bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BBX16 mediates the repression of seedling photomorphogenesis downstream of the GUN1/GLK1 module during retrograde signalling
Authors: Veciana Nil , Martín Guiomar , Leivar Pablo , Monte Elena
Published: January 2022

Plastid‐to‐nucleus retrograde signalling (RS) initiated by dysfunctional chloroplasts impact photomorphogenic development. We have previously shown that the transcription factor GLK1 acts downstream of the RS regulator GUN1 in photodamaging conditions to regulate not only the well established expression of photosynthesis‐associated nuclear genes (PhANGs) but also to regulate seedling morphogenesis. Specifically, the GUN1/GLK1 module inhibits the light‐induced phytochrome‐interacting factor (PIF)‐repressed transcriptional network to suppress cotyledon development when chloroplast integrity is compromised, modulating the area exposed to potentially damaging high light. However, how the GUN1/GLK1 module inhibits photomorphogenesis upon chloroplast damage remained undefined.

Here, we report the identification of BBX16 as a novel direct target of GLK1. BBX16 is induced and promotes photomorphogenesis in moderate light and is repressed via GUN1/GLK1 after chloroplast damage. Additionally, we showed that BBX16 represents a regulatory branching point downstream of GUN1/GLK1 in the regulation of PhANG expression and seedling development upon RS activation.

The gun1 phenotype in lincomycin and the gun1‐like phenotype of GLK1OX are markedly suppressed in gun1bbx16 and GLK1OXbbx16.

This study identified BBX16 as the first member of the BBX family involved in RS, and defines a molecular bifurcation mechanism operated by GLK1/BBX16 to optimise seedling de‐etiolation, and to ensure photoprotection in unfavourable light conditions.
Changes in Literacy Skills as Cohorts Age
Authors: Reiter Claudia
Published: January 2022

As our societies transform into knowledge societies, skills are playing an ever‐increasing role in life. Despite recent efforts to consistently measure adult skills across countries, a challenge remains to understand how skills evolve over time and what the main drivers behind these changes are. By applying demographic methods to estimate the development of skills over the life course, this paper presents the reconstruction of empirical adult literacy test results along cohort lines by age, sex, and educational attainment for 44 countries for the period 1970–2015. Results suggest significant heterogeneity in the pattern of changes in literacy skills with age, reflecting the differential exposure to cognitive stimulation over the life course and suggesting that the development of skills in a country is also the consequence of a changing composition of its population. Gender, however, was found to have hardly any effect on how literacy skills evolve between the ages of 15 and 65. On the aggregate level, findings reveal considerable differences between countries—regarding both the level of skills and their development over time. Overall, it was found that massive educational expansions happening globally in the recent past only partly resulted in a corresponding rise in skills.
Serial assessment of right ventricular function can detect acute cellular rejection in children with heart transplantation
Authors: Arthur Lindsay , Knecht Kenneth , Ferry Jennifer , Grigsby Debby , Spencer Horace , Zakaria Dala
Published: January 2022

Background

Echocardiographic markers of ACR are essential for early recognition and management. The literature's primary focus has been on the LV with little attention given to the RV. This study aimed to investigate echocardiographic right ventricular indices in the detection of ACR and to evaluate their utility as prognostic indicators of graft integrity.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of children with biopsy‐proven ACR following orthotopic heart transplant and an echocardiogram within 24 h of biopsy. Selected echocardiographic markers were compared at baseline, during ACR, and at follow‐up.

Results

Forty‐eight patients (56% male) had a total of 84 ACR episodes. Decrease in RV FAC (mean − 17.1%, p < .001) and TAPSE (mean – 8.9%, p < .001) with increase in left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole and systole (LVPWTd) (mean + 9.0%, p = .012) and LVPWTs (mean + 8.3%, p = .016) were found during ACR. Interestingly, these parameters improved following the episode of rejection. Additionally, these markers were compared after recovery between children with and without graft failure. RV dysfunction (FAC and TAPSE) and changes in LV posterior wall thickness were not found to have prognostic significance for graft integrity in children with heart transplantation.

Conclusions

RV echocardiographic functional parameters should be considered as valuable adjuncts in rejection surveillance. Further, the presence of RV dysfunction does not have prognostic significance for graft integrity but is reversible as ongoing damage was not detectable by such.
Relationship between sperm ubiquitination and equine semen freezability
Authors: Lançoni Renata , Celeghini Eneiva Carla Carvalho , Gonella‐Diaza Angela Maria , Júnior Valdemar De Giuli , de Carvalho Carla Patricia Teodoro , Zoca Gabriela Bertaiolli , Garcia‐Oliveros Laura Nataly , Batissaco Leonardo , Oliveira Leticia Zoccolaro , de Arruda Rubens Paes
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to assess the semen ubiquitin levels of stallions with good (GF) and poor semen freezability (PF) and to evaluate the relationship between sperm ubiquitination and sperm morphological defects. Five ejaculates from eight adult stallions (n = 40) were collected and cryopreserved. Then, the ubiquitin level in equine sperm cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry with epifluorescence microscopy, and sperm morphology was assessed by differential interference contrast microscopy. Sperm cells were classified according to the intensity (classification 1: from I to IV; I = very low ubiquitin intensity and IV = very high ubiquitin intensity) and location of ubiquitin staining (classification 2). Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software (version 9.4), and p ≤ .05 was considered significant. We observed that PF stallions showed higher percentages (p < .05) of sperm cells with high ubiquitination (11.82% of ubiquitin intensity grade I, 39.13% of ubiquitin intensity grade II, 27.25% of ubiquitin intensity grade III, and 20.67% of grade IV), while GF stallions showed higher percentages (p < .05) of sperm cells with lower staining intensity (28.52% grade I, 59.83% grade II, 7.92% grade III, and 7.02% grade IV). Furthermore, for PF stallions, 23 significant correlations were detected (p < .05) between sperm abnormalities and ubiquitin intensity in different sperm regions. Increased ubiquitination of the sperm head, midpiece, and tail was positively correlated with their respective morphological defects. We concluded that high sperm ubiquitin levels are observed in ejaculates from stallions with poor semen quality (poor freezability), and ubiquitin marking in specific cellular locations can identify sperm morphological defects.
Developmental analysis of reconstructed embryos of second‐generation cloned transgenic goats
Authors: Song Shaozheng , Lu Rui , Cheng Yong , Zhang Ting , Gu Leying , Yu Kangying , Zhou Mingming , Li Dan
Published: January 2022

To improve the efficiency of the production of transgenic cloned goats by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), the development of reconstructed embryos of first‐generation (G1) and second‐generation (G2) cloned transgenic goats was compared and analysed. Primary transgenic foetal fibroblasts were used as donor cells for G1 somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). When the G1 transgenic embryos developed to 35 days in the recipient goats, transgenic foetal fibroblasts were isolated from them and used as donor cells for the G2 clone. In the G1 clones, the average fusion rate of reconstructed embryos was 73.62 ± 2.9%, the average development rate (2–4 cells) was 33.96 ± 2.36%, and the pregnancy rate of transplant recipients was 31.91%. In the G2 clones, the average fusion rate of the reconstructed embryos was 90.29 ± 2.03%, the average development rate was 66.46 ± 3.30%, and the pregnancy rate was 58.14%. These results indicate that in the G2 clones, the fusion rate of eggs, the development rate of reconstructed embryos and the pregnancy rate of transplant recipients were significantly higher than those of G1 clones. We believe these results will lay a solid foundation for the efficient production of transgenic cloned animals in the future.
The stratigraphic significance of self‐organization: Exploring how autogenic processes can generate cyclical carbonate platform strata
Authors: Xi Haiwei , Burgess Peter M.
Published: January 2022

Autogenic spatial self‐organization can produce coherent patterns of ordered cyclical strata through interaction of system components, independent of initial conditions and without external forcing. Previous numerical modelling work that partially explored self‐organized cyclicity in carbonate strata is expanded, refined and tested using a different numerical model formulation of an existing carbonate forward model ‘CarboCAT’. Results show that cross‐platform sediment transport creates a series of self‐organized prograding islands and shorelines that generate upward‐shallowing autocycles, defined by strong statistical evidence for ordered facies successions. A subtidal factory in front of each shoreline supplies sediment that drives shoreline progradation and these subtidal supply‐zone widths are also self‐organized to an optimal characteristic width due to island progradation, such that an accommodation creation/sediment supply ratio of around one maintains self‐organized shoreline progradation. The resulting island progradation rate determines autocycle thickness, which is very different from the accommodation control assumed in most sequence stratigraphic and cyclostratigraphic interpretations. This self‐organization process is comparable to the reaction–diffusion model first suggested by Alan Turing. The simplest possible combination of processes that leads to self‐organization are water‐depth‐dependent production, straight long‐distance cross‐platform transport and uniform subsidence. Additional more complex processes can produce self‐organization, but also more diverse island morphologies, less ordered autocyclic strata and more variable lateral facies continuity. Exploration of the model parameter space shows that self‐organization occurs for only a limited range of accommodation creation/sediment supply ratios. The modelling is calibrated and checked for realism against shoreline progradation rates measured on the Peros Banhos carbonate platform, British Indian Ocean Territory, and a Holocene Abu Dhabi shoreline, suggesting that this is a realistic and perhaps ubiquitous process in geological history. Given the fundamental nature of processes modelled here, and the match with observed processes in modern depositional systems, it seems possible that similar autogenic, self‐organizing processes have operated on many carbonate platforms and are an important component in the stratigraphic record.
Adolescents’ exposure to classmates from non‐immigrant families and adulthood volunteerism
Authors: Tong Yuying , Kim Jinho
Published: January 2022

Objective

Schools are important conduits for the core American value of volunteerism. School peers influence each other's civic knowledge, engagement, and eventual identity. However, whether the influence of peers on volunteerism differs based on immigrant and/or ethnic background is largely unknown. We examine whether and how exposure to classmates born to non‐immigrant parents is associated with volunteering behavior in adulthood.

Methods

Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, this study employs a quasi‐experimental research design.

Results

We find that a higher concentration of classmates from non‐immigrant families increases the likelihood of engaging in volunteer work in adulthood. This association is large and statistically significant only among children of immigrants, which suggests that school peer contexts facilitate the long‐term social integration of children of immigrants in civic engagement. Moreover, the peer effect on volunteering is more salient for Hispanic children of immigrants compared to their Asian counterparts, suggesting the distinct pathways of civic learning between them.

Conclusion

These findings provide empirical evidence on the heterogeneous effect of peers across people with different immigrant and ethnic backgrounds.
Molecular phylogeography and evolutionary history of the pink rice borer (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Implications for refugia identification and pest management
Authors: Tang Xiao‐Tian , Lu Ming‐Xing , Du Yu‐Zhou
Published: January 2022

Understanding phylogeography, demographic dynamics as well as evolutionary forces of agricultural pests can enhance our understanding of their distribution dynamics, which is critical for developing effective control strategies. The pink rice borer (PRB), Sesamia inferens (Walker), is a destructive pest of rice that is widely distributed in Asia; however, little is known regarding its phylogeography and evolutionary history. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity, population genetic structure and demographic history of the PRB at the scale of its whole distribution in China. Both mitochondrial and microsatellite datasets indicated that PRB individuals exhibit high levels of genetic diversity. Two large phylogeographic clusters were identified, corresponding to Northern and Southern China regions, respectively. The glacial events during the penultimate glacial period likely led to the separation of these two clusters, and parts of Northern and Southern China areas acted as independent refugia for PRB during glacial period. Two microrefugia in the Sichuan Basin and Yunnan‐Guizhou Plateau were also identified, and the PRB from Sichuan Basin could be one of the ancestral sources for PRB individuals from the Northern China lineage. Our study not only provides information that has implications for refugia identification, but also provides an example on how to reveal the phylogeography, demography history and evolutionary forces of an agriculture pest.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DRB1*04:335 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Bost Chloé , Bouthemy Charlène , Cargou Marine , Fort Marylise , Congy‐Jolivet Nicolas
Published: January 2022

HLA‐DRB1*04:335 differs from DRB1*04:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 28 in exon 2.
Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is more prevalent in Duffy‐null red blood cell transfusion in sickle cell disease
Authors: Yee Marianne E. , Francis Richard O. , Luban Naomi L. C. , Easley Kirk A. , Lough Christopher M. , Roback John D. , Josephson Cassandra D. , Fasano Ross M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Resistance to malaria infection may be conferred by erythrocyte genetic variations including glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and lack of Duffy antigens. In red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, G6PD deficiency may shorten transfusion survival. Because Duffy‐null units are commonly transfused in sickle cell disease (SCD) due to antigen matching protocols, we examined whether Duffy‐null donor RBC units have a higher prevalence of G6PD deficiency.

Materials and methods

Pediatric patients with SCD on chronic transfusion therapy were followed prospectively for multiple transfusions. RBC unit segments were collected to measure G6PD activity and RBC genotyping. The decline in donor hemoglobin (ΔHbA) following transfusion was assessed from immediate posttransfusion estimates and HbA measurements approximately 1 month later.

Results

Of 564 evaluable RBC units, 59 (10.5%) were G6PD deficient (23 severe, 36 moderate deficiency); 202 (37.6%) units were Duffy‐null. G6PD deficiency occurred in 40 (19.8%) Duffy‐null units versus 15 (4.5%) Duffy‐positive units (p < .0001). In univariate analysis, the fraction of Duffy‐null RBC units per transfusion was associated with greater decline in HbA (p = .038); however, in multivariate analysis, severe G6PD deficiency (p = .0238) but not Duffy‐null RBC (p = .0139) were associated with ΔHbA.

Conclusion

Selection of Duffy‐null RBC units may result in shorter in vivo survival of transfused RBCs due to a higher likelihood of transfusing units from G6PD deficient donors.
Performing an upper airway examination in dogs
Authors: Loewen Jennifer M. , Bach Jonathan F.
Published: January 2022

Background

Increased airway resistance due to upper airway obstruction is a common cause of respiratory distress. An upper airway exam is an inexpensive and quick diagnostic procedure that can serve to localize a disease process, confirm a definitive diagnosis, and offer therapeutic benefits.

Description

The upper airway examination consists of an external evaluation of the head and neck as well as a sedated examination of the oral cavity, the pharyngeal cavity, larynx, and nasal passages.

An upper airway examination should be performed in patients with increased inspiratory effort or increased upper respiratory noise (eg, stertor or stridor). A complete, sedated upper airway examination should be considered for patients with clinical signs of upper airway disease for which a cause is not obvious from the physical examination.

Key Points

Indications for an upper airway examination include sneezing, nasal discharge or epistaxis, reduced or absent nasal airflow, change in phonation, inspiratory difficulty, and audible respiratory sounds.

Upper airway examination helps localize pathological processes and allows the clinician to confirm or exclude several differential diagnoses.

Pre‐oxygenation of the patient for 3–5 minutes prior to sedation will help increase the amount of time available before hypoxemia occurs, should complications arise.

Upon completion of the upper airway examination, it is important to monitor the patient carefully and ensure a safe recovery.

Careful planning to ensure the availability of necessary equipment and preparation of the team to react during and after the airway examination will minimize the risks of examination to patients with upper airway disease.
Estimating costs of environmental degradation resulting from not fully reusing treated wastewater
Authors: Ghanem Adel M. , Alnashwan Othman S. , Alrwis Khaled N. , Alqahtani Safer H. , Duwais Abdulaziz , Alamri Yosef A. , Alagsam Fuad , Kamara Sahar A. , Ahmed Sharaf eldin B. , Aldawdahi Nageeb M.
Published: January 2022

The study aimed to estimate direct and indirect costs of environmental degradation resulting from not fully reusing treated wastewater. To achieve our objectives, the study relied on probability distributions and economics equations. The study found that the percentage of treated wastewater reused ranged within 0.9%–47.3% at a 95% confidence level and, correspondingly, the amount of unused wastewater ranged within 52.7%–99.1% at a 95% confidence level. The total costs borne by the Saudi economy for treating wastewater were 658.67 million dollars in 2019. Direct costs of environmental degradation account for 75.5% of that total, whereas indirect costs account for the remaining 24.5% of the cost of environmental degradation of 658.67 million dollars in 2019. To reduce such costs, results of this study suggest the need to continue to assess and monitor the quality of treated wastewater and make full use of it for agricultural and industrial purposes.
Fungus‐based bioremediation of olive mill wastewater and potential use in horticulture
Authors: Iwissat Sajida , Rahil Mahmoud , Shahin Nabil , Abuamsha Ruba , Hilal Hikmat S. , Zyoud Ahed , Nassar Ibrahim , Voogt Wim , Kujawa Katarzyna , Salman Mazen
Published: January 2022

Proposed treatment processes of OMWW have not been efficient in decreasing its high toxicity or lowering its ecological impact. Bioremediation using microorganisms might be considered an environmentally friendly alternative. In this work, four fungal isolates were tested for their efficacy in lowering the toxicity of OMWW. Results of this work showed that fungal isolates were able to grow on OMWW. However, only one isolate (OMWW2) showed significant lowering in total phenols from 159.27 mg/ml (in controlled untreated water) to 57.75 mg/ml. The treated OMWW was tested on seed gemination of tomato. The results showed 83% germination rates in the presence of treated OMWW compared with 0% rates in nontreated OMWW. The results showed also that OMWW could be used as a supplement fertilizer to the presence of macronutrient and micronutrient. This work provides a promising future treatment OMWW. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible use of OMWW in horticulture.
Effect of Delay on Control of Direct Resonance of Ships in Beam Waves Using a Proportional–Derivative Controller With Delay
Authors: Shaik Junaidvali , Uchida Thomas K. , Vyasarayani C. P.
Published: January 2022

A harmonically excited, single-degree-of-freedom time-delay system with cubic and quintic nonlinearities is studied. This system describes the direct resonance of a ship with an actively controlled antiroll tank (ART) that is subjected to beam waves. We consider low-, medium-, and high-freeboard ship models. A proportional–derivative (PD) controller with a constant time delay is assumed to operate the pump in the active ART system. The delay originates from the time required to pump fluid from one container to another, the inertia of large impeller blades and linkages, and the measurement and processing time of the roll-sensing unit. The stability boundary of the system, in the parametric space of the control gain and the delay, is derived analytically from the characteristic equation of the linearized system. We show that the area of the zero equilibrium region is inversely related to the derivative time constant of the PD controller; thus, we focus on a strictly proportional-gain controller. The spectral Tau method is used to identify the eigenvalues associated with the zero equilibrium since the rightmost eigenvalues determine the system's robustness to perturbations in the initial conditions. We use the method of multiple scales and harmonic balance to obtain the global bifurcation diagram in the space of the applied frequency and the amplitude of the response. Numerical simulations verify our analytical expressions. Study of the dynamics, stability, and control of the roll motion of ships is critical to avoid dynamic instabilities and capsizing.
Flow Patterns, Roller Characteristics, and Air Entrainment in Weak Hydraulic Jumps: Does Size Matter?
Authors: Estrella Jorge , Wüthrich Davide , Chanson Hubert
Published: January 2022

A hydraulic jump is a stationary transition from an upstream supercritical to a downstream subcritical flow. Hydraulic jumps with relatively low Froude numbers may be observed downstream of low-head hydraulic structures and their flow properties have not been not well documented. In this study, the hydraulic properties were investigated experimentally in weak hydraulic jumps with an inflow Froude number Fr1 = 2.1 and inflow depths 0.012 m < d1 < 0.130 m. Three novel features of the study were (1) the very wide range of inflow length scales tested systematically, (2) the relatively high Reynolds number Re = 3.05 × 105 achieved in the largest experiment, with the Reynolds number defined as Re = ρ × V1 × d1/μ, and (3) the broad range of inflow conditions. Although no air entrainment was observed at the lowest Reynolds numbers, some distinct air–water flow patterns were observed in the roller region, generally similar to those observed at higher Froude numbers. The ratio of downstream to upstream depths followed closely the analytical solution of the momentum principle irrespective of the inflow depth. On the other hand, noticeable scaling issues were observed in terms of the dimensionless roller length, length of air–water flow region, roller toe fluctuation frequency, and rate of air entrainment, with increasing dimensionless data with increasing inflow depths, hence Reynolds numbers. The present results have some practical implication in terms of physical modeling and upscaling of results for low-head hydraulic structures, including culverts and storm waterways, which typically operate with Reynolds numbers in excess of 105.
Instability of Soft Elastic Filaments Under Torsion: Experiment and Analysis
Authors: Hu Jianhui , Liu Lei , Zeng Liang , He Yuming , Liu Dabiao
Published: January 2022

Twist insertion in soft filaments is an efficient way to produce the twisted and coiled polymer (TCP) muscles. The study on the formation process of highly twisted filaments is significant for understanding the mechanics of filament-based artificial muscles. A novel in situ torsion tester is developed for measuring the torsional behavior of monofilaments under an array of axial forces. The torque transducer consists of a flexural pivot attached by a mirror, the rotation angle of which is measured by an electronic autocollimator. The calibration results demonstrate perfect linearity between the torque and the angular displacement. The torsion tester combines a vast torque capacity of about 8.59 × 10−3 Nm with a resolution of about 1.02 × 10−8 Nm. Torsion experiments are performed on nylon 6 monofilaments under various axial forces. The critical torques for the first and the secondary instability of monofilaments under different axial forces are obtained. Three stability criteria of filaments subjected to torsion and tension, due to Timoshenko, to Ross, and to Dwivedi and co-workers, are accessed within the context of measurement data. The critical torque for the first instability predicted by the Timoshenko model agrees with the experimental results. The critical torques for the secondary instability can be well predicted by both the Ross and the Dwivedi et al.'s models, although the latter model gives a more reliable prediction.
Reduced Order Modeling of Deformable Tire-Soil Interaction With Proper Orthogonal Decomposition
Authors: Sullivan Christopher C. , Yamashita Hiroki , Sugiyama Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

In this study, model order reduction of high-fidelity off-road mobility models is explored to address the computational intensity of nonlinear finite element deformable tire–soil interaction models. To this end, a model order reduction procedure for the tire–soil interaction model is developed with the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD), and it is integrated into the off-road mobility simulation framework, leveraging high-performance computing. The POD is, however, limited in that the modes are dependent on snapshot data collected during the running of a full order model, limiting the modes to being accurate only for the specific scenario from which they were collected. Due to this limitation, a method of mode adaptation through interpolation on a tangent space of the Grassmann manifold is investigated to allow modes to be predicted for cases in which a full order model has not been run. It is demonstrated by several numerical examples that the POD modes are effective at retaining predictive accuracy while reducing computational time. The results show that adapted POD modes are more capable of characterizing the behavior of the model than modes produced at a different value of the simulation parameter. The POD-based reduced order modeling approach is further extended to the full vehicle simulation on deformable terrain through the co-simulation coupling algorithm by leveraging the high-performance computing technique.
Hybrid Modeling of Position-Dependent Dynamics of Thin-Walled Parts Using Shell Elements for Milling Simulation
Authors: Karimi Behnam , Altintas Yusuf
Published: January 2022

This article presents a hybrid model to update the position-dependent structural dynamic parameters of thin-walled workpieces as the metal is removed during machining. The initial workpiece is modeled by shell elements, and its full stiffness and mass matrices are used to solve the eigenvalues and mode shapes to predict the frequency response function (FRF) at a fixed location. The model is calibrated using the experimentally measured FRF, which reduces the errors contributed by the uncertainties in the material properties and damping values. The optimized finite element (FE) model is then perturbed at discrete cutting locations to obtain the updated natural frequencies and mode shapes of the part without solving the computationally prohibitive eigenvalue problem. The accuracy of the model is further improved by using either full FE solutions or experimental measurements of FRFs at a few intermediate steps which reduce the accumulated perturbation errors along the tool path. The proposed method is verified in five-axis milling of a thin-walled twisted fan blade. It is shown that using shell elements reduces the computation effort by ∼20 times compared to the conventional three-dimensional (3D) cube elements. The experimental calibration of the numerical model at a few discrete locations reduces the prediction error of natural frequencies by about 50%.
Design and Assessment of an Innovative Thawing Equipment for the Professional Food Service
Authors: Tiberi Emidio , Piller Marzio , Bozzato Arianna , Toneatti Luca , Pozzetto Dario
Published: January 2022

The need for faster, safer, and environmentally compatible thawing methods is perceived in different branches of food industry, as, e.g., in the fast-food sector. We investigate a prototype of jet-impingement, batch-process thawing machine, exploiting high-speed impact of heated atmospheric air onto food items. The results of combined experimental and numerical study show the promising potential of this technology beyond the expected increased thawing rate, especially when the proposed two-side arrangement of the jets is adopted. A series of thawing indicators are calculated and used to account for the thawing uniformity and the risk of bacterial proliferation. A computationally efficient two-stage model of the considered thawing process is conceived, which can be used for design and optimization.
A Low-Cost, Easily Deployable Vesicovaginal Fistula Occluding Device for Providing Interim Continence
Authors: Das Madhurima , Hahm Katie S. , LaRocca Ava A. , Luna Cecilia Alessandra , Mendez Keegan , Hoffman Rachel , Verheyen Connor A. , Kim Tesia G. , Wamakima Bridgette W. , Roche Ellen T.
Published: January 2022

Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs), abnormal openings between the vagina and bladder, disrupt the lives of over 3 million people worldwide due to resulting incontinence and infections. VVFs are commonly treated with surgery after the fistula has had time to heal over several months. In low-resource areas, immediate incontinence often leads to ostracization from the community and can be devastating for the patient. To address this problem, we have designed a three-tiered silicone plug consisting of a bladder-dwelling disk, a midfistula disk, and a vagina-dwelling cross-shaped tapered plug, all supported on a central stem. The system is designed to occlude the fistula and enable full continence until the patient is able to access surgery. This proof-of-concept device withstands typical expulsion forces from the bladder and does not leak under typical bladder filling or urination pressures. The maximum device expulsion force is 3.69 N and it is watertight up to 9.8 kPa. It is designed to be easily deployed by trained community members.
Career Head Impact Exposure Profile of Canadian University Football Players
Authors: Brooks Jeffrey S. , Campbell Kody R. , Allison Wayne , Johnson Andrew M. , Dickey James P.
Published: January 2022

This study quantified head impact exposures for Canadian university football players over their varsity career. Participants included 63 players from one team that participated in a minimum of 3 seasons between 2013 and 2018. A total of 127,192 head impacts were recorded from 258 practices and 65 games. The mean (SD) number of career impacts across all positions was 2023.1 (1296.4), with an average of 37.1 (20.3) impacts per game and 7.4 (4.4) impacts per practice. The number of head impacts that players experienced during their careers increased proportionally to the number of athletic exposures (P < .001,r = .57). Linebackers and defensive and offensive linemen experienced significantly more head impacts than defensive backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers (P ≤ .014). Seniority did not significantly affect the number of head impacts a player experienced. Mean linear acceleration increased with years of seniority within defensive backs and offensive linemen (P ≤ .01). Rotational velocity increased with years of seniority within defensive backs, defensive and offensive linemen, running backs, and wide receivers (P < .05). These data characterize career metrics of head impact exposure for Canadian university football players and provide insights to reduce head impacts through rule modifications and contact regulations.
Influence of Articular Geometry and Tibial Tubercle Location on Patellofemoral Kinematics and Contact Mechanics
Authors: Clouthier Allison L. , Borschneck Daniel , Smith Colin R. , Vignos Michael F. , Thelen Darryl G. , Deluzio Kevin J. , Rainbow Michael J.
Published: January 2022

Trochlear groove geometry and the location of the tibial tubercle, where the patellar tendon inserts, have both been associated with patellofemoral instability and can be modified surgically. Although their effects on patellofemoral biomechanics have been investigated individually, the interaction between the two is unclear. The authors’ aim was to use statistical shape modeling and musculoskeletal simulation to examine the effect of patellofemoral geometry on the relationship between tibial tubercle location and patellofemoral function. A statistical shape model was used to generate new knee geometries with trochlear grooves ranging from shallow to deep. A Monte Carlo approach was used to create 750 knee models by randomly selecting a geometry and randomly translating the tibial tubercle medially/laterally and anteriorly. Each knee model was incorporated into a musculoskeletal model, and an overground walking trial was simulated. Knees with shallow trochlear geometry were more sensitive to tubercle medialization with greater changes in lateral patella position (−3.0 mm/cm medialization shallow vs −0.6 mm/cm deep) and cartilage contact pressure (−0.51 MPa/cm medialization shallow vs 0.04 MPa/cm deep). However, knees with deep trochlear geometry experienced greater increases in medial cartilage contact pressure with medialization. This modeling framework has the potential to aid in surgical decision making.
Hormonal Responses and Jump Performance Across a Season in Collegiate Women Basketball Players
Authors: Luebbers Paul E. , Andre Matthew J. , Fry Andrew C. , Olsen Luke A. , Pfannestiel Keith B. , Cabarkapa Dimitrije
Published: January 2022

The testosterone-to-cortisol ratio (T/C) has been shown to be positively correlated with strength and power. However, few studies have examined the relationship between a standardized power performance measurement and T/C throughout a season of intercollegiate competition. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between salivary T/C and vertical jump (VJ) performance of female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II basketball players across a season. Saliva samples were taken before practice, weekly, for a total of 29 weeks. Samples were assayed for testosterone (T) and cortisol (C). After saliva collection, players completed two countermovement VJs, with the best jump used for data analysis. A positive correlation between T/C and VJ was seen only during the preseason phase. Statistically significant differences were observed across the season for T/C and VJ. T/C in the nonconference phase was significantly lower than the preseason phase and the late-conference phase, p = .013 and p = .047, respectively. VJ was significantly lower in the late-conference phase when compared to the preseason and nonconference phases, p < .001 and p = .026, respectively. VJ in the early-conference phase was also significantly lower than the preseason phase, p < .001. These data support the literature that has indicated a positive relationship between the T/C and lower-body power but only in the preseason phase. This relationship reverses and trends toward a negative relationship, before disappearing in the second half of the season. Monitoring T/C may provide value in assessing female athletes’ performance potential in the preseason phase. T/C should be interpreted with more caution once the competitive season begins.
Biometrics-protected optical communication enabled by deep learning–enhanced triboelectric/photonic synergistic interface
Authors: Dong Bowei , Zhang Zixuan , Shi Qiongfeng , Wei Jingxuan , Ma Yiming , Xiao Zian , Lee Chengkuo
Published: January 2022

Security is a prevailing concern in communication as conventional encryption methods are challenged by progressively powerful supercomputers. Here, we show that biometrics-protected optical communication can be constructed by synergizing triboelectric and nanophotonic technology. The synergy enables the loading of biometric information into the optical domain and the multiplexing of digital and biometric information at zero power consumption. The multiplexing process seals digital signals with a biometric envelope to avoid disrupting the original high-speed digital information and enhance the complexity of transmitted information. The system can perform demultiplexing, recover high-speed digital information, and implement deep learning to identify 15 users with around 95% accuracy, irrespective of biometric information data types (electrical, optical, or demultiplexed optical). Secure communication between users and the cloud is established after user identification for document exchange and smart home control. Through integrating triboelectric and photonics technology, our system provides a low-cost, easy-to-access, and ubiquitous solution for secure communication.
The intrinsically disordered SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein in dynamic complex with its viral partner nsp3a
Authors: Bessa Luiza Mamigonian , Guseva Serafima , Camacho-Zarco Aldo R. , Salvi Nicola , Maurin Damien , Perez Laura Mariño , Botova Maiia , Malki Anas , Nanao Max , Jensen Malene Ringkjøbing , Ruigrok Rob W. H. , Blackledge Martin
Published: January 2022

The processes of genome replication and transcription of SARS-CoV-2 represent important targets for viral inhibition. Betacoronaviral nucleoprotein (N) is a highly dynamic cofactor of the replication-transcription complex (RTC), whose function depends on an essential interaction with the amino-terminal ubiquitin-like domain of nsp3 (Ubl1). Here, we describe this complex (dissociation constant - 30 to 200 nM) at atomic resolution. The interaction implicates two linear motifs in the intrinsically disordered linker domain (N3), a hydrophobic helix (
219
LALLLLDRLNQL
230
) and a disordered polar strand (
243
GQTVTKKSAAEAS
255
), that mutually engage to form a bipartite interaction, folding N3 around Ubl1. This results in substantial collapse in the dimensions of dimeric N, forming a highly compact molecular chaperone, that regulates binding to RNA, suggesting a key role of nsp3 in the association of N to the RTC. The identification of distinct linear motifs that mediate an important interaction between essential viral factors provides future targets for development of innovative strategies against COVID-19.
Learning robust perceptive locomotion for quadrupedal robots in the wild
Authors: Miki Takahiro , Lee Joonho , Hwangbo Jemin , Wellhausen Lorenz , Koltun Vladlen , Hutter Marco
Published: January 2022

Legged robots that can operate autonomously in remote and hazardous environments will greatly increase opportunities for exploration into underexplored areas. Exteroceptive perception is crucial for fast and energy-efficient locomotion: Perceiving the terrain before making contact with it enables planning and adaptation of the gait ahead of time to maintain speed and stability. However, using exteroceptive perception robustly for locomotion has remained a grand challenge in robotics. Snow, vegetation, and water visually appear as obstacles on which the robot cannot step or are missing altogether due to high reflectance. In addition, depth perception can degrade due to difficult lighting, dust, fog, reflective or transparent surfaces, sensor occlusion, and more. For this reason, the most robust and general solutions to legged locomotion to date rely solely on proprioception. This severely limits locomotion speed because the robot has to physically feel out the terrain before adapting its gait accordingly. Here, we present a robust and general solution to integrating exteroceptive and proprioceptive perception for legged locomotion. We leverage an attention-based recurrent encoder that integrates proprioceptive and exteroceptive input. The encoder is trained end to end and learns to seamlessly combine the different perception modalities without resorting to heuristics. The result is a legged locomotion controller with high robustness and speed. The controller was tested in a variety of challenging natural and urban environments over multiple seasons and completed an hour-long hike in the Alps in the time recommended for human hikers.
Light-driven carbon nitride microswimmers with propulsion in biological and ionic media and responsive on-demand drug delivery
Authors: Sridhar Varun , Podjaski Filip , Alapan Yunus , Kröger Julia , Grunenberg Lars , Kishore Vimal , Lotsch Bettina V. , Sitti Metin
Published: January 2022

We propose two-dimensional poly(heptazine imide) (PHI) carbon nitride microparticles as light-driven microswimmers in various ionic and biological media. Their high-speed (15 to 23 micrometer per second; 9.5 ± 5.4 body lengths per second) swimming in multicomponent ionic solutions with concentrations up to 5 M and without dedicated fuels is demonstrated, overcoming one of the bottlenecks of previous light-driven microswimmers. Such high ion tolerance is attributed to a favorable interplay between the particle’s textural and structural nanoporosity and optoionic properties, facilitating ionic interactions in solutions with high salinity. Biocompatibility of these microswimmers is validated by cell viability tests with three different cell lines and primary cells. The nanopores of the swimmers are loaded with a model cancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX), resulting in a high (185%) loading efficiency without passive release. Controlled drug release is reported under different pH conditions and can be triggered on-demand by illumination. Light-triggered, boosted release of DOX and its active degradation products are demonstrated under oxygen-poor conditions using the intrinsic, environmentally sensitive and light-induced charge storage properties of PHI, which could enable future theranostic applications in oxygen-deprived tumor regions. These organic PHI microswimmers simultaneously address the current light-driven microswimmer challenges of high ion tolerance, fuel-free high-speed propulsion in biological media, biocompatibility, and controlled on-demand cargo release toward their biomedical, environmental, and other potential applications.
Differentiation of Individuals Previously Infected with and Vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 in an Inner-City Emergency Department
Authors: Beck Evan J. , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang , Fernandez Reinaldo E. , Dashler Gaby , Egbert Emily R. , Truelove Shawn A. , Garliss Caroline , Wang Richard , Bloch Evan M. , Shrestha Ruchee , Blankson Joel , Cox Andrea L. , Manabe Yukari C. , Kickler Thomas , Rothman Richard E. , Redd Andrew D. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Milstone Aaron M. , Quinn Thomas C. , Laeyendecker Oliver
Published: January 2022

Emergency departments (EDs) can serve as surveillance sites for infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the burden of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and to monitor the prevalence of vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among patients attending an urban ED in Baltimore City.
Mouse Adenovirus Type 1 Persistence Exacerbates Inflammation Induced by Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Chang Christine J. , Sanchez Luzmariel Medina , Vageesh Aditya , Popkov Alexandra J. , Chandrasekaran Adithya , Moore Bethany B. , Weinberg Jason B.
Published: January 2022

Long-term persistence in an infected host is an essential step in the life cycle of DNA viruses. Adenoviruses persist in their host following acute infection, but the nature of adenovirus persistence remains incompletely understood.
N
-Glycolylneuraminic Acid Binding of Avian and Equine H7 Influenza A Viruses
Authors: Spruit Cindy M. , Zhu Xueyong , Tomris Ilhan , Ríos-Carrasco María , Han Alvin X. , Broszeit Frederik , van der Woude Roosmarijn , Bouwman Kim M. , Luu Michel M. T. , Matsuno Keita , Sakoda Yoshihiro , Russell Colin A. , Wilson Ian A. , Boons Geert-Jan , de Vries Robert P.
Published: January 2022

Influenza A viruses cause millions of cases of severe illness and deaths annually. To initiate infection and replicate, the virus first needs to bind to a structure on the cell surface, like a key fitting in a lock.
Glycomic Analysis Reveals That Sialyltransferase Inhibition Is Involved in the Antiviral Effects of Arbidol
Authors: Kang Yue , Mai Zhi-Tong , Yau Lee-Fong , Li Run-Feng , Tong Tian-Tian , Yang Chun-Guang , Chan Ka-Man , Jiang Zhi-Hong , Wang Yutao , Yang Zi-Feng , Wang Jing-Rong
Published: January 2022

This study revealed, for the first time, that ST inhibition and the resulted destruction of SA receptors of host cells may be an underlying mechanism for the antiviral activity of ARB. ST inhibition has been proposed as a novel host-targeting antiviral approach recently and several compounds are currently under exploration.
Synergism and Antagonism of Bacterial-Viral Coinfection in the Upper Respiratory Tract
Authors: Manna Sam , McAuley Julie , Jacobson Jonathan , Nguyen Cattram D. , Ullah Md. Ashik , Sebina Ismail , Williamson Victoria , Mulholland E. Kim , Wijburg Odilia , Phipps Simon , Satzke Catherine
Published: January 2022

Respiratory bacterial-viral coinfections (such as pneumococci and influenza virus) are often synergistic, resulting in enhanced disease severity. Although colonization of the nasopharynx is the precursor to disease and transmission, little is known about bacterial-viral interactions that occur within this niche.
Source Tracking and Global Distribution of the Tigecycline Non-Susceptible
tet
(X)
Authors: Zhang Rong-min , Sun Jian , Sun Ruan-yang , Wang Min-ge , Cui Chao-yue , Fang Liang-xing , Liao Mei-na , Lu Xiao-qing , Liu Yong-xin , Liao Xiao-Ping , Liu Ya-Hong
Published: January 2022

The emergence of the tigecycline resistance gene
tet
(X) has posed a severe threat to public health. However, reports of its origin and distribution in human remain rare.
Species-Wide Phylogenomics of the Staphylococcus aureus
Agr
Operon Revealed Convergent Evolution of Frameshift Mutations
Authors: Raghuram Vishnu , Alexander Ashley M. , Loo Hui Qi , Petit Robert A. , Goldberg Joanna B. , Read Timothy D.
Published: January 2022

Staphylococcus aureus
is a globally pervasive pathogen that produces a plethora of toxic molecules that can harm host immune cells. Production of these toxins is mainly controlled by an active
agr
quorum-sensing system, which senses and responds to bacterial cell density.
Reverted HIV-1 Mutants in CD4
+
T-Cells Reveal Critical Residues in the Polar Region of Viral Envelope Glycoprotein
Authors: Lu Wuxun , Li Tai-Wei , Phillips Stacia , Wu Li
Published: January 2022

Our previous mutagenesis study revealed that serine at position 534 of HIV-1 Env is critical for viral infectivity. We found that HIV-1 Env containing serine to proline mutation at position 534 (S534P) are incapable of supporting virus-cell and cell-cell fusion.
Supplemental Material: Final inversion of the Midcontinent Rift during the Rigolet Phase of the Grenvillian Orogeny
Authors: Hodgin E.B. , al. et
Published: January 2022

Detailed methods, Tables S1–S5 and Figures S1–S3.
Supplemental Material: Mercury enrichments during the Carnian Pluvial Event (Late Triassic) in South China
Authors: Zhao He , Chen Zhong-Qiang , al. et
Published: January 2022

Compilation of the Carnian magmatism in South China and surrounding areas.