bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes towards Italian Mafias Scale (AIMS): development and validation
Authors: Schepisi Michael , Liuzza Marco Tullio , Frisanco Althea , Giannini Anna Maria , Aglioti Salvatore Maria
Published: October 2023

In two studies we aimed at developing the Attitude towards Italian Mafias Scale (AIMS). In study 1 (N = 292) we used an Exploratory Factor Analysis to reduce the number of the items and explore their latent constructs. In study 2 (N = 393) we performed a Confirmatory Factor Analysis on the resulting 18-item questionnaire, whose latent structure was best identified by a general factor Mafia Attitude and three specific factors related to Behaviors, Cognitions and Emotions-Cognitions towards mafias. Moreover, we showed that the AIMS has (i) discriminant validity compared to a measure of attitudes towards crime, (ii) predictive validity of donation behavior to an association against mafias, (iii) internal consistency, and (iv) invariance for people of the five deep-rooted mafia regions of Southern Italy and those from the rest of Italy. Finally, we observed a difference between the participants from the five deep-rooted mafia regions (i.e., Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Sicily) and the rest of Italy, with the former having surprisingly more negative attitudes towards mafias compared to the latter. The AIMS might help to reliably survey people’s sentiment towards Italian mafias and promote targeted and effective law-related education interventions.
Multiple mediation effect of coping styles and self-esteem in the relationship between spousal support and pregnancy stress of married immigrant pregnant women
Authors: Moon So-hyun , Kim Miok
Published: October 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify the total, direct, and indirect influence of spousal support on pregnancy stress among married immigrant pregnant women. The study aimed to determine the relative magnitudes of specific mediating effects of coping styles and self-esteem.

Method

A cross-sectional correlational survey was conducted in Gwangju with 206 married immigrant pregnant women. Data were collected from September 7 to November 7 in 2019. A self-report questionnaire was used to measure spousal support, pregnancy stress, coping styles, and self-esteem. The study employed a linear multiple regression analysis to examine the potential multi-mediating effects. The effect size was set at 0.15, the significance level at 0.05, and the power at 0.95. Through the analysis, the researchers explored the mediating mechanisms among the variables and identified the presence of multi-mediating effects.

Results

The effect sizes (b) and statistical significance (p) for the predictors were as follows: problem-focused coping (b = 0.13, p = 0.001), emotion-focused coping (b = 0.11, p = 0.004), and self-esteem (b = 0.10, p < 0.001). Emotion-focused coping (b = 0.26, p = 0.001) and self-esteem (b = −0.20, p = 0.035) had a significant impact on pregnancy stress. The total effect of spousal support on pregnancy stress was significant at −0.25 (p < 0.001), and the direct effect was also significant at −0.26 (p < 0.001). We observed significant mediating effects for emotion-focused coping and self-esteem.

Conclusions

As a result of this study, the self-esteem of married immigrant pregnant women can have a protective effect by preventing the aggravation of pregnancy stress in the relationship between spousal support and pregnancy stress. Meanwhile, the emotion-focused coping style can balance out the effect of self-esteem. Therefore, in order to alleviate the stress of pregnancy for women, it is necessary to provide intervention to help improve self-esteem with spousal support. In addition, nursing professionals should help them use appropriate coping styles.
Thinking from Fragility
Authors: Domínguez Rubio Fernando
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this article is to claim the need to re-imagine contemporary ethical and political vocabularies from a radical recognition of―and confrontation with― fragility. More specifically, this article seeks to highlight the importance of cultivating an awareness of those moments when bodies, objects, and the worlds we inhabit begin to crack and reveal their fragility; and the relevance of recovering these moments as spaces from which to open up alternative ways of thinking and imagining. On the one hand, this article will argue for the necessity of thinking from fragility, as an opportunity to rectify the arrogant refusal to think about limits that has characterized much of modern thought, which can be achieved through an attention to practices of care, repair, and maintenance. On the other hand, it will advocate for thinking from these practices as means to cultivate forms of attention to what remains after rupture, and to claim it as a space from where to imagine which ethics and politics are possible beyond collapse.
Caring, Repairing, and Reimagining: Experiences from the Rural World
Authors: Muñoz Florencia , Greene Ricardo , Errázuriz Tomás , Jacob-Dazarola Rubén
Published: October 2023

In the era of the Anthropocene and amidst a severe environmental crisis, part of humanity has set out to imagine new ways of addressing global warming, hyper-production of goods, and massive waste generation. Academia and public policies have placed their focus primarily on urban areas, neglecting the experiences that the rural world can offer us. Reversing this trend, this article focuses on a rural sector of the Central Valley of Chile to reveal how, through daily and ‘artisanal’ practices, it is possible to reimagine notions such as creativity, innovation, and adaptability, in the face of changing environments. Specifically, it recognizes the dynamic way in which the inhabitants of rural sectors comprehend objects and the environment; their particular way of living space and time within the local geography; and the role that their tools, technologies, practices, and knowledge play in the daily production of their homes.
Reality Holes. Undesigning the 20th Century in Eastern Estonia
Authors: Martínez Francisco
Published: October 2023

Through the study of mining holes that have appeared in Kohtla-Järve, this article shows how repair work can take on a political charge by re-ordering the social and materializing different dimensions of care. In this regard, the investigation of situated forms of material failure leads us to reconsider who has, or should have, the responsibility to fix what is broken, and how repair is linked to questions of future-making and care. The conclusion points, first, to the fact that repairing entails facing the harmful consequences of past design decisions, long after; second, that, when projecting post-extractivist futures, we must confront the need to undo the pernicious elements of modernity; and third, that critiques about the social and ecological cost of infrastructural failure must include the perspectives of local population.
Transformative Repair x ADC: Visual Analysis of Works
Authors: Keulemans Guy , Jansen Trent , Cahill Lisa
Published: October 2023

This visual essay evidences how visual arts professionals from art, craft, and design disciplines are able to transform broken and waste materials in ways that are complementary, but not usual, to their current professional practice. Photos, sketches, and technical drawings illustrate a collection of case studies concerning the transformative repair and reuse of a range of categories, including furniture, homeware, model airplanes, clothes, tools, and vehicles. The article concludes that this collection of works contributes knowledge to creative forms of repair and reuse as an underdeveloped and under-researched practice within circular design and economy.
Generative Repair and Graceful Decay: Interview with Caitlin DeSilvey
Authors: DeSilvey Caitlin , Callén Blanca ,   Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Duque Melisa ,   Monash University
Published: October 2023

Professor Caitlin DeSilvey works as a cultural geographer and lecturer at the University of Exeter. Her work explores the ways in which built environments change through aging, including processes of repair, decay, and wasting. She collaborates with photographers, architects, designers, repairers, heritage practitioners, and with students in her teaching. DeSilvey fosters sensibilities of how to collaborate with the buildings and structures that ‘tell us what they need’, and with the living ecologies that contribute to the transformation of these decaying matters, ‘to allow them space in the future’ of these environments. Caitlin DeSilvey is the author of Curated Decay: Heritage Beyond Saving (University of Minnesota Press, 2017); a co-author of Heritage Futures: Comparative Approaches to Natural and Cultural Heritage Practices (UCL Press, 2020); and a co-editor of After Discourse: Things, Affects, Ethics (Routledge, 2020).
Postcards from Abroad
Authors: Callén Blanca , Duque Melisa , Callén Elsa , Andrés Pilar , González San Emeterio Azucena , Gallego Santiago , Céspedes Samu , Caballé Miquel , Lampón Cristina , Martínez Noelia , Martínez-Rivera Oscar
Published: October 2023

In this section called ‘postcards from abroad’ we propose to diversify and open up the understandings and practices of repair itself, engaging material repair in conversation with other types of repair, coming from fields of creation and knowledge other than design. Although there could be many other ‘postcards’ from different reparative places, here we invited: DNA repair in the field of genetics; soil bioremediation from the perspective of edaphology; psychotherapy as a form of emotional and psychological ‘repair’; memory repair from the field of restorative justice and human rights; home maintenance and cleaning as a form of domestic infrastructure repair and care; repair of electrical and electronic devices by activist collectives for waste prevention; repair of scientific observation instruments in the field of astronomy; and neuro-rehabilitation and physical rehabilitation from the first-person experience of long COVID. We hope these postcards provide a plurality of visions and actions on repair that might lead to resonances, inspirations, and cross-fertilizations among the various forms of repair.
Adherence to a Planetary Health Diet, Environmental Impacts, and Mortality in Chinese Adults
Authors: Ye Yi-Xiang , Geng Ting-Ting , Zhou Yan-Feng , He Pan , Zhang Ji-Juan , Liu Gang , Willett Walter , Pan An , Koh Woon-Puay
Published: October 2023

Importance

Although the EAT-Lancet Commission has recently proposed a planetary health diet (PHD) to promote human and environmental health, little is known about how PHD affects environment and mortality risk among an Asian population.

Objective

To investigate whether a PHD score is associated with environmental impacts and mortality outcomes in a Chinese cohort living in Singapore.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from the Singapore Chinese Health Study. Eligible participants were without known cardiovascular disease and cancer at baseline; they were recruited between 1993 and 1998 and followed up using record linkage data until 2020. Data were analyzed from September 2022 to April 2023.

Exposures

PHD score was calculated based on the reference consumption of 14 dietary components in PHD and individual energy intake assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire in this cohort.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Diet-related environmental impacts were estimated using a food frequency questionnaire. Mortality outcomes (all-cause, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease) were identified via linkage with a nationwide registry.

Results

A total of 57 078 participants were included in this study (mean [SD] age, 56.1 (7.9) years; 31 958 women [56.0%]). During a median (IQR) follow-up of 23.4 (18.7-26.2) years, 22 599 deaths occurred. Comparing the highest and lowest quintiles, higher PHD scores were associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions (β = −0.13 kg CO2 equivalent; 95% CI, −0.14 to −0.12 kg CO2 equivalent), but with higher total water footprint (β = 0.12 m3; 95% CI, 0.11-0.13 m3) and land use (β = 0.29 m2; 95% CI, 0.28-0.31 m2). In the adjusted multivariable model, compared with the lowest quintile, participants in the highest quintile of PHD score had lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.81-0.89), cardiovascular disease mortality (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.73-0.85), cancer mortality (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00), and respiratory disease mortality (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.74-0.89).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of Singapore Chinese adults, higher adherence to PHD was associated with reduced risk of chronic disease mortality. However, environmental impacts were uncertain, as higher adherence was associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions but higher total water footprint and land use.
Intrabacterial lipid inclusion‐associated proteins: a core machinery conserved from saprophyte Actinobacteria to the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Dargham Tonia , Mallick Ivy , Kremer Laurent , Santucci Pierre , Canaan Stéphane
Published: October 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the aetiologic agent of tuberculosis (TB), stores triacylglycerol (TAG) in the form of intrabacterial lipid inclusions (ILI) to survive and chronically persist within its host. These highly energetic molecules represent a major source of carbon to support bacterial persistence and reactivation, thus playing a leading role in TB pathogenesis. However, despite its physiological and clinical relevance, ILI metabolism in Mtb remains poorly understood. Recent discoveries have suggested that several ILI‐associated proteins might be widely conserved across TAG‐producing prokaryotes, but still very little is known regarding the nature and the biological functions of these proteins. Herein, we performed an in silico analysis of three independent ILI‐associated proteomes previously reported to computationally define a potential core ILI‐associated proteome, referred to as ILIome. Our investigation revealed the presence of 70 orthologous proteins that were strictly conserved, thereby defining a minimal ILIome core. We further narrowed our analysis to proteins involved in lipid metabolism and discuss here their putative biological functions, along with their molecular interactions and dynamics at the surface of these bacterial organelles. We also highlight the experimental limitations of the original proteomic investigations and of the present bioinformatic analysis, while describing new technological approaches and presenting biological perspectives in the field. The in silico investigation presented here aims at providing useful datasets that could constitute a scientific resource of broad interest for the mycobacterial community, with the ultimate goal of enlightening ILI metabolism in prokaryotes with a special emphasis on Mtb pathogenesis.
Low molecular weight chitosan oligosaccharides form stable complexes with human lactoferrin
Authors: Li Juan , Guan Shimin , Cai Baoguo , Li Qianqian , Rong Shaofeng
Published: October 2023

Proteins in tears, including human lactoferrin (HLF), can be deposited and denatured on contact lenses, increasing the risk of microbial cell attachment to the lens and ocular complications. The surfactants currently used in commercial contact lens care solutions have low clearance ability for tear proteins. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) binds to a variety of proteins and has potential for use in protein removal, especially in contact lens care solutions. Here, we analyzed the interaction mechanism of COSs hydrolyzed from chitosan from different resources with HLF. The molecular weights (MWs) and concentrations of COSs were key factors for the formation of COS–HLF complexes. Lower MWs of COSs could form more stable COS–HLF complexes. COS from Aspergillus ochraceus had a superior effect on HLF compared with COS from shrimp and crab shell with the same MWs. In conclusion, COSs could bind to and cause a conformational change in HLF. Therefore, COSs, especially those with low MWs, have potential as deproteinizing agents in contact lens care solution.
Evidence for infection influencing survival of the freshwater copepod Salmincola californiensis, a parasite of Pacific salmon and trout
Authors: Murphy Christina A. , Gerth William , Neal Travis , Antonelli Kelsi , Sanders Justin L. , Williams Trevor , Roennfeldt Ruben-Lee , Crowhurst Rachel S. , Arismendi Ivan
Published: October 2023

Objective

We explore apparent infection of Salmincola californiensis arising during investigations involving this lernaeopodid copepod parasitic on Pacific salmon and trout Oncorhynchus spp.

Methods

We noted occasional unusual coloration of adult female copepods collected from the wild. These females were bright blue and pink in contrast to the cream white coloration characteristic of the copepod. We also observed that similar color patterns developed under laboratory settings when copepod eggs were held for hatching. In paired egg cases, we found consistent hatching failure of blue and pink eggs and patterns in apparent disease development that would be consistent with both vertical and horizontal transmission.

Result

Attempts to identify the cause of the apparent infection using genetic methods and transmission electron microscopy were inconclusive.

Conclusion

Iridovirus infection was initially suspected, but bacterial infection is also plausible. This apparent reduced hatching success of S. californiensis warrants further exploration as it could reduce local abundances. Given the potential importance of a disease impacting this copepod, a parasite that itself affects endangered and commercially important Pacific salmon and trout, future research would benefit from clarification of the apparent infection through additional sequencing, primer development, visualization, and exploration into specificity and transmission.
Initiation of Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Older Medicare Beneficiaries With New Diagnosis of Late‐Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lee Jiha , Martindale Jonathan , Makris Una E. , Singh Namrata , Yung Raymond , Bynum Julie P. W.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Older adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) account for up to one‐third of the RA population and are less likely to receive optimal treatment. For the subgroup of older adults with late‐onset RA (LORA), who experience more symptomatic and progressive disease, suboptimal treatment could be more consequential than the general population who age with RA. We evaluated use of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in older adults with a new diagnosis of LORA.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we identified adults 66 years of age or older with a new diagnosis of LORA using Medicare data from 2008 to 2017. Information on baseline patient characteristics and DMARD initiation during the first 12 months after LORA diagnosis were collected. We also assessed concomitant use of glucocorticoids (GCs).

Results

We identified 33,373 older adults with new diagnosis of LORA. Average age at LORA diagnosis was 76.7 (SD 7.6); 75.4% were female, 76.9% were White, and 35.6% had low‐income subsidy (LIS). Less than one‐third were initiated on a DMARD (28.9%). In multivariable analyses, DMARD initiation was associated with younger age, fewer comorbidities, and absence of LIS status. Concomitant long‐term (>3 months) GC use was higher among those on any DMARD (44.3%) compared with those without (15.2%).

Conclusions

DMARD initiation after new diagnosis of LORA is low despite current clinical practice guidelines recommending early aggressive initiation of treatment. Long‐term GC use is common among those on any DMARDs, raising concern for suboptimal DMARD use. Further studies are needed to understand drivers of DMARD use in older adults.
Full‐Field Analyses of Density‐Graded Elastomeric Foams Under Quasistatic and Impact Loadings
Authors: Smeets Mark , Kauvaka Paul , Uddin Kazi , Koohbor Behrad , Youssef George
Published: October 2023

Density‐graded elastomeric foams are emerging as effective protective structures to guard humans against mechanical loading. This research investigates the deformation of ungraded and graded foams under quasistatic and impact scenarios using digital image correlation (DIC). The graded samples are assembled using two interfacing strategies (seamless and adhered), leveraging the adhesiveness of the foam slurry and bulk polyurea, respectively. Deformation mechanisms, including the effect of the interface type on strain transduction and localization in density‐graded structures, are imperative for improving the impact efficacy of protective paddings. Cuboid foam plugs are subjected to quasistatic and impact loading while recording the corresponding deformation for DIC analysis. The DIC results are separated into three case studies based on the number of layers (1, 2, and 3). The interface effect on the overall mechanical performance of polyurea foam is revealed from the bilayer, monodensity samples, showing drastic differences between the deformations within each layer. Seamless interface samples exhibit greater compliance than their adhered counterparts in the bilayer density‐graded configurations. Trilayer‐graded foams broaden strain–time history, extend the impact duration, and reduce strains. This research substantiates the importance of interfacing and gradation strategies on the mechanical response of elastomeric foams as a function of strain rate.
Clinical relevance of genetic variants in the von Willebrand factor according to in‐silico methods
Authors: Woods Adriana Inés , Primrose Débora Marina , Paiva Juvenal , Blanco Alicia Noemí , Alberto María Fabiana , Sánchez‐Luceros Analía
Published: October 2023

Clinical interpretation of genetic variants in the context of the patient's phenotype is a time‐consuming and costly process. In‐silico analysis using in‐silico prediction tools, and molecular modeling have been developed to predict the influence of genetic variants on the quality and/or quantity of the resulting translated protein, and in this way, to alert clinicians of disease likelihood in the absence of previous evidence. Our objectives were to evaluate the success rate of the in‐silico analysis in predicting the disease‐causing variants as pathogenic and the single‐nucleotide variants as neutral, and to establish the reliability of in‐silico analysis for determining pathogenicity or neutrality of von Willebrand factor gene‐associated genetic variants. Using in‐silico analysis, we studied pathogenicity in 31 disease‐causing variants, and neutrality in 61 single‐nucleotide variants from patients previously diagnosed as type 2 von Willebrand disease. Disease‐causing variants and non‐synonymous single‐nucleotide variants were explored by in‐silico tools that analyze the amino acidic sequence. Intronic and synonymous single‐nucleotide variants were analyzed by in‐silico methods that evaluate the nucleotidic sequence. We found a consistent agreement between predictions achieved by in‐silico prediction tools and molecular modeling, both for defining the pathogenicity of disease‐causing variants and the neutrality of single‐nucleotide variants. Based on our results, the in‐silico analysis would help to define the pathogenicity or neutrality in novel genetic variants observed in patients with clinical and laboratory phenotypes suggestive of von Willebrand disease.
Triangle Cl−Ag1−Cl Sites for Superior Photocatalytic Molecular Oxygen Activation and NO Oxidation of BiOCl
Authors: Guo Furong , Mao Chengliang , Liang Chuan , Xing Pan , Yu Linghao , Shi Yanbiao , Cao Shiyu , Wang Fanyu , Liu Xiao , Ai Zhihui , Zhang Lizhi
Published: October 2023

BiOCl photocatalysis shows great promise for molecular oxygen activation and NO oxidation, but its selective transformation of NO to immobilized nitrate without toxic NO2 emission is still a great challenge, because of uncontrollable reaction intermediates and pathways. In this study, we demonstrate that the introduction of triangle Cl−Ag1−Cl sites on a Cl‐terminated, (001) facet‐exposed BiOCl can selectively promote one‐electron activation of reactant molecular oxygen to intermediate superoxide radicals (⋅O2−), and also shift the adsorption configuration of product NO3− from the weak monodentate binding mode to a strong bidentate mode to avoid unfavorable photolysis. By simultaneously tuning intermediates and products, the Cl−Ag1−Cl‐landen BiOCl achieved >90 % NO conversion to favorable NO3− of high selectivity (>97 %) in 10 min under visible light, with the undesired NO2 concentration below 20 ppb. Both the activity and the selectivity of Cl−Ag1−Cl sites surpass those of BiOCl surface sites (38 % NO conversion, 67 % NO3− selectivity) or control O−Ag1−O sites on a benchmark photocatalyst P25 (67 % NO conversion and 87 % NO3− selectivity). This study develops new single‐atom sites for the performance enhancement of semiconductor photocatalysts, and also provides a facile pathway to manipulate the reactive oxygen species production for efficient pollutant removal.
A review of reported effects of pelagic longline fishing gear configurations on target, bycatch and vulnerable species
Authors: Santos Catarina C. , Rosa Daniela , Gonçalves Jorge M. S. , Coelho Rui
Published: October 2023

A meta‐analysis of 40 publications totalling 59 experiments was undertaken to review and assess the effects of changing the hook (circle vs. J‐hooks or tuna hooks), bait (fish vs. squid) and leader (wire vs. nylon) type on retention and at‐haulback mortality rates of teleosts (tunas and billfishes), elasmobranchs and sea turtles caught on shallow‐set and deep‐set pelagic longline fisheries.

Circle hooks are a promising approach to mitigate the impact of pelagic longline fisheries on sea turtles, as they reduced sea turtle retention rates. The adoption of circle hooks would, however, also lead to a decrease in swordfish retention, the main target species of shallow‐set pelagic longlines.

Using fish as bait resulted in lower retention rates of sea turtles, highlighting that option as an additional measure to further mitigate sea turtle bycatch. The bait type had non‐significant effects on sharks, except for blue shark and shortfin mako, for which at‐haulback mortality rates were significantly higher with fish bait.

The use of nylon leaders instead of wire leaders could serve as a conservation measure for sharks, as they reduced the retention of blue shark without adversely impacting the catches of swordfish. The results on the effect of the leader material types should, however, be interpreted with caution owing to the limited information available reporting on leader material effects.

When considering future research directions, priority should be given to experimental field work on the effects of leader material and on deep‐set longlines. Evaluating the post‐release survival of species should also be a priority.
Sliding dynamics and optimal control of avian influenza model with saturated incidence rate
Authors: Yang Shuangyan , Shen Fangfang , Zhang Qimin
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we develop a susceptible‐infective‐susceptible‐infected‐recovered avian influenza model with saturated incidence rate and three control measures, which is proposed to evaluate the comprehensive effects of different control measures on the spread of avian influenza. Based on the threshold policy, the threshold level is used as the reference index of whether to take control measures. No control measures will be taken when the total number of infected birds and humans is less than the threshold level. Otherwise, the three control measures will be implemented simultaneously to mitigate the spread of the disease. Furthermore, by using the Utkin equivalent control method, the existence of sliding mode equation and its dynamics are investigated. Additionally, the method of dynamic programming is introduced to study the optimal control for the model. Through constructing and proving the existence of viscosity solution of the corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, the optimal control pair is further obtained. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the corresponding theoretical analysis results.
Language is a critical mediator of autistic experiences within the criminal justice system
Authors: Larson Caroline , Eigsti Inge‐Marie , Spaulding Tammie , Parish‐Morris Julia
Published: October 2023

Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by social communication challenges and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests, but also by highly heterogeneous language skills. The recent International Society of Autism Research (INSAR) policy statement, Autism and the Criminal Justice System: Policy opportunities and challenges (INSAR, 2022), aims to prevent, reduce, and improve interactions between autistic individuals and the criminal justice system. This policy statement provides a foundation for considering how to include language in these important aims. In this commentary, we outline the centrality of language skills to these interactions and provide specific recommendations that can inform future research and provide guidance for autistic individuals, community partners, and individuals working within the criminal justice system. Considering language as a part of justice system policy for autistic individuals will result in greater equity and inclusion, particularly for autistic individuals with co‐occurring language deficits and those who are linguistically diverse. Moreover, it will allow autistic individuals to combat other barriers to effectively navigating interactions with the criminal justice system, such as those related to the core features of autism. We advocate for a greater role for service providers who can assess challenges in language skills, and identify the specific accommodations each autistic individual will need to prevent, reduce, and improve interactions with the criminal justice system.
Spray‐coated Hard Carbon Composite Anodes for Sodium‐Ion Insertion
Authors: Palanisamy Krishnaveni , Daboss Sven , Schäfer David , Rohnke Marcus , Derr Laurin , Lang Marcel , Schuster Rolf , Kranz Christine
Published: October 2023

Sodium‐ion batteries are among the most promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries. Hard carbon (HC) electrodes have been recognized as suitable active anode material for mono‐valent ion batteries. Here, we present a simple and cost‐effective spray‐coating process to prepare HC composite electrodes on copper current collectors with different binder (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) content and different HC particle sizes. The spray‐coated electrodes were evaluated and tested in 1 M sodium perchlorate (NaClO4) in propylene carbonate (PC) in dependence of the CMC content with and without fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) as additive, and the performance was also compared to doctor bladed HC electrodes. Spray‐coated anodes in Na half‐cells revealed improved capacity during the first cycles compared with doctor bladed anodes with similar thicknesses. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) studies were performed, which revealed a significant increase of inorganic fluoro‐compounds in the formed solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) when FEC was present as additive. In addition, first single electrode microcalorimetry studies on spray‐coated thin HC composite electrodes yielded an entropy of the sodiation process of 80 J mol−1 K−1 at high state of charge (SoC), comparable to that of bulk Na deposition.
Lifetime and past‐month alcohol use and related factors among female sex workers in Iran
Authors: Rasouli Mohammad Aziz , Zareie Bushra , Gouya Mohammad Mehdi , Hadavandsiri Fatemeh , Mahboobi Marzieh , Moradi Yousef , Moradi Rozhin , Moradi Ghobad
Published: October 2023

Objective

Alcohol use is more common among female sex workers (FSWs). This study assessed the prevalence of lifetime and past‐month alcohol use and related factors among FSWs in Iran.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey among 1464 women from 8 major cities in Iran. Behavioral data were collected by trained interviewers and conducted face‐to‐face in a private room. Weighted analysis was used to determine the lifetime and past‐month alcohol use prevalence. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association between alcohol use and independent variables.

Results

The most alcohol used in lifetime and past‐month (weekly, less than once a week, and daily) in FSWs was 52.7% (12.25%, 12.94%, and 1.83%), respectively. In the final model, factors that were independently associated with alcohol use included the 31–40 years (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.13–5.15), education level of diploma (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.31–4.51), history of lifetime drug use (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 2.01–3.89), history of lifetime group sex (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.41–3.03), history of intentional abortion (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.06–1.92), six or more sexual clients in the last month (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.80–5.87), history of lifetime anal sex (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.82‐3.35), and FSWs the married, temporarily married, and living with partner were positively associated with lifetime alcohol use.

Conclusion

Alcohol use is prevalent among FSWs in Iran. Further prevention programs are needed to address and reduce harms associated with alcohol use among this vulnerable population in Iran. Designing intervention programs, it is suggested to consider other variables affecting alcohol use in FSWs.
Utilizing targeted integration CHO pools to potentially accelerate the GMP manufacturing of monoclonal and bispecific antibodies
Authors: Barnard Gavin C. , Zhou Michelle , Shen Amy , Yuk Inn H. , Laird Michael W.
Published: October 2023

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are effective therapeutic agents against many acute infectious diseases including COVID‐19, Ebola, RSV, Clostridium difficile, and Anthrax. mAbs can therefore help combat a future pandemic. Unfortunately, mAb development typically takes years, limiting its potential to save lives during a pandemic. Therefore “pandemic mAb” timelines need to be shortened. One acceleration tool is “deferred cloning” and leverages new Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) technology based on targeted gene integration (TI). CHO pools, instead of CHO clones, can be used for Phase I/II clinical material production. A final CHO clone (producing the mAb with a similar product quality profile and preferably with a higher titer) can then be used for Phase III trials and commercial manufacturing. This substitution reduces timelines by ~3 months. We evaluated our novel CHO TI platform to enable deferred cloning. We created four unique CHO pools expressing three unique mAbs (mAb1, mAb2, and mAb3), and a bispecific mAb (BsAb1). We then performed single‐cell cloning for mAb1 and mAb2, identifying three high‐expressing clones from each pool. CHO pools and clones were inoculated side‐by‐side in ambr15 bioreactors. CHO pools yielded mAb titers as high as 10.4 g/L (mAb3) and 7.1 g/L (BsAb1). Subcloning yielded CHO clones expressing higher titers relative to the CHO pools while yielding similar product quality profiles. Finally, we showed that CHO TI pools were stable by performing a 3‐month cell aging study. In summary, our CHO TI platform can increase the speed to clinic for a future “pandemic mAb.”
Immunological Quantitation of the Glycation Site Lysine‐414 in Serum Albumin in Human Plasma Samples by Indirect ELISA Using Highly Specific Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Mötzing Marina , Blüher Matthias , Grunwald Thomas , Hoffmann Ralf
Published: October 2023

Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder that is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, is common throughout the world and its prevalence is steadily increasing. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent acute complications and life‐threatening long‐term organ damage. Glycation sites in human serum albumin (HSA) are considered to be promising biomarkers of systemic glycemic status. This work aimed to develop a sensitive and clinically applicable ELISA for the quantification of glycation site Lys414 in HSA (HSAK414). The monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated by immunizing mice with a glycated peptide. The established indirect ELISA based on mAb 50D8 (IgG1 isotype) yielded a limit of detection of 0.39 nmol/g HSA for HSAK414 with a linear dynamic range from 0.50 to 6.25 nmol/g glycated HSA. The inter‐ and intra‐day assays with coefficients of variation less than 20 % indicated good assay performance and precision. Assay evaluation was based on plasma samples from diabetic and non‐diabetic subjects with known HSAK414 glycation levels previously determined by LC–MS. Both data sets correlated very well. In conclusion, the generated mAb 50D8 and the established ELISA could be a valuable tool for the rapid quantitation of glycation site HSAK414 in plasma samples to evaluate its clinical relevance.
Monitoring of Sweat pH and Dual‐Mode Anti‐Counterfeiting from Metal‐Organic Framework‐Based Multifunctional Gel
Authors: Wang Xiangnan , Zhang Hongli , Li Jiahe , Zou Gang
Published: October 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Monitoring of sweat pH plays important roles in physiological health, nutritional balance, psychological stress, and sports performance. However, the combination of functional MOFs with phosphorescent material to acquire the real‐time physiological information, as well as the application of dual mode anti‐counterfeiting, has seldom been reported. Herein, we developed multifunctional gel films based on MOFs and phosphorescent dyes which responded to H+ ions and the related mechanism was studied in detail. Upon exposure to H+, the composite gel film exhibited decreased fluorescent signal but enhanced room temperature phosphorescence (RTP), which could be utilized for sweat pH sensing through a dual‐mode. Moreover, multifunctional gel films exhibited a potential application in information encryption and anti‐counterfeiting by designing of stimulus responsive multiple patterns. This research provided a new avenue for portable and non‐invasive sweat pH monitoring methods while also offering insights into stimulus‐responsive multifunctional materials.
Cardioversion strategy impacts rate control during recurrences in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: A subanalysis of the RACE 7 ACWAS trial
Authors: van der Velden Rachel M. J. , Pluymaekers Nikki A. H. A. , Dudink Elton A. M. P. , Luermans Justin G. L. M. , Meeder Joan G. , Heesen Wilfred F. , Lenderink Timo , Widdershoven Jos W. M. G. , Bucx Jeroen J. J. , Rienstra Michiel , Kamp Otto , van Opstal Jurren M. , Kirchhof Charles J. H. J. , van Dijk Vincent F. , Swart Henk P. , Alings Marco , Van Gelder Isabelle C. , Crijns Harry J. G. M. , Linz Dominik
Published: October 2023

Background

In the Rate Control versus Electrical Cardioversion Trial 7–Acute Cardioversion versus Wait and See, patients with recent‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) were randomized to either early or delayed cardioversion.

Aim

This prespecified sub‐analysis aimed to evaluate heart rate during AF recurrences after an emergency department (ED) visit identified by an electrocardiogram (ECG)‐based handheld device.

Methods

After the ED visit, included patients (n = 437) were asked to use an ECG‐based handheld device to monitor for recurrences during the 4‐week follow‐up period. 335 patients used the handheld device and were included in this analysis. Recordings from the device were collected and assessed for heart rhythm and rate. Optimal rate control was defined as a target resting heart rate of <110 beats per minute (bpm).

Results

In 99 patients (29.6%, mean age 67 ± 10 years, 39.4% female, median 6 [3–12] AF recordings) a total of 314 AF recurrences (median 2 [1–3] per patient) were identified during follow‐up. The average median resting heart rate at recurrence was 100 ± 21 bpm in the delayed vs 112 ± 25 bpm in the early cardioversion group (p = .011). Optimal rate control was seen in 68.4% [21.3%–100%] and 33.3% [0%–77.5%] of recordings (p = .01), respectively. Randomization group [coefficient −12.09 (−20.55 to −3.63, p = .006) for delayed vs. early cardioversion] and heart rate on index ECG [coefficient 0.46 (0.29–0.63, p < .001) per bpm increase] were identified on multivariable analysis as factors associated with lower median heart rate during AF recurrences.

Conclusion

A delayed cardioversion strategy translated into a favorable heart rate profile during AF recurrences.
Psychometric evaluation of the Swedish Traumatic Grief Inventory Self‐Report Plus (TGI‐SR+) in bereaved parents
Authors: Lenferink Lonneke I. M. , van Dijk Iris , Eisma Maarten C. , Eklund Rakel , Boelen Paul A. , Sveen Josefin
Published: October 2023

The International Classification of Diseases Eleventh Edition (ICD‐11), and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM‐5‐TR), now include prolonged grief disorder (PGD). Since criteria for PGD in both classification systems differ from prior proposed grief disorders and each other, the validation of a single instrument to screen for prolonged grief (PG) symptoms of both new diagnoses is critical for bereavement research and care. Therefore, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Traumatic Grief Inventory Self‐Report Plus (TGI‐SR+). Two‐hundred and forty‐eight bereaved parents completed questions about sociodemographic and loss‐related variables, the TGI‐SR+, and symptom measures of post‐traumatic stress (PTS), depression and an older measure of PG symptoms, the Prolonged Grief Disorder‐13 (PG‐13). Confirmatory factor analyses showed that a one‐factor model best fit DSM‐5‐TR and ICD‐11 PG symptoms and the analyses of the internal consistency and inter‐item correlations showed that these symptoms could be reliably assessed. In support of convergent validity, DSM‐5‐TR and ICD‐11 PG symptoms correlated with symptoms of PTS, depression and PG assessed with the PG‐13. In support of known‐groups validity, DSM‐5‐TR and ICD‐11 PG symptoms were higher among lower educated (vs. higher educated) participants and related negatively to time since loss. ROC analyses showed optimal cut‐off score of ≥71 and ≥72 to determine probable caseness for DSM‐5‐TR and ICD‐11 PGD, respectively. Results support the reliability and validity of the Swedish TGI‐SR+ as a screening instrument for PG in research and bereavement care.
spatialMaxent: Adapting species distribution modeling to spatial data
Authors: Bald Lisa , Gottwald Jannis , Zeuss Dirk
Published: October 2023

Conventional practices in species distribution modeling lack predictive power when the spatial structure of data is not taken into account. However, choosing a modeling approach that accounts for overfitting during model training can improve predictive performance on spatially separated test data, leading to more reliable models. This study introduces spatialMaxent (https://github.com/envima/spatialMaxent), a software that combines state‐of‐the‐art spatial modeling techniques with the popular species distribution modeling software Maxent. It includes forward‐variable‐selection, forward‐feature‐selection, and regularization‐multiplier tuning based on spatial cross‐validation, which enables addressing overfitting during model training by considering the impact of spatial dependency in the training data. We assessed the performance of spatialMaxent using the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis dataset, which contains over 200 anonymized species across six regions worldwide. Our results show that spatialMaxent outperforms both conventional Maxent and models optimized according to literature recommendations without using a spatial tuning strategy in 80 percent of the cases. spatialMaxent is user‐friendly and easily accessible to researchers, government authorities, and conservation practitioners. Therefore, it has the potential to play an important role in addressing pressing challenges of biodiversity conservation.
Cardiac reverse remodelling by imaging parameters with recent changes to guideline medical therapy in heart failure
Authors: Kodsi Matthew , Makarious David , Gan Gary C.H. , Choudhary Preeti , Thomas Liza
Published: October 2023

Recently established heart failure therapies, including sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors, angiotensin‐neprilysin inhibitors, and cardiac resynchronization therapy, have led to both clinical and structural improvements. Reverse remodelling describes the structural and functional responses to therapy and has been shown to correlate with patients' clinical response, acting as a biomarker for treatment success. The introduction of these new therapeutic agents in addition to advances in non‐invasive cardiac imaging has led to an expansion in the evaluation and the validation of cardiac reverse remodelling. Methods including volumetric changes as well as strain and myocardial work have all been shown to be non‐invasive end‐points of reverse remodelling, correlating with clinical outcomes. Our review summarizes the current available evidence on reverse remodelling in heart failure by the non‐invasive cardiac imaging techniques, in particular transthoracic echocardiography.
Covalent Association of a Ruthenium‐Based Chromophore and a Copper Catalyst: A Synergy for Sulfides Photo‐oxidation
Authors: Klein Johannes , Girardon Anna , Moreno‐Betancourt Angelica , Loiseau Frédérique , Jouvenot Damien , Pécaut Jacques , Hamelin Olivier , Torelli Stéphane
Published: October 2023

The development of catalytic systems for the oxidation of organic substrates using renewable sources such as water and dioxygen remains challenging. In this paper we report the synthesis and full characterization of a new dyad combining a ruthenium(II)‐based chromophore and a bio‐inspired copper(II) pre‐catalyst. In particular, photo‐induced electron transfer from the photosensitized RuII subunit toward the CuII center is highlighted. The photogenerated CuI moiety proves to be catalytically efficient for sulfides oxidation by 3O2 in the presence of a sacrificial electron source. Finally, the covalent association of the two partners favors Cu/O2‐based catalysis at the expense of a 1O2‐centered reactivity for a bimolecular mixture.
Numerical simulation study of wave dissipation performance of step‐type breakwaters
Authors: Jin Feng , Huang Zhouyi , Deng Wenhao , Chen Minyi , Ma You , Chai Peng
Published: October 2023

To improve the force endurance capacity of plate breakwaters, a step‐type plate breakwater was proposed. The performance of the step‐type breakwater was investigated by numerical simulation method. First, a two‐dimensional numerical regular wave tank was constructed using FLUENT software, and the effectiveness of the tank application was verified by comparing with theoretical value and test data. Then, the numerical tank was used to simulate various working conditions, and the variation rules of the breakwater transmission coefficient with wave height, period, perforation rate, relative plate width, wave steepness, and number of layers were obtained. Finally, the difference in the wave dissipation mechanism between the step‐type breakwater and the “”‐type breakwater was discussed. The results indicated that the transmission coefficient of the step‐type breakwater was small, which also proved to be good at dissipating long‐period waves. In general, the wave dissipation performance of the step‐type breakwater was better than that of the “”‐type breakwater. The research can provide some clues for the research and design of corresponding breakwaters.