bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The total number and mass of SARS-CoV-2 virions
Authors: Sender Ron , Bar-On Yinon M. , Gleizer Shmuel , Bernshtein Biana , Flamholz Avi , Phillips Rob , Milo Ron
Published: June 2021

Significance

Knowing the absolute numbers of virions in an infection promotes better understanding of disease dynamics and response of the immune system. Here we use current knowledge on the concentrations of virions in infected individuals to estimate the total number and mass of SARS-CoV-2 virions in an infected person. Although each infected person carries an estimated 1 billion to 100 billion virions during peak infection, their total mass is no more than 0.1 mg. This curiously implies that all SARS-CoV-2 virions currently in all human hosts have a mass of between 100 g and 10 kg. Combining the known mutation rate and our estimate of the number of infectious virions, we quantify the formation rate of genetic variants.
Temporal integration of inductive cues on the way to gastrulation
Authors: McFann Sarah , Dutta Sayantan , Toettcher Jared E. , Shvartsman Stanislav Y.
Published: June 2021

Significance

In early development, cells commit to a single germ fate despite receiving multiple, conflicting inductive cues. Here, we examine how cells in the
Drosophila
embryo integrate promesodermal and proendodermal signals. We find that proendoderm signals repress transcriptional determinants of mesodermal cell movements during a critical time window in the early embryo. Based on precise optogenetic perturbations, live imaging, and computational modeling, our work provides a framework for quantitative understanding of combinatorial control of gastrulation dynamics.
The influence of the benchmark corpus on keyword analysis
Authors: Pojanapunya Punjaporn , Watson Todd Richard
Published: June 2021

The growing popularity of keyword analysis as an applied linguistics methodology has not been matched by an increase in
the rigour with which the method is applied. While several studies have investigated the impact of choices made at certain stages of the
keyword analysis process, the impact of the choice of benchmark corpus has largely been overlooked. In this paper, we compare a target
corpus with several benchmark corpora and show that the keywords generated are different. We also show that certain characteristics of the
keyword list and of the keywords themselves vary in relatively predictable ways depending on the benchmark corpus. These variations have
implications for the choice of benchmark corpus and how the results of a keyword analysis should be interpreted. Analyzing the keywords from
a comparison with a large general corpus or the keyword lists from multiple comparisons may be most appropriate for register studies.
Register variation in L1 and L2 student writing
Authors: Goulart Larissa
Published: June 2021

While there have been many studies describing L2 academic writing, most of these studies have used corpora of
first year or assessment writing (Crosthwaite 2016; Weigle & Friginal 2014). The
present study seeks to describe linguistic variation in L2 writing for content classes and to compare these linguistic patterns to
those found in L1 writing. A multi-dimensional (MD) analysis was conducted in two corpora, BAWE and BrAWE, extracting five
dimensions. The L2 corpus contained 379 texts written by Brazilian students doing part of their undergrad in the UK and the L1
corpus contained 395 texts from BAWE. The results of this study indicate that L1 and L2 writers use similar linguistic resources
to convey the purpose of university registers, with the exception of case studies, designs, exercises and research reports. This
linguistic variation between L1 and L2 writers might be explained by students’ interpretation of these registers’ communicative
purposes.
High-temperature properties of composite modified light-colored synthetic asphalt binders
Authors: Zhang Heng Cong , Wu Jianmin , Luo Yin , Qin Zhong
Published: June 2021

To analyze the impact of polymer modifiers on the high-temperature viscosity and rheological properties of light-colored synthetic asphalt binders. Aromatic oils, petroleum resins, and polymer modifiers were selected to prepare a light-colored synthetic modified asphalt binder by physical mixing. In this study, SBS plus EVA was used to modify the light-colored synthetic asphalt binders, and seven sets of samples were prepared. The modified light-colored synthetic asphalt binder’s basic engineering properties were measured through the three major index tests; the rotational viscosity test and DSR test measure its high-temperature viscosity and rheological properties, and the content of different polymer modifiers was analyzed on the viscosity and influence of rheological properties. The results show that the compound modification method can increase the viscosity of light-colored synthetic asphalt binders, and SBS is better than EVA in improving the viscosity and rheological properties. EVA’s low content has little effect on the high-temperature viscosity and rheological properties of light-colored synthetic asphalt binders. Too much SBS will increase the impact of EVA to improve high-temperature viscosity. Modification of compounds may also improve the high-temperature rutting resistance of light-colored synthetic asphalt binders. SBS will degrade in the RTFOT aging process of light-colored synthetic asphalt binders, and its improving effect will be impaired. The content of SBS should not exceed 6%.
CuAlO2/Bi2WO6: a novel p–n type composite with significantly enhanced visible-light photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI)
Authors: Hu Wenna , Liu Wei
Published: June 2021

The Bi2WO6 and CuAlO2 powders were synthesized through the method of solid-state reaction. This study prepared the newly and highly effective p–n type CuAlO2/Bi2WO6 photocatalysts that had diverse CuAlO2 compositions by employing an environmentally friendly and economical approach. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were adopted to characterize the photocatalysts. The as-synthesized CuAlO2/Bi2WO6 heterocatalyst was utilized to reduce toxic Cr (VI) ions into Cr (III) by means of photoreduction under visible light irradiation. When CuAlO2(1.0 wt.%)/Bi2WO6 was used, the Cr (VI) photoreduction rate constant was 4.7 times as many as that of pure Bi2WO6. The study also investigated how the ball milling time and CuAlO2 composition affected the performance of CuAlO2/Bi2WO6. In addition, the stability of composite was investigated. The results revealed that the high conductivity of CuAlO2, excellent crystalline quality, and the p–n heterojunction between CuAlO2 and Bi2WO6 exerted a vital role in enhancing the photoreduction performance. This work explores the design of other new heterocatalysts, especially the p–n type composites containing CuAlO2.
Design, fabrication and characterization of a micro-fabricated stacked-wafer segmented ion trap with two X-junctions
Authors: Decaroli Chiara , Matt Roland , Oswald Robin , Axline Christopher , Ernzer Maryse , Flannery Jeremy , Ragg Simon , Home Jonathan P
Published: June 2021

We describe the implementation of a three-dimensional Paul ion trap fabricated from a stack of precision-machined silica glass wafers, which incorporates a pair of junctions for two-dimensional ion transport. The trap has 142 dedicated electrodes which can be used to define multiple potential wells in which strings of ions can be held. By supplying time-varying potentials, this also allows for transport and re-configuration of ion strings. We describe the design, simulation, fabrication and packaging of the trap, including explorations of different parameter regimes and possible optimizations and design choices. We give results of initial testing of the trap, including measurements of heating rates and junction transport.
The association between agricultural conditions and multiple dimensions of undernutrition in children 6-23 months of age in Burkina Faso
Authors: Pinchoff Jessie , Turner William , Grace Kathryn
Published: June 2021

Background. The quality and quantity of food available to children affect their nutritional status, with implications for long-term health and development. In Burkina Faso, households rely on rainfed agriculture, but climate change is making crop production unreliable. We explore spatial patterns of growing season quality on dimensions of nutritional status and complementary feeding practices in children 6–23 months.Methods. The 2017 Performance Monitoring and Accountability 2020 (PMA2020) nutritional survey was spatially integrated with a contemporaneous remotely sensed drought indicator, the Water Requirement Satisfaction Index (WRSI), which captures local anomalous growing season conditions. Multi-level mixed-effects logistic regression models were estimated to explore the effects of WRSI on child mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) score (indicating malnutrition), and two components of complementary feeding practices, adjusting for demographic and household characteristics.Results. The data set included 1,721 children. Higher WRSI values (better agricultural conditions and crop performance) were associated with 3% lower odds of malnutrition (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.971; 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.942, 1.00]) and 7% higher odds of a child attaining minimum dietary diversity (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: [1.01, 1.14]). Undernourished mothers were significantly (p < 0.001) more likely to have an undernourished child. Minimum dietary diversity met for the child was protective against malnutrition; the association between WRSI and malnutrition persisted after adjustment.Conclusions. WRSI was associated with the child’s dietary diversity and malnutrition, highlighting the importance of seasonally and spatially varying local agricultural production and the relationship between growing season conditions and child nutritional status, with dietary diversity providing a potential mechanism for intervention.
Probe-based intravital microscopy: filling the gap between in vivo imaging and tissue sample microscopy in basic research and clinical applications
Authors: Van Dyck Katrien , Vanhoffelen Eliane , Yserbyt Jonas , Van Dijck Patrick , Erreni Marco , Hernot Sophie , Vande Velde Greetje
Published: June 2021

Non- and minimally invasive imaging technologies have become indispensable in preclinical studies using animal models to understand biological processes and assess novel therapeutic strategies within the complex context of living organisms. Various imaging modalities can provide anatomical, functional or molecular information on the organ- or whole-body level, however, there exists a need to obtain dynamic information on the microscopic level in living animals to bridge the gap with microscopical analysis of processed tissues. To fulfill this need, intravital microscopy (IVM), which allows imaging at cellular and subcellular resolution in living animals, was developed. The emergence of different imaging modalities, advances in fluorescent labeling methods and the transition from optical windows to fiber-optical probes to obtain direct access to sites deep inside the animal, have supported its widespread use. This review provides an overview of these technological advancements and specifically of the application of fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy in preclinical research. In addition, the implementation of probe-based confocal laser scanning endomicroscopy in clinical research on gastrointestinal and lung diseases and possible applications in drug development are described. Finally, drawbacks and possible advances that can broaden the potential of this technique and what can be learnt from IVM in a context of multimodal imaging are highlighted.
Two-dimensional ultrafast transient absorption spectrograph covering deep-ultraviolet to visible spectral region optimized for biomolecules
Authors: Nazari Haghighi Pashaki Maryam , Mosimann-Schönbächler Nina , Riede Aaron , Gazzetto Michela , Rondi Ariana , Cannizzo Andrea
Published: June 2021

We report on the implementation of a multi-kHz single-shot referenced non-coherent two-dimensional UV spectrograph based on conventional pump-probe geometry. It has the capability to cover a broad spectral region in excitation from 270-to-380 nm and in the detection from 270-to-390 nm and 320-to-720 nm. Other setups features are: an unprecedented time resolution of 33 fs (standard deviation); signals are photometrically corrected; a single-shot noise of <1 mOD. It has the capability to operate with sample volumes as small as few μl which is an accomplishment in studying biological or biomimetic systems. To show its performances and potentials, we report two preliminary studies on the photophysics of phenanthrenes hosted in a multichromophoric antenna system and of aromatic amino acids in a blue-copper azurin.
Transient chaos enforces uncertainty in the British power grid
Authors: Halekotte Lukas , Vanselow Anna , Feudel Ulrike
Published: June 2021

Multistability is a common phenomenon which naturally occurs in complex networks. If coexisting attractors are numerous and their basins of attraction are complexly interwoven, the long-term response to a perturbation can be highly uncertain. We examine the uncertainty in the outcome of perturbations to the synchronous state in a Kuramoto-like representation of the British power grid. Based on local basin landscapes which correspond to single-node perturbations, we demonstrate that the uncertainty shows strong spatial variability. While perturbations at many nodes only allow for a few outcomes, other local landscapes show extreme complexity with more than a hundred basins. Particularly complex domains in the latter can be related to unstable invariant chaotic sets of saddle type. Most importantly, we show that the characteristic dynamics on these chaotic saddles can be associated with certain topological structures of the network. We find that one particular tree-like substructure allows for the chaotic response to perturbations at nodes in the north of Great Britain. The interplay with other peripheral motifs increases the uncertainty in the system response even further.
Point cloud transformers applied to collider physics
Authors: Mikuni Vinicius , Canelli Florencia
Published: June 2021

Methods for processing point cloud information have seen a great success in collider physics applications. One recent breakthrough in machine learning is the usage of transformer networks to learn semantic relationships between sequences in language processing. In this work, we apply a modified transformer network called point cloud transformer as a method to incorporate the advantages of the transformer architecture to an unordered set of particles resulting from collision events. To compare the performance with other strategies, we study jet-tagging applications for highly-boosted particles.
Geometric hydrodynamics and infinite-dimensional Newton’s equations
Authors: Khesin Boris , Misiołek Gerard , Modin Klas
Published: June 2021

We revisit the geodesic approach to ideal hydrodynamics and present a related geometric framework for Newton’s equations on groups of diffeomorphisms and spaces of probability densities. The latter setting is sufficiently general to include equations of compressible and incompressible fluid dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, shallow water systems and equations of relativistic fluids. We illustrate this with a survey of selected examples, as well as with new results, using the tools of infinite-dimensional information geometry, optimal transport, the Madelung transform, and the formalism of symplectic and Poisson reduction.
Stochastic contraction of myosin minifilaments drives evolution of microridge protrusion patterns in epithelial cells
Authors: van Loon Aaron P. , Erofeev Ivan S. , Goryachev Andrew B. , Sagasti Alvaro
Published: June 2021

Microridges are elongated protrusions that form regular mazelike patterns on the surface of epithelial cells. Cortical myosin minifilament activity in zebrafish skin cells orchestrates microridge rearrangements that alter their patterning and help them evolve toward a regular, nematic arrangement.
The Effectiveness of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Alone or Combined with Cognitive Training on the Cognitive Performance of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: Α Systematic Review
Authors: Nousia Anastasia , Martzoukou Maria , Liampas Ioannis , Siokas Vasileios , Bakirtzis Christos , Nasios Grigorios , Dardiotis Efthimios
Published: June 2021

Objective

The present study reviewed published evidence on the effectiveness of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on the cognitive performance of patients with Traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Method

A systematic search of the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was carried out. Randomized Controlled Studies published before March 2020 were included. Methodological evaluation was performed based on the Risk of Bias Cochrane tool. A total of 10 placebo-controlled studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were involved in the qualitative analysis, two assessing NIBS combined with cognitive training (CT) and eight evaluating NIBS alone.

Results

All but one retrieved article were appraised as of high-risk of bias (one paper was assessed as of unclear-risk owing to considerable underreporting). With the potential exception of attention, our findings were not indicative of a superior efficacy of NIBS-CT to CT alone, regarding the improvement of any of the rest assessed cognitive deficits. Executive function, processing speed, attention, working, and visuospatial memory were only occasionally found to benefit from NIBS alone compared to sham therapy (only one study reported relevant benefits per neuropsychological outcome). Verbal memory and verbal fluency (phonemic-semantic) were consistently found not to benefit from NIBS. Depression measures were the only outcomes associated with a beneficial effect of NIBS in more than one article.

Conclusion

Our findings did not provide sufficient high-quality evidence to support the exclusive use of NIBS or combined NIBS-CT to improve any impaired cognitive function in TBI patients. Owing to the suboptimum methodological quality of published studies, additional research is of potential value.
Mapping Theory–Practice Integration: A Model from Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Maidment Jane
Published: June 2021

The successful integration of theory and practice is at the heart of developing professionally accountable social work practice. Despite integration being central to the development of professional practice, multiple pedagogical challenges in achieving this learning have been cited in the literature. These barriers are identified along with providing the rationale for actively seeking ways to bridge the perceived gap between theory and practice. Drawing upon a constructivist framework for learning the ‘Critical intersections model: Mapping knowledge for practice’ is presented and explained. The model is curriculum based, centred on bringing together theory from key knowledge bases with dimensions integral to critically reflecting on social work practice. Mapping knowledge is a process intended to help students and their field educators facilitate integration. This model is embedded in an understanding of practice that is underpinned by critical theory, taking account of factors related to culture and diversity, the ‘expert by experience’ perspective and considering implications for the profession of social work. This article concludes with a case example of the application of the critical intersections model.
Hybridization and species boundaries between three sympatric bromeliads from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Costa Laís Mara Santana , Goetze Márcia , Callegari-Jacques Sidia M , Hirsch Luiza Domingues , Bered Fernanda
Published: June 2021

Recently diversified taxa commonly do not show complete reproductive isolation, and thus they represent an interesting model for studying the occurrence of hybridization and its influence on the integrity of species. In this study, we aim to elucidate the occurrence of hybridization and discuss species boundaries between three Aechmea spp. (Bromeliaceae) from southern Brazil. To achieve these aims, we used ten nuclear and six plastid microsatellite loci. We also investigated morphological and ecological differentiation and reproductive compatibility through interspecific cross-pollination experiments with these species. Molecular analyses confirmed the occurrence of hybridization between the three species, but interspecific gene flow was higher between A. comata and A. kertesziae than between A. comata and A. caudata. These Aechmea spp. showed morphological differentiation, and the results of the artificial interspecific crosses indicated that they can intercross. Aechmea caudata and A. kertesziae show distinct microhabitat preferences, whereas A. comata thrives in a microhabitat that is also inhabited by the other species. Despite the potential reproductive barriers being weak, especially those between A. comata and A. kertesziae, they may maintain the boundaries between these species and their integrity in sympatric populations.
Hippocampal vascularization patterns exert local and distant effects on brain structure but not vascular pathology in old age
Authors: Vockert Niklas , Perosa Valentina , Ziegler Gabriel , Schreiber Frank , Priester Anastasia , Spallazzi Marco , Garcia-Garcia Berta , Aruci Merita , Mattern Hendrik , Haghikia Aiden , Düzel Emrah , Schreiber Stefanie , Maass Anne
Published: June 2021

The hippocampus within the medial temporal lobe is highly vulnerable to age-related pathology such as vascular disease. We examined hippocampal vascularization patterns by harnessing the ultra-high resolution of 7 Tesla magnetic resonance angiography. Dual-supply hemispheres with a contribution of the anterior choroidal artery to hippocampal blood supply were distinguished from single-supply ones with a sole dependence on the posterior cerebral artery. A recent study indicated that a dual vascular supply is related to preserved cognition and structural hippocampal integrity in old age and vascular disease. Here, we examined the regional specificity of these structural benefits at the level of medial temporal lobe sub-regions and hemispheres. In a cross-sectional study with an older cohort of 17 patients with cerebral small vessel disease (70.7 ± 9.0 years, 35.5% female) and 27 controls (71.1 ± 8.2 years, 44.4% female), we demonstrate that differences in grey matter volumes related to the hippocampal vascularization pattern were specifically observed in the anterior hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. These regions were especially bigger in dual-supply hemispheres, but also seemed to benefit from a contralateral dual supply. We further show that total grey matter volumes were greater in people with at least one dual-supply hemisphere, indicating that the hippocampal vascularization pattern has more far-reaching structural implications beyond the medial temporal lobe. A mediation analysis identified total grey matter as a mediator of differences in global cognition. However, our analyses on multiple neuroimaging markers for cerebral small vessel disease did not reveal any evidence that an augmented hippocampal vascularization conveys resistance nor resilience against vascular pathology. We propose that an augmented hippocampal vascularization might contribute to maintaining structural integrity in the brain and preserving cognition despite age-related degeneration. As such, the binary hippocampal vascularization pattern could have major implications for brain structure and function in ageing and dementia independent of vascular pathology, while presenting a simple framework with potential applicability to the clinical setting.
Optimized Scale-Invariant Feature Transform with Local Tri-directional Patterns for Facial Expression Recognition with Deep Learning Model
Authors: Lokku Gurukumar , Reddy G Harinatha , Prasad M N Giri
Published: June 2021

Facial expression recognition (FER) is the process of identifying human expressions. People vary in their accuracy at recognizing the emotions of others. Use of technology to help people with emotion recognition is a relatively important research area. Various works have been conducted on automating the recognition of facial expressions. The main intent of this paper is to plan for the FER model with the aid of intelligent techniques. The proposed models consist of steps like data collection, face detection, optimized feature extraction and emotion recognition. Initially, the standard benchmark facial emotion dataset is collected, and it is subjected to face detection. The optimized scale-invariant feature transform (OSIFT) is adopted for feature extraction, in which the key points that are giving unique information are optimized by the hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm. Two meta-heuristic algorithms like spotted hyena optimization and beetle swarm optimization (BSO) are merged to form the proposed spotted hyena-based BSO (SH-BSO). Also, the local tri-directional pattern is extracted, which is further combined with optimized SIFT. Here, the proposed SH-BSO is utilized for optimizing the number of hidden neurons of both deep neural network and convolutional neural network in such a way that the recognition accuracy could attain maximum.
Different cardiovascular and pulmonary phenotypes for single- and double-knock-out mice deficient in BMP9 and BMP10
Authors: Bouvard Claire , Tu Ly , Rossi Martina , Desroches-Castan Agnès , Berrebeh Nihel , Helfer Elise , Roelants Caroline , Liu Hequn , Ouarné Marie , Chaumontel Nicolas , Mallet Christine , Battail Christophe , Bikfalvi Andreas , Humbert Marc , Savale Laurent , Daubon Thomas , Perret Pascale , Tillet Emmanuelle , Guignabert Christophe , Bailly Sabine
Published: June 2021

Aims

BMP9 and BMP10 mutations were recently identified in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, but their specific roles in the pathogenesis of the disease are still unclear. We aimed to study the roles of BMP9 and BMP10 in cardiovascular homeostasis and pulmonary hypertension using transgenic mouse models deficient in Bmp9 and/or Bmp10.

Methods and results

Single- and double-knockout mice for Bmp9 (constitutive) and/or Bmp10 (tamoxifen inducible) were generated. Single-knock-out (KO) mice developed no obvious age-dependent phenotype when compared with their wild-type littermates. However, combined deficiency in Bmp9 and Bmp10 led to vascular defects resulting in a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure and the progressive development of high-output heart failure and pulmonary hemosiderosis. RNAseq analysis of the lungs of the double-KO mice revealed differential expression of genes involved in inflammation and vascular homeostasis. We next challenged these mice to chronic hypoxia. After 3 weeks of hypoxic exposure, Bmp10-cKO mice showed an enlarged heart. However, although genetic deletion of Bmp9 in the single- and double-KO mice attenuated the muscularization of pulmonary arterioles induced by chronic hypoxia, we observed no differences in Bmp10-cKO mice. Consistent with these results, endothelin-1 levels were significantly reduced in Bmp9 deficient mice but not Bmp10-cKO mice. Furthermore, the effects of BMP9 on vasoconstriction were inhibited by bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, in a chick chorioallantoic membrane assay.

Conclusions

Our data show redundant roles for BMP9 and BMP10 in cardiovascular homeostasis under normoxic conditions (only combined deletion of both Bmp9 and Bmp10 was associated with severe defects) but highlight specific roles under chronic hypoxic conditions. We obtained evidence that BMP9 contributes to chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodelling, whereas BMP10 plays a role in hypoxia-induced cardiac remodelling in mice.
PGC-1α deficiency reveals sex-specific links between cardiac energy metabolism and EC-coupling during development of heart failure in mice
Authors: Naumenko Nikolay , Mutikainen Maija , Holappa Lari , Ruas Jorge L , Tuomainen Tomi , Tavi Pasi
Published: June 2021

Aims

Biological sex has fundamental effects on mammalian heart physiology and pathogenesis. While it has been established that female sex is a protective factor against most cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), this beneficial effect may involve pathways associated with cardiac energy metabolism. Our aim was to elucidate the role of transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α in sex dimorphism of heart failure (HF) development.

Methods and results

Here, we show that mice deficient in cardiac expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) develop dilated HF associated with changes in aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, calcium handling, cell structure, electrophysiology, as well as gene expression. These cardiac changes occur in both sexes, but female mice develop an earlier and more severe structural and functional phenotype associated with dyssynchronous local calcium release resulting from disruption of t-tubular structures of the cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions

These data reveal that the integrity of the subcellular Ca2+ release and uptake machinery is dependent on energy metabolism and that female hearts are more prone to suffer from contractile dysfunction in conditions with compromised production of cellular energy. Furthermore, these findings suggest that PGC-1α is a central mediator of sex-specific differences in heart function and CVD susceptibility.
Prioritizing security over usability: Strategies for how people choose passwords
Authors: Wash Rick , Rader Emilee
Published: June 2021

Passwords are one of the most common security technologies that people use everyday. Choosing a new password is a security decision that can have important consequences for end users. Passwords can be long and complex, which prioritizes the security-focused aspects of a password. They can also be simple—easy to create, remember, and use—which prioritizes the usability aspects of the password. The tradeoff between password security versus usability represents competing constraints that shape password creation and use. We examined an ecologically valid dataset of 853 passwords entered a total of 2533 times by 134 users into 1010 websites, to test hypotheses about the impact of these constraints. We found evidence that choices about password complexity reflect an emphasis on security needs, but little support for the hypothesis that users take day-to-day ease of use of the password into account when creating it. There was also little evidence that password creation policies drive password choices.
Refined staging classification of cardiac damage associated with aortic stenosis and outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Okuno Taishi , Heg Dik , Lanz Jonas , Praz Fabien , Brugger Nicolas , Stortecky Stefan , Windecker Stephan , Pilgrim Thomas
Published: June 2021

Aims 

A new staging classification of aortic stenosis (AS) characterizing the extent of cardiac damage was established and validated in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to validate an updated classification system in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods and results

In a prospective TAVI registry, AS patients were categorized into the following stages: no cardiac damage (Stage 0), left ventricular damage (Stage 1), left atrial or mitral valve damage (Stage 2), pulmonary vasculature or tricuspid valve damage (Stage 3), or right ventricular (RV) damage or low-flow state (Stage 4). Stage 3 was sub-divided into Stage 3a (≤moderate pulmonary hypertension) and Stage 3b (severe pulmonary hypertension). Stage 4 was sub-divided into Stage 4a (low-flow without RV dysfunction), Stage 4b (RV dysfunction without low-flow), and Stage 4c (RV dysfunction with low-flow). The primary endpoint was all-cause death at 1 year. Among 1156 eligible patients, 14 were classified as Stage 0, 38 as Stage 1, 105 as Stage 2278 as Stage 3, and 721 as Stage 4. There was a stepwise increase in mortality according to advancing stages of cardiac damage: 3.9% (Stage 0–1), 9.6% (Stage 2), 14.1% (Stage 3), and 17.4% (Stage 4) (P = 0.002). After multivariable adjustment, only Stage 3b, Stage 4b, and Stage 4c conferred a significantly increased risk of mortality compared to Stage 0–1.

Conclusion 

More than one-third of patients had advanced cardiac damage (severe pulmonary hypertension or RV dysfunction) before TAVI, associating with a five- to seven-fold increased risk of mortality at 1 year.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. NCT01368250.
Oral fluoroquinolones and risk of aortic or mitral regurgitation: a nationwide nested case-control study
Authors: Strange Jarl Emanuel , Holt Anders , Blanche Paul , Gislason Gunnar , Torp-Pedersen Christian- , Christensen Daniel Mølager , Hansen Morten Lock , Lamberts Morten , Schou Morten , Olesen Jonas Bjerring , Fosbøl Emil Loldrup , Køber Lars , Rasmussen Peter Vibe
Published: June 2021

Aims

Reports have suggested an increased risk of aortic and mitral regurgitation associated with oral fluoroquinolones (FQs) resulting in a safety warning published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). However, these findings have not yet been replicated.

Methods and results

Using Danish administrative registers, we conducted a nested case-control study in a nationwide cohort of individuals between 2005 and 2018. Cases were defined as the first occurrence of aortic or mitral regurgitation. Exposure of interest was the use of oral FQs. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were obtained by fitting time-dependent Cox regression models, with penicillin V as comparator, to assess the association between FQ use and incident valvular regurgitation. We identified 38 370 cases of valvular regurgitation with 1 115 100 matched controls. FQ exposure was not significantly associated with increased rates of aortic or mitral regurgitation (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.95–1.09) compared with penicillin V users. Investigating the cumulative defined daily doses (cDDD) of FQs yielded similar results with no significant association between increasing FQ use and valvular regurgitation (e.g. HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.95–1.23 for cDDD >10 compared with cDDD 1–5). These results were consistent across several analyses including a cohort of patients with hypertension and using a case definition based on valvular surgical interventions.

Conclusions

In a nationwide nested case-control study, FQs were not significantly associated with increased rates of valvular regurgitation. Our findings do not support a possible causal connection between FQ exposure and incident valvular regurgitation.
Overcoming reduced antibiotic susceptibility in intracellularSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium using AR-12
Authors: Zahid M Shamim Hasan , Varma Devika M , Johnson Monica M , Landavazo Antonio , Bachelder Eric M , Blough Bruce E , Ainslie Kristy M
Published: June 2021

Host-directed therapies (HDTs) could enhance the activity of traditional antibiotics. AR-12 is a promising HDT against intracellular pathogens including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and has been shown to act through modulation of autophagy and the Akt kinase pathway. Since AR-12 does not inhibit the growth of planktonic bacteria but only works in conjunction with the infected host-cell, we hypothesized that AR-12 could enhance the activity of antibiotics in less-susceptible strains in the intracellular host environment. We found that repetitive passaging of S. typhimurium in macrophages in the absence of antibiotics led to a 4-fold reduction in their intracellular susceptibility to streptomycin (STR), but had no effect on the bacteria's sensitivity to AR-12. Moreover, when the host-passaged strains were treated with a combined therapy of AR-12 and STR, there was a significant reduction of intracellular bacterial burden compared to STR monotherapy. Additionally, co-treatment of macrophages infected with multi-drug resistant S. typhimurium with AR-12 and STR or ampicillin showed enhanced clearance of the intracellular bacteria. The drug combination did not elicit this effect on planktonic bacteria. Overall, AR-12 enhanced the clearance of less susceptible S. typhimurium in an intracellular environment.
Extending the formulation of the spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) method to strain, rotation and tilt
Authors: Nakahara Hisashi , Emoto Kentaro , Nishimura Takeshi
Published: June 2021

The spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) method has been applied to ambient seismic noise measured by arrays of translational seismometers for inverting phase-velocity dispersion curves of Rayleigh or Love waves for shallow S-wave velocity structure. Recently, it is becoming possible to observe wave spatial gradients such as strain, rotation and tilt owing to the development of dense seismic networks and improving measurement technologies. Therefore, it is desirable to extend the formulation of the SPAC method to strain, rotation and tilt. This study presents analytical expressions of cross-spectra and coherence of the strain, rotation and tilt components that are measured on the free surface. According to the results, both Rayleigh and Love waves contribute to most components of strains. The exceptions are the areal strain and the vertical axial strain (ezz) on the free surface that are affected by only Rayleigh waves. Only Rayleigh waves contribute to the tilts and rotations around the horizontal axes on the free surface, too. On the other hand, only Love waves contribute to the rotation around the vertical axis. Therefore, different kinds of wave spatial gradients are helpful to separate Rayleigh and Love waves correctly. For practical applications, the analytical expression for the radial axial strain (err) component will be applied directly to distributed acoustic sensing data measured with straight sections of a fibre-optic cable. On the other hand, dense observations of rotation and tilt may still be difficult to carry out at present. However, an application of analytical formulations in this study to arrays of at least several three-component rotational seismometers is attractive because it enables us to separately estimate the phase velocities of Rayleigh and Love waves.
How an Early, Inclusive Field Course can Build Persistence in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Authors: Race Alexandra I , Beltran Roxanne S , Zavaleta Erika S
Published: June 2021

Synopsis

Field courses have been identified as powerful tools for student success in science, but the potential for field courses to address demographic disparities and the mechanisms behind these benefits are not well understood. To address these knowledge gaps, we studied students in a nonmajors Ecology and Evolutionary Biology course, Introduction to Field Research and Conservation, at the University of California Santa Cruz, a large Hispanic-Serving Institution. We examined (a) the effects of participation on students’ perception of their scientific competencies and (b) how the field course shaped student experiences and built their sense of community, confidence and belonging in science. Our mixed-methods approach included the Persistence in the Sciences (PITS) survey with field course students and a control group; interviews, focus groups, and prompted student journal entries with a subset of field course students; and participant-observation. We found that field course participants scored higher on all science identity items of the PITS instrument than students in the control (lecture course) group. Field course students from underrepresented minority groups also scored similarly to or higher than their well-represented peers on each of the six PITS survey components. From our qualitative data, themes of growth in peer community, relationships with mentors, confidence living and working outdoors, team-based science experiences, and a sense of contributing to knowledge and discovery interacted throughout the course—especially from the initial overnight field trip to the final one—to assist these gains and strengthen interest in science and support persistence. These findings highlight the importance of holistic support and community building as necessary driving factors in inclusive course design, especially as a way to begin to dismantle structures of exclusion in the sciences.
Optimal Collection Methods for Asian Longhorned Ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in the Northeast United States
Authors: Sherpa Phurchhoki , Harrington Laura C , Piedmonte Nicholas P , Wunderlin Kathryn , Falco Richard C
Published: June 2021

The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, is an invasive species in the United States. Since its earliest recorded presence in West Virginia in 2010, H. longicornis has been reported from 15 states. While its public health significance in the United States is unclear, globally it transmits pathogens that infect livestock and humans, causing economic losses and substantial morbidity. Management and control of H. longicornis requires knowledge of its biology, ecology, and distribution. Here, we address the need for effective collection methods for host-seeking H. longicornis as an important step for accurately assessing tick abundance and potential disease risk. The number of H. longicornis collected were compared across three collection methods (dragging, sweeping, CO2 traps) and three tick check distances (5 m, 10 m, and 20 m) were compared for dragging and sweeping. Field collections were conducted from June through August 2019 in Westchester County, New York, and ticks were grouped by life stage to assess collection method efficiency. Results indicated that implementing shorter (5 m) tick check distance was ideal for adult and nymphal collections. The dragging method proved better than sweeping for adult collections; however, there was no significant difference between the methods for nymphal collections, at any tick check distance evaluated. CO2 traps attracted H. longicornis, but additional research is necessary to devise an effective tick retaining method before the traps can be implemented in the field. The results are presented to inform and support H. longicornis surveillance and control programs across the nation.
Synthesis of Red-cockaded Woodpecker management strategies and suggestions for regional specificity in future management
Authors: Martin Emily J , Gigliotti Franco N , Ferguson Paige F B
Published: June 2021

The Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis, RCW) was listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1973 due to significant population declines resulting from habitat loss and fragmentation, and the species has been intensively managed since then. We reviewed management strategies commonly used to conserve the RCW, emphasizing studies conducted after publication of the most recent Recovery Plan in 2003, to evaluate the efficacy of each strategy across the RCW’s range and identify demographic and environmental factors that influence the success of each strategy. Of the management strategies reviewed, outcomes from prescribed fire vary the most across the RCW’s range, because prescribed fire is influenced by the site’s vegetation, abiotic conditions, and land use history. The abundance of cavity kleptoparasites varies across sites, but kleptoparasite control is only a high priority in small RCW populations. The long-term effectiveness of artificial cavities and translocations, which are highly effective across the RCW’s range in the short-term, requires suitable habitat, which is strongly influenced by prescribed fire. Regional variation in RCW management may be needed, because RCW populations that are not in archetypical suitable habitat (sensu Recovery Plan Standards) may benefit from management methods that are not suitable for large RCW populations in archetypical habitats (e.g., installing many cavity restrictor plates and cavity inserts). RCW management strategies have been studied most in the South Central Plains and Southeastern Plains ecoregions, and more research in other ecoregions would be valuable. We encourage consideration of how management varies according to population demographics and site characteristics as opposed to a “one-size fits all” management approach for the RCW, which inhabits broad geographic ranges and sites of varying productivity and will continue to rely on management efforts after downlisting or delisting from the Endangered Species Act.
Development of a new wideband heterodyne receiver system for the Osaka 1.85 m mm–submm telescope: Corrugated horn and optics covering the 210–375 GHz band
Authors: Yamasaki Yasumasa , Masui Sho , Ogawa Hideo , Kondo Hiroshi , Matsumoto Takeru , Okawa Masanari , Yokoyama Koki , Minami Taisei , Konishi Ryotaro , Kawashita Sana , Konishi Ayu , Nakao Yuka , Nishimoto Shimpei , Yoneyama Sho , Ueda Shota , Hasegawa Yutaka , Fujita Shinji , Nishimura Atsushi , Kojima Takafumi , Kaneko Keiko , Sakai Ryo , Gonzalez Alvaro , Uzawa Yoshinori , Onishi Toshikazu
Published: June 2021

The corrugated horn is a high-performance feed often used in radio telescopes. There has been a growing demand for wideband optics and corrugated horns in millimeter- and submillimeter-wave receivers as they improve observation efficiency and allow us to observe important emission lines such as CO in multiple excited states simultaneously. However, in the millimeter/submillimeter band, it has been challenging to create a conical corrugated horn with a fractional bandwidth of ∼60% because the wavelength is very short, making it difficult to make narrow corrugations. In this study we designed a conical corrugated horn with good return loss, low cross-polarization, and symmetric beam pattern in the 210–375 GHz band (56% fractional bandwidth) by optimizing the dimensions of the corrugations. The corrugated horn was installed on the Osaka 1.85 m mm–submm telescope with matched frequency-independent optics, and simultaneous observations of 12CO, 13CO, and C18O (J = 2–1, 3–2) were successfully made. We describe the new design of the corrugated horn and report the performance evaluation results including the optics.
IONIZING RADIATION EXPOSURE IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19: MORE THAN NEEDED
Authors: Yurdaisik Isil , Nurili Fuat , Aksoy Suleyman Hilmi , Agirman Ayse Gul , Aktan Ahmet
Published: June 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the ionizing radiation exposure in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective study in which all patients presented with suggestive symptoms of COVID-19 were included. The study was carried out in a university-affiliated private hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Biological radiation dose exposure (cumulative effective dose: CED) was evaluated in millisievert (mSv) units.

Results

A total of 1410 patients were included in the study. Of all study subjects, 804 patients (57%) underwent only one chest computed tomography (CT) procedure. Six hundred and six patients (43%) had two or more chest CT procedures. Median CED was 6.02 (min–max:1.67–16.27) mSv. The number of patients who were exposed to ≤ 5 mSv were 149 (24.6%), whereas 457 patients (75.4%) were exposed to >5 mSv.

Conclusion

The radiation exposure in COVID-19 patients seems unjustifiably high. Awareness should be increased as to the proper use of chest CT in COVID-19 as per to the society recommendations.