bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining barriers to antiretroviral therapy initiation in infants living with HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa despite the availability of point‐of‐care diagnostic testing: a narrative systematic review
Authors: Chapuma Chikondi Isabel Joana , Sakala Doreen , Nyang'wa Maggie Nyirenda , Hosseinipour Mina C. , Mbeye Nyanyiwe , Matoga Mitch , Kumwenda Moses Kelly , Chikweza Annastarsia , Nyondo‐Mipando Alinane Linda , Mwapasa Victor
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in infants living with HIV before 12 weeks of age can reduce the risk of mortality by 75%. Point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic testing is critical for prompt ART initiation; however, despite its availability, rates of ART initiation are still relatively low before 12 weeks of age. This systematic review describes the barriers to ART initiation in infants before 12 weeks of age, despite the availability of POC.

Methods

This systematic review used a narrative synthesis methodology. We searched PubMed and Scopus using search strategies that combined terms of multiple variants of the keywords “early infant initiation on antiretroviral therapy,” “barriers” and “sub‐Saharan Africa” (initial search 18th January 2023; final search 1st August 2023). We included qualitative, observational and mixed methods studies that reported the influences of early infant initiation on ART. We excluded studies that reported influences on other components of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission cascade. Using a deductive approach guided by the updated Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research, we developed descriptive codes and themes around barriers to early infant initiation on ART. We then developed recommendations for interventions for the identified barriers using the action, actor, target and time framework from the codes.

Results

Of the 266 abstracts reviewed, 52 full‐text papers were examined, of which 12 papers were included. South Africa had most papers from a single country (n = 3) and the most reported study design was retrospective (n = 6). Delays in ART initiation beyond 12 weeks in infants 0–12 months were primarily associated with health facility and maternal factors. The most prominent barriers identified were inadequate resources for POC testing (including human resources, laboratory facilities and patient follow‐up). Maternal‐related factors, such as limited male involvement and maternal perceptions of treatment and care, were also influential.

Discussion

We identified structural barriers to ART initiation at the health system, social and cultural levels. Improvements in the timely allocation of resources for POC testing operations, coupled with interventions addressing social and behavioural barriers among both mothers and healthcare providers, hold a promise for enhancing timely ART initiation in infants.

Conclusions

This paper identifies barriers and proposes strategies for timely ART initiation in infants.
Structural change and gender sectoral segregation in sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Zuazu Izaskun
Published: July 2024

Structural change has long been at the core of economic development debates. However, the gender implications of structural change are still largely unexplored. This paper helps to fill this gap by analysing the role of structural change in the gender distribution of sectoral employment in sub‐Saharan African countries. I employ aggregate and disaggregate measures of gender sectoral segregation in employment, which measure the difference between the gender distribution across sectors with respect to the overall participation of women and men in the labour market. I build a panel database consisting of 10 sectors and 11 countries during 1960–2010. Fixed effects and instrumental variables' regression models show a significant, nonlinear link between labour productivity and gender segregation. Increasing labour productivity depresses gender segregation at initial phases of structural change. However, further productivity gains beyond a certain threshold of sectoral development increases gender segregation. Country‐industry panel data models complement the analysis showing that relative labour productivity has a nonlinear impact in gender segregation: Initial increases in relative productivity increases feminization but further relative productivity gains foster the masculinization of sectors. The estimates suggest that manufacturing, utilities, construction, business, and government services are key to correct gender biases in employment along the process of structural change.
Prophylactic antibodies inhibit spike‐specific T and B cell responses after COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Mei Henrik E. , Schulz Axel Ronald , Hirseland Heike , Diekmann Lisa‐Marie , Habermann Elisa , ten Hagen Alexander , Albach Fredrik , Burmester Gerd‐Rüdiger , Grützkau Andreas , Biesen Robert
Published: July 2024

Active and passive immunization is used in high‐risk patients to prevent severe courses of COVID‐19, but the impact of prophylactic neutralizing antibodies on the immune reaction to the mRNA vaccines has remained enigmatic. Here we show that CD4 T and B cell responses to Spikevax booster immunization are suppressed by the therapeutic antibodies Casirivimab and Imdevimab. B cell and T cell responses were significantly induced in controls but not in antibody‐treated patients. The data indicates that humoral immunity, i. e. high levels of antibodies, negatively impacts reactive immunity, resulting in blunted cellular responses upon boosting. This argues for temporal separation of vaccination efforts; with active vaccination preferably applied before prophylactic therapeutic antibody treatment.
Transcriptional evidence for transient regulation of muscle regeneration by brown adipose transplant in the rotator cuff
Authors: Gui Chang , Meyer Gretchen
Published: July 2024

Chronic rotator cuff (RC) injuries can lead to a degenerative microenvironment that favors chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and fatty infiltration. Recovery of muscle structure and function will ultimately require a complex network of muscle resident cells, including satellite cells, fibro‐adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), and immune cells. Recent work suggests that signaling from adipose tissue and progenitors could modulate regeneration and recovery of function, particularly promyogenic signaling from brown or beige adipose (BAT). In this study, we sought to identify cellular targets of BAT signaling during muscle regeneration using a RC BAT transplantation mouse model. Cardiotoxin injured supraspinatus muscle had improved mass at 7 days postsurgery (dps) when transplanted with exogeneous BAT. Transcriptional analysis revealed transplanted BAT modulates FAP signaling early in regeneration likely via crosstalk with immune cells. However, this conferred no long‐term benefit as muscle mass and function were not improved at 28 dps. To eliminate the confounding effects of endogenous BAT, we transplanted BAT in the “BAT‐free” uncoupling protein‐1 diphtheria toxin fragment A (UCP1‐DTA) mouse and here found improved muscle contractile function, but not mass at 28 dps. Interestingly, the transplanted BAT increased fatty infiltration in all experimental groups, implying modulation of FAP adipogenesis during regeneration. Thus, we conclude that transplanted BAT modulates FAP signaling early in regeneration, but does not grant long‐term benefits.
A comparison of two models for detecting inconsistency in network meta‐analysis
Authors: Qin Lu , Zhao Shishun , Guo Wenlai , Tong Tiejun , Yang Ke
Published: July 2024

The application of network meta‐analysis is becoming increasingly widespread, and for a successful implementation, it requires that the direct comparison result and the indirect comparison result should be consistent. Because of this, a proper detection of inconsistency is often a key issue in network meta‐analysis as whether the results can be reliably used as a clinical guidance. Among the existing methods for detecting inconsistency, two commonly used models are the design‐by‐treatment interaction model and the side‐splitting models. While the original side‐splitting model was initially estimated using a Bayesian approach, in this context, we employ the frequentist approach. In this paper, we review these two types of models comprehensively as well as explore their relationship by treating the data structure of network meta‐analysis as missing data and parameterizing the potential complete data for each model. Through both analytical and numerical studies, we verify that the side‐splitting models are specific instances of the design‐by‐treatment interaction model, incorporating additional assumptions or under certain data structure. Moreover, the design‐by‐treatment interaction model exhibits robust performance across different data structures on inconsistency detection compared to the side‐splitting models. Finally, as a practical guidance for inconsistency detection, we recommend utilizing the design‐by‐treatment interaction model when there is a lack of information about the potential location of inconsistency. By contrast, the side‐splitting models can serve as a supplementary method especially when the number of studies in each design is small, enabling a comprehensive assessment of inconsistency from both global and local perspectives.
Understanding food safety challenges through a gender and social lens in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Milovanova Natalia , Chukwugozie Deborah C. , David Kezhiya , Okonji Blessing Anthonia , Njoagwuani Esther Ibe , Onwukaeme Ifeanyi Michael , Nnaji Nnabueze Darlington , Onyeaka Helen , Tamasiga Phemelo
Published: July 2024

Food safety is crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of the global food supply. However, the gender and social dimensions of food safety are often overlooked and undervalued. Women, who are primary caretakers in households, play a vital role in food preparation, storage, and consumption. Gender inequality can result in limited access to resources and information needed for safe food handling and storage, increasing women's vulnerability to foodborne illnesses. Cultural practices, education, and income levels also impact food safety. These factors can contribute to disparities in food safety and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses among certain populations. Promoting gender equality, cultural sensitivity, and addressing income inequality are essential to ensure safe and secure food for all. Addressing these issues can lead to a more equitable and sustainable food system.
ReactionMechanismSimulator.jl: A modern approach to chemical kinetic mechanism simulation and analysis
Authors: Johnson Matthew S. , Pang Hao‐Wei , Payne Allen Mark , Green William H.
Published: July 2024

We present ReactionMechanismSimulator.jl (RMS), a modern differentiable software for the simulation and analysis of chemical kinetic mechanisms, including multiphase systems. RMS has already been applied to problems in combustion, pyrolysis, polymers, pharmaceuticals, catalysis, and electrocatalysis. RMS is written in Julia, making it easy to develop and allowing it to take advantage of Julia's extensive numerical computing ecosystem. In addition to its extensive library of optimized analytic Jacobians, RMS can generate and use Jacobians computed using automatic differentiation and symbolically generated analytic Jacobians. RMS is demonstrated to be faster than Cantera and Chemkin in several benchmarks. RMS also implements an extensive set of features for analyzing chemical mechanisms, including a library of easy‐to‐call plotting functions, molecular structure resolved flux diagram generation, crash analysis, traditional sensitivity analysis, transitory sensitivity analysis, and an automatic mechanism analysis toolkit. RMS implements efficient adjoint and parallel forward sensitivity analyses. We also demonstrate the ease of adding new features to RMS.
The Effect of Post‐Treatment Combined Lifestyle Interventions on Quality of Life in Colorectal Cancer Patients – A Systematic Review
Authors: Gielen Anke H. C. , Thomassen Britt J. M. , Bult Tim J. , Melenhorst Jarno , Kimman Merel L. , Breukink Stephanie O.
Published: July 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer is identified as a lifestyle‐related type of cancer. There is an increasing emphasis on lifestyle interventions targeting pivotal lifestyle factors such as excess weight, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet and physical inactivity as primary and tertiary prevention. Furthermore, modifying these lifestyle factors has the potential to improve quality of life for cancer patients. We aim to identify, appraise and synthesise the available evidence regarding the effect of combined lifestyle interventions on quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors.

Methods

Pubmed, Ovid Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies reporting on quality of life in post‐treatment colorectal cancer patients. The systematic literature search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

Five articles reporting on 719 individual patients were included. Two studies reported significantly better results in (cancer‐specific) quality‐of‐life questionnaires for patients after combined lifestyle interventions.

Conclusion

We conclude that there is some evidence that combined lifestyle interventions could have beneficial effects on the quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors. Future randomised controlled trials reporting on quality of life of combined lifestyle interventions in colorectal cancer survivors are warranted.
Carbon emissions from inland waters may be underestimated: Evidence from European river networks fragmented by drying
Authors: López‐Rojo Naiara , Datry Thibault , Peñas Francisco J. , Singer Gabriel , Lamouroux Nicolas , Barquín José , Rodeles Amaia A. , Silverthorn Teresa , Sarremejane Romain , del Campo Rubén , Estévez Edurne , Mimeau Louise , Boyer Frédéric , Künne Annika , Dalvai Ragnoli Martin , Foulquier Arnaud
Published: July 2024

River networks contribute disproportionately to the global carbon cycle. However, global estimates of carbon emissions from inland waters are based on perennial rivers, even though more than half of the world's river length is prone to drying. We quantified CO2 and CH4 emissions from flowing water and dry riverbeds across six European drying river networks (DRNs, 120 reaches) and three seasons and identified drivers of emissions using local and regional variables. Drivers of emissions from flowing water differed between perennial and non‐perennial reaches, both CO2 and CH4 emissions were controlled partly by the annual drying severity, reflecting a drying legacy effect. Upscaled CO2 emissions for the six DRNs at the annual scale revealed that dry riverbeds contributed up to 77% of the annual emissions, calling for an urgent need to include non‐perennial rivers in global estimates of greenhouse gas emissions.
Monitoring tides, currents, and waves along coastal habitats using the Mini Buoy
Authors: Ladd Cai J. T. , Vovides Alejandra G. , Wimmler Marie‐Christin , Schwarz Christian , Balke Thorsten
Published: July 2024

Intertidal habitats are shaped by the actions of tides and waves which are difficult to monitor in shallow water. To address this challenge, the “Mini Buoy” and associated open‐source App were recently developed for the low‐cost and long‐term monitoring of tidal inundation and current velocities simultaneously. The Mini Buoy is a bottom‐mounted float that measures tilt to infer near‐bed hydrodynamics. Here, we present significant updates to the Mini Buoy and App. Two new Mini Buoy designs were calibrated: the “Pendant” that requires minimal assembly for deployment, and the “B4+” that can also measure wave orbital velocity. Comparisons against industry‐standard water‐level and velocity sensors deployed in the field showed that each new design was effective at detecting tidal inundation (overall accuracy of 86–97%) and current velocities (R2 = 0.73–0.91; accuracies of ± 0.14–0.22 m s−1; detection limits between 0.02 and 0.8 m s−1). The B4+ could reasonably measure wave orbital velocities (R2 = 0.56; accuracies of ± 0.18 m s−1; detection limits between 0.02 and 0.8 m s−1). Reducing the sampling rate to prolong survey durations did not markedly reduce the precision of velocity measurements, except in the original Mini Buoy design (uncertainty increased by ± 2.11 m s−1 from 1 to 10 s sampling). The updated App enhances user experience, accepts data from any Mini Buoy design, is suitable for generic use across any tidal setting, and presents multiple options to understand and contrast local hydrodynamic regimes. Improvements to the Mini Buoy designs and App offer greater opportunities in monitoring hydrodynamics for purposes including ecosystem restoration and flood risk management.
Using a baited imaging sonar (BISON) to quantify the density, size, and detection range of fishes in a shallow, nearshore habitat
Authors: Sibley Edward C. P. , Boswell Kevin M. , Binder Benjamin M. , White Allison L. , Mell Aedan M. , Scott Beth E. , Madgett Alethea S. , Elsdon Travis S. , Marnane Michael J. , Fernandes Paul G.
Published: July 2024

Methods that supplement optical instruments with bait, such as baited remote underwater video (BRUV), are used worldwide to detect and quantify marine life. Optical instruments only detect targets within visible range, such that BRUVs may underestimate fishes in light‐limited habitats, especially fishes that respond to the bait at ranges beyond visibility. Alternatively, light‐independent instruments (e.g., imaging sonars) can detect and quantify fishes regardless of visibility. This study presents the first application of a baited imaging sonar (BISON), deployed to survey fishes around a small, shallow artificial habitat in a turbid embayment in southern Florida. To establish the influence of bait on fish detection, BISON trials were alternately conducted alongside deployments of an unbaited control, with a high‐definition camera integrated to ascertain visibility and inform species composition. For fishes of two size classes, larger (> 30 cm) and smaller (10–30 cm), maximum density (MaxD) and range of detection were quantified. Although the densities of larger and smaller fishes quantified by the BISON and unbaited control did not differ, over 55% of larger fishes were detected at ranges beyond maximum visibility, with asymptotes in fish density on the BISON identified at 15–20 min and 5–10 min for larger and smaller fishes, respectively. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of BISONs as both a complementary and alternative method to BRUVs for quantifying fishes, especially in habitats of limited visibility. Future applications of BISONs in other habitats will further demonstrate its value as a tool to detect and enumerate aquatic assemblages.
High‐Resolution Integral Imaging Display Using Targeted Optimized Compound Lens Array for Voxel Aliasing Elimination
Authors: Liu Yi‐Jian , Wen Xue‐Rui , Hu Xiao‐Shuai , Li Wei‐Ze , Xing Yan , Liu Chao , Zhang Han‐Le , Wang Qiong‐Hua
Published: July 2024

Integral imaging (InIm) 3D displays provide realistic 3D images with comfortable viewing experiences. However, existing approaches struggle to achieve high spatial resolution reproduction without relying on temporal or spatial multiplexing methods, which increases system complexity. Although precise control approaches for voxel formation have been explored to address this challenge, the existing methods lack systematic analysis theories for identifying the key factors affecting spatial resolution. In this study, a novel analysis framework is proposed that uses a point spread function (PSF) to characterize voxel formation. An analytical model based on the obtained PSF is established to achieve an aliasing‐free display. This framework identifies optimization directions for improving the spatial resolution, specifically by reducing the Gaussian blur caused by wavefront aberration in the lens unit. A targeted optimization of a compound lens array is conducted to achieve precise control of voxel formation. In these experiments, an InIm 3D display system prototype that substantially outperforms conventional InIm 3D displays is developed. The prototype achieves a 74.6% reduction in the system PSF and a 29.85% reduction in voxel size, enabling aliasing‐free voxels and a 2.82 times higher resolution in the InIm 3D display.
Optimizing Energy Transfer: Suppressing Cs2ZnCl4 Self‐Trapped States and Boosting Ce3+ Ion Luminescence Efficiency
Authors: Wen Ziying , Bai Yunfei , Meng Qichao , Zhao Hongyuan , Wang Qiujie , Sun Haibo , Huang Li , Huang Dan , Yu William W. , Zhu Jun , Liu Feng
Published: July 2024

Incorporating trivalent cerium ions (Ce3+) into colloidal semiconductor nanomaterials, such as zinc sulfide (ZnS) and cesium lead chloride (CsPbCl3), provides a feasible approach for achieving significant Ce3+ photoluminescence (PL). However, due to inefficient intersystem crossing and intense non‐radiative decay of host phosphors, most Ce3+‐doped luminophores exhibit low luminescence efficiency, with photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) typically <50%. Additionally, these doping systems often encounter challenges with spectral impurity due to unwanted fluorescence emanating from the host material. In this study, an optimal cesium zinc chloride (Cs2ZnCl4) nanorod (NR) host matrix is meticulously engineered, that significantly enhances the luminescence of Ce3+ ions, reaching a PLQY near unity. Furthermore, these NRs display an exceptionally pure Ce3+ emission spectrum, free from any extraneous emission from the matrix itself. The results from transient absorption and emission experiments reveal a ≈100% energy transfer efficiency from Cs2ZnCl4 to Ce3+, coupled with a significant reduction in radiative self‐trapped states within the host.
Channel selection strategy with consumer impulse purchase in livestream selling
Authors: Chen Lidong , Xu Qingyun , He Yi
Published: July 2024

Consumer impulsive purchasing is very common, especially in the livestream selling where they are influenced by policies such as low prices, limited time, and limited quantity. This behavior can increase a firm's sales, but it also leads to higher return rates. Considering consumer impulse purchase, this paper conducts an analytical model to investigate the conditions for a firm to introduce a livestream channel and whether the firm should adopt a low or moderate livestream price strategy when introducing a livestream channel. Our results show that, when return processing cost is small enough, the firm benefits from the livestream strategies as long as the streamer's fan effect is larger than a threshold. Specifically, a firm prefers to adopt the low livestream price strategy when cooperating with a large fan effect streamer and a moderate livestream price strategy with a small fan effect streamer. However, when return processing cost is large, the low livestream price strategy cannot be the dominant strategy. Furthermore, we make several extensions (i.e., different impulse utility on different livestream price, impact of positive impulse utility of low impulsive consumers, different online return rates of different types of consumers, the costs of introducing the livestream channel, and consumer return processing cost) to verify the robustness of the model, and the main conclusions remain unchanged. These results provide guidance for firms on the introduction of livestream channel and pricing decisions of different channels.
An exploration of omni‐channel retail from a three‐party evolutionary game perspective: Brand strength vs. platform stream
Authors: Zhao Chuan , Guo Ziyang , He Mingke , Wang Kun
Published: July 2024

This study builds a three‐party evolutionary game to study the contributing factors of commission rate, productivity expansion, cooperation subsidy, brand strength, and platform stream. The proposed model investigates the diverse paths the three parties are motivated to pursue at different phases of omni‐channel integration and further explores which party, the band owner with strong brand strength, or the platform with a mass consumer stream, dominates omni‐channel negotiation regarding profit distribution arrangements.
Bridging digital and knowledge divides: Concepts, frameworks and ethical concerns
Authors: Kuiler Erik W.
Published: July 2024

Since time immemorial, the hegemonic imposition of cultural and political power asymmetries has resulted in the de jure and de facto exclusion of certain groups from the common weal. Withe the introduction of digital information and communication technologies (ICT), the rifts between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have‐nots’ have expanded at nearly exponential rates. To provide an instrument for analysing the complexities of bridging the digital and knowledge divides, a conceptual framework is presented that provides different perspectives on agency in the commonwealth and the infosphere, which, in turn, leads to a discussion of the operationalization of ethics and justice in human rights that directly affect the entelechy of wellbeing. This discussion provides a basis for exploring certain aspects of social‐cultural barriers to wellbeing, the commodification of human rights, digital imperialism and cultural hegemonies in the world polity, including the infosphere, that have a direct bearing on the wellbeing of all in the common weal. A summary and a call‐to‐action complete the study.
Vivo application of a portable plasma generator in infected wound healing
Authors: Dang Mingze , Li Yiqian , Nie Lanlan , Zhao Feng , Jin Shaohui , Chen Xi , Lu Xinpei , Gan Lu
Published: July 2024

In this study, a portable plasma generator produced large‐area air plasma for treating infected wounds in BALB/c mice. Different plasma treatment times (30 s, 1 min, 3 min, and 4.5 min) were applied daily until the wounds healed completely. Results showed reduced inflammation and increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in tissues treated for 1 and 3 min, promoting blood vessel proliferation and collagen fiber synthesis. However, treatment for 30 s and 4.5 min worsened inflammation and decreased VEGF expression. Overall, a 1‐min treatment was the most effective in promoting wound healing. Cold plasma shows promise for healing infected wounds, with treatment duration being a crucial factor.
Study of a full coaxial atmospheric pressure plasma jet device and its application to the modification of polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Zhang Dai , Xu Shuchang , Hou Zhenguo , Chang Xijiang , Wu Zhonghang , Xiong Zilan
Published: July 2024

In this article, a compact and portable microwave atmospheric pressure plasma jet (MW‐APPJ) generator based on a coaxial transmission line resonator (CTLR) was proposed. Based on the electromagnetic simulations, the jet generator was designed as a tapered inner conductor structure that ensures plasma generation at low power. A self‐igniting argon (Ar) plasma jet of 10 mm length was generated at an input power of ~20 W and maintained at 2 W. Thanks to the high efficiency of the CTLR structure, plasmas of mixed reactive gases were also realized. Intrinsic plasma parameters and active species were determined using optical emission spectroscopy. Furthermore, the MW‐APPJ device was used to modify the polytetrafluoroethylene surface, and improvement of hydrophilicity was achieved without thermal damage.
Selective productions of reactive species in dielectric barrier discharge by controlling dual duty cycle
Authors: Lim Jun S. , Admasu Kirubel A. , Choi Eun H.
Published: July 2024

This study analyzes the selective productions of nitrogen oxides and ozone in dielectric barrier discharge due to temperature controlled by the dual duty cycle. In this work, we varied the dual duty cycle of the output voltage in the power supply, which alternatively generates distinguished high and low‐temperature modes for selective productions of nitrogen oxides and ozone. The alternating nitric oxide and ozone by dual duty cycle were measured at a maximum of 100 ppm and 100 ppm in the gas phase, respectively. In the evaluation of DI water treated by dual duty cycle, nitrogen oxides, and ozone have been observed simultaneously in the liquid phase. These results offer new insights into the selective production of temperature‐dependent chemical characteristics for advanced plasma applications.
A fast and reliable microplate reader assay to assess the antiviral efficacy of cold plasma devices
Authors: Bekeschus Sander , Skowski Henry , Hahn Veronika , Bansemer Robert , Gerling Torsten , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter , von Woedtke Thomas
Published: July 2024

Spurred by global COVID‐19, work in recent years has demonstrated that various devices based on technology generating cold plasma are capable of reducing the infectivity of virus particles. There is great potential in this approach, which is, however, hampered by the ability of most cold plasma science laboratories to test for antiviral effects of their individual plasma sources in sophisticated mammalian cell test systems. To this end, we developed a quick, simple, and fast assay system based on bacteriophages and their ability to lyse bacterial hosts, which can be monitored in readily available microplate readers. We successfully demonstrated the principal ability of this approach using two types of plasma jets, different microplate readers, and two different bacteriophage strains.
A Biogeochemical Study of Greenhouse Gas Formation From Two Ice Complexes of Batagay Megaslump, East Siberia
Authors: Park Hansu , Ko Na‐Yeon , Kim JeongEun , Opel Thomas , Meyer Hanno , Wetterich Sebastian , Fedorov Alexander , Shepelev Andrei G. , Jung Hyejung , Ahn Jinho
Published: July 2024

Rapidly changing permafrost landscapes are a potential key terrestrial source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) at a global scale, yet, remain poorly characterized regarding GHG origins and environmental controls on emissions. Subsurface ice wedges, commonly found across many permafrost landscapes, harbor GHG‐rich gas bubbles. Analyzing these bubbles aids comprehension of subzero temperature GHG formation in permafrost. The Batagay megaslump, Earth's largest known thaw slump in northern Yakutia, provides an opportunity to study mixing ratios and isotopic compositions of both GHGs and non‐GHG in ice wedge samples from two stratigraphic units: the Upper Ice Complex (UIC) and the Lower Ice Complex (LIC). The Ar/N2/O2 compositions and bubble shapes indicated that the studied ice wedges were likely formed through dry snow and/or hoarfrost compaction, and microbial activity remained active after ice wedge formation. The high CO2 and CH4 mixing ratios and carbon stable isotope values suggested that CO2 and CH4 primarily originated from microbial sources. N2O showed an “exclusive relation” with CH4—meaning that high N2O is observed only when CH4 is low, and vice versa—and N2O mixing ratios vary at different depths. These findings suggest that GHG formation in ice wedges is not solely controlled by physiochemical conditions, but involves a complex interplay between microbial activity and environmental conditions. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics involved in GHG formation within degrading permafrost landscapes.
Enhanced Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activities of Actinobacterial Therapeutic Metabolites Mediated Nanosuspension
Authors: Singh Shelly , Sharma Shilpa , Dubey Ashok K.
Published: July 2024

The escalation in infections from World Health Organization (WHO)‐listed priority pathogens has made development of new antibacterial agents a critical priority. In this context, use of therapeutic secondary metabolites (SMs) from Actinobacteria as new drugs presents a promising avenue. However, majority of them fail to reach market due to low aqueous solubility and hence low bioavailability. Even though nanosuspension technology has been effectively used to address these challenges, use of this technology for nanox02010;listed priority pathogens has made development of new antibacterial agents a critical priority. In thitransformation of crude metabolites from Actinobacteria is still an unattempted area. Herein, for the first time, development of water‐soluble nanosuspension of water‐insoluble therapeutic metabolites produced by Streptomyces californicus strain ADR1 to develop a biocompatible material to be used as potential nanomedicine is reported. The nanosuspension (N‐SM) is characterized by UV‐vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The nanosuspension reduces the MIC values by 50% against Gram‐positive priority pathogens and eradicates established biofilms with fivefold efficiency incomparison to SMs. The nanosuspension also displays antioxidant activity. The findings open up future possibilities of using this novel nanosuspension as an effective antibacterial agent in various therapeutic and biomedical applications like wound dressings, coatings on medical equipment, and surgical implants.
Estimating sensitivity with the Bruceton method: Setting the record straight
Authors: Christensen Dennis , Novik Geir Petter , Unneberg Erik
Published: July 2024

Accurate estimates of sensitivities of energetic materials are crucial for ensuring safe production, transport, usage and destruction of explosives. When estimating sensitivities, researchers most commonly follow the NATO standard guidelines (STANAGs), in which the Bruceton method is imposed. Introduced in 1948, this method contains (i) an experimental design for choosing which stimulus levels to measure at and (ii) a recipe for computing sensitivity estimates. Although the former experimental design is supported by both theory and simulations, few modern researchers are aware that the latter recipe was only intended as a pen‐and‐paper approximation of the maximum likelihood estimates, which are easy to compute today. The persistent use of this outdated approximation has led to many unfortunate misconceptions amongst users of the Bruceton method, including the rejection of many perfectly valid data sets and neglect of uncertainty assessments via confidence intervals. This is both dangerous and unnecessarily wasteful. This paper sets the record straight and explains how researchers should estimate sensitivity via maximum likelihood estimation and how to construct confidence intervals. It also shows explicitly how wasteful said approximation is via both simulations and with real data.
Repurposing FDA‐approved drugs to treat chemical weapon toxicities: Interactive case studies for trainees
Authors: Aleksunes Lauren M. , Gray Joshua P. , Meshanni Jaclynn , Laskin Jeffrey D. , Laskin Debra L.
Published: July 2024

The risk of a terrorist attack in the United States has created challenges on how to effectively treat toxicities that result from exposure to chemical weapons. To address this concern, the United States has organized a trans‐agency initiative across academia, government, and industry to identify drugs to treat tissue injury resulting from exposure to chemical threat agents. We sought to develop and evaluate an interactive educational session that provides hands‐on instruction on how to repurpose FDA‐approved drugs as therapeutics to treat toxicity from exposure to chemical weapons. As part of the Rutgers Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program, 23 undergraduate students participated in a 2‐h session that included: (1) an overview of chemical weapon toxicities, (2) a primer on pharmacology principles, and (3) an interactive session where groups of students were provided lists of FDA‐approved drugs to evaluate potential mechanisms of action and suitability as countermeasures for four chemical weapon case scenarios. The interactive session culminated in a competition for the best grant “sales pitch.” From this interactive training, students improved their understanding of (1) the ability of chemical weapons to cause long‐term toxicities, (2) impact of route of administration and exposure scenario on drug efficacy, and (3) re‐purposing FDA‐approved drugs to treat disease from chemical weapon exposure. These findings demonstrated that an interactive training exercise can provide students with new insights into drug development for chemical threat agent toxicities.
Reliability analysis and preventive maintenance policy for consecutive k$k$‐out‐of‐n:F$n: F$ balanced system under failure criterion operating in shock environment
Authors: Dong Qinglai , Bai Mengmeng
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a consecutive ‐out‐of‐: balance system in a shock environment, where the state transition of component is induced by external shocks. If a predetermined threshold number of effective shocks are applied to component in a critical state, the component will fail. The state of the system is defined by the number of consecutive failing component groups in the system, which leads to system failure when a critical number of consecutive failing components is reached. To minimize maintenance costs, we propose a preventive maintenance method with an optimization model. We use finite Markov chain imbedding and Phase‐type distribution to calculate component group failure rates and associated probability functions in discrete and continuous time, respectively. The validity and accuracy of the model are confirmed by numerical examples and Monte Carlo simulations.
Student achievement is much more about cognitive ability and genetics than SES: A response to Debouwere
Authors: Marks Gary N. , O'Connell Michael
Published: July 2024

The first section of this paper sets the record straight regarding many of Debouwere's (2024, Review of Education, 12, e3445) specific criticisms. The second section discusses the magnitude of the SES‐achievement relationship, specifically Debouwere's (2024) contention that the correlation is strong around 0.5 or 0.6 compared to observed correlations mostly between 0.2 and 0.3. The third section deals with five issues that Debouwere (2024) raises in his paper: (1) the stability of SES vis‐à‐vis cognitive ability; (2) the accuracy of children's reports of parents' socioeconomic characteristics; (3) whether teachers discriminate by students' SES; (4) the importance of cognitive ability for educational differentiation (i.e., tracking and streaming); and (5) SES effects on student achievement, controlling for prior achievement. The fourth section discusses the role of genetics in student achievement. Meta‐analyses and other studies indicate that about 50%–70% of the variance in student achievement is attributable to genetics (i.e., the heritability). The high heritability of student achievement accounts for its high stability, its strong correlations with cognitive ability and the weak effects of SES, net of prior achievement or cognitive ability.
An analysis of participants' introductory experience with causal loop diagrams (CLDs) using group model building (GMB) scripts
Authors: Connolly Justin D. , Doole Graeme J.
Published: July 2024

Complex decision‐making processes benefit from involving people with different perspectives. We tested the hypothesis that group model building producing causal loop diagrams is a valuable tool to build shared understanding and hear diverse voices, even when project resources (e.g. data, funding, time) are limited. This was tested in two script‐based workshops involving stakeholders in water management issues in Aotearoa‐New Zealand. We collected data on their experience using a quantitative survey and semi‐structured interviews. Analysis shows that group model building met the participants' desire for something different, was found to be a refreshing new process, helped build social cohesion among stakeholders, and improved shared understanding of both the issue and the model they built. While the qualitative outputs were seen as useful, coupling them with quantitative analyses was seen as necessary by some participants, depending on the nature of the issue(s) and decision(s) being made. © 2024 System Dynamics Society.
Light‐Induced Material Motion Fingerprint – A Tool Toward Selective Interfacial Sensitive Fractioning of Microparticles via Microfluidic Methods
Authors: Vasquez‐Muñoz Daniela , Rohne Fabian , Meier Isabel , Sharma Anjali , Lomadze Nino , Santer Svetlana , Bekir Marek
Published: July 2024

In this article, a novel strategy is presented to selectively separate a mixture of equally sized microparticles but differences in material composition and surface properties. The principle relies on a photosensitive surfactant, which makes particles under light illumination phoretically active. The latter hovers microparticles from a planar interface and together with a superimposed fluid flow, particles experience a drift motion characteristic to its interfacial properties. The drift motion is investigated as a function of applied wavelength, demonstrating that particles composed of different material show a unique spectrally resolved light‐induced motion profile. Differences in those motion profile allow a selective fractioning of a desired particle from a complex particle mixture made out of more than two equally sized different particle types. Besides that, the influence of applied wavelength is systematically studied, and discussed the origin of the spectrally resolved chemical activity of microparticles from measured photo‐isomerization rates.
Aqueous PEIE Soaking on ZnO for Ultraviolet Light Activation–Free Organic Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Chen Jianping , Zhou Xianmin , Liu Xinlu , Zheng Hui , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhou Yinhua
Published: July 2024

Ultraviolet (UV) light is typically needed to activate inverted organic photovoltaics (OPVs) with zinc oxide (ZnO) as electron transporting layer (ETL) for higher efficiency. However, UV light is a major cause for the degradation of organic active layers in OPVs. This is a contradiction that UV light activation enhances the efficiency but UV illumination deteriorates the stability. It is important to solve this contradiction to develop UV light activation–free OPV devices. Herein, a method of aqueous polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) soaking on ZnO is reported to realize UV light activation–free OPV devices. The S‐shape in current density–voltage (J–V) characteristics of devices tested without UV light activation is eliminated through the treatment of aqueous PEIE soaking on ZnO. The treatment reduces the oxygen adsorbates, which is confirmed by Kelvin probe and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A 10.08 cm2 organic photovoltaic module with the treated ZnO as ETL showed high photovoltaic performance: VOC = 5.68 V, JSC = 2.7 mA cm−2, FF = 75.1%, and POutput = 11.5 mW cm−2 tested with the UV filter (light intensity of 0.788 sun). UV light activation is not needed for the modules to obtain high efficiency.
Genetic resources and genes/QTLs for gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner) resistance in chickpea from the Western Himalayas
Authors: Rehman Sheikh Aafreen , Gul Shaheen , Parthiban M. , Isha Ishita , Reddy M. S. Sai , Chitikineni Annapurna , Thudi Mahendar , Penmetsa R. Varma , Varshney Rajeev Kumar , Mir Reyazul Rouf
Published: July 2024

Helicoverpa armigera (also known as gram pod borer) is a serious threat to chickpea production in the world. A set of 173 chickpea genotypes were evaluated for H. armigera resistance, including mean larval population (MLP), percentage pod damage (PPD), and pest resistance (PR) for 2 consecutive years (year 2020 and 2021). The same core set was also genotyped with 50K Axiom CicerSNP Array. The trait data and 50,000 single nucleotide polymorphism genotypic data were used together to work out marker–trait associations (MTAs) using different genome‐wide association studies models. For MLP, a total of 53 MTAs were identified, including 25 MTAs in year 2020 and 28 MTAs in year 2021. A set of three MTAs was found common in both environments. For PPD, two MTAs in year 2020 and five MTAs in year 2021 were identified. A set of two MTAs were common in both environments. Similarly, for PR, only two MTAs common in both environments were identified. Interestingly, a common MTA (Affx_123255526) on chromosome 2 (Ca2) was found to be associated with all the three component traits (MLP, PPD, and PR) of pod borer resistance in chickpea. Further, we report key genes that encode SCAMPs (that facilitates the secretion of defense‐related molecules), quinone oxidoreductase (enables the production of reactive oxygen species that promotes diapause of gram pod borer), and NB‐LRR proteins that have been implicated in plant defense against H. armigera. The resistant chickpea genotypes, MTAs, and key genes reported in the present study may prove useful in the future for developing pod borer–resistant chickpea varieties.
Liora Waldman
Authors: Bashan Marganit
Published: July 2024

A practising veterinary dermatologist, she shared her knowledge and expertise widely.
Dimensionality and scales of preferential flow in soils of Shale Hills hillslope simulated using HYDRUS
Authors: Zhao Ying , Yi Jun , Yao Rongjiang , Li Fei , Hill Robert Lee , Gerke Horst H.
Published: July 2024

Preferential flow (PF) processes are governed by subsurface soil structures at various scales. Still, model validation and mechanistic understanding of PF are very lacking. We hypothesize that PF at hillslope and larger scales cannot be described and quantified when neglecting small‐scaled spatially variable processes and simplifying the model dimensionality. The objective was to learn from comparing simulation results of multidimensional (1D, 2D, and 3D) and multiscale (pedon, catena, and catchment) modeling approaches with comprehensive datasets, and so as to evaluate PF simulations based on the Richards’ equation (solved by the HYDRUS software). Results showed limited alignment between 1D simulations and soil moisture data, mainly affected by vertical changes in porosity, permeability, and precipitation features. 2D and 3D simulations outperformed 1D models. 3D simulations provided satisfactory description of PF dynamics at the pedon scale, considering accurate representations of soil and bedrock structures for three dimensions (vertical, horizontal, and surrounding area). In 2D simulations at the pedon scale, models incorporating dual‐porosity and anisotropy of soils yielded more accurate predictions of water dynamics than single‐porosity and isotropic models. Furthermore, the application of 2D simulation at the catena scale identify PF pathways owing to the enhanced representation of the hydraulic connectivity between different locations along the slope. The results confirmed the significance of multidimensional and multiscale modeling approaches for PF simulations in hillslope hydrology. Considering the complexity and parameterization of 2D and 3D “bottom‐up” physically based models in representing spatial variability within and between soil profiles and/or underlying bedrock geology, the results contribute to creating a modeling framework applicable to identify the PF processes and thus their implications in managing water resources.
Opposing positions, dividing interactions, and hostile affect: A systematic review and conceptualization of “online climate change polarization”
Authors: van Eck Christel W.
Published: July 2024

Online climate change polarization has increasingly received academic interest over time. Online media facilitate and accelerate processes of climate change polarization. Yet, throughout the years, online climate change polarization became a fuzzy concept, holding different meanings in different academic contexts. By reviewing the available evidence, the current article identified three ontological distinctions in online climate change polarization research: (1) focus on different groups that polarize; (2) either investigate the positions, relations, or emotions of actors; and (3) states or processes of polarization. Based on the latter two ontological distinctions, the article reconceptualizes online climate change polarization as a multidimensional phenomenon, by introducing a framework comprising six dimensions of polarization. Accordingly, by identifying gaps in the literature, the article proposes a future research agenda.

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Communication

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Behavior Change and Responses