bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TEMPORAL-ORIENTED MODEL OF CAUSAL RELATIONSHIP FOR CONSTRUCTING EXPLANATIONS FOR DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
Authors: Chalyi Serhii , Leshchynskyi Volodymyr
Published: September 2022

The subject of research in the article is the decision-making process in intelligent systems. The goal is to develop a model of the causal relationship between the states of the decision-making process in an intelligent information system, taking into account the temporal aspect of this process, in order to build cause-and-effect relationships between the actions of the process and further use these dependencies to form explanations for the sequence of actions to obtain a decision. The formation of causal relations between the states of the decision-making process makes it possible to substantiate the sequence of actions of this process, considering incomplete information regarding external influences on this process. Tasks: structuring the decision-making process in an intelligent information system as a specialized business process; development of a three-element model of the causal relationship between the states of the decision-making process, considering the temporal aspect of this process; substantiation of the possibility of using three-element relationships to build causal dependencies for decision making in intelligent systems. The approaches used are: the set-theoretical approach used to describe the elements of the decision-making process in intelligent systems; a logical approach that provides a representation of the relationship between the states of the decision-making process; probabilistic approach to describe the probabilistic component of the decision-making process. The following results are obtained. The decision-making process in an intelligent information system was structured as a specialized business process that, using additional information from the user, turns the input data into a result that is valuable for this user; a three-element model of the causal relationship between the states of the decision-making process is proposed, which makes it possible to take into account external influences on the process; using a probabilistic approach, the possibility of using three-element causal relations to describe the decision-making process in intelligent systems is substantiated, taking into account uncontrolled external influences. Conclusions. The scientific novelty of the obtained results is as follows. A three-element model of the causal relationship between the states of the decision-making process is proposed, based on a model of a temporal rule of the "future" type, containing a state-cause, a state-effect and an intermediate state that reflects external influences. The model makes it possible to build a base of cause-and-effect dependencies for the decision-making process in an intelligent information system, considering external influences and use these dependencies to build explanations for this process.
Calculation of the value of the functions of the complex variable with by an interval argument, we will design in the hyperbolic form
Authors: Dubnitskiy Valeriy , Kobylin Anatolii , Kobylin Oleg , Kushneruk Yuriy , Sheviakov Iurii
Published: September 2022

Information about the interval numbers presented in the classical form, the CENTER-RADIUS system and in the hyperbolic form is given. Rules for the transition from one of the forms of representation of interval numbers to others are proposed. Information is given on complex interval numbers, the real and imaginary parts of which are presented in hyperbolic form. The rules for performing basic arithmetic operations with these numbers and the calculation of interval values of power, exponential, logarithmic functions, direct and inverse trigonometric functions, direct and inverse hyperbolic functions are described. For functions of a complex variable, information about their real and imaginary parts is given. The list of functions corresponds to the functions of a complex variable included in the EXCEL system. Relationships are obtained for determining the real and imaginary parts of the secant, cosecant, tangent and cotangent functions for circular trigonometric and hyperbolic functions, which were absent in the most common reference literature. It is shown that the operations of multiplication, division and raising to an integer power are most appropriate to perform with complex interval numbers, which are defined in hyperbolic form. The operation of calculating the root of degree n from an interval complex number presented in hyperbolic form is most expediently performed using the CENTER-RADIUS system in combination with the hyperbolic form of representing the interval number. Relationships are obtained that make it possible to obtain a function of an interval complex variable equivalent to the original one and suitable for further work with complex functions and numbers presented in hyperbolic form and in the CENTER-RADIUS system. Examples illustrating the application of the proposed technique are given.
STATIC ALLOCATION METHOD IN A CLOUD ENVIRONMENT WITH A SERVICE MODEL IAAS
Authors: Petrovska Inna , Kuchuk Heorhii
Published: September 2022

The article discusses a method that allows the allocation of the required computing resources for the initial launch of a virtual host. The method is focused on the functioning of a virtual host in a cloud environment focused on the service model "Infrastructure as a Service". The subject of research is the methods of static resource allocation in cloud environments. The object of study is the process of functioning of a virtual host in a cloud environment that provides all information technology resources for it. The purpose of the study is to develop a method for the static allocation of resources in the cloud environment, focused on the features of the service model "Infrastructure as a Service". Results: An approach has been developed for carrying out the decomposition of a cloud computing environment with the IAAS service model. The analysis of existing methods of static allocation of resources has been carried out. The application of the method of analysis of hierarchies for this problem is substantiated. A step-by-step algorithm for finding the most acceptable alternative from the set proposed has been developed. An example of the application of the developed method for initializing a virtual host in a cloud environment with the IAAS service model is given. Conclusion. The proposed method makes it possible to rationally use the computing resources of the cloud environment, which uses the "Infrastructure as a Service" service model. Direction for further research. The development of this direction is the development of a method for dynamic redistribution of resources in a cloud environment with the IAAS service model.
Stock Projection Using ANFIS Method (Case Study of PT. Kalbe Farma, Tbk)
Authors: Antamil
Published: September 2022

Sepanjang tahun 2020 dunia dihadapkan pada tantangan pandemi dan resesi ekonomi. Respon market menimbulkan kekuatiran dan berbagai pertanyaan tentang masa depan pasar modal tidak terkecuali pasar saham di Indonesia. Informasi mengenai harga termasuk prediksi kedepan sangat diperlukan oleh investor ritel maupun perusahaan investasi agar dapat menentukan arah investasinya dengan return yang optimal. Dalam melakukan prediksi dipilih metode ANFIS (Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System) karena merupakan salah satu metode yang dapat digunakan untuk menganalisis data non linier masa lalu. Syarat dari pemodelan berbasis ANFIS adalah data berdasarkan input dan output. Dengan asumsi bahwa telah diperoleh data input dan output dari masa sebelumnya maka if-then rules dapat diterapkan sehingga diperoleh hasil proyeksi harga saham yang presisi
Deep Learning Estimation of the Industrial Wood Production Level with Respect to the Natural Harm Factors
Authors: Sevinç Volkan
Published: September 2022

Protection and sustainability of forest assets are possible with planned production of the forest products. Among these products, industrial wood is the most important raw material for various sectors. Thus, the estimation of the industrial wood production level is important to use this product optimally, without disturbing the balance of forest assets. This article aims to estimate the industrial wood production level based on four natural harm factors, which are forest fires, outbreaks of insects, outbreaks of diseases, and severe weather events. The estimation model was built by using a deep learning method, which is an artificial neural network model based on the multilayer perceptron architecture. The study shows that the most harmful factor decreasing the industrial wood production level is outbreaks of diseases. The second effective factor, however, appears to be severe weather events. The third and the fourth factors were determined to be outbreaks of insects and burned forest areas, respectively.
Antioxidant studies of hispolon and its derivatives.
Authors: Saka Vara Prasad , Vellapandian Chitra , Narayanaswamy Damodharan
Published: September 2022

Hispolon, a polyphenolic yellow pigment isolated from Chinese mushrooms which was synthesized by researchers and its derivatives such as monomethyl ether, pyrazole and monomethyl ether pyrazole were evaluated for their chemical stability in cell culture medium, antioxidant effect in Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) radioprotection in spleen lymphocytes. The results indicate that pyrazole derivatives were more chemically stable in cell culture medium. Further, pretreatment with hispolon and its derivatives in CHO cells showed significant inhibition in the radiation induced Reactive oxygen species (ROS) by pyrazole derivative of hispolon. Similarly, the treatment in the splenic lymphocytes showed no significant expression of antioxidant genes such as γGCL and HO-1, and also no significant radioprotection in the markers like fragmentation of DNA, and pre G1 gated cells. This may be because of the primary nature of lymphocytes with limited life span. In MMP assay hispolon pyrazole and monomethyl ether showed a significant rise indicates that these compounds are protecting through inhibition of radiation induced mitochondrial dysfunction. In conclusion, in line with the previous studies, the pyrazole derivatives of hispolon and hispolon monomethyl ether shows antioxidant and radioprotection.
Evaluation of Arsenic Pollution and Anaerobic Arsenic-metabolizing Bacteria of Lake Van, the World's Largest Soda Lake
Authors: Omeroglu Esra Ersoy , Sudagidan Mert , Ogun Erdal
Published: September 2022

Arsenic is responsible for water pollution in many places in the World and presents a serious health risk for people. Lake Van is in the position of the world's largest soda lake and there are no studies on seasonal arsenic pollution and arsenic resistant bacteria. So, it was aimed to determine arsenic amount of lake water and sediment, to isolate arsenic metabolizing anaerobic bacteria and their identification and determination of arsenic metabolism. Sampling was done from 7.5 meters to represent the four seasons. Metal contents were determined by using ICP-MS. Pure cultures were obtained using the hungate technique. Growth characteristics of the strains were determined at different conditions as well as at arsenate and arsenite concentrations. Molecular studies were also carried out for various resistance genes. Our results showed that Lake Van’s total arsenic amount changes seasonally. As a result of 16S rRNA sequencing, it was determined that the isolates were the members of 8 different genera had arsC resistance gene. In conclusion; for the sustainability of water resources, it is necessary to prevent chemical and microorganism-based pollution. It is thought that the arsenic resistant bacteria obtained as a result of this study will contribute to the solution of environmental arsenic pollution problems, as they are the first data and provide the necessary basic data for the bioremediation studies of arsenic from contaminated environmental habitat. At the same time, the first data that will contribute to the creation of the seasonal arsenic map of Lake Van are obtained.
R- and S-ketamine abrogate lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive-like behavior through microglial modulation: a differential anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic effect of the enantiomers
Authors: Filho Adriano José Maia Chaves , Lós Deniele Bezerra , Soares Michelle , Jucá Paloma Marinho , Queiroz Tatiana , Rodrigues Francisco Eliclécio , Saraiva Karina , Silva Amanda Karolina , Azul Francisco Serra , Leal Luzia Kalyne , Peixoto Christina , Macedo Danielle
Published: September 2022

Depression is a mental disorder associated with increased proinflammatory cytokines and glial activation. Ketamine (KET), a racemic mixture of the R- and S-KET enantiomers, emerged as a rapid antidepressant drug. This study aimed to investigate the microglial modulatory and synaptogenic effects of R- and S-KET in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression model. Male rats were challenged with LPS and, 24h later, received R-KET or S-KET (10 mg/kg, IP). Two h later, these animals were evaluated for depression-like behaviors and adverse psychomimetic effects. Also, BV2 microglial cultures were challenged with LPS and exposed to R- or S-KET. Both enantiomers reversed LPS-induced depression-like behaviors and increased plasma corticosterone. LPS caused intense hippocampal glial activation, demonstrated by microglial (Iba1) and astrocytic (GFAP) markers, accompanied by increased nitrite, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6, and M1 microglial phenotype markers (iNOS and CD86 mRNA). Both enantiomers attenuated Iba1 and GFAP hippocampal increase, but only S-KET induced an M2 phenotype, indicated by the higher arginase activity, IL-4, IL-10, and expression of M2a response genes (LGLAS3 and IGF-1). In the BV2 cells, S-KET increased arginase activity, IL-4, and IL-10 levels. Both enantiomers reversed the LPS-induced changes in synaptic ultrastructure and synaptosome viability, while only S-KET increased the density and the presence of mature spines in the dentate gyrus. Also, S-KET increased hippocampal BDNF maturation and boosted its secretion by BV2 microglia. Therefore, the present study demonstrated, for the first time, the unique immunomodulatory profile of S-KET, promoting a reparative M2 phenotype and protecting synaptic structures from the LPS-associated damage.
Transcriptomics unravels molecular changes associated with cilia and COVID-19 in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
Authors: Naluai Åsa Torinsson , Östensson Malin , Fowler Philippa , Abrahamsson Sanna , Andersson Björn , Lassesson Stina , Jacobsson Frida , Oscarsson Martin , Bohman Anton , Harandi Ali , Bende Mats
Published: September 2022

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a common condition where the pathogenesis is largely unknown. We measured total gene expression in nasal mucosa using RNA sequencing technology. Pathways involving “Ciliated epithelial cells” were the most differentially expressed molecular pathways when polyp mucosa and non-polyp mucosa from the same patient was compared (p = 8.5x10− 78). Natural killer T-cell (NKT) (p = 2.4x10− 45) and viral pathways were the most significant when mucosa from patients were compared with mucosa from healthy control individuals. Differentially expressed genes included LZTFL1, XCR1, IFNAR1, IFNAR2 and IL10RB, all located within the strongest genome-wide associated regions of COVID-19. Cilia of nasal epithelial cells have many functions and are likely an important entry point for viral infection. Altered expression of genes related to cilia, NKT-cells and viruses, point to the deregulation of viral defenses in nasal polyps of chronic rhinosinusitis, and may give clues to future intervention strategies.
Pig waste derived capped and non-agglomerated silver nanoparticles and its effect on pathogenic bacteria and physiological responses of fish under multiple abiotic stresses
Authors: Lamare Sowa o , Krishnani K. K. , Kumar Neeraj , Pathak Madhuri , Upadhyay Ajay , Sarkar Biplab , Chadha NK
Published: September 2022

The present study elucidates the extracellular synthesis of capped silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using pig processing waste, mainly the intestine in distilled water incubated with silver nitrate by dispensing with the addition of any capping agent and the advantage of avoiding the agglomeration and loss of nanosized characteristics of AgNPs. The synthesis of Ag-NPs was ascertained by a UV-VIS spectrophotometry of the incubated suspension of yellowish-brown at 410 nm. The Ag-NPs were further characterized using a High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM), which confirmed that the Ag-NPs were primarily spherical and had a size range of 5–100 with a maximum frequency fall within 5–30 nm. In addition, the Ag-NPs are characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), which confirmed the high stability of the Ag-NPs with a zeta potential of -32 mV. Biomolecules and biological extracts of pig waste act as biogenic reducing and capping agents. Based on the zone of inhibition achieved through the agar well diffusion method, the biosynthesis Ag-NPs showed high bactericidal properties against Aeromonas hydrophila, Edwardsiella tarda, and Micrococcus luteus. The chronic toxicity analysis of the biosynthesized Ag-NPs on Pangasianodon hypophthalmus was carried out using stress biomarkers such as an antioxidant enzyme, AChE, and metabolic enzyme activity. Chronic toxicity of synthesized Ag-NPs was found to increase with increased sub-lethal ammonia concentration and temperature. The findings of this study revealed that biosynthesis of capped and non-agglomerated Ag-NPs can be undertaken by using pig wastes for their potential application in aquaculture based on the properties observed in characterization, bactericidal activity, and physiological responses of the fish.
A strategy for evaluating antiviral resistance: Application to small molecule drugs/inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sargsyan Karen , Mazmanian Karine , Lim Carmay
Published: September 2022

Alterations in viral fitness cannot be inferred from only mutagenesis studies of an isolated viral protein. To-date, no systematic analysis has been performed to identify mutations that improve virus fitness and reduce drug efficacy. We present a generic strategy to evaluate which viral mutations will diminish drug efficacy and applied it to assess how SARS-CoV-2 evolution may affect the efficacy of current approved/candidate small-molecule antivirals for Mpro, PLpro, and RdRp. For each drug target, we determined the drug-interacting virus residues from available structures and the selection pressure of the virus residues from the SARS-CoV-2 genomes. This enabled the identification of promising drug target regions and small-molecule antivirals that the virus can develop resistance. Our strategy of utilizing sequence and structural information from genomic sequence and protein structure databanks can rapidly assess the fitness of any emerging virus variants and can aid antiviral drug design for future pathogens.
Design, structure and plasma binding of ancestral β-CoV scaffold antigens
Authors: Syren Per-Olof , Hueting David , Schriever Karen , Zuo Fanglei , Du Likun , Persson Helena , Hofström Camilla , Ohlin Mats , Wallden Karin , Hammarstrom Lennart , Marcotte Harold , Pan-Hammarstrom Qiang , Andrell Juni
Published: September 2022

The pandemic caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has had devastating consequences on global health and economy. Despite the success of vaccination campaigns emerging variants are of concern and novel viruses with the potential to drive future pandemics are circulating in nature. Development of vaccines can be challenging, as key viral protein antigens can be unstable or aggregate. In this study, we present the application of ancestral sequence reconstruction on coronavirus spike protein, resulting in stable and highly soluble ancestral scaffold antigens (AnSAs). The AnSAs interacted with plasma of patients recovered from COVID-19 but did not bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Cryo-EM analysis of the AnSAs yielded high resolution structures (2.6-2.8 Å) indicating a closed pre-fusion conformation in which all three receptor-binding domains (RBDs) are facing downwards. This captured closed state is stabilised by an intricate hydrogen bonding network mediated by well-resolved loops, both within and across monomers, tethering the N-terminal domain and RBD together, which determines their relative spatial orientation. Finally, we show how AnSAs are potent scaffolds by replacing the ancestral RBD with the Wuhan wild-type sequence, which restored ACE2 binding and increased the interaction with convalescent plasma. In contrast to rational antigen design depending on prior structural knowledge, our work highlights how stable and potentially interesting antigens can be generated using exclusively available sequence information.
Surprising effects of cascading higher order interactions
Authors: Hsieh Hsun-Yi , Vandermeer John , Perfecto Ivette
Published: September 2022

Most species are embedded in multi-interaction networks. Consequently, theories focusing on simple pair-wise interactions cannot predict ecological and/or evolutionary outcomes. This study explores how cascading higher-order interactions (HOIs) would affect the population dynamics of a focal species. Employing a system that involves a myrmecophylic beetle, a parasitic wasp that attacks the beetle, an ant, and a parasitic fly that attacks the ant, the study explores how none, one, and two HOIs affect the parasitism and the sex ratio of the beetle. We conducted mesocosm experiments to examine these HOIs on beetle survival and sex ratio and found that the 1st degree HOI does not change the beetle’s survival rate or sex ratio. However, the 2nd degree HOI significantly reduces the beetle’s survival rate and changes its sex ratio from even to strongly female-biased. We applied Bayes’ theorem to analyze the per capita survival probability of female vs. male beetles and suggested that the unexpected results might arise from complex eco-evolutionary dynamics involved with the 1st and 2nd degree HOIs. Field data suggested the HOIs significantly regulate the sex ratio of the beetle. As the same structure of HOIs appears in other systems, we believe the complexity associated with the 2nd degree HOI would be more common than known and deserve more scientific attention.
N,P-co-doped carbocatalyst from olive pomace obtained by catalytic hydrothermal carbonization for efficient dye degradation via persulfate-based advanced oxidation process
Authors: OUADRHIRI Faiçal EL , Adachi Abderrazzak , Elyemni Majda , Bayout Abdelilah , Hmamou Anouar , Bendaoud Ahmed , Lhassani Abdelhadi , Chaouch Mehdi , Oturan Mehmet Ali , Lahkimi Amal
Published: September 2022

The strategy of doping carbocatalysts with heteroatoms has proven its effectiveness in degrading organic pollutants by persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes. However, research on the effect of doping phosphorus atoms on the degradation performance remains very limited. In this work, a new N, P-doped carbocatalyst (N,P-HC) is designed by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) followed by pyrolysis at 700°C using a biowaste (olive pomace) as a carbon source to degrade organic pollutants in the presence of peroxydisulfate (PDS). The experimental results showed that N,P-HC, with its large specific surface area (871.73 m2.g-1), high N-pyridine and N-pyrrolic content as well as the existence of P-O-C and O-P-C bonds, provides high degradation performance (98% degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in 40 min with a an apparent rate constant (kapp) of 0.055 min-1 and an excellent turnover frequency (TOF) of 0.275 min-1. The quenching study revealed that singlet oxygen generation (1O2) and direct electron transfer were the main reaction ways for the non-radical pathway in the degradation of RhB. The improved catalytic efficiency can be attributed to the synergistic effect created between N and P atoms in the graphitic structure of the carbocatalyst. On the other hand, a heat treatment at 500°C of the used N,P-HC carbocatalyst allows recovery efficiently their performance. Overall, this study provided a facile and clean method for efficiently synthesizing a high-performance N,P co-doped olive pomace-based carbocatalyst for water depollution in presence of PDS.
Current status and demand of “Internet + medical” services by the elderly in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Guo Yufei , Cai Yingjie , Huang Chuhan , Tang Xu , Shi Tieying
Published: September 2022

Objective: This paper aims to analyze the current situation and demand of “Internet + medical” services of the elderly in China, and to provide a reference for helping the elderly group to better use “Internet + medical” services.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 434 elderly people using the self-made “Internet + medical” service usage questionnaire and usage demand questionnaire for the elderly.
Results: The utilization rate of “Internet + medical” service was low (31.1%). Age, education level, and personal monthly income are the factors affecting the current use of “Internet + medical”services for the elderly ( P＜0.05). The elderly have a high demand for “Internet + medical” services, with the top three ranking in demand for disease and treatment-related information (M=3.29), knowledge of health and nutrition care (M=3.28), and appointment registration (M=3.24). The relatively low demand was participation in online telemedicine treatment (M=2.71), online telemedicine consultation (M=2.75), and online prescribing (M=2.76).
Conclusion: The elderly in China to “Internet + medical” service utilization rate is low, but the use demand is higher. “Internet + medical” service in the elderly application is affected by a variety of factors. Therefore,we should increase publicity, development of aging operation platform, improve the elderly group to the use of “Internet + medical” service.
How do we monitor degraded areas recovery projects?
Authors: Torres Maria Fernanda Oliveira , Ferreira Robério Anastácio , Mendonça Fernanda Cristina Aguiar , Santos Renan Costa , Silva-Mann Renata
Published: September 2022

Areas undergoing forest restoration need to be monitored to achieve ecosystem services. This work was carried out to evaluate the establishment of the riparian forest area in the restoration process, after 18 years of intervention, through temporal analysis of the landscape, biotic and soil indicators. Moreover, a temporal analysis of the landscape, biomass and Gross Primary Production (GPP) was carried out, via geoprocessing, at five-intervals within the period from 2002 to 2020, as well as biotic indicators (seed rain, seed bank, seedlings), and edaphic indicators from 2019 to 2020. The seed rain presented 1,197 propagules, belonging to 27 different species. The soil seed bank showed higher density in the rainy season (21.3 seeds/m2), 25 seeds, seven species, and only one botanical family recorded. In the seedling bank, 1,193 seedlings were reported, belonging to 28 botanical families, in which 57% of the individuals are arboreal-shrubby of the forest. Edaphic conditions improved compared to the initial project implementation. In 2010 using the temporal analysis of the landscape, the planting area was 100% covered with dense vegetation. For biomass and the GPP is a linear increment over time. The successional stage of the area is advanced, with a significant representation of secondary and climax species. The monitoring favored understanding the dynamics of the restoration environment and conservation.
Clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats compiled through national surveillance in the United States
Authors: Liew Amanda Y. , Carpenter Ann , Moore Taylor A. , Wallace Ryan M. , Hamer Sarah A. , Hamer Gabriel L. , Fischer Rebecca S.B. , Zecca Italo B. , Davila Edward , Auckland Lisa D. , Rooney Jane A. , Killian Mary Lea , Tell Rachel M. , Rekant Steven I. , Burrell Sierra D. , Ghai Ria R. , Behravesh Casey Barton , Group* Companion Animals Working
Published: September 2022

Objective
To characterize clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals detected through both passive and active surveillance in the U.S.

Animals
204 companion animals (109 cats, 95 dogs) across 33 states with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections between March 2020 and December 2021.

Procedures
Public health officials, animal health officials, and academic researchers investigating zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 transmission events reported clinical, laboratory and epidemiological information through a standardized One Health surveillance process developed by CDC and partners.
Results
Among dogs and cats identified through passive surveillance, 94% (n=87) had reported exposure to a person with COVID-19 before infection. Clinical signs of illness were present in 74% of pets identified through passive surveillance and 27% of pets identified through active surveillance. Duration of illness in pets averaged 15 days in cats and 12 days in dogs. The average time between human and pet onset of illness was 10 days. Viral nucleic acid was first detected at 3 days post exposure in both cats and dogs. Antibodies were detected starting 5 days post exposure and titers were highest at 9 days in cats and 14 days in dogs.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Our data support that cats and dogs primarily become infected with SARS-CoV-2 following exposure to a person with COVID-19, most often their owners. Case investigation and surveillance that includes both people and animals is necessary to understand transmission dynamics and viral evolution of zoonotic diseases like SARS-CoV-2.
A Biomimetic Microfluidic Selection Platform Providing Improved Sperm Quality Metrics Compared to Swim-Up
Authors: Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi , Vasilescu Steven , Ding Lin , Parast Farin Yazdan , Nosrati Reza
Published: September 2022

Sperm Selection is an essential component of all Assisted Reproductive Treatments (ART), and is by far and large the most neglected step in the ART workflow when it comes to technological innovation. Conventional sperm selection methodologies typically produce a higher total number of sperm with variable motilities, morphologies and levels of DNA integrity; Gold-standard techniques Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC) and Swim Up (SU) have been proven to induce DNA fragmentation through the introduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during centrifugation. Here, we demonstrate a 3D printed, biologically inspired microfluidic sperm selection device (MSSP) that utilizes multiple methods to simulate a sperms journey towards selection. Sperm are first selected based on their motility and boundary following behavior, then on their expression of apoptotic markers, yielding over 68% more motile sperm than previously reported methods within a lower incidence of DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. Sperm from the MSSP also demonstrated higher motile sperm recovery after cryopreservation than SU or neat semen. Experiments were conducted side-by-side against conventional SU methods using human semen (n = 33) and showed over an 85% improvement in DNA integrity with an average 90% reduction in sperm apoptosis. These results demonstrate an easy-to-use platform for sperm selection mimicking the biological function of the female reproductive tract during conception.
Near Zero Power Smart Material that Senses, Computes, and Actuates
Authors: Alsaleem Fadi , Nikfarjam Hamed , Megdadi Mohammad , Okour Mohammad , Pourkamali Siavash
Published: September 2022

This paper presents integrated silicon-based material that can be configured to sense, perform different classification algorithms through neural computing, and produce an action signal all at the same physical layer. The algorithms will be coded in the mechanical responses of the sensing elements of multiple coupled micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) that also simultaneously capture acceleration measurements to produce an actuated signal. This all-in-one smart material consumes near zero power and runs with zero circuitry. As a demonstration, a material made of three MEMS neurons is designed and fabricated to perform successfully both simple signal classification and activity recognition problems. This smart material will enable emergent technologies such as soft robotics and wearable devices to locally perform complex computations powered by permanent batteries.
Regions of high biodiversity value preserve Nature's Contributions to People under climate change
Authors: Cimatti Marta , Chaplin-Kramer Rebecca , Marco Moreno Di
Published: September 2022

Increasing human pressures are driving a global loss of biodiversity and Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP). Here, we estimated how preserving regions of high biodiversity value could reduce the risk of diminishing the provision of NCP. We analysed the impact of four different scenarios of climate change on the regulation of air quality (NCP3), climate (NCP4) and freshwater quantity (NCP6). For each indicator, we evaluated whether risk from environmental change is higher or lower within high biodiversity value regions, compared to control areas. We find higher present and future NCP levels within biodiversity regions, for all indicators. Moreover, air quality and climate regulation indicators will have higher values within biodiversity regions than outside, especially under higher emission scenarios. Understanding the spatial relationship between NCP and biodiversity, and their potential conservation synergies, is essential for sustaining human well-being and securing Earth’s life support systems. Identifying the relative contribution of high biodiversity areas to NCP provision reveals potential synergies between multiple SDGs are substantial.
Approximation-free design for distributed formation tracking of networked uncertain underactuated surface vessels under fully-quantized environment
Authors: Yoo Sung Jin , Park Bong Seok
Published: September 2022

Distributed formation tracking results have been studied in the literature for networked underactuated surface vessels (NUSVs) at the dynamic level. The distributed formation tracker design of NUSVs under fully-quantized environment remains an open problem. This paper provides a solution to this problem in the low-complexity prescribed performance control framework without the help of any adaptive approximation tools. State variables and underactuated control inputs of followers are quantized and communicated under a directed network. Distributed formation controllers using quantized state feedback signals are constructed for NUSV followers. The design conditions that lead to establishing prescribed performance of local tracking errors in the presence of state and input quantization are newly derived via distributed quantization errors. It is shown from the recursive analysis of closed-loop quantization errors that although all states and inputs of followers and the communicated position information under a directed network are quantized, the prescribed performance of the presented formation system is ensured.
Revealing measurement-induced phase transitions by pre-selection
Authors: Buchhold Michael , Mueller Thomas , Diehl Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Pushing forward the understanding of general non-unitary dynamics in controlled quantum platforms has been fueled by the recent discovery of measurement-induced phases and phase transitions. So far, these transi- tions remained largely elusive, since they are masked in standard quantum mechanical observables due to the randomness of measurement outcomes. Here, we establish a general scheme – pre-selection – to make them observable: The outcome randomness is broken explicitly by steering the system towards a representative state, which corresponds to one out of exponentially many possible measurement outcomes. Remarkably, this steer- ing can be chosen so gently that the basic properties of the underlying measurement-induced transition, such as entanglement structure and critical exponents, are not modified. Pre-selection introduces a unique dark or absorbing state with macroscopic order, replacing the maximally mixed stationary state of the unconditioned measurement trajectory ensemble. This creates a link of measurement-induced phase transitions to new forms of quantum absorbing state transitions, which can be detected by standard means via a local order parameter. This insight further enables a quantum simulation strategy, determining the underlying universality class in state-of-the-art quantum platforms without measurement readout.
Obesity at age 20 and weight gain during adulthood increase risk of total and premature all-cause mortality: Findings from women attending breast screening in Manchester
Authors: Pegington Mary , Harvie Michelle , Harkness Elaine F , Brentnall Adam , Malcomson Lee , Southworth Jake , Fox Jill , Howell Anthony , Cuzick Jack , Evans D Gareth
Published: September 2022

Background
Obesity in early adulthood is associated with lower breast cancer rates in later life. We examined the association between both obesity in early adulthood and body mass index (BMI) change through adulthood, and all-cause mortality.
Methods
The Predicting Risk of Cancer At Screening (PROCAS) study recruited 57 902 women aged 46-73y (median age 57.2, IQR 51.8–63.7 years) from the Greater Manchester NHS breast screening programme between 2009 and 2015. It was used to assess associations between BMI at 20y and cohort entry with all-cause mortality ascertained via deaths recorded on the National Breast Screening System to June 2020. Hazard ratios were estimated using proportional hazards (Cox) regression adjusted for factors at entry to the cohort: age, deprivation, bilateral oophorectomy, hormone-replacement therapy, menopausal status, ethnicity, alcohol intake, physical activity, and BMI.
Results
The prevalence of overweight (25-30kg/m2) and obesity (> 30km/m2) were 10.4% and 2.5% at 20y, increasing to 35.2% and 25.9% at cohort entry. After a mean 8.7y follow-up we observed that overweight and obesity at 20y had a higher mortality rate compared with healthy weight (HRs respectively 1.27, 95%CI = 1.10–1.47; 2.11, 1.67–2.66). Women who were underweight/healthy weight at 20y and gained weight to obesity at entry had a slightly increased mortality rate compared with women who were underweight/healthy weight at both time points (HR 1.16, 95%CI = 1.02–1.32). Women with overweight or obesity at both 20y and entry had a higher mortality rate than women who were underweight/healthy weight at both points (HRs respectively 1.36, 95%CI = 1.06–1.75; 1.90, 95%CI = 1.45–2.48).
Conclusions
Women who self-reported overweight and obesity at 20y had a shorter life expectancy in this cohort of women attending breast cancer screening. Weight gain from 20y was common in this group. Girls and women should be supported to maintain a healthy weight throughout the lifespan to help increase life expectancy. Trial registration number NCT04359420, retrospectively registered 24/04/2020.
Serum Glucose and Electrolyte Levels in Children with and without Febrile Seizures: A case-control study
Authors: Mohamed Zakaria Ahmed , Tang Chunjiao , Thokerunga Erick , Jimale Ali Omar , Fatima Uroosa , Fan Jingyi
Published: September 2022

Background

Febrile seizures (FS) occur in children aged six to sixty months with a febrile illness not associated with a central nervous system infection or metabolic disorder. Risk factors include; age, history of the disease, certain vaccinations, or iron and zinc deficiencies. Studies show significant hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, and hyperkalemia in children with febrile seizures. Similarly cerebrospinal fluid hyperglycemia is common in febrile convulsions. This study aimed to retrospectively assess the relationship between febrile seizures, and electrolyte & glucose imbalance among children with fever, and also compare the annual trends of febrile seizure-related admissions pre and post Covid 19 pandemic.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted from January 2018 to January 2022 at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China. 876 children aged 6 to 60 months were divided into 438 cases with febrile seizures (cases) and 438 with fever but without seizures (controls). Serum glucose and electrolyte levels at the time of hospitalization as well as age, gender, birth weight, gestational age, temperature, and causes of fever, in both groups were retrieved, analyzed and compared.

Results

Febrile seizures admissions among children aged 6-60 months was significantly reduced to less than 23.4% during the Covid-19 pandemic. Children with febrile seizures had significantly higher serum glucose levels than those with fever but without seizures (P < 0.001). The serum sodium levels of children with seizures were significantly lower than those without seizures (P < 0.001). Sodium levels were significantly lower among children with complex seizures (P=0.018). There was no significant difference in the serum electrolyte levels of potassium and calcium between the cases and controls (p>0.05). A binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between glucose and sodium levels and febrile seizures (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The study found that admission rates for febrile seizures decreased during Covid-19 and higher glucose or lower sodium levels are risk factors for febrile seizures.
Isolation and genomic characterization of metal-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia SRM01 from the marine environment
Authors: Majumdar Rikhia , Mohandass Ramya , Manickam Ranjani , Dharshini Rajathirajan Siva , Sugumar Shobana
Published: September 2022

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging global opportunistic pathogen that has been intensively studied for its antibiotic resistance and capacity to cause nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Interestingly, S. maltophilia has already been discovered to tolerate a high concentration of cadmium, selenium, and tellurium. This study showed that this bacterium could survive high doses of heavy metals in various heavy metal salt-containing nutritional media: CdCl2 up to 1 mM, Pb (NO3)2 up to 10 mM, FeSO4 up to 10 mM, CuSO4 and ZnCl2 up to 5 mM. Intriguingly, the genomic investigation performed within this study identified the probable genes involved in metal resistance. The genomic data were mapped to uncover possible metal resistance mechanisms in S. maltophilia. The entire genome length of strain SRM01 is 4,968,240 bp, with a GC content of 66%, according to the annotation processes. There were 1659 coding sequences attributed to putative proteins and 4621 coding sequences attributed to recognized functions. Various metal resistance mechanisms which encode gene clusters such as czc, cop, cus, and zur and are critical for the bacteria’s survival in hostile environments were discovered in the S. maltophilia SRM01 strain. Genomic island prediction and phylogenetic tree analysis of the genome and targeted metal resistant genes revealed that metal resistant genes could be transferred by horizontal gene transfer across the species of S. maltophilia.
Inhibition of salt inducible kinase 2 expression by N1-guanyl-1,7-diamineoheptane suppresses nuclear localization of γ-tubulin and phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (Ser 65)
Authors: Park Jong Hwan , Lee Grace Kelly , Kim Hae-Yeong
Published: September 2022

Background: Salt inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) is a serine / threonine kinase belonging to the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) hypusine promotes translation of polyproline motifs. Here, we report the attenuated protein level of SIK2 containing a proline repeat motif (carboxyl-terminal domain; 823-PPPPPPPPPP-832) when ES2 cells are treated with the eIF5A hypusination inhibitor N1-guanyl-1,7-diamineoheptane (GC7).
Methods and Results: Analysis of GC7’s effects using western blotting and dual luciferase assay showed a significant decrease in the activity of SIK2 proline repeat motif-luciferase reporter upon a decrease in the eIF5A hypusine level in a GC7 dose-dependent manner. Cell survival analysis using MTT assay revealed that 5~50 μM GC7 treatment had no significant effect on the viability of ovarian cancer cells. Based on pull-down experiments, we identified 4E-BP1 (or p4E-BP1, Ser 65) as a binding partner of SIK2 and revealed that the interaction between SIK2 and p4E-BP1 (Ser 65) is inhibited by GC7 or SIK2 siRNA. Immunofluorescence and functional studies (cell migration and clonogenic assay) revealed that inhibition of the SIK2/p4E-BP1 (Ser 65) pathway by GC7 treatment reduced the nuclear localization of γ-tubulin / p4E-BP1 (Ser 65), migration, and clonogenicity, just as it was decreased by SIK2 or 4E-BP1 gene silencing. Immunohistochemical staining showed that expression of p4E-BP1 (Ser 65) was higher in ovarian high-grade serous tumor tissue than in normal tissue.
Conclusions: Inhibition of the oncogenic role of SIK2-mediated p4E-BP1 (Ser 65) through eIF5A-hypusin inhibition by GC7 has the potential to be a promising therapeutic target for suppression of various cancers, including ovarian cancer.
Psychometrics of the Chinese Version of the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO-CH)
Authors: Wang Yang , Li Zirong , Zhong Jie
Published: September 2022

Background
The psychodynamic concept of personality organization was originally proposed by Kernberg that measures personality pathology from a dimensional approach, which can be evaluated by the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO) from six domains (i.e., Identity, Object Relations, Primitive Defenses, Coping vs Rigidity, Aggression, and Moral Values). The present study developed and revised the Chinese version of STIPO (STIPO-CH) and evaluated its psychometrics.
Methods
STIPO-CH was administered to 49 participants from a community sample. They also completed the Chinese version of the Inventory of Personality Organization and The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory to evaluate criterion-related reliability. An exploratory factor analysis was carried out to explore the structure of STIPO-CH and its internal consistency. Interrater reliability was assessed with intraclass correlations.
Results
Interrater reliability (intraclass correlations) ranged from 0.98 to 0.99. After deleting 22 items, results suggested acceptable to good internal consistency for Identity, Object Relations, and Moral Values. Correlations between STIPO-CH domains and self-report questionnaires indicated acceptable to good construct validity and criterion-related validity.
Conclusions
Overall, STIPO-CH demonstrates promising psychometrics to be applied in research and clinical settings. Future research is recommended since this research may be limited by the size and variability of the sample.