bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nudging, Bullshitting, and the Meta-Nudge
Authors: Gelfand Scott D.
Published: December 2022

In “Nudging, Bullshitting, and the Meta-Nudge”, the author responds to William Simkulet’s claim that nudging is bullshitting (according to Harry Frankfurt’s analysis of bullshit and bullshitting), and therefore nudging during the process of informed consent renders consent invalid. The author argues that nudging is not necessarily bullshitting and then explains that although this issue is philosophically interesting, practically speaking, even if nudging is bullshitting, it does not follow that nudging necessarily renders informed consent invalid. This is obviously true in those situations in which nudging during the process of informed consent is unavoidable. The author concludes with a discussion of the meta-nudge and suggests that physicians can use the meta-nudge to eliminate or decrease the power of inappropriate, problematic, or undesirable nudges.
Irish Whiteness and the Nineteenth-Century Construction of Race
Authors: O'Malley Patrick R.
Published: December 2022

Much Victorian Irish studies has followed the Americanist Noel Ignatiev's famous claim that the Irish “became white” upon migration to the United States, whereas they had not been in the context of the United Kingdom. This article argues, in contrast, that an emphasis on the undeniable racialization of Irish poverty and politics can distract us from an important truth: nineteenth-century Irish people, in Britain and Ireland as well as in the United States, were broadly understood as white, and “Celticness” was not in any serious or widespread way treated as equivalent to Blackness, although that did not stop some nineteenth-century Irish advocates from drawing that misleading analogy. Drawing upon cultural and anthropological work of the mid-nineteenth century, from Robert Knox, Thomas Carlyle, and John Mitchel to Charles Kingsley, Matthew Arnold, and the caricaturists ofPunchto Frederick Douglass, this article proposes that the implication that nineteenth-century Irishness was cognate to Blackness—or the Irish experience a version of the Black experience—represents the epistemological and ethical error that Frank B. Wilderson III has called “the ruse of analogy” that we must interrogate more critically lest we, in Wilderson's formulation, enact a “mystification, and often erasure, of Blackness's grammar of suffering.”
On trade-offs in bilingualism and moving beyond the Stacking the Deck fallacy
Authors: Leivada Evelina , Dentella Vittoria , Masullo Camilla , Rothman Jason
Published: December 2022

Despite a meteoric rise, results in the cognitive science of bilingualism present with significant inconsistency. In parallel, there is a striking absence of an ecologically valid theory within bilingualism research. How should one interpret the totality of available data that can pull in opposing directions? To proceed, we need to identify which practices impede progression. Hitherto, we bring to the fore an undiscussed practice, contextualizing how it impacts the ability to embed the available results into an overarching theory. We suggest that a stacking the deck fallacy – the tendency to engage differently with available evidence, directing focus to specific sub-samples – hampers theory formation. We put forth a proposal for making progress, building on the premise that what is lacking in the field is a unifying perspective that reconciles seemingly contradictory results. We suggest that the necessary shift of perspective towards progress crucially entails linking the notions of spectrum and trade-off.
NATURAL KIND SEMANTICS FOR A CLASSICAL ESSENTIALIST THEORY OF KINDS
Authors: BELASTEGUI JAVIER
Published: December 2022

The aim of this paper is to provide a complete Natural Kind Semantics for an Essentialist Theory of Kinds. The theory is formulated in two-sorted first order monadic modal logic with identity. The natural kind semantics is based on Rudolf Willes Theory of Concept Lattices. The semantics is then used to explain several consequences of the theory, including results about the specificity (species–genus) relations between kinds, the definitions of kinds in terms of genera and specific differences and the existence of negative kinds. First, I show under which conditions the Hierarchy principle, which has been subjected to counterexamples in the literature, holds. I also show that a different principle about the species–genus relations between kinds, namely Kant’s Law, follows from the essentialist theory. Second, I introduce two new operations for kinds and show that they can be used to provide traditional definitions of kinds in terms of genera and specific differences. Finally, I show that these operations of specific difference induce, for each kind, a uniquely specified contrary kind and a uniquely specified subcontrary kind, which can be used as semantic values for non-classical predicate negations of kind terms.
A New Radiotracer for Particulate Carbon Dynamics: Examination of 210Bi‐210Pb in Seawater
Authors: Yang Weifeng , Tian Jie , Chen Min , Zheng Minfang , Chen Mengya
Published: December 2022

210Bi (t1/2 = 5.01 d) is theoretically a radionuclide for tracing the particle cycle over a timescale of hours to days. However, it has been rarely investigated in marine environments due to its very short half‐life and low activity. Here, 210Bi and 210Pb were examined in the water column on the shelf/slope of the northern South China Sea (SCS), as well as their atmospheric deposition. In rainwater, the 210Bi/210Pb ratio averaged 0.54 ± 0.28, indicating the influence of atmospheric deposition on the disequilibrium between 210Bi and 210Pb in surface seawater. On the shelf, 210Bi/210Pb averaged 0.73 ± 0.10 in the euphotic zone and 1.25 ± 0.10 below, supporting a quick removal of 210Bi from the euphotic zone and regeneration in the twilight zone. On the slope, deficits in 210Bi (210Bi/210Pb of 0.81 ± 0.07) were also observed in the productive low euphotic zone. The concurrence of 210Bi deficits and higher particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations implied that POC largely dominates the deficit and excess of 210Bi. Based on a simple model, the removal fluxes of 210Bi at the euphotic base were 728 ± 73 dpm m−2 d−1 and 216 ± 89 dpm m−2 d−1 on the shelf and slope. The residence time of particulate 210Bi was 14 ± 2 d. The 210Bi‐derived export flux of POC was 1.7 ± 0.7 mmol‐C m−2 d−1 out of the euphotic zone over the slope. These results lay the foundation for 210Bi/210Pb to quantify the sinking and remineralization of particulate organic matter in coastal seas.
Toward Ocean Hindcasts in Earth System Models: AMOC Variability in a Partially Coupled Model at Eddying Resolution
Authors: Schulzki Tobias , Harlaß Jan , Schwarzkopf Franziska U. , Biastoch Arne
Published: December 2022

While forced ocean hindcast simulations are useful for a wide range of applications, a key limitation is their inability to simulate ocean‐atmosphere feedbacks. As a consequence, they need to rely on artificial choices such as sea surface salinity restoring and other corrections affecting the surface freshwater fluxes. Fully coupled models overcome these limitations, but lack the correct timing of variability due to weaker observational constraints. This leads to a mismatch between forced and coupled models on interannual to decadal timescales. A possibility to combine the advantages of both modeling strategies is to apply a partial coupling (PCPL), that is, replacing the surface winds stress in the ocean component by wind stress derived from reanalysis. To identify the capabilities, limitations and possible use cases of partial coupling, we perform a fully coupled, two partially coupled and an ocean‐only experiment using an all‐Atlantic nested ocean configuration at eddying resolution in a global climate model. We show that the correct timing of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) variability in PCPL experiments is robust on timescales below 5 years. Mid‐latitude wind stress curl changes contribute to decadal AMOC variability, but North Atlantic buoyancy fluxes are not significantly altered by incorporating reanalyzed wind stress anomalies, limiting the success of PCPL on this timescale. Long term trends of the AMOC in PCPL mode are consistent with fully coupled model experiments under historic atmospheric boundary conditions, suggesting that a partially coupled model is still able to simulate the important ocean‐atmosphere feedbacks necessary to maintain a stable AMOC.
Pill-Swallowing Training in Pediatric Psychology Practice: Applied Intervention to Promote Adherence to Oral Medication
Authors: Sexton Victoria , Czyzewski Danita , Cutitta Katherine , Self Mariella M.
Published: December 2022

Objective: Many pediatric treatment regimens require oral medications, rendering the ability to swallow pills is an essential skill for adherence and an important target for pediatric psychology intervention. This article sought to (a) review existing evidence for pill-swallowing interventions in pediatrics, (b) describe a pill-swallowing training intervention currently employed in a large, pediatric tertiary care hospital and utilized in diverse patients with a wide range of medical conditions, (c) report data from pill-swallowing intervention records from 2011 to 2020 to depict intervention outcomes in inpatient and outpatient settings, and (d) offer strategies for commonly encountered challenges. Methods: A topical review of the literature was conducted utilizing search terms “pill-swallowing training” and “pediatrics,” with filters applied for peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2022. Articles were selected with relevance to pill-swallowing protocols. Description of a pill-swallowing protocol utilizing shaping and modeling techniques is then presented, followed by outcome data gleaned through retrospective chart review. Variables related to implementation of this protocol in a tertiary care hospital with various medical conditions were examined. Illustrative case examples of pill-swallowing training with diverse patients in real-world pediatric psychology practice are also provided. Results: The study found 88% ( n = 246) of patients were able to learn to swallow a placebo pill. Further, 73% ( n = 179) of patients were able to learn to swallow a clinically useful placebo size. Conclusions: Pill-swallowing training is effective in teaching the majority of pediatric patients to swallow capsules in a short period of time.

Implications for Impact Statement

The inability to easily swallow pills can add stress to the management of pediatric illness, and potentially impact adherence to the medical regimen and/or limit the use of certain medications. Simple behavioral strategies can efficiently teach most children how to swallow pills.
Electronic Monitoring of Adherence in Clinical Care: Ethical and Practical Considerations
Authors: Rich Kristin Loiselle , Pai Ahna L. H. , Varnell Charles D. , Hooper David K. , Eckhardt Chad , Modi Avani C.
Published: December 2022

Objective: Adherence to prescribed medical regimens is a key behavior for managing disease burden and progression. Despite the importance of understanding a child’s adherence, many evidence-based assessment strategies have not been implemented into subspecialty clinical practice. The aim of this article was to highlight the potential ethical and regulatory challenges of using electronic monitoring (EM) of adherence in clinical care and offer practical solutions. Methods: Relevant ethical and legal standards were researched and summarized as applicable to EM of adherence. Results: Issues related to Human Relations, Privacy and Confidentiality, Record Keeping, and Assessment all apply to EM of adherence. Conclusions: Clinicians should be mindful and seek to proactively address issues related to informed consent, autonomy, privacy, and equity before starting an EM program of adherence. Multidisciplinary teams should thoroughly consider the ethical and legal aspects of implementing this form of adherence assessment into clinical practice.

Implications for Impact Statement

This topical review is the first to describe the practical implications of utilizing electronic monitoring of adherence in a clinical care setting with a multidisciplinary medical team. This is an important reference for any pediatric psychologist or practitioner who wants to be fully informed about the potential ethical and legal ramifications of using this technology with youth.
An Overview and Application of Evidence-Based Interventions to Improve Adherence to Positive Airway Pressure for the Treatment of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Levert Dominique , Maniaci Jon , Tapia Ignacio E. , Xanthopoulos Melissa S.
Published: December 2022

Objective: The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview of evidence-based strategies designed to promote adherence to and self-management of positive airway pressure (PAP) for the treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with an emphasis on those who are disproportionately impacted by OSAS. Methods: Utilized four recently published review articles and a book chapter, as well as a search of the literature since the most recent scoping review was published, to identify factors impacting pediatric adherence to PAP. Proposed conceptual models for self-management and adherence were also evaluated and strategies addressing factors within the context of these models were reviewed for application. Results: Evidence-based cognitive–behavioral strategies within a bio-socioecological framework and interdisciplinary team-based model are presented. A case study highlights the application of these interventions using an interdisciplinary coordinated care model, including clinical outcome data (e.g., objective adherence measures from the PAP device). Conclusions: Existing evidence supports a family-centered interdisciplinary approach to initiating PAP and supporting long-term PAP adherence for the treatment of pediatric OSAS. A bio-socioecological framework provides structure for assessment and flexibility in which interventions, such as education, cognitive–behavioral strategies, and social support, can be tailored to the unique needs of each child and family.

Implications for Impact Statement

Starting and regularly using positive airway pressure (PAP) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children is challenging due to an interplay of medical, developmental, behavioral, social, interpersonal, and technical factors. Assessment of these factors and identification of specific challenges for an individual child and their family can provide a framework in which evidence-based strategies can be applied to improve the initiation and long-term use of PAP. Education, cognitive–behavioral strategies, and social support provided by an interdisciplinary team can be tailored to the unique needs of each child and family to facilitate acceptance and long-term use of this efficacious treatment.
The prevalence of hypertension in paediatric Turner syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: McCarrison Sarah , Carr Aoife , Wong Sze Choong , Mason Avril
Published: December 2022

Cardiovascular related deaths account for over 40% of the excess mortality in Turner syndrome (TS). Hypertension, a modifiable risk factor for both aortic dilatation and dissection, is more commonly encountered in TS during childhood and adolescence. Treatment of hypertension is currently recommended beyond the age of 16 years in TS to help reduce the risk of aortic dissection. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hypertension in paediatric patients with TS and explore the associated methodologies of blood pressure evaluation reported in these studies. Three online databases were searched (Medline, Embase and Web of Science) for literature which reported a prevalence, or allowed calculation of prevalence, of hypertension in patients with TS who were 18 years of age or younger. Seventeen studies which met the primary eligibility criteria, with a total of 1948 patients, were included. The estimated pooled prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents with TS was 16% (95% CI: 8.9–24.6%). There was significant heterogeneity detected between the studies. The prevalence of hypertension in those studies which assessed 24-h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) was 21.1% (95% CI: 15.2–27.6%) compared those which used another method of blood pressure measurement which was 13.5% (95% CI: 5.2–24.4%). Given the impact of hypertension with long-term health outcomes and the reversibility of these same outcomes by addressing abnormal blood pressure, prompt and early diagnosis of hypertension in young girls with TS should be prioritised. We recommend the use of 24-h ABPM in screening for hypertension in the paediatric TS population.
Continuous Indexing of Fibrosis (CIF): improving the assessment and classification of MPN patients
Authors: Ryou Hosuk , Sirinukunwattana Korsuk , Aberdeen Alan , Grindstaff Gillian , Stolz Bernadette J. , Byrne Helen , Harrington Heather A. , Sousos Nikolaos , Godfrey Anna L. , Harrison Claire N. , Psaila Bethan , Mead Adam J. , Rees Gabrielle , Turner Gareth D. H. , Rittscher Jens , Royston Daniel
Published: December 2022

The grading of fibrosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) is an important component of disease classification, prognostication and monitoring. However, current fibrosis grading systems are only semi-quantitative and fail to fully capture sample heterogeneity. To improve the quantitation of reticulin fibrosis, we developed a machine learning approach using bone marrow trephine (BMT) samples (n = 107) from patients diagnosed with MPN or a reactive marrow. The resulting Continuous Indexing of Fibrosis (CIF) enhances the detection and monitoring of fibrosis within BMTs, and aids MPN subtyping. When combined with megakaryocyte feature analysis, CIF discriminates between the frequently challenging differential diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia (ET) and pre-fibrotic myelofibrosis with high predictive accuracy [area under the curve = 0.94]. CIF also shows promise in the identification of MPN patients at risk of disease progression; analysis of samples from 35 patients diagnosed with ET and enrolled in the Primary Thrombocythemia-1 trial identified features predictive of post-ET myelofibrosis (area under the curve = 0.77). In addition to these clinical applications, automated analysis of fibrosis has clear potential to further refine disease classification boundaries and inform future studies of the micro-environmental factors driving disease initiation and progression in MPN and other stem cell disorders.
Novel BCL11B truncation variant in a patient with developmental delay, distinctive features, and early craniosynostosis
Authors: Eto Kaoru , Machida Osamu , Yanagishita Tomoe , Shimojima Yamamoto Keiko , Chiba Kentaro , Aihara Yasuo , Hasegawa Yuuki , Nagata Miho , Ishihara Yasuki , Miyashita Yohei , Asano Yoshihiro , Nagata Satoru , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: December 2022

Intellectual developmental disorder with dysmorphic facies, speech delay, and T-cell abnormalities (MIM # 618092) is a congenital disorder derived from pathogenic variants of the B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 11B gene (BCL11B). Several variants have been reported to date. Here, through comprehensive genomic analysis, a novelBCL11Btruncation variant, NM_138576.4(BCL11B_v001): c.2439_2452dup [p.(His818Argfs*31)], was identified in a Japanese male patient with developmental delay, distinctive features, and early craniosynostosis.
The NOMAD Artificial-Intelligence Toolkit: turning materials-science data into knowledge and understanding
Authors: Sbailò Luigi , Fekete Ádám , Ghiringhelli Luca M. , Scheffler Matthias
Published: December 2022

We present the Novel-Materials-Discovery (NOMAD) Artificial-Intelligence (AI) Toolkit, a web-browser-based infrastructure for the interactive AI-based analysis of materials-science findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) data. The AI Toolkit readily operates on the FAIR data stored in the central server of the NOMAD Archive, the largest database of materials-science data worldwide, as well as locally stored, users’ owned data. The NOMAD Oasis, a local, stand-alone server can be also used to run the AI Toolkit. By using Jupyter notebooks that run in a web-browser, the NOMAD data can be queried and accessed; data mining, machine learning, and other AI techniques can be then applied to analyze them. This infrastructure brings the concept of reproducibility in materials science to the next level, by allowing researchers to share not only the data contributing to their scientific publications, but also all the developed methods and analytics tools. Besides reproducing published results, users of the NOMAD AI toolkit can modify the Jupyter notebooks toward their own research work.
Electrolysis in reduced gravitational environments: current research perspectives and future applications
Authors: Akay Ömer , Bashkatov Aleksandr , Coy Emerson , Eckert Kerstin , Einarsrud Kristian Etienne , Friedrich Andreas , Kimmel Benjamin , Loos Stefan , Mutschke Gerd , Röntzsch Lars , Symes Mark D. , Yang Xuegeng , Brinkert Katharina
Published: December 2022

Electrochemical energy conversion technologies play a crucial role in space missions, for example, in theEnvironmental Control and Life Support System(ECLSS) on theInternational Space Station(ISS). They are also vitally important for future long-term space travel for oxygen, fuel and chemical production, where a re-supply of resources from Earth is not possible. Here, we provide an overview of currently existing electrolytic energy conversion technologies for space applications such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline electrolyzer systems. We discuss the governing interfacial processes in these devices influenced by reduced gravitation and provide an outlook on future applications of electrolysis systems in, e.g., in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies. A perspective of computational modelling to predict the impact of the reduced gravitational environment on governing electrochemical processes is also discussed and experimental suggestions to better understand efficiency-impacting processes such as gas bubble formation and detachment in reduced gravitational environments are outlined.
Rare and declining bird species benefit most from designating protected areas for conservation in the UK
Authors: Barnes A. E. , Davies J. G. , Martay B. , Boersch-Supan P. H. , Harris S. J. , Noble D. G. , Pearce-Higgins J. W. , Robinson R. A.
Published: December 2022

There have been recent renewed commitments to increase the extent of protected areas to combat the growing biodiversity crisis but the underpinning evidence for their effectiveness is mixed and causal connections are rarely evaluated. We used data gathered by three large-scale citizen science programmes in the UK to provide the most comprehensive assessment to date of whether national (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and European (Special Protection Areas/Special Areas of Conservation) designated areas are associated with improved state (occurrence, abundance), change (rates of colonization, persistence and trend in abundance), community structure and, uniquely, demography (productivity) on a national avifauna, while controlling for differences in land cover, elevation and climate. We found positive associations with state that suggest these areas are well targeted and that the greatest benefit accrued to the most conservation-dependent species since positive associations with change were largely restricted to rare and declining species and habitat specialists. We suggest that increased productivity provides a plausible demographic mechanism for positive effects of designation.
Global apparent temperature sensitivity of terrestrial carbon turnover modulated by hydrometeorological factors
Authors: Fan Naixin , Reichstein Markus , Koirala Sujan , Ahrens Bernhard , Mahecha Miguel D. , Carvalhais Nuno
Published: December 2022

The ecosystem carbon turnover time—an emergent ecosystem property that partly determines the feedback between the terrestrial carbon cycle and climate—is strongly controlled by temperature. However, it remains uncertain to what extent hydrometeorological conditions may influence the apparent temperature sensitivity of τ, defined as the factor by which the carbon turnover time increases with a 10 °C rise in temperature (Q10). Here, we investigate the responses of the ecosystem carbon turnover to temperature and hydrometeorological factors using an ensemble of observation-based global datasets and a global compilation of in situ measurements. We find that temperature and hydrometeorology are almost equally important in shaping the spatial pattern of ecosystem carbon turnover, explaining 60 and 40% of the global variability, respectively. Accounting for hydrometeorological effects puts a strong constraint on Q10 values with a substantial reduction in magnitude and uncertainties, leading Q10 to converge to 1.6 ± 0.1 globally. These findings suggest that hydrometeorological conditions modulate the apparent temperature sensitivity of terrestrial carbon turnover times, confounding the role of temperature in quantifying the response of the carbon cycle to climate change.
Holocene ice-stream shutdown and drainage basin reconfiguration in northeast Greenland
Authors: Franke Steven , Bons Paul D. , Westhoff Julien , Weikusat Ilka , Binder Tobias , Streng Kyra , Steinhage Daniel , Helm Veit , Eisen Olaf , Paden John D. , Eagles Graeme , Jansen Daniela
Published: December 2022

Reliable knowledge of ice discharge dynamics for the Greenland ice sheet via its ice streams is essential if we are to understand its stability under future climate scenarios. Currently active ice streams in Greenland have been well mapped using remote-sensing data while past ice-stream paths in what are now deglaciated regions can be reconstructed from the landforms they left behind. However, little is known about possible former and now defunct ice streams in areas still covered by ice. Here we use radio-echo sounding data to decipher the regional ice-flow history of the northeastern Greenland ice sheet on the basis of its internal stratigraphy. By creating a three-dimensional reconstruction of time-equivalent horizons, we map folds deep below the surface that we then attribute to the deformation caused by now-extinct ice streams. We propose that locally this ancient ice-flow regime was much more focused and reached much farther inland than today’s and was deactivated when the main drainage system was reconfigured and relocated southwards. The insight that major ice streams in Greenland might start, shift or abruptly disappear will affect future approaches to understanding and modelling the response of Earth’s ice sheets to global warming.
Dendritic cells direct circadian anti-tumour immune responses
Authors: Wang Chen , Barnoud Coline , Cenerenti Mara , Sun Mengzhu , Caffa Irene , Kizil Burak , Bill Ruben , Liu Yuanlong , Pick Robert , Garnier Laure , Gkountidi Olga A. , Ince Louise M. , Holtkamp Stephan , Fournier Nadine , Michielin Olivier , Speiser Daniel E. , Hugues Stéphanie , Nencioni Alessio , Pittet Mikaël J. , Jandus Camilla , Scheiermann Christoph
Published: December 2022

The process of cancer immunosurveillance is a mechanism of tumour suppression that can protect the host from cancer development throughout its lifetime1,2. However, it is unknown whether the effectiveness of cancer immunosurveillance fluctuates over a single day. Here we demonstrate that the initial time of day of tumour engraftment dictates the ensuing tumour size across mouse cancer models. Using immunodeficient mice as well as mice lacking lineage-specific circadian functions, we show that dendritic cells (DCs) and CD8+ T cells exert circadian anti-tumour functions that control melanoma volume. Specifically, we find that rhythmic trafficking of DCs to the tumour draining lymph node governs a circadian response of tumour-antigen-specific CD8+ T cells that is dependent on the circadian expression of the co-stimulatory molecule CD80. As a consequence, cancer immunotherapy is more effective when synchronized with DC functions, shows circadian outcomes in mice and suggests similar effects in humans. These data demonstrate that the circadian rhythms of anti-tumour immune components are not only critical for controlling tumour size but can also be of therapeutic relevance.
Early-stage antibody kinetics after the third dose of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination measured by a point-of-care fingertip whole blood testing
Authors: Hagiya Hideharu , Nakano Yasuhiro , Furukawa Masanori , Sunada Naruhiko , Hasegawa Toru , Sakurada Yasue , Hasegawa Kou , Yamamoto Koichiro , Ogawa Hiroko , Obara Takafumi , Ageta Kouhei , Matsumoto Naomi , Matsuo Rumi , Kadowaki Tomoka , Higashikage Akihito , Hikita Takao , Yorifuji Takashi , Toyooka Shinichi , Maeda Yoshinobu , Yokokura Yoshinori , Otsuka Fumio , Nakayama Masanori
Published: December 2022

Amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, we aimed to demonstrate the accuracy of the fingertip whole blood sampling test (FWT) in measuring the antibody titer and uncovering its dynamics shortly after booster vaccination. Mokobio SARS-CoV-2 IgM & IgG Quantum Dot immunoassay (Mokobio Biotechnology R&D Center Inc., MD, USA) was used as a point-of-care FWT in 226 health care workers (HCWs) who had received two doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) at least 8 months prior. Each participant tested their antibody titers before and after the third-dose booster up to 14-days. The effect of the booster was observed as early as the fourth day after vaccination, which exceeded the detection limit (> 30,000 U/mL) by 2.3% on the fifth day, 12.2% on the sixth day, and 22.5% after the seventh day. Significant positive correlations were observed between the pre- and post-vaccination (the seventh and eighth days) antibody titers (correlation coefficient, 0.405; p < 0.001). FWT is useful for examining antibody titers as a point-of-care test. Rapid response of antibody titer started as early as the fourth day post-vaccination, while the presence of weak responders to BNT162b2 vaccine was indicated.
Transcriptome profiling of colorectal tumors from patients with sepsis reveals an ethnic basis for viral infection risk and sepsis progression
Authors: Glibetic Natalija , Shvetsov Yurii B. , Aan Femke J. , Peplowska Karolina , Hernandez Brenda Y. , Matter Michelle L.
Published: December 2022

Mortality from cancer-associated sepsis varies by cancer site and host responses to sepsis are heterogenous. Native Hawaiians have the highest mortality risk from cancer-associated sepsis and colorectal cancer (CRC), even though they demonstrate lower CRC incidence compared to other ethnicities. We conducted a retrospective transcriptomic analysis of CRC tumors and adjacent non-tumor tissue from adult patients of Native Hawaiian and Japanese ethnicity who died from cancer-associated sepsis. We examined differential gene expression in relation to patient survival and sepsis disease etiology. Native Hawaiian CRC patients diagnosed with sepsis had a median survival of 5 (IQR 4–49) months, compared to 117 (IQR 30–146) months for Japanese patients. Transcriptomic analyses identified two distinct sepsis gene signatures classified as early response and late response sepsis genes that were significantly altered in the Native Hawaiian cohort. Analysis of canonical pathways revealed significant up and downregulation in mechanisms of viral exit from host cells (p = 4.52E−04) and epithelial junction remodeling (p = 4.01E−05). Key genes including elongation initiation factor pathway genes, GSK3B, and regulatory associated protein of mTOR (RPTOR) genes that protect cells from infection were significantly downregulated in Native Hawaiians. Genes promoting sepsis progression including CLOCK, PPBP and Rho family GTPASE 2 (RND2) were upregulated in Native Hawaiian patients. Our transcriptomic approach advances understanding of sepsis heterogeneity by revealing a role of genetic background and defining patient subgroups with altered early and late biological responses to sepsis. This study is the first to investigate differential gene expression in CRC-associated sepsis patients in relation to ethnicity. Our findings may lead to personalized approaches in stratifying patient mortality risk for sepsis and in the development of effective targeted therapies for sepsis.
Exploration of the relationship between gut microbiota and fecal microRNAs in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Chen Hui-Mei , Chung Yu-Chu Ella , Chen Hsi-Chung , Liu Yen-Wenn , Chen I-Ming , Lu Mong-Liang , Hsiao Felix Shih-Hsiang , Chen Chun-Hsin , Huang Ming-Chyi , Shih Wei-Liang , Kuo Po-Hsiu
Published: December 2022

Microbiota-gut-brain axis signaling plays a pivotal role in mood disorders. The communication between the host and the gut microbiota may involve complex regulatory networks. Previous evidence showed that host-fecal microRNAs (miRNAs) interactions partly shaped gut microbiota composition. We hypothesized that some miRNAs are correlated with specific bacteria in the fecal samples in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and these miRNAs would show enrichment in pathways associated with MDD. MDD patients and healthy controls were recruited to collect fecal samples. We performed 16S ribosome RNA sequence using the Illumina MiSeq sequencers and analysis of 798 fecal miRNAs using the nCounter Human-v2 miRNA Panel in 20 subjects. We calculated the Spearman correlation coefficient for bacteria abundance and miRNA expressions, and analyzed the predicted miRNA pathways by enrichment analysis with false-discovery correction (FDR). A total of 270 genera and 798 miRNAs were detected in the fecal samples. Seven genera (Anaerostipes, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Collinsella, Dialister, and Roseburia) had fold changes greater than one and were present in over 90% of all fecal samples. In particular, Bacteroides and Dialister significantly differed between the MDD and control groups (p-value < 0.05). The correlation coefficients between the seven genera and miRNAs in patients with MDD showed 48 pairs of positive correlations and 36 negative correlations (p-value < 0.01). For miRNA predicted functions, there were 57 predicted pathways with a p-value < 0.001, including MDD-associated pathways, axon guidance, circadian rhythm, dopaminergic synapse, focal adhesion, long-term potentiation, and neurotrophin signaling pathway. In the current pilot study, our findings suggest specific genera highly correlated with the predicted miRNA functions, which might provide clues for the interaction between host factors and gut microbiota via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Follow-up studies with larger sample sizes and refined experimental design are essential to dissect the roles between gut microbiota and miRNAs for depression.
Kinetic arrest during the drying of cellulose nanocrystal films from aqueous suspensions analogous to the freezing of thermal motions
Authors: Chang Meng-Hsiang , Oh-e Masahito
Published: December 2022

A comprehensive understanding of controlling the iridescence of cellulose films by manipulating the alignment and helical pitch of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is required to advance cellulose photonics and its optoelectronic applications. Aqueous suspensions of CNCs exhibit a cholesteric liquid crystal (LC) phase with structural color; however, attaining a uniformly colored film is extremely difficult. Presumably, because multiple interrelated factors influence the CNC molecular alignment and helical pitch, existing models are not necessarily conclusive and remain a subject of debate. To eventually achieve homogeneously colored films, we compare aqueous CNC suspensions as a lyotropic liquid LC with thermotropic ones, and we spectroscopically confirm that the coloration of CNC droplets originates from the periodic CNC structure. The suspension drying process significantly influences the quality of iridescence of CNC films. Rapidly drying a droplet of a CNC suspension forms a concentric rainbow film, with red edges and a blue center, typical of the coffee-ring effect observed in air-dried films. By contrast, slow drying under controlled humidity, which reduces capillary flow, provides higher uniformity and a large blue area. Orbitally shaking films while drying under high humidity further improves the uniformity. Therefore, the evaporation rate significantly influences the thermodynamically stabilized helical pitch of CNCs, which determines the structural color. We qualitatively model the kinetic arrest induced by the rapid evaporation of lyotropic LCs in a manner equivalent to that induced by the rate of temperature change in thermotropic LCs and other materials.
Binucleated human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells can be formed during neural-like differentiation with independence of any cell fusion events
Authors: Bueno Carlos , Blanquer Miguel , García-Bernal David , Martínez Salvador , Moraleda José M.
Published: December 2022

Although it has been reported that bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) can transdifferentiate into neural cells, the findings are considered unlikely. It has been argued that the rapid neural transdifferentiation of BMDCs reported in culture studies is actually due to cytotoxic changes induced by the media. While transplantation studies indicated that BMDCs can form new neurons, it remains unclear whether the underlying mechanism is transdifferentiation or BMDCs-derived cell fusion with the existing neuronal cells. Cell fusion has been put forward to explain the presence of gene-marked binucleated neurons after gene-marked BMDCs transplantation. In the present study, we demostrated that human BMDCs can rapidly adopt a neural-like morphology through active neurite extension and binucleated human BMDCs can form with independence of any cell fusion events. We also showed that BMDCs neural-like differentiation involves the formation of intermediate cells which can then redifferentiate into neural-like cells, redifferentiate back to the mesenchymal fate or even repeatedly switch lineages without cell division. Furthermore, we have discovered that nuclei from intermediate cells rapidly move within the cell, adopting different morphologies and even forming binucleated cells. Therefore, our results provide a stronger basis for rejecting the idea that BMDCs neural transdifferentiation is merely an artefact.
Bone loss is ameliorated by fecal microbiota transplantation through SCFA/GPR41/ IGF1 pathway in sickle cell disease mice
Authors: Xiao Liping , Zhou Yanjiao , Bokoliya Suresh , Lin Qingqi , Hurley Marja
Published: December 2022

Bone loss is common in sickle cell disease (SCD), but the molecular mechanisms is unclear. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) was low in SCD subjects and SCD mice. To determine if decreased IGF1 associated with low bone mass in SCD is due to reduced SCFA production by gut microbiota, we performed reciprocal fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) between healthy control (Ctrl) and SCD mice. uCT and histomorphometry analysis of femur showed decreased bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), osteoblast surface/bone surface (Ob.S/BS), mineralizing surface/ bone surface (MS/BS), inter-label thickness (Ir.L.Th) in SCD mice were significantly improved after receiving Ctrl feces. Bone formation genes Alp, Col1, Runx2, and Dmp1 from SCD mice were significantly decreased and were rescued after FMT from Ctrl feces. Transplantation of Ctrl feces increased the butyrate, valerate, and propionate levels in cecal content of SCD mice. Decreased G-coupled protein receptors 41 and 43 (GPR41 and GPR43) mRNA in tibia and lower IGF1 in bone and serum of SCD mice were partially restored after FMT from Ctrl feces. These data indicate that the healthy gut microbiota of Ctrl mice is protective for SCD bone loss through regulating IGF1 in response to impaired bacterial metabolites SCFAs.
Cost-effective and green additives of pozzolanic material derived from the waste of alum sludge for successful replacement of portland cement
Authors: Mohamed O. A. , Farghali A. A. , Eessaa Ashraf K. , El-Shamy A. M.
Published: December 2022

The major objective of this study was to examine the viability of using 5, 10, or 15 mass% of Activated Alum Sludge waste (AAS) instead of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) as a pozzolanic ingredient in concrete. This fundamental inquiry framed the investigation and OPC-AAS-hardened composites were studied to see whether they may benefit from inexpensive nanocomposites in terms of improved physical properties, mechanical strength, and resistance to heat and flame. The investigation set out to see how inexpensive nanocomposite might be put to use and the nanoparticles of CuFe2O4spinel with an average size of less than 50 nm were successfully manufactured. Many different OPC-AAS-hardened composites benefit from the addition of CuFe2O4spinel, which increases the composites' resistance to fire and enhances their physicomechanical properties at roughly average curing ages. Synthesized CuFe2O4spinel was shown to have desirable characteristics by TGA/DTG and XRD. By using these methods, we were able to identify a broad variety of hydration yields, including C–S–Hs, C–A–S–Hs, C–F–S–Hs, and Cu–S–Hs, that enhance the physicomechanical properties and thermal resistivity of OPC-AAS-hardened composites as a whole. The composite material comprising 90% OPC, 10% AAS waste, and 2% CuFe2O4has several positive economic and environmental outcomes.
Diagnostic accuracy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in diagnosing infectious diseases: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhang Qiao , Dong Yong-Quan , Yin Jie , Qiu Yun-Qing
Published: December 2022

Many common pathogens are difficult or impossible to detect using conventional microbiological tests. However, the rapid and untargeted nature of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) appears to be a promising alternative. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence regarding the diagnostic accuracy of mNGS in patients with infectious diseases. An electronic literature search of Embase, PubMed and Scopus databases was performed. Quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Summary receiver operating characteristics (sROC) and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated; A random-effects model was used in cases of heterogeneity. A total of 20 papers were eligible for inclusion and synthesis. The sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic mNGS were 75% and 68%, respectively. The AUC from the SROC was 85%, corresponding to excellent performance. mNGS demonstrated satisfactory diagnostic performance for infections and yielded an overall detection rate superior to conventional methods.
Construction of rice supply chain supervision model driven by blockchain smart contract
Authors: Peng Xiangzhen , Zhang Xin , Wang Xiaoyi , Li Haisheng , Xu Jiping , Zhao Zhiyao
Published: December 2022

The outbreak of the COVID-19 and the Russia Ukraine war has had a great impact on the rice supply chain. Compared with other grain supply chains, rice supply chain has more complex structure and data. Using digital means to realize the dynamic supervision of rice supply chain is helpful to ensure the quality and safety of rice. This study aimed to build a dynamic supervision model suited to the circulation characteristics of the rice supply chain and implement contractualization, analysis, and verification. First, based on an analysis of key information in the supervision of the rice supply chain, we built a dynamic supervision model framework based on blockchain and smart contracts. Second, under the logical framework of a regulatory model, we custom designed three types of smart contracts: initialization smart contract, model-verification smart contract, and credit-evaluation smart contract. To implement the model, we combined an asymmetric encryption algorithm, virtual regret minimization algorithm, and multisource heterogeneous fusion algorithm. We then analyzed the feasibility of the algorithm and the model operation process. Finally, based on the dynamic supervision model and smart contract, a prototype system is designed for example verification. The results showed that the dynamic supervision model and prototype system could achieve the real-time management of the rice supply chain in terms of business information, hazard information, and personnel information. It could also achieve dynamic and credible supervision of the rice supply chain’s entire life cycle at the information level. This new research is to apply information technology to the digital management of grain supply chain. It can strengthen the digital supervision of the agricultural product industry.
Hyperenrichment of gold in pyrite induced by solid-state transportation
Authors: Xian Haiyang , He Hongping , Zhu Jianxi , Qiu Kunfeng , Li Yang , Yang Yiping , Xing Jieqi , Tan Wei , Tsuchiyama Akira , Yastake Masahiro , Enju Satomi , Miyake Akira , Zhu Runliang
Published: December 2022

The hyperenrichment of gold is critical for the formation of high-grade gold deposits in orogenic systems, where gold enrichment can reach several percent. However, many details on the nature of the hyperenrichment mechanism remain unclear. Here we show a “self-purification” model that could explain the hyperenrichment of gold from nanoparticles to veinlets in deformed pyrite. The three-dimensional spatial relationship and coexistence of gold nanoparticles and veinlets indicate a direct transformation from the former to the latter in solid-state. Theoretical evaluation reveals that this transformation involves a thermodynamically favorable self-purification process. We thus propose that deformation/thermo drives the transport of gold nanoparticles towards veinlets in pyrite through atomic diffusion. This deformation/thermo-driven model is applicable to any deformed nano-gold-bearing pyrite and explains how solid-state transport can effectively concentrate gold to a very high grade. Similar mechanisms may have broad implications in both ore-forming and beneficiation processes.
Zinc vacancy mediated electron–hole separation in ZnO nanorod arrays for high-sensitivity organic photoelectrochemical transistor aptasensor
Authors: Lai Jingjie , Ding Lijun , Fan Cunhao , Wei Jie , Qian Jing , Wang Kun
Published: December 2022

Schematic diagram of the response mechanism (A) and the construction (B) of the OPECT aptasensor.
High-performance Zn-ion batteries constructed byin situconversion of surface-oxidized vanadium nitride into Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O with oxygen defects
Authors: Li Di , Gao Ningze , Sheng Rui , Li Feng , Wang Lei , Gu Yuanxiang , Sun Yanhui
Published: December 2022

Surface-oxidized vanadium nitride transforms into Zn3V2O7(OH)2-based materials with oxygen defects by electrochemical conversion, which act as cathodes for high performance aqueous zinc ion batteries.
5-Formylcytosine weakens the G–C pair and imparts local conformational fluctuations to DNA duplexes
Authors: Jaisal Manjula , Sannapureddi Rajesh Kumar Reddy , Rana Arjun , Sathyamoorthy Bharathwaj
Published: December 2022

DNA epigenetic modification 5-formylcytosine (5fC) confers unique and specific conformational changes to duplex DNA.
Progress and perspective for conversion of plastic wastes into valuable chemicals
Authors: Zheng Kai , Wu Yang , Hu Zexun , Wang Shumin , Jiao Xingchen , Zhu Juncheng , Sun Yongfu , Xie Yi
Published: December 2022

We divide the up-to-date techniques into two categories: technologies executed under violent conditions and mild conditions, and we present a timely summary of the mechanism of bond cleavage in plastic waste to produce valuable chemicals.
Reactivities of cyclonickellated complexes with hydroxylamines: formation of κO-hydroxylamine and κN-imine adducts and a κO, κN-aminoxide derivative
Authors: Sarker Rajib K. , Mangin Loïc P. , Zargarian Davit
Published: December 2022

Reaction of nickellacyclic complexes with hydroxylamines (RCH2)2NOH generates κO-hydroxylamine and κN-imine adducts or a κO, κN-aminoxide derivative depending on the reaction solvent and the substituent R.