Unique Set Research Articles

Mélange dehydration and melting beneath South Sandwich Islands arc

Mechanisms regulating material transfer from subducted slabs to arc magmas remain debated, centered on metasomatized mantle wedge interactions versus mélange mobilization at the slab-mantle interface. The South Sandiwch Islands arc offers a unique setting to distinguish between these models due to the significant barium isotope contrast between altered oceanic crust and sediments, the latter displaying unusually light barium isotope compositions compared to the global sediment range. Here we show substantial barium isotope variations coupled with invariant strontium isotope ratios in arc lavas, consistent with mélange mobilization beneath the arc. Northern arc lavas display a broader range of barium isotope values than expected from slab inputs, suggesting barium isotope fractionation during slab material transport, potentially driven by phengite-related barium retention within the mélange. Notably, sediments, rather than altered oceanic crust, emerge as the dominant source of barium in arc lavas. While a comparison of barium isotope data from four additional arcs indicates mantle wedge metasomatism remains visible in several cases, mélange mobilization is consistent with available data across all of these subduction zones.

Sustainability of healthcare system improvements, programmes and interventions in acute care settings: protocol for a mixed methods systematic review

IntroductionSustaining evidence-based care is challenging in all clinical settings. Acute care settings have a unique set of contextual factors that may impact sustainability (eg, fast-paced, regular staff turnover). Much of...

Exploring the role of organizational identification in the nexus of psychological capital and organizational-oriented citizenship behaviors: evidence from healthcare professionals in India.

The purpose of this study is to explore the mediation of organizational identification (OI) in the relationship between employees' psychological capital (PsyCap) and their engagement in organizational-oriented citizenship behaviors (OCBO). We examine the proposed theoretical model through the lens of the job demand and resources (JD-R) model and social identity theory (SIT), focusing specifically on the healthcare setting. Employing a structured questionnaire, responses were collected from 240 healthcare professionals working in multinational pharmacovigilance firms in select Tier-I Indian cities using purposive sampling. Model testing constituted performing statistical analyses using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in the R environment, an open-source software. Results revealed a significant positive association between PsyCap and OCBO. In addition, we found that OI mediated the relationship between PsyCap and OCBO. This suggests that practitioners can stimulate extra-role performance in employees through enhancing PsyCap and fostering psychological oneness with the organization. The research emphasizes the significant role of employees' personal resources, manifested in the form of PsyCap, in having a bearing on their attitudes and feelings towards the organization. We explore the under-researched latent mechanism of the PsyCap and OCBO relationship through employees' social identification process. In this research, we uncover the underlying mechanism of PsyCap and OCBO association by highlighting the latent role of OI on a unique set of healthcare professionals.

"The three musketeers": A triadic analysis of parenting responsibilities within U.K. LGBTQ+ three-parent families.

Within the United Kingdom, alongside many other countries, it is legally and socially assumed that every child is born with two parents. Recently, there has been an increased societal interest in intentional multiparent families, where more than two adults are actively involved in coparenting a child, yet little research has explored experiences within these families. This study addresses this gap, exploring the way in which parenting roles and responsibilities are negotiated within lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning intentional three-parent families in the United Kingdom. This article draws upon a unique data set of three-parent families, including interviews with 12 lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning parents in four families in the United Kingdom. Data were analyzed using a novel analytical approach, qualitative triadic analysis, which allows for the analysis of participants' experiences at an individual and family level. Family systems theory and the underutilized theoretical concept of emotional triangles were used to make sense of the data. Three themes were identified in the data, all addressing the research question "How do three-parent families negotiate parenting roles and responsibilities?" Findings highlight that participants managed their parenting arrangement in two different ways, either sharing parenting responsibilities equally or dividing parenting roles, with primary and secondary caregivers taking on different responsibilities. Participants discussed the importance of flexibility and communication in managing their arrangement and all participants reported positive coparenting relationships. This study has a number of implications: Methodologically and theoretically, this study highlights the usefulness of systemic qualitative approaches to studying diverse families. Legally, findings highlight the restrictiveness of two-parent models. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

TAp63γ is the primary isoform of TP63 for tumor suppression but not development

TP63 is expressed as TAp63 and ΔNp63 from the P1 and P2 promoters, respectively. While TAp63 and ΔNp63 are expressed as three TAp63α/β/γ and ΔNp63α/β/γ due to alternative splicing, only p63α (TA and ΔN) and p63γ (TA and ΔN) proteins are found to be detectable and likely to be responsible for p63-dependent activity. Previous studies implied and/or demonstrated that TAp63α, which contains an N-terminal activation domain conserved in p53, functions as a tumor suppressor by regulating an array of genes for growth suppression. By contrast, ΔNp63α, which also contains an N-terminal activation domain but is different from that in TAp63, regulates a unique set of genes and functions as a master regulator for development of epidermis and other stratified epithelial tissues. However, the biological function of p63γ is largely unexplored. To explore this, we generated a mouse model in that exon 10’, a coding exon specific for p63γ, was deleted by CRISPR-cas9. We showed that mice deficient in p63γ are viable and futile, which is different from mice deficient in total TP63 or p63α. Like TAp63-deficient mice, p63γ-deficient mice have a short lifespan and are prone to spontanenous tumors. Additionally, loss of p63γ shortens the lifespan of tumor-free mice potentially via increased cellular senescence. Moreover, mice deficient in p63γ are prone to chronic inflammation in multiple organs and liver steatosis potentially via altered lipid metabolism. Single-cell RNA-seq revealed that loss of p63γ increases the expression of SCD1, a rate-limiting enzyme for synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids, leading to altered lipid homeostasis. Together, our data indicate that TP63γ is the primary isoform of TP63 for tumor suppression but not development by maintaining normal inflammatory response and lipid homeostasis.

Quantitative Stratification for Singular Set of Stationary Approximate Biharmonic Maps

Quantitative Stratification for Singular Set of Stationary Approximate Biharmonic Maps

Melampsora larici-populina homologous effectors Mlp72983 and Mlp52166 display cell-type specific accumulation in Arabidopsis and Populus

Plants interact with microorganisms that can cause diseases and reduce crop productivity. The fungal pathogen Melampsora larici-populina (Mlp) causes the leaf rust disease of poplar trees by secreting proteins, termed effectors, into host tissues to promote pathogenesis. In this study, we functionally characterized two homologous Mlp candidate secreted effector proteins (CSEPs), Mlp72983 and Mlp52166. Confocal microscopy experiments revealed that Mlp72983 has cell type-specific differential localization. It accumulates in the guard cells’ chloroplast of the epidermis and in the nucleus of the spongy mesophyll of Arabidopsis thaliana and Populus alba x Populus tremula. Mlp52166 has a nucleocytosolic accumulation in the epidermal layer and has nuclear localization in the mesophyll layer of the two species. Transcriptomic experiments showed that Mlp72983 and Mlp52166 deregulate plant genes, when constitutively expressed in either Arabidopsis or poplar. The two CSEPs deregulate genes that encode histones, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and multidrug and toxic compound extrusion proteins, with roles in DNA repair, methylation, and xenobiotic detoxification. Inoculation assays showed that CSEPs overexpression in poplar transgenics did not enhance susceptibility to rust infection. Despite being closely related in sequence identity, Mlp72983 and Mlp52166 have cell-type specific subcellular localization and deregulate mostly unique sets of plant genes.

Extensions of Schoen–Simon–Yau and Schoen–Simon theorems via iteration à la De Giorgi

Abstract We give an alternative proof of the Schoen–Simon–Yau curvature estimates and associated Bernstein-type theorems (Schoen et al. in Acta Math. 134:275–288, 1975), and extend the original result by including the case of 6-dimensional (stable minimal) immersions. The key step is an ε-regularity theorem, that assumes smallness of the scale-invariant $L^{2}$ L 2 norm of the second fundamental form. Further, we obtain a graph description, in the Lipschitz multi-valued sense, for any stable minimal immersion of dimension $n\geq 2$ n ≥ 2 , that may have a singular set $\Sigma $ Σ of locally finite $\mathcal{H}^{n-2}$ H n − 2 -measure, and that is weakly close to a hyperplane. (In fact, if the $\mathcal{H}^{n-2}$ H n − 2 -measure of the singular set vanishes, the conclusion is strengthened to a union of smooth graphs.) This follows directly from an ε-regularity theorem, that assumes smallness of the scale-invariant $L^{2}$ L 2 tilt-excess (verified when the hypersurface is weakly close to a hyperplane). Specialising the multi-valued decomposition to the case of embeddings, we recover the Schoen–Simon theorem (Schoen and Simon 34:741–797, 1981). In both ε-regularity theorems the relevant quantity (respectively, length of the second fundamental form and tilt function) solves a non-linear PDE on the immersed minimal hypersurface. The proof is carried out intrinsically (without linearising the PDE) by implementing an iteration method à la De Giorgi (from the linear De Giorgi–Nash–Moser theory). Stability implies estimates (intrinsic weak Caccioppoli inequalities) that make the iteration effective despite the non-linear framework. (In both ε-regularity theorems the method gives explicit constants that quantify the required smallness.)

Chinese students’ experiences of ‘high-stakes’ assessment: the role of fitness testing

ABSTRACT Background ‘High-stakes’ testing is a common practice in China and is expanding worldwide. As part of these practices, physical education assessments are compulsory for all students. Given this, China provides a unique setting to explore students’ reflective experiences of mandatory ‘high-stakes’ assessment in physical education. Purpose The purpose of this paper was to explore Chinese students’ reflective experiences and perceptions of the physical education component of the Zhongkao (‘high-stakes’ senior high school entrance examination). Methods This paper uses semi-structured group interviews with 24 students enrolled in a Year 11 physical education class in Shanghai. The transcripts from the interviews were analysed using concept coding, conceptual mapping, and analytical memos. Findings This paper found ‘high-stakes’ assessment in Shanghai focused on physical performances and students felt this went against the perceived holistic aims of physical education. The students also reported teachers changed their pedagogical approach to focus on achieving higher fitness scores. Lastly, students stated the test lacked diversity and was not a fair measurement of learning. Conclusion This study suggests ‘high-stakes’ testing practices in China are disconnected from the students’ beliefs about the value of physical education. As such, we contend that assessment practices in physical education should reflect the diverse forms of learning that happens in physical education.

Acceptance and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy in Canada

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic posed a unique set of risks to pregnant women and pregnant people. SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of severe illness and adverse perinatal outcomes. However, evidence regarding the use of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy shows safety and efficacy. Despite eligibility and recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women and pregnant people in Canada, uptake remains lower compared to the general population, warranting exploration of influencing factors. The COVERED study, a national prospective cohort, utilized web-based surveys to collect data from pregnant women and pregnant people across Canada on COVID-19 vaccine attitudes, uptake, and hesitancy factors from July 2021 to December 2023. Survey questions were informed by validated tools including the WHO Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Of 1093 respondents who were pregnant at the time of the survey, 87.7% received or intended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. TPB variables such as positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.08–1.14), direct social norms, and indirect social norms were significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Perceived vaccine risks, assessed by the WHO VHS, were greater in those not accepting of the vaccine. Our study identified several key factors that play a role in vaccine uptake: perceived vaccine risks and safety and social norms. These findings may guide public health recommendations and prenatal vaccine counseling strategies.

The impact of self-centered factors on skepticism towards CSR claims during large-scale external crises

External crises create opportunities to strengthen companies’ commitment to society through CSR claims; however, consumers often perceive them as opportunistic. This study leverages the unique setting of COVID-19 to determine the power of consumer self-centered factors (i.e., concern about the crisis, personal impact, and political ideology) to predict situational skepticism towards CSR communication during a large-scale external crisis. An online survey of 1,000 consumers, analyzed using structural equation modeling, revealed that self-centered variables are key determinants to predict skepticism during external events. This effect is mediated by the inferential process of attributing motives. Their predictive power is consistent across the four CSR domains (i.e., customer, environment, employees, philanthropy). This study moves forward on the egocentric pattern projection and the attribution theories by addressing reactive CSR to external crises, a type of crisis that has been overlooked, and supports managerial decisions to mitigate CSR skepticism for potential external crises to come.

Evaluating dimensionality reduction of comorbidities for predictive modeling in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Dimensionality reduction techniques aim to enhance the performance of machine learning (ML) models by reducing noise and mitigating overfitting. We sought to compare the effect of different dimensionality reduction methods for comorbidity features extracted from electronic health records (EHRs) on the performance of ML models for predicting the development of various sub-phenotypes in children with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). EHR-derived data from pediatric subjects with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of NF1 were used to create 10 unique comorbidities code-derived feature sets by incorporating dimensionality reduction techniques using raw International Classification of Diseases codes, Clinical Classifications Software Refined, and Phecode mapping schemes. We compared the performance of logistic regression, XGBoost, and random forest models utilizing each feature set. XGBoost-based predictive models were most successful at predicting NF1 sub-phenotypes. Overall, features based on domain knowledge-informed mapping schema performed better than unsupervised feature reduction methods. High-level features exhibited the worst performance across models and outcomes, suggesting excessive information loss with over-aggregation of features. Model performance is significantly impacted by dimensionality reduction techniques and varies by specific ML algorithm and outcome being predicted. Automated methods using existing knowledge and ontology databases can effectively aggregate features extracted from EHRs. Dimensionality reduction through feature aggregation can enhance the performance of ML models, particularly in high-dimensional datasets with small sample sizes, commonly found in EHRs health applications. However, if not carefully optimized, it can lead to information loss and data oversimplification, potentially adversely affecting model performance.

Social and health disparities associated with healthy brain ageing in Brazil and in other Latin American countries.

Latin American countries present major health-related inequities due to historical, cultural, and social aspects. Recent evidence highlights that factors related to social and health disparities outweigh classic demographic factors in determining healthy brain aging in these populations. However, these analyses have not been conducted with the Brazilian population, the largest and most ethnically diverse population in Latin America. Here, we evaluated demographic, social, and health factors for healthy brain ageing using a machine learning model in a Brazilian population-based cohort (n=9412) and in additional cohorts from other Latin American countries, including Colombia (n=23 694), Chile (n=1301), Ecuador (n=5235), and Uruguay (n=1450). In the Brazilian population and other Latin American countries, social and health disparities were more influential than demographic factors for cognition and functional ability. Uniquely in Brazil, education emerged as the primary risk factor impacting cognitive outcomes, diverging from other Latin American countries where mental health symptoms played more prominent roles. In terms of functional ability, Brazil displayed a distinct pattern, with mental health symptoms identified as the primary contributing factor. Our findings indicate that Brazil converges with other Latin American countries to show that heterogeneous factors impacted more than demographic factors, but also showed a unique set of health factors when compared with other Latin American countries. Therefore, our study emphasises that social and health disparity factors are relevant predictors of healthy brain ageing in Latin America, but population-specific analyses are necessary to identify the specific risk profiles of each country. None. For the Portuguese and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

An In-Depth Analysis of the State Laws That License International Medical Graduates Without American Residency Training.

International medical graduates (IMGs) have been integral to the United States (US) healthcare system and have helped tackle physician shortages for over a century. Current data suggest that by 2030, almost half the states will suffer from physician shortage and estimate a deficit of almost 139,000 physician jobs nationally. These numbers raise concern and call for innovative strategies to mitigate the potential problem. Against this background, the state of Tennessee has passed a law that allows IMGs licensed in a foreign country to obtain provisional licensure to practice in the United States, without the completion of a US-based residency. After the Senate bill SB 1451 was passed in Tennessee, several other states (including Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Virginia, and Wisconsin) have followed suit and started the legislative process to pass laws that provide a new entry point for IMGs seeking to practice medicine in the United States. Each of these laws comes with a unique set of stringent specifications and requirements for individuals who wish to use these novel pathways. Through this article, we highlight the pathways that have opened for IMGs to directly enter clinical practice in the United States (without residency or fellowship training) and explore their implications on patient care and diversity of physician workforce in America.

Coronal hole picoflare jets are progenitors of both fast and Alfvénic slow solar wind

Solar wind, classified by its bulk speed and the Alfvénic nature of its fluctuations, generates the heliosphere. The elusive physical processes responsible for the generation of the different types of this wind are a topic of active debate. Recent observations reveal intermittent jets, with kinetic energy in the picoflare range, emerging from dark areas of a polar coronal hole threaded by open magnetic field lines. These could substantially contribute to solar wind. However, their ubiquity and direct links to solar wind have not been established. Here, we report a unique set of remote-sensing and in situ observations from the Solar Orbiter spacecraft that establish a unified picture of fast and Alfvénic slow wind, connected to the similar widespread picoflare jet activity in two coronal holes. Radial expansion of coronal holes ultimately regulates the speed of the emerging wind.

Dose measurements with the Pille-ISS thermoluminescent dosimeter system during extravehicular activities (2004-2022).

One of the most problematic goals for radiation safety during spaceflight is an assessment of additional doses received by astronauts during extravehicular activity (EVA). The Pille-ISS thermoluminescent dosimeter developed by the predecessor of the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN) Centre for Energy Research (Budapest, Hungary) is designed for the routine dose measurements not only inside the spacecraft compartments, but also for personal dosimetric control for EVA. During almost two decades of the International Space Station (ISS) operation, the unique set of 131 EVA doses were recorded in different conditions, such as: solar activity, ISS trajectory along the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), and shielding conditions provided by two kinds of spacesuits: the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) and Orlan. The EVA dose rates during the normal scenario (without SAA crossing during EVA) are: 26 μGy/h on average, with maximum value of 118 μGy/h for the EMU spacesuit; and 103 μGy/h on average, with maximum value of 255 μGy/h for the Orlan spacesuit. However, the corresponding EVA dose can increase by about 33% on average regardless the spacesuit type, depending on time spent in SAA. The worst case mean EVA dose is equivalent to ∼ 7 days inside the ISS with 2.423 mGy. In general, the possible additional radiation risk due to the EVA is small in comparison with typical half-year mission onboard the ISS. The long-term experience of EVA dose assessments with Pille-ISS dosimeter shows that in some cases the skin dose can be underestimated due to the excessive shielding of the standard Pille-ISS dosimeter. To solve this problem, the modified Pille-ISS dosimeters with significantly reduced shielding are developed and involved onboard the ISS for the dose measurements starting from 2023.

Modeling of Parkinson's Disease in Different Models.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive disorder worldwide and its etiology remains unidentified. Over the last few decades, animal models of PD have been extensively utilized to explore the development and mechanisms of this neurodegenerative condition. Toxic and transgenic animal models for PD possess unique characteristics and constraints, necessitating careful consideration when selecting the appropriate model for research purposes. Animal models have played a significant role in uncovering the causes and development of PD, including its cellular and molecular processes. These models suggest that the disorder arises from intricate interplays between genetic predispositions and environmental influences. Every model possesses its unique set of strengths and weaknesses. This review provides a critical examination of animal models for PD and compares them with the features observed in the human manifestation of the disease.

Bayesian identification of differentially expressed isoforms using a novel joint model of RNA-seq data.

We develop a Bayesian approach, BayesIso, to identify differentially expressed isoforms from RNA-seq data. The approach features a novel joint model of the sample variability and the deferential state of isoforms. Specifically, the within-sample variability and the between-sample variability of each isoform are modeled by a Poisson-Lognormal model and a Gamma-Gamma model, respectively. Using a Bayesian framework, the differential state of each isoform and the model parameters are jointly estimated by a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. Extensive studies using simulation and real data demonstrate that BayesIso can effectively detect isoforms of less differentially expressed and differential transcripts for genes with multiple isoforms. We applied the approach to breast cancer RNA-seq data and uncovered a unique set of isoforms that form key pathways associated with breast cancer recurrence. First, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and PTEN signaling pathways are identified as being involved in breast cancer development. Further integrated with protein-protein interaction data, pathways of Jak-STAT, mTOR, MAPK and Wnt signaling are revealed in association with breast cancer recurrence. Finally, several pathways are activated in the early recurrence of breast cancer. In tumors that occur early, members of pathways of cellular metabolism and cell cycle (such as CD36 and TOP2A) are upregulated, while immune response genes such as NFATC1 are downregulated.

Homemade formulas for nutrition support in chronic kidney disease: A narrative review of the opportunity for education, research, and innovation.

Protein-energy wasting is common in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in those undergoing kidney replacement therapy. Oral nutrition supplements and enteral nutrition are strategies that have been shown to improve nutrition status, and potentially outcomes. However, access to specialized commercial products for people with CKD is limited by factors including cost and regional availability. Homemade formulas represent a potentially cheaper, accessible, and more flexible option than commercial products, but they come with their own unique set of challenges. Furthermore, some aspects of homemade products, including consistency of nutrients, physical properties, and food safety, may pose challenges in the context of physiological changes that occur in CKD. Despite evidence of their use in CKD clinics, there have been few studies using homemade formulas in this population. This narrative review article summarizes the available literature on the potential usage, benefits, and concerns related to homemade formulas, emphasizing the unique challenges in people with CKD. Given the potential usage and limited research on homemade formulas in people with CKD, additional education and research are warranted to optimize the use of these tools in this clinical population.

Turning puzzle games into fashion: Exploring personal outfits through symbol-based clothing assembly

The intersection of gaming and fashion opens a novel avenue for personal expression through symbol-based clothing assembly, akin to puzzle games. This study delves into the transformative potential of integrating the mechanics of puzzles into creating personal outfits, fostering a platform for individuals to manifest their distinctive style and creativity. The research scrutinizes the design process, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between self-expression and individuality, and the cognitive stimulation provided by the puzzle-solving aspect that enhances the wearer’s brainstorming capabilities. Implementing this concept poses a unique set of challenges and opportunities, aiming to redefine the paradigms of fashion design. Ultimately, this innovative approach seeks to revolutionize personal style, creating a dynamic and interactive experience that resonates with the wearer’s identity and ingenuity.