bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale residual fusion network for image denoising
Authors: Yao Cheng , Tang Yibin , Sun Jia , Gao Yuan , Zhu Changping
Published: December 2021

Deep‐learning methods have been developed in recent years and have achieved dramatic improvements for image denoising. The existing deep‐learning methods can be conducted using two major models: Encoder–decoder and high‐resolution, where the high‐resolution model has superior resolution ability for detail description and restoration. In this study, a high‐resolution‐based network called multiscale residual fusion network (MRF‐Net) is proposed, which employed the spatial and contextual information of images. In detail, dilated convolution layers are used to enlarge the network's receptive field and learned sufficient features in a multiscale feature extracting module. The function of dilated convolution is reinterpreted here and it is viewed as a complex downsampling operation. Therefore, multiscale feature analysis could be performed in the proposed network by dilated convolution. Multilevel feature maps are sequentially obtained through a residual projection module, where considerable contextual and spatial information was collected from the multiscale features. In a residual fusion module, all maps were aggregated to generate a residual image effectively for noise removal. Experiments demonstrated that the MRF‐Net outperformed several state‐of‐the‐art model‐based and deep‐learning methods in both blind and non‐blind image denoising tests. Meanwhile, ablation studies were executed to verify the denoising performance of each module. Moreover, this method exhibited high computational efficiency, thus demonstrating its practicability.
Co‐combustion and ash characteristics of Zhundong coal with rice husk hydrochar prepared by the hydrothermal carbonization technology for co‐combustion
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Hui , Zhu Jingwen , Sun Wei , Xu Youning , Wu Shaohua
Published: December 2021

The high content of the AAEMs in Zhundong (ZD) coal causes easily slagging on the heating surface of boilers, and the addition of rice husk hydrochar (RHC) is expected to alleviate slagging by introducing SiO2 content. ZD coal is co‐fired with RHC according to different blend ratios, co‐combustion ashes are prepared subsequently at different temperatures. The co‐combustion characteristics of blends are studied firstly by using TGA, considering the combustion process can bring impacts on ash characteristics. Then the effects of the blend ratio and ashing temperature on the ash characteristics are discussed. The ash samples are characterized by XRF, ICP‐AES, XRD and SEM. The results show that an increase in the blend ratio of the RHC reduces the ignition temperature and lengthens the burnout time, which transforms the ash characteristics. The contents of quartz, gehlenite and andalusite greatly increase. The number of fine particles in the ash decreases, while the particle size increases. The ash fusion temperatures (AFTs) are at the lowest value at 8:2 and exceed totally that of ZD coal at 7:3. Considering to increase the AFTs of ZD coal, at least the blend ratio of 7:3 of ZD coal and RHC is recommended for co‐combustion.
Patientenzufriedenheit nach geschlechtsangleichender Mastektomie in Frau-zu-Mann-transidenten Patienten – eine Analyse unter Verwendung eines modifizierten BREAST-Q-Fragebogens
Authors: Kühn Shafreena , Wehle Andrej , Kiehlmann Marcus , Rieger Ulrich Michael
Published: December 2021

Hintergrund Die Mastektomie ist essenzieller Bestandteil der geschlechtsangleichenden Operationen in der Gruppe Frau-zu-Mann(FM)-transidenter Patienten. Einschlägige Studien zeigen eine hohe Patientenzufriedenheit in dieser Kohorte, allerdings etablierte sich bisher kein standardisiertes Verfahren zur Evaluation der Effektivität.

Methoden Anhand des etablierten Breast-Q-Fragebogens entwickelten wir eine modifizierte Version unter Berücksichtigung spezifischer Fragestellungen hinsichtlich FM-transidenter Patienten. Demnach erfolgte die Anpassung aller Fragen, welche gezielt die Physiologie von Cis-Frauen adressieren. Im Sinne eines „One-Group Post-Test Only“-Designs kontaktierten wir Patienten nach stattgehabter Mastektomie im Zeitraum von 1991 bis 2017 und evaluierten die Ergebnisse des Fragebogens von insgesamt 28 Patienten. Letzterer beinhaltet 57 Fragen hinsichtlich der grundlegenden Zufriedenheit mit der Brustregion, ebenso wie spezifische Fragen zur Zufriedenheit mit dem Mamillen-Areola-Komplex und hinterfragt Themen wie Erwartungen, Selbstbewusstsein, Sexualleben und Bedauern nach erfolgter Mastektomie.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt zeigte sich ein hohes Maß an Patientenzufriedenheit nach stattgehabter Mastektomie. Alle befragten Patienten würden den Eingriff wiederholen und nur wenige äußerten Bedauern.

Konklusion Die Mastektomie spielt eine entscheidende Rolle hinsichtlich geschlechtsangleichender Eingriffe bei Trans-Männern und zeigt eine hohe postoperative Zufriedenheit als Ausdruck einer Lebensqualitätsverbesserung.
Hodenkrebsscreening bei Männern ab 16 Jahren: IQWiG
ThemenCheck Health Technology Assessment-Bericht zu medizinischen,
ökonomischen, sozialen, ethischen, rechtlichen und organisatorischen
Aspekten
Authors: Schnell-Inderst Petra , Laschkolnig Anja , Marckmann Georg , Antony Daniela , Siebert Uwe , Mühlberger Nikolai
Published: December 2021

Hintergrund Hodenkrebs tritt v. a. bei jungen Männern
zwischen 25 und 45 Jahren auf und ist die häufigste Krebserkrankung in
diesem Alter. Mögliche Hodenkrebsfrüherkennungsmaßnahmen
bei asymptomatischen Männern ab 16 Jahren, wie die ärztliche
Tast- und Ultraschalluntersuchung (TUS) bzw. die Tasteigenuntersuchung (TEU)
könnten Todesfälle und aggressive Spättherapien
vermeiden. Deshalb wurde untersucht, ob diese Maßnahmen einen
Zusatznutzen im Vergleich zur gegenwärtigen Situation sowie relevante
ethische, rechtliche, soziale und organisatorische Aspekte aufweisen.

Methoden Die Methodik dieses Reviews folgt den „Allgemeine[n]
Methoden Version 5.0“ des IQWiG. Zusätzlich wurde zur
Abschätzung der theoretisch möglichen Nutzen- und
Schadenspotenziale eines Screenings eine ergänzende Darstellung zur
Nutzenbewertung anhand veröffentlichter Daten aus Tumorregistern und
Daten zu prädiktiven Werten aus Diagnosestudien herangezogen.

Ergebnisse Es wurden keine Interventionsstudien identifiziert, deshalb
können keine evidenzbasierten Aussagen zu einem zusätzlichen
Nutzen oder Schaden der untersuchten Früherkennungsmaßnahmen
getroffen werden. Epidemiologischen Daten zeigen, dass pro 100 000
jährlich am Screening teilnehmenden Männern maximal 1,2
fortgeschrittene Tumoren und 0,4 Todesfälle vermeidbar wären.
Schadensberechnungen ergeben, dass bei der TUS von 100 000
Männern mit 1 bis 22 unnötigen Hodenfreilegungen oder
-entfernungen zu rechnen ist, bei der TEU wären es 2 Fälle.
Diese Angaben zum möglichen Schaden des Screenings sind jedoch mit
großer Unsicherheit behaftet.

Schlussfolgerungen Es liegen keine Interventionsstudien vor, die
nachweisen könnten, dass der Nutzen eines Hodenkrebsscreenings bei
Männern ab 16 Jahren den Schaden überwiegt. Der maximal
mögliche Zusatznutzen ist gering und Entdeckungs- und Heilungschancen
sind auch ohne Screening gut. Derzeit kann ein Hodenkrebsscreening nicht
empfohlen werden.
First Baby Born in Brazil after Simultaneous Diagnosis through Non-Invasive and Conventional PGT-A
Authors: Kulmann Marcos Iuri Roos , Riboldi Márcia , Martello Carolina , Bos-Mikich Adriana , Frantz Gerta , Dutra Caroline , Donatti Luiza Mezzomo , Oliveira Norma , Frantz Nilo
Published: December 2021

Non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (niPGT-A) aiming to assess cell-free embryonic DNA in spent culture media is promising, especially because it might overcome the diminished rates of implantation caused by the inadequate performance of trophectoderm (TE) biopsy. Our center is part of the largest study to date assessing the concordance between conventional PGT-A and niPGT-A, and we report here the delivery of the first baby born in Brazil using niPGT-A. The parents of the baby were admitted to our center in 2018. They did not present history of infertility, and they were interested in using in vitro fertilization (IVF) and PGT-A in order to avoid congenital anomalies in the offspring. A total of 11 (3 day-5 and 8 day-6) expanded blastocysts were biopsied, and the spent culture media (culture from day-4 to day-6) from 8 day-6 blastocysts were collected for niPGT-A. Overall, 7 embryos yielded informative results for trophectoderm (TE) and media samples. Among the embryos with informative results, 5 presented concordant diagnosis between conventional PGT-A and niPGT-A, and 2 presented discordant diagnosis (1 false-positive and one false-negative). The Blastocyst 4, diagnosed as 46, XY by both niPGT-A and conventional PGT-A, was warmed up and transferred, resulting in the birth of a healthy 3.8 kg boy in February 2020. Based on our results and the recent literature, we believe that the safest current application of niPGT-A would be as a method of embryo selection for patients without an indication for conventional PGT-A. The approximate 80% of reliability of niPGT-A in the diagnosis of ploidy is superior to predictions provided by other non-invasive approaches like morphology and morphokinetics selection.
Dyspnea and COVID-19: A Review of Confounding Diagnoses during the Postpartum Period
Authors: Castro Clara Nunes , Lopes Pedro Paulo Machado , Mayrink Jussara
Published: December 2021

The puerperium is a complex period that begins with placental delivery and lasts for 6 weeks, during which readaptation of the female organism and redistribution of blood volume occur. This period is conducive to the occurrence of thromboembolic events. In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the virus responsible for COVID-19, the attention of the scientific community and health professionals has been focused on obtaining insights on different aspects of this disease, including etiology, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. Regarding the pregnancy–postpartum cycle, it is opportune to review the clinical conditions that can occur during this period and to investigate dyspnea as a postpartum symptom in order to avoid its immediate association with COVID-19 without further investigation, which can lead to overlooking the diagnosis of other important and occasionally fatal conditions.
Relationship between Pneumonia and the Thymus Gland in Children with COVID-19: A Volumetric Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Urfali Furkan E. , Geçkalan Soysal Damla , Atlanoglu Sahinde , Korkmaz Mehmet , Genc Özlem , Özdemir Rahmi
Published: December 2021

Objective Many studies showed that less-severe disease symptoms and fewer mortality rates have been reported in pediatric novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In this study, we aimed to reveal the relationship between the volume of thymus gland, which provides T lymphocyte maturation in children, with the severity of lung involvement and blood laboratory values in pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection.

Methods Thymus density and thymus and cardiac volumes were measured in pediatric COVID-19 patients and a control group that underwent thoracic tomography for reasons other than infection. Thymus/heart ratios were calculated to index the thymus volumes of the patients to their body dimensions. The severity of pneumonia was demonstrated by proportioning the involved lung parenchymal volume to the total lung volume in patients with typical involvement in thoracic tomography. The relationship between volumetric and blood laboratory values was statistically evaluated.

Results Thymus density (p = 0.015) and thymus/heart ratio (p = 0.04) significantly differed between patients with COVID-19 infection and the control group. A correlation was observed between the pneumonia involvement rate and C-reactive protein (CRP) (k: 0.451, p = 0.08) and white blood cell (WBC; k: 0.419, p = 0.015) values in the thoracic tomography of the COVID-19 group.

Conclusion The thymus gland is enlarged as an indicator of activation in COVID-19 infection. We hope that our study will guide new studies on the prognostic value of thymus size in lymphopenic patients with severe disease.
Rate of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in Ovarian Teratomas
Authors: Li Jennifer H. , Milla Sarah S. , Gombolay Grace Y.
Published: December 2021

Background The rate of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDARE) in ovarian teratomas is unknown. We aim to identify the prevalence of NMDARE as well as volumetric and histopathologic characteristics of ovarian teratomas in patients with versus without.

Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study to identify patients with confirmed ovarian teratomas and the characteristics of teratomas in NMDARE compared with non-NMDARE patients. Patients aged between 0 and 21 years with confirmed histopathological diagnosis of ovarian teratoma after resection were included. The rate of NMDARE in ovarian teratomas was identified. Moreover, volumes of ovarian teratomas and the frequency of neuronal glial elements on histopathology in NMDARE versus non-NMDARE patients were assessed.

Results Five out of one-hundred-and-sixty-three (3.07%) patients with histopathology confirmed ovarian teratomas were diagnosed with NMDARE. Age was not different between the NMDARE (mean: 13.8 years, standard deviation: 3.9) and non-NMDARE groups (median: 14, interquartile range [IQR]: 5). Teratoma volumes from NMDARE patients were smaller than those of non-NMDARE patients (median 28.3 cm3 with IQR of 431.2 and median 182.8 with IQR of 635.0, respectively). Both age and NMDARE diagnosis were statistically significant variables in the analysis of variance on a multiple linear regression model. Age (p = 0.013) had a positive correlation with teratoma size, whereas presence of NMDARE had a negative correlation (p = 0.008).

Conclusion The rate of NMDARE in ovarian teratomas is low and NMDARE patients have smaller teratomas than non-NMDARE. Further studies are needed to understand the timing of anti-NMDA receptor antibodies in teratomas and the development of NMDARE.
Comparison of RANS and LES for a cross-flow turbine in confined and unconfined flow
Authors: Dave Mukul , Franck Jennifer A.
Published: December 2021

This work examines the dynamic stall process and resulting wake features of cross-flow turbines under confined configurations using two computational modeling approaches, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and large-eddy simulation (LES). Cross-flow turbines harvest energy from wind or water currents via rotation about an axis perpendicular to the flow and are a complementary technology to the more common axial-flow turbine. During their 360° rotation cross-flow turbine blades experience a cyclical variation in the angle of attack and velocity relative to the oncoming flow, leading to flow separation and reattachment, otherwise known as dynamic stall. The dynamic stall process causes an instantaneous loss in torque generation and unsteady force fluctuations which pose a challenge to accurate predictions of both the performance and the resulting unsteady flow field. This research compares RANS simulations to higher fidelity LES of a straight-bladed two-blade cross-flow turbine at a moderate Reynolds number (Rec = 45,000) in a confined configuration. The RANS model is shown to be very sensitive to confinement at the simulated tip speed ratio as it over-predicts power generation due to suppression of flow separation, while the flow field from LES matches well with the experimental validation. Results are compared with an unconfined configuration for which the RANS model successfully predicts a power curve; however, it displays significant differences in the evolution of flow structures such as premature shedding of the dynamic stall vortex and a lack of vortex diffusion during convection in the wake.
Improvement on thermal stability for indium gallium zinc oxide by oxygen vacancy passivation with supercritical fluid cosolvent oxidation
Authors: Ruan Dun-Bao , Liu Po-Tsun , Gan Kai-Jhih , Hsu Chih-Chieh , Chiu Yu-Chuan , Lin Chia-Yu , Sze Simon M.
Published: December 2021

In order to improve the thermal resistance and stability of indium gallium zinc oxide material, different oxygen vacancy passivation treatments have been carried out for comparison in this work. Through the analysis of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and reliable characterization at various temperatures, the internal mechanisms and physical model are well discussed. Notably, compared with other oxidation processes, the supercritical phase fluid-treated sample exhibits excellent electrical performance, high uniformity, and outstanding thermal stability by passivating more deep-located oxygen vacancy and introducing more well-bounded oxygen atom. Considering with the high-density device integration and critical heat dissipation issue, this research may provide an important reference for realizing monolithic 3D integration.
Selective wet oxidation of AlAsSb alloys on GaAs
Authors: Calvez Stephane , Stepanenko Oleksandr , Louarn Kevin , Daran Emmanuelle , Arnoult Alexandre , Almuneau Guilhem
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the oxidation of thin low-Sb-containing AlAsSb layers quasi-lattice matched on GaAs substrates is studied in detail since, compared to AlGaAs, these alloys had the prospects of being laterally oxidized at a faster rate, at lower process temperatures, and with a reduced volume change. Combining monitoring data of the oxidation kinetics and anisotropy with atomic-force-microscopy surface measurements enables us to establish the optimal composition range and process parameters that lead to nearly isotropic and Sb-segregation-free oxidations. The study also shows that strain plays a central role in triggering the detrimental Sb segregation.
Delay times for ablation rate suppression by femtosecond laser irradiation with a two-color double-pulse beam
Authors: Takenaka Keisuke , Shinohara Naoki , Hashida Masaki , Kusaba Mitsuhiro , Sakagami Hitoshi , Sato Yuji , Masuno Shin-ichiro , Nagashima Takeshi , Tsukamoto Masahiro
Published: December 2021

We investigated the delay time Δt for suppressing the ablation rate of titanium with a two-color double-pulse laser beam at Δt = 0–600 ps. The double-pulse laser beam consisted of cross-polarized pulses with 150 and >150-fs pulse widths and 800 and 400-nm wavelengths, respectively. The ablation rate was suppressed most at Δt ≈ 60 ps for a 400-nm second pulse but at Δt ≈ 200 ps for an 800-nm second pulse. This difference suggests that the ablation rate was effectively suppressed when the expanding surface plasma produced by the first pulse was near the critical density for the second pulse.
Density-functional theory on graphs
Authors: Penz Markus , van Leeuwen Robert
Published: December 2021

The principles of density-functional theory are studied for finite lattice systems represented by graphs. Surprisingly, the fundamental Hohenberg–Kohn theorem is found void, in general, while many insights into the topological structure of the density-potential mapping can be won. We give precise conditions for a ground state to be uniquely v-representable and are able to prove that this property holds for almost all densities. A set of examples illustrates the theory and demonstrates the non-convexity of the pure-state constrained-search functional.
Study on flame retardancy of melamine/g-C3N4 covalent organic framework nanosheets used in cable sheath material
Authors: Hang A. Zusheng , Liu B. Ben , Zhang C. Qian , Feng D. Liu , Zhang E. Qing , Lv F. Zichun , Zhang G. Zewu
Published: December 2021

Covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheets prepared from the direct intercalation reaction between melamine and g-C3N4 are reported for the first time. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy are applied to characterize the novel COF nanosheets. It is observed apparently from the TEM image that COF nanosheets are obtained. Successful preparation of COF nanosheets is proved further by vanishment of the typical diffraction peak of COFs in the XRD pattern and the appearance of quadrant and semicircle stretching of the s-triazine ring at 1568 and 1469 cm−1 in the FTIR spectra of COF nanosheets. The prepared COF nanosheets are used as a flame retardant for the cable sheath material. The thermal stability, thermal shrinkage, oxygen index, and vertical combustion are tested. The research results show that the COF nanosheet flame retardant increases the thermal stability time of the sheath material from 89 to 125 min, and the thermal shrinkage rate is reduced to 2.17%. The oxygen index and vertical combustion tests show that the COF nanosheet flame retardant makes the oxygen index of the cable sheath material reach 29.5, and the flame retardant grade reaches UL-94 V-0. From the scanning electron microscopy analysis of the carbon residue of the cable sheath material after burning, it is found that the COF nanosheet flame retardant changes the shape of the carbon layer of the cable sheath material into a dense honeycomb structure, which prevents the diffusion of oxygen and combustible gases, thereby inhibiting the transmission of flame and heat and effectively improving the flame retardancy of the cable sheath material.
Grain-size dependence and anisotropy of nanoscale thermal transport in MgO
Authors: Fujii Susumu , Funai Kohei , Yokoi Tatsuya , Yoshiya Masato
Published: December 2021

Controlling thermal conductivity in nanocrystalline materials is of great interest in various fields such as thermoelectrics. However, its reduction mechanism has not been fully given due to the difficulty to assess local thermal conduction at grain boundaries (GBs) and grain interiors. Here, we calculated spatially decomposed thermal conductivities across and along MgO symmetric GBs using perturbed molecular dynamics, varying the GB separation from 2.1 to 20.0 nm. This reveals the different length scale of GB scattering for two directions: over hundreds of nanometers across GBs while within a few nanometers along GBs. Numerical analyses based on the spatially decomposed thermal conductivities demonstrate that the former is dominant upon suppressing thermal conductivity in polycrystalline materials, whereas the latter has a non-negligible impact in nanocrystalline materials because of a large reduction of intragrain thermal conductivity along GBs. These insights provide the exact mechanisms of heat transport in nanocrystalline materials toward more precise control of thermal conductivity.
Perturbation-adapted perturbation theory
Authors: Knowles Peter J.
Published: December 2021

A new general approach is introduced for defining an optimum zero-order Hamiltonian for Rayleigh–Schrödinger perturbation theory. Instead of taking the operator directly from a model problem, it is constructed to be a best fit to the exact Hamiltonian within any desired functional form. When applied to many-body perturbation theory for electrons, strongly improved convergence is observed in cases where the conventional Fock Hamiltonian leads to divergence or slow convergence.
Local dendritic balance enables learning of efficient representations in networks of spiking neurons
Authors: Mikulasch Fabian A. , Rudelt Lucas , Priesemann Viola
Published: December 2021

Significance

Neurons have to represent an enormous amount of sensory information. To represent this information efficiently, neurons have to adapt their connections to the sensory inputs. An unresolved problem is how this learning is possible when neurons fire in a correlated way. Yet, these correlations are ubiquitous in neural spiking, either because sensory input shows correlations or because perfect decorrelation of neural spiking through inhibition fails due to physiological transmission delays. We derived from first principles that neurons can, nonetheless, learn efficient representations if inhibition modulates synaptic plasticity in individual dendritic compartments. Our work questions pairwise Hebbian plasticity as a paradigm for representation learning and draws a link between representation learning and a dendritic balance of input currents.
Preventing extreme polarization of political attitudes
Authors: Axelrod Robert , Daymude Joshua J. , Forrest Stephanie
Published: December 2021

Significance

Democracies require compromise. But compromise becomes almost impossible when voters are divided into diametrically opposed camps. The danger is that intolerance will grow, democratic norms will be undermined, and winners will be reluctant to let the losers ever regain power. To better understand how polarization can be prevented, or at least slowed, we developed a simple model in which people tend to be exposed to and attracted by views similar to their own, but are repulsed by views that are too dissimilar. The policy implications are described in terms of level of tolerance to other views, responsiveness to other views, exposure to dissimilar views, multiple ideological dimensions, economic self-interest, and external shocks.
Link recommendation algorithms and dynamics of polarization in online social networks
Authors: Santos Fernando P. , Lelkes Yphtach , Levin Simon A.
Published: December 2021

Significance

Polarization is rising while political debates are moving to online social platforms. In such settings, algorithms are used to recommend new connections to users, through so-called link recommendation algorithms. Users are often recommended based on structural similarity (e.g., nodes sharing many neighbors are similar). We show that preferentially establishing links with structurally similar nodes potentiates opinion polarization by stimulating network topologies with well-defined communities (even in the absence of opinion-based rewiring). When networks are composed of nodes that react differently to out-group contacts—either converging or polarizing—connecting structurally dissimilar nodes enhances moderate opinions. Our study sheds light on the impacts of social-network algorithms in opinion dynamics and unveils avenues to steer polarization in online social networks.
The microdynamics of spatial polarization: A model and an application to survey data from Ukraine
Authors: Chu Olivia J. , Donges Jonathan F. , Robertson Graeme B. , Pop-Eleches Grigore
Published: December 2021

Significance

We advance our understanding of changes in polarization over time and across space by highlighting how the nature and structure of social interactions shape changes in attitudinal polarization. We show how including geographical information in adaptive voter models improves their predictive accuracy for both individual-level attitude change and for aggregate patterns of spatial polarization. By applying the model to panel survey data from Ukraine, we address the dearth of empirical applications with real-world data in the agent-based modeling literature. This article also demonstrates the importance of a key mechanism underlying earlier findings about the importance of local effects in shaping individual attitudes, namely the role of political discussion in locally rooted networks.
A single intranasal dose of a live-attenuated parainfluenza virus-vectored SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is protective in hamsters
Authors: Liu Xueqiao , Luongo Cindy , Matsuoka Yumiko , Park Hong-Su , Santos Celia , Yang Lijuan , Moore Ian N. , Afroz Sharmin , Johnson Reed F. , Lafont Bernard A. P. , Martens Craig , Best Sonja M. , Munster Vincent J. , Hollý Jaroslav , Yewdell Jonathan W. , Le Nouën Cyril , Munir Shirin , Buchholz Ursula J.
Published: December 2021

Significance

Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infections, though generally mild, are associated with substantial morbidity and contribute to transmission dynamics. No SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are available for young children. Bovine/human parainfluenza virus 3 (B/HPIV3) vectors for intranasal immunization of children were evaluated previously in phase 1/2 studies and were well-tolerated in children as young as 2 mo of age. This manuscript describes a B/HPIV3 vector expressing a prefusion-stabilized version of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein (S-2P), and shows that a single intranasal dose is highly immunogenic and protective against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in the hamster model, the most robust SARS-CoV-2 challenge model available. Based on these results, B/HPIV3/S-2P represents a promising vaccine candidate for clinical evaluation as a pediatric vaccine for intranasal immunization against HPIV3 and SARS-CoV-2.
An endoplasmic reticulum–localized cytochrome
b
5
regulates high-affinity K
+
transport in response to salt stress in rice
Authors: Song Tengzhao , Shi Yiyuan , Shen Like , Cao Chengjuan , Shen Yue , Jing Wen , Tian Quanxiang , Lin Feng , Li Wenyu , Zhang Wenhua
Published: December 2021

Significance

High-affinity K
+
(HAK) transporter-mediated K
+
uptake has an important role when plants are subjected to stresses. This work identifies a mechanism of HAK regulation. The affinity of HAK at the plasma membrane for K
+
depends on the binding of a cytochrome (CYB5) protein at the endoplasmic reticulum. This improves K
+
uptake and the ability of plants to survive under saline conditions. The HAK–CYB5 interaction not only constitutes a mechanism of HAK regulation but also reflects interorganelle communication mediated by functional protein interactions under conditions of stress.
Contrastive grammar in the Renaissance
Authors: Van Rooy Raf
Published: December 2021

This paper focuses on how Jean Pillot, author of the most popular French grammar of the sixteenth century in terms
of editions, took efforts to contrast his native language with Greek. His Gallicæ linguæ institutio (1550/1561),
although written in Latin, contains numerous passages where Pillot subtly confronted French with Greek, surveyed in Section 2, in order to give his audience of educated German speakers a clearer view of the
idiosyncrasies of French. In Section 3, I analyze why he preferred Greek to the other
languages he knew in quite a number of cases, arguing that this subtle contrastive endeavor bore an indirect pedagogical and
ideological load. Section 4 discusses the terminological means Pillot used to confront Greek
with French, and their origins. In Section 5, I frame Pillot’s appropriation of Greek grammar
in the long history of contrastive language studies, with special reference to the pivotal role of sixteenth-century linguistic
analysis.
Climate change and Lyme disease.
Authors: Cox Peter , Huntingford Chris , Sparey Morgan , Nuttall Pat
Published: December 2021

This chapter examines the key climatic driving factors for changes in the incidence of Lyme disease and explores how these depend on the level of global warming. It aims to provide some context for the more detailed expert opinions in this book as well as to show how the key climatic driving factors for Lyme disease relate to the Paris targets for climate stabilization. Section 3.1.2 summarizes some of the key findings in the literature concerning the sensitivity of Ixodes life cycles to climate. Section 3.1.3 offers a very brief summary of anthropogenic climate change and climate change projections. Section 3.1.4 tentatively suggests some simple climate thresholds that are broadly consistent with the current global pattern of Lyme disease hotspots. Lastly, Section 3.2 explores the implications for the distribution of Lyme disease under the 2°C limit of the Paris climate agreement.
Possible direct and human-mediated impact of climate change on tick populations in Turkey.
Authors: Kar Sırrı , Keles Aysen Gargili
Published: December 2021

This chapter provides an introduction on the basic geographical, ecological and climate characteristics of Turkey as well as general information (such as host, life cycle) on the tick fauna in the country. It also discusses the possible direct and human-mediated impact of climatic change on the biology, ecology, behaviour and prevalence of tick populations in Turkey, with emphasis on Hyalomma marginatum, H. rufipes, H. aegyptium, H. excavatum, H. anatolicum, H. scupense, Boophilus (Rhipicephalus) annulatus, Rhipicephalus turanicus, R. sanguineus, R. bursaIxodes, Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis spp. and Dermacentor spp.
Climate and management effects on tick-game animal dynamics.
Authors: Hoodless Andrew , Sage Rufus
Published: December 2021

This expert opinion discusses the mechanisms by which climate and management could alter tick and game host (animal) densities and contact rates, as well as considering the likely relative importance of climate change and game (animal) management in affecting the distribution of ticks in Europe.
Distribution, seasonal occurrence and biological characteristics of Haemaphysalis longicornis, a vector of bovine piroplasmosis in Japan.
Authors: Umemiya-Shirafuji Rika
Published: December 2021

This expert opinion focuses on the distribution and seasonal occurrence of Haemaphysalis longicornis and H.longicornis-transmitted protozoan parasites in Japan, and describes expected changes in the distribution areas and biological characteristics of this tick, as a vector, due to climate change.
Climate instability and emerging tick-borne disease.
Authors: Foley Janet
Published: December 2021

This expert opinion focuses on the impact of climate change events (such as drought, extreme precipitation and wind, global warming) on the emergence and abundance of tick-borne diseases.
Tick vectors, tick-borne diseases and climate change.
Authors: Samy Abdallah , Alkishe Abdelghafar , Pustahija Tatjana , Peterson Townsend
Published: December 2021

This expert opinion focuses on the impact of global warming and climate change on the distributional potential and population abundance of tick vectors and the occurrence and spread of tick-borne diseases.
Climate and other global factors at the zoonotic interface in America: influence on diseases caused by tick-borne pathogens.
Authors: Munderloh Ulrike , Kurtti Timothy
Published: December 2021

This expert opinion discusses evidence for global change (including rapid human population growth) and climate change impacts on the distribution and abundance of ticks on human and animal hosts as well as the prevalence and intensity of tick-borne diseases at the zoonotic interface in America.
Microclimatic conditions and RNA viruses in ticks.
Authors: Huang Yan-Jang , Higgs Stephen , Vanlandingham Dana
Published: December 2021

This expert opinion focuses on the quantities of infectious viruses secreted in the saliva of infected ticks under different microclimatic conditions and how this information is critical for assessing the transmission efficiency from infected ticks to vertebrate hosts. It also highlights the impact of constantly changing ecological conditions on both tick-borne arboviruses and ticks.
Climate, ticks and tick-borne encephalitis in Central Europe.
Authors: Danielová Vlasta , Daniel Milan
Published: December 2021

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a serious human disease of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by the European subtype of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) - genus Flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae - in the European area of its distribution. Its major vector is the tick, Ixodes ricinus. This expert opinion discusses the ecology of I. ricinus and the epidemiology of TBE in relation to changing climate in Central Europe.
Climate change and debilitating symptom complexes attributed to ticks in Australia.
Authors: Dehhaghi Mona , Panahi Hamed Kazemi Shariat , Schloeffel Richard , Hudson Bernard , Ruiwen Benjamin , Guillemin Gilles
Published: December 2021

This expert opinion focuses on the impact of global warming and climate change on the spread and distribution of Australian ticks and the prevalence and intensity of associated human diseases.
Ornithodoros tick vectors and African swine fever virus.
Authors: Bastos Armanda , Boinas Fernando
Published: December 2021

African swine fever (ASF) virus, currently the only recognized DNA arbovirus, is the causative agent of a highly virulent and frequently lethal haemorrhagic fever of pigs and wild boar. The virus is readily transmitted between infected Sus scrofa (wild and domestic), as well as through ingestion of infected pork, fomites and some haematophagous vectors. Although several arthropod species have been evaluated for virus competence, argasids (soft ticks) of the genus Ornithodoros are the only known invertebrates that are reservoirs of the virus. This chapter provides information on ASF virus infection status and vector competence of Ornithodoros tick populations in Africa.
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens in the Caribbean region in the context of climate change.
Authors: Alvarez Dasiel Obregón , Charles Roxanne Albertha , Estrada-Peña Agustín
Published: December 2021

This expert opinion refers to the most important ticks and tick-borne pathogens in the Caribbean and how global warming and climate change may influence their distribution in the next decades.
Synopsis: climate.
Authors: Nuttall Pat
Published: December 2021

This synopsis provides an overview of the collection of expert opinions that considers various aspects of climate change, including predictions of future climate change, how it affects ecosystems and modelling to predict the spatial distribution of ticks and associated diseases.
Relationship between self‐reported and objectively measured physical fitness in young men and women
Authors: Aandstad Anders
Published: December 2021

Self‐reported physical fitness has advantages in cost and time over objective methods, but previous studies demonstrate equivocal conclusions regarding validity. Methods for self‐reporting are usually based on subjective judgements, while another approach includes performing field tests at home. The Norwegian military relies on the latter method for conscript selection, but its validity is unknown and should be investigated. In total 14,166 young men and women were included in the study. During conscript selection step one, the subjects were requested to perform 3,000 m run, push‐up, pull‐up and standing long jump tests at home, and report the results online (“self‐reported measurements”). Step two took place at a conscript selection centre 1–18 months later. Here, the subjects completed a maximal treadmill test, seated medicine ball throw, pull‐up and standing long jump tests (“objective measurements”). The results demonstrated correlation coefficients from 0.29 to 0.82 (P < 0.05) for self‐reported vs. objective measurements, with the highest association found for self‐reported and objectively measured pull‐ups. Kappa values ranged from 0.05 to 0.34 (P < 0.05), with pull‐ups demonstrating the highest agreement. More women than men over‐reported their physical fitness. Among men and women indicating similar self‐reported fitness, men's objective fitness was higher for all objective tests (effect sizes from 0.5 to 3.0). In conclusion, large variations in correlation coefficients were observed between self‐reported and objectively measured physical fitness, while the kappa values indicated poor to fair agreement. The finding that more women than men over‐reported their fitness level contradicts most previous studies.

Highlights

Low, moderate, and high correlations, and poor to fair agreements (kappa values), were observed between self‐reported and objectively measured endurance and muscle strength variables.

More women than men overreported their actual fitness level.

Self‐reported fitness based on performing field tests at home may be a feasible alternative to traditional methods which rely on self‐perceived fitness.
Accessible, large-area, uniform dose photolithography using a moving light source
Authors: Kaltashov Alexander , Parameshwar Prabu Karthick , Lin Nicholas , Moraes Christopher
Published: December 2021

Photolithography is an essential microfabrication process in which ultraviolet (UV) light is projected through a mask to selectively expose and pattern a light-sensitive photoresist. Conventional photolithography devices are based on a stationary UV lamp and require carefully-designed optics to ensure that a uniform exposure dose is provided across the substrate being patterned. Access to such systems is typically limited to certain labs with domain-specific expertise and sufficient resources. The emergence of light emitting diode (LED)-based UV technologies has provided improved access to the necessary light sources, but issues with uniformity and limited exposure sizes still remain. In this work, we explore the use of a moving light source (MOLIS) for large-area lithography applications, in which the light source path speed, elevation, and movement pattern can be used to smooth out any spatial variations in source light intensity profiles, and deliver a defined and uniform cumulative UV exposure dose to a photoresist-coated substrate. By repurposing a 3D printer and UV-LED flashlight, we constructed an inexpensive MOLIS platform, simulated and verified the parameters needed to produce a uniform UV dose exposure, and demonstrate this approach for SU-8 microfabrication of features with dimensions relevant to many areas in biomedical engineering. The ready accessibility and inexpensive nature of this approach may be of considerable value to small laboratories interested in occasional and low-throughput prototype microfabrication applications.
Underwater shock wave induced by pulsed discharge on water
Authors: Furusato Tomohiro , Sasaki Mitsuru , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Yamashita Takahiko
Published: December 2021

Plasmas on liquids have provided significant applications in material, environmental, and biological sciences. The mechanisms of these chemical reactions in liquids have been primarily described by the plasma–liquid interactions and convection by an electrohydrodynamic flow. Although shock waves play a significant role in radical formation, agitation and cell destruction, not much information is available on underwater shock waves induced by the surface discharge on water. In this study, an underwater shock wave generated by the pulsed surface discharge on water using the laser shadowgraph method has been demonstrated. The results reveal that the shock wave generated by the discharge on water was transmitted into the water. The mean velocity of the shock wave reached 1.7 km s−1. The results indicate that the surface discharge accelerates the reaction in the water by the combined action of the underwater shock wave and the plasma reaction at the air–water interface. The results are expected to aid in the understanding the mechanisms of existing applications, such as decomposition, synthesis, and sterilization.
Desorption induced formation of low-density GaN quantum dots: nanoscale correlation of structural and optical properties
Authors: Schürmann H , Schmidt G , Bertram F , Berger C , Metzner S , Veit P , Dadgar A , Strittmatter A , Christen J
Published: December 2021

We report on the formation process of GaN/AlN quantum dots (QDs) which arises after the deposition of 1–2 monolayers of GaN on an AlN/sapphire template followed by a distinct growth interruption (GRI). The influence of the duration of a GRI on the structural and optical properties of the GaN layer has been systematically investigated. QDs develop from initially bulky GaN islands, which nucleate in close vicinity to bundles of threading dislocations (TDs). For prolonged GRIs, a decreasing island size is observed which is consistent with a systematic blue shift of the emission wavelength. In addition, fragmentation of the bulky GaN islands into several smaller islands occurs, strongly dependent on local strain fields caused by TDs as well as on the different facet orientation of the islands. This morphological transition during GRI eventually leads to GaN QD formation, which assemble as clusters with a density of 108 cm−2. Desorption of GaN is identified as the major source for this morphological transition. The GRI time allows for tuning of the QD emission wavelength in the ultraviolet spectral range.
Influence of C=O groups on the optical extinction coefficient of graphene exfoliated in liquid phase
Authors: Rico J , Castaño-Soto M , Lopez-Arango N , Hernandez Y
Published: December 2021

Liquid phase exfoliation of graphite is currently one of the most promising graphene production methods at large scale. For this reason, an accurate calculation of the concentration in graphene dispersions is important for standardization and commercialization. Here, graphene dispersions, at high concentrations, were produced by electrochemical exfoliation. Furthermore, a cleaner methodology to obtain graphene oxide by electrochemical exfoliation at high acid concentrations was implemented. The absorption coefficient for graphene and graphene oxide was determined in the optical range (α
660 nm = 1414 (±3%) ml mg−1 m−1 and α
660 nm = 648 (±7%) ml mg−1 m−1, respectively) with an exponential dependence with the wavelength. The difference in α for both materials is attributed to an increased presence of C=O groups as evidenced by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis and Raman spectroscopy, as well as, in the calculation of the optical extinction coefficient and optical band-gap via Tauc-plots.
Strengthening radiation protection education and training of health professionals: conclusions from an IAEA meeting
Authors: Vassileva Jenia , Applegate Kimberly , Paulo Graciano , Vano Eliseo , Holmberg Ola
Published: December 2021

In March 2021 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organised an online Technical Meeting on Developing Effective Methods for Radiation Protection Education and Training of Health Professionals with attendance of 230 participants representing 66 Member States and 24 international organizations, professional bodies and safety alliances. By means of a pre-meeting survey, presentations by experts, topical panel discussions and post-meeting feedback to the meeting summary, the meeting identified strengths, common weaknesses and possible solutions and actions for improving radiation protection education and training of health professionals. Available guidelines and resources for radiation protection training were also reviewed. The meeting discussion resulted in a strong consensus for the need of: (a) international guidance on education and training in radiation protection and safety for health professionals, (b) an international description of minimum standards of initial and ongoing competence and qualification in radiation protection for relevant professional groups, considering the available recommendations at international and regional levels. The proposed actions include provisions for train-the-trainer credentialing and facility training accreditation, balance betwee the online and face-to-face training, improved on-the job training, as well as improved inclusion in training programmes of aspects related to application of new technologies, ethical aspects, development of communication skills, and use of software tools for improving justification and optimisation. The need for making the ongoing training practical, applicable, and useful to the trainee was highlighted. The international consultation initiated by the IAEA was appreciated as a good approach to understand and promote coordination and collaboration at all levels, for best results in education and training in radiation protection of health professionals. Implementing such a holistic approach to education and training in radiation protection would contribute towards qualification and competence of health professionals needed to ensure application of high standards for quality and safety in medical uses of ionizing radiation.