bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Consumer Attitudes Towards Sustainable Business Models—A Qualitative Study with Finnish Consumers
Authors: Vehmas Kaisa , Bocken Nancy , Tuovila Hannamaija
Published: January 2024

Sustainable business models have been presented in the literature as a way to gain stepwise improvements in environmental impact compared to just selling a product, and many companies have started experimenting with them. However, these models are not yet scaled up across sectors. One of the barriers is understanding how consumers perceive sustainable business models and how much they would be ready to pay products and services from sustainable offerings. To this extent, our study investigated the following research questions: How do consumers perceive the sustainability attributes of novel sustainable business models? How does this affect consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for the offering provided? This study uses a qualitative research approach, conducting online discussions among 44 Finnish consumers. Finland is in focus as it has a top ranking in sustainability country indexes. Through the study, it was found that consumers pay attention to sustainability of the products and services they consume. They are willing to use available information and assess this to make sustainable purchasing decisions. However, they lack trustworthy information and sometimes it is too time-consuming to find the data. When making purchasing decisions, consumers perceive certain positive environmental and social impacts. However, the environmental and social impact of the studied business models did not turn into consumer WTP especially when considering expensive products, or business models with a social impact only. Still, in general, over half of the participants are willing to pay more about responsible produced products.
Perceived usefulness of mobile devices in assessment: a comparative study of three technology acceptance models using PLS-SEM
Authors: Ortiz-López Alberto , Sánchez-Prieto José Carlos , Olmos-Migueláñez Susana
Published: January 2024

The use of digital media in education has already been addressed in numerous technology acceptance models, but there is very little research on establishing a link between acceptance and assessment using mobile devices, a reality in educational institutions. This work aims to extend research by developing the TAM model and studying teachers’ perceived usefulness of mobile devices in terms of how they understand assessment: generically, as a summative and a formative assessment, or as the complementarity of these. This study proposes a comparison between three models using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on a sample of 262 master’s degree students (pre-service teachers). The results show the validity of the three proposals and confirm the advantages to specifically consider assessment in acceptance models, as well as the importance of addressing its modalities differently after obtaining better results in the two models that do so. The study also confirms the importance of self-efficacy in the use of mobile devices as a predictor of usefulness and intention to use in the three models. The use of a comparative approach and the development of the perceived usefulness construct in assessment represents a new contribution to the field of acceptance studies.
Freedom of Environmental Information
Authors: Whittaker Sean , Reid Colin T. , Mendel Jonathan
Published: January 2024

This book explores the right of access to environmental information, considering both the environmental aspirations which underlie the right and how far these are evidenced in the right's use in practice. The right has a history separate from wider moves towards freedom of information. From its origins in the Rio Declaration to its current embodiment in the Aarhus Convention, a key aim of the right is to promote environmental governance and protect the environment through the provision of environmental information, both proactively and upon request.

However, there is little empirical evidence to show whether the right is achieving these environmental aims, if it is being used for its intended environmental purpose, or even how far it is being viewed as distinct from the general right to information. This book seeks to fill this gap through qualitative research conducted in Scotland, the findings of which highlight that individuals who seek environmental information under the right are often doing so for personal or professional reasons that do not further the right's environmental purpose. This is significant, because if the right is not being used for its intended environmental purpose, then its contribution to environmental governance can be questioned, as can the value of maintaining this specific right, distinct from wider freedom of information laws.
Evaluation of the long-term outcomes of the University of Michigan’s Practice-Oriented Research Training (PORT) program
Authors: Ianni Phillip A. , Samuels Elias M. , Eakin Brenda L. , Champagne Ellen , Kalpakjian Claire Z. , Murphy Susan L.
Published: January 2024

The University of Michigan created the Practice-Oriented Research Training (PORT) program and implemented it between 2008 and 2018. The PORT program provided research training and funding opportunities for allied healthcare professionals. The program consisted of weekly didactics and group discussion related to topics relevant to developing specific research ideas into projects and funding for a mentored research project for those who submitted a competitive grant application. The goal of this evaluation was to assess the long-term impact of the PORT program on the research careers of the participants. Ninety-two participants (74 staff and 18 faculty) participated in both phases of the program. A mixed-methods approach to evaluation was used; 25 participants who received funding for their research completed surveys, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight program participants. In addition, data were collected on participants’ publication history. Fifteen out of the 74 staff participants published 31 first-authored papers after participating in PORT. Twelve out of 15 staff participants who published first-authored papers did so for the first time after participating in the PORT program. Results of quantitative and qualitative analyses suggest that the PORT program had positive impacts on both participants and the research community.
Is team science valued in the academic promotions process? A mixed-methods case study
Authors: Potter Michael B. , Mansur Saji , Rutman Shira P. , Brindis Claire D.
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Traditionally, research institutions have valued individual achievements such as principal investigator and lead authorship status as primary indicators in the academic promotions process. However, the scientific process increasingly requires collaboration by teams of researchers across multiple disciplines, sometimes including experts outside academia, often referred to as “team science.” We sought to determine whether there is agreement about what constitutes team science at our academic institution and whether current promotion processes sufficiently incentivize faculty participation in team science.

Methods:

We conducted 20 qualitative interviews with academic leaders (N = 24) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) who supervise faculty promotions processes. Participants were asked to share their definitions of team science and the extent to which faculty receive credit for engaging in these activities during the promotions process. A subset of participants also completed a brief survey in which they ranked the importance of participation in team science relative to other factors that are traditionally valued in the promotions process. Interview data were examined by two analysts using structural coding. Descriptive analyses were conducted of survey responses.

Results:

Though team science is valued at UCSF, definitions of team science and the approach to assigning credit for team science in academic promotions processes varied widely. Participants suggested opportunities to bolster support for team science.

Conclusions:

Efforts to define and provide transparent faculty incentives for team science should be prioritized at institutions, like UCSF, seeking to advance faculty engagement in collaborative research.
The exact consistency strength of the generic absoluteness for the universally Baire sets
Authors: Sargsyan Grigor , Trang Nam
Published: January 2024

A set of reals is universally Baire if all of its continuous preimages in topological spaces have the Baire property.

$\mathsf {Sealing}$

is a type of generic absoluteness condition introduced by Woodin that asserts in strong terms that the theory of the universally Baire sets cannot be changed by forcing.

The

$\mathsf {Largest\ Suslin\ Axiom}$

(

$\mathsf {LSA}$

) is a determinacy axiom isolated by Woodin. It asserts that the largest Suslin cardinal is inaccessible for ordinal definable bijections. Let

$\mathsf {LSA-over-uB}$

be the statement that in all (set) generic extensions there is a model of

$\mathsf {LSA}$

whose Suslin, co-Suslin sets are the universally Baire sets.

We show that over some mild large cardinal theory,

$\mathsf {Sealing}$

is equiconsistent with

$\mathsf {LSA-over-uB}$

. In fact, we isolate an exact large cardinal theory that is equiconsistent with both (see Definition 2.7). As a consequence, we obtain that

$\mathsf {Sealing}$

is weaker than the theory ‘

$\mathsf {ZFC} +$

there is a Woodin cardinal which is a limit of Woodin cardinals’.

A variation of

$\mathsf {Sealing}$

, called

$\mathsf {Tower\ Sealing}$

, is also shown to be equiconsistent with

$\mathsf {Sealing}$

over the same large cardinal theory.

The result is proven via Woodin’s

$\mathsf {Core\ Model\ Induction}$

technique and is essentially the ultimate equiconsistency that can be proven via the current interpretation of

$\mathsf {CMI}$

as explained in the paper.
Cycle threshold dynamics of non–severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) respiratory viruses
Authors: Ehrenzeller Selina , Zaffini Rebecca , Pecora Nicole D. , Kanjilal Sanjat , Rhee Chanu , Klompas Michael
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Many providers use severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cycle thresholds (Ct values) as approximate measures of viral burden in association with other clinical data to inform decisions about treatment and isolation. We characterized temporal changes in Ct values for non–SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses as a first step to determine whether cycle thresholds could play a similar role in the management of non–SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified all adult patients with positive nasopharyngeal PCRs for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), rhinovirus, or adenovirus between January 2022 and March 2023. We plotted Ct distributions relative to days since symptom onset, and we assessed whether distributions varied by immunosuppression and other comorbidities.

Results:

We analyzed 1,863 positive samples: 506 influenza, 502 rhinovirus, 430 RSV, 219 HMPV, 180 parainfluenza, 26 adenovirus. Ct values were generally 25–30 on the day of symptom onset, lower over the ensuing 1–3 days, and progressively higher thereafter with Ct values ≥30 after 1 week for most viruses. Ct values were generally higher and more stable over time for rhinovirus. There was no association between immunocompromised status and median intervals from symptom onset until Ct values were ≥30.

Conclusions:

Ct values relative to symptom onset for influenza, RSV, and other non–SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses generally mirror patterns seen with SARS-CoV-2. Further data on associations between Ct values and viral viability, transmissibility, host characteristics, and response to treatment for non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses are needed to determine how clinicians and infection preventionists might integrate Ct values into treatment and isolation decisions.
Averaging theory for heat transfer in circular hydraulic jumps with a separation bubble
Authors: Solana Gómez R. , Bohr T. , Nielsen S. , Rohlfs W. , Kneer R. , Askarizadeh H.
Published: January 2024

Analytical investigations of heat transfer during the vertical impingement of an unsubmerged axisymmetric liquid jet on a horizontal plate have been limited to the regions ahead of the jump. This limitation is due to the complex flow physics in the jump region arising from sudden changes in the flow field. This is addressed in here by extending the averaging theory (AT) introduced by Bohr et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 79, issue 6, 1997, pp. 1038–1041) which was further developed by Watanabe et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 480, 2003, pp. 233–265), to describe the heat transfer problem in circular hydraulic jumps including separation. The applicability of the resulting theory to determine the temperature field in the jump region is evaluated using the data available in the literature and also by means of fully resolved numerical solutions. Good agreement is observed for moderate Prandtl numbers. However, for sufficiently high Prandtl numbers, deviations become notable. The reasons for the deviations according to their relevance are (i) monotonically decreasing temperature profile inherent to the AT, whereas the fully resolved numerical solutions exhibit a local maximum in the temperature profile away from the plate; and (ii) inapplicability of the concept of dividing the flow field into a region affected and a region unaffected by heat transfer according to the thermal boundary layer thickness. This concept leads to the overestimation of the temperature close to the wall and to the existence of a threshold Prandtl number, for which the thermal boundary layer thickness does not meet the free surface anymore. Around this threshold Prandtl number, the temperature field shows a discontinuous behaviour.
Functional response and mutual interference in the parasitoid Coptera haywardi (Oglobin) (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) attacking Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) pupae
Authors: Clemente Gibran , Toledo Jorge , Pérez-Lachaud Gabriela , Valle-Mora Javier F. , Liedo Pablo , Montoya Pablo
Published: January 2024

Functional response and mutual interference are important attributes of natural enemies that should be analysed in species with the potential to be used as biological control agents in order to increase the predictive power of the possible benefits and/or consequences of their release in the field. Our main objective was to determine the functional response and mutual interference of Coptera haywardi (Oglobin), a pupal parasitoid of economically important fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). The functional response of C. haywardi on A. ludens pupae corresponded to a type II model, with an attack rate of 0.0134 host pupa/h and a handling time of 1.843 h, which reveals a meticulous selection process of pupal hosts. The effect of mutual interference among foraging females was negatively correlated with increased parasitoid density in the experimental arena, showing a gradual decline in attack rate per individual female. The increase in the number of foraging females also had an impact on the number of oviposition scars per pupa and the number of immature parasitoids per dissected pupa, but not on the percentage of adult emergence or the sex ratio. Our results suggest that C. haywardi could act as a complementary parasitoid in the control of fruit fly pupae, since the random distribution of these pupae in the soil would decrease the possibility of aggregation and mutual interference between foraging females.
Fluctuation in redox conditions and the evolution of early Cambrian life constrained by nitrogen isotopes in the middle Yangtze Block, South China
Authors: Wei Kai , Cao Hansheng , Chen Fajin , Wang Zaiyun , An Zhihui , Huang Hanli , Chen Chunqing
Published: January 2024

The Ediacaran–Cambrian (E-C) transition (∼542–517 Ma) witnessed the rapid evolution of Cambrian animals, which was accompanied by carbon cycling anomalies and a significant increase in the concentration of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere. The mechanisms stimulating the evolution of complex eukaryotes, however, remain problematic, especially concerning the link between biological evolution and contemporaneous changes in the oceanic environment. In this study, integrated δ13Ccarb–δ13Corg–δ15N compositions were analysed from the YD-4 core samples to understand redox fluctuations and nitrogen cycling of the middle Yangtze Block across the E-C transition. Two negative δ13Ccarb excursions (N1 and N2) and a positive δ13Ccarb excursion (P1) are identified from the studied samples and are supposedly of primary origin. Constrained by of the U-Pb age, biolithology and pattern of isotopic variation, N1, P1 and N2 are comparable to the Basal Cambrian Carbon Isotope Excursion (BACE), Zhujiaqing Carbon Isotope Excursion (ZHUCE) and Shiyantou Carbon Isotope Excursion (SHICE). We interpreted the decreased δ15N values in this study as resulting from intensified atmospheric nitrogen fixation driven by enhanced denitrification associated with expanded marine anoxia, as well as partial ammonium assimilation, while increased δ15N values suggest weakened denitrification associated with an amplified oxic water mass. The temporal coincidence of N1 and N2, with two episodes of negative δ15N excursions, and of P1, with a positive δ15N excursion, suggests that variable oceanic redox conditions and nitrogen bioavailability may have influenced the evolution of the Cambrian eukaryote-dominated community.
General Synod of the Church of Ireland
Authors: Turner Cate
Published: January 2024

The Church of Ireland General Synod had been held online in 2021 and in person in 2022. This year – the third meeting of the triennium – the first two days were held in Clayton White's Hotel, Wexford (Friday 12 May and Saturday 13 May) with day 3 taking place remotely on the evening of Tuesday 16 May. (Another evening, Thursday 18 May, had also been set aside for meeting but this was not required.)
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Authors: Lingiah Jason
Published: January 2024

The Assembly met on 20–25 May with the Right Rev'd Sally Foster-Fulton BA BD as Moderator. She is Head of Christian Aid in Scotland and has served as a Parish Minister in the Church of Scotland and in the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Rt Hon Lord Hodge DPSC was re-appointed by His Majesty as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly for a second year. The Church has roughly 284,000 members (2021 figures) and around 1,200 charges.
General Synod of the Church of England
Authors: Dobson Edward
Published: January 2024

The first item of business at the February group of sessions was to revive the General Synod (Remote Meetings) (Temporary Standings Orders) Measure 2020, which enabled Synod to conduct hybrid meetings. Previously in operation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the standing order had lapsed and was brought back into operation until 5 February 2026.
Recurrent and chaotic outbreaks in SIR model
Authors: Gai Chunyi , Kolokolnikov Theodore , Schrader Jan , Sharma Vedant
Published: January 2024

We examine several extensions to the basic Susceptible-Infected-Recovered model, which are able to induce recurrent outbreaks (the basic Susceptible-Infected-Recovered model by itself does not exhibit recurrent outbreaks). We first analyse how slow seasonal variations can destabilise the endemic equilibrium, leading to recurrent outbreaks. In the limit of slow immunity loss, we derive asymptotic thresholds that characterise this transition. In the outbreak regime, we use asymptotic matching to obtain a two-dimensional discrete map which describes outbreak times and strength. We then analyse the resulting map using linear stability and numerics. As the frequency of forcing is increased, the map exhibits a period-doubling route to chaos which alternates with periodic outbreaks of increasing frequency. Other extensions that can lead to recurrent outbreaks include the addition of noise, state-dependent variation and fine-graining of model classes.
Beyond boundaries: exploring radiographers’ experiences and solutions in organ-at-risk delineation for radiotherapy planning
Authors: Attard Antoine , Mercieca Susan
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

This study aimed to assess the perception of radiographers on the difficulties encountered during the delineation of organs at risk (OARs) for radiotherapy planning and the methods that could be used to facilitate this process.

Methodology:

A self-designed questionnaire was distributed to all radiographers (n = 29) employed at the radiotherapy department in Malta. The survey assessed the challenges faced by the radiographers during the delineation of various OARs and inquired about the perceived effectiveness of specific measures that could be used to facilitate the delineation process using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (not difficult/effective) to 5 (very difficult/effective).

Results:

The response rate was 79%. Overall, the delineation of OARs was rated as slightly difficult (mean score 1.95 ± 0.33). Nevertheless, some OARs, such as the parotid, stomach and brain stem, were deemed more difficult to contour with a mean score of 3 or higher. The implementation of peer review was perceived as the most influential factor in reducing delineation difficulty (mean score 4.59 ± 0.58), followed by contouring training (mean score 4.48 ± 0.58) and training on artificial intelligence (AI) (mean score 4.35 ± 0.48).

Conclusion:

The introduction of peer review, training and AI could facilitate the delineation of OARs.
Hydrothermal Seepage of Altered Crustal Formation Water Seaward of the Middle America Trench, Offshore Costa Rica
Authors: Parsons Patrice K. F. , Wheat C. Geoffrey , Fisher Andrew T. , Silver Eli A. , Hutnak Michael
Published: January 2024

Chemical compositions of sediment pore waters are presented from 13 piston and gravity cores that were collected on ∼24 Ma crust of the Cocos Plate seaward of the Middle America Trench and near the onset of crustal faulting from subduction. Cores were collected mainly within a 1.75 km2 area overlying a buried basement topographic high that supports an elevated heat flux, consistent with seawater transport within the upper volcanic crust. Systematic variations in pore water chemical profiles indicate upward seepage speeds (up to 1.7 cm yr−1 providing a net flux of 0.1 L s−1), constrain the chemical composition of the formation water within the underlying upper basaltic basement, and elucidate diagenetic reactions in the sediment. Relative to seawater, formation water has an elevated temperature (70–80°C) and concentrations or values of Ca, chlorinity, Sr, Ba, Li, Fe, Mn, Si, Cs, D/H, and Mo, and lower concentrations or values of Mg, Na, sulfate, alkalinity, TCO2, K, B, F, phosphate, 87Sr/86Sr, δ13C, δ18O, U, and Rb. Although this site is located only 30 km from the trench axis, there is no chemical evidence for subduction‐related hydrologic influences. Instead, the data are explained by a combination of seawater‐basalt reactions within the upper basement and diffusive exchange with overlying sediment, as part of a shallow, ridge‐flank hydrothermal system. It is unclear why this site has an elevated heat flux relative to neighboring crust, but this may result from variations in crustal properties or modification related to flexural faulting outboard of the trench.
Remote Sensing Measurements at a Rural Site in China: Implications for Satellite NO2 and HCHO Measurement Uncertainty and Emissions From Fires
Authors: Chong Kezhen , Wang Yuhang , Liu Cheng , Gao Yang , Boersma K. Folkert , Tang Jianhui , Wang Xinming
Published: January 2024

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and formaldehyde (HCHO) play vital roles in atmospheric photochemical processes. Their tropospheric vertical column density (TVCD) distributions have been monitored by satellite instruments. Evaluation of these observations is essential for applying these observations to study photochemistry. Assessing satellite products using observations at rural sites, where local emissions are minimal, is particularly useful due in part to the spatial homogeneity of trace gases. In this study, we evaluate OMI and TROPOMI NO2 and HCHO TVCDs using multi‐axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX‐DOAS) measurements at a rural site in the east coast of the Shandong province, China in spring 2018 during the Ozone Photochemistry and Export from China Experiment (OPECE) measurement campaign. On days not affected by local burning, we found generally good agreement of NO2 data after using consistent a priori profiles in satellite and MAX‐DOAS retrievals and accounting for low biases in scattering weights in one of the OMI products. In comparison, satellite HCHO products exhibited weaker correlations with MAX‐DOAS data, in contrast to satellite NO2 products. However, TROPOMI HCHO products showed significantly better agreement with MAX‐DOAS measurements compared to OMI data. Furthermore, case studies of the vertical profiles measured by MAX‐DOAS on burning days revealed large enhancements of nitrous acid (HONO), NO2, and HCHO in the upper boundary layer, accompanied with considerable variability, particularly in HONO enhancements.
Activation of Ca2+ phosphatase Calcineurin regulates Parkin translocation to mitochondria and mitophagy in flies
Authors: Marchesan Elena , Nardin Alice , Mauri Sofia , Bernardo Greta , Chander Vivek , Di Paola Simone , Chinellato Monica , von Stockum Sophia , Chakraborty Joy , Herkenne Stephanie , Basso Valentina , Schrepfer Emilie , Marin Oriano , Cendron Laura , Medina Diego L. , Scorrano Luca , Ziviani Elena
Published: January 2024

Selective removal of dysfunctional mitochondria via autophagy is crucial for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. This event is initiated by the translocation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin to damaged mitochondria, and it requires the Serine/Threonine-protein kinase PINK1. In a coordinated set of events, PINK1 operates upstream of Parkin in a linear pathway that leads to the phosphorylation of Parkin, Ubiquitin, and Parkin mitochondrial substrates, to promote ubiquitination of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins. Ubiquitin-decorated mitochondria are selectively recruiting autophagy receptors, which are required to terminate the organelle via autophagy. In this work, we show a previously uncharacterized molecular pathway that correlates the activation of the Ca2+-dependent phosphatase Calcineurin to Parkin translocation and Parkin-dependent mitophagy. Calcineurin downregulation or genetic inhibition prevents Parkin translocation to CCCP-treated mitochondria and impairs stress-induced mitophagy, whereas Calcineurin activation promotes Parkin mitochondrial recruitment and basal mitophagy. Calcineurin interacts with Parkin, and promotes Parkin translocation in the absence of PINK1, but requires PINK1 expression to execute mitophagy in MEF cells. Genetic activation of Calcineurin in vivo boosts basal mitophagy in neurons and corrects locomotor dysfunction and mitochondrial respiratory defects of a Drosophila model of impaired mitochondrial functions. Our study identifies Calcineurin as a novel key player in the regulation of Parkin translocation and mitophagy.
Inhibition of NRF2 enhances the acute myeloid leukemia cell death induced by venetoclax via the ferroptosis pathway
Authors: Yu Xibao , Wang Yan , Tan Jiaxiong , Li Yuchen , Yang Pengyue , Liu Xuan , Lai Jing , Zhang Yue , Cai Letong , Gu Yinfeng , Xu Ling , Li Yangqiu
Published: January 2024

Venetoclax, an inhibitor that selectively targets B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) that has been approved for treating adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in combination with hypomethylating agents. However, its short duration of response and emergence of resistance are significant issues. In this study, we found that the sensitivity of AML cells to venetoclax was considerably enhanced by ML385, an inhibitor of the ferroptosis factor nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Using AML samples, we verified that NRF2 and its target gene ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) were highly expressed in patients with AML and correlated with poor prognosis. Downregulation of NRF2 could inhibit FTH1 expression and significantly enhance the venetoclax-induced labile iron pool and lipid peroxidation. By contrast, NRF2 overexpression or administration of the reactive oxygen species inhibitor N-acetylcysteine and vitamin E could effectively suppress the anti-AML effects of ML385+venetoclax. Furthermore, the ferroptosis inducer erastin increased the anti-AML effects of venetoclax. Our study demonstrated that NRF2 inhibition could enhance the AML cell death induced by venetoclax via the ferroptosis pathway. Thus, the combination of ML385 with venetoclax may offer a favorable strategy for AML treatment.
Long-term intake of Lactobacillus helveticus enhances bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids in the mouse retina
Authors: Lapaquette Pierre , Terrat Sébastien , Proukhnitzky Lil , Martine Lucy , Grégoire Stéphane , Buteau Bénédicte , Cabaret Stéphanie , Rieu Aurélie , Bermúdez-Humarán Luis G. , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine , Berdeaux Olivier , Acar Niyazi , Bringer Marie-Agnès
Published: January 2024

Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are required for the structure and function of the retina. Several observational studies indicate that consumption of a diet with relatively high levels of n-3 PUFAs, such as those provided by fish oils, has a protective effect against the development of age-related macular degeneration. Given the accumulating evidence showing the role of gut microbiota in regulating retinal physiology and host lipid metabolism, we evaluated the potential of long-term dietary supplementation with the Gram-positive bacterium Lactobacillus helveticus strain VEL12193 to modulate the retinal n-3 PUFA content. A set of complementary approaches was used to study the impact of such a supplementation on the gut microbiota and host lipid/fatty acid (FA) metabolism. L. helveticus-supplementation was associated with a decrease in retinal saturated FAs (SFAs) and monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) as well as an increase in retinal n-3 and omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs. Interestingly, supplementation with L. helveticus enriched the retina in C22:5n-3 (docosapentaenoic acid, DPA), C22:6n-3 (DHA), C18:2n-6 (linoleic acid, LA) and C20:3n-6 (dihomo gamma-linolenic acid, DGLA). Long-term consumption of L. helveticus also modulated gut microbiota composition and some changes in OTUs abundance correlated with the retinal FA content. This study provides a proof of concept that targeting the gut microbiota could be an effective strategy to modulate the retinal FA content, including that of protective n-3 PUFAs, thus opening paths for the design of novel preventive and/or therapeutical strategies for retinopathies.
The corrosion mechanism of lead-glazed pottery in Han dynasty
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Wu Chen , Zhao Jing , Yu Wendi , Zhao Meng
Published: January 2024

Ancient pottery, having endured prolonged burial in soil, invariably underwent the process of glaze corrosion. The micromorphology and structural composition of four lead-glazed pottery fragments dating back to the Han Dynasty, excavated in the Qinhan New Town within Xixian New area of Xi’an are elucidated by comprehensive analysis method. The results reveal that the corrosion products predominantly comprised PbCO3, Pb3(PO4)2, CaCO3, and Ca3(PO4)2. Concurrently, the presence of organic substances exhibiting characteristic self-excitation fluorescence in the cracks of the sample is identified through fluorescence microscopy and Fourier infrared spectroscopy. Through a comparative analysis of well-preserved and severely corroded samples, taking into account compositional analysis, observations of corrosion morphology, and the characteristics of corrosion products, it is deduced that the primary corrosion mechanisms involve chemical corrosion, microbial corrosion, and crack corrosion. This study provides a comprehensive depiction of glaze corrosion process inherent to lead-glazed pottery and establishes corresponding corrosion models.
Non-Hermitian topology in a multi-terminal quantum Hall device
Authors: Ochkan Kyrylo , Chaturvedi Raghav , Könye Viktor , Veyrat Louis , Giraud Romain , Mailly Dominique , Cavanna Antonella , Gennser Ulf , Hankiewicz Ewelina M. , Büchner Bernd , van den Brink Jeroen , Dufouleur Joseph , Fulga Ion Cosma
Published: January 2024

Quantum devices characterized by non-Hermitian topology are predicted to show highly robust and potentially useful properties for precision sensing and signal amplification. However, realizing them has remained a daunting experimental task, as non-Hermiticity is often associated with gain and loss, which would require precise tailoring to produce the signatures of non-trivial topology. Here, instead of gain and loss, we use the non-reciprocity of quantum Hall edge states to directly observe non-Hermitian topology in a multi-terminal quantum Hall ring. Our transport measurements evidence a robust, non-Hermitian skin effect, characterized by currents and voltages showing an exponential profile that persists across Hall plateau transitions away from the regime of maximum non-reciprocity. Our observation of non-Hermitian topology in a quantum device introduces a scalable experimental approach to construct and investigate generic non-Hermitian systems.
KARR-seq reveals cellular higher-order RNA structures and RNA–RNA interactions
Authors: Wu Tong , Cheng Anthony Youzhi , Zhang Yuexiu , Xu Jiayu , Wu Jinjun , Wen Li , Li Xiao , Liu Bei , Dou Xiaoyang , Wang Pingluan , Zhang Linda , Fei Jingyi , Li Jianrong , Ouyang Zhengqing , He Chuan
Published: January 2024

RNA fate and function are affected by their structures and interactomes. However, how RNA and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) assemble into higher-order structures and how RNA molecules may interact with each other to facilitate functions remain largely unknown. Here we present KARR-seq, which uses N3-kethoxal labeling and multifunctional chemical crosslinkers to covalently trap and determine RNA–RNA interactions and higher-order RNA structures inside cells, independent of local protein binding to RNA. KARR-seq depicts higher-order RNA structure and detects widespread intermolecular RNA–RNA interactions with high sensitivity and accuracy. Using KARR-seq, we show that translation represses mRNA compaction under native and stress conditions. We determined the higher-order RNA structures of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and identified RNA–RNA interactions between the viruses and the host RNAs that potentially regulate viral replication.
Safety, efficacy and determinants of response of allogeneic CD19-specific CAR-NK cells in CD19+ B cell tumors: a phase 1/2 trial
Authors: Marin David , Li Ye , Basar Rafet , Rafei Hind , Daher May , Dou Jinzhuang , Mohanty Vakul , Dede Merve , Nieto Yago , Uprety Nadima , Acharya Sunil , Liu Enli , Wilson Jeffrey , Banerjee Pinaki , Macapinlac Homer A. , Ganesh Christina , Thall Peter F. , Bassett Roland , Ammari Mariam , Rao Sheetal , Cao Kai , Shanley Mayra , Kaplan Mecit , Hosing Chitra , Kebriaei Partow , Nastoupil Loretta J. , Flowers Christopher R. , Moseley Sadie Mae , Lin Paul , Ang Sonny , Popat Uday R. , Qazilbash Muzaffar H. , Champlin Richard E. , Chen Ken , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Rezvani Katayoun
Published: January 2024

There is a pressing need for allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-immune cell therapies that are safe, effective and affordable. We conducted a phase 1/2 trial of cord blood-derived natural killer (NK) cells expressing anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor and interleukin-15 (CAR19/IL-15) in 37 patients with CD19+ B cell malignancies. The primary objectives were safety and efficacy, defined as day 30 overall response (OR). Secondary objectives included day 100 response, progression-free survival, overall survival and CAR19/IL-15 NK cell persistence. No notable toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity or graft-versus-host disease were observed. The day 30 and day 100 OR rates were 48.6% for both. The 1-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 68% and 32%, respectively. Patients who achieved OR had higher levels and longer persistence of CAR-NK cells. Receiving CAR-NK cells from a cord blood unit (CBU) with nucleated red blood cells ≤ 8 × 107 and a collection-to-cryopreservation time ≤ 24 h was the most significant predictor for superior outcome. NK cells from these optimal CBUs were highly functional and enriched in effector-related genes. In contrast, NK cells from suboptimal CBUs had upregulation of inflammation, hypoxia and cellular stress programs. Finally, using multiple mouse models, we confirmed the superior antitumor activity of CAR/IL-15 NK cells from optimal CBUs in vivo. These findings uncover new features of CAR-NK cell biology and underscore the importance of donor selection for allogeneic cell therapies. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03056339.
The histone chaperone SPT2 regulates chromatin structure and function in Metazoa
Authors: Saredi Giulia , Carelli Francesco N. , Rolland Stéphane G. M. , Furlan Giulia , Piquet Sandra , Appert Alex , Sanchez-Pulido Luis , Price Jonathan L. , Alcon Pablo , Lampersberger Lisa , Déclais Anne-Cécile , Ramakrishna Navin B. , Toth Rachel , Macartney Thomas , Alabert Constance , Ponting Chris P. , Polo Sophie E. , Miska Eric A. , Gartner Anton , Ahringer Julie , Rouse John
Published: January 2024

Histone chaperones control nucleosome density and chromatin structure. In yeast, the H3–H4 chaperone Spt2 controls histone deposition at active genes but its roles in metazoan chromatin structure and organismal physiology are not known. Here we identify the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of SPT2 (CeSPT-2) and show that its ability to bind histones H3–H4 is important for germline development and transgenerational epigenetic gene silencing, and that spt-2 null mutants display signatures of a global stress response. Genome-wide profiling showed that CeSPT-2 binds to a range of highly expressed genes, and we find that spt-2 mutants have increased chromatin accessibility at a subset of these loci. We also show that SPT2 influences chromatin structure and controls the levels of soluble and chromatin-bound H3.3 in human cells. Our work reveals roles for SPT2 in controlling chromatin structure and function in Metazoa.
Dataset of human-single neuron activity during a Sternberg working memory task
Authors: Kyzar Michael , Kamiński Jan , Brzezicka Aneta , Reed Chrystal M. , Chung Jeffrey M. , Mamelak Adam N. , Rutishauser Ueli
Published: January 2024

We present a dataset of 1809 single neurons recorded from the human medial temporal lobe (amygdala and hippocampus) and medial frontal lobe (anterior cingulate cortex, pre-supplementary motor area, ventral medial prefrontal cortex) across 41 sessions from 21 patients that underwent seizure monitoring with depth electrodes. Subjects performed a screening task (907 neurons) to identify images for which highly selective cells were present. Subjects then performed a working memory task (902 neurons), in which they were sequentially presented with 1–3 images for which highly selective cells were present and, following a maintenance period, were asked if the probe was identical to one of the maintained images. This Neurodata Without Borders formatted dataset includes spike times, extracellular spike waveforms, stimuli presented, behavior, electrode locations, and subject demographics. As validation, we replicate previous findings on the selectivity of concept cells and their persistent activity during working memory maintenance. This large dataset of rare human single-neuron recordings and behavior enables the investigation of the neural mechanisms of working memory in humans.
Distribution of economic damages due to climate-driven sea-level rise across European regions and sectors
Authors: Cortés Arbués Ignasi , Chatzivasileiadis Theodoros , Ivanova Olga , Storm Servaas , Bosello Francesco , Filatova Tatiana
Published: January 2024

Economic costs of climate change are conventionally assessed at the aggregated global and national levels, while adaptation is local. When present, regionalised assessments are confined to direct damages, hindered by both data and models’ limitations. This article goes beyond the aggregated analysis to explore direct and indirect economic consequences of sea level rise (SLR) at regional and sectoral levels in Europe. Using a dynamic computable general equilibrium model and novel datasets, we estimate the distribution of losses and gains across regions and sectors. A comparison of a high-end scenario against a no-climate-impact baseline suggests a GDP loss of 1.26% (€871.8 billion) for the whole EU&UK. Conversely our refined assessments show that some coastal regions lose 9.56–20.84% of GDP, revealing striking regional disparities. Inland regions grow due to the displaced demand from coastal areas, but the GDP gains are small (0–1.13%). While recovery benefits the construction sector, public services and industry face significant downturns. We show that prioritising recovery of critical sectors locally reduces massive regional GDP losses, at negligible costs to the overall European economy. Our analysis traces regional economic restructuring triggered by SLR, underscoring the necessity of region-specific adaptation policies that embrace uneven geographic impacts and unique sectoral profiles to inform resilient strategy design.
Effects of Al3Ni compound on localized plastic deformation and creep strain of Al/Si hypoeutectic material
Authors: Alsowidy Shakib , Al-Asry Belqueis
Published: January 2024

The mechanical resistance of AS10/xNi hypoeutectic alloy with (x = 0.05% and 0.1%) has been investigated. Vickers hardness (HV) was determined for the samples before and after sintering. All samples were subjected to a compressive creep test at a constant temperature of 298 K and a constant load of 45 MPa. Creep parameters, such as creep rate, sensitivity (m), time exponent (n), β, and ɣ have been calculated and related to the Ni content. Microstructure investigation was conducted using the scanning electron microscope technique (SEMT). After sintering, the results showed that there was a significant improvement in the hardness with the addition of nickel. There is an increase in creep resistance as a result of the distribution of Al3Ni chemical compound across grain boundaries, which stops additional dislocation movement and hence reduces the creep rate.
Graphene nanowalls formation investigated by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Vishal Badri , Reguig Abdeldjalil , Bahabri Mohammed , Costa Pedro M. F. J.
Published: January 2024

The properties of layered materials are significantly dependent on their lattice orientations. Thus, the growth of graphene nanowalls (GNWs) on Cu through PECVD has been increasingly studied, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we examined the GNWs/Cu interface and investigated the evolution of their microstructure using advanced Scanning transmission electron microscopy and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (STEM-EELS). GNWs interface and initial root layers of comprise graphitic carbon with horizontal basal graphene (BG) planes that conform well to the catalyst surface. In the vertical section, the walls show a mix of graphitic and turbostratic carbon, while the latter becomes more noticeable close to the top edges of the GMWs film. Importantly, we identified growth process began with catalysis at Cu interface forming BG, followed by defect induction and bending at ‘coalescence points’ of neighboring BG, which act as nucleation sites for vertical growth. We reported that although classical thermal CVD mechanism initially dominates, growth of graphene later deviates a few nanometers from the interface to form GNWs. Nascent walls are no longer subjected to the catalytic action of Cu, and their development is dominated by the stitching of charged carbon species originating in the plasma with basal plane edges.
Stochastic energy management of a microgrid incorporating two-point estimation method, mobile storage, and fuzzy multi-objective enhanced grey wolf optimizer
Authors: Habibi Serajuddin , Effatnejad Reza , Hedayati Mahdi , Hajihosseini Payman
Published: January 2024

In this study, the stochastic energy management, and scheduling of a renewable microgrid involving energy sources and dynamic storage is performed considering energy resource and demand uncertainties and demand response (DR) using the two-point estimation method (2 m + 1 PEM). The three-dimensional objective function is defined as maximizing the renewable hosting capacity and minimizing the operation cost, and emission cost minimization. The decision variables include installation location and size of the renewable resources and mobile energy storage system (MESS), determined using a multi-objective enhanced grey wolf optimizer (MOEGWO) improved based on the logistic chaotic mapping integrated with fuzzy decision-making approach. The simulations are implemented for several cases of employing MESS, DR, and uncertainties to investigate the proposed approach's efficacy. The MOEGWO performance is confirmed to solve the ZDT and CEC'09 functions according to some well-known algorithms. Then, the performance of the MOEGWO is evaluated on the stochastic energy management and scheduling of the renewable microgrid. The results indicate that considering the dynamic MESS causes reducing the operation and emission costs by 23.34% and 34.78%, respectively, and increasing the renewable hosting capacity by 7.62% in contrast to using the static MESS. Also, the stochastic problem-solving considering uncertainties showed that operation and emission costs are raised, the renewable hosting capacity is decreased, and the uncertainty impact is reduced in the condition of DR application. So, the results validated the proposed methodology's effectiveness for minimizing the operation and emission costs and maximizing the renewable hosting capacity. Moreover, the superior capability of the MOEGWO is confirmed in comparison with the multi-objective particle swarm optimization to obtain lower operation and emission costs and higher renewable hosting capacity.