bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Golgi in and out: multifaceted role and journey of manganese
Authors: Kosuth Thibault , Leskova Alexandra , Castaings Loren , Curie Catherine
Published: March 2023

Manganese (Mn) is pivotal for plant growth and development but little is known about the processes that control its homeostasis in the cell. A spotlight on the pools of intracellular manganese and their cellular function has recently been gained through the characterization of new Mn transporters. In particular, transporters catalyzing the ins and outs of Mn at the various Golgi membranes have revealed the central role of the Golgi pool of Mn in the synthesis of the cell wall and as a reservoir for the numerous cellular Mn‐dependent pathways whose calibration relies on a set of Golgi‐resident transporters of the BICAT and NRAMP families.
Myopia control and prevention: From lifestyle to low‐concentration atropine. The 2022 Josh Wallman Memorial Lecture
Authors: Yam Jason C. , Zhang Xiu Juan , Kam Ka Wai , Chen Li Jia , Tham Clement C. , Pang Chi Pui
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore the findings from the Hong Kong Children Eye Study and the Low Concentration Atropine for Myopia Progression (LAMP‐1) Study. The incidence of myopia among schoolchildren in Hong Kong more than doubled during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with outdoor time decreased significantly and screen time increased. The change in lifestyle during the COVID‐19 pandemic aggravated myopia development. Low‐concentration atropine (0.05%, 0.025% and 0.01%) is effective in reducing myopia progression with a concentration‐related response. This concentration‐dependent response was maintained throughout a 3‐year follow‐up period, and all low concentrations were well tolerated. An age‐dependent effect was observed in each treatment group with 0.05%, 0.025% and 0.01% atropine. Younger age was associated with a poor treatment response to low‐concentration atropine. Additionally, low‐concentration atropine induced choroidal thickening along a concentration‐dependent response throughout the treatment period. During the third year, continued atropine treatment achieved a better effect across all concentrations compared with the washout regimen. Stopping treatment at an older age and receiving lower concentration were associated with a smaller rebound effect. However, differences in the rebound effect were clinically small across all the three concentrations studied.
Stress Distribution of Different Pedicle Screw Insertion Techniques Following Single‐Segment TLIF: A Finite Element Analysis Study
Authors: Yang Simengge , Sun Tianze , Zhang Liwen , Cong Menglin , Guo Anyun , Liu Dakai , Song Mingzhi
Published: March 2023

Objectives

At present, a variety of posterior lumbar internal fixation implantation methods have been developed, which makes it difficult for spine surgeons to choose. The stress distribution of the internal fixation system is one of the important indexes to evaluate these technologies. Common insertion technologies include Roy Camille, Magerl, Krag, AO, and Weinstein insertion techniques. This study aimed to compare the distribution of von Mises stresses in different screw fixation systems established by these insertion technologies.

Methods

Here, the three‐dimensional finite element (FE) method was selected to evaluate the postoperative stress distribution of internal fixation. Following different pedicle screw insertion techniques, five single‐segment transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) models were established after modeling and validation of the L1‐S1 vertebrae FE model.

Results

By analyzing the data, we found that stress concentration phenomenon was in all the models. Additionally, Roy‐Camille, Krag, AO, and Weinstein insertion techniques led to the great stress on lumbar vertebra, intervertebral disc, and screw‐rod fixation systems. Therefore, we hope that the results can provide ideas for clinical work and development of pedicle screws in the future. It is worth noting that flexion, unaffected side lateral bending, and affected side axial rotation should be limited for the patients with cages implanted.

Conclusions

Overall, our method obtained the results that Magerl insertion technique was the relatively safe approach for pedicle screw implantation due to its relatively dispersive stress in TLIF models.
Tilapia lake virus disease: Vaccine strategies to control the threat to tilapia aquaculture
Authors: Lakshmi Sreeja , Smith David , Dong Ha Thanh , Thompson Kim D. , Elumalai Preetham
Published: March 2023

Since the first report of a novel disease caused by tilapia lake virus (TiLV) in 2014, the disease (TiLVD) has gained considerable attention as one of the most devastating viral diseases in tilapia aquaculture globally. The virus is both highly virulent and transmissible and has been detected in many countries worldwide. It poses a severe threat to the global tilapia aquaculture industry, food security and many people's livelihoods in low and middle‐income countries. The absence of effective treatment strategies and inadequate biosecurity measures means the virus's rapid spread is likely to continue. Vaccination has proven to be an effective approach to preventing and controlling disease in finfish aquaculture. The vaccine's efficacy and the delivery system's suitability are essential for evoking an appropriate immune response against the pathogen. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the strategies being used to develop vaccines for TiLVD. Nanovaccines, which offer a new approach to prevent TiLVD in farmed tilapia, are also discussed.
Respiratory muscle metabolic activity on PET/CT correlates with obstructive ventilatory defect severity and prognosis in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery
Authors: El Husseini Kinan , Baste Jean‐Marc , Bouyeure‐Petit Anne‐Charlotte , Lhuillier Elodie , Cuvelier Antoine , Decazes Pierre , Vera Pierre , Similowski Thomas , Patout Maxime
Published: March 2023

Background and Objective

Respiratory muscle activity is increased in patients with chronic respiratory disease. 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT can assess respiratory muscle activity. We hypothesized that respiratory muscles metabolism was correlated to lung function impairment and was associated to prognosis in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery based on the research question whether respiratory muscle metabolism quantitatively correlates with the severity of lung function impairment in patients? Does respiratory muscle hypermetabolism have prognostic value?

Methods

Patients undergoing 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT and pulmonary function tests prior to lung cancer surgery were identified. Maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVm) were measured in each respiratory muscle group (sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, diaphragm), normalized against deltoid SUVm. Respiratory muscle hypermetabolism was defined as SUVm >90th centile in any respiratory muscle group. Clinical outcomes were collected from a prospective cohort.

Results

One hundred fifty‐six patients were included, mostly male [110 (71%)], 53 (34%) with previous diagnosis of COPD. Respiratory muscle SUVm were: scalene: 1.84 [1.51–2.25], sternocleidomastoid 1.64 [1.34–1.95], intercostal 1.01 [0.84–1.16], diaphragm 1.79 [1.41–2.27]. Tracer uptake was inversely correlated to FEV1 for the scalene (r = −0.29, p < 0.001) and SCM (r = −0.17, p = 0.03) respiratory muscle groups and positively correlated to TLC for the scalene (r = 0.17, p = 0.04). Respiratory muscle hypermetabolism was found in 45 patients (28.8%), who had a lower VO2 max (15.4 [14.2–17.5] vs. 17.2 mL/kg/min [15.2–21.1], p = 0.07) and poorer overall survival when adjusting to FEV1% (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our findings show respiratory muscle hypermetabolism is associated with lung function impairment and has prognostic significance. 18F‐FDG/PET‐CT should be considered as a tool for assessing respiratory muscle activity and to identify high‐risk patients.
A system dynamics model of the COVID‐19 pandemic considering risk perception: A case study of Iran
Authors: Korzebor Mohammadreza , Nahavandi Nasim
Published: March 2023

The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has become a complex issue around the world. As the disease advancing and death rates are continuously increasing, governments are trying to control the situation by implementing different response policies. In order to implement appropriate policies, we need to consider the behavior of the people. Risk perception (RP) is a critical component in many health behavior change theories studies. People's RP can shape their behavior. This research presents a system dynamics (SD) model of the COVID‐19 outbreak considering RP. The proposed model considers effective factors on RP, including different media types, awareness, and public acceptable death rate. In addition, the simplifying assumption of permanent immunity due to infection has been eliminated, and reinfection is considered; thus, different waves of the pandemic have been simulated. Using the presented model, the trend of advancing and death rates due to the COVID‐19 pandemic in Iran can be predicted. Some policies are proposed for pandemic management. Policies are categorized as the capacity of hospitals, preventive behaviors, and accepted death rate. The results show that the proposed policies are effective. In this case, reducing the accepted death rate was the most effective policy to manage the pandemics. About 20% reduction in the accepted death rate causes about 23% reduction in cumulative death and delays at epidemic peak. The mean daily error in predicting the death rate is less than 10%.
Global inequities in the prevalence of undernourishment
Authors: Mejia Steven A.
Published: March 2023

Objective

This research draws on the theory of unequal exchange to help explain global inequities in the prevalence of undernourishment (PoU).

Methods

I evaluate the proposition that the vertical flow of exports to high‐income countries exerts harmful effects on undernourishment in less‐developed countries using fixed effects estimation and generalized least squares random effects tobit panel regression models.

Results

Insights from the theory of unequal exchange help advance our understanding of global inequities in the PoU.

Conclusion

This analysis contributes to an emerging body of literature suggesting that this unique form of global economic integration exerts harmful effects on health outcomes in less‐developed countries.
Transplantation and immigration: Comparing infectious complications and outcomes between foreign‐born and US‐born kidney transplant recipients in Minnesota
Authors: Ordaya Eloy E. , Shaughnessy Megan , Elkin Baila , Husmann Rachel L. , Stauffer Jacob C. , Luengas Elizabeth M. , Chang Bickey H. , Tessier Katelyn M. , Walker Patricia F. , Stauffer William M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Foreign‐born kidney transplant recipients (FBKTRs) are at increased risk for reactivation of latent infections that may impact outcomes. We aimed to compare the etiology of infections and outcomes between FBKTR and United States KTRs (USKTR).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent kidney transplantation between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018 at two transplant centers in Minnesota. Frequency and etiology of infections as well as outcomes (graft function, rejection, and patient survival) at 1‐year post‐transplant between FBKTR and USKTR were compared.

Results

Of the 573 transplant recipients, 124 (21.6%) were foreign‐born and 449 (78.4%) US‐born. At least one infection occurred in 411 (71.7%) patients (38.2% bacterial, 55% viral, 9.4% fungal). Viral infections were more frequent in FBKTR, particularly BK viremia (38.7% vs. 21.2%, p < .001). No statistical differences were found for bacterial or fungal infections; no parasitic infections were identified in either group. No geographically‐restricted infections were noted aside from a single case of Madura foot in a FBKTR. Rejection episodes were more common in USKTR (p = .037), but stable/improving graft function (p = .976) and mortality (p = .451) at 1‐year posttransplantation were similar in both groups. After adjusting for covariates, previous transplantation was associated with a higher number of infections (IRR 1.35, 95% confidence intervals 1.05–1.73, p = .020).

Conclusion

Although viral infections were more frequent in FBKTR, overall frequency and etiology of most infections and outcomes were similar between FBKTR and USKTR suggesting that comprehensive transplant care is providing timely prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of latent infections in FBKTR.

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Dorsal duplication of paw pads in the four limbs of a cat
Authors: Ginel Pedro J. , Martínez Carmen , Novales Manuel , Mozos Elena
Published: March 2023

An approximately one‐year‐old intact male domestic short hair cat was presented with plantigrade stance and dorsally duplicated paw pads in all limbs covered by hyperkeratotic material. True nails were rudimentary and located between the dorsal and ventral digital pads. Histologically, the biopsied duplicated dorsal paw pad was completely developed (paw pad choristoma).
TET2 confers a mechanistic link of microRNA‐210 and mtROS in hypoxia‐suppressed spontaneous transient outward currents in uterine arteries of pregnant sheep
Authors: Hu Xiang‐Qun , Song Rui , Dasgupta Chiranjib , Blood Arlin B. , Zhang Lubo
Published: March 2023

Hypoxia during pregnancy impairs uterine vascular adaptation via microRNA‐210 (miR‐210)‐mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) generation. TET methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) participates in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress and its deficiency contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple cardiovascular diseases. Thus, we hypothesize a role of TET2 in hypoxia/miR‐210‐mediated mtROS suppressing spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) in uterine arteries. We found that gestational hypoxia downregulated TET2 in uterine arteries of pregnant sheep and TET2 was a target of miR‐210. Knockdown of TET2 with small interfering RNAs suppressed mitochondrial respiration, increased mtROS, inhibited STOCs and elevated myogenic tone. By contrast, overexpression of TET2 negated hypoxia‐ and miR‐210‐induced mtROS. The effects of TET2 knockdown in uterine arteries on mtROS, STOCs and myogenic contractions were blocked by the mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant MitoQ. In addition, the recovery effects of inhibiting endogenous miR‐210 with miR‐210‐LNA on hypoxia‐induced suppression of STOCs and augmentation of myogenic tone were reversed by TET2 knockdown in uterine arteries. Together, our study reveals a novel mechanistic link between the miR‐210‐TET2‐mtROS pathway and inhibition of STOCs and provides new insights into the understanding of uterine vascular maladaptation in pregnancy complications associated with gestational hypoxia.

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Key points

Gestational hypoxia downregulates TET methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) in uterine arteries of pregnant sheep.

TET2 is a downstream target of microRNA‐210 (miR‐210) and miR‐210 mediates hypoxia‐induced TET2 downregulation.

Knockdown of TET2 in uterine arteries recapitulates the effect of hypoxia and miR‐210 and impairs mitochondrial bioenergetics and increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) .

Overexpression of TET2 negates the effect of hypoxia and miR‐210 on increasing mtROS.

TET2 knockdown reiterates the effect of hypoxia and miR‐210 and suppresses spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) and elevates myogenic tone, and these effects are blocked by MitoQ.

Knockdown of TET2 reverses the miR‐210‐LNA‐induced reversal of the effects of hypoxia on STOCs and myogenic tone in uterine arteries.
A Numerical Study on the Influence of Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure on Brain Folding
Authors: Jafarabadi Fatemeh , Wang Shuolun , Holland Maria A.
Published: March 2023

Over the past decades, the buckling instability of layered materials has been the subject of analytical, experimental, and numerical research. These systems have traditionally been considered with stress-free surfaces, and the influence of surface pressure is understudied. In this study, we developed a finite element model of a bilayer experiencing compression, and found that it behaves differently under surface pressure. We investigated the onset of buckling, the initial wavelength, and the post-buckling behavior of a bilayer system under two modes of compression (externally applied and internally generated by growth). Across a wide range of stiffness ratios, 1 < μf/μs < 100, we observed decreased stability in the presence of surface pressure, especially in the low-stiffness-contrast regime, μf/μs < 10. Our results suggest the importance of pressure boundary conditions for the stability analysis of bilayered systems, especially in soft and living matter physics, such as folding of the cerebral cortex under cerebrospinal fluid pressure, where pressure may affect morphogenesis and buckling patterns.
Challenges in Geometry Assurance for Composites Manufacturing
Authors: Toyoda Diogo , Wärmefjord Kristina , Söderberg Rikard
Published: March 2023

Composite materials are well known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, but their unique manufacturing process presents some challenges and is a source of geometric variations. To minimize the effects of such variations in the final product is the main goal of geometry assurance. To achieve that, variation simulation tools are used to predict variations and optimize manufacturing parameters, to ensure a robust design. In this paper, the most common variation sources linked to the manufacturing process are discussed. Then, variation simulation tools and features for parts and assemblies are presented. Applicability for composites of existing tools and other studies for metallic parts is compared. Finally, future challenges in variation simulation for composites are discussed.
Structure evolution and mechanical properties of Al-alloyed tantalum diboride films prepared by magnetron sputtering co-deposition
Authors: Šroba Viktor , Fiantok Tomáš , Truchlý Martin , Roch Tomáš , Grančič Branislav , Viskupová Katarína , Satrapinskyy Leonid , Švec Peter , Nagy Štefan , Izai Vitalii , Kúš Peter , Mikula Marián
Published: March 2023

Alloying of transition metal diborides with other metals seems to be a suitable way to maintain their excellent mechanical properties under high-temperature loads. Here, we focus on the perspective tantalum diboride (TaB2) hard film, where we investigate the effect of aluminum alloying on the thermally induced structural evolution and mechanical properties of α-Ta1−xAlxB2 using a combination of density functional theory and experiments. Ab initio calculations predict a strong tendency toward the spinodal phase decomposition of the α-TaAlB2 solid solution into isostructural binaries in the entire concentration range at T = 0 K. However, an increase in temperature (T > 773 K) leads to stabilization of the α-Ta1−xAlxB2 solid solution at x < 0.5. The experimental results of magnetron co-sputtered Ta0.75Al0.25B2.14 and Ta0.69Al0.31B2.16 films with aluminum concentrations of 8 and 12.5 at. %, respectively, confirm the insolubility of aluminum in the TaB2 phase. The structure has a nanocomposite character formed by α-TaB2 nanofilaments surrounded by an Al-rich tissue phase. The films are structurally stable up to 1200 °C, but Al atoms already begin to diffuse from the boundary regions when the temperature exceeds 1000 °C. Al alloying causes a decrease in hardness, since the hardness of the reference as-deposited TaB1.21, Ta0.75Al0.25B2.14, and Ta0.69Al0.31B2.16 films is 34, 28, and 27 GPa, respectively. Exposing the films to high temperatures does not lead to a hardening effect; the hardness of Al-depleted films annealed at a temperature of 1200 °C decreased by approximately 10%. The decrease in Young's modulus from 420 GPa (TaB1.21) to 370 GPa (Ta0.69Al0.31B2.16) indicates a tendency toward the ductile behavior of Al alloyed films under mechanical load.
Type-II band alignment for atomic layer deposited HfSiO4 on α-Ga2O3
Authors: Xia Xinyi , Li Jian-Sian , Wen Zhuoqun , Khan Kamruzzaman , Khan Md Irfan , Ahmadi Elaheh , Oshima Yuichi , Hays David C. , Ren Fan , Pearton S. J.
Published: March 2023

There is increasing interest in α-polytype Ga2O3 for power device applications, but there are few published reports on dielectrics for this material. Finding a dielectric with large band offsets for both valence and conduction bands is especially challenging given its large bandgap of 5.1 eV. One option is HfSiO4 deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD), which provides conformal, low damage deposition and has a bandgap of 7 eV. The valence band offset of the HfSiO4/Ga2O3 heterointerface was measured using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The single-crystal α-Ga2O3 was grown by halide vapor phase epitaxy on sapphire substrates. The valence band offset was 0.82 ± 0.20 eV (staggered gap, type-II alignment) for ALD HfSiO4 on α-Ga0.2O3. The corresponding conduction band offset was −2.72 ± 0.45 eV, providing no barrier to electrons moving into Ga2O3.
Rapid movements at segment boundaries
Authors: Svensson Lundmark Malin
Published: March 2023

This paper reports on a one-to-one aspect of the articulatory-acoustic relationship, explaining how acoustic segment boundaries are a result of the rapid movements of the active articulators. In the acceleration profile, these are identified as acceleration peaks, which can be measured. To test the relationship, consonant and vowel segment durations are compared to articulatory posture intervals based on acceleration peaks, and time lags are measured on the alignment of the segment boundaries to the acceleration peaks. Strong relationships and short time lags are expected when the acceleration peaks belong to crucial articulators, whereas weak relationships are expected when the acceleration peaks belong to non-crucial articulators. The results show that lip posture intervals are indeed strongly correlated with [m], and tongue tip postures are strongly correlated with [n]. This is confirmed by the time lag results, which also reveal that the acoustic boundaries precede the acceleration peaks. Exceptions to the predictions are attributed to the speech material or the joint jaw-lip control unit. Moreover, the vowel segments are strongly correlated with the consonantal articulators while less correlated with the tongue body, suggesting that acceleration of crucial consonantal articulators determines not only consonant segment duration but also vowel segment duration.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website.
A bispecific glycopeptide spatiotemporally regulates tumor microenvironment for inhibiting bladder cancer recurrence
Authors: An Hong-Wei , Hou Da-Yong , Yang Jia , Wang Zi-Qi , Wang Man-Di , Zheng Rui , Zhang Ni-Yuan , Hu Xing-Jie , Wang Zhi-Jia , Wang Lu , Liu Di , Hao Jun-Feng , Xu Wanhai , Zhao Yuliang , Wang Hao
Published: March 2023

Up to 75% of bladder cancer patients suffer from recurrence due to postoperative tumor implantation. However, clinically used Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment failed to inhibit the recurrence. Here, we report a bispecific glycopeptide (bsGP) that simultaneously targets CD206 on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and CXCR4 on tumor cells. bsGP repolarizes protumoral M2-like TAMs to antitumor M1-like that mediated cytotoxicity and T cell recruitment. Meanwhile, bsGP is cleaved by the MMP-2 enzyme to form nanostructure for the long-term inhibition of CXCR4 downstream signaling, resulting in reduced tumor metastasis and promoted T cell infiltration. In orthotopic bladder tumor models, bsGP reduced the postoperative recurrence rate to 22%. In parallel, the recurrence rates of 89 and 78% were treated by doxycycline and BCG used in clinic, respectively. Mechanistic studies reveal that bsGP reduces the matrix microenvironment barrier, increasing the spatially redirected CD8
+
T cells to tumor cells. We envision that bis-targeting CD206 and CXCR4 may pave the way to inhibit tumor metastasis and recurrence.
Sweat as a diagnostic biofluid
Authors: Yang Da Som , Ghaffari Roozbeh , Rogers John A.
Published: March 2023

Skin-interfaced microfluidic systems help assess health status and chemical exposure
Pyrocumulonimbus affect average stratospheric aerosol composition
Authors: Katich J. M. , Apel E. C. , Bourgeois I. , Brock C. A. , Bui T. P. , Campuzano-Jost P. , Commane R. , Daube B. , Dollner M. , Fromm M. , Froyd K. D. , Hills A. J. , Hornbrook R. S. , Jimenez J. L. , Kupc A. , Lamb K. D. , McKain K. , Moore F. , Murphy D. M. , Nault B. A. , Peischl J. , Perring A. E. , Peterson D. A. , Ray E. A. , Rosenlof K. H. , Ryerson T. , Schill G. P. , Schroder J. C. , Weinzierl B. , Thompson C. , Williamson C. J. , Wofsy S. C. , Yu P. , Schwarz J. P.
Published: March 2023

Pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) are wildfire-generated convective clouds that can inject smoke directly into the stratosphere. PyroCb have been tracked for years, yet their apparent rarity and episodic nature lead to highly uncertain climate impacts. In situ measurements of pyroCb smoke reveal its distinctive and exceptionally stable aerosol properties and define the long-term influence of pyroCb activity on the stratospheric aerosol budget. Analysis of 13 years of airborne observations shows that pyroCb are responsible for 10 to 25% of the black carbon and organic aerosols in the “present-day” lower stratosphere, with similar impacts in both the North and South Hemispheres. These results suggest that, should pyroCb increase in frequency and/or magnitude in future climates, they could generate dominant trends in stratospheric aerosol.
Iron stress threatens Southern Ocean phytoplankton
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: March 2023

Lack of the nutrient limits the plants’ productivity, key to climate and ecosystems
Neisseria meningitidis Sibling Small Regulatory RNAs Connect Metabolism with Colonization by Controlling Propionate Use
Authors: Man-Bovenkerk Sandra , Schipper Kim , van Sorge Nina M. , Speijer Dave , van der Ende Arie , Pannekoek Yvonne
Published: March 2023

Neisseria meningitidis
colonizes the human nasopharynx, forming a reservoir for the sporadic occurrence of epidemic invasive meningococcal disease like septicemia and meningitis. Propionic acid generated by other bacteria that coinhabit the human nasopharynx can be utilized by meningococci for replication in this environment.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Oceanotoga
sp. Strain T3B (DSM 15011)
Authors: Farrell Anne A. , Zhaxybayeva Olga , Nesbø Camilla L.
Published: March 2023

Oceanotoga
sp. strain T3B was isolated from an estuarine sinkhole in the Bahamas. Here, we report its complete genome, which is currently the only sequenced genome from the genus
Oceanotoga
. The genome sequence provides new data for the genus
Oceanotoga
.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Escherichia coli Strain Isolated from Laboratory Mouse Stool for Use as a Chassis for Transgene Delivery to the Murine Microbiome
Authors: Siguenza Nicole , Russell Baylee J. , Richter R. Alexander , Zarrinpar Amir
Published: March 2023

Tools to explore functional changes in the microbiome are limited. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a strain of
Escherichia coli
that was isolated from murine stool. This sequence will provide essential information to further develop this tool, and similar tools, to explore the complex murine microbiome.
Draft Genome Sequences of Marine Bacteria, Degraders of the Sulfated Polysaccharide Ulvan, Extracted from a Green Alga, Ulva meridionalis
Authors: Bhakta Bubai , Satoh Miho , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: March 2023

We present the draft genome sequences of bacterial strains of the genera
Alteromonas
and
Tenacibaculum
. Polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs) were found in all of the ulvan utilizers. Comparison of the PULs will elucidate the degradation pathway for ulvan.
Transitioning from Soil to Host: Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Burkholderia pseudomallei Response to Different Niches
Authors: Ghazali Ahmad-Kamal , Firdaus-Raih Mohd , Uthaya Kumar Asqwin , Lee Wei-Kang , Hoh Chee-Choong , Nathan Sheila
Published: March 2023

Burkholderia pseudomallei
, a soil-dwelling bacterium, is the causative agent of melioidosis, a fatal infectious disease of humans and animals. The bacterium has a large genome consisting of two chromosomes carrying genes that encode proteins with important roles for survival in diverse environments as well as in the infected host.
Efficacy of first dose of covid-19 vaccine versus no vaccination on symptoms of patients with long covid: target trial emulation based on ComPaRe e-cohort
Authors: Tran Viet-Thi , Perrodeau Elodie , Saldanha Julia , Pane Isabelle , Ravaud Philippe
Published: March 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of covid-19 vaccination on the severity of symptoms in patients with long covid.

Design

Target trial emulation based on ComPaRe e-cohort.

Data source

ComPaRe long covid cohort, a nationwide e-cohort (ie, a cohort where recruitment and follow-up are performed online) of patients with long covid, in France.

Methods

Adult patients (aged ≥18 years) enrolled in the ComPaRe cohort before 1 May 2021 were included in the study if they reported a confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptoms persistent for >3 weeks after onset, and at least one symptom attributable to long covid at baseline. Patients who received a first covid-19 vaccine injection were matched with an unvaccinated control group in a 1:1 ratio according to their propensity scores. Number of long covid symptoms, rate of complete remission of long covid, and proportion of patients reporting an unacceptable symptom state at 120 days were recorded.

Results

910 patients were included in the analyses (455 in the vaccinated group and 455 in the control group). By 120 days, vaccination had reduced the number of long covid symptoms (mean 13.0 (standard deviation 9.4) in the vaccinated groupv14.8 (9.8) in the control group; mean difference −1.8, 95% confidence interval −3.0 to −0.5) and doubled the rate of patients in remission (16.6%v7.5%, hazard ratio 1.93, 95% confidence interval 1.18 to 3.14). Vaccination reduced the effect of long covid on patients' lives (mean score on the impact tool 24.3 (standard deviation 16.7)v27.6 (16.7); mean difference −3.3, 95% confidence interval −5.7 to −1.0) and the proportion of patients with an unacceptable symptom state (38.9%v46.4%, risk difference −7.4%, 95% confidence interval −14.5% to −0.3%). In the vaccinated group, two (0.4%) patients reported serious adverse events requiring admission to hospital.

Conclusion

In this study, covid-19 vaccination reduced the severity of symptoms and the effect of long covid on patients' social, professional, and family lives at 120 days in those with persistent symptoms of infection.
Major trauma among E-Scooter and bicycle users: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Clough Richard Alexander , Platt Esther , Cole Elaine , Wilson Mark , Aylwin Christopher
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To determine the incidence, demographics and injury patterns involved in E-Scooter-related hospital admissions due to significant trauma compared with bicycle-related trauma within England and Wales. To compare morbidity and mortality between groups.

Design

A retrospective cohort study based on data which has been prospectively collected and submitted to the UK Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) registry.

Setting

Major trauma centres and trauma units within England and Wales.

Participants

Patients of any age who were admitted to hospitals in England and Wales with injuries following E-Scooter or bicycle incidents between the dates 1 January 2021–31 December 2021. All patients must have met TARN database inclusion criteria.

Outcomes

In-hospital mortality, critical care admission and length of stay (LoS), hospital LoS and discharge destination.

Results

There were 293 E-Scooter trauma incidents compared with 2538 bicycle incidents. E-Scooter users were more likely to be admitted to a major trauma centre (p=0.019) or a critical care unit (p<0.001). Serious head and limb trauma (Abbreviated Injury Scale >2) occurred more frequently among the E-Scooter cohort (35.2% vs 19.7%, p<0.001 and 39.9% vs 27.2%, p<0.001, respectively) while serious chest and pelvic trauma were greater among bicycle users (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Over one-third of E-Scooter injuries were incurred outside the current legislation by patients who were intoxicated by alcohol and drugs (26%, 75/293) or under the age of 17 (14%, 41/293).

Conclusions

These early results suggest a greater relative incidence of serious trauma and an alternative pattern of injury among E-Scooter users compared with bicycles.

Trial registration number

TARN210101.
Quantification of camelina germination niche to combined salinity and temperature stresses using a halothermal time model
Authors: Hosseini Sanehkoori Fatemeh , Bakhshandeh Esmaeil , Pirdashti Hemmatollah , Abdellaoui Raoudha , Boughalleb Fayçal , Gholamhosseini Mobina
Published: March 2023

The present work was carried out to quantify camelina germination niche under salinity and temperature ( T) stress using halotime and halothermal time models. Seed germination ( SG) time courses were recorded at six constant temperatures (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C) and at each of the following levels of NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM). Halotime model could well describe the germination time courses across a range of NaCl concentrations ( R2 = 0.79–0.91). The median base NaCl concentration was approximately constant (231 mM) at suboptimal T followed by a linear decrease, with the rate of 17.4 mM °C−1, under supra-optimal T. However, the germination rate increased with increasing T, reaching its maximum at a fixed optimum temperature ( To = 20 °C), independent of NaCl concentration. Then it decreased linearly for T >  To and intercepted the x-axis at the ceiling temperature values of 33.5 °C, 30 °C, 28 °C, 25 °C, and 22 °C under 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl, respectively. Consequently, based on model estimation the adequate soil T for SG of camelina should be in the range of 0.4 °C–33.5 °C, and the To is 20 °C. Besides, the salinity should be less than 231 mM.
Production of $$X_b$$ via $$\Upsilon (5S, 6S)$$ radiative decays
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yun , Cai Zu-Xin , Li Gang , Liu Shi-Dong , An Chun-Sheng , Xie Ju-Jun
Published: March 2023

We investigate the production of $$X_b$$

X
b

in the process $$\Upsilon (5S,6S)\rightarrow \gamma X_b$$

Υ

(
5
S
,
6
S
)

→
γ

X
b

, where $$X_b$$

X
b

is assumed to be a $$B {\bar{B}}^*$$

B

B

¯

∗

molecular state. Two kinds of meson loops of $$B^{(*)}{\bar{B}}^{(*)}$$

B

(

∗
)

B

¯

(

∗
)

and $$B_1^{\prime }{\bar{B}}^{(*)}$$

B
1
′

B

¯

(

∗
)

were considered. To explore the rescattering mechanism, we calculated the relevant branching ratios using the effective Lagrangian based on the heavy quark symmetry. The branching ratios for the $$\Upsilon (5S,6S) \rightarrow \gamma X_b$$

Υ

(
5
S
,
6
S
)

→
γ

X
b

were found to be at the orders of $$10^{-7} \sim 10^{-6}$$

10

-
7

∼

10

-
6

. Such sizeable branching ratios might be accessible at BelleII, which would provide important clues to the inner structures of the exotic state $$X_b$$

X
b

.
"BETTER HOPE, LESS DEPRESSED": THE POTENTIAL MEDIATING ROLE OF PATHWAYS THINKING BETWEEN NEGATIVE EMOTIONS AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG CHINESE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: CHAN STEPHEN CHEONG YU , HUANG QI LU
Published: March 2023

Depression is a significant public health issue, particularly in young adults of university age, and it is important to explore a protective factor to minimize the adverse effects of negative emotions. This study examined the mediating role of two hope components, agency thinking and pathways thinking, in the association between negative emotions and depressive symptoms in university students. Three hundred and fifteen Chinese undergraduates (211 females and 104 males) participated in this study (mean age = 22.08 years; SD = 2.74). The participants were invited to complete a self-administered online questionnaire measuring negative emotions, hope and depressive symptoms. In terms of bootstrapped mediation testing, the results indicated that negative emotions were partially associated with depressive symptoms through pathways thinking, but not agency thinking. These findings consolidate the complex nature of hope, and suggest that hope (through pathways thinking in particular) can be a protective factor in terms of university students' psychological outcomes. Possible explanations and clinical implications of our findings are discussed.
LONG-STAY HOSTELS AS AN ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY OUT OF HOMELESSNESS: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES
Authors: NG FELIX SAI KIT , CHUNG YIDA YEE HA , WONG YU CHEUNG , NG WAI TUNG , CHAN JACKY KWOK KWONG
Published: March 2023

Official data shows that in 2021, there were 1,423 street sleepers in Hong Kong (excluding other forms of homelessness). However, the Hong Kong government has only subsidized a few NGOs to operate temporary shelters and homeless hostels. In this context, the Society for Community Organization pioneered a non-government-funded program called "Friend Home Hostel," a relatively long-stay hostel. This paper reports on resident profiles in this program and scrutinizes the functions of this program, drawing on data collected from a questionnaire survey and 21 in-depth interviews. The findings from this study are used to discuss the prospects and challenges of long-stay hostels that prepare residents for pathways out of homelessness. This long-stay hostel offers a social service model for the government and other NGOs by adopting a unique practice setting in which innovative and persistent intervention can promote the health and welfare of homeless people.
ENGAGING NEW GENERATION VIRTUALLY: A NEW ERA FOR SOCIAL SERVICE
Authors: LAU EDISON KA-LOK , LEE TAMMI KING-WAI , CHAN GIGI WING-CHI
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of technology, smartphones have become indispensable in our daily lives. Youths, in particular, are highly dependent on virtual technology, which is the primary means they use to interact with the outside world and acquire information. In response, the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong developed a virtual-based program namely the "Jockey Club YouChallenge Programme" (YouChallenge) for disadvantaged youth in 2017. "YouChallenge" aimed at increasing the positive and meaningful experience of disadvantaged youth through different tasks, to guide them to build a healthy living pattern by avoiding high-risk behaviors. This program was meant to be a ground-breaking intervention by implementing the online gamification strategy, and it repackaged social service as a game with different types of tasks that were then delivered to youths via a smartphone App. A pilot study was conducted to validate its impact. Results suggest that the online-gamification approach was more effective in reaching hidden youth than the conventional face-to-face approach, especially for those who could easily be neglected with conventional methods. Their pro-living index and living patterns were improved and the likelihood of high-risk behaviors was reduced. Unlike the conventional social services, this program was built on a smartphone App to get in touch with the youth and navigate them from virtual social media to reality to develop practical skills and pro-social goals in life.
Stochastic Dynamics of Suspension System in Maglev Train: Governing Equations for Response Statistics and Reliability
Authors: Jia Wantao , Luo Mingxia , Ni Fei
Published: March 2023

The suspension system of the maglev train will inevitably be disturbed by random factors such as track irregularities, which will cause random vibration of the train and even affect the safety of the train. Therefore, the research on the response and reliability of suspension system under random disturbance is crucial to its safe operation. In this paper, the response and the reliability of a suspension system are investigated using the theory and methods of stochastic dynamics. First, the magnetic gap and vertical velocity of the suspension system are random due to the random disturbance. Thus, the stochastic response is investigated through the probability density function (PDF), which is governed by the Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov (FPK) equation corresponding to suspension system. And the response statistics of the suspension system under different system parameters and disturbance intensities are analyzed by solving the corresponding FPK equation using the finite difference (FD) method. Second, random disturbance may lead to the vibration amplitude of the suspension system exceeding the safety domain and causing safety incident, which is a reliability problem in stochastic dynamical systems. The probability that response is still in the safety domain at a given time is the reliability function of the suspension system, which is governed by the backward Kolmogorov equation. The time that the response first passes through the safety domain is the first-passage time, and its n-order moment satisfies the generalized Pontryagin equation. Reliability of the suspension system is analyzed by solving these governing equations using the FD method. In addition, the results of the FD method in this paper are verified with those of Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, which shows the correctness of FD method.
Nanotechnology-Enabled Polymer-Based Nanocomposite Hybrids for Advanced Optical Applications: A Review
Authors: Chitra S. G. , Mahadeva Prasad P. , Anasuya S. J. , Gopalakrishne Urs R. , Sachhidananda S. , Nanjundaswamy G. S. , Nithin K. S.
Published: March 2023

Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are functional hybrids lying at the interface of organic and inorganic realm, whose high versatility offers numerous possibilities to develop tailor-made materials with advanced material behaviors. Accordingly, a considerate combination of optically effective additive and particle-stabilizing polymer often opens up unique design possibilities, thereby offering momentous lead in creating advanced functional materials for targeted techno-commercial applications. Accordingly, optically effective nanofillers characterized by particle size and dielectric constant of the surrounding medium-dependent surface plasmon resonance effects may induce entirely new optical functionalities (UV and visible light absorption, optical dichroism, spectral manipulation, photonic emission and so forth) in the polymeric host. Herein, we discuss the major causative factors, which enable nanostructured materials to exhibit unique properties, general introduction to nanotechnology-enabled polymer-based nanocomposites and present a comprehensive review on functional properties and related applications of PNCs, with special emphasis on optical functionalities (photonic absorption encompassing UV shielding, color switching and refractive index engineering and photonic emission covering photoluminescence and spectral manipulations). This review also sheds light on the effect of nature of filler, filler morphology, filler size and filler composition and dispersion homogeneity on optical behaviors of polymer nanocomposites.
Au Nanoparticles Angered with PVA for Nanocomposites Formation and their Evaluations
Authors: Jarad Amer N. , Hamood Farah J. , Kareem Ahmed Shayaa , Alkhafaji Mohammed Ayad , Zabibah Rahman S. , Mohammed Kahtan A. , Saxena Kuldeep K.
Published: March 2023

This research aims to prepare a nanocolloidal solution of gold and gold capped with PVA by chemical reduction method by sodium tri-citrate as a reducing agent and using gold chloride as a source of gold ions in aqueous solution at room temperature (RT). The prepared materials were diagnosed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with the elemental composition analysis by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), as well as the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The obtained results showed that the shape of the prepared particles is spherical with enhanced diameters close to 10 nanometers and with good scattering.
The sharp bound for the third Hankel determinant of the inverse of functions associated with lemniscate of Bernoulli
Authors: Surya Viswanadh G. K. , Rath Biswajit , Kumar K. Sanjay , Krishna D. Vamshee
Published: March 2023

We present the sharp bounds for the third Hankel determinant [Formula: see text] and Zalcman functional [Formula: see text] of the inverse function of the familiar subfamily of starlike functions associated with the right half of lemniscate of Bernoulli.
Investigation of NLO properties and molecular docking of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid with some benzamide derivatives
Authors: Benhalima Nadia , Khelfaoui Friha , Cherif Fatima Yahia , Benyahlou Zohra Douaa , El Houda Daho Nour , Boukabcha Nourdine , Kourat Oumria , Chouaih Abdelkader , Doumi Bendouma , Sayede Adlane
Published: March 2023

The linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid and some benzamide derivatives are determined using density functional theory. The B3LYP levels with a [Formula: see text] basis are used to geometrically optimize 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid with benzamide derivatives (DBBZM, DB1BZM, DB2BZM, DB3BZM, and DB4BZM). The low energy gap value indicates the possibility of intramolecular charge transfer. These calculations clearly show that the studied molecules can be used as attractive future NLO materials. Their first-order hyperpolarizability is found to be in the [[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] esu] range, indicating that they have significant NLO properties. Furthermore, the RDG, AIM, NBO analyses, the MEP, and gap energy are calculated. The presence of intermoleculars O–H[Formula: see text]O and N–H[Formula: see text]O is confirmed by a topological feature at the bond critical point, determined by AIM theory and NBO analyses. All of these calculations have been performed in gas phase as well as cyclohexane, toluene, and water solvents in order to demonstrate solvent effect on molecular structure and NLO properties. In a final step, a molecular docking study was performed to understand the structure–activity relationship.
Decentralized Regulation and Governance
Authors: Tan Chong Hui
Published: March 2023

Regulation and governance are generally encompassing notions referring to processes at work in cementing the structures of human sociality. Wherever there are concerns of coordinated social interactions, regulatory and governance issues will be in accompaniment. Robust developments in FinTech, pushed forward by progress in ambient technologies, have made decentralization a practical possibility across domains. Decentralization in regulation and governance is a significant emerging perspective for a digital economy.