bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation on aerodynamic characteristics of flexible wing MAV under horizontal gust
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Zhou You , Zhang Xiang , Geng Xi
Published: June 2024

A flexible wing micro air vehicle and a rigid wing micro air vehicle, both with flying wing designs, were designed and developed, and the aerodynamic characteristics of the flexible micro air vehicle and the rigid micro air vehicle under steady wind and horizontal gust were studied in a wind tunnel. The difference in aerodynamic characteristics between flexible wing and rigid wing micro air vehicles was given. The research results showed that the aerodynamic characteristics of a flexible wing were better than those of a rigid wing under both steady wind and horizontal gust environments, and a flexible wing had the ability to delay stall and mitigate the impact of gust, which was beneficial to stable flight. The particle image velocimetry measurement results showed that due to the deformation of the flexible wing, the flow patterns on the rigid wing and flexible wing surfaces were different, resulting in changes in the aerodynamic characteristics of micro air vehicles.
Effects of heading date and Epichloë endophyte on persistence of diploid perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). 2. Endophyte strain and interactions with heading date
Authors: Tozer Katherine N. , Hume David E. , Cameron Catherine , Greenfield Rose , Dale Tracy , Mace Wade J. , Craven Tony , Faville Marty J.
Published: June 2024

Context Data are lacking on the effects of selected endophytes of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) on ryegrass persistence. Aim We aimed to determine the impact of Epichloë endophyte on the persistence of mid- and late-heading perennial ryegrass cultivars. Method Two mid-heading (Samson, Bronsyn) and two late-heading (One50, Rohan) cultivars, infected with selected endophytes (AR37, nea2/6) or with standard toxic endophyte, were established in a replicated plot study grazed by cattle in a subtropical environment of the upper North Island of New Zealand. Persistence characteristics were quantified at least five times per annum, over 4 years. Key results Endophyte strain had an effect on persistence; infection with standard endophyte resulted in higher ryegrass ground cover percentage, ryegrass content in pasture dry matter and autumn yield than infection with nea2/6 on many occasions, and with AR37 on some occasions. There were negligible impacts on ryegrass tiller density or nutritive value. Trends were dominated by the main effect of endophyte; interactions with heading date were inconsistent. Conclusions Cultivars were more persistent when infected with standard endophyte than with selected endophytes, although persistence declined over 4 years for all cultivars and irrespective of heading date. Implications Reliance on selected endophyte is unlikely to prevent persistence decline of perennial ryegrass in a subtropical environment. Other strategies will be required to maintain the persistence of high-quality pastures based on perennial ryegrass.
Tailoring Bi1−x−yBaxFeyFeO3 for desired properties: insights into structural, dielectric, and magnetic responses
Authors: Mehta Kuldeep , Sharma Osheen , Kashyap Suraj , Sharma Aditya , Parkash Jai
Published: June 2024

In present study, samples of Bi1−x−yBaxFeyFeO3 have been synthesized, where x = 0.15, y = 0; x = 0.10, y = 0.10; and x = 0.15, y = 0.10 utilizing a swift two-stage solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data has been Rietveld refined to evaluate the structural parameters. Micro-strain is also calculated using Williamson Hall method. Temperature (300 K to 660 K) dependent measurements of the dielectric constant have been conducted at various frequencies (100 kHz, 500 kHz, and 1000 kHz). The dielectric constant (ε′) rises as the temperature increases. Two dielectric anomalies around 450 K and 613 K have been noticed in ε′ versus T curves for all the samples which might be related with defect dipoles and the magnetic transition respectively. Further, an insignificant value of loss tangent (0.2) specifically at around 300 K is a signal of small leakage current in the samples. The source of high dielectric constant is discussed by considering the structural distortions in the ceramics. A clear hysteresis loop has been observed for all the samples which is a sign of collapse of antiferromagnetic nature of BiFeO3. Further, in case of co-doped samples, almost a saturation in magnetization with magnetization value 5.9718 emu g−1 has been noticed in hysteresis curve indicating a major contribution of ferromagnetic interaction. Enhancement in the net magnetization is briefly discussed by considering the ferromagnetic type direct interaction among Fe3+ ions and suppressing the anti-ferromagnetic type super exchange interaction.
Characterization of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode material synthesized via co-precipitation method
Authors: Lv Guangzhe , Tong Binbin , Shi Weixi , Li Nuanfu , Wang Lei
Published: June 2024

LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode material was synthesized using the co-precipitation method, and the effect of synthesis conditions on powder properties was studied. The results indicate that adjusting the pH value and complexing agent concentration during the reaction process can effectively control the precipitation process. The obtained hydroxide precursor is petallike, and the morphology of the cathode material powder after high-temperature sintering is well-dispersed spherical particles. The changes in the sintering system can significantly affect the crystallization process and crystal structure of cathode materials. As the sintering temperature increases, the peak rate I (003)/I (104) significantly decreases, while the R value increases. With the prolongation of sintering time, I (003)/I (104) first increases and then decreases, and the R value first decreases and then increases. After sintering at 750°C × 12 h, the cathode material has the highest peak rate and the lowest R value, indicating the lowest degree of cation mixing, higher structural integrity and the highest electrochemical activity at this time.
Analysis of polyanion single ion conductor based on preparation of gel electrolyte for lithium ion battery
Authors: Xue Jingyuan
Published: June 2024

This study achieved efficient preparation of polyanionic single ion conductors by selecting appropriate raw materials and controlling preparation conditions. The results show that the window stability of electrolytic gel with a wide ionic electrochemical conductor is 2-4.5 V and 0.74 lithium ion migration. Lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) is the positive electrode, lithium metal is the negative electrode, and PVDF-HFP Pampsli ion is the electrolyte. When lithium salt is not added, the rated power of the battery is 125 mah·g-1, and the current density is 2 C. The battery has a range of more than 500 times. In the current high-density 5 C situation, it has a specific capacity of 100 mAh·g-1 and a stable cycling ability of over 300 cycles, while maintaining nearly 100% stable Colomb efficiency.
Theoretical simulation study of laser-induced plasma bombardment on bacteria
Authors: WANG 王 Junxiao 俊霄 , ZHANG 张 Yan 岩 , ZHANG 张 Wanfei 婉飞 , GUO 郭 Yong 勇 , ZHANG 张 Lei 雷 , YE 叶 Zefu 泽甫 , ZHU 朱 Zhujun 竹军 , YIN 尹 Wangbao 王保 , JIA 贾 Suotang 锁堂
Published: June 2024

With the rapid advancement of laser decontamination technology and growing awareness of microbial hazards, it becomes crucial to employ theoretical model to simulate and evaluate decontamination processes by laser-induced plasma. This study employs a two-dimensional axisymmetric fluid dynamics model to simulate the power density of plasma bombardment on bacteria and access its decontamination effects. The model considers the transport processes of vapor plasma and background gas molecules. Based on the destructive impact of high-speed moving particles in the plasma on bacteria, we investigate the bombardment power density under various conditions, including different laser spot sizes, wavelengths, plate’s tilt angles, and plate-target spacing. The results reveal that the bombardment power density increases with a decrease in laser spot size and wavelength. For instance, when the plate is parallel to the target surface with a 1 mm spacing, the bombardment power density triples as the laser spot size decreases from 0.8 mm to 0.5 mm and quadruples as the wavelength decreases from 1064 nm to 266 nm. Notably, when the plate is parallel to the target with a relatively close spacing of 0.5 mm, the bombardment power density at 0° inclination increases sevenfold compared to 45°. This simulation study is essential for optimizing optical parameters and designing component layouts in decontamination devices using laser-induced plasma. The reduction of laser spot size, wavelength, plate-target spacing and aligning the plate parallel to the target, collectively contribute to achieving precise and effective decontamination.
Umbilical cord blood as a substitute for neonatal blood in measuring serum albumin and immunoglobulin G levels
Authors: Ikuta Toshihiko , Iwatani Sota , Yoshimoto Seiji
Published: June 2024

Objectives

In this study, we investigated the clinical feasibility of using umbilical cord blood as an alternative to neonatal blood for measuring serum albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in newborns, including preterm newborns.

Methods

Serum levels of albumin and IgG were measured in cord and neonatal blood from singleton newborns. We analyzed correlations and systematic errors between cord and neonatal blood measurements, stratifying the results for very preterm newborns (VPNs) born at a gestational age of less than 32 weeks and non-VPNs born at a gestational age of 32 weeks or later.

Results

Among all 494 newborns (78 VPNs and 416 non-VPNs), serum albumin and IgG levels were determined for 95.7% and 88.7% of them, respectively. Strong correlations between cord and neonatal blood were observed for the serum albumin and IgG levels (rs = 0.864 and 0.966, respectively). Moreover, the measurement errors between cord and neonatal blood were small for all newborns (0.2 g/dL and 65 mg/dL, respectively). These findings were consistent with both VPNs and non-VPNs.

Conclusions

Umbilical cord blood is a suitable substitute for neonatal blood in measuring serum albumin and IgG levels in newborns, even in premature newborns.
Comparing traditional and causal inference methodologies for evaluating impacts of long-term air pollution exposure on hospitalization with Alzheimer disease and related dementias
Authors: Qin Michelle Miao , Khoshnevis Naeem , Dominici Francesca , Braun Danielle , Zanobetti Antonella , Mork Daniel
Published: June 2024

Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRDs) present a growing public health burden in the United States. One actionable risk factor for ADRDs is air pollution: multiple studies have found associations between air pollution and exacerbation of ADRDs. Our study builds on previous studies by applying modern statistical causal inference methodologies—generalized propensity score (GPS) weighting and matching—on a large, longitudinal data set. We follow 50 million Medicare enrollees to investigate impacts of 3 air pollutants—fine particular matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and summer ozone (O3)—on elderly patients’ rate of first hospitalization with an ADRD diagnosis. Similar to previous studies using traditional statistical models, our results found increased hospitalization risks due to increased PM2.5 and NO2 exposure, with less conclusive results for O3. In particular, our GPS weighting analysis finds IQR increases in PM2.5, NO2, or O3 exposure result in hazard ratios of 1.108 (95% CI, 1.097, 1.119), 1.058 (1.049-1.067), or 1.045 (1.036-1.054), respectively. GPS matching results are similar for PM2.5 and NO2 with attenuated effects for O3. Our results strengthen arguments that long-term PM2.5 and NO2 exposure increases risk of hospitalization with an ADRD diagnosis. Additionally, we highlight strengths and limitations of causal inference methodologies in observational studies with continuous treatments.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
Phylogenetics and biogeography of the olive family (Oleaceae)
Authors: Dupin Julia , Hong-Wa Cynthia , Gaudeul Myriam , Besnard Guillaume
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

Progress in the systematic studies of the olive family (Oleaceae) during the last two decades provides the opportunity to update its backbone phylogeny and to investigate its historical biogeography. We also aimed to understand the factors underlying the disjunct distribution pattern between East Asia and both West Asia and Europe that is found more commonly in this family than in any other woody plant family.

Methods

Using a sampling of 298 species out of ~750, the largest in a phylogenetic study of Oleaceae thus far, with a set of 36 plastid and nuclear markers, we reconstructed and dated a new phylogenetic tree based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods and checked for any reticulation events. We also assessed the relative support of four competing hypotheses [Qinghai–Tibet Plateau uplift (QTP-only hypothesis); climatic fluctuations (climate-only hypothesis); combined effects of QTP uplift and climate (QTP–climate hypothesis); and no effects (null hypothesis)] in explaining these disjunct distributions.

Key Results

We recovered all tribes and subtribes within Oleaceae as monophyletic, but uncertainty in the position of tribe Forsythieae remains. Based on this dataset, no reticulation event was detected. Our biogeographical analyses support the QTP–climate hypothesis as the likely main explanation for the East–West Eurasian disjunctions in Oleaceae. Our results also show an earlier origin of Oleaceae at ~86 Mya and the role of Tropical Asia as a main source of species dispersals.

Conclusion

Our new family-wide and extensive phylogenetic tree highlights both the stable relationships within Oleaceae, including the polyphyly of the genus Chionanthus, and the need for further systematic studies within the largest and most undersampled genera of the family (Chionanthus and Jasminum). Increased sampling will also help to fine-tune biogeographical analyses across spatial scales and geological times.
Developmental instability, body mass, and reproduction predict immunological response in short-tailed bats
Authors: Mellado Breno , Carneiro Lucas de O , Nogueira Marcelo R , Herrera M L Gerardo , Cruz-Neto Ariovaldo P , Monteiro Leandro R
Published: June 2024

Developmental instability (DI) is a phenomenon whereby organisms are unable to buffer developmental disturbances, resulting in asymmetric variation of paired traits. Previous research has demonstrated a negative relationship between DI, measured as forearm asymmetry, and survival in the bat Carollia perspicillata. This study aims to test the hypothesis that individuals with higher DI exhibit a lower immune response. We measured a delayed-type hypersensitivity to the antigen phytohemagglutinin (PHA) on 74 males and 65 females of C. perspicillata before and after the breeding season (BS). Linear models were used to predict the immunological response based on body mass (BM), forearm asymmetry, sex, BS, and testicle length. The best-fitting model accounted for 29% of the variation in immune response and included asymmetry, BM, sex, and BS as predictors. The immune response was negatively associated with asymmetry and testicle length in males but positively related to asymmetry in females. Both sexes showed a reduced immune response in the late BS. Additionally, the association between immune response and BM changed direction seasonally, with heavier individuals showing weaker responses early in the BS and stronger responses later. Individual variation in male immunity was predicted by individual attributes, whereas variation in immune response in females was mostly seasonal. Our results support the link between DI, survival, and immune response in short-tailed bats, and suggest that the immunological component measured by the PHA response may be under finer selection in males due to its stronger correlation with individual traits.
Chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of the black sea urchin Arbacia lixula (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Galià-Camps Carles , Carreras Carlos , Pascual Marta , Greve Carola , Schell Tilman , Turon Xavier , Palacín Creu , Pérez-Portela Rocío , Wangensteen Owen S , Pegueroles Cinta
Published: June 2024

The black sea urchin (Arbacia lixula) is a keystone species inhabiting the coastal shallow waters of the Mediterranean Sea, which is a key driver of littoral communities’ structure. Here, we present the first genome assembly and annotation of this species, standing as the first Arbacioida genome, including both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. To obtain a chromosome-level assembly, we used a combination of PacBio high fidelity (HiFi) reads and chromatin capture reads (Omni-C). In addition, we generated a high-quality nuclear annotation of both coding and non-coding genes, by using published RNA-Seq data from several individuals of A. lixula and gene models from closely related species. The nuclear genome assembly has a total span of 607.91 Mb, being consistent with its experimentally estimated genome size. The assembly contains 22 chromosome-scale scaffolds (96.52% of the total length), which coincides with its known karyotype. A total of 72,767 transcripts were predicted from the nuclear genome, 24,171 coding, and 48,596 non-coding that included lncRNA, snoRNA, and tRNAs. The circularized mitochondrial genome had 15,740 bp comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA, and 22 tRNA. This reference genome will enhance ongoing A. lixula studies and benefit the wider sea urchin scientific community.
Research progress on the role of mitochondria in the process of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhou Yujie , Qiu Tao , Wang Tianyu , Yu Bo , Xia Kang , Guo Jiayu , Liu Yiting , Ma Xiaoxiong , Zhang Long , Zou Jilin , Chen Zhongbao , Zhou Jiangqiao
Published: June 2024

During liver ischemia-reperfusion injury, existing mechanisms involved oxidative stress, calcium overload, and the activation of inflammatory responses involve mitochondrial injury. Mitochondrial autophagy, a process that maintains the normal physiological activity of mitochondria, promotes cellular metabolism, improves cellular function, and facilitates organelle renewal. Mitochondrial autophagy is involved in oxidative stress and apoptosis, of which the PINK1-Parkin pathway is a major regulatory pathway, and the deletion of PINK1 and Parkin increases mitochondrial damage, reactive oxygen species production, and inflammatory response, playing an important role in mitochondrial quality regulation. In addition, proper mitochondrial permeability translational cycle regulation can help maintain mitochondrial stability and mitigate hepatocyte death during ischemia-reperfusion injury. This mechanism is also closely related to oxidative stress, calcium overload, and the aforementioned autophagy pathway, all of which leads to the augmentation of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore opening and cause apoptosis. Moreover, the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) due to oxidative stress further aggravates mitochondrial function impairment. Mitochondrial fission and fusion are non-negligible processes required to maintain the dynamic renewal of mitochondria and are essential to the dynamic stability of these organelles. The Bcl-2 protein family also plays an important regulatory role in the mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway. A series of complex mechanisms work together to cause hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI). This article reviews the role of mitochondria in HIRI, hoping to provide new therapeutic clues for alleviating HIRI in clinical practice.
Balance, Strength, and Risk of Dementia: Findings From the Health and Retirement Study and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Stephan Yannick , Sutin Angelina R , Luchetti Martina , Aschwanden Damaris , Karakose Selin , Terracciano Antonio
Published: June 2024

Background

Slow gait speed has been consistently associated with an increased risk of dementia. This study examined whether measures of balance and lower limb strength are similarly related to the risk of developing dementia.

Methods

Participants from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, N = 5 658, mean age = 73.23, standard deviation [SD] = 6.22) and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA, N = 3667, mean age = 69.90, SD = 7.02) completed measures of gait speed, semi-tandem balance, chair stand (ELSA only), and cognitive status at baseline. Cognitive status was assessed over up to 15 years.

Results

Baseline slower gait speed (hazard ratio [HR]HRS = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.32–1.75, p < .001; HRELSA = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.37–2.18, p < .001); and balance impairment (HRHRS = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.26–1.96, p < .001; HRELSA = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.24–3.14, p < .01) were related to a higher risk of incident dementia, adjusting for demographic factors. The combination of slower gait and impaired balance was associated with a two-to-three times higher risk of dementia in HRS and ELSA. Worse performance on the chair stand at baseline was associated with a higher risk of dementia in ELSA (HR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.23–1.99, p < .001). All performance measures remained significant when entered simultaneously and accounted for obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, physical activity, smoking, and depressive symptoms. There was little evidence that age, sex, or APOE ε4 moderated the association.

Conclusions

Similar to gait speed, measures of balance and strength are associated with a higher risk of incident dementia. The findings have implications for clinical practice, given that these routinely used geriatric assessment tools are similarly related to dementia risk.
A Regulatory Governance Perspective on IP and Access to Medicines – A Fresh Look Into the TRIPS Agreement
Authors: Ghidini Gustavo , Piselli Riccardo
Published: June 2024

As concerns the relationship between the Global South and the developed countries, the TRIPS Agreement provides a robust protection of IP. This might result in a weaker protection of fundamental rights, such as health, in those countries that do not possess the necessary know-how and industrial capacity to manufacture essential medicines. The recent Decision adopted at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference provides the opportunity to focus again on the topic and deal with the issue of the clash between IP and the national interests of the least developed countries. Instead of addressing the problem by looking at the well-known flexibilities/inflexibilities of the Agreement, this paper proposes a different methodological approach that builds on the flourishing literature on regulatory governance. To this end, a multi-dimensional regulatory approach is suggested that simultaneously exploits a matrix of normative, market-based and cooperative instruments. While we wait for a more structural normative reform, a similar perspective not only proves to be useful from a theoretical perspective, but could also contribute to shedding a new light on the TRIPS Agreement.
The Interplay of Binary and Quantitative Structure on the Stability of Mutualistic Networks
Authors: Anderson Christopher R , Curtsdotter Alva R K , Staniczenko Phillip P A , Valdovinos Fernanda S , Brosi Berry J
Published: June 2024

Synopsis

Understanding how the structure of biological systems impacts their resilience (broadly defined) is a recurring question across multiple levels of biological organization. In ecology, considerable effort has been devoted to understanding how the structure of interactions between species in ecological networks is linked to different broad resilience outcomes, especially local stability. Still, nearly all of that work has focused on interaction structure in presence-absence terms and has not investigated quantitative structure, i.e., the arrangement of interaction strengths in ecological networks. We investigated how the interplay between binary and quantitative structure impacts stability in mutualistic interaction networks (those in which species interactions are mutually beneficial), using community matrix approaches. We additionally examined the effects of network complexity and within-guild competition for context. In terms of structure, we focused on understanding the stability impacts of nestedness, a structure in which more-specialized species interact with smaller subsets of the same species that more-generalized species interact with. Most mutualistic networks in nature display binary nestedness, which is puzzling because both binary and quantitative nestedness are known to be destabilizing on their own. We found that quantitative network structure has important consequences for local stability. In more-complex networks, binary-nested structures were the most stable configurations, depending on the quantitative structures, but which quantitative structure was stabilizing depended on network complexity and competitive context. As complexity increases and in the absence of within-guild competition, the most stable configurations have a nested binary structure with a complementary (i.e., anti-nested) quantitative structure. In the presence of within-guild competition, however, the most stable networks are those with a nested binary structure and a nested quantitative structure. In other words, the impact of interaction overlap on community persistence is dependent on the competitive context. These results help to explain the prevalence of binary-nested structures in nature and underscore the need for future empirical work on quantitative structure.
Seeking systems-based facilitators of safety and healthcare resilience: a thematic review of incident reports
Authors: Leon Catherine , Hogan Helen , Jani Yogini H
Published: June 2024

Patient safety incident reports are a key source of safety intelligence. This study aimed to explore whether information contained in such reports can elicit facilitators of safety, including responding, anticipating, monitoring, learning, and other mechanisms by which safety is maintained. The review further explored whether, if found, this information could be used to inform safety interventions. Anonymized incident reports submitted between August and October 2020 were obtained from two large teaching hospitals. The Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) tool and the resilience potentials (responding, anticipating, monitoring, and learning) frameworks guided thematic analysis. SEIPS was used to explore the components of people, tools, tasks, and environments, as well as the interactions between them, which contribute to safety. The resilience potentials provided insight into healthcare resilience at individual, team, and organizational levels. Sixty incident reports were analysed. These included descriptions of all the SEIPS framework components. People used tools such as electronic prescribing systems to perform tasks within different healthcare environments that facilitated safety. All four resilient capacities were identified, with mostly individuals and teams responding to events; however, monitoring, anticipation, and learning were described for individuals, teams, and organizations. Incident reports contain information about safety practices, much of which is not identified by traditional approaches such as root cause analysis. This information can be used to enhance safety enablers and encourage greater proactive anticipation and system-level learning.
Securitization of Energy Transitions in Estonia, Finland and Norway
Authors: Sivonen Marja Helena , Kivimaa Paula
Published: June 2024

This paper analyses the extent to which zero-carbon energy transitions are a securitized phenomenon in selected countries and what that means for sustainability transitions more broadly. Without taking a normative stance on securitization, we focus on the ways in which security is constructed through in-depth interviews with experts in the energy, security, and defense sectors in Estonia, Finland, and Norway. We use a securitization framework to study how securitization as a process is discussed by identifying “securitization moves.” The analysis is also connected to the literature on sustainability transitions: the zero-carbon energy transition can be depicted as a large-scale socio-technical transition related to environmental sustainability. Our findings suggest that energy transitions are securitized to an extent because we were able to detect all “securitization moves” in the interview data. The interviews showed different ways in which security is interpreted and what is achieved by its construction in specific contexts. For example, the identified threats were connected to preserving sovereignty in Estonia, the inability to openly discuss threats related to energy transitions created new concerns in Finland, and the connections between the two sectors were urgently and inescapably addressed in Norway only after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Theorizing Interreligious Relations
Authors: Khan Adil Hussain
Published: June 2024

This article is an attempt to think through how interreligious relations might be theorized. It will show how conventional assumptions about interreligious relations can be traced to colonial understandings of the category religion, which determine what we classify as interreligious. I argue that interreligious relations, as we understand it today, developed through the rise of secular nationalism, when religion and politics were purportedly separated as a means of reordering European power structures aligned with Christianity during the formation of the modern nation-state. This rearrangement of power gave rise to Christian ecumenism, which helped pave the way for an evolving secular governance that eventually developed into multicultural pluralist societies in a postcolonial world. This article shall demonstrate how the assumptions that underlie contemporary interreligious relations have little to do with the relationships of people with different religious identities, as one might expect, but instead serve to promote national narratives of pluralism that uphold the liberal ideologies authorizing Western multicultural societies today.
Implication of genotypes for prognosis of Candida glabrata bloodstream infections
Authors: Chen Pao-Yu , Huang Yu-Shan , Chuang Yu-Chung , Wang Jann-Tay , Sheng Wang-Huei , Chen Yee-Chun , Chang Shan-Chwen
Published: June 2024

Background

Genotyping isolates of a specific pathogen may demonstrate unique patterns of antimicrobial resistance, virulence or outcomes. However, evidence for genotype–outcome association in Candida glabrata is scarce. We aimed to characterize the mycological and clinical relevance of genotypes on C. glabrata bloodstream infections (BSIs).

Methods

Non-duplicated C. glabrata blood isolates from hospitalized adults were genotyped by MLST, and further clustered by the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA). A clonal complex (CC) was defined by UPGMA similarities of >90%. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by a colorimetric microdilution method and interpreted following CLSI criteria.

Results

Of 48 blood isolates evaluated, 13 STs were identified. CC7 was the leading CC (n = 14; 29.2%), including 13 ST7. The overall fluconazole and echinocandin resistance rates were 6.6% and 0%, respectively. No specific resistance patterns were associated with CC7 or other CCs. Charlson comorbidity index (adjusted OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.05–3.11) was the only predictor for CC7. By multivariable Cox regression analyses, CC7 was independently associated with 28 day mortality [adjusted HR (aHR), 3.28; 95% CI, 1.31–8.23], even after considering potential interaction with neutropenia (aHR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.23–9.42; P for interaction, 0.24) or limited to 34 patients with monomicrobial BSIs (aHR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.15–7.08). Also, the Kaplan–Meier estimate showed greater mortality with CC7 (P = 0.003). Fluconazole resistance or echinocandin therapy had no significant impact on mortality.

Conclusions

Our data suggested comorbid patients were at risk of developing CC7 BSIs. Further, CC7 was independently associated with worse outcomes.
Imipenem reduces the efficacy of vancomycin against Elizabethkingia species
Authors: Yang Ya-Sung , Chen Hsing-Yu , Lin I Chieh , Lin Meng-He , Wang Wei-Yao , Kuo Shu-Chen , Chen Wen-Ting , Cheng Yun-Hsiang , Sun Jun-Ren
Published: June 2024

Background

Elizabethkingia spp. are emerging as nosocomial pathogens causing various infections. These pathogens express resistance to a broad range of antibiotics, thus requiring antimicrobial combinations for coverage. However, possible antagonistic interactions between antibiotics have not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial combinations against Elizabethkingia infections, focusing on their impact on pathogenicity, including biofilm production and cell adhesion.

Methods

Double-disc diffusion, time–kill, and chequerboard assays were used for evaluating the combination effects of antibiotics against Elizabethkingia spp. We further examined the antagonistic effects of antibiotic combinations on biofilm formation and adherence to A549 human respiratory epithelial cells. Further validation of the antibiotic interactions and their implications was performed using ex vivo hamster precision-cut lung sections (PCLSs) to mimic in vivo conditions.

Results

Antagonistic effects were observed between cefoxitin, imipenem and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in combination with vancomycin. The antagonism of imipenem toward vancomycin was specific to its effects on the genus Elizabethkingia. Imipenem further hampered the bactericidal effect of vancomycin and impaired its inhibition of biofilm formation and the adhesion of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica ATCC 13253 to human cells. In the ex vivo PCLS model, vancomycin exhibited dose-dependent bactericidal effects; however, the addition of imipenem also reduced the effect of vancomycin.

Conclusions

Imipenem reduced the bactericidal efficacy of vancomycin against Elizabethkingia spp. and compromised its capacity to inhibit biofilm formation, thereby enhancing bacterial adhesion. Clinicians should be aware of the potential issues with the use of these antibiotic combinations when treating Elizabethkingia infections.
On the productivity advantage of cities
Authors: Jacob Nick , Mion Giordano
Published: June 2024

Agglomeration externalities are the key factor explaining the existence of cities and their size. However, while the various micro foundations of agglomeration externalities stress the importance of total factor productivity (TFP), the empirical evidence on agglomeration externalities rests on measures obtained using firm revenue or value-added as a measure of firm output: revenue-based TFP (TFP-R). This article uses data on French manufacturing firms’ revenue, quantity, and prices to estimate TFP and TFP-R and decompose the latter into various elements. Our analysis suggests that the revenue productivity advantage of denser areas is mainly driven by higher prices charged rather than differences in TFP. At the same time, firms in denser areas are able to sell higher quantities and generate higher revenues, despite higher prices. These and other results we document suggest that firms in denser areas are able to charge higher prices because they sell higher demand/quality products. In this respect, two key elements related to this capacity to sell more at higher prices are the degree of vertical differentiation and trade cost, with products characterized by higher vertical differentiation and/or lower trade costs featuring stronger patterns and driving overall results.
Seismic wavelet shape-oriented reflectivity inversion method
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Fu Xiaofei , Shi Ying , Cao Siyuan
Published: June 2024

Reflectivity inversion plays a pivotal role in reservoir prediction. Conventional sparse-spike deconvolution assumes that the reflectivity (reflection coefficient) is sparse, which is solved based on the l1 norm. However, the restricted isometry property (RIP) of wavelet matrix and seismic effective bandwidth limits the accuracy of the sparse-spike reflectivity inversion. Consequently, we investigate the connection between seismic amplitude shape and reflectivity. When the reflectivity contains more non-zero values, the wavelet bandwidth within the effective seismic data bandwidth approaches a limit corresponding to the Sinc wavelet, where the main-lobe amplitude closely approximates the reflectivity. Conversely, when the reflectivity has fewer non-zero values, a wavelet with a smaller sidelobe provides a more accurate approximation of the reflectivity. In this paper, we propose a high-resolution inversion optimization method based on joint l2 norm and l1 norm constraints. By parameter tuning, we construct the Sinc wavelet or the wavelet with a weak-sidelobe corresponding to the seismic spectrum. Subsequently, we determine the extremum to approximate the reflectivity. To mitigate the RIP condition's constraints, we employ the l2 norm to balance the l1 norm (joint constraint) by introducing l2 norm with low-pass filtering characteristics. This approach yields more accurate reflectivity estimates. By taking the extremum, this approach yields more accurate reflectivity estimates. The synthetic test demonstrates that our method achieves better reflectivity inversion accuracy compared to sparse-spike inversion with l1–l2 norm constraint. Furthermore, field tests indicate that the proposed reflectivity inversion method not only can better match the well curve, but also exhibits excellent resolution.
The Barlonyo Massacre, Ongwen’s Trial, and ICC Reparations: Reflections on the Dynamics of Expectations and Disappointment
Authors: Fisher Kirsten J
Published: June 2024

The International Criminal Court’s reparations mandate is a core feature of the court’s ‘more victim-centric approach’ to criminal justice. While there has been interest in victims’ expectations and satisfaction in regard to the court’s cases, scholars have focused on victims’ participation in trials and not how expectations and disappointment are influenced by investigations, the passage of time, and the promise (explicit or not) of reparations for non-recipient victim communities. This article engages with disappointment theory and economy of expectations to argue that more academic attention needs to be focused on the emotions associated with expectations to increase understanding of the effectiveness of the victim-centric nature of the reparations mandate.
Alternative activation of mast cells by CD4+ T helper cells
Authors: Leveque Edouard , Battut Louise , Petitfils Camille , Valitutti Salvatore , Cenac Nicolas , Dietrich Gilles , Espinosa Eric
Published: June 2024

Effector CD4+ T (Teff) lymphocytes infiltrate sites of inflammation and orchestrate the immune response by instructing local leukocytes. Mast cells (MCs) are tissue sentinel cells strategically located near blood vessels and T cell–rich areas. MC/Teff cell interactions shape Teff cell responses, but in turn, Teff cell action on MCs is still poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the human MC/Teff cell interplay through both the application of RNA sequencing and functional assays. We showed that activated Teff cells induce a specific transcriptomic program in MCs including production of both inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, prostaglandin, and a FcεRI-dependent degranulation facilitation, thereby driving them toward an inflammatory phenotype. Moreover, Teff cells induce in MCs the capacity to interact with CD4+ T cells through a wide range of dedicated soluble and membrane ligands and to play the role of antigen-presenting cells.
Alterations to metabolic hormones in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia postmortem human tissue
Authors: Atkinson Rachel A K , Collins Jessica M , Sreedharan Jemeen , King Anna E , Fernandez-Martos Carmen M
Published: June 2024

Metabolic changes are observed in patients with both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Although regulation of metabolic processes in the CNS is predominantly carried out within the hypothalamus, extra-hypothalamic CNS areas contain metabolic hormone receptors, including those for leptin (LEPR), insulin (INSR), and neuropeptide Y (NPY), indicating that they may play a role in biological processes underlying pathogenic disease processes. The status of these hormones within regions vulnerable in ALS/FTD is not well described. This study sought to determine whether the expression of these hormones and their receptors is altered in pathology-rich regions in cases of human FTD (superior frontal gyrus and insular cortex) and ALS (primary motor cortex and lumbar spinal cord) with TDP-43 pathology compared to matched healthy controls. LEPR mRNA was increased within the superior frontal gyrus of FTD cases and within primary motor cortex and lumbar spinal cord of ALS cases; INSR mRNA was increased in superior frontal gyrus and insular cortex of FTD cases. NPY protein was decreased in primary motor cortex and lumbar spinal cord of ALS cases. Our results demonstrate that metabolic hormones undergo complex alterations in ALS and FTD and suggest that these hormones could play critical roles in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
Pediatric Hepatitis C Screening by Maternal Hepatitis C Infection Status During Pregnancy
Authors: DiNicola Julia , Lentscher Anthony , Liu Hui , Chappell Catherine A , Rick Anne-Marie
Published: June 2024

Background

Screening for perinatal hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections remains low despite increases in the number of at-risk infants. It is unknown if pediatric screening varies by maternal HCV infection status during pregnancy.

Methods

Using a retrospective cohort of mother–infant pairs born from 2015 to 2019, we identified women with HCV and classified their infection status during pregnancy as active, probable, or previous based on HCV RNA testing obtained during pregnancy. We used logistic regression to assess odds ratio (OR) of infant screening based on maternal HCV infection status.

Results

Of the 503 HCV-exposed infants, 137 (27%) were born to women with previous infection, 106 (21%) to women with probable infection, and 260 (52%) to women with active infection. Completion of pediatric screening varied by maternal infection status (43% previous infection; 49% probable infection; 58% active; P = 0.014). Pediatric HCV infection ranged from 1.7 to 7.7% by maternal viral load (VL) status. Infants born to women with active infection were 2.5 times more likely (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.5–4.4) to have a screening test ordered versus infants of previously infected women; there was no difference for infants of women with probable infection (OR:1.6; 95% CI: 0.9–3.2). Test ordering was also associated with maternal smoking status, a visit at ≥18 months of age, and outpatient documentation of HCV exposure. If a test was ordered, there was no difference in test completion by maternal infection status. However, test completion was associated with living with a nonbiologic parent and earlier birth year.

Conclusion

Infants born to women with active infection are more likely to be screened for HCV, but many children continue to be unscreened and pediatric HCV infections are going undetected. New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pediatric HCV screening guidelines recommending earlier screening may improve screening rates.
Identification of an LysR family transcriptional regulator that activates motility and flagellar gene expression in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Chang Jingyang , Zhou Yining , Li Xue , Zhang Miaomiao , Zhang Yiquan , Ni Bin , Lu Renfei
Published: June 2024

Vibrio parahaemolyticus utilizes a polar flagellum for swimming in liquids and employs multiple lateral flagella to swarm on surfaces and in viscous environments. The VPA0961 protein is an LysR family transcriptional regulator that can regulate the swimming and swarming motility of V. parahaemolyticus, but the detailed regulatory mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Herein, we designated the protein as AcsS, which stands for activator of swimming and swarming motility. Our data provided evidence that deleting the acsS gene significantly reduced both swimming and swarming motility of V. parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, AcsS was found to activate the expression of both polar (flgA, flgM, flgB, and flgK) and lateral (motY, fliM, lafA, and fliD) flagellar genes. Overexpression of AcsS in Escherichia coli induced the expression of flgA, motY, and lafA, but did not affect the expression of flgB, flgK, flgM, fliM, and fliD. Interestingly, His-tagged AcsS did not bind to the upstream DNA regions of all the tested genes, suggesting indirect regulation. In conclusion, AcsS positively regulated the swimming and swarming motility of V. parahaemolyticus by activating the transcription of polar and lateral flagellar genes. This work enriched our understanding of the gene expression regulation within the dual flagellar systems of V. parahaemolyticus.
Personality prediction via multi-task transformer architecture combined with image aesthetics
Authors: Salmani Bajestani Shahryar , Khalilzadeh Mohammad Mahdi , Azarnoosh Mahdi , Kobravi Hamid Reza
Published: June 2024

Social media has found its path into the daily lives of people. There are several ways that users communicate in which liking and sharing images stands out. Each image shared by a user can be analyzed from aesthetic and personality traits views. In recent studies, it has been proved that personality traits impact personalized image aesthetics assessment. In this article, the same pattern was studied from a different perspective. So, we evaluated the impact of image aesthetics on personality traits to check if there is any relation between them in this form. Hence, in a two-stage architecture, we have leveraged image aesthetics to predict the personality traits of users. The first stage includes a multi-task deep learning paradigm that consists of an encoder/decoder in which the core of the network is a Swin Transformer. The second stage combines image aesthetics and personality traits with an attention mechanism for personality trait prediction. The results showed that the proposed method had achieved an average Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient (SROCC) of 0.776 in image aesthetic on the Flickr-AES database and an average SROCC of 0.6730 on the PsychoFlickr database, which outperformed related SOTA (State of the Art) studies. The average accuracy performance of the first stage was boosted by 7.02 per cent in the second stage, considering the influence of image aesthetics on personality trait prediction.
Psychosocial Problems and Risk Behaviors Linked to Bullying and Other Forms of Victimization
Authors: Srabstein Jorge C.
Published: June 2024

This chapter reviews published cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that support the notion of a significant link between exposure to, or participation in, some form of victimization or maltreatment and several psychosocial problems and risk behaviors, including poor quality of life, absenteeism, poor academic performance, school dropout, physical fights, carrying a weapon, adolescent pregnancy, self-injury, suicide attempt, substance abuse, and criminality. In the future, it will be of significant public health value to determine the prevalence of behavioral risks and psychosocial problems affecting individuals who report being exposed to, or involved in, different forms of victimization, while ascertaining the mediator role of any physical or emotional symptoms known to be significantly associated with bullying and other forms of victimization.