bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing fragmented human–nonhuman interactions through anubuntu‘mixed’ ethics
Authors: Samuel Olusegun Steven
Published: March 2023

In this paper, I address human‐induced environmental ills we face using anubuntu‐inspired ethical lens. I followubuntuscholars to stress the significance for moral agents to embody virtues. Virtue development is essential to carry out obligations and address human impacts on the environment. Thaddeus Metz, in particular, has drawn attention to how embodyingubuntuvirtues of humility and friendliness can prompt moral agents to be other‐regarding.The viewI developed in this paper differs from hisubuntu‐inspired account in at least two significant ways. First, humans cannot be in harmonious relationships with some species such as Black Mambas, Hyenas and sea urchins even if they can interact. Second, we must acknowledge the consequentialist dimension ofubuntuethics and prioritise the different aspects ofubuntu‘mixed’ ethics, ranking them to offer possibilities for a more realistic recommendation to change our moral life. This paper demonstrates that the three dimensions ofubuntu‘mixed’ ethics are fundamental because we need to think about moral consequences, right action and our virtue in accounting for our actions.
MtEIN2 affects nitrate uptake and accumulation of photosynthetic pigments under phosphate and nitrate deficiency in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Zeng Ming , van Dam Nicole M. , Hause Bettina
Published: March 2023

Ethylene (ET) controls many facets of plant growth and development under abiotic and biotic stresses. MtEIN2, as a critical element of the ET signaling pathway, is essential in biotic interactions. However, the role of MtEIN2 in responding to abiotic stress, such as combined nutrient deficiency, is less known. To assess the role of ethylene signaling in nutrient uptake, we manipulated nitrate (NO3−) and phosphate (Pi) availability for wild‐type (WT) and the ethylene‐insensitive (MtEIN2‐defective) mutant, sickle, in Medicago truncatula. We measured leaf biomass and photosynthetic pigments in WT and sickle to identify conditions leading to different responses in both genotypes. Under combined NO3− and Pi deficiency, sickle plants had higher chlorophyll and carotenoid contents than WT plants. Under these conditions, nitrate content and gene expression levels of nitrate transporters were higher in the sickle mutant than in the WT. This led to the conclusion that MtEIN2 is associated with nitrate uptake and the content of photosynthetic pigments under combined Pi and NO3−deficiency in M. truncatula. We conclude that ethylene perception plays a critical role in regulating the nutrient status of plants.
A Data Augmentation Method for Data-Driven Component Segmentation of Engineering Drawings
Authors: Zhang Wentai , Joseph Joe , Chen Quan , Koz Can , Xie Liuyue , Regmi Amit , Yamakawa Soji , Furuhata Tomotake , Shimada Kenji , Kara Levent Burak
Published: March 2023

We present a new data generation method to facilitate an automatic machine interpretation of 2D engineering part drawings. While such drawings are a common medium for clients to encode design and manufacturing requirements, a lack of computer support to automatically interpret these drawings necessitates part manufacturers to resort to laborious manual approaches for interpretation which, in turn, severely limits processing capacity. Although recent advances in trainable computer vision methods may enable automatic machine interpretation, it remains challenging to apply such methods to engineering drawings due to a lack of labeled training data. As one step toward this challenge, we propose a constrained data synthesis method to generate an arbitrarily large set of synthetic training drawings using only a handful of labeled examples. Our method is based on the randomization of the dimension sets subject to two major constraints to ensure the validity of the synthetic drawings. The effectiveness of our method is demonstrated in the context of a binary component segmentation task with a proposed list of descriptors. An evaluation of several image segmentation methods trained on our synthetic dataset shows that our approach to new data generation can boost the segmentation accuracy and the generalizability of the machine learning models to unseen drawings.
Efficacy assessment of Neoseiulus cucumeris at different release rates in control of Frankliniella occidentalis on rose plants under laboratory and microcosm conditions
Authors: Yari Samaneh , Hajiqanbar Hamidreza , Farazmand Azadeh , Rashed Arash , Fathipour Yaghoub
Published: March 2023

The effectiveness of predators in suppressing prey populations is known to be influenced by the predator-prey release ratio. The efficacy of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) against  Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergand) in the presence or absence of Tetranychus urticae Koch and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot on rose plants was evaluated in the present study. The decrease of F. occidentalis populations was compared at the six predator:prey ratios of 1:2, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, 1:50, and 1:100 in the laboratory, and at the three release rates of 20, 40, and 100 predators per m2 in microcosm conditions. The plants without predators were considered as controls. All treatments with the release of N. cucumeris resulted in a significant decrease in F. occidentalis larval population compared to the control. The most suppression (84.5%) of F. occidentalis larvae was observed in the release rate of 100 adults of N. cucumeris per m2 in 30 days after the release of the predator. Predator ratios of 1:2 and 1:5 of N. cucumeris: F. occidentalis resulted in a 94.6 and 93.4% decrease in F. occidentalis larvae after 24 hours, respectively. The presence of T. urticae (as a competitor herbivore) and P. persimilis had no effect on the efficiency of N. cucumeris in the suppression of F. occidentalis. The dense webs of T. urticae decreased the efficiency of N. cucumeris at predator:prey ratios of 1:5 and 1:10 more than1:2. This study showed that the release of 100 adults of N. cucumeris per m2 would be sufficient to control F. occidentalis larvae on rose plants. Moreover, we demonstrated that higher release rates of N.cucumeris are needed when T. urticae’s dense webs are present.
Effect of cues from Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) on the oviposition behavior of Raoiella indica Hirst
Authors: Calvet Érica C. , Silva Vinicius B. da , Melo José W.S. , Gondim Manoel G.C. Jr. , Lima Debora B.
Published: March 2023

The ability of an organism to defend itself and protect its offspring is closely related to the evolutionary success of the organism. In this study, we examined the responses of red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, to predation risk using cues from the predator Amblyseius largoensis (Muma). Females of A. largoensis were used for the production of cues for 4 h in two types of bioassays, a choice and no-choice tests. The oviposition rate of R. indica was evaluated until to 96 h. In addition, a walking behavior test was conducted (distance/time walked and resting time). For both tests, a control treatment without cues was done. In the no-choice bioassay, the oviposition rate of R. indica decreased by 55% when the cues were present. In the choice bioassay, the oviposition rate was similar to the control treatment, however most of the eggs were deposited in the site without cues. The walking behavior of R. indica was not affected by the presence of predator cues in no-choice bioassay. In choice bioassay, R. indica stayed longer in sites without cues. A. largoensis cues seem to be strong signs of predation risk affecting R. indica oviposition when there is no-choice, even after 96 h. R. indica shows that it is able to identify the cues of A. largoensis. We clearly evidenced the anti-predation behavior of R. indica, showing the trade-off between predation risk and reproduction on A. largoensis cues.
Age-Related Changes in Plantar Sensation and Ankle Proprioception in Adolescents to Older Adults
Authors: Hu Xiaoyue , Zeng Ziwei , Tang Meihua , Wang Lin
Published: March 2023

Background: Plantar sensation and ankle proprioception occur in a stage-like variance across the life span. However, changes in adolescents, young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences of plantar sensation and ankle proprioception in adolescents to older adults. Methods: A total of 212 participants were recruited in the study and were divided into four groups, including adolescents (n = 46), young adults (n = 55), middle-aged adults (n = 47), and older adults (n = 54). Plantar tactile sensitivity/tactile acuity/vibration threshold and ankle movement threshold/joint position sense/force sense were assessed in all groups. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was used to analyze the differences in Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments between different age groups in different plantar positions. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine differences in foot vibration threshold, two-point discrimination, and ankle proprioception between different age groups. Results: Significant differences were found in the Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test (p < .001), the two-point discrimination test (p < .05), and the vibration threshold test (p < .05) in the six tested plantar positions among adolescents, young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults. For ankle proprioception, significant differences were found in movement thresholds in ankle plantar flexion (p = .01), ankle dorsiflexion (p < .001), ankle inversion (p < .001), and ankle eversion (p < .001), as well as relative absolute errors in the ankle force senses of ankle plantar flexion (p = .02) and ankle dorsiflexion (p = .02) across the four age groups. Conclusion: Plantar sensation and ankle proprioception were sensitive in adolescents and young adults than in middle-aged adults and older adults.
Protein-metabolite interactomics of carbohydrate metabolism reveal regulation of lactate dehydrogenase
Authors: Hicks Kevin G. , Cluntun Ahmad A. , Schubert Heidi L. , Hackett Sean R. , Berg Jordan A. , Leonard Paul G. , Ajalla Aleixo Mariana A. , Zhou Youjia , Bott Alex J. , Salvatore Sonia R. , Chang Fei , Blevins Aubrie , Barta Paige , Tilley Samantha , Leifer Aaron , Guzman Andrea , Arok Ajak , Fogarty Sarah , Winter Jacob M. , Ahn Hee-Chul , Allen Karen N. , Block Samuel , Cardoso Iara A. , Ding Jianping , Dreveny Ingrid , Gasper William C. , Ho Quinn , Matsuura Atsushi , Palladino Michael J. , Prajapati Sabin , Sun Pengkai , Tittmann Kai , Tolan Dean R. , Unterlass Judith , VanDemark Andrew P. , Vander Heiden Matthew G. , Webb Bradley A. , Yun Cai-Hong , Zhao Pengkai , Wang Bei , Schopfer Francisco J. , Hill Christopher P. , Nonato Maria Cristina , Muller Florian L. , Cox James E. , Rutter Jared
Published: March 2023

Metabolic networks are interconnected and influence diverse cellular processes. The protein-metabolite interactions that mediate these networks are frequently low affinity and challenging to systematically discover. We developed mass spectrometry integrated with equilibrium dialysis for the discovery of allostery systematically (MIDAS) to identify such interactions. Analysis of 33 enzymes from human carbohydrate metabolism identified 830 protein-metabolite interactions, including known regulators, substrates, and products as well as previously unreported interactions. We functionally validated a subset of interactions, including the isoform-specific inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase by long-chain acyl–coenzyme A. Cell treatment with fatty acids caused a loss of pyruvate-lactate interconversion dependent on lactate dehydrogenase isoform expression. These protein-metabolite interactions may contribute to the dynamic, tissue-specific metabolic flexibility that enables growth and survival in an ever-changing nutrient environment.
Topologically localized excitons in single graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Jiang Song , Neuman Tomáš , Boeglin Alex , Scheurer Fabrice , Schull Guillaume
Published: March 2023

Intrinsic optoelectronic properties of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) remain largely unexplored because of luminescence quenching effects that are due to the metallic substrate on which the ribbons are grown. We probed excitonic emission from GNRs synthesized on a metal surface with atomic-scale spatial resolution. A scanning tunneling microscope (STM)–based method to transfer the GNRs to a partially insulating surface was used to prevent luminescence quenching of the ribbons. STM-induced fluorescence spectra reveal emission from localized dark excitons that are associated with the topological end states of the GNRs. A low-frequency vibronic emission comb is observed and attributed to longitudinal acoustic modes that are confined to a finite box. Our study provides a path to investigate the interplay between excitons, vibrons, and topology in graphene nanostructures.
Direct observation of motor protein stepping in living cells using MINFLUX
Authors: Deguchi Takahiro , Iwanski Malina K. , Schentarra Eva-Maria , Heidebrecht Christopher , Schmidt Lisa , Heck Jennifer , Weihs Tobias , Schnorrenberg Sebastian , Hoess Philipp , Liu Sheng , Chevyreva Veronika , Noh Kyung-Min , Kapitein Lukas C. , Ries Jonas
Published: March 2023

Dynamic measurements of molecular machines can provide invaluable insights into their mechanism, but these measurements have been challenging in living cells. Here, we developed live-cell tracking of single fluorophores with nanometer spatial and millisecond temporal resolution in two and three dimensions using the recently introduced super-resolution technique MINFLUX. Using this approach, we resolved the precise stepping motion of the motor protein kinesin-1 as it walked on microtubules in living cells. Nanoscopic tracking of motors walking on the microtubules of fixed cells also enabled us to resolve the architecture of the microtubule cytoskeleton with protofilament resolution.
Observation of photon-photon thermodynamic processes under negative optical temperature conditions
Authors: Marques Muniz A. L. , Wu F. O. , Jung P. S. , Khajavikhan M. , Christodoulides D. N. , Peschel U.
Published: March 2023

Statistical mechanics demands that the temperature of a system is positive provided that its internal energy has no upper bound. Yet if this condition is not met, it is possible to attain negative temperatures for which higher-order energy states are thermodynamically favored. Although negative temperatures have been reported in spin and Bose-Hubbard settings as well as in quantum fluids, the observation of thermodynamic processes in this regime has thus far remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate isentropic expansion-compression and Joule expansion for negative optical temperatures, enabled by purely nonlinear photon-photon interactions in a thermodynamic microcanonical photonic system. Our photonic approach provides a platform for exploring new all-optical thermal engines and could have ramifications in other bosonic systems beyond optics, such as cold atoms and optomechanics.
Response to Comment on “Human TKTL1 implies greater neurogenesis in frontal neocortex of modern humans than Neanderthals”
Authors: Pinson Anneline , Maricic Tomislav , Zeberg Hugo , Pääbo Svante , Huttner Wieland B.
Published: March 2023

Herai
et al
. discuss the known fact that a low percentage of modern humans who lack any overt phenotypes carry the ancestral
TKTL1
allele. Our paper demonstrates that the amino acid substitution in TKTL1 increases neural progenitor cells and neurogenesis in the developing brain. It is another question if, and to what extent, this has consequences for the adult brain.
Thermal exploration in engine design
Authors: Carr Lincoln D. , Parigi Valentina
Published: March 2023

A negative-temperature heat engine is achieved with photons
In Science Journals
Authors: Simonti Corinne , Hurtley Stella M. , Vignieri Sacha , Suleymanov Yury , Yeston Jake , Stajic Jelena , Charneski Catherine A. , Isles Hannah M. , Alderton Gemma , Stern Peter , Ray L. Bryan , Funk Michael A. , Osborne Ian S. , Wong Wei
Published: March 2023

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
In Other Journals
Authors: Osborne Ian S. , Alderton Gemma , Stern Peter , Ray L. Bryan , Hurtley Stella M. , Smith H. Jesse , Smith Keith T.
Published: March 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Canadians left in the cold by dwindling weather data
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: March 2023

Unreliable snow records also threaten climate projections
The Interaction of the F-Like Plasmid-Encoded TraN Isoforms with Their Cognate Outer Membrane Receptors
Authors: Low Wen Wen , Seddon Chloe , Beis Konstantinos , Frankel Gad
Published: March 2023

Conjugation plays a central role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes among bacterial pathogens. Efficient conjugation is mediated by formation of mating pairs via a pilus, followed by mating pair stabilization (MPS), mediated by tight interactions between the plasmid-encoded outer membrane protein (OMP) TraN in the donor (of which there are 7 sequence types grouped into the 4 structural isoforms α, β, γ, and δ), and an OMP receptor in the recipient (OmpW, OmpK36, OmpA, and OmpF, respectively)
USP1-Associated Factor 1 Modulates Japanese Encephalitis Virus Replication by Governing Autophagy and Interferon-Stimulated Genes
Authors: Xing Jinchao , Hu Chen , Che Siqi , Lan Yixin , Huang Lihong , Liu Lele , Yin Youqin , Li Huanan , Liao Ming , Qi Wenbao
Published: March 2023

Host factors play an essential role in virus replication and pathogenesis. Although UAF1 is well known to form complexes with ubiquitin-specific proteases, little is known about the function of the UAF1 protein itself.
Identification and Surveys of Promoting Plant Growth VOCs from Biocontrol Bacteria Paenibacillus peoriae GXUN15128
Authors: Wang Kun , Lin Ziyan , Dou Jin , Jiang Mingguo , Shen Naikun , Feng Jing
Published: March 2023

Microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) have great potential as “gas fertilizers” for agricultural applications, and it is a promising research direction for the utilization of microbial resources. This study is part of the field of interactions between microorganisms and plants.
Supplemental Material: Intermediate water warming caused methane hydrate instability in South China Sea during past interglacials
Authors: Li Niu , Feng Dong , al. et
Published: March 2023

Supplemental Text S1: U-Th data and the temperature of intermediate waters in the northern South China Sea during the peak of the last five interglacials. Figure S1: Locations of cores GMGS2 and GH08-2004, ODP1148, ODP1123, ODP1143, and ODP1146. Figure S2: Seep carbonates from cores GMGS2-09B (A) and GMGS5-08B (B) with U/Th sample locations. Figure S3: Seep carbonates from cores GMGS2-08 with in-situ laser ablation U-Th sample locations. Figure S4: Seep carbonates from cores GMGS2-16 with in-situ laser ablation U-Th sample locations. Table S1: Seep carbonate mineralogical compositions. Table S2: Stable isotope (C and O) composition of seep carbonates from the South China Sea. Table S3: Stable isotope (C and O) composition of benthic and planktonic foraminifera in core GMGS2-16. Table S4: U-Th dating of seep carbonate samples from the South China Sea. Table S5: In-situ laser ablation U-Th dating of seep carbonate samples from the South China Sea. Table S6: U-Th and 14C data used in this study. Table S7: Element contents of sediments in core GMGS2-16.
Early initiation of breast feeding and associated factors among mother-baby dyads with immediate skin-to-skin contact: cross-sectional study based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data
Authors: Mengistu Girma Teferi , Mengistu Bizunesh Kefale
Published: March 2023

Objective

The study aimed to assess the practice of early initiation of breast feeding (EIBF) and associated factors among mother-baby dyads who practiced immediate skin-to-skin contact in Ethiopia.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted nationally in nine regional states and two city administrations.

Participants

In the study, 1420 mother-baby dyads with last-born children (children born in the 2 years preceding the survey, children <24 months old) and children put on the mother’s bare skin. The data of the study participants were extracted from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016.

Outcome measures

The outcome measure of the study was the proportion of EIBF among mother-baby dyads and associations.

Results

EIBF among mothers and newborns with skin-to-skin contact was 88.8% (95% CI 87.2 to 90.4). EIBF among mother-baby dyads with immediate skin-to-skin contact was more likely among mothers from wealthy families (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.37, 95% CI 1.38 to 4.08), attended secondary and above education (AOR=1.67, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.57), living in Oromia (AOR=2.87, 95% CI 1.11 to 7.46), Harari (AOR=11.60, 95% CI 2.48 to 24.34) and Dire Dawa (AOR=2.93, 95% CI 1.04 to 8.23) regions, gave birth by non-caesarean section (AOR=3.34, 95% CI 1.33 to 8.39), gave birth at hospital (AOR=2.02, 95% CI 1.02 to 4.00), and health centre (AOR=2.19, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.98), and gave birth by midwifery assistance (AOR=1.62, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.49).

Conclusion

Nine in ten mother-baby dyads with immediate skin-to-skin contact early initiate breast feeding. The EIBF was affected by educational status, wealth index, region, mode of delivery, place of delivery and delivery assisted by midwifery. Improving healthcare service, institutional delivery and the competency of maternal healthcare providers may aid the EIBF in Ethiopia.
Women and health professionals’ perspectives on a conditional cash transfer programme to improve pregnancy follow-up: a qualitative analysis of the NAITRE randomised controlled study
Authors: Bardou Marc , Meunier-Beillard Nicolas , Godard-Marceau Aurélie , Deruelle Philippe , Virtos Claude , Eckman-Lacroix Astrid , Debras Elodie , Schmitz Thomas
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Women of low socioeconomic status have been described as having suboptimal prenatal care, which in turn has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Many types of conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes have been developed, including programmes to improve prenatal care or smoking cessation during pregnancy, and their effects demonstrated. However, ethical critiques have included paternalism and lack of informed choice. Our objective was to determine if women and healthcare professionals (HPs) shared these concerns.

Design

Prospective qualitative research.

Setting

We included economically disadvantaged women, as defined by health insurance data, who participated in the French NAITRE randomised trial assessing a CCT programme during prenatal follow-up to improve pregnancy outcomes. The HP worked in some maternities participating in this trial.

Participants

26 women, 14 who received CCT and 12 who did not, mostly unemployed (20/26), and - 7 HPs.

Interventions

We conducted a multicentre cross-sectional qualitative study among women and HPs who participated in the NAITRE Study to assess their views on CCT. The women were interviewed after childbirth.

Results

Women did not perceive CCT negatively. They did not mention feeling stigmatised. They described CCT as a significant source of aid for women with limited financial resources. HP described the CCT in less positive terms, for example, expressing concern about discussing cash transfer at their first medical consultation with women. Though they emphasised ethical concerns about the basis of the trial, they recognised the importance of evaluating CCT.

Conclusions

In France, a high-income country where prenatal follow-up is free, HPs were concerned that the CCT programme would change their relationship with patients and wondered if it was the best use of funding. However, women who received a cash incentive said they did not feel stigmatised and indicated that these payments helped them prepare for their baby’s birth.

Trial registration number

NCT02402855
Nutritional and dietary diversity status of under-5 children and adolescent girls among forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals living in Bhasan Char relocation camp, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Das Subhasish , Fahim Shah Mohammad , Rasul Md Golam , Afrin Sazia , Alam Md Ashraful , Uz Zaman Mahabub , Chowdhury Morseda , Arifeen Shams El , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: March 2023

Objective

To generate baseline evidence regarding the nutritional and dietary diversity status of under-5 children and adolescent girls among forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMN) relocated to Bhasan Char relocation camp of Bangladesh.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Bhasan Char relocation camp, Bangladesh, 7 November 2021–12 November 2021.

Participants

299 under-5 children (both male and female) and 248 adolescent girls (11-17 years) were surveyed.

Outcome measures

Anthropometric indices and nutritional status of the study participants.

Results

Nearly 17% of the adolescent girls were suffering from severe thinness/thinness, while 5% were overweight/obese. Severe thinness was more prevalent (2% vs 3.9%) in older adolescents (15–17 years) than their younger counterparts (11–14 years). The prevalence of severe stunting and stunting in adolescents were 14% (95% CI 11.21 to 16.87%) and 29% (95% CI 25.93 to 31.59%), respectively. One-third of the surveyed under-5 children were severely (8.50% (95% CI 5.60 to 11.33%)) or moderately (23.08% (95% CI 20.24 to 25.90%)) stunted, 27% were either severely (4.43% (95% CI 1.60 to 7.27%)) or moderately (22.98% (95% CI 20.15 to 25.81%)) underweight and 12% were severely (1.21% (95% CI 0.00 to 4.04%)) or moderately (10.88% (95% CI 8.05 to 13.72%)) wasted. The prevalence of moderate and severe acute malnutrition in children was low. Surveyed adolescents took a mean of 3.10 (SD 1.03) of nine food groups and 25% (95% CI 22.97 to 28.64%) of under-5 children took minimum diversified diet. The survey respondents mostly consumed carbohydrate-based poorly diversified diets. Nutritional status of the participants did not show any statistically significant association to the dietary diversity status.

Conclusion

A significant number of surveyed under-5 children and adolescent girls of relocated FDMN living in Bhasan Char of Bangladesh were suffering from thinness, stunting, underweight and wasting. Dietary diversity was poor among the surveyed population.
Efficacy and safety of apalutamide in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (GENESIS): protocol for a multicentre, open-label, single-arm clinical trial
Authors: Miyake Hideaki , Kakei Yasumasa , Nakano Yuzo , Terakawa Tomoaki , Miyakoda Keiko , Harada Kenichi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: March 2023

Introduction

This is a multicentre, open-label, single-arm clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apalutamide in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Methods and analysis

The trial will be performed at 4 university hospitals and 14 city hospitals in Japan. The target number of patients will be 110. The patients will be orally administered 240 mg apalutamide once daily during the treatment period. The primary outcome is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate. PSA response is defined as ≥50% decline from baseline at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes are time to PSA progression, progression-free survival, overall survival, progression-free survival during second therapy, ≥50% decline in PSA from baseline at 24 and 48 weeks, ≥90% decline in PSA from baseline or lower PSA detection sensitivity after the initial dose at 12, 24 and 48 weeks, PSA maximal changes, accumulated PSA response from screening to 24 and 48 weeks, and grade 3 or 4 adverse events according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Certified Research Review Board of Kobe University (No. CRB5180009). All participants will be required to provide written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated through scientific and professional conferences and peer-reviewed journal publications. The datasets generated during the study will be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Trial registration number

jRCTs051220077.
Characteristics of immunisation support programmes in Canada: a scoping review and environmental scan
Authors: Kelly Katherine Jennifer , Mears Kim , Doak Sarah , Macartney Gail , Burns Margie , Loo Janet , Michael Laurie , Jia Bei Bei , Montelpare William
Published: March 2023

Objective

To identify, characterise and map the existing knowledge about programmes that provide immunisation support to Canadians and barriers and facilitators to their delivery.

Design

Scoping review and environmental scan.

Introduction

Vaccine hesitancy may be associated with unmet support needs of individuals. Immunisation support programmes that provide multicomponent approaches can improve vaccine confidence and equitable access.

Inclusion criteria

Canadian programmes that focus on providing information about immunisation for the general public, but excluding articles targeting health professionals. The primary concept involves mapping the characteristics of programmes and our secondary concept examines barriers and facilitators to programme delivery.

Methods

The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology guided this review, reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. A search strategy was developed and translated for six databases in November 2021 (updated October 2022). Unpublished literature was identified through the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health Grey Matters checklist and other relevant sources. Stakeholders (n=124) from Canadian regional health authorities were also contacted by email for publicly accessible information. Two independent raters screened and extracted data from identified material. Results are presented in tabular form.

Results

The search strategy and environmental scan resulted in 15 287 sources. A total of 161 full-text sources were reviewed after applying eligibility criteria, resulting in 50 articles. Programmes were delivered in multiple Canadian provinces, focusing on various vaccine types. All programmes aimed to increase vaccine uptake and were mostly provided in person. Multidisciplinary delivery teams based on collaborations among multiple entities were credited as a facilitator to programme delivery across settings. Limitations on programme resources, attitudes of programme staff and participants, and systems organisation were identified as barriers to delivery.

Conclusions

This review highlighted characteristics of immunisation support programmes across various settings and described multiple facilitators and barriers. These findings can inform future interventions that aim to support Canadians in making decisions about immunisation.
Exploring the implementation and evaluation of a distributed leadership model within a Scottish, integrated health and care context
Authors: Leask Calum F , Macleod Sandra
Published: March 2023

Background

Health and care systems are facing unprecedented challenges, exacerbated by wicked issues that have no single solution and are complex to solve. It has recently been suggested that how such systems are structured (ie, in hierarchies) may not be the most effective approach to tackling these issues. Increasing calls have been made for senior leaders within these systems to adopt structures that emphasise leadership as a distributed endeavour as an approach to foster greater collaboration and enhance innovation. Here, the implementation and evaluation of a distributed leadership model within a Scottish, integrated health and care context is described.

Methods

Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership’s leadership team (N=17 as of time in 2021) have been operating in a flat, distributed leadership model since 2019. The model is characterised by a 4P approach (professional; performance; personal development and peer support). The evaluation approach was a national healthcare survey administered at three time points and a further evaluation questionnaire specifically assessing constructs associated with high-performing teams.

Results

Results indicated that staff satisfaction increased 3 years into the flat structure (mean score=7.7/10) compared with the traditional, hierarchal structure (mean score=5.18/10). Respondents were agreeable that the model had increased autonomy (67% agreeableness); collaboration (81% agreeableness) and creativity (67% agreeableness)

Conclusions

Overall, results suggest that a flat, distributed leadership model is preferable to a traditional, hierarchal leadership model within this context. Future work should aim to explore the impact that this model has on the effectiveness of planning and delivering integrated care services.
Differential plasma branched-chain amino acid responses following the consumption of Greek-style yogurt and skimmed milk
Authors: Brown J.K. , Perry C.G.R. , Prior E.T. , Phillips S.M. , Skelly L.E. , Josse A.R.
Published: March 2023

We examined postprandial branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), insulin, and glucose responses in blood for 4 h following the consumption of two isonitrogenous doses (2 × 20 g protein) of Greek-style yogurt (GY) and skimmed milk (MILK) in young males. Peak leucine and BCAA concentrations and areas under the curve were greater after GY versus MILK, and time to maximal leucine/BCAA concentrations was similar between conditions. We demonstrated that different protein-matched wholefood dairy products elicit different postprandial aminoacidemic responses.
On the effect of soil water saturation on buried steel pipe responses under external load
Authors: Zhang Yadong , Wong Ron Chik-Kwong
Published: March 2023

Soil water saturation affects soil behavior when subjected to external loads and thus buried pipe deformation. To investigate this effect, full-scale tests were conducted on a buried steel pipe with a diameter of 600 mm. The deformed pipe ring transforms from a “heart” shape into an inclined “heart” shape due to the load redistribution within the soil after increasing soil water saturation. Then, a three-dimensional finite element model was created and validated based on the experimental data. A parametric study was thereafter performed to investigate the impact of factors including soil water saturation, cover depth, and pipe wall-thickness on buried pipe responses when subjected to external loads. Soil might be simply modeled as a linear elastic material at a large cover depth (>0.6 m) or a water saturation < 80%. Soil plasticity should be considered at a relatively low cover depth (≤0.6 m) and a high water saturation (≥80%). The pipe circumferential stress is inversely proportional to the square of pipe wall-thickness when the pipe–soil stiffness ratio is equal to or greater than 0.13.
Investigation of slope deterioration mechanism under freeze–thaw cycles: centrifuge modelling
Authors: Ng Charles W.W. , Wang Yikai , Zhang Shuai , Li Zeyu , Zhang Qi , Zhong Haiyi
Published: March 2023

Although deterioration of soil due to freeze–thaw cycles has been investigated based on element tests and small-scale laboratory model tests, there still lacks fundamental understanding of slope response under cyclic freeze–thaw action. In this study, a novel in-flight freeze–thaw system was developed to investigate the thermal, hydraulic and mechanical response of a typical unsaturated slope under seven freeze–thaw cycles in the centrifuge. Temperature, suction and deformation were measured during the test. The test results show that the suction at the freezing front can be up to about 1 MPa. The comparison between measured and theoretically predicted suction elucidates that using the temperature-dependent Clausius–Clapeyron equation is inadequate to model suction evolution precisely when considering water migration. The subsequent thawing reduces the suction to 9 kPa, which is about 60% lower than during the initial unfrozen state. The suction destruction softens the surface soil layer, leading to downslope movement during thawing. During the seasonal downward ratcheting movement, the lower elevation of the slope can flatten from 59° to 50°. The repeated freeze–thaw action generates significant fractures at the soil surface while deep cracks can form due to tensile rupture. Freeze–thaw-induced seasonal variation of suction softens the post-thawed slope, leading to accumulated plastic deformation and shallow slope failure.
The tectonic evolution of Thelon tectonic zone, Canada: a new model based on petrological modeling linked with Lu–Hf garnet and U–Pb accessory mineral geochronology
Authors: Berman Robert G. , Cutts Jamie A. , Davis William J. , Camacho Alfredo , Sanborn-Barrie Mary , Smit Matthijs A.
Published: March 2023

Petrological modeling and geochronology (Lu–Hf garnet, U–Pb monazite, zircon, and titanite) for seven mid-amphibolite to granulite-facies metamorphic rocks in the Thelon tectonic zone (Ttz) provide new insights into the evolution of this orogen. A Grt-Sp-Sil diatexite records 2.01–2.00 Ga garnet and monazite growth during >830 °C contact metamorphism associated with voluminous convergent margin plutonism. The most widespread, 1.96–1.90 Ga metamorphism is associated with clockwise pressure ( P)–temperature ( T) paths, indicating it was driven by crustal thickening. Earlier (1.96–1.92 Ga) and lower temperature (630 °C–730 °C; 6–8 kbar) metamorphism in the eastern Slave craton contrast with ∼860 °C (7.5 kbar), 1.91–1.90 Ga diatexites in the central, Paleoproterozoic plutonic rock-dominated, core of the Ttz. These differences are interpreted to reflect lower vs. upper plate settings, respectively. A contribution of mantle heat is suggested by the counter-clockwise P–T path and 885 °C (5.7 kbar) conditions recorded by diatexite associated with c. 1.9 Ga peraluminous leucogranite that dominates a corridor along the Ttz–Rae craton boundary. A tectonic model is proposed wherein the Ttz evolved at an accretionary margin after rifting of Ttz microcontinent (mTtz) off the Rae craton at c. 2.2–2.1 Ga. Voluminous plutonism at 2.01–1.98 Ga formed via east-dipping subduction under mTtz. Following 1.97 Ga collision of the Slave craton and mTtz, west-dipping subduction generated 1.96–1.95 Ga plutonism in the composite mTtz-Slave upper plate. Collision of Rae craton at 1.95–1.94 Ga led to crustal thickening, widespread 1.91–1.90 Ga high-grade metamorphism and extensive crustal melting in the central Ttz.
Neonatal treatment with fluoxetine alters locomotor activity and the cortical glial/neuron index in rats with cerebral palsy
Authors: de Albuquerque Glayciele Leandro , Manhães-de-Castro Raul , Lacerda Diego Cabral , Calado Caio Matheus Santos da Silva , Bezerra de Morais André Teracio , Visco Diego Bulcão , Manhães-de-Castro Francisco Machado , Toscano Ana Elisa
Published: March 2023

Cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by motor disorders, including deficits in locomotor activity, coordination, and balance. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been shown to play an important role in brain plasticity. This study investigates the effect of neonatal treatment using fluoxetine on locomotor activity and histomorphometric parameters of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in rats submitted to an experimental model of CP. CP was found to reduce bodyweight and locomotion parameters and also to increase the glia/neuron index in the S1. Administration of fluoxetine 10 mg/kg reduced bodyweight, impaired locomotor activity parameters, and increased the number of glial cells and the glia/neuron ratio in the S1 in rats with CP. However, treatment with fluoxetine 5 mg/kg was not found to be associated with adverse effects on locomotor activity and seems to improve histomorphometric parameters by way of minor changes in the S1 in animals with CP. These results thus indicate that experimental CP, in combination with the use of a high dose of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), impairs locomotor and histomorphometric parameters in the S1, while treatment with a low dose of fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) averts the negative outcomes associated with a high dose of fluoxetine in relation to these parameters but produces no protective effect.
GRASIAN: towards the first demonstration of gravitational quantum states of atoms with a cryogenic hydrogen beam
Authors: Killian Carina , Burkley Zakary , Blumer Philipp , Crivelli Paolo , Gustafsson Fredrik P. , Hanski Otto , Nanda Amit , Nez François , Nesvizhevsky Valery , Reynaud Serge , Schreiner Katharina , Simon Martin , Vasiliev Sergey , Widmann Eberhard , Yzombard Pauline
Published: March 2023

At very low energies, a light neutral particle above a horizontal surface can experience quantum reflection. The quantum reflection holds the particle against gravity and leads to gravitational quantum states (gqs). So far, gqs were only observed with neutrons as pioneered by Nesvizhevsky and his collaborators at ill. However, the existence of gqs is predicted also for atoms. The Grasian collaboration pursues the first observation and studies of gqs of atomic hydrogen. We propose to use atoms in order to exploit the fact that orders of magnitude larger fluxes compared to those of neutrons are available. Moreover, recently the q-Bounce collaboration, performing gqs spectroscopy with neutrons, reported a discrepancy between theoretical calculations and experiment which deserves further investigations. For this purpose, we set up a cryogenic hydrogen beam at 6 $$\hbox {K}$$
K
. We report on our preliminary results, characterizing the hydrogen beam with pulsed laser ionization diagnostics at 243 $$\hbox {nm}$$
nm
.

Graphical abstract
A class of convergent series
Authors: Wan Changhua
Published: March 2023

Is there a class of convergent series? I give a positive answer by introducing and proving a theorem. I also provide eight examples and numerical evidence.
New insights into the stratigraphic evolution of SW Britain: implications for Triassic salt and hydrocarbon prospectivity
Authors: Husein S.S. , Fraser A. , Roberts G.G. , Bell R.
Published: March 2023

The discovery of Wytch Farm field in the Wessex Basin, and Kinsale Head field in the North Celtic Sea Basin in the early 1970s, led to exploration interest offshore in the Western Approaches Trough. Despite this activity, little evidence for prospective hydrocarbon resources has been found. To better understand the failures and analyse remaining hydrocarbon potential in this region, we make use of a large collection of new seismic reflection and well data to map Carboniferous to Neogene stratigraphy. The improved seismic imaging has allowed a better interpretation of the hitherto poorly understood, salt-related structures in the South Melville and the Plymouth Bay basins. The implications of the new interpretations for Carnian (Late Triassic), and Carboniferous stratigraphic and geodynamic evolution are assessed and contextualised with regional salt deposition in the Wessex, Bristol, and South Celtic Sea basins. From a petroleum system perspective, the Lias and Carboniferous source rocks are evaluated and modelled to analyse the maturity and evolution of the petroleum systems. We conclude that the Lias is an ineffective petroleum system due to timing and source maturation risk. However, the Triassic salt and associated subcropping faults have produced several possible pre-salt hydrocarbon traps. The traps may be charged from sporadic Mid-Late Carboniferous coal-bearing post-orogenic basins, a petroleum system previously overlooked.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the New learning from exploration and development in the UKCS Atlantic Margin collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/new-learning-from-exploration-and-development-in-the-ukcs-atlantic-margin

Supplementary material:
Appendix showing seismic, well data and petroleum systems boundary conditions. Burial history plots of the petroleum systems modelling scenarios used to generate source rock transformation ratio plots shown in Figures 9 & 10 are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6486999
Application of Dental Pulp Stem Cells for Bone and Neural Tissue Regeneration in Oral and Maxillofacial Region
Authors: Fujii Yasuyuki , Hatori Ayano , Chikazu Daichi , Ogasawara Toru
Published: March 2023

In the oral and maxillofacial region, the treatment of severe bone defects, caused by fractures, cancers, congenital abnormalities, etc., remains a great challenge. In addition, neurological disorders are frequently accompanied by these bone defects or the treatments for them. Therefore, novel bone regenerative techniques and methods to repair nerve injury are eagerly sought. Among them, strategies using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are promising options. Human DPSCs can be collected easily from extracted teeth and are now considered a type of mesenchymal stem cell with higher clonogenic and proliferative potential. DPSCs have been getting attention as a cell source for bone and nerve regeneration. In this article, we reviewed the latest studies on osteogenic or neural differentiation of DPSCs as well as bone or neural regeneration methods using DPSCs and discussed the potential of DPSCs for bone and nerve tissue regeneration.
Fluorapatite-Coated Percutaneous Devices Promote Wound Healing and Limit Epithelial Downgrowth at the Skin-Device Interface
Authors: Steyl Samantha K. , Beck James Peter , Agarwal Jayant P. , Bachus Kent N. , Rou David L. , Jeyapalina Sujee
Published: March 2023

A percutaneous osseointegrated device becomes deeply ingrown by endosteal bone and traverses the overlying soft tissues of the residual limb, providing a direct link to the bone-anchored artificial limb. Continuous wound healing around these devices can result in the formation of sinus tracts as “down-growing” epithelial cells are unable to recognize and adhere to the “nonbiological” implant surface. Such sinus tracts provide paths for bacterial colonization and deep infection. In order to limit adverse outcomes and provide a robust seal, it was hypothesized that by coating the titanium surface of the percutaneous post with the mineral component of dental enamel, down-growing epidermal cells might recognize the coating as “biological” and adhere to this nonliving surface. To test this hypothesis, sintered partially and fully fluoridated hydroxyapatite (HA) was chosen as coatings. Using an established surgical protocol, fluorapatite (FA), hydroxyfluorapatite (FHA), HA-coated percutaneous posts, and titanium controls were surgically placed under the dorsal skin in 20 CD hairless rats. The animals were sacrificed at four weeks, and implants and surrounding tissues were harvested and subjected to further analyses. Downgrowth and granulation tissue area data showed statistically significant reductions around the FA-coated devices. Moreover, compared to the control group, the FA- and HA-coated groups showed downregulation of mRNA for EGFr, EGF, and FGF-10. Interestingly, the FA-coated group had upregulation of TGF-α. These data suggest that FA could become an ideal coating material for preventing downgrowth, assuming the long-term stability of these coated surfaces can be verified in a clinically relevant animal model.