bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication Of Carbon Aerogels From Coir For Oil Adsorption
Authors: Nguyen Hieu M , Tran Khoi A , Nguyen Tram T N , Do Nga N H , Le Kien A , Le Phung K
Published: January 2022

Coir, known as coconut fibers, are an abundant cellulosic source in Vietnam, which are mostly discarded when copra and coconut water are taken, causing environmental pollution and waste of potential biomass. In this research, carbon aerogels from chemically pretreated coir were successfully synthesized via simple sol-gel process with NaOH-urea solution, economical freeze-drying, and carbonization. The samples, including pretreated coir, coir aerogels, and carbon aerogels, are characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, XRD spectroscopy, and TGA. The carbon aerogels exhibit low density (0.034–0.047 g/cm3), high porosity (97.63–98.32 %), and comparable motor oil sorption capacity (22.71 g/g). The properties of carbon aerogels are compared with those of coir aerogels, indicating such better values than those of coir aerogels. Coir-derived carbon aerogels is a potential replacement for the hydrophobically-coated cellulose aerogels in term of treating oil spills.
Application of Marine Algae in Water Pollution Control
Authors: Tang Junyu , Liang Qizhao , Li Changling , Huang Xianghu , Xian Xiaoqing , Li Jinhe , Shang Zhuangzhuang , Pang Chunjin , Liu Yu , Zhang Rui
Published: January 2022

Water pollution is mainly caused by chemical pollution, especially inorganic and organic pollutants, including toxic metals and metalloids as well as various synthetic or organic chemicals. Marine algae have good adsorption capacity for heavy metals such as As, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb et.al in polluted water, and can also have certain removal ability for pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus in sewage. This paper reviews the current application status of wastewater treatment and the mechanism and application of marine algae in wastewater treatment, aiming at providing reference for further research and development of marine algae in wastewater treatment.
Ocean Energy Development under the Background of Carbon Emissions Peak and Carbon Neutrality in China
Authors: Ma Changlei , Wang Xiaoyong , Jiang Bo
Published: January 2022

The ocean energy resources are abundant in China. The technical potential in Chinese coastal area is more than 70 GW. Thus, the utilization of ocean energy resources is very important for the energy saving and the mitigation of climate change. The Renewable Energy Law implemented since 2010 and the special fund program for ocean energy established in 2011 has advanced great progress of ocean energy technology research, development and demonstration in recent years in China. The ocean energy technologies in China have achieved rapid development under the support of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Science and Technology and so on. The accumulated capacity of ocean energy is in the international advanced level, but the ocean energy industry is still in early stage. The carbon emissions peak and carbon neutrality strategy put forward in China requires the transition to green energy and electricity, which also provides crucial opportunity for the development of the utilization of ocean energy resources in China. The paper introduces the status of ocean energy technology and industry in China firstly. Then the problems in the development of ocean energy are analysed. The potential of utilization of ocean energy is estimated to support the carbon emission reduction. Finally, the vision and main tasks are given.
Feasibility Assessment of Renovating Schools in Arid Regions
Authors: Elkhapery Basel , Kianmehr Peiman , Doczy Ryan
Published: January 2022

Nowadays, renovation of buildings including schools is a common practice to enhance their indoor environmental conditions and resource efficiency, and to reduce their operation cost. Construction industry always has its reservation regarding the perceived excessive renovation costs when greening a building. Such perception has been discouraged property owners from greening and certifying their existing buildings according to USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems. This research established an optimization model with ability of distinguishing and sorting LEED feasible credits according to their costs to achieve cost-effective LEED certifications. Nine random existing schools in Dubai were assessed to form a case study. The assessments’ results proved that less than 1% and 5% of total construction cost should be devoted to modify buildings as per LEED guideline and certify them up to Gold certificate or Platinum certificate, respectively. Attaining platinum certificate resulted in 27% and 30% water and energy consumption reductions, respectively. The estimations revealed that the projected capital spending in energy and water conservation might be returned in a maximum period of seven years with lower utility bills.
Research on the Development of Forest Recreation Industry Based on SWOT and AHP Model--Take the Forest Recreation Industry of Xiying Street in Jinan City as an Example
Authors: Lu Jiahao , Li Miaomiao
Published: January 2022

In the context of rapid socio-economic development, forest recreation industry has gradually emerged. This paper uses SWOT and AHP analysis to evaluate the development of forest recreation industry in Xiying Street, Jinan City, and analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the forest recreation industry. It also provides data support and reference for the development of forest recreation industry in similar areas, so as to promote the development of forest recreation industry in the future.
Study on Flow Characteristics of Produced Fluid in Bohai Oilfield Cycle Steam Stimulated Heavy Oil Reservoir
Authors: Liu Jianbin , Zhong Liguo , Hao Tongchun , Liu Yigang
Published: January 2022

It is helpful to better understand the flow state of produced fluid in different stages by studying the flow characteristics of produced fluid of cycle steam stimulation (CSS in short) heavy oil reservoirs from the reservoir to the wellhead, and to provide more research for the CSS replacement technologies for a clear direction. However, there are few studies on the flow state of produced fluids, and the mechanism understanding is not very clear. This article starts with laboratory experiments to study the factors that affect the fluidity of heavy oil in the Bohai Oilfield. It is found that temperature, water content of W/O emulsion, and shear rate have a greater effect on the viscosity of produced fluid in heavy oil reservoirs in Bohai Oilfield, while pressure and N2 dissolution have less effect on the produced fluid viscosity. Due to the different flow speeds of the produced liquid in different flow stages, the equivalent shear rates are different. Therefore, when studying the flow characteristics in different flow stages, it is necessary to consider the effect of the difference in flow velocity. The effect of pressure and nitrogen dissolution on the viscosity change of produced fluid is very small. And then, based on high-precision historical fitting by using reservoir numerical simulation, the CSS development of Bohai Oilfield was predicted. Finally, combined with the numerical simulation results and the results of laboratory experiments, a wellbottom temperature calculation plate, a viscosity plate of produced fluid flowing from reservoir to wellbore, a viscosity plate of produced fluid flowing in horizontal wellbore and a viscosity plate when produced fluid flows to the wellhead. According to the chart, the viscosity of the produced fluid at different development stages and different flow positions can be judged and predicted, so that the fluidity difference of the produced fluid at different positions can be obtained, and it can provide guidance for the research on replacement technology after CSS in Bohai Oilfield.
Sound Insulation Performance Analysis of New Energy - saving Lightweight Wooden Wall
Authors: Min Xinghua , Chen Ming , Qu Ting
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a kind of light energy-saving prefabricated building high sound insulation wood wall is designed, and its sound insulation performance is experimentally studied in practical housing applications. Firstly, an energy-saving wood wall is designed on the basis of a sound insulation calculation with weighted sound transmission loss of 44.0 dB. Secondly, the energy-saving wood wall is implemented in practical house applications and the corresponding sound insulation of the wall is measured for evaluation. Measurement results show that the actual weighted sound transmission loss of the wall is 24.0 dB. Further analysis indicates that the gaps of the plates and rigid connections are the main causes of the sound insulation decrease in the actual application of this lightweight wall. This paper provides the design method of lightweight walls for new energy-saving light prefabricated houses, and indicates the importance of optimizing the construction details to guarantee the overall sound insulation performance of energy-saving light prefabricated houses.
Analysis on the Development of Wind-assisted Ship Propulsion Technology and Contribution to Emission Reduction
Authors: Wang Yunlong , Zhang Xin , Lin Shaochuan , Qiang Zhaoxin , Hao Jinfeng , Qiu Yan
Published: January 2022

With the issue of peaking carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality increasingly becoming the forefront of international public opinion, changes in the shipping industry are imminent and destined to cause long-term transformation across the entire industry chain, from ship design to maritime operations. Wind energy as a clean energy source has attracted the increasing attention of experts in the shipping field. This paper summarizes the application and development of wind-aided navigation technology for ships represented by rotors, towing kites, wing sails and soft sails, and analyses the constraints of wind-aided navigation technology. The contribution to emission reduction of typical wind-aided navigation methods such as rotors, towing kites, wing sails and soft sails is summarized. Finally, the development suggestions of wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) technology are summarized and proposed, which can provide reference for further research and application of this technology.
Stability Analysis of Earthen Sites Reinforced with Stabilized Soil Including Calcified Ginger Nuts based on Finite Element Numerical Simulation
Authors: Hu Xiaoying , Li Dandan , Peng Erxing , Chou Yaling , Li Qifeng , Dang Bing
Published: January 2022

The stability of the earthen sites wall of Niutoucheng in Lintan County is studied by using the strength reduction method and finite element analysis software ABAQUS. The stability of the model before and after the reinforcement of the central undercutting wall of the earthen sites was analyzed. The strain distribution and stability safety factor variation before and after reinforcing earthen with calcined ginger nuts are discussed. The results show that the development of plastic strain zone is significantly restrained after reinforcing undercutting zone by using stabilized soil including calcined ginger nuts. The stability safety factor of the earthen sites wall model after the central undercutting presents an increasing trend. The stability safety factor of the model before undercutting is 1.430. The stability safety factor of the model is 1.959 and 1.966 after ramming for 7d and 14d, respectively. The judgment of plastic strain zone development and the stability safety factor of a model can be used to guide application of stabilized soil including calcined ginger nuts in engineering practice.
Effect of Microwave Vacuum Drying on the Drying Characteristics and Chemical Compositions of Turkish Gall Residues
Authors: Tian Shuge , Song Qianqian , Wu Wenxia , Zhou Xiaoying
Published: January 2022

Recently, the secondary use of waste has received increasing attention. The raw material of Xipayi mouth rinse is Turkish gall. During the industrial production of Xipayi mouth rinse, a lot of gall residues are produced. If these drugs are directly discarded, it will cause waste of resources and also bring pressure to the ecological environment. Previous studies have found that the active ingredient content of Turkish gall residues remains high, therefore the residues are still a valuable resource for exploitation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the chemical compositions and drying characteristics of Turkish gall residues during microwave vacuum drying (MVD). Different vacuum degrees, sample loads and sample sizes were used to investigate the drying characteristics of Turkish gall residues, and a kinetics model was established to describe the drying characteristics. We determined gallic acid (GA), methyl gallate (MG) and ellagic acid (EA) contents, total phenolic content (TPC) and total sugar content (TSC) of dried Turkish gall residue powder and investigated the influence of different MVD conditions on components. The results showed the good fit of the Page model equation in describing the drying kinetics of Turkish gall residues during MVD. Different conditions of MVD have different effects on the main components of residue. Thus, MVD can be used to desiccate Turkish gall residues. The Page kinetics model predicts the changes in dehydration rate during MVD of Turkish gall residues, providing a proven drying method for gall residues, and provides a theoretical basis for the industrial mass production of pharmaceutical residues.
Research on Financing of Green Bonds Issued by Power Industry
Authors: Wang Zhenkun , Chu Xu
Published: January 2022

The power industry in China is accelerating the pace of transition to green and low-carbon industry. Among the many factors restricting its green transformation, funding constraints are particularly prominent. On the one hand, the financing channels are too single for the reasons that the construction of power projects has long been relied on the government grants and bank loans. On the other hand, the term of power investment project is too long while the term of borrowings is too short, leading to the term mismatch. Green bonds have the characteristics of long maturity, low cost and quick review, which can alleviate the difficulties in the financing of the power industry. Therefore, it can be a good choice for power companies to use green bonds as an innovative financing tool to ease funding pressure. This paper takes the largest green energy company in China, Three Gorges Group, as an example, analyzing the financing behavior of issuing green bonds in the aspects of issue motivation and benefits. Based on the case, the paper draws conclusions that green bonds financing can be a proper use of green policies and it has obvious financing cost advantages. Finally, this paper contributes suggestions from the perspective of investors, enterprises and government to promote the healthy development of green bonds.
A Study on Sustainable Development of Island Economy Based on Ecological Footprint Approach - A Case Study of Changhai County, Liaoning Province
Authors: Jiao Yan , Li Miaomiao
Published: January 2022

The ecological footprint method, as one of the methods to evaluate sustainable development, has been widely used at home and abroad. This paper adopts the ecological footprint analysis method, introduces the ecological footprint model and ecological carrying capacity model, accounts for the data based on 2015-2019 statistics, quantitatively calculates the data of the economic development of the island, and explores the economic, social and ecological sustainable development of Changhai County, so as to provide reference for other island economic development models.
Covalent adsorption of functional groups on N-carbophenes
Authors: Junkermeier Chad E , Psofogiannakis George , Paupitz Ricardo
Published: January 2022

Starting from the planar molecule 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene, Du et al. reported synthesizing one of a couple of possible 2D materials: graphenylene or 3-carbophene.[1] 3-carbophene is a member of a novel class of two-dimensional covalent organic framework, [N]-carbophenes (carbophenes). Using a high throughput method, we computed the formation energies and conduction properties of 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-carbophenes with hydroxyl (OH), carbonyl (CO), nitro (NO2), amine (NH2), carboxyl (COOH) functional groups replacing hydrogen terminating agents. Five hundred and nine structures with randomly picked motifs, with functionalizations from a single functional group per cell to fully functionalized were studied. Our results demonstrate a negatively sloped linear relationship between the degree of functionalization and formation energy when the type of functional group and type of carbophene are held constant. The decrease in formation energy with functionalization makes Du’s synthesis of functionalized 3-carbophene more creditable. The type of carbophene, type of functional group, and the degree of functionalization all play a role in the band structure of the materials. For example, CO functional groups may lead to a mid- gap state pinned to the Fermi level, whereas the other functional groups studied keep the semiconducting nature of pristine carbophene. Thus, because carbonyl functional groups are often present in defected carbon systems, care should be taken to limit the amount of oxygen in carbophene devices where the band gap is important. Thus, this work strengthens the hypothesis of Junkermeier et al.’s hypothesis that Du et al. synthesized 3-carbophene and not graphenylene.[2]
Mean-field theory of vector spin models on networks with arbitrary degree distributions
Authors: Metz Fernando L , Peron Thomas
Published: January 2022

Understanding the relationship between the heterogeneous structure of complex networks and cooperative phenomena occurring on them remains a key problem in network science. Mean-field theories of spin models on networks constitute a fundamental tool to tackle this problem and a cornerstone of statistical physics, with an impressive number of applications in condensed matter, biology, and computer science. In this work we derive the mean-field equations for the equilibrium behavior of vector spin models on high-connectivity random networks with an arbitrary degree distribution and with randomly weighted links. We demonstrate that the high-connectivity limit of spin models on networks is not universal in that it depends on the full degree distribution. Such nonuniversal behavior is akin to a remarkable mechanism that leads to the breakdown of the central limit theorem when applied to the distribution of effective local fields. Traditional mean-field theories on fully-connected models, such as the Curie–Weiss, the Kuramoto, and the Sherrington–Kirkpatrick model, are only valid if the network degree distribution is highly concentrated around its mean degree. We obtain a series of results that highlight the importance of degree fluctuations to the phase diagram of mean-field spin models by focusing on the Kuramoto model of synchronization and on the Sherrington–Kirkpatrick model of spin-glasses. Numerical simulations corroborate our theoretical findings and provide compelling evidence that the present mean-field theory describes an intermediate regime of connectivity, in which the average degree c scales as a power c ∝ N

b
(b < 1) of the total number N ≫ 1 of spins. Our findings put forward a novel class of spin models that incorporate the effects of degree fluctuations and, at the same time, are amenable to exact analytic solutions.
Human activity recognition: suitability of a neuromorphic approach for on-edge AIoT applications
Authors: Fra Vittorio , Forno Evelina , Pignari Riccardo , Stewart Terrence C , Macii Enrico , Urgese Gianvito
Published: January 2022

Human activity recognition (HAR) is a classification problem involving time-dependent signals produced by body monitoring, and its application domain covers all the aspects of human life, from healthcare to sport, from safety to smart environments. As such, it is naturally well suited for on-edge deployment of personalized point-of-care analyses or other tailored services for the user. However, typical smart and wearable devices suffer from relevant limitations regarding energy consumption, and this significantly hinders the possibility for successful employment of edge computing for tasks like HAR. In this paper, we investigate how this problem can be mitigated by adopting a neuromorphic approach. By comparing optimized classifiers based on traditional deep neural network architectures as well as on recent alternatives like the Legendre memory unit, we show how spiking neural networks can effectively deal with the temporal signals typical of HAR providing high performances at a low energy cost. By carrying out an application-oriented hyperparameter optimization, we also propose a methodology flexible to be extended to different domains, to enlarge the field of neuro-inspired classifier suitable for on-edge artificial intelligence of things applications.
Investigating inexpensive polymeric 3D printed materials under extreme thermal conditions
Authors: Storck Jan Lukas , Ehrmann Guido , Uthoff Jana , Diestelhorst Elise , Blachowicz Tomasz , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: January 2022

3D printing is nowadays used for many applications far beyond pure rapid prototyping. As tools to prepare custom-made objects which may be highly complex, different 3D printing techniques have emerged into areas of application where the mechanical, thermal, optical and other properties have to meet high requirements. Amongst them, applications for space, e.g. for microsatellites, make extreme demands regarding the stability under high temperatures. Nevertheless, polymeric 3D printed materials have several advantages for space application in comparison with metal objects. Here we thus investigate the impact of temperatures up to 85 °C and 185 °C, respectively, on typical 3D printing materials for fused deposition modeling or stereolithography (SLA) with inexpensive 3D printers. The materials are found to differ strongly in terms of mechanical properties and dimensional stability after the treatment at a higher temperature, with SLA resins and co-polyester showing the best dimensional stability, while acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene and SLA resin after long UV post-treatment has the best mechanical properties.
Determination of Cyazofamid and Its Metabolite in Oily Agricultural Products with HPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Wang Yujian , Fu Lingmei , Xu Zhiwei , Ji Shaofan , Zhuang Peng
Published: January 2022

A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of cyazofamid and its major metabolite 4-Chloro-5-(4-tolyl)-1H-imidazole-2-carbonitrile (CCIM) in oily samples. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile, which contained 1% acetic acid and cleaned-up with C18 and Florisil absorbents. Recoveries ranged from 75.91% to 109.85% with coefficients of variation from 5.14% to 10.69%. The limits of detection (LODs) and the limits of quantification (LOQs) were >0.0020 mg kg−1 and ≤0.0040 mg·kg−1, respectively, which were smaller than maximum residue levels established by Australia for oily samples. The proposed fragmentation pathway of cyazofamid and CCIM were discussed.
Drug-Induced Liver Injury Used in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Núñez F Paulina , Quera Rodrigo , Bay Constanza , Castro Fabiola , Mezzano Gabriel
Published: January 2022

Therapeutic options for the management of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] have been expanding in recent decades. New biological and small molecule therapies have been incorporated into the pharmacological arsenal, allowing a more personalized management, and seeking increasingly strict remission goals. However, the fear of developing adverse events represents one of the most important limitations in deciding its use by patients and by a multidisciplinary team. Despite the risk of hepatotoxicity of thiopurines and methotrexate, these drugs are still used either as monotherapy or as combined therapy with anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF] biological agents. Although drug-induced liver injury [DILI] appears to be less frequent with anti-TNF agents, newer biologics and small molecules, liver tests should be considered in the follow-up of these patients, especially regarding future combined therapy of biologics or of these drugs with small molecules. The objective of this review is to show data on the risk of developing DILI in patients with IBD who are undergoing treatment with traditional therapy or new drugs, whether biological or small molecules.
ZNF146/OZF and ZNF507 target LINE-1 sequences
Authors: Creamer Kevin M , Larsen Eric C , Lawrence Jeanne B
Published: January 2022

Repetitive sequences including transposable elements and transposon-derived fragments account for nearly half of the human genome. While transposition-competent transposable elements must be repressed to maintain genomic stability, mutated and fragmented transposable elements comprising the bulk of repetitive sequences can also contribute to regulation of host gene expression and broader genome organization. Here, we analyzed published ChIP-seq data sets to identify proteins broadly enriched on transposable elements in the human genome. We show 2 of the proteins identified, C2H2 zinc finger-containing proteins ZNF146 (also known as OZF) and ZNF507, are targeted to distinct sites within LINE-1 ORF2 at thousands of locations in the genome. ZNF146 binding sites are found at old and young LINE-1 elements. In contrast, ZNF507 preferentially binds at young LINE-1 sequences correlated to sequence changes in LINE-1 elements at ZNF507’s binding site. To gain further insight into ZNF146 and ZNF507 function, we disrupt their expression in HEK293 cells using CRISPR/Cas9 and perform RNA sequencing, finding modest gene expression changes in cells where ZNF507 has been disrupted. We further identify a physical interaction between ZNF507 and PRMT5, suggesting ZNF507 may target arginine methylation activity to LINE-1 sequences.
Art as a Generational and Geographical Transversal Tool in the Hands of Youth: Srebrenica Is Dutch History
Authors: Hasić Fahira
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT∞

This article is about the role of youth in transitional justice and art as a medium in furthering that role. It examines Srebrenica Is Dutch History, a travelling memorial both by young people and about young people, as a transgenerational means for dealing with the past, and as an illustration of youth in transitional justice from the perspective of memorialization across both time and location. As much as this article is by me, it is also about me. It is a reflective exercise constituting my first act of ownership over my identities as a child of genocide survivors, a former refugee and a 23-year-old Bosnian-Belgian female scholar.
Media Systems in the Digital Age: An Empirical Comparison of 30 Countries
Authors: Humprecht Edda , Castro Herrero Laia , Blassnig Sina , Brüggemann Michael , Engesser Sven
Published: January 2022

Media systems have changed significantly as a result of the development of information technologies. However, typologies of media systems that incorporate aspects of digitalization are rare. This study fills this gap by identifying, operationalizing, and measuring indicators of media systems in the digital age. We build on previous work, extend it with new indicators that reflect changing conditions (such as online news use), and include media freedom indicators. We include 30 countries in our study and use cluster analysis to identify three clusters of media systems. Two of these clusters correspond to the media system models described by Hallin and Mancini, namely the democratic-corporatist and the polarized-pluralist model. However, the liberal model as described by Hallin and Mancini has vanished; instead, we find empirical evidence of a new cluster that we call “hybrid”: it is positioned in between the poles of the media-supportive democratic-corporatist and the polarized-pluralist clusters.
Seroprevalence of Powassan Virus Infection in an Area Experiencing a Cluster of Disease Cases: Sussex County, New Jersey, 2019
Authors: Vahey Grace M , Wilson Nicolette , McDonald Emily , Fitzpatrick Kelly , Lehman Jennifer , Clark Sandhya , Lindell Kristine , Pastula Daniel M , Perez Stephen , Rhodes Heather , Gould Carolyn V , Staples J Erin , Cervantes Kim , Martin Stacey W
Published: January 2022

In 2019, a geographically focal cluster of 3 Powassan virus neuroinvasive disease cases occurred in New Jersey. We conducted a serosurvey of 273 adult area residents and estimated that immunoglobulin M seroprevalence was 0.31% (95% confidence interval [CI], .04%–1.00%) and 23% (95% CI, 7%–100%) of infections result in neuroinvasive disease.
DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOCESIUM CONCENTRATIONS OF SOILS IN THE EIGHT IZU ISLANDS AFTER THE FUKUSHIMA DAIICHI NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ACCIDENT
Authors: Shimizu Hideo , Inoue Kazumasa , Tsuruoka Hiroshi , Veerasamy Nimelan , Saito Kyoko , Fukushi Masahiro
Published: January 2022

Large amounts of anthropogenic radionuclides, such as 134Cs and 137Cs(radiocesium), were released into the atmosphere due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (F1-NPP) accident and were transported into various environments. The soil accumulations of diffused radionuclides are marked by large differences in their horizontal distributions, and the vertical air dose rates vary depending on the topography, altitude and other factors. In this study, soil activity concentrations of eight islands in the Izu Islands, ~334–563 km south of the F1-NPP, were analyzed from both horizontal and vertical perspectives. Soil samples were collected over a 4-y period from 2012 to 2016, and their activity concentrations of radiocesium were measured. The activity concentrations in the soil were categorized for intervals of a 100-m altitude above sea level, and the relationship between the maximum activity concentration in each category and the distance from the F1-NPP was analyzed. The correlation was good at the lower altitudes.
Sleep and the gut microbiota in preschool-aged children
Authors: Wang Yanan , van de Wouw Marcel , Drogos Lauren , Vaghef-Mehrabani Elnaz , Reimer Raylene A , Tomfohr-Madsen Lianne , Giesbrecht Gerald F
Published: January 2022

Sleep plays a significant role in the mental and physical development of children. Emerging evidence in animals and human adults indicates a relationship between sleep and the gut microbiota; however, it is unclear whether the sleep of preschoolers during a key developmental period, associates with features of their gut microbiota. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between sleep and gut microbiota in preschool-aged children (4.37 ± 0.48 years, n = 143). Sleep measures included total night-time sleep (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), and wake-time after sleep onset (WASO) assessed using actigraphy. Beta-diversity differences between children with low and high TST (p = .048) suggest gut microbiota community differences. Particularly, relative abundance of Bifidobacterium was higher in the high TST group and Bacteroides, was higher in children who had greater SE and less WASO (LDA score >2). In contrast, some Lachnospiraceae members including Blautia and Coprococcus 1 were associated with shorter night-time sleep duration and less efficiency, respectively. We also found a group of fecal metabolites, including specific neuroactive compounds and immunomodulating metabolites were associated with greater sleep efficiency and less time awake at night. Notably, tryptophan and its metabolizing products were higher in children who had higher SE or lower WASO (LDA score >2); concentration of propionate was higher in children with less WASO (p = .036). Overall, our results reveal a novel association between sleep and gut microbiota in preschool-aged children. Longer night-time sleep and greater sleep efficiency were associated with specific commensal bacteria that may regulate sleep through modulating neurotransmitter metabolism and the immune system.
Management of Grape Powdery Mildew with an Intelligent Sprayer and Sulfur
Authors: Warneke Brent W. , Nackley Lloyd L. , Pscheidt Jay W.
Published: January 2022

Wine grapes are an important agricultural commodity in the Pacific Northwest, where grape powdery mildew (GPM) is one of the main disease problems. The efficacy of various sulfur concentrations and output volumes from an air blast sprayer retrofitted with the Intelligent Spray System (ISS) were evaluated for the management of GPM. The ISS consists of a LiDAR sensor, Doppler speed sensor, embedded computer, flow controller, and individual pulse-width-modulation solenoid valves at each nozzle. GPM cluster severity ranged from 55 to 75% across all trials in the study when the ISS was used at its default spray rate of 62.5 ml/m3 with micronized sulfur at 6 g/liter, which was significantly higher than all other fungicide treatments but lower than nontreated controls. Similarly, leaf incidence values were highest on nontreated vines, followed by micronized sulfur at 6 g/liter applied at 62.5 ml/m3, with all other fungicide treatments being significantly lower in all trials. Using the ISS at the 62.5 ml/m3 rate and a rotation of locally systemic fungicides resulted in the lowest observed GPM leaf incidence and average cluster severity of 11% in both 2019 and 2020, the lowest cluster severity of all fungicide treatments tested. GPM control with the ISS and micronized sulfur was equivalent to a constant-rate air blast treatment at 6 g/liter when the spray rate of the ISS was increased to 125 ml/m3 or the concentration of sulfur was increased to 24 g/liter. In those cases, the amount of sulfur applied to vines was at or above the minimum label rate from bloom until the end of the season, or the entire season, respectively. This study has shown that sufficient disease control cannot always be expected when pesticides are mixed at the same rate as would be used for a constant-rate sprayer in a variable rate sprayer, especially when contact fungicides such as sulfur are used. With appropriate adjustments, the variable-rate ISS can be a useful tool to reduce pesticide quantities, water needed for mixing, and as a result labor, because fewer trips to refill for a given spray event are needed.
Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Coguvirus eburi in South African Citrus and the Development of a Real-Time RT-PCR Assay for Citrus-Infecting Coguviruses
Authors: de Bruyn Rochelle , Bester Rachelle , Cook Glynnis , Steyn Chanel , Breytenbach Johannes H. J. , Maree Hans J.
Published: January 2022

Citrus virus A (CiVA), a novel negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus assigned to the species Coguvirus eburi in the genus Coguvirus, was detected in South Africa with the use of high-throughput sequencing after its initial discovery in Italy. CiVA is closely related to citrus concave gum-associated virus (CCGaV), recently assigned to the species Citrus coguvirus. Disease association with CiVA is, however, incomplete. CiVA was detected in grapefruit (C. paradisi Macf.), sweet orange [C. sinensis (L.) Osb.], and clementine (C. reticulata Blanco) in South Africa, and a survey to determine the distribution, symptom association, and genetic diversity was conducted in three provinces and seven citrus production regions. The virus was detected in ‘Delta’ Valencia trees in six citrus production regions, and a fruit rind symptom was often observed on CiVA-positive trees. Additionally, grapefruit showing symptoms of citrus impietratura disease were positive for CiVA. This virus was primarily detected in older orchards that were established prior to the application of shoot tip grafting for virus elimination in the South African Citrus Improvement Scheme. The three viral-encoded genes of CiVA isolates from each cultivar and region were sequenced to investigate sequence diversity. Genetic differences were detected between the Delta Valencia, grapefruit, and clementine samples, with greater sequence variation observed with the nucleocapsid protein (NP) compared with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and the movement protein (MP). A real-time detection assay, targeting the RdRp, was developed to simultaneously detect citrus-infecting coguviruses, CiVA and CCGaV, using a dual priming reverse primer to improve PCR specificity.
Streptomyces apricus sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Hariharan Janani , Choudoir Mallory J. , Diebold Peter , Panke-Buisse Kevin , Buckley Daniel H.
Published: January 2022

A novel

Streptomyces

strain, SUN51T, was isolated from soils sampled in Wisconsin, USA, as part of a

Streptomyces

biogeography survey. Genome sequencing revealed that this strain had less than 90 % average nucleotide identity (ANI) to type species of

Streptomyces

: SUN51T was most closely related to Streptomyces dioscori A217T (99.5 % 16S rRNA gene identity, 89.4 % ANI). Genome size was estimated at 8.81 Mb, and the genome DNA G+C content was 72 mol%. The strain possessed the cellular fatty acids anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, 16 : 1 ω7c, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C14 : 0 and C16 : 0. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9 H4, MK-9 H6 and MK-9 H8. Strain SUN51T contained the polar lipids phosphatidic acid, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl glycerol and diphosphatidyl glycerol. The cell wall contained ll-diaminopimelic acid. The strain could grow on a broad range of carbon sources and tolerate temperatures of up to 40 °C. The results of the polyphasic study confirmed that this isolate represents a novel species of the genus

Streptomyces

, for which the name Streptomyces apricus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of this species is SUN51T (=NRRL B-65543T=JCM 33736T).
Thymidine utilisation pathway is a novel phenotypic switch of Mycoplasma hominis
Authors: Fisunov Gleb Yu. , Pobeguts Olga V. , Ladygina Valentina G. , Zubov Alexandr I. , Galyamina Mariya A. , Kovalchuk Sergey I. , Ziganshin Rustam K. , Evsyutina Daria V. , Matyushkina Daria S. , Butenko Ivan O. , Bukato Olga N. , Veselovsky Vladimir A. , Semashko Tatiana A. , Klimina Ksenia M. , Levina Galina A. , Barhatova Olga I. , Rakovskaya Irina V.
Published: January 2022

Introduction.

Mycoplasma hominis

is a bacterium belonging to the class

Mollicutes

. It causes acute and chronic infections of the urogenital tract. The main features of this bacterium are an absence of cell wall and a reduced genome size (517–622 protein-encoding genes). Previously, we have isolated morphologically unknown

M. hominis

colonies called micro-colonies (MCs) from the serum of patients with inflammatory urogenital tract infection.

Hypothesis. MCs are functionally different from the typical colonies (TCs) in terms of metabolism and cell division.

Aim. To determine the physiological differences between MCs and TCs of

M. hominis

and elucidate the pathways of formation and growth of MCs by a comparative proteomic analysis of these two morphological forms.

Methodology. LC–MS proteomic analysis of TCs and MCs using an Ultimate 3000 RSLC nanoHPLC system connected to a QExactive Plus mass spectrometer.

Results. The study of the proteomic profiles of

M. hominis

colonies allowed us to reconstruct their energy metabolism pathways. In addition to the already known pentose phosphate and arginine deamination pathways,

M. hominis

can utilise ribose phosphate and deoxyribose phosphate formed by nucleoside catabolism as energy sources. Comparative proteomic HPLC–MS analysis revealed that the proteomic profiles of TCs and MCs were different. We assume that MC cells preferably utilised deoxyribonucleosides, particularly thymidine, as an energy source rather than arginine or ribonucleosides. Utilisation of deoxyribonucleosides is less efficient as compared with that of ribonucleosides and arginine in terms of energy production. Thymidine phosphorylase DeoA is one of the key enzymes of deoxyribonucleosides utilisation. We obtained a DeoA overexpressing mutant that exhibited a phenotype similar to that of MCs, which confirmed our hypothesis.

Conclusion. In addition to the two known pathways for energy production (arginine deamination and the pentose phosphate pathway)

M. hominis

can use deoxyribonucleosides and ribonucleosides. MC cells demonstrate a reorganisation of energy metabolism: unlike TC cells, they preferably utilise deoxyribonucleosides, particularly thymidine, as an energy source rather than arginine or ribonucleosides. Thus MC cells enter a state of energy starvation, which helps them to survive under stress, and in particular, to be resistant to antibiotics.
BCG and BCGΔBCG1419c transiently protect hypersusceptible I/St mice and induce different influx of macrophages and neutrophils during pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Korotetskaya Maria , Baikuzina Polina , Segura-Cerda Cristian Alfredo , Aceves-Sánchez Michel de Jesús , Apt Alexander , Flores-Valdez Mario Alberto
Published: January 2022

Background. Host genetic factors influence both susceptibility to

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

infection and immune responses generated by vaccination. Genetically susceptible mice help to study mechanisms of immune protection which may differ from those operating in more resistant models.

Methods. In this work, we compared the efficacy of protection conferred by subcutaneous vaccination of hypersusceptible I/St mice with BCG and the first-generation, hygromycin resistant version of the vaccine candidate BCGΔBCG1419c, against tuberculosis (TB), measured as survival, weight loss and replication in lungs. We further characterized the relative presence of immune cells in lungs.

Results. We found that in I/St mice, vaccination with BCG or BCGΔBCG1419c provided similar level of protection against TB-driven weight loss and

M. tuberculosis

replication in lungs, while prolonging median survival time compared with unvaccinated controls. Despite affording similar protection to parental BCG, BCGΔBCG1419c led to a reduced presence of macrophages in lungs during early TB and to an increased neutrophil recruitment to the lungs during chronic TB.

Conclusions. BCGΔBCG1419c protects I/St mice in a different manner than wild-type BCG against pulmonary TB by promoting different influx of macrophages and neutrophils at distinct times post-infection. These findings prompt us to suggest that preclinical evaluation of novel TB vaccine candidates should include evaluation of efficacy not only in commonly used resistant inbred mice, but also in susceptible hosts, to further determine their potential application to populations varying in their genetic. This would likely impact their intended use depending on host resistance or susceptibility to TB.
Attitudes towards vaccines, intent to vaccinate and the relationship with COVID-19 vaccination rates in individuals with schizophrenia
Authors: Raffard Stéphane , Bayard Sophie , Eisenblaetter Margot , Attal Jérôme , Andrieu Christelle , Chereau Isabelle , Fond Guillaume , leignier Sylvain , Mallet Jasmina , Tattard Philippe , Urbach Mathieu , Misdrahi David , Laraki Yasmine , Capdevielle Delphine
Published: January 2022

Background

People with schizophrenia are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 outcomes but recent evidence suggests that this population have lower vaccination rates than the general population. This gap in vaccination rates could be explained by attitudinal and structural barriers.

Aims

This study explored the role of potential attitudinal barriers by comparing schizophrenia patients with participants from the general population regarding COVID-19 vaccination rates, general attitudes towards vaccines, and willingness to take a COVID-19 vaccine.

Method

We conducted a cross-sectional study between April 2021 and October 2021. 100 schizophrenia patients and 72 controls were recruited. Attitudes towards vaccines were assessed with the Vaccination Attitudes Examination Scale. COVID-19 vaccination rates, sociodemographic, clinical and health-related variables were also assessed.

Results

In our study, the proportion of individuals with schizophrenia were under-vaccinated despite similar general attitudes towards vaccination and higher willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 compared to the participants from the general population. In patients, negative attitudes toward vaccines was related to higher level of negative psychotic symptoms and higher level of paranoid ideation. As a whole, participants with more negative attitudes towards vaccines were less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and had lower levels of trust in institutions.

Conclusions

Vaccine hesitancy does not appear to be a major barrier for COVID-19 vaccine uptake amongst people with schizophrenia. This study suggests that disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates in schizophrenia do not seem related to attitudinal but rather structural barriers.

Significant outcomes

In both groups, non-vaccinated individuals had higher general negative attitudes towards vaccines.

People with schizophrenia were under-vaccinated (64% versus 77.8%) despite similar general attitudes towards vaccination and higher willingness to be vaccinated in non vaccinated against COVID-19 compared to the controls (41.7% versus 21.5%).

General positive attitudes towards vaccines were negatively associated with persecutory ideation and negative symptoms in patients.

Limitations

Our two sample groups sere composed exclusively of French individuals, potentially limiting the generalizability of our results.

The cross-sectional design of our study.
Naïve arthritogenic SKG T cells have a defect in anergy and a repertoire pruned by superantigen
Authors: Ashouri Judith , McCarthy Elizabeth , Yu Steven , Perlmutter Noah , Lin Charles , DeRisi Joe , Ye Chun Jimmie , Weiss Arthur
Published: January 2022

How autoreactive CD4 T cells develop to cause rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown. We used a reporter for antigen-receptor signaling in the SKG autoimmune arthritis model to profile a T cell subpopulation enriched for arthritogenic naïve CD4 T cells before arthritis onset by bulk and single cell RNA and T cell antigen-receptor (TCR) sequencing. Our analyses reveal that despite their impaired proximal TCR signaling, a subset of SKG naïve CD4 T cells that have recently encountered endogenous antigen upregulate gene programs associated with positive regulation of T cell activation and cytokine signaling at higher levels than wild type cells in the pre-disease state. These arthritogenic cells also induce genes associated with negative regulation of T cell activation but do so less efficiently than wild type cells. Furthermore, their TCR sequences exhibit a previously unrecognized biased peripheral TCR Vβ repertoire likely driven by endogenous viral superantigens. These particular Vβs, known to recognize endogenous mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) superantigen, are further expanded in arthritic joints. Our results demonstrate that autoreactive naïve CD4 T cells which recognize endogenous viral superantigens are poised to cause disease by their altered transcriptome.

Summary blurb

Self-reactive SKG T cells that escaped negative selection harbor an independent defect in anergy that, together with chronic antigen stimulation, sets the stage for disease. Moreover, we propose a novel role for endogenous mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) superantigen in promoting arthritogenic T cell responses.