bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Characterization and Numerical Modelling of the Impact Behavior of PVC Foams
Authors: Sasso M. , Sarasini F. , Mancini E. , Lattanzi A. , Tirillò J. , Sergi C.
Published: March 2023

Background

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foams are widely used in crashworthiness and energy absorption applications due to their low density and the capability of crushing up to large deformations with limited loads. This property is due to their particular constitutive behavior: the stress-strain curve is characterized, after an initial yield or peak stress, by a relevant plateau region followed by a steep increase due to foam densification. Furthermore, the mechanical response of PVC foam is strongly strain rate dependent.

Objective

This work aims to characterize the mechanical behavior of PVC foams and to develop a complete constitutive model for impact and energy absorption applications.

Methods

Compressive tests are carried out at different speeds on PVC foam samples having different relative densities. Quasi-static and intermediate strain rate tests are performed by a pneumatic machine, while high strain rate tests are conducted by means of a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar. The uniaxial stress-strain curves are used to calibrate the visco-elastic and visco-plastic constitutive model. In particular, the material behavior is divided into two parallel branches: the former describes the elasto-plastic behavior, while the latter accounts for the visco-elastic one; the plastic branch also includes a multiplicative term accounting for the strain rate sensitivity of the base material.

Results

The tests highlight a strong compressibility of the foam with negligible lateral expansion. The energy absorption efficiency, as well as the densification strain, is evaluated. The material model is also implemented in Finite Element (FE) simulations of puncture impact tests, validating the results of the calibration procedure.

Conclusions

The calibration of the visco-elasto-plastic material model offers a physically consistent identification of the constitutive response of the PVC foams, showing an effective characterization of the impact behavior of the material.
A novel life cycle assessment and life cycle costing framework for carbon fibre-reinforced composite materials in the aviation industry
Authors: Wu Minghui , Sadhukhan Jhuma , Murphy Richard , Bharadwaj Ujjwal , Cui Xiaofei
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Carbon fibre-reinforced composite materials offer superior mechanical properties and lower weight than conventional metal products. However, relatively, little is known about the environmental impacts and economic costs associated with composite products displacing conventional metal products. The purpose of this study is to develop an integrated life cycle assessment and life cycle costing framework for composite materials in the aviation industry.

Methods

An integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) framework has been developed. The displacement of a conventional aluminium door for an aircraft by a composite door is presented as an example of the use of this framework. A graphical visualisation tool is proposed to model the integrated environmental and economic performances of this displacement. LCA and LCC models for composite applications are developed accordingly. The environmental hotspots are identified, and the sensitivity of the environmental impact results to the different composite waste treatment routes is performed. Subsequently, the research suggests a learning curve to analyse the unit price for competitive mass production. Sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulation have been applied to demonstrate the cost result changes caused by data uncertainty.

Results

Energy consumption was the hotspot, and the choice of composite waste treatment routes had a negligible effect on the LCA outcomes. Concerning the costs, the most significant cost contribution for the unit door production was labour. The future door production cost was decreased by about 29% based on the learning curve theory. The uncertainties associated with the variables could lead to variations in the production cost of up to about 16%. The comparison between the two doors shows that the composite door had higher potential environmental impacts and cost compared to the conventional aluminium door during the production stage. However, the composite door would have better environmental and financial performance if a weight reduction of 47% was achieved in future designs.

Conclusions

The proposed framework and relevant analysis models were applied through a case study in the aerospace industry, creating a site-specific database for the community to support material selection and product development. The graphical tool was proved to be useful in representing a graphical visualisation comparison based on the integration of the LCA and LCC results of potential modifications to the composite door against the reference door, providing understandable information to the decision-makers.
Reconstructing the social responsibilities of African universities towards citizenship education: perspectives from the ujamaa philosophy of Julius Nyerere
Authors: Kibona Bertha , Woldegiorgis Emnet Tadesse
Published: March 2023

Even though the role of higher education in economic development and innovation has been widely discussed, its relevance in constructing democratic and civic values that pervade citizenship education is yet to be properly explored. The significance of higher education in Tanzania has also been discussed within the broad framework of the economic benefits of such education; yet, the social relevance of universities enhancing citizenship and community values has not been properly interrogated. This research approaches universities as social institutions that play significant roles in the social construction of civic values and citizenship. The paper draws its perspective from the ujamaa philosophy of Julius Nyerere. The Swahili wordujamaais an African philosophy that means ‘familyhood’ or ‘brotherhood’. It deeply entrenches social justice and equality via community, mutual respect, reciprocation and the responsibility of cooperating for the common good of all. This paper sets out to investigate the extent to which graduates of Tanzanian universities inculcate the values of ujamaa philosophy and citizenship education while rendering social services to communities. This enquiry carries fundamental questions, such as what social and civic values are and whether university graduates can acquire these through citizenship education that helps them to engage with their communities. How do the experiences of graduates relate to the African philosophy of ujamaa and Nyerere’s principles of community education? From the analysis of data (n = 30), this paper demonstrates that higher education institutions and graduates have great potential to embrace the values of African philosophy towards the notion of community services, social engagement, civic values and citizenship. The paper concludes that civic values and the sense of community that have been built among graduates show that citizenship education in Tanzanian universities within the framework of ujamaa philosophy can positively influence the exercising of social responsibility by the country’s higher education institutions.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems in South Africa and Australia: transforming doctoral education
Authors: Keane Moyra , Raciti Maria , van der Westhuizen Gert , Motala Shireen , Stanton Sue , Gilbey Kathryn , Manathunga Catherine , Qi Jing , Msimango Sindi
Published: March 2023

While there is a great deal of support for the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into higher education, there is still a significant amount of work to be done to move beyond tokenism. Intensive dialogue and robust conceptual outlooks are required. In this paper, this international team of South African and Australian scholars engage in a transcultural and transdisciplinary dialogue in order to chart how discourses and debates about IKS are understood in the different historical and cultural contexts of South Africa and Australia. They combine the theoretical approaches of de Sousa Santos (2014; 2018a and b) about epistemic justice with the theories of Odora Hoppers (2021), Visvanathan (2009), and First Nations Australian scholars Williams, Bunda, Claxton, and McKinnon (2018) about an Indigenous knowledges global decolonisation praxis framework. This dialogue is deliberately jarring and polyvocal because of our desire to go beyond tokenism. The South African team have chosen to apply Bacchi’s (2009) approach of problem formulation and policy as change proposal to discourses about IKS in South African policy documents. The Australian First Nations team have demonstrated how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems work through the power of stories. Purposely adopting a polyvocal, multimodal approach, the Australian section includes ethnographic policy analysis and narratives that illustrate how IKS might operate in higher education.
Transition und Transfer bei seltenen chronischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Hartmann Gabriele , König Marianne , Hemberger Sophie-Helene , Seferagic Sanja , Herle Marion
Published: March 2023

Es liegen umfassende Empfehlungen zur Transition chronisch kranker Kinder in die Erwachsenenmedizin vor, vor allem bei Jugendlichen mit seltenen Erkrankungen sind jedoch weiterhin strukturelle Verbesserungen nötig. In diesem Artikel stellen wir rezente internationale Empfehlungen vor und schlagen auf deren Basis einen Versorgungspfad vor, welcher auch koordinierende Teammitglieder einschließt.
Mining metagenomes reveals diverse antibiotic biosynthetic genes in uncultured microbial communities
Authors: Amin Dina H. , Nageeb Wedad M. , Elkelish Amr , Makharita Rabab R.
Published: March 2023

Pathogens resistant to antimicrobials form a significant threat to public health worldwide. Tackling multidrug-resistant pathogens via screening metagenomic libraries has become a common approach for the discovery of new antibiotics from uncultured microorganisms. This study focuses on capturing nonribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) gene clusters implicated in the synthesis of many natural compounds of industrial relevance. A NRPS PCR assay was used to screen 2976 Escherichia coli clones in a soil metagenomic library to target NRPS genes. DNA extracts from 4 clones were sequenced and subjected to bioinformatic analysis to identify NRPS domains, their phylogeny, and substrate specificity.

Successfully, 17 NRPS-positive hits with a biosynthetic potential were identified. DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed that NRPS protein sequences shared similarities with members of the genus Delftia in the Proteobacteria taxonomic position. Multiple alignment and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that clones no. 15cd35 and 15cd37 shared low bootstrap values (54%) and were distantly far from close phylogenetic neighbors. Additionally, NRPS domain substrate specificity has no hits with the known ones; hence, they are more likely to use different substrates to produce new diverse antimicrobials. Further analysis confirmed that the NRPS hits resemble several transposon elements from other bacterial taxa, confirming its diversity. We confirmed that the analyses of the soil metagenomic library revealed a diverse set of NRPS related to the genus Delftia. An in-depth understanding of those positive NRPS hits is a crucial step for genetic manipulation of NRPS, shedding light on alternative novel antimicrobial compounds that can be used in drug discovery and hence supports the pharmaceutical sector.
Understanding Lean—Statistical Analysis of Perceptions and Self-Deception Regarding Lean Management
Authors: Pearce Antony , Pons Dirk , Neitzert Thomas
Published: March 2023

Despite the benefits of a lean business system, many organisations struggle to implement and sustain lean initiatives. The purpose of this work was to explore in what way a leader’s deeper knowledge or different understandings of lean affects the lean implementation and its outcomes. The research methodology incorporated a survey of 757 participants. How respondents understood lean was assessed and later correlated to their extent of lean knowledge and specific understanding. This was supported by exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. What caused participants to pursue lean knowledge was also assessed. Low lean knowledge and experience correlated with a system, tools and processes perspective of lean that was perceived to provide a low competitive advantage. Those of high lean knowledge had a much more holistic view of lean that encompassed both socio and technical aspects and also perceived greater competitive advantages from lean. Results showed 88% of people were (are) not at all familiar with lean, 9% of low knowledge and 3% of high knowledge. This paper promotes the importance of management knowledge in establishing a lean business system and exposes that many are actually self-deceived regarding their knowledge of lean. It identifies the need to develop lean education and recommends further research in this area. It also provides a conceptual framework for the implementation of lean with an emphasis on leadership learning. This paper contributes statistical evidence and a new perspective on the cause of lean success and failure.
Which competencies should be fostered in education for sustainable development at higher education institutions? Findings from the evaluation of the study programs at the University of Bern, Switzerland
Authors: Hammer Thomas , Lewis Anna Lena
Published: March 2023

A relatively broad consolidated consensus has emerged among experts regarding the competencies that should be fostered through an education for sustainable development at the higher education level. However, there is little empirical support to aid in answering the question of which competencies should be promoted from the perspective of students and graduates. This was the main purpose for analyzing the corresponding results of the evaluation of the study programs in sustainable development at the University of Bern. In a standardized survey, students (N = 124), graduates (N = 121), and the supervisors of internships (N = 37) were asked, among other questions, how important they consider the fostering of the respective 13 competencies during their studies and for their professional activities. Overall, the results confirm the view of experts: the study programs should be designed for a comprehensive empowerment with respect of responsible and self-motivated participation in meeting the challenges of sustainable development. Even the students are of the opinion that competency-oriented education is important and that not only the acquisition, respectively the imparting of knowledge is relevant. Regarding the estimation of the promotion of competencies in the study program, the three groups agree that the competencies “Interconnected, foresighted, and thinking approaches in system-dynamic contexts” and “Recognizing on one’s own perspective on a situation and problem, empathizing with other perspectives, and taking these into account when solving problems” are the most important. For the professional field, the competency “Communicating in a comprehensive and target group-oriented manner” is rated most important by all three groups. However, it must be noted that there are also differences between the varying perspectives of the students, graduates, and internship supervisors. The results indicate opportunities for improvement that can also be considered as recommendations in the further development of inter- and transdisciplinary sustainability-oriented study programs. Furthermore, lecturers should, especially regarding a multidisciplinary team, coordinate and communize the development of competencies across the different educational elements. Students should be well informed regarding how the various educational elements, i.e., teaching/learning arrangements and assessments, are intended to contribute to the overall development of competency. Finally, in order to ensure that lecturers align respective learning outcomes, as well as teaching/learning arrangements and assessments in their educational elements, there will need to be a greater focus on competency development across a program of study.
Nurses’ experiences of suicide attempts in palliative care
Authors: Hultsjö Sally , Persdotter Anna , Jakobsson Maria , Löfgren Frida , Annerhult Sofia , Wärdig Rikard
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To describe nurses’ experiences of caring for individuals who have attempted suicide in specialized palliative care and to describe if the care of these individuals changed after the suicide attempt.

Methods

A qualitative, descriptive study was conducted. Nine nurses working in specialized palliative care units were interviewed following a semi-structured interview guide. Conventional content analysis was used in the analysis process.

Results

The results are presented in 3 categories: “A suicide attempt evokes strong emotions,” “Health-care efforts changed after the suicide attempt,” and “Experiences for the rest of working life.” Suicide attempts aroused emotions in nurses such as frustration, compassion, and feelings of being manipulated. The relationship between the nurse and the individual was strengthened after the suicide attempt, and their conversations became deeper and changed in nature. Health-care efforts relating to the individual increased after the suicide attempt.

Significance of results

The results of the study can create an awareness that the palliative process also includes the risk of suicide and can be used to create conditions for nurses to be able to handle questions about suicide without fear. The results of the study can be used as an “eye opener” to the fact that suicidality occurs in palliative care. In summary, there is a critical need for nursing education in suicide risk assessment and continued follow-up care for patients at risk of suicide within palliative care.
Lernen im Netzwerk
Authors: Krüger Lars , Mannebach Thomas , Rahner Marianne , Timpe Fabian , Wefer Franziska , Nydahl Peter
Published: March 2023

Zusammenfassung: Die Bildungsmethode sogenannter One Minute Wonder (OMW) wurde erstmals 2014 von Joanna Rowlinson beschrieben. Sie wird seit einigen Jahren auch in Deutschland eingesetzt. 2017 erfolgte die Gründung eines deutschsprachigen OMW-Netzwerks, in dem u.a. OMW kostenlos geteilt werden. Die Ergebnisse einer ersten OMW-Netzwerkbefragung zeigen positive Effekte für die pflegerische Praxis.
Comparison of physical activity and sports engagement between children with ADHD undergoing pharmacotherapy and healthy peers
Authors: Ludyga Sebastian , Leuenberger Rahel , Bruggisser Fabienne , Pühse Uwe , Gerber Markus , Keutler Clemens , Brotzmann Mark , Weber Peter
Published: March 2023

Abstract: Background: Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often face problems in the engagement and adherence of health-promoting behaviors, such as physical activity and sports. Stimulant treatment is effective for managing core symptoms, but it remains unclear if this type of treatment also normalizes the engagement in health-promoting behavior. In this case-control study, we aim to compare physical activity and sports participation between children with ADHD and healthy peers. Motor skills and aerobic fitness are investigated as potential mediators of differences between groups. Methods: Children with ADHD were matched to healthy peers based on sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Participants ( N=120; age: 10.8±1.4) reported their physical activity and sports participation using a 7-day recall protocol. Their engagement in activities at moderate and vigorous intensity as well as participation in individual and team sports was derived from the protocol. Participants further completed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) and a submaximal test on a cycling ergometer (PWC170). Results: Children with ADHD showed lower vigorous physical activity and participation in individual sports than healthy peers. They also achieved lower scores on the MABC-2 and the PWC170. Based on path-analyses, low PWC170 partially mediated the ADHD-related fewer engagement in vigorous physical activity and individual sports. Conclusion: Children with ADHD undergoing stimulant treatment show less participation in vigorous physical activity and individual sports than healthy peers. Poor aerobic fitness partly contributes to the relation between ADHD and low physical activity.
Declines in Peak Snow Water Equivalent and Elevated Snowmelt Rates Following the 2020 Cameron Peak Wildfire in Northern Colorado
Authors: McGrath Daniel , Zeller Lucas , Bonnell Randall , Reis Wyatt , Kampf Stephanie , Williams Keith , Okal Marianne , Olsen‐Mikitowicz Alex , Bump Ella , Sears Megan , Rittger Karl
Published: March 2023

Wildfires are increasingly impacting high‐elevation forests in the western United States that accumulate seasonal snowpacks, presenting a major disturbance to a critical water reservoir for the region. In the first winter following the 2020 Cameron Peak wildfire in Colorado, the peak snow water equivalent in a high burn severity forest was 17%–25% less than nearby unburned sites. The loss of the forest canopy and a lower surface albedo led to an increasingly positive net shortwave radiation balance in the burned area, resulting in melt rates that were 82%–144% greater than unburned sites and snow disappearance occurred 11–13 days earlier. Late‐season snow storms temporarily buried soot, thus increasing the albedo and delaying melt‐out by an estimated 4 days per storm in our study area. While these storms temporarily reduce the higher melt rates imposed by wildfire impacts, SNOTEL measurements show that they occur non‐uniformly across the western U.S.
Recent Aqueous Activity on Mars Evidenced by Transverse Aeolian Ridges in the Zhurong Exploration Region of Utopia Planitia
Authors: Wang Jiang , Zhao Jiannan , Xiao Long , Peng Shuai , Zhang Liang , Zhang Zhixin , Gao Antong , Qiao He , Wang Le , Zhang Shiqi , Xiao Xiao , Shi Yutong , Zhao Siyuan , Zhao Jiawei , Qian Yuqi , Zhang Jun , Zhang Xubing , Huang Jun
Published: March 2023

Aqueous activities on Mars have gradually declined since the Noachian (>3.7 Ga). Although water can be stored in the subsurface during the latest epochs, geomorphological evidence is still limited. In this study, we used in situ imaging and spectral data acquired by China's Zhurong rover, as well as high‐resolution remote‐sensing data, to investigate the transverse aeolian ridges (TARs) in the Zhurong landing region of Utopia Planitia. A two‐stage evolutionary scenario of the TARs is proposed and polygonal features with hydrated minerals are identified for the first time on the surface of Martian TARs. We discussed the possible formation mechanisms of the polygonal features, and proposed that they could be related to recent aqueous activity and atmosphere‐surface water exchange on Mars, which sheds light on the hydrological cycle of Mars in current cold and dry climate.
Impact of Tropospheric Ozone Modulation Due To El Niño on Tides in the MLT
Authors: Kogure Masaru , Liu Huixin , Jin Hidekatsu
Published: March 2023

To assess the impacts of the tropospheric ozone modulation due to El Niño on tides, we performed two simulations by using the Ground‐to‐topside Atmosphere Ionosphere model for Aeronomy model: zonally symmetric ozone density and longitudinal ozone variation of an El Niño pattern. Our results show that the ozone modulation strengthens (attenuates) the first symmetric mode of the DW2 (D0 and DW1) tide by ∼+5% (∼−1% and ∼−4%) from ∼20 to ∼100 km altitudes on average. These responses are probably attributed to the tropospheric ozone modulation. These responses are reasonable because both the ozone modulation and these first modes have a peak at the equator. Also, the vertical wavelengths of the first modes are about twice as long as the vertical thickness of the ozone modulation. Our results suggest that the ozone modulation due to El Niño influences the diurnal tides by a few percent because of the ozone modulation spatial structure.
The p52-ZER6/G6PD axis alters aerobic glycolysis and promotes tumor progression by activating the pentose phosphate pathway
Authors: Tang Yu , Li Wenfang , Qiu Li , Zhang Xia , Zhang Lei , Miyagishi Makoto , Zhao Hezhao , Wu Shourong , Kasim Vivi
Published: March 2023

Abnormal glucose metabolism is a highlight of tumor metabolic reprogramming and is closely related to the development of malignancies. p52-ZER6, a C2H2-type zinc finger protein, promotes cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. However, its role in the regulation of biological and pathological functions remains poorly understood. Here, we examined the role of p52-ZER6 in tumor cell metabolic reprogramming. Specifically, we demonstrated that p52-ZER6 promotes tumor glucose metabolic reprogramming by positively regulating the transcription of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). By activating the PPP, p52-ZER6 was found to enhance the production of nucleotides and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, thereby providing tumor cells with the building blocks of ribonucleic acids and cellular reductants for reactive oxygen species scavenging, which subsequently promotes tumor cell proliferation and viability. Importantly, p52-ZER6 promoted PPP-mediated tumorigenesis in a p53-independent manner. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel role for p52-ZER6 in regulating G6PD transcription via a p53-independent process, ultimately resulting in tumor cell metabolic reprogramming and tumorigenesis. Our results suggest that p52-ZER6 is a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors and metabolic disorders.
P2X3 receptor antagonism attenuates the progression of heart failure
Authors: Lataro Renata M. , Moraes Davi J. A. , Gava Fabio N. , Omoto Ana C. M. , Silva Carlos A. A. , Brognara Fernanda , Alflen Lais , Brazão Vânia , Colato Rafaela Pravato , do Prado José Clóvis , Ford Anthony P. , Salgado Helio C. , Paton Julian F. R.
Published: March 2023

Despite advances in the treatment of heart failure, prognosis is poor, mortality high and there remains no cure. Heart failure is associated with reduced cardiac pump function, autonomic dysregulation, systemic inflammation and sleep-disordered breathing; these morbidities are exacerbated by peripheral chemoreceptor dysfunction. We reveal that in heart failure the carotid body generates spontaneous, episodic burst discharges coincident with the onset of disordered breathing in male rats. Purinergic (P2X3) receptors were upregulated two-fold in peripheral chemosensory afferents in heart failure, and when antagonized abolished these episodic discharges, normalized both peripheral chemoreceptor sensitivity and the breathing pattern, reinstated autonomic balance, improved cardiac function, and reduced both inflammation and biomarkers of cardiac failure. Aberrant ATP transmission in the carotid body triggers episodic discharges that via P2X3 receptors play a crucial role in the progression of heart failure and as such offer a distinct therapeutic angle to reverse multiple components of its pathogenesis.
Anthropogenic impacts on threatened species erode functional diversity in chelonians and crocodilians
Authors: Rodríguez-Caro R. C. , Graciá E. , Blomberg S. P. , Cayuela H. , Grace M. , Carmona C. P. , Pérez-Mendoza H. A. , Giménez A. , Salguero-Gómez R.
Published: March 2023

The Anthropocene is tightly associated with a drastic loss of species worldwide and the disappearance of their key ecosystem functions. The orders Testudines (turtles and tortoises) and Crocodilia (crocodiles, alligators, and gharials) contain numerous threatened, long-lived species for which the functional diversity and potential erosion by anthropogenic impacts remains unknown. Here, we examine 259 (69%) of the existing 375 species of Testudines and Crocodilia, quantifying their life history strategies (i.e., trade-offs in survival, development, and reproduction) from open-access data on demography, ancestry, and threats. We find that the loss of functional diversity in simulated extinction scenarios of threatened species is greater than expected by chance. Moreover, the effects of unsustainable local consumption, diseases, and pollution are associated with life history strategies. In contrast, climate change, habitat disturbance, and global trade affect species independent of their life history strategy. Importantly, the loss of functional diversity for threatened species by habitat degradation is twice that for all other threats. Our findings highlight the importance of conservation programmes focused on preserving the functional diversity of life history strategies jointly with the phylogenetic representativity of these highly threatened groups.
Controlling single rare earth ion emission in an electro-optical nanocavity
Authors: Yang Likai , Wang Sihao , Shen Mohan , Xie Jiacheng , Tang Hong X.
Published: March 2023

Rare earth emitters enable critical quantum resources including spin qubits, single photon sources, and quantum memories. Yet, probing of single ions remains challenging due to low emission rate of their intra-4f optical transitions. One feasible approach is through Purcell-enhanced emission in optical cavities. The ability to modulate cavity-ion coupling in real-time will further elevate the capacity of such systems. Here, we demonstrate direct control of single ion emission by embedding erbium dopants in an electro-optically active photonic crystal cavity patterned from thin-film lithium niobate. Purcell factor over 170 enables single ion detection, which is verified by second-order autocorrelation measurement. Dynamic control of emission rate is realized by leveraging electro-optic tuning of resonance frequency. Using this feature, storage, and retrieval of single ion excitation is further demonstrated, without perturbing the emission characteristics. These results promise new opportunities for controllable single-photon sources and efficient spin-photon interfaces.
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum increased colonic mucus layer in mice via succinate-mediated MUC2 production
Authors: Kajiwara-Kubota Mariko , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Asaeda Kohei , Kobayashi Reo , Hashimoto Hikaru , Yasuda Takeshi , Sugino Satoshi , Sugaya Takeshi , Hirai Yasuko , Mizushima Katsura , Doi Toshifumi , Inoue Ken , Dohi Osamu , Yoshida Naohisa , Ishikawa Takeshi , Takagi Tomohisa , Konishi Hideyuki , Inoue Ryo , Itoh Yoshito , Naito Yuji
Published: March 2023

Colonic mucus layers protect intestinal tissues against intestinal bacteria. We investigated the effects of dietary fiber and its metabolites on mucus production in the colonic mucosa. Mice were fed a partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG)-containing diet and a fiber-free diet (FFD). The colon mucus layer, fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, and gut microbiota were evaluated. Mucin 2 (MUC2) expression was assessed in SCFA-treated LS174T cells. The role of AKT in MUC2 production was investigated. The mucus layer in the colonic epithelium was significantly increased in the PHGG group compared with that in the FFD group. In the PHGG group, an increase in Bacteroidetes in the stool was observed, and fecal acetate, butyrate, propionate, and succinate levels were significantly increased. However, MUC2 production was significantly increased only in succinate-stimulated LS174T cells. The succinate-induced MUC2 production was associated with AKT phosphorylation. Succinate mediated the PHGG-induced increase in the colon mucus layer.
Progress towards a glycoconjugate vaccine against Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Burns Keira , Dorfmueller Helge C. , Wren Brendan W. , Mawas Fatme , Shaw Helen A.
Published: March 2023

The Group A Carbohydrate (GAC) is a defining feature of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) orStreptococcus pyogenes. It is a conserved and simple polysaccharide, comprising a rhamnose backbone and GlcNAc side chains, further decorated with glycerol phosphate on approximately 40% GlcNAc residues. Its conservation, surface exposure and antigenicity have made it an interesting focus on Strep A vaccine design. Glycoconjugates containing this conserved carbohydrate should be a key approach towards the successful mission to build a universal Strep A vaccine candidate. In this review, a brief introduction to GAC, the main carbohydrate component of Strep A bacteria, and a variety of published carrier proteins and conjugation technologies are discussed. Components and technologies should be chosen carefully for building affordable Strep A vaccine candidates, particularly for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Towards this, novel technologies are discussed, such as the prospective use of bioconjugation with PglB for rhamnose polymer conjugation and generalised modules for membrane antigens (GMMA), particularly as low-cost solutions to vaccine production. Rational design of “double-hit” conjugates encompassing species specific glycan and protein components would be beneficial and production of a conserved vaccine to target Strep A colonisation without invoking an autoimmune response would be ideal.
Emotion regulation and virtual nature: cognitive reappraisal as an individual-level moderator for impacts on subjective vitality
Authors: Theodorou Annalisa , Spano Giuseppina , Bratman Gregory N. , Monneron Kevin , Sanesi Giovanni , Carrus Giuseppe , Imperatori Claudio , Panno Angelo
Published: March 2023

People who make habitual use of an emotion regulation strategy such as cognitive reappraisal may be more sensitive to the emotion cues coming from a surrounding natural environment and, thus, get more benefits from virtual nature exposure such as enhanced subjective vitality. However, no previous study investigated the moderating role of cognitive reappraisal in the relationship between exposure to different types of natural environments (a national park, a lacustrine environment, and an arctic environment vs. an urban environment) and subjective vitality. We designed a between-subject design (four conditions, one per type of environment) with a sample of 187 university students (Mage = 21.17, SD = 2.55). Participants were exposed to four 360° panoramic photos of the environment for one minute each with a virtual reality head-mounted display. The results of a multicategorical moderation analysis attested that there were two significant interactions, respectively between lacustrine and arctic environments and cognitive reappraisal. More specifically, for participants with low levels of habitual use of cognitive reappraisal, the effects of virtual nature (vs. urban) exposure on subjective vitality were not significant, while for participants with high levels, the effects were significant and positive. Findings show how the potential of virtual nature may be boosted with training aimed at increasing the general use of cognitive reappraisal, supports enhancing the applications of virtual nature, and demonstrates the need to take individual differences into account when determining the benefits of these applications.
Physicochemical and thermomechanical performances study for Timahdite sheep wool fibers application in the building's insulation
Authors: Atbir Aziza , Taibi Mhamed , Aouan Badr , Khabbazi Abdelhamid , Ansari Omar , Cherkaoui Moha , Cherradi Toufik
Published: March 2023

The present research focuses on the development and thermomechanical characterization of unfired solid bricks based on clay (white and red) and Timahdite sheep wool, which are local, durable, abundant, and economical materials. As this clay material is incorporated with sheep wool in the form of yarn multi-layers in opposite directions. It achieves good thermal and mechanical performance and a lightness of these bricks as acquired progress. This new method of reinforcement offers significant thermo-mechanical performance for the composite for thermal insulation in sustainable buildings. Several physicochemical analyses to characterize the raw materials were used. Thermomechanical measurements to characterize the elaborated materials. The wool yarn effect was significant on the mechanical behavior of the developed materials at 90 days, with flexural strength from 18 to 56% for the white clay. And 8–29% for the red one. Decrease in compressive strength from 9 to 36% for the white clay and 5–18% for the red one. These mechanical performances are accompanied by thermal conductivity gain ranging from 4 to 41% for the white and 6–39% for the red for wool fractions: 6–27 g. This green multi-layered bricks from abundant local materials with optimal thermo-mechanical properties, qualified for the intended use for thermal insulation and energy efficiency in the construction and development of local economies.
Vascular parameters and endothelin-1 measurements in glaucoma patients with low- and high-tension optic disc hemorrhages
Authors: Almeida Izabela N. F. , Taniguchi Elise , Tito Cecília Victoria Agapito , Dias Diego Torres , Ushida Michele , Dorairaj Syril , Ritch Robert , Teixeira Sérgio H. , Paranhos Augusto , Gracitelli Carolina P. B. , Kayser Cristiane , Prata Tiago Santos
Published: March 2023

This prospective study aimed to compare vascular parameters (endothelin-1 [ET-1] blood levels, laser Doppler imaging [LDI] of distal phalanxes, and nailfold capillaroscopy) between open-angle glaucoma patients with low- and high-tension optic disc hemorrhages (LTDH and HTDH, respectively). The 33 enrolled patients (mean age, 62.3 ± 13 years) were classified as LTDH or HTDH if they presented at the time of DH detection an intraocular pressure (IOP) < 16 mmHg or ≥ 16 mmHg, respectively. Demographic and ophthalmological data, ET-1 concentrations, LDI (before and 1, 10, and 20 min after cold stimulation), and nailfold capillaroscopy findings were evaluated. The ET-1 blood level was 65% higher in the LTDH (2.27 ± 1.46 pg/ml) than in the HTDH (1.37 ± 0.57 pg/ml; p = 0.03) group. Moreover, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between ET-1 blood concentration and IOP at the time of DH detection (r = −0.45, p = 0.02). Blood flow measurements 10 and 20 min after cold stimulation were lower in the LTDH group than in the HTDH group (p < 0.01). Patients developing DH with lower IOPs have higher ET-1 blood levels and more peripheral vascular dysfunction as estimated by LDI than those with higher IOPs. These findings suggest that distinct underlying mechanisms may be involved in patients developing DH within different IOP ranges.
Fluctuating sea-level and reversing Monsoon winds drive Holocene lagoon infill in Southeast Asia
Authors: Kappelmann Yannis , Westphal Hildegard , Kneer Dominik , Wu Henry C. , Wizemann André , Jompa Jamaluddin , Mann Thomas
Published: March 2023

Many lagoons surrounded by reefs are partially or completely infilled with reef-derived detrital carbonate sediment. Sediment deposits in such restricted environments are archives of prevailing environmental conditions during lagoon infill. For Indonesia, no paleoenvironmental reconstructions based on Holocene lagoon sediments exist. Here we analyze the sedimentary record obtained from five percussion cores penetrating 10 m into the unconsolidated subsurface of a reef island in the Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia. The combined compositional, textural and chronostratigraphic analyses reveal that the sedimentary infill of the lagoon underlying the island, starting 6900 years cal BP, was interrupted between 5800 and 4400 years cal BP, when sea level was ~ 0.5 m higher than at present, and monsoon intensity was lower. After the intensity of the monsoons increased to modern levels, and sea level dropped to its present position, lagoonal sedimentation was re-initiated and created the foundation for an island that built up since 3000 years cal BP. Our study provides the first geological evidence for the strong sensitivity of detrital carbonate systems in Indonesia to fluctuations in sea level and dominant wind direction. It thus sheds light on how changing environmental conditions in the context of global warming could affect the morphological development of reef systems, and thereby also habitable coastal areas.
Adapting to visuomotor rotations in stepped increments increases implicit motor learning
Authors: Modchalingam Shanaathanan , Ciccone Marco , D’Amario Sebastian , ’t Hart Bernard Marius , Henriques Denise Y. P.
Published: March 2023

Human motor adaptation relies on both explicit conscious strategies and implicit unconscious updating of internal models to correct motor errors. Implicit adaptation is powerful, requiring less preparation time before executing adapted movements, but recent work suggests it is limited to some absolute magnitude regardless of the size of a visuomotor perturbation when the perturbation is introduced abruptly. It is commonly assumed that gradually introducing a perturbation should lead to improved implicit learning beyond this limit, but outcomes are conflicting. We tested whether introducing a perturbation in two distinct gradual methods can overcome the apparent limit and explain past conflicting findings. We found that gradually introducing a perturbation in a stepped manner, where participants were given time to adapt to each partial step before being introduced to a larger partial step, led to ~ 80% higher implicit aftereffects of learning, but introducing it in a ramped manner, where participants adapted larger rotations on each subsequent reach, did not. Our results clearly show that gradual introduction of a perturbation can lead to substantially larger implicit adaptation, as well as identify the type of introduction that is necessary to do so.
Dynamics of chaotic system based on circuit design with Ulam stability through fractal-fractional derivative with power law kernel
Authors: Khan Naveed , Ahmad Zubair , Shah Jamal , Murtaza Saqib , Albalwi M. Daher , Ahmad Hijaz , Baili Jamel , Yao Shao-Wen
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the newly developed Fractal-Fractional derivative with power law kernel is used to analyse the dynamics of chaotic system based on a circuit design. The problem is modelled in terms of classical order nonlinear, coupled ordinary differential equations which is then generalized through Fractal-Fractional derivative with power law kernel. Furthermore, several theoretical analyses such as model equilibria, existence, uniqueness, and Ulam stability of the system have been calculated. The highly non-linear fractal-fractional order system is then analyzed through a numerical technique using the MATLAB software. The graphical solutions are portrayed in two dimensional graphs and three dimensional phase portraits and explained in detail in the discussion section while some concluding remarks have been drawn from the current study. It is worth noting that fractal-fractional differential operators can fastly converge the dynamics of chaotic system to its static equilibrium by adjusting the fractal and fractional parameters.
Effect of thallus melanisation on the sensitivity of lichens to heat stress
Authors: Chowaniec Karolina , Latkowska Ewa , Skubała Kaja
Published: March 2023

Extreme climatic phenomena such as heat waves, heavy rainfall and prolonged droughts are one of the main problems associated with ongoing climate change. The global increase in extreme rainfalls associated with summer heatwaves are projected to increase in amplitude and frequency in the near future. However, the consequences of such extreme events on lichens are largely unknown. The aim was to determine the effect of heat stress on the physiology of lichen Cetraria aculeata in a metabolically active state and to verify whether strongly melanised thalli are more resistant than poorly melanised thalli. In the present study, melanin was extracted from C. aculeata for the first time. Our study showed that the critical temperature for metabolism is around 35 °C. Both symbiotic partners responded to heat stress, manifested by the decreased maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, high level of cell membrane damage, increased membrane lipid peroxidation and decreased dehydrogenase activity. Highly melanised thalli were more sensitive to heat stress, which excludes the role of melanins as compounds protecting against heat stress. Therefore, mycobiont melanisation imposes a trade-off between protection against UV and avoidance of damage caused by high temperature. It can be concluded that heavy rainfall during high temperatures may significantly deteriorate the physiological condition of melanised thalli. However, the level of membrane lipid peroxidation in melanised thalli decreased over time after exposure, suggesting greater efficiency of antioxidant defence mechanisms. Given the ongoing climate changes, many lichen species may require a great deal of plasticity to maintain their physiological state at a level that ensures their survival.
Overlap in meaning is a stronger predictor of semantic activation in GPT-3 than in humans
Authors: Digutsch Jan , Kosinski Michal
Published: March 2023

Modern large language models generate texts that are virtually indistinguishable from those written by humans and achieve near-human performance in comprehension and reasoning tests. Yet, their complexity makes it difficult to explain and predict their functioning. We examined a state-of-the-art language model (GPT-3) using lexical decision tasks widely used to study the structure of semantic memory in humans. The results of four analyses showed that GPT-3’s patterns of semantic activation are broadly similar to those observed in humans, showing significantly higher semantic activation in related (e.g., “lime–lemon”) word pairs than in other-related (e.g., “sour–lemon”) or unrelated (e.g., “tourist–lemon”) word pairs. However, there are also significant differences between GPT-3 and humans. GPT-3’s semantic activation is better predicted by similarity in words’ meaning (i.e., semantic similarity) rather than their co-occurrence in the language (i.e., associative similarity). This suggests that GPT-3’s semantic network is organized around word meaning rather than their co-occurrence in text.
Genetic variation in cis-regulatory domains suggests cell type-specific regulatory mechanisms in immunity
Authors: Avalos Diana , Rey Guillaume , Ribeiro Diogo M. , Ramisch Anna , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T. , Delaneau Olivier
Published: March 2023

Studying the interplay between genetic variation, epigenetic changes, and regulation of gene expression is crucial to understand the modification of cellular states in various conditions, including immune diseases. In this study, we characterize the cell-specificity in three key cells of the human immune system by building cis maps of regulatory regions with coordinated activity (CRDs) from ChIP-seq peaks and methylation data. We find that only 33% of CRD-gene associations are shared between cell types, revealing how similarly located regulatory regions provide cell-specific modulation of gene activity. We emphasize important biological mechanisms, as most of our associations are enriched in cell-specific transcription factor binding sites, blood-traits, and immune disease-associated loci. Notably, we show that CRD-QTLs aid in interpreting GWAS findings and help prioritize variants for testing functional hypotheses within human complex diseases. Additionally, we map trans CRD regulatory associations, and among 207 trans-eQTLs discovered, 46 overlap with the QTLGen Consortium meta-analysis in whole blood, showing that mapping functional regulatory units using population genomics allows discovering important mechanisms in the regulation of gene expression in immune cells. Finally, we constitute a comprehensive resource describing multi-omics changes to gain a greater understanding of cell-type specific regulatory mechanisms of immunity.