bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the genetic basis of vertebrate dispersal combining RNA‐seq, RAD‐seq and quantitative genetics
Authors: San‐Jose Luis M. , Bestion Elvire , Pellerin Félix , Richard Murielle , Di Gesu Lucie , Salmona Jordi , Winandy Laurane , Legrand Delphine , Bonneaud Camille , Guillaume Olivier , Calvez Olivier , Elmer Kathryn R. , Yurchenko Andrey A. , Recknagel Hans , Clobert Jean , Cote Julien
Published: March 2023

Although animal dispersal is known to play key roles in ecological and evolutionary processes such as colonization, population extinction and local adaptation, little is known about its genetic basis, particularly in vertebrates. Untapping the genetic basis of dispersal should deepen our understanding of how dispersal behaviour evolves, the molecular mechanisms that regulate it and link it to other phenotypic aspects in order to form the so‐called dispersal syndromes. Here, we comprehensively combined quantitative genetics, genome‐wide sequencing and transcriptome sequencing to investigate the genetic basis of natal dispersal in a known ecological and evolutionary model of vertebrate dispersal: the common lizard, Zootoca vivipara. Our study supports the heritability of dispersal in semi‐natural populations, with less variation attributable to maternal and natal environment effects. In addition, we found an association between natal dispersal and both variation in the carbonic anhydrase (CA10) gene, and in the expression of several genes (TGFB2, SLC6A4, NOS1) involved in central nervous system functioning. These findings suggest that neurotransmitters (serotonin and nitric oxide) are involved in the regulation of dispersal and shaping dispersal syndromes. Several genes from the circadian clock (CRY2, KCTD21) were also differentially expressed between disperser and resident lizards, supporting that the circadian rhythm, known to be involved in long‐distance migration in other taxa, might affect dispersal as well. Since neuronal and circadian pathways are relatively well conserved across vertebrates, our results are likely to be generalisable, and we therefore encourage future studies to further investigate the role of these pathways in shaping dispersal in vertebrates.
Internationally educated nurses’ role in climate change: sustainability and mitigation practices
Authors: Cubelo Floro
Published: March 2023

Background

There are three related factors affecting climate change and its relationship to the migration of IENs: 1) corporate social responsibility; 2) the code of ethics for nurses; and 3) nursing education. As the highest producer of carbon dioxide emissions, the Global North especially the Nordic Region must also consider its climate change responsibilities when recruiting nurses from the Global South.

Aim

The aim of this article is to discuss the factors affecting climate change and its relationship to the migration of IENs, as well as possible solutions to mitigate its impact.

Results

Climate change is impacted indirectly by the movement of internationally educated nurses (IENs). The Nordic countries need to consider checking climate change measures in the sustainability plans for recruitment companies when approving permits allowing the recruitment of nurses.

Conclusion

Policymakers and decision‐makers need to consider climate change and GHG emissions factors when collaborating with recruitment agencies to recruit IENs from the Global South. International nurse recruitment policies must be ethical, economically sustainable, and planet‐centered.
Viricidal Efficacy of a 405‐nm Environmental Decontamination System for Inactivation of Bacteriophage Phi6: Surrogate for SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Sinclair Lucy G. , Ilieva Zornitsa , Morris Georgina , Anderson John G. , MacGregor Scott J. , Maclean Michelle
Published: March 2023

The highly transmittable nature of SARS‐CoV‐2 has increased the necessity for novel strategies to safely decontaminate public areas. This study investigates the efficacy of a low irradiance 405‐nm light environmental decontamination system for the inactivation of bacteriophage phi6 as a surrogate for SARS‐CoV‐2. Bacteriophage phi6 was exposed to increasing doses of low irradiance (~0.5 mW cm−2) 405‐nm light while suspended in SM buffer and artificial human saliva at low (~103–4 PFU mL−1) and high (~107–8 PFU mL−1) seeding densities, to determine system efficacy for SARS‐CoV‐2 inactivation and establish the influence of biologically relevant suspension media on viral susceptibility. Complete/near‐complete (≥99.4%) inactivation was demonstrated in all cases, with significantly enhanced reductions observed in biologically relevant media (P < 0.05). Doses of 43.2 and 172.8 J cm−2 were required to achieve ~3 log10 reductions at low density, and 97.2 and 259.2 J cm−2 achieved ~6 log10 reductions at high density, in saliva and SM buffer, respectively: 2.6–4 times less dose was required when suspended in saliva compared to SM buffer. Comparative exposure to higher irradiance (~50 mW cm−2) 405‐nm light indicated that, on a per unit dose basis, 0.5 mW cm−2 treatments were capable of achieving up to 5.8 greater log10 reductions with up to 28‐fold greater germicidal efficiency than that of 50 mW cm−2 treatments. These findings establish the efficacy of low irradiance 405‐nm light systems for inactivation of a SARS‐CoV‐2 surrogate and demonstrate the significant enhancement in susceptibility when suspended in saliva, which is a major vector in COVID‐19 transmission.
Preliminary characterization of a novel form of progressive retinal atrophy in the German Spitz dog associated with a frameshift mutation in GUCY2D
Authors: Bortolini Mariza , Winkler Paige A. , Moreno Juan Carlos Duque , Sato Mario Teruo , Guareschi Bianca Luiza Valduga , Petersen‐Jones Simon M. , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano
Published: March 2023

Objective

To describe the clinical, preliminary electroretinographic and optical coherence tomography features of a newly identified form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in German Spitzes, and identify the causal gene mutation.

Animals

Thirty‐three client‐owned German Spitz dogs were included.

Procedures

All animals underwent a full ophthalmic examination, including vision testing. In addition, fundus photography, ERG, and OCT were performed. A DNA‐marker‐based association analysis was performed to screen potential candidate genes and the whole genomes of four animals were sequenced.

Results

Initial fundus changes were pale papilla and mild vascular attenuation. Oscillatory nystagmus was noted in 14 of 16 clinically affected puppies. Vision was impaired under both scotopic and photopic conditions. Rod‐mediated ERGs were unrecordable in all affected dogs tested, reduced cone‐mediated responses were present in one animal at 3 months of age and unrecordable in the other affected animals tested. Multiple small retinal bullae were observed in three clinically affected animals (two with confirmed genetic diagnosis). OCT showed that despite loss of function, retinal structure was initially well‐preserved, although a slight retinal thinning developed in older animals with the ventral retina being more severely affected. Pedigree analysis supported an autosomal recessive inheritance. A mutation was identified in GUCY2D, which segregated with the disease (NM_001003207.1:c.1598_1599insT; p.(Ser534GlufsTer20)). Human subjects with GUCY2D mutations typically show an initial disconnect between loss of function and loss of structure, a feature recapitulated in the affected dogs in this study.

Conclusion

We identified early‐onset PRA in the German Spitz associated with a frameshift mutation in GUCY2D.
Application of endoscopic ultrasound to the descending colon and rectum in normal dogs
Authors: Hyeong Seongjae , Lee Juryeong , Kim Soyeon , Lee Dongjae , Suh Guk‐Hyun , Choi Jihye
Published: March 2023

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a medical procedure in which endoscopy is combined with ultrasonography (US) to compensate for problems associated with the transabdominal US such as large penetration depths, presence of intestinal gas, and acoustic shadowing. This prospective, method comparison, pilot study was performed to assess the feasibility of applying EUS in the colorectal region and to describe the typical EUS features of the descending colon and rectum in healthy dogs. Transabdominal US and EUS with or without the hydrosonography were applied to the descending colon and rectum in 10 clinically healthy Beagle dogs and wall thickness, visibility of the wall layers, and conspicuity of the mucosal and serosal surfaces of the intestinal wall were assessed. Endoscopic ultrasound enabled circumferential evaluation of the colorectal wall and provided better visibility of the wall layers and conspicuity of the mucosal and serosal surfaces without degradation of the image, even in the far‐field portion of the colorectal wall, compared to US. Moreover, EUS provided the adequate image quality of the rectum, which was difficult to evaluate with US due to deep scan depth and acoustic shadowing by the pelvis. Meanwhile, the application of hydrosonography to EUS deteriorated the visibility of the wall layers and conspicuity of the intestinal wall. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of EUS to assess the colorectal region and its potential application for the evaluation of rectal masses or intrapelvic lesions that are inaccessible by the transabdominal US in dogs.
Tolerancing for an Apple Pie: A Fundamental Theory of Tolerances
Authors: Roland Campbell Joshua , Hazelrigg George A.
Published: March 2023

Tolerancing began with the notion of limits imposed on the dimensions of realized parts both to maintain functional geometric dimensionality and to enable cost-effective part fabrication and inspection. Increasingly, however, component fabrication depends on more than part geometry as many parts are fabricated as a result of a “recipe” rather than dimensional instructions for material addition or removal. Referred to as process tolerancing, this is the case, for example, with IC chips. In the case of tolerance optimization, a typical objective is cost minimization while achieving required functionality or “quality.” This article takes a different look at tolerances, suggesting that rather than ensuring merely that parts achieve a desired functionality at minimum cost, a typical underlying goal of the product design is to make money, more is better, and tolerances comprise additional design variables amenable to optimization in a decision theoretic framework. We further recognize that tolerances introduce additional product attributes that relate to product characteristics such as consistency, quality, reliability, and durability. These important attributes complicate the computation of the expected utility of candidate designs, requiring additional computational steps for their determination. The resulting theory of tolerancing illuminates the assumptions and limitations inherent to Taguchi’s loss function. We illustrate the theory using the example of tolerancing for an apple pie, which conveniently demands consideration of tolerances on both quantities and processes, and the interaction among these tolerances.
A Two-Dimensional Corotational Beam Formulation Based on the Local Frame of Special Euclidean Group SE(2)
Authors: You Pu , Liu Zhuyong , Ma Ziqi
Published: March 2023

The corotational frame method is widely used in the simulation of flexible multibody dynamics. Its core idea is to separate the rigid motion from the flexible deformation so that it can make fully exploit a large number of excellent local finite elements. The essence of the conventional corotational frame method is the projection relationship between the element frame and the global frame. This paper explores another coordinate projection method for two-dimensional (2D) corotational beam element. The projection relationship between the element frame and the local frame in the framework of Lie algebra se(2) has been proposed. Based on the description of SE(2), the formulation of corotational beam element and integration algorithm is presented. The local frame description greatly reduces the nonlinearity of the formula by eliminating the effect of the rigid body motion on the projection matrix, internal force and inertial force. Several examples of large deformation and large rotation are performed, and it is found that the step-size convergence and iterative efficiency of SE(2) description are improved compared with R3 description. Moreover, some examples are used given to verify that the frame invariance brought by SE(2) is valuable for improving computing efficiency. The presented transformation method can easily extend to other 2D elements.
Sustainable Heating Solutions
Authors: Harper Nicole
Published: March 2023

This project's purpose was to look at the LPG boilers on campus and find a low carbon solution which will in turn help the  University of Otago to reach their goal of net zero by 2030.
This tackles the problem of climate change by reducing the emissions that are associated with the LPG boilers and the problems associated with it are becoming more and more apparent each day. This project is helping the University of Otago decrease its impact on the environment by reducing the amount of LPG emissions by 36%. To do this I have found a more sustainable solution to the LPG boiler by choosing electrification instead. Electrification allows us to decrease carbon emissions with the electricity used in New Zealand today which consists of 80% renewable energy sources.The data from previous years showed that consumption of LPG is much greater than what was expected due to a last min change in the building. Thus, my job is to research the best option for an LPG boiler replacement in the Eccles building as now the  building has been operating for long enough that it is now known what the changes are, as well as the resources now becoming available for this project to be undertaken.By looking at the requirements of the building, I was able to see which energy sources were appropriate and was able to find the right size energy source that the Eccles building needed to install. I was able to collaborate with the Department of Physics, Sustainability Office and Property services to get the relevant information needed which allowed me to make an informed decision on what the best outcome would be.
The Key impact of this research was to implement new alternative will reduce emissions at Otago University so they can achieve their goal of being net zero by 2030.
Supervised by: Dr Arjan Abeynaike (Physics Department) & Craig Cliff (sustainability Office), Univerity of OtagoScholarship funded by: Te Ngaru Paewhenua scholarship
Editorial Student Voice
Authors: Arnott Gabby
Published: March 2023

Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds is a journal that embraces the unknown and encourages resolution-based exploration into topics such as the climate-focused challenges Aotearoa is facing today. This issue captures both lived and perceived experiences of students at Te Whare Wānanga o Otākou, and offers us a hand to collaborate in issues that not only affect us now, but will for years to come.
Climate change is affecting everyone. For our generation and those to follow, an anxiousness has settled within our community surrounding our current trajectory towards an unsustainable and damaging future. Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds has provided a space for students to participate in these complex conversations, and by doing so, has inspired us to envision one very important thing: we can be the tailwinds towards climate solutions. This journal has also embraced a variety of academic backgrounds; this has allowed for no limit of student participation, and supports the notion that we all have a role in this journey with our respective experiences and knowledge.
Toitū te Taiao ki Te Whare Wānanga o Otākou (the University of Otago's Sustainability Office) has been the heartbeat of these kōrero, and we have experienced enormous support and unity working alongside one another under the uplifting and encouraging guidance of the Sustainability Office team. These reports have required collaboration both within the office and with those in the community, and I think this is reflective of how we should be embracing any challenges that come our way as we progress towards our sustainability goals.
To the Toitū te Taiao whanaū, tēnā rawa atu koutou for your energising passion, your patience, your guidance, and for providing us with this amazing opportunity that Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds has become.
To fellow and future interns, embrace the unknown and don’t hesitate for one second in knowing that every single one of you is important in this journey.
Nā to rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
Kia ora rawa atu,
Gabby Arnott
2022/23 Student Lead
Insights and Recommendations from the 2022 University of Otago Staff Travel Survey
Authors: McLean Toby
Published: March 2023

The 2022 University Staff Travel Survey at the University of Otago was analysed to describe staff's commuting habits and explore the potential for mode shift. Reducing travel emissions through mode shift of staff's travel is part of the University of Otago’s plan to achieve net carbon zero by 2030. Still, staff travel behaviour, and its driving factors need to be understood before effective interventions and policies can be developed. This report analyses responses from 968 staff based on the Dunedin campus and surrounding facilities. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were generated for variables of interest. Travelling alone in a private vehicle was the most common mode for staff to travel to work by, followed by travelling in a private vehicle with others, and then walking/travelling on foot. This appeared to vary across distance brackets and suburb groups. The most common reasons for mode choice were convenience, speed, the need to transport others, and cost. Different modes were associated with different most common reasons. Some areas of potential mode shift were identified. However, further research is needed to quantify the potential for mode shift. In addition to analysing the 2022 staff travel survey, recommendations for future surveys were provided.
Supervised by: Dr Vanessa Beanland & Associate Professor Rebecca McLeanScholarship funded by: Sustainability Office/Transport Research Network
A new and morphologically unusual Cheiroseius mite (Acari: Blattisociidae) found in association with tree sap, with a key to the congeneric species of the Slovak fauna
Authors: Mašán Peter
Published: March 2023

A new blattisociid mite, Cheiroseius arboricola sp. nov. was described based on females found in tree crevices of old oak (Quercus sp.) heavily soaked with xylem sap in southwestern Slovakia. The new species differs from most other known relatives mainly by the absence of a well-developed poststigmatic projection of the peritreme, the presence of only one pair of preanal setae (JV2) on the relatively small ventrianal shield, and the specific organization of some gnathosomal structures. A dichotomous identification key is presented for the females of thirteen species of Cheiroseius occurring in Slovakia, including the firstly reported species Cheiroseius furcatus Karg and Cheiroseius laelaptoides (Berlese).
The SWAP imposter: Bidirectional quantum teleportation and its performance
Authors: Siddiqui Aliza U. , Wilde Mark M.
Published: March 2023

Bidirectional quantum teleportation is a fundamental protocol for exchanging quantum information between two parties. Specifically, two individuals make use of a shared resource state as well as local operations and classical communication (LOCC) to swap quantum states. In this work, we concisely highlight the contributions of our companion paper [A. U. Siddiqui and M. M. Wilde, arXiv:2010.07905 (2020)]. We develop two different ways of quantifying the error of nonideal bidirectional teleportation by means of the normalized diamond distance and the channel infidelity. We then establish that the values given by both metrics are equal for this task. Additionally, by relaxing the set of operations allowed from LOCC to those that completely preserve the positivity of the partial transpose, we obtain semidefinite programing lower bounds on the error of nonideal bidirectional teleportation. We evaluate these bounds for some key examples—isotropic states and when there is no resource state at all. In both cases, we find an analytical solution. The second example establishes a benchmark for classical versus quantum bidirectional teleportation. Another example that we investigate consists of two Bell states that have been sent through a generalized amplitude damping channel. For this scenario, we find an analytical expression for the error, as well as a numerical solution that agrees with the former up to numerical precision.
Metabolic Performance and Fate of Electrons during Nitrate-Reducing Fe(II) Oxidation by the Autotrophic Enrichment Culture KS Grown at Different Initial Fe/N Ratios
Authors: Huang Jianrong , Mellage Adrian , Garcia Julian Pavon , Glöckler David , Mahler Susanne , Elsner Martin , Jakus Natalia , Mansor Muammar , Jiang Hongchen , Kappler Andreas
Published: March 2023

Autotrophic NRFeOx microorganisms that oxidize Fe(II), reduce nitrate, and produce biomass play a key role in carbon, iron, and nitrogen cycles in pH-neutral, anoxic environments. Electrons from Fe(II) oxidation are used for the reduction of both carbon dioxide and nitrate.
Diverse Mechanisms of Helicase Loading during DNA Replication Initiation in Bacteria
Authors: Blaine Helen C. , Simmons Lyle A. , Stallings Christina L.
Published: March 2023

Initiation of DNA replication is required for cell viability and passage of genetic information to the next generation. Studies in
Escherichia coli
and
Bacillus subtilis
have established
A
TPases
a
ssociated with diverse cellular
a
ctivities (AAA+) as essential proteins required for loading of the replicative helicase at replication origins.
Bat-Origin Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus Is Lethal to Neonatal Mice
Authors: Duan Yueyue , Yuan Cong , Suo Xuepeng , Li Yanhua , Shi Lei , Cao Liyan , Kong Xiangyu , Zhang Yu , Zheng Haixue , Wang Qi
Published: March 2023

SADS-CoV is the documented spillover of a bat coronavirus that causes severe disease in pigs. Pigs are in frequent contact with both humans and other animals and theoretically possess a greater chance, compared to many other species, of promoting cross-species viral transmission.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aspergillus ochraceus Strain DY1, a Lignin-Degrading Fungus Isolated from Wood Rot
Authors: Salam Menaka Devi , Nilza Namdol , Varma Ajit
Published: March 2023

Aspergillus
spp. are known for their lignin-degrading ability and also for the degradation of complex aromatic compounds. In this paper, we present the genome sequence of
Aspergillus ochraceus
strain DY1, which was isolated from rotten wood in a biodiversity park. The total genome size is 35,149,223 bp, including 13,910 hits of protein-encoding genes, with a GC content of 49.92%.
Phylogenetic Analysis and Virulence Characteristics of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST45 in China: a Hyper-Virulent Clone Associated with Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Wu Xiaocui , Shen Li , Rao Lulin , Wang Bingjie , Zhao Huilin , Zhang Jiao , Xiao Yanghua , Guo Yinjuan , Xu Yanlei , Chen Liang , Yu Fangyou
Published: March 2023

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
ST45 is epidemic worldwide. This study contributed to the awareness of the Chinese hyper-virulent MRSA ST45 strains and served as a timely reminder of its wide dissemination of clonotypes. Further, we provide novel insights for prevention from the perspective of bloodstream infections. ST45-SCC
mec
V is a clonotype deserving special attention in China, and we performed genetic and phenotypic analyses for the first time on it.
Fosfomycin Disk Diffusion Testing among Klebsiella pneumoniae Results in Frequent Inner Colonies and Categorical Disagreement Based on Conflicting Breakpoint Organization Recommendations
Authors: Bixby Morgan L. , Salay Jenna M. , Krueger Amanda R. , Mathers Amy J. , Hirsch Elizabeth B.
Published: March 2023

Fosfomycin susceptibility testing recommendations are complex. Both the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) recognize agar dilution as the reference method, but they also support disk diffusion as an approved method for
Escherichia coli
.
Functional Differentiation of Cyclins and Cyclin-Dependent Kinases in Giardia lamblia
Authors: Kim Juri , Park Eun-Ah , Shin Mee Young , Park Soon-Jung
Published: March 2023

Giardia lamblia
CDKs (GlCDKs) and their cognate cyclins have not yet been studied. In this study, the functional roles of GlCDK1 and GlCDK2 were distinguished using morpholino-mediated knockdown and coimmunoprecipitation. GlCDK1 with Glcyclin 3977 plays a role in flagellum formation as well as cell cycle control of
G. lamblia
, whereas GlCDK2 with Glcyclin 22394/6584 is involved in cell cycle control.
Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in People Living with HIV Who Presented with Interstitial Pneumonitis: an Emerging Challenge in the Era of Rapid Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Chen Kai-Hsiang , Liu Wang-Da , Sun Hsin-Yun , Lin Kuan-Yin , Hsieh Szu-Min , Sheng Wang-Huei , Chuang Yu-Chung , Huang Yu-Shan , Cheng Aristine , Hung Chien-Ching
Published: March 2023

Our study of PLWH who presented with IP mainly due to
Pneumocystis jirovecii
demonstrates that a high rate of paradoxical IRIS and a rapid decline of PVL with the initiation of ART, a CD4-to-CD8 ratio of <0.1 at baseline, and a short interval (<7 days) between the diagnosis of IP and the initiation of ART were associated with paradoxical IP-IRIS in PLWH. Paradoxical IP-IRIS was not associated with mortality or respiratory failure with heightened awareness among the HIV-treating physicians, rigorous investigations to exclude the possibilities of concomitant infections, or the malignancies and adverse effects of medications, including the cautious use of corticosteroids.
US public investment in development of mRNA covid-19 vaccines: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lalani Hussain S , Nagar Sarosh , Sarpatwari Ameet , Barenie Rachel E , Avorn Jerry , Rome Benjamin N , Kesselheim Aaron S
Published: March 2023

Objective

To estimate US public investment in the development of mRNA covid-19 vaccines.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Publicly funded science from January 1985 to March 2022.

Data sources

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Report Portfolio Online Reporting Tool Expenditures and Results (RePORTER) and other public databases. Government funded grants were scored as directly, indirectly, or not likely related to four key innovations underlying mRNA covid-19 vaccines—lipid nanoparticle, mRNA synthesis or modification, prefusion spike protein structure, and mRNA vaccine biotechnology—on the basis of principal investigator, project title, and abstract.

Main outcome measure

Direct public investment in research and vaccine development, stratified by the rationale, government funding agency, and pre-pandemic (1985-2019) versus pandemic (1 January 2020 to 31 March 2022).

Results

34 NIH funded research grants that were directly related to mRNA covid-19 vaccines were identified. These grants combined with other identified US government grants and contracts totaled $31.9bn (£26.3bn; €29.7bn), of which $337m was invested pre-pandemic. Pre-pandemic, the NIH invested $116m (35%) in basic and translational science related to mRNA vaccine technology, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) ($148m; 44%) and the Department of Defense ($72m; 21%) invested in vaccine development. After the pandemic started, $29.2bn (92%) of US public funds purchased vaccines, $2.2bn (7%) supported clinical trials, and $108m (<1%) supported manufacturing plus basic and translational science.

Conclusions

The US government invested at least $31.9bn to develop, produce, and purchase mRNA covid-19 vaccines, including sizeable investments in the three decades before the pandemic through March 2022. These public investments translated into millions of lives saved and were crucial in developing the mRNA vaccine technology that also has the potential to tackle future pandemics and to treat diseases beyond covid-19. To maximize overall health impact, policy makers should ensure equitable global access to publicly funded health technologies.
Assessment of seismic acceleration demands on nonstructural components in moderately ductile RC frame buildings designed according to NBC 2015
Authors: Sheikhzadeh Shayan Reza , Assi Rola
Published: March 2023

This paper presents an extensive investigation of the seismic demands on acceleration-sensitive nonstructural components (NSCs) attached to reinforced concrete moment-resisting frame buildings with limited ductility and designed according to the National Building Code of Canada. A total of four benchmark structures with varying heights are considered in this study. Linear and nonlinear time-history analyses were performed using artificial ground motions compatible with Montreal site Class C uniform hazard spectra having 2% and 10% probabilities of being exceeded in 50 years. Seismic acceleration demands on NSCs were evaluated by assessing the horizontal height factor Ax, the component dynamic amplification factor Ar, and the component force factor Sp compared with various building code provisions. The overall acceleration demands of NSCs are discussed, and a corresponding optimized Sp profile is proposed to improve the estimation of the seismic force demands on NSCs at the rooftops of buildings located in moderate seismic zones.
Dynamic segmentation of smartphone sensor-based pavement functional condition
Authors: Janani L. , Sunitha V. , Samson M.
Published: March 2023

Roads form a vital part of the infrastructure as it influences peoples’ lives directly in terms of connectivity as well as mobility. By using traditional methods for evaluating the pavement condition, the authorities spend a significant amount of resources. Automated techniques such as image processing and laser imaging systems can be adopted to overcome this issue. However, it needs complicated additions such as special lights and lasers that exponentially increases the surveying cost. In this explorative research, an effort was made to study the applicability and reliability of smartphone sensors in pavement functional condition monitoring. For efficient management of pavement for maintenance and rehabilitation activities, identifying the representative sections of these pavements would be more effective. A dynamic segmentation method is adopted to segment the smartphone-based pavement functional condition. The pavement was classified into five groups with 0–2, 2–4, 4–6, 6–10, and >10 m/km IRI values, as in Roughometer III.
Pig fetal skeletal muscle development is associated with genome-wide DNA hypomethylation and corresponding alterations in transcript and microRNA expression
Authors: Corbett R.J. , Ford L.M. , Raney N.E. , Grabowski J.M. , Ernst C.W.
Published: March 2023

Fetal myogenesis represents a critical period of porcine skeletal muscle development and requires coordinated expression of thousands of genes. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, drive transcriptional regulation during development; however, these processes are understudied in developing porcine tissues. We performed bisulfite sequencing to assess DNA methylation in pig longissimus dorsi muscle at 41- and 70-days gestation (dg), as well as RNA- and small RNA-sequencing to identify coordinated changes in methylation and expression between myogenic stages. We identified 45 739 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between stages, and the majority ( N = 34 232) were hypomethylated at 70 versus 41 dg. Integration of methylation and transcriptomic data revealed strong associations between differential gene methylation and expression. Differential miRNA methylation was significantly negatively correlated with abundance, and dynamic expression of assayed miRNAs persisted postnatally. Motif analysis revealed significant enrichment of myogenic regulatory factor motifs among hypomethylated regions, suggesting that DNA hypomethylation may function to increase accessibility of muscle-specific transcription factors. We show that developmental DMRs are enriched for GWAS SNPs for muscle- and meat-related traits, demonstrating the potential for epigenetic processes to influence phenotypic diversity. Our results enhance understanding of DNA methylation dynamics of porcine myogenesis and reveal putative cis-regulatory elements governed by epigenetic processes.
Full background decomposition of the CONUS experiment
Authors: Bonet H. , Bonhomme A. , Buck C. , Fülber K. , Hakenmüller J. , Hempfling J. , Heusser G. , Hugle T. , Lindner M. , Maneschg W. , Rink T. , Strecker H. , Wink R.
Published: March 2023

The CONUS experiment is searching for coherent elastic neutrino nucleus scattering of reactor anti-neutrinos with four low-energy threshold point-contact high-purity germanium spectrometers. Excellent background suppression within the region of interest below 1 keV (ionization energy) is absolutely necessary to enable signal detection. The collected data also make it possible to set limits on various models regarding beyond the standard model physics. These analyses benefit as well from the low background level of $$\sim $$
∼
10 d$$^{-1}$$

-
1

 kg$$^{-1}$$

-
1

below 1 keV and at higher energies. The low background level is achieved by employing a compact shell-like shield that was adapted to the most relevant background sources at the shallow depth location of the experiment: environmental gamma radiation and muon-induced secondaries. Overall, the compact CONUS shield including the active anticoincidence muon-veto reduces the background by more than four orders of magnitude. The remaining background is described with validated Monte Carlo simulations which include the detector response. It is the first time that a full background decomposition in germanium operated at a reactor site has been achieved. Next to the remaining muon-induced background, $$^{210}$$

210

Pb within the shield and cryostat end caps, cosmogenic activation and airborne radon are the most relevant background sources. The reactor-correlated background is negligible within the shield. The validated background model, together with the parameterization of the noise, is used as input to the likelihood analyses of the various physics cases.
Axial-vector and pseudoscalar tetraquarks $$[ud][{\overline{c}}{\overline{s}}]$$
Authors: Sundu H. , Agaev S. S. , Azizi K.
Published: March 2023

Spectroscopic parameters and widths of the fully open-flavor axial-vector and pseudoscalar tetraquarks $$X_{\textrm{AV}}$$

X
AV

and $$X_{\textrm{PS}}$$

X
PS

with content $$[ud][{\overline{c}}{\overline{s}}]$$

[
u
d
]

[

c
¯

s
¯

]

are calculated by means of the QCD sum rule methods. Masses and current couplings of $$X_{\textrm{AV}}$$

X
AV

and $$X_{\textrm{PS}}$$

X
PS

are found using two-point sum rule computations performed by taking into account various vacuum condensates up to dimension 10. The full width of the axial-vector state $$X_{\textrm{AV}}$$

X
AV

is evaluated by including into analysis S-wave decay modes $$X_{\textrm{AV}}\rightarrow D^{*}(2010)^{-}K^{+}$$

X
AV

→

D

∗

(
2010
)

-

K
+

, $${\overline{D}}^{*}(2007)^{0}K^{0}$$

D
¯

∗

(
2007
)

0

K
0

, $$D^{-}K^{*}(892)^{+}$$

D
-

K

∗

(
892
)

+

, and $${\overline{D}}^{0}K^{*}(892)^{0}$$

D
¯

0

K

∗

(
892
)

0

. In the case of $$X_{\textrm{PS}}$$

X
PS

, we consider S-wave decay $$X_{\textrm{PS}}\rightarrow {\overline{D}} _{0}^{*}(2300)^{0}K^{0}$$

X
PS

→

D
¯

0

∗

(
2300
)

0

K
0

, and P-wave processes $$X_{\textrm{PS}}\rightarrow D^{-}K^{*}(892)^{+}$$

X
PS

→

D
-

K

∗

(
892
)

+

and $$X_{\textrm{PS}}\rightarrow {\overline{D}} ^{0}K^{*}(892)^{0}$$

X
PS

→

D
¯

0

K

∗

(
892
)

0

. To determine partial widths of these decay modes, we employ the QCD light-cone sum rule method and soft-meson approximation, which are necessary to estimate strong couplings at tetraquark–meson–meson vertices $$X_{\textrm{AV}}D^{-}D^{*}(2010)^{-}K^{+} $$

X
AV

D
-

D

∗

(
2010
)

-

K
+

, etc. Our predictions for the mass $$m_{\textrm{AV}}=(2800 \pm 75)~\text {MeV}$$

m
AV

=

(
2800
±
75
)

MeV

and width $$\Gamma _{\textrm{AV}}=(58 \pm 10)~\text {MeV}$$

Γ
AV

=

(
58
±
10
)

MeV

of the tetraquark $$X_{ \textrm{AV}}$$

X
AV

, as well as results $$m_{\textrm{PS}}=(3000 \pm 60)~\text {MeV} $$

m
PS

=

(
3000
±
60
)

MeV

and $$\Gamma _{\textrm{PS}}=(65 \pm 12)~\text {MeV}$$

Γ
PS

=

(
65
±
12
)

MeV

for the same parameters of $$X_{\textrm{PS}}$$

X
PS

may be useful in future experimental studies of multiquark hadrons.
Covariant Wick rotation: action, entropy, and holonomies
Authors: Singh Raghvendra , Kothawala Dawood
Published: March 2023

Given an arbitrary Lorentzian metric $$g_{ab}$$

g

ab

and a nowhere vanishing, timelike vector field $$u^a$$

u
a

, one can construct a class of metrics $${\widehat{g}}_{ab}$$

g
^

ab

which have Euclidean signature in a specific domain, with a transition to Lorentzian regime occurring on some hypersurface $$\Sigma $$
Σ
orthogonal to $$u^a$$

u
a

. Geometry associated with $${{{\widehat{g}}}}_{ab}$$

g
^

ab

has been shown to yield some remarkable insights for classical and quantum gravity. In this work, we focus on studying the implications of this geometry for thermal effects in curved spacetimes and compare and contrast the results with those obtained through conventional Euclidean methods. We show that the expression for entropy computed using $${\widehat{g}}_{ab}$$

g
^

ab

for simple field theories and Lanczos–Lovelock actions differ from Wald entropy by additional terms depending on extrinsic curvature. We also compute the holonomy associated with loops lying partially or wholly in the Euclidean regime in terms of extrinsic curvature and acceleration and compare it with the well-known expression for temperature.
A Rubik's Cube Cryptosystem-based Authentication and Session Key Generation Model Driven in Blockchain Environment for IoT Security
Authors: Attkan Ankit , Ranga Virender , Ahlawat Priyanka
Published: March 2023

Over the past decade, IoT has gained huge momentum in terms of technological exploration, integration, and its various applications even after having a resource-bound architecture. It is challenging to run any high-end security protocol(s) on Edge devices. These devices are highly vulnerable toward numerous cyber-attacks. IoT network nodes need peer-to-peer security, which is possible if there exists proper mutual authentication among network devices. A secure session key needs to be established among source and destination nodes before sending the sensitive data. To generate these session keys, a strong cryptosystem is required to share parameters securely over a wireless network. In this article, we utilize a Rubik's cube puzzle-based cryptosystem to exchange parameters among peers and generate session key(s). Blockchain technology is incorporated in the proposed model to provide anonymity of token transactions, on the basis of which the network devices exchange services. A session key pool randomizer is used to avoid network probabilistic attacks. Our hybrid model is capable of generating secure session keys that can be used for mutual authentication and reliable data transferring tasks. Cyber-attacks resistance and performance results were verified using standard tools, which gave industry level promising results in terms of efficiency, light weightiness, and practical applications.
Kaempferol Reverses Acute Kidney Injury in Septic Model by Inhibiting NF-κB/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Dagui , Ma Senlin , Ye Wangzheng , Wang Wenwen , Sun Da , Shang Fusheng , Lin Lili
Published: March 2023

Sepsis is the main cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), mainly due to systemic immune dysregulation. Kaempferol (KAE) is a natural flavonoid compound with multiple biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties. In this study, we constructed a sepsis-induced AKI mouse model and an LPS-induced glomerular mesangial cell (HK-2) in vitro sepsis AKI model. We found that KAE ameliorated sepsis-induced renal pathological damage, reversed renal function damage, and inhibited p-p65 and p-AKT protein expression. In addition, KAE reversed LPS-induced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in HK-2 cells. These studies suggest that KAE reverses sepsis by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB/AKT pathway to reverse acute kidney injury.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Phantom Limb Pain: A Case Series
Authors: Pagan-Rosado Robert , Smith Brandon J. , Smither Fantley C. , Pingree Matthew J. , D’Souza Ryan S.
Published: March 2023

This case series aims to highlight the efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) in the treatment of phantom limb pain, as well as provide an alternative method for the treatment of this pain syndrome. In this report, we describe three amputee patients with severe phantom limb pain who obtained substantial analgesia and improvement in physical functionality after implantation of a temporary PNS device. Future studies should assess predictors of successful response or poor response to PNS therapy, such as mental health, environmental stressors, coping skills, and procedural factors. These factors may facilitate an individualized approach for each patient to ensure appropriate candidacy for PNS and better prognosis. Considering that patients in our cohort did not achieve long-lasting benefit after removal of temporary PNS, future research should assess if patients with phantom limb pain would benefit from permanent PNS, rather than temporary PNS.
Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes of Community-Acquired Pneumonia due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bahabri Ibrahim , Abdulaal Abdulaziz , Alanazi Thamer , Alenazy Sultan , Alrumih Yasser , Alqahtani Rakan , Al Johani Sameera , Bosaeed Mohammad , Al-Dorzi Hasan M.
Published: March 2023

Background. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a well-known cause of bronchiolitis in children, can cause community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults, but this condition is not well studied. Hence, we described the characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized for CAP due to RSV. Methods. This was a retrospective study of patients admitted to a tertiary-care hospital between 2016 and 2019 with CAP due to RSV diagnosed by a respiratory multiplex PCR within 48 hours of admission. We compared patients who required ICU admission to those who did not. Results. Eighty adult patients were hospitalized with CAP due to RSV (median age 69.0 years, hypertension 65.0%, diabetes 58.8%, chronic respiratory disease 52.5%, and immunosuppression 17.5%); 19 (23.8%) patients required ICU admission. The median pneumonia severity index score was 120.5 (140.0 for ICU and 102.0 for non-ICU patients;

p
=
0.09

). Bacterial coinfection was rare (10.0%). Patients who required ICU admission had more hypotension (systolic blood

pressure
<
90

 mmHg) and a higher prevalence of bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray (CXR) (89.5% versus 32.7%;

p
<
0.001

). Systemic corticosteroids were used in 57.3% of patients (median initial dose was 40 mg of prednisone equivalent) with ICU patients receiving a higher dose compared to non-ICU patients (

p
=
0.02

). Most (68.4%) ICU patients received mechanical ventilation (median duration of 4 days). The overall hospital mortality was 8.8% (higher for ICU patients: 31.6% versus 1.6%,

p
<
0.001

). Conclusions. Most patients with CAP due to RSV were elderly and had significant comorbidities. ICU admission was required in almost one in four patients and was associated with higher mortality.
Bifid Mandibular Canal: A Proportional Meta-Analysis of Computed Tomography Studies
Authors: Aung Nyan Min , Myint Kyaw Kyaw
Published: March 2023

Introduction. Growing body of evidences showed different grades in prevalence of bifid mandibular canals. Because the previous reviews focused solely on patient-level occurrence, hemi-mandible-level prevalence, bilateral symmetry, length, and diameter of bifid mandibular canals were required to be estimated collectively. The research question of this meta-analysis was “What is the prevalence of bifid mandibular canal among patients seeking computed tomography examinations”? Materials and Methods. In vivo, computed tomography, and cross-sectional studies were eligible. Studies, with less than 100 subjects or anatomic site restriction or controlled class of bifid mandibular canal, were excluded. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies was used to assess methodological quality of all included studies. Random effect meta-analyses for proportion of bifid mandibular canal were done. Results. 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies were selected for both systematic review and meta-analyses. Totally, 17714 patients and 31973 hemi-mandibles were included. All eligible studies showed moderate risk of bias on average. Resulting from the random effect model, more than 20% of patients seeking computed tomographic examinations had bifid mandibular canals (BMCs) which penetrated into slightly more than 14% of hemi-mandibles. Of the patients having bifid mandibular canals (BMCs), nearly 23% exhibited such anatomy on both sides of their mandibles. Estimated mean length and diameter of the accessory canals of bifid mandibular canals were 12.17 mm and 1.54 mm, respectively. Conclusion. The geographical locations, classifications, reliability test, and voxel size of computed tomography were all implicated in the prevalence of bifid mandibular canals along with gender and laterality, although considerable heterogeneity and bias were detected.