bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“For the public benefit”: Data policy in platform markets
Authors: Markovich Sarit , Yehezkel Yaron
Published: March 2024

We consider the public‐good aspect of platform's data collection on users. Data have commercial benefits to the platform, personal benefits to the user, and public benefits to other users. We ask who should decide which data the platform commercializes. We find that the answer depends on the type of heterogeneity in the disutility of data commercialization. When heterogeneity is across users (data items) and the public benefit of data is high (low), it is welfare enhancing to let the platform (users) control the data. Furthermore, dynamic data accumulation strengthens our results.
Single lateral implant for mandibular overdentures as a fallback solution or a viable treatment alternative: Four case reports
Authors: Maniewicz Sabrina , Curado Thalita Fernandes Fleury , McKenna Gerald , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Müller Frauke
Published: March 2024

This report of four clinical cases aims to illustrate the use of a lateral implant as a solution for implant overdentures in the mandible in different clinical situations. The first two cases describe the clinical situations of patients wearing two‐implant mandibular overdentures until the failure of one of the implants, one due to implant loss and the other due to a fracture of an abutment screw, and how the conditions were managed. The third case illustrates the placement of a single implant to retain an overdenture, where a midline implant, as originally planned, was not feasible due to anatomic reasons. The final case describes the use of a lateral implant to support and retain a single‐implant mandibular overdenture. The four cases demonstrate that a single lateral implant can be utilized as sole retention in cases of a failing contra‐lateral implant and as an alternative to a single implant in the midline.
Profiling plasma alterations of extracellular vesicles in patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis and bacterial infection
Authors: Campello Elena , Zanetto Alberto , Radu Claudia M. , Toffanin Serena , Shalaby Sarah , Gavasso Sabrina , Rizzo Stefania , Perin Nicola , Angeli Paolo , Burra Patrizia , Senzolo Marco , Simioni Paolo
Published: March 2024

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) modulate inflammation, coagulation and vascular homeostasis in decompensated cirrhosis.

Aim

To characterize the profile of plasmatic EVs in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and bacterial infections and evaluate the association between EVs and the development of hemostatic complications.

Methods

We measured the levels of EVs using high‐sensitivity flow cytometry and phospholipid‐dependent clotting time (PPL) in a prospective cohort of hospitalized patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis with versus without bacterial infections. A separate cohort of patients with bacterial infections without cirrhosis was also enrolled. We measured endothelium‐, tissue factor (TF)‐bearing, platelet‐ and leukocyte‐derived EVs. In patients with infections, EVs were reassessed upon resolution of infection. Bleeding and thrombotic complications were recorded during 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

Eighty patients with decompensated cirrhosis were recruited (40 each with and without bacterial infections). Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of plasma EVs. Despite no difference in total EVs and PPL, patients with cirrhosis and infection had significantly higher TF+ EVs, P‐Selectin+ EVs (activated platelet‐derived), CD14+ EVs (monocyte/macrophages derived) and CD14+ TF+ EVs versus those with cirrhosis without infection. Upon infection resolution, levels of these EVs returned to those without infection. Patients with infections showed a significant association between reduced P‐Selectin+ EVs and bleeding complications (HR 8.0 [95%CI 1.3–48.1]), whereas high levels of leukocyte‐derived EVs (CD45+) and CD14+ EVs were significantly associated with thrombotic complications (HR 16.4 [95%CI 1.7–160] and 10.9 [95%CI 1.13–106], respectively). Results were confirmed in a validation cohort.

Conclusion

Bacterial infections are associated with particular alterations of plasma EVs profile in decompensated cirrhosis. Bacterial infections trigger the release of EVs originating from various cell types, which may tip the precarious hemostatic balance of patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis towards hyper‐ or hypocoagulability.
Gestational weight trajectory and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Lihua , Huang Yanhong , Chen Lijuan , Zheng Lianghui , Feng Yebin , Lin Juan , Yan Jianying
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to explore gestational weight gain (GWG) trajectories and their associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes. A retrospective cohort study including 11,064 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was conducted between 2015 and 2019 in China. The latent class trajectory model was used to identify GWG trajectories, and logistic regression was performed to examine odds ratio (OR) of pregnancy outcomes. Three trajectories of GWG were identified in these 11,604 women with GDM. Trajectory 1: 64.02% of women had sustained moderate GWG throughout pregnancy; Trajectory 2: 17.75% of women showed a high initial GWG but followed by a low GWG from the third trimester until delivery; Trajectory 3: 18.23% had low initial GWG but followed by drastic GWG from the second trimester until delivery. Compared with pregnant women with Trajectory 1, women with Trajectory 2 had a higher risk of large for gestational age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–1.48) but at a lower risk of having hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (AOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.57–0.96). Women in Trajectory 3 were more likely to develop small for gestational age (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.62–2.78), low birthweight (AOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.07–2.08), preterm birth (AOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05–1.63), caesarean section (AOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.112–1.42) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (AOR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.82–2.76). The association of GWG trajectory with adverse pregnancy outcomes differs across prepregnancy body mass index and GWG categories. Women with a slow initial GWG but followed by drastic GWG had higher risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Early clinical recognition of poor GWG trajectory will contribute to early intervention in high‐risk groups to minimise adverse outcomes.
Responses of vascular plant fine roots and associated microbial communities to whole‐ecosystem warming and elevated CO2 in northern peatlands
Authors: Duchesneau Katherine , Defrenne Camille E. , Petro Caitlin , Malhotra Avni , Moore Jessica A. M. , Childs Joanne , Hanson Paul J. , Iversen Colleen M. , Kostka Joel E.
Published: March 2024

Warming and elevated CO2 (eCO2) are expected to facilitate vascular plant encroachment in peatlands. The rhizosphere, where microbial activity is fueled by root turnover and exudates, plays a crucial role in biogeochemical cycling, and will likely at least partially dictate the response of the belowground carbon cycle to climate changes.

We leveraged the Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments (SPRUCE) experiment, to explore the effects of a whole‐ecosystem warming gradient (+0°C to 9°C) and eCO2 on vascular plant fine roots and their associated microbes. We combined trait‐based approaches with the profiling of fungal and prokaryote communities in plant roots and rhizospheres, through amplicon sequencing.

Warming promoted self‐reliance for resource uptake in trees and shrubs, while saprophytic fungi and putative chemoorganoheterotrophic bacteria utilizing plant‐derived carbon substrates were favored in the root zone. Conversely, eCO2 promoted associations between trees and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Trees mostly associated with short‐distance exploration‐type fungi that preferentially use labile soil N. Additionally, eCO2 decreased the relative abundance of saprotrophs in tree roots.

Our results indicate that plant fine‐root trait variation is a crucial mechanism through which vascular plants in peatlands respond to climate change via their influence on microbial communities that regulate biogeochemical cycles.
Regulation of plant resistance to salt stress by the SnRK1‐dependent splicing factor SRRM1L
Authors: Sun Qi , Sun Yixin , Liu Xin , Li Minglong , Li Qiang , Xiao Jialei , Xu Pengfei , Zhang Shuzhen , Ding Xiaodong
Published: March 2024

Most splicing factors are extensively phosphorylated but their physiological functions in plant salt resistance are still elusive.

We found that phosphorylation by SnRK1 kinase is essential for SRRM1L nuclear speckle formation and its splicing factor activity in plant cells. In Arabidopsis, loss‐of‐function of SRRM1L leads to the occurrence of alternative pre‐mRNA splicing events and compromises plant resistance to salt stress.

In Arabidopsis srrm1l mutant line, we identified an intron‐retention Nuclear factor Y subunit A 10 (NFYA10) mRNA variant by RNA‐Seq and found phosphorylation‐dependent RNA‐binding of SRRM1L is indispensable for its alternative splicing activity. In the wild‐type Arabidopsis, salt stress can activate SnRK1 to phosphorylate SRRM1L, triggering enrichment of functional NFYA10.1 variant to enhance plant salt resistance. By contrast, the Arabidopsis srrm1l mutant accumulates nonfunctional NFYA10.3 variant, sensitizing plants to salt stress.

In summary, this work deciphered the molecular mechanisms and physiological functions of SnRK1‐SRRM1L‐NFYA10 module, shedding light on a regulatory pathway to fine‐tune plant adaptation to abiotic stress at the post‐transcriptional and post‐translational levels.
Societal Pessimism and the Transition to Parenthood: A Future Too Bleak to Have Children?
Authors: Ivanova Katya , Balbo Nicoletta
Published: March 2024

Contemporary adults often cite economic uncertainty, global warming, and increasing inequality as reasons for intending not to have children. Despite extensive research on the impact of societal pessimism on attitudes towards out‐group members, political preferences, and voting behaviors, its impact on demographic behaviors, such as fertility, has received little attention. This study examines the relationship between societal pessimism—captured through individuals' negative perception of the future of the next generation—and their likelihood of becoming a parent. Using data from the Dutch Longitudinal Internet studies for the Social Sciences (LISS), we use discrete‐time event history models to estimate the probability of becoming a parent in a given year based on respondents' self‐reported negative assessment of the future of the next generation in six distinct areas. Our results demonstrate that perceiving the future of the coming generation as worse than today is associated with a lower probability of becoming a parent. These findings suggest that surveys aimed at understanding fertility behaviors should incorporate questions about individuals' perceptions of the future, in addition to their own contemporaneous conditions.
Arabidopsis calcineurin B‐like‐interacting protein kinase 8 and its functional homolog in tomato negatively regulates ABA‐mediated stomatal movement and drought tolerance
Authors: Liu Fei , Liu Qi , Wu Ju‐Hua , Wang Zong‐Qi , Geng Yuan‐Jun , Li Juan , Zhang Yan , Li Sha
Published: March 2024

Stomatal movement is critical for water transpiration, gas exchange, and responses to biotic stresses. Abscisic acid (ABA) induces stomatal closure to prevent water loss during drought. We report that Arabidopsis CIPK8 negatively regulates ABA‐mediated stomatal closure and drought tolerance. CIPK8 is highly enriched in guard cells and transcriptionally induced by ABA. Functional loss of CIPK8 results in hypersensitive stomatal closure to ABA and enhanced drought tolerance. Guard cell‐specific downregulation of CIPK8 mimics the phenotype of cipk8 whereas guard cell‐specific expression of a constitutive active CIPK8 (CIPK8CA) has an opposite effect, suggesting a cell autonomous activity of CIPK8. CIPK8 physically interacts with CBL1 and CBL9. Functional loss of CBL1 and CBL9 mimics ABA‐hypersensitive stomatal closure of cipk8 whereas abolishes the effect of CIPK8CA, indicating that CIPK8 and CBL1/CBL9 form a genetic module in ABA‐responsive stomatal movement. SlCIPK7, the functional homolog of CIPK8 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), plays a similar role in ABA‐responsive stomatal movement. Genomic editing of SlCIPK7 results in more drought‐tolerant tomato, making it a good candidate for germplasm improvement.
Functional analysis of reactive oxygen species‐driven stress systemic signalling, interplay and acclimation
Authors: Myers Ronald J. , Peláez‐Vico María Ángeles , Fichman Yosef
Published: March 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in plant development and stress responses, acting as key components in rapid signalling pathways. The ‘ROS wave’ triggers essential acclimation processes, ultimately ensuring plant survival under diverse challenges. This review explores recent advances in understanding the composition and functionality of the ROS wave within plant cells. During their initiation and propagation, ROS waves interact with other rapid signalling pathways, hormones and various molecular compounds. Recent research sheds light on the intriguing lack of a rigid hierarchy governing these interactions, highlighting a complex interplay between diverse signals. Notably, ROS waves culminate in systemic acclimation, a crucial outcome for enhanced stress tolerance. This review emphasizes the versatility of ROS, which act as flexible players within a network of short‐ and long‐term factors contributing to plant stress resilience. Unveiling the intricacies of these interactions between ROS and various signalling molecules holds immense potential for developing strategies to augment plant stress tolerance, contributing to improved agricultural practices and overall ecosystem well‐being.
Oscillatory correlates of threat imminence during virtual navigation
Authors: Karpov Galit , Lin Mei‐Heng , Headley Drew B. , Baker Travis E.
Published: March 2024

The Predatory Imminence Continuum Theory proposes that defensive behaviors depend on the proximity of a threat. While the neural mechanisms underlying this proposal are well studied in animal models, it remains poorly understood in humans. To address this issue, we recorded EEG from 24 (15 female) young adults engaged in a first‐person virtual reality Risk–Reward interaction task. On each trial, participants were placed in a virtual room and presented with either a threat or reward conditioned stimulus (CS) in the same room location (proximal) or different room location (distal). Behaviorally, all participants learned to avoid the threat‐CS, with most using the optimal behavior to actively avoid the proximal threat‐CS (88% accuracy) and passively avoid the distal threat‐CS (69% accuracy). Similarly, participants learned to actively approach the distal reward‐CS (82% accuracy) and to remain passive to the proximal reward‐CS (72% accuracy). At an electrophysiological level, we observed a general increase in theta power (4–8 Hz) over the right posterior channel P8 across all conditions, with the proximal threat‐CS evoking the largest theta response. By contrast, distal cues induced two bursts of gamma (30–60 Hz) power over midline‐parietal channel Pz (200 msec post‐cue) and right frontal channel Fp2 (300 msec post‐cue). Interestingly, the first burst of gamma power was sensitive to the distal threat‐CS and the second burst at channel Fp2 was sensitive to the distal reward‐CS. Together, these findings demonstrate that oscillatory processes differentiate between the spatial proximity information during threat and reward encoding, likely optimizing the selection of the appropriate behavioral response.
A measure of the blink reflex to parametric variation of mechanical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve
Authors: Kaiser Eric A. , Haggerty Edda B. , Garner Dena P. , Bunya Vatinee Y. , Aguirre Geoffrey K.
Published: March 2024

The primary goal of this study was to develop a parametric model that relates variation in stimulation of the trigeminal nerve to properties of the blink response. We measured blink responses in 17 healthy, adult participants to air puffs directed at the lateral canthus of the eye at five different, log‐spaced intensities (3.5–60 PSI). Lid position over time was decomposed into amplitude and velocity components. We found that blink amplitude was systematically related to log stimulus intensity, with the relationship well described by a sigmoidal function. The parameters of the model fit correspond to the slope of the function and the stimulus intensity required to produce half of a maximal blink response (the half‐response threshold). There was a reliable increase in the half‐response threshold for the contralateral as compared to the ipsilateral blink response. This increase was consistent across participants despite substantial individual differences in the half‐response threshold and slope parameters of the overall sensitivity function, suggesting that the laterality effect arises in the neural circuit subsequent to individual differences in sensitivity. Overall, we find that graded mechanical stimulation of the somatosensory trigeminal afferents elicits a graded response that is well described by a simple parametric model. We discuss the application of parametric measurements of the blink response to the detection of group differences in trigeminal sensitivity.
Inoculated biocrust cover and functions diverged over a gradient of soil textures and water availability
Authors: Young Kristina E. , Reed Sasha C. , Morton Michael , Bowker Matthew A.
Published: March 2024

Restoring biological crust (biocrust) in disturbed drylands is challenging due to the difficult environmental conditions, such as limited soil moisture, low soil nutrients, and extreme temperatures, that impede growth. Understanding how the key components of biocrust—mosses, lichens, and cyanobacteria—react to different environmental factors informs the optimal timing, locations, and species composition for biocrust reintroduction, thereby increasing the likelihood of establishment. Here, we inoculated soils with a diverse range of biocrust organisms, analogous to seeding an area with diverse vascular plant seeds, and varied environmental conditions to observe how these changes influenced the development and functions of reintroduced biocrust. We found that by manipulating soil texture and time spent wet, we can change the proportional cover of biocrust within a restoration‐like setting. Specifically, we found that 4 months after inoculation, finer textured soils that received more water become dominated by moss cover, while coarser textured soils with less water remained dominated by cyanobacteria cover, and the interactions between texture and time spent wet strongly influenced cover. We found biocrust morphological group cover had a small, but detectable, effect on ecosystem functions (soil stability and nitrogenase activity, a proxy for nitrogen fixation), but that environmental conditions had a stronger impact on the functions we measured. Manipulative experiments in controlled environments, like this one, can help elucidate the mechanisms underlying the establishment rate and patterns of biocrusts post‐inoculation, and inform implementation of inoculations in the field.
Natural regeneration or tree planting in a tropical forest‐to‐pasture damaged area: which is more efficacious for soil ecosystem recovery?
Authors: Eaton William D. , Hamilton Debra A. , Lemenze Alexander , Soteropoulos Patricia
Published: March 2024

This study assessed whether a natural regeneration or active tree‐planting reforestation strategy better restored the C and N‐cycle processes and associated microbiota within soils after 18 years in a Premontane Wet Life zone site in Monteverde, Costa Rica, compared to adjacent old secondary forest and pasture soils (both >60 years). Our findings apply to small‐scale restoration sites (<0.5 ha plots) commonly used in Monteverde. Both restoration strategies showed recovering soil C and N‐cycle processes with similar levels of TN, NH4+, NO3−, Biomass‐C, and efficiency of organic C use. Both strategies appeared to positively influence the recovery of the levels and community compositional stability of the Actinobacterial, Acidobacterial, N‐fixing (N‐Fixer) bacterial, ammonium‐oxidizing bacterial, and complex organic C‐degrading fungal communities. The main differences between the two strategies were that the tree‐planted and pasture soils had similar compositions of the Actinobacterial, N‐Fixer, and Fungal complex organic C degrader, while the natural regeneration and pasture soils had similar compositions of these groups and the Acidobacteria. However, the community compositions of all five microbial groups were different between restored forest and the old secondary forest soils. These results suggest that while the soil ecosystems from both reforestation strategies are recovering, after 18 years, there is still more recovery to occur. Lastly, possible indicators of post‐restoration soil ecosystem enhancement included increasing constancy of critical microbial group composition, efficiency of organic C conversion to biomass, Biomass‐C, NH4+, NO3−, and levels of Acidothermus, Acidobacteria subgroups 2, 3, and 5, Archaeorhizomyces, Anaeromyxobacter, Bradyrhizobium, Nitrosomonas, Flavobacterium, and Nitrospira.
At the controls: Politics and policy entrepreneurs in EU policy to decarbonize maritime transport
Authors: von Malmborg Fredrik
Published: March 2024

The recent adoption of the FuelEU Maritime regulation, aiming to decarbonize maritime shipping, is part of the EU clean energy transition to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Based on autoethnographic method and qualitative text analysis, applying the multiple streams framework as a theoretical lens, this article explores and explains the politics and the policy process of FuelEU Maritime. A policy window opened with adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015, the slow progress on climate policies in the International Maritime Organization, and the subsequent adoption of the European Green Deal in 2019 and the new EU climate law in 2021. Diverging beliefs and narratives of policy entrepreneurs, policy makers, and stakeholders on problems to be addressed and different policy options to be implemented are analyzed. There were mainly two policy entrepreneurs, advocating different problem descriptions and policy options. The European Commission proposed a technology‐neutral, goal‐based approach to reach moderate emission reductions by 2050, while a coalition led by green mobility NGO Transport & Environment advocated a technology‐specific multiplier and subquota for zero‐carbon fuels to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The article explains the agency of Transport & Environment and allies in influencing the European Parliament and several member states in the Council of the EU to stand the grounds against incumbent shipping and fossil fuel industry that influenced the Commission to present a down‐watered policy proposal. Finally, the article exemplifies the complexity of the second‐generation energy transition required for decarbonization compared to the first‐generation transformation focusing on renewable electricity.
Differences in running technique between runners with better and poorer running economy and lower and higher milage: An artificial neural network approach
Authors: Van Hooren Bas , Lennartz Rebecca , Cox Maartje , Hoitz Fabian , Plasqui Guy , Meijer Kenneth
Published: March 2024

Background

Prior studies investigated selected discrete sagittal‐plane outcomes (e.g., peak knee flexion) in relation to running economy, hereby discarding the potential relevance of running technique parameters during noninvestigated phases of the gait cycle and in other movement planes.

Purpose

Investigate which components of running technique distinguish groups of runners with better and poorer economy and higher and lower weekly running distance using an artificial neural network (ANN) approach with layer‐wise relevance propagation.

Methods

Forty‐one participants (22 males and 19 females) ran at 2.78 m∙s−1 while three‐dimensional kinematics and gas exchange data were collected. Two groups were created that differed in running economy or weekly training distance. The three‐dimensional kinematic data were used as input to an ANN to predict group allocations. Layer‐wise relevance propagation was used to determine the relevance of three‐dimensional kinematics for group classification.

Results

The ANN classified runners in the correct economy or distance group with accuracies of up to 62% and 71%, respectively. Knee, hip, and ankle flexion were most relevant to both classifications. Runners with poorer running economy showed higher knee flexion during swing, more hip flexion during early stance, and more ankle extension after toe‐off. Runners with higher running distance showed less trunk rotation during swing.

Conclusion

The ANN accuracy was moderate when predicting whether runners had better, or poorer running economy, or had a higher or lower weekly training distance based on their running technique. The kinematic components that contributed the most to the classification may nevertheless inform future research and training.
Simulation of the time-dependent propagation of leak-triggered helium density gradients in cryogenic and nonisothermal accelerator vacuum systems
Authors: Wilfert Stefan , Chill Frederic
Published: March 2024

A novel simulation code for the calculation of the time-dependent evolution of helium density profiles in tubular-shaped beam vacuum systems of particle accelerators is presented. The code called TransVac was written in the statistics programming language R using the noncommercial development software RStudio and is based on an analytical approach. In contrast to earlier simulation tools based on analytical computational methods, the new code does not only master the profile calculation in conventional vacuum systems operated at room temperature, but also in fully cryogenic and in nonisothermal systems composed of cryogenic and warm sections. Data of helium adsorption isotherms are used to calculate gas densities profiles in cold vacuum systems with the cryosorption-based wall-pumping effect. The article discusses how the simulation code works and which mathematical algorithm is used. Comparisons between experimental and theoretical data confirm that the software developed provides sufficiently reliable predictions on the propagation behavior of leak-triggered helium pressure waves in cryogenic and room-temperature vacuum systems as well.
On the Brownian motion of a colloid trapped in optical tweezers: Experiments and simulations
Authors: Pérez-Guerrero D. , Morales-Cruzado B. , Guerrero-García G. I. , Sarmiento-Gómez E.
Published: March 2024

The trapping potential induced by the interaction of a highly focused laser light with a spherical dielectric particle can be accurately approximated by a parabolic potential. In this work, we revisit experimental and numerical methodologies used to characterize the Brownian motion of a colloidal particle under the influence of a simple harmonic potential produced by optical tweezers. A classic Brownian dynamics simulation is used to model the experimental results, focusing on statistical properties that can be measured by direct visualization of the system using videomicroscopy. This work represents a useful insight into the underlying physics behind the optical tweezers technique, also giving guidelines regarding programming protocols and experimental analysis methodologies, that may be of help for students working with such techniques, as well as for professors teaching undergraduate advanced optics courses.
Using a Minecraft virtual workspace for learning digital electronics
Authors: Faust Carl
Published: March 2024

A set of laboratory exercises are presented, which use the video game Minecraft as the environment for teaching combinational digital logic in an introductory electronics lab. Several advantages are noted when students use the virtual Minecraft environment prior to building any real digital circuits.
Young's double-slit interference demonstration with single photons
Authors: Luo Bill J. , Francis Leia , Rodríguez-Fajardo Valeria , Galvez Enrique J. , Khoshnoud Farbod
Published: March 2024

The interference of single photons going through a double slit is a compelling demonstration of the wave and particle nature of light in the same experiment. Single photons produced by spontaneous parametric down-conversion can be used for this purpose. However, it is particularly challenging to implement this due to coherency and resolution challenges. In this article, we present a table-top laboratory arrangement suitable for the undergraduate instruction laboratory that overcomes these challenges. The apparatus scans a single detector to produce a plot showing the interference patterns of single photons. We include experimental data obtained using this setup, demonstrating double-slit and single-slit interference as well as quantum erasing through the use of sheet polarizers.
Motion tracking of fish and bubble clouds in synthetic aperture sonar data
Authors: Marston Timothy M. , Hall Bernard R. , Bassett Christopher , Plotnick Daniel S. , Kidwell Autumn N.
Published: March 2024

Data captured by a Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) near Mobile Bay during the 2021 Undersea Remote Sensing experiment funded by the Office of Naval Research reveals near surface bubble clouds from wave breaking events and a large aggregation of fish. Tools developed for using SAS data to image hydrodynamic features in the water column were applied to observations of the bubble clouds and fish aggregation. Combining imagery and height data captured by the sonar array with a detection and tracking algorithm enables the trajectories, velocities, and behavior of fish in the aggregation to be observed. Fitting the velocity and height data of the tracked objects to a Gaussian mixture model and performing cluster analysis enables an estimate of the near-surface ambient velocity via observation of the movement of the bubble traces and the general direction of motion of the fish aggregation. We find that the velocity traces associated with bubbles are consistent with ambient currents as opposed to the direction of propagating wave crests while velocities of fish indicate relatively large, pelagic species.
How to identify cell material in a single ice grain emitted from Enceladus or Europa
Authors: Klenner Fabian , Bönigk Janine , Napoleoni Maryse , Hillier Jon , Khawaja Nozair , Olsson-Francis Karen , Cable Morgan L. , Malaska Michael J. , Kempf Sascha , Abel Bernd , Postberg Frank
Published: March 2024

Icy moons like Enceladus, and perhaps Europa, emit material sourced from their subsurface oceans into space via plumes of ice grains and gas. Both moons are prime targets for astrobiology investigations. Cassini measurements revealed a large compositional diversity of emitted ice grains with only 1 to 4% of Enceladus’s plume ice grains containing organic material in high concentrations. Here, we report experiments simulating mass spectra of ice grains containing one bacterial cell, or fractions thereof, as encountered by advanced instruments on board future space missions to Enceladus or Europa, such as the SUrface Dust Analyzer onboard NASA’s upcoming Europa Clipper mission at flyby speeds of 4 to 6 kilometers per second. Mass spectral signals characteristic of the bacteria are shown to be clearly identifiable by future missions, even if an ice grain contains much less than one cell. Our results demonstrate the advantage of analyses of individual ice grains compared to a diluted bulk sample in a heterogeneous plume.
Peripheral priming induces plastic transcriptomic and proteomic responses in circulating neutrophils required for pathogen containment
Authors: Kaiser Rainer , Gold Christoph , Joppich Markus , Loew Quentin , Akhalkatsi Anastassia , Mueller Tonina T. , Offensperger Felix , Droste zu Senden Augustin , Popp Oliver , di Fina Lea , Knottenberg Viktoria , Martinez-Navarro Alejandro , Eivers Luke , Anjum Afra , Escaig Raphael , Bruns Nils , Briem Eva , Dewender Robin , Muraly Abhinaya , Akgöl Sezer , Ferraro Bartolo , Hoeflinger Jonathan K. L. , Polewka Vivien , Khaled Najib Ben , Allgeier Julian , Tiedt Steffen , Dichgans Martin , Engelmann Bernd , Enard Wolfgang , Mertins Philipp , Hubner Norbert , Weckbach Ludwig , Zimmer Ralf , Massberg Steffen , Stark Konstantin , Nicolai Leo , Pekayvaz Kami
Published: March 2024

Neutrophils rapidly respond to inflammation and infection, but to which degree their functional trajectories after mobilization from the bone marrow are shaped within the circulation remains vague. Experimental limitations have so far hampered neutrophil research in human disease. Here, using innovative fixation and single-cell–based toolsets, we profile human and murine neutrophil transcriptomes and proteomes during steady state and bacterial infection. We find that peripheral priming of circulating neutrophils leads to dynamic shifts dominated by conserved up-regulation of antimicrobial genes across neutrophil substates, facilitating pathogen containment. We show the TLR4/NF-κB signaling–dependent up-regulation of canonical neutrophil activation markers like CD177/NB-1 during acute inflammation, resulting in functional shifts in vivo. Blocking de novo RNA synthesis in circulating neutrophils abrogates these plastic shifts and prevents the adaptation of antibacterial neutrophil programs by up-regulation of distinct effector molecules upon infection. These data underline transcriptional plasticity as a relevant mechanism of functional neutrophil reprogramming during acute infection to foster bacterial containment within the circulation.
Spillover effects of organic agriculture on pesticide use on nearby fields
Authors: Larsen Ashley E. , Noack Frederik , Powers L. Claire
Published: March 2024

The environmental impacts of organic agriculture are only partially understood and whether such practices have spillover effects on pests or pest control activity in nearby fields remains unknown. Using about 14,000 field observations per year from 2013 to 2019 in Kern County, California, we postulate that organic crop producers benefit from surrounding organic fields decreasing overall pesticide use and, specifically, pesticides targeting insect pests. Conventional fields, by contrast, tend to increase pesticide use as the area of surrounding organic production increases. Our simulation suggests that spatially clustering organic cropland can entirely mitigate spillover effects that lead to an increase in net pesticide use.
Alcohol-alcohol cross-coupling enabled by S
H
2 radical sorting
Authors: Chen Ruizhe , Intermaggio Nicholas E. , Xie Jiaxin , Rossi-Ashton James A. , Gould Colin A. , Martin Robert T. , Alcázar Jesús , MacMillan David W. C.
Published: March 2024

Alcohols represent a functional group class with unparalleled abundance and structural diversity. In an era of chemical synthesis that prioritizes reducing time to target and maximizing exploration of chemical space, harnessing these building blocks for carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions is a key goal in organic chemistry. In particular, leveraging a single activation mode to form a new C(sp
3
)–C(sp
3
) bond from two alcohol subunits would enable access to an extraordinary level of structural diversity. In this work, we report a nickel radical sorting–mediated cross-alcohol coupling wherein two alcohol fragments are deoxygenated and coupled in one reaction vessel, open to air.
Spin-mediated promotion of Co catalysts for ammonia synthesis
Authors: Zhang Ke , Cao Ang , Wandall Lau Halkier , Vernieres Jerome , Kibsgaard Jakob , Nørskov Jens K. , Chorkendorff Ib
Published: March 2024

Over the past two decades, there has been growing interest in developing catalysts to enable Haber-Bosch ammonia synthesis under milder conditions than currently pertain. Rational catalyst design requires theoretical guidance and clear mechanistic understanding. Recently, a spin-mediated promotion mechanism was proposed to activate traditionally unreactive magnetic materials such as cobalt (Co) for ammonia synthesis by introducing hetero metal atoms bound to the active site of the catalyst surface. We combined theory and experiment to validate this promotion mechanism on a lanthanum (La)/Co system. By conducting model catalyst studies on Co single crystals and mass-selected Co nanoparticles at ambient pressure, we identified the active site for ammonia synthesis as the B
5
site of Co steps with La adsorption. The turnover frequency of 0.47 ± 0.03 per second achieved on the La/Co system at 350°C and 1 bar surpasses those of other model catalysts tested under identical conditions.
Debates on the nature of artificial general intelligence
Authors: Mitchell Melanie
Published: March 2024

The term “artificial general intelligence” (AGI) has become ubiquitous in current discourse around AI. OpenAI
states
that its mission is “to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.” DeepMind’s company vision statement
notes
that “artificial general intelligence…has the potential to drive one of the greatest transformations in history.” AGI is mentioned prominently in the UK government’s
National AI Strategy
and in US government
AI documents
. Microsoft researchers recently
claimed
evidence of “sparks of AGI” in the large language model GPT-4, and current and former Google executives
proclaimed
that “AGI is already here.” The question of whether GPT-4 is an “AGI algorithm” is at the center of a
lawsuit
filed by Elon Musk against OpenAI.
Rodent tests for psychiatric drugs get a rethink
Authors: Reardon Sara
Published: March 2024

Under pressure to ditch a controversial swim test for depression, scientists look for more precise measures
Draft genome of
Microsporidia
sp. MB—a malaria-blocking microsporidian symbiont of the
Anopheles arabiensis
Authors: Ang'ang'o Lilian Mbaisi , Waweru Jacqueline Wahura , Makhulu Edward Edmond , Wairimu Anne , Otieno Fidel Gabriel , Onchuru Thomas , Tastan Bishop Özlem , Herren Jeremy Keith
Published: March 2024

We report the draft whole-genome assembly of
Microsporidia
sp. MB
,
a symbiotic malaria-transmission-blocking microsporidian isolated from
Anopheles arabiensis
in Kenya. The whole-genome sequence of
Microsporidia
sp. MB has a length of 5,908,979 bp, 2,335 contigs, and an average GC content of 31.12%.
Study protocol for a Randomised controlled trial of EArly transjugular intrahepatiC porTosystemic stent–shunt in Acute Variceal Bleeding (REACT-AVB trial)
Authors: Tripathi Dhiraj , Patch David , Mehrzad Homoyon , Yu Dominic , Aspinall Richard J , Armstrong Matthew J , Stanley Adrian , Ireland Hamish , Travis Simon , Hayes Peter , Lomax Mandy , Roslund Nicholas , Lam Emily , Slinn Gemma , Jowett Sue , Moakes Catherine , Maher Alisha , Brettell Elizabeth , Sehmi Sukhwant
Published: March 2024

Introduction

In liver cirrhosis, acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is associated with a 1-year mortality rate of up to 40%. Data on early or pre-emptive transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent–shunt (TIPSS) in AVB is inconclusive and may not reflect current management strategies. Randomised controlled trial of EArly transjugular intrahepatiC porTosystemic stent–shunt in AVB (REACT-AVB) aims to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of early TIPSS in patients with cirrhosis and AVB after initial bleeding control.

Methods and analysis

REACT-AVB is a multicentre, randomised controlled, open-label, superiority, two-arm, parallel-group trial with an internal pilot. The two interventions allocated randomly 1:1 are early TIPSS within 4 days of diagnostic endoscopy or secondary prophylaxis with endoscopic therapy in combination with non-selective beta blockers. Patients aged ≥18 years with cirrhosis and Child-Pugh Score 7–13 presenting with AVB with endoscopic haemostasis are eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome is transplant-free survival at 1 year post randomisation. Secondary endpoints include transplant-free survival at 6 weeks, rebleeding, serious adverse events, other complications of cirrhosis, Child-Pugh and Model For End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores at 6 and 12 months, health-related quality of life, use of healthcare resources, cost-effectiveness and use of cross-over therapies. The sample size is 294 patients over a 4-year recruitment period, across 30 hospitals in the UK.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics committee of National Health Service has approved REACT-AVB (reference number: 23/WM/0085). The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. A lay summary will also be emailed or posted to participants before publication.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN85274829; protocol version 3.0, 1 July 2023.
Parents’ experience of children with acquired brain injury undergoing neurorehabilitation: a systematic review
Authors: Fernandes Marta , Rathinam Chandrasekar , Topping Anne Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

Background

This systematic review aims to synthesise the qualitative evidence exploring parents’ experiences of children with acquired brain injury (ABI) undergoing neurorehabilitation during the first year post-injury.

Methods

A systematic review of qualitative research was conducted using thematic synthesis with Thomas and Harden’s approach. The population, exposure and outcome model was used for the search strategy. The electronic databases Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO were searched from 2009 to 2023. The review included qualitative and mixed-method studies published in English only. Grey literature was excluded. There were no geographical restrictions. Reporting within the review followed the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research guideline. The studies’ quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool.

Results

Three studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the synthesis, representing the experiences of 30 parents. The quality assessment showed that the three included studies met most quality indicators. Following thematic synthesis, four analytical themes were identified: school unpreparedness, parents as advocates and navigators, parents as monitors, and parents recognising the impact of ABI on their child. The reviewers proposed a group of recommendations for services reviewing their parental support.

Conclusion

This review highlights some challenges parents of children diagnosed with ABI experience during their child’s neurorehabilitation journey. This review has suggested potential improvements that could be made in paediatric neurorehabilitation services when reviewing their parental support and care pathways. These will ultimately influence parents’ and children’s experience of paediatric neurorehabilitation services.
Microvascular disease, modifiable risk factor profiles and incident arrhythmias in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen Guo-Chong , Nyarko Hukportie Daniel , Fan Wei-Dong , Lyu Jie-Qiong , Wang Hai-Peng , Qin Liqiang , Wu Xian-Bo , Li Fu-Rong
Published: March 2024

Background

To assess the roles of diabetic microvascular disease and modifiable risk factors and their combination in the development of arrhythmias.

Methods

We included participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who were free of arrhythmias during recruitment in the UK Biobank study. The associations of microvascular disease states (defined by the presence of retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy or chronic kidney disease), four modifiable arrhythmic risk factors (body mass index, smoking, systolic blood pressure and glycosylated haemoglobin) and their joint associations with incident arrhythmias were examined.

Results

Among the 25 632 participants with T2D, 1705 (20.1%) of the 8482 with microvascular disease and 2017 (11.8%) of the 17 150 without microvascular disease developed arrhythmias during a median follow-up of 12.3 years. Having any of the three microvascular diseases was associated with a 48% increase in the hazard of developing arrhythmias. Incorporating microvascular disease states into a model alongside 11 traditional risk factors significantly enhanced arrhythmia prediction. Furthermore, individuals with microvascular disease who had optimal levels of zero to one, two, three or four arrhythmic risk factors showed an HR of 2.05 (95% CI 1.85, 2.27), 1.67 (95% CI 1.53, 1.83), 1.35 (95% CI 1.22, 1.50) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.73, 1.13), respectively, compared with those without microvascular disease.

Conclusions

Although microvascular disease, a non-traditional risk factor, was associated with incident arrhythmias in individuals with T2D, having optimal levels of risk factors may mitigate this risk.
School bullying prevention and intervention strategies in the United Arab Emirates: a scoping review
Authors: Al-Ketbi Alfan , Paulo Marilia Silva , Östlundh Linda , Elbarazi Iffat , Abu-Hamada Bayan , Elkonaisi Ismail , Al-Rifai Rami H. , Al Aleeli Sara , Grivna Michal
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed an increase of 7% in bullying prevalence since 2005. This review aimed to map antibullying interventions in the UAE.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in five electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Eric) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review. Studies addressing antibullying interventions and grey literature in the UAE from 2010 to 2021 were included. Interventions were mapped using distribution across key sectors, public health practice levels, and organisation types.

Results

Of the 2122 identified papers, only 2 were included. Both articles were published in 2019 and used qualitative methods. From the search of governmental and non-governmental websites, 22 multilevel interventions were included and presented on the three levels of public health practice across the different sectors and target stakeholders. Eight interventions were at the federal level, and six were by private stakeholders. The government funded 59% of all interventions. Four interventions addressed cyberbullying, and three used multisectoral collaboration.

Conclusions

Although the UAE is building capacity for bullying prevention, we found limited knowledge of antibullying prevention efforts. Further studies are needed to assess current interventions, strategies and policies.