bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are researchers in academic medicine flourishing? A survey of midcareer Ph.D. and physician investigators
Authors: Pololi Linda H. , Evans Arthur T. , Civian Janet T. , Cooper Lisa A. , Gibbs Brian K. , Ninteau Kacy , Dagher Rada K. , Bloom-Feshbach Kimberly , Brennan Robert T. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Midcareer research faculty are a vital part of the advancement of science in U.S. medical schools, but there are troubling trends in recruitment, retention, and burnout rates.

Methods:
The primary sampling frame for this online survey was recipients of a single R01 or equivalent and/or K-award from 2013 to 2019. Inclusion criteria were 3–14 years at a U.S. medical school and rank of associate professor or two or more years as assistant professor. Forty physician investigators and Ph.D. scientists volunteered for a faculty development program, and 106 were propensity-matched controls. Survey items covered self-efficacy in career, research, work-life; vitality/burnout; relationships, inclusion, trust; diversity; and intention to leave academic medicine.

Results:
The majority (52%) reported receiving poor mentoring; 40% experienced high burnout and 41% low vitality, which, in turn, predicted leaving intention (P < 0.0005). Women were more likely to report high burnout (P = 0.01) and low self-efficacy managing work and personal life (P = 0.01) and to be seriously considering leaving academic medicine than men (P = 0.003). Mentoring quality (P < 0.0005) and poor relationships, inclusion, and trust (P < 0.0005) predicted leaving intention. Non-underrepresented men were very likely to report low identity self-awareness (65%) and valuing differences (24%) versus underrepresented men (25% and 0%; P < 0.0005). Ph.D.s had lower career advancement self-efficacy than M.D.s (P < .0005).

Conclusions:
Midcareer Ph.D. and physician investigators faced significant career challenges. Experiences diverged by underrepresentation, gender, and degree. Poor quality mentoring was an issue for most. Effective mentoring could address the concerns of this vital component of the biomedical workforce.
Co-spectral radius of intersections
Authors: FRACZYK MIKOLAJ , VAN LIMBEEK WOUTER 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe study the behavior of the co-spectral radius of a subgroupHof a discrete group$\Gamma $under taking intersections. Our main result is that the co-spectral radius of an invariant random subgroup does not drop upon intersecting with a deterministic co-amenable subgroup. As an application, we find that the intersection of independent co-amenable invariant random subgroups is co-amenable.
Physical and morphological properties of first-year Antarctic sea ice in the spring marginal ice zone of the Atlantic-Indian sector
Authors: Johnson Siobhan , Audh Riesna R. , de Jager Wayne , Matlakala Boitumelo , Vichi Marcello , Womack Ashleigh , Rampai Tokoloho 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study presents the first dataset of physical and textural properties of sea ice collected in the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean sector of the Antarctic marginal ice zone (MIZ). Observations of sea ice from this region in the austral spring 2019, including sea-ice core temperature, salinity, crystal size, texture, oxygen isotopes and stratigraphy, were used in conjunction with a Lagrangian back-tracking algorithm and atmospheric reanalyses. This method relates the reconstructed synoptic conditions to sea-ice growth along the transect. A significant difference was found between the stratigraphy of consolidated pack ice samples collected at the same latitude and spanning over 550 km eastwards. The eastward group was found to have more disturbances in their stratigraphy which is attributed to the highly variable atmospheric and sea-ice conditions together with varying wave penetration through the sea-ice pack, notably during the passage of an intense polar cyclone, while the westward group showed no signs of disturbance or deformation. These results indicate that consolidated Antarctic sea-ice floes of similar thickness and from the same latitude in the MIZ have distinct stratigraphic properties, which will influence their physical and biogeochemical features.
Alarming decline of the Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax in one of its two population strongholds in Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Santangeli Andrea , Cardillo Alberto , Pes Michele , Aresu Mauro 
Published: April 2023

Summary
Farmland biodiversity is declining worldwide, and especially in Western countries largely owing to the large-scale intensification of agricultural practices. The Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax is a steppe bird adapted to agro-pastoral ecosystems in Western Europe, and is one of those many farmland species declining due to changes in agricultural production systems. In the EU, the majority of the extant population of this species is concentrated in the Iberian Peninsula. In Italy, the species has now disappeared from the mainland and is currently present only in Sardinia, where two populations, in the central-western areas, hold about two-thirds of the whole island’s numbers, with the rest scattered across numerous smaller nuclei. While there are indications and anecdotal information suggesting a possible population decline during recent decades, robust monitoring across different time periods that would allow a comparison of numbers is lacking in Sardinia. Here we repeated a Little Bustard survey performed in 2008 in two areas of western Sardinia: Abbasanta, which is one of the two strongholds for the species in Sardinia, and Campeda, which holds a small population (about 10 territorial males). Using the same methodology as in the past survey, we assessed current population size and density, and quantified changes over time. We found alarming declines, at a rate of around 30% in 14 years in both areas, with an estimated current population of 87 males in Abbasanta and 8 males in Campeda. We highlight current and emerging threats, such as the downsizing of the Special Protection Area of Abbasanta, and the encroachment of solar power plants within the same area.
How long have you exercised in your life? The effect of motor reserve and current physical activity on cognitive performance
Authors: Pucci Veronica , Guerra Carolina , Barsi Amanda , Nucci Massimo , Mondini Sara 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectives:Aging of the population encourages research on how to preserve cognition and quality of life. Many studies have shown that Physical Activity (PA) positively affects cognition in older adults. However, PA carried out throughout the individual’s lifespan may also have an impact on cognition in old age. We hypothesize the existence of Motor Reserve (MR), a flexible and dynamic construct that increases over time and compensates for age-related motor and cognitive loss.Methods:Two questionnaires were developed and validated to estimate MR (Physical Activity carried out throughout the individual’s lifespan) and Current Physical Activity (CPA, PA carried out in the previous 12 months). They were administered to 75 healthy individuals over 50 to verify the relation with cognition. MR and CPA include physical exercise (i.e., structured activities to improve or maintain physical fitness) and incidental PA, which we consider as any movement that leads to a metabolic cost above baseline (e.g., housekeeping, walking). In addition, the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRI), a reliable predictor of cognitive performance, was used to measure each participant’s Cognitive Reserve.Results:The factors that most influenced performance are Age and Cognitive Reserve, but also MR and CPA together and MR when it is the only factor.Conclusions:Cognitive variability in adult and elderly populations is explained by both MR and CPA. PA training could profitably be included in new preventive and existing interventions.
Zooming in on abnormal local and global processing biases after stroke: Frequency, lateralization, and associations with cognitive functions
Authors: Ten Brink Antonia F. , Bultitude Janet H. , Van der Stigchel Stefan , Nijboer Tanja C.W. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectives:The ‘attentional spotlight’ can be adjusted depending on the task requirements, resulting in processing information at either the local or global level. Stroke can lead to local or global processing biases, or the inability to simultaneously attend both levels. In this study, we assessed the (1) prevalence of abnormal local and global biases following stroke, (2) differences between left- and right-sided brain damaged patients, and (3) relations between local and global interference, the ability to attend local and global levels simultaneously, and lateralized attention, search organization, search speed, visuo-construction, executive functioning, and verbal (working) memory.Methods:Stroke patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation completed directed (N = 192 total; N = 46 left-sided/N = 48 right-sided lesion) and divided (N = 258 total; N = 67 left-sided/N = 66 right-sided lesion) local–global processing tasks, as well as a conventional neuropsychological assessment. Processing biases and interference effects were separately computed for directed and divided tasks.Results:On the local–global tasks, 7.8–10.9% of patients showed an abnormal local bias and 6.3–8.3% an abnormal global bias for directed attention, and 5.4–10.1% an abnormal local bias and 6.6–15.9% an abnormal global bias for divided attention. There was no significant difference between patients with left- and right-sided brain damage. There was a moderate positive relation between local interference and search speed, and a small positive relation between global interference and neglect.Conclusions:Abnormal local and global biases can occur after stroke and might relate to a range of cognitive functions. A specific bias might require a different approach in assessment, psycho-education, and treatment.
Does peacekeeping by civilians work? Reducing armed violence without armed force
Authors: Asano Rui 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSince the 1990s, United Nations (UN) peacekeepers have been engaged in multidimensional activities in conflict-affected countries. The existing literature, however, focuses predominantly on the effectiveness of military and police peacekeepers involving the threat of force, and does not shed light on the effectiveness of civilian peacekeepers despite the latter's crucial role in rebuilding local livelihoods and restoring state institutions. Civilian participation in peacekeeping increases both the benefits of peaceful life and the costs of combat. Further, civilian activities, by strengthening the rule of law and political accountability mechanism, contribute to encouraging both the rebels and government to disengage from further violence. Using the original dataset of financial resources for UN peacekeeping operations in the world, from 1988 to 2019, I test hypotheses regarding the impact of civilian expenditures on battle-related deaths. Regression analysis shows that spending on the civilian component in UN peacekeeping reduces battle-related deaths on the government side inflicted by insurgents.
Neuroimaging genetics approaches to identify new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Nisar Sabah , Haris Mohammad 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAutism-spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental disabilities that manifest in early childhood and are characterized by qualitative abnormalities in social behaviors, communication skills, and restrictive or repetitive behaviors. To explore the neurobiological mechanisms in ASD, extensive research has been done to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers through a neuroimaging genetics approach. Neuroimaging genetics helps to identify ASD-risk genes that contribute to structural and functional variations in brain circuitry and validate biological changes by elucidating the mechanisms and pathways that confer genetic risk. Integrating artificial intelligence models with neuroimaging data lays the groundwork for accurate diagnosis and facilitates the identification of early diagnostic biomarkers for ASD. This review discusses the significance of neuroimaging genetics approaches to gaining a better understanding of the perturbed neurochemical system and molecular pathways in ASD and how these approaches can detect structural, functional, and metabolic changes and lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ASD.
Tumor heterogeneity in VHL drives metastasis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hu Junhui , Tan Ping , Ishihara Moe , Bayley Nicholas A. , Schokrpur Shiruyeh , Reynoso Jeremy G. , Zhang Yangjun , Lim Raymond J. , Dumitras Camelia , Yang Lu , Dubinett Steven M. , Jat Parmjit S. , Van Snick Jacques , Huang Jiaoti , Chin Arnold I. , Prins Robert M. , Graeber Thomas G. , Xu Hua , Wu Lily 
Published: April 2023

AbstractLoss of function of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene is a hallmark of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The importance of heterogeneity in the loss of this tumor suppressor has been under reported. To study the impact of intratumoral VHL heterogeneity observed in human ccRCC, we engineeredVHLgene deletion in four RCC models, including a new primary tumor cell line derived from an aggressive metastatic case. TheVHLgene-deleted (VHL-KO) cells underwent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and exhibited increased motility but diminished proliferation and tumorigenicity compared to the parental VHL-expressing (VHL+) cells. Renal tumors with either VHL+or VHL-KO cells alone exhibit minimal metastatic potential. Combined tumors displayed rampant lung metastases, highlighting a novel cooperative metastatic mechanism. The poorly proliferative VHL-KO cells stimulated the proliferation, EMT, and motility of neighboring VHL+cells. Periostin (POSTN), a soluble protein overexpressed and secreted by VHL non-expressing (VHL−) cells, promoted metastasis by enhancing the motility of VHL-WT cells and facilitating tumor cell vascular escape. Genetic deletion or antibody blockade of POSTN dramatically suppressed lung metastases in our preclinical models. This work supports a new strategy to halt the progression of ccRCC by disrupting the critical metastatic crosstalk between heterogeneous cell populations within a tumor.
Hot spring distribution and survival mechanisms of thermophilic comammox Nitrospira
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Tao , Li Meng-Meng , Hua Zheng-Shuang , Evans Paul , Qu Yanni , Tan Sha , Zheng Min , Lu Hui , Jiao Jian-Yu , Lücker Sebastian , Daims Holger , Li Wen-Jun , Guo Jianhua 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The recent discovery of Nitrospira species capable of complete ammonia oxidation (comammox) in non-marine natural and engineered ecosystems under mesothermal conditions has changed our understanding of microbial nitrification. However, little is known about the occurrence of comammox bacteria or their ability to survive in moderately thermal and/or hyperthermal habitats. Here, we report the wide distribution of comammox Nitrospira in five terrestrial hot springs at temperatures ranging from 36 to 80°C and provide metagenome-assembled genomes of 11 new comammox strains. Interestingly, the identification of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) in thermophilic comammox Nitrospira lineages suggests that they have versatile ecological functions as both sinks and sources of ammonia, in contrast to the described mesophilic comammox lineages, which lack the DNRA pathway. Furthermore, the in situ expression of key genes associated with nitrogen metabolism, thermal adaptation, and oxidative stress confirmed their ability to survive in the studied hot springs and their contribution to nitrification in these environments. Additionally, the smaller genome size and higher GC content, less polar and more charged amino acids in usage profiles, and the expression of a large number of heat shock proteins compared to mesophilic comammox strains presumably confer tolerance to thermal stress. These novel insights into the occurrence, metabolic activity, and adaptation of comammox Nitrospira in thermal habitats further expand our understanding of the global distribution of comammox Nitrospira and have significant implications for how these unique microorganisms have evolved thermal tolerance strategies.
Using a smartwatch and smartphone to assess early Parkinson’s disease in the WATCH-PD study
Authors: Adams Jamie L. , Kangarloo Tairmae , Tracey Brian , O’Donnell Patricio , Volfson Dmitri , Latzman Robert D. , Zach Neta , Alexander Robert , Bergethon Peter , Cosman Joshua , Anderson David , Best Allen , Severson Joan , Kostrzebski Melissa A. , Auinger Peggy , Wilmot Peter , Pohlson Yvonne , Waddell Emma , Jensen-Roberts Stella , Gong Yishu , Kilambi Krishna Praneeth , Herrero Teresa Ruiz , Ray Dorsey E. ,   the Parkinson Study Group Watch-PD Study Investigators and Collaborators, Adams Jamie L. , Tarolli Christopher , Waddell Emma , Jensen-Roberts Stella , Soto Julia , Hogarth Penelope , Wahedi Mastura , Wakeman Katrina , Espay Alberto J. , Brown Julia , Wurzelbacher Christina , Gunzler Steven A. , Khawam Elisar , Kilbane Camilla , Spindler Meredith , Engeland Megan , Tarakad Arjun , Barrett Matthew J. , Cloud Leslie J. , Norris Virginia , Mari Zoltan , Wyant Kara J. , Chou Kelvin , Stovall Angela , Poon Cynthia , Simuni Tanya , Tingling Kyle , Luthra Nijee , Tanner Caroline , Yilmaz Eda , Romero Danilo , Thomas Karen , Matson Leslie , Richardson Lisa , Fullard Michelle , Feuerstein Jeanne , Shelton Erika , Shprecher David , Callan Michael , Feigin Andrew , Romano Caitlin , Romain Martina , Shum Michelle , Botting Erica , Harrell Leigh , Rocha Claudia , Ramdhani Ritesh , Gardner Joshua , Parker Ginger , Ross Victoria , Stephen Steve , Fisher Katherine , Edgerton Jeremy , Cedarbaum Jesse , Rubens Robert , Padmanabhan Jaya , Stephenson Diane , Severson Brian , Merickel Michael , Amato Daniel Jackson , Carroll Thomas 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDigital health technologies can provide continuous monitoring and objective, real-world measures of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but have primarily been evaluated in small, single-site studies. In this 12-month, multicenter observational study, we evaluated whether a smartwatch and smartphone application could measure features of early PD. 82 individuals with early, untreated PD and 50 age-matched controls wore research-grade sensors, a smartwatch, and a smartphone while performing standardized assessments in the clinic. At home, participants wore the smartwatch for seven days after each clinic visit and completed motor, speech and cognitive tasks on the smartphone every other week. Features derived from the devices, particularly arm swing, the proportion of time with tremor, and finger tapping, differed significantly between individuals with early PD and age-matched controls and had variable correlation with traditional assessments. Longitudinal assessments will inform the value of these digital measures for use in future clinical trials.
A lentiviral vector for the production of T cells with an inducible transgene and a constitutively expressed tumour-targeting receptor
Authors: Reichenbach Patrick , Giordano Attianese Greta Maria Paola , Ouchen Khaoula , Cribioli Elisabetta , Triboulet Melanie , Ash Sarah , Saillard Margaux , Vuillefroy de Silly Romain , Coukos George , Irving Melita 
Published: April 2023

AbstractVectors that facilitate the engineering of T cells that can better harness endogenous immunity and overcome suppressive barriers in the tumour microenvironment would help improve the safety and efficacy of T-cell therapies for more patients. Here we report the design, production and applicability, in T-cell engineering, of a lentiviral vector leveraging an antisense configuration and comprising a promoter driving the constitutive expression of a tumour-directed receptor and a second promoter enabling the efficient activation-inducible expression of a genetic payload. The vector allows for the delivery of a variety of genes to human T cells, as we show for interleukin-2 and a microRNA-based short hairpin RNA for the knockdown of the gene coding for haematopoietic progenitor kinase 1, a negative regulator of T-cell-receptor signalling. We also show that a gene encoded under an activation-inducible promoter is specifically expressed by tumour-redirected T cells on encountering a target antigen in the tumour microenvironment. The single two-gene-encoding vector can be produced at high titres under an optimized protocol adaptable to good manufacturing practices.
Fully on-chip photonic turnkey quantum source for entangled qubit/qudit state generation
Authors: Mahmudlu Hatam , Johanning Robert , van Rees Albert , Khodadad Kashi Anahita , Epping Jörn P. , Haldar Raktim , Boller Klaus-J. , Kues Michael 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntegrated photonics has recently become a leading platform for the realization and processing of optical entangled quantum states in compact, robust and scalable chip formats, with applications in long-distance quantum-secured communication, quantum-accelerated information processing and nonclassical metrology. However, the quantum light sources developed so far have relied on external bulky excitation lasers, making them impractical prototype devices that are not reproducible, hindering their scalability and transfer out of the laboratory into real-world applications. Here we demonstrate a fully integrated quantum light source that overcomes these challenges through the integration of a laser cavity, a highly efficient tunable noise suppression filter (>55 dB) exploiting the Vernier effect, and a nonlinear microring for entangled photon-pair generation through spontaneous four-wave mixing. The hybrid quantum source employs an electrically pumped InP gain section and a Si3N4 low-loss microring filter system, and demonstrates high performance parameters, that is, pair emission over four resonant modes in the telecom band (bandwidth of ~1 THz) and a remarkable pair detection rate of ~620 Hz at a high coincidence-to-accidental ratio of ~80. The source directly creates high-dimensional frequency-bin entangled quantum states (qubits/qudits), as verified by quantum interference measurements with visibilities up to 96% (violating Bell’s inequality) and by density matrix reconstruction through state tomography, showing fidelities of up to 99%. Our approach, leveraging a hybrid photonic platform, enables scalable, commercially viable, low-cost, compact, lightweight and field-deployable entangled quantum sources, quintessential for practical, out-of-laboratory applications such as in quantum processors and quantum satellite communications systems.