bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical conductivity: A simple and sensitive method to determine emulsifying capacity of proteins
Authors: Guo Anqi , Xiong Youling L.
Published: October 2021

Emulsifying capacity (EC) of proteins is a benchmark standard widely used to evaluate the quality of protein ingredients in emulsion foods. EC (mL of oil emulsified per g of protein) is usually measured by a sudden drop in electrical resistance (phase transition) with the continuous addition of oil to a specific protein solution. However, little is known about electrochemical mechanisms behind this process because resistance, measured with an ohmmeter, is not sensitive enough to monitor changes in the concentration of protein electrolytes. Here, pea (PPI), myofibrillar (MPI), and whey (WPI) protein isolates were vigorously homogenized with oil at a series of oil/protein ratios to prepare emulsions with different final protein concentrations. The conductivity was closely monitored using a conductivity meter. A linear relationship was discovered between conductivity and the final protein concentrations. At higher oil fractions, the migration of proteins from the aqueous phase to the oil–water interface limited protein mobility, leading to a conductivity drop. EC was calculated from the regression lines; when the starting protein concentration was raised from 0.5% to 2.0%, the EC of PPI, MPI, and WPI decreased from 717, 782, 1339 to 219, 303, and 540 mL oil/g protein, respectively. The dependence of EC on the initial protein concentration and the sensitivity of conductivity to the depleting protein electrolytes suggest that protein concentration is an important factor to consider when determining EC for a given protein or comparing EC among different proteins.

Practical Application

The simple and sensitive electrical conductivity test described in this paper allows for the accurate determination of emulsifying capacity of proteins. It may be adopted by the food industry to compare the emulsifying properties of different protein ingredients.
Potential distribution and biosecurity risks from three economically important plant‐parasitic nematodes
Authors: Singh Sunil K. , Kriticos Darren J. , Ota Noboru , Hodda Mike
Published: October 2021

The plant‐parasitic nematodes (PPNs), Heterodera zeae, Hirschmanniella oryzae and Meloidogyne graminicola, are economically important pests of major grain crops. Each of these species is still absent from the majority of countries, so there is great concern about their spread. However, the areas particularly at risk of invasion and the potential global distributions of these nematode pests are yet to be identified. This paper identifies these areas, together with the main factors that could facilitate establishment in new areas using CLIMEX models. Parameterised using published studies of species phenology and global species distributions, the models correctly identified the areas invaded recently by M. graminicola and H. zeae. The vast majority of the areas of the world under wheat, rice and maize were identified as suitable for the nematodes. The nematodes are not yet established in many of these areas, suggesting that biosecurity measures may be particularly warranted to prevent the spread of these species to the new suitable areas identified. Intensive cropping systems under irrigation were identified as being at much greater risk than rain‐fed cropping systems. The potential detrimental effects from introduction and local spread of PPNs in irrigation water could undermine suggested potential gains from using irrigation to increase world food production and meet increasing demand. These results mean that biosecurity measures for PPNs are justified.
Effectiveness of offering tailored text message, self‐help smoking cessation support to pregnant women who want information on stopping smoking: MiQuit3 randomised controlled trial and meta‐analysis
Authors: Coleman Tim , Clark Miranda , Welch Charlie , Whitemore Rachel , Leonardi‐Bee Jo , Cooper Sue , Hewitt Catherine , Jones Matthew , Sutton Stephen , Watson Judith , Daykin Karen , Ussher Michael , Parrott Steve , Naughton Felix
Published: October 2021

Aims

To test the efficacy of ‘MiQuit’, a tailored, self‐help, text message stop smoking programme for pregnancy, as an adjunct to usual care (UC) for smoking cessation in pregnancy.

Design

Multicentre, open, two‐arm, parallel‐group, superiority randomised controlled trial (RCT) and a trial sequential analysis (TSA) meta‐analysis combining trial findings with two previous ones.

Setting

Twenty‐four English hospital antenatal clinics.

Participants

A total of 1002 pregnant women who were ≥16 years old, were ≤25 weeks gestation and smoked ≥1 daily cigarette and accepted information on cessation with no requirement to set quit dates.

Interventions

UC or UC plus ‘MiQuit’: 12 weeks of tailored, smoking cessation text messages focussed on inducing and aiding cessation.

Measurements

Primary outcome: biochemically validated cessation between 4 weeks after randomisation and late pregnancy. Secondary outcomes: shorter and non‐validated abstinence periods, pregnancy outcomes and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios.

Findings

RCT: cessation was 5.19% (26/501) and 4.59% (23/501) in MiQuit and UC groups (adjusted odds ratio [adj OR] for quitting with MiQuit versus UC, 95% CI = 1.15 [0.65–2.04]); other abstinence findings were similar, with higher point estimates. Primary outcome ascertainment was 61.7% (309) and 67.3% (337) in MiQuit and UC groups with 71.1% (54/76) and 69.5% (41/59) abstinence validation rates, respectively. Pregnancy outcomes were similar and the incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life year was −£1118 (95% CI = −£4806–£1911). More MiQuit group women reported making at least one quit attempt (adj OR [95% CI]) for making an attempt, 1.50 (1.07–2.09). TSA meta‐analysis: this found no significant difference in prolonged abstinence between MiQuit and UC (pooled OR = 1.49, adjusted 95% CI = 0.62–3.60).

Conclusions

Irrespective of whether they want to try quitting, when offered a tailored, self‐help, text message stop smoking programme for pregnancy (MiQuit) as an adjunct to usual care, pregnant women are not more likely to stop smoking until childbirth but they report more attempts at stopping smoking.
Staged laparotomy for acute non‐traumatic intra‐abdominal emergencies in a tertiary South African unit
Authors: Smith Michelle T. D. , Clarke Damian L.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Patients undergoing laparotomy for emergency general surgery (EGS) have poor outcomes. Attempts have been made to improve these outcomes by adopting damage control principles known to benefit polytraumatized patients. Studies describing the use of staged laparotomy (SL) in EGS have been modest in size and heterogenous. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with SL at a tertiary hospital in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa.

Methods

The Hybrid Electronic Medical Registry (HEMR) at Greys Hospital was interrogated for all consecutive admissions undergoing staged EGS laparotomy. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed.

Results

From 2012 to 2018, 242 patients (16.5% of all EGS laparotomies) underwent SL for an EGS condition. The median patient age was 38 years old (IQR 27–56 years). Physiological indications were present in 125 patients (51.7%) and non‐physiological indications (NPI) in 117 (48.3%). Haemodynamic instability was the most common physiological indication (51; 21.1%) and gross contamination was the most non‐physiological indication (91; 37.6%). Adverse event and mortality rates were 84.8% and 26.9%, respectively. Independent predictors of mortality were enteric breach (OR3.9; 95% CI (2.1–7.8)), physiological indication (OR 2.1; 95% CI (1.1–3.7)) and anastomosis (OR 2.0; 1.05–3.73). “Clip and drop” did not contribute to mortality (P = 0.43; OR1.34 (0.64–2.7)). Mortality was higher in the group without repeat laparotomy. Mortality rate was not associated with increasing number of relaparotomies.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing EGS laparotomy form a high‐risk group. “Clip and drop” approach and number of relaparotomies were not associated with mortality. Indications and components of this approach need to be standardized.
Slope threshold for overland flow resistance on sandy soils
Authors: Nicosia Alessio , Guida Gaetano , Di Stefano Costanza , Pampalone Vincenzo , Ferro Vito
Published: October 2021

Recent research on rill flows recognised that an 18% slope can be used to distinguish between ‘gentle’ and ‘steep’ slope cases for the detected differences in hydraulic (flow depth and velocity) and sediment transport variables (flow transport capacity, actual sediment load). The effects of slope on flow velocity, friction factor and transport capacity and their interactions affect process‐based erosion modelling. The main aim of this paper is to investigate, for the first time, how slope affects the overland flow resistance on sandy soils, which are characterised by loose particles readily available to be transported and deposited. Using literature measurements carried out in sandy soils for both gentle and steep slopes, a theoretical overland flow resistance equation, based on the integration of the power velocity distribution, is tested. The relationship between the velocity profile parameter Γ, the channel slope, the Reynolds and Froude number is calibrated using measurements characterized by a wide range of hydraulic conditions and distinguishing between gentle (5.2%–13.2%) and steep (17.4%–42.3%) slope conditions. The analysis demonstrated that: (1) the parameter Γ can be accurately estimated by Equation (15) in which the exponents are independent of slope condition; (2) the coefficient a of Equation (15) is equal to 0.8750 and 0.8984 for the gentle and steep slope condition, respectively; (3) the estimations of the Darcy–Weisbach friction factor f (Equation 19) are accurate and characterised by errors less than or equal to ±5% for 97.2% of cases; and (4) in the range of steep slopes, the flow resistance law calibrated for the gentle slope condition (Equation (19) with a = 0.8750) systematically overestimates the f value. In conclusion, this study allowed the recognition, for an unlimited soil detachment condition and an overland flow, of how the energy dissipation processes and the estimate of the friction factor are affected by slope.

Highlights

A theoretical overland flow resistance law is tested by data obtained on sandy soils.

Differences between gentle and steep slope conditions are investigated.

The Darcy–Weisbach friction factor estimate by the flow resistance law is accurate.

The law calibrated for gentle slopes overestimates f in the range of steep slopes.
Establishing diagnostic criteria for mastocytosis in skin biopsies
Authors: Drabent Philippe , Polivka Laura , Agopian Julie , Duong Van Huyen Jean‐Paul , Thiebaut Pierre‐Alain , Dubreuil Patrice , Hermine Olivier , Molina Thierry Jo , Fraitag Sylvie
Published: October 2021

Aims

The diagnosis of mastocytosis in skin biopsies can be challenging ‐ particularly in cases with very few mast cells. More diagnostic criteria are needed.

Methods and results

We analyzed 103 skin biopsies from patients with mastocytosis and compared them with biopsies from inflammatory skin lesions and normal skin. Using CD117 immunostaining, we determined the mast cell distribution pattern, the percentage of mast cells in the inflammatory infiltrate, and the mast cell count per mm². We found that a sheet‐like or subepidermal distribution of mast cells was specific for mastocytosis. The most significant feature was the percentage of mast cells and not the mast cell count. We found that a mast cell percentage above 40% was fully specific in both adults and children but lacked sensitivity, especially in adults. In children, all cases with a percentage below 40% harbored a number of mast cells above 90 per mm², allowing a straightforward diagnosis. In adults, the diagnosis was more challenging and cases with less than 40% of mast cells could be diagnosed on account of a number of mast cells above 40 per mm², with 88.5% sensitivity and 95.2% specificity. Additional signs might be useful in difficult cases. However, CD25 immunostaining was not useful.

Conclusions

We confirmed that the criteria currently applied in the bone marrow were not appropriate for the skin. Accordingly, we developed an algorithm for the diagnosis of mastocytosis in skin biopsies with a high level of interrater reproducibility (mean kappa 0.8).
The dangers of human papillomavirus (HPV) laser plume and best safety practices
Authors: Stetkevich Samuel A. , Burkhart Craig G.
Published: October 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV) remains to be one of the most common viruses that afflicts the skin and mucosa. Direct contact with cutaneous lesions facilitates a majority of viral transmission. However, the development of laser therapy as treatment for HPV brought to attention the concern of infectious laser plume and the risk it poses to those inhaling it. We conducted a literature review using English articles in PubMed to validate this risk and propose the best safety practices dermatologists can apply when using laser therapy as treatment for HPV. Our investigation identified smoke evacuators as primary modes of mitigation, and we suggest further studies will aid in the refinement of best practice recommendations.
Diffusing Innovation and Motivating Change: Adopting a Student‐Led and Whole‐School Approach to Mental Health Promotion
Authors: Wong Anna , Szeto Samantha , Lung Daniel W. M. , Yip Paul S. F.
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Research suggests that a whole‐school approach to mental health promotion can be more effective than a compartmentalized approach. In particular, student‐led initiatives have demonstrated a positive impact on students' mental health, though not without systemic and individual barriers. Factors that lead to successful implementation and sustaining of student‐led initiatives are currently not well understood.

METHODS

A case study is presented to demonstrate how a student‐led intervention came about, inspired changes in the school organization and members, and transformed the school's approach to mental health promotion. Analysis of in‐depth interviews with student leaders and adult advisors was informed by theories of innovation diffusion and human motivation.

RESULTS

Key factors and mechanisms of change were identified for the initiation, transformation, and institutionalization stages of the student‐led initiative. Changes in students' identity and adult advisors' mindset were found to be integral to the successful conversion to a whole‐school approach in mental health promotion.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the value of mobilizing the student body as an active resource in promoting mental health in school and the importance of input from school management, advisors, and intervention expert. Recommendations on how to implement a student‐led initiative and sustain the positive changes are given.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*01:213 allele by next‐generation sequencing in a Chinese family
Authors: Zou Hong‐Yan , Chen Hao , Xiong Wen
Published: October 2021

C*01:213 differs from C*01:02:01:01 by one nucleotide change at nucleotide 655 in exon 4 from T to G.
Turbulent Heat Transfer Characteristics of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide for a Vertically Upward Flow in a Pipe Using Computational Fluid Dynamics and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: K S Rajendra Prasad , V Krishna , Bharadwaj M Sachin , Ponangi Babu Rao
Published: October 2021

Modeling of turbulence heat transfer for supercritical fluids, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, is always challenging due to the drastic property variations near the critical point. The use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) along with numerical methods has shown promising results in predicting heat transfer coefficients of heat exchangers. In this study, the accuracy of four different turbulent models available in the commercial CFD software—ansysfluent is investigated against the available experimental results. The k–ε Re-normalization group (RNG) model, with enhanced wall treatment, is found to be the best-suited turbulence model. Further, K–ε RNG turbulence model is used in CFD for parametric analysis to generate the data for ANN studies. A total of 1,34,698 data samples was generated and fed into the ANN program to develop an equation that can predict the heat transfer coefficient. It was found that, for the considered range of values, the absolute average relative deviation is 3.49%.
Review: Change-of-Phase in an Extended Meniscus 2020 Max Jakob Memorial Award Paper
Authors: Wayner Peter C. , Plawsky Joel L.
Published: October 2021

The extended meniscus and the intermolecular and capillary forces that govern its behavior and connection to change-of-phase heat transfer have been the subject of an increasing body of research over the past 50 years. We have been fortunate to be at the forefront of this effort starting from the development of a capillary feeder, in Earth's gravity, to stabilize film boiling to running a series of transparent heat pipe experiments aboard the International space station hoping to better understand the role of intermolecular forces in microgravity. The use of ellipsometry and interferometry to highlight the location and state of the vapor–liquid interface have been key to these studies and have helped to uncover many new, interesting, and sometimes unexpected phenomena associated with fluid flow and change-of-phase heat transfer.
Time–frequency representation with variant array of frequency-domain Prony estimators
Authors: Ando Shigeru
Published: October 2021

The frequency-domain Prony method (FDPM) [Ando, IEEE Trans. Signal Process. 68, 3461–3470 (2020)] provides a novel and exact short-time, frequency-decomposed scheme for autoregressive model identification and sinusoidal parameter estimation with a superior statistical performance. By using it as localized estimation elements, we construct the time–frequency representation (TFR) of signals as the frequency-reassigned map of the damped sinusoidal parameters of their components. The FDPM for both single and multiple sinusoids is based on a small number of windowless Fourier coefficients of sampled sequence. Thus, a unified and flexible construction of resolution and decomposition structures including linear and log-linear frequency arrays and their combination is possible, and dense analysis along the time axis can be implemented without a significant increase in computational cost. Conditions for constructing the frequency-variant arrays are formulated. Two cooperative behaviors in the TFR are considered to find stable traces of frequencies and rapidly time-varying incidences and components. Several experiments are shown to confirm extended features and performances of the proposed TFR using musical, speech, and natural sound signals.
Guided ecological momentary assessment in real and virtual sound environments
Authors: Mansour Naim , Westermann Adam , Marschall Marton , May Tobias , Dau Torsten , Buchholz Jörg
Published: October 2021

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) outcome measures can relate people's subjective auditory experience to their objective acoustical reality. While highly realistic, EMA data often contain considerable variability, such that it can be difficult to interpret the results with respect to differences in people's hearing ability. To address this challenge, a method for “guided” EMA is proposed and evaluated. Accompanied and instructed by a guide, normal-hearing participants carried out specific passive and active listening tasks inside a real-world public lunch scenario and answered EMA questionnaires related to aspects of spatial hearing, listening ability, quality, and effort. In situ speech and background noise levels were tracked, allowing the guided EMA task to be repeated inside two acoustically matched, loudspeaker-based laboratory environments: a 64-channel virtual sound environment (VSE) and a three-channel audiology clinic setup. Results showed that guided EMA provided consistent passive listening assessments across participants and conditions. During active listening, the clinic setup was found to be less challenging than the real-world and the VSE conditions. The proposed guided EMA approach may provide more focused real-world assessments and can be applied in realistic laboratory settings to aid the development of ecologically valid hearing testing.
From the Lesson Tee to the Course: A Naturalistic Investigation of Attentional Focus in Elite Golf
Authors: Orr Steven , Cruickshank Andrew , Carson Howie J.
Published: October 2021

While debate continues on “optimal” attentional focus, little empirical knowledge exists on the way that attention is operationalized across training and performance in elite golf. Accordingly, this study aimed to (a) explore the attentional foci promoted or used by coaches and players for different types of shots in training, plus their underpinning rationale and (b) explore the attentional foci promoted or used by coaches and players in competition, plus their underpinning rationale. Our findings revealed that (a) various foci were used across training and competition; (b) all players used different combinations of foci across training and competition, and within different aspects of training itself (e.g., short vs. long game); and (c) players often used alternative or additional foci in training to those promoted by coaches, and self-generated foci for competition. These results highlight the complexity and practical reality that needs to underpin future advances in theory, research, and practice.
EU verdict on CRISPR crops dismays scientists
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: October 2021

Decision to tightly regulate gene-edited plants is a blow to biotech and science, critics say.
Giant polarization in super-tetragonal thin films through interphase strain
Authors: Zhang Linxing , Chen Jun , Fan Longlong , Diéguez Oswaldo , Cao Jiangli , Pan Zhao , Wang Yilin , Wang Jinguo , Kim Moon , Deng Shiqing , Wang Jiaou , Wang Huanhua , Deng Jinxia , Yu Ranbo , Scott James F. , Xing Xianran
Published: October 2021

An epitaxial route to strain

Strain can have a dramatic effect on the properties of materials. Zhanget al.introduced a large strain in the material PbTiO3by growing it epitaxially in a composite with PbO. On the boundaries between the two materials, their normally different lattice constants were matched, giving rise to the strain. As a consequence, the films exhibited a very large electric polarization even in the absence of an electric field. The method may be applicable to generating other functional materials.

Scence, this issue p.494
Probing new targets for movement disorders
Authors: Gittis Aryn
Published: October 2021

Genetic road maps pave the way to repairing basal ganglia function in Parkinson's disease
The Polar
Legionella
Icm/Dot T4SS Establishes Distinct Contact Sites with the Pathogen Vacuole Membrane
Authors: Böck Désirée , Hüsler Dario , Steiner Bernhard , Medeiros João M. , Welin Amanda , Radomska Katarzyna A. , Hardt Wolf-Dietrich , Pilhofer Martin , Hilbi Hubert
Published: October 2021

Legionnaires’ disease is a life-threatening pneumonia, which is characterized by high fever, coughing, shortness of breath, muscle pains, and headaches. The disease is caused by the amoeba-resistant bacterium
L. pneumophila
found in various soil and aquatic environments and is transmitted to humans via the inhalation of small bacteria-containing droplets.
Complement Potentiates Immune Sensing of HIV-1 and Early Type I Interferon Responses
Authors: Posch Wilfried , Bermejo-Jambrina Marta , Steger Marion , Witting Christina , Diem Gabriel , Hörtnagl Paul , Hackl Hubert , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Huber Lukas A. , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H. , Wilflingseder Doris
Published: October 2021

Importantly, our study highlights an unusual target on DCs—the α chain of complement receptor 4 (CR4) (CD11c)—for therapeutic interventions in HIV-1 treatment. Targeting CD11c on DCs mediated a potent antiviral immune response via clustering of CR4 and CCR5 and subsequent opening of an antiviral recognition pathway in DCs via MAVS.
Human Monoclonal Antibodies against NS1 Protein Protect against Lethal West Nile Virus Infection
Authors: Wessel Alex W. , Doyle Michael P. , Engdahl Taylor B. , Rodriguez Jessica , Crowe James E. , Diamond Michael S.
Published: October 2021

Therapeutic antibodies against flaviviruses often promote neutralization by targeting the envelope protein of the virion. However, this approach is hindered by a possible concern for antibody-dependent enhancement of infection and paradoxical worsening of disease.
DNA Replication-Transcription Conflicts Do Not Significantly Contribute to Spontaneous Mutations Due to Replication Errors in Escherichia coli
Authors: Foster Patricia L. , Niccum Brittany A. , Lee Heewook
Published: October 2021

Because DNA replication and transcription occur on the same DNA template, encounters between the two machines occur frequently. When these encounters are head-to-head, genomic disruption can occur.
Capsule Promotes Intracellular Survival and Vascular Endothelial Cell Translocation during Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
Authors: Brissac Terry , Martínez Eriel , Kruckow Katherine L. , Riegler Ashleigh N. , Ganaie Feroze , Im Hansol , Bakshi Sayan , Arroyo-Diaz Nicole M. , Spencer Brady L. , Saad Jamil S. , Nahm Moon H. , Orihuela Carlos J.
Published: October 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniae
(
Spn
) is the leading cause of invasive disease. Importantly, only a subset of the 100 capsule types carried by
Spn
cause the majority of serious infections, suggesting that the biochemical properties of capsular polysaccharide are directly tied to virulence.
Identification and Functional Analysis of Cytokine-Like Protein CLEC-47 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Pan Wen , Huang Xiaowen , Guo Zeyuan , Nagarajan Rekha , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: October 2021

A variety of effector proteins contribute to host defense in the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
. However, little is known about the exact function of these infection-related effectors beyond lytic enzymes and antimicrobial peptides and proteins.
Efflux Impacts Intracellular Accumulation Only in Actively Growing Bacterial Cells
Authors: Whittle Emily E. , McNeil Helen E. , Trampari Eleftheria , Webber Mark , Overton Tim W. , Blair Jessica M. A.
Published: October 2021

This study shows that efflux is important for maintaining low intracellular accumulation only in actively growing cells and that envelope permeability is the predominant factor in stationary-phase cells. This conclusion means that (i) antibiotics with intracellular targets may be less effective in complex infections with nongrowing or slow-growing bacteria, where intracellular accumulation may be low; (ii) efflux inhibitors may be successful in potentiating the activity of existing antibiotics, but potentially only for bacterial infections where cells are actively growing; and (iii) the remodeling of the cell envelope prior to stationary phase could provide novel drug targets.
Evaluation of the Effects of Library Preparation Procedure and Sample Characteristics on the Accuracy of Metagenomic Profiles
Authors: Gaulke Christopher A. , Schmeltzer Emily R. , Dasenko Mark , Tyler Brett M. , Vega Thurber Rebecca , Sharpton Thomas J.
Published: October 2021

Metagenomic library preparation methods and sequencing technologies continue to advance rapidly, allowing researchers to characterize microbial communities in previously underexplored environmental samples and systems. However, widely accepted standardized library preparation methods can be cost-prohibitive.
Using Cartesian Doubt To Build a Sequencing-Based View of Microbiology
Authors: Tierney Braden T. , Szymanski Erika , Henriksen James R. , Kostic Aleksandar D. , Patel Chirag J.
Published: October 2021

The technological leap of DNA sequencing generated a tension between modern metagenomics and historical microbiology. We are forcibly harmonizing the output of a modern tool with centuries of experimental knowledge derived from culture-based microbiology.
Expanding the Staphylococcus aureus SarA Regulon to Small RNAs
Authors: Oriol Charlotte , Cengher Liviu , Manna Adhar C. , Mauro Tony , Pinel-Marie Marie-Laure , Felden Brice , Cheung Ambrose , Rouillon Astrid
Published: October 2021

Staphylococcus aureus
, a commensal and opportunist pathogen, is responsible for a large number of human and animal infections, from benign to severe. Gene expression adaptation during infection requires a complex network of regulators, including transcriptional factors (TF) and sRNAs.
Exploring the Meta-regulon of the CRP/FNR Family of Global Transcriptional Regulators in a Partial-Nitritation Anammox Microbiome
Authors: Beach Natalie K. , Myers Kevin S. , Owen Brian R. , Seib Matt , Donohue Timothy J. , Noguera Daniel R.
Published: October 2021

Microbiomes are important contributors to many ecosystems, including ones where nutrient cycling is stimulated by aeration control. Optimizing cyclic aeration helps reduce energy needs and maximize microbiome performance during wastewater treatment; however, little is known about how most microbial community members respond to these alternating conditions.
Biogeochemistry Goes Viral: towards a Multifaceted Approach To Study Viruses and Biogeochemical Cycling
Authors: Tran Patricia Q. , Anantharaman Karthik
Published: October 2021

Viruses are ubiquitous on Earth and are keystone components of environments, ecosystems, and human health. Yet, viruses remain poorly studied because most cannot be isolated in a laboratory.
Exact black hole solutions with a conformally coupled scalar field and dynamic Ricci curvature in f(R) gravity theories
Authors: Karakasis Thanasis , Papantonopoulos Eleftherios , Tang Zi-Yu , Wang Bin
Published: October 2021

We report exact black hole solutions in asymptotically flat or (A)dS four-dimensional spacetime with a conformally coupled self-interacting scalar field in f(R) gravity. We first consider the asymptotically flat model $$f(R) = R -2\alpha \sqrt{R}$$

f

(
R
)

=
R
-
2
α

R

and derive an exact black hole solution. Then, we consider the asymptotically (A)dS model $$f(R) =R -2 \Lambda -2 \alpha \sqrt{R-4 \Lambda }$$

f

(
R
)

=
R
-
2
Λ
-
2
α

R
-
4
Λ

and derive an exact black hole solution. In both cases the modified gravity parameter $$\alpha $$
α
, which has the dimension of the inverse mass, cannot be set to zero and the self-interacting potential is determined from the Klein–Gordon equation, preserving the conformal invariance. The thermodynamics of the solutions is also studied.
Analytical study of two nonlinear Schrödinger equations via optical soliton solutions
Authors: Zafar Asim , Raheel Muhammad , Bekir Ahmet , Fahad Asfand , Qureshi Muhammad Imran
Published: October 2021

In this study, we investigate two nonlinear Schrödinger equations (NLSEs) which point out the evolution of disturbances in dynamics. The first one is the nonlinear Heisenberg ferromagnetic spin chain equation of (2+1)-dimensional and the second one is (1+1)-dimensional cubic NLSE that govern the dynamics of modulated compressional dispersive Alfvén (CDA) envelope. The ([Formula: see text]-expansion method is adopted to carry out this target in a straightforward way. A diversity of new hyperbolic and periodic solitary wave solutions are acquired. The obtained solutions with some constraint conditions show the validity and effectiveness of the method.
Stability analysis and Hopf bifurcation based on time delay neurons under electromagnetic fields
Authors: Wei Lixiang , Zhang Jiangang , An Xinlei , Nan Mengran , Qiao Shuai
Published: October 2021

Neurons contain a large number of ions inside and outside the cell, and the transmembrane currents formed by the movement of these ions cause membrane potential fluctuations and induce electromagnetism inside and outside the cell. In addition, any change in external electromagnetic fields can cause changes in the membrane potential of the neurons. Therefore, based on the three-dimensional Hindmarsh — Rose (HR) neuron model, a five-dimensional neuron model with time delay is developed in this paper by introducing flux and electric field variables and considering the resulting time delay. First, the Hopf bifurcation theory is used to demonstrate the local stability of the system at the equilibrium point at different time delays. Then, the stability of the Hopf bifurcation and its direction are proved by using the central flow shape theorem. Finally, the existence of the Hopf bifurcation is proved using the phase diagram and the bifurcation diagram, and the effects of several important parameters on the model are investigated by numerical simulations using time series plots, ISI bifurcation plots and two-parameter bifurcation plots. The model is found to be accompanied by chaotic and chaos-free plus-periodic bifurcation structures, mixed-mode discharges and other phenomena. Also, its discharge pattern can be controlled after adding time delay. The results of this paper provide help to the pathogenic mechanism and control of neurological diseases.
Variations in the optical properties of TiO2 with Pb doping using ab initio calculations
Authors: Khan Hamid , Iqbal Yaseen , Khan Matiullah , Ahmad S. N. , Zeng Yi
Published: October 2021

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most promising photocatalysts for photoelectrochemical applications due to its high chemical as well as photochemical stability. Its efficiency in practical applications is limited due to its wide bandgap, a high rate of recombination of electron–hole pairs and the weak photo-carriers separation efficiency. In this computational study, a path was followed to find out the redshift of the TiO2 light absorption edge via lead (Pb) doping. The density functional theory (DFT) results revealed that the doped TiO2 bandgap was decreased to the lower edge (2.1 eV) in the visible region resulting in a relatively better optical absorption of the material. Furthermore, doped TiO2 was found to absorb a large part of the solar spectrum. The improvement in optical absorption resulted in good photo response. The calculated results also showed a redshift in optical properties produced through the doping of Pb in TiO2.
Statistics of subgroups of the modular group
Authors: Bassino Frédérique , Nicaud Cyril , Weil Pascal
Published: October 2021

We count the finitely generated subgroups of the modular group [Formula: see text]. More precisely, each such subgroup [Formula: see text] can be represented by its Stallings graph [Formula: see text], we consider the number of vertices of [Formula: see text] to be the size of [Formula: see text] and we count the subgroups of size [Formula: see text]. Since an index [Formula: see text] subgroup has size [Formula: see text], our results generalize the known results on the enumeration of the finite index subgroups of [Formula: see text]. We give asymptotic equivalents for the number of finitely generated subgroups of [Formula: see text], as well as of the number of finite index subgroups, free subgroups and free finite index subgroups. We also give the expected value of the isomorphism type of a size [Formula: see text] subgroup and prove a large deviation statement concerning this value. Similar results are proved for finite index and for free subgroups. Finally, we show how to efficiently generate uniformly at random a size [Formula: see text] subgroup (respectively, finite index subgroup, free subgroup) of [Formula: see text].
Does the DM background affect the propagation of extragalactic neutrinos?
Authors: Colombi M. P. , Civitarese O. , Penacchioni A. V.
Published: October 2021

Neutrinos ([Formula: see text]) are produced in practically all extragalactic astrophysical processes. They can travel enormous distances from remote parts of the universe at velocities near the speed of light. The interaction of neutrinos with both galactic and extragalactic particles may shed light on the composition of these particles. Dark matter (DM) is perhaps the most favored candidate for such intra- and extragalactic media. In this paper, we study the interaction of neutrinos with cold leptonic DM at the relativistic level. We have calculated cross-sections for the [Formula: see text]–DM interactions by adopting different models for the DM distribution, in order to test DM properties.
EFFECTS OF HIDDEN OPINION MANIPULATION IN MICROBLOGGING PLATFORMS
Authors: BRAGHINI GIULIA , SALVARANI FRANCESCO
Published: October 2021

This paper studies a model for describing opinions’ evolution in a community linked by microblogging directed network systems. The network can evolve in time by means of the creation and the deletion of some connections. When a connexion is created, the individuals have access to the whole history of posts written by the corresponding author and, when a connexion is destroyed, all the posts written by the corresponding author become invisible. The agents’ opinions are described by a set of continuous opinion variables in the closed interval [Formula: see text]. They represent the agreement (or disagreement) of the corresponding agent with respect to a binary question (such as a referendum or an election with two candidates). The model takes into account the effects on public opinion caused by the sign and the intensity of the initial opinions of the agents, their activity in microblogging platforms the presence of leaders and the possible manipulations of the visibility of the posts by the microblogging platform owner. The model is written as a system of integro-differential equations and simulated by using a Runge–Kutta method. We show that hidden manipulation can have an important impact on the public opinion formation and that very mild interventions of the network owner may induce major effects on the population. In our simulations, the effect of hidden manipulation is shown to be more efficient in driving the public opinion than the action of a leader, in the case of bounded confidence models and for short-time intervals.
Alpha Skew Gaussian Naïve Bayes Classifier
Authors: Ara Anderson , Louzada Francisco
Published: October 2021

The main goal of this paper is to introduce a new procedure for a naïve Bayes classifier, namely alpha skew Gaussian naïve Bayes (ASGNB), which is based on a flexible generalization of the Gaussian distribution applied to continuous variables. As a direct advantage, this method can accommodate the possibility to handle with asymmetry in the uni or bimodal behavior. We provide the estimation procedure of this method, and we check the predictive performance when compared to other traditional classification methods using simulation studies and many real datasets with different application fields. The ASGNB is a powerful alternative to classification tasks when lie the presence of asymmetry of bimodality in the data and outperforms well when compared to other traditional classification methods in most of the cases analyzed.
Uncertain Circuit Equation
Authors: Liu Yang
Published: October 2021

Differential equation is a powerful tool for investigating the transient and steady-state solutions of electrical circuit in the time domain. By considering the noise in actual circuit system, this paper first presents an uncertain circuit equation, which is a type of differential equation driven by Liu process. Then the solution of uncertain circuit equation and the inverse uncertainty distribution of solution are derived. Following that, two applications of solution are provided as well. Based on the observations, the method of moments is used to estimate the unknown parameters in uncertain circuit equation. In addition, a paradox for stochastic circuit equation is also given.
Some refined Young type inequalities using different weights
Authors: Nasiri Leila , Askari Bahman
Published: October 2021

The Young type inequality asserts that if [Formula: see text] are two positive real numbers, then for each [Formula: see text], we have [Formula: see text] In this paper, we obtain some new inequalities using two different weights. For example, if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] In addition, we refine some matrix inequalities for Unitarily invariant norms by applying the deduced numerical inequalities.
Construction of irreducible polynomials over finite fields
Authors: Sharma P. L. , Ashima
Published: October 2021

Irreducible polynomials over finite fields and their applications have been quite well studied. Here, we discuss the construction of the irreducible polynomials of degree [Formula: see text] over the finite field [Formula: see text] for a given irreducible polynomial of degree [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we construct the irreducible polynomials of degree [Formula: see text] over the finite field [Formula: see text] for a given irreducible polynomial of degree [Formula: see text] by using the method of composition of polynomials with some conditions on coefficients and degree of a given irreducible polynomial.
Seven Compounds from Turmeric Essential Oil Inhibit Three Key Proteins Involved in SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry and Replication in silico
Authors: Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi , Jugreet Bibi Sharmeen , Zengin Gokhan , Lesetja Legoabe J. , Abdallah Hassan H. , Ezzat Mohammed Oday , Gallo Monica , Montesano Domenico
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Turmeric rhizome (Cucurma longa L.) has showed great potential as a traditional drug in folk medicine of several countries. In light of the prominent use of turmeric rhizome in treating both respiratory and viral diseases, we aimed to dock major compounds from the essential oil of turmeric against three key proteins involved in COVID-19 cell entry and replication. Methods: The essential oil of turmeric rhizome was obtained using a hydrodistillation technique, and the chemical characterization of the oil was investigated using GC-MS/GC-FID. Then, main compounds were docked with the key proteins of COVID-19. Results: A total of 26 components were identified in the essential oil extracted from the rhizomes via GC-MS/GC-FID. Seven dominant compounds (turmerone (31.4%), ar-turmerone (16.1%), turmerol (14.6%), terpinolene (11.0%), [Formula: see text]-zingiberene (5.2%), [Formula: see text]-sesquiphellandrene (4.8%), and [Formula: see text]-caryophyllene (3.5%)) were docked against COVID-19 main protease, papain-like protease (PLpro), spike protein and 3C-like protease (3CLpro), and the best inhibitor was picked according to the calculated binding affinity and non-bonding interactions with the protein active site. [Formula: see text]-sesquiphellandrene and [Formula: see text]-zingiberene showed highest besides the same binding affinity towards COVID-19 virus ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kcal/mol, respectively). [Formula: see text]-zingiberene was found to bind at the active site of the COVID-19 protein and interacted with different non-bonding interactions, while turmerol showed the highest affinity ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kcal/mol) against CLpro enzyme by binding with Met165, Leu141, Met49, Ser144, Cys145, and Glu166 residues. Conclusion: The essential oil of turmeric harbors a blend of potentially bioactive compounds that may be considered as a good target against COVID-19 virus and warrants further experimental studies.
Geochemistry of natural acid rock drainage in the Mt Evans area, Anaconda–Pintler Range, Montana, USA
Authors: Gammons C. H. , Doolittle M. F. , Eastman K. A. , Poulson S. R.
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates natural acid rock drainage in two streams draining either side of Mt Evans, Montana. Bedrock consists of pyrrhotite-bearing schist intruded by granitic dykes and plutons of Late Cretaceous to Tertiary age. The headwaters of both streams are moderately acidic (pH < 5.0) and carry elevated loads of dissolved sulfate, aluminum and other trace metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Zn) as well as rare earth elements (REEs). Copious aluminum precipitates inferred to be hydrobasaluminite coat boulders of both streams as pH rises > 5, with adsorption of copper and REEs. Concentrations and loads of dissolved sulfate and trace elements are anomalously high in a small tributary that is sourced by meltwater from a rock glacier. The S-isotope composition of dissolved sulfate in both watersheds is similar to that of pyrrhotite in the meta-sediments, but not molybdenite in late porphyry dykes. Calculations of sulfate flux (i.e. sulfate load divided by surface area) indicate a relatively fast rate of sulfide oxidation in the study area, possibly due to exposure of fresh bedrock in the steep and recently glaciated field area. Overall, the geochemistry of the site suggests the possible presence of a metamorphosed sedimentary–exhalative deposit, a possibility that is unlikely to be tested by drilling given the proximity of the site to a federal wilderness area.

Supplementary material:
All analytical data related to this project, additional maps and photographs, and selected results from geochemical modelling are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5649850

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Hydrochemistry related to exploration and environmental issues collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/hydrochemistry-related-to-exploration-and-environmental-issues
Director Deformations, Geometric Frustration, and Modulated Phases in Liquid Crystals
Authors: Selinger Jonathan V.
Published: October 2021

This article analyzes modulated phases in liquid crystals, from the long-established cholesteric and blue phases to the recently discovered twist-bend, splay-bend, and splay nematic phases, as well as the twist-grain-boundary (TGB) and helical nanofilament variations on smectic phases. The analysis uses the concept of four fundamental modes of director deformation: twist, bend, splay, and a fourth mode related to saddle-splay. Each mode is coupled to a specific type of molecular order: chirality, polarization perpendicular and parallel to the director, and octupolar order. When the liquid crystal develops one type of spontaneous order, the ideal local structure becomes nonuniform, with the corresponding director deformation. In general, the ideal local structure is frustrated; it cannot fill space. As a result, the liquid crystal must form a complex global phase, which may have a combination of deformation modes, and may have a periodic array of defects. Thus, the concept of an ideal local structure under geometric frustration provides a unified framework to understand the wide variety of modulated phases.
Infection-Related Myelopathies
Authors: Yeh E. Ann , Yea Carmen , Bitnun Ari
Published: October 2021

Recent years have seen growing attention to inflammatory and infectious disorders of the spinal cord, not only due to the discovery of autoantibody-mediated disorders of the spinal cord [e.g., aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG antibodies], but also due to the emergence of clusters of infection-related myelopathy, now known as acute flaccid myelitis. We review the spectrum of infection-related myelopathies and outline a nosological classification system based on association with infection. We describe the epidemiology and definitions of myelopathies, with a discussion of clinical presentation and neuroimaging features, and then turn to specific discussion of myelopathies due to direct pathogen invasion and those considered to be post- or parainfectious.