bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A note on gradient Ricci soliton warped metrics
Authors: Gomes José N. V. , Marrocos Marcus A. M. , Ribeiro Adrian V. C.
Published: October 2021

In this note, we prove triviality and nonexistence results for gradient Ricci soliton warped metrics. The proofs stem from the construction of gradient Ricci solitons that are realized as warped products, from which we know that the base spaces of these products are Ricci–Hessian type manifolds. We study this latter class of manifolds as the most appropriate setting to prove our results.
Are celebrities accountable for the misconduct of their fans?
Authors: Cheng Li‐Keng , Toung Chung‐Lin
Published: October 2021

This study examines whether fan–celebrity relationship strength affects public opinion regarding whether a celebrity should take responsibility for the misconduct of their fans and the intention to boycott a celebrity. This study involves three studies. Study 1 examines the mediation effects of internal attribution on the relationship between fan–celebrity relationship strength and boycott intention. Study 2 examines the effects of fan–celebrity relationship strength and power distance belief on internal attributions of inappropriate fan behavior. Study 3 investigates whether the social norm level affects the interaction effects between relationship strength and power distance belief. Study 1 indicates that the boycott intention is higher when the participants perceive the fan–celebrity relationship to be stronger. Study 2 indicates that power distance belief moderates the effect of relationship strength on the extent of generated internal attribution and thus influences boycott intention. Study 3 indicates that the interaction between relationship strength and power distance belief affects internal attribution only at a high social norm level. The results of Study 4 support the applicability of the findings of Study 3 in a real‐world setting.
Highly Efficient Doping of Conjugated Polymers Using Multielectron Acceptor Salts
Authors: Krauss Gert , Hochgesang Adrian , Mohanraj John , Thelakkat Mukundan
Published: October 2021

Chemical doping is a vital tool for tuning electronic properties of conjugated polymers. Most single electron acceptors used for p‐doping necessitate high dopant concentrations to achieve good electrical conductivity. However, high‐molar doping ratios hamper doping efficiency. Here a new concept of using multielectron acceptor (MEA) salts as dopants for conjugated polymers is presented. Two novel MEA salts are synthesized and their doping efficiency towards two polymers differing in their dielectric properties are compared with two single electron acceptors such as NOPF6 and magic blue. Cutting‐edge methods such as ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy/X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), impedance spectroscopy, and density of states analysis in addition to UV–vis–NIR absorption, spectroelectrochemistry, and Raman spectroscopy methods are used to characterize the doped systems. The tetracation salt improves the conductivity by two orders of magnitude and quadruples the charge carrier concentration compared to single electron acceptors for the same molar ratio. The differences in charge carrier density and activation energy on doping are delineated. Further, a strong dependency of the carrier release on the polymer polarity is observed. High carrier densities at reduced dopant loadings and improved doping efficacies using MEA dopants offer a highly efficient doping strategy for conjugated polymers.
Over a century evidence of historical and recent dryness/wetness in sub‐humid areas: A Uganda, East African case
Authors: Byakatonda Jimmy , Openy Geoffrey , Sempewo Jotham Ivan , Mucunguzi Dominic Banaga
Published: October 2021

Many regions globally are grappling with the challenge of recurrent extreme weather events. Whereas attempts are being undertaken to understand their characteristics as a first step to guide targeted mitigation measures, these are focused on dryness and not wetness, which is also a challenge in sub‐humid areas. This study investigates dryness and wetness characteristics using the standardized precipitation evaporation index (SPEI) at timescales of 3, 6, 12 and 24 months for a period of 1901–2018 across Uganda's drainage basins. Trends in the dryness and wetness evolutions were conducted using the Mann‐Kendall (MK) statistic to establish the effects of global warming on the study area. A step change analysis reveals 1961 as a change point year from cool to warm periods. Results also reveal that warming mainly occurred in the recent period (1962–2018), with a temperature rise of over 2οC being recorded in 2009. Severe dryness events occurred in the recent period as opposed to wetness events that dominated the earlier period (1901–1961). Dryness and wetness varied among drainage basins, with the Aswa basin being more susceptible to severe dryness while the Lake Kyoga basin to severe wetness. Lira and Kitgum were identified as drought hotspots at timescales of 3, 6 and 12 months. SPEI was able to reveal 60% of historical dryness events and 75% of wetness events on record, making it an adequate tool for monitoring humid events as opposed to droughts in sub‐humid climates. It is hoped that this evidence can guide targeted mitigation measures towards climatic shocks within the region.
Fractional‐order Chebyshev wavelet method for variable‐order fractional optimal control problems
Authors: Ghanbari Ghodsieh , Razzaghi Mohsen
Published: October 2021

A new alternative numerical method for solving variable‐order fractional optimal control problems (VO‐FOCPs) is introduced. We use fractional‐order Chebyshev wavelets for solving these VO‐FOCPs. By applying the regularized beta functions, an exact value for the fractional integration of the given wavelets is provided. By applying this formula and the given wavelets, we reduce the given VO‐FOCP to a system of algebraic equations which can be solved by using known methods. For the function approximation of our method, we also give the convergence analysis. By using several numerical examples, we show that this method is more accurate than the other existing methods in the literature.
A simplified empirical model to estimate oxygen relaxivity at different magnetic fields
Authors: Bluemke Emma , Stride Eleanor , Bulte Daniel Peter
Published: October 2021

The change in longitudinal relaxation rate (R1) produced by oxygen has been used as a means of inferring oxygenation levels in magnetic resonance imaging in numerous applications. The relationship between oxygen partial pressure (pO2) and R1 is linear and reproducible, and the slope represents the relaxivity of oxygen (r1Ox) in that material. However, there is considerable variability in the values of r1Ox reported, and they have been shown to vary by field strength and temperature. Therefore, we have compiled 28 reported empirical values of the relaxivity of oxygen as a resource for researchers. Furthermore, we provide an empirical model for estimating the relaxivity of oxygen in water, saline, plasma, and vitreous fluids, accounting for magnetic field strength and temperature. The model agrees well (R2 = 0.93) with the data gathered from the literature for fields ranging from 0.011 to 8.45 T and temperatures of 21‐40 °C. This provides a useful resource for researchers seeking to quantify pO2 in simple fluids in their studies, such as water and saline phantoms, or bodily fluids such as vitreous fluids, cerebrospinal fluids, and amniotic fluids.
Study of dynamic compressive responses of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene felt impregnated with shear thickening fluid
Authors: Nayak Prajesh , Ghosh Anup K. , Bhatnagar Naresh
Published: October 2021

In this study, the effect of high strain rate on the dynamic mechanical properties of shear thickening fluid (STF) impregnated felt of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was investigated by split‐hopkinson pressure bar. UHMWPE felts are randomly oriented nonwoven fabric that holds each other due to inter‐fiber coupling either by thermal calendaring or mechanical entanglement. Its lower areal density and highly porous structure can be utilized in lightweight ballistic resistance material. The junction points inside its porous structure make it easier to hold abundant STF. Shear thickening fluid was prepared by dispersing 100 nm dry silica powder into polypropylene glycol at 67.5 wt% concentration using probe ultrasonicator at 25°C. Rheological characterization of prepared STF was conducted using MCR702 advanced Anton Paar rheometer. It was done by performing a steady shear rate and thixotropy tests for shear thickening and structural regeneration behavior. In‐house fabricated split‐hopkinson pressure bar setup was used to evaluate dynamic compressive behavior at different strain rates by changing triggering pressure. It was found that STF impregnated felt shows a higher amplitude of strain rate augmentation and energy absorption than a neat felt. The impact energy absorption increases with increasing strain rate. However, the peak stress shows an opposite trend with an increased strain rate in STF impregnated felt.
Differences in the dynamics of the tandem‐SH2 modules of the Syk and ZAP‐70 tyrosine kinases
Authors: Hobbs Helen T. , Shah Neel H. , Badroos Jean M. , Gee Christine L. , Marqusee Susan , Kuriyan John
Published: October 2021

The catalytic activity of Syk‐family tyrosine kinases is regulated by a tandem Src homology 2 module (tSH2 module). In the autoinhibited state, this module adopts a conformation that stabilizes an inactive conformation of the kinase domain. The binding of the tSH2 module to phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based activation motifs necessitates a conformational change, thereby relieving kinase inhibition and promoting activation. We determined the crystal structure of the isolated tSH2 module of Syk and find, in contrast to ZAP‐70, that its conformation more closely resembles that of the peptide‐bound state, rather than the autoinhibited state. Hydrogen–deuterium exchange by mass spectrometry, as well as molecular dynamics simulations, reveal that the dynamics of the tSH2 modules of Syk and ZAP‐70 differ, with most of these differences occurring in the C‐terminal SH2 domain. Our data suggest that the conformational landscapes of the tSH2 modules in Syk and ZAP‐70 have been tuned differently, such that the autoinhibited conformation of the Syk tSH2 module is less stable. This feature of Syk likely contributes to its ability to more readily escape autoinhibition when compared to ZAP‐70, consistent with tighter control of downstream signaling pathways in T cells.
PDB‐101: Educational resources supporting molecular explorations through biology and medicine
Authors: Zardecki Christine , Dutta Shuchismita , Goodsell David S. , Lowe Robert , Voigt Maria , Burley Stephen K.
Published: October 2021

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) archive is a rich source of information in the form of atomic‐level three‐dimensional (3D) structures of biomolecules experimentally determined using macromolecular crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and electron microscopy (3DEM). Originally established in 1971 as a resource for protein crystallographers to freely exchange data, today PDB data drive research and education across scientific disciplines. In 2011, the online portal PDB‐101 was launched to support teachers, students, and the general public in PDB archive exploration (pdb101.rcsb.org). Maintained by the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics PDB, PDB‐101 aims to help train the next generation of PDB users and to promote the overall importance of structural biology and protein science to nonexperts. Regularly published features include the highly popularMolecule of the Monthseries, 3D model activities, molecular animation videos, and educational curricula. Materials are organized into various categories (Health and Disease, Molecules of Life, Biotech and Nanotech, and Structures and Structure Determination) and searchable by keyword. A biennial health focus frames new resource creation and provides topics for annual video challenges for high school students. Web analytics document that PDB‐101 materials relating to fundamental topics (e.g., hemoglobin, catalase) are highly accessed year‐on‐year. In addition, PDB‐101 materials created in response to topical health matters (e.g., Zika, measles, coronavirus) are well received. PDB‐101 shows how learning about the diverse shapes and functions of PDB structures promotes understanding of all aspects of biology, from the central dogma of biology to health and disease to biological energy.
Determining folding and binding properties of the C‐terminal SH2 domain of SHP2
Authors: Nardella Caterina , Malagrinò Francesca , Pagano Livia , Rinaldo Serena , Gianni Stefano , Toto Angelo
Published: October 2021

SH2 domains are a class of protein–protein interaction modules with the function to recognize and bind sequences characterized by the presence of a phosphorylated tyrosine. SHP2 is a protein phosphatase involved in the Ras‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway that possess two SH2 domains, namely, N‐SH2 and C‐SH2, that mediate the interaction of SHP2 with various partners and determine the regulation of its catalytic activity. One of the main interactors of the SH2 domains of SHP2 is Gab2, a scaffolding protein with critical role in determining cell differentiation. Despite their key biological role and the importance of a correct native fold to ensure it, the mechanism of binding of SH2 domains with their ligands and the determinants of their stability have been poorly characterized. In this article, we present a comprehensive kinetic study of the folding of the C‐SH2 domain and the binding mechanism with a peptide mimicking a region of Gab2. Our data, obtained at different pH and ionic strength conditions and supported by site‐directed mutagenesis, highlight the role of electrostatic interactions in the early events of recognition. Interestingly, our results suggest a key role of a highly conserved histidine residue among SH2 family in the interaction with negative charges carried by the phosphotyrosine of Gab2. Moreover, the analysis of the equilibrium and kinetic folding data of C‐SH2 describes a complex mechanism implying a change in rate‐limiting step at high denaturant concentrations. Our data are discussed under the light of previous works on N‐SH2 domain of SHP2 and other SH2 domains.
Guidelines for radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wang Rensheng , Kang Min
Published: October 2021

With the extensive application of intensity‐modulated conformal radiotherapy and the deepening of the concept of comprehensive treatment, the therapeutic effect of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the quality of life of patients have been significantly improved. However, guidelines for radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China are in short supply. Dozens of experts from the Radiation Oncology Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association and the Radiation Oncology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association have developed the publication Guidelines for radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China after discussion. The guidelines include the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical stage, treatment principle, and treatment of complications of radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Importantly, the procedure of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma has been developed, which covers the imaging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, radiotherapy localization, target area delineation, dose limitation, and plan evaluation. The guidelines will help to realize the homogenization of the diagnosis and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma among radiotherapeutic medical staff in different levels of hospitals in China, thereby improving the overall level of diagnosis and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China.
Molecular insights into the differential efflux mechanism of Rv1634 protein, a multidrug transporter of major facilitator superfamily in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Singh Garima , Akhter Yusuf
Published: October 2021

Currently, multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) is a public health crisis and a major health security threat globally. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), major facilitator superfamily (MFS) is the largest group of secondary active transporters. Along with the transport of their natural substrates, MFS proteins were involved in a drug efflux mechanism that ultimately lead to resistance against available anti‐TB drugs in Mtb. In the present study, the three‐dimensional structure model of an MFS protein, Rv1634, a probable multidrug transporter from Mtb, was generated using homology modeling. The protein structure model was found in inward‐open conformation having 14 transmembrane helices. In addition, a central transport channel was deduced across the protein, and a single binding pocket was identified halfway through the central cavity by structural alignment with the homologous protein structures. Further, Rv1634 protein was studied based on the differential structural behavior of apo and ligand‐bound forms. All the protein systems were inserted into a phospholipid bilayer to characterize the conformational dynamics of the protein using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Detailed analysis of the MD trajectories showed the diverse substrate specificity of the binding pocket for the antibiotics that caused differential movement in the ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, to which Mtb strains have now become resistant. The expulsion of the drugs outside the bacterial cell occurs through the alternating‐access mechanism of N and C‐terminal domains, which is intriguing and essential to the understanding the drug resistance mechanism in pathogenic bacteria.
Impact of Thickness and Poling Condition on Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of Pb(In0.5Nb0.5)O3–PbTiO3 Ferroelectric Crystals
Authors: Xiong Junjie , Wang Zujian , Yang Xiaoming , Su Rongbing , Long Xifa , He Chao
Published: October 2021

The alternating current poling (ACP) method has received many attentions for the improvement of the piezoelectricity of ferroelectric crystals through domain engineering with low cost and high efficiency. However, the effects of ACP and sample thickness have never been reported in ferroelectric crystals with high coercive field. Herein, the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of [001]c‐oriented Pb(In0.5Nb0.5)O3–PbTiO3 ferroelectric single crystals with different thicknesses are investigated using ACP. The highest piezoelectric coefficient d
33 (1720 pC N−1) and free permittivity ε
T
33/ε
0 (3690) are obtained for ACP samples with the thickness of 2 mm. The domain structure is significantly affected by the thickness and poling method. The 2 mm ACP samples have the more regular domain structure and smaller domain width compared with others. In addition, the decrease in coercive field is beneficial to the enhancement of the piezoelectric performance.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of eight aminoindanes: 2‐Aminoindane, N‐methyl‐2‐, 5‐methoxy‐, 5‐methoxy‐6‐methyl‐, 4,5‐methylenedioxy‐, 5,6‐methylenedioxy‐ and 5‐iodo‐2‐aminoindane, and rasagiline
Authors: Rose Amber R. , Staretz Marianne E. , Joshi Monica , Wood Matthew , Brettell Thomas A.
Published: October 2021

Rationale

Aminoindanes are one class of many new psychoactive substances that have emerged over the last decade. Analogues of 2‐aminoindane (2‐AI) are being encountered in crime laboratories and analytical data for most aminoindanes are limited. Interpretation and optimization of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry data will enhance reliability in characterizing aminoindanes.

Methods

This study focuses on the electron ionization mass spectrometric fragmentation of eight aminoindane analogues and the gas chromatographic separation of these eight aminoindane analogues using four different column stationary phases, Rxi®‐1Sil MS, Rxi®‐5Sil MS, Rxi®‐35Sil MS, and Rxi®‐624Sil MS. Split injection (25:1) was utilized and each column had the same configuration (30 m × 25 mm × 0.25 μm), with the exception of the Rxi®‐624Sil MS column (30 m × 25 mm ×1.4 μm).

Results

Mass spectra showed strong molecular ions for all aminoindanes, except for rasagiline that produced a uniquely abundant [M − 1] ion. Other characteristic fragmentation that was present for all the aminoindanes included indane and indene ions (m/z 115–117), the tropylium ion (m/z 91), and subsequent loss of diene to produce smaller ions that followed: phenyl (m/z 77), cyclopentadienyl (m/z 65), cyclobutadienyl (m/z 51), and cyclopropenyl (m/z 39).

Conclusions

Separation of eight aminoindanes was optimized, and linear retention indices were determined for the compounds on four capillary columns. Based on the retention data, all eight aminoindanes were resolved on an Rxi®‐624Sil MS column. Each aminoindane exhibited unique fragmentation ions in the mass spectra to distinguish between similar analogues. The results of this study will strengthen the analytical profiles of 2‐AI and seven analogues, assisting forensic scientists in their analysis and identification of these substances.
Practical stability for switched affine systems via time‐dependent switching function
Authors: Xu Xiaozeng , Li Yang , Zhang Hongbin , Chen Wei , Zheng Qunxian
Published: October 2021

In this article, the stability analysis of both continuous‐time switched affine systems discrete‐time switched affine systems is addressed via dwell time switching. Since the information of system states is difficult to obtain in the state‐dependent switching function, the time‐dependent switching function is considered to stabilize the switched affine system. The purpose of this article is to design a time‐dependent switching function assuring the state trajectories are globally attracted to an attractive set containing the desired equilibrium point (which is selected from a set of attainable equilibrium points). By constructing discretized Lyapunov function, a set of conditions in the framework of dwell time are designed to guarantee practical stability of the state trajectories. At last, some numerical examples are given to illustrate our method and compare it with the existing results.
Influence of Charging Parameters on the Burden Flow Velocity and Distribution on the Blast Furnace Chute Based on Discrete Element Method
Authors: Zhou Ke , Jiang Zhaohui , Pan Dong , Gui Weihua , Huang Jiancai
Published: October 2021

The charging parameters at the top of a blast furnace are key factors that influence the burden flow trajectory and burden surface. To analyze the influence of the charging parameters on the burden flow velocity and distribution, a 1:8 bell‐less blast furnace scale discrete element method model is first established. The coordinate transformation method is adopted to obtain the position information of the particles relative to the chute, and a method for calculating the burden flow density based on the number of truncated particles is proposed to determine the burden flow distribution area. The influence of charging parameters, such as the flow valve opening, chute angle, and rotating speed on the burden flow velocity and distribution is analyzed. The results indicate that changing the charging parameters will change the burden flow velocity, and that the chute angle has the greatest influence on the burden flow velocity while the influence of the other two parameters is almost negligible. Increasing the flow valve opening, chute angle and rotating speed will increase the radial movement distance of the burden flow, whereas too large flow valve opening may reduce the radial movement distance.
Treatment of acute erythroleukaemia with high‐dose cytarabine in a cat with feline leukaemia virus infection
Authors: Park Da Sol , Lee Jongbok , Song Kun‐Ho , Seo Kyoung Won
Published: October 2021

Erythroleukaemia is a malignant neoplasm of the erythroid lineage that rarely occurs in cats. It is associated with the feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), and owing to the poor prognosis, treatment is rarely reported. A 4‐year‐old female Korean domestic shorthair cat was presented with hyporexia, fever, lethargy, severe anaemia and rubricytosis. An FeLV antigen test was positive, but a subsequent polymerase chain reaction test was negative. Serum biochemistry analysis results were normal, except for slightly elevated alanine aminotransferase. The patient was tentatively diagnosed with acute erythroleukaemia, and single high‐dose (600 mg/m2) cytarabine chemotherapy was administered via constant rate infusion for 12 h a day for 5 days. After the first cytarabine administration, the clinical signs and anaemia improved, though no change was noted to other haematological parameters. The patient died of shock 16 days after the second cytarabine administration; the total survival time after diagnosis was 67 days. Post‐mortem cytological evaluation of bone marrow aspiration revealed that the myeloid/erythroid ratio was 0.49, the erythroid progenitor cells were 64% of all nucleated cells and the blast cells were 84% of the non‐erythroid cells. Histopathology images indicated that the spleen was diffusely expanded by atypical round cells, possibly erythroid precursors. This is the first case report on the prognosis and effects of high‐dose cytarabine chemotherapy for acute feline erythroleukaemia with FeLV infection. Although the clinical signs improved, the treatment was not effective. Further studies on erythroleukaemia chemotherapy protocols are required.
Antimicrobial resistance profiling and burden of resistance genes in zoonotic Salmonella isolated from broiler chicken
Authors: Das Tridip , Rana Eaftekhar Ahmed , Dutta Avijit , Bostami Md. Bayazid , Rahman Mizanur , Deb Probir , Nath Chandan , Barua Himel , Biswas Paritosh Kumar
Published: October 2021

Background

Salmonella is frequently found in poultry of which only motile serovars have zoonotic significance due to their potential to induce human gastrointestinal infections. Antimicrobial resistance, being a public health concern, the emergence of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Salmonella serotypes affecting food chain has greater impact worldwide.

Aim

Information on circulation of zoonotic Salmonella strains in commercial poultry farm level is limited in many parts of the world. This cross‐sectional study was aimed to investigate the zoonotic Salmonella strains circulating in the broiler farm environment with their detailed antimicrobial resistance profiling.

Methods

Pooled faecal samples were collected randomly from commercial broiler farms of Chattogram district, Bangladesh. Standard bacteriological procedure was followed to isolate Salmonella, and identification was confirmed by genus specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After phenotypic characterisation of resistance profile against eight antimicrobials by disc diffusion technique, all strains were screened by PCR for some selected resistance genes.

Results

Out of the 350 samples, Salmonella was isolated and identified from 86 samples. In antimicrobial sensitivity testing, more than 98.8% isolates showed resistance to ampicillin and 94.2% to tetracycline followed by enrofloxacin (56%) and ciprofloxacin (50%). Notably, 94% isolates were found to be MDR. The results of PCR assays revealed that 81.4% of the isolates were carrying the tetA gene, 19.8% the tetB and 10.47% the tetC gene. The prevalence of the isolates bearing the blaTEM, blaCTX‐M and Sul‐I gene were 95.4%, 7.0 % and 37.2 %, respectively.

Conclusion

There is a great risk to secure healthy poultry products due to the circulation of these MDR zoonotic Salmonella
Local Climate Praxis in Practice: Community Climate Action in Belfast
Authors: Slevin Amanda , Barry John , Hill Teresa , Orr James , O’Flynn Pauline , Sullivan Lynda , McLernon Richard
Published: October 2021

Highlights

Explores local climate praxis as transformative climate action with and in diverse communities across Belfast. Community climate action can tackle injustices, aid peace building and enable a just transition.
A Commoners’ Climate Movement
Authors: Stone Lucy , Montes de Oca Gustavo , Christie Ian
Published: October 2021

Highlights

The commoning approach to climate action collectively claims, creates and stewards the net-zero infrastructure. Commoning invites people to participate in the transition, to have a stake, not just a say, and shape their response.
Power in Practice: Reflecting on the First year of the Edinburgh Climate Commission
Authors: Harvey-Crawford Rosanna , Creasy Alice
Published: October 2021

Highlights

Insiders’ perspectives on the first year of the Edinburgh Climate Commission. Innovative governance, or the reproduction of existing power structures?
Academic Continuity During the Covid-19 Global Health Emergency: Education 4.0 and the Flexible-Digital Model of Tecnologico de Monterrey University in Mexico Supporting Secondary Education
Authors: Molina Arturo , Villegas Beatriz , Ochoa César Pavel , Miranda Jhonattan
Published: October 2021

Today, new teaching-learning models, methods, and programs are emerging to guarantee academic continuity in response to the current situation caused by the global health emergency (Covid-19). This work presents how the Flexible-Digital Model of Tecnologico de Monterrey University in Mexico was designed and implemented during this emergency in this institution. This work also addresses the relevant role that technology has taken during this situation, and the concept of Education 4.0 is offered as a framework to model the presented study. Finally, two case studies that were applied at the secondary education level are presented as an example of how higher education is supporting academic continuity at the secondary level.
Supporting Elementary and Secondary Education During the Pandemic: A Case Study from the National Research University Higher School of Economics
Authors: Sergey Kosaretsky , Elena Likhatskikh
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a formidable challenge to the Russian school system. Such global challenges and crises highlight the significance of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE)’s third mission: responsibility for the well-being of the community.

As one of the first universities to offer support to elementary and secondary education systems in Russia during the pandemic, the HSE relied on its ability to create new scientific knowledge and make it useful in practice to provide versatile and targeted aid for students, teachers, regional administrators, and parents across the country. There were two main vectors of HSE activity at the time of the pandemic: (1) promoting the development of the Russian education system through research, monitoring, and coordination of scholars and analysts and (2) direct work with secondary and high school stakeholders using contemporary approaches for talent development and digital tools.

The pandemic revealed the importance of developing new areas of research and analysis. In line with the first vector, the HSE focused on:

Monitoring and studying the situation and collecting and promoting university and school case studies on organizing work during a pandemic

Leading and participating in professional reflections and discussions regarding experiences and training practices in the context of a lockdown

The institution organized an array of surveys with students, teachers, parents, and representatives from regional and municipal education organizations and analyzed the results as quickly as possible. The main areas of research were problems of educational inequality and digital transformation. Based on the collected data, the Institute of Education managed to publish more than 30 analytical works between April and June of 2020.

For the second vector, the HSE developed programs that seek to expand its geographic reach, implement flexible recruitment, and digitize communication with school students. Such programs aimed at:

Training personnel while consulting with administrators and educators on the technological and legal aspects of the work of schools.

Providing online instruction and assistance for students learning software tools and preparing for exams.

Helping parents arrange support for children in the transition to distance learning.

For this period, the HSE quickly and effectively expanded cooperation with schools in Moscow and regions around Russia that the institution developed over the last 15 years. Key current projects working in this direction are:

The HSE School District

The Lyceum Distributed Schools

The Higher Students Academy

The Higher School for Parents
Initiatives to Promote School-Based Mental Health Support by Department of Educational Sciences, University of Education Under Vietnam National University
Authors: Hanh Hoang Phuong , Nam Tran Thanh , Vinh Le Anh
Published: October 2021

This chapter describes a case study of the university’s attempts to support general education institutions through the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Applying the School-Based Mental Health Collaboration, faculties from the University of Education, Vietnam National University Hanoi took a whole-school approach to promote mental health services for students all over the country via various channels. With multiple training webinars on studying and coping skills during social distancing periods for students, classroom consultation skills for teachers, initiatives from the university attracted remarkable responses from the community. Suggestions to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the efforts, including digitalization consideration, targeting and effective mobilization of resources, dissemination of learning materials, and long-term planning, are discussed in the last half of the chapter, after reviewing and evaluating their impact and potential.
A Covid-19 Response with Years in the Making: The Contribution of EAFIT University to Basic and Secondary Education in Colombia During the Pandemic
Authors: Zea Restrepo Claudia María , Leal-Fonseca Diego E. , Arango Salinas María-Antonia , Hernandez-Velez Laura
Published: October 2021

During the health emergency generated by Covid-19, EAFIT University has worked closely with the National Ministry of Education (MoE) and its Vice-Ministry of Preschool, Basic and Secondary Education, providing ideas and guidelines to 96 certified Secretaries of Education (In Colombia, Secretaries of Education are responsible for managing resources and activities for the educational sector at the province and municipality level. Province governments coordinate educational service in all their municipalities except those over 100,000 inhabitants, which can apply to be certified and become autonomous in the management of their resources) in Colombia and strengthening their capacities to autonomously address the emergency in educational institutions. This work includes the development of a national project focused on collectively defining the actions needed for the successful return to academic activities.

This experience is derived from the development, since 2012, of the UbiTAG (The name UbiTAG derives from “ubiquitous learning,” followed by tecnología–aprendizaje–gestión (“technology”–“learning”–“management”). The label was introduced in Zea et al. (2012)) model, a holistic approach to digital maturity and change management in schools that has been implemented through ongoing long-term projects in the Itagüí municipality (24 schools) and the Bogotá Capital District (383 schools). This case study will focus on the work that EAFIT has been doing during the emergency, supporting both the MoE and specific Secretaries of Education. In addition, the case will describe some aspects of the UbiTAG model that have helped to address the educational communities’ current challenges.
Astronomy with energy dependent flavour ratios of extragalactic neutrinos
Authors: Karmakar Siddhartha , Pandey Sujata , Rakshit Subhendu
Published: October 2021

Abstract

High energy astrophysical neutrinos interacting with ultralight dark matter (DM) can undergo flavour oscillations that induce an energy dependence in the flavour ratios. Such a dependence on the neutrino energy will reflect in the track to shower ratio in neutrino telescopes like IceCube or KM3NeT. This opens up a possibility to study DM density profiles of astrophysical objects like AGN, GRB etc., which are the suspected sources of such neutrinos.
A model for mixed warm and hot right-handed neutrino dark matter
Authors: Dutra Maíra , Oliveira Vinícius , de S. Pires C. A , Queiroz Farinaldo S.
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We discuss a model where a mixed warm and hot keV neutrino dark matter rises naturally. We arrange active and sterile neutrinos in the same SU(3)L multiplet, with the lightest sterile neutrino being dark matter. The other two heavy sterile neutrinos, through their out-of-equilibrium decay, contribute both to the dilution of dark matter density and its population, after freeze-out. We show that this model features all ingredients to overcome the overproduction of keV neutrino dark matter, and explore the phenomenological implications for Big Bang Nucleosynthesis and the number of relativistic degrees of freedom.
Singularities of eight- and nine-particle amplitudes from cluster algebras and tropical geometry
Authors: Henke Niklas , Papathanasiou Georgios
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We further exploit the relation between tropical Grassmannians and Gr(4, n) cluster algebras in order to make and refine predictions for the singularities of scattering amplitudes in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills theory at higher multiplicity n ≥ 8. As a mathematical foundation that provides access to square-root symbol letters in principle for any n, we analyse infinite mutation sequences in cluster algebras with general coefficients. First specialising our analysis to the eight-particle amplitude, and comparing it with a recent, closely related approach based on scattering diagrams, we find that the only additional letters the latter provides are the two square roots associated to the four-mass box. In combination with a tropical rule for selecting a finite subset of variables of the infinite Gr(4, 9) cluster algebra, we then apply our results to obtain a collection of 3, 078 rational and 2, 349 square-root letters expected to appear in the nine-particle amplitude. In particular these contain the alphabet found in an explicit 2-loop NMHV symbol calculation at this multiplicity.
Bivariate Koornwinder–Sobolev Orthogonal Polynomials
Authors: Marriaga Misael E. , Pérez Teresa E. , Piñar Miguel A.
Published: October 2021

The so-called Koornwinder bivariate orthogonal polynomials are generated by means of a non-trivial procedure involving two families of univariate orthogonal polynomials and a function $$\rho (t)$$

ρ
(
t
)

such that $$\rho (t)^2$$

ρ

(
t
)

2

is a polynomial of degree less than or equal to 2. In this paper, we extend the Koornwinder method to the case when one of the univariate families is orthogonal with respect to a Sobolev inner product. Therefore, we study the new Sobolev bivariate families obtaining relations between the classical original Koornwinder polynomials and the Sobolev one, deducing recursive methods in order to compute the coefficients. The case when one of the univariate families is classical is analysed. Finally, some useful examples are given.
Cross-reactive, natural IgG recognizing L. major promote parasite internalization by dendritic cells and promote protective immunity
Authors: Dermicik Filiz , Lopez Kostka Susanna , Tenzer Stefan , Waisman Ari , Von Stebut Esther
Published: October 2021

In cutaneous leishmaniasis, infection of dendritic cells (DC) is essential for generation of T cell-dependent protective immunity. DC acquires Leishmania major through Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated uptake of complexes comprising antibodies bound to parasites. We now assessed the development of the initial B cell and DC response to the parasite itself and if natural IgG play a role. L. major parasites display large numbers of phospholipids on their surface. Parasites were opsonized with normal mouse serum (NMS), or serum containing anti-phospholipid IgG (PL). We found that L. major bound to PL which significantly enhanced parasite phagocytosis by DC as compared to NMS. Similar results were obtained with cross-reactive human PL antibodies using myeloid primary human DC. In addition, mice infected with PL-opsonized parasites showed significantly improved disease outcome compared to mice infected with NMS-opsonized parasites. Finally, IgMi mice, which produce membrane-bound IgM only and no secreted antibodies, displayed increased susceptibility to infection as compared to wild types. Interestingly, once NMS was administered to IgMi mice, their phenotype was normalized to that of wild types. Upon incubation with IgG-opsonized parasite (IgG derived from infected mice or using PL antibodies), also the IgMi mice were able to show superior immunity. Our findings suggest that “natural” cross-reactive antibodies (e.g., anti-PL Ab) in NMS bind to pathogens to facilitate phagocytosis, which leads to induction of protective immunity via preferential DC infection. Prior L. major-specific B cell-priming does not seem to be absolutely required to facilitate clearance of this important human pathogen in vivo.

Key messages

We found that anti-phospholipid (anti-PL) antibodies enhance phagocytosis of L. major by DCs.

We also found that normal mouse sera have natural antibodies that can imitate PL specific antibodies.

Using different genetically modified mice, we found that these antibodies can be IgG, not only IgM.
A new titanium-covered transobturator tape for surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Fahrni Anne-Claude , Betschart Cornelia , de la Jolinière Jean Bouquet , Dubuisson Jean-Bernard , Feki Anis , Major Attila Louis
Published: October 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

To assess the long-term satisfaction, cure rate and safety of a new titanium-covered transobturator tape compared to polypropylene tape for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

A prospective study was conducted with 151 patients. Seventy patients underwent transobturator sling surgery with titanium tape from 2011 to 2019, and a historical control group (CG) of 81 patients was treated with a noncoated tape and underwent incontinence surgery from 1999 to 2009. We compared patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with the incontinence outcome questionnaire (IOQ).

Results

The median follow-up was 2½ years in both groups. Based on responses to the IOQ, a statistically significantly shorter time of recovery (IOQ 15: 21.3 ± 26.4 [TG], 40.2 ± 38.5 [CG], p = 0.02), improvement of sex life (IOQ 13: 34.1 ± 29.4 [TG] vs. 65.3 ± 35.6 [CG], p = 0.01) and less voiding dysfunction (IOQ 19: 30.9 ± 28.1 [CG], 9.3 ± 18.6 [TG], p = 0.01) were observed in the TG. Objectively, no postoperative urinary retention was observed in the TG, but four cases were described in the CG. Ten patients needed a reoperation for SUI in the CG compared to three in the TG (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

The titanium-covered transobturator sling had superior recovery time, improved sexual function and reduced reoperation rate compared to a historical polypropylene group.
Elevational Changes in Bacterial Microbiota Structure and Diversity in an Arthropod-Disease Vector
Authors: Aivelo Tuomas , Lemoine Mélissa , Tschirren Barbara
Published: October 2021

Environmental conditions change rapidly along elevational gradients and have been found to affect community composition in macroscopic taxa, with lower diversity typically observed at higher elevations. In contrast, microbial community responses to elevation are still poorly understood. Specifically, the effects of elevation on vector-associated microbiota have not been studied to date, even though the within-vector microbial community is known to influence vector competence for a range of zoonotic pathogens. Here we characterize the structure and diversity of the bacterial microbiota in an important zoonotic disease vector, the sheep tick Ixodes ricinus, along replicated elevational gradient (630–1673 m) in the Swiss Alps. 16S rRNA sequencing of the whole within-tick bacterial microbiota of questing nymphs and adults revealed a decrease in Faith’s phylogenetic microbial alpha diversity with increasing elevation, while beta diversity analyses revealed a lower variation in microbial community composition at higher elevations. We also found a higher microbial diversity later in the season and significant differences in microbial diversity among tick life stages and sexes, with lowest microbial alpha diversity observed in adult females. No associations between tick genetic diversity and bacterial diversity were observed. Our study demonstrates systematic changes in tick bacterial microbiota diversity along elevational gradients. The observed patterns mirror diversity changes along elevational gradients typically observed in macroscopic taxa, and they highlight the key role of environmental factors in shaping within-host microbial communities in ectotherms.
Parasite infection impairs the shoaling behaviour of uninfected shoal members under predator attack
Authors: Demandt Nicolle , Bierbach David , Kurvers Ralf H. J. M. , Krause Jens , Kurtz Joachim , Scharsack Jörn P.
Published: October 2021

A key benefit of sociality is a reduction in predation risk. Cohesive group behaviour and rapid collective decision making are essential for reducing predation risk in groups. Parasite infection might reduce an individuals’ grouping behaviours and thereby change the behaviour of the group as a whole. To investigate the relationship between parasite infection and grouping behaviours, we studied groups of three-spined sticklebacks,Gasterosteus aculeatus, varying the number of individuals experimentally infected with the cestodeSchistocephalus solidus. We studied groups of six sticklebacks containing 0, 2, 3, 4 or 6 infected individuals before and after a simulated bird attack. We predicted that infected individuals would have reduced shoaling and swimming speed and that the presence of infected individuals within a group would reduce group cohesion and speed. Uninfected fish increased shoaling and reduced swimming speed more than infected fish after the bird attack. In groups containing both infected and uninfected fish, the group behaviours were dominated by the more frequent character (uninfected versus infected). Interestingly, groups with equal numbers of uninfected and infected fish showed the least shoaling and had the lowest swimming speeds, suggesting that these groups failed to generate a majority and therefore displayed signs of indecisiveness by reducing their swimming speed the most. Our results provide evidence for a negative effect of infection on a group’s shoaling behaviour, thereby potentially deteriorating collective decision making. The presence of infected individuals might thus have far-reaching consequences in natural populations under predation risk.

Significance statement

Parasite-infected individuals often show deviating group behaviours. This might reduce the anti-predator benefits of group living. However, it is unknown whether such deviations in group behaviour might influence the shoaling behaviour of uninfected group members and thereby the behaviour of the group as a whole. By experimentally infecting sticklebacks and investigating groups varying in infection rates, we show that infected sticklebacks differ in their shoaling behaviours from uninfected sticklebacks. Additionally, the presence of infected sticklebacks within the group affected the behaviour of uninfected shoal members. We show that shoals of infected fish are less cohesive and move slower compared to shoals of uninfected fish. Furthermore, we show that the infection rate of the shoal is crucial for how the group behaves.