bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing enviromental management accounting to increase university awareness towards sustainability
Authors: Mahmud Amir , Susilowati Nurdian , Sari Puji Novita , Herdiani Aulia
Published: October 2023

Currently, universities are concerned about environmental issues and their impacts. As a university with a conservation perspective, Universitas Negeri Semarang plays a significant role in solving environmental problems. This study explores environmental management accounting (EMA) practices and the motivations for their use in universities. The focus was on waste management, energy, and climate change. Qualitative content analysis was used in this research with the main source of the UI Green Metrics document and in-depth interviews with the head of the Conservation Technical Implementation Unit and its divisions. The results show that the two categories support environmental management accounting. Both energy and climate change contributed 21% to the EMA, and waste management accounted for 18%. Energy and climate change include energy-efficient appliance usage, smart building implementation, number of renewable energy sources on campus, number of renewable energy sources on campus, and total carbon footprint divided by the total campus population (metric tons per person). Furthermore, the waste in the college will be recycled through several programs, such as paper and plastic reduction, organic and inorganic waste management, sewage disposal, and toxic waste treatment.
Building a Sustainable Future: Unraveling the Link between Environmental Awareness and the Cultivation of Employability and Green skills-A Literature Review
Authors: Rahmaningtyas W. , Joyoatmojo S. , Kristiani K. , Murwaningsih T.
Published: October 2023

Environmental awareness as a strong predictor in influencing students’ green skills preparation to meet the demands of skills required in the green industry. It is undeniable that employers nowadays prefer workers who possess environmentally friendly skills to promote awareness of sustainable development in various aspects of life, such as the environment, social, and economic domains. This article aims to explore how to build a sustainable future by examining the relationship between environmental awareness and the development of work-related abilities (green skills) based on existing literature. The method used is a literature review of published articles from various academic databases such as Google Scholar, Emerald, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, Scopus, and ResearchGate. Findings from the literature review indicate that environmental awareness has a strong correlation with the formation of green skills, particularly in energy, communication, leadership, waste management, and management skills. Contributions from educational institutions are needed to generate policies that stimulate environmental awareness among students, thereby fostering the development of environmentally friendly skills.
Debt, Profitability, and Corporate Social Responsibility – A Political Economic Theory Analysis
Authors: Mukhibad H. , Hapsoro B. B. , Jayanto P. Y.
Published: October 2023

This study aims to provide empirical evidence of the effect of short-term debt (STD), long-term debt (LTD), and return on assets (ROA) on corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) and how the impact the Covid-19 pandemic (covid) has on the effect of STD, LTD, and ROA on CSRD. The research sample is a manufacturing company listed on the Indonesian stock exchange and observed from 2015 to 2021. Our study shows that STD does not affect CSRD, but LTD has a negative effect on CSRD. Based on CSRD indicators (social, environmental, economic disclosure), the results show that LTD has a negative effect on social and environmental disclosure. However, LTD has a positive effect on economic disclosure. The covid has caused LTD to have a positive effect on CSRD. These results show that during the covid, which caused a decline in financial performance, companies used CSRD as a tool to gain legitimacy and build investor confidence in the company’s financial performance. This study also shows that ROA has a positive effect on CSRD, and the covid has no effect on the effect that ROA has on CSRD.
Open Bin Composter Method as An Alternative to Organic Waste Processing in Temanggung Regency
Authors: Budihardjo M. A. , Junaidi J. , Sumiyati S. , Octaviani Y. N.
Published: October 2023

Domestic waste generation in Temanggung Regency is about 182,562.96 ton/year contain 51,75% of organic waste, where this organic waste has the potential to be processed into compost. As an alternative method that can be used to process organic waste is the open bin composter method. The data used in this study is secondary data that taken from Dinas Perumahan Rakyat, Kawasan Permukiman, dan Lingkungan Hidup Kabupaten Temanggung in 2022, this data contain measurements of weight, volume, and composition of waste. From this data, the weight of waste that can be composted, volume of organic waste that composted, and the weight of compost can be calculated. From the calculation results, the area that needed for composting area is 20,8 m2, and open bin composter method can process 12.11 m3/day of organic waste to 6.1 m3/day of compost or equal with 1376 kg/day.
The Future of Carbon Dioxide Emission in Indonesia: Does Deforestation Matter?
Authors: Setyadharma A , Oktavilia S , Wahyuningrum I F S , Rosalia A C T
Published: October 2023

Indonesia is a country with one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. Ten million hectares of main forests in Indonesia had disappeared in the past two decades and 71% of trees in natural forests in Indonesia have been cut during 2013 to 2021. It is estimated that 10% of the CO2 emissions triggered by human actions are from deforestation. Since high CO2 emissions is a negative externality, it will become a burden to society if this problem exists. One of the possibilities to reduce the CO2 emissions problem is through the protection of the forests. Since the presence of forests is important to absorb the carbon produced by human activities, this study tries to find the fact whether there is an impact of deforestation on CO2 emissions in Indonesia by using econometrics modelling. This study applies Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method to examine the impact of deforestation on CO2 emissions. Two models are set with two different data as the representation of deforestation variable. First data is forest area coverage as the independent variable, and the second data is the annual deforestation rate as the independent variable, this study uses CO2 emissions as the dependent variable. The results of both models confirm solid evidence that deforestation is contributing to higher level of CO2 emissions in Indonesia. In term of policy implications, some suggestions for the Indonesian government are (1) enforces reforestation as it is the best way to prevent deforestation, (2) applies more strict punishment for illegal logging, and (3) promotes inclusive and sustainable forest management.
Climate Justice in Indonesian Environmental Protection: Past, Present and Future Challenges
Authors: Arifin R , Rodiyah R , Wulansarie R
Published: October 2023

Climate justice is an increasingly relevant topic in today’s world, as climate change and its impacts continue to affect vulnerable communities disproportionately. This research aims to examine the concept of climate justice, its various dimensions, and the challenges and opportunities associated with achieving it. The paper begins by defining climate justice, which is based on the principle that those who are least responsible for climate change are the ones who are most affected by it. It argues that climate justice should be viewed not only as a moral issue but also as a legal and political one. The paper explores the different dimensions of climate justice, including distributive, procedural, and transformative justice. Distributive justice refers to the fair distribution of the benefits and burdens of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Procedural justice concerns the fair and inclusive decision-making processes that involve affected communities in climate action. Transformative justice involves the fundamental changes needed in society to address the root causes of climate change and promote a more sustainable and just future. The paper also examines the challenges and opportunities associated with achieving climate justice, including the need for political will, the role of international cooperation, and the importance of grassroots activism. It concludes by highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for a holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being of all communities, especially those most vulnerable to its impacts.
Graphene/aluminum oxide interfaces for nanoelectronic devices
Authors: Vu V-B , Bubendorff J L , Mouafo L D N , Latil S , Zaarour A , Dayen J-F , Simon L , Dappe Y J
Published: October 2023

In this work, we study theoretically and experimentally graphene/aluminum oxide interfaces as 0D/2D interfaces for quantum electronics as the nature of the interface is of paramount importance to understand the quantum transport mechanism. Indeed, the electronic transport is driven either by a channel arising from a strong hybridization at the interface, or by tunneling across a van der Waals interface, with very different electric characteristics. By combining electronic spectroscopy and scanning microscopy with density functional theory calculations, we show that the interface is of weak and van der Waals nature. Quantum transport measurements in a single electron transistor confirm this result. Our results provide a first insight into the interfacial properties van der Waals materials based single electron device, and the key role played by the control of the interface states. The weak van der Waals coupling reported is promising for single electron device, where the control of the environmental charges is known to be a key challenge towards applications. Moreover, the unique vertical device architecture, enabled by the dual role of graphene including its vertical electric field transparency, opens the doors for a new class of single electron devices with higher scaling capability and functionalities. This work paves the way to new atomic environment control in single electron device.
Atrial fibrillation through strange attractor dynamics
Authors: Agop Maricel , Gavriluţ Alina , Eva Lucian , Roşu Iulian-Alin
Published: October 2023

Nonlinear dynamics is nowadays widely employed in the study of biological phenomena. In such context, two operational procedures which are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary, allow us to describe the finality regarding the obtainment of valuable information concerning fibrillation crises. One of the two procedures utilizes elements of nonlinear dynamics (strange attractors, skewness, kurtosis, histograms, Lyapunov exponent etc.) for evaluating atrial fibrillations. The other procedure reconstructs any type of EKG signal, using the mathematical methodology of the Scale Relativity Theory.
Good covers for vortex nerve cell complexes. free group presentation of intersecting nested cycles in planar CW spaces
Authors: Peters J.
Published: October 2023

This paper introduces good covers for cell complexes in the form of what are known as path nerve complexes in a planar Whitehead CW space together with their Rotman free group presentations. A path is a mapping

h
:
[
0
,
1
]
→
K

h:[0,1]\to K

over a space

K
K

. Paths provide the backbone of homotopy theory introduced by J.H.C. Whitehead during the 1930s. A path nerve complex is a collection of sets of path-connected points (path images) that have nonempty intersection.

A space

X
X

has a good cover, provided

X
=
⋃
E

X=\bigcup E

for subsets

E
E

in

X
X

and the space is contractible. This form of good cover was introduced by K. Tanaka in 2021. The focus here is on intersecting path cycles (sequences of paths attached to each other in vortexes with nonempty interiors) that form a path nerve. A path nerve results from the nonvoid intersection of a collection of path cycles. The geometric realization of a path cycle is a 1-cycle. A 1-cycle is a finite sequence of path-connected 0-cells (vertexes) with no end vertex and with a nonvoid interior. A 1-cycle has the structure of a path cycle in which sequences of paths are replaced by edges.

A group

G
(
V
,
+
)

G(V,+)

containing a basis

B

\mathcal {B}

is free, provided every member of

V
V

can be written as a linear combination of elements (generators) of the basis

B

⊂
V

\mathcal {B}\subset V

. Let

△
\bigtriangleup

be the members

v
v

of

V
V

, each written as a linear combination of the basis elements of

B

\mathcal {B}

. A presentation of

G
(
V
,
+
)

G(V,+)

is a mapping
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="script upper B times white up pointing triangle right-arrow upper G left-parenthesis left-brace v element-of upper V colon equals sigma-summation Underscript StartLayout 1st Row k element-of double-struck upper Z 2nd Row g element-of script upper B EndLayout Endscripts k g right-brace comma plus right-parenthesis">

B

×
△→
G
(

{
v
∈
V
:=

∑

k
∈

Z

g
∈

B

k
g

}

,
+
)

\mathcal {B}\times \bigtriangleup \to G(\left \{v\in V:=\sum _{\substack {k\in \mathbb {Z}\\ g\in \mathcal {B}}}{kg}\right \},+)

. This form of presentation of structures was introduced by J.J. Rotman during the 1960s as part of a study of groups. The main results in this paper are (1) Every path triangle cluster has a free group presentation, (2) Every path triangle cluster has a free group presentation, (3) Every path vortex has a free group presentation, (4) Every path vortex nerve has a free group presentation, (5) A vortex nerve and the union of the sets in the nerve have the same homotopy type and (6) Every path triangulaton of a cell complex has a good cover.
Differential invariants of inviscid flows in pipes
Authors: Duyunova Anna
Published: October 2023

In this paper inviscid flows in the three-dimensional space are studied. A PDE system (the Euler system) describing such flows is considered. We also formulate this system in special coordinates corresponding to a model of a pipe. The Lie algebra of symmetries of this system is described. Then we give an algebra of differential invariants, in particular, in coordinate-free form. Finally, we present the Euler system describing flows along a circular helix, discuss its symmetries and invariants.
Metrics admitting projective and c-projective vector fields
Authors: Manno Gianni , Schumm Jan , Vollmer Andreas
Published: October 2023

Vector fields on a smooth manifold with an affine connection are called projective (resp. c-projective) if their local flows preserve geodesics (resp. 

J
J

-planar curves). In this expository paper, metrics with such vector fields are discussed. Emphasis is put on Lie’s classical 1882 problem of finding a local description of surfaces with projective vector fields, known results on this problem, as well as on various extensions in the literature.
Distributional hyperspace-convergence of Argmin-sets in convex 𝑀-estimation
Authors: Ferger Dietmar
Published: October 2023

In

M
M

-estimation we consider the sets of all minimizing points of convex empirical criterion functions. These sets are random closed sets. We derive distributional convergence in the hyperspace of all closed subsets of the real line endowed with the Fell-topology. As a special case single minimizing points converge in distribution in the classical sense. In contrast to the literature so far, unusual rates of convergence and non-normal limits emerge, which go far beyond the square-root asymptotic normality. Moreover, our theory can be applied to the sets of zero-estimators.
A note on the prediction error of principal component regression in high dimensions
Authors: Hucker Laura , Wahl Martin
Published: October 2023

We analyze the prediction error of principal component regression (PCR) and prove high probability bounds for the corresponding squared risk conditional on the design. Our first main result shows that PCR performs comparably to the oracle method obtained by replacing empirical principal components by their population counterparts, provided that an effective rank condition holds. On the other hand, if the latter condition is violated, then empirical eigenvalues start to have a significant upward bias, resulting in a self-induced regularization of PCR. Our approach relies on the behavior of empirical eigenvalues, empirical eigenvectors and the excess risk of principal component analysis in high-dimensional regimes.
Stochastic differential equations with discontinuous diffusion coefficients
Authors: Torres Soledad , Viitasaari Lauri
Published: October 2023

We study one-dimensional stochastic differential equations of the form

d

X
t

=
σ
(

X
t

)
d

Y
t

dX_t = \sigma (X_t)dY_t

, where

Y
Y

is a suitable Hölder continuous driver such as the fractional Brownian motion

B
H

B^H

with

H
>

1
2

H>\frac 12

. The innovative aspect of the present paper lies in the assumptions on diffusion coefficients

σ
\sigma

for which we assume very mild conditions. In particular, we allow

σ
\sigma

to have discontinuities, and as such our results can be applied to study equations with discontinuous diffusions.
Pitfalls of using polymerase chain reaction–based assays for JAK2 and CALR exon 9 variant testing in myeloproliferative neoplasms: Knowing when to go the extra mile!
Authors: Krishnamurthy Kritika , Chai Jiani , Wang Yanhua , Naeem Rizwan , Goldstein D Yitzchak
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The BCR::ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasms are sequentially tested for JAK2 p.V617F, followed by CALR exon 9 pathogenic variants. Historically, these variants were thought to be mutually exclusive. However, recent reports indicate coexisting JAK2 p.V617F and CALR exon 9 somatic variants.

Methods

Analysis of JAK2 p.V617F and CALR exon 9 variant was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based assays. Subsequent testing was performed on the Genexus integrated sequencer (ThermoFisher) using the Oncomine myeloid assay GX v2.

Results

CALR exon 9 variants were positive in 3 cases, while 2 were positive for JAK2 p.V617F on PCR-based assays. Next-generation sequencing confirmed the JAK2 P.V617F status in all cases. CALR variants resulting in in-frame deletions were identified in 2 cases at a variant allele frequency of 52.16% and 50.91%, while the third case had an intronic CALR variant c.-48G>A at a variant allele frequency of 51.1%. Thus, CALR variants in all 3 cases were interpreted as potentially germline. Of the 228 cases that underwent JAK2 p.V617F and CALR cotesting in the past 2 years, only these 2 cases were positive for both JAK2 p.V617F and CALR exon 9 variants.

Conclusions

These cases highlight the importance of understanding the pitfalls of molecular techniques in current practice.
A tip-predominant distribution of villous intraepithelial lymphocytes is not specific to celiac disease in children with Marsh I lesions
Authors: Chang Denis , Kim Charlotte F , Horton Maxwell , Lee Dale , Pacheco M Cristina , Silvester Jocelyn A , Goldsmith Jeffrey D
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To assess if the distribution of villous intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in a pediatric cohort with Marsh I histopathology is specific to celiac disease (CeD).

Methods

Multicenter, retrospective case-control study between January 2001 and December 2019 in children (<18 years) with and without CeD with intraepithelial lymphocytosis and normal villous architecture. Pathology specimens were reviewed by 2 study pathologists who were blinded to the final diagnosis. Morphologic features (villous height to crypt depth ratio [Vh:Cd]) and IELs in the villous tip, top, or bottom half of the villus were quantified.

Results

Of the 97 children with Marsh I histopathology identified during the study period, 63 were excluded due to an insufficient number of well-oriented villous-crypt complexes or a Vh:Cd less than 2. Villous IELs were measured in 34 cases (14 CeD, 20 non-CeD controls). There was no difference between the non-CeD and CeD groups in the mean IELs at the villous tip (14.0 ± 7.1 vs 11.7 ± 6.0, P = .31), top (46.4 ± 18.4 vs 38.3 ± 10.8, P = .11), or bottom (29.8 ± 16.8 vs 28.5 ± 12.8, P = .80) half of each villus, respectively.

Conclusions

The distribution of IELs in Marsh I lesions is not specific for CeD.
Transpositioning: Translanguaging and the Liquidity of Identity
Authors: Wei Li , Lee Tong King
Published: October 2023

This article seeks to address the ever-expanding and shifting communicative demands of ‘liquid modernity’ by focussing on two key issues: the need to reconceptualize language and communication as a consequence of the diversification of media and resources people draw upon to meet these demands; and the need for a new analytical framework to capture how people perform multiplex roles simultaneously and spontaneously through dynamic and adaptive communicative practices. We do the former through further elaboration of the scholarship on translanguaging and the latter with a new concept of transpositioning. We argue that the latter is enabled by translanguaging practices and is a necessary capacity participants in the social life of liquid modernity need to develop in order to deal with everyday communicative demands. We develop the concept with analysis of two examples of lived experiences of multilinguals and explore the theoretical and methodological implications for applied linguistics.
Integrative taxonomy and evolutionary history reveal cryptic diversity in Myotis riparius (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Novaes Roberto Leonan M , Cláudio Vinícius C , Wilson Don E , Weber Marcelo M , Weksler Marcelo , Moratelli Ricardo
Published: October 2023

Myotis riparius is an insectivorous bat species widely distributed in the Neotropics with evident geographical variation in morphological traits. We conducted an integrative study using mitochondrial DNA, qualitative and quantitative morphology, and current and past species distribution models to investigate the variation, population structure, and distributional limits within M. riparius populations. Phylogenetic inferences indicated that M. riparius is monophyletic, and populations are divided into geographically structured clades that split during the middle Pleistocene. There is no shared haplotype between geographical populations and strong evidence of partial restriction in gene flow. Morphological and morphometric variations revealed subtle distinctions among different populations, but little correspondence with molecular analysis. The distribution models indicated that M. riparius is associated with forest environments, with discontinuity between populations from South American ecoregions. Past distribution modelling, however, indicated that M. riparius had a larger distribution range in the Last Glacial Maximum than currently. Results of modelling and genetic analyses indicated that M. riparius consisted of a large, widespread, and panmictic (meta)population until the middle Pleistocene, when environmental changes driven by climatic dynamics fragmented and isolated the populations. Myotis riparius is here considered a complex of at least four allopatric and parapatric cryptic evolutionary units.
Haploid androgenetic development of bovine embryos reveals imbalanced WNT signaling and impaired cell fate differentiation
Authors: Aguila Luis , Nociti Ricardo P , Sampaio Rafael V , Therrien Jacinthe , Meirelles Flavio V , Felmer Ricardo N , Smith Lawrence C
Published: October 2023

Haploid embryos have contributed significantly to our understanding of the role of parental genomes in development and can be applied to important biotechnology for human and animal species. However, development to the blastocyst stage is severely hindered in bovine haploid androgenetic embryos (hAE). To further our understanding of such developmental arrest, we performed a comprehensive comparison of the transcriptomic profile of morula-stage embryos, which were validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of transcripts associated with differentiation in haploid and biparental embryos. Among numerous disturbances, results showed that pluripotency pathways, especially the wingless-related integration site (WNT) signaling, were particularly unbalanced in hAE. Moreover, transcript levels of KLF4, NANOG, POU5F1, SOX2, CDX2, CTNNBL1, AXIN2, and GSK3B were noticeably altered in hAE, suggesting disturbance of pluripotency and canonical WNT pathways. To evaluate the role of WNT on hAE competence, we exposed early Day-5 morula stage embryos to the GSK3B inhibitor CHIR99021. Although no alterations were observed in pluripotency and WNT-related transcripts, exposure to CHIR99021 improved their ability to reach the blastocysts stage, confirming the importance of the WNT pathway in the developmental outcome of bovine hAE.
Expanding access to telehealth in Australian cardiac rehabilitation services: a national survey of barriers, enablers, and uptake
Authors: Thomas Emma E , Cartledge Susie , Murphy Barbara , Abell Bridget , Gallagher Robyn , Astley Carolyn
Published: October 2023

Aims

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is traditionally delivered in-person; however, the COVID-19 pandemic provided impetus for alternative offerings such as telehealth. We investigated uptake, barriers, and enablers in a national survey during the pandemic in Australia.

Methods and results

We surveyed CR programmes between April and June 2021 using professional association networks. The anonymous online questionnaire addressed programme characteristics, COVID-19 impacts, and barriers to and enablers of telehealth use. Open-text responses were coded and presented as themes. In total, there were responses from 105 programmes (33% response rate). All states and geographical areas were represented. The use of every modality of telehealth care (telephone, video conferencing, text messaging, and web-based) increased significantly during and after COVID with a strong preference for telephone (85% of services). Respondents perceived video (53%) and telephone (47%) formats as safe and effective for delivering CR. The most common barriers to telehealth were difficulties conducting assessments and reduced engagement with patients. Prominent enablers were increased reach and reduced patient barriers to CR access.

Conclusion

Telehealth use by CR programmes increased during the peak pandemic period. However, additional support is required to ensure that telehealth services can be maintained. There is considerable potential to increase the reach of CR by embedding telehealth into existing models of care.
A nested divide-and-conquer method for tensor Sylvester equations with positive definite hierarchically semiseparable coefficients
Authors: Massei Stefano , Robol Leonardo
Published: October 2023

Linear systems with a tensor product structure arise naturally when considering the discretization of Laplace-type differential equations or, more generally, multidimensional operators with separable coefficients. In this work, we focus on the numerical solution of linear systems of the form $$ \begin{align*} & \left(I\otimes \dots\otimes I \otimes A_1+\dots + A_d\otimes I \otimes\dots \otimes I\right)x=b, \end{align*}$$where the matrices $A_{t}\in \mathbb R^{n\times n}$ are symmetric positive definite and belong to the class of hierarchically semiseparable matrices. We propose and analyze a nested divide-and-conquer scheme, based on the technology of low-rank updates, which attains the quasi-optimal computational cost $\mathcal {O}(n^{d}\log (n))$. Our theoretical analysis highlights the role of inexactness in the nested calls of our algorithm and provides worst case estimates for the amplification of the residual norm. The performances are validated on 2D and 3D case studies.
Molecular Imaging to Study Antimicrobial Pharmacokinetics In Vivo
Authors: Gordon Oren , Gobburu Jogarao V S , Dunn Allison
Published: October 2023

While antimicrobials are among the most prescribed drugs, the use of some older antibiotics is not optimized for efficacy in terms of dosage, route of administration, and duration of therapy. Knowledge gaps exist regarding the heterogeneous microenvironments within different infected tissues consisting of varying bacterial loads, immune responses, and drug gradients. Positron-emission tomography-based imaging, where radiolabeled drugs are visualized within the living body, enables accurate, holistic, and real-time determination of pharmacokinetics to provide valuable, actionable data to optimize antibiotic use. Here we briefly review the concepts, history, and recent progress in the field.
Molecular Imaging of Infections: Emerging Techniques for Pathogen-Specific Diagnosis and Guided Therapy
Authors: Rowe Steven P , Auwaerter Paul G , Sheikhbahaei Sara , Solnes Lilja B , Wright William F
Published: October 2023

Evaluation of patients that may be infected is challenging. Imaging to identify or localize a site of infection is often limited because of the nonspecific nature of the findings on conventional imaging modalities. Available imaging methods lack the ability to determine if antibiotics are reaching the site of infection and are not optimized to follow response to therapy. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a method by which radiolabeled molecules can be used to detect metabolic perturbations or levels of expression of specific targets. The most common PET agent is the glucose analog 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG). 18F-FDG has some applicability to localizing a site of infection, but its lack of specificity limits its usefulness. There is a need for the development of pathogen-specific PET radiotracers to address the imaging shortcomings noted above. Preclinical and clinical progress has been made, but significant challenges remain.
Advances and Challenges in Molecular Imaging of Viral Infections
Authors: Lau Chuen-Yen , Martinez-Orengo Neysha , Lyndaker Anna , Flavahan Kelly , Johnson Reed F , Shah Swati , Hammoud Dima A
Published: October 2023

Molecular imaging of viral infection, using a variety of advanced imaging techniques such as optical and nuclear imaging, can and has been used for direct visualization of the virus as well as assessment of virus-host interactions. Unlike imaging of other pathogens such as bacteria and fungi, challenging aspects of imaging viral infections include the small size of viruses, the complexity of viral infection animal models (eg, species dependence), and the high-level containment needs for many high-consequence pathogens, among others. In this review, using representative viral infections, we discuss how molecular imaging can reveal real-time infection dynamics, improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis, and guide optimization of treatment and prevention strategies. Key findings from human and animal studies are highlighted.
Vertical Transmission of SARS-CoV-2–Specific Antibodies and Cytokine Profiles in Pregnancy
Authors: Monroe Jonathon M , Quach Huy Quang , Punia Sohan , Enninga Elizabeth Ann L , Fedyshyn Yaroslav , Girsch James H , Fedyshyn Bohdana , Lemens Maureen , Littlefield Dawn , Behl Supriya , Sintim-Aboagye Elise , Mejia Plazas Maria C , Yamaoka Satoko , Ebihara Hideki , Pandey Akhilesh , Correia Cristina , Ung Choong Yong , Li Hu , Vassallo Robert , Sun Jie , Johnson Erica L , Olson Janet E , Theel Elitza S , Badley Andrew D , Kennedy Richard B , Theiler Regan N , Chakraborty Rana
Published: October 2023

Despite intensive characterization of immune responses after COVID-19 infection and vaccination, research examining protective correlates of vertical transmission in pregnancy are limited. Herein, we profiled humoral and cellular characteristics in pregnant women infected or vaccinated at different trimesters and in their corresponding newborns. We noted a significant correlation between spike S1–specific IgG antibody and its RBD-ACE2 blocking activity (receptor-binding domain–human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) in maternal and cord plasma (P < .001, R > 0.90). Blocking activity of spike S1–specific IgG was significantly higher in pregnant women infected during the third trimester than the first and second trimesters. Elevated levels of 28 cytokines/chemokines, mainly proinflammatory, were noted in maternal plasma with infection at delivery, while cord plasma with maternal infection 2 weeks before delivery exhibited the emergence of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Our data support vertical transmission of protective SARS-CoV-2–specific antibodies. This vertical antibody transmission and the presence of anti-inflammatory cytokines in cord blood may offset adverse outcomes of inflammation in exposed newborns.
Does PET-CT Have a Role in the Evaluation of Tuberculosis Treatment in Phase 2 Clinical Trials?
Authors: Cross Gail B , O’ Doherty Jim , Chang Christina C , Kelleher Anthony D , Paton Nicholas I
Published: October 2023

Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) has the potential to revolutionize research in infectious diseases, as it has done with cancer. There is growing interest in it as a biomarker in the setting of early-phase tuberculosis clinical trials, particularly given the limitations of current biomarkers as adequate predictors of sterilizing cure for tuberculosis. PET-CT is a real-time tool that provides a 3-dimensional view of the spatial distribution of tuberculosis within the lung parenchyma and the nature of lesions with uptake (ie, whether nodular, consolidative, or cavitary). Its ability to provide functional data on changes in metabolism, drug penetration, and immune control of tuberculous lesions has the potential to facilitate drug development and regimen selection for advancement to phase 3 trials in tuberculosis. In this narrative review, we discuss the role that PET-CT may have in evaluating responses to drug therapy in active tuberculosis treatment and the challenges in taking PET-CT forward as predictive biomarker of relapse-free cure in the setting of phase 2 clinical trials.
Peripheral helper T cells, mavericks of peripheral immune responses
Authors: Yoshitomi Hiroyuki
Published: October 2023

Peripheral helper T (Tph) cells have been established, through intensive efforts to elucidate local immune responses in human rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as a CD4 subset intimately involved in acquired immunity in peripheral tissues. Initially, Tph cells were noted as a CD4 population that produces high levels of CXCL13 in RA synovial tissues, followed by a demonstration of their ability to help B cells. In contrast to follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, Tph cells do not express the transcription factor BCL6 but express molecules such as CXCL13, interleukin (IL)-21, and inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) to help B cells in peripheral tissues. Subsequent studies showed that Tph cells are associated with various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, infections, and malignancies, and with the development of early life immunity. This review summarizes the phenotype and function of Tph cells in RA and discusses their differentiation and diversity in various conditions.
Distribution and role of d-glutamate, a novel d-amino acid identified in animals, in the reproductive tissues of male kuruma prawn Marsupenaeus japonicus
Authors: Yoshikawa Naoko , Yoshitomi Natsuki , Nakada Kazuki , Sawada Naomi
Published: October 2023

Some aquatic invertebrates contain free d-alanine. We previously showed copious amounts of free d-glutamate, a novel d-amino acid, in the tissue of the male reproductive organs of Marsupenaeus japonicus. Herein, we clarified the distribution and potential role of d-glutamate and d-alanine in male reproductive tissues, namely the testis, vas deferens and seminal receptacle at different growth stages of M. japonicus. The percentage of d-glutamate to total glutamate was over 50% in these tissues. In particular, the content of d-glutamate was the most abundant in the vas deferens, the ratio of d-glutamate to total glutamate was approximately 80%. In contrast, d-alanine content was the lowest in the vas deferens among these tissues. d-Glutamate content was the highest when the prawn weighed 12 g, indicating that d-glutamate is actively synthesized in the younger stage. Our findings suggest that d-glutamate plays an important role in the reproductive functions of M. japonicus.
Learning after progress? Isabelle Stengers, artificial learning, and the future as problem
Authors: Schildermans Hans
Published: October 2023

The aim of this article is to rethink the relation between education and progress, claiming that discourses of progress tend to project specific visions of the future and thereby instrumentalize education to achieve these visions while foreclosing other possible futures. The first part of the paper argues that the historical pact between education and progress has been recently recast in terms of learning. Learning receives at the same time an economic and a political interpretation in this context, turning issues such as unemployment or social justice into learning problems. What both interpretations seem to share, however, is that learning is conceived of as a pathway to futures already known. Drawing on the philosophy of Isabelle Stengers, in whose work the concept of learning acquires a vital position, the article reframes learning in terms of a situated encounter made possible within an artificial environment, whereby the future is not being projected, but becomes thoroughly problematic—a matter of collective concern. Recent calls to ‘learn to live with’ Covid-19, but also the effects of climate change, form the point of departure for reworking the concept of learning from the inside out.
Exposure to and Appeal of Tobacco Ads and Displays in China: A Qualitative Exploration of Chinese Youth Perceptions
Authors: Barker Hannah E , Czaplicki Lauren , Cui Yuxian , Shen Rachel , Nian Qinghua , Xie Marn , Cohen Joanna E
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Adolescents are uniquely vulnerable to nicotine addiction, and smoking is common among male adolescents in China. Although China implemented a ban on cigarette and e-cigarette advertising in public places, Chinese youth remain exposed to this marketing, which may contribute to future use.

Aims and Methods

From December 2021 to January 2022, we conducted 20 online focus group discussions with 119 adolescents in 10 Chinese cities to explore sources of tobacco marketing exposure, defined as exposure to cigarette and e-cigarette ads and product displays, and what features made marketing attractive.

Results

All groups discussed exposure to tobacco ads/displays in public places, including locations near their home or school. Nearly all groups discussed that exposure to online tobacco ads was common, particularly exposure to e-cigarette commercial ads and posts made by classmates or friends selling e-cigarettes. Most groups identified how eye-catching colors, imagery, product packaging, and price promotions featured in e-cigarette ads/displays attracted their attention.

Conclusions

Results suggest Chinese adolescents are exposed to cigarette and e-cigarette ads and displays, many of which are placed in youth-friendly locations and contain youth-appealing features.

Implications

Only a handful of studies have examined the influence of cigarette and e-cigarette advertising on youth in the context of China. Prior research has established the relationship between youth exposure to tobacco marketing and increased susceptibility to future use. Our findings emphasize the importance of effectively enforcing and expanding restrictions on cigarette and e-cigarette marketing in order to protect youth from exposure and future smoking/vaping initiation.
Petrology and Geochemistry of Adak Island Plutonic Xenoliths: Implications for Primitive Magma Generation and Crustal Differentiation in the Aleutian Island Arc
Authors: Sosa Emma S , Bucholz Claire E , Barickman Mattison H , VanTongeren Jill A , Setera Jacob B , Kay Suzanne Mahlburg , Kay Robert W
Published: October 2023

Deep crustal cumulates in arcs offer a window into the chemistry and crystallization conditions (P–T–H2O–fO2) of primitive basalts in the upper mantle and lower crust and can be studied in ancient exhumed terranes or in xenoliths erupted in young arc lavas. Here, we expand on previous studies and thoroughly characterize the extensive xenolith suites erupted from the Mt. Moffett and Mt. Adagdak volcanic centers (Adak Island, Central Aleutians), which range from primitive ultramafic cumulates to more evolved amphibole gabbros and hornblendites. We present detailed petrography as well as in situ trace and major element mineral chemistry. We use these data to calculate pressure, temperature, and fO2 estimates for the xenoliths, and compare these findings to experimental results to understand the crystallization sequence and P–T–H2O–fO2 under which the cumulates formed. The Moffett crystallization sequence is defined by early amphibole fractionation and an abrupt shift in oxide compositions from chromite to magnetite, while the Adagdak suite is characterized by simultaneous saturation of amphibole+plagioclase and oxide compositions that become increasingly aluminous before magnetite saturation. Olivine–spinel oxybarometry of the Adagdak xenoliths indicates that they are oxidized relative to mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB:FMQ +0.1 to +2.1). Highly fractionated REE and elevated Sr/Y ratios are observed in clinopyroxene from the most primitive cumulates, consistent with a contribution from a basaltic eclogite melt. This basaltic eclogite melt is hypothesized to come from partial melting of the slab or through melting of basalt introduced into the subarc mantle through forearc subduction erosion. These signatures are greatly diminished in the more evolved lithologies, which can be explained through fractionation of plagioclase and amphibole. Our findings support the presence of a complex magmatic plumbing system beneath Adak, with Mt. Moffett and Mt. Adagdak volcanic centers tapping compositionally distinct sources. More broadly, our results are consistent with studies suggesting that low-degree basaltic eclogite melts through slab melting or forearc subduction erosion contribute to arc magmas in the Aleutians, although the associated geochemical signatures are easily obscured by differentiation in the crust.
Should complete B cell depletion be maintained in patients treated long-term with rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis?
Authors: Ghossan Roba , Al Tabaa Omar , Combier Alice , Steelandt Alexia , Thomas Marion , Fogel Olivier , Miceli-Richard Corinne , Molto Anna , Allanore Yannick , Avouac Jérôme
Published: October 2023

Objective

To determine whether persistent complete B cell (BC) depletion was associated with a better clinical response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients long-term treated with rituximab (RTX).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study including RA patients admitted for a new infusion between 2019 and 2021. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the mean disease activity score based on 28 joints (DAS28)-CRP at each of the four last infusion visits between patients with persistent complete BC depletion (mean CD19 counts <18/µl at each of the last four visits) or without persistent complete BC depletion (mean CD19 counts of the last four visits ≥18/µl). Secondary endpoints included DAS28, pain/fatigue visual analogue scale, CRP, gammaglobulins and the frequency of self-reported RA flares.

Results

Of the 126 patients in maintenance therapy with RTX [exposure period: 76 (5) months, 14 (7) infusions received], 43 (34%) had persistent complete BC depletion at each of the four last infusions. The mean DAS28-CRP calculated at each of the four last infusion visits did not significantly differ according to persistence or not of complete BC depletion. This result remained unchanged after adjusting for antibody status, number of previous therapies, number of RTX infusion and cumulative RTX dose. All secondary outcomes were also not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

Maintaining complete BC depletion does not appear to be a therapeutic target to achieve in RA patients in long-term maintenance therapy with RTX. There is a limited benefit of monitoring CD19 in RA patients long-term treated with RTX and having achieved low disease activity/remission.
Nightshift imposes irregular lifestyle behaviors in police academy trainees
Authors: Erickson Melissa L , North Rebecca , Counts Julie , Wang Will , Porter Starr Kathryn N , Wideman Laurie , Pieper Carl , Dunn Jessilyn , Kraus William E
Published: October 2023

Study Objective

Shiftwork increases risk for numerous chronic diseases, which is hypothesized to be linked to disruption of circadian timing of lifestyle behaviors. However, empirical data on timing of lifestyle behaviors in real-world shift workers are lacking. To address this, we characterized the regularity of timing of lifestyle behaviors in shift-working police trainees.

Methods

Using a two-group observational study design (N = 18), we compared lifestyle behavior timing during 6 weeks of in-class training during dayshift, followed by 6 weeks of field-based training during either dayshift or nightshift. Lifestyle behavior timing, including sleep–wake patterns, physical activity, and meals, was captured using wearable activity trackers and mobile devices. The regularity of lifestyle behavior timing was quantified as an index score, which reflects day-to-day stability on a 24-hour time scale: Sleep Regularity Index, Physical Activity Regularity Index, and Mealtime Regularity Index. Logistic regression was applied to these indices to develop a composite score, termed the Behavior Regularity Index (BRI).

Results

Transitioning from dayshift to nightshift significantly worsened the BRI, relative to maintaining a dayshift schedule. Specifically, nightshift led to more irregular sleep–wake timing and meal timing; physical activity timing was not impacted. In contrast, maintaining a dayshift schedule did not impact regularity indices.

Conclusions

Nightshift imposed irregular timing of lifestyle behaviors, which is consistent with the hypothesis that circadian disruption contributes to chronic disease risk in shift workers. How to mitigate the negative impact of shiftwork on human health as mediated by irregular timing of sleep–wake patterns and meals deserves exploration.