bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotions in Constructing Teaching Self‐Image: Mediation Models of Chinese University EFL Teachers’ Anxiety and Self‐Efficacy
Authors: Gong Kaixuan , Liu Meihua , Hu Wenting
Published: January 2025

In the field of foreign language education, teacher psychology was much less researched than students, and university teachers especially received minimal attention as recognized competent language users and instructors. However, they could also experience complex emotions deriving from their demands in advanced‐level language teaching and diverse faculty responsibilities. Meanwhile, the control‐value theory sheds light on the potential mediation of teachers’ self‐efficacy beliefs for different anxiety types. Through a survey investigation among 212 university EFL (English as a foreign language) teachers in China, this study profiled their teaching anxiety, foreign language anxiety, and teaching self‐efficacy after exploratory factor analysis and confirmative factor analysis on these measures. Structural equation modeling was then performed to estimate the mediating effects of teaching self‐efficacy on various anxiety facets. The findings were twofold. Firstly, the teachers reported an overall low anxiety level in teaching and English language use. Secondly, the teachers’ teaching anxiety was positively intercorrelated with their foreign language anxiety and negatively with teaching self‐efficacy. The mediation models showed that teachers’ low self‐efficacy would aggravate their teaching anxiety related to uncertain self‐perceptions of teaching competence and professional identity. Based on these major findings, this paper finally proposed implications for university EFL teachers’ emotional support regarding the construction of a positive teaching self‐image.
A retrospective analysis of cardiovascular outcomes of clozapine treated individuals within Hunter New England
Authors: Sritharan Shanathan , Murray Kindelan , Lam Dominic , Wittaker Daniel , Sverdlov Aaron , Boyle Andrew , Davies Allan , Williams Trent , Collins Nicholas
Published: January 2025

Background

Clozapine has demonstrated superiority in improving both positive and negative symptoms of treatment‐resistant schizophrenia; however, there are associated treatment‐limiting side effects, including myocarditis, cardiomyopathy and agranulocytosis.

Aim

This retrospective cohort study describes the prevalence of myocarditis, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes in a cohort of patients maintained on clozapine therapy.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collated from patients who had a diagnosis of schizophrenia, had been managed with clozapine at any stage during their care and undergone at least one echocardiogram.

Results

Between March 2020 and September 2021 674 patients were identified, 71% were male, with a mean age of 47 years old (interquartile range (IQR) 40–57). The mean duration of clozapine use was 7 years (IQR 4–13). The overall mortality was 5.54% during the follow‐up period. Myocarditis was identified in one patient (0.15%) within the first 30 days, and an additional five cases were identified over the follow‐up period (0.89%). The combined incidence of heart failure (HF) and myocarditis was 1.6% during the follow‐up period. There was no association between LV size and function at baseline or during follow‐up and adverse cardiac outcomes (comprising death, myocarditis, HF). Older age at initiation of therapy and baseline E/e' ratio were associated with risk of HF and myocarditis.

Conclusion

The overall incidence of myocarditis and HF during follow‐up was low, with surveillance echocardiography offering limited predictive value. Patients maintained on clozapine are at risk of significant cardiovascular sequelae, likely reflecting an adverse risk factor profile.
Subjective and objectives measures of frailty among adults with advanced chronic kidney disease: a cross‐sectional analysis of clinician misclassification
Authors: Kennard Alice , Rainsford Suzanne , Hamilton Kelly , Glasgow Nicholas , Pumpa Kate , Douglas Angela , Talaulikar Girish
Published: January 2025

Background

Frailty is a recognisable clinical measure of impaired physiological reserve and vulnerability to adverse outcomes that is validated among patients with kidney disease. Practice patterns reveal inconsistent use of objective frailty measures by nephrologists, with clinicians prioritising subjective clinical impressions, possibly risking misclassification and discrimination.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine correlations between subjective and objective measures of frailty in a cohort of patients attending routine nephrologist review.

Methods

Eighty‐nine participants attending scheduled review with their primary treating nephrologist (n = 6) were included in cross‐sectional analysis. Measured frailty based on Fried phenotype and subjective clinician impression were assessed for congruence using Pearson's correlation analysis and ĸ statistic. Ordinal logistic regression examined patient demographics associated with perceived frailty. Misclassification was explored using descriptive statistics and contingency table analysis.

Results

Frailty and prefrailty were prevalent by both objective and subjective means of assessment with minimal correlation between clinician impression and measured Fried phenotype (r = 0.50, P = 0.00, ĸ = 0.25, P = 0.00). Subjective clinician impression misclassified half of participants, influenced by surrogate frailty measures including female sex, comorbidity and reliance on a walking aid. Clinicians were equally likely to over‐classify prefrailty as to under‐recognise established frailty, with no evidence of systemic misclassification bias. Subjective clinican impression of frailty had a positive predictive value of 19.1% and a negative predictive value of 56.2%.

Conclusions

Nephrologists' reliance on subjective clinical impressions that overlook or misclassify prefrailty offers incomplete prognostic assessment and potentially misses opportunities for early intervention.
Simultaneous Blockade of CD209 and CD209L by Monoclonal Antibody Does Not Provide Sufficient Protection Against Multiple Viral Infections In Vivo
Authors: Du Yanyun , Gao Jiawang , He Mengjiao , Yi Ming , Wu Jiaqi , Feng Lingyun , Zeng Bo , Li Yangyang , He Ruirui , Wang Yuan , Qin Cheng‐Feng , Cui Zongqiang , Wang Chenhui
Published: January 2025

Many virus species, including Ebola virus, Marburg virus, SARS‐CoV‐2, dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), exploit CD209 and CD209L as alternative or attachment receptors for viral cis‐ or trans‐infection. Thus, CD209 and CD209L may be critical targets for the development of therapeutic monoclonal blocking antibody drugs to disrupt the infection process caused by multiple viruses. Here, we produced a human chimeric monoclonal blocking antibody that simultaneously blocks CD209 and CD209L, namely 7‐H7‐B1. We show that 7‐H7‐B1 effectively blocks multiple pseudotyped or live viral infections in vitro, including SARS‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐2, Ebola virus, Marburg virus, ZIKV and DENV infections. However, the 7‐H7‐B1 mAb does not provide favourable protection against Zaire Ebola virus or ZIKV infection in hCD209 knock‐in mice in vivo. Thus, our findings indicate that although CD209 and CD209L are critical for multiple viral infections in vitro, they may play only a partial role in viral infections in vivo.
Asymmetric structuring of ceramic composite via co‐electrospun sodium cobaltite and calcium cobaltite nanoribbons
Authors: Kruppa Katharina , Maor Itzhak I. , Steinbach Frank , Stobitzer Dorothea , Shter Gennady E. , Mann‐Lahav Meirav , Grader Gideon S. , Feldhoff Armin
Published: January 2025

An asymmetrically structured sodium cobaltite–calcium cobaltite ceramic composite with enhanced texture was synthesized using co‐electrospinning of nanoribbons and rapid thermal processing (RTP). Long‐term stability tests revealed that embedding the unstable sodium cobaltite in the chemically more stable calcium cobaltite effectively shields it from degradation at high temperatures in air. The composite has overall impressive thermoelectric properties. Measured at 1073 K, the composite showed an electrical conductivity of 183 S cm−1, a Seebeck coefficient of 233 µV K−1, and heat conductivity of 2.2 W m−1 K−1. It features a high power factor of 9.9 µW cm−1 K−2 and a figure‐of‐merit of 0.49, significantly surpassing the thermoelectric performance of sodium cobaltite–calcium cobaltite ceramic composites from previous studies.
Predicting Suitable Areas for Cold‐Water Scleractinian Corals in Southwestern Australian Submarine Canyons
Authors: Di Giovanna F. , Castellan G. , Vitelletti M. L. , Taviani M. , Foglini F. , McCulloch M. T. , Montagna P. , Trotter J. A.
Published: January 2025

Aim

The exploration of submarine canyons offshore southwestern Australia using remotely operated vehicles (ROV) has documented the occurrence of cold‐water coral (CWC) ecosystems, predominantly along the heads and slopes of the canyons. Representing the first major ROV investigation in this region, information on CWC distribution in this area is still limited. Here we apply a habitat suitability model (HSM) to identify the potential distribution of scleractinian CWC habitats in these submarine canyon systems. We show that the integration of environmental and geomorphological variables allows the HSM to identify key conditions favourable for the occurrence of scleractinian CWC in this region.

Location

Southwestern Australian submarine canyons: Bremer canyon system (BCS), Mount Gabi seamount and Leeuwin Canyon and Perth Canyon.

Taxon

Cold‐water corals in the Order Scleractinia.

Methods

High‐resolution maximum entropy model (Maxent) was developed using remote sensing variables and geomorphological indices derived from bathymetry. Scleractinian CWC occurrences were obtained from videos acquired by ROV onboard RV Falkor during the Schmidt Ocean Institute cruise FK200126. The model identified portions of the seafloor most suitable for scleractinian CWC habitat in the SW Australian submarine canyons.

Results

Modelling predicted over 27.2 km2 of suitable habitat for scleractinian CWC (suitability index > 0.6), representing only ~0.254% of the total surface area of the submarine canyon systems explored. Dissolved oxygen resulted as the most relevant factor, followed by terrain ruggedness, slope and bottom temperature, confirming their importance for CWC distribution. The most suitable locations were in canyon heads, slopes and geomorphological features emerging from the bottom along the continental shelf.

Main Conclusion

Our integrated approach identified potential scleractinian habitats using a combination of remote sensing and geomorphological data. The high performance of the model suggests that remote sensing data are valuable predictors to estimate scleractinian CWC distribution.

The results of our modelling approach not only contribute to increasing the knowledge of the distribution of these ecologically relevant ecosystems in the poorly explored SW Australia submarine canyons but also of the key parameters limiting their distribution. Such information is crucial for establishing and implementing targeted conservation actions and effective natural resource management plans.
Assessment and Evaluation of Consumer Awareness and Self‐Medication Use Practices Towards Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics. A Cross‐Sectional Study in Abha‐Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khaled Arwa
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To assess and evaluate consumer awareness and common medication use practices towards OTC analgesics, with a focus on the impact of irrational drug use and its implications for public health and safety. This includes identifying gaps in knowledge, evaluating the potential consequences of misuse, and discussing how these findings can inform future educational initiatives and policy development to promote safer medication practices.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional, semi‐quantitative survey of 750 Saudi volunteers both males and females aged between 18 and 65 years. A validated self‐administered questionnaire was used among randomly selected volunteers with a history of OTC analgesic use.

Results

A total of 750 questionnaires were administered and the response rate was measured to be 75.6%. More than 50% of the study population used OTC analgesics without a prescription and reported using analgesics as soon as they start experiencing any pain. Paracetamol was found to be the most predominantly used analgesic. The most common indication of OTC analgesic use was reported for headache and toothache whereas irrational use of analgesics in terms of dose, frequency and indication was found to be to the extent of 50%. Primary source of information related to OTC analgesic use was obtained from pharmacy personnel (31.7%), and Patient Insert Leaflets (PIL) (28.7%). Majority of the respondents (64.3%) didn't know the safe maximum dose of Paracetamol, whereas 73.3% used to stop medicine only after experiencing some side effects. 52.4% of the respondents were not aware about the most common side effects, and potential interactions of analgesic medications.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the menace of self‐medication practices and irrational use of OTC analgesic by the study participants. Immediate remedial measure need to be taken to discourage self‐medication and improve rational use of OTC drugs which can be achieved by focusing on improving the consumers' awareness of self‐medication and the rational use of medications.
Backward swimming in elongated‐bodied abyssal demersal fishes: Synaphobranchidae, Macrouridae, and Ophidiidae
Authors: Priede Imants G. , Jamieson Alan J.
Published: January 2025

The deep‐sea demersal fish fauna is characterized by a prevalence of elongated‐body forms with long tapering tails. Using baited camera landers at depths of 4500–6300 m in the Pacific Ocean, we observed multiple instances of backward swimming using reverse undulation of the slender body in four species: the cutthroat eel Ilyophis robinsae, abyssal grenadier Coryphaenoides yaquinae, and cusk‐eels Bassozetus sp. and Barathrites iris. Backward swimming was used as an escape or repositioning maneuver, reversing for up to seven tail beats before resuming forward swimming in a new direction. The eel I. robinsae reversed with a swimming wave frequency of 0.51–0.95 Hz, wavelength 0.6–0.75 of the body length (L), and large amplitude movements of the head from side to side. C. yaquinae reversed relatively slowly at 0.21–0.52 Hz and wavelength 0.5–0.7 L aided by propulsive movements of the pectoral fins and minimal lateral movement of the head. The ophidiids also used reversed propulsive body waves augmented by paddling with the pectoral fins but with some lateral movement of the head. Pectoral‐fin movements in all species were in synchrony with the body movements. The elongated‐body form enables backward swimming by reversal of the anguilliform propulsive wave and has the advantage that the fish automatically returns to safety along the path recently traveled. This maneuverability conferred by an elongated body may be a significant factor in selection for body shape in deep‐sea fishes.
Eco‐Friendly Membrane Technology: Unlocking Antibacterial Potential of Biowaste Materials Against Foodborne Pathogens
Authors: Lee Hannah Yuna , Abujamous Abeer , Baxley Catherine , Kim Chyer
Published: January 2025

Numerous studies have investigated the use of natural compounds for antibacterial applications. This study evaluated biowaste materials such as morro seed, moringa seed, strawberry seed, and citrus peel albedo for their antibacterial potential. The materials were subjected to hot water or acidic treatments, followed by extraction using membrane technology, and then tested against four major foodborne pathogens: Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. Citrus peel albedo extract demonstrated strong antibacterial activity, effective at concentrations as low as 0.032 mg/mL across all bacterial strains. Moringa seed extract showed selective activity against Gram‐positive bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 2500 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) at 5000 mg/mL. However, extracts from morro and strawberry seeds showed no antibacterial activity even at concentrations as high as 200,000 mg/mL. This research underscores the promise of biowaste materials as viable antibacterial agents, contributing to food safety and public health, while also promoting environmental sustainability through eco‐friendly membrane technology in place of conventional solvent extraction methods.
Management of Accidental Paraquat Ingestion in a Child
Authors: Horsley Emily , Chandler Claire , Wainwright Claire , Sashak Rishanghan Laura , Cree Michele Louise , Humphreys Michael , Rampersad Neeta
Published: January 2025

Aim

To report on the management of a toddler who had accidental ingestion of an unknown amount of paraquat, with treatment including continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), steroids and antifibrinolytics at a tertiary‐level health system.

Methods

A 16‐month‐old child weighing 10 kg accidentally ingested an unknown amount of Gramoxone containing paraquat. The child was transferred to a tertiary centre Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) where she was electively intubated and commenced on CRRT at 7 hours and 15 minutes post‐ingestion. She was also treated with activated charcoal, methylprednisolone, N‐acetylcysteine infusion and pirfenidone. Paraquat blood and urine samples were monitored throughout her PICU admission.

Results

The child did not exhibit respiratory distress or significant hypoxia during the admission. She developed ulceration of the lips, mouth and tongue on day 2 which improved after 48 hours. Feed intolerance and pneumatosis intestinalis were managed conservatively. Interstitial changes were noted on chest x‐ray on day 3 and pirfenidone was initiated to minimise the risk of pulmonary fibrosis. The child was discharged from PICU to the general ward for further observation. At follow‐up, there has been no evidence of pulmonary fibrosis up to 6 months post‐discharge.

Conclusions

This case highlights the toxicity of Paraquat and importance of early management and urgent transfer of paraquat poisoning cases to specialised medical centres. Prompt interventions including activated charcoal, N‐acetylcysteine, CRRT and pirfenidone can improve patient prognosis and reduce the risk of long‐term complications such as pulmonary fibrosis in paediatric paraquat toxicity.
Evolution of clogging of porous asphalt concrete in the seepage process through integration of computer tomography, computational fluid dynamics, and discrete element method
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Yunpeng , Wei Dingbang , Yao Tengfei , Hu Yongping , Dou Hui
Published: January 2025

The longevity of porous asphalt pavement is inevitably compromised by the clogging of voids by various particles, leading to a degradation in its drainage function. Numerical simulations with real pore structures were used to investigate the clogging behavior of porous asphalt concrete (PAC) to clearly and intuitively understand its void clogging process. In this study, a three‐dimensional model of the real void was created by computed tomography scanning. The change before and after void clogging of PAC was characterized by seepage pressure and seepage velocity in the seepage field. The computational fluid dynamics‐discrete element method coupling method was used to visually describe the dynamic evolution of clogging particles in porous asphalt voids. Findings reveal that the most influential particle size for clogging in PAC‐13 with 18% and 20% porosity ranged between 0.15 and 0.6 mm. In contrast, for PAC‐13 with 25% porosity, the sensitive size was 0.3–1.18 mm. When clogging occurred, large particles predominantly obstructed the void inlets, prompting a refinement in the void structure. Subsequent particles either traversed the void, accumulating at the entrances of finer voids, or filled up progressively, leading to eventual clogging. Small particles either exited directly through the voids or accumulated in the bends of the voids, making the voids clogged directly. Consequently, the clogging behavior of porous asphalt was classified into three types: surface‐filling clogging, void refining filter clogging, and void bending or semi‐connecting clogging. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing PAC design and developing conservation strategies.
Temporal variation in floral scent emission of a woody plant and flower visiting behaviour of male and female flies
Authors: Zhu Hui , Qu Yekuan , Yuan Ke , You Yang , Ren Bingzhong , Wester Petra , Rusman Quint
Published: January 2025

Most flowering plants rely on insects for pollination and flowers are advertised using odor and visual cues. Flower scent consists of a complex blend of volatile compounds of which the emission can vary over time (and space) within species. Pollinator foraging behaviour, such as the choice for flowers and the time spent gathering nectar and/or pollen, can also show significant intraspecific variation. Underlying variation in pollinator behaviour can be sensory or foraging‐related biases among sexes or individuals. Investigating the role of temporal variation in floral volatiles on visitation behaviour of male and female pollinators is largely unexplored. We examined temporal variation in the emission of scent of yellowhorn Xanthoceras sorbifolium flowers, visitation behaviour of its main pollinators, male and female Bibio rufiventris flies, and their responses to floral volatile compounds using field experiments and controlled bioassays. Our results show significant daily fluctuations in floral volatile emission of X. sorbifolium in the field. The relative emission of 1‐octen‐3‐ol, 1‐octanol, benzaldehyde, and α‐farnesene increased from 9:00 to 15:00 h, while (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, (E)‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol, (E)‐2‐hexenal, 2‐methyl‐6‐hepten‐1‐ol, (E)‐2‐nonenal, 2,6,6‐trimethyl‐2‐cyclohexene‐1‐methanol, (E)‐2‐nonenal and (E,Z)‐2,6‐nonadienal decreased. In concert, we observed an increase in visits and visitation duration for male pollinators, but a decrease for female visitation duration. Pollinators exhibited sex‐specific responses to floral volatiles, with attraction to 1‐octen‐3‐ol and 1‐octanol for B. rufiventris males, while (E)‐2‐nonenal, (E,Z)‐2,6‐nonadienal and (E)‐2‐hexenal attracted females. Our study shows that temporal variation in floral scent may explain differences in flower visitation by male and female pollinators through sex‐specific responses to floral volatiles. Investigating sex‐based differences exhibited by pollinators and temporal variation in floral scent emission will help understand the dynamic nature of plant–pollinator interactions.
An Affective‐Sexual Education Program for People With Moderate Intellectual Disabilities: Analysis of Its Effectiveness in the Spanish Context
Authors: Estruch‐García Verónica , Gil‐Llario María Dolores , Fernández‐García Olga , Ballester‐Arnal Rafael
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Affective‐sexual education is essential for all people, regardless of their intellectual capacity. However, people with intellectual disabilities, and especially those with conceptual, social, and practical limitations, may face additional challenges. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of the Saludiversex‐M affective‐sexual education program for people with moderate intellectual disabilities using a controlled trial design.

Methodology

A total of 99 Spanish participants with moderate intellectual disabilities completed a battery of instruments before and after the intervention. Overall, 30 support staff professionals hetero‐evaluated participants before and after the program.

Results

Multilevel analyses showed that knowledge about sexuality significantly increased among those who received the intervention compared to those who did not. Support staff observed an increase in knowledge about sexuality and reported decreased concern about uninhibited behaviors among those who participated in the program.

Discussion

The Saludiversex‐M program is effective in improving knowledge about sexuality, which is essential for promoting behavioral change. The program is a pioneering and effective educational strategy for sexual health promotion for people with moderate intellectual disabilities and empowers support staff working with these populations.
Does Pollution Control Foster Innovation? Quasi‐Experimental Evidence From China's Two‐Control Zone Policy
Authors: Cieply Isea , Wang Feicheng
Published: January 2025

This paper studies the impact of environmental regulation on firms' innovation by analyzing the two‐control zone (TCZ) policy in China. This policy imposed stricter sulfur dioxide emission requirements on firms in regulated cities. Leveraging its uneven implementation across regions, we compare the innovative development of firms in cities subject to stricter environmental regulations with those that were not. Using a comprehensive dataset of firm patent applications between 1995 and 2007, we find that firms in regulated regions increased their patent applications following the introduction of the TCZ policy compared to those in unregulated regions, suggesting an innovation‐enhancing impact of stricter environmental policies. Channel analysis reveals that this positive impact was associated with firms' innovation capabilities through human capital and R&D investments, government support, financial resources, and market selection favoring innovative firms. We also find stronger effects among firms in low‐emission industries and cities with stringent policy enforcement. These findings align with the weak variant of the Porter Hypothesis that predicts a positive effect of environmental regulation on innovation.
Economic Sanctions and Export Margins
Authors: Bista Rishav , Sheridan Brandon
Published: January 2025

As global integration has increased over time, so too has the use of economic sanctions as a policy tool. Sanctions have the potential to affect trade flows regardless of other intended objectives. We use a gravity model framework and the updated Global Sanctions Data Base to characterize the heterogeneous response of exports to various types of sanctions. Specifically, we use disaggregated product‐level trade flows for 247 countries over the period 1962–2019 and focus primarily on exporter and importer sanctions. We extend the literature by showing that, when looking separately at the extensive and intensive margins of trade, complete sanctions have the strongest impact on the extensive margin, while partial sanctions matter most for the intensive margin. We also explore whether the effects of sanctions are anticipated and/or persist over time, and we find some evidence of both effects. We further add to the existing literature by using quantile regression in a panel data context with fixed effects to allow for heterogeneity in the impact of sanctions on trade margins. We find that complete sanctions disproportionately reduce exports for countries with low initial export volume, while partial sanctions are more likely to reduce exports in countries with high initial export volume.
Identification Is the Opposite of Alienation
Authors: McGrath Austin
Published: January 2025

Identification with and alienation from an attitude appear to be necessarily related, that is, they are not independent phenomena—they exclude one another. This suggests a conceptual relation between them. A simple explanation of their incompatibility is that one is present just when and because the other is not—one is the negation of the other: An attitude is alien just when and because it's not identified‐with, or the other way around. But their incompatibility needn't be explained in this way. Circles and dogs seem to exclude each other, but a circle isn't merely not a dog, rather they are merely different. Similarly, tall and short seem to exclude each other, but these are not merely negations of each other, rather they oppose each other—they are opposites. In this paper, I'll argue that, if we take a certain view of attitudes wherein the attitudes constituting identification and alienation toward the same attitude cannot be had at the same time, then the relation between alienation and identification that most plausibly secures their mutual exclusivity is that of a certain kind of opposition wherein those beings that can identify with and be alienated from attitudes have attitudes they stand in neither relation to.
Assessing reagents and techniques for identifying RhCE variants in routine serological testing
Authors: de Paula Vendrame Tatiane Aparecida , Arnoni Carine Prisco , Devides Giovana Faria , Silva Nayara Moraes , Cortez Afonso José Pereira , Roche Moreira Latini Flavia , Castilho Lilian
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Identifying RhCE variants is essential to prevent alloimmunization and manage complex cases. Unfortunately, these variants are often only detected after antibody formation, as they may go unnoticed in serological tests. This study aimed to assess monoclonal antisera using various methodologies to define the reactivity patterns of some variants by variable expression of RhCE antigens.

Materials and Methods

Samples were chosen based on atypical reactivity on routine RhCE typing of donors, screening of Afro‐descendant donors using tube testing and patient samples with antibodies against their own antigens. All 53 samples were tested using tube, gel and microplate tests with five antisera. Antigen expression was assessed by flow cytometry, and RhCE variants were molecularly classified.

Results

Tube test screening of African descent donors proved more effective in identifying a broad range of weak or partial antigens, particularly when using anti‐e composed of MS‐21, MS‐16, MS63 clones and anti‐c from the MS8011531019 clone. Automated instrument phenotyping successfully identified samples with RHCE*ceJAL allele, while most other variants were detected as positive (4+), similar to gel test, which intensified most reactions. When comparing methods and antisera for detecting variant e antigens, tube test identified a higher percentage of weak samples (63%–77%) compared with microplate (35%) and gel tests (14%).

Conclusion

The results highlight the critical role of tube test in serological routines and the need to select clones capable of identifying RhCE variants. Detecting reduced RhCE antigen expression during routine serological testing can guide further molecular investigations and help prevent Rh alloimmunization.
Weighted Dynamic Corridor Price Optimization
Authors: Stromeyer Konrad , Kurz Walter
Published: January 2025

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the capital goods sector face persistent challenges in developing pricing strategies that effectively balance cost recovery, competitive positioning, and value realisation amidst dynamic market conditions. This study introduces the Weighted Dynamic Corridor Price Optimisation (WDCP) framework, a novel hybrid model combining cost-plus and value-based pricing methodologies within a flexible pricing corridor.The WDCP model establishes a minimum price grounded in production costs and strategic objectives, while the maximum price reflects customer-perceived value, psychological pricing thresholds, and external market dynamics. Empirical surveys among SME decision-makers and simulation analyses validate the framework, demonstrating its ability to enhance profitability, mitigate risks of over- or under-pricing, and provide superior pricing flexibility. Key features such as fixed cost degression, non-linear optimisation, and dynamic adjustments enable the model to adapt seamlessly to fluctuating market conditions and strategic priorities, including profit maximisation, market penetration, and customer retention.By addressing the limitations of traditional cost-plus and value-based approaches, the WDCP framework bridges the gap between simplicity and market responsiveness. It integrates economic, psychological, and strategic factors into a practical, actionable pricing tool tailored to the unique needs of SMEs. This innovative approach fosters sustainable competitive advantages by equipping SMEs with the capacity to respond proactively to evolving customer demands and volatile industrial markets.
Effect of Paternity Leave or Fathers’ Parental Leave on Infant Health: a Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Nick Jan M. , Sahin Safiye , Roberts Lisa R. , Hatton Adorée , Cafferky Bryan
Published: January 2025

Objective:

The objective of the systematic review will be to evaluate the effect of paternity leave or fathers’ parental leave on infant mortality rate, hospitalization, vaccination compliance, and breastfeeding duration.

Introduction:

Current studies indicate that paternity leave positively affects infant health, but there is a significant lack of synthesized research on its impact on key infant health indicators. A systematic review of the existing evidence will help identify best practices and guide further research and policy development in this area.

Inclusion criteria:

The proposed systematic review will include studies such as experimental, quasi-experimental, and analytic observational studies, conducted among infants less than 1 year of age, exploring the effect of fathers’ paternity leave or fathers’ parental leave on the identified infant health outcomes.

Methods:

The review will follow the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness. A 3-step search strategy will be used, with no date or language restrictions. Study selection will also follow a 3-step process, including critical appraisal to determine methodological quality. Each step will be conducted by 2 independent reviewers; disagreements will be resolved through discussion or with other team members. The team will extract data using standardized templates from JBI SUMARI, then synthesize and conduct meta-analysis, if possible. If not, narrative synthesis will be conducted. Finally, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to determine certainty of evidence will be used to create a summary of findings.

Review registration number:

This protocol has been registered in PROSPERO: CRD42024502533.
Articulatory correlates of consonantal length contrasts: The case of Japanese mimetic geminates
Authors: Burroni Francesco , Kawahara Shigeto , Shaw Jason A.
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the articulatory correlates of consonantal length contrasts in Japanese mimetic words using electromagnetic articulography data. Regression and dynamic time warping analyses applied to intragestural timing, kinematic properties, and intergestural timing reveal that Japanese geminates are characterized by longer closure phases, longer gestural plateaus, higher tongue tip positions, larger movements, and lower stiffness. Geminates also exhibit distinct timing relationships with adjacent vowels, specifically, longer times to target that allow for longer preceding vowels. These findings shed light on the articulatory mechanisms underlying Japanese geminate production, their relationship to acoustics, and their characterization in a broader cross-linguistic perspective.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: January 2025

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website.
Subthreshold repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation induces cortical layer–, brain region–, and protocol-dependent neural plasticity
Authors: Ong Rebecca C. S. , Tang Alexander D.
Published: January 2025

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is commonly used to study the brain or as a treatment for neurological disorders, but the neural circuits and molecular mechanisms it affects remain unclear. To determine the molecular mechanisms of rTMS and the brain regions they occur in, we used spatial transcriptomics to map changes to gene expression across the mouse brain in response to two commonly used rTMS protocols. Our results revealed that rTMS alters the expression of genes related to several cellular processes and neural plasticity mechanisms across the brain, which was both brain region– and rTMS protocol–dependent. In the cortex, the effect of rTMS was dependent not only on the cortical region but also on each cortical layer. These findings uncover the diverse molecular mechanisms induced by rTMS, which will be useful in interpreting its effects on cortical and subcortical circuits.
Electrical signaling and coordinated behavior in the closest relative of animals
Authors: Colgren Jeffrey , Burkhardt Pawel
Published: January 2025

The transition from simple to complex multicellularity involves division of labor and specialization of cell types. In animals, complex sensory-motor systems are primarily built around specialized cells of muscles and neurons, though the evolutionary origins of these and their integration remain unclear. Here, to investigate sensory-behavior coupling in the closest relatives of animals, we established a line of the choanoflagellate,
Salpingoeca rosetta,
which stably expresses the calcium indicator RGECO1. Using this, we identify a previously unknown cellular behavior associated with electrical signaling, in which ciliary arrest is coupled with apical-basal contraction of the cell. This behavior and the associated calcium transients are synchronized in the multicellular state and result in coordinated ciliary arrest and colony-wide contraction, suggesting that information is spread among the cells. Our work reveals fundamental insights into how choanoflagellates sense and respond to their environment and enhances our understanding of the integration of cellular and organism-wide behavior in the closest protistan relatives of animals.
In situ structural-functional synchronous dissection of dynamic neuromuscular system via an integrated multimodal wearable patch
Authors: Zhao Hang , Chen Weicen , Li Yuanheng , Wang Hailiang , Li Hanfei , Li Tengfei , Han Fei , Sun Jing , Huang Laixin , Peng Xinhao , Chen Jianzhong , Yang Yihang , Qiu Xin , Liu Yan , Yu Huan , Hou Wen , Li Qingsong , Fu Guibing , You Chao , Liu Xijian , Li Fei , Li Xiangxin , Zhao Guoru , Wang Lin , Fang Peng , Li Guanglin , Zheng Hairong , Zhu Meifang , Yan Wei , Tian Qiong , Ma Teng , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: January 2025

Neuromuscular abnormality is the leading cause of disability in adults. Understanding the complex interplay between muscle structure and function is crucial for effective treatment and rehabilitation. However, the substantial deformation of muscles during movement (up to 40%) poses challenges for accurate assessment. To address this, we developed a wearable structural-functional sensing patch (WSFP) that enables synchronous analysis of muscle structure and function. The WSFP incorporates a soft, stretchable electrode array for high-performance electrophysiological monitoring with low contact impedance and high stability. Its innovative design absorbs skin deformation stress, ensuring stable adhesion of a flexible ultrasound transducer array, offering higher-fidelity imaging. With dynamic tissue imaging, it allows real-time visualization of muscle structure. The WSFP achieves superior accuracy in dynamic action recognition and disease assessment compared to single-modal methods, maintaining stable operation during motion for up to 72 hours. This study advances neuromuscular system analysis and improves diagnostic precision.
Infection-induced lysine lactylation enables herpesvirus immune evasion
Authors: Tyl Matthew D. , Merengwa Victoria U. , Cristea Ileana M.
Published: January 2025

Aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of many viral infections, leading to substantial accumulation of lactate. However, the regulatory roles of lactate during viral infections remain poorly understood. Here, we report that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection leverages lactate to induce widespread protein lactylation and promote viral spread. We establish that lactyllysine is enriched in intrinsically disordered regions, regulating viral protein condensates and immune signaling transduction. Dynamic lactylation of immune factors suppresses immunity, a feature we show to be shared for HCMV and herpes simplex virus 1 infections, through regulation of RNA binding protein 14 and interferon-γ–inducible protein 16 (IFI16). K90 lactylation of the viral DNA sensor IFI16 inhibits recruitment of the DNA damage response kinase DNA-PK, preventing IFI16-driven virus gene repression and cytokine induction. Together, we characterize global protein lactylation dynamics during virus infection, finding that virus-induced lactate contributes to its immune evasion through direct inhibition of immune signaling pathways.
Differential encoding of mammalian proprioception by voltage-gated sodium channels
Authors: Espino Cyrrus M. , Nagaraja Chetan , Ortiz Serena , Dayton Jacquelyn R. , Murali Akash R. , Ma Yanki , Mann Emari L. , Garlapalli Snigdha , Wohlgemuth Ross P. , Brashear Sarah E. , Smith Lucas R. , Wilkinson Katherine A. , Griffith Theanne N.
Published: January 2025

Animals requiring purposeful movement for survival are endowed with mechanoreceptors, called proprioceptors, that provide essential sensory feedback from muscles and joints to spinal cord circuits, which modulates motor output. Despite the essential nature of proprioceptive signaling in daily life, the mechanisms governing proprioceptor activity are poorly understood. Here, we identified nonredundant roles for two voltage-gated sodium channels (Na
V
s), Na
V
1.1 and Na
V
1.6, in mammalian proprioception. Deletion of Na
V
1.6 in somatosensory neurons (Na
V
1.6
cKO
mice) causes severe motor deficits accompanied by loss of proprioceptive transmission, which contrasts with our previous findings using similar mouse models to target Na
V
1.1 (Na
V
1.1
cKO
). In Na
V
1.6
cKO
animals, we observed impairments in proprioceptor end-organ structure and a marked reduction in skeletal muscle myofiber size that were absent in Na
V
1.1
cKO
mice. We attribute the differential contributions of Na
V
1.1 and Na
V
1.6 to distinct cellular localization patterns. Collectively, we provide evidence that Na
V
s uniquely shape neural signaling within a somatosensory modality.
Bile acid synthesis impedes tumor-specific T cell responses during liver cancer
Authors: Varanasi Siva Karthik , Chen Dan , Liu Yingluo , Johnson Melissa A. , Miller Cayla M. , Ganguly Souradipta , Lande Kathryn , LaPorta Michael A. , Hoffmann Filipe Araujo , Mann Thomas H. , Teneche Marcos G. , Casillas Eduardo , Mangalhara Kailash C. , Mathew Varsha , Sun Ming , Jensen Isaac J. , Farsakoglu Yagmur , Chen Timothy , Parisi Bianca , Deota Shaunak , Havas Aaron , Lee Jin , Chung H. Kay , Schietinger Andrea , Panda Satchidananda , Williams April E. , Farber Donna L. , Dhar Debanjan , Adams Peter D. , Feng Gen-Sheng , Shadel Gerald S. , Sundrud Mark S. , Kaech Susan M.
Published: January 2025

The metabolic landscape of cancer greatly influences antitumor immunity, yet it remains unclear how organ-specific metabolites in the tumor microenvironment influence immunosurveillance. We found that accumulation of primary conjugated and secondary bile acids (BAs) are metabolic features of human hepatocellular carcinoma and experimental liver cancer models. Inhibiting conjugated BA synthesis in hepatocytes through deletion of the BA-conjugating enzyme bile acid–CoA:amino acid
N
-acyltransferase (BAAT) enhanced tumor-specific T cell responses, reduced tumor growth, and sensitized tumors to anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (anti–PD-1) immunotherapy. Furthermore, different BAs regulated CD8
+
T cells differently; primary BAs induced oxidative stress, whereas the secondary BA lithocholic acid inhibited T cell function through endoplasmic reticulum stress, which was countered by ursodeoxycholic acid. We demonstrate that modifying BA synthesis or dietary intake of ursodeoxycholic acid could improve tumor immunotherapy in liver cancer model systems.
Wafer-scale monolayer MoS
2
film integration for stable, efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zai Huachao , Yang Pengfei , Su Jie , Yin Ruiyang , Fan Rundong , Wu Yuetong , Zhu Xiao , Ma Yue , Zhou Tong , Zhou Wentao , Zhang Yu , Huang Zijian , Jiang Yiting , Li Nengxu , Bai Yang , Zhu Cheng , Huang Zhaohui , Chang Jingjing , Chen Qi , Zhang Yanfeng , Zhou Huanping
Published: January 2025

One of the primary challenges in commercializing perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is achieving both high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and sufficient stability. We integrate wafer-scale continuous monolayer MoS
2
buffers at the top and bottom of a perovskite layer through a transfer process. These films physically block ion migration of perovskite into carrier transport layers and chemically stabilize the formamidinium lead iodide phase through strong coordination interaction. Effective chemical passivation results from the formation of Pb-S bonds, and minority carriers are blocked through a type-I band alignment. Planar p-i-n PSCs (0.074 square centimeters) and modules (9.6 square centimeters) with MoS
2
/perovskite/MoS
2
configuration achieve PCEs up to 26.2% (certified steady-state PCE of 25.9%) and 22.8%, respectively. Moreover, the devices show excellent damp heat (85°C and 85% relative humidity) stability with <5% PCE loss after 1200 hours and notable high temperature (85°C) operational stability with <4% PCE loss after 1200 hours.
Photonic axion insulator
Authors: Liu Gui-Geng , Mandal Subhaskar , Xi Xiang , Wang Qiang , Devescovi Chiara , Morales-Pérez Antonio , Wang Ziyao , Yang Linyun , Banerjee Rimi , Long Yang , Meng Yan , Zhou Peiheng , Gao Zhen , Chong Yidong , García-Etxarri Aitzol , Vergniory Maia G. , Zhang Baile
Published: January 2025

Axions, hypothetical elementary particles that remain undetectable in nature, can arise as quasiparticles in three-dimensional crystals known as axion insulators. Previous implementations of axion insulators have largely been limited to two-dimensional systems, leaving their topological properties in three dimensions unexplored in experiment. Here, we realize an axion insulator in a three-dimensional photonic crystal and probe its topological properties. Demonstrated features include half-quantized Chern numbers on each surface that resembles a fractional Chern insulator, unidirectional chiral hinge states forming topological transport in three dimensions, and arithmetic operations between fractional and integer Chern numbers. Our work experimentally establishes the axion insulator as a three-dimensional topological phase of matter and enables chiral states to form complex, unidirectional three-dimensional networks through braiding.