bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Coxiella burnetii in the mammary gland of a dairy goat
Authors: Bauer Benjamin Ulrich , Peters Martin , Herms T. Louise , Runge Martin , Wohlsein Peter , Jensen Tim K. , Ganter Martin
Published: January 2024

The zoonotic bacterium Coxiella (C.) burnetii can be excreted by infected goats through birth products and milk. The detection of C. burnetii DNA in the mammary gland tissue of infected dairy goats and intermittent milk shedders has been reported, but confirmation of C. burnetii bacteria in the udder remained pending. The pathogen caused abortions in a 152-head dairy goat herd, resulting in the vaccination against C. burnetii of the entire herd with annual boosters. To monitor the C. burnetii shedding at herd level, monthly bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were analyzed using PCR (IS1111). Despite vaccination, C. burnetii DNA was detected in BTM samples within the first 16 months of the study. Therefore, individual milk samples were tested on four different occasions several months apart to identify potential intermittent milk shedders. Only one goat (#67455) tested positive three times. This goat was necropsied to investigate the presence of C. burnetii in the udder and other organs. PCR detected C. burnetii DNA solely in both mammary glands and the left teat cistern. Immunohistological examination identified C. burnetii antigen in mammary gland tissue, confirmed by the detection of C. burnetii bacteria in the mammary epithelial cells using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The removal of goat #67455 led to negative BTM samples until the end of the study. The findings demonstrate the occurrence of C. burnetii in the mammary gland of a naturally infected and vaccinated goat. The presence possibly contributed to intermittent milk shedding of goat #67455, and the mammary gland tissue may serve as a replicative niche for C. burnetii.
Development of O/W Pickering Emulsions Stabilized with Leek Leaf Trimmings Using Batch and Continuous Modes
Authors: Marques M. P. , Sanchez-Salvador J. L. , Monte M. C. , Blanco A. , Santos R. J. , Dias M. M. , Manrique Y. A. , Brito M. S. C. A.
Published: January 2024

Vegetable trimmings can be used to stabilize edible O/W Pickering emulsions. The lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) from the leek trimmings was mechanically treated to produce high-yield lignocellulose micro and nanofibrils (LCF) using a high-pressure homogenizer (HPH). Different O/W phase ratios (20/80, 30/70, and 40/60 wt.%) were studied. The use of the micro/nano cellulosic fibers increased the stabilization of the Pickering emulsions by 30–40%. In all cases, stable emulsions were obtained, with emulsification indexes > 92%. The respective stabilization mechanism was thoroughly analysed from confocal laser scanning, and cryo-scanning electron microscopy, which showed the fibers are not coating the droplets but forming a network that traps the droplets and prevents coalescence. The most stable batch formulations, O/W 30/70 wt.% (LCB 4.2 wt.%) and O/W 40/60 wt.% (LCB 3.6 wt.%), were also studied in continuous mode using NETmix technology. Results show the scale-up feasibility of the production of Pickering emulsions containing LCF. Most significantly, this work proposes a continuous process to produce Pickering emulsions stabilized with a natural biopolymer extracted from leek trimmings, which is suitable to industrial manufacturing processes. This valorizes the vegetable trimmings that are usually tossed away as waste, creating new market niches and business models based on circular economy concepts.

Graphical Abstract
Insights into Young Adults’ Views on Long-term and Short-term Romantic Relationships in the United Kingdom
Authors: Mengzhen Lim , Berezina Elizaveta , Benjamin Jaime
Published: January 2024

Social progressions such as the feminist movement and technological advances may have influenced the way young adults perceive romantic relationships. Although long-term relationships are traditionally viewed favorably in society, short-term relationships are becoming more popular in recent years. It’s important to understand the common perceptions of romance among young adults because it affects their partner choices and expectations. While experts can define the concepts of long-term and short-term relationships, we believe the most reliable method is to ask young adults directly. Therefore, we collected data from 229 self-reported British nationals aged between 18 and 33 (M = 19.66; SD = 2.72) to understand their perceptions of long-term and short-term romantic relationships. We asked them to write down the words or phrases that come to mind when they think of these concepts. Using the structural approach of the theory of social representation, we analyzed the values and norms of young British adults regarding these concepts. Based on our study, we observed four important things. Firstly, short-term relationships (STRs) are associated with “fun”, “excitement”, and “passion”, while long-term relationships (LTRs) are associated with “love”, “commitment”, “trust”, and “loyalty”. Secondly, while sex is important in romantic relationships, it’s only a peripheral component of STRs and not a significant factor in LTRs. Thirdly, both those in relationships and single individuals agree that “fling” and “passion” are primary aspects of STRs, but those in relationships tend to use the term “fun,“ while single individuals use “exciting” to describe STRs. Lastly, “love”, “trust”, and “commitment” are essential elements in LTRs for both single individuals and those in relationship. However, individuals in relationships also value loyalty as a critical aspect of romantic relationships.
Recovery of acetoin from Bacillus subtilis fermentation broth by supercritical CO2 extraction
Authors: Taiwo Abiola Ezekiel , Madzimbamuto Tafirenyika Nyamayaro , Ojumu Tunde Victor
Published: January 2024

Component enrichment from fermentation broths by solvent extraction using supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) has been demonstrated in the literature. This work investigates for the first time the feasibility of the enrichment of an acetoin fraction from a real fermentation broth at a pilot plant scale using sCO2. A 4-m-tall, 28-mm-diameter, counter-current column packed with pall rings was used. The ranges of process pressure and temperature investigated were 100 to 300 bar, and 37 to 80 °C respectively. The optimum recovery of acetoin was 77.8%, with little difference between the simulated and actual broths. A modest two-fold concentration of acetoin was obtained in the extract. The results show that where a modest enrichment of the targeted product makes a significant difference in subsequent separation processes, and where the purity of the product, particularly from harmful solvents, is important, sCO2 fluid separation is a credible option for the enrichment of such products of fermentation.
A Delphi panel to build consensus on assessing disease severity and disease progression in adult patients with hypophosphatasia in the United States
Authors: Dahir K. M. , Rush E. T. , Diaz-Mendoza S. , Kishnani P. S.
Published: January 2024

Background

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inborn error of metabolism with a variable presentation. We conducted a modified Delphi panel to obtain expert consensus on knowledge gaps regarding disease severity and progression in adult patients with HPP.

Methods

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) with experience managing adult patients with HPP were recruited to participate in a 3-round Delphi panel (round 1: paper survey and 1:1 interview; rounds 2–3: email survey). Panelists rated the extent of their agreement with statements about disease severity and progression in adult patients with HPP. Consensus was defined as ≥ 80% agreement.

Results

Ten HCPs completed round 1; nine completed rounds 2 and 3. Consensus was reached on 46/120 statements derived from steering committee input. Disease severity markers in adult patients with HPP can be bone-related (recurrent/poorly healing fractures, pseudo-fractures, metatarsal fractures, osteomalacia) or involve dentition or physiologic/functional manifestations (use of mobility devices/home modifications, abnormal gait, pain). Disease progression markers can include recurrent/poorly healing low-trauma fractures, development of ectopic calcifications, and/or impairment of functional activity. Panelists supported the development of a tool to help assess disease severity in the clinic and track changes in severity over time. Panelists also highlighted the role of a multidisciplinary team, centers with expertise, and the need to refer patients when disease severity is not clear.

Conclusions

These statements regarding disease severity, progression, and assessment methods address some knowledge gaps in adult patients with HPP and may be helpful for treating HCPs, although the small sample size affects the ability to generalize the healthcare provider experience.
Pregnancy-associated changes in urinary uromodulin excretion in chronic hypertension
Authors: Mary Sheon , Conti-Ramsden Fran , Boder Philipp , Parveen Humaira , Setjiadi Dellaneira , Fleminger Jessica , Brockbank Anna , Graham Delyth , Bramham Kate , Chappell Lucy Charlotte , Delles Christian
Published: January 2024

Background

Pregnancy involves major adaptations in renal haemodynamics, tubular, and endocrine functions. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Uromodulin is a nephron-derived protein that is associated with hypertension and kidney diseases. Here we study the role of urinary uromodulin excretion in hypertensive pregnancy.

Methods

Urinary uromodulin was measured by ELISA in 146 pregnant women with treated chronic hypertension (n = 118) and controls (n = 28). We studied non-pregnant and pregnant Wistar Kyoto and Stroke Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive rats (n = 8/strain), among which a group of pregnant Stroke–Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive rats was treated with either nifedipine (n = 7) or propranolol (n = 8).

Results

In pregnant women, diagnosis of chronic hypertension, increased maternal body mass index, Black maternal ethnicity and elevated systolic blood pressure at the first antenatal visit were significantly associated with a lower urinary uromodulin-to-creatinine ratio. In rodents, pre-pregnancy urinary uromodulin excretion was twofold lower in Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive rats than in Wistar Kyoto rats. During pregnancy, the urinary uromodulin excretion rate gradually decreased in Wistar Kyoto rats (a twofold decrease), whereas a 1.5-fold increase was observed in Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive rats compared to pre-pregnancy levels. Changes in uromodulin were attributed by kidney injury in pregnant rats. Neither antihypertensive changed urinary uromodulin excretion rate in pregnant Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive rats.

Conclusions

In summary, we demonstrate pregnancy-associated differences in urinary uromodulin: creatinine ratio and uromodulin excretion rate between chronic hypertensive and normotensive pregnancies. Further research is needed to fully understand uromodulin physiology in human pregnancy and establish uromodulin’s potential as a biomarker for renal adaptation and renal function in pregnancy.

Graphical abstract
Absolute treatment effects of novel antidiabetic drugs on a composite renal outcome: meta-analysis of digitalized individual patient data
Authors: Brockmeyer Maximilian , Parco Claudio , Vargas Kris Gregory , Westenfeld Ralf , Jung Christian , Kelm Malte , Roden Michael , Akbulut Cihan , Schlesinger Sabrina , Wolff Georg , Kuss Oliver
Published: January 2024

Background

Absolute treatment benefits—expressed as numbers needed to treat—of the glucose lowering and cardiovascular drugs, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on renal outcomes remain uncertain. With the present meta-analysis of digitalized individual patient data, we aimed to display and compare numbers needed to treat of both drugs on a composite renal outcome.

Methods

From Kaplan–Meier plots of major cardiovascular outcome trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors vs. placebo, we digitalized individual patient time-to-event information on composite renal outcomes with WebPlotDigitizer 4.2; numbers needed to treat from individual cardiovascular outcome trials were estimated using parametric Weibull regression models and compared to original data. Random-effects meta-analysis generated meta-numbers needed to treat with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Twelve cardiovascular outcome trials (three for GLP-1 receptor agonists, nine for SGLT2 inhibitors) comprising 90,865 participants were included. Eight trials were conducted in primary type 2 diabetes populations, two in a primary heart failure and two in a primary chronic kidney disease population. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline ranged between 37.3 and 85.3 ml/min/1.73 m2. Meta-analyses estimated meta-numbers needed to treat of 85 (95% CI 60; 145) for GLP-1 receptor agonists and 104 (95% CI 81; 147) for SGLT2 inhibitors for the composite renal outcome at the overall median follow-up time of 36 months.

Conclusion

The present meta-analysis of digitalized individual patient data revealed moderate and similar absolute treatment benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors compared to placebo for a composite renal outcome.

Graphical Abstract
Data Literacy als Gegenstand der Erwachsenenbildung – eine Programmanalyse
Authors: Brinkmöller Anna-Lena , Scheidig Falk
Published: January 2024

Im Kontext des digitalen Wandels und der damit einhergehenden Datafizierung vieler Lebensbereiche gewinnt der kompetente und kritisch-reflektierte Umgang mit Daten und deren Nutzung an Relevanz (Data Literacy). Vor diesem Hintergrund wird im Beitrag die Thematisierung von Daten und datenbezogenen Anwendungen in Angeboten der Erwachsenenbildung untersucht. Es wurden 137 Programme von Volkshochschulen aus den Jahren 2010 bis 2021 quantitativ und qualitativ hinsichtlich der Verbreitung und der inhaltlichen Ausrichtung datenbezogener Angebote analysiert. Angebote, die potenziell Data Literacy fördern, sind in fast allen Programmen enthalten und verzeichnen eine Zunahme im betrachteten Zeitraum. Die Inhaltsanalyse zeigt, dass viele Angebote Datenschutz und -sicherheit und nur wenige Angebote die aktive Verarbeitung von Daten fokussieren.
Demographic predictors of bedtime procrastination in the Japanese population
Authors: Miyagawa Shion , Sato Tomoya , Maeda Shunta
Published: January 2024

Bedtime procrastination (BP) is prevalent and problematic, with no previous study conducted in Japan. This study developed the Japanese version of the Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS), assessed its validity, and investigated the relationship between BP, demographic features, and sleep outcomes. Participants were divided into two samples (N = 252 and N = 630). Sample 1 involved a longitudinal study to confirm test–retest reliability of the BPS. Sample 2 involved a cross-sectional study to assess confirmatory factor analysis, criterion-related validity, construct validity, and determine the internal consistency of the BPS. The relationship between BP and demographic features (gender, age, and employment status) and sleep outcomes (Athens Insomnia Scale, sleep hours, sleep onset latency, and sleep efficiency) was investigated using Sample 2. The BPS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α coefficients = .90–91), test–retest reliability (ICC = .86), and one factor model was valid; CFI = .95, TLI = .94, RMSEA = .10, and SRMR = .04. The BPS had a moderate positive association with general procrastination, moderate negative associations with self-control, sleep quality, and sleep duration on weekdays, and those who answered “yes” to the item “Do you have trouble with bedtime procrastination?” had higher BPS scores. BPS scores were moderately higher for younger participants (≤ 40 years), slightly higher for females, and non-significantly different between employment statuses. The BPS showed a significant positive correlation with insomnia symptoms, weak positive association with sleep efficiency on weekdays and holidays, and no significant association with sleep onset latencies on holidays and weekdays. This study provides new data on demographic predictors of BP in Japan. No clear effects of gender and employment status were found, but age was a strong predictor of BP, where younger age groups had a higher BP risk.
GAN-Enhanced Nonlinear Fusion Model for Stock Price Prediction
Authors: Xu Yingcheng , Zhang Yunfeng , Liu Peide , Zhang Qiuyue , Zuo Yuqi
Published: January 2024

Stock price prediction is a significant field of finance research for both academics and practitioners. Numerous studies have proved that the stock movement can be fully reflect various internal features of stock price including non-stationary behavior, high persistence in the conditional variance. The fusion of time-series prediction model such as Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and neural network is an availability but difficult approach for stock price prediction. Although the orientation has been studied through some methods in different research, there are still difficulties with the poor capture ability of time-series features and insufficient effectiveness of integrating temporal feature and frequency domain information. In this paper, we propose a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) framework with the Convolution Neural Networks (CNN) as the discriminator and a hybrid model as the generator for forecasting the stock price. The hybrid model includes Attention-based Convolution Neural Networks (ACNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and ARIMA model. Moreover, this proposed framework uses the Generative Adversarial patten and Attention Mechanism to achieve effective analysis and feature extraction for stock price movement. The extensive experiments in different history periods of dataset demonstrate an improvement in forecasting of stock price using our model as compared to the baseline models.
Marriage, comedy, and the patristic tradition in the first Ptochoprodromic poem
Authors: Chryssogelos Konstantinos
Published: January 2024

The present paper deals with the first Ptochoprodromic poem's treatment of the early patristic tradition. Its focus is on the conjugal life of the Ptochoprodromic couple, whose interaction is compared to the precepts of the Byzantine Fathers on the ideal Christian marital life. Evidently, the poet parodies the tradition to which the said precepts belong, offering a comic image of the ideal Christian couple in which gender roles have been reversed. Moreover, the final scene of the poem, where the husband disguises himself, is linked to the hagiographical tradition of cross-dressing women, as well as of male saints in disguise.
Physician Management and CT Ordering in the Emergency Department for Primary Headaches
Authors: Krebs Lynette D. , Villa-Roel Cristina , Yang Esther H. , Couperthwaite Stephanie , Ospina Maria B. , Holroyd Brian R. , Rowe Brian H. ,   For the PRIHS-2 Choosing Wisely Team
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Management of primary headache (PHA) varies across emergency departments (ED), yet there is widespread agreement that computed tomography (CT) scans are overused. This study assessed emergency physicians’ (EPs) PHA management and their attitudes towards head CT ordering.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was undertaken with EPs from one Canadian center. Drivers of physicians’ perceptions regarding the appropriateness of CT ordering for patients with PHA were explored.

Results:

A total of 73 EPs (70% males; 48% with <10 years of practice) participated in the study. Most EPs (88%) did not order investigations for moderate-severe primary headaches; however, CT was the common investigation (47%) for headaches that did not improve. Computed tomography ordering was frequently motivated by the need for specialist consultation (64%) or admission (64%). A small proportion (27%) believed patients usually/frequently expected a scan. Nearly half of EPs (48%) identified patient imaging expectations/requests as a barrier to reducing CT ordering. Emergency physicians with CCFP (EM) certification were less likely to perceive CT ordering for patients with PHA as appropriate. Conversely, those who identified the possibility of missing a condition as a major barrier to limiting their CT use were more likely to perceive CT ordering for patients with PHA as appropriate.

Conclusions:

Emergency physicians reported consistency and evidence-based medical management. They highlighted the complexities of limiting CT ordering and both their level of training and their perceived barriers for limiting CT ordering seem to be influencing their attitudes. Further studies could elucidate these and other factors influencing their practice.
Particle-size segregation patterns in a partially filled triangular rotating drum
Authors: Maguire E.S.F. , Barker T. , Rauter M. , Johnson C.G. , Gray J.M.N.T.
Published: January 2024

In this paper a fully coupled particle-size segregation model for granular flows (Barker et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 909, 2021, p. A22) is used to simulate the development of the patterns in a triangular rotating drum. The results are compared with the experimental patterns formed with bidisperse and tridisperse granular mixtures, and with varying compositions and fill heights. In all cases the agreement between the simulations and experiments is remarkably good. The experimental patterns are generated in a narrow gap between transparent front and back sidewalls. These prevent three-dimensional motion, but also impose friction on the flow, making it thinner and faster than it would otherwise be. This promotes segregation, as it simultaneously increases the shear rate and reduces the local pressure. To obtain the correct flow dynamics and segregation, width-averaged sidewall friction is incorporated into the two-dimensional simulations, which are performed in OpenFOAM

$^{\circledR}$

. The free-surface avalanche forms a boundary layer within which all the segregation occurs. Material in the lower reach of the avalanche is continuously deposited into an underlying solid body of grains, which rotates with the drum, and is eventually re-entrained into the avalanche along its upper reach. The changing geometry of the granular region (as the drum rotates) implies that the avalanche is constantly adjusting its length, position and depth. This generates a complex quasi-periodic flow, which when combined with particle-size segregation generates amazing patterns in the solid rotating granular body after only two drum rotations.
The new corruption crusaders: Security sector ties as an anti-corruption voting heuristic
Authors: Vilaça Luiz , Turner Jacob R.
Published: January 2024

Despite the salience of corruption in elections in Latin America and beyond, it remains unclear what makes certain candidates attractive to voters as solutions to address corruption. Building on studies about the effect of candidates’ professional affiliation on voting behavior, we hypothesize that police and military officers are perceived to be more competent to address corruption. We test our theoretical expectations through an online survey of Brazilian voters with an image-based factorial experiment that presents respondents with three randomly generated handbills, varying candidates’ professional affiliations and potential confounders, such as economic policy, insider versus outsider status, and demographic features. Our results demonstrate that candidates affiliated with the police or the military are perceived to be more effective at reducing corruption, all else equal. The effect of police or military professions on candidates’ perceived effectiveness to fight corruption varies according to respondents’ ideology and is particularly significant among conservative voters.
What is good mine closure?
Authors: Littleboy Anna , Marais Lochner , Baumgartl Thomas
Published: January 2024

The ability to close and relinquish a mine is becoming increasingly important. Over the past few decades the mining sector has been promoting sustainable practices (Lohdia, 2018). But mine closure challenges the industry’s sustainability intentions. The mining industry’s peak body has made available a set of mine closure guidelines (e.g. ICMM, 2019). However, mining companies avoid closure by putting a mine under care and maintenance or selling the assets to smaller firms (Owen & Kemp, 2018). Abandonment of mines is common worldwide and is still occurring. The global problem of abandoned or improperly closed mines makes it clear that “it’s not over, when it’s over” (World Bank, 2002).
Vote Choices and Valence: Intercepts and Alternate Specifications
Authors: Mauerer Ingrid , Tutz Gerhard
Published: January 2024

Valence is a crucial concept in studying spatial voting and party competition. The widely adopted approach is to rely on intercepts of vote choice models and to infer, based on their size and direction, how valence affects party strategies in empirical settings. The approach suffers from fundamental statistical flaws. This contribution provides the statistical fundamentals to advance the empirical modeling of valence. It proposes an appropriate modeling approach to interpret intercepts as valences and alternate specifications to parameterize the effects of valence.
Palaeoparasitology confirms Early Lapita evidence of pig and dog at Kamgot, Bismarck Archipelago
Authors: Horrocks M. , Summerhayes G. , Presswell B.
Published: January 2024

Little is known about helminth parasites of the Bismarck Archipelago, in either archaeological or modern contexts. This study presents a parasitological analysis of soil samples from Early Lapita habitation layers at Kamgot (3300–3000 BP). Evidence for the presence of pigs and dogs and the timing of their arrival in Early Lapita contexts have been contested in the literature. The finding of parasite eggs in samples from Kamgot supports the presence of pigs and dogs at the site. Six types of helminth eggs were identified: pig nematode Trichuris suis, dog nematode Toxocara canis, and cestode Dipylidium caninum, as well as two unknown trematodes and a possible anoplocephalid cestode, thereby indicating the local presence of other mammals or birds. This study represents the first confirmed record of ancient helminth parasites in tropical Oceania.
A critique of motivation constructs to explain higher-order behavior: We should unpack the black box
Authors: Murayama Kou , Jach Hayley K.
Published: January 2024

The constructs of motivation (or needs, motives, etc.) to explain higher-order behavior have burgeoned in psychology. In this article, we critically evaluate such high-level motivation constructs that many researchers define as causal determinants of behavior. We identify a fundamental issue with this predominant view of motivation, which we call the black-box problem. Specifically, high-level motivation constructs have been considered as causally instigating a wide range of higher-order behavior, but this does not explain what they actually are or how behavioral tendencies are generated. The black-box problem inevitably makes the construct ill-defined and jeopardizes its theoretical status. To address the problem, we discuss the importance of mental computational processes underlying motivated behavior. Critically, from this perspective, motivation is not a unitary construct that causes a wide range of higher-order behavior – it is an emergent property that people construe through the regularities of subjective experiences and behavior. The proposed perspective opens new avenues for future theoretical development, that is, the examination of how motivated behavior is realized through mental computational processes.
Voluntary and Involuntary Migrants: On Migration, Safe Third Countries, and the Collective Unfreedom of the Proletariat
Authors: Blake Michael
Published: January 2024

The claims of those who are compelled to migrate are, in general, taken to be more urgent and pressing than the claims of those who were not forced to do so. This article does not defend the moral relevance of voluntarism to the morality of migration, but instead seeks to demonstrate two complexities that must be included in any plausible account of that moral relevance. The first is that the decision to start the migration journey is distinct from the decision to stop that journey, through resettlement; the latter may involve voluntary choice, without that voluntarism impugning the involuntary nature of the former. The second is that the migration decision of the individual might be voluntary, even while that individual's family or social network might be compelled to insist upon some particular individual member's migration. That is, the fact that any particular person might be free to refuse migration does not contradict the fact that the group in question does not have the effective freedom to avoid the migration of some group members. Once these two complexities are understood, I argue, the moral relevance of voluntarism in the ethics of migration becomes more complex and nuanced than is generally understood.
International Law and the Humanization of Warfare
Authors: Regan Mitt
Published: January 2024

The trend toward the “humanization” of international law reflects a greater emphasis on individuals rather than simply states as objects of concern. The advance of human rights law (HRL) has been an important impetus for this trend. Some observers suggest that humanization can be furthered even more by applying HRL rather than international humanitarian law (IHL) to hostilities between states and nonstate armed groups, unless a state explicitly declares that it is engaged in an armed conflict. This essay argues, however, that a court should not defer to a state's characterization of hostilities, but should base its analysis on whether hostilities meet the criteria for an armed conflict. Applying HRL to hostilities that effectively are an armed conflict but not acknowledged as such risks diluting the legitimacy and normative force of HRL. On the one hand, if a court applies conventional stringent HRL standards, this body of law may be seen as unrealistic and is likely to be ignored. On the other hand, a court that adapts HRL standards to armed conflict may need to take a consequentialist approach at odds with HRL's deontological foundations. Clearly differentiating between HRL and IHL may thus best promote the humanization of warfare.
Maternal pea fiber supplementation to a high calorie diet in obese pregnancies protects male offspring from metabolic dysfunction in adulthood
Authors: Andreani Gabriella A. , Mahmood Saleh , Patel Mulchand S. , Rideout Todd C.
Published: January 2024

We investigated the influence of maternal yellow-pea fiber supplementation in obese pregnancies on offspring metabolic health in adulthood. Sixty newly-weaned female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to either a low-calorie control diet (CON) or high calorie obesogenic diet (HC) for 6-weeks. Obese animals were then fed either the HC diet alone or the HC diet supplemented with yellow-pea fiber (HC + FBR) for an additional 4-weeks prior to breeding and throughout gestation and lactation. On postnatal day (PND) 21, 1 male and 1 female offspring from each dam were weaned onto the CON diet until adulthood (PND 120) for metabolic phenotyping. Adult male, but not female, HC offspring demonstrated increased body weight and feed intake vs CON offspring, however no protection was offered by maternal FBR supplementation. HC male and female adult offspring demonstrated increased serum glucose and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared with CON offspring. Maternal FBR supplementation improved glycemic control in male, but not female offspring. Compared with CON offspring, male offspring from HC dams demonstrated marked dyslipidemia (higher serum cholesterol, increased number of TG-rich lipoproteins, and smaller LDL particles) which was largely normalized in offspring from HC + FBR mothers. Male offspring born to obese mothers (HC) had higher hepatic TG, which tended to be lowered (p = 0.07) by maternal FBR supplementation.

Supplementation of a maternal high calorie diet with yellow-pea fiber in prepregnancy and throughout gestation and lactation protects male offspring from metabolic dysfunction in the absence of any change in body weight status in adulthood.
Rights of Nature on the Island of Ireland: Origins, Drivers, and Implications for Future Rights of Nature Movements
Authors: Killean Rachel , Gilbert Jérémie , Doran Peter
Published: January 2024

Over the course of 2021, several local councils across the island of Ireland introduced motions recognizing the ‘Rights of Nature’. To date, little research has been conducted into these nascent Rights of Nature movements, even though they raise important questions about the philosophical, cultural, political, and legal drivers in pursuing such rights. Similarly, much remains unclear as to the implications of such initiatives, both in their domestic context and for Rights of Nature movements around the world. This article contributes to addressing this gap by exploring these themes through an analysis of interviews with key stakeholders conducted across the island of Ireland in June 2022. In particular, it explores the impact of international movements, colonial legacies, cultural heritage, and years of inadequate environmental governance, in motivating local councils to pursue a Rights of Nature strategy.
Coupling Physical Factors for Precipitation Forecast in China With Graph Neural Network
Authors: Chen Yutong , Wang Ya , Huang Gang , Tian Qun
Published: January 2024

Precipitation exerts far‐reaching impacts on both socio‐economic fabric and individual well‐being, necessitating concerted efforts in accurate forecasting. Deep learning (DL) models have increasingly demonstrated their prowess in forecasting meteorological elements. However, traditional DL prediction models often grapple with heavy rainfall forecasting. In this study, we propose physics‐informed localized graph neural network models called ω‐GNN and ω‐EGNN, constrained by the coupling of physical variables and climatological background to predict precipitation in China. These models exhibit notable and robust improvements in identifying heavy rainfall while maintaining excellent performance in forecasting light rain by comparing to numerical weather prediction (NWP) and other DL models with multiple perturbation experiments in different data sets. Surprisingly, within a certain range, even when a DL model utilizes more input variables, GNN can still maintain its advantage. The methods to fuse physics into DL model demonstrated in this study may be promising and call for future studies.
Weakened Increase in Global Near‐Surface Water Vapor Pressure During the Last 20 Years
Authors: Xu Wenfang , Xia Xiaosheng , Piao Shilong , Wu Donghai , Li Weibiao , Yang Song , Yuan Wenping
Published: January 2024

It is well known that global warming increases the atmospheric water vapor content, which results in substantial changes in the hydrological cycle. Using five observational data sets, the results show that an increasing trend of near‐surface water vapor pressure (AVP) over land and ocean was significant from 1975 to 1998, while such an increasing trend in AVP subsequently weakened from 1999 to 2019. This phenomenon is associated with decreased oceanic evaporation and land surface evapotranspiration in response to recent climate variations. One consequence of such a phenomenon is a large increase in near‐surface vapor pressure deficit (VPD), which in turn increases atmospheric demand for water vapor and thus aridity and drought over land. This result emphasizes the importance of water vapor change under global warming.
Coupled Transport, Reactivity, and Mechanics in Fractured Shale Caprocks
Authors: Murugesu M. P. , Vega B. , Ross C. M. , Kurotori T. , Druhan J. L. , Kovscek A. R.
Published: January 2024

Shales are low‐permeability caprocks that confine fluid, such as CO2, nuclear waste, and hydrogen, in storage formations. Stress‐induced fractures in shale caprocks provide pathways for fluid to leak and potentially contaminate fresh water aquifers. Fractured shales are also increasingly considered as resources for CO2 sequestration, enhanced geothermal, and unconventional energy recovery. Injecting reactive fluids into shales introduces chemical disequilibrium, causing an onset of a series of dissolution, precipitation, and fines mobilization mechanisms. The reactions have rapid kinetics and significant impact on porosity and permeability; consequently, flow and storage properties of caprocks. While previous research has explored the separate effects of these reactions, this study aims to uncover their simultaneous occurrence and collective influence. This study unveils these highly coupled transport and reactivity mechanisms by tracking and visualizing the reaction‐induced alterations in the matrix, microcracks, and fractures of shales over time. We conducted brine injection experiments sequentially at pH 4 and 2 in a naturally fractured Wolfcamp shale sample while simultaneously imaging the dynamic processes using X‐ray computed tomography (CT). CT images are validated by finer resolution images obtained using micro‐CT and scanning electron microscopy. We also tracked the sample permeability and fluid chemistry using brine permeability and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. Findings show that fluid primarily flowed through fractures, dissolving reactive minerals and mobilizing fines on fracture surfaces. Dissolution of fracture asperities under confining stress resulted in the closing of fractures. Clogging in narrow fracture pathways, caused by fines accumulation, diverted fluid flow into matrix pores.
Waveguide-based augmented reality displays: a highlight
Authors: Rolland Jannick P. , Goodsell Jeremy
Published: January 2024

Augmented reality (AR), which emerged in the 1960s, remains a focal point of interest given its capacity to overlay the real world with digitally presented information through optical combiners. The prevalent combiner, commonly known as the waveguide in the AR literature, is prized for its compact design and generous eyebox—essential elements in human-centric technology. Nonetheless, these combiners encounter unique challenges in meeting various other requirements of the human visual system. This paper highlights a recent review of technological advancements and presents a forward-looking perspective on the future of AR technology.
One thousand patients with essential thrombocythemia: the Florence-CRIMM experience
Authors: Loscocco Giuseppe G. , Gesullo Francesca , Capecchi Giulio , Atanasio Alessandro , Maccari Chiara , Mannelli Francesco , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Guglielmelli Paola
Published: January 2024

We describe 1000 patients with essential thrombocythemia seen at the Center Research and Innovation of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (CRIMM), Florence, Italy, between 1980 and 2023: median age 59 years (18–95), females 65%, JAK2/CALR/MPL-mutated 66%/19%/4%, triple-negative (TN) 11%. Extreme thrombocytosis (ExT, platelets ≥1000 × 109/L) in 16%, leukocytosis (leukocytes >11 × 109/L) in 16%, and at least one cardiovascular risk factor in 52% of cases. JAK2-mutated patients were older (median 62 years) and CALR-mutated and TN (53 years for both) younger (p < 0.001). Female gender clustered with TN (76%) and JAK2 (67%) vs CALR (46%) mutations (p < 0.001). ExT clustered with CALR (type-2 more than type-1), TN and MPL, and leukocytosis with JAK2 mutation (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, risk factors for arterial thrombosis-free survival were age ≥60 years (HR 2.0; p < 0.001) and JAK2 mutation (HR 1.3; p = 0.02) with borderline significance for male gender (p = 0.08) and cardiovascular risk factors (p = 0.08); for venous thrombosis-free survival, JAK2 mutation (HR 1.9; p = 0.03) with borderline significance for venous thrombosis history (p = 0.07); for overall survival, older age (p < 0.001), male gender (HR 1.9; p < 0.001), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 8 × 109/L (HR 1.8; p = 0.01), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) < 1.7 × 109/L (HR 1.2; p = 0.03); for myelofibrosis-free survival, CALR mutation (HR 2.7; p < 0.001, particularly for CALR type 1/1-like, HR 3.3) and MPL mutation (HR 3.9; p = 0.001); for leukemia-free survival, older age (p = 0.03). Cytoreductive therapy appeared to mitigate both venous (HR 0.3; p = 0.01) and arterial thrombosis (HR 4; p = 0.04); there was a trend for aspirin in preventing arterial thrombosis recurrence. The current study provides real-world observations in essential thrombocythemia, representing a valid source document for interpreting current literature and planning future studies.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease promotes breast cancer progression through upregulated hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21
Authors: Sui Yue , Liu Qingqing , Xu Cong , Ganesan Kumar , Ye Zhen , Li Yan , Wu Jianmin , Du Bing , Gao Fei , Song Cailu , Chen Jianping
Published: January 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been shown to influence breast cancer progression, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of NAFLD on breast cancer tumor growth and cell viability through the potential mediator, hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Both peritumoral and systemic administration of FGF21 promoted breast cancer tumor growth, while FGF21 knockout attenuated the tumor-promoting effects of the high-fat diet. Mechanistically, exogenous FGF21 treatment enhanced the anti-apoptotic ability of breast cancer cells through STAT3 and Akt/FoXO1 signaling pathways, and mitigated doxorubicin-induced cell death. Furthermore, we observed overexpression of FGF21 in tumor tissues from breast cancer patients, which was associated with poor prognosis. These findings suggest a novel role for FGF21 as an upregulated mediator in the context of NAFLD, promoting breast cancer development and highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
CD8+ T cell metabolic flexibility elicited by CD28-ARS2 axis-driven alternative splicing of PKM supports antitumor immunity
Authors: Holling G. Aaron , Chavel Colin A. , Sharda Anand P. , Lieberman Mackenzie M. , James Caitlin M. , Lightman Shivana M. , Tong Jason H. , Qiao Guanxi , Emmons Tiffany R. , Giridharan Thejaswini , Hou Shengqi , Intlekofer Andrew M. , Higashi Richard M. , Fan Teresa W. M. , Lane Andrew N. , Eng Kevin H. , Segal Brahm H. , Repasky Elizabeth A. , Lee Kelvin P. , Olejniczak Scott H.
Published: January 2024

Metabolic flexibility has emerged as a critical determinant of CD8+ T-cell antitumor activity, yet the mechanisms driving the metabolic flexibility of T cells have not been determined. In this study, we investigated the influence of the nuclear cap-binding complex (CBC) adaptor protein ARS2 on mature T cells. In doing so, we discovered a novel signaling axis that endows activated CD8+ T cells with flexibility of glucose catabolism. ARS2 upregulation driven by CD28 signaling reinforced splicing factor recruitment to pre-mRNAs and affected approximately one-third of T-cell activation-induced alternative splicing events. Among these effects, the CD28-ARS2 axis suppressed the expression of the M1 isoform of pyruvate kinase in favor of PKM2, a key determinant of CD8+ T-cell glucose utilization, interferon gamma production, and antitumor effector function. Importantly, PKM alternative splicing occurred independently of CD28-driven PI3K pathway activation, revealing a novel means by which costimulation reprograms glucose metabolism in CD8+ T cells.
Quantum fluctuations drive nonmonotonic correlations in a qubit lattice
Authors: Lopez-Bezanilla Alejandro , King Andrew D. , Nisoli Cristiano , Saxena Avadh
Published: January 2024

Fluctuations may induce the degradation of order by overcoming ordering interactions, consequently leading to an increase of entropy. This is particularly evident in magnetic systems characterized by nontrivial, constrained disorder, where thermal or quantum fluctuations can yield counterintuitive forms of ordering. Using the proven efficiency of quantum annealers as programmable spin system simulators, we present a study based on entropy postulates and experiments on a platform of programmable superconducting qubits to show that a low level of uncertainty can promote ordering in a system impacted by both thermal and quantum fluctuations. A set of experiments is proposed on a lattice of interacting qubits arranged in a triangular geometry with precisely controlled disorder, effective temperature, and quantum fluctuations. Our results demonstrate the creation of ordered ferrimagnetic and layered anisotropic disordered phases, displaying characteristics akin to the elegant order-by-disorder phenomenon. Extensive experimental evidence is provided for the role of quantum fluctuations in lowering the total energy of the system by increasing entropy and defect clustering. Our thorough and comprehensive application of an intentionally introduced noise on a quantum platform provides insight into the dynamics of defects and fluctuations in quantum devices, which may help to reduce the cost associated with quantum processing.
Sox9 regulates alternative splicing and pancreatic beta cell function
Authors: Puri Sapna , Maachi Hasna , Nair Gopika , Russ Holger A. , Chen Richard , Pulimeno Pamela , Cutts Zachary , Ntranos Vasilis , Hebrok Matthias
Published: January 2024

Despite significant research, mechanisms underlying the failure of islet beta cells that result in type 2 diabetes (T2D) are still under investigation. Here, we report that Sox9, a transcriptional regulator of pancreas development, also functions in mature beta cells. Our results show that Sox9-depleted rodent beta cells have defective insulin secretion, and aging animals develop glucose intolerance, mimicking the progressive degeneration observed in T2D. Using genome editing in human stem cells, we show that beta cells lacking SOX9 have stunted first-phase insulin secretion. In human and rodent cells, loss of Sox9 disrupts alternative splicing and triggers accumulation of non-functional isoforms of genes with key roles in beta cell function. Sox9 depletion reduces expression of protein-coding splice variants of the serine-rich splicing factor arginine SRSF5, a major splicing enhancer that regulates alternative splicing. Our data highlight the role of SOX9 as a regulator of alternative splicing in mature beta cell function.
Determinants of epidemic size and the impacts of lulls in seasonal influenza virus circulation
Authors: de Jong Simon P. J. , Felix Garza Zandra C. , Gibson Joseph C. , van Leeuwen Sarah , de Vries Robert P. , Boons Geert-Jan , van Hoesel Marliek , de Haan Karen , van Groeningen Laura E. , Hulme Katina D. , van Willigen Hugo D. G. , Wynberg Elke , de Bree Godelieve J. , Matser Amy , Bakker Margreet , van der Hoek Lia , Prins Maria , Kootstra Neeltje A. , Eggink Dirk , Nichols Brooke E. , Han Alvin X. , de Jong Menno D. , Russell Colin A.
Published: January 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, levels of seasonal influenza virus circulation were unprecedentedly low, leading to concerns that a lack of exposure to influenza viruses, combined with waning antibody titres, could result in larger and/or more severe post-pandemic seasonal influenza epidemics. However, in most countries the first post-pandemic influenza season was not unusually large and/or severe. Here, based on an analysis of historical influenza virus epidemic patterns from 2002 to 2019, we show that historic lulls in influenza virus circulation had relatively minor impacts on subsequent epidemic size and that epidemic size was more substantially impacted by season-specific effects unrelated to the magnitude of circulation in prior seasons. From measurements of antibody levels from serum samples collected each year from 2017 to 2021, we show that the rate of waning of antibody titres against influenza virus during the pandemic was smaller than assumed in predictive models. Taken together, these results partially explain why the re-emergence of seasonal influenza virus epidemics was less dramatic than anticipated and suggest that influenza virus epidemic dynamics are not currently amenable to multi-season prediction.