bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negotiating the Restoration Of the Iran Nuclear Deal
Authors: Rees Wyn , Salimian Rizi Hossein
Published: August 2024

There have been protracted negotiations in Vienna to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or nuclear deal, that Iran signed in 2015 but was suspended by the withdrawal of the United States four years later. This article argues that two factors account for the failure to renew the JCPOA. One is the 2021 change of presidency in Iran from the reformist Hassan Rouhani to the conservative Ebrahim Raisi. The other is the transformed international environment that provided Iran with opportunities to align with China and Russia. While it suited Iran to continue the nuclear talks to minimize the risk of more punitive actions, Tehran has recalculated its interests and taken a hard line on a potential new deal. The process has grown more complicated with Israel's war in Gaza, the conflict's possible expansion across the region, and the election of a new Iranian president. The analysis concludes that Iran is unlikely to return to the JCPOA.
A philosophical exploration of rural health and nursing based on an undergraduate United States‐Australian collaboration through the lens of ‘positionality’
Authors: Smith Jessica G. , Laver Sharon
Published: August 2024

Growing nursing workforce maldistributions impede rural healthcare access globally. In‐depth exploration of underlying philosophical ideas about rural health in nursing curricular could support recruitment and retention of nurses who are well positioned to support and advocated for health care and services relevant to their communities. Through a lens of positionality, the purpose of this paper is to explore rural health and nursing within the United States and Australia from the perspective of undergraduate students. Recognizing that both countries have ‘first world’ health services, issues of access to services associated with systemic and structural biases were significant features identified by participants. Their perceptions were supported by discussion with attendees of the 26th International Nursing Philosophy Conference from several countries, during a presentation titled ‘What is different about rural health nursing: A philosophical exploration.’ This international consistency suggests that systemic and structural biases are global phenomena. While exposure to rural health and rural nursing may be beneficial for recruitment, preparing nurses for rural practice requires more than educating students to complete clinical tasks. Uncovering collaboration, advocacy and policy development opportunities for nurses in rural communities could move the dial from recruiting rural nurses to fulfill immediate needs to retention of well‐educated and highly skilled nurses. Building a stronger philosophical base for rural healthcare inclusive of all people, honouring their distinguishing characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity, is long overdue. Positionality can inform how nurses across the globe relate to other countries' governments, cultures, norms, values, expectations, etc., which can influence the advancement of the profession and address social inequities among rural populations.
The Implications of Routine‐Biased Technological Change on Hours Worked Fluctuations*
Authors: Bock Sébastien , Fontaine Idriss
Published: August 2024

Technological change has been biased towards replacing routine labour over the past four decades. We study the implications of those shifts in the task composition of labour demand on hours worked fluctuations. We build quarterly time series on hours worked and task premiums from the CPS and assess the effects of routine‐biased technological change by estimating a VAR model with long‐run exclusion and sign restrictions. The results indicate that the decline in total hours worked is driven by routine‐biased technology shocks through a decline in routine hours. These shocks generate recognizable aggregate fluctuations pointing out to their potential relevance for business cycles.
Facilitators and barriers to healthful eating among adolescents in high‐income countries: A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Louey Jennifer , He Jingju , Partridge Stephanie R. , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret
Published: August 2024

Adolescent obesity continues to be a public health challenge with poor quality diets contributing to its etiology. As part of the process to plan health promotion and policy interventions, understanding adolescents perceived facilitators and barriers to healthful eating is important. An integrative convergent mixed‐methods systematic review was used to synthesize qualitative and quantitative evidence from studies among adolescents aged 10–19 years in high‐income countries. Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and Scopus were searched for peer‐reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2023 and exploring adolescents' perspectives on healthful eating and contemporary contextual factors. Transformed quantitative data were integrated with qualitative data. Text was coded into subthemes and themes using an inductive approach. Key facilitators included health and physical appearance; motivation; taste; nutrition knowledge, awareness, and skills; nutrition education access; availability and accessibility of healthful foods; family; and social influences and digital media. Key barriers included taste and cravings for unhealthful foods; mood; lack of motivation, awareness, knowledge, and skills; high availability and low cost of unhealthful foods; peers and social influences; ineffective school policies; high density of fast‐food outlets; unhealthful food advertising; digital influences; and time constraints. Social, behavioral, digital, and food environmental factors should be considered from an adolescent perspective in the design of education, health promotion, and policy interventions.
The Effectiveness of Group Interpersonal Therapy on Burnout Among Long‐Term Care Workers
Authors: Oral Meltem , Karakurt Nurgül
Published: August 2024

Objective

Burnout syndrome can have a negative impact on people who work in occupations that require close interaction with others, contributing to a decline in their psychological well‐being. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT‐G) in reducing burnout among care workers for older adults in a Turkish long‐term care facility.

Methods

The study employed a pretest–post‐test randomised experimental design. Fifty care workers scoring 27 or above on emotional exhaustion and 10 or above on depersonalisation subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group for 8 weeks. The study utilised the World Health Organization (WHO) Group Interpersonal Therapy for Depression manual as a guide. The post‐test was conducted immediately after the last session of the intervention.

Results

In comparing pre‐ and post‐test scores of the intervention group, a statistically significant difference was found in overall burnout scores (pretest M = 74.10, post‐test M = 63.08, p < 0.001; d = 1.12). Additionally, emotional exhaustion scores (pretest M = 30.99, post‐test M = 24.89, p < 0.001; d = 1.11) and depersonalisation scores (pretest M = 12.76, post‐test M = 8.53, p < 0.001; d = 1.69) exhibited significant differences. However, no significant difference was observed in personal accomplishment scores (p > 0.05). The control group had no significant differences concerning the overall burnout scores and all three subscales (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The IPT‐G used in this study effectively decreased burnout among care workers in a long‐term care facility in Türkiye. In addition, the participants reported high satisfaction with the IPT‐G program.

Implications for Practice

Our results support the usefulness of the IPT‐G program for care workers in long‐term care facilities considering adding it to their occupational health management. This research aimed to determine whether IPT‐G successfully decreased care worker burnout. Future research focusing on various types of healthcare workers in long‐term care facilities and examining factors such as burnout, job satisfaction and self‐efficacy could provide more information on the effects of IPT‐G.
The Perceptions and Experiences of Older People Living in the Aftermath of Lombok Earthquakes, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Aurizki Gading Ekapuja , Efendi Ferry , Indarwati Retno , Andriani Firma , Sari Dianis Wulan , Noguchi‐Watanabe Maiko
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Despite the growing knowledge of people's vulnerability following natural disasters, the perspective of older people has received limited attention. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of older people encountering the 2018 Lombok earthquakes.

Methods

This exploratory qualitative study involved 16 older people living in one of the villages most affected by the 2018 earthquakes in Lombok Island, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia. The data were collected in June 2019 using semi‐structured interviews. Participants' responses were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis managed in NVivo.

Results

From older people's perspectives, three themes were generated: surviving the disaster, dealing with life changes and navigating through challenges and hope. Each theme comprised two categories, which reflected the journey of older people from the early to the later phase of the disaster.

Conclusions

Older people experienced critical conditions and difficulties both physically and mentally. They also experienced various emotional responses before accepting living situations following a disaster. Nurses should play a role in fulfilling the physical and mental health needs of older people in post‐disaster conditions.

Implications for Practice

This study can inform nurses and other key stakeholders about the needs of older people during and after natural disasters. Nurses need to be equipped with the skills and abilities to identify and meet the needs of older people in difficult situations and with limited resources.
Reducing Hospital Length of Stay and Hepatic Artery Thrombosis Rates for Children Receiving a Liver Transplant: A Single‐Center Experience From 2000 to 2021
Authors: Fennessy Jack , Thomas Gordon , Waters Greer , Stormon Michael , Shun Albert , Cavazzoni Elena
Published: August 2024

Background

Pediatric liver transplantation is a very resource‐intensive therapy. This study aimed to identify the changes made between two epochs of management and analyze their influence on length of stay (LOS).

Methods

Data from a single center were obtained from the liver transplant and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) databases for 336 transplants (282 children) performed between 2000 and 2021. Transplants were analyzed in two epochs, before and after July 2012, representing a change in postoperative anticoagulation management. Differences in graft recipient demographics and perioperative management factors were compared between epochs. Multivariate regression was performed to identify the complications that correlated most strongly with hospital LOS.

Results

There was a difference in hospital LOS between Epoch 1 (Median = 31.7 days) and Epoch 2 (Median = 26.3 days) (p < 0.001), but not in PICU LOS (E1 Median = 7.3 days, E2 Median = 7.4 days; p = 0.792). Epoch 2 saw increased use of split grafts (60.6% of total), decreased pediatric end‐stage liver disease (PELD) score at transplant (Average = 16.7; p < 0.001), decreased invasive ventilation time (Average = 4.48 days; p < 0.001), and decreased hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) rates (E1 = 14.4%, E2 = 4.3%; p < 0.001) without an associated increase in bleeding rates.

Conclusions

Hospital LOS has reduced in Epoch 2 due to refinements in intraoperative and postoperative management. There is increased emphasis on early extubation and increased use of noninvasive ventilatory techniques in Epoch 2. Split grafts have effectively expanded our graft donor pool and reduced transplant waitlist times.
Registration‐based point cloud deskewing and dynamic lidar simulation
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Khoshelham Kourosh , Khodabandeh Amir
Published: August 2024

Point clouds captured using laser scanners mounted on mobile platforms contain errors at the centimetre to decimetre level due to motion distortion. In applications such as lidar odometry or SLAM, this motion distortion is often ignored. However, in applications such as HD mapping or precise vehicle localisation, it is necessary to correct the effect of motion distortion or ‘deskew’ the point clouds before using them. Existing methods for deskewing point clouds mostly rely on high frequency IMU, which may not always be available. In this paper, we propose a straightforward approach that uses the registration of consecutive point clouds to estimate the motion of the scanner and deskew the point clouds. We introduce a novel surface‐based evaluation method to evaluate the performance of the proposed deskewing method. Furthermore, we develop a lidar simulator using the reverse of the proposed deskewing method which can produce synthetic point clouds with realistic motion distortion.
Ontogeny and organ‐specific steroidal glycoside diversity is associated with differential expression of steroidal glycoside pathway genes in two Solanum dulcamara leaf chemotypes
Authors: Anaia R. A. , Chiocchio I. , Sontowski R. , Swinkels B. , Vergara F. , van Dam N. M.
Published: August 2024

Solanaceous plants, such as Solanum dulcamara, produce steroidal glycosides (SGs). Leaf SG profiles vary among S. dulcamara individuals, leading to distinct phytochemical phenotypes (‘chemotypes’) and intraspecific phytochemical diversity (‘chemodiversity’). However, if and how SG chemodiversity varies among organs and across ontogeny, and how this relates to SG metabolism gene expression is unknown.

Among organs and across ontogeny, S. dulcamara plants with saturated (S) and unsaturated (U) SG leaf chemotypes were selected and clonally propagated. Roots, stems and leaves were harvested from vegetative and flowering plants. Extracts were analysed using untargeted LC–MS. Expression of candidate genes in SG metabolism (SdGAME9, SdGAME4, SdGAME25, SdS5αR2 and SdDPS) was analysed using RT‐qPCRs.

Our analyses showed that SG chemodiversity varies among organs and across ontogeny in S. dulcamara; SG richness (Dmg) was higher in flowering than vegetative plants. In vegetative plants, Dmg was higher for leaves than for roots.

Lack of SdGAME25 expression in U‐chemotype leaves, while readily expressed in roots and stems, suggests a pivotal role for SdGAME25 in differentiation of leaf chemotypes in vegetative and flowering plants. By acting as an ontogeny‐dependent chemotypic switch, differential regulation of SdGAME25 enables adaptive allocation of SGs, thereby increasing SG chemodiversity in leaves. This indicates that differential expression and/or regulation of glycoalkaloid metabolism genes, rather than their presence or absence, explains observed chemotypic variation in SG chemodiversity among organs and across ontogeny.
The role of governance and infrastructure in moderating the effect of resource rents on economic growth
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Diop Samba , Emeka Ekene ThankGod , Ogbonna Amarachi O.
Published: August 2024

This study investigates how governance and infrastructure moderate the effect of natural resource rents on economic growth using a sample of 110 countries from 2000 to 2018. The empirical evidence is based on panel smooth transition regressions (PSTR). The nexus between economic growth and natural resources is not linear and the underlying non‐linearity is contingent on existing infrastructural and governance levels. Evidence of a “natural resource curse” is apparent in countries with extremely low levels of governance and infrastructural development. The favorable effect of natural resources on economic growth requires a governance threshold of −1.210 and an infrastructure threshold of 2.583, indicating that countries with governance and infrastructure levels higher than these values tend to benefit much more from the wealth of natural resources. Countries identified below the established thresholds are mainly from Africa. Policy implications are discussed with specific emphasis on African countries.

Related Articles

Ali, Hamid E., and Shahjahan Bhuiyan. 2022. “Governance, Natural Resources Rent, and Infrastructure Development: Evidence from the Middle East and North Africa.” Politics & Policy 50(2): 408–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12451.

Asiegbu, Martin F., Okey Marcellus Ikeanyibe, Pius Otu Abang, Okwudili Chukwuma Nwosu, and Chuka Eugene Ugwu. 2024. “Natural Resource Fund Governance and the Institutionalization of Rent Seeking in Nigeria's Oil Sector.” Politics & Policy 52(1): 169–95. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12579.

Ikeanyibe, Okechukwu M. 2018. “Bureaucratic Politics and the Implementation of Liberalization Reforms in Nigeria: A Study of the Unbundling and Reorganization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.” Politics & Policy 46(2): 263–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12249.
Correlations between blood vessel distribution, lung function and structural change in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Hu Po‐Wei , Chen Chun‐Ku , Hsiao Yi‐Han , Weng Ching‐Yao , Lee Ying‐Chi , Su Kang‐Cheng , Feng Jia‐Yih , Chou Kun‐Ta , Perng Diahn‐Warng , Ko Hsin‐Kuo
Published: August 2024

Background and Objective

Correlations between the image analysis of CT scan, lung function and quality of life in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of pulmonary blood‐vessel distribution and the extent of fibrosis on the lung function and quality of life of patients with IPF.

Methods

Patients were enrolled in an IPF registry and had completed pulmonary function tests, chest HRCT, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and echocardiography. Pulmonary blood‐vessel distribution, specific image‐derived airway volume (siVaw) and fibrosis extent (siVfib) were quantitatively calculated by functional respiratory imaging on HRCT.

Results

The study subjects were categorized into DLco <40% pred. (n = 40) and DLco ≥40% pred. (n = 19) groups. Patients with DLco <40% pred. had significantly higher scores of SGRQ, composite physiologic index (CPI), exercise oxygen desaturation (∆SpO2), siVaw, lower FVC% pred. and 6‐minute walking distance% pred. The proportion of small blood vessels in the upper lobes (BV5PR‐UL) was significantly correlated with CPI, DLco % Pred., FVC% pred., SGRQ and ∆SpO2. Only BV5PR‐UL had a significant impact on all indices but not BV5PR in the lower lobes (BV5PR‐LL). siVfib was significantly negatively correlated with BV5PR‐UL, DLco% pred. and FVC% pred., as well as positively correlated with CPI, ∆SpO2 and siVaw.

Conclusion

BV5PR‐UL and siVfib had significant correlations with lung function and may become important indicators to assess the severity of IPF and the impact on quality of life.
Reducing uncertainty in dose–response assessments by incorporating Bayesian benchmark dose modeling and in vitro data on population variability
Authors: Lu En‐Hsuan , Ford Lucie C. , Rusyn Ivan , Chiu Weihsueh A.
Published: August 2024

There are two primary sources of uncertainty in the interpretability of toxicity values, like the reference dose (RfD): estimates of the point of departure (POD) and the absence of chemical‐specific human variability data. We hypothesize two solutions—employing Bayesian benchmark dose (BBMD) modeling to refine POD determination and combining high‐throughput toxicokinetic modeling with population‐based toxicodynamic in vitro data to characterize chemical‐specific variability. These hypotheses were tested by deriving refined probabilistic estimates for human doses corresponding to a specific effect size (M) in the Ith population percentile (HDMI) across 19 Superfund priority chemicals. HDMI values were further converted to biomonitoring equivalents in blood and urine for benchmarking against human data. Compared to deterministic default‐based RfDs, HDMI values were generally more protective, particularly influenced by chemical‐specific data on interindividual variability. Incorporating chemical‐specific in vitro data improved precision in probabilistic RfDs, with a median 1.4‐fold reduction in uncertainty variance. Comparison with US Environmental Protection Agency's Exposure Forecasting exposure predictions and biomonitoring data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey identified chemicals with margins of exposure nearing or below one. Overall, to mitigate uncertainty in regulatory toxicity values and guide chemical risk management, BBMD modeling and chemical‐specific population‐based human in vitro data are essential.
“Divide et impera”? A financial assessment of the (de)concentration in the Brazilian reinsurance market
Authors: de França Carvalho João Vinícius , Song Maryana Lin
Published: August 2024

This study aims to shed light on the relatively obscure landscape of industrial organization within the reinsurance sector, particularly in Brazil, which was among the last nations to dismantle state monopoly. Our objective is to assess the impact of concentration in the Brazilian reinsurance market on reinsurer performance. Employing traditional indexes from Industrial Organization literature and utilizing regression models for panel data, we examine the elasticity of revenues from reinsurers as a reflection of the sector's competitive structure. The data set comprises 78,190 observations from 164 reinsurers across 22 lines of business (LOB) monthly spanning from 2008 to 2022. The findings reveal a pronounced market concentration, with higher industry concentration correlating with diminished premium revenues across most LOBs. Additionally, Local reinsurers enjoy substantial advantages over Admitted and Occasional counterparts. Notably, factors such as portfolio diversification and economic group affiliation prove significant, particularly concerning the category of reinsurer.
Donor‐derived dengue infections – A review of screening protocol and outcomes in an endemic country
Authors: Tan Sophie Seine Xuan , Nordin Samsudin Bin , Tan Chee‐Kiat , Tan Thuan Tong , Chung Shimin Jasmine , Chan Kian Sing , Tan Ban Hock
Published: August 2024

Background

Donor‐derived dengue infections present significant challenges to organ transplantation, particularly in endemic regions like Singapore. Although primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, dengue can also be transmitted through organ transplantation, occasionally with fatal outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes and evolution of dengue screening protocols for potential deceased donors in Singapore from 2006 to 2022.

Methods

Initially, screening was done via dengue immunoglobulin M (IgM), targeting donors with specific clinical criteria (thrombocytopenia, drop in platelet count, prolonged prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time, and discretion of the transplant team), later transitioning to blood dengue reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in 2007 with similar criteria, and subsequently universal screening in 2016. In 2021, urine dengue RT‐PCR was added following a case of donor‐derived dengue infection from an aviremic but viruric donor.

Results

Out of 431 potential deceased donors, 395 (91.6%) underwent dengue screening, with six (1.5%) testing positive for dengue. In 2006, three positive screens were identified: two through dengue IgM and one via blood dengue RT‐PCR; subsequent years saw one positive screen each in 2007, 2008, and 2019 via blood dengue RT‐PCR. Potential deceased donors with a positive blood dengue screen were rejected as solid organ and tissue donors. Those with negative blood dengue RT‐PCR but positive urine dengue RT‐PCR would be rejected as kidney donors, but the use of other organs and tissues was at the discretion of the transplantation team.

Conclusion

The optimal screening protocol remains uncertain, but our findings suggest that a universal screening strategy utilizing both blood and urine dengue RT‐PCR could be considered in dengue‐endemic countries.

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Numerical Investigation of the Indoor Environmental Factors With Stratum and Underfloor Air Distribution Systems in an Educational Institute Computer Laboratory
Authors: Lakshmanan Ramesh Krishnan , Lachireddi Gangadhara Kiran Kumar
Published: August 2024

Ventilation with optimal airflow patterns is the most significant aspect in controlling airborne transmission as well as providing an improved indoor thermal environment and air quality in an energy-efficient way. Conducting the air-conditioned computer laboratory in educational institutes during the pandemic is challenging. This article presents a comparative study on various aspects related to indoor environmental quality factors, including thermal comfort indices, vertical air temperature differences, draught rate, air distribution effectiveness, CO2 concentration levels, energy saving, and dispersion of exhaled droplets of aerosols in different sizes (0.5 μm, 6 μm, 20 μm, and 45 μm). The study examines these factors by comparing 12 cases with different air distribution strategies (stratum, underfloor), air change rates (15 ACH and 20 ACH), and return outlet positions (1.3 m, 1.8 m, and 2.3 m). The numerical investigation is carried out in the educational institute computer laboratory model with the dimensions of 10 m (length), 5 m (width), and 3 m (height). The findings indicated that stratum ventilation and underfloor air distribution (UFAD) at a rate of 20 ACH, along with the placement of the return outlet in position 2, would ensure adequate ventilation, acceptable thermal comfort, and optimal energy savings. Compared to the overhead air distribution system, the maximum energy savings were obtained at 10.15% and 10.07% in both stratum and underfloor air distribution systems. Furthermore, the higher air distribution index and ventilation parameter were acquired in the UFAD system at 20 ACH. This study provides a better understanding of air distribution systems and aerosol particle dispersion in the indoor environment of a computer laboratory.
Data-Driven Radial Compressor Design Space Mapping
Authors: Brind J.
Published: August 2024

Estimates of turbomachinery performance trends inform system-level compromises during preliminary design. Existing empirical correlations for efficiency use limited experimental data, while analytical loss models require calibration to yield predictive results. From a set of 3708 radial compressor computations, this paper maps efficiency as a function of mean-line aerodynamics, and determines the governing loss mechanisms. An open-source turbomachinery design code creates annulus and blade geometry, then runs a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulation for compressors sampled from the mean-line design space. Polynomial surface fits yield a continuous eight-dimensional representation of the design space for analysis, predicting efficiency with a root-mean-square error of 1.2% points. The results show a balance between surface dissipation in boundary layers and mixing loss due to casing separations sets optimum values for inlet Mach number, hub-to-tip ratio, de Haller number, and backsweep angle. Surface dissipation drives the effect of flow coefficient, with high surface areas at low values, and high velocities at high values. Compact compressor designs are achieved by increasing inlet Mach number, reducing hub-to-tip ratio, and minimizing the radial loading coefficient—all of which reduce efficiency approaching design space boundaries. An interactive web-based tool makes the results available to practising engineers, demonstrating large ensembles of automated designs and simulations as a higher-fidelity replacement for legacy empirical correlations in preliminary design.
Quantum vortices in curved geometries
Authors: Tononi A. , Salasnich L. , Yakimenko A.
Published: August 2024

The control over the geometry and topology of quantum systems is crucial for advancing novel quantum technologies. This work provides a synthesis of recent insights into the behavior of quantum vortices within atomic Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) subject to curved geometric constraints. We highlight the significant impact of the curvature on the condensate density and phase distribution, particularly in quasi-one-dimensional waveguides for different angular momentum states. An engineered periodic transport of the quantized vorticity between density-coupled ring-shaped condensates is discussed. The significant role of curved geometry in shaping the dynamics of rotational Josephson vortices in long atomic Josephson junctions is illustrated for the system of vertically stacked toroidal condensates. Different methods for the controlled creation of rotational Josephson vortices in coupled ring systems are described in the context of the formation of long-lived vortex configurations in shell-shaped BECs with cylindrical geometry. Future directions of explorations of vortices in curved geometries with implications for quantum information processing and sensing technologies are discussed.
Non-stationary noise removal from repeated sweep measurements
Authors: Prawda Karolina , Schlecht Sebastian J. , Välimäki Vesa
Published: August 2024

Acoustic measurements using sine sweeps are prone to background noise and non-stationary disturbances. Repeated measurements can be averaged to improve the resulting signal-to-noise ratio. However, averaging leads to poor rejection of non-stationary high-energy disturbances and, in the case of a time-variant environment, causes attenuation at high frequencies. This paper proposes a robust method to combine repeated sweep measurements using across-measurement median filtering in the time-frequency domain. The method, called Mosaic, successfully rejects non-stationary noise, suppresses background noise, and is more robust toward time variation than averaging. The proposed method allows high-quality measurement of impulse responses in a noisy environment.
Effect of External Work Magnitude on Mechanical Efficiency of Sledge Jumping
Authors: Seki Keitaro , Kyröläinen Heikki
Published: August 2024

The mechanical efficiency of human locomotion has been studied extensively. The mechanical efficiency of the whole body occasionally exceeds muscle efficiency during bouncing type gaits. It is thought to occur due to elasticity and stiffness of the tendinomuscular system and neuromuscular functions, especially stretch reflexes. In addition, the lower limb joint kinetics affect mechanical efficiency. We investigated the impact of varying external work on mechanical efficiency and lower limb kinetics during repeated sledge jumping. Fifteen male runners performed sledge jumping for 4 minutes at 3 different sledge inclinations. Lower limb kinematics, ground reaction forces, and expired gases were analyzed. Mechanical efficiency did not differ according to sledge inclination. Mechanical efficiency correlated positively with the positive mechanical work of the knee and hip joints and the negative contribution of the hip joints. Conversely, it correlated negatively with both the positive and negative contributions of the ankle joint. This may be attributable to the greater workload in this study versus previous studies. To achieve greater external work, producing more mechanical energy at the proximal joint and transferring it to the distal joint could be an effective strategy for improving mechanical efficiency because of the greater force-generating capability of distal joint muscles.
The mRNA content of plasma extracellular vesicles provides a window into molecular processes in the brain during cerebral malaria
Authors: Kioko Mwikali , Mwangi Shaban , Pance Alena , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella , Kariuki Symon , Newton Charles , Bejon Philip , Rayner Julian C. , Abdi Abdirahman I.
Published: August 2024

The impact of cerebral malaria on the transcriptional profiles of cerebral tissues is difficult to study using noninvasive approaches. We isolated plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) from patients with cerebral malaria and community controls and sequenced their mRNA content. Deconvolution analysis revealed that EVs from cerebral malaria are enriched in transcripts of brain origin. We ordered the patients with cerebral malaria based on their EV-transcriptional profiles from cross-sectionally collected samples and inferred disease trajectory while using healthy community controls as a starting point. We found that neuronal transcripts in plasma EVs decreased with disease trajectory, whereas transcripts from glial, endothelial, and immune cells increased. Disease trajectory correlated positively with severity indicators like death and was associated with increased VEGFA-VEGFR and glutamatergic signaling, as well as platelet and neutrophil activation. These data suggest that brain tissue responses in cerebral malaria can be studied noninvasively using EVs circulating in peripheral blood.
Magnetically attracting hydrogel reshapes iron metabolism for tissue repair
Authors: Xu Yichang , Cai Feng , Zhou Yidi , Tang Jincheng , Mao Jiannan , Wang Wei , Li Ziang , Zhou Liang , Feng Yu , Xi Kun , Gu Yong , Chen Liang
Published: August 2024

Ferroptosis, caused by disorders of iron metabolism, plays a critical role in various diseases, making the regulation of iron metabolism essential for tissue repair. In our analysis of degenerated intervertebral disc tissue, we observe a positive correlation between the concentration of extracellular iron ions (ex-iron) and the severity of ferroptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Hence, inspired by magnets attracting metals, we combine polyether F127 diacrylate (FDA) with tannin (TA) to construct a magnetically attracting hydrogel (FDA-TA). This hydrogel demonstrates the capability to adsorb ex-iron and remodel the iron metabolism of cells. Furthermore, it exhibits good toughness and self-healing properties. Notably, it can activate the PI3K-AKT pathway to inhibit nuclear receptor coactivator 4–mediated ferritinophagy under ex-iron enrichment conditions. The curative effect and related mechanism are further confirmed in vivo. Consequently, on the basis of the pathological mechanism, a targeted hydrogel is designed to reshape iron metabolism, offering insights for tissue repair.
A case study to engage students in evolutionary thinking around antibiotic resistance using the MEGA-plate experiment
Authors: Carr Stephanie A. , Mathews Stephanie L. , Pruneski Justin A. , Stasulli Nikolas M.
Published: August 2024

In this article, we describe curricular materials developed to engage undergraduate students in evolutionary thinking around antibiotic resistance using the MEGA-plate experiment (Microbial Evolution and Growth Arena). This elegant and visual experiment, developed by the Kishony Lab, shows the development of antibiotic resistance on the timescale of hours and days. It not only provides important biological insights but also captures students’ attention, making it a very useful tool for education. While a short video describing the method and major results has already been widely used in the classroom setting, our case study connects details of the methods and results of the MEGA-plate experiment and antibiotic resistance to core biological concepts. The interrupted case study consists of four major parts: 1) an opening hook activity to capture students’ attention and introduce the antibiotic crisis, 2) a jigsaw activity to research different classes of antibiotic targets and the resistance mechanisms that can arise, 3) a discussion of antibiotic resistance in real-time using the MEGA-plate experiment video, and 4) three different options for students to dive deeper into the experimental data from the MEGA-plate research article. These components are modular and can be used in many different combinations to reach different audiences or connect to other topics related to microbiology, evolution, or genetics.
Exam reform: an opportunity for the redistribution of academic power
Authors: Crowther Gregory J. , Wiggins Benjamin L.
Published: August 2024

Students in STEM know well the stress, challenge, and effort that accompany college exams. As a widely recognizable feature of the STEM classroom experience, high-stakes assessments serve as crucial cultural gateways in shaping both preparation and motivation for careers. In this essay, we identify and discuss issues of power around STEM exams to further the understanding of exam practices that can unjustly hold students back. Through theory and practical examples, we consider the numerous ways in which power manifests both on and off the pages of the exams themselves, as well as ways in which power is consolidated away from students through logistical norms and tradeoffs. Centering the “rules of the culture of power” as delineated by Dr. Lisa Delpit, we reflect on exam practices that prioritize faculty voice and faculty convenience above student learning and student identity. We share some of what we have learned from our students as part of a call to improve STEM education by relinquishing some of our exam-related power over students, redistributing it to students so that they have more power to shape their own education.
Metrological evaluation of DNA extraction method effects on the bacterial microbiome and resistome in sputum
Authors: Benčič Aleksander , Toplak Nataša , Koren Simon , Bogožalec Košir Alexandra , Milavec Mojca , Tomič Viktorija , Lužnik Dane , Dreo Tanja
Published: August 2024

Targeted high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has revolutionized the way we look at bacterial communities. It can be used for the species-specific detection of bacteria as well as for the determination of the microbiome and resistome and can be applied to samples from almost any environment. However, the results of targeted HTS can be influenced by many factors, which poses a major challenge for its use in clinical diagnostics. In this study, we investigated the impact of the DNA extraction method on the determination of the bacterial microbiome and resistome by targeted HTS using principles from metrology and diagnostics such as repeatability and analytical sensitivity. Sputum samples spiked with
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
at three different concentrations (10
3
–10
6
cells/mL) were used. DNA was extracted from each sample on 2 separate days in three replicates each using three different extraction methods based on cetrimonium bromide, magnetic beads, and silica membranes. All three spiked bacteria were detected in sputum, and the DNA extraction method had no significant effect on detection. However, the DNA extraction method had significant effects on the composition of the microbiome and the resistome. The sequencing results were repeatable in the majority of cases. The silica membrane-based DNA extraction kit provided the most repeatable results and the highest diversity of the microbiome and resistome. Targeted HTS has been shown to be a reliable tool for determining the microbiome and resistome; however, the method of DNA extraction should be carefully selected to minimize its impact on the results.

IMPORTANCE

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) is one of the crucial new technologies that gives us insights into previously hidden parts of microbial communities. The DNA extraction method is an important step that can have a major impact on the results, and understanding this impact is of paramount importance for their reliable interpretation. Our results are of great value for the interpretation of sputum microbiome and resistome results obtained by targeted HTS. Our findings allow for a more rational design of future microbiome studies, which would lead to higher repeatability of results and easier comparison between different laboratories. This could also facilitate the introduction of targeted HTS in clinical microbiology for reliable identification of pathogenic bacteria and testing for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As AMR is a major threat to public health, the improved methods for determining AMR would bring great benefits to both the healthcare system and society as a whole.
Profiles and interactions of gut microbiome and intestinal microRNAs in pediatric Crohn’s disease
Authors: Lv Yao , Zhen Changjun , Liu Ana , Hu Yudie , Yang Gan , Xu Cuifang , Lou Yue , Cheng Qi , Luo Youyou , Yu Jindan , Fang Youhong , Zhao Hong , Peng Kerong , Yu Yu , Lou Jingan , Chen Jie , Ni Yan
Published: August 2024

Gut dysbiosis is closely related to dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in the intestinal epithelial cells, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD). We investigated the relationship between fecal gut microbiome (GM) and intestinal tissue miRNAs in different stages of pediatric CD. Metagenomic analysis and miRNA sequencing were conducted to examine the GM and intestinal miRNA profiles of CD patients before and after clinical induction therapy and the controls. Twenty-seven newly diagnosed, therapy-naïve pediatric patients with active CD and 11 non-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) controls were recruited in this study. Among CD patients, 11 patients completed induction treatment and reached clinical remission. Both GM and miRNA profiles were significantly changed between CD patients and controls. Seven key bacteria were identified at species level including
Defluviitalea raffinosedens
,
Thermotalea metallivorans
,
Roseburia intestinalis
,
Dorea
sp. AGR2135,
Escherichia coli
,
Shigella sonnei
, and
Salmonella enterica
, the exact proportions of which were further validated by real-time quantitative PCR analysis. Eight key miRNAs were also identified including hsa-miR-215-5p, hsa-miR-194-5p, hsa-miR-12135, hsa-miR-509-3-5p, hsa-miR-212-5p, hsa-miR-4448, hsa-miR-501-3p, and hsa-miR-503-5p. The functional enrichment analysis of differential miRNAs indicated the significantly altered cyclin protein, cyclin-dependent protein, and cell cycle pathway. The close interactions between seven key bacteria and eight key miRNAs were further investigated by miRNA target prediction. The association between specific miRNA expressions and key gut bacteria at different stages of CD supported their important roles as potential molecular biomarkers. Understanding the relationship between them will help us to explore the molecular mechanisms of CD.

IMPORTANCE

Since previous studies have focused on the change of the fecal gut microbiome and intestinal tissue miRNA in pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD), the relationship between them in different stages is still not clear. This is the first study to explore the gut microbiota and miRNA and their correlations with the Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (PCDAI). Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS), and calprotectin, by applying two omics approach in three different groups (active CD, CD in remission with exclusive enteral nutrition or infliximab induction therapy, and the healthy controls). Both gut microbiome structure and the miRNA profiles were significantly changed in the different stage of CD. Seven key gut microbiome at species and eight key miRNAs were found, and their close interactions were further fully investigated by miRNA target prediction.
Pre-Himalayan tectono-metamorphic impresses in the Baijnath klippe, Kumaun Himalaya, NW India: Implications on a veiled saga of Paleoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic crustal evolution and thermal history of the northern Indian cratonic margin
Authors: Mukherjee Sneha , Ghosh Gautam , Sorcar Nilanjana , Dev J. Amal , Tomson J.K. , Bose Sankar
Published: August 2024

Rocks of the Lesser Himalayan Sequence are important from a global tectonic perspective as they represent a crucial evolutionary chronicle of the Indian continent from the Paleoproterozoic to the Cenozoic Himalayan orogeny. Eroded remnants of tectonically transported crystalline thrust sheets overlying the Lesser Himalayan metasedimentary zone along the Main Central thrust are represented by the Almora, Baijnath, Askot, and Chiplakot klippen belts in the Kumaun Himalaya, India. In this work, we present the deformation history, geochemistry, and U-Pb zircon-apatite geochronology of the Baijnath klippe rocks and its footwall. Our age and tectonic setting results for the klippe rocks help to illustrate the continental accretion processes that prevailed during Paleoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic time along the northern Indian cratonic margin.

Granitoids within the Baijnath klippen yield crystallization ages varying from ca. 1870 Ma to ca. 1850 Ma, while the supracrustal sequence preserves a prominent age signature of ca. 1855 Ma. The metasediments of the Berinag Formation at the klippe footwall yield a detrital age of ca. 1810 Ma. Based on these results and the geochemistry, we infer that the Baijnath klippe rocks bear an affinity with the inner Lesser Himalayan Sequence, and the granitoid magmatism took place within a span of ~20 m.y. (1870–1850 Ma) in an arc setting linked to active subduction along the north Indian continental margin, possibly due to the formation of the Columbia supercontinent during the Paleoproterozoic. Textural and mineralogical data from the amphibolite-facies supracrustals of the Baijnath klippe suggest that the progressive metamorphism (M1) reached peak at ~580 °C and ~8.6 kbar followed by a decompression-dominated retrogression (M1R) down to ~450 °C and ~5.8 kbar, possibly through a clockwise pressure-temperature (P-T) trajectory that was overprinted by the Cenozoic reworking (M2 metamorphism?) and deformation (D2) related to the Himalayan orogeny. Texturally constrained apatite grains from M1 metamorphic domains preserve traces of a Neoproterozoic-age tectonothermal imprint that affected the Lesser Himalayan Sequence rocks, possibly during the assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent.
Supplemental Material: Did Late Jurassic climatic fluctuations respond to Pangea breakup? Evidence from isotopic analyses of belemnite rostra from the eastern Tethyan Ocean
Authors: Wang Tianyang , al. et
Published: August 2024

Summary of specimen geochemistry.
An integrative approach to assessing bridle shiner (Notropis bifrenatus) distribution using environmental DNA and traditional techniques
Authors: Katz Lara S. , Coghlan Stephen M. , Blomberg Erik J. , Kinnison Michael T. , York Geneva , Zydlewski Joseph D.
Published: August 2024

The bridle shiner ( Notropis bifrenatus) is a small cyprinid native to the eastern United States and Canada. Bridle shiner populations have declined across their range, and the species now receives concern status or legal protection in 13 states and two provinces. Bridle shiners were historically found in southern and western Maine in densely vegetated, shallow habitats along the shorelines of streams and ponds. We surveyed areas of Maine that supported historical bridle shiner populations using environmental DNA (eDNA) and traditional seine netting methods, and then used eDNA sampling to survey areas with unknown bridle shiner presence. We rediscovered bridle shiner populations at 11 of 32 historically occupied waterbodies and documented bridle shiners in four additional waterbodies. We determined that both eDNA and seine net surveys are viable options for monitoring bridle shiners in Maine and identified ways to streamline the eDNA methods used in this study to reduce the time and cost of future surveys.