bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of High-Quality Development Evaluation System for Listed Companies in Retail Industry in Era of Digital Economy
Authors: Ding Nan
Published: January 2023

The investment of innovation capital of retail enterprises is increasing year by year, while there is a mismatch between the level of innovation capital investment and the quantity and quality of innovation talents. At this stage, it is particularly critical to continuously improve the social value of the retail industry in order to accelerate the sharing of development level. How to evaluate the high-quality development of retail listed companies more reasonably and effectively has become an urgent issue. Therefore, taking 75 retail listed companies as the research objects, this paper uses entropy weight method to evaluate the high-quality development of retail listed companies, and constructs the high-quality development evaluation system of retail listed companies in the digital economy era, and the results show that: the overall development quality level of retail enterprises in China is low, and in 2018-2021, the efficiency growth level of retail enterprises is low, the average closeness of the sub-goals of high-quality development of retail enterprises is social sharing, benefit growth, and innovative development, and the average closeness is 0.22, 0.24, and 0.05, respectively. There are serious imbalances in the development of the sub-goals. This paper Through horizontal comparison of the high-quality development of retail industry, this paper finds the common characteristics from the perspective of the industry and provides references for the high-quality development of retail listed companies.
The Application of Statistical and Mathematical Models to Pandemics--Taking COVID-19 as an Example
Authors: Zhang Bei
Published: January 2023

Since the outbreak of a large-scale epidemic can trigger fear and uncertainty, disease and death, and cause a great disruption to daily life while having a significant negative impact on the national and world economies, effective planning and research to deal with the spread of epidemics are of great importance. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, applied mathematical-statistical models have been widely used in the control and research of world epidemics. In their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) have used a variety of statistical tools and mathematical models to respond to and combat pandemic diseases. The continuing threat posed by infectious diseases has led to renewed research efforts around the world. This paper analyzed 13 relevant articles from 2010 to 2022, summarized and analyzed the main contributions of statistical and mathematical models in epidemic prevention and control, and put forward suggestions for future research directions, to increase the significance of data-based statistics for the study of infectious diseases, emphasizes the role and advantages of statistical and mathematical models in the control of infectious diseases, and advocates expanding the use of mathematical modelling of epidemics and encouraging increased cross-border collaboration in epidemiology among other related disciplines. This will bring a lot of benefits to future epidemiological research.
Analysis of Continuous Development with Nuclear Energy
Authors: Zhang Keyu
Published: January 2023

As the energy crisis gradually approaching, the development of new energy sources has become an inevitable need. The use of solar energy, nuclear energy, wind energy and other new energy continues to grow. In order to study the impact of new energy on the economic side, this paper reviews correlative papers that talk about the advantages and disadvantages of new energy by comparing it with traditional energy. The result of this paper has shown the impact of new energy on the economy. By analyzing the internal and external strength determine a forecast of future trends it could have. And through the analyzing of their shortages the research has shown that its weakness; threat and the difficulties human will face during using new energy, include its highly cost and problems human had on disposal its waste. The advantages and drawbacks of the development of new energy in the future are examined in this article, in addition to some potential solutions that may assist to increase the advantages and reduce the problems.
Innovation ecosystem innovation coordination management of Chinese shipbuilding enterprises
Authors: Xiao Song , Feng Li
Published: January 2023

The shipbuilding industry is an important basis for China’s strategy of becoming a marine power. Promoting the innovative development of the shipbuilding industry is important means for China to build a marine power. Based on the analysis of the mechanism of the innovation ecosystem of shipbuilding enterprises, this paper studies the level of the coordinated development of the coupling between the internal innovation and the external environment of shipbuilding enterprises, quantitatively measures the overall coupling coordination degree of the innovation ecosystem of shipbuilding enterprises, and analyzes the coordinated development of the innovation coupling of various shipbuilding enterprises. The innovation and development of shipbuilding enterprises not only depend on their own innovation investment, but also have an important relationship with the external environment of the enterprises, and then give relevant enlightenment from the enterprise itself and the government.
Literature Review in International Trade Forecasting Based in Machine Learning Method
Authors: Tong Ye
Published: January 2023

In recent years, with the intricacy of international politics and economic situation and the anti-globalization trend, China’s trade with world is facing many serious challenges. There are more factors that effects China export and import. Because of that, high-precision forecasting for international trade is beneficial for nation’s government, guild and export and import enterprise that need a judgement or decision for future. To better promote future research, the paper reviews the paper written by experts from world in trade forecasting field, classifies and summarizes their opinion according in their adopting machine learning method.
Barrierefrei und vielfältig – Diversitätssensible Website
Authors: Rocktäschel Lucia Clara
Published: January 2023

Der Internetauftritt Ihrer Praxis ist nicht nur Aushängeschild, sondern zeigt potenziellen Patient*innen auch, in welchem Maß Sie vielfältige Lebensrealitäten sowie einen barrierearmen Zugang berücksichtigen. Schon mit einfachen Mitteln lässt sich die eigene Website diskriminierungssensibel und Vielfalt wertschätzend gestalten.
Stroke and Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Nicolajsen Chalotte W. , Nielsen Peter B. , Jensen Martin , Eldrup Nikolaj , Larsen Torben B. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Goldhaber Samuel Z. , Søgaard Mette
Published: January 2023

Objective We investigated the association between new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) and risk of stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysmal (AAA) disease.

Methods Observational crossover study using Danish nationwide data, including patients with AAA and incident AF between 1997 and 2018. We estimated the 1-year risk of stroke and MI and the within-individual odds ratios (ORs) of ischemic events before and after an AF diagnosis, stratified by year of AF diagnosis (1997–2010 and 2011–2018), and supplemented with analyses on changes in use of antithrombotic therapy.

Results A total of 3,035 AAA patients were included: 1,040 diagnosed during 1997 to 2010, and 1,995 during 2011 to 2018 (22.2% females, median age 78 years; median CHA2DS2-VASc score 4; interquartile range: 3–5). One-year risk of ischemic events after AF was 5.9% (confidence interval [CI] 95%: 4.6–7.5%) and 4.5% (CI 95%: 3.7–5.5%) for stroke and 5.4% (CI 95%: 4.2–6.9%) and 4.0% (CI 95%: 3.2–4.9%) for MI during 1997 to 2010 and 2011 to 2018, respectively. The OR of ischemic stroke before and after incident AF was 2.8 (CI 95%: 1.6–5.2) during 1997 to 2010; and 2.4 (CI 95%: 1.5 to 3.9) during 2011 to 2018, and 3.5 (CI 95%: 1.7–7.5) and 1.5 (CI 95%: 0.9–2.4) for MI. One-year proportion of prescription claims for oral anticoagulants after AF changed from 66.1% in 1997 to 2010 to 82.6% in 2011 to 2018, while antiplatelet prescription claims changed from 80.8 to 60.9%.

Conclusion Cardiovascular prognosis has improved in patients with prevalent AAA disease and new-onset AF in concordance with optimization of antithrombotic therapy over time. A diagnosis of AF conferred residual risk of stroke and MI.
P2Y12 Inhibition Suppresses Proinflammatory Platelet–Monocyte Interactions
Authors: Barrett Tessa J. , Berger Jeffrey S. , Rolling Christina C. , Sowa Marcin A. , Wang Tricia T. , Cornwell MacIntosh , Myndzar Khrystyna , Schwartz Tamar , El Bannoudi Hanane , Buyon Jill
Published: January 2023

Background Monocyte–platelet aggregates (MPAs) represent the crossroads between thrombosis and inflammation, and targeting this axis may suppress thromboinflammation. While antiplatelet therapy (APT) reduces platelet–platelet aggregation and thrombosis, its effects on MPA and platelet effector properties on monocytes are uncertain.

Objectives To analyze the effect of platelets on monocyte activation and APT on MPA and platelet-induced monocyte activation.

Methods Agonist-stimulated whole blood was incubated in the presence of P-selectin, PSGL1, PAR1, P2Y12, GP IIb/IIIa, and COX-1 inhibitors and assessed for platelet and monocyte activity via flow cytometry. RNA-Seq of monocytes incubated with platelets was used to identify platelet-induced monocyte transcripts and was validated by RT-qPCR in monocyte-PR co-incubation ± APT.

Results Consistent with a proinflammatory platelet effector role, MPAs were increased in patients with COVID-19. RNA-Seq revealed a thromboinflammatory monocyte transcriptome upon incubation with platelets. Monocytes aggregated to platelets expressed higher CD40 and tissue factor than monocytes without platelets (p < 0.05 for each). Inhibition with P-selectin (85% reduction) and PSGL1 (87% reduction) led to a robust decrease in MPA. P2Y12 and PAR1 inhibition lowered MPA formation (30 and 21% reduction, p < 0.05, respectively) and decreased monocyte CD40 and TF expression, while GP IIb/IIIa and COX1 inhibition had no effect. Pretreatment of platelets with P2Y12 inhibitors reduced the expression of platelet-mediated monocyte transcription of proinflammatory SOCS3 and OSM.

Conclusions Platelets skew monocytes toward a proinflammatory phenotype. Among traditional APTs, P2Y12 inhibition attenuates platelet-induced monocyte activation.
Personalization @ scale in airlines: combining the power of rich customer data, experiential learning, and revenue management
Authors: Guerrini Alberto , Ferri Gabriele , Rocchi Stefano , Cirelli Marcelo , Piña Vicente , Grieszmann Antoine
Published: January 2023

Recently, several macro trends have converged to provide airlines new opportunities for one-to-one digital customer engagement and personalization. Airlines have more types and volumes of data available than ever before: shopping-behavior data, data providing context on booking decisions, social media data enriching the information available on travel trends, and more. All of these can play a critical role in defining the right offers and setting the right prices for each shopping request. A plethora of advanced AI and ML techniques have become available on open-source platforms, letting players generate actionable customer insights and leverage vast amounts of existing data. New distribution technology is being deployed to allow airlines to implement real-time retailing capabilities. Consumers have been trained by the likes of Amazon, Netflix, Alibaba, and Starbucks to expect products and services tailored to their individual needs along with superior and engaging content. This paper presents different approaches to price-product personalization that have been tested in airline cases globally. It also explores how the concept of experiential learning is nicely suited to tackling scenarios in which the purchaser is well-identified as well as cases in which not much is known about the visitor except the context of the shopping session.
Optoelectronic memristor sets new bar for accuracy in path toward neuromorphic vision
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: January 2023

Zinc oxide-hafnium oxide heterojunction delivers combination of high-linearity performance with nonvolatile benefits of memristor devices.
Dynamical approach to network theory yields new clues to social trends in Imperial China
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: January 2023

Drawing on scaling and universality from the study of critical physical systems allows researchers to better understand how two Chinese dynasties fell.
Toward bioelectronic device based on bionanohybrid composed of nanomaterials and biomaterials: From nucleic acid and protein to living cell
Authors: Yoon Jinho , Lim Joungpyo , Shin Minkyu , Lee Taek , Choi Jeong-Woo
Published: January 2023

Bioelectronics is a convergence research field composed of biology and electronics for realizing the electronic functions of a biochip. However, the intrinsic properties of biomaterials impede the development of delicate bioelectronic devices due to low conductivity and durability. Nanomaterials can circumvent the limitations of biomaterials by virtue of their unique properties, including conductivity and biocompatibility. To this end, the development of bionanohybrids through the integration of nanomaterials with biomaterials is a common approach. In recent years, several new nanomaterials, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and MXenes, have been developed. Accordingly, numerous studies have reported on novel bionanohybrid-based bioelectronics developed by introducing nanomaterials to bioelectronic devices for improved durability and electrical functions, such as conductivity and functional expansion. This review summarizes the recent studies on such delicate bioelectronic devices based on bionanohybrids and thereby helps the understanding of the development of bioelectronic devices by integrating biomaterials with nanomaterials.
Double piezoelectric defects in phononic crystals for ultrasonic transducers
Authors: Jo Soo-Ho , Lee Donghyu , Yoon Heonjun , Youn Byeng D
Published: January 2023

Significant prior research has explored elastic wave-energy localization via defect modes of phononic crystals (PnCs). The integration of defect-introduced PnCs and piezoelectric materials has paved the way for the development of new conceptual products for applications in energy harvesters, wave filters, and ultrasonic sensors. Recently, an attempt has been made to deviate from this paradigm and design an ultrasonic transducer that generates elastic waves. Unfortunately, previous work has been limited to a single-defect situation. Therefore, as an advanced approach, the present work aims to expand the PnC design space into double defects, which will make ultrasonic transducers useful at several frequencies. As a first step, this study targets longitudinal wave generation. To predict the wave-generation performance, a previous analytical model that was built for energy-harvesting purposes under a single-defect situation is modified to be suitable for the present wave-generation purpose under a double-defect situation. Moreover, two parametric studies are executed to analyze how the output responses change based on changes to the input voltage setting and the spacing between the double defects. We hope that these ultrasonic transducers could be potentially applicable for nondestructive testing in structural health monitoring and ultrasonic imaging in medical science.
Realization of valley-spin polarized current via parametric pump in monolayer

MoS2
Authors: Wang Kai-Tong , Wang Hui , Xu Fuming , Yu Yunjin , Wei Yadong
Published: January 2023

Monolayer

M
o
S

2

is a typical valleytronic material with valley-spin locked valence bands. We numerically investigate the valley-spin polarized current in monolayer

M
o
S

2

via adiabatic electron pumping. By introducing an exchange field to break the energy degeneracy of monolayer

M
o
S

2

, the top of its valence bands is valley-spin polarized and tunable by the exchange field. A device with spin-up polarized left lead, spin-down polarized right lead, and untuned central region is constructed through applying different exchange fields in the corresponding regions. Then, equal amount of pumped currents with opposite valley-spin polarization are simultaneously generated in the left and right leads when periodically varying two pumping potentials. Numerical results show that the phase difference between the pumping potentials can change the direction and hence polarization of the pumped currents. It is found that the pumped current exhibits resonant behavior in the valley-spin locked energy window, which depends strongly on the system size and is enhanced to resonant current peaks at certain system lengths. More importantly, the pumped current periodically oscillates as a function of the system length, which is closely related to the oscillation of transmission. The effects of other system parameters, such as the pumping amplitude and the static potential, are also thoroughly discussed.
Multiscale modeling of complex fluids under SAOS and LAOS using a combined FENE transient network model
Authors: Vargas R O , Gómez-López A , Escandón J P , Mil-Martínez R , Phillips T N
Published: January 2023

The multiscale modeling of complex fluids under small and large amplitude oscillatory shear flow using non-linear kinetic and transient network models is presented. The kinetics of microstates is analogous to chemical kinetics, which defines the physical macromolecule interaction in a Newtonian fluid, and the concentration of microstates defines a variable maximum length of extension for each microstate. The effect of important parameters like viscosity ratio, chain length, viscoelasticity, kinetic rate constants, for different initial entanglement scenarios (entangled, disentangled and aleatory) are analyzed. The Lissajous curves for the shear stress and the first normal stress difference versus the instantaneous strain or strain-rate are shown. The self-intersection of the Lissajous curves or secondary loops is shown to depend on the kinetic rate constants, the maximum extension length, and the elasticity.
Experimental study on the correlation between erosion microstructure and performance degradation of hydraulic servo spool valve
Authors: Liu Xinqiang , Ji Hong , Liu Fei , Li Nana , Wang Cong , Lin Guang
Published: January 2023

Surface topography plays an important role in determining the performance of hydraulic components, which often leads to component failure. The dual nozzle electro-hydraulic servo valve is composed of torque motor, pilot nozzle flapper valve and servo spool valve, whereas the failure is at the level of servo spool valve. In more details, the degradation of the static characteristic parameters of the hydraulic servo valve, which is experimentally studied by artificially controlling the fillet radius of the spool working edges, is one of these failures. In addition, the microstructure characteristics of the MOOG J761 valve working edges and the circumferential distribution law of the fillet radius are obtained. The research shows that valve orifice erosion caused fillet on the working edges and increases the dispersion of the circumferential distribution. The erosion micromorphology of the working edge is mainly characterized by surface peeling, notches, grooves, and chamfers. The average and variance of the fillet of the spool working edge at the high-pressure oil exceed those of the working edge of the return oil. When the average fillet radius of the working edge increases by 2.71 times and the average fillet variance increases by 2.55 times, the maximum leakage increases by 5.08 times, the flow gain decreases, and the positive and negative flow gains are asymmetric, decreasing by 7.78% and 1.75%, respectively. The pressure gain decreases significantly by 40.30%. The relation between the microstructure of the orifice working edge and the performance degradation provides a new idea for the performance evaluation and manufacture of hydraulic spool servo valve.
The impact of valley profile on the mobility and Kerr rotation of transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Sohier Thibault , de Melo Pedro M M C , Zanolli Zeila , Verstraete Matthieu Jean
Published: January 2023

The transport and optical properties of semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides around room temperature are dictated by electron–phonon scattering mechanisms within a complex, spin-textured and multi-valley electronic landscape. The relative positions of the valleys are critical, yet they are sensitive to external parameters and very difficult to determine directly. We propose a first-principles model as a function of valley positions to calculate carrier mobility and Kerr rotation angles, and apply it to MoS2, WS2, MoSe2, and WSe2. The model brings valuable insights, as well as quantitative predictions of macroscopic properties for a wide range of carrier density. The doping-dependent mobility displays a characteristic peak, the height depending on the position of the valleys. In parallel, the Kerr rotation signal is enhanced when same spin-valleys are aligned, and quenched when opposite spin-valleys are populated. We provide guidelines to optimize and correlate these quantities with respect to experimental parameters, as well as the theoretical support for in situ characterization of the valley positions.
Lateral resolution enhanced interference microscopy using virtual annular apertures
Authors: Lehmann Peter , Hüser Lucie , Stelter Andre , Kusserow Thomas
Published: January 2023

The lateral resolution in microscopic imaging generally depends on both, the wavelength of light and the numerical aperture of the microscope objective lens. To quantify the lateral resolution Ernst Abbe considered an optical grating illuminated by plane waves. In contrast, the Rayleigh criterion holds for two point sources or point scatterers separated by a lateral distance, which are supposed to emit spherical waves. A portion of each spherical wave is collected by the objective lens and results in an Airy disc corresponding to a diffraction limited intensity point spread function (PSF). If incoherent illumination is employed the intensity PSFs related to different scatterers on an object are added resulting in the well-known Rayleigh resolution criterion. In interference microscopy instead of the intensity the electric field scattered or diffracted by an object will be affected by the transfer function of the optical imaging system. For a reflective object the lateral resolution of an interference microscope can be again characterized by the Abbe limit if the object under investigation is a grating. However, if two irregularities on a flat surface are being imaged the resolution no longer obeys the Rayleigh criterion. Instead, it corresponds to an optical system with an annular aperture and thus surpasses the prediction given by the Rayleigh criterion. This holds true for both, amplitude as well as phase objects, as it will be elucidated in this study by theoretical considerations, simulation results and an experimental proof of principle.
Proton pump inhibitors: Understanding the associated risks and benefits of long-term use
Authors: Thurber Kristina M , Otto Ashley O , Stricker Shawna L
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed medications. Various adverse clinical effects of PPIs have been reported in the literature, particularly over the past decade. The purpose of this article is to review published data primarily describing adverse effects associated with PPI use and to help clinicians determine which patients may still benefit from therapy despite safety concerns.

Associations between PPIs and the following have been described: bone fracture, acute and chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal infections, deficiencies in vitamin B12 and magnesium, and coronavirus disease 2019 and respiratory infections. For inclusion in this review, studies must have evaluated potential adverse events associated with PPIs as a primary or secondary objective. Increased risks of bone fracture, acute and chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal infections, and magnesium deficiency were consistently reported, albeit mostly in studies involving low-quality data (case-control and/or observational studies) and subject to bias. In the only pertinent randomized controlled trial to date, chronic pantoprazole use was associated with a greater risk of enteric infections relative to placebo use; there was no significant between-group difference in any other adverse event evaluated. PPIs continue to be recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology as a first-line treatment for management of gastroesophageal reflux disease and in the acute period following upper gastrointestinal and ulcer bleeding.

Conclusion

Higher-quality data is needed to better understand PPI-associated risks of the adverse effects listed above. Until then, clinicians may consider greater vigilance with PPI use; however, the data does not demonstrate a need for wide adoption of de-escalation strategies solely out of safety concerns.
scMEGA: single-cell multi-omic enhancer-based gene regulatory network inference
Authors: Li Zhijian , Nagai James S , Kuppe Christoph , Kramann Rafael , Costa Ivan G
Published: January 2023

The increasing availability of single-cell multi-omics data allows to quantitatively characterize gene regulation. We here describe scMEGA (Single-cell Multiomic Enhancer-based Gene Regulatory Network Inference) that enables an end-to-end analysis of multi-omics data for gene regulatory network inference including modalities integration, trajectory analysis, enhancer-to-promoter association, network analysis and visualization. This enables to study the complex gene regulation mechanisms for dynamic biological processes, such as cellular differentiation and disease-driven cellular remodeling. We provide a case study on gene regulatory networks controlling myofibroblast activation in human myocardial infarction.

Availability and implementation

scMEGA is implemented in R, released under the MIT license and available from https://github.com/CostaLab/scMEGA. Tutorials are available from https://costalab.github.io/scMEGA.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
Protein phosphatase 2A deficiency in hippocampal CA1 inhibits priming effect of morphine on conditioned place preference in mice
Authors: Dai Jing , Xie Ran , Sun Zhou-Na , Kou Xiao-Lin , Zhang Jia-Qi , Qi Cui , Liu Rui , Gao Xiang , Wang Jing , Gao Jun
Published: January 2023

Studies have shown that protein phosphorylation plays an important role in morphine abuse. However, the neurobiological mechanism of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) underlying the morphine-priming process is still unclear. Here we constructed T29–2-Cre; PP2Afl/fl conditional knockout mice (KO) and investigated the role of hippocampal PP2A in morphine priming. We observed that the deficit of PP2A inhibited the priming behavior of morphine and blocked the priming-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus of KO mice. Moreover, the expression levels of Rack1 and the membrane GluN2B were significantly reduced in the nucleus accumbens of KO mice compared with those in the control mice, which may be attributed to the decreased HDAC4 in the hippocampus of KO mice. Consistent with it, the similar inhibited priming effects were also observed in the wild-type mice treated with sodium butyrate (NaB)—a nonspecific inhibitor of histone deacetylases—3 h after morphine administration. Taken together, our results suggest that hippocampal PP2A may be involved in morphine priming through the PP2A/HDAC4/Rack1 pathway.
Connectomic disturbances in Duchenne muscular dystrophy with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Cheng Bochao , Xu Huayan , Zhou Hui , Guo Yi , Roberts Neil , Li Na , Hu Xiao , Chen Xijian , Xu Ke , Lan Yu , Ma Xuejing , Cai Xiaotang , Guo Yingkun
Published: January 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is frequently associated with mild cognitive deficits. However, the underlying disrupted brain connectome and the neural basis remain unclear. In our current study, 38 first-episode, treatment-naive patients with DMD and 22 matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled and received resting-sate functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. Voxel-based degree centrality (DC), seed-based functional connectivity (FC), and clinical correlation were performed. Relative to HC, DMD patients had lower height, full Intellectual Quotients (IQ), and IQ-verbal comprehension. Significant increment of DC of DMD patients were found in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC.L) and right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC.R), while decreased DC were found in right cerebellum posterior lobe (CPL.R), right precentral/postcentral gyrus (Pre/Postcentral G.R). DMD patients had stronger FC in CPL.R-bilateral lingual gyrus, Pre/Postcentral G.R-Insular, and DMPFC.R-Precuneus.R, had attenuated FC in DLPFC.L-Insular. These abnormally functional couplings were closely associated with the extent of cognitive impairment, suggested an over-activation of default mode network and executive control network, and a suppression of primary sensorimotor cortex and cerebellum-visual circuit. The findings collectively suggest the distributed brain connectome disturbances maybe a neuroimaging biomarker in DMD patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Detraditionalization, mental illness reports, and mental health professional care use in Europe
Authors: Pop Ioana , Roosma Femke , Achterberg Peter
Published: January 2023

In this study, we address the question of whether individuals that live in more detraditionalized countries have higher levels of mental illness and mental health professional care use. We argue that it is meaningful to consider the different facets of detraditionalization, that is the level of secularization, the ethos of personal autonomy, and self-realization, the erosion of traditional gender roles when understanding patterns of mental illness reports and mental health professional care use. We use data collected in 2010 in 25 European countries by Eurobarometer and find that, generally speaking, people living in more detraditionalized countries are more inclined to use mental health professional care, and that they, on average, report less mental illness than people in less detraditionalized countries. Furthermore, not all forms of adversity result in higher levels of mental health professional care use in the more detraditionalized countries. This is the case only for those experiencing financial strain while for those experiencing unemployment or divorce this was not the case. Furthermore, in more detraditionalized countries, the experience of divorce was related to fewer mental illness reports, a result that could be linked to processes such as the erosion of the traditional institution of marriage and the normalization of divorce in these societies.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of DNase I in reinstating antibiotic efficacy against Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms
Authors: Sharma Anayata , Rishi Praveen , Singh Rachna
Published: January 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen associated with biofilm-based infections, which are intrinsically antibiotic resistant. Extracellular DNA plays a crucial role in biofilm formation and self-defence, with nucleases being proposed as promising agents for biofilm disruption. This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of DNase I in improving the activity of cefotaxime, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin against K. pneumoniae biofilms. K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 and a clinical isolate from catheter-related bloodstream infection were cultured for biofilm formation on microtiter plates, and the antibiofilm activity of the antibiotics (0.03–64 mg/L), with or without bovine pancreatic DNase I (1–32 mg/L) was determined by XTT dye reduction test and viable counting. The effect of ciprofloxacin (2 mg/L) and DNase I (16 mg/L) was further evaluated in vitro on 1-cm-long silicon catheter segments, and in a mouse model of subcutaneous catheter-associated infection. Combination with DNase I did not improve the biofilm-preventive capacity of the three antibiotics or the biofilm-eradicating capacity of cefotaxime and amikacin. The biofilm-eradicating capacity of ciprofloxacin was increased by 8-fold and 4-fold in K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 and clinical isolate, respectively, with DNase I. The combination therapy caused 99% reduction in biofilm biomass in the mouse model.
Challenges in the implementation of food safety and quality assurance systems in small-scale fisheries
Authors: GarridoGamarro Esther , Svanevik Cecilie Smith , Lundebye Anne-Katrine , Sanden Monica , D’Agostino Enrica , Kjellevold Marian , Pincus Lauren , Pucher Johannes
Published: January 2023

Ninety percent of the world’s fishers are directly involved in small-scale fisheries (SSFs), and many food safety and quality issues along the food value chains may be both irreversible and cumulative. Ensuring safe, high-quality aquatic products are key to sustaining life, promoting good health, and avoiding adverse health effects.

Objective

This paper aimed to highlight factors preventing the implementation of safety and quality assurance systems in SSFs by analysing the results from surveys on the implementation of Article 11 of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (2017, 2019, and 2022).

Materials and methods

The analysis considered responses to 15 closed-ended questions on food safety and quality obtained from 143 FAO Members and the European Union, and 87 open-ended replies addressing challenges in SSFs.

Results

The major factors preventing the implementation of the Code’s food safety and quality provisions were lack of sanitation and monitoring programmes, lack of infrastructure (particularly refrigeration facilities) lack of technical capacities and limited management of food safety risks along the value chains. Safety and quality assurance efforts were focused on international markets, resulting in less attention being paid to domestic markets where a high degree of informality was reported.

Conclusions

Improved implementation of safety and quality assurance systems will lead to safer food with higher nutritional quality, extended shelf-life and reduced post-harvest loss. Increased awareness of food safety issues in SSFs is a prerequisite for achieving several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Involvement of the Streptococcus mutans PgfE and GalE 4-epimerases in protein glycosylation, carbon metabolism, and cell division
Authors: Andresen Silke , de Mojana di Cologna Nicholas , Archer-Hartmann Stephanie , Rogers Ashley M , Samaddar Sandip , Ganguly Tridib , Black Ian M , Glushka John , Ng Kenneth K S , Azadi Parastoo , Lemos José A , Abranches Jacqueline , Szymanski Christine M
Published: January 2023

Streptococcus mutans is a key pathogen associated with dental caries and is often implicated in infective endocarditis. This organism forms robust biofilms on tooth surfaces and can use collagen-binding proteins (CBPs) to efficiently colonize collagenous substrates, including dentin and heart valves. One of the best characterized CBPs of S. mutans is Cnm, which contributes to adhesion and invasion of oral epithelial and heart endothelial cells. These virulence properties were subsequently linked to post-translational modification (PTM) of the Cnm threonine-rich repeat region by the Pgf glycosylation machinery, which consists of 4 enzymes: PgfS, PgfM1, PgfE, and PgfM2. Inactivation of the S. mutans pgf genes leads to decreased collagen binding, reduced invasion of human coronary artery endothelial cells, and attenuated virulence in the Galleria mellonella invertebrate model. The present study aimed to better understand Cnm glycosylation and characterize the predicted 4-epimerase, PgfE. Using a truncated Cnm variant containing only 2 threonine-rich repeats, mass spectrometric analysis revealed extensive glycosylation with HexNAc2. Compositional analysis, complemented with lectin blotting, identified the HexNAc2 moieties as GlcNAc and GalNAc. Comparison of PgfE with the other S. mutans 4-epimerase GalE through structural modeling, nuclear magnetic resonance, and capillary electrophoresis demonstrated that GalE is a UDP-Glc-4-epimerase, while PgfE is a GlcNAc-4-epimerase. While PgfE exclusively participates in protein O-glycosylation, we found that GalE affects galactose metabolism and cell division. This study further emphasizes the importance of O-linked protein glycosylation and carbohydrate metabolism in S. mutans and identifies the PTM modifications of the key CBP, Cnm.
Association between exposure to combustion-related air pollution and multiple sclerosis risk
Authors: Hedström Anna Karin , Segersson David , Hillert Jan , Stridh Pernilla , Kockum Ingrid , Olsson Tomas , Bellander Tom , Alfredsson Lars
Published: January 2023

Background

Smoking and occupational pulmonary irritants contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) development. We aimed to study the association between ambient air pollution and MS risk and potential interaction with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*15:01 allele.

Methods

Exposure to combustion-related air pollution was estimated as outdoor levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) at the participants’ residence locations, by spatially resolved dispersion modelling for the years 1990–18. Using two population-based case-control studies (6635 cases, 8880 controls), NOx levels were associated with MS risk by calculating odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using logistic regression models. Interaction between high NOx levels and the HLA-DRB1*15:01 allele regarding MS risk was calculated by the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP). In addition, a register study was performed comprising all MS cases in Sweden who had received their diagnosis between 1993 and 2018 (n = 22 173), with 10 controls per case randomly selected from the National Population register.

Results

Residential air pollution was associated with MS risk. NOx levels (3-year average) exceeding the 90th percentile (24.6 µg/m3) were associated with an OR of 1.37 (95% CI 1.10–1.76) compared with levels below the 25th percentile (5.9 µg/m3), with a trend of increasing risk of MS with increasing levels of NOx (P <0.0001). A synergistic effect was observed between high NOx levels (exceeding the lower quartile among controls) and the HLA-DRB1*15:01 allele regarding MS risk (AP 0.26, 95% CI 0.13–0.29).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that moderate levels of combustion-related ambient air pollution may play a role in MS development.
Corrigendum: A geometric model for the module category of a gentle algebra
Authors: Baur Karin , Coelho Simões Raquel
Published: January 2023

In this note we correct an oversight in [A geometric model for the module category of a gentle algebra, Int. Math. Res. Not. IMRN 2021, no. 15, 11357–11392] regarding morphisms between indecomposable modules of a gentle algebra. The oversight only occurs when bands are involved, which can be easily corrected by considering infinite periodic strings associated to bands and the universal cover of the surface associated to the gentle algebra.
The effect of CO2 concentration on yeast fermentation: rates, metabolic products, and yeast stress indicators
Authors: Guadalupe-Daqui Mario , Goodrich-Schneider Renee M , Sarnoski Paul J , Carriglio John C , Sims Charles A , Pearson Brian J , MacIntosh Andrew J
Published: January 2023

This research aimed to assess how the partial removal of carbon dioxide affects fermentations to provide a better understanding of how the manipulation of carbon dioxide concentration can be used to optimize industrial fermentations. To achieve this, fermentation kinetics, fermentation metabolic products, and yeast stress indicators were analyzed throughout ongoing brewing fermentations conducted under partial vacuum with atmospheric pressure controls. The partial vacuum reduced the solubility of carbon dioxide in the media and decreased the time necessary to reach carbon dioxide saturation. The effect was an increased rate of fermentation, and significantly more viable cells produced under vacuum pressure compared to controls. Ethanol, glycerol, and volatile organic compound concentrations were all significantly increased under partial vacuum, while indicators of yeast stress (trehalose) were reduced. Additionally, as the number of yeast cells was higher under partial vacuum, less sugar was consumed per volume of yeast cell. This study measured fermentation kinetics, metabolic products, and yeast health to holistically assess the effect of partial vacuum during a batch fermentation and found significant differences in each that can be individually exploited by researchers and industry.

An exploration of batch yeast fermentation in a low-pressure environment, with a focus on the health and productivity of the yeast cells.
Aboveground carbon sequestration rate in alpine forests on the eastern Tibetan Plateau: impacts of future forest management options
Authors: Lin Yang , Xiao Jiang-Tao , Kou Yong-Ping , Zu Jia-Xing , Yu Xin-Ran , Li Yuan-Yuan
Published: January 2023

Alpine forests in the eastern Tibetan Plateau are important ecological barriers in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. However, due to continuous high-intensity harvesting, a large number of plantings, and the complete harvesting ban measures in recent decades, the forest tree species and age cohorts have become relatively homogenous, and the biodiversity and ecological functions have been reduced. To design effective forest management options to optimize forest structure and increase carbon sequestration capacity, Mao County in Sichuan Province was selected as the study site and six forest management options (harvesting, planting) of different intensities were tested using the LANDIS-II model to simulate and compare the differences in forest aboveground carbon sequestration rate (ACSR) between these options and the current management option over the next 100 years. Our results showed that (i) the different harvesting and planting intensities significantly changed the ACSR compared with the current management options; (ii) different communities responded differently to the management options, with the ACSR differing significantly in cold temperate conifers and temperate conifers but not in broad-leaved trees (P < 0.05); and (iii) a comprehensive consideration of forest management options at the species, community and landscape levels was necessary. Our results suggest that implementing a longer harvesting and planting interval (20 years) at the study site can maximize forest ACSR. This study provides an important reference for evaluating the ability of forest management options to restore forest ecological functions and increase carbon sequestration capacity and for selecting effective forest management programs in the eastern Tibetan Plateau.
Analysis of the chloroplast crotonylome of wheat seedling leaves reveals the roles of crotonylated proteins involved in salt-stress responses
Authors: Zhu Dong , Liu Junxian , Duan Wenjing , Sun Haocheng , Zhang Liping , Yan Yueming
Published: January 2023

Lysine crotonylation (Kcr) is a novel post-translational modification and its function in plant salt-stress responses remains unclear. In this study, we performed the first comprehensive chloroplast crotonylome analysis of wheat seedling leaves to examine the potential functions of Kcr proteins in salt-stress responses. In a total of 471 chloroplast proteins, 1290 Kcr sites were identified as significantly regulated by salt stress, and the Kcr proteins were mainly involved in photosynthesis, protein folding, and ATP synthesis. The identified Kcr sites that responded to salt stress were concentrated within KcrK and KcrF motifs, with the conserved KcrF motif being identified in the Kcr proteins of wheat chloroplasts for the first time. Notably, 10 Kcr sites were identified in fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (TaFBA6), a key chloroplast metabolic enzyme involved in the Calvin–Benson cycle. Site-directed mutagenesis of TaFBA6 showed that the Kcr at K367 is critical in maintaining its enzymatic activity and in conferring salt tolerance in yeast. Further molecular dynamic simulations and analyses of surface electrostatic potential indicated that the Kcr at K367 could improve the structural stability of TaFBA6 by decreasing the distribution of positive charges on the protein surface to resist alkaline environments, thereby promoting both the activity of TaFBA6 and salt tolerance.
Comparative phosphoproteomic analysis reveals that phosphorylation of sucrose synthase GhSUS2 by Ca2+-dependent protein kinases GhCPK84/93 affects cotton fiber development
Authors: Wang Yao , Li Yu , Cheng Fan , Zhang Shi-Peng , Zheng Yong , Li Yang , Li Xue-Bao
Published: January 2023

Cotton fiber elongation is a critical growth phase that affects final fiber length. Morphological analysis indicated an asynchronous fiber elongation pattern between two cotton varieties, J7-1 and J14-1. Through phosphoproteomic analysis, a total of 89 differentially-phosphorylated proteins (DPPs) were identified in elongating fibers between J7-1 and J14-1. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that these DPPs were mainly enriched in sucrose synthase activity, transferase activity, and UDP-glycosyltransferase activity. In J14-1, the phosphorylation level of GhSUS2, a key sucrose synthase in the sucrose metabolism pathway, was significantly higher than that in J7-1. We further revealed that GhSUS2 positively regulates fiber elongation, and GhSUS2-silenced transgenic cotton displayed the phenotype of ‘short fibers’ compared with the controls. During fiber development, the residue Ser11 in the GhSUS2 protein is phosphorylated by the Ca2+-dependent protein kinases GhCPK84 and GhCPK93. Phosphorylated GhSUS2 is localized in the cytoplasm, whereas unphosphorylated GhSUS2 is localized in the plasma membrane. Moreover, abscisic acid (ABA) could promote the transcription and translation of GhCPK84 and GhCPK93, thereby enhancing the phosphorylation of GhSUS2 to impede fiber elongation. Thus, our data demonstrates that GhSUS2 plays a positive role in fiber development, but its phosphorylation by GhCPK84 and GhCPK93 hinders fiber elongation of cotton.
A New Method for Evaluating the Accuracy of the Orientation Measured by Different Kikuchi Pole Combinations in Kikuchi Patterns
Authors: Peng Fan , Zhang Yongsheng , Li Wei , Miao Hong , Zeng Yi
Published: January 2023

In this study, high-precision coordinates of Kikuchi poles were obtained for orientation calculation by locating the lattice plane traces of Kikuchi patterns of stainless steel. Orientation can be measured by selecting three noncoincident Kikuchi poles in a Kikuchi pattern, and different combinations of Kikuchi poles provide different orientation solutions. The “deviation” defined in this study and the orientation calculation error of each combination are generally positively correlated. Therefore, the deviation can be used to evaluate the accuracy of the orientation calculation for each combination without the theoretical orientation, and can also be used as a criterion for selecting Kikuchi pole combinations for orientation calculations. The results show that the average misorientation angles for all combinations are 1.983° (orientation a), 2.768° (orientation b), and 2.175° (orientation c) before the screening of the Kikuchi pole combinations by deviation. For each pattern, the first five combinations with the smallest deviation are selected, and the average misorientation angles of these combinations are 0.791° (orientation a), 0.789° (orientation b), and 0.910° (orientation c). The orientation calculation errors are reduced by 60, 71, and 58%, respectively. The accuracy of the orientation calculation is greatly improved, thus avoiding the appearance of orientation solutions with large errors.