bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effective in‐mine seismic experiments to image platinum deposits and associated geological structures at Maseve platinum mine, South Africa
Authors: Rapetsoa Moyagabo K. , Manzi Musa S.D. , Westgate Michael , Sihoyiya Mpofana , James Ian , Onyebueke Emmanuel , Kubeka Phumlani , Durrheim Raymond J. , Kgarume Thabang
Published: May 2022

The detection of mineral deposits and their related geological structures is of great importance to the mining industry as structures (such as dykes and faults) can affect the safety, cost and efficiency of mining. With the goal of testing cost‐effective seismic methods for mineral exploration and mining, active and passive seismic experiments were conducted at Maseve platinum mine in the Bushveld Complex (South Africa) in 2020. The experiments involved surface‐passive (using 5 Hz wireless nodes; single vertical component) and in‐mine active reflection seismic surveys (using 4.5 Hz land streamer and 5 kg sledgehammer) to image geological structures and delineate economic platinum‐group elements bearing Merensky and Upper Group‐2 chromitite layers (known as reefs). This paper presents only the results from the in‐mine active seismic experiments. The in‐mine seismic surveys consisted of seven 2D reflection seismic profiles in the development tunnels, which were located ∼550 m below ground surface and a few tens of metres above known mineralizations: the Upper Group‐2 and Merensky Reef. The data were carefully processed to enhance the reflections and suppress noise generated by mine infrastructure (e.g., equipment and ventilation). We successfully imaged the Merensky Reef and Upper Group‐2 orebodies approximately 55 m and 124 m below the tunnel floor, respectively, and delineated faults and dykes that crosscut them. Furthermore, the seismic data reveal relatively strong amplitude and faulted reflections below the Upper Group‐2 that may represent deeper chromitite‐enriched orebodies. However, the economic value of these horizons can only be confirmed through drilling. The processed seismic data were combined with borehole data, synthetic modelling and geological models to constrain the interpretation. This study encourages the use of in‐mine seismics for future mineral exploration, mine development and planning.
Use of preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders and subsequent prenatal care and diagnostic testing
Authors: Bunnell Megan E. , Dobson Lori J. , Lanes Andrea , Ginsburg Elizabeth S.
Published: May 2022

Objective

The goal of preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic or single gene defects (PGT‐M) is to identify inherited pathogenic variants in the embryo prior to embryo transfer, increasing the likelihood of an unaffected child. Prenatal diagnostic testing is recommended to confirm the results of PGT‐M. The purpose of this study was to characterize the population undergoing PGT‐M over time.

Methods

This retrospective study examined patients who had a positive pregnancy test after PGT‐M from 2012 to 2019. A query of the internal assisted reproductive technology database and chart review were used.

Results

One hundred and 42 patients completed IVF cycles for PGT‐M during this time period and progressed past 10 weeks gestation. There were more PGT‐M cycles over time with 46 cycles between 2012 and 2015 and 96 cycles between 2016 and 2019. Patients varied on the decision to pursue prenatal diagnostic testing after PGT‐M. For those with known follow‐up (130/142), 16 patients underwent diagnostic testing (12%) and 114 did not.

Conclusion

As PGT‐M is increasingly utilized prior to pregnancy, it is important for genetic counselors and OB/GYNs to understand the characteristics and outcomes of the population of patients undergoing PGT‐M, including how to counsel about the residual risk of an affected pregnancy after PGT‐M.
Mutagenesis of cyclotide Cter 27 exemplifies a robust folding strategy for bracelet cyclotides
Authors: Dang Tien T. , Harvey Peta J. , Chan Lai Yue , Huang Yen‐Hua , Kaas Quentin , Craik David J.
Published: May 2022

In contrast to Möbius and trypsin inhibitor cyclotides, members of the bracelet subfamily are typically intractable to chemical synthesis and folding. In a significant advance in the field, the bracelet cyclotides ribe 33 and Cter 27 were successfully produced synthetically in moderate yield in a recent study. That synthetic method was a breakthrough as members of the bracelet subfamily of cyclotides had hitherto eluded attempts to be synthetically produced, apart from one report of cyO2 production in which a complicated folding strategy was used. In the current study the successful in vitro folding of three mutants of bracelet cyclotide Cter 27 is reported. This study broadens our understanding of the folding of bracelet cyclotides and elucidates the three dimensional structure of synthetic Cter 27, providing a new class of cyclotide molecular grafting scaffold for drug design applications.
Controllable synthesis of CO2‐based poly(carbonate‐ether)diols catalyzed by Salen–cobalt complex
Authors: Fan Chaogang , Lu Shujuan , Ge Qingyun , Lin Shaohui , Pan Qinmin
Published: May 2022

In our research, the terpolymerization of CO2 and epoxides was realized and the poly(carbonate‐ether)diols were successfully synthesized by the catalysis of Salen–metal complex with the non‐nucleophilic anion, in which the alternated polycarbonate is generally produced. The poly(carbonate‐ether)diols with Mns between 1100 and 8100 g mol−1 and carbonate units (CU) between 31.3% and 52.9% were obtained by tuning temperature, CO2 pressure, time and water addition. Especially the oligo(carbonate‐ether)diols with Mns below 2000 g mol−1 and CU over 40% could be obtained, which were ideal starting materials for polyurethane synthesis and novel CO2‐based polymers with high potential.
Paradoxical issues in eradicating opium cultivation in Myanmar: A perspective from local farmers’ voices
Authors: Luong Hai T.
Published: May 2022

Supporting drug‐producing communities in alternative livelihoods from harm reduction activists is a common practice in Myanmar and other drug‐producing countries. And yet, the voices of opium farmers are rarely heard. This paper assesses why Myanmar farmers continue to grow opium poppy and analyzes their current concerns and the practical challenges in eradicating opium cultivation in Myanmar. This analysis combines field observations and secondary data from the Myanmar Opium Farmers' Forum (2013–2019) statements. The findings show five main reasons to cultivate poppy, as well as eight practical concerns of farmers relating to (1) rights to access land, (2) threats of insurgency groups, (3) forced eradication without alternative plans, (4) unsustainability in alternative developments, and (5) limitations of farmers’ rights to be involved in drug policy changes. The paper calls for further attention of policymakers and stakeholders to clarify these paradoxical issues with relevant proposals to support local farmers while implementing drug policy reform in Myanmar. The author argues for a balance of the national drug control strategies (supply, demand, and harm reduction) with opium farmers’ rights to encourage a harmonious relationship between both sides should be the new roadmap for drug reform in Myanmar.
A computational approach to investigate constitutive activation of NF‐κB
Authors: Mobeen Ahmed , Puniya Bhanwar Lal , Ramachandran Srinivasan
Published: May 2022

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling is the master regulator of inflammatory pathways; therefore, its regulation has been the subject of investigation since last two decades. Multiple models have been published that describes the dynamics of NF‐κB activity by stimulated activation and feedback loops. However, there is also paramount evidence of the critical role of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) in the regulation of NF‐κB pathway. With the premise that PTMs present alternate routes for activation or repression of the NF‐κB pathway, we have developed a model including all PTMs known so far describing the system behavior. We present a pathway network model consisting of 171 proteins forming 315 molecular species and consisting of 482 reactions that describe the NF‐κB activity regulation in totality. The overexpression or knockdown of interacting molecular partners that regulate NF‐κB transcriptional activity by PTMs is used to infer the dynamics of NF‐κB activity and offers qualitative agreement between model predictions and the experimental results heuristically. Finally, we have demonstrated an instance of NF‐κB constitutive activation through positive upregulation of cytokines (the stimuli) and IKK complex (NF‐κB activator), the characteristic features in several cancer types and metabolic disorders, and its reversal by employing combinatorial activation of PPARG, PIAS3, and P50‐homodimer. For the first time, we have presented a NF‐κB model that includes transcriptional regulation by PTMs and presented a theoretical strategy for the reversal of NF‐κB constitutive activation. The presented model would be important in understanding the NF‐κB system, and the described method can be used for other pathways as well.
Electrophysiological and behavioural responses ofStegobium paniceumto volatile compounds from Chinese medicinal plant materials
Authors: Cao Yu , Pistillo Onofrio Marco , Lou Yibin , D'Isita Ilaria , Maggi Filippo , Hu Qiqi , Germinara Giacinto Salvatore , Li Can
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Stegobium paniceum(Coleoptera, Anobiidae) is an important pest of stored products causing severe damage to dried Chinese medicinal plant materials (CMPMs). Plant volatiles play an important role in host‐searching of insects. The olfactory responses ofS. paniceumto the most abundant volatile components of some drugstore attractant CMPMs such asPanax notoginseng,Angelica sinensis,Gastrodia elataandPeucedanum praeruptorum, namely falcarinol, 3‐n‐butylphthalide,p‐cresol and β‐pinene, respectively, were studied by electroantennography (EAG) and behavioural bioassays in six‐ and four‐arm olfactometers.

RESULTS

EAG recordings showed that male and female antennae are able to perceive the test compounds in a wide range of concentrations and in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, for each dose of different compounds tested, no significant differences were found between the mean male and female EAG responses. In six‐arm olfactometer bioassays,S. paniceumexhibited positive responses to falcarinol, 3‐n‐butylphthalide,p‐cresol and β‐pinene at doses of 1, 10, 100, 500 and 1000 μg. The most attractive dose was 500 μg for falcarinol, 100 μg for 3‐n‐butylphthalide, 500 μg forp‐cresol and 1000 μg for β‐pinene. Olfactory preferences ofS. paniceum, based on comparison of these four compounds at their optimally attractive concentrations in a four‐arm olfactometer, were 3‐n‐butylphthalide >p‐cresol > falcarinol > β‐pinene.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the four volatiles of CMPMs are perceived by the peripheral olfactory system ofS. paniceumadults and are able to individually elicit a positive chemotaxis inS. paniceumadults confirming the role of chemical cues in host‐plant detection and selection of this pest. Further field studies are needed to evaluate the potential of the attractive compounds identified in this study, particularly 3‐n‐butylphthalide, to be applied as a novel monitoring and control tool against this storage‐beetle pest. © 2022 The Authors.Pest Management Sciencepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Residual‐based CUSUM beta regression control chart for monitoring double‐bounded processes
Authors: Rauber Cristine , Lima‐Filho Luiz M. A. , Bayer Fábio M.
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a control chart useful for detecting small shifts in the mean of a double‐bounded process, such as fractions and proportions, in the presence of control variables. For this purpose, we consider the cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart applied to different residuals of the beta regression model. We conduct an extensive Monte Carlo simulation study to evaluate and compare the performance of the proposed control chart with two other control charts in the literature in terms of run length analysis. The numerical results show that the proposed control chart is more sensitive to detect changes in the process than its competitors and that the quantile residual is the most suitable residual to be used in our proposal. Finally, based on the quantile residual, we present and discuss applications to real and simulated data to show the applicability of the proposed control chart.
Boosting the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution of Perovskite LaCo1−xFexO3 by the Construction of Yolk‐Shell Nanostructures and Electronic Modulation
Authors: Bao Bian , Liu Yana , Sun Mingzi , Huang Bolong , Hu Yang , Da Pengfei , Ji Deguang , Xi Pinxian , Yan Chun‐Hua
Published: May 2022

Realizing the rational design of perovskite oxides with controllable compositions and nanostructures remains a tremendous challenge for the development of efficient electrocatalysts. Herein, a ligand‐assisted synthetic strategy to fabricate perovskite oxides LaCo1−xFexO3 with yolk‐shell nanostructures is developed. Benefiting from the unique structural and compositional merits, LaCo0.75Fe0.25O3 exhibits an overpotential of 310 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and long‐term stability of 100 h for the oxygen evolution reaction. In situ Raman spectroscopy demonstrates that Fe substitution facilitates the pre‐oxidation of Co sites and induces the surface reconstruction into active Co oxyhydroxides at a relatively lower applied potential, guaranteeing excellent catalytic performances. Density functional theory calculations unravel that the appropriate introduction of Fe into perovskite LaCoO3 leads to the improved electroactivity and durability of the catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Fe‐3d orbitals show a pinning effect on Co‐3d orbitals to maintain the stable valence state of Co sites at the low overpotential of the OER. Furthermore, Zn–air batteries (ZABs) assembled with LaCo0.75Fe0.25O3 display a high open circuit potential of 1.47 V, superior energy density of 905 Wh kg−1 Zn, and excellent stability in a large temperature range. This work supplies novel insights into the future developments of perovskite‐based electrocatalysts.
A Top‐Down Templating Strategy toward Functional Porous Carbons
Authors: Zhang Le‐Le , Tong Lei , Lv Xue‐Hui , Yan Qiang‐Qiang , Ding Yan‐Wei , Wang Yu‐Cheng , Liang Hai‐Wei
Published: May 2022

Nanostructured carbon materials with high porosity and desired chemical functionalities are of immense interest because of their wide application potentials in catalysis, environment, and energy storage. Herein, a top‐down templating strategy is presented for the facile synthesis of functional porous carbons, based on the direct carbonization of diverse organic precursors with commercially available metal oxide powders. During the carbonization, the metal oxide powders can evolve into nanoparticles that serve as in situ templates to introduce nanopores in carbons. The porosity and heteroatom doping of the prepared carbon materials can be engineered by varying the organic precursors and/or the metal oxides. It is further demonstrated that the top‐down templating strategy is applicable to prepare carbon‐based single‐atom catalysts with iron‐nitrogen sites, which exhibit a high power density of 545 mW cm−2 in a H2–air proton exchange membrane fuel cell.
Automated evaluation of comments to aid software maintenance
Authors: Majumdar Srijoni , Bansal Ayush , Das Partha Pratim , Clough Paul D. , Datta Kausik , Ghosh Soumya Kanti
Published: May 2022

Approaches to evaluate comments based on whether they increase code comprehensibility for software maintenance tasks are important, but largely missing. We proposeCommentfor automated classification and quality evaluation of code comments of C codebases based on how they can help to understand existing code. We conduct surveys and document developers' perceptions on the type of comments that prove useful to maintaining software in the form of comment categories. A total of 20,206 comments have been collected from open‐sourceGithubprojects and annotated with assistance from industry experts. We develop features to semantically analyze comments to locate concepts related to categories of usefulness. Additionally, features based on code and comment correlation are designed to infer whether the comment is also consistent and not superfluous. Using neural networks, comments are classified asuseful,partially useful, andnot usefulwith precision and recall scores of 86.27% and 86.42%, respectively. The proposed framework for comment quality evaluation incorporates industry practices and adds significant value to companies wanting to formulate better code commenting strategies. Furthermore, large codebases can be de‐cluttered by removing comments not helpful in maintaining code.
Comprehensive investigation on isolation, quantification, and activity evaluation of salvianolic acids for injection based on improved dry load injection technology
Authors: Gao Jian , Zhou Lin , Zhang Lele , Luo Xi , Fu Zhifei , Pan Guixiang , Xu Qiang , Han Lifeng
Published: May 2022

In this work, an effective method for simultaneous isolation of eight compounds from Salvianolic Acids for Injection was developed by preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography based on improved dry load injection. Firstly, the chemical structures of the obtained compounds were identified by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Subsequently, a sensitive liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method was established to precisely quantify the eight isolated target analytes. The quantitative results show salvianolic acid B as the most abundant component (460.06–514.68‰) and protocatechualdehyde (0.03–0.08‰) as the least. Finally, the antioxidant activities of the isolated compounds were further investigated. The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl‐scavenging assay indicated that (7′R, 8′S, 8″R, 8′′′R)‐epi‐salvianolic acid B had the lowest half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (5.05 μg/ml). This study reports on the development of an effective and rapid method for simultaneous isolation of multiple compounds from traditional Chinese medicine preparation, which could be used as reference compounds for further quality control and activities screening.
Current State and Future Perspectives of Starch Derivatives and Their Blends as Antimicrobial Materials
Authors: Kanth Shreya , Puttaiahgowda Yashoda Malgar
Published: May 2022

Antimicrobial resistance is increasingly recognized as a serious worldwide threat, jeopardizing medical progress, and the ability to treat infectious illness. Antimicrobial polymers have sparked the interest of researchers because of the increased demand for enhancing human health by lowering illness caused by different bacteria. Polysaccharides are ideal starting materials for the synthesis of antimicrobial polymers due to their bio renewability and broad availability. Starch is one such polysaccharide which has many advantages such as low‐cost, nontoxicicity, and renewable sourcing and thus can be used for the synthesis of antimicrobial polymers. Here, the most recent research on starch‐based antimicrobial polymers in the context of microbial infections is given in this article. The possibility of employing starch based films to alleviate environmental waste and prevent food spoiling is discussed in this paper. The goal of this study is to show the barrier and mechanical properties of starch containing antimicrobial agents, as well as their antimicrobial activity, in order to improve product storability. This study aims to advance knowledge in this area and urges additional research into the synthesis of starch‐based antibacterial materials.
The Advent of Precision Immunology: Immunogenetics at the Center of Immune Cell Analysis in Health and Disease
Authors: Langerak Anton W.
Published: May 2022

Adaptive immune cells (i.e., lymphocytes of the B and T lineage) are equipped with unique antigen receptors, which collectively form a highly diverse repertoire. Within the lymphocytes, the antigen receptor diversity is created at the DNA level through recombination processes in the immunoglobulin (IG) and T cell receptor (TR) genes that encode these receptors. This gives rise to an enormous immune repertoire (a.k.a. the “immunome”) that can be studied in health and disease, both in a scientific and clinical context. In fact, the inherent distinctiveness of the IG/TR rearrangements on a per cell basis allows their usage as unique DNA fingerprints, which enables precision medicine, or for that matter “precision immunology.” The field of (fundamental and translational) research on IG/TR repertoire diversity is the topic of the Immunogenetics volume in the Methods in Molecular Biology series.
Single-Cell Analysis and Tracking of Antigen-Specific T Cells: Integrating Paired Chain AIRR-Seq and Transcriptome Sequencing: A Method by the AIRR Community
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Lindeman Ida , Reinhardt Susanne , Mariotti-Ferrandiz Encarnita , Mujangi-Ebeka Kevin , Martins-Taylor Kristen , Eugster Anne
Published: May 2022

Single-cell adaptive immune receptor repertoire sequencing (scAIRR-seq) offers the possibility to access the nucleotide sequences of paired receptor chains from T-cell receptors (TCR) or B-cell receptors (BCR). Here we describe two protocols and the downstream bioinformatic approaches that facilitate the integrated analysis of paired T-cell receptor (TR) alpha/beta (TRA/TRB) AIRR-seq, RNA sequencing (RNAseq), immunophenotyping, and antigen-binding information. To illustrate the methodologies with a use case, we describe how to identify, characterize, and track SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells over multiple time points following infection with the virus. The first method allows the analysis of pools of memory CD8+cells, identifying expansions and contractions of clones of interest. The second method allows the study of rare or antigen-specific cells and allows studying their changes over time.
Quality Control: Chain Pairing Precision and Monitoring of Cross-Sample Contamination: A Method by the AIRR Community
Authors: Chung Cheng-Yu , Gutiérrez-González Matías , López Acevedo Sheila N. , Fahad Ahmed S. , DeKosky Brandon J. ,   on behalf of the AIRR Community
Published: May 2022

New approaches in high-throughput analysis of immune receptor repertoires are enabling major advances in immunology and for the discovery of precision immunotherapeutics. Commensurate with growth of the field, there has been an increased need for the establishment of techniques for quality control of immune receptor data. Our laboratory has standardized the use of multiple quality control techniques in immunoglobulin (IG) and T-cell receptor (TR) sequencing experiments to ensure quality control throughout diverse experimental conditions. These quality control methods can also validate the development of new technological approaches and accelerate the training of laboratory personnel. This chapter describes multiple quality control techniques, including split-replicate cell preparations that enable repeat analyses and bioinformatic methods to quantify and ensure high sample quality. We hope that these quality control approaches can accelerate the technical adoption and validated use of unpaired and natively paired immune receptor data.
Immunoglobulin/T-Cell Receptor Gene Rearrangement Analysis Using RNA-Seq
Authors: van der Velden Vincent H. J. , Bastian Lorenz , Brüggemann Monika , Hartmann Alina M. , Darzentas Nikos
Published: May 2022

Identification of immunoglobulin (IG) and T-cell receptor (TR) gene rearrangements in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients at initial presentation are crucial for monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) during subsequent follow-up and thereby for appropriate risk-group stratification. Here we describe how RNA-Seq data can be generated and subsequently analyzed with ARResT/Interrogate to identify possible MRD markers. In addition to the procedures, possible pitfalls will be discussed. Similar strategies can be employed for other lymphoid malignancies, such as lymphoma and myeloma.
Energy and the Economy in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Sedaoui Radia
Published: May 2022

The Arab region consists of a diverse set of countries with different national contexts, including in the case of energy. However, most countries remain exceptionally reliant on fossil fuels with a highly limited role played by clean energy alternatives; while the region also lags behind other region’s progress in energy efficiency. In the Arab LDCs, energy access remains incomplete, severely obstructing socio-economic progress.

Arab countries need to better integrate sustainable energy as a fundamental element of national development policies by directly linking policy goals across sectors such as energy, transport and urban planning; as well as elevating topics such as natural resource management, air and environmental protection along with more inclusive ways to ensure energy is used and produced sustainably to matters of explicit national interest.
S-foldings of 5d SCFTs
Authors: Kim Hee-Cheol , Kim Sung-Soo , Lee Kimyeong
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We explore the ℤ2,3,4,6 S-foldings of some 5d superconformal field theories from the (p, q) 5-brane web perspective. The S-folding involves both a spatial quotient and an SL(2, ℤ) transformation on 5-branes simultaneously. The ℤ2,3,4,6 S-foldings are achieved by the insertion of the D4, E6, E7, E8 7-branes, respectively. The deficit angles and monodromies of these 7-branes are exactly those necessary for the S-foldings. We explore the details of the S-folding process, especially the enhancement of global flavor symmetry in various simple cases. The characteristic of the S-folding depends sharply on whether the fixed point of the discrete symmetry is at the center of a compact face (or surface), at a 5-brane, or at a crossing point of 5 branes. The analysis of the prepotential greatly supports this view of the discrete gauging.
Boundary values of zero solutions of hypoelliptic differential operators in ultradistribution spaces
Authors: Debrouwere Andreas , Kalmes Thomas
Published: May 2022

We study ultradistributional boundary values of zero solutions of a hypoelliptic constant coefficient partial differential operator $$P(D) = P(D_x, D_t)$$

P

(
D
)

=
P

(

D
x

,

D
t

)

on $${\mathbb {R}}^{d+1}$$

R

d
+
1

. Our work unifies and considerably extends various classical results of Komatsu and Matsuzawa about boundary values of holomorphic functions, harmonic functions and zero solutions of the heat equation in ultradistribution spaces. We also give new proofs of several results of Langenbruch (Manuscripta Math. 26:17–35, 1978/79) about distributional boundary values of zero solutions of P(D).
High-CO2 Levels Rather than Acidification Restrict Emiliania huxleyi Growth and Performance
Authors: Vázquez Víctor , León Pablo , Gordillo Francisco J. L. , Jiménez Carlos , Concepción Iñiguez , Mackenzie Kevin , Bresnan Eileen , Segovia María
Published: May 2022

The coccolithophoreEmiliania huxleyishows a variety of responses to ocean acidification (OA) and to high-CO2concentrations, but there is still controversy on differentiating between these two factors when using different strains and culture methods. A heavily calcified type A strain isolated from the Norwegian Sea was selected and batch cultured in order to understand whether acclimation to OA was mediated mainly by CO2or H+, and how it impacted cell growth performance, calcification, and physiological stress management.Emiliania huxleyiresponded differently to each acidification method. CO2-enriched aeration (1200 µatm, pH 7.62) induced a negative effect on the cells when compared to acidification caused by decreasing pH alone (pH 7.60). The growth rates of the coccolithophore were more negatively affected by high pCO2than by low pH without CO2enrichment with respect to the control (400 µatm, pH 8.1). High CO2also affected cell viability and promoted the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was not observed under low pH. This suggests a possible metabolic imbalance induced by high CO2alone. In contrast, the affinity for carbon uptake was negatively affected by both low pH and high CO2. Photochemistry was only marginally affected by either acidification method when analysed by PAM fluorometry. The POC and PIC cellular quotas and the PIC:POC ratio shifted along the different phases of the cultures; consequently, calcification did not follow the same pattern observed in cell stress and growth performance. Specifically, acidification by HCl addition caused a higher proportion of severely deformed coccoliths, than CO2enrichment. These results highlight the capacity of CO2rather than acidification itself to generate metabolic stress, not reducing calcification.
Long-term field studies in bat research: importance for basic and applied research questions in animal behavior
Authors: Kerth Gerald
Published: May 2022

Animal species differ considerably in longevity. Among mammals, short-lived species such as shrews have a maximum lifespan of about a year, whereas long-lived species such as whales can live for more than two centuries. Because of their slow pace of life, long-lived species are typically of high conservation concern and of special scientific interest. This applies not only to large mammals such as whales, but also to small-sized bats and mole-rats. To understand the typically complex social behavior of long-lived mammals and protect their threatened populations, field studies that cover substantial parts of a species’ maximum lifespan are required. However, long-term field studies on mammals are an exception because the collection of individualized data requires considerable resources over long time periods in species where individuals can live for decades. Field studies that span decades do not fit well in the current career and funding regime in science. This is unfortunate, as the existing long-term studies on mammals yielded exciting insights into animal behavior and contributed data important for protecting their populations. Here, I present results of long-term field studies on the behavior, demography, and life history of bats, with a particular focus on my long-term studies on wild Bechstein’s bats. I show that long-term studies on individually marked populations are invaluable to understand the social system of bats, investigate the causes and consequences of their extraordinary longevity, and assess their responses to changing environments with the aim to efficiently protect these unique mammals in the face of anthropogenic global change.
Helmholtz: A Verifier for Tezos Smart Contracts Based on Refinement Types
Authors: Nishida Yuki , Saito Hiromasa , Chen Ran , Kawata Akira , Furuse Jun , Suenaga Kohei , Igarashi Atsushi
Published: May 2022

A smart contract is a program executed on a blockchain, based on which many cryptocurrencies are implemented, and is being used for automating transactions. Due to the large amount of money that smart contracts deal with, there is a surging demand for a method that can statically and formally verify them. This article describes our type-based static verification tool Helmholtz for Michelson, which is a statically typed stack-based language for writing smart contracts that are executed on the blockchain platform Tezos. Helmholtz is designed on top of our extension of Michelson’s type system with refinement types. Helmholtz takes a Michelson program annotated with a user-defined specification written in the form of a refinement type as input; it then typechecks the program against the specification based on the refinement type system, discharging the generated verification conditions with the SMT solver Z3. We briefly introduce our refinement type system for the core calculus Mini-Michelson of Michelson, which incorporates the characteristic features such as compound datatypes (e.g., lists and pairs), higher-order functions, and invocation of another contract. Helmholtz successfully verifies several practical Michelson programs, including one that transfers money to an account and that checks a digital signature.
Effect of different food groups on energy intake within and between individuals
Authors: Horgan Graham W. , Whybrow Stephen , Scalco Andrea , Craig Tony , Macdiarmid Jennie I.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Energy intake varies day-to-day because we select different foods, and different amounts of these foods. Energy balance is not tightly regulated over the short-term, and the variability in diet results in an energy surplus or deficit. The aim of this study was to explore how consuming more, or less, than usual amounts of foods contributed towards balancing of total energy intake (TEI) within a day.

Methods

Four-day food records came from 6155 adult participants of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey to study these effects. Within-individual regression models of the energy from 60 food groups on TEI were calculated. Energy intake variation within-individuals was regressed separately on the variation in amounts of each food group. Regression models were also fitted to individual four day means.

Results

Within-individual coefficients ranged from about 0 for high-fibre breakfast cereals to 1.7 for sugar preserves and spreads. Three food groups (e.g. low-calorie soft drinks) tended to reduce TEI, and 13 food groups (e.g. margarine and other spreads, and alcoholic drinks) tended to elevate TEI above the energy content of the food group when more than usual amounts were consumed. Foods groups of higher energy densities, or lower fibre content (e.g. typical “snack” foods, low-fibre bread, and processed meat) tended to promote greater TEI more so than did food groups of lower energy densities (e.g. meat, fish, high-fibre foods, and potatoes).

Conclusion

Different food groups vary considerably in the extent to which they affect TEI in free-living adults. The associations between consuming more, or less, than usual amounts of foods and the effects on TEI are consistent with those found in laboratory studies. Importantly, the present study found similar associations, but using a different methodology and in observational data, providing novel information on energy intake compensation.
Muscle spindles of the multifidus muscle undergo structural change after intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: James Gregory , Stecco Carla , Blomster Linda , Hall Leanne , Schmid Annina B. , Shu Cindy C. , Little Christopher B. , Melrose James , Hodges Paul W.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Proprioceptive deficits are common in low back pain. The multifidus muscle undergoes substantial structural change after back injury, but whether muscle spindles are affected is unclear. This study investigated whether muscle spindles of the multifidus muscle are changed by intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration in a large animal model.

Methods

IVD degeneration was induced by partial thickness annulus fibrosus lesion to the L3-4 IVD in nine sheep. Multifidus muscle tissue at L4 was harvested at six months after lesion, and from six age-/sex-matched naïve control animals. Muscle spindles were identified in Van Gieson’s-stained sections by morphology. The number, location and cross-sectional area (CSA) of spindles, the number, type and CSA of intrafusal fibers, and thickness of the spindle capsule were measured. Immunofluorescence assays examined Collagen I and III expression.

Results

Multifidus muscle spindles were located centrally in the muscle and generally near connective tissue. There were no differences in the number or location of muscle spindles after IVD degeneration and only changes in the CSA of nuclear chain fibers. The thickness of connective tissue surrounding the muscle spindle was increased as was the expression of Collagen I and III.

Conclusion

Changes to the connective tissue and collagen expression of the muscle spindle capsule are likely to impact their mechanical properties. Changes in capsule stiffness may impact the transmission of length change to muscle spindles and thus transduction of sensory information. This change in muscle spindle structure may explain some of the proprioceptive deficits identified with low back pain.
Tackling diabetes as a team: co-designing healthcare interventions to engage couples living with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Messina Rossella , Berry Emma , Golinelli Davide , Donetto Sara , Reno Chiara , Moscatiello Simona , Laffi Gilberto , Sturt Jackie
Published: May 2022

Aims

Couples living with Type 1 diabetes: co-designing interventions to support them.

Methods

This is a qualitative study comprising two phases. Phase I represents the exploratory phase, consisting of semi-structured interviews with persons with Type 1 diabetes (N = 16) and partners (N = 6). In the second phase, co-design principles guided workshops with healthcare professionals, persons with Type 1 diabetes, and partners (N = 7) to facilitate discussion of the key themes identified and solutions to engage couples living with Type 1 diabetes in diabetes care.

Result

The key themes identified from phase I as priorities to target in future interventions were: (i) Emotional impact of diabetes and (ii) Partners’ involvement. Priority (i) captures the impact the emotional burden of diabetes management produces within couples’ relationship. Priority (ii) captures the request from partners to be more involved in diabetes management. Characteristics of the interventions suggested during the co-design phase II focused on engaging patients and partners via a counseling point in healthcare settings and tailored help for couples’ psychological support needs.

Conclusions

Couples value pro-active intervention and support from their diabetes team or primary care for both the partners to live well with Type 1 diabetes.
A flexible lattice framework for valuing options on assets paying discrete dividends and variable annuities embedding GMWB riders
Authors: De Angelis Paolo , De Marchis Roberto , Martire Antonio L. , Russo Emilio
Published: May 2022

In a market where a stochastic interest rate component characterizes asset dynamics, we propose a flexible lattice framework to evaluate and manage options on equities paying discrete dividends and variable annuities presenting some provisions, like a guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit. The framework is flexible in that it allows to combine financial and demographic risk, to embed in the contract early exercise features, and to choose the dynamics for interest rates and traded assets. A computational problem arises when each dividend (when valuing an option) or withdrawal (when valuing a variable annuity) is paid, because the lattice lacks its recombining structure. The proposed model overcomes this problem associating with each node of the lattice a set of representative values of the underlying asset (when valuing an option) or of the personal subaccount (when valuing a variable annuity) chosen among all the possible ones realized at that node. Extensive numerical experiments confirm the model accuracy and efficiency.
A new parallel algorithm for improving the computational efficiency of multi-GNSS precise orbit determination
Authors: Chen Xinghan , Ge Maorong , Hugentobler Urs , Schuh Harald
Published: May 2022

The computational efficiency is critical with the increasing number of GNSS satellites and ground stations since many unknown parameters must be estimated. Although only active parameters are kept in the normal equation in sequential least square estimation, the computational cost for parameter elimination is still a heavy burden. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the procedure of parameter elimination to enhance the computational efficiency of GNSS network solutions. An efficient parallel algorithm is developed for accelerating parameter estimation based on modern multi-core processors. In the parallel algorithm, a multi-thread guided scheduling scheme, and cache memory traffic optimizations are implemented in parallelized sub-blocks for normal-equation-level operations. Compared with the traditional serial scheme, the computational time of parameter estimations can be reduced by a factor of three due to the new parallel algorithm using a six-core processor. Our results also confirm that the architecture of computers entirely limits the performance of the parallel algorithm. All the parallel optimizations are also investigated in detail according to the characteristics of CPU architecture. This gives a good reference to architecture-oriented parallel programming in the future development of GNSS software. The performance of the multi-thread parallel algorithm is expected to improve further with the upgrade of new multi-core coprocessors.s
The prospective relationship between loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK
Authors: Milicev Jelena , Qualter Pamela , Goodfellow Claire , Inchley Joanna , Simpson Sharon Anne , Leyland Alastair H. , Kharicha Kalpa , Long Emily
Published: May 2022

Aim

Mental wellbeing in the UK seems to have deteriorated significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the rates of loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress taking longer to return to the pre-pandemic levels than elsewhere. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge about the interactions between these outcomes, or the factors that played a role in the rates of change. The current study aims to address this gap by simultaneously investigating changes in loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress in the UK from pre-pandemic levels to those between April and November 2020, while critically assessing the role of a range of social ecological influencing factors.

Subject and Methods

Longitudinal data from Understanding Society (N=3475) were used to explore the changes in loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress from pre-pandemic levels (2017-2019) through November 2020, the interactions between these outcomes, and the role of individual, social, community and geographic factors in the rates of change, using multivariate latent growth curve model.

Results

Loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress deteriorated minimally between April and November 2020, compared to the pre-pandemic levels (2017–2019), while the rate of change in each outcome influenced the rates of change in the other two. Key individual (age, gender, physical health), social (number of friends and similarity to them), and environmental (neighbourhood quality) variables influenced baseline scores and the rates of change.

Conclusion

Considering significant dynamic associations between loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological distress, we argue that interventions to tackle any one of the outcomes may have beneficial effects on others, while highlighting malleable factors and individual and community-level interventions to tackle loneliness.
The risk of PD-L1 expression misclassification in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Ben Dori Shani , Aizic Asaf , Zubkov Asia , Tsuriel Shlomo , Sabo Edmond , Hershkovitz Dov
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Stratification of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) for anti-PD-L1 therapy is based on PD-L1 expression in tumor biopsies. This study sought to evaluate the risk of PD-L1 misclassification.

Methods

We conducted a high-resolution analysis on ten surgical specimens of TNBC. First, we determined PD-L1 expression pattern distribution via manual segmentation and measurement of 6666 microscopic clusters of positive PD-L1 immunohistochemical staining. Then, based on these results, we generated a computer model to calculate the effect of the positive PD-L1 fraction, aggregate size, and distribution of PD-L1 positive cells on the diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Our computer-based model showed that larger aggregates of PD-L1 positive cells and smaller biopsy size were associated with higher fraction of false results (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, our model showed a significant increase in error rate when the fraction of PD-L1 expression was close to the cut-off (error rate of 12.1%, 0.84%, and 0.65% for PD-L1 positivity of 0.5–1.5%, ≤ 0.5% ,and ≥ 1.5%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Interestingly, false positive results were significantly higher than false negative results (0.51–22.62%, with an average of 6.31% versus 0.11–11.36% with an average of 1.58% for false positive and false negative results, respectively, P < 0.05). Furthermore, heterogeneous tumors with different aggregate sizes in the same tumor, were associated with increased rate of false results in comparison to homogenous tumors (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our model can be used to estimate the risk of PD-L1 misclassification in biopsies, with potential implications for treatment decisions.
A Short-Form Measure of Loneliness to Predict Depression Symptoms Among Adolescents
Authors: Kyron Michael J. , Houghton Stephen , Lawrence David , Page Andrew C. , Hunter Simon C. , Gunasekera Sashya
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to produce a short-form measure of loneliness and assesses its prediction of depressive symptoms relative to a comprehensive measure. Western Australian adolescents completed the Friendship Related Loneliness and Isolation subscales of the Perth Aloneness Scale (PALs) three times over 18 months (T 1n = 1538; T 2,n = 1683; T 3,n = 1406). Items were reduced while preserving predictability. Follow-up confirmatory factor analyses and predictive models with the reduced and full PALs were then tested. A reduced six-item scale (PALs-6) preserved the two-factor structure of the PALs and showed strong prediction of very elevated depressive symptoms (Sensitivity = 0.70, Specificity = 0.78, AUC = 0.81); it was less successful in predicting future symptoms (Sensitivity = 0.67, Specificity = 0.64, AUC = 0.74). The PALs-6 provides a brief measure of adolescent loneliness for clinicians and researchers that also predicts very elevated levels of depression.
Integrating augmented reality in language learning: pre-service teachers’ digital competence and attitudes through the TPACK framework
Authors: Belda-Medina Jose , Calvo-Ferrer José Ramón
Published: May 2022

Although the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in language learning has increased over the last two decades, there is still little research on the preparation of pre-service teachers as AR content creators. This paper focuses on analyzing the digital competence and attitudes of teacher candidates to integrate AR in the foreign language classroom. For this purpose, eighty-five college students were assigned into different teams to create their own AR-based projects which aimed at teaching English and content to young learners. The teacher candidates employed several software development kits (SDKs) to construct collaborative AR projects in a five-week period, including discursive and illustrative representations of the learning content. In this research based on a mixed method, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered trough AR project presentations and surveys encompassing two validated scales, the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework and the Augmented Reality Applications Attitudes Scale (ARAAS). The statistical data and qualitative findings revealed that the participants lacked practical knowledge on AR content creation and implementation in Education. The major problems were related to the TPK (Technological Pedagogical Knowledge) intersection since participants had been previously trained in AR technology just as recipients and not as content creators and educators.