bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ANALYSIS OF LOCAL TERMS IN SOCIAL MEDIA OF INDONESIAN TEENAGERS
Authors: Nuari Dinda , Yunanda Fachri , Panjaitan Kristina Angelika Br , Renanta Frederico Werend
Published: April 2022

A local term is a non-standard word that is used by groups of teenagers to communicate internally. This research attempts to provide relevant knowledge about local terms, specifically to identify the types and functions of the local terms, the influence of social media on Indonesian teenagers’ usage of local terms, also to analyze the impact of the local terms among teenagers. The researchers chose the descriptive qualitative method to explore the data and accomplish this study. The researchers used an online observation approach to obtain data. The data of this study were 50 samples of local terms from Facebook, Whatsapp, and Twitter. The slang theory from Allan & Burridge in (Savitri, 2021) is used to clarify the types of local terms in this research. The classification of local terms in this study is flippant, imitative, fresh and creative, clipping, and acronym.
CONTEXTUALIZING SPEECH ACTS PERFORMED BY SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN AT ST. FRANSISKUS ASSISI CHURCH MEDAN
Authors: Simanjuntak Vitalia Hanako Murni
Published: April 2022

Despite the fact that research on speech acts has been widely conducted in many communication activities in Indonesia, studies on speech acts in religious communication inside the church, particularly those involving instructors and Sunday school pupils, are still uncommon.di Indonesia The study deals with the analysis of Speech Acts of The Sunday School Children of St. Fransiskus Assisi Church Medan, the data were collected by a documentary technique by using tablet handphone while The Sunday School Children learning process. The purpose of this study is to describe the presentation of Illocutionary acts and their types which are dominantly used by the Sunday School Teachers.  Utilizing Searle’s theory, the research was conducted by Qualitative research Method by using a case study research design. A total of 200 utterances were analyzed in the study to find out the pattern of speech acts performed by Sunday school teachers.  The study shows that there are five types of illocutionary acts used by Sunday school teachers; directives, assertive, expressive, commissions, and declarative. The most dominant type of speech acts in communication presentations were directives reaching up to 68,91%, whereas the least to occur was the declarative type (0.51%). The results of this study do not reflect the communication aspects that should be practiced in Sunday schools, which should emphasize persuasive expressions to persuade Sunday school children to be more active in worshiping and listening to God's word.
ENHANCING EFL LEARNERS’ SPEAKING SKILLS THROUGH THE AUDIO-LINGUAL METHOD
Authors: Putra Muhammad Ashari , Fridayanto Didha , Aji Bayu Prasetyo , Karim Sayit Abdul , Sudiro Suryo
Published: April 2022

The teaching method is one of the contributing factors to successful English language learning. The appropriate use of a teaching method is one of the ways to enhance learners’ speaking skills. The present study aims at reviewing the use of the Audio-Lingual Method (ALM), one of the teaching methods to enhance EFL learners’ speaking skills.      The present study employs library research to delineate the use of ALM to enhance learners' mastery of speaking skills. The data were obtained from documentation study and previous research findings and further analyzed qualitatively. Therefore, it reviews the brief of ALM, the purposes of ALM. Moreover, it scrutinizes the strategies used in ALM, the benefits of using and the implication of using ALM in classroom teaching. Finally, some important points on the use of ALM are highlighted in the conclusion part.
CODE-MIXING AND CODE-SWITCHING UTTERED BY CINTA LAURA IN OKAY BOSS TRANS7’S TALK SHOW
Authors: Nahak Yulius , Bram Barli
Published: April 2022

Code-mixing and code-switching can effectively deal with the complex communicative demands that arise when participants have varied levels of linguistic ability. This paper aimed to examine the types and the functions of code-mixing and code-switching uttered by Cinta Laura Kiehl in Okay Boss Trans7’s Talk Show on 23/06/2020, entitled “Ada Apa Dengan Cinta Laura Kiehl dan Aero'' (What happened to Cinta Laura Kiehl and Aero).  The design of this study used a qualitative descriptive method. Data were gathered from the talk show in written data. An explanatory sample was used to analyze the collected data. The findings revealed 27 data of code-mixings used by Cinta Laura Kiehl: 19 were intra-sentential code-mixing, and eight were intra-lexical code-mixing. Besides, 19 data of code-switching were identified: 10 were intra-sentential switching, eight were inter-sentential switching, and one was emblematic code-switching. Furthermore, the most dominant function of code-mixing was incompetence, with 15 data, and the most dominant function of code-switching was covering the ability to speak a specific language, with eight data. The study results are expected to contribute to students and lecturers of English and researchers engaging in sociolinguistic research to explore further the purpose of using code-mixing and code-switching in conversation.
Survey for Leptospira and Brucella in Amazonian manatees, Amazon river dolphins, and a tucuxi in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Rodrigues TCS , Santos ALQ , Pinheiro ES , Piatti RM , Castro V , Buiatte ABG , Lima AMC , Marmontel M
Published: April 2022

Leptospirosis and brucellosis are zoonotic diseases with global distributions that represent severe hazards to humans and animals. We investigated exposure to Leptospira spp. and Brucella spp. in samples from Amazonian manatees Trichechus inunguis, Amazon river dolphins Inia geoffrensis, and a tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis. The animals were free-ranging or undergoing in situ rehabilitation in the mid-Solimões River region, Brazilian Amazon. Serum samples from 19 Amazonian manatees were tested by microscopic agglutination test, Rose Bengal test, and 2-mercaptoethanol Brucella agglutination test. Antibodies against Leptospira spp. were detected in 63% of the manatees tested and serovar Patoc was considered the infecting serovar in all positive samples. Titers were generally low, indicating chronic exposure, but higher titers indicative of an active infection were detected in 3 animals. Anti-Brucella spp. antibodies were not detected. Tissue and/or body fluid samples from 12 Amazon river dolphins, a tucuxi, and 2 Amazonian manatees were investigated by multiplex PCR and bacteriology for Leptospira spp. and Brucella spp. All samples were negative. However, Enterococcus faecalis was isolated from uterine fluid, lymph node, and lung of 3 Amazon river dolphins. Bacillus spp. were isolated from milk and synovial fluid from 2 Amazon river dolphins and from a milk sample from 1 Amazonian manatee. Knowledge of the pathogens present in Amazonian manatees, Amazon river dolphins, and tucuxis is of great relevance to species conservation and environmental health. Although no clinical signs were noted, further research is needed to elucidate the clinical relevance of infection by Leptospira sp. serovar Patoc in Amazonian aquatic mammals.
MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF TWO-CHAMBER ELECTROLYSER DYNAMICS FOR STUDYING PROPERTIES OF ION EXCHANGE MEMBRANES BASED ON PROTON IONIC LIQUIDS
Authors: Koshel Mykola , Koshel Serhii , Polishchuk Yulia
Published: April 2022

A mathematical model of mass transfer processes in the electrolysis of one-component solutions of 1,1 symmetric strong electrolytes NaOH and NaCl in a two-chamber electrochemical reactor with mesh electrodes based on platinum titanium is formulated. Experimental modeling of processes is performed was carried out under conditions of continuous precise monitoring of the system (NaOH concentration and volume of solution in the chambers).The electrolysis system was designed to balance the flow of components through the membrane to study its properties and to determine five unknown parameters of mathematical modeling of the process. The mathematical model is a system of equations, which includes the unknown transfer numbers of counterions through the membrane, the electrolyte diffusion coefficient, the electroosmotic flux constant, and the empirical parameters of the approximating expressions.
Determinan Literasi Keuangan Mahasiswa Strata Satu di Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta
Authors: Sutrisno Bambang , Priharta Andry , Gani Nur Asni
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of gender, academic achievement, residence, and parents’ income on the financial literacy of undergraduate students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta. The research sample was 396 students. This study applies multinomial logistic regression analysis technique. The results showed that academic achievement had a significant effect on student financial literacy. Meanwhile, gender, residence, and parents’ income have no significant effect on student financial literacy. This finding has implications for the leaders of the Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta to improve student financial literacy, for example providing personal finance education to undergraduate students in all faculties.

Abstrak

Tujuan dari tulisan ini adalah menguji pengaruh gender, prestasi akademik, tempat tinggal, dan pendapatan orang tua terhadap literasi keuangan mahasiswa strata satu di Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta. Sampel penelitian sebanyak 396 mahasiswa. Penelitian ini menerapkan teknik analisis regresi logistik multinomial. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa prestasi akademik berpengaruh signifikan terhadap literasi keuangan mahasiswa. Sementara itu, gender, tempat tinggal, dan pendapatan orang tua tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap literasi keuangan mahasiswa. Temuan ini berimplikasi bagi pimpinan Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta untuk meningkatkan literasi keuangan mahasiswa misalnya memberikan pendidikan keuangan individu pada mahasiswa strata satu di semua fakultas.

Kata Kunci: Gender, Literasi Keuangan, Pendapatan Orang Tua, Prestasi Akademik, Tempat Tinggal
Sex vs Gender: A biological basis for gender, not sex.
Authors: Woodhill Bobbi , Samuels Curtis
Published: April 2022

Definitions of gender most always define it as a person's sense of core self and centered in the brain, but none venture to suggest where in the brain? While bodily sex and sexual orientation are accepted as emanating from genetic and hormonal templates, gender’s existence has so far either emanated from strictly social origins, a nebulous ‘somewhere’ in the brain, some combination of sources, or been rejected outright. We embrace evolutionary principles to examine contemporary research on sex and gender, review differences in neural and endocrine development, differences in the reproductive burden on ciswomen compared to cismen, combined with research into the trans community. We present an understanding based on early stable dimorphic sex differences in cognitive signaling related to the reproductive axis and reproduction. We propose the neural networks associated with these few stable and significant sex-linked behaviors provide a biological template for gender identity rather than sex.
A Situational Analysis and Review on Education and its Role in Developing Countries: A Cause to Consider
Authors: Ferguson David
Published: April 2022

We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. “Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded,and at the same time protecting nature”1 . Indeed this integrated approach to tackling issues encountered in the world today requires a good sound and precise education. We are proposing a scholarship in the name of the integrated approach approach to fighting poverty, the intentional striving for actualized peace Ralph Bunche spoke of which is “translated into bread,rice,shelter,health and education” and the invaluable fight for justice .
Recognition and Detection of Wide Field Bionic Compound Eye Target Based on Cloud Service Network
Authors: Han Yibo , Li Xia , Li XiaoCui , Zhou Zhangbing , Li Jinshuo
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a multidisciplinary cross-fusion of bionics, robotics, computer vision, and cloud service networks was used as a research platform to study wide-field bionic compound eye target recognition and detection from multiple perspectives. The current research status of wide-field bionic compound-eye target recognition and detection was analyzed, and improvement directions were proposed. The surface microlens array arrangement was designed, and the spaced surface bionic compound eye design principle cloud service network model was established for the adopted spaced-type circumferential hierarchical microlens array arrangement. In order to realize the target localization of the compound eye system, the content of each step of the localization scheme was discussed in detail. The distribution of virtual spherical targets was designed by using the subdivision of the positive icosahedron to ensure the uniformity of the targets. The spot image was pre-processed to achieve spot segmentation. The energy symmetry-based spot center localization algorithm was explored and its localization effect was verified. A suitable spatial interpolation method was selected to establish the mapping relationship between target angle and spot coordinates. An experimental platform of wide-field bionic compound eye target recognition and detection system was acquired. A super-resolution reconstruction algorithm combining pixel rearrangement and an improved iterative inverse projection method was used for image processing. The model was trained and evaluated in terms of detection accuracy, leakage rate, time overhead, and other evaluation indexes, and the test results showed that the cloud service network-based wide-field bionic compound eye target recognition and detection performs well in terms of detection accuracy and leakage rate. Compared with the traditional algorithm, the correct rate of the algorithm was increased by 21.72%. Through the research of this paper, the wide-field bionic compound eye target recognition and detection and cloud service network were organically provide more technical support for the design of wide-field bionic compound eye target recognition and detection system.
Applicability of Time Domain Transform Methods for Frequency Dependent Dynamic Stiffness
Authors: Nakamura Naohiro , Nabeshima Kunihiko , Mogi Yoshihiro , Ota Akira
Published: April 2022

Some types of dynamic stiffness, such as the dynamic ground stiffness used in soil-structure interaction analyses and the viscoelastic body used in vibration control systems, have strong frequency dependency. To perform seismic response analysis considering this frequency dependence and the nonlinearity of the model, the dynamic stiffness in the frequency domain must be transformed into the time domain, and a time-history nonlinear response analysis is required. Therefore, many studies on these time-domain transforms have been conducted. One of the present authors has already studied and proposed transform methods for this purpose, and some of their results were used to design new types of damping models. In the present study, the outline and characteristics of the proposed methods (A to C) for this transform are described first. Next, typical problems with strong frequency dependency (i.e., the dynamic soil stiffness, Maxwell element, viscoelastic body, Biot model, and causal hysteretic damping) were transformed into the time domain using these transform methods. The applicability of the transform methods was examined. Subsequently, the characteristics of each problem in the frequency domain and the characteristics of the obtained impulse response in the time domain were analyzed. Finally, it was confirmed that the proposed methods were applicable to all studied problems. These studies are important to understand the physical meaning of these problems, which have strong frequency dependency.
Design and Synthesis of Conformationally Diverse Pyrimidine-Embedded Medium/Macro- and Bridged Cycles via Skeletal Transformation
Authors: Choi Yoona , Lee Subin , Kim Heejun , Park Seung Bum
Published: April 2022

The rigidity and flexibility of small molecules are complementary in 3-dimensional ligand-protein interaction. Therefore, the chemical library with conformational diversity would be a valuable resource for investigating the influence of skeletal flexibility on the biological system. In this regard, we designed and synthesized ten conformationally diverse pyrimidine-embedded medium/macro- and bridged cyclic scaffolds covering 7- to 14-member rings via an efficient skeletal transformation strategy. Their high conformational and shape diversity was confirmed by chemoinformatic analysis.
Optical Sensor Array for the Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Li Fei , Stewart Callum , Yang Shijie , Shi Fangfang , Cui Wenyu , Zhang Shuming , Wang Hao , Huang Hui , Chen Mingqi , Han Jinsong
Published: April 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and has complicated pathobiology, leading to irreversible memory loss and severe cognitive dysfunction. For patients with AD, the advent of the disease usually occurs after years of pathological changes. The early diagnosis and monitoring of AD are of great significance as the early-stage intervention and treatment may be the most effective. Biomarkers, such as beta-amyloid and tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain, offer one of the most promising paths and are combined with neuroimaging and immunological detection for AD diagnosis. However, high expense and radiation of neuroimaging and low sensitivity of immunosorbent assay limited their applications. Meanwhile, the relevance of Aβ peptides and tau proteins to the development of AD remains highly debatable, meaning that detecting one specific biomarker holds limited prospects in achieving early and accurate detection of AD. Optical sensor arrays based on pattern recognition enable the discrimination of multiple analytes in complicated environments and are thus highly advantageous for the detection of AD with multi-biomarkers. In this review, we survey the recent advances of optical sensor arrays for the diagnosis of AD, as well as the remaining challenges.
Clinical Characteristics of Bloodstream Infection in Immunosuppressed Patients: A 5-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Hongxia , Yang Lili , Fang Jie , Gao Yulian , Zhu Haixing , Zhang Shengxiong , Summah Hanssa Dwarka , Shi Guochao , Sun Jingyong , Ni Lei , Feng Yun
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Immunosuppressed patients with bloodstream infection are at risk of mortality. Our objective was to assess the independent risk factors of bloodstream infection with mortality in immunosuppressive states.

Methods

The medical data of a total of 896 patients who were hospitalized in our hospital were collected from January 2015 to December 2019. Evaluation of the independent risk factors of mortality was done by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Of the 896 immunosuppressed patients with bloodstream infection, 698 had over 60-day survivals and 198 had 60-day mortality. In our study, PCT (mean ±; standard: 11.40 ±; 31.89 µg/l vs. 62.45 ±; 17.10 µg/l, p = 0.007) and presence of age >60 years (40% vs. 14.19%, p = 0.001) were significantly different between situations with and without 60-day survivals in both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Age >60 years and PCT could be used as indicators for bloodstream infection with 60-day death in immunosuppressive states; the OR (95% CI) were 1.532 (1.099–2.135) and 2.063 (1.413–3.013), respectively. In different subgroups, PCT and age were also independent risk factors of blood system diseases, Klebsiella pneumoniae infection, diabetes, and ICU-stay subgroups.

Conclusions

Age and PCT were independently associated with mortality in immunosuppressive states, which may help to identify the highly risky situation of bloodstream infection in immunosuppressive states.
Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Changes in Mice With Acute Vestibular Deficit
Authors: Li Feitian , Feng Yisi , Liu Hongyan , Kong Dedi , Hsueh Chi-Yao , Shi Xunbei , Wu Qianru , Li Wei , Wang Jing , Zhang Yibo , Dai Chunfu
Published: April 2022

Vestibular deficit is a very common disorder in clinical practice and is characterized by vertigo, spontaneous nystagmus, and autonomic nervous symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and sweating. In addition, the comorbidity of vestibular deficit and anxiety has long been an integral component of the medical literature. Previous studies have suggested that the mechanisms underlying this comorbidity involved overlap of vestibular and cerebellar networks. Emerging evidence has shown that the microbiota–gut–brain axis plays a key role in the regulation of affective disorders. Thus, we hypothesized that the gut microbiota may be involved in the comorbidity of vestibular deficit and anxiety. To verify this, we constructed a unilateral labyrinthectomy mouse model to simulate vestibular deficit. Then, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to analyze the microbiome and metabolome of the cecal samples collected from mice in the unilateral labyrinthectomy, sham surgery, and control groups. Notably, unilateral labyrinthectomy shaped the composition of the mouse gut microbiome, resulting in increased abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Odoribacter and Roseburia and decreased abundance of Prevotella and Parasutterella at the genus level. Tax4Fun functional prediction indicated a decrease in tryptophan metabolism in mice in the unilateral labyrinthectomy group. Moreover, functional correlation of changes in gut microbes and metabolites between different groups showed that the oleamide level was negatively correlated with Odoribacter abundance (r = -0.89, p = 0.0002). The butyric acid level was positively correlated with Parasutterella abundance (r = 0.85, p = 0.0010). The propanoate level was negatively correlated with Prevotella abundance (r = -0.81, p = 0.0020). The 20-HETE level was positively correlated with Parasutterella abundance (r = 0.84, p = 0.0013). The altered microbes and metabolites were closely related to the pathogenesis of affective disorders. Our results not only offer novel insights into the vestibular deficit comorbid with anxiety but also build an important basis for future research on this etiology.
Induction of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by CdhM Mediates Apoptosis of Macrophage During Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Xu Peng , Tang Jing , He Zheng-Guo
Published: April 2022

The normal operation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is critical for cells and organisms. However, ER stress, caused by imbalanced protein folding, occurs frequently, which perturbs the function of the ER and even results in cell apoptosis eventually. Many insults can induce ER stress; pathogen infection is one of them. Most of the genes involved in ER stress have been reported to be upregulated in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) granulomas of humans and mice, implicating that infection with Mtb can induce ER stress. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of Mtb induction of ER stress. Here, we reveal that Mycobacterium protein CDP-diglyceride hydrolase of Mycobacteriumn (CdhM) could target the ER and cause abnormal ER morphology and cell death. RNA-seq analysis suggests that most of the ER stress-involved genes were modulated by CdhM. Further assessed by biochemical experiments, the transcription and protein levels of ER stress markers BiP and CHOP, as well as the levels of XBP1 splicing and eIF2α phosphorylation, were significantly increased by CdhM, confirming that CdhM could induce ER stress alone or during infection. A single conserved amino acid mutant of CdhM, including L44A, G96A, H150A, and W175A, was incapable of inducing ER stress, which indicates that induction of ER stress by CdhM is specific and functional. Furthermore, CdhM-induced ER stress could also promote apoptosis of macrophages during Mtb infection. Overexpression of CdhM conferred a significant benefit for Mtb replication by releasing Mtb into extracellular during infection of macrophage in vitro, as presented in CFU assays. Overall, our study identified a novel Mtb effector protein CdhM which may promote Mtb dissemination and proliferation by induction of ER stress and apoptosis and provided new insight into the physiological significance of induction of ER stress in tuberculosis (TB) granulomas.
Association Between Obesity and Lower Short- and Long-Term Mortality in Coronary Care Unit Patients: A Cohort Study of the MIMIC-III Database
Authors: Yan Junlue , Li Xinyuan , Long Wenjie , Yuan Tianhui , Xian Shaoxiang
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Obesity has long been considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), even in the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent studies have found that a certain degree of obesity may be beneficial for patients who have already suffered from CVD, which is called the “obesity paradox”. Our objective was to investigate whether the obesity paradox existed in coronary care unit (CCU) patients and the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and short- and long-term mortality.

Methods

We performed a cohort analysis of 3,502 adult CCU patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database. The patients were divided into four groups according to the WHO BMI categories. Both multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression were used to reveal the relation between BMI and mortality. Subgroup analyses were performed based on Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) and age.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, obese patients had 33% and 30% lower mortality risk at 30-day and 1-year (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.89; HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.83; respectively) compared with normal-weight patients, while the underweight group were opposite, with 141% and 81% higher in short- and long-term (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.37 to 4.12; HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.46; respectively). Overweight patients did not have a significant survival advantage at 30-day (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.17), but did have a 22% lower mortality risk at 1-year (HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.91). The results were consistent after being stratified by SAPS and age.

Conclusion

Our study supports that obesity improved survival at both 30-day and 1-year after CCU admission, and the obesity paradox existed in CCU patients.
A Collaborative Design and Modularized Assembly for Prefabricated Cabin Type Energy Storage System With Effective Safety Management
Authors: Chen Chen , Lai Jun , Guan Minyuan
Published: April 2022

With the motivation of electricity marketization, the demand for large-capacity electrochemical energy storage technology represented by prefabricated cabin energy storage systems is rapidly developing in power grids. However, the designs of prefabricated cabins do not initially fit for the requirement of grid energy storage in terms of manufacturing and implementation, resulting in difficulties in condition monitoring and having high risks of fire failures. It is necessary to develop a modularized and intelligent integration technology for cabin-type energy storge in MW ∼ GW for the deep embeddedness in power grid. With the core objective of improving the long-term performance of cabin-type energy storages, this paper proposes a collaborative design and modularized assembly technology of cabin-type energy storages with capabilities of thermal runaway detection and elimination in early stage, classified alarm of system operation status based on big data analysis, and risk-informed safety evaluation of cabin-type energy storage. Research in this paper can be guideline for breakthrough in the key technologies of enhancing the intrinsic safety of lithium-ion battery energy storage system based on big data analysis, proposing a prototype of novel energy storage system suitable for applications in power grid with high proportion of renewable energy.
Improved Electrogeometric Model of UHV Transmission Line Based on Long Gap Discharge and Its Application
Authors: Hu Yuanchao , Yang Minghao , Qu Lu , An Yunzhu , Wang Jing , Cheng Yan , Sha Xiao , Wang Qingchen , Ma Chenghui , An Bingchen , Chen Dan
Published: April 2022

Based on long air gap discharge test data and lightning return stroke observation data, an improved electrogeometric model (EGM) considering terrain conditions is established and verified to analyze the lightning shielding performance of UHV transmission lines. The striking distance formula is modified as rs = 0.13 (I2 + 40I)0.814. In this paper, the lightning shielding failure rate of three-phase conductors of EHV and UHV transmission lines calculated by the improved EGM model is consistent with the lightning observation data of actual transmission lines in Japan and the scaled lightning discharge simulation experimental results of UHV transmission lines in plains and mountainous areas of China, which verifies the applicability of the improved EGM model to evaluate the lightning shielding performance of large-scale UHV transmission lines. The improved EGM model is applied to evaluate the influence of tower type and slope steepness on the shielding failure tripping rate of UHV transmission lines. The shielding failure tripping rate of the SZ322 tower is higher than that of the SZT1 tower, and the shielding failure tripping rate of UHV transmission lines is greatly affected by slope gradient and increases with the increase of slope gradient.
Importance of Seasonal Variation in Hawaiian Mushroom (Agaricomycetes) Basidiomata Production for Biodiversity Discovery and Conservation
Authors: Stallman Jeffery K. , Robinson Kyra
Published: April 2022

The Hawaiian Islands have a relatively well-known funga for a tropical location, yet there are over 400 species of mushrooms (Agaricomycetes) in the archipelago that remain to be documented. Importantly, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently evaluated six mushrooms endemic to the islands as threatened with extinction. To improve detection of mushrooms for biodiversity discovery and better monitor threatened species in the archipelago—where many localities lack strong annual precipitation patterns associated with an obvious season for increased mushroom basidiomata production—we examined the phenology of Hawaiian mushrooms. Monthly richness was determined from a literature review and abundance from online data repositories. Phenological patterns were separately explored for native species and differing elevation and annual precipitation categories. Despite relatively consistent monthly temperatures and areas with regular monthly rainfall, we found Hawaiian mushrooms generally exhibit uneven temporal patterns in basidiomata production: richness and abundance are generally highest in January and lowest from February to April, then usually increase from May to July and remain at elevated levels through December. This pattern does not occur when considering native species richness only, nor when examining abundance data stratified by elevation and annual rainfall categories. Increased monthly basidiomata abundance in low elevation (<1,000 m), dry (<1,000 mm rainfall/year) locations on O‘ahu and low, mesic (1,000–2,500 mm rainfall/year) locations on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i are positively correlated with increased monthly rainfall. Phenology of macrofungal sporocarp production should potentially be included in species threat assessments by the IUCN to increase detection via traditional surveying methods.
AIOLOS Variants Causing Immunodeficiency in Human and Mice
Authors: Yamashita Motoi , Morio Tomohiro
Published: April 2022

AIOLOS is encoded by IKZF3 and is a member of the IKAROS zinc finger transcription factor family. Heterozygous missense variants in the second zinc finger of AIOLOS have recently been reported to be found in the families of patients with inborn errors of immunity. The AIOLOSG159R variant was identified in patients with B-lymphopenia and familial Epstein–Barr virus-associated lymphoma. Early B-cell progenitors were significantly reduced in the bone marrow of patients with AIOLOSG159R. Another variant, AIOLOSN160S was identified in the patients presented with hypogammaglobulinemia, susceptibility to Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Patients with AIOLOSN160S had mostly normal B cell counts but showed increased levels of CD21lo B cells, decreased CD23 expression, and abrogated CD40 response. Both variants were determined to be loss-of-function. Mouse models harboring the corresponding patient’s variants recapitulated the phenotypes of the patients. AIOLOS is therefore a novel disease-causing gene in human adaptive immune deficiency.
Engineered RBCs Encapsulating Antigen Induce Multi-Modal Antigen-Specific Tolerance and Protect Against Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Raposo Colin J. , Cserny Judith D. , Serena Gloria , Chow Jonathan N. , Cho Patricia , Liu Hanyang , Kotler David , Sharei Armon , Bernstein Howard , John Shinu
Published: April 2022

Antigen-specific therapies that suppress autoreactive T cells without inducing systemic immunosuppression are a much-needed treatment for autoimmune diseases, yet effective strategies remain elusive. We describe a microfluidic Cell Squeeze® technology to engineer red blood cells (RBCs) encapsulating antigens to generate tolerizing antigen carriers (TACs). TACs exploit the natural route of RBC clearance enabling tolerogenic presentation of antigens. TAC treatment led to antigen-specific T cell tolerance towards exogenous and autoantigens in immunization and adoptive transfer mouse models of type 1 diabetes (T1D), respectively. Notably, in several accelerated models of T1D, TACs prevented hyperglycemia by blunting effector functions of pathogenic T cells, particularly in the pancreas. Mechanistically, TACs led to impaired trafficking of diabetogenic T cells to the pancreas, induced deletion of autoreactive CD8 T cells and expanded antigen specific Tregs that exerted bystander suppression. Our results highlight TACs as a novel approach for reinstating immune tolerance in CD4 and CD8 mediated autoimmune diseases.
Vaccine-Associated Enhanced Disease and Pathogenic Human Coronaviruses
Authors: Gartlan Cillian , Tipton Tom , Salguero Francisco J. , Sattentau Quentin , Gorringe Andrew , Carroll Miles W.
Published: April 2022

Vaccine-associated enhanced disease (VAED) is a difficult phenomenon to define and can be confused with vaccine failure. Using studies on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination and dengue virus infection, we highlight known and theoretical mechanisms of VAED, including antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), antibody-enhanced disease (AED) and Th2-mediated pathology. We also critically review the literature surrounding this phenomenon in pathogenic human coronaviruses, including MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Poor quality histopathological data and a lack of consistency in defining severe pathology and VAED in preclinical studies of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1 vaccines in particular make it difficult to interrogate potential cases of VAED. Fortuitously, there have been only few reports of mild VAED in SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in preclinical models and no observations in their clinical use. We describe the problem areas and discuss methods to improve the characterisation of VAED in the future.
Impostor Phenomenon and Its Relationship to Self-Esteem Among Students at an International Medical College in the Middle East: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Naser Maryam Jameel , Hasan Nebras Ebrahim , Zainaldeen Manal Hasan , Zaidi Ayesha , Mohamed Yusuf Mahdi Ahmed Mulla Hasan , Fredericks Salim
Published: April 2022

The atmosphere of constant scrutiny of academic ability that prevails in medical colleges may leave some students at risk of expressing feelings of intellectual fraudulence and phoniness. Impostor phenomenon (IP) traits have been associated with anxiety, depression, job dissatisfaction, and poor professional performance. Internationally trained junior doctors exhibit stronger IP feelings than colleagues trained within their own country of citizenship. These feelings may develop during student life. International universities are diverse and complex environments where students may be emersed in a cultural milieu alien to their societies of origin, leading to feelings of isolation. Individuals with IP traits often perceive themselves as the “only one” experiencing this phenomenon, resulting in further isolation and negative self-evaluation, especially among women and underrepresented minorities. IP has also been linked to low self-esteem among students. This study assessed the prevalence of IP and its relationship to self-esteem among students at a campus of a European medical college with a large international student body situated in the Middle East. The self-administered questionnaires: Clance's Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were completed by 290 medical students (58.3% females). Participants' median (range) age was 19 years (16–35). Students were of 28 different nationalities; the largest proportions were from Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) countries. The prevalence of low self-esteem was 18.6%, while 45.2% of the students demonstrated traits suggestive of IP. There was a strongly negative correlation between CIPS and RSES (r = −0.71). No significant gender differences were found in IP. Similarly, no differences in IP were found when comparing between age groups, previous experience in higher education or year of study. Multivariate analysis showed that students from GCC countries had higher levels of self-esteem relative to students from other regions. Low self-esteem was a strong predictor of IP. Country of origin may influence students' self-esteem studying in international university settings.
The Multiplicity of Infection of Recombinant Vaccinia Virus Expressing the T7 RNA Polymerase Determines the Rescue Efficiency of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus
Authors: Yang Fan , Tan Jinlong , Fang Yongxiang , Chen Guohua , Zhang Yongzhi , Hu Qianqian , Han Wuweiyi , Liu Yongsheng , Fu Baoquan , Jing Zhizhong , Li Weike
Published: April 2022

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has a wide range of cell tropism, making it a prototype of studying the negative-strand RNA virus (NSRV), including virus–host interactions and vaccine development. Although VSV rescue systems have been progressively optimized throughout time, the T7-based expression system is the most commonly utilized to rescue VSV. However, it remains a significant barrier for many labs. In our study, we found that rescue VSV’s efficiency is associated with the various multiplicities of infection (MOIs) of recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the T7 RNA polymerase (vTF-7.3). It works at maximum efficiency while the MOI of vTF-7.3 is 5, which is analyzed by quantitative PCR, Western blot, and flow cytometry, compared to the lowest rescue level with MOI of 1. Meanwhile, our data also suggest that purification of vTF-7.3 prior to transfection is a prerequisite for VSV rescue. Overall, our study reveals for the first time a precise correlation between vTF-7.3 and rescue efficiency, which may aid in resolving the uncertainties in the quest to build the VSV reverse genetic system.
Strategy of Developing Oral Vaccine Candidates Against Co-infection of Porcine Diarrhea Viruses Based on a Lactobacillus Delivery System
Authors: Guo Tiantian , Gao Chong , Hao Jianhui , Lu Xiao , Xie Kun , Wang Xiaona , Li Jiaxuan , Zhou Han , Cui Wen , Shan Zhifu , Jiang Yanping , Qiao Xinyuan , Tang Lijie , Wang Li , Li Yijing
Published: April 2022

The number of co-infections with multiple porcine diarrhea viruses has increased in recent years. Inducing mucosal immunity through oral immunization is an effective approach for controlling these pathogens. To generate a multi-pathogen vaccine against viral co-infection, we employed the Lactobacillus vector platform, which was previously used to generate potent candidate vaccines against various diseases. Two strategies were used to test the protective efficiency of recombinant Lactobacillus against multiple diarrhea viruses. First, we used a mixture of recombinant Lactobacillus separately expressing antigens of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and porcine rotavirus (PoRV). Next, we used a recombinant Lactobacillus expressing an antigen fusion protein of the above viruses. Twenty-four newborn piglets were divided into three groups and orally immunized with a mixture of recombinant Lactobacillus, recombinant Lactobacillus expressing the antigen fusion protein, or sterile phosphate-buffered saline daily for seven consecutive days after birth. After immunization, the piglets were randomly selected from each group for oral administration of PEDV, and these piglets were then cohabited with piglets without PEDV infection for 7 days. The protective effect against PEDV was evaluated based on clinical symptoms, viral shedding, and intestinal pathological damage. Piglets immunized with recombinant Lactobacillus showed specific mucosal and humoral immune responses to the three viruses and were protected against severe diarrhea and intestinal pathology. Our results highlight the potential of an oral multi-pathogen vaccine based on Lactobacillus to prevent transmission and limit the severity of viral co-infection.
Degeneration of the Sensorimotor Tract in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and Compensatory Structural Changes in the Brain
Authors: Chen Senlin , Wang Ying , Wu Xianyong , Chang Jianchao , Jin Weiming , Li Wei , Song Peiwen , Wu Yuanyuan , Zhu Jiajia , Qian Yinfeng , Shen Cailiang , Yu Yongqiang , Dong Fulong
Published: April 2022

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, that has become increasingly prevalent in the aging population worldwide. The current study determined the factors affecting degeneration in the sensorimotor tract with degenerative cervical myelopathy and its relationship with brain structure. We divided patients into hyperintensity (HS) and non-hyperintensity (nHS) groups and measured the fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficients of the lateral corticospinal tract (CST), fasciculus gracilis and fasciculus cuneatus (FGC). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) techniques were used to estimate brain structure changes. Correlation of the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, light touch, pinprick, motor score, and fractional anisotropy (FA) ratios of the CST at different levels were analyzed. Compared to healthy controls, the FA ratios of CST in the HS and nHS groups were decreased at all levels, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratio was increased only at C4/5 levels in the HS group. The FA ratio of FGC was decreased at the C3/4 and C4/5 levels in the HS group and only decreased at the C4/5 level in the nHS group. The ADC ratio was decreased only at the C4/5 level in the HS group. VBM analysis revealed that the volume of the precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and paracentral lobule increased in patients compared to controls. TBSS analysis found no statistical significance between the sensory and motor tracts in white matter. The volume of clusters in HS and nHS groups negatively correlated with the C1/2 FA ratio of the CST. The results showed that the degeneration distance of the CST was longer than the FGC, and the degeneration distance was related to the degree of compression and spinal cord damage. Structural compensation and the neurotrophin family may lead to enlargement of the brain.
Higher Dementia Risk in People With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Real-World Evidence
Authors: Gau Shuo-Yan , Lai Jung-Nien , Yip Hei-Tung , Wu Meng-Che , Wei James Cheng-Chung
Published: April 2022

Background

Whether or not patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have a higher risk of developing subsequent dementia remains unknown, and no observational evidence from population-based data is available. This study was to determine whether patients with GERD have a higher future risk of developing dementia.

Methods

For the period 2000–2012, datasets from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID, subset of National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan) were analyzed. Definition of GERD was based on ICD-9-CM codes 530.11 and 530.81 and prescriptions for PPIs. After matching gender, age, index year, and comorbidities, each GERD patient was matched with four control patients without GERD. Future risk of dementia was evaluated, and sensitivity analysis of subgroups was conducted to clarify the potential association.

Results

In the present study, 13,570 patients were included in the GERD cohort and 54,280 patients were included in the control cohort. Patients with GERD showed higher risk developing dementia than control group, with an aHR of 1.34 (95% C.I., 1.07, 1.67). In GERD patients between above 70 years old, the risk of developing dementia was higher than that of the control groups (aHR = 1.34; 95% C.I., 1.01, 1.77).

Conclusion

Patients with GERD showed higher incidence of dementia, and elder patients had the highest risk of developing dementia. Clinicians should be concern of the association between GERD and dementia and should develop strategies to prevent dementia while managing patients with GERD.
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Promotes White Matter Repair and Improves Dysphagia Symptoms in Cerebral Ischemia Model Rats
Authors: Long Lu , Zang Qianwen , Jia Gongwei , Fan Meng , Zhang Liping , Qi Yingqiang , Liu Yilin , Yu Lehua , Wang Sanrong
Published: April 2022

Background

Clinical and animal studies have shown that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) exerts neuroprotection following cerebral ischemia. Studies have revealed that white matter damage after ischemia is related to swallowing defects, and the degree of white matter damage is related to the severity of dysphagia. However, the effect of ta-VNS on dysphagia symptoms and white matter damage in dysphagic animals after an ischemic stroke has not been investigated.

Methods

Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats were randomly divided into the sham, control and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) group, which subsequently received ta-VNS for 3 weeks. The swallowing reflex was measured once weekly by electromyography (EMG). White matter remyelination, volume, angiogenesis and the inflammatory response in the white matter were assessed by electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, stereology, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting.

Results

ta-VNS significantly increased the number of swallows within 20 s and reduced the onset latency to the first swallow. ta-VNS significantly improved remyelination but did not alleviate white matter shrinkage after MCAO. Stereology revealed that ta-VNS significantly increased the density of capillaries and increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) expression in the white matter. ta-VNS significantly alleviated the increase inTLR4, MyD88, phosphorylated MAPK and NF-κB protein levels and suppressed the expression of the proinflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α.

Conclusion

These results indicated ta-VNS slightly improved dysphagia symptoms after ischemic stroke, possibly by increasing remyelination, inducing angiogenesis, and inhibiting the inflammatory response in the white matter of cerebral ischaemia model rats, implying that ta-VNS may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of dysphagia after ischemic stroke.