bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and anti-bacterial property of endophytic actinobacteria from Thymes kotschyanus, Allium hooshidaryae, and Cerasus microcarpa
Authors: Delbari Yaser , Mohassel Yaser , Kakaei Elham , Bahrami Yadollah
Published: August 2023

The arbitrary and overuses of antibiotics have resulted in the emergence of multidrug resistance bacteria which encounters human to a serious public health problem. Thus, there is an ever-increasing demand for discovery of novel effective antibiotics with new modes of function against resistant pathogens. Endophytic actinobacteria (EA) have currently been considered as one of the most prospective group of microorganisms for discovery of therapeutic agents. This study aimed to isolate EA from Thymes kotschyanus, Allium hooshidaryae, and Cerasus microcarpa plants and to evaluate their antibacterial properties. The healthy samples were collected, dissected and surface-sterilized before cultured on four different selection media at 28 °C. Nine EA were isolated and identified based on morphological and molecular properties, and scanning electron micrograph analyses. Based on phylogenetic analysis, they were taxonomically grouped into four families Streptomycetaceae, Nocardiaceae, Micromonosporaceae, and Pseudonocardiaceae. Their branched aerial mycelia produced chains of cylindrical or cube or oval shaped spores with smooth or rough surfaces. Four strains; IKBG03, IKBG05, IKBG13, and IKBG17 had less than 98.65% sequence similarity to their closely related strains, which constitute them as novel species/strains. Besides, three strains; IKBG05, IKBG13, and IKBG18 were reported as endophytes for the first time. Preliminary antibacterial activity conducted on the all isolates revealed potent antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All isolates strongly inhibited the growth of at least one of the tested pathogens. Our results reveals that the test plants are novel sources for isolating a diverse group of rare and common actinobacteria that could produce a wide range of novel biologically active natural products with antibacterial activity which have a great potential in pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.
Bacteria exposed to antiviral drugs develop antibiotic cross-resistance and unique resistance profiles
Authors: Wallace Veronica J. , Sakowski Eric G. , Preheim Sarah P. , Prasse Carsten
Published: August 2023

Antiviral drugs are used globally as treatment and prophylaxis for long-term and acute viral infections. Even though antivirals also have been shown to have off-target effects on bacterial growth, the potential contributions of antivirals to antimicrobial resistance remains unknown. Herein we explored the ability of different classes of antiviral drugs to induce antimicrobial resistance. Our results establish the previously unrecognized capacity of antivirals to broadly alter the phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. Bacteria exposed to antivirals including zidovudine, dolutegravir and raltegravir developed cross-resistance to commonly used antibiotics including trimethoprim, tetracycline, clarithromycin, erythromycin, and amoxicillin. Whole genome sequencing of antiviral-resistant E. coli isolates revealed numerous unique single base pair mutations, as well as multi-base pair insertions and deletions, in genes with known and suspected roles in antimicrobial resistance including those coding for multidrug efflux pumps, carbohydrate transport, and cellular metabolism. The observed phenotypic changes coupled with genotypic results indicate that bacteria exposed to antiviral drugs with antibacterial properties in vitro can develop multiple resistance mutations that confer cross-resistance to antibiotics. Our findings underscore the potential contribution of wide scale usage of antiviral drugs to the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance in humans and the environment.
Integration of genetic and genomics resources in einkorn wheat enables precision mapping of important traits
Authors: Saripalli Gautam , Adhikari Laxman , Amos Cameron , Kibriya Ashraf , Ahmed Hanin Ibrahim , Heuberger Matthias , Raupp John , Athiyannan Naveenkumar , Wicker Thomas , Abrouk Michael , Wallace Sydney , Hosseinirad Seyedali , Chhuneja Parveen , Livesay Janelle , Rawat Nidhi , Krattinger Simon G. , Poland Jesse , Tiwari Vijay
Published: August 2023

Einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum) is an ancient grain crop and a close relative of the diploid progenitor (T. urartu) of polyploid wheat. It is the only diploid wheat species having both domesticated and wild forms and therefore provides an excellent system to identify domestication genes and genes for traits of interest to utilize in wheat improvement. Here, we leverage genomic advancements for einkorn wheat using an einkorn reference genome assembly combined with skim-sequencing of a large genetic population of 812 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from a cross between a wild and a domesticated T. monococcum accession. We identify 15,919 crossover breakpoints delimited to a median and average interval of 114 Kbp and 219 Kbp, respectively. This high-resolution mapping resource enables us to perform fine-scale mapping of one qualitative (red coleoptile) and one quantitative (spikelet number per spike) trait, resulting in the identification of small physical intervals (400 Kb to 700 Kb) with a limited number of candidate genes. Furthermore, an important domestication locus for brittle rachis is also identified on chromosome 7A. This resource presents an exciting route to perform trait discovery in diploid wheat for agronomically important traits and their further deployment in einkorn as well as tetraploid pasta wheat and hexaploid bread wheat cultivars.
Delivered complementation in planta (DCIP) enables measurement of peptide-mediated protein delivery efficiency in plants
Authors: Wang Jeffrey W. , Squire Henry J. , Goh Natalie S. , Ni Heyuan Michael , Lien Edward , Wong Cerise , González-Grandío Eduardo , Landry Markita P.
Published: August 2023

Using a fluorescence complementation assay, Delivered Complementation in Planta (DCIP), we demonstrate cell-penetrating peptide-mediated cytosolic delivery of peptides and recombinant proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana. We show that DCIP enables quantitative measurement of protein delivery efficiency and enables functional screening of cell-penetrating peptides for in-planta protein delivery. Finally, we demonstrate that DCIP detects cell-penetrating peptide-mediated delivery of recombinantly expressed proteins such as mCherry and Lifeact into intact leaves. We also demonstrate delivery of a recombinant plant transcription factor, WUSCHEL (AtWUS), into N. benthamiana. RT-qPCR analysis of AtWUS delivery in Arabidopsis seedlings also suggests delivered WUS can recapitulate transcriptional changes induced by overexpression of AtWUS. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that DCIP offers a new and powerful tool for interrogating cytosolic delivery of proteins in plants and highlights future avenues for engineering plant physiology.
Increased pupal temperature has reversible effects on thermal performance and irreversible effects on immune system and fecundity in adult ladybirds
Authors: Awde David N. , Řeřicha Michal , Knapp Michal
Published: August 2023

The environmental conditions an organism encounters during development vary in their lasting impact on adult phenotypes. In the context of ongoing climate change, it is particularly relevant to understand how high developmental temperatures can impact adult traits, and whether these effects persist or diminish during adulthood. Here, we assessed the effects of pupal temperature (17 °C – normal temperature, 26 °C – increased temperature, or 35 °C – heat wave) on adult Harmonia axyridis thermal stress tolerance, immune function, starvation resistance, and fecundity. The temperature during pupation significantly affected all investigated traits in fresh adults. Heat acclimation decreased adult haemocyte concentration, cold tolerance, and total egg production, and had a positive effect on heat tolerance and starvation resistance. The negative effects of heat acclimation on cold tolerance diminished after seven days. In contrast, heat acclimation had a lasting positive effect on adult heat tolerance. Our results provide a broad assessment of the effects of developmental thermal acclimation on H. axyridis adult phenotypes. The relative plasticity of several adult traits after thermal acclimation may be consequential for the future geographic distribution and local performance of various insect species.
Post-synthesis of a titanium-rich magnetic COF nanocomposite with flexible branched polymers for efficient enrichment of phosphopeptides from human saliva and serum
Authors: Meng Luyan , Wang Bing , Wang Baichun , Feng Quanshou , Zhang Sijia , Xiong Zi , Zhang Shun , Cai Ting , Ding Chuan-Fan , Yan Yinghua
Published: August 2023

A Ti4+-functionalized magnetic covalent organic framework material with flexible branched polymers (mCOF@ε-PL@THBA-Ti4+) was proposed through post-synthesis modification.
The impact of non-adiabatic effects on reaction dynamics: a study based on the adiabatic and non-adiabatic potential energy surfaces of CaH2+
Authors: He Di , Li Wentao , Li Quanjiang , Chen Shenghui , Wang Li , Liu Yanli , Wang Meishan
Published: August 2023

The crossover point is precisely situated within the potential well of the first excited state of the CaH2+ system, causing the majority of intermediates within the well to return back to the reactant channel.
A viologen-based Cd(ii) coordination polymer as a multifunctional platform for photochromism, chemochromism and a broad range of fluorescence pH sensing
Authors: Zhang Shi , Zhang Kai , Du Shengliang , Chen Shufan , Zhang Qingfu , Shi Xinyu , Meng Qinghua , Gai Yanli , Xiong Kecai
Published: August 2023

A novel Cd(ii)-based coordination polymer constructed by viologen derivative has been reported as a multifunctional platform for photochromism, methanol-assisted photochromism and ammonia-induced chemochromism, as well as fluorescence pH sensing.
Management of typical VOCs in air with adsorbents: status and challenges
Authors: Ye Qingqing , Chen Yaoyao , Li Yizhao , Jin Ruiben , Geng Qin , Chen Si
Published: August 2023

The primary adsorption materials including activated carbon, zeolites and metal organic frameworks, and their modification methods are reviewed. The key factors controlling VOCs adsorption and the removal mechanisms are discussed.
Defective MOF-74 with ancillary open metal sites for the enhanced adsorption of chemical warfare agent simulants
Authors: Lee Sujeong , Oh Sojin , Lee Gihyun , Oh Moonhyun
Published: August 2023

Defective MOF-74 having additional open metal sites proves to be an effective and stable material for removing CWA simulants.
Improved the CO2 adsorption performance in cobalt oxide nanoparticles in the presence of DES
Authors: Noorani Narmin , Moghaddasfar Amin , Mehrdad Abbas , Darbandi Masih
Published: August 2023

Schematic of the preparation of the Co3O4 NPs in DES and the capture of CO2.
Accelerating oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid by high entropy alloy catalyst design under base-free conditions
Authors: Liu Shan , Chen Xiaoyan , Gao Yuji , Wang Shuai , Tao Furong , Wang Jingui , Lv Guangqiang , Yang Yongxing
Published: August 2023

In the process of air oxidation of (benzyl-) alcohols, aldehydes, amines and bio-furan derivates, a soluble alkali is often needed to guarantee the oxidation rate and selectivity of desired products.
A propanesultone-based polymer electrolyte for high-energy solid-state lithium batteries with lithium-rich layered oxides
Authors: Yin Xin , Zhao Shu , Lin Zhiyuan , Guo Xianwei , Lou Chenjie , Liu Shiqi , Wang Boya , Ding Peipei , Tang Mingxue , Wu Lingqiao , Yu Haijun
Published: August 2023

A propanesultone-based polymer electrolyte with high ion transference number of ∼0.78 and wide electrochemical stability window of ∼5.0 V has been designed for solid-state lithium batteries with lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials.
Magnetic carbon gate electrodes for the development of electrolyte-gated organic field effect transistor bio-sensing platforms
Authors: Tamayo Adrián , Muñoz Jose , Martínez-Domingo Carme , Mas-Torrent Marta
Published: August 2023

An electrolyte-gated organic field-effect transistor that uses a magnetic carbon gate electrode to collect magnetic nanoparticles properly modified with a bio-receptor is reported as a novel platform to develop sensitive bio-sensors.
Single crystal growth and phase transition mechanism of KCsMoP2O9 with efficient second harmonic generation via the emerging additional periodic phase technology
Authors: Fan Mengdi , Wu Guangda , Li Lili , Yu Fapeng , Wang Chun , Cheng Xiufeng , Zhao Xian
Published: August 2023

The phase transition mechanism of KCMP crystals was revealed and an efficient second harmonic generation output was achieved using emerging additional periodic phase technology.
A metaworld: Implications, opportunities and risks of the metaverse
Authors: De Felice Fabio , Rehman Mizna , Petrillo Antonella , Baffo Ilaria
Published: August 2023

Cyberspace has continued to change throughout the 1990s and 2000s, when the Internet became widely used. The concept of a massive, integrated, sustainable, and interconnected cyber world is the heart of the metaverse. The aim of the metaverse is to create a digital world that is analogous to the existing world. Thus, the most recent metaverse development is investigated in light of cutting‐edge technologies and metaverse ecosystems. To this end, a pilot survey to provide a first overview of upcoming challenges and opportunities of the metaverse is presented. The results provide researchers with a direction for future study as well as potential applications in the metaverse.
DNN‐based temperature prediction of large‐scale battery pack
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Ha Rhan
Published: August 2023

Temperature monitoring is critical for estimating the available capacity of Lithium‐ion batteries. In electric vehicle applications using large‐scale battery packs, monitoring individual cell temperature is challenging due to difficulties in sensor management. To address this issue, a sensor‐less battery temperature prediction technique is proposed that ensures both accuracy and rapid runtime execution using deep learning. A deep neural network‐based temperature prediction model is introduced that utilizes short sequences of battery voltage and discharge current. An adaptive sequence length strategy is then devised to ensure high accuracy and responsiveness, covering the non‐identically distributed nature of the data. The proposed technique is experimentally validated with commercial batteries, verifying its accuracy and rapid execution.
A novel reliability assessment method for distribution networks based on linear programming considering distribution automation and distributed generation
Authors: Li Junhui , Kong Huichao , Wang Wenzhong , Sun Liming , Xiao Wencong , Wang Ziyao
Published: August 2023

The primary methods of assessing the reliability of distribution networks comprise analytic and simulation methods. However, both approaches require the identification and computation of network topology, which precludes their expression in explicit, continuous functions, consequently impeding the incorporation of reliability constraints into planning and operational optimization models. To tackle this restriction, the present work puts forth a novel linear‐programming‐based reliability assessment method that is mathematically formulated, considering distribution automation (DA) and distributed generations (DGs), consisting of both conventional and renewable energy sources. In this paper, the clustering method and the scenario‐based method are used to model DGs. Next, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model, considering the DA and DGs with the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) as the optimization objective, is proposed. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified in a 37‐node distribution network system.
Hole‐free sparse array for highly efficient direction of arrival estimation: Enhanced uniform difference co‐array
Authors: Zhang Baohua , Liu Guangyi , Li Ou , Shen Zhixiang , Mei Fengtong
Published: August 2023

Sparse arrays with sensors can offer number of degrees of freedom by exploiting the difference co‐array that can be obtained from the second‐order statistics of received signals. In this article, a novel sparse array with seven subarrays (SA‐7S) by carefully assembling the subarrays is proposed, and the resulting SA‐7S can generate a hole‐free uniform difference co‐array. The sensor locations of the SA‐7S array are uniquely determined by a closed‐form expression and the number of achievable degrees of freedom is analytically presented as well. Theoretical analysis shows that the SA‐7S can provide a higher number of degrees of freedom than most sparse linear arrays. Simulations are performed to validate the advantage of the proposed array in terms of uDOFs, mutual coupling and direction of arrival estimation performance.
Cystic Hypersecretory Carcinoma of the Breast: A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature and Emphasis on Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Dhandapani Karthik , Shah Ashini , Kapoor Shilpa , Gandhi Jahnavi , Thayakaran Immanuel Paul , Trivedi Priti
Published: August 2023

Cystic hypersecretory carcinoma (CHC) is a rare subset of in-situ breast carcinoma with or without associated invasive carcinoma. It is part of a spectrum of cystic hypersecretory lesions that includes cystic hypersecretory hyperplasia (CHH), CHH with atypia, CHC in situ, and CHC with invasion. Only 20 cases of CHC with invasion have been reported so far. A 60-year-old female presented with a palpable right breast mass. A core needle biopsy was carried out, which was reported as invasive breast carcinoma with areas of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Modified radical mastectomy was done post-neo-adjuvant chemotherapy; On microscopy, dilated cystic spaces filled with eosinophilic secretions (thyroid colloid-like), lining neoplastic cells with variable degrees of proliferation and atypia were seen. There were multiple foci of invasion; both skin invasion and axillary lymph node metastasis were present. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done with relevant markers; correlating all these findings, a diagnosis of CHC with invasion was made. CHC is a distinct form of DCIS with or without associated invasion. Awareness of this entity is required to rule out other differential diagnoses and to avoid misinterpretation. Little is known about the IHC profile, biological behavior, prognosis, and molecular profile of CHC due to its rarity.
Hospice Care in India—A Pediatrician's Perspective
Authors: Nair Manjusha , Ghoshal Arun
Published: August 2023

Hospice care plays a vital role in providing compassionate and holistic support to terminally ill patients and their families. While hospice care has gained recognition and acceptance globally, its implementation and understanding in the context of pediatric patients in India remain limited. This article aims to explore the pediatrician's perspective on hospice care in India, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for enhancing end-of-life care for children. By understanding the unique needs of pediatric patients and their families, healthcare professionals can contribute to the development and improvement in hospice care services across the country.
Retail pricing, cashback and refund decisions in a supply chain with e-shop and direct channels
Authors: Taleizadeh Ata Allah , Mahmoudzade Varzi Alireza , Akbarzadeh Khorshidi Hadi , Noori-daryan Mahsa
Published: August 2023

In this research, we are trying to design a model using incentive policies in a supply chain in which a store can sell either directly or through cash-back websites. The cash-back website returns a percentage of the paid price to the customer by sending a special link, created by this website based on the incentive policy. Although the extent of the impact of these websites on the sale rate, empirically or theoretically, is still uncertain, we know that this policy can have a positive impact on the online shopping and there are many customers who are sensitive to the price. The store’s website, in addition to the incentive policies, considers refund. Empirically, the refund policy provides a psychological comfort for customers. The use of incentive policies usually attracts more customers, but on the other hand, it reduces profits. The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the use of incentive policies and how these policies apply to the e-shop and other players in supply chain. Another goal of this study is to examine the behavior of the e-shop to create a cash-back website. This study examines the centralized and decentralized states.
Activity difference of three labdane diterpenoids on human constitutive androstane receptor
Authors: Sekiguchi Mitsuhiro , Fujinami Yui , Takado Keiyu , Kimoto Yuu , Higashimura Yasuki
Published: August 2023

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) regulates enzyme transcription related to drug metabolism; therefore, natural compound clarification in food that interacts with CAR is significant for drug development. We revealed that 13-epimanool, which is a compound found in the common sage, is bound to hCAR based on differential scanning fluorometry (DSF) measurements using recombinant hCAR protein. Similar labdane diterpenoids were examined, which revealed that manool and sclareol, which were both natural compounds contained in herbs, are bound to hCAR. They exhibited different effects for CAR activity in the luciferase assay despite the structural similarity. Manool was a partial agonist, 13-epimanool was a weak partial agonist, and sclareol was an antagonist. The activity of hCAR may be regulated by slight differences in the bound compound.
Identification and mechanistic investigation of ellagitannins from Osbeckia octandra that attenuate liver fibrosis via the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway
Authors: Bogahawaththa Sudarma , Kawamura Tomoaki , Bandaranayake Udari , Hirakawa Tomoaki , Yamada Goki , Ishino Hana , Hirohashi Tsuzumi , Kawaguchi Shin-ichi , Wijesundera Kavindra K , Wijayagunawardane Missaka P B , Ishimaru Kanji , Kodithuwakku Suranga P , Tsujita Tadayuki
Published: August 2023

Fibrosis is a major problem in chronic liver disease with limited treatment options due to its complex nature. Herbal medicines are often used as an alternative. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of Osbeckia octandra and to identify its active compounds and regulatory pathways. The effects of crude leaf suspension and boiled leaf extract were investigated in an animal model, and the extract was found to be the more effective treatment. Three major bioactive compounds, pedunculagin, casuarinin, and gallic acid, were isolated from the extract using the hepatic stellate cell line, LX-2-based antifibrotic effect evaluation system. The results showed that all these compounds ameliorated LX-2 in fibrotic state. This inhibitory mechanism was confirmed through the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Collectively, the presence of these compounds in O. octandra suggests its potential as a treatment for liver fibrosis.
Predicting thermostability difference between cellular protein orthologs
Authors: Fang Jianwen
Published: August 2023

Motivation

Protein thermostability is of great interest, both in theory and in practice.

Results

This study compared orthologous proteins with different cellular thermostability. A large number of physicochemical properties of protein were calculated and used to develop a series of machine learning models for predicting cellular thermostability differences between orthologous proteins. Most of the important features in these models are also highly correlated to relative cellular thermostability. A comparison between the present study with previous comparison of orthologous proteins from thermophilic and mesophilic organisms found that most highly correlated features are consistent in these studies, suggesting they may be important to protein thermostability.

Availability and implementation

Data freely available for download at https://github.com/fangj3/cellular-protein-thermostability-dataset.
E-AHPBA–ESSO–ESSR Innsbruck consensus guidelines for preoperative liver function assessment before hepatectomy
Authors: Primavesi Florian , Maglione Manuel , Cipriani Federica , Denecke Timm , Oberkofler Christian E , Starlinger Patrick , Dasari Bobby V M , Heil Jan , Sgarbura Olivia , Søreide Kjetil , Diaz-Nieto Rafael , Fondevila Constantino , Frampton Adam E , Geisel Dominik , Henninger Benjamin , Hessheimer Amelia J , Lesurtel Mickaël , Mole Damian , Öllinger Robert , Olthof Pim , Reiberger Thomas , Schnitzbauer Andreas A , Schwarz Christoph , Sparrelid Ernesto , Stockmann Martin , Truant Stéphanie , Aldrighetti Luca , Braunwarth Eva , D’Hondt Mathieu , DeOliveira Michelle L , Erdmann Joris , Fuks David , Gruenberger Thomas , Kaczirek Klaus , Malik Hassan , Öfner Dietmar , Rahbari Nuh N , Göbel Georg , Siriwardena Ajith K , Stättner Stefan
Published: August 2023

Background

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality after liver surgery. Standardized assessment of preoperative liver function is crucial to identify patients at risk. These European consensus guidelines provide guidance for preoperative patient assessment.

Methods

A modified Delphi approach was used to achieve consensus. The expert panel consisted of hepatobiliary surgeons, radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, and hepatologists. The guideline process was supervised by a methodologist and reviewed by a patient representative. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane library, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry. Evidence assessment and statement development followed Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology.

Results

Based on 271 publications covering 4 key areas, 21 statements (at least 85 per cent agreement) were produced (median level of evidence 2− to 2+). Only a few systematic reviews (2++) and one RCT (1+) were identified. Preoperative liver function assessment should be considered before complex resections, and in patients with suspected or known underlying liver disease, or chemotherapy-associated or drug-induced liver injury. Clinical assessment and blood-based scores reflecting liver function or portal hypertension (for example albumin/bilirubin, platelet count) aid in identifying risk of PHLF. Volumetry of the future liver remnant represents the foundation for assessment, and can be combined with indocyanine green clearance or LiMAx® according to local expertise and availability. Functional MRI and liver scintigraphy are alternatives, combining FLR volume and function in one examination.

Conclusion

These guidelines reflect established methods to assess preoperative liver function and PHLF risk, and have uncovered evidence gaps of interest for future research.
Athena: Speciality Certificate Examination case for infectious disease
Authors: Byrne Berbie , Hegazy Sherok , Marren Pauline
Published: August 2023

This patient’s case highlights the clinical features and potential complications of an infection.
Predictive Taxonomy Analytics (LASSO): Predicting Outcome Types of Cyber Breach
Authors: Goh Jing Rong , Wang Shaun S , Harel Yaniv , Toh Gabriel
Published: August 2023

Cyber breaches are costly for the global economy and extensive efforts have gone into improving the cybersecurity infrastructure. There are numerous types of cyber breaches that vary greatly in terms of cause and impact, resulting in an extensive literature for individual cyber breach type. Our paper seeks to provide a general framework that can be easily applied to analyze different types of cyber breaches. Our framework is inspired by the taxonomy approach in the cybersecurity literature, where it was proposed that an effective set of taxonomy can provide a direction on supporting improved decision-making in cyber risk management and selecting relevant cybersecurity controls. Our paper extends upon the current approach by using this taxonomy to model and predict the associated breach outcomes, given the occurrence of a cyber breach. Specifically, our paper applies least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) within a taxonomy framework. Using a proprietary database of known cyber breaches, we show that this analytical tool performs well in out-of-sample predictions and a stable model that generates consistent predictions. For each cyber breach outcome type, we also provide the list of keywords that are useful in predicting the outcome type. We envision researchers, insurers, underwriters, and cybersecurity professionals can use (or expand on) our list of keywords, or use our method to yield their own set of keywords. Practitioners who seek to mitigate their cyber risk may use these keywords as a guide towards the specific attack surfaces that might be most susceptible to the corresponding breach. Our paper lays the groundwork for researchers to better apply the taxonomy approach within cybersecurity research. We also perform regression analysis to identify industries that are most susceptible to various cyber breach events. Our results corroborate with the literature, where some industries are indeed more likely to be impacted by certain types of cyberattacks.
Perceived Fairness and Consequences of Affirmative Action Policies
Authors: Schildberg-Hörisch Hannah , Schwarz Marco A , Trieu Chi , Willrodt Jana
Published: August 2023

Debates about affirmative action often revolve around fairness. In a laboratory experiment, we study three quota rules in tournaments that favour individuals whose performance is low, either due to discrimination, low productivity, or choice of a short working time. Affirmative action favouring discriminated individuals is perceived as fairest, followed by that targeting individuals with a short working time, while favouring low-productivity individuals is not perceived as fairer than an absence of affirmative action. Higher fairness perceptions coincide with a higher willingness to compete and less retaliation against winners, underlining that fairness perceptions matter for the consequences of affirmative action.
Plant growth-promoting endophyte Nigrospora oryzae mitigates abiotic stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Sodhi Gurleen Kaur , Saxena Sanjai
Published: August 2023

Climate change has severely impacted crop productivity. Nascent technologies, such as employing endophytic fungi to induce crop adaptogenic changes, are being explored. In this study, 62 isolates of fungi existing as endophytes were recovered from different parts of a drought-resistant rice variety and screened for salinity and drought tolerance. Nigrospora oryzae #2OSTUR9a exhibited in vitro antioxidant potential, indole acetic acid (351.01 ± 7.11 µg/mL), phosphate solubilisation (PI 1.115 ± 0.02), siderophore (72.57% ± 0.19%) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase production (305.36 ± 0.80 nmol α-ketobutyrate/mg/h). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on salinity and drought stress mitigation in rice plants by endophytic N. oryzae. In treated plants under salinity stress, the relative water, chlorophyll, phenolic and osmolyte content increased by 48.39%, 30.94%, 25.32% and 43.67%, respectively, compared with their respective controls. A similar trend was observed under drought stress, where the above parameters increased by 50.31%, 39.47%, 32.95% and 50.42%, respectively. Additionally, the antioxidant status of the treated plants was much higher because of the enhanced antioxidant enzymes and reduced lipid peroxidation. Our findings indicate the ability of N. oryzae to effectively mitigate the impact of stress, thereby enabling the rice plant to sustain stress conditions.
Sentinel-2 time series: a promising tool in monitoring temperate species spring phenology
Authors: Grabska-Szwagrzyk Ewa , Tymińska-Czabańska Luiza
Published: August 2023

The changes in vegetation phenology observed in recent decades may have significant implications for carbon, water, and energy fluxes as well as ecosystem productivity. Phenology is an important indicator of a changing environment, and studying species-specific phenology can help understand their responses to varying climate conditions. While satellite-based phenology provides long-term information for large areas, it describes different traits than ground-based phenology. Nonetheless, emerging research on remote sensing-based phenology has shown its usefulness in determining inter- and intra-specific differences, as well as interannual changes. In this study, we examined the potential of the Sentinel-2 time series from 2018 to 2022 in assessing the spring phenology of seven temperate tree species. Three vegetation indices were calculated, namely, the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and the Enhanced Vegetation Index. We examined interspecific variations in the start of the season (SOS) and interannual variability. Additionally, we explored intraspecific variations in spring phenology among common beech stands across an elevation gradient. Our findings reveal substantial differences in Sentinel-2-derived phenology across species, with larch, birch, and hornbeam displaying an earlier SOS compared with oak and alder. The latest SOS dates were observed in 2021, whereas the earliest occurred in 2018 and the difference exceeded 20 days. It corresponded to the diverse spring meteorological conditions in the examined years, with the highest heat accumulation in 2018 and the lowest in 2021. Additionally, the three examined indices showed different phenological curves, with MERIS Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index exhibiting distinct patterns with a delayed start of the spring increase compared with the other two indices. The relationship between elevation and SOS dates was generally positive, but there was high variability in some years. The earliest SOS dates occurred at ~600 m a.s.l. and larger interannual variations were observed for stands located on the highest elevations. These results underscore the potential of Sentinel-2 in monitoring the spring phenology of temperate species, offering insights into inter- and intra-specific variations, as well as year-to-year changes. In the future, longer Sentinel-2 time series will improve estimates and facilitate the tracking of long-term changes. Such advancements hold relevance for forest management, carbon budget predictions, and understanding ecosystem dynamics.
Hydrological and volcano-related gravity signals at Mt. Somma–Vesuvius from ∼20 yr of time-lapse gravity monitoring: implications for volcano quiescence
Authors: Pivetta T , Riccardi U , Ricciardi G , Carlino S
Published: August 2023

We report on about 20 yr of relative gravity measurements, acquired on Mt. Somma–Vesuvius volcano in order to investigate the hydrological and volcano-tectonic processes controlling the present-day activity of the volcano. The retrieved long-term field of time gravity change (2003–2022) shows a pattern essentially related to the subsidence, which have affected the central part of the volcano, as detected by the permanent GNSS network and InSAR data. After reducing the observations for the effect of vertical deformation, no significant residuals are found, indicating no significant mass accumulation or loss within the volcanic system. In the north-western sector of the study area, at the border of the volcano edifice, however, significant residual positive gravity changes are detected which are associated to ground-water rebound after years of intense exploitation of the aquifers. On the seasonal timescale, we find that stations within the caldera rim are affected by the seasonal hydrological effects, while the gravity stations at the base of the Vesuvius show a less clear correlation. Furthermore, within the caldera rim a multiyear gravity transient is detected with an increase phase lasting about 4 yr followed by a slower decrease phase. Analysis of rain data seem to exclude a hydrological origin, hence, we hypothesize a deeper source related to the geothermal activity, which can be present even if the volcano is in a quiescent state. We infer the depth and volume of the source by inverting the spatial pattern of the gravity field at the peak of the transient. A volume of fluids of 9.5 × 107 m3 with density of 1000 kg m−3 at 2.3 km depth is capable to fit reasonably well the observations. To explain the gravity transient, simple synthetic models are produced, that simulate the ascent of fluids from a deep reservoir up to the depth of 2.3 km and a successive diffusion within the carbonate aquifer hosting the geothermal system. The whole process appears to not significantly affect the seismicity rate and the deformation of the volcano. This study demonstrates the importance of a 4-D gravity monitoring of a volcano to understand its complex gravity signals that cover different spatial and temporal scales. Discriminating the different contributions that mix up in the observed gravity changes, in particular those due to hydrologic/anthropogenic activities form those due to the geothermal dynamics, is fundamental for a complete and reliable evaluation of the volcano state.
Characterizing hydrological droughts within three watersheds in Yunnan, China from GNSS-inferred terrestrial water storage changes constrained by GRACE data
Authors: Zhu Hai , Chen Kejie , Hu Shunqiang , Wei Guoguang , Chai Haishan , Wang Tan
Published: August 2023

The spatiotemporal evolution of drought is often modulated by climate and watershed characteristics. While numerous drought studies using space geodesy have been conducted in Yunnan, the scarcity and limited sensitivity of observation instruments have hindered the development of watershed-scale drought analyses. This study aims to accurately characterize hydrological droughts within three watersheds in Yunnan from 2011 January to 2021 May by a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) inversion constrained by Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data. Initially, we employed Variational Bayesian Independent Component Analysis to reconstruct the 3-D crustal deformations at 43 GNSS stations resulting from hydrological loadings. We then computed the time-series of vertical displacements caused by GRACE Mascon water products. Subsequently, utilizing the method of least squares, we derived the scaling factors between the vertical crustal displacements (VCD) obtained from GNSS observations and the synthetic displacements derived from GRACE data. By combing scaling-factor-adjusted VCDs derived from GRACE with the GNSS data, we have obtained accurate estimates of water storage for three Yunnan watersheds. Finally, we identified drought events characterized by abnormal decreases in water storage and used climatological methods to quantitatively describe the severity, extent and recovery of these drought extremes. Additionally, we evaluated the influence of various earth elastic structures on the scaling factors, and demonstrated their advantageous contribution to aligning GNSS and GRACE observations. In conclusion, our study introduces a novel approach to integrate GNSS and GRACE retrievals, allowing for accurate characterization of droughts in data-scarce regions, which cannot be achieved by GNSS or GRACE individually. Moreover, our results underscore the potential benefits of watershed-scale drought monitoring and analysis for effective water resource management.
Place of robotic surgery in completion lobectomy after anatomical segmentectomy
Authors: Piccoli Juliette , Seitlinger Joseph , Streit Arthur , Wollbrett Christophe , Siat Joelle , Renaud Stéphane
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVES

Although segmentectomy is steadily increasing in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer, recurrence in the ipsilateral lobe is also increasing. Completion lobectomy (CL) is a challenging procedure that has already been described in a few studies using video-assisted thoracic surgery or thoracotomy. In this study, we aimed to show the feasibility and safety of robot-assisted thoracic surgery in cases of CL.

METHODS

Among 2073 major resections performed between January 2018 and september 2022 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Nancy University Regional Hospital, we retrospectively included patients who underwent CL by robot-assisted thoracic surgery after previous segmentectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer. Data and perioperative results were described and analysed.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients underwent CL with a median recurrence time after previous segmentectomy of 18 months [interquartile range (IQR): 12]. Four patients (23.5%) had a pulmonary artery injury that was controlled, and no conversion to open thoracotomy was needed. The operative time was 150 min (IQR: 20), and blood loss was 300 ml (IQR: 150). The median postoperative chest tube duration was 2 days (IQR: 1), and the length of hospital stay was 3 days (IQR: 3), with no postoperative deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Completion lobectomy is a challenging procedure due to severe adhesions surrounding vessels, which potentially could cause higher rate of PA bleeding than conventional surgeries. With experienced team and surgeons, CL with robotic surgery may be reported as a safe and feasible procedure.
Effects ofluxSgene on growth characteristics, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance of multi-antimicrobial-resistantVibrio parahaemolyticusVp2015094 isolated from shellfish
Authors: Jiang Yanhua , Wang Peng , Qu Meng , Wang Ting , Li Fengling , Wang Lianzhu , Yao Lin
Published: August 2023

Aims

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an important foodborne pathogen worldwide, which can cause gastroenteritis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of quorum sensing system LuxS/AI-2-related gene luxS on the biological characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of V. parahaemolyticus Vp2015094 from shellfish, which carried a multi-antimicrobial-resistant plasmid.

Methods and Results

The critical gene luxS related to the synthesis of AI-2 in V. parahaemolyticus Vp2015094 was knocked out by homologous recombination with suicide plasmid. The effect of luxS on the biological characteristics of V. parahaemolyticus was determined by comparing the growth, AI-2 activity, motility, biofilm formation ability, and antibiotic resistance between the wildtype strain and the luxS deletion mutant. Compared with wildtype strain, the production of AI-2, the motility and biofilm formation ability, antimicrobial resistance, and conjugation frequency of luxS deletion mutant strain were decreased. The transcriptome sequencing showed that the transcriptional levels of many genes related to motility, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and conjugation were significantly downregulated after luxS deletion.

Conclusions

Quorum sensing system LuxS/AI-2-related gene luxS in V. parahaemolyticus Vp2015094 played an important role in growth characteristics, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and resistance genes’ transfer.
In situ generation of cold atmospheric plasma-activated mist and its biocidal activity against surrogate viruses for COVID-19
Authors: Upadrasta Aditya , Daniels Stephen , Thompson Thomas Philip , Gilmore Brendan , Humphreys Hilary
Published: August 2023

Aims

To provide an alternative to ultra violet light and vapourized hydrogen peroxide to enhance decontamination of surfaces as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods and results

We developed an indirect method for in situ delivery of cold plasma and evaluated the anti-viral activity of plasma-activated mist (PAM) using bacteriophages phi6, MS2, and phiX174, surrogates for SARS-CoV-2. Exposure to ambient air atmospheric pressure derived PAM caused a 1.71 log10 PFU ml−1 reduction in phi6 titer within 5 min and a 7.4 log10 PFU ml−1 reduction after 10 min when the the PAM source was at 5 and 10 cm. With MS2 and phiX174, a 3.1 and 1.26 log10 PFU ml−1 reduction was achieved, respectively, after 30 min. The rate of killing was increased with longer exposure times but decreased when the PAM source was further away. Trace amounts of reactive species, hydrogen peroxide and nitrite were produced in the PAM, and the anti-viral activity was probably attributable to these and their secondary reactive species.

Conclusions

PAM exhibits virucidal activity against surrogate viruses for COVID-19, which is time and distance from the plasma source dependent.
NURBS-based surface generation from 3D images: spectral construction and data-driven model selection
Authors: Perney Antoine , Bordas Stéphane , Kerfriden Pierre
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we present a set of improved algorithms for recovering computer aided design (CAD-type) surface models from three-dimensional (3D) images. The goal of the proposed framework is to generate B-spline or non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) surfaces, which are standard mathematical representations of solid objects in digital engineering. To create a NURBS surface, we first compute a control network (a quadrilateral mesh) from a triangular mesh using the Marching Cubes algorithm and Discrete Morse theory. To create a NURBS surface, we first compute a triangular mesh using the Marching Cubes algorithm, then the control network (a quadrilateral mesh) is determined from the triangular mesh by using Discrete Morse theory. Discrete Morse theory uses the critical points of a specific scalar field defined over the triangulation to generate a quad mesh. Such a scalar field is obtained by solving a graph Laplacian eigenproblem over the triangulation. However, the resulting surface is not optimal. We therefore introduce an optimization algorithm to better approximate the geometry of the object. In addition, we propose a statistical method for selecting the most appropriate eigenfunction of the graph Laplacian to generate a control network that is neither too coarse nor too fine, given the precision of the 3D image. To do this, we set up a regression model and use an information criterion to choose the best surface. Finally, we extend our approach by taking into account both model and data uncertainty using probabilistic regression and sampling the posterior distribution with Hamiltonian Markov Chain Monte Carlo.