echo sounder, following the correction of sea level change with data gathered from the Danish Coastal Authority. It was established that sediment transport – both erosion and accumulation – has occurred, but from the methods used, it cannot be determined how much of the archaeologically rich gyttja layers have been eroded at Tybrind Vig.
Storytelling about Shipwrecks and Scuttled Ships from the 17–19th Century in the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Naval Port of Karlskrona’ in Sweden
Authors: Stråkendal Petra
Published: February 2024

Shipwrecks obviously have stories to tell. Combined with a UNESCO World Heritage site and its Outstanding Universal Value, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for discussions about the preservation, usage, and development of cultural heritages. Within or near the World Heritage the Naval Port of Karlskrona, there is a large number of wrecks and scuttled ships (deliberately sunken ships). The article aims to share examples of how mainly scuttled ships can be used to arouse interest and how their stories can be displayed with different methods. For a long time, scuttled ships have been dismissed with arguments that there are no artefacts left and therefore of less archaeological value. In the Naval Port of Karlskrona, these ships have instead been shown to have an important role in understanding and strengthening the Outstanding Universal Value.
Machine Learning–Based Lightning Parameterizations for the CONUS
Authors: Cheng Wei-Yi , Kim Daehyun , Henderson Scott , Ham Yoo-Geun , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Holzworth Rober H.
Published: February 2024

The diversity in the lightning parameterizations for numerical weather and climate models causes considerable uncertainty in lightning prediction. In this study, we take a data-driven approach to address the lightning parameterization problem, by combining machine learning (ML) techniques with the rich lightning observations from the World Wide Lightning Location Network. Three ML algorithms are trained over the contiguous United States (CONUS) to predict lightning stroke density in a 1° box based on the information about the atmospheric variables in the same grid (local) or over the entire CONUS (nonlocal). The performance of the ML-based lightning schemes is examined and compared with that of a simple, conventional lightning parameterization scheme of Romps et al. We find that all ML-based lightning schemes exhibit a performance that is superior to that of the conventional scheme in the regions and in the seasons with climatologically higher lightning stroke density. To the west of the Rocky Mountains, the nonlocal ML lightning scheme achieves the best overall performance, with lightning stroke density predictions being 70% more accurate than the conventional scheme. Our results suggest that the ML-based approaches have the potential to improve the representation of lightning and other types of extreme weather events in the weather and climate models.
An Unexpected Decline in Spring Atmospheric Humidity in the Interior Southwestern United States and Implications for Forest Fires
Authors: Jacobson Tess W. P. , Seager Richard , Williams A. Park , Simpson Isla R. , McKinnon Karen A. , Liu Haibo
Published: February 2024

On seasonal time scales, vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is a known predictor of burned area in the southwestern United States (“the Southwest”). VPD increases with atmospheric warming due to the exponential relationship between temperature and saturation vapor pressure. Another control on VPD is specific humidity, such that increases in specific humidity can counteract temperature-driven increases in VPD. Unexpectedly, despite the increased capacity of a warmer atmosphere to hold water vapor, near-surface specific humidity decreased from 1970 to 2019 in much of the Southwest, particularly in spring, summer, and fall. Here, we identify declining near-surface humidity from 1970 to 2019 in the southwestern United States with both reanalysis and in situ station data. Focusing on the interior Southwest in the months preceding the summer forest fire season, we explain the decline in terms of changes in atmospheric circulation and moisture fluxes between the surface and the atmosphere. We find that an early spring decline in precipitation in the interior region induced a decline in soil moisture and evapotranspiration, drying the lower troposphere in summer. This prior season precipitation decline is in turn related to a trend toward a Northern Hemisphere stationary wave pattern. Finally, using fixed humidity scenarios and the observed exponential relationship between VPD and burned forest area, we estimate that with no increase in temperature at all, the humidity decline alone would still lead to nearly one-quarter of the observed VPD-induced increase in burned area over 1984–2019.

Significance Statement

Burned forest area has increased significantly in the southwestern United States in recent decades, driven in part by an increase in atmospheric aridity [vapor pressure deficit (VPD)]. Increases in VPD can be caused by a combination of increasing temperature and decreasing specific humidity. As the atmosphere warms with climate change, its capacity to hold moisture increases. Despite this, there is a decrease in near-surface air humidity in the interior southwestern United States over 1970–2019, which during the summer is likely caused by a decline in early spring precipitation leading to limited soil moisture and evaporation in spring and summer. We estimate that this declining humidity alone, without an increase in temperature, would cause about one-quarter of the VPD-induced increase in burned forest area in this region over 1984–2019.
Ageing in religious orders: A different perspective on changes in contemporary monasticism
Authors: Amiotte-Suchet Laurent , Anchisi Annick
Published: February 2024

Monastic life is based on tradition and rules. It produces a homogeneous and disciplined community. But with the ageing that has been affecting them for several decades, monastic communities are relaxing their rules and rhythms, to allow their elderly to continue to participate in common life (prayer, work, meals, etc.). At the same time, they must maintain a certain rigour, as much to remain attractive to young postulants as to present their guests the asceticism that characterises their tradition. The authors went to different monastic communities in Switzerland and France to carry out an ethnographic research. Using extracts from their field journal, they highlight how monks and nuns manage their lives and invent pragmatic solutions in order to redefine every day what it means and implies ‘to be a monk or nun’.
Enlightening the Public in a Post-Enlightenment Era
Authors: Bramadat Paul
Published: February 2024

This essay reflects on whether the scholar of religion has a particular role in promoting public and political knowledge and understanding of religion(s). I focus on the two main venues in which academics work: the classroom and the public arena.
Perceived Land Scarcity and Its Effects on Traditional Tenure Rights in Rural Zambia
Authors: Mwanza Dinah , Munshifwa Ephraim Kabunda , Kalaba Felix Kanungwe
Published: February 2024

This study reviews the present escalating land pressures and their effects on traditional tenure rights in rural Zambia. The paper examines the evidence from qualitative as well as quantitative research design using in-depth interviews, key informants, and Focus Group Discussions. Owing to the scarcity of experimental studies, the review of empirical work is based mostly on observational studies, which compared Chamuka chiefdom located in Chisamba and Shimukunami chiefdom found in Lufwanyama district systems of traditional land administration. The study used χ2 test to analyze data to determine if perceived land scarcity had a significant impact on change under traditional land governance. Some evidence of positive relationships between traditional land management and perceived resource scarcity exists. It was, therefore, concluded that policy support for customary land governance has the potential to contribute to improving land use and reducing perceived land pressures in rural communities.
Refugees Experience and the Host Communities: Critical Analyses on Absence of Refugee Law in India
Authors: Debbarma Marconi
Published: February 2024

This article delves into the pressing necessity for comprehensive refugee legislation in India and the repercussions arising from the absence of such legal provisions. India, which harbours a considerable population of refugees from nations such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, Tibet, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, presently lacks a specialized legal framework tailored to tackle the distinct challenges confronted by refugees. The nonexistence of refugee laws gives rise to various consequences impacting refugees and the host country. The research methodology for this study adopted a qualitative approach, focusing on gaining in-depth insights into the challenges faced by refugees and the host communities in India and the consequences of lacking a dedicated refugee law. This article highlights five pivotal domains where the lack of a refugee law in India yields significant ramifications: insufficiency of legal safeguards, ambiguity and inconsistent treatment, restricted access to essential services, susceptibility to exploitation and mistreatment and burdens on host communities. Moreover, the article delves into the implications of national security concerns originating from the dearth of a comprehensive refugee law and its effect on India’s global standing. The analysis underscores the criticality of enacting a robust refugee law to safeguard the rights, security and welfare of refugees; foster their integration into society; and showcase India’s dedication to human rights and international humanitarian endeavours. The article concludes by emphasizing that implementing a comprehensive refugee law is imperative to address the challenges posed by forced displacement and establish a secure and inclusive future for refugees and the host nation.
Variations in services and intervention pathways for traumatic stress in Welsh prisons: A national survey
Authors: Kalebic Natasha , Crole-Rees Clare , Tomlin Jack , Berrington Claudia , Popovic Isidora , Forrester Andrew
Published: February 2024

Both Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are prevalent in prison settings. Both often go undetected and untreated, while prisoners who already suffered previous trauma may be re-traumatised upon imprisonment. The current study aimed to conduct a national survey of all Welsh prisons to gather information about existing services and treatments for traumatic stress. The survey identified variation within Welsh prisons with regard to NICE-recommended evidence-based therapies. It is therefore recommended that there needs to be development of a pathway of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the prison system which should be achieved through a consensus process of both frontline staff and experts in the field.
How Multicultural Experiences Influence Malevolent Creativity
Authors: Yang Bo , Li Heng
Published: February 2024

A wealth of studies have revealed that foreign experiences affect various cognitive abilities. One well-established finding is that living abroad can increase creative thinking skills. However, there has been little research on the dark side of creativity. Here, we hypothesized that exposure to foreign experiences can also foster malevolent creativity, which refers to the deliberate application of original ideas to turn a profit at someone else’s expense. Consistent with our hypotheses, Studies 1 and 2 found that student participants with foreign experiences showed greater malevolent creativity than those without such experiences. Relying on non-student adults, Study 3 replicated the findings of Study 1 using a different behavioral outcome of malevolent creativity. Study 4 found that participants who had decided to move overseas but had not yet done so demonstrated reduced levels of malevolent creativity compared to participants who had lived abroad, which minimized the possibility of reverse causality. Study 5 utilized an experimental design methodology and provided causal evidence for the effect of foreign experiences on malevolent creativity. These findings contribute to understanding about the range of effects that foreign experiences can have on different types of creativity.
Executive Functioning and Offending Behavior: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Griffith Rebecca L. , Nowalis Sarah , Monroe-Gulick Amalia
Published: February 2024

Executive (dys)functioning is a known risk factor for offending behavior. A meta-analysis was conducted to understand differences in executive functioning across justice-involved and non-justice-involved groups. Across 37 studies, justice-involved groups performed significantly worse on measures of executive functioning compared with controls, with a random-effects grand mean effect size of Cohen’s d = 0.55. However, 84.8% of the variance in effect size was due to between-study heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to examine differences across age group (adult vs. adolescent), the measure of executive functioning, and intelligence quotient (IQ). Age group was a significant moderator such that there was a significant overall random-effects effect size for adults (Cohen’s d = 0.72) but not for adolescents (Cohen’s d = 0.18). The type of executive functioning measure and IQ were non-significant in random-effects models. Results indicate that, for adults, a robust difference in executive functioning performance exists between justice-involved and non-justice-involved groups. Clinical and correctional policy implications are discussed within the Risk-Needs-Responsivity framework.
The Impact of Military Policing on Armed Forces: The Case of Italy
Authors: Mazziotti di Celso Matteo
Published: February 2024

In recent years, governments have progressively expanded the military’s role in internal security, often utilizing military policing to enhance their consensus. However, extending the armed forces’ participation in internal security gives rise to problems within the military. This article introduces a framework to analyze these problems and applies it to the explorative case study of “Strade Sicure,” an internal security operation of the Italian Army. The framework is used to develop the working hypothesis that Italian soldiers deployed in the operation are transformed into subordinates of the police: They are relegated to routine constabulary duties and work under the strict supervision of police officers. The article tests the hypothesis with qualitative data, including interviews with retired military personnel. The research contributes to the debate on military role expansion by offering a framework to study its effects on the military. Moreover, the article provides empirical evidence that holds practical policy implications.
Element Position Calibration for Matrix Array Transducers with Multiple Disjoint Piezoelectric Panels
Authors: McCall Jacob R. , Chavignon Arthur , Couture Olivier , Dayton Paul A. , Pinton Gianmarco F.
Published: February 2024

Two-dimensional ultrasound transducers enable the acquisition of fully volumetric data that have been demonstrated to provide greater diagnostic information in the clinical setting and are a critical tool for emerging ultrasound methods, such as super-resolution and functional imaging. This technology, however, is not without its limitations. Due to increased fabrication complexity, some matrix probes with disjoint piezoelectric panels may require initial calibration. In this manuscript, two methods for calibrating the element positions of the Vermon 1024-channel 8 MHz matrix transducer are detailed. This calibration is a necessary step for acquiring high resolution B-mode images while minimizing transducer-based image degradation. This calibration is also necessary for eliminating vessel-doubling artifacts in super-resolution images and increasing the overall signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the image. Here, we show that the shape of the point spread function (PSF) can be significantly improved and PSF-doubling artifacts can be reduced by up to 10 dB via this simple calibration procedure.