bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Recover the World? Agency as Experimentation in Nietzsche and Deleuze
Authors: Daratos Antoine
Published: January 2023

In Out of This World, Peter Hallward argues that Deleuze's philosophy is, in spite of its proclaimed Nietzscheanism, intrinsically nihilistic. This article defends Deleuze against this accusation by reassessing his relationship to Nietzsche. I argue that both thinkers pose a similar problem, that of agency, and that the modus operandi of both for solving it relies on viewing agency as experimentation. The paper highlights the strong pragmatic dimension at play in Deleuze's philosophy: Deleuze aims to penetrate increasingly deeply into this very world and to provide us with tools for intensifying our sensitivity to and engagement with it. To bring this into view, I offer a parallel reading of Nietzsche's and Deleuze's account of the production of our empirical experience, their critical stance towards such experience, and their means of overcoming it by engaging fully with problematic aspects of reality.
A Tale of Two Returns
Authors: Stekl Misha
Published: January 2023

Just how eternal is the Eternal Return? This article examines how Foucault's readings of Nietzsche and of Deleuze critically revise the Return so as to arrive at a concept of contingency that is itself contingent. I argue that this archaeological/genealogical rereading problematises the Return as presented in Difference and Repetition; when the Return is presented as ‘the form of change [that] does not change’, it risks returning eternally to the Same – for all its avowed affirmation of difference. By returning the Return to its own historically contingent epistemic conditions of possibility, Foucault repeats Deleuze's philosophy with maximum difference.
Strategi Dinas Kebudayaan Provinsi Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta Dalam Melestarikan Budaya Ondel-Ondel
Authors: Febriansyah Muhammad Rizky
Published: January 2023

Ditengah perkembangan globalisasi membuat kebudayaan lokal yang ada memudar. Negara harus mampu memajukan kebudayaan nasional Indonesia ditengah peradaban. Pelestarian Budaya Betawi telah diatur dalam Peraturan Daerah Nomor 4 Tahun 2015, yang dimana implementasi terhadap perda tersebut dinilai masih lemah. Ondel-ondel merupakan salah satu ikon budaya Betawi yang diatur dalam Peraturan Gubernur Provinsi DKI Jakarta Nomor 11 Tahun 2017 tentang Ikon Budaya Betawi. Namun, kenyataannya kini ondel-ondel yang menjadi ikon budaya Betawi telah mengalami pergeseran makna, dan digunakan sebagai media untuk mengamen. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut, maka peneliti tertarik untuk melakukan penelitian yang berjudul “STRATEGI DINAS KEBUDAYAAN PROVINSI DAERAH KHUSUS IBUKOTA JAKARTA DALAM MELESTARIKAN BUDAYA ONDEL-ONDEL “. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan pelestarian budaya ondel-ondel, serta upaya yang dilakukan oleh Dinas Kebudayaan dan merumuskan strategi dalam pelestarian budaya ondel-ondel. Metode peneliian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif kualitatif, dengan menggunakan pendekatan induktif. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah Analisis SOAR dan Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). Hasil penelitian dan pengolahan data menunjukkan bahwa pelestarian budaya ondel-ondel saat ini telah dilaksanakan sesuai dengan arah dan tujuan Dinas Kebudayaan, namun karena adanya pandemi Covid-19 membuat berbagai acara kesenian yang dirancang tidak dapat dilakukan, kemudian juga telah adanya kesepakatan bersama antar SKPD dan organisasi masyarakat dalam penertiban pengamen yang menggunakan media ondel-ondel. Peneliti merumuskan strategi dalam pelestarian budaya ondel-ondel dengan analisis SOAR, berdasarkan faktor internal dan eksternal yang ada pada Dinas Kebudayaan Provinsi DKI Jakarta.
Decentralization By Local Governments In The Face Of The Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cahyaditama Aschari
Published: January 2023

Decentralization that has been running for almost 20 years is now being tested with the presence of the Covid-19 pandemic. The implementation of decentralization has encountered various obstacles, especially in handling Covid-19, starting from the relationship between local authorities and central government, the limited resources of each region, the distribution distances in handling COVID-19 needs, and also the varied responses and understanding of the people of each region towards Covid-19. Therefore, extra efforts are needed from the central government and local governments in making regulations that encourage dialogue and negotiations between the government and regions to handle the pandemic situation more effectively. Necessary consideration that different region has particular requirements that the central authority’s policy sometimes failed to meet. Furthermore, government policies should be able to bring out more innovations in handling Covid-19 in each region. This innovation is useful in dealing with the limitations and different contexts of each region in dealing with Covid-19.
Analisis Kemandirian Keuangan Daerah dalam Peningkatan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat di Kabupaten Kaimana
Authors: Syam Fahriansyah , Zulfikar Ahmad
Published: January 2023

Kemandirian keuangan daerah yang sangat rendah serta ketergantungan yang cukup tinggi terhadap pemerintah pusat di Kabupaten Kaimana menjadi latar belakang dari penelitian ini. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat kemandirian keuangan daerah dalam mendukung peningkatan kesejahteraan masyarakat dalam 5(lima) tahun terakhir yang dilihat dari analisis rasio keuangan dan tingkat indeks pembangunan manusia. Metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan induktif. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan observasi, wawancara semi-terstruktur dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kemandirian keuangan daerah Kabupaten Kaimana masih rendah dalam 5 tahun terakhir yaitu dari tahun 2016-2020 dengan rata-rata rasio kemandirian keuangan daerah 3,82%, rata-rata rasio derajat ketergantungan keuangan daerah 95,67%, rata-rata derajat desentralisasi fiskal 3,67%, rata-rata efektivitas pengelolaan pendapatan asli daerah 111,54% dan tingkat kesejahteraan masyarakat yang juga masih rendah dengan rata-rata IPM yaitu 63,63%. Berdasarkan hasil analisis tersebut pemerintah daerah perlu mengeluarkan upaya strategis dengan melakukan pemberdayaan potensi daerah yang dapat dijadikan sumber penerimaan daerah sehingga dapat mendukung pelaksanaan otonomi daerah yang pada hakikatnya bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat itu sendiri.
Strategi Media Relations Dinas Komunikasi dan Informatika Kabupaten Luwu Timur dalam Peningkatan Sarana Informasi Publik
Authors: Prayogi Dimas , Prawijaya Agung
Published: January 2023

Untuk mengetahui strategi Dinas Komunikasi dan Informatika Kabupaten Luwu Timur dalam peningkatan sarana informasi publik serta apa saja yang menjadi faktor pendukung dan penghambat dalam upaya tersebut. Metode yang digunakan dalam menyelesaikan masalah ini ialah dengan Metode Kualitatif Deskriptif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan melalui proses observasi (pengamatan), wawancara dan dokumentasi. Hasil dari kegiatan penelitian ini ialah strategi Dinas komunikasi dan Informatika Kabupaten Luwu Timur dalam peningkatan sarana informasi publik menggunakan kerjasama dengan media yang disebut media partner Diskominfo yang terdiri dari 20 media online dan 9 media cetak dan juga memanfaatkan media sosial dalam penyebaran informasi dikarenakan media sosia merupakan platform yang paling banyak digunakan oleh masyarakat. Pelayanan yang diberikan oleh Diskominfo Kabupaten Luwu Timur dapat dilakukan dengan maksimal dan masyarakat pun dapat menikmati pelayanan baik dalam bentuk informasi ataupun pelayanan lainnya dengan hasil yang memuaskan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian penulis menyimpulkan bahwa dalam melaksanakan strategi yang sudah ditetapkan masih adanya kendala ataupun hambatan yaitu kurangnya sumber daya manusia, minimnya sarana dan prasarana, dan juga faktor lokasi dalam penyebaran informasi.
The possibility of Flat Ads space evolving into ds space
Authors: CHEN WEN-XIANG
Published: January 2023

This article proposes a hypothesis. We connect the Klein-Gordon equation through the formula of Fermat's last theorem. The above procedure has an integer solution when n is less than or equal to 2. However, through domain expansion, when n is greater than 2, we connect the Klein-Gordon equation to Fermat. The last theorem, the Klein-Gordon equation has no integer solution; then it expands, forming the algebraic form of ds space-time.
PRESERVAÇÃO DO ACERVO FOTOGRÁFICO DA EXTINTA REDE FERROVIÁRIA FEDERAL S.A. PROJETO IPHAN-PR, BRASIL.
Authors: Busnardo Marques Vivian Letícia , Coelho Ilanil
Published: January 2023

A pesquisa trata de um projeto de preservação, aplicado em um acervo fotográfico com o tema imagético da construção da Rede Ferroviária Federal SA - RFFSA. O referido acervo foi encontrado pelo IPHAN-Pr em uma sede da extinta Rede Ferroviária Federal na cidade de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. O IPHAN-Pr, por meio da Política do Patrimônio Cultural Material (PPCM) objetivou a realização do projeto para salvaguarda do acervo. O artigo demonstra a investigação e a definição das metodologias a serem adotadas para preservação, conservação, restauração e difusão do acervo fotográfico, a fim de contribuir para a Ciência da Conservação e preservação do patrimônio cultural material. O acervo apresentou uma problemática, a qual se refere ao tratamento aplicado em uma coleção fotográfica com uma grande quantidade de itens, totalizados em 16.775 fotos do séc. XVIII e XIX. Após a realização do diagnóstico do acervo, verificou-se que as fotografias possuem vários formatos, diferentes técnicas e apresentavam problemas de deterioração, como: sujidades generalizadas, perdas e acidificação do suporte, rasgos, dobras, vincos, e intervenções inadequadas. A metodologia aplicada, apresentada neste artigo, foi obtida pelo trabalho de uma equipe multidisciplinar, profissionais conservadores, restauradores, técnicos em digitalização, bibliotecária e historiadores, os quais juntos definiram as etapas de trabalho. As etapas consistiram em: inventário físico, diagnóstico do estado de conservação, técnicas de conservação, técnicas de restauração, digitalização, levantamento das informações históricas presentes nas fotografias, adaptação e inserção das informações dentro de um software livre ABCD para construção de inventário digital. O presente artigo apresenta como inovação a adaptação e o uso do software ABCD para inventário de acervo fotográfico e consequentemente a problemática do tratamento de preservação de muitos itens do acervo fotográfico. O projeto foi concluído em quatro anos, sendo que o acervo se encontra na sede do IPHAN, em Curitiba, Paraná, com a possibilidade de cumprir a sua função, de dar acesso ao patrimônio ferroviário, através da fotografia.
BREVES NOTAS TEMPORAIS: JUAREZ MACHADO E OUTROS ARTISTAS EM “O QUE HABITA O ATELIÊ DO ARTISTA?”
Authors: Ruschel Nascimento Garcez Luciane , Makowiecky Sandra
Published: January 2023

Este estudo faz uma breve revisão do percurso do ateliê do artista na história da arte, situando sua importância em alguns momentos da história, chegando ao contemporâneo. Em uma análise da importância desse espaço de criação para o resultado plástico artístico, abordam-se, entre outros, Joe Fig e Juarez Machado, como exemplos de artistas que têm o ateliê como seu espaço de criação e refúgio sagrado, mas também, em certos casos, o ateliê como temática na criação artística.
DOM BARATÃO QUER SE CASAR
Authors: Lopes Guedes Anibal , Scariot Fernando Franciosi
Published: January 2023

O presente artigo tem por objetivo descrever o espetáculo “Dom Baratão Quer se Casar”, que foi concebido dentro do edital “Viva Passo Fundo”, como forma de promover ações culturais em âmbito digital/virtual em prol do enfrentamento da pandemia do vírus Covid-19. A ideia da proposta é analisar as aprendizagens proporcionadas pelo espetáculo e tutorial de dança na formação de espectadores. Desse modo, a metodologia adotada é a de projetos de trabalhos na perspectiva da cultura visual, tendo como teóricos Hernández (2000) e Sardelich, Nascimento e Paiva (2015). Como resultados, evidencia-se a necessidade de formação de um pensamento de espectador mais participativo, crítico, reflexivo, criativo e sensível, bem como um processo de educação de visualidades, entre elas a Dança.
CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES NO MUSEU DE ARTE DE BLUMENAU NUM VERNISSAGE: A PARTILHA ESTÉTICA
Authors: Wenderlich Rosana Clarice Coelho , Carvalho Carla
Published: January 2023

Tem como tema a relação de crianças e adolescentes com arte num vernissage e problematiza o percurso vivido por estes durante o evento num Museu de Arte. Tem como objetivos: discutir as potencialidades dos Museus de Blumenau e região para a educação estética, cultural e artística e compreender por meio dos registros dos museus os objetos propositores para a educação estética, artística e cultural na perspectiva de compreender a política da partilha do estético. O artigo apresenta o contexto, a metodologia, as discussões teóricas articuladas à análise, bem como os principais dados. É parte de investigações sobre proposições estéticas nos Museus de Arte. É uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, ancora-se na Pesquisa Educacional Baseada em Arte com viés a/r/tográfico. A geração de dados com cinco crianças e adolescentes permeou registros fotográficos durante o vernissage e em narrativas em diário de “linhas”. Os resultados indicam que as crianças e adolescentes reconhecem os espaços museais como lugares de conhecimento e cultura, abertos ao público. Que a mediação cultural na relação com o artista presente durante o vernissage enriquece o diálogo e abre possibilidades de percepção sobre as obras e o entendimento sobre o sistema da arte. Que se envolvem mais em obras interativas. Reconhecer a presença das crianças e adolescentes como público em potencial nos indica a relevância de uma “escutatória” que considere o que as crianças têm a falar, uma escuta atenta, respeitosa e dialógica que se abra na mediação com esses sujeitos.
IBERÊ CAMARGO E SEUS CARRETEIS: “MARAGATOS” E “PICA-PAUS”
Authors: Zulietti Luís Fernando , Nogueira Silvia Helena
Published: January 2023

Este artigo irá abordar duas xilogravuras do artista Iberê Camargo (1914-1994) que representam os carretéis realizados pelo artista, na década de 1960, e irá relacioná-los à personagens da Revolução Federalista. Iberê buscou refletir sua infância e sua a vida social e política, principalmente em seus brinquedos, ou seja, seus carretéis que gerou uma série de xilogravuras que mostram claramente a importância que dava ao trabalho e a reprodução do espaço social, suas xilogravuras são espelhos da realidade de uma época.
Performance of food–feed maize and cowpea cultivars under monoculture and intercropping systems: Grain yield, fodder biomass, and nutritive value
Authors: Sanfo Abroulaye , Zampaligré Nouhoun , Kulo Abalo E. , Somé Sanyour , Traoré Kadiatou , Rios Esteban F. , Dubeux José C. B. , Boote Kenneth J. , Adesogan Adegbola
Published: January 2023

Livestock feeding in Burkina Faso is characterized by a recurrent deficit in both the quality and the quantity of fodder during the dry season, which affects animal performance. To overcome this, quality fodder/forage production is an alternative. Therefore, this study evaluated food- and feed-improved cultivars of maize and cowpea in intercropping trials using the “mother and baby trials” approach with crop–livestock farmers. The mother trial comprised a randomized block design with eight treatments and four replicates: two cowpea (KVx745-11P and Tiligré) and two maize cultivars (Barka and Espoir), and grown under two cropping systems (monoculture and intercropping). Baby trials were established on-farm and involved 30 farmers during two seasons (2019 and 2020) in four villages in the South Sudan zone of Burkina Faso. Data were collected on (1) weed density and biomass, (2) grain yield and fodder biomass, (3) intercropping efficiency, and (4) fodder nutritive value. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the least significant difference (LSD) means separation at a 5% threshold. The results revealed that maize and cowpea intercropping significantly reduced weed biomass (p ≤ 0.05). In monoculture, the maize cultivar Barka produced a greater grain yield (4980 kg/ha) and fodder biomass [6259 kg dry matter (DM)/ha] than the cultivar Espoir, which produced a grain yield of 2581 kg/ha and fodder biomass of 4952 kg DM/ha. The cowpea cultivars, KVx745-11P and Tiligré, were similar (p ≥ 0.05) in terms of fodder biomass (2435–2820 kg DM/ha) and grain yield (1152–1163 kg/ha). For the intercropping system, land equivalent ratios for fodder biomass (1.18:1.41) and grain yield (1.02:1.44) were greater than 1; intercropping also had better productivity system indexes than the monoculture cropping system. The crude protein concentration of fodder was greater for Barka maize (9.5%–9.8%) than for Espoir maize (8.5%–8.7%). The crude protein concentration was greater for cowpea KVx745-11P (19%–21.8%) than for cowpea Tiligré (15%–17%). Intercropping both Barka maize and cowpea KVx745-11P was the most productive cropping system for maximizing grain and fodder production for crop–livestock farmers in the South Sudan zone of Burkina Faso.
Biodegradable double-network GelMA-ACNM hydrogel microneedles for transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Lin Wensheng , Lin Shixian , Zhou Xingwu , Yang Fanwen , Lin Zishan , Li Shiqing , Zhang Haoyuan , Ouyang Yuehan , Zhu Jieying , Sun Wei , Huang Dequn , Liao Baojian , Zhu Jixiang
Published: January 2023

As a minimally invasive drug delivery platform, microneedles (MNs) overcome many drawbacks of the conventional transdermal drug delivery systems, therefore are favorable in biomedical applications. Microneedles with a combined burst and sustained release profile and maintained therapeutic molecular bioactivity could further broaden its applications as therapeutics. Here, we developed a double-network microneedles (DN MNs) based on gelatin methacrylate and acellular neural matrix (GelMA-ACNM). ACNM could function as an early drug release matrix, whereas the addition of GelMA facilitates sustained drug release. In particular, the double-network microneedles comprising GelMA-ACNM hydrogel has distinctive biological features in maintaining drug activity to meet the needs of application in treating different diseases. In this study, we prepared the double-network microneedles and evaluated its morphology, mechanical properties, drug release properties and biocompatibility, which shows great potential for delivery of therapeutic molecules that needs different release profiles in transdermal treatment.
Genetically engineered cell membrane-coated nanoparticles for antibacterial and immunoregulatory dual-function treatment of ligature-induced periodontitis
Authors: Deng Yangjia , Ren Mingxing , He Ping , Liu Fengyi , Wang Xu , Zhou Chongjing , Li Yuzhou , Yang Sheng
Published: January 2023

Purpose: In order to overcome the problem that conventional pharmacological treatments of periodontitis cannot effectively synergizing antimicrobial and immunomodulation, inspired by the critical role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in bacterial recognition and immune activation, we demonstrated a combined antibacterial-immunoregulatory strategy based on biomimetic nanoparticles.

Methods: Functioned cell membranes and silk fibroin nanoparticles (SNs) loaded with minocycline hydrochloride (Mino) were used to prepare a biomimetic nanoparticle (MSNCs). SNs and MSNCs were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope, size, zeta potential, dispersion index. At the same time, SNs were characterized by cell counting kit-8 and real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). TLR4-expressing cell membranes were characterized by RT-PCR and western blot (WB). Cell membrane coating was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), the Bradford staining and WB. Then, Laser confocal, flow cytometry and agar plate coating were evaluated in vitro with antibacterial effects, RT-PCR was simultaneously evaluated with immunoregulatory effects. Finally, Anti-inflammatory treatment of MSNCs was evaluated in a ligature-induced periodontitis (LIP) mouse model.

Results: Successfully prepared cell membranes overexpressing TLR4 and constructed MSNCs. In vitro studies had shown that MSNCs effectively targeted bacteria via TLR4 and acted as molecular decoys to competitively neutralize lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the microenvironment as well as inhibit inflammatory activation of macrophages. In vivo, MSNCs effectively attenuated periodontal tissue inflammation and alveolar bone loss in a LIP mouse model.

Conclusion: MSNCs have good targeted antibacterial and immunoregulatory effects, and provide a new and effective strategy for the treatment of periodontitis and have good potential for application in various types of pathogenic bacterial infections.
Differentiated mouse kidney tubuloids as a novel in vitro model to study collecting duct physiology
Authors: Olde Hanhof C. J. A. , Dilmen E. , Yousef Yengej F. A. , Latta F. , Ammerlaan C. M. E. , Schreurs J. , Hooijmaijers L. , Jansen J. , Rookmaaker M. B. , Orhon I. , Verhaar M. C. , Hoenderop J. G.
Published: January 2023

Kidney tubuloids are cell models that are derived from human or mouse renal epithelial cells and show high similarities with their in vivo counterparts. Tubuloids grow polarized in 3D, allow for long-term expansion, and represent multiple segments of the nephron, as shown by their gene expression pattern. In addition, human tubuloids form tight, functional barriers and have been succesfully used for drug testing. Our knowledge of mouse tubuloids, on the other hand, is only minimal. In this study, we further characterized mouse tubuloids and differentiated them towards the collecting duct, which led to a significant upregulation of collecting duct-specific mRNAs of genes and protein expression, including the water channel AQP2 and the sodium channel ENaC. Differentiation resulted in polarized expression of collecting duct water channels AQP2 and AQP3. Also, a physiological response to desmopressin and forskolin stimulation by translocation of AQP2 to the apical membrane was demonstrated. Furthermore, amiloride-sensitive ENaC-mediated sodium uptake was shown in differentiated tubuloids using radioactive tracer sodium. This study demonstrates that mouse tubuloids can be differentiated towards the collecting duct and exhibit collecting duct-specific function. This illustrates the potential use of mouse kidney tubuloids as novel in vitro models to study (patho)physiology of kidney diseases.
Behind the scenes: How RNA orchestrates the epigenetic regulation of gene expression
Authors: Mangiavacchi Arianna , Morelli Gabriele , Orlando Valerio
Published: January 2023

Non-coding DNA accounts for approximately 98.5% of the human genome. Once labeled as “junk DNA”, this portion of the genome has undergone a progressive re-evaluation and it is now clear that some of its transcriptional products, belonging to the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), are key players in cell regulatory networks. A growing body of evidence demonstrates the crucial impact of regulatory ncRNAs on mammalian gene expression. Here, we focus on the defined relationship between chromatin-interacting RNAs, particularly long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), enhancer RNA (eRNA), non-coding natural antisense transcript (ncNAT), and circular RNA (circRNA) and epigenome, a common ground where both protein and RNA species converge to regulate cellular functions. Through several examples, this review provides an overview of the variety of targets, interactors, and mechanisms involved in the RNA-mediated modulation of loci-specific epigenetic states, a fundamental evolutive strategy to orchestrate mammalian gene expression in a timely and reversible manner. We will discuss how RNA-mediated epigenetic regulation impacts development and tissue homeostasis and how its alteration contributes to the onset and progression of many different human diseases, particularly cancer.
Diffusion-controlled bridging of the Au Island and Au core in Au@Rh(OH)3 core-shell structure
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ren Quan , Wang Yun , Xiao Ruixue , Chen Hongyu , Xu Wenjia , Feng Yuhua
Published: January 2023

Hybrid nanostructures have garnered considerable interest because of their fascinating properties owing to the hybridization of materials and their structural varieties. In this study, we report the synthesis of [Au@Rh(OH)3]-Au island heterostructures using a seed-mediated sequential growth method. Through the thiol ligand-mediated interfacial energy, Au@Rh(OH)3 core-shell structures with varying shell thicknesses were successfully obtained. On these Au@Rh(OH)3 core-shell seeds, by modulating the diffusion of HAuCl4 in the porous Rh(OH)3 shell, site-specific growth of Au islands on the inner Au core or on the surface of the outer Rh(OH)3 shell was successfully achieved. Consequently, two types of distinct structures, the Au island-on-[Au@Rh(OH)3] dimer and Au island-Au bridge-[Au@Rh(OH)3] dumbbell structures with thin necks were obtained. Further modulations of the growth kinetics led to the formation of Au plate-Au bridge-[Au@Rh(OH)3] heterostructures with larger structural anisotropy. The flexible structural variations were demonstrated to be an effective means of modulating the plasmonic properties; the Au–Au heterostructures exhibited tunable localized surface plasmon resonance in the visible-near-infrared spectral region and can be used as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates capable of emitting strong SERS signals. This diffusion-controlled growth of Au bridges in the Rh(OH)3 shells (penetrating growth) is an interesting new approach for structural control, which enriches the tool box for colloidal nanosynthesis. This advancement in structural control is expected to create new approaches for colloidal synthesis of sophisticated nanomaterials, and eventually enable their extensive applications in various fields.
Cellular analysis and metagenomic next-generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the distinction between pulmonary non-infectious and infectious disease
Authors: Pan Yilin , Zhang Xue , Sun Yi , Zhang Yingying , Bao Wuping , Yin Dongning , Zhang Pengyu , Zhang Min
Published: January 2023

Background

The aim of the current study was to investigate the clinical value of cellular analysis and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in differentiating pulmonary non-infectious and infectious diseases in immunocompetent patients.

Methods

The present retrospective study was conducted from December 2017 to March 2020, and included immunocompetent patients with suspected pulmonary infection. High-resolution computed tomography, total cell counts and classification of BALF, conventional microbiological tests (CMTs), laboratory tests and mNGS of BALF were performed. Patients were assigned to pulmonary non-infectious disease (PNID) and pulmonary infectious disease (PID) groups based on final diagnoses. PNID-predictive values were analyzed via areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). Optimal cutoffs were determined by maximizing the sum of sensitivity and specificity.

Results

A total of 102 patients suspected of pulmonary infection were enrolled in the study, 23 (22.5%) with PNID and 79 (77.5%) with PID. The diagnostic efficiency of BALF mNGS for differentiating PID from PNID was better than that of CMTs. Neutrophil percentage (N%) and the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (N/L) in BALF were significantly lower in the PNID group than in the PID group. The AUCs for distinguishing PNID and PID were 0.739 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.636–0.825) for BALF N%, 0.727 (95% CI 0.624–0.815) for BALF N/L, and 0.799 (95% CI 0.702–0.876) for BALF mNGS, with respective cutoff values of 6.7%, 0.255, and negative. Joint models of BALF mNGS combined with BALF N/L or BALF N% increased the respective AUCs to 0.872 (95% CI 0.786–0.933) and 0.871 (95% CI 0.784–0.932), which were significantly higher than those for BALF mNGS, BALF N%, and BALF N/L alone.

Conclusions

BALF N% ≤ 6.7% or BALF N/L ≤ 0.255 combined with a negative BALF mNGS result can effectively distinguish PNID from PID in immunocompetent patients with suspected pulmonary infection. BALF mNGS outperforms CMTs for identifying pathogens in immunocompetent patients, and the combination of mNGS and CMTs may be a better diagnostic strategy.
Identification of novel Plasmodium vivax proteins associated with protection against clinical malaria
Authors: Mazhari Ramin , Takashima Eizo , Longley Rhea J. , Ruybal-Pesantez Shazia , White Michael T. , Kanoi Bernard N. , Nagaoka Hikaru , Kiniboro Benson , Siba Peter , Tsuboi Takafumi , Mueller Ivo
Published: January 2023

As progress towards malaria elimination continues, the challenge posed by the parasite species Plasmodium vivax has become more evident. In many regions co-endemic for P. vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, as transmission has declined the proportion of cases due to P. vivax has increased. Novel tools that directly target P. vivax are thus warranted for accelerated elimination. There is currently no advanced vaccine for P. vivax and only a limited number of potential candidates in the pipeline. In this study we aimed to identify promising P. vivax proteins that could be used as part of a subunit vaccination approach. We screened 342 P. vivax protein constructs for their ability to induce IgG antibody responses associated with protection from clinical disease in a cohort of children from Papua New Guinea. This approach has previously been used to successfully identify novel candidates. We were able to confirm previous results from our laboratory identifying the proteins reticulocyte binding protein 2b and StAR-related lipid transfer protein, as well as at least four novel candidates with similar levels of predicted protective efficacy. Assessment of these P. vivax proteins in further studies to confirm their potential and identify functional mechanisms of protection against clinical disease are warranted.
Photodynamic nasal SARS-CoV-2 decolonization shortens infectivity and influences specific T-Cell responses
Authors: Fernandez-Montero Alejandro , Zuaznabar Jon , Pina-Sanchez Manuel , Maestro Sheila , Martin-Navarro Loreto , Muñoz-Rodríguez Natalia , Olagüe Cristina , Pastrana Marta , Martínez-Fernández Maria , Camps Gracian , Rodriguez Jose Antonio , Marchese Francesco P. , Zazpe Jon , Pozuelo Marta , Del Pozo José Luis , Quiroga Jorge , Pineda-Lucena Antonio , Reina Gabriel , Kolenda Jack , Moreno-Galarraga Laura , Gonzalez-Aseguinolaza Gloria , Rua Marta , Smerdou Cristian , Carmona-Torre Francisco , Argemi Josepmaria
Published: January 2023

Background

The main objective was to evaluate the efficacy of intranasal photodynamic therapy (PDT) in SARS-CoV-2 mildly symptomatic carriers on decreasing the infectivity period. SARS-CoV-2-specific immune-stimulating effects and safety were also analysed.

Methods

We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in a tertiary hospital (NCT05184205). Patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR in the last 48 hours were recruited and aleatorily assigned to PDT or placebo. Patients with pneumonia were excluded. Participants and investigators were masked to group assignment. The primary outcome was the reduction in in vitro infectivity of nasopharyngeal samples at days 3 and 7. Additional outcomes included safety assessment and quantification of humoral and T-cell immune-responses.

Findings

Patients were recruited between December 2021 and February 2022. Most were previously healthy adults vaccinated against COVID-19 and most carried Omicron variant. 38 patients were assigned to placebo and 37 to PDT. Intranasal PDT reduced infectivity at day 3 post-treatment when compared to placebo with a β-coefficient of -812.2 (CI95%= -478660 – -1.3, p<0.05) infectivity arbitrary units. The probability of becoming PCR negative (ct>34) at day 7 was higher on the PDT-group, with an OR of 0.15 (CI95%=0.04-0.58). There was a decay in anti-Spike titre and specific SARS-CoV-2 T cell immunity in the placebo group 10 and 20 weeks after infection, but not in the PDT-group. No serious adverse events were reported.

Interpretation

Intranasal-PDT is safe in pauci-symptomatic COVID-19 patients, it reduces SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and decelerates the decline SARS-CoV-2 specific immune-responses.
Indian Ocean mixed layer depth changes under global warming
Authors: Gao Zhen , Long Shang-Min , Shi Jia-Rui , Cheng Lijing , Li Gen , Ying Jun
Published: January 2023

The surface ocean mixed layer (OML) is critical for climate and biological systems. Changes in ocean mixed layer depth (MLD) of the Indian Ocean under global warming are examined utilizing outputs from 24 climate models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) models and the Community Earth System Model 1.0 with Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CESM1–CAM5). The results show that the MLD generally decreases in low- and high-emissions Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios (ssp126 and ssp585). In ssp126 and ssp585, the multi-model ensemble-mean OML, respectively shoals about 5 and 10% over both the northern tropics and southern subtropics, with high model consistency. This robust OML shoaling appears in the 1980s and is closely associated with increased surface buoyancy forcing and weakened winds. In contrast, the OML in the south equatorial Indian Ocean slightly deepens and displays large intermodel differences in the sign and magnitude of the changes. The effects of direct CO2 increase and wind changes on OML changes are further quantified by CESM1–CAM5 partially coupled experiments. The results show that the increased surface net heat flux from direct CO2 increase dominates OML shoaling in the northern tropics. In the southern subtropics, the increased surface heat flux, reduced wind speed, and wind-driven divergence all facilitate the OML shoaling. In the south equatorial Indian Ocean, wind changes generally deepen the OML, consistent with the CMIP6 results. Moreover, the OML shoaling-related upper ocean stratification changes are contributed by both temperature and salinity changes in the northern tropics but dominated by temperature changes south of 10°S. These results highlight the regional differences in MLD changes and their forcing, which is important for understanding regional climate changes and corresponding changes in extreme events and biological systems under global warming.
Exposure of waterfowl to Clostridium botulinum in France
Authors: Meloni Emma , Le Maréchal Caroline , Millot Florian , Payne Ariane , Calenge Clément , Mazuet Christelle , Chemaly Marianne , Rouxel Sandra , Poezevara Typhaine , Avouac Amandine , Plaquin Betty , Guillemain Matthieu , Richomme Céline , Decors Anouk
Published: January 2023

Botulism in wild birds is a widespread and potentially lethal disease raising major conservation issues. Botulism is also of public health concern. Due to the action of botulinum neurotoxins, mostly produced by Clostridium botulinum, botulism can affect wild birds, livestock, and humans. This study is part of a project aimed at improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of botulism in wild avifauna, which is still poorly understood. Indeed, the prevalence and dynamics of C. botulinum in the digestive tract or in bird tissue, whether as intermittent carriage related to environmental contamination or as part of the normal avian microbiota, is still unknown. In this study, we specifically addressed the presence of a healthy carrier status of wild birds, and its role in outbreaks. To answer this question, we monitored the estimated prevalence of C. botulinum in wild birds through samples from banded and swabbed birds as well as from hunted bird organs. Our results do not support the hypothesis of a healthy carriage outside of outbreaks, which raises the question of the bioavailability of the bacterium and toxin in the environment. Finally, the gene encoding botulinum neurotoxin type E was detected in keel muscle from a hunted bird, showing that recommendations on the consumption of wild bird meat are needed following a botulism outbreak.
Frailty score and outcomes of patients undergoing vascular surgery and amputation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Shujie , Dunn Riley , Jackson Mark , Morley Nicola , Sun Jing
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Frailty is associated with adverse postoperative health outcomes, including increased mortality, longer length of stay, higher rehospitalization, and other complications. There are many frailty assessment tools are to assess the level of frailty in vascular surgery patients. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between the frailty levels described by different frailty scores and adverse postoperative health outcomes among hospitalized vascular surgery patients and patients undergoing amputation.

Methods

Studies utilizing frailty scores and similar frailty assessment tools to describe frailty and investigate the association between frailty and health outcomes were searched. The primary outcomes of this study were in-hospital mortality, postdischarge mortality, length of hospital stay, rehospitalization, and discharge location. Additional outcomes included postoperative myocardial infarction, postoperative renal failure, cerebrovascular accident and stroke, comorbidities, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools were used for quality assessment.

Results

In total, 24 studies with 1,886,611 participants were included in the final analysis. The overall results found that higher in-hospital mortality and postdischarge mortality were significantly associated with frailty. Frailty was also found to be significantly associated with a longer length of hospital stay, higher rehospitalization, and higher likelihood of non-home discharge. In addition, the results also showed that frailty was significantly associated with all kinds of comorbidities investigated, except chronic kidney disease. However, lower eGFR levels were significantly associated with frailty.

Conclusion

Among patients who underwent all types of vascular surgery and those who underwent amputations, assessment of frailty was significantly associated with adverse postoperative outcomes and multiple comorbidities.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=336374, identifier CRD42022336374.
Predicting the distribution of COVID-19 through CGAN—Taking Macau as an example
Authors: Zheng Liang , Chen Yile , Jiang Shan , Song Junxin , Zheng Jianyi
Published: January 2023

Machine learning (ML) is an innovative method that is widely used in data prediction. Predicting the COVID-19 distribution using ML is essential for urban security risk assessment and governance. This study uses conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN) to construct a method to predict the COVID-19 hotspot distribution through urban texture and business formats and establishes a relationship between urban elements and COVID-19 so that machines can automatically predict the epidemic hotspots in cities. Taking Macau as an example, this method is used to determine the correlation between the urban texture and business hotspots of Macau and the new epidemic hotspot clusters. Different types of samples afforded different epidemic prediction accuracies. The results show the following: (1) CGAN can accurately predict the distribution area of COVID-19, and the accuracy can exceed 70%. (2) The results of predicting the COVID-19 distribution through urban texture and POI data of hospitals and stations are the best, with an accuracy of more than 60% in experiments in different regions of Macau. (3) The proposed method can also predict other areas in the city that may be at risk of COVID-19 and help urban epidemic prevention and control.
Seismic effects of loess slopes using physical modeling and numerical simulation
Authors: Wujian Yan , Xinxin Tian , Zhijian Wu , Ping Wang , Lin Kang
Published: January 2023

A large shaking-table test of a loess slope with a geometric similarity ratio of 1:25 was established as a prototype model of the loess landslide in Yongguang Village, which occurred during the 2013 Minxian–Zhangxian M6.6 earthquake. Combined with finite-element–numerical-simulation software, the dynamic response characteristics of the loess slope were compared and analyzed under the action of the same Minxian horizontal seismic wave characteristics. The results show that the seismic waves observed in the model test and numerical simulation clearly exhibit non-linear amplification effects along the slope surface and in the loess vertical direction, reaching a maximum value at the top of the slope. The ground-motion acceleration waveforms observed in the model test and numerical simulation at each observation point of the slope were similar, and the horizontal peak ground acceleration (PGA) obtained from the numerical simulation at these locations was larger than that of the slope top. The horizontal aSimulated-max/aModel-max values ranged from 1.5 to 2.2 and the vertical aSimulated-max/aModel-max values were more discrete in the range of 0.5–2.7, while the horizontal and vertical-PGA-amplification factors at the slope surface were similar. The Fourier amplitude and main horizontal frequencies were mainly distributed between 0.1 and 12 Hz. The Fourier spectrum observed in the model test was approximately 0.5 Hz, while the main frequency of the vertical Fourier spectrum was approximately 4 Hz. Additionally, the main frequency of the horizontal and vertical Fourier spectra observed in the numerical simulation was approximately 2 and 1.2 Hz, respectively.
Prediction of hydrocarbon source rock distribution using logging curves: A case study of Es32 source rock in Nanpu Sag, Huanghua depression, Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Guo Qianwen , Jiang Shan , Wang Jianwei , Zhou Quanzhen , Gao Yongliang , Ye Lin , Yin Jie
Published: January 2023

The Es3 is the main hydrocarbon source rock system in the Nanpu Sag. Finally, the TOC and hydrocarbon potential of each sub depression of Es3were predicted. The study shows that the hydrocarbon source rocks of Es32 and Es34 sections are mainly of type II2 and type II1 respectively, with good organic matter type and high maturity. Biomarker compound parameters indicate that the Es32 section hydrocarbon source rocks developed in a semi-saline, low to medium terrestrial source organic matter supplied reduction environment with a high algal contribution; the Es34 section hydrocarbon source rocks formed in a freshwater, low terrestrial source supplied reduction environment with a medium-high algal contribution. The multiple linear regression method is more effective than the ΔlgR method in predicting hydrocarbon source rocks in the Nanpu Sag, and the prediction accuracy is higher; the correlation between TOC and S1 + S2 is the best in the model for predicting hydrocarbon potential. The TOC and hydrocarbon potential of the hydrocarbon source rocks in Es31 are generally low; the high value area of TOC and hydrocarbon potential of the hydrocarbon source rocks in Es32 is partly between the No. 1 tectonic zone and No. 5 tectonic zone in Linque sub depression, and the TOC and hydrocarbon potential of the hydrocarbon source rocks in Liunan sub depression are larger; the high value area of TOC and hydrocarbon potential of the hydrocarbon source rocks in Es34 is mainly concentrated in Shichang sub depression.
Hydrogeochemical characteristics and water-rock interaction mechanism of coalbed-produced water in the Linfen mining area, eastern margin of Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Guo Zhidong , Bao Yuan , Wang Yubin , Yuan Yang , Li Zhengyan , Wang Yaya , Xia Lin , Liu Weibin , Ma Jianli
Published: January 2023

Linfen mining area is one of the main coalbed methane industrial bases in the eastern margin of Ordos Basin, China. However, there are few studies on the hydrogeochemical characteristics of coalbed-produced water in the area. This article collected water samples from 14 coalbed methane drainage wells and analyzed the ionic concentrations, hydrogen and oxygen isotopes, dissolved inorganic carbon isotopes (δ13CDIC) and trace elements. The results showed that the water of Nos. Five and eight coal seams are both Cl-Na type. The total dissolved solids content was high, ranging from 5011.45 mg/L to 23405.39 mg/L. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope data indicated that the coalbed-produced water in the study area is recharged from atmospheric precipitation. In addition, the HCO3− in the produced water of No. Five coal seam and No. Eight coal seam was negatively correlated with δ13CDIC. The value δ13CDIC in the produced water of No. Five coal seam was heavier than that of No. Eight coal seam. These indicate that microbial degradation occurred more strongly in No. Five coal seam than in No. Eight coal seam. The water-rock interaction in the study area was found to be dominated by cation exchange and dissolution filtration through the relationships between anion and cation.
The atypical Gaoligong orocline: Its geodynamic origin and evolution
Authors: Chiu Yu-Ping , Yeh Meng-Wan , Lee Tung-Yi
Published: January 2023

Various orocline systems around the India–Eurasia collision zone have long been recognized and studied. Different portions of the India–Eurasia boundaries represent various scales and models of orocline-forming processes, such as the Baluchistan orocline formed by multiple deformation events and the Himalayan orocline formed by a mixture of complex structural mechanisms. The curvature from the eastern Himalayan syntaxis through east Burma to west Yunnan showed a unique convex curvature toward the mantle wedge. This is different from the concave Baluchistan orocline and the Himalayan orocline. The unique geometry of the Gaoligong orocline shows an N-S trend for the northern section and a NE-SW trend for the southern section. This curvature also marks the boundary between the Tengchong and Baoshan blocks along the Santaishan suture in western Yunnan, China. Our structural reconstruction identified five deformation events: 1) D1 is km-scale upright folding, which only affected the Neoproterozoic meta-sedimentary unit, 2) D2 recumbent folding, which only developed in the southern section of the Gaoligong orocline, 3) D3 large-scale gently westward-inclined thrust folding, 4) D4 right-lateral shear belt, and 5) the D5 normal faults. Since the D3 structure is the earliest event that shows penetrative foliation development along the orocline, we consider D1 and D2 as pre-orocline-forming events. The geometry of the Gaoligong orocline is controlled by the distribution of the Ordovician basement between the Tengchong and Baoshan blocks. Both north and south sections experienced the same structural evolution since D3 (a fault-propagation fold system occurred between 40 Ma and 28 Ma), D4 (steep right-lateral shear belt occurred between 28 Ma and 15 Ma), and D5 (normal faults after 15 Ma). The curvature first developed as a shovel-like top-to-the-NE thrust plane (S3) that formed under amphibolite-facies conditions between 40 Ma and 28 Ma. The following deformation events (D4 and D5) show orocline parallel foliation development under lower metamorphic conditions, indicating that the curvature of the Gaoligong orocline is not generated by additional rotation along multiple deformation events. However, due to the lack of orocline parallel foliation development for S3, and the lack of a proper position of the indenter, the Gaoligong orocline cannot be classified as a primary orocline nor a rotational orocline. The curved geometry is an interference pattern of topography relief to the shovel-like thrust plane that developed during D3. Our new reconstructed structural evolution concludes that the Gaoligong orocline is an “atypical” orocline.