bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work from home and parenting: Examining the role of work‐family conflict and gender during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Bernhardt Janine , Recksiedler Claudia , Linberg Anja
Published: June 2022

Many employers introduced or expanded working from home (WFH) in response to increasing infection rates after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Whether WFH enhances or depletes parents’ resources for their children is still an open question. Drawing on contextual models of parenting and demands‐resources approaches, we examine how WFH during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic was linked to changes in responsive and harsh parenting, particularly in light of pandemic‐related increases in work‐to‐family conflicts (WFC). We further investigate gender differences in these associations. Our analyses draw on a sample of working parents from a large‐scale German family survey conducted in 2019 and a COVID‐19 follow‐up from 2020. Results from first difference regression models in combination with Heckman's sample selection method revealed strongly gendered patterns of changes in parenting. Specifically, responsive parenting decreased and harsh parenting increased only among mothers who did not work from home. In addition, WFH buffered increased spillovers from WFC on declines in responsive parenting among mothers. In contrast, fathers’ parenting remained largely unaffected by pandemic‐related changes in their work situation. We conclude that WFH can be a resource gain because it seems to have relieved some pandemic‐related parenting strain for mothers. Yet as a consequence, it may have reinforced gendered patterns of childcare. We discuss implications for policymakers and support services for families. We also place a special emphasis on those who are not able to work from home because this seems to have increased the risk that high work demands impaired their parenting during the early stages of the pandemic.
Getting help as a depressed dad: A lived experience narrative of paternal postnatal depression, with considerations for healthcare practice
Authors: Davenport Caroline Jane , Swami Viren
Published: June 2022

Accessible Summary

What is known about the subject?

A significant proportion of fathers report experiencing depression after their baby is born

Fathers are not offered regular support for their psychological well‐being in the transition to parenthood despite an acknowledged need for such support

What does the paper add to existing knowledge?

Lived experience provides new insight into how one father experienced postnatal depression, including the role of his partner in help‐seeking

It explains the delayed presentation in help‐seeking as resulting from healthcare practitioner language and attitudes, and gendered expectations around mental health and help‐seeking in the context of fatherhood

What are the implications for mental health nursing?

Mental health nurses should be aware that postnatal depression can affect fathers as well as mothers, and that it is necessary to support fathers in safe spaces and with appropriate language

Planning care for depression in men should consider the recent birth of a child in order to provide effective care

Clearer guidance is needed for supporting new fathers with postnatal depression

Introduction

Fathers are not universally supported with their perinatal mental health, but evidence shows that they suffer at a similar level to mothers.

Aim

This paper examines the journey of one father through his PND experience, his help seeking, and encounters in healthcare, in order to highlight the needs of a depressed father.

Method

The method is a father's lived experience narrative which has been written alongside a health visitor who highlights the relevance of the condition to healthcare practice.

Results & Discussion

The needs of fathers are unmet. They require support which considers their gender role expectations. Partners are key to their help seeking.

Implications for practice

The language and sensitivity used by nurses is key to encouraging fathers to share their depression and reduce stigma around the condition.
Expression of key genes involved in lipid deposition in intramuscular adipocytes of sheep under high glucose conditions
Authors: Yan Wei , Kan Xiangdong , Wang Yutao , Zhang Yonghao
Published: June 2022

The intramuscular fat (IMF) content in sheep is associated with IMF deposition, which is affected by intramuscular adipocyte hypertrophy. In this study, we established an in vitro high glucose model of intramuscular adipocytes of sheep to investigate the expression of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) gene, fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4) gene, lipid metabolism‐associated genes (acetyl‐CoA carboxylase [ACC], fatty acid synthase [FAS], and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 [SCD1]), and transcription factors (liver X receptor [LXRα]), sterol regulatory element‐binding transcription factor 1 [SREBF‐1], and carbohydrate‐responsive element‐binding protein [ChREBP]) as well as the changes in the lipid and triglyceride (TG) levels in intramuscular adipocytes. The results showed that the differentiated mature adipocytes had a spherical shape, and the number and volume of the lipid droplets gradually increased over time under high glucose conditions. The lipid and TG levels in intramuscular adipocytes of sheep continuously increased under high glucose conditions. Furthermore, CB1, FABP4, ACC, FAS, SCD1, LXRα, SREBF‐1, and ChREBP were highly expressed under high glucose conditions, suggesting that the energetic nutrients also affect the expression of the CB1 gene, which works in coordination with lipid metabolism‐associated genes and are beneficial for lipid deposition in the intramuscular adipocytes of sheep.
Optimal contract arrangements for conservation on working forests
Authors: Sun Changyou , Mei Bin , Li Yanshu
Published: June 2022

Forestland can be managed for timber and environmental goods simultaneously. A conservation contract allows a government agency to pay a landowner for the portion of property rights encumbered in the production of environmental goods. In this study, a theoretical model is developed to examine optimal contract provisions for carbon sequestration on working forests under a budget constraint for the agency. The analyses reveal that a landowner requires a higher payment if more property rights are encumbered in a conservation contract. A landowner whose land can sequester more carbon also requires a more favorable contract arrangement. Assuming a logistic growth path for carbon sequestration, the agency under a budget constraint tends to have a shallower relationship with more landowners, that is, encumbering a smaller portion of property rights from more landowners. This tendency supports the use of conservation contracts with a shorter term and a higher enrollment share in a forest community.
Which factors were behind Germany's labour market upswing? A data‐driven approach*
Authors: Hutter Christian , Carbonero Francesco , Klinger Sabine , Trenkler Carsten , Weber Enzo
Published: June 2022

Germany has experienced a strong and sustained labour market upswing since the mid‐2000s. While various studies have highlighted different specific reasons for this development, this study contributes to the debate by simultaneously considering a broad set of candidate factors for the upswing in a unified methodological framework and systematically weighing them against each other on an empirical basis. We develop a structural macroeconometric framework that leaves as many of the systematic interlinkages as possible for empirical determination while operating with a minimal set of restrictions in order to identify economically meaningful shocks. For this purpose, we combine short‐ and long‐run restrictions based on established assumptions on labour force development, technological change, and search and matching in the labour market. Matching efficiency, the intensity of job creation, the growing labour force, and the declining propensity to separate explain most of the German labour market upswing.
The Role of Race in Political Attitudes Among the Religiously Unaffiliated
Authors: St Sume Jé , Wong Janelle S.
Published: June 2022

The growth of religiously unaffiliated voters has been noted for some time, but the political consequences of this trend are much less certain. Extant scholarship makes clear that in terms of vote choice, partisanship, and ideology, the group as a whole tends to diverge from those who affiliate with a religious tradition. This article examines whether the politics of the religiously unaffiliated differ across racial groups as it does among the religious. To investigate the role of race among the nonreligious, we analyze racial differences in vote choice and political attitudes among the nonreligious. Relying on the 2016 Collaborative Multiracial Post‐Election Survey, as well as other survey data, we demonstrate that there are important variations across race when it comes to the politics of the religiously unaffiliated. When it comes to vote choice, partisanship, and certain deeply racialized policy issues Whites who are religiously unaffiliated demonstrate more conservative positions. But, on other policy issues that are racialized, but less obviously so, Whites tend to be more progressive than their religiously unaffiliated non‐White counterparts. As such, we argue that one cannot understand the political impact of the growing religiously unaffiliated in the United States without attention to race.
Local strain distribution imaging using terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy
Authors: Reig Buades Luis M. , Karmarkar Sushrut , Dhiman Abhijeet , Tomar Vikas
Published: June 2022

In this work, terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz TDS) was applied to monitor strain distribution as a function of mechanical loading through a passive composite sensor. The composite sensor was made up of strontium titanate (STO) particles. Strain distribution was measured by analysing the change in THz pulse amplitude while it passes through the composite sensor. The change in THz pulse amplitude is related to change in dielectric permittivity. The change in dielectric permittivity induced in the STO composite layer due to deformation leads to a change in the time of arrival (ToA) of the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) in THz band. This change in the sub‐millimetre domain is correlated to the strain and can be mapped for reproducing strain distribution around different geometries. The measurements of strain mapping are compared with finite element simulations and digital image correlation (DIC) measurements, showing similar strain contours.
Description of the HLA‐DRB1*03:196 allele, first identified in a Brazilian individual
Authors: Vianna Romulo , Secco Danielle , Lopes Giovanna , Santos Angela , Porto Luís Cristóvão
Published: June 2022

The novel HLA‐DRB1*03:196 allele, first described in a potential bone marrow donor from Brazil.
Estimation for Predictive Control and Human-in-the-Loop Operation of Rotary Steerable Systems
Authors: Keller Alexander Mathew , Pho Vy , Demirer Nazli , Darbe Robert , Chen Dongmei
Published: June 2022

Accessing difficult to reach hydrocarbon reservoirs while simultaneously reducing risk and increasing efficiency demonstrates a need for improved autonomous directional control of rotary steerable systems (RSS). The inherently uncertain drilling environment presents a challenge for control algorithms and human operators alike, where model mismatch can be significant and the parameters are time varying. Parameter estimation can improve the performance of steering controllers through model adaptation as well as provide valuable information to human operators. This paper proposes the use of a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method to estimate time-varying model parameters in real-time using only measurements commonly obtained while drilling. The proposed method is evaluated on historical field data and its accuracy is quantified by prediction accuracy to achieve a mean absolute error of 0.68 deg over 30 m. Next, the proposed method is used to adapt the model of a model predictive controller (MPC) and its performance is compared with a static MPC in closed-loop simulation of a prototypical drilling scenario. The estimator reduces tracking error of the MPC by 93.36% and produces a higher quality borehole. Finally, the utility of estimation for human-in-the-loop operation is explored through the design of an early warning system (EWS). The posterior distribution produced by MCMC is utilized in the EWS to predict the probability of undesirable future trajectories. By providing automatic alerts, the EWS serves as a safety mechanism that enhances operators' proficiency when monitoring several autonomously drilled wells.
Analytical Solution for Laminar Water Hammer With Frequency-Dependent Friction
Authors: Brühl Martin
Published: June 2022

An analytic solution for the classical water hammer problem for unsteady laminar pipe flow involving Zielke's frequency-dependent friction model is derived. By means of separation of variables, the solution of the initial boundary value problem is compiled in the form of an infinite series representing its modal expansion. In this way, solving the damped wave equation reduces to root-finding of scalar algebraic equations for the complex eigenfrequencies. An analysis of this dispersion relation underlines the frequency-dependent nature of the solution in comparison with less sophisticated friction models.
Ray-based blind deconvolution with maximum kurtosis phase correction
Authors: Yoon Seunghyun , Yang Haesang , Seong Woojae
Published: June 2022

Ray-based blind deconvolution (RBD) is a method that estimates the source waveform and channel impulse response (CIR) using the ray arrival in an underwater environment. The RBD estimates the phase of the source waveform by using beamforming. However, low sampling, array shape deformation, and other factors can cause phase errors in the beamforming results. In this paper, phase correction is applied to the beamforming estimated source phase to improve RBD performance. The impulsiveness of the CIR was used as additional information to correct the initially estimated source phase. Kurtosis was used to measure impulsiveness, and the phase correction that maximized the kurtosis of the CIRs was calculated through optimization. The proposed approach is called ray-based blind deconvolution with maximum kurtosis phase correction (RBD-MKPC) and is based on a single-input multiple-output system. The RBD-MKPC was tested with several CIRs and source waveform combinations in the shallow-water acoustic variability experiment 2015 using broadband high-frequency pulses (11–31 kHz) as the source and a sparse vertical 16-element line array as receivers. The results indicate that the RBD-MKPC improves the estimation performance. In addition, from an optimization point of view and compared with other initialization methods, the proposed method showed superior convergence speed and estimation performance.
Local Delivery of Streptomycin in Microcontainers Facilitates Colonization of Streptomycin-Resistant Escherichia coli in the Rat Colon
Authors: Torp Anders M. , Kamguyan Khorshid , Christfort Juliane F. , Kristensen Katja Ann , Guerra Priscila , Daniel Noëmie , Nielsen Line Hagner , Zòr Kinga , Chassaing Benoit , Boisen Anja , Bahl Martin I. , Licht Tine Rask
Published: June 2022

Delivery of antibiotics in microcontainer devices designed for release at specific sites of the gut represents a novel approach which might reduce the amount of antibiotic needed to obtain a local selective effect. We propose that the application of microcontainers may have the potential to open novel opportunities for antibiotic treatment of humans and animals with fewer side effects on nontarget bacterial populations.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Tepidibacter
sp. Strain 8C15b, Isolated from Bank Sediments of Haiphong Bay, Vietnam
Authors: Fouteau Stéphanie , Bui Van Vuong , Rouy Zoé , Beraud Mélanie , Cruaud Corinne , Cayol Jean-Luc , Chifflet Sandrine , Chu Van Thuoc , Pham The Thu , Vallenet David , Oliveira Pedro H. , Mari Xavier , Pradel Nathalie
Published: June 2022

We report the complete genome sequence of
Tepidibacter
sp. strain 8C15b, isolated from bank sediments of Haiphong Bay, Vietnam. The genome includes a 3,628,320-bp circular chromosome and a plasmid of 38,213 bp.
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus arlettae AHKW2e, Isolated from a Dog’s Paws in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong A. H. K. , Lai G. K. K. , Griffin S. D. J. , Leung F. C. C.
Published: June 2022

Staphylococcus arlettae
is commonly found on the skin of animals. Here, we describe the complete genome sequence of
S. arlettae
AHKW2e (2,649,260 bp; GC content, 33.6%), isolated from a dog’s paws in Hong Kong, established through hybrid assembly and representing the second complete genome sequence of this species.
Genome Sequence of CaiB, a DR Cluster Actinobacteriophage That Infects Gordonia rubripertincta
Authors: Welsh Bienna , Abdalla Nader M. , Aldana Esteban , Alvarado Fernandez Veronica M. , Arenales Salgado de Oliveira Bruna , Fakhre Diane , Haymond Amelia J. , Helton Katelyn M. , Kanchibhatta Aditi , Knight Jahwanza , Marshall Sydney , Martinez Maomi Laine N. , Merkher Arielle , Morrow Savannah E. , Nguyen Katie P. , Patel Jahanvi J. , Patel Somesh R. , Rayala Pravalika , Ruiz-Houston Kira M. , Satardekar Aarya P. , Shaikh Shifa M. , Terron Osorio Adrian E. , Weitz Rachel C. , Otero Louis , Pollenz Richard S.
Published: June 2022

CaiB is a DR cluster actinobacteriophage that was isolated from soil in Florida using
Gordonia rubripertincta
NRRL B-16540 as the host. The genome is 61,620 bp, has a GC content of 68.6%, and contains 85 predicted protein coding genes. CaiB has several putative operons and has repeated intergenic regions that may be involved in gene regulation.
Identification of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern Using Amplicon Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Nasereddin Abdelmajeed , Golan Berman Hadar , Wolf Dana G. , Oiknine-Djian Esther , Adar Sheera
Published: June 2022

The manuscript described SARS-Cov-2 genotyping by VOC-NGS, which presents an ideal balance of accuracy, rapidity, and cost for detecting and globally tracking VOCs and some VOI of SARS-CoV-2. A large number of clinical samples can be tested together. Rapid introduction of new mutations at a specific site of the spike protein necessitates efficient strain detection and identification to enable choice of treatment and the application of vaccination, as well as planning public health policy.
Opposing Growth Responses of Lepidopteran Larvae to the Establishment of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Mason Charles J. , Peiffer Michelle , Chen Bosheng , Hoover Kelli , Felton Gary W.
Published: June 2022

Insects have intimate relationships with gut microbiota, where bacteria can contribute important functions to their invertebrate hosts. Lepidopterans are important insect pests, but how they engage with their gut bacteria and how that translates to impacts on the host are lacking.
Complications of cerebral air embolism associated with pleural lavage for empyema
Authors: Ishihara Toru , Sato Shota , Manabe Saki , Ozawa Hideki
Published: June 2022

Standard initial treatment for acute empyema involves antibiotic administration and chest tube drainage; however, pleural lavage with saline is another treatment that mitigates the need for surgical drainage. Although this treatment is recognised as non-invasive and safe, the complications of cerebral air embolism are less recognised.

In this case, a man in his late 40s was diagnosed with acute empyema and treated with chest tube (28 Fr) drainage and antibiotics. Empyema remained on follow-up chest imaging; thus intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (urokinase 120 000 units/day for a total of 3 days) and pleural lavage (0.9% saline 1000 mL/day daily) were administered. During the 10th pleural lavage, the patient suddenly became unconscious. Head imaging revealed a cerebral air embolism. Consequently, he received urgent hyperbaric oxygen therapy and improved without any neurological sequelae.

Clinicians should be aware of the complications of sudden cerebral air embolism due to pleural lavage for empyema.
Double-blinded randomised placebo controlled trial of enterosgel (polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate) for the treatment of IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D)
Authors: Howell Carol Angela , Kemppinen Anu , Allgar Victoria , Dodd Matthew , Knowles Charles H , McLaughlin John , Pandya Preeti , Whorwell Peter , Markaryan Elena , Yiannakou Yan
Published: June 2022

Objective

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D) is a common and challenging condition that significantly reduces quality of life. Enterosgel (polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate) is an intestinal adsorbent which sequesters harmful molecules and is safe and effective in acute infective diarrhoea. This randomised controlled multicentre trial aimed to investigate its safety and efficacy in patients with IBS-D.

Design

After a 2-week screening phase, participants were randomised into an 8-week double-blind phase, followed by an 8-week open-label and follow-up phase. Participants recorded stool consistency, pain and global symptoms in e-diaries and questionnaires. The primary outcome was the percentage of responders on a composite abdominal pain (≥30% decrease in the weekly score) and stool consistency (50% reduction in days per week with at least one stool of BSFS type 6 or 7) score during at least 4 weeks of the treatment period.

Results

440 patients with IBS-D were randomised to the double-blind phase with 393 continuing to the open-label phase. The Primary outcome responder rate by intention-to-treat for enterosgel versus placebo was 37.4% vs 24.3% (OR 1.95, NNT 8, p=0.002). Enterosgel also improved stool consistency (48.5% vs 32.5%, p<0.0001) abdominal pain (53.3% vs 40.2%, p=0.003), stool frequency (treatment effect −0.32 (−0.62 to −0.02)) and urgency (treatment effect −0.59 (−0.85 to −0.33)). 60% of patients reported adequate relief of symptoms after open-label treatment. Adverse event frequency was similar in both groups, with no serious events attributable to enterosgel.

Conclusion

Enterosgel is safe and effective in IBS-D, providing an alternative to the limited current treatment options.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN17149988.
Tramadol prescribed at discharge is associated with lower odds of chronic opioid use after elective total joint arthroplasty
Authors: Kiani Sara , Poeran Jashvant , Zhong Haoyan , Wilson Lauren A , Poultsides Lazaros , Liu Jiabin , Memtsoudis Stavros G
Published: June 2022

Introduction

We aimed to study the association between tramadol prescribed at discharge (after elective total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) surgery) and chronic opioid use postoperatively.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study queried the Truven MarketScan database and identified patients who underwent an elective THA/TKA surgery between 2016 and 2018 and were prescribed opioids at discharge (n=81 049). Multivariable analysis was conducted to study the association between tramadol prescription at discharge and chronic opioid use, with additional analysis adjusting for the amount of opioids prescribed in oral morphine equivalents. Chronic opioid use was defined as filling ≥10 opioid prescriptions or prescriptions for ≥120 pills within the period from 90 days to 1 year after surgery.

Results

Overall, tramadol was prescribed at discharge in 11.0% of all THA/TKA cases. Of those, 26.9% and 73.1% received tramadol only or tramadol with another opioid, respectively. Chronic opioid use was observed in 5.4% of cases. After adjustment for relevant covariates, prescription of tramadol combined with another opioid at discharge was associated with lower odds of chronic opioid use comparing to prescription of other opioids (OR 0.69 CI 0.61 to 0.78).

Discussion

Among patients undergoing elective THA/TKA surgery and discharged with a prescription of opioids, we found that prescription of tramadol combined with another opioid was associated with lower odds of chronic opioid use. This finding must be considered in the context of the tramadol’s pharmacology, as well-described genetic differences in metabolism that can make it ineffective in many patients, while for patients with ultrarapid metabolism can cause drug–drug interactions and adverse events, including feelings of high and seizures.
Impact of in vitro hormone treatments on the bibenzyl production of Radula complanata
Authors: Blatt-Janmaat Kaitlyn , Neumann Steffen , Schmidt Florian , Ziegler Jörg , Peters Kristian , Qu Yang
Published: June 2022

Bibenzyls are a specialized metabolite class found throughout the plant kingdom. One of the most prolific producers of bibenzyls are liverworts, specifically plants of the Radula genera. These plants possess an incredible diversity of bibenzyls, prenylated bibenzyls, and a few (bis)bibenzyls, several of which have medicinal properties, including perrottetinene, an analog of tetrahydrocannabinol from cannabis. To provide insight into the bibenzyls’ biosynthesis in planta, exogenous phytohormones were applied to in vitro grown Radula complanata and bibenzyl metabolite production was monitored with targeted and untargeted metabolomics. The targeted metabolomic analysis of six prenylated bibenzyls revealed that production of these metabolites was largely reduced when plants were treated with abscisic acid (AA), salicylic acid (SA), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), or 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The reduction of these metabolites in the BAP and NAA treatment suggests that prenylated bibenzyl production is negatively correlated with vegetative plant growth. The reduction of bibenzyls at low AA and SA concentrations and mild increase at higher AA and SA concentrations suggest that their production is regulated by these stress hormones. In addition, six other bibenzyl metabolites were tentatively identified from the untargeted analysis. These results provide insight into the influence of phytohormones on the bioactive bibenzyl content of R. complanata.
The vulnerability of whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) to the invasive European catfish (Silurus glanis) in a large peri-Alpine lake
Authors: Vagnon Chloé , Cattanéo Franck , Goulon Chloé , Guillard Jean , Frossard Victor
Published: June 2022

The whitefish ( Coregonus lavaretus) is a core exploited species in numerous fisheries and the invasion of the European catfish ( Silurus glanis) in peri-Alpine lakes may represent an emergent threat to this salmonid. We aimed to assess the whitefish vulnerability to catfish in a French peri-Alpine lake (Lake Bourget) by combining diet analyses (metabarcoding), trophic link inferences from an allometric niche model (aNM), and the development of a predation risk metric derived from species depth matching and catfish energy demand. Whitefish DNA was found in 7% of catfish intestines, indicating a low but effective consumption. The aNM suggested that catfish (considering the current population size structure) may predate all whitefish life stages; though young-of-the-year (0+, 5–20 cm) may be the most exposed to predation. 0+ had higher depth matching with catfish than other life stages, especially in summer when the catfish exhibit their highest energy demand, leading to an overall higher predation risk. Our results highlighted the effective consumption of C. lavaretus by S. glanis and its time and age-varying vulnerability, suggesting that S. glanis may represent a new growing threat to this salmonid in a global change context.
Tidal forces around Schwarzschild black hole in cloud of strings and quintessence
Authors: Uniyal Rashmi
Published: June 2022

We study the tidal forces and their effect in Schwarzschild black hole surrounded with clouds of strings and quintessence. Two horizons are present for this black hole and the event horizon shrinks on increasing the values of both, the string cloud and quintessence parameters. Tidal forces in radial as well as angular directions are independent of string cloud parameter a. Geodesic deviation equations are devised and solved for this BH metric. For numerical representation of the solutions of geodesic deviation equations two different initial conditions have been applied. Results are compared with that of Schwarzschild black hole metric.
Effect of assist gas pressure on cutting quality in underwater cutting of stainless steel using high-power fiber laser
Authors: Kim Kwan , Song Moo-Keun , Kim Jong-Do , Lee Su-Jin , Shin Dongsig , Cho Dae-Won
Published: June 2022

A basic study was conducted to investigate the correlation between assist gas pressure and the amount of secondary waste generated during underwater laser cutting for nuclear decommissioning. The assist gas pressure, i.e. the main parameter, was changed from 2 to 15 bar. Cutting quality was evaluated based on the shape of the cutting cross-section and the roughness of the cutting surface. In addition, the weight loss closely related to the generated secondary waste was calculated, and the schlieren method was used to check the gas flow according to the assist gas pressure. Satisfactory cutting quality could be obtained at a minimum assist gas pressure of 10 bar, and the weight loss related to secondary waste was less. When the cutting quality was good, the weight loss was less, and secondary waste generated was minimum.
Anti-dewetting of Cu thin film on nanostructured black Si template for continuous CVD growth of monolayer graphene
Authors: Abdullah Mohd Faizol
Published: June 2022

The growth of high-quality continuous film of graphene on less than [Formula: see text]m-thick Cu film is proven to be a challenging task due to the solid-state dewetting of Cu during the high-temperature chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. In this paper, we introduce the use of nanostructured black Si (b-Si) as a template for Cu evaporation to mitigate the dewetting of Cu thin film. Using a cold-wall CVD system at a process temperature of 825[Formula: see text]C, even Cu thickness, [Formula: see text] nm on polished SiO2/Si substrate is poor for maintaining Cu as a continuous film. If the polished SiO2/Si is replaced with SiO2/b-Si, the minimum [Formula: see text] nm is sufficient. According to the Cu trapping mechanism, moving Cu particle is trapped in the nanostructured trenches of SiO2/b-Si during annealing and CVD growth processes. Continuous monolayer graphene with a grain size of [Formula: see text]m without defect is obtained on Cu/SiO2/b-Si substrate. The improved adhesion of Cu to the SiO2/b-Si enables dry-transfer of graphene by mechanical peeling using a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film. Our solution is promising for obtaining flat graphene and a recyclable Cu/SiO2/b-Si substrate.
Algebras of slowly growing length
Authors: Guterman Alexander , Kudryavtsev Dmitry
Published: June 2022

We investigate the class of finite-dimensional not necessarily associative algebras that have slowly growing length, that is, for any algebra in this class its length is less than or equal to its dimension. We show that this class is considerably big, in particular, finite-dimensional Lie algebras as well as many other important classical finite-dimensional algebras belong to this class, for example, Leibniz algebras, Novikov algebras and Zinbiel algebras. The exact upper bounds for the length of these algebras is proved. To do this, we transfer the method of characteristic sequences to non-unital algebras and find certain polynomial conditions on the algebra elements that guarantee the slow growth of the length function.
Normative reference values and regression equations to predict the 6-minute walk distance in the Asian adult population aged 21–80 years
Authors: Yeung Meredith T. , Chan Melissa Y. , Huang Katherin S. , Chen Tian Jie , Chia Cyprian P. , Fong Meihiko M. , Ho Cherilyn S. , Koh Derek T. , Neo Mitchell J. , Tan Mark
Published: June 2022

Summary at a glance: The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is a widely used field walking test. This study reports the normative reference values (NRV) of distance walked during 6MWT (6MWD) in healthy Singaporeans (aged 21–80) and updates the 6MWD reference equations. This information may facilitate the interpretation of the 6MWD in clinical populations.

Ethics approval: The Singapore Institute of Technology-Institutional Review Board (SIT-IRB Project Number: 2019099) approved this study to be carried out from June 2019 to January 2021. All participants gave written informed consent before data collection began.

Background: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a widely adopted submaximal field-walking test to evaluate functional exercise capacity. This validated test is a reliable, safe, inexpensive, and straightforward assessment tool commonly used as an outcome measure, using the distance walked (6MWD) as the primary outcome. An earlier study has established the normative reference values (NRV) and equation in healthy Singaporeans — however, the small sample size and narrow age range curb adequate representation of the adult population profile.

Objectives: This study aims to update the NRV and reference equations to predict the distance walked during 6MWT (6MWD) for healthy Singaporeans aged 21–80.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited community-dwelling healthy subjects aged 21–80 via convenience sampling. Each subject completed two trials of 6MWT according to the standard protocol. Primary outcome measures included 6MWD, pre-and post-test heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, and blood pressure (BP).

Results: 172 healthy Singaporeans ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) participated. The overall mean 6MWD was [Formula: see text] metres. The age-stratified mean 6MWD ranged from [Formula: see text] metres (aged 21–39) to [Formula: see text] metres (aged 60–80). Age, gender, and percentage maximum HR predicted (%PredHRmax) were the most significant variables ([Formula: see text]). 6MWD reference [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] (HR reserve, bpm) [Formula: see text] (weight, kg), [Formula: see text]. Applying equations from other studies to the Singaporean population resulted in an overestimation of the 6MWD.

Conclusion: This study updated the NRV and reference equations of 6MWD for healthy Singaporeans aged between 21–80 years. This update revises the local benchmarks of 6MWD in Singapore, a widely adopted outcome measure.
Harnessing the Immune Response to Fungal Pathogens for Vaccine Development
Authors: Rivera Amariliz , Lodge Jennifer , Xue Chaoyang
Published: June 2022

Invasive fungal infections are emerging diseases that kill over 1.5 million people per year worldwide. With the increase of immunocompromised populations, the incidence of invasive fungal infections is expected to continue to rise. Vaccines for viral and bacterial infectious diseases have had a transformative impact on human health worldwide. However, no fungal vaccines are currently in clinical use. Recently, interest in fungal vaccines has grown significantly. One Candida vaccine has completed phase 2 clinical trials, and research on vaccines against coccidioidomycosis continues to advance. Additionally, multiple groups have discovered various Cryptococcus mutant strains that promote protective responses to subsequent challenge in mouse models. There has also been progress in antibody-mediated fungal vaccines. In this review, we highlight recent fungal vaccine research progress, outline the wealth of data generated, and summarize current research for both fungal biology and immunology studies relevant to fungal vaccine development. We also review technological advancements in vaccine development and highlight the future prospects of a human vaccine against invasive fungal infections.
Preparation of Low Surface Area Si-Alloy Anodes for Li-Ion Cells by Ball Milling
Authors: Cao Simeng , Tahmasebi Mohammad H. , Gracious Shayne , Bennett J. Craig , Obrovac M. N.
Published: June 2022

A new and simple 2-step milling technique is utilized to produce Si–Ti–N alloys with significantly reduced surface area compared to conventional ball milling, while still attaining a full amorphous active Si phase. Surface area reductions of up to 100% were obtained by this method. Surprisingly, this did not result in significant differences in cycling stability compared to conventionally ball milled high surface area alloy materials. This is likely because cycling caused severe fracturing of the alloy surfaces, resulting in a high surface area, regardless of the initial surface area of the alloy. This suggests that, unlike other anode materials such as graphite, reducing the initial surface area of Si alloys does not translate into reduced electrolyte reactivity.
Multifunctional Peptides Modified Conductive Nano-Network Based on GO and Gold Nano Triangular: Sensitive Detection of PD-L1 Exosomes in Serum
Authors: Mao Zhihui , Wang Yindian , Chen Qiang , Zhu Zhongzheng , Koh Kwangnak , Chen XiaoBing , Chen Hongxia
Published: June 2022

Early diagnosis and reasonable treatment of cancer can effectively reduce the progression and decrease the proliferation. Exosomes are considered to be an excellent biomarker due to their special role in cancer development and post-treatment evaluation. Here, a simple and effective method for constructing two-dimensional heterostructure modified films on the electrode surface is reported to realize the electrochemical detection of exosomes. Flake gold nano triangle (AuNTs) as spacer, effectively inhibits the decline of electron transport capacity caused by the van der Waals stacking effect of graphene, a layered conductive network based on GO/AuNTs heterojunction was constructed on glassy carbon electrode. Multifunctional peptides with antifouling and specific binding characteristics for target exosomes were carefully anchored onto the surface of GO/AuNTs conductive network composite through Au-S. Combined with the innovative micro nanostructure on the electrode surface and the multifunctional peptides probe, the fabricated sensor shows an excellent limit of detection of 76 particles/ml with a detection range of 102to 106particles ml−1. The proposed sensor provides a powerful platform for direct measurement of exosomes, opening new opportunities for highly sensitive determination of other biomarkers.
A Facile Route to Synthesize DyF3/Bi2O3 Nanowires and Sensitive L-cysteine Sensing Properties
Authors: Wang X. Y. , Huang J. F. , Yu C. H. , Li F. Y. , Cai Z. Y. , Zhang Y. , Fan C. G. , Pei L. Z.
Published: June 2022

DyF3/Bi2O3 nanowires with orthorhombic DyF3 and triclinic Bi2O3 phases were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The composite nanowires were characterized by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The obtained composite nanowires have the length of longer than 10 μm and diameter of about 20–100 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the composition of Dy, F, Bi and O in the composite nanowires. The formation process of the DyF3/Bi2O3 nanowires was analyzed based on the morphological and structural evolution of the products from different growth conditions. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurement demonstrates good electro-catalytic activity of the composite nanowires towards L-cysteine. Two pairs of CV peaks at +0.08 V, −0.43 V and −0.48 V, −0.78 V, respectively are observed at the DyF3/Bi2O3 nanowires modified glassy carbon electrode. DyF3/Bi2O3 nanowires modified glassy carbon electrode detects L-cysteine linearly over a concentration range from 0.001 to 2 mM with a detection limit of 0.25 μM. Moreover, the results show good selectivity, reproducibility and stability of the DyF3/Bi2O3 nanowires as a promising candidate for L-cysteine determination.
Low-Temperature Ammonia Gas Sensor Based on NiO/ZnO Heterojunction Nanosheet on MEMS Devices
Authors: Nagarjuna Yempati , Hsiao Yu-Jen
Published: June 2022

A double layered nanosheet structure of NiO over ZnO incorporated on Micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) device consisting of heater electrodes and sensing electrodes were investigated for gas sensing characteristics of Ammonia (NH3) gas. This process was achieved by combining 2 different deposition processes which are hydrothermal for ZnO and sputtering for NiO. From the synthesized samples, a series of different structural and morphological properties were analyzed such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Sensing properties of ammonia gas are investigated with two different thicknesses of NiO and at different temperatures in order to find the best possible sensing response properties. The inspection of NiO/ZnO loaded samples sensing properties with ammonia gas ranging from 2.25 ppm to 18 ppm, revealed that 20 nm thickness of NiO with ZnO at 35 °C is the optimal sensing condition for the study. 18 ppm of ammonia gas recorded 55.8% sensing response at 35 °C with a response time of 8 s. Selectivity of the NiO/ZnO sensor is tested with 6 different gases such as CO, H2, H2S, NO2, SO2 and NH3, sensor demonstrated good selectivity for ammonia gas and showed excellent repeatability property.
Hyaluronan in pathophysiology of vascular diseases: specific roles in smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages
Authors: Parnigoni Arianna , Viola Manuela , Karousou Evgenia , Rovera Simona , Giaroni Cristina , Passi Alberto , Vigetti Davide
Published: June 2022

One of the main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of blood vessels is hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan (HA). It is a ubiquitous polysaccharide belonging to the family of glycosaminoglycans, but, differently from other proteoglycan-associated glycosaminoglycans, it is synthesized on the plasma membrane by a family of three HA synthases (HAS). HA can be released as a free polymer in the extracellular space or remain associated with the plasma membrane in the pericellular space via HAS or HA-binding proteins. Several cell surface proteins can interact with HA working as HA receptors, like CD44, RHAMM, and LYVE-1. In physiological conditions, HA is localized in the glycocalyx and the adventitia where it is responsible for the loose and hydrated vascular structure favoring flexibility and allowing the stretching of vessels in response to mechanical forces. During atherogenesis, ECM undergoes dramatic alterations that have a crucial role in lipoprotein retention and in triggering multiple signaling cascades that induce the cells to exit from their quiescent status. HA becomes highly present in the media and neointima favoring smooth muscle cells dedifferentiation, migration, and proliferation that strongly contribute to vessel wall thickening. Furthermore, HA is able to modulate immune cell recruitment both within the vessel wall and on the endothelial cell layer. This review is focused on deeply analyzing the effects of HA on vascular cell behavior.
Endogenous slow and fast myosin dynamics in myofibers isolated from mice expressing GFP-Myh7 and Kusabira Orange-Myh1
Authors: Ojima Koichi , Kigaki Masahiro , Ichimura Emi , Suzuki Takahiro , Kobayashi Ken , Muroya Susumu , Nishimura Takanori
Published: June 2022

Skeletal muscle consists of slow and fast myofibers in which different myosin isoforms are expressed. Approximately 300 myosins form a single-thick filament in the myofibrils, where myosin is continuously exchanged. However, endogenous slow and fast myosin dynamics have not been fully understood. To elucidate those dynamics, here we generated mice expressing green fluorescence protein-tagged slow myosin heavy chain (GFP-Myh7) and Kusabira Orange fluorescence protein-tagged fast myosin heavy chain (KuO-Myh1). First, these mice enabled us to distinguish between GFP- and KuO-myofibers under fluorescence microscopy: GFP-Myh7 and KuO-Myh1 were exclusively expressed in slow myofibers and fast myofibers, respectively. Next, to monitor endogenous myosin dynamics, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) was conducted. The mobile fraction (Mf) of GFP-Myh7 and that of KuO-Myh1 were almost constant values independent of the regions of the myofibers and the muscle portions where the myofibers were isolated. Intriguingly, proteasome inhibitor treatment significantly decreased the Mf in GFP-Myh7 but not in KuO-Myh1 myofibers, indicating that the response to a disturbance in protein turnover depended on muscle fiber type. Taken together, the present results indicated that the mice we generated are promising tools not only for distinguishing between GFP- and KuO-myofibers but also for studying the dynamics of endogenous myosin isoforms by live-cell fluorescence imaging.
Cross talk between lysine methyltransferase Smyd2 and TGF-β-Smad3 signaling promotes renal fibrosis in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Li Linda Xiaoyan , Zhang Lu , Agborbesong Ewud , Zhang Xiaoqin , Zhou Julie Xia , Li Xiaogang
Published: June 2022

Here, we identified a cross talk between SET and MYND domain-containing lysine methyltransferase 2 (Smyd2) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-Smad3 signaling and a synergistic feedback loop between them, in which TGF-β stimulates expression of Smyd2 in a Smad3-dependent manner, and upregulation of Smyd2 regulates the transcription of TGF-β and other fibrotic marker genes through direct binding on their promoters or methylating histone H3 indirectly to regulate the transcription of those genes in fibroblasts. Thus, the Smyd2-TGF-β-Smad3-Smyd2 signaling axis plays an important role in promoting renal fibrosis, and targeting Smyd2 with its specific inhibitor should not only delay cyst growth but also ameliorate renal fibrosis in ADPKD.
Early Detection of Network Fault Using Improved Gray Wolf Optimization and Wavelet Neural Network
Authors: Pan Chengsheng , Jin Aixin , Yang Wensheng , Zhang Yanyan
Published: June 2022

To address the problem of diagnostic accuracy and stability degradation caused by random selection of the initial parameters for the wavelet neural network (WNN) fault diagnosis model, this paper proposes a network troubleshooting model based on the improved gray wolf algorithm (IGWO) and the wavelet neural network. First, the convergence factor and policy for the weight update are redesigned in the IGWO algorithm. This study uses a nonlinear convergence factor to balance the global and local search capabilities of the algorithm and dynamically adjusts the weights according to the adaptability of the head wolf α to strengthen its leadership position. Thereafter, the initial weights and biases of the WNN are optimized using the IGWO algorithm. During the backpropagation of the WNN error, momentum factors are introduced to prevent the model from falling into local optimization. Experimental results show that the IGWO algorithm is far better than GWO in terms of convergence speed and convergence accuracy. Furthermore, the average diagnostic accuracy of the IGWO-WNN model on the KDD-CUP99 dataset reaches 99.22%, which is 1.15% higher than that of the WNN model, and the stability of the diagnostic results is significantly improved.