bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Myocardial Fibrosis on Cardiovascular Structure, Function and Functional Status in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Lewis Gavin A. , Rosala-Hallas Anna , Dodd Susanna , Schelbert Erik B. , Williams Simon G. , Cunnington Colin , McDonagh Theresa , Miller Christopher A.
Published: July 2022

Myocardial fibrosis, measured using cardiovascular magnetic resonance extracellular volume (ECV), is associated with adverse outcome in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, but the mechanisms by which myocardial fibrosis exerts this deleterious effect are unclear. We performed mediation analyses of data from the Pirfenidone in Patients with Heart Failure and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (PIROUETTE) trial to determine whether myocardial fibrotic regression causes changes in cardiovascular function and functional status following antifibrotic therapy. Regression of myocardial fibrosis correlated with improvements in 6-min walk test and KCCQ clinical summary score. The only outcome variable that demonstrated a treatment effect was an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The estimated average causal mediation effects of myocardial ECV, absolute myocardial extracellular matrix volume and absolute myocardial cellular volume on LVEF were 6.1%, 21.5% and 13.7%, respectively, none of which was significant and therefore not mediated by myocardial fibrosis. (PIROUETTE; NCT02932566).

Graphical Abstract
Application of geospatial technology coupled with fuzzy logic operations in mapping soil-erosion critical zones: the case of guder sub-basin, upper blue nile basin, ethiopia
Authors: Haile Mesfin Mamo
Published: July 2022

The study attempted to map soil-erosion critical zones in the Guder sub-basin in Ethiopia. To map soil erosion sensitive areas, a digital elevation model (12 m × 12 m spatial resolution), precipitation data covering 30 years, soil type, and land use were utilized as inputs. Fuzzy logic techniques based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were integrated and analyzed on the ArcGIS 10.5 platform. Five contributing variables were considered as potential causes associated to soil-erosion in the study. Slope, land use, soil type, rainfall, and compound topographic index are the variables. Fuzzy membership values were constructed to generate the rankings of each parameter and their subclasses. Researcher and expert judgment with a survey of the previous studies were used to determine the membership value for each thematic layer and their classes. As a result, the soil-erosion zone map revealed very high, high, moderate, low, and very low erosion susceptibility with areal percentage distribution of 4.96%, 67.48%, 25.41%, 1.88%, and 0.27%, respectively. The study's findings were validated using cross-relationship of the contributing elements and the final map, which revealed strong relationships. The study's findings would help decision-makers and policymakers plan and implement effective watershed management strategies in highly vulnerable locations to soil erosion. Fuzzy logic approaches, when combined with GIS, have been proven to be a basic tool for determining erosion important locations. The final soil erosion map revealed that the majority of the studied areas were prone to soil erosion as a result of agricultural practices, necessitating integrated soil and water conservation practices.
Development of an enterocutaneous fistula from an intestinal perforation in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Nakayama Yuki , Sawa Naoki , Suwabe Tatsuya , Sekine Akinari , Yamanouchi Masayuki , Ikuma Daisuke , Mizuno Hiroki , Oba Yuki , Hasegawa Eiko , Hoshino Junichi , Matoba Shuichiro , Ubara Yoshifumi
Published: July 2022

We herein report a case of enterocutaneous fistula in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). A 37-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital. Three months prior to transfer to our hospital, he developed intense flank pain with gross hematuria. His serum creatinine had decreased to 7.8 mg/dL and hemodialysis was started, but gross hematuria persisted and he developed hypotension. Upon admission, plain chest radiography did not reveal any free air, but computed tomography (CT) showed generalized ventral subcutaneous air from the head to the lower extremities and enlarged kidneys. Enterography showed leakage of contrast medium from the descending colon into the subcutaneous area. C-reactive protein was 23.1 mg/dL. A colostomy was placed in the transverse colon proximal to the perforation, and systemic subcutaneous drainage was performed. The fever subsequently resolved, and the C-reactive protein test became negative. Three months later, renal artery embolization was performed, and 12 months thereafter, CT showed a marked decrease in kidney size. We assume that a markedly enlarged kidney leaded to intestinal perforation, which developed into an enterocutaneous fistula. Consequently, intestinal fluid leaked into the subcutaneous cavity of the abdominal wall and spread systemically, resulting in extensive subcutaneous abscesses.
Modification of Co–Cr alloys to optimize additively welded microstructures and subsequent surface finishing
Authors: Eissel Antonia , Engelking Lorenz , Treutler Kai , Wesling Volker , Schröpfer Dirk , Kannengießer Thomas
Published: July 2022

Cobalt chromium alloys are often used in turbine and plant construction. This is based on their high thermal and mechanical stress resistance as well as their high wear resistance to corrosive and abrasive loads. However, cobalt is a cost-intensive material that is difficult to machine. Moreover, increasingly complex structures and the optimisation of resource efficiency also require additive manufacturing steps for the production or repair of components in many sectors. Concerning inhomogeneity and anisotropy of the microstructure and properties as well as manufacturing-related stresses, a lot of knowledge is still necessary for the economic use of additive welding processes in SMEs. As a result of the high stresses on the components and requirements for a high surface quality, a complementary use of additive and machining manufacturing processes is necessary. Thereby, Co–Cr alloys are extremely challenging for machining with geometrically defined cutting edges because of their low thermal conductivity combined with high strength and toughness. An approach to solve this problem is to refine and homogenise the microstructure. This is achieved by modifying the alloy with elements zirconium and hafnium, which are added up to a maximum of 1 wt.-%. A reduction of the process forces and stresses on the tool and work piece surface is also achievable via hybrid milling processes. There are already studies on the combined use of additive and machining manufacturing processes based on laser technology. However, knowledge based on powder and wire-based arc processes is important, as these processes are more widespread. Furthermore, the effects on the surface zone of additively manufactured components by hybrid finish milling have not yet been a subject of research. The results show that the structural morphology could be significantly influenced with the addition of zirconium and hafnium.
Animal Soundscapes in Anglo-Norman Texts
Authors: Lewis Liam
Published: July 2022

A redefinition of the animal's relationship to sound and language in French texts from medieval England.
Forgeries and Historical Writing in England, France, and Flanders, 900-1200
Authors: Berkhofer, III Robert F.
Published: July 2022

A close analysis of forgeries and historical writings at Saint Peter's, Ghent; Saint-Denis near Paris; and Christ Church, Canterbury, offering valuable access to why medieval people often rewrote their pasts.
Processing bound-variable singularthey
Authors: Han Chung-hye , Moulton Keir
Published: July 2022

The pronounsthey/them/theirare readily available with a singular interpretation as bound variables (Balhorn 2004, Bjorkman 2017). Referential interpretations are possible, but subject to pragmatic considerations and changes in progress (Bjorkman 2017, Conrod 2019, Konnelly and Cowper 2020). In a series of experiments, we tested differences between bound and referential singulartheyin acceptability and incremental processing, asking whether boundtheyis sensitive to the gender of its antecedent, as referentialtheyis (Doherty and Conklin 2017, Ackerman 2018, Ackerman et al. 2018, Conrod 2019). We found that bound singulartheyhas an advantage over referential singulartheyin acceptability, even when the antecedent is gendered. In processing, however, bound-variable singulartheyshowed a reading time advantage over referential singulartheyonly with gendered antecedents. We evaluate these results against existing formal linguistic theories of singulartheyimplemented within psycholinguistic models of pronoun processing. We submit that none of the theories fully captures the range of evidence we uncover, in particular the interaction between gender and quantification. We suggest a formal account that does: we propose, using representations from Kratzer (2009) and Sudo (2012), that gender and number features are differentially represented in referential versus binding dependencies. We speculate how this representational difference relates to the processing mechanisms of antecedent retrieval and to the limited processing advantage for bound singulartheythat we found.
A new species Idiognathodus praeguizhouensis n. sp. (Conodonta, Pennsylvanian) from South China
Authors: Hu Ke-yi , Qi Yu-ping , Wang Xiang-dong
Published: July 2022

UUID: http://zoobank.org/bae1f4cb-c5c1-4dfd-85e2-22bfc929e4a0
Irredentism and Institutions
Authors: Hale Christopher , Siroky David
Published: July 2022

Why do states engage in irredentism? Expanding on previous scholarship, this article advances a new theory with rationalist microfoundations that accounts for the incentives of both elites and citizens to support irredentism in democracies and dictatorships. Our model suggests irredentism is more likely when it enables political elites to provide a specific mix of private goods, public goods, and welfare transfers to citizens who desire them at the lowest tax rate. This leads to the prediction that irredentism is most likely in majoritarian democratic electoral systems and military dictatorships, and least likely in proportional electoral systems and single-party dictatorships. We test and find supportive evidence for these expectations using a comprehensive dataset covering all observed and potential irredentist cases from 1946 to 2014.
National Retro and the Re-mattering of History in Twenty-First-Century Hungary
Authors: Fehérváry Krisztina
Published: July 2022

This article investigates the international genre of “retro” and how it is used in Hungary to re-matter the nation’s modern past, repositioning the country within a twentieth-century European history where it was never cut off by an “Iron Curtain” from the modern West. It does this by selecting for modern consumer goods and popular culture from both East and West that fit international criteria for retro. For both young and old, retro “matters” the past in a way that affirms contemporary market sensibilities, infusing it with value through assertions of market equivalence in the past and new value as commodities in the present. If Hungarian Retro works as a form of nostalgia for some, it is for an era of perceived national prestige, value, and economic sovereignty relative to the demoralized present. While distinct from right-wing nationalist politics, Hungarian Retro nonetheless shares in the project of erasing a stigmatized state socialism from national history. This article builds on scholarship on the role of the material in producing the nation in everyday life. It contributes a perspective that brings together: (a) the domestication of international commercial and popular trends; (b) the global hierarchy of prestige based on national exports and imports; and (c) the constitution of value in citizens via the qualities of consumer goods both produced and consumed.
A balancing act: changing the referral pathway following remote consultations for dizziness during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Ng J , Wilson B , Hey S , Bennett A
Published: July 2022

Background

This paper reports our experience in managing dizzy patients remotely during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and explored its safety as an alternative to face-to-face consultations.

Methods

Dizzy patients referred by their general practitioner were contacted to answer a validated questionnaire. Clinicians recorded the time needed for consultations, and the diagnosis at each of the following assessment stages: after review of the electronic general practitioner letter; following completion of the questionnaire; following the telephone consultation; and/or at follow up. Patients were telephoned no earlier than three months later to determine satisfaction with the service and symptom resolution. Electronic patient records were checked for presentation to hospital because of dizziness.

Results

Seventy patients had telephone consultations. None presented to the emergency department or were admitted. The majority of consultations took 15–30 minutes. The most diagnosed condition was benign positional paroxysmal vertigo. Seventy-nine per cent of patients were satisfied with the service. The questionnaire and telephone consultations demonstrated the greatest diagnosis agreement (κ = 0.40).

Conclusion

Validated questionnaire and telephone consultations are a safe alternative to face-to-face consultations. Our patient referral pathway has now changed to include elements of the questionnaire.
Regional flea and host assemblages form biogeographic, but not ecological, clusters: evidence for a dispersal-based mechanism as a driver of species composition
Authors: Krasnov Boris R. , Shenbrot Georgy I. , Khokhlova Irina S.
Published: July 2022

We used data on the species composition of regional assemblages of fleas and their small mammalian hosts from 6 biogeographic realms and applied a novel method of step-down factor analyses (SDFA) and cluster analyses to identify biogeographic (across the entire globe) and ecological (within a realm across the main terrestrial biomes) clusters of these assemblages. We found that, at the global scale, the clusters of regional assemblage loadings on SDFA axes reflected well the assemblage distribution, according to the biogeographic realms to which they belong. At the global scale, the cluster topology, corresponding to the biogeographic realms, was similar between flea and host assemblages, but the topology of subtrees within realm-specific clusters substantially differed between fleas and hosts. At the scale of biogeographic realms, the distribution of regional flea and host assemblages did not correspond to the predominant biome types. Assemblages with similar loadings on SDFA axes were often situated in different biomes and vice versa. The across-biome, within-realm distributions of flea vs host assemblages suggested weak congruence between these distributions. Our results indicate that dispersal is a predominant mechanism of flea and host community assembly across large regions.
Harden the Hardline, Soften the Softline: Unravelling China's Qiaoling-centred Diaspora Governance in Laos
Authors: Chen Wanjing (Kelly)
Published: July 2022

Since the 1990s, the Chinese government has intensified efforts to control the political life of the diaspora by recruiting proxies, or qiaoling 侨领, from the extraterritorial population for community-based governance. This paper examines the efficacy of this co-optive strategy by investigating its ramifications in Lao Chinese business communities. Following a group of qiaoling in Vientiane through qualitative fieldwork, I reveal how these individuals are self-motivated to perform patriotism by the desire to earn symbolic recognition. Their fame and prestige as qiaoling are critical for their material accumulation in the often-fraudulent business of intermediation for Chinese bureaucrats and investors. As such, while contributing to realigning the political allegiance of the diaspora, qiaoling simultaneously reshape the ongoing expansion of Chinese capitalism in ways that diverge from Beijing's developmental agenda. This finding complicates the long-held imaginary of an autonomous state–diaspora synergy in post-socialist China.
Triangles in randomly perturbed graphs
Authors: Böttcher Julia , Parczyk Olaf , Sgueglia Amedeo , Skokan Jozef
Published: July 2022

We study the problem of finding pairwise vertex-disjoint triangles in the randomly perturbed graph model, which is the union of any
$n$
-vertex graph
$G$
satisfying a given minimum degree condition and the binomial random graph
$G(n,p)$
. We prove that asymptotically almost surely
$G \cup G(n,p)$
contains at least
$\min \{\delta (G), \lfloor n/3 \rfloor \}$
pairwise vertex-disjoint triangles, provided
$p \ge C \log n/n$
, where
$C$
is a large enough constant. This is a perturbed version of an old result of Dirac.

Our result is asymptotically optimal and answers a question of Han, Morris, and Treglown [RSA, 2021, no. 3, 480–516] in a strong form. We also prove a stability version of our result, which in the case of pairwise vertex-disjoint triangles extends a result of Han, Morris, and Treglown [RSA, 2021, no. 3, 480–516]. Together with a result of Balogh, Treglown, and Wagner [CPC, 2019, no. 2, 159–176], this fully resolves the existence of triangle factors in randomly perturbed graphs.

We believe that the methods introduced in this paper are useful for a variety of related problems: we discuss possible generalisations to clique factors, cycle factors, and
$2$
-universality.
Aptitude Requirements for Human Operators in Human–Automation	Interaction
Authors: Brady Michael F. , Carretta Thomas R. , Shermadou Zakia S. , Gibson Anthony
Published: July 2022

Abstract. The purpose of this work was to identify individual differences that affect aptitude requirements for jobs involving autonomous systems and human–automation interaction (HAI). This was addressed in two stages. First, we conducted a literature review of task demands and operator states relevant to HAI. On the basis of this review, we formed a model for understanding performance as a composite of operator states, operator behaviors, and distal outcomes. Second, we conducted a meta-analysis of correlations between individual differences and criteria reflecting job demands of an HAI environment. Results suggest cognitive skills such as working memory are important to performance in an HAI context. Inconsistent findings for personality across studies underscore the need for more research. Measurement challenges and research gaps are identified.
Effect of the 2018 Martian Global Dust Storm on the Main Species in the Upper Ionosphere: Observations and Simulations
Authors: Qin JunFeng , Zou Hong , Lee Yuni , Ye YuGuang , Hao YongQiang , Wang JinSong
Published: July 2022

Martian global dust storms have significant influences on its atmosphere and ionosphere. In this research, the behavior of , , and O+ density profiles during the 2018 global dust storm is studied based on the observations of Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS) onboard Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution. The observations show increased density, decreased O+ density, and relatively stable density at 170–500 km during the dust storm. Using a photochemical model, we reproduced the behavior of , , and O+ density at 170–200 km during the dust storm based on the behaviors of NGIMS observed neutral density profiles. The behaviors of those neutral and ion density profiles should be the combined effects of the variations of latitude, longitude, season, local time, Solar Zenith Angle (SZA), and the activity of the global dust storm. Two different methods, one based on the Mars Climate Database and another based on a parametric model, are used to remove the effects of latitude, longitude, season, local time, and SZA variations on the neutral atmosphere and ionosphere. Both methods indicate that density at 170–200 km should increase, rather than stay unchanged under the 2018 global dust storm‐specified effect.
Multiday Precipitation Is a Prominent Driver of Floods in Indian River Basins
Authors: Nanditha J. S. , Mishra Vimal
Published: July 2022

India witness floods during the summer monsoon (June–September) that disproportionately affect the socioeconomic well‐being of millions of people. Nonstructural measures such as flood early warning systems play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts; however, these require a proper understanding of flood drivers. The drivers of floods in the Indian river basins have not been examined for the observed and projected future climate. Here using a novel framework, we examine antecedent moisture conditions and precipitation characteristics before high flow events. We estimate the probability of occurrence of flood drivers and their association with peak flood magnitude under the observed and projected future climate in Indian river basins. Multiday precipitation, a proxy to heavy precipitation on wet soil conditions, was found as the predominant flood driver in the observed and projected future climate. We show that multiday precipitation is more prominent driver than extreme soil moisture conditions in larger rivers basins while extreme precipitation drives floods in smaller river basins. The frequency of major drivers of floods is projected to rise in the future, which may pose a greater risk to agriculture and infrastructure under the warming climate.
Separating arbitrary free-space beams with an integrated photonic processor
Authors: Milanizadeh Maziyar , SeyedinNavadeh SeyedMohammad , Zanetto Francesco , Grimaldi Vittorio , De Vita Christian , Klitis Charalambos , Sorel Marc , Ferrari Giorgio , Miller David A. B. , Melloni Andrea , Morichetti Francesco
Published: July 2022

Free-space optics naturally offers multiple-channel communications and sensing exploitable in many applications. The different optical beams will, however, generally be overlapping at the receiver, and, especially with atmospheric turbulence or other scattering or aberrations, the arriving beam shapes may not even be known in advance. We show that such beams can be still separated in the optical domain, and simultaneously detected with negligible cross-talk, even if they share the same wavelength and polarization, and even with unknown arriving beam shapes. The kernel of the adaptive multibeam receiver presented in this work is a programmable integrated photonic processor that is coupled to free-space beams through a two-dimensional array of optical antennas. We demonstrate separation of beam pairs arriving from different directions, with overlapping spatial modes in the same direction, and even with mixing between the beams deliberately added in the path. With the circuit’s optical bandwidth of more than 40 nm, this approach offers an enabling technology for the evolution of FSO from single-beam to multibeam space-division multiplexed systems in a perturbed environment, which has been a game-changing transition in fiber-optic systems.
Optical demonstration of quantum fault-tolerant threshold
Authors: Sun Kai , Hao Ze-Yan , Wang Yan , Li Jia-Kun , Xu Xiao-Ye , Xu Jin-Shi , Han Yong-Jian , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can
Published: July 2022

A major challenge in practical quantum computation is the ineludible errors caused by the interaction of quantum systems with their environment. Fault-tolerant schemes, in which logical qubits are encoded by several physical qubits, enable to the output of a higher probability of correct logical qubits under the presence of errors. However, strict requirements to encode qubits and operators render the implementation of a full fault-tolerant computation challenging even for the achievable noisy intermediate-scale quantum technology. Especially the threshold for fault-tolerant computation still lacks experimental verification. Here, based on an all-optical setup, we experimentally demonstrate the existence of the threshold for the fault-tolerant protocol. Four physical qubits are represented as the spatial modes of two entangled photons, which are used to encode two logical qubits. The experimental results clearly show that when the error rate is below the threshold, the probability of correct output in the circuit, formed with fault-tolerant gates, is higher than that in the corresponding non-encoded circuit. In contrast, when the error rate is above the threshold, no advantage is observed in the fault-tolerant implementation. The developed high-accuracy optical system may provide a reliable platform to investigate error propagation in more complex circuits with fault-tolerant gates.
Simple sacrificial-layer-free microfabrication processes for air-cavity Fresnel acoustic lenses (ACFALs) with improved focusing performance
Authors: Tang Yongkui , Kim Eun Sok
Published: July 2022

Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a powerful tool widely used in biomedical therapy and imaging as well as in sensors and actuators. Conventional focusing techniques based on curved surfaces, metamaterial structures, and multielement phased arrays either present difficulties in massively parallel manufacturing with high precision or require complex drive electronics to operate. These difficulties have been addressed by microfabricated self-focusing acoustic transducers (SFATs) with Parylene air-cavity Fresnel acoustic lenses (ACFALs), which require a time-demanding step in removing the sacrificial layer. This paper presents three new and improved types of ACFALs based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), an SU-8/PDMS bilayer, and SU-8, which are manufactured through simple sacrificial-layer-free microfabrication processes that are two to four times faster than that for the Parylene ACFALs. Moreover, by studying the effect of the lens thickness on the acoustic transmittance through the lens, the performance of the transducers has been optimized with improved thickness control techniques developed for PDMS and SU-8. As a result, the measured power transfer efficiency (PTE) and peak output acoustic pressure are up to 2.0 and 1.8 times higher than those of the Parylene ACFALs, respectively. The simple microfabrication techniques described in this paper are useful for manufacturing not only high-performance ACFALs but also other miniaturized devices with hollow or suspended structures for microfluidic and optical applications.
A force measurement platform for a vitreoretinal surgical simulator using an artificial eye module integrated with a quartz crystal resonator
Authors: Taniguchi Yuta , Sugiura Hirotaka , Yamanaka Toshiro , Watanabe Shiro , Omata Seiji , Harada Kanako , Mitsuishi Mamoru , Shiraya Tomoyasu , Sugimoto Koichiro , Ueta Takashi , Totsuka Kiyohito , Araki Fumiyuki , Takao Muneyuki , Aihara Makoto , Arai Fumihito
Published: July 2022

To provide quantitative feedback on surgical progress to ophthalmologists practicing inner limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, we developed an artificial eye module comprising a quartz crystal resonator (QCR) force sensor and a strain body that serves as a uniform force transmitter beneath a retinal model. Although a sufficiently large initial force must be loaded onto the QCR force sensor assembly to achieve stable contact with the strain body, the highly sensitive and wide dynamic-range property of this sensor enables the eye module to detect the slight forceps contact force. A parallel-plate strain body is used to achieve a uniform force sensitivity over the 4-mm-diameter ILM peeling region. Combining these two components allowed for a measurable force range of 0.22 mN to 29.6 N with a sensitivity error within −11.3 to 4.2% over the ILM peeling area. Using this eye module, we measured the applied force during a simulation involving artificial ILM peeling by an untrained individual and compensated for the long-term drift of the obtained force data using a newly developed algorithm. The compensated force data clearly captured the characteristics of several types of motion sequences observed from video recordings of the eye bottom using an ophthalmological microscope. As a result, we succeeded in extracting feature values that can be potentially related to trainee skill level, such as the mean and standard deviation of the pushing and peeling forces, corresponding, in the case of an untrained operator, to 122.6 ± 95.2 and 20.4 ± 13.2 mN, respectively.
Dynamic enlargement and mobilization of lipid droplets in pluripotent cells coordinate morphogenesis during mouse peri-implantation development
Authors: Mau King Hang Tommy , Karimlou Donja , Barneda David , Brochard Vincent , Royer Christophe , Leeke Bryony , de Souza Roshni A. , Pailles Mélanie , Percharde Michelle , Srinivas Shankar , Jouneau Alice , Christian Mark , Azuara Véronique
Published: July 2022

Mammalian pre-implantation embryos accumulate substantial lipids, which are stored in lipid droplets (LDs). Despite the fundamental roles of lipids in many cellular functions, the significance of building-up LDs for the developing embryo remains unclear. Here we report that the accumulation and mobilization of LDs upon implantation are causal in the morphogenesis of the pluripotent epiblast and generation of the pro-amniotic cavity in mouse embryos, a critical step for all subsequent development. We show that the CIDEA protein, found abundantly in adipocytes, enhances lipid storage in blastocysts and pluripotent stem cells by promoting LD enlargement through fusion. The LD-stored lipids are mobilized into lysosomes at the onset of lumenogenesis, but without CIDEA are prematurely degraded by cytosolic lipases. Loss of lipid storage or inactivation of lipophagy leads to the aberrant formation of multiple cavities within disorganised epithelial structures. Thus, our study reveals an unexpected role for LDs in orchestrating tissue remodelling and uncovers underappreciated facets of lipid metabolism in peri-implantation development.
Vibrio cholerae O139 genomes provide a clue to why it may have failed to usher in the eighth cholera pandemic
Authors: Ramamurthy Thandavarayan , Pragasam Agila Kumari , Taylor-Brown Alyce , Will Robert C. , Vasudevan Karthick , Das Bhabatosh , Srivastava Sunil Kumar , Chowdhury Goutam , Mukhopadhyay Asish K. , Dutta Shanta , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Thomson Nicholas R. , Sharma Naresh C. , Nair Gopinath Balakrish , Takeda Yoshifumi , Ghosh Amit , Dougan Gordon , Mutreja Ankur
Published: July 2022

Cholera is a life-threatening infectious disease that remains an important public health issue in several low and middle-income countries. In 1992, a newly identified O139 Vibrio cholerae temporarily displaced the O1 serogroup. No study has been able to answer why the potential eighth cholera pandemic (8CP) causing V. cholerae O139 emerged so successfully and then died out. We conducted a genomic study, including 330 O139 isolates, covering emergence of the serogroup in 1992 through to 2015. We noted two key genomic evolutionary changes that may have been responsible for the disappearance of genetically distinct but temporally overlapping waves (A-C) of O139. Firstly, as the waves progressed, a switch from a homogenous toxin genotype in wave-A to heterogeneous genotypes. Secondly, a gradual loss of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with the progression of waves. We hypothesize that these two changes contributed to the eventual epidemiological decline of O139.
A non-ideal solution theory for the mechanics and electrochemistry of charged membranes
Authors: Boldini Alain , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: July 2022

Understanding how ions and solvent molecules migrate within charged membranes is fundamental for advancing the analysis of biological membranes and the design of energy storage and production devices. Recent efforts highlighted a significant interplay between mechanics and electrochemistry in charged membranes, calling for the development of high-fidelity models to describe their interaction. Here, we propose a continuum theory of the chemoelectromechanics of charged membranes, accounting for potentially large deformations and non-idealities of the solution permeating the membrane. We demonstrate the potential applications of our theory within the study of ionic polymer actuators. Our theory predicts sizeable effects of non-idealities and mechanical deformations, enabling insight into the role of mechanics on solute and solvent transport within charged membranes.
Virus-like particles displaying conserved toxin epitopes stimulate polyspecific, murine antibody responses capable of snake venom recognition
Authors: Menzies Stefanie K. , Dawson Charlotte A. , Crittenden Edouard , Edge Rebecca J. , Hall Steven R. , Alsolaiss Jaffer , Wilkinson Mark C. , Casewell Nicholas R. , Harrison Robert A. , Ainsworth Stuart
Published: July 2022

Antivenom is currently the first-choice treatment for snakebite envenoming. However, only a low proportion of antivenom immunoglobulins are specific to venom toxins, resulting in poor dose efficacy and potency. We sought to investigate whether linear venom epitopes displayed on virus like particles can stimulate an antibody response capable of recognising venom toxins from diverse medically important species. Bioinformatically-designed epitopes, corresponding to predicted conserved regions of group I phospholipase A2 and three finger toxins, were engineered for display on the surface of hepatitis B core antigen virus like particles and used to immunise female CD1 mice over a 14 weeks. Antibody responses to all venom epitope virus like particles were detectable by ELISA by the end of the immunisation period, although total antibody and epitope specific antibody titres were variable against the different epitope immunogens. Immunoblots using pooled sera demonstrated recognition of various venom components in a diverse panel of six elapid venoms, representing three continents and four genera. Insufficient antibody yields precluded a thorough assessment of the neutralising ability of the generated antibodies, however we were able to test polyclonal anti-PLA2 IgG from three animals against the PLA﻿2 activity of Naja nigricollis venom, all of which showed no neutralising ability. This study demonstrates proof-of-principle that virus like particles engineered to display conserved toxin linear epitopes can elicit specific antibody responses in mice which are able to recognise a geographically broad range of elapid venoms.
Measurements of roll, steering, and the far-field wake in track cycling
Authors: Fitzgerald Shaun , Kelso Richard , Grimshaw Paul , Warr Andrew
Published: July 2022

A series of measurements taken with two instrumented track bicycles in a velodrome are presented. The bicycle wheel speed, cadence, roll angle, steering angle, power, and airspeed are recorded. The experimentally-measured values are compared to existing theoretical models of roll and steering angles. The accuracy of the roll angle calculations is dependent on the fidelity of the modelled cyclist path and decreases for higher riding speeds. Experimental measurements of the steering angle show a reasonable agreement to theoretical calculations, albeit with reduced steering angles on the bends at higher speeds. There is also seen an increasing steering angle oscillation within each pedal cycle with increasing bicycle velocity which may influence a cyclist’s rolling resistance and the aerodynamic flow around the bicycle’s front end. Observations are made of changes in the flow field ahead of the bicycle due to the presence of other riders on the track, showing an effective tailwind of up to 0.7 m/s. The measured power shows a decrease at the bend entry due to the changing roll angle. Data presented in this paper provides new insights and can help to provide a validation of values used in existing track cycling analytic models.
A DNA barcode reference library for endemic Ponto-Caspian amphipods
Authors: Copilaş-Ciocianu Denis , Rewicz Tomasz , Sands Arthur F. , Palatov Dmitry , Marin Ivan , Arbačiauskas Kęstutis , Hebert Paul D. N. , Grabowski Michal , Audzijonyte Asta
Published: July 2022

The Ponto-Caspian region is an endemicity hotspot that harbours several crustacean radiations, among which amphipods are the most diverse. These poorly known species are severely threatened in their native range, while at the same time they are invading European inland waters with significant ecological consequences. A proper taxonomic knowledge of this fauna is paramount for its conservation within the native region and monitoring outside of it. Here, we assemble a DNA barcode reference library for nearly 60% of all known Ponto-Caspian amphipod species. We use several methods to define molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), based on two mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S), and assess their congruence with current species-level taxonomy based on morphology. Depending on the method, we find that 54–69% of species had congruent morpho-molecular boundaries. The cases of incongruence resulted from lumping distinct morphospecies into a single MOTU (7–27%), splitting a morphospecies into several MOTUs (4–28%), or both (4–11%). MOTUs defined by distance-based methods without a priori divergence thresholds showed the highest congruence with morphological taxonomy. These results indicate that DNA barcoding is valuable for clarifying the diversity of Ponto-Caspian amphipods, but reveals that extensive work is needed to resolve taxonomic uncertainties. Our study advances the DNA barcode reference library for the European aquatic biota, paving the way towards improved taxonomic knowledge needed to enhance monitoring and conservation efforts.
Steel slag as low-cost catalyst for artificial photosynthesis to convert CO2 and water into hydrogen and methanol
Authors: Fusco Caterina , Casiello Michele , Pisani Pasquale , Monopoli Antonio , Fanelli Fiorenza , Oberhauser Werner , Attrotto Rosella , Nacci Angelo , D’Accolti Lucia
Published: July 2022

Photoreduction of CO2with sunlight to produce solar fuels, also named artificial photosynthesis, is considered one of the most attractive strategies to face the challenge of reducing greenhouse gases and achieving climate neutrality. Following an approach in line with the principles of the circular economy, the low-cost catalytic system (1) based on an industrial by-product such as steel slag was assessed, which was properly modified with nanostructured palladium on its surface in order to make it capable of promoting the conversion of CO2into methanol and hydrogen through a two-stage process of photoreduction and thermal conversion having formic acid as the intermediate. Notably, for the first time in the literature steel slag is used as photoreduction catalyst.
Change in the association between coffee intake and ischemic heart disease in an international ecological study from 1990 to 2018
Authors: Shirai Yoshiro , Imai Tomoko , Sezaki Ayako , Miyamoto Keiko , Kawase Fumiya , Abe Chisato , Sanada Masayo , Inden Ayaka , Kato Takumi , Suzuki-Sugihara Norie , Shimokata Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

In previous observational studies, the association between coffee intake and risk of cardiovascular disease has reversed from positive to negative over time. This long-term international ecological study examined whether the association between coffee intake and mortality and incidence rates of ischemic heart disease (IHD) changed between 1990 and 2018 using multiple coherent data. We obtained data on coffee intake per capita, IHD mortality and incidence rates per 100,000 population, and socioeconomic and lifestyle indicators for each country from various publicly available databases. We integrated and analyzed data from 147 countries with populations of ≥ 1 million. We employed a linear mixed model analysis to assess the association between coffee intake and IHD mortality and incidence rates by year. The mean global coffee intake increased (p < 0.001), whereas IHD mortality (p < 0.001) and incidence (p = 0.073) decreased. In all models, the interaction between coffee intake and year showed a significant inverse association for IHD mortality and incidence rates (p < 0.001 for all). The country-level association between coffee intake and IHD mortality and incidence rates between 1990 and 2018 was stronger in the negative direction.
Optimization and validation of ultrasound application with a low-temperature method to analyze organochlorine pesticides in smuggled cigarette tobacco
Authors: Domingues Cinthia Eloise , Kordiak Januário , Pedroso Carlos R. , de Oliveira Stremel Tatiana R. , Beber de Souza Jeanette , de Sousa Vidal Carlos M. , de Campos Sandro X.
Published: July 2022

This work presents the optimization and validation of a method to quantify organochlorine pesticides in tobacco samples from smuggled cigarettes using ultrasound application and low-temperature extraction.
Host defense peptide mimicking cyclic peptoid polymers exerting strong activity against drug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Deng Shuai , Zhou Min , Zou Jingcheng , Xie Jiayang , Xiao Ximian , Yuan Ling , Ji Zhemin , Chen Sheng , Cui Ruxin , Luo Zhengjie , Xia Guixue , Liu Runhui
Published: July 2022

An HDP mimicking cyclic peptoid polymer, which is synthesized by one-pot polymerization on α-NNCAs, displays strong and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against drug-resistant bacteria, and low hemolysis and cytotoxicity of mammalian cells.
Realizing the compatibility of a Li metal anode in an all-solid-state Li−S battery by chemical iodine–vapor deposition
Authors: Duan Chun , Cheng Zhu , Li Wei , Li Fan , Liu Hang , Yang Jingui , Hou Guangjin , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: July 2022

A unique interwoven structured nano-LiI layer with excellent toughness and mechanical strength and satisfactory ionic conductivity and high interface stability was fabricated through a smart chemical iodine–vapor deposition method.
Iodine emission from the reactive uptake of ozone to simulated seawater
Authors: Schneider Stephanie R. , Lakey Pascale S. J. , Shiraiwa Manabu , Abbatt Jonathan P. D.
Published: July 2022

We suggest a re-evaluation of two reaction rate constants to be able to better model iodine emission from the ozonolysis of iodide in the presence of chloride.
Does size matter? A proteomics-informed comparison of the effects of polystyrene beads of different sizes on macrophages
Authors: Collin-Faure Véronique , Dalzon Bastien , Devcic Julie , Diemer Hélène , Cianférani Sarah , Rabilloud Thierry
Published: July 2022

Macrophages treated with polystyrene beads of different sizes show different adaptive responses but no inflammatory responses.
Influence of metal ion crosslinking on the nanostructures, stiffness, and biofunctions of bioactive peptide hydrogels
Authors: Mohammed Mohiuddin , Chakravarthy Rajan Deepan , Lin Hsin-Chieh
Published: July 2022

Mg2+ induced peptide hydrogels exhibit tunable stiffness, nanostructures and self-assembly of hMSC into multicellular spheroids.
Recent progress in 2D hybrid heterostructures from transition metal dichalcogenides and organic layers: properties and applications in energy and optoelectronics fields
Authors: Ji Jaehoon , Choi Jong Hyun
Published: July 2022

Hybrid heterostructures based on 2D transition metal dichalcogenides and molecular systems show synergetic properties that may not be accessible in the individual materials. They could meet the demands of future optoelectronics and energy devices.
Pd(ii)-catalyzed meta-C–H bromination and chlorination of aniline and benzoic acid derivatives
Authors: Wang Hao , Fu Lei , Zhou Chunlin , Li Gang
Published: July 2022

An unprecedented Pd-catalyzed meta-C–H bromination and chlorination of highly substituted aniline and benzoic acid derivatives using N-bromophthalimide is reported.
Asymmetric synthesis of chromanone lactonesviavinylogous conjugate addition of butenolide to 2-ester chromones
Authors: Li Yi , Xin Shuang , Weng Rui , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: July 2022

We report a direct, diastero- and enantioselective vinylogous 1,4-addition of butanolide to 2-ester chromones. A chiral ScIIIcomplex enabled the reaction to proceed smoothly to give a variety of chraomanone lactones.
Boosting bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis of graphitic C3N4 using non-covalently functionalized non-oxidized graphene aerogels as catalyst supports
Authors: Kim Jin , Tiwari Anand P. , Choi Myungwoo , Chen Qiang , Lee Jinho , Novak Travis G. , Park Minsu , Kim Kisun , An Ki-Seok , Jeon Seokwoo
Published: July 2022

Optimal electron transfer with the catalyst through modulation of a graphene support with non-covalent adsorbents for achieving maximized activity and stability.
FeP/Ni2P nanosheet arrays as high-efficiency hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts
Authors: Gao Meilian , Gao PingPing , Lei Ting , Ouyang Chun , Wu Xiaobo , Wu Anru , Du Yong
Published: July 2022

FeP/Ni2P/CP catalyst exhibits superior electrocatalytic activities for HER and long-term durability.
Redox-driven strong interfacial interactions between MnO2 and covalent organic nanosheets for efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalysis
Authors: Kim Min-Sung , Gu Tae-Ha , Park Soohyeon , Kim Taehoon , Jo Yun Kyung , Jeong Young Kyu , Park Jin Kuen , Hwang Seong-Ju
Published: July 2022

An optimum weight fraction of manganese oxides is hybridized with covalent organic nanosheets (CONs) by redox reactions. The optimized hybrid exhibits the facile electron transfer to catalytic sites on manganese oxides for oxygen reduction reaction.
Screening binary alloys for electrochemical CO2 reduction towards multi-carbon products
Authors: Li Jiang , Halldin Stenlid Joakim , Tang Michael T. , Peng Hong-Jie , Abild-Pedersen Frank
Published: July 2022

Bimetallic catalysts with optimal CO and C affinity for electrochemical reduction of CO2 (eCO2R) to high-value multi-carbon chemicals are identified by screening for transition and p-block metals with complementary strong and weak CO binding energy.
Fluctuating asymmetry as an indicator of stress
Authors: Zakharov Vladimir M. , Trofimov Ilya E.
Published: July 2022

Fluctuating asymmetry as a special kind of asymmetry can be defined as deviations from a known predetermined ratio of the parts of morphological structure under study. As a special type of phenotypic variability fluctuating asymmetry is a manifestation of ontogenetic noise or developmental variability. This type of variability is ubiquitous and plays a significant role in the observed phenotypic diversity. The level of fluctuating asymmetry turns out to be an indicator of optimal developmental conditions and genetic coadaptation. It is also considered as a parameter of fitness. Thus, fluctuating asymmetry acts as a measure of developmental stability in developmental biology and as a measure of population condition in population biology.