bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The robustness of a simple dynamic model of island biodiversity to geological and sea‐level change
Authors: Santos Neves Pedro , Lambert Joshua W. , Valente Luis , Etienne Rampal S.
Published: October 2022

Aim

Biodiversity on islands is influenced by geophysical processes and sea‐level fluctuations. Oceanic islands (never connected to a landmass) are initially vacant with diversity accumulating via colonisation and speciation, and then declining as islands shrink. Continental islands have species upon disconnection from the mainland and may have transient land‐bridge connections. Theoretical predictions for the effects of these geophysical processes on rates of colonisation, speciation, and extinction have been proposed. However, paleogeographic reconstructions are currently unavailable for most islands, and phylogenetic models overlook island ontogeny, sea‐level changes, or past landmass connections. We analyse to what extent ignoring geodynamics in the inference model affects model predictions when confronted with data simulated with geodynamics.

Location

Simulations of oceanic and continental islands.

Taxa

Simulated lineages.

Methods

We extend the island biogeography simulation model DAISIE to include: (i) area‐dependent rates of colonisation and diversification associated with island ontogeny and sea‐level fluctuations, (ii) continental islands with biota present upon separation from the mainland, and (iii) shifts in colonisation to mimic temporary land‐bridges. We quantify the error of ignoring geodynamic processes by applying DAISIE's inference method to geodynamic simulations.

Results

Robustness of the model to dynamic island area is generally high for oceanic islands and for continental islands that have been separated for a long time, suggesting that it is possible to obtain reliable results when ignoring geodynamics. However, for continental islands that have been recently or frequently connected, robustness of the model is low.

Main conclusions

Under many island biogeographic geodynamic scenarios (oceanic islands and ancient continental fragments) a simple phylogenetic model ignoring geodynamics is empirically applicable and informative. However, recent connection to the continent cannot be ignored, requiring new model development. Our results show that for oceanic islands, reliable insights can be obtained from phylogenetic data in the absence of paleogeographic reconstructions of island area.
Using calcined oyster shell powder as a natural preservative for extending the quality of black king fish (Rachycentron canadum) fillets
Authors: Lu Wen‐Chien , Chan Yung‐Jia , Chen Shu‐Ju , Mulio Amanda Tresiliana , Wang Chiun‐Chuan Roger , Huang Ping‐Hsiu , Li Po‐Hsien
Published: October 2022

Aquacultural foods represent a valuable source of nutrition with high nutritional value and numerous health benefits. They are widely consumed as a palatable and easily digestible source of protein. However, they are highly susceptible to spoilage after harvesting and subsequent processing and storage. Natural and green biological methods for inhibiting or reducing the growth of microorganisms and controlling the quality of products during storage are of particular commercial importance. In this study, black king fish (BKF) fillets treated with calcined oyster shell powder (COSP) exhibited the dual benefits of extended shelf life and natural safety and nontoxicity. In particular, COSP inhibited acid‐producing microorganisms and aerobic bacteria by regulating pH throughout the refrigerated storage of BFK fillets. TVB‐N levels in BFK fillets were maintained below 20 mg/100 g, while peroxide values (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and trimethylamine (TMA) levels were all within acceptable ranges, all of which were significantly different (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. In addition, the hardness and overall acceptability performance showed significantly favorable results compared to the control group. The results of this study may be widely applicable to aquatic food products. Minimizing postharvest and financial losses in large‐scale aquatic products production by extending shelf life will provide additional economic benefits.

Novelty impact statement

COSP treatment can inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

COSP treatment can control the quality of products during frozen storage.

Fish fillets treated with COSP exhibited the benefits extended shelf life and natural safety and nontoxicity.
Neurochemical correlates of synapse density in a Huntington's disease mouse model
Authors: Zarate Nicole , Gundry Katherine , Yu Dahyun , Casby Jordan , Eberly Lynn E. , Öz Gülin , Gomez‐Pastor Rocio
Published: October 2022

Striatal medium spiny neurons are highly susceptible in Huntington's disease (HD), resulting in progressive synaptic perturbations that lead to neuronal dysfunction and death. Non‐invasive imaging techniques, such as proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS), are used in HD mouse models and patients with HD to monitor neurochemical changes associated with neuronal health. However, the association between brain neurochemical alterations and synaptic dysregulation remains unknown, limiting our ability to monitor potential treatments that may affect synapse function. We conducted in vivo longitudinal 1H‐MRS in the striatum followed by ex vivo analyses of excitatory synapse density of two synaptic circuits disrupted in HD, thalamo‐striatal (T‐S), and cortico‐striatal (C‐S) pathways, to assess the relationship between neurochemical alterations and changes in synapse density. We used the zQ175(Tg/0) HD mouse model as well as zQ175 mice lacking one allele of CK2α’(zQ175(Tg/0):CK2α’(+/−)), a kinase previously shown to regulate synapse function in HD. Longitudinal analyses of excitatory synapse density showed early and sustained reduction in T‐S synapses in zQ175 mice, preceding C‐S synapse depletion, which was rescued in zQ175:CK2α’(+/−). Changes in T‐S and C‐S synapses were accompanied by progressive alterations in numerous neurochemicals between WT and HD mice. Linear regression analyses showed C‐S synapse number positively correlated with 1H‐MRS‐measured levels of GABA, while T‐S synapse number positively correlated with levels of phosphoethanolamine and negatively correlated with total creatine levels. These associations suggest that these neurochemical concentrations measured by 1H‐MRS may facilitate monitoring circuit‐specific synaptic dysfunction in the zQ175 mouse model and in other HD pre‐clinical studies.

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Language, gender and political symbolics: Insights from citizen digital discourses on gender‐sensitive language in Serbia
Authors: Bogetic Ksenija
Published: October 2022

The topic of gendered language policy has engaged the public for decades, while at the same time becoming increasingly theoretically marginal in the gender and language field. The recent public debates in many parts of Europe, however, highlight the new frames of the topic in the era of rising authoritarian and right‐wing discourses, which make notions of ‘gender ideology’ a central symbolic point in neo‐nationalist rhetoric. As a hub of this ‘gender trouble’, Eastern European societies have lately attracted particular public attention, but they remain among the least explored in the field. This paper stresses that the complexity of discourses in the post‐socialist, post‐‘transition’ societies, along with their specific structural‐linguistic features, promises rich grounds to assess the newly shifting discourses around gender and language policy in Europe. The study contributes to this research direction by employing a corpus‐based, discourse‐analytic approach to analyse the media representations, and particularly the citizen responses, in Serbia, which has recently witnessed intense debates on gender, language and politics. The analysis reveals clear trajectories with the discourses described in earlier research, but also some shifting foci pertaining to questions of ‘true science’, distrust of authority and wider social crisis, pointing to emerging global challenges in gender and language research.
Phylogenetic diversity only weakly mitigates climate‐change‐driven biodiversity loss in insect communities
Authors: Li Zongxu , Linard Benjamin , Vogler Alfried P. , Yu Douglas W. , Wang Zhengyang
Published: October 2022

To help address the underrepresentation of arthropods and Asian biodiversity from climate‐change assessments, we carried out year‐long, weekly sampling campaigns with Malaise traps at different elevations and latitudes in Gaoligongshan National Park in southwestern China. From these 623 samples, we barcoded 10,524 beetles and compared scenarios of climate‐change‐induced biodiversity loss, by designating seasonal, elevational, and latitudinal subsets of beetles as communities that plausibly could go extinct as a group, which we call “loss sets”. The availability of a published mitochondrial‐genome‐based phylogeny of the Coleoptera allowed us to compare the loss of species diversity with and without accounting for phylogenetic relatedness. We hypothesised that phylogenetic relatedness would mitigate extinction, since the extinction of any loss set would result in the disappearance of all its species but only part of its evolutionary history, which is still extant in the remaining loss sets. We found different patterns of community clustering by season and latitude, depending on whether phylogenetic information was incorporated. However, accounting for phylogeny only slightly mitigated the amount of biodiversity loss under climate change scenarios, against our expectations: there is no phylogenetic “escape clause” for biodiversity conservation. We achieve the same results whether phylogenetic information was derived from the mitogenome phylogeny or from a de novo barcode‐gene tree. We encourage interested researchers to use this data set to study lineage‐specific community assembly patterns in conjunction with life‐history traits and environmental covariates.
Neurological manifestations in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A single‐center cross‐sectional study in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Hui Jan , Goh Cheon Han , Khoo Ching Soong , Ng Chen Fei , Tan Juen Kiem , Wan Zaidi Wan Asyraf , Law Zhe Kang , Zulkifli Muhamad Danial , Md Rani Shahrul Azmin , Wan Yahya Wan Nur Nafisah , Remli Rabani , Mohamed Ibrahim Norlinah , Hod Rozita , Mohamed Mukari Shahizon Azura , Mohd Mustapha Aida‐Widure Mustapha , Kori Najma , Periyasamy Petrick
Published: October 2022

Background

Neurological involvement associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has been reported from different regions of the world. However, data from South East Asia are scarce. We described the neurological manifestations and their associated factors among the hospitalized COVID‐19 patients from an academic tertiary hospital in Malaysia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study of hospitalized COVID‐19 patients was conducted. The neurological manifestations were divided into the self‐reported central nervous system (CNS) symptoms, stroke associated symptoms, symptoms of encephalitis or encephalopathy and specific neurological complications. Multiple logistic regression was performed using demographic and clinical variables to determine the factors associated with outcome.

Results

Of 156 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients with mean age of 55.88 ± 6.11 (SD) years, 23.7% developed neurological complications, which included stroke, encephalitis and encephalopathy. Patients with neurological complications were more likely to have diabetes mellitus (p = 0.033), symptoms of stroke [limb weakness (p < 0.001), slurred speech (p < 0.001)]; and encephalitis or encephalopathy [confusion (p < 0.001), forgetfulness (p = 0.006) and seizure (p = 0.019)]. Unvaccinated patients had a 4.25‐fold increased risk of having neurological complications (adjusted OR = 4.25; 95% CI: 1.02, 17.71, p = 0.047). Anosmia and dysgeusia were less associated with neurological complications (adjusted OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.96, p = 0.044). The odds of neurological complications were increased by 18% in patients with leukocytosis (adjusted OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.003, p = 0.0460).

Conclusions

Stroke, encephalitis and encephalopathy were the common neurological complications from our study. Diabetes mellitus, presence of symptoms of stroke, symptoms of encephalitis or encephalopathy, leukocytosis, and being unvaccinated against COVID‐19 were the associated risk factors of developing neurological complications.
Application of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion Combined with Bridge‐Locking Cage in Adjacent Segment Disease After Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Xu Hui , Yin Cheng‐hui
Published: October 2022

Objective

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is considered any abnormal process that develops in the mobile segment next to spinal fusion, accompanied by related symptoms. To evaluate the efficacy and complications of oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) combined with bridge‐locking fusion on ASD after lumbar fusion.

Methods

A total of 35 ASD patients who required re‐operation after lumbar fusion in our hospital from March 2014 to March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, among which 13 cases (seven males and six females; 62.3 ± 11.3 years old) received the treatment of OLIF + bridge‐locking cage internal fixation (OLIF group), and 22 cases (14 males and eight females; 52.3 ± 17.8 years old) received the treatment of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) + pedicle screw fixation (TLIF group). The comparison of the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and length of hospital stay between the two groups of patients was performed using the t‐test. The comparison of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at different time points before and after the operation was performed using analysis of variance for repeated measurement data. The fusion rate and postoperative complications of the two groups of patients were also evaluated.

Results

The operation time of patients in the OLIF group (55.4 ± 12.4 min) was significantly shorter than that of patients in the TLIF group (94.3 ± 22.9 min) (P < 0.05), the length of stay of patients in the OLIF group (7.4 ± 2.3 day) was significantly shorter than that of patients in the TLIF group (12.4 ± 3.2 day) (P < 0.05); the intraoperative blood loss (62.2 ± 30.1 mL) and postoperative drainage (47.3 ± 22.4 mL) of patients in the OLIF group were significantly less than those of patients in the TLIF group with intraoperative blood loss (363.4 ± 120.2 mL) and postoperative drainage (285.5 ± 57.8 mL) (all Ps < 0.05). Besides, the VAS and ODI scores of the two groups of patients were improved 3 months after the operation and at the last follow‐up (all Ps < 0.05). Three patients in the OLIF group developed complications such as hip flexion weakness and fusion cage sink, with an incidence of 23.1%. Three patients in the TLIF group developed complications including wound infection and intraoperative nerve injury, with an incidence of 22.7%.

Conclusion

The combination of OLIF and bridge‐locking cage may be a safe and effective therapy for ASD patients after lumbar fusion operation.
Inability to perform ‘en bloc’ pulmonary vein isolation requiring ablation of the intervenous carina increases recurrence of atrial fibrillation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Vamos Mate , Saghy Laszlo , Jankelson Lior , Garber Leonid , Pap Robert
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Failure to isolate ipsilateral pulmonary veins (PV) “en bloc” by wide‐area circumferential ablation (WACA) may necessitate ablation at the intervenous carina. It is unknown how this scenario impacts rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence.

Methods

A standard random‐effect meta‐analysis of randomized or observational studies were performed, where the outcome of first‐time AF ablation was reported in patients with “en bloc” isolation of PVs by WACA as compared with those in whom ablation at the intervenous carina was needed after WACA to achieve complete isolation.

Results

A total of five single‐center, observational studies (N = 1185) and one, multi‐center randomized trial (N = 234) were enrolled. PV isolation could be achieved by WACA “en bloc” in 902/1419 (63.6%) cases. The rest required additional ablation at one or both of the left and right intervenous carinas to achieve isolation. The follow‐up time after ablation ranged from 1 to 2 years in the included trials. The incidence of AF recurrence proved to be significantly lower in patients with successful “en bloc” isolation compared to those requiring carina ablation(s) to achieve complete bilateral PV isolation (MH‐OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.42–2.53, p < .01)

Conclusion

This present meta‐analysis demonstrates a lower arrhythmia recurrence rate in patients with bilateral “en bloc” isolation, as compared to those who needed additional carina ablation for complete PVI. Therefore, it is imperative that every effort be made to isolate ipsilateral PVs “en bloc” during PVI.
Linking plant functional genes to rhizosphere microbes: a review
Authors: Liu Qi , Cheng Lang , Nian Hai , Jin Jian , Lian Tengxiang
Published: October 2022

The importance of rhizomicrobiome in plant development, nutrition acquisition and stress tolerance is unquestionable. Relevant plant genes corresponding to the above functions also regulate rhizomicrobiome construction. Deciphering the molecular regulatory network of plant‐microbe interactions could substantially contribute to improving crop yield and quality. Here, the plant gene‐related nutrient uptake, biotic and abiotic stress resistance, which may influence the composition and function of microbial communities, are discussed in this review. In turn, the influence of microbes on the expression of functional plant genes, and thereby plant growth and immunity, is also reviewed. Moreover, we have specifically paid attention to techniques and methods used to link plant functional genes and rhizomicrobiome. Finally, we propose to further explore the molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways of microbe‐host gene interactions, which could potentially be used for managing plant health in agricultural systems.
Intracranial hemangioma‐associated cranial nerve VII palsy treated with propranolol in an infant with possible PHACE syndrome
Authors: Zamil Dina H. , Fernandez Joan K. , Brown Danielle N. , Kralik Stephen F. , Herd Tiffany J.
Published: October 2022

A 2‐week‐old infant with a large vascular birthmark involving her right face presented with right‐sided facial paralysis. MRI of the brain revealed multiple intracranial hemangiomas, and the hemangioma within the right temporal bone impinged on the facial nerve, which resulted in paralysis. Cranial nerve palsies are a rare neurological manifestation of PHACE syndrome. We report successful treatment of the facial nerve palsy with oral propranolol.
Feasibility of using a patient‐reported outcome measure into clinical practice following pediatric liver transplantation: The Starzl Network experience
Authors: Ng Vicky Lee , Dunphy Claire , Shemesh Eyal , Lobritto Steven , Eisenberg Elizabeth , Pomponi Claudia , Szolna Jonathan , Wilkerson Dawn , Gupta Nitika , Romero Rene , Perito Emily R. , DiPaola Frank , Gonzalez‐Peralta Regino P. , Hsu Evelyn , Saarela Katelyn , Mohammad Saeed , Superina Riccardo , Logan Sherrie , Miller Daniel W. , Krise‐Confair Cassandra , Swami Nehal , Mazariegos George ,   the Starzl Network
Published: October 2022

Background

Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are not routinely used in clinical care by pediatric liver transplant (LT) teams. The Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplantation (SNEPT) assessed feasibility of using a disease‐specific Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire in the ambulatory setting at 10 SNEPT sites.

Methods

A mixed methods feasibility project assessing administration processes, barriers, and user experiences with the Pediatric Liver Transplant Quality of Life (PeLTQL) tool. Iterative processes sought stakeholder feedback across four phases (Pilot, Extended Pilot, Development of a Mobile App PeLTQL version, and Pilot App use).

Results

A total of 149 patient–parent dyads completed the PeLTQL during LT clinic follow‐up. Clinicians, parents, and patients evaluated and reported on feasibility of operationalization. Only two of 10 SNEPT sites continued PeLTQL administration after the initial two pilot phases. Reasons include limited clinical time and available personnel aggravated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. In response, a mobile application version of the PeLTQL was initiated. Providing PeLTQL responses electronically was “very easy” or “easy” as reported by 96% (22/23) parents.

Conclusions

Administration of a PROM into post‐pediatric LT clinical care was feasible, but ongoing utilization stalled. Use of a mobile app towards facilitating completion of the PeLTQL outside of clinic hours may address the time and work‐flow barriers identified.
Public health nurses’ perceptions and experiences of emergency preparedness, responsiveness, and burnout during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Gwon Seok Hyun , Thongpriwan Vipavee , Kett Paula , Cho Young
Published: October 2022

Objective(s): To describe PHNs’ perceptions and experiences of the COVID‐19 pandemic, including training, response activities, and work‐related challenges.

Design: This was a qualitative study using interpretive description for analysis.

Sample: PHN participants who worked in public health departments in Wisconsin were recruited using purposive sampling. A total of 15 PHNs participated in the study, including both general and supervisor‐level PHNs.

Measurements: Data were collected via semi‐structured interviews from March to May 2021. Interview questions focused on PHNs’ perceptions, experiences, response activities, and burnout in relation to the current pandemic as well as perceptions and experiences of emergency preparedness and response in general.

Results: Five themes emerged in the study. These were: (1) experiences and observations of the COVID‐19 pandemic, (2) organizational changes and their impacts, (3) public health emergency preparedness and response, (4) public health emergency response activities, and (5) role strain and burnout.

Conclusions: Findings presented here have important implications for PHN training and support in emergency preparedness and response. A wide array of strategies focused on developing and supporting the PHN workforce in response to the public health crisis this area need to be implemented at the organizational, community, and policy levels.
Real‐time delay announcement under competition
Authors: Singh Siddharth Prakash , Delasay Mohammad , Scheller‐Wolf Alan
Published: October 2022

Internet‐based technology enables firms to disseminate real‐time delay information to delay‐sensitive customers. We study how such delay announcements impact service providers in a competitive environment with two service providers who compete for market share. We model the service providers' strategies based on an endogenous timing game, investigating strategies that emerge in equilibrium. We determine the service providers' market shares under the various game outcomes by analyzing continuous‐time Markov chains, which capture customers' joining decisions, and by developing a novel computational technique to analyze the intractable asymmetric Join‐the‐Shortest Queue system, providing bounds on the market shares. We find that only the lower capacity service provider announces its real‐time delay under intermediate system loads and highly imbalanced capacities. However, for most parameter settings, the mere presence of a competitor induces both providers to announce delays in equilibrium, leaving customers better off on average. We relate our findings to the single‐provider delay announcement literature by discussing the impact of competition on service providers, delay announcement technology firms, and customers.
Alpha and theta brain activity in 9‐month‐old infants during a live referential gaze paradigm
Authors: Angelini Laura , Tamburro Gabriella , Lionetti Francesca , Spinelli Maria , Comani Silvia , Zappasodi Filippo , Fasolo Mirco , Aureli Tiziana
Published: October 2022

The ability to establish a connection between the direction of the other's gaze and the object that is observed has important implications in the development of social cognition and learning. In this study, we analyzed alpha and theta band oscillations in one group of 9‐month‐old infants by implementing a face‐to‐face live paradigm, which presented the infants with a triadic social interaction with a real human being. We compared neural activations in two experimental conditions: Congruent and Incongruent gaze shift following the appearance of an object. In the Incongruent object‐gaze shift condition, we observed an increase of the theta power in comparison with the Congruent condition. We also found an enhancement of the alpha activity during the Congruent versus the Incongruent object‐gaze condition. These findings confirm the involvement of the theta and alpha band activity in the detection of the gaze of others when it shifts toward a referential target. We consider that the theta band modulation could be associated with the processing of unexpected events. Furthermore, the increase of the alpha band activity during the Congruent object‐gaze condition seems to be in agreement with prior findings on the mechanisms of internally controlled attention that emerge before the first year of life. The implementation of a live paradigm elicited a partially different oscillatory pattern in comparison with non‐live standard paradigms, supporting the importance of an ecological set‐up reproducing real‐life conditions to study the development of social cognition.
Agriculture, COVID‐19 and mental health: Does gender matter?
Authors: Budge Hannah , Shortall Sally
Published: October 2022

Agriculture is one of the most precarious professions, being vulnerable to weather extremes and animal disease. As crises hit the agricultural sector, a growing awareness and concern for the mental wellbeing of farmers developed. Economic decline, climate change and culling animals all have a profound impact on affected farmers. To date, research has tended to focus on the farmer, typically a man, and not the farm family. This article considers the impact of Coronavirus (COVID‐19) on men and women on farms. Using qualitative interviews and focus groups, the impact of the pandemic on men's and women's work and social life within the family is explored. We found a differential impact. For farmers, usually men, COVID‐19 was generally a positive experience both in terms of work and social life. For women, on the other hand, COVID‐19 was found to have a negative impact on their work and social life. While gender equality in agriculture persists, women's equality in the workplace has advanced. However, with the pandemic, women worked from home on the farm. They experienced a regression in gender equality with traditional expectations of responsibility for childcare and housework returning. In addition, their emotional and ‘mental’ labour increased. We conclude that in the future, the mental health of men and women on farms needs to be considered when crises occur. Crises impact the farm family and different members of the family in dissimilar ways.
After rupture: Visions of history, African spirituality and theological repair in Nigerian Pentecostalism
Authors: Richman Naomi
Published: October 2022

How do Pentecostal Christians seek repair and renewal in their lives, after their efforts to rupture with the past and become born again? In this article, I wish to consider the ways that a group of Nigerian Pentecostals who belong to a deliverance church re‐narrativise their lives by constructing and entering into new timelines of history after their attempts to break with the past. This discursive project works to insert a notion of ‘Black Africa’ into an authentically Christian historical chronology that stretches far back into the biblical past and forward to the eschaton. In this way, Africa's unique spiritual character is seen as reflected not only in its reasserted claim to Christian history, but also in its eschatologically driven destiny to re‐evangelise the world. This tells us something about the theological way these Christians reframe their role in history, including how their understanding of a collective past shapes their vision of who they are in the present and will be in the future. In this article, I argue that more attention needs to be given to processes of repair, repositioning and realignment in discussions about how conversion to Pentecostalism can generate efforts to break away from what becomes conceptualised as ‘the past’.
Cytomegalovirus in the transplant setting: Where are we now and what happens next? A report from the International CMV Symposium 2021
Authors: Kotton Camille N. , Torre‐Cisneros Julián ,   The International CMV Symposium Faculty, Aguado José Maria , Alain Sophie , Baldanti Fausto , Baumann Gabriele , Boeken Udo , de la Calle Maria , Carbone Javier , Ciceri Fabio , Comoli Patrizia , Couzi Lionel , Danziger‐Isakov Lara , Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , Girmenia Corrado , Grossi Paolo Antonio , Hirsch Hans H. , Humar Atul , Kamar Nassim , Kotton Camille , Ljungman Per , Malagola Michele , Mira Estefania , Mueller Nicolas , Sester Martina , Teng Chieh‐Lin Jerry , Torre‐Cisneros Julian , Ussetti Piedad , Westall Glen , Wolf Dana , Zamora Marty
Published: October 2022

The CMV Symposium in September 2021 was an international conference dedicated to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This review provides an overview of the presentations given by the expert faculty, supplemented with educational clinical cases. Topics discussed include CMV epidemiology and diagnosis, the burden of CMV infection and disease, CMV‐specific immunity and management of CMV in transplant settings. Major advances in the prevention and treatment of CMV in the past decade and increased understanding of CMV immunity have led to improved patient outcomes. In the future, management algorithms may be individualized based on the transplant recipient's immune profile, which will mark the start of a new era for patients with CMV.

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The impact of preservation fluid culture on graft site arteritis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rinaldi Matteo , Bonazzetti Cecilia , Gatti Milo , Caroccia Natascia , Comai Giorgia , Ravaioli Matteo , Morelli Maria Cristina , Viale Pierluigi , Giannella Maddalena
Published: October 2022

Background

The role of culturing the graft preservation fluid (PF) is controversial and its impact on graft arteritis development remains unclear.

Methods

Systematic literature search retrieving observational studies comparing solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients with culture‐positive PF versus culture‐negative PF. The quality of included studies was independently assessed according to the ROBINS‐I tool for observational studies. Meta‐analysis was performed using Mantel‐Haenszel random‐effect models. Graft site arteritis within 180 days from transplant was selected as the primary outcome.

Results

Twenty‐one observational studies (N = 2208 positive PF vs. 4458 negative) were included. Among positive PF, 857 (38.8%) were classified as high‐risk group pathogens and 1351 (61.2%) as low‐risk pathogens. Low‐risk and negative PF showed similar odds ratios. A significant higher risk of graft arteritis was found in SOT recipients with a PF yielding a high‐risk pathogen (odds ratio [OR] 18.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.83–43.40) compared to low‐risk and negative PF, with low heterogeneity (I2 = 2.24%). Similar results were found considering separately high‐risk bacteria (OR 12.02, 95%CI 4.88‐29.60) and fungi (OR 71.00, 95%CI 28.07–179.56), with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%), and in the subgroup analyses of the liver (OR 16.78, 95%CI 2.95–95.47) and kidney (OR 19.90, 95%CI 4.78–82.79) recipients. However, data about diagnostic features of graft arteritis were very limited, indeed for only 11 of the 93 events histological or microbiological results were reported.

Conclusions

Our results may support the performance of PF culturing and a preemptive diagnostic or therapeutic management upon isolation of high‐risk pathogens. Further studies based on a reliable diagnosis of graft arteritis are needed.

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FORECASTING WEIBULL PARAMETERS WITH A NOVEL ALTERNATIVE GRAPHICAL TECHNIQUE FOR LOW WIND SPEEDS
Authors: Derome Daniel , Razali Halim , Fazlizan Ahmad , Jedi Alias
Published: October 2022

This paper analyses wind speed estimation for Weibull distribution using various methods. According to a previous study, the existing methods primarily target areas with moderate to high-velocity rates, and Malaysia is a tropical country with pleasant breezes all year. As a result, this research aims to devise the most efficient method of forecasting wind speeds in low-speed areas. The researcher compared existing methods such as the Moment of Method, Empirical Method, Graphical Method, Maximum Likelihood Method and the newly proposed Alternative Graphical method. The finding indicates that the novel proposed approach, the Alternative Graphical Method, is superior regarding Goodness of Fit, Kolmogorov Smirnov and Chi-Square. For Kolmogorov Smirnov, the Alternative Graphical Method is 3.4 % better than the second-best method. At the same time, the usage of Chi-Square is again at a top position, with a 61 % disparity between it and the second and third best places. However, the Alternative Graphical Method is in second place for Anderson Darling, but the forecast performance with a minimum difference of 0.3 %. These findings imply that the Alternative Graphical Method capable of making more precise predictions than current methods.
MULTIRESPONSE OPTIMIZATION ON THE PROCESS OF ROOF TILES MANUFACTURE USING THE TAGUCHI AND PCR-TOPSIS METHOD
Authors: Rosyidi Cucuk Nur , Budiaji Ariawan , Pujiyanto Eko
Published: October 2022

Most people on Java Island in Indonesia use roof tiles as roofs for their buildings. The advantages of tile include the availability of various models, cheaper price, light weight, easy installation process, absorb heat, low noise when exposed to rain, and durable. The tiles produced by small and medium industries have not met the quality requirements. This study was conducted to determine the optimum factor and level in the roof tiles production by adding glass powder and wood ash into clay and the variation of roof tiles placement on kiln. Glass powder and wood ash contain of silicon dioxoide of about 85%. It is an important substance to increase the strength of the tile. Meanwhile the responses measured in the study were compressive strength, visual testing, water absorption, and water permeability. Taguchi method is used to improve the product quality and production processes with high efficiency in both cost and the number of treatments. PCR-TOPSIS Method was used to determine the optimal setting of the process parameters. From the optimization results, the optimum combination of level factors is A1B1C1 (4% of glass powder, 4% of ash, and first level of the kiln placement).
EFFECT OF CARBON NANOMATERIALS CONCENTRATION IN NANOCOMPOSITE MEMBRANE FOR METHYL BLUE DYE REMOVAL
Authors: Lee Chong Zheng , Kah Chun Ho , Chan Mieow Kee , Teow Yeit Haan
Published: October 2022

It is reported that the membrane properties can be enhanced by nanomaterials. However, agglomeration will occur due to the overdose of nanomaterials subsequently deteriorating membrane performance. The project aims to investigate the effect of concentration of cabon nanomaterials: multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO), on nanocomposite membrane for methyl blue (MB) dye removal. The GO/MWCNTs nanocomposite membranes were synthesized using direct blending method with three concentrations (0.2, 0.5, and 1 wt.%). The synthesized membrane was characterized by surface hydrophilicity, pore size and porosity, surface charge, functional group, and surface morphology. Besides, the performance of the synthesized membrane was evaluated by water permeability test, dye rejection test, and antifouling test. The result shows that the surface hydrophilicity was enhanced when the concentration of nanomaterials increased up to 0.2 wt%. However, higher concentration of nanomaterials reduces the membrane hydrophilicity due to the agglomeration of nanomaterials. The membrane with nanomaterials concentration of 0.2 wt.% (M0.2) has the best performance as it showed 6.85% and 32% improvement in water permeability and dye rejection when compared to the pristine membrane. Besides, M0.2 membrane has relatively good antifouling properties indicated by normalized flux (0.8043). This is due to the enhancement of hydrophilicity and zeta potential of M0.2 membrane by carbon nanomaterials. In short, optimum concentration of carbon nanomaterials are essential to enhance the membrane performance as agglomeration of nanomaterials occurs at high concentration.
SIMULASI PENYEBARAN GAS BIOHIDROGEN DI DALAM LOJI BIOGAS MENGGUNAKAN PERKOMPUTERAN DINAMIK BENDALIR DAN PENILAIAN KESAN KEBAKARAN DAN LETUPAN
Authors: Rosli Masli Irwan , Jamal Ikhsan Ikhmal Zariq Al Imran , Abg Shamsuddin Dyg Siti Nurzailyn
Published: October 2022

Accidental release of biohydrogen (bioH2) gas in biogas plant has a high risk to cause fire and explosion incidents. Thus, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to study the dispersion of 158 kg of bioH2 gas through pipe leaks at a pure bioH2 spherical storage tank. The TNT-equivalent explosion model found that the threat zone which can destroy buildings due to overpressure exceeding 55 kPa was located at a radius of 9.31 m from the centre of the explosion at the fermenter. Further evaluation using the Dow’s fire and explosion index (F&EI) expects a maximum probable day outage (MPDO) and business interruption (BI) of 43 days and USD165,210, respectively. Therefore, safety control in terms of elimination of ignition sources, material replacement, engineering controls, safety components, layout design, administrative controls and personal protective equipment have been successfully proposed. In conclusion, this study has successfully simulated the dispersion of bioH2 gas and evaluated the impact of fire and explosion on biogas plant.
EFFECTS OF SINGLE-SIDED AND CROSS-VENTILATED SLIDING GLASS WINDOW OPENINGS ON THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENT OF A ROOM IN A HOT AND HUMID CLIMATE
Authors: Wellun Zinnirah , Mohd. Yusoff Wardah Fatimah , Mohamed Mohd Farid , Mat Sulaiman Mohd Khairul Azhar , Mohammad Rasani Mohammad Rasidi
Published: October 2022

There are two natural ventilation strategies, namely single-sided and cross ventilation. For a building with a deep layout plan and where cross ventilation is impossible, single-sided ventilation is used. This study aimed to compare the performance of both strategies using sliding glass windows. The method used was field measurement, which was executed in one room of a double-storey detached house. The predicted indoor thermal comfort was calculated using the Adaptive Thermal Comfort index. The main finding from the study agreed with those of previous studies, whereby cross ventilation was found to provide greater indoor airflow than single-sided ventilation. However, with each strategy, indoor thermal comfort could only be achieved only during the morning hours. The findings also show that the wind velocity decreased upon approaching the window opening and reduced further when the indoor space was reached. Another interesting finding is that cross ventilation had the capacity to enhance the indoor air velocity at one of the measurement times. This study is significant as it will stimulate future exploration and investigation of both natural ventilation strategies in hot and humid climates.
KESAN KETEBALAN LAPISAN PENGANGKUT ELEKTRON TIO2 TERHADAP PRESTASI SEL SURIA ORGANIK: KAJIAN SIMULASI
Authors: Yap Chi Chin , Dahalan Norhazirah , Abi Talib Ain Hafizatul , Mohamed Rosli Nur Izzati
Published: October 2022

Organic solar cell has gained more attention due to its low-cost production and easy fabrication process. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is still low as compared to that of inorganic solar cell. One of the approaches to improve the PCE of organic solar cell is by introducing an electron transport layer which can extract the electrons effectively in between photoactive layer and cathode. Simulation study using SCAPS (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) software was conducted to examine the effects of TiO2 electron transport layer thickness on the performance of organic solar cell with ITO/TiO2/P3HT:PCBM/Ag structure. P3HT:PCBM acted as photoactive layer, whereas ITO and Ag played roles as cathode and anode, respectively. The range of studied thickness was from 30 to 180 nm. The simulation result indicates that the PCE increased with TiO2 layer thickness in the range of 30 to 120 nm, and it saturated when the TiO2 layer thickness was further raised to 180 nm. The highest PCE of 2.139% was obtained at TiO2 layer thickness of 180 nm.
EFFECT OF ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS ON THE STRUCTURAL AND PROTEIN SOLUBILITY OF EGGSHELL MEMBRANE
Authors: Abd Kadir Nur Farah Syahirah , Ahmad Nor Monica , Syed Mohamad Sharifah Aminah , Chua Lee Suan , Tan Eddie Ti Tjih
Published: October 2022

Eggshell membrane (ESM) is considered food waste or a by-product of the egg processing industry. It has huge application potential in the engineering, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical sectors. Recently, researchers have shown an increased interest in ESM hydrolysate (ESMH) from enzymatic hydrolysis in biomaterial applications. Nonetheless, there is lacking of information on the characteristics of ESMH. Thus, this study aims to characterise ESMH attained from enzymatic hydrolysis. The ESM was manually separated from the eggshell, and then subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using two (2) different enzymes (alcalase (Al) and trypsin (Tr)). The alcalase-treated ESMH (Al-ESMH) and trypsin-treated ESMH (Tr-ESMH) were then characterised by using Ultra-violet Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). UV spectra displayed two intense absorbance peaks; 238 nm and 280 nm. The second peak at 280 nm was used to quantify the soluble protein in ESMHs. The results showed that the Al-ESMH had higher protein solubility (17.25±0.11 mg/mL) than the Tr-ESMH (3.28±0.11 mg/mL) and ESM (2.11±0.19 mg/mL). The FTIR spectra of ESMHs prove the presence of peptides for both treated ESM samples after enzymatic hydrolysis.
PRISTINE AND GROUP IV DOPED BORON NITRIDE SINGLE-WALL NANOTUBES FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE: A DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY COMPUTATIONAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: Toh Pek-Lan , Shah Naqvi Syed Amir Abbas , Wang Suh-Miin , Lim Yao-Cong
Published: October 2022

In this report, a density functional theory (DFT) computational approach was used to investigate the structural and electronic properties of molecular hydrogens adsorbed on single-walled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) with/without doped by group IV elements, such as carbon (C), silicon (Si), and germanium (Ge) atom. The twelve hydrogen molecules (H2) were added to the outer surfaces of BNNT frameworks. Geometry optimization calculations were performed to find the local energy minima of the BNNTs nanostructures with the molecular hydrogens at the DFT/B3LYP/6-31G level of theory. By employing single-point calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory, the equilibrium geometric structures were then utilized to find the electronic structures of hydrogen molecules adsorbed on the surfaces of BNNT frameworks. The results showed that the bond lengths of B-N are in the range of1.44 Å – 1.48 Å. The optimized distances of hydrogen molecules from the surfaces of BNNTs were predicted to be 3.1 Å – 3.2 Å. Moreover, the computed HOMO-LUMO energies of molecular hydrogens adsorbed on the surface of BNNTs are about 2.2 eV – 4.3 eV. For the surface map of HOMO, the electron density distribution of hydrogen molecules adsorbed on the surface of pristine BNNT was localized in the N-tip. While in the case of doped BNNTs, the electron densities of HOMOs were focused on the group IV elements. The B-tips on the pristine and doped BNNTs possess the major contribution to the LUMO.
The brain integrates proprioceptive information to ensure robust locomotion
Authors: Santuz Alessandro , Laflamme Olivier D. , Akay Turgay
Published: October 2022

Robust locomotion relies on information from proprioceptors: sensory organs that communicate the position of body parts to the spinal cord and brain. Proprioceptive circuits in the spinal cord are known to coarsely regulate locomotion in the presence of perturbations. Yet, the regulatory importance of the brain in maintaining robust locomotion remains less clear. Here, through mouse genetic studies and in vivo electrophysiology, we examined the role of the brain in integrating proprioceptive information during perturbed locomotion. The systemic removal of proprioceptors left the mice in a constantly perturbed state, similar to that observed during mechanically perturbed locomotion in wild‐type mice and characterised by longer and less accurate synergistic activation patterns. By contrast, after surgically interrupting the ascending proprioceptive projection to the brain through the dorsal column of the spinal cord, wild‐type mice showed normal walking behaviour, yet lost the ability to respond to external perturbations. Our findings provide direct evidence of a pivotal role for ascending proprioceptive information in achieving robust, safe locomotion.

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Key points

Whether brain integration of proprioceptive feedback is crucial for coping with perturbed locomotion is not clear.

We showed a crucial role of the brain for responding to external perturbations and ensure robust locomotion.

We used mouse genetics to remove proprioceptors and a spinal lesion model to interrupt the flow of proprioceptive information to the brain through the dorsal column in wild‐type animals.

Using a custom‐built treadmill, we administered sudden and random mechanical perturbations to mice during walking.

External perturbations affected locomotion in wild‐type mice similar to the absence of proprioceptors in genetically modified mice.

Proprioceptive feedback from muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs contributed to locomotor robustness.

Wild‐type mice lost the ability to respond to external perturbations after interruption of the ascending proprioceptive projection to the brainstem.
A novel wide-angle Compton Scanner setup to study bulk events in germanium detectors
Authors: Abt Iris , Gooch Chris , Hagemann Felix , Hauertmann Lukas , Hervas Aguilar David , Liu Xiang , Schulz Oliver , Schuster Martin , Zsigmond Anna Julia
Published: October 2022

A novel Compton Scanner setup has been built, commissioned and operated at the Max-Planck-Institute for Physics in Munich to collect pulses from bulk events in high-purity germanium detectors for pulse shape studies. In this fully automated setup, the detector under test is irradiated from the top with 661.660 keV gammas, some of which Compton scatter inside the detector. The interaction points in the detector can be reconstructed when the scattered gammas are detected with a pixelated camera placed at the side of the detector. The wide range of accepted Compton angles results in shorter measurement times in comparison to similar setups where only perpendicularly scattered gammas are selected by slit collimators. In this paper, the construction of the Compton Scanner, its alignment and the procedure to reconstruct interaction points in the germanium detector are described in detail. The creation of a first pulse shape library for an n-type segmented point-contact germanium detector is described. The spatial reconstruction along the beam axis is validated by a comparison to measured surface pulses. A first comparison of Compton Scanner pulses to simulated pulses is presented to demonstrate the power of the Compton Scanner to test simulation inputs and models.