bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Cultural Perspectives into International Interdisciplinary Work
Authors: Trebitz Karen I. , Fennema Scott , Hicks Keegan
Published: June 2021

There are well‐established methods for working in interdisciplinary natural resource management settings, but place‐based cultural differences are often poorly integrated into interdisciplinary projects. Intercultural adequacy is necessary to ensure that water management strategies are acceptable within the local contexts of water users. In this study we followed four cohorts of graduate students from Canada, Chile, Cuba, and the United States that participated in an international graduate‐level water resource management course hosted at the Universidad de Concepción in Chile. The North American students participated in post‐experience surveys and interviews to assess changes in their interdisciplinary and intercultural comfort levels. The interviews and survey identified factors that enhanced or detracted from their progress towards integrating disciplinary and cultural differences into their work. Though course material promoted interdisciplinary collaborations across various disciplinary cultures, participants noted that traditional methods of integrating did not adequately bridge differences in place‐based cultural worldviews. We propose a framework developed during the experience to integrate place‐based cultural differences into all phases of the interdisciplinary research and natural resource management processes.
On the origin of the genetic variation in infectious disease prevalence: Genetic analysis of disease status versus infections for Digital Dermatitis in Dutch dairy cattle
Authors: Kulkarni Pranav Shrikant , Biemans Floor , de Jong Mart C.M. , Bijma Piter
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the origin of the genetic variation in the prevalence of bovine digital dermatitis (DD) by comparing a genetic analysis of infection events to a genetic analysis of disease status. DD is an important endemic infectious disease affecting the claws of cattle. For disease status, we analysed binary data on individual disease status (0,1; indicating being free versus infected), whereas for infections, we analysed binary data on disease transmission events (1,0; indicating becoming infected or not). The analyses of the two traits were compared using cross‐validation. The analysis of disease status captures a combination of genetic variation in disease susceptibility and the ability of individuals to recover, whereas the analysis of infections captures genetic variation in susceptibility only. Estimated genetic variances for both traits indicated substantial genetic variation. The GEBV for disease status and infections correlated with only 0.60, indicating that both models indeed capture distinct information. Together, these results suggest the presence of genetic variation not only in disease susceptibility, but also in the ability of individuals to recover from DD. We argue that the presence of genetic variation in recovery implies that breeders should distinguish between infected individuals versus infectious individuals. This is because epidemiological theory shows that selection for recovery is effective only when it targets recovery from being infectious.
Biogeography of different life forms of the southernmost neotropical tank bromeliad
Authors: Barberis Ignacio M. , Mogni Virginia Y. , Oakley Luis J. , Vogt Christian , Prado Darién E.
Published: June 2021

Aim

Factors affecting bromeliad distribution depend on the life forms of the studied species; some could grow as terrestrial, saxicolous, or epiphytic depending on the type of habitat. We analysed the distribution patterns of the life forms of a bromeliad species in different biogeographic domains and associated them with environmental variables and vegetation types.

Location

Chaquenian, Amazonian, and Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest domains; South America.

Taxon

The tank bromeliad Aechmea distichantha (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae).

Methods

We compiled records of the biogeographic distribution and the vegetation types where A. distichantha occurs based on bibliographic data, digital datasets, herbaria, and personal observations. We associated the distributional records of this species with altitude, five selected bioclimatic variables, four soil variables, and with the vegetation types where it occurs.

Results

A. distichantha has been recorded as epiphytic, terrestrial and saxicolous in all biogeographic domains but showed contrasting patterns in life form proportions among them. In the Amazonian domain, characterized by evergreen tropical and subtropical forests with high precipitation, it mainly grows as epiphytic. In the Chaquenian domain, dominated by xerophytic forests with low rainfall, high soil pH and base saturation, it mainly grows as terrestrial, whereas in the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest domain, the three life forms were recorded in similar proportions. In azonal plant communities of all domains, it mainly grows as saxicolous.

Main Conclusions

This tank bromeliad species can thrive in sites with contrasting habitat and environmental conditions. Its ability to survive in different environments could be associated with its high frost tolerance, the presence of the CAM photosynthetic pathway, a well‐developed phytotelma, and high phenotypic plasticity. The life form prevailing in each domain is influenced by water availability (i.e., the quantity of water available during each year, the precipitation in the driest month, and the plant water supply relative to demand).
Association of free androgen index and sex hormone–binding globulin and left ventricular hypertrophy in postmenopausal hypertensive women
Authors: Jianshu Chen , Qiongying Wang , Ying Pei , Ningyin Li , junchen Han , Jing Yu
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between androgen and LVH in postmenopausal hypertensive women. Enrolled in this study were 378 postmenopausal hypertensive women who were admitted to the department of cardiology between December 2018 and December 2020. According to left ventricular mass index (LVMI) evaluated by echocardiography, the patients were divided into LVH group (n = 172) and non‐LVH group (n = 206). Their clinical characteristics were collected. Based on the result of propensity score matching analysis, 160 cases in each group were matched successfully. After correcting for confounding factors by various models, the results showed that free androgen index (FAI) and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) were the influencing factors of LVH in postmenopausal women with hypertension. Patients with elevated SHBG were 5% less likely to develop LVH than those without elevated SHBG (OR: 0.950, 95% CI 0.922‐1.578). Postmenopausal hypertensive patients with elevated FAI were 16% more likely to have LVH than those without elevated FAI (OR: 1.608, 95% CI 0.807‐3.202). Multiple linear regression showed that LVMI increased by 61.82g/m2 for every 1 unit increase in FAI. In addition, SHBG decreased by 1 nmol/l, and LVMI increased by 0.177g/m2. Subgroup analysis showed that patients in the controlled BP group had a lower risk of LVH for every additional unit of SHBG compared with the uncontrolled BP group. The risk of LVH for each additional unit of FAI in the uncontrolled BP group was higher than that in the controlled BP group. The results of this present study showed that the occurrence of LVH was positively correlated with FAI and negatively correlated with SHBG in postmenopausal women with hypertension. The increase in FAI level and the decrease in SHBG level may be related to the occurrence and development of LVH in postmenopausal hypertension.
Submucosal microbiome of peri‐implant sites: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Polymeri Angeliki , van der Horst Joyce , Buijs Mark J. , Zaura Egija , Wismeijer Daniel , Crielaard Wim , Loos Bruno G. , Laine Marja L. , Brandt Bernd W.
Published: June 2021

Aim

To study the peri‐implant submucosal microbiome in relation to implant disease status, dentition status, smoking habit, gender, implant location, implant system, time of functional loading, probing pocket depth (PPD), and presence of bleeding on probing.

Materials and Methods

Biofilm samples were collected from the deepest peri‐implant site of 41 patients with paper points, and analysed using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing.

Results

We observed differences in microbial profiles by PPD, implant disease status, and dentition status. Microbiota in deep pockets included higher proportions of the genera Fusobacterium, Prevotella, and Anaeroglobus compared with shallow pockets that harboured more Rothia, Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Streptococcus. Peri‐implantitis (PI) sites were dominated by Fusobacterium and Treponema compared with healthy implants and peri‐implant mucositis, which were mostly colonized by Rothia and Streptococcus. Partially edentulous (PE) individuals presented more Fusobacterium, Prevotella, and Rothia, whereas fully edentulous individuals presented more Veillonella and Streptococcus.

Conclusions

PPD, implant disease status, and dentition status may affect the submucosal ecology leading to variation in composition of the microbiome. Deep pockets, PI, and PE individuals were dominated by Gram‐negative anaerobic taxa.
How to define today a medical disorder? Biological and psychosocial disadvantages as the paramount criteria
Authors: Telles Correia Diogo , Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Rocha Neto Helio G.
Published: June 2021

Background

The 20th century has seen great developments in the concept of disease. Marked by the biopsychosocial paradigm, several strategies for disease definition were added to previous descriptive organic views, but a final concept is still out of reach.

Method

A critical review was carried out on thorough analysis of articles and textbooks to describe the main concepts and definitions of disease.

Results

The concept ‘disease’ is a pragmatic construct, not a natural kind. Three main ways to define disease were identified, and characterized: Biological (disease as a lesion, disadvantage/deviation from normal and dysfunction), Psychosocial (distress and disability, existential potentials, descriptive prototype, and prototype typification), and values‐based definition.

Conclusion

All the paradigms have advantages and flaws, but progressive use of all criteria in disease definition adds validity and reliability to diagnostic constructs. Such constructs must be, above all, useful for practice and research. Biological paradigm is relevant, but fails to cover all the complexity that involves human illness and the treatment process. An emphasis on distress, dysfunction, and carefully selected value‐laden characteristics might be the right direction for useful diagnostic construct conceptions.
Differentiated agrarian vulnerabilities and generalized national responses to COVID‐19 in the Upper West Region of Ghana
Authors: Baada Jemima Nomunume , Antabe Roger , Sano Yuji
Published: June 2021

The experiences of COVID‐19 differ at both micro and macro levels. This emphasizes the need for differentiated responses that account for the varying vulnerabilities of diverse groups regarding the pandemic. In Ghana, much of the attention on COVID‐19 has been on urban centres, particularly the country's two largest metropolises in southern Ghana. This has created a gap between national level policy and the experiences of COVID‐19 among rural dwellers in Ghana. This is despite evidence that the world's poorest populations will bear the brunt of COVID‐19 effects, and that globally, four out of five people living below the poverty line reside in rural areas. Using the Upper West Region as a case study, we discuss the differentiated vulnerabilities that agrarian communities in Ghana face regarding the pandemic. We situate our discussions within the theories of vulnerability and feminist political economy to highlight how interlocking vulnerabilities regarding historical, environmental, geopolitical, socio‐economic, health, and gendered inequalities affect the disposition of agrarian communities to cope with and recover from the COVID‐19 pandemic. We call for more nuanced COVID‐19 responses that account for the needs and experiences of agrarian communities in Ghana.
Balancing selection maintains ancient polymorphisms at conserved enhancers for the olfactory receptor genes of a Chinese marine fish
Authors: Liu Qiaohong , Mishra Mrinal , Saxena Ayush S. , Wu Haohao , Qiu Ying , Zhang Xinhui , You Xinxin , Ding Shaoxiong , Miyamoto Michael M.
Published: June 2021

The study of balancing selection, as a selective force maintaining adaptive genetic variation in gene pools longer than expected by drift, is currently experiencing renewed interest due to the increased availability of new data, methods of analysis, and case studies. In this investigation, evidence of balancing selection operating on conserved enhancers of the olfactory receptor (OR) genes is presented for the Chinese sleeper (Bostrychus sinensis), a coastal marine fish that is emerging as a model species for evolutionary studies in the Northwest Pacific marginal seas. Coupled with tests for Gene Ontology enrichment and transcription factor binding, population genomic data allow for the identification of an OR cluster in the sleeper with a downstream flanking region containing three enhancers that are conserved with human and other fish species. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses indicate that the enhancers are under balancing selection as evidenced by their translineage polymorphisms, excess common alleles, and increased within‐group diversities. Age comparisons between the translineage polymorphisms and most recent common ancestors of neutral genealogies substantiate that the former are old, and thus, due to ancient balancing selection. The survival and reproduction of vertebrates depend on their sense of smell, and thereby, on their ORs. In addition to locus duplication and allelic variation of structural genes, this study highlights a third mechanism by which receptor diversity can be achieved for detecting and responding to the huge variety of environmental odorants (i.e., by balancing selection acting on OR gene expression through their enhancer variability).
Anatomical Variations of the Vertebral Artery: Analysis by Three‐Dimensional Computed Tomography Angiography in Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Shuang , Ren Wei‐jian , Zheng Liang , Sun Shao‐tong , Zhang Bo‐hua , Chen Yu , Xiang Liang‐bi
Published: June 2021

Objective

To analyze the anatomical variations of V3 and V2 segments of the vertebral artery in the Chinese population.

Methods

The current retrospective study was an observational, anatomical, radiological research. Between 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019, the data of 589 continuous head‐and‐neck three‐dimensional computed tomography angiography were observed and analyzed using the open‐source software of Horos. There were 415 males and 174 females with an average age of 44.63 ± 2.5(18–74) years. The variations of the V3 segment were defined as persistent first intersegmental artery (PFIA) and paracondylar processes (PP). The variations of V2 segments were unusual vertebral artery entrance transverse foreman (UE‐V2S) and midline migration (MM). The incidences of all variations were summarized and the gender, side characters were compared.

Results

Among the patients, 4.34% (18/415) males and 4.60% (8/174) females were with the variation of PFIA. Meanwhile, 12.29% (51/415) males and 10.92% (19/174) females were with the variation of PP. Then 18.80% (78/415) males and 16.67% (29/174) females were with UE‐V2S. All the variations above were not different in genders. As for the variation of MM, 3.86% (16/415) males and 8.62% (15/174) females were identified, and the difference of genders was significant for this type of variation (P < 0.05). The differences between each side were also observed and analyzed for all variations and no differences were found.

Conclusion

There are several variations of V3 and V2 segments of the vertebral artery are associated with the cervical surgeries, most were without differences in genders and sides, except the variation of MM.
Support interventions provided during palliative care to families with dependent children when a parent has terminal illness: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Cockle-Hearne Jane , Aldiss Susie , Gibson Faith , Milne Shannon , Todd Jennifer , Ream Emma
Published: June 2021

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map support interventions provided during palliative care to families with dependent children when a parent has a terminal illness.

Introduction:

For dependent children, losing a parent through terminal illness can be one of the most traumatic experiences they will face. Without age-appropriate information and support, parental death can lead to unresolved grief, post-traumatic stress, and longer-term negative social, emotional, educational, and behavioral consequences. Support from health care professionals is provided, but challenges within hospice and community palliative care mean the needs of dependent children may not be addressed. Greater emphasis is often placed on children's and families’ bereavement needs as opposed to their pre-bereavement needs. The status of pre-bereavement support in palliative care for these families has not been documented.

Inclusion criteria:

We will include studies of support interventions provided to families with dependent children when a parent has a terminal illness that are delivered during palliative care and in settings including, but not limited to, hospices, hospitals, and the community (including family and care homes). Empirical, peer-reviewed studies based on qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods data, and gray literature, reporting any stage of intervention development will be included.

Methods:

This review will follow the JBI approach for scoping reviews. Multiple database searches will be conducted. Two authors will independently review full-text articles and extract data. Interventions will be mapped in terms of characteristics, evaluation methods, and implementation challenges. Data will be presented in tables, diagrammatic form, and narrative summary.
Manejo integral de residuos sólidos para minimizar la contaminación del ambiente en el distrito de Panao, Huánuco, Perú
Authors: Cotrina Cabello Guillermo , Taype Landeo Oliver , Ore Areche Franklin
Published: June 2021

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo principal analizar el manejo de los residuos sólidos con el fin de minimizar la contaminación en el ambiente, específicamente, en el distrito de Panao, ubicado en la provincia de Pachitea, del departamento de Huánuco, Perú. En esta investigación se trabajó con una muestra de 260 domicilios para la recolección de los residuos sólidos, identificados en los cuatro barrios del distrito. Se determinó que la cantidad de residuos sólidos per cápita fue de 0,644 kg/hab/día, con un volumen generado por persona de 0,22 m3. La investigación fue de tipo descriptiva. Finalmente, se concluyó que los residuos sólidos estuvieron compuestos en su mayoría por materia orgánica (53,20%) y que con el manejo integral de estos es posible lograr una disminución en la contaminación de hasta el 34,93%.
Performance Evaluation of a Novel Optical Sensing System for Detecting Rail Lubricity Conditions
Authors: Pan Yu , Mast Timothy , Holton Carvel , Ahmadian Mehdi
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a laboratory evaluation of a novel optical sensing system mounted on a moving platform for detecting the presence and adequacy of Top-of-Rail (TOR) friction modifiers and flange greases. The friction modifiers are applied on the top of rail for managing the coefficient of friction to reduce wear while maintaining stable traction. Flange greases are intended to reduce wear that happens when wheel flange makes contact with the rail gage-face during curving. Additionally, friction modifiers and flange greases could influence fuel consumption. The U.S. railroads have made the application of TOR adopted on the mainlines. The tools, however, for evaluating the rail lubricity condition are limited and there is often uncertainty about the required or “optimal” amount of friction modifiers, except for the trained eye of the track engineer. The proposed sensing system provides an innovative non-contact method by using the optical laser’s reflective and scattering properties when directed at the rail surface to assess the friction modifiers’ conditions. In addition, the laser’s near-UV (Ultraviolet) wavelength is able to excite fluorescent elements in the flange grease and detect any top-of-rail contamination of grease that may exist. The design and working principles of the system are demonstrated and explained in this paper. Static and dynamic tests are performed in the lab under a controlled environment for various lubricity conditions, in order to experimentally validate and evaluate the performance of the optical sensing system. The lab evaluation indicates that the proposed optical sensing system is capable of successfully detecting the diverse lubricity conditions and shows a great potential to be widely tested and used in the field on revenue-service tracks.
Scheduling Maintenance Technicians in a Railway Depot
Authors: Alves Tiago , Andrade António R.
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a mathematical programming model that optimizes the daily schedule of maintenance technicians in a railway depot. The aim of the model is the minimization of the associated labor costs, while assigning the different technicians and skills required for each maintenance task. A case study of a Portuguese train operating company is explored, including many technical constraints imposed by the company. A mixed-integer linear programming model is formulated and applied to the case study, while observing the rolling stock schedule and the maintenance tactical plan. The optimized solution shows that the maintenance team could be shortened, as some workers are not necessary to carry out all maintenance actions, suggesting the need for more flexible maintenance crew scheduling and associated labor conditions. The present model is integrated within a tactical maintenance planning model, which finds a feasible annual maintenance plan for the entire fleet, and an operational maintenance scheduling model, which assigns train units to service tasks and schedules the maintenance tasks within the rolling stock. Together, the three models provide a decision framework that can support maintenance planning and scheduling decisions. Finally, the present maintenance crew scheduling model adds a key aspect to the literature: the skills of maintenance technicians.
Using anisotropic and narrowband ambient noise for continuous measurements of relative clock drift between independent acoustic recorders
Authors: Tenorio-Hallé Ludovic , Thode Aaron M. , Swartz Steven L. , Urbán R. Jorge
Published: June 2021

Relative clock drift between instruments can be an issue for coherent processing of acoustic signals, which requires data to be time-synchronized between channels. This work shows how cross correlation of anisotropic narrowband ambient noise allows continuous estimation of the relative clock drift between independent acoustic recorders, under the assumption that the spatial distribution of the coherent noise sources is stationary. This method is applied to two pairs of commercial passive acoustic recorders deployed up to 14 m apart at 6 and 12 m depth, respectively, over a period of 10 days. Occasional calibration signals show that this method allows time-synchronizing the instruments to within ±1 ms. In addition to a large linear clock drift component on the order of tens of milliseconds per hour, the results reveal for these instruments non-linear excursions of up to 50 ms that cannot be measured by standard methods but are crucial for coherent processing. The noise field displays the highest coherence between 50 and 100 Hz, a bandwidth dominated by what are believed to be croaker fish, which are particularly vocal in the evenings. Both the passive and continuous nature of this method provide advantages over time-synchronization using active sources.
Hoxa10 mediates positional memory to govern stem cell function in adult skeletal muscle
Authors: Yoshioka Kiyoshi , Nagahisa Hiroshi , Miura Fumihito , Araki Hiromitsu , Kamei Yasutomi , Kitajima Yasuo , Seko Daiki , Nogami Jumpei , Tsuchiya Yoshifumi , Okazaki Narihiro , Yonekura Akihiko , Ohba Seigo , Sumita Yoshinori , Chiba Ko , Ito Kosei , Asahina Izumi , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Ito Takashi , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Ono Yusuke
Published: June 2021

Adult muscles and their associated stem cells retain functional positional memory based on developmental origin.
Endogenous agonist–bound S1PR3 structure reveals determinants of G protein–subtype bias
Authors: Maeda Shintaro , Shiimura Yuki , Asada Hidetsugu , Hirata Kunio , Luo Fangjia , Nango Eriko , Tanaka Nobuo , Toyomoto Masayasu , Inoue Asuka , Aoki Junken , Iwata So , Hagiwara Masatoshi
Published: June 2021

Active S1PR3 structure reveals the unique ligand-binding mode and signaling selectivity switching mechanism.
Postmelting hydrogen enrichment in the oceanic lithosphere
Authors: Le Roux Veronique , Urann Benjamin M. , Brunelli Daniele , Bonatti Enrico , Cipriani Anna , Demouchy Sylvie , Monteleone Brian D.
Published: June 2021

Abyssal rocks from the Earth interior record extensive hydrogen enrichments that affect viscosity models for oceanic plates.
The gene regulatory system for specifying germ layers in early embryos of the simple chordate
Authors: Tokuoka Miki , Maeda Kazuki , Kobayashi Kenji , Mochizuki Atsushi , Satou Yutaka
Published: June 2021

The regulatory system of gene expression in ascidian 32-cell embryos is represented as Boolean functions.
Skillful prediction of summer rainfall in the Tibetan Plateau on multiyear time scales
Authors: Hu Shuai , Zhou Tianjun
Published: June 2021

The Tibetan Plateau summer rainfall is highly predictable on multiyear time scales in large ensembles of decadal prediction.
Dopaminergic organization of striatum is linked to cortical activity and brain expression of genes associated with psychiatric illness
Authors: McCutcheon Robert A. , Brown Kirsten , Nour Matthew M. , Smith Stephen M. , Veronese Mattia , Zelaya Fernando , Osugo Martin , Jauhar Sameer , Hallett William , Mehta Mitul M. , Howes Oliver D.
Published: June 2021

Simultaneous PET-MRI illustrates the relationship between striatal dopamine and cortical activity.
Stereoselective Production of (+)-trans-Chrysanthemic Acid by a Microbial Esterase: Cloning, Nucleotide Sequence, and Overexpression of the Esterase Gene of Arthrobacter globiformis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Nishizawa M , Shimizu M , Ohkawa H , Kanaoka M
Published: June 2021

Volume 61, no. 9, p. 3209, column 2, line 23: "L22165" should read "L22516." [This corrects the article on p. 3208 in vol. 61.].
Characterization of the lipopolysaccharide from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 and N27
Authors: Kiley P , Holt S C
Published: June 2021

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans strains Y4 and N27 was isolated by the phenol-water procedure. Morphologically, the molecule consisted of ribbon and branched filaments which comprised 3% of the cellular dry weight. Chemical analysis of the isolated and purified LPSs of both strains showed them to consist of carbohydrate, lipid, 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate, heptose, hexosamine, and phosphate. The major fatty acids of the lipid A moiety were saturated C14 and beta-OH C14 compounds. Rhamnose, fucose, galactose, glucose, heptose, glucosamine, and galactosamine comprised the monosaccharide portion of the LPS. Biological activity studies revealed both LPS molecules to be active in the Schwartzman reaction and in in vitro 45Ca bone resorption, as well as in macrophage activation and lethality and in platelet aggregation.
Role of complement in viral infections: participation of terminal complement components (C5 to C9) in recovery of mice from Sindbis virus infection
Authors: Hirsch R L , Griffin D E , Winkelstein J A
Published: June 2021

the pathogenesis of Sindbis virus infection was studied in congenic mice with normal levels of the fifth component of complement (C5) and in mice deficient in C5. Mice deficient in C5 had a higher mortality rate than mice with normal levels of C5 as well as impaired clearance of virus from their brain and feet.
Development of a template for use in immunofluorescent identification of mycoplasmas
Authors: Panangala V S , Lein D H
Published: June 2021

A template for securing blocks of agar onto glass slides is described. Use of the template allows efficient handling as well as thorough washing of agar blocks during the immunofluorescence staining process.
Complete Genome Sequence of Rhodococcus qingshengii Strain CL-05, Isolated from Concrete
Authors: Kiledal E. Anders , McDermott Shannon G. , Shevchenko Olga , Ross Jean , Bediako Stacy , Maresca Julia A.
Published: June 2021

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Rhodococcus qingshengii
strain CL-05, which was isolated from pavement concrete in Newark, Delaware. The genome consists of a 6.29-Mbp chromosome and one plasmid (123,183 bp), encodes a total of 5,859 predicted proteins, and has a GC content of 62.5%.
Justice in COVID-19 vaccine prioritisation: rethinking the approach
Authors: Rhodes Rosamond
Published: June 2021

Policies for the allocation of COVID-19 vaccine were implemented in early 2021 as soon as vaccine became available. Those responsible for the planning and execution of COVID-19 vaccination had to make choices about who received vaccination first while numerous authors offered their own recommendations. This paper provides an account of how such decisions should be made by focusing on the specifics of the situation at hand. In that light, I offer an argument for prioritising those who are likely vectors of the disease and a criticism of the victim-focused priority proposals put forward by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the UK National Health Service, and others. I also offer thoughts on how those authors may have gone astray.
Existing and expected manifestations of a new fundamental interaction
Authors: Slad L. M.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a number of characteristics of the new fundamental interaction are described. The interaction is carried by a massless pseudoscalar boson and extends to at least the electron neutrino, proton and neutron. A substantiation of the existence of such an interaction is supported by an good agreement between the theoretical and experimental rates of all the five observed processes with solar neutrinos. A bright manifestation of the new interaction is expected in the observation that its contribution to the rate of splitting of a number of light stable nuclei by reactor antineutrinos is approximately six orders of magnitude greater than the contribution of electroweak interaction.
Deformation Response and Safety Evaluation of Buildings Affected by Subway‐Station Construction
Authors: Feng Chunlei , Zhang Dingli , Wang Hualao , Zhang Xuan
Published: June 2021

Based on the sand and pebble stratum in the Beijing area, this paper studies the interaction between deep‐foundation‐pit excavation for subway stations and surrounding buildings using an orthogonal test. Moreover, it considers the relative position relationship between buildings and how the foundation pit is set up as well as different design schemes for foundation pits and the surrounding buildings. Results show that the horizontal distance s between the building and foundation pit and stiffness of the building itself have a clear impact on the differential settlement δij and relative deflection Δ, and the degree of deformation of the building near the corner of the foundation pit is complex. Simultaneously, based on numerical simulation results, the deformation characteristics and degree of deformation of the building under different relative position relationships with the foundation pit are analyzed. Finally, by establishing a relationship among the comprehensive deformation index Dj, surrounding environmental safety evaluation index Sj, and scheme safety grade Lj, a multiangle safety evaluation method for buildings affected by foundation‐pit construction is formed, which can provide a reference for the research and design of similar projects.
Some Results on Generalized Pata–Suzuki Type Contractive Mappings
Authors: Aktay Merve , Özdemir Murat
Published: June 2021

In this work, we establish new fixed point theorems for generalized Pata–Suzuki type contraction via

α

-admissible mapping in metric spaces and to prove some fixed point results for such mappings. Moreover, we give an example to illustrate our main result. Consequently, the results presented in this paper generalize and improve the corresponding results of the literature.
Dynamic Evaluation and System Coordination Degree of the Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Real Economy
Authors: Li Boxun
Published: June 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an important driving force of the new round of technological revolution and industrial change, and the development of a new generation of AI can help improve comprehensive national power and promote healthy and sustainable economic development. AI can promote economic development through four ways. First, AI replaces labor, expands labor connotation, increases labor supply, and enriches labor wealth; AI empowers laborers and improves labor productivity. Second, AI empowers the three industries and improves production efficiency. Third, AI creates consumer surplus and improves social welfare. Fourth, AI empowers government to correct government failure and improve government efficiency, which in turn corrects market failure and improves economic efficiency. The economic subsystem covers both quantitative and qualitative aspects of economic growth, economic structure, economic efficiency, and economic support. Environmental subsystems are divided into environmental quality, environmental pollution, and environmental protection. While using AI to promote economic development, it is also important to strengthen the research and prevention of potential risks of AI development to ensure that AI is safe, reliable, and controllable.
The Application of Digital Design Combined with 3D Printing Technology in Skin Flap Transplantation for Fingertip Defects during the COVID‐19 Epidemic
Authors: Lu Hui , Peng Hanshu , Peng Ze , Liu Dingxi , Wu Qimei , Liu Rong
Published: June 2021

Objective. We aimed to evaluate the advantages of preoperative digital design of skin flaps to repair fingertip defects during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We combined digital design with a 3D‐printed model of the affected finger for preoperative communication with fingertip defect patients under observation in a buffer ward. Methods. From December 2019 to January 2021, we obtained data from 25 cases of 30 fingertip defects in 15 males and 10 females, aged 20‐65 years old (mean 35 ± 5 years). All cases were treated by digitally designing preoperative fingertip defect flaps combined with a 3D‐printed model. Preoperative 3D Systems Sense scanning was routinely performed, 3‐matic 12.0 was used to measure the fingertip defect area ranging from 1.5 cm × 3.5 cm to 2.0 cm × 5.0 cm, and the skin flap was designed. The flap area was 1.6 cm × 3.6 cm to 2.1 cm × 5.1 cm. CURA 15.02.1 was used to set parameters, and the 3D model of the affected finger was printed prior to the operation. Full‐thickness skin grafts were taken from donor areas for repair. Results. No vascular crises occurred in any of the 25 cases, and all flaps survived. The postoperative follow‐up occurred over 3‐12 months. All patients were evaluated 3 months after operation according to the trial standard of hand function evaluation of the Chinese Hand Surgery Society. The results showed that 20 cases had excellent outcomes (80%), four cases had good outcomes (16%), and one case had a fair outcome (4%). The excellent and good rate was 96%. Conclusions. During the COVID‐19 epidemic, fingertip defects were treated with preoperative digital design of fingertip defect flaps combined with 3D printing. Precision design saves surgery time and improves the success rate of surgery and the survival rates of skin flaps. In addition, 3D model simulations improve preoperative communication efficiency, and the personalized design improves patient satisfaction.
The Effect of Rheology of Viscoelastic Polymer on Pressure Transient Response in Near-Wellbore Regions
Authors: Zhang Jia , Cheng Shiqing , Zhan Jie , Han Qi
Published: June 2021

Viscoelastic polymer solution shows shear thinning behavior at low shear rates and shear thickening behavior at high shear rates in reservoirs. However, models that ignored shear thickening behavior were commonly employed to interpret transient pressure data derived from tested wells in viscoelastic polymer flooding systems; although, viscoelastic polymer solutions show shear thickening behavior in the near-wellbore region due to high shear rate. To better characterize the oilfield with pressure transient analysis in viscoelastic polymer flooding systems, we developed a numerical model that takes into account both shear thinning behavior and shear thickening behavior. A finite volume method was employed to discretize partially differential flow equations in a hybrid grid system including PEBI mesh and Cartesian grid, and the Newton-Raphson method was used to solve the fully implicit nonlinear system. To illustrate the significance of our model, we compared our model with a model that ignores the shear thickening behavior by graphing their solutions on log-log plots. In the flow regime of near-wellbore damage, the pressure derivative computed by our model is distinctly larger than that computed by the model ignoring shear thickening behavior. Furthermore, the effect of shear thickening behavior on pressure derivative differs from that of near-wellbore damage. We then investigated the influence of shear thickening behavior on pressure derivative with different polymer injection rates, injection rates, and permeabilities. The results can provide a benchmark to better estimate near-wellbore damage in viscoelastic polymer flooding systems. Besides, we demonstrated the applicability and accuracy of our model by interpreting transient pressure data from a field case in an oilfield with viscoelastic polymer flooding treatments.
Assessment of Successful qRT‐PCR of SARS‐CoV‐2 Assay in Pool Screening Using Isopropyl Alcohol Purification Step in RNA Extraction
Authors: Gangwar Mayank , Shukla Alka , Patel Virendra Kumar , Prakash Pradyot , Nath Gopal
Published: June 2021

The study is aimed at establishing the optimal parameters for RNA purification of pooled specimens, in SARS‐CoV‐2 assay. This research work evaluates the difference of extracted RNA purity of pooled samples with and without treatment with isopropyl alcohol and its effect on real‐time RT‐PCR. As per the protocol of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 5 sample pools were analysed using qRT‐PCR. A total of 100 pooled samples were selected for the study by mixing 50 μL of one COVID‐19 positive nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal (NP/OP) specimen and 50 μL each of 4 known negative specimens. Pool RNA was extracted using the column‐based method, and 1 set of pooled extracted RNA was tested as such, while RNA of the second set was treated additionally with chilled isopropyl alcohol (modified protocol). Further, the purity of extracted RNA in both the groups was checked using Microvolume Spectrophotometers (Nanodrop) followed by RT‐PCR targeting E‐gene and RNaseP target. The results showed that the purity index of extracted RNA of untreated pooled specimens was inferior to isopropyl alcohol‐treated templates, which was observed to be 85% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The average Cq (E gene) in the unpurified and purified pool RNA group was 34.66 and 31.48, respectively. The nanodrop data suggested that purified RNA concentration was significantly increased with an average value of 24.73 ± 1.49 ng/uL, which might be the reason for high sensitivity and specificity. Thus, this group testing of SARS‐CoV‐2 cases using pools of 5 individual samples would be the best alternative for saving molecular reagents, personnel time, and can increase the overall testing capacity. However, purity of RNA is one of the important determinants to procure unfailing results, thus, this additional purification step must be included in the protocol after RNA has been extracted using commercially available kit before performing qRT‐PCR.
[Retracted] Studying the Effect of Metallic Precursor Concentration on the Structural, Optical, and Morphological Properties of Zinc Sulfide Thin Films in Photovoltaic Cell Applications
Authors: Abel S. , Leta Tesfaye J. , Kiran R. , Deepak T. , Ruby A. Usha , Venkatesh S. , Krishnaraj R.
Published: June 2021

Thin films of zinc sulfide (ZnS) with different concentrations of zinc acetate have been made by chemical bath deposition technique in acidic medium (pH = 5) on glass substrate using zinc acetate and sodium sulfide as sources of Zn+2 ion and S−2 ion, respectively, and ethylenediaminetetraacetate as complexing agents and sulfuric acid to adjust pH value at a constant deposition temperature of 85°C, and the deposition time of 90 minutes was used. The effect of the concentration of metallic precursor on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of chemical bath deposited zinc sulfide thin films was investigated in this study. The XRD result confirmed mixed phases of crystalline and amorphous structure dominating other phases, which is witnessed by larger crystallite size than other phases. It reveals that the thin films had hexagonal structure at the medium concentration with preferred orientation along (111) plane, and at lower and higher concentration, it showed that film has an amorphous structure in nature. The crystallinity of all the phases significantly enlarged with increasing the zinc precursor concentration. The SEM micrographs showed high‐pitched edged irregular‐shaped grains covering the substrate with pinholes and bangs. The optical properties investigated by the UV‐VIS spectrometer specified a decrease in the optical bandgap of the films between 3.5 eV and 2.6 eV as the zinc acetate concentration in the solution increased from 0.1 to 0.2 M. It showed that the zinc sulfide had high absorption in the UV radiation. The main finding of this paper is that metallic precursor concentration has a significant role in the optical, morphological, and microstructural properties of the cobalt sulfide thin films, which are most suitable for photovoltaic applications.
Therapeutic Effect of Electronic Endoscopic Hematoma Removal on Hypertensive Basal Ganglia Cerebral Hemorrhage Based on Smart Medical Technology
Authors: Wu Yiping , Zhang Shan , Dong Yu , Shen Xiangzhu , Han Yafei , Li Yimeng , Xu Wei , Ma Ke , Tang Huichang , Yang Dezhen , Li Haichang
Published: June 2021

The medical and health industry has successively experienced three stages of digital medical treatment, local area network medical treatment, and internet medical treatment. With the rapid development of technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence, emerging applications and service models have gradually penetrated into all aspects of the medical and health field. At this point, the informatization development process of the medical industry has entered the stage of smart medical treatment. (Smart medical system is a new medical system that improves users’ medical experience and provides users with better services. Due to the cumbersome, complicated, and mechanically rigid environment of the past medical service, there was no uniform standard. In order to create a reliable and open medical service environment, an intelligent medical system came into being.). A diversified technical foundation and smart medical protection, conducive to providing patients with high-quality medical services, are established. This article mainly introduces the analysis of the therapeutic effect of smart medical electronic endoscopic hematoma removal on hypertensive basal ganglia cerebral hemorrhage and aims to inject advanced technology and vitality of smart medical treatment into the treatment of hypertensive basal ganglia cerebral hemorrhage by hematoma removal and help the doctor to treat the patient. This article proposes the research methods of smart medical application in the treatment of hypertensive basal ganglia cerebral hemorrhage with electronic endoscopic hematoma removal, including smart medical overview, intracranial hematoma removal for hypertensive basal ganglia cerebral hemorrhage, and smart medical bioelectric signal classification. The recognition algorithm is used to realize the smart medical application of the electronic endoscopic hematoma removal in the treatment of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the basal ganglia area. The experimental results show that the removal of intracranial hematoma based on smart medicine can effectively improve the removal rate of intracranial hematoma, with a recovery rate of 26.73% and a significant efficiency of 36.49%.
Analyzing Network Model for Organic Vegetable Distribution: A Case Study of Zhengzhou City
Authors: Wang Aiguo , Wang Yazhe , Chen Qinghai
Published: June 2021

Due to rapid population growth and increasing demand for high-quality and fresh agricultural products, it is essential to develop advanced transportation networks and distribution centers for perishable vegetables, particularly in urban areas. In this paper, a distribution center model is designed to speed up urban vegetable distribution and reduce transportation and economic costs. This paper develops an algorithm to solve the nonlinear problem and provides numerical analysis to illustrate the proposed solution. It discusses the effects of various system parameters on the decisions and total transportation cost. An improved model of the location selection for the organic vegetable distribution center and sorting center is calculated. The optimum locations of urban organic vegetables distribution center and sorting center are achieved. A real case of an agricultural product supply chain in Zhengzhou City is used to verify the model. The results of this study can serve as a reference for business administrators and managers.
Distribution Service Competition with the Consideration of Different Consumer Behaviors
Authors: Yu Rong , Wu Zhong , Qu Shaojian
Published: June 2021

Logistics distribution plays an important role in the operation of e-commerce firms. This paper considers two logistics distribution modes with service competition: the e-commerce platform self-distribution (SDL) mode and third-party logistics (TPL) mode. By introducing consumer behavior into the model, we examine the competition between two firms with the same functionalities in the context of e-commerce. According to the real scene, we build the corresponding mathematical optimization model. Each firm needs to decide a logistics distribution mode and a corresponding price for the selected logistics mode. We first analyze the two firms chosen logistics modes and prices simultaneously and then extend it to Stackelberg game situation. We find out the optimal strategy for two firms. Finally, we propose numerical analysis to identify our models and provide a series of managerial insights.