bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Second-order analysis of Fokker–Planck ensemble optimal control problems
Authors: Körner Jacob , Borzì Alfio
Published: October 2022

Ensemble optimal control problems governed by a Fokker-Planck equation with space-time dependent controls are investigated. These problems require the minimisation of objective functionals of probability type and aim at determining robust control mechanisms for the ensemble of trajectories of the stochastic system defining the Fokker-Planck model. In this work, existence of optimal controls is proved and a detailed analysis of their characterization by first- and second-order optimality conditions is presented. For this purpose, the well-posedness of the Fokker-Planck equation, and new estimates concerning an inhomogeneous Fokker-Planck model are discussed, which are essential to prove the necessary regularity and compactness of the control-to-state ma p appearing in the first-and second-order analysis.
Pyroelectric generators to harvest energy from disc brake pads for wireless sensors in electric vehicles
Authors: Tabbai Yassine , Sarah Aboubakr , Rjafallah Abdelkader , Alaoui-Belghiti Amine , Hajjaji Abdelowahed , El Moznine Reddad , Belhora Fouad , El Ballouti Abdessamad
Published: October 2022

There is a large amount of thermal energy wasted during the driving cycle of all kinds of vehicles. In this paper, a pyroelectric harvester system, based on temperature change, is designed for low-powered sensors for the reliable electronic/electric architecture development of autonomous vehicles. In fact, this harvester was designed, specifically, in order to capture the temperature of the braking system and convert the wasted heat energy during the contact process to electrical energy. This conversion process occurs due to the temperature variation through the pyroelectric material, given the cooling phenomena of the ambient air. The energy potentially available in the form of heat produced by the friction involved in braking was evaluated using finite element analysis in the multiphysics software environment. Therefore, we present simulations of disc heating and cooling during the braking process at different speeds. Moreover, the potential for energy harvesting in multiple rolling conditions is discussed, such as the braking cycles and the effect of the material thickness used in the conversion module. The proposed system has undergone simulation analysis, which shows that the system can generate a voltage of 10.8 V and a power of 7.0 mW for a cycle of one braking process and around 9.5 mW for a cycle containing two successive braking's. The results of the simulation study verify the feasibility of the system and demonstrate its pertinence, especially for low-power sensors for new vehicle generations.
Parcours transgenres dans la France du XIXe siècle
Authors: Houbre Gabrielle
Published: October 2022

Si la transidentité est un impensé du XIXe siècle, on peut toutefois découvrir dans des archives inédites des existences transgenres, et ce, dans tous les milieux sociaux. L’intensité performative qui les caractérise se lit dans l’apparence physique recomposée à l’aide du vêtement et de la coupe de cheveux, mais plus encore à travers la capacité à intégrer au quotidien la sociabilité du genre choisi. Elle frappe, notamment chez les plus humbles, par sa plénitude et sa durée, par son caractère irrévocable quand il n’est pas contraint, par l’audace et la liberté qui la nourrissent. Elle invite à prendre en considération la projection dans l’autre sexe, non pas seulement comme une opportunité, mais comme une impérieuse exigence.
Eliciting Information Needs of Child Patients: Adapting the Kano Model to the Design of mHealth Applications
Authors: Müller Sune Dueholm , Tsirozidis Georgios , Mathiasen Morten , Nordenhof Louise , Jakobsen Daniel , Mahler Birgitte
Published: October 2022

Background Health care services are increasingly being digitized, but extant literature shows that digital technologies and applications are often developed without careful consideration of user needs. Research is needed to identify and investigate best-in-class methods to support user-centered design of mHealth applications.

Objectives The article investigates how the Kano model can be adapted and used for the purpose of eliciting child patients' information needs during the design phase of mHealth application development. The aim is to demonstrate its applicability for collecting and analyzing patient-centered data that are key to designing technology-supported solutions for health management.

Methods The article is based on a mixed-methods case study, which includes interviews with 21 patients aged 6 to 18. Structured interviews are analyzed based on prescriptions of the Kano model. Semi-structured interviews about child patients' information needs are analyzed thematically.

Results The results demonstrate several improvements to the Kano model that take into account the difficulties of effectively communicating with child patients. The combination of two types of interviews offers unique insights into the what, how, and why of patients' needs. Adaptation of the Kano model, simplification of response options, and participation of child patients' parents in interviews facilitate data collection.

Conclusion The article shows how the Kano model can be adapted to provide an effective means of eliciting child patients' needs. Adapting the model by combining structured and semi-structured interviews makes it a powerful tool in designing mHealth applications.
Structural Inequities in Medicine that Contribute to Racial Inequities in Asthma Care
Authors: Okelo Sande O.
Published: October 2022

Structural inequities in medicine have been present for centuries in the United States, but only recently are these being recognized as contributors to racial inequities in asthma care and asthma outcomes. This chapter provides a systematic review of structural factors such as racial bias in spirometry algorithms, the history of systemic racism in medicine, workforce/pipeline limitations to the presence of underrepresented minority health care providers, bias in research funding awards, and strategies to solve these problems.
Automated Cognitive Health Assessment Using Partially Complete Time Series Sensor Data
Authors: Thomas Brian L. , Holder Lawrence B. , Cook Diane J.
Published: October 2022

Background Behavior and health are inextricably linked. As a result, continuous wearable sensor data offer the potential to predict clinical measures. However, interruptions in the data collection occur, which create a need for strategic data imputation.

Objective The objective of this work is to adapt a data generation algorithm to impute multivariate time series data. This will allow us to create digital behavior markers that can predict clinical health measures.

Methods We created a bidirectional time series generative adversarial network to impute missing sensor readings. Values are imputed based on relationships between multiple fields and multiple points in time, for single time points or larger time gaps. From the complete data, digital behavior markers are extracted and are mapped to predicted clinical measures.

Results We validate our approach using continuous smartwatch data for n = 14 participants. When reconstructing omitted data, we observe an average normalized mean absolute error of 0.0197. We then create machine learning models to predict clinical measures from the reconstructed, complete data with correlations ranging from r = 0.1230 to r = 0.7623. This work indicates that wearable sensor data collected in the wild can be used to offer insights on a person's health in natural settings.
Hyperresponsive Platelets and a Reduced Platelet Granule Release Capacity Are Associated with Severity and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Garishah Fadel Muhammad , Huskens Dana , Pramudo Setyo Gundi , Andriani Dessy , Astrilia Mila , Sentosa Rizky Akbar , van der Ven André J. A. M. , Laat Bas de , Gasem Muhammad Hussein , de Mast Quirijn , Roest Mark
Published: October 2022

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often associated with mild thrombocytopenia and increased platelet reactivity.

Objective The aim of the current study was to investigate the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release kinetics of platelets in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

Methods We studied time-dependent platelet activation in whole blood by monitoring the ATP release kinetics upon stimulation with a PAR1 receptor agonist in 41 hospitalized critically ill COVID-19 patients, 47 hospitalized noncritically ill COVID-19 patients, and 30 healthy controls.

Results Our study demonstrated that platelets of critically ill COVID-19 patients were hyper-responsive with a shorter platelet response time (PRT) and a reduced platelet granule release capacity (GRC), probably due to chronic activation. The median PRT of COVID-19 patients admitted to the critical care unit was 10 and 7 seconds shorter than the median PRT in healthy controls and noncritical COVID-19 patients, respectively. Both PRT and GRC were also associated with D-dimer (Spearman r [r
s] = −0.51, p < 0.0001 and r
s = −0.23, p < 0.05), C-reactive protein (CRP) (r
s = −0.59, p < 0.0001 and r
s = −0.41, p < 0.01), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (r
s = −0.42, p < 0.0001 and r
s = −0.26, p < 0.05). Moreover, an increased PRT and a reduced GRC were associated with an increased mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 18.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.5–62.8, p < 0.0001 and OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 1.6–10.4, p < 0.01). These relationships remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, D-dimer, CRP, and NLR.

Conclusion Using an accessible agonist-induced platelet granule ATP release assay, we show that platelet hyper-responsiveness and reduced platelet GRC in COVID-19 patients were associated with critical illness and mortality.
Recent updates on the physiology and evolution of plant TPK/KCO channels
Authors: Dabravolski Siarhei A. , Isayenkov Stanislav V.
Published: October 2022

Plant vacuoles are the main cellular reservoirs to store K+. The vacuolar K+ channels play a pivotal role in K+ exchange between cytosol and vacuolar sap. Among vacuolar K+ transporters, the Two Pore Potassium Channels (TPKs) are highly selective K+ channels present in most or all plant vacuoles and could be involved in various plant stress responses and developmental processes. Although the majority of TPK members have a vacuolar specialisation, some TPKs display different membrane localisation including the plasma membrane, tonoplast of protein storage vacuoles and probably chloroplast membranes. The functional properties as well as physiological roles of TPKs remains largely unexplored. In this review, we have collected recent data about the physiology, structure, functionality and evolution of TPK/KCO3 channels. We also critically evaluate the latest findings on the biological role, physiological functions, and regulation of TPK/KCO3 channels in relation to their structure and phylogenetic position. The possible role of TPK/KCO3 channels in plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses is summarised, and the future priority directions for TPK/KCO3 studies are addressed.
FAST Observations of an Extremely Active Episode of FRB 20201124A. IV. Spin Period Search
Authors: Niu Jia-Rui , Zhu Wei-Wei , Zhang Bing , Yuan Mao , Zhou De-Jiang , Zhang Yong-Kun , Jiang Jin-Chen , Han J. L. , Li Di , Lee Ke-Jia , Wang Pei , Feng Yi , Li Dong-Zi , Luo Rui , Wang Fa-Yin , Dai Zi-Gao , Miao Chen-Chen , Niu Chen-Hui , Xu Heng , Zhang Chun-Feng , Wang Wei-Yang , Wang Bo-Jun , Xu Jiang-Wei
Published: October 2022

We report the properties of more than 800 bursts detected from the repeating fast radio burst (FRB) source FRB 20201124A with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope during an extremely active episode on UTC 2021 September 25th-28th in a series of four papers. In this fourth paper of the series, we present a systematic search of the spin period and linear acceleration of the source object from both 996 individual pulse peaks and the dedispersed time series. No credible spin period was found from this data set. We rule out the presence of significant periodicity in the range between 1 ms and 100 s with a pulse duty cycle <0.49 ± 0.08 (when the profile is defined by a von-Mises function, not a boxcar function) and linear acceleration up to 300 m s−2 in each of the four one-hour observing sessions, and up to 0.6 m s−2 in all 4 days. These searches contest theoretical scenarios involving a 1 ms–100 s isolated magnetar/pulsar with surface magnetic field <1015 G and a small duty cycle (such as in a polar-cap emission mode) or a pulsar with a companion star or black hole up to 100 M
⊙ and P

b
> 10 hr. We also perform a periodicity search of the fine structures and identify 53 unrelated millisecond-timescale “periods” in multi-components with the highest significance of 3.9σ. The “periods” recovered from the fine structures are neither consistent nor harmonically related. Thus they are not likely to come from a spin period. We caution against claiming spin periodicity with significance below ∼4σ with multi-components from one-off FRBs. We discuss the implications of our results and the possible connections between FRB multi-components and pulsar microstructures.
On the Neutron Star/Black Hole Mass Gap and Black Hole Searches
Authors: Shao Yong
Published: October 2022

Mass distribution of black holes in low-mass X-ray binaries previously suggested the existence of a ∼2–5 M
⊙ mass gap between the most massive neutron stars and the least massive black holes, while some recent evidence appears to support that this mass gap is being populated. Whether there is a mass gap or not can potentially shed light on the physics of supernova explosions that form neutron stars and black holes, although significant mass accretion of neutron stars including binary mergers may lead to the formation of mass-gap objects. In this review, I collect the compact objects that are probable black holes with masses being in the gap. Most of them are in binaries, their mass measurements are obviously subject to some uncertainties. Current observations are still unable to confidently infer an absence or presence of the mass gap. Ongoing and future surveys are expected to build the mass spectrum of black holes which can be used to constrain the process of their formation especially in binaries. I describe the theoretical predictions for the formation of black holes in various types of binaries, and present some prospects of searching for black holes via electromagnetic and gravitational wave observations.
Optimization of the Collective Thomson scattering diagnostic for future operation
Authors: Abramovic I. , Moseev D. , Stange T. , Marsen S. , Kasparek W. , Nielsen S.K. , Tancetti A. , Salewski M. , Pavone A. , Svensson J. , Wolf R.C. , Laqua H.P. , Cardozo N.J. Lopes
Published: October 2022

Collective Thomson scattering (CTS) is a microwave diagnostic allowing measurements of a number of plasma parameters such as the bulk ion temperature, the plasma composition, drift velocities and fast ion velocity distribution function. A CTS system has been successfully installed and commissioned on the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) stellarator. The measured spectra are analyzed by the means of the CTS forward model eCTS and the Minerva scientific framework enabling the use of Bayesian inference of relevant plasma parameters. Here we discuss the options for further optimization of the CTS diagnostic and focus on two topics of importance for the inference of bulk ion temperature values from CTS spectra: influence of impurities on the CTS spectra and the width of the notch filters that are employed to protect the receiver from high-power radiation. In addition to that we discuss the possibility of effective charge measurements by CTS. We explore the existence of an optimal notch filter width.
Precise timing and recent advancements with segmented anode PICOSEC Micromegas prototypes
Authors: Manthos I. , Aune S. , Bortfeldt J. , Brunbauer F. , David C. , Desforge D. , Fanourakis G. , Gallinaro M. , García F. , Giomataris I. , Gustavsson T. , Iguaz F.J. , Kallitsopoulou A. , Kebbiri M. , Kordas K. , Lampoudis C. , Legou P. , Lisowska M. , Liu J. , Lupberger M. , Maillard O. , Maniatis I. , Müller H. , Oliveri E. , Papaevangelou T. , Paraschou K. , Pomorski M. , Qi B. , Resnati F. , Ropelewski L. , Sampsonidis D. , Scharenberg L. , Schneider T. , Sohl L. , van Stenis M. , Tsiamis A. , Tsipolitis Y. , Tzamarias S.E. , Utrobicic A. , Veenhof R. , Wang X. , White S. , Zhang Z. , Zhou Y.
Published: October 2022

Timing information in current and future accelerator facilities is important for resolving objects (particle tracks, showers, etc.) in extreme large particles multiplicities on the detection systems. The PICOSEC Micromegas detector has demonstrated the ability to time 150 GeV muons with a sub-25 ps precision. Driven by detailed simulation studies and a phenomenological model which describes stochastically the dynamics of the signal formation, new PICOSEC designs were developed that significantly improve the timing performance of the detector. PICOSEC prototypes with reduced drift gap size (∼119 µm) achieved a resolution of 45 ps in timing single photons in laser beam tests (in comparison to 76 ps of the standard PICOSEC detector). Towards large area detectors, multi-pad PICOSEC prototypes with segmented anodes has been developed and studied. Extensive tests in particle beams revealed that the multi-pad PICOSEC technology provides also very precise timing, even when the induced signal is shared among several neighbouring pads. Furthermore, new signal processing algorithms have been developed, which can be applied during data acquisition and provide real time, precise timing.
Position sensitive detector applications in nuclear physics and nuclear industry
Authors: Wheldon C.
Published: October 2022

The Birmingham Cyclotron and associated facilities have an active programme of detector use and irradiation, ranging from nuclear physics and related applications to positron imaging and radiation damage studies. In 2022 a new high flux neutron source (HF-ADNeF) will be installed and commissioned, extending the present charged-particle studies to neutron physics and neutron damage. An overview of the Birmingham Cyclotron Facility is given along with details of the accelerator-driven neutron source. Several examples around detector testing, nuclear physics and positron imaging are outlined.
Design study of an antiproton trap for the GBAR experiment
Authors: Yoo Kyoung-Hun , Moon Seok-Ho , Chung Moses , Won Dong Hwan , Park Kwan Hyung , Lee Byungchan , Kim Sun Kee , Lim Eunhoon , Kim Eun-San , Kim Bong Ho , van der Werf Dirk , Kuroda Naofumi , Pérez Patrice
Published: October 2022

The GBAR (Gravitational Behaviour of Antihydrogen at Rest)
experiment at CERN has been proposed to measure the gravitational
acceleration of the ultracold antihydrogen atoms. This experiment
produces antihydrogen ions through interactions between antiprotons
and positronium atoms. Then, antihydrogen atoms are produced for
the free-fall experiment after the photo-detachment of an excess
positron from the cold antihydrogen ions. The energy of the
antiproton beam before the positronium target chamber will be in the
range of 1–10 keV. The cross-section for the reaction between the
antiprotons and positroniums depends mainly on the energy of the
antiprotons. Hence, to maximize the productivity of antihydrogen
ions, a sufficient number of antiprotons should be provided with
well-controlled energy. In this regard, an antiproton trap is
considered to accumulate and slow down antiproton beams, and cool
them utilizing the electron cooling technique. This trap is
designed based on the Penning-Malmberg trap, which consists of a
superconducting solenoid magnet and a series of ring electrodes
including high-voltage electrodes to trap antiprotons. In addition,
a set of extraction electrodes and optics for beam transport are
used. Each electrode has been designed and optimized using the WARP
PIC simulations. In this study, the design and simulation results
of each trap component are presented.
Regularity and resilience of short-range order in uniformly randomized lattices
Authors: Tsabedze Sebenzile , Dlamini Nkosikhona , Mkhonta Simiso K
Published: October 2022

Randomly perturbed lattice models play a vital role in the exploration of novel quasi-disordered structures such as disordered photonic crystals that combine the coherent optical effects of crystals and the broadband, isotropic power spectra of disordered media. Recent studies have shown that the Bragg scattering peaks of uniformly randomized lattices can be switch-on and -off by increasing the perturbation strength while preserving the long-range order of the underlying lattice. In this work, we investigate the pair correlation statistics of uniformly randomized lattices focusing on the impact of the perturbations on the system’s short-range order. We find that locally isotropic perturbations generate disordered structures with resilient hyperuniformity and short-range order. The interplay of these two properties has been discovered to be critical in the design of disordered materials with enhanced photonic band gaps and light absorption. The present study provides an alternative approach for designing partially disordered hyperuniform structures.
Non-empirical double-hybrid density functionals as reliable tools for electronic structure calculations
Authors: Sancho-García J C , Brémond E , Pérez-Jiménez A J , Ciofini I , Adamo C
Published: October 2022

The development of universal and accurate approximations for electronic structure calculations lies at the central core of (past and modern) research in theoretical and computational chemistry. For that purpose, any reliable method needs to treat in a balanced way exchange and correlation effects arising from the intricate structure of matter at the nanoscopic level. Following this principle, we have developed a set of non-empirical (double-hybrid) density functional expressions, minimizing the parameterization and also widely applicable even for systems of considerable size, while being accurate enough to compete with wavefunction methods or even matching experimental information. The underlying expressions are now implemented in many available codes worldwide, then allowing the access to the whole set of key properties needed for addressing chemical structure, reactivity, and bonding, at all nanostructured levels and/or states of matter. Additionally, the recent extension to excited states through a time-dependent (linear-response) formalism also allows one to deal with photochemistry, photophysical, and related properties. Therefore, this family of methods can now be successfully applied to organic, inorganic, or biomolecular compounds, or any other complex system, within an affordable computational effort.
Sequential Data-Mining for Adverse Events After Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccination Using the Tree-Based Scan Statistic
Authors: Yih W Katherine , Kulldorff Martin , Dashevsky Inna , Maro Judith C
Published: October 2022

Tree-based scan statistics have been successfully used to study the safety of several vaccines without prespecifying health outcomes of concern. In this study, the binomial tree-based scan statistic was applied sequentially to detect adverse events in days 1–28 compared with days 29–56 after recombinant herpes zoster (RZV) vaccination, with 5 looks at the data and formal adjustment for the repeated analyses over time. IBM MarketScan data on commercially insured persons ≥50 years of age receiving RZV during January 1, 2018, to May 5, 2020, were used. With 999,876 doses of RZV included, statistically significant signals were detected only for unspecified adverse effects/complications following immunization, with attributable risks as low as 2 excess cases per 100,000 vaccinations. Ninety percent of cases in the signals occurred in the week after vaccination and, based on previous studies, likely represent nonserious events like fever, fatigue, and headache. Strengths of our study include its untargeted nature, self-controlled design, and formal adjustment for repeated testing. Although the method requires prespecification of the risk window of interest and may miss some true signals detectable using the tree-temporal variant of the method, it allows for early detection of potential safety problems through early initiation of ongoing monitoring.
Characterization of the Emissions and Crystalline Silica Content of Airborne Dust Generated from Grinding Natural and Engineered Stones
Authors: Thompson Drew , Qi Chaolong
Published: October 2022

In this study, we systematically characterized the airborne dust generated from grinding engineered and natural stone products using a laboratory testing system designed and operated to collect representative respirable dust samples. Four stone samples tested included two engineered stones consisting of crystalline silica in a polyester resin matrix (formulations differed with Stones A having up to 90wt% crystalline silica and Stone B up to 50wt% crystalline silica), an engineered stone consisting of recycled glass in a cement matrix (Stone C), and a granite. Aerosol samples were collected by respirable dust samplers, total dust samplers, and a Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor. Aerosol samples were analyzed by gravimetric analysis and x-ray diffraction to determine dust generation rates, crystalline silica generation rates, and crystalline silica content. Additionally, bulk dust settled on the floor of the testing system was analyzed for crystalline silica content. Real-time particle size distributions were measured using an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer. All stone types generated similar trimodal lognormal number-weighted particle size distributions during grinding with the most prominent mode at an aerodynamic diameter of about 2.0-2.3 μm, suggesting dust formation from grinding different stones is similar. Bulk dust from Stone C contained no crystalline silica. Bulk dust from Stone A, Stone B, and granite contained 60, 23, and 30wt% crystalline silica, respectively. In Stones A and B, the cristobalite form of crystalline silica was more plentiful than the quartz form. Only the quartz form was detected in granite. The bulk dust, respirable dust, and total dust for each stone had comparable amounts of crystalline silica, suggesting that crystalline silica content in the bulk dust could be representative of that in respirable dust generated during grinding. Granite generated more dust per unit volume of material removed than the engineered stones, which all had similar normalized dust generation rates. Stone A had the highest normalized generation rates of crystalline silica, followed by granite, Stone B, and Stone C (no crystalline silica), which likely leads to the same trend of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure when working with these different stones. Manufacturing and adoption of engineered stone products with formulations such as Stone B or Stone C could potentially lower or eliminate RCS exposure risks. Combining all the effects of dust generation rate, size-dependent silica content, and respirable fraction, the highest normalized generation rate of RCS consistently occurs at 3.2-5.6 µm for all the stones containing crystalline silica. Therefore, removing particles in this size range near the generation sources should be prioritized when developing engineering control measures.
Combinatorial analysis of transcription and metabolism reveals the regulatory network associated with antioxidant substances in waxy corn
Authors: Ke Jianhong , Wang Rui , Song Bangqian , Du Jinglun , Li Xiaojiao , Song Ningning , Cai Zhirong , Chen Rongli , Yi Honghua , Lu Xiangyin , Jiang Chen , Li Zhengguo , Huang Baowen
Published: October 2022

Maize is an essential source of nutrition for humans and animals and is rich in various metabolites that determine its quality. Different maize varieties show significant differences in metabolite content. Two kinds of waxy maize parental materials, S181 and 49B, created by the Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, are widely grown in China. S181 shows higher starch and sugar contents than 49B. This study generated metabolic profiles to assess the differences between the two varieties. A total of 674 metabolites that were significantly differentially expressed between the two varieties were identified by gas chromatography and untargeted metabolomics technology. These metabolites were associated with 21 categories, including antioxidant metabolites. Moreover, 6415 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA-seq. Interestingly, these DEGs comprised starch and sugar synthesis pathway genes and 72 different transcription factor families. Among these, six families that were reported to play an essential role in plant antioxidant action accounted for 39.2% of the transcription factor families. Using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) classification, the DEGs were mainly involved in amino acid biosynthesis, glycolysis/glucose metabolism, and the synthetic and metabolic pathways of antioxidant active substances. Furthermore, the correlation analysis of transcriptome and metabolomics identified five key transcription factors (ZmbHLH172, ZmNAC44, ZmNAC-like18, ZmS1FA2, ZmERF172), one ubiquitin ligase gene (ZmE2 5A) and one sucrose synthase gene (ZmSS1). They likely contribute to the quality traits of waxy corn through involvement in the metabolic regulatory network of antioxidant substances. Thus, our results provide new insights into maize quality-related antioxidant metabolite networks and have potential applications for waxy corn breeding.
Engaging With Aging: A Qualitative Study of Age-Related Changes and Adaptations
Authors: Ge Shaoqing , Wu Kuan-Ching , Frey Hillary , Saudagaran Maryam , Welsh Derick , Primomo Janet , Belza Basia
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

In the context of global aging, there is a need to better understand how older adults adapt to their changing health status. Engaging with aging (EWA) is an emerging framework proposed by Carnevali, which provides a new lens to understand an active, conscious daily-living process of managing age-related changes (ARCs) taken on by older adults. Study aims were to (a) describe the ARCs experienced by community-dwelling older adults and (b) identify the strategies and resources used by older adults to accommodate the daily-living challenges caused by the associated ARCs.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews using a virtual card sort to gather qualitative data about ARCs and strategies to manage ARCs. Interviews were conducted virtually due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions.

Results

Participants included 19 females and 10 males. The mean age was 77.45 years old (range from 64 to 98). Sixteen ARCs (e.g., changes in hearing, changes in stability, changes in sleep, etc.) were mentioned by participants, and their corresponding adaptations were discussed. Participants linked their adaptations to their ARCs based on their changing capacities and needs. Examples of commonly used adaptations included, for example, conserving energy, utilizing tools or technology, and being more conscious before and while taking actions. The challenges caused by COVID-19 in implementing the adaptations were also discussed.

Discussion and Implications

Findings from this study demonstrate how older adults explore, generate, and utilize adaptive behaviors to address their ARCS. This study substantiates the EWA framework by showing common patterns among older adults in linking ARCs with adaptations. Implications for clinicians include using EWA to help older adults identify personalized health solutions that fit their capacities. Researchers may use EWA to design and test interventions by considering the specific ARCs older adults encounter and the attitudes they hold towards the ARCs.
UbiAccess: an Instrument to Assess System Access in Ubiquitous Scenarios
Authors: Pimenta Josiane Rosa de Oliveira Gaia , Duarte Emanuel Felipe , Baranauskas M Cecília C , Medeiros Claudia Bauzer
Published: October 2022

Ubiquitous computing has brought new challenges for the design of scenarios for people–technology interactions. Despite considerable research on formal accessibility standards, related work has hardly investigated them in ubiquitous computing contexts. In this work, we investigate means of analyzing accessibility aspects in ubiquitous environments based on two standard instruments: the Universal Design (UD) Principles and Guidelines and the W3C-WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines of the World Wide Web Consortium). Both instruments were applied to the context of socioenactive ubiquitous environments, providing insights into their applicability and shortcomings. As a result of this analysis we constructed UbiAccess, an instrument to evaluate access in ubiquitous scenarios, which combines and extends characteristics of both UD and W3C-WCAG, filling in some of the gaps we identified. The application of UbiAccess to a case study shows the advantages of its use in informing the evaluation of access in ubiquitous scenarios.
A high-efficiency scar-free genome-editing toolkit for Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: de Dios Rubén , Gadar Kavita , McCarthy Ronan R
Published: October 2022

Background

The current mutagenesis tools for Acinetobacter baumannii leave selection markers or residual sequences behind, or involve tedious counterselection and screening steps. Furthermore, they are usually adapted for model strains, rather than for MDR clinical isolates.

Objectives

To develop a scar-free genome-editing tool suitable for chromosomal and plasmid modifications in MDR A. baumannii AB5075.

Methods

We prove the efficiency of our adapted genome-editing system by deleting the multidrug efflux pumps craA, cmlA5 and resistance island 2 (RI2), as well as curing plasmid p1AB5075, and combining these mutations. We then characterized the susceptibility of the mutants compared with the WT to different antibiotics (i.e. chloramphenicol, amikacin and tobramycin) by disc diffusion assays and determined the MIC for each strain.

Results

We successfully adapted the genome-editing protocol to A. baumannii AB5075, achieving a double recombination frequency close to 100% and routinely securing the construction of a mutant within 10 working days. Furthermore, we show that both CraA and p1AB5075 are involved in chloramphenicol resistance, and that RI2 and p1AB5075 play a role in resistance to amikacin and tobramycin.

Conclusions

We have developed a versatile and highly efficient genome-editing tool for A. baumannii. We have demonstrated it can be used to modify both the chromosome and native plasmids. By challenging the method, we show the role of CraA and p1AB5075 in antibiotic resistance.
Terrestrial Enlightenment: Ruin and Revolution in an Eighteenth-Century Climate Crisis
Authors: Anthony Patrick
Published: October 2022

Some scholars and scientists identify the eighteenth century as an inflection point in the Anthropocene, a geologic age in which humans act as a planetary force. This article suggests that this inflection point was characterized not only by new means and scales of environmental manipulation, but also by the development of climate politics. Where forests have been the focus of considerable scholarship on eighteenth-century environmental policy, this article turns to hydrology as a theater of material and discursive engagement with the era’s most palpable climatic threat: deluge. Catastrophic floods, like that which followed the eruption of Iceland’s Eldeyjar and Lakagígar volcanos in 1783/84, show how climate took its place in the enlightenment “culture of disaster,” which shifted responsibility from divine to terrestrial authority. Under the rubric of terrestrial enlightenment, I propose a framework for understanding the broad assemblage of artifacts, environments, and imaginaries that constituted late-eighteenth-century climate politics. Encompassing natural resources, infrastructure, and even ruins, terrestrial enlightenment integrates a corresponding range of naturalists, chroniclers, engineers, scholars, artists, and politicians. The naturalist Georg Forster provides an especially rich archive of this time, from his study of Saxon hydraulics in the wake of the flood of 1784 to his death in Paris during the Terror of 1794. On either side of the Rhine, resource management and disaster mitigation materialized political power.
The transcription factor WRKY12 negatively regulates iron entry into seeds in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wu Xi , Wang Tingting , Song Hui , Jia Yafeng , Ma Qian , Tao Manzhi , Zhu Xiangyu , Cao Shuqing
Published: October 2022

Yellow Stripe 1-Like 1 (YSL1) and Yellow Stripe 1-Like 3 (YSL3) transport metal–nicotianamine (NA) complexes to leaves, pollen, and developing seeds and play an important role in regulating iron (Fe) accumulation during the seed development and maturation stages; however, how their gene transcript levels are regulated remains unknown. In this study, we used yeast one-hybrid screening to identify a transcription factor, WRKY12, in Arabidopsis that directly regulates the transcription levels of YSL1 and YSL3 genes. WRKY12 has opposite expression patterns to YSL1 and YSL3. wrky12 mutants are tolerant to Fe deficiency, whereas WRKY12 overexpression lines are sensitive to Fe deficiency. During the development and maturation of seeds, WRKY12 can directly bind to the promoters of YSL1 and YSL3 and inhibit their expression. Genetic analysis showed that WRKY12 functions upstream of YSL1 and YSL3 in Fe intake during the seed development and maturation stages. Together, our results suggest that WRKY12 negatively regulates the iron intake in plant seeds by inhibiting the expression of YSL1 and YSL3.
Manipulating autophagic degradation in human diseases: from mechanisms to interventions
Authors: Zhang Yiqing , Liu Xiaoxia , Klionsky Daniel J , Lu Boxun , Zhong Qing
Published: October 2022

Targeted degradation, having emerged as a powerful and promising strategy in drug discovery in the past two decades, has provided a solution for many once undruggable targets involved in various diseases. While earlier targeted degradation tools, as exemplified by PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC), focused on harnessing the ubiquitin-proteasome system, novel approaches that aim to utilize autophagy, a potent, lysosome-dependent degradation pathway, have also surfaced recently as promising modalities. In this review, we first introduce the mechanisms that establish selectivity in autophagy, which provides the rationales for autophagy-based targeted degradation; we also provide an overview on the panoply of cellular machinery involved in this process, an arsenal that could be potentially harnessed. On this basis, we propose four strategies for designing autophagy-based targeted degraders, including Tagging Targets, Directly Engaging Targets, Initiating Autophagy at Targets, and Phagophore-Tethering to Targets. We introduce the current frontiers in this field, including AUtophagy-TArgeting Chimera (AUTAC), Targeted Protein Autophagy (TPA), AUTOphagy-TArgeting Chimera (AUTOTAC, not to be confused with AUTAC), AuTophagosome TEthering Compound (ATTEC), and other experimental approaches as case studies for each strategy. Finally, we put forward a workflow for generating autophagy-based degraders and some important questions that may guide and inspire the process.
basicsynbio and the BASIC SEVA collection: software and vectors for an established DNA assembly method
Authors: Haines Matthew C , Carling Benedict , Marshall James , Shenshin Vasily A , Baldwin Geoff S , Freemont Paul , Storch Marko
Published: October 2022

Standardized deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) assembly methods utilizing modular components provide a powerful framework to explore designs and iterate through Design–Build–Test–Learn cycles. Biopart Assembly Standard for Idempotent Cloning (BASIC) DNA assembly uses modular parts and linkers, is highly accurate, easy to automate, free for academic and commercial use and enables hierarchical assemblies through an idempotent format. These features enable applications including pathway engineering, ribosome binding site (RBS) tuning, fusion protein engineering and multiplexed guide ribonucleic acid (RNA) expression. In this work, we present basicsynbio, open-source software encompassing a Web App (https://basicsynbio.web.app/) and Python Package (https://github.com/LondonBiofoundry/basicsynbio), enabling BASIC construct design via simple drag-and-drop operations or programmatically. With basicsynbio, users can access commonly used BASIC parts and linkers while designing new parts and assemblies with exception handling for common errors. Users can export sequence data and create instructions for manual or acoustic liquid-handling platforms. Instruction generation relies on the BasicBuild Open Standard, which is parsed for bespoke workflows and is serializable in JavaScript Object Notation for transfer and storage. We demonstrate basicsynbio, assembling 30 vectors using sequences including modules from the Standard European Vector Architecture (SEVA). The BASIC SEVA vector collection is compatible with BASIC and Golden Gate using BsaI. Vectors contain one of six antibiotic resistance markers and five origins of replication from different compatibility groups. The collection is available via Addgene under an OpenMTA agreement. Furthermore, vector sequences are available from within the basicsynbio application programming interface with other collections of parts and linkers, providing a powerful environment for designing assemblies for bioengineering applications.

Graphical Abstract
Complete Capsular Repair Using a Knotless Barbed Suture With a Mini-direct Lateral Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Technique Note and Feasibility Study
Authors: Kobayashi Naomi , Yukizawa Yohei , Takagawa Shu , Honda Hideki , Kameda Kensuke , Inaba Yutaka
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

How the hip joint capsule is processed during total hip arthroplasty (THA) and whether a capsular repair is needed, are important factors determining the success of the procedure. In this surgical technique report, we present a detailed technical discussion of the pearls and pitfalls of complete capsular repair using knotless barbed sutures for a mini-direct lateral approach THA.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 45 consecutive cases that underwent a mini-direct lateral approach for THA with a complete capsular repair were included. A historical control group of 169 cases with partial capsulectomy without repair were also reviewed. This technique is based on a modified mini-incision direct lateral approach. A T-shaped capsulotomy was performed. The margin to be seamed at the femoral side of the capsular ligament must be preserved. A knotless barbed suture was applied for repairing the capsular ligament and gluteus minimus.

Results:

In 42 cases (93.3%), a complete capsular repair was achieved successfully. The average operative time was 106±20 minutes. The average intraoperative bleeding was 369±241 mL. There was no major complication both intra and postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Complete capsular repair through a mini-direct lateral approach was feasible by using a knotless barbed suture. Preserving the margin used to seam the femoral side of the capsular ligament is a key requirement for reattachment of the capsule. In addition, a continuous knotless barbed suture facilitates gradual plication of the capsule without a cheese cut.
Patients With High Cardiovascular Risk as Candidates to Bempedoic Acid, After Treatment With Statins, Ezetimibe and PCSK9 Inhibitors: An Estimation and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Seijas-Amigo José , Cordero Alberto , Olmo Rosa F. , Cortez Quiroga Gustavo A. , Fácila Lorenzo , Salgado-Barreira Ángel , Reyes-Santías Francisco , Romero-Menor Cesar , Murillo Juan Rondán , Rodríguez-Mañero Moisés , Bello Mora María C. , Valle Alfonso , Sandin Miriam , Pamias Roman Freixa , Bañeras Jordi , García Pedro Blanch , Lorenzo Milagros Clemente , Sánchez-Alvarez Sergio , López-Rodríguez Luis , González-Juanatey José R.
Published: October 2022

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) is the lead effector of atherosclerosis and main treatment target. Bempedoic acid is a novel oral drug in the therapeutic armamentarium which is able to reduce LDLc. The objectives of this study were (1) to select the potential patients for administering bempedoic acid such as those with a very high cardiovascular risk in which objectives of LDLc were not achieved despite conventional treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) and/or statins and ezetimibe and (2) to estimate the cost-effectiveness of bempedoic acid in different scenarios. The methods used were a multicenter and retrospective study of 652 patients initiating treatment with any PCSK9 inhibitor in 17 different hospitals. Before and on-treatment LDLc cholesterol levels, medical treatments, clinical indication, and baseline characteristics were recorded. The results obtained from 443 subjects in secondary prevention were analyzed. The mean (±) LDLc level at baseline was 142.5 ± 46.4 mg/dL and 61.5 ± 40.5 mg/dL in the follow-up, with a reduction of 55.9% (P < 0.0001); 71.6% of the patients reached the target of LDL < 55 mg/dL or >50% reduction. Of those patients treated with medium-intensity and low-intensity statins plus PCSK9 inhibitors (with or without ezetimibe), only 5.7% of them were able to reduce LDL below 55 mg/dL and the main LDLc reduction in this group was the lowest (42.9% on average). Patients with TG values >135 mg/dL represented 41.6% of the sample, of which approximately 10% of them were using fibrates. Assuming only LDLc reduction and the UK price, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 88,359€; 83,117€; 82,378€; and 79,015€ for different discount rates. In conclusion, one-third of the patients could achieve the target LDL proposed in the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines. Approximately 10% of them could also benefit from treating hypertriglyceridemia as indicated in the 2021 ESC guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention. Patients with medium-intensity and low-intensity statins plus PCSK9i and ezetimibe would be the most benefited. Bempedoic acid could be a not cost-efficacy therapy in all the scenarios, but we need to wait for the CLEAR OUTCOMES Trial results.