bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REFLEXÃO E AGÊNCIA EPISTÊMICA: AS CRÍTICAS DE HILARY KORNBLITH AO PROJETO EPISTEMOLÓGICO DE ERNEST SOSA
Authors: Barbosa de Freitas Ana Margarete
Published: June 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar as críticas de Hilary Kornblith à Epistemologia das Virtudes de Ernest Sosa, principalmente, à sua noção de agência epistêmica reflexiva e ao papel do agente cognitivo no domínio epistêmico. A abordagem naturalista de Kornblith concentra suas críticas em identificar as limitações da habilidade reflexiva, concluindo que a reflexão não deve ser apontada como uma condição necessária para a agência epistêmica e que o projeto epistemológico de Sosa falha em encontrar um lugar distintivo para o conhecimento humano, não oferecendo uma resposta empiricamente plausível para o papel do agente no domínio epistêmico.
EMOTIONS AS NATURAL KINDS: A NATURALIST THEORY OF EMOTIONS IN JESSE PRINZ'S PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
Authors: Pires Campos Junior José Eduardo
Published: June 2022

Naturalism refers to the ideas of emerging sciences and employ studies developed by Psychology, Physics and Biology. The many sorts of naturalism range from those advocating the use of science to inform about cognitive processes in order to fix them to those who advocate the end of any normative claim of philosophy. Jesse Prinz, Ruth Millikan and Hilary Kornblith are recognized naturalist philosophers, with differences in their approaches, and they use the concept of 'natural kinds' to undertake their philosophical projects. On the other hand, emotions have become an ascending subject in philosophy of mind, mostly because of doubts about theirs statuses as mental states, which are disputed as feelings, thoughts, perceptual or quasi-perceptual states, or, something totally different of that. As a result, different theories of emotions are flourishing in philosophy of mind and cognitive psychology. In this text, the intent is to present the exemplary connection of metaphysics, epistemology and philosophy of mind through the concept of natural kinds in Prinz’s philosophy of mind and theory of emotions. This intent will count with the useful Millikan’s and Kornblith’s analyses of the concept of natural kind.
PROBLEMAS PARA EXPLICAÇÕES DE AÇÃO: ESQUEMAS DE GÊNERO MOLDAM A SENSAÇÃO DE AGÊNCIA
Authors: Sorrentino Marques Beatriz
Published: June 2022

A disputa teórica entre teorias que competem para oferecer uma explicação das ações intencionais suscita diversas objeções. Uma delas é a do desparecimento do agente em que se questiona a ausência de um papel causal para o agente na produção de sua ação na Teoria Causal da Ação. Já a teoria concorrente, a Causação do Agente, confere centralidade ao papel causal do agente na sua explicação de ação, além disso, ela defende que a sensação de agência a favorece, sugerindo que essa pode ser interpretada como a experiência consciente da atividade do agente. Contudo, Brancazio (2019) defende que a sensação de agência é moldada pelos esquemas de gênero, assim, haveria mais fatores relevantes para essa experiência consciente do que a Causação do Agente considera. Defendo que a compreensão da influência de esquemas de gênero na sensação de agência enfraquece o argumento da fenomenologia da ação da Causação do Agente.
Rol Çatışması-Rol Belirsizliği ve İş Yerinde Psikolojik Taciz, Mesleki Benlik Saygısı ve İşe Yabancılaşma Olgularının Araştırma Görevlileri Üzerinde İncelenmesi
Authors: ÇİVİLİDAĞ Aydın , DURMAZ Şerife
Published: June 2022

Bu araştırmanın amacı, iş yerinde psikolojik taciz, rol çatışması- rol belirsizliği, mesleki benlik saygısı ve işe yabancılaşma olgularını üniversitede çalışan araştırma görevlileri üzerinde incelemektir. Araştırma, tarama yöntemiyle yapılmış, betimsel sonuçlara ulaşılmaya çalışılmıştır. Araştırmada olumsuz davranışlar ölçeği, rol çatışması ve rol belirsizliği ölçeği, mesleki benlik saygısı ölçeği ve işe yaban¬cılaşma ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Araştırma verileri Akdeniz bölgesindeki bir üniversitede görev yapmakta olan 115 kadın (% 56.4) ve 89 erkek (%4 3.6) katılımcı ile yapılmıştır. Araştırma örnekleminin seçiminde kolayda örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Sonuçlara göre; rol çatışması – rol belirsizliği, iş yerinde psikolojik taciz ile işe yabancılaşma arasında anlamlı ve pozitif ilişki bulunurken, mesleki benlik saygısı arasında anlamlı ve negatif ilişki bulunmuştur. İş yerinde psikolojik taciz ile rol çatışması - rol belirsizliği değişkenleri, işe yabancılaşmanın ve mesleki benlik saygısının anlamlı yordayıcıları olduğu belirlenirken, cinsiyetin anlamlı bir etkiye sahip olmadığı belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca araştırmada, araştırma görevlilerinden 77’sinin % 37.8 oranında değişik sıklıkta iş yerinde psikolojik tacize maruz kaldıkları belirlenmiştir.
Antalya İli Cam Seyir Terası Tasarım Önerileri
Authors: ŞEKERCİ Yaren , KOYUNCU Ferhat , KAYNAKCI ELİNÇ Zuhal
Published: June 2022

İnsanoğlu var olduğundan bu yana gözetleme hayati bir önem taşımaktadır. Gözetleme genellikle yüksek bir yere çevrede ne olduğunu bir tehlike olup olmadığını kontrol etmek için çok sık başvurulan bir eylemdir. İlk olarak Romalıların MS 122’de Britanya’da Hadrianus Surları üzerinde haberleşme amacı ile gözetleme kulesi inşa ettiği düşünülmektedir. Romalılardan kalan günümüze ulaşan pek çok deniz feneri de bulunmaktadır. Savaşlar esnasında da pek çok gözetleme kulesi inşa edilmiştir. Ayrıca yangınları önlemek amacıyla da pek çok kule yapılmıştır. Gözetleme kulelerinin turizm amacı ile kullanımı çok popüler olunca tasarımcılar, tarihi ve doğal güzellikleri seyretmek amacı ile seyir terasları kavramını ortaya çıkarmışlardır. Gözetleme kulelerinden farklı olarak yüksek yapılar olmayan seyir terasları yüksek bir mekana inşa edilir ve alt taraftaki manzara görülebilsin diye tabanın yapım malzemesi camdan yapılır. Bu çalışmada Türkiye’de bulunan seyir terasları incelenmiş olup, Antalya İli için seyir terası önerisi yapılmıştır.
Ataerkil Kültürde Kadın, Erkek ve Toplum İlişkisi
Authors: TEKİN Nazlı , DEMİREL DEĞİRMENCİ Songül
Published: June 2022

Kadın ve erkek iki farklı cinsin doğuştan getirdiği biyolojik farklılıkları bulunmaktadır. Bu farklılıklar düşünce, davranış, işbölümü de dâhil tüm toplum yaşamına sirayet etmektedir. Her toplumda cinsiyete özgü kabul edilmiş çeşitli cinsiyet rolleri bulunmaktadır. Birey, içerisine doğduğu toplumun belirlediği bu rolleri zamanla içselleştirmekte, kabul etmekte ve sergilemektedir. Kadın veya erkekten beklenen davranış kalıpları bu minvalde şekillenmektedir. Kadın ve erkeğin biçilmiş rollerine uygun davranması neticesinde; her iki cinsin birbirinde gözle görülür biçimde ayrıştığı gözlenmektedir. Ataerkil toplumsal kültürün hâkim olduğu toplumlarda kadınlar, farklı araçlar üzerinden sınırlandırılmaktadır. Kadınların yaşamını zorlaştıran bu sınırlamalar, yine kadınlar tarafından kabul edilmekte ve hatta diğer kadınların uyması yönünde dayatılmaktadır. Çalışma, ataerkil toplumun kadın veya erkeğe çeşitli davranış kalıpları önermesi yanında görev ve sorumluklar yüklediğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu yönüyle geçmişte çalışılmış kadın konuları üzerine bir farkındalık alanı eklemektedir.
Enhanced solar photocurrent using a quantum-dot molecule
Authors: Lira J. , Villas-Bôas J. M. , Sanz L. , Alcalde A. M.
Published: June 2022

We present a detailed study on the influence of coherent tunneling on the photovoltaic properties of a semiconductor molecule driven by solar radiation. The connection between the power delivered by the quantum-dot molecule (QDM) and quantum coherence is not simply proportional but depends on interplay between the interdot coherent tunneling, the interaction of the system with thermal phonon reservoirs, and the resonance between the QDM and conduction bands. We explored numerically various parameter regimes and found that the maximum power delivered by the molecule is up to 30% greater than the power delivered by a single quantum-dot device. The calculated photovoltaic conversion efficiency is presented in terms of accessible experimental parameters and, as expected, is constrained by the second law.
High speed, high power 2D beam steering for mitigation of optomechanical parametric instability in gravitational wave detectors
Authors: Harder Thomas , Turconi Margherita , Soulard Rémi , Chaibi Walid
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we propose what we believe to be a novel strategy to control optomechanical parametric instability (PI) in gravitational wave (GW) detectors based on radiation pressure. The fast deflection of a high-power beam is the key element of our approach. We built a 2D deflection system based on a pair of acousto-optic modulators (AOMs) that combines high rapidity and a large scan range. As a fast frequency switching configurable AOM driver, we used a Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) combined with a high-performance personal computer (PC). In this way, we demonstrate a 2D beam steering system with flat efficiency over the whole scan range and with a transition time of 50 ns between two arbitrary consecutive deflection positions for a beam power of 3.6 W.
In-fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer based on hollow optic fiber for metal ion detection
Authors: Liu Ming-Fu , Wang Jia-Wei , Hwang Shug-June
Published: June 2022

A new, to the best of our knowledge, in-fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometric sensor is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for detecting Cu2+ ions in an aqueous environment. The sensor is fabricated simply and cost-effectively by arc-fusing a short section of hollow optical fiber between two standard single-mode fibers and is functionalized by depositing chitosan and poly(acrylic acid) bilayers using electrostatic self-assembly. The proposed sensor shows a linear response with sensitivity of 42 nm/mM in the Cu2+ ion concentration from 0 to 40 µM. Moreover, the fiber sensor exhibits good reusability and repeatability and is a promising candidate for contamination detection in drinking water and industrial waste water.
Inverse design of a nano-photonic wavelength demultiplexer with a deep neural network approach
Authors: Yuan Mengwei , Yang Gang , Song Shijie , Zhou Luping , Minasian Robert , Yi Xiaoke
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we propose a pre-trained-combined neural network (PTCN) as a comprehensive solution to the inverse design of an integrated photonic circuit. By utilizing both the initially pre-trained inverse and forward model with a joint training process, our PTCN model shows remarkable tolerance to the quantity and quality of the training data. As a proof of concept demonstration, the inverse design of a wavelength demultiplexer is used to verify the effectiveness of the PTCN model. The correlation coefficient of the prediction by the presented PTCN model remains greater than 0.974 even when the size of training data is decreased to 17%. The experimental results show a good agreement with predictions, and demonstrate a wavelength demultiplexer with an ultra-compact footprint of 2.6×2.6µm2, a high transmission efficiency with a transmission loss of -2dB, a low reflection of −10dB, and low crosstalk around −7dB simultaneously.
Sinusoidal-amplitude binary phase mask and its application in achieving an ultra-long optical needle
Authors: Gao Xu-Zhen , Zhao Peng-Cheng , Zhao Jia-Hao , Sun Xue-Feng , Liu Jin-Jin , Yang Fan , Pan Yue
Published: June 2022

Optical needle has become a hot research topic in recent years, due to the excellent properties and potential applications. To achieve a sub-diffraction optical needle, there are three common methods including planar diffractive lenses, reflective mirrors or axicons, and high-NA objective lenses with the designed phase or amplitude elements. Here, we propose a new kind of designed phase and amplitude element called the sinusoidal-amplitude binary phase mask (SA-BPM), which modulates the amplitude and phase distributions of the incident vector optical fields (VOFs) simultaneously. Based on Richards-Wolf vector diffraction integral, the corresponding parameters of SA-BPM and the optimal optical needle length are calculated by exhaustive method and genetic algorithm. We further upgrade the SA-BPM by adding a Gaussian function in the amplitude modulation, and design the Gaussian SA-BPM (GSA-BPM). We find that the ultra-long optical needles are achieved with the SA-BPM and GSA-BPM, and the depth of focus of the optical needles are improved by 30%–70% compared with the case of binary phase mask. Such SA-BPM and GSA-BPM we proposed have great potential for manipulation and utilization of the ultra-long optical needles.
Large area MCP-PMT design with good time performance
Authors: Chen Lin , Wang Xingchao , He Jianli , Tian Liping , Tian Jinshou , Wang Yunji
Published: June 2022

A new large area photomultiplier tube based on the microchannel plates (MCP-PMT) with high collection efficiency (CE) and good time performance is proposed in this paper. A novel focusing system with two cylindrical and a conical barrels is designed to generate the accelerating and focusing electric field. A three-dimensional model is developed by CST Studio Suite to validate its feasibility. Finite Integral Technique and Monte Carlo method are combined to simulate the process. Results predict that CE of the novel MCP-PMT is expected to be 100%. TTS of the photoelectrons from the whole photocathode achieves 1.2 ns. Differ from other large area PMTs, it performs well in the geomagnetic field.
Observation of parity-time symmetry in time-division multiplexing pulsed optoelectronic oscillators within a single resonator
Authors: Ding Hao , Cen Qizhuang , Xu Kun , Li Ming , Dai Yitang
Published: June 2022

In recent years, parity-time (PT) symmetry in optoelectronic systems has been widely studied, due to its potential applications in lasers, sensors, topological networks, and other fields. In this paper, a time-division multiplexed pulsed optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is proposed to study the dynamics of a PT symmetry system. Two microwave pulses are used to realize the PT symmetry in a single spatial resonator based on the temporal degrees of freedom. The gain and loss of the microwave pulses and the coupling coefficient between them can then be controlled. We first demonstrate the phase diagram from PT broken to PT symmetry in the OEO system. We theoretically prove that the perturbation of a coupling-induced phase shift larger than

(
2
π
)
×

10

−
2

causes the disappearance of the PT symmetry. In this experiment, the perturbation is less than

(
2
π
)
×
0.5
×

10

−
2

; thus, the phase transition of PT symmetry is observed. In addition, multipairs of PT-symmetry pulses indicate that pulsed OEO could be used to implement complex non-Hermitian Hamilton systems. Therefore, it is confirmed that pulsed OEO is an excellent platform to explore the dynamics of PT symmetry and other non-Hermitian Hamiltonian systems.
Leishmania guyanensis M4147 as a new LRV1-bearing model parasite: Phosphatidate phosphatase 2-like protein controls cell cycle progression and intracellular lipid content
Authors: Zakharova Alexandra , Albanaz Amanda T. S. , Opperdoes Fred R. , Škodová-Sveráková Ingrid , Zagirova Diana , Saura Andreu , Chmelová Lˇubomíra , Gerasimov Evgeny S. , Leštinová Tereza , Bečvář Tomáš , Sádlová Jovana , Volf Petr , Lukeš Julius , Horváth Anton , Butenko Anzhelika , Yurchenko Vyacheslav
Published: June 2022

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic vector-borne disease caused by the protistan flagellates of the genusLeishmania.Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensisis one of the most common causative agents of the American tegumentary leishmaniasis. It has previously been shown thatL.guyanensisstrains that carry the endosymbioticLeishmania RNA virus 1(LRV1) cause more severe form of the disease in a mouse model than those that do not. The presence of the virus was implicated into the parasite’s replication and spreading. In this respect, studying the molecular mechanisms of cellular control of viral infection is of great medical importance. Here, we report ~30.5 Mb high-quality genome assembly of the LRV1-positiveL.guyanensisM4147. This strain was turned into a model by establishing the CRISPR-Cas9 system and ablating the gene encoding phosphatidate phosphatase 2-like (PAP2L) protein. The orthologue of this gene is conspicuously absent from the genome of an unusual member of the family Trypanosomatidae,Vickermania ingenoplastis, a species with mostly bi-flagellated cells. Our analysis of the PAP2L-nullL.guyanensisshowed an increase in the number of cells strikingly resembling the bi-flagellatedV.ingenoplastis, likely as a result of the disruption of the cell cycle, significant accumulation of phosphatidic acid, and increased virulence compared to the wild type cells.
Impaired in vitro Interferon-γ production in patients with visceral leishmaniasis is improved by inhibition of PD1/PDL-1 ligation
Authors: Takele Yegnasew , Adem Emebet , Franssen Susanne Ursula , Womersley Rebecca , Kaforou Myrsini , Levin Michael , Müller Ingrid , Cotton James Anthony , Kropf Pascale
Published: June 2022

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease that causes substantial morbidity and mortality and is a growing health problem in Ethiopia, where this study took place. Most individuals infected with Leishmania donovani parasites will stay asymptomatic, but some develop VL that, if left untreated, is almost always fatal. This stage of the disease is associated with a profound immunosuppression, characterised by impaired production of Interferonγ (IFNγ), a cytokine that plays a key role in the control of Leishmania parasites, and high expression levels of an inhibitory receptor, programmed cell death 1 (PD1) on CD4+ T cells. Here, we tested the contribution of the interaction between the immune checkpoint PD1 and its ligand PDL-1 on the impaired production of IFNγ in VL patients. Our results show that in the blood of VL patients, not only CD4+, but also CD8+ T cells express high levels of PD1 at the time of VL diagnosis. Next, we identified PDL-1 expression on different monocyte subsets and neutrophils and show that PDL-1 levels were significantly increased in VL patients. PD1/PDL-1 inhibition resulted in significantly increased production of IFNγ, suggesting that therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors might improve disease control in these patients.
Factors associated with the diagnosis of COVID-19 among Brazilian health professionals COVID-19 and health professionals
Authors: Gir Elucir , Teles Sheila Araújo , Menegueti Mayra Gonçalves , Reis Renata Karina , de Carvalho Milton Jorge , Botelho Eliã Pinheiro , Milanês Sousa Laelson Rochelle , Campos Coelho Hemilio Fernandes , Ávila Fernanda Maria Pereira , Gimeniz Galvão Marli Teresinha , Nogueira Wynne Pereira , de Oliveira e Silva Ana Cristina
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Health professionals are on the front lines against the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and are at high risk for acquiring the infection. Failures in precautionary measures, inadequacy/scarcity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and lack of social and family distancing may be associated with increased exposure and contamination by the new coronavirus. This study investigated the prevalence of COVID-19 among Brazilian health professionals and associated factors according to demographic and occupational characteristics.

Methods

A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted using an online survey with 12,086 health professionals from all regions of Brazil. Data were collected using an adaptation of the respondent-driven sampling method for the virtual environment. The outcome variable was the diagnosis of COVID-19. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyzes were used to identify an association between the diagnosis of COVID-19 and demographic and occupational variables. Variables were considered statistically significant based on p<0.05.

Results

Most participants were female, from the northeast region, and nursing professionals. A prevalence of 31.95% (95%CI: 31.0%, 32.9%) of COVID-19 was estimated. Following multiple regression analysis, the variables associated with the diagnosis of COVID-19 among health professionals were: male gender, married individuals, professionals who provide care to patients with COVID-19, who work in a field hospital, and those who work in institutions that did not offer enough quality PPE.

Conclusions

The study found a high prevalence of COVID-19 infection, with male professionals being those with greater chances. Inadequate supply or poor quality of PPE offered by health institutions compromises the health of professionals with an increase in positive diagnosis for COVID-19.
Using social networks to improve team transition prediction in professional sports
Authors: Evans Emily J. , Jones Rebecca , Leung Joseph , Webb Benjamin Z.
Published: June 2022

We examine whether social data can be used to predict how members of Major League Baseball (MLB) and members of the National Basketball Association (NBA) transition between teams during their career. We find that incorporating social data into various machine learning algorithms substantially improves the algorithms’ ability to correctly determine these transitions in the NBA but only marginally in MLB. We also measure the extent to which player performance and team fitness data can be used to predict transitions between teams. This data, however, only slightly improves our predictions for players for both basketball and baseball players. We also consider whether social, performance, and team fitness data can be used to infer past transitions. Here we find that social data significantly improves our inference accuracy in both the NBA and MLB but player performance and team fitness data again does little to improve this score.
Serial T-SPOT.TB responses in Tanzanian adolescents: Transient, persistent and irregular conversions
Authors: Amour Maryam A. , Rees Christiaan A. , Munseri Patricia J. , Said Jamila , Magohe Albert K. , Matee Mecky , Talbot Elizabeth A. , Arbeit Robert D. , Pallangyo Kisali , von Reyn C. Fordham
Published: June 2022

Background

Prospective studies of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) on healthy subjects in tuberculosis-endemic regions have not examined the long-term variability of serial assays. This issue is relevant to the interpretation of tuberculosis (TB) vaccine trials based on prevention of infection.

Methods

T-SPOT.TB assays were performed manually on healthy adolescents during a tuberculosis vaccine trial in Tanzania at 5 intervals over 3 years. Assay results were defined as negative, positive, borderline or invalid. Subsequently, microtiter plates were analyzed by an automated reader to obtain quantitative counts of spot forming cells (SFCs) for the present analysis.

Results

3387 T-SPOT.TB samples were analyzed from 928 adolescents; manual and automated assay results were 97% concordant. Based on the quantitative results 143 (15%) participants were prevalent IGRA-positives at baseline, were ineligible for further study. Among the remaining IGRA-negative participants, the annual rate of IGRA conversion was 2·9%. Among 43 IGRA converters with repeat assays 12 (28%) were persistent converters, 16 (37%) were transient converters, and 15 (35%) comprised a new category defined as irregular converters (≥2 different subsequent results). ESAT-6 and CFP-10 responses were higher in prevalent than incident positives: 53 vs 36 for CFP-10 (p< 0·007); 44 vs 34 for ESAT-6 (p= 0·12).

Conclusions

Definitions of IGRA conversion, reversion, and persistence depend critically on the frequency of testing. Multiple shifts in categories among adolescents in a TB-endemic country may represent multiple infections, variable host responses in subclinical infection, or assay variation. These findings should to be considered in the design and interpretation of TB vaccine trials based on prevention of infection. Household contact studies could determine whether even transient IGRA conversion might represent exposure to an active case ofM.tuberculosisdisease.
Towards an uncertainty evaluation model for marine track considering local sampling cloud and sample information
Authors: Fang Cheng , Zhou Wei , Liu Xinguo , Ren Hongxiang , Wu Jianjun
Published: June 2022

To evaluate the practical ability of crews during the navigation of an inward-port single ship, a track evaluation model was developed on a planar forward normal cloud chart under sample information based on the forward normal and the backward normal cloud generator. Since the track sampling cloud may be too divergent, a track belt division method based on the contributions of normal cloud drops was proposed. Combining the track evaluation model with the track belt division method, a comprehensive track evaluation scheme of the local sampling cloud based on sampling information was established. The results of an example of M.V. DAQING 257 unloaded into Dalian Port demonstrated the effectiveness of the model and showed its consistency with expert evaluation results based on subjective information. The proposed uncertainty evaluation model provides a new approach for intelligent evaluation under sample information.
Identification of critical genes and molecular pathways in COVID-19 myocarditis and constructing gene regulatory networks by bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Zhang Fengjun , Yu Cheng , Xu Wenchang , Li Xiao , Feng Junchen , Shi Hongshuo , Yang Jingrong , Sun Qinhua , Cao Xianyi , Zhang Lin , Peng Min
Published: June 2022

Background

There is growing evidence of a strong relationship between COVID-19 and myocarditis. However, there are few bioinformatics-based analyses of critical genes and the mechanisms related to COVID-19 Myocarditis. This study aimed to identify critical genes related to COVID-19 Myocarditis by bioinformatic methods, explore the biological mechanisms and gene regulatory networks, and probe related drugs.

Methods

The gene expression data of GSE150392 and GSE167028 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), including cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and GSE150392 from patients with myocarditis infected with SARS-CoV-2 and the GSE167028 gene expression dataset. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (adjusted P-Value <0.01 and |Log2 Fold Change| ≥2) in GSE150392 were assessed by NetworkAnalyst 3.0. Meanwhile, significant modular genes in GSE167028 were identified by weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and overlapped with DEGs to obtain common genes. Functional enrichment analyses were performed by using the "clusterProfiler" package in the R software, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed on the STRING website (https://cn.string-db.org/). Critical genes were identified by the CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape by 5 algorithms. Transcription factor-gene (TF-gene) and Transcription factor-microRibonucleic acid (TF-miRNA) coregulatory networks construction were performed by NetworkAnalyst 3.0 and displayed in Cytoscape. Finally, Drug Signatures Database (DSigDB) was used to probe drugs associated with COVID-19 Myocarditis.

Results

Totally 850 DEGs (including 449 up-regulated and 401 down-regulated genes) and 159 significant genes in turquoise modules were identified from GSE150392 and GSE167028, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that common genes were mainly enriched in biological processes such as cell cycle and ubiquitin-protein hydrolysis. 6 genes (CDK1,KIF20A,PBK,KIF2C,CDC20,UBE2C) were identified as critical genes. TF-gene interactions and TF-miRNA coregulatory network were constructed successfully. A total of 10 drugs, (such as Etoposide, Methotrexate, Troglitazone, etc) were considered as target drugs for COVID-19 Myocarditis.

Conclusions

Through bioinformatics method analysis, this study provides a new perspective to explore the pathogenesis, gene regulatory networks and provide drug compounds as a reference for COVID-19 Myocarditis. It is worth highlighting that critical genes (CDK1,KIF20A,PBK,KIF2C,CDC20, UBE2C) may be potential biomarkers and treatment targets of COVID-19 Myocarditis for future study.
Recognition & management of varicella infections and accuracy of antimicrobial recommendations: Case vignettes study in the US
Authors: Fergie Jaime , Pawaskar Manjiri , Veeranki Phani , Samant Salome , Harley Carolyn , MacEwan Joanna , Schwartz Taylor T. , Surati Shikha , Conway James H.
Published: June 2022

Background

In 1995, the CDC recommended one-dose routine varicella immunization for children <12 years of age, expanding its recommendation to two doses in 2006. Today, with widespread varicella vaccination coverage, an estimated 3.5 million cases of varicella, 9,000 hospitalizations, and 100 deaths are prevented annually in the United States. Since varicella infections are now uncommon, health care providers (HCPs) may not recognize varicella infections and may prescribe inappropriate treatment.

Methods

An online survey of HCPs was conducted to assess recognition and management of varicella infections. Responses to eight varicella vignettes describing patients with varying varicella symptoms were analyzed and descriptive analyses performed. Stratified analysis comparing responses of those licensed before and in/after 1996 was also performed.

Results

153 HCPs (50 nurse practitioners, 103 doctors) completed the survey. Mean age of respondents was 44 years. 62% were female, and 82% were licensed before 1996. Varicella infection was correctly diagnosed 79% of the time. HCPs correctly recognized uncomplicated varicella vignettes 85% of the time versus 61% of the time for complicated varicella vignettes. Antibiotics were recommended 17% of the time and antivirals 18% of the time, of which 25% and 69% (respectively) were not appropriate per guidelines. HCPs licensed before 1996 were better able to recognize varicella compared to those licensed later, but prescribed more antimicrobials medications to treat varicella.

Conclusions

Although most HCPs recognized varicella infection, a sizable proportion could not recognize cases with complications, and some of the varicella cases were inappropriately treated with antibiotics and/or antivirals. Additional HCP training and high vaccination coverage are important strategies to avoid inaccurate diagnoses and minimize unnecessary exposure to antimicrobial/antiviral therapies.
Spatial environmental factors predict cardiovascular and all-cause mortality: Results of the SPACE study
Authors: Hadley Michael B. , Nalini Mahdi , Adhikari Samrachana , Szymonifka Jackie , Etemadi Arash , Kamangar Farin , Khoshnia Masoud , McChane Tyler , Pourshams Akram , Poustchi Hossein , Sepanlou Sadaf G. , Abnet Christian , Freedman Neal D. , Boffetta Paolo , Malekzadeh Reza , Vedanthan Rajesh
Published: June 2022

Background

Environmental exposures account for a growing proportion of global mortality. Large cohort studies are needed to characterize the independent impact of environmental exposures on mortality in low-income settings.

Methods

We collected data on individual and environmental risk factors for a multiethnic cohort of 50,045 individuals in a low-income region in Iran. Environmental risk factors included: ambient fine particular matter air pollution; household fuel use and ventilation; proximity to traffic; distance to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) center; socioeconomic environment; population density; local land use; and nighttime light exposure. We developed a spatial survival model to estimate the independent associations between these environmental exposures and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Findings

Several environmental factors demonstrated associations with mortality after adjusting for individual risk factors. Ambient fine particulate matter air pollution predicted all-cause mortality (per μg/m3, HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07, 1.36) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.98, 1.39). Biomass fuel use without chimney predicted all-cause mortality (reference = gas, HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.99, 1.53) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.36, 95% CI 0.99, 1.87). Kerosene fuel use without chimney predicted all-cause mortality (reference = gas, HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.97, 1.23) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01, 1.41). Distance to PCI center predicted all-cause mortality (per 10km, HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.004, 1.022) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.004, 1.031). Additionally, proximity to traffic predicted all-cause mortality (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01, 1.27). In a separate validation cohort, the multivariable model effectively predicted both all-cause mortality (AUC 0.76) and cardiovascular mortality (AUC 0.81). Population attributable fractions demonstrated a high mortality burden attributable to environmental exposures.

Interpretation

Several environmental factors predicted cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, independent of each other and of individual risk factors. Mortality attributable to environmental factors represents a critical opportunity for targeted policies and programs.
Revealed consumers’ preferences for fresh produce attributes in Chinese online markets: A case of domestic and imported apples
Authors: Wang H. Holly , Han Xiao , Jiang Yu , Wu Guoyong
Published: June 2022

Background

The online market is getting popular today, and consumers’ preferences about products are revealed differently in online and offline markets. Especially, fresh food purchasing online is very different from non-food products due to its unique features such as perishability, low cost and frequent purchases, low value-volume ratio, and highly relevance to safety and health. However, studies on online fresh food are rather few, and this study will fill the gap by investigating consumers’ preferences for fresh food online purchasing.

Methods

Using unique data observed from online stores, we conduct a hedonic analysis of fresh produce online market using apple market in China, avoiding hypothetical bias. Propensity Score Matching is used to check the online promotion effects. The data are apples transactions from Jingdong JD e-commerce platform with sample size 8,200, observed across six weeks from 11/26/2018 to 12/31/2018. Variables used include prices, promotions, varieties, places of origin, fruit size, labeled as organic or green food, watercore label, and customer reviews for the products as well as for the venders.

Results

We found place of origin, food safety and eco-certificates, and sensory features all influence apple prices which reflect consumer preferences. In addition to product features, store features such as former customers’ review for the store, a video post of the product, and other latent product features through former customers’ review for the product quality also influence consumers’ preference reflected by price.

Conclusions

In additional to product intrinsic features, consumer show preferences and valuation for online market special features.
Ildr1 gene deletion protects against diet-induced obesity and hyperglycemia
Authors: Chandra Rashmi , Aryal Dipendra K. , Douros Jonathan D. , Shahid Rafiq , Davis Supriya J. , Campbell Jonathan E. , Ilkayeya Olga , White Phillip J. , Rodriguez Ramona , Newgard Christopher B. , Wetsel William C. , Liddle Rodger A.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Immunoglobulin-like Domain-Containing Receptor 1 (ILDR1) is expressed on nutrient sensing cholecystokinin-positive enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract and it has the unique ability to induce fat-mediated CCK secretion. However, the role of ILDR1 in CCK-mediated regulation of satiety is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of ILDR1 on food intake and metabolic activity using mice with genetically-deleted Ildr1.

Methods

The expression of ILDR1 in murine tissues and the measurement of adipocyte cell size were evaluated by light and fluorescence confocal microscopy. The effects of Ildr1 deletion on mouse metabolism were quantitated using CLAMS chambers and by targeted metabolomics assays of multiple tissues. Hormone levels were measured by ELISA. The effects of Ildr1 gene deletion on glucose and insulin levels were determined using in vivo oral glucose tolerance, meal tolerance, and insulin tolerance tests, as well as ex vivo islet perifusion.

Results

ILDR1 is expressed in a wide range of tissues. Analysis of metabolic data revealed that although Ildr1-/- mice consumed more food than wild-type littermates, they gained less weight on a high fat diet and exhibited increased metabolic activity. Adipocytes in Ildr1-/- mice were significantly smaller than in wild-type mice fed either low or high fat diets. ILDR1 was expressed in both alpha and beta cells of pancreatic islets. Based on oral glucose and mixed meal tolerance tests, Ildr1-/- mice were more effective at lowering post-prandial glucose levels, had improved insulin sensitivity, and glucose-regulated insulin secretion was enhanced in mice lacking ILDR1.

Conclusion

Ildr1 loss significantly modified metabolic activity in these mutant mice. While Ildr1 gene deletion increased high fat food intake, it reduced weight gain and improved glucose tolerance. These findings indicate that ILDR1 modulates metabolic responses to feeding in mice.
Prognostic value of sarcopenia in patients with rectal cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Yueli , Guo Xiaoming , Zhang Qin , Yang Yunmei
Published: June 2022

Background

Sarcopenia is usually characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and impaired muscle function which is commonly seen in the elderly. It has been found to be associated with poorer prognoses in many types of cancer. Computed tomography (CT) scan is frequently used to assess skeletal muscle mass and further calculate skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra level (L3), which is used to define sarcopenia. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the prognostic value of sarcopenia for overall survival (OS) in patients with rectal cancer.

Methods

We performed a systematic search to find relevant studies published up to 14 January 2021 in PubMed, Embase, Web of science and Scopus. In our meta-analysis, studies comparing OS in rectal cancer patients with sarcopenia versus those without were included. Quality assessment for included studies was evaluated according to the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. We directly extracted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in both univariate and multivariate analyses from each study. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Review Manager 5.4 software was applied to analyze data. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines and website GRADEpro.

Results

Finally, a total of 7 studies involving 2377 patients were included. The pooled HRs were 2.10 (95% CI 1.33–3.32, P = 0.001) and 2.37 (95% CI 1.13–4.98, P = 0.02) using random-effects models in univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively. The results showed a significant association between sarcopenia and OS in patients with rectal cancer. The quality of the evidence for OS was moderate for both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

CT-defined sarcopenia is an independent predictor for worse OS in patients with rectal cancer. Future studies with a more stringent definition of sarcopenia are required to further confirm our findings.
Coenzyme Q10 encapsulated in micelles ameliorates osteoarthritis by inhibiting inflammatory cell death
Authors: Na Hyun Sik , Woo Jin Seok , Kim Ju Hwan , Lee Jeong Su , Um In Gyu , Cho Keun-Hyung , Kim Ga Hyeon , Cho Mi-La , Chung Sang J. , Park Sung-Hwan
Published: June 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease and is characterized by breakdown of joint cartilage. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) exerts diverse biological effects on bone and cartilage; observational studies have suggested that CoQ10 may slow OA progression and inflammation. However, any effect of CoQ10 on OA remains unclear. Here, we investigated the therapeutic utility of CoQ10-micelles.

Methods

Seven-week-old male Wistar rats were injected with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) to induce OA. CoQ10-micelles were administered orally to MIA-induced OA rats; celecoxib served as the positive control. Pain, tissue destruction, and inflammation were measured. The expression levels of catabolic and inflammatory cell death markers were assayed in CoQ10-micelle-treated chondrocytes.

Results

Oral supplementation with CoQ10-micelles attenuated OA symptoms remarkably, including pain, tissue destruction, and inflammation. The expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-13, and of the inflammatory cell death markers RIP1, RIP3, and pMLKL in synovial tissues were significantly reduced by CoQ10-micelle supplementation, suggesting that CoQ10-micelles might attenuate the synovitis of OA. CoQ10-micelle addition to cultured OA chondrocytes reduced the expression levels of catabolic and inflammatory cell death markers.

Conclusions

CoQ10-micelles might usefully treat OA.
Cultural transmission of traditional songs in the Ryukyu Archipelago
Authors: Nishikawa Yuri , Ihara Yasuo
Published: June 2022

Geographic patterns of cultural variations are affected by how cultural traits are transmitted within and between populations. It has been argued that cultural traits are transmitted in different manners depending on their characteristics; for example, words for basic concepts are less liable to horizontal transmission between populations (i.e., borrowing) than other words. Here we examine the geographic variation of traditional songs in the Ryukyu Archipelago, southwestern islands of Japan, to explore cultural evolution of music with a focus on different social contexts in which songs are sung. Published scores of 1,342 traditional songs are coded using the CantoCore song classification scheme and distances between the songs are calculated from the codings. Neighbor-Net graphs of regions/islands are generated on the basis of the musical distances, and delta scores are obtained to examine the treelikeness of the networks. We also perform analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) to evaluate the extent of musical diversification among regions/islands. Our results suggest that horizontal transmission between populations has played a greater role in the formation of musical diversity than that of linguistic diversity in the Ryukyu Archipelago and that the social context in which songs are sung has an effect on how they are transmitted within and between populations. In addition, we compare the observed patterns of song diversity among regions/islands with those of lexical and mitochondrial-DNA (mtDNA) diversity, showing that the variation of songs sung in the "work" context are associated with the linguistic variation, whereas no association is found between the musical and genetic variation.
Diagnostic sensitivity and cost per diagnosis of ambulatory cardiac monitoring strategies in unexplained syncope patients
Authors: Rogers John D. , Higuera Lucas , Rosemas Sarah C. , Cheng Ya-Jian , Ziegler Paul D.
Published: June 2022

Diagnosing cardiac pauses that could produce syncopal episodes is important to guide appropriate therapy. However, the infrequent nature of these episodes can make detection challenging with conventional monitoring (CM) strategies with short-term ECG monitors. Insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) continuously monitor for arrhythmias but present a higher up-front cost. It is not well understood whether these higher costs are offset by the costs of repeat evaluation in CM strategies. We simulated the likelihood of diagnostic success and cost-per-diagnosis of pause arrhythmias with CM strategies compared to ICM monitoring. ICM device data from syncope patients diagnosed with pause arrhythmias was utilized to simulate patient pathways and diagnostic success with CM. We assumed that detected true pause episodes (≥5 seconds) were symptomatic and prompted a hospital encounter and further evaluation with CM. Subsequent true pause episodes in yet-undiagnosed patients triggered additional rounds of CM. Costs of monitoring were accrued at each encounter and represent the U.S. payer perspective. Cost per diagnosed patient was calculated as the total costs accrued for all patients divided by the number of patients diagnosed, across 1,000 simulations. During a mean 505±333 days of monitoring ICM detected 2.4±2.7 pause events per patient, with an average of 109±94 days until the first event. CM was projected to diagnose between 13.8% (24-hour Holter) and 30.2% (two 30-day monitors) of the ICM-diagnosed patients. Total diagnostic costs per ICM-diagnosed patient averaged $7,847, whereas in the CM strategies average cost-per-diagnosis ranged from $12,950±2,589 with 24-hour Holter to $32,977±14,749 for two 30-day monitors. Relative to patients diagnosed with pause arrhythmias via ICM, CM strategies diagnose fewer patients and incur higher costs per diagnosed patient.
Calibration and analysis of discrete element simulation parameters of Chinese cabbage seeds
Authors: Wang Shengsheng , Mengqing Lu , Liu Xingyi , Ji Jiangtao , Chen Pan
Published: June 2022

Objective

To improve the accuracy of parameters used in discrete element simulation test of Chinese cabbage seeds harvesting process.

Methods

Firstly, the key physical parameters of Chinese cabbage seeds were measured. According to the results, the discrete element simulation model was established and the value range of simulation test parameters was determined. Then, the actual repose angle of Chinese cabbage seeds was obtained by physical accumulation test using bottomless conical cylinder lifting method. Plackett-Burman test, steepest climb test, Box-Behnken test and parameter optimization test were carried out in sequence with the actual angle of repose as the response value. Finally, the obtained parameters are verified.

Results

1. The Plackett-Burman test showed that the seed-seed rolling friction coefficient, the seed-steel rolling friction coefficient, the seed-seed static friction coefficient, and the seed-steel static friction coefficient had significant effects on the repose angle of Chinese cabbage seeds (P<0.05). 2. The optimization test showed that the seed-seed rolling friction coefficient was 0.08, the seed-steel rolling friction coefficient was 0.109, the seed-seed static friction coefficient was 0.496, and the seed-steel static friction coefficient was 0.415. 3. The validation test showed that the repose angle of Chinese cabbage seeds under such parameter was 23.62°, and the error with the repose angle of the physical test was 0.73%.

Conclusion

The study show that the discrete element simulation parameters of Chinese cabbage seeds model and calibration are reliable, which can provide reference for the discrete element simulation of Chinese cabbage seeds.
2D Short-Time Fourier Transform for local morphological analysis of meibomian gland images
Authors: Ciężar Kamila , Pochylski Mikolaj
Published: June 2022

Meibography is becoming an integral part of dry eye diagnosis. Being objective and repeatable this imaging technique is used to guide treatment decisions and determine the disease status. Especially desirable is the possibility of automatic (or semi-automatic) analysis of a meibomian image for quantification of a particular gland’s feature. Recent reports suggest that in addition to the measure of gland atrophy (quantified by the well-established “drop-out area” parameter), the gland’s morphological changes may carry equally clinically useful information. Here we demonstrate the novel image analysis method providing detailed information on local deformation of meibomian gland pattern. The developed approach extracts from every Meibomian image a set of six morphometric color-coded maps, each visualizing spatial behavior of different morphometric parameter. A more detailed analysis of those maps was used to perform automatic classification of Meibomian glands images. The method for isolating individual morphometric components from the original meibomian image can be helpful in the diagnostic process. It may help clinicians to see in which part of the eyelid the disturbance is taking place and also to quantify it with a numerical value providing essential insight into Meibomian gland dysfunction pathophysiology.