bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis E case series: A UK experience
Authors: Robins Anne , Dolman Grace , Williams Simon , Gelson William , Mohsen Abdul
Published: June 2022

The incidence of hepatitis E continues to increase and in immunocompromised patients can lead to chronic infection. Management of hepatitis E has evolved over time, with the first step being a reduction of immunosuppression followed by treatment with ribavirin. The European Association for the Study of Liver guidelines support treatment with ribavirin although the optimum dose and regime is unknown. This series reviews eight chronically infected cases treated between 2018 and 2021 in two UK centres (Ipswich Hospital and Addenbrooke's Hospital). Treatment response was defined primarily as sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12) following the cessation of treatment and secondly as sustained virological response at 24 weeks (SVR24). The median dose of ribavirin given daily was 600 mg. The management of five of the eight cases was in line with the guidelines, and treatment was stopped after 12 weeks. Two of these five patients achieved SVR (40%). The remaining three cases were given a 24‐week course based on clinical judgement, and all achieved SVR (100%). The three patients who relapsed received a second 24‐week course of treatment and achieved SVR. Therefore, with a 24‐week course, a 100% treatment success rate was attained. In chronic hepatitis E, a 24‐week course of ribavirin would achieve optimum clearance rates with a single course of treatment. Ensuring the highest dose of ribavirin as possible (aiming to reach 800 mg daily) and attempts to reduce immunosuppressive therapy safely may also be relevant to achieving SVR.
Poetics of modernity and nationalism: Revisiting the emergence of modern Kurdish poetry
Authors: Ghaderi Farangis
Published: June 2022

The emergence of modern Kurdish poetry marks a period of great significance in the history of Kurdish literature since it witnessed the advent of modernity, the rise of Kurdish nationalism, the fall of the Persian and Ottoman Empires, and the creation of the Middle East with no country for Kurds. In this article I examine the complex process of the poetic modernisation which unfolded over the oeuvres of generations of poets from the late 19th century till its culmination in the 1940s. I illustrate that modern Kurdish poetry was an aesthetic response to the advent of modernity and its socio‐political implications such as nationalism in Kurdish society.
DNA metabarcoding unveils the effects of habitat fragmentation on pollinator diversity, plant‐pollinator interactions, and pollination efficiency in Maldive islands
Authors: Tommasi Nicola , Biella Paolo , Maggioni Davide , Fallati Luca , Agostinetto Giulia , Labra Massimo , Galli Paolo , Galimberti Andrea
Published: June 2022

Habitat fragmentation affects biodiversity, but with unclear effects on pollinators and their interactions with plants in anthropized landscapes. Islands could serve as open air laboratories, suitable to disentangle how land‐use alteration impacts pollination ecology. In Maldive islands we investigated how pollinator richness, plant‐pollinator interactions and pollination efficiency are influenced by the green area fragmentation (i.e., gardens and semi‐natural patches). Moreover, we considered the mediating role of pollinator body size and the plant trait of being invasive in shaping interactions. To do this, we surveyed pollinator insects from 11 islands representing a gradient of green area fragmentation. A DNA metabarcoding approach was adopted to identify the pollen transported by pollinators and characterize the plant‐pollinator interactions. We found that intermediate levels of green area fragmentation characterized pollinator communities and increased their species richness, while decreasing interaction network complexity. Invasive plants were more frequently found on pollinator bodies than native or exotic noninvasive ones, indicating a concerningly higher potential for pollen dispersal and reproduction of the former ones. Intriguingly, pollinator body size mediated the effect of landscape alteration on interactions, as only the largest bees expanded the foraging diet in terms of plant richness in the transported pollen at increasing fragmentation. In parallel, the pollination efficiency increased with pollinator species richness in two sentinel plants. This study shows that moderate landscape fragmentation of green areas shapes many aspects of the pollination ecosystem service, where despite interactions being less complex and mediated by pollinator body size, pollinator insect biodiversity and potential plant reproduction are supported.
Retinal vascular profile in predicting incident cardiometabolic diseases among individuals with diabetes
Authors: Betzler Bjorn Kaijun , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Tham Yih‐Chung , Cheung Carol Y. , Cheng Ching‐Yu , Wong Tien‐Yin , Nusinovici Simon
Published: June 2022

Objective

To determine the longitudinal associations between retinal vascular profile (RVP) and four major cardiometabolic diseases; and to quantify the predictive improvements when adding RVP beyond traditional risk factors in individuals with diabetes.

Methods

Subjects were enrolled from the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Disease (SEED) study, a multi‐ethnic population‐based cohort. Four incident cardiometabolic diseases, calculated over a ~ 6‐year period, were considered: cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension (HTN), diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and hyperlipidemia (HLD). The RVP—vessel tortuosity, branching angle, branching coefficient, fractal dimension, vessel caliber, and DR status—was characterized at baseline using a computer‐assisted program. Traditional risk factors at baseline included age, gender, ethnicity, smoking, blood pressure (BP), HbA1c, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), or cholesterol. The improvements in predictive performance when adding RVP (compared with only traditional risk factors) was calculated using several metrics including area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) and net reclassification improvement (NRI).

Results

Among 1770 individuals with diabetes, incidences were 6.3% (n = 79/1259) for CVD, 48.7% (n = 166/341) for HTN, 14.6% (n = 175/1199) for DKD, and 59.4% (n = 336/566) for HLD. DR preceded the onset of CVD (RR 1.85[1.14;3.00]) and DKD (1.44 [1.06;1.96]). Narrower arteriolar caliber preceding the onset of HTN (0.84 [0.72;0.99]), and changes in arteriolar branching angle preceded the onset of CVD (0.78 [0.62;0.98]) and HTN (1.15 [1.03;1.29]). The largest predictive improvement was found for HTN with AUC increment of 3.4% (p = .027) and better reclassification of 11.4% of the cases and 4.6% of the controls (p = .008).

Conclusion

We found that RVPs improved the prediction of HTN in individuals with diabetes, but add limited information for CVD, DKD, and HLD predictions.
Clinical relevance of rheumatoid factor and anti‐citrullinated peptides in fibrotic interstitial lung disease
Authors: Zheng Boyang , Donohoe Kathryn , Hambly Nathan , Johannson Kerri A. , Assayag Deborah , Fisher Jolene H. , Manganas Helene , Marcoux Veronica , Khalil Nasreen , Kolb Martin , Ryerson Christopher J. ,   the CARE‐PF Investigators
Published: June 2022

Background and objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a frequent cause of interstitial lung disease (ILD); however, the impact of rheumatoid factor and anti‐citrullinated peptide antibody seropositivity in ILD without connective tissue disease (CTD) is unclear. We examined the association of seropositivity with ILD progression, mortality and response to immunosuppression in non‐CTD ILD.

Methods

A total of 1570 non‐CTD patients (with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features or unclassifiable ILD) and 181 RA‐ILD patients were included from a prospective registry. Longitudinal forced vital capacity (FVC), transplant‐free survival and incidence of progressive fibrosing‐ILD (PF‐ILD) were compared between seronegative non‐CTD ILD (reference group), seropositive non‐CTD ILD and RA‐ILD using linear mixed‐effect and Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, smoking pack‐years and baseline FVC. Interaction between seropositivity and immunosuppression on FVC decline was assessed in patients with ≥6 months of follow‐up before and after the treatment.

Results

Two hundred and seventeen (13.8%) patients with seropositive non‐CTD ILD had similar rates of FVC decline and transplant‐free survival compared to seronegative non‐CTD ILD, but more frequently met the criteria for PF‐ILD (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.35, p = 0.004). RA‐ILD had slower FVC decline (p = 0.03), less PF‐ILD (HR = 0.75, p = 0.03) and lower likelihood of lung transplant or death (HR = 0.66, p = 0.01) compared to seronegative non‐CTD ILD. No interaction was found between seropositivity and treatment on FVC decline in non‐CTD ILD.

Conclusion

Seropositivity in non‐CTD ILD was not associated with improved outcomes or treatment response, highlighting the importance of other disease features in determining prognosis and predicting response to immunosuppression.
Genetic testing in interstitial lung disease: An international survey
Authors: Terwiel Michelle , Borie Raphael , Crestani Bruno , Galvin Liam , Bonella Francesco , Fabre Aurelie , Froidure Antoine , Griese Matthias , Grutters Jan C. , Johannson Kerri , Kannengiesser Caroline , Kawano‐Dourado Leticia , Molina‐Molina Maria , Prasse Antje , Renzoni Elisabetta A. , van der Smagt Jasper , Poletti Venerino , Antoniou Katerina , van Moorsel Coline H. M.
Published: June 2022

Background and objective

Genetic analysis is emerging for interstitial lung diseases (ILDs); however, ILD practices are not yet standardized. We surveyed patients', relatives' and pulmonologists' experiences and needs on genetic testing in ILD to evaluate the current situation and identify future needs.

Methods

A clinical epidemiologist (MT) together with members of the ERS taskforce and representatives of the European Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and related disorders Federation (EU‐IPFF) patient organisation developed a survey for patients, relatives and pulmonologists. Online surveys consisted of questions on five main topics: awareness of hereditary ILD, the provision of information, genetic testing, screening of asymptomatic relatives and clinical impact of genetic analysis in ILD.

Results

Survey respondents consisted of 458 patients with ILD, 181 patients' relatives and 352 pulmonologists. Most respondents think genetic testing can be useful, particularly for explaining the cause of disease, predicting its course, determining risk for developing disease and the need to test relatives. Informing patients and relatives on genetic analysis is primarily performed by the pulmonologist, but 88% (218) of pulmonologists identify a need for more information and 96% (240) ask for guidelines on genetic testing in ILD. A third of the pulmonologists who would offer genetic testing currently do not offer a genetic test, primarily because they have limited access to genetic tests. Following genetic testing, 72% (171) of pulmonologists may change the diagnostic work‐up and 57% (137) may change the therapeutic approach.

Conclusion

This survey shows that there is wide support for implementation of genetic testing in ILD and a high need for information, guidelines and access to testing among patients, their relatives and pulmonologists.
Polymorphic differences within HLA‐C alleles contribute to alternatively spliced transcripts lacking exon 5
Authors: Ehlers Femke A. I. , Olieslagers Timo I. , Groeneweg Mathijs , Bos Gerard M. J. , Tilanus Marcel G. J. , Voorter Christina E. M. , Wieten Lotte
Published: June 2022

The HLA genes are amongst the most polymorphic in the human genome. Alternative splicing could add an extra layer of complexity, but has not been studied extensively. Here, we applied an RNA based approach to study the influence of allele polymorphism on alternative splicing of HLA‐C in peripheral blood. RNA was isolated from these peripheral cells, converted into cDNA and amplified specifically for 12 common HLA‐C allele groups. Through subsequent sequencing of HLA‐C, we observed alternative splicing variants of HLA‐C*04 and *16 that resulted in exon 5 skipping and were co‐expressed with the mature transcript. Investigation of intron 4 sequences of HLA‐C*04 and *16 compared with other HLA‐C alleles demonstrated no effect on predicted splice sites and branch point. To further investigate if the unique polymorphic positions in exon 5 of HLA‐C*04 or *16 may facilitate alternative splicing by acting on splicing regulatory elements (SRE), in‐silico splicing analysis was performed. While the HLA‐C*04 specific SNP in exon 5 had no effect on predicted exonic SRE, the HLA‐C*16 specific exon 5 SNP did alter exonic SRE. Our findings provide experimental and theoretical support for the concept that polymorphisms within the HLA‐C alleles influence the alternative splicing of HLA‐C.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*51:367 allele in a cord blood donor by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Ingrassia Francesco , Pecoraro Alice , Blando Maria , Corica Alessia Angela , Cappuzzo Valentina
Published: June 2022

The new HLA‐B*51:367 differs from B*51:01:01:64 by four substitutions in exon 1.
Chirality in double photoemission from a Cu(100) surface
Authors: Schumann F. O. , Di Fillippo G. , Wei Z. , Stefani G.
Published: June 2022

We investigated the double photoemission process from a Cu(100) surface with circular polarized light using coincidence spectroscopy. The handedness of the photon can be imprinted onto the emitted electron pair. The proof of this assertion lies in a helicity dependence in the electron pair intensity. We selected a photon energy that allowed the emission of the 3p core electron. Therefore, we recorded coincidences from the 3p electron and associated Auger electron. An additional pathway of double photoemission is the absorption of the photon by the valence band without the participation of a core electron. Adopting a chiral detection geometry, we were able to observe nonvanishing dichroism signals in both pathways of double photoemission. Hence, the emitted electron pair is chiral. Furthermore, the existence of this effect in our geometry implies that the Auger decay upon Cu 3p excitation proceeds in a single step.
Rational design of mixed-matrix metal-organic framework membranes for molecular separations
Authors: Datta Shuvo Jit , Mayoral Alvaro , Murthy Srivatsa Bettahalli Narasimha , Bhatt Prashant M. , Karunakaran Madhavan , Carja Ionela Daniela , Fan Dong , Graziane M. Mileo Paulo , Semino Rocio , Maurin Guillaume , Terasaki Osamu , Eddaoudi Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Conventional separation technologies to separate valuable commodities are energy intensive, consuming 15% of the worldwide energy. Mixed-matrix membranes, combining processable polymers and selective adsorbents, offer the potential to deploy adsorbent distinct separation properties into processable matrix. We report the rational design and construction of a highly efficient, mixed-matrix metal-organic framework membrane based on three interlocked criteria: (i) a fluorinated metal-organic framework, AlFFIVE-1-Ni, as a molecular sieve adsorbent that selectively enhances hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide diffusion while excluding methane; (ii) tailoring crystal morphology into nanosheets with maximally exposed (001) facets; and (iii) in-plane alignment of (001) nanosheets in polymer matrix and attainment of [001]-oriented membrane. The membrane demonstrated exceptionally high hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide separation from natural gas under practical working conditions. This approach offers great potential to translate other key adsorbents into processable matrix.
Sexual selection promotes giraffoid head-neck evolution and ecological adaptation
Authors: Wang Shi-Qi , Ye Jie , Meng Jin , Li Chunxiao , Costeur Loïc , Mennecart Bastien , Zhang Chi , Zhang Ji , Aiglstorfer Manuela , Wang Yang , Wu Yan , Wu Wen-Yu , Deng Tao
Published: June 2022

The long neck of the giraffe has been held as a classic example of adaptive evolution since Darwin’s time. Here we report on an unusual fossil giraffoid,
Discokeryx xiezhi
, from the early Miocene, which has an unusual disk-shaped headgear and the most complicated head-neck joints in known mammals. The distinctive morphology and our finite element analyses indicate an adaptation for fierce head-butting behavior. Tooth enamel isotope data suggest that
D. xiezhi
occupied a niche different from that of other herbivores, comparable to the characteristic high-level browsing niche of modern giraffes. The study shows that giraffoids exhibit a higher headgear diversity than other ruminants and that living in specific ecological niches may have fostered various intraspecific combat behaviors that resulted in extreme head-neck morphologies in different giraffoid lineages.
Reaction hijacking of tyrosine tRNA synthetase as a new whole-of-life-cycle antimalarial strategy
Authors: Xie Stanley C. , Metcalfe Riley D. , Dunn Elyse , Morton Craig J. , Huang Shih-Chung , Puhalovich Tanya , Du Yawei , Wittlin Sergio , Nie Shuai , Luth Madeline R. , Ma Liting , Kim Mi-Sook , Pasaje Charisse Flerida A. , Kumpornsin Krittikorn , Giannangelo Carlo , Houghton Fiona J. , Churchyard Alisje , Famodimu Mufuliat T. , Barry Daniel C. , Gillett David L. , Dey Sumanta , Kosasih Clara C. , Newman William , Niles Jacquin C. , Lee Marcus C. S. , Baum Jake , Ottilie Sabine , Winzeler Elizabeth A. , Creek Darren J. , Williamson Nicholas , Parker Michael W. , Brand Stephen , Langston Steven P. , Dick Lawrence R. , Griffin Michael D.W. , Gould Alexandra E. , Tilley Leann
Published: June 2022

Aminoacyl transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetases (aaRSs) are attractive drug targets, and we present class I and II aaRSs as previously unrecognized targets for adenosine 5′-monophosphate–mimicking nucleoside sulfamates. The target enzyme catalyzes the formation of an inhibitory amino acid–sulfamate conjugate through a reaction-hijacking mechanism. We identified adenosine 5′-sulfamate as a broad-specificity compound that hijacks a range of aaRSs and ML901 as a specific reagent that hijacks a single aaRS in the malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
, namely tyrosine RS (
Pf
YRS). ML901 exerts whole-life-cycle–killing activity with low nanomolar potency and single-dose efficacy in a mouse model of malaria. X-ray crystallographic studies of plasmodium and human YRSs reveal differential flexibility of a loop over the catalytic site that underpins differential susceptibility to reaction hijacking by ML901.
The stargazers
Authors: Sokol Joshua
Published: June 2022

The historic Maya oriented their lives by the heavens. Today, their descendants and Western scholars team up to understand their sophisticated astronomy
Positive Selection of Mutations in the Helicobacter pylori
katA
5′ Untranslated Region in a Mongolian Gerbil Model of Gastric Disease
Authors: Loh John T. , Shuman Jennifer H. B. , Lin Aung Soe , Favret Natalie , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Mallal Simon , Chopra Abha , McClain Mark S. , Cover Timothy L.
Published: June 2022

To evaluate potential effects of gastric inflammation on
Helicobacter pylori
diversification and evolution within the stomach, we experimentally infected Mongolian gerbils with an
H. pylori
strain in which Cag type IV secretion system (T4SS) activity is controlled by a TetR/
tetO
system. Gerbils infected with
H. pylori
under conditions in which Cag T4SS activity was derepressed had significantly higher levels of gastric inflammation than gerbils infected under conditions with repressed Cag T4SS activity.
Epithelial and Neutrophil Interactions and Coordinated Response toShigellain a Human Intestinal Enteroid-Neutrophil Coculture Model
Authors: Lemme-Dumit Jose M. , Doucet Michele , Zachos Nicholas C. , Pasetti Marcela F.
Published: June 2022

Studies of mucosal immunity and microbial host cell interaction have traditionally relied on animal models andin vitrotissue culture using immortalized cancer cell lines, which yield nonphysiological and often unreliable results. Herein, we report the development and characterization of anex vivoenteroid-PMN coculture consisting of normal human intestinal epithelium and a mechanistic interrogation of PMN and epithelial cell interaction and function in the context ofShigellainfection.
The Cysteine Desulfurase IscS Is a Significant Target of 2-Aminoacrylate Damage in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Fulton Ronnie L. , Irons Jessica , Downs Diana M.
Published: June 2022

2-aminoacrylate (2AA) is a reactive metabolite formed as an intermediate in various enzymatic reactions. In the absence of RidA, this metabolite can persist
in vivo
where it attacks and inactivates specific PLP-dependent enzymes, causing metabolic defects and organism-specific phenotypes.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Mycobacterium Strain Isolated from a Clinical Wound Sample
Authors: Ransom Eric M. , Sawhney Sanjam S. , Dantas Gautam , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Fishbein Skye R. S.
Published: June 2022

We report the draft genome sequence of an unusual
Mycobacterium
isolate recovered from a patient’s arm tissue. The 4,025,753-bp draft genome exhibits a GC content of 71.02%, and a 16S rRNA gene analysis found that the closest relative was
Mycobacterium grossiae
.
Description of a New Clade within Subtype 1 ofBetaarterivirus suid 1Causing Severe Outbreaks in Spain
Authors: Martín-Valls Gerard E. , Cortey Martí , Allepuz Alberto , Illas Francesc , Tello Montse , Mateu Enric
Published: June 2022

This report describes 28 genome sequences from a new clade within subtype 1 ofBetaarterivirus suid 1, formerly known as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1. All share a potential recombinant pattern, with a highly pathogenic Italian strain as the putative major parental sequence and three other possible parents.
Metatranscriptomic Sequencing of Winter and Spring Planktonic Communities from Lake Erie, a Laurentian Great Lake
Authors: Zepernick Brittany N. , Denison Elizabeth R. , Chaffin Justin D. , Bullerjahn George S. , Pennacchio Christa P. , Frenken Thijs , Peck Daniel H. , Anderson James T. , Niles Derek , Zastepa Arthur , McKay R. Michael L. , Wilhelm Steven W.
Published: June 2022

Previous reports suggest planktonic and under-ice winter microbial communities in Lake Erie are dominated by diatoms. Here, we report the assembled metatranscriptomes of 79 Lake Erie surface water microbial communities spanning both the winter (28 samples) and spring (51 samples) months over spatial, temporal, and climatic gradients in 2019 through 2020.
Alternative Synthesis of Cefamandole with Biocatalytic Acylation Catalyzed by Immobilized Cephalosporin-Acid Synthetase
Authors: Sklyarenko A. V. , Groshkova I. A. , Krestyanova I. N. , Yarotsky S. V.
Published: June 2022

The processes of the biocatalytic acylation of 1-methyl-5-mercapto-1,2,3,4-tetrazolil-7-amino-cephalosporanic acid (7-TMCA) and 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (7-ACA) by methyl ester of mandelic acid (MEMA) were optimized with an immobilized cephalosporin-acid synthetase as the biocatalyst. Under optimized conditions in water-organic medium containing 43% (vol/vol) of ethylene glycol at 30°С with a spontaneous pH gradient in the range of 8.0–6.0, the following yields of biocatalytic transformations were reached: (80.8 ± 1.9)% for 7‑TMCA acylation (at a concentration of 100–120 mМ) resulted in cefamandole (CFM) production, and (88.6 ± 2.0)% for 7-ACA acylation of (at concentration of 140–170 mМ) resulted in a semiproduct of CFM (S-p CFM) formation. In the second process, the concentration of the target β-lactam product in the final reaction mixture is one and a half times higher than that with the first one. In light of the undoubted environmental benefits of the chemical transformation of S-p CFM to CFM over the process of the chemical production of 7-TMCA from 7-ACA, we conclude that the second pathway of combined chemical and biocatalytic CFM synthesis is preferable.
Developing a priority global research agenda for antimicrobial resistance in the human health sector: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Hamers Raph L , Cassini Alessandro , Asadinia Koe Stella , Bertagnolio Silvia
Published: June 2022

Introduction

To accelerate the response to the public health threat by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the WHO is developing a Global Research Agenda for AMR in the human health sector that aims to provide a global and transparent assessment of priority knowledge gaps related to critical bacteria—including Mycobacterium tuberculosis—and fungi that inform control and response strategies to tackle AMR by 2030. A literature scoping review represents the first phase in a stepwise process, and we hereby outline the protocol to review current knowledge gaps and research questions on AMR in the human health sector.

Methods and analysis

This literature scoping review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) methodology and will include: (1) a hand search to identify relevant WHO guidelines and documents suggested by the WHO Steering Group for the AMR Global Research Agenda; (2) a grey literature search through a stakeholder mapping process and google searches of organisational websites; (3) a systematic search of relevant systematic reviews through bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase and Web of Science); (4) screening of the reference lists of included studies. We will include relevant publications from the last 10 years (January 2012 to December 2021). Two researchers separately will review the yielded citations to determine eligibility based on predefined criteria. Relevant research questions with attributes will be extracted using a tool developed through an iterative process by the research team. Each identified research question will be classified and aggregated according to a conceptual framework (ie, ‘knowledge matrix’), composed of three themes (ie, Prevention, Diagnosis and Care & Treatment) and four cross-cutting domains (ie, Descriptive, Discovery, Development, Delivery). We will present numerical and thematic summaries of the knowledge matrix. A qualitative content analysis is out of the scope of this protocol.

Ethics and dissemination

The scoping review process will only involve identification, selection and analysis of documents available for use in the public domain, and will not include any personal information on individuals, therefore ethical approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and stakeholder meetings.
Anomalous surface elevation, velocity, and area changes of Split Lake Glacier, western Prince of Wales Icefield, Canadian High Arctic
Authors: Van Wychen Wesley , Hallé Danielle A.M. , Copland Luke , Gray Laurence
Published: June 2022

Here we use a variety of remote sensing data sets to characterize the evolving extent, surface features, dynamics, and surface elevations of Split Lake Glacier, a small outlet of the Prince of Wales Icefield, Nunavut. The glacier started advancing between 1959 and 1975, with a continued increase in terminus area up to the present day, coincident with significant upper elevation thinning and lower elevation thickening that cannot be accounted for by surface mass balance. The highest velocities reach >600 m year−1, with the region of fastest ice motion focused around an icefall that occurs in a bedrock constriction. Distinctive ogives are present in a 1975 air photo of the glacier for the first time, which suggests that rapid motion started by 1970. These patterns are anomalous when compared with the geometry, velocity, and area changes of all other nearby areas of western Prince of Wales Icefield and suggest that Split Lake Glacier may be a slowly surging glacier. The surge duration of 50+ years is longer than any other previously described surge within the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. These results give further information concerning the wide variety of dynamic and geometrical changes of glaciers across this region.
Deep vertical rotary tillage increases the diversity of bacterial communities and alters the bacterial network structure in soil planted to corn
Authors: Xia Wanyu , Ren Xiaoyue , Chen Yanyun
Published: June 2022

Deep vertical rotary tillage (DVRT) is a novel technique; however, its influence on soil bacterial diversity and community structure remains unclear. Herein, it was hypothesized that this tillage method significantly improves the bacterial diversity and alters the bacterial community structure and therefore it supports enhanced soil ecosystem functions in cultivated land. We investigated the soil bacterial communities and performed molecular ecological network analysis of cultivated land soils under different tillage regimes using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene Illumina sequencing. Soil samples were collected from the experimental field under 2 treatments: DVRT and conventional rotary tillage (CT) in Shizuishan City, Ningxia, China, in a 2-year field experiment. The α-diversity indices showed that DVRT resulted in higher bacterial diversity. In addition, the principal coordinate analysis results revealed a clear separation among the groups of cultivated land soils under the 2 treatment regimes. The key physicochemical factors that significantly influenced bacterial diversity and community structure were pH and total potassium concentration. The network analysis indicated that the bacterial network of DVRT soils consisted of more functionally interrelated bacterial modules than that of soils under CT, and the topological roles of characteristic bacteria and key bacteria were also different. In relation to CT, the relative abundances of organisms belonging to the functional groups of “Xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism”, “Signal transduction”, and “Metabolism of cofactors and vitamins” were significantly increased in cultivated land soils under DVRT. It was concluded that DVRT treatment could improve bacterial diversity, alter the bacterial network structure, and enhance potential ecosystem functions in soils of cultivated land.
A capacity adaption optimization model for supernormal operation of urban rail transit networks
Authors: Ding Meiling , Shen Jie , Guo Xin , Zhou Li , Jia Bin , Li Feng
Published: June 2022

In response to urban rail transit capacity shortage, a capacity adaption optimization model for the new mixed train operation mode is proposed in the supernormal operation of urban rail transit networks. First, the characteristics of express-local train and long-short route slow train are analyzed to obtain the main influencing factors of capacity adaption. Moreover, various train types are simultaneously classified and recombined in the adaption train operation mode to maximize transportation capacity for passengers. A nonlinear mixed-integer programming model is established to maximize the total number of trains, improving train load rate and reducing the total passenger travel time. In addition, the actual case of Beijing Metro Line 1 is solved to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model. The optimal passenger travel time-saving rates of the morning and evening peak hours are 12.1% and 11.5%, respectively. The optimal utilization rates of capacity in the morning and evening peak hours are 79.5% and 84.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, the optimal load factor within the range of 0.7–0.9 would benefit the utilization of train resources and the passengers’ service level. The optimized results show that the proposed capacity adaption optimization model benefits for high service level and practical significance and rationality for operators.
The Laboratory of Scientific Racism: India and the Origins of Anthropology
Authors: Weaver Lesley Jo
Published: June 2022

Anthropology, especially biological anthropology, owes its origins to the scientific study of human racial differences. That dark history is well-acknowledged and, when it is taught, usually begins with the racism of early figures, such as Johann Friedrich Blumenbach or, more recently, Earnest Hooton, and exonerates itself through a turn toward antiracist scholars such as Frank Livingstone and Franz Boas. Rarely, if ever, is this origin story critically appraised. This article aims to complicate the origin story of biological anthropology by examining how colonial subjects were involved in the development, testing, and refinement of racial theory, and thus of biological anthropology itself. Taking India as an example, I trace how Indians and the caste system were first the subjects and eventually the interlocutors of racial scientific theory and testing. This reorientation, I argue, is important for developing a more expansive and accurate version of the discipline's history and also for shining a light on its relevance to contemporary global racial conflict.
Private or Public Equity? The Evolving Entrepreneurial Finance Landscape
Authors: Ewens Michael , Farre-Mensa Joan
Published: June 2022

The US entrepreneurial finance market has changed dramatically over the last two decades. Entrepreneurs who raise their first round of venture capital retain 30% more equity in their firm and are more likely to control their board of directors. Late-stage start-ups are raising larger amounts of capital in the private markets from a growing pool of traditional and new investors. These private market changes have coincided with a sharp decline in the number of firms going public—and when firms do go public, they are older and have raised more private capital. To understand these facts, we provide a systematic description of the differences between private and public firms. Next, we review several regulatory, technological, and competitive changes affecting both start-ups and investors that help explain how the trade-offs between going public and staying private have changed. We conclude by listing several open research questions.
Genomic Approaches to Antifungal Drug Target Identification and Validation
Authors: Robbins Nicole , Cowen Leah E.
Published: June 2022

The last several decades have witnessed a surge in drug-resistant fungal infections that pose a serious threat to human health. While there is a limited arsenal of drugs that can be used to treat systemic infections, scientific advances have provided renewed optimism for the discovery of novel antifungals. The development of chemical-genomic assays using Saccharomyces cerevisiae has provided powerful methods to identify the mechanism of action of molecules in a living cell. Advances in molecular biology techniques have enabled complementary assays to be developed in fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. These approaches enable the identification of target genes for drug candidates, as well as genes involved in buffering drug target pathways. Here, we examine yeast chemical-genomic assays and highlight how such resources can be utilized to predict the mechanisms of action of compounds, to study virulence attributes of diverse fungal pathogens, and to bolster the antifungal pipeline.
Oxygenases as Powerful Weapons in the Microbial Degradation of Pesticides
Authors: Cheng Minggen , Chen Dian , Parales Rebecca E. , Jiang Jiandong
Published: June 2022

Oxygenases, which catalyze the reductive activation of O2 and incorporation of oxygen atoms into substrates, are widely distributed in aerobes. They function by switching the redox states of essential cofactors that include flavin, heme iron, Rieske non-heme iron, and Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate. This review summarizes the catalytic features of flavin-dependent monooxygenases, heme iron–dependent cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, Rieske non-heme iron–dependent oxygenases, Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, and ring-cleavage dioxygenases, which are commonly involved in pesticide degradation. Heteroatom release (hydroxylation-coupled hetero group release), aromatic/heterocyclic ring hydroxylation to form ring-cleavage substrates, and ring cleavage are the main chemical fates of pesticides catalyzed by these oxygenases. The diversity of oxygenases, specificities for electron transport components, and potential applications of oxygenases are also discussed. This article summarizes our current understanding of the catalytic mechanisms of oxygenases and a framework for distinguishing the roles of oxygenases in pesticide degradation.
Preparation of the Nanodiamond@SiO2 Abrasive and its Effect on the Polishing Performance of Zirconia Ceramics
Authors: Ding Ruyue , Lei Hong , Chen Chuandong , Zhang Zefang
Published: June 2022

For the purpose of achieving the industrial requirement of efficient and high precision polishing of zirconia ceramics, nanodiamond@SiO2 abrasives were synthesized by a simple method using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as raw materials. As observed in the transmission electron microscopy results, the composite abrasives showed a homogeneous and dense silica coating layer. It was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy that the composite abrasives have a core–shell structure with a diamond core and a silica shell. According to the Zeta potential analysis, the dispersion stability of composite particles was improved compared to that of the pure nanodiamond particles. The chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) experimental results show that the polishing performances of composite abrasives on zirconia ceramics are better than that of the pure nanodiamond abrasives. The material removal rate of the composite particles is 2.184 μm h−1, and the surface roughness of the polished zirconia ceramics is 1.055 nm, which was 140% higher and 89% lower than that of pure nanodiamond abrasives, respectively. Furthermore, the polishing mechanism was explored by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), friction coefficient meter and dynamic contact angle test.
Electron Escape from Filled Band in Wet Porous Silicon Nanostructure Probed by Luminescence Quenching Dynamics
Authors: Gelloz B. , Jin L.
Published: June 2022

The recovery of the photoluminescence (PL) of p-type porous silicon (PSi), after its quenching by electron injected from the substrate, was investigated. Electrons were photo-generated in the space-charge-region of the biased substrate, and then forced into PSi. The PL was quenched as a result of fast Auger recombinations. After ending electron injection the PL recovered as electrons escaped from PSi back into the substrate by tunnelling through an energy barrier at the interface. The barrier was tuned by growing an oxide in PSi. The higher the injection level, or the less transparent the energy barrier, the slower the PL recovery. The PL recovery was energy selective, the higher energy part of the spectrum recovering earlier then the lower energy part, in agreement with a band emptying itself from the top down. Under high electron injection condition, the selectivity becomes less pronounced. A simple model was proposed to confirm the origin of the PL quenching and the electron escape process by tunnelling. In some cases, it took ∼10 min or more for the PL to fully recover, showing that electrons can stay in PSi for long periods of time without recombining.
Prior beetroot juice ingestion offsets endothelial dysfunction following prolonged sitting
Authors: Morishima Takuma , Iemitsu Motoyuki , Fujie Shumpei , Ochi Eisuke
Published: June 2022

The present study elucidates that beetroot juice ingestion before prolonged sitting offsets sitting-induced leg endothelial dysfunction. Data from the present study provides novel physiological information that enhancing NO bioavailability by dietary nitrate supplementation is an effective tool for prevention of the detrimental vascular effects of prolonged sitting.
A mathematical model for predicting cardiovascular responses at rest and during exercise in demanding environmental conditions
Authors: Lloyd Alex , Fiala Dusan , Heyde Christian , Havenith George
Published: June 2022

The present research promotes the adaption of thermophysiological modeling to the estimation of cardiovascular strain in individuals exercising under acute environmental stress. Integration with advanced models of human thermoregulation opens doors for detailed numerical analysis of athletes’ performance and physiology during exercise, occupational safety, and individual work tolerability. The research provides a simple-to-validate metric of cardiovascular function (heart rate), as well as a method to evaluate key principles influencing exercise- and thermoregulation in humans.
Beamforming Optimization for Information Enhancement Transmission in MISO SWIPT with NOMA System
Authors: Miao Qing , Zhou Longtao , Wang Jiongqi
Published: June 2022

This paper mainly considers a communication network with multiple-input single-output (MISO), in which nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) decoding technology is adopted, and wireless power-carrying technology is used to enhance the transmission quality of user information in the communication network. Through joint optimization of power splitting ratio and beamforming vector, we aim at minimizing transmission power (base station transmit power and secondary transmit power) while satisfying the quality-of-service requirement of all users and minimum power for secondary transmission. The problem is a nonconvex optimization program, and it is difficult to get the optimal value directly. First, in order to solve the problem for two-user case, the original problem is transformed into a semidefinite programming (SDP) problem, and then, the iterative updating algorithm is used to approximate the optimal value. When the number of users is greater than two, the original problem is transformed into a second-order cone problem, in which we deal with a sequence of second-order cone programming (SOCP). Results verify that the optimal value of the sequence of SOCPs is not increasing and converges to a local optimal value. Detailed simulation experiments indicate that the algorithm improves the performance of NOMA downlink beamforming under the condition of enhancing information and eliminating network interference.
Comparative Study of Two Localization Approaches for Mobile Robots in an Indoor Environment
Authors: Alhamdi Eman , Hedjar Ramdane
Published: June 2022

In the last years, mobile robot localization has been developed significantly due to the need for accurate solutions to determine the position and orientation of the wheeled mobile robot (WMR) in a given environment. Many different sensors have been used to solve the problem. For instance, ultrasonic sensors, laser, or infrared sensors are also used to determine the pose of the WMR. However, sensors are sensitive to noise measurements and disturbances, which can distort the acquired information. For this reason, adequate algorithms should be used to reduce these uncertainties and determine the optimal pose of the WMR. In this research work, we focus on the comparative study of the most used algorithms, using landmarks as sensors, which are the extended Kalman filter and particle filter. Further, for an effective comparison, the simulation results were conducted and analyzed using different performance criteria. The simulations results showed better estimation performance achieved by the particle filter being compared to the extended Kalman filter when the sensors are subject to non-Gaussian noises.
Systemic Maternal Human sFLT1 Overexpression Leads to an Impaired Foetal Brain Development of Growth-Restricted Foetuses upon Experimental Preeclampsia
Authors: Vogtmann Rebekka , Burk Lilo Valerie , Serdar Meray , Kimmig Rainer , Bendix Ivo , Gellhaus Alexandra
Published: June 2022

The pregnancy disorder preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by maternal hypertension, increased level of circulating antiangiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1), and reduced placental perfusion, leading to foetal growth restriction (FGR) and preterm birth. All these adverse effects are associated with neurocognitive disorders in the offspring. However, the direct interplay between increased antiangiogenesis during PE and disturbed foetal brain development independent of prematurity has not been investigated yet. To examine foetal brain development in sFLT1-related PE, hsFLT1/rtTA-transgenic mice with systemic (maternal or maternal/fetoplacental) human sFLT1 (hsFLT1) overexpression since 10.5 days postconception (dpc) were used, and histological and molecular analyses of foetal brains were performed at 18.5 dpc. Consequences of elevated hsFLT1 on placental/foetal vascularization and hypoxia of placentas and foetal brains were analysed using the hypoxia markers pimonidazole and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased hypoxia in placentas of PE-affected pregnancies. Moreover, an increase in HO-1 expression was observed upon elevated hsFLT1 in placentas and foetal brains. PE foetuses revealed asymmetrical FGR by increased brain/liver weight ratio. The brain volume was reduced combined with a reduction in the cortical/hippocampal area and an increase of the caudate putamen and its neuroepithelium, which was associated with a reduced cell density in the cortex and increased cell density in the caudate putamen upon hsFLT1 overexpression. Mild influences were observed on brain vasculature shown by free iron deposits and mRNA changes in Vegf signalling. Of note, both types of systemic hsFLT1 overexpression (indirect: maternal or direct: maternal/fetoplacental) revealed similar changes with increasing severity of impaired foetal brain development. Overall, circulating hsFLT1 in PE pregnancies impaired uteroplacental perfusion leading to disturbed foetal oxygenation and brain injury. This might be associated with a disturbed cell migration from the caudate putamen neuroepithelium to the cortex which could be due to disturbed cerebrovascular adaption.
Relationships between Shanghai Five Different Home-Brewed Wines Sensory Properties and Their Volatile Composition Assessed by GC-MS
Authors: Dang Xin , Feng Tao , Yao LingYun , Chen Da
Published: June 2022

In order to determine the key aroma components of home-brewed wines made from different local grapes in Shanghai. In the work, the identification and quantification of 63 aroma compounds of five home-brewed wines characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combined with Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME). To study the possible correlation between the sensory attributions and 22 aroma compounds in Odor Activity Value (OAV) > 1 for five home-brewed wines, the Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) was a multivariate data analysis performed. Furthermore, to investigate the percentage of contribution of a particular aroma compound to its overall flavor, the relative odor contribution (ROC) and odor activity value of volatiles in home-brewed wines were conducted and performed. According to the comprehensive results, Summer Black Seedless grape (SBSG) and Black Beet grape (BBG) were the most appropriate varieties to be brewed wines for people in Shanghai or around it.
Robust Low-Carbon Discrete Berth Allocation under Uncertainty
Authors: Yu Feifei , Shan Qihe , Xiao Yang , Teng Fei
Published: June 2022

A robust discrete berth allocation method under a low-carbon target is proposed in this study, considering the uncertainty of vessels’ arrival time and handling time. According to the actual situation of port operations, a bilevel, biobjective model is established to minimize both average carbon emission and the range of carbon emission during the berthing period. A set of alternative berth allocation schemes, namely, the set of Pareto solutions, are obtained by a heuristic algorithm based on a genetic algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulation.