bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CT-based Radiogenomics Framework for COVID-19 Using ACE2 Imaging Representations
Authors: Xia Tian , Fu Xiaohang , Fulham Michael , Wang Yue , Feng Dagan , Kim Jinman
Published: August 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 which enters the body via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and altering its gene expression. Altered ACE2 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Gene expression profiling, however, is invasive and costly, and is not routinely performed. In contrast, medical imaging such as computed tomography (CT) captures imaging features that depict abnormalities, and it is widely available. Computerized quantification of image features has enabled ‘radiogenomics’, a research discipline that identifies image features that are associated with molecular characteristics. Radiogenomics between ACE2 and COVID-19 has yet to be done primarily due to the lack of ACE2 expression data among COVID-19 patients. Similar to COVID-19, patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) exhibit altered ACE2 expression and, LUAD data are abundant. We present a radiogenomics framework to derive image features (ACE2-RGF) associated with ACE2 expression data from LUAD. The ACE2-RGF was then used as a surrogate biomarker for ACE2 expression. We adopted conventional feature selection techniques including ElasticNet and LASSO. Our results show that: i) the ACE2-RGF encoded a distinct collection of image features when compared to conventional techniques, ii) the ACE2-RGF can classify COVID-19 from normal subjects with a comparable performance to conventional feature selection techniques with an AUC of 0.92, iii) ACE2-RGF can effectively identify patients with critical illness with an AUC of 0.85. These findings provide unique insights for automated COVID-19 analysis and future research.
Trends in Distance Between Non-resident Parents and Minor Children Following Separation: Analysis of the Belgian Case, 1992–2018
Authors: Zilincikova Zuzana , Schnor Christine
Published: August 2023

Geographic distance between a child and their non-resident parent is a key aspect of the reorganization of the family following parental separation. The increasingly equal involvement of both parents in the upbringing of their children is expected to translate into increasing geographic proximity between children and non-resident parents. So far, there has been no evidence about the time trends in geographical distances between minor children and non-resident parents outside of the Swedish context. In this study, we investigate these trends across Belgian separation cohorts from 1992 to 2018 and the extent to which they differ according to parental socioeconomic status and child’s age at separation. Overall, we observed a very small decrease in distance between children and their non-resident fathers and a somewhat larger decrease for non-resident mothers. The distance increased for very young children (0–2 years) and children with low-educated fathers. These findings point to inequalities in certain parent–child dyads.
The Relationship Between Schizotypal Traits and Affect-driven Volition in Healthy Adults
Authors: Lam Joyce Yuen Ting , Ng Marcus Hoi Fung , Välimäki Maritta , Yee Benjamin K.
Published: August 2023

Avolition in schizophrenia has been attributed to an underlying decoupling between affect and volitional action. It may be demonstrated behaviourally in the Anticipatory Consummatory Pleasure (ACP) task, whereby subjects may adjust the viewing (in time or future probability) of images with positive or negative affective content. Correspondence between response vigour and perceived affective intensity of the images was typically poorer in people with schizophrenia than healthy controls. Here, we investigated if ACP performance would be similarly modulated by schizotypal traits in the non-clinical population. Schizotypal traits were assessed in healthy adult volunteers using Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief before evaluation of ACP performance. Association between the three schizotypal traits and affect-volition coupling was examined by correlative analysis followed by comparison between dichotomized clusters. Affect-volition coupling appeared to correlate positively with increasing schizotypal traits, especially in the interpersonal and disorganization dimensions. Direct comparison between the two clusters of subjects demarcated with respect to all three schizotypy dimensions showed that actions motivated by future affective outcomes was selectively potentiated, as opposed to in-the-moment outcomes, in the higher schizotypy cluster. The positive modulation of affect-volition coupling by schizotypal traits seen here was unexpected given the robust decoupling reported in people with schizophrenia. Our data also contradicted with previous ACP studies reporting either an opposite or null relationship between schizotypy and affect-volition coupling. We speculate that the relationship across a more extended continuum of schizotypal traits may follow an inverted U-shape, thus either ends of the continuum is associated with suboptimal ACP performance.
A differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) approach for assessing the quality of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste for physical recycling: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Šudomová Lucie , Doležalová Weissmannová Helena , Steinmetz Zacharias , Řezáčová Veronika , Kučerík Jiří
Published: August 2023

Physical recycling of plastics is among the most important approaches of circular economy. The efficiency of the recycling is influenced by many factors including the number of recycling cycles, composition of plastics, chemical modifications, additives and others. Currently, however, there are no methods enabling to distinguish the quality of plastics for recycling. In this work, we address this issue and suggest a new method based on the correlation of solely thermophysical properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) during repeated heating and cooling. The combination of results of differential scanning calorimetry and advanced statistical methods enabled to separate 76 PET samples into six groups according to their origin, chemical modification, degradation and suitability for recycling. The discriminant analysis enabled to suggest a model which uses for the discrimination a combination of temperatures and enthalpies of melting and crystallization. The approach illustrates that thermophysical properties, which can be obtained using a single DSC experiment, can be used to distinguish the polymers of various origin and quality.
Can we have it all? The role of grassland conservation in supporting forage production and plant diversity
Authors: Kachler Jana , Benra Felipe , Bolliger Ralph , Isaac Roman , Bonn Aletta , Felipe-Lucia María R.
Published: August 2023

Context

A key global challenge is to meet both the growing demand for food and feed while maintaining biodiversity’s supporting functions. Protected grasslands, such as Natura 2000 sites in Europe, may play an important role in harmonising productivity and biodiversity goals. This work contributes to an understanding of the relationship between forage production and plant diversity in protected and non-protected grasslands.

Objectives

We aimed to identify differences in plant diversity and forage production between protected and non-protected grasslands by assessing the effects of land-use intensity (i.e. mowing, grazing, fertilising) on these variables.

Methods

Data were available for 95 managed grassland plots (50 × 50 m) in real-managed landscapes. After controlling for site conditions in the analysis, we tested for significant differences between protected and non-protected grasslands and used a multi-group structural equation modelling (SEM) framework to investigate the linkages between land-use intensity, biomass and plant diversity.

Results

In protected grasslands, plant diversity was significantly higher while forage production was significantly lower. In non-protected grasslands we found significantly higher land-use intensity, particularly in relation to mowing and fertilisation. Grazing intensity did not significantly differ between protected and non-protected grasslands. In non-protected grasslands we found a significant negative association between forage production and plant diversity. However, this effect was not significant in protected grasslands. We also found a negative association between land-use and plant diversity in both grassland types that was related to mowing and fertilising intensity. These two management aspects also influenced the positive association between land-use intensity and forage production. Furthermore, environmental conditions had a positive effect on forage production and a negative effect on plant diversity in protected grasslands.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that the protection of grassland sites is successful in achieving higher plant diversity compared to non-protected grasslands and that protected grasslands do not necessarily trade-off with forage production. This is possible under moderate grazing intensities as higher land-use intensity has a negative effect on plant diversity, particularly on rare species. However, forage production is lower in protected sites as it is driven by mowing and fertilisation intensity. Future research needs to further investigate if the nature of these relationships depends on the livestock type or other management practices.
The Disclosure of Bad News Over the Phone vs. in Person and its Association with Psychological Distress: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mueller Jonas , Beck Katharina , Loretz Nina , Becker Christoph , Gross Sebastian , Blatter René , Urben Tabita , Amacher Simon A , Schaefert Rainer , Hunziker Sabina
Published: August 2023

Background

Communicating bad news such as a new cancer diagnosis to patients may have a major impact on their well-being. We investigated differences in patients’ psychological distress due to the disclosure of bad news by telephone compared to in person in a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We included all studies that investigated anxiety, depressive or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in adult patients in whom bad news by telephone compared to in person were disclosed. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL from the inception of each database to October 18, 2022. We included randomized and non-randomized trials.

Results

We screened 5944 studies and included 11 studies in the qualitative analysis and 9 in the meta-analyses, including four randomized controlled trials. Overall, the quality of studies was moderate to good. There was no difference regarding psychological distress when bad news was disclosed by telephone compared to in person with similar symptom levels of anxiety (3 studies, 285 participants; standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.10 [95% CI -0.15 to 0.35]), depression (3 studies, 284 participants; SMD 0.10 [95% CI -0.30 to 0.49]), and PTSD (2 studies, 171 participants; SMD -0.01 [95% CI -0.48 to 0.36]). Results were similar for satisfaction with care.

Discussion

This meta-analysis found no difference regarding psychological distress regardless if bad news were disclosed by telephone or in person, but there were overall only few and heterogeneous studies with a small number of eligible patients. The findings suggest that the modality of disclosure might play a secondary role and the way in which the bad news are communicated might be more important.
Identification of Immune-Linked Hub Genes and Diagnostic Model Construction in Schizophrenia
Authors: Lian Kun , Shen Zonglin , Yang Runxu , Ye Jing , Shang Binli , Dong Lei , Li Hongfang , Wu Jiabing , Cheng Yuqi , Xu Xiufeng
Published: August 2023

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a prevalent, severe, and persistent mental disorder with an unknown etiology. Growing evidence indicates that immunological dysfunction is vital in the development of SCZ. Our study aims to uncover potential immune-linked hub genes and immune infiltration characteristics of SCZ, as well as to develop a diagnostic model based on immune-linked central genes. GSE38484 and GSE54913 chip expression data for patients with SCZ and healthy controls were retrieved. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify major module genes and critical immune-linked genes. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted to elucidate the involvement of key genes in the immunological response to SCZ, along with the examination of their protein interactions. Moreover, 202 peripheral blood samples were examined using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) method to detect distinct immune cell types. Hub immune-linked genes in SCZ were identified using the minimal absolute contraction and selection operator analysis. Receptor profiles of central immune-linked genes were analyzed to distinguish the two groups. Finally, the association between immune-linked hub genes and various types of immune cells was assessed. Our findings revealed ten immune cell types and nine key genes involved in SCZ, including effector memory CD4+ T cells, activated CD8+ T cells, mast cells, naive CD8+ T cells, PBMC, type 17 helper cells (Th17), central memory CD8+ T cells, CD56 bright NK cells, memory B cells, and regulatory T cells. Diagnostic models constructed using LASSO regression exhibited an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.866. Our results indicate immunological dysfunction as a factor in the development of SCZ. ASGR2, ADRM1, AHANK, S100A8, FUCA1, AKNA, GATA3, AHCYL2, and PTRH2 are the key regulatory genes of immune cells, highlighting their potential as novel therapeutic targets for SCZ.
A weak version of the Mond conjecture
Authors: Giménez Conejero R. , Nuño-Ballesteros J. J.
Published: August 2023

We prove that a map germ $$f:(\mathbb {C}^n,S)\rightarrow (\mathbb {C}^{n+1},0)$$

f
:

(

C

n

,
S
)

→

(

C

n
+
1

,
0
)

with isolated instability is stable if and only if $$\mu _I(f)=0$$

μ
I

(
f
)

=
0

, where $$\mu _I(f)$$

μ
I

(
f
)

is the image Milnor number defined by Mond. In a previous paper we proved this result with the additional assumption that f has corank one. The proof here is also valid for corank $$\ge 2$$

≥
2

, provided that $$(n,n+1)$$

(
n
,
n
+
1
)

are nice dimensions in Mather’s sense (so $$\mu _I(f)$$

μ
I

(
f
)

is well defined). Our result can be seen as a weak version of a conjecture by Mond, which says that the $$\mathscr {A}_e$$

A
e

-codimension of f is $$\le \mu _I(f)$$

≤

μ
I

(
f
)

, with equality if f is weighted homogeneous. As an application, we deduce that the bifurcation set of a versal unfolding of f is a hypersurface.
Py-Feat: Python Facial Expression Analysis Toolbox
Authors: Cheong Jin Hyun , Jolly Eshin , Xie Tiankang , Byrne Sophie , Kenney Matthew , Chang Luke J.
Published: August 2023

Studying facial expressions is a notoriously difficult endeavor. Recent advances in the field of affective computing have yielded impressive progress in automatically detecting facial expressions from pictures and videos. However, much of this work has yet to be widely disseminated in social science domains such as psychology. Current state-of-the-art models require considerable domain expertise that is not traditionally incorporated into social science training programs. Furthermore, there is a notable absence of user-friendly and open-source software that provides a comprehensive set of tools and functions that support facial expression research. In this paper, we introduce Py-Feat, an open-source Python toolbox that provides support for detecting, preprocessing, analyzing, and visualizing facial expression data. Py-Feat makes it easy for domain experts to disseminate and benchmark computer vision models and also for end users to quickly process, analyze, and visualize face expression data. We hope this platform will facilitate increased use of facial expression data in human behavior research.
Generals and judges: command, constitution and the fate of Carthage
Authors: Taylor Michael J.
Published: August 2023

This paper considers the structure and priorities of the Carthaginian state in its imperial endeavours in both North Africa and across the Mediterranean, focusing especially on the well-documented period of the Punic Wars (264–146 BC.). It suggests that Carthaginian constitutional structures, in particular the split between civil shofetim (‘judges’) and military rabbim (‘generals’), impacted the strategic outlook and marginal bellicosity of the city, making it less competitive against its primary peer-rival in the Western Mediterranean, Rome.
Every Salem number is a difference of two Pisot numbers
Authors: Dubickas Artūras
Published: August 2023

In this note, we prove that every Salem number is expressible as a difference of two Pisot numbers. More precisely, we show that for each Salem number α of degree d, there are infinitely many positive integers n for which $\alpha^{2n-1}-\alpha^n+\alpha$ and $\alpha^{2n-1}-\alpha^n$ are both Pisot numbers of degree d and that the smallest such n is at most $6^{d/2-1}+1$. We also prove that every real positive algebraic number can be expressed as a quotient of two Pisot numbers. Earlier, Salem himself had proved that every Salem number can be written in this way.
The development and preliminary evaluation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Chronic Loneliness in Young People
Authors: Cawthorne Tom , Käll Anton , Bennett Sophie , Baker Elena , Andersson Gerhard , Shafran Roz
Published: August 2023

Background:

Approximately 10% of young people ‘often’ feel lonely, with loneliness being predictive of multiple physical and mental health problems. Research has found CBT to be effective for reducing loneliness in adults, but interventions for young people who report loneliness as their primary difficulty are lacking.

Method:

CBT for Chronic Loneliness in Young People was developed as a modular intervention. This was evaluated in a single-case experimental design (SCED) with seven participants aged 11–18 years. The primary outcome was self-reported loneliness on the Three-Item Loneliness Scale. Secondary outcomes were self-reported loneliness on the UCLA-LS-3, and self- and parent-reported RCADS and SDQ impact scores. Feasibility and participant satisfaction were also assessed.

Results:

At post-intervention, there was a 66.41% reduction in loneliness, with all seven participants reporting a significant reduction on the primary outcome measure (p < .001). There was also a reduction on the UCLA-LS-3 of a large effect (d = 1.53). Reductions of a large effect size were also found for parent-reported total RCADS (d = 2.19) and SDQ impact scores (d = 2.15) and self-reported total RCADS scores (d = 1.81), with a small reduction in self-reported SDQ impact scores (d = 0.41). Participants reported high levels of satisfaction, with the protocol being feasible and acceptable.

Conclusions:

We conclude that CBT for Chronic Loneliness in Young People may be an effective intervention for reducing loneliness and co-occurring mental health difficulties in young people. The intervention should now be evaluated further through a randomised controlled trial (RCT).
Interactive Model Expansion in an Observable Environment
Authors: CARBONNELLE PIERRE , VENNEKENS JOOST , DENECKER MARC , BOGAERTS BART
Published: August 2023

Many practical problems can be understood as the search for a state of affairs that extends a fixed partial state of affairs, the environment, while satisfying certain conditions that are formally specified. Such problems are found in, for example, engineering, law or economics. We study this class of problems in a context where some of the relevant information about the environment is not known by the user at the start of the search. During the search, the user may consider tentative solutions that make implicit hypotheses about these unknowns. To ensure that the solution is appropriate, these hypotheses must be verified by observing the environment. Furthermore, we assume that, in addition to knowledge of what constitutes a solution, knowledge of general laws of the environment is also present. We formally define partial solutions with enough verified facts to guarantee the existence of complete and appropriate solutions. Additionally, we propose an interactive system to assist the user in their search by determining (1) which hypotheses implicit in a tentative solution must be verified in the environment, and (2) which observations can bring useful information for the search. We present an efficient method to over-approximate the set of relevant information, and evaluate our implementation.
Alkoholpolitik in Österreich: Positive Entwicklung trotz Ausweitung der Alkoholverfügbarkeit
Authors: Uhl Alfred , Strizek Julian , Busch Martin
Published: August 2023

Zusammenfassung: Zielsetzung: Aus Anlass der Veröffentlichung der dritten Ausgabe des Buchs „Alkohol: Kein gewöhnliches Konsumgut“ haben die Autor_innen die Entwicklung des Pro-Kopf-Alkoholkonsums in Österreich mit der Alkoholpreisentwicklung, der Verfügbarkeit von alkoholischen Getränken sowie Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung von Alkohol am Steuer in Beziehung gesetzt. Methodik: Im Wesentlichen wurde auf Statistiken zurückgegriffen, die die Autor_innen seit vielen Jahren regelmäßig im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Gesundheit erheben – Statistiken, die in Forschungsberichten sowie im regelmäßig erscheinenden Handbuch Alkohol-Österreich einer breiten Öffentlichkeit zugänglich gemacht werden. Ergebnisse: Über die letzten 50 Jahre zeichnet sich in Bezug auf den Alkoholkonsum eine rückläufige Tendenz ab. Bezüglich alkoholassoziierter Probleme zeichnet sich eine deutliche Verbesserung ab, obwohl in dieser Zeit die Alkoholpreise relativ zum zur Verfügung stehenden Einkommen stark gesunken sind und die Öffnungszeiten im Handel und in der Gastronomie stark ausgeweitet wurden. Das legt nahe, dass aus einer gesundheitspolitischen Warte positive Veränderungen der Alkoholkultur nicht nur durch Preiserhöhungen und Einschränkungen der Alkoholverfügbarkeit initiiert werden können. In Bezug auf Alkohol am Steuer hat der gesetzliche Druck auf alkoholisierte Kraftfahrzeuglenker_innen über die Jahre kontinuierlich zugenommen, und die alkoholbezogenen Unfälle haben parallel dazu abgenommen. Wenngleich man, wie in diesem Text ebenfalls gezeigt wird, aus Zusammenhängen nicht automatisch auf Kausalität schließen kann, erscheint es durchaus plausibel, dass diese gesetzlichen Maßnahmen einen relevanten Beitrag zur Verringerung des alkoholbedingten Unfallgeschehens geleistet haben.
A Massive Landslide Beheaded One of the World’s Highest Peaks
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: August 2023

Annapurna IV toppled in a Himalayan landslide, and scientists finally figured out when and how it happened.
From Desiccation to Re‐Integration of the Yellow River Since the Last Glaciation
Authors: Zhao Yuqi , Fan Niannian , Nie Junsheng , Abell Jordan T. , An Yu , Jin Zhangdong , Wang Chengshan , Zhang Jiafu , Liu Xingnian , Nie Ruihua
Published: August 2023

The desiccation (extreme drying) of rivers has important implications for the broader Earth System. However, the desiccation history and its linkage to climate are rarely known for numerous major river systems, primarily due to difficulties in recognizing desiccation events from available stratigraphic records. Here, using a combination of geochemical techniques (major and rare‐earth element geochemistry, detrital zircon geochronology, and optically stimulated luminescence dating), we demonstrate that the Yellow River, which maintains the highest sediment load on Earth, became desiccated during the Last Glacial Maximum at approximately 20 thousand years ago. This finding implies that transportation of sediments and dissolved constituents to the oceans via the Yellow River may have decreased substantially or ceased during glacials, which would have ramifications for ocean chemistry and biology. Furthermore, our work highlights the importance of desiccated riverbed sediments as potential dust sources during glacial periods, a finding that is different from what is observed today.
March Near‐Surface Wind Speed Hiatus Over China Since 2011
Authors: Shen Cheng , Yuan Huishuang , Li Zhibo , Yang Xiaoye , Minola Lorenzo , Chang Youli , Chen Deliang
Published: August 2023

Previous research has extensively explored the “stilling” and “reversal” phenomena in annual near‐surface wind speed (NSWS). However, the variations in the strengths of these phenomena between different months remain unclear. Here the monthly changes in observed NSWS from 769 stations across China during 1979–2020 were analyzed. The analysis reveals a consistent decline in NSWS that ceased around 2011, followed by an increasing trend detected in all months except March, where a distinct hiatus is observed. The hiatus in March NSWS is primarily attributed to a significant reduction in NSWS over North and Northwest China. This reduction can be linked to the southward shift of the East Asian subtropical jet (EASJ), which resulted in a decreased meridional temperature gradient and weakened transient eddy activities across northern China. These findings emphasize the importance of considering changes in the EASJ to gain a comprehensive understanding of NSWS changes at regional scale.
Lightning and Radar Characteristics of Tornadic Cells in Landfalling Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Schenkel Benjamin A. , Calhoun Kristin M. , Sandmæl Thea N. , Fruits Zachary R. , Schick Isaiah , Ake Marcus C. , Kassel Benjamin F.
Published: August 2023

Tropical cyclone (TC) tornadoes are often associated with lower‐skill forecasts compared to midlatitude supercellular tornadoes. Forecasts may be improved through a greater understanding of their lightning and radar signatures. This study investigates the lightning and radar characteristics of TC tornadic cells for comparison with TC non‐tornadic cells (i.e., strongly rotating cells without tornadoes) and non‐TC tornadic cells using three lightning networks and radar data. These results show that the majority of TC tornadic and non‐tornadic cells are not associated with lightning, although the former subset occurs with lightning more often. TC tornadic cases typically have lightning maximized to its northeast, whereas the non‐tornadic subset is associated with a lower density of flashes that are more symmetrically distributed. TC tornadic mesocyclones also show stronger low‐level rotation and convergence at the time of tornado occurrence compared to non‐tornadic cases. Hourly trends in rotation and convergence show stronger increases before tornado occurrence in both variables for TC tornadic mesocyclones, yielding small, nonsignificant differences with non‐TC tornadic mesocyclones during tornado occurrence. Finally, analysis of lightning throughout the TC shows that tornadic cells often occur on the downwind edge of a broad lightning maximum, whereas non‐tornadic cases occur in the middle of a weaker lightning maximum, with these maxima propagating away from the TC in both subsets.
Potential effects of gut microbiota on host cancers: focus on immunity, DNA damage, cellular pathways, and anticancer therapy
Authors: Sun Jiaao , Chen Feng , Wu Guangzhen
Published: August 2023

The symbiotic bacteria that live in the human gut and the metabolites they produce have long influenced local and systemic physiological and pathological processes of the host. The gut microbiota are increasingly being recognized for its impact on a range of human diseases, including cancer, it may play a key role in the occurrence, progression, treatment, and prognosis of many types of cancer. Understanding the functional role of the gut microbiota in cancer is crucial for the development of the era of personalized medicine. Here, we review recent advances in research and summarize the important associations and clear experimental evidence for the role of the gut microbiota in a variety of human cancers, focus on the application and possible challenges associated with the gut microbiota in antitumor therapy. In conclusion, our research demonstrated the multifaceted mechanisms of gut microbiota affecting human cancer and provides directions and ideas for future clinical research.
Impact of a risk based breast screening decision aid on understanding, acceptance and decision making
Authors: Lippey Jocelyn , Keogh Louise , Campbell Ian , Mann Gregory Bruce , Forrest Laura Elenor
Published: August 2023

Internationally, population breast cancer screening is moving towards a risk-stratified approach and requires engagement and acceptance from current and future screening clients. A decision aid (www.defineau.org) was developed based on women’s views, values, and knowledge regarding risk-stratified breast cancer screening. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the decision aid on women’s knowledge, risk perception, acceptance of risk assessment and change of screening frequency, and decision-making. Here we report the results of a pre and post-survey in which women who are clients of BreastScreen Victoria were invited to complete an online questionnaire before and after viewing the decision aid. 3200 potential participants were invited, 242 responded with 127 participants completing both surveys. After reviewing the decision aid there was a significant change in knowledge, acceptance of risk-stratified breast cancer screening and of decreased frequency screening for lower risk. High levels of acceptance of risk stratification, genetic testing and broad support for tailored screening persisted pre and post review. The DEFINE decision aid has a positive impact on acceptance of lower frequency screening, a major barrier to the success of a risk-stratified program and may contribute to facilitating change to the population breast screening program in Australia.
T-cell priming transcriptomic markers: implications of immunome heterogeneity for precision immunotherapy
Authors: Miyashita Hirotaka , Kurzrock Razelle , Bevins Nicholas J. , Thangathurai Kartheeswaran , Lee Suzanna , Pabla Sarabjot , Nesline Mary , Glenn Sean T. , Conroy Jeffrey M. , DePietro Paul , Rubin Eitan , Sicklick Jason K. , Kato Shumei
Published: August 2023

Immune checkpoint blockade is effective for only a subset of cancers. Targeting T-cell priming markers (TPMs) may enhance activity, but proper application of these agents in the clinic is challenging due to immune complexity and heterogeneity. We interrogated transcriptomics of 15 TPMs (CD137, CD27, CD28, CD80, CD86, CD40, CD40LG, GITR, ICOS, ICOSLG, OX40, OX40LG, GZMB, IFNG, and TBX21) in a pan-cancer cohort (N = 514 patients, 30 types of cancer). TPM expression was analyzed for correlation with histological type, microsatellite instability high (MSI-H), tumor mutational burden (TMB), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Among 514 patients, the most common histological types were colorectal (27%), pancreatic (11%), and breast cancer (10%). No statistically significant association between histological type and TPM expression was seen. In contrast, expression of GZMB (granzyme B, a serine protease stored in activated T and NK cells that induces cancer cell apoptosis) and IFNG (activates cytotoxic T cells) were significantly higher in tumors with MSI-H, TMB ≥ 10 mutations/mb and PD-L1 ≥ 1%. PD-L1 ≥ 1% was also associated with significantly higher CD137, GITR, and ICOS expression. Patients’ tumors were classified into “Hot”, “Mixed”, or “Cold” clusters based on TPM expression using hierarchical clustering. The cold cluster showed a significantly lower proportion of tumors with PD-L1 ≥ 1%. Overall, 502 patients (98%) had individually distinct patterns of TPM expression. Diverse expression patterns of TPMs independent of histological type but correlating with other immunotherapy biomarkers (PD-L1 ≥ 1%, MSI-H and TMB ≥ 10 mutations/mb) were observed. Individualized selection of patients based on TPM immunomic profiles may potentially help with immunotherapy optimization.
Granular flow experiment using artificial gravity generator at International Space Station
Authors: Ozaki S. , Ishigami G. , Otsuki M. , Miyamoto H. , Wada K. , Watanabe Y. , Nishino T. , Kojima H. , Soda K. , Nakao Y. , Sutoh M. , Maeda T. , Kobayashi T.
Published: August 2023

Studying the gravity-dependent characteristics of regolith, fine-grained granular media covering extra-terrestrial bodies is essential for the reliable design and analysis of landers and rovers for space exploration. In this study, we propose an experimental approach to examine a granular flow under stable artificial gravity conditions for a long duration generated by a centrifuge at the International Space Station. We also perform a discrete element simulation of the granular flow in both artificial and natural gravity environments. The simulation results verify that the granular flows in artificial and natural gravity are consistent. Further, regression analysis of the experimental results reveals that the mass flow rate of granular flow quantitatively follows a well-known physics-based law with some deviations under low-gravity conditions, implying that the bulk density of the granular media decreases with gravity. This insight also indicates that the bulk density considered in simulation studies of space probes under low-gravity conditions needs to be tuned for their reliable design and analysis.
Testing the theory of Kuznet curve on environmental pollution during pre- and post-Covid-19 era
Authors: Oduniyi Oluwaseun Samuel , Riveros John M. , Hassan Sherif M. , Çıtak Ferhat
Published: August 2023

Covid-19 has brought about significant changes in people’s daily lives, leading to a slowdown in economic activities and the implementation of restrictions and lockdowns. As a result, there have been noticeable effects on the environment. In this study, we examine the impact of Covid-19 total cases on the monthly average of carbon monoxide emissions in developed economies known for heavy pollution, covering the period from 2014 to 2023. We apply the Ambiental Kuznets curve approach to analyze the data. By employing different panel estimation techniques such as fixed effects and Driscoll-Kraay regressions, we observe a marked shift in environmental dynamics during the post-Covid era. This shift alters the statistical significance of the N-shaped Kuznets curve, rendering the relationship between economic activity and environmental impact non-significant. Interestingly, the Covid-related variables utilized in the various estimations are not statistically significant in explaining the long-term environmental effects.
Gene expression changes in sickle cell reticulocytes and their clinical associations
Authors: Zhang Xu , Song Jihyun , Shah Binal N. , Han Jin , Hassan Taif , Miasniakova Galina , Sergueeva Adelina , Nekhai Sergei , Machado Roberto F. , Gladwin Mark T. , Saraf Santosh L. , Prchal Josef T. , Gordeuk Victor R.
Published: August 2023

Transcriptional changes in compensatory erythropoiesis in sickle cell anemia (SCA) and their disease modulation are unclear. We detected 1226 differentially expressed genes in hemoglobin SS reticulocytes compared to non-anemic hemoglobin AA controls. Assessing developmental expression changes in hemoglobin AA erythroblasts for these genes suggests heightened terminal differentiation in early erythroblasts in SCA that diminishes toward the polychromatic to orthochromatic stage transition. Comparison of reticulocyte gene expression changes in SCA with that in Chuvash erythrocytosis, a non-anemic disorder of increased erythropoiesis due to constitutive activation of hypoxia inducible factors, identified 453 SCA-specific changes attributable to compensatory erythropoiesis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in SCA contain elevated proportions of erythroid progenitors due to heightened erythropoiesis. Deconvolution analysis in PBMCs from 131 SCA patients detected 54 genes whose erythroid expression correlated with erythropoiesis efficiency, which were enriched with SCA-specific changes (OR = 2.9, P = 0.00063) and annotation keyword “ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process”, “protein ubiquitination”, and “protein polyubiquitination” (OR = 4.2, P = 7.5 × 10–5). An erythroid expression quantitative trait locus of one of these genes,LNX2encoding an E3 ubiquitin ligase, associated with severe pain episodes in 774 SCA patients (OR = 1.7, P = 3.9 × 10–5). Thus, erythroid gene transcription responds to unique conditions within SCA erythroblasts and these changes potentially correspond to vaso-occlusive manifestations.
Biomarker dynamics affecting neoadjuvant therapy response and outcome of HER2-positive breast cancer subtype
Authors: Orrù Sandra , Pascariello Emanuele , Pes Barbara , Rallo Vincenzo , Barbara Raffaele , Muntoni Marta , Notari Francesca , Fancello Gianfranco , Mocci Cristina , Muroni Maria Rosaria , Cossu-Rocca Paolo , Angius Andrea , De Miglio Maria Rosaria
Published: August 2023

HER2+ breast cancer (BC) is an aggressive subtype genetically and biologically heterogeneous. We evaluate the predictive and prognostic role of HER2 protein/gene expression levels combined with clinico-pathologic features in 154 HER2+ BCs patients who received trastuzumab-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The tumoral pathological complete response (pCR) rate was 40.9%. High tumoral pCR show a scarce mortality rate vs subjects with a lower response. 93.7% of ypT0 were HER2 IHC3+ BC, 6.3% were HER2 IHC 2+/SISH+ and 86.7% of ypN0 were HER2 IHC3+, the remaining were HER2 IHC2+/SISH+. Better pCR rate correlate with a high percentage of infiltrating immune cells and right-sided tumors, that reduce distant metastasis and improve survival, but no incidence difference. HER2 IHC score and laterality emerge as strong predictors of tumoral pCR after NACT from machine learning analysis. HER2 IHC3+ and G3 are poor prognostic factors for HER2+ BC patients, and could be considered in the application of neoadjuvant therapy. Increasing TILs concentrations, lower lymph node ratio and lower residual tumor cellularity are associated with a better outcome. The immune microenvironment and scarce lymph node involvement have crucial role in clinical outcomes. The combination of all predictors might offer new options for NACT effectiveness prediction and stratification of HER2+ BC during clinical decision-making.
Potential value of red blood cell distribution width in predicting in-hospital mortality in intensive care US population with acute pancreatitis: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: He Shaoya , Shao Yu , Hu Tianyang , Liu Yanan
Published: August 2023

The association between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and in-hospital mortality in intensive care patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) is inconclusive. We extracted the baseline data, Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and in-hospital prognosis of intensive care patients with AP from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. Performing binary logistic regression analysis to determine whether RDW is an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality. By drawing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and comparing the areas under the ROC curves (AUC) to determine the predictive value of RDW for in-hospital mortality, and by conducting survival analysis to evaluate the impact of RDW on survival time in hospital. Before and after the propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, RDW was always a risk factor for in-hospital mortality in patients with AP. The AUC of RDW was comparable to BISAP, while the AUCs of combining RDW and BISAP or SOFA were greater than that of BISAP or SOFA alone. The median survival time of the high-RDW group (RDW > 15.37%, before PSM; RDW > 15.35%, after PSM) was shorter than that of the low-RDW group. Compared with the low-RDW group, the hazard ratios of the high-RDW group were 3.0708 (before PSM) and 1.4197 (after PSM). RDW is an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in patients with AP. The predictive value of RDW for in-hospital mortality of patients with AP is comparable to BISAP, and the combination of RDW and BISAP or SOFA scoring system can improve the predictive performance to a certain extent.
Implications of COVID-19 vaccination heterogeneity in mobility networks
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Jahani Eaman , Zhao Shengjia , Ahn Yong-Yeol , Pentland Alex Sandy
Published: August 2023

Our study utilizes network science to examine how uneven vaccine distribution affects mass vaccination strategies in the United States. Using mobility network data and epidemiological models, we find that distributing a fixed quantity of additional vaccines across Census Block Groups (CBGs) can vary case count reductions by up to 200%. This highlights the impact of vaccination heterogeneity in mobility networks on epidemic outcomes. Our efficient algorithm identifies optimal vaccine distribution for maximum case reduction. Simulations show a possible 9.5% decrease in case numbers with just a 1% increase in the national vaccination rate if vaccines are optimally distributed. This result surpasses those from other vaccine distribution models. Our findings underline the need for policymakers to understand the interaction between vaccination patterns and mobility networks, suggesting that grasping geographical vaccine uptake variations could be as crucial as raising the overall vaccination rate.
Chirality: a key parameter in chemical probes
Authors: McGown Andrew , Nafie Jordan , Otayfah Mohammed , Hassell-Hart Storm , Tizzard Graham J. , Coles Simon J. , Banks Rebecca , Marsh Graham P. , Maple Hannah J. , Kostakis George E. , Proietti Silvestri Ilaria , Colbon Paul , Spencer John
Published: August 2023

Chiral compounds are vital as chemical probes. Choosing a wrong enantiomer (mirror image) can be disastrous in a medicinal chemistry programme. Here, a male kingfisher emerges from the water with its “active form” above the surface.
Hexameric polyoxotantalate with proton conduction properties
Authors: Chen Hanhan , Zhang Mingyang , Li Yuyan , Ma Pengtao , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: August 2023

The 1 has the highest nuclearity transition metal cluster in the POTa field, is major breakthrough in the synthesis of POTa. The polyanion can be described as six {Ta6O19} linked by {Fe10.7Ta1.3} cluster. And 1 has excellent proton conductivity.
Intrinsic and strain dependent ultralow thermal conductivity in novel AuX (X = Cu, Ag) monolayers for outstanding thermoelectric applications
Authors: Wani Aadil Fayaz , Khandy Shakeel Ahmad , Patra Lokanath , Srinivasan Marutheeswaran , Singh Jaspal , Ali Atif Mossad , Islam Ishtihadah , Dhiman Shobhna , Kaur Kulwinder
Published: August 2023

Structural transition of AuX alloys from bulk to 2D monolayers. Thermoelectric performance of designed monolayers against strain and temperature.
Electronic and electrocatalytic properties of PbTiO3: unveiling the effect of strain and oxygen vacancy
Authors: Bendaoudi L. , Ouahrani T. , Daouli A. , Rerbal B. , Boufatah R. M. , Morales-García Á. , Franco R. , Bedrane Z. , Badawi M. , Errandonea D.
Published: August 2023

First-principles calculations based on density-functional theory have been used to investigate the effect of biaxial strain and oxygen vacancy on the electronic, photocatalytic, and electrocatalytic properties of PbTiO3 oxide.
Broadband emission originating from the stereochemical expression of 6s2 lone pairs in two-dimensional lead bromide perovskites
Authors: Jiang Xiaofan , Tao Yu , Gu Jiazhen , Jin Leyang , Li Chen , Zhang Wenkai , Fu Yongping
Published: August 2023

This work reports a new lead bromide hybrid featuring capped octahedral units. Comparative studies reveal the role of lone pair activity in governing local coordination geometry of the lead atom and broadband emission in 2D lead bromide perovskites.
Efficient separation of uranium(vi) from aqueous solution using magnetic Co/Al layered double oxides coated with carbon dots
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Yong , Liu Xiaolin , Sun Sen , Qin Shiyi , Huang Jiaqi , Chen Bowei
Published: August 2023

Magnetic layered double oxides coated with carbon dots (MLCs) were synthesized to effectively capture uranium from aqueous solution.
Transport phenomena of TiCoSb: defect induced modification in the structure and density of states
Authors: Mahakal S. , Das Diptasikha , Singha Pintu , Banerjee Aritra , Das S. C. , Maiti Santanu K. , Assa Aravindh S. , Malik K.
Published: August 2023

Role of defects and embedded phases on structural, transport, and electronic properties of TiCoSb have been explored both theoretically and experimentally.
Unveiling the capability of graphitic carbon nitride–rhenium disulfide nanocomposite as an electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of dimetridazole from human serum samples
Authors: Mufeeda M. , Vaishag Pushpalatha V. , Ankitha Menon , Rasheed P. Abdul
Published: August 2023

Sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of dimetridazole using CN–ReS2 nanoarchitecture modified carbon cloth as a sensor material with capable of detection in blood serum, milk and tomato juice samples.
Magnetoplasmonic gold nanorods for the sensitive and label-free detection of glutathione
Authors: Han Zexiang , Ali Wajid , Mao Ting , Wang Fei , Wang Xiaoli
Published: August 2023

A simple nanorod-based magnetoplasmonic biosensor is reported, capable of detecting sub-micromolar concentrations of glutathione using magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy.
Functionalizing nanophotonic structures with 2D van der Waals materials
Authors: Meng Yuan , Zhong Hongkun , Xu Zhihao , He Tiantian , Kim Justin S. , Han Sangmoon , Kim Sunok , Park Seoungwoong , Shen Yijie , Gong Mali , Xiao Qirong , Bae Sang-Hoon
Published: August 2023

Integrating 2D van der Waals materials generates new functionalities for nanophotonic structures, like integrated waveguides, microcavities, fibers, and metasurfaces, to prototype novel optoelectronic applications with challenges and perspectives.
Recent progress of two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites in solar cells
Authors: Wang Chao , Dong Xinhe , Chen Feifan , Liu Guozhen , Zheng Haiying
Published: August 2023

This review mainly focuses on the research progress, performance improvement methods, surface passivation application, and limitations of 2D RP PSCs with several typical spacer cations, their challenges and outlook also are briefly described.
MXene-based nanocomposites: emerging candidates for the removal of antibiotics, dyes, and heavy metal ions
Authors: Ali Hyder , Ali Akbar , Buledi Jamil Ahmed , Memon Ayaz Ali , Solangi Amber Rehana , Yang Jun , Thebo Khalid Hussain
Published: August 2023

Fabrication of MXene-based nanocomposites. Photocatalytic properties of nanocomposites. MXene-based membranes for the separation of toxic pollutants, such as antibiotic drugs, dyes,etc. MXene-based nanocomposites as absorbents for heavy metal removal.
Recent advances in the dichalcogenation reactions of unsaturated compounds via double functionalization
Authors: Wang Chang-Sheng , Xu Yuan , Zhou Yi-Liang , Zheng Chun-Ling , Wang Guowei , Sun Qiao
Published: August 2023

This review comprehensively summarizes the dichalcogenative functionalization of unsaturated compounds over the past decade. The scopes, limitations and detailed reaction mechanisms are also discussed.
A review on thermochemical based biorefinery catalyst development progress
Authors: Gholizadeh Mortaza , Castro Cristina , Fabrega Sandra Meca , Clarens Frederic
Published: August 2023

The depletion of fossil fuel resources highlighted the need for renewable energy.
Dynamic study of direct CO2 capture from indoor air using poly(ethylenimine)-impregnated fiber sorbents
Authors: Kong Fanhe , Rim Guanhe , Priyadarshini Pranjali , Song MinGyu , Realff Matthew J. , Lively Ryan P. , Jones Christopher W.
Published: August 2023

Fiber sorbents made from commercial materials are tested in a variety of conditions to optimize direct air capture performance.