bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
State of Exception or the New Normal? An Evaluation of Pandemic Tracking Technologies and Their Implications for Citizenship
Authors: Jensen Jakob Linaa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article forms a critical examination of how the increased digitalization of daily life, exemplified by pandemic digital technologies of tracking apps and digital Covid-19 passports, affects ethical principles of privacy, subjectivity and autonomy, fundamental in a traditional notion of citizenship. The pandemic crisis has been an example of the increasing use of automated technologies across various domains, where society has become deeply reliant on these technologies. I argue that in ethical terms, the pandemic crisis has moved the borders of what is accepted by governments and citizens and have normalised far-reaching tools of registration, calculation, and surveillance. The pandemic state of exception has necessitated and legalised a temporary suspension of normal civil rights and replaced them with spatial ordering, automated surveillance, and the application of advanced and intrusive digital monitoring tools. Based on an empirical account of tracking apps I discuss the consequences for citizenship based on two theoretical figures: Michel Foucault´s concept of “bio-politics” and the concept of “a state of exception” as theorized by German political philosopher Carl Schmidt. Where traditional concepts of citizenships have focused on individual rights, responsibilities and articipation in civic life, bio-politics emphasizes a management and regulation of populations with less focus on individual agency and more on statistical analysis and control mechanisms. Technologies and discourses of automation are inter-related; digital innovation legitimize and strengthen an adherent automation of political logics, framed as a politics of necessity, where calculative predictions and technological facts leave little room for political subjectivity and values. In the concluding section it is discussed whether the rapid automation catalyzed by the pandemic was a state of emergency, necessitated by a pandemic threat, or rather represents a more profound change, a new normal for citizenship.
Surface Uplift Due To Time‐Varying Elastic Thickness in Continental Interiors
Authors: Ruetenik Gregory A. , Jansen John D. , Sandiford Mike 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIf, as previously hypothesized, the effective elastic response of the lithosphere is sensitive to the imposed stress regime, then it may vary in time and produce distinctive geomorphic responses. Such effects will be at their most crucial in landscapes of low relief. Motivated by the existence of numerous small endorheic (internally‐drained) basins in central Australia, we examine the influence of changing elastic response in the presence of large embedded loads in the lithosphere underlying stable continental interiors. Focusing on the western Lake Eyre Basin and adjoining Lake Lewis basin—an area with a close correlation between drainage pattern and extreme Bouguer gravity anomalies—we devise a set of numerical simulations that incorporate the flexural response to time‐transient horizontal stresses. The simulations demonstrate that transient changes in the effective elastic thickness can drive topographic changes in low‐relief landscapes, including drainage capture and the development of endorheic basins, consistent with field observations.
Crystallographic and Mid‐Infrared Spectroscopic Properties of the CaS‐MgS Solid Solution
Authors: Reitze Maximilian P. , Renggli Christian , Morlok Andreas , Weber Iris , Rodehorst Uta , Berndt Jasper , Klemme Stephan , Hiesinger Harald 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe synthesized the solid solution between the sulfides CaS (oldhamite) and MgS (niningerite). Electron microprobe and X‐ray diffraction showed homogeneous and pure samples after the synthesis. The calculated lattice parameters fit to earlier literature data. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy of the samples reveal that the produced sulfides were fragile and tend to alternate very fast. However, we were able to provide clean reflectance spectra of all samples. The spectra of un‐altered samples show no peaks or bands but a rather constant spectrum within the analyzed spectral range between 7.0 and 12.5 μm. The altered spectra contain signatures of sulfates and carbonates and probably further compounds. The gathered data help to understand the formation conditions of the studies sulfides as it shows that the solvus exists in the CaS‐MgS system between 1000°C and 1200°C. In addition, the infrared data will help to improve remote sensing in the mid‐infrared of planetary objects that might be covered with sulfide containing material like asteroids or Mercury.
Outcomes 10-years after traumatic spinal cord injury in Botswana - a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Löfvenmark Inka , Mogome Wame , Sekakela Kobamelo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Study design
Prospective follow-up study.

Objectives
To describe outcomes, survival, and attendance to routine follow-up visits 10 years post-SCI.

Setting
The national SCI-rehabilitation center in Botswana.

Methods
All persons who were admitted with traumatic SCI during a 2-year period, 2011–2013, and survived up to 2 years post-injury were included. Data were collected from the medical records from the follow-up assessment closest to 10 years post-SCI and included demographic and clinical characteristics, functional outcomes, and secondary complications. Data regarding mortalities were received from relatives. Statistical comparisons were made, when possible, between those who attend follow-up assessment and those who did not, and between those who survived up to 10 years post-SCI and those who died.

Results
The follow-up rate was 76% (19/25) of known survivors. No statistically significant factors were found to affect the follow-up rate. Secondary complications rates were for pressure ulcers and urinary tract infections 21%. Self-catheterisation and suprapubic catheter were the preferred methods to manage neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Ten persons (26%) had deceased since 2nd follow-up assessment. The causes of death were probably SCI-related in more than half of the cases.

Conclusions
This was a follow-up study at year 10 after acute TSCI in Botswana conducted at the national SCI-rehabilitation center. The study supports previous reports regarding the importance of that having specialized SCI units and the need of structured follow-ups, a responsible person in charge of scheduling, and updated patient registers. We found high follow-up rate, low rates of complications and of patients being lost to follow-up.
Thermal stress, p53 structures and learning from elephants
Authors: Karakostis Konstantinos , Padariya Monikaben , Thermou Aikaterini , Fåhraeus Robin , Kalathiya Umesh , Vollrath Fritz 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAs species adapt to climatic changes, temperature-dependent functions of p53 in development, metabolism and cancer will adapt as well. Structural analyses of p53 epitopes interacting in response to environmental stressors, such as heat, may uncover physiologically relevant functions of p53 in cell regulation and genomic adaptations. Here we explore the multiple p53 elephant paradigm with an experimentally validated in silico model showing that under heat stress some p53 copies escape negative regulation by the MDM2 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Multiple p53 isoforms have evolved naturally in the elephant thus presenting a unique experimental system to study the scope of p53 functions and the contribution of environmental stressors to DNA damage. We assert that fundamental insights derived from studies of a historically heat-challenged mammal will provide important insights directly relevant to human biology in the light of climate change when ‘heat’ may introduce novel challenges to our bodies and health.
Profiling IgG and IgA antibody responses during vaccination and infection in a high-risk gonorrhoea population
Authors: Stejskal Lenka , Thistlethwaite Angela , Ramirez-Bencomo Fidel , Rashmi Smruti , Harrison Odile , Feavers Ian M. , Maiden Martin C. J. , Jerse Ann , Barnes Grace , Chirro Oscar , Chemweno James , Nduati Eunice , Cehovin Ana , Tang Christoph , Sanders Eduard J. , Derrick Jeremy P. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDevelopment of a vaccine against gonorrhoea is a global priority, driven by the rise in antibiotic resistance. Although Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) infection does not induce substantial protective immunity, highly exposed individuals may develop immunity against re-infection with the same strain. Retrospective epidemiological studies have shown that vaccines containing Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) provide a degree of cross-protection against Ng infection. We conducted a clinical trial (NCT04297436) of 4CMenB (Bexsero, GSK), a licensed Nm vaccine containing OMVs and recombinant antigens, comprising a single arm, open label study of two doses with 50 adults in coastal Kenya who have high exposure to Ng. Data from a Ng antigen microarray established that serum IgG and IgA reactivities against the gonococcal homologs of the recombinant antigens in the vaccine peaked at 10 but had declined by 24 weeks. For most reactive OMV-derived antigens, the reverse was the case. A cohort of similar individuals with laboratory-confirmed gonococcal infection were compared before, during, and after infection: their reactivities were weaker and differed from the vaccinated cohort. We conclude that the cross-protection of the 4CMenB vaccine against gonorrhoea could be explained by cross-reaction against a diverse selection of antigens derived from the OMV component.
Genetic determinants and phenotypic consequences of blood T-cell proportions in 207,000 diverse individuals
Authors: Poisner Hannah , Faucon Annika , Cox Nancy , Bick Alexander G. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractT-cells play a critical role in multiple aspects of human health and disease. However, to date the genetic determinants of human T-cell abundance have not been studied at scale because assays quantifying T-cell abundance are not widely used in clinical or research settings. The complete blood count clinical assay quantifies lymphocyte abundance which includes T-cells, B-cells, and NK-cells. To address this gap, we directly estimate T-cell fractions from whole genome sequencing data in over 200,000 individuals from the multi-ethnic TOPMed and All of Us studies. We identified 27 loci associated with T-cell fraction. Interrogating electronic health records identified clinical phenotypes associated with T-cell fraction, including notable changes in T-cell proportions that were highly dynamic over the course of pregnancy. In summary, by estimating T-cell fraction, we obtained new insights into the genetic regulation of T-cells and identified disease consequences of T-cell fractions across the human phenome.
Advancements in plant based meat analogs enhancing sensory and nutritional attributes
Authors: Jang Jiwon , Lee Dong-Woo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe burgeoning demand for plant-based meat analogs (PBMAs) stems from environmental, health, and ethical concerns, yet replicating the sensory attributes of animal meat remains challenging. This comprehensive review explores recent innovations in PBMA ingredients and methodologies, emphasizing advancements in texture, flavor, and nutritional profiles. It chronicles the transition from soy-based first-generation products to more diversified second- and third-generation PBMAs, showcasing the utilization of various plant proteins and advanced processing techniques to enrich sensory experiences. The review underscores the crucial role of proteins, polysaccharides, and fats in mimicking meat’s texture and flavor and emphasizes research on new plant-based sources to improve product quality. Addressing challenges like production costs, taste, texture, and nutritional adequacy is vital for enhancing consumer acceptance and fostering a more sustainable food system.
On the salient limitations of the methods of assembly theory and their classification of molecular biosignatures
Authors: Uthamacumaran Abicumaran , Abrahão Felipe S. , Kiani Narsis A. , Zenil Hector 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe demonstrate that the assembly pathway method underlying assembly theory (AT) is an encoding scheme widely used by popular statistical compression algorithms. We show that in all cases (synthetic or natural) AT performs similarly to other simple coding schemes and underperforms compared to system-related indexes based upon algorithmic probability that take into account statistical repetitions but also the likelihood of other computable patterns. Our results imply that the assembly index does not offer substantial improvements over existing methods, including traditional statistical ones, and imply that the separation between living and non-living compounds following these methods has been reported before.
A randomized study to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a pentavalent meningococcal vaccine
Authors: Kim Yoonjin , Bae Sungyeun , Yu Kyung-Sang , Lee SeungHwan , Lee Chankyu , Kim Jinil , Her Howard , Oh Jaeseong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA randomized, active-controlled, double-blind, first-in-human, phase 1 study was conducted in healthy Korean adults to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of EuNmCV-5, a new pentavalent meningococcal vaccine targeting serogroups A, C, W, X, and Y. Sixty participants randomly received a single dose of either EuNmCV-5 or MenACWY-CRM, a quadrivalent vaccine containing serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Safety was assessed through monitoring anaphylactic reactions, adverse events for 28 days, and serious adverse events over 180 days. Immunogenicity was assessed via rabbit complement-dependent serum bactericidal antibody (rSBA) assay. EuNmCV-5 was safe, well-tolerated, and elicited a substantial antibody titer increase. The seroprotection rates exceeded 96.7%, and the seroconversion rates were over 85% for all the targeted serogroups. It showed higher seroconversion rates against serogroups A and C (p = 0.0016 and 0.0237, respectively) and elicited a substantial increase in GMT for all targeted serogroups compared to the MenACWY-CRM.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05739292.
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine breakthrough infections induce aberrant T cell and antibody responses to non-structural proteins
Authors: Aregay Amare , Slunečko Jan , Korva Miša , Bogovic Petra , Resman Rus Katarina , Knap Nataša , Beicht Jana , Kubinski Mareike , Saletti Giulietta , Avšič-Županc Tatjana , Steffen Imke , Strle Franc , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) vaccine breakthrough (VBT) infections are not uncommon in endemic areas. The clinical and immunological outcomes have been poorly investigated. We assessed the magnitude and specificity of virus-specific antibody and T cell responses after TBE in previously vaccinated subjects and compared the results with those of unvaccinated TBE patients and study subjects that received vaccination without VBT infection. Symptomatic TBEV infection of unvaccinated study subjects induced virus-specific antibody responses to the E protein and non-structural protein 1 (NS1) as well as T cell responses to structural and other non-structural (NS) proteins. After VBT infections, significantly impaired NS1-specific antibody responses were observed, while the virus-specific T cell responses to the NS proteins were relatively strong. VBT infection caused predominantly moderate to severe disease during hospitalization. The level of TBEV EDIII- and NS1-specific antibodies in unvaccinated convalescent patients inversely correlated with TBE severity and neurological symptoms early after infection.
Highest ocean heat in four centuries places Great Barrier Reef in danger
Authors: Henley Benjamin J. , McGregor Helen V. , King Andrew D. , Hoegh-Guldberg Ove , Arzey Ariella K. , Karoly David J. , Lough Janice M. , DeCarlo Thomas M. , Linsley Braddock K. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in Australia between 2016 and 2024 was driven by high sea surface temperatures (SST)1. The likelihood of temperature-induced bleaching is a key determinant for the future threat status of the GBR2, but the long-term context of recent temperatures in the region is unclear. Here we show that the January–March Coral Sea heat extremes in 2024, 2017 and 2020 (in order of descending mean SST anomalies) were the warmest in 400 years, exceeding the 95th-percentile uncertainty limit of our reconstructed pre-1900 maximum. The 2016, 2004 and 2022 events were the next warmest, exceeding the 90th-percentile limit. Climate model analysis confirms that human influence on the climate system is responsible for the rapid warming in recent decades. This attribution, together with the recent ocean temperature extremes, post-1900 warming trend and observed mass coral bleaching, shows that the existential threat to the GBR ecosystem from anthropogenic climate change is now realized. Without urgent intervention, the iconic GBR is at risk of experiencing temperatures conducive to near-annual coral bleaching3, with negative consequences for biodiversity and ecosystems services. A continuation on the current trajectory would further threaten the ecological function4 and outstanding universal value5 of one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders.
Early-life gut bacterial community structure predicts disease risk and athletic performance in horses bred for racing
Authors: Leng J. , Moller-Levet C. , Mansergh R. I. , O’Flaherty R. , Cooke R. , Sells P. , Pinkham C. , Pynn O. , Smith C. , Wise Z. , Ellis R. , Couto Alves A. , La Ragione R. , Proudman C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGut bacterial communities have a profound influence on the health of humans and animals. Early-life gut microbial community structure influences the development of immunological competence and susceptibility to disease. For the Thoroughbred racehorse, the significance of early-life microbial colonisation events on subsequent health and athletic performance is unknown. Here we present data from a three-year cohort study of horses bred for racing designed to explore interactions between early-life gut bacterial community structure, health events in later life and athletic performance on the racetrack. Our data show that gut bacterial community structure in the first months of life predicts the risk of specific diseases and athletic performance up to three years old. Foals with lower faecal bacterial diversity at one month old had a significantly increased risk of respiratory disease in later life which was also associated with higher relative abundance of faecal Pseudomonadaceae. Surprisingly, athletic performance up to three years old, measured by three different metrics, was positively associated with higher faecal bacterial diversity at one month old and with the relative abundance of specific bacterial families. We also present data on the impact of antibiotic exposure of foals during the first month of life. This resulted in significantly lower faecal bacterial diversity at 28 days old, a significantly increased risk of respiratory disease in later life and a significant reduction in average prize money earnings, a proxy for athletic performance. Our study reveals associations between early-life bacterial community profiles and health events in later life and it provides evidence of the detrimental impact of antimicrobial treatment in the first month of life on health and performance outcomes in later life. For the first time, this study demonstrates a relationship between early-life gut bacterial communities and subsequent athletic performance that has implications for athletes of all species including humans.
Numerical approximation for algorithmic tangent moduli for nonlinear viscoelastic model with CSDA method
Authors: Fan Xinggui , Xu Jinsheng , Chen Xiong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This work revisits the notion of complex step derivative approximation (CSDA) and presents its use in constitutive model of a class of nonlinear viscoelastic materials. The effectiveness of a CSDA is evaluated by putting it through a series of straightforward examples. After that, the idea of the CSDA is put to use in order to carry out a numerical evaluation of the algorithmic tangent moduli of a viscoelastic constitutive model. The performance of the constitutive models is evaluated through the use of three different numerical tests, and the results are compared to those that were achieved by the application of an analytical method. In comparison to other numerical differentiation techniques, It has been found that the CSDA scheme is the most computationally efficient and robust method of numerical differentiation, regardless of the size of the finite difference interval.
The role of protein prenylation inhibition through targeting FPPS by zoledronic acid in the prevention of renal fibrosis in rats
Authors: Mohamed Reham Hussein , Abdelrahim Dina S. , Hay Nesma Hussein Abdel , Fawzy Nesma Mohamed , M. Doaa Karem M. , Yehia Dalia Ahmed Yousef , AbdelMaksoud Omnia M. , Tamim Yomna M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRenal fibrosis (RF) represents the most widespread pathological condition in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, protein prenylation has been implicated in the fibrosis’s progression. The research examined the renoprotective effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) (50 µg/kg/week) in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced RF through targeting protein prenylation. Forty Wistar male rats were split up into the control group, vehicle-treated group, model-RF group, and RF-ZA group. Mean arterial blood pressure (MBP), BUN, serum creatinine, and urine albumin–creatinine ratio (uACR), protein levels of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase and gene expression of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) were measured. Immunohistochemical staining for renal interleukin-6 (IL-6), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and caspase-3, as well as histopathological alterations, were assessed. ZA considerably ceased the reduction in MBP, markedly reduced uACR, serum creatinine, BUN, and expression of FPPS, FPP, NF-κB, TGF-β, TNF-α, and MDA, and significantly increased catalase levels compared to the model-RF rats. ZA ameliorated the CCl4-induced histopathological alterations and suppressed the expression of caspase-3, α-SMA, and IL-6. In conclusion, ZA preserved renal function and prevented renal fibrosis in a rat model. These were achieved through targeting protein prenylation mainly by inhibiting FPPS.