bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular responses in the FGF10‐mediated improvement of hindlimb regenerative capacity in Xenopus laevis revealed by single‐cell transcriptomics
Authors: Yanagi Nodoka , Kato Sumika , Fukazawa Taro , Kubo Takeo
Published: June 2022

Xenopus laevis tadpoles possess regenerative capacity in their hindlimb buds at early developmental stages (stages ~52–54); they can regenerate complete hindlimbs with digits after limb bud amputation. However, they gradually lose their regenerative capacity as metamorphosis proceeds. Tadpoles in late developmental stages regenerate fewer digits (stage ~56), or only form cartilaginous spike without digits or joints (stage ~58 or later) after amputation. Previous studies have shown that administration of fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) in late‐stage (stage 56) tadpole hindlimb buds after amputation can improve their regenerative capacity, which means that the cells responding to FGF10 signaling play an important role in limb bud regeneration. In this study, we performed single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) of hindlimb buds that were amputated and administered FGF10 by implanting FGF10‐soaked beads at a late stage (stage 56), and explored cell clusters exhibiting a differential gene expression pattern compared with that in controls treated with phosphate‐buffered saline. The scRNA‐seq data showed expansion of fgf8‐expressing cells in the cluster of the apical epidermal cap of FGF10‐treated hindlimb buds, which was reported previously, indicating that the administration of FGF10 was successful. On analysis, in addition to the epidermal cluster, a subset of myeloid cells and a newly identified cluster of steap4‐expressing cells showed remarkable differences in their gene expression profiles between the FGF10‐ or phosphate‐buffered saline‐treatment conditions, suggesting a possible role of these clusters in improving the regenerative capacity of hindlimbs via FGF10 administration.
Strategic roadmap to assess forest vulnerability under air pollution and climate change
Authors: De Marco Alessandra , Sicard Pierre , Feng Zhaozhong , Agathokleous Evgenios , Alonso Rocio , Araminiene Valda , Augustatis Algirdas , Badea Ovidiu , Beasley James C. , Branquinho Cristina , Bruckman Viktor J. , Collalti Alessio , David‐Schwartz Rakefet , Domingos Marisa , Du Enzai , Garcia Gomez Hector , Hashimoto Shoji , Hoshika Yasutomo , Jakovljevic Tamara , McNulty Steven , Oksanen Elina , Omidi Khaniabadi Yusef , Prescher Anne‐Katrin , Saitanis Costas J. , Sase Hiroyuki , Schmitz Andreas , Voigt Gabriele , Watanabe Makoto , Wood Michael D. , Kozlov Mikhail V. , Paoletti Elena
Published: June 2022

Although it is an integral part of global change, most of the research addressing the effects of climate change on forests have overlooked the role of environmental pollution. Similarly, most studies investigating the effects of air pollutants on forests have generally neglected the impacts of climate change. We review the current knowledge on combined air pollution and climate change effects on global forest ecosystems and identify several key research priorities as a roadmap for the future. Specifically, we recommend (1) the establishment of much denser array of monitoring sites, particularly in the South Hemisphere; (2) further integration of ground and satellite monitoring; (3) generation of flux‐based standards and critical levels taking into account the sensitivity of dominant forest tree species; (4) long‐term monitoring of N, S, P cycles and base cations deposition together at global scale; (5) intensification of experimental studies, addressing the combined effects of different abiotic factors on forests by assuring a better representation of taxonomic and functional diversity across the ~73,000 tree species on Earth; (6) more experimental focus on phenomics and genomics; (7) improved knowledge on key processes regulating the dynamics of radionuclides in forest systems; and (8) development of models integrating air pollution and climate change data from long‐term monitoring programs.
Adapting the cultivation of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) to marginal lands: A review
Authors: Blandinières Henri , Amaducci Stefano
Published: June 2022

Marginal lands are increasingly being considered for cultivating industrial and bioenergy crops to reduce the direct and indirect land‐use changes. This review investigates the feasibility of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation under the biophysical constraints that characterize marginal lands, with the objectives of (i) determining to which extent hemp cultivation can be affected by the considered factors of marginality and (ii) determining the most pertinent adaptations of crop technical management. This work establishes that hemp is a species that can be considered particularly susceptible to adverse conditions, in particular regarding soil characteristics (heavy clay, coarse sand, shallowness) and dry climates. Heavy metals (HMs) contaminations do not appear to severely limit hemp's productivity, with the exception of thallium. The adverse effects of HMs on the profitability of hemp cultivation rather lie in limitations of the potential uses of hemp biomass for several end‐uses applications (e.g., textiles, food) because of the HM contents in the raw materials. On HM polluted soils, a single‐use fiber production destined to high‐added value applications such as bio‐based composites is the most suited production. Under dry climate, hemp productivity might be particularly affected depending on the soil quality and on the severity of the dryness. Hemp can be suited for mountain environments, in which the potential for harvesting the threshing residues as a source for medical application of cannabinoids might provide a supplemental added‐value to the crop. Overall, although hemp has often been considered as able to grow in harsh conditions, this review highlights that care should be given to such statements and hemp appears to be more suited for integrating conventional agro‐systems, in particular considering that it can be considered both as a food and industrial crop.
Using Survey Sampling Algorithms For Exact Inference in Logistic Regression
Authors: Rivest Louis‐Paul , Gaye Serigne Abib
Published: June 2022

Several exact inference procedures for logistic regression require the simulation of a 0‐1 dependent vector according to its conditional distribution, given the sufficient statistics for some nuisance parameters. This is viewed, in this work, as a sampling problem involving a population of
units, unequal selection probabilities and balancing constraints. The basis for this reformulation of exact inference is a proposition deriving the limit, as
goes to infinity, of the conditional distribution of the dependent vector given the logistic regression sufficient statistics. It is proposed to sample from this distribution using the cube sampling algorithm. The interest of this approach to exact inference is illustrated by tackling new problems. First it allows to carry out exact inference with continuous covariates. It is also useful for the investigation of a partial correlation between several 0‐1 vectors. This is illustrated in an example dealing with presence‐absence data in ecology.
Meta‐analysis on the association between the frequency of tooth brushing and hypertension risk
Authors: Zou Li , Zhang Mingye , Fu Wenning , Liu Yifang , Wen Jing , Lu Zuxun
Published: June 2022

It is unclear whether the frequency of tooth brushing affects the risk of hypertension; thus, we conducted the first meta‐analysis to focus on this topic. In this meta‐analysis, we systematically searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from their inception to October 2021 to identify eligible studies, while reference lists from retrieved review paper were also reviewed. We then conducted a meta‐analysis of the highest compared with the lowest tooth brushing frequency, along with a dose‐response meta‐analysis, to explore this association. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify the sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg's and Egger's tests. We found eight relevant studies, three cohort and five cross‐sectional, involving a total of 274 124 patients. Compared to the highest tooth brushing frequency, the lowest increased the risk of hypertension by 84.0% (OR 1.84; 95% CI, 1.44–2.35). Furthermore, a nonlinear dose‐response relationship was observed (P < .05). The exclusion of any studies did not significantly alter the combined risk estimate, and no publication bias was detected. In conclusions, we report that epidemiological evidence supports the hypothesis that a lower frequency of tooth brushing is significantly associated with a higher risk of hypertension. Preventive interventions, such as adopting a good oral health routine, should be encouraged to maintain good general health.
Asymmetric density‐dependent competition does not contribute to the maintenance of sex in a mixed population of sexual and asexualPotamopyrgus antipodarum
Authors: Dinges Zoe M. , Lively Curtis M.
Published: June 2022

Asexual reproduction is expected to have a twofold reproductive advantage over sexual reproduction, owing to the cost of producing males in sexual subpopulations. The persistence of sexual females, thus, requires an advantage to sexual reproduction, at least periodically. Here, we tested the hypothesis that asexual females are more sensitive to limited resources. Under this idea, fluctuations in the availability of resources (per capita) could periodically favour sexual females when resources become limited. We combined sexual and asexual freshwater snails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) together in nylon mesh enclosures at three different densities in an outdoor mesocosm. After 1 month, we counted the brood size of fertile female snails. We found that fecundity declined significantly with increasing density. However, sexual females did not produce more offspring than asexual females at any of the experimental densities. Our results, thus, suggest that the cost of sexual reproduction inP. antipodarumis not ameliorated by periods of intense resource competition.
Competencies of nurse practitioners in family practices: A scoping review
Authors: Schlunegger Margarithe Charlotte , Aeschlimann Simona , Palm Rebecca , Zumstein‐Shaha Maya
Published: June 2022

Aims and objective

To explore the existing literature related to nurse practitioner (NP) competencies in family practices and to examine the evidence and develop a list of competencies.

Background

The integration of NPs into the healthcare system is at different stages of progress around the world. Therefore, an overview and clarification of competencies are important to ensure successful implementation of new roles in existing healthcare systems. However, detailed knowledge is lacking about the competencies of NPs in adult care in family practices.

Design and methods

We conducted a scoping review in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. We considered studies published in English, German or French from 1965 to the present. Databases searched included MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science and PsycINFO. Sources of grey literature that were searched included ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, OpenGrey and websites of national NP organisations. Two reviewers retrieved full‐text studies and extracted data independently. We described the competencies using Hamric's model of advanced practice nursing.

Results

We included 23 publications. Competencies in direct clinical practice were described most often particularly pertaining to nursing or medical tasks. Indirect care activities were frequently mentioned. Less information was found regarding competencies in leadership, ethical decision‐making and evidence‐based practice. We found elementary and extended competencies required to perform the role in family practices. Depending on the country, the role was either emerging or already well‐established.

Conclusions and relevance to clinical practice

This review provides insight into current knowledge about competencies of NP in family practices. The identified competencies can be used to develop job descriptions or to conceptualise professional development programmes in countries where such roles are just recently emerging. A list of competencies will promote a common understanding of the NP role and to help clarify interprofessional collaboration in clinical practice.
Does Mode of Input Affect How Second Language Learners Create Form–Meaning Connections and Pronounce Second Language Words?
Authors: UCHIHARA TAKUMI , WEBB STUART , SAITO KAZUYA , TROFIMOVICH PAVEL
Published: June 2022

This study examined how mode of input affects the learning of pronunciation and form–meaning connection of second language (L2) words. Seventy‐five Japanese learners of English were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions (reading while listening, reading only, listening only), studied 40 low‐frequency words while viewing their corresponding pictures, and completed a picture‐naming test 3 times (before, immediately, and about 6 days after treatment). The elicited speech samples were assessed for form–meaning connection (spoken form recall) and pronunciation accuracy (accentedness, comprehensibility). Results showed that the reading‐while‐listening group recalled a significantly greater number of spoken word forms than did the listening‐only group. Learners in the reading‐while‐listening and listening‐only modes were judged to be less accented and more comprehensible compared to learners in the reading‐only mode. However, only learners receiving spoken input without orthographic support retained more target‐like (less accented) pronunciation compared to learners receiving only written input. Furthermore, sound–spelling consistency of words significantly moderated the degree to which different learning modes impacted pronunciation learning. Taken together, the findings suggest that simultaneous presentation of written and spoken forms is optimal for the development of form–meaning connection and comprehensibility of novel words but that provision of only spoken input may be beneficial for the attainment of target‐like accent.
Structural and functional leaf diversity lead to variability in photosynthetic capacity across a range of Juglans regia genotypes
Authors: Momayyezi Mina , Rippner Devin A. , Duong Fiona V. , Raja Pranav V. , Brown Patrick J. , Kluepfel Daniel A. , Earles J. Mason , Forrestel Elisabeth J. , Gilbert Matthew E. , McElrone Andrew J.
Published: June 2022

Similar to other cropping systems, few walnut cultivars are used as scion in commercial production. Germplasm collections can be used to diversify cultivar options and hold potential for improving crop productivity, disease resistance and stress tolerance. In this study, we explored the anatomical and biochemical bases of photosynthetic capacity and response to water stress in 11 Juglans regia accessions in the U.S. department of agriculture, agricultural research service (USDA‐ARS) National Clonal Germplasm. Net assimilation rate (An) differed significantly among accessions and was greater in lower latitudes coincident with higher stomatal and mesophyll conductances, leaf thickness, mesophyll porosity, gas‐phase diffusion, leaf nitrogen and lower leaf mass and stomatal density. High CO2‐saturated assimilation rates led to increases in An under diffusional and biochemical limitations. Greater An was found in lower‐latitude accessions native to climates with more frost‐free days, greater precipitation seasonality and lower temperature seasonality. As expected, water stress consistently impaired photosynthesis with the highest % reductions in lower‐latitude accessions (A3, A5 and A9), which had the highest An under well‐watered conditions. However, An for A3 and A5 remained among the highest under dehydration. J. regia accessions, which have leaf structural traits and biochemistry that enhance photosynthesis, could be used as commercial scions or breeding parents to enhance productivity.
The exogenous GA3 greatly affected the grain‐filling process of semi‐dwarf gene Rht4 in bread wheat
Authors: Lu Qiumei , Lu Shan , Wang Mai , Cui Chunge , Condon Anthony G. , Jatayev Satyvaldy , Chen Liang , Hu Yin‐Gang
Published: June 2022

Rht4 is characterized as a GA‐responsive dwarf gene in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The responsiveness of Rht4 to exogenous GA3 was characterized in seedlings, but the effects of exogenous GA3 on the important morphological and agronomic traits such as plant height, grain‐filling rate, and yield components are unclear. In this study, the Rht4 responsiveness of exogenous GA3 on these traits was evaluated using the homozygous F4:5 and F5:6 lines derived from a cross between Jinmai47 and Burt ert937 (Rht4 donor). After exogenous GA3 application, the plant height of the dwarf lines was, on average, increased by 17.54%, about 7.92% more than that of the tall lines. Compared with the tall lines, application of exogenous GA3 significantly increased the kernel weight, maximum grain‐filling rate (Gmax), average grain‐filling rate (Gave) and kernel weight increment achieving Gmax (Wmax) in both superior and inferior grains, while the day on which the maximum grain‐filling rate was reached (Tmax) in Rht4 dwarf lines was significantly earlier in the two generations. What is more, the grain number spike−1, grain yield plant−1, and 1000‐kernel weight (TKW) of the dwarf lines notably increased after exogenous GA3‐treatment, while there was no significant change in the tall lines except for TKW. The quality traits of the dwarf lines with GA3‐treatment were greatly improved. Taken together, these results suggested that the application of GA3 could improve the grain‐filling process of Rht4 and compensate for some negative influences, which may provide a reference for its application in wheat breeding and promote the characterization of its regulatory mechanisms.
Pandemic refuges: Lessons from 2 years of COVID‐19
Authors: Baum Seth D. , Adams Vanessa M.
Published: June 2022

This paper relates evidence from the COVID‐19 pandemic to the concept of pandemic refuges, as developed in literature on global catastrophic risk. In this literature, a refuge is a place or facility designed to keep a portion of the population alive during extreme global catastrophes. COVID‐19 is not the most extreme pandemic scenario, but it is nonetheless a very severe global event, and it therefore provides an important source of evidence. Through the first 2 years of the COVID‐19 pandemic, several political jurisdictions have achieved low spread of COVID‐19 via isolation from the rest of the world and can therefore classify as pandemic refuges. Their suppression and elimination of COVID‐19 demonstrates the viability of pandemic refuges as a risk management measure. Whereas prior research emphasizes island nations as pandemic refuges, this paper uses case studies of China and Western Australia to show that other types of jurisdictions can also successfully function as pandemic refuges. The paper also refines the concept of pandemic refuges and discusses implications for future pandemics.
Contacting a public official: Concept and measurement in cross‐national surveys, 1960s–2010s
Authors: Dubrow Joshua K. , Tomescu‐Dubrow Irina , Lavrinenko Olga
Published: June 2022

Background

In the digital age, contacting a public official is a direct, low‐cost means of influence, but most cross‐national surveys ignore it.

Objective

We go in‐depth on “contact” to define it, present how it has appeared in major cross‐national surveys since the 1960s, and how survey respondents might understand it today. We then explore its popularity and determinants in Europe across time.

Methods

We use the Survey Data Recycling project's Cotton File and the European Social Survey (ESS) 2002 and 2018.

Results

Of nine major international survey projects that have this item, only ESS regularly includes it. Across Europe, the popularity of contact did not change much, and the factors that associate with generalized contact in 2002 are the same as in 2018.

Conclusion

Data producers should test the meaning of contact among respondents and differentiate between generalized and particularized forms.
Sequencing of a novel HLA‐DQB1 allele, DQB1*04:02:01:16Q, with a mutation in the intron 3 donor splicing site
Authors: Balas Antonio , Moreno‐Hidalgo Miguel‐Ángel , Alenda Raquel , García‐Sánchez Félix , Vicario José L.
Published: June 2022

The novel HLA‐DQB1*04:02:01:16Q allele showing a point mutation in the intron 3.
Long‐term follow up of 44 cats undergoing total hip replacement: Cases from a feline hip registry (2010‐2020)
Authors: Rodiño Tilve Verónica , Allaith Sumaya , Girling Sarah , Moores Andrew Phillip , Mulholland Lauren , Morrison Shane , Onyett Jeremy , Maddox Thomas W. , Lascelles B. Duncan X. , Langley‐Hobbs Sorrel , Comerford Eithne
Published: June 2022

Objective

To report indications, complications, and long‐term outcomes following feline total hip replacement (THR) using a client‐based clinical metrology questionnaire, the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI), and owner satisfaction.

Study design

Multi‐institutional retrospective cohort study.

Animals

Cats (n = 44) that underwent THR (n = 56).

Methods

Feline THRs submitted to a registry over a 10‐year period were reviewed. The FMPI and owner satisfaction surveys were used to assess outcome.

Results

Forty‐four cats met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 2 years (range: 0.9‐11), and median bodyweight 5 kg (range: 3.3‐7.6). British Shorthair and Domestic Shorthair were the most frequent breeds. Most cats were neutered males (33/44) and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) was the most common surgical indication (34/56). All implants were cemented micro and nano hip implants. Overall complications (11/56) included 9 major complications. The median duration of follow up was 752 days (range: 102‐3089). No association was found between clinical variables and complications. The FMPI score improved from 0.111 (range: 0‐1.222) to 2.111 (range: 0.888‐3.666) postoperatively (P < .001). Owner satisfaction was reported as “very good” in 30/33 cases (90.9%).

Conclusion

A validated client metrology questionnaire showed clinical improvement in cats following THR. The most common indication for THR in cats was SCFE occurring in young male neutered cats. Complication rates were comparable to previous reports.

Clinical significance

Total hip replacement appears to be a successful surgical treatment for feline hip disease with very good owner satisfaction and acceptable complication rates.
THE EVOLUTION OFHOMO LUDENS: SEXUAL SELECTION AND A THEOLOGY OF PLAY
Authors: Loumagne Ulishney Megan
Published: June 2022

This essay argues that reflection on sexual selection can be theologically generative, and that it presents needed counteremphases to some of the discussions about theological anthropology that have been fueled by theological reflection on natural selection. It introduces sexual selection and provides an overview of different approaches to sexual selection found within evolutionary biology today, before transitioning to a reflection on one theologically relevant insight from sexual selection—namely, the importance of play. It argues that the mating and play behaviors of animals reveal the noncompetitive relationship between necessity and gratuity, and thus provide theologians with an example of grace building upon, and not destroying, nature. While play is sometimes depicted in philosophical and theological accounts as the achievement of culture that supersedes the mundane necessities of nature, sexual selection can also help to illuminate the ways in which culture is dependent upon nature, and play is a thoroughly natural phenomenon that provides resources for human cultural elaboration.
Trade Integration and Intra-national Business Cycle Synchronization: Evidence from Mexico’s States from 1980 to 2019
Authors: Gómez-Zaldívar Manuel , Garcia-Barragan Fernando
Published: June 2022

This study documents the adjustment in the business cycles of Mexico’s states that resulted from trade liberalization. It also analyzes the relevance of the various elements that previous studies have proposed as the determining factors of the synchronization of these cycles. Our results reveal that these determinants are relevant throughout the sample period (1980-2019), but their relative importance changes over time as does their synchronization. This may be explained as follows: trade liberalization caused a regional and sectoral reallocation of resources, which in turn led to some states becoming increasingly interlinked based on their economic structures, whereas the remaining states became less synchronized with the former states. This case should be of interest to other developing countries that are dependent on the world’s capital and trade flows and whose regions may respond heterogeneously if they have diverse economic structures as those of Mexico.
Natural Resource Dependence, Corruption, and Tax Revenue Mobilization
Authors: Zallé Oumarou
Published: June 2022

This paper explores the dynamic interactions between natural resource dependence, corruption, and tax revenue mobilization worldwide. The empirical analysis used a cross-section augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) approach that accounts for time dynamics, cross-sectional heterogeneity, and cross-sectional dependence. The results show that the interaction between natural resource dependence, corruption, and tax revenue mobilization is complex and depends on the type of tax revenue. For example, reducing corruption stimulates non-resource tax revenue mobilization compared to total tax revenue; however, tax revenue mobilization is sometimes a source of corruption and evasion of natural resource rents. The results suggest that tax administration institutions need to be strengthened to limit predatory and rent-seeking behavior.
Study on Leak Detection Model and Influencing Factors of Vehicle Fuel Evaporation System
Authors: Wu Xudong , He Ren
Published: June 2022

The evaporative emission and leak of vehicle fuel cause serious pollution to the environment. In order to find out the main influencing factors of the leak detection process of vehicle fuel evaporation system, the leak process and main influencing factors of vehicle fuel evaporation system were studied by means of simulation calculation and experimental research. The leak detection model of fuel evaporation system was established. The pressure decay process was simulated and calculated by matlab/simulink, and the calculated value was compared with the experimental value. The maximum relative error does not exceed 9.52%, indicating that the established mathematical model of pressure change is in good agreement with the test results, and the established mathematical model has high accuracy. Based on the positive pressure decay method, an experimental bench for leak detection of the fuel evaporation system was built, and the influence of different initial pressures and fuel volumes on the leak detection process of the fuel evaporation system under two leak hole diameters of 1 mm and 0.5 mm was studied. The results show that different initial pressures correspond to different decay rates. The greater the initial pressure is, the higher the pressure decay rate becomes. The higher the pressure decay rate is, the clearer the signal is, which is more conducive to leak detection. The fuel volume has a great influence on the pressure decay process, especially when the fuel volume is 80%, the difference in fuel volume is also 30%, and the pressure difference between 50% and 80% fuel volume is much larger than that between 20% and 50% fuel volume. Therefore, it is more important to select the appropriate range of fuel volume when conducting leak detection of the fuel evaporation system.
Analysis of Life Extension Performance Metrics for Optimal Management of Offshore Wind Assets
Authors: Yeter Baran , Garbatov Yordan , Guedes Soares C.
Published: June 2022

The main objective of this study is to develop an optimal life extension management strategy for ageing offshore wind farms. Finding the appropriate performance metric for an operation is essential for a durable, reliable, and profitable offshore wind farm operation. To this end, the key metrics to evaluate the life extension performance of an offshore wind farm are investigated. The mean value and the standard deviation of each performance metric are calculated using a probabilistic techno-economic assessment framework for a single offshore wind asset, which is later extended to evaluate the whole offshore wind farm by the multi-asset portfolio optimization. In this regard, the Markowitz modern portfolio theory is applied to estimate a risk-adjusted return parameter, the Sharpe ratio of the overall portfolio of offshore wind assets. Later on, the key performance metrics are compared to identify the most suitable metrics at different stages of life extension, and a further discussion is given for different offshore wind farm sizes. Moreover, the optimal management strategy, which maximizes the Sharpe ratio of the overall offshore wind farm, is analyzed using one of the key performance metrics under optimistic, moderate, and pessimistic scenarios. Finally, the optimal allocation (portfolio) of offshore wind assets attained based on the mean-variance optimization is presented for the different stages of the life extension of the offshore wind farms accounting for the uncertainty propagation during the life extension.
Subwavelength Su-Schrieffer-Heeger topological modes in acoustic waveguides
Authors: Coutant Antonin , Achilleos Vassos , Richoux Olivier , Theocharis Georgios , Pagneux Vincent
Published: June 2022

Topological systems furnish a powerful way of localizing wave energy at edges of a structured material. Usually, this relies on Bragg scattering to obtain bandgaps with nontrivial topological structures. However, this limits their applicability to low frequencies because that would require very large structures. A standard approach to address the problem is to add resonating elements inside the material to open gaps in the subwavelength regime. Unfortunately, generally, one has no precise control on the properties of the obtained topological modes, such as their frequency or localization length. In this work, a unique construction is proposed to couple acoustic resonators such that acoustic modes are mapped exactly to the eigenmodes of the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model. The relation between energy in the lattice model and the acoustic frequency is controlled by the characteristics of the resonators. In this way, SSH topological modes are obtained at any given frequency, for instance, in the subwavelength regime. The construction is also generalized to obtain well-controlled topological edge modes in alternative tunable configurations.
Geometrically engineered rigid island array for stretchable electronics capable of withstanding various deformation modes
Authors: Yang Jun Chang , Lee Seungkyu , Ma Boo Soo , Kim Junmo , Song Myoung , Kim Su Yeong , Kim Da Won , Kim Taek-Soo , Park Steve
Published: June 2022

Integration of rigid components in soft polymer matrix is considered as the most feasible architecture to enable stretchable electronics. However, a method of suppressing cracks at the interface between soft and rigid materials due to excessive and repetitive deformations of various types remains a formidable challenge. Here, we geometrically engineered Ferris wheel–shaped islands (FWIs) capable of effectively suppressing crack propagation at the interface under various deformation modes (stretching, twisting, poking, and crumpling). The optimized FWIs have notable increased strain at failure and fatigue life compared with conventional circle- and square-shaped islands. Stretchable electronics composed of various rigid components (LED and coin cell) were demonstrated using intrinsically stretchable printed electrodes. Furthermore, electronic skin capable of differentiating various tactile stimuli without interference was demonstrated. Our method enables stretchable electronics that can be used under various geometrical forms with notable enhanced durability, enabling stretchable electronics to withstand potentially harsh conditions of everyday usage.
All-printed soft human-machine interface for robotic physicochemical sensing
Authors: Yu You , Li Jiahong , Solomon Samuel A. , Min Jihong , Tu Jiaobing , Guo Wei , Xu Changhao , Song Yu , Gao Wei
Published: June 2022

Ultrasensitive multimodal physicochemical sensing for autonomous robotic decision-making has numerous applications in agriculture, security, environmental protection, and public health. Previously reported robotic sensing technologies have primarily focused on monitoring physical parameters such as pressure and temperature. Integrating chemical sensors for autonomous dry-phase analyte detection on a robotic platform is rather extremely challenging and substantially underdeveloped. Here, we introduce an artificial intelligence–powered multimodal robotic sensing system (M-Bot) with an all-printed mass-producible soft electronic skin–based human-machine interface. A scalable inkjet printing technology with custom-developed nanomaterial inks was used to manufacture flexible physicochemical sensor arrays for electrophysiology recording, tactile perception, and robotic sensing of a wide range of hazardous materials including nitroaromatic explosives, pesticides, nerve agents, and infectious pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. The M-Bot decodes the surface electromyography signals collected from the human body through machine learning algorithms for remote robotic control and can perform in situ threat compound detection in extreme or contaminated environments with user-interactive tactile and threat alarm feedback. The printed electronic skin–based robotic sensing technology can be further generalized and applied to other remote sensing platforms. Such diversity was validated on an intelligent multimodal robotic boat platform that can efficiently track the source of trace amounts of hazardous compounds through autonomous and intelligent decision-making algorithms. This fully printed human-machine interactive multimodal sensing technology could play a crucial role in designing future intelligent robotic systems and can be easily reconfigured toward numerous practical wearable and robotic applications.
Impact of Tigecycline on C. difficile Outcomes: Case Series and Propensity-Matched Retrospective Study
Authors: Phillips Emma C. , Warren Cirle A. , Ma Jennie Z. , Madden Gregory R.
Published: June 2022

This case series and propensity-matched cohort study on the use of tigecycline in
Clostridioides difficile
infection (CDI) evaluated the effect of tigecycline on 30-day mortality. Adjusted for ATLAS Score, hypotension, treatment time period, and serum lactate, tigecycline did not significantly improve 30-day mortality (odds ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.25–3.12;
P = 
0.853).
Deletion of
cox7c
Results in Pan-Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Chen Mingcong , Zhong Guowei , Wang Sha , Chen Peiying , Li Lei
Published: June 2022

In
Aspergillus fumigatus
, the most prevalent resistance to azoles results from mutational modifications of the azole target protein Cyp51A, but there are non-
cyp51A
mutants resistant to azoles, and the mechanisms underlying the resistance of these strains remain to be explored. Here, we identified a novel cytochrome
c
oxidase,
cox7c
(W56*), nonsense mutation in the laboratory and found that it caused reduced colony growth and resistance to multiantifungal agents.
Lytic Replication and Reactivation from B Cells Is Not Required for Establishing or Maintaining Gammaherpesvirus Latency
In Vivo
Authors: Gupta Arundhati , Owens Shana M. , Oldenburg Darby G. , White Douglas W. , Forrest J. Craig
Published: June 2022

Gammaherpesviruses establish lifelong chronic infections in cells of the immune system and place infected hosts at risk for developing lymphomas and other diseases. It is hypothesized that gammaherpesviruses must initiate acute infection in these cells to establish and maintain long-term infection, but this has not been directly tested.
Neutralizing Staphylococcus aureus Virulence with AZD6389, a Three mAb Combination, Accelerates Closure of a Diabetic Polymicrobial Wound
Authors: Tkaczyk Christine , Jones-Nelson Omari , Shi Yue Yue , Tabor David E. , Cheng Lily , Zhang Tianhui , Sellman Bret R.
Published: June 2022

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) represent a major complication of diabetes and are associated with poor quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality despite standard of care. They have a complex pathogenesis starting with superficial skin lesions, which often progress to deeper tissue structures up to the bone and ultimately require limb amputation.
Performance Characteristics of Next-Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Determinants in Escherichia coli Genomes and Metagenomes
Authors: Rooney Ashley M. , Raphenya Amogelang R. , Melano Roberto G. , Seah Christine , Yee Noelle R. , MacFadden Derek R. , McArthur Andrew G. , Schneeberger Pierre H. H. , Coburn Bryan
Published: June 2022

Systematically determining Illumina sequencing performance characteristics for detection of ARGs in metagenomic samples is essential to inform study design and appraisal of human, animal, and environmental metagenomic antimicrobial resistance studies. In this study, we quantified the performance characteristics of ARG detection in
E. coli
genomes and metagenomes and established a benchmark of ~15× coverage for ARG detection for
E. coli
in metagenomes.
Functional Insights into the Kelp Microbiome from Metagenome-Assembled Genomes
Authors: Weigel Brooke L. , Miranda Khashiff K. , Fogarty Emily C. , Watson Andrea R. , Pfister Catherine A.
Published: June 2022

Kelp (brown algae in the order
Laminariales
) are foundational species that create essential habitat in temperate and arctic coastal marine ecosystems. These photosynthetic giants host millions of microbial taxa whose functions are relatively unknown, despite their potential importance for host-microbe interactions and nutrient cycling in kelp forest ecosystems.
Activity of Omadacycline Alone and in Combination against Carbapenem-Nonsusceptible Acinetobacter baumannii with Varying Minocycline Susceptibility
Authors: Abbey Taylor , Vialichka Alesia , Jurkovic Michele , Biagi Mark , Wenzler Eric
Published: June 2022

Treatment of infections due to
Acinetobacter baumannii
often involves the use of multiple antibiotics simultaneously as combination therapy, but it is unknown which antibiotics are best used together. Tetracycline agents such as minocycline and tigecycline maintain good activity against
A. baumannii
and are often used with one or more other agents to achieve better killing of the bacteria.
Enterobacter sp. Strain SM1_HS2B Manifests Transient Elongation and Swimming Motility in Liquid Medium
Authors: Zhang Zhiyu , Liu Haoming , Karani Hamid , Mallen Jon , Chen Weijie , De Arpan , Mani Sridhar , Tang Jay X.
Published: June 2022

Bacteria undergo morphological changes in order to cope with external stresses. Among the best-known examples are cell elongation and hyperflagellation in the context of swarming motility.
Molecular Identification of Cervical Microbes in HIV-Negative and HIV-Positive Women in an African Setting Using a Customized Bacterial Vaginosis Microbial DNA Quantitative PCR (qPCR) Array
Authors: Taku Ongeziwe , Onywera Harris , Mbulawa Zizipho Z. A. , Businge Charles B. , Meiring Tracy L. , Williamson Anna-Lise
Published: June 2022

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), whose etiology remains a matter of controversy, is a common vaginal disorder among reproductive-age women and can increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). African women bear a disproportionately high burden of STIs and BV.
Clinical and Genomic Investigation of an International Ceftriaxone- and Azithromycin-Resistant Shigella sonnei Cluster among Men Who Have Sex with Men, Montréal, Canada 2017–2019
Authors: Gaudreau Christiane , Bernaquez Isabelle , Pilon Pierre A. , Goyette Alexandre , Yared Nada , Bekal Sadjia
Published: June 2022

Shigella sonnei
, an important foodborne pathogen, recently became a frequent sexually transmitted agent involved in large and persistent outbreaks globally among men who have sex with men. Most strains also harbor several multidrug-resistant (MDR) determinants of particular concern.
Evaluation of the Behavior of Some Native Dogs in Vietnam to Determine Their Suitability as Detector Dogs
Authors: Ganitskaya Yu. V. , Dinh The Dung  , Coi Tran Huu , Khasanov B. F. , Feoktistova N. Yu. , Surov A. V.
Published: June 2022

In dogs of native breeds (“Hmong,” “Phu Quoc,” and “Zang Soi”), the features of behavior pre-adapted to interaction with humans and formed in the process of directional selection have been revealed. Behavioral characteristics (contactiveness, activity, playfulness, reaction to the unexpected appearance of an unfamiliar object, and abrupt sounds) were used to evaluate the dogs’ suitability for training for use as service detector dogs. It was shown that native dogs even without directional selection can show high indices of activity and contact with a human, similar to those found by the authors earlier for European breeds. Indicators of playfulness and reaction to unfamiliar objects and sharp sounds are formed only in the process of directional selection. The “Zang Soi” dog recommended for breeding and use as detection dogs turned out to be the closest to the European breeds in terms of activity and contactiveness indices.
Robotic-assisted left adrenal cystic mass excision in a pregnant patient
Authors: Champion Nicholas Tyler , Monasterio Diego , Mukherjee Indraneil , Picon Antonio
Published: June 2022

A symptomatic adrenal mass diagnosed during pregnancy is a rare clinical scenario. Two primary considerations are the timing of intervention and determining the appropriate surgical approach. Here, we present the case of a young female patient with flank pain, whom on diagnostic imaging, was found to have a large cystic adrenal mass. She was taken for a robotic-assisted resection of her left-sided adrenal mass during the second trimester of pregnancy. Preoperative and postoperative assessment demonstrated a viable intrauterine pregnancy. She tolerated the procedure well and was discharged 5 days later with resolution of her symptoms on follow-up. As one of only three reported cases of robotic adrenal surgery during pregnancy, we demonstrate that a robotic-assisted surgical approach is a viable and durable surgical option under the given clinical circumstances.
Intraocular methotrexate for epithelial downgrowth: long-term outcomes in a multicentre case series
Authors: Hébert Mélanie , Kyrillos Ralph , Snyder Michael E , Mackool Richard J , Francis Jasmine H , Wu Helen K , Riemann Christopher D , Légaré Marie Eve
Published: June 2022

Background/Aims

Sheet-like type of epithelial downgrowth (EDG) is not easily amenable to surgical excision. We describe long-term outcomes in patients with EDG treated with intraocular methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

This is a retrospective, multicentric case series including 10 eyes (nine patients) treated with intraocular MTX for sheet-like EDG. Relevant ocular history, previous EDG treatments, MTX injection regimen, long-term outcomes and complications are reported.

Results

All cases were associated with intraocular surgery. Most patients were treated with 400 µm/0.1 mL MTX injections with a starting frequency of two times per week or weekly injections. Mean and SD number of injections per eye was 16±13 injections and duration of follow-up was 54±36 months (range: 7–120 months). Eradication of EDG was achieved in seven eyes of which one required a second MTX treatment course to achieve eradication, while clinical resolution with recurrence was observed in two. One treatment failure occurred despite eight weekly injections which slowed but did not halt EDG progression; the patient later requested that treatments be stopped given difficulty to come to follow-ups. Surface epitheliopathy developed in eight patients and was used to titrate MTX treatment. Six patients also developed endothelial failure.

Conclusion

We report the largest case series of diffuse, sheet-like EDG treated with intraocular MTX with follow-ups up to 10 years. Intraocular MTX may be used effectively to achieve eradication of EDG in cases where surgery is not amenable. However, further recommendations to guide treatment remain warranted.
Universal access to comprehensive COVID-19 services for everyone in Thailand
Authors: Tangcharoensathien Viroj , Sachdev Saranya , Viriyathorn Shaheda , Sriprasert Kriddhiya , Kongkam Lalitaya , Srichomphu Kanchana , Patcharanarumol Walaiporn
Published: June 2022

Despite Thailand having had universal health coverage (UHC) with comprehensive benefit packages since 2002, services are neither listed nor budget earmarked for COVID-19 responses. Policy decisions were made immediately after the first outbreak in 2020 to fully fund a comprehensive benefit package for COVID-19. The Cabinet approved significant additional budget to respond to the unfolding pandemic. The comprehensive benefit package includes laboratory tests, contact tracing, active case findings, 14-day quarantine measures (including tests, food and lodging), field hospitals, ambulance services for referral, clinical services both at hospitals and in home and community isolation, vaccines and vaccination cost, all without copayment by users. No-fault compensation for adverse events or deaths following vaccination is also provided. Services were purchased from qualified public and private providers using the same rate, terms and conditions. The benefit package applies to everyone living in Thailand including Thai citizens and migrant workers. A standardised and comprehensive COVID-19 benefit package for Thai and non-Thai population without copayment facilitates universal and equitable access to care irrespective of capacity to pay and social status and nationality, all while aiming to supporting pandemic containment. Making essential services available, notably laboratory tests, through the engagement of qualified both public and private sectors boost supply side capacity. These policies and implementations in this paper are useful lessons for other low-income and middle-income countries on how UHC reinforces pandemic containment.