bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID‐19, anosmia, and ageusia in atopic children
Authors: Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Brindisi Giulia , Indolfi Cristiana , Diaferio Lucia , Marchese Giuseppe , Ghiglioni Daniele Giovanni , Zicari Anna Maria , Miraglia Del Giudice Michele
Published: January 2022

More than a year and a half after the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, symptoms, such as loss of smell and taste (anosmia and ageusia, respectively), remain difficult to characterize and quantify, especially in children, since no validated tests to assess these disorders are available. However, these symptoms can also be seen in children, although less frequently than observed in the adult population. In this article, we present the results of a national survey that collected the responses of 267 Italian pediatricians on the presence of anosmia and ageusia in children affected by COVID‐19. These data were then compared with existing literature.
Association between IL‐10 systemic low level and highest pain score in patients during symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Bussmann Allan J. C. , Ferraz Camila R. , Lima Aline V. A. , Castro João G. S. , Ritter Patrícia D. , Zaninelli Tiago H. , Saraiva‐Santos Telma , Verri Waldiceu A. , Borghi Sergio M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Despite the wide variety of Covid‐19 symptoms, pain and the related mechanisms underlying unsettled nociceptive status are still under‐prioritized. Understanding the complex network of Covid‐19‐related pain may result in new lines of study. It is unknown whether patient's immunological background influences pain in the acute phase of Covid‐19, including musculoskeletal pain. Thus, we evaluated the blood levels of selected molecules that are upregulated in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and analyzed a possible correlation with pain during Covid‐19.

Methods

A cohort of 20 hospitalized patients with confirmed diagnoses for Covid‐19 were evaluated in the context of pain. Visual analogic scale (VAS) was applied to quantitate pain level. Blood tests were used to determine the systemic levels of cytokines (IL‐10 and IL‐1β), substance P, and leptin. The data were correlated when appropriate to determine the association between pain‐related markers and assessed pain intensity.

Results

Our findings show that systemic levels of IL‐10 have strong negative correlation with pain intensity on Covid‐19 patients. Additionally, we also show that leptin systemic levels were increased in Covid‐19 patients with pain, however, with moderate positive correlation between these events. IL‐1β and SP levels did not differ between Covid‐19 patients with or without pain. Men reported less pain compared to women. No differences were found between genders in the levels of the molecules evaluated in patients with pain.

Conclusion

IL‐10 has been described over the years as an anti‐inflammatory and analgesic cytokine. The present data support that low IL‐10 levels might contribute to Covid‐19‐associated pain.
Dissection of the genetic architecture of peduncle vascular bundle‐related traits in maize by a genome‐wide association study
Authors: Sun Gaoyang , Zhang Xuehai , Duan Haiyang , Gao Jionghao , Li Na , Su Pingping , Xie Huiling , Li Weihua , Fu Zhiyuan , Huang Yubi , Tang Jihua
Published: January 2022

The peduncle vascular system of maize is critical for the transport of photosynthetic products, nutrients, and water from the roots and leaves to the ear. Accordingly, it positively affects the grain yield. However, the genetic basis of peduncle vascular bundle (PVB)‐related traits in maize remains unknown. Thus, 15 PVB‐related traits of 386 maize inbred lines were investigated at three locations (Yongcheng, 17YC; Kaifeng, 20KF; and Yuanyang, 20YY). The repeatability for the 15 traits ranged from 35.53% to 92.13%. A genome‐wide association study was performed and 69 non‐redundant quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected, including 9, 41, and 27 QTL identified at 17YC, 20KF, and 20YY, respectively. These QTL jointly explained 4.72% (SLL) to 37.30% (NSVB) of the phenotypic variation. Eight QTL were associated with the same trait at two locations. Furthermore, four pleiotropic QTL were identified. Moreover, one QTL (qPVB44), associated with NSVB_20KF, was co‐localized with a previously reported locus related to kernel width, implying qPVB44 may affect the kernel width by modulating the number of small vascular bundles. Examinations of the 69 QTL identified 348 candidate genes that were classified in five groups. Additionally, 26 known VB‐related homologous genes (e.g. VLN2, KNOX1, and UGT72B3) were detected in 20 of the 69 QTL. A comparison of the NSVB between a Zmvln2 EMS mutant and its wild type elucidated the function of the candidate gene ZmVLN2. These results are important for clarifying the genetic basis of PVB‐related traits and may be useful for breeding new high‐yielding maize cultivars.
The effect of COVID‐19 restriction on metabolic syndrome in primary hypertension
Authors: Leventoğlu Emre , Pekçetin Şişik Pelin , Çelik İsmail Eray , Büyükkaragöz Bahar
Published: January 2022

Background

Primary hypertension (HT) has been increasingly reported in parallel to the increase in the prevalence of obesity in children, both of which are important components of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of COVID‐19 restrictions, which are believed to induce lifestyle changes and physical inactivity, on the parameters of metabolic syndrome in children with primary hypertension.

Methods

This was an observational, pre‐post study conducted on pediatric patients with primary HT. The first phase of the study was the period prior to when COVID‐19 restrictions were put in place in Turkey, and the second phase was up to the date when the restrictions were lifted. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, laboratory tests, and hypertensive‐mediated organ damage at both phases of the study were compared.

Results

Severe restrictions due to the COVID‐19 pandemic were associated with an increase in mean ± standard deviation body mass index (BMI) (26.4 ± 7.3 vs. 27.2 ± 7.1, P = 0.002), antihypertensive drug use (n = 53 (57.6%) vs. n = 59 (64.1%), P < 0.0001), fasting blood glucose level (89.4 ± 12.6 vs. 94.1 ± 14.2, P = 0.013), and a borderline elevation in total cholesterol (21 [22.8%] vs. 28 [30.4%], P < 0.0001). These increases negatively affected end organs, with an increased frequency of interventricular septum hypertrophy (n = 12 [13%] vs. n = 17 [18.5%], P = 0.031).

Conclusions

COVID‐19 restrictions were associated with an increased risk of parameters associated with metabolic syndrome in patients with primary hypertension. Physicians should carefully monitor the weight, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose level, and total cholesterol levels in patients during periods of movement/activity restrictions such as during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Etiology and outcome of acute recurrent pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Getsuwan Songpon , Tanpowpong Pornthep , Lertudomphonwanit Chatmanee , Junhasavasdikul Thitiporn , Tim‐Aroon Thipwimol , Treepongkaruna Suporn
Published: January 2022

Background

Owing to the lack of data, we aimed to determine the etiology and outcome of acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children in Southeast Asia.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at a university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. We included patients aged <18 years who were diagnosed with pancreatitis from 2000 to 2021.

Results

Among 155 patients with pancreatitis, 21 (13.5%) were diagnosed with either ARP (n = 7) or CP (n = 14). Clinical manifestations of CP included chronic abdominal pain (n = 10, 71.4%), steatorrhea (n = 8, 57.1%), and diabetes mellitus (n = 1, 7.1%). Positive radiological findings compatible with CP were detected from an abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in 70%, 90.9%, and 92.9% of patients, respectively. Genetic, metabolic, and pancreaticobiliary causes were the major causes of ARP/CP (23.8% each) and the etiologies were unidentified in one‐fifth of the patients. Patients with metabolic diseases who had AP were at‐risk of developing ARP (hazards ratio [HR], 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–13.9). Children with ARP or CP were younger than those with AP (P = 0.04). Approximately two‐thirds of patients with CP had growth faltering and they had more episodes of hospitalization due to acute attacks when compared to patients with ARP ( 4 [interquartile range [IQR], 3–6] vs. 3 [IQR, 2–3]; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Genetic, metabolic, and pancreaticobiliary diseases were the common etiologies of ARP and CP among children living in a developing country in Southeast Asia. The burden of CP included malnutrition and frequent hospitalization. The findings emphasize the importance of an early etiological diagnosis and monitoring for pancreatic insufficiency in ARP/CP.
Mixed‐methods evaluation of a continuing education approach to improving district hospital care for children in Lao PDR
Authors: Safe Marianne , Wittick Penelope , Philaketh Khammanh , Manivong Amphayvanh , Gray Amy
Published: January 2022

Objective

To understand the impact of a multifaceted intervention on improving acute hospital care provided to children in two district hospitals in northern Lao PDR.

Methods

We developed a continuing education intervention, which integrated separate program content using a common pool of facilitators and low‐fidelity simulation scenarios. Coaching was delivered over one year through two‐day hospital visits to each hospital six to eight weeks apart with visits incorporating feedback. A comparative case study was conducted between two hospital sites. Medical record abstraction from inpatient cases was performed at each visit. Focus groups and interviews with staff were conducted to understand perceived changes to case management.

Results

Inpatient case management scores showed incremental improvement over time, from 50% at baseline to 80% at the end of one year at Hospital A and 52% to 97% at Hospital B. The key themes that emerged from the qualitative data from both hospitals were the value of the educational method and increased belief in capability. Hospital B showed more incremental and sustained improvement. Qualitative data revealed that the directors of Hospital B demonstrated modelling and behavioural reinforcement.

Conclusion

Improving the quality of care in low‐resource settings is feasible. A hands‐on practical approach with repeated coaching visits reinforced by feedback can lead to behaviour change. Optimal impact requires harnessing leadership and motivation for change among health workers.
Efficacy and safety of triple therapy versus dual therapy for lymphatic filariasis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abuelazm Mohamed T. , Abdelazeem Basel , Badr Helmy , Gamal Mohamed , Ashraf Mohamed , Abd‐elsalam Sherief
Published: January 2022

Objective

Lymphatic filariasis is a serious public health issue. Recent studies showed that a single dosage of triple therapy (Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazepine, and Albendazole) is more effective than dual therapy (Ivermectin plus Albendazole or Diethylcarbamazepine plus Albendazole) for clearing microfilaria from the blood. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of triple therapy versus dual therapy in patients infected with microfilaria and communities endemic to lymphatic filariasis.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science until 24th June 2021. We included randomized control trials that compared triple with dual therapy given to patients with lymphatic filariasis or endemic communities. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021266724).

Results

We included eight articles after the screening process. Triple therapy caused more clearance of microfilaria in the blood (RR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.02; p = 0.003), while dual therapy caused more clearance of the circulating filariae antigen in the blood (RR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.88; p = 0.0003), both 12 months after drug administration. The triple therapy had a similar adverse effect compared with the dual therapy group.

Conclusion

Based on the greater efficacy in the clearance of microfilaria and the safety of triple therapy, it constitutes a better strategy for the eradication programs of lymphatic filariasis in endemic regions. However, further studies are needed to confirm our results.
KIN3 impacts arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and promotes fungal colonisation in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Irving Thomas B. , Chakraborty Sanhita , Ivanov Sergey , Schultze Michael , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Harrison Maria J. , Ané Jean‐Michel
Published: January 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi help their host plant in the acquisition of nutrients, and this association is itself impacted by soil nutrient levels. High phosphorus levels inhibit the symbiosis, whereas high nitrogen levels enhance it. The genetic mechanisms regulating the symbiosis in response to soil nutrients are poorly understood. Here, we characterised the symbiotic phenotypes in four Medicago truncatula Tnt1‐insertion mutants affected in arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation. We located their Tnt1 insertions and identified alleles for two genes known to be involved in mycorrhization, RAM1 and KIN3. We compared the effects of the kin3‐2 and ram1‐4 mutations on gene expression, revealing that the two genes alter the expression of overlapping but not identical gene sets, suggesting that RAM1 acts upstream of KIN3. Additionally, KIN3 appears to be involved in the suppression of plant defences in response to the fungal symbiont. KIN3 is located on the endoplasmic reticulum of arbuscule‐containing cortical cells, and kin3‐2 mutants plants hosted significantly fewer arbuscules than the wild type. KIN3 plays an essential role in the symbiotic response to soil nitrogen levels, as, contrary to wild‐type plants, the kin3‐2 mutant did not exhibit increased root colonisation under high nitrogen.
A Study of a Pendulum-Like Vibration Isolator With Quasi-Zero-Stiffness
Authors: Tian Yishen , Cao Dengqing , Wang Yan , Tang Jie , Jiang Bolong
Published: January 2022

This article introduces a pendulum element to a 3-spring vibration isolator to achieve a high-static-low-dynamic (HSLD) stiffness or even quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) around the equilibrium position. The model is first established, the equilibrium point is derived and the optimal stiffness ratio of this novel system at the equilibrium position is also obtained. Numerical simulation is given and the harmonic balance method (HBM) is used to obtain time responses for analysis. Effects of different parameters on the isolation performance are studied and summarized. Approximation force and displacement transmissibility of the system are calculated to evaluate the isolation performance. Comparisons are made with those of an equivalent linear isolator and the typical 1 degree-of-freedom (DOF) QZS isolator. Results show that the novel vibration isolator performs better than existing isolators under selected parameters. The left bent backbone of the novel isolator demonstrates evident softening geometric nonlinearity. Therefore, it achieves a wider frequency range of isolation than the linear 1DOF isolator and typical 3-spring QZS isolator. Moreover, the transmissibility of the novel isolator is smaller at higher frequencies as the jump phenomenon occurs on the left.
A Fuel Optimization Method for the Pursuer in the Spacecraft Pursuit-Evasion Game
Authors: Wang Qi-shuai , Li Pei , Lei Ting , Liu Xiao-feng , Cai Guo-ping
Published: January 2022

The fuel optimization of the spacecraft is significant for its service life. In this paper, a fuel optimization method is proposed to solve the fuel optimization problem of the pursuer in the spacecraft pursuit-evasion game (SPE game). This method first takes both the magnitude and direction of the pursuer's thrust as the control variables to be optimized, then models the fuel optimization problem as a two-player zero-sum differential game whose payoff function is the fuel consumption of the pursuer, and finally obtains the optimal control strategy of the pursuer by solving the saddle point of the differential game. Considering that the solving of the saddle point usually leads to the solving of a high-dimensional (12-dimensional in this paper) two-point boundary value problem (TPBVP), which is very challenging, the proposed method adopts a dimension-reduction algorithm which can simplify the TPBVP to the solving of a four-dimensional nonlinear equations and a terminal constraint, and then presents an hybrid numerical algorithm combining the particle swarm optimization algorithm and the Powell algorithm to solve the nonlinear equations and terminal constraint. The simulation results show that the proposed method can achieve the fuel optimization of the pursuer in the SPE game and is robust to the orbital altitude, the initial relative state between the pursuer and evader and the magnitude of the evader's thrust.
Microscale to Macroscale—Extending Microscale Enhancement Techniques to Large-Scale Boiling Equipment
Authors: Kandlikar Satish G.
Published: January 2022

Boiling is a multiscale phenomenon. Nucleation and rapid bubble growth at the heated wall provide a highly localized mechanism for heat transfer to the surrounding liquid. The liquid–vapor interface of the growing bubble supplies latent heat needed to evaporate the liquid and sustain the bubble activity. Although the boiling process is efficient in removing large amounts of heat, further improvements are needed to increase the critical heat flux (CHF) as well as heat transfer coefficient (HTC) in many applications. Recent developments in enhancing boiling heat transfer have mainly focused on small-scale heaters, typically on the order of a centimeter, that are particularly relevant in electronics cooling application. Many of these developments are based on fundamental understanding of the microscale processes of bubble nucleation, bubble growth and removal from the heater surface, and supply of liquid to the active nucleation sites. Some of these microscale enhancement techniques have set new records in heat dissipation (both CHF and HTC). This paper explores the potential of these microscale enhancement techniques in large-scale boiling equipment, such as boilers, reboilers, and evaporators in power generation, refrigeration, air conditioning, cryogenic, desalination, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and other industries. Implementation of the microscale enhancement technologies in macroscale boiling equipment will provide the next level of energy efficiency and energy savings in the face of climate change and environmental concerns.
A listening experiment comparing the timbre of two Stradivari with other violins
Authors: Rozzi Carlo Andrea , Voltini Alessandro , Antonacci Fabio , Nucci Massimo , Grassi Massimo
Published: January 2022

The violins of Stradivari are recognized worldwide as an excellence in craftsmanship, a model for instrument makers, and an unachievable desire for collectors and players. However, despite the myth surrounding these instruments, blindfolded players tendentially prefer to play modern violins. Here, we present a double blind listening experiment aimed at analyzing and comparatively rating the sound timbre of violins. The mythic instruments were listened to among other well regarded and not so well regarded violins. 70 listeners (violin makers of the Cremona area) rated the timbre difference between the simple musical scales played on a test and a reference violin, and the results showed that their preference converged on one particular Stradivari. The acoustical measurements revealed some similarities between the subjective ratings and the physical characteristics of the violins. It is speculated that the myth of Stradivari could have been boosted, among other factors, by the specimens of tonal superior quality, which biased favourably the judgment on his instruments and spread on all of the maker's production. These results contribute to the understanding of the timbre of violins and suggest the characteristics that are in a relationship with the pleasantness of the timbre.
Acute multidrug delivery via a wearable bioreactor facilitates long-term limb regeneration and functional recovery in adult
Xenopus laevis
Authors: Murugan Nirosha J. , Vigran Hannah J. , Miller Kelsie A. , Golding Annie , Pham Quang L. , Sperry Megan M. , Rasmussen-Ivey Cody , Kane Anna W. , Kaplan David L. , Levin Michael
Published: January 2022

Limb regeneration is a frontier in biomedical science. Identifying triggers of innate morphogenetic responses in vivo to induce the growth of healthy patterned tissue would address the needs of millions of patients, from diabetics to victims of trauma. Organisms such as
Xenopus laevis
—whose limited regenerative capacities in adulthood mirror those of humans—are important models with which to test interventions that can restore form and function. Here, we demonstrate long-term (18 months) regrowth, marked tissue repatterning, and functional restoration of an amputated
X. laevis
hindlimb following a 24-hour exposure to a multidrug, pro-regenerative treatment delivered by a wearable bioreactor. Regenerated tissues composed of skin, bone, vasculature, and nerves significantly exceeded the complexity and sensorimotor capacities of untreated and control animals’ hypomorphic spikes. RNA sequencing of early tissue buds revealed activation of developmental pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, hedgehog, and Notch. These data demonstrate the successful “kickstarting” of endogenous regenerative pathways in a vertebrate model.
Catalytic resonance of ammonia synthesis by simulated dynamic ruthenium crystal strain
Authors: Wittreich Gerhard R. , Liu Shizhong , Dauenhauer Paul J. , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: January 2022

Ammonia affords dense storage for renewable energy as a fungible liquid fuel, provided it can be efficiently synthesized from hydrogen and nitrogen. In this work, the catalysis of ammonia synthesis was computationally explored beyond the Sabatier limit by dynamically straining a ruthenium crystal (±4%) at the resonant frequencies (10
2
to 10
5+
Hz) of N
2
surface dissociation and hydrogenation. Density functional theory calculations at different strain conditions indicated that the energies of NH

x

surface intermediates and transition states scale linearly, allowing the description of ammonia synthesis at a continuum of strain conditions. A microkinetic model including multiple sites and surface diffusion between step and Ru(0001) terrace sites of varying ratios for nanoparticles of differing size revealed that dynamic strain yields catalytic ammonia synthesis conversion and turnover frequency comparable to industrial reactors (400°C, 200 atm) but at lower temperature (320°C) and an order of magnitude lower pressure (20 atm).
Distinct impacts of major El Niño events on Arctic temperatures due to differences in eastern tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures
Authors: Jeong Hyein , Park Hyo-Seok , Stuecker Malte F. , Yeh Sang-Wook
Published: January 2022

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a climate mode in the tropical Pacific. The ENSO teleconnections are known to affect Arctic temperature; however, the robustness of this relationship remains debated. We find that Arctic surface temperatures during three major El Niño events are remarkably well simulated by a state-of-the-art model when nudged to the observed pantropical sea surface temperatures (SSTs). SST perturbation experiments show that the 1982–1983 warm pan-Arctic and the 1997–1998 cold pan-Arctic during winter can be explained by far eastern equatorial Pacific SSTs being higher during 1997–1998 than 1982–1983. Consistently, during the 2017–2018 La Niña, unusually low SSTs in the same region contributed to pan-Arctic warming. These pan-Arctic responses to the SSTs are realized through latent heating anomalies over the western and eastern tropical Pacific. These results highlight the importance of accurately representing SST amplitude and pattern for Arctic climate predictions.
Experimental warming reduces ecosystem resistance and resilience to severe flooding in a wetland
Authors: Sun Baoyu , Jiang Ming , Han Guangxuan , Zhang Liwen , Zhou Jian , Bian Chenyu , Du Ying , Yan Liming , Xia Jianyang
Published: January 2022

Climate warming and extreme hydrological events are threatening the sustainability of wetlands across the globe. However, whether climate warming will amplify or diminish the impact of extreme flooding on wetland ecosystems is unknown. Here, we show that climate warming significantly reduced wetland resistance and resilience to a severe flooding event via a 6-year warming experiment. We first found that warming rapidly altered plant community structure by increasing the dominance of low-canopy species. Then, we showed that warming reduced the resistance and resilience of vegetation productivity to a 72-cm flooding event. Last, we detected slower postflooding carbon processes, such as gross ecosystem productivity, soil respiration, and soil methane emission, under the warming treatment. Our results demonstrate how severe flooding can destabilize wetland vegetation structure and ecosystem function under climate warming. These findings indicate an enhanced footprint of extreme hydrological events in wetland ecosystems in a warmer climate.
Autonomous robotic surgery makes light work of anastomosis
Authors: De Momi Elena , Segato Alice
Published: January 2022

An autonomous robotic laparoscopic surgical technique is capable of tracking tissue motion and offers consistency in suturing for the anastomosis of the small bowel.
An aluminum hydroxide:CpG adjuvant enhances protection elicited by a SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain vaccine in aged mice
Authors: Nanishi Etsuro , Borriello Francesco , O’Meara Timothy R. , McGrath Marisa E. , Saito Yoshine , Haupt Robert E. , Seo Hyuk-Soo , van Haren Simon D. , Cavazzoni Cecilia B. , Brook Byron , Barman Soumik , Chen Jing , Diray-Arce Joann , Doss-Gollin Simon , De Leon Maria , Prevost-Reilly Alejandra , Chew Katherine , Menon Manisha , Song Kijun , Xu Andrew Z. , Caradonna Timothy M. , Feldman Jared , Hauser Blake M. , Schmidt Aaron G. , Sherman Amy C. , Baden Lindsey R. , Ernst Robert K. , Dillen Carly , Weston Stuart M. , Johnson Robert M. , Hammond Holly L. , Mayer Romana , Burke Allen , Bottazzi Maria E. , Hotez Peter J. , Strych Ulrich , Chang Aiquan , Yu Jingyou , Sage Peter T. , Barouch Dan H. , Dhe-Paganon Sirano , Zanoni Ivan , Ozonoff Al , Frieman Matthew B. , Levy Ofer , Dowling David J.
Published: January 2022

Global deployment of vaccines that can provide protection across several age groups is still urgently needed to end the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Although vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 based on mRNA and adenoviral vector technologies have been rapidly developed, additional practical and scalable SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are required to meet global demand. Protein subunit vaccines formulated with appropriate adjuvants represent an approach to address this urgent need. The receptor binding domain (RBD) is a key target of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies but is poorly immunogenic. We therefore compared pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonists alone or formulated with aluminum hydroxide (AH) and benchmarked them against AS01B and AS03-like emulsion-based adjuvants for their potential to enhance RBD immunogenicity in young and aged mice. We found that an AH and CpG adjuvant formulation (AH:CpG) produced an 80-fold increase in anti-RBD neutralizing antibody titers in both age groups relative to AH alone and protected aged mice from the SARS-CoV-2 challenge. The AH:CpG-adjuvanted RBD vaccine elicited neutralizing antibodies against both wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and the B.1.351 (beta) variant at serum concentrations comparable to those induced by the licensed Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. AH:CpG induced similar cytokine and chemokine gene enrichment patterns in the draining lymph nodes of both young adult and aged mice and enhanced cytokine and chemokine production in human mononuclear cells of younger and older adults. These data support further development of AH:CpG-adjuvanted RBD as an affordable vaccine that may be effective across multiple age groups.
Comparison of Six Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases from
Thermothielavioides terrestris
Shows That Functional Variation Underlies the Multiplicity of LPMO Genes in Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Tõlgo Monika , Hegnar Olav A. , Østby Heidi , Várnai Anikó , Vilaplana Francisco , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Olsson Lisbeth
Published: January 2022

The discovery of LPMOs in 2010 has revolutionized the industrial biotechnology field, mainly by increasing the efficiency of cellulolytic enzyme cocktails. Nonetheless, the biological purpose of the multiplicity of LPMO-encoding genes in filamentous fungi has remained an open question.
Synergistic Effects of 3-Nitrooxypropanol with Fumarate in the Regulation of Propionate Formation and Methanogenesis in Dairy Cows
In Vitro
Authors: Liu Zihao , Wang Kun , Nan Xuemei , Cai Meng , Yang Liang , Xiong Benhai , Zhao Yiguang
Published: January 2022

The global problem of climate change and the greenhouse effect has become increasingly severe, and the abatement of greenhouse gases has received great attention from the international community. Methane produced by ruminants during digestion not only aggravates the greenhouse effect but also causes a waste of feed energy.
Adenovirus-α-Defensin Complexes Induce NLRP3-Associated Maturation of Human Phagocytes via Toll-Like Receptor 4 Engagement
Authors: Eichholz Karsten , Tran Tuan Hiep , Chéneau Coraline , Tran Thi Thu Phuong , Paris Océane , Pugniere Martine , Kremer Eric J.
Published: January 2022

This study examines the interactions between danger-associated molecular patterns and human adenoviruses, and their impact on vaccines. HAdVs and HNP-1 can interact, and these interactions will modify the response of antigen-presenting cells, which will influence vaccine efficacy.
SAKrificing an Essential Stress-Sensing Pathway Improves Aspergillus fumigatus Germination
Authors: Hérivaux Anaïs , Goldman Gustavo H. , Papon Nicolas
Published: January 2022

Fungal infections represent a major problem in human health. This is particularly the case of infections caused by the filamentous fungus
Aspergillus fumigatus
, affecting millions of people worldwide.
Identification of the Extracytoplasmic Function σ Factor σ
P
Regulon in Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Ho Theresa D. , Nauta Kelsie M. , Luhmann Emma K. , Radoshevich Lilliana , Ellermeier Craig D.
Published: January 2022

Antimicrobial resistance is major concern for public health. β-Lactams remain an important treatment option for many diseases. However, the spread of β-lactam resistance continues to rise.
Lipidomics Analysis of Outer Membrane Vesicles and Elucidation of the Inositol Phosphoceramide Biosynthetic Pathway in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
Authors: Sartorio Mariana G. , Valguarnera Ezequiel , Hsu Fong-Fu , Feldman Mario F.
Published: January 2022

Sphingolipids are essential membrane lipid components found in eukaryotes that are also involved in cell signaling processes. Although rare in bacteria, sphingolipids are produced by members of the phylum “
Bacteroidetes
,” human gut commensals. Here, we determined that OMVs carry sphingolipids and other lipids of known signaling function. Our results demonstrate that the
BT1522–1526
operon is required for IPC biosynthesis in
B. thetaiotaomicron
.
Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL106 Isolated from Tibetan Pigs on Probiotic Potential and Intestinal Microbes in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Du Haitao , Yao Wangyuan , Kulyar Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam , Ding Yanmei , Zhu Huaisen , Pan Huachun , Li Kewei , Bhutta Zeeshan Ahmad , Liu Suozhu , Li Jiakui
Published: January 2022

Antibiotics are often used to promote animal growth and prevent diarrhea in weanling piglets. Nevertheless, intestinal pathogenic bacterial resistance and drug residues caused by antibiotic overuse are worthy of concern and demand an urgent solution.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
TL106 has been isolated from cold- and disease-resistant Tibetan pigs in Linzhi, Tibet.
Uncovering the treatable burden of severe aortic stenosis in the UK
Authors: Strange Geoffrey A , Stewart Simon , Curzen Nick , Ray Simon , Kendall Simon , Braidley Peter , Pearce Keith , Pessotto Renzo , Playford David , Gray Huon H
Published: January 2022

Objective

To estimate the population prevalence and treatable burden of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in the UK.

Methods

We adapted a contemporary model of the population profile of symptomatic and asymptomatic severe AS in Europe and North America to estimate the number of people aged ≥55 years in the UK who might benefit from surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Results

With a point prevalence of 1.48%, we estimate that 291 448 men and women aged ≥55 years in the UK had severe AS in 2019. Of these, 68.3% (199 059, 95% CI 1 77 201 to 221 355 people) would have been symptomatic and, therefore, more readily treated according to their surgical risk profile; the remaining 31.7% of cases (92 389, 95% CI 70 093 to 144 247) being asymptomatic. Based on historical patterns of intervention, 58.4% (116 251, 95% CI 106 895 to 1 25 606) of the 199 059 symptomatic cases would qualify for SAVR, with 7208 (95% CI 7091 to 7234) being assessed as being in a high, preoperative surgical risk category. Among the remaining 41.6% (82 809, 95% CI 73 453 to 92 164) of cases potentially unsuitable for SAVR, an estimated 61.7% (51 093, 95% CI 34 780 to 67 655) might be suitable for TAVI. We estimate that 172 859 out of 291 448 prevalent cases of severe AS (59.3%) will subsequently die within 5 years without proactive management.

Conclusions

These data suggest a high burden of severe AS in the UK requiring surgical or transcatheter intervention that challenges the ongoing capacity of the National Health Service to meet the needs of those affected.
Accessory phase perspectives for ore-forming processes and magmatic sulphide exploration in the Labrador Trough, northern Quebec, Canada
Authors: Smith W.D. , Maier W.D. , Andersen J.C.Ø. , Muir D.D. , Mansur E.T. , Bliss I.
Published: January 2022

The compositions of resistant indicator minerals are diagnostic of their original host environment. They may be used to fingerprint different types of mineral deposit as well as vector towards them. We have characterised the composition of apatite and Fe–Ti oxides in variably mineralised mafic–ultramafic rock units of the Montagnais Sill Complex in the Labrador Trough to assess their suitability for vectoring towards magmatic sulphide occurrences. Two broad types of apatite were identified: (i) fluoro- to hydroxy-apatite (Cl/(Cl+F) < 0.2); and (ii) chloro- to hydroxy-apatite (Cl/(Cl+F) > 0.5). The former reflects variable degrees of degassing and Cl loss during Rayleigh fractionation and is not indicative of Ni–Cu mineralisation or host rock. The latter exists only in sulphidic olivine cumulate units and thus may be used to vector towards similar rock types in the Labrador Trough. Ilmenite is the dominant oxide, except for the upper parts of differentiated gabbroic sills in which titanomagnetite is dominant. Magnetite occurs only as a secondary phase in serpentinised olivine cumulates and is not discriminative for magmatic sulphides. Ilmenite and titanomagnetite in the sulphidic olivine-bearing units have characteristically high Mg (∼1000–10 000 ppm), Cr (∼100–1000 ppm), and Ni (∼10–1000 ppm) concentrations relative to those from other rock units. Their composition is consistent with Fe–Ti oxides derived from evolved sulphide melts in ultramafic-hosted Ni–Cu–(PGE) sulphide deposits and thus may be used to vector towards similar magmatic sulphide occurrences in the Labrador Trough.
Soil carbohydrate and aggregation as affected by carbohydrate composition of paper mill biosolids
Authors: Gagnon Bernard , Ziadi Noura
Published: January 2022

Paper mill biosolids (PB) are recognized as a valuable source of carbon for the physical improvement of arable soils. However, little is known about the composition of carbohydrates of these materials and their breakdown in soil, which contributes to soil structural stability. The objectives of this study were to characterize the carbohydrates in PB and to determine under controlled conditions and in the field the soil carbohydrate content and water-stable aggregation. The field experiment consisted of PB applied every year (2000–2008) at 0, 30, and 60 Mg wet weight·ha−1 to annual row crops with soils collected after 3, 6, and 9 yr. The other experiment consisted of PB added at 50 Mg wet weight·ha−1 to two soils, a clay and a sandy loam, and incubated at 25 °C and 60% water-filled pore space for 16 wk. The PB differed in their content in galactose, mannose, and arabinose for total fraction and sum of carbohydrates for water-soluble fraction. In the field, repeated annual PB application increased most of soil total carbohydrates (sum and individuals) after 3 yr and the proportion of >1 mm stable aggregates. The incubation study confirmed results obtained in the field, where the PB richest in carbohydrates induced the highest increases in soil total carbohydrates in both soil types. Soil total and microbial (galactose and mannose)-derived carbohydrates were closely correlated with the percentage of large aggregates, while with water-soluble carbohydrates, they are highly correlated to the amount of microbial carbohydrates applied, thus further contributing to improve soil C quality.
The antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticle (Ag0) and silver oxide (Ag2O) in PLAPBS-D (polylactic acid-polybuthylene succinate-diatomite) green composites
Authors: Hamdiani Saprini , Shih Yeng-Fong
Published: January 2022

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of silver nanoparticles (Ag0-NPs) and silver oxide (Ag2O) as antibacterial agents against E. coli bacteria in PLA/PBS-D matrix. In addition, 10% of diatomite (D) was added to be the absorbent for Ag0-NPs. Synthesis of composites PLA/PBS-10D-Ag0NPs-1% and PLA/PBS-10D-Ag2O-1%-GPTS-3% was carried out where 3-glycidyloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTS) was used as the compatibilizer. The resulting composites were analyzed by IR, XRD, hardness, impact, tensile strength, and thermal properties. The antibacterial agent was obtained from Ag0-NPs, which impregnated into diatomite pores to form silver nanoparticle-diatomite (Ag0-NPsD). The XRD diffractograms showed peaks at 2[Formula: see text] 16.64[Formula: see text], 33.01[Formula: see text], 38.1[Formula: see text], and 44.38[Formula: see text] for PLA-PBS, Ag2O, and Ag0-NPs. Adding 10 phr of Ag0-NPsD, D and 3%-GPTS to the PLA-PBS system increased the hardness to 84.67 and 86.33, respectively. The impact strength of the composites increased significantly after the addition of 3% GPTS. The addition of Ag0-NPsD and 3%GPTS increased thermal properties of the composites. The antibacterial test results showed that the composite PLA/PBS-10D-Ag2O-1%-GPTS-3% was not effective as an antibacterial agent. In contrast, PLA/PBS-10D-Ag0 NPs-1% showed the ability to inhibit the E. Coli bacterial growth up to 99%. In the PLA/PBS-D system, Ag0-NPs are more effective for inhibiting the E. Coli bacterial growth than Ag2O.
An Approach of Empirical Model Uncertainty Estimation During Physical Quantities Investigation in Turning
Authors: Trajchevski Neven , Tomov Mite , Sarac Vasilija
Published: January 2022

This paper presents an approach of empirical modeling of the machining process physical quantity with measurement uncertainty parameter included in the resulting power mathematical model coefficients. The proposed approach is presented through an example of modeling of the average temperature in turning like a methodology that is under the influence of various sources of measurement errors. The uncertainty budget accounts for the sources of errors of the experimental measuring system and the cutting process itself. This approach enables estimation of the reliability of the gained mathematical models and gives the possibility of identification and lowering of the main sources of errors.
Optimistic Ranking Pessimistic Ranking and Neutral Ranking of Generalized Fuzzy Numbers Using the Integral Mean Value
Authors: Alavi Seyed Majid
Published: January 2022

Fuzzy numbers ranking methods are one of the important tools for decision-makers in real-world problems. Often fuzzy numbers may not be normal, which are called generalized fuzzy numbers (G-fuzzy numbers). In this work, a simple and efficient method is given to rank fuzzy numbers. For every given G-fuzzy number we use interval arithmetic to assign two suitable intervals that are called pessimistic and optimistic expected ranking intervals, respectively. Since a decision-maker may be optimistic, pessimistic, or neutral, we use an index to choose a point of these intervals to rank G-fuzzy numbers according to the point of view of decision-makers. In this manner, our method can be used to rank all arbitrary G-fuzzy numbers without attention to certain cases. Some examples are given to compare the proposed method with other methods.
DFSynthesizer: Dataflow-based Synthesis of Spiking Neural Networks to Neuromorphic Hardware
Authors: Song Shihao , Chong Harry , Balaji Adarsha , Das Anup , Shackleford James , Kandasamy Nagarajan
Published: January 2022

Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) are an emerging computation model that uses event-driven activation and bio-inspired learning algorithms. SNN-based machine learning programs are typically executed on tile-based neuromorphic hardware platforms, where each tile consists of a computation unit called a crossbar, which maps neurons and synapses of the program. However, synthesizing such programs on an off-the-shelf neuromorphic hardware is challenging. This is because of the inherent resource and latency limitations of the hardware, which impact both model performance, e.g., accuracy, and hardware performance, e.g., throughput. We propose DFSynthesizer, an end-to-end framework for synthesizing SNN-based machine learning programs to neuromorphic hardware. The proposed framework works in four steps. First, it analyzes a machine learning program and generates SNN workload using representative data. Second, it partitions the SNN workload and generates clusters that fit on crossbars of the target neuromorphic hardware. Third, it exploits the rich semantics of the Synchronous Dataflow Graph (SDFG) to represent a clustered SNN program, allowing for performance analysis in terms of key hardware constraints such as number of crossbars, dimension of each crossbar, buffer space on tiles, and tile communication bandwidth. Finally, it uses a novel scheduling algorithm to execute clusters on crossbars of the hardware, guaranteeing hardware performance. We evaluate DFSynthesizer with 10 commonly used machine learning programs. Our results demonstrate that DFSynthesizer provides a much tighter performance guarantee compared to current mapping approaches.
Passages
Authors: Groce Alex
Published: January 2022

Nassim Nicholas Taleb's The Black Swan and Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and the Markets are favorite books of paranoid engineers of all varieties. Taleb's Antifragile: Things that Gain from Disorder is also rightly admired, but is just slightly too recent to fall within the Passages requirement that a book be at least ten years old before you can reasonably call it a classic.
Risks to the Public
Authors: Neumann Peter G.
Published: January 2022

Edited by PGN (Risks Forum Moderator, with contribu- tions by others as indicated. Opinions are individual rather than organizational, with usual disclaimers implied. We ad- dress problems relating to software, hardware, people, and other circumstances relevant to computer systems. Ref- erences (R i j) to the online Risks Forum denote RISKS vol i number j. Cited RISKS items generally identify contributors and sources, together with URLs. Official RISKS archives are available at www.risks.org, with nice html formatting and search engine courtesy of Lindsay Mar- shall at Newcastle:; http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Risks/i.j.html (also ftp://www.sri.com/risks). CACM Inside Risks: http://www.csl.sri.com/neumann/insiderisks.html
Software Engineering and AI for Data Quality in Cyber- Physical Systems - SEA4DQ'21 Workshop Report
Authors: Nguyen Phu H. , Sen Sagar , Jourdan Nicolas , Cassoli Beatriz , Myrseth Per , Armendia Mikel , Myklebust Odd
Published: January 2022

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) have been developed in many industrial sectors and application domains in which the quality requirements of data acquired are a common factor. Data quality in CPS can deteriorate because of several factors such as sensor faults and failures due to operating in harsh and uncertain environments. How can software engineering and artificial intelligence (AI) help manage and tame data quality issues in CPS? This is the question we aimed to investigate in the SEA4DQ workshop. Emerging trends in software engineering need to take data quality management seriously as CPS are increasingly datacentric in their approach to acquiring and processing data along the edge-fog-cloud continuum. This workshop provided researchers and practitioners a forum for exchanging ideas, experiences, understanding of the problems, visions for the future, and promising solutions to the problems in data quality in CPS. Examples of topics include software/hardware architectures and frameworks for data quality management in CPS; software engineering and AI to detect anomalies in CPS data or to repair erroneous CPS data. SEA4DQ 2021, which took place on August 24th, 2021 was a satellite event of the ACM Joint European Software Engineering Conference and Symposium on the Foundations of Software Engineering (ESEC / FSE) 2021. The workshop attracted 35 international participants and was exciting with a great keynote, six excellent presentations, and concluded on a high note with a panel discussion. SEA4DQ was motivated by the common research interests from the EU projects for Zero-Defects Manufacturing such as InterQ and Dat4.Zero.
Store-n-Learn: Classification and Clustering with Hyperdimensional Computing across Flash Hierarchy
Authors: Gupta Saransh , Khaleghi Behnam , Salamat Sahand , Morris Justin , Ramkumar Ranganathan , Yu Jeffrey , Tiwari Aniket , Kang Jaeyoung , Imani Mohsen , Aksanli Baris , Rosing Tajana Šimunić
Published: January 2022

Processing large amounts of data, especially in learning algorithms, poses a challenge for current embedded computing systems.
Hyperdimensional (HD) computing (HDC)
is a brain-inspired computing paradigm that works with high-dimensional vectors called
hypervectors
. HDC replaces several complex learning computations with bitwise and simpler arithmetic operations at the expense of an increased amount of data due to mapping the data into high-dimensional space. These hypervectors, more often than not, cannot be stored in memory, resulting in long data transfers from storage. In this article, we propose Store-n-Learn, an in-storage computing solution that performs HDC classification and clustering by implementing encoding, training, retraining, and inference across the flash hierarchy. To hide the latency of training and enable efficient computation, we introduce the concept of
batching
in HDC. We also present on-chip acceleration for HDC encoding in flash planes. This enables us to exploit the high parallelism provided by the flash hierarchy and encode multiple data points in parallel in both batched and non-batched fashion. Store-n-Learn also implements a single top-level FPGA accelerator with novel implementations for HDC classification training, retraining, inference, and clustering on the encoded data. Our evaluation over 10 popular datasets shows that Store-n-Learn is on average 222× (543×) faster than CPU and 10.6× (7.3×) faster than the state-of-the-art in-storage computing solution, INSIDER for HDC classification (clustering).