bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of free-ranging cats (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) on wildlife in a natural urban reserve in Mexico City
Authors: Ramos-Rendón A. Karina , Gual-Sill Fernando , Cervantes Fernando A. , González-Salazar Constantino , García-Morales Rodrigo , Martínez-Meyer Enrique
Published: June 2023

Conservation of natural ecosystems embedded in urban contexts is a big challenge because diverse anthropogenic factors continuously impact native biodiversity and ecological processes. One such factor is the pervasive presence of free-ranging predators, especially cats (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), which may severely affect local wildlife. The “Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel” (REPSA), located within the main campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), in southern Mexico City, is an important natural area that protects a peculiar volcanic spill ecosystem holding native and endemic biodiversity. In 2012, UNAM launched a control program of cats and dogs in REPSA that is still active. To assess the potential impact of cats and dogs on wildlife species, we used live and camera traps coupled with capture-recapture analyses to evaluate changes in the vertebrate community, particularly in the presence and abundance of two medium-size native mammals (Didelphis virginiana and Bassariscus astutus), before (2008–2009) and during (2017–2019) the control program. Results showed that the abundance of dogs decreased between the two periods, but not so the abundance of cats, whereas the native vertebrate diversity increased from the pre-control stage to the control period. Furthermore, we found a negative, non-significant relationship between the abundance of D. virginiana and that of dogs, and a positive, also non-significant relationship between the presence and abundance of B. astutus with the abundance of dogs. We conclude that the control program of free-ranging predators has been beneficial for the conservation of native vertebrates and recommend its continuation and enhancement.
Characterization of a reassortant H11N9 subtype avian influenza virus isolated from spot-billed duck in China
Authors: Wang Bo , Huang Yanyi , Hu Bin , Zhang Heng , Han Shuyi , Yang Ziwen , Su Qianqian , He Hongxuan
Published: June 2023

H11N9 viruses in wild birds might have provided the NA gene of human H7N9 virus in early 2013 in China, which evolved with highly pathogenic strains in 2017 and caused severe fatalities. To investigate the prevalence and evolution of the H11N9 influenza viruses, 16,781 samples were collected and analyzed during 2016–2020. As a result, a novel strain of influenza A (H11N9) virus with several characteristics that increase virulence was isolated. This strain had reduced pathogenicity in chicken and mice and was able to replicate in mice without prior adaptation. Phylogenetic analyses showed that it was a sextuple‐reassortant virus of H11N9, H3N8, H3N6, H7N9, H9N2, and H6N8 viruses present in China, similar to the H11N9 strains in Japan and Korea during the same period. This was the H11N9 strain isolated from China most recently, which add a record to viruses in wild birds. This study identified a new H11N9 reassortant in a wild bird with key mutation contributing to virulence. Therefore, comprehensive surveillance and enhanced biosecurity precautions are particularly important for the prediction and prevention of potential pandemics resulting from reassortant viruses with continuous evolution and expanding geographic distributions.
An easy, convenient statistical method to analyze bark beetle populations
Authors: Borkowski Andrzej
Published: June 2023

A non-invasive method to estimate the number ofTrypodendron lineatumholes on dead standing pines (Pinus sylvestrisL.) was developed using linear and nonlinear estimations. A classical linear regression model was first used to analyze the relationship between the number of holes caused byT. lineatumon selected stem units and the total number of holes on an entire dead stem ofP. sylvestris. Then, to obtain a better fit of the regression function to the data for the stem unit selected in the first step, piecewise linear regression (PLR) was used. Last, in an area used to evaluate wood decomposition (method validation), the total and mean numbers ofT. lineatumholes were estimated for single dead trees and for a sample (n = 8 dead trees). Data were collected in 2009 (data set D1), in 2010–2014 (data set D2) and in 2020 (data set D3) in forests containingP. sylvestrislocated within Suchedniów–Oblęgorek Landscape Park, Poland. A model was constructed with three linear equations. An evaluation of model accuracy showed that it was highly effective regardless of the density ofT. lineatumholes and sample size. The method enables the evaluation of the biological role of this species in the decomposition of dead standing wood ofP. sylvestrisin strictly protected areas.
Long-Term Follow-up and Risk of Recurrence of Internal Herniation after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Zaigham Hassan , Ekelund Mikael , Regnér Sara
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Internal herniation (IH) is the most common complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). Although primary closure has reduced the incidence, recurrences are a continued problem. This study aimed to investigate long-term follow-up and recurrence risk of IH surgery.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of laparoscopic RYGB operated patients operated for a first IH between April 2012 and April 2015 at Skåne University Hospital in Malmö, Sweden. Status of primary closure of mesenteric gaps, time since RYGB, and findings at IH surgery were retrieved from medical records. Follow-up until December 31st, 2019, included recurrences of IH, number of computed tomography (CT) scans, emergency visits, readmissions, and other acute surgeries.

Results

IH (n = 44) occurred almost equally in Petersen’s space (n = 24) and beneath the jejunojejunostomy (n = 20). Long-term follow-up (median 75 months) of 43 patients registered an IH recurrence rate of 14% (n = 6). All recurrences occurred in the other mesenteric gap. One patient suffered a third IH, and one patient had four IH events. During follow-up, 56% (n = 24) had ER visits for abdominal pain, 47% (n = 20) had ≥ 1 abdominal CT scan, and 40% (n = 17) were readmitted. A third of readmitted (6/17) patients suffered a recurrence of internal herniation. Two other patients were readmitted ≥ 10 times for chronic abdominal pain.

Conclusion

Surgery for IH had a low risk of recurrence at the treated mesenteric gap, but a 14% recurrence risk at the other mesenteric gap, emphasizing the importance of carefully investigating weaknesses or gaps at the other mesenteric defect during surgery for IH.

Graphical Abstract
Image Registration in Longitudinal Bone Assessment Using Computed Tomography
Authors: Liu Han , Durongbhan Pholpat , Davey Catherine E. , Stok Kathryn S.
Published: June 2023

Purpose of Review

Rigid image registration is an important image processing tool for the assessment of musculoskeletal chronic disease. In this paper, we critically review applications of rigid image registration in terms of similarity measurement methods over the past three years (2019–2022) in the context of monitoring longitudinal changes to bone microstructure and mechanical properties using computed tomography. This review identifies critical assumptions and trade-offs underlying different similarity measurement methods used in image registration and demonstrates the effect of using different similarity measures on registration outcomes.

Recent Findings

Image registration has been used in recent studies for: correcting positional shifts between longitudinal scans to quantify changes to bone microstructural and mechanical properties over time, developing registration-based workflows for longitudinal assessment of bone properties in pre-clinical and clinical studies, and developing and validating registration techniques for longitudinal studies.

In evaluating the recent literature, it was found that the assumptions at the root of different similarity measures used in rigid image registration are not always confirmed and reported. Each similarity measurement has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as underlying assumptions. Breaking these assumptions can lead to poor and inaccurate registration results. Thus, care must be taken with regards to the choice of similarity measurement and interpretation of results. We propose that understanding and verifying the assumptions of similarity measurements will enable more accurate and efficient quantitative assessments of structural changes over time.
The Effects of Pension Communication on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviour: An Integrative Review of Evidence and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Haupt Marlene
Published: June 2023

Structural changes in multi-pillar systems require greater individual responsibility for retirement saving. Therefore, in recent years, the need for multi-pillar pension information systems has been increasingly discussed in many countries. These discussions have either culminated in the introduction of various digital pension overviews or a planned rollout in the next few years. We provide an integrative review of existing international research on the use of pension communication and its effects on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of individuals. Small positive changes have been found in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and retirement planning behaviour because of the information provided. The paper concludes with a discussion of emerging issues, new research directions, and practical implications of pension communication in ageing societies.
Motivation-Based Segmentation of Visitors to a UNESCO Global Geopark
Authors: Amaro Suzanne , Chaves Nair Balula , Henriques Carla , Barroco Cristina
Published: June 2023

Given the sustained growth that Geotourism has experienced worldwide, it is crucial to gain a better understanding of geotourists. Therefore, this study aims to examine visitors’ motivations for visiting geoparks, segment them accordingly, and characterize each segment. An online questionnaire was developed to collect information from visitors of the Arouca Geopark—UNESCO Global Geopark and was completed by 607 who had visited this park at least once. Respondents were asked about their motivations for visiting the park using 18 items that were combined into five dimensions through exploratory factor analysis. These dimensions (Escape, Relaxation and Enjoyment, Novelty Seeking and Nature, Knowledge, Socialization, and Sports and Adrenaline) were the basis for a cluster analysis that revealed four segments of visitors: the Want it All Geotourists (representing 27% of the sample), that have the highest levels for all motivations; the True Geotourists (19.9%) which highest levels of motivations were on the three motivations that typically define a geotourist: nature/adventure, knowledge seeking, and socialization; the Sensation Seekers (34.4%) whose strongest motivations were sports/adrenaline and escape from routine; the Accidental Geotourists (18.6%) who scored lowest for all motivations and are motivated essentially by the escape from routine and by nature/adventure. These segments were then further profiled based on other variables such as age, gender, satisfaction, and quality of experience. The segmentation and description of each segment found in this study provide a better understanding of the typology of visitors to geoparks, which is crucial for better management of such places.
Methodology for selecting measurement points that optimize information gain for model updating
Authors: Bertola Numa , Wang Ze Zhou , Cao Wen-jun , Smith Ian F. C.
Published: June 2023

Information collected through sensor measurements has the potential to improve knowledge of complex-system behavior, leading to better decisions related to system management. In this situation, and particularly when using digital twins, the quality of sensor data determines the improvement that sensors have on decision-making. The choice of the monitoring system, including sensor types and their configuration, is typically made using engineering judgement alone. As the price of sensor devices is usually low, large sensor networks have been implemented. As sensors are often used to monitor at high frequencies over long periods, very large data sets are collected. However, model predictions of system behavior are often influenced by only a few parameters. Informative data sets are thus difficult to extract as they are often hidden amid redundant and other types of irrelevant data when updating key parameter values. This study presents a methodology for selecting informative measurements within large data sets for a given model-updating task. By selecting the smallest set that maximizes the information gain, data sets can be significantly refined, leading to increased data-interpretation efficiency. Results of an excavation case study show that the information gains with refined measurement sets that are much smaller than the entire data set are better than using the data set prior to refinement for the same probability of identification, while the computational time of model updating is significantly reduced. This methodology thus supports engineers for significant data filtering to improve model-updating performance.
Emotion-aware music tower blocks (EmoMTB ): an intelligent audiovisual interface for music discovery and recommendation
Authors: Melchiorre Alessandro B. , Penz David , Ganhör Christian , Lesota Oleg , Fragoso Vasco , Fritzl Florian , Parada-Cabaleiro Emilia , Schubert Franz , Schedl Markus
Published: June 2023

Music listening has experienced a sharp increase during the last decade thanks to music streaming and recommendation services. While they offer text-based search functionality and provide recommendation lists of remarkable utility, their typical mode of interaction is unidimensional, i.e., they provide lists of consecutive tracks, which are commonly inspected in sequential order by the user. The user experience with such systems is heavily affected by cognition biases (e.g., position bias, human tendency to pay more attention to first positions of ordered lists) as well as algorithmic biases (e.g., popularity bias, the tendency of recommender systems to overrepresent popular items). This may cause dissatisfaction among the users by disabling them to find novel music to enjoy. In light of such systems and biases, we propose an intelligent audiovisual music exploration system namedEmoMTB . It allows the user to browse the entirety of a given collection in a free nonlinear fashion. The navigation is assisted by a set of personalized emotion-aware recommendations, which serve as starting points for the exploration experience.EmoMTB  adopts the metaphor of a city, in which each track (visualized as a colored cube) represents one floor of a building. Highly similar tracks are located in the same building; moderately similar ones form neighborhoods that mostly correspond to genres. Tracks situated between distinct neighborhoods create a gradual transition between genres. Users can navigate this music city using their smartphones as control devices. They can explore districts of well-known music or decide to leave their comfort zone. In addition,EmoMTB   integrates an emotion-aware music recommendation system that re-ranks the list of suggested starting points for exploration according to the user’s self-identified emotion or the collective emotion expressed inEmoMTB ’s Twitter channel. Evaluation ofEmoMTB   has been carried out in a threefold way: by quantifying the homogeneity of the clustering underlying the construction of the city, by measuring the accuracy of the emotion predictor, and by carrying out a web-based survey composed of open questions to obtain qualitative feedback from users.
Risk of Flash Floods in Urban and Rural Municipalities Triggered by Intense Precipitation in Wielkopolska of Poland
Authors: Pińskwar Iwona , Choryński Adam , Graczyk Dariusz
Published: June 2023

This research analyzed interventions of State Fire Service (SFS) units in the Wielkopolska region of Poland that were triggered by extreme precipitation for the period 2010–2021. Our results demonstrated that the most populated and urbanized towns in the Wielkopolska (Greater Poland, west of Warsaw) region are at the most risk in the event of extreme precipitation occurrence as measured by the total number of interventions made by the SFS. The number of SFS unit interventions in towns, standardized to 10,000 inhabitants, indicates that the highest proportional volume of interventions also occurred in smaller towns. In the rural municipalities the number of SFS unit interventions increases along with higher population density and proportion of infrastructure areas. As analyzed in this study, the 12 years from 2010 to 2021 were characterized by a higher number of days with heavy precipitation, for example, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mm, in comparison to the previous periods 1961–2010 and 1981–2010. Intervention databases collected by emergency services are a valuable source of information for hazard mapping. Based on those and other available data, a statistical model was created and factors influencing the local and regional occurrence of interventions were determined. Increasing suburbanization, the rising proportion of impermeable surfaces, and the impact of climate change are of considerable importance in urban flood risk. It is necessary to help municipalities develop abilities to absorb larger amounts of rainwater.
Technology in scientific practice: how H. J. Muller used the fruit fly to investigate the X-ray machine
Authors: Komel Svit
Published: June 2023

Since the practice turn, the role technologies play in the production of scientific knowledge has become a prominent topic in science studies. Much existing scholarship, however, either limits technology to merely mechanical instrumentation or uses the term for a wide variety of items. This article argues that technologies in scientific practice can be understood as a result of past scientific knowledge becoming sedimented in materials, like model organisms, synthetic reagents or mechanical instruments, through the routine use of these materials in subsequent research practice. The proposed theoretical interpretation of technology is examined through a case where a model organism—Drosophila melanogaster—acted as a technology for investigating a contested biological effect of a mechanical instrument: Hermann J. Muller’s experiments on X-ray mutagenicity in the 1920s. The article reconstructs how Muller employed two syntheticDrosophilastocks as tests for measuring X-rays’ capacity to cause genetic aberration. It argues that past scientific knowledge sedimented in theDrosophilastocks influenced Muller’s perception of X-ray-induced mutation. It further describes how Muller’s concept of X-ray mutagenicity sedimented through the adoption of X-ray machines as a ready-made resource for producing mutants by other geneticists, for instance George Beadle and Edward Tatum in their experiments onNeurospora crassa, despite ongoing disputes surrounding Muller’s conclusions. Technological sedimentation is proposed as a potential explanation why sedimentation and disputation may often coexist in the history of science.
Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version of the Perth Emotional Reactivity Scale
Authors: Larionow Paweł , Preece David A. , Mudło-Głagolska Karolina
Published: June 2023

The Perth Emotional Reactivity Scale (PERS) is a 30-item self-report questionnaire that assesses the ease of activation, intensity, and duration of negative and positive emotions. Our study aimed to introduce and validate the Polish version of the PERS. The study was performed on a sample of 491 people (349 females and 142 males) aged 18–84 (M = 24.78, SD = 10.96). The factor structure was verified with confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent and divergent validity were assessed based on the relationship between the PERS and markers of anxiety, depression, and stress. For assessing criterion validity, we conducted a set of multiple regression analyses to examine whether PERS scores could predict significant variance in these mental health symptoms. We examined discriminant validity by conducting a second-order exploratory factor analysis of PERS scores and anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. Our results indicated strong factorial validity, conforming to the intended 6-factor (subscale) structure. As expected, all PERS subscales correlated in expected directions with markers of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. The PERS showed good discriminant validity in terms of measuring an emotional reactivity construct across positive and negative emotions that was separable from people’s current level of distress. Internal consistency reliability was also good. Overall, the Polish version of the PERS appears to have good psychometric properties as a comprehensive measure of emotional reactivity.
Parts and Wholes
Authors: Wallace Meg
Published: June 2023

The Odd Universe Argument aims to show that from four intuitive assumptions about parts and wholes, we can conclude a priori that there is an odd number of things in the universe. This Element investigates how this is so and where things might have gone awry. Section 1 gives an overview of general methodology, basic mereology, and plural logic. Section 2 explores questions about the nature of composition and decomposition. Does composition always occur? Never? Sometimes? Is the universe, at rock bottom, just many partless bits (simples)? Or do the parts have parts all the way down (gunk)? Section 3 looks at arguments for and against the thesis that composition is identity, with a healthy bias in its favor. In the wake of this discussion, we reconsider our methods of counting. We conclude with a return to the odd universe argument and suggestions on how best to resist it.
Fit for purpose? The patents regime, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and sustainable development
Authors: Bostrom Allison , Nayyar Shivani
Published: June 2023

This article uses data from several publicly available databases to show that the distribution of intellectual property for frontier technologies, including those useful for sustainable development, is very highly skewed in favor of a handful of developed countries. The intellectual property rights (IPR) regime as it exists does not optimize the global flow of technology and know-how for the attainment of the sustainable development goals and is in need of updating. Some features of the Fourth Industrial Revolution imply that the current system of patents is even more in need of reform than before. COVID-19 vaccines and therapies and the vast inequality in access to these has highlighted the costs of inaction. We recommend several policy changes for the international IPR regime. Broadly, these fall into three categories: allowing greater flexibility for developing countries, reassessing the appropriateness of patents for technologies that may be considered public goods, and closing loopholes that allow for unreasonable intellectual property protections.
A decoupled mechanism of interface growth in single-mode hydrodynamic instabilities
Authors: Liu Changwen , Wu-Wang Hongzhi , Zhang Yousheng , Xiao Zuoli
Published: June 2023

One of the most significant issues in hydrodynamic interfacial instabilities is the growth rate of the interfacial perturbations, which plays an important role in both scientific research (e.g. supernova explosion) and engineering applications (e.g. inertial confinement fusion). Yet the underlying mechanisms of such flow phenomena remain unclear or controversial. In this paper the decoupled mechanisms of two effects are found to dominate the interface growth of the single-mode Rayleigh–Taylor instability (RTI) and Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) via Layzer's potential-flow model. One is the inertial effect induced by the interfacial density gradient and the acceleration, and the other is the frontal distortion effect stemming from interface shape evolution. The former determines the dominant features of interface evolution, while the latter influences the local concavity and convexity of growth rate such as the overshoot phenomenon. These two effects can be approximated as a linearly decoupled analytical solution if their nonlinear interaction term is neglected. With the decoupled solution, the theoretical growth rates agree well with high-fidelity numerical simulation results. The present result indicates that the long-time evolution of fluid interface in both RTI and RMI at all density ratios can be accurately predicted if both inertia and frontal distortion effects are taken into account. Furthermore, the strong dependence of instability evolution on initial amplitude is quantified based on the effects of decoupling, which sheds light on the physical origin of the overshoot phenomenon.
Eggnog: process optimization and characterization of a dairy-based beverage
Authors: Sharma Kamini , Singh Ashish Kumar , Maddipatla Dharani Kumar , Deshwal Gaurav Kr , Rao Priyanka Singh , Sharma Heena
Published: June 2023

Eggnog, a dairy-based beverage, comprises both milk and egg proteins. We aimed at optimizing the eggnog formulation using Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology. The combined effects of milk (60–75), cream (25–35) and eggnog base (6–8, all three as g 100/ml) were investigated on heat coagulation time, viscosity and thermal gelation temperature. ANOVA indicated that experimental data were well explained by a quadratic model with high check values (R2 > 0.94) and non-significant lack of fit tests. Based on the responses, an optimized formulation of eggnog with 60.0 milk, 25.0 cream and 6.50 eggnog base (as g 100/ml), could be considered best for manufacturing eggnog with desired attributes. This optimized formulation was characterized for physico-chemical, microbial and sensory attributes and the results indicated significantly higher fat and protein content than control formulation, but lesser lactose and total sugar content. Significantly higher viscosity, heat stability and lower thermal gelation temperature were also observed for the optimized formulation. Coliform, yeast and mold, E. coli and Salmonella counts were not detected in any sample but a significantly lower total plate count was observed for the optimized formulation.
Cost-effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy for severe depression: exploratory findings from a decision analytic model
Authors: McCrone Paul , Fisher Henry , Knight Clare , Harding Rebecca , Schlag Anne K. , Nutt David J. , Neill Joanna C.
Published: June 2023

Background:

There is growing evidence to support the use of the psychedelic drug psilocybin for difficult-to-treat depression. This paper compares the cost-effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) with conventional medication, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and the combination of conventional medication and CBT.

Methods:

A decision model simulated patient events (response, remission, and relapse) following treatment. Data on probabilities, costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were derived from previous studies or from best estimates. Expected healthcare and societal costs and QALYs over a 6-month time period were calculated. Sensitivity analyses were used to address uncertainty in parameter estimates.

Results:

The expected healthcare cost of PAP varied from £6132 to £7652 depending on the price of psilocybin. This compares to £3528 for conventional medication alone, £4250 for CBT alone, and £4197 for their combination. QALYs were highest for psilocybin (0.310), followed by CBT alone (0.283), conventional medication alone (0.278), and their combination (0.287). Psilocybin was shown to be cost-effective compared to the other therapies when the cost of therapist support was reduced by 50% and the psilocybin price was reduced from its initial value to £400 to £800 per person. From a societal perspective, psilocybin had improved cost-effectiveness compared to a healthcare perspective.

Conclusions:

Psilocybin has the potential to be a cost-effective therapy for severe depression. This depends on the level of psychological support that is given to patients receiving psilocybin and the price of the drug itself. Further data on long-term outcomes are required to improve the evidence base.
Increasing ethnicity reporting to better understand cultural needs accessing a primary care talking therapy service
Authors: Murshed Maisha , Doherty Rebecca , Mhojatoleslami Sepideh , Tarabi Said Aris , Rammohan Anupama
Published: June 2023

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the under-utilisation of statutory mental health care services by minority ethnic groups in the United Kingdom (UK).

Aim:

To improve ethnicity reporting to better understand the needs of patients accessing a primary care talking therapies service.

Method:

We conducted a clinical audit to observe outcomes from pre-COVID (2019), first wave of COVID-19 (2020) and 2021 for three broad ethnic categories: black African/Caribbean, Asian and white British. Intervention was conducted on staff to improve data recording of ethnicity. A patient survey was sent to those identified as dropped out from treatment from May 2020 to April 2021. A total of 229 patients responded to the survey. The survey asked for reasons that impacted on not continuing with sessions.

Results:

Quantitative analysis showed a statistically significant difference on discharge outcome between white British and black African/Caribbean (p=<0.0001), with black African/Caribbean patients most likely to drop out of treatment, and in 2020 the Asian population was below the recovery target of 50%. Qualitative analysis revealed therapist factors included lack of confidence in therapist and not being listened to, patient factors included neurodiversity, being unsure whether it would be helpful and confidentiality concerns, and service factors included being notified of discharge from the service, remote delivery of therapy, treatment options, and treatment materials.

Discussions:

Services must work towards improving service provision by capturing hidden disparities and socialising treatment to meet the needs of minority ethnic groups in the UK. The present study recommends culturally adapted treatment and co-producing therapy materials.
Digital Interventions to Support and Treat Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Oliveira Cláudia , Araújo Eduardo , Moreira Diana , Pacheco Mara , Calaboiça Cláudia , Santos Anita
Published: June 2023

Abstract: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a public health issue. Digital interventions are emerging as a promise to overcome known-barriers to accessing usual IPV services, which have been supporting and treating IPV victims or their survivors, offering safer, more interactive, and real time access to help. Hence, a systematic review was carried out to identify and characterize current digital interventions to respond to IPV, including associated mental health conditions, and related outcomes among victims and survivors. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched in three databases: EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Web of Science. Last search was performed in December 2022. Of the 1,816 electronic articles retrieved, and six added after a manual search, 16 studies were selected. Published between 2010 and 2021, the studies were experimental or quasi-experimental, with quantitative methodologies. Publication data, objectives, sample, design, instruments, intervention characteristics, results and conclusions were extracted from each study. Regarding results, safety decision aid or a variant was the most reported digital intervention. Significant improvements were identified for IPV exposure, related outcomes such as decisional conflict and safety strategies, and mental health conditions. In short, digital interventions hold promise, however there is a clear need for research focused on hard-to-reach victims or women who have left the abuser. Digital interventions have to be adapted to their needs, and security and privacy issues must be better ensured. The risk of publication bias and the exclusion of some specific keywords in the search were limitations of the study.
ENSO Diversity and the Simulation of Its Teleconnections to Winter Precipitation Extremes Over the US in High Resolution Earth System Models
Authors: Mahajan Salil , Passarella Linsey S. , Tang Qi , Keen Noel D. , Caldwell Peter M. , van Roekel Luke P. , Golaz Jean‐Christophe
Published: June 2023

Accounting for the diversity in El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)'s spatial pattern, with the novel ENSO longitudinal index (ELI), we evaluate the simulation of its teleconnections to US winter precipitation extremes by seven global high‐resolution (HR) Earth System Models (ESM). Six (four) HR ESMs simulate the observed increase in precipitation extremes over Southwest US (Southeast US) during ELI‐defined El Niño events better than their low‐resolution counterparts, which are low‐biased. The stronger ENSO‐dependence over the Southwest US and Southeast US in those models is associated with an improved simulation of moisture flux into the regions and/or storm track activity there. HR ESMs, however, generally overestimate the increase in precipitation extremes over the Pacific‐Northwest during La Niña events. Model bias there is associated with bias in moisture transport into the region during La Niña events, which is amplified by the enhanced vertical mass fluxes in HR.
The Science We Need to Assess Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal
Authors: Palter Jaime , Cross Jessica , Long Matthew , Rafter Patrick , Reimers Clare
Published: June 2023

As companies begin selling credits for marine carbon dioxide removal in largely unregulated marketplaces, scientists must develop standards for assessing the effectiveness of removal methods.
Volcanic and Tectonic Sources of Seismicity Near the Tanaga Volcanic Cluster, Alaska
Authors: Lally Kevin F. , Caplan‐Auerbach Jacqueline , Power John A.
Published: June 2023

Tanaga Island in the Central Aleutian Islands includes four stratovolcanoes: Sajaka, Tanaga, and East Tanaga in the northwest, and Takawangha in the central part of the island. Of these volcanoes, only Tanaga has a confirmed record of historical eruptive activity. We use double‐difference methods to relocate Tanaga Island earthquakes from the period 2003–2017 to gain insight into volcanic and tectonic activity in the region. High precision relative relocations show subsurface structures in the Tanaga region related to volcanism and crustal tectonics. In 2005, a swarm of ∼600 volcano‐tectonic events located below the NW portion of the island culminated with an episode of volcanic tremor. Although there was no known eruption associated with this swarm, we suggest that this activity is associated with fluids beneath Takawangha volcano. Overall, relatively little seismicity appears to be associated with volcanism: of 5,680 earthquakes relocated in this study, only ∼700 took place within 10 km of the volcanoes themselves. Other regions appear to experience primarily, if not exclusively, tectonic seismicity. Two regions on Tanaga Island became seismically active following a M6.6 tectonic earthquake east of the island on 2 May 2008, suggesting the triggering of tectonic earthquakes by the M6.6. Seismic activity recorded offshore and below the southern part of the island is interpreted as due to the clockwise rotation of the Delarof Block in the forearc, and bookshelf faulting along the volcanic arc. This suggests a complex pattern of earthquake hypocenters governed by both volcanic and tectonic processes surrounding Tanaga and Takawangha volcanoes.
Biomechanical control of lymphatic vessel physiology and functions
Authors: Angeli Veronique , Lim Hwee Ying
Published: June 2023

The ever-growing research on lymphatic biology has clearly identified lymphatic vessels as key players that maintain human health through their functional roles in tissue fluid homeostasis, immunosurveillance, lipid metabolism and inflammation. It is therefore not surprising that the list of human diseases associated with lymphatic malfunctions has grown larger, including issues beyond lymphedema, a pathology traditionally associated with lymphatic drainage insufficiency. Thus, the discovery of factors and pathways that can promote optimal lymphatic functions may offer new therapeutic options. Accumulating evidence indicates that aside from biochemical factors, biomechanical signals also regulate lymphatic vessel expansion and functions postnatally. Here, we review how mechanical forces induced by fluid shear stress affect the behavior and functions of lymphatic vessels and the mechanisms lymphatic vessels employ to sense and transduce these mechanical cues into biological signals.
Uncertainty in non-CO2 greenhouse gas mitigation contributes to ambiguity in global climate policy feasibility
Authors: Harmsen Mathijs , Tabak Charlotte , Höglund-Isaksson Lena , Humpenöder Florian , Purohit Pallav , van Vuuren Detlef
Published: June 2023

Despite its projected crucial role in stringent, future global climate policy, non-CO2greenhouse gas (NCGG) mitigation remains a large uncertain factor in climate research. A revision of the estimated mitigation potential has implications for the feasibility of global climate policy to reach the Paris Agreement climate goals. Here, we provide a systematic bottom-up estimate of the total uncertainty in NCGG mitigation, by developing ‘optimistic’, ‘default’ and ‘pessimistic’ long-term NCGG marginal abatement cost (MAC) curves, based on a comprehensive literature review of mitigation options. The global 1.5-degree climate target is found to be out of reach under pessimistic MAC assumptions, as is the 2-degree target under high emission assumptions. In a 2-degree scenario, MAC uncertainty translates into a large projected range in relative NCGG reduction (40–58%), carbon budget (±120 Gt CO2) and policy costs (±16%). Partly, the MAC uncertainty signifies a gap that could be bridged by human efforts, but largely it indicates uncertainty in technical limitations.
Senescent immune cells accumulation promotes brown adipose tissue dysfunction during aging
Authors: Feng Xu , Wang Liwen , Zhou Ruoyu , Zhou Rui , Chen Linyun , Peng Hui , Huang Yan , Guo Qi , Luo Xianghang , Zhou Haiyan
Published: June 2023

Brown adipose tissue (BAT)-mediated thermogenesis declines with age. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we reveal that bone marrow-derived pro-inflammatory and senescent S100A8+ immune cells, mainly T cells and neutrophils, invade the BAT of male rats and mice during aging. These S100A8+ immune cells, coupled with adipocytes and sympathetic nerves, compromise axonal networks. Mechanistically, these senescent immune cells secrete abundant S100A8 to inhibit adipose RNA-binding motif protein 3 expression. This downregulation results in the dysregulation of axon guidance-related genes, leading to impaired sympathetic innervation and thermogenic function. Xenotransplantation experiments show that human S100A8+ immune cells infiltrate mice BAT and are sufficient to induce aging-like BAT dysfunction. Notably, treatment with S100A8 inhibitor paquinimod rejuvenates BAT axon networks and thermogenic function in aged male mice. Our study suggests that targeting the bone marrow-derived senescent immune cells presents an avenue to improve BAT aging and related metabolic disorders.
M1BP is an essential transcriptional activator of oxidative metabolism during Drosophila development
Authors: Poliacikova Gabriela , Barthez Marine , Rival Thomas , Aouane Aïcha , Luis Nuno Miguel , Richard Fabrice , Daian Fabrice , Brouilly Nicolas , Schnorrer Frank , Maurel-Zaffran Corinne , Graba Yacine , Saurin Andrew J.
Published: June 2023

Oxidative metabolism is the predominant energy source for aerobic muscle contraction in adult animals. How the cellular and molecular components that support aerobic muscle physiology are put in place during development through their transcriptional regulation is not well understood. Using the Drosophila flight muscle model, we show that the formation of mitochondria cristae harbouring the respiratory chain is concomitant with a large-scale transcriptional upregulation of genes linked with oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) during specific stages of flight muscle development. We further demonstrate using high-resolution imaging, transcriptomic and biochemical analyses that Motif-1-binding protein (M1BP) transcriptionally regulates the expression of genes encoding critical components for OXPHOS complex assembly and integrity. In the absence of M1BP function, the quantity of assembled mitochondrial respiratory complexes is reduced and OXPHOS proteins aggregate in the mitochondrial matrix, triggering a strong protein quality control response. This results in isolation of the aggregate from the rest of the matrix by multiple layers of the inner mitochondrial membrane, representing a previously undocumented mitochondrial stress response mechanism. Together, this study provides mechanistic insight into the transcriptional regulation of oxidative metabolism during Drosophila development and identifies M1BP as a critical player in this process.
Large anomalies in future extreme precipitation sensitivity driven by atmospheric dynamics
Authors: Gu Lei , Yin Jiabo , Gentine Pierre , Wang Hui-Min , Slater Louise J. , Sullivan Sylvia C. , Chen Jie , Zscheischler Jakob , Guo Shenglian
Published: June 2023

Increasing atmospheric moisture content is expected to intensify precipitation extremes under climate warming. However, extreme precipitation sensitivity (EPS) to temperature is complicated by the presence of reduced or hook-shaped scaling, and the underlying physical mechanisms remain unclear. Here, by using atmospheric reanalysis and climate model projections, we propose a physical decomposition of EPS into thermodynamic and dynamic components (i.e., the effects of atmospheric moisture and vertical ascent velocity) at a global scale in both historical and future climates. Unlike previous expectations, we find that thermodynamics do not always contribute to precipitation intensification, with the lapse rate effect and the pressure component partly offsetting positive EPS. Large anomalies in future EPS projections (with lower and upper quartiles of −1.9%/°C and 8.0%/°C) are caused by changes in updraft strength (i.e., the dynamic component), with a contrast of positive anomalies over oceans and negative anomalies over land areas. These findings reveal counteracting effects of atmospheric thermodynamics and dynamics on EPS, and underscore the importance of understanding precipitation extremes by decomposing thermodynamic effects into more detailed terms.
Clinical outcomes in estrogen receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer patients with Recurrence Score 26-30: observational real-world cohort study
Authors: Rotem Ofer , Peretz Idit , Leviov Michelle , Kuchuk Iryna , Itay Amit , Tokar Margarita , Paluch-Shimon Shani , Maimon Ofra , Yerushalmi Rinat , Drumea Karen , Evron Ella , Sonnenblick Amir , Gal-Yam Einav , Goldvaser Hadar , Samih Yosef , Merose Rotem , Bareket-Samish Avital , Soussan-Gutman Lior , Stemmer Salomon M.
Published: June 2023

Data on adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) benefit in ER + HER2‒ early-stage breast cancer (EBC) patients with Recurrence Score (RS) 26-30 are limited. This real-world study evaluated the relationships between the RS, adjuvant treatments, and outcomes in 534 RS 26-30 patients tested through Clalit Health Services (N0: n = 394, 49% CT-treated; N1mi/N1: n = 140, 62% CT-treated). The CT-treated and untreated groups were imbalanced (more high-risk clinicopathologic characteristics in CT-treated patients). With median follow-up of 8 years, Kaplan–Meier estimates for overall survival (OS), distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS), and BC-specific mortality (BCSM) were not significantly different between CT-treated and untreated N0 patients. Seven-year rates (95% CI) in CT-treated vs untreated: OS, 97.9% (94.4–99.2%) vs 97.9% (94.6–99.2%); DRFS, 91.5% (86.6–94.7%) vs 91.2% (86.0–94.6%); BCSM, 0.5% (0.1–3.7%) vs 1.6% (0.5–4.7%). For N1mi/N1 patients, OS/DRFS did not differ significantly between treatment groups; whereas BCSM did (1.3% [0.2–8.6%] vs 6.2% [2.0–17.7%] for CT-treated and untreated patients, respectively, p = 0.024).
Stage III deficient mismatch repair colon patients get greater benefit from earlier starting oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen
Authors: Zhan Yixiang , Ni Kemin , Liu Zhaoce , xin Ran , Han Qiurong , Ping Hangyu , Liu Yaohong , Zhao Xuanzhu , Wang Wanting , Yan Suying , Sun Jing , Zhang Qinghuai , Wang Guihua , Zhang Zili , Zhang Xipeng , Hu Xia , Li Guoxun , Zhang Chunze
Published: June 2023

We evaluate the prognostic value of chemotherapy and other prognostic factors on overall survival among colon patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR), and determine the optimum time to start chemotherapy after surgery. Data of 306 colon cancer patients with dMMR who received radical surgery were collected from three Chinese centers between August 2012 and January 2018. Overall survival (OS) was assessed with the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank. Cox regression analysis were used to assess influencing prognosis factors. The median follow-up time for all patients was 45.0 months (range, 1.0–100). There was a nonsignificant OS benefit from chemotherapy for patients with stage I and stage II disease, including high-risk stage II disease (log-rank p: 0.386, 0.779, 0.921), and a significant OS benefit for patients with stage III and stage IV disease for receiving post-operation chemotherapy (log-rank p = 0.002, 0.019). Stage III patients benefitted from chemotherapy regimens that contained oxaliplatin (log-rank p = 0.004), and Starting chemotherapy with oxaliplatin treatment earlier resulted in better outcomes (95% CI 0.013–0.857; p = 0.035). Chemotherapy regimens containing oxaliplatin can prolong the survival time of stage III and IV dMMR colon cancer patients. This beneficial manifestation was more pronounced after starting chemotherapy treatment early post operation. High risk stage II dMMR colon patients including T4N0M0 cannot benefit from chemotherapy.
DEM modeling direct shearing behavior of sand considering anti-rotation of particle
Authors: Wu Liming , Qian Jiangu , Xie Liangfu , Qin Yongjun
Published: June 2023

Considering anti-rotation of sand particles, two-dimensional Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been employed to reproduce direct shear behaviors of sand with different particle distribution sizes, so as to explore effects of anti-rotation of particle on responses of stress-displacement and dilatancy, the evolution law of shear stress, coordination number and vertical displacement of sand samples, and analyze the contact force chain, contact fabric and porosity of the samples after shearing.The results show that the anti-rotation ability of sand is enhanced, the torque of overcoming the relative rotation between particles is increased, and the peak shear stress, dilatancy and porosity in the middle of the sample are increased; with the increase of the anti-rotation coefficient, the coordination number decreases more obviously. The proportion of the contact number in the direction of 100°–160° to the total contact number decreases with the increase of the anti-rotation coefficient. The elliptical shape of the contact configuration becomes more flat, and the anisotropy of the contact force chain is more obvious; compared with fine sand, the coarse sand has greater shear capacity, more obvious dilatancy and larger porosity in the middle of the sample.The maximum minimum particle size ratio of the sample becomes larger, so that the shear strength of the sample is reduced, and the dilatancy is also weak.