bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulation of auxin signalling by plant viruses
Authors: Müllender Maximilian , Varrelmann Mark , Savenkov Eugene I. , Liebe Sebastian
Published: August 2021

Compatible plant–virus interactions result in dramatic changes of the plant transcriptome and morphogenesis, and are often associated with rapid alterations in plant hormone homeostasis and signalling. Auxin controls many aspects of plant organogenesis, development, and growth; therefore, plants can rapidly perceive and respond to changes in the cellular auxin levels. Auxin signalling is a tightly controlled process and, hence, is highly vulnerable to changes in the mRNA and protein levels of its components. There are several core nuclear components of auxin signalling. In the nucleus, the interaction of auxin response factors (ARFs) and auxin/indole acetic acid (Aux/IAA) proteins is essential for the control of auxin‐regulated pathways. Aux/IAA proteins are negative regulators, whereas ARFs are positive regulators of the auxin response. The interplay between both is essential for the transcriptional regulation of auxin‐responsive genes, which primarily regulate developmental processes but also modulate the plant immune system. Recent studies suggest that plant viruses belonging to different families have developed various strategies to disrupt auxin signalling, namely by (a) changing the subcellular localization of Aux/IAAs, (b) preventing degradation of Aux/IAAs by stabilization, or (c) inhibiting the transcriptional activity of ARFs. These interactions perturb auxin signalling and experimental evidence from various studies highlights their importance for virus replication, systemic movement, interaction with vectors for efficient transmission, and symptom development. In this microreview, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge on the interaction of plant viruses with auxin signalling components of their hosts.
PhcQ mainly contributes to the regulation of quorum sensing‐dependent genes, in which PhcR is partially involved, in Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum strain OE1‐1
Authors: Takemura Chika , Senuma Wakana , Hayashi Kazusa , Minami Ayaka , Terazawa Yuki , Kaneoka Chisaki , Sakata Megumi , Chen Min , Zhang Yong , Nobori Tatsuya , Sato Masanao , Kiba Akinori , Ohnishi Kouhei , Tsuda Kenichi , Kai Kenji , Hikichi Yasufumi
Published: August 2021

The gram‐negative plant‐pathogenic β‐proteobacterium Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum strain OE1‐1 produces methyl 3‐hydroxymyristate as a quorum sensing (QS) signal via the methyltransferase PhcB and senses the chemical through the sensor histidine kinase PhcS. This leads to functionalization of the LysR family transcriptional regulator PhcA, regulating QS‐dependent genes responsible for the QS‐dependent phenotypes including virulence. The phc operon consists of phcB, phcS, phcR, and phcQ, with the latter two encoding regulator proteins with a receiver domain and a histidine kinase domain and with a receiver domain, respectively. To elucidate the function of PhcR and PhcQ in the regulation of QS‐dependent genes, we generated phcR‐deletion and phcQ‐deletion mutants. Though the QS‐dependent phenotypes of the phcR‐deletion mutant were largely unchanged, deletion of phcQ led to a significant change in the QS‐dependent phenotypes. Transcriptome analysis coupled with quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR and RNA‐sequencing revealed that phcB, phcK, and phcA in the phcR‐deletion and phcQ‐deletion mutants were expressed at similar levels as in strain OE1‐1. Compared with strain OE1‐1, expression of 22.9% and 26.4% of positively and negatively QS‐dependent genes, respectively, was significantly altered in the phcR‐deletion mutant. However, expression of 96.8% and 66.9% of positively and negatively QS‐dependent genes, respectively, was significantly altered in the phcQ‐deletion mutant. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation of expression of these QS‐dependent genes was observed between the phcQ‐deletion and phcA‐deletion mutants. Our results indicate that PhcQ mainly contributes to the regulation of QS‐dependent genes, in which PhcR is partially involved.
Is there an association between zinc and COVID‐19–associated mucormycosis? Results of an experimental and clinical study
Authors: Muthu Valliappan , Kumar Mohan , Paul Raees A. , Zohmangaihi Deepy , Choudhary Hansraj , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Panda Naresh K. , Pannu Ashok Kumar , Sharma Navneet , Sharma Sadhna , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Agarwal Ritesh
Published: August 2021

Background

The enormous increase in COVID‐19–associated mucormycosis (CAM) in India lacks an explanation. Zinc supplementation during COVID‐19 management is speculated as a contributor to mucormycosis. We conducted an experimental and clinical study to explore the association of zinc and mucormycosis.

Methods

We inoculated pure isolates of Rhizopus arrhizus obtained from subjects with CAM on dichloran rose Bengal chloramphenicol (DRBC) agar enriched with (three different concentrations) and without zinc. At 24 h, we counted the viable colonies and measured the dry weight of colonies at 24, 48 and 72 h. We also compared the clinical features and serum zinc levels in 29 CAM cases and 28 COVID‐19 subjects without mucormycosis (controls).

Results

We tested eight isolates of R arrhizus and noted a visible increase in growth in zinc‐enriched media. A viable count percentage showed a significantly increased growth in four of the eight isolates in zinc‐augmented DRBC agar. A time‐ and concentration‐dependent increase in the mean fungal biomass with zinc was observed in all three isolates tested. We enrolled 29 cases of CAM and 28 controls. The mean serum zinc concentration was below the reference range in all the subjects and was not significantly different between the cases and controls.

Conclusions

Half of the R arrhizus isolates grew better with zinc enrichment in vitro. However, our study does not conclusively support the hypothesis that zinc supplementation contributed to the pathogenesis of mucormycosis. More data, both in vitro and in vivo, may resolve the role of zinc in the pathogenesis of CAM.
Inselutopie als ästhetisches Konzept der literarischen Moderne
Authors: Peštová Alžběta
Published: August 2021

Die textanalytische Untersuchung von österreichischen literarischen Utopien aus dem Zeitraum 1880 bis 1914 bleibt bis heute weitgehend auf wenige kanonische Autoren und Texte (Theodor Herzl, Theodor Hertzka, Bertha von Suttner) begrenzt, da weite Teile der in der Monarchie entstandenen literarischer Utopie‐ und Zukunftsentwürfe als Trivial‐ oder Schemaliteratur gelten. In dieser Fallstudie wird die Erzählung Lao (1909) von Hans Müller‐Einigen aufgegriffen, in der die narrativen Schemata traditioneller Utopien mit dem diskursiven Pool der Wiener Moderne kombiniert werden. Der Text erweist sich dabei als ein vielschichtiges Konstrukt, das Lesarten im Sinne einer vitalistischen „Lebensideologie‟ (Lindner, 1994) und einer narzisstischen Poetologie der literarischen Moderne (Li, 2016) erlaubt. Letztlich wird die Erzählung so zur autopoetischen Absage des Autors an seine bisherige ästhetizistische Programmatik. Die zeittypischen Tendenzen zur Verzeitlichung (Voßkamp, 2018) und Verlagerung der Utopie/Dystopie in die Zukunft sowie der vorherrschende Trend eugenischer und sozial‐politischer Weltentwürfe wird von Müller‐Einigen durch ein rein aufs Ästhetische orientiertes Gemeinschaftsmodell unterlaufen, was zudem auf die Notwendigkeit hinweist, die literaturwissenschaftliche Utopie‐Forschung über den üblichen Rahmen der schematischen Untersuchung gattungskonstituierender Merkmale hinaus zu erweitern.1
Does hospitalisation impact the successful ageing of community‐dwelling older adults?: A propensity score matching analysis using the Korean national survey data
Authors: Lee Ji Yeon , Kim Bora , Lee Kyung Hee , Park Chang Gi
Published: August 2021

Objectives

For community‐dwelling older adults with hospitalisation experience, it is necessary to be strategic when promoting successful ageing. This study aimed to investigate whether components of successful ageing (i.e., diseases and complications, functions and engagement with life) differ according to hospitalisation experience in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

A secondary data analysis with the Korean national survey was performed. Using propensity score matching, 1812 older adults with hospitalisation experience were matched to 1812 older adults without hospitalisation experience. Sampling weight of the survey was considered for all statistical analyses.

Results

The hospitalisation experienced group had more chronic illnesses, malnourishment, impairment in physical function, and depressive symptoms, and less activity in terms of working and social activities. There were no differences in cognitive function or religious activities.

Conclusions

Older adults with hospitalisation experience were less likely to experience successful ageing. To facilitate successful ageing of community‐dwelling older adults with hospitalisation experience, nursing interventions for effective transitional care to encourage the use of community resources and participation in social activities are needed.
An observational study of hand‐to‐face contact via videotaping of Korean older people in daily life settings
Authors: Oh Hyang Soon , Jeong Sun Young , Ryu Mikyung , Yang Youngran
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to quantify hand‐to‐face contact (HFC) and identify the related factors that influence HFC in the daily life of Korean older people.

Methods

From November 20–December 4, 2018, 30 older people were enrolled and were each videotaped for their daily activities for two hours in total. The videotaped HFC data were classified by frequency, duration, site of contact, and as self‐contact with membranes (eye, nose and mouth) or non‐membranes (head, forehead, chin, cheek and ear).

Results

Of the 4826 self‐contacts, 1311 HFC (560 membrane contacts [42.7%], 751 non‐membrane contacts [57.3%]) were observed in 60 person‐hours. The mean contact frequency (mean/person) of membrane and non‐membrane contact was 18.7 times (nose, 9.3; mouth, 5.7; and eye, 3.6) and 24.6 (highest with the chin, 8.5), respectively. The mean contact duration (seconds/contact) for membrane and non‐membrane contacts was 3.4 s (nose, 3.1; mouth, 3.7; and eye, 3.0) and 6.3 s (highest with the chin, 8.2), respectively. Contact exposure (frequency‐duration/second/person) of the membrane and non‐membrane was 3510.7 (nose, 1002.3; mouth, 639.3; and eye, 92.3) and 11,727.1 (highest with the chin, 2,965.6), respectively. The frequency and duration of HFC differed by age, economic activity and household income.

Conclusions

HFC was highest at the nose in Korean older people, followed by the mouth. Consequently, education about avoiding HFC of the nose and hygienic care of the nose should be a nursing priority. Awareness of the risks of HFC and the prophylactic effects of vigorous hand hygiene should be strengthened among the elderly to prevent the spread of infectious diseases via hand contact.
Harnessing nursing to diminish ageism
Authors: Dahlke Sherry , Hunter Kathleen F.
Published: August 2021

Background

The common practice of making fun of aging and older people demonstrates that ageism towards older people is socially acceptable. It is so accepted that even those of us who are aging or have moved into the ‘third act’ believe and fear the negative stereotypes that growing old is linked with physical and mental deterioration, dependence, and less social value. Ageism is evident in work places, family relationships, when older people purchase goods and services, in health and social institutions and extends throughout professions that work with older people.

Objectives

We explore how nurses—the largest group of healthcare professions— may be inadvertently perpetuating negative perceptions about older people in nursing practice, nursing education, and through common misconceptions about what gerontological nursing means.

Methods

This is discussion paper using the literature.

Results

We suggest that nursing education is well situated to diminish negative perspectives of ageing by incorporating theories of life‐course and harmonious aging into the holistic perspective of individuals that nursing is well known for.

Conclusions

Greater understanding about the diversity of ageing and the context that have influenced older persons could encourage nurses to treat them holistically with dignity, which would ultimately improve older people’s experiences. Improving older persons’ experiences is like paying it forward, as we all are ageing and if we are to have a different experience when we are old, it is necessary to diminish stereotypes about ageing, and work towards inclusion of older people in social and healthcare institutions.

Implications for practice

It is important for nurses, particularly those in nursing education, to support the incorporation of a life course and harmonious view of aging in which the social, political, and environmental context of individuals are viewed as part of the difference of ageing.
Early findings after integration of donor‐derived cell‐free DNA into clinical care following pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Feingold Brian , Rose‐Felker Kirsten , West Shawn C. , Zinn Matthew D. , Berman Pamela , Moninger Allison , Huston Allison , Stinner Brenda , Xu Qingyong , Zeevi Adriana , Miller Susan A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is costly and discomforting yet remains a key component of surveillance after pediatric heart transplantation (HT). Donor‐derived cell‐free DNA (dd‐cfDNA) has been histologically validated with high negative predictive value, offering an alternative to surveillance EMB (sEMB).

Methods

We implemented an alternative surveillance protocol using commercially available dd‐cfDNA assays in place of sEMB after pediatric HT. Recipients ≧7 months post‐HT with reassuring clinical assessment were referred for dd‐cfDNA. When not elevated above the manufacturers' threshold, sEMB was deferred. Subsequent clinical status and results of follow‐up EMB were analyzed.

Results

Over 17 months, 58 recipients [34% female, median age at HT 3.1 years (IQR 0.6–10.6)] had dd‐cfDNA assessed per protocol. Median age was 14.8 years (8.4–18.3) and time from HT 6.0 years (2.2–11.2). Forty‐seven (81%) had non‐elevated dd‐cfDNA and 11 (19%) were elevated. During a median of 8.7 months (4.2–15), all are alive without allograft loss/new dysfunction. Among those with non‐elevated dd‐cfDNA, 24 (51%) had subsequent sEMB at 12.1 months (6.9–12.9) with 23 showing no acute rejection (AR): grade 0R/pAMR0 (n = 16); 1R(1A)/pAMR0 (n = 7). One had AR (grade 2R(3A)/pAMR0) on follow‐up sEMB after decreased immunosuppression following a diagnosis of PTLD. All 11 with elevated dd‐cfDNA had reflex EMB at 19 days (12–32) with AR in 4: grade 1R(1B‐2)/pAMR0 (n = 3); 1R(1B)/pAMR2 (n = 1).

Conclusions

dd‐cfDNA assessment in place of selected, per‐protocol EMB decreased surveillance EMB by 81% in our pediatric HT recipient cohort with no short‐term adverse outcomes. Individual center approach to surveillance EMB will influence the utility of these findings.
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) as a Disinfection and Biomodulation Approach in Implant Dentistry
Authors: de Souza Rastelli Alessandra Nara
Published: August 2021

This article is a highlight of the paper by Choe et al. in this issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology. In that review paper, the disinfection and biomodulation outcomes promoted by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on peri‐implantitis infection were stated and discussed. The killing of the oral pathogens by aPDT is based on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Besides that, biomodulation can also be provided by aPDT and improve the healing and modulate the inflammatory process. Although aPDT has shown positive effects on the treatment of peri‐implantitis disease mainly as a complimentary technique, the authors suggested that more and standardize clinical studies are needed to support the clinical application of aPDT for that purpose. Also, the standardization of parameters related to the light source and photosensitizers is required. In addition, nano‐based materials may improve aPDT performance against oral biofilms and could increase the hopes of overcoming dental implant failures.
Ultraviolet A phototest positivity is associated with higher free erythrocyte protoporphyrin IX concentration and lower transferrin saturation values in erythropoietic protoporphyria
Authors: Genovese Giovanni , Maronese Carlo Alberto , Moltrasio Chiara , Piccinno Roberta , Marletta Dario Antonio , De Luca Giacomo , Graziadei Giovanna , Granata Francesca , Di Pierro Elena , Cappellini Maria Domenica , Marzano Angelo Valerio
Published: August 2021

Background

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare disorder of heme biosynthesis hallmarked by early‐onset photosensitivity and mainly due to defective ferrochelatase activity leading to increased erythrocyte protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) levels. Evidence regarding the relationship between erythrocyte PPIX concentration and photosensitivity is limited.

Methods

To investigate the relationship between free erythrocyte PPIX (FEP) concentration; routine laboratory tests, particularly iron metabolism biomarkers; and ultraviolet (UV) A/visible light phototesting findings, 20 genetically confirmed EPP and one XLPP treatment‐naive patients were included in our study. They underwent UVA and visible light phototesting. On the same day, blood samples were collected for measurement of FEP, serum iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation, and ferritin, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, and liver enzyme levels.

Results

Median FEP concentration at the time of phototesting was 57.50 (IQR: 34.58‐102.70) μg/g of Hb. UVA and visible light phototesting were positive in 9 (42.9%) and 8 (38.1%) patients, respectively. Median FEP concentration was significantly higher in UVA phototest–positive patients than in those negative (64.37 [IQR: 57.45‐121.82] vs 45.35 [IQR: 24.53‐74.61] μg/g of Hb, respectively; P = .04486). Similarly, UVA photosensitive individuals had significantly lower median serum iron levels (61.5 [IQR: 33.5‐84] μg/dL vs 109 [IQR: 63.25‐154] μg/dL, respectively; P = .01862) and transferrin saturation values (15.005 [IQR: 7.0775‐18.41] % vs 29.645 [IQR: 17.8225‐34.3575] %; P = .0109) than those negative.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that UVA phototest positivity is associated with higher FEP concentration and lower transferrin saturation and serum iron concentration in EPP.
Restoring closed trails in the Sonoran Desert: interactions of seed timing, seed source, and ripping
Authors: Rowe Helen I. , Sprague Tiffany A. , Ball Becky , Langenfeld Debbie , Rivera Lisa
Published: August 2021

Ecological restoration is a promising way to improve ecological function, habitat connectivity, and esthetic values for recreation. However, effective restoration practices for arid environments remain elusive. To help fill this knowledge gap, we tested ripping soils, seed mixtures, including adding native seed bank topsoils, and seeding timing on permanently closed trails at sites in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona, U.S.A. Ripping had the desired effect of decreasing soil bulk density and increasing infiltration and water‐holding capacity of closed trails. However, ripping increased non‐native plant cover by 14.1% and decreased native plant cover by 2.2% by the fourth year of the study. Seed mixtures performed best when planted before the winter rains compared to before the summer monsoon, but only 3 of the 10 seeded species persisted across years. The seed bank topsoil application was most effective at increasing native species richness in the first year and yielded an average of two more plant species than unseeded plots over the 4‐year experiment, but only in unripped plots. By the fourth year of the study, plots on the ripped and unripped closed trails had similar levels of plant cover and richness as the nearby native plant community, even in unseeded plots, suggesting that in small disturbed areas, the plant community has the potential to regenerate without inputs if disturbance is removed.
Fertility responses of a native grass: technology supporting native plant production for restoration in Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Ana C. C. , Forti Victor A. , Viani Ricardo A. G.
Published: August 2021

The UN “Decade on ecosystem restoration” demands urgent actions to bring back native ecosystems from degraded lands. Tree seedlings are widely available for restoration plantings. However, the lack of other life forms available in commercial nurseries constraints grassy biomes restoration. The use of fertilizers is widely common to grow tree seedlings in nurseries and the current technology could be useful to grow native grasses in nurseries and turn the planting technique feasible to restore grassy biomes, such as the Cerrado in Brazil. In this study, we examined the growth and nutritional responses to nutrient availability of the native grassSchizachyrium sanguineumproduced in nursery. We produced seedlings by germinated seeds ofS. sanguineumon seedbeds containing sand and, after emergence, transferring the plants to 290‐cm3plastic tubes containing commercial substrate (CS) added with 0, 1, 3, 5, or 7 g/L of controlled‐release fertilizer (CRF, NPK 15‐09‐12) and non‐fertilized native soil (NS). After 90 days, we found high seedling survival (>98%) in all trials. In spite of lower nutrient availability, the NS promoted higher seedling tillering and relative height and biomass growths than the non‐fertilized CS. However, in general, seedlings showed increased growth, and shoot P and K concentrations with an increase in CRF rates, up to approximately 5 g/L. In addition, higher CRF rates allowed faster grow ofS. sanguineumseedlings. Ultimately, we found thatS. sanguineumresponds positively to fertilization, despite being native from nutrient‐poor soil of Cerrado.
Scattering and inverse scattering for the AKNS system: A rational function approach
Authors: Trogdon Thomas
Published: August 2021

We consider the use of rational basis functions to compute the scattering and inverse scattering transforms associated with the AKNS (Ablowitz–Kaup–Newell–Segur) system. The proposed numerical forward scattering transform computes the solution of the AKNS system that is valid on the entire real axis and thereby computes a reflection coefficient at a point by solving a single linear system. The proposed numerical inverse scattering transform makes use of a novel improvement in the rational function approach to the oscillatory Cauchy operator, enabling the efficient solution of certain Riemann–Hilbert problems without contour deformations. The latter development enables access to high‐precision computations and this is demonstrated on the inverse scattering transform for the one‐dimensional Schrödinger operator with a  potential.
Multiple orthogonal polynomials with respect to Gauss' hypergeometric function
Authors: Lima Hélder , Loureiro Ana
Published: August 2021

A new set of multiple orthogonal polynomials of both type I and type II with respect to two weight functions involving Gauss' hypergeometric function on the interval (0,1) is studied. This type of polynomials has direct applications in the investigation of singular values of products of Ginibre random matrices and are connected with branched continued fractions and total‐positivity problems in combinatorics. The pair of orthogonality measures is shown to be a Nikishin system and to satisfy a matrix Pearson‐type differential equation. The focus is on the polynomials whose indices lie on the step‐line, for which it is shown that the differentiation gives a shift in the parameters, therefore satisfying Hahn's property. We obtain Rodrigues‐type formulas for type I polynomials and functions, while a more detailed characterization is given for the type II polynomials (aka 2‐orthogonal polynomials) that include an explicit expression as a terminating hypergeometric series, a third‐order differential equation, and a third‐order recurrence relation. The asymptotic behavior of their recurrence coefficients mimics those of Jacobi–Piñeiro polynomials, based on which their asymptotic zero distribution and a Mehler–Heine asymptotic formula near the origin are given. Particular choices of the parameters and confluence relations give some known systems such as special cases of the Jacobi–Piñeiro polynomials, Jacobi‐type 2‐orthogonal polynomials, components of the cubic decomposition of threefold symmetric Hahn‐classical polynomials, and multiple orthogonal polynomials with respect to confluent hypergeometric functions of the second kind.
On nonstandard chemotactic dynamics with logistic growth induced by a modified complex Ginzburg–Landau equation
Authors: López José Luis
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we derive a variant of the classical Keller–Segel model of chemotaxis incorporating a growth term of logistic type for the cell population , say with , and a nonstandard chemical production–degradation mechanism involving first‐ and second‐order derivatives of the logarithm of the cell density, say with , via the ()‐hydrodynamical system associated with a modified Ginzburg–Landau equation governing the evolution of the complex wavefunction . In a chemotactic context, will play the role of the concentration of chemical substance. Then, after carrying out a detailed analysis of the modulational stability of uniform‐in‐space plane waves, dark soliton‐shaped traveling wave densities of the former system are constructed from solitary wave solutions of the latter.
Inferring time averaging and hiatus durations in the stratigraphic record of high‐frequency depositional sequences
Authors: Tomašových Adam , Gallmetzer Ivo , Haselmair Alexandra , Zuschin Martin
Published: August 2021

A sequence stratigraphic framework predicts that time averaging and hiatus durations will be long at times of fastest sea‐level rise. This prediction does not necessarily apply to environments where carbonate production keeps up with sea‐level rise and where undetected hiatuses decouple short‐term from long‐term sedimentation rates. The taphonomic clock, however, which measures the residence time of skeletal particles in the mixed layer, can estimate the duration of hiatuses if the rate of skeletal alteration is slow and if skeletal particles endure long‐term exposure in the mixed layer. Here, time averaging is calibrated by using evidence from alteration of bivalves in a metre‐scale Holocene sequence in the Adriatic Sea. In this sequence, transgressive molluscan lags, a maximum‐flooding zone shell bed with bivalves, and highstand bryomol assemblages were all deposited under similar long‐term sedimentation rates (ca0.01 to 0.03 cm year−1) and exhibit millennial time averaging. Median ages of valves stained by pyrite and cemented by high‐magnesium calcitic micritic envelopes exceedingca1000 years indicate that: (i) these authigenic processes are slow in subsurface zones with reducing conditions (with prolonged sulphate reduction and carbonate ions sourced from dissolved shells in the surface zones); and (ii) subsurface micrite precipitation prolongs the disintegration half‐lives of valves exhumed to surface zones from decades to millennia. The high abundance of stained valves, valves with micrite envelopes, and valves with composite alteration (encrusters and borers colonizing stained and cemented grains) thus identifies hiatuses and skeletal concentrations time‐averaged to >1000 years. The upcore decrease in abundance of valves with composite alteration, coupled with temporally‐constant long‐term sedimentation rates and time averaging, indicates that a temporal decline in sediment exhumation was compensated by a decline in burial of skeletal carbonate produced by molluscs.
Elastic Fibres in the subcutaneous tissue: Is there a difference between superficial and muscular fascia? A cadaver study
Authors: Pirri Carmelo , Fede Caterina , Petrelli Lucia , Guidolin Diego , Fan Chenglei , De Caro Raffaele , Stecco Carla
Published: August 2021

Background

In last years the role of fascia in proprioception and pain has been confirmed in numerous papers, but the real structure of fasciae is not still entirely known. To date, many studies have evaluated the elastic fibres in arteries, ligaments, lungs, epidermis and dermis, but only two studies exist about the elastic fibres in the fasciae, and they did not distinguish between superficial (in the subcutaneous tissue) and deep/muscular fasciae. The aim of the study was to assess the percentage of elastic fibres between superficial and deep fascia.

Materials and methods

Three full thickness specimens (proximal, middle and distal respectively) were taken from each of four regions of the thigh of three non‐embalmed cadavers: the anterior (Ant), the lateral (Lat), the posterior (Post) and the medial (Med) aspect. Thus, a total of 12 specimens were collected from each analysed thigh and histological Weigert Van Gieson stains was performed. Three sections per specimen were considered for the morphometric analysis.

Results

In all the specimens the superficial and deep fasciae were clearly recognizable. The difference in percentage of elastic fibres between superficial and deep fasciae in same region for all four was highly significant (p < 0.001). They are abundant in the superficial fascia than deep fascia.

Conclusions

In the light of these findings is evident that the superficial (in the subcutaneous tissue) and deep fasciae have different elasticity. This difference may improve grading of fascial dysfunction in dermatological diseases as burns, scars and lymphedema to better plan treatments.
Discriminative deep learning based benignity/malignancy diagnosis of dermatologic ultrasound skin lesions with pretrained artificial intelligence architecture
Authors: Laverde‐Saad Alexandra , Jfri Abdulhadi , García Rubén , Salgüero Irene , Martínez Constanza , Cembrero Hirune , Roustán Gastón , Alfageme Fernando
Published: August 2021

Background

Deep‐learning algorithms (DLAs) have been used in artificial intelligence aided ultrasonography diagnosis of thyroid and breast lesions. However, its use has not been described in the case of dermatologic ultrasound lesions. Our purpose was to train a DLA to discriminate benign form malignant lesions in dermatologic ultrasound images.

Materials and methods

We trained a prebuilt neural network architecture (EfficientNet B4) in a commercial artificial intelligence platform (Peltarion, Stockholm, Sweden) with 235 color Doppler images of both benign and malignant ultrasound images of 235 excised and histologically confirmed skin lesions (84.3% training, 15.7% validation). An additional 35 test images were used for testing the algorithm discrimination for correct benign/malignant diagnosis. One dermatologist with more than 5 years of experience in dermatologic ultrasound blindly evaluated the same 35 test images for malignancy or benignity.

Results

EfficientNet B4 trained dermatologic ultrasound algorithm sensitivity; specificity; predictive positive values, and predicted negative values for validation algorithm were 0.8, 0.86, 0.86, and 0.8, respectively for malignancy diagnosis. When tested with 35 previously unevaluated images sets, the algorithm´s accuracy for correct benign/malignant diagnosis was 77.1%, not statistically significantly different from the dermatologist's evaluation (74.1%).

Conclusion

An adequately trained algorithm, even with a limited number of images, is at least as accurate as a dermatologic‐ultrasound experienced dermatologist in the evaluation of benignity/malignancy of ultrasound skin tumor images devoid of clinical data.
Identification of HLA‐B*55:117N in an individual from Zhuang population of China
Authors: Tao Yufen , Shi Lei , Yao Yufeng , Shi Li , Liu Shuyuan
Published: August 2021

The novel HLA‐B*55:117N allele identified in an individual of Zhuang ethnic population of China.
HLA‐DQA1*03:03:01:16Q, a novel allele with an acceptor splice site mutation
Authors: Casey Heather , Tyler Jennifer , Fisher Carolyn , Mowery Carrie , Shike Hiroko
Published: August 2021

DQA1*03:03:01:16Q differs from DQA1*03:03:01:01 by one nucleotide at the Intron 3 splicing acceptor site.
Geographic Stories of Survival: Reconstructing Multiple Relations and Creating Spaces for Environmental Justice
Authors: Ishiyama Noriko
Published: August 2021

Elvin Wyly's paper raises important questions on the complicated and oftentimes contentious processes regarding the evolution of geographic thought at this particular moment during the pandemic era. Taking his invitation to ‘find better ways of evolving together on a precarious planet’, I would like to present some stories gleaned from my research on US nuclear development, which in itself represents a complicated process of evolution situated in the settler‐colonial Anthropocene. I would argue that we may be able to find some ways to survive by nurturing and recovering multiple relations with humans and non‐humans, both living and the dead, and also by exploring the meanings of and creating spaces for environmental justice.
El dilema ético del contador público en Colombia. Una reflexión sobre su función social de garantizar la confianza pública
Authors: Pinzón Alfonso Rafael Humberto , Serrato Guana Andrés David 
Published: August 2021

El ejercicio del profesional contable al interior de las organizaciones privadas y públicas ha tomado un rol significativo en los últimos años, pues ha migrado del contexto de la teneduría de libros a un escenario más estratégico. Sin embargo, el desempeño del contador ha sido cuestionado en el marco de su función social al ser garante de confianza pública y de manera particular del “interés público”, a través de una conducta profesional integra, una conducta ética con respeto a los principios y una garantía a la transparencia de la información financiera, que sirve para la toma de decisiones de un grupo amplio de usuarios. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo reflexionar sobre el actuar del contador en su función de garantizar confianza pública. La investigación es descriptiva con enfoque cualitativo, a partir de una encuesta aplicada a 216 profesionales seleccionados de manera no probabilística, y a quienes se les preguntó su opinión con relación a su actuar ético y su función social en las organizaciones. Los resultados evidencian por ejemplo, que el 85,3% de los encuestados están de acuerdo en que la ética de contador se ve amenazada por los intereses particulares de la empresa privada, y un 65,9% manifiesta que no se garantiza el principio de independencia mental.
A Combination of Metagenomic and Cultivation Approaches Reveals Hypermutator Phenotypes within Vibrio cholerae-Infected Patients
Authors: Levade Inès , Khan Ashraful I. , Chowdhury Fahima , Calderwood Stephen B. , Ryan Edward T. , Harris Jason B. , LaRocque Regina C. , Bhuiyan Taufiqur R. , Qadri Firdausi , Weil Ana A. , Shapiro B. Jesse
Published: August 2021

Pathogen evolution within patients can impact phenotypes such as drug resistance and virulence, potentially affecting clinical outcomes.
V. cholerae
infection can result in life-threatening diarrheal disease or asymptomatic infection. Here, we describe whole-genome sequencing of
V. cholerae
isolates and culture-free metagenomic sequencing from stool of symptomatic cholera patients and asymptomatic carriers.
About the Criteria for the Choice of Materials to Protect Against the Mechanical Dynamic Loading
Authors: Shevchenko V. Ya. , Oryshchenko A. S. , Perevislov S. N. , Sil’nikov M. V.
Published: August 2021

A criterion for the selection of materials to protect against the mechanical dynamic loading is proposed and substantiated. The mechanisms of the fracture of brittle ceramic materials that are widely used in structures that prevent penetration and are very common in practice are discussed. Unlike other estimates, the proposed formula is based on the physical principle of comparing the total energies of loading and obstacles, and is in good agreement with the experimental data.
Multi-particle production in proton–nucleus collisions in the color glass condensate
Authors: Agostini Pedro , Altinoluk Tolga , Armesto Néstor
Published: August 2021

We compute multi-gluon production in the Color Glass Condensate approach in dilute-dense collisions, $$\hbox {p}A$$

p
A

, extending previous calculations up to four gluons. We include the contributions that are leading in the overlap area of the collision but keep all orders in the expansion in the number of colors. We develop a diagrammatic technique to write the numerous color contractions and exploit the symmetries to group the diagrams and simplify the expressions. To proceed further, we use the McLerran–Venugopalan and Golec–Biernat–Wüsthoff models for the projectile and target averages, respectively. We use a form of the Lipatov vertices that leads to the Wigner function approach for the projectile previously employed, that we generalise to take into account quantum correlations in the projectile wave function. We provide analytic expressions for integrated and differential two gluon cumulants and show a smooth dependence on the parameters defining the projectile and target Wigner function and dipole, respectively. For four gluon correlations we find that the second order four particle cumulant is negative, so a sensible second Fourier azimuthal coefficient can be defined. The effect of correlations in the projectile on this result results qualitatively and quantitatively large.
LREE of an unstable dressed-dynamical Dp-brane: superstring calculations
Authors: Teymourtashlou Shirin , Kamani Davoud
Published: August 2021

We obtain the left-right entanglement entropy (LREE) for a Dp-brane with tangential motion in the presence of a U(1) gauge potential, the Kalb–Ramond field and an open string tachyon field. Thus, at first we extract the Rényi entropy and then by taking a special limit of it we acquire the entanglement entropy. We shall investigate the behavior of the LREE under the tachyon condensation phenomenon. We observe that the deformation of the LREE, through this process, reveals the collapse of the brane. Besides, we examine the second law of thermodynamics for the LREE under tachyon condensation, and we extract the imposed constraints. Note that our calculations will be in the context of the type IIA/IIB superstring theories.
Complexity growth of massive black hole with a probe string
Authors: Zhou Yu-Ting , Kuang Xiao-Mei , Wu Jian-Pin
Published: August 2021

In this work, we study the computational complexity of massive gravity theory via the “Complexity = Action” conjecture. Our system contains a particle moving on the boundary of the black hole spacetime. It is dual to inserting a fundamental string in the bulk background. Then this string would contribute a Nambu–Goto term, such that the total action is composed of the Einstein–Hilbert term, Nambu–Goto term and the boundary term. We shall investigate the time development of this system, and mainly discuss the features of the Nambu–Goto term affected by the graviton mass and the horizon curvature in different dimensions. Our study could contribute interesting properties of complexity.
Effect of Vertical Elastic Baffle on Liquid Sloshing in Rectangular Rigid Container
Authors: Meng Xun , Zhou Ding , Wang Jiadong
Published: August 2021

Sloshing may induce adverse loads to cause structural instability and damage. A vertical elastic baffle mounted at the inside bottom of a rectangular container is used as an anti-slosh device to attenuate the liquid oscillation. A semi-analytical model is presented to analyze the hydroelastic problem. The liquid is partitioned into four simple sub-domains with three hypothetical interfaces. The velocity potential of each sub-domain is analytically deduced by the separation of variables. The baffle deflection is expanded into the Fourier series by its dry modals. The eigenvalue equation is formulated by plugging the velocity potentials into the sloshing conditions, interface continuity conditions, as well as the dominant equation and compatibility conditions of the baffle. Then, the velocity potential is expressed by a complete basis of the coupled mode shapes for the system considered under lateral excitation. The system response equation is constituted by inserting the velocity potential into wave equations and baffle equation. The proposed method is verified by comparing the present results with the available data. In addition, numerical analyses are performed to examine the effects of baffle parameters on the natural frequencies, mode shapes and dynamic responses of the container. The sloshing frequency may be altered to a higher value due to the installation of the elastic baffle.
Doping Tests for Cyber-physical Systems
Authors: Biewer Sebastian , D’argenio Pedro R. , Hermanns Holger
Published: August 2021

The software running in embedded or cyber-physical systems is typically of proprietary nature, so users do not know precisely what the systems they own are (in)capable of doing. Most malfunctionings of such systems are not intended by the manufacturer, but some are, which means these cannot be classified as bugs or security loopholes. The most prominent examples have become public in the diesel emissions scandal, where millions of cars were found to be equipped with software violating the law, altogether polluting the environment and putting human health at risk. The behaviour of the software embedded in these cars was intended by the manufacturer, but it was not in the interest of society, a phenomenon that has been called
software doping
. Due to the unavailability of a specification, the analysis of doped software is significantly different from that for buggy or insecure software and hence classical verification and testing techniques have to be adapted.

The work presented in this article builds on existing definitions of software doping and lays the theoretical foundations for conducting software doping tests, so as to enable uncovering unethical manufacturers. The complex nature of software doping makes it very hard to effectuate doping tests in practice. We explain the main challenges and provide efficient solutions to realise doping tests despite this complexity.
Pemphigus Vulgaris in Old Patient
Authors: Tarakji Bassel
Published: August 2021

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic, autoimmune, intraepidermal blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. The first clinical manifestation is often the development of intraoral lesions, and later, the lesions involve the other mucous membranes and skin. The etiological factors of this disease still remain unknown, although the presence of autoantibodies is consistent with an autoimmune disease. A 73-year-old man had bullous lesions on gingiva, oral mucosa first, then scalp, trunk, and face. An oral medicine specialist suspects the lesion in differential diagnosis in the first presentation of oral lesions and follows up the patient, and then these bullous lesions presented on the skin. In this article, a patient had received oral prednisolone (80 mg/kg/day) and azathioprine, then tapered oral prednisolone to 40 mg/day, with a reduction of 5 mg/day every three weeks. The patient shows remission of these lesions, and complication of this treatment includes osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, and hypertension.
Regional Variation in the Carbon Dioxide Emission Efficiency of Construction Industry in China: Based on the Three-Stage DEA Model
Authors: Zhou Weizhong , Yu Wenhua
Published: August 2021

China’s construction industry emits a huge amount of carbon dioxide with the extensive and rapid development, and the carbon dioxide emissions from construction sector have become a social problem. This article evaluates the carbon dioxide emission from China’s regional construction industry by the three-stage DEA method. The research results indicate that the environmental factors and random error seriously affect the carbon dioxide emission efficiency of construction industry. Eliminated the above factors, the mean of the carbon dioxide emission efficiency has the tendency of rising firstly and then decreasing, which increased from 0.67 in 2010 to 0.76 in 2014 and then decreased to 0.66 in 2019 in the third stage. On the whole, China’s regional construction industry has the low carbon dioxide emission efficiency. In the regions, the Eastern region has the highest technology efficiency value among the three regions, followed by the Middle region and the West region. Therefore, the key method to increase the carbon emission efficiency of construction industry is to improve the management efficiency and change the growth mode.
Periodic Variation of Solar Flare Index for the Last Solar Cycle (Cycle 24)
Authors: Ozguc Atila , Kilcik Ali , Sarp Volkan , Yeşilyaprak Hülya , Pektaş Rıza
Published: August 2021

In this study, we used the flare index (FI) data taken from Kandilli Observatory for the period of 2009–2020. The data sets are analyzed in three categories as Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, and total FI data sets. Total FI data set is obtained from the sum of Northern and Southern Hemispheric values. In this study, the periodic variations of abovementioned three categories FI data sets were investigated by using the MTM and Morlet wavelet analysis methods. The wavelet coherence (XWT) and cross wavelet (WTC) analysis methods were also performed between these data sets. As a result of our analysis, the following results were found: (1) long- and short-term periodicities (

2048
±
512

day and periodicities smaller than 62 days) exist in all data sets without any exception at least with

95
%

confidence level; (2) all periodic variations were detected maximum during the solar cycle, while during the minima, no meaningful period is detected; (3) some periodicities have data preference that about 150 days Rieger period appears only in the whole data set and 682-, 204-, and 76.6-day periods appear only in the Northern Hemisphere data sets; (4) During the Solar Cycle 24, more flare activity is seen at the Southern Hemisphere, so the whole disk data periodicities are dominated by this hemisphere; (5) in general, there is a phase mixing between Northern and Southern Hemisphere FI data, except about 1024-day periodicity, and the best phase coherency is obtained between the Southern Hemisphere and total flare index data sets; (6) in case of the Northern and Southern Hemisphere FI data sets, there is no significant correlation between two continuous wavelet transforms, but the strongest correlation is obtained for the total FI and Southern Hemisphere data sets.