bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time sound synthesis of pass-by noise: comparison of spherical harmonics and time-varying filters
Authors: Alkmim Mansour , Vandernoot Guillaume , Cuenca Jacques , Janssens Karl , Desmet Wim , De Ryck Laurent
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes and compares two sound synthesis techniques to render a moving source for a fixed receiver position based on indoor pass-by noise measurements. The approaches are based on the time-varying infinite impulse response (IIR) filtering and spherical harmonics (SH) representation. The central contribution of the work is a framework for realistic moving source sound synthesis based on transfer functions measured using static far-field microphone arrays. While the SHs require a circular microphone array and a free-field propagation (delay, geometric spread), the IIR filtering relies on far-field microphones that correspond to the propagation path of the moving source. Both frameworks aim to provide accurate sound pressure levels in the far-field that comply with standards. Moreover, the frameworks can be extended to additional sources and filters (e.g. sound barriers) to create different moving source scenarios by removing the room size constraint. The results of the two sound synthesis approaches are preliminary evaluated and compared on a vehicle pass-by noise dataset and it is shown that both approaches are capable of accurately and efficiently synthesize a moving source.
Investigating soliton dynamics: Contemporary computational and numerical approaches for analytical and approximate solutions of the CDG model
Authors: Khater Mostafa M. A. , Xia Youbing , Zhang Xiao , Attia Raghda A. M.
Published: July 2023

This investigation employs contemporary computational and numerical techniques to derive analytical and approximate soliton solutions for the Caudrey–Dodd–Gibbon model, which represents a significant variation of the fifth-order Korteweg–de Vries equation. Diverse analytical solutions are constructed, employing distinct formats such as exponential, trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions. Simulations, including two-dimensional, three-dimensional, contour, polar, and discrete plots, are presented to illustrate the real-world behavior of a single soliton. Furthermore, these solutions are utilized to evaluate the essential conditions for implementing the proposed numerical scheme. The agreement between the computed and approximate solutions is demonstrated through various techniques. These results unequivocally establish the superiority of these methods for solving nonlinear mathematical physics problems.
Multimodal microscopy of extended defects in β-Ga2O3 (010) EFG crystals
Authors: Haven Drew , Moutinho Helio , Mangum John S. , Guthrey Harvey , Joyce David , Zakutayev Andriy , Haegel Nancy M.
Published: July 2023

Beta-phase gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) has attracted attention in recent years as a potentially low cost, large area substrate and active layer material for high power, high temperature power electronics and sensing devices. However, growth of β-Ga2O3 crystals is complicated by easily activated (100) and (001) cleavage planes, the presence of low angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and twins, and the potential formation of polycrystalline grains. In this study, β-Ga2O3 crystals were grown by the edge-defined film-fed growth technique with an (010) principal face. Two crystals with apparently randomly formed high angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) were selected and analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction, electron channeling contrast imaging, and cathodoluminescence to investigate the nature of the LAGBs and the source of the HAGB formation. It was discovered that planar LAGBs lying parallel to the (010) plane exist in the region immediately preceding the start of an HAGB. Increased misorientation across the LAGB was observed, approaching the initiation of a new grain. We present multimodal microscopy characterization, correlating misorientation and variation in optoelectronic properties with LAGBs and the associated dislocations.
Room temperature electron–hole liquid phase in monolayer MoSi2Z4 (Z = pinctogen)
Authors: Yadav Pushpendra , Adarsh K V , Agarwal Amit
Published: July 2023

Photo-excited electrons and holes in insulators, above a critical density and below a critical temperature, can condense to form an electron–hole liquid (EHL) phase. However, observing the EHL phase at room temperature is extremely challenging. Here, we introduce the monolayer

M
o
S
i

2

Z

4

(Z = N, As, P) series of compounds as a promising platform for observing the EHL phase at room temperature. The higher impact of the Coulomb interactions in two dimensions helps these monolayers support the EHL phase with an increased EHL binding energy and transition temperature, along with strongly bound excitons. Our findings motivate further exploration of the

M
o
S
i

2

Z

4

monolayers for realizing the EHL phase at high temperatures to harness collective phenomena for optoelectronic applications.
Tree canopy density thresholds for improved forests cover estimation in protected areas of Madagascar
Authors: Rafanoharana Serge Claudio , Andrianambinina Fatany Ollier Duranton , Rasamuel Henintsoa Andry , Waeber Patrick Olivier , Ganzhorn Joerg Ulrich , Wilmé Lucienne
Published: July 2023

The rich endemic biodiversity of Madagascar is concentrated in different types of natural forests primarily conserved within the network of protected areas (PAs). Since 1990, remote sensing has been utilized to monitor forest cover. The latest forest cover map generated using these techniques provides accurate estimates of natural forest cover within the PAs network. However, the standardized application of Tree Canopy Density (TCD), as used in global assessments of forest cover, yields erroneous estimates for different forest types in Madagascar because the standard TCD cannot be globally applied to all types of forests. Our study aims to utilize global remote sensing data at the scale of PAs to identify specific TCD thresholds for individual PAs. Starting from the year 2000 data, the application of these thresholds will allow us to estimate deforestation in subsequent years at reduced costs. We used the official PA boundaries, a reliable forest cover map at the national scale, and the TCDs published at a global scale to infer the values of TCD to be applied in each PA. The standard TCD threshold above 30% overestimates humid and dry forests and underestimates dry spiny forests in Madagascar. Our specific TCD thresholds inferred for each PA accurately estimate the forest cover in the vast majority of PAs. Using these specific TCD thresholds will allow for improved monitoring of forest cover within the network of PAs. The methodology detailed here can also be applied in other geographic regions, and future improvements in data on forest cover—both remotely sensed and field-collected—will enhance our ability to estimate forest cover and its changes over time.
Sarri, Rosemary
Authors: Barth Richard P. , Sherraden Michael
Published: July 2023

Rosemary Sarri was a pathbreaking researcher and exceptional mentor during an illustrious career at the University of Michigan. Her work on services to females in the juvenile justice and adult corrections systems established the need for new policies and procedures—including lasting federal legislation (the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act).
Principles of White Analytical Chemistry and Design of Experiments to Development of Stability-Indicating Chromatographic Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of Thiocolchicoside and Lornoxicam
Authors: Prajapati Pintu , Pulusu Veera Shakar , Shah Shailesh
Published: July 2023

Background

A variety of chromatographic methods have been published for the stability evaluation of thiocolchicoside (THC) and lornoxicam (LNX). Nevertheless, the development of chromatographic methods requires the use of neurotoxic and teratogenic organic solvents that are detrimental to the environment and harmful to human life.

Objectives

Using the principles of design of experiments (DoE), a novel white analytical chemistry-driven stability-indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (SI-HPTLC) method has been developed for the concurrent stability study of THC and LNX. To protect the environment and human life, the stability-indicating HPTLC method was developed using safe organic solvents.

Method

Potential analytical method risk parameters (AMRPs) and analytical method performance attributes (AMPAs) were screened using the fractional factorial design. The response surface analysis and optimization of critical AMRPs and AMPAs was carried out using full factorial design. Navigation of the method operable design region (MODR) was used to develop the SI-HPTLC technique. The developed method was validated in accordance with the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) Q2 (R1) guideline.

Results

The developed method’s greenness was evaluated using the AGREE (Analytical Procedure Greenness) tool and ESA (Eco-Scale Assessment). The Blue (B) model was used to assess the proposed method’s cost and time efficiency and user-friendliness. For the stability studies of THC and LNX, the 12 principles of WAC (white analytical chemistry) were used to evaluate the published and proposed chromatographic techniques.

Conclusions

Compared to previously published chromatographic techniques for studying the stability of THC and LNX, the suggested approach was found to be more affordable, environmentally friendly, and user-friendly.

Highlights

The development of a stability-indicating HPTLC method using a novel white analytical chemistry approach and organic solvents with low toxicity potential. Application of the developed method for analysis of the forced degraded sample and fixed-dose combinations of THC and LNX.
Telemedicine support aids lower limb reconstruction after combat injury in Ukraine
Authors: Khomenko Igor P , Lurin Igor A , Gumeniuk Konstiantyn V , McKnight Gerard , Makarov Vitaliy V , Nehoduyko Volodymyr V , Khoroshun Eduard , Tertyshnyi Serhii V
Published: July 2023

Since the destructive and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, caring for the victims of war trauma has been an essential function of Ukrainian clinicians [ 1, 2]. The authors present a case where using novel dynamic digital thermography (DDT), combined with international telemedicine support, contributed to saving the lower limb of an injured Ukrainian soldier. A male soldier in his 30s presented with a ‘through and through’ fragmentation wound to the right thigh from an artillery shell exploding nearby. After initial haemorrhage control and resuscitation, the patient was transferred to a tertiary hospital. Using telemedicine support, reconstructive surgery was planned and performed successfully using a perforating flap technique. DDT was used pre-operatively to identify a perforating vessel and post-operatively to ensure perfusion of the flap. The patient made a good recovery and was discharged 14 d post-operatively.
The Haunted Cane Fields of Queer Indo-Caribbean Poetry and Qoolie Poetics
Authors: Mohabir Rajiv
Published: July 2023

This chapter looks at four Indo-Caribbean poets who identify as queer to show the potential of Ryan Persadie’s notion of the Qoolie. The chapter also expands this term’s usage to include queer discursive possibilities for the poetics of the descendants of the Indian labor diaspora. The specific focus in this chapter is on descendants living in the Caribbean as well as those who have migrated to North America. The chapter begins by discussing the history of framing the Indo-Caribbean diaspora and its relationship with India. Then, the chapter posits how form, history, and language usage constellate a Qoolie poetics in the written poetry of Shivanee Ramlochan, Andre Bagoo, Faizal Deen, and Shani Mootoo, through the constitutive tropes of hauntings, reclamations, and fragmentations.
Consumer food waste decisions in British and Thai consumers: A vignette approach
Authors: Walter Ponjan , Asioli Daniele , Balcombe Kelvin
Published: July 2023

This study uses an experimental vignette methodology to investigate and compare, for the first time, consumer food waste (FW) decisions in the UK and Thailand. Specifically, we examine consumers’ decisions to discard leftovers during meal scenarios affected by varying economic and contextual factors. Different consumer segments are identified and characterised, and our results suggest that consumers in the UK and Thailand are more likely to save leftovers when dining at home, when meals are expensive, and when a whole meal is left over. We discuss these findings and provide recommendations for practitioners and policymakers aiming to reduce FW.
ART Praxis
Authors: Sumpter Danica , Thurman Whitney , Wright Michelle , Johnson Karen , Duplechain Danielle , Abbyad Chris
Published: July 2023

AIM

This integrative review seeks to provide effective teaching and learning strategies for teaching about racism and advancing health equity.

BACKGROUND

Most faculty preparation remains devoid of an exploration of racism and the skills to critique how historical events and socialization create and reinforce the biases that influence how we teach and provide care. It is difficult to teach what we do not know.

METHOD

Using Whittmore and Knafl’s approach, we conducted an integrative review of multidisciplinary literature from 2009 to 2021 to uncover best practices for teaching about racism. Seven databases yielded 55 relevant articles from 18 disciplines.

RESULTS

Four themes emerged illuminating effective strategies for teaching and learning about systemic racism: encounter education, reflection, discussion, and activism.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this review align with Mezirow’s transformative learning theory and highlight the importance of not just “doing” antiracist activities in a course but “becoming” an antiracist educator.
Scleroderma pulmonary arterial hypertension: the same as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Authors: Khan Sarah L. , Mathai Stephen C.
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc), which confers significant morbidity and mortality. The current therapies and treatment strategies for SSc-associated PAH (SSc-PAH) are informed by those used to treat patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH). There are, however, important differences between these two diseases that impact diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

Recent findings

Both SSc-PAH and IPAH are incompletely understood with ongoing research into the underlying cellular biology that characterize and differentiate the two diseases. Additional research seeks to improve identification among SSc patients in order to diagnose patients earlier in the course of their disease. Novel therapies specifically for SSc-PAH such as rituximab and dimethyl fumarate are under investigation.

Although patients with SSc-PAH and IPAH present with similar symptoms, there are significant differences between these two forms of PAH that warrant further investigation and characterization of optimal detection strategies, treatment algorithms, and outcomes assessment.
Depression and sarcopenia: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Lu Yehong , Zhang Ruijie , Zheng Qiang
Published: July 2023

Background

The association between depression and sarcopenia has been reported in observational studies but the causality of depression on sarcopenia remained unknown. We aimed to assess the causal effect between major depressive disorder (MDD) and sarcopenia using the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method.

Methods

A set of genetics instruments were used for analysis, derived from publicly available genetic summary data. Clinically, appendicular lean mass (ALM) and low hand grip strength (LHGS) have been widely used for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Inverse-variance weighted method, weighted median method, MR-Egger, MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier test were used for the bidirectional MR analyses.

Results

No evidence for an effect of MDD on sarcopenia risk was found. MDD was not associated with ALM [effect = −0.17 (−0.60 to 0.27), P = 0.449] and LHGS [effect = 0.24 (−0.46 to 0.93), P = 0.506]. Sarcopenia was not associated with MDD [ALM: odds ratio (OR) = 0.999 (0.996–1.001), P = 0.374; LHGS: OR = 0.999 (0.996–1.002), P = 0.556].

Conclusion

MDD and Sarcopenia might mutually have no causal effect on each other.
‘A child with Malpuech–Michels–Mingarelli–Carnevale syndrome and ADHD and major depressive disorder’
Authors: Aygün Berna , Gülcü Üstün Nur Seda
Published: July 2023

Malpuech–Michels–Mingarelli–Carnevale (3MC) syndrome, is a rare genetic condition resulting from the combination of four autosomal recessive syndromes which were classified as separate syndromes earlier. 3MC syndrome may be accompanied by a range of other conditions including cleft lips and palate, blepharophimosis, blepharoptosis, downward-sloping palpebral fissures, hypertelorism, facial dysmorphism such as high arched eyebrows, growth retardation, hearing impairment, genital anomalies, elongated coccyx, caudal appendage, radioulnar synostosis and skeletal conditions such as craniosynostosis. The prominent causes of 3MC syndrome include homozygous mutations in the MASP1, COLEC10, or COLEC11 genes. Few cases with 3MC syndrome have been reported in the literature. Here we present a case of 11-year-old girl with 3 MC syndrome in comorbidity with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and major depressive disorder.
Rapid mode switching facilitates the growth ofTrichodesmium: A model analysis
Authors: Gao Meng , Andrews Jamal , Armin Gabrielle , Chakraborty Subhendu , Zehr Jonathan P. , Inomura Keisuke
Published: July 2023

Trichodesmiumis one of the dominant dinitrogen(N2)-fixers in the ocean, influencing global carbon and nitrogen cycles through its biochemical reactions. Although the photosynthetic activity ofTrichodesmiumfluctuates rapidly at the cellular level, the physiological or ecological advantage of this characteristic is not clear. Here we develop a metabolic model ofTrichodesmiumthat can perform dinitrogen (N2) fixation during the daytime. We examined (1) the effect of the duration of switches between photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic cellular states and (2) the effect of the presence and absence of N2fixation in photosynthetic states. Our results show that a rapid switch between photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic states increasesTrichodesmiumgrowth rates by improving metabolic efficiencies due to optimized C and N metabolism. Our results show the possibility and advantage of the rapid switch, providing a strategy for previous observations that allTrichodesmiumcells can contain nitrogenase, which was previously considered to be a paradox. This study reveals the importance of fluctuating photosynthetic activity and provides a mechanism for daytime N2fixation that allowsTrichodesmiumto fix N2aerobically in the global ocean.
Bimodality in Ras signaling originates from processivity of the Ras activator SOS without classic kinetic bistability
Authors: Lee Albert A. , Kim Neil H. , Alvarez Steven , Ren He , DeGrandchamp Joseph B. , Lew L. J. Nugent , Groves Jay T.
Published: July 2023

Ras is a small GTPase that is central to important functional decisions in diverse cell types. An important aspect of Ras signaling is its ability to exhibit bimodal, or switch-like activity. We describe the total reconstitution of a receptor-mediated Ras activation-deactivation reaction catalyzed by SOS and p120-RasGAP on supported lipid membrane microarrays. The results reveal a bimodal Ras activation response, which is not a result of classic kinetic bistability, but is rather driven by the distinct processivity of the Ras activator, SOS. Furthermore, the bimodal response is controlled by the condensation state of the scaffold protein, LAT, to which SOS is recruited. Processivity-driven bimodality leads to stochastic bursts of Ras activation even under strongly deactivating conditions. This behavior contrasts classic kinetic bistability and is distinctly more resistant to pharmacological inhibition.
Quasi-Equilibrium State Based Quantification of Biological Macromolecules in Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy
Authors: Chen Xuecheng , Li Yaqian , Li Xiaowei , Sun Jielin , Czajkowsky Daniel M. , Shao Zhifeng
Published: July 2023

The stoichiometry of molecular components within supramolecular biological complexes is often an important property to understand their biological functioning, particularly within their native environment. While there are well established methods to determine stoichiometryin vitro, it is presently challenging to precisely quantify this propertyin vivo, especially with single molecule resolution that is needed for the characterization stoichiometry heterogeneity. Previous work has shown that optical microscopy can provide some information to this end, but it can be challenging to obtain highly precise measurements at higher densities of fluorophores. Here we provide a simple approach using already established procedures in single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) to enable precise quantification of stoichiometry within individual complexes regardless of the density of fluorophores. We show that by focusing on the number of fluorophore detections accumulated during the quasi equilibrium-state of this process, this method yields a 50-fold improvement in precision over values obtained from images with higher densities of active fluorophores. Further, we show that our method yields more correct estimates of stoichiometry with nuclear pore complexes and is easily adaptable to quantify the DNA content with nanodomains of chromatin within individual chromosomes inside cells. Thus, we envision that this straightforward method may become a common approach by which SMLM can be routinely employed for the accurate quantification of subunit stoichiometry within individual complexes within cells.
Genome-Wide Association Studies meta-analysis uncoversNOJOandSGS3novel genes involved inArabidopsis thalianaprimary root development and plasticity
Authors: López-Ruíz Brenda Anabel , García-Ponce Berenice , de la Paz Sánchez María , Álvarez-Buylla Elena R. , Urrutia Araxi O. , Garay-Arroyo Adriana
Published: July 2023

Postembryonic primary root growth relies on meristems that harbour multipotent stem cells that produce new cells that will duplicate and provide all the different root cell types.Arabidopsis thalianaprimary root growth has become a model for evo-devo studies due to its simplicity and facility to record cell proliferation and differentiation. To identify new genetic components relevant to primary root growth, we used a Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) meta-analysis approach using data published in the last decade. In this work, we performed intra and inter-studies analyses to discover new genetic components that could participate in primary root growth. We used 639 accessions from nine different studies and performed different GWAS tests ranging from single studies and pairwise analysis with high correlation associations, analyzing the same number of accessions in different studies to using the daily data of the root growth kinetic of the same research. We found that primary root growth changes were associated with 41 genomic loci, of which six (14.6%) have been previously described as inhibitors or promoters of primary root growth. The knockdown of genes associated with two of these loci: a gene that participates in Trans-acting siRNAs (tasiRNAs) processingSuppressor of Gene Silencing(SGS3) and a gene with a Sterile Alpha Motif (SAM) confirmed their participation as repressors of primary root growth. As none has been shown to participate in this developmental process before, our GWAS analysis identified new genes that participate in primary root growth. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the genomic basis of root development and further demonstrate the usefulness of GWAS meta-analyses in non-human species.
The prevalence of motility within the human oral microbiota
Authors: Rocha Sofia T. , Shah Dhara D. , Zhu Qiyun , Shrivastava Abhishek
Published: July 2023

The human oral and nasal microbiota contains approximately 770 cultivable bacterial species. More than 2000 genome sequences of these bacteria can be found in the expanded Human Oral Microbiome Database (eHOMD). We developed HOMDscrape, a freely available Python software tool to programmatically retrieve and process amino acid sequences and sequence identifiers from BLAST results acquired from the eHOMD website. Using the data obtained through HOMDscrape, the phylogeny of proteins involved in bacterial flagellar motility, Type 4 pilus driven twitching motility, and Type 9 Secretion system (T9SS) driven gliding motility was constructed. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis was conducted for all components of the rotary T9SS, a machinery responsible for secreting various enzymes, virulence factors, and enabling bacterial gliding motility. Results revealed that the T9SS outer membrane ß-barrel protein SprA of human oral microbes underwent horizontal evolution. Overall, we catalog motile microbes that inhabit the human oral microbiota and document their evolutionary connections. These results will serve as a guide for further studies exploring the impact of motility on shaping of the human oral microbiota.
Science, method and critical thinking
Authors: Danchin Antoine
Published: July 2023

Science is founded on a method based on critical thinking. A prerequisite for this is not only a sufficient command of language but also the comprehension of the basic concepts underlying our understanding of reality. This constraint implies an awareness of the fact that the truth of the World is not directly accessible to us, but can only be glimpsed through the construction of models designed to anticipate its behaviour. Because the relationship between models and reality rests on the interpretation of founding postulates and instantiations of their predictions (and is therefore deeply rooted in language and culture), there can be no demarcation between science and non‐science. However, critical thinking is essential to ensure that the link between models and reality is gradually made more adequate to reality, based on what has already been established, thus guaranteeing that science progresses on this basis and excluding any form of relativism.
Influence of foetal position on the degree of isolated antenatal hydronephrosis
Authors: Taghavi Kiarash , Van Haltren Keith , Woods Jessica , Tai Davina , Teoh Mark , Pacilli Maurizio , Nataraja Ramesh M. , Kimber Chris
Published: July 2023

Backgrounds

The effect of foetal position on the degree of antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) is unknown. We hypothesized that foetal position is an important contextual factor in ANH, with consequences on prenatal counselling and postnatal management. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of foetal position on the degree of ANH.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out on consecutive pregnancies with isolated ANH over a 10‐year period. Gestational age, foetal presentation (cephalic vs. breech), and degree of ANH (as measured by the AP diameter) were retrieved. Foetuses with other ultrasound findings of the renal tract (renal parenchymal abnormality, ureteric dilatation, or bladder abnormalities) were excluded. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the anterior–posterior diameter (APD) and the mode of presentation (cephalic or breech). A P‐value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Initially 745 scans were identified, with 436 included in the final analysis. Overall, there was an association between foetal presentation and APD regardless of trimester, with cephalic presentations having a greater APD (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.11, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Cephalic presentations are associated with a significantly greater APD indicating that foetal position should be considered when stratifying ANH. Furthermore, foetal position may be a contributing factor in the mechanism of ‘physiological’ hydronephrosis.
High seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in healthcare workers in COVID‐19 wards indicates an occupational hazard—a prospective cohort study during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Kalmar County, Sweden
Authors: Hultqvist Viktor , Bonnedahl Jonas , Edwardsson Jonathan , Tjernberg Ivar , Rydén Ingvar
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study is to report the seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in healthcare workers with various risk of occupational exposure in Kalmar County, Sweden, during the first year of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. We performed SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody measurements at four time points, from May 2020 to May 2021, in 401 healthcare workers (HCW) at seven hospital wards and two residential care facilities, with different risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 exposure. Overall, the prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in HCW in Kalmar County was high compared to similar studies from other countries and increased from May 2020 to May 2021. Initially, 14% of the participants were SARS‐CoV‐2 seropositive. This number increased to 18% in September and 21% in December 2020. In May 2021, the prevalence of antibodies to nucleocapsid antigen had increased to 28%, while antibodies to spike protein had increased to 95% due to vaccination. A large variation in seroprevalence between different wards was detected and HCW in a COVID‐19 designated ward had significantly higher seroprevalence than HCW working in wards without COVID‐19 patients, with a risk ratio of 7.28, (95% CI 2.38–22.33) in May 2020. Our findings suggest a relationship between occupational COVID‐19 exposure and seropositivity which implies that efficient hygiene routines for health‐ and social care workers are essential to avoid that COVID‐19 care will constitute an occupational hazard.
Child care fee abolition and female labor supply: Quasi‐experimental evidence from a developing country
Authors: Baghdasaryan Vardan , Barseghyan Gayane
Published: July 2023

The paper studies the effects of abolishing fees in the public childcare facilities on the maternal labor supply and provides evidence from a post‐Soviet developing country, Armenia, characterized with low female labor force participation and high unemployment. The reform unexpectedly introduced only in the capital city created a natural experiment which we investigate using difference‐in‐differences methodology. The statistically significant increase of the childcare service utilization is shown to be affecting only marginally the maternal labor supply as measured by intention‐to‐treat effects. The positive results are more robust when only women actually utilizing the services are considered, but all the effects obtained fade out already in the second year after the reform. The robustness of our findings is tested by a series of placebo regressions.
Event Pattern Analysis: Peak Detection and Pattern Comparison
Authors: Sadahiro Yukio
Published: July 2023

This article proposes two exploratory methods for analyzing event patterns. Events in this article refer to zero‐dimensional objects in the spatiotemporal dimension, such as crimes, earthquakes, and traffic accidents. One method detects the peaks in event patterns, evaluates the degree of event concentration at the peaks, and visualizes its spatial variation. Another method evaluates the similarity between different event patterns and visualizes its spatial variation. The methods help us understand events' properties, consider their underlying mechanisms, and permit us to prevent events if they represent undesirable phenomena such as crimes and traffic accidents. The proposed methods are applied to analyze the population distribution in the central area of Tokyo in May 2019. The application revealed the spatial variation of population peaks in this area and the differences in population patterns between different types of days.
Indentation‐induced ductile behavior of glass–ceramics involving layered aluminosilicates
Authors: Maeda Kei , Okuma Gaku , Yoshida Satoshi , Wakai Fumihiro , Takeuchi Akihisa , Uesugi Masayuki , Yanagioka Shun , Matsunuma Shun , Machida Shingo , Yasumori Atsuo
Published: July 2023

Contact damage in materials is critical in engineering applications because it influences mechanical resistance, such as wear, erosion, and impact failure. Indentation tests were performed using a tungsten carbide ball indenter (Hertzian contact) on the surfaces of glass–ceramics containing hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8 or mica crystals (fluorophlogopite), both of which have a layered structure. The stress–strain relation and the permanent deformation on the surface, as well as the observation of the microcrack zone by X‐ray computed tomography using synchrotron radiation, revealed that the glass–ceramic with hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8 showed ductility similar to the quasi‐plastic behavior previously observed in the mica glass–ceramic. The yield stresses of the glass–ceramics were estimated from the stress deviating from the stress–strain relation assuming complete elastic response between the ball and the sample. The ratio of the yield stress to Young modulus (Y/E) of the glass–ceramic with hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8 was determined to be higher than that of the mica glass–ceramic.
Sex‐specific differences and predictors of echocardiographic measures of diastolic dysfunction in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Rivas Victor N. , Ueda Yu , Stern Joshua A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Diastolic dysfunction in humans is an age‐related process with an overrepresentation in women. In rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), the incidence and predictors of diastolic dysfunction have yet to be reported.

Methods

Data from routine echocardiographic evaluations on clinically healthy rhesus macaques was obtained and used for univariate, bivariate, hypothesis testing, and linear regression statistical analyses interrogating differences and predictors of diastolic function.

Results

Rhesus macaques fully recapitulate previously reported human hemodynamic studies. Female monkeys display impaired diastology and are at an increased risk for developing diastolic dysfunction. Age, sex, and proxies of exercise activity are confirmed predictors for measures of diastolic dysfunction, regardless of specific pathogen‐free status.

Conclusions

Rhesus macaques share common sex‐ and age‐related echocardiographic findings as humans, therefore, serve as a valuable translational nonhuman primate model for future studies of diastolic dysfunction. These findings confirm the importance of sex‐ and age‐matching within future rhesus macaque cardiovascular research.
Lack of endothelial autophagy does not impair liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice
Authors: Campreciós Genís , Anton Aina , Oncins Anna , Montironi Carla , Ruart Maria , Montañés Rosa , García‐Calderó Héctor , García‐Pagán Joan Carles , Hernández‐Gea Virginia
Published: July 2023

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) are key elements in regulating the liver response to injury and regeneration. While endothelial autophagy is essential to protect endothelial cells from injury‐induced oxidative stress and fibrosis, its role in liver regeneration has not been elucidated. This study was intended to investigate the role of endothelial autophagy in liver regeneration in the context of partial hepatectomy (PHx). Analysis of autophagy levels in rat LSEC after PHx indicated a tendency to decrease activity the first 2 days after surgery. PHx performed in mice with impaired endothelial autophagy (Atg7flox/flox;VE‐Cadherin‐Cre+) and their littermate controls showed no differences neither in liver‐to‐body weight ratio, histological analysis, hepatocyte proliferation nor vascular integrity during the first 7 days after PH and liver regeneration was completely achieved. Our results indicate that endothelial autophagy does not play an essential role in the coordination of the liver regeneration process after PHx.
SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak among staff and evacuees at Operation Allies Welcome Safe Havens
Authors: Meeker Jessica R. , Gosdin Lucas , Siu Allison , Turner Lauren , Zusman Benjamin D. , Sadigh Katrin S. , Carpenter Robert , Dopson Stephanie , Saindon John , Kyaw Nang Thu Thu , Segaloff Hannah E. , Pritchard Nikki , Shahum Andrea , Traboulsi Rana , Worrell Mary Claire , Beaucham Catherine , Gandhi Pritesh , Winslow Dean L. , Rotz Lisa , Talley Leisel , Mosites Emily , Boyd Andrew T.
Published: July 2023

We report on five SARS‐CoV‐2 congregate setting outbreaks at U.S. Operation Allies Welcome Safe Havens/military facilities. Outbreak data were collected, and attack rates were calculated for various populations. Even in vaccinated populations, there was rapid spread, illustrating the importance of institutional prevention and mitigation policies in congregate settings.
Real‐time mosaic of multiple fisheye surveillance videos based on geo‐registration and rectification
Authors: Gao Jiongli , Wu Jun , Huang Mingyi , Xu Gang
Published: July 2023

A distributed fisheye video surveillance system (DFVSS) can monitor a wide area without blind spots, but it is often affected by the viewpoint discontinuity and space inconsistency of multiple videos in the area. This paper proposes a novel real‐time fisheye video mosaic algorithm for wide‐area surveillance. First, by extending the line photogrammetry theory under central projection to spherical projection, a fisheye video geo‐registration model is established and estimated using orthogonal parallel lines on the ground, so that all videos of DFVSS are in the unified reference system to eliminate the space inconsistency between them. Second, by combining the photogrammetry orthorectification technique with thin‐plate spline transformation, a fisheye video rectification model is established to eliminate serious distortion in geo‐registered fisheye videos and align them accurately. Third, the viewport‐dependent video selection strategy and video look‐up table computation technique are adopted to create a high‐resolution panorama from input fisheye videos in real time. A parking lot of about 0.4 km2 monitored by eight fisheye cameras was selected as the test area. The experimental result shows the line re‐projection error in fisheye videos is about 0.5 pixels, and the overall efficiency, including panorama creation and mapping to the ground as texture, is not <30 fps. It indicates that the proposed algorithm can achieve a good balance between the limitation of video transmission bandwidth and the smooth observation requirement of computer equipment for the panorama, which is of great value for the construction and application of DFVSS.
Betaine lipids of Symbiodiniaceae hosted by Indo‐Pacific corals
Authors: Sikorskaya Tatyana V. , Ermolenko Ekaterina V. , Long Pham Quoc
Published: July 2023

The total pool of coral lipids consists of lipids produced by both the coral host and its symbiotic dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae. Betaine lipids (BL) are characteristic of plasma membranes of microalgae. Composition of such BL as 1,2‐diacylglyceryl‐3‐O‐carboxy‐(hydroxymethyl)‐choline (DGCC) that occur in coral symbionts may depend on either Symbiodiniaceae species or coral species. Membrane‐forming lipids DGCC have a zwitterion structure similar to that of phosphatidylcholine (PC). They can substitute for each other to a substantial extent, certainly in relation to membrane functions. In the present study, the profiles of DGCC and diacyl PC molecular species of symbiotic dinoflagellates from Acropora sp., Millepora platyphylla and Sinularia flexibilis were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography with high‐resolution mass‐spectrometry. Colonies of Acropora sp. were characterized by higher contents of DGCC with eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) and C28 polyunsaturated fatty acids; S. flexibilis, by a higher content of DGCC with palmitic acid (16:0); and M. platyphylla, by a higher content of DGCC with docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3). Although the DGCC profile of the corals under study has distinctive features, it shows both similarities with and differences from the DGCC profiles of previously studied corals. Probably, each coral symbiont species has its own specific DGCC molecular species profile that is additionally modified in a certain way depending on environmental conditions created by the coral host. Molecular species DGCC and PC profiles were different. The most abundant PC molecular species were 16:0/22:5 and 38:4 in Acropora sp.; 39:5 and 38:4 in S. flexibilis; and 38:6, 16:0/22:5 and 18:0/22:6 in M. platyphylla. Thus, there is no clear evidence for any compensation or interchangeability between PC and DGCC.
The Cognitive Costs of Design Tasks: Examining Cognitive Load Through Verbal and Physical Indicators
Authors: Calpin Nicole , Menold Jessica
Published: July 2023

Prior work has demonstrated that design tasks can be cognitively demanding, due to the inherent ambiguity and complexity of design problems. Few studies, however, have examined the evolution of cognitive load during the engineering design process and the linkages between subdimensions of cognitive load and design task outcomes. To address this gap, the current work investigates the evolution of cognitive load across two distinct design tasks: ideation and prototyping, and the relationship between cognitive load and design task outcomes. Results suggest that there is a significant difference in cognitive load experienced by the designer during ideation and prototyping. Additionally, findings suggest that cognitive load during ideation is positively correlated with the uniqueness, usefulness, and elegance of ideas.
DEVOTAS ASTUCIAS. LA PIEDAD RELIGIOSA COMO RESISTENCIA A LA DOMINACIÓN MASCULINA EN LA OBRA DE GALDÓS
Authors: Delgado Ruiz Manuel
Published: July 2023

En el sistema de representación del reformismo burgués español de finales del XIX aparecía proyectándose una lucha entre sistemas de mundo antagónicos que se planteaba en clave de una guerra de sexos, en el que la conquista del futuro pasaba por que los hombres fueran capaces de proclamar hogares en los que la mujer asumiera someterse a la autoridad del varón y dar cobijo a una dimensión pasional y sentimental que este debía soslayar en su vida pública, al tiempo que colaboraba en los aspectos más emocionales de la educación de los hijos. De cómo se desarrollara esta lucha entre hombres y mujeres –los primeros en liza por ver reconocida su autoridad, las segundas en orden a no resistirse a lo que se mostraba como un destino «natural»– dependía todo, tanto en el plano de las nuevas relaciones sociales reales, como en el de las representaciones ficcionales destinadas a la propaganda de las nuevas ideologías de poder. Para ello era indispensable que ese pulso entre sexos se desarrollase a solas, es decir que ninguno de los contendientes se viera reforzado por la intromisión de personajes ajenos al drama estrictamente personal que protagonizaban, lo que resultaba inviable con lo que se entendía que era el inmiscuimiento eclesial en la vida familiar, interponiéndose entre los cónyuges y tomando partido a favor de la mujer. Una buena parte de la obra galdosiana gira en torno a esta cuestión.
Comparing severe COVID-19 outcomes of first and second/third waves: a prospective single-centre cohort study of health-related quality of life and pulmonary outcomes 6 months after infection
Authors: Darlington Pernilla , Roël Mari , Cronhjort Maria , Hanna Gabriel , Hedman Anders , Joelsson-Alm Eva , Schandl Anna
Published: July 2023

Objective

We aimed to compare long-term outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors between the first and second/third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL) and respiratory health 6 months post-ICU and to study potential associations between patient characteristic and treatment variables regarding 6-month outcomes.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Single-centre study of adult COVID-19 patients with respiratory distress admitted to two Swedish ICUs during the first wave (1 March 2020–1 September 2020) and second/third waves (2 September 2020– 1 August 2021) with follow-up approximately 6 months after ICU discharge.

Participants

Critically ill COVID-19 patients who survived for at least 90 days.

Main outcome measures

HRQL, extent of residual changes on chest CT scan and pulmonary function were compared between the waves. General linear regression and multivariable logistic regression were used to present mean score differences (MSD) and ORs with 95% CIs.

Results

Of the 456 (67%) critically ill COVID-19 patients who survived at least 90 days, 278 (61%) were included in the study. Six months after ICU discharge, HRQL was similar between survivors in the pandemic waves, except that the second/third wave survivors had better role physical (MSD 20.2, 95% CI 7.3 to 33.1, p<0.01) and general health (MSD 7.2, 95% CI 0.7 to 13.6, p=0.03) and less bodily pain (MSD 12.2, 95% CI 3.6 to 20.8, p<0.01), while first wave survivors had better diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.5, p=0.03).

Conclusions

This study indicates that even though intensive care treatment strategies have changed with time, there are few differences in long-term HRQL and respiratory health seems to remain at 6 months for patients surviving critical COVID-19 in the first and second/third waves of the pandemic.
Is personalised prehabilitation feasible to implement for patients undergoing oncological treatment for lung cancer at a London teaching hospital? Protocol of a feasibility trial
Authors: Wade-Mcbane Kelly , King Alex , Urch Catherine , Johansson Lina , Wells Mary
Published: July 2023

Introduction

There is significant potential to improve outcomes for patients with lung cancer in terms of quality of life and survival. There is some evidence that prehabilitation can help, but, to date, this has only been tested in surgical populations, despite 70%–80% of patients with lung cancer in the UK receiving non-surgical treatment. The physiological and psychological benefits of prehabilitation seen in surgical patients could be extrapolated to those receiving non-surgical treatment, particularly in such a poor prognosis group. With patients and healthcare professionals, we have co-designed a personalised and evidence-based prehabilitation programme. This draws on a conceptual framework that aligns with patient values and needs as well as functional goals. We aim to investigate whether this programme is feasible to implement and evaluate in clinical practice.

Methods and analysis

An open-label, single-group feasibility study incorporating quantitative assessments, a qualitative free text questionnaire and reflective field notes. Thirty participants will be recruited over an eight-month period from a single London teaching hospital. All recruited participants will receive a personalised prehabilitation programme during their oncological treatment. This includes a one-hour face-to-face appointment prior to, at week three and at week six of their treatment regimen as well as a weekly telephone call. Interventions including nutrition, physical activity and psychological well-being are stratified according to a patient’s priorities, level of readiness and expressed needs. The primary outcome will be feasibility of the personalised prehabilitation programme in clinical practice by investigating areas of uncertainty regarding patient recruitment, attrition, treatment fidelity, intervention adherence and acceptability of study outcome measures. Secondary outcomes will include quality of life, functional capacity and grip strength.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Health Research Authority (reference number 22/PR/0390). Results of this study will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed articles, presentations at scientific conferences and in collaboration with patient and public involvement representatives.

Trial registration number

NCT05318807.