bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Periodontopathogenic Ability of Mangrove Leaves (Aegiceras corniculatum) Ethanol Extract: In silico and in vitro study
Authors: Nugraha Alexander Patera , Sibero Mada Triandala , Nugraha Albertus Putera , Puspitaningrum Martining Shoffa , Rizqianti Yuniar , Rahmadhani Desintya , Kharisma Viol Dhea , Ramadhani Nastiti Faradilla , Ridwan Rini Devijanti , Noor Tengku Natasha Eleena binti Tengku Ahmad , Ernawati Diah Savitri
Published: April 2022

Objective Mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum) is an abundant natural marine resource of Indonesia, which can be explored for treating periodontal disease due to its potential as immunoregulatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the active compound from Indonesian mangrove leaf extract (A. corniculatum) (MLE) for developing a herbal-based mouthwash through in silico and in vitro studies.

Materials and Methods Phytochemistry and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) were done to explore the active compounds in MLE. Chemistry screening and interaction, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), molecular docking simulation, and visualization of MLE active compounds as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial were investigated in silico The inhibition zone of MLE against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) as periodontopathogenic bacterias was performed by diffusion method. Doxycycline 100 mg was used as a positive control, as a treatment group, there were five groups, namely 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% MLE.

Results Alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, triterpenoid, steroid, tannin, and quinone were detected in MLE. A high concentration of (-)epicatechin and coumaric acid (CA) were found in MLE. MLE in 100% concentration has the most effective ability to inhibit Fn, Pg, Aa growth in vitro. (-)-Epicatechin has a higher negative binding affinity than CA that can enhance heat shock protein (HSP)-30, HSP-70, HSP-90, interleukin-10, and FOXP3 and also inhibit interleukin-6, peptidoglycan, flagellin, and dectin in silico.

Conclusion MLE of A. corniculatum has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities that can be a potential raw material for developing a herbal-based mouthwash.
An Update on Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy during Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Tronstad Oystein , Martí Joan-Daniel , Ntoumenopoulos George , Gosselink Rik
Published: April 2022

Physiotherapists are integral members of the multidisciplinary team managing critically ill adult patients. However, the scope and role of physiotherapists vary widely internationally, with physiotherapists in some countries moving away from providing early and proactive respiratory care in the intensive care unit (ICU) and focusing more on early mobilization and rehabilitation. This article provides an update of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy for patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU. Common and some more novel assessment tools and treatment options are described, along with the mechanisms of action of the treatment options and the evidence and physiology underpinning them. The aim is not only to summarize the current state of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy but also to provide information that will also hopefully help support clinicians to deliver personalized and optimal patient care, based on the patient's unique needs and guided by accurate interpretation of assessment findings and the current evidence. Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy plays an essential role in optimizing secretion clearance, gas exchange, lung recruitment, and aiding with weaning from mechanical ventilation in ICU. The physiotherapists' skill set and scope is likely to be further optimized and utilized in the future as the evidence base continues to grow and they get more and more integrated into the ICU multidisciplinary team, leading to improved short- and long-term patient outcomes.
Capecitabine Maintenance Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ong Bradley Ashley Gue , Rocimo Aubrey Melody Remigio , King Rich Ericson Chan , Yasay Eric Baldivino
Published: April 2022

Many agents have been evaluated as maintenance therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but there is no consensus on the optimal regimen. This study assessed the effect of single-agent capecitabine maintenance therapy on the survival outcomes of mCRC patients. A comprehensive literature search was performed according to prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing capecitabine as maintenance monotherapy versus active monitoring for mCRC patients. Data on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), time to tumor progression (TTP), adverse events, and quality of life (QoL) scores were extracted. Three RCTs with a total of 576 patients were included. Pooled analyses found neither OS benefit (HR:0.85, 95% CI:0.64–1.13) nor reduction in mortality at 24 months (RR:0.88, 95% CI:0.66–1.17) with capecitabine maintenance. Compared with active monitoring, capecitabine maintenance therapy improved PFS (HR:0.36, 95% CI:0.26–0.61) and reduced the risk of progression at 6 months (HR:0.78, 95% CI:0.56–1.10). The incidence of any grade ≥ 3 toxicity was higher with maintenance therapy than with observation (OR:2.02, 95% CI:1.42–2.88). No difference in terms of QoL was observed. Single-agent capecitabine as maintenance for patients with mCRC provides no OS benefit but results in statistically significant improvement in PFS with increased risk of toxicity. Hence, it may be considered particularly for patients who wish to delay the need for second-line treatment and who can tolerate it well.
Improving COVID-19 Research of University Hospitals in Germany: Formative Usability Evaluation of the CODEX Feasibility Portal
Authors: Sedlmayr Brita , Sedlmayr Martin , Kroll Björn , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Gruendner Julian , Schüttler Christina
Published: April 2022

Background Within the German “Network University Medicine,” a portal is to be developed to enable researchers to query on novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) data from university hospitals for assessing the feasibility of a clinical study.

Objectives The usability of a prototype for federated feasibility queries was evaluated to identify design strengths and weaknesses and derive improvement recommendations for further development.

Methods In the course of a remote usability test with the thinking-aloud method and posttask interviews, 15 clinical researchers evaluated the usability of a prototype of the Feasibility Portal. The identified usability problems were rated according to severity, and improvement recommendations were derived.

Results The design of the prototype was rated as simple, intuitive, and as usable with little effort. The usability test reported a total of 26 problems, 8 of these were rated as “critical.” Usability problems and revision recommendations focus primarily on improving the visual distinguishability of selected inclusion and exclusion criteria, enabling a flexible approach to criteria linking, and enhancing the free-text search.

Conclusion Improvement proposals were developed for these user problems which will guide further development and the adaptation of the portal to user needs. This is an important prerequisite for correct and efficient use in everyday clinical work in the future. Results can provide developers of similar systems with a good starting point for interface conceptualizations. The methodological approach/the developed test guideline can serve as a template for similar evaluations.
Novel De Novo TBL1XR1 Variant Causing PIERPONT Syndrome in an Indian Child: A Case Report and Genotype–Phenotype Review of Reported Patients
Authors: Bajaj Shruti , Gadgil Pradnya , Seenappa Venu , Setty Phani N. , Joshi Vaishali , Shah Shailee
Published: April 2022

The transducin β-like-1 X-linked-receptor-1 gene (TBL1XR1) encodes for the TBL1XR1 protein which is involved in transcription. Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the TBL1XR1 gene have been reported to be associated with Pierpont's syndrome (PS) which exhibits numerous features including global developmental delay (GDD), intellectual disability (ID), varying neurobehavioral and psychiatric manifestations with/without autism spectrum disorder (ASD), abnormal fat distribution in the distal extremities, short stature (SS), head circumference abnormalities, hearing loss (HL), and facial dysmorphisms. Eight PS patients, having a de novo mutation resulting in p.Tyr446Cys, showed no manifestations of ASD. The three other PS patients, having mutations resulting in p.Tyr446His, p.Cys325Tyr and p.Gly237Asp, respectively, and without the p.Tyr446Cys alteration, were in addition associated with neurobehavioral abnormalities, including ASD, hyperactivity, and self-mutilation tendencies. Here, via trio whole exome sequencing, we describe a 12th PS patient, the first from the Indian subcontinent, reflecting a novel TBL1XR1 p.His348Arg alteration. The proband is a 4.5-year-old male having GDD, speech delay, facial dysmorphisms, abnormal digital fat pads, hypotonia, microcephaly, patent ductus arteriosus, and ASD features. Our report strengthens the hypothesis that TBL1XR1 variants coding for the TBL1XR1 protein other than p.Tyr446Cys might be more commonly associated with a neurobehavioral phenotype and autistic tendencies.
Progress in all-aqueous droplets generation with microfluidics: Mechanisms of formation and stability improvements
Authors: Zhou Chunmei , Zhu Pingan , Tian Ye , Shi Rui , Wang Liqiu
Published: April 2022

All-aqueous systems have attracted intensive attention as a promising platform for applications in cell separation, protein partitioning, and DNA extraction, due to their selective separation capability, rapid mass transfer, and good biocompatibility. Reliable generation of all-aqueous droplets with accurate control over their size and size distribution is vital to meet the increasingly growing demands in emulsion-based applications. However, the ultra-low interfacial tension and large effective interfacial thickness of the water–water interface pose challenges for the generation and stabilization of uniform all-aqueous droplets, respectively. Microfluidics technology has emerged as a versatile platform for the precision generation of all-aqueous droplets with improved stability. This review aims to systematize the controllable generation of all-aqueous droplets and summarize various strategies to improve their stability with microfluidics. We first provide a comprehensive review on the recent progress of all-aqueous droplets generation with microfluidics by detailing the properties of all-aqueous systems, mechanisms of droplet formation, active and passive methods for droplet generation, and the property of droplets. We then review the various strategies used to improve the stability of all-aqueous droplets and discuss the fabrication of biomaterials using all-aqueous droplets as liquid templates. We envision that this review will benefit the future development of all-aqueous droplet generation and its applications in developing biomaterials, which will be useful for researchers working in the field of all-aqueous systems and those who are new and interested in the field.
Use of mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles as a stable drug-release system alleviates inflammation in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Yun , Ge Weiwen , Ma Zhigui , Ji Guangyu , Wang Mingsong , Zhou Guangdong , Wang Xiansong
Published: April 2022

Osteoarthritis drugs are often short-acting; therefore, to enhance their efficacy, long-term, stable-release, drug-delivery systems are urgently needed. Mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA), a natural nanoparticle with excellent biocompatibility and a high loading capacity, synthesized via a self-aggregation-based method, is frequently used in tumor photothermal therapy. Here, we evaluated its efficiency as a sustained and controlled-release drug carrier and investigated its effectiveness in retarding drug clearance. To this end, we used MPDA as a controlled-release vector to design a drug-loaded microsphere system (RCGD423@MPDA) for osteoarthritis treatment, and thereafter, tested the efficacy of the system in a rat model of osteoarthritis. The results indicated that at an intermediate drug-loading dose, MPDA showed high drug retention. Furthermore, the microsphere system maintained controlled drug release for over 28 days. Our in vitro experiments also showed that drug delivery using this microsphere system inhibited apoptosis-related cartilage degeneration, whereas MPDA-only administration did not show obvious cartilage degradation improvement effect. Results from an in vivo osteoarthritis model also confirmed that drug delivery via this microsphere system inhibited cartilage damage and proteoglycan loss more effectively than the non-vectored drug treatment. These findings suggest that MPDA may be effective as a controlled-release carrier for inhibiting the overall progression of osteoarthritis. Moreover, they provide insights into the selection of drug-clearance retarding vectors, highlighting the applicability of MPDA in this regard.
Developing indicators and measures of high-quality for Australian general practice
Authors: Metusela Christine , Cochrane Natalie , van Werven Hannah , Usherwood Tim , Ferdousi Shahana , Messom Ray , O’Halloran Diana , Fasher Michael , Page Andrew , Trankle Steven , Abbott Penelope , Tannous W. Kathy , Peters Kath , Meisinger Kirsten , Reath Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Background Rising health costs and health inequity are major challenges in Australia, as internationally. Strong primary health care is well evidenced to address these challenges. Primary Health Networks (PHNs) work with general practices to collect data and support quality improvement; however, there is no consensus regarding what defines high quality. This paper describes the development of an evidence-based suite of indicators and measures of high-quality general practice for the Australian context. Methods We reviewed the literature to develop a suitable framework and revise quality assurance measures currently in use, then reviewed these in three workshops with general practitioners, practice managers, nurses, consumers and PHN staff in western Sydney. We used a descriptive qualitative research approach to analyse the data. Results A total of 125 evidence-based indicators were agreed to be relevant, and 80 were deemed both relevant and feasible. These were arranged across a framework based on the Quadruple Aim, and include structure, process and outcome measures. Conclusions The agreed suite of indicators and measures will be further validated in collaboration with PHNs across Australia. This work has the potential to inform health systems innovation both nationally and internationally.
Vibration analysis of MEMS vibrating mesh atomizer
Authors: Sharma Pallavi , Jackson Nathan
Published: April 2022

Vibrating mesh atomizers (VMAs) are increasing in demand for various applications that require high quality droplet size distribution of aerosols. However, manufacturing limitations of metallic mesh atomizers have prevented researchers from investigating the dynamics and vibration analysis required to further enhance performance. Newly developed MEMS based VMAs allow these devices to be custom designed including varying aperture size, shape, and pitch as well as varying membrane dimensions. In this paper, a systematic vibration analysis of silicon-based MEMS based VMA was investigated to better understand the mechanisms of the atomization process and atomization rate. The MEMS atomizer consists of a microfabricated mesh on silicon membrane coupled with piezoelectric ring. The atomization process with this device is intricate to model due to combination of fluid transfer and dynamics of the membrane actuated by the piezoelectric ring. This paper uses multiphysics finite element modeling validated by experimental analysis to better understand the dynamics of the membrane and key parameters that affect the vibration analysis and atomization process. Resonance frequency, displacement, velocity, and mode shapes of the various dynamic modes of the atomizer were studied using finite element analysis and compared with the experimental results to validate the model. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between the modeled and experimental results of the resonant frequencies and atomization rates. The results can be used to design VMAs with enhanced performance for specific applications in the future.
QUBIC VIII: Optical design and performance
Authors: O'Sullivan C. , De Petris M. , Amico G. , Battistelli E.S. , de Bernardis P. , Burke D. , Buzi D. , Chapron C. , Conversi L. , D'Alessandro G. , De Leo M. , Gayer D. , Grandsire L. , Hamilton J.-Ch. , Marnieros S. , Masi S. , Mattei A. , Mennella A. , Mousset L. , Murphy J.D. , Pelosi A. , Perciballi M. , Piat M. , Scully S. , Tartari A. , Torchinsky S.A. , Voisin F. , Zannoni M. , Zullo A. , Ade P. , Alberro J.G. , Almela A. , Arnaldi L.H. , Auguste D. , Aumont J. , Azzoni S. , Banfi S. , Baù A. , Bélier B. , Bennett D. , Bergé L. , Bernard J.-Ph. , Bersanelli M. , Bigot-Sazy M.-A. , Bonaparte J. , Bonis J. , Bunn E. , Cavaliere F. , Chanial P. , Charlassier R. , Cobos Cerutti A.C. , Columbro F. , Coppolecchia A. , De Gasperis G. , Dheilly S. , Duca C. , Dumoulin L. , Etchegoyen A. , Fasciszewski A. , Ferreyro L.P. , Fracchia D. , Franceschet C. , Gamboa Lerena M.M. , Ganga K.M. , García B. , García Redondo M.E. , Gaspard M. , Gervasi M. , Giard M. , Gilles V. , Giraud-Heraud Y. , Gómez Berisso M. , González M. , Gradziel M. , Hampel M.R. , Harari D. , Henrot-Versillé S. , Incardona F. , Jules E. , Kaplan J. , Kristukat C. , Lamagna L. , Loucatos S. , Louis T. , Maffei B. , Marty W. , May A. , McCulloch M. , Mele L. , Melo D. , Montier L. , Mundo L.M. , Murphy J.A. , Nati F. , Olivieri E. , Oriol C. , Paiella A. , Pajot F. , Passerini A. , Pastoriza H. , Perbost C. , Pezzotta F. , Piacentini F. , Piccirillo L. , Pisano G. , Platino M. , Polenta G. , Prêle D. , Puddu R. , Rambaud D. , Rasztocky E. , Ringegni P. , Romero G.E. , Salum J.M. , Schillaci A. , Scóccola C.G. , Spinelli S. , Stankowiak G. , Stolpovskiy M. , Supanitsky A.D. , Thermeau J.-P. , Timbie P. , Tomasi M. , Tucker C. , Tucker G. , Viganò D. , Vittorio N. , Wicek F. , Wright M.
Published: April 2022

The Q and U Bolometric Interferometer for Cosmology (QUBIC) is a ground-based experiment that aims to detect B-mode polarization anisotropies [1] in the CMB at angular scales around the ℓ ≃100 recombination peak. Systematic errors make ground-based observations of B modes at millimetre wavelengths very challenging and QUBIC mitigates these problems in a somewhat complementary way to other existing or planned experiments using the novel technique of bolometric interferometry. This technique takes advantage of the sensitivity of an imager and the systematic error control of an interferometer. A cold reflective optical combiner superimposes the re-emitted beams from 400 aperture feedhorns on two focal planes. A shielding system composed of a fixed groundshield, and a forebaffle that moves with the instrument, limits the impact of local contaminants.
The modelling, design, manufacturing and preliminary measurements of the optical components are described in this paper.
An EEG-based systematic explainable detection framework for probing and localizing abnormal patterns in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Song Zhenxi , Deng Bin , Wang Jiang , Yi Guosheng
Published: April 2022

Objective. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a potential source of downstream biomarkers for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) due to its low-cost, noninvasive, and portable advantages. Accurately detecting AD-induced patterns from EEG signals is essential for understanding AD-related neurodegeneration at the EEG level and further evaluating the risk of AD at an early stage. This paper proposes a deep learning-based, functional explanatory framework that probes AD abnormalities from short-sequence EEG data. Approach. The framework is a learning-based automatic detection system consisting of three encoding pathways that analyze EEG signals in frequency, complexity, and synchronous domains. We integrated the proposed EEG descriptors with the neural network components into one learning system to detect AD patterns. A transfer learning-based model was used to learn the deep representations, and a modified generative adversarial module was attached to the model to overcome feature sparsity. Furthermore, we utilized activation mapping to obtain the AD-related neurodegeneration at brain rhythm, dynamic complexity, and functional connectivity levels. Main results. The proposed framework can accurately (100%) detect AD patterns based on our raw EEG recordings without delicate preprocessing. Meanwhile, the system indicates that (a) the power of different brain rhythms exhibits abnormal in the frontal lobes of AD patients, and such abnormality spreads to central lobes in the alpha and beta rhythms, (b) the difference in nonlinear complexity varies with the temporal scales, and (c) all the connections of pair-wise brain regions except bilateral temporal connectivity are weak in AD patterns. The proposed method outperforms other related methods in detection performance. Significance. We provide a new method for revealing abnormalities and corresponding localizations in different feature domains of EEG from AD patients. This study is a significant foundation for our future work on identifying individuals at high risk of AD at an early stage.
Optimization Method of Microwave Devices Based on Improved Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Hu Cong , Chen Yuanxiang , Sun Shangbin , Fu Jia , Yu Jianguo
Published: April 2022

With the rapid development of modern wireless technology, it is necessary to continuously optimize microwave devices to meet the higher requirements of communication systems. In this paper, we propose a microwave device optimization method based on extreme learning machine (ELM) and gray wolf optimizer (GWO). we adopt GWO to optimize the parameters of ELM and establish the mapping relationships between the microwave device design parameters and their responses. According to the inverse mapping of expected response, the expected design parameters of microwave devices are obtained. The numerical results show that the proposed method can improve the design efficiency of microwave devices and realize automatic optimization design compared with the existing method.
Study on Noise and Suppression of Readout Circuit for UV Focal Plane Array
Authors: Ye Baisong , Liu Jinfu
Published: April 2022

The noise characteristics of readout circuit for ultraviolet focal plane array are analysed in this paper. And the restraining method of noise with correlated double sampling circuit is discussed. In order to verify the principle, a 64×1 line readout circuit is designed. The results show that the total noise is effectively restrained by applying the correlated double sampling circuit.
Discussion on a Novel Reusable OR & AND logic gate based on two-dimensional materials
Authors: Wang Ximing
Published: April 2022

In this work, a novel useable OR&AND logic gate based on the two-dimensional (2D) material is proposed and simulated. By controlling voltage polarity applied on 2D materials, PN diode having changeable conducting direction can be realized. Based on this, OR & AND logic function can be realized using same diode through controlling the voltage polarity. Compared to traditional OR&AND based on traditional MOS, hardware cost is reduced, showing the great potential of application of 2D materials in logic circuit.
DL-CSNet: Dictionary Learning based Compressed Sensing Neural Network
Authors: Qiu Yanzhen , Zhang Chuangfeng , Huang Ruishan , Tian Haochen , Xiong Chenkui , Liao Shaolin
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we propose a novel neural network for Compressed Sensing (CS) application: the Dictionary Learning based Compressed Sensing neural Network (DL-CSNet). It is fairly simple but highly effective, which consists of only three layers: 1) a DL layer for latent sparse features extraction; 2) a smoothing layer via Total Variation (TV) like constraint; and 3) a CS acquisition layer for neural network training. In particular, the TV-like smoothing layer is a perfect complement to the sparsity-oriented DL layer to achieve smooth images. The trained DL-CSNet can learn the optimal dictionary matrix so that images can be reconstructed in high quality. At last, extensive experiments have been carried out on binary images and compared to most classical CS algorithms, which shows the superior performance of the proposed DL-CSNet.
Controls on the relative melt rates of debris-covered glacier surfaces
Authors: Miles E S , Steiner J F , Buri P , Immerzeel W W , Pellicciotti F
Published: April 2022

Supraglacial debris covers 7% of mountain glacier area globally and generally reduces glacier surface melt. Enhanced energy absorption at ice cliffs and supraglacial ponds scattered across the debris surface leads these features to contribute disproportionately to glacier-wide ablation. However, the degree to which cliffs and ponds actually increase melt rates remains unclear, as these features have only been studied in a detailed manner for selected locations, almost exclusively in High Mountain Asia. In this study we model the surface energy balance for debris-covered ice, ice cliffs, and supraglacial ponds with a set of automatic weather station records representing the global prevalence of debris-covered glacier ice. We generate 5000 random sets of values for physical parameters using probability distributions derived from literature, which we use to investigate relative melt rates and to isolate the melt responses of debris, cliffs and ponds to the site-specific meteorological forcing. Modelled sub-debris melt rates are primarily controlled by debris thickness and thermal conductivity. At a reference thickness of 0.1 m, sub-debris melt rates vary considerably, differing by up to a factor of four between sites, mainly attributable to air temperature differences. We find that melt rates for ice cliffs are consistently 2–3× the melt rate for clean glacier ice, but this melt enhancement decays with increasing clean ice melt rates. Energy absorption at supraglacial ponds is dominated by latent heat exchange and is therefore highly sensitive to wind speed and relative humidity, but is generally less than for clean ice. Our results provide reference melt enhancement factors for melt modelling of debris-covered glacier sites, globally, while highlighting the need for direct measurement of debris-covered glacier surface characteristics, physical parameters, and local meteorological conditions at a variety of sites around the world.
CrAssphage as an indicator of groundwater-borne pollution in coastal ecosystems
Authors: Threndyle Ryan E , Kurylyk Barret L , Huang Yannan , Johnston Lindsay H , Jamieson Rob C
Published: April 2022

Novel approaches for monitoring coastal water quality changes and identifying associated contaminant source(s) are of growing importance as climate change and population redistribution to coastal zones continue to impact coastal systems. CrAssphage, a virus found in the human gut and shed with fecal matter, is currently gaining popularity as an indicator of human fecal contamination in surface water and groundwater. Here we demonstrate that DNA assays targeting crAssphage genetic fragments can be used to detect pollution from nearshore onsite wastewater treatment systems discharging to the ocean via submarine groundwater discharge. We integrated this novel viral monitoring tool into a field study that characterized the physical hydrogeology (hydraulic gradients, hydraulic conductivity, and seepage fluxes) and surface water and groundwater quality at a study site on the north shore of Nova Scotia, Canada. Increased use of onsite wastewater treatment systems during the summer cottage season coincided with widespread detections of crAssphage in submarine groundwater discharge (4/4 samples) and coastal surface waters (3/8 samples). Conversely, classical fecal pollution indicators based on bacterial targets (Escherichia coli and human-specific Bacteroidales genetic marker (HF183)) were sparsely detected in the samples in the coastal environment (2/12 E. coli samples, 0/12 HF183 samples), likely due to greater attenuation of bacterial contaminants within the subsurface environments. Results from this first application of crAssphage in coastal groundwater contribute to a growing body of research reporting the application of this emerging tracer in various environments impacted by sewage pollution sources.
I-design terahertz microfluidic chip for attomole-level sensing
Authors: Serita Kazunori , Kobatake Satoshi , Tonouchi Masayoshi
Published: April 2022

We developed a nonlinear optical crystal-based compact terahertz (THz)-microfluidic chip with several I-design meta-atoms for attomole (amol)-level sensing of trace amounts of solution samples. The I-design meta-atom consists of a metallic strip with a micometer-sized gap sandwiched by other metallic strips. It is periodically arrayed in a row of 1 × 5 units. A point THz source locally generated by optical rectification at the irradiation spot of a femtosecond-pulse laser beam induces a tightly confined electric-field mode at the gap regions and modifies the resonance frequency when a microchannel fabricated along the space between the metallic strips is filled with solutions. Using this chip, we could detect minute changes in the concentration of trace amounts of ethanol- and glucose-water solutions and mineral water by measuring the shift in the resonance frequencies. We succeeded in detecting 472 amols of solutes in solutions less than 100 picoliters using an effective sensing area of 0.10 λ
THz × 0.57 λ
THz, which indicates an improvement of approximately one order of magnitude compared to the performance of existing chips. This technique compactifies THz-microfluidic chips with high sensitivity and would accelerate the development of microfluidics integrated with THz technology, such as lab-on-a-chip devices and THz micro total analysis systems.
Chen-Ricci inequalities for Riemannian maps and their applications
Authors: Lee Jae , Lee Chul , Şahin Bayram , Vîlcu Gabriel-Eduard
Published: April 2022

Riemannian maps between Riemannian manifolds, originally introduced by A.E. Fischer in [Contemp. Math. 132 (1992), 331–366], provide an excellent tool for comparing the geometric structures of the source and target manifolds. Isometric immersions and Riemannian submersions are particular examples of such maps. In this work, we first prove a geometric inequality for Riemannian maps having a real space form as a target manifold. Applying it to the particular case of Riemannian submanifolds, we recover a classical result, obtained by B.-Y. Chen in [Glasgow Math. J. 41 (1999), 33–41], which nowadays is known as the Chen-Ricci inequality. Moreover, we extend this inequality in case of Riemannian maps with a complex space form as a target manifold. We also improve this inequality when the Riemannian map is Lagrangian. Applying it to Riemannian submanifolds, we recover the improved Chen-Ricci inequality for Lagrangian submanifolds in a complex space form, that is a basic inequality obtained by S. Deng in [Int. Electron. J. Geom. 2 (2009), 39-45] as an improvement of a geometric inequality stated by B.-Y. Chen in [Arch. Math. (Basel) 74 (2000), 154–160].
Preprint Highlight: Building the cytokinetic contractile ring in an early embryo: initiation as clusters of myosin II, anillin and septin, and visualization of a septin filament network
Authors: Carim Sabrya
Published: April 2022

Cytokinesis is driven by a contractile ring whose key components are well defined, yet how they are organized and how the contractile ring assembles and constricts remain unclear. This study combines confocal and superresolution imaging of endogenous contractile ring components in sea urchin embryos (in vivo) and isolated embryo cortices (ex vivo) to demonstrate that anillin and septin2 assemble into myosin II-positive clusters. The author surmises that these clusters are precursors to the contractile ring and observe septin filament nanostructure for the first time in an animal cell contractile ring. These insights into the organization of lesser studied yet conserved contractile ring proteins, anillin and septins, provide clues to their function and pave the way for similar studies in other animal species.
The why and how of sunken stomata: does the behaviour of encrypted stomata and the leaf cuticle matter?
Authors: Šantrůček Jiří
Published: April 2022

Background

Stomatal pores in many species are separated from the atmosphere by different anatomical obstacles produced by leaf epidermal cells, especially by sunken stomatal crypts, stomatal antechambers and/or hairs (trichomes). The evolutionary driving forces leading to sunken or ‘hidden’ stomata whose antechambers are filled with hairs or waxy plugs are not fully understood. The available hypothetical explanations are based mainly on mathematical modelling of water and CO2 diffusion through superficial vs. sunken stomata, and studies of comparative autecology. A better understanding of this phenomenon may result from examining the interactions between the leaf cuticle and stomata and from functional comparisons of sunken vs. superficially positioned stomata, especially when transpiration is low, for example at night or during severe drought.

Scope

I review recent ideas as to why stomata are hidden and test experimentally whether hidden stomata may behave differently from those not covered by epidermal structures and so are coupled more closely to the atmosphere. I also quantify the contribution of stomatal vs. cuticular transpiration at night using four species with sunken stomata and three species with superficial stomata.

Conclusions

Partitioning of leaf conductance in darkness (gtw) into stomatal and cuticular contributions revealed that stomatal conductance dominated gtw across all seven investigated species with antechambers with different degrees of prominence. Hidden stomata contributed, on average, less to gtw (approx. 70 %) than superficial stomata (approx. 80 %) and reduced their contribution dramatically with increasing gtw. In contrast, species with superficial stomata kept their proportion in gtw invariant across a broad range of gtw. Mechanisms behind the specific behaviour of hidden stomata and the multipurpose origin of sunken stomata are discussed.
Shifting-corrected regularized regression for 1HNMR metabolomics identification and quantification
Authors: Vu Thao , Xu Yuhang , Qiu Yumou , Powers Robert
Published: April 2022

The process of identifying and quantifying metabolites in complex mixtures plays a critical role in metabolomics studies to obtain an informative interpretation of underlying biological processes. Manual approaches are time-consuming and heavily reliant on the knowledge and assessment of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experts. We propose a shifting-corrected regularized regression method, which identifies and quantifies metabolites in a mixture automatically. A detailed algorithm is also proposed to implement the proposed method. Using a novel weight function, the proposed method is able to detect and correct peak shifting errors caused by fluctuations in experimental procedures. Simulation studies show that the proposed method performs better with regard to the identification and quantification of metabolites in a complex mixture. We also demonstrate real data applications of our method using experimental and biological NMR mixtures.
Estimation of sparse functional quantile regression with measurement error: a SIMEX approach
Authors: Tekwe Carmen D , Zhang Mengli , Carroll Raymond J , Luan Yuanyuan , Xue Lan , Zoh Roger S , Carter Stephen J , Allison David B , Geraci Marco
Published: April 2022

Quantile regression is a semiparametric method for modeling associations between variables. It is most helpful when the covariates have complex relationships with the location, scale, and shape of the outcome distribution. Despite the method’s robustness to distributional assumptions and outliers in the outcome, regression quantiles may be biased in the presence of measurement error in the covariates. The impact of function-valued covariates contaminated with heteroscedastic error has not yet been examined previously; although, studies have investigated the case of scalar-valued covariates. We present a two-stage strategy to consistently fit linear quantile regression models with a function-valued covariate that may be measured with error. In the first stage, an instrumental variable is used to estimate the covariance matrix associated with the measurement error. In the second stage, simulation extrapolation (SIMEX) is used to correct for measurement error in the function-valued covariate. Point-wise standard errors are estimated by means of nonparametric bootstrap. We present simulation studies to assess the robustness of the measurement error corrected for functional quantile regression. Our methods are applied to National Health and Examination Survey data to assess the relationship between physical activity and body mass index among adults in the United States.
Directed evolution as an approach to increase fructose utilization in synthetic grape juice by wine yeast AWRI 796
Authors: Walker Michelle E , Watson Tommaso L , Large Christopher R L , Berkovich Yan , Lang Tom A , Dunham Maitreya J , Formby Sean , Jiranek Vladimir
Published: April 2022

In winemaking, slow or stuck alcoholic fermentation can impact processing efficiency and wine quality. Residual fructose in the later stages of fermentation can leave the wine ‘out of specification’ unless removed, which requires reinoculation or use of a more fructophilic yeast. As such, robust, fermentation efficient strains are still highly desirable to reduce this risk. We report on a combined EMS mutagenesis and Directed Evolution (DE) approach as a ‘proof of concept’ to improve fructose utilization and decrease fermentation duration. One evolved isolate, Tee 9, was evaluated against the parent, AWRI 796 in defined medium (CDGJM) and Semillon juice. Interestingly, Tee 9 exhibited improved fermentation in CDGJM at several nitrogen contents, but not in juice. Genomic comparison between AWRI 796 and Tee 9 identified 371 mutations, but no chromosomal copy number variation. A total of 95 noncoding and 276 coding mutations were identified in 297 genes (180 of which encode proteins with one or more substitutions). Whilst introduction of two of these, Gid7 (E726K) or Fba1 (G135S), into AWRI 796 did not lead to the fermentation improvement seen in Tee 9, similar allelic swaps with the other mutations are needed to understand Tee 9’s adaption to CDGJM. Furthermore, the 378 isolates, potentially mutagenized but with the same genetic background, are likely a useful resource for future phenotyping and genome-wide association studies.
Changing Relationships Between Social Contact, Social Support, and Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ang Shannon
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Given the longstanding consensus that social contact can promote older adult well-being, many have focused on how social contact changed during the pandemic. Less is known, however, about whether the link between social contact and health changed during the pandemic. This study sought to understand how associations between social contact, social support, and depressive symptoms changed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

Data from 2 waves of the Health and Retirement Study were used. Respondents reported both virtual and in-person social contact, as well as perceived positive and negative social support. Path models were used to estimate relationships between social contact, social support, and depressive symptoms. Bootstrapping was used to estimate the change in associations between 2016 and 2020.

Results

Estimates show that associations between positive social support and depressive symptoms, as well as between in-person social contact and depressive symptoms, attenuated during the pandemic. Virtual social contact played a relatively minor role in determining outcomes such as social support and depressive symptoms, compared to in-person social contact.

Discussion

Findings suggest that researchers and policymakers should not only focus on the changing quantity of social interactions when events such as the COVID-19 pandemic happen, but also the changing content and efficacy of the social interactions that remain.
Geophysical inversions on unstructured meshes using non-gradient based regularization
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xu Yixian , Yang Bo , Mooney Walter D , Wang Feng
Published: April 2022

Geophysical inverse problems are commonly ill-posed and require proper regularization to gain acceptable solutions. Adopting constraints on the smoothness and/or specified structures of an inverted geophysical model requires the implementation of regularization terms when either structured or unstructured meshes are used. Spatial gradients of the model parameters along axial or arbitrary directions are thus required. However, the calculation of spatial gradients on unstructured meshes is not straightforward since the interfaces between adjacent model cells (i.e. common edges or common faces) are orientated individually and usually are not perpendicular to the axial directions. Depending on the algorithm used, an uneven performance of the regularization is observed on unstructured meshes. To enforce effective and robust regularization terms for geophysical inversions on the unstructured meshes, we propose algorithms for constructing the smoothness and structural similarity operators that take advantage of the inherent merits of the unstructured meshes. Following a detailed introduction of the general inversion formula that we adopted, the smoothness and reference model constraints on triangular and tetrahedral meshes are proposed based on the neighbouring relationships between different model cells within the meshes. Particularly, a quasi-cross-gradient formulation is derived for triangular meshes suitable for the joint inversion of different kinds of geophysical data. Compared to existing algorithms, the new smoothness operator presents an equal or better performance for constraining the model roughness. In addition, the operator exploits the preferred elongation directions of the underground structures by performing varied constraints in different directions. Furthermore, the other new operator could effectively measure structural information of the inverted model even if the algorithms have incorporated sophisticated constraints from other geophysical or geological data. Demonstrated with the applications on synthetic examples, the new algorithms provide advanced regularization techniques for conducting geophysical inversions using unstructured meshes.
Creating a post-pandemic sustainable environment in the context of technical and reputational business transformation
Authors: Ibrahim Iman , Tkachenko Daria , Gura Dmitry , Sakulyeva Tatyana
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this article is to propose a new design for a sustainable built environment using a specific business system as an example that transforms and implements modular systems and ultraviolet (UV) lighting to prevent the spread of infectious agents after COVID-19, which directly affects the ability of some types of businesses to function. The paper explores the possibility of purchasing, introducing and using UV radiation for disinfection of premises and the destruction of potentially dangerous viruses and bacteria. The proposed model allows self-isolating persons to adapt to the changing reality and remain productive consumers of goods and services within the business system under study. The modular system, combined with germicidal UV lamps, due to their ability to inactivate viruses, effectively creates a safe hygienic environment, which affects the attractiveness of the territory for visitors and increases the number of ‘contacts’ of the consumer with the company and brand.
Immunological Correlates of Prevention of the Onset of Seasonal H3N2 Influenza
Authors: Okuda Moe , Sakai-Tagawa Yuko , Koga Michiko , Koibuchi Tomohiko , Kikuchi Tadashi , Adachi Eisuke , Ahyoung Lim Lay , Yamamoto Shinya , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Negishi Kyota , Jubishi Daisuke , Yamayoshi Seiya , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: April 2022

On influenza virus infection or vaccination, immune responses occur, including the production of antibodies with various functions that contribute to protection from seasonal influenza virus infection. In the current study, we attempted to identify the antibody functions that play a central role in preventing the onset of seasonal influenza by comparing the levels of several antibody titers for different antibody functions between 5 subclinically infected individuals and 16 patients infected with seasonal H3N2 virus. For antibody titers before influenza virus exposure, we found that the nAb titers and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titers against hemagglutinin and neuraminidase (NA) proteins in the subclinically infected individuals were significantly higher than those in the patients, whereas the NA inhibition titers and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activities did not significantly differ between subclinically infected individuals and infected patients. These results suggest that nAb and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titers against hemagglutinin and NA serve as correlates of symptomatic influenza infection.
The Obligation to Release and Repatriate Prisoners of Wars: Revisiting the Arbitral Award of Eritrea–Ethiopia Claims Commission
Authors: Tiruneh Wubeshet
Published: April 2022

The Eritrea–Ethiopia Claims Commission hugely contributed to the development of IHL jurisprudence by interpreting, clarifying and applying IHL rules. However, the Commission’s decision regarding the suspension and delay of repatriation of Eritrean POWs by Ethiopia, which was handed down nearly two decades ago, still draws much criticism. On the one hand, the date marking cessation of hostilities, which according to Article 118 of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (GC III) triggers the obligation of Ethiopia to repatriate Eritrean POWs, had not been properly determined. On the other hand, the decision suggested that the obligation of states to repatriate POWs is dependent on the behavior of the other party or subjected to reciprocity. According to the Commission, the repatriation of POWs can be delayed after cessation of hostilities unless the detaining powers get an assurance that their troops would similarly be released and repatriated. However, as I will argue in this article, the suspension and delaying of the repatriation of POWs on the ground of reciprocity runs counter to the unilateral and unconditional nature of the obligation to repatriate POWs under Article 118 of GC III. Nor can it be justified as a legitimate reprisal under IHL and countermeasure under the general rules of state responsibility.