bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of nurses providing care for patients with COVID‐19 in acute care settings in the early stages of the pandemic: A thematic meta‐synthesis study
Authors: Özkan İlknur , Taylan Seçil
Published: March 2023

Aim

The aim of this work is to synthesize and interpret qualitative research examining the experiences of nurses providing care for patients with COVID‐19 in acute care settings in the early stages of the pandemic in different countries.

Background

The prevalence of disasters, including the pandemic, is increasing globally. It is important to understand nurses' experiences in depth to effectively manage extraordinary events that may occur in the future.

Design

This is a thematic meta‐synthesis study.

Methods

Electronic databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, OVID, and Scopus, were searched for publications from December 2019 to October 2020. The search was updated for publications to 30 May 2022. The thematic synthesis method was used to analyse and interpret the data.

Findings

The experiences of the nurses giving care to patients with COVID‐19 were grouped under four themes: (1) Difficulties encountered in the care of patients with COVID‐19; (2) mixed emotions experienced in the care of patients with COVID‐19; (3) coping strategies that nurses used in the management of the pandemic; (4) the benefits of the COVID‐19 to nurses.

Conclusion

Nurses faced many difficulties and experienced mixed emotions while providing care for patients with coronavirus disease. Perceived social support was seen as the most important strategy for coping with these difficult situations. It is important to be aware of the difficulties and emotions experienced by nurses and support them during the COVID‐19 pandemic for the management of future pandemics.
Real estate in the home country: Why Polish migrants keep properties in Poland
Authors: Jancewicz Barbara
Published: March 2023

Real estate is often the most visible contribution that emigrants add to their home country's landscape. Such properties serve different functions, from rental investments, through migrant families' homes, to holiday homes or empty spaces. Economists often view real estate through financial lens, frowning upon vacant houses. I argue that keeping vacant houses is often caused by social and emotional factors rather than financial ones. This article uses data from 120 qualitative interviews with Polish EU migrants and juxtaposes them with the typology of remittance houses proposed by Boccagni and Erdal. The data, combined with the theoretical perspective of Neoclassical Economics, New Economics of Labour Migration, and Grzymała‐Kazłowska's concept of social anchoring, allow me to improve the typology. The updated typology systematises the functions of and reasons why migrants keep properties in their home countries and provides a sound frame for future research and policymaking.
Development of novel self‐assembled vaccines based on tumour‐specific antigenic peptide and TLR2 agonist for effective breast cancer immunotherapy via activating CD8+ T cells and enhancing their function
Authors: Shi Wei , Tong Zhenzhen , Chen Shuang , Qiu Qianqian , Zhou Jiaqi , Qian Hai
Published: March 2023

Vaccines based on tumour‐specific antigens are a promising approach for immunotherapy. However, the clinical efficacy of tumour‐specific antigens is still challenging. Twelve conjugates with self‐assembly properties were designed and synthesized using MAGE‐A1 peptide and TLR2 agonist, combined with different covalent bonds. All the developed conjugates formed spherical nanoparticles with a diameter of approximately 150 nm, and enhanced the efficacy of the peptide vaccines with the better targeting of lymph nodes. All the conjugates could well bind to serum albumin and improve the plasma stability of the individual antigenic peptides. In particular, conjugate 6 (N‐Ac PamCS‐M‐6) had a more significant ability to promote dendritic cell maturation, CD8+ T cell activation, and subsequent killing of tumour cells, with an in vivo tumour inhibition rate of 70 ± 2.9%. The interaction between specific response and the different conjugation modes was further explored, thereby providing a fundamental basis for novel immune anti‐tumour molecular platforms.
Estimation of seasonal influenza disease burden using sentinel site data in Pakistan 2017–2019: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Salman Muhammad , Badar Nazish , Ikram Aamer , Nisar Nadia , Farooq Umer
Published: March 2023

Background

The influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic highlighted the need for reliable disease burden estimation from low‐ and middle‐income countries like Pakistan. We designed retrospective age‐stratified estimation of influenza‐related severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) incidence in Islamabad Pakistan 2017–2019.

Materials and Methods

The catchment area was mapped on SARI data from one designated influenza sentinel site and other healthcare facilities in the Islamabad region. The incidence rate was calculated as per 100,000 for each age group with 95% confidence interval.

Results

The catchment population for the sentinel site was 0.7 million against the total denominator of 1.015 million, and incidence rates were adjusted. During January 2017 to December 2019, among 13,905 hospitalizations, 6715 (48%) patients were enrolled; 1208 of these (18%) were positive for influenza. During 2017, influenza A/H3 dominated with 52% detections followed by A(H1N1)pdm09 (35%) and influenza B (13%). Furthermore, elderly 65+ years age group had highest hospitalizations and influenza positive. The incidence rates of all cause respiratory and influenza‐related SARI were highest among children >5 years; highest incidence was found in 0 to 11 month/year group with 424/100,000 cases and lowest in 5–15 years 56/100,000. The estimated average annual influenza‐associated hospitalization percentage was 29.3% during the study period.

Conclusion

Influenza accounts for a significant proportion of respiratory morbidity and hospitalization. These estimates would enable governments for evidence‐based decisions and priority allocation of health resources. It is necessary to test for other respiratory pathogens for more clear disease burden estimation.
Distance‐based weighting methods for composite indicators, with applications related to energy sustainability
Authors: Karagiannis Roxani , Karagiannis Giannis
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we propose a novel use of four distance‐based methods for constructing composite indicators: namely, the maximizing deviations method, the weighted least‐square (WLD) deviation from the mean method, the WLD deviation from the ideal method, and the WLD dissimilarity method. The main advantages of these methods are that they have analytical solutions. Thus, there is no need to solve the underlying programming problem for each application. They also result in common (but not necessarily equal) weights that allow complete comparison and ranking. We explore the potential of the suggested weighting method by using it to re‐estimate the Sustainable Energy Index and the Sustainable Development Goal 7 composite indicator.
Adding mini meals to a nasogastric refeeding protocol for patients with eating disorders can be achieved on general hospital wards
Authors: Morgan Kate , Cutmore Clare , Matthews‐Rensch Kylie
Published: March 2023

Background

Treatment of medically compromised patients with eating disorders is difficult in general hospital wards. There is currently no consensus on the best feeding method; however, previous research has demonstrated the safety of using enteral feeding. Because an oral diet has benefits on psychological and behavioural pathways, concurrent feeding requires further investigation. The present study aimed to examine acceptability and safety of implementing mini meals to a previously nil‐by‐mouth 7‐day enteral feeding protocol.

Methods

This was mixed methods research including a retrospective observational study and participant survey. Patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Australia, between July 2020 and March 2021 were eligible. Eligible participants were provided mini meals from day 5. Type and quantity of meals consumed alongside clinical incident data were collected. The survey examined acceptability of mini meals. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret findings. Content analyses were conducted on survey responses.

Results

Sixty‐four participants (95%, n = 57/60 female, 25.2 ± 8.9 years; 75%, n = 45/60 diagnosed with anorexia nervosa) were included. At least half of the participants consumed some or all of the mini meals at each meal period. No clinical incidents were reported. Twenty‐six (50%, n = 26/52) surveys were returned. Half (54%, n = 14/26) agreed‐strongly agreed that mini meals improved their experience. Eleven participants desired more choice in menu items.

Conclusions

The present study found that introducing mini meals into an enteral feeding protocol is acceptable and safe for patients with eating disorders. Participants reported benefits in returning to eating; however, some items on the menu require reconsideration to enable increased consumption.
Liquidity Provision and Financial Stability
Authors: CHEN WILLIAM , PHELAN GREGORY
Published: March 2023

When financial intermediaries' key characteristic is provision of liquidity through their liabilities, with financial frictions, the financial sector in the aggregate is likely to overaccumulate equity, thus decreasing liquidity provision and household welfare. Aggregate household welfare is therefore decreasing in the level of aggregate intermediary equity even though the individual value of intermediaries is increasing in equity, which is why intermediaries overaccumulate equity. Subsidizing intermediary dividends can improve welfare by encouraging earlier payout and decreasing aggregate equity in the financial sector. This policy increases the likelihood that intermediaries provide more liquidity and improves the stability of the economy, even though asset prices fall.
Adiponectin levels in captive Owl Monkeys (Aotus sp.)
Authors: Teixeira André Luis de Souza , da Silva Welington Bandeira , de Gouvêa Liana Villela , de Souza Guilherme Nunes , Almosny Nádia Regina Pereira , de Alencar Nayro Xavier
Published: March 2023

The mean serum value of adiponectin in captive Aotus sp. is 541.99 ng/mL ± 73.05. There is no influence of sex or age, but there is a moderate positive correlation between body weight and adiponectin levels in males.
Effectiveness of respiratory rehabilitation in patients with COVID‐19: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ashra Fauzi , Jen Hsiu‐Ju , Liu Doresses , Lee Tso‐Ying , Pien Li‐Chung , Chen Ruey , Lin Hui‐Chen , Chou Kuei‐Ru
Published: March 2023

Aim

Examine effectiveness of respiratory rehabilitation and moderating factors on lung function and exercise capacity in post‐COVID‐19 patients.

Design

Meta‐analysis.

Methods

R software 4.0.2 assessed the effectiveness of respiratory rehabilitation adopting the random‐effects model and presenting standardised mean differences (SMDs). Heterogeneity was determined by Cochran's Q and I2. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 and MINORS evaluated quality of the included studies.

Data Sources

A comprehensive search was undertaken in Cochrane, Embase, Ovid‐MEDLINE, Scopus, NCBI SARS‐CoV‐2 Resources, ProQuest, Web of Science and CINAHL until March 2022.

Results

Of the 5703 identified studies, 12 articles with 596 post‐COVID‐19 patients were included. Eleven of our twelve studies had moderate to high quality and one study had high risk of bias assessed with MINORS and RoB 2 tool. Overall, respiratory rehabilitation was effective in improving forced expiratory volume in 1 s (1.14; 95%CI 0.39–1.18), forced vital capacity (0.98; 95%CI 0.39–1.56), total lung capacity (0.83; 95%CI 0.22–1.44), 6‐minute walk distance (1.56; 95%CI 1.10–2.02) and quality of life (0.99; 95%CI 0.38–1.60). However, no significant differences were observed for ratio of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s to the forced vital capacity of the lungs, anxiety and depression. Respiratory rehabilitation for post‐COVID‐19 patients was effective in those without comorbidities, performed four types of exercise programs, frequency ≥3 times/week and rehabilitation time 6 weeks.

Conclusions

Respiratory rehabilitation improved lung function, exercise capacity and quality of life in post‐COVID‐19 patients. The findings suggest rehabilitation programs for post‐COVID‐19 patients should use multiple respiratory exercise programs with frequency of ≥3 times per week for longer than 6 weeks.

Impact

These findings will help improve the implementation of respiratory rehabilitation programs for post‐COVID‐19 patients.

Implications for the profession

Our findings can be used to develop patient‐centred respiratory rehabilitation interventions by nurses and clinicians for post‐COVID‐19 patients.

Reporting Method

PRISMA guideline was followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Integrating Factor Models
Authors: AVRAMOV DORON , CHENG SI , METZKER LIOR , VOIGT STEFAN
Published: March 2023

This paper develops a comprehensive framework to address uncertainty about the correct factor model. Asset pricing inferences draw on a composite model that integrates over competing factor models weighted by posterior probabilities. Evidence shows that unconditional models record near‐zero probabilities, while postearnings announcement drift, quality‐minus‐junk, and intermediary capital are potent factors in conditional asset pricing. Out‐of‐sample, the integrated model performs well, tilting away from subsequently underperforming factors. Model uncertainty makes equities appear considerably riskier, while model disagreement about expected returns spikes during crash episodes. Disagreement spans all return components involving mispricing, factor loadings, and risk premia.
Telemonitoring‐guided ambulatory fixed CPAP titration versus ambulatory APAP titration in moderate obstructive sleep apnea: A non‐inferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: Testelmans D. , Papadopoulos D. , Kalkanis A. , Jacobs A. , Van Hende F. , Vandebotermet M. , Belge C. , Buyse B.
Published: March 2023

The present study aimed to evaluate whether titration of fixed continuous positive airway pressure at home using telemonitoring produces patient outcomes equal to auto‐adjusting positive airway pressure titration at home for patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Patients were randomized with a 1:1 allocation ratio to receive either auto‐adjusting positive airway pressure titration based on the median of the 95th percentile pressure across seven nights or fixed continuous positive airway pressure titration based on a fixed calculated pressure and specific adaptations after telemonitoring of device data after 3 and 7 nights. The results of the ambulatory titration were evaluated with in‐laboratory polysomnography after 2 weeks. We hypothesized that fixed continuous positive airway pressure titration would be non‐inferior to auto‐adjusting positive airway pressure titration in respect to continuous positive airway pressure adherence at a 3‐month follow‐up. A non‐inferiority margin of −0.75 hr was prespecified. One‐hundred and four patients were randomly allocated to fixed continuous positive airway pressure (n = 52) and auto‐adjusting positive airway pressure (n = 52) titration. The mean difference and the 95% confidence intervals in continuous positive airway pressure adherence after 3 months between the two arms were 0.80 (−0.08, 1.69) hr. The non‐inferiority hypothesis was confirmed as the lower one‐sided 97.5% confidence interval for the mean difference was above the prespecified margin. Patients in the fixed continuous positive airway pressure titration arm were titrated at significantly lower pressure level and had a significantly lower amount of average leaks compared with auto‐adjusting positive airway pressure‐titrated patients, while there was no difference in residual obstructive apnea–hypopnea index on polysomnography. Telemonitoring enables ambulatory continuous positive airway pressure titration with fixed pressure that is non‐inferior to ambulatory titration with auto‐adjusting pressure in patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Genome‐wide comparative analysis between Cranoglanis bouderius and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus: Reveal the genes related to resistance to low‐temperature stress
Authors: Xie Shaolin , Wang Dongjie , Hu Yun , Wang Qiujie , Zuo Zhiheng , Ye Bin , Lu Liang , Zhou Aiguo , Zou Jixing
Published: March 2023

Previous studies have indicated that Cranoglanis bouderius and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus clustered into a sister group. However, there was a significant difference in their minimum tolerated temperatures. To reveal the temperature adaptation‐related genes, a genome‐wide comparative analysis was performed. First, a chromosome‐level draft genome of C. bouderius was constructed in this study. The genome assembly was 999.18 Mb in size with a contig N50 of 20.47 Mb. Then, an additional 118.98 Gb of Hi‐C data was applied to assemble contigs into scaffolds and 910.59 Mb was anchored and orientated onto 38 chromosomes of C. bouderius. A total of 24,165 protein‐coding genes were predicted from the genome with 22,920 (94.84%) genes functionally annotated. Genome‐wide comparative analysis revealed that the genes related to resistance to low‐temperature stress were mainly enriched into the gene ontology (GO) terms associated with mitochondrial fusion and calcium ion transport. Further, the low‐temperature stress test on the C. bouderius and P. hypophthalmus also revealed that the C. bouderius can better control the homeostasis of calcium ions in cells than P. hypophthalmus, and then better maintain the dynamic changes of mitochondrial fusion and fission in cells, thereby resisting cell damage caused by low‐temperature stress.
A transcription factor of the NAC family regulates nitrate‐induced legume nodule senescence
Authors: Wang Longlong , Tian Tao , Liang Jianjun , Li Runhui , Xin Xian , Qi Yongmei , Zhou Yumiao , Fan Qiuling , Ning Guogui , Becana Manuel , Duanmu Deqiang
Published: March 2023

Legumes establish symbioses with rhizobia by forming nitrogen‐fixing nodules. Nitrate is a major environmental factor that affects symbiotic functioning. However, the molecular mechanism of nitrate‐induced nodule senescence is poorly understood.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals an NAC‐type transcription factor in Lotus japonicus, LjNAC094, that acts as a positive regulator in nitrate‐induced nodule senescence. Stable overexpression and mutant lines of NAC094 were constructed and used for phenotypic characterization. DNA‐affinity purification sequencing was performed to identify NAC094 targeting genes and results were confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift and transactivation assays.

Overexpression of NAC094 induces premature nodule senescence. Knocking out NAC094 partially relieves nitrate‐induced degradation of leghemoglobins and abolishes nodule expression of senescence‐associated genes (SAGs) that contain a conserved binding motif for NAC094. Nitrate‐triggered metabolic changes in wild‐type nodules are largely affected in nac094 mutant nodules. Induction of NAC094 and its targeting SAGs was almost blocked in the nitrate‐insensitive nlp1, nlp4, and nlp1 nlp4 mutants.

We conclude that NAC094 functions downstream of NLP1 and NLP4 by regulating nitrate‐induced expression of SAGs. Our study fills in a key gap between nitrate and the execution of nodule senescence, and provides a potential strategy to improve nitrogen fixation and stress tolerance of legumes.
Development and evaluation of cardiac implantable electronic devices knowledge scale
Authors: Erunal Merve , Mert Hatice
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) need specific education to successfully adapt to life with new devices in their bodies. This requires specifically‐tailored training processes. To determine the educational requirements, robust measurement tools are essential; however, a literature review revealed that no reliable and valid knowledge scale currently exists for patients with CIEDs.

Objective

The study was conducted to develop and test the psychometric properties of the scale for measuring the knowledge of patients with CIEDs.

Methods

The cross‐sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 150 patients with CIEDs. Data were collected with a specially‐developed cardiac implantable electronic devices knowledge (CIEDsK) Scale consisting of 14 questions. To determine the reliability of the scale, the following tests were performed: Kuder Richardson‐20 reliability coefficient, intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis, and corrected item‐total scale correlation analyses. The content validity, predictive validity, and item discrimination index were examined to evaluate the validity of the scale.

Results

The Kuder Richardson‐20 reliability coefficient indicated very good internal consistency (.92). ICC was .92, demonstrating excellent reliability. Four questions were removed after failing to meet the inclusion criteria for the content validity index (<0.70), the discrimination index (<0.10), and item‐total correlation (<0.20). Predictive validity analyses showed that the following were effective in predicting the total score: age, income status, implantation length, and informed by a healthcare professional, however, education level was not. After all analyses, 10 multiple‐choice questions remained in the final scale about living with CIEDs.

Conclusion

The study showed that the CIEDsK scale is valid and reliable for measuring the knowledge of patients with CIEDs in daily practice. Thus, patient‐tailored education sessions can be designed according to the knowledge level of the patients determined.
Progeny testing of maize (Zea mays) genotypes for grain yield and yield components, Striga resistance and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae compatibility
Authors: Lobulu John , Shimelis Hussein , Laing Mark D. , Mushongi Arnold Angelo , Shayanowako Admire I. T.
Published: March 2023

Maize cultivars with resistance to Striga spp. and compatible to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae (FOS) are an economical, sustainable and environmentally Striga control option. This study's objective was to determine the type and magnitude of gene action controlling grain yield and yield‐related components, Striga resistance, FOS compatibility and to select promising maize genotypes for an integrated Striga management approach. Ninety‐nine experimental hybrids, generated by a North Carolina mating design II, were evaluated with and without FOS treatment at three Striga‐infested sites in western Tanzania. The general (GCA), and specific combining ability (SCA) effects were significant (P < .05) for all the assessed traits with and without FOS except, Striga damage ratings eight (SDR8), and 10 (SDR10) weeks after planting with FOS treatment. FOS‐treated progenies had fewer emerged Striga plants than untreated controls. Parental genotypes such as SITUKA M1, TZA4010, TZA4016, TZA4203, JL01, JL05, JL13 and JL17 showed negative GCA effects for all Striga parameters and positive GCA effects for grain yield. The new progenies and selected parents are recommended for Striga resistance breeding.
Perceptions of pediatric deceased donor consent: A survey of organ procurement organizations
Authors: Chapman Gretchen B. , Butler Alison , Lanyon Mandy , Godown Justin , Lebovitz Daniel J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Children awaiting transplantation face a high risk of waitlist mortality due to a shortage of pediatric organ donors. Pediatric donation consent rates vary across Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs), suggesting that some OPOs might utilize more effective pediatric‐focused donor recruitment techniques than others. An online survey of 193 donation requestor staff sheds light on the strategies that OPO staff utilize when approaching potential pediatric deceased organ donors.

Methods

In collaboration with the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations, the research team contacted the executive directors and medical directors of all 57 of the OPOs in the US. Of these, 51 OPOs agreed to participate, and 47 provided contact information for donation requestor staff. Of the 379 staff invited to participate in the survey, 193 provided complete responses.

Results

Respondents indicated more comfort approaching adult donors than pediatric donors, and they endorsed approach techniques that were interpersonal and emotional rather than professional and informative. Respondents were accurate in their perceptions about which donor characteristics are associated with consent. However, respondents from OPOs with high consent rates (according to data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients), and those from OPOs with low consent rates were very similar in terms of demographics, training, experience, and reported techniques.

Conclusions

Additional research is needed to better determine why some OPOs have higher consent rates than others and whether the factors that lead to high consent rates in high‐performing OPOs can be successful when implemented by lower‐performing OPOs.
Material Testing 2.0: A brief review
Authors: Pierron Fabrice
Published: March 2023

With the advent of camera‐based full‐field measurement techniques such as digital image correlation (DIC), researchers have been trying to exploit such rich data sets through the use of more complex test configurations than the standard ones (uniaxial tension/compression, bending etc.). This new paradigm in mechanical testing of materials has recently been christened ‘Material Testing 2.0’. This paper provides a brief overview of this field, which is currently seeing a large increase in research effort.
Skill substitutability, trade with China and college wage premium in Korea
Authors: Han Jong‐Suk , Lee Jong‐Wha , Song Eunbi
Published: March 2023

This study explores the major driving forces behind the dynamic pattern of the college wage premium in Korea since the 1980s, using the demand and supply framework. We find that movements in the college wage premium are mainly explained by expansion of the relative supply of college graduates and an increase in the relative demand for high‐skilled labour due to trade with China. We also find that the substitutability in Korea between college and non‐college‐educated workers is higher, with an elasticity of approximately 3.5–4.1 than that in advanced economies. The counterfactual analyses demonstrate that with a lower substitution elasticity or smaller trade volume with China, Korea might have witnessed a sharp decline in the college wage premium.
Geopolitical competition, globalisation and WTO reform
Authors: Hoekman Bernard M. , Mavroidis Petros C. , Nelson Douglas R.
Published: March 2023

This paper discusses options to manage spillovers of unilateral trade policies motivated by national security and other non‐economic objectives on global trade and investment. Within the WTO framework, we argue a ‘specific trade concern’ mechanism is likely to be more effective than dispute settlement to address national security‐motivated trade intervention. More broadly, we propose creation of a platform for governments, supported by relevant international organisations, to enhance transparency and assess the effectiveness and magnitude of the spillover effects of trade/related policies of systemic import. This would serve to help identify efficient instruments to achieve economic and non‐economic goals and inform WTO reform discussions on subsidies and discriminatory trade policies. Plurilateral cooperation among like‐minded nations offers a pragmatic pathway to address spillover effects of policies to achieve security and other non‐economic objectives but requires a stronger governance framework to ensure consistency with an open multilateral trading system.
THE MACHINE IN THE GHOST: TRANSHUMANISM AND THE ONTOLOGY OF INFORMATION
Authors: Burdett Michael , Leung King‐Ho
Published: March 2023

An ontology of information belies our common intuitions about reality today and animates and governs both explicit scholarly study in philosophy and the sciences as well as the ideologies that are growing out of them. Transhumanism is one such technoscientific ideology that holds to a very specific ontology of information which need not be the only one on offer. This article argues that the transhumanist ontology of information exhibits gnostic and docetic religious overtones in it and that it devalues physical existence. At the same time, despite claiming a rejection of supernature, hypothetical transhumanist practices (such as mind‐uploading) posit the infosphere as a kind of supernatural realm that is often set in opposition to the natural world. This article presents a critique of transhumanist conceptions of information and offers an alternative ontology of information that more adequately accounts for the distinction between the natural and supernatural as well as the integrity of the physical world.
Graphs with positive spectrum
Authors: Hua Bobo , Lu Zhiqin
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we prove sharp decay estimates of nonnegative generalized subharmonic functions on graphs with positive Laplacian spectrum, which extends the result by Li and Wang (J. Differential Geom. 58 (2001) 501–534) on Riemannian manifolds.
Porto Primavera Ichnofossil Geosite, Brazil: Geoconservation Measures in a Protected Area
Authors: Fernandes Luiz Alberto , Sedor Fernando Antonio , Da Silva Rafael Costa , Azevedo Adalberto Aurélio , Da Silva Luiz Roberto , Gesicki Ana Lúcia , Yamamoto Irma Tie , Iyomasa Wilson Shoji
Published: March 2023

Porto Primavera geosite comprises aeolian sandstones with tetrapod trace fossil cropping out at the Porto Primavera Hydroelectric Power Plant, São Paulo State, Brazil. The Upper Cretaceous Rio Paraná Formation, which contains these tracks, is composed of medium–fine quartzarenites well- sorted and supermature, with typically large tabular/trough cross-bedding.  They accumulated in complexes of large barchanoid dunes, moved by winds to the south-west. The Porto Primavera association consists of tracks of theropod dinosaurs and small mammals preserved in concave epirelief. These rare records in aeolian desert environments from the Late Cretaceous of Brazil indicate that even the interior Caiuá desert was occupied by organisms. The study focused on the characterization of the ichnofossils, assessing their susceptibility to degradation by natural and anthropogenic  processes, and proposing measures to manage the geosite. Because the risk of degradation of the geosite is high, it is proposed that prior to their  removal the slabs should be replaced with synthetic resin replicas made using silicone rubber moulds. The sense of disconnection between the objects and their natural geological context could be addressed by depositing the objects near the geosite in the Museum of Regional Memory.  The geosite is indicated as a new holostratotype to the Rio Paraná Formation.
Ontogenetic development and redescription of Neonidulus falsicornus (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: He Hu-Die , Pan Xiao-Juan , Zhang Zhi-Qiang , Yi Tian-Ci
Published: March 2023

Neonidulus falsicornus (Zhang & Martin) is redescribed based on six females, three males, two deutonymphs, two protonymphs and four larvae from New Zealand. We also discussed its ontogenetic development, especially those of leg chaetotaxy.
Three new species of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) from an apple orchard in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Cheng-Lin , Chen Yan-Nan , Liang Cheng , Chen Jun
Published: March 2023

Three new species of oribatid mites—Epilohmannia (Neoepilohmannia) jacoti Liu & Chen sp. nov. (Epilohmanniidae), Masthermannia varisetiger Liu & Chen sp. nov. (Nanhermanniidae) and Oribatula wangae Liu & Chen sp. nov. (Oribatulidae)—are described and illustrated, based on materials collected from an apple orchard in Beijing, China.
The Relationship and Effect Among Physical Literacy Attributes in University Physical Education During the Pandemic Quarantine Period
Authors: Choi Siu Ming , Sum Raymond Kim Wai , Leung Elean Fung Lin , Sit Cindy
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This prospective cohort study investigated the impact of online and hybrid teaching of university-required physical education on students’ physical literacy-related correlates. To avoid the widespread pandemic, the university decided to offer courses online through video conferencing or via a hybrid mode. When compared with face-to-face instruction, these formats may intensely affect students’ physical literacy journey during early adulthood. Methods: A group of 1,738 students (42% males and 58% females) aged 18.52 (±1.29) responded to a three-phase online survey in various courses. Results: The structural equation modeling determined that motivation and physical activity levels were negatively related to physical competence and knowledge and understanding. Further repeated-measure analyses recognized the interaction effect of amotivation. Results indicated that participants in the online teaching mode may experience a learning predicament over those in the hybrid one. Conclusion: Practically, the physical literacy teaching strategies in nurturing motivation and physical competence should be reinforced.
“Can You Work With Athletes as a Female?”: Career Experiences of Female Sport Psychology Practitioners
Authors: Curvey Rena M.G. , White Shannon C. , Hargons Candice N. , Englis Myles T. , Jensen Katherine C. , Bosco Marissa K. , Thompson Mikaela E. , Leavens Samantha , Murphy Emily A.
Published: March 2023

The heteropatriarchal ideology undergirding sport has been recognized as a root cause of gender biases across multiple domains. Gender bias persists, although there is a growing number of female sport psychology practitioners entering the field. As such, continued exploration of the impact gender biases and stereotypes has on women’s career experiences remains necessary. Utilizing a feminist standpoint framework, the purpose of this research was to explore the career experiences of female sport psychology practitioners, centering the role of sexism. Seventeen cisgender female sport psychology practitioners participated in semistructured interviews from May 2021 to July 2021. Participants’ ages ranged from 24 to 46 years, with a mean age of 33.2 years, and years of applied experience ranged from 2 to 21 years, with a mean of 7.4 years. Reflective thematic analysis revealed five themes: (a) perceived lack of credibility, (b) compensation disparities, (c) sexist attitudes, (d) pregnancy and parenthood, and (e) advocating for self and others. Participants’ experiences suggest female sport psychology practitioners are confronted with blatant sexism in the workplace that poses professional challenges and career obstacles they have resiliently navigated. This study contributes to the growing body of literature pertaining to women in sport by purposefully exploring the juncture of gender with other identity factors (e.g., age, sexual orientation, and credibility).
Breast tumors interfere with endothelial TRAIL at the premetastatic niche to promote cancer cell seeding
Authors: Riera-Domingo Carla , Leite-Gomes Eduarda , Charatsidou Iris , Zhao Peihua , Carrá Giovanna , Cappellesso Federica , Mourao Larissa , De Schepper Maxim , Liu Dana , Serneels Jens , Alameh Mohamad-Gabriel , Shuvaev Vladimir V. , Geukens Tatjana , Isnaldi Edoardo , Prenen Hans , Weissman Drew , Muzykantov Vladimir R. , Soenen Stefaan , Desmedt Christine , Scheele Colinda L. G. J. , Sablina Anna , Di Matteo Mario , Martín-Pérez Rosa , Mazzone Massimiliano
Published: March 2023

Endothelial cells (ECs) grant access of disseminated cancer cells to distant organs. However, the molecular players regulating the activation of quiescent ECs at the premetastatic niche (PMN) remain elusive. Here, we find that ECs at the PMN coexpress tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its cognate death receptor 5 (DR5). Unexpectedly, endothelial TRAIL interacts intracellularly with DR5 to prevent its signaling and preserve a quiescent vascular phenotype. In absence of endothelial TRAIL, DR5 activation induces EC death and nuclear factor κB/p38–dependent EC stickiness, compromising vascular integrity and promoting myeloid cell infiltration, breast cancer cell adhesion, and metastasis. Consistently, both down-regulation of endothelial TRAIL at the PMN by proangiogenic tumor-secreted factors and the presence of the endogenous TRAIL inhibitors decoy receptor 1 (DcR1) and DcR2 favor metastasis. This study discloses an intracrine mechanism whereby TRAIL blocks DR5 signaling in quiescent endothelia, acting as gatekeeper of the vascular barrier that is corrupted by the tumor during cancer cell dissemination.
Synthesis of an aqueous, air-stable, superconducting 1T′-WS
2
monolayer ink
Authors: Song Xiaoyu , Singha Ratnadwip , Cheng Guangming , Yeh Yao-Wen , Kamm Franziska , Khoury Jason F. , Hoff Brianna L. , Stiles Joseph W. , Pielnhofer Florian , Batson Philip E. , Yao Nan , Schoop Leslie M.
Published: March 2023

Liquid-phase chemical exfoliation can achieve industry-scale production of two-dimensional (2D) materials for a wide range of applications. However, many 2D materials with potential applications in quantum technologies often fail to leave the laboratory setting because of their air sensitivity and depreciation of physical performance after chemical processing. We report a simple chemical exfoliation method to create a stable, aqueous, surfactant-free, superconducting ink containing phase-pure 1T′-WS
2
monolayers that are isostructural to the air-sensitive topological insulator 1T′-WTe
2
. The printed film is metallic at room temperature and superconducting below 7.3 kelvin, shows strong anisotropic unconventional superconducting behavior with an in-plane and out-of-plane upper critical magnetic field of 30.1 and 5.3 tesla, and is stable at ambient conditions for at least 30 days. Our results show that chemical processing can make nontrivial 2D materials that were formerly only studied in laboratories commercially accessible.
Identification of IgA autoantibodies targeting mesangial cells redefines the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy
Authors: Nihei Yoshihito , Haniuda Kei , Higashiyama Mizuki , Asami Shohei , Iwasaki Hiroyuki , Fukao Yusuke , Nakayama Maiko , Suzuki Hitoshi , Kikkawa Mika , Kazuno Saiko , Miura Yoshiki , Suzuki Yusuke , Kitamura Daisuke
Published: March 2023

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common type of primary glomerulonephritis, often progressing to renal failure. IgAN is triggered by IgA deposition in the glomerular mesangium by an undefined mechanism. Here, we show that grouped ddY (gddY) mice, a spontaneous IgAN model, produce serum IgA against mesangial antigens, including βII-spectrin. Most patients with IgAN also have serum anti–βII-spectrin IgA. As in patients with IgAN, IgA
+
plasmablasts accumulate in the kidneys of gddY mice. IgA antibodies cloned from the plasmablasts carry substantial V-region mutations and bind to βII-spectrin and the surface of mesangial cells. These IgAs recognize transfected and endogenous βII-spectrin exposed on the surface of embryonic kidney–derived cells. Last, we demonstrate that the cloned IgA can bind selectively to glomerular mesangial regions in situ. The identification of IgA autoantibody and its antigen in IgAN provides key insights into disease onset and redefines IgAN as a tissue-specific autoimmune disease.
Mechanisms of ultrafast GHz burst fs laser ablation
Authors: Park Minok , Gu Yueran , Mao Xianglei , Grigoropoulos Costas P. , Zorba Vassilia
Published: March 2023

Gigahertz (GHz) femtosecond (fs) lasers have opened possibilities for enhancing and controlling the laser machining quality to engineer the physicochemical properties of materials. However, fundamental understanding of laser-material interactions by GHz fs laser has remained unsolved due to the complexity of associated ablation dynamics. Here, we study the ablation dynamics of copper (Cu) by GHz fs bursts using in situ multimodal diagnostics, time-resolved scattering imaging, emission imaging, and emission spectroscopy. A combination of probing techniques reveals that GHz fs bursts rapidly remove molten Cu from the irradiated spot due to the recoil pressure exerted by following fs pulses. Material ejection essentially stops right after the burst irradiation due to the limited amount of remnant matter, combined with the suppressed heat conduction into the target material. Our work provides insights into the complex ablation mechanisms incurred by GHz fs bursts, which are critical in selecting optimal laser conditions in cross-cutting processing, micro/nano-fabrication, and spectroscopy applications.
A robotic honeycomb for interaction with a honeybee colony
Authors: Barmak Rafael , Stefanec Martin , Hofstadler Daniel N. , Piotet Louis , Schönwetter-Fuchs-Schistek Stefan , Mondada Francesco , Schmickl Thomas , Mills Rob
Published: March 2023

Robotic technologies have shown the capability to interact with living organisms and even to form integrated mixed societies composed of living and artificial agents. Biocompatible robots, incorporating sensing and actuation capable of generating and responding to relevant stimuli, can be a tool to study collective behaviors previously unattainable with traditional techniques. To investigate collective behaviors of the western honeybee (
Apis mellifera
), we designed a robotic system capable of observing and modulating the bee cluster using an array of thermal sensors and actuators. We initially integrated the system into a beehive populated with about 4000 bees for several months. The robotic system was able to observe the colony by continuously collecting spatiotemporal thermal profiles of the winter cluster. Furthermore, we found that our robotic device reliably modulated the superorganism’s response to dynamic thermal stimulation, influencing its spatiotemporal reorganization. In addition, after identifying the thermal collapse of a colony, we used the robotic system in a “life-support” mode via its thermal actuators. Ultimately, we demonstrated a robotic device capable of autonomous closed-loop interaction with a cluster comprising thousands of individual bees. Such biohybrid societies open the door to investigation of collective behaviors that necessitate observing and interacting with the animals within a complete social context, as well as for potential applications in augmenting the survivability of these pollinators crucial to our ecosystems and our food supply.
Antibody-mediated protection against symptomatic COVID-19 can be achieved at low serum neutralizing titers
Authors: Schmidt Pete , Narayan Kristin , Li Yong , Kaku Chengzi I. , Brown Michael E. , Champney Elizabeth , Geoghegan James C. , Vásquez Maximiliano , Krauland Eric M. , Yockachonis Thomas , Bai Shuangyi , Gunn Bronwyn M. , Cammarata Anthony , Rubino Christopher M. , Ambrose Paul , Walker Laura M.
Published: March 2023

Multiple studies of vaccinated and convalescent cohorts have demonstrated that serum neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers correlate with protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the induction of multiple layers of immunity after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure has complicated the establishment of nAbs as a mechanistic correlate of protection (CoP) and hindered the definition of a protective nAb threshold. Here, we show that a half-life–extended monoclonal antibody (adintrevimab) provides about 50% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 in SARS-CoV-2–naïve adults at serum nAb titers on the order of 1:30. Vaccine modeling results support a similar 50% protective nAb threshold, suggesting that low titers of serum nAbs protect in both passive antibody prophylaxis and vaccination settings. Extrapolation of adintrevimab pharmacokinetic data suggests that protection against susceptible variants could be maintained for about 3 years. The results provide a benchmark for the selection of next-generation vaccine candidates and support the use of broad, long-acting monoclonal antibodies as alternatives or supplements to vaccination in high-risk populations.
Evaluation of ESAT6-CFP10 Skin Test for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Infection among Persons Living with HIV in China
Authors: Lu Peng , Wu Kai , Zhou Hongxi , Yu Haibing , Yuan Ju , Dong Lang , Liu Qiao , Ding Xiaoyan , Lu Wei , Yang Haitao , Zhu Limei , Martinez Leonardo
Published: March 2023

Recent global guidelines recommend
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
antigen-based skin tests, such as the ESAT6-CFP10 (EC) skin test, as acceptable alternatives to the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT).
Additive Therapy of Plasmodium berghei-Induced Experimental Cerebral Malaria via Dihydroartemisinin Combined with Rapamycin and Atorvastatin
Authors: Song Xiaonan , Cheng Weijia , Zhu Huiyin , Li Yuting , Li Jian
Published: March 2023

Although artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have greatly improved the clinical outcome of cerebral malaria (CM) as a fatal disease that can permanently disable a significant proportion of children even if they survive, new treatment options are needed as
Plasmodium falciparum
develops resistance to antimalarial drugs. Recent reports suggest that basal treatment with artemisinin derivatives often fails to protect against cell death, neurological damage, and cognitive deficits.
On photons and matter inversion spheres from complex super-spinars accretion structures
Authors: Pugliese D. , Stuchlík Z.
Published: March 2023

Our analysis focus on the dragging effects on the accretion flows and jet emission in Kerr super-spinars. These attractors are characterized by peculiar accretion structures as double tori, or special dragged tori in the ergoregion, produced by the balance of the hydrodynamic and centrifugal forces and also effects of super-spinars repulsive gravity. We investigate the accretion flows, constituted by particles and photons, from toroids orbiting a central Kerr super-spinar. As results of our analysis, in both accretion and jet flows, properties characterizing these geometries, that constitute possible strong observational signatures or these attractors, are highlighted. We found that the flow is characterized by closed surfaces, defining inversion coronas (spherical shell), with null the particles flow toroidal velocity ($$u^{\phi }=0$$

u
ϕ

=
0

) embedding the central singularity. We proved that this region distinguishes proto-jets and accretion driven flows, co-rotating and counter-rotating flows. Therefore in both cases the flow carries information about the accretion structures around the central attractor, demonstrating that inversion points can constitute an observational aspect capable of distinguishing the super-spinars.
In vitro anti-tumoral activity of two versatile cationic porphyrins on melanoma cells
Authors: Castro Kelly A.D.F. , Biazzotto Juliana Cristina , Tomé João P.C. , da Silva Roberto S. , Lourenço Leandro M.O.
Published: March 2023

Porphyrin (Por) dyes are considered photoactive entities with potential properties to be applied as photosensitizers (PS) in cancer Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). The use of suitable units, like pyridinium ones, is an important strategy to add peripheral and non-peripheral positive charges in the Por structure, and in that way develop effective cationic PSs for melanoma treatments. In this context, free-base porphyrins bearing thiopyridinium (1) or methoxypyridinium (2) units were studied on melanoma cells, and their PDT effectiveness was studied and compared. The different charge positions of the cationic peripheral units on the Por macrocycle contribute differently to their PDT behavior. The obtained results demonstrate high in vitro PDT efficacy for both PSs. For the highest PS concentration tested (20 [Formula: see text]M) the photocytotoxicity reaches the detection limit of the MTT assay upon 201 seconds of blue light irradiation ([Formula: see text] = 405 ± 20 nm) at an irradiance of 24.9 mW/cm2, which corresponds to a light dose of 5 J/cm2. Interestingly, under the same experimental conditions, cationic Por 1 shows very interesting PDT results at lower concentrations of 1 to 10 [Formula: see text]M.