bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapting to online education: insights from computer science teachers
Authors: Mladenović Monika
Published: October 2023

This paper explored the attitudes and roles of computer science (CS) teachers in elementary and high schools in Croatia in the period from completely online to “normal” schooling. The research was conducted in two phases to gain insight into the adaption of online education in schools. The first part of the research was a quantitative study conducted during online education in 2019/2020 among 538 elementary and high school informatics teachers across Croatia. Data were collected from an online survey. The second part of the research was a qualitative study conducted in 2022, employing interviews for data collection. The interview questions were designed based on the survey results mentioned above. The results showed that CS teachers had a significant role in implementing online schools, acting as implementers of tools for online teaching and as helpdesk IT support to other teachers. Still, formal education nowadays is affected by online schooling, and some online practices are now adopted into regular teaching. Therefore, the findings can serve as a guideline for future education related to the digital competencies of teachers and students.
Determinants of digital twin adoption in hospital operation management
Authors: Huang Guanying , Ng S. Thomas , Li Dezhi
Published: October 2023

The hospital is one of the commercial buildings with the most complex and challenging operational management stage, and digital twin has been an important tool to improve the efficiency and quality of hospital operation management (HOM). As the largest developing country in the world, China has realized the potential of digital twin adoption in HOM, but the existing studies lack the systematic analysis of the determinants and the clarifying of their interrelationship. To fill these knowledge gaps, this paper employed Technology-Organization-Environment framework to sort out 12 determinants, and used DEMATEL-ISM method to analyze the interrelationships of determinants. The results showed that government policy was the determinant with the highest centrality degree and had the highest positive causality degree, while reliability was had lowest negative causality degree. User requirement was the only determinant at the root level, while the other three determinants under the environment dimension were at the deep and middle levels. The determinants under organizational dimension were located in the middle level and shallow level, and the determinants under technical dimension were all located in shallow level. Finally, three implications were put forward, including investigating user requirements for digital twin, leveraging support in the external environment and improving adoption readiness within the hospital. This study would not only enrich the academic framework in the field of HOM, but also provide the guidance for adopting digital twin in HOM in China and other similar economies around the world.
Borrowing Stigma and Lender of Last Resort Policies
Authors: Hu Yunzhi , Zhang Hanzhe
Published: October 2023

How should the lender of last resort provide liquidity to banks during periods of financial distress? During the 2008–2010 crisis, banks avoided borrowing from the Fed’s long-standing discount window but actively participated in its special monetary program, the Term Auction Facility, although both programs had the same borrowing requirements. Using an adverse selection model with endogenous borrowing decisions, we explain why the two programs suffer from different stigma costs and how the introduction of TAF incentivized banks’ borrowing. We discuss the empirical relevance of the model’s predictions.

[Banks] deliberately did not ask for the liquidity they needed for fear of damaging their reputation—the ‘stigma’ problem… I do not think we were conscious of this before the crisis started and I do not think central banks have a convincing answer to it… This is, I think, still a challenge in how to manage the process of central bank provision of liquidity support. This is one of the big intellectual issues that has not been fully resolved. (Governor Mervyn King, Bank of England (2016))

For various reasons, including the competitive format of the auctions, [Term Auction Facility] has not suffered the stigma of conventional discount window lending and has proved effective for injecting liquidity into the financial system… Another possible reason that [Term Auction Facility] has not suffered from stigma is that auctions are not settled for several days, which signals to the market that auction participants do not face an immediate shortage of funds. (Ben Bernanke, testimony to U.S. House of Representatives (2010))
The Tourist Gaze and Rossini's Operas about Others
Authors: Armstrong Stephen
Published: October 2023

This article reconsiders two of Rossini's exoticist farces, L'italiana in Algeri (1813) and Il turco in Italia (1814), in the light of recent theoretical studies in tourism. These operas appeared at the juncture between the eighteenth-century Grand Tour and nineteenth-century mass tourism, and they became implicated in multiple layers of tourist experience. Travellers from faraway countries went to see productions in Italy, yet the operas tell stories of journeys between Italy and the Ottoman Empire. These operas were an object of the tourist gaze even as they perpetuated that gaze through imaginary encounters with exotic others. In the article, I explain the role of Italian opera in tourism at the turn of the eighteenth century and suggest ways in which tourist theory might help us understand Stendhal's operatic encounters, which in turn form part of the documentary basis of my study. I conclude that Rossini and his librettists upended many of the established hierarchies of tourism in these works, offering a fascinating critique of the tourist gaze in the process.
Posthuman Archaeology and Rock Art
Authors: Martínez-Moreno José Chessil Dohvehnain
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to contribute to the current debate about Posthumanism in archaeology, arguing for the potential that Posthumanism can have for the study of rock art. Through a case study in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, this work seeks to explore a posthuman approach to rock art as vibrant and relational assemblages, through affects as relational agencies and non-human personhood and ritual landscape as theoretical tools, articulated with aspects from indigenous ontologies explored from archaeological, ethnographic and documentary information. It is proposed that this approach can help interpret hunter-gatherer rock art created between 1000 and 1500 ce in the northern region of Mexico. Through this exercise it is considered that Mexican archaeology of rock art can embrace posthumanism for a more complex and comprehensive understanding of the painted memory of hunter-gatherers from this part of the world.
Patients’ self-reported overall wellbeing correlates with concurrent reported symptoms: analysis of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System
Authors: McKenna Catherine B. , Osei Ernest , Fleury Brooklynn , Swanson Stephanie , Oghinan Christabel , Darko Johnson
Published: October 2023

Background:

The primary intent of cancer treatment is either curative, prolongation of patient life, or to improve patient quality of life; however, treatments are associated with various side effects that may impact patient wellbeing. Thus, understanding the patients’ wellbeing from the patient’s perspective is essential as it could help enable the provision of the necessary support for patients throughout their cancer journey.

Materials and Method:

We analysed Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) questionnaire responses completed by 19,288 patients over 201,839 visits to our Cancer Centre. As part of their routine and standard of care, patients completing the questionnaire are asked to score 6 physical and 2 psychological symptoms as well as overall wellbeing using an 11-point numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 means complete absence of the symptom or best overall wellbeing and 10 means worst possible symptom or worst overall wellbeing. We used the ESAS responses to characterise the relationship between the overall wellbeing score and concurrent symptoms scored by cancer patients.

Results:

Patients reported tiredness and nausea as the physical symptom causing the most and least distress respectively. Patients that reported severe (7–10) wellbeing also scored high mean scores for tiredness (6·2 ± 2·7), drowsiness (4·7 ± 3·1) and lack of appetite (4·4 ± 3·4). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis suggests higher odds for patients to report moderate-to-severe (4–10) wellbeing when they report moderate-to-severe concurrent symptoms compared to none-to-mild concurrent symptoms.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that patients’ overall wellbeing as reported by the ESAS system is influenced by a number of concurrent symptoms. Tiredness was found to impact patients’ overall wellbeing to a greater extent than other concurrent symptoms. The sum of physical or psychological symptom scores was stronger indicators of a patient’s overall wellbeing compared to the scores of individual symptoms.
The state of American health coverage: the 2022 elections and the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Gusmano Mickael K. , Thompson Frank J.
Published: October 2023

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) was the most significant policy breakthrough to expand health insurance coverage in the USA in 45 years. Culminating a decade-long effort by Republicans to repeal and undermine the ACA, the Trump administration launched a panoply of executive initiatives to sabotage the law. Benefitting from Democratic control of both the House and Senate during its first 2 years, the Biden administration through legislative and executive initiatives made substantial headway in reversing Trump's sabotage and further reinvigorating the ACA. The 2022 elections witnessed a shift in the partisan milieu. Republicans gained control of the House of Representatives; Democrats scored modest gains in state elections. Emphasising two pivotal features of American governance – federalism and the outsized role of the courts – this essay examines the implications of this new partisan context for Biden's efforts to bolster ACA durability prior to the 2024 presidential election.
Why Does Sense of Power Alleviate Emotional Exhaustion?
Authors: Liu Song , Zhou Hao
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Emotional exhaustion is known to negatively impact employees’ physical and mental health. Although personal psychological resources have been considered as critical alleviating factors, little is known about the relation between sense of power and emotional exhaustion as well as the underlying mechanisms. Building on conservation of resources theory and the psychology of power framework, this research aims to examine a dual mediation model to fill this gap. A three-wave survey was implemented to collect data among 227 employees in China. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine our hypotheses. The results showed that sense of power was negatively related to emotional exhaustion; both psychological safety and organizational embeddedness mediated this relationship. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Continuing Severe Water Shortage in the Water‐Receiving Area of the South‐To‐North Water Diversion Eastern Route Project From 2002 to 2020
Authors: Xu Yuyue , Gun Zhao , Zhao Jianwei , Chen Jianli , Liu Qing , Cheng Xing , Sutanudjaja Edwin H. , Wang Jida , Liu Hehua , Zhan Wenfeng
Published: October 2023

The water‐receiving area of the South‐to‐North Water Diversion Eastern Route Project (SNWDP‐ER) is one of the most severely affected water‐shortage areas in China, and no previous study has been conducted on the changes in water storage in this area. In this study, we combined the latest Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) And GRACE Follow‐On products with global models for the first time to analyze changes in water storages in this area from 2002 to 2020, and to investigate the effects of climate change and human activity on changes in water storage. We found that SNWDP‐ER aided the recovery of surface water (nongroundwater) with a recovery rate of 9.44 ± 1.65 mm/yr after its implementation, but had little effect on the recovery of groundwater and terrestrial water storage in the water‐receiving area. Before the SNWDP‐ER was implemented, the rates of decrease of groundwater and terrestrial water storage were only −1.59 ± 0.58 and −5.18 ± 0.75 mm/yr, respectively. After implementation, the rates of decrease of groundwater and terrestrial water storage were −17.7 ± 1.27 and −8.16 ± 1.18 mm/yr, respectively. Groundwater decline, accelerated by human activity and climate change, has led to an accelerated decline in terrestrial water storage. Effects of SNWDP‐ER and stringent policies reducing groundwater use, along with largely increased precipitation in North China on groundwater storage after year 2020 need to be examined in the future. Our results have important implications for the management and evaluation of SNWDP‐ER.
A Dual Inlet System for Laser Spectroscopy of Triple Oxygen Isotopes in Carbonate‐Derived and Air CO2
Authors: Bajnai David , Pack Andreas , Arduin Rode Fiorella , Seefeld Malte , Surma Jakub , Di Rocco Tommaso
Published: October 2023

Analyzing the triple oxygen isotope (Δ′17O) composition of carbonates and air CO2 can provide valuable information about Earth system processes. However, accurately measuring the abundance of the rare 17O‐bearing CO2 isotopologue using isotope ratio mass spectrometry presents significant challenges. Consequently, alternative approaches, such as laser spectroscopy, have been developed. Here, we describe an adaptable dual inlet system for a tunable infrared laser direct absorption spectrometer (TILDAS) that maintains stable instrumental conditions for subsequent sample and reference measurements. We report ∆′17O measurements on three types of samples: reference CO2, CO2 derived from the acid digestion of carbonates, and air CO2. The external repeatability (±1σ) for reference‐sample‐reference bracketing measurements is generally better than ±10 ppm, close to the average internal error of ±6 ppm. Our results demonstrate that laser spectroscopy is a capable technique for measuring triple oxygen isotopes with the precision required to resolve variations in the ∆′17O values of air CO2 and to use the ∆′17O of carbonates for paleothermometry.
The Stimulation Effect of Nitrogen‐Addition on Soil Nitrogen Leaching Weakens Over Time in an Alpine Forest
Authors: Peng Yuanrui , Wang Tao , Ao Jing , Liu Xinyu , Herath Saman , Chang Ruiying
Published: October 2023

Elevated anthropogenic nitrogen (N) input to headwater forests over the years increases soil N leaching and is expected to result in negative consequences like eutrophication of downstream regions. However, the long‐term response of N leaching to elevated N input in alpine forests remains elusive. Here, we explored the long‐term effects of the addition of N, as 15N‐labeled ammonium nitrate (15NH415NO3), on N leaching in a three‐N‐level experiment via a frequent sampling of soil leachates from two soil layers for eight years. The results showed that N addition increased the total dissolved N (TDN) concentrations and fluxes in leachates from the organic layer only for the high N addition (4 g N/m2/yr) treatment. Regardless of N treatment, dissolved organic N was the main leaching form of N. The effect of N addition on N leaching attenuated over time and it was partly attributed to the gradual increase in N retention by the aggrading forest. Overall, our data illustrate that N leaching showed declined trends over time due to the increased plants uptake, suggesting the important role of aggrading alpine forests in regulation of N leaching under elevated N deposition.
cAMP-mediated upregulation of HCN channels in VTA dopamine neurons promotes cocaine reinforcement
Authors: Mu Lianwei , Liu Xiaojie , Yu Hao , Vickstrom Casey R. , Friedman Vladislav , Kelly Thomas J. , Hu Ying , Su Wantang , Liu Shuai , Mantsch John R. , Liu Qing-song
Published: October 2023

Chronic cocaine exposure induces enduring neuroadaptations that facilitate motivated drug taking. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are known to modulate neuronal firing and pacemaker activity in ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons. However, it remained unknown whether cocaine self-administration affects HCN channel function and whether HCN channel activity modulates motivated drug taking. We report that rat VTA dopamine neurons predominantly express Hcn3-4 mRNA, while VTA GABA neurons express Hcn1–4 mRNA. Both neuronal types display similar hyperpolarization-activated currents (Ih), which are facilitated by acute increases in cAMP. Acute cocaine application decreases voltage-dependent activation of Ih in VTA dopamine neurons, but not in GABA neurons. Unexpectedly, chronic cocaine self-administration results in enhanced Ih selectively in VTA dopamine neurons. This differential modulation of Ih currents is likely mediated by a D2 autoreceptor-induced decrease in cAMP as D2 (Drd2) mRNA is predominantly expressed in dopamine neurons, whereas D1 (Drd1) mRNA is barely detectable in the VTA. Moreover, chronically decreased cAMP via Gi-DREADD stimulation leads to an increase in Ih in VTA dopamine neurons and enhanced binding of HCN3/HCN4 with tetratricopeptide repeat-containing Rab8b-interacting protein (TRIP8b), an auxiliary subunit that is known to facilitate HCN channel surface trafficking. Finally, we show that systemic injection and intra-VTA infusion of the HCN blocker ivabradine reduces cocaine self-administration under a progressive ratio schedule and produces a downward shift of the cocaine dose-response curve. Our results suggest that cocaine self-administration induces an upregulation of Ih in VTA dopamine neurons, while HCN inhibition reduces the motivation for cocaine intake.
Sorcin regulate pyroptosis by interacting with NLRP3 inflammasomes to facilitate the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Zhenfen , Yang Ziyue , Zhu Yuanyuan , Fu Chunmeng , Li Ning , Peng Fang
Published: October 2023

A high recurrence rate and easy metastasis are two prominent clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is also the most common cause of cancer-related death. However, the molecular pathogenesis of HCC remains unclear. Soluble resistance-related calcium-binding protein (Sorcin) is highly expressed in a variety of tumor cell lines and multidrug-resistant cell lines and participates in the malignant progression of tumors by regulating apoptosis. Pyroptosis is also a form of programmed cell death that plays a crucial role in exerting tumor suppression function and evoking anti-tumor immune responses. However, there is no consensus that Sorcin promotes HCC progression by regulating pyroptosis. Our study manifested that Sorcin was considerably upregulated, whereas pyroptosis-associated proteins were significantly decreased in HCC tissues and cells. Sorcin silencing attenuated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Knockdown of Sorcin activates pyroptosis, and overexpression of Sorcin inhibits pyroptosis, yet has no significant effect on apoptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy in HCC cells. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays revealed that Sorcin interacted with NLRP3 inflammasome to regulate pyroptosis in HCC cells. Then, the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 inhibited the activation of Sorcin knockdown-induced pyroptosis and reversed the effect of Sorcin silencing-induced weakening of malignant biological behavior in HCC. Similarly, suppression of Caspase-1 reversed the inhibitory effect of Sorcin knockdown on the malignant progression of HCC via knockdown of Caspase-1 or the inhibitor VX765. Consistent with the in vitro results, the nude mouse experiment showed that Sorcin knockdown inhibited the growth of HCC by activating pyroptosis, while Caspase-1 knockdown partially restored the growth inhibition caused by Sorcin knockdown. Collectively, high Sorcin expression in HCC negatively regulates pyroptosis by interacting with the NLRP3 inflammasome to promote HCC proliferation, migration, and invasion. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for Sorcin as a new biomarker and potential therapeutic target for HCC.
LAIR1 drives glioma progression by nuclear focal adhesion kinase dependent expressions of cyclin D1 and immunosuppressive chemokines/cytokines
Authors: Wei Xiaoqian , Pan Shushan , Wang Zirui , Chen Jieru , Lu Li , Cao Qizhi , Song Shuling , Zhang Huachang , Liu Xiaohui , Qu Xianjun , Lin Xiukun , Xu Huanli
Published: October 2023

Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR1), an immune receptor containing immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibiory motifs (ITIMs), has emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy. However, the intrinsic function of LAIR1 in gliomas remains unclear. In this study, the poor prognosis of glioma patients and the malignant proliferation of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo were found to be closely correlated with LAIR1. LAIR1 facilitates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) nuclear localization, resulting in increased transcription of cyclin D1 and chemokines/cytokines (CCL5, TGFβ2, and IL33). LAIR1 specifically supports in the immunosuppressive glioma microenvironment via CCL5-mediated microglia/macrophage polarization. SHP2Q510E (PTP domain mutant) or FAKNLM (non-nuclear localizing mutant) significantly reversed the LAIR1-induced growth enhancement in glioma cells. In addition, LAIR1Y251/281F (ITIMs mutant) and SHP2Q510E mutants significantly reduced FAK nuclear localization, as well as CCL5 and cyclin D1 expression. Further experiments revealed that the ITIMs of LAIR1 recruited SH2-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2), which then interacted with FAK and induced FAK nuclear localization. This study uncovered a critical role for intrinsic LAIR1 in facilitating glioma malignant progression and demonstrated a requirement for LAIR1 and SHP2 to enhance FAK nuclear localization.
Aberrant sense of agency induced by delayed prediction signals in schizophrenia: a computational modeling study
Authors: Okimura Tsukasa , Maeda Takaki , Mimura Masaru , Yamashita Yuichi
Published: October 2023

Aberrant sense of agency (SoA, a feeling of control over one’s own actions and their subsequent events) has been considered key to understanding the pathology of schizophrenia. Behavioral studies have demonstrated that a bidirectional (i.e., excessive and diminished) SoA is observed in schizophrenia. Several neurophysiological and theoretical studies have suggested that aberrancy may be due to temporal delays (TDs) in sensory-motor prediction signals. Here, we examined this hypothesis via computational modeling using a recurrent neural network (RNN) expressing the sensory-motor prediction process. The proposed model successfully reproduced the behavioral features of SoA in healthy controls. In addition, simulation of delayed prediction signals reproduced the bidirectional schizophrenia-pattern SoA, whereas three control experiments (random noise addition, TDs in outputs, and TDs in inputs) demonstrated no schizophrenia-pattern SoA. These results support the TD hypothesis and provide a mechanistic understanding of the pathology underlying aberrant SoA in schizophrenia.
Targeting myeloid chemotaxis to reverse prostate cancer therapy resistance
Authors: Guo Christina , Sharp Adam , Gurel Bora , Crespo Mateus , Figueiredo Ines , Jain Suneil , Vogl Ursula , Rekowski Jan , Rouhifard Mahtab , Gallagher Lewis , Yuan Wei , Carreira Suzanne , Chandran Khobe , Paschalis Alec , Colombo Ilaria , Stathis Anastasios , Bertan Claudia , Seed George , Goodall Jane , Raynaud Florence , Ruddle Ruth , Swales Karen E. , Malia Jason , Bogdan Denisa , Tiu Crescens , Caldwell Reece , Aversa Caterina , Ferreira Ana , Neeb Antje , Tunariu Nina , Westaby Daniel , Carmichael Juliet , Fenor de la Maza Maria Dolores , Yap Christina , Matthews Ruth , Badham Hannah , Prout Toby , Turner Alison , Parmar Mona , Tovey Holly , Riisnaes Ruth , Flohr Penny , Gil Jesus , Waugh David , Decordova Shaun , Schlag Anna , Calì Bianca , Alimonti Andrea , de Bono Johann S.
Published: October 2023

Inflammation is a hallmark of cancer1. In patients with cancer, peripheral blood myeloid expansion, indicated by a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, associates with shorter survival and treatment resistance across malignancies and therapeutic modalities2–5. Whether myeloid inflammation drives progression of prostate cancer in humans remain unclear. Here we show that inhibition of myeloid chemotaxis can reduce tumour-elicited myeloid inflammation and reverse therapy resistance in a subset of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We show that a higher blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio reflects tumour myeloid infiltration and tumour expression of senescence-associated mRNA species, including those that encode myeloid-chemoattracting CXCR2 ligands. To determine whether myeloid cells fuel resistance to androgen receptor signalling inhibitors, and whether inhibiting CXCR2 to block myeloid chemotaxis reverses this, we conducted an investigator-initiated, proof-of-concept clinical trial of a CXCR2 inhibitor (AZD5069) plus enzalutamide in patients with metastatic CRPC that is resistant to androgen receptor signalling inhibitors. This combination was well tolerated without dose-limiting toxicity and it decreased circulating neutrophil levels, reduced intratumour CD11b+HLA-DRloCD15+CD14− myeloid cell infiltration and imparted durable clinical benefit with biochemical and radiological responses in a subset of patients with metastatic CRPC. This study provides clinical evidence that senescence-associated myeloid inflammation can fuel metastatic CRPC progression and resistance to androgen receptor blockade. Targeting myeloid chemotaxis merits broader evaluation in other cancers.
Adjuvant nivolumab in resected stage IIB/C melanoma: primary results from the randomized, phase 3 CheckMate 76K trial
Authors: Kirkwood John M. , Del Vecchio Michele , Weber Jeffrey , Hoeller Christoph , Grob Jean-Jacques , Mohr Peter , Loquai Carmen , Dutriaux Caroline , Chiarion-Sileni Vanna , Mackiewicz Jacek , Rutkowski Piotr , Arenberger Petr , Quereux Gaelle , Meniawy Tarek M. , Ascierto Paolo A. , Menzies Alexander M. , Durani Piyush , Lobo Maurice , Campigotto Federico , Gastman Brian , Long Georgina V.
Published: October 2023

Patients with resected stage IIB/C melanoma have high recurrence risk, similar to those with resected stage IIIA/B disease. The phase 3, double-blind CheckMate 76K trial assessed 790 patients with resected stage IIB/C melanoma randomized 2:1 (stratified by tumor category) to nivolumab 480 mg or placebo every 4 weeks for 12 months. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed recurrence-free survival (RFS). Secondary endpoints included distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and safety. At 7.8 months of minimum follow-up, nivolumab significantly improved RFS versus placebo (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30–0.59; P < 0.0001), with 12-month RFS of 89.0% versus 79.4% and benefit observed across subgroups; DMFS was also improved (HR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.30–0.72). Treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in 10.3% (nivolumab) and 2.3% (placebo) of patients. One treatment-related death (0.2%) occurred with nivolumab. Nivolumab is an effective and generally well-tolerated adjuvant treatment in patients with resected stage IIB/C melanoma. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04099251.
Serine proteases and metalloproteases are highly increased in irritable bowel syndrome Tunisian patients
Authors: Soussou Souha , Jablaoui Amin , Mariaule Vincent , Kriaa Aicha , Boudaya Houda , Wysocka Magdalena , Amouri Ali , Gargouri Ali , Lesner Adam , Maguin Emmanuelle , Rhimi Moez
Published: October 2023

Serine proteases are involved in many biological processes and are associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathology. An increase in serine protease activity has been widely reported in IBS patients. While most of the studies focused on host proteases, the contribution of microbial proteases are poorly studied. In the present study, we report the analysis of proteolytic activities in fecal samples from the first Tunisian cohort of IBS-M patients and healthy individuals. We demonstrated, for the first time, that metalloproteases activities were fourfold higher in fecal samples of IBS patients compared to controls. Of interest, the functional characterization of serine protease activities revealed a 50-fold increase in trypsin-like activities and a threefold in both elastase- and cathepsin G-like activities. Remarkably, we also showed a fourfold increase in proteinase 3-like activity in the case of IBS. This study also provides insight into the alteration of gut microbiota and its potential role in proteolytic modulation in IBS. Our results stressed the impact of the disequilibrium of serine proteases, metalloproteases and gut microbiota in IBS and the need of the further characterization of these targets to set out new therapeutic approaches.
Chemically-stable flexible transparent electrode: gold-electrodeposited on embedded silver nanowires
Authors: Gholami Mostafa , Tajabadi Fariba , Taghavinia Nima , Moshfegh Alireza
Published: October 2023

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) with a low diameter, high aspect ratio, stable suspension, and easy synthesis have recently attracted the optoelectronic industry as a low-cost alternative to indium tin oxide transparent conductive films. However, silver nanowires are not chemically stable, and their conductivity diminishes over time due to reactions with atmospheric components. This is a bottleneck for their wide industrial applications. In this study, we aim to address this issue by synthesizing silver nanowires with an average diameter of approximately 65 nm and a length of approximately 13 µm. The prepared Ag nanowires are then applied to fabricate transparent, flexible, and chemically stable conductive films. The fabrication includes spraying of silver nanowires suspension on a glass substrate followed by Dr. blade coating of polystyrene (PS) solution and delamination of the PS-AgNWs film. The resulting film exhibits an optimum sheet resistance of 24 Ω/□ and transmittance of 84%. To further enhance the stability of the transparent conductive film, the facial and scalable double pulse electrodeposition method is used for coating of gold on the exposed surface of the AgNWs embedded in PS. The final transparent film with gold coating demonstrates a remarkable stability under harsh conditions including long exposure to UV light and nitric acid solution. After 100 min of UV/Ozone treatment, the increase in sheet resistance of the optimal PS-AgNW@Au sample is 15.6 times lower than the samples without gold coating. In addition, the change in sheet resistance after 2000 bending cycles in the optimal PS-AgNW@Au electrode is measured and it showed an increase of only 22% of its initial sheet resistance indicating its good flexibility. The proposed electrode performs an excellent chemical stability, good conductivity, transparency, and flexibility that makes it a potential candidate for various optoelectronic devices.
Effect of alcohol on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) blood levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shafiee Arman , Jafarabady Kyana , Rafiei Mohammad Ali , Beiky Maryam , Seighali Niloofar , Golpayegani Golshid , Jalali Mehrsa , Soltani Abhari Faeze , Arabzadeh Bahri Razman , Safari Omid , Bakhtiyari Mahmood , Alirezaei Amirhesam
Published: October 2023

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a vital protein involved in neuronal development, survival, and plasticity. Alcohol consumption has been implicated in various neurocognitive deficits and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the impact of alcohol on BDNF blood levels remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of alcohol consumption on BDNF blood levels. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. Eligible studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed, and methodological quality was assessed using appropriate tools. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the overall effect size of alcohol consumption on BDNF levels. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Alcohol use and BDNF blood levels were significantly correlated, according to the meta-analysis (p = 0.008). Overall, it was discovered that drinking alcohol significantly decreased BDNF levels (SMD: − 0.39; 95% CI: − 0.68 to − 0.10; I2: 93%). There was a non-significant trend suggesting that alcohol withdrawal might increase BDNF levels, with an SMD of 0.26 (95% CI: − 0.09 to 0.62; I2: 86%; p = 0.14). Subgroup analysis based on the source of BDNF demonstrated significant differences between the subgroups (p = 0.0008). No significant publication bias was observed. This study showed that alcohol consumption is associated with a significant decrease in BDNF blood levels. The findings suggest a negative impact of alcohol on BDNF levels regardless of alcohol dosage. Further studies are needed to strengthen the evidence and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Endotoxin removal therapy with Polymyxin B immobilized fiber column: a single center experience from EUPHAS2 registry
Authors: Forin Edoardo , Lorenzoni Giulia , Ferrer Ricard , De Cal Massimo , Zanella Monica , Marchionna Nicola , Gregori Dario , Forfori Francesco , Lorenzin Anna , Danzi Vinicio , Ronco Claudio , De Rosa Silvia
Published: October 2023

Although the precise clinical indication for initiation of PMX-HA is widely debated in the literature, a proper patient selection and timing of treatment delivery might play a critical role in the clinical course of a specific subphenotype of septic shock (endotoxic shock). In light of this view, since 2019, we have introduced in our clinical practice a diagnostic-therapeutic flowchart to select patients that can benefit the most from the treatment proposed. In addition, we reported in this study our experience of PMX-HA in a cohort of critically ill patients admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU). We analyzed a single centre, retrospective, observational web-based database (extracted from the EUPHAS2 registry) of critically ill patients admitted to the ICU between January 2016 and May 2021 who were affected by endotoxic shock. Patients were divided according to the diagnostic-therapeutic flowchart in two groups: Pre-Flowchart (Pre-F) and Post-Flowchart (Post-F). From January 2016 to May 2021, 61 patients were treated with PMX-HA out of 531 patients diagnosed with septic shock and of these, fifty patients (82%) developed AKI during their ICU stay. The most common source of infection was secondary peritonitis (36%), followed by community-acquired pneumonia (29%). Fifty-five (90%) out of 61 patients received a second PMX-HA treatment, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (78% of the Pre-F vs. 100% of the Post-F group, p = 0.005). In both groups, between T0 and T120, the Endotoxin Activity Assay (EAA) decreased, while the SOFA score, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and Vasoactive Inotropic Score (VIS) improved with no statistically significant difference. Furthermore, when performing a propensity score matching analysis to compare mortality between the two groups, statistically significant lower ICU and 90-day mortalities were observed in the Post-F group [p = 0.016]. Although in this experienced centre data registry, PMX-HA was associated with organ function recovery, hemodynamic improvement, and current EAA level reduction in critically ill patients with endotoxic shock. Following propensity score-matched analysis, ICU mortality and 90-day mortalities were lower in the diagnostic-therapeutic flowchart group when considering two temporal groups based on strict patient selection criteria and timing to achieve PMX. Further Randomised Control Trials focused on centre selection, adequate training and a flowchart of action when assessing extracorporeal blood purification use should be performed.
MafB regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation by sustaining p62 expression in macrophages
Authors: Cui Huachun , Banerjee Sami , Xie Na , Dey Tapan , Liu Rui-Ming , Sanders Yan Y. , Liu Gang
Published: October 2023

Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is a two-step process: the priming and the activating. The priming step involves the induction of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β, while the activating step leads to the full inflammasome activation triggered by a NLRP3 activator. Although mechanisms underlying the NLRP3 inflammasome activation have been increasingly clear, the regulation of this process remains incompletely understood. In this study, we find that LPS and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause a rapid downregulation in MafB transcription in macrophages, which leads to a quick decline in the level of MafB protein because MafB is short-lived and constantly degraded by the ubiquitin/proteasome system. We find that MafB knockdown or knockout markedly enhances the NLRP3, but not the NLRP1, NLRC4, or AIM2, inflammasome activation in macrophages. Conversely, pharmacological induction of MafB diminishes the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, we find that MafB sustains the expression of p62, a key mediator of autophagy/mitophagy. We find that MafB inhibits mitochondrial damage, and mitochondrial ROS production and DNA cytoplasmic release. Furthermore, we find that myeloid MafB deficient mice demonstrate increased systemic and lung IL-1β production in response to LPS treatment and P. aeruginosa infection and deficient lung P. aeruginosa clearance in vivo. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that MafB is an important negative regulator of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Our findings suggest that strategies elevating MafB may be effective to treat immune disorders due to excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Timing matters: the overlooked issue of response time mismatch in pH-dependent analyte sensing using multiple sensors
Authors: Steininger Fabian , Zieger Silvia E. , Koren Klaus
Published: October 2023

Are all sensors compatible? In the age of big data, integrating multiple sensor signals to derive new parameters is common practice. Here we address one of the inherent limitations of this approach from an experimental and theoretical angle.
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT1 in regulating osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation using a double-stranded gapmer locked nucleic acid nanobiosensor
Authors: Fasciano Samantha , Luo Shuai , Wang Shue
Published: October 2023

A pioneering ds-GapM-LNA nanobiosensor for the monitoring of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in live cells during the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).
NIR hyperspectral imaging with multivariate analysis for measurement of oil and protein contents in peanut varieties
Authors: Cheng Jun-Hu , Jin Huali , Xu Zhongyue , Zheng Fuping
Published: October 2023

Expression of concern for ‘NIR hyperspectral imaging with multivariate analysis for measurement of oil and protein contents in peanut varieties’ by Jun-Hu Cheng et al., Anal. Methods, 2017, 9, 6148–6154, https://doi.org/10.1039/C7AY02115A.
Nickel/photoredox-catalyzed enantioselective arylation of α-chloro thioesters
Authors: Xing Fei , Lin Tingzhi , Ye Yu , Wang Yan-En , Cao Xianzhong , Gao Xueying , Zhang Dongzhao , Kong Lingfeng , Zhu Xiyou , Xiong Dan , Mao Jianyou
Published: October 2023

The first dual nickel/photoredox-catalyzed enantioselective reductive cross-coupling of racemic α-chloro thioesters with aryl iodides has been developed.
Enhancing the performance of a cylindrical nanopore in osmotic power generation through designing the waveform of its inner surface
Authors: Liu Chung-Wei , Hsu Jyh-Ping
Published: October 2023

In our study, we investigate four different nanopore designs (square, sawtooth, triangle, and sine waves) to enhance nanofluidic salinity gradient power by considering the impact of geometric factors at the solid–liquid interface.
Multi-fidelity Bayesian optimization of covalent organic frameworks for xenon/krypton separations
Authors: Gantzler Nickolas , Deshwal Aryan , Doppa Janardhan Rao , Simon Cory M.
Published: October 2023

We employ multi-fidelity Bayesian optimization to search a large candidate set of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for the one with the largest [simulated] equilibrium adsorptive selectivity for xenon (Xe) over krypton (Kr) at room temperature.
What is missing in autonomous discovery: open challenges for the community
Authors: Maffettone Phillip M. , Friederich Pascal , Baird Sterling G. , Blaiszik Ben , Brown Keith A. , Campbell Stuart I. , Cohen Orion A. , Davis Rebecca L. , Foster Ian T. , Haghmoradi Navid , Hereld Mark , Joress Howie , Jung Nicole , Kwon Ha-Kyung , Pizzuto Gabriella , Rintamaki Jacob , Steinmann Casper , Torresi Luca , Sun Shijing
Published: October 2023

Self-driving labs (SDLs) leverage combinations of artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced computing to accelerate scientific discovery.
Modulation of ground and excited state properties of ruthenium complexes through sequential incorporation of metal into a polypyridyl-imidazole bridging ligand
Authors: Sahoo Anik , Bar Manoranjan , Biswas Raju , Abedin Tuhin , Baitalik Sujoy
Published: October 2023

The systematic modulation of ground and excited state properties of ruthenium complexes has been accomplished via the sequential incorporation of metal into a polypyridyl-imidazole bridging ligand.
Unraveling the solvent stability on the cathode surface of Li–O2 batteries by using in situ vibrational spectroscopies
Authors: Ge Aimin , Nagai Ryuuta , Nemoto Kota , Li Bingbing , Kannari Koki , Inoue Ken-ichi , Ye Shen
Published: October 2023

The stability of a series of glyme solvents with different chain lengths during ORR/OER has been investigated using in situ vibrational spectroscopy measurements.
Review and perspectives on carbon-based electrocatalysts for the production of H2O2via two-electron oxygen reduction
Authors: He Hongjing , Liu Shuling , Liu Yanyan , Zhou Limin , Wen Hao , Shen Ruofan , Zhang Huanhuan , Guo Xianji , Jiang Jianchun , Li Baojun
Published: October 2023

As a versatile and environmentally friendly chemical, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is in high demand.
Ferroelectric nematogens containing a methylthio group
Authors: Stepanafas Gytis , Cruickshank Ewan , Brown Stevie , Majewska Magdalena M. , Pociecha Damian , Gorecka Ewa , Storey John M.D. , Imrie Corrie T.
Published: October 2023

We report for the first-time a series of methylthio terminated materials which exhibit the ferroelectric nematic phase.
Wafer-scale patterning of high-resolution quantum dot films with a thickness over 10 μm for improved color conversion
Authors: Zou Shenghan , Li Yuzhi , Gong Zheng
Published: October 2023

A replicate molding−plasma etching−transfer printing method is proposed to fabricate various quantum dot patterns with a sufficient thickness over 10 μm for efficient color conversion, revealing their potential for applications in full-colour micro-LED display devices.
Recovery of palladium from waste fashion items through food waste by-products
Authors: Cecchi Teresa , Gao Zhaojing , Clement Christophe , Matos Peralta Yasser , Girard Olivier , Santato Clara
Published: October 2023

We propose an affordable and safe route to recover palladium in its metallic form from waste fashion items and recycle it in electronic devices.
Co-Al-CO3 layered double hydroxide: an efficient and regenerable catalyst for glycolysis of polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Thomas Deepthi , Ranjan Rakesh , George Benny Kattikanal
Published: October 2023

Co-Al-CO3 LDH is an efficient and regenerable catalyst for PET recycling via glycolysis. 100% PET conversion and 99% BHET yield were achieved with the catalyst.
Overcoming the Research–Practice Gap: Key Considerations for Speech-Language Pathologists Related to Multitiered Systems of Support
Authors: Sylvan Lesley
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

This tutorial highlights the challenges and opportunities school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) face related to engagement with the multitiered systems of support (MTSS) framework in their public school work practices. It positions SLP involvement in MTSS as an area where a gap between research and practice exists and highlights key ways for SLPs to overcome barriers to support student success within this framework.

Method:

This tutorial provides a general description of the MTSS framework and highlights the immediate applicability of the framework to SLP school practices. Key considerations are offered for SLPs ready to take concrete steps related to implementing the MTSS framework. Hypothetical cases are used to illustrate how school-based SLPs can use these considerations to guide meaningful but realistic changes.

Results:

Ongoing concerns about the impact of the pandemic on student outcomes and growing awareness of systemic inequities in education are prompting SLPs to move beyond asking
if
they should be involved in MTSS to focusing on how they should be engaged with this framework. This tutorial provides five key considerations for SLPs to realistically deepen their engagement with MTSS and overcome the research–practice gap in this area.

Conclusion:

This tutorial provides a resource for SLPs to take concrete and immediate steps to support at-risk students through MTSS given the needs at this unique moment in time when concerns about learning loss and achievement gaps are front and center in public schools.
Fed‐SAD: A secure aggregation federated learning method for distributed short‐term load forecasting
Authors: Li Hexiao , Wu Sixing , Wang Ruiqi , Guo Yiguo , Li Jianbin
Published: October 2023

The distributed and privacy‐preserving attributes of fine‐grained smart grid data create obstacles to data sharing. As a result, federated learning emerges as an effective strategy for collaborative training in distributed load forecasting. However, poisoning attacks can interfere with training in the federated learning aggregation process, making it challenging to ensure the accuracy and safety of the global model in load forecasting. Therefore, the authors propose a secure aggregation federated learning method based on similarity and distance (Fed‐SAD) for distributed load forecasting. The server determines approximate global model parameters based on the similarity of the model parameters of the participants and aggregates the global model parameters using a distance‐based weighting method. Fed‐SAD effectively reduces the interference of poisoning attacks by securely aggregating models in short‐term load forecasting. Experimental results show that using the Fed‐SAD results in mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) reduction for certain participants by 19% on sign flipping attacks, MAPE reduction by 15% on additive noise attacks, and MAPE reduction by 4.5% without attack, compared to the Federated Average Aggregation algorithm. Furthermore, Fed‐SAD consistently maintains robustness and has excellent attack detection accuracy.