bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploration of cultural competency training and genetic counselors' racial biases
Authors: Quillin John M. , Shin Yongyun , Shin Dongho , Carmany Erin , Duffy Conor , Hagiwara Nao
Published: August 2023

Research shows genetic counselors generally have pro‐White implicit biases—both prejudice and stereotyping. Cultural competency training aims to foster equitable beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes in cross‐cultural genetic counseling sessions, including those that are racially discordant (genetic counselors and patients are from different racial backgrounds). Therefore, cultural competency training has the potential to mitigate bias and reduce disparities. Here, we report the prevalence of cultural competency training among genetic counselors and associations between recency of training and counselors' racial biases. We conducted an online survey of genetic counselors and trainees in fall 2021. The survey assessed four types of bias (implicit/explicit prejudice and implicit/explicit stereotyping), time since last cultural competency training, time since last communication skills training, and frequency of clinic sessions with Black patients. Multiple linear regressions modeled associations between cultural competency training and different types of bias, adjusting for communication skills training, frequency of encounters with Black patients, and counselor race (White vs. non‐White). Two hundred fifteen participants (107 genetic counselors and 108 trainees) responded, and 205 reported whether they had prior cultural competency training. Of these, 187 (91%) reported ever having cultural competency training, most (53%) of participants who had training had it within 6 months prior to survey completion. We found no clear pattern of associations between cultural competency training and racial biases (implicit or explicit) in adjusted analyses. Participants who had cultural competency training four or more years prior demonstrated less negative implicit stereotyping toward Black individuals compared with those having more recent training; but no statistically significant effect was found for participants who reported never having cultural competency training, compared with those having training more recently than 4 years prior. Overall, our findings do not support that cultural competency training is negatively associated with, or mitigates, Black/White racial prejudices and stereotypes against Black patients. These findings suggest more effective interventions are needed to reduce racial biases.
Changes in Positive and Negative Affect during Creative Process Engagement
Authors: Montag‐Smit Tamara , Keith Melissa G.
Published: August 2023

The present research examines how creative process engagement (information gathering, idea generation, idea evaluation, and idea pitch) influences the affective states of positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). Drawing from motivation theory and research, we proposed that creative process behaviors that are more autonomous and less constrained will increase positive affect. Additionally, creative process behaviors that are more likely to be perceived as making negative goal progress are expected to result in higher levels of negative affect. We also examine boundary conditions of these effects including task‐relevant knowledge, perceived performance, and baseline affect. Results from two studies confirm that idea generation, which is considered an autonomous activity, increases PA levels. This effect holds true across varying starting affect levels (excited, calm, and neutral). Moreover, results confirm that information search, which may be perceived as making negative goal progress, increases NA levels and PA levels decrease when task‐relevant knowledge is low. The effects of idea evaluation and idea pitch on PA and NA are mixed across the two studies. The implications of these findings for understanding how the creative process impacts affect are discussed.
The Anthropocene's stratigraphic reality and the humanities: a response to Finney and Gibbard (2023) and to Chvostek (2023)
Authors: Thomas Julia Adeney
Published: August 2023

The Anthropocene Epoch is a crucial conceptual breakthrough not only for stratigraphy but also for the humanities. The question, raised by Chvostek (2023), is how best to create engagement between the sciences of the Anthropocene and the study of values, hopes and power in the world's many cultures past and present. In response, this piece makes three points. First, it discusses some of the collaborations that have already taken place between humanists of various kinds and the scientists providing the stratigraphic evidence for the Anthropocene Epoch. Second, it notes that the ‘Anthropocene’ remains, at core, a stratigraphic concept and that the new epoch is now well supported by physical evidence. Third, it shows that the recent idea of an Anthropocene ‘event’ (Gibbard, 2022) does not invite engagement with the humanities. The overall argument is that the integrity of expertise must be maintained even while we encourage the cross‐disciplinary understanding crucial to addressing our global environmental challenge.
Forecasting Airbnb prices through machine learning
Authors: Tang Jinwen , Cheng Jinlin , Zhang Min
Published: August 2023

Achieving accurate pricing is critical for both peer‐to‐peer (P2P) accommodation platforms and hosts. An understanding of the determinants of prices on P2P platforms, such as Airbnb, can improve service quality and help make pricing more rational. In this study, machine learning (ML) was applied to P2P accommodation pricing prediction. Data from Airbnb listings in Sydney, Australia, was collected, and 10 ML algorithms were used to predict prices. Host data were divided into training and testing sets. A total of 35 variables, including price and 34 independent variables, were identified. The 10 algorithms were evaluated using the Student's t test, the root mean squared error, and the R2 value. The CatBoostRegressor algorithm had the best performance. According to the relative weights in the optimized CatBoostRegressor algorithm, the key factors affecting pricing are the maximum number of guests, the number of bedrooms, and whether the room is private. Platforms can use these results to share accurate rental pricing information with hosts. Registered hosts can obtain timely information regarding the house rental market to set reasonable prices.
A new line method; A direct test in spinal muscular atrophy screening for DBS
Authors: Kubar Ayhan , Temel Sehime Gülsüm , Beken Serdar , Onder Gizem , Hatirnaz Ozden , Korkmaz Ayse , Alanay Yasemin , Ozbek Ugur , Sag Sebnem Ozemri , Ergoren Mahmut Cerkez , Kubar Elif , Sonmezalp Candan Zeynep , Doğan Ozlem
Published: August 2023

Background

Nucleic acid‐based assays provide an opportunity to screen for genetically encoded diseases like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), before the onset of symptoms. Nowadays, such assays could be easily utilized as high‐throughputs in SMA to detect a homozygous deletion of exon 7 of the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) that is responsible for >95% of SMA patients.

Methods

We developed a new line method (NLM) as a direct real time PCR test procedure without nucleic acid extraction in dried blood spots (DBS) to screen for homozygous deletion of exon 7 of the SMN1 gene. Performance of this setup was evaluated on 580 DBS newborn samples and air dried 50 DBS from whole blood including 20 samples for homozygous deletion of the SMN1 gene detected earlier with MLPA.

Results

We found all 580 newborn DBS samples as wild type. DBS prepared from 50 whole blood samples also including 20 affected people were correctly identified as homozygous deletions and 30 wild types of exon 7 of SMN1 as before with MLPA. When the MLPA method was taken as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the NLM test were found 100% for the detection of SMN1 exon 7 homozygous deletion.

Conclusion

In the NLM, the total test duration has been reduced to less than 75 min without requiring any extra process such as DNA extraction step and sample plate preparation after the punching step. Thereby, newborn SMA screening with the NLM has gained an environmentally friendly feature with not requiring additional tedious steps.
Precision therapy for a medically actionable ATP1A3 variant from a genomic medicine program in an underserved population
Authors: Ford Cara P. , Littlejohn Rebecca O. , German Ryan , Vuocolo Blake , Aceves Jose , Vossaert Liesbeth , Owen Nichole , Wangler Michael , Schmid Carrie A. ,   The Texome Project
Published: August 2023

Background

Genomic medicine is revolutionizing the diagnosis of rare diseases, but the implementation has not benefited underrepresented populations to the same degree. Here, we report the case of a 7‐year‐old boy with hypotonia, global developmental delay, strabismus, seizures, and previously suspected mitochondrial myopathy. This proband comes from an underrepresented minority and was denied exome sequencing by his public insurance.

Methods

After informed consent was obtained, buccal cells from the proband were collected and whole exome sequencing was performed. Illumina Dragen and Emedgene software was used to analyze the data at Baylor Genetics. The variants were further intepreted according to ACMG guidelines and the patient's phenotype.

Results

Through whole‐exome sequencing (WES) under the Community Texome project, he was found to have a heterozygous de novo pathogenic variant in the ATP1A3 gene located on chromosome 19q13.

Conclusion

In retrospect, his symptomatology matches the known medical conditions associated with the ATP1A3 gene namely Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood 2 (AHC), a rare autosomal dominant disorder with an incidence of 1 in one million. His single nucleotide variant, (c.2401G>A, p.D801N), is predicted to be damaging. The specific amino acid change p.D801N has been previously reported in ClinVar along with the allelic variant p.D801Y and both are considered pathogenic. The identification of this variant altered medical management for this patient as he was started on a calcium antagonist and has reported no further hemiplegic episodes. This case illustrates the value of implementing genomic medicine for precision therapy in underserved populations.
Solution and solid‐state 33S NMR studies of 33S‐labeled taurine
Authors: Masuda Yuichi , Ohki Shinobu , Mogami Yuuki , Deguchi Kenzo , Hashi Kenjiro , Goto Atsushi , Shimizu Tadashi , Yamada Kazuhiko
Published: August 2023

Sulfur‐33(33S) stable‐isotope labeled taurine, 2‐aminoethanesulfonic acid, has been synthesized, and a series of solution and solid‐state 33S nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments at 14.1 and 18.8 T, respectively, have been carried out at room temperature. The single peak of a solution 33S NMR spectrum in 0.1‐mM [33S]‐taurine in D2O can be observed with the signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio of 9 in 40,000 scans, which paves the way toward in vivo analysis of pharmacokinetics and metabolism of 33S‐labeled taurine. Undistorted magic‐angle‐spinning (MAS) and static 33S NMR spectra of polycrystalline [33S]‐taurine are observed with sufficient S/N ratios for analysis, and the magnitudes of 33S EFG and CS tensors can be obtained.
Conditions that influence coping mechanisms in Latina mothers affected by incarceration: A secondary analysis using the vulnerability framework
Authors: Crawford Allison D. , Ricks Tiffany N. , Bell Kelly McGlothen , McGrath Jacqueline M. , Abbyad Christine , Polinard Elizabeth , Cleveland Lisa M.
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study is to assess women's vulnerability to becoming involved with the legal system as it relates to their exposure, sensitivity, and resiliency to specific experiences associated with incarceration before, during, and after their confinement using the vulnerability framework. We sampled 12 women who self‐identified as Latina mothers from local jail annexes, probation department offices, and substance use treatment centers in South Central Texas. We conducted a qualitative, secondary analysis. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) “[The abuse] just kept happening;” (2) “[Incarceration] was an excessive interference;” and (3) “I wasn't there back then [for my children], but now I can be [there for them] in some way.” We also identified subthemes. More research and culturally tailored programming are needed to bridge services across legal system sites (jails, prisons, probation) that interact with this population of women to provide supportive services.

Public Contribution

We would like to recognize community stakeholders who work in the local jail, probation, and medication treatment centers who helped with the distribution of fliers and participant recruitment along with the women who shared their experiences following incarceration for the original study's data used in this secondary analysis.
A case of occlusal reconstruction with autotransplantation of third molar after surgery of odontogenic keratocyst in the mandible
Authors: Tsuji Kaname , Imai Mikiko , Kotaki Shinya , Nakama Hitomi , Ikeda Chihoko , Itoda Masataka
Published: August 2023

Background

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) has high recurrence rate. We sometimes extract the teeth in contact with the lesion to prevent recurrence.

Case presentation

A 14‐year‐old male was referred to our hospital by his family dentist for the evaluation of a posterior left mandible lesion. We extracted the mandibular left second and third molar and performed enucleation and curettage of the OKC. After the operation, we performed intertemporal autotransplantation.

Conclusion

The postoperative course has been good with no mobility and less than 3 mm periodontal pockets of the donor and with no recurrence of OKC.
Genome‐wide and panel‐based cell‐free DNA characterization of patients with resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: van den Ende Tom , van der Pol Ymke , Creemers Aafke , Moldovan Norbert , Boers Dries , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I , Hulshof Maarten CCM , Cillessen Saskia AGM , van Grieken Nicole CT , Pegtel D Michiel , Derks Sarah , Bijlsma Maarten F , Mouliere Florent , van Laarhoven Hanneke WM
Published: August 2023

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) holds promise in resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) to predict patient outcome but is not yet sensitive enough to be clinically applicable. Our aim was to combine ctDNA mutation data with shallow whole‐genome sequencing (sWGS)‐derived copy number tumor fraction estimates (ichorCNA) to improve pathological response and survival prediction in EAC. In total, 111 stage II/III EAC patients with baseline (n = 111), post‐neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) (n = 68), and pre‐surgery (n = 92) plasma samples were used for ctDNA characterization. sWGS (<5× coverage) was performed on all time‐point samples, and copy number aberrations were estimated using ichorCNA. Baseline and pre‐surgery samples were sequenced using a custom amplicon panel for mutation detection. Detection of baseline ctDNA was successful in 44.3% of patients by amplicon sequencing and 10.5% by ichorCNA. Combining both, ctDNA could be detected in 50.5% of patients. Baseline ctDNA positivity was related to higher T stage (cT3, 4) (p = 0.017). There was no relationship between pathological response and baseline ctDNA positivity. However, baseline ctDNA metrics (variant allele frequency > 1% or ichorCNA > 3%) were associated with a high risk of disease progression [HR = 2.23 (95% CI 1.22–4.07), p = 0.007]. The non‐clearance of a baseline variant or ichorCNA > 3% in pre‐surgery samples was related to early progression [HR = 4.58 (95% CI 2.22–9.46), p < 0.001]. Multi‐signal analysis improves detection of ctDNA and can be used for prognostication of resectable EAC patients. Future studies should explore the potential of multi‐modality sequencing for risk stratification and treatment adaptation based on ctDNA results. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Influence of ethylene/propylene sequences on the thermal and mechanical properties of propylene‐based elastomers
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Wenhui , Sun Yun , He Xuelian
Published: August 2023

A range of industrial propylene‐based elastomers (PBEs) were investigated to disclose the relationship between the ethylene/propylene sequences distribution and the performance. The results of carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance and Raman spectroscopy indicated that the majority of propylene sequences existed as isotactic polypropylene (iPP) segments and the stochastic insertion of ethylene sequences mainly in the form of ethylene–propylene (EP) segments. In this case, the amorphous EP chain segments joined by iPP crystals served as physical cross‐linking points, while the completeness of iPP crystallines was disturbed by the presence of ethylene sequences. Eventually, the ratios of imperfect short crystalline were gradually raised with the increasing ethylene contents, and even noncrystalline when the ethylene contents were higher than 15%. Accordingly, the features of these short crystalline networks played a decisive role of the mechanical properties of these PBEs. It was revealed that the higher contents of PPP segments led to more stiffness of PBEs. Therefore, the excessive insertion of ethylene sequences negatively affected the crystallization and mechanical performances of PBEs, and the optimal ethylene content was about 10%–15%. Additionally, in the case of similar molecular sequences, low‐molecular weight had adverse effect on strength or stiffness.
Allosteric site variants affect GTP hydrolysis on Ras
Authors: Johnson Christian W. , Fetics Susan K. , Davis Kathleen P. , Rodrigues Jose A. , Mattos Carla
Published: August 2023

RAS GTPases are proto‐oncoproteins that regulate cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation in response to extracellular signals. The signaling functions of RAS, and other small GTPases, are dependent on their ability to cycle between GDP‐bound and GTP‐bound states. Structural analyses suggest that GTP hydrolysis catalyzed by HRAS can be regulated by an allosteric site located between helices 3, 4, and loop 7. Here we explore the relationship between intrinsic GTP hydrolysis on HRAS and the position of helix 3 and loop 7 through manipulation of the allosteric site, showing that the two sites are functionally connected. We generated several hydrophobic mutations in the allosteric site of HRAS to promote shifts in helix 3 relative to helix 4. By combining crystallography and enzymology to study these mutants, we show that closure of the allosteric site correlates with increased hydrolysis of GTP on HRAS in solution. Interestingly, binding to the RAS binding domain of RAF kinase (RAF‐RBD) inhibits GTP hydrolysis in the mutants. This behavior may be representative of a cluster of mutations found in human tumors, which potentially cooperate with RAF complex formation to stabilize the GTP‐bound state of RAS.
The possible links between the Barents–Kara sea‐ice area, Ural blocking, and the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Ahmadi Ramin , Alizadeh Omid
Published: August 2023

We investigated the possible links between the Barents–Kara sea‐ice area (SIA), Ural blocking, and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in December–January (DJ) and February–March (FM) using the ERA5 data for the period December 1979–March 2022. The Barents–Kara SIA loss in December is correlated with an increase in geopotential height at 500 hPa (), mean sea‐level pressure (MSLP), and the frequency and intensity of blocking over the Ural in DJ. The Barents–Kara SIA loss in December is also associated with the weakening of the stratospheric polar vortex in FM (particularly in mid‐February) and the negative NAO index. However, our results show that persistent Ural blocking occurs during the transition from a neutral or positive NAO index to its negative phase. Indeed, a significant decrease in NAO index leads to the development of an area of instantaneous blocking (IB) and positive anomalies over the Ural. Persistent Ural blocking contributes significantly to Barents–Kara SIA loss, with a peak decline about seven days after the onset of Ural blocking. The onset of persistent Ural blocking also precedes the weakening of the stratospheric polar vortex by about one month. This implies that the negative correlation between the Barents–Kara SIA loss in December and the NAO index in FM might be caused by the weakening of the stratospheric polar vortex, which itself is induced by persistent Ural blocking. We conclude that the Barents–Kara SIA loss in December can be viewed as a sign rather than the cause of changes in atmospheric circulation over the high‐latitude North Atlantic in succeeding months, because the Barents–Kara SIA also largely responds to Ural blocking and the NAO.
Room‐Temperature Solvent Evaporation Induced Crystallization: A General Strategy for Growth of Halide Perovskite Single Crystals by Applying the Le Chatelier's Principle
Authors: Gao Lei , Luo Xiuting , Sun Jia‐Lin , Li Qiang , Yan Qingfeng
Published: August 2023

The growth of high‐quality halide perovskite single crystals is imperative to study their intrinsic physical properties and to realize high‐performance optoelectronic devices. Here, a room‐temperature solvent evaporation‐induced crystallization (RTSEIC) method is reported based on Le Chatelier's principle, which provides a general strategy to grow halide perovskite single crystals including 3D, 2D, 1D, and 0D, and either hybrid or all‐inorganic halide perovskites. Taking 2D n‐BA2PbBr4 (n‐BA = butylammonium) as an example, the room‐temperature crystallization kinetics is demonstrated. The centimeter‐sized n‐BA2PbBr4 single crystals exhibit an extremely small full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.024° in (0 0 2) plane rocking curve and a small trap density of 2.74 × 1010 cm−3. The superior crystalline quality endows the n‐BA2PbBr4 single crystal ultraviolet photodetectors with recorded performance among reported n‐BA2PbBr4 ultraviolet photodetectors, demonstrating a detectivity reaching 1.8 × 1013 Jones, a fast response time of 55 µs and a high on‐off ratio of 104. The low‐cost, simple, general, and efficient RTSEIC method is anticipated to promote the blossoming of halide perovskites single crystals.
Amorphous‐Crystalline Interfaces on Hollow Nanocubes Derived from Ir‐Doped Ni–Fe–Zn Prussian Blue Analog Enables High Capability of Alkaline/Acidic/Saline Water Oxidations
Authors: Han HyukSu , Kim So Jung , Jung Sun Young , Oh Dongjo , Nayak Arpan Kumar , Jang Jin Uk , Bang Junghwan , Yeo Sunghwan , Shin Tae Ho
Published: August 2023

Development of highly efficient and robust electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under specific electrolyte is a key to actualize commercial low‐temperature water electrolyzers. Herein, a rational catalyst design strategy is first reported based on amorphous–crystalline (a–c) interfacial engineering to achieve high catalytic activity and durability under diverse electrolytes that can be used for all types of low‐temperature water electrolysis. Abundant a–c interface (ACI) is implemented into a hollow nanocubic (pre)‐electrocatalyst which is derived from Ir‐doped Ni–Fe–Zn Prussian blue analogues (PBA). The implemented c–a interface is well maintained during prolonged OER in alkaline, alkalized saline, and acidic electrolytes demonstrating its diverse functionality for water electrolysis. Notably, the final catalyst exhibits superior catalytic activity with excellent durability for OER compared to that of benchmark IrO2 catalyst, regardless of chemical environment of electrolytes. Hence, this work can be an instructive guidance for developing the ACI engineered electroctalyst which can be diversely used for different types of low‐temperature electrolyzers.
Decrypting the Electron‐Withdrawing Effect of Au‐Decorated Bi2O3 for Efficient CO2‐to‐Formate Electroreduction
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Wang Wenqian , Liu Bowen , Song Zichen , Ren Zhiyu , Fu Honggang
Published: August 2023

Although the electron‐withdrawing effect of gold (Au) is highlighted in catalytic reactions, its enhancement mechanism for electron transport, especially in the electrochemical process, is still unclear. Herein, Au‐decorated Bi2O3 (Au‐Bi2O3) is proposed as a proof‐of‐concept to investigate the electron‐withdrawing effect in the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) process. Evidence from in situ Raman spectra and in situ XRD tests reveals that, compared to Bi2O3, Bi species in Au‐Bi2O3 can be reduced to metallic Bi more rapidly and more easily driven by the electron‐withdrawing effect of Au. The XPS tests after eCO2RR further validates the transformation from Bi3+ to Bi0 in Au‐Bi2O3 is more complete. Meanwhile, in the in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, the key intermediates (CO2*− and OCHO*−) appear at the more positive potential, indicating that metallic Bi is favorable for eCO2RR due to the lower energy barrier as corroborated by density function theory (DFT) calculations. Au don't directly participate in the conversion from CO2 to formate as the reaction sites, but utilize the electron‐withdrawing effect to motivate Bi‐sites to deliver higher catalytic activity and higher selectivity to formate at a lower applied potential. This study not only has an insight into the electron‐withdrawing effect of Au on the eCO2RR process, but also develops a new perspective for engineering electron‐withdrawing effect in electrocatalysts for high‐efficient CO2‐to‐formate conversion.
Short‐Range Graphitic Nanodomains in Hypocrystalline Carbon Nanotubes Realize Fast Potassium Ion Migration and Multidirection Stress Release
Authors: Chu Jianhua , Zhang Chaojie , Wu Xiaowei , Xing Lidong , Zhang Jianguo , Zhang Liqiang , Wang Haichuan , Wang Wei , Yu Qiyao
Published: August 2023

Defect‐rich carbon materials are considered as one of the most promising anodes for potassium‐ion batteries due to their enormous adsorption sites of K+, while the realization of both rate capability and cycling stability is still greatly limited by unstable electrochemical kinetics and inevitable structure degradation. Herein, an Fe3+‐induced hydrothermal‐pyrolysis strategy is reported to construct well‐tailored hybrid carbon nanotubes network architecture (PP‐CNT), in which the short‐range graphitic nanodomains are in‐situ localized in the pea pod shape hypocrystalline carbon. The N,O codoped hypocrystalline carbon region contributes to abundant defect sites for potassium ion storage, ensuring high reversible capacity. Meanwhile, the short‐range graphitic nanodomains with expanded interlayer spacing facilitate stable K+ migration and fast electron transfer. Furthermore, the finite element analysis confirms the volume expansion caused by K+ intercalation can be availably buffered due to the multidirection stress release effect of the unique porous pea pod shape, endowing carbon nanotubes with superior structural integrity. Consequently, the PP‐CNT anode exhibits superior potassium‐storage performance, including high reversible capacity, exceptional rate capability, and ultralong cycling stability. This work opens a new avenue for the fabrication of advanced carbon materials for achieving durable and fast potassium storage.
Composition Gradient Cellulose–Aerogel Nanocomposites Regulating Thermal Insulation
Authors: Jadhav Porus Sunil , Sarkar Arpita , Ren Shenqiang
Published: August 2023

Over the last few decades, functional gradient structures have evolved through natural biological systems, while gradient structures lead to tailored mechanical and physical performance due to the gradual structural change. Herein, composition gradient cellulose and aerogel nanocomposites that regulate their thermal insulation and mechanical performance are reported. The as‐prepared gradient composite shows a thermal conductivity of 32.2 mW m−1 K−1 and flexural modulus of 660 MPa while exhibiting superhydrophobicity and superior reusability. The unique orientation‐dependent thermal insulation and mechanical strength arise from the composition gradients formed by the silica aerogel distribution during the cellulose‐fiber‐percolated network formation, which opens a pathway toward green building thermal insulation materials.
Design and Implementation of an Error‐Margin Aware Approach for Non‐Uniform Segmentation of Elementary Functions Using Degree‐N Polynomial Approximation
Authors: Tahir Nasrallah , Boudraa Malika , Lamini El‐Sedik , Harkat Yacine , Bellal Rima
Published: August 2023

Elementary functions are widely integrated in many embedded applications such as speech recognition and signal processing. This paper deals with the issues related to the hardware implementation of those functions. Indeed, a novel efficient Error‐Margin aware Approach for non‐uniform Segmentation of Elementary Functions using degree‐N Polynomial Approximation (EMASEF‐NPA) has been proposed. The bit‐width optimization (BWO) process has been used to obtain a better representation of the approximation polynomial coefficients. The principle of content‐addressable memory (CAM) and Horner's rules have been used in the physical implementation. Functional verification, logical synthesis, and physical implementation were performed using the FPGA platform. The results obtained using EMASEF‐NPA approach show a significant reduction, up to 70%, in the number of segments compared to conventional approaches. The findings of the physical implementation show a considerable decrease in area and delay. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
CircDLGAP4 induces autophagy and improves endothelial cell dysfunction in atherosclerosis by targeting PTPN4 with miR‐134‐5p
Authors: Xiong Yan , Huang Hui , Chen Fuli , Tang Yijia
Published: August 2023

Objective

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a new subgroup of non‐coding RNAs in the human transcriptome, are crucial in atherosclerosis (AS). Here, a newly identified circRNA circDLGAP4 was demonstrated to be downregulated in oxidized forms of low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL)‐induced HUVECs.

Methods

This research adopted ox‐LDL to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to mimic AS in vitro. To further validate the protective action of circDLGAP4 in AS, a mouse model of AS was constructed with a high‐fat diet. Functional assays evaluated circDLGAP4 role in AS in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, mechanism assays evaluated association of circDLGAP4/miR‐134‐5p/PTPN4.

Results

CircDLGAP4 was induced to promote cell proliferative behavior and autophagy, inhibit apoptotic and inflammatory activities in ox‐LDL‐treated HUVECs, and attenuated endothelial barrier function. CircDLGAP4 regulated PTPN4 by directly targeting miR‐134‐5p. Meanwhile, inhibiting miR‐134‐5p reduced ox‐LDL‐induced cell dysfunction. Knockout of PTPN4 reversed circDLGAP4 overexpression or miR‐134‐5p downregulation in vitro. In addition, reducing circDLGAP4 or overexpressing miR‐134‐5p increased the red atherosclerotic plaque and lesion area of AS mice, reduced autophagy level, and promoted the release of inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

This study extends the role of circRNA in AS by inducing autophagy and improving endothelial dysfunction in AS via the circDLGAP4/miR‐134‐5p/PTPN4 axis.
Fecal occult blood and calprotectin testing to prioritize primary care patients for colonoscopy referral: The advantage study
Authors: Lanas Ángel , Balaguer Francesc , Sánchez‐Luengo Marta , Hijos‐Mallada Gonzalo , Hernández‐Mesa Goretti , Piñero Melisa , Castillo Joaquin , Ocaña Teresa , Cubiella Joaquín , Crespo Anais , Iglesias Águeda , Medeiros Isabel , Cacho Guillermo , Jover‐Martínez Rodrigo , Alustiza Miren , Diaz‐Tasende José , Poves Carmen , Macedo Guilherme , Quintero Enrique ,   The Advantage study group
Published: August 2023

Background

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis and screening, but endoscopy services are usually overburdened. This study aims to investigate the usefulness of fecal hemoglobin (fHb) and calprotectin (FC) for the identification of patients with high probability of CRC who need urgent referral.

Methods

In a multicenter prospective study, we enrolled symptomatic patients referred from primary care for colonoscopy. Prior to bowel preparation, fHb and FC quantitative tests were performed. The diagnostic performance was estimated for each biomarker/combination. We built a multivariable predictive model based on logistic regression, translated to a nomogram and a risk calculator to assist clinicians in the decision‐making process.

Results

The study included 1224 patients, of whom 69 (5.6%) had CRC. At the fHb cut‐offs of >0 and 10 μg/g, the negative predictive values for CRC were 98.8% (95% confidence interval 97.8%–99.3%) and 98.6% (95%CI 97.7%–99.1%), and the sensitivities were 85.5% (95%CI 75.0%–92.8%) and 79.7% (95%CI 68.3%–88.4%), respectively. When we added the cut‐off of 150 μg/g of FC to both fHb thresholds, the sensitivity of fecal tests improved. In the multivariate logistic regression model, the concentration of fHb was an independent predictor for CRC; age and gender were also independently associated with CRC.

Conclusions

fHb and FC are useful as part of a triage tool to identify those symptomatic patients with high probability of CRC. This can be easily applied by physicians to prioritize high‐risk patients for urgent colonoscopy.
Juvenile primary acquired hypothyroidism in a dog with suspected renal dysplasia
Authors: Parton Sophie , Atkins Callum , Boag Alisdair M. , Woods Glynn
Published: August 2023

A 1‐year 3‐month‐old, female, neutered crossbreed dog presented for investigation of polyuria, polydipsia and azotaemia. Subsequent biochemistry, endocrine testing and abdominal ultrasound identified hypercholesterolaemia, thyroglobulin autoantibody‐positive hypothyroidism, and IRIS stage II non‐hypertensive, non‐proteinuric suspected renal dysplasia, with a concurrent Escherichia coli urinary tract infection. The patient responded well clinically to levothyroxine treatment, with improvement in hypercholesterolaemia, azotaemia and demeanour at home. At follow‐up biochemistry assessment, hyperphosphataemia and hypercalcaemia (total and ionised) were documented, presumed to be driven by renal insufficiency and renal secondary hyperparathyroidism, although this aetiology was not definitively proven. Normalisation of these values was noted following renal diet implementation and addition of phosphate binders. This case highlights acquired primary hypothyroidism with evidence of thyroiditis in a juvenile dog with suspected congenital renal dysplasia.
Dangers of Inadvertent Escalation in South Asia
Authors: Salik Naeem
Published: August 2023

Barry Posen has, in his study on Inadvertent Escalation, raised a very pertinent question asking, ‘Can Nuclear Powers fight conventional wars with each other and avoid the use of nuclear weapons?’ This question should always be kept in mind by all nuclear powers especially those with mutually hostile relationships. It is evident that the phenomenon of ‘Inadvertent Escalation’ cannot be understood without an understanding of the process of Escalation. South Asia despite the nuclearization of the region in 1998, has been facing one crisis after another each more belligerent than the preceding one and with the potential to wittingly or unwittingly embroil the antagonists into an irreversible escalation cycle with potentially catastrophic consequences. This paper is aimed at sensitising the decision makers in both countries to the dangers inherent in recurring crises especially in the absence of any overarching restraint regime and to make them understand that they might have escaped devastating results in the previous crises merely due to sheer good luck and not any prudence on their part. Case studies of February 2019 crisis between India and Pakistan and the March 2022 Stray Missile crisis have been employed to bring home the point.
South Asia A Three-Body Problem
Authors: Rajaraman R.
Published: August 2023

An important feature of the strategic dynamics in my part of the world, not sufficiently appreciated elsewhere, is that it is no longer just a binary India-Pakistan problem.
The Fate of the Iranian Nuclear Deal (JCPOA)
Authors: Salehi Ali A.
Published: August 2023

Before starting, I am honored to learn that I and Prof. Miller share the same alma matter. It is indeed a distinct pleasure to participate in this prestigious and relatively long established Amaldi Conference.
Nuclear Weapons and the Militarization of AI
Authors: Tamburrini Guglielmo
Published: August 2023

This contribution provides an overview of nuclear risks emerging from the militarization of AI technologies and systems. These include AI enhancements of cyber threats to nuclear command, control and communication infrastructures, proposed uses of AI systems affected by inherent vulnerabilities in nuclear early warning, AI-powered unmanned vessels trailing submarines armed with nuclear ballistic missiles. Taken together, nuclear risks emerging from the militarization of AI add new significant motives for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
Sesame: From a 2022 Personal Point of View
Authors: Rabinovici Eliezer
Published: August 2023

SESAME is a regional “third-generation” synchrotron light source situated in Allan, Jordan.
The Nuclear Conundrum in the Ukraine Crisis
Authors: Gottemoeller Rose
Published: August 2023

Dmitri Medvedev, former President and Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, took to social media on February 25, 2022 to post a chilling message: Russia may be ready to give up the New START Treaty, and it may be ready to cut diplomatic ties with the United States and other Western countries.
Fertility Intensity and Timing
Authors: Doignon Yoann , Blöss-Widmer Isabelle , Ambrosetti Elena , Oliveau Sébastien
Published: August 2023

This chapter looks at the comparative evolution of fertility since 1950 through several synthetic indicators of fertility intensity (average number of children per woman) and timing (age at childbearing, all birth ranks combined). The Mediterranean area is still a fairly contrasted area in terms of fertility levels, but the reduction in the gaps between countries has been clear and rapid since the 1970s. Fertility is still relatively high in some Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries and is decreasing noticeably, while very low levels can be observed on the Northern Shore (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, etc.). The chapter also presents the most probable fertility trends in this region of the world by returning to the underlying hypotheses. Is the hypothesis of a sustainable convergence of fertility at the level of the replacement fertility rate between the shores foreseeable and, if so, over what time horizon?
Mortality Profiles
Authors: Doignon Yoann , Blöss-Widmer Isabelle , Ambrosetti Elena , Oliveau Sébastien
Published: August 2023

The Mediterranean is currently characterised by rather low mortality. Indeed, life expectancy at birth exceeds the global average in almost all countries of the region. But this was not always the case. Mortality in the Mediterranean has fallen sharply since 1950: average life expectancy at birth was 78 years in 2019 compared to only 53 years in 1950. This dramatic increase in life expectancy at birth is a sign of great convergence between Mediterranean countries, but also of a profound shift in mortality patterns concerning both causes of mortality and ages at which people die. Despite these general trends of overall convergence in mortality, disparities persist between countries. This chapter takes a look at the evolution of mortality in the Mediterranean since 1950. We will start by describing trends in overall mortality by studying the indicator of life expectancy at birth. We will then analyse mortality by major age groups: child mortality (0–5 years), adult mortality (15–64 years) and mortality at advanced ages (65 years or older). Finally, to explain the identified mortality differences, we will take a look at the health transition in the Mediterranean in relation to the major causes of mortality.
Theories of Discourse (on Quality) and Narrative Inquiry
Authors: Sadownik Alicja R.
Published: August 2023

The chapter discusses the discourse theory of Laclau and Mouffe (Hegemony and socialist strategy: towards a radical democratic politics. Verso, 1985) and relates it to conceptualisations of ECEC quality as a process of meaning-making (Dahlberg et al., Beyond quality in early childhood education and care: languages of evaluation. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203371114, 2013) and narrative inquiry that theorises human experience as a story. Such a conceptualisation allows us to look at more-than-parental involvement as a never-ending process of meaning-making that manoeuvres between reproducing and challenging the established hegemonies of meaning and communication channels. The included empirical example comes from a quality development project run by an ECEC setting in a multicultural neighbourhood in Norway.
Posthumanism: Intra-active Entanglements of Parental Involvement (as a Possibility of Change-Making)
Authors: Sadownik Alicja R.
Published: August 2023

This chapter begins with a presentation of posthumanism/agential realism as a theoretical perspective entangling with early childhood education and care (ECEC), and as an ethical project, crucial for sustainable futures of all earthlings. After presenting the key concepts of Barad (Meeting the universe halfway: quantum physics and the entanglement of matter and meaning. Duke University Press, 2007), to whom the theoretical perspective of agential realism can be attributed, I try to show how the practice of parental involvement, usually understood as a human–human phenomenon, can be challenged and enhanced with this theoretical anchoring. The empirical example described further in the chapter, shows how ECEC staff in one kindergarten in Norway became empowered by this theoretical perspective to try out a different way of arranging a parental meeting. The chapter concludes by pointing to the necessity of theories that empower the vibrant intuitions of ECEC teachers and encourage them to try out new (more-than-human) ways of improving the institutional practices.
Together, We Can Do More for Our Children
Authors: Višnjić Jevtić Adrijana
Published: August 2023

This chapter introduces Coleman and Putnam’s social capital theory and discusses its potential for inspiring reflection on the social practice of ECEC’s collaboration with children’s families. Specifically, the theory promotes reflection on the relationships that develop through a new community of parents and professionals coming together, as well as the new interconnectedness among the parents, which extends the social capital of a particular family and becomes a profitable investment in the child’s future. Understanding the concept of social capital allows for the identification of which forms are being blocked, as well as the bridging and bonding that are not occurring. The empirical case presented in this chapter highlights the role of ECEC’s recognition of a family’s culture as a bridge to the parental community. The chapter concludes with a discussion of ECEC’s role in strengthening the family’s network in times where intense migration, mobility, and other factors may impede its growth.
Theory of Practice Architectures: Parental Involvement Through Sayings, Doings, and Relatings
Authors: Sadownik Alicja R.
Published: August 2023

This chapter presents the theory of practice architectures, which allows us to look at and reflect upon parental involvement as a practice with its own traditions. As such a practice, parental involvement is constituted by cultural-discursive, material-economic, and social-political arrangements that Kemmis et al. (Changing practices, changing education, 1st edn. Springer Singapore, Imprint: Springer, 2014) have respectively referred to as sayings, doings, and relatings. This theory allows us to study parental involvement by focusing on each of these aspects, but also on ecologies that are shared with other practices, which is shown in empirical examples from the Czech Republic and Tanzania. The strength of this theory as a conceptual toolkit lies in its ability to capture the complexity of the social practice that PI is, its openness to contextualisation, and its potential for explaining how the same sayings turn into very different doings because of power and solidarity relations.
Anisotropic flow and the valence quark skeleton of hadrons
Authors: Li Meijian , Qian Wenyang , Wu Bin , Zhang Hong
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We study transverse momentum anisotropies, in particular, the elliptic flow v2 due to the interference effect sourced by valence quarks in high-energy hadron-hadron collisions. Our main formula is derived as the high-energy (eikonal) limit of the impact-parameter dependent cross section in quantum field theory, which agrees with that in terms of the impact parameter in the classical picture. As a quantitative assessment of the interference effect, we calculate v2 in the azimuthal distribution of gluons at a comprehensive coverage of the impact parameter and the transverse momentum in high-energy pion-pion collisions. In a broad range of the impact parameter, a sizable amount of v2, comparable with that produced due to saturated dense gluons or final-state interactions, is found to develop. This is in contrast with similar studies in heavy-ion collisions using classical color charge distributions in which such a contribution from geometric correlations was found to be small and has, hence, been ignored in recent studies. In our calculations, the valence sector of the pion wave function is obtained numerically from the Basis Light-Front Quantization, a non-perturbative light-front Hamiltonian approach. And our formalism is generic and can be applied to other small collision systems like proton-proton collisions.
Pole-skipping points in 2D gravity and SYK model
Authors: Yuan Haiming , Ge Xian-Hui , Kim Keun-Young , Ji Chang-Woo , Ahn Yong jun
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We represent the first investigation of pole-skipping on both the gravity and field theory sides. In contrast to the higher dimensional models, there is no momentum degree of freedom in (1 + 1)−dimensional bulk theory. Thus, we then consider a scalar field mass as our degree of freedom for the pole-skipping phenomenon instead of momentum. The pole-skipping frequencies of the scalar field in 2D gravity are the same as higher dimensional cases: ω = −i2πTn for positive integers n. At each of these frequencies, there is a corresponding pole-skipping mass, so the pole-skipping points exist in (ω, m) space. We also compute the pole-skipping points of the SYK model in (ω, h) space where h is the dimension of the bilinear primary operator. We find that there is a one-to-one correspondence of the pole-skipping points between the JT gravity and the SYK model. To obtain the pole-skipping points, we need to consider the parameter ϵ related to the chemical potential on the horizon of charged JT gravity and the particle-hole asymmetric parameter $$ \mathcal{E} $$
E
of the complex SYK model as shift parameters. This highlights the ϵ − $$ \mathcal{E} $$
E
correspondence in relation to pole-skipping phenomenon.
Controlled flow reduction of an iliacoportal shunt graft for portal vein arterialization in a pediatric patient
Authors: Kulka Charlotte , Lagrèze Susanne , Verloh Niklas , Doppler Michael , Hettmer Simone , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan , Uller Wibke
Published: August 2023

Portal vein arterialization is a rarely used, temporary surgical salvage solution to prevent biliary and hepatic ischemia and necrosis in acute liver de-arterialization. However, it can induce portal hypertension, causing increased morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 5-year-old girl with portal hypertension and right ventricle volume overload following the creation of an iliacoportal shunt graft for portal vein arterialization due to vessel-adhering neuroblastoma. Partial shunt graft closure was accomplished by placing a stent graft in an hourglass configuration via the right femoral artery using two slender-sheaths in a line with the second more distal than the first. Subsequently, the patient’s symptoms of right ventricle volume overload and portal hypertension decreased. In conclusion, endovascular reduction of elevated portal blood flow after portal vein arterialization is feasible, even in pediatric patients.

Graphical abstract