bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial–temporal characterization of droughts in Angola
Authors: Mateus Nelson P. A. , Marengo José A. , Cunha Ana P. M.A. , Diogo Anacleto Marito , António Jaime Fernando
Published: January 2024

This study presents a scientific study conducted in Angola, focusing on the impact and characteristics of drought events in the country. The research endeavours to assess the primary climatic conditions linked to drought events within Angola, including an investigation into their spatiotemporal patterns. To achieve this, an evaluation of drought events’ frequency, duration and intensity has been carried out employing the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Furthermore, the extent of affected regions has been determined using the Integrated Drought Index (IDI). For this, the frequency, duration and intensity of drought events are evaluated using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). The assessment of the affected areas was carried out using the Integrated Drought Index (IDI). The results showed that Angola was repeatedly affected by drought events. The longest drought events were identified in the South and Center regions of the country. In the South region, the longest drought occurred from 1992 to 1997, totaling 83 consecutive months of drought in the region, in the Center the longest event occurred during the years 1994 to 1997, and in the North region between 2003 and 2005, totaling 46 and 23 months, respectively. The climatic conditions evaluated for the drought events studied (1989/1990, 1994/1995, 2014/2015 and 2018/2019) showed that most drought events in the country are associated with the variation of sea surface temperatures in the South Atlantic Ocean. The analysis of the drought category showed that during the years analysed, about 29.7% of the territorial extension of Angola were affected by drought events in the severe to exceptional category.
Recent advances in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus using new drug therapies
Authors: Chong Keong , Chang Jack Keng‐Jui , Chuang Lee‐Ming
Published: January 2024

Several recent advances provide multiple health benefits to individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Pharmacological therapy is governed by person‐centered factors, including comorbidities and treatment goals. Adults with T2DM who have an established/high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and/or chronic kidney disease, require a treatment regimen that includes agents that are proven to reduce cardiorenal risk. Weight management plays a key role in reducing glucose for patients with T2DM. A glucose‐reduction treatment regimen must consider weight management. Sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of heart failure, cardiovascular and renal events. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists allow better control of glycemia, promote weight loss and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Newer Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP‐1 dual agonist, which activate GIP and GLP‐1 receptors improve glycemic control and promote greater weight loss than GLP‐1 receptor agonists. Several novel drugs are in the clinical development phase. This review pertains to recent advances in pharmacological management of type 2 diabetes.
Cluster Analysis to Identify Clinical Subtypes of Ménière's Disease
Authors: Phillips John , Murdin Louisa , Khondoker Mizanur , Grant Kelly , Shepstone Lee , Sims Erika , Rea Peter , Harcourt Jonny
Published: January 2024

Objective

To identify distinct clinical subtypes of Ménière's disease by analyzing data acquired from a UK registry of patients who have been diagnosed with Ménière's disease.

Study Design

Observational study.

Methods

Patients with Ménière's disease were identified at secondary/tertiary care clinics. Cluster analysis was performed by grouping participants sharing similar characteristics and risk factors into groups based on a defined measure of similarity.

Results

A total of 411 participants were recruited into this study. Two main clusters were identified: participants diagnosed with ear infections (OR = 0.30, p < 0.014, 95% CI: 0.11–0.78) were more likely to be allocated in Cluster 1 (C1). Participants reporting tinnitus in both ears (OR = 11.89, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 4.08–34.64), low pitched tinnitus (OR = 21.09, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 7.47–59.54), and those reporting stress as a trigger for vertigo attacks (OR = 14.94, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 4.54–49.10) were significantly more likely to be in Cluster 2 (C2). Also, participants diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (OR = 13.14, <0.001, 95% CI: 4.35–39.74), autoimmune disease (OR = 5.97, p < 0.007, 95% CI: 1.62–22.03), depression (OR = 4.72, p < 0.056, 95% CI: 0.96–23.24), migraines (OR = 3.13, p < 0.008, 95% CI: 1.34–7.26), drug allergy (OR = 3.25, p < 0.029, 95% CI: 1.13–9.34), and hay fever (OR = 3.12, p < 0.009, 95% CI: 1.33–7.34) were significantly more likely to be clustered in C2.

Conclusions

This study supports the hypothesis that Ménière's disease is a heterogeneous condition with subgroups that may be identifiable by clinical features. Two main clusters were identified with differing putative etiological factors.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3286–3292, 2024
A scoping review of Rasch analysis and item response theory in otolaryngology: Implications and future possibilities
Authors: Liu David T. , Mueller Christian A. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Item response theory (IRT) is a methodological approach to studying the psychometric performance of outcome measures. This study aims to determine and summarize the use of IRT in otolaryngological scientific literature.

Methods

A systematic search of the Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases was performed for original English‐language published studies indexed up to January 28, 2023, per the following search strategy: (“item response theory” OR “irt” OR “rasch” OR “latent trait theory” OR “modern mental test theory”) AND (“ent” OR “otorhinolaryngology” OR “ear” OR “nose” OR “throat” OR “otology” OR “audiology” OR “rhinology” OR “laryngology” OR “neurotology” OR “facial plastic surgery”).

Results

Fifty‐five studies were included in this review. IRT was used across all subspecialties in otolaryngology, and most studies utilizing IRT methodology were published within the last decade. Most studies analyzed polytomous response data, and the most commonly used IRT models were the partial credit and the rating scale model. There was considerable heterogeneity in reporting the main assumptions and results of IRT.

Conclusion

IRT is increasingly being used in the otolaryngological scientific literature. In the otolaryngology literature, IRT is most frequently used in the study of patient‐reported outcome measures and many different IRT‐based methods have been used. Future IRT‐based outcome studies, using standardized reporting guidelines, might improve otolaryngology‐outcome research sustainably by improving response rates and reducing patient response burden.

Level of evidence

2.
Long‐term atmospheric corrosion rates of Zn55Al‐coated steel
Authors: Thierry Dominique , Persson Dan , LeBozec Nathalie
Published: January 2024

Hot‐dip Zn55Al‐coated steel samples have been exposed for up to 6 years at 11 different weathering sites, including marine, marine‐industrial, acid‐rain and dry atmospheres. From the mass loss measurements, Zn55Al metallic coating showed globally long‐term good corrosion resistance in all weathering conditions compared with hot‐dip Zn‐0.2Al‐coated steel (Z). Yet, weaker performance was observed on Zn55Al in high SO2 polluted atmosphere, particularly when combined with seawater aerosols. This is explained by a more acidic surface condition linked to high SO2. Although the extent of corrosion in this phase was different at the different sites, the final corrosion products formed after 6 years were rather similar at all sites. This consists of hydrous aluminium sulphate or hydrous aluminium hydroxy sulphate and, probably also a smaller amount of sulphate‐containing zinc corrosion products or Al/Zn products.
Constructing Highly Emissive Covalent Organic Frameworks for Fe3+ Ion Detection via Wall Function
Authors: Xing Ce , Zhang Yuwei , Wei Dongxue , Zhi Yongfeng
Published: January 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent a new type of crystalline porous polymers that possess pre‐designed skeletons, uniform nanopores, and ordered π structure. These attributes make them well‐suited for the design of light‐emitting materials. However, the majority of COFs exhibits poor luminescence due to aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ), resulting from the strong interaction between adjacent layers. To break the limitation, the building units with three methoxy groups on the walls are used to construct TM‐OMe‐EBTHz‐COF, which suppresses the ACQ effects to improve light‐emitting activity of COF. The TM‐OMe‐EBTHz‐COF exhibits a notable emission of yellow‐green luminescence in the solid state, with a remarkably high absolute quantum yield of 21.1%. The methoxy groups and hydrazine linkage form three coordination sites, contributing to excellent performance in metal ions sensing. The TM‐OMe‐EBTHz‐COF demonstrates high sensitivity and selectivity to Fe3+ ion. Importantly, the low detection limit is below 150 nanomolar, ranking it among the best‐performing Fe3+ sensor systems.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment with lentiviral vector containing mini‐dystrophin gene in vivo
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Zhu Yanghui , Liu Taiqing , Zhou Lingyan , Fu Yunhai , Zhao Jinhua , Li Yinqi , Zheng Yeteng , Yang Xiaodong , Di Xiangjie , Yang Yang , He Zhiyao
Published: January 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable X‐linked recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Many researchers aim to restore truncated dystrophin via viral vectors. However, the low packaging capacity and immunogenicity of vectors have hampered their clinical application. Herein, we constructed four lentiviral vectors with truncated and sequence‐optimized dystrophin genes driven by muscle‐specific promoters. The four lentiviral vectors stably expressed mini‐dystrophin in C2C12 muscle cells in vitro. To estimate the treatment effect in vivo, we transferred the lentiviral vectors into neonatal C57BL/10ScSn‐Dmdmdx mice through local injection. The levels of modified dystrophin expression increased, and their distribution was also restored in treated mice. At the same time, they exhibited the restoration of pull force and a decrease in the number of mononuclear cells. The remissions lasted 3–6 months in vivo. Moreover, no integration sites of vectors were distributed into the oncogenes. In summary, this study preliminarily demonstrated the feasibility and safety of lentiviral vectors with mini‐dystrophin for DMD gene therapy and provided a new strategy to restore truncated dystrophin.
Automatic generation of functional peptides with desired bioactivity and membrane permeability using Bayesian optimization
Authors: Fukunaga Itsuki , Matsukiyo Yuki , Kaitoh Kazuma , Yamanishi Yoshihiro
Published: January 2024

Peptides are potentially useful modalities of drugs; however, cell membrane permeability is an obstacle in peptide drug discovery. The identification of bioactive peptides for a therapeutic target is also challenging because of the huge amino acid sequence patterns of peptides. In this study, we propose a novel computational method, PEptide generation system using Neural network Trained on Amino acid sequence data and Gaussian process‐based optimizatiON (PENTAGON), to automatically generate new peptides with desired bioactivity and cell membrane permeability. In the algorithm, we mapped peptide amino acid sequences onto the latent space constructed using a variational autoencoder and searched for peptides with desired bioactivity and cell membrane permeability using Bayesian optimization. We used our proposed method to generate peptides with cell membrane permeability and bioactivity for each of the nine therapeutic targets, such as the estrogen receptor (ER). Our proposed method outperformed a previously developed peptide generator in terms of similarity to known active peptide sequences and the length of generated peptide sequences.
A case study of charitable investment impact assessment
Authors: Lynam Kerstin B. , Smith Howard L. , Wolff Sarah M. , Piland Neill F.
Published: January 2024

The Pablove Foundation has been raising resources since 2008 to fight childhood cancer by investing in underfunded, cutting‐edge pediatric cancer research, and a participatory arts program that improves the lives of children being treated for cancer. Given numerous challenges in determining investment impact, the Foundation created key metrics such as the quality of grant recipients' contributions to the research literature, and the amount of subsequent cancer‐related research funding generated. Evaluating the effect of the Foundation's participatory art program has been difficult given the pandemic‐driven shift from in‐person sessions to virtual classes. Nonetheless, standard client survey feedback suggests that the virtual classes are not only functioning quite well, but also that accessibility is enhanced. It is clear that imaginative thinking is as important in assessment as it is in implementing medical research funding and arts programming. Practical implications of these findings for evaluation/assessment efforts by other foundations, nonprofit organizations, and development staff are examined.
Achieving the educational mission: Are Connecticut school nurses valued?
Authors: Batten Janene
Published: January 2024

School nurses are indispensable for students' educational success. They are often the only healthcare professional a child will see who can care for immediate health needs, coordinate care for students' chronic health conditions, and promote healthy behaviors. This qualitative study is the first to investigate the experiences that influence the inclusion of Connecticut school nurses as valued and essential partners in K‐12 education. Interviews with 14 Connecticut school nurses uncovered how they perceive their community values their role and practice in furthering the educational mission. The analysis revealed that although school nurses believe they bring value to students by providing equitable healthcare and wellness education access, they identified four organizational structural gaps in being seen as valued critical partners in the educational setting. They feel dispensable, their workload expectations are overwhelming, they feel undervalued as equal professionals, and they need more access to adequate professional development. This study has significant implications for K‐12 education leaders because school nurses are vital partners in the educational mission. They bridge healthcare and education, ensuring students can optimally learn. Recommendations for how leaders can empower school nurses are included.
Shared decision‐making with older adults with cancer: Adaptation of a model through literature review and expert opinion
Authors: Gans Emma A. , Pieterse Arwen H. , Klapwijk Maartje S. , van Stiphout Feikje , van Steenbergen Irma J. , Portielje Johanneke E. A. , de Groot Janke F. , van Munster Barbara C. , van den Bos Frederiek
Published: January 2024

Objective

To provide a literature overview of characteristics of Shared Decision Making (SDM) with specific importance to the older adult population with cancer and to tailor an existing model of SDM in patients with cancer to the needs of older adults.

Methods

A systematic search of several databases was conducted. Eligible studies described factors influencing SDM concerning cancer treatment with adults aged 65 years or above, with any type of cancer. We included qualitative or mixed‐methods studies. Themes were identified and discussed in an expert panel, including a patient‐representative, until consensus was reached on an adjusted model.

Results

Overall 29 studies were included and nine themes were identified from the literature. The themes related to the importance of goal setting, need for tailored information provision, the role of significant others, uncertainty of evidence, the importance of time during and outside of consultations, the possible ill‐informed preconceptions that health care professionals (HCPs) might have about older adults and the specific competencies they need to engage in the SDM process with older adults. No new themes emerged from discussion with expert panel. This study presents a visual model of SDM with older patients with cancer based on the identified themes.

Conclusions

Our model shows key elements that are specific to SDM with older adults. Further research needs to focus on how to educate HCPs on the competencies needed to engage in SDM with older patients, and how to implement the model into everyday practice.
Prediction of High‐Temperature Superconductivity in Monolayer h‐AlH2 at Ambient Pressure
Authors: Jiang Kai‐Yue , Han Yu‐Lin , Ni Mei‐Yan , Lu Hong‐Yan
Published: January 2024

Although hydrides such as are experimentally confirmed to possess high superconducting critical temperature () of 250–260 K under 170–200 GPa, it is still a tough challenge to be applied. It is highly anticipated to find hydride superconductors with relatively high at low or ambient pressure. Reducing the dimensionality of materials can induce unexpected properties that are distinct from their bulk counterparts, and whether it can modulate the superconducting properties deserves further investigation. Herein, a new 2D monolayer aluminum hydride h‐ is theoretically predicted under ambient pressure based on the first‐principles calculations. Since the electronic structures of h‐ reveal the metallicity, the electron–phonon coupling (EPC) and possible phonon‐mediated superconductivity are investigated. Based on the isotropic Eliashberg equation, the calculated EPC constant λ of h‐ is 1.16, and the is up to 42.6 K. The EPC mainly originates from the coupling between electrons of Al‐s,,, and H‐s orbitals and the in‐plane vibration modes of H atoms. Especially, the can be enhanced to 63.7 K by applying 3% biaxial tensile strain. Thus, the predicted h‐ provides a new platform for finding hydride superconductors in low‐dimensional materials at ambient pressure.
Unveiling new patterns: A surgical deep learning model for intestinal obstruction management
Authors: Tatar Ozan Can , Akay Mustafa Alper , Tatar Elif , Metin Semih
Published: January 2024

Background

Swift and accurate decision‐making is pivotal in managing intestinal obstructions. This study aims to integrate deep learning and surgical expertise to enhance decision‐making in intestinal obstruction cases.

Methods

We developed a deep learning model based on the YOLOv8 framework, trained on a dataset of 700 images categorised into operated and non‐operated groups, with surgical outcomes as ground truth. The model's performance was evaluated through standard metrics.

Results

At a confidence threshold of 0.5, the model demonstrated sensitivity of 83.33%, specificity of 78.26%, precision of 81.7%, recall of 75.1%, and mAP@0.5 of 0.831.

Conclusions

The model exhibited promising outcomes in distinguishing operative and nonoperative management cases. The fusion of deep learning with surgical expertise enriches decision‐making in intestinal obstruction management. The proposed model can assist surgeons in intricate scenarios such as intestinal obstruction management and promotes the synergy between technology and clinical acumen for advancing patient care.
Under pressure: How do science teachers use capital to achieve agency during turbulent times?
Authors: Diaz‐Clark Elizabeth D. , Otto Josie L. , Wright Diane S. , Lin Hunter Danielle E. , Sample McMeeking Laura B. , Weinberg Andrea E. , Balgopal Meena M.
Published: January 2024

Disruptions to education systems (e.g., the COVID‐19 pandemic) evoke a range of responses from teachers. Teachers are required to learn new skills, attend to students' social emotional needs, modify their instructional approaches, and discover innovative ways to engage their students in science, technology, and engineering courses, all while managing their own professional and personal needs. Although teachers of all disciplines adjust their instructional and curricular approaches in response to disruptions, the impetus for this study was to explore the unique challenges of science teachers during the COVID‐19 pandemic that affected their sense of agency (sense of control). To understand how science teachers acquired, used, and invested in capital (i.e., available resources with the potential to meet identified challenges) to achieve professional agency, we studied 113 science teachers in 2020−2021 when they experienced disruptions associated with the pandemic. An analysis of open‐ended responses from 60 teachers indicates that teachers who achieved agency shared four attributes. They (i) demonstrated an awareness of needed capital, (ii) acquired capital, (iii) used capital, and (iv) dedicated effort toward capital‐building for future use. Our findings inform science teacher educators and schools that are committed to mitigating science teacher attrition by understanding how teachers respond to personal and professional stresses.
A Case of IgA Pemphigus with Acantholysis in Oral Mucosal Lesions
Authors: Yamanishi Ayumi , Ono Noriko , Tsunoda Asako , Asahina Yasuhiko , Fusumae Takayuki , Yamagami Jun , Sakai Noriyasu , Ishii Norito , Amagai Masayuki , Takahashi Hayato
Published: January 2024

IgA pemphigus is an autoimmune bullous disease caused by anti-keratinocyte cell surface IgA autoantibodies. Mucous membrane involvement is rare in IgA pemphigus. We report a case of IgA pemphigus with oral mucosal lesions, in which acantholysis was pathologically confirmed. A 31-year-old woman presented with skin erythema with small pustules and oral mucosal erosions. Histopathological examination of the erosions on her oral mucosa and papules on her back revealed acantholysis and intraepidermal infiltration of neutrophils. Direct immunofluorescence tests showed intercellular deposition of IgA, but not IgG, mainly in the lower, but not entire, layer of the epidermis. C3 was linearly present in the basement membrane zone (BMZ), but not in the intercellular space. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that both anti-desmoglein (Dsg) 3 IgA and IgG were positive. Neither IgA nor IgG against desmocollin 1–3 were detected. This case was clinically and histologically compatible with IgA pemphigus, but immunologically anti-BMZ autoimmunity was additionally observed. IgA pemphigus is classified into two major types: subcorneal pustular dermatosis type and intraepidermal neutrophilic dermatosis type. This case was not typical in terms of rarely observed oral lesions and predominant deposition of IgA in the lower layer of the epidermis. Instead, this case could be considered a rare subtype of IgA pemphigus, IgA-pemphigus vulgaris. Oral lesions in IgA pemphigus may be clinical clue of having anti-Dsg3 IgA that cannot be routinely examined.
Sn Whiskers from Ti2SnC Max Phase: Bridging Dual‐Functionality in Electromagnetic Attenuation
Authors: Hu Feiyue , Tang Haifeng , Wu Fushuo , Ding Pei , Zhang Peigen , Sun Wenwen , Cai Longzhu , Fan Bingbing , Zhang Rui , Sun ZhengMing
Published: January 2024

In the ever‐evolving landscape of complex electromagnetic (EM) environments, the demand for EM‐attenuating materials with multiple functionalities has grown. 1D metals, known for their high conductivity and ability to form networks that facilitate electron migration, stand out as promising candidates for EM attenuation. Presently, they find primary use in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, but achieving a dual‐purpose application for EMI shielding and microwave absorption (MA) remains a challenge. In this context, Sn whiskers derived from the Ti2SnC MAX phase exhibit exceptional EMI shielding and MA properties. A minimum reflection loss of −44.82 dB is achievable at lower loading ratios, while higher loading ratios yield efficient EMI shielding effectiveness of 42.78 dB. These qualities result from a delicate balance between impedance matching and EM energy attenuation via adjustable conductive networks; and the enhanced interfacial polarization effect at the cylindrical heterogeneous interface between Sn and SnO2, visually characterized through off‐axis electron holography, also contributes to the impressive performance. Considering the compositional diversity of MAX phases and the scalable fabrication approach with environmental friendliness, this study provides a valuable pathway to multifunctional EM attenuating materials based on 1D metals.
DesignScrum–An agility educational resource powered by creativity
Authors: Villarrubia Carlos , Vara Juan Manuel , Granada David , Gómez‐Macías Cristian , Pérez‐Blanco Francisco Javier
Published: January 2024

Agile methods have been widely adopted by the industry and its teaching has seen a surge, particularly in the software development field. However, these methods have a number of limitations which affect product outcomes, such as the fact that many software development companies now use Scrum to get developers to work without interruption between iterations, rather than to maintain a sustainable rhythm. Agile experts have stated the importance of incorporating creativity into Scrum, and although there are several agile resources that help with the learning process, it seems essential to approach such learning from a practical point of view. Furthermore, none of these resources introduce creativity. In this paper, we present an educational resource in the form of a serious game that allows you to acquire all the key concepts of agile and creative methods. The game is based on the use of LEGO pieces to simulate a real project, applying the key concepts of the Scrum and Design Thinking frameworks in a gamified way. It was assessed in a professional training centre of computer science by using surveys through which participants evaluated their previous knowledge of agile and creativity methods. We analysed the improvement of these competences, as well as the general level of satisfaction with the game. After the game, the results showed that the participants' knowledge of the Scrum and Design Thinking frameworks had improved and that they were very satisfied with the whole experience.
A review on microplastics in major European rivers
Authors: Gao Sijia , Orlowski Natalie , Bopf Franziska Kristin , Breuer Lutz
Published: January 2024

The topic of riverine microplastics is of great interest to the general public, yet the univocal scientific knowledge on this topic is limited. This review investigated the occurrence of microplastics in 6 major European rivers and their tributaries based on the results from 29 studies. We examined the reviewed studies in regard to data quality and reproducibility and assessed the abundance of microplastics in different sections of the water column. Furthermore, we investigated the chemical composition and potential origin of the reported riverine microplastics. We found that polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene were the most abundant polymer types. The majority of primary microplastics arose from the industry sector as well as from personal care and cleaning products, whereas secondary microplastics constituted fibers from synthetic textiles and fragments of diverse origins. We highlighted the diversity of experimental and analytical approaches that could lead to high uncertainties in the measurements of microplastics abundance. Furthermore, the presence of microplastics in rivers was found to vary spatially likely due to point and nonpoint pollution sources of anthropogenic activities. Heterogenous environmental processes impacted the fate of microplastics characterized by various forms, sizes, and densities, in different ways. This impeded the identification of representative quantitative measurements of microplastics across different time frames. We advocate for the development of standardized protocols by the research community to ensure higher reproducibility of sampling, processing, and analysis of microplastics in aquatic environments. We recommend long‐term and site‐specific monitoring on microplastics with high data comparability to better inform policy making.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Water Quality

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness
Manifestly covariant worldline actions from coadjoint orbits. Part I. Generalities and vectorial descriptions
Authors: Basile Thomas , Joung Euihun , Oh TaeHwan
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We derive manifestly covariant actions of spinning particles starting from coadjoint orbits of isometry groups, by using Hamiltonian reductions. We show that the defining conditions of a classical Lie group can be treated as Hamiltonian constraints which generate the coadjoint orbits of another, dual, Lie group. In case of (inhomogeneous) orthogonal groups, the dual groups are (centrally-extended inhomogeneous) symplectic groups. This defines a symplectic dual pair correspondence between the coadjoint orbits of the isometry group and those of the dual Lie group, whose quantum version is the reductive dual pair correspondence à la Howe. We show explicitly how various particle species arise from the classification of coadjoint orbits of Poincaré and (A)dS symmetry. In the Poincaré case, we recover the data of the Wigner classification, which includes continuous spin particles, (spinning) tachyons and null particles with vanishing momenta, besides the usual massive and massless spinning particles. In (A)dS case, our classification results are not only consistent with the pattern of the corresponding unitary irreducible representations observed in the literature, but also contain novel information. In dS, we find the presence of partially massless spinning particles, but continuous spin particles, spinning tachyons and null particles are absent. The AdS case shows the largest diversity of particle species. It has all particles species of Poincaré symmetry except for the null particle, but allows in addition various exotic entities such as one parameter extension of continuous particles and conformal particles living on the boundary of AdS. Notably, we also find a large class of particles living in “bitemporal” AdS space, including ones where mass and spin play an interchanged role. We also discuss the relative inclusion structure of the corresponding orbits.
Even-point multi-loop unitarity and its applications: exponentiation, anomalies and evanescence
Authors: Carrasco John Joseph M. , Pavao Nicolas H.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We identify novel structure in newly computed multi-loop amplitudes and quantum actions for even-point effective field theories, including both the nonlinear sigma model (NLSM) and double-copy gauge theories such as Born-Infeld and its supersymmetric generalizations. We exploit special properties of all even-point theories towards establishing an efficient unitarity based amplitude construction. In doing so, we find evidence that the leading IR divergence of NLSM amplitudes exponentiates when the target space is $$ \mathbbm{CP} $$
CP
1 ≅ SU(2)/U(1). We then systematically compute the two-loop anomalous behavior of Born-Infeld, and find that the counterterms needed to restore U(1) invariant behavior at loop-level can be constructed via a symmetric-structure double-copy. We also demonstrate that the divergent part of the one-minus (−+++) two-loop anomaly vanishes upon introducing an evanescent operator. In addition to these purely photonic counterterms, we verify through explicit calculation that the anomalous matrix elements that violate U(1) duality invariance can be alternatively cancelled by summing over internal $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 DBIVA superfields. Finally we find that $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Dirac-Born-Infeld-Volkov-Akulov (DBIVA) amplitudes admit double-copy construction through two-loop order by reproducing our unitarity based result with a double copy between color-dual $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills and our two-loop NLSM amplitudes. This result supports the possibility of color-dual representations for NLSM beyond one-loop. We conclude with an overview of how D-dimensional four-photon counterterms can be constructed in generality with the symmetric-structure double-copy, and outline a convenient way of counting evanescent operators using Hilbert series as generating functions.
Pharmacological diacylglycerol lipase inhibition impairs contextual fear extinction in mice
Authors: Ramos-Medina Liorimar , Rosas-Vidal Luis E. , Patel Sachin
Published: January 2024

Acquisition and extinction of associative fear memories are critical for guiding adaptive behavioral responses to environmental threats, and dysregulation of these processes is thought to represent important neurobehavioral substrates of trauma and stress-related disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) signaling has been heavily implicated in the extinction of aversive fear memories and we have recently shown that pharmacological inhibition of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) synthesis, a major eCB regulating synaptic suppression, impairs fear extinction in an auditory cue conditioning paradigm. Despite these data, the role of 2-AG signaling in contextual fear conditioning is not well understood. Here, we show that systemic pharmacological blockade of diacylglycerol lipase, the rate-limiting enzyme catalyzing in the synthesis of 2-AG, enhances contextual fear learning and impairs within-session extinction. In sham-conditioned mice, 2-AG synthesis inhibition causes a small increase in unconditioned freezing behavior. No effects of 2-AG synthesis inhibition were noted in the Elevated Plus Maze in mice tested after fear extinction. These data provide support for 2-AG signaling in the suppression of contextual fear learning and the expression of within-session extinction of contextual fear memories.
Crawl away from the light! Assessing behavioral and physiological photoprotective mechanisms in tropical solar-powered sea slugs exposed to natural light intensities
Authors: Burgués Palau Laia , Senna Giulia , Laetz Elise M. J.
Published: January 2024

Photosynthesizers face a trade-off regarding light: they need enough to maintain high photosynthetic rates, yet excess leads to oxidative stress. Despite this, light and its detrimental effects are chronically underestimated. Solar-powered sea slugs (Sacoglossa: Gastropoda) provide the ideal lens with which to study this trade-off, since they steal chloroplasts from algae but do not inherit photoacclimation and photorepair capacities. We collected three slug species in Curaçao during March and December 2022, comparing the amount of light they received in nature to their optimal light intensities for photosynthesis, and their preferred light intensities. We then investigated behavioral and physiological photoprotection mechanisms to determine if and how they limit light. Finally, we examined oxidative activity under optimal and excess light. All three species were naturally exposed to more light (> 1000 µmol m−2 s−1) than is optimal or preferred. Elysia crispata (kleptoplast retention for > 3 months) is fully exposed to light in nature but reduces the light reaching its kleptoplasts via parapodial shading. Elysia velutinus retains kleptoplasts for ~ 2 weeks and hides in its macroalgal food, limiting light exposure. Both species displayed low amounts of oxidative activity under optimal light, which increased slightly under excess light. Elysia ornata retained chloroplasts for ~ 3 days, lacked observable photoprotection and always displayed high levels of oxidative activity, potentially explaining its limited capacity for kleptoplast retention. Furthermore, both E. velutinus and E. ornata display strong light-avoidance behaviors. This study clearly demonstrates links between high light intensities, photoprotection, and oxidative stress, highlighting the need for future studies that examine aquatic photosynthesizers under natural lighting.
Metabolic engineering of Shewanella oneidensis to produce glutamate and itaconic acid
Authors: Wohlers Hannah , Zentgraf Laura , van der Sande Lisa , Holtmann Dirk
Published: January 2024

Shewanella oneidensis is a gram-negative bacterium known for its unique respiratory capabilities, which allow it to utilize a wide range of electron acceptors, including solid substrates such as electrodes. For a future combination of chemical production and electro-fermentation, the goal of this study was to expand its product spectrum. S. oneidensis was metabolically engineered to optimize its glutamate production and to enable production of itaconic acid. By deleting the glutamate importer gltS for a reduced glutamate uptake and pckA/ptA to redirect the carbon flux towards the TCA cycle, a ∆3 mutant was created. In combination with the plasmid pG2 carrying the glutamate dehydrogenase gdhA and a specific glutamate exporter NCgl1221 A111V, a 72-fold increase in glutamate concentration compared to the wild type was achieved. Along with overexpression of gdhA and NCgl1221 A111V, the deletion of gltS and pckA/ptA as well as the deletion of all three genes (∆3) was examined for their impact on growth and lactate consumption. This showed that the redirection of the carbon flux towards the TCA cycle is possible. Furthermore, we were able to produce itaconic acid for the first time with a S. oneidensis strain. A titer of 7 mM was achieved after 48 h. This suggests that genetic optimization with an expression vector carrying a cis-aconitate decarboxylase (cadA) and a aconitate hydratase (acnB) along with the proven redirection of the carbon flux to the TCA cycle enabled the production of itaconic acid, a valuable platform chemical used in the production of a variety of products.

Key points

•Heterologous expression of gdhA and NCgl1221_A111V leads to higher glutamate production.

•Deletion of ackA/pta redirects carbon flux towards TCA cycle.

•Heterologous expression of cadA and acnB enables itaconic acid production.
Analysis of substrate specificity of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases involved in trichothecene toxin biosynthesis
Authors: Cardoza Rosa E. , McCormick Susan P. , Martínez-Reyes Natalia , Rodríguez-Fernández Joaquín , Busman Mark , Proctor Robert H. , Gutiérrez Santiago
Published: January 2024

Trichothecenes are a structurally diverse family of toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain species of multiple fungal genera. All trichothecene analogs share a core 12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-ene (EPT) structure but differ in presence, absence and types of substituents attached to various positions of EPT. Formation of some of the structural diversity begins early in the biosynthetic pathway such that some producing species have few trichothecene biosynthetic intermediates in common. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) play critical roles in formation of trichothecene structural diversity. Within some species, relaxed substrate specificities of P450s allow individual orthologs of the enzymes to modify multiple trichothecene biosynthetic intermediates. It is not clear, however, whether the relaxed specificity extends to biosynthetic intermediates that are not produced by the species in which the orthologs originate. To address this knowledge gap, we used a mutant complementation-heterologous expression analysis to assess whether orthologs of three trichothecene biosynthetic P450s (TRI11, TRI13 and TRI22) from Fusarium sporotrichioides, Trichoderma arundinaceum, and Paramyrothecium roridum can modify trichothecene biosynthetic intermediates that they do not encounter in the organism in which they originated. The results indicate that TRI13 and TRI22 could not modify the intermediates that they do not normally encounter, whereas TRI11 could modify an intermediate that it does not normally encounter. These findings indicate that substrate promiscuity varies among trichothecene biosynthetic P450s. One structural feature that likely impacts the ability of the P450s to use biosynthetic intermediates as substrates is the presence and absence of an oxygen atom attached to carbon atom 3 of EPT.
A comparison of visual assessment and semi-quantification for the diagnostic and prognostic use of [18F]flortaucipir PET in a memory clinic cohort
Authors: Mathoux Gregory , Boccalini Cecilia , Peretti Debora E. , Arnone Annachiara , Ribaldi Federica , Scheffler Max , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Garibotto Valentina
Published: January 2024

Purpose

[18F]Flortaucipir PET is a powerful diagnostic and prognostic tool for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tau status definition is mainly based in the literature on semi-quantitative measures while in clinical settings visual assessment is usually preferred. We compared visual assessment with established semi-quantitative measures to classify subjects and predict the risk of cognitive decline in a memory clinic population.

Methods

We included 245 individuals from the Geneva Memory Clinic who underwent [18F]flortaucipir PET. Amyloid status was available for 207 individuals and clinical follow-up for 135. All scans were blindly evaluated by three independent raters who visually classified the scans according to Braak stages.

Standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) values were obtained from a global meta-ROI to define tau positivity, and the Simplified Temporo-Occipital Classification (STOC) was applied to obtain semi-quantitatively tau stages. The agreement between measures was tested using Cohen’s kappa (k). ROC analysis and linear mixed-effects models were applied to test the diagnostic and prognostic values of tau status and stages obtained with the visual and semi-quantitative approaches.

Results

We found good inter-rater reliability in the visual interpretation of tau Braak stages, independently from the rater’s expertise (k>0.68, p<0.01). A good agreement was equally found between visual and SUVR-based classifications for tau status (k=0.67, p<0.01). All tau-assessment modalities significantly discriminated amyloid-positive MCI and demented subjects from others (AUC>0.80) and amyloid-positive from negative subjects (AUC>0.85). Linear mixed-effect models showed that tau-positive individuals presented a significantly faster cognitive decline than the tau-negative group (p<0.01), independently from the classification method.

Conclusion

Our results show that visual assessment is reliable for defining tau status and stages in a memory clinic population. The high inter-rater reliability, the substantial agreement, and the similar diagnostic and prognostic performance of visual rating and semi-quantitative methods demonstrate that [18F]flortaucipir PET can be robustly assessed visually in clinical practice.
Comparable quantification methodologies in archaeobotany – a work-in-progress and debate
Authors: Bates Jennifer , Jiménez-Arteaga Carolina
Published: January 2024

The way archaeobotanists name and quantify seed fragments is a determinant step not only in the interpretation of a given macrobotanical assemblage, but also in the degree of comparability across different sites. However, seed terminology and quantification have yet not been standardised among scholars but rely on the various geographical and laboratory traditions, as well as specific research needs and circumstances. This has created two major biases: first, the main focus has been put on plants of economic importance, specially Near Eastern and European cereals (barley, wheat, rye and oats); and second, while there has been notable discussion about quantification methods such as ubiquities, densities, proportions, or more complex multivariate statistics, there is often little explicit discussion of the actual first counting stage (i.e. how one goes from things under a microscope to things in raw data or how the Minimum Number of Individuals -MNI- is calculated). In the case of South Asian archaeobotany, the economic role of other cereal species (e.g. millets, rice) and non-cereal crops (e.g. pulses, oilseeds), as well as the usually high fragmentation state in which macrobotanical remains are found, lead us to reflect on the need to establish a more accurate and comparable quantification methodology in the region. We believe that applying this to all seed fragments will also be an important tool to better understand the role of wild taxa (e.g. fruits) in ancient diets and improve the potential contribution of weeds to disentangle past agricultural systems. In this paper, we propose a new work-in-progress terminology and counting method which, far from concluded, is intended to be a starting point for future fruitful debate and development.
Analysis of swallowing and voice-related quality of life in patients after supracricoid partial laryngectomy
Authors: Liu Tianzhen , Feng Huajun , Liang Zhuoping , Xu Shengen , Qin Gang
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study evaluated the swallowing and voice function of laryngeal cancer patients after Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy(SCPL), and its influence on quality of life to provide a reference for the selection of surgical methods for laryngeal cancer patients.

Methods

Twenty-one patients who received SCPL between April 2015 and November 2021 were included. Each patient’s swallowing function and quality of life were assessed through fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) and the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Fundamental, jitter, shimmer, maximum phonation time (MPT), and voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10) were performed to assess voice function and voice-related quality of life.

Results

The results of the FEES of the 21 patients were as follows: the rates of pharyngeal residue after swallowing solid, semiliquid, and liquid food were 0%, 28.57%, and 38.09%, respectively; the rates of laryngeal infiltration after swallowing solid, semiliquid, and liquid food were 0%, 28.57%, and 4.76%, respectively; and aspiration did not occur in any of the patients. In the evaluation of swallowing quality of life, the mean total MDADI score was 92.6 ± 6.32. The voice function evaluation showed that the mean F0, jitter, shimmer, and MPT values were 156.01 ± 120.87 (HZ), 11.57 ± 6.21 (%), 35.37 ± 14.16 (%) and 7.85 ± 6.08 (s), respectively. The mean total VHI-10 score was 7.14 ± 4.84.

Conclusion

SCPL provides patients with satisfactory swallowing and voice function. The patients in this study were satisfied with their quality of life in terms of swallowing and voice. SCPL can be used as a surgical method to preserve laryngeal function in patients with laryngeal cancer.