bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutralizing antibodies induced in immunized macaques recognize the CD4-binding site on an occluded-open HIV-1 envelope trimer
Authors: Yang Zhi , Dam Kim-Marie A. , Bridges Michael D. , Hoffmann Magnus A. G. , DeLaitsch Andrew T. , Gristick Harry B. , Escolano Amelia , Gautam Rajeev , Martin Malcolm A. , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Hubbell Wayne L. , Bjorkman Pamela J.
Published: February 2022

Broadly-neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV-1 Env can protect from infection. We characterize Ab1303 and Ab1573, heterologously-neutralizing CD4-binding site (CD4bs) antibodies, isolated from sequentially-immunized macaques. Ab1303/Ab1573 binding is observed only when Env trimers are not constrained in the closed, prefusion conformation. Fab-Env cryo-EM structures show that both antibodies recognize the CD4bs on Env trimer with an ‘occluded-open’ conformation between closed, as targeted by bNAbs, and fully-open, as recognized by CD4. The occluded-open Env trimer conformation includes outwardly-rotated gp120 subunits, but unlike CD4-bound Envs, does not exhibit V1V2 displacement, 4-stranded gp120 bridging sheet, or co-receptor binding site exposure. Inter-protomer distances within trimers measured by double electron-electron resonance spectroscopy suggest an equilibrium between occluded-open and closed Env conformations, consistent with Ab1303/Ab1573 binding stabilizing an existing conformation. Studies of Ab1303/Ab1573 demonstrate that CD4bs neutralizing antibodies that bind open Env trimers can be raised by immunization, thereby informing immunogen design and antibody therapeutic efforts.
Honey authenticity: the opacity of analytical reports—part 2, forensic evaluative reporting as a potential solution
Authors: Walker M. J. , Cowen S. , Gray K. , Hancock P. , Burns D. T.
Published: February 2022

The analytical techniques applied to verify honey authenticity are multifaceted and often result in complex data rich certificates of analysis that are open to interpretation and may be opaque to stakeholders without specialist knowledge. In these cases, the drawing of an independent overarching opinion is challenging. Two questions arise: (Q1) Is it acceptable to report interpretation, particularly if it is adverse, without exhibiting the supporting data? (Q2) How may a valid overarching opinion on authenticity be derived from a large, partially conflicting, dataset? To Q1, it is demonstrated that full disclosure of the data used in interpretation is mandatory. To Q2 it is proposed, with worked examples, to adopt ‘evaluative reporting’; a formalised likelihood ratio thought process used in forensic science for evaluation of findings and their strength assessment. In the absence of consensus on techniques for honey authenticity adoption of reporting conventions will allow objective assessments of reports, with equity to all and provide a better basis to identify and address fraud.
Circulating extracellular vesicle microRNAs associated with adverse reactions, proinflammatory cytokine, and antibody production after COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Miyashita Yusuke , Yoshida Takanobu , Takagi Yuriko , Tsukamoto Hirotake , Takashima Ken , Kouwaki Takahisa , Makino Katsunari , Fukushima Satoshi , Nakamura Kimitoshi , Oshiumi Hiroyuki
Published: February 2022

mRNA-based vaccines have been used globally to eradicate the coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Vaccine efficacy and adverse reactions depend on immune responses, such as proinflammatory cytokine production and lymphocyte activation. We conducted a prospective cohort study to investigate relationships among specific antibody titers, adverse reactions, proinflammatory cytokine production, and immune-regulatory microRNA (miRNA) levels in serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) after COVID-19 vaccination (BNT162b2). Local adverse reactions after the second dose, such as local pain and swelling, were less correlated with those of systemic symptoms, such as fever and muscle pain, whereas serum TNF-α levels were associated with systemic adverse reactions and with specific antibody titers. Interestingly, EV miR-92a-2-5p levels in sera were negatively correlated with degrees of adverse reactions, and EV miR-148a levels were associated with specific antibody titers. Our data suggest a potential of circulating EV miRNAs as biomarkers for vaccine efficacy and adverse reactions.
Efficient compressed database of equilibrated configurations of ring-linear polymer blends for MD simulations
Authors: Hagita Katsumi , Murashima Takahiro , Ogino Masao , Omiya Manabu , Ono Kenji , Deguchi Tetsuo , Jinnai Hiroshi , Kawakatsu Toshihiro
Published: February 2022

To effectively archive configuration data during molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of polymer systems, we present an efficient compression method with good numerical accuracy that preserves the topology of ring-linear polymer blends. To compress the fraction of floating-point data, we used the Jointed Hierarchical Precision Compression Number - Data Format (JHPCN-DF) method to apply zero padding for the tailing fraction bits, which did not affect the numerical accuracy, then compressed the data with Huffman coding. We also provided a dataset of well-equilibrated configurations of MD simulations for ring-linear polymer blends with various lengths of linear and ring polymers, including ring complexes composed of multiple rings such as polycatenane. We executed 109MD steps to obtain 150 equilibrated configurations. The combination of JHPCN-DF and SZ compression achieved the best compression ratio for all cases. Therefore, the proposed method enables efficient archiving of MD trajectories. Moreover, the publicly available dataset of ring-linear polymer blends can be employed for studies of mathematical methods, including topology analysis and data compression, as well as MD simulations.
Structural analysis of N-glycans in chicken trachea and lung reveals potential receptors of chicken influenza viruses
Authors: Suzuki Noriko , Abe Tatsuya , Natsuka Shunji
Published: February 2022

Although avian influenza A viruses (avian IAVs) bind preferentially to terminal sialic acids (Sia) on glycans that possess Siaα2-3Gal, the actual glycan structures found in chicken respiratory tracts have not been reported. Herein, we analyzed N-glycan structures in chicken trachea and lung, the main target tissues of low pathogenic avian IAVs. 2-Aminopyridine (PA)-labeled N-glycans from chicken tissues were analyzed by combined methods using reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC), electrospray ionization (ESI)-mass spectrometry (MS), MS/MS, and multistage MS (MSn), with or without modifications using exoglycosidases, sialic acid linkage-specific alkylamidation (SALSA), and/or permethylation. The results of SALSA indicated that PA-N-glycans in both chicken trachea and lung harbored slightly more α2,6-Sia than α2,3-Sia. Most α2,3-Sia on N-glycans in chicken trachea was a fucosylated form (sialyl Lewis X, sLex), whereas no sLex was detected in lung. By contrast, small amounts of N-glycans with 6-sulfo sialyl LacNAc were detected in lung but not in trachea. Considering previous reports that hemagglutinins (HAs) of avian IAVs originally isolated from chicken bind preferentially to α2,3-Sia with or without fucosylation and/or 6-sulfation but not to α2,6-Sia, our results imply that avian IAVs do not evolve to possess HAs that bind preferentially to α2,6-Sia, regardless of the abundance of α2,6-Sia.
Clinical outcomes, complications and fusion rates in endoscopic assisted intraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (iLIF) versus minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF): systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sousa José Miguel , Ribeiro Hugo , Silva João Luís , Nogueira Paulo , Consciência José Guimarães
Published: February 2022

This meta-analysis aims to determine the clinical outcomes, complications, and fusion rates in endoscopic assisted intra-foraminal lumbar interbody fusion (iLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) for lumbar degenerative diseases. The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were: five or more consecutive patients who underwent iLIF or MI-TLIF for lumbar degenerative diseases; description of the surgical technique; clinical outcome measures, complications and imaging assessment; minimum follow-up of 12 months. Surgical time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were extracted. Mean outcome improvements were pooled and compared with minimal clinically important differences (MCID). Pooled and direct meta-analysis were evaluated. We identified 42 eligible studies. The iLIF group had significantly lower mean intra-operative blood loss, unstandardized mean difference (UMD) 110.61 mL (95%CI 70.43; 150.80; p value < 0.0001), and significantly decreased length of hospital stay (UMD 2.36; 95%CI 1.77; 2.94; p value < 0.0001). Visual analogue scale (VAS) back, VAS leg and Oswestry disability index (ODI) baseline to last follow-up mean improvements were statistically significant (p value < 0.0001), and clinically important for both groups (MCID VAS back > 1.16; MCID VAS leg > 1.36; MCID > 12.40). There was no significant difference in complication nor fusion rates between both cohorts. Interbody fusion using either iLIF or MI-TLIF leads to significant and clinically important improvements in clinical outcomes for lumbar degenerative diseases. Both procedures provide high rates of fusion at 12 months or later, without significant difference in complication rates. iLIF is associated with significantly less intraoperative blood loss and length of hospital stay.

Study registration: PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews: Registration No. CRD42020180980, accessible at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ April 2020.
Machine learning outperforms clinical experts in classification of hip fractures
Authors: Murphy E. A. , Ehrhardt B. , Gregson C. L. , von Arx O. A. , Hartley A. , Whitehouse M. R. , Thomas M. S. , Stenhouse G. , Chesser T. J. S. , Budd C. J. , Gill H. S.
Published: February 2022

Hip fractures are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly, and incur high health and social care costs. Given projected population ageing, the number of incident hip fractures is predicted to increase globally. As fracture classification strongly determines the chosen surgical treatment, differences in fracture classification influence patient outcomes and treatment costs. We aimed to create a machine learning method for identifying and classifying hip fractures, and to compare its performance to experienced human observers. We used 3659 hip radiographs, classified by at least two expert clinicians. The machine learning method was able to classify hip fractures with 19% greater accuracy than humans, achieving overall accuracy of 92%.
Adiponectin is negatively associated with disease activity and Sharp score in treatment-naïve Han Chinese rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Chen Xixi , Wang Kaiwen , Lu Tao , Wang Jiajia , Zhou Ting , Tian Juan , Zhou Bin , Long Li , Zhou Qiao
Published: February 2022

The association and potential role of the protein hormone adiponectin in autoimmune diseases causing musculoskeletal disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are controversial. Conflicting results may arise from the influences of confounding factors linked to genetic backgrounds, disease stage, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and patients’ metabolic characteristics. Here, we examined serum level of adiponectin and its relationship with disease activity score 28 with erythrocytes sedimentation rate (DAS28[ESR]) and Sharp score in a treatment-naïve Han Chinese RA population. This cross-sectional study enrolled 125 RA patients. Serum level of total adiponectin was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Other important clinical and laboratory parameters were collected from the hospital database. DAS28(ESR) was calculated according to the equation previously published. Sharp score was evaluated based on hands radiographs by an independent radiologist. The correlation between serum adiponectin level and DAS28(ESR) or the Sharp score was investigated by univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses, respectively. Multiple imputation by chained equations was used to account for missing data. Univariate analyses showed a significant positive correlation between DAS28(ESR) and age or C-reactive protein (CRP) (both p = 0.003), while serum adiponectin level was negatively correlated with DAS28(ESR) (p = 0.015). The negative correlation between adiponectin level and DAS28(ESR) remained true in multivariable analyses adjusted for confounders. In addition, the univariate analyses revealed positive correlations of Sharp score to disease duration (p < 0.001), CRP (p = 0.023) and ESR (p < 0.001). In the multivariable model adjusted for confounders, adiponectin was negatively correlated with Sharp score (p = 0.013). In this single-institution cross-sectional study, serum adiponectin level in treatment-naive RA patients is negatively correlated with DAS28(ESR) and the Sharp score after adjustment for prominent identified confounders. Serum adiponectin may be potentially useful for assessing disease activity and radiographic progression of RA.
Evaluation of different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for ethanol production from high-amylopectin BRS AG rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Almeida Isabela C. , Pacheco Thályta F. , Machado Fabricio , Gonçalves Sílvia B.
Published: February 2022

Ethanol is the main biofuel produced by fermentation route and the search for new feedstocks to produce fuel ethanol is still a great challenge. This work aims to compare the ethanol production from a new irrigated rice cultivar BRS AG to the conventional cultivar BRS PAMPA applied in Brazil. Six different commercial strains ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae(BG-1, CAT-1, FT-858, JP-1, PE-2, and SA-1) were applied in fermentation reactions. Fermentations performed with BRS PAMPA rice revealed that the highest yields were achieved with strain SA-1, corresponding to 93.0% of the theoretical maximum and final ethanol concentration of 58.92 g L−1, and with CAT-1, a yield of 92.7% and final ethanol concentration of 58.93 g L−1. For the fermentations with BRS AG rice, the highest yields were obtained with strain FT-858, exhibiting a 89.6% yield and final ethanol concentration of 62.45 g L−1, and with CAT-1, 87.9% yield and final ethanol concentration of 61.25 g L−1were achieved. The most appropriate microorganism for ethanol production using BRS PAMPA rice and BRS AG rice was CAT-1. Comparatively, the ethanol yield and productivity using BRS AG were higher than those observed for BRS PAMPA for all strains, except for PE-2 and SA-1 that led to very similar results. The experimental results showed that the giant rice BRS AG is an excellent feedstock for fuel ethanol production in lowland fields.
Author Correction: New-onset lesions on MRI-DWI and cerebral blood flow changes on 3D-pCASL after carotid artery stenting
Authors: Wang Wen-Xin , Wang Ting , Ma Lin , Sun Zheng-Hui , Wang Ge-Sheng
Published: February 2022

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A global perspective on western Mediterranean precipitation extremes
Authors: Insua-Costa Damián , Senande-Rivera Martín , Llasat María Carmen , Miguez-Macho Gonzalo
Published: February 2022

The Mediterranean region has been declared a climate change hotspot due, among other reasons, to an expected increase in the torrential rains that frequently affect this densely populated area. However, the extent to which these torrential rains are connected to other regions outside the Mediterranean remains uncertain. Here we simulate 160 extreme precipitation events with an atmospheric model enabled for state-of-the-art moisture tracking and demonstrate that large scale moisture transport is a more important factor than evaporation over local sources. We find that the average precipitation fraction with source in the Mediterranean is only 35%, while 10% is from evapotranspiration over nearby land in continental Europe and 25% originates in the North Atlantic. The remaining 30% comes from several more distant source regions, sometimes as remote as the tropical Pacific or the Southern Hemisphere, indicating direct connections with multiple locations on the planet and a global scale energy redistribution. Our results point to the importance of approaching these extreme episodes from a more global rather than purely regional perspective, especially when attempting to attribute them to climate change.
Iron(iv) complexes with tetraazaadamantane-based ligands: synthesis, structure, applications in dioxygen activation and labeling of biomolecules
Authors: Golovanov Ivan S. , Leonov Anton V. , Lesnikov Vladislav K. , Pospelov Evgeny V. , Frolov Kirill V. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Novikov Valentin V. , Sukhorukov Alexey Yu.
Published: February 2022

This paper describes a unique example of a stable non-heme iron(iv) complex formed by oxidation with air. The complex enables dioxygen activation by serving as a mimetic of thiol oxidase.
A journey of thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites for electromagnetic shielding applications: from bench to transitional research
Authors: Katheria Ankur , Nayak Jasomati , Das Narayan Ch.
Published: February 2022

Thermoplastics elastomers, its processing and properties, electrical conductivity and application as EMI shielding materials.
Sieving nanometer enantiomers using bound states in the continuum from the metasurface
Authors: Mao Libang , Cheng Peiyuan , Liu Kuan , Lian Meng , Cao Tun
Published: February 2022

An all-dielectric metasurface with quasi-bound state in continuum was developed to enhance the optical force for chiral sorting.
Hydrogel-mediated topical delivery of steroids can effectively alleviate psoriasis via attenuating the autoimmune responses
Authors: Rana Kajal , Pani Trishna , Jha Somesh Kumar , Mehta Devashish , Yadav Poonam , Jain Dolly , Pradhan Manas Kumar , Mishra Sarita , Kar Raunak , G Betsy Reshma , Srivastava Aasheesh , Dasgupta Ujjaini , Patil Veena S. , Bajaj Avinash
Published: February 2022

Hydrogel-mediated topical delivery of betamethasone effectively mitigates psoriasis.
Promoting the formation of oxygen vacancies in ceria multishelled hollow microspheres by doping iron for enhanced ambient ammonia electrosynthesis
Authors: Li Cha , Wang Mengmeng , Ren Liping , Sun Hongming
Published: February 2022

Porous multishelled Fe-CeO2 hollow microspheres with rich oxygen vacancies exhibit high electrocatalytic performance for producing NH3 from N2 under ambient conditions.
Synthesis of metal silicides using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane as a silicon source for semi-hydrogenation of phenylacetylene
Authors: Cheng Ming , Zhang Xu , Guo Zhenbo , Zhou Zhen , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhang Minghui
Published: February 2022

An efficient route for synthesizing metal silicides is proposed, and the as-synthesized catalysts show excellent performance.
Unimolecular cooperative metallaphotocatalysis with conjugately bridged Ir–Ni complexes and its applications in organic coupling reactions
Authors: Thoke Mahesh Bhagwan , Sun Gui-Jun , Borse Rahul Anil , Lin Ping , Lin Shao-Xia
Published: February 2022

The novel unimolecular Ir-Ni bimetallic system with the conjugated bridging ligand has been developed. Photoinduced cross-coupling reactions (C–O, C–S, C–N) demonstrated the enormous potential of a conjugately bridged Ir–Ni catalytic system.
Versatile post-functionalisation strategy for the formation of modular organic–inorganic polyoxometalate hybrids
Authors: Salazar Marcano David E. , Moussawi Mhamad Aly , Anyushin Alexander V. , Lentink Sarah , Van Meervelt Luc , Ivanović-Burmazović Ivana , Parac-Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: February 2022

A versatile modular approach has been developed for incorporating different metal-oxo nanoclusters with characteristic structures into a single hybrid molecule by covalently linking them with polyol ligands.
Research progress on self-assembled nanodrug delivery systems
Authors: Qiao Li , Yang Huishu , Gao Shijie , Li Le , Fu Xianjun , Wei Qingcong
Published: February 2022

This review summarizes the research progress and applications of different types of self-assembled nanodrug delivery systems, which are expected to have potential therapeutic value in the field of biomedicine in future.
Photoluminescence and electrochemiluminescence of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters containing diphenylphosphine chalcogenide-substituted carbazole donors
Authors: Kumar Shiv , Tourneur Pauline , Adsetts Jonathan R. , Wong Michael Y. , Rajamalli Pachaiyappan , Chen Dongyang , Lazzaroni Roberto , Viville Pascal , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Olivier Yoann , Cornil Jérôme , Ding Zhifeng , Zysman-Colman Eli
Published: February 2022

We have successfully developed blue-emitting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) compounds derived from 2CzPN. They display novel electrochemiluminescence properties, these revealing correlations with measured ΔESTvalues.
Efficient nitric oxide electroreduction toward ambient ammonia synthesis catalyzed by a CoP nanoarray
Authors: Liang Jie , Hu Wen-Feng , Song Bingyi , Mou Ting , Zhang Longcheng , Luo Yongsong , Liu Qian , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Hamdy Mohamed S. , Yang Li-Ming , Sun Xuping
Published: February 2022

A CoP nanoneedle array supported on Ti mesh acts as a high-active electrocatalyst with a low onset potential toward NO-to-NH3 conversion, achieving a faradaic efficiency of 88.3% and a yield of 47.22 μmol h−1 cm−2.
Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of 3,4′-indole–pyrazole derivatives featuring axially chiral bis-pentatomic heteroaryls
Authors: Li Chenghao , Zuo Wei-Fang , Zhou Jin , Zhou Wu-Jingyun , Wang Meng , Li Xiang , Zhan Gu , Huang Wei
Published: February 2022

We reported the catalytic asymmetric construction of the axially chiral 3,4′-indole–pyrazole skeleton, a bis-pentatomic heteroaryl scaffold in many bioactive molecules.
Setting up for success in bioenterprise
Authors: Fischer Franziska , Axup Jun , Daie Jaleh , Hess Robert , Lonnen Rana
Published: February 2022

Traditionally, bioenterprise has been dominated by drug development and medical technology. Today, we are experiencing an unprecedented surge in opportunities for life scientists of all backgrounds, and many are joining the sector from other areas. Hear from stakeholders across the bioenterprise community about how you can make the most of it.
Understanding Caregiver Satisfaction With a Telediagnostic Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Jones Maranda K. , Zellner Matthew A. , Hobson Amanda N. , Levin Amy , Roberts Megan Y.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical to understand the feasibility and acceptability of the use of telediagnostic assessments in clinical settings. This study aimed to characterize caregiver satisfaction with a telediagnostic assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method:

Twelve families completed a telediagnostic assessment of ASD through Illinois' Early Intervention program including a caregiver interview, administration of the TELE-ASD-PEDS, and a feedback visit. Following the evaluation, caregivers rated their satisfaction with the telediagnostic assessment.

Results:

Caregivers reported that the evaluation met their expectations, and they were satisfied with the assessment and feedback visit. However, caregiver satisfaction with the telehealth platform varied, and the majority of caregivers reported a preference for in-person visits. Qualitative analysis of caregiver responses noted the benefits and areas of improvement of telediagnostic assessment. Thematic analysis revealed the strengths of the telediagnostic assessment, including the logistical convenience of the teleassessment, ease of administration, rapport with and expertise of the clinicians, and qualification for intervention services. Although caregivers' perspectives varied, diagnostic accuracy and the amount of information provided about the diagnosis were reported areas of improvement.

Conclusions:

Overall, telediagnostic assessments were well received by families. Caregivers' preference for in-person visits highlights the need to incorporate caregiver-reported areas of improvement in the development and administration of telediagnostic assessments.
Opacity effect on core-shift and the spectral properties of jets
Authors: Sharma R. , Massi M. , Torricelli-Ciamponi G.
Published: February 2022

Context. There is theoretical and observational evidence that the jet core position changes with frequency. However, the core position for a given frequency may vary with time in the case of flares or for a precessing jet.

Aims. In this work, we want to explore the changes in core position as a function of frequency, magnetic field alignment, relativistic electron density, and jet inclination angle.

Methods. We use a physical model of a synchrotron-emitting jet. Two cases of the jet are analysed, namely with magnetic field parallel and perpendicular to the jet axis. The evolution of the related spectrum is monitored over the radio band.

Results. We find that a smaller jet inclination angle or a higher electron density causes the jet core position to move downstream of the jet and we demonstrate that this displacement of the core along the jet gives rise to a spectral flattening.
Moment expansion of polarized dust SED: A new path towards capturing the CMB B-modes with LiteBIRD
Authors: Vacher L. , Aumont J. , Montier L. , Azzoni S. , Boulanger F. , Remazeilles M.
Published: February 2022

Accurate characterization of the polarized dust emission from our Galaxy will be decisive in the quest for the cosmic microwave background (CMB) primordial B-modes. An incomplete modeling of its potentially complex spectral properties could lead to biases in the CMB polarization analyses and to a spurious measurement of the tensor-to-scalar ratio r. It is particularly crucial for future surveys like the LiteBIRD satellite, the goal of which is to constrain the faint primordial signal leftover by inflation with an accuracy on the tensor-to-scalar ratio r of the order of 10−3. Variations of the dust properties along and between lines of sight lead to unavoidable distortions of the spectral energy distribution (SED) that cannot be easily anticipated by standard component-separation methods. This issue can be tackled using a moment expansion of the dust SED, an innovative parametrization method imposing minimal assumptions on the sky complexity. In the present paper, we apply this formalism to the B-mode cross-angular power spectra computed from simulated LiteBIRD polarization data at frequencies between 100 and 402 GHz that contain CMB, dust, and instrumental noise. The spatial variation of the dust spectral parameters (spectral index β and temperature T) in our simulations lead to significant biases on r (∼21 σr) if not properly taken into account. Performing the moment expansion in β, as in previous studies, reduces the bias but does not lead to sufficiently reliable estimates of r. We introduce, for the first time, the expansion of the cross-angular power spectra SED in both β and T, showing that, at the sensitivity of LiteBIRD, the SED complexity due to temperature variations needs to be taken into account in order to prevent analysis biases on r. Thanks to this expansion, and despite the existing correlations between some of the dust moments and the CMB signal responsible for a rise in the error on r, we can measure an unbiased value of the tensor-to-scalar ratio with a dispersion as low as σr = 8.8 × 10−4.
Construction of coronal hole and active region magnetohydrostatic solutions in two dimensions: Force and energy balance
Authors: Terradas J. , Soler R. , Oliver R. , Antolin P. , Arregui I. , Luna M. , Piantschitsch I. , Soubrié E. , Ballester J. L.
Published: February 2022

Coronal holes and active regions are typical magnetic structures found in the solar atmosphere. We propose several magnetohydrostatic equilibrium solutions that are representative of these structures in two dimensions. Our models include the effect of a finite plasma-β and gravity, but the distinctive feature is that we incorporate a thermal structure with properties similar to those reported by observations. We developed a semi-analytical method to compute the equilibrium configuration. Using this method, we obtain cold and under-dense plasma structures in open magnetic fields representing coronal holes, while in closed magnetic configurations, we achieve the characteristic hot and over-dense plasma arrangements of active regions. Although coronal holes and active regions seem to be antagonistic structures, we find that they can be described using a common thermal structure that depends on the flux function. In addition to the force balance, the energy balance is included in the constructed models using an a posteriori approach. From the two-dimensional computation of thermal conduction and radiative losses in our models, we infer the required heating function to achieve energy equilibrium. We find that the temperature dependence on height is an important parameter that may prevent the system from accomplishing thermal balance at certain spatial locations. The implications of these results are discussed in detail.
Characteristics and mechanism of coupling effects in parallel-cladded acoustic waveguides
Authors: Yin Guanjun , Li Pan , Yang Xuebing , Tian Ye , Han Jing , Ren Wei , Guo Jianzhong
Published: February 2022

The characteristics and mechanism of coupling effects between parallel cladded acoustic waveguides (PCAWs) are essential when considering their applications in acoustic wave control and signal processing. We investigated its characteristics and revealed the nature of the coupling effect using a theoretical model of two-dimensional PCAWs and simulation experiments. We derived the eigenmode equation describing the behavior of a single waveguide based on the wave acoustic theory and derived analytic expressions for the coupling effects in the PCAWs using the coupled mode theory. Using the finite-element method, we analyzed the waveguide coupling exhibited by this structure given different configurational and acoustic parameter settings. Both theoretical and simulated results indicate that the input wave directed into one of four ports of this structure propagates and tunnels alternately between the two waveguides. Our theoretical model established yields analytic relations between the coupling lengths as well as the dependence on parameters of the evanescent wave and the structure. Analyses indicate wave coupling in the two PCAWs is essentially mediated by the evanescent wave. The unique evolution of the acoustic wave in PCAWs can be employed to develop pure acoustic devices such as frequency-selective filters, directional couplers, and acoustic switches.
La diversité des vignobles français face au changement climatique : simulations climatiques et prospective participative
Authors: Ollat Nathalie , Zito Sébastien , Richard Yves , Aigrain Patrick , Brugière Françoise , Duchêne Eric , Garcia De Cortazar-Atauri Iñaki , Gautier Jacques , Giraud-Héraud Eric , Hannin Hervé , Touzard Jean-Marc , Bois Benjamin
Published: February 2022

Etant donné les spécificités locales de la viti-viniculture française, en partie liées aux conditions climatiques, le changement climatique est un défi majeur que les acteurs de cette filière doivent relever régionalement. Pour explorer les stratégies d’adaptation à cette échelle, l’article combine deux approches : i) une description et simulation climatique régionalisée et ii) une prospective participative avec les acteurs de ces vignobles. L’étude climatique décrit les évolutions, entre le passé récent, la période actuelle et le milieu du XXIe siècle, de cinq indicateurs climatiques (Indice de Huglin, nombre de jours où la température maximale est supérieure à 35°C, cumuls des précipitations d’avril à septembre et d’avril à juillet, nombre de jours de précipitations supérieures à 1 mm entre avril à juillet), régionalisés à l’échelle 8 x 8 km dans neuf régions viticoles, à partir de 22 modèles GCM issus de l’exercice CMIP5. Dans ce contexte, les réactions de 500 acteurs sont présentées face à quatre scénarios d’adaptation de la filière d’ici 2050 (conservateur, innovant, nomade, libéral). Leurs perceptions et positionnements stratégiques ainsi que leurs propositions d’action ont été recueillis lors de forums participatifs organisés dans sept régions viticoles englobant les neuf espaces climatiques. Les évolutions climatiques sont marquées par une augmentation des températures et du nombre de jours très chauds, plus intense dans le quart nord-est sur la période historique, et dans le quart sud-est, y compris le Beaujolais, d’ici 2046-2065. L’analyse du positionnement des acteurs révèle la volonté de conserver le modèle socio-économique actuel, avec des spécificités régionales liées en partie à l’intensité des évolutions climatiques. Dans les sept régions, les acteurs sont majoritairement en faveur de l’intégration encadrée d’innovations, tout en étant conscients des risques économiques et de perte de références. Les propositions d’actions présentent des orientations communes, notamment sur l’enjeu de développer la R&D, et des spécificités associées aux évolutions climatiques, mais aussi à la structure du vignoble et à la gouvernance de sa filière.
Service-dominant logic and circular economy – An attempt at integrating two paradigms
Authors: Weissinger Reinhard
Published: February 2022

Based on an analysis of the core concepts of the two paradigms “Service-dominant Logic” (SDL) and “Circular Economy” (CE), this research concludes that the concepts of SDL need to be extended to cover the impacts of the use of material resources and infrastructure which are inseparable from service-for-service exchange. Consequently, SDL’s concept of “value” as something entirely subjective and contextual, should be adjusted to reflect the massive impacts of material resource use in service-for-service exchange. The research concludes that an integration between the two paradigms is possible and would be beneficial for both. It would provide SDL with a “sustainability compass” and CE with a set of productive concepts that could be helpful in the identification of areas where service intervention could support more circularity in processes and actor networks and help design and develop service models and practices in support of the transition to a circular economy.
Structuring a course service for developing the learning digital skills of university students in Fribourg
Authors: Platteaux Hervé , Salietti Emmanuelle , Molteni Laura
Published: February 2022

This paper is an analytical description of a course service that aims to improve the digital skills of university students. This innovation is part of the Digital Skills program of Swissuniversities (P8) and is currently developed in Fribourg (collaboration between the University and the HES-SO Fribourg). It is more a course service than a course because we propose: different modalities (a 3 ECTS course in Autumn and a self-learning course all year long), flexibility of contents (adaptation of the digital skills to be developed), flexibility of the course opening (students from all faculties and all BA years) and communication actions on the course in the institutions. We first analyze why a digital skills development is important today and what the main learning objectives are. A second part shows, with the help of surveys on the students’ learning needs in digital skills, why flexibility has become a key element in the design of our service. A third section describes how the construction of a detailed competence framework facilitates the definition of learning resources that are aligned with the targeted digital skills and then enables the implementation of content flexibility. Finally, we describe the course system structure itself.
Quantitative Modelling of the Value of Data for Manufacturing SMEs in Smart Service Provision
Authors: Meierhofer Jürg , Benedech Rodolfo , Schweiger Lukas , Barbieri Cosimo , Rapaccini Mario
Published: February 2022

The provision of advanced services becomes a relevant differentiation for manufacturing companies, in particular for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). These services, also referred to as smart services, require the collection and processing of data from equipment, customers, and processes, as well as the development of analytics models and the interpretation of their results for improved service value propositions. These steps require significant engagement of the firms in terms of technical and human resources, skills, and new types of value creation processes, which is a major hurdle especially for SMEs. As the value that can be achieved when leveraging the information inherent in the data is not known a priori, the enterprises are not sufficiently informed for taking the decision to engage. Consequently, they are missing out on relevant business opportunities due to a lack of quantitative models for assessing the value of data. In this paper, we discuss the existing literature on data valuation models and explore the state of practice through an interview-based field study. We develop a model for the utility-based valuation of data that helps companies expand their fund of knowledge and skills about the value of their data and thus make better-informed investment decisions. A simulation-based model is developed to support companies in this assessment by providing quantitative insights in the value potential of the data in various use cases. This model opens a series of new research questions for the further elaboration of the data valuation models.
An extension of the FLOWSORT method based on intuitionistic fuzzy set theory to solve Multicriteria Decision Making problems
Authors: Remadi Fedia Daami , Frikha Hela Moalla
Published: February 2022

Multiple attribute decision analysis (MADA) is an important part of the modern decision science. In fact, it has been increasingly used in the literature. Therefore, the study of sorting problems is an active research topic in the multiple criteria decision aid (MCDA) area. Although, it is difficult to quantitatively and precisely express the evaluation criteria to solve real-life sorting problems. To solve this fuzziness and vagueness, the intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) theory achieved great success in various recent researches. Therefore, this paper presents a novel extension of the FlowSort method, which is a PROMETHEE-based sorting method, based on the intuitionistic fuzzy set theory. To clarify this new extension, an illustrative example and an empirical comparison with other MCDM methods are presented.
Estimation of the population distribution function using varied L ranked set sampling
Authors: Abdallah Mohamed S.
Published: February 2022

A generalized ranked set sampling (RSS) plan has recently been provided in the literature called varied L RSS (VLRSS). It is shown that VLRSS encompasses several existing RSS variations and also it efficiently estimates the population mean. In this article, we extend the work and consider estimating the cumulative distribution function (CDF) using VLRSS. Three new CDF estimators are proposed and their asymptotic properties are also theoretically investigated. Taking into account the information supported by the unmeasured sampling units, we also propose a general class of CDF estimators. Using small Monte Carlo experiments, we study the behavior of the proposed CDF estimators with respect to the conventional CDF estimator under RSS. It is found that the conventional RSS-based CDF is outperformed by at least one of VLRSS-based CDF estimators in most of the considered cases. Finally, an empirical example is utilized to illustrate the potential application of the proposed estimators.
Therapeutische Pflegekraft-Patient*innen-Beziehung in der Hämodialysetherapie
Authors: Haag Stefanie
Published: February 2022

Eine chronische Erkrankung ist eine Stressquelle, die unterschiedliche Bereiche des Lebens beeinträchtigt. Eines der wichtigsten Bedürfnisse der Erkrankten ist es, Sicherheit zu erlangen, welche durch eine therapeutische Beziehung vermittelt werden kann. Das zentrale Element ist Empathie – das heißt, die Möglichkeit, in die Schuhe einer anderen Person zu schlüpfen und sich in seinen emotionalen Zustand, Gefühle und sein Verhalten hineinzuversetzen, ohne sich ein Urteil zu bilden. Das Ziel der Studie war es, die Wichtigkeit der therapeutischen Beziehung zwischen den Pflegekräften und den Hämodialysepatient*innen zu erforschen.
Traumatic Brain Injury in Pregnancy
Authors: Santos Letícia Adrielle dos , Pereira Carlos Umberto , Paula Maycon Cristian Gomes de , Kalkmann Gabriela Ferreira , Rabelo Nicollas Nunes
Published: February 2022

Objective The present paper aims to provide a review on the main complications involving traumatic brain injury (TBI) during pregnancy and on the vegetative state after TBI.

Methods A systematic review was performed in concordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria checklist.

Results Seven studies were included, of which four were case reports, one was a follow-up, one was a comparative study, and one was a literature review.

Discussion Presence of neurological deficits such as hemiparesis, neonatal seizures, cerebral palsy, hemorrhage or hydrocephalus was observed in children of mothers who suffered trauma during pregnancy. The prolongation of a pregnancy in these victims, even in brain death, is within the reach of current medicine. Ethical issues must be considered when deciding to prolong a pregnancy of a woman in brain death.

Conclusion For the evaluation of pregnant women with TBI, there is a protocol that can be followed in the emergency care service. The cases reported in the literature suggest that there is no clear limit to restrict support to a pregnant patient in a vegetative state. Further studies should be done to elucidate this matter.
Prostatic Artery Embolization for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia—A Primer for Interventional Radiologists
Authors: Bilhim Tiago , Costa Nuno V. , Torres Daniel
Published: February 2022

Male patients over 50 years with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are potential candidates for prostatic artery embolization (PAE). PAE is not a perfect fit for all BPH patients. Careful pre- and postpostprocedural evaluation/consultation with correct selection of patients should be tailored on an individual basis. Evaluated parameters include the following: LUTS severity quantification with validated questionnaires as the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL), erectile and ejaculatory evaluation with validated questionnaires, blood tests including full blood count, coagulation profile, renal function and total/free prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume measured by multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMR) of the prostate and/or transrectal ultrasound, uroflowmetry measuring the peak urinary flowrate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine (PVR). Correct arterial anatomy identification with either computed tomography (CT) angiography, MR angiography, or intraprocedural cone-beam CT (CBCT) are suggested for a confident procedure and avoiding potential complications. The minimally invasive nature of PAE with a faster recovery, preserving the sexual function, and comparable results to standard prostatic surgery make the procedure an attractive choice for many male patients suffering with this condition. Patients should be informed about the potential for higher retreatment rates and shorter duration of treatment effect when compared with standard prostatic surgery. In this comprehensive review, we provide an updated toolbox for all interventional radiologists interested in the PAE practice for patients with BPH. We explain how to evaluate patients during consultation before and after PAE, describe the preprocedural imaging required, explain the technique, and narrate how to optimize outcomes. Finally, we review the level of evidence of PAE for BPH.
Speech-Language Pathology Incorporating Horses
Authors: Macauley Beth L.
Published: February 2022

Incorporating horses into speech-language pathology services is a valid treatment strategy that can be used to help the client achieve their communication and/or swallowing goals. The purpose of this article is to discuss the history and terminology of incorporating horses into rehabilitation, explain theories for why incorporating horses works, and provide clinical applications to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's nine areas of practice with clinical reports.
Strategic alliances in container shipping: A review of the literature and future research agenda
Authors: Ghorbani Mohammad , Acciaro Michele , Transchel Sandra , Cariou Pierre
Published: February 2022

Strategic alliances are the most common type of collaboration agreement used by shipping lines to provide worldwide maritime container transport services. Since their first appearance just before the mid-1990s, they have progressed to account for 90% of global container shipping capacity with the top eight container operators organizing today their East/West route services through one of the main three strategic alliances. This paper reviews comprehensively and critically the literature on the subject, over 25 years of research on this topic. This includes 85 articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 1994 and 2019, and analyzed and grouped into three main research areas: formation, management, and optimization of strategic alliances. The output of the analysis is then used to provide a future research agenda.
Silent shields: international humanitarian law at the limits of audibility
Authors: Gregory Thomas
Published: February 2022

In my contribution to this forum, I want to focus on the silencing of human shields within the prevailing frames of war/law. Focusing on the destruction of al-Jalaa tower by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), I argue that Human Shields: A History of People in the Line of Fire enables us to see how the figure of the human shield was invoked to legitimize this violence whilst denying the victims a voice within debates about the harm inflicted upon them. Although the book enables us to trace how the discourse on human shielding works to dehumanize and depoliticize the victims, I encourage the authors to think about the silences and omissions in their own work and to think about what could be done to contest these silences. I draw on the work of Gayatri Spivak, Jacques Rancière, and Banu Bargu to illustrate my concerns about the problem and potential solutions to this problem.
Characterising the seasonal nature of meteorological drought onset and termination across Australia
Authors: Gibson A. J. , Verdon-Kidd D. C. , Hancock G. R.
Published: February 2022

Drought, and its associated impacts, represents one of the costliest natural hazards worldwide, highlighting the need for prediction and preparedness. While advancements have been made in monitoring current droughts, prediction of onset and termination have proven to be much more challenging. This is because drought is unlike any other natural hazard and cannot be characterised by a single weather event. There is also a high degree of spatial variability in this phenomenon across the vast expanse of the Australian continent. Therefore, by characterising regionally specific expressions of drought, we may improve drought predictability. In this study, we analyse the timing of onset and termination of meteorological droughts across Australia from 1900 to 2015, as well as their local and regional climate controls. We show that meteorological drought onset has a strong seasonal signature across Australia that varies spatially, whereas termination is less seasonally restricted. Using a Random Forest modelling approach with predictor variables representative of large-scale ocean-atmosphere phenomena and local climate, up to 75% of the variance in the Standardised Precipitation Index during both onset and termination could be explained. This study offers support to continued development in long-lead forecasting of local and large-scale ocean/atmosphere conditions to improve drought prediction in Australia and elsewhere.