bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Glucose Homeostasis Following Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is Associated with Alternate Wiring of the Liver Molecular Clock in a Rat Model of Spontaneously-Occurring Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lay Aurelie Le , Brial Francois , Lathrop Mark , Magnan Christophe , Gauguier Dominique
Published: October 2023

Bariatric surgery is associated with remission of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to advance fundamental understanding of mechanisms involved in improved glucose homeostasis following vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). We carried out a series of pathophysiological, behavioural and liver transcriptome analyses in lean rats of the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) model of polygenic T2D following VSG or sham operation. VSG and resulting sustained reduction in glucose intolerance were associated with significant changes in liver histology and lean mass, and nycthemeral feeding patterns and activity. Liver transcriptome profiling identified differentially regulated pathways between VSG and sham GK, including inflammatory and immune processes and fatty acid metabolism. Deeper analysis of the transcriptome dataset showed that expression of almost all main regulators of the molecular clock was significantly and co-ordinately affected by VSG. Comparisons with liver transcriptome data previously generated in GK and normoglycemic rats suggested that VSG results in a profound remodelling of the regulation of the molecular clock. Our findings shed light on relationships between the molecular clock and nycthemeral feeding and activity, which may contribute to long-term therapeutic consequences of VSG in the context of polygenic T2D in the absence of confounding effects of obesity.
An antimicrobial peptide expression platform for targeting pathogenic bacterial species
Authors: Rutter Jack W. , Dekker Linda , Clare Chania , McDonald Julie A.K. , Nair Sean P. , Fedorec Alex J.H. , Barnes Chris P.
Published: October 2023

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that are naturally produced by many bacteria. They hold great potential in the fight against antibiotic resistant bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens. However, they often have low stabilityin vivoand therefore, may not be effective when administered orally. Engineered live biotherapeutic products (eLBPs) that secrete bacteriocins can be created to deliver bacteriocins directly at the site of infection. Here we develop a modular bacteriocin secretion platform that can be used to express and secrete multiple bacteriocins from non-pathogenicEscherichia colihost strains. As a proof of concept we create Enterocin A and Enterocin B secreting strains that show strong antimicrobial activity againstEnterococcus faecalisandEnterococcus faecium, and characterise this activity in both solid culture and liquid co-culture. We then develop a Lokta-Volterra model that can be used to capture the interactions of these competitor strains. We show that simultaneous exposure to EntA and EntB can delay the point ofEnterococcusgrowth. Our system has the potential to be used as an eLBP to secrete additional bacteriocins for the targeted killing of other pathogenic bacteria.
The moderating role of tax avoidance on CSR and stock price volatility for oil and gas firms
Authors: Amri Ones , Chaibi Hasna
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of CSR (corporate social responsibility) on stock price volatility of oil and gas firms and, then identifies the moderating role of tax avoidance.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the study's purposes, 330 observations are extracted from 30 oil and gas firms for the period between 2010 and 2020, and the estimation method of the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) is used. Actually, the CSR is proxied using the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) score, and the stock price volatility is measured by the degree of stock price variations over 12 months, according to the last 52 week's price.

Findings

The main findings indicate that CSR negatively impacts the stock price volatility. Nonetheless, this negative relationship is moderated positively by tax avoidance. This result is robust to the variation in the measure of volatility, namely the systematic risk.

Practical implications

This research is helpful for investors to manage their portfolio risk as this article highlights the importance of engaging in sustainable development to reduce financial risk. This study also helps regulators and policymakers, such as environmental agencies and tax authorities, to reassess their control with oil and gas firms and record them according to their CSR practices, because this article emphasizes that it is not fair to pay taxes and engage in CSR practices at the same time.

Originality/value

The impact of CSR on stock price volatility is widely treated for firms. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that may affect this relationship are still seldom discussed. This study attempts to examine the impact of tax avoidance on the CSR–stock price volatility relationship for the oil and gas industry.
Cooperative organizational cultures: a factor promoting equal gender representation in leadership
Authors: Daher-Moreno Nora Elena , Arnold Kara A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between feminine gender identity and leadership intention. Based on the theory of planned behavior and social role theory, the indirect relationship between feminine gender identity and leadership intention was analyzed through affective motivation to lead and perceived leadership self-efficacy. In addition, drawing on the person–environment fit theory, feminine gender identity was examined as a moderator of the relationship between cooperative organizational culture and leadership intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was administered among a sample of 183 full-time employees.

Findings

Results demonstrated that controlling for sex, perceived leadership self-efficacy mediated the relationship between feminine gender role identity and leadership intention. In addition, feminine gender role identity acted as a moderator in strengthening the relationship between cooperative organizational culture and leadership intention such that highly feminine individuals in high cooperative organizational cultures showed higher intentions to become leaders than did individuals with less feminine identities.

Research limitations/implications

In research on leadership intentions, it will be important to measure both sex and gender, as gender identity explains variance in important outcomes over and above sex. In addition, beginning to include organizational characteristics (such as perception of culture) in this stream of research is important.

Practical implications

Organizations wishing to promote more feminine individuals to leadership roles should examine their organizational culture to determine if it is cooperative, as this type of culture allows these individuals to be more intent on seeking leadership roles.

Originality/value

This research adds up to the literature by looking at an organizational factor, culture, and analyzing its role in increasing leadership intention in highly feminine individuals. In addition, by studying gender while controlling for sex, this paper suggests that regardless of sex (being a female or a male), feminine individuals will benefit from a cooperative environment. This includes any individuals (females and males) that identify more with communal behaviors.
Cooperative optimization techniques in distributed MAC protocols – a survey
Authors: Subramanyam Radha , Jancy Y. Adline , Nagabushanam P.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Cross-layer approach in media access control (MAC) layer will address interference and jamming problems. Hybrid distributed MAC can be used for simultaneous voice, data transmissions in wireless sensor network (WSN) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Choosing the correct objective function in Nash equilibrium for game theory will address fairness index and resource allocation to the nodes. Game theory optimization for distributed may increase the network performance. The purpose of this study is to survey the various operations that can be carried out using distributive and adaptive MAC protocol. Hill climbing distributed MAC does not need a central coordination system and location-based transmission with neighbor awareness reduces transmission power.

Design/methodology/approach

Distributed MAC in wireless networks is used to address the challenges like network lifetime, reduced energy consumption and for improving delay performance. In this paper, a survey is made on various cooperative communications in MAC protocols, optimization techniques used to improve MAC performance in various applications and mathematical approaches involved in game theory optimization for MAC protocol.

Findings

Spatial reuse of channel improved by 3%–29%, and multichannel improves throughput by 8% using distributed MAC protocol. Nash equilibrium is found to perform well, which focuses on energy utility in the network by individual players. Fuzzy logic improves channel selection by 17% and secondary users’ involvement by 8%. Cross-layer approach in MAC layer will address interference and jamming problems. Hybrid distributed MAC can be used for simultaneous voice, data transmissions in WSN and IoT applications. Cross-layer and cooperative communication give energy savings of 27% and reduces hop distance by 4.7%. Choosing the correct objective function in Nash equilibrium for game theory will address fairness index and resource allocation to the nodes.

Research limitations/implications

Other optimization techniques can be applied for WSN to analyze the performance.

Practical implications

Game theory optimization for distributed may increase the network performance. Optimal cuckoo search improves throughput by 90% and reduces delay by 91%. Stochastic approaches detect 80% attacks even in 90% malicious nodes.

Social implications

Channel allocations in centralized or static manner must be based on traffic demands whether dynamic traffic or fluctuated traffic. Usage of multimedia devices also increased which in turn increased the demand for high throughput. Cochannel interference keep on changing or mitigations occur which can be handled by proper resource allocations. Network survival is by efficient usage of valid patis in the network by avoiding transmission failures and time slots’ effective usage.

Originality/value

Literature survey is carried out to find the methods which give better performance.
Preparation and properties of a newly developed devulcanized and pyrolytic crumb rubber modified asphalt
Authors: Jiao Bozong , Pan Baofeng , Guo Naisheng
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to determine the parameters of the preparation process for devulcanized and pyrolytic crumb rubber modified asphalt (DCRMA) and then study the rheological and microscopic properties of DCRMA through experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a new preparation process for DCRMA was developed, then the penetration, softening point and viscosity tests were employed to determine the parameters of the preparation process. The crumb rubber (CR) solubility, Fluorescence microscopy (FM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis tests were conducted to verify the devulcanized and pyrolytic effectiveness of the preparation process. Furthermore, dynamic shear rheometer and bending beam rheometer were used to characterize the high and low-temperature rheological properties of DCRMA.

Findings

The results showed that the penetration balanced the CR degradation and the virgin asphalt aging well and thus could be used as a main parameters control indicator. The CR solubility, FM and FTIR tests proved that the CR has been fully devulcanized and pyrolytic via the preparation process. The DCRMA exhibited better low-temperature and fatigue performance and lower rutting performance than the conventional crumb rubber modified asphalt (CRMA) with the same CR content. Finally, the time–temperature superposition principle could be employed for all binders in this study.

Originality/value

A new preparation process for DCRMA was developed.
Who affiliates with SMART recovery? A comparison of individuals attending SMART recovery, alcoholics anonymous, both, or neither
Authors: Kelly John F. , Levy Samuel , Matlack Maya , Hoeppner Bettina B.
Published: October 2023

Background

Mutual‐help organizations (MHOs) play a crucial role for many individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or other substance use disorders in achieving stable remission. While there is now substantial research characterizing who uses 12‐step MHOs, very little is known about who becomes affiliated with newer and rapidly growing MHOs, such as Self‐Management and Recovery Training (“SMART” Recovery). More research could inform knowledge regarding who may be best engaged by these differing pathways.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of participants (N = 361) with AUD recruited mostly from the community who were starting a new recovery attempt and self‐selected into one of four different recovery paths: (1) SMART Recovery (“SMART‐only”; n = 75); (2) Alcoholics Anonymous (“AA‐only”; n = 73); (3) Both SMART and AA (“Both”; n = 53); and (4) Neither SMART nor AA (“Neither”; n = 160). We compared the groups on demographics, clinical history, treatment and recovery support service use, and indices of functioning and well‐being. We computed descriptives and conducted inferential analyses according to the data structure.

Results

Compared to study participants choosing AA‐only or Both, SMART‐only participants were more likely to be White, married, have higher income and more education, be full‐time employed, and evince a pattern of lower clinical severity characterized by less lifetime and recent treatment and recovery support services usage, lower alcohol use intensity and fewer consequences, and less legal involvement. AUD symptom levels, lifetime psychiatric diagnoses, psychiatric distress, and functioning were similar across MHO‐engaged groups.

Conclusion

SMART Recovery appears to attract individuals with greater psychosocial stability and economic advantage and less severe histories of alcohol‐related impairment and legal involvement. Findings suggest that certain aspects specific to the SMART Recovery group approach, format, and/or contents may appeal to individuals exhibiting this type of profile. As such, SMART appears to provide an additional resource that expands the repertoire of options for individuals with AUD who seek recovery.
The Finnish versions of food allergy quality of life questionnaires including parent form 10
Authors: Kauppila Tiina Kaisa , Kukkonen Kaarina , Pelkonen Anna S. , Mäkelä Mika J.
Published: October 2023

Aim

Examining health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is important to improve patient care. In this study, we translate and evaluate the Finnish versions of the Food Allergy Specific Quality of Life Questionnaires (FAQLQs) from a Finnish perspective and undertake a detailed evaluation of the 10‐question Parent Form Questionnaire (FAQLQ‐PF10).

Methods

This validation study was performed to evaluate the Finnish versions of the FAQLQs. Validation was performed by analysing clinical characteristics, factor loadings and Cronbach's α reliability estimates. The inclusion criteria for participants in this study were having a doctor‐diagnosed food allergy or being a parent of a child with a doctor‐diagnosed food allergy and being able to answer the questionnaire in Finnish.

Results

Altogether, 247 questionnaires were completed in this study. Most of the respondents had multiple food allergies (77%, 189/247). Spearman's correlations related to the 10‐question parent form (FAQLQ‐PF10), the 30‐question parent form (FAQLQ‐PF) and the Food Allergy Severity Measurement‐Parent Form (FAIM‐PF) were statistically significant (p value = 0.000–0.007). The reliability of the Finnish versions of the FAQLQs measured by Cronbach's α was overall good (0.75–0.981).

Conclusion

The Finnish versions of the FAQLQs are reliable and suitable to use, and the FAQLQ‐PF10 has good usability.
Prognostic factors for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rayner Daniel G. , Gou David , Chen Jason Z. X. , Zhu Evelyn , Lin Vallen W. , Fu Nicole
Published: October 2023

Aim

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) is a novel condition that can occur post‐SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children and adolescents. There is a paucity of evidence on the prognostic factors associated with MIS‐C. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to summarise the prognostic factors for MIS‐C development.

Methods

Five databases were systematically searched from January 2020 to May 2023 for studies reporting on prognostic factors for MIS‐C using multivariable regression models. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted to pool odds ratios for each prognostic factor. Risk of bias was rated using QUIPS and the GRADE framework was used to assess the certainty of evidence for each unique factor.

Results

Twelve observational studies (N = 18 024) were included, and 13 unique prognostic factors were amenable to meta‐analysis. With moderate certainty, age <12 years, male sex and Black race probably increase the risk of MIS‐C. Malignancy and underlying respiratory disease probably decrease the risk of MIS‐C. Low‐certainty evidence suggests that Asian race may increase the risk of MIS‐C, and comorbidity may decrease the risk of MIS‐C.

Conclusion

Current literature presents several prognostic factors related to MIS‐C following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Further research is necessary to elucidate the pathophysiologic mechanisms related to MIS‐C.
Functional and temporal facets of predation by marsh frogs across the aquatic–terrestrial ecotone of ponds and implications in the context of biological invasions
Authors: Pille Fabien , Pinto Laura , Denoël Mathieu
Published: October 2023

Freshwater vertebrate predators can exert trophic control over aquatic and littoral communities. Among these predators, post‐metamorphic anurans exhibit a biphasic trophic spectrum by foraging in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Many studies have described their diet through the classical taxonomic classification of prey. However, these singular diet habits imply a complex, time‐dependent, realised trophic niche in which predation pressure occurs over many consumers that fill diverse functional roles throughout the aquatic and terrestrial interface of ponds. Among anurans, marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) have been introduced outside their range in many countries and are now invading nationwide areas, particularly in western Europe. Focusing on their foraging specificities will therefore further the understanding of the trophic role of these alien taxa in pond environments that are highly colonised.

We collected stomach contents from 761 marsh frogs from introduced populations in 19 ponds in southern France once a month over 4 months of their active period in the spring. The populations of marsh frogs were studied in a geographic area that was devoid of native water frogs and their origin tracks back as far as south‐eastern Europe (i.e., more than 1,000 km from the studied sites, as evidenced previously by genetic analyses).

Marsh frogs exhibited generalist and opportunistic feeding strategies. The trophic niche was strongly asymmetrical and broader in the terrestrial environment than in the aquatic environment. However, predation occurred in communities of large freshwater macroinvertebrates and amphibians. Whereas the composition of the terrestrial diet exhibited strong seasonal variations, predation pressure was continuously exerted on the same aquatic organisms over time. Primary consumers and consumers at higher trophic levels frequenting aquatic benthic, vegetated, pelagic, and surface microhabitats were preyed upon, underlying the multidimensional extent of the predation spectrum.

The diversified feeding strategies of alien marsh frogs highlight the extent of potential ecological control by predation on pond communities. Because of their wide trophic niche, they exert predation pressure on most pond organisms, triggering possible top‐down control of the overall aquatic communities.

Our results show that the integration of the functional traits and microhabitats of consumed prey may aid in a better understanding of how predation by anurans may target specific components of pond communities. More particularly, this study raises concerns about the predatory role of introduced anurans in the context of biological invasions.
Planning and Its Function in Our Lives
Authors: Bratman Michael E.
Published: October 2023

Our capacity for planning agency is a core capacity that underlies interrelated forms of mind‐shaped practical organization: cross‐temporal organization of individual agency, shared agency, social rules, and rule‐guided organized institutions. A function of our capacity for planning agency is the support of these forms of practical organization. I highlight Peter Godfrey‐Smith's contrast between the ‘Wright function’ of something as ‘the effect it has which explains why it is there’ and ‘Cummins functions’ that ‘are capacities or effects of components of systems, which are salient in the explanation of capacities of the larger system’. Drawing on Paul Grice's strategy of ‘creature construction’, I articulate a sequence of nested constructions: from temporally extended planning agency to shared agency to shared policies to social rules to rule‐guided organized institutions. We see our capacity for planning agency as part of an explanation of how we achieve such practical organization, and as having nested Cummins functions of supporting those forms of organization. This sheds light on related ideas in H.L.A. Hart's theory of law, a challenge from J. David Velleman, the centrality of such forms of organization to the philosophy of action, and the moral and political significance of our capacity for planning agency.
Turcinoemacheilus ekmekciae, a new dwarf loach from upper Tigris and Euphrates (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: Kaya Cüneyt , Yoğurtçuoğlu Baran , Aksu İsmail , Bayçelebi Esra , Turan Davut
Published: October 2023

Turcinoemacheilus ekmekciae, new species, from upper Euphrates and Tigris drainages is distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in Western Asia by having a dark stripe broader than the eye diameter along the lateral line, rarely possessing roundish blotches, 5–6 mandibular pores in mandibular canal, a comperatvely smaller head, a deeper body, and a greater pre‐pelvic distance. Our specimens collected from the upper Great Zab, near the type locality of Turcinoemacheilus kosswigi, showed notable genetic divergence (a minimum K2P of 3.3%) from sequences reported as T. kosswigi in previous studies. Despite morphological similarities, this molecular difference suggests that the populations analysed in previous studies may represent a potential new species of Turcinoemacheilus, which we tentatively named as Turcinoemacheius cf. kosswigi. Molecular data also suggest that T. ekmekciae is characterized by a minimum K2P distance of 3.5% from Turcinoemacheilus minimus and T. cf. kosswigi. The three methods for species delimitation (assemble species by automatic partitioning [ASAP], Poisson tree processes [PTP], and multi‐rate PTP [mPTP]) that were utilized for testing species assignments consistently identified our test group as a distinct species.
Unilateral levator avulsion increases the risk of de novo stress urinary incontinence after cystocele repair
Authors: Hu Pan , Liu Lubin , Dai Ling , Wang Ying , Lei Li
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Patients without concurrent baseline stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can develop de novo SUI after transvaginal mesh surgery (TVM) for cystocele repair. Surgeons should be aware of de novo SUI risk factors after TVM.

Methods

A total of 1124 women who were underwent TVM surgeries were recruited and assessed for eligibility from January 1, 2012 to April 30, 2021. All data related to patients and surgeries was collected, which included general conditions, clinical examination, surgery records, and follow‐up results. Patients were divided into three groups according to follow‐up results and data were compared with each group. The relative risk (RR) of de novo SUI with levator avulsion was also calculated.

Results

Three hundred thirty‐six patients were included in this study. They were divided into no complication group (n = 249), de novo SUI group (n = 68), and other complications group (n = 19). It seemed elder or obese women had a higher risk of de novo SUI after TVM (p < 0.05). In de novo SUI group, incidence of levator avulsion before surgery were higher than the other two groups (p = 0.001). TVM can significantly change a prolapse to point Aa and Ba on POP‐Q quantification system (p < 0.05). RR ratios of de novo SUI with unilateral avulsion group is 2.60 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39–4.87), and 2.58 (95%CI 0.82–8.15) for bilateral group.

Conclusion

Unilateral levator avulsion, instead of bilateral levator avulsion, is a risk factor of de novo SUI after cystocele repair surgery.
The relationship between gastric ultrasound findings and endoscopically aspirated volume in infants and determining the antral cutoff value for empty stomach diagnosis
Authors: Sever Feyza , Özmert Sengül , Dereci Selim
Published: October 2023

Background/Aims

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric content is a serious perioperative complication. The objective of this prospective study was to assess the relationship between the gastric volumes suctioned endoscopically and quantitative (antral cross‐section area) and qualitative (empty vs. nonempty) examination of the gastric antrum. Furthermore, the study aimed to determine the best antral cross‐section area cutoff value for a truly empty antrum in infants.

Methods

This study was performed in a pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy unit. Antral sonography was performed in supine and right lateral decubitus positions in 46 fasted infants prior to upper gastrointestinal endoscopic evaluation. Antral cross‐sectional area measurements in both positions and qualitative evaluation of the antrum (according to a three‐point grading system) were recorded. Gastric contents were endoscopically suctioned and measured.

Results

Forty‐six patients (aged under 24 months) were included. According to the three‐point qualitative grading system, 76.1% of patients were classified as grade 0. The best cutoff value for the antral cross‐section area in the right lateral decubitus position, indicating an empty antrum, was determined to be 2.40 cm2. At this specific cutoff value, the sensitivity was 100%, the specificity was 68.6%, and the negative predictive value was 100%.

Conclusions

Gastric ultrasonography can confirm an empty or nearly empty stomach in healthy infants.
The impact of oblique images and flight‐planning scenarios on the accuracy of UAV 3D mapping
Authors: Parmehr Ebadat Ghanbari , Savadkouhi Mohammad , Nopour Meghdad
Published: October 2023

The developments in lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and structure‐from‐motion (SfM)‐based software have opened a new era in 3D mapping which is notably cost‐effective and fast, though the photogrammetric blocks lead to systematic height error due to inaccurate camera calibration parameters particularly when the ground control points (GCPs) are few and unevenly distributed. The use of onboard Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers (such as RTK‐ or PPK‐based devices which use the DGNSS technique) to obtain the accurate coordinates of camera perspective centres has reduced the need for ground surveys, nevertheless, the aforementioned systematic error was reported in the UAV photogrammetric blocks. In this research, three flight‐planning scenarios with oblique imagery in addition to the traditional nadir block were evaluated and processed with four different processing cases. Therefore, 16 various blocks with different overlaps, direct and indirect georeferencing approaches as well as flight‐planning scenarios were tested to examine and offer the best imaging network. The results denote that the combination of oblique images located on a circle in the centre of the block with the nadir block provides the best self‐calibration functionality and improves the final accuracy by 50% (from 0.163 to 0.085 m) for direct georeferenced blocks and by 40% (from 0.042 to 0.026 m) for indirect georeferenced blocks.
The Impact of Oxidation-Induced Degradation on Materials Used in Hydrogen-Fired Microturbines
Authors: Romedenne Marie , Pillai Rishi , Dryepondt Sebastien , Pint Bruce
Published: October 2023

Hydrogen-fueled microturbines are being considered as part of the future green microgrid. However, the use of hydrogen as a fuel presents new challenges for selection and development of suitable high temperature materials for hydrogen combustion. The burning of hydrogen is expected to result in higher operating temperatures and higher than typically observed water vapor contents in exhaust gases versus burning natural gas. In this work, foil specimens of various Fe- and Ni-based alloys were oxidized in air + 10% H2O and air + 60% H2O for up to 5000 h at 700 °C to simulate the exhaust atmosphere of natural gas and hydrogen-fueled microturbines. The impact of alloy composition and water vapor content on the oxidation/volatilization induced loss of wall thickness was experimentally evaluated. Enhanced external oxidation and volatilization of Cr2O3 and Ti-doped Cr2O3 scales were observed in air + 60% H2O compared to air + 10% H2O. No significant impact of the higher water vapor content was observed on Al2O3 scales formed on Fe-based alumina-forming austenitic alloys. Lifetime modeling was employed to predict the combined effects of water vapor content, gas flow rates, temperature, and alloy composition on the oxidation-induced lifetime of the investigated materials.
A reference for ear-canal absorbance based on semi-anechoic waveguides
Authors: Nørgaard Kren Monrad
Published: October 2023

Wideband acoustic immittance (WAI), in particular, ear-canal absorbance, is a useful clinical tool for assessing the middle-ear status and diagnosing conductive hearing disorders. However, little evidence documents the measurement accuracy of WAI in human ears, and, because its clinical adoption is still in its infancy, no international standards exist to define appropriate requirements for commercial instrumentation. A challenge from a standardization point of view is the lack of an absorbance reference, i.e., an acoustic load similar to the adult ear canal with a known absorbance. This paper explores various approaches to providing such an acoustic load to quantify WAI measurement accuracy. The approaches considered here include standardized and inexpensive occluded-ear simulators, and a family of semi-anechoic waveguides with different step discontinuities in cross-sectional area. These semi-anechoic waveguides could be included in a future WAI standard. In addition, a means of monitoring the stability of WAI calibrations over time is proposed, utilizing a single inexpensive occluded-ear simulator.
Four Sessions of Repeated-Sprint Cycling Training With or Without Severe Hypoxia Do Not Modify Overground Running Sprint Force–Velocity Profile
Authors: Brocherie Franck , Racinais Sebastien , Couderc Anthony , Piscione Julien , Girard Olivier
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effect of cycling-based repeated-sprint training in hypoxia versus in normoxia on single overground running sprint performance and associated force–velocity (F–V) profile in world-class female rugby sevens players. Methods: Eighteen world-class female rugby sevens players were randomly assigned to repeated-sprint cycling training in normobaric hypoxia (n = 9) or normoxia (n = 9) groups. Training consisted of 4 sessions of repeated-sprint cycling training in normobaric hypoxia or in normoxia (4 × 5 × 5-s cycle sprints—25-s intersprint recovery performed in simulated altitude of ∼5000 m or in normoxia with 3-min interset rest in normoxia for both groups) in addition to rugby sevens training and strength and conditioning sessions within a 9-day intervention period before an international competition. Before and 1 day after the intervention, single 50-m overground running “all-out” sprint performance and associated F–V-related mechanical output were assessed. Results: No interaction (group × time; all P > .088), time effect (before vs 1 d after; all P > .296), or group effect (repeated-sprint cycling training in normobaric hypoxia vs in normoxia; all P > .325) was detected for 50-m overground running sprint performance and any derived F–V profiling variables. Conclusions: Four sessions of repeated-sprint training either in hypoxia or in normoxia performed over 9 days had no influence on single 50-m overground running sprint performance and associated F–V profile. In world-class female rugby sevens players, the intervention (training camp before an international competition) might have been too short to induce measurable changes. It is also plausible that implementing a similar program in players with likely different F–V profile may result in negligible mechanical effect.
Construction and application of the conditionally essential gene knockdown library in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
to screen potential antimicrobial targets and virulence genes via Mobile-CRISPRi-seq
Authors: Zhu Qing , Lin Qiang , Jiang Yushan , Chen Shuyan , Tian Junxuan , Yang Shijin , Li Yuanchun , Li Mengjun , Wang Yuelin , Shen Chenguang , Meng Songdong , Yang Liang , Feng Youjun , Qu Jiuxin
Published: October 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a ubiquitous human pathogen, and its clinical treatment faces two major challenges: multidrug resistance and the pathogenesis of hypervirulent
K. pneumoniae
. The discovery and study of conditionally essential (CE) genes that can function as potential antimicrobial targets has always been a research concern due to their restriction in the development of novel antibiotics. However, the lack of essential functional genomic data has hampered the study of the mechanisms of essential genes related to antimicrobial susceptibility. In this study, we developed a pooled CE genes mobile clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) interference screening method (Mobile-CRISPRi-seq) for
K. pneumoniae
to identify genes that play critical roles in antimicrobial fitness
in vitro
and host immunity
in vivo
. Targeting 870 predicted CE genes in
K. pneumoniae
, Mobile-CRISPRi-seq uncovered the depletion of tetrahydrofolate synthesis pathway genes
folB
and
folP
under trimethoprim pressure. Our screening also identified genes
waaE
and
fldA
related to polymyxin and β-lactam susceptibility by applying a screening strategy based on Mobile-CRISPRi-seq and comparative genomics. Furthermore, using a mouse infection model and Mobile-CRISPRi-seq, multiple virulence genes were identified, and among these genes,
pal
,
yciS,
and
ribB
were demonstrated to contribute to the pathogenesis of
K. pneumoniae
. This study provides a simple, rapid, and effective platform for screening potential antimicrobial targets and virulence genes in
K. pneumoniae
, and this broadly applicable system can be expanded for high-throughput functional gene study in multiple pathogenic bacteria, especially in gram-negative bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

The discovery and investigation of conditionally essential (CE) genes that can function as potential antimicrobial targets has always been a research concern because of the restriction of antimicrobial targets in the development of novel antibiotics. In this study, we developed a pooled CE gene-wide mobile clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) interference sequencing (Mobile-CRISPRi-seq) strategy in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
to identify genes that play critical roles in the fitness of antimicrobials
in vitro
and host immunity
in vivo
. The data suggest a robust tool to screen for loss-of-function phenotypes in a pooled gene knockdown library in
K. pneumoniae
, and Mobile-CRISPRi-seq may be expanded to multiple bacteria for screening and identification of genes with crucial roles in the fitness of antimicrobials and hosts.
OAS1 suppresses African swine fever virus replication by recruiting TRIM21 to degrade viral major capsid protein
Authors: Sun Hualin , Wu Mengli , Zhang Zhonghui , Wang Yiwang , Yang Jifei , Liu Zhijie , Guan Guiquan , Luo Jianxun , Yin Hong , Niu Qingli
Published: October 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious lethal viral disease in pigs caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), which has greatly threatened Chinese animal health and the pork industry. Studies on host-virus interaction are essential for developing novel anti-ASFV strategies. The 2′, 5′-oligoadenylate synthetase gene 1 (OAS1) is a key interferon-stimulating gene (ISG) effector protein that promotes innate antiviral responses. This study provided evidence that OAS1 is significantly upregulated and inhibits ASFV infection. Overexpression of OAS1 can promote the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway and enhance phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2, thus promoting innate immune responses and host antiviral strategies. Additional mechanism studies showed that AT-enriched dsDNA in the ASFV genome was converted to dsRNA by RNA polymerase III. OAS1 is thus activated after sensing the dsRNA to produce OAS, which could activate the antiviral function of RNase L and further degrade virus-derived mRNA. Furthermore, OAS1 directly interacts with P72, recruiting TRIM21 to inhibit the replication of ASFV and the assembly of mature virions using K63 as the main ubiquitin site to form a polyubiquitination chain to degrade P72. Furthermore, P72 can prevent the interaction between DDX6 and OAS1, inhibiting the production of avSG and the antiviral ability of the host. Our study identified a novel role of OAS1 by interacting with viral proteins P72 and affecting avSG formation inducing the host antiviral response, and controlling ASFV replication.

IMPORTANCE

African swine fever virus (ASFV) completes the replication process by resisting host antiviral response
via
inhibiting interferon (IFN) secretion and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) function. 2′, 5′-Oligoadenylate synthetase gene 1 (OAS1) has been reported to inhibit the replication of various RNA and some DNA viruses. However, the regulatory mechanisms involved in the ASFV-induced IFN-related pathway still need to be fully elucidated. Here, we found that OAS1, as a critical host factor, inhibits ASFV replication in an RNaseL-dependent manner. Furthermore, overexpression of OAS1 can promote the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway promoting innate immune responses. In addition, OAS1 plays a new function, which could interact with ASFV P72 protein to suppress ASFV infection. Mechanistically, OAS1 enhances the proteasomal degradation of P72 by promoting TRIM21-mediated ubiquitination. Meanwhile, P72 inhibits the production of avSG and affects the interaction between OAS1 and DDX6. Our findings demonstrated OAS1 as an important target against ASFV replication and revealed the mechanisms and intrinsic regulatory relationships during ASFV infection.
Rare Earth Element Resource Potential of Super-Large Deposits in Eastern Fennoscandia
Authors: Kogarko L. N.
Published: October 2023

This work has been carried out to assess the rare-earth potential of the main ore minerals of the Lovozero and Khibiny deposits. The loparite and eudialyte deposits are associated with the giant Lovozero intrusion (Eastern Fennoscandia, Kola Peninsula). There are several deposits of apatite–nepheline ores in the Khibiny complex. All these ores take the leading position in the structure of the raw material base of Russia. The highest contents of the sum of rare earth metals (REMs) are typical of loparite ores (the content of ΣREE in loparites is about 28 wt %), light rare earths sharply dominate over heavy ones (the Ce/Yb ratio is about 78000). The sum of REEs in eudialytes is about 2 wt %. A remarkable feature of eudialyte ores is the high concentration of the heavy REM group (the Ce/Yb ratio is about 14). The apatites of the Khibiny deposits occupy an intermediate position: the Ce/Yb ratio is 680, and the average concentration of the REE sum is 0.9 wt %. The conditions of formation of apatite, loparite, and eudialyte ores are considered.
Asymptomatic giant gastric carcinosarcoma
Authors: Sarda Hitesh , Pandey Anshuman , Gatuam Abhishek , Nellikoppad Hareesh Shanthappa
Published: October 2023

Carcinosarcoma is an aggressive malignant neoplasm separate from adenocarcinoma with need for a radical early treatment for good response and survival. Less than 75 cases have been reported worldwide. Here, we report a case of an asymptomatic carcinosarcoma of stomach in a lady in her 70’s presenting incidentally who underwent distal gastrectomy with Billroth II reconstruction for a large epigastric mass along with a review of literature. Although carcinosarcoma in the stomach is a rare entity, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in a rapidly growing gastric growth. It requires further descriptions and collections of individual cases.
Neutrophil levels correlate with quantitative extent and progression of fibrosis in IPF: results of a single-centre cohort study
Authors: Achaiah Andrew , Fraser Emily , Saunders Peter , Hoyles Rachel K , Benamore Rachel , Ho Ling-Pei
Published: October 2023

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis. Clinical studies have demonstrated association between different blood leucocytes and mortality and forced vital capacity (FVC) decline. Here, we question which blood leucocyte levels are specifically associated with progression of fibrosis, measured by accumulation of fibrosis on CT scan using a standardised automated method.

Methods

Using the Computer-Aided Lung Informatics for Pathology Evaluation and Rating CT algorithm, we determined the correlation between different blood leucocytes (<4 months from CT) and total lung fibrosis (TLF) scores, pulmonary vessel volume (PVV), FVC% and transfer factor of lung for carbon monoxide% at baseline (n=171) and with progression of fibrosis (n=71), the latter using multivariate Cox regression.

Results

Neutrophils (but not monocyte or lymphocytes) correlated with extent of lung fibrosis (TLF/litre) (r=0.208, p=0.007), PVV (r=0.259, p=0.001), FVC% (r=−0.127, p=0.029) at baseline. For the 71 cases with repeat CT; median interval between CTs was 25.9 (16.8–39.9) months. Neutrophil but not monocyte levels are associated with increase in TLF/litre (HR 2.66, 95% CI 1.35 to 5.25, p=0.005).

Conclusion

Our study shows that neutrophil rather than monocyte levels correlated with quantifiable increase in fibrosis on imaging of the lungs in IPF, suggesting its relative greater contribution to progression of fibrosis in IPF.
Use of geographically weighted regression models to inform retail endgame strategies in South Korea: application to cigarette and ENDS prevalence
Authors: Kang Heewon , Cheon Eunsil , Ha Jaeyoung , Cho Sung-il
Published: October 2023

Background

Reducing tobacco retailer availability is a key tobacco endgame policy. The development and evaluation of retail-based policies require spatial methodologies. We modelled the prevalence of adult cigarette and electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use according to tobacco retailer density, considering geographical variations.

Methods

Registration data for tobacco retail businesses, a population-representative survey of South Koreans aged ≥19 years, and population and land area data were used. We merged the datasets according to geographical units. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) analyses were conducted to model cigarette and ENDS use prevalence, respectively.

Findings

Tobacco retailer density was associated with increased cigarette use prevalence in the OLS model (β=2.19, p=0.02). A 1.9-fold difference by region was identified for the coefficient, indicating an association with tobacco retailer density (minimum 1.39, maximum 2.65), in the GWR analysis. No significant association was present between tobacco retailer density and ENDS prevalence in either the OLS (β=0.24, p=0.37) or the GWR model (minimum 0.20, maximum 0.28).

Conclusion

Our results suggest the importance of using spatial methods to develop and evaluate retail-based endgame policies. The establishment of tobacco retailer databases by the introduction of licensing is necessary to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of tobacco retailer regulations.
Exercise prescription for persons with spinal cord injury: a review of physiological considerations and evidence-based guidelines
Authors: Pelletier Chelsea
Published: October 2023

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience gains in fitness, physical and mental health from regular participation in exercise and physical activity. Due to changes in physiological function of the cardiovascular, nervous, and muscular systems, general population physical activity guidelines and traditional exercise prescription methods are not appropriate for the SCI population. Exercise guidelines specific to persons with SCI recommend progressive training beginning at 20 min of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise twice per week transitioning to 30 min three times per week, with strength training of the major muscle groups two times per week. These population-specific guidelines were designed considering the substantial barriers to physical activity for persons with SCI and can be used to frame an individual exercise prescription. Rating of perceived exertion (i.e., perceptually regulated exercise) is a practical way to indicate moderate to vigorous intensity exercise in community settings. Adapted exercise modes include arm cycle ergometry, hybrid arm–leg cycling, and recumbent elliptical equipment. Body weight-supported treadmill training and other rehabilitation modalities may improve some aspects of health and fitness for people with SCI if completed at sufficient intensity. Disability-specific community programs offer beneficial opportunities for persons with SCI to experience quality exercise opportunities but are not universally available.
Decay of the $$Z^\prime $$ gauge boson with lepton flavor violation
Authors: Espinosa-Gómez D. , Ramírez-Zavaleta F. , Tututi E. S.
Published: October 2023

The flavor-violating decay of a new neutral massive gauge boson $$Z^\prime \rightarrow \mu e$$

Z
′

→
μ
e

is analyzed in the context of extended models, in which this particle emerges. By means of the analysis of the $$\mu \rightarrow e\gamma $$

μ
→
e
γ

decay, $$\mu -e$$

μ
-
e

conversion process in nuclei and the $$\mu \rightarrow e e^{+}e^{-}$$

μ
→
e

e
+

e
-

decay, the strength of the $$Z^\prime \mu e$$

Z
′

μ
e

coupling is estimated and used to calculate the branching ratio of the $$Z^\prime \rightarrow \mu e$$

Z
′

→
μ
e

decay. This is done for the so-called $$Z_S,\,Z_{LR},\,Z_\chi , Z_\psi $$

Z
S

,

Z

LR

,

Z
χ

,

Z
ψ

and $$Z_\eta $$

Z
η

bosons. We found that, through the $$\mu -e$$

μ
-
e

conversion process, the most restrictive bound for the coupling is provided by the $$Z_{LR}$$

Z

LR

boson. Meanwhile, by means of the $$\mu \rightarrow e e^{+}e^{-}$$

μ
→
e

e
+

e
-

decay, the most restrictive bound for the $$Z^\prime \mu e$$

Z
′

μ
e

coupling is provided by the $$Z_\chi $$

Z
χ

boson. However, if we concentrate on the less restrictive prediction for the Br($$Z^\prime \rightarrow \mu e$$

Z
′

→
μ
e

), this comes from the $$Z_\eta $$

Z
η

boson and the resulting branching ratio is less than $$10^{-4}$$

10

-
4

. On the other hand, if we consider the most restrictive bound, the branching ratio for the process is below $$2\times 10^{-7}$$

2
×

10

-
7

, which results from the $$Z_{RL}$$

Z

RL

boson, and is obtained through the $$\mu -e$$

μ
-
e

conversion process.