bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Final report on supplementary comparison COOMET.PR-S7: Laser power responsivity (COOMET 599/RU/13)
Authors: Moskalyuk Sergey A , Liberman Anatoly A , Hadler Joshua , Williams Paul
Published: November 2021

Main text

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), USA and the All-Russian Research Institute for Optical and Physical Measurements (VNIIOFI), Russia agreed in February 2013 to conduct a comparison on the laser power responsivity at wavelengths of 532 nm, 1.064 μm and 10.6 μm. The aim of this comparison is to assess the equivalence of the laser power responsivity between two laboratories. The comparison was conducted within the COOMET regional metrological organization (COOMET 599/RU/13) and was registered in the BIPM Key Comparison DataBase as a supplementary comparison with the identifier COOMET.PR-S7. The comparison was carried out using one detector head for measuring laser power. The detector head was supplied by VNIIOFI (OPHIR 10A). The results of this comparison essentially demonstrated agreement between the results obtained at the two participating laboratories.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCPR, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Observations of a falling ladder
Authors: Cross Rod
Published: November 2021

Experimental measurements are presented on a falling ladder, supported at the top end by a vertical wall and at the bottom end by a horizontal floor. The results are compared with theoretical calculations assuming different coefficients of sliding friction with the wall and the floor. The coefficients were measured independently by allowing the ladder to fall on each surface without support at the top end. The problem can be simplified for students using approximate solutions, and is closely analogous to the case of a rod or pencil that falls from a near vertical position without a restraining wall.
C-doping anisotropy effects on borophene electronic transport
Authors: Cabral Tadeu Luiz Gomes , de Miranda Lucas Thiago Siqueira , de Melo Rodrigues Debora Carvalho , de Souza Fábio A L , Scopel Wanderlã L , Amorim Rodrigo G
Published: November 2021

The electronic transport anisotropy for different C-doped borophene polymorphs (β
12 and χ
3) was investigated theoretically combining density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green’s function. The energetic stability analysis reveals that B atoms replaced by C is more energetically favorable for χ
3 phase. We also verify a directional character of the electronic band structure on C-doped borophene for both phases. Simulated scanning tunneling microscopy and also total density of charge confirm the directional character of the bonds. The zero bias transmission for β
12 phase at E − E
F = 0 shows that C-doping induces a local current confinement along the lines of doped sites. The I–V curves show that C-doping leads to an anisotropy amplification in the β
12 than in the χ
3. The possibility of confining the electronic current at an specific region of the C-doped systems, along with the different adsorption features of the doped sites, poses them as promising candidates to highly sensitive and selective gas sensors.
Optical conductivities in triple fermions with different monopole charges
Authors: Chen G , Wang C M
Published: November 2021

We investigate the linear optical conductivities of the newly-discovered triple-component semimetals. Due to the exactly flat band, the optical conductivity relates to the transition between the zero band and the conduction band directly reflecting the band structure of the conduction electrons in contrast to the other materials. For the low-energy models with various monopole charges, the diagonal conductivities show strong anisotropy. The ω-dependence of interband conductivities for a general low-energy model is deduced. The real part of the interband σ

xx
always linearly depends on the optical frequency, while the one of σ

zz
is proportional to ω
2/n−1. This can be a unique fingerprint of the monopole charge. For the lattice models, there also exists the optical anomalous Hall conductivity, where a sign change may appear. The characteristic frequencies of the kink structures are calculated, strictly. Our work will help us to establish the basic picture of linear optical response in topological triple-component semimetals and identify them from other materials.
Incrementally accumulated holographic SDP characteristic fusion method in ship propulsion shaft bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Song Xuewei , Liao Zhiqiang , Wang Hongfeng , Song Weiwei , Chen Peng
Published: November 2021

To improve the accuracy of the fault diagnosis of a ship propulsion shaft bearing in a harsh working environment, a visual diagnosis method based on the incrementally accumulated holographic symmetrical dot pattern (SDP) characteristic fusion method is proposed in this research. The current study simultaneously extracts the time- and frequency-domain characteristic parameters of a vibration signal based on the incremental accumulation method to avoid the inconspicuous difference and small discrimination generated by a single parameter. Subsequently, the extracted characteristic signals are transformed into a 2D image based on the SDP method to enhance the differences between signals. Eventually, bearing fault is diagnosed based on the similarity recognition method. Simulation and engineering experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively diagnose the ship propulsion shaft bearing fault diagnosis.
Ni/Ni3Al interface-dominated nanoindentation deformation and pop-in events
Authors: Zhou Jinjie , He Yingle , Shen Jinchuan , Essa F A , Yu Jingui
Published: November 2021

Nickel-based single crystal alloys have excellent mechanical properties due to its unique two-phase structure and interface. Therefore, molecular dynamics methods were used to simulate nanoindentation and microstructural evolution. We found the indenter reaction force and hardness of the Ni3Al phase is the largest. The pop-in event in Ni3Al phase is more obvious than that in the Ni phase and Ni/Ni3Al phase. Because lots of dislocations in the Ni3Al phase break through the barrier of the interface and cut into the Ni phase, while dislocations in the Ni phase only slip inside the Ni phase. Moreover, we found that the position of the starting point of the adhesion force recovery is mainly related to the elastic recovery of the material. The stronger the elastic recovery of the phase, the smaller the depth value corresponding to the starting point of the recovery. We further studied the variation of potential energy with indentation depth and found that the change of wave trough of the load–displacement (P–h) curve is related to stacking fault energy. This study has important theoretical guiding significance for the in-depth understanding and engineering application of the mechanical properties of nickel-based single crystal alloys.
Long-term corrosion protection of styrene acrylic coatings enhanced by fluorine and nitrogen co-doped graphene oxide
Authors: An Haoran , Gao Yanan , Wang Shengyuan , Liang Shuang , Wang Xin , Li Na , Sun Zhanying , Xiao Jijun , Zhao Xiongyan
Published: November 2021

Graphene materials are widely used as a physical barrier when applying anticorrosion polymer coatings due to their large surface area and layered structure. However, the electrical conductivity of intrinsic graphene can accelerate galvanic corrosion and shorten the protection period. In this work, fluorine and nitrogen co-doped graphene oxide (FNGO) was synthesized by a hydrothermal process and acted as an anticorrosion filler in waterborne styrene acrylic coatings. Styrene acrylic coatings with 0.4 wt% FNGO showed a corrosion current density that was two orders of magnitude lower than the other samples in the potential polarization test and the largest impedance modulus in the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results. The outstanding corrosion protection was attributed to the graphene acting as a physical barrier and the synergistic effect of the doped fluorine and nitrogen. In addition to the ‘labyrinth effect’ of the graphene matrix, the nitrogen atoms inserted in the graphene plane and fluorine atoms grafted on the graphene simultaneously adjusted the electrical properties of graphene, prohibiting electron transport between it and the styrene acrylic resin matrix. This result indicates that doped graphene oxide has great potential to increase the corrosion resistance of waterborne coatings.
Performance evaluation of self-healable torque transmission mechanism using phase change of low-melting-point-metal and application to robot joints
Authors: Miyake Shota , Nagahama Shunsuke , Sugano Shigeki
Published: November 2021

Self-healing properties of robots can aid in achieving a high level of motion continuity despite the absence of manual maintenance. Therefore, various studies have been conducted on self-healing materials and mechanisms to incorporate self-healing properties in robots. However, the self-healing performance of a motor rotation system, which is the power source of existing robots, has not been realized owing to the unsuitability of the self-healing method and material strength. Therefore, we propose a self-healable torque transmission mechanism using a low-melting-point metal that can be applied to transmission elements because of its strength and rigidity. Additionally, heating for self-healing can be performed without contact through induction heating. Hence, a self-healable torque transmission mechanism with a simple structure can be applied to a motor drive system where continuous rotation occurs. We evaluated the performance of the proposed mechanism experimentally by measuring the transmittable torque and the amount of energy absorbed when the torque transmission is interrupted. The results verify that the healing performance and energy absorption of the proposed mechanism remain stable, and the mechanism can heal without any performance degradation. Furthermore, the proposed mechanism was implemented in a robot to demonstrate its practical applications. It was found that this mechanism enables the robot to re-operate by self-repair even if it receives a load that can destroy the joint due to overload, and the robot’s ability to continue motion could thus be improved.
Study on interface and mechanical property of laser welding of NiTi shape memory alloy and 2A12 aluminum alloy joint with a TC4 wire
Authors: Cheng Qi , Guo Ning , Zhang Di , Fu Yunlong , Zhang Shuai , He Jinlong
Published: November 2021

2A12 aluminum alloy had the advantages of light weight and high strength. It could be used to manufacture the skin of the hypersonic aircraft. Due to the thermal deformation of fuselage and wing under long-term thermal and mechanical load, the accuracy of flight control was reduced. The shape memory effect of NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) could be used to reduce the thermal deformation by realizing the laser welding of NiTi SMA and 2A12 aluminum alloy. According to previous studies on laser welding of NiTi SMA and TC4, the tendency to crack for the welded joints could be reduced by placing the laser beam on the side of TC4. Therefore, TC4 wire was used as the filling material. As the TC4 wire was constantly sent into the molten pool to absorb laser energy, the melting amount of NiTi SMA and 2A12 aluminum alloy were reduced. It was beneficial to reduce the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds. There were mainly the fusion zone (FZ), NiTi SMA/FZ interface, and the 2A12 aluminum alloy/FZ interface in the welded joints. With the increase of laser power, the growing distance of Ti2Ni phase also increased. In addition, the Ti-Al intermetallic compounds and the fracture load of joints firstly increased and then decreased. When the laser power was high, Ni-Al intermetallic compounds increased. This caused the decrease of fracture load of welded joints. Besides, pores caused by the burning of elements in the FZ would also weaken the fracture load of welded joints. When the laser power was 2.4 kW, more Ti-Al intermetallic compounds appeared at the interface and the maximum fracture load of welded joint was 211 N mm−1. The fracture mode was intergranular brittle fracture. The heat affected zone (HAZ) with optimal mechanical properties basically retained the shape memory effect of NiTi SMA.
Searching for a promising topological Dirac nodal-line semimetal by angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Cheng Zhengwang , Hu Zhilong , Li Shaojian , Ma Xinguo , Liu Zhifeng , Wang Mei , He Jing , Zou Wei , Li Fangsen , Mao Zhiqiang , Pan Minghu
Published: November 2021

Topological semimetals, in which conduction and valence bands cross each other at either discrete points or along a closed loop with symmetry protected in the momentum space, exhibited great potential in applications of optical devices as well as heterogeneous catalysts or antiferromagnetic spintronics, especially when the crossing points/lines matches Fermi level (E
F). It is intriguing to find the ‘ideal’ topological semimetal material, in which has a band structure with Dirac band-crossing located at E
F without intersected by other extraneous bands. Here, by using angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we investigate the band structure of the so-called ‘square-net’ topological material ZrGeS. The Brillouin zone (BZ) mapping shows the Fermi surface of ZrGeS is composed by a diamond-shaped nodal line loop at the center of BZ and small electron-like Fermi pockets around X point. The Dirac nodal line band-crossing located right at E
F, and shows clearly the linear Dirac band dispersions within a large energy range >1.5 eV below E
F, without intersected with other bands. The obtained Fermi velocities and effective masses along Γ–X, Γ–M and M–X high symmetry directions were 4.5–5.9 eV Å and 0–0.50 m
e, revealing an anisotropic electronic property. Our results suggest that ZrGeS, as a promising topological nodal line semimetal, could provide a promising platform to investigate the Dirac-fermions related physics and the applications of topological devising.
Structural and magnetic variations in Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe9Ce1Al2O19 hexaferrites at different sintering temperatures
Authors: Makhdoom A R , Ranjha Qasim Ali , Ghori Ubaid-ur-Rehman , Raza Muhammad Ahsan , Raza Binish , Mazhar Muhammad Ehsan , Rao Komal Ali , Ahmed Fahim , Asif Sana Ullah , Khan Muhammad Wasim , Nisa Mehrun
Published: November 2021

M-type hexaferrites have attracted researchers due to their ordinary magnetic properties and utilization as media for magnetic recording and microwave devices. In this study, we have synthesized Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe9Ce1Al2O19 via a conventional ceramic route. The synthesized material is treated against different temperatures and investigated structurally and magnetically by using several techniques such as x-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, and VSM respectively. Morphology of samples confirms the absence of secondary phases and uniform distribution of particles. x-ray diffraction patterns confirm the formation of the pure phase of hexaferrites. Microstructural analyses show a decrease in porosity and dislocations among sintered samples. Magnetic properties for the samples show a decrease in Ms and Mr with increasing temperature from 1225 °C to 1310 °C, while coercivity shows an increase with increasing temperature and maximum coercivity is observed at 1290 °C. The trends and occurrences can be well-linked to the structural variations and sintering effects. The results suggest that material can be used in various magnetic applications such as Recording media, and memory devices.
Ten hertz bead pellet injection and laser engagement
Authors: Mori Y. , Ishii K. , Hanayama R. , Okihara S. , Kitagawa Y. , Nishimura Y. , Komeda O. , Hioki T. , Motohiro T. , Sunahara A. , Sentoku Y. , Iwamoto A. , Sakagami H. , Miura E. , Johzaki T.
Published: November 2021

A laser inertial fusion energy (IFE) reactor requires repetitive injection of fuel pellets and laser engagement to fuse fusion fuel beyond a few Hz. We demonstrate 10 Hz free-fall bead pellet injection and laser engagement with γ-ray generation. Deuterated polystyrene beads with a diameter of 1 mm were engaged by counter illuminating ultra-intense laser pulses with an intensity of 5 × 1017 W cm−2 at 10 Hz. The spatial distribution of free-fall beads was 0.86 mm in the horizontal direction and 0.18 mm in the vertical direction. The system operated for more than 5 min and 3500 beads were supplied with achieved frequencies of 2.1 Hz for illumination on the beads and 0.7 Hz for γ-ray generation; these frequencies were three times greater than with the previous 1 Hz injection system. The duration of operation was limited by the pellet supply. This injection and engagement system could be used for laser IFE research platforms.
Projection of incinerators for medical waste processing during a pandemic: a case study of COVID-19 in Jakarta Province
Authors: Aryantie M H , Widodo T , Wahyuni R , Purwanto B , Hidayat M Y
Published: November 2021

Medical waste management due to the COVID-19 pandemic is important and urgent. An approach is needed to assess the weight of medical waste and to design appropriate waste management. The research was conducted in 2020 when the pandemic was still ongoing and had not yet reached the peak of the outbreak. Thus, the analysis was built based on assumptions and available data. The research was quantitative. Data were collected digitally (by big data retrieval and web survey) on the COVID-19 referral hospitals in Jakarta Province. The results showed that before the pandemic the weight of inpatients' medical waste was 1.57 kg/bed/day, while for COVID-19 inpatients was 1.84 kg/bed/day. The last number was processed with a limited projection of Jakarta population in 2020, then tested using two scenarios. First scenario was a pandemic condition without treatment. Second scenario was a pandemic condition plus vaccinations on D11. First scenario resulted that on D75, almost all residents of Jakarta would be infected with the SARS-COV2 virus and the maximum capacity of hospital incinerators in Jakarta was reached on D11. Second scenario resulted that the plague rate is resolved so that it does not infect all residents of Jakarta, but the capacity of hospital incinerators in Jakarta is still not adequate (limit on D11). Research has implications for environmental management budget planning in dealing with infectious disease outbreaks. The research recommendation is to calculate the weight of COVID-19 medical waste according to current conditions, which includes parameters such as the maximum hospital occupancy rate and the availability of large-scale incinerators belong to third-party.
Effective removal of mercury (Hg) from sediment by acid extraction
Authors: Nugraha W C , Jeong H , Dinh Q P , Ishibashi Y , Arizono K
Published: November 2021

Mercury (Hg) is a hazardous and toxic substance that is resistant to decomposition and can accumulate in sediment and enter the living organisms via food chain. Due to the status of level mercury in Indonesia has reached the warning level, the action should be taken to avoid any negative impact on the environment and human health. The purpose of this study to developed a simple, fast, and effective sediment washing method for Hg removal using acid extraction. The results showed that pollution level of sediment in Ciujung watershed and its tributaries was high, especially the pollution of Hg and Cd, according to geoaccumulation index (I
geo) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). By the proposed method, Hg-contaminated sediment can be extracted within 21 minutes with 99.5% of extraction rate. CRM ERM CC580 (estuarine sediment) was used for validating the results. The optimal conditions such as vortex time, acid concentration, sonication time were evaluated according to analytical parameters. The method is valuable for designing a remediation protocol for sediment washing in developing countries.
Seq-SetNet: directly exploiting multiple sequence alignment for protein secondary structure prediction
Authors: Ju Fusong , Zhu Jianwei , Zhang Qi , Wei Guozheng , Sun Shiwei , Zheng Wei-Mou , Bu Dongbo
Published: November 2021

Motivation

Accurate prediction of protein structure relies heavily on exploiting multiple sequence alignment (MSA) for residue mutations and correlations as this information specifies protein tertiary structure. The widely used prediction approaches usually transform MSA into inter-mediate models, say position-specific scoring matrix or profile hidden Markov model. These inter-mediate models, however, cannot fully represent residue mutations and correlations carried by MSA; hence, an effective way to directly exploit MSAs is highly desirable.

Results

Here, we report a novel sequence set network (called Seq-SetNet) to directly and effectively exploit MSA for protein structure prediction. Seq-SetNet uses an ‘encoding and aggregation’ strategy that consists of two key elements: (i) an encoding module that takes a component homologue in MSA as input, and encodes residue mutations and correlations into context-specific features for each residue; and (ii) an aggregation module to aggregate the features extracted from all component homologues, which are further transformed into structural properties for residues of the query protein. As Seq-SetNet encodes each homologue protein individually, it could consider both insertions and deletions, as well as long-distance correlations among residues, thus representing more information than the inter-mediate models. Moreover, the encoding module automatically learns effective features and thus avoids manual feature engineering. Using symmetric aggregation functions, Seq-SetNet processes the homologue proteins as a sequence set, making its prediction results invariable to the order of these proteins. On popular benchmark sets, we demonstrated the successful application of Seq-SetNet to predict secondary structure and torsion angles of residues with improved accuracy and efficiency.

Availability and implementation

The code and datasets are available through https://github.com/fusong-ju/Seq-SetNet.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Trust and mistrust in public services for people with disabilities: Analysing the gap between the perspectives of caseworkers and disabled people in Denmark
Authors: Kohl Katrine Syppli , Amilon Anna , Olsen Leif
Published: November 2021

This article explores a zone of conflict and a demonstrable gap in perceptions of casework and public services in Denmark between service users with disabilities and caseworkers. First, based on a descriptive analysis of responses from two surveys, one of service users with disabilities (N = 1,427) and one of caseworkers from four human services departments (N = 428): the ‘Job Centre’, ‘Adult Disability’, ‘Children & Families’ and ‘Health’, we find significantly different levels of trust in the services between the two groups. Second, drawing on semi-structured interviews with service users (N = 20) and municipal caseworkers (N = 10), we explain this difference through the identification of a series of intersecting dilemmas that create barriers and conflict. Overall, a thematic analysis of the interviews shows that the trust between caseworkers and people with disabilities is influenced by a complex interplay of individual, relational, situational and organisational factors. Knowledge gained from this study will help shape municipal service provision for people with disabilities, by supplementing the experiences and perspectives of caseworkers and service users and by directing attention to core dilemmas in social work that challenge trust and service user involvement.
Cycloserine and Linezolid for Tuberculosis Meningitis: Pharmacokinetic Evidence of Potential Usefulness
Authors: Kempker Russell R , Smith Alison G C , Avaliani Teona , Gujabidze Mariam , Bakuradze Tinatin , Sabanadze Shorena , Avaliani Zaza , Collins Jeffrey M , Blumberg Henry M , Alshaer Mohammad H , Peloquin Charles A , Kipiani Maia
Published: November 2021

Background

The ability of antituberculosis drugs to cross the blood–brain barrier and reach the central nervous system is critical to their effectiveness in treating tuberculosis meningitis (TBM). We sought to fill a critical knowledge gap by providing data on the ability of new and repurposed antituberculosis drugs to penetrate into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods

We conducted a clinical pharmacology study among patients treated for TBM in Tbilisi, Georgia, from January 2019 until January 2020. Serial serum and CSF samples were collected while patients were hospitalized. CSF was collected from routine lumbar punctures with the timing of the lumbar puncture alternating between 2 and 6 hours to capture early and late CSF penetration.

Results

A total of 17 patients treated for TBM (8 with confirmed disease) were included; all received linezolid, with a subset receiving cycloserine (5), clofazimine (5), delamanid (4), and bedaquiline (2). All CSF measurements of bedaquiline (12), clofazimine (24), and delamanid (19) were below the limit of detection. The median CSF concentrations of cycloserine at 2 and 6 hours were 15.90 and 15.10 µg/mL with adjusted CSF/serum ratios of 0.52 and 0.66. CSF concentrations of linezolid were 0.90 and 3.14 µg/mL at 2 and 6 hours, with adjusted CSF/serum ratios of 0.25 and 0.59, respectively. CSF serum linezolid concentrations were not affected by rifampin coadministration.

Conclusions

Based on moderate to high CSF penetration, linezolid and cycloserine may be effective drugs for TBM treatment, whereas the utility of bedaquiline, delamanid, and clofazimine is uncertain given their low CSF penetration.
From new kid on the block to leading journal: a review and reflection on the first 20 years of the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
Authors: Fredericks Suzanne , Van Bulck Liesbet , Ski Chantal , Skibelund Anne Kathrine , Sanders Julie
Published: November 2021

Background

This year marks the 20th birthday of the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing (EJCN). The official journal of the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professionals, is now recognized as one of the leading nursing and allied professional journals.

Aims

This article reflects on the developments and impact of the journal over its 20-year lifespan.

Methods and results

We present a descriptive account of the journal from inception (2002) until present day (2021), using data provided by the EJCN editorial office and extracted from published and available information. In the last 20 years, the EJCN has published 20 volumes, 106 issues, and 1320 papers from 79 countries. The volume and quality of papers has been consistently increasing, culminating in a 2020 impact factor of 3.908, the highest in its history, ranking second for nursing science. Papers are predominantly patient focused with a range of research methods that cover an extensive range of cardiovascular conditions. Authors who contributed to the first issue continued their contribution; 293 articles in total.

Conclusion

The EJCN has evolved into a leading journal of cardiovascular care. As the journal enters its next era, with a new Editor-in-Chief, it is appropriate to have reflected on the phenomenal contribution of the outgoing Editor-in-Chief, and the editorial team, over the last 20 years.
Cell-Mediated Immune Responses After Administration of the Live or the Recombinant Zoster Vaccine: 5-Year Persistence
Authors: Johnson Michael J , Liu Cuining , Ghosh Debashis , Lang Nancy , Levin Myron J , Weinberg Adriana
Published: November 2021

We compared glycoprotein E (gE)- and varicella zoster virus (VZV)-specific Th1 immunity in 160 adults, aged 50–85 years, randomized to receive live or recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV). gE-specific responses measured by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) dual-color Fluorospot were significantly higher at all time points postimmunization in RZV recipients. VZV-specific IL-2+ memory, but not IFN-γ+ or IFN-γ+IL-2+ effector responses, were higher in RZV recipients at ≥3 months postimmunization. Only RZV recipients maintained higher postvaccination gE-specific IL-2+ and IFN-γ+ and VZV-specific IL-2+ responses for 5 years. The 5-year persistence of VZV-specific memory and gE-specific Th1 immunity may underlie superior RZV efficacy.

Clinical Trials Registration NCT02114333.
Defective Interferon-Gamma Production Is Common in Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Colombo Stefano A P , Hashad Rola , Denning David W , Kumararatne Dinakantha S , Ceron-Gutierrez Lourdes , Barcenas-Morales Gabriela , MacDonald Andrew S , Harris Chris , Doffinger Rainer , Kosmidis Chris
Published: November 2021

Background

Immune defects in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) are poorly characterized. We compared peripheral blood cytokine profiles in patients with CPA versus healthy controls and explored the relationship with disease severity.

Methods

Interferon-gamma (IFNγ), interleukin (IL)-17, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-10 were measured after in vitro stimulation of whole blood with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phytohemagglutinin, β-glucan, zymosan (ZYM), IL-12 or IL-18, and combinations. Clinical parameters and mortality were correlated with cytokine production.

Results

Cytokine profiles were evaluated in 133 patients (57.1% male, mean age 61 years). In comparison to controls, patients with CPA had significantly reduced production of IFNγ in response to stimulation with β-glucan + IL-12 (312 vs 988 pg/mL), LPS + IL-12 (252 vs 1033 pg/mL), ZYM + IL-12 (996 vs 2347 pg/mL), and IL-18 + IL-12 (7193 vs 12 330 pg/mL). Age >60 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–2.91; P = .05) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.03–2.78; P = .039) were associated with worse survival, whereas high IFNγ production in response to beta-glucan + IL-12 stimulation (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, .25–0.92; P = .026) was associated with reduced mortality.

Conclusions

Patients with CPA show impaired IFNγ production in peripheral blood in response to stimuli. Defective IFNγ production ability correlates with worse outcomes. Immunotherapy with IFNγ could be beneficial for patients showing impaired IFNγ production in CPA.
Occurrence of a plasmid co-carrying cfr(D) and poxtA2 linezolid resistance genes in Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus casseliflavus from porcine manure, Italy
Authors: Cinthi Marzia , Coccitto Sonia Nina , Fioriti Simona , Morroni Gianluca , Simoni Serena , Vignaroli Carla , Magistrali Chiara Francesca , Albini Elisa , Brenciani Andrea , Giovanetti Eleonora
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To investigate the genetic elements and the transferability of linezolid resistance genes in three enterococci co-carrying cfr(D) and poxtA2 isolates from manure of a swine farm in central Italy.

Methods

Two Enterococcus faecalis isolates and one Enterococcus casseliflavus isolate carrying both cfr(D) and poxtA genes were tested for their susceptibility to florfenicol, chloramphenicol, linezolid, tedizolid, tetracycline and vancomycin. Linezolid resistance genes transfer (filter mating), localization (S1-PFGE/hybridization), genetic elements and relatedness between isolates (WGS) were analysed.

Results

Two E. faecalis isolates and one E. casseliflavus isolate carried the cfr(D) gene and the recently described poxtA2 variant. In the three enterococci, cfr(D) and poxtA2 were co-located on a 33 480 bp plasmid, pV386, 95%–100% identical (coverage 84%) to the Tn6349 transposon of Staphylococcus aureus AOUC-0915. In all isolates, both genes also showed a chromosomal location. Same sequence identities were found from the comparison with currently known poxtA2 genetic elements. In the plasmid pV386, poxtA2 gene was not bounded by two IS1216, as described in pIB-BOL, but closely associated to the cfr(D) and fexA genes. pV386 was always transferred by filter mating to Enterococcus faecium 64/3 recipient.

Conclusions

The occurrence of the pV386 plasmid in E. faecalis and E. casseliflavus from swine manure is of great concern and highlights the need for control measures to contain its spread to other enterococcal species.
Idiopathic hypopharyngeal perforation presenting as supraglottitis and parapharyngeal abscess: case report and literature review
Authors: Woodun Heerani , Woodun Heyrumb , Sethi Neeraj , Simons Anthony
Published: November 2021

A 75-year-old healthy male reported odynophagia and severe neck pain with radiation to chest and shoulders. Cardiac causes were excluded. After re-presenting with dysphonia and complete dysphagia, he was treated for supraglottitis. Imaging showed a left parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal space abscess with mediastinal emphysema. Progressive emphysema prompted contrast swallow test followed by left neck exploration and pan-endoscopy, which confirmed mucosal hypopharyngeal perforations. Histopathology reported inflammation. Autoimmune and gastroenterological aetiologies were excluded. Following conservative management, healing was demonstrated on repeat pan-endoscopy. Two months’ follow-up imaging showed complete resolution. Spontaneous hypopharyngeal perforation, atypical of Boerrhave’s syndrome and without risk factors (iatrogenic, oesophageal disease and foreign body ingestion), is rare and often misdiagnosed, including masquerading as supraglottitis. Nasoendoscopy should be complemented by radiological imaging. Presence of deep neck space collections and surgical emphysema should prompt diagnostic pan-endoscopy. Although most rupture cases require surgery, conservative management of hypopharyngeal perforations can be considered when clinically appropriate.
Tuning the lipophilic nature of pyclen-based 90Y3+ radiopharmaceuticals for β-radiotherapy
Authors: Le Fur Mariane , Fougère Olivier , Lepareur Nicolas , Rousseaux Olivier , Tripier Raphaël , Beyler Maryline
Published: November 2021

Pyclen-dipicolinate chelates proved to be very efficient chelators for the radiolabeling with β–-emitters such as 90Y. In this study, a pyclen-dipicolinate ligand functionalized with additional C12 alkyl chains was synthesized. The radiolabeling with 90Y proved that the addition of saturated carbon chains does not affect the efficiency of the radiolabeling, whereas a notable increase in lipophilicity of the resulting 90Y radiocomplex was observed. As a result, the compound could be extracted in Lipiodol® and encapsulated in biodegrable pegylated poly(malic acid) nanoparticles demonstrating the potential of lipophilic pyclen-dipicolinate derivatives as platforms for the design of radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of liver or brain cancers by internal radiotherapy.
Reciprocal mutations of two multifunctional β-amyrin synthases fromBarbarea vulgarisshift α/β-amyrin ratios
Authors: Günther Jan , Erthmann Pernille Østerbye , Khakimov Bekzod , Bak Søren
Published: November 2021

In the wild cruciferous wintercress (Barbarea vulgaris), β-amyrin-derived saponins are involved in resistance against insect herbivores like the major agricultural pest diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). Enzymes belonging to the 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase family have been identified and characterized in B. vulgaris G-type and P-type plants that differ in their natural habitat, insect resistance and saponin content. Both G-type and P-type plants possess highly similar 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase enzymes that mainly produce β-amyrin (Barbarea vulgaris Lupeol synthase 5 G-Type; BvLUP5-G) or α-amyrin (Barbarea vulgaris Lupeol synthase 5 P-Type; BvLUP5-P), respectively. Despite the difference in product formation, the two BvLUP5 enzymes are 98% identical at the amino acid level. This provides a unique opportunity to investigate determinants of product formation, using the B. vulgaris 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase enzymes as a model for studying amino acid residues that determine differences in product formation. In this study, we identified two amino acid residues at position 121 and 735 that are responsible for the dominant changes in generated product ratios of β-amyrin and α-amyrin in both BvLUP5 enzymes. These amino acid residues have not previously been highlighted as directly involved in 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase product specificity. Our results highlight the functional diversity and promiscuity of 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase enzymes. These enzymes serve as important mediators of metabolic plasticity throughout plant evolution.
Speeding up dark matter with solar neutrinos
Authors: Zhang Yue
Published: November 2021

We present a novel mechanism of using solar neutrinos to speed up dark matter, inspired by the fact that neutrinos are the most energetic particles from the Sun with a well-understood spectrum. In a neutrino portal dark sector model, we show that dark matter with sub-GeV mass could be accelerated by pp neutrinos to velocities well above 10−3c and be capable of depositing large enough energy at direct detection experiments. A crucial ingredient of this mechanism is the dissociation of stable dark matter bound states that exist in nature. The resulting dark matter velocity distribution bears a strong resemblance in shape to the solar neutrino spectrum. As an application, we derive a leading limit on light dark matter interaction by reinterpreting a recent PICO experiment result.
Another Monoclonal Antibody Granted EUA to treat COVID-19
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: November 2021

The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization to sotrovimab for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients at increased risk for progression to severe illness.

Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody that works directly against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to block its attachment and entry into a human cell.
ICU Survivors at Increased Suicide Risk
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: November 2021

According to this study:

Survivors of critical illness, particularly those who require ICU admission, are at increased risk for subsequent suicide and self-harm.
Care and Ethics: Inseparable and Relational
Authors: Olsen Douglas P.
Published: November 2021

The background ethical dimension of care is often overlooked but always present.
Selection and Implementation of Outcome Measurements
Authors: Capili Bernadette
Published: November 2021

Editor's note: This is the fifth article in a series on clinical research by nurses. The series is designed to give nurses the knowledge and skills they need to participate in research, step by step. Each column will present the concepts that underpin evidence-based practice—from research design to data interpretation. The articles will be accompanied by a podcast offering more insight and context from the author. To see all the articles in the series, go to http://links.lww.com/AJN/A204.
Microvascular Ageing Links Metabolic Disease to Age-Related Disorders: The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Promoting Microvascular Dysfunction
Authors: Mengozzi Alessandro , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Chiriacò Martina , Masi Stefano , Virdis Agostino , Taddei Stefano
Published: November 2021

Longer life span and increased prevalence of chronic, noncommunicable, inflammatory diseases fuel cardiovascular mortality. The microcirculation is central in the cross talk between ageing, inflammation, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Microvascular dysfunction, characterized by alteration in the microvascular endothelial function and wall structure, is described in an increasing number of chronic age-associated diseases, suggesting that it might be a marker of ageing superior to chronological age. The aim of this review is to thoroughly explore the connections between microvascular dysfunction, ageing, and metabolic disorders by detailing the major role played by inflammation and oxidative stress in their evolution. Older age, hypertension, nutrient abundance, and hyperglycemia concur in the induction of a persistent low-grade inflammatory response, defined as meta-inflammation or inflammageing. This increases the local generation of reactive oxygen species that further impairs endothelial function and amplifies the local inflammatory response. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of many age-related diseases. The alterations of mitochondrial function promote irreversible modification in microvascular structure. The interest in the hypothesis of chronic inflammation at the center of the ageing process lies in its therapeutic implications. Inhibition of specific inflammatory pathways has been shown to lower the risk of many age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease. However, the whole architecture of the inflammatory response underpinning the ageing process and its impact on the burden of age-related diseases remain to be fully elucidated. Additional studies are needed to unravel the connection between these biological pathways and to address their therapeutic power in terms of cardiovascular prevention.
C1q Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Protein 1: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhang Zi-Zhen , Wang Gang , Yin Shan-Hui , Yu Xiao-Hua
Published: November 2021

Atherosclerosis serves as the pathological basis of most cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. C1q tumor necrosis factor–related protein 1 (CTRP1) is a 35-kDa glycoprotein synthesized by various tissues and cells, such as adipose tissue and macrophages. As an adiponectin paralog, CTRP1 signals through adiponectin receptor 1 and participates in a variety of pathophysiological processes. Circulating CTRP1 levels are significantly increased in patients with coronary artery disease. Importantly, CTRP1 was shown to accelerate the development of atherosclerosis by promoting vascular inflammation, macrophage foam cell formation, and endothelial barrier dysfunction. This review focused on recent advances regarding the role of CTRP1 in atherogenesis with an emphasis on its potential as a novel biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for atherosclerosis-related diseases.
Influence of Telomere Length on the Achievement of Deep Molecular Response With Imatinib in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients
Authors: Estrada Natalia , Xicoy Blanca , Beier Fabian , Garcia Olga , Morales Cristian , Boqué Concepción , Sagüés Miguel , Ventura Ferreira Mónica S. , Vallansot Rolando , Marcé Sílvia , Cabezón Marta , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Zamora Lurdes
Published: November 2021

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have dramatically changed the outcome of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and nowadays, one of the main treatment goals is the achievement of deep molecular responses (DMRs), which can eventually lead to therapy discontinuation approaches. Few biological factors at diagnosis have been associated with this level of response. Telomere length (TL) in peripheral blood cells of patients with CML has been related to disease stage, response to therapy and disease progression, but little is known about its role on DMR. In this study, we analyzed if age-adjusted TL (referred as “delta-TL”) at diagnosis of chronic phase (CP)-CML might correlate with the achievement of DMR under first-line imatinib treatment. TL from 96 CP-CML patients had been retrospectively analyzed at diagnosis by monochrome multiplex quantitative PCR. We observed that patients with longer age-adjusted telomeres at diagnosis had higher probabilities to achieve DMR with imatinib than those with shortened telomeres (P = 0.035 when delta-TL was studied as a continuous variable and P = 0.047 when categorized by the median). Moreover, patients carrying long telomeres also achieved major molecular response significantly earlier (P = 0.012). This study provides proof of concept that TL has a role in CML biology and when measured at diagnosis of CP-CML could help to identify patients likely to achieve DMR to first-line imatinib treatment.
Unambiguous detection of SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic mRNAs with single cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Cohen Phillip , DeGrace Emma J , Danziger Oded , Patel Roosheel S , Barrall Erika A , Bobrowski Tesia , Kehrer Thomas , Cupic Anastasija , Miorin Lisa , García-Sastre Adolfo , Rosenberg Brad R
Published: November 2021

Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) studies have provided critical insight into the pathogenesis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). scRNA-Seq workflows are generally designed for the detection and quantification of eukaryotic host mRNAs and not viral RNAs. Here, we compare different scRNA-Seq methods for their ability to quantify and detect SARS-CoV-2 RNAs with a focus on subgenomic mRNAs (sgmRNAs). We present a data processing strategy, single cell CoronaVirus sequencing (scCoVseq), which quantifies reads unambiguously assigned to sgmRNAs or genomic RNA (gRNA). Compared to standard 10X Genomics Chromium Next GEM Single Cell 3′ (10X 3′) and Chromium Next GEM Single Cell V(D)J (10X 5′) sequencing, we find that 10X 5′ with an extended read 1 (R1) sequencing strategy maximizes the detection of sgmRNAs by increasing the number of unambiguous reads spanning leader-sgmRNA junction sites. Using this method, we show that viral gene expression is highly correlated across cells suggesting a relatively consistent proportion of viral sgmRNA production throughout infection. Our method allows for quantification of coronavirus sgmRNA expression at single-cell resolution, and thereby supports high resolution studies of the dynamics of coronavirus RNA synthesis.
Applied tutorial for the design and fabrication of biomicrofluidic devices by resin 3D printing
Authors: Musgrove Hannah B. , Catterton Megan A. , Pompano Rebecca R.
Published: November 2021

Stereolithographic (SL) 3D printing, especially digital light processing (DLP) printing, is a promising rapid fabrication method for bio-microfluidic applications such as clinical tests, lab-on-a-chip devices, and sensor integrated devices. The benefits of 3D printing lead many to believe this fabrication method will accelerate the use of microfluidics, but there are a number of potential obstacles to overcome for bioanalytical labs to fully utilize this technology. For commercially available printing materials, this includes challenges in producing prints with the print resolution and mechanical stability required for a particular design, along with cytotoxic components within many SL resins and low optical compatibility for imaging experiments. Potential solutions to these problems are scattered throughout the literature and rarely available in head-to-head comparisons. Therefore, we present here a concise guide to the principles of resin 3D printing most relevant for fabrication of bioanalytical microfluidic devices. Intended to quickly orient labs that are new to 3D printing, the tutorial includes the results of selected systematic tests to inform resin selection, strategies for design optimization, and improvement of biocompatibility of resin 3D printed bio-microfluidic devices.