bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of tele‐dentistry in screening children for dental caries by community health workers in a lower‐middle‐income country
Authors: Ashtiani Gelareh Haghi , Sabbagh Sedigheh , Moradi Sara , Azimi Somayyeh , Ravaghi Vahid
Published: January 2024

Background

Tele‐dentistry can be useful for dental caries screening of children, especially in lower‐middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Aim

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of mobile phone photographs taken by a community health worker (CHW) for caries detection in Iran.

Design

Children aged 6–12 years were visually examined by a paediatric dentist. Following dental examinations, intraoral photographs were taken by a trained CHW. Two remote dentists assessed intraoral photographs for dental caries. Diagnostic accuracy of tele‐dentistry for caries detection was evaluated. In addition, the questionnaire about oral health and parents' views towards tele‐dentistry was prepared.

Results

One hundred thirty‐one children aged 8.74 ± 1.62 years participated. The caries prevalence was 30% for the whole dentition. Tele‐dentistry demonstrated high accuracy, with a sensitivity exceeding 80% and specificity exceeding 90%. The inter‐rater reliability for remote dentists' assessments to the gold standard dental examination ranged from substantial to almost perfect (kappa: 75%–93%). Additionally, 80% of parents whose children participated in this study had positive views towards tele‐dentistry.

Conclusion

Tele‐dentistry was shown to be an alternative approach to clinical examinations for caries detection among school children. Employing non‐dental care professionals in tele‐dentistry has been emerged as a reliable and cost‐effective approach, especially in LMICs.
Longevity in South African Afrikaner cows as assessed through survival analysis
Authors: Bot Steffl Allison M. , MacNeil Michael D. , Scholtz Michiel M. , Sanglard Leticia P. , Passafaro Tiago , Gonda Michael G.
Published: January 2024

The Afrikaner breed of cattle is indigenous to South Africa and, due to their hardiness, was once the most popular breed amongst South African farmers, although in recent years their numbers have decreased. The goal of this study was to assess factors affecting length of productive life, defined as the interval between production of the first and last calf, in Afrikaner cattle using survival analysis. The data spanned 40 years with an observed measure of length of life for 29,379 cows from 374 herds. Relative to similar analyses, few (n = 2964; 8.4%) cows had records that were right censored. The median length of productive life of an Afrikaner cow was just less than 6 years. Cows that were younger at their first parturition had longer productive lives than those that were older at their first calving. Cows that were born in the period from December to February had shorter productive lives than those born between March and November. The estimated animal genetic variance of 0.266 resulted in a heritability estimate for length of productive life in Afrikaner cattle of 0.225. Thus, there appeared to be sufficient additive genetic variance in Afrikaner cattle to enable genetic improvement in their length of productive life.
Grazing preferences of three species of amoebae on cyanobacteria and green algae
Authors: Weger Harold G. , Polasek April K. , Wright Derek M. , Damodaran Arun , Stavrinides John
Published: January 2024

Twenty species/isolates of cyanobacteria and green algae were isolated from cyanobacterial bloom samples in lakes associated with the upper Qu'Appelle River drainage system in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. Three amoebae species (Cochliopodium sp., Vannella sp. and Vermamoeba vermiformis) were also isolated from one of these samples, and were subjected to grazing assays to determine which species of cyanobacteria or algae could potentially serve as a food source. Amoeba grazing rates were quantified based on the diameter of the plaque after 12 days on agar plate assays, and by estimation of the amoeba population growth rate from the rate of increase of plaque area. The common cyanobacterial bloom‐formers Dolichospermum sp. and Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae supported high growth rates for all three amoebae, while green algae, with the exception of one green alga/amoeba combination, did not support growth of the tested amoebae. Many of the cyanobacterial and algal isolates that did not support amoebae growth were ingested, suggesting that ingestion did not determine grazing success. Overall, while the cyanobacteria Dolichospermum sp. and Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae were suitable food sources for the amoebae, the other cyanobacteria were grazed in an unpredictable manner, with some species/strains grazed by some amoebae and some species not grazed at all.
Arrestin‐3 binds parkin and enhances parkin‐dependent mitophagy
Authors: Zheng Chen , Nguyen Kevin K. , Vishnivetskiy Sergey A. , Gurevich Vsevolod V. , Gurevich Eugenia V.
Published: January 2024

Arrestins were discovered for their role in homologous desensitization of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). Later non‐visual arrestins were shown to regulate several signaling pathways. Some of these pathways require arrestin binding to GPCRs, the regulation of others is receptor independent. Here, we demonstrate that arrestin‐3 binds the E3 ubiquitin ligase parkin via multiple sites, preferentially interacting with its RING0 domain. Identification of the parkin domains involved suggests that arrestin‐3 likely relieves parkin autoinhibition and/or stabilizes the enzymatically active “open” conformation of parkin. Arrestin‐3 binding enhances ubiquitination by parkin of the mitochondrial protein mitofusin‐1 and facilitates parkin‐mediated mitophagy in HeLa cells. Furthermore, arrestin‐3 and its mutant with enhanced parkin binding rescue mitofusin‐1 ubiquitination and mitophagy in the presence of the Parkinson's disease‐associated R275W parkin mutant, which is defective in both functions. Thus, modulation of parkin activity via arrestin‐3 might be a novel strategy of anti‐parkinsonian therapy.

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Long‐hair follicular unit excision enhances the cosmetic results of hairline restoration: A retrospective study in Chinese recipients
Authors: Jin Meitong , Zhang Jufang , Jin Zhehu , Pi Longquan , Diao Yongfeng
Published: January 2024

Background

Long‐hair follicular unit excision (LHF) is gaining popularity, especially for hairline restoration, because it helps avoid hair removal in the donor area and provides better immediate postoperative results.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the postoperative clinical outcomes of LHF for hairline restoration.

Patients/Methods

Data from 248 patients (223 women and 25 men) who underwent hairline restoration with LHF between September 2018 and June 2022 were analyzed, and they were followed up immediately and 9 months postoperatively. The complications and survival rate of long‐hair grafts were assessed. Patient postoperative satisfaction was assessed using a 5‐Point Likert Scale. The Generic Quality of Life Inventory‐74 (GQOLI‐74) assessed the quality of the postoperative life.

Results

The planned extraction density was set at 15–25 FU/cm2. The mean number of total extracted hair grafts, transection rate in the extraction area, and extraction time were 1970 ± 124 FU, 3.9 ± 0.2%, and 3.2 ± 0.8 h, respectively. The hairline implantation density was set at 50–70 FU/cm2. The mean number of total transplanted hair grafts was 2031 ± 371 FU; the implant time was 3.8 ± 1.9 h. No serious complications occurred within 7 days postoperatively. The mean graft survival rate was 93.1 ± 1.3% at 9 months postoperatively. All patients were satisfied with the immediate postoperative results, and most were satisfied with the 9‐month outcomes (mean overall satisfaction score: 4.7). The scores of physical function, psychological function, social function and material life function after operation were higher than those before operation (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Hairline restoration with LHF could enhance the cosmetic outcomes and be widely used in clinical practice.
Risk factors for high‐stage histological chorioamnionitis among pregnancies with cervical incompetence
Authors: Song Wenhui , Wang Wei , Wang Fengjiao , He Xueqing , Li Xia , Feng Li , Cui Wenhua , Guo Qing
Published: January 2024

Aim

The study aimed to identify predictive risk factor to identify high‐stage histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) in pregnancies with cervical incompetence (CIC).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted by including 116 pregnant women with cervical incompetence that required prophylactical and therapeutical cerclage. The histopathology examination on placenta was conducted with informed patient consent. All the cases included in this study were divided based on the severity degree of HCA. The demographic characteristic and the parameters related to maternal and fetal outcome were all analyzed. Besides, perioperative parameters of cerclage, including cervical length, cervical morphology, and laboratory indexes were also compared between two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the risk factor of severe chorioamnionitis.

Results

Severe HCA was significantly associated with cervical morphology, cerclage indication, cerclage type, and cervical length measured via ultrasound and vaginal examination. After adjusted for confounders, V‐type funneling and short cervix was indicated as independent risk factors of severe HCA by multivariate logistic regression analysis, respectively.

Conclusions

V‐type funneling and short cervix may indicate the elevated risk of high‐stage HCA. Due to the negative outcomes related with high‐stage HCA, appropriate prenatal treatment would improve the pregnancy outcomes in cerclaged population. To facilitate postpartum treatment, placental histological examination should be routinely recommended to identify the high‐stage HCA, especially in high risk pregnancies.
Cases of pleural effusion possibly due to clinical pleuroperitoneal communication in the perioperative period of emergency gynecologic surgery: Case series and literature review
Authors: Tanaka Yuji , Amano Tsukuru , Nakata Mari , Takahashi Akimasa , Tsuji Shunichiro , Murakami Takashi
Published: January 2024

Pleuroperitoneal communication poses a respiratory failure risk due to pleural fluid accumulation with thoracic migration of ascites. Here, we discuss the following cases: Case 1: A woman was diagnosed with a ruptured ovarian tumor with right pleural fluid and ascites, without respiratory failure. Ovarian cystectomy was performed with inadequate removal of ascites. Postoperatively, respiratory failure occurred, and thoracentesis detected pleural fluid resembling ascites. Case 2: A woman was diagnosed with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy with right pleural fluid and ascites without respiratory failure. A diagnosis of clinical pleuroperitoneal communication was considered based on computed tomography findings. During laparoscopic salpingectomy, high‐pressure ventilation was performed to push the pleural fluid back into the abdominal cavity; a negative‐pressure drain was inserted, and the ascites was completely removed. Postoperative radiography revealed the absence of pleural fluid. Therefore, a preoperative diagnosis of clinical pleuroperitoneal communication and appropriate intraoperative techniques can prevent postoperative respiratory failure.
Deep learning‐accelerated image reconstruction in MRI of the orbit to shorten acquisition time and enhance image quality
Authors: Estler Arne , Zerweck Leonie , Brunnée Merle , Estler Bent , Richter Vivien , Örgel Anja , Bürkle Eva , Becker Hannes , Hurth Helene , Stahl Stéphane , Konrad Eva‐Maria , Kelbsch Carina , Ernemann Ulrike , Hauser Till‐Karsten , Gohla Georg
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose

This study explores the use of deep learning (DL) techniques in MRI of the orbit to enhance imaging. Standard protocols, although detailed, have lengthy acquisition times. We investigate DL‐based methods for T2‐weighted and T1‐weighted, fat‐saturated, contrast‐enhanced turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences, aiming to improve image quality, reduce acquisition time, minimize artifacts, and enhance diagnostic confidence in orbital imaging.

Methods

In a 3‐Tesla MRI study of 50 patients evaluating orbital diseases from March to July 2023, conventional (TSES) and DL TSE sequences (TSEDL) were used. Two neuroradiologists independently assessed the image datasets for image quality, diagnostic confidence, noise levels, artifacts, and image sharpness using a randomized and blinded 4‐point Likert scale.

Results

TSEDL significantly reduced image noise and artifacts, enhanced image sharpness, and decreased scan time, outperforming TSES (p < .05). TSEDL showed superior overall image quality and diagnostic confidence, with relevant findings effectively detected in both DL‐based and conventional images. In 94% of cases, readers preferred accelerated imaging.

Conclusion

The study proved that using DL for MRI image reconstruction in orbital scans significantly cut acquisition time by 69%. This approach also enhanced image quality, reduced image noise, sharpened images, and boosted diagnostic confidence.
Strategic interaction in the market for charitable donations: The role of public funding
Authors: Hagen Rune Jansen , Rattsø Jørn
Published: January 2024

Government financing of charities influences their fundraising and private donations. To analyze competition between charities, we modify the model of fundraising introduced by Andreoni and Payne, where there are two groups of donors and two charities. We concentrate on warm‐glow motivation for giving and highlight strategic interaction in the market for donations. The charities are output‐maximizing, producing services with a purchased input and in‐house managerial supervision. In the absence of public funding, fundraising by charities are strategic complement given fixed costs. We show that block grants can change the nature of the competition, making fundraising strategic substitutes if grants exceed fixed costs. A charity receiving a grant will optimally reduce its fundraising, but the level of service provision will also be affected by the fact that the competing charity will solicit more intensively. The competitor will deliver more services because it benefits from the reduction in solicitation by the grant recipient. In this setting, matching grants work much like block grants as charities in both cases will compete less intensively for donations. That is, incentives for fundraising are weaker with matching grants. However, if both instruments are used the impact of a matching grant depends on whether the block grant over‐ or undercompensates for fixed costs. An optimal funding policy must account for this interaction effect as well as the fungibility of support working through charity competition in the market for donations.
Effects of biotin and coated cobalamin on lactation performance, nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation in Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Wang Cong , An Jing , Bu LiJun , Liu YaPeng , Liu Qiang , Guo Gang , Zhang Jing , Zhang YaWei
Published: January 2024

Biotin (BI) and cobalamin (CA) are essential for rumen propionate production and hepatic gluconeogenesis. The study evaluated the influence of BI or/and coated CA (CCA) on milk performance and nutrient digestion in cows. Sixty Holstein dairy cows were assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and randomised block design to four groups. The factors were BI at 0 or 20 mg/day and CCA at 0 or 9 mg CA/day. Dry matter intake increased with BI addition but was unchanged with CCA supply. Addition of BI or CCA increased fat‐corrected milk, milk fat and milk protein yields and feed efficiency. Moreover, lactose yield was increased by CCA addition. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and acid detergent fibre total‐tract digestibility increased for BI or CCA supply. When CCA was supplemented, positive response of neutral detergent fibre digestibility to BI addition was enhanced. Supplementing BI did not affect pH, propionate content and acetate to propionate ratio, but increased total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and acetate contents. Supplementing CCA decreased pH and acetate to propionate ratio, but increased total VFA, acetate and propionate contents. Rumen protease and carboxymethyl‐cellulase activities and fungi, bacteria and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens numbers increased for BI or CCA supply. In addition, protozoa increased for BI addition, and protease activity and Prevotella ruminicola increased for CCA supply. When CCA was supplemented, positive responses of R. albus and Ruminobacter amylophilus numbers to BI addition were enhanced. Blood glucose concentration was unchanged with BI supply, but increased for CCA supply. Blood nonesterified fatty acids and β‐hydroxybutyrate contents reduced with BI or CCA supply. Supplementation with BI or CCA increased blood BI or CA content. The results showed that supplementing BI or/and CCA improved lactation performance and nutrient digestion, and CCA supply did not enhance the lactation performance response to BI supply.
Factors influencing sleep‐dependent consolidation: Sleep strengths memory based on encoding depth but not repetition
Authors: Wernette Elle M. D. , Fenn Kimberly M.
Published: January 2024

Sleep consolidates declarative memory after deep but not shallow incidental encoding, but little is known about this form of consolidation. One unexplored area is the extent to which the amount of exposure to incidentally encoded information affects consolidation processes. In two experiments, we manipulated the number of times information was presented. In Experiment 1, participants encoded words either one or three times in a deep or shallow incidental encoding task and completed a surprise recognition test after sleep or wake. Sleep consolidated information after deep encoding after one and three exposures, but not after shallow encoding. In Experiment 2, we explored the relationship between sleep architecture and memory after deep encoding. There was a trend for accuracy to be negatively related to N1 sleep, and reaction time to be negatively related to slow‐wave sleep for words encoded once; however, the correlations did not survive corrections for multiple comparisons. These results are discussed with respect to active and passive consolidation processes.
Where do philosophers appeal to intuitions (if they do)?
Authors: Galvin Richard , Roche William
Published: January 2024

It might be that intuitions are central to philosophy, and it might be that this is true because when philosophers give case‐based arguments for philosophical claims (in published philosophy), the case verdict is typically (a) an intuited proposition and (b) either left undefended or defended on the grounds that it is an intuited proposition. This paper remains neutral on these global issues, however, and instead focuses on whether there is a nontrivial (or many‐membered) class of case‐based arguments in philosophy in which the case verdict is defended by appeal to background beliefs and not on the grounds that it is an intuited proposition. The paper argues that the answer is affirmative by examining seven such arguments that are referred to as “paradigm cases” of case‐based arguments in which the verdict is justified via an appeal to intuition.
The effects of microplastics on crop variation depend on polymer types and their interactions with soil nutrient availability and weed competition
Authors: Ma K. , Fu Y. , Liu Y.
Published: January 2024

Microplastics pollution of agricultural soil is a global environmental concern because of its potential risk to food security and human health. Although many studies have tested the direct effects of microplastics on growth of Eruca sativa Mill., little is known about whether these effects are regulated by fertilization and weed competition in field management practices.

Here, we performed a greenhouse experiment growing E. sativa as target species in a three‐factorial design with two levels of fertilization (low versus. high), two levels of weed competition treatments (weed competition versus no weed competition) and five levels of microplastic treatments (no microplastics, Polybutylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate [PBAT], Polybutylene succinate [PBS], Polycaprolactone [PCL] or Polypropylene [PP]).

Compared to the soil without microplastics, PBS and PCL reduced aboveground biomass and leaf number of the E. sativa. PBS also resulted in increased root allocation and thicker roots in E. sativa. In addition, fertilization significantly mitigated the negative effects of PBS and PCL on aboveground biomass of E. sativa, but weed competition significantly promoted these effects. Although fertilization alleviated the negative effect of PBS on aboveground biomass, such alleviation became weaker under weed competition than when E. sativa grew alone.

The results indicate that the effects of specific polymer types on E. sativa growth could be regulated by fertilization, weed management, and even their interactions. Therefore, reasonable on‐farm management practices may help in mitigating the negative effects of microplastics pollution on E. sativa growth in agricultural fields.
Secondary forest buffers the effects of fragmentation on aerial insectivorous bat species following 30 years of passive forest restoration
Authors: Rowley Sarah , López‐Baucells Adrià , Rocha Ricardo , Bobrowiec Paulo E. D. , Meyer Christoph F. J.
Published: January 2024

Passive forest restoration can buffer the effects of habitat loss on biodiversity. We acoustically surveyed aerial insectivorous bats in a whole‐ecosystem fragmentation experiment in the Brazilian Amazon over a 2‐year period, across 33 sites, comprising continuous old‐growth forest, remnant fragments, and regenerating secondary forest matrix. We analyzed the activity of 10 species/sonotypes to investigate occupancy across habitat types and responses to fragment size and interior‐edge‐matrix (IEM) disturbance gradients. Employing a multiscale approach, we investigated guild (edge foragers, forest specialists, flexible forest foragers, and open space specialists) and species‐level responses to vegetation structure and forest cover, edge, and patch density across six spatial scales (0.5–3 km). We found species‐specific habitat occupancy patterns and nuanced responses to fragment size and the IEM disturbance gradient. For example, Furipterus horrens had lower activity in secondary forest sites and the interior and edge of the smallest fragments (1 and 10 ha) compared to continuous forest, and only two species (Pteronotus spp.) showed no habitat preference and no significant responses across the IEM and fragment size gradients. Only the Molossus sonotype responded negatively to vegetation structure. We uncovered no negative influence of forest cover or edge density at guild or species‐level. Our results indicate that reforestation can buffer the negative effects of fragmentation and although these effects can still be detected in some species, generally aerial insectivorous bats appear to be in recovery after 30 years of passive forest restoration. Our findings reinforce the need to protect regenerating forests while conserving vast expanses of old‐growth forest.
Crises of the welfare state, resilience, and pessimism of the intellect
Authors: Farnsworth Kevin , Irving Zoë
Published: January 2024

The crises faced by welfare states have now endured for significantly longer than the counter‐period of stability, calm and cooperation between the 1940s and 1970s. Systemic crisis of welfare states tied to the contradictions of capitalism, and the exogenous crises for the welfare state that have afflicted its expansion have, however, been met by faith in its resilience evidenced in its economic functions and popularity. We question the basis for optimism by examining the ‘state of the welfare state’ in the context of the social goals envisaged in the 1940s and the extent to which these are evidenced in contemporary social policy arrangements. We present a case for more ‘pessimism of the intellect’ in assessing welfare futures to better underpin welfare state scholars' tendency towards ‘optimism of the will’.
Image‐based investigation of lip aging features in a large number of Korean women
Authors: Seo Jung Yeon , Leem Sangseob , Kim Hanji , You Seung Won , Kim Yunkwan , Kang Nae Gyu
Published: January 2024

Background

The lips play a significant role in shaping facial aesthetics. Due to the distinct attributes of lips in contrast to other facial skin, a unique approach is imperative for managing lip aging. We analyzed lip characteristics (morphology, wrinkles, and color) to investigate visual changes and distinctive attributes of aging lips.

Methods

By utilizing image data processing methods, including facial landmark detection, pattern recognition, and color quantification, we extracted 11 lip characteristic indices (four morphological indices, four wrinkle indices, and three color indices) from high‐resolution images of 1000 Korean women aged 20–69. Correlation tests were conducted to assess the relationship between lip characteristic indices and age, and also between lip morphological and wrinkle indices.

Results

Lip height significantly decreased, while lip width and lip ratio (lip width divided by the sum of the upper and lower lip height) significantly increased with aging. Lip wrinkles significantly increased with aging, whereas lip colors (redness and yellowness) decreased. The lip wrinkle indices, which are segmented for the first time in this study, exhibited significant correlations with lip width, and three of them additionally were correlated with lip ratio (p < 0.05). The results imply such morphological changes can be associated with wrinkle formation of human lips.

Conclusion

The indices suggested in this study can be used for assessing lip aging characteristics, and the study results can contribute to deeper understanding of lip aging.
Trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase 8 increases photosynthesis and seed yield in Brassica napus
Authors: Yuan Pan , Zhou Guilong , Yu Mingzhu , Hammond John P. , Liu Haijiang , Hong Dengfeng , Cai Hongmei , Ding Guangda , Wang Sheliang , Xu Fangsen , Wang Chuang , Shi Lei
Published: January 2024

Trehalose‐6‐phosphate (T6P) functions as a vital proxy for assessing carbohydrate status in plants. While class II T6P synthases (TPS) do not exhibit TPS activity, they are believed to play pivotal regulatory roles in trehalose metabolism. However, their precise functions in carbon metabolism and crop yield have remained largely unknown. Here, BnaC02.TPS8, a class II TPS gene, is shown to be specifically expressed in mature leaves and the developing pod walls of Brassica napus. Overexpression of BnaC02.TPS8 increased photosynthesis and the accumulation of sugars, starch, and biomass compared to wild type. Metabolomic analysis of BnaC02.TPS8 overexpressing lines and CRISPR/Cas9 mutants indicated that BnaC02.TPS8 enhanced the partitioning of photoassimilate into starch and sucrose, as opposed to glycolytic intermediates and organic acids, which might be associated with TPS activity. Furthermore, the overexpression of BnaC02.TPS8 not only increased seed yield but also enhanced seed oil accumulation and improved the oil fatty acid composition in B. napus under both high nitrogen (N) and low N conditions in the field. These results highlight the role of class II TPS in impacting photosynthesis and seed yield of B. napus, and BnaC02.TPS8 emerges as a promising target for improving B. napus seed yield.
Improving occupational health surveillance for enteric infections
Authors: White Alice E. , Jervis Rachel H. , Wilson Elisha , Scallan Walter Elaine
Published: January 2024

Aims

Enteric pathogens with a livestock reservoir pose a unique risk to people in occupations with regular contact with animals. However, public health surveillance of occupational exposures is inadequate, with surveillance for occupation typically focusing on the risk of transmission and the need for worker exclusion, rather than workplace exposures. To improve surveillance for occupational zoonoses, the Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence convened a group of subject matter experts who developed a set of variables on occupation, industry, and exposures, which were integrated into Colorado's surveillance system in 2017. We evaluated the quality and completeness of these new occupational fields for interviewed cases with laboratory‐confirmed zoonotic infections and compared occupations to cases with a non‐zoonotic infection (Shigella) and to employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Methods and Results

From March 2017 through December 2019, 3668 domestically acquired, laboratory‐confirmed sporadic infections of Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli, and non‐typhoidal Salmonella among individuals ≥14 years of age were interviewed by public health. We found asking explicitly about occupational exposure risks and focusing on animal exposures, improved data quality and accuracy. Of the cases who stated that they were employed, 262 (13%) reported working in an occupation with regular animal exposure, and 254 (14%) reported an industry with regular animal exposure. Cases with an animal exposure occupation were more likely to be male and live in a rural or frontier county compared to other occupations. All occupations with regular animal contact were reported at a higher frequency than among Shigella cases or the general population.

Conclusions

Public health efforts, both in occupational health and communicable disease sectors, should be made to improve surveillance for enteric zoonoses and identify opportunities for prevention strategies.
Small peptides: could they have a big role in metabolism and the response to exercise?
Authors: Atakan Muhammed M. , Türkel İbrahim , Özerkliğ Berkay , Koşar Şükran N. , Taylor Dale F. , Yan Xu , Bishop David J.
Published: January 2024

Exercise is a powerful non‐pharmacological intervention for the treatment and prevention of numerous chronic diseases. Contracting skeletal muscles provoke widespread perturbations in numerous cells, tissues and organs, which stimulate multiple integrated adaptations that ultimately contribute to the many health benefits associated with regular exercise. Despite much research, the molecular mechanisms driving such changes are not completely resolved. Technological advancements beginning in the early 1960s have opened new avenues to explore the mechanisms responsible for the many beneficial adaptations to exercise. This has led to increased research into the role of small peptides (<100 amino acids) and mitochondrially derived peptides in metabolism and disease, including those coded within small open reading frames (sORFs; coding sequences that encode small peptides). Recently, it has been hypothesized that sORF‐encoded mitochondrially derived peptides and other small peptides play significant roles as exercise‐sensitive peptides in exercise‐induced physiological adaptation. In this review, we highlight the discovery of mitochondrially derived peptides and newly discovered small peptides involved in metabolism, with a specific emphasis on their functions in exercise‐induced adaptations and the prevention of metabolic diseases. In light of the few studies available, we also present data on how both single exercise sessions and exercise training affect expression of sORF‐encoded mitochondrially derived peptides. Finally, we outline numerous research questions that await investigation regarding the roles of mitochondrially derived peptides in metabolism and prevention of various diseases, in addition to their roles in exercise‐induced physiological adaptations, for future studies.

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The Transfer of Xenon-135 to Molten Salt Reactor Graphite
Authors: Price Terry , Chvala Ondrej
Published: January 2024

The term “Molten salt reactors” refers to a broad class of nuclear reactors that use a molten alkali-halide salt as the primary coolant fluid. This paper pertains to thermal spectrum liquid fuel molten fluoride salt reactors with graphite moderator (MSRs), where the molten salt also dissolves the actinide fuel. Xenon isotope 135,135Xe, is a fission product that is produced during nuclear fission energy production, and it acts as a neutron poison. Due to the circulating nature of the fuel salt in MSRs, there is a qualitative difference in the behavior of 135Xe in an MSR compared to a solid fueled reactor. Some of the 135Xe produced in fission may end up in the pore space of the porous graphite moderator used in an MSR. This paper examines the transfer and storage of 135Xe in MSR graphite. Prior publications are reviewed, the porosity of the MSR graphite is examined, governing equations are detailed, film layer production and destruction are discussed, the graphite/salt interface is explored, transport pathways are considered, transfer processes are exposited, the effect of charged species is examined, the solubility of noble gases in molten fluoride salts is examined, the mass diffusion coefficient in molten salts is explored, and the calculation of mass transfer coefficients is described.
Verification and Geometry Optimization of a One Fluid Molten Salt Reactor With Fixed Volume
Authors: Dwijayanto R. Andika Putra , Ardiansyah Harun , Harto Andang Widi
Published: January 2024

Thermal molten salt reactors can be designed in many configurations. This paper investigates the optimal geometry of a one fluid molten salt reactor (OFMSR) in a virtual one-and-half fluid configuration with a fixed fuel salt volume. Two primary configurations were studied, axial blanket (three models) and radial blanket (two models). Neutronic calculations were performed using Monte Carlo N-particle 6.2 (MCNP6.2) and Serpent-2 reactor physics codes with evaluated nuclear data files/B-VII.0 continuous neutron library. The analysis comprises criticality calculation, temperature coefficient of reactivity (TCR), breeding ratio (BR), and kinetic parameters. The results imply a good agreement between MCNP and Serpent calculations. TCR values show a different pattern between axial and radial blanket configuration. While the correlation between TCR and BR is inversely correlated in axial blanket, it is linear in radial blanket configuration. Overall, radial blanket configuration seemed to show better neutronic performance than axial blanket configuration, with comparably strong negative TCR and large BR.
Use of Modeling as an Enabler for Cross-Topic Knowledge Management and Ontologies to Support Return of Experience and Replicability of Large Nuclear Projects
Authors: Richet Victor , Piochaud Sarah , Alaoui Mouna El , Plana Robert
Published: January 2024

Nuclear projects often produce and consume a large amount of knowledge. Capitalization on this knowledge constitutes a significant way to increase efficiency on subsequent projects for any stakeholder. In this study, modeling is used as a main approach to support this capitalization. It constitutes, through graphical layout, a more reliable and robust way to transfer information. Moreover, the use of an interconnected set of models enables organizations to break the silos between the disciplines. The approach proposed is based on the operational implementation of existing “on-the-shelf” elements to benefit from previous implementations. The presented example illustrates how, on a nuclear project, engineering processes have been modeled from knowledge of previous projects. These components are all interconnected to constitute a self-supporting set of models as a body of knowledge. The use of models as a main base for knowledge management and transfer has been initiated due to (i) increased traceability of design decisions and impact analysis required by ever-increasing safety requirements from 1980s, 1990s, and Fukushima accident for new nuclear and (ii) gradual departures of design teams and lifetime extension of existing power plants requiring efficient ways to pass down knowledge to newcomers. Additionally, transfer of knowledge from document-centric to model-centric has enabled securitization of interfaces (between organizations, between systems) due to more numerous stakeholders and reduction of rework and site works.
A Unified Fracture Model for X65 Pipeline Material Under Various Constraints Using the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM)
Authors: Shahzamanian M. M.
Published: January 2024

It is generally accepted that the fracture strain is dependent on geometry/constraints in metals. However, the currently available implementation of extended finite element method (XFEM) assumes a fixed fracture strain criterion independent of the constraints. The objective of this paper is to develop and implement a variable fracture strain criterion in XFEM that is capable of predicting a wide range of fracture conditions in X65 pipeline steels with various crack tip constraints. Various small-scale tests with different out-of-plane constraints obtained from the literature were simulated using the XFEM in abaqus software. These tests included smooth bar, notched bar, single edge notch tension (SENT), and single edge notch bending (SENB) tests. For each test, the value of the maximum principal strain (Maxpe) as a fracture initiation criterion in the cohesive zone model (CZM) in XFEM framework was varied while keeping the fracture energy constant until the model was able to accurately replicate the reported experimental results. For each test, the crack tip constraints were characterized and the stress triaxialities and Lode angle parameters at the onset of fracture initiation were calculated from the models. The results allowed expressing of the fracture strain as an explicit function of stress triaxiality which was then implemented in abaqus XFEM using UDMGINI subroutine. For the sake of comparison, the tests were simulated in finite element method (FEM) using a similar damage initiation model, namely, the Johnson–Cook (J–C) model. A single model in XFEM was able to accurately replicate the experimental observations for all specimens and compared well to experiments in the way simulated by FEM damage model. However, it was observed that XFEM was more suitable to simulate specimens with pre-existing cracks such as in SENT and SENB tests since the crack grew through elements when mesh refinement was not required around the crack tips. Lastly, the simulated results were found to be less mesh sensitive in XFEM than in FEM damage models.
A method to analyze the radiation characteristics of a liquid column resonance transducer based on fluid motion
Authors: Li Shichang , Lan Yu , Hong Lianjin
Published: January 2024

Liquid column resonance (LCR) transducers have been widely used in deep-sea acoustic applications because of their fluid-filled structures. Until now, studies of pipe resonance have generally been based on the plane acoustic wave equation, but for a vibrating object, the velocity is the primary focus instead of the pressure. Thus, the motion equation of a pipe resonance mode can be deduced based on the Navier–Stokes (N–S) equations. In this work, the velocity of an LCR transducer is obtained using the finite element model, and the velocity distribution inside the liquid column is examined. In addition, the radiating surface of the LCR transducer is identified and a simplified model of the radiation that consists of concave pistons and ring sources is proposed and verified. The theory behind the high mechanical quality (Q) value of the LCR transducer is explained through the radiation of the LCR transducer and the low viscosity of the water. This is also verified through a finite element model and measurements. Due to the high mechanical Q value and the low frequency of the LCR transducer, such measurements should be carried out in open-field water and the pulse should be long enough to achieve a steady state.
The Dose–Response in Elite Soccer: Preliminary Insights From Menstrual-Cycle Tracking During the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019
Authors: Scott Dawn , Bruinvels Georgie , Norris Dean , Lovell Ric
Published: January 2024

Purpose: This preliminary study examined the influence of estimated menstrual-cycle (MC) phase on responses to soccer matches and training sessions in preparation for and during the FIFA (Fédération internationale de football association) Women’s World Cup 2019. Methods: Twenty outfield players representing a national team were tracked over a 45-day period. External (10-Hz global positioning system; total and distance covered at high-metabolic power [≥20 W·kg−1]) and internal load measures (minutes ≥80% heart-rate maximum, sessional ratings of perceived exertion) were collected during all training and matches, with single-item wellness measures (fatigue, soreness, sleep quality, and sleep duration) collected each morning prior to activity. MC phase was estimated individually via an algorithm, informed from pretournament survey responses and ongoing symptom reporting (FitrWoman). Model comparison statistics were used to determine the impact of estimated MC phase in nonhormonal contraceptive users (n = 16). Results: Sessional rating of perceived exertion responses to total distances ≥5 km were higher during the luteal phase (+0.6–1.0 au; P ≤ .0178) versus menstruation (phase 1), but no other observable dose–response trends were observed. Sleep, fatigue, and soreness ratings were not typically associated with MC phase, with the exception of exacerbated fatigue ratings in luteal versus follicular phase 48 hours postmatch (−0.73 au, P = .0275). Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that estimated MC phase may contribute to the understanding of the dose–response to soccer training and matches.
High-precision two-dimensional displacement metrology based on matrix metasurface
Authors: Zang Haofeng , Zhang Zhiyu , Huang Zuotang , Lu Yonghua , Wang Pei
Published: January 2024

A long-range, high-precision, and compact transverse displacement metrology is of crucial importance in both industries and scientific researches. However, it is a great challenge to measure arbitrary two-dimensional (2D) displacement with angstrom-level precision and hundred-micrometer range. Here, we demonstrated a prototype of high-precision 2D-displacement metrology with matrix metasurface. Light passing through the metasurface is diffracted into three beams in horizontal (H), vertical (V), and diagonal (D) linear polarization. 2D transverse displacement of the metasurface relative to the incident light beam is retrieved from the interferential optical powers arisen from coherent superposition between H-polarized and D-polarized beams or V-polarized and D-polarized beams. We experimentally demonstrate that arbitrary displacement in 2D plane can be determined with high precision down to 0.3 nm in a large range of 200 micrometers. Our work broadens the application scope of metasurface and paves the way for development of ultrasensitive optical 2D displacement metrology.
Phyto-inspired sustainable and high-performance fabric generators via moisture absorption-evaporation cycles
Authors: Hu Yunhao , Yang Weifeng , Wei Wei , Sun Zhouquan , Wu Bo , Li Kerui , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Xiao Ru , Hou Chengyi , Wang Hongzhi
Published: January 2024

Collecting energy from the ubiquitous water cycle has emerged as a promising technology for power generation. Here, we have developed a sustainable moisture absorption-evaporation cycling fabric (Mac-fabric). On the basis of the cycling unidirectional moisture conduction in the fabric and charge separation induced by the negative charge channel, sustainable constant voltage power generation can be achieved. A single Mac-fabric can achieve a high power output of 0.144 W/m
2
(5.76 × 10
2
W/m
3
) at 40% relative humidity (RH) and 20°C. By assembling 500 series and 300 parallel units of Mac-fabrics, a large-scale demo achieves 350 V of series voltage and 33.76 mA of parallel current at 25% RH and 20°C. Thousands of Mac-fabric units are sewn into a tent to directly power commercial electronic products such as mobile phones in outdoor environments. The lightweight (300 g/m
2
) and soft characteristics of the Mac-fabric make it ideal for large-area integration and energy collection in real circumstances.
Battery-free, wireless, and electricity-driven soft swimmer for water quality and virus monitoring
Authors: Li Dengfeng , Zhou Jingkun , Zhao Zichen , Huang Xingcan , Li Hu , Qu Qing’ao , Zhou Changfei , Yao Kuanming , Liu Yanting , Wu Mengge , Su Jingyou , Shi Rui , Huang Ya , Wang Jingjing , Zhang Zongwen , Liu Yiming , Gao Zhan , Park Wooyoung , Jia Huiling , Guo Xu , Zhang Jiachen , Chirarattananon Pakpong , Chang Lingqian , Xie Zhaoqian , Yu Xinge
Published: January 2024

Miniaturized mobile electronic system is an effective candidate for in situ exploration of confined spaces. However, realizing such system still faces challenges in powering issue, untethered mobility, wireless data acquisition, sensing versatility, and integration in small scales. Here, we report a battery-free, wireless, and miniaturized soft electromagnetic swimmer (SES) electronic system that achieves multiple monitoring capability in confined water environments. Through radio frequency powering, the battery-free SES system demonstrates untethered motions in confined spaces with considerable moving speed under resonance. This system adopts soft electronic technologies to integrate thin multifunctional bio/chemical sensors and wireless data acquisition module, and performs real-time water quality and virus contamination detection with demonstrated promising limits of detection and high sensitivity. All sensing data are transmitted synchronously and displayed on a smartphone graphical user interface via near-field communication. Overall, this wireless smart system demonstrates broad potential for confined space exploration, ranging from pathogen detection to pollution investigation.
Mutations upstream from
sdaC
and
malT
in
Escherichia coli
uncover a complex interplay between the cAMP receptor protein and different sigma factors
Authors: Frendorf Pernille Ott , Heyde Sophia A. H. , Nørholm Morten H. H.
Published: January 2024

In
Escherichia coli
, one of the best understood microorganisms, much can still be learned about the basic interactions between transcription factors and promoters. When a cAMP-deficient
cya
mutant is supplied with maltose as the main carbon source, mutations develop upstream from the two genes
malT
and
sdaC
. Here, we explore the regulation of the two promoters, using fluorescence-based genetic reporters in combination with both spontaneously evolved and systematically engineered
cis
-acting mutations. We show that in the
cya
mutant, regulation of
malT
and
sdaC
evolves toward cAMP-independence and increased expression in the stationary phase. Furthermore, we show that the location of the cAMP receptor protein (Crp) binding site upstream of
malT
is important for alternative sigma factor usage. This provides new insights into the architecture of bacterial promoters and the global interplay between Crp and sigma factors in different growth phases.

IMPORTANCE

This work provides new general insights into (1) the architecture of bacterial promoters, (2) the importance of the location of Class I Crp-dependent promoters, and (3) the global interplay between Crp and sigma factors in different growth phases.
RUNX3 inhibits KSHV lytic replication by binding to the viral genome and repressing transcription
Authors: Ren Pengyu , Niu Danping , Chang Sijia , Yu Lei , Ren Junrui , Ma Yuanming , Lan Ke
Published: January 2024

The reactivation of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) from latent infection to lytic replication is important for persistent viral infection and tumorigenicity. However, reactivation is a complex event, and the regulatory mechanisms of this process are not fully elucidated. Our study revealed that the host RUNX3 is upregulated by the NF-κB signaling pathway during KSHV reactivation, which can repress the transcription of KSHV genes. At the late stage of lytic replication, KSHV utilizes a mechanism involving RTA to degrade RUNX3, thus evading host inhibition. This finding helps elucidate the regulatory mechanism of the KSHV life cycle and may provide new clues for the development of therapeutic strategies for KSHV-associated diseases.