bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermally Sprayed Functional Coatings and Multilayers: A Selection of Historical Applications and Potential Pathways for Future Innovation
Authors: Gildersleeve Edward J. , Vaßen Robert
Published: April 2023

Thermal spray coatings are material systems with unique structures and properties that have enabled the growth and evolution of key modern technologies (i.e., gas turbines, structurally integrated components, etc.). The inherent nature of these sprayed coatings, such as their distinctive thermal and mechanical properties, has been a driving force for maintaining industrial interest. Despite these benefits and proven success in several fields, the adoption of thermal spray technology in new applications (i.e., clean energy conversion, semiconductor thermally sprayed materials, biomedical applications, etc.) at times, however, has been hindered. One possible cause could be the difficulty in concurrently maintaining coating design considerations while overcoming the complexities of the coatings and their fabrication. For instance, a coating designer must consider inherent property anisotropy, in-flight decomposition of molten material (i.e., loss of stoichiometry), and occasionally the formation of amorphous materials during deposition. It is surmisable for these challenges to increase the risk of adoption of thermal spray technology in new fields. Nevertheless, industries other than those already mentioned have benefited from taking on the risk of implementing thermal spray coatings in their infrastructure. Benefits can be quantified, for example, based on reduced manufacturing cost or enhanced component performance. In this overview paper, a historical presentation of the technological development of thermal spray coatings in several of these industries is presented. Additionally, emerging industries that have not yet attained this level of thermal spray maturation will also be discussed. Finally, where applicable, the utility and benefits of multilayer functional thermal spray coating designs will be demonstrated.
The Performance of Opioid-Free Anesthesia for Bariatric Surgery in Clinical Practice
Authors: Ulbing Stefan , Infanger Lukas , Fleischmann Edith , Prager Gerhard , Hamp Thomas
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) is an alternative to conventional opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Several small studies and a meta-analysis have suggested advantages of OFA for bariatric surgery, but current evidence is still contradictory, and a universally accepted concept has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients undergoing bariatric surgery experience less postoperative pain and better postoperative recovery when anesthetized with an OFA regimen than with an OBA regimen.

Materials and Methods

This prospective observational cohort study, conducted between October 2020 and July 2021, compared patients receiving OFA with patients receiving OBA. Patients were visited 24 and 48 h after the surgical procedure and asked about their postoperative pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Additionally, the quality of recovery-40 questionnaire (QoR-40) and the postoperative opioid requirements were recorded.

Results

Ninety-nine patients were included and analyzed in this study (OFA: N = 50; OBA: N = 49). The OFA cohort exhibited less postoperative pain than the OBA cohort within 24 h (VAS median [interquartile range (IQR)]: 2.2 [1–4.4] vs. 4.1 [2–6.5]; P ≤ 0.001) and 48 h (VAS median [IQR]: 1.9 [0.4–4.1] vs. 3.1 [1.4–5.8]; P ≤ 0.001) postoperatively. Additionally, the OFA cohort had higher QoR-40 scores and required less opioid therapy postoperatively.

Conclusion

Based on our results the use of OFA for bariatric surgery results in less pain, reduced opioid requirements, and improved postoperative recovery—adding additional evidence regarding the use of OFA in everyday clinical practice.

Graphical Abstract
Assessing the Accuracy of Responses by the Language Model ChatGPT to Questions Regarding Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Samaan Jamil S. , Yeo Yee Hui , Rajeev Nithya , Hawley Lauren , Abel Stuart , Ng Wee Han , Srinivasan Nitin , Park Justin , Burch Miguel , Watson Rabindra , Liran Omer , Samakar Kamran
Published: April 2023

Purpose

ChatGPT is a large language model trained on a large dataset covering a broad range of topics, including the medical literature. We aim to examine its accuracy and reproducibility in answering patient questions regarding bariatric surgery.

Materials and methods

Questions were gathered from nationally regarded professional societies and health institutions as well as Facebook support groups. Board-certified bariatric surgeons graded the accuracy and reproducibility of responses. The grading scale included the following: (1) comprehensive, (2) correct but inadequate, (3) some correct and some incorrect, and (4) completely incorrect. Reproducibility was determined by asking the model each question twice and examining difference in grading category between the two responses.

Results

In total, 151 questions related to bariatric surgery were included. The model provided “comprehensive” responses to 131/151 (86.8%) of questions. When examined by category, the model provided “comprehensive” responses to 93.8% of questions related to “efficacy, eligibility and procedure options”; 93.3% related to “preoperative preparation”; 85.3% related to “recovery, risks, and complications”; 88.2% related to “lifestyle changes”; and 66.7% related to “other”. The model provided reproducible answers to 137 (90.7%) of questions.

Conclusion

The large language model ChatGPT often provided accurate and reproducible responses to common questions related to bariatric surgery. ChatGPT may serve as a helpful adjunct information resource for patients regarding bariatric surgery in addition to standard of care provided by licensed healthcare professionals. We encourage future studies to examine how to leverage this disruptive technology to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Graphical Abstract
How Does Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery Impact the Ocular Parameters? A Review
Authors: Marta Krzyżanowska , Katarzyna Czarny , Marta Kroczek , Włodzimierz Gniłka , Maciej Michalik , Bartłomiej Kałużny
Published: April 2023

Our review aimed to assess the effects of bariatric surgery-induced weight loss on ocular functions. We focused on retinochoroidal microcirculation, glaucomatous factors, and the condition of the eye surface pre- and postoperatively. The review covered 23 articles, including five case reports. Bariatric surgery positively impacts retinochoroidal microcirculation. The arterial perfusion and vascular density improve, venules constrict, and the arteriole-to-venule ratio increases. Weight loss positively correlates with intraocular pressure decrease. The impact of postoperative weight loss on the choroidal thickness (CT) and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) is still unclear. The correlation between ocular symptoms and hypovitaminosis A needs to be evaluated. Further research is required, especially regarding CT and RNFL, mainly focusing on long-term follow-up.
Exploring the effect of Tuina on the dendritic structure of spinal cord dorsal horn in rats with lumbar disc herniation based on NR2B/PSD-95 pathway
Authors: Zhang Huanzhen , Wang Bingqian , Chen Shuijin , Chen Lechun , Jiang Jingjing , Jiang Yu , Chen Jincheng , Huang Hongye , Fang Jiayu , Zeng Weiquan , Lin Zhigang
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate the analgesic mechanism of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) by observing the effect of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (NR2B)/postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) pathway on the dendritic structure of spinal cord dorsal horn in rats with lumbar disc herniation.

Methods

Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Tuina group, a blocker agent group, and a blocker agent + Tuina group. The sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was prepared by the sciatic nerve ligation method. From the 4th day after modeling, rats in the Tuina group and the blocker agent + Tuina group were subject to daily Tuina intervention, and those in the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group were daily intrathecally injected with NR2B blocker agent (MK-801). The spontaneous pain score was used to observe the pain behavior of all rats. The expression levels of NR2B and downstream PSD-95 were measured by immunohistochemistry, and the dendritic structure changes were observed by Golgi staining for rat spinal cord dorsal horn after 14 d of continuous intervention.

Results

Compared with the blank group, the degree of rat spontaneous pain after CCI was elevated in both the model and the Tuina groups (P<0.01) and was reduced in the Tuina group after the Tuina intervention compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the rat spontaneous pain level after blocking NR2B was reduced in both the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group (P<0.05). The NR2B and PSD-95 protein levels were significantly higher in the model group compared with the blank group (P<0.01); the total number of dendritic branches was increased (P<0.01), and the total dendritic length became longer (P<0.01) in the spinal cord dorsal horn. The rat NR2B and PSD-95 protein levels were significantly decreased in the Tuina group compared with the model group (P<0.01); the total dendritic branch number was reduced (P<0.01) and the total length was shortened (P<0.01) in the spinal cord dorsal horn. After blocking NR2B, the expression levels of NR2B and downstream PSD-95 protein were significantly lower in both the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group compared to the model group (P<0.01). The total branch number was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the total length was significantly shortened (P<0.01) of the dendrites in the spinal cord dorsal horn.

Conclusion

Tuina may exert an analgesic effect by remodeling the dendritic structure in the spinal cord dorsal horn in rats with lumbar disc herniation, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NR2B/PSD-95 signaling pathway.
Therapeutic efficacy evaluation of Tuina at points on abdomen and back meridians for infantile colic
Authors: Zhao Xueqing , Dong Ling , Zhang Ming , He Surong , Chen Qixiong , Cao Xia
Published: April 2023

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) at points on abdomen and back meridians in the treatment of infantile colic.

Methods

A total of 120 infants with intestinal colic were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 60 cases in each group. In the control group, the parents of the infants were given soothing and health education. In addition to the intervention used in the control group, the observation group was treated with Tuina at points on abdomen and back meridians once a day for 5 consecutive days as a course of treatment. The pain scale score and clinical symptoms of the two groups were recorded before and after treatment.

Results

After treatment, the total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The pain scale score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In the 24 h behavior diary indicators, the daily attack duration, the daily attack times, and the weekly attack days in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Tuina at points on abdomen and back meridians is effective and safe in the treatment of infantile colic.
A multivocal literature review of decentralized finance: Current knowledge and future research avenues
Authors: Gramlich Vincent , Guggenberger Tobias , Principato Marc , Schellinger Benjamin , Urbach Nils
Published: April 2023

While decentralized finance (DeFi) has the potential to emulate and, indeed, outperform existing financial systems, it remains a complex phenomenon yet to be extensively researched. To make the most of this potential, its practitioners must gain a rigorous understanding of its intricacies, as must information systems (IS) researchers. Against this background, this study uses a multivocal literature review to capture the state of research in DeFi. Thereby, we (1) present a consolidating definition of DeFi as we (2) analyze, synthesize, and discuss the current state of knowledge in the field of DeFi. We do so while adapting the blockchain research framework proposed by (Risius and Spohrer, Business & Information Systems Engineering 59:385–409, 2017). Furthermore, we (3) identify gaps in the literature and indicate future research directions in DeFi. Even though our findings highlight several shortcomings in DeFi that have prevented its widespread adoption, our literature review shows a large consensus on DeFi’s many promising features and potential to complement the traditional financial system. To that end, this paper is presented to encourage further research to mitigate the current risks of DeFi, the payoff of which will be an enriched financial ecosystem.
Automatic classification of distal radius fracture using a two-stage ensemble deep learning framework
Authors: Min Hang , Rabi Yousef , Wadhawan Ashish , Bourgeat Pierrick , Dowling Jason , White Jordy , Tchernegovski Ayden , Formanek Blake , Schuetz Michael , Mitchell Gary , Williamson Frances , Hacking Craig , Tetsworth Kevin , Schmutz Beat
Published: April 2023

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are one of the most common types of wrist fracture and can be subdivided into intra- and extra-articular fractures. Compared with extra-articular DRFs which spare the joint surface, intra-articular DRFs extend to the articular surface and can be more difficult to treat. Identification of articular involvement can provide valuable information about the characteristics of fracture patterns. In this study, a two-stage ensemble deep learning framework was proposed to differentiate intra- and extra-articular DRFs automatically on posteroanterior (PA) view wrist X-rays. The framework firstly detects the distal radius region of interest (ROI) using an ensemble model of YOLOv5 networks, which imitates the clinicians’ search pattern of zooming in on relevant regions to assess abnormalities. Secondly, an ensemble model of EfficientNet-B3 networks classifies the fractures in the detected ROIs into intra- and extra-articular. The framework achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82, an accuracy of 0.81, a true positive rate of 0.83 and a false positive rate of 0.27 (specificity of 0.73) for differentiating intra- from extra-articular DRFs. This study has demonstrated the potential in automatic DRF characterization using deep learning on clinically acquired wrist radiographs and can serve as a baseline for further research in incorporating multi-view information for fracture classification.
The Interplay of Subsidiary Performance and Cultural Distance in International Downsizing Decisions
Authors: Flickinger Miriam , Zschoche Miriam
Published: April 2023

Existing literature has primarily identified financial and/or strategic considerations as drivers of international downsizing decisions. A subsidiary’s performance seems to have a superior meaning among those considerations. Cultural distance is also an important factor, although its influence on downsizing is ambiguous: It increases coordination costs and, hence, lowers performance; however, cultural distance might also entail benefits of diversity and diversification. We challenge prior perspectives on the role of cultural distance in international downsizing decisions by showing that cultural distance also bears influences beyond efficiency considerations. Using insights from social identity and self-categorization theory, we argue that cultural distance influences how decision-makers interpret the efficiency of the subsidiary in terms of its performance. We expect that the lower the cultural distance, the more positively performance outcomes will be interpreted, leading to less workforce downsizing in a culturally proximate subsidiary as compared to one that is culturally more distant. Results of our large-scale empirical analysis of more than 14,000 downsizing decisions of German MNCs throughout 60 industries and across 54 host countries support our predictions.
Breaking the Vise of Hopelessness: Targeting its Components, Antecedents, and Context
Authors: Marchetti Igor , Alloy Lauren B. , Koster Ernst H. W.
Published: April 2023

Hopelessness is a painful cognitive state that is related to depression and suicide. Despite its importance, only unsystematic efforts have been made to specifically target hopelessness in interventions, and no comprehensive review is currently available to guide future clinical studies. In this narrative review, we first analyze the phenomenon of hopelessness, by highlighting its components (e.g., dismal expectations, blocked goal-directed processing, and helplessness), antecedents (e.g., inferential styles), and contextual factors (e.g., loneliness and reduced social support). Then, we review the currently available interventions and manipulations that target these mechanisms, either directly or indirectly, and we highlight both their strengths and lacunae. Finally, we propose possible avenues to improve our clinical toolbox for breaking the vise of hopelessness.
Seminal fluid changes in the COVID-19 era: During infection and Post-vaccination
Authors: Nori Wassan , Akeel Salman Dina
Published: April 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) predilection for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors allows its entrance and replication; however, they are not biochemically required for viral fusion into the cell membrane. Testicular tissue has abundant ACE2 receptors, making it a target for the COVID-19 virus. Seminal fluid parameters are measures of male fertility. Changes in semen parameters have been caused by coronavirus disease and vaccines. Some attribute that effect to direct hematogenic spread to the testis; others propose that the excessive immunological response triggered by the infection causes a deleterious effect. An unsubstantiated claim questioned whether the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could trigger an unintentional immunological response that would impair male fertility once receiving the vaccine. Extensive research confirms the transient nature of those changes that affect sperm motility and count with full recovery post-COVID-19 infection and after vaccination. The vaccine's safety was reaffirmed; however, there are currently no recommendations for screening sperm donors. Research is warranted to guarantee the safety of couples undergoing assisted reproduction.
The Closed World of East German Economists
Authors: Düppe Till
Published: April 2023

History is replete with examples of scientists and social scientists working under the yoke of oppressive regimes. In The Closed World of East German Economists, Till Düppe tells the story of a generation of economists whose entire careers coincided with the forty-one-year existence of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). In a micro-historical fashion, he examines the world of East German economists through the formative episodes in the lives of five different economists from this “hope” generation. Using both the perspective of the actors as expressed in interviews and archival material unknown to the actors, the book follows East German economics from the early days of the acceptance of Marxism-Leninism through to its interaction with Western economics and its eventual dissolution following the collapse of the Berlin Wall. It is fascinating insight into the challenges faced by economists in a unique period of European history.
The Field Armies of the East Roman Empire, 361–630
Authors: Kaldellis Anthony , Kruse Marion
Published: April 2023

This book presents a new history of the leadership, organization, and disposition of the field armies of the east Roman empire between Julian (361–363) and Herakleios (610–641). To date, scholars studying this topic have privileged a poorly understood document, the Notitia dignitatum, and imposed it on the entire period from 395 to 630. This study, by contrast, gathers all of the available narrative, legal, papyrological, and epigraphic evidence to demonstrate empirically that the Notitia system emerged only in the 440s and that it was already mutating by the late fifth century before being fundamentally reformed during Justinian's wars of reconquest. This realization calls for a new, revised history of the eastern armies. Every facet of military policy must be reassessed, often with broad implications for the period. The volume provides a new military narrative for the period 361–630 and appendices revising the prosopography of high-ranking generals and arguing for a later Notitia.
Slivovitz and Everyday Nationalism: The Analysis of Slovene Newspapers in Interwar Yugoslavia
Authors: Mlekuž Jernej
Published: April 2023

By analyzing selected Slovene newspapers, the article discusses the role of slivovitz in the reproduction of everyday nationalism in interwar Yugoslavia. The article is based on an analysis of texts containing the word slivovka (the Slovene word for slivovitz or plum spirit) that appeared in three major Slovene newspapers and three minor Slovene pro-Yugoslav newspapers in the period 1919–1945. In the period in question, slivovitz did not (yet) have the role of a signifier of the Yugoslav state, the Yugoslav nation and other elements associated with Yugoslav identity, but it was becoming part of the “structure of national feeling” – the specific experience of life in a given time and place that was common to the Yugoslav nation. Slivovitz, frequently included in repetitive and everyday habits, practices and assumptions, began to define the Yugoslav nation through a specific culture of drinking and drinks and became a component of this everyday, largely unnoticed reproduction of the Yugoslav nation.
The visual diplomacy of cancer treatments: the mediatic legacy of the Curies in the early transnational fight against cancer
Authors: Medori Beatriz
Published: April 2023

This paper analyses the role played by members of the Curie family in the visual diplomacy of cancer treatments. This relationship started in 1921, when Marie Curie travelled to the US, accompanied by her two daughters, Ève and Irène, to receive a gram of radium at the White House from President Warren Harding. In the years that followed, Ève Curie, as the biographer and natural heir of radium discoverers Marie and Pierre Curie, continued to contribute to the visual diplomacy of cancer campaigning. Two events will be analysed through an interdisciplinary lens, merging history of science and visual-diplomacy studies, to show how the legacy of the Curies played out in the international consolidation of pre-war transnational alliances in the fight against cancer. One involves the picture of the chargé d'affaires of the France Republic, Jules Henry, receiving the biography authored by Ève,Madame Curie, at the French embassy in Washington. The other concerns the photograph of Ève visiting the Portuguese Oncology Institute (IPO) in 1940, which was immediately reproduced in the Institute's bulletin in order to raise awareness of cancer prevention strategies, and also captured in film as a propaganda tool for the Estado Novo regime (1933–74).
Geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of mafic rocks (metadolerites) from the Proterozoic Shillong Basin, Northeast India: implications for growth of the Greater Indian Landmass
Authors: Basumatary Pallabi , Saikia Ashima , Prakash Tribujjal , Gogoi Bibhuti
Published: April 2023

The Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Shillong Basin of the Assam-Meghalaya Gneissic Complex is exposed in parts of Northeast India. The studied metadolerites are from the volcano-sedimentary sequence of Shillong Basin from the Borjuri area in the Mikir Massif. This episode of mafic magmatism can be correlated with the Columbia supercontinent formation and bears significance to its reconstruction. The present work discusses the field, petrography and geochemical characteristics of the metadolerites, which occur in close association with the quartzites of the Shillong Group of rocks (metasedimentary rocks of the Shillong Basin). Our data show distinctive characteristics of subduction-related magmatism exhibiting high LREE/HREE, large ion lithophile element/high field strength element ratios and pronounced negative Nb anomaly. Elemental ratios such as Zr/Ba (0.21–0.46), La/Nb (1.23–2.32) and Ba/Nb (30.08–56.90) point to a fluid-enriched lithospheric mantle source in a subduction regime. Metadolerites plot in the field of ‘back-arc basin basalts’ in tectonic discrimination diagrams reinforcing a subduction zone tectonic setting. The mafic rocks correspond to a 6–10 % partial melting of a mantle source incorporating spinel+garnet lherzolite. The metamorphic P-T of the metadolerites estimated from plagioclase-hornblende geothermobarometer (7–8 kbar, 664 °C) is indicative of amphibolite facies metamorphism in a medium P-T zone. Based on the comparative analysis of field observation, petrography, geochemistry and geological ages given by previous workers, we infer that the Shillong Basin represents a back-arc rift region and is the eastern continuation of the Bathani volcano-sedimentary sequence of the Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex marking continuation of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone to the Mikir Massif.
Fast ion generation by combined RF-NBI heating in W7-X
Authors: Machielsen M. , Graves J.P. , Patten H.W. , Slaby C. , Lazerson S.
Published: April 2023

Good fast ion confinement in quasi-isodynamic stellarators still has to be demonstrated experimentally. In the absence of fusion alphas, auxiliary heating systems can be used to generate fast ions. For this purpose, W7-X has neutral beam injection and its newly installed ion cyclotron heating system. In practice, both systems can run simultaneously, the synergetic running of both is the focus of the current modelling development. With the upgrades to the SCENIC code described here, we find that, compared with pure neutral beam injection (NBI), the fast ion tail is significantly enhanced when radio frequency (RF) heating is enabled. But the effectiveness of heating and fast ion tail generation strongly depends on the plasma parameters and antenna frequency, which calls for further study, both numerical and experimental.
Study of the growth of Octopus vulgaris in the Moroccan Mediterranean Sea by direct age estimation through the analysis of upper beaks
Authors: Faiki Ahmed , Chairi Hicham , Malouli Idrissi Mohammed , Bensbai Jilali
Published: April 2023

Beaks are one of the most important sclerochronological structures used to study the age and growth of cephalopods, in particular Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797. The present study provides results of ageing of 128 O. vulgaris (56–239 mm dorsal mantle length, DML; 121–5974 g total weight, TW) collected in the southern Moroccan Mediterranean coasts between Fnideq and Jebha. The number of increments corresponding to the age (days since hatching) varied from 137–368 in females and from 129–382 in males. There was a significant correlation between beak and somatic growth. The correlation coefficients of the growth curves DML-Age and TW-Age were similar for both power and exponential models: DML = 0.185Age1.188 (R2 = 0.547), DML = 35.933e0.005Age (R2 = 0.546), TW = 0.00002Age3.260 (R2 = 0.532), TW = 29.56e0.014Age (R2 = 0.541). The average width of the increments was similar between females and males. It varied significantly with season and stage of sexual maturity. Comparison of the growth curve with those estimated by other authors showed that Moroccan Mediterranean O. vulgaris grew faster than that of Sardinia (Italy) and slower than that of the Mauritanian coast.
Are the impacts of food systems on climate change being reported by the media? An Australian media analysis
Authors: Atkinson Nicole , Ferguson Megan , Russell Cherie , Cullerton Katherine
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Food systems are a major contributor to climate change, producing one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, public knowledge of food systems’ contributions to climate change is low. One reason for low public awareness may be limited media coverage of the issue. To investigate this, we conducted a media analysis examining coverage of food systems and their contribution to climate change in Australian newspapers.

Design:

We analysed climate change articles from twelve Australian newspapers between 2011 and 2021, sourced from Factiva. We explored the volume and frequency of climate change articles that mentioned food systems and their contributions to climate change, as well as the level of focus on food systems.

Setting:

Australia.

Participants:

N/A.

Results:

Of the 2892 articles included, only 5 % mentioned the contributions of food systems to climate change, with the majority highlighting food production as the main contributor, followed by food consumption. Conversely, 8 % mentioned the impact of climate change on food systems.

Conclusions:

Though newspaper coverage of food systems’ effects on climate change is increasing, coverage of the issue remains limited. As newspapers play a key role in increasing public and political awareness of matters, the findings provide valuable insights for advocates wishing to increase engagement on the issue. Increased media coverage may raise public awareness and encourage action by policymakers. Collaboration between public health and environmental stakeholders to increase public knowledge of the relationship between food systems and climate change is recommended.
Political Differences in Knowledge and Its Connection With Vaccination During COVID-19
Authors: Zell Ethan , Rivera Sydney M. , Stockus Christopher A.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Conservatives in the United States have more negative attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines and are less likely to be vaccinated than liberals. The present research tests whether political differences in knowledge underlie differences in vaccination. Participants in Study 1 completed a knowledge test about COVID-19 vaccines and indicated whether they had received a COVID-19 vaccine. Republicans had worse knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines than Democrats. Furthermore, political differences in vaccination were significantly mediated by knowledge. Study 2 found that exposure to facts about COVID-19 vaccines led to more favorable perceptions of vaccine effectiveness among Republicans, which in turn was associated with stronger vaccination intentions. These data suggest that knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines may help to explain political differences in vaccination.
Integrating NASA Aqua AIRS in a Real‐Time NUCAPS Science‐To‐Applications System to Support Severe Weather Forecasting
Authors: Berndt E. B. , Smith N. , Barnet C. D.
Published: April 2023

In recent years, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Unique Combined Atmospheric Processing System (NUCAPS) hyperspectral infrared satellite sounding retrievals derived from Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) polar‐orbiting satellites have been documented as observations that add value to weather forecasting applications. NUCAPS is currently the operational algorithm delivering JPSS satellite sounding retrievals to the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) and is based on the heritage Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) Science Team algorithm for processing vertical temperature, moisture, and trace gas retrievals. For the Special Collection on “Twenty Years of Observations from AIRS,” we highlight the methodology we implemented to develop a prototype science‐to‐applications system to enable real‐time processing of AIRS satellite sounding retrievals through the NUCAPS algorithm (i.e., NUCAPS‐Aqua) to support weather forecasting applications. The addition of NUCAPS‐Aqua to experimental real‐time pathways alongside operational JPSS NUCAPS soundings, facilitated assessment of NUCAPS‐Aqua at the 2022 Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) Spring Experiment. Development of NUCAPS‐Aqua described in this technical report includes preservation of microwave observations and calculation of a‐priori regression coefficients. Additionally, the real‐time processing and challenges with implementing a science‐to‐applications system are discussed. Two illustrative pre‐convective forecasting examples analyzed by NWS forecasters during the 2022 HWT Spring Experiment are highlighted to demonstrate the benefit of NUCAPS‐Aqua as (a) special afternoon soundings, (b) an additional observation to assess temporal trends using multiple satellites, and (c) a complement to observational and model analysis.
Great ape cognition is structured by stable cognitive abilities and predicted by developmental conditions
Authors: Bohn Manuel , Eckert Johanna , Hanus Daniel , Lugauer Benedikt , Holtmann Jana , Haun Daniel B. M.
Published: April 2023

Great ape cognition is used as a reference point to specify the evolutionary origins of complex cognitive abilities, including in humans. This research often assumes that great ape cognition consists of cognitive abilities (traits) that account for stable differences between individuals, which change and develop in response to experience. Here, we test the validity of these assumptions by assessing repeatability of cognitive performance among captive great apes (Gorilla gorilla,Pongo abelii,Pan paniscus,Pan troglodytes) in five tasks covering a range of cognitive domains. We examine whether individual characteristics (age, group, test experience) or transient situational factors (life events, testing arrangements or sociality) influence cognitive performance. Our results show that task-level performance is generally stable over time; four of the five tasks were reliable measurement tools. Performance in the tasks was best explained by stable differences in cognitive abilities (traits) between individuals. Cognitive abilities were further correlated, suggesting shared cognitive processes. Finally, when predicting cognitive performance, we found stable individual characteristics to be more important than variables capturing transient experience. Taken together, this study shows that great ape cognition is structured by stable cognitive abilities that respond to different developmental conditions.
Spatio-temporal evolution and driving forces of habitat quality in Guizhou Province
Authors: Xie Bo , Zhang Mingming
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to analyze spatio-temporal changes in habitat quality in Guizhou Province during the 1990–2018 period and identify factors influencing habitat quality. Land-use data for the period were used to evaluate spatio-temporal variations in habitat quality using the InVEST model, and factors influencing habitat quality were analyzed using GeoDetector. According to the results, cultivated land and forestland decreased by 0.48% and 0.88%, respectively, during the study period. Grassland, water, and construction land areas increased, with construction land increasing the most (0.92%) followed by water area (0.37%). The main land-use changes included conversion of cultivated land to forestland, grassland, and construction land. The average habitat quality index for Guizhou Province changed from 0.633 to 0.627 over the 1990–2018 period, showing an overall downward trend. The distribution pattern of habitat quality was spatially "high in the north, south, and, east, and low in the west". The most significant improvement of habitat quality was in the western region, whereas the most significant decline of habitat quality was in the central region. Land-use was the major factor influencing the spatio-temporal variations in habitat quality, and the interactive effect between any two factors was stronger than that of a single factor. Natural factors and human factors co-dominated the temporal-spatial changes in habitat quality.
The genome-wide mutational consequences of DNA hypomethylation
Authors: Besselink Nicolle , Keijer Janneke , Vermeulen Carlo , Boymans Sander , de Ridder Jeroen , van Hoeck Arne , Cuppen Edwin , Kuijk Ewart
Published: April 2023

DNA methylation is important for establishing and maintaining cell identity and for genomic stability. This is achieved by regulating the accessibility of regulatory and transcriptional elements and the compaction of subtelomeric, centromeric, and other inactive genomic regions. Carcinogenesis is accompanied by a global loss in DNA methylation, which facilitates the transformation of cells. Cancer hypomethylation may also cause genomic instability, for example through interference with the protective function of telomeres and centromeres. However, understanding the role(s) of hypomethylation in tumor evolution is incomplete because the precise mutational consequences of global hypomethylation have thus far not been systematically assessed. Here we made genome-wide inventories of all possible genetic variation that accumulates in single cells upon the long-term global hypomethylation by CRISPR interference-mediated conditional knockdown of DNMT1. Depletion of DNMT1 resulted in a genomewide reduction in DNA methylation. The degree of DNA methylation loss was similar to that observed in many cancer types. Hypomethylated cells showed reduced proliferation rates, increased transcription of genes, reactivation of the inactive X-chromosome and abnormal nuclear morphologies. Prolonged hypomethylation was accompanied by increased chromosomal instability. However, there was no increase in mutational burden, enrichment for certain mutational signatures or accumulation of structural variation to the genome. In conclusion, the primary consequence of hypomethylation is genomic instability, which in cancer leads to increased tumor heterogeneity and thereby fuels cancer evolution.
A widely applicable and cost-effective method for specific RNA–protein complex isolation
Authors: Balzarini Sam , Van Ende Roosje , Voet Arnout , Geuten Koen
Published: April 2023

Although methodological advances have been made over the past years, a widely applicable, easily scalable and cost-effective procedure that can be routinely used to isolate specific ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) remains elusive. We describe the “Silica-based Acidic Phase Separation (SAPS)-capture” workflow. This versatile method combines previously described techniques in a cost-effective, optimal and widely applicable protocol. The specific RNP isolation procedure is performed on a pre-purified RNP sample instead of cell lysate. This combination of protocols results in an increased RNP/bead ratio and by consequence a reduced experimental cost. To validate the method, the 18S rRNP of S. cerevisiae was captured and to illustrate its applicability we isolated the complete repertoire of RNPs in A. thaliana. The procedure we describe can provide the community with a powerful tool to advance the study of the ribonome of a specific RNA molecule in any organism or tissue type.
Mapping the functional interactions at the tumor-immune checkpoint interface
Authors: Bozorgui Behnaz , Kong Elisabeth K. , Luna Augustin , Korkut Anil
Published: April 2023

The interactions between tumor intrinsic processes and immune checkpoints can mediate immune evasion by cancer cells and responses to immunotherapy. It is, however, challenging to identify functional interactions due to the prohibitively complex molecular landscape of the tumor-immune interfaces. We address this challenge with a statistical analysis framework, immuno-oncology gene interaction maps (ImogiMap). ImogiMap quantifies and statistically validates tumor-immune checkpoint interactions based on their co-associations with immune-associated phenotypes. The outcome is a catalog of tumor-immune checkpoint interaction maps for diverse immune-associated phenotypes. Applications of ImogiMap recapitulate the interaction of SERPINB9 and immune checkpoints with interferon gamma (IFNγ) expression. Our analyses suggest that CD86-CD70 and CD274-CD70 immunoregulatory interactions are significantly associated with IFNγ expression in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma and basal-like breast cancer, respectively. The open-source ImogiMap software and user-friendly web application will enable future applications of ImogiMap. Such applications may guide the discovery of previously unknown tumor-immune interactions and immunotherapy targets.
A protein aggregation platform that distinguishes oligomers from amyloid fibrils
Authors: Zhang Amy , Portugal Barron Diana , Chen Erica W. , Guo Zhefeng
Published: April 2023

Using a combination of split and intact β-lactamase constructs, we designed a protein aggregation screening platform that can distinguish changes in amyloid oligomers from overall protein aggregation.
Improving the crystallinity of imine-linked covalent organic frameworks by acetal for enhanced photocatalytic H2O2evolution
Authors: Li Xinyu , Yang Qing , Yi Fangli , Yuan Yiqi , Cao Hongmei , Liu Kewei , Yan Hongjian
Published: April 2023

The crystallinity of semiconductors plays a vital role in boosting the separation and transportation of photogenerated carriers and their photocatalytic performance.
Properties and composition of the spent electrolyte for premium circulation mediated by Al–air batteries
Authors: Cheng Hao , Hua Zhifan , Zhu Yuan , Wang Tao , Li Zheng , Lu Yao , Tian Zhongliang , Lu Wenyi
Published: April 2023

The effects of discharge current density, time and temperature on the properties and composition of the spent electrolyte were studied in Al–air batteries. And the DFT method was employed to analyze the relationship among the various aluminate ions.
Waste to wealth: direct utilization of spent materials for electrocatalysis and energy storage
Authors: Yan Chengcheng , Jiang Xun , Yu Jiaxin , Ding Zhaolong , Ma Ling , Su Tingyu , Wang Yilu , Wang Chunxia , Huang Guoyong , Xu Shengming
Published: April 2023

We summarize the direct utilization of versatile waste sources in various electrocatalysis and energy storage systems in view of synthetic strategies, structural properties, electrochemical performance and the challenges and prospects.
Flaky Co3O4/BCNO composites as efficient and stable catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Yintao , Zang Zehao , Li Xiang , Yang Ping , Zhang Junfang , Li Lanlan , Yu Xiaofei , Yang Xiaojing , Lu Zunming , Zhang Xinghua
Published: April 2023

A one step facile method is proposed to synthesize Co3O4/BCNO composites as efficient and stable catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in Zn–air batteries.
Gold(i)-catalysed hydroarylations of alkynes for the synthesis of inherently chiral calix[4]arenes
Authors: Giovanardi Gabriele , Scarica Gabriele , Pirovano Valentina , Secchi Andrea , Cera Gianpiero
Published: April 2023

We report a step- and atom economical approach for the meta-functionalisation of calix[4]arene macrocycles by intramolecular gold(i)-catalysed hydroarylation of alkynes.
A sustainable strategy for the visible-light-driven facile N-formylation of amines using a Co(ii)-embedded covalent organic framework as an efficient photocatalyst
Authors: Das Surya , Sarkar Priyanka , Goswami Manoj , Ali Sk. Murshed , Mollah Mijanur Rahaman , Islam Sk. Manirul
Published: April 2023

We have constructed a highly crystalline 2D imine-linked Co(ii)-incorporated Tp-TH COF catalyst (Co(ii)@Tp-TH) with a band gap energy of 2.4 eV to serve as a stable and effective porous photocatalyst for the synthesis of N-formylated amines.
Testing angular momentum transport processes with asteroseismology of solar-type main-sequence stars
Authors: Bétrisey J. , Eggenberger P. , Buldgen G. , Benomar O. , Bazot M.
Published: April 2023

Context. Thanks to the so-called photometry revolution with the space-based missions CoRoT, Kepler, and TESS, asteroseismology has become a powerful tool to study the internal rotation of stars. The rotation rate depends on the efficiency of the angular momentum (AM) transport inside the star, and its study allows to constrain the internal AM transport processes, as well as improve our understanding of their physical nature.

Aims. We compared the ratio of the rotation rate predicted by asteroseismology and starspot measurements of solar-type stars considering different AM transport prescriptions and investigated whether some of these prescriptions can be ruled out observationally.

Methods. We conducted a two-step modelling procedure of four main-sequence stars from the Kepler LEGACY sample, which consists of an asteroseismic characterisation that serves as a guide for a modelling with rotating models, including a detailed and coherent treatment of the AM transport. The rotation profiles derived with this procedure were used to estimate the ratio of the mean asteroseismic rotation rate with the surface rotation rate from starspot measurements for each AM transport prescriptions. Comparisons between the models were then conducted.

Results. In the hotter part of the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram (masses typically above ∼1.2 M⊙ at solar metallicity), models with only hydrodynamic transport processes and models with additional transport by magnetic instabilities are found to be consistent with previous measurements that observed a low degree (below 30%) of radial differential rotation between the radiative and convective zones. For these stars, which constitute a significant fraction of the Kepler LEGACY sample, a combination of asteroseismic constraints from the splitting of pressure modes and of the surface rotation rate does not allow us to conclude that an efficient AM transport is required in addition to transport by meridional circulation and shear instability alone. Even a model assuming local AM conservation cannot be ruled out. In the colder part of the HR diagram, the situation is different because of the efficient braking of the stellar surface by magnetised winds. We find a clear disagreement between the rotational properties of models that only include hydrodynamic processes and asteroseismic constraints, while models with magnetic fields correctly reproduce the observations, similarly to the solar case.

Conclusions. This shows the existence of a mass regime corresponding to main-sequence F-type stars for which it is difficult to constrain the AM transport processes, unlike for hotter, Gamma Dor stars or colder, less massive solar analogues. The comparison between asteroseismic measurements and surface rotation rates enables us to easily rule out models with an inefficient transport of AM in the colder part of the HR diagram.