bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The challenging coexistence of forest elephants Loxodonta cyclotis and timber concessions in central Africa
Authors: Scalbert Morgane , Vermeulen Cédric , Breuer Thomas , Doucet Jean‐Louis
Published: October 2022

With a drastic decrease in their populations over the last decades, forest elephants Loxodonta cyclotis are facing increasing human pressure. Their decline will have serious ecological consequences, as they are key actors in shaping ecosystems. Whilst timber concessions host many mammal species, the interactions between selective logging and forest elephants remain unclear.

Through an extensive literature review, we discussed the following: 1) the ecological and human factors that drive the distribution of forest elephants on a large scale as well as in the specific context of logged forests; 2) the contribution of forest elephants to the regeneration of timber species; and 3) the damage caused by forest elephants to timber species.

Although human activities have the greatest impact on forest elephant distribution, it is the availability of food, water, and minerals that locally determines their use of the habitat. Under specific conditions, timber concessions may host large populations of forest elephants.

As effective seed dispersers, forest elephants contribute to the regeneration of at least 41 timber species, such as Bobgunnia fistuloides (pao rosa), one of the most expensive woods on the market.

Damage caused by forest elephants is diverse and affects a wide range of species. From branch breaking to bark stripping, at least 61 timber species are used by forest elephants, and little is known about the consequences for the tree's vitality and wood quality.

The interactions between forest elephants and logging are complex and involve many variables, requiring additional research. Nevertheless, this review suggests that timber concessions constitute key areas for forest elephant conservation, provided that low‐impact logging and wildlife management are implemented.
Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of nutrition interventions at primary health care units of Ethiopia: A consolidated framework for implementation research
Authors: Endris Bilal Shikur , Fenta Esete , Getnet Yalemwork , Spigt Mark , Dinant Geert‐Jan , Gebreyesus Seifu H.
Published: October 2022

Accumulating evidence clearly shows poor implementation of nutrition interventions, in Ethiopia and other African countries, with many missed opportunities in the first 1000 days of life. Even though there are high‐impact interventions in this critical period, little is known about the barriers and facilitators influencing their implementation. This paper aims to explore barriers and facilitators for the implementation of nutrition services for small children with a focus on growth monitoring and promotion, iron‐folic acid supplementation and nutrition counselling. We conducted a qualitative study in four districts of Ethiopia. The data collection and analysis were guided by the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR). A total of 42 key informant interviews were conducted with key stakeholders and service providers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using CIFR constructs. We found that from 39 constructs of CFIR, 14 constructs influenced the implementation of nutrition interventions. Major barriers included lack of functional anthropometric equipment and high caseload (complexity), poor staff commitment and motivation (organisational incentive and reward), closed health posts (patient need and resource), false reporting (culture), lack of priority for nutrition service (relative priority), poor knowledge among service providers (knowledge and belief about the intervention) and lack of active involvement and support from leaders (leadership engagement). Adaptability and tension for change were the facilitators for the implementation of nutrition interventions. Effective implementation of nutrition interventions at primary health care units requires several actions such as improving the healthcare providers' motivation, improving leadership engagement, and creating a strong system for monitoring, supportive supervision and accountability.
Synomones in necrophagous larvae of the blow flies Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vomitoria
Authors: Fouche Quentin , Charabidze Damien , Lucas Christophe
Published: October 2022

Chemical signals are widespread in insects, but those resulting in interspecific communication (i.e., synomones) remain understudied. Here, we analysed chemicals left on substrates by two species of blow fly larvae, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) and Calliphora vomitoria (Linneaus) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), which can aggregate together on carrion. Using solid‐phase microextraction and dynamic headspace analysis, we identified six compounds common to both species: the decanoic, tetradecanoic, pentadecanoic, hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids, and the 2‐ethylhexyl salicylate. We then tested the behavioural effects of the decanoic and pentadecanoic acids using binary‐choice experiments, along with the (Z)‐9‐tricosene, a pheromone found in many arthropods. The time spent by a larva and its average crawling speed were measured in two sides of an arena, where only one contained a compound at 0.25 or 25 μg/μl. No effect was observed when testing the decanoic acid. The pentadecanoic acid only reduced the speed of C. vomitoria larvae at 25 μg/μl. Finally, L. sericata larvae spent less time in the side containing the (Z)‐9‐tricosene at 0.25 μg/μl, whereas C. vomitoria spent more time and crawled faster in this side at 25 μg/μl. Although these results did not directly evidence synomones, they suggest that the (Z)‐9‐tricosene could regulate larval aggregations on carrion.
YOUNG HANDS AT WORK. USING FINGER IMPRESSIONS TO EXPLORE THE DEMOGRAPHIC CONSTITUTION OF EARLY AND MIDDLE BRONZE AGE POTTERY‐MAKING COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE
Authors: Laing Meredith
Published: October 2022

Fingertip impressions preserved in the surface of clay artefacts can provide demographic details about the people who manufactured and decorated pottery vessels, and by extension allow exploration of the composition of communities of practice engaged in pottery manufacture. This paper describes the development of a method of measurement and analysis of fingertip impressions which were sometimes used as decorative motifs on pot surfaces. The technique can be applied to pottery from across archaeological periods; however, the research presented here focusses on communities of practice among Early and Middle Bronze Age potters of eastern England, and assessing their demographic make‐up through analysis of fingertip impressions. The preserved fingertip impressions reveal potting communities comprised children and women, but adult men were seemingly excluded, and suggest a connection between craft activity, age and sex.
Myopia: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Authors: Bullimore Mark A. , Brennan Noel A.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Myopia severity has a profound impact on visual impairment in later life. A patient's final level of myopia may be lowered by myopia control, but also by delaying onset. Here, we evaluate the influence of the age of onset on the final recorded level of myopia.

Methods

Data were extracted from: (1) Three prospective cohort studies of myopia progression in East Asia and the United States where the final recorded level of myopia is presented as a function of the established age of onset. (2) Four retrospective studies of myopia progression in Finland, India, the Netherlands and China and two cross‐sectional studies in Argentina and the UK where the age of onset was based on self‐report of age at first spectacle prescription. (3) A cohort study of Finnish subjects originally recruited for a clinical trial and followed into adulthood. Subjects were divided into five groups according to age at recruitment that was used as a surrogate for the age of onset.

Results

Final recorded level of myopia was plotted as a function of age of onset for all studies. Among the three East Asian studies, the slopes are between 0.68 and 0.97 D/year, meaning that each later year of onset is associated with between 0.68 and 0.97 less myopia at the final recorded refraction. For six of the seven non‐East Asian studies, the slopes are substantially flatter, with slopes between 0.23 and 0.50 D/year. By contrast, the slope for the Finnish study was 0.87 D/year. Increasing age of final recorded refraction tended to be associated with higher levels of myopia.

Conclusion

Among East Asians, delaying the onset of myopia by 1 year has the potential to lower the final myopia level by 0.75 D or more—equivalent to 2–3 years of myopia control with existing modalities. The benefit is lower, but meaningful, among non‐East Asians.
A new chapter in an evolving pandemic: Successful pediatric liver transplantation with SARS‐CoV‐2+ donors
Authors: Goss Matthew Benjamin , Leung Daniel Hao Bin , Pouch Stephanie Marie , Munoz Flor M. , Moulton Elizabeth Andrea , Lambing Tyler Malcolm Mccann , Koohmaraie Sarah , Moreno Nicolas Fernando , O'Mahony Christine A. , Goss John A. , Galván Nhu Thao Nguyen
Published: October 2022

Background

Amid a viral pandemic with poorly understood transmissibility and pathogenicity in the pediatric patient, we report the first pediatric liver transplants utilizing allografts from SARS‐CoV‐2+ donors.

Methods

We describe the outcomes of two pediatric liver transplant recipients who received organs from SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid test‐positive (NAT+) donors. Data were obtained through the respective electronic medical record system and UNet DonorNet platform.

Results

The first donor was a 3‐year‐old boy succumbing to head trauma. One of four nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs and 1 of 3 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) NAT tests demonstrated SARS‐CoV‐2 infection before organ procurement. The second donor was a 16‐month‐old boy with cardiopulmonary arrest of unknown etiology. Three NAT tests (2 NP swab/1 BAL) prior to procurement failed to detect SARS‐CoV‐2. The diagnosis was made when the medical examiner repeated 2 NP swab NATs and an archive plasma NAT, all positive for SARS‐CoV‐2.

Both 2‐year‐old recipients continue to do well 8 months post‐transplant, with excellent graft function and no evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission.

Conclusions

This is the first report to describe successful pediatric liver transplantation from SARS‐CoV‐2+ donors. These data reinforce the adult transplant experience and support the judicious use of SARS‐CoV‐2+ donors for liver transplantation in children. With SARS‐CoV‐2 becoming endemic, the concern for donor‐derived viral transmission must now be weighed against the realized benefit of life‐saving transplantation in the pediatric population as we continue to work toward donor pool maximization.
Sheep immune‐stimulated with Saccharomyces boulardii show reduced prolificacy of Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Pinheiro Natália Berne , Gaspar Emanuelle Baldo , Minho Alessandro Pelegrine , Domingues Robert , de Moura Micaele Quintana , Junior Antônio Sergio Varela , Capella Gabriela de Almeida , Strothmann Adriane Leites , Terto Wesley Douglas , Leite Fabio Pereira Leivas
Published: October 2022

Haemonchus contortus is the most pathogenic parasite for sheep. The objective was to evaluate immunomodulation of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii in sheep experimentally infected with H. contortus. Twenty‐four sheep were divided into three groups: one infected with 500 H. contortus larvae/day for 26 days and supplemented with S. boulardii (40 ml with 1 × 108 CFU/ml/day); a control group only infected with H. contortus but not supplemented; and a naïve group that never came into contact with either parasites or S. boulardii. To assess the humoral immune response, production of specific serum IgG anti‐somatic H. contortus antigen was evaluated through indirect ELISA. To assess the cellular immune response, cell populations and cytokine (IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐10) production were evaluated through flow cytometry. For parasitological analyses, the counts of eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) and larvae per faecal culture were assessed. At all the study points, the concentration of IgG anti‐H. contortus was higher (p < .05) in the S. boulardii group than in the other groups. The cell analysis revealed that there were significantly higher numbers (p < .05) of cells expressing MHC‐II and significantly higher numbers (p < .05) of eosinophils in the mucosa in the S. boulardii group. Significant expression of IL‐10 was observed only in the control infected group. There were significant reductions (p < .05) in EPG and larval counts in the S. boulardii supplemented group. These results show that S. boulardii supplementation modulated the immune response against H. contortus, thereby reducing its infection.
Late Oligocene to early Miocene delta and linked slope fan systems: Depositional architecture and sediment dispersal, the Pearl River Mouth Basin
Authors: Zhang Manli , Lin Changsong , Li Hao , Zhang Zhongtao , Zhang Bo , Liu Hanyao , Tian Hongxun , Shu Liangfeng , Feng Xuan
Published: October 2022

The Upper Oligocene to Lower Miocene (Zhuhai Formation) in the Pearl River Mouth Basin of the northern South China Sea contains extensive shelf‐edge delta and linked slope fan deposits, and records the sediment dispersal and constraint processes. According to the integrated analysis of well‐log, seismic and core data, depositional architecture and delivery mechanism of sandy deposits from the shelf margin to the lower slope are documented systematically. Four major depositional facies are identified: shelf‐edge incised channels and shelf‐edge deltas; amalgamated slump‐channel complexes; slope gullies; and slope fan deposits. Incised channels at shelf‐edge delta front (2.0 to 4.4 km wide) comprise V‐shaped single channels and W‐shaped or irregular‐shaped channels which eroded shelf‐edge sandy deltaic deposits and retransferred them to the lower slope. Further slumping along channel walls may be triggered by the continuously channel downcutting process; and then these incised channels amalgamated and collapsed downslope to generate large‐scale coalesced slump‐channel complexes (15 to 35 km wide), which are regarded as the main delivery system to transport sandy deltaic deposits to the deep‐water basin. There are a series of V‐shaped or W‐shaped slope gullies (tens to hundreds of metres wide) developed along the lower slope, which further delivered sediments to slope fan systems. Slope fan systems are composed predominantly of basal debris flow massive and sandy turbidite channel and frontal splay deposits comprising one of the most important oil and gas reservoirs in the study area. Channelization and large‐scale slumping along the shelf‐edge delta front are regarded as the most important dispersal mechanisms delivering sandy sediments across the shelf margin. Falling sea level was suggested to be one of the important factors causing the incision and large‐scale shelf margin slumps, whereas the unstable high (800 to 1200 m) and steep (5° to 8°) shelf‐edge delta and slope clinoforms provide a pre‐condition for large‐scale shelf‐edge collapse.
Genomic full‐length confirmatory sequence of HLA‐DQB1*04:59N allele in three Colombian individuals
Authors: Balas Antonio , Moreno‐Hidalgo Miguel Ángel , Alenda Raquel , García‐Sánchez Félix , Vicario José L.
Published: October 2022

The extended genomic sequence of HLA‐DQB1*04:59N allele.
A very‐long‐chain fatty acid synthesis gene, SD38, influences plant height by activating ethylene biosynthesis in rice
Authors: Zhang Xiaobo , Wang Ying , Wang Xiaowen , Zhu Zhu , Zhang Xuefei , Jia Luqi , Li Yangyang , Tian Weijiang , Chen Hongyan , Zhu Xiaoyan , He Guanghua , Sang Xianchun
Published: October 2022

As an important trait in crop breeding, plant height is associated with lodging resistance and yield. With the identification and cloning of several semi‐dwarfing genes, increasing numbers of semi‐dwarf cultivars have emerged, which has led to a ‘green revolution’ in rice (Oryza sativa) production. In this study, we identified a rice semi‐dwarf mutant, semi‐dwarf 38 (sd38), which showed significantly reduced cell length. SD38 encodes a fatty acid elongase, β‐ketoacyl‐CoA synthase, which is involved in the synthesis of very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). Expression analysis showed that SD38 was localized on the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum, and was expressed in all analyzed tissues with differential abundance. The mutation of SD38 affected lipid metabolism in the sd38 mutant. A functional complementarity test in Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicated that SD38 was capable of complementing the deficiency of ELO3p activity in BY4741‐elo3 knockout yeast cells by participating in the synthesis of C24:0 VLCFA. Significant changes were observed in the expression of genes involved in ethylene synthesis, which resulted in reduced content of the ethylene precursor 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) in the sd38 mutant. Exogenously supplied VLCFA (C24:0) increased the expression levels of OsACS3, OsACS4, and OsACO7 and the plant height of sd38 mutant seedlings, similar to the effect of exogenous application of ACC and ethephon. These results reveal a relationship among VLCFAs, ethylene biosynthesis, and plant height and improve our understanding of plant height development in crops.
Decolonial encounter with neo‐nationalism: The politics of indigeneity and land rights struggles in Okinawa
Authors: Nishiyama Hidefumi
Published: October 2022

This paper aims to make a contribution to ongoing debates in decolonial, indigenous, and island geographies through a case study of the Okinawan indigenous movement and its recent encounter with a neo‐nationalist, and in effect neocolonial, movement. The Okinawan indigenous movement emerged against the backdrop of the continuing US military presence on Okinawa Island, which is the direct result of the post‐war American military occupation and continues to be maintained by Japanese post‐colonial policies. In the early 2000s, the movement achieved indigenous recognition by United Nations human rights bodies, which have since issued recommendations to the Japanese government to implement protective measures for the islanders, including indigenous land rights measures that are hoped to alleviate the militarised colonial situation. Not only does the Japanese government continue to ignore the recommendations, but the Okinawan indigenous movement today also confronts a new form of neocolonialism. In the past few years, a group of neo‐nationalists and conservative politicians have initiated a countermovement against the Okinawan indigenous status. They have mobilised the unpopularity of the term ‘indigenous people’ in Japanese (‘senjūmin’) among Okinawans as a pretext for demanding the retraction of the recommendations. The case study shows that the different conceptualisations of decolonisation and indigeneity represent not only an analytical usefulness but also an empirical importance for they create a space in which these ideas can be (ab)used to both promote and hinder a decolonial pursuit of the reappropriation of colonised (is)lands. It illustrates a particular geopolitics of knowledge in which different actors mobilise different understandings of decolonisation and indigeneity for a decolonial or neocolonial end. The paper concludes with a discussion of the challenges for decolonial geographies that arise from the present study.
Carbon monoxide and multi‐pollutants flow between China and India: A multiregional input–output model
Authors: Li Yan , Wei Yigang , Xu Hanxiao , Liu Huanwen , Chevallier Julien
Published: October 2022

This study aims to analyse the spatial and temporal characteristics of the transfer of pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3), non‐methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOX), and particulate matter with particle size below 10 microns (PM10), which are embodied in the bilateral trade between China and India, and the transfer paths between various industries. A multiregional input–output model (MRIO) is constructed based on the EORA Database to track the economic connections and the effects of specific products across regional supply chains. The empirical results indicate the following significant findings. China is a net exporter of embodied pollutants in bilateral trade, and India is a net importer. CO accounted for the most significant amount of pollutants emitted by the bilateral trade between China and India. The energy intensity has mainly adverse effects on emissions of six pollutants, while the consumption scale has overall positive effects. Metal products and mining and quarrying are the top two industries producing the highest emissions at the export ends. The emissions of certain pollutants, such as SO2, are also particularly pronounced in individual sectors. Construction and electrical and machinery are the highest CO‐importing sectors of China and India.
Computed tomographic measurements of the femoral trochlea in dogs with and without medial patellar luxation
Authors: Longo Federico , Memarian Parastoo , Knell Sebastian Christoph , Contiero Barbara , Pozzi Antonio
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To determine cutoff values in small (SB) and medium/large (MLB) breed dogs with and without medial patellar luxation (MPL) for identifying abnormal femoral trochlea morphology.

Study design

Original research.

Animals

A total of 80 computed tomographic (CT) scans from client‐owned dogs

Methods

Four groups of 20 dogs were created: (1) control SB, (2) control MLB, (3) MPL‐SB, and (4) MPL‐MLB. Two authors measured the femoral trochlear groove angle (FTGA), femoral trochlear angle (FTA), and femoral trochlear ridge inclination angle (FTRIA) in two points with CT. ANOVA and ROC‐analysis were tested to the control and MPL groups to assess sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values. Statistical significance was set top < .05. Intraclass correlation coefficients evaluated the inter‐rater agreement.

Results

FTGA (± SD) in control SB (128.8° ± 4.7°) and control MLB (119.2° ± 5.6°), was smaller (p < .0001) than in MPL‐SB (139.4° ± 4.4°) and MPL‐MLB (133.7° ± 5.1°). FTA and FTRIA were decreased (p = .12,p = .23) in MPL‐SB (2.1° ± 6.8; −0.3° ± 3.3°) and MPL‐MLB (3.8° ± 5.6°; 1.7° ± 4.5°) compared to control SB (0.2° ±4.1; −0.1° ± 2.6°) and control MLB (5.3° ± 2.8°; 3.1° ± 1.3°). Cutoff values for FTGA, FTA, and FTRIA were > 134°, < −5.9°, < −2 ° (SB), and > 128.3°, < −0.4°, < −0.4° (MLB). Sensitivity, specificity, and inter‐rater agreement were superior for FTGA than FTA and FTRIA.

Conclusions

Dogs without MPL had a deeper femoral trochlear groove than MPL dogs. SB had a shallower groove than MLB. The measurement of FTA and FTRIA was not reliable.

Clinical relevance

A FTGA <134° (SB) and < 128° (MLB) may be considered as a cutoff for trochleoplasty decision‐making.
Molecular systematics of Poaceae based on eight chloroplast markers, emphasizing the phylogenetic positions of Korean taxa
Authors: LEE Jung-Hoon , KIM Ki-Joong , KIM Bo-Yun , KIM Young-Dong
Published: October 2022

This study was conducted to clarify the phylogenetic position and relationships of Korean Poaceae taxa. A total of 438 taxa including 155 accessions of Korean Poaceae (representing 92% and 72% of Korean Poaceous genera and species, respectively) were employed for phylogeny reconstruction. Sequence data of eight chloroplast DNA markers were used for molecular phylogenetic analyses. The resulted phylogeny was mostly concordant with previous phylogenetic hypotheses, especially in terms of subfamilial and tribal relationships. Several taxa-specific indels were detected in the molecular phylogeny, including a 45 bp deletion in rps3 (PACMAD [Panicoideae, Arundinoideae, Chloridoideae, Micrairoideae, Aristidoideae, Danthonioideae] clade), a 15 bp deletion in ndhF (Oryzeae + Phyllorachideae), a 6 bp deletion in trnLF (Poeae s.l.), and two (17 bp and 378 bp) deletions in atpF-H (Pooideae). The Korean Poaceae members were classified into 23 tribes, representing eight subfamilies. The subfamilial and tribal classifications of the Korean taxa were generally congruent with a recently published system, whereas some subtribes and genera were found to be non-monophyletic. The taxa included in the PACMAD clade (especially Andropogoneae) showed very weak and uncertain phylogenetic relationships, presumably to be due to evolutionary radiation and polyploidization. The reconstructed phylogeny can be utilized to update the taxonomic positions of the newly examined grass accessions.
Spatial Analysis of Soybean and Sugarcane Monocultures in the Goiás Landscape
Authors: Santana Beatriz Da Silva Feitoza , Amaral Felipe Gonçalves , Cruz Carla Bernadete Madureira
Published: October 2022

Goiás represents Brazil as one of the most important states in agricultural production. 97% of this territory is located in the Brazilian Cerrado, an area of fundamental importance for the understanding of agriculture. The relevance of soy is closely linked to its market value, being present since the 1970s and dominating Brazilian territory, becoming popular as the main export product. Sugar cane, on the other hand, reflects the mosaic of cultures and the recent economy of Goiás. This crop presents a progressive growth based on the interest for its derivatives (ethanol and sugar) and the expansion of the sugar-energy sector in the country. This paper intends to analyze the spatiotemporal behavior of soybean and sugarcane crops in the state of Goiás between the years 1988 to 2018, using geotechnologies. The two cultures present a favorable situation and confirmed the hypotheses brought throughout the work. The use of different forms of representation and analysis aided in the understanding the South of Goiás, a mesoregion that stands out for both crops. The two cultures dominate almost entirely the Goiás lands destined for agricultural production, however, the spatial-temporal dynamics of each one of them occurs in different ways and at different times.
Monotonic Gaussian Process for Physics-Constrained Machine Learning With Materials Science Applications
Authors: Tran Anh , Maupin Kathryn , Rodgers Theron
Published: October 2022

Physics-constrained machine learning is emerging as an important topic in the field of machine learning for physics. One of the most significant advantages of incorporating physics constraints into machine learning methods is that the resulting model requires significantly less data to train. By incorporating physical rules into the machine learning formulation itself, the predictions are expected to be physically plausible. Gaussian process (GP) is perhaps one of the most common methods in machine learning for small datasets. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of constraining a GP formulation with monotonicity on three different material datasets, where one experimental and two computational datasets are used. The monotonic GP is compared against the regular GP, where a significant reduction in the posterior variance is observed. The monotonic GP is strictly monotonic in the interpolation regime, but in the extrapolation regime, the monotonic effect starts fading away as one goes beyond the training dataset. Imposing monotonicity on the GP comes at a small accuracy cost, compared to the regular GP. The monotonic GP is perhaps most useful in applications where data are scarce and noisy, and monotonicity is supported by strong physical evidence.
Mitigation of Heat Transfer Deterioration of Supercritical CO2 Vertical Tube Upward Flows by Introducing Truncated-Ribs in Helical-Like Distribution
Authors: Hangfei Duan , Gongnan Xie , Yuan Ma , Shulei Li , Bengt Sunden
Published: October 2022

To effectively alleviate the heat transfer deterioration (HTD) phenomenon of supercritical CO2 flow in a vertical circular tube, this paper proposes multiple truncated ribs from a whole O-ring rib but distributed in helical-like distribution. The fluid hydraulics and thermal performance with a verified standard k–ω mode are numerically explored. The effects of the height, the distance, and the number of truncated ribs on flow characteristics, and heat transfer are observed and analyzed in detail. Results show that the heat transfer coefficient increases significantly with increasing rib height, and as the pitch decreases the fluid recirculation area behind each rib decreases, resulting in stronger mixing of swirling flow, which enhances turbulent kinetic energy in the downstream and weakens the buoyancy force, thus mitigating heat transfer deterioration. This study suggests that introducing multiple truncated ribs distributed along helices into circular vertical tubes can be a beneficial way to alleviate heat transfer deterioration and to enhance heat transfer of supercritical CO2 flow.
Annular Dump Diffuser and Deswirl System for Back-Pressure Control in Engine-Scale Transonic Annular Cascade
Authors: Michaud Mathias , Ornano Francesco , Povey Thomas
Published: October 2022

A common requirement for turbomachinery testing facilities is the ability to independently control Mach number and Reynolds number. In practice, this means independent control of the inlet total pressure and exit static pressure in a test facility. In this paper, we present a solution to this problem with particular applicability to large-scale annular test facilities. We describe the design and commissioning of a combined annular dump diffuser and deswirl system for back-pressure control in environments with high-whirl transonic flow. The particular application was an annular cascade of nozzle guide vanes from a current civil engine. The purpose was to provide independent control of Mach number and Reynolds number, by controlling the back-pressure in the intermediate annular plenum which forms the dump diffuser. The dump diffuser is necessary to facilitate optical and probe access (without interaction effects) and to reduce the risk of exit static pressure disturbances (due to particular duct design). The system has been installed and validated in the engine component aerothermal (ECAT) facility at the University of Oxford. In this implementation of the system, the high-whirl transonic flow from the nozzle guide vanes passes through a short, parallel annular duct, and is dumped into an annular plenum, before being re-accelerated into a deswirl vane ring. The deswirl ring turns the flow to the axial direction. The flow is then discharged through a variable choke plate into a silencer. Conditioning the flow to have zero whirl at the choke plate reduces the sensitivity of the choke plate effective blockage to the whirl angle. The design, deswirl vane aerodynamic performance, and overall system performance are assessed with detailed experiments and 3D unsteady computational fluid dynamics predictions. The control of high-whirl transonic flow is notoriously challenging, and the deswirl system has application to exhaust conditioning in a number of applications including annular cascade experiments and rocket turbo-pump exhaust systems.
Virtual reality head-mounted displays affect sidetone perception
Authors: Öhlund Wistbacka Greta , Shen Weihan , Brunskog Jonas
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether head-mounted displays (HMDs) change the sidetone to an auditory perceivable extent. Impulse responses (IRs) were recorded using a dummy head wearing a HMD (IRtest) and compared to IRs measured without HMD (IRref). Ten naive listeners were tested on their ability to discriminate between the IRtest and IRref using convolved speech signals. The spectral analysis showed that the HMDs decreased the spectral energy of the sidetone around 2000–4500 Hz. Most listeners were able to discriminate between the IRs. It is concluded that HMDs change the sidetone to a small but perceivable extent.
Postactivation Performance Enhancement of Amateur Boxers’ Punch Force and Neuromuscular Performance Following 2 Upper-Body Conditioning Activities
Authors: Finlay Mitchell J. , Bridge Craig A. , Greig Matt , Page Richard M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of upper-body punch-specific isometric (ISO) and elastic resistance (ER) conditioning activities (CAs) on the punch force and neuromuscular performance of amateur boxers. Methods: Ten male senior elite amateur boxers (19.7 [1.2]| y; height 180.9 [7.0] cm; mass 78.7 [9.6] kg) visited the laboratory on 4 separate occasions. Initially, the participants performed baseline physical tests comprising bench-press 1-repetition maximum and countermovement jumps. On the other 3 occasions, the boxers performed maximal punches against a vertically mounted force plate and maximal countermovement jumps prior to and following an ISO or ER CA, as well as a control trial. Results: No interactions between CA × time were found in all performance variables. As observed by mean changes, effect sizes, and signal:noise ratio, both the ISO and ER, but not the control trial, consistently produced small to moderate, worthwhile increases in punch force and rate of force development, with the greatest increases in performance typically observed in the ISO trial. No meaningful improvements were observed in countermovement jump performance in all trials, indicative of a localized postactivation performance enhancement effect. Conclusion: In conclusion, the ISO and ER CAs may be implemented in an amateur boxers’ warm-up to acutely enhance punch-force variables, although the ISO punch appears to be the superior CA to improve punch-specific performance. The CAs used in the present study may also be relevant to other combat sports inclusive of a striking element.
Aging compromises human islet beta cell function and identity by decreasing transcription factor activity and inducing ER stress
Authors: Shrestha Shristi , Erikson Galina , Lyon James , Spigelman Aliya F. , Bautista Austin , Manning Fox Jocelyn E. , dos Santos Cristiane , Shokhirev Maxim , Cartailler Jean-Philippe , Hetzer Martin W. , MacDonald Patrick E. , Arrojo e Drigo Rafael
Published: October 2022

Pancreatic islet beta cells are essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis. To understand the impact of aging on beta cells, we performed meta-analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing datasets, transcription factor (TF) regulon analysis, high-resolution confocal microscopy, and measured insulin secretion from nondiabetic donors spanning most of the human life span. This revealed the range of molecular and functional changes that occur during beta cell aging, including the transcriptional deregulation that associates with cellular immaturity and reorganization of beta cell TF networks, increased gene transcription rates, and reduced glucose-stimulated insulin release. These alterations associate with activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy pathways. We propose that a chronic state of ER stress undermines old beta cell structure function to increase the risk of beta cell failure and type 2 diabetes onset as humans age.
Immune activation is essential for the antitumor activity of EZH2 inhibition in urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Piunti Andrea , Meghani Khyati , Yu Yanni , Robertson A. Gordon , Podojil Joseph R. , McLaughlin Kimberly A. , You Zonghao , Fantini Damiano , Chiang MingYi , Luo Yi , Wang Lu , Heyen Nathan , Qian Jun , Miller Stephen D. , Shilatifard Ali , Meeks Joshua J.
Published: October 2022

The long-term survival of patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UCa) is limited because of innate resistance to treatment. We identified elevated expression of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 as a hallmark of aggressive UCa and hypothesized that EZH2 inhibition, via a small-molecule catalytic inhibitor, might have antitumor effects in UCa. Here, in a carcinogen-induced mouse bladder cancer model, a reduction in tumor progression and an increase in immune infiltration upon EZH2 inhibition were observed. Treatment of mice with EZH2i causes an increase in MHC class II expression in the urothelium and can activate infiltrating T cells. Unexpectedly, we found that the lack of an intact adaptive immune system completely abolishes the antitumor effects induced by EZH2 catalytic inhibition. These findings show that immune evasion is the only important determinant for the efficacy of EZH2 catalytic inhibition treatment in a UCa model.
A unique biomimetic modification endows polyetherketoneketone scaffold with osteoinductivity by activating cAMP/PKA signaling pathway
Authors: Yuan Bo , Zhang Yuxiang , Zhao Rui , Lin Hai , Yang Xiao , Zhu Xiangdong , Zhang Kai , Mikos Antonios G. , Zhang Xingdong
Published: October 2022

Osteoinductivity of a biomaterial scaffold can notably enhance the bone healing performance. In this study, we developed a biomimetic and hierarchically porous polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) scaffold with unique osteoinductivity using a combined surface treatment strategy of a sulfonated process and a nano bone-like apatite deposition. In a beagle intramuscular model, the scaffold induced bone formation ectopically after 12-week implantation. The better bone healing ability of the scaffold than the original PEKK was also confirmed in orthotopic sites. After culturing with bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), the scaffold induced osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and the new bone formation could be mainly depending on cell signaling through adenylate cyclase 9, which activates the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling cascade pathways. The current work reports a new osteoinductive synthetic polymeric scaffold with its detailed molecular mechanism of action for bone repair and regeneration.
Electrically tunable Berry curvature and strong light-matter coupling in liquid crystal microcavities with 2D perovskite
Authors: Łempicka-Mirek Karolina , Król Mateusz , Sigurdsson Helgi , Wincukiewicz Adam , Morawiak Przemysław , Mazur Rafał , Muszyński Marcin , Piecek Wiktor , Kula Przemysław , Stefaniuk Tomasz , Kamińska Maria , De Marco Luisa , Lagoudakis Pavlos G. , Ballarini Dario , Sanvitto Daniele , Szczytko Jacek , Piętka Barbara
Published: October 2022

The field of spinoptronics is underpinned by good control over photonic spin-orbit coupling in devices that have strong optical nonlinearities. Such devices might hold the key to a new era of optoelectronics where momentum and polarization degrees of freedom of light are interwoven and interfaced with electronics. However, manipulating photons through electrical means is a daunting task given their charge neutrality. In this work, we present electrically tunable microcavity exciton-polariton resonances in a Rashba-Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling field. We show that different spin-orbit coupling fields and the reduced cavity symmetry lead to tunable formation of the Berry curvature, the hallmark of quantum geometrical effects. For this, we have implemented an architecture of a photonic structure with a two-dimensional perovskite layer incorporated into a microcavity filled with nematic liquid crystal. Our work interfaces spinoptronic devices with electronics by combining electrical control over both the strong light-matter coupling conditions and artificial gauge fields.
Structural insights for neutralization of Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 by a broadly neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibody
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Patel Anamika , Lai Lilin , Chakravarthy Chennareddy , Valanparambil Rajesh , Reddy Elluri Seetharami , Gottimukkala Kamalvishnu , Davis-Gardner Meredith E. , Edara Venkata Viswanadh , Linderman Susanne , Nayak Kaustuv , Dixit Kritika , Sharma Pragati , Bajpai Prashant , Singh Vanshika , Frank Filipp , Cheedarla Narayanaiah , Verkerke Hans P. , Neish Andrew S. , Roback John D. , Mantus Grace , Goel Pawan Kumar , Rahi Manju , Davis Carl W. , Wrammert Jens , Godbole Sucheta , Henry Amy R. , Douek Daniel C. , Suthar Mehul S. , Ahmed Rafi , Ortlund Eric , Sharma Amit , Murali-Krishna Kaja , Chandele Anmol
Published: October 2022

In this study, by characterizing several human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) isolated from single B cells of the COVID-19–recovered individuals in India who experienced ancestral Wuhan strain (WA.1) of SARS-CoV-2 during early stages of the pandemic, we found a receptor binding domain (RBD)–specific mAb 002-S21F2 that has rare gene usage and potently neutralized live viral isolates of SARS-CoV-2 variants including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron sublineages (BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5) with IC
50
ranging from 0.02 to 0.13 μg/ml. Structural studies of 002-S21F2 in complex with spike trimers of Omicron and WA.1 showed that it targets a conformationally conserved epitope on the outer face of RBD (class 3 surface) outside the ACE2-binding motif, thereby providing a mechanistic insights for its broad neutralization activity. The discovery of 002-S21F2 and the broadly neutralizing epitope it targets have timely implications for developing a broad range of therapeutic and vaccine interventions against SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron sublineages.
CARM1-mediated methylation of ASXL2 impairs tumor-suppressive function of MLL3/COMPASS
Authors: Zhao Zibo , Rendleman Emily Jane , Szczepanski Aileen Patricia , Morgan Marc Alard , Wang Lu , Shilatifard Ali
Published: October 2022

An imbalance in the activities of the Polycomb and Trithorax complexes underlies numerous human pathologies, including cancer. The BRCA1 associated protein-1 (BAP1) deubiquitinase negatively regulates Polycomb activity and recruits the Trithorax histone H3K4 methyltransferase, mixed-lineage leukemia protein 3 (MLL3) within Complex Proteins Associated with Set1 (COMPASS), to the enhancers of tumor suppressor genes. We previously demonstrated that the BAP1-MLL3 pathway is mutated in several cancers, yet how BAP1 recruits MLL3 to its target loci remains an important unanswered question. We demonstrate that the ASXL2 subunit of the BAP1 complex mediates a direct interaction with MLL3/COMPASS. ASXL2 loss results in decreased MLL3 occupancy at enhancers and reduced BAP1-MLL3 target gene expression. Interaction between ASXL2 and MLL3 is negatively regulated by protein arginine methyltransferase 4 (PRMT4/CARM1), which methylates ASXL2 at R639/R641. ASXL2 methylation blocks binding to MLL3 and impairs the expression of MLL3/COMPASS-dependent genes. This previously unidentified transcriptional repressive function of CARM1 provides insight into the BAP1/MLL3-COMPASS axis and reveals a potential cancer therapeutic target.
DELTEX E3 ligases ubiquitylate ADP-ribosyl modification on protein substrates
Authors: Zhu Kang , Suskiewicz Marcin J. , Hloušek-Kasun Andrea , Meudal Hervé , Mikoč Andreja , Aucagne Vincent , Ahel Dragana , Ahel Ivan
Published: October 2022

Ubiquitylation had been considered limited to protein lysine residues, but other substrates have recently emerged. Here, we show that DELTEX E3 ligases specifically target the 3′ hydroxyl of the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)–ribosyl moiety that can be linked to a protein, thus generating a hybrid ADP-ribosyl-ubiquitin modification. Unlike other known hydroxyl-specific E3s, which proceed via a covalent E3~ubiqutin intermediate, DELTEX enzymes are RING E3s that stimulate a direct ubiquitin transfer from E2~ubiquitin onto a substrate. However, DELTEXes follow a previously unidentified paradigm for RING E3s, whereby the ligase not only forms a scaffold but also provides catalytic residues to activate the acceptor. Comparative analysis of known hydroxyl-ubiquitylating active sites points to the recurring use of a catalytic histidine residue, which, in DELTEX E3s, is potentiated by a glutamate in a catalytic triad-like manner. In addition, we determined the hydrolase specificity profile of this modification, identifying human and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enzymes that could reverse it in cells.
Disulfiram Is Effective against Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium abscessus in a Zebrafish Embryo Infection Model
Authors: Winters Carlynn G. , Basnet Ram M. , Faasuamalie Paige E. , Shallom Shamira J. , Zelazny Adrian M. , Gupta Shashank , Olivier Kenneth N.
Published: October 2022

Mycobacterium abscessus
is an emerging nontuberculous
mycobacterium
(NTM) pathogen infecting susceptible people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis. Here, we demonstrated the activity of an FDA-approved drug, disulfiram, against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant
M. abscessus
strains utilizing
in vitro
and intracellular macrophage assays and a zebrafish embryo infection model.
Balancing Trade-Offs Imposed by Growth Media and Mass Spectrometry for Bacterial Exometabolomics
Authors: Donnelly Ann E. , Narayanan Nithya , Birer-Williams Caroline M. C. , DeWolfe Travis J. , Chu Rosalie K. , Anderton Christopher R. , Wright Erik S.
Published: October 2022

Bacteria are capable of producing and secreting a rich diversity of specialized metabolites. Yet, much of their exometabolome remains hidden due to challenges associated with eliciting specialized metabolite production, labor-intensive sample preparation, and time-consuming analysis techniques.
SYNJ2BP Improves the Production of Lentiviral Envelope Protein by Facilitating the Formation of Mitochondrion-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane
Authors: Duan Yingyi , Wang Xinhui , Sun Kehui , Lin Yuezhi , Wang Xuefeng , Chen Kewei , Yang Guangpu , Wang Xiaojun , Du Cheng
Published: October 2022

Lentiviral Env proteins, which are rich in disulfide bonds, need to be fully folded in the ER; otherwise, misfolded Env proteins will induce ER stress and be degraded by ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD). To date, it is still unclear about Env production mechanism in the ER.
Diisonitrile Lipopeptides Mediate Resistance to Copper Starvation in Pathogenic Mycobacteria
Authors: Buglino John A. , Ozakman Yaprak , Xu Yao , Chowdhury Farhan , Tan Derek S. , Glickman Michael S.
Published: October 2022

Bacterial pathogens and their hosts engage in intense competition for nutrients, including metals.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the cause of tuberculosis, lives within host macrophages and is subject to diverse stresses, including metal excess and metal limitation. In this study, we demonstrated that the
nrp
gene cluster, required for
M. tuberculosis
virulence and which directs synthesis of diisonitrile lipopeptides, mediates copper acquisition.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Dickeya
Species Associated with Soft Rot Diseases in Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and Banana (
Musa
spp.)
Authors: Young Anthony J. , Birt Henry W. G. , Vaghefi Niloofar , Hoelzle Robert D. , Dennis Paul G.
Published: October 2022

Dickeya
species cause soft rots on many commercial crops. Here, we present the draft genomes of
Dickeya oryzae
(BRIP 64262) and
Dickeya zeae
(BRIP 64263) isolates causing soft rot on banana (
Musa
spp.) and pineapple (
Ananas comosus
) plants, respectively. This expands the range of available genomes from plant-pathogenic
Dickeya
species.
Genome Sequences of Arthrobacter globiformis
B-2979
Phages GlobiWarming and TaylorSipht
Authors: Bugayong Miguel B. , Cha Aileen , Hamel Carly L. , Johnson Ryan R. , Kim James , Kim Joseph J. , Levy Andrew S. , Nguyen Kenneth D. , Pham Luc H. , Sapre Anusha , Scanlan Aidan C. , Ye Brandon , Bancroft Christa
Published: October 2022

Phages GlobiWarming and TaylorSipht are siphoviruses isolated on
Arthrobacter globiformis
B-2979
. GlobiWarming has a 42,691 bp long genome that encodes 74 genes, whereas TaylorSipht has a 39,051 bp genome that encodes 65 genes. Both phages encode functions typical of temperate phages, with each including an immunity repressor, integrase, and excise.
Classifying Interactions in a Synthetic Bacterial Community Is Hindered by Inhibitory Growth Medium
Authors: Dos Santos Andrea R. , Di Martino Rita , Testa Samuele E. A. , Mitri Sara
Published: October 2022

Communities of microbes colonize virtually every place on earth. Ultimately, we strive to predict and control how these communities behave, for example, if they reside in our guts and make us sick.