bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining chromomagnetic and four-fermion operators with leading SMEFT operators for gg → hh at NLO QCD
Authors: Heinrich Gudrun , Lang Jannis
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We present the calculation of the contribtuions from the chromomagnetic and four-top-quark-operators within Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) to Higgs boson pair production in gluon fusion, combined with QCD corrections that are at NLO with full mt-dependence for the leading operators. We study the effects of these operators on the total cross section and the invariant mass distribution of the Higgs-boson pair, at $$\sqrt{s}$$ = 13.6 TeV. These subleading operators are implemented in the generator ggHH_SMEFT, in the same Powheg-Box-V2 framework as the leading operators, such that their effects can be easily studied in a unified setup.
Regge constraints on local four-point scattering amplitudes of massive particles with spin
Authors: Chowdhury Subham Dutta , Kumar Vipul , Kundu Suman , Rahaman Asikur
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this work, we classify all the possible local four-point couplings relevant for tree-level flat space 2 → 2 scattering of external massive particles of spin one and spin two which do not grow faster than s2 at large s and fixed t. This kinematic constraint on local growth of tree-level S-matrices is known as Classical Regge Growth criteria or CRG [1]. We first construct the spin one and spin two tree-level contact S-matrices as modules of polarisation tensors and momenta over the ring of polynomials generated by Mandelstam invariants. We then consider a general scattering process where the external scattering particles are of different masses but of same spin and constrain this space to obtain a finite number of CRG allowed local Lagrangians. Our concrete results are primarily for D ≥ 8 but the process outlined is easily generalised to lower dimensions to include low dimensional parity violating structures. The space of CRG allowed structures reduces when we specialise to identical scattering and restrict to parity even couplings in D = 4. We show that tree-level scattering amplitudes involving exchange diagrams and contact terms in de Rham-Gabadadze-Tolley massive gravity (dRGT) violate CRG unless the parameters of the theory take special values. The CRG allowed S-matrices, in the context of large N conformal field theories (CFTs), can also be interpreted as bulk AdS counterterms consistent with Chaos bound. Our classified structures therefore can be thought of as ambiguities arising in the context of conformal field theory inversion formula for four point functions of unconserved spin one and spin two operators in large N CFTs.
Probing quantum decoherence at Belle II and LHCb
Authors: Alok Ashutosh Kumar , Banerjee Subhashish , Chundawat Neetu Raj Singh , Sankar S.Uma
Published: May 2024

Abstract

With the advent of Belle II and the LHCb upgrade, the precision measurements of various B-Physics observables are on cards. This holds significant potential for delving into physics beyond the standard model of electroweak interactions. These measurements can also serve as means to establish limits on phenomena occurring at much finer length scales, such as quantum decoherence, which may arise due to potential discreteness in space-time or non-trivial topological effects. In this work, we set up the formalism to investigate the impact of quantum decoherence on several potential observables in B meson systems. The approach employs the trace-preserving Kraus operator formalism, extending unitary evolution to non-unitary dynamics while maintaining complete positivity. In this formalism, the decoherence effects are parametrized in terms of a single parameter. Through the analysis of purely leptonic, semileptonic, and non-leptonic decays of B mesons, we identify observables that could, in principle, be influenced by decoherence. The theoretical expressions are provided without neglecting the impact of decay width difference (∆Γ) and CP violation in mixing. Considering that many of these observables can be measured with high precision using the abundant data collected by LHCb and Belle II, our formalism can be applied to establish constraints on the decoherence parameter through multiple decay channels. This offers an alternative set-up for such studies, which, at present, are predominantly conducted in the neutrino sector.
Correlations between moisture expansion and flexural properties of bamboo strips in response to different loading rates
Authors: Wang Chenman , Wang Hongxu , Guo Yingying , Mohotti Damith , Hazell Paul J.
Published: May 2024

Bamboo and bamboo products, known for their hygroscopic nature, exhibit sensitivity to different loading rates in dry conditions. However, with the increasing prevalence of heavy and extended precipitation events due to global warming, there is still a lack of investigation on the response of bamboo strips to various loading rates after being attacked by moisture. In this study, the bending properties of bamboo strips after exposure to extremely high-humidity environments were investigated to assess their responses to varying loading rates. Throughout different exposure durations, bamboo strips exhibited varying moisture contents up to 112% and evident volumetric moisture expansion. After moisture exposure, bamboo strips exhibited heightened sensitivity in flexural strength and modulus to loading rates, with the most pronounced sensitivity observed at 33.9% moisture content. In addition, a linear relationship was established between flexural strength loss and volumetric expansion rather than moisture content. Notably, the samples exhibited greater sensitivity in strength loss to moisture expansion under lower loading rates. These findings preliminarily elucidate how loading rates impact the mechanical properties of bamboo strips across varying moisture levels, contributing to understanding the deterioration in the properties of engineered bamboo products when exposed to high humidity and rainy environments with potential collision events.
Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich precise orbit determination using PODRIX and TriG receiver measurements
Authors: Conrad Alex , Axelrad Penina , Desai Shailen , Haines Bruce
Published: May 2024

The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich altimetry mission flies two GNSS receivers: a primary multi-GNSS (GPS plus Galileo) PODRIX receiver and a GPS-only TriG receiver. Each of these receivers is independently capable of supporting the precise orbit determination (POD) requirement for < 1.5 cm radial rms error. In this study, we characterize the performance of single-receiver solutions and evaluate the benefits of a combined TriG and PODRIX orbit solution. The availability of both sets of receiver observations revealed a 10 mm in-track difference between orbit solutions derived independently from TriG and PODRIX tracking data. Based on satellite laser ranging (SLR) residuals, this bias has been isolated to an apparent inconsistency between the estimated TriG receiver clock and observation time-tags of approximately 1.3 $$\mu \hbox {s}$$

μ
s

, which is equivalent to a common range error of roughly 400 m in the TriG observations. After applying this calibration, the TriG and PODRIX displayed similar performance in terms of orbit overlap precision. PODRIX-Galileo observations showed lower code and phase tracking residual rms values compared to the GPS observations. Overall, processing the calibrated TriG and PODRIX observations separately results in highly accurate orbit solutions with radial orbit accuracies better than 1 cm rms as indicated by one-way SLR residual rms of 7.2 mm or better for each solution. Orbit solution accuracy is slightly improved by processing both TriG and PODRIX observations together, resulting in one-way SLR residual rms of 7.0 mm.
The protective role of selenium against high-fructose corn syrup–induced kidney damage: a histopathological and molecular analysis
Authors: Tepebaşı Muhammet Yusuf , Savran Mehtap , Coşan Samet , Taştan Şerife Ağırca , Aydın Bünyamin
Published: May 2024

With the growth of the food industry, fructose, the intake of which increases with food, causes obesity and metabolic syndrome. Kidney damage may develop from metabolic syndrome. Selenium (Se) participates in the structure of antioxidant enzymes and has a medicinal effect. In this work, the protective impact of Se on kidney damage produced by high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was examined. The study comprised four groups, each consisting of ten experimental animals: control, HFCS (20%-HFCS), HFCS (20%-HFCS), + Se (0.3 mg/kg/day/po), and Se (0.3 mg/kg/day/po) alone. The duration of the experiment was 6 weeks. Kidney tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological examination. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to assess TNF-α and caspase-3 levels. The spectrophotometric evaluation was performed to measure TOS (total oxidant status), TAS (total antioxidant status), and OSI (oxidative stress index) levels. The PERK, ATF4, CHOP, BCL-2, and caspase-9 gene expression levels were assessed by the RT-qPCR method. After Se treatment, histopathological abnormalities and TNF-α and caspase-3 levels in the HFCS+Se group decreased (p < 0.001). While TOS and OSI levels increased dramatically in the HFCS group, TAS values decreased significantly but improved after Se application (p < 0.001). The expression levels of the genes PERK, ATF4, CHOP, and caspase-9 were significantly lower in the HFCS group when compared to the HFCS+Se group (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that Se may protect against ER stress, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and kidney damage caused by high-dose fructose consumption.
Interpretable multiphasic CT-based radiomic analysis for preoperatively differentiating benign and malignant solid renal tumors: a multicenter study
Authors: Wu Yaohai , Cao Fei , Lei Hanqi , Zhang Shiqiang , Mei Hongbing , Ni Liangchao , Pang Jun
Published: May 2024

Background

To develop and compare machine learning models based on triphasic contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) for distinguishing between benign and malignant renal tumors.

Materials and Methods

In total, 427 patients were enrolled from two medical centers: Center 1 (serving as the training set) and Center 2 (serving as the external validation set). First, 1781 radiomic features were individually extracted from corticomedullary phase (CP), nephrographic phase (NP), and excretory phase (EP) CECT images, after which 10 features were selected by the minimum redundancy maximum relevance method. Second, random forest (RF) models were constructed from single-phase features (CP, NP, and EP) as well as from the combination of features from all three phases (TP). Third, the RF models were assessed in the training and external validation sets. Finally, the internal prediction mechanisms of the models were explained by the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) approach.

Results

A total of 266 patients with renal tumors from Center 1 and 161 patients from Center 2 were included. In the training set, the AUCs of the RF models constructed from the CP, NP, EP, and TP features were 0.886, 0.912, 0.930, and 0.944, respectively. In the external validation set, the models achieved AUCs of 0.860, 0.821, 0.921, and 0.908, respectively. The “original_shape_Flatness” feature played the most important role in the prediction outcome for the RF model based on EP features according to the SHAP method.

Conclusions

The four RF models efficiently differentiated benign from malignant solid renal tumors, with the EP feature-based RF model displaying the best performance.

Graphical Abstract
Is the coastal vulnerability index a suitable index? Review and proposal of alternative indices for coastal vulnerability to sea level rise
Authors: Alcántara-Carrió Javier , García Echavarría Luz Marleny , Jaramillo-Vélez Alfredo
Published: May 2024

The Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) has been widely applied around the world. This study provides a review of the suitability of the variables and mathematical expression of the CVI and proposes a new Integrated Coastal Vulnerability Index (ICVI), comparing both indices for 4 study areas in the southern Caribbean. The ICVI assesses vulnerability to sea level rise by integrating the Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) and the Socioeconomic Vulnerability Index (SVI). Regarding the variables that constitute the indices, it is noted that the CVI includes vulnerability and hazard variables and therefore it should be considered a risk index rather than a vulnerability index. The EVI includes geomorphological vulnerability variables, like the CVI, but also ecological ones. Regarding the mathematical expression, the use of the arithmetic mean versus the formula proposed for the CVI is discussed based on the comparison of the results obtained for EVI and SVI in the 4 study areas. In addition, the use of absolute (between 0 and 1) or relative (based on percentiles) limits in these indices, and the use of weights or not, are also discussed. The conclusion is that the use of relative thresholds necessarily forces the identification of very low to very high vulnerability zones for any study, and the use of weights on the variables increases the subjectivity of the assessment, all of which impedes the comparability of the index at a global level. Therefore, the ICVI, with the formula based on the arithmetic mean, with absolute limits between 0 and 1 and without variable weightings, is preferable to the CVI for use at the global level.
Evaluation of the effect of sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients with morbid obesity: multicenter comparative study
Authors: Thaher Omar , Wollenhaupt Friederike , Croner Roland S. , Hukauf Martin , Stroh Christine
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are the two most performed techniques in bariatric surgery. The aim of this study is to compare two surgical procedures in terms of weight loss and the development of comorbidities such as type II diabetes mellitus T2D, arterial hypertension, sleep apnea (OSAS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods

Data from the German Bariatric Surgery Registry (GBSR) from 2005 to 2021 were used. 1,392 RYGB and 1,132 SG primary surgery patients were included. Minimum age 18 years; five-year follow-up data available. Tests were performed with a 5% significance level.

Results

Loss of follow-up 95.41% within five years. Five years after surgery, the RYGB showed significant advantages in terms of excess weight loss (%EWL 64.2% vs. 56.9%) and remission rates of the studied comorbidities: hypertension (54.4% vs. 47.8%), OSAS (64.5% vs. 50.1%), and GERD (86.1% vs. 66.9%). Compared to the pre-test, individuals diagnosed with insulin-dependent T2D showed significant improvements with RYGB over a five-year period (remission rate: 75% vs. 63%). In contrast, non-insulin-dependent T2D showed no significant difference between the two approaches (p = 0.125).

Conclusion

Both surgical procedures resulted in significant weight loss and improved comorbidities. However, the improvement in comorbidities was significantly greater in patients who underwent RYGB than in those who underwent SG, suggesting that the RYGB technique is preferable.

Nevertheless, RYGB requires a high degree of surgical skill. Therefore, acquiring expertise in the technical facets of the surgery is essential to achieving favorable outcomes.
It’s not distance but similarity of distance: changing stimulus relations affect the control of action sequences
Authors: Selimi Silvia , Frings Christian , Münchau Alexander , Beste Christian , Moeller Birte
Published: May 2024

Interacting with our environment happens on different levels of complexity: While there are individual and simple actions like an isolated button press, most actions are more complex and involve sequences of simpler actions. The degree to which multiple simple actions are represented as one action sequence can be measured via so-called response-response binding effects. When two or more responses are executed consecutively, they are integrated into one representation so that repetition of one response can start retrieval of the other. Executing such an action sequence typically involves responding to multiple objects or stimuli. Here, we investigated whether the spatial relation of these stimuli affects action sequence execution. To that end, we varied the distance between stimuli in a response-response binding task. Stimulus distance might affect response-response binding effects in one of two ways: It might directly affect the representation of the response sequence, making integration and retrieval between responses more likely if the responses relate to close stimuli. Alternatively, the similarity of stimulus distribution during integration and retrieval might be decisive, leading to larger binding effects if stimulus distance is identical during integration and retrieval. We found stronger binding effects with constant than with changing stimulus distance, indicating that action integration and retrieval can easily affect performance also if responses refer to separated objects. However, this effect on performance is diminished by changing spatial distribution of stimuli at the times of integration and retrieval.
Molecular characteristics of tubo-ovarian carcinosarcoma at different anatomic locations
Authors: Davidson Ben , Holth Arild , Lindemann Kristina , Zahl Eriksson Ane Gerda , Nilsen Thale Andrea , Torgunrud Annette
Published: May 2024

Carcinosarcoma (CS) is an uncommon and clinically aggressive malignancy. The objective of the present study was to characterize the molecular features of CS at various anatomic locations, including serous effusions. Specimens (n = 32) consisted of 25 biopsies/surgical resection specimens and 7 serous effusions (6 peritoneal, 1 pleural) from 25 patients. Fresh-frozen cell pellets and surgical specimens underwent targeted next-generation sequencing covering 50 unique genes. A total of 31 mutations were found in 25 of the 32 tumors studied, of which 1 had 3 mutations, 4 had 2 different mutations, and 20 had a single mutation. The most common mutations were in TP53 (n = 25 in 24 tumors; 1 tumor with 2 different mutations), with less common mutations found in RB1 (n = 2), MET (n = 1), KRAS (n = 1), PTEN (n = 1), and KIT (n = 1). Patient-matched specimens harbored the same TP53 mutation. Tumors with no detected mutations were more common in serous effusion specimens (3/7; 43%) compared with surgical specimens (4/25; 16%). In conclusion, the molecular landscape of CS is dominated by TP53 mutations, reinforcing the observation that the majority of these tumors develop from high-grade serous carcinoma. Whether CS cells in serous effusions differ from their counterparts in solid lesions remains uncertain.
Dialysis for paediatric acute kidney injury in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: McCulloch Mignon I. , Luyckx Valerie A. , Morrow Brenda , Nourse Peter , Coetzee Ashton , Reddy Deveshni , Du Buisson Christel , Buckley Jonathan , Webber Ilana , Numanoglu Alp , Sinclair Gina , Nelson Candice , Salie Shamiel , Reichmuth Kirsten , Argent Andrew C.
Published: May 2024

Background

Dialysis is lifesaving for acute kidney injury (AKI), but access is poor in less resourced settings. A “peritoneal dialysis (PD) first” policy for paediatric AKI is more feasible than haemodialysis in low-resource settings.

Methods

Retrospective review of modalities and outcomes of children dialysed acutely at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital between 1998 and 2020.

Results

Of the 593 children with AKI who received dialysis, 463 (78.1%) received PD first. Median age was 9.0 (range 0.03–219.3; IQR 13.0–69.6) months; 57.6% were < 1 year old. Weights ranged from 0.9 to 2.0 kg (median 7.0 kg, IQR 3.0–16.0 kg); 38.6% were < 5 kg. PD was used more in younger children compared to extracorporeal dialysis (ECD), with median ages 6.4 (IQR 0.9–30.4) vs. 73.9 (IQR 17.5–113.9) months, respectively (p = 0.001). PD was performed with Seldinger soft catheters (n = 480/578, 83%), predominantly inserted by paediatricians at the bedside (n = 412/490, 84.1%). Complications occurred in 127/560 (22.7%) children receiving PD. Overall, 314/542 (57.8%) children survived. Survival was significantly lower in neonates (< 1 month old, 47.5%) and infants (1–12 months old, 49.2%) compared with older children (> 1 year old, 70.4%, p < 0.0001). Survival was superior in the ECD (75.4%) than in the PD group (55.6%, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

“PD First for Paediatric AKI” is a valuable therapeutic approach for children with AKI. It is feasible in low-resourced settings where bedside PD catheter insertion can be safely taught and is an acceptable dialysis modality, especially in settings where children with AKI would otherwise not survive.

Graphical abstract
Lessons learned from COVID-19: improving breast cancer care post-pandemic from the patient perspective
Authors: Myers Charlotte , Bennett Kathleen , Cahir Caitriona
Published: May 2024

Background

Since the onset of the pandemic, breast cancer (BC) services have been disrupted in most countries. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the unmet needs, patient-priorities, and recommendations for improving BC healthcare post-pandemic for women with BC and to understand how they may vary based on social determinants of health (SDH), in particular socio-economic status (SES).

Methods

Thirty-seven women, who were purposively sampled based on SDH and previously interviewed about the impact of COVID-19 on BC, were invited to take part in follow-up semi-structured qualitative interviews in early 2023. The interviews explored their perspectives of BC care since the easing of COVID-19 government restrictions, including unmet needs, patient-priorities, and recommendations specific to BC care. Thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize each topic narratively with corresponding sub-themes. Additionally, variation by SDH was analyzed within each sub-theme.

Results

Twenty-eight women (mean age = 61.7 years, standard deviation (SD) = 12.3) participated in interviews (response rate = 76%). Thirty-nine percent (n = 11) of women were categorized as high-SES, while 61% (n = 17) of women were categorized as low-SES. Women expressed unmet needs in their BC care including routine care and mental and physical well-being care, as well as a lack of financial support to access BC care. Patient priorities included the following: developing cohesion between different aspects of BC care; communication with and between healthcare professionals; and patient empowerment within BC care. Recommendations moving forward post-pandemic included improving the transition from active to post-treatment, enhancing support resources, and implementing telemedicine where appropriate. Overall, women of low-SES experienced more severe unmet needs, which in turn resulted in varied patient priorities and recommendations.

Conclusion

As health systems are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the emphasis should be on restoring access to BC care and improving the quality of BC care, with a particular consideration given to those women from low-SES, to reduce health inequalities post-pandemic.
The development of sensitive graphene-based surface acoustic wave sensors for NO2 detection at room temperature
Authors: Buiculescu Valentin , Dinu Livia Alexandra , Veca Lucia Monica , Pârvulescu Cătălin , Mihai Madalina , Brîncoveanu Oana , Comănescu Florin , Brașoveanu Costin , Stoian Marius , Baracu Angela Mihaela
Published: May 2024

Bilayer graphene (Bl-Gr) and sulphur-doped graphene (S-Gr) have been integrated with LiTaO3 surface acustic wave (SAW) sensors to enhance the performance of NO2 detection at room temperature. The sensitivity of the Bl-Gr SAW sensors toward NO2, measured at room temperature, was 0.29º/ppm, with a limit of detection of 0.068 ppm. The S-Gr SAW sensors showed 0.19º/ppm sensitivity and a limit of detection of 0.140 ppm. The origin of these high sensitivities was attributed to the mass loading and elastic effects of the graphene-based sensing materials, with surface changes caused by the absorption of the NO2 molecules on the sensing films. Although there are no significant differences regarding the sensitivity and detection limit of the two types of sensors, the measurements in the presence of interferent gases and various humidity conditions outlined much better selectivity and sensing performances towards NO2 gas for the Bl-Gr SAW sensors.

Graphical Abstract
Plant-based zinc nanoflowers assisted molecularly imprinted polymer for the design of an electrochemical sensor for selective determination of abrocitinib
Authors: Cetinkaya Ahmet , Yusufbeyoglu Sadi , Kaya S. Irem , Kilic Ayse Baldemir , Atici Esen Bellur , Ozkan Sibel A.
Published: May 2024

The first electrochemical sensor application in the literature is described for the sensitive and selective determination of the selective Janus kinase (JAK)-1 inhibitor abrocitinib (ABR). ABR is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensor was designed to incorporate zinc nanoflower (ZnNFs)-graphene oxide (GO) conjugate (ZnNFs@GO), synthesized from the root methanolic extract (RME) of the species Alkanna cappadocica Boiss. et Bal. to improve the porosity and effective surface area of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Furthermore, the MIP structure was prepared using ABR as a template molecule, 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) as a functional monomer, and other additional components. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the surface and structure of the synthesized nanomaterial and MIP-based surface. Among the electrochemical methods, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were preferred for detailed electrochemical characterization, and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was preferred for all other electrochemical measurements using 5.0 mM [Fe(CN)6]3–/4– solution as the redox probe. The MIP-based sensor, which was the result of a detailed optimization phase, gave a linear response in the 1.0 × 10–13 – 1.0 × 10–12 M range in standard solution and serum sample. The obtained limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values and recovery studies demonstrated the sensitivity, accuracy, and applicability of the sensor. Selectivity, the most important feature of the MIP-based sensor, was verified by imprinting factor calculations using ibrutinib, ruxolitinib, tofacitinib, zonisamide, and acetazolamide.

Graphical Abstract
Multilevel determinants of physical violence among ever-partnered women in South Africa
Authors: Puoeng Dikago , Tsawe Mluleki
Published: May 2024

Background

Violence against women continues to be a challenge in many countries. Many women suffer physical violence at the hands of their intimate partners and sometimes this leads to their deaths. This study aimed to examine the multilevel determinants of physical violence among ever-partnered women in South Africa.

Methods

We used data from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey. The study has a weighted sample size of 4169 ever-partnered women aged 18–49 years, based on the domestic violence module. We included univariate, bivariate and multilevel logistic regression analysis. We included a two-level model to measure the relationship between the selected background characteristics and physical violence.

Results

The prevalence of physical violence among ever-partnered women was 20.6%. The bivariate findings showed that educational status, employment status, witness to inter-parental violence, partner’s drinking habits, household wealth, educational difference, and province were statistically associated with physical violence. The multilevel analysis showed some evidence of between-cluster variation in physical violence. We found that age, education, employment status, witness to inter-parental violence, partner’s drinking habits, household wealth, education difference, place of residence, and province were key predictors of physical violence. The odds of physical violence were more than two-fold in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga compared to Gauteng.

Conclusion

The study highlighted various key factors explaining physical violence. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions aimed at specific communities of women, such as those from the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, as well as interventions that will empower women and address gender inequalities.
Plant-level establishment can result from a single female Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae propagule
Authors: Wright Erika R. , Chase Kevin D. , Ward Samuel F.
Published: May 2024

Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS), Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), is a non-native scale insect that has spread throughout many urban areas of the Southeast and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States following its initial detection near Dallas, Texas in 2004, severely reducing the aesthetic value and health of the popular ornamental crapemyrtle tree (Lagerstroemia spp.). We infested crapemyrtles with known numbers of CMBS to determine the minimum number of individuals required for establishment after initial arrival on plants. We also investigated how netting—implemented to understand differences in establishment when scale dispersal and predation are inhibited—influenced population growth. We determined that one female CMBS egg sac can successfully establish a new population ~ 92% of the time and that netting had negligible effects on establishment. Our results underscore the importance of surveying and managing CMBS and scale insects with similar biology when attempting to prevent infestation of nursery stock, which is widely implicated as a vector for long-distance dispersal of scale insects.
Canopy nitrogen application effects on Quercus petraea L. and Fagus sylvatica L. ring width and wood density
Authors: Minikaev Daniel , Ventura Maurizio , Tonon Giustino , Uhl Enno , Ravaioli Dario , Jankowski Przemysław A. , Wellstein Camilla
Published: May 2024

As an essential nutrient, Nitrogen (N) availability is fundamental in evaluating forest productivity, and as such, understanding the effects of changing atmospheric N inputs in forest ecosystems is of high significance. While most field experiments have been employing ground fertilization as a method to simulate N deposition, two experimental forest sites in Italy have adopted the more advanced canopy N application approach. Here we present findings from a case study of wood core analyses of predominantly pure, even aged, Sessile oak (Quercus petraea L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest stands, treated with either below or above canopy N fertilization, comparing between the two simulation pathways of increased N deposition. The potential effects of elevated N availability on total ring width, mean ring density, and their corresponding earlywood and latewood fractions are examined. Our results indicate inconclusive effects of the treatments on the ring width traits of both Q. petraea or F. sylvatica, although basal area increment patterns appeared to be affected divergently between the species and treatments. Mean and earlywood, but not latewood, densities on the other hand, exhibited a decrease in certain years of the treatment period in Q. petraea as result of the above canopy N application only, whereas F. sylvatica wood density showed no clear response to any of the treatments. Thus, we are describing distinct reactions of the two broadleaved species to the different experimental N deposition approaches, discussing potential growth patterns under increased N availability, and emphasizing the importance of considering wood density in assessments of tree biomass accumulation and essentially Carbon storage capacities.
The media's coverage and framing of hospital reforms: The case of Germany
Authors: Berger Elke , Eriksen Astrid , Wiedicke Annemarie , Ortlepp Len , Caglar Robert , Busse Reinhard
Published: May 2024

Aim

In Germany, a long-lasting debate about the need for a hospital reform, including centralisation, now resulted in reform plans. As cutbacks to essential services such as hospitals are an emotional topic, the public should be properly informed, which is a central role of the media. Based on a media analysis of a large-scale hospital reform in Denmark, showing that the media’s reporting might have had an agenda-setting effect, we analysed the media’s coverage and framing of restructuring the hospital landscape in German newspapers.

Subject and methods

A systematic search identified relevant articles in national and regional newspapers. The coverage between January 2018 and January 2023 was analysed regarding quantity and main theme (agenda-setting). Each article’s title and main text were analysed for tone and whether it focused on episodic (single events) or thematic (broader context) framing.

Results

A total of 705 newspaper articles (592 regional, 113 national) were included. Both regional and national newspapers mainly used episodic framing. Regional newspapers mostly reported on single closures of hospitals or departments. The tone of the title and main text in national newspapers was mainly negatively depicted, which applied to less than half of the articles in regional newspapers. These differences were, however, not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Results indicate higher agenda-setting effects in regional compared to national newspapers. However, the overall high amount of episodic framing can result in less attribution of responsibility to policy-makers, thereby conserving the status quo. To succeed, a media strategy might help to raise problem awareness among the public.
Distinct roles of SOX9 in self-renewal of progenitors and mesenchymal transition of the endothelium
Authors: Zhao Jilai , Sormani Laura , Jacquelin Sebastien , Li Haiming , Styke Cassandra , Zhou Chenhao , Beesley Jonathan , Oon Linus , Kaur Simranpreet , Sim Seen-Ling , Wong Ho Yi , Dight James , Hashemi Ghazaleh , Shafiee Abbas , Roy Edwige , Patel Jatin , Khosrotehrani Kiarash
Published: May 2024

Regenerative capabilities of the endothelium rely on vessel-resident progenitors termed endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs). This study aimed to investigate if these progenitors are impacted by conditions (i.e., obesity or atherosclerosis) characterized by increased serum levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), a known inducer of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT). Our investigation focused on understanding the effects of EndMT on the self-renewal capabilities of progenitors and the associated molecular alterations. In the presence of oxLDL, ECFCs displayed classical features of EndMT, through reduced endothelial gene and protein expression, function as well as increased mesenchymal genes, contractility, and motility. Additionally, ECFCs displayed a dramatic loss in self-renewal capacity in the presence of oxLDL. RNA-sequencing analysis of ECFCs exposed to oxLDL validated gene expression changes suggesting EndMT and identified SOX9 as one of the highly differentially expressed genes. ATAC sequencing analysis identified SOX9 binding sites associated with regions of dynamic chromosome accessibility resulting from oxLDL exposure, further pointing to its importance. EndMT phenotype and gene expression changes induced by oxLDL in vitro or high fat diet (HFD) in vivo were reversed by the silencing of SOX9 in ECFCs or the endothelial-specific conditional knockout of Sox9 in murine models. Overall, our findings support that EndMT affects vessel-resident endothelial progenitor’s self-renewal. SOX9 activation is an early transcriptional event that drives the mesenchymal transition of endothelial progenitor cells. The identification of the molecular network driving EndMT in vessel-resident endothelial progenitors presents a new avenue in understanding and preventing a range of condition where this process is involved.
Home-Visiting Programming in Kindergarten-Readiness Interventions: Retention and Loss of Families
Authors: Justice Laura M. , Jiang Hui , Planke Julie , Purtell Kelly , Pelfrey Logan , Dore Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Background

Home-visiting programs are an often-used intervention for supporting the well-being of families with young children, and there is long-standing interest among researchers in ensuring the effectiveness of this practice. Especially, retention and attrition play important roles in achieving desired outcomes of the intervention.

Objective

This study aims to examine home-visit participation levels among low-income families and explore correlates of the participation levels. It also aims to evaluate patterns of attrition over time and to investigate child and family characteristics that potentially contribute to completion of the program.

Methods

We examined data from 113 families whose children participated in a 15-month kindergarten-transition intervention. All families received supplemental home-visiting activities as a key component of the intervention, beginning at the start of preschool and extending through middle of kindergarten year.

Results

We found that, on average, families completed four out of nine planned home visits, with large dispersion in the number of visits completed. Survival analyses suggested that families who dropped out were most likely to do so at the beginning of the program, with 39% of caregivers maintained to the final visit. Participation in the home-visiting program was related to children’s age and race, as well as children’s academic skill levels.

Conclusion

Study findings have implications for the design and implementation of kindergarten-readiness initiatives targeting low-income families, especially in terms of advancing strategies to maintain families in longitudinal activities.
Perspectives and Experiences of Stakeholders on Self-Disclosure of Peers in Mental Health Services
Authors: Ben-Dor Inbar Adler , Kraus Eran , Goldfarb Yael , Grayzman Alina , Puschner Bernd , Moran Galia S.
Published: May 2024

With the movement towards recovery-oriented mental health (MH) services, individuals with MH lived-experience are increasingly employed as peer providers (peers). Peers are unique in that they bring knowledge from experience and eye-level connection to service users that enhance the quality of services and humanize MH systems’ culture. In Israel, hundreds of peers are employed in various roles and settings across the MH system. However, peer integration into MH services faces challenges. One issue involves the use of self-disclosure (SD) in MH services which varies with explicitness across roles and settings. This study sought to understand perspectives and experiences regarding peers’ SD (use & sharing of knowledge from experience) among different stakeholders in MH health services. Six focus groups and 4 semi-structured interviews (N = 42) were conducted as a part of a larger international project (UPSIDES; ERC Horizon 2020, Moran et al., Trials 21:371, 2020). Data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four categories and 7 themes were identified regarding current perspectives and experiences with peers’ SD in MH organizations: (i) Restrained or cautious organizational approach to SD; (ii) Attitudes of peers to SD approach; (iii) The influence of designated peer roles on SD; and (iv) Unwarranted SD of peers working in traditional roles. The findings reveal that peers’ SD in MH services is a complex process. Organizational approaches were often controlling of non-designated peers’ SD practices; participants had diverse attitudes for and against peers’ SD; SD occurred according to personal preferences, specific peer role and the director’s approach to peers’ SD; Conflictual SD dilemmas emerged in relation to service users and staff. SD sometimes occurs unwarrantely due to ill mental health. The presence of peer-designated roles positively impacts peers' SD. We interpret the current mix of views and general conduct of peer SD practice in statutory MH services as related to three aspects: 1. The presence of a traditional therapeutic SD model vs. a peer SD model – with the former currently being dominant. 2. Insufficient proficiency and skill development in peers’ SD. 3. Stigmatic notions about peer SD among service users and staff. Together, these aspects interrelate and sometimes create a negative cycle create tension and confusion.

A need to develop professionalism of peer SD in statutory services is highlighted alongside enhancing staff and service user acknowledgement of the value of peer SD. Developing peer-designated roles can positively impacts peer SD in MH statutory services. Training, support, and organizational interventions are required to further support for peer-oriented SD and the enhancement of a person-centered and recovery orientation of MH services.
Climate model selection via conformal clustering of spatial functional data
Authors: Villani Veronica , Romano Elvira , Mateu Jorge
Published: May 2024

Climate model selection stands as a critical process in climate science and research. It involves choosing the most appropriate climate models to address specific research questions, simulating climate behaviour, or making projections about future climate conditions. This paper proposes a new approach, using spatial functional data analysis, to asses which of the 18 EURO CORDEX simulation models work better for predicting average temperatures in the Campania region (Italy). The method involves two key steps: first, using functional data analysis to process climate variables and select optimal models by a hierarchical clustering procedure; second, validating the chosen models by proposing a new conformal prediction approach to the anomalies associated to each cluster.
Dissolved trace elements and nutrients in the North Sea—a current baseline
Authors: Siems Anna , Zimmermann Tristan , Sanders Tina , Pröfrock Daniel
Published: May 2024

Primary production is an important driver of marine carbon storage. Besides the major nutrient elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon, primary production also depends on the availability of nutrient-type metals (e.g., Cu, Fe, Mo) and the absence of toxicologically relevant metals (e.g., Ni, Pb). Especially in coastal oceans, carbon storage and export to the open ocean is highly variable and influenced by anthropogenic eutrophication and pollution. To model future changes in coastal carbon storage processes, a solid baseline of nutrient and metal concentrations is crucial. The North Sea is an important shelf sea, influenced by riverine, atmospheric, Baltic Sea, and North Atlantic inputs. We measured the concentrations of dissolved nutrients (NH4+, NO3−, PO43−, and SiO44−) and 26 metals in 337 water samples from various depths within the entire North Sea and Skagerrak. A principal component analysis enabled us to categorize the analytes into three groups according to their predominant behavior: tracers for seawater (e.g., Mo, U, V), recycling (e.g., NO3−, PO43−, SiO44−), and riverine or anthropogenic input (e.g., Ni, Cu, Gd). The results further indicate an increasing P-limitation and increasing anthropogenic gadolinium input into the German Bight.
Shipwrecks in the Azores and Global Navigation (Sixteenth to Nineteenth Centuries): An Overview
Authors: Bettencourt José
Published: May 2024

The strategic importance of the Azores Islands resulted in the formation of a vast post-medieval underwater cultural heritage, consisting of shipwrecks and anchorages. This paper will discuss the scientific potential of this heritage through a presentation of the main shipwreck sites, specifically focusing on two historic ports of the archipelago’s central group where archaeological activity has been particularly intense: Angra, on Terceira Island, and Horta, on Fayal Island. The former was the main port of call for Portuguese and Spanish navigation in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the latter was an important Atlantic port for British navigation from the end of the seventeenth century onward and for American fleets during the nineteenth century.
Autistic Traits and Psychosocial Predictors of Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Camus Lorna , Jones Kirsty , O’Dowd Emily , Auyeung Bonnie , Rajendran Gnanathusharan , Stewart Mary Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Higher rates of depression and of depressed mood are associated with autistic traits, and both are associated with social interaction factors, such as social self-efficacy, social motivation and loneliness. This study examined whether these social factors explain the association between autistic traits and depression. 658 participants (527 women) completed an online survey with measures of autistic traits (AQ), social self-efficacy (Social Self-Efficacy Scale), social motivation (Social Striving Assessment Scale), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II). A mediation analysis found the relationship between autistic traits and depressive symptoms was fully mediated by the other three factors (β[indirect] = .005, z = 2.63, p < .01; β[direct] = .05, z = 1.58, p > .05), forming a pathway from autistic traits, to social self-efficacy, to social motivation, to loneliness and finally to depressive symptoms. These results suggest that targeting social self-efficacy may break this pathway and disrupt this relationship. Interventions targeting supporting positive social interaction should be considered.
Recipes for the Future of Seaweed Aquaculture
Authors: Jue Melody
Published: May 2024

Climate cuisine is about eating the future you want into being. In this article, I examine how seaweed recipes can be forms of climate fiction through the way that the reader is invited to participate in sustainable foodways. I examine several popularizations of seaweed aquaculture that imagine practices of eating and growing seaweeds. Their formal similarities center on participation: they include the direct address of the reader through the second person voice, and position themselves as instructional models. Bren Smith’s Eat Like a Fish (Smith, Eat like a fish: My adventures as a fisherman turned restorative ocean farmer, Penguin, 2019) interpellates the reader as eater, invited to cultivate eating habits that, on a societal scale, would produce a more materially sustainable relation with the planet. The vignette “Ghost Bar,” which appears in Holly Jean Buck’s After Geoengineering: Climate Tragedy, Repair, and Restoration (Buck, After geoengineering: Climate tragedy, repair, and restoration, Verso, 2019), sensorily emplaces the reader in a future seaweed farm as a window into the kinds of livelihoods and forms of work that could be part of mitigating global warming. I trace the similarities between Smith's recipes and Buck’s interpellation of a reader, both of which use the second-person mode addressing an unmarked “you,” inviting this “you” to imagine and actualize the future dish or future scenario they sketch. While these texts have their own limitations at the level of the social imagination, such popularizations of seaweed aquaculture model an important way of understanding the intimacies of climate fiction and recipes. Recipes not only popularize the sustainable eating of seaweeds, but actively constitute a form of climate fiction through their intention to actualize more seaweedy futures.