bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing the basic reproduction number of COVID-19: a model simulation focused on QALYs, hospitalisation, productivity costs and optimal (soft) lockdown
Authors: Robles-Zurita Jose
Published: August 2022

Even if public health interventions are successful at reducing the spread of COVID-19, there is no guarantee that they will bring net benefits to the society because of the dynamic nature of the pandemic, e.g., the risk of a second outbreak if those interventions are stopped too early, and the costs of a continued lockdown. In this analysis, a discrete-time dynamic model is used to simulate the effect of reducing the effective reproduction number, driven by lockdowns ordered in March 2020 in four European countries (UK, France, Italy and Spain), on QALYs and hospitalisation costs. These benefits are valued in monetary terms (€30,000 per QALY assumed) and compared to productivity costs due to reduced economic activity during the lockdown. An analysis of the optimal duration of lockdown is performed where a net benefit is maximised. The switch to a soft lockdown is analysed and compared to a continued lockdown or no intervention. Results vary for two assumptions about hospital capacity of the health system: (a) under unlimited capacity, average benefit ranges from 8.21 to 14.21% of annual GDP, for UK and Spain, respectively; (b) under limited capacity, average benefits are higher than 30.32% of annual GDP in all countries. The simulation results imply that the benefits of lockdown are not substantial unless continued until vaccination of high-risk groups is complete. It is illustrated that lockdown may not bring net benefits under some scenarios and a soft lockdown will be a more efficient alternative from mid-June 2020 only if the basic reproduction number is maintained low (not necessarily below 1) and productivity costs are sufficiently reduced.
Automatic detection of airborne pollen: an overview
Authors: Buters Jeroen , Clot Bernard , Galán Carmen , Gehrig Regula , Gilge Stefan , Hentges François , O’Connor David , Sikoparija Branko , Skjoth Carsten , Tummon Fiona , Adams-Groom Beverley , Antunes Célia M. , Bruffaerts Nicolas , Çelenk Sevcan , Crouzy Benoit , Guillaud Géraldine , Hajkova Lenka , Seliger Andreja Kofol , Oliver Gilles , Ribeiro Helena , Rodinkova Victoria , Saarto Annika , Sauliene Ingrida , Sozinova Olga , Stjepanovic Barbara
Published: July 2022

Pollen monitoring has traditionally been carried out using manual methods first developed in the early 1950s. Although this technique has been recently standardised, it suffers from several drawbacks, notably data usually only being available with a delay of 3–9 days and usually delivered at a daily resolution. Several automatic instruments have come on to the market over the past few years, with more new devices also under development. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of all available and developing automatic instruments, how they measure, how they identify airborne pollen, what impacts measurement quality, as well as what potential there is for further advancement in the field of bioaerosol monitoring.
Reconceptualizing cybersecurity awareness capability in the data-driven digital economy
Authors: Akter Shahriar , Uddin Mohammad Rajib , Sajib Shahriar , Lee Wai Jin Thomas , Michael Katina , Hossain Mohammad Alamgir
Published: August 2022

Data breaches have become a formidable challenge for business operations in the twenty-first century. The emergence of big data in the ever-growing digital economy has created the necessity to secure critical organizational information. The lack of cybersecurity awareness exposes organizations to potential cyber threats. Thus, this research aims to identify the various dimensions of cybersecurity awareness capabilities. Drawing on the dynamic capabilities framework, the findings of the study show personnel (knowledge, attitude and learning), management (training, culture and strategic orientation) and infrastructure capabilities (technology and data governance) as thematic dimensions to tackle cybersecurity awareness challenges.
The Influence of Flow on Cycle-to-Cycle Variations in a Spark-Ignition Engine: A Parametric Investigation of Increasing Exhaust Gas Recirculation Levels
Authors: Welch Cooper , Schmidt Marius , Illmann Lars , Dreizler Andreas , Böhm Benjamin
Published: August 2022

Cyclic variability is investigated in an optically accessible single-cylinder spark-ignition research engine by introducing artificial exhaust gas in controlled amounts to the homogenous air–fuel mixture before ignition. A skip-fire scheme ensures the absence of internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and allows the engine to be fired continuously for acquisition of large statistics. Four operating conditions ranging from a stable 0% EGR case up to a highly unstable extreme EGR case are analyzed to examine the increasing effects of homogeneous EGR on the cycle performance. To that end, high-speed measurements of the velocity field via particle image velocimetry and flame imaging in the tumble plane allow the determination of phenomena leading to various flame positions and sizes as well as faster and slower combustion cycles. Through extensive conditional statistical and multivariate correlation techniques, flames are found to be heavily influenced by large-scale velocity motion, especially with the presence of greater EGR which leads to lower flame speeds. The greater sensitivity of slower flames to variations in the velocity field manifests itself in an exponential increase in cyclic variability of the maximum in-cylinder pressure and causes misfire cycles where the flame is blown off or quenched at the cylinder roof. In the most extreme cycles at the highest EGR level, the state of the large-scale velocity structures at the time of ignition determines whether the flame propagates towards the center of the cylinder (and is blown off or quenched) or if the flame sustains growth by propagating within the lingering tumble vortex.
MYC as a therapeutic target for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer: preclinical investigations with the novel MYC inhibitor, MYCi975
Authors: Tang Minhong , O’Grady Shane , Crown John , Duffy Michael J.
Published: July 2022

Background

MYC is one of the most frequently altered driver genes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The aim of this study was to evaluate targeting MYC for the treatment of TNBC.

Methods

The anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of the recently discovered MYC inhibitor, MYCi975 were investigated in a panel of 14 breast cancer cell lines representing the main molecular forms of breast cancer.

Results

IC50 values for growth inhibition by MYCi975 varied from 2.49 to 7.73 µM. Response was inversely related to endogenous MYC levels as measured by western blotting (p = 0.047, r = − 0.5385) or ELISA (p = 0.001, r = − 0.767), i.e., response to MYCi975 decreased as endogenous MYC levels increased. MYCi975 also induced variable levels of apoptosis across the panel of cell lines, ranging from no detectable induction to 80% induction. Inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis were greater in TNBC than in non-TNBC cell lines (p = 0.041 and p = 0.001, respectively). Finally, combined treatment with MYCi975 and either paclitaxel or doxorubicin resulted in enhanced cell growth inhibition.

Discussion

Our findings open the possibility of targeting MYC for the treatment of TNBC. Based on our results, we suggest that trials use a combination of MYCi975 and either docetaxel or doxorubicin and include MYC as a putative therapy predictive biomarker.
Identifying Thresholds for Observational Indicators of Enhanced Sonic Deposition on Smoke Alarms in Forensic Investigations
Authors: Gorbett Gregory E. , Borth Trevor , Rainey Stephanie , Hicks William
Published: July 2022

The activation status of a smoke alarm in a fire becomes a central question in forensic fire investigations when there are injuries or deaths. Forensic techniques have been developed to answer this question through the evaluation of the presence of enhanced soot deposition on specific locations of a smoke alarm. Testing was conducted to evaluate the thresholds where these observational indicators may be obscured or destroyed. Fifty-four smoke alarms were exposed to simulated fire conditions to create enhanced soot deposition observational indicators. A series of post exposure tests were conducted to determine the threshold(s) of thermal damage to determine when those indicators begin to be obscured. All powered smoke alarms presented observational indicators in locations like those identified in previous research, as well as four additional locations for this smoke alarm geometry. Enhanced soot deposition indicators were found to persist in most cases when the alarm was exposed to high temperatures (up to 325°C to 450°C), when the alarms were exposed to high temperatures and dropped to a floor surface, and when the alarm was exposed to carpet contamination.
Swampland Revisited
Authors: Silk Joseph , Cassé Michel
Published: July 2022

The transcendental expectation of string theory is that the nature of the fundamental forces, particle spectra and masses, together with coupling constants, is uniquely determined by mathematical and logical consistency, non-empirically, that is by pure reason. However pluralism triumphed with the explosive emergence of the multiverse. String theorists have extended a long-sought dream (their unique and final theory) to a landscape or a happy caparnaum. Proponents of string theory try to qualify their arguments via swampland conjectures while cosmologists retreat to their telescopes. We review the current status of the string theory swampland.
Nitrogen budget and critical load determination at a Sahelian grazed grassland site
Authors: Delon Claire , Galy-Lacaux Corinne , Barret Blandine , Ndiaye Ousmane , Serça Dominique , Guérin Frédéric , Gardrat Eric , Mougin Eric , Agbohessou Yélognissè F. , Probst Anne
Published: August 2022

Based on rare and original in situ measurements together with published data, we estimate a complete nitrogen (N) budget for a semi-arid Sahelian grazed grassland located in Dahra (Senegal) in 2014 and 2017. Nitrogen inputs include biological fixation, dry and wet atmospheric deposition, and input from livestock manure. Nitrogen outputs include nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soils, NO and ammonia (NH3) emissions from biomass burning, NH3 volatilization from manure, ingestion from livestock grazing, uptake by trees and soil leaching. Nitrogen inputs ranged between 11.7 ± 0.5 and 34.4 ± 0.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for low and high estimates respectively, and N outputs ranged between 16.4 ± 1.5 and 45.7 ± 1.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for low and high estimates respectively, on average for both years. Nitrogen depletion was estimated between 4.7 ± 2.0 and 11.3 ± 2.0 kg N ha−1 yr−1, which involves N mining from soils. The budget is dominated by the impact of livestock through grazing (63% of the outputs), NH3 volatilization (15% of the outputs), manure (68% of the inputs) and atmospheric deposition (19% of the inputs). The N critical load (Steady State Mass Balance method) ranged from 16.7 ± 0.8 to 47.5 ± 1.7 kg N ha−1 yr−1, showing that the grazed grassland of Dahra was not yet threatened by an excess of N. The assessment of the critical load in Sahelian landscapes depends heavily on livestock participation to the ecosystem equilibrium.
Entropies of non-positively curved metric spaces
Authors: Cavallucci Nicola
Published: July 2022

We show the equivalences of several notions of entropy, like a version of the topological entropy of the geodesic flow and the Minkowski dimension of the boundary, in metric spaces with convex geodesic bicombings satisfying a uniform packing condition. Similar estimates will be given in case of closed subsets of the boundary of Gromov-hyperbolic metric spaces with convex geodesic bicombings.
Cortically Based Optimal Transport
Authors: Galeotti Mattia , Citti Giovanna , Sarti Alessandro
Published: July 2022

We introduce a model for image morphing in the primary visual cortex V1 to perform completion of missing images in time. We model the output of simple cells through a family of Gabor filters and the propagation of the neural signal accordingly to the functional geometry induced by horizontal connectivity. Then we model the deformation between two images as a path relying two different outputs. This path is obtained by optimal transport considering the Wasserstein distance geodesics associated to some probability measures naturally induced by the outputs on V1. The frame of Gabor filters allows to project back the output path, therefore obtaining an associated image stimulus deformation. We perform a numerical implementation of our cortical model, assessing its ability in reconstructing rigid motions of simple shapes.
A Psycholinguistic Look at the Role of Field Dependence/Independence in Receptive/Productive Vocabulary Knowledge: Does it Draw a Line?
Authors: Heidari Kamal
Published: August 2022

The thrust of this study was to investigate the impact of learning styles in general and Field dependence/Independence (FD/I) in particular on the receptive/productive lexical performance of language learners. It aimed to check whether FD/I learners perform differently on receptive and productive vocabulary tests. To achieve this, first, 94 Iranian language learners were given the Group Embedded Figure Test (GEFT) to determine their learning style; and second, they were put into two groups and were asked to take a receptive and a productive vocabulary test. Having collected and analyzed the data, the study revealed that first, with regard to the receptive test, although FI learners outperformed the FD ones, this outperformance was not significant statistically. Second, for the productive test, a significant difference was found between FIs and FDs with FI learners having a better performance. Third, FI learners acted significantly better in the productive test compared with receptive test. Finally, FD learners performed almost similarly in both receptive and productive tests. The pertinent implications are also discussed.
Help-Seeking Undocumented Migrants in the Netherlands: Mental Health, Adverse Life Events, and Living Conditions
Authors: Vollebregt Sandrine J. C. , Scholte Willem F. , Hoogerbrugge Annette , Bolhuis Koen , Vermeulen Jentien M.
Published: July 2022

Undocumented migrants are a particularly vulnerable group regarding (mental) health, living conditions, and restricted access to health care. The aim and objective of the study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of mental health problems in a help-seeking population of undocumented migrants. Observational study was performed by integrating cross-sectional questionnaire data with retrospective electronic patient record data. Undocumented migrants attending medical and psychological consultation hours of a Netherlands-based non-governmental organization completed the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ). We examined scores of the instrument’s 24 items version (SRQ-24) and its 20 items version (SRQ-20). Correlates of mental health were estimated using parametric tests. On the SRQ-20, 85% (95% CI 77–91%) of the sample (N = 101) scored ≥ 8, the clinical cut-off value for common mental disorders; mean = 12.4 ± 4.6, range 0–20. Adverse life events like physical and sexual assault were reported in 37% of the medical records (N = 99) and had a medium-to-large effect (Cohen’s d = 0.76) on SRQ-24 scores. Mental health problems are common in help-seeking undocumented migrants. This study underlines the need of improving access to mental health care for undocumented migrants.
High-growth firms’ contribution to aggregate productivity growth
Authors: Bisztray Márta , de Nicola Francesca , Muraközy Balázs
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the contribution of high-growth firms (HGFs) to aggregate productivity growth, using Hungarian firm-level data. Three stylized facts emerge. First, output-based HGFs substantially outperform employment-based ones in terms of their productivity contribution: on average, sales-based HGFs contribute 5 times as much as employment-based ones. Further, the contribution of employment-based HGFs is negative in 48-50% of industry-years, compared to 25-31% for sales-based HGFs. Second, HGFs tend to contribute to productivity growth only during their high-growth phase but not afterwards. Third, HGFs’ contribution to productivity growth is higher in industries with more effective reallocation and with more young firms, but none of these are strong predictors of the HGFs’ contribution. Finally, we present a simple benchmark model to show that these patterns arise naturally under realistic correlation structures.
Consuming microplastics? Investigation of commercial salts as a source of microplastics (MPs) in diet
Authors: Kuttykattil Aswin , Raju Subash , Vanka Kanth Swaroop , Bhagwat Geetika , Carbery Maddison , Vincent Salom Gnana Thanga , Raja Sudhakaran , Palanisami Thava
Published: July 2022

The omnipresence of microplastics (MPs) in marine and terrestrial environments as a pollutant of concern is well established and widely discussed in the literature. However, studies on MP contamination in commercial food sources like salts from the terrestrial environment are scarce. Thus, this is the first study to investigate various varieties of Australian commercial salts (both terrestrial and marine salts) as a source of MPs in the human diet, and the first to detect MPs in black salt. Using Nile red dye, the MPs were detected and counted under light microscopy, further characterised using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). Of all the 90 suspected particles, 78.8% were identified as MPs with a size ranging between 23.2 µm and 3.9 mm. The fibres and fragments constituted 75.78% and 24.22% respectively. Among the tested samples, Himalayan pink salt (coarse) from terrestrial sources was found to have the highest MP load, i.e. 174.04 ± 25.05 (SD) particle/kg, followed by black salt at 157.41 ± 23.13 particle/kg. The average concentration of detected MPs in Australian commercial salts is 85.19 ± 63.04 (SD) per kg. Polyamide (33.8%) and polyurethane (30.98%) were the dominant MP types. Considering the maximum recommended (World Health Organization) salt uptake by adults daily at 5 g, we interpret that an average person living in Australia may be ingesting approximately 155.47 MPs/year from salt uptake. Overall, MP contamination was higher in terrestrial salts (such as black and Himalayan salt) than the marine salt. In conclusion, we highlight those commercial salts used in our daily lives serve as sources of MPs in the diet, with unknown effects on human health.
Calibration of a constitutive model for volcanic sands under simple shear conditions
Authors: Moscariello Mariagiovanna , Chen Yanni , Cuomo Sabatino , Buscarnera Giuseppe
Published: July 2022

The simple shear response of air-fall volcanic (pyroclastic) soils under both saturated and unsaturated conditions is interpreted through an elastoplastic constitutive model with hydraulic-hardening and porosity-dependent critical state. Extensive experimental data collected under various testing protocols (i.e., simple shear, direct shear, and triaxial tests) enable the theoretical identification of the variability of the fundamental physical properties (i.e., frictional resistance, dilatancy, and water retention behavior) and the identification of a band of admissible values for prescribed confidence levels. In this paper, a constitutive model specifically developed to account for the simple shear loading is adopted and the calibration of the model parameters is performed accounting for such data scatter. The calibration procedure led to a single set of constitutive parameters through 3 main steps. The identification of range of variation for each parameter is carried out using the data derived from laboratory tests. Then, sensitivity analyses are performed on the main physical and constitutive parameters. Mathematical indicators quantifying the difference between the measurements and the predictions are proposed to investigate the role of the material properties and evaluate the model performance. Furthermore, an optimization algorithm is adopted to identify the optimal set of model parameters which best fits all the considered tests (i.e., simple shear tests under saturated and unsaturated conditions and wetting tests). The results imply that the variability of the hydro-mechanical properties must be considered to satisfactorily simulate the constitutive behaviors of the volcanic soils under a variety of simple shear testing regimes.
The “true” acetabular anteversion angle (AV angle): 2D CT versus 3D model
Authors: Barlow Kira A. , Krol Zdzislaw , Skadlubowicz Pawel , Dong Chao , Zivkovic Vanja , Krieg Andreas H.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Different factors can lead to inconsistencies in measurement for the acetabular version using 2D axial CT-cuts. We have defined a “true” anteversion angle (AV angle) in the physiological position of the pelvis in 3D with the largest European population measured to our knowledge.

Material and methods

We analyzed 258 hemipelvises and created 3D models. We compared the results of our AV angle 3D method with the cross-sectional cuts of the same acetabula. We included factors like side, sex, body mass index, and patient positioning.

Results

Overall, the mean (SD) AV angle was 16.1 (5.9)° as measured with the 3D method and 22.0 (6.0)° as measured with the 2D method (p < 0.0001). Measured with both the 3D and the 2D method, the AV angle was significantly larger in female than in male individuals (p < 0.0001).

In the 2D method, the AV angle estimation was influenced by the pelvic tilt.

Conclusion

We propose a more accurate method for the measurement of the AV angle of the acetabulum in a 3D model that is not influenced by patient positioning or pelvic tilt. We provide a computational model that will facilitate operative decisions and improve preoperative planning. We confirm that 3D measurement should be the gold standard in measuring the acetabular anteversion.
The dynamics of institutional arrangements for climate change adaptation in small island developing states in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans
Authors: Robinson Stacy-ann , Carlson D’Arcy , Bouton Emma , Dolan Mara , Meakem Allison , Messer Anna , Roberts J. Timmons
Published: July 2022

The successful design, implementation and management of the institutional arrangements for climate change adaptation are critical components of sustainable development. This is especially true for small island developing states (SIDS), a group of 58 countries spread across three main geographic regions, which are acknowledged as being disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In many instances, the dynamics of these arrangements in SIDS are poorly understood and documented. This study helps to fill this gap by identifying and analyzing “networks of action situations” through semi-structured interviews with 14 national and international climate change officials and practitioners in four SIDS (Comoros, Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore) in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans region. We find that there are a few strategic actors involved in multiple, mutually reinforcing and sometimes conflicting arrangements, which are simultaneously being shaped and reshaped at different scales. We also find varying patterns of power, politics and participation that act as both drivers of and barriers to adaptation in these countries. By deconstructing institutional interlinkages and strategic feedback loops, this paper contributes to a broader understanding of the complexities of environmental governance in small jurisdictions.
Facial-sketch Synthesis: A New Challenge
Authors: Fan Deng-Ping , Huang Ziling , Zheng Peng , Liu Hong , Qin Xuebin , Van Gool Luc
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive study on facial-sketch synthesis (FSS). However, due to the high cost of obtaining hand-drawn sketch datasets, there is a lack of a complete benchmark for assessing the development of FSS algorithms over the last decade. We first introduce a high-quality dataset for FSS, named FS2K, which consists of 2 104 image-sketch pairs spanning three types of sketch styles, image backgrounds, lighting conditions, skin colors, and facial attributes. FS2K differs from previous FSS datasets in difficulty, diversity, and scalability and should thus facilitate the progress of FSS research. Second, we present the largest-scale FSS investigation by reviewing 89 classic methods, including 25 handcrafted feature-based facial-sketch synthesis approaches, 29 general translation methods, and 35 image-to-sketch approaches. In addition, we elaborate comprehensive experiments on the existing 19 cutting-edge models. Third, we present a simple baseline for FSS, named FSGAN. With only two straightforward components, i.e., facial-aware masking and style-vector expansion, our FSGAN surpasses the performance of all previous state-of-the-art models on the proposed FS2K dataset by a large margin. Finally, we conclude with lessons learned over the past years and point out several unsolved challenges. Our code is available at https://github.com/DengPingFan/FSGAN.
Combining two-photon lithography with laser ablation of sacrificial layers: A route to isolated 3D magnetic nanostructures
Authors: van den Berg Arjen , Caruel Mylène , Hunt Matthew , Ladak Sam
Published: July 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) nanostructured functional materials are important systems allowing new means for intricate control of electromagnetic properties. A key problem is realising a 3D printing methodology on the nanoscale that can yield a range of functional materials. In this article, it is shown that two-photon lithography, when combined with laser ablation of sacrificial layers, can be used to realise such a vision and produce 3D functional nanomaterials of complex geometry. Proof-of-principle is first shown by fabricating planar magnetic nanowires raised above the substrate that exhibit controlled domain wall injection and propagation. Secondly, 3D artificial spin-ice (3DASI) structures are fabricated, whose complex switching can be probed using optical magnetometry. We show that by careful analysis of the magneto-optical Kerr effect signal and by comparison with micromagnetic simulations, depth dependent switching information can be obtained from the 3DASI lattice. The work paves the way for new materials, which exploit additional physics provided by non-trivial 3D geometries.
Künstliche Intelligenz, Bias und Versicherungen – Eine technische und rechtliche Analyse
Authors: Pohlmann Petra , Vossen Gottfried , Everding Jan , Scheiper Johanna
Published: August 2022

Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) kann in der datengetriebenen Versicherungswirtschaft erhebliche Effizienzgewinne mit sich bringen. Das gilt auch für den Einsatz von KI im Verhältnis zu potenziellen Kunden, Versicherungsnehmern und Begünstigten von Versicherungsleistungen. KI trägt jedoch das Risiko eines Bias, eines systematischen Prognosefehlers, und damit der Diskriminierung, in sich. Dieser interdisziplinäre Beitrag untersucht aus Sicht der Informatik die Gefahr eines Bias und ihre Ursachen. Darauf aufbauend wird aus juristischer Sicht erörtert, inwieweit bei Bias die Diskriminierungsverbote eingreifen und welche Rechtsfolgen sie haben. Eine anschließende Analyse der technischen Vermeidbarkeit von Bias führt zu der juristischen Frage, wie das Versicherungsaufsichtsrecht sicherstellt, dass Bias soweit wie möglich verhindert wird. Abschließend wird die Bedeutung des EU-Entwurfs einer KI-Verordnung für die Vermeidung von Bias beleuchtet. Wie man mit der in diesem Beitrag angenommenen Unvermeidbarkeit von Bias informationstechnologisch und versicherungsrechtlich umzugehen hat, ist eine der wichtigen, in weiterer interdisziplinärer Forschung zu klärenden Fragen.
Correction to: Spatially Balanced Sampling with Local Ranking
Authors: Robertson B. L. , Ozturk O. , Kravchuk O. , Brown J. A.
Published: July 2022

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s13253-022-00501-6
Intestine epithelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles alleviate inflammation induced by Clostridioides difficile TcdB through the activity of TGF-β1
Authors: Wan Shuangshuang , Song Guangzhong , Hu Hui , Xu Yaqing , Zeng Peng , Lin Shan , Yang Jun , Jiang Jinqin , Song Xiaojun , Luo Yongneng , Jin Dazhi
Published: July 2022

Background

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has been primarily associated with the toxin B (TcdB), one of the three known protein toxins secreted by C. difficile, which can activate the intestinal immune system and lead to pathological damage. Even though the biological functions of intestine epithelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles (I-Evs) have been well documented, the role of I-Evs in the process of CDI is still unknown.

Objectives

The protective effect of I-Evs against C. difficile TcdB was investigated both in cultured murine colon carcinoma MC38 cells and a mouse model used in this study.

Results

Mouse I-Evs with mean diameter ranging from 100 to 200 nm and a density of 1.09–1.17 g/mL were obtained and confirmed containing the Ev-associated specific surface markers CD63 and TSG101 as well as high level of TGF-β1. In MC38 cells, I-Evs were able to decrease the gene expression of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-22 induced by C. difficile TcdB, but to increase both the gene expression and protein levels of TGF-β1. I-Evs treatment via intraperitoneal administration alleviates C. difficile TcdB-induced local colon inflammation in mice and increased their survival rate from 50% up to 80%. Furthermore, I-Evs induced an increase in the proportion of CD4+Foxp3+Tregs in vitro and in vivo through a TGF-β1-dependent mechanism by activating the TGF-β1 pathway and prompting phosphorylation of the downstream proteins Smad 2/3.

Conclusion

For the first time, our study demonstrated that I-Evs originated from intestine epithelial cells can alleviate inflammation induced by C. difficile TcdB both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, I-Evs might be potentially a novel endogenous candidate for effective treatment of CDI.
Fungicide control of Gnomoniopsis smithogilvyi, causal agent of chestnut rot in Australia
Authors: Silva-Campos Matias , Islam Md Tohidul , Cahill David M.
Published: August 2022

Chestnut rot caused by Gnomoniopsis smithogilvyi is considered a severe threat to the production of chestnuts from European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Australia and overseas. Currently, most of the control strategies are applied post-harvest and little is known about the use of fungicides to reduce nut infection in orchards early in the season. This research evaluated the effectiveness of various fungicides against the pathogen in vitro and selected the most effective products for field trials. In vitro experiments showed that pyraclostrobin and difenoconazole-based fungicides effectively inhibited conidial germination and mycelial growth, respectively. The field trial showed that both active ingredients combined were more effective than single applications in suppressing the level of nut infection caused by G. smithogilvyi. Based on our results, using the selected fungicides can be an additional tool for growers to complement their current practices in the control of chestnut rot. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study focused on the effectiveness of chemical treatments against G. smithogilvyi.
Pantograph–catenary electrical contact system of high-speed railways: recent progress, challenges, and outlooks
Authors: Wu Guangning , Dong Keliang , Xu Zhilei , Xiao Song , Wei Wenfu , Chen Huan , Li Jie , Huang Zhanglin , Li Jingwei , Gao Guoqiang , Kang Guozheng , Tu Chuanjun , Huang Xingyi
Published: August 2022

As the unique power entrance, the pantograph–catenary electrical contact system maintains the efficiency and reliability of power transmission for the high-speed train. Along with the fast development of high-speed railways all over the world, some commercialized lines are built for covering the remote places under harsh environment, especially in China; these environmental elements including wind, sand, rain, thunder, ice and snow need to be considered during the design of the pantograph–catenary system. The pantograph–catenary system includes the pantograph, the contact wire and the interface—pantograph slide. As the key component, this pantograph slide plays a critical role in reliable power transmission under dynamic condition. The fundamental material characteristics of the pantograph slide and contact wire such as electrical conductivity, impact resistance, wear resistance, etc., directly determine the sliding electrical contact performance of the pantograph–catenary system; meanwhile, different detection methods of the pantograph–catenary system are crucial for the reliability of service and maintenance. In addition, the challenges brought from extreme operational conditions are discussed, taking the Sichuan–Tibet Railway currently under construction as a special example with the high-altitude climate. The outlook for developing the ultra-high-speed train equipped with the novel pantograph–catenary system which can address the harsher operational environment is also involved. This paper has provided a comprehensive review of the high-speed railway pantograph–catenary systems, including its progress, challenges, outlooks in the history and future.
Chemical recycling of polyurethane foam waste and application for antibacterial and removal of anionic and cationic dyes
Authors: Moawed Elhossein A. , Kiwaan Hala A. , El-Zakzouk Shireen K. , El-Sonbati Mervat A. , El-Zahed Mohamed M.
Published: August 2022

The large amounts of polyurethane foam wastes (PUFWs) produced in the automobiles, buildings, and furniture industries cause many environmental problems. Therefore, the recycling of PUFWs has acquired great interest worldwide. In this study, the PUFWs were converted to new nanocomposite. The chemical modification of PUFWs was conducted through reflux with potassium permanganate in 0.1 M H2SO4. The produced PUF-COO@MnO2 nanocomposites was characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and Magnetic susceptibility. PUF-COO@MnO2 has been used for the removal of cationic (Methylene blue) and anionic (Trypan blue) dyes from industrial wastewater. The antibacterial effect of PUF-COO@MnO2 was also examined against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The adsorption capacities of PUF-COO@MnO2 for tested dyes were 277 and 269 mg/g. Moreover, PUF-COO@MnO2 showed a potent antibacterial action against B. cereus (8.8 mm) followed by S. aureus (7.5 mm) and E. coli (7.1 mm). It was concluded that PUF-COO@MnO2 can be employed as antibacterial low-cost material and for the removal of synthetic dyes from industrial effluents.
Time reversal and reciprocity
Authors: Sigwarth Olivier , Miniatura Christian
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we review and discuss the main properties of the time-reversal operator T and its action in classical electromagnetism and in quantum mechanics. In particular, we discuss the relation (and differences) between time-reversal invariance and reciprocity.
Variability of Arabian Sea surface circulation and chlorophyll distribution: a remote sensing estimation
Authors: Peter Benny N. , Sreejith Meenakshi , Siswanto Eko
Published: July 2022

High resolution mean surface velocity field of the Arabian Sea was derived by combining sea level anomalies based on satellite altimetry data with the surface drifter data. The mean current field exhibits the western boundary Somali Current, weak westward North Equatorial Current, weak West Indian Coastal Current. Besides strong currents, the Arabian Sea exhibits strong mesoscale eddy activity in the western side. The seasonal surface circulation changes of the Arabian Sea and variability associated with the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events were determined. The Somali Current is northward during summer, with a speed above 1.8 m/s in July and it reverses towards south in winter. Significant changes were found in the flow pattern during IOD events. An anticyclonic gyre near the equator was a conspicuous feature during the positive IOD. Further, the Great Whirl shows an earlier formation and dissipation during the positive IOD. Notably, a delay of southward reversal of the Somali Current is found during the positive IOD. The southward flow of West Indian Coastal Current during summer monsoon is much stronger during the positive IOD and the northward flow in fall is prominent during negative IOD. The eastward Equatorial Jet is absent in fall and instead an opposite (westward) flow prevails during the positive IOD. Enhanced Chl-a concentration occurs during the negative IOD, compared to the positive IOD, especially in the western Arabian Sea. The wind-driven upwelling and mesoscale eddies are significantly modifying the Chl-a distribution along the Somali Coast.
Differences in health characteristics and health behaviors between rural and non-rural community-dwelling stroke survivors aged ≥65 years in the USA
Authors: Bailey Ryan R. , Miner Natalie
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

To examine differences in health characteristics and health behaviors between rural and non-rural stroke survivors in the USA.

Methods:

Data were extracted from the 2017 and 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to compare prevalences of health characteristics (i.e., diabetes, disability, poor health, high cholesterol, hypertension, no health care coverage, weight status) and health behaviors (i.e., fruit consumption, vegetable consumption, physical inactivity, high alcohol consumption, smoking) among community-dwelling stroke survivors, stratified by rural status (i.e., rural vs. non-rural). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for health characteristics and health behaviors to examine the association of rural status with each variable of interest (reference group=non-rural).

Results:

Data from 14,599 respondents (rural: n = 5,039; non-rural: n = 9,560) were available for analysis. The majority of respondents were female (61.4%), non-Hispanic white (83.2%), previously married (56.1%), had at least some college education (55.2%), and had an annual household income ≥USD $25,000 (56.9%). Prevalences of disability, poor health, weekly aerobic exercise, and smoking were higher among rural respondents compared to non-rural respondents. Logistic regression showed increased odds (odds ratio range: 1.1–1.2) for these variables among rural respondents; however, odds ratios were attenuated after controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics.

Conclusions:

We did not find evidence of differences in the investigated health characteristics and health behaviors between rural and non-rural community-dwelling stroke survivors in the USA. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings and to identify alternative sociodemographic and health factors that may differ between rural and non-rural community-dwelling stroke survivors.
Wall-cooling effects on pressure fluctuations in compressible turbulent boundary layers from subsonic to hypersonic regimes
Authors: Zhang Peng-Jun-Yi , Wan Zhen-Hua , Liu Nan-Sheng , Sun De-Jun , Lu Xi-Yun
Published: August 2022

Pressure fluctuations play an essential role in the transport of turbulent kinetic energy and vibrational loading. This study focuses on examining the effect of wall cooling on pressure fluctuations in compressible turbulent boundary layers by high-fidelity direct numerical simulations. Pressure fluctuations result from the vorticity mode and the acoustic mode that are both closely dependent on compressibility. To demonstrate the effects of wall cooling at various compressibility intensities, three free-stream Mach numbers are investigated, i.e.

$M_\infty =0.5$

, 2.0 and 8.0, with real gas effects being absent for

$M_\infty =8.0$

due to a low enthalpy inflow. Overall, opposite effects of wall cooling on pressure fluctuations are found between the subsonic/supersonic cases and the hypersonic case. Specifically, the pressure fluctuations normalized by wall shear stress

$p^\prime _{rms}/\tau _w$

are suppressed in the subsonic and supersonic cases, while enhanced in the hypersonic case near the wall. Importantly, travelling-wave-like alternating positive and negative structures (APNS), which greatly contribute to pressure fluctuations, are identified within the viscous sublayer and buffer layer in the hypersonic cases. Furthermore, generating mechanisms of pressure fluctuations are explored by extending the decomposition based on the fluctuating pressure equation to compressible turbulent boundary layers. Pressure fluctuations are decomposed into five components, in which rapid pressure, slow pressure and compressible pressure are dominant. The suppression of pressure fluctuations in the subsonic and supersonic cases is due to both rapid pressure and slow pressure being suppressed by wall cooling. In contrast, wall cooling strengthens compressible pressure for all Mach numbers, especially in the hypersonic case, resulting in increased wall pressure fluctuations. Compressible pressure plays a leading role in the hypersonic case, mainly due to the APNS. Essentially, the main effects of wall cooling can be interpreted by the suppression of the vorticity mode and the enhancement of the acoustic mode.
Effects of light and temperature on seed germination of eight Cistus species
Authors: Luna Belén , Piñas-Bonilla Paula , Zavala Gonzalo , Pérez Beatriz
Published: August 2022

Cistus species have seeds with hard coats which impose physical seed dormancy that can be released after seed scarification. In fire-prone habitats, the break of physical seed dormancy is usually related to the heat produced during fires. It is commonly accepted that most hard-seeded species, including those of the genus Cistus, are able to germinate under a wide range of temperatures in light as well as in darkness, once the seed becomes permeable. However, although many studies have focused on the release of physical dormancy only, a few have done so on the effect of environmental factors once dormancy is released. In this research, through a factorial experiment, we analysed the effects of light (light and darkness) and a range of temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C) on the seed germination of eight Cistus species after a heat shock. On average, almost 60% of the seeds did not germinate despite being viable, and this lack of germination increased with higher temperatures during the treatment. Although an idiosyncratic germination response emerged, temperature had a significant effect in all the species, reaching the highest levels of germination between 10 and 20°C. Light interacted with temperature in four cases by increasing the germination, especially under the least favourable temperatures. Environmental factors, such as temperature and light, appear to modulate the germination of the studied Cistus species after the release of physical seed dormancy.
Satellites Show Magnitude of Human Influence on River Sediment Flux
Authors: El-Said Mohammed
Published: July 2022

Dam-building has decreased the amount of sediment transported by rivers, while land use changes have increased the amount.
Emil Cherrington: Bringing Satellite Data Down to Earth
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: July 2022

Showing how eyes in the sky can help people on the ground.
Freya Garry: Forwarding Knowledge on Climate and Gender
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: July 2022

A climate scientist builds a network for women and nonbinary people in her field.
Epigenetic regulator Cfp1 safeguards male meiotic progression by regulating meiotic gene expression
Authors: Ki Byeong Seong , Shim Sung Han , Park Chanhyeok , Yoo Hyunjin , La Hyeonwoo , Lee Ok-Hee , Kwon Youngjoo , Skalnik David G. , Okada Yuki , Yoon Ho-Geun , Kim Jin-Hoi , Hong Kwonho , Choi Youngsok
Published: August 2022

Meiosis occurs specifically in germ cells to produce sperm and oocytes that are competent for sexual reproduction. Multiple factors are required for successful meiotic entry, progression, and termination. Among them, trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 4 (H3K4me3), a mark of active transcription, has been implicated in spermatogenesis by forming double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, the role of H3K4me in transcriptional regulation during meiosis remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal that mouse CXXC finger protein 1 (Cfp1), a component of the H3K4 methyltransferase Setd1a/b, is dynamically expressed in differentiating male germ cells and safeguards meiosis by controlling gene expression. Genetic ablation of mouse CFP1 in male germ cells caused complete infertility with failure in prophase I of the 1st meiosis. Mechanistically, CFP1 binds to genes essential for spermatogenesis, and its loss leads to a reduction in H3K4me3 levels and gene expression. Importantly, CFP1 is highly enriched within the promoter/TSS of target genes to elevate H3K4me3 levels and gene expression at the pachytene stage of meiotic prophase I. The most enriched genes were associated with meiosis and homologous recombination during the differentiation of spermatocytes to round spermatids. Therefore, our study establishes a mechanistic link between CFP1-mediated transcriptional control and meiotic progression and might provide an unprecedented genetic basis for understanding human sterility.
Epstein–Barr virus-encoded microRNA BART22 serves as novel biomarkers and drives malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Ting , Chen Zui , Deng Jing , Xu Kaixiong , Che Di , Lin Jiamin , Jiang Ping , Gu Xiaoqiong , Xu Banglao
Published: July 2022

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy ubiquitously associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). EBV generates various viral microRNAs (miRNAs) by processing the BHRF1 and BamHI A rightward (BART) transcripts. These BART miRNAs are abundantly expressed in NPC, but their functions and molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Our study found that the EBV-encoded microRNA BART-22 was significantly upregulated in NPC tissues and positively correlated with tumor progression. Furthermore, we found that EBV-miR-BART-22 was a significant predictor of poor prognosis in NPC. A reliable nomogram model to predict the preoperative overall survival (OS) of NPC patients was established. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve value for 5-year survival was 0.91. Elevated levels of EBV-miR-BART-22 significantly promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of NPC cells in vivo and in vitro. We found that EBV-miR-BART-22 directly targets the 3′-UTR of MOSPD2 mRNA to promote the EMT and metastasis of NPC cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our findings provide a potential prognostic biomarker and new insight into the molecular mechanisms of NPC metastasis.