bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Magneto‐Impedance (MI) Sensor to Geomagnetic Field Measurements
Authors: Nosé Masahito , Kawano Takeshi , Aoyama Hitoshi
Published: October 2022

The magneto‐impedance (MI) effect was discovered about 30 years ago and a microsize magnetic sensor utilizing this effect has become commercially available. We make some modifications to the commercially available MI sensors to cover the dynamic range of the geomagnetic field. The total cost of three MI sensors for the two horizontal components and one vertical component including the modification is approximately one‐third of the standard price of triaxial fluxgate magnetometer sensors. For the period of 30 March to 27 April 2018, we conducted experimental observations of geomagnetic field variations with the MI sensor magnetometer (MIM) at the Mineyama observatory, which is located about 100 km northwest of Kyoto, Japan. Data obtained with the MIM are compared with those from the fluxgate magnetometer (FGM) that has been working at the observatory. Results show that the MIM can record geomagnetic field variations such as geomagnetic storm, solar quiet variations, low‐latitude positive bays, storm sudden commencement, and long‐period geomagnetic pulsations with a peak‐to‐peak amplitude of ≤1 nT that is also detected with the FGM. Power spectra of the geomagnetic field variations measured with the MIM and FGM are almost the same. It is found that the MIM has a larger temperature drift than the FGM. The present study reveals that the MIM is comparable to the FGM in measuring the geomagnetic field variations in a period from a few tens of seconds to a few hours and is useful for researches in upper atmospheric physics or space physics.
Duct Effect of Magnetic Structures on Whistler Waves
Authors: Yu Xiongdong , Yuan Zhigang
Published: October 2022

Previous studies have demonstrated that the propagation of whistler waves can be ducted by plasma density structures, within which the trapped waves can interact with electrons for a rather long time. In this paper, we develop a theoretical model to investigate the effects of magnetic structures on the propagation of whistler waves. Our results show that whistler waves can be ducted both in magnetic dips and peaks under specific conditions, providing another trapping mechanism for whistler waves. These theoretical predictions have been verified through two typical wave events observed by the Van Allen Probe mission based on the magnetic dip ahead of and magnetic peak inside a dipolarizing flux bundle. The theoretical analysis and satellite observations reveal the important role of magnetic structures in the propagation of whistler waves.
On the Feedback Between Air‐Sea Turbulent Momentum Flux and Oceanic Submesoscale Processes
Authors: Chen Xu , Dewar William , Chassignet Eric , Bourassa Mark , Morey Steve , Gopalakrishnan Ganesh
Published: October 2022

Accurate representation of air‐sea interaction is crucial to numerical prediction of the ocean, weather, and climate. Sea surface temperature (SST) gradients and surface currents in the oceanic mesoscale regime are known to have significant influence on air‐sea fluxes of momentum. Studies based on high‐resolution numerical models and observations reveal that SST gradients and surface currents in the submesoscale regime are much stronger than those in the mesoscale. However, the feedback between the submesoscale processes and the air‐sea turbulent fluxes is not well understood. To quantitatively assess the responses between air‐sea flux of momentum and submesoscale processes, a non‐hydrostatic ocean model is implemented in this study. The inclusion of SST gradients and surface currents in air‐sea bulk fluxes are argued to be significant for modeling accurate wind stress in the submesoscale regime. Taking both into account, this study shows that the linear relationship between wind stress curl/divergence and crosswind/downwind SST gradients existing in the mesoscale regime is not obvious in the submesoscale. Instead, a linear relationship between wind stress curl/divergence and surface current curl/divergence is revealed in the submesoscale. Furthermore, the magnitude of wind stress curl introduced by submesoscale processes is much greater than that presented by mesoscale processes. Another key finding is that tracer subduction and potential vorticity distribution in the submesoscale is susceptible to submesoscale‐modified air‐sea turbulent momentum flux. This study serves as a starting point in investigating the feedbacks between atmospheric and oceanic submesoscale processes.
Exploring the Performance of Ensemble Smoothers to Calibrate Urban Drainage Models
Authors: Huang Yuan , Zhang Jiangjiang , Zheng Feifei , Jia Yueyi , Kapelan Zoran , Savic Dragan
Published: October 2022

Urban drainage models (UDMs) are often used to manage urban flooding. However, these models generally involve many parameters to represent the underlying complex hydrodynamic processes. This results in significant challenges to achieving effective and robust model calibration especially with frequently limited observations, leading to unreliable model predictions. This paper makes the first attempt at UDM calibration using the Bayesian‐based Ensemble Smoother (ES) method. Three ES variants are considered, that is, the primary ES, the versions with multiple data assimilation (ES‐MDA) and iterative local update (ES‐ILU). Two synthetic cases and one real‐world application with up to 5,236 calibration parameters are tested. Results obtained show that: (a) both ES‐MDA and ES‐ILU can produce effective model calibration with ES‐ILU outperforming ES‐MDA in terms of both accuracy and uncertainty while ES exhibits limited performance; (b) for the real‐world case, both the ES‐MDA and ES‐ILU methods provide better calibration results than the best‐known solution manually obtained, (c) a minimum number of observations are required to enable an overall accurate model calibration (e.g., four and ten more monitoring sites are needed in the two synthetic cases); and (d) the model calibrated using an intense rainfall event is generally robust to make reliable predictions across different rainfall events while the model calibrated using less intense rainfall event does not perform well for more intense rainfall events. It was also found that ubiquitous parameter equifinality significantly hinders unique parameter identification even when overall accurate state estimates are obtained. This should be clearly understood in practical applications.
Symmetric private information retrieval supported by quantum-secure key-exchange network
Authors: Wang Shuang
Published: October 2022

Quantum key distribution provides a provably secure way for private key distribution, which enables the practical implementation of information retrieval that preserves both the user privacy and database security.
Deep learning accelerates whole slide imaging for next-generation digital pathology applications
Authors: Rivenson Yair , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: October 2022

Deep learning demonstrates the ability to significantly increase the scanning speed of whole slide imaging in histology. This transformative solution can be used to further accelerate the adoption of digital pathology.
Monkeypox: what do dental professionals need to know?
Authors: Zemouri Charifa , Beltrán Edgar O. , Holliday Richard , Jakubovics Nicholas S. , Allison James R.
Published: October 2022

Infection control is critical for the safe delivery of dental care. Infection control practices must be responsive to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and outbreaks, as was clearly seen during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. An emerging global outbreak of the monkeypox virus has again raised potential challenges for infection control in dentistry. Monkeypox is an infectious disease, characterised by a rash affecting the skin and soft tissues, including the oral cavity. Previously, cases were mostly seen following contact with infected animals in Central and West Africa, with limited human-to-human transmission within and outside of these areas. However, since May 2022, sustained human-to-human transmission has occurred globally. Monkeypox can be transmitted via close contact with an infected person, contaminated objects and surfaces, or by droplets and possibly aerosols, which is therefore of potential importance to dental settings. This article discusses the relevance of monkeypox to dental professionals, the typical presentation of the disease, its potential impact on infection prevention and control practices and the delivery of dental services. The current monkeypox outbreak highlights the need for a more sustained programme of research into dental infection control that can provide a solid evidence base to underpin preparedness planning for future outbreaks and pandemics.
ARHGEF3 regulates the stability of ACLY to promote the proliferation of lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Feifei , Ai Wenqian , Zhang Yixing , Hu Qifan , Gan Mingxi , Wang Jian-Bin , Han Tianyu
Published: October 2022

Rho GTPases play an essential role in many cellular processes, including cell cycle progress, cell motility, invasion, migration, and transformation. Several studies indicated that the dysregulation of Rho GTPase signaling is closely related to tumorigenesis. Rho GEFs considered being positive regulators of Rho GTPase, promoting the dissociation of Rho protein from GDP and binding to GTP, thus activating the downstream signaling pathway. Herein, we demonstrated that ARHGEF3, a member of the Rho GEFs family, played an important role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We found that ARHGEF3 was highly expressed in non-small cell lung cancer and facilitated cancer cell proliferation of NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Further studies demonstrated that ARHGEF3 enhanced the protein homeostasis of ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) by reducing its acetylation on Lys17 and Lys86, leading to the dissociation between ACLY and its E3 ligase-NEDD4. Interestingly, this function of ARHGEF3 on the protein homeostasis of ACLY was independent of its GEF activity. Taken together, our findings uncover a novel function of ARHGEF3, suggesting that ARHGEF3 is a promising therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer.
The intestinal clock drives the microbiome to maintain gastrointestinal homeostasis
Authors: Heddes Marjolein , Altaha Baraa , Niu Yunhui , Reitmeier Sandra , Kleigrewe Karin , Haller Dirk , Kiessling Silke
Published: October 2022

Diurnal (i.e., 24-hour) oscillations of the gut microbiome have been described in various species including mice and humans. However, the driving force behind these rhythms remains less clear. In this study, we differentiate between endogenous and exogenous time cues driving microbial rhythms. Our results demonstrate that fecal microbial oscillations are maintained in mice kept in the absence of light, supporting a role of the host’s circadian system rather than representing a diurnal response to environmental changes. Intestinal epithelial cell-specific ablation of the core clock gene Bmal1 disrupts rhythmicity of microbiota. Targeted metabolomics functionally link intestinal clock-controlled bacteria to microbial-derived products, in particular branched-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids. Microbiota transfer from intestinal clock-deficient mice into germ-free mice altered intestinal gene expression, enhanced lymphoid organ weights and suppressed immune cell recruitment. These results highlight the importance of functional intestinal clocks for microbiota composition and function, which is required to balance the host’s gastrointestinal homeostasis.
Revealing solid electrolyte interphase formation through interface-sensitive Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Swallow Jack E. N. , Fraser Michael W. , Kneusels Nis-Julian H. , Charlton Jodie F. , Sole Christopher G. , Phelan Conor M. E. , Björklund Erik , Bencok Peter , Escudero Carlos , Pérez-Dieste Virginia , Grey Clare P. , Nicholls Rebecca J. , Weatherup Robert S.
Published: October 2022

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that forms on Li-ion battery anodes is critical to their long-term performance, however observing SEI formation processes at the buried electrode-electrolyte interface is a significant challenge. Here we show that operando soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy in total electron yield mode can resolve the chemical evolution of the SEI during electrochemical formation in a Li-ion cell, with nm-scale interface sensitivity. O, F, and Si K-edge spectra, acquired as a function of potential, reveal when key reactions occur on high-capacity amorphous Si anodes cycled with and without fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC). The sequential formation of inorganic (LiF) and organic (-(C=O)O-) components is thereby revealed, and results in layering of the SEI. The addition of FEC leads to SEI formation at higher potentials which is implicated in the rapid healing of SEI defects and the improved cycling performance observed. Operando TEY-XAS offers new insights into the formation mechanisms of electrode-electrolyte interphases and their stability for a wide variety of electrode materials and electrolyte formulations.
Hemipiperazines as peptide-derived molecular photoswitches with low-nanomolar cytotoxicity
Authors: Kirchner Susanne , Leistner Anna-Lena , Gödtel Peter , Seliwjorstow Angelika , Weber Sven , Karcher Johannes , Nieger Martin , Pianowski Zbigniew
Published: October 2022

Molecular photoswitches transform light energy into reversible structural changes. Their combination with known pharmacophores often allows for photomodulation of the biological activity. The effort to apply such compounds in photopharmacology as light-activated pro-drugs is, however, hampered by serious activity reduction upon pharmacophore modifications, or limited biostability. Here we report that a potent antimitotic agent plinabulin and its derivatives demonstrate up to 56-fold reversible activity photomodulation. Alternatively, irreversible photoactivation with cyan light can enhance the cytotoxicity up to three orders of magnitude—all without compromising the original activity level, as the original pharmacophore structure is unchanged. This occurs due to the presence of a peptide-derived photoswitchable motif hemipiperazine inside the plinabulin scaffold. Furthermore, we systematically describe photochromism of these thermally stable and biocompatible hemipiperazines, as well as a photoswitchable fluorophore derived from plinabulin. The latter may further expand the applicability of hemipiperazine photochromism towards super-resolution microscopy.
Layered Pd oxide on PdSn nanowires for boosting direct H2O2 synthesis
Authors: Li Hong-chao , Wan Qiang , Du Congcong , Zhao Jiafei , Li Fumin , Zhang Ying , Zheng Yanping , Chen Mingshu , Zhang Kelvin H. L. , Huang Jianyu , Fu Gang , Lin Sen , Huang Xiaoqing , Xiong Haifeng
Published: October 2022

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has the wide range of applications in industry and living life. However, the development of the efficient heterogeneous catalyst in the direct H2O2 synthesis (DHS) from H2 and O2 remains a formidable challenge because of the low H2O2 producibility. Herein, we develop a two-step approach to prepare PdSn nanowire catalysts, which comprises Pd oxide layered on PdSn nanowires (PdL/PdSn-NW). The PdL/PdSn-NW displays superior reactivity in the DHS at zero Celcius, presenting the H2O2 producibility of 528 mol kgcat−1·h−1 and H2O2 selectivity of >95%. A layer of Pd oxide on the PdSn nanowire generates bi-coordinated Pd, leading to the different adsorption behaviors of O2, H2 and H2O2 on the PdL/PdSn-NW. Furthermore, the weak adsorption of H2O2 on the PdL/PdSn-NW contributes to the low activation energy and high H2O2 producibility. This surface engineering approach, depositing metal layer on metal nanowires, provides a new insight in the rational designing of efficient catalyst for DHS.
A steep switching WSe2 impact ionization field-effect transistor
Authors: Choi Haeju , Li Jinshu , Kang Taeho , Kang Chanwoo , Son Hyeonje , Jeon Jongwook , Hwang Euyheon , Lee Sungjoo
Published: October 2022

The Fermi-Dirac distribution of carriers and the drift-diffusion mode of transport represent two fundamental barriers towards the reduction of the subthreshold slope (SS) and the optimization of the energy consumption of field-effect transistors. In this study, we report the realization of steep-slope impact ionization field-effect transistors (I2FETs) based on a gate-controlled homogeneous WSe2 lateral junction. The devices showed average SS down to 2.73 mV/dec over three decades of source-drain current and an on/off ratio of ~106 at room temperature and low bias voltages (<1 V). We determined that the lucky-drift mechanism of carriers is valid in WSe2, allowing our I2FETs to have high impact ionization coefficients and low SS at room temperature. Moreover, we fabricated a logic inverter based on a WSe2 I2FET and a MoS2 FET, exhibiting an inverter gain of 73 and almost ideal noise margin for high- and low-logic states. Our results provide a promising approach for developing functional devices as front runners for energy-efficient electronic device technology.
Towards fully ab initio simulation of atmospheric aerosol nucleation
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Liu Yi-Rong , Huang Teng , Feng Ya-Juan , Wang Chun-Yu , Wang Zhong-Quan , Ge Bin-Jing , Liu Quan-Sheng , Guang Wei-Ran , Huang Wei
Published: October 2022

Atmospheric aerosol nucleation contributes to approximately half of the worldwide cloud condensation nuclei. Despite the importance of climate, detailed nucleation mechanisms are still poorly understood. Understanding aerosol nucleation dynamics is hindered by the nonreactivity of force fields (FFs) and high computational costs due to the rare event nature of aerosol nucleation. Developing reactive FFs for nucleation systems is even more challenging than developing covalently bonded materials because of the wide size range and high dimensional characteristics of noncovalent hydrogen bonding bridging clusters. Here, we propose a general workflow that is also applicable to other systems to train an accurate reactive FF based on a deep neural network (DNN) and further bridge DNN-FF-based molecular dynamics (MD) with a cluster kinetics model based on Poisson distributions of reactive events to overcome the high computational costs of direct MD. We found that previously reported acid-base formation rates tend to be significantly underestimated, especially in polluted environments, emphasizing that acid-base nucleation observed in multiple environments should be revisited.
A globally relevant stock of soil nitrogen in the Yedoma permafrost domain
Authors: Strauss Jens , Biasi Christina , Sanders Tina , Abbott Benjamin W. , von Deimling Thomas Schneider , Voigt Carolina , Winkel Matthias , Marushchak Maija E. , Kou Dan , Fuchs Matthias , Horn Marcus A. , Jongejans Loeka L. , Liebner Susanne , Nitzbon Jan , Schirrmeister Lutz , Walter Anthony Katey , Yang Yuanhe , Zubrzycki Sebastian , Laboor Sebastian , Treat Claire , Grosse Guido
Published: October 2022

Nitrogen regulates multiple aspects of the permafrost climate feedback, including plant growth, organic matter decomposition, and the production of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Despite its importance, current estimates of permafrost nitrogen are highly uncertain. Here, we compiled a dataset of >2000 samples to quantify nitrogen stocks in the Yedoma domain, a region with organic-rich permafrost that contains ~25% of all permafrost carbon. We estimate that the Yedoma domain contains 41.2 gigatons of nitrogen down to ~20 metre for the deepest unit, which increases the previous estimate for the entire permafrost zone by ~46%. Approximately 90% of this nitrogen (37 gigatons) is stored in permafrost and therefore currently immobile and frozen. Here, we show that of this amount, ¾ is stored >3 metre depth, but if partially mobilised by thaw, this large nitrogen pool could have continental-scale consequences for soil and aquatic biogeochemistry and global-scale consequences for the permafrost feedback.
Insights into memory effect mechanisms of layered double hydroxides with solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Jin Li , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Wang Fang , Ning Xiang , Wen Yujie , Song Benteng , Yang Changju , Wu Di , Ke Xiaokang , Peng Luming
Published: October 2022

Layered double oxides (LDOs) can restore the parent layered double hydroxides (LDHs) structure under hydrous conditions, and this “memory effect” plays a critical role in the applications of LDHs, yet the detailed mechanism is still under debate. Here, we apply a strategy based on ex situ and in situ solid-state NMR spectroscopy to monitor the Mg/Al-LDO structure changes during recovery at the atomic scale. Despite the common belief that aqueous solution is required, we discover that the structure recovery can occur in a virtually solid-state process. Local structural information obtained with NMR spectroscopy shows that the recovery in aqueous solution follows dissolution-recrystallization mechanism, while the solid-state recovery is retro-topotactic, indicating a true “memory effect”. The amount of water is key in determining the interactions of water with oxides, thus the memory effect mechanism. The results also provide a more environmentally friendly and economically feasible LDHs preparation route.
Unweaving the population structure and genetic diversity of Canadian shrub willow
Authors: Murphy Emily K. , Cappa Eduardo P. , Soolanayakanahally Raju Y. , El-Kassaby Yousry A. , Parkin Isobel A. P. , Schroeder William R. , Mansfield Shawn D.
Published: October 2022

Perennial shrub willow are increasingly being promoted in short-rotation coppice systems as biomass feedstocks, for phytoremediation applications, and for the diverse ecosystem services that can accrue. This renewed interest has led to widespread willow cultivation, particularly of non-native varieties. However, Canadian willow species have not been widely adopted and their inherent diversity has not yet been thoroughly investigated. In this study, 324 genotypes ofSalix famelicaandSalix eriocephalacollected from 33 sites of origin were analyzed using 26,016 single nucleotide polymorphisms to reveal patterns of population structure and genetic diversity. Analyses by Bayesian methods and principal component analysis detected five main clusters that appeared to be largely shaped by geoclimatic variables including mean annual precipitation and the number of frost-free days. The overall observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosity were 0.126 and 0.179, respectively. An analysis of molecular variance revealed that the highest genetic variation occurred within genotypes (69%), while 8% of the variation existed among clusters and 23% between genotypes within clusters. These findings provide new insights into the extent of genetic variation that exists within native shrub willow species which could be leveraged in pan-Canadian willow breeding programs.
Water production function and optimal irrigation schedule for rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation with drip irrigation under plastic film-mulched
Authors: He Jinyu , Ma Bo , Tian Juncang
Published: October 2022

This study determined the Water Production Function (WPF) and Optimal Irrigation Schedule (OIS) for rice (Oryzasativa L.) cultivated with drip irrigation under plastic film. Six different field capacity levels were established, 100% (W1), 90% (W2), 80% (W3), 70% (W4) and 60% (W5). The results showed that, the rice growth and yields and quality were significantly affected by the different irrigation treatments. The rice height and yield decreased from W1to W4, the W2 is the highest yield. The lower the amount of irrigation water applied was, the higher the Irrigation Water Use Efficiency values were. A WPF model was established for this cropping system, and the water sensitivity indices calculated by the mathematical model showed that the crop water sensitivity decreased in the order booting stage > flowering stage > tillering stage > filling stage. Based on this result, the OIS determined by the dynamic solution of several models was as follows: the optimal irrigation levels were 750 m3 ha−1 in the tillering stage, 2125 m3 ha−1 in the jointing-booting stage, 1050 m3 ha−1 in the heading-flowering stage and 325 m3 ha−1 in the milk stage. The WPF and OIS developed in this study provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of rice cultivation with drip irrigation under plastic film in arid regions of China.
Aminoglycosides use has a risk of acute kidney injury in patients without prior chronic kidney disease
Authors: Chou Chu-Lin , Chuang Nai-Chen , Chiu Hui-Wen , Liao Chia-Te , Hsu Yung-Ho , Chang Tzu-Hao
Published: October 2022

The outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI) as a result of aminoglycosides (AGs) use remains uncertain in patients without prior chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we explored the outcomes of AGs use on AKI episodes associated with renal recovery and progress in patients without prior CKD in Taiwan. This was a retrospective cohort study by using the Taipei Medical University Research Database from January 2008 to December 2019. 43,259 individuals without CKD who had received parenteral AGs were enrolled. The exposed and unexposed groups underwent propensity score matching for age, gender, patients in intensive care unit/emergency admission, and covariates, except serum hemoglobin and albumin levels. We identified an exposed group of 40,547 patients who used AGs (median age, 54.4 years; 44.3% male) and an unexposed group of 40,547 patients without AG use (median age, 55.7 years; 45.5% male). There was the risk for AKI stage 1 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.79; p = 0.05) in patients that used AGs in comparison with the control subjects. Moreover, patients using AGs were significantly associated neither with the progression to acute kidney disease (AKD) stages nor with the progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis. Further analyzed, there was an increased risk of AKI episodes for serum albumin levels less than 3.0 g/dL and hemoglobin levels less than 11.6 g/dL. Among patients without prior CKD, AGs-used individuals were associated with AKI risks, especially those at relatively low albumin (< 3.0 g/dL) or low hemoglobin (< 11.6 g/dL). That could raise awareness of AGs prescription in those patients in clinical practice.
Sewage sludge as substrate in Schinus terebinthifolia raddi seedlings commercial production
Authors: Alonso Jorge Makhlouta , Pereira Renato Nunes , Abel Elton Luis da Silva , Ochoski Marjorie , dos Santos Gilsonley Lopes , de Abreu Alan Henrique Marques
Published: October 2022

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is a species with several potential uses; selecting the proper substrate and fertilizer rate can be vital for seedling production in a nursery environment. This study aims to evaluate two substrates, namely: (i) sewage sludge (SS) from Ilha WWTP; (ii) a commercial substrate (CS) made of organic materials (mainly sphagnum peat). Increasing rates of controlled-release fertilizer – CRF (0, 3, 6, and 12 kg m−3) were applied. The experiment was completely randomized with a factorial 2 × 4 scheme (substrates × rates). The seedlings’ growth, biomass, and quality were evaluated. The treatments were compared by Tukey test and regression analysis, where linear, quadratic, and cubic models were considered. Principal components analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed. The CRF rates showed non-significant effects for most of the investigated variables in the SS substrate. In the CS, a 7.8 kg m−3 rate of CRF showed the best growth performance. The multivariate analysis of the morphological parameters proved suitable as a complementary approach to evaluate the seedlings’ quality. Seedlings reached recommended values for height, diameter, and quality in the 100% SS substrate without chemical fertilizers; thus, Schinus terebinthifolia production in the SS from Ilha is recommended. Besides the growth advantage, the SS can promote nursery cost savings with commercial substrates and chemical fertilizers.
Hierarchical topological model of the factors influencing adolescents' non-suicidal self-injury behavior based on the DEMATEL-TAISM method
Authors: Lan Zhensong , Pau Kee , Mohd Yusof Hapsah , Huang Xuefang
Published: October 2022

This study analyzed the factors influencing adolescents' non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior and their interrelationships, and established a total influencing factor model. Through a literature analysis and semi-structured interviews with 87 adolescents and 27 experts in Guangxi Province, China, 13 influencing factors were identified from six aspects: physiological factors, cognitive factors, emotional factors, social support factors, social environment, and NSSI behavior. A system of factors influencing adolescents' NSSI behavior and a model of the factors influencing the comprehensive antagonism multilevel explanatory structure were obtained using a combination of Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory technique and Total Adversarial Interpretive Structural Model. In descending order, NSSI, emotional state, self-efficacy, and self-cognition influenced adolescents' NSSI behavior. Social environment, exercise, and recreation had a greater impact on other factors, while NSSI, emotional regulation ability, and emotional state were greatly affected by other factors. Emotion regulation ability, self-cognition, self-efficacy, family support, school support, social support, and sleep were found to be the core factors influencing NSSI behavior of adolescents. These factors could be used to directly intervene in adolescent NSSI behavior. Timely treatment of adolescents' negative emotional states is directly conducive to preventing NSSI behavior and alleviating its severity.
First serological evidence of Q fever in large ruminants and its associated risk factors in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Sabir , Hussain Abrar , Aziz Muhammad Umair , Song Baolin , Zeb Jehan , Hasib F. M. Yasir , Li Jun , Rehman Abdul , George David , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro , Sparagano Olivier
Published: October 2022

Coxiellosis, also known as Q fever, is a zoonotic disease caused byCoxiella burnetii, a gram-negative bacterium that exerts a significant deleterious impact on the productive and reproductive capabilities of livestock, severely effecting the economics of this sector. In this study, 448 sera samples from cattle (n = 224) and buffalo (n = 224) were collected from 112 farms in Pakistan and examined for antibodies againstC. burnetiiusing an indirect ELISA. Ticks were also collected from these animals. Serological analysis revealed a 23.66% and 27.23% seroprevalence of Q fever in cattle and buffalo, respectively. Odds ratio (OR) analysis of the factors associated withC. burnetiiseropositivity was performed, and a multivariable logistic model identified five main variables associated with the seropositivity for coxiellosis. These were: (i) the absence of acaricide use (OR 5.61; 95% CI 2.97–10.94); (ii) the presence of ticks (OR 3.23; 95% CI 1.87–5.69); (iii) the abortion history during the preceding year on the farm (OR 14.96; 95% CI 8.09–29.34); (iv) the presence of sheep and goats (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.20–5.35); and (v) the absence of a separate parturition area (OR 3.17; 95% CI 1.76–5.86). This study provides new insights into the seroprevalence of Q fever in large ruminants across seven studied districts of Punjab, Pakistan, also providing baseline data to inform improved herd management and on-farm practices for the prevention and control of Q fever in large ruminants in the region. Results of this work suggest that further molecular investigation of coxiellosis is warranted to provide a more thorough evaluation ofC. burnetiiepidemiology in Pakistan.
Spatio-temporal distribution and hotspots of Plasmodium knowlesi infections in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Yunos Nur Emyliana , Sharkawi Hamidi Mohamad , Hii King Ching , Hu Ting Huey , Mohamad Dayang Shuaisah Awang , Rosli Nawal , Masron Tarmiji , Singh Balbir , Divis Paul Cliff Simon
Published: October 2022

Plasmodium knowlesi infections in Malaysia are a new threat to public health and to the national efforts on malaria elimination. In the Kapit division of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, two divergent P. knowlesi subpopulations (termed Cluster 1 and Cluster 2) infect humans and are associated with long-tailed macaque and pig-tailed macaque hosts, respectively. It has been suggested that forest-associated activities and environmental modifications trigger the increasing number of knowlesi malaria cases. Since there is a steady increase of P. knowlesi infections over the past decades in Sarawak, particularly in the Kapit division, we aimed to identify hotspots of knowlesi malaria cases and their association with forest activities at a geographical scale using the Geographic Information System (GIS) tool. A total of 1064 P. knowlesi infections from 2014 to 2019 in the Kapit and Song districts of the Kapit division were studied. Overall demographic data showed that males and those aged between 18 and 64 years old were the most frequently infected (64%), and 35% of infections involved farming activities. Thirty-nine percent of Cluster 1 infections were mainly related to farming surrounding residential areas while 40% of Cluster 2 infections were associated with activities in the deep forest. Average Nearest Neighbour (ANN) analysis showed that humans infected with both P. knowlesi subpopulations exhibited a clustering distribution pattern of infection. The Kernel Density Analysis (KDA) indicated that the hotspot of infections surrounding Kapit and Song towns were classified as high-risk areas for zoonotic malaria transmission. This study provides useful information for staff of the Sarawak State Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme in their efforts to control and prevent zoonotic malaria.
Efficacy of Moraceae with chlorhexidine mouthwash on the microbial flora of critically ill intubated patients: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Siriyanyongwong Pasu , Teanpaisan Rawee , Pahumunto Nuntiya , Uppanisakorn Supattra , Vattanavanit Veerapong
Published: October 2022

Critically ill intubated patients are routinely provided with chlorhexidine (CHX) for their mouth washing, but CHX mouthwash induces several complications. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Moraceae with CHX mouthwash in the reduction of oral bacterial count in critically ill patients and to compare it with CHX-alone mouthwash. This double-blind, randomized, controlled trial included critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation. The patients were randomly divided into two groups based on the Modified Beck oral assessment score. The primary endpoint was a reduction in oral bacterial counts after mouth washing on day 1 and day 4. Thirty patients were included in this study; 15 patients received Moraceae with CHX mouthwash and 15 patients received CHX-alone mouthwash. The oral bacterial counts in the Moraceae with CHX group did not differ from the CHX group after mouth washing on day 1 and day 4 of admission. The patients in the CHX group experienced more intolerable taste than those in the Moraceae group (60% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.008). Moraceae with CHX mouthwash had the same effectiveness as CHX alone on bacterial flora but exhibited less intolerable side effects than CHX alone.

Trial registration: TCTR20190530003; 30/05/2019.
Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of the phytoene desaturase gene in Coffea canephora
Authors: Casarin Tatiane , Freitas Natália Chagas , Pinto Renan Terassi , Breitler Jean‑Christophe , Rodrigues Leonardo Augusto Zebral , Marraccini Pierre , Etienne Hervé , Diniz Leandro Eugenio Cardamone , Andrade Alan Carvalho , Paiva Luciano Vilela
Published: October 2022

Coffea canephora (2n = 2x = 22 chromosomes) is a species with extensive genetic diversity and desirable agronomic traits for coffee breeding programs. However, obtaining a new coffee cultivar through conventional breeding techniques may require more than 30 years of crossing cycles and selection, which hampers the effort of keeping up with market demands and rapidly proposing more resilient to climate change varieties. Although, the application of modern biotechnology tools such as precision genetic engineering technologies may enable a faster cultivar development process. Therefore, we aimed to validate the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate mutations on a selected genotype of C. canephora, the clone 14. Embryogenic calli and a multiplex binary vector containing two sgRNAs targeting different exons of the CcPDS gene were used. The sgRNAs were under the C. canephora U6 promoter regulation. The target gene encodes phytoene desaturase, an enzyme essential for photosynthesis involved in β-carotene biosynthesis. Somatic seedlings and embryos with albino, variegated and green phenotypes regenerated after Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation were analyzed by verifying the insertion of the Cas9 gene and later by sequencing the sgRNAs target regions in the genome of Robusta modified seedlings. Among them, 77% had the expected mutations, and of which, 50% of them had at least one target with a homozygous mutation. The genotype, temperature of co-cultivation with the bacteria, and light intensity used for subsequent embryo regeneration appeared to strongly influence the successful regeneration of plants with a mutated CcPDS gene in the Coffea genus.
A performance comparison between fluorescent immunoassay and immunochromatography for rapid dengue detection in clinical specimens
Authors: Ruchusatsawat Kriangsak , Benjamungkalarak Tanawat , Phunikom Naruphong , Vateh Husneeyah , Kowitdamrong Ekasit , Wongpiyabovorn Jongkonnee , Boonyasuppayakorn Siwaporn
Published: October 2022

Dengue virus (DENV 1–4) infection has been a global health threat where no specific treatment is currently available. Therefore, a rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical for an appropriate management as it could reduce the burden of severe clinical manifestation. Currently, dengue immunochromatography (IC) is commonly used to primarily differentiate acute febrile illnesses. Fluorescent immunoassay (FIA) utilized a highly sensitive detection system and claimed 70–100% sensitivity and 83.5–91.7% specificity for dengue infection in a preliminary report. This report recruited samples with acute febrile illnesses sent for dengue screening and tested IC and FIA in parallel. The performance of both tests was verified by a definitive diagnosis retrieved from combinatorial reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgM and IgG confirmation tests. Results showed that the viral nonstructural protein (NS1) performance of FIA was slightly higher than IC with the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, agreement, kappa, and its standard error at 79.11, 92.28, 86.81, 87.31, 352 (87.13%), 0.725 ± 0.035, respectively; whereas those of the IC were at 76.58, 92.28, 86.43, 85.98, 348 (86.14%), 0.703 ± 0.037, respectively. Moreover, the IgM and IgG performance of FIA had higher specificity, PPV, and agreement than the IgM IC performance, suggesting that the FIA was more specific but less sensitive for antibody detection. No correlation was observed in IgM and IgG levels of ELISA and FIA assays. In conclusion, the FIA and IC were highly sensitive, specific, and substantially agreed in NS1 detection but moderately agreed in IgM and IgG detection.
Identification of in vivo roles of ErbB4-JMa and its direct nuclear signaling using a novel isoform-specific knock out mouse
Authors: Doherty Robert , MacLeod Brenna L. , Nelson Megan M. , Ibrahim Mostafa M. H. , Borges Beatriz C. , Jaradat Nada W. , Finneran Matthew C. , Giger Roman J. , Corfas Gabriel
Published: October 2022

Like all receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), ErbB4 signals through a canonical signaling involving phosphorylation cascades. However, ErbB4 can also signal through a non-canonical mechanism whereby the intracellular domain is released into the cytoplasm by regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) and translocates to the nucleus where it regulates transcription. These different signaling mechanisms depend on the generation of alternative spliced isoforms, a RIP cleavable ErbB4-JMa and an uncleavable ErbB4-JMb. Non-canonical signaling by ErbB4-JMa has been implicated in the regulation of brain, heart, mammary gland, lung, and immune cell development. However, most studies on non-canonical ErbB4 signaling have been performed in vitro due to the lack of an adequate mouse model. We created an ErbB4-JMa specific knock out mouse and demonstrate that RIP-dependent, non-canonical signaling by ErbB4-JMa is required for the regulation of GFAP expression during cortical development. We also show that ErbB4-JMa signaling is not required for the development of the heart, mammary glands, sensory ganglia. Furthermore, we identify genes whose expression during cortical development is regulated by ErbB4, and show that the expression of three of them,CRYM,PRSS12andDBi, depend on ErbB4-JMa whereasWDFY1relies on ErbB4-JMb. Thus, we provide the first animal model to directly study the roles of ErbB4-JMa and non-canonical ErbB4 signaling in vivo.
Prognostic factors for the treatment of meniscus horizontal tear
Authors: Lee Joon Kyu , Lee Myung Chul , Kim Joong Il , Lim Subin
Published: October 2022

Meniscus horizontal tears are usually degenerative. It could be asymptomatic and unrelated to knee symptoms. Therefore, there are controversies regarding treatment choices. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors that affect the results of non-surgical and surgical treatments for meniscus horizontal tears. We retrospectively studied 159 patients with meniscus horizontal tears with a minimum 2-year follow-up period. Patients were treated non-surgically or arthroscopically. The treatment results were dichotomized into success and failure. The factors considered were age, sex, joint line tenderness, mechanical symptoms, widest tear gap width on sagittal MRI, cartilage lesion grade, discoid meniscus, tear site, and joint alignment. Joint alignment and cartilage lesion grade were the factors that significantly influenced non-surgical treatment results. The widest tear gap width and cartilage lesion grade significantly affected arthroscopic surgery results. The mechanical symptoms did not show any significant relationship with either treatment result. In treating patients with meniscus horizontal tears, patients with varus alignment and advanced cartilage lesions should be informed of possible poor outcomes with non-surgical treatment. If the patient has a wide tear gap or minimal cartilage lesion, arthroscopic surgery would be a good treatment choice. The mechanical symptom was not an adequate factor for arthroscopic surgery.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Streptomyces species from soils of three different cold sites in the Fez-Meknes region Morocco
Authors: Rammali Said , Hilali Lahoucine , Dari Khadija , Bencharki Bouchaib , Rahim Abdellatif , Timinouni Mohammed , Gaboune Fatima , El Aalaoui Mohamed , khattabi Abdelkrim
Published: October 2022

The increasing demand for new bioactive compounds to combat the evolution of multi-drug resistance (MDR) requires research on microorganisms in different environments in order to identify new potent molecules. In this study, initial screening regarding the antimicrobial activity of 44 Actinomycetes isolates isolated from three soil samples from three different extremely cold sites in Morocco was carried out. Primary and secondary screening were performed against Candida albicans ATCC 60,193, Escherichia coli ATCC 25,922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25,923, Bacillus cereus ATCC 14,579, other clinical MDR bacteria, and thirteen phytopathogenic fungi. Based on the results obtained, 11 active isolates were selected for further study. The 11microbial isolates were identified based on morphological and biochemical characters and their molecular identification was performed using 16S rRNA sequence homology. The UV–visible analysis of dichloromethane extracts of the five Streptomyces sp. Strains that showed high antimicrobial and antioxidant (ABTS 35.8% and DPPH 25.6%) activities revealed the absence of polyene molecules. GC–MS analysis of the dichloromethane extract of E23-4 as the most active strain revealed the presence of 21 volatile compounds including Pyrrolopyrazine (98%) and Benzeneacetic acid (90%). In conclusion, we studied the isolation of new Streptomyces strains to produce new compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in a cold and microbiologically unexplored region of Morocco. Furthermore, this study has demonstrated a significant (P < 0.0001) positive correlation between total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity, paving the way for the further characterization of these Streptomyces sp. isolates for their optimal use for anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial purposes.
Isolation and characterization of an anti-proliferative polysaccharide from the North American fungus Echinodontium tinctorium
Authors: Zeb Mehreen , Li Wai Ming , Heiss Christian , Black Ian , Tackaberry Linda E. , Massicotte Hugues B. , Egger Keith N. , Reimer Kerry , Azadi Parastoo , Lee Chow H.
Published: October 2022

A novel polysaccharide EtGIPL1a was purified from fruiting bodies of Echinodontium tinctorium, a fungus unique to western North America. EtGIPL1a has an estimated weight average molecular weight of 275 kDa and is composed of glucose (54.3%), galactose (19.6%), mannose (11.1%), fucose (10.3%), glucuronic acid (4%), and rhamnose (0.6%). It has multiple glycosidic linkages, with 3-Glcp (28.9%), 6-Glcp (18.3%), 3,6-Glcp (13%), 4-GlcpA (9.2%), 6-Galp (3.9%), 2,6-Galp (2.6%), 3-Fucp (2.5%), 6-Manp (2.4%) being the most prominent, and unsubstituted glucose (15.3%), mannose (1.3%) and fucose (0.9%) as major terminal sugars. EtGIPL1a has a backbone containing mostly 3-substituted β-glucopyranose with 4-substituted glucopyranosyluronic acid. EtGIPL1a showed anti-proliferative activity against multiple cancer cell lines, with IC50 ranging from 50.6 to 1446 nM. Flow cytometry analyses confirmed that apoptosis induction is one mechanism for its anti-proliferative activity. EtGIPL1a should be further investigated for its potential anti-cancer activity in animal models, and for its possible utility in differentiation cancer therapy.