bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogels with tunable modulus regulate chondrocyte microaggregates growth for cartilage repair
Authors: Chen Jing , An Peng , Zhang Hua , Zhang Yansheng , Wei Hua , Zhou Yang , Zhu Yabin
Published: December 2021

Chondrocyte spheroids in 3D hydrogel are more beneficial to improve their survival and maintain chondrogenic phenotype comparing to dissociated chondrocytes. However, in-situ inducing cell into spheroids rather than encapsulating spheroids in a hydrogel remains a tremendous challenge because of the limitations of biochemical and viscoelastic controllability for hydrogel. Herein, a hydrogel consisting of photo-crosslinkable chitosan methacrylate (CHMA) and semi-interpenetrating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is developed as a cell-responsive matrix with controllable viscoelastic properties. The proposed CHMA-PVA precursor preferentially exhibits a weak gel-like state with a storage modulus of 16.9 Pa, loss modulus of 13.0 Pa and yielding stain of 1%, which could allow chondrocyte to vigorously move and assemble but hinder their precipitation before crosslinking. The chondrocytes could form microaggregates within 8 h in vitro and keep high viability. Moreover, subcutaneous implantation experiments demonstrate that the CHMA/PVA hydrogels are biocompatible and degrade within five weeks in vivo. The cell-free hydrogels are further placed in cylindrical cartilage defects in the rabbit femoral condyle and examined 8 weeks postoperatively. Gross, histological and immunohistochemical analyses reveal a significant acceleration for the cartilage regeneration. These findings suggest that this novel cell adhesion-responsive and histo-compatible hydrogel is promising for cartilage regeneration.
Biosensors and nanotechnology for cancer diagnosis (lung and bronchus, breast, prostate, and colon): a systematic review
Authors: Sharifianjazi Fariborz , Jafari Rad Azadeh , Bakhtiari Ameneh , Niazvand Firoozeh , Esmaeilkhanian Amirhossein , Bazli Leila , Abniki Milad , Irani Mohammad , Moghanian Amirhossein
Published: December 2021

The second cause of death in the world has been reported to be cancer, and it has been on the rise in recent years. As a result of the difficulties of cancer detection and its treatment, the survival rate of patients is unclear. The early detection of cancer is an important issue for its therapy. Cancer detection based on biomarkers may effectively enhance the early detection and subsequent treatment. Nanomaterial-based nanobiosensors for cancer biomarkers are excellent tools for the molecular detection and diagnosis of disease. This review reports the latest advancement and attainment in applying nanoparticles to the detection of cancer biomarkers. In this paper, the recent advances in the application of common nanomaterials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, Au, Ag, Pt, and Fe3O4 together with newly emerged nanoparticles such as quantum dots, upconversion nanoparticles, inorganics (ZnO, MoS2), and metal–organic frameworks for the diagnosis of biomarkers related to lung, prostate, breast, and colon cancer are highlighted. Finally, the challenges, outlook, and closing remarks are given.
Geomorphological patterns of remotely sensed methane hot spots in the Mackenzie Delta, Canada
Authors: Baskaran Latha , Elder Clayton , Bloom A Anthony , Ma Shuang , Thompson David , Miller Charles E
Published: December 2021

We studied geomorphological controls on methane (CH4) hotspots in the Mackenzie Delta region in northern Canada using airborne imaging spectroscopy collected as part of the Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment. Methane emissions hotspots were retrieved at ∼25 m2 spatial resolution from a ∼10 000 km2 NASA’s Next Generation Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer survey of the Mackenzie Delta acquired 31 July–3 August 2017. Separating the region into the permafrost plateau and the lowland delta, we refined the domain wide power law of CH4 enhancements detected as a function of distance to standing water in different ecoregions. We further studied the spatial decay of the distance to water relationship as a function of land cover across the Delta. We show that geomorphology exerts a strong control on the spatial patterns of emissions at regional to sub-regional scales: compared to methane hotspots detected in the upland, we find that methane hotspots detected in the lowland have a more gradual power law curve indicating a weaker spatial decay with respect to distance from water. Spatial decay of CH4 hotspots in uplands is more than 2.5 times stronger than in lowlands, which is due to differences in topography and geomorphological influence on hydrology. We demonstrate that while the observed spatial distributions of CH4 follow expected trends in lowlands and uplands, these quantitatively complement knowledge from conventional wetland and freshwater CH4 mapping and modeling.
Peculiarity of symmetric ring systems with double Y-junctions and the magnetic effects
Authors: Fujimoto Yukihiro , Konno Kohkichi , Nagasawa Tomoaki
Published: December 2021

We discuss quantum dynamics in the ring systems with double Y-junctions in which two arms have same length. The node of a Y-junction can be parametrized by U(3). Considering mathematically permitted junction conditions seriously, we formulate such systems by scattering matrices. We show that the symmetric ring systems, which consist of two nodes with the same parameters under the reflection symmetry, have remarkable aspects that there exist localized states inevitably, and resonant perfect transmission occurs when the wavenumber of an incoming wave coincides with that of the localized states, for any parameters of the nodes except for the extremal cases in which the absolute values of components of scattering matrices take 1. We also investigate the magnetic disturbance to the symmetric ring systems.
Stability of Arabica coffee genotype (Coffea arabica L.) against leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix)
Authors: Malau Sabam , Siagian Albiner , Sihotang Maria Rumondang
Published: December 2021

Coffee is now experiencing a serious threat from fungus Hemileia vastatrix which caused epidemic of rust disease in America, Africa, and Asia. As solution, the use of resistant cultivars is the best way. However, interaction between genotype and environment can change the rank of genotypes that shows instability of these genotypes against leaf rust. Purpose of this research was to study stability of genotypes of Arabica coffee against coffee leaf rust. A field experiment was arranged as factorial randomized complete block design with 2 factors (genotypes and climate zones) with three replication. The observed parameters were branch rust incidence, leaf rust incidence, and leaf rust severity. This research result showed significant genotype x environment interaction in all variables. Length of dry season is the most important factor affecting coffee leaf rust because it had the highest correlation coefficient with leaf rust severity (r = 0.662**). Less length of dry season should be the first criteria for selection of coffee farms. The most desired genotype was G7 which performed low leaf rust severity (7.71%) and had a stable resistance indicated by the same leaf rust severity in all environments and 6 SMg. Due to the significant interaction between genotypes and the environment, the genotype to be planted in a region must be tested in that region first.
Concept of emergency clean water infrastructure provision for minimizing potential impact of earthquake
Authors: Iradha  , Pamungkas A
Published: December 2021

Surabaya and Waru Fault lines are crossing Surabaya, causing potential earthquake of 6.0-6.9 RS. The potential Earthquake could make significant impact including a damage to clean water infrastructure which can cause in increased casualties. In 2010 Haiti Earthquake, cholera epidemic has increased the number of fatalities. Therefore, providing emergency clean water infrastructure can significantly reduce the impact of earthquake. Using content analysis and triangulation method, this research produces 33 criteria. Those criteria are set to propose a concept for providing emergency clean water infrastructure following the stages of disaster risk management. The concept consists of relevant actions to meet the criteria and indicator. During mitigation, the concept focus on mapping, inventory, and optimizing relevant program. In preparedness, the concept focus on ensuring the amount, condition, and distribution of supporting equipment for providing emergency clean water infrastructure. In emergency response, the concept focus on protecting the water sources, improving coordination in treatment and distribution process, and providing access for vulnerable group. In recovery, the concept focus on coordination between the responsible institution and affected community in decision making process.
Vulnerability assessment of public rental housing (Rusunawa) residents in facing the risk of COVID-19 transmission (Case study of Surabaya)
Authors: Septanaya I D M F , Navitas P , Yusuf M , Navastara A M , Faradisa S , Stefanugroho P K
Published: December 2021

This study focused on assessing the vulnerability of public rental housing (Rusunawa) residents facing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The level of vulnerability was measured through a Weighted Scoring Method (WSM), which considered various aspects that set Rusunawa apart, such as elderly population, occupancy rate, overcrowding, the number of confirmed positive cases in an area, access to clean water service and jobs vulnerable to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Results showed that each of the Rusunawa had different levels of vulnerability, which was categorized into 4 clusters: Most Vulnerable (Dupak Bangunrejo and Siwalankerto), Vulnerable (Wonorejo, Pesapen, Jambangan and Dukuh Menanggal), Slightly Vulnerable (Penjaringansari, Keputih and Bandarejo) and Least Vulnerable (Romokalisari, Gununganyar and Tambak Wedi). Dupak Bangunrejo Rusunawa was identified to be one of the most vulnerable Rusunawa towards COVID-19 transmission in comparison to other Rusunawa due to a high amount of older people, high occupancy rate and population density. In contrast, Siwalankerto Rusunawa was caused due to a higher amount older people in conjunction with its residents working in job sectors vulnerable to the virus and the number of confirmed COVID--19 positive case in its area.
Tectonics of Sukuh Temple as construction structure environmental response (earthquake friendly)
Authors: Darsini  , Winarto Y , Sunoko K
Published: December 2021

The large number of temples and various forms in Indonesia is a cultural and architectural heritage that is one of the identities of the archipelago. From an architectural point of view, the temple has special tectonic complexities, one of which is the Sukuh Temple. Sukuh Temple is a building with the ability of a perfect structural and construction system and has architectural metaphysical values. The building of Sukuh Temple has existed since the 15th century. This building was built to fulfill the function of worship rituals, therefore this building is sacred. This building is located in an earthquake prone area, namely on the island of Java. The resilience of Sukuh Temple over the years proves that Sukuh Temple can adapt to the environment, from this evidence the tectonics of Sukuh Temple are interesting to study. The research objective was to determine how the ancestors used tectonic science and technology to adapt to nature and the existing environment. This research uses descriptive method with a qualitative approach. data and information collection is done through field observations, in-depth interviews, and related documents. This study found that local wisdom is the main factor that makes Sukuh Temple responsive to the environment.
A model of reforming Institutional Structure to manage Open-Space in Hanoi City, Vietnam
Authors: Hung N M
Published: December 2021

A new Hanoi city had been expanded over 3,300km2, which merged the old Hanoi with Ha Tay province and parts of Vinh Phuc and Hoa Binh provinces from August 1, 2008. After more than 10 emerge years, the population in the new city has gone up to over 8,05 million people in 2020. Improving urban living environment is one of the important targets for the new Hanoi, and managing open-space (m-OS) is a key element in achieving this goal. M-OS is a crucial issue since the expansion and re-zoning of the city can increase the rate of urbanization, cause disappearance of open-space and lead to a serious deterioration of living conditions. Administratively, institutions need to be reformed to effectively manage open spaces in the expanded Hanoi and there is a need to implement specific strategies to manage these areas. This paper aims to provide a solution in managing open-spaces. A managerial model consists of regulatory simplification and adjustment, decentralization of decision-making and simplification of open-space management process. Lastly, proposing an active plan is necessary to implement such strategies successfully and ensure effective and efficient management of open-space and community participation for a mega-Hanoi.
Not just a monastery: The Đông Duong Complex of Vietnam
Authors: Son Q V , Noseworthy W B
Published: December 2021

In this article we provide a critical re-examination of the sites associated with the “Đông Duong Buddhist Monastery” of the Champā civilization in Quảng Nam province, Vietnam. We argue this re-examination is needed because contemporary understandings are based on research that is more than 100 years old. While Vietnamese language research has progressed, until now, no English language publication has provided an update on the Đông Dương complex sites, including watchtowers, a citadel, relations with nearby ports, religious sites, a production site, and funerary sites, all associated with the Indrapura polity of Champā.
The role of physical environment in increasing place attachment among public housing’s resident of Mojosongo, Surakarta
Authors: Rosalina N N , Hardiyati  , Muqoffa M
Published: December 2021

Place attachment has correlated with pro-environmental attitudes and supportive of the motivation to improve the status quo in places of residence. Most studies has focused on the natural environment in rural communities, but limited to urban physical environment such as public housing. The residents in public housing also has a very disctinct characteristics compared to landed housing. Therefore, in this paper explored the physical environment role in creating resident’s attachment to their public housing. Semi-structured interview were conducted to discover resident’s engagement in public/shared spaces in the neighborhood and how physical environment bring people in creating bond or ties to their public housing. Furthermore, field observations were used to explore the quality of those places. Result shows that potentials of environmental design for facilitating resident activities has a vital role in growing sense of responsibility and social interaction between residents. Routine activities as the source of attachment of place are essemtial to the physical environment. This willingness to engage in joint civic activities create neighborhood ties or attachment to place.
Saturable absorption and its consequent effects in bistable erbium-doped fiber ring laser
Authors: Jachpure Deeksha , Vijaya R
Published: December 2021

The linear absorption in erbium-doped fiber (EDF) contributes to its excellent role in EDF amplifiers and lasers. A nonlinear optical contribution in the absorption of EDF is responsible for optical bistable action when it is present in a laser cavity. To quantify this effect, the variation of absorption coefficient is measured at different signal powers at multiple wavelengths in the C-band for different EDF lengths, and saturable absorption parameters such as the saturation power are extracted. Then the modification in the output characteristics of EDF ring laser with change in fiber length and in the presence of self-induced saturable absorption effect within the gain medium, which leads to optical bistability, is measured. By comparing the measured parameters obtained from saturable absorption in EDF and optical bistability in EDF ring laser, we estimated the length of the gain medium which acts as the saturable absorber inside the cavity of the laser. This is useful in constructing bistable lasers with optimized conditions. The temporal evolution of cavity loss and gain with the intra-cavity power and up- and down-thresholds helps in understanding why the down-threshold will be lesser than the up-threshold in bistable laser systems.
Molecular beam epitaxial growth of Sb2Te3–Bi2Te3 lateral heterostructures
Authors: Guha Puspendu , Park Joon Young , Jo Janghyun , Chang Yunyeong , Bae Hyeonhu , Saroj Rajendra Kumar , Lee Hoonkyung , Kim Miyoung , Yi Gyu-Chul
Published: December 2021

We report on heteroepitaxial growth of Sb2Te3–Bi2Te3 lateral heterostructures using molecular beam epitaxy. The lateral heterostructures were fabricated by growing Bi2Te3 islands of hexagonal or triangular nanostructures with a typical size of several 100 nm and thickness of ∼15 nm on graphene substrates and Sb2Te3 laterally on the side facets of the nanostructures. Multiple-step processes with different growth temperatures were employed to grow the lateral heterostructures. Electron microscopy techniques indicate that the inner region is Bi2Te3 and the outer Sb2Te3 was formed laterally on the graphene in an epitaxial manner. The interface between Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 from planar and cross-sectional views was studied by the aberration-corrected (C
s-corrected) high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscope technique. The cross-sectional electron microscopy investigation shows no wetting layer of Sb2Te3 on Bi2Te3, corroborating perfect lateral heterostructure formation. In addition, we investigated the topological properties of Sb2Te3–Bi2Te3 lateral heterostructures using first-principles calculations.
Effect of nanodiamond particle sizes on damping properties of ZK60 magnesium matrix composites
Authors: Lu De Cheng , Li Jian , Li Zhuo Hua
Published: December 2021

The aim of the research is to ensure that the material has functional mechanical properties as well as high-damping value. The microstructure, elemental composition, second phase distribution and interface structure of the Mg-based composite with different particle sizes were characterized by Optical Microscope(OM), X-Ray Diffractometer(XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope(TEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). The mechanical and damping properties of the ZK60 magnesium matrix composites were investigated an Instron5982 universal tester and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The results indicate that nanodiamond(ND) can disperse well in the composites. The elastic modulus of composite can reach 9.9 GPa after reinforcement phase being added. Under certain conditions,the damping value can reach beyond 2.5 × 10–1, which is 117% of other composite. High-temperature damping depends on grain boundary slip and interface slip. The interfacial damping depends on the difference in the incoherent interface and thermal expansion coefficient between the nanodiamond and ZK60 matrix to slip and improve the damping value.
Macro-mechanical analysis of tensile strength of glass/carbon fiber reinforced plastics hybrid composites under hydrothermal environment
Authors: Zhao Xunpeng , Sun Shuangshuang , Wang Yang , Wang Xiugang
Published: December 2021

The material properties of composite materials are affected by changes in temperature and moisture. This study used the glass/carbon fiber reinforced plastic hybrid composite (G/CFRPHC) laminate as the research objects. The stiffness and strength of the composite lamina were expressed as a function of hydrothermal parameters. Based on classical lamination theory(CLT) and macro-mechanical analysis, using MATLAB programming, the tensile strength of G/CFRPHC laminates under a hydrothermal environment was studied. In addition, the influence of temperature, ply thickness, ply stacking sequence, and ply angle on the tensile strength of G/CFRPHC laminates under a hydrothermal environment was discussed. The results show that the tensile strength of G/CFRPHC laminates decreases with the increase of temperature and laying angle in the temperature range of 20 °C ∼ 110 °C in the hydrothermal environment (moisture absorption rate C
1 = 0.5%). Furthermore, for the G/CFRPHC laminates with laying modes of (02G/90mC)S, (04G/90mC)S, (06G/90mC)S, as m increases, their tensile strength gradually decreases. The tensile strength of G/CFRPHC laminates with the same ply angle but different ply stacking sequence is also not the same.
Testing the Associations Between State and Trait Anxiety, Anger, Sadness, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Whether Race Impacts These Relationships
Authors: Gavrilova Larisa , Zawadzki Matthew J
Published: December 2021

Background

Anxiety, anger, and sadness are related to elevated ambulatory blood pressure (ABP), yet it is unclear whether each emotion exerts unique effects. Moreover, an understanding of who might be most susceptible to the negative effects of these emotions is limited, with the trait tendency to experience them or one’s race as potential moderators.

Purpose

The study examined the potential for differential effects of momentary anxiety, anger, and sadness on ABP. The study assessed whether a trait tendency to experience these negative emotions and/or race (Black vs. non-Black) would moderate these relationships.

Methods

Participants (n = 153) completed trait anxiety, anger, and depressive symptoms measures at baseline. ABP was collected over two 24-hour periods 3–4 months apart. Momentary measures of anxiety, anger, and sadness were assessed via ecological momentary assessment (EMA) after each ABP reading.

Results

Momentary anxiety consistently predicted diastolic blood pressure but not systolic blood pressure. Momentary anger and sadness did not predict blood pressure (BP). Conditional effects were found with momentary anxiety and anger predicting elevated BP in those individuals with trait anxiety/anger at its mean. Trait anxiety and depression consistently predicted heightened BP in Black participants. Trait anger did not moderate the relationships between negative emotions and ABP.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that momentary anxiety and anger should be given attention as potential risk factors for hypertension and highlight the unique perspective of EMA methods. Black participants who were more anxious and depressed experienced heightened BP, with anxiety and depression providing possible intervention targets in improving racial disparities in cardiovascular health.
Developmental abnormalities of structural covariance networks of cortical thickness and surface area in autistic infants within the first 2 years
Authors: Wang Ya , Hu Dan , Wu Zhengwang , Wang Li , Huang Wenhua , Li Gang
Published: December 2021

Converging evidence supports that a collection of brain regions is functionally or anatomically abnormal in autistic subjects. Structural covariance networks (SCNs) representing patterns of coordinated regional maturation are widely used to study abnormalities associated with neurodisorders. However, the possible developmental changes of SCNs in autistic individuals during the first 2 postnatal years, which features dynamic development and can potentially serve as biomarkers, remain unexplored. To fill this gap, for the first time, SCNs of cortical thickness and surface area were constructed and investigated in infants at high familial risk for autism and typically developing infants in this study. Group differences of SCNs emerge at 12 months of age in surface area. By 24 months of age, the autism group shows significantly increased integration, decreased segregation, and decreased small-worldness, compared with controls. The SCNs of surface area are deteriorated and shifted toward randomness in autistic infants. The abnormal brain regions changed during development, and the group differences of the left lateral occipital cortex become more prominent with age. These results indicate that autism has more significant influences on coordinated development of surface area than that of cortical thickness and the occipital cortex maybe an important biomarker of autism during infancy.
Electrophysiological evidence for target facilitation without distractor suppression in two-stimulus search displays
Authors: Forschack Norman , Gundlach Christopher , Hillyard Steven , Müller Matthias M
Published: December 2021

This study used electrophysiological measures to investigate how attention is deployed to target and distractor stimuli during visual search using search displays with a small set-size. Participants viewed randomized sequences of two-item displays that consisted of either a target and a distractor (differing in color) or a pair of task-irrelevant filler stimuli having a third color, all presented in an ongoing stream of flickering gray circles. The allocation of attention was assessed by concurrent recordings of steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) elicited by the flickering displays and perturbations of the endogenous alpha rhythm following each type of display. The aim was to test a central prediction of the signal suppression hypothesis, namely that the processing of distractors will be proactively suppressed below the level of filler stimuli. Amplitude modulations of both the SSVEP and the lateralized alpha rhythm provided converging evidence against early proactive suppression of highly salient distractors. Instead, these electrophysiological measures were consistent with the view that in this type of two-stimulus search task there is an initial capture of attention by all color-change stimuli (targets, distractors, and fillers) followed by a further focusing of attention upon the target, with no evidence for suppression of the distractor.
Music-experience-related and musical-error-dependent activations in the brain
Authors: Sakai Kuniyoshi L , Oshiba Yoshiaki , Horisawa Reiya , Miyamae Takeaki , Hayano Ryugo
Published: December 2021

Although music is one of human-unique traits such as language, its neural basis for cortical organization has not been well understood. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we tested an error-detection task with different types of musical error (pitch, tempo, stress, and articulation conditions) and examined three groups of secondary school students having different levels of music experience. First, we observed distinct activation patterns under these music conditions, such that specific activations under the pitch condition were consistently replicated for all tested groups in the auditory areas, as well as in the left language areas under the articulation condition. Second, music-experience-related activations were observed in multiple regions, including the right sensorimotor area under the pitch condition, as well as in the right premotor cortex under the articulation condition. Indeed, the right homologs of the language areas were specifically activated under the stress and articulation conditions. Third, activations specific to the group with the highest proficiency in music were observed under the tempo condition mostly in the right regions. These results demonstrate the existence of music-related signatures in the brain activations, including both universal and experience-related mechanisms.
Headspace-Low Water Absorption Trap Technique: Analysis of Low-Abundance Volatile Compounds from Fresh Artemisia Annua L. with GC–MS
Authors: Liu Mengpan , Su Yue , Guo Yinlong
Published: December 2021

Conventional headspace (HS) method could not meet the requirement of analyzing low-abundance volatile compounds in high water content samples. A HS-low water absorption trap technique coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was introduced to remove the large amount of water vapor; therefore, the low-abundance volatile compounds could be detected with better analytical sensitivity. With this method, a total of 81 volatile compounds were identified from fresh Artemisia annua L. by mass spectral library search, retention index and accurate mass measurement, which could make the qualitative results more accurate and reliable. These compounds belonged to different species, including terpene, cycloparaffin, aliphatic aldehyde, aromatic ketone, aromatic aldehyde and so on. The 2,5,6-trimethyl-1,3,6-heptatriene (8.23%) was the most principal compound, followed by γ-muurolene (6.80%), β-caryophyllenea (6.24%), 1,8-cineol (5.76%), 2-carene (5.65%), borneol (5.57%), isocaryophyllene (4.91%), bornylene (4.78%), camphene (4.30%) and β-pinene (4.26%) as the main components. The results indicated that this method presents a great potential for the trace analysis of volatile compounds in complex high water content samples.
Who ‘nose’, is it the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor?: a case series of persistent nasal pruritus in heart failure patients receiving sacubitril/valsartan
Authors: Gan Jaclyn , Rheault Haunnah , Wong Yee Weng
Published: December 2021

Background

Sacubitril/valsartan is approved for the treatment of chronic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of ≤40% to decrease mortality and morbidity. Nasal pruritus is not a recognized adverse effect in the product information. In this case series, we encountered three patients who presented with nasal pruritus that improved after discontinuation of sacubitril/valsartan.

Case summary

Three patients aged 58–73 years-old presented with pruritus at the nasal septum post-initiation of sacubitril/valsartan. The pruritus did not subside despite the use of anti-histamines. Within 3–6 months, all individuals discontinued sacubitril/valsartan with complete resolution of their nasal pruritus.

Discussion

Many physicians may not aware of this unusual but reversible adverse effect of sacubitril/valsartan. Despite the positive prognostic value of sacubitril/valsartan, the constant nasal pruritus had impacted the quality of life of our patients, leading them to discontinue sacubitril/valsartan permanently.
Housing Expenditure and Income Inequality
Authors: Dustmann Christian , Fitzenberger Bernd , Zimmermann Markus
Published: December 2021

The trend of rising income inequality in Germany since the mid-1990s is strongly amplified when considering income after housing expenditure. The income share of housing expenditure rose disproportionally for the bottom income quintile and fell for the top quintile. Factors contributing to these trends include declining relative costs of homeownership versus renting, changes in household structure, declining real incomes for low-income households and residential mobility towards larger cities. Younger cohorts spend more on housing and save less than older cohorts did at the same age, which will affect future wealth accumulation, particularly at the bottom of the income distribution.
One-year performance of biorestorative polymeric coronary bypass grafts in an ovine model: correlation between early biomechanics and late serial Quantitative Flow Ratio
Authors: Wu Xinlei , Ono Masafumi , Poon Eric K W , O'Leary Neil , Torii Ryo , Janssen Johannes P , Zhu Shuang Jie , Vijgeboom Yves , El-Kurdi Mohammed S , Cox Martijn , Reinöhl Jochen , Dijkstra Jouke , Barlis Peter , Wijns William , Reiber Johan H C , Bourantas Christos V , Virmani Renu , Onuma Yoshinobu , Serruys Patrick W
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the impact of mechanical factors at baseline on the patency of a restorative conduit for coronary bypass grafts in an ovine model at serial follow-up up to 1 year.

METHODS

The analyses of 4 mechanical factors [i.e. bending angle, superficial wall strain and minimum and maximum endothelial shear stress (ESS)] were performed in 3D graft models reconstructed on baseline (1-month) angiograms frame by frame by a core laboratory blinded for the late follow-up. The late patency was documented by Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR®) that reflects the physiological status of the graft. The correlation between 4 mechanical factors and segmental QFR (△QFR) were analysed on 10 equal-length segments of each graft.

RESULTS

A total of 69 graft geometries of 7 animals were performed in the study. The highest △QFR at 12 months was colocalized in segments of the grafts with the largest bending angles at baseline. Higher △QFR at 3 months were both at the anastomotic ends and were colocalized with the highest superficial wall strain at baseline. High baseline ESS was topographically associated with higher △QFR at the latest follow-up. Correlations of minimum and maximum ESS with △QFR at 3 months were the strongest among these parameters (ρ = 0.30, 95% CI [−0.05 to 0.56] and ρ = 0.27, 95% CI [−0.05 to 0.54], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the limited number of grafts, this study suggests an association between early abnormal mechanical factors and late flow metrics of the grafts. The understanding of the mechanical characteristics could help to improve this novel conduit.
Genomic Signatures of a Major Adaptive Event in the Pathogenic Fungus Melampsora larici-populina
Authors: Persoons Antoine , Maupetit Agathe , Louet Clémentine , Andrieux Axelle , Lipzen Anna , Barry Kerrie W , Na Hyunsoo , Adam Catherine , Grigoriev Igor V , Segura Vincent , Duplessis Sébastien , Frey Pascal , Halkett Fabien , De Mita Stéphane
Published: December 2021

The recent availability of genome-wide sequencing techniques has allowed systematic screening for molecular signatures of adaptation, including in nonmodel organisms. Host–pathogen interactions constitute good models due to the strong selective pressures that they entail. We focused on an adaptive event which affected the poplar rust fungus Melampsora larici-populina when it overcame a resistance gene borne by its host, cultivated poplar. Based on 76 virulent and avirulent isolates framing narrowly the estimated date of the adaptive event, we examined the molecular signatures of selection. Using an array of genome scan methods based on different features of nucleotide diversity, we detected a single locus exhibiting a consistent pattern suggestive of a selective sweep in virulent individuals (excess of differentiation between virulent and avirulent samples, linkage disequilibrium, genotype–phenotype statistical association, and long-range haplotypes). Our study pinpoints a single gene and further a single amino acid replacement which may have allowed the adaptive event. Although our samples are nearly contemporary to the selective sweep, it does not seem to have affected genome diversity further than the immediate vicinity of the causal locus, which can be explained by a soft selective sweep (where selection acts on standing variation) and by the impact of recombination in mitigating the impact of selection. Therefore, it seems that properties of the life cycle of M. larici-populina, which entails both high genetic diversity and outbreeding, has facilitated its adaptation.
Heterogeneous Mutation Rates and Spectra in Yeast Hybrids
Authors: Fijarczyk Anna , Hénault Mathieu , Marsit Souhir , Charron Guillaume , Landry Christian R
Published: December 2021

Mutation rates and spectra vary between species and among populations. Hybridization can contribute to this variation, but its role remains poorly understood. Estimating mutation rates requires controlled conditions where the effect of natural selection can be minimized. One way to achieve this is through mutation accumulation experiments coupled with genome sequencing. Here, we investigate 400 mutation accumulation lines initiated from 11 genotypes spanning intralineage, interlineage, and interspecific crosses of the yeasts Saccharomyces paradoxus and S. cerevisiae and propagated for 770 generations. We find significant differences in mutation rates and spectra among crosses, which are not related to the level of divergence of parental strains but are specific to some genotype combinations. Differences in number of generations and departures from neutrality play a minor role, whereas polyploidy and loss of heterozygosity impact mutation rates in some of the hybrid crosses in an opposite way.
How Do the Factors Associated With Frailty Change With Sex? An Exploratory Network Analysis
Authors: da Cunha Leme Daniel Eduardo , Neri Anita Liberalesso , Fattori André
Published: December 2021

Background

It is important to study multiple social, physical, and psychosocial factors associated with frailty in populations characterized by social and health disparities, such as men and women.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional population-based study with older adults 65 years or older from the FIBRA (Frailty in Brazilian Older Adults) 2008–2009 study. We carried out a comparative analysis of the factors associated with the frailty phenotype in older men (N = 706) and women (N = 1 251) using networks based on mixed graphical models according to sex.

Results

In the male network, frailty was most strongly associated with years of schooling, overall satisfaction with life, and falls; in the female network, the syndrome was associated with satisfaction with problem-solving, depression, and diabetes in addition to years of schooling. Furthermore, permutation tests showed that the networks for males and females were statistically different in terms of their structure, the global strength of the relationships, and the strength of the relationships between frailty and diabetes; frailty and falls; frailty and depression; frailty and overall satisfaction with life; and frailty and satisfaction with problem-solving (p < .05). The walktrap network cluster detection algorithm revealed that in men, frailty was in a physical and social dimension while in women the syndrome was in a cardiometabolic and psychosocial dimension.

Conclusions

Network analysis showed that different factors are associated with frailty for each sex. The findings suggest that different strategies for dealing with frailty should be adopted for men and women so that care and prevention efforts can be directed appropriately.
Using gender analysis matrixes to integrate a gender lens into infectious diseases outbreaks research
Authors: Morgan Rosemary , Davies Sara E , Feng Huiyun , Gan Connie C R , Grépin Karen A , Harman Sophie , Herten-Crabb Asha , Smith Julia , Wenham Clare
Published: December 2021

Evidence shows that infectious disease outbreaks are not gender-neutral, meaning that women, men and gender minorities are differentially affected. This evidence affirms the need to better incorporate a gender lens into infectious disease outbreaks. Despite this evidence, there has been a historic neglect of gender-based analysis in health, including during health crises. Recognizing the lack of available evidence on gender and pandemics in early 2020 the Gender and COVID-19 project set out to use a gender analysis matrix to conduct rapid, real-time analyses while the pandemic was unfolding to examine the gendered effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This paper reports on what a gender analysis matrix is, how it can be used to systematically conduct a gender analysis, how it was implemented within the study, ways in which the findings from the matrix were applied and built upon, and challenges encountered when using the matrix methodology.
Content analysis of school websites: policies and programs to support healthy eating and the environment
Authors: Lalchandani Neha K , Crabb Shona , Miller Caroline , Hume Clare
Published: December 2021

Preschools and primary schools are important settings for the development of healthy eating habits and awareness of environmentally friendly practices. This study explored South Australian government schools’ policies and programs in relation to healthy eating and environmentally friendly aspects of food choice (such as packaging), and whether any schools approached these issues in combination. Websites of 18 government preschools and primary schools in the Greater Adelaide region, stratified by low, medium and high socioeconomic status were reviewed for publicly available policies and other relevant content. A content analysis was undertaken, with policies and programs analysed deductively and thematically. Healthy eating (n = 8) and environment (n = 3) related policies were found on preschool websites only. The main themes observed across the three categories of interest (healthy eating, environmentally friendly practices and low-waste healthy foods) included the presence/absence of formal policy, promotional strategies and implementation. Expectations of children bringing healthy ‘nude’ foods that were environmentally friendly were mentioned informally on the websites but were not part of policy documents. Policies and programs around healthy eating and environmentally friendly practices (in combination) were lacking. There is scope to address this gap to improve health and sustainable outcomes within the school environment context.
TIPE2 Promotes Tumor Initiation But Inhibits Tumor Progression in Murine Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer
Authors: Etwebi Zienab , Goldsmith Jason R , Bou-Dargham Mayassa , Tian Yuhua , Hood Ryan , Spitofsky Nina , Li Mingyue , Sun Honghong , Lou Yunwei , Liu Suxia , Lengner Christopher , Chen Youhai H
Published: December 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer in the United States, and inflammatory bowel disease patients have an increased risk of developing CRC due to chronic intestinal inflammation with it being the cause of death in 10% to 15% of inflammatory bowel disease patients. TIPE2 (TNF-alpha-induced protein 8-like 2) is a phospholipid transporter that is highly expressed in immune cells and is an important regulator of immune cell function.

Methods

The azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium murine model of colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) was employed in Tipe2 –/– and wild-type mice, along with colonoid studies, to determine the role of TIPE2 in CAC.

Results

Early on, loss of TIPE2 led to significantly less numbers of visible tumors, which was in line with its previously described role in myeloid-derived suppressor cells. However, as time went on, loss of TIPE2 promoted tumor progression, with larger tumors appearing in Tipe2 –/– mice. This was associated with increased interleukin-22/STAT3 phosphorylation signaling. Similar effects were also observed in primary colonoid cultures, together demonstrating that TIPE2 also directly regulated colonocytes in addition to immune cells.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates that TIPE2 has dual effects in CAC. In the colonocytes, it works as a tumor suppressor. However, in the immune system, TIPE2 may promote tumorigenesis through suppressor cells or inhibit it through IL-22 secretion. Going forward, this work suggests that targeting TIPE2 for CRC therapy requires cell- and pathway-specific approaches and serves as a cautionary tale for immunotherapy approaches in general in terms of colon cancer, as intestinal inflammation can both promote and inhibit cancer.
Exponential stability and L2 gain analysis of uncertain fractional reset control systems
Authors: Mohadeszadeh Milad , Pariz Naser , Ramezani-al Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2021

This paper considers the stability problem of a class of uncertain fractional reset control systems that undergo the ${L}_2$ gain performance improvement via the conformable fractional calculus. To remove the Zeno phenomenon in the system’s response, a new reset law based on the time regularization technique is designed. By developing a theory to design a new reset control, the stability of the proposed fractional order (FO) linear system with model uncertainties and bounded exogenous input is proved via an extended quadratic Lyapunov function and some efficient linear matrix inequalities. Likewise, the impulsive effect in the control input is removed by employing an appropriate low-pass filter (LPF). In the end, two numerical examples show that when the plant is modelled by the FO differential equations, by utilizing the constructive role of fractional reset controller, the robustness of FO reset system can also be attained.
Developing Global Citizens through International Studies: Enhancing Student Voices and Active Learning in Short-Term Study Abroad Courses
Authors: Reuter Tina Kempin , Moak Stacy
Published: December 2021

Educating global citizens has become part of higher education in international studies. Scholars argue that education includes having a global worldview that critically evaluates complex challenges in an ever-changing environment. Most agree that something more than classroom lecture is required to transform students’ perspectives, but debates exist about exactly what “more” means. Short-term study abroad courses have evolved as one way to offer a global experience to students, especially those who must balance work, school, and family life while also facing the economic restraints of higher education. These programs, however, have been criticized as providing little more than a voyeuristic view into the lives of others with no real experience with cultures, development of global citizenship, or true engagement with global issues. This study assesses the impact of a short-term study abroad program on students’ perceptions of their role as global citizens and identifies pedagogical tools that increase the likelihood that students will embrace global citizenship as a transformative learning experience. Using reflection papers and photo elicitation, this article shows that immersive short-term study abroad experiences that include extensive community engagement have the potential to change students’ perception of the world and the way they see their role in it.
Emigration and Political Contestation
Authors: Peters Margaret E , Miller Michael K
Published: December 2021

How does migration affect global patterns of political violence and protest? While political scientists have examined the links between trade and conflict, less attention has been paid to the links between migration and conflict. In this paper, we show that greater emigration reduces domestic political violence by providing exit opportunities for aggrieved citizens and economic benefits to those who remain. Emigration also reduces non-violent forms of political contestation, including protests and strikes, implying that high emigration rates can produce relatively quiescent populations. However, larger flows of emigrants to democracies can increase non-violent protest in autocracies, as exposure to freer countries spreads democratic norms and the tools of peaceful opposition. We use instrumental variables analysis to account for the endogeneity of migration flows and find robust results for a range of indicators of civil violence and protest from 1960 to 2010.
Susceptibility to Chlorantraniliprole in Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Populations Infesting Sweet Corn in Southern Florida
Authors: Beuzelin Julien M , Larsen Donna J , Roldán Erik L , Schwan Resende Eric
Published: December 2021

Chlorantraniliprole susceptibility was determined in diet-incorporation bioassays for six fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), populations feeding on sweet corn, Zea mays L., in southern Florida between 2017 and 2019. The LC50 and LC90 values of these populations estimated using probit analyses ranged from 0.022 to 0.084 ppm and 0.112 to 0.471 ppm, respectively. Thus, susceptibility levels among the six field populations varied, but to a relatively small extent, with approximately fourfold differences in LC50 and LC90 values between the most and least susceptible populations. These field populations were all less susceptible than a reference population maintained in the laboratory without prior exposure to chlorantraniliprole, with RR50 values between 5.3 and 20.1 and RR90 values between 14.3 and 60.3. These results suggest reduced chlorantraniliprole susceptibility in S. frugiperda populations collected in Florida sweet corn relative to a reference laboratory population. However, field experiments in 2017 and 2019 showed that foliar applications of chlorantraniliprole reduced S. frugiperda injury and infestations to levels comparable to or lower than applications of indoxacarb, novaluron, or spinetoram. This study does not provide evidence of practical resistance to chlorantraniliprole in S. frugiperda infesting Florida sweet corn fields.