bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal warm sea‐surface temperature in the Indian Ocean, active potential vorticity over the Tibetan Plateau, and severe flooding along the Yangtze River in summer 2020
Authors: Ma Tingting , Wu Guoxiong , Liu Yimin , Mao Jiangyu
Published: January 2022

Excessive precipitation was observed throughout the Yangtze River Valley during the record‐breaking Meiyu season in 2020. However, the mechanism of extreme precipitation over the upper reaches of the Yangtze River remains unclear. Our results show that the activities of high potential vorticity (PV) systems during their eastward propagation over the eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) should be responsible for the above‐normal rainfall not only over western China but also over eastern China. The activity of high‐PV systems is characterized by a prominent diurnal cycle, and their formation is closely related to the thermal contrast between the near‐surface and lower atmosphere. In the morning, surface sensible heating increases sharply after sunrise, leading to a decrease in diabatic heating with height. Accordingly, PV weakens in the lower atmosphere, and the formation of high‐PV systems reaches a minimum. An increase in turbulence increases near‐surface evaporation, which in turn reduces surface diabatic heating. At the same time, cloud formation increases diabatic heating at approximately 400 hPa. Consequently, the thermal contrast below 400 hPa leads to an increase in diabatic heating with height, favoring the generation of high‐PV systems. Compared with the climatology, an excessive water vapor supply from the anomalous anticyclone over the northern Bay of Bengal, forced by the Indian Ocean warming in 2020, contributes to a stronger thermal contrast and enhanced activity of high‐PV systems over the TP. The arrival timing of high‐PV systems at the eastern flank of the TP plays an important role in the subsequent development of these systems. Early arrival in the afternoon or evening is generally accompanied by air convergence and sufficient water vapor supply downstream of the TP, which favors the systems moving off the TP and influencing precipitation downstream.
Sustainable packaging of quantum chemistry software with the Nix package manager
Authors: Kowalewski Markus , Seeber Phillip
Published: January 2022

The installation of quantum chemistry software packages is commonly done manually and can be a time‐consuming and complicated process. An update of the underlying Linux system requires a reinstallation in many cases and can quietly break software installed on the system. In this paper, we present an approach that allows for an easy installation of quantum chemistry software packages, which is also independent of operating system updates. The use of the Nix package manager allows building software in a reproducible manner, which allows for a reconstruction of the software for later reproduction of scientific results. The build recipes that are provided can be readily used by anyone to avoid complex installation procedures.
Does single‐site robotic surgery makes sense for gallbladder surgery?
Authors: Bosi Henrique Rasia , Rombaldi Marcelo Costamilan , Zaniratti Thamyres , Castilhos Fernanda Oliveira , Sbaraini Mariana , Grossi João Vicente , Pretto Guilherme Gonçalves , Cavazzola Leandro Totti
Published: January 2022

Background

Cholecystectomy is one of the most performed surgeries. Several techniques were created, generating less pain, better aesthetic results and faster return to activities. Robotic surgery through a single portal combined the advantages of single‐incision surgery with the principles of conventional laparoscopy, making it a safe and feasible procedure. However, due to the high costs, this technology is hardly available in practice, especially in the public health system. The objective is to evaluate the safety of robotic cholecystectomy using the da Vinci Single‐Site © Surgical Platform (DVSSP) in a tertiary public hospital, and to assess alternatives that can reduce the costs, influencing the final real value of the procedure.

Methods

Prospective and descriptive study evaluating robotic cholecystectomies using the DVSSP technology performed at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre from May 2017 to November 2018.

Results

A total of 37 cholecystectomies were performed. The average time of surgery was 82.62 min, and no intraoperative complications were observed. There was a need for conversion to conventional laparoscopy in two surgeries (5.4%). The average cost of the robotic procedure was U$ 1146.23 and the amount passed on to the institution by the Brazilian Unified Health System was on average U$ 212.59 (p < 0.05). Postoperative outcomes were satisfactory, with an incisional hernia index of 8.1%.

Conclusion

Although robotic surgery in this setting is a safe and feasible alternative, the high cost of the procedure prevents its dissemination on a large scale. New alternatives are needed to reduce the value and to allow greater accessibility.
Research on a rat model of genotype IV swine hepatitis E virus
Authors: Jian Zhijie , Li Youyou , Xu Zhiwen , Zhao Jun , Li Fengqin , Deng Huidan , Sun Xiangang , Zhu Ling
Published: January 2022

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important zoonotic pathogen, Genotypes 3 and 4 are the main zoonotic genotype. Due to the lack of mature and effective culture cell lines, researches on genotype IV swine HEV (SHEV‐4) infection and pathogenic mechanism have been carried out in pigs, gerbils and non‐human primate models.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to establish a rat infection model by intra‐peritoneal infection with SHEV‐4, which provided a new research idea and scientific basis for further revealing the mechanism of HEV infection and preventing HEV infection.

Methods

SHEV‐4 virus was administered intra‐peritoneally to 6‐ to 8‐week‐old mice to observe the serological changes and virus release.

Results

According to the results of the rat serum HEV IgG, ALT and AST levels, swine HEV, minus‐strand HEV RNA can infect Sprague–Dawley rats across species, and there are no obvious clinical symptoms after infection. HEV RNA was detected in most tissues and organs after infection, but the viral load was low. The liver had pathological changes of chronic hepatitis.

Conclusions

We found that the rat model of porcine HEV infection is a small animal model suitable for the study of HEV infection.
The efficacy of pomegranate peel extract on Eimeria shedding and growth indices in experimental coccidiosis in broiler chickens
Authors: Khorrami Pedram , Gholami‐Ahangaran Majid , Moghtadaei‐Khorasgani Elham
Published: January 2022

Background

Coccidiosis is the most common enteric parasitic disease in poultry that is caused by different species of Eimeria. Some chemical drugs were utilized for the control of this infection but drug residue and resistance‐induced concerns in chicken consumers.

Objective

The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPEx) on the control of coccidiosis in chickens.

Methods

Totally, 300 broiler chicks were divided into 10 groups and 5 groups challenged with a mixture of common Eimeria of 21 days old in Iran. Five days after the challenge, as soon as clinical signs appeared, the oocyte per gram (OPG) of faeces was measured, and chickens were treated with 100, 200 and 400 ppm PPEx (for 7 days) and toltrazuril (for 2 days) in separate groups. Another five groups were only treated with these compounds without challenge. All challenged and non‐challenged have a control group. The OPG was measured in the final treatment in chickens. At 35 days of age, all chickens were euthanized and the intestinal and liver samples were collected in 10% formalin for histopathological examination. The growth indices were recorded and analysed all over the growing period, weekly.

Results

The results revealed that the addition of PPEx especially in 400 ppm can reduce the intestinal lesions and OPG but in this dose, the growth indices can influence negatively, while the administration of toltrazuril with the best effect on OPG and intestinal lesions, no effect on growth indices in challenged chickens. Also, supplementation of 400 ppm PPEx can induce injuries in the liver while the lower dose has no effect on liver tissue.

Conclusion

It is necessary for finding effective ingredients in PPEx and preparation of serial dilution for access to optimal dose with best anti‐coccidial effect and lowest negative effect on growth indices in chickens.
Digital labour platforms and the redefinition of work: Opportunities and challenges for workers
Authors:   ILO
Published: January 2022

This chapter explores the opportunities and challenges for workers on digital labour platforms, based on surveys conducted with some 12,000 respondents globally. It presents a first major overview of the worker experience on digital labour platforms in multiple sectors and countries, with regard to access to work, earnings, working time, social protection, and occupational safety and health. It also focuses on how digital labour platforms use algorithmic management practices to manage and evaluate workers and its impact on the working conditions of the workers. Finally, it discusses the role of platform design in shaping the worker experience in the context of non‐discrimination issues.
Seizing the opportunity: A way forward
Authors:   ILO
Published: January 2022

This chapter discusses some of the emerging hard‐ and soft‐law responses or initiatives taken by governments, social partners, platforms and other stakeholders (such as cooperatives) to address the challenges faced by workers on digital labour platforms, in particular by drawing on national practices. It suggests policies that may be required at the national, international and multilateral levels to ensure decent work for workers and fair competition for enterprises on digital labour platforms.
Uncovering the impacts of alternative splicing on the proteome with current omics techniques
Authors: Reixachs‐Solé Marina , Eyras Eduardo
Published: January 2022

The high‐throughput sequencing of cellular RNAs has underscored a broad effect of isoform diversification through alternative splicing on the transcriptome. Moreover, the differential production of transcript isoforms from gene loci has been recognized as a critical mechanism in cell differentiation, organismal development, and disease. Yet, the extent of the impact of alternative splicing on protein production and cellular function remains a matter of debate. Multiple experimental and computational approaches have been developed in recent years to address this question. These studies have unveiled how molecular changes at different steps in the RNA processing pathway can lead to differences in protein production and have functional effects. New and emerging experimental technologies open exciting new opportunities to develop new methods to fully establish the connection between messenger RNA expression and protein production and to further investigate how RNA variation impacts the proteome and cell function.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

Translation > Regulation

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA
Determination of home-made wine selected parameters and study of honey addition impact on pro-healthy components content
Authors: Jastrzębska Aneta
Published: January 2022

The chemical characteristic of home-made wine, based on the vinification process of Maréchal Foch grapes with minimal intervention, was discussed. The addition of honey in the vinification process has been studied to improve the parameters of the pro-health properties of wine. Assays of antioxidant capacity, pH, colour intensity, total acidity, histamine, tyramine, tryptamine and phenylethylamine contents were carried out during the fermentation, maturation and storage processes. Moreover, the discussed above and selected oenological and quality parameters (organic acids, metals, total and free sulphur dioxide, alcohol content) of obtained wines were compared with commercial wines. Obtained results of allergenic compounds (SO2 and histamine) showed a significantly lower level for home-made wines. The presence of honey during the fermentation process significantly improved the antioxidant parameters, titratable acidity, and influenced the final product colour intensity and colour brilliance. The obtained data show that home-produced wine seems to be a valuable alternative to traditional commercial production due to the lack of chemical additives and potentially allergenic substances in the presence of compounds that enhance human health. Moreover, minimal intervention during fermentation, no filtering step, no chemical additives, processing aids and clarifying substances suggest that home-made wine can be considered natural.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor rechallenge in advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Ziyi , Hao Xuezhi , Yang Ke , Wang Qi , Wang Jing , Lin Lin , Teng Fei , Li Junling , Xing Puyuan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

After progression to immunotherapy, the standard of care for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was limited. Administration of the same or different immune checkpoint inhibitors (i.e., ICI rechallenge) may serve as a novel option. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ICI rechallenge for NSCLC and explore prognostic factors.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, data of advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients rechallenged with ICI at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College between December 2018 and June 2021 were retrieved. Progression-free, overall survivals (PFS; OS), etc. were calculated. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to baseline characteristics, prior treatment results, etc. for prognostic factor exploration using the Cox model.

Results

Forty patients were included. Median age was 59 years. Thirty-one (78%) were male. Twenty-seven (68%) were smokers. Adenocarcinoma (28 [70%]) was the major histological subtype. Median PFS of patients receiving initial ICI was 5.7 months. The most common rechallenge regimens were ICI plus chemotherapy and/or angiogenesis inhibitor (93%). Seventeen (43%) were rechallenged with another ICI. Median PFS for ICI rechallenge was 6.8 months (95% CI 5.8–7.8). OS was immature. Tendencies for longer PFS were observed in nonsmoker or patients with adenocarcinoma, response of stable/progressive disease in initial immunotherapy, or whose treatment lines prior to ICI rechallenge were one/two. However, all results of prognostic factors were nonsignificant.

Conclusion

ICI rechallenge may be an option for NSCLC after progress to immunotherapy. Further studies to confirm the efficacy and investigate prognostic factors are warranted.
Strong eventual consistency of the collaborative editing framework WOOT
Authors: Karayel Emin , Gonzàlez Edgar
Published: January 2022

Commutative Replicated Data Types (CRDTs) are a promising new class of data structures for large-scale shared mutable content in applications that only require eventual consistency. The WithOut Operational Transforms (WOOT) framework is the first CRDT for collaborative text editing introduced by Oster et al. (In: Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW). ACM, New York, pp 259–268, 2006a). Its eventual consistency property was verified only for a bounded model to date. While the consistency of many other previously published CRDTs had been shown immediately with their publication, the property for WOOT remained open for 14 years. We use a novel approach identifying a previously unknown sort-key based protocol that simulates the WOOT framework to show its consistency. We formalize the proof using the Isabelle/HOL proof assistant to machine-check its correctness.
An International Commentary on Dysphagia and Dysphonia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Miles Anna , McRae Jackie , Clunie Gemma , Gillivan-Murphy Patricia , Inamoto Yoko , Kalf Hanneke , Pillay Mershen , Pownall Susan , Ratcliffe Philippa , Richard Theresa , Robinson Ursula , Wallace Sarah , Brodsky Martin B.
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 has had an impact globally with millions infected, high mortality, significant economic ramifications, travel restrictions, national lockdowns, overloaded healthcare systems, effects on healthcare workers’ health and well-being, and large amounts of funding diverted into rapid vaccine development and implementation. Patients with COVID-19, especially those who become severely ill, have frequently developed dysphagia and dysphonia. Health professionals working in the field have needed to learn about this new disease while managing these patients with enhanced personal protective equipment. Emerging research suggests differences in the clinical symptoms and journey to recovery for patients with COVID-19 in comparison to other intensive care populations. New insights from outpatient clinics also suggest distinct presentations of dysphagia and dysphonia in people after COVID-19 who were not hospitalized or severely ill. This international expert panel provides commentary on the impact of the pandemic on speech pathologists and our current understanding of dysphagia and dysphonia in patients with COVID-19, from acute illness to long-term recovery. This narrative review provides a unique, comprehensive critical appraisal of published peer-reviewed primary data as well as emerging previously unpublished, original primary data from across the globe, including clinical symptoms, trajectory, and prognosis. We conclude with our international expert opinion on what we have learnt and where we need to go next as this pandemic continues across the globe.
Occurrence and relevance of Mycoplasma spp. in free-ranging pheasants from northwestern Germany
Authors: Fischer Luisa , Liebing Jennifer , Völker Iris , Baudler Liane , Gethöffer Friederike , Voigt Ulrich , Heffels-Redmann Ursula , Wohlsein Peter , Siebert Ursula , Lierz Michael
Published: January 2022

Since 2008/2009, the population of free-ranging ring-necked pheasants was recorded to decrease all over Germany. Various Mycoplasma (M.) spp. are causing severe respiratory signs in captive game bird species. Furthermore, M. gallisepticum is responsible for massive die-offs in consequence to severe conjunctivitis in house finches in the USA. Therefore, the prevalence of mycoplasmas in free-ranging pheasants was investigated and a potential impact on the population decline of pheasants discussed. Within this study, 150 free-ranging pheasants were sampled via tracheal swabs and tissue samples of the trachea and the periorbital skin, as the latter displayed inflammatory alterations in previous studies. In total, 177 samples were investigated for the presence of mycoplasmas using cultural and molecular biological methods. In 76 birds, necropsy was performed additionally. In total, 73.7% (51/76) of the examined pheasants had periorbital skin alterations. Furthermore, 64.4% (114/177) of the samples tested positive for mycoplasmas via PCR. Overall, 102/177 samples (57.6%, 78/105 tracheal swabs, 19/51 skin tissue, 5/21 trachea tissue) tested positive for mycoplasmas via culture. Mycoplasma gallinaceum (n = 50), M. pullorum (n = 45), M. glycophilum (n = 43), M. iners (n = 11), and M. gallinarum (n = 5) were frequently isolated. In 45 cases (45.9%), multiple Mycoplasma spp. were isolated from one sample. All examined samples tested negative for M. gallisepticum. Of 51 skin samples investigated for mycoplasmas, 24 (47.1%) showed inflammatory skin alterations in histology, and 58.3% (14/24) of these samples tested positive for Mycoplasma spp. additionally. Overall, there was a significant correlation between inflammatory altered skin samples and the detection of mycoplasmas in periorbital skin samples. Based on the present results, the isolated Mycoplasma spp. may play a role as facultative agents for the observed inflammatory skin alterations. However, additional investigation is needed to confirm this presumption.
Associations Between Pornography Consumption, Sexual Flexibility, and Sexual Functioning Among Austrian Adults
Authors: Komlenac Nikola , Hochleitner Margarethe
Published: January 2022

To date, only a few studies have examined the associations between pornography consumption and sexual functioning. The Acquisition, Activation, Application Model (3AM) indicates that the frequency of pornography consumption and the perceived realism of pornography may influence whether sexual scripts are acquired from viewed pornography. Having sexual scripts that are alternative to their preferred sexual behaviors may help people switch to alternative sexual behavior when sexual problems arise. The current study analyzed whether frequent pornography consumption was associated with greater sexual flexibility and greater sexual functioning. Additionally, the perceived realism of pornography consumption was tested as a moderator of those associations. At an Austrian medical university, an online cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 644 medical students (54% women and 46% men; Mage = 24.1 years, SD = 3.8). The participants were asked about their pornography consumption, partnered sexual activity, sexual flexibility, perceived realism of pornography, and sexual functioning. Manifest path analyses revealed direct and indirect associations between frequent pornography consumption and greater sexual functioning through greater sexual flexibility in women but not in men. Perceived realism did not moderate those associations. In conclusion, our study was in line with previous studies that found no significant associations between men’s pornography consumption and sexual functioning in men. However, some women may expand their sexual scripts and learn new sexual behaviors from pornography consumption, which may help with their sexual functioning.
Expected passes
Authors: Anzer Gabriel , Bauer Pascal
Published: January 2022

Passes are by far football’s (soccer) most frequent event, yet surprisingly little meaningful research has been devoted to quantify them. With the increase in availability of so-called positional data, describing the positioning of players and ball at every moment of the game, our work aims to determine the difficulty of every pass by calculating its success probability based on its surrounding circumstances. As most experts will agree, not all passes are of equal difficulty, however, most traditional metrics count them as such. With our work we can quantify how well players can execute passes, assess their risk profile, and even compute completion probabilities for hypothetical passes by combining physical and machine learning models. Our model uses the first 0.4 seconds of a ball trajectory and the movement vectors of all players to predict the intended target of a pass with an accuracy of $$93.0\%$$

93.0
%

for successful and $$72.0\%$$

72.0
%

for unsuccessful passes much higher than any previously published work. Our extreme gradient boosting model can then quantify the likelihood of a successful pass completion towards the identified target with an area under the curve (AUC) of $$93.4\%$$

93.4
%

. Finally, we discuss several potential applications, like player scouting or evaluating pass decisions.
Strengthening ties towards a highly-connected world
Authors: Matakos Antonis , Gionis Aristides
Published: January 2022

Online social networks provide a forum where people make new connections, learn more about the world, get exposed to different points of view, and access information that were previously inaccessible. It is natural to assume that content-delivery algorithms in social networks should not only aim to maximize user engagement but also to offer opportunities for increasing connectivity and enabling social networks to achieve their full potential. Our motivation and aim is to develop methods that foster the creation of new connections, and subsequently, improve the flow of information in the network. To achieve our goal, we propose to leverage the strong triadic closure principle, and consider violations to this principle as opportunities for creating more social links. We formalize this idea as an algorithmic problem related to the densest k-subgraph problem. For this new problem, we establish hardness results and propose approximation algorithms. We identify two special cases of the problem that admit a constant-factor approximation. Finally, we experimentally evaluate our proposed algorithm on real-world social networks, and we additionally evaluate some simpler but more scalable algorithms.
Ad-VT enhances the sensitivity of chemotherapy-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells to gemcitabine and paclitaxel in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Song Gaojie , Shang Chao , Sun Lili , Li Yiquan , Zhu Yilong , Xiu Zhiru , Liu Zirui , Li Yaru , Yang Xia , Ge Chenchen , Fang Jinbo , Jin Ningyi , Li Xiao
Published: January 2022

Background One of the main challenges in the clinical treatment of lung cancer is resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated drug resistance is the main obstacle to successfully implementing microtubule-targeted tumor chemotherapy. Purpose In this study, we explored the effect of Ad-hTERTp-E1a-Apoptin (Ad-VT) on drug-resistant cell lines and the molecular mechanism by which Ad-VT combined with chemotherapy affects drug-resistant cells and parental cells. Methods In vitro, cell proliferation, colony formation, resistance index (RI), apoptosis and autophagy assays were performed. Protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting. Finally, a xenograft tumor model in nude mice was used to detect tumor growth and evaluate histological characteristics. Results Our results showed that Ad-VT had an obvious killing effect on A549, A549/GEM and A549/Paclitaxel cancer cells, and the sensitivity of drug-resistant cell lines to Ad-VT was significantly higher than that of parental A549 cells. Compared with A549 cells, A549/GEM and A549/Paclitaxel cells had higher autophagy levels and higher viral replication ability. Ad-VT decreased the levels of p-PI3k, p-Akt and p-mTOR and the expression of P-gp. In vivo, Ad-VT combined with chemotherapy can effectively inhibit the growth of chemotherapy-resistant tumors and prolong the survival of mice. Conclusions Thus, the combination of Ad-VT and chemotherapeutic drugs will be a promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance.
Modelling multivariate data using product copulas and minimum distance estimators: an exemplary application to ecological traits
Authors: Liebscher Eckhard , Taubert Franziska , Waltschew David , Hetzer Jessica
Published: January 2022

Modelling and applying multivariate distributions is an important topic in ecology. In particular in plant ecology, the multidimensional nature of plant traits comes with challenges such as wide ranges in observations as well as correlations between several characteristics. In other disciplines (e.g., finances and economics), copulas have been proven as a valuable tool for modelling multivariate distributions. However, applications in ecology are still rarely used. Here, we present a copula-based methodology of fitting multivariate distributions to ecological data. We used product copula models to fit multidimensional plant traits, on example of observations from the global trait database TRY. The fitting procedure is split into two parts: fitting the marginal distributions and fitting the copula. We found that product copulas are well suited to model ecological data as they have the advantage of being asymmetric (similar to the observed data). Challenges in the fitting were mainly addressed to limited amount of data. In view of growing global databases, we conclude that copula modelling provides a great potential for ecological modelling.
Effect of biomass-based carbon capture on the sustainability and economics of pulp and paper production in the Nordic mills
Authors: Kuparinen Katja , Lipiäinen Satu , Vakkilainen Esa , Laukkanen Timo
Published: January 2022

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is one of the key negative emission technologies (NETs). Large-scale implementation of BECCS has been criticized of the associated increase in land use. The existing large Nordic pulp and paper production units enable BECCS deployment without additional land use, as they currently release large amounts of bio-based carbon dioxide (CO2). The application of BECCS in pulp mills has been found technically feasible in earlier studies. This study explores key factors that affect the propensity to invest in BECCS in different types of existing European pulp and paper mills. The results give fresh understanding on the effects of BECCS on the market price of pulp and paper products and the required level of incentives. Based on statistical data, the marginal carbon dioxide credit (€ per ton CO2) to make BECCS profitable was derived. The results show that the required level of credit greatly depends on the mill type and details and that the feasibility of BECCS does not clearly correlate with the economic performance or the measured efficiency of the mill. The most promising mill type, a market kraft pulp mill, would find BECCS profitable with a credit in the range of 62–70 €/tCO2 and a credit of 80 €/tCO2 would decrease pulp production costs by 15 €/tproduct on average if 50% of CO2 emissions was captured. The EU Emission Trading System (ETS) is the main policy instrument to achieve the climate targets related to fossil energy use, but does not yet contemplate bio-based emissions.
Vaporization Thermodynamics of Pyrrolidinium, Pyridinium, and Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids Bearing the Bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide [FSI] and the Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [NTf2] Anions
Authors: Zaitsau Dzmitry H. , Verevkin Sergey P.
Published: January 2022

New experimental vapor pressures in the range 407 K to 460 K and vaporization enthalpy of the ionic liquids (IL) N-alkyl-N-methyl-pyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ionic liquids have been measured using quartz crystal microbalance. The absolute vapor pressures and vaporization enthalpies were compared with analogous pyrrolidinium-based ILs with the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion. The evaluated difference in vaporization enthalpy of ILs with bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions allowed for estimation of corresponding property for a wide set of ILs with bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion. The results are relevant to chemical engineering calculations of processes involving ILs as reaction and separation media.
Spanish and Swedish teachers’ perspective of teaching STEM and robotics in preschool – results from the botSTEM project
Authors: Fridberg Marie , Redfors Andreas , Greca Ileana M. , Terceño Eva M. García
Published: January 2022

This article describes outcomes from the Erasmus + project botSTEM, involving a theoretical framework for Science, Technology, Engineering & Technology (STEM) and robotics and teaching activities for preschool teachers and teachers educating children 4–8 years old. Spanish and Swedish preschool teachers’ self-efficacy and views of teaching STEM and robotics are presented, using a mixed methodology based on a questionnaire and focus group interviews. The 3-year long project has improved the preschool teachers’ self-efficacy in STEM and robotics teaching, as described in a questionnaire answered by the preschool teachers after the project. Possibilities in STEM and robotics teaching experienced by them include an increase in children’s agency, knowledge and interest, and the obstacles are mainly structural or technical. Robotics teaching also supports children with special needs when interacting with peers. The results from the botSTEM project point to the benefit of supported long-term professional development for STEM and robotics teaching in preschools.
Stress-Aware Periodic Test of Interconnects
Authors: Sadeghi-Kohan Somayeh , Hellebrand Sybille , Wunderlich Hans-Joachim
Published: January 2022

Safety-critical systems have to follow extremely high dependability requirements as specified in the standards for automotive, air, and space applications. The required high fault coverage at runtime is usually obtained by a combination of concurrent error detection or correction and periodic tests within rather short time intervals. The concurrent scheme ensures the integrity of computed results while the periodic test has to identify potential aging problems and to prevent any fault accumulation which may invalidate the concurrent error detection mechanism. Such periodic built-in self-test (BIST) schemes are already commercialized for memories and for random logic. The paper at hand extends this approach to interconnect structures. A BIST scheme is presented which targets interconnect defects before they will actually affect the system functionality at nominal speed. A BIST schedule is developed which significantly reduces aging caused by electromigration during the lifetime application of the periodic test.
Monitoring protein unfolding transitions by NMR-spectroscopy
Authors: Dreydoppel Matthias , Balbach Jochen , Weininger Ulrich
Published: January 2022

NMR-spectroscopy has certain unique advantages for recording unfolding transitions of proteins compared e.g. to optical methods. It enables per-residue monitoring and separate detection of the folded and unfolded state as well as possible equilibrium intermediates. This allows a detailed view on the state and cooperativity of folding of the protein of interest and the correct interpretation of subsequent experiments. Here we summarize in detail practical and theoretical aspects of such experiments. Certain pitfalls can be avoided, and meaningful simplification can be made during the analysis. Especially a good understanding of the NMR exchange regime and relaxation properties of the system of interest is beneficial. We show by a global analysis of signals of the folded and unfolded state of GB1 how accurate values of unfolding can be extracted and what limits different NMR detection and unfolding methods. E.g. commonly used exchangeable amides can lead to a systematic under determination of the thermodynamic protein stability. We give several perspectives of how to deal with more complex proteins and how the knowledge about protein stability at residue resolution helps to understand protein properties under crowding conditions, during phase separation and under high pressure.
Developing a Public Health Maternal and Child Health Training Program: Lessons Learned from Five Schools of Public Health
Authors: Bozlak Christine T. , Brown Qiana L. , Davis Renee , de Long Rachel , Howard Melissa M. , Lassiter Teri E. , Perez-Patron Maria J. , Taylor Brandie DePaoli , Turchi Renee , Tissue Michelle Menser
Published: January 2022

Maternal and child health (MCH), as a core sub-field of public health, continues to be an essential area in which additional workforce development and investment are needed. Recent public health workforce assessments in the United States reveal there will be a significant number of vacancies in MCH public health positions in the near future, creating the need for a well-trained and skilled public health MCH workforce. In order to address this potential critical workforce gap, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau initiated the Maternal and Child Health Public Health Catalyst Program in 2015 to support the creation of MCH training programs in accredited schools of public health that previously did not have a MCH concentration. This article details the accomplishments and lessons learned from the first five MCH Catalyst Program grantees: Drexel University; Florida International University; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Texas A&M University; and the University at Albany.
A Multimodal MR Imaging Study of the Effect of Hippocampal Damage on Affective and Cognitive Functions in a Rat Model of Chronic Exposure to a Plateau Environment
Authors: Zhu Dongyong , He Bo , Zhang Mengdi , Wan Yixuan , Liu Ruibin , Wang Lei , Zhang Yi , Li Yunqing , Gao Fabao
Published: January 2022

Prolonged exposure to high altitudes above 2500 m above sea level (a.s.l.) can cause cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions. Herein, we sought to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to plateau hypoxia on the hippocampus in a rat model by using voxel-based morphometry, creatine chemical exchange saturation transfer (CrCEST) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging techniques. 58 healthy 4-week-old male rats were randomized into plateau hypoxia rats (H group) as the experimental group and plain rats (P group) as the control group. H group rats were transported from Chengdu (500 m a.s.l.), a city in a plateau located in southwestern China, to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (4250 m a.s.l.), Yushu, China, and then fed for 8 months there, while P group rats were fed in Chengdu (500 m a.s.l.), China. After 8 months of exposure to plateau hypoxia, open-field and elevated plus maze tests revealed that the anxiety-like behavior of the H group rats was more serious than that of the P group rats, and the Morris water maze test revealed impaired spatial memory function in the H group rats. Multimodal MR imaging analysis revealed a decreased volume of the regional gray matter, lower CrCEST contrast and higher transport coefficient Ktrans in the hippocampus compared with the P group rats. Further correlation analysis found associations of quantitative MRI parameters of the hippocampus with the behavioral performance of H group rats. In this study, we validated the viability of using noninvasive multimodal MR imaging techniques to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure to a plateau hypoxic environment on the hippocampus.
Evaluation of the reactivity, selectivity and lifetime of hydrotalcite-based catalysts using isopropanol as probe molecule
Authors: Abdelsadek Zoulikha , Gonzalez-Cortes Sergio , Bali Feroudja , OuizaCherifi  , Halliche Djamila , Masset Patrick J.
Published: January 2022

Hydrotalcite catalysts derived from NiAl and NiAlMg mixed oxides were successfully prepared by coprecipitation at a constant pH of 11. Physicochemical methods were investigated to determine their structural and textural properties. Using isopropanol as a probe molecule, the acid–base properties of the catalysts were investigated, and the evaluation of reactivity, selectivity and lifetime was established.
The Influence of Gender Equality on Volunteering Among European Senior Citizens
Authors: Sánchez-García Julia , Gil-Lacruz Ana Isabel , Gil-Lacruz Marta
Published: January 2022

This research analyzes how gender equality influences the participation of European senior citizens in a range of volunteering activities (Social Awareness, Professional and Political, Education, and Religion). The main contribution is the simultaneous consideration of different levels of data aggregation: individual, national and welfare system. This allows conclusions to be drawn on the effects of variables linked to sociodemographic characteristics, gender equality and welfare systems. The empirical estimation utilised microdata from the World Values Survey (2005/09 and 2010/14) and the United Nations Development Programme. Results suggest that the European senior citizens appear to believe that they are more equal than the official statistics of their countries indicate. Men are more likely to participate in professional and education activities; women are more likely to be involved in religious organisations. Welfare systems influence volunteering behaviours. The promotion of macro-policies for gender equality could be important for increasing participation in non-profit organisations.
Plane-separated routing in ad-hoc networks
Authors: Ergenç Doğanalp , Onur Ertan
Published: January 2022

Control and user (data) plane separation (CUPS) is a concept applied in various networking areas to scale network resources independently, increase the quality of service, and facilitate the autonomy of networks. In this study, we leverage this concept to design a plane-separated routing algorithm, CUPS-based hierarchical routing algorithm (CHRA), as an energy-efficient and low-latency end-to-end communication scheme for clustered ad-hoc networks. In CHRA, while cluster heads constitute the control plane to conduct network discovery and routing, ordinary nodes residing in the user plane forward packets according to the routing decisions taken by the control plane. Exploiting the CUPS, we avoid exhausting cluster heads by offloading packet-forwarding to ordinary nodes and improve the quality of service by utilizing alternative paths other than the backbone of cluster heads. Our simulation results show that CHRA offers a better quality of service in terms of end-to-end latency and data-to-all ratio, and promotes fairness in energy-consumption in both stationary and mobile scenarios.
Residual Stress Measurements in Extreme Environments for Hazardous, Layered Specimens
Authors: Benefiel B. C. , Larsen E. D. , Prime M. B. , Phillips A. M. , Davies K. B. , Castano D. , Cole J. I.
Published: January 2022

Background

In nuclear fuel plates of low-enriched U-10Mo (LEU) clad with aluminum by hot isostatic pressing (HIP), post-irradiation stresses arising during reactor shutdown are a major concern for safe reactor operations. Measurement of those residual stresses has not previously been possible because the high radioactivity of the plates requires handling only by remote manipulation in a hot cell.

Objective

The incremental slitting method for measuring through-thickness stress profiles was modified, and a system for automated, remote operation was built and tested.

Methods

Experimental modifications consisted of replacing electric-discharge machining (EDM) with a small end mill and strain-gauge measurements with cantilever displacement measurements. The inverse method used to calculate stresses was the pulse-regularization method modified to allow discontinuities across material interfaces. The new system was validated by comparing with conventional slitting on a depleted U-10Mo (DU) fuel plate.

Results

The new system was applied to two measurements each on six as-fabricated (pre-irradiation) LEU miniature fuel plates. Variations between the measurements at two locations in the same plate were strongly correlated with measured geometrical heterogeneity in the plate—a tilt in the fuel foil. Compressive stresses in the U-10Mo were shown to increase from 20 to 250 MPa as the ratio of aluminum thickness to U-10Mo thickness increased causing increased constraint during cooling. Faster cooling rates during processing also increased stress magnitudes.

Conclusions

The measurements trends agreed with data in the literature from similar plates made with DU, which further validates the method. Because other methods are impractical in a hot cell, the modified slitting method is now poised for the first measurements of post-irradiation stresses.
Dual-energy CT: minimal essentials for radiologists
Authors: Tatsugami Fuminari , Higaki Toru , Nakamura Yuko , Honda Yukiko , Awai Kazuo
Published: January 2022

Dual-energy CT, the object is scanned at two different energies, makes it possible to identify the characteristics of materials that cannot be evaluated on conventional single-energy CT images. This imaging method can be used to perform material decomposition based on differences in the material-attenuation coefficients at different energies. Dual-energy analyses can be classified as image data-based- and raw data-based analysis. The beam-hardening effect is lower with raw data-based analysis, resulting in more accurate dual-energy analysis. On virtual monochromatic images, the iodine contrast increases as the energy level decreases; this improves visualization of contrast-enhanced lesions. Also, the application of material decomposition, such as iodine- and edema images, increases the detectability of lesions due to diseases encountered in daily clinical practice. In this review, the minimal essentials of dual-energy CT scanning are presented and its usefulness in daily clinical practice is discussed.
Endogenous Levels of Alpha-Synuclein Modulate Seeding and Aggregation in Cultured Cells
Authors: Vasili Eftychia , Dominguez-Meijide Antonio , Flores-León Manuel , Al-Azzani Mohammed , Kanellidi Angeliki , Melki Ronald , Stefanis Leonidas , Outeiro Tiago Fleming
Published: January 2022

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein in intraneuronal inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Multiple studies strongly implicate the levels of alpha-synuclein as a major risk factor for the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Alpha-synuclein pathology spreads progressively throughout interconnected brain regions but the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the seeding of alpha-synuclein aggregation are still unclear. Here, using stable cell lines expressing alpha-synuclein, we examined the correlation between endogenous alpha-synuclein levels and the seeding propensity by exogenous alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils. We applied biochemical approaches and imaging methods in stable cell lines expressing alpha-synuclein and in primary neurons to determine the impact of alpha-synuclein levels on seeding and aggregation. Our results indicate that the levels of alpha-synuclein define the pattern and severity of aggregation and the extent of p-alpha-synuclein deposition, likely explaining the selective vulnerability of different cell types in synucleinopathies. The elucidation of the cellular processes involved in the pathological aggregation of alpha-synuclein will enable the identification of novel targets and the development of therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies.
Hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis using a novel electrochemiluminescence immunoassay targeting serum IgM-free AIM
Authors: Shimizu Tomo , Sawada Takashi , Asai Tomohide , Kanetsuki Yuka , Hirota Jiro , Moriguchi Michihisa , Nakajima Tomoaki , Miyazaki Toru , Okanoue Takeshi
Published: January 2022

Background

Recent increases in the number of patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) warrant the identification of biomarkers for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with NASH (NASH-HCC). IgM-free apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM), which generally associates with IgM in blood and exerts its biological function by dissociation from IgM, may serve as an effective biomarker for NASH-HCC. Here, we established a fully automatic and high-throughput electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) to measure IgM-free AIM and investigated its efficacy in diagnosing NASH-HCC and viral HCC.

Methods

IgM-free AIM levels were measured in 212 serum samples from patients with, or without, HCC related to NASH, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus, using ECLIA. We also developed an ECLIA for measuring both IgM-free and IgM-bound AIM and investigated the existing form of AIM in blood by size-exclusion chromatography.

Results

IgM-free AIM levels were significantly higher in the HCC group than in the non-HCC group, regardless of the associated pathogenesis. Moreover, the area under the receiver operating curve for IgM-free AIM was greater than that for conventional HCC biomarkers, alpha-fetoprotein or des-γ-carboxy prothrombin, regardless of the cancer stage. ECLIA counts of IgM-free AIM derived from samples fractionated by size-exclusion chromatography were significantly higher in patients with NASH-HCC than in healthy volunteers and in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver and NASH.

Conclusions

Serum IgM-free AIM may represent a universal HCC diagnostic marker superior to alpha-fetoprotein or des-γ-carboxy prothrombin. Our newly established ECLIA could contribute to further clinical studies on AIM and in vitro HCC diagnosis.