bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance to Ceftazidime/Avibactam in Clinical Isolates of
Enterobacterales
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Latin American Hospitals
Authors: Mojica María Fernanda , De La Cadena Elsa , García-Betancur Juan Carlos , Porras Jessica , Novoa-Caicedo Isabella , Páez-Zamora Laura , Pallares Christian , Appel Tobias Manuel , Radice Marcela A. , Castañeda-Méndez Paulo , Gales Ana C. , Munita José M. , Villegas María Virginia
Published: March 2023

In this manuscript, we determine the molecular mechanisms of ceftazidime-avibactam resistance in
Enterobacterales
and
P. aeruginosa
isolates from five Latin American countries. Our results reveal a low rate of resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam among
Enterobacterales
; in contrast, resistance in
P. aeruginosa
has proven to be more complex, as it might involve multiple known and possibly unknown resistance mechanisms.
Molecular Characterization of AZD7442 (Tixagevimab-Cilgavimab) Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Subvariants
Authors: Roe Tiffany L. , Brady Tyler , Schuko Nicolette , Nguyen Amy , Beloor Jagadish , Guest Johnathan D. , Aksyuk Anastasia A. , Tuffy Kevin M. , Zhang Tianhui , Streicher Katie , Kelly Elizabeth J. , Kijak Gustavo H.
Published: March 2023

MAbs are key therapeutic options for COVID-19 prophylaxis and treatment in immunosuppressed and vulnerable populations. Due to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, it is vital to ensure that neutralization is maintained for MAb-based interventions.
In Vitro
Evaluation of Tellurium-Based AS101 Compound against Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infectivity
Authors: Yang Tsung-Ying , Tseng Sung-Pin , Ho Han-Chen , Chen Li-Hsuan , Hsueh Po-Ren , Lu Po-Liang , Lin Chia-Hsuan , Wang Liang-Chun
Published: March 2023

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
is an obligate human pathogen responsible for gonorrhea, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The yearly increased multidrug resistance in GC has led to treatment failure clinically, suggesting an urgent need for novel therapy to combat the global health issue.
Gut Microbial Genes and Metabolism for Methionine and Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Nam Hoonsik , Park Ji In , Cho Hyunjeong , Lee Jangwook , Kim Hyo-Eun , Kim Dong Ki , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Kim Bong-Soo , Park Sunghyouk , Lee Hajeong
Published: March 2023

Whole metagenomic sequencing uncovered specific members of the gut microbiota associated with DMN. The gene families derived from the discovered species are involved in the metabolic pathways of methionine and branched-chain amino acids.
Spatiotemporal Shift of T4-Like Phage Community Structure in the Three Largest Estuaries of China
Authors: Cai Lanlan , Xu Bu , Li Huifang , Xu Yongle , Wei Wei , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2023

Viruses are ubiquitous but largely uncharacterized members of aquatic environments that cause significant mortality in microbial communities. Recent large-scale oceanic projects have greatly advanced our understanding of viral ecology in marine environments, but those studies mostly focused on oceanic regions.
Supplemental Material: Sediment routing systems to the Atlantic rifted margin of the Guiana Shield
Authors: Rouby D. , al. et
Published: March 2023

Text file with additional method information including six figures and six tables. PowerPoint file with eight slides with isopach, paleoenvironment, and lithologic maps organized for each period. 
Supplemental Material: Oligocene-Miocene northward growth of the Tibetan Plateau: Insights from intermontane basins in the West Qinling Belt, NW China
Authors: Zhang Yi-Peng , Wang Weitao , al. et
Published: March 2023

Supplemental Text S1: Demagnetization and tests. Text S2: Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) analyses. Text S3: Detrital Zircons U-Pb Ages test. Figure S1: Anhua sampling section. Figure S2: Photographs of the sampled Anhua-Huicheng Basin section. Figure S3: Orthogonal (Zijderveld) vector plots of the representative thermal demagnetization behaviors of specimens from the Anhua section. Figure S4: Equal-area plots of accepted ChRMs (185 sites) from the Anhua section in (a) geographic and (b) tilt-corrected coordinates. Figure S5: AMS data. Table S1: Main characteristics and interpretations of major sedimentary facies in this study. Table S2: Fossils were discovered along the West Qinling Belt. Table S3: Zircon U-Pb geochronological analyses. Table S4: Quantitative comparison of age distributions for the Anhua Basin (Z1&Z2; Z3&Z4). 
Shadow of a charged black hole with scalar hair
Authors: Guo Wen-Di , Wei Shao-Wen , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: March 2023

Seeking singularity free solutions are important for further understanding black holes in quantum level. Recently, a five-dimensional singularity free black hole/topological star was constructed (Bah and Heidmann in Phys Rev Lett 126:151101, 2021). Through the Kaluza–Klein reduction, an effective four-dimensional static spherically symmetric charged black hole with scalar hair can be obtained. In this paper, we study shadow of this charged black hole with scalar hair in terms of four kinds of observers, i.e., static observers, surrounding observers, freely falling observers, and escaping observers in four-dimensional spacetime. For a spherically symmetric black hole, the shadow is circular for any observer, but the shadow size depends on the motion status of the observer. On the other hand, the effect of plasma is also investigated by a simple model. The radius of the photon sphere depends on the plasma model. Most importantly, we find that the shadow sizes do not monotonically decrease with r in some cases.
Perturbations in non-flat cosmology for f(T) gravity
Authors: Bahamonde Sebastian , Dialektopoulos Konstantinos F. , Hohmann Manuel , Said Jackson Levi , Pfeifer Christian , Saridakis Emmanuel N.
Published: March 2023

The study of cosmological perturbation theory in f(T) gravity is a topic of great interest in teleparallel gravity since this is one of the simplest generalizations of the theory that modifies the teleparallel equivalent of general relativity. In this work, we explore the possibility of a non-flat FLRW background solution and perform perturbations for positively as well as negatively curved spatial geometries, together with a comparison to the flat case. We determine the generalized behaviour of the perturbative modes for this non-flat FLRW setting for arbitrary f(T) models, when the most general homogeneous and isotropic background tetrads are used. We also identify propagating modes in this setup, and relate this with the case of a flat cosmology.
An investigation on strain and magnetic properties of perovskite manganite superlattice films
Authors: Su Jianliang , Cai Chengwei , Ji Mei
Published: March 2023

The mixed-valence perovskite manganites attracted much attention because of their interesting electro-magnetic properties, and strain modulation on magnetic properties of perovskite manganites is worth exploring. In this paper, [La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]MnO3/La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]MnO3][Formula: see text] superlattice films with different La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]MnO3 layer thicknesses are prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The crystal structures (lattice constants) of samples are measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The strain of the films is determined according to their crystal structures. The magnetic hysteresis loops (M-H loops) and magnetization versus temperature (M-T) curves of these superlattice films are measured by the physical property measurement system (PPMS). From the M-H loops, the coercive field (H[Formula: see text] of the samples can be measured. From the M-T curves, the Curie temperature (T[Formula: see text] of the samples can be obtained. All samples show a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition at TC, and the [La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]MnO3/La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]MnO3][Formula: see text] sample with the La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]MnO3 layer thicknesses of 72[Formula: see text]Å has an antiferromagnetic Néel transition at TN. According to the strain state and magnetic phases, the magnetic properties are comprehensively analyzed. It is found that with the increase of ferromagnetic La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]MnO3 layer thickness, the ferromagnetic phase is increased, and the double exchange effect can also be enhanced, resulting in the increase of TC. When the thickness of La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]MnO3 reaches 96[Formula: see text]Å, the uneven strain distribution in the superlattice can induce the reduction of ferromagnetic phase compared with antiferromagnetic phase (even antiferromagnetic phase starts to appear), and the double exchange effect can be weakened, and finally leading to the decrease of TC. In addition, with increasing the La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]MnO3 layer thickness, HC gradually decreases. The change of HC is related to strain states and magnetic phase interactions in the samples. The analysis of the strain and magnetism can contribute to the understanding of perovskite manganite superlattice films.
Emergent Halperin–Saslow mode, gauge glass and quenched disorders in quantum Ising magnet TmMgGaO4
Authors: Huang Chun-Jiong , Wang Xiaoqun , Wang Ziqiang , Chen Gang
Published: March 2023

Quenched disorders could bring novel quantum excitations and models to certain quantum magnets. Motivated by recent experiments on the quantum Ising magnet TmMgGaO4, we explore the effects of the quenched disorder and the interlayer coupling in this triangular lattice Ising antiferromagnet. It is pointed out that the weak quenched (nonmagnetic) disorder would convert the emergent 2D Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) phase and the critical region into a U(1) gauge glass. There will be an emergent Halperin–Saslow mode associated with this gauge glass. Using the Imry-Ma’s renormalization group result, we explain the fate of the finite-field [Formula: see text] symmetry breaking transition at the low temperatures. The ferromagnetic interlayer coupling would suppress the BKT phase and generate a tiny ferromagnetism. With quenched disorders, this interlayer coupling changes the 2D gauge glass into a 3D gauge glass, and the Halperin–Saslow mode persists. This work merely focuses on addressing a phase regime in terms of emergent U(1) gauge glass behaviors and hope to inspire future works and thoughts in weakly disordered frustrated magnets in general.
Investigating the Shortcomings of Urban Development Plans in Iran and Factors Affecting Their Unrealizability (Case Study: Master Plan Approved in 2016 in Tabriz)
Authors: ZADVALI KHAJEH Shahrokh , ASGHARI ZAMANI Akbar
Published: March 2023

In recent decades, the unbalanced development of Iranian cities and the advent of many problems in various social, cultural, economic, physical and environmental dimensions have resulted inevitably in the need to use urban development plans to advance the spatio-physical condition of cities. In this regard, about five decades have passed since the start of the preparation of urban development plans in Iran; but despite gaining a lot of experience by producers and executors of urban affairs, in practice, urban projects have not been able to take a positive step in the direction of programmed development. Therefore, by detecting the causes of unachievability and failure of these plans, it is possible to prepare realistic and executive plans. Hence, this study seeks to investigate the shortcomings of the master plan approved in 2016 in Tabriz and identify the factors affecting its unrealizability by using the qualitative methods (Delphi and case study methods). Among the most significant reasons for the impracticability of this plan, the following should be mentioned: (1) the inadequacy of the design model (positivism, belief system, obligation, inductive reasoning, centrism and being government-centered); (2) inadequacy in the content of the plan (being governmental and non-participatory, inadequate subjectology and collection of irrelevant data, lack of segregation of interventions in different contexts, lack of an organized monitoring system, mere physical emphases, lack of definition of executive financial possibilities, perfectionism, lack of attention to relativism and inflexibility and lack of connection between the elements and components of the plan); and (3) inadequacy of the plan proposals and strategies (emphasis on quantity, incomplete inference, inefficiency and not including all levels and strata).
Novel Video Benchmark Dataset Generation and Real-Time Recognition of Symbolic Hand Gestures in Indian Dance Applying Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Parthasarathy Niveditha , Palanichamy Yogesh
Published: March 2023

A computational approach towards promoting, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge in the domain of cultural heritage, is one of the research areas that has a wide scope. There has been a seismic shift in the way many sectors in society have adapted themselves to the pandemic situation, be it healthcare, food, education, diplomacy, and performing arts. Virtual learning and performing have become the need of the hour in the field of performing arts as well. The objective of this work is threefold; first, this creates benchmark datasets to be shared to make a beneficial impact and for a meaningful engagement by capturing, recognising, and classifying the multimedia content for hastamudras (hand poses) in Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form, which plays a significant role in the conservation of intangible cultural heritage, second, as tutoring system to aspiring learners and third, to build video recommendation systems to promote art as a tool for building an international relationship and further elevate the significance of soft-power through performing arts. This article proposes applying the deep-learning techniques of CNNs as a critical technology to recognise the correct mudra. Experimental results on our challenging mudra dataset through the MobileNet architecture show 85%–95% accuracy in real-time, which outperforms the Sebastien-Marcel dataset. The time taken to process an image is 0.172 seconds, and the result is significant considering that the images are dynamic. This work proves the accuracy of the proposed method, which significantly outperforms another CNN-based Inception v3 model.
Transferred Low-rank Discriminative Sub-dictionary Learning Method for Information Identification and Understanding in IoT-based Natural Language Processing
Authors: Ni Tongguang , Gu Xiaoqing , Jiang Yizhang , Gu Yi
Published: March 2023

As Internet of Things (IoT) technology progresses rapidly, there is an increasing demand for automatic identification and understanding of natural language data. However, data labeling requires large amounts of effort and cost. Most intelligent algorithms rely on the assumption of uniform distribution of data, which brings great challenge to IoT-based natural language processing. To solve this problem, this study develops a transferred low-rank discriminative sub-dictionary learning (TLDSL) method. The TLDSL method learns a shared subspace through the maximum mean discrepancy (MMD) strategy that minimizes the distribution difference of sparse coefficients between the source and target domains. By learning the common sub-dictionary of the two domains, TLDSL reveals the intrinsic connection and establishes a bridge between the two domains, thus completing the knowledge transfer. By introducing the sub-dictionary incoherence, TLDSL can avoid the atomic correlation between different sub-dictionaries. In addition, the sparse coefficients are constrained in low rank representation, which can improve the model discrimination ability while preserving the global data structure. Experiments show that the TLDSL method can be effectively performed on cross-domain text classification and handwritten digit recognition.
A Configurable CRYSTALS-Kyber Hardware Implementation with Side-Channel Protection
Authors: Jati Arpan , Gupta Naina , Chattopadhyay Anupam , Sanadhya Somitra Kumar
Published: March 2023

In this work, we present a configurable and side channel resistant implementation of the post-quantum key-exchange algorithm
CRYSTALS-Kyber
. The implemented design can be configured for different performance and area requirements leading to different trade-offs for different applications. A low area implementation can be achieved in 5,269 LUTs and 2,422 FFs, whereas a high performance implementation required 7,151 LUTs and 3,730 FFs. Due to a deeply pipelined architecture, a high operating speed of more than 250 MHz could be achieved on 28nm Xilinx FPGAs. The side channel resistance is implemented using a carefully chosen set of novel and known techniques such as Fault Detection Hashes, Instruction Randomization, FSM Protection and so on. resulting in a low overhead of less than 5% while being highly configurable. To the best of our knowledge, this work presents the first side-channel and fault attack protected configurable accelerator for
CRYSTALS-Kyber
. Using TVLA (test vector leakage assessment), we validate the implemented protection techniques and demonstrate that the design does not leak information even after 200 K traces. Furthermore, one of the configuration choices results in the smallest hardware implementation of
CRYSTALS-Kyber
known in the literature.
Understanding Chemo-Mechanical Stability of Protonic Ceramic Cells Through Electronic Conduction in the BaCe0.7Zr0.1Y0.1Yb0.1O3-δ
Electrolyte
Authors: Lim Hyung-Tae , Niaz Atif Khan , Prasankumar Thibeorchews , Kim Min Ju , Kang Sung , Park Jun-Young , Virkar Anil V.
Published: March 2023

BaCe0.7Zr0.1Y0.1Yb0.1O3-δ (BCZYYb) is a promising ceramic electrolyte for reversible protonic ceramic cells. It is reported that BCZYYb-based cells show excellent long-term durability, particularly in the electrolysis mode, in contrast to the cells based on the conventional electrolyte yttria-stabilized zirconia. In this study, we investigate the chemo-mechanical stability behavior (a low tendency of delamination) of the BCZYYb-based protonic ceramic cells in terms of local electronic conduction in the electrolyte. The local electronic conductivity of the BCZYYb electrolyte is determined using Pt-probe-embedded cells near each electrode interface. The BCZYYb electrolyte exhibits sufficient p-type conductivity (∼10−3 S cm−1) near the oxygen electrode (corresponding

p

O

2

:

5.27–21 × 10−2 atm) and n-type conductivity (∼10−4 S cm−1) near the hydrogen electrode (corresponding

p

O

2

:

0.99–1.30 × 10−24 atm) at 600 °C. A standard cell is prepared and tested over long-term in the fuel cell (at positive and negative voltages) and electrolysis modes. The cell exhibits stable performance without delamination or cracks in both operating modes, owing to local electronic conduction.
Degradation Effects at the Porous Transport Layer/Catalyst Layer Interface in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolyzer
Authors: Liu Chang , Shviro Meital , Bender Guido , Gago Aldo S. , Morawietz Tobias , Dzara Michael J. , Biswas Indro , Gazdzicki Pawel , Kang Zhenye , Zaccarine Sarah F. , Pylypenko Svitlana , Friedrich K. Andreas , Carmo Marcelo , Lehnert Werner
Published: March 2023

The porous transport layer (PTL)/catalyst layer (CL) interface plays a crucial role in the achievement of high performance and efficiency in polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs). This study investigated the effects of the PTL/CL interface on the degradation of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) during a 4000 h test, comparing the MEAs assembled with uncoated and Ir-coated Ti PTLs. Our results show that compared to an uncoated PTL/CL interface, an optimized interface formed when using a platinum group metal (PGM) coating, i.e., an iridium layer at the PTL/CL interface, and reduced the degradation of the MEA. The agglomeration and formation of voids and cracks could be found for both MEAs after the long-term test, but the incorporation of an Ir coating on the PTL did not affect the morphology change or oxidation of IrOx in the catalyst layer. In addition, our studies suggest that the ionomer loss and restructuring of the anodic MEA can also be reduced by Ir coating of the PTL/CL interface. Optimization of the PTL/CL interface improves the performance and durability of a PEMWE.
Full-Term Delivery and Complete Lung Recovery following VV ECMO Support Midpregnancy in a Patient with COVID-19 ARDS
Authors: Leong Shelley , Moreno Guillermo , Fayed Mohamed , Tallman Crystal Ives
Published: March 2023

Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We present a twin pregnancy case with acute respiratory distress syndrome following COVID-19 infection at 19 weeks. The patient’s ARDS was successfully managed with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). She recovered completely and delivered healthy twins.
Role of Lipid Profile and Its Relative Ratios (Cholesterol/HDL-C, Triglyceride/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, WBC/HDL-C, and FBG/HDL-C) on Admission Predicts In-Hospital Mortality COVID-19
Authors: Mohammadshahi Jafar , Ghobadi Hassan , Matinfar Golchin , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein , Aslani Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2023

Background. Lipid profile and its related ratios such as total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), TG/HDL-C ratio, TC/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, white blood cell (WBC)/HDL-C ratio, and fasting blood glucose (FBG)/HDL-C ratio are valuable indicators that have been studied in various disorders to predict mortality. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the role of lipid profile ratios in predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods. At the beginning of hospitalization, laboratory tests were taken from all patients (

n
=
300

). The ability of lipid profile ratios to determine the COVID-19 severity was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC). In addition, survival probability was determined with the average of Kaplan-Meier curves, so that the end point was death. Results. In deceased patients, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C parameters were significantly lower than those of surviving patients, while WBC/HDL-C and FBG/HDL-C were significantly higher. TC (

HR
=
3.178

,

95
%
CI
=
1.064

to 9.491,

P
<
0.05

), TG (

HR
=
3.276

,

95
%
CI
=
1.111

to 9.655,

P
<
0.05

), LDL-C (

HR
=
3.207

,

95
%
CI
=
1.104

to 9.316,

P
<
0.05

), and HDL-C (

HR
=
3.690

,

95
%
CI
=
1.290

to 10.554,

P
<
0.05

), as well as TC/HDL-C (

HR
=
3.860

,

95
%
CI
=
1.289

to 11.558,

P
<
0.05

), TG/HDL-C (

HR
=
3.860

,

95
%
CI
=
1.289

to 11.558,

P
<
0.05

), LDL-C/HDL-C (

HR
=
3.915

,

95
%
CI
=
1.305

to 11.739,

P
<
0.05

), WBC/HDL-C (

HR
=
3.232

,

95
%
CI
=
1.176

to 8.885,

P
<
0.05

), and FBG/HDL-C ratios (

HR
=
4.474

,

95
%
CI
=
1.567

to 12.777,

P
<
0.01

), were detectably related to survival. The multivariate Cox regression models showed that only FBG/HDL-C ratio (

HR
=
5.477

,

95
%
CI
=
1.488

to 20.153,

P
<
0.01

) was significantly related to survival. Conclusion. The results suggested that FBG/HDL-C ratio in hospital-admitted COVID-19 patients was a reliable predictor of mortality.
Study on Coal Gangue Identification Based on Vibration and Its Adaptability to Coal-Caving Process Parameters
Authors: Wan Lirong , Wang Jiantao , Ma Dejian , Li Zhaoji , Lu Zhenguo , Meng Zhaosheng
Published: March 2023

The broken top coal and gangue in the fully mechanized cave mining will be released from the rear of the hydraulic support in the form of bulk. In this process, the medium properties through the coal opening can be judged by monitoring the vibration signal on the tail beam. Based on the coupling method of the discrete element method (DEM) and the finite element method (FEM) in LS-DYNA, this article simulates the whole process of coal caving, establishes the finite element model of the tail beam of hydraulic support and the discrete element model of coal gangue particles, and analyzes the influence of coal caving step distance, mining and caving ratio, and pitching angle of the mining field on the application effect of the vibration identification method. The coal caving step distance has a great influence on the recognition effect, and some bottom coal should be appropriately sacrificed to reduce the gangue content. The application effect of the vibration identification method is good under different mining and caving ratios. Downward mining can cause gangue to be released in advance, making the recognizable signal lag behind the change of gangue content, while upward mining will lose a part of the coal, but the application of vibration recognition is better than downward mining.
The Probiotic Lactobacillus sakei Subsp. Sakei and Hawthorn Extract Supplements Improved Growth Performance, Digestive Enzymes, Immunity, and Resistance to the Pesticide Acetamiprid in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Salih Abdul-Hassan Mahdi , Patra Indrajit , Sivaraman Ramaswamy , Alhamzawi Rahim , Khalikov Kakhor M. , Al-qaim Zahraa Haleem , Golgouneh Sahar , Jawad Mohammed Abed , Adhab Ali Hussein , Vázquez-Cárdenas Andrés Leonardo , Abarghouei Safoura
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated the impacts of the probiotic, Lactobacillus sakei (L. sakei), and the extract of hawthorn, Crataegus elbursensis, on growth and immunity of the common carp exposed to acetamiprid. Fish (

mean
±
SE

:

11.48
±
0.1

 g) feeding was done with formulated diets (

T

1

(control): no supplementation,

T

2

:

1
×

10

6

 
CFU
/
g

LS (Lactobacillus sakei), T3:

1
×

10

8

 
CFU
/
g
 
LS

,

T

4

: 0.5% hawthorn extract (HWE), and

T

5

: 1% HWE) for 60 days and then exposed to acetamiprid for 14 days. The growth performance improved in the fish fed LS at dietary level of

1
×

10

8

 
CFU
/
g

, even after exposure to acetamiprid (

P
<
0.05

). Intestinal Lactobacillus sakei (CFU/g) load increased (

P
<
0.05

), following supplementation with the probiotic-enriched diet. The LS-treated fish had increases in the activity of digestive enzymes (

P
<
0.05

). Both LS and HWE stimulated antioxidant enzymes and immune system components in serum and mucus (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), protease, total Ig, and lysozyme) (

P
<
0.05

). However, the changes were different depending on the kind of the supplement. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in HWE-treated fish after acetamiprid exposure (

P
<
0.05

). Both LS and HWE reduced the liver metabolic enzymes (LDH, ALP, AST, ALT, and LDH) in serum both before and after exposure to the pesticide (

P
<
0.05

). However, each enzyme exhibited a different change trend depending on the type of the supplement. HWE showed a stress-ameliorating effect, as glucose and cortisol levels declined in the HWE-treated fish (

P
<
0.05

). This study indicated the immunomodulatory impacts of LS (

1
×

10

8

 
CFU
/
g

) and HWE (at dietary levels of 0.5–1%). The probiotic showed more performance compared to HWE. However, the HWE mitigated oxidative stress more efficiently than the probiotic.
Construction of Ecological Landscape Environment in Guanzhong Traditional Villages from the Perspective of Rural Revitalization
Authors: Cao Jun
Published: March 2023

In order to supplement and improve the landscape evaluation system of traditional villages and play a positive guiding role in the specific protection and development of village landscape, this paper proposes the ecological landscape environment evaluation of traditional villages in Guanzhong from the perspective of rural revitalization. First of all, the relevant national and provincial evaluation standards are deeply studied, and the comprehensive evaluation system of the traditional village landscape in the Guanzhong region is constructed by using expert scoring and an analytic hierarchy process, which includes 6 criteria and 25 indicators. Three typical villages of different types and different development stages, namely, village A, village B, and Village C, were selected for landscape investigation and comprehensive evaluation. The results show that the weight of village location and landscape pattern is the largest, that is, the most important. The second is architectural landscape, with a weight of 0.236, accounting for a high proportion. Then, it is the natural landscape and street landscape, with a weight of 0.1-0.2. Finally, it is the intangible cultural landscape and landscape style protection, with a weight of less than 0.1. The alpha value of the comprehensive evaluation questionnaire of the village A is 0.984. The alpha value of the comprehensive evaluation questionnaire of village B is 0.941. The alpha value of the comprehensive evaluation questionnaire for the landscape of village C is 0.986, which is greater than 0.8. Conclusion. This study makes a comprehensive evaluation of the landscape of typical traditional villages.
Mechanical and Water Absorption Characterization of Mango Seed Shell/Epoxy Composite for Low Load Carrying Structures
Authors: Mohan Kumar K. , Naik Venkatesh , Waddar Sunil S. , Santhosh N. , Kaup Vijayanand , Harish H. V.
Published: March 2023

The present work deals with the characterization of mango seed shell fiber reinforced epoxy composites by using hand layup method by varying the volume composition of the mango seed shell from 0 vol. % to 60 vol. % (M-0 to M-60). The physical density test, tensile test, flexural test, and water absorption test were conducted as per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Results revealed that the tensile strength of M-20 (20 vol. %) is 43% more than a neat epoxy, while the flexural strength of M-50 (50 vol. %) is greater than 10.85% more than a neat epoxy. The water absorption test was conducted by immersing the samples in distilled water at room temperature, and the weight of the specimens was measured and recorded at every 24-hour time interval. For all composite samples, saturation in water absorption and thickness swelling were observed after 432 hours of water immersion. The moisture absorption increases with the inclusion of reinforcements as compared to the neat epoxy samples. However, for the M-50 composite, the water absorption decreases due to the uniform mixing and stronger bonding between the matrix and the reinforcements. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the composite specimens also depicted the particulate fiber distribution and the presence of micro-voids in the epoxy matrix.
La economía chilena el 2023 y más allá
Authors: García Carlos , Guthmann Rafael
Published: March 2023

El 2023 se caracterizará por un elemento central: la incertidumbre. Las causas de ésta son bien conocidas por todos: guerra en Europa, Covid e inflación... continuar leyendo.
Entrada de ENAP en Gas Licuado de Petróleo
Authors: Guthmann Rafael , Saavedra Eduardo
Published: March 2023

A poco más de un año de la publicación del informe de la Fiscalía Nacional Económica (FNE), que mostró serios problemas de competencia en el sector energético en Chile, en particularla falta de competencia en el mercado de gas licuado de petróleo (GLP) que se vende en cilindros en Chile... continuar leyendo
Biomarkers of Tobacco Carcinogenesis in Diverse Populations: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Etemadi Arash , Abnet Christian C. , Dawsey Sanford M. , Freedman Neal D.
Published: March 2023

Biomarkers can provide distinct information about cancer risk factors in populations from diverse ancestries and with different exposure patterns by measuring the internal dose of carcinogens. While similar environmental exposures can lead to different cancer risks across racial or ethnic groups, seemingly different exposures can cause the same cancers because they produce the same biomarkers in the body. Smoke-related biomarkers are among the most commonly studied biomarkers in relation to cancer, and they include tobacco-specific biomarkers (nicotine metabolites and tobacco-specific nitrosamines) and biomarkers which can result from exposure to tobacco and non-tobacco pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and volatile organic compounds). Biomonitoring is superior to self-reported exposure assessment because it is less prone to information and recall biases. However, biomarkers generally reflect recent exposure determined by their metabolism and half-life and how they are stored in and excreted from the body. Many biomarkers are correlated because the sources of exposure usually contain several carcinogens at the same time, making it difficult to identify specific chemicals which lead to cancer. Despite these challenges, biomarkers will continue to be essential to cancer research. Prospective studies, with detailed exposure assessment and large sample sizes from diverse backgrounds, along with studies designed to enrich the methodology of biomarker research are the necessary steps in that direction.

See related article by Cigan et al., p. 306
Development of Ovaries and Sex Change in Fish: Bringing Potential into Action
Authors: Adolfi Mateus Contar , Depincé Alexandra , Wen Ming , Pan Qiaowei , Herpin Amaury
Published: March 2023

Background: Encompassing about half of the 60,000 species of vertebrates, fish display the greatest diversity of sex determination mechanisms among metazoans. As such that phylum offers a unique playground to study the impressive variety of gonadal morphogenetic strategies, ranging from gonochorism, with either genetic or environmental sex determination, to unisexuality, with either simultaneous or consecutive hermaphroditism. Summary: From the two main types of gonads, the ovaries embrace the important role to produce the larger and non-motile gametes, which is the basis for the development of a future organism. The production of the egg cells is complex and involves the formation of follicular cells, which are necessary for the maturation of the oocytes and the production of feminine hormones. In this vein, our review focuses on the development of ovaries in fish with special emphasis on the germ cells, including those that transition from one sex to the other as part of their life cycle and those that are capable of transitioning to the opposite sex depending on environmental cues. Key messages: Clearly, establishing an individual as either a female or a male is not accomplished by the sole development of two types of gonads. In most cases, that dichotomy, be it final or transient, is accompanied by coordinated transformations across the entire organism, leading to changes in the physiological sex as a whole. These coordinated transformations require both molecular and neuroendocrine networks, but also anatomical and behavioural adjustments. Remarkably, fish managed to tame the ins and outs of sex reversal mechanisms to take the most advantages of changing sex as adaptive strategies in some situations.
Pharmacotherapy in Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Apte Nachiket , Kalra Dinesh K.
Published: March 2023

Background: Ventricular ectopy is observed in most of the population ranging from isolated premature ventricular contractions to rapid hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachyarrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Multiple mechanisms exist for ventricular arrhythmias such as triggered activity, reentry, and automaticity. Scar-based reentry forms the basis of most malignant VA that can lead to sudden cardiac death. Many antiarrhythmic drugs have been utilized for the suppression of ventricular arrhythmia. They are commonly classified using the Vaughan Williams Singh classification which distinguishes them based on the predominant action on different phases of the cardiac action potential. Class Ic agents are widely used in premature ventricular contraction suppression but are contraindicated in patients with prior myocardial infarction or ischemic scar and heart failure. β-Blockers continue to be a mainstay in the treatment of most symptomatic VA and are well tolerated, relatively safe, and have additional benefits in symptomatic coronary heart disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Amiodarone continues to be used for the management of most cases of serious VA especially in the acute setting when accompanied by hemodynamic perturbations but has the disadvantage of having a poor toxicity profile for long-term use. Summary: Historically used for long-term ventricular arrhythmia suppression and prevention of sudden cardiac death, antiarrhythmics are now used to reduce implantable defibrillator shocks and symptoms. They still have a role in premature ventricular complex suppression in patients with failed catheter ablation or those who are not candidates for invasive therapy. Newer concepts in cardiac imaging and the use of artificial intelligence may help further delineate sudden cardiac risk and identify patients that may benefit from pharmacological management. Key Message: Anti-arrhythmic agents continue to perform an important role in the suppression of ventricular arrhythmias especially channelopathies, polymorphic VT, and idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. Judicious use of these agents while recognizing side effects can help reduce the long-term effects of ventricular arrhythmias on cardiac function.
Summary of Safety and Efficacy of COVID Vaccination in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pernicová Eva , Macounová Petra , Krsek Martin , Maďar Rastislav
Published: March 2023

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represents one of the most challenging issues that have recently influenced everyday life in countries all over the world. Understanding the risk of this disease is of high importance in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as they represent a vulnerable population through their treatment with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Infective episodes may trigger relapses and lead to deterioration of the health condition. Summary: Vaccination is an important preventive measure against infectious diseases. In MS patients, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of vaccines in patients on various immunomodulatory drugs and about their possible adverse effects including impairment of neurological functions. The objectives of this article were to summarize the current knowledge on immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccines and their safety in MS patients and to provide practical guidance based on the data available to date. Key Messages: Although MS is not associated with a higher risk of COVID-19, this infection can trigger relapses or pseudo-relapses. Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are recommended for all MS patients who are not in the active phase of the disease, despite the fact that there is still a lack of long-term reliable data on the effectiveness and safety of vaccines against COVID-19. Some DMTs can reduce vaccine humoral responses, but might still provide some protection and adequate T-cell response. To optimize the effectiveness of vaccination, the ideal timing of vaccine application and DMTs dosing regimen is crucial.
Albumin-Bilirubin Grade Analyses of Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab versus Sorafenib in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Phase III IMbrave150 Study
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Finn Richard S. , Cheng Ann-Lii , Zhu Andrew X. , Ducreux Michel , Galle Peter R. , Sakamoto Naoya , Kato Naoya , Nakano Michitaka , Jia Jing , Vogel Arndt
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Atezolizumab + bevacizumab showed survival benefit in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) versus sorafenib in the Phase III IMbrave150 study. This exploratory analysis examined the prognostic impact of a baseline albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score. Methods: Patients with treatment-naïve unresectable HCC, ≥1 measurable untreated lesion, and Child-Pugh class A liver function were randomized 2:1 to receive atezolizumab 1,200 mg + bevacizumab 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks or sorafenib 400 mg twice daily. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed in the intention-to-treat population by ALBI/modified (m)ALBI grade. Time to deterioration (TTD; defined as time to 0.5-point increase from the baseline ALBI score over 2 visits or death) of liver function and safety were investigated. Results: Of 501 enrolled patients, 336 were randomized to receive atezolizumab + bevacizumab (ALBI grade [G] 1: n = 191; G2: n = 144 [mALBI G2a: n = 72, G2b: n = 72]; missing ALBI grade: n = 1) and 165 to sorafenib (ALBI G1: n = 87; G2: n = 78 [mALBI G2a: n = 37; G2b: n = 41]). Median follow-up was 15.6 months. OS and PFS improved with atezolizumab + bevacizumab versus sorafenib in patients with ALBI G1 (OS HR: 0.50 [95% CI: 0.35, 0.72]; PFS HR: 0.61 [95% CI: 0.45, 0.82]). In patients with ALBI G2 or mALBI G2a or G2b, PFS was numerically longer with atezolizumab + bevacizumab versus sorafenib, but no OS benefit was seen. Median TTD in the intention-to-treat population was 10.2 months (95% CI: 8.0, 11.0) with atezolizumab + bevacizumab versus 8.6 months (95% CI: 6.2, 11.8) with sorafenib (HR: 0.82 [95% CI: 0.65, 1.03]). Safety profiles of atezolizumab and bevacizumab were consistent with previous analyses, regardless of ALBI grade. Conclusion: ALBI grade appeared to be prognostic for outcomes with both atezolizumab + bevacizumab and sorafenib treatment in patients with HCC. Atezolizumab + bevacizumab preserved liver function for a numerically longer duration than sorafenib.
Real-Time Symbolic Transcription and Interactive Transformation Using a Hexaphonic Nylon-String Guitar
Authors: Freire Sérgio , Armondes Augusto , Silva Rubens
Published: March 2023

GuiaRT is an interactive musical setup based on a nylon-string guitar equipped with hexaphonic piezoelectric pickups. It consists of a modular set of real-time tools for the symbolic transcription, variation, and triggering of selected segments during a performance, as well as some audio processing capabilities. Its development relied on an iterative approach, with distinct phases dedicated to feature extraction, transcriptions, and creative use. This article covers the motivations for this augmented instrument and several details of its implementation, including the hardware and strategies for identifying the most typical types of sound produced on a nylon-string guitar, as well as tools for symbolic musical transformations. This acoustic–digital interface was primarily designed for interactive exploration, and it has also been effectively used in performance analyses and as a pedagogical tool.
Don't Stop Me Now: Neural Underpinnings of Increased Impulsivity to Temporally Predictable Events
Authors: Korolczuk Inga , Burle Boris , Coull Jennifer T. , Ogińska Halszka , Ociepka Michał , Senderecka Magdalena , Śmigasiewicz Kamila
Published: March 2023

Although the benefit of temporal predictability for behavior is long-established, recent studies provide evidence that knowing when an important event will occur comes at the cost of greater impulsivity. Here, we investigated the neural basis of inhibiting actions to temporally predictable targets using an EEG–EMG method. In our temporally cued version of the stop-signal paradigm (two-choice task), participants used temporal information delivered by a symbolic cue to speed their responses to the target. In a quarter of the trials, an auditory signal indicated that participants had to inhibit their actions. Behavioral results showed that although temporal cues speeded RTs, they also impaired the ability to stop actions as indexed by longer stop-signal reaction time. In line with behavioral benefits of temporal predictability, EEG data demonstrated that acting at temporally predictable moments facilitated response selection at the cortical level (reduced frontocentral negativity just before the response). Likewise, activity of the motor cortex involved in suppression of incorrect response hand was stronger for temporally predictable events. Thus, by keeping an incorrect response in check, temporal predictability likely enabled faster implementation of the correct response. Importantly, there was no effect of temporal cues on the EMG-derived index of online, within-trial inhibition of subthreshold impulses. This result shows that although participants were more prone to execute a fast response to temporally predictable targets, their inhibitory control was, in fact, unaffected by temporal cues. Altogether, our results demonstrate that greater impulsivity when responding to temporally predictable events is paralleled by enhanced neural motor processes involved in response selection and implementation rather than impaired inhibitory control.
Integration of the Livelihood and Ecosystem Services Frameworks—A Case Study on Urban Agriculture in Mexico City
Authors: González Mayra I. Rodríguez , Scott Christian Kelly , Marquina Tatiana , Mewa Demeke B. , Polo Jorge García , Peng Binbin
Published: March 2023

Strategies that demonstrate renewed potential to enhance both social and ecological systems are crucial in today’s era of rapid urbanization. However, the approaches used to understand the impacts of such strategies sometimes favor social over environmental theory, or the opposite, but do not always consider both equally. Our study addresses this disconnect by exploring the role of urban agriculture (UA) as an alleviation and land management strategy in Mexico City (MC), Mexico. Our integrated design combined the ecosystem services framework, which was primarily used to assess material and nonmaterial benefits MC residents obtain from UA spaces and its associated vegetation, and the livelihoods framework, which was used to evaluate the relationship between UA and societal impacts. We used a mixed-method approach to quantify the amount of food produced, assess crop diversity, assess six distinct ecological processes linked to UA, identify cultural benefits, and conduct an evaluation of contributions to livelihood capitals. Our study documented the role of UA in supporting ecological processes, connecting humans to nature, and providing a supplemental source of income. However, a multitude of unintended outcomes are identified, such as trade-offs between different ecological processes, constraints in promoting formal education beyond agroecological knowledge, and an inability to fully elevate families out of poverty. Our integrated approach demonstrated how the ecosystem services and livelihoods frameworks can be used simultaneously to provide thorough assessments of socioecological systems, identifying outcomes that could go unnoticed without an interdisciplinary lens.