bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical properties and biological effects of ceramic materials emitting infrared radiation for pain, muscular activity, and musculoskeletal conditions
Authors: Kyselovic Jan , Masarik Jozef , Kechemir Hayet , Koscova Eva , Turudic Iva Igracki , Hamblin Michael Richard
Published: May 2022

Background

Up to 33% of the general population worldwide suffer musculoskeletal conditions, with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability globally. Multimodal therapeutic options are available to relieve the pain associated with muscular disorders, including physical, complementary, and pharmacological therapies. However, existing interventions are not disease modifying and have several limitations.

Method

Literature review.

Results

In this context, the use of nonthermal infrared light delivered via patches, fabrics, and garments containing infrared‐emitting bioceramic minerals have been investigated. Positive effects on muscular cells, muscular recovery, and reduced inflammation and pain have been reported both in preclinical and clinical studies. There are several hypotheses on how infrared may contribute to musculoskeletal pain relief, however, the full mechanism of action remains unclear. This article provides an overview of the physical characteristics of infrared radiation and its biological effects, focusing on those that could potentially explain the mechanism of action responsible for the relief of musculoskeletal pain.

Conclusions

Based on the current evidence, the following pathways have been considered: upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, increase in nitric oxide bioavailability, anti‐inflammatory effects, and reduction in oxidative stress.
Seed sourcing in the genomics era: multispecies provenance delineation for current and future climates
Authors: Walters Sheree J. , Robinson Todd P. , Byrne Margaret , Nevill Paul
Published: May 2022

Restoration interventions require knowledge on the suitability of seed sources. Provenance delineation for ecological restoration of degraded environments has begun to incorporate genome‐wide information on adaptive variation, but this has only been completed on a small number of plant species. Rarely is provenance delineation using a genomics approach applied to species occurring across different habitats, and in the context of future climate scenarios, despite their potential importance for successful long‐term restoration. Here, we use neutral genetic data to investigate patterns of genetic differentiation and a landscape genomics approach to model putatively adaptive genetic variation under multiple climate scenarios for two species co‐occurring in a predominantly mesic environment, and two species co‐occurring in a semi‐arid environment. We then determine the genetic similarity of seed sourcing locations to hypothetical restoration sites, both under current and future climate scenarios. We found that the geographical extent of provenances and the amount of genetic change required to track the projected climatic conditions over time differed within the pairs of co‐occurring species, and between habitats. Additionally, future climate scenarios had differing effects on provenance patterns between the two landscapes indicating a differential response to changing climate between species from mesic and arid habitats. This implies that provenance guidelines can be both species and habitat dependent. We discuss how these results can be utilized to design seed sourcing strategies for successful restoration, and how these methods could be more broadly applied to delineate provenances of other species and locations.
Effect of obstructive sleep apnoea on coronary collateral vessel development in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Xiao , Fan Jingyao , Guo Ruifeng , Hao Wen , Gong Wei , Fan Zeyuan , Nie Shaoping
Published: May 2022

Background and objective

The impact of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in the setting of acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is complex and divergent. This study aimed to investigate the association between OSA and coronary collateral vessel (CCV) development in patients with STEMI.

Methods

The present study prospectively screened 282 STEMI patients with an overnight sleep study. OSA was defined as apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥15 events/h. The coronary angiograms were used for the assessment of Rentrop grades representing CCVs.

Results

Among 119 patients enrolled, 60 patients had OSA (50.4%). The prevalence of CCV development (Rentrop grade ≥ 2) was significantly higher in OSA group than in the non‐OSA group (43.3% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.001). There was a parallel increase in the Rentrop grades associated with OSA severity and worsening of hypoxaemia indicators (minimum arterial oxygen saturation [SaO2], mean SaO2 and time with SaO2 below 90%). After adjustment for clinical and angiographic characteristics, and pre‐procedure medications that might interact with OSA, AHI as a continuous variable (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08–1.21, p < 0.001) and the presence of OSA (OR 11.41, 95% CI 2.70–48.15, p = 0.001) were both associated with dramatically higher incidence of CCV development.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the presence of OSA might augment CCV development in STEMI patients. The potential protective effects and mechanisms of OSA in the acute setting of STEMI should be further investigated in larger studies.
Risk–risk governance in a low‐carbon future: Exploring institutional, technological, and behavioral tradeoffs in climate geoengineering pathways
Authors: Sovacool Benjamin K. , Baum Chad M. , Low Sean
Published: May 2022

Deliberations are underway to utilize increasingly radical technological options to help address climate change and stabilize the climatic system. Collectively, these options are often referred to as “climate geoengineering.” Deployment of such options, however, can create wicked tradeoffs in governance and require adaptive forms of risk management. In this study, we utilize a large and novel set of qualitative expert interview data to more deeply and systematically explore the types of risk–risk tradeoffs that may emerge from the use of 20 different climate geoengineering options, 10 that focus on carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas removal, and 10 that focus on solar radiation management and reflecting sunlight. We specifically consider: What risks does the deployment of these options entail? What types of tradeoffs may emerge through their deployment? We apply a framework that clusters risk–risk tradeoffs into institutional and governance, technological and environmental, and behavioral and temporal dimensions. In doing so, we offer a more complete inventory of risk–risk tradeoffs than those currently available within the respective risk‐assessment, energy‐systems, and climate‐change literatures, and we also point the way toward future research gaps concerning policy, deployment, and risk management.
Mechanization services, factor allocation, and farm efficiency: Evidence from China†
Authors: Huan Meili , Dong Fengxia , Chi Liang
Published: May 2022

The relationship between mechanization services and farm efficiency remains a debate in agricultural production. To empirically test the effects of farmers' mechanization service use on farm efficiency, we formulate a stochastic frontier (SF) model and a mediating effect model. We apply our analysis to a survey data set with 1,385 farm‐level samples collected in 13 major maize‐producing provinces in China in 2018. To address the endogenous mechanization service adoption in the SF model, a probit model is estimated. In the mediation model, two factor allocation, including agricultural investment and crop structure, is examined. Our study shows that current labor migration encouraged the adoption of mechanization services, and larger farms were more likely to use mechanization services. Moreover, our study shows that the effect of mechanization services on farm efficiency is significantly positive and is mediated by factor allocation.
Local voters have their reasons. Mapping voting motives in local elections in Belgium
Authors: Dodeigne Jérémy , Reuchamps Min , Steyvers Kristof , Teuber Ferdinand
Published: May 2022

Voting motives are one of the most studied but still much contested question in political science. There has been much less concern at the local level although two main tendencies can be discerned. Some consider local elections as second order political contests. Others emphasize place‐bound patterns in voting motives. Still, more research beyond those theoretical presumptions is needed to empirically determine motives for the local vote. Therefore, this paper aims to address two questions: (RQ1) Which types of motives do voters attribute to their choice in local elections? (RQ2) What explains similarities and differences in RQ1? To answer these questions, we draw on the data of the Belgian Local Elections Study 2018 in which respondents were invited to answer an open‐ended question about their voting motives for the local elections. Voting in local elections does not appear to be of second order: voters predominantly have general and specific place‐bound reasons.
A collaboration on teaching communication by text
Authors: Ward Andy , Morrison Christine
Published: May 2022

Background

Since the start of the pandemic, text‐based communication with patients has become increasingly common. Leicester Medical School introduced experiential teaching in this field in 2014 but identified a need to develop teaching on the key skills required for effective consultations.

Shout 85258 offers a text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling with their mental health. They have developed an evidence‐based training programme enabling volunteers to deliver quality crisis support via the medium of text messaging.

Approach

Leicester Medical School and Shout 85258 collaborated, developing a small group teaching session for delivery to second‐year medical students. The training programme and framework developed by Shout 85258 was used as the basis for a 1.5‐hour session with didactic teaching and experiential role play. It was hoped that the collaboration would raise the profile of Shout 85258 in the student body.

Evaluation

The students enjoyed the mixture of didactic teaching and role play. They saw the relevance of the topic and recognised the key difficulties of text‐based consultations such as in rapport building.

Tutors valued the structure of the session and the framework provided.

The session raised the profile of Shout 85258 amongst students and tutors. Further evaluation is needed to measure changes in the use of the service or volunteering by students following the session.

Implications

Text‐based consultation is an increasingly important area of communication in health care.

Collaborating with a charitable organisation allowed sharing of established best practice in this area and raised the profile of the charity within the student body.
Factors associated with first‐time and repeat blood donation: Adverse reactions and effects on donor behavior
Authors: Brunson Dalton C. , Belanger Geoffrey A. , Sussmann Harry , Fine Andrew M. , Pandey Suchitra , Pham Tho D.
Published: May 2022

Background

Blood centers have a dual mission to protect donors and patients; donor safety is paramount to maintaining an adequate blood supply. Elucidating donor factors associated with adverse reactions (AR) is critical to this mission.

Study design/methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of whole blood donors from 2003 to 2020 was conducted at a single blood center in northern California. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% CIs for ARs were estimated via multivariable logistic regression on demographics, donation history, and physical examination data. Where appropriate, Wilcoxon‐Rank Sum and chi‐squared tests were used to determine significance.

Results

First‐time blood donors (FTD) exhibited a higher AR rate than repeat donors (4.4% vs. 1.9% p < .0001). When compared with FTDs without AR, FTDs with ARs (FT‐AR) were less likely to return (30.0% vs. 47.3%, p < .0001), and, of those who returned, had a higher rate of reaction 20.2% versus 2.8% (p < .001). Factors found to be associated with FT‐AR (younger age, increased heart rate, and higher diastolic blood pressure) still correlated positively with AR on return donation, but to a lower degree. FTD who potentially witnessed an AR had a lower return rate (44.6% vs. 47.3%, p = <.001) and donated fewer units (2.38 vs. 3.37, p < .001) when compared to FTD who did not witness an AR.

Conclusion

The AR on FTD increases the AR likelihood of return donation. Longitudinal analysis shows that a time‐based deferral policy targeted at FT‐AR young donors can reduce the number of ARs while not dramatically impacting the blood supply.
Can MRI differentiate between ring‐enhancing gliomas and intra‐axial abscesses?
Authors: Carloni Andrea , Bernardini Marco , Mattei Chiara , De Magistris Angela Vittoria , Llabres‐Diaz Francisco , Williams Jonathan , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo , Oevermann Anna , Schweizer‐Gorgas Daniela , Finck Cyrielle , Masseau Isabelle , Lorenzo Valentina , Sabatini Annalisa , Contiero Barbara , Specchi Swan
Published: May 2022

Gliomas of the brain may appear as expansile ring‐enhancing masses in MRI studies, mimicking the appearance of intra‐axial abscesses. The aims of this study were to compare the MRI features of ring‐enhancing gliomas and intra‐axial brain abscesses in dogs and cats and to identify the characteristics that might help differentiate them. For this multicenter, retrospective, and observational study, the inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) a definitive diagnosis of glioma or abscess based on cytological or histopathological examination following CSF collection or surgical biopsy/necropsy, respectively; (b) MRI study performed with a high‐ or low‐field MRI scanner, including a same plane T1W pre‐ and postcontrast, a T2W and a T2 FLAIR sequence in at least one plane. If available, delayed T1W postcontrast, T2*W GE, DWI/ADC, and SWI sequences were also evaluated. Sixteen patients were diagnosed with ring‐enhancing gliomas, and 15 were diagnosed with intra‐axial abscesses. A homogenous signal on T1W (P = 0.049) and T2W (P = 0.042) sequences, a T2W (P = 0.005) or T2*W GE (P = 0.046) peripheral hypointense halo, and an even enhancing capsule (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with brain abscesses. A progressive central enhancement on delayed T1W postcontrast sequences was correlated with ring‐enhancing gliomas (P = 0.009). The combination of the following features was suggestive of brain abscess: homogeneous T1W or T2W signal intensity, a T2W or T2*W GE peripheral hypointense halo and an evenly enhancing capsule. Central progression of enhancement on delayed T1W postcontrast sequences was suggestive of glioma.
Declararse vulnerable: sobre la performance literaria de Felipe Osornio/Lechedevirgen trimegisto
Authors: Sánchez-Avella César
Published: May 2022

Este artículo aborda la obra del artista mexicano Felipe Osornio/Lechedevirgen Trimegisto, quien desde su performance literaria ha cuestionado los activismos en género y sexualidades basados en derechos, y ha desafiado —física y estéticamente— la enfermedad, la vida y la muerte. Este texto se adentra en dos de sus proyectos, Pensamiento puñal y Médula (o contra la superficie del mundo), que desde tópicos diversos transitan de la escritura a la performance. Allí se evidencia una estrategia que denomino “vulnerabilidad declarada”, que permite reflexionar y resistir a la violencia y depredación desde la vulnerabilidad compartida.
Redes biopolíticas para la desarticulación del biopoder esclavista en La familia del Comendador de Juana Paula Manso (1860)
Authors: Grau-Lleveria Elena , Morales Pino Luz Ainai
Published: May 2022

Desde un marco de estudios literarios feministas y en diálogo con las nociones de la biopolítica y el biopoder propuestas por Michel Foucault, y posteriormente ampliadas por Michael Hardt y Antonio Negri, este ensayo plantea una lectura de La familia del Comendador (1860) de Juana Paula Manso como una vía para revisar la tradición crítica sobre la modernidad latinoamericana. Al poner al descubierto las tensiones ideológicas con que se entrelazan los biopoderes (formas de control) y las biopolíticas (formas de resistencia) en los pasajes transitados por los personajes de la novela, es posible comprender cómo la autora, desde su lugar enunciativo, está proponiendo un ideal de modernidad-capitalismo liberal (en términos de género, raza y economía) para Latinoamérica.
Sexto sueño de Marta Aponte Alsina: entre el crimen-experimento y la escritura experimental
Authors: Ramirez Peñuela Nayra
Published: May 2022

Este artículo aborda la novela Sexto sueño, escrita por la autora puertorriqueña Marta Aponte Alsina, con el objetivo de analizar el modo en que a partir de una performatividad jurídica se logra una performatividad literaria, que articula un singular espacio de enunciación. Se trata de un recorrido a través de coordenadas como EE.UU. y Puerto Rico, en el que los cuerpos en tránsito son atravesados, no solo por prácticas legales y biopolíticas, sino también por diversas instancias del experimentalismo.
Parameter Optimization and Experimental Study on Effect of Rounding Off Edge Radius on Heat and Mass Transfer Between Gas Layers and Thermal Performance of Vortex Tube
Authors: Rafiee Seyed Ehsan
Published: May 2022

Since 1933, the vortex tube (VT) has been used as a device for cooling, heating, and creating separation process (particles, hydrocarbons, energy, etc.). The VT efficiency is very relevant to the characteristics of the inside fluid flow patterns. The most important part in the VT that directs the fluid flow is the “navigator,” which has an angle and a rounded edge. In this study, the effects of change in the radius of the rounded edge (R* = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mm) on flow patterns and thermal performance of the VT are studied experimentally. The results show that with a rounded radius variation from 0 to 2 mm, the VT cooling efficiency increases sharply (34.84%) and with a further increase, there will be a decreasing trend for the cooling efficiency (10.48%). Also, this radius affects the location of the effective cold mass fraction (CMFs related to the highest thermal performance). In addition, variations in the gas velocity (axial/swirl at two positions Z/L = 0.3, 0.7) were studied with complete details and compared with other researchers' valid reports. As the results, the maximum axial velocity near the chamber and the maximum swirl velocity drop along the tube are effective on better cooling/heating performance.
Effect of Nanofluid Flow in a Rectangular Heat Exchanger on the Performance of a Photovoltaic Panel
Authors: Rtimi Badia , Benhmidene Ali , Chaouachi Bechir
Published: May 2022

The efficiency of solar panels decreases gradually with the increase of solar cell temperature. To solve the problem, various researches have been carried out. This article studies the effect of using a cooling system on the useful energy and the overall efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) panel. First, a numerical study has been carried out to reduce the temperature of photovoltaic panels using cooling fluids. To achieve our goal, a modeling of the heat flows between the panel components and the cooling fluid was performed, and then a matlab simulation to optimize the efficiency of the PV panel was run. A heat exchanger consisting of rectangular pipes was chosen to ensure a maximum heat exchange surface with the fluid. The choice of operating conditions and geometrical parameters was made according to the cell temperature, which must be minimal. The metrological conditions are collected from the metro central corresponding to the region of Gabes located in southern Tunisia. To further enhance the performance of solar collectors, different cooling fluids were tested including nanofluids. After testing the thermal behavior of different fluids, MgO was chosen as the best operating nanofluid. Using this nanofluid, the overall power increased by 400 W m−2 compared to that obtained with water. In addition, the electrical energy of the panels increased by 12.17% compared to water.
Gender stereotypes drive perceptual differences of vocal confidence
Authors: Roche Jennifer M. , Morgan Shae D. , Fisk Susan
Published: May 2022

One's ability to express confidence is critical to achieve one's goals in a social context—such as commanding respect from others, establishing higher social status, and persuading others. How individuals perceive confidence may be shaped by the socio-indexical cues produced by the speaker. In the current production/perception study, we asked four speakers (two cisgender women/men) to answer trivia questions under three speaking contexts: natural, overconfident, and underconfident (i.e., lack of confidence). An evaluation of the speakers' acoustics indicated that the speakers significantly varied their acoustic cues as a function of speaking context and that the women and men had significantly different acoustic cues. The speakers' answers to the trivia questions in the three contexts (natural, overconfident, underconfident) were then presented to listeners (N = 26) in a social judgment task using a computer mouse-tracking paradigm. Listeners were sensitive to the speakers' acoustic modulations of confidence and differentially interpreted these cues based on the perceived gender of the speaker, thereby impacting listeners' cognition and social decision making. We consider, then, how listeners' social judgments about confidence were impacted by gender stereotypes about women and men from social, heuristic-based processes.
Development and characterization of polyurethane-based tissue and blood mimicking materials for high intensity therapeutic ultrasound
Authors: Liu Yunbo , Maruvada Subha
Published: May 2022

A polyurethane-based tissue mimicking material (TMM) and blood mimicking material (BMM) for the acoustic and thermal characterization of high intensity therapeutic ultrasound (HITU) devices has been developed. Urethane powder and other chemicals were dispersed into either a high temperature hydrogel matrix (gellan gum) or degassed water to form the TMM and BMM, respectively. The ultrasonic properties of both TMM and BMM, including attenuation coefficient, speed of sound, acoustical impedance, and backscatter coefficient, were characterized at room temperature. The thermal conductivity and diffusivity, BMM viscosity, and TMM Young's modulus were also measured. Importantly, the attenuation coefficient has a nearly linear frequency dependence, as is the case for most soft tissues and blood at 37 °C. Their mean values are 0.61f1.2 dB cm−1 (TMM) and 0.2f1.1 dB cm−1 (BMM) based on measurements from 1 to 8 MHz using a time delay spectrometry (TDS) system. Most of the other relevant physical parameters are also close to the reported values of soft tissues and blood. These polyurethane-based TMM and BMM are appropriate for developing standardized dosimetry techniques, validating numerical models, and determining the safety and efficacy of HITU devices.
An Analysis of Olympic Mascot Design Toward Attitude and Purchase Intention
Authors: Palladino Amanda , Lee Minkyo , Zhou Xiaochen
Published: May 2022

Olympic mascots are important marketing tools for the Olympic Games, as they can communicate the meaning of the games. However, there is limited understanding on how to effectively design Olympic mascots as a marketing communication tool. This study focused on understanding how design elements of Olympic mascots influence fans’ perceptions, attitude, and purchase intention. An online experiment, featured in a 2 (design types: anthropomorphic animal, abstract) × 2 (Olympic brand cues: presence, absence) mixed subject design, was conducted. The results showed that animal mascots received significantly higher ratings than abstract mascots in terms of design perception, attitude, and purchase intention. This study demonstrates how the visual design of Olympic mascots influences consumer perception, attitude, and behavior. Our research has bridged this gap by exploring the effects of Olympic mascot design and Olympic symbols as an important marketing communication tool.
FTO mediates LINE1 m
6
A demethylation and chromatin regulation in mESCs and mouse development
Authors: Wei Jiangbo , Yu Xianbin , Yang Lei , Liu Xuelian , Gao Boyang , Huang Boxian , Dou Xiaoyang , Liu Jun , Zou Zhongyu , Cui Xiao-Long , Zhang Li-Sheng , Zhao Xingsen , Liu Qinzhe , He P. Cody , Sepich-Poore Caraline , Zhong Nicole , Liu Wenqiang , Li Yanhe , Kou Xiaochen , Zhao Yanhong , Wu You , Cheng Xuejun , Chen Chuan , An Yiming , Dong Xueyang , Wang Huanyu , Shu Qiang , Hao Ziyang , Duan Tao , He Yu-Ying , Li Xuekun , Gao Shaorong , Gao Yawei , He Chuan
Published: May 2022

N
6
-methyladenosine (m
6
A) is the most abundant internal modification on mammalian messenger RNA. It is installed by a writer complex and can be reversed by erasers such as the fat mass and obesity-associated protein FTO. Despite extensive research, the primary physiological substrates of FTO in mammalian tissues and development remain elusive. Here, we show that FTO mediates m
6
A demethylation of long-interspersed element-1 (LINE1) RNA in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), regulating LINE1 RNA abundance and the local chromatin state, which in turn modulates the transcription of LINE1-containing genes. FTO-mediated LINE1 RNA m
6
A demethylation also plays regulatory roles in shaping chromatin state and gene expression during mouse oocyte and embryonic development. Our results suggest broad effects of LINE1 RNA m
6
A demethylation by FTO in mammals.
Land-use emissions embodied in international trade
Authors: Hong Chaopeng , Zhao Hongyan , Qin Yue , Burney Jennifer A. , Pongratz Julia , Hartung Kerstin , Liu Yu , Moore Frances C. , Jackson Robert B. , Zhang Qiang , Davis Steven J.
Published: May 2022

International trade separates consumption of goods from related environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and land-use change (together referred to as “land-use emissions”). Through use of new emissions estimates and a multiregional input-output model, we evaluated land-use emissions embodied in global trade from 2004 to 2017. Annually, 27% of land-use emissions and 22% of agricultural land are related to agricultural products ultimately consumed in a different region from where they were produced. Roughly three-quarters of embodied emissions are from land-use change, with the largest transfers from lower-income countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Argentina to more industrialized regions such as Europe, the United States, and China. Mitigation of global land-use emissions and sustainable development may thus depend on improving the transparency of supply chains.
Circadian alignment of early onset caloric restriction promotes longevity in male C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Acosta-Rodríguez Victoria , Rijo-Ferreira Filipa , Izumo Mariko , Xu Pin , Wight-Carter Mary , Green Carla B. , Takahashi Joseph S.
Published: May 2022

Caloric restriction (CR) prolongs life span, yet the mechanisms by which it does so remain poorly understood. Under CR, mice self-impose chronic cycles of 2-hour feeding and 22-hour fasting, raising the question of if it is calories, fasting, or time of day that is the cause of this increased life span. We show here that 30% CR was sufficient to extend the life span by 10%; however, a daily fasting interval and circadian alignment of feeding acted together to extend life span by 35% in male C57BL/6J mice. These effects were independent of body weight. Aging induced widespread increases in gene expression associated with inflammation and decreases in the expression of genes encoding components of metabolic pathways in liver from ad libitum–fed mice. CR at night ameliorated these aging-related changes. Our results show that circadian interventions promote longevity and provide a perspective to further explore mechanisms of aging.
Save the Mekong Delta from drowning
Authors: Kondolf G. M. , Schmitt R. J. P. , Carling P. A. , Goichot M. , Keskinen M. , Arias M. E. , Bizzi S. , Castelletti A. , Cochrane T. A. , Darby S. E. , Kummu M. , Minderhoud P. S. J. , Nguyen D. , Nguyen H. T. , Nguyen N. T. , Oeurng C. , Opperman J. , Rubin Z. , San D. C. , Schmeier S. , Wild T.
Published: May 2022

Policy must address drivers, not just symptoms, of subsidence
Tunable and state-preserving frequency conversion of single photons in hydrogen
Authors: Tyumenev R. , Hammer J. , Joly N. Y. , Russell P. St. J. , Novoa D.
Published: May 2022

In modern quantum technologies, preservation of the photon statistics of quantum optical states upon frequency conversion holds the key to the viable implementation of quantum networks, which often require interfacing of several subsystems operating in widely different spectral regions. Most current approaches offer only very small frequency shifts and limited tunability, while suffering from high insertion loss and Raman noise originating in the materials used. We introduce a route to quantum-correlation–preserving frequency conversion using hydrogen-filled antiresonant-reflecting photonic crystal fibers. Transient optical phonons generated by stimulated Raman scattering enable selective frequency up-conversion by 125 terahertz of the idler photon of an entangled pair, with efficiencies up to 70%. This threshold-less molecular modulation process preserves quantum correlations, making it ideal for applications in quantum information.
Sunscreens threaten coral survival
Authors: Hansel Colleen M.
Published: May 2022

Oxybenzone-based sunscreens are increasing the mortality rates of stressed corals
Investor-state disputes threaten the global green energy transition
Authors: Tienhaara Kyla , Thrasher Rachel , Simmons B. Alexander , Gallagher Kevin P.
Published: May 2022

Global action on climate change could generate upward of $340 billion in legal claims from oil and gas in vestors
Using genomics to fight extinction
Authors: Grueber Catherine E. , Sunnucks Paul
Published: May 2022

Quantifying fitness of wild organisms from genomic data alone is a challenging frontier
Faculty must lead inclusion
Authors: Hrabowski Freeman A.
Published: May 2022

Later this year, I will step down as president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), after 30 years. I know this to be true—faculty members have the power. Presidents, provosts, and senior leaders at an institution set a tone and create the setting for successful programs. But ultimately, it is the commitment of professors and teaching staff that determines whether students—all students—can pursue their interests and achieve their goals. It takes high expectations for both students and educators.
Germany weighs whether culling excess lab animals is a crime
Authors: Feldwisch-Drentrup Hinnerk
Published: May 2022

As prosecutors evaluate complaints from animal rights groups, labs try to reduce surplus
Complementary Roles of Antibody Heavy and Light Chain Somatic Hypermutation in Conferring Breadth and Potency to the HIV-1-Specific CAP256-VRC26 bNAb Lineage
Authors: Sacks David , Wiehe Kevin , Morris Lynn , Moore Penny L.
Published: May 2022

A major focus in the search for an HIV vaccine is elucidating the ontogeny of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), which prevent HIV infection
in vitro
and
in vivo
. The unmutated common ancestors (UCAs) of bNAbs are generally strain specific and acquire breadth through extensive, and sometimes redundant, somatic hypermutation during affinity maturation.
Neddylation of Enterovirus 71 VP2 Protein Reduces Its Stability and Restricts Viral Replication
Authors: Wang Huiqiang , Zhong Ming , Cui Boming , Yan Haiyan , Wu Shuo , Wang Kun , Li Yuhuan
Published: May 2022

Neddylation is a ubiquitin-like posttranslational modification by conjugation of neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8 (NEDD8) to specific proteins for regulation of their metabolism and biological activities. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that EV71 VP2 protein is neddylated at K69 residue to promote viral protein degradation and consequentially suppress multiplication of the virus.
Streptococcus
oriscaviae
sp. nov. Infection Associated with Guinea Pigs
Authors: Teng Jade L. L. , Ma Yuanchao , Chen Jonathan H. K. , Luo Ruibang , Foo Chuen-Hing , Li Tsz Tuen , Fong Jordan Y. H. , Yao Weiming , Wong Samson S. Y. , Fung Kitty S. C. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: May 2022

We reported the discovery of a novel
Streptococcus
species, propose to be named
Streptococcus oriscaviae
, from the pus collected from a guinea pig bite wound in a healthy young patient. The bacterium was initially misidentified as
S. suis
/
S. parasuis
by biochemical tests, mass spectrometry. and housekeeping genes sequencing.
A Partially Multiplexed HIV Drug Resistance (HIVDR) Assay for Monitoring HIVDR Mutations of the Protease, Reverse-Transcriptase (PRRT), and Integrase (INT)
Authors: DeVos Joshua , McCarthy Kimberly , Sewe Victor , Akinyi Grace , Junghae Muthoni , Opollo Valarie , Nouhin Janin , Shafer Robert , Zeh Clement , Ramos Artur , Alexander Heather , Chang Joy
Published: May 2022

This HIVDR genotyping assay works for both plasma and DBS samples, requires low sample input, and is sensitive. This assay has the potential to be a user-friendly and cost-effective HIVDR assay because of its partially multiplexed design. Application of this genotyping assay will help HIVDR monitoring in HIV high-burdened countries using a DGT-based HIV drug regimen recommended by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the WHO.
STAMP: a 5-year project to reduce paediatric prescribing errors
Authors: Trivedi Ashifa , Ajitsaria Richa , Bate Tristan
Published: May 2022

We describe an ongoing quality improvement project to reduce paediatric prescribing errors following our earlier interventions previously published.
Type 2 diabetes epidemic and key risk factors in Qatar: a mathematical modeling analysis
Authors: Awad Susanne F , A Toumi Amine , A Al-Mutawaa Kholood , A Alyafei Salah , A Ijaz Muhammad , A H Khalifa Shamseldin , B Kokku Suresh , C M Mishra Amit , V Poovelil Benjamin , B Soussi Mounir , G El-Nahas Katie , O Al-Hamaq Abdulla , A Critchley Julia , H Al-Thani Mohammed , Abu-Raddad Laith J
Published: May 2022

Introduction

We aimed to characterize and forecast type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disease burden between 2021 and 2050 in Qatar where 89% of the population comprises expatriates from over 150 countries.

Research design and methods

An age-structured mathematical model was used to forecast T2DM burden and the impact of key risk factors (obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity). The model was parametrized using data from T2DM natural history studies, Qatar’s 2012 STEPwise survey, the Global Health Observatory, and the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas, among other data sources.

Results

Between 2021 and 2050, T2DM prevalence increased from 7.0% to 14.0%, the number of people living with T2DM increased from 170 057 to 596 862, and the annual number of new T2DM cases increased from 25 007 to 45 155 among those 20–79 years of age living in Qatar. Obesity prevalence increased from 8.2% to 12.5%, smoking declined from 28.3% to 26.9%, and physical inactivity increased from 23.1% to 26.8%. The proportion of incident T2DM cases attributed to obesity increased from 21.9% to 29.9%, while the contribution of smoking and physical inactivity decreased from 7.1% to 6.0% and from 7.3% to 7.2%, respectively. The results showed substantial variability across various nationality groups residing in Qatar—for example, in Qataris and Egyptians, the T2DM burden was mainly due to obesity, while in other nationality groups, it appeared to be multifactorial.

Conclusions

T2DM prevalence and incidence in Qatar were forecasted to increase sharply by 2050, highlighting the rapidly growing need of healthcare resources to address the disease burden. T2DM epidemiology varied between nationality groups, stressing the need for prevention and treatment intervention strategies tailored to each nationality.
Safety of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Jing , Du Heyue , Wang Yang , Aertgeerts Bert , Guyatt Gordon , Hao Qiukui , Shen Yanjiao , Li Ling , Su Na , Delvaux Nicolas , Bekkering Geertruida , Khan Safi U , Riaz Irbaz B , Vandvik Per Olav , Su Baihai , Tian Haoming , Li Sheyu
Published: May 2022

Objective

To determine the harms of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in people who need lipid-lowering therapy.

Methods

This systematic review included randomised controlled trials that compared PCSK9 inhibitors with placebo, standard care or active lipid-lowering comparators in people who need lipid-lowering therapy with the follow-up duration of at least 24 weeks. We summarised the relative effects for potential harms from PCSK9 inhibitors using random-effect pairwise meta-analyses and assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) for each outcome.

Results

We included 32 trials with 65 861 participants (with the median follow-up duration of 40 weeks, ranging from 24 to 146 weeks). The meta-analysis showed an incidence of injection-site reaction leading to discontinuation (absolute incidence of 15 events (95% CI 11 to 20) per 1000 persons in a 5-year time frame, high certainty evidence). PCSK9 inhibitors do not increase the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus, neurocognitive events, cataracts or gastrointestinal haemorrhage with high certainty evidence. PCSK9 inhibitors probably do not increase the risks of myalgia or muscular pain leading to discontinuation or any adverse events leading to discontinuation with moderate evidence certainty. Given very limited evidence, PCSK9 inhibitors might not increase influenza-like symptoms leading to discontinuation (risk ratio 1.5; 95% CI 0.06 to 36.58). We did not identify credible subgroup analyses results, including shorter versus longer follow-up duration of trials.

Conclusions

PCSK9 inhibitors slightly increase the risk of severe injection-site reaction but not cataracts, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, neurocognitive events, new-onset diabetes or severe myalgia or muscular pain.
Bryophyte species differ widely in their growth and N2-fixation responses to temperature
Authors: Rzepczynska Agnieszka Marta , Michelsen Anders , Olsen Maya Anne Nissen , Lett Signe
Published: May 2022

Bryophytes are abundant in tundra ecosystems, where they affect carbon and nitrogen cycling through primary production and associations with N2-fixing bacteria. Bryophyte responses to climate warming are inconclusive, likely because species-specific responses are poorly understood. Here we investigated how warming affects the growth and nitrogenase activity of 10 tundra bryophyte species in two tundra landscapes. Collected bryophyte samples were grown in temperature-controlled growth chambers for 12 weeks at five temperatures from 3 to 18 °C. We measured growth, N concentration, δ15N, and δ13C after 3 months and nitrogenase activity after 5 and 12 weeks. Bryophyte growth and associated nitrogenase activity generally increased with temperature, but species differed in their optima. Bryophyte N concentration and δ15N indicated that, for some species, increased N2-fixation could not compensate for growth-induced N limitation. High landscape coverage and large positive warming effects on feather mosses and Sphagnum species highlight their competitive advantages, confirm earlier field observations, and contribute to the mechanistic understanding of differential bryophyte growth in response to warming. We suggest that indirect effects of climate change, such as surface drying and shrub expansion, are likely main threats to slow-growing bryophytes across the Arctic, with consequences for biodiversity and C balance.
The effects of roadways on lakes and ponds: a systematic review and assessment of knowledge gaps
Authors: Dixon Heather J. , Elmarsafy Mariam , Hannan Natasha , Gao Vivian , Wright Caitlin , Khan Layana , Gray Derek K.
Published: May 2022

As the global population increases, the expansion of road networks has led to the destruction and disturbance of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Road-related stressors have significant effects on both lotic and lentic habitats. While there are several systematic reviews that evaluate the effects of roads on lotic environments, there are none that consider their effects on lentic habitats only. We conducted a literature review to achieve two objectives: (1) to summarize the effects of roads on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of lentic environments; and (2) to identify biases and gaps in our current knowledge of the effects of roads on lentic habitats, so that we could find promising areas for future research.

Our review found 172 papers published between 1970 and 2020. The most frequently studied stressors associated with roads included road salt and heavy metal contamination (67 and 43 papers, respectively), habitat fragmentation (37 papers), and landscape change (14 papers). These stressors can lead to alterations in conductivity and chloride levels, changes in lake stratification patterns, increases in heavy metal concentrations in water and organisms, and significant mortality as amphibians disperse across roadways. We also identified a variety of other stressors that may be understudied based on their frequency of appearance in our search results, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, road dust, increased accessibility, hydrological changes, noise pollution, dust suppressants, sedimentation, invasive species introductions, and water withdrawal.

Our review indicated that there are strong geographic biases in published studies, with 57.0% examining North American sites and 30.2% examining European sites. Furthermore, there were taxonomic biases in the published literature, with most studies focusing on amphibians (41.7%), fish (15.6%), and macroinvertebrates (14.6%), while few considered zooplankton (8.3%), diatoms (7.3%), amoebas (5.2%), water birds (3.1%), reptiles (2.1%), and macrophytes (1.0%). Based on our review, we have identified promising areas for future research for each of the major stressors related to roadways. However, we speculate that rectifying the geographic and taxonomic bias of our current knowledge could significantly advance our understanding of the impacts of roads on lentic environments, thereby better informing environmental management of these important habitats.
Cosmic evolution in DHOST theory with scaling solutions
Authors: Thipaksorn Wittaya , Karwan Khamphee
Published: May 2022

We study cosmic evolution based on the fixed points in the dynamical analysis of the degenerate higher-order scalar-tensor (DHOST) theories. We consider the DHOST theory in which the propagation speed of gravitational waves is equal to the speed of light, the tensor perturbations do not decay to dark energy perturbations, and the scaling solutions exist. The scaling fixed point associated with late-time acceleration of the universe can be either stable or saddle depending on the parameters of the theory. For some ranges of the parameters, this scaling fixed point and field-dominated fixed point can be simultaneously stable. Cosmic evolution will reach either the scaling attractor or the field-dominated attractor depending on the sign of the time derivative of the scalar field in the theory during the matter domination. The density parameter of dark matter can be larger than unity before reaching the scaling attractor if the deviation from Einstein’s theory of gravity is too large. For this DHOST theory, stabilities of $${\phi }$$
ϕ
-matter-dominated epoch ($$\phi $$
ϕ
MDE) and field-dominated solutions are similar to the coupled dark energy models in Einstein gravity even though gravity is described by different theories. In our consideration, the universe can only evolve from the $$\phi $$
ϕ
MDE regime to the field-dominated regime. The ghost and gradient instabilities up to linear order in cosmological perturbations have been investigated. There is no gradient instability, while the ghost instability can be avoided for some range of the model parameters.
Spatial Enhanced Pattern Through Graph Convolutional Neural Network for Epileptic EEG Identification
Authors: Lian Jian , Xu Fangzhou
Published: May 2022

Feature extraction is an essential procedure in the detection and recognition of epilepsy, especially for clinical applications. As a type of multichannel signal, the association between all of the channels in EEG samples can be further utilized. To implement the classification of epileptic seizures from the nonseizures in EEG samples, one graph convolutional neural network (GCNN)-based framework is proposed for capturing the spatial enhanced pattern of multichannel signals to characterize the behavior of EEG activity, which is capable of visualizing the salient regions in each sequence of EEG samples. Meanwhile, the presented GCNN could be exploited to discriminate normal, ictal and interictal EEGs as a novel classifier. To evaluate the proposed approach, comparison experiments were conducted between state-of-the-art techniques and ours. From the experimental results, we found that for ictal and interictal EEG signal discrimination, the presented approach can achieve a sensitivity of 98.33%, specificity of 99.19% and accuracy of 98.38%.
ARE FAIR, REASONABLE AND NONDISCRIMINATORY (FRAND) COMMITMENTS APPLICABLE OUTSIDE THE STANDARD ESSENTIAL PATENTS (SEPS) DOMAIN? — AN ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE
Authors: NG JIA LE , TAN MARCEL , KONG WENG LOONG
Published: May 2022

To date, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has dealt with two cases that involved fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory (FRAND) commitments in order to resolve the competition concerns identified. While the application of FRAND commitments outside the standard essential patents (SEPs) domain remains limited globally, we show that the circumstances that give rise to the economic justification for the use of FRAND commitments in SEP cases are not unique. Instead, such circumstances are also present in some non-SEP cases such as those involving vertical effects in mergers and acquisitions, or abuse of dominance conduct such as refusal to supply. Therefore, FRAND commitments remain a viable behavioral remedy in addressing competition concerns.
CAUSALITY BETWEEN TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: THE QUANTILE-ON-QUANTILE ANALYSIS OF EIGHT CENTRAL PROVINCES IN CHINA
Authors: WU TSUNG-PAO , WU HUNG-CHE , WANG CHIEN-MING , WU CHENG-FENG , HSUEH HSIN-PEI
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to examine the relationship between tourism and economic growth in China’s eight central provinces through the annual data from 1995 to 2019 using quantile-on-quantile approaches. Results show a positive relationship between tourism and economic growth for China’s eight central provinces considered with substantial variations across provinces and quantiles within each province. The weakest relationship was noted for Shanxi, possibly because of the limited importance of the tourism sector relative to other major economic activities in this province. For Heilongjiang, Hubei, Hunan and Jilin, the most pronounced relationship between tourism activities and economic growth was observed only during the period of a deep economic upturn. The main reason for the economic downturn is that economic development during the periods of severe acute respiratory syndrome, avian influenza, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and coronavirus disease 2019 pandemics impacted tourist arrivals. Important provincial-specific policy implications may be drawn from these findings.