bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High accuracy and resolution damage detection for concrete based on novel virtual correlation imaging method and embedded piezoelectric sensing technology
Authors: Zhang Caiyan , Gao Weihang
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a novel virtual correlation imaging (VCI) method to reduce the adverse effects of stress wave distortion and realize high accuracy and resolution damage imaging based on the sparse stress wave data collected by embedded piezoceramic transducers. Specifically, a compensation function is first constructed in the VCI method based on the frequency response characteristic of damage-induced scattering signals. Then, the constructed compensation function is emitted as the virtual excitation signal in the simulation space via virtual channels. To automatically compensate for the effect of waveform distortion, a virtual correlation operator is developed based on the scattering signal and its corresponding virtual received signal to design the imaging function. Finally, the practicability of the proposed VCI method is investigated on a concrete specimen with two successively drilling holes under laboratory conditions. The results indicate that, compared with the conventional damage imaging methods, the proposed VCI method can effectively decrease the adverse effect of distorted probing stress waves on damage localization accuracy and spatial resolution during the imaging process.
Piezoelectric actuation combined with ultrasound for enhancing drug delivery in gastric mucosa phantom in vitro
Authors: Shen Fenghua , Peng Hanmin , Zhu Pancheng , Chen Wangyi
Published: December 2023

In recent years, treatments for gastrointestinal malignant tumors have attracted a lot of attention. However, due to size limitations and the working environment of gastrointestinal peristalsis, traditional treatment methods have poor efficacy. Herein, we proposed a novel drug release method of piezoelectric actuation combined with ultrasound in the endoscope biopsy channel. A bidirectional piezoelectric actuator was manufactured and inserted into the endoscope with an ultrasonic transducer, adjusting the distance between the transducer and the lesion. A gastric mucosa phantom was fabricated and a finite element (FE) model was established for ultrasound thermal calculation. For enhancing the drug release rate, a pulse-echo method was conducted using a Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) program for real-time monitoring and feedback. The results of FEM calculations show that the temperature in the phantom can reach the melting-phase transition temperature of the TSL (41 ± 1 °C). The drug release rate can increase from 2.2 × 10−4 mg min−1 to 39.2 × 10−4 mg min−1 with our actuator, the latter is nearly 18 times the former. Furthermore, the drug release rate can be increased to a maximum value of 45.8 × 10−4 mg min−1 by optimizing the driving parameter of our actuator. Therefore, our method has a bright application in targeted drug delivery of major gastrointestinal diseases in the future.
Magnetostrictive wires-epoxy resin composite structures for human motion energy harvesting
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Li Mingming , Bian Tiezan , Wang Qian , Weng Ling , Huang Wenmei
Published: December 2023

Encapsulation of magnetostrictive alloy wires in epoxy resin has great potential for energy harvesting and can be applied to energy harvesting in human motion. In this work, a magnetostrictive wire-epoxy resin arch composite structure was proposed for harvesting energy generated by foot motion. A prestress was introduced during the resin curing process, and the relationship between the output voltage and material properties was derived based on the Villari effect. Three kinds of Fe-based magnetostrictive wires were prepared and their magnetic properties were measured, then a prototype single-layer arch composite structure was fabricated and an experimental platform was built for testing, and the amplitude of the output open-circuit voltage could reach 936 mV under an impact pressure of 750 N, which proved that the Fe–Ga alloy composite structure was superior to Fe–Co and Fe–Ni alloys in energy harvesting. The double-layer arch-shaped Fe–Ga composite structures energy harvesting prototype outputs a maximum voltage of up to 940 mV in foot energy harvesting experiments, and collected a maximum power of up to 2.45 mW at a step frequency of 3.5 Hz. Consequently, this work emphasized the feasibility of magnetostrictive alloy-epoxy composite structures for energy harvesting in human motion and the potential for developing new ways of energy harvesting.
Quantum fluctuations in atomic Josephson junctions: the role of dimensionality
Authors: Bardin A , Lorenzi F , Salasnich L
Published: December 2023

We investigate the role of quantum fluctuations in the dynamics of a bosonic Josephson junction in D spatial dimensions, by using beyond-mean-field Gaussian corrections. We derive some key dynamical properties in a systematic way for

D
=
3
,
2
,
1

. In particular, we compute the Josephson frequency in the regime of low population imbalance. We also obtain the critical strength of the macroscopic quantum self-trapping. Our results show that quantum corrections increase the Josephson frequency in spatial dimensions D = 2 and D = 3, but they decrease it in the D = 1 case. The critical strength of macroscopic quantum self-trapping is instead reduced by quantum fluctuations in D = 2 and D = 3 cases, while it is enhanced in the D = 1 configuration. We show that the difference between the cases of D = 2 and D = 3 on one side, and D = 1 on the other, can be related to the qualitatively different dependence of the interaction strength on the scattering length in the different dimensions.
Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics and memory switching properties of Tl-Se-Ge-Sb chalcogenide semiconductor alloy for thermally stable phase change memory applications
Authors: El-Metwally E G , Ismail A M
Published: December 2023

Quaternary (Tl20Se70Ge10)0.85Sb0.15 chalcogenide glass was synthesized using melt-quenching and thermal evaporation techniques for bulk and thin film samples, and its amorphous character was confirmed by XRD. Based on different models of non-isothermal crystallization kinetics, the average values of the glass transition

E

̅

g

and the crystallization

E

̅

c

activation energies are 121.33 and 82.94 kJ mol−1, respectively. The crystallization mechanism in the examined composition is 2D nucleation growth, according to Avrami exponent

n
.

Thermal parameters of the studied quaternary glass, like fragility

F

g

,

fluctuation free volume

F

FV

,

reduced glass transition temperature

T

rg

,

thermal stability

SP

and glass formation ability

GFA

were investigated and indicated that the (Tl20Se70Ge10)0.85Sb0.15 ChG exhibits a good ability of glass formation and thermal stability. The obtained results of the dc electrical conductivity

σ

dc

are found to increase with temperature and decrease with film thickness. The electrical conduction activation energy

∆
E

σ

(0.583 ± 0.004 eV) is thickness independent and the predominant conduction mechanism is the hopping of charge carriers in the band tail localized states. The (

I
–
V

) curves of (Tl20Se70Ge10)0.85Sb0.15 chalcogenide glass film samples were analyzed and shown to be appropriate for a memory switch. The mean value of the threshold voltage

V

̅

th

decreases exponentially as temperature increases, whereas it increases linearly as film thickness increases. The values of threshold voltage

ε

th

and threshold resistance

∆

E

R

activation energies are 0.282 ± 0.003 and 0.521 ± 0.004 eV, respectively. The obtained switching characteristics data were discussed in view of the electrothermal model motivated by current channel Joule heating. These findings highlight the suitability of the investigated composition for various optoelectronic applications, such as memory switching devices, optical data storage, phase-change memories and optical fibres sensing devices.
Robust surface light scattering spectroscopy for fluid interfaces
Authors: Visco Angelo S , Baldwin Alan R , Belgovskiy Alexander I , Mann J Adin , Meyer William V , Smart Anthony E , Thapa Nabin K , Mann Elizabeth K
Published: December 2023

Surface Light Scattering Spectroscopy (SLSS) can characterize the dynamics of an interface between two immiscible fluids by measuring the frequency spectrum of coherent light scattered from thermophysical fluctuations—‘ripplons’. In principle, and for many interfaces, SLSS can simultaneously measure surface tension and viscosity, with the potential for higher-order properties, such as surface elasticity and bending moments. Previously, this has been challenging. We describe and present some measurements from an instrument with improvements in optical design, specimen access, vibrational stability, signal-to-noise ratio, electronics, and data processing. Quantitative improvements include total internal reflection at the interface to enhance the typically available signal by a factor of order 40 and optical improvements that minimize adverse effects of sloshing induced by external vibrations. Information retrieval is based on a comprehensive surface response function, an instrument function, which compensates for real geometrical and optical limitations, and processing of almost real-time data to report results and their likely accuracy. Detailed models may be fit to the power spectrum in real time. The raw one-dimensional digitized data stream is archived to allow post-experiment processing. This paper reports a system design and implementation that offers substantial improvements in accuracy, simplicity, ease of use, and cost. The presented data are for systems in regions of low viscosity where the ripplons are underdamped, but the hardware described is more widely applicable.
Low-energy inelastic electron scattering from carbon monoxide: Excitation and de-excitation of the X1Σ+, a3Π, a′3Σ+, A1Π, d3Δ, e3Σ−, I1Σ− and D1Δ electronic states
Authors: Wei 卫 Pengyu 鹏宇 , Huang 黄 Chaowen 朝文 , Cheng 程 Xinlu 新路 , Zhang 张 Hong 红
Published: December 2023

Cross-sections for electronic excitation and de-excitation among the ground state and lowest-lying seven electronic excited states of carbon monoxide (CO) by low-energy electron impact are computed using the R-matrix method. The excitation cross-sections from the ground state to the electronic states a3Π, a′3Σ+ and A1Π agree with previous experimental and theoretical results. In addition, the cross-sections for the I1Σ− and D1Δ states of CO, which will cascade to CO a′3Σ+ and A1Π states, are calculated. Furthermore, in contrast to the typical increase in electronic excitation cross-sections with collision energy, the de-excitation cross-sections show a negative trend with increasing energy.
Test of 116CdWO4 and Li2MoO4 scintillating bolometers in the CROSS underground facility with upgraded detector suspension
Authors: Ahmine A. , Bandac I.C. , Barabash A.S. , Berest V. , Bergé L. , Calvo-Mozota J.M. , Carniti P. , Chapellier M. , Dafinei I. , Danevich F.A. , Dixon T. , Dumoulin L. , Ferri F. , Giuliani A. , Gotti C. , Gras P. , Helis D.L. , Ianni A. , Imbert L. , Khalife H. , Kobychev V.V. , Konovalov S.I. , Loaiza P. , de Marcillac P. , Marnieros S. , Marrache-Kikuchi C.A. , Martinez M. , Nones C. , Olivieri E. , Ortiz de Solórzano A. , Peinaud Y. , Pessina G. , Poda D.V. , Redon Th. , Rosier Ph. , Scarpaci J.A. , Tretyak V.I. , Umatov V.I. , Velazquez M. , Zarytskyy M.M. , Zolotarova A.
Published: December 2023

In preparation for the CROSS experiment to search for
double-beta (2β) decay of 100Mo, we upgraded a
low-background facility at the Canfranc underground laboratory
(Spain) by installing a magnetic damping-based detector suspension
inside a pulse-tube cryostat. We tested the suspension in
low-temperature (15 mK) measurements with two scintillating
bolometers made of large-volume crystals of 116CdWO4
(reference of the set-up) and Li2MoO4 (R&D of the CLYMENE
project in view of the CUPID 2β experiment), each coupled to a
thin Ge bolometric light detector. Despite the evidence of a
residual pulse-tube-induced noise, picked up by cabling, we achieved
high performance with all tested devices. In particular, the energy
resolution for 2615 keV γ-ray measured with both
116CdWO4 and Li2MoO4 bolometers is ∼6 keV FWHM,
among the best-reported results for thermal detectors based on such
compounds representing a great interest to searches for 2β
decay in 116Cd (Q-value is 2813 keV) and 100Mo
(3034 keV) respectively. Highly efficient particle identification
(αα vs. β/γ) is achieved also with the
scintillating bolometer made of a low light yield crystal
(Li2MoO4), thanks to the low noise (10 eV RMS) exhibited by
the light detector exploiting the Neganov-Trofimov-Luke effect for
signal amplification. We also found a rather high level of
radiopurity in the Li2MoO4 crystal; only traces of 210Po
and 226Ra were detected (∼0.1 mBq/kg each), while the
228Th activity is expected to be at least an order of magnitude
lower, as well as a 40K activity is below 6 mBq/kg.
Comment on ‘In complexity we trust: learning from the socialist calculation debate for ecosystem management’
Authors: Bingham Logan Robert , Van Kleunen Lucy , Kolisnyk Bohdan , Nahorna Olha , Tupinambà-Simões Frederico , Reynolds Keith , Yousefpour Rasoul , Knoke Thomas
Published: December 2023

Using a metaphor based on a historical debate between socialist and free-market economists, Salliou and Stritih (Environ. Res. Lett.
18 151001) advocate for decentralizing environmental management to harness emergent complexity and promote ecosystem health. Concerningly, however, their account seems to leave little room for top-down processes like government-led sustainability programs or centrally-planned conservation initiatives, the cornerstone of the post-2020 biodiversity framework. While we appreciate their call for humbleness, we offer a few words in defense of planning. Drawing on evidence from ecology, economics, and systems theory, we argue that (1) more complexity is not always better; (2) even if it were, mimicking minimally-regulated markets is probably not the best way to get it; and (3) sophisticated decision support tools can support humble planning under uncertainty. We sketch a re-interpretation of the socialist calculation debate that highlights the role of synthesis and theoretical pluralism. Rather than abandoning big-picture thinking, scientists must continue the difficult work of strengthening connections between and across multiple social, ecological, and policy scales.
Fracture parameters of woven jute fibre reinforced axial flow fan blade material: an experimental investigation and FEA analysis
Authors: Chinta Venkata Sushma , Amireddy Kiran Kumar , Reddy P Ravinder , Prasad Koorapati Eshwar
Published: December 2023

Airflow required for the heat and mass transfer in industrial applications is often provided by axial flow fans. Glass fibre reinforced polymers (GFRP) are most often used to make these fan blades. The usage of glass fibres in composite materials is growing. By 2025, the global market for glass fibres will be worth 16.5 billion pounds. However, non-biodegradable composite reinforcement has major ecological and human health concerns, especially when reaching the end of its operational lifespan. Until now, industries have shown a strong inclination to use GFRP without adequately contemplating the potential consequences associated with their disposal. The economic viability of glass fibre recycling is questionable. However, natural fibres like jute and fibres extracted from vegetable plants are of much popular among academics and researchers due to their sustainability and ease of use. So, they’re suitable for making polymer composites. The amount of natural fibres that may be added to GFRP composites without materially altering their mechanical characteristics is a crucial factor in improving their decreased embodied emissions and biodegradability after service life. In this work the material

C

1

represents an 18-ft axial flow fan blade material made of GFRP. This study used the term

C

1

denotes the specific material utilised in the fabrication of 18-feet axial flow fan blades for industrial purposes. By substituting one layer of

C

1

with woven jute and changing its position in it, the materials

C

2

through

C

6

are produced. All the materials are tested for fracture parameters like plane strain fracture toughness

(
K

1
C

)

and Critical strain energy release rate

(

G

1
C

)

as per ASTM D-5045. The results were validated by using finite element models implemented in a commercially available software ANSYS R19.2. The optimal layup sequence for fan blade material with single-layer woven jute reinforcement was found, which preserves fracture properties, also improves biodegradability after service life.
COVID’s long shadow: How SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 severity, and vaccination status affect long-term cognitive performance and health
Authors: Flegr Jaroslav , Latifi Ashkan
Published: December 2023

COVID-19 affects a variety of organs and systems of the body including the central nervous system. Recent research has shown that COVID-19 survivors often experience neurological and psychiatric complications that can last for months after infection. We conducted a large Internet study using online tests to analyze the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 severity, and vaccination on health, intelligence, memory, and information processing precision and speed in a cohort of 4445 subjects. We found that both SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity were associated with negative impacts on patients’ health. Furthermore, we observed a negative association between COVID-19 severity and cognitive performance. Younger participants had a higher likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 contraction, while the elderly had a higher likelihood of severe COVID-19 and vaccination. The association between age and COVID-19 severity was primarily mediated by older participants’ impaired long-term health. Vaccination was positively associated with intelligence and the precision of information processing. However, the positive association between vaccination and intelligence was likely mediated by achieved education, which was itself strongly associated with the likelihood of being vaccinated.
Evaluating Fast Track Social Work-Qualifying Programmes: Have We Learnt Anything?
Authors: Smith Roger
Published: December 2023

This article reflects on the cumulative outputs of evaluations of the various fast track qualifying programmes introduced into social work education in England over the past decade or so, in order to draw out some of the wider lessons available to us. The fast track programmes were introduced in response to a range of concerns about recruitment and retention within social work as well as the quality of provision within existing educational programmes. Subsequent evaluations have thus tended to focus on these aspects of fast track programmes in attempting to assess their merits and achievements. However, it is argued here that the substantial findings generated are capable of further analysis and reconsideration in order to generate messages of significance about the systemic and structural implications of this kind of initiative. Although evaluations of these programmes have been the subject of a number of criticisms because of their funding sources and association with programme providers, the aim is to show that their findings nonetheless offer us extensive opportunities to draw more rounded conclusions, which in turn contribute to ongoing debates about the value, contributions and impact of fast track programmes themselves, within and beyond the broader social work domain.
The Microbiome and Infectious Diseases
Authors: Haraoui Louis-Patrick , Blaser Martin J
Published: December 2023

Our perception of microbes has considerably changed since the recognition of their pathogenic potential in the 19th century. The discovery of antibiotics and their subsequent widespread adoption have substantially altered the landscape of medicine, providing us with treatment options for many infectious diseases and enabling the deployment of previously risky interventions (eg, surgical procedures and chemotherapy), while also leading to the rise of AMR. The latter is commonly viewed as the predominant downside of antibiotic use. However, with the increasing recognition that all metazoan organisms rely on a community of microbes (the microbiota) for normal development and for most physiologic processes, the negative impacts of antibiotic use now extend well beyond AMR.

Using the iceberg as a metaphor, we argue that the effects of antibiotics on AMR represent the tip of the iceberg, with much greater repercussions stemming from their role in the rise of so-called noncommunicable diseases (including obesity, diabetes, allergic and autoimmune diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, and certain cancers). We highlight some of the emerging science around the intersection of the microbiome, antibiotic use, and health (including biological costs and future therapeutic avenues), and we advocate a more nuanced approach in evaluating the impacts of proposed antibiotic use, especially in the setting of preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis.
Review Article: Safety of Live Biotherapeutic Products Used for the Prevention of Clostridioides difficile Infection Recurrence
Authors: Gonzales-Luna Anne J , Carlson Travis J , Garey Kevin W
Published: December 2023

Live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) represent a new class of therapeutics indicated to prevent the recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in adults. However, microbiota-based therapies have been used in CDI management before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated this new drug class. The regulation of these microbiome-based therapies has varied, and several safety concerns have arisen over time. Requirements established by the FDA regarding the development of LBPs minimizes many of these prior concerns, and phase III trials have proven the safety and efficacy of 2 stool donor-derived LBPs: fecal microbiota, live-jslm (Rebyota™; formerly RBX2660) and fecal microbiota spores, live-brpk (Vowst™; formerly SER-109). Mild gastrointestinal side effects are common, but no severe drug-related adverse events have been reported with their use to date. A third LBP entering phase III clinical trials, VE303, follows a novel approach by sourcing bacterial strains from clonal cell banks and has demonstrated a similarly favorable safety profile.
Are rural firms left behind? Firm location and perceived job attractiveness of high-skilled workers
Authors: Jeworrek Sabrina , Brachert Matthias
Published: December 2023

We conduct a discrete choice experiment to investigate how the location of a firm in a rural or urban region affects the perceived job attractiveness for university students and graduates and, therewith, contributes to the rural–urban divide. We characterize the attractiveness of a location based on several dimensions (social life, public infrastructure and connectivity) and vary job design and contractual characteristics of the job. We find that job offers from companies in rural areas are generally considered less attractive, regardless of the attractiveness of the region. The negative perception is particularly pronounced among persons of urban origin and singles. In contrast, for individuals with partners and kids this preference is less pronounced. High-skilled individuals who originate from rural areas have no specific regional preference at all.
Differentiating primary and secondary FSGS using non-invasive urine biomarkers
Authors: Catanese Lorenzo , Siwy Justyna , Wendt Ralph , Amann Kerstin , Beige Joachim , Hendry Bruce , Mischak Harald , Mullen William , Paterson Ian , Schiffer Mario , Wolf Michael , Rupprecht Harald
Published: December 2023

Background

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is divided into genetic, primary (p), uncertain cause, and secondary (s) forms. The subclasses differ in management and prognosis with differentiation often being challenging. We aimed to identify specific urine proteins/peptides discriminating between clinical and biopsy-proven pFSGS and sFSGS.

Methods

Sixty-three urine samples were collected in two different centers (19 pFSGS and 44 sFSGS) prior to biopsy. Samples were analysed using capillary electrophoresis-coupled mass spectrometry. For biomarker definition, datasets of age-/sex-matched normal controls (NC, n = 98) and patients with other chronic kidney diseases (CKDs, n = 100) were extracted from the urinary proteome database. Independent specificity assessment was performed in additional data of NC (n = 110) and CKD (n = 170).

Results

Proteomics data from patients with pFSGS were first compared to NC (n = 98). This resulted in 1179 biomarker (P < 0.05) candidates. Then, the pFSGS group was compared to sFSGS, and in a third step, pFSGS data were compared to data from different CKD etiologies (n = 100). Finally, 93 biomarkers were identified and combined in a classifier, pFSGS93. Total cross-validation of this classifier resulted in an area under the receiving operating curve of 0.95. The specificity investigated in an independent set of NC and CKD of other etiologies was 99.1% for NC and 94.7% for CKD, respectively. The defined biomarkers are largely fragments of different collagens (49%).

Conclusion

A urine peptide-based classifier that selectively detects pFSGS could be developed. Specificity of 95%–99% could be assessed in independent samples. Sensitivity must be confirmed in independent cohorts before routine clinical application.
Identification of loci conferring resistance to 4 foliar diseases of maize
Authors: Qiu Yuting , Adhikari Pragya , Balint-Kurti Peter , Jamann Tiffany
Published: December 2023

Foliar diseases of maize are among the most important diseases of maize worldwide. This study focused on 4 major foliar diseases of maize: Goss's wilt, gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, and southern corn leaf blight. QTL mapping for resistance to Goss’s wilt was conducted in 4 disease resistance introgression line populations with Oh7B as the common recurrent parent and Ki3, NC262, NC304, and NC344 as recurrent donor parents. Mapping results for Goss’s wilt resistance were combined with previous studies for gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, and southern corn leaf blight resistance in the same 4 populations. We conducted (1) individual linkage mapping analysis to identify QTL specific to each disease and population; (2) Mahalanobis distance analysis to identify putative multiple disease resistance regions for each population; and 3) joint linkage mapping to identify QTL across the 4 populations for each disease. We identified 3 lines that were resistant to all 4 diseases. We mapped 13 Goss’s wilt QTLs in the individual populations and an additional 6 using joint linkage mapping. All Goss’s wilt QTL had small effects, confirming that resistance to Goss’s wilt is highly quantitative. We report several potentially important chromosomal bins associated with multiple disease resistance including 1.02, 1.03, 3.04, 4.06, 4.08, and 9.03. Together, these findings indicate that disease QTL distribution is not random and that there are locations in the genome that confer resistance to multiple diseases. Furthermore, resistance to bacterial and fungal diseases is not entirely distinct, and we identified lines resistant to both fungi and bacteria, as well as loci that confer resistance to both bacterial and fungal diseases.
Novel Insights into the Landscape of Crossover and Noncrossover Events in Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Versoza Cyril J , Weiss Sarah , Johal Ravneet , La Rosa Bruno , Jensen Jeffrey D , Pfeifer Susanne P
Published: December 2023

Meiotic recombination landscapes differ greatly between distantly and closely related taxa, populations, individuals, sexes, and even within genomes; however, the factors driving this variation are yet to be well elucidated. Here, we directly estimate contemporary crossover rates and, for the first time, noncrossover rates in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) from four three-generation pedigrees comprising 32 individuals. We further compare these results with historical, demography-aware, linkage disequilibrium–based recombination rate estimates. From paternal meioses in the pedigrees, 165 crossover events with a median resolution of 22.3 kb were observed, corresponding to a male autosomal map length of 2,357 cM—approximately 15% longer than an existing linkage map based on human microsatellite loci. In addition, 85 noncrossover events with a mean tract length of 155 bp were identified—similar to the tract lengths observed in the only other two primates in which noncrossovers have been studied to date, humans and baboons. Consistent with observations in other placental mammals with PRDM9-directed recombination, crossover (and to a lesser extent noncrossover) events in rhesus macaques clustered in intergenic regions and toward the chromosomal ends in males—a pattern in broad agreement with the historical, sex-averaged recombination rate estimates—and evidence of GC-biased gene conversion was observed at noncrossover sites.
Using opportunistic data to study the distribution and abundance of a warm water elasmobranch at the northern edge of its range
Authors: Hiddink Jan Geert , Charles Ryan , Moore Alec B M
Published: December 2023

Detecting changes in the distribution and abundance of marine species that are cryptic or occurring in very low abundances is difficult, but essential for assessing their status and informing management. One way of quantifying these changes is through the collation of opportunistic records. We reconstruct the population trajectory and distribution of the common stingray Dasyatis pastinaca around Great Britain, using opportunistic records, mostly obtained by recreational anglers. We tested if D. pastinaca declined in abundance and body size in response to fishing and if their distribution has shifted northwards in response to warming seas. We obtained 518 records covering the period 1838–2020. After correcting for observation effort, D. pastinaca catches reported by anglers showed no long-term trend over 50 years, but decreased from 1970 to 1995 and an increase in abundance since 1995. While records of species occurrence were found around much of Great Britain, nearly all were from south of 54° latitude, and records have contracted southwards since 2000. No trend in maximum size through time was detected. In conclusion, we did not find support for the hypothesized declines in abundance and body size or a northward shift in distribution of D. pastinaca and instead found a southward contraction.
A synthesis review of nature positive approaches and coexistence in the offshore wind industry
Authors: Pardo Juan Carlos Farias , Aune Magnus , Harman Christopher , Walday Mats , Skjellum Solrun Figenschau
Published: December 2023

Offshore wind is one of the major fast-growing renewable energy industries, and sustainable implementation of offshore wind farms (OWF) is desired. Nature positive approaches have been proposed to promote biodiversity gain and improve ecosystem resilience. At the same time, coexistence has been considered a way to mitigate the race for ocean space and better integrate the development of the OWF industry. Here, we provide a systematic narrative synthesis review on nature positive approaches and coexistence in OWFs. We observed an increased interest in the topics over the last 5 years, with most of the documents coming from the northern hemisphere, in particular Europe and the North Sea. Literature is mostly related to bottom-fixed turbines, with relatively fewer documents available regarding floating offshore wind, which is a nascent industry. There is a lack of long-term in situ assessments of the impact of nature positive approaches. Whilst there are various biodiversity impacts of OWFs, the literature highlights the artificial reef effect and biodiversity protection and gain (diversity and abundance) for ecological and economically relevant groups. Coexistence strategies with OWF, such as fisheries, aquaculture, and marine-protected areas, bring positive and negative outcomes for the environment, and further investigation on their integration should be explored.
Fecal Pharmacokinetics and Gut Microbiome Effects of Oral Omadacycline Versus Vancomycin in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Jo Jinhee , Hu Chenlin , Begum Khurshida , Wang Weiqun , Le Thanh M , Agyapong Samantha , Hanson Blake M , Ayele Hossaena , Lancaster Chris , Jahangir Alam M , Gonzales-Luna Anne J , Garey Kevin W
Published: December 2023

Background

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common healthcare-associated infection with limited treatment options. Omadacycline, an aminomethylcycline tetracycline, has potent in vitro activity against C difficile and a low propensity to cause CDI in clinical trials. We aimed to assess fecal pharmacokinetics and gut microbiome effects of oral omadacycline compared to oral vancomycin in healthy adults.

Methods

This was a phase 1, nonblinded, randomized clinical trial conducted in healthy volunteers aged 18–40 years. Subjects received a 10-day course of omadacycline or vancomycin. Stool samples were collected at baseline, daily during therapy, and at follow-up visits. Omadacycline and vancomycin stool concentrations were assessed, and microbiome changes were compared.

Results

Sixteen healthy volunteers with a mean age of 26 (standard deviation [SD], 5) years were enrolled; 62.5% were male, and participants’ mean body mass index was 23.5 (SD, 4.0) kg/m2. Omadacycline was well tolerated with no safety signal differences between the 2 antibiotics. A rapid initial increase in fecal concentrations of omadacycline was observed compared to vancomycin, with maximum concentrations achieved within 48 hours. A significant difference in alpha diversity was observed following therapy in both the omadacycline and vancomycin groups (P < .05). Bacterial abundance and beta diversity analysis showed differing microbiome changes in subjects who received omadacycline versus vancomycin.

Conclusions

Subjects given omadacycline had high fecal concentrations with a distinct microbiome profile compared to vancomycin.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT06030219.
American Burn Association Clinical Practice Guidelines on Burn Shock Resuscitation
Authors: Cartotto Robert , Johnson Laura S , Savetamal Alisa , Greenhalgh David , Kubasiak John C , Pham Tam N , Rizzo Julie A , Sen Soman , Main Emilia
Published: December 2023

This Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) addresses the topic of acute fluid resuscitation during the first 48 hours following a burn injury for adults with burns ≥20% of the total body surface area (%TBSA). The listed authors formed an investigation panel and developed clinically relevant PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) questions. A systematic literature search returned 5978 titles related to this topic and after 3 levels of screening, 24 studies met criteria to address the PICO questions and were critically reviewed. We recommend that clinicians consider the use of human albumin solution, especially in patients with larger burns, to lower resuscitation volumes and improve urine output. We recommend initiating resuscitation based on providing 2 mL/kg/% TBSA burn in order to reduce resuscitation fluid volumes. We recommend selective monitoring of intra-abdominal and intraocular pressure during burn shock resuscitation. We make a weak recommendation for clinicians to consider the use of computer decision support software to guide fluid titration and lower resuscitation fluid volumes. We do not recommend the use of transpulmonary thermodilution-derived variables to guide burn shock resuscitation. We are unable to make any recommendations on the use of high-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), early continuous renal replacement therapy, or vasopressors as adjuncts during acute burn shock resuscitation. Mortality is an important outcome in burn shock resuscitation, but it was not formally included as a PICO outcome because the available scientific literature is missing studies of sufficient population size and quality to allow us to confidently make recommendations related to the outcome of survival at this time.
The rs6296 polymorphism in the 5-HT1b receptor in Dutch men with lifelong premature ejaculation: a genetic case-control association study
Authors: van Raaij Joost J , Janssen Paddy K C
Published: December 2023

Background

Lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) is a rare sexual condition believed to be caused by genetic neurobiological disorders.

Aim

In this study we sought to evaluate the genetic association between the rs6296 polymorphism of the 5-HT1b receptor and intravaginal ejaculation latency times (IELTs) in men with LPE compared with men in a control group.

Methods

This study was a prospective observational genetic case-control association study. The LPE definition of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) 2013 was used. Patients were recruited in 2005-2009 while attending the department of Neurosexology, HagaZiekenhuis, the Netherlands. We obtained IELTs with the stopwatch method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for genotyping rs6296. A randomly selected group of European Caucasian men from the 1000GENOMES project was used as a control group.

Outcomes

Study outcomes included results of comparisons of analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests between genotypes and IELTs in study participants, genotypes of cases and controls determined with the chi-square test, and expressions of allelotype- and genotype-specific risks for LPE determined with odds ratios.

Results

In total, 67 men with LPE were included in this study. The geometric mean (SD) IELT was 32.0 (27.4) seconds and was non-normally distributed. Genotype frequencies consisted of 29 (43.3%) GG, 31 (46.3%) GC, and 7(10.4%) CC individuals in the LPE group. Log-transformed IELTs were not statistically significant (per ANOVA tests) in men with GG, GC, or CC genotypes (P = .54). Genotype frequencies consisted of 16 (6.6%) GG; 93 (38.8%) GC, and 131 (54.6%) CC individuals in the control group (n = 240). Significant differences were found when comparing allele (P = 1.02e-17) and genotype (P = 3.22e-16) frequencies in cases and controls using a chi-square test. A statistically significant increased risk for LPE was found for carriers of the G allele (OR 5.62; 95% CI 4.13-9.42). Statistically significant risks were also found for the CG genotype (OR 6.24; 95% CI 2.63-14.77) and the GG genotype (OR 33.92; 95% CI 12.79-89.93).

Clinical implications

By investigating polymorphisms in target genes the neuro-pathophysiology of LPE could be further elaborated, potentially leading to more effective treatment.

Strengths and limitations

This is to our knowledge the first study investigating rs6296 with regard to LPE. By using a strict definition for LPE (ISSM 2013) and using the stopwatch method for measuring IELTs, bias in selection of true LPE patients will be relatively low. This study is limited by a relatively small study population and the lack of IELT data in the control group.

Conclusions

This study shows a genetic association in rs6296 in men with LPE compared with healthy controls. This result warrants attempted replication in future studies.
Mapping the Universe with gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Horvath Istvan , Bagoly Zsolt , Balazs Lajos G , Hakkila Jon , Horvath Zsuzsa , Joo Andras Peter , Pinter Sandor , Tóth L Viktor , Veres Peter , Racz Istvan I
Published: December 2023

We explore large-scale cosmic structure using the spatial distribution of 542 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) having accurately measured positions and spectroscopic redshifts. Prominent cosmological clusters are identified in both the northern and southern galactic hemispheres (avoiding extinction effects in the plane of the Milky Way) using the bootstrap point-radius method. The northern galactic hemisphere contains a significant group of four GRBs in the redshift range 0.59 ≤ z ≤ 0.62 (with a bootstrap probability of p = 0.012) along with the previously identified Hercules–Corona Borealis Great Wall (in the revised redshift range 0.9 ≤ z ≤ 2.1; p = 0.017). The southern galactic hemisphere contains the previously identified Giant GRB Ring (p = 0.022) along with another possible cluster of seven to nine GRBs at 1.17 ≤ z ≤ 1.444 (p = 0.031). Additionally, both the Hercules–Corona Borealis Great Wall and the Giant GRB Ring have become more prominent as the GRB sample size has grown. The approach used here underscores the potential value of GRB clustering as a probe of large-scale cosmic structure, complementary to galaxy and quasar clustering. Because of the vast scale on which GRB clustering provides valuable insights, it is important that optical GRB monitoring continues so that additional spectroscopic redshift measurements could be obtained.
Discovery of an extended GeV counterpart to the TeV source 1LHAASO J1945+2424 in Fermi-LAT data
Authors: Araya Miguel , Álvarez-Quesada J A
Published: December 2023

With almost 15 yr of data taken by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) onboard the Fermi satellite we discovered an extended source of GeV emission in the region of the very high energy (TeV) source 1LHAASO J1945+2424. This TeV source is more extended than the LAT source. The spectrum of the GeV emission is hard (with a photon spectral index ∼1.5) and connects smoothly with that of the TeV source, indicating a likely common origin. In order to explain the origin of the γ-rays we explore scenarios that are typically used for supernova remnants (SNRs) and pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). For an SNR with a single particle population, a leptonic particle distribution in the form of a broken power law with a break energy of ∼3.7 TeV explains the spectra well, while in the hadronic scenario a simple power law with a hard spectral index of ∼1.64 is necessary. In the PWN scenario, reasonable parameters are obtained for a source age of 10 kyr and current pulsar spin-down luminosity of ∼1034 erg s−1.
Differential roles of positive and negative supercoiling in organizing the E. coli genome
Authors: Fu Ziqi , Guo Monica S , Zhou Weiqiang , Xiao Jie
Published: December 2023

This study aims to explore whether and how positive and negative supercoiling contribute to the three-dimensional (3D) organization of the bacterial genome. We used recently published Escherichia coli GapR ChIP-seq and TopoI ChIP-seq (also called EcTopoI-seq) data, which marks positive and negative supercoiling sites, respectively, to study how supercoiling correlates with the spatial contact maps obtained from chromosome conformation capture sequencing (Hi-C and 5C). We find that supercoiled chromosomal loci have overall higher Hi-C contact frequencies than sites that are not supercoiled. Surprisingly, positive supercoiling corresponds to higher spatial contact than negative supercoiling. Additionally, positive, but not negative, supercoiling could be identified from Hi-C data with high accuracy. We further find that the majority of positive and negative supercoils coincide with highly active transcription units, with a minor group likely associated with replication and other genomic processes. Our results show that both positive and negative supercoiling enhance spatial contact, with positive supercoiling playing a larger role in bringing genomic loci closer in space. Based on our results, we propose new physical models of how the E. coli chromosome is organized by positive and negative supercoils.
Toxic comments are associated with reduced activity of volunteer editors on Wikipedia
Authors: Smirnov Ivan , Oprea Camelia , Strohmaier Markus
Published: December 2023

Wikipedia is one of the most successful collaborative projects in history. It is the largest encyclopedia ever created, with millions of users worldwide relying on it as the first source of information as well as for fact-checking and in-depth research. As Wikipedia relies solely on the efforts of its volunteer editors, its success might be particularly affected by toxic speech. In this paper, we analyze all 57 million comments made on user talk pages of 8.5 million editors across the six most active language editions of Wikipedia to study the potential impact of toxicity on editors’ behavior. We find that toxic comments are consistently associated with reduced activity of editors, equivalent to 0.5–2 active days per user in the short term. This translates to multiple human-years of lost productivity, considering the number of active contributors to Wikipedia. The effects of toxic comments are potentially even greater in the long term, as they are associated with a significantly increased risk of editors leaving the project altogether. Using an agent-based model, we demonstrate that toxicity attacks on Wikipedia have the potential to impede the progress of the entire project. Our results underscore the importance of mitigating toxic speech on collaborative platforms such as Wikipedia to ensure their continued success.
Transcriptional Response of Wolfberry to Infestation with the Endophytic Fusarium nematophilum Strain NQ8GII4
Authors: Yan Siyuan , Li Jin , Zhang Qingchen , Jia Shuxin , Zhang Qiangqiang , Wang Ruotong , Ju Mingxiu , Gu Peiwen
Published: December 2023

Fusarium nematophilum NQ8GII4 is an endophytic fungus isolated from the root of healthy wolfberry (Lycium barbarum). Previous studies have reported that NQ8GII4 could dwell in wolfberry roots and enhance the defense responses in wolfberry against root rot, which is caused by F. oxysporum. To further elucidate the molecular mechanism of wolfberry disease resistance induced by NQ8GII4, in the present study, we adopted RNA sequencing analysis to profile the transcriptome of wolfberry response to NQ8GII4 infestation over a time course of 3 and 7 days postinoculation. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in biological regulation, response to stimulus, signaling, detoxification, immune system process, transporter activity, electron carrier activity, transcription factor activity, nucleic acid binding transcription factor, and antioxidant activity. Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, it was found that many of these DEGs were enriched in pathways related to plant–pathogen interactions, hormone signal transduction, and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway in wolfberry. This result suggested that innate immunity, phytohormone signaling, and numerous phenylpropanoid compounds comprise a complex defense network in wolfberry. Chloroplast 50S ribosomal proteins were consistently located at the core position of the response in wolfberry following infestation with NQ8GII4 analyzed by the protein–protein interaction network. This study elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying the interaction between NQ8GII4 and wolfberry, clarified the wolfberry immune response network to endophytic fungi infestation, identified candidate resistance genes in wolfberry, and provided a fundamental date for subsequent work.
Genome Sequence of Alternaria tenuissima P1-2W Infecting Postharvest Kiwifruit
Authors: Ling Li-Zhen , Liu Zhen-Zhen , Zhang Shu-Dong
Published: December 2023

Alternaria tenuissima can cause leaf spots and fruit decay in some economically important crops. Recently, this species was first reported as a causal agent causing fruit decay in postharvest kiwifruit. Here, a highly contiguous genome assembly 33.87 Mb in size was obtained by a combination of Illumina NovaSeq and PacBio SMRT sequencing methods, yielding five full chromosome-level sequences. This resource provides opportunities for a better understanding of the mechanisms that underpin the pathogenicity of A. tenuissima.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .