bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic ambiguity and risk in alternating pie-sharing experiments
Authors: Conte Anna , Güth Werner , Pezanis-Christou Paul
Published: January 2023

We experimentally study a class of pie-sharing games with alternating roles from a decision-making perspective. For this, we consider a variant of a two-stage alternating-offer game which introduces an imbalance in the protagonists’ bargaining powers. This game class enables us to investigate how exposure to risk and strategic ambiguity affects one’s bargaining behaviour. Two structural econometric models of behaviour, anaïveand asophisticatedone, capture remarkably well the observed deviations from the game-theoretic benchmark. Our findings indicate, in particular, that a higher exposure to strategic ambiguity leads to a behaviour that is less responsive to the game’s parameters and to distorted, yet consistent, beliefs about other’s behaviour. We also find evidence of a backward-reasoning whereby first-stage decisions relate to the second-stage ones but which do not call for the counterfactual reasoning that characterises rationality in such settings.
Holistic Flexibility for Deploying Systems Thinking as a Cognitive Skill
Authors: Chowdhury Rajneesh
Published: January 2023

Considering Systems Thinking (ST) as a cognitive skill can create greater acceptability of and openness to the discipline from practitioners and researchers outside operations research and management science. Rather than associating ST with frameworks and methodologies, ST as a cognitive skill can help popularize and democratize the discipline. This paper highlights how the conceptual lens of Holistic Flexibility can help practitioners deploy ST as a cognitive skill without the application of any traditional systems methodology. Holistic Flexibility is defined as the dynamic interplay between a state of mind that has the ability to absorb systemic complexity and a state of practice that has the ability to embrace flexibility, both in intent and in form. Through two case-studies, discussions in this paper highlight how Holistic Flexibility can serve as a conceptual lens for systems practitioners. The case-studies demonstrate the importance of a practitioner’s ability to seamlessly manage and work with multiple variables, stakeholders, and factors to deliver responsible outcomes with the aid of learning loops. The main contribution of this paper lies in the case-studies and analyses presented that provide use cases for Holistic Flexibility in ST, which will help address recent calls in the discipline for ST to be considered as a cognitive skill.
Unpacking classroom goal structures based on students’ own words
Authors: Fejes József Balázs
Published: January 2023

Achievement goal theory research, which investigates students’ perceptions of the classroom climate, has mainly focused on teacher practices from a deductive perspective. However, this appears to hinder a fuller understanding of all the factors that influence students’ perceptions of the classroom goal structures (CGS). Therefore, using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches, a series of three studies was conducted to identify new elements in students’ perceptions of CGS in relation to mathematics. In Study 1 (N = 340, 5th–7th graders), a self-reporting Hungarian-language questionnaire was developed to measure CGS. In Study 2 (N = 250, 7th graders), the same questionnaire was supplemented with open-ended questions about the classroom climate. Based on a qualitative analysis of these open-ended questions, new scales, one each for the factors of helping peers, recognition by peers, and image of the classroom community, were created in Study 3 (N = 438, 6th–8th graders) to explore their relationship to classroom goal structures. Factor analysis confirmed the expected structure, except for recognition by peers, which had to be divided into two factors with the new construct known as teasing peers. Findings confirm the relevance of a combined, inductive–deductive approach in examining CGS.
Teacher attitudes toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual students: Evidence for intergroup contact theory and secondary transfer effects
Authors: Gegenfurtner Andreas , Hartinger Andreas , Gabel Sylvia , Neubauer Jule , Keskin Özün , Dresel Markus
Published: January 2023

This article presents two studies that tested the predictive validity of intergroup contact theory and secondary transfer effects related to pre-service teacher attitudes toward sexual minority youth in classrooms. Multiple regression of feeling thermometer scores in Study 1 (N = 989) suggested that more favorable attitudes are present among younger, female, bisexual or homosexual, less religious, politically left-wing pre-service teachers with lesbian, gay, and bisexual contacts. Associations with family membership and hometown size were nonsignificant. Analyses of variance in Study 2 (N = 406) showed statistically significant secondary transfer effects. For instance, teacher candidates with no lesbian women contacts showed less sexual prejudice toward lesbian students if they were in social contact with gay men and bisexual people. Implications for teacher education, teacher professionalism, and the need to create safe spaces in school for LGBTQIA+ students are discussed.
Residual efficacy of selected larvicides against Culex pipiens pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) under laboratory and semi-field conditions
Authors: Sakka Maria K. , Ioannou Charalampos S. , Papadopoulos Nikos T. , Athanassiou Christos G.
Published: January 2023

Mosquitoes are a threat worldwide since they are vectors of important pathogens and parasites such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile. The residual toxicity of several commercial mosquito larvicides was evaluated for the control of Culex pipiens pipiens under controlled laboratory and semi-field conditions during late spring and summer of 2013. The evaluation included six different active ingredient formulations, i.e., diflubenzuron Du-Dim), Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) (Vectobac), spinosad (Mozkill), S-methoprene (Biopren), temephos (Abate), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (Aquatain), that are currently registered of and had been registered in the past for mosquito control. Under controlled laboratory conditions, the residual activity ranged from 1 week (S-methoprene) up to 2 months (spinosad, PDMS). Exposure of larvicides under semi-field conditions resulted in noticeable differences regarding their efficacy as compared to the laboratory bioassays. Exposure of S-methoprene, Bti, and spinosad, for up to 3 days, resulted in similar adult emergence to the controls. On the other hand, the residual efficacy of diflubenzuron, temephos, and PDMS ranged from 14 to 28 days, depending on the season of exposure. Longevity and fecundity of adults that had emerged from surviving larvae, in most of the cases tested, did not differ significantly from that of the controls. The results of the present study demonstrate the necessity of both field and laboratory studies to draw safe conclusions regarding the efficacy of larvicides against mosquitoes and the selection of the proper formulation for each application scenario. In addition, defining the seasonal variation in the residual toxicity of the tested formulations could be useful for improving mosquitos’ management programs.
The Microstructural Evolution of CM247LC Manufactured Through Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Markanday J. F. S. , Christofidou K. A. , Miller J. R. , Livera E. R. , Jones N. G. , Pickering E. J. , Li W. , Pardhi Y. , Jones C. N. , Stone H. J.
Published: January 2023

Numerous challenges persist with the additive manufacturing of high γ′ containing Ni-based superalloys such as CM247LC. Currently, significant cracking occurs during deposition of CM247LC components using laser powder bed fusion and during post-processing. Whilst post-deposition procedures seek to eliminate or minimise cracks, current procedures do not produce a microstructure suitable for service. This study systematically investigates the microstructural evolution of CM247LC manufactured using laser powder bed fusion following multiple post processing treatments. Phase and textural changes after each processing step were consistent with previous studies, although an additional Hf-rich and Cr-depleted segregation zone was identified along intercellular boundaries in the as-deposited condition, believed to be associated with the cracking propensity. Compositional modification of CM247LC including removal of Hf, reduction of C and addition of Nb eliminated the segregation zone but these changes were associated with an increased susceptibility to solidification and liquation cracking.
Trophoblast Stem-Cell-Derived Exosomes Alleviate Cardiotoxicity of Doxorubicin via Improving Mfn2-Mediated Mitochondrial Fusion
Authors: Duan Junfeng , Liu Xiaoli , Shen Song , Tan Xi , Wang Yi , Wang Lian , Kang Lina , Wang Kun , Wei Zhonghai , Qi Yu , Hu Lei , Xu Biao , Gu Rong
Published: January 2023

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an anticancer drug widely used in tumor chemotherapy, but it has the side-effect of cardiotoxicity, which is closely related to mitochondrial damage. Mitochondrial dynamics is a quality control mechanism that usually helps to maintain a healthy mitochondrial pool. Trophoblast stem cell-derived exosomes (TSC-Exos) have been shown to protect cardiomyocytes from DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. To explore whether the cardioprotective role is mediated by the regulation of mitochondrial dynamic mechanism, TSC-Exos were isolated from human trophoblast stem cells by ultracentrifugation and characterized by Western blot and transmission electron microscopy. Cellular experiments of H9c2 cardiomyocytes co-cultured with Dox and TSC-Exos were performed in vitro to determine the levels of reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis level. An animal model of heart failure was established by intraperitoneal injection of Dox in vivo, therapy mice were received additional intracardiac injection of TSC-Exos, then, the cardiac function, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial fragmentation were ameliorated. Histology assays suggest that Dox caused an increased tendency of mitochondrial fission, which was manifested by a decrease in the average size of mitochondria. By receiving TSC-Exos treatment, this effect was eliminated. In summary, these results suggest that TSC-Exos alleviate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through antiapoptotic effect and improving mitochondrial fusion with an increase in Mfn2 expression. This study is the first to provide a potential new treatment scheme for the treatment of heart failure from the perspective of the relationship between TSC-Exos and mitochondrial dynamics.
Common and Rare Variants in TMEM175 Gene Concur to the Pathogenesis of Parkinson’s Disease in Italian Patients
Authors: Palomba Nicole Piera , Fortunato Giorgio , Pepe Giuseppe , Modugno Nicola , Pietracupa Sara , Damiano Immacolata , Mascio Giada , Carrillo Federica , Di Giovannantonio Luca Giovanni , Ianiro Laura , Martinello Katiuscia , Volpato Viola , Desiato Vincenzo , Acri Riccardo , Storto Marianna , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Webber Caleb , Simeone Antonio , Fucile Sergio , Maglione Vittorio , Esposito Teresa
Published: January 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) represents the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder. We recently identified 16 novel genes associated with PD. In this study, we focused the attention on the common and rare variants identified in the lysosomal K+ channel TMEM175. The study includes a detailed clinical and genetic analysis of 400 cases and 300 controls. Molecular studies were performed on patient-derived fibroblasts. The functional properties of the mutant channels were assessed by patch-clamp technique and co-immunoprecipitation. We have found that TMEM175 was highly expressed in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta and in microglia of the cerebral cortex of the human brain. Four common variants were associated with PD, including two novel variants rs2290402 (c.-10C > T) and rs80114247 (c.T1022C, p.M341T), located in the Kozak consensus sequence and TM3II domain, respectively. We also disclosed 13 novel highly penetrant detrimental mutations in the TMEM175 gene associated with PD. At least nine of these mutations (p.R35C, p. R183X, p.A270T, p.P308L, p.S348L, p. L405V, p.R414W, p.P427fs, p.R481W) may be sufficient to cause the disease, and the presence of mutations of other genes correlated with an earlier disease onset. In vitro functional analysis of the ion channel encoded by the mutated TMEM175 gene revealed a loss of the K+ conductance and a reduced channel affinity for Akt. Moreover, we observed an impaired autophagic/lysosomal proteolytic flux and an increase expression of unfolded protein response markers in patient-derived fibroblasts. These data suggest that mutations in TMEM175 gene may contribute to the pathophysiology of PD.
Genetic landscape and immune mechanism of monocytes associated with the progression of acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Yao Jia , Liu Tian , Zhao Qiang , Ji Yaqiu , Bai Jinjia , Wang Han , Yao Ruoyu , Zhou Xiaoshuang , Chen Yu , Xu Jun
Published: January 2023

Objective

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has a high prevalence and short-term mortality. Monocytes play an important role in the development of ACLF. However, the monocyte subpopulations with unique features and functions in ACLF and associated with disease progression remain poorly understood. We investigated the specific monocyte subpopulations associated with ACLF progression and their roles in inflammatory responses using the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).

Methods

We performed scRNA-seq on 17,310 circulating monocytes from healthy controls and ACLF patients and genetically defined their subpopulations to characterize specific monocyte subpopulations associated with ACLF progression.

Results

Five monocyte subpopulations were obtained, including pro-inflammatory monocytes, CD16 monocytes, HLA monocytes, megakaryocyte-like monocytes, and NK-like monocytes. Comparisons of the monocytes between ACLF patients and healthy controls showed that the pro-inflammatory monocytes had the most significant gene changes, among which the expressions of genes related to inflammatory responses and cell metabolism were significantly increased while the genes related to cell cycle progression were significantly decreased. Furthermore, compared with the ACLF survival group, the ACLF death group had significantly higher expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6) and their receptors, chemokines (e.g., CCL4 and CCL5), and inflammation-inducing factors (e.g., HES4). Additionally, validation using scRNA-seq and flow cytometry revealed the presence of a cell type-specific transcriptional signature of pro-inflammatory monocytes THBS1, whose production might reflect the disease progression and poor prognosis.

Conclusions

We present the accurate classification, molecular markers, and signaling pathways of monocytes associated with ACLF progression. Therapies targeting pro-inflammatory monocytes may be a promising approach for blocking ACLF progression.
Decision-making performance and self-generated knowledge in handball-defense patterns: a case of representational redescription
Authors: Magnaguagno Lukas , Hossner Ernst-Joachim , Schmid Jürg , Zahno Stephan
Published: January 2023

In sport games, perceptual–cognitive skills are discussed as a decisive aspect of players’ expertise. However, an understanding of the relationship between these skills and actual game performance is limited, particularly, regarding the role of pattern identification and situational-probability estimation in performance. The present study thus aimed to examine how identification of teammates’ defensive qualities relates to decision-making performance in a 3:3 virtual-reality defensive task. Examining data collected in two previously published studies, we analyzed the relationship between explicit pattern detection and response correctness, and also as a function of players’ experience. Experience was operationalized as either expertise level (Experiment 1) or task-specific experience (Experiment 2). As expected, the explicit detection of a game-specific pattern was found to be facilitated by experience. However, the results imply that it is accumulated experience that enhances decision-making performance rather than the degree of self-generated explicit knowledge. This finding supports the notion of “representational redescription” as introduced by Karmiloff-Smith (1994). For sports practice, this suggests that the pattern identification demonstrated by skilled athletes should not be overestimated as a predictor of game performance, while the explicit provision of knowledge might be beneficial for less-skilled athletes, particularly in situations of high uncertainty.
Sustainability assessment in innovation design processes: place, role, and conditions of use in agrifood systems. A review
Authors: Perrin Aurélie , Yannou-Le Bris Gwenola , Angevin Frédérique , Pénicaud Caroline
Published: January 2023

Facing the ecological and social crisis that the agrifood systems cross, a profound transformation of food systems is required, necessitating systemic and sustainable innovations. Sustainability assessments are generally performed to identify and/or validate the improvement in sustainability conferred by a designed artifact relative to the current or standard situation. However, they can have many other benefits in the design process. Here, we review the place, role, and conditions of use of sustainability assessment in innovation design processes in agrifood systems. By cross-referencing published findings and our own experience, we formalize a design process highlighting the place of sustainability assessment, whether design is intended for the creation of an agricultural or food artifact. We identify three types of assessment: initial diagnosis, screening between solutions at the ideation stage, and evaluation at the prototyping and development stages. We discuss ways of performing each of these assessments and highlight general key points about sustainability assessment. A first set of key points relate to criteria and indicators, a second set to the role of stakeholders, a third one to the adaptive nature of the assessment, and the last one to the uncertainty consideration. These key points provide guidance for efficient assessment in the design of innovations to increase the sustainability of agrifood systems. Thus, we demonstrate that the design process of innovations for sustainable agrifood systems requires (1) to formalize the place and mode of assessment, (2) to make use of relevant sustainability criteria and indicators, (3) to reinforce participatory practices, and (4) to adapt the assessment to the context of the designed artifact, to facilitate choices between imperfect solutions. Such an approach aims to promote innovations that meet the expectations of the system’s direct stakeholders, but also integrate the needs of invisible actors such as the environment or the well-being of populations.
Optimizing reflex urine cultures: Using a population-specific approach to diagnostic stewardship
Authors: Advani Sonali D. , Turner Nicholas A. , Schmader Kenneth E. , Wrenn Rebekah H. , Moehring Rebekah W. , Polage Christopher R. , Vaughn Valerie M. , Anderson Deverick J.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Clinicians and laboratories routinely use urinalysis (UA) parameters to determine whether antimicrobial treatment and/or urine cultures are needed. Yet the performance of individual UA parameters and common thresholds for action are not well defined and may vary across different patient populations.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, we included all encounters with UAs ordered 24 hours prior to a urine culture between 2015 and 2020 at 3 North Carolina hospitals. We evaluated the performance of relevant UA parameters as potential outcome predictors, including sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV). We also combined 18 different UA criteria and used receiver operating curves to identify the 5 best-performing models for predicting significant bacteriuria (≥100,000 colony-forming units of bacteria/mL).

Results:

In 221,933 encounters during the 6-year study period, no single UA parameter had both high sensitivity and high specificity in predicting bacteriuria. Absence of leukocyte esterase and pyuria had a high NPV for significant bacteriuria. Combined UA parameters did not perform better than pyuria alone with regard to NPV. The high NPV ≥0.90 of pyuria was maintained among most patient subgroups except females aged ≥65 years and patients with indwelling catheters.

Conclusion:

When used as a part of a diagnostic workup, UA parameters should be leveraged for their NPV instead of sensitivity. Because many laboratories and hospitals use reflex urine culture algorithms, their workflow should include clinical decision support and or education to target symptomatic patients and focus on populations where absence of pyuria has high NPV.
THE DIAGONAL STRONG REFLECTION PRINCIPLE AND ITS FRAGMENTS
Authors: COX SEAN D. , FUCHS GUNTER
Published: January 2023

A diagonal version of the strong reflection principle is introduced, along with fragments of this principle associated with arbitrary forcing classes. The relationships between the resulting principles and related principles, such as the corresponding forcing axioms and the corresponding fragments of the strong reflection principle, are analyzed, and consequences are presented. Some of these consequences are “exact” versions of diagonal stationary reflection principles of sets of ordinals. We also separate some of these diagonal strong reflection principles from related axioms.
On parabolic subgroups of symplectic reflection groups
Authors: Bellamy Gwyn , Schmitt Johannes , Thiel Ulrich
Published: January 2023

Using Cohen’s classification of symplectic reflection groups, we prove that the parabolic subgroups, that is, stabilizer subgroups, of a finite symplectic reflection group, are themselves symplectic reflection groups. This is the symplectic analog of Steinberg’s Theorem for complex reflection groups.

Using computational results required in the proof, we show the nonexistence of symplectic resolutions for symplectic quotient singularities corresponding to three exceptional symplectic reflection groups, thus reducing further the number of cases for which the existence question remains open.

Another immediate consequence of our result is that the singular locus of the symplectic quotient singularity associated to a symplectic reflection group is pure of codimension two.
The Virtues of Interpretable Medical AI
Authors: Hatherley Joshua , Sparrow Robert , Howard Mark
Published: January 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems have demonstrated impressive performance across a variety of clinical tasks. However, notoriously, sometimes these systems are “black boxes.” The initial response in the literature was a demand for “explainable AI.” However, recently, several authors have suggested that making AI more explainable or “interpretable” is likely to be at the cost of the accuracy of these systems and that prioritizing interpretability in medical AI may constitute a “lethal prejudice.” In this paper, we defend the value of interpretability in the context of the use of AI in medicine. Clinicians may prefer interpretable systems over more accurate black boxes, which in turn is sufficient to give designers of AI reason to prefer more interpretable systems in order to ensure that AI is adopted and its benefits realized. Moreover, clinicians may be justified in this preference. Achieving the downstream benefits from AI is critically dependent on how the outputs of these systems are interpreted by physicians and patients. A preference for the use of highly accurate black box AI systems, over less accurate but more interpretable systems, may itself constitute a form of lethal prejudice that may diminish the benefits of AI to—and perhaps even harm—patients.
Multiple Auroral Streamer Bundles in Conjugate Hemispheres and Multiple Near‐Earth Injections
Authors: Tian S. , Wang C.‐P. , Lyons L. R. , Bortnik J. , Weygand J. M. , Liu J. , Yadav S. , Ma Q. , Reeves G. D. , Henderson M. G. , Wolf R. A.
Published: January 2023

The auroral streamer is a type of auroral form commonly observed during geomagnetic substorms. Previous studies suggested a coupling between auroral streamers and channels of bursty bulk flows in the plasma sheet. However, whether one flow channel can map to multiple streamers is unclear. Here, we present an event containing consecutive auroral streamer subevents. The event features similar spatial and temporal development of auroral streamers in conjugate hemispheres. In most of the subevents, we observed that what an in‐space auroral camera saw as one streamer actually consisted of multiple streamers (i.e., a streamer bundle). A coordinated analysis of near‐earth injections and ionospheric currents suggests that one overall flow channel (or bubble) can map to a streamer bundle. Multiple streamer bundles and thus multiple overall flow channels can occur simultaneously at different local times. Evidence supports that the overall flow channel may consist of or split into several narrower flow channels and each maps to a streamer and causes a particle injection.
Basin‐Scale CO2 Emissions From the East River in South China: Importance of Small Rivers, Human Impacts and Monsoons
Authors: Liu Boyi , Wang Zifeng , Tian Mingyang , Yang Xiankun , Chan Chun Ngai , Chen Shuai , Yang Qianqian , Ran Lishan
Published: January 2023

Riverine carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are an essential component of the riverine carbon cycle, but an accurate assessment of riverine CO2 emission fluxes is still hindered by the spatial and temporal variations among river basins caused by differences in climate, watershed characteristics, and human activity. Here, we evaluate the riverine CO2 flux from the subtropical East River Basin (ERB) in south China, a region strongly affected by monsoon climate and anthropogenic land use changes. Our results suggest small rivers are major contributors to riverine CO2 emissions, even with relatively low CO2 concentrations and small water surface areas (SAs). They contribute disproportionately to 74.4% of the total fluxes due to high gas transfer velocity (k) across the water‐air interface. Land use changes have substantially enhanced CO2 emissions from river networks. Normalized areal riverine CO2 fluxes in the urban‐ and cropland‐dominated Middle and Lower ERB (27.6 and 39.4 g C m−2 yr−1) were two and three times higher than the 9.1 g C m−2 yr−1 in the forest‐dominated Upper ERB. Due to the larger water SA and higher k caused by monsoon‐induced precipitation, the East River acts as a stronger carbon source during the wet season, emitting 0.67 Tg C yr−1 to the atmosphere, which is about twice that during the dry season (0.33 Tg C yr−1). Our study illustrated how monsoon climate and land use in the ERB have regulated its riverine CO2 emissions. Our findings also provided valuable insights into the role of small rivers in the basin‐wide carbon cycle.
Sex and gender in hypertension guidelines
Authors: Meinert Fabian , Thomopoulos Costas , Kreutz Reinhold
Published: January 2023

This paper reviews 11 current and previous international and some selected national hypertension guidelines regarding sex and gender-related differences. Those differences can be attributed to biological sex and to gender differences that are determined by socially constructed norms. All reviewed guidelines agree on a higher hypertension prevalence in men than in women. They also concur that evidence does not support different blood pressure thresholds and targets for treatment between men and women. Differences refer in addition to the differences in epidemiological aspects to differences in some morphometric diagnostic indices, e.g., left ventricular mass or the limits for daily alcohol intake. Concerning practical management, there are hardly any clear statements on different procedures that go beyond the consensus that blockers of the renin–angiotensin system should not be used in women of childbearing age wishing to become pregnant. Some further sex-specific aspects are related to differences in tolerability or drug-specific side effects of BP-lowering drugs. There is also a consensus about the need for blood pressure monitoring before and during the use of contraceptive pills. For management of pregnancy, several guidelines still recommend no active treatment in pregnant women without severe forms of hypertension, despite a wide consensus about the definition of hypertension in pregnancy. A disparity in treatment targets when treating severe and non-severe hypertension in pregnancy is also observed. Overall, sex-specific aspects are only very sparsely considered or documented in the evaluated guidelines highlighting an unmet need for future clinical research on this topic.
Biparatopic antibody BA7208/7125 effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron BA.1-BA.5
Authors: Wang Yanqun , Yan An , Song Deyong , Dong Chuangchuang , Rao Muding , Gao Yuanzhu , Qi Ruxi , Ma Xiaomin , Wang Qiaoping , Xu Hongguang , Liu Hong , Han Jing , Duan Maoqin , Liu Shuo , Yu Xiaoping , Zong Mengqi , Feng Jianxia , Jiao Jie , Zhang Huimin , Li Min , Yu Beibei , Wang Yanxia , Meng Fanhao , Ni Xiaodan , Li Ying , Shen Zhenduo , Sun Baiping , Shao Xin , Zhao Haifeng , Zhao Yanyan , Li Rui , Zhang Yanan , Du Guangying , Lu Jun , You Chunna , Jiang Hua , Zhang Lu , Wang Lan , Dou Changlin , Liu Zheng , Zhao Jincun
Published: January 2023

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants have demonstrated extensive evasion from monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) developed for clinical use, which raises an urgent need to develop new broad-spectrum mAbs. Here, we report the isolation and analysis of two anti-RBD neutralizing antibodies BA7208 and BA7125 from mice engineered to produce human antibodies. While BA7125 showed broadly neutralizing activity against all variants except the Omicron sublineages, BA7208 was potently neutralizing against all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants (including Omicron BA.1–BA.5) except Mu. By combining BA7208 and BA7125 through the knobs-into-holes technology, we generated a biparatopic antibody BA7208/7125 that was able to neutralize all tested circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Cryo-electron microscopy structure of these broad-spectrum antibodies in complex with trimeric Delta and Omicron spike indicated that the contact residues are highly conserved and had minimal interactions with mutational residues in RBD of current variants. In addition, we showed that administration of BA7208/7125 via the intraperitoneal, intranasal, or aerosol inhalation route showed potent therapeutic efficacy against Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 in hACE2-transgenic and wild-type mice and, separately, effective prophylaxis. BA7208/7125 thus has the potential to be an effective candidate as an intervention against COVID-19.
Pressure-induced charge orders and their postulated coupling to magnetism in hexagonal multiferroic LuFe2O4
Authors: Liu Fengliang , Hao Yiqing , Ni Jinyang , Zhao Yongsheng , Zhang Dongzhou , Fabbris Gilberto , Haskel Daniel , Cheng Shaobo , Xu Xiaoshan , Yin Lifeng , Xiang Hongjun , Zhao Jun , Lü Xujie , Wang Wenbin , Shen Jian , Yang Wenge
Published: January 2023

Hexagonal LuFe2O4 is a promising charge order (CO) driven multiferroic material with high charge and spin-ordering temperatures. The coexisting charge and spin orders on Fe3+/Fe2+ sites result in magnetoelectric behaviors, but the coupling mechanism between the charge and spin orders remains elusive. Here, by tuning external pressure, we reveal three charge-ordered phases with suggested correlation to magnetic orders in LuFe2O4: (i) a centrosymmetric incommensurate three-dimensional CO with ferrimagnetism, (ii) a non-centrosymmetric incommensurate quasi-two-dimensional CO with ferrimagnetism, and (iii) a centrosymmetric commensurate CO with antiferromagnetism. Experimental in situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements combined with density functional theory calculations suggest that the charge density redistribution caused by pressure-induced compression in the frustrated double-layer [Fe2O4] cluster is responsible for the correlated spin-charge phase transitions. The pressure-enhanced effective Coulomb interactions among Fe-Fe bonds drive the frustrated (1/3, 1/3) CO to a less frustrated (1/4, 1/4) CO, which induces the ferrimagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition. Our results not only elucidate the coupling mechanism among charge, spin, and lattice degrees of freedom in LuFe2O4, but also provide a new way to tune the spin-charge orders in a highly controlled manner.
The ‘myth of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for the prevention of COVID-19’ is far from reality
Authors: Dhibar Deba Prasad , Arora Navneet , Chaudhary Deepak , Prakash Ajay , Medhi Bikash , Singla Neeraj , Mohindra Ritin , Suri Vikas , Bhalla Ashish , Sharma Navneet , Singh Mini P. , Lakshmi P. V. M. , Goyal Kapil , Ghosh Arnab
Published: January 2023

The efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for the prevention of COVID-19 was contentious. In this randomized control double-blind clinical trial, asymptomatic individuals with direct contact with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases were randomized into PEP/HCQ (N = 574) and control/placebo (N = 594) group. The PEP/HCQ group received tablet HCQ 400 mg q 12 hourly on day one followed by 400 mg once weekly for 3 weeks, and the control/Placebo group received matching Placebo. The incidence of COVID-19 was similar (p = 0.761) in PEP [N = 24 out of 574, (4.2%)] and control [N = 27 out of 594, (4.5%)] groups. Total absolute risk reduction for the incidence of new-onset COVID-19 was -0.3% points with an overall relative risk of 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.52 to 1.60) and the number needed to treat (NNT) was 333 to prevent the incident of one case of COVID-19. The study found that, PEP with HCQ was not advantageous for the prevention of COVID-19 in asymptomatic individuals with high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Though HCQ is a safer drug, the practice of irrational and indiscriminate use of HCQ for COVID-19 should be restrained with better pharmacovigilance.
Evaluating a virtual reality sensory room for adults with disabilities
Authors: Mills Caroline J. , Tracey Danielle , Kiddle Ryan , Gorkin Robert
Published: January 2023

Sensory processing difficulties can negatively impact wellbeing in adults with disabilities. A range of interventions to address sensory difficulties have been explored and virtual reality (VR) technology may offer a promising avenue for the provision of sensory interventions. In this study, preliminary evidence about the impact of Evenness, an immersive VR sensory room experience, for people with disabilities was investigated via a single intervention pre-post mixed methods design. Quantitative methodology included single intervention pre-post design (five month timeframe) with 31 adults with various developmental disabilities to determine the impact of use of aVR sensory room using a head mounted display (HMD) in relation to anxiety, depression, sensory processing, personal wellbeing and adaptive behaviour. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were also conducted with thirteen purposefully selected stakeholders following Evenness use. Results indicated significant improvements in anxiety, depression and sensory processing following Evenness use. Qualitative analysis corroborated the anxiety findings. No significant changes were observed in personal wellbeing or adaptive behaviour. Results are promising and indicate that a VR sensory room may have a positive impact on anxiety, depression and sensory processing for adults with disabilities. A longer study timeframe and a more rigorous experimental methodology is needed to confirm these findings.
Towing icebergs to arid regions to reduce water scarcity
Authors: Condron Alan
Published: January 2023

Expanding agriculture, rising global population, and shifts in climate are placing increasing demands on existing water resources, especially in regions currently experiencing extreme drought. Finding new and reliable water sources is an urgent challenge. A long-held idea is that icebergs could be towed to arid coastal regions and harvested to help alleviate water stress. Here, a numerical model is used to simulate the deterioration of icebergs towed to Cape Town, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Moved at a speed of 0.5 m/s, an iceberg able to reach Cape Town must be at least ~ 300 m long and ~ 200 m thick at its time of capture. An iceberg this size would only require ~ 1 to 2 vessels to move and would deliver ~ 2.4 million liters of water. Placing an insulating material around the same iceberg to inhibit wave-induced erosion results in 4.5 billion liters of deliverable water. To reach the UAE, an unprotected iceberg needs to be at least ~ 2000 m long and 600 m thick, or 1250 m long and 600 m thick if insulated from wave-induced erosion. Icebergs of these dimensions would require ~ 10 to 20 vessels to move. Results are discussed in terms of the size and number of icebergs needed to help alleviate drought. In theory, small icebergs can easily be moved to South Africa; the challenge is likely to be harvesting the water as icebergs left offshore in a subtropical environment melt after a few days to weeks.
Classification and diagnostic prediction of breast cancer metastasis on clinical data using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Botlagunta Mahendran , Botlagunta Madhavi Devi , Myneni Madhu Bala , Lakshmi D. , Nayyar Anand , Gullapalli Jaithra Sai , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: January 2023

Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) is one of the primary causes of cancer-related deaths in women. Despite several limitations, histopathological information about the malignancy is used for the classification of cancer. The objective of our study is to develop a non-invasive breast cancer classification system for the diagnosis of cancer metastases. The anaconda—Jupyter notebook is used to develop various python programming modules for text mining, data processing, and Machine Learning (ML) methods. Utilizing classification model cross-validation criteria, including accuracy, AUC, and ROC, the prediction performance of the ML models is assessed. Welch Unpaired t-test was used to ascertain the statistical significance of the datasets. Text mining framework from the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) made it easier to separate the blood profile data and identify MBC patients. Monocytes revealed a noticeable mean difference between MBC patients as compared to healthy individuals. The accuracy of ML models was dramatically improved by removing outliers from the blood profile data. A Decision Tree (DT) classifier displayed an accuracy of 83% with an AUC of 0.87. Next, we deployed DT classifiers using Flask to create a web application for robust diagnosis of MBC patients. Taken together, we conclude that ML models based on blood profile data may assist physicians in selecting intensive-care MBC patients to enhance the overall survival outcome.
Optimum processing conditions for the maximum crystallization rate of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)
Authors: Janchai Khunanya , Kida Takumitsu , Yamaguchi Masayuki , Sunagawa Takenobu , Okura Tetsuo
Published: January 2023

The effect of thermal and shear histories on the crystallization rate of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) was studied. As with other crystalline polymers, the shear history greatly affected the crystallization rate when the shear rate was beyond a critical value, i.e., the inverse of the Rouse relaxation time. Even after the formation of extended chain crystals, spherulite texture was clearly discernable. It grew from certain points on the extended chain crystals. Consequently, a row of spherulites appeared along the flow direction. The resin temperature in the molten state was also significant. When the sample was heated to 170 °C, which is beyond the main melting peak in the differential scanning calorimetry curve, unmolten crystals did not affect the linear viscoelastic properties. They acted as effective nucleating agents for the rest of the polymer during cooling. Therefore, the shear history hardly affected the crystallization rate and the number of spherulites.
Rapid and sensitive detection of chlordimeform in cucumber and tomato samples using an immunochromatographic assay
Authors: Lu Qianqian , Xu Xinxin , Guo Lingling , Song Shanshan , Liu Liqiang , Zhu Yingyue , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai , Xu Liguang
Published: January 2023

Chlordimeform (CDM) is a broad-spectrum and highly effective insecticide and acaricide used to control pests in agriculture.
Gold-based paper for antigen detection of monkeypox virus
Authors: Ye Liya , Lei Xianlu , Xu Xinxin , Xu Liguang , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: January 2023

An immunochromatographic test strip method for detecting A29 was established. The strips utilizing mAb-7C5 and 5D8 showed the best sensitivity with the lowest LOD, 50 pg mL−1 for A29.
A halide perovskite/lead sulfide heterostructure with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance for the sensing of alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Authors: Deng Lei , Ma Fanghui , Yang Minghui , Li Xiaoqing , Chen Xiang
Published: January 2023

Halide perovskite-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensors for sensing of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with enhanced photocurrents by halide perovskite/lead sulfide heterostructure.
Topological entrapment of macromolecules during the formation of metal–organic framework
Authors: Mizutani Nagi , Hosono Nobuhiko , Uemura Takashi
Published: January 2023

Growing MOF crystals enfold macromolecules in their porous lattice. This enables the permanent immobilization of cyclic polymers in the crystals and offers a new paradigm for not only molecular capture but also molecular separation.
Significant differences in the electrochemical activity of black phosphorus anodes prepared under different atmospheres
Authors: Huang Zemin , Xue Weiran , Cui Xuemei , Ma Jingyuan , Li Quan , Lian Huiqin , Li Jiangang , Cui Xiuguo , Yu Xiqian , Li Yan
Published: January 2023

BP anodes prepared in the ambient atmosphere are susceptible to reaction with copper current collectors to form Cu3P, thereby exhibiting significantly different electrochemical activity from those prepared in an inert environment.
FA cation replenishment-induced second growth of printed MA-free perovskites for efficient solar cells and modules
Authors: Yang Danni , Ma Mengen , Li Yang , Xie Guangqi , Ma Yujiao , Wu Shaohang , Liu Chong
Published: January 2023

A FA+ replenishment strategy was employed to induce second growth of slot-die coated perovskite thin film, leading to the inverted perovskite mini-module reached an efficiency of 17.56% with an aperture area of 60.84 cm2.
Creation and stabilization of carbon dots in silica-confined compartments with high thermal stability
Authors: Zhang Huan-Huan , Wu Chuan-De
Published: January 2023

Confining carbon dots (CDs) in the isolated compartments of silica matrices endows CDs retain the initial photoluminescence (PL) properties at 400 °C, providing a promising pathway for developing highly thermal stable PL materials.
Experimental and computational characterisation of an artificial light harvesting complex
Authors: Slimani Sabrina L. , Kostecki Roman , Kursunlu Ahmed Nuri , Kee Tak W. , Tapping Patrick C. , Mak Adrian M. , Quach James Q.
Published: January 2023

The search for quantum behaviour within a BODIPY light-harvesting complex reveals coherent oscillations at 100 cm−1 and 600 cm−1.
A heated rock crack captures and polymerizes primordial DNA and RNA
Authors: Dirscherl Christina F. , Ianeselli Alan , Tetiker Damla , Matreux Thomas , Queener Robbin M. , Mast Christof B. , Braun Dieter
Published: January 2023

Life is based on informational polymers such as DNA or RNA. For their polymerization, high concentrations of complex monomer building blocks are required. Thermal gradients are shown to accomplish this – and retain the created RNA over long times.
A data driven approach to model thermal boundary resistance from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Anandakrishnan Abhijith , Sathian Sarith P
Published: January 2023

A new method is proposed to model the thermal boundary resistance (TBR) at the nanoscale, solid–liquid interface from macroscopic observables that characterize a nanoscale interface.
Electronic effect of substituents on the charge-transfer dynamics at the CsPbBr3 perovskite–small molecule interface
Authors: Roy Soumi , Mahato Malay Krishna , Prasad Edamana
Published: January 2023

The electronic effects of substituents on acceptor molecules regulates the charge transfer dynamics at the interface of CsPbBr3 NCs.
Heat transport properties of novel carbon monolayer (net-Y): a comparative study with graphene
Authors: Gao Peng , Chen Xihao , Wang Ning , Li Jiwen , Tang Hua , Liu Zonghang , Zhai Fuqiang
Published: January 2023

In this study, we focus on a novel carbon monolayer (net-Y) that is composed of sp2 hybridized C atoms, we systematically assess its practical applicability in electronic device design.
Lattice oxygen activation in disordered rocksalts for boosting oxygen evolution
Authors: Zhao Menghan , Zheng Xuerong , Cao Chengchi , Lu Qi , Zhang Jinfeng , Wang Haozhi , Huang Zhong , Cao Yanhui , Wang Yang , Deng Yida
Published: January 2023

Lattice oxygen could participate in catalyzing oxygen evolution reaction via the lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism, which provides the possibility of exploring electrocatalysts to overcome the scaling relationship in adsorbate evolution mechanism.
Molecular Sn(ii) precursors for room temperature deposition of crystalline elemental tin
Authors: Bykowski Janelle , Sinclair Jocelyn , Trach Jonathan , Ferguson Michael J. , Rivard Eric
Published: January 2023

The reaction of three molecular tin(ii) precursors with pinacolborane, HBpin, provides facile access to high purity crystalline tin metal under mild conditions from solution.
Environmental Science: Atmospheres at year two
Authors: Donahue Neil M.
Published: January 2023

Editor-in-Chief Neil Donahue reflects on the second year of Environmental Science: Atmospheres and plans for year three.
Electrochemical synthesis of oxazolesviaa phosphine-mediated deoxygenative [3 + 2] cycloaddition of carboxylic acids
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Yuan Qilin , Zhang Haoxiang , Shen Zheng-Jia , Zhao Lulu , Yang Chao , Guo Lin , Xia Wujiong
Published: January 2023

A phosphine-mediated deoxygenative [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction for oxazole synthesisviaelectrochemical anodic oxidation is herein reported.
A high-solid DES pretreatment using never-dried biomass as the starting material: towards high-quality lignin fractionation
Authors: Cheng Jinyuan , Huang Chen , Zhan Yunni , Liu Xuze , Wang Jia , Meng Xianzhi , Yoo Chang Geun , Fang Guigan , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: January 2023

This study investigated a high-solid diol deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatment using a wet substrate as the starting material.
Poly(ester-co-ether) from ring-opening copolymerisation of sustainable 2-methyltetrahydrofuran with β-butyrolactone
Authors: Mei Yixuan , Chen Kaihao , Gu Jiayu , Ling Jun , Ni Xufeng
Published: January 2023

The cationic ring-opening copolymerisation of biomass-based 2-MeTHF with another renewable monomer β-butyrolactone is realized using a Lewis acid Sc(OTf)3as the catalyst, producing degradable random poly(ester-co-ether) with alternating tendency.
Digital detection of proteins
Authors: Duffy David C.
Published: January 2023

We review innovations in digital protein detection that has greatly improved the sensitivity of immunoassays and their impact on biomedicine.
Few-monolayer Ga film on Si(111): illusive gallenene formation and localization instead of superconductivity
Authors: Bondarenko L. V. , Tupchaya A. Y. , Vekovshinin Y. E. , Gruznev D. V. , Mihalyuk A. N. , Denisov D. V. , Matetskiy A. V. , Olyanich D. A. , Utas T. V. , Zhdanov V. S. , Zotov A. V. , Saranin A. A.
Published: January 2023

Si(111) substrates crucially affect the superconducting properties of few-atomic-layer Ga films and formation of the gallenene analogue of graphene.