bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-associated immune responses triggered by clinically relevant lipid nanoparticles in rats
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Wang Yisha , Yuan Changzheng , Xu Xiao , Zhou Wenbin , Huang Yuhui , Lu Huan , Zheng Yue , Luo Gan , Shang Jia , Sui Meihua 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWith the large-scale vaccination of lipid nanoparticles (LNP)-based COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, elucidating the potential polyethylene glycol (PEG)-associated immune responses triggered by clinically relevant LNP has become imminent. However, inconsistent findings were observed across very limited population-based studies. Herein we initiated a study using LNP carrier of Comirnaty® as a representative, and simulated real-world clinical practice covering a series of time points and various doses correlated with approved LNP-delivered drugs in a rat model. We demonstrated the time- and dose-dependency of LNP-induced anti-PEG antibodies in rats. As a thymus-independent antigen, LNP unexpectedly induced isotype switch and immune memory, leading to rapid enhancement and longer lasting time of anti-PEG IgM and IgG upon re-injection in rats. Importantly, initial LNP injection accelerated the blood clearance of subsequent dosing in rats. These findings refine our understandings on LNP and possibly other PEG derivatives, and may promote optimization of related premarket guidelines and clinical protocols.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveals the brain evolution of web-building spiders
Authors: Jin Pengyu , Zhu Bingyue , Jia Yinjun , Zhang Yiming , Wang Wei , Shen Yunxiao , Zhong Yu , Zheng Yami , Wang Yang , Tong Yan , Zhang Wei , Li Shuqiang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSpiders are renowned for their efficient capture of flying insects using intricate aerial webs. How the spider nervous systems evolved to cope with this specialized hunting strategy and various environmental clues in an aerial space remains unknown. Here we report a brain-cell atlas of >30,000 single-cell transcriptomes from a web-building spider (Hylyphantes graminicola). Our analysis revealed the preservation of ancestral neuron types in spiders, including the potential coexistence of noradrenergic and octopaminergic neurons, and many peptidergic neuronal types that are lost in insects. By comparing the genome of two newly sequenced plesiomorphic burrowing spiders with three aerial web-building spiders, we found that the positively selected genes in the ancestral branch of web-building spiders were preferentially expressed (42%) in the brain, especially in the three mushroom body-like neuronal types. By gene enrichment analysis and RNAi experiments, these genes were suggested to be involved in the learning and memory pathway and may influence the spiders’ web-building and hunting behaviour. Our results provide key sources for understanding the evolution of behaviour in spiders and reveal how molecular evolution drives neuron innovation and the diversification of associated complex behaviours.
Novel protic ionic liquids-based phase change materials for high performance thermal energy storage systems
Authors: Mokhtarpour Masumeh , Rostami Ali , Shekaari Hemayat , Zarghami Armin , Faraji Saeid 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPhase change materials (PCMs) are an important class of innovative materials that considerably contribute to the effective use and conservation of solar energy and wasted heat in thermal energy storage systems (TES). The performance of TES can be improved by using environmentally friendly PCMs called ionic liquids (ILs) based on ethanolamines and fatty acids. The 2-hydroxyethylammonium, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium, and tris(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium palmitate ILs, which function is in the temperature range of 30–100 °C and provide a safe and affordable capacity, are introduced in this study for the first time as PCMs. PCMs' chemical composition and microstructure were examined using fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. DSC was used to evaluate the ILs' latent heat of fusion and specific heat capacity, while TGA was used to establish their thermal stability. Finally, a home-made device with a PCMs (synthesized ILs) container cell and a commercial thermoelectric generator device to record the real-time voltage (V) was used to convert thermal energy into electrical energy.
Ensuring generalized fairness in batch classification
Authors: Pal Manjish , Pokhriyal Subham , Sikdar Sandipan , Ganguly Niloy 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the problem of batch classification and propose a novel framework for achieving fairness in such settings. The problem of batch classification involves selection of a set of individuals, often encountered in real-world scenarios such as job recruitment, college admissions etc. This is in contrast to a typical classification problem, where each candidate in the test set is considered separately and independently. In such scenarios, achieving the same acceptance rate (i.e., probability of the classifier assigning positive class) for each group (membership determined by the value of sensitive attributes such as gender, race etc.) is often not desirable, and the regulatory body specifies a different acceptance rate for each group. The existing fairness enhancing methods do not allow for such specifications and hence are unsuited for such scenarios. In this paper, we define a configuration model whereby the acceptance rate of each group can be regulated and further introduce a novel batch-wise fairness post-processing framework using the classifier confidence-scores. We deploy our framework across four real-world datasets and two popular notions of fairness, namely demographic parity and equalized odds. In addition to consistent performance improvements over the competing baselines, the proposed framework allows flexibility and significant speed-up. It can also seamlessly incorporate multiple overlapping sensitive attributes. To further demonstrate the generalizability of our framework, we deploy it to the problem of fair gerrymandering where it achieves a better fairness-accuracy trade-off than the existing baseline method.
Predicting multiple linear stapler firings in double stapling technique with an MRI-based deep-learning model
Authors: Fu Zhanwei , Li Shuchun , Zang Lu , Dong Feng , Cai Zhenghao , Ma Junjun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMultiple linear stapler firings is a risk factor for anastomotic leakage (AL) in laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) using double stapling technique (DST) anastomosis. In this study, our objective was to establish the risk factors for ≥ 3 linear stapler firings, and to create and validate a predictive model for ≥ 3 linear stapler firings in laparoscopic LAR using DST anastomosis. We retrospectively enrolled 328 mid–low rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic LAR using DST anastomosis. With a split ratio of 4:1, patients were randomly divided into 2 sets: the training set (n = 260) and the testing set (n = 68). A clinical predictive model of ≥ 3 linear stapler firings was constructed by binary logistic regression. Based on three-dimensional convolutional networks, we built an image model using only magnetic resonance (MR) images segmented by Mask region-based convolutional neural network, and an integrated model based on both MR images and clinical variables. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and Youden index were calculated for each model. And the three models were validated by an independent cohort of 128 patients. There were 17.7% (58/328) patients received ≥ 3 linear stapler firings. Tumor size ≥ 5 cm (odds ratio (OR) = 2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–5.60, p = 0.021) and preoperative carcinoma embryonic antigen (CEA) level > 5 ng/mL [OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.20–4.04, p = 0.011] were independent risk factors associated with ≥ 3 linear stapler firings. The integrated model (AUC = 0.88, accuracy = 94.1%) performed better on predicting ≥ 3 linear stapler firings than the clinical model (AUC = 0.72, accuracy = 86.7%) and the image model (AUC = 0.81, accuracy = 91.2%). Similarly, in the validation set, the integrated model (AUC = 0.84, accuracy = 93.8%) performed better than the clinical model (AUC = 0.65, accuracy = 65.6%) and the image model (AUC = 0.75, accuracy = 92.1%). Our deep-learning model based on pelvic MR can help predict the high-risk population with ≥ 3 linear stapler firings in laparoscopic LAR using DST anastomosis. This model might assist in determining preoperatively the anastomotic technique for mid–low rectal cancer patients.
Sensor platform for assessment of water usage patterns in informal settlements
Authors: Rico Andres , Larson Kent , Gamboa Mayra 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRapid urbanization has intensified pressures on global water systems, particularly impacting informal settlements. Understanding water usage patterns within these settlements is of importance for better addressing water scarcity issues. Current methods for gaining information about water within these settings tend to lack spatio-temporal granularity and miss complex patterns of behavior related to water usage. As a consequence, there is a shortage of the reliable quantitative measurements needed to improve water management processes and modeling. Here we introduce a low-cost sensing platform for water assessment in informal settlements. Households within these types of settlements, lacking water utility connections and piping, often use storage tanks and buckets to distribute, store, and consume water; hence, the platform consists of four distinct sensor modules that can be placed on these types of water infrastructure. Evaluated in controlled settings, the sensors prove to be reliable for measuring water quantity, quality, and usage. Field testing within an informal community in Mexico reveals that the system can comprehensively track multiple tank storage levels, assess water quality, and capture bucket usage patterns without disrupting a household’s common activities or infrastructure. Our validation shows the technique’s potential to improve water management in informal communities, while opening opportunities for enhancement of water-related research and policy making through combinations of top-down and bottom-up interventions.
Spatial metabolomics identifies distinct tumor-specific and stroma-specific subtypes in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jun , Sun Na , Kunzke Thomas , Shen Jian , Zens Philipp , Prade Verena M. , Feuchtinger Annette , Berezowska Sabina , Walch Axel 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMolecular subtyping of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) has been performed at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic level. However, LUSC stratification based on tissue metabolomics is still lacking. Combining high-mass-resolution imaging mass spectrometry with consensus clustering, four tumor- and four stroma-specific subtypes with distinct metabolite patterns were identified in 330 LUSC patients. The first tumor subtype T1 negatively correlated with DNA damage and immunological features including CD3, CD8, and PD-L1. The same features positively correlated with the tumor subtype T2. Tumor subtype T4 was associated with high PD-L1 expression. Compared with the status of subtypes T1 and T4, patients with subtype T3 had improved prognosis, and T3 was an independent prognostic factor with regard to UICC stage. Similarly, stroma subtypes were linked to distinct immunological features and metabolic pathways. Stroma subtype S4 had a better prognosis than S2. Subsequently, analyses based on an independent LUSC cohort treated by neoadjuvant therapy revealed that the S2 stroma subtype was associated with chemotherapy resistance. Clinically relevant patient subtypes as determined by tissue-based spatial metabolomics are a valuable addition to existing molecular classification systems. Metabolic differences among the subtypes and their associations with immunological features may contribute to the improvement of personalized therapy.
Integrated assessment of river development on downstream marine fisheries and ecosystems
Authors: Plagányi Éva , Kenyon Rob , Blamey Laura , Robins Julie , Burford Michele , Pillans Richard , Hutton Trevor , Hughes Justin , Kim Shaun , Deng Roy Aijun , Cannard Toni , Jarrett Annie , Laird Adrianne , Lawrence Emma , Miller Margaret , Moeseneder Chris 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDemands on freshwater for human use are increasing globally, but water resource development (WRD) has substantial downstream impacts on fisheries and ecosystems. Our study evaluates trade-offs between WRDs and downstream ecosystem functioning considering alternative dam and water extraction options, diverse eco-hydrological responses and catchment-to-coast connectivity. We used a data-driven ensemble modelling approach to quantify the impacts of alternative WRDs. WRD impacts varied from weakly positive to severely negative depending on species, scenario and cross-catchment synergies. Impacts on fishery catches and the broader ecosystem (including mangroves) increased with catchment developments and volume of water removed, or if flow reduced below a threshold level. We found complex, linked-catchment dependence of banana prawns on flow and floods. Economic risks for this important fishery more than doubled under some scenarios. Sawfish emerged as the most sensitive across a range of WRD scenarios. Our findings highlight the need to consider marine ecosystems and fisheries to inform sustainable management of the world’s remaining free-flowing rivers.
Improved dielectric and energy storage properties of three‐dimensional BaTiO3/polyvinyl alcohol‐boron nitride flexible dielectric composite via template infiltration strategy
Authors: Yang Yongzhi , Chao Jinxiang , Jiang Peng , Xu Runhan , Li Yuchao , Zhan Yanhu , Shi Zhicheng , Liao Chengzhu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractContinuous three‐dimensional BaTiO3 (3DBT) ceramic network was prepared by the sol‐gel method using cleanroom wipers as the template. Subsequently, flexible 3DBT/polyvinyl alcohol‐boron nitride nanosheets (PVA‐BNNS) composite dielectric films were facilely fabricated by inversely introducing different BNNS concentrations of PVA‐BNNS solution into the 3DBT network. The results demonstrated that PVA solution effectively embedded into the 3DBT framework through an inverse infiltration process, thereby endowing the material with excellent flexibility. The content of 3DBT in the saturated 3DBT/PVA‐BNNS composite was ∼27 wt% (6.9 vol%). In addition, the 3DBT/PVA‐1.0%BNNS system exhibited an excellent dielectric constant of 17.4 (at 1 kHz), a high breakdown strength of 114.5 kV·mm−1 and an energy density of 2.51 J·cm−3 (at 110 kV·mm−1), being 1.67, 1.58 and 7.17 times higher than those of traditional fabricated 27 wt% nano‐BT/PVA (at 70 kV·mm−1) composite, respectively. What's more, the obtained 3DBT/PVA‐BNNS dielectric film exhibited superior thermal and mechanical stability, indicating potential applications in harsh environments.
Disk Evolution Study Through Imaging of Nearby Young Stars (DESTINYS): HD 34700 A unveils an inner ring
Authors: Columba G. , Rigliaco E. , Gratton R. , Mesa D. , D’Orazi V. , Ginski C. , Engler N. , Williams J. P. , Bae J. , Benisty M. , Birnstiel T. , Delorme P. , Dominik C. , Facchini S. , Menard F. , Pinilla P. , Rab C. , Ribas Á. , Squicciarini V. , van Holstein R. G. , Zurlo A. 
Published: November 2023

Context. The study of protoplanetary disks is fundamental to understand their evolution and interaction with the surrounding environment, and to constrain planet formation mechanisms.
Aims. We aim to characterise the young binary system HD 34700 A, which shows a wealth of structures.
Methods. Taking advantage of the high-contrast imaging instruments SPHERE at the VLT, LMIRCam at the LBT, and of ALMA observations, we analyse this system at multiple wavelengths. We study the morphology of the rings and spiral arms and the scattering properties of the dust. We discuss the possible causes of all the observed features.
Results. We detect for the first time, in the Hα band, a ring extending from ~65 au to ~120 au, inside the ring which is already known from recent studies. These two have different physical and geometrical properties. Based on the scattering properties, the outer ring may consist of grains with a typical size of aout ≥ 4 µm, while the inner ring has a smaller typical size of ain ≤ 0.4 µm. Two extended logarithmic spiral arms stem from opposite sides of the disk. The outer ring appears as a spiral arm itself, with a variable radial distance from the centre and extended substructures. ALMA data confirm the presence of a millimetric dust substructure centred just outside the outer ring, and detect misaligned gas rotation patterns for HD 34700 A and B.
Conclusions. The complexity of HD 34700 A, revealed by the variety of observed features, suggests the existence of one or more disk-shaping physical mechanisms. Our findings are compatible with the presence inside the disk of an as of yet undetected planet of several Jupiter masses and the system interaction with the surroundings, by means of gas cloudlet capture or flybys. Further observations with JWST/MIRI or ALMA (gas kinematics) could shed more light on them.
Anticoagulation-Associated Bleeding in Patients Screened for Atrial Fibrillation versus Usual Care—A Post Hoc Analysis from the LOOP Study
Authors: Kongebro Emilie Katrine , Diederichsen Søren Zöga , Xing Lucas Yixi , Haugan Ketil Jørgen , Graff Claus , Højberg Søren , Olesen Morten S. , Krieger Derk , Brandes Axel , Køber Lars , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup 
Published: November 2023

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence is rising; however, data on the bleeding risks associated with the detection of subclinical AF are needed.
Objective Our objective was to determine the bleeding increment associated with implantable loop recorder (ILR) screening for subclinical AF and subsequent anticoagulation initiation compared with usual care.
Methods This post hoc study utilized LOOP trial data from 6,004 elderly patients with stroke risks randomized to either ILR (n = 1,503) or usual care (n = 4,503). The mean follow-up time was 64.5 months, and none were lost to follow-up. The primary exposure was the initiation of oral anticoagulation, and the main outcome was the risk of major bleeding events following initiation of oral anticoagulants (OACs), determined by time-dependent cox regression. Second, we investigated antithrombotic prescription patterns and major bleeding events after antiplatelet treatment and in subgroups.
Results OAC was initiated in 1,019 participants with a mean age (years) of 78.8 (± 4.67) in control versus 77.0 (± 4.84) in ILR, p < 0.0001. Altogether did 202 participants end or pause OAC treatment. Among AF patients (n = 910) had 40 (28%) completely ended OAC and 105 (72%) temporarily paused OAC during follow-up. Major bleeding events totaled 221 (3.7%). Forty-seven major bleeding events followed an OAC initiation in 1,019 participants (4.6%); 26 versus 21 events in the control and ILR groups, respectively. The hazard ratio (HR) for major bleeding after OAC initiation compared with before initiation was 2.08 (1.50–2.90) p < 0.0001 overall, 2.81 (1.82–4.34) p < 0.0001 for control and 1.32 (0.78–2.23) p = 0.31 for the ILR group (p = 0.07 for interaction). Antiplatelet treatment resulted in an overall adjusted HR of 1.3 (0.96–1.75) p = 0.09. For OAC users aged ≥75 years in the ILR group, the rate of major bleeding was 1.73 (0.92–2.96) compared with 0.84 (0.36–1.66) for an age <75 years, and the rate of the corresponding control subgroup aged ≥75 years was 2.20 (1.23–3.63) compared with 1.64 (0.82–2.93) for an age <75 years.
Conclusion The individual risk of major bleeding increased twofold after initiation of oral anticoagulation for all patients in this study. However, the patients screened for subclinical AF did not have a higher bleeding risk after initiation of anticoagulation compared with those in usual care.
Trial Registration: The LOOP study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT020364 50
The politics of higher education: the European Higher Education Area through the eyes of its stakeholders in France and Italy
Authors: Kushnir Iryna , Yazgan Nuve 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis article explores recent politics of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) by focusing on the examination of the continuing involvement of France and Italy in it, which are two – of the EHEA’s founding countries. The study reported in this article is built on a theoretical observation that higher education is political. It relies on expert interviews with representatives from key policy-making institutions in France and Italy, and key recent EHEA official communications. The thematic analysis of these data sources reveals that the EHEA is not just a forum for higher education cooperation, but a political platform for cross-country relations in the European region and a platform for generating responses to crises. Additionally, specifically, France’s and Italy’s continuing involvement in the EHEA has a particular political undertone dictated by the internal politics of both countries and the evolving politics of the EHEA. This study contributes to a better understanding of the political nature of the EHEA and its implications for higher education policy outcomes.
A socio-cultural discourse study of cultural-political elites’ stances on LGBTI+ identities and practices in Ghana
Authors: Puorideme Dennis , Diedong Africanus Lewil 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecently, cultural-political elites made competing and conflictual statements regarding LGBTI+ identities and practices in Ghana which attracted national and international attention. How do cultural-political elites discursively construct LGBTI+ discourse in postcolonial Ghana and what are the implications? This study employed qualitative methodology and engaged discourse theory and method to analyse cultural-political elites’ discursive practices and stances on LGBTI+ discourse in Ghana. The analytical method is dialectical and focuses on the relationship between the data (text) and sociocultural and political context for meaning making. Social relations of knowledge and statements articulated to power-knowledge provide the analytical framework. The study demonstrates that essentialising the cultures and traditions of Ghana short of a detailed concrete contextual definition of the complex multicultural and multiethnic post-colonial nation limits the socio-cultural interpretation, understanding and stances on LGBTI+ discourse in Ghana and can lead to ambiguities and contradictions. Different social actors take divergent positions in their interpretations and understanding of LGBTI+ discourse in Ghana. Also, the study notes that attempts at understanding sexuality, especially, LGBTI+ discourse and same-sex intimacies in non-western societies requires dialogue and intercultural engagements capable of promoting human existence in a socially cohesive and harmonious manner.