bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging long-term trends and interdecadal cycles in Antarctic polynyas
Authors: Duffy Grant A. , Montiel Fabien , Purich Ariaan , Fraser Ceridwen I.
Published: March 2024

Polynyas, areas of open water embedded within sea ice, are a key component of ocean–atmosphere interactions that act as hotspots of sea-ice production, bottom-water formation, and primary productivity. The specific drivers of polynya dynamics remain, however, elusive and coupled climate models struggle to replicate Antarctic polynya activity. Here, we leverage a 44-y time series of Antarctic sea ice to elucidate long-term trends. We identify Antarctic-wide linear increases and a hitherto undescribed cyclical pattern of polynya activity across the Ross Sea region that potentially arises from interactions between the Amundsen Sea Low and Southern Annular Mode. While their specific drivers remain unknown, identifying these emerging patterns augments our capacity to understand the processes that influence sea ice. As we enter a potentially new age of Antarctic sea ice, this advance in understanding will, in turn, lead to more accurate predictions of environmental change, and its implications for Antarctic ecosystems.
The transmission of Spanish as a heritage language in Australia
Authors: Hernández Gallego Milena Adriana , Doquin de Saint-Preux Anna
Published: March 2024

Although the terms ‘heritage speakers’ and ‘heritage languages’ are relatively new, the phenomena themselves date
back to the beginning of migration. In many situations heritage languages do not survive these changes, but in others they are
maintained successfully. This research explores the individual factors that promote the maintenance of Spanish as a heritage
language in Australia. To achieve this, we preselected the most relevant individual factors found in the literature, that were
then included in a questionnaire that reflected the research questions of this study and was distributed online. Participants in
this study were 27 adult Australian heritage speakers who were either born in Australia or have lived in Australia since
childhood. The results suggest / indicate that the preselected individual factors: the feeling of identification with the
heritage language, the motivation to speak the heritage language, and the prestige that is given to
Spanish by both the parents and the heritage speakers correlate statistically with the maintenance of Spanish as a
heritage language.
Implementing feedback literacy practices through self-sssessment and peer feedback
Authors: Soltani Behnam , Zhang Lawrence Jun
Published: March 2024

This paper draws on language socialization theory and uses narrative frames and interview to investigate an
international student’s socialization into feedback literacy practices in an EAP classroom. The analysis of findings shows that
using a narrative frame methodology is an effective assessment tool that helps students assess and reflect on their own learning
because they help students develop an ability to: (1) learn to judge their own and their peers’ performance and develop evaluative
judgment, (2) socialize themselves and be socialized into literacy norms of their academic context, and (3) follow up their own
learning trajectories and learning to learn by reflecting on their current and possible future performance in familiar and
unfamiliar work and life contexts. The study concludes that socialization into feedback practices becomes significant when the
linguistic, literate, and cultural practices of students are recognized as resources and assets in their classroom community.
Anachronistic bias in the study of Arabic grammatical tradition
Authors: Kasher Almog
Published: March 2024

One of the most obscure and most frequently commented on texts in Arabic grammatical tradition is the opening
formulation in its earliest extant book, Sībawayhi’s al-Kitāb, concerning the tripartite division of parts of
speech. For the third part of speech, the particle, around which the present article revolves, Sībawayhi uses a complex term,
whose head is ḥarf, a term which is commonly used by itself by later grammarians for this part of speech. This
article revisits the question of whether the term ḥarf by itself denotes “particle” in al-Kitāb,
alongside the denotation “word”. Following Weiss’ article, published more than a hundred years ago, it will be argued that
ḥarf does not denote “particle” in al-Kitāb, though occurrences thereof may refer to
particles, and that scholars who ascribe the later denotation “particle” to ḥarf in al-Kitāb do
so due to an anachronistic bias.
Piercing numbers in circular societies
Authors: Mazur Kristen , Sondjaja Mutiara , Wright Matthew , Yarnall Carolyn
Published: March 2024

In the system of approval voting, individuals vote for all candidates they find acceptable. Many approval voting situations can be modeled geometrically, and thus geometric concepts such as the piercing number have a natural interpretation. In this paper, we explore piercing numbers in the setting where voter preferences can be modeled by congruent arcs on a circle, i.e., in fixed-length circular societies. Given a number of voters and the length of the voter preference arcs, we give bounds on the possible piercing number of the society. Further, we explore which piercing numbers are more likely. Specifically, under the assumption of uniformly distributed voter preference arcs, we determine the probability distribution of the piercing number of societies in which the length of the arcs is sufficiently small. We end with simulations that give estimated probabilities of piercing number for societies with larger voter preference arcs.
An iterative procedure for apportionment and its use in the 2016 Georgia Republican primary
Authors: Jones Michael , McCune David , Wilson Jennifer
Published: March 2024

For the 2016 U.S. presidential primary, the Georgia Republican Party created a new method, which we call the Iterated Lower Quota (ILQ) method, to apportion delegates using a series of rounds that is reminiscent of a fair division procedure. We analyze the ILQ method and compare it to Hamilton’s method (the most common method of delegate apportionment) using simplicial geometry. We use the geometry to estimate the likelihood that the two methods agree. To understand the bias exhibited by the ILQ method towards the strongest candidates, we calculate the threshold values for ILQ and estimate the expected deviation of the allocations from quota. We determine the maximum number of rounds required to execute the ILQ method, and investigate the apportionment paradoxes to which ILQ is susceptible. In practice, before using the ILQ method, the Georgia Republican Party uses cutoffs to eliminate candidates with low vote totals. We explain how these cutoffs, also used in the Democratic Party’s primaries and in other Republican state primaries, affect the theoretical results on ILQ. We conclude by considering the advantages and disadvantages of ILQ in the context of delegate allocation.
South Korea and NATO: from unlikely companions to key partners
Authors: Nemeth Bence , Kim Saeme
Published: March 2024

Relations between South Korea and NATO have been deepening at a striking pace recently. Yoon Suk Yeol became the first South Korean president to attend a NATO Summit in 2022 and in the same year, Seoul opened its diplomatic mission to NATO in Brussels. South Korea also became the first east Asian country to join a NATO Centre of Excellence, and started increased consultations with NATO's military staffs. There is a gap in the literature on South Korea–NATO relations which this article aims to fill as it examines the reasons behind the rapidly deepening relations between South Korea and NATO in recent years. To understand the dynamics that triggered the rapid development of South Korea–NATO relations, this article applies Bence Nemeth's theory on defence cooperation which focuses on the interplay of three structural and two situational factors. We argue that the constellation of these factors operating together led the two sides to deepen cooperation organically over almost two decades. Path-dependent processes accrued through prior experiences of collaboration and institutional ‘stickiness’, aided by the positive rapport between leaders in office, allowed the two sides to deepen cooperation when the external environment required it following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Introduction NATO at 75
Authors: German Tracey , Dorman Andrew M
Published: March 2024

This introduction to the special section highlights how NATO has overcome post-Cold War predictions of its demise, not only enduring but expanding to 31 members, with Finland and Sweden joining amid geopolitical turmoil. In 2024, as NATO turns 75, debates persist over its global role and ability to withstand both internal and external pressures.
The effects of hydrolyzed protein on macronutrient digestibility, fecal metabolites and microbiota, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, and skin and coat quality in adult dogs
Authors: Hsu Clare , Marx Fabio , Guldenpfennig Ryan , Valizadegan Negin , de Godoy Maria R C
Published: March 2024

Research on protein hydrolysates has observed various properties and functionalities on ingredients depending on the type of hydrolysate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydrolyzed chicken protein that was incorporated into diets on digestibility, gut health, skin and coat health, oxidative stress, and intestinal inflammation markers in healthy adult dogs. Five complete and balanced diets were manufactured: (1) CONd: 25% chicken meal diet; (2) 5% CLHd: 5% chicken liver and heart hydrolysate plus 20% chicken meal diet; (3) CLHd: 25% chicken liver and heart hydrolysate diet; (4) 5% CHd: 5% chicken hydrolysate plus 20% chicken meal diet; (5) CHd: 25% chicken hydrolysate diet. A replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design was used which included 10 neutered adult Beagles. Each of the 5 periods consisted of a 7-d washout time and a 28-d treatment period. All diets were well accepted by the dogs. Fecal butyrate concentration was higher while fecal isovalerate and total phenol/indole were lower in dogs fed CLHd than CONd (P < 0.05). Dogs fed CHd had higher fecal immunoglobulin A concentration when compared with CLHd (P < 0.05); however, both groups were comparable to the CONd. There was no difference among groups in serum cytokine concentrations, serum oxidative stress biomarkers, or skin and coat health analyses (P > 0.05). Fecal microbiota was shifted by CLHd with higher abundance in Ruminococcus gauvreauii group as well as lower Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Sutterella, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroides when compared with CONd (P < 0.05). There was also a difference in beta diversity of fecal microbiota between CLHd and CHd (P < 0.05). In conclusion, chicken protein hydrolysate could be incorporated into canine extruded diets as a comparable source of protein to traditional chicken meal. The test chicken protein hydrolysates showed the potential to support gut health by modulating immune response and microbiota; however, functional properties of protein hydrolysates are dependent on inclusion level and source.
Symmetric and conflated intuitionistic logics
Authors: Kamide Norihiro
Published: March 2024

Two new propositional non-classical logics, referred to as symmetric intuitionistic logic (SIL) and conflated intuitionistic logic (CIL), are introduced as indexed and non-indexed Gentzen-style sequent calculi. SIL is regarded as a natural hybrid logic combining intuitionistic and dual-intuitionistic logics, whereas CIL is regarded as a variant of intuitionistic paraconsistent logic with conflation and without paraconsistent negation. The cut-elimination theorems for SIL and CIL are proved. CIL is shown to be conservative over SIL.
Measuring the Quality of Law Drafting: Did COVID-19 Weaken Evidence-Based Policy Making in Finland?
Authors: Vartiainen Niko , Keinänen Anssi
Published: March 2024

This study examined evidence-based law drafting during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A total of 311 Finnish government bills from 2020 and 2021 were analysed to detect how urgency and uncertainty caused by the pandemic have been reflected in evidence base utilization in law drafting. The government bills were divided into two groups, COVID-related and non-COVID bills. The difference between the groups was analysed by regression analysis, in which non-COVID bills served as the baseline indicating the level of ‘normal law drafting’. According to the results, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups, which indicates that urgency and uncertainty were associated with less evidence utilization. However, the evidence base utilization was also at an insufficient level in ‘normal law drafting’. Hence, the first step to improve the quality of law drafting in crises situations is to ensure that the main principles of evidence-based decision making are observed in every-day law drafting processes.
Development of a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction assay for the sensitive detection of total and integrated HIV-1 DNA
Authors: Yuan Lin , Liu Zhiying , Zhang Xin , Wei Feili , Guo Shan , Guo Na , Liu Lifeng , Ma Zhenglai , Ji Yunxia , Wang Rui , Lu Xiaofan , Li Zhen , Xia Wei , Wu Hao , Zhang Tong , Su Bin
Published: March 2024

Background:

Total human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA and integrated HIV DNA are widely used markers of HIV persistence. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) can be used for absolute quantification without needing a standard curve. Here, we developed duplex ddPCR assays to detect and quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA.

Methods:

The limit of detection, dynamic ranges, sensitivity, and reproducibility were evaluated by plasmid constructs containing both the HIV long terminal repeat (LTR) and human CD3 gene (for total HIV DNA) and ACH-2 cells (for integrated HIV DNA). Forty-two cases on stable suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) were assayed in total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA. Correlation coefficient analysis was performed on the data related to DNA copies and cluster of differentiation 4 positive (CD4+) T-cell counts, CD8+ T-cell counts and CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio, respectively. The assay linear dynamic range and lower limit of detection (LLOD) were also assessed.

Results:

The assay could detect the presence of HIV-1 copies 100% at concentrations of 6.3 copies/reaction, and the estimated LLOD of the ddPCR assay was 4.4 HIV DNA copies/reaction (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.6–6.5 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 5-log10-unit range in total HIV DNA assay. For the integrated HIV DNA assay, the LLOD was 8.0 copies/reaction (95% CI: 5.8–16.6 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 3-log10-unit range. Total HIV DNA in CD4+ T cells was positively associated with integrated HIV DNA (r = 0.76, P <0.0001). Meanwhile, both total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA in CD4+ T cells were inversely correlated with the ratio of CD4/CD8 but positively correlated with the CD8+ T-cell counts.

Conclusions:

This ddPCR assay can quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA efficiently with robustness and sensitivity. It can be readily adapted for measuring HIV DNA with non-B clades, and it could be beneficial for testing in clinical trials.
Methods for the development of clinical practice guidelines for traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Chen Wei
Published: March 2024

The clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are statements that include recommendations intended to optimize patient care that are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options. Currently, CPGs have been developed in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for years; however, the method of the CPG formulation process is not standardized, which has caused problems in the quality of CPGs for TCM. To promote the development and improve the status of CPGs for TCM, we used the different processes for the development of CPGs in the world for references, combined with the characteristics of TCM research, and formulated the standardized process of CPGs for TCM to provide a reference for the developers of CPGs for TCM.
Breastfeeding’s protective role in alleviating ovarian cancer burden: a comprehensive review
Authors: Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Obeagu Getrude Uzoma
Published: March 2024

Breastfeeding, an essential aspect of infant care, has garnered recognition beyond its immediate health benefits, revealing a profound and lasting impact on women’s health. Emerging research has unveiled a compelling relationship between breastfeeding and its enduring role in reducing the risk of ovarian cancer. This narrative review aims to comprehensively examine the lifelong impact of breastfeeding on ovarian cancer prevention, transcending infancy and delving into the mechanisms and implications for women’s health. Epidemiological evidence consistently demonstrates an inverse association between breastfeeding and the risk of ovarian cancer. Prolonged durations of breastfeeding correlate with a significant reduction in the likelihood of developing ovarian malignancies, underscoring the protective influence of sustained lactation. The mechanisms underlying breastfeeding’s impact on ovarian cancer prevention involve hormonal modulation and cellular changes. Breastfeeding contributes to reduced ovulatory cycles and oestrogen exposure, mitigating hormonal influences linked to ovarian cancer development. Moreover, the cellular alterations induced by breastfeeding within the ovarian microenvironment create an environment less conducive to malignant transformations. In conclusion, this paper consolidates evidence demonstrating breastfeeding’s enduring impact on reducing ovarian cancer risk. It emphasizes the need for continued research, supportive interventions, and societal engagement to promote breastfeeding practices. Embracing breastfeeding not only provides immediate health benefits but also represents a formidable strategy in lifelong ovarian cancer prevention, offering a promising pathway towards enhanced women’s health and well-being.
Disaster Preparedness in Home Care
Authors: Burt Sue , Elliott Brenda
Published: March 2024

Disasters have become increasingly common, with hurricanes off the southern, eastern, and western coasts, fires in the northwest, earthquakes, mass shootings, and continuing cases of COVID-19 looming over healthcare systems. Home care agencies have a history of meeting patients' needs during disasters and are strategically positioned to support communities during public emergencies and disasters. However, the “who” and the “how” of engaging the disaster cycle of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery is not always understood by clinicians and leadership. A gap in the literature cries out for better preparedness strategies for home care leadership and staff that go beyond the broad guidance of regulatory and accreditation organizations. This article aims to examine current literature and offer direction to home care leaders and staff as they seek to understand the “who” and the “how” in preparing for disasters in an increasingly unstable world.
Huashi Baidu formula alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and acute lung injury in mice by targeting nuclear factor κB/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and peroxiredoxin 5
Authors: Shen Shengnan , Gu Liwei , Shi Qiaoli , Zhu Yongping , Liu Yanqing , Zhang Junzhe , Meng Yuqing , Wong Yinkwan , Luo Wennan , Jiang Mengyao , Song Ping , Wang Jigang
Published: March 2024

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by acute lung injury (ALI) is the main cause for the high mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Huashi Baidu formula (HSBD) with the effects of eliminating dampness, clearing heat, ventilating lung, and removing toxin has been proven to be effective in the treatment of COVID-19, especially in severe cases. However, the underlying mechanism and target proteins of HSBD remain unclear.

Objective

To provide evidence and decipher the mechanism of HSBD in alleviating inflammation and ALI.

Materials and Methods

A mouse model of ALI was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to examine the protective effects of HSBD on the model mice. The cellular thermal shift assay and proteomics analysis were used to predict the target proteins. Furthermore, the A549 cells with peroxiredoxin 5 (PRDX5) knockdown were established to validate the predicted proteins.

Results

Huashi Baidu formula treatment mitigated ALI and inflammatory cytokine dysfunction in LPS-induced mice, thus exerting a therapeutic effect on COVID-19. Huashi Baidu formula could serve as a therapeutic agent to alleviate inflammation and lung injury via nuclear factor κB and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling and interleukin 17 inhibition as well as targeting PRDX5, which could be one of the promising targets for treating inflammation. In the A549 cell line with PRDX5 knockdown (si-Prdx5), the anti-inflammation effects of HSBD, including reversing LPS-induced increase in the nitric oxide level and reduction in the hydrogen peroxide content, were attenuated. Thus, HSBD protected A549 cells from LPS-induced inflammation mainly by targeting PRDX5.

Conclusions

Huashi Baidu formula alleviates ALI by targeting nuclear factor κB/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and PRDX5, as well as inhibiting the immune response induced by IL-17.
Draft genome sequence of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus isolated from traditional fermented rice
Authors: Cheruvari Athira , kammara Raja gopal
Published: March 2024

Lactiplantibacillus pentosus is a probiotic bacterium reported to be present in various fermented foods, such as fermented olives, and it significantly influences human health. The present study concerns a lactic acid bacterial strain designated L. pentosus, isolated from traditional fermented rice and has been shown to have an assortment of beneficial attributes. Using Illumina technologies, we have sequenced and investigated the whole genome sequence of L. pentosus for an accurate understanding of its functionality and safety. The chromosomal genome was 3.7 Mbp in size with 46% GC (Guanine-Cytosine) content and 3192 protein-coding sequences. In accordance with this, additional extensive bioinformatics investigations were carried out involving whole genome sequence assembly and annotation.
Neural coding in gustatory cortex reflects consumption decisions: Evidence from conditioned taste aversion
Authors: Raymond Martin A. , Chapman Ian F. , Staszko Stephanie M. , Fletcher Max L. , Boughter John D.
Published: March 2024

Taste-responsive neurons in the gustatory cortex (GC) have been shown to encode multiple properties of stimuli, including whether they are palatable or not. Previous studies have suggested that a form of taste-involved learning, conditioned taste aversion (CTA), may alter the cortical representation of taste stimuli in a number of ways. We used miniscopes to image taste responses from a large population of neurons in the gustatory cortex of mice before and after CTA to NaCl, comparing taste responses in control and conditioned mice. Following conditioning, no significant effects on the number of responsive cells, or the magnitude of response to either NaCl or other taste stimuli were found. However, population-level analyses showed that in mice receiving a CTA, the representation of NaCl diverged from other appetitive stimuli in neural space and moved closer to that of aversive quinine. We also tracked extinction of the CTA in a subset of animals and showed that as NaCl became less aversive, the neural pattern reverted to match the behavior. These data suggest that the predominant function of the taste representation in GC is palatability; the neuronal response pattern to stimuli at the population level reflects the decision of the animal to consume or not consume the stimulus, regardless of quality or chemical identity.
Understanding the effects of oxytocin receptor variants on OXT–OXT receptor binding: A mathematical model
Authors: Dubey Preeti , Fang Yingye , Tukei K. Lionel , Kuila Shobhan , Liu Xinming , Sahota Annika , Frolova Antonina I. , Reinl Erin L. , Malik Manasi , England Sarah K. , Imoukhuede Princess I.
Published: March 2024

Approximately half of U.S. women giving birth annually receive Pitocin, the synthetic form of oxytocin (OXT), yet its effective dose can vary significantly. This variability presents safety concerns due to unpredictable responses, which may lead to adverse outcomes for both mother and baby. To address the need for improved dosing, we developed a data-driven mathematical model to predict OXT receptor (OXTR) binding. Our study focuses on five prevalent OXTR variants (V45L, P108A, L206V, V281M, and E339K) and their impact on OXT–OXTR binding dynamics in two distinct cell types: human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T), commonly used in experimental systems, and human myometrial smooth muscle cells, containing endogenous OXTR. We parameterized the model with cell-specific OXTR surface localization measurements. To strengthen the robustness of our study, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of OXT– OXTR binding, enabling parameterization of our model with cell-specific OXT–OXTR binding kinetics (myometrial OXT–OXTR Kd= 1.6 nM, kon = 6.8 × 105M−1min−1, and koff = 0.0011 min−1). Our meta-analysis revealed significant homogeneity in OXT–OXTR affinity across experiments and species with a Kd= 0.52 - 9.32 nM and mean Kd= 1.48 ± 0.36 nM. Our model achieves several valuable insights into designing dosage strategies. First, we predicted that the OXTR complex reaches maximum occupancy at 10 nM OXT in myometrial cells and at 1 µM in HEK293T cells. This information is pivotal for guiding experimental design and data interpretation when working with these distinct cell types, emphasizing the need to consider effects for specific cell types when choosing OXTR-transfected cell lines. Second, our model recapitulated the significant effects of genetic variants for both experimental and physiologically relevant systems, with V281M and E339K substantially compromising OXT–OXTR binding capacity. These findings suggest the need for personalized oxytocin dosing based on individual genetic profiles to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce risks, especially in the context of labor and delivery. Third, we demonstrated the potential for rescuing the attenuated cell response observed in V281M and E339K variants by increasing the OXT dosage at specific, early time points. Cellular responses to OXT, including Ca2+release, manifest within minutes. Our model indicates that providing V281M- and E339K-expressing cells with doubled OXT dose during the initial minute of binding can elevate OXT–OXTR complex formation to levels comparable to wild-type OXTR. In summary, our study provides a computational framework for precision oxytocin dosing strategies, paving the way for personalized medicine.
CTCF-anchored chromatin loop dynamics during human meiosis
Authors: Kaiser Vera B. , Semple Colin A.
Published: March 2024

Background

During meiosis, the mammalian genome is organised within chromatin loops, which facilitate synapsis, crossing over and chromosome segregation, setting the stage for recombination events and the generation of genetic diversity. Chromatin looping is thought to play a major role in the establishment of cross overs during prophase I of meiosis, in diploid early primary spermatocytes. However, chromatin conformation dynamics during human meiosis are difficult to study experimentally, due to the transience of each cell division and the difficulty of obtaining stage-resolved cell populations. Here, we employed a machine learning framework trained on single cell ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data to predict CTCF-anchored looping during spermatogenesis, including cell types at different stages of meiosis.

Results

We find dramatic changes in genome-wide looping patterns throughout meiosis: compared to pre-and-post meiotic germline cell types, loops in meiotic early primary spermatocytes are more abundant, more variable between individual cells, and more evenly spread throughout the genome. In preparation for the first meiotic division, loops also include longer stretches of DNA, encompassing more than half of the total genome. These loop structures then influence the rate of recombination initiation and resolution as cross overs. In contrast, in later mature sperm stages, we find evidence of genome compaction, with loops being confined to the telomeric ends of the chromosomes.

Conclusion

Overall, we find that chromatin loops do not orchestrate the gene expression dynamics seen during spermatogenesis, but loops do play important roles in recombination, influencing the positions of DNA breakage and cross over events.
Brain-wide neuronal circuit connectome of human glioblastoma
Authors: Sun Yusha , Wang Xin , Zhang Daniel Y , Zhang Zhijian , Bhattarai Janardhan P , Wang Yingqi , Dong Weifan , Zhang Feng , Park Kristen H , Galanaugh Jamie , Sambangi Abhijeet , Yang Qian , Kim Sang Hoon , Wheeler Garrett , Goncalves Tiago , Wang Qing , Geschwind Daniel , Kawaguchi Riki , Wang Huadong , Xu Fuqiang , Binder Zev A , Chen Isaac H , Pai Emily Ling-Lin , Stone Sara , Nasrallah MacLean , Christian Kimberly M , Fuccillo Marc , O'Rourke Donald M , Ma Minghong , Ming Guo-li , Song Hongjun
Published: March 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM), a universally fatal brain cancer, infiltrates the brain and can be synaptically innervated by neurons, which drives tumor progression1-6. Synaptic inputs onto GBM cells identified so far are largely short-range and glutamatergic7-9. The extent of integration of GBM cells into brain-wide neuronal circuitry is not well understood. Here we applied a rabies virus-mediated retrograde monosynaptic tracing approach10-12to systematically investigate circuit integration of human GBM organoids transplanted into adult mice. We found that GBM cells from multiple patients rapidly integrated into brain-wide neuronal circuits and exhibited diverse local and long-range connectivity. Beyond glutamatergic inputs, we identified a variety of neuromodulatory inputs across the brain, including cholinergic inputs from the basal forebrain. Acute acetylcholine stimulation induced sustained calcium oscillations and long-lasting transcriptional reprogramming of GBM cells into a more invasive state via the metabotropic CHRM3 receptor. CHRM3 downregulation suppressed GBM cell invasion, proliferation, and survival in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results reveal the capacity of human GBM cells to rapidly and robustly integrate into anatomically and molecularly diverse neuronal circuitry in the adult brain and support a model wherein rapid synapse formation onto GBM cells and transient activation of upstream neurons may lead to a long-lasting increase in fitness to promote tumor infiltration and progression.
Antibiotic ResistantEscherichia coliin Uncooked Meat Purchased from Large Chain Grocery Stores and in Raw Dog Food Purchased From Pet Stores in the Same City
Authors: Sealey Jordan E. , Astley Beth , Rollings Kate , Avison Matthew B.
Published: March 2024

Although previous studies have associated feeding dogs uncooked meat with their carriage and excretion of antibiotic resistant (ABR)Escherichia coli, this practice remains popular amongst dog owners in some countries, including the UK. Uncooked meat fed to dogs is purchased from stores selling meat primarily for human consumption, or it is a brand of commercial raw dog food (RDF), which is commonly sold frozen and thawed prior to feeding. We tested 58 packets of uncooked meat (beef, chicken, lamb and pork) purchased from large chain grocery stores (15 stores) and 15 packets of thawed, chicken-based RDF (11 brands) for the presence of ABRE. coli. All samples were purchased from the city of Bristol, UK. Among grocery store-purchased meat, chicken samples were significantly more likely to be positive forE. coliresistant to amoxicillin, spectinomycin, streptomycin, and the critically important antibiotics cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin, than other types of meat. When comparing grocery store chicken to chicken-based RDF we found no significant difference in sample-level positivity for resistantE. coli, which, for RDF was 80% (amoxicillin), 80% (spectinomycin), 87% (streptomycin), 27% (amoxicillin-clavulanate), 27% (cefotaxime) and 47% (ciprofloxacin). We conclude that despite it having been purchased frozen and thawed prior to testing according to the manufacturer’s instructions, contamination of RDF with ABRE. coliis similar to that of uncooked meat primarily intended for human consumption after cooking, and so the same strict hygiene practices are advised when handling RDF as uncooked meat. Our findings provide a rationale to explain why feeding uncooked meat or RDF to dogs in the city of Bristol is associated with them excretingE. coliresistant to critically important antibiotics.
Mechanical Self-Organization of Particle Networks during Uniaxial Compression Yielding
Authors: Tateno Michio , Wang Yinqiao , Tanaka Hajime
Published: March 2024

Colloidal gels, sparse particle networks with large voids, are fundamental model systems of disordered porous materials. Unlike dense amorphous solids, they exhibit significant volumetric deformation while expelling solvents when subjected to external compression. Despite their importance in both natural and industrial settings, the relationship between their network microstructure and compressive yielding behavior has remained elusive. To address this problem, we employ confocal microscopy and a specially designed sample cell to observe the gravity-induced collapsing of colloidal gels at a single-particle level. The experimental insight gained is complemented by simulation results for gravitational collapse and homogeneous uniaxial compression. We find that, during compression, the microstructure of gels is uniquely determined solely by the local volume fraction. This relationship remains independent of the deformation strain history but is subtly influenced by the preparation history of the initial state. In contrast, compressive stress evolves as a unique function of local volume fraction, unaffected by both preparation and strain history, as long as the interparticle interaction remains identical. Moreover, we unveil that local yielding occurs in highly strained, narrow network domains, while highly stressed particles form chainlike structures to support the external stress. These findings suggest that colloidal gels undergoing compressive plastic deformation mechanically self-organize into a unique history-independent state to satisfy mechanical balance in a quasistatic condition, providing crucial microscopic insights into the compressive yielding behavior of particle network materials.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Light-Induced Melting of Competing Stripe Orders without Introducing Superconductivity in
La2−xBaxCuO4
Authors: Zhang S. J. , Zhou X. Y. , Xu S. X. , Wu Q. , Yue L. , Liu Q. M. , Hu T. C. , Li R. S. , Yuan J. Y. , Homes C. C. , Gu G. D. , Dong T. , Wang N. L.
Published: March 2024

The ultrafast manipulation of quantum material has led to many novel and significant discoveries. Among them, the light-induced transient superconductivity in cuprates achieved by melting competing stripe orders represents a highly appealing accomplishment. However, recent investigations have shown that the notion of photoinduced superconductivity remains a topic of controversy, and its elucidation solely through c-axis time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy remains an arduous task. Here, we measure the in-plane and out-of-plane transient terahertz responses simultaneously in the stripe-ordered nonsuperconducting La2−xBaxCuO4 after near-infrared excitations. We find that although a pump-induced reflectivity edge appears in the c-axis reflectance spectrum, the reflectivity along the CuO2 planes decreases simultaneously, indicating an enhancement in the scattering rate of quasiparticles. This in-plane transient response is clearly distinct from the features associated with superconducting condensation. Therefore, we conclude the out-of-plane transient responses cannot be explained by an equivalent of Josephson tunneling. Notably, those pump-induced terahertz responses remain consistent even when we vary the near-infrared optical pump wavelengths and hole concentrations. Our results provide critical evidence that transient three-dimensional superconductivity cannot be induced by melting the competing stripe orders with pump pulses whose photon energy is much higher than the superconducting gap of cuprates.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithm for Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory
Authors: Cortes Cristian L. , Loipersberger Matthias , Parrish Robert M. , Morley-Short Sam , Pol William , Sim Sukin , Steudtner Mark , Tautermann Christofer S. , Degroote Matthias , Moll Nikolaj , Santagati Raffaele , Streif Michael
Published: March 2024

The efficient computation of observables beyond the total energy is a key challenge and opportunity for fault-tolerant quantum computing approaches in quantum chemistry. Here, we consider the symmetry-adapted perturbation-theory (SAPT) components of the interaction energy as a prototypical example of such an observable. We provide a guide for calculating this observable on a fault-tolerant quantum computer while optimizing the required computational resources. Specifically, we present a quantum algorithm that estimates interaction energies at the first-order SAPT level with a Heisenberg-limited scaling. To this end, we exploit a high-order tensor-factorization and block-encoding technique that efficiently represents each SAPT observable. To quantify the computational cost of our methodology, we provide resource estimates in terms of the required number of logical qubits and Toffoli gates to execute our algorithm for a range of benchmark molecules, also taking into account the cost of the eigenstate preparation and the cost of block encoding the SAPT observables. Finally, we perform the resource estimation for a heme and artemisinin complex as a representative large-scale system encountered in drug design, highlighting the performance of our algorithm in this new benchmark study and discussing possible bottlenecks that may be improved in future work.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Study on the distribution characteristics of clearance in clothing and influence on pressure
Authors: You Bo , Wang Qi Si
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the distribution characteristics of airflow in mine ventilation suits with different pipeline structures when the human body is bent at various angles. On this basis, the stress points are extracted to investigate the pressure variation of a ventilation suit under different ventilation rates and pipeline structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the three-dimensional human body scanner, portable pressure test and other instruments, a human experiment was conducted in an artificial cabin. The study analyzed and compared the distribution characteristics of clearance under three different pipeline structures, as well as the pressure variation of the ventilation suit.

Findings

The study found that the clearance in front of two pipeline structures gradually increased in size as the degree of bending increased, and there was minimal clearance in the chest and back. The longitudinal structure exhibits a significant decrease in clearance compared to the spiral structure. The pressure value of the spiral pipeline structure with the same ventilation volume is low, followed by the transverse structure, while the longitudinal structure has the highest pressure value. The increase in clothing pressure value of a spiral pipeline structured ventilation suit with varying ventilation volumes is minimal.

Originality/value

The ventilation suit has a promising future as a type of personal protective equipment for mitigating heat damage in mines. It is of great value to study the pipeline structure of the ventilation suit for human comfort.
Connectedness across commodities, stocks, exchange rates and bonds markets in Africa: the Covid-19 pandemic case
Authors: Boakye Robert Owusu , Mensah Lord , Kang Sanghoon , Osei Kofi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The study measures the total systemic risks and connectedness across commodities, stocks, exchange rates and bond markets in Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the Diebold-Yilmaz spillover and connectedness measures in a generalized VAR framework. The author calculates the net transmitters or receivers of shocks between two assets and visualizes their strength using a network analysis tool.

Findings

The study found low systemic risks across all assets and countries. However, we found higher systemic risks in the forex market than in the stock and bond markets, and in South Africa than in other countries. The dynamic analysis found time-varying connectedness return shocks, which increased during the peak periods of the first and second waves of the pandemic. We found both gold and oil as net receivers of shocks. Overall, over half of all assets were net receivers, and others were net transmitters of return shocks. The network connectedness plot shows high net pairwise connectedness from Morocco to South Africa stock market.

Practical implications

The study has implications for policymakers to develop the capacities of local investors and markets to limit portfolio outflows during a crisis.

Originality/value

Previous studies have analyzed spillovers across asset classes in a single country or a single asset across countries. This paper contributes to the literature on network connectedness across assets and countries.
Green information technology and green information systems: science mapping of present and future trends
Authors: Mat Nawi Mohd Nazim , Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Wider Walton , Amaka Gabari Barry
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study provide an in-depth review on the knowledge structure of green information technology (GIT) adoption and behavior. Environmental degradation has escalated even further with information and digital technology development. Researchers have come up with a new concept of GIT to dampen the carbon emission due to the excessive use of IT in today’s everyday usage. A similar terminology, green information system (GIS), is a rather broad understanding of GIT, which relates to the environmental management system to improve operations in the organization and will be included in the scope of the study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a science mapping analysis through a bibliometric review to explore emerging trends and predict future trends based on 293 publications in the Web of Science.

Findings

The bibliographic coupling analysis discovered five themes related to the theoretical foundation of GIT and the determinants of their adoption. The five themes are (1) theoretical foundation in GIT, (2) determinants of green IT and IS adoption, (3) fundamental of GIT and information science, (4) green technologies and green computing and (5) determinants of managers green IT adoption behavior. While co-word analysis presents the impact of GIT, driving performance and energy efficiency through the adoption of GIT producing four themes, (1) GIT acceptance through the theory of planned behavior, (2) impact of GIT’s: strategies for sustainable implementation, (3) driving sustainable performance through green innovation in information systems and technology and (4) energy efficiency and sustainability in green computing and cloud computing.

Research limitations/implications

The finding is relevant to managers, researchers and stakeholders bounded by environmental responsibilities to mitigate its impact on the socioeconomic and environment through GIT adoption.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is presenting an in-depth analysis of the knowledge structure through bibliometric analysis by providing network visualization on one of the crucial pro-environmental behavior.
Redefining the hepatoprotective potential of Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) Kombucha towards the diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatotoxicity of mice
Authors: Zubaidah Elok , Dea Eirene Charista , Saparianti Ella , Putri Rhytia Ayu Christianty , Sujuti Hidayat , Srianta Ignatius , Godelive Laura , Tewfik Ihab
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This research intended the utilization of Javanese turmeric (0.4% w/v) as a kombucha substrate and analysis of its hepatoprotective activity, in comparison against nonfermented Javanese turmeric beverage (JTB) and black tea kombucha.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-two healthy male Balb/c mice (two- to three-week-old, 20–30 g) were divided into six groups with seven replicates each. The treatments were normal diet, normal diet + Javanese turmeric kombucha (JTK), normal diet + diethylnitrosamine (DEN), DEN + JTB, DEN + JTK, DEN + black tea kombucha. Kombuchas and JTB were given at 0.3 mL/20 g BW/d. DEN was induced intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Observed biomarkers were blood serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) activity, serum malonaldehyde (MDA), as well as liver histology. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance.

Findings

Among DEN-induced groups, JTK significantly (p< 0.05) diminished the level of blood SGPT, SGOT and serum MDA. JTK also had lower blood SGPT (8.604 ± 2.195 U/L) and serum MDA levels (2.884 ± 0.083 nM/mL) compared to the normal group (8.604 ± 2.195 U/L and 5.050 ± 0.998 nM/mL, respectively). JTK also produced the least damaged liver-cell numbers.

Originality/value

JTK demonstrated better hepatoprotective activity compared to JTB.
The color of water: Racial and income differences in exposure to floods across US neighborhoods
Authors: Galster George C. , Galster Joshua , Vachuska Karl
Published: March 2024

We provide a US national portrait of annual average exposure to floods across racial/ethnic and income groups, using predictions from the First Street Foundation flooding exposure model. Nationally, we find that Native Americans in inland neighborhoods and Hispanics in coastal ones face (statistically) significantly higher average exposure to flooding than non‐Hispanic Whites, even when neighborhood income composition is controlled. Surprisingly, non‐Hispanic Blacks and Asians generally have significantly lower average exposure to floods than non‐Hispanic Whites. Lower income groups exhibit substantially higher exposure in inland areas than higher income groups—but not in coastal areas—when neighborhood racial/ethnic composition is controlled.