bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designable optical differential operation based on surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Xia Daxiu , Zhi Qijun , Yang Jingxian
Published: September 2022

Various optical differential computing devices have been designed, which have advantages of high speed and low power consumption compared with traditional digital computing. In this paper, considering the reflection of a light beam through a three-layer structure composed of glass, metal and air, we propose a designable optical differential operation based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR). When the SPR is excited under certain conditions, the spin-dependent splitting in the photonic spin Hall effect (SHE) changes dramatically. We first prove theoretically that this three-layer structure can realize one-dimensional optical differential operation. By discussing the transverse beam displacement under different conditions, it is found that the designable differential operation with high sensitivity can be realized by slightly adjusting the incident angle and the thickness of metal film. We design the differentiator which can obtain the image of measured target edge in real time and get different edge effects at different times. This will provide more possible applications for autonomous driving and target recognition.
Polarization-independent 3D metasurface with complex amplitude modulation
Authors: Liu Yuncheng , Gao Hui , Fan Xuhao , Wang Xinger , Xu Ke , Jiao Binzhang , Hong Minghui , Xiong Wei
Published: September 2022

Metasurfaces, which possess unprecedented capabilities in manipulating electromagnetic wavefronts, are promising for accurate complex amplitude modulation with a compact device. However, current strategy of complex amplitude modulation based on metasurfaces focuses on anisotropic unit design which is intrinsically constrained of polarization states. In this study, we propose a design methodology of polarization-independent metasurface which comprises an array of nanocylinders with various radii and heights. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified using an optical vortex generator and a complex-amplitude hologram device. The straightforward, cost-effective, and polarization-independent design can provide robust and reliable solutions for wavefronts modulation in various optical applications.
Coupled topological edge states in one-dimensional all-dielectric heterostructures
Authors: Wei Tongtong , Wang Yueke
Published: September 2022

We theoretically propose a coupled-topological-edge-state waveguide (CTESW), which is composed of stacked binary one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystals with opposite topological properties. The CTESW modes originate from the coupling between a sequence of topological edge states (TESs), which can be verified by the coupled mode theory (CMT). Based on finite element method (FEM), the tunable multiple transmission peaks due to CTESW modes are obtained, and the optical properties of the system can be modulated by the geometric parameters. Besides, the CTESW modes can also be tuned by changing incident angle from 0° to 60° under TE and TM polarization. Moreover, considering the relationship between channel spacing and the frequency spectrum utilization, a dense wavelength division multiplex (DWDM) filter with 50 GHz channel spacing based on CTESW is designed in communication band.
Digitally tunable optical delay line based on thin-film lithium niobate featuring high switching speed and low optical loss
Authors: Ke Wei , Lin Yanmei , He Mingbo , Xu Mengyue , Zhang Jiaxiang , Lin Zhongjin , Yu Siyuan , Cai Xinlun
Published: September 2022

A tunable optical delay line (ODL) featuring high switching speed and low optical loss is highly desirable in many fields. Here, based on the thin-film lithium niobate platform, we demonstrate a digitally tunable on-chip ODL that includes five Mach–Zehnder interferometer optical switches, four flip-chip photodetectors, and four delay-line waveguides. The proposed optical switches can achieve a switching speed of 13 ns and an extinction ratio of 34.9 dB. Using a modified Euler-bend-based spiral structure, the proposed delay-line waveguide can simultaneously achieve a small footprint and low optical propagation loss. The proposed ODL can provide a maximum delay time of 150 ps with a resolution of 10 ps and feature a maximum insertion loss of 3.4 dB.
Initiation of wound healing is regulated by the convergence of mechanical and epigenetic cues
Authors: Bhatt Tanay , Dey Rakesh , Hegde Akshay , Ketkar Alhad Ashok , Pulianmackal Ajai J. , Deb Ashim P. , Rampalli Shravanti , Jamora Colin
Published: September 2022

Wound healing in the skin is a complex physiological process that is a product of a cell state transition from homeostasis to repair. Mechanical cues are increasingly being recognized as important regulators of cellular reprogramming, but the mechanism by which it is translated to changes in gene expression and ultimately cellular behavior remains largely a mystery. To probe the molecular underpinnings of this phenomenon further, we used the down-regulation of caspase-8 as a biomarker of a cell entering the wound healing program. We found that the wound-induced release of tension within the epidermis leads to the alteration of gene expression via the nuclear translocation of the DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3a). This enzyme then methylates promoters of genes that are known to be down-regulated in response to wound stimuli as well as potentially novel players in the repair program. Overall, these findings illuminate the convergence of mechanical and epigenetic signaling modules that are important regulators of the transcriptome landscape required to initiate the tissue repair process in the differentiated layers of the epidermis.
Emergence of qualitative states in synthetic circuits driven by ultrasensitive growth feedback
Authors: Melendez-Alvarez Juan Ramon , Tian Xiao-Jun
Published: September 2022

The mutual interactions between the synthetic gene circuits and the host growth could cause unexpected outcomes in the dynamical behaviors of the circuits. However, how the steady states and the stabilities of the gene circuits are affected by host cell growth is not fully understood. Here, we developed a mathematical model for nonlinear growth feedback based on published experimental data. The model analysis predicts that growth feedback could significantly change the qualitative states of the system. Bistability could emerge in a circuit without positive feedback, and high-order multistability (three or more steady states) arises in the self-activation and toggle switch circuits. Our results provide insight into the potential effects of ultrasensitive growth feedback on the emergence of qualitative states in synthetic circuits and the corresponding underlying mechanism.
Testing for association with rare variants in the coding and non-coding genome: RAVA-FIRST, a new approach based on CADD deleteriousness score
Authors: Bocher Ozvan , Ludwig Thomas E. , Oglobinsky Marie-Sophie , Marenne Gaëlle , Deleuze Jean-François , Suryakant Suryakant , Odeberg Jacob , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Trégouët David-Alexandre , Perdry Hervé , Génin Emmanuelle
Published: September 2022

Rare variant association tests (RVAT) have been developed to study the contribution of rare variants widely accessible through high-throughput sequencing technologies. RVAT require to aggregate rare variants in testing units and to filter variants to retain only the most likely causal ones. In the exome, genes are natural testing units and variants are usually filtered based on their functional consequences. However, when dealing with whole-genome sequence (WGS) data, both steps are challenging. No natural biological unit is available for aggregating rare variants. Sliding windows procedures have been proposed to circumvent this difficulty, however they are blind to biological information and result in a large number of tests. We propose a new strategy to perform RVAT on WGS data: “RAVA-FIRST” (RAre Variant Association using Functionally-InfoRmed STeps) comprising three steps. (1) New testing units are defined genome-wide based on functionally-adjusted Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) scores of variants observed in the gnomAD populations, which are referred to as “CADD regions”. (2) A region-dependent filtering of rare variants is applied in each CADD region. (3) A functionally-informed burden test is performed with sub-scores computed for each genomic category within each CADD region. Both on simulations and real data, RAVA-FIRST was found to outperform other WGS-based RVAT. Applied to a WGS dataset of venous thromboembolism patients, we identified an intergenic region on chromosome 18 enriched for rare variants in early-onset patients. This region that was missed by standard sliding windows procedures is included in a TAD region that contains a strong candidate gene. RAVA-FIRST enables new investigations of rare non-coding variants in complex diseases, facilitated by its implementation in the R package Ravages.
Machine learning with routine electronic medical record data to identify people at high risk of disengagement from HIV care in Tanzania
Authors: Fahey Carolyn A. , Wei Linqing , Njau Prosper F. , Shabani Siraji , Kwilasa Sylvester , Maokola Werner , Packel Laura , Zheng Zeyu , Wang Jingshen , McCoy Sandra I.
Published: September 2022

Machine learning methods for health care delivery optimization have the potential to improve retention in HIV care, a critical target of global efforts to end the epidemic. However, these methods have not been widely applied to medical record data in low- and middle-income countries. We used an ensemble decision tree approach to predict risk of disengagement from HIV care (missing an appointment by ≥28 days) in Tanzania. Our approach used routine electronic medical records (EMR) from the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation through 24 months of follow-up for 178 adults (63% female). We compared prediction accuracy when using EMR-based predictors alone and in combination with sociodemographic survey data collected by a research study. Models that included only EMR-based indicators and incorporated changes across past clinical visits achieved a mean accuracy of 75.2% for predicting risk of disengagement in the next 6 months, with a mean sensitivity of 54.7% for targeting the 30% highest-risk individuals. Additionally including survey-based predictors only modestly improved model performance. The most important variables for prediction were time-varying EMR indicators including changes in treatment status, body weight, and WHO clinical stage. Machine learning methods applied to existing EMR data in resource-constrained settings can predict individuals’ future risk of disengagement from HIV care, potentially enabling better targeting and efficiency of interventions to promote retention in care.
Study of the migration of Fasciola hepatica juveniles across the intestinal barrier of the host by quantitative proteomics in an ex vivo model
Authors: Becerro-Recio David , Serrat Judit , López-García Marta , Molina-Hernández Verónica , Pérez-Arévalo José , Martínez-Moreno Álvaro , Sotillo Javier , Simón Fernando , González-Miguel Javier , Siles-Lucas Mar
Published: September 2022

Fasciola hepatica is a trematode parasite that infects animals and humans causing fasciolosis, a worldwide-distributed disease responsible for important economic losses and health problems. This disease is of growing public health concern since parasite isolates resistant to the current treatment (triclabendazole) have increasingly been described. F. hepatica infects its vertebrate host after ingestion of the encysted parasite (metacercariae), which are found in the water or attached to plants. Upon ingestion, newly excysted juveniles of F. hepatica (FhNEJ) emerge in the intestinal lumen and cross the intestinal barrier, reach the peritoneum and migrate to the biliary ducts, where adult worms fully develop. Despite the efforts made to develop new therapeutic and preventive tools, to date, protection against F. hepatica obtained in different animal models is far from optimal. Early events of host-FhNEJ interactions are of paramount importance for the infection progress in fasciolosis, especially those occurring at the host-parasite interface. Nevertheless, studies of FhNEJ responses to the changing host environment encountered during migration across host tissues are still scarce. Here, we set-up an ex vivo model coupled with quantitative SWATH-MS proteomics to study early host-parasite interaction events in fasciolosis. After comparing tegument and somatic fractions from control parasites and FhNEJ that managed to cross a mouse intestinal section ex vivo, a set of parasite proteins whose expression was statistically different were found. These included upregulation of cathepsins L3 and L4, proteolytic inhibitor Fh serpin 2, and a number of molecules linked with nutrient uptake and metabolism, including histone H4, H2A and H2B, low density lipoprotein receptor, tetraspanin, fatty acid binding protein a and glutathione-S-transferase. Downregulated proteins in FhNEJ after gut passage were more numerous than the upregulated ones, and included the heath shock proteins HSP90 and alpha crystallin, amongst others. This study brings new insights into early host-parasite interactions in fasciolosis and sheds light on the proteomic changes in FhNEJ triggered upon excystment and intestinal wall crossing, which could serve to define new targets for the prevention and treatment of this widespread parasitic disease.
An evaluation of RNA-seq differential analysis methods
Authors: Li Dongmei , Zand Martin S. , Dye Timothy D. , Goniewicz Maciej L. , Rahman Irfan , Xie Zidian
Published: September 2022

RNA-seq is a high-throughput sequencing technology widely used for gene transcript discovery and quantification under different biological or biomedical conditions. A fundamental research question in most RNA-seq experiments is the identification of differentially expressed genes among experimental conditions or sample groups. Numerous statistical methods for RNA-seq differential analysis have been proposed since the emergence of the RNA-seq assay. To evaluate popular differential analysis methods used in the open source R and Bioconductor packages, we conducted multiple simulation studies to compare the performance of eight RNA-seq differential analysis methods used in RNA-seq data analysis (edgeR, DESeq, DESeq2, baySeq, EBSeq, NOISeq, SAMSeq, Voom). The comparisons were across different scenarios with either equal or unequal library sizes, different distribution assumptions and sample sizes. We measured performance using false discovery rate (FDR) control, power, and stability. No significant differences were observed for FDR control, power, or stability across methods, whether with equal or unequal library sizes. For RNA-seq count data with negative binomial distribution, when sample size is 3 in each group, EBSeq performed better than the other methods as indicated by FDR control, power, and stability. When sample sizes increase to 6 or 12 in each group, DESeq2 performed slightly better than other methods. All methods have improved performance when sample size increases to 12 in each group except DESeq. For RNA-seq count data with log-normal distribution, both DESeq and DESeq2 methods performed better than other methods in terms of FDR control, power, and stability across all sample sizes. Real RNA-seq experimental data were also used to compare the total number of discoveries and stability of discoveries for each method. For RNA-seq data analysis, the EBSeq method is recommended for studies with sample size as small as 3 in each group, and the DESeq2 method is recommended for sample size of 6 or higher in each group when the data follow the negative binomial distribution. Both DESeq and DESeq2 methods are recommended when the data follow the log-normal distribution.
Developing a machine learning-based tool to extend the usability of the NICHD BPD Outcome Estimator to the Asian population
Authors: Patel Monalisa , Sandhu Japmeet , Chou Fu-Sheng
Published: September 2022

The NICHD BPD Outcome Estimator uses clinical and demographic data to stratify respiratory outcomes of extremely preterm infants by risk. However, the Estimator does not have an option in its pull-down menu for infants of Asian descent. We hypothesize that respiratory outcomes in extreme prematurity among various racial/ethnic groups are interconnected and therefore the Estimator can still be used to predict outcomes in infants of Asian descent. Our goal was to apply a machine learning approach to assess whether outcome prediction for infants of Asian descent is possible with information hidden in the prediction results using White, Black, and Hispanic racial/ethnic groups as surrogates. We used the three racial/ethnic options in the Estimator to obtain the probabilities of BPD outcomes for each severity category. We then combined the probability results and developed three respiratory outcome prediction models at various postmenstrual age (PMA) by a random forest algorithm. We showed satisfactory model performance, with receiver operating characteristics area under the curve of 0.934, 0.850, and 0.757 for respiratory outcomes at PMA 36, 37, and 40 weeks, respectively, in the testing data set. This study suggested an interrelationship among racial/ethnic groups for respiratory outcomes among extremely preterm infants and showed the feasibility of extending the use of the Estimator to the Asian population.
Marker assisted selection for Varroa destructor resistance in New Zealand honey bees
Authors: Sainsbury James , E. Nemeth Tomi , Baldo Maria , Jochym Mateusz , Felman Crystal , Goodwin Mark , Lumsden Michael , Pattemore David , Jeanplong Ferenc
Published: September 2022

Varroa destructor is a honey bee (Apis mellifera) parasite identified as one of the leading causes of overwintering colony loss in New Zealand. It has been shown that a naturally occurring heritable trait, “Varroa Sensitive Hygiene” (VSH), confers an advantage to colonies by increasing behaviours that limit the survival and reproduction of Varroa mites. The SNP 9–9224292 is an adenine/guanine (A/G) polymorphism on chromosome 9 of Apis mellifera where the G allele was observed to be associated with VSH behaviour in North American honey bees. In this study, we sought to determine if selection for the G allele of SNP 9–9224292 could decrease Varroa mite infestation of New Zealand honey bee (Apis mellifera ligustica) colonies. We genotyped queens and tracked their colonies over summer before measuring Varroa levels at the point of autumn Varroa treatment. The mean Varroa population level in colonies headed by queens that carry two copies of VSH associated G allele of SNP 9–9224292 was 28.5% (P<0.05) lower compared with colonies headed by queens with two copies of non-VSH associated A alleles. Although a significant reduction in mite infestation was achieved in treatment colonies, conventional Varroa treatment was still required for adequate Varroa control. Considering the open mating of queens used and a lack of drift control in this study, this VSH SNP shows promise for marker assisted selection of New Zealand honey bees when aiming for innate Varroa control traits.
Nutrient sensing pathways regulating adult reproductive diapause in C. elegans
Authors: Eustice Moriah , Konzman Daniel , Reece Jeff M. , Ghosh Salil , Alston Jhullian , Hansen Tyler , Golden Andy , Bond Michelle R. , Abramowitz Lara K. , Hanover John A.
Published: September 2022

Genetic and environmental manipulations, such as dietary restriction, can improve both health span and lifespan in a wide range of organisms, including humans. Changes in nutrient intake trigger often overlapping metabolic pathways that can generate distinct or even opposite outputs depending on several factors, such as when dietary restriction occurs in the lifecycle of the organism or the nature of the changes in nutrients. Due to the complexity of metabolic pathways and the diversity in outputs, the underlying mechanisms regulating diet-associated pro-longevity are not yet well understood. Adult reproductive diapause (ARD) in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans is a dietary restriction model that is associated with lengthened lifespan and reproductive potential. To explore the metabolic pathways regulating ARD in greater depth, we performed a candidate-based genetic screen analyzing select nutrient-sensing pathways to determine their contribution to the regulation of ARD. Focusing on the three phases of ARD (initiation, maintenance, and recovery), we found that ARD initiation is regulated by fatty acid metabolism, sirtuins, AMPK, and the O-linked N-acetyl glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) pathway. Although ARD maintenance was not significantly influenced by the nutrient sensors in our screen, we found that ARD recovery was modulated by energy sensing, stress response, insulin-like signaling, and the TOR pathway. Further investigation of downstream targets of NHR-49 suggest the transcription factor influences ARD initiation through the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway. Consistent with these findings, our analysis revealed a change in levels of neutral lipids associated with ARD entry defects. Our findings identify conserved genetic pathways required for ARD entry and recovery and uncover genetic interactions that provide insight into the role of OGT and OGA.
Development and validation of a Japanese translation of the K-SF-42
Authors: Kawamoto Tetsuya , Kiire Satoru , Zambrano Rachel , Peñaherrera-Aguirre Mateo , Figueredo Aurelio José
Published: September 2022

In this study, we conducted the translation and validation of the K-SF-42 in Japan (Figueredo, 2017). The K-SF-42 is a new short form of the Arizona Life History Battery. We obtained empirical evidence that the original seven-factor structure could be applied to the Japanese translated version of K-SF-42 (K-SF-42-J). We also observed good internal consistency of the seven scales of K-SF-42-J. The multi-group confirmatory factor analysis findings suggest that the K-SF-42-J can be used in both sexes and diverse age groups. The K-SF-42-J scales showed similar correlates as the English original, with higher scores of other life history strategy measurement, trait emotional intelligence, well-being, and cultural and social resources in childhood. Use of the K-SF-42-J will allow researchers with Japanese speaking samples to integrate their findings with the existing life history strategy research literature. The brevity of the K-SF-42-J will be appealing to researchers who are concerned about taxing the time and motivation of their participants.
Emotional discourse analysis of COVID-19 patients and their mental health: A text mining study
Authors: Deng Yu , Park Minjun , Chen Juanjuan , Yang Jixue , Xie Luxue , Li Huimin , Wang Li , Chen Yaokai
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 has caused negative emotional responses in patients, with significant mental health consequences for the infected population. The need for an in-depth analysis of the emotional state of COVID-19 patients is imperative. This study employed semi-structured interviews and the text mining method to investigate features in lived experience narratives of COVID-19 patients and healthy controls with respect to five basic emotions. The aim was to identify differences in emotional status between the two matched groups of participants. The results indicate generally higher complexity and more expressive emotional language in healthy controls than in COVID-19 patients. Specifically, narratives of fear, happiness, and sadness by COVID-19 patients were significantly shorter as compared to healthy controls. Regarding lexical features, COVID-19 patients used more emotional words, in particular words of fear, disgust, and happiness, as opposed to those used by healthy controls. Emotional disorder symptoms of COVID-19 patients at the lexical level tended to focus on the emotions of fear and disgust. They narrated more in relation to self or family while healthy controls mainly talked about others. Our automatic emotional discourse analysis potentially distinguishes clinical status of COVID-19 patients versus healthy controls, and can thus be used to predict mental health disorder symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
Metal coordinating inhibitors of Rift Valley fever virus replication
Authors: Geerling Elizabeth , Murphy Valerie , Mai Maria C. , Stone E. Taylor , Casals Andreu Gazquez , Hassert Mariah , O’Dea Austin T. , Cao Feng , Donlin Maureen J. , Elagawany Mohamed , Elgendy Bahaa , Pardali Vasiliki , Giannakopoulou Erofili , Zoidis Grigoris , Schiavone Daniel V. , Berkowitz Alex J. , Agyemang Nana B. , Murelli Ryan P. , Tavis John E. , Pinto Amelia K. , Brien James D.
Published: September 2022

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a veterinary and human pathogen and is an agent of bioterrorism concern. Currently, RVFV treatment is limited to supportive care, so new drugs to control RVFV infection are urgently needed. RVFV is a member of the order Bunyavirales, whose replication depends on the enzymatic activity of the viral L protein. Screening for RVFV inhibitors among compounds with divalent cation-coordinating motifs similar to known viral nuclease inhibitors identified 47 novel RVFV inhibitors with selective indexes from 1.1–103 and 50% effective concentrations of 1.2–56 μM in Vero cells, primarily α-Hydroxytropolones and N-Hydroxypyridinediones. Inhibitor activity and selective index was validated in the human cell line A549. To evaluate specificity, select compounds were tested against a second Bunyavirus, La Crosse Virus (LACV), and the flavivirus Zika (ZIKV). These data indicate that the α-Hydroxytropolone and N-Hydroxypyridinedione chemotypes should be investigated in the future to determine their mechanism(s) of action allowing further development as therapeutics for RVFV and LACV, and these chemotypes should be evaluated for activity against related pathogens, including Hantaan virus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.
Comparison of post-COVID symptoms in patients with different severity profiles of the acute disease visited at a rehabilitation unit
Authors: Perrot Jean Claude , Segura Macarena , Beranuy Marta , Gich Ignasi , Nadal Mª Josepa , Pintor Alberto , Terra Jimena , Ramirez Eliot , Paz Luis Daniel , Bascuñana Helena , Plaza Vicente , Güell-Rous Mª Rosa
Published: September 2022

Background and aim

Studies in the literature suggest the severity of COVID-19 may impact on post-COVID sequelae. We retrospectively compared the different patterns of symptoms in relation to the severity of acute COVID-19 in patients visited at our post-COVID rehabilitation unit.

Methods

We compared respiratory, muscular, cognitive, emotional, and health-related-quality-of-life (HRQoL) measures in three groups of post-COVID patients: those who had not required hospitalization for the acute disease, those who had been admitted to a general hospital ward, and those who had been admitted to the ICU. The main inclusion criteria were persistent dyspnoea (mMRC ≥2) and/or clinical frailty (scale value ≥3).

Results

We analyzed data from 178 post-COVID patients (91 admitted to the ICU, 60 to the ward, and 27 who had not required admission) at first visit to our post-COVID rehabilitation unit. Most patients (85.4%) had at least one comorbidity. There were more males in all groups (58.1%). ICU patients were older (p<0.001). The most frequent symptoms in all groups were fatigue (78.2%) and dyspnea (75.4%). Muscle strength and effort capacity were lower in the ICU group (p<0.001). The SF36 mental component and level of anxiety were worse in patients not admitted to the ICU (p<0.001). No differences were found between groups regarding respiratory pressure but 30 of 57 patients with a decrease in maximum inspiratory pressure had not required mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

Clinical profiles of post-COVID syndrome differed between groups. Muscle parameters were lower in the ICU group but patients who had not needed ICU admission had worse anxiety and HRQoL scores. Many patients who had not required mechanical ventilation had respiratory muscle weakness.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT04852718
The impact of multi-level interventions on the second-wave SARS-CoV-2 transmission in China
Authors: He Yuanchen , Chen Yinzi , Yang Lin , Zhou Ying , Ye Run , Wang Xiling
Published: September 2022

Background

A re-emergence of COVID-19 occurred in the northeast of China in early 2021. Different levels of non-pharmaceutical interventions, from mass testing to city-level lockdown, were implemented to contain the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Our study is aimed to evaluate the impact of multi-level control measures on the second-wave SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the most affected cities in China.

Methods

Five cities with over 100 reported COVID-19 cases within one month from Dec 2020 to Feb 2021 were included in our analysis. We fitted the exponential growth model to estimate basic reproduction number (R0), and used a Bayesian approach to assess the dynamics of the time-varying reproduction number (Rt). We fitted linear regression lines onRtestimates for comparing the decline rates ofRtacross cities, and the slopes were tested by analysis of covariance. The effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) was quantified by relativeRtreduction and statistically compared by analysis of variance.

Results

A total of 2,609 COVID-19 cases were analyzed in this study. We estimated thatR0all exceeded 1, with the highest value of 3.63 (1.36, 8.53) in Haerbin and the lowest value of 2.45 (1.44, 3.98) in Shijiazhuang. Downward trends ofRtwere found in all cities, and the starting time ofRt< 1 was around the 12th day of the first local COVID-19 cases. Statistical tests on regression slopes ofRtand effect of NPIs both showed no significant difference across five cities (P= 0.126 and 0.157).

Conclusion

Timely implemented NPIs could control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 with low-intensity measures for places where population immunity has not been established.
Engineered peptide PLG0206 overcomes limitations of a challenging antimicrobial drug class
Authors: Huang David B. , Brothers Kimberly M. , Mandell Jonathan B. , Taguchi Masashi , Alexander Peter G. , Parker Dana M. , Shinabarger Dean , Pillar Chris , Morrissey Ian , Hawser Stephen , Ghahramani Parviz , Dobbins Despina , Pachuda Nicholas , Montelaro Ronald , Steckbeck Jonathan D. , Urish Kenneth L.
Published: September 2022

The absence of novel antibiotics for drug-resistant and biofilm-associated infections is a global public health crisis. Antimicrobial peptides explored to address this need have encountered significant development challenges associated with size, toxicity, safety profile, and pharmacokinetics. We designed PLG0206, an engineered antimicrobial peptide, to address these limitations. PLG0206 has broad-spectrum activity against >1,200 multidrug-resistant (MDR) ESKAPEE clinical isolates, is rapidly bactericidal, and displays potent anti-biofilm activity against diverse MDR pathogens. PLG0206 displays activity in diverse animal infection models following both systemic (urinary tract infection) and local (prosthetic joint infection) administration. These findings support continuing clinical development of PLG0206 and validate use of rational design for peptide therapeutics to overcome limitations associated with difficult-to-drug pharmaceutical targets.
Legal Protection Granted to Soldiers’ Partners in the Military Diplomas
Authors: Radulova Lyuba
Published: September 2022

The paper examines the formulas granting conubium in the military diplomas, focusing on the problem of soldiers’ relationships with women before and after their discharge. Keeping in mind the fact that between Augustus and Septimius Severus a marriage ban was imposed on soldiers in service, the study offers a reconstruction of the way in which soldiers’ de facto unions were viewed by the authorities and analyzes the legal protection against abandonment granted to soldiers’ partners by the imperial constitutions.
Challenged Universality – Kant and a Citoyenne between Stage and Scaffold
Authors: Müßig Ulrike
Published: September 2022

The universality of human rights faces the fundamental problem of the nationalized basis of their constitutionalization. Much can be said about the historical struggles to integrate females in the “all men” formulas, but what are the crucial lines of conflict? Historical answers may be found in the Kantian rightful republicanism (rechtlicher Republikanismus), denoting the legitimacy of state political structures by consistency with everyone’s freedom in accordance with universal law. “Rightful” is more precise than “legal”. Kant’s fundamental concept of right – derived from the categorical imperative among equal and free human beings – was “the possibility of [directly] connecting universal reciprocal coercion with the freedom of everyone” (Metaphysik der Sitten, Introduction, § E, 339). Of course, this paper is not so naive to transform Kant into a feminist voice; it draws the attention to the fundamental aspect of constitutional history, how to explain the relationship between the freedom of the individual and the formation of states.
Stratená prestíž a medzivojnová maďarská kultúrna diplomacia (Jej inštitucionálne a právne základy)
Authors: Balatoni Mónika , Halász Ivan
Published: September 2022

The paper focuses on the birth of Hungarian cultural diplomacy in the interwar period. Hungary had relatively high prestige in the Western liberal newspapers and journals before the first world war, but the problems with electoral reforms and minority issues dramatically changed this situation. This change together with the results of the first world war lead to the Trianon peace treaty. The Hungarian politicians planned to restore the international prestige of the country by the active cultural and scientific diplomacy. Count Kuno Klebelsberg played the crucial role in this process. He served as conservative minister of education and religion across ten years. The network of Collegium Hungaricum and the institutes for history in Berlin, Rome and Vienna represented the main form of Hungarian foreign representation. Hungary also subsided the university departments and lecturers of Hungarian language working abroad very actively this time. The parliament adopted the main legal norm of cultural policy in 1927. This norm regulated the work of cultural-scientific institutes operating abroad and also the system of Hungarian fellowships. The cultural diplomacy was the domain of the educational ministry instead the foreign office. This diplomacy represented the very successful form of foreign activities of Hungarian state.
Primary and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland: Two case reports
Authors: Zhao Xing , Hao Pengyu , Tian Jiangbei , Sun Jirun , Chen Dawei , Cui Zhehui , Xin Libo , Song Yanmin , Zhang Gang
Published: September 2022

This study reports two cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid (SCCT) presenting as the thyroid goiter, involving one case of primary squamous cell carcinoma originating from the thyroid (PSCCT) and the other case of secondary SCCT of the thyroid. A retrospective analysis of the clinical and pathological findings was done in this study report. In case 1, the thyroid ultrasound showed multi-hypoechoic well-defined nodules, labeled as 3 using Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System, measuring 34.1 mm × 28.9 mm × 30.3 mm and 26.5 mm × 22.2 mm × 23.9 mm in the left in the right lobar thyroid, respectively. The patient underwent surgery and was histologically diagnosed with PSCCT. In case 2, the thyroid ultrasound showed a 25.2 mm × 22.2 mm × 18.8 mm hypoechoic nodule in the right lobar thyroid. The patient underwent a frozen biopsy, the results of which increased suspicion of squamous cell carcinoma. A frozen biopsy was followed by an endoscopic evaluation that detected an ulcerative mass measuring 3.0 cm within the mucosa of esophagus. Due to a scarcity of cases, SCCT is a great challenge for the pathologists and the managing team to come up with the best treatment strategy for the patients.
A Mathematical Model for Blood Flow Accounting for the Hematological Disorders
Authors: Karthik A. , Kumar P.T.V. Praveen , Radhika T.S.L.
Published: September 2022

This paper considers a mathematical model that accounts for the hematological disorders of blood in its flow in human arteries. Blood is described as a Newtonian fluid but with its viscosity as a function of the hematocrit, plasma viscosity, and shape factor of the red blood cells. The artery is modeled as a flexible circular pipe with the blood flow as oscillatory. This model is solved using HAM (Homotopy Analysis Method), an approximate analytical method, and we computed expressions for wall shear stress (WSS) and volumetric flow rate. With the help of publicly available data, blood flow in the human femoral artery for male and female populations aged 19 to 60 and above years is simulated for healthy, anemia, and polycythemia cases. The model projected a significant difference in the mean volumetric flow rates in the conditions mentioned above. Results also indicated that the mean WSS of healthy and anemic populations are not significantly different. However, a significant difference in the mean has been observed in healthy and polycythemic conditions. Furthermore, a 33.3% decrease in hematocrit value from that in the normal range (taken as 0.45) of a healthy population has increased the flow rate by 33.5%. For a value 33.3% above 0.45, there is a decrease of 42.7% in the flow rate.
The Odious Haitian Independence Debt
Authors: Oosterlinck Kim , Panizza Ugo , Weidemaier Mark , Gulati Mitu
Published: September 2022

This article introduces the Haitian Independence Debt of 1825 to the odious debt and sovereign debt literatures. We argue that the legal doctrine of odious debt is surprisingly and perhaps indefensibly narrow, possibly because of historical contingency rather than any underlying logic or principle. The story of the Haitian Independence Debt of 1825 serves as an illustrative case study. In the context of telling that story, we provide estimates of the evolution of Haiti’s external debt-to-GDP ratio over 1825–2020, and discuss the implications of the independence debt for the economy of Haiti. We conclude by discussing the implications of Haiti’s Independence Debt for the doctrine of odious debt and the possibilities for Haiti to recover compensation.
In silico studies of natural product-like caffeine derivatives as potential MAO-B inhibitors/AA2AR antagonists for the treatment of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Boulaamane Yassir , Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Britel Mohammed Reda , Maurady Amal
Published: September 2022

Parkinson’s disease is considered the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease. It is described by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the mid-brain. For many decades, L-DOPA has been considered as the gold standard for treating Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms, however, due to the decrease of efficacy, in the long run, there is an urgent need for novel antiparkinsonian drugs. Caffeine derivatives have been reported several times for their neuroprotective properties and dual blockade of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and adenosine A2A receptors (AA2AR). Natural products are currently attracting more focus due to structural diversity and safety in contrast to synthetic drugs. In the present work, computational studies were conducted on natural product-like caffeine derivatives to search for novel potent candidates acting as dual MAO-B inhibitors/AA2AR antagonists for Parkinson’s disease. Our findings revealed two natural products among the top hits: CNP0202316 and CNP0365210 fulfill the requirements of drugs acting on the brain. The selected lead compounds were further studied using molecular dynamics simulation to assess their stability with MAO-B. Current findings might shift the interest towards natural-based compounds and could be exploited to further optimize caffeine derivatives into a successful dual-target-directed drug for managing and halting the neuronal damage in Parkinson’s disease patients.
Meaning differences between the inputs to syntactic blends
Authors: Ponsford Dan
Published: September 2022

When speakers combine (or blend) expressions – that is, utter them in overlapping fashion – there is usually some degree of semantic overlap between the expressions. There is much agreement on this point. Some authors have gone further and suggested that the expressions involved are usually synonyms or near-synonyms. Others have gone further still, claiming, at least implicitly, that blends always involve synonyms or near-synonyms. In this paper I show that in many cases where expressions are combined they differ substantially in meaning, in some cases even expressing distinguishable events. I show that there is regularity in the nature of the differences in meaning, and that the differences often correspond to construal distinctions identified in the cognitive linguistics literature. Four degrees of semantic overlap between combined expressions are identified: synonymy; subsumption, where the meaning of one expression encompasses that of the other as well as contributing a bit extra; partial complementarity, where each expression conveys some element of meaning not conveyed by the other; and distinctness. Despite the parsing cost to the hearer of the speaker combining two expressions rather than choosing one over the other, the many cases of partial complementarity can be seen as serving a useful purpose. By combining semantic content that is not conventionally combined the speaker can cover more of his/her intended meaning. And by combining different construals of the same semantic content (e.g. interpretive and descriptive, different viewpoints, stative and dynamic, agentive and non-agentive, etc.) the speaker can equivocate in areas where conventionally a commitment is required. Twelve recurrent meaning differences are illustrated with examples from three different datasets.
Biased, not lazy: assessing the effect of COVID-19 misinformation tactics on perceptions of inaccuracy and fakeness
Authors: Tsang Stephanie Jean
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In light of the fact that people have more opportunities to encounter scientific misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, this research aimed to examine how different types of misinformation impact readers’ evaluations of messages and to identify the mechanisms (motivated reasoning hypothesis vs. classical reasoning theory) underlying those evaluations of message inaccuracy and fakeness.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed data from an online experiment conducted in Hong Kong in March 2022, when the fifth COVID-19 wave peaked. The data were collected using quota sampling established by age based on census data (N = 835).

Findings

In general, the participants were not able to discern manipulated content from misinterpreted content. When given a counter-attitudinal message, those who read a message with research findings as supporting evidence rated the message as being more inaccurate and fake than those who read the same message but with quotes as supporting evidence. Contrary, one’s disposition to engage in analytical thinking and reasoning was not found to impact assessments of information inaccuracy and fakeness.

Implications

With respect to the debate about whether people are susceptible to misinformation because of cognitive laziness or because they want to protect their personal beliefs, the findings provide evidence of the motivated reasoning hypothesis. Media literacy programs should identify strategies to prepare readers to be attentive to personal biases on information processing.

Originality/value

Although many researchers have attempted to identify the mechanisms underlying readers’ susceptibility to misinformation, this research makes a distinction between misinterpreted and manipulated content. Furthermore, although the Cognitive Reflection Test is widely studied in the Western context, this research tested this disposition in Hong Kong. Future research should continue to empirically test the effects of different types of misinformation on readers and develop distinct strategies in response to the diverse effects found.
The naming of emotions in dispute mediators’ strategic manoeuvring: a case study using a French language corpus
Authors: Greco Sara , Cigada Sara , Jermini-Martinez Soria Chiara
Published: September 2022

This paper sets out to analyse why dispute mediators identify disputants’ euphoric and dysphoric emotions in the context of mediation discussions, turning them into “said” emotions. Our analysis is based on a corpus of seven role-played mediation sessions, which took place in French. Adopting the notion of strategic manoeuvring from argumentation studies, we consider recurring instances of the presentational device of naming emotions, as used by the mediators. Our findings show that the mediators name emotions in two ways. First, they identify dysphoric emotions that lie at the root of the parties’ conflict, making these explicit. Second, they present to the parties a trajectory of their emotions, which moves from dysphoric to euphoric through the discussion that takes place during mediation. These two presentational strategies correspond to three functions that relate to the mediator’s goal of helping the parties find a solution to their conflict: clarifying the core of the conflict, empowering the parties as co-arguers and making emotions part of an argumentative discussion.
Influence of Bacillus subtilis on the surface behavior and separation of talc and chlorite minerals
Authors: El-Sayed Samah M. , Abdalla Samah S. , Abdel-Khalek Mohamed A.
Published: September 2022

Bacillus subtilis was used as a bio-surface modifier to improve the floatability of talc mineral (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2) in the talc ore. The surface behavior of chlorite mineral as the main associated gangue with talc mineral was studied in the presence of B. subtilis using zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. The floatability of both minerals was investigated as a function of pH, contact time, and concentration of B. subtilis. The results showed that the zeta potential of the talc mineral was strongly influenced by the treatment with B. subtilis. The maximum separation efficiency of talc from chlorite was achieved at pH 4. A talc concentrate with 98% quality and about 95% recovery was prepared from a binary talc-chlorite mixture containing 85% talc under optimum conditions of 8 × 105 cells/mL B. subtilis, pH 4, 35°C, and a contact time of 10 min.
A New Tool to Effectively Control Groove Dimensions in Low-Plasticity Soils during the Casagrande Cup Liquid Limit Test
Authors: Moreno-Maroto José Manuel
Published: September 2022

One of the most commonly used methods to determine the liquid limit (LL) of soil is based on the Casagrande apparatus, in which grooving with specially designed tools is required for its determination. Given the impossibility of obtaining a groove of controlled dimensions in soils of low cohesion with the standardized flat, curved, or hollow grooving tools (thus assuming a certain degree of uncertainty in the final results obtained), this paper introduces a new grooving tool, which, in combination with the curved one, does allow obtaining grooves of equal dimensions in low-plasticity soils to those obtained with the flat tool in cohesive soils. In this sense, the application of the new tool would reduce the uncertainty in the results obtained when using the curved one in low-cohesion soils, because while it does not control the depth of the groove, the proposed device does. In addition to showing how to use this new tool correctly, a series of drawings with its dimensions are also presented to facilitate its incorporation into the LL standards as well as its acquisition by those who are interested in its use.