bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial: Environmental conditions for growing healthy children
Authors: Luby Joan L.
Published: August 2022

The deleterious developmental effects of exposure to early adversity have been well documented in the scientific literature. The finding that poverty in early childhood is among the most robust predictors of a range of poor developmental outcomes has been well known for decades. More recently, evidence that early experiences of poverty and related forms of adversity negatively impact the function and structure of the developing brain have also emerged. Retrospective studies linking poor physical health outcomes to adverse childhood experiences (ACES) highlighted the more global nature of these risk factors to wellbeing and follow‐up prospective studies have since confirmed these findings (Brown et al., 2009). Alternatively, it has become increasingly clear that early experiences of stimulation, nurturance, and caregiver support promote positive development outcomes with emerging evidence for tangible impacts on neurodevelopment in humans (Luby et al., 2021). However, the scientific and public health community has yet to synthesize these related bodies of data and develop a plan of action related to their over‐reaching and global importance to protecting and promoting childhood health and development more generally despite numerous calls to do just that (Farah, 2018; Luby et al., 2020).
Ecology and the evolution of sex chromosomes
Authors: Meisel Richard P.
Published: August 2022

Sex chromosomes are common features of animal genomes, often carrying a sex determination gene responsible for initiating the development of sexually dimorphic traits. The specific chromosome that serves as the sex chromosome differs across taxa as a result of fusions between sex chromosomes and autosomes, along with sex chromosome turnover—autosomes becoming sex chromosomes and sex chromosomes ‘reverting’ back to autosomes. In addition, the types of genes on sex chromosomes frequently differ from the autosomes, and genes on sex chromosomes often evolve faster than autosomal genes. Sex‐specific selection pressures, such as sexual antagonism and sexual selection, are hypothesized to be responsible for sex chromosome turnovers, the unique gene content of sex chromosomes and the accelerated evolutionary rates of genes on sex chromosomes. Sex‐specific selection has pronounced effects on sex chromosomes because their sex‐biased inheritance can tilt the balance of selection in favour of one sex. Despite the general consensus that sex‐specific selection affects sex chromosome evolution, most population genetic models are agnostic as to the specific sources of these sex‐specific selection pressures, and many of the details about the effects of sex‐specific selection remain unresolved. Here, I review the evidence that ecological factors, including variable selection across heterogeneous environments and conflicts between sexual and natural selection, can be important determinants of sex‐specific selection pressures that shape sex chromosome evolution. I also explain how studying the ecology of sex chromosome evolution can help us understand important and unresolved aspects of both sex chromosome evolution and sex‐specific selection.
A new set of microsatellite markers for Phoxinus lumaireul senso lato, Phoxinus marsilii and Phoxinus krkae for population and molecular taxonomic studies
Authors: Vucić Matej , Jelić Mišel , Klobučar Göran , Jelić Dušan , Gan Han Ming , Austin Chris , Guyonnet Daniel , Giraud Isabelle , Becking Thomas , Grandjean Frederic
Published: August 2022

Minnows of the genus Phoxinus are common and an often highly abundant fish species in Palearctic freshwater habitats. Phoxinus species have a complex evolutionary history, phylogenetic relationships are not well understood and there are a number of unresolved taxonomic problems. There are currently 23 different mitochondrial genetic lineages identified in the genus Phoxinus, 13 of which are recognized as valid species. The taxonomic status of these lineages requires resolution, including the degree to which they can interbreed. Suitable nuclear molecular markers for studies of population divergence and interbreeding between morphotypes and mitochondrial lineages are lacking for Phoxinus species. Therefore, the authors developed a set of microsatellite markers using genomic information from Phoxinus lumaireul and tested their suitability for this and two related species, Phoxinus krkae and Phoxinus marsilii. Out of 16 microsatellite candidate loci isolated, 12 were found to be in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium when tested on two P. lumaireul senso lato populations. Seven loci amplified across the three species, enabling the study of intraspecific genetic diversity and population structure within P. marsilii and P. krkae. The markers were able to clearly resolve differences among the three tested species, including the recently described P. krkae, and are therefore suitable for the detection of introgression and hybridization among populations consisting of mixtures of two or more of P. lumaireul s. l., P. marsilii and P. krkae.
Examining the relationship between perinatal anxiety, COVID‐19 phobia and birth type preferences: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Akgün Mehtap , Turgut Yasemin , Güdül Öz Hatice , Yangin Hatice , Boz İlkay
Published: August 2022

Aim

To examine the relationship between the COVID‐19 phobia and perinatal anxiety levels and birth type preferences of pregnant women in the third trimester.

Design

This was designed a cross‐sectional study using the non‐random convenience sampling method following the STROBE checklist.

Methods

The research was conducted with 315 pregnant women from April to May 2021. Data were collected using a personal information form, the COVID‐19 Phobia Scale, and the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS).

Results

We found a positive and moderate correlation between the total scores for perinatal anxiety and COVID‐19 phobia. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, 4.1% of the participants changed their birth type preferences and this change was statistically significant according to McNemar's test. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the women changed their birth type preferences in favour of caesarean section. However, there was no statistically significant difference between those who changed their birth type preferences and those who did not in terms of perinatal anxiety or COVID‐19 phobia levels. Women with no access to prenatal follow‐up visits due to the COVID‐19 pandemic had higher mean PASS scores and higher mean scores for the perfectionism, control and trauma subscale. The scores for general worry and specific fears were lower among individuals who had obtained information about birth types in prenatal follow‐up visits. Also, perinatal anxiety and COVID‐19 phobia levels were higher among pregnant women who were worried about giving birth in hospital compared to those who were not worried.

Conclusion

We conclude that COVID‐19 phobia has increased women's perinatal anxiety, causing them to change their birth type preferences in favour of caesarean section.

Relevance to clinical practice

We recommended that healthcare professionals take COVID‐19 phobia and perinatal anxiety into account when counselling pregnant women about birth types to improve prenatal care.

No patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution was required to design, to outcome measures or undertake this research. Patients/members of the public contributed only to the data collection. Data were obtained from pregnant women in the third trimester, who came to a regional hospital‐affiliated obstetrics polyclinic for routine prenatal follow‐up visits.
Economics of drug‐coated balloons for arteriovenous fistula stenosis in Japan and Korea based on the IN.PACT AV access trial
Authors: Chun Ho Jong , Cao Khoa N. , Haruguchi Hiroaki , Choi Hyunsook , Yoshikawa Mayuko , Holden Andrew , Pietzsch Jan B.
Published: August 2022

Aim

The recent IN.PACT AV Access study found drug‐coated balloon therapy to be associated with reduced reinterventions compared to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty using standard balloons in the management of arteriovenous fistula stenosis. The economic implications of drug‐coated balloon use in Asia, including Japan and Korea, remain unknown.

Methods

A decision‐analytic model was developed to calculate strategy‐specific costs for Korea and Japan through 5‐year follow‐up. The analysis assumed maintained therapy benefit beyond current trial follow‐up of 1 year in the base case, with several alternative scenarios explored in sensitivity analysis. Costs were derived from claims and reimbursement data, and projections were evaluated at 3 and 5 years post‐index procedure.

Results

Model‐projected access circuit reintervention events for drug‐coated versus standard balloons were 1.70 versus 2.76 (−1.06) and 2.53 versus 4.10 (−1.57) at 3 and 5 years in the base case. Corresponding 3‐ and 5‐year costs were ₩6 211 103 versus ₩7 605 553 (−₩1 394 451) and ₩7 766 051 versus ₩10 124 954 (−₩2 358 904) in Korea, and ¥1 469 824 versus ¥1 504 161 (−¥34 337) and ¥1 956 931 versus ¥2 106 632 (−¥149 701) in Japan. In scenario analyses, drug‐coated balloons remained cost saving at 3‐ and 5‐year follow‐up in Korea, but required up to 5 years to reach cost‐savings in Japan. Drug‐coated balloon use in reinterventions increased projected savings, as did younger treatment age.

Conclusion

Treatment of arteriovenous fistulas with the IN.PACT AV drug‐coated balloon, based on preliminary data, may lead to meaningful reductions in reintervention costs that would render it cost‐saving at timeframes of around 1 year in Korea and between 3 and 5 years in Japan.
Light, chromatin, action: nuclear events regulating light signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Patitaki Eirini , Schivre Geoffrey , Zioutopoulou Anna , Perrella Giorgio , Bourbousse Clara , Barneche Fredy , Kaiserli Eirini
Published: August 2022

The plant nucleus provides a major hub for environmental signal integration at the chromatin level. Multiple light signaling pathways operate and exchange information by regulating a large repertoire of gene targets that shape plant responses to a changing environment. In addition to the established role of transcription factors in triggering photoregulated changes in gene expression, there are eminent reports on the significance of chromatin regulators and nuclear scaffold dynamics in promoting light‐induced plant responses. Here, we report and discuss recent advances in chromatin‐regulatory mechanisms modulating plant architecture and development in response to light, including the molecular and physiological roles of key modifications such as DNA, RNA and histone methylation, and/or acetylation. The significance of the formation of biomolecular condensates of key light signaling components is discussed and potential applications to agricultural practices overviewed.
Single‐cell transcriptomics dissects premalignant progression in proliferative verrucous leukoplakia
Authors: Zhong Liang , Wang Fei , Liu Dan , Kuang Wenjing , Ji Ning , Li Jing , Zeng Xin , Li Taiwen , Dan Hongxia , Chen Qianming
Published: August 2022

Objective

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is characterized by a spectrum of clinicopathological features and a high risk of malignant transformation. In this study, we aimed to delineate the dynamic changes in molecular signature during PVL progression and identify the potential cell subtypes that play a key role in the premalignant evolution of PVL.

Methods

We performed single‐cell RNA sequencing on three biopsy samples from a large PVL lesion. These samples exhibited a histopathological continuum of PVL progression.

Results

By analyzing the transcriptome profiles of 27,611 cells from these samples, we identified ten major cell lineages and revealed that cellular remodeling occurred during the progression of PVL lesions, including epithelial, stromal, and immune cells. Epithelial cells are shifted to tumorigenic states and secretory patterns at the premalignant stage. Immune cells showed growing immunosuppressive phenotypes during PVL progression. Remarkably, two novel cell subtypes INSR+ endothelial cells and ASPN+ fibroblasts, were discovered and may play vital roles in microenvironment remodeling, such as angiogenesis and stromal fibrosis, which are closely involved in malignant transformation.

Conclusion

Our work is the first to depict the cellular landscape of PVL and speculate that disease progression may be driven by functional remodeling of multiple cell subtypes.
ERP responses to sexual cues among young women attracted to men
Authors: Huberman Jackie S. , Mangardich Haykaz , Sabbagh Mark A. , Chivers Meredith L.
Published: August 2022

Previous event‐related potential (ERP) studies reported larger N170, P3, and late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes to sexual than nonsexual stimuli. These ERPs may not be specifically sensitive to processing sexual cues, however, because the sexual stimuli included information beyond sexual cues (e.g., faces, bodies, social interaction) to a greater extent than comparison stimuli. We investigated ERPs to stimuli that focused on sexual and nonsexual body regions, in different states of readiness for activity, to elucidate neural responses involved in processing sexual cues. Forty cisgender, primarily white, undergraduate women who were attracted to men (Mage = 18.6, SD = 0.9) viewed images that varied by male body part (penis, arm) and activity state (rest, poised for activity). Participants viewed 40 images per category (flaccid penises, erect penises, outstretched arms, bent arms). Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded using a 128‐channel net, time‐locked to the onset of each image. Using a whole‐head cluster‐mass approach, we found that the P3 was sensitive to sexual readiness—P3 amplitudes were larger to erect than flaccid penises, but not to bent than outstretched arms. The N170 and LPP components did not show evidence of similarly specific responses to sexual readiness, revealing potential dissociation of different neural processes commonly elicited in response to more complex sexual stimuli. An additional novel finding was that an anterior N270‐400 was sensitive to sexual readiness. Findings clarify the brain's rapid responses to sexual stimuli, setting the stage for future research aimed at better understanding the neurocognitive processes that contribute to the coordination of sexual arousal.
Abortion, mental health and epistemologies of psychological knowledge and ignorance
Authors: Hooberman Laura , Ozoguz Sedef
Published: August 2022

This article traces the origins and production of the Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS), a fallacious bio‐ideological construct which alleges a link between abortion and mental health risks. Through the work of social actors (anti‐abortion activists, policy makers, funders, advocates, and researchers) involved in its construction, this diagnosis was disseminated and diffused into public policy in the US and is used as ‘evidence’ in deterring people from having abortions. This is despite overwhelming evidence that abortion poses no greater mental health risks than carrying an unintended pregnancy to term. Circulation of this fallacious discourse invalidates, distorts, and homogenizes the lived experiences of reproductive people, contributing to epistemologies of ignorance as pertains to women's health and reproductive experiences. This article examines the invention of PAS, exploring its political underpinnings and ongoing effects. We unearth how psychology and medicine have been coopted to function as handmaidens in passing conservative legislation, attending to the process of willful distortion underpinning this history. Uncovering the systemic nature of the production of ignorance around reproductive people's bodies and psychologies is a necessary step in providing liberatory epistemologies for pregnant people and in enabling individuals to make their own meaning of their abortions.
Hypoxia‐targeting therapy for intestinal T‐cell lymphoma in dogs: Preclinical study using 3D in vitro models
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroki , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Nishida Hidetaka , Hatoya Shingo , Akiyoshi Hideo
Published: August 2022

The transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) is activated in response to oxygen deficiency, and is expressed in several cancers under intratumoral hypoxic stress that arises during pathogenic processes. Hypoxic stimulation enhanced the growth potential of canine lymphoma cells by activating the HIF‐1α signalling pathway in a previously reported study. The aim of this study was to establish a molecular design strategy for a novel hypoxia‐targeting therapy for intestinal T‐cell lymphoma (ITL) in dogs. We assessed the relationship between immunohistochemistry‐based HIF‐1α expression and clinical information, including signalment, tumour area, clinical signs, systemic diseases, treatment protocol, follow‐up information, chemotherapy response and overall survivals (OS), using 48 tissue samples from dogs with ITL. We investigated the effects of hypoxic stimulation on the biological behaviour of cell lines from three different types of canine ITL. We assessed the effects of evofosfamide (Evo; hypoxia‐activated prodrug) on cell lines cultured under hypoxic conditions. Our data showed that treatment response and overall survival might be significantly decreased in dogs with higher HIF‐1α expression than in those with lower HIF‐1α expression. Hypoxic culture (1% O2, 72 h) enhanced the invasiveness of cell lines and decreased their sensitivity to CCNU, resulting in hypoxia‐dependent aggressive behaviour. Sensitivity to Evo significantly increased in cell lines cultured under hypoxia compared with those cultured under normoxia, which exhibited hypoxia‐dependent apoptosis. Additionally, Evo downregulated HIF‐1α expression in cell lines cultured under hypoxia, suggesting that Evo might inhibit cell growth by inactivating HIF‐1α‐dependent cell signalling. Our results revealed the preclinical antitumor activity of Evo and provide a rationale for treatment strategies for dogs with ITL.
Does Task-specific Self-efficacy Predict Science Competencies?
Authors: Nyberg Kristin , Koerber Susanne , Osterhaus Christopher
Published: August 2022

Self-efficacy is an affective-motivational factor that strongly predicts academic performance. With respect to science competencies, self-efficacy is related to two subcomponents that are closely associated already in kindergarten: Science content knowledge (e.g., physics knowledge) and scientific reasoning (e.g., knowing how to conduct a controlled experiment). To make accurate action predictions, the precise and specific measurement of self-efficacy is needed. With respect to different subcomponents of science competencies (i.e., science knowledge and scientific reasoning), there is to date a lack of studies that simultaneously investigate the association between students’ self-efficacy and their performance in these two subcomponents of science competencies. The complex (cross-)relations between these constructs are investigated in the present study. The sample comprised N=181 fifth graders (90 girls, 91 boys). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggest that the two task-specific self-efficacy scales (scientific reasoning and science content knowledge) can be distinguished from each other and from general academic self-efficacy. Structural equation models reveal that task-specific self-efficacy in scientific reasoning is related to performance in scientific reasoning (.52) and science content knowledge (.32). Conversely, task-specific self-efficacy in science content knowledge correlates with performance in science content knowledge (.36) and scientific reasoning (.27). As expected, the strongest correlations between task-specific self-efficacy and performance emerge within the domain, but the significant cross-relations show the potential for furthering both aspects of performance and self-efficacy of science competencies and a need for a more detailed (longitudinal) investigation of these complex relations.
Stilte in de klas
Authors: Verstraete Pieter
Published: August 2022

Stilte loopt als een rode draad door de geschiedenis van de school. In de voorbije eeuwen hebben talloze leerkrachten kinderen aangespoord om stil te zijn. Er verschenen ook vele publicaties waarin pedagogische auteurs reflecteerden over de waarde van stilte voor het onderwijs. In dit boek verkent Pieter Verstraete aan de hand van niet eerder ontgonnen archiefmateriaal de geschiedenis van de pedagogische betekenis van stilte. Heb je altijd al willen weten waar de voorliefde voor klassikale stilte vandaan komt? Vraag je je af waarom we vandaag in stilte leren lezen en of dat altijd zo was? Wil je weten hoe stille en verlegen leerlingen vroeger werden behandeld? Of ben je benieuwd waarom Maria Montessori stiltelesjes zo belangrijk vond? In dit boek maak je op een boeiende manier kennis met het meerstemmige geluid van stilte in de geschiedenis van opvoeding en onderwijs.
Macroscopic Architecture Design of Lithium Metal Electrodes: Impacts of Millimeter-Size Hollows on Economization, Cyclability, and Utilization
Authors: Li Xiangjie , Zhao Yanfei , Song Yicheng , Zhang Junqian , Lu Bo
Published: August 2022

A macroscopic architecture design of lithium metal electrodes for solving the problem of extremely excessive lithium metal is proposed in this paper. By employing a simple mechanical processing method, macroscopic hollows within lithium foils are introduced, and consequently, the amount of lithium metal has economized significantly. The cyclability of lithium foils with millimeter-size hollows is evaluated jointly via modeling and experiments. The results suggest that the well-designed macroscopic hollow causes controllable sacrifices of battery cycling performances and considerably boosts the utilization of lithium metal. The relationship of economization, cyclability, and utilization of lithium metal is also discussed. The universality of the results is also verified in different battery systems. Meanwhile, the initial hollows are found to heal morphologically after a series of electrochemical cycles, and the existence of lithium metal in the healing product is also confirmed, indicating that hollows provide room for the in-plane lithium dendrite growth. Based on these findings, this work provides a new perspective on the architectural design of lithium metal electrodes.
An Efficient Infill Well Placement Optimization Approach for Extra-Low Permeability Reservoir
Authors: Dai Qinyang , Zhang Liming , Zhang Kai , Chen Guodong , Ma Xiaopeng , Wang Jian , Zhang Huaqing , Yan Xia , Liu Piyang , Yang Yongfei
Published: August 2022

The objective of infill well placement optimization is to determine the optimal well locations that maximize the net present value (NPV). The most common method of well infilling in oil field is based on the engineer’s knowledge, which is risky. Additionally, numerous optimization techniques have been proposed to address the issues. However, locating the global optimum in a large-scale practical reservoir model is computationally expensive, even more so in the realistic extra-low permeability reservoir, where fractures are generated and underground conditions are complex. Thus, both determining well locations solely through human experience and obtaining them through traditional optimization methods have disadvantages in actual engineering applications. In this paper, we propose an infill well optimization strategy based on the divide-and-conquer principle that divides the large-scale realistic reservoir model into several types of small-scale conceptual models using human knowledge and then uses the surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm to obtain the infill well laws for this reservoir. The diamond inversed nine-spot well patterns are studied and summarized to provide the optimal infill well placement laws for extra-low permeability reservoirs. Additionally, the laws are implemented in W-77 actual reservoir and the oil recovery has an equivalent increase of 2.205%. The results demonstrate the proposed method’s strong engineering potential and application value, as it combines the benefits of human experience and evolutionary algorithms to determine the optimal infill well placement in a realistic extra-low permeability reservoir development scenario.
Performance Analysis of Evaporation and Heat Wheel-Based Building Air Conditioning Systems
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Das Ranjan
Published: August 2022

Air conditioning in composite weather is relatively more challenging and also carries importance as it resembles conditions of hot-dry, cold, and warm-humid climates. Bifurcation of cooling and ventilation tasks happens to be one of the attractive techniques to design energy-efficient air-conditioning systems. It deals with the concept of providing a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) in conjunction with the air-conditioning unit. This study establishes the electrical energy consumption behavior of a building air-conditioning unit when modifications are done along the air pathway of the desiccant-integrated DOAS. For a 511 m2 building situated in composite weather, simulations in energyplus are carried out after necessary validations with the available standards. Here, two modes are discussed: in the first one, an indirect evaporation cooler (IEC)-based system is analyzed, while in the second mode, a heat wheel has been studied. For regeneration, a solar collector and supplementary electrical heater are provided. For the dynamic pattern of site environmental conditions, variations of room air temperature, humidity, thermal load, electricity, thermal energy, and solar fraction have been studied. Current analysis demonstrates that approximately 2994 kWh of the total thermal energy delivered by solar collector and supplementary electrical heater system can be saved through heat wheel instead of IEC. The usage of a heat wheel in the airflow pathway of the desiccant-integrated DOAS can offer energy savings up to 5.04% of the electrical energy with respect to IEC-integrated DOAS. Furthermore, the suggested design delivers a higher solar fraction.
The Blue Hydrogen Economy: A Promising Option for the Near-to-Mid-Term Energy Transition
Authors: Tetteh Daniel Addokwei , Salehi Saeed
Published: August 2022

Hydrogen is recently being promoted immensely as the primary energy carrier to replace fossil fuels for the envisioned environmentally friendly and sustainable future energy system, given its peculiar properties and advantages over conventional fuels and other alternative energy sources. Hydrogen is classified into various color categories based on the type of feedstock, technology, and CO2 emissions in its production pathway. This paper focuses on blue hydrogen, discussing its potential as the most promising hydrogen production pathway for the near-to-mid-term transition into a hydrogen economy. First, a comprehensive overview of the hydrogen economy is given with a detailed description of hydrogen's color-code categorization. Blue hydrogen production methods are explained, and blue and green hydrogen are compared on the subject of the grand energy transition. Furthermore, the arguments favoring blue hydrogen as the most promising alternative for the near-to-mid-term energy transition are explained. Finally, a comparative life cycle analysis (LCA) of environmental emissions and resource usage in blue hydrogen and other selected commonly used fuel production pathways is conducted using the greenhouse gases, regulated emissions, and energy use in technologies (GREET) model to analyze the potentials of the blue hydrogen production pathway. The LCA results showed that more efforts need to be committed to reducing nitrous and sulfur oxides in the blue hydrogen production pathway and improving energy and CO2 capturing efficiencies in carbon capture and storage (CCS) plants.
Evolutionary design of compact counterflow heat exchanger
Authors: Faizan Muhammad , Almerbati Abdulrahman
Published: August 2022

This investigation includes a geometric optimization for a compact heat exchanger built from hexagonal channels with the rely of Constructal design. A three-dimensional numerical analysis based on the finite volume method (FVM) are conducted to identify hydrodynamic and thermal behaviors of the counterflow arrays. We considered several configurations for the inactive channel emerged from packing the hexagonal channels within the compact heat exchanger, considering the easier access for the heat from the hot fluid to the cold fluid. The hexagonal arrays considered for the CFD study is first assumed to be well insulated. The hot and cold fluids (water) flow with variable Reynolds numbers; 10, 100, 200 and 300. The results are presented in term of heat transfer effectiveness, thermal conductance, and the thermal-to-flow performances ratio. The CFD code was verified with an experiment work to assess the accuracy of the current numerical analysis. Triangular channels (β = 1) employed in the inactive region showed better performance for the counterflow hexagonal bundle. High pressure drop is associated with the trapezoidal shape especially with smaller hydraulic diameter (small cross-sectional area).
Formants are easy to measure; resonances, not so much: Lessons from Klatt (1986)
Authors: Whalen D. H. , Chen Wei-Rong , Shadle Christine H. , Fulop Sean A.
Published: August 2022

Formants in speech signals are easily identified, largely because formants are defined to be local maxima in the wideband sound spectrum. Sadly, this is not what is of most interest in analyzing speech; instead, resonances of the vocal tract are of interest, and they are much harder to measure. Klatt [(1986). in Proceedings of the Montreal Satellite Symposium on Speech Recognition, 12th International Congress on Acoustics, edited by P. Mermelstein (Canadian Acoustical Society, Montreal), pp. 5–7] showed that estimates of resonances are biased by harmonics while the human ear is not. Several analysis techniques placed the formant closer to a strong harmonic than to the center of the resonance. This “harmonic attraction” can persist with newer algorithms and in hand measurements, and systematic errors can persist even in large corpora. Research has shown that the reassigned spectrogram is less subject to these errors than linear predictive coding and similar measures, but it has not been satisfactorily automated, making its wider use unrealistic. Pending better techniques, the recommendations are (1) acknowledge limitations of current analyses regarding influence of F0 and limits on granularity, (2) report settings more fully, (3) justify settings chosen, and (4) examine the pattern of F0 vs F1 for possible harmonic bias.
Controlled tough bioadhesion mediated by ultrasound
Authors: Ma Zhenwei , Bourquard Claire , Gao Qiman , Jiang Shuaibing , De Iure-Grimmel Tristan , Huo Ran , Li Xuan , He Zixin , Yang Zhen , Yang Galen , Wang Yixiang , Lam Edmond , Gao Zu-hua , Supponen Outi , Li Jianyu
Published: August 2022

Tough bioadhesion has important implications in engineering and medicine but remains challenging to form and control. We report an ultrasound (US)–mediated strategy to achieve tough bioadhesion with controllability and fatigue resistance. Without chemical reaction, the US can amplify the adhesion energy and interfacial fatigue threshold between hydrogels and porcine skin by up to 100 and 10 times. Combined experiments and theoretical modeling suggest that the key mechanism is US-induced cavitation, which propels and immobilizes anchoring primers into tissues with mitigated barrier effects. Our strategy achieves spatial patterning of tough bioadhesion, on-demand detachment, and transdermal drug delivery. This work expands the material repertoire for tough bioadhesion and enables bioadhesive technologies with high-level controllability.
Cavity-mediated electron-photon pairs
Authors: Feist Armin , Huang Guanhao , Arend Germaine , Yang Yujia , Henke Jan-Wilke , Raja Arslan Sajid , Kappert F. Jasmin , Wang Rui Ning , Lourenço-Martins Hugo , Qiu Zheru , Liu Junqiu , Kfir Ofer , Kippenberg Tobias J. , Ropers Claus
Published: August 2022

Quantum information, communication, and sensing rely on the generation and control of quantum correlations in complementary degrees of freedom. Free electrons coupled to photonics promise novel hybrid quantum technologies, although single-particle correlations and entanglement have yet to be shown. In this work, we demonstrate the preparation of electron-photon pair states using the phase-matched interaction of free electrons with the evanescent vacuum field of a photonic chip–based optical microresonator. Spontaneous inelastic scattering produces intracavity photons coincident with energy-shifted electrons, which we employ for noise-suppressed optical mode imaging. This parametric pair-state preparation will underpin the future development of free-electron quantum optics, providing a route to quantum-enhanced imaging, electron-photon entanglement, and heralded single-electron and Fock-state photon sources.
Electron in a cube: Synthesis and characterization of perfluorocubane as an electron acceptor
Authors: Sugiyama Masafumi , Akiyama Midori , Yonezawa Yuki , Komaguchi Kenji , Higashi Masahiro , Nozaki Kyoko , Okazoe Takashi
Published: August 2022

Fluorinated analogs of polyhedral hydrocarbons have been predicted to localize an electron within their cages upon reduction. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of perfluorocubane, a stable polyhedral fluorocarbon. The key to the successful synthesis was the efficient introduction of multiple fluorine atoms to cubane by liquid-phase reaction with fluorine gas. The solid-state structure of perfluorocubane was confirmed using x-ray crystallography, and its electron-accepting character was corroborated electrochemically and spectroscopically. The radical anion of perfluorocubane was examined by matrix-isolation electron spin resonance spectroscopy, which revealed that the unpaired electron accepted by perfluorocubane is located predominantly inside the cage.
An antibody from single human V
H
-rearranging mouse neutralizes all SARS-CoV-2 variants through BA.5 by inhibiting membrane fusion
Authors: Luo Sai , Zhang Jun , Kreutzberger Alex J. B. , Eaton Amanda , Edwards Robert J. , Jing Changbin , Dai Hai-Qiang , Sempowski Gregory D. , Cronin Kenneth , Parks Robert , Ye Adam Yongxin , Mansouri Katayoun , Barr Maggie , Pishesha Novalia , Williams Aimee Chapdelaine , Vieira Francisco Lucas , Saminathan Anand , Peng Hanqin , Batra Himanshu , Bellusci Lorenza , Khurana Surender , Alam S. Munir , Montefiori David C. , Saunders Kevin O. , Tian Ming , Ploegh Hidde , Kirchhausen Tom , Chen Bing , Haynes Barton F. , Alt Frederick W.
Published: August 2022

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants have generated a worldwide health crisis due to resistance to most approved SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and evasion of vaccination-induced antibodies. To manage Omicron subvariants and prepare for new ones, additional means of isolating broad and potent humanized SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies are desirable. Here, we describe a mouse model in which the primary B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire is generated solely through V(D)J recombination of a human V
H
1-2 heavy chain (HC) and, substantially, a human Vκ1-33 light chain (LC). Thus, primary humanized BCR repertoire diversity in these mice derives from immensely diverse HC and LC antigen-contact CDR3 sequences generated by nontemplated junctional modifications during V(D)J recombination. Immunizing this

mouse model with SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan-Hu-1) spike protein immunogens elicited several V
H
1-2/Vκ1-33–based neutralizing antibodies that bound RBD in a different mode from each other and from those of many prior patient–derived V
H
1-2–based neutralizing antibodies. Of these, SP1-77 potently and broadly neutralized all SARS-CoV-2 variants through BA.5. Cryo-EM studies revealed that SP1-77 bound RBD away from the receptor-binding motif via a CDR3-dominated recognition mode. Lattice light-sheet microscopy–based studies showed that SP1-77 did not block ACE2-mediated viral attachment or endocytosis but rather blocked viral-host membrane fusion. The broad and potent SP1-77 neutralization activity and nontraditional mechanism of action suggest that it might have therapeutic potential. Likewise, the SP1-77 binding epitope may inform vaccine strategies. Last, the type of humanized mouse models that we have described may contribute to identifying therapeutic antibodies against future SARS-CoV-2 variants and other pathogens.
Treatment Outcomes of Cavitary Nodular Bronchiectatic-Type Mycobacterium avium Complex Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Chae Ganghee , Park Yea Eun , Chong Yong Pil , Lee Hyun Joo , Shim Tae Sun , Jo Kyung-Wook
Published: August 2022

We investigated the treatment outcomes of patients with cavitary nodular bronchiectatic (C-NB)-type
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) pulmonary disease (PD) via outcome comparisons between the fibrocavitary (FC) and C-NB types treated with guideline-based therapy (GBT) composed of daily three-drug oral antibiotics and injectable aminoglycoside. Additionally, we analyzed whether treatment with oral antibiotics alone would result in acceptable outcomes for the C-NB type.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus paralicheniformis Strain GSFE7, a Halotolerant Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterial Endophyte Isolated from Cultivated Saline Areas of the Dead Sea Region
Authors: Albdaiwi Randa , Alhindi Tareq , Hasan Shireen
Published: August 2022

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Bacillus paralicheniformis
strain GSFE7, which was isolated from saline fields near the Dead Sea region. The genome was 4,452,800 bp in size and contained 4,382 coding sequences. Several genes were predicted to be involved in auxin production, nitrogen fixation, phosphate mobilization, and putative production of siderophores and antibiotics such as bacitracin, butirosin, and fengycin.
Detection of Plasmid-Mediated Resistance to Metronidazole in Clostridioides difficile from River Water
Authors: Cizek Alois , Masarikova Martina , Mares Jan , Brajerova Marie , Krutova Marcela
Published: August 2022

The combination of direct plating and culture after enrichment was used in order to gain a spectrum of
C. difficile
ribotypes present in the water samples. Toxigenic
C. difficile
ribotypes detected in surface water and in wastewater treatment plants overlapped with those derived from patients with CDI and/or animals. Importantly, a recently discovered plasmid-mediated resistance to metronidazole, a drug used for the treatment of CDI, was detected in
C. difficile
from river water.
High-Throughput COVID-19 Testing of Naso-Oropharyngeal Swabs Using a Sensitive Extraction-Free Sample Preparation Method
Authors: Pryce Todd M. , Haygarth Erin J. , Bordessa Jessica , Jeffery Courtney T. , Kay Ian D. , Flexman James P. , Boan Peter A.
Published: August 2022

Laboratories have experienced extraordinary demand globally for reagents, consumables, and instrumentation, while facing unprecedented testing demand needed for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A major bottleneck in testing throughput is the purification of viral RNA.
Use of a Novel DNA-Loaded Alginate-Calcium Carbonate Biopolymer Surrogate to Study the Engulfment of Legionella pneumophila by Acanthamoeba polyphaga in Water Systems
Authors: Ariyadasa Sujani , Billington Craig , Shaheen Mohamed , Ashbolt Nicholas J. , Fee Conan , Pang Liping
Published: August 2022

The internalization of
L. pneumophila
within amoebae is a critical component of their life cycle in EWS, as it protects the bacteria from commonly used water disinfectants and provides a niche for their replication. Intracellularly replicated forms of
L. pneumophila
are also more virulent and resistant to sanitizers.
Fifteen-minute consultation on excluding cardiac causes of chest pain
Authors: Mahmood Umar F , Skinner Gregory J
Published: August 2022

Chest pain can be an extremely worrying symptom for children and parents, but is typically benign and rarely cardiac in origin. It can become problematic for paediatricians in acute care balancing parental expectations and not missing sinister causes. In addition, ordering unnecessary tests can be expensive, can lead to a prolonged hospital stay and unnecessary referrals to clinics. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the common causes of chest pain in children and how to identify cardiac causes using case vignettes.
Dose–response association of aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity with mortality: a national cohort study of 416 420 US adults
Authors: Coleman Carver J , McDonough Daniel J , Pope Zachary C , Pope C Arden
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To investigate the dose–response association of aerobic physical activity (PA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) with all-cause mortality.

Methods

National Health Interview Survey data (1997–2014) were linked to the National Death Index through 2015, which produced a cohort of 416 420 US adults. Cox proportional-hazard models were used to estimate HRs and 95% CIs for the associations of moderate aerobic PA (MPA), vigorous aerobic PA (VPA) and MSE with mortality risk. Models controlled for age, sex, race-ethnicity, income, education, marital status, survey year, smoking status, body mass index and chronic conditions.

Results

Relative to those who engaged in no aerobic PA, substantial mortality risk reduction was associated with 1 hour/week of aerobic PA (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.86) and levelled off at 3 hours/week of aerobic PA (0.73, 0.71 to 0.75). Similar results were observed for men and women and for individuals younger and older than 60 years. MSE conferred additional mortality risk reduction at 1 time/week (0.89, 0.81 to 0.97) and appeared no longer beneficial at 7 times/week (0.99, 0.94 to 1.04).

Conclusion

The minimum effective dose of aerobic PA for significant mortality risk reduction was 1 hour/week of MPA or VPA, with additional mortality risk reduction observed up to 3 hours/week. For older adults, only small decreases in mortality risk were observed beyond this duration. Completing MSE in combination with aerobic PA conferred additional mortality risk reduction, with a minimum effective dose of 1–2 times/week.
Identifying resources used by young people to overcome mental distress in three Latin American cities: a qualitative study
Authors: Toyama Mauricio , Godoy-Casasbuenas Natalia , Olivar Natividad , Brusco Luis Ignacio , Carbonetti Fernando , Diez-Canseco Francisco , Gómez-Restrepo Carlos , Heritage Paul , Hidalgo-Padilla Liliana , Uribe Miguel , Steffen Mariana , Fung Catherine , Priebe Stefan
Published: August 2022

Objective

To explore which resources and activities help young people living in deprived urban environments in Latin America to recover from depression and/or anxiety.

Design

A multimethod, qualitative study with 18 online focus groups and 12 online structured group conversations embedded into arts workshops.

Setting

This study was conducted in Bogotá (Colombia), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Lima (Peru).

Participants

Adolescents (15–16 years old) and young adults (20–24 years old) with capacity to provide assent/consent and professionals (older than 18 years of age) that had experience of professionally working with young people were willing to share personal experience within a group, and had capacity to provide consent.

Results

A total of 185 participants took part in this study: 111 participants (36 adolescents, 35 young adults and 40 professionals) attended the 18 focus groups and 74 young people (29 adolescents and 45 young adults) took part in the 12 arts workshops. Eight categories captured the resources and activities that were reported by young people as helpful to overcome mental distress: (1) personal resources, (2) personal development, (3) spirituality and religion, (4) social resources, (5) social media, (6) community resources, (7) activities (subcategorised into artistic, leisure, sports and outdoor activities) and (8) mental health professionals. Personal and social resources as well as artistic activities and sports were the most common resources identified that help adolescents and young adults to overcome depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

Despite the different contexts of the three cities, young people appear to use similar resources to overcome mental distress. Policies to improve the mental health of young people in deprived urban settings should address the need of community spaces, where young people can play sports, meet and engage in groups, and support community organisations that can enable and facilitate a range of social activities.
Workplace interventions for cardiovascular diseases: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moretti Anfossi Christian , Tobar Fredes Christian , Pérez Rojas Felipe , Cisterna Cid Francisca , Siques Urzúa Christian , Ross Jamie , Head Jenny , Britton Annie
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally, impacting on public and private sectors. Current traditional interventions to prevent CVDs are mainly provided in healthcare centres and even when they are effective, they are not enough to reduce the rising prevalence; therefore, additional strategies are needed. Evidence suggests that health interventions in the workplace supply numerous benefits improving cardiovascular risk factor profiles in individuals. Hence, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to collate the evidence from randomised controlled trials, cluster randomised trials and quasi-experimental studies of workplace interventions to determine their effectiveness in terms of improving cardiovascular risk factors and preventing CVDs.

Methods and analysis

EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global will be searched to include articles on workplace interventions in adults for CVDs events, cardiometabolic risk factors or behavioural risk factors. The study selection, data extraction, risk of bias and the assessment of the quality of the body of evidence will be conducted by two reviewers working in parallel and disagreements will be resolved by consensus or consultations with a third reviewer. Data synthesis will be done by meta-analysis using random-effects models when possible, otherwise the vote counting method will be applied. Statistical heterogeneity will be assessed by a χ2test and I2statistics. The quality of the body of evidence for each outcome will be assessed by applying the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this systematic review protocol. The results of the systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be publicly available.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021276161.