bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whether including exotic species alters conservation prioritization: a case study in the Min River in southeastern China
Authors: Lin Li , Deng Wei‐De , Li Jin‐Tao , Kang Bin
Published: February 2023

Conservation practices from the perspective of functional diversity (FD) and conservation prioritization need to account for the impacts of exotic species in freshwater ecosystems. This work first simulated the influence of exotic species on the values of FD in a schemed mechanistic model, and then a practical case study of conservation prioritization was performed in the Min River, the largest river in southeastern China, to discuss whether including exotic species alters prioritization. The mechanistic model revealed that exotic species significantly altered the expected FD if the number of exotic species occupied 2% of the community. Joint species distribution modelling indicated that the highest FD occurred in the west, northwest and north upstreams of the Min River. Values of FD in 64.69% of the basin decreased after the exotic species were removed from calculation. Conservation prioritization with the Zonation software proved that if first the habitats of exotic species were removed during prioritization, 62.75% of the highest prioritized areas were shifted, average species representation of the endemic species was improved and mean conservation efficiency was increased by 7.53%. Existence of exotic species will significantly alter the metrics of biodiversity and the solution for conservation prioritization, and negatively weighting exotic species in the scope of conservation prioritization is suggested to better protect endemic species. This work advocates a thorough estimate of the impacts of exotic species on FD and conservation prioritization, providing complementary evidence for conservation biology and valuable implications for local freshwater fish conservation.
Identification and genomic characterization of Baculovirus penaei in Litopenaeus vannamei in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Yun‐Han , Chang Yen‐Chen , Chang Chia‐Yu , Chang Hui‐Wen
Published: February 2023

Baculovirus penaei (BP), the causative agent of tetrahedral baculovirosis, causes the death of penaeid genera at the larval and post‐larval stages. BP has been reported in the Western Pacific, South‐East Atlantic, and the State of Hawaii, but never in Asia. The clinical features of BP infection are non‐specific, and diagnosis relies on histological and molecular methods. In the present study, we report the first identification of BP infection in a shrimp farm in Northern Taiwan in 2022. Histopathologically, several tetrahedral eosinophilic intranuclear occlusion bodies were observed in or budding out of the nuclei of the degenerative hepatopancreatic cells. In situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction confirmed tetrahedral baculovirosis infection caused by BP. Sequence alignment of the TW BP‐1 with the USA BP strain reported in 1995 revealed 94.81% identity in the partial gene. The possibility of the emergence of USA‐like BP in Taiwan highlights the importance of further epidemiological investigations on the prevalence and impact of BP in Asia.
Deneddylating enzyme SENP8 regulates neuronal development
Authors: Song Jae‐man , Kang Minji , Lee Seungha , Kim Jungho , Park Sunha , Park Da‐ha , Lee Sanghyeon , Suh Young Ho
Published: February 2023

Neddylation is a cellular process in which the neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down‐regulated 8 (NEDD8) is conjugated to the lysine residue of target proteins via serial enzymatic cascades. Recently, it has been demonstrated that neddylation is required for synaptic clustering of metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGlu7) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD‐95), and the inhibition of neddylation impairs neurite outgrowth and excitatory synaptic maturation. Similar to the balanced role of deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) in the ubiquitination process, we hypothesized that deneddylating enzymes can regulate neuronal development by counteracting the process of neddylation. We find that the SUMO peptidase family member, NEDD8 specific (SENP8) acts as a key neuronal deneddylase targeting the global neuronal substrates in primary rat cultured neurons. We demonstrate that SENP8 expression levels are developmentally regulated, peaking around the first postnatal week and gradually diminishing in mature brain and neurons. We find that SENP8 negatively regulates neurite outgrowth through multiple pathways, including actin dynamics, Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, and autophagic processes. Alterations in neurite outgrowth by SENP8 subsequently result in the impairment of excitatory synapse maturation. Our data indicate that SENP8 plays an essential role in neuronal development and is a promising therapeutic target for neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Oleanolic acid regulates the proliferation and extracellular matrix of keloid fibroblasts by mediating the TGF‐β1/SMAD signaling pathway
Authors: Luo Yinli , Wang Dongming , Yuan Xinghua , Jin Zhehu , Pi Longquan
Published: February 2023

Background

Keloid (KD) is a unique pathological fibroproliferative disease that seriously affects the appearance of patients. This study investigated the effect of oleanolic acid (OA) on the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts (KFs) and the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related proteins.

Methods

The proliferation of KFs was evaluated using an MTT assay. The effects of OA on intra‐ and extracellular levels of fibronectin (FN), procollagen I, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were evaluated using Western blotting. To simulate the KD microenvironment, TGF‐β1 was added to the serum‐free culture medium, and KFs were incubated with TGF‐β1 and OA for 24 h. The intra‐ and extracellular levels of the ECM‐related proteins and the effect of OA on TGF‐β1‐induced phosphorylation of the SMAD2 and SMAD3 proteins were evaluated using Western blotting.

Results

OA inhibited the proliferation of KFs in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. Furthermore, OA treatment of KFs reduced the intra‐ and extracellular levels of FN, procollagen I, and α‐SMA and increased those of MMP‐1. OA also reduced TGF‐β1‐induced increases in the intra‐ and extracellular levels of FN, procollagen I, and α‐SMA and increased the levels of the MMP‐1 protein. Additionally, OA significantly reduced TGF‐β1‐induced phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 in KFs.

Conclusions

OA inhibited KF proliferation and reduced ECM deposition through the TGF‐β1/SMAD pathway, which suggests that OA may be an effective drug for the prevention and treatment of KD.
HLA‐DQ2 is associated with anti‐drug antibody formation to infliximab in patients with immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases
Authors: Brun Marthe Kirkesæther , Bjørlykke Kristin Hammersbøen , Viken Marte K. , Stenvik Grethe‐Elisabeth , Klaasen Rolf A. , Gehin Johanna E. , Warren David John , Sexton Joseph , Sandanger Øystein , Kvien Tore K. , Mørk Cato , Haavardsholm Espen A. , Jahnsen Jørgen , Goll Guro Løvik , Lie Benedicte A. , Bolstad Nils , Jørgensen Kristin Kaasen , Syversen Silje Watterdal
Published: February 2023

Background

Immunogenicity to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors is a significant clinical problem leading to treatment failure and adverse events. The study aimed to assess human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations with anti‐drug antibody (ADAb) formation to infliximab.

Methods

Immune‐mediated inflammatory disease patients on infliximab therapy (n = 612) were included. Neutralising ADAb were assessed with a drug‐sensitive assay. Next generation sequencing‐based HLA typing was performed.

Results

Overall, 147 (24%) patients developed ADAb. Conditional analyses indicated HLA‐DQB1 (p = 1.4 × 10−6) as a primary risk locus. Highest risk of ADAb was seen when carrying at least one of the HLA‐DQ2 haplotypes; DQB1*02:01–DQA1*05:01 or DQB1*02:02–DQA1*02:01 (OR 3.18, 95% CI 2.15–4.69 and p = 5.9 × 10−9). Results were consistent across diseases and when adjusting for concomitant immunomodulator. Computational predictions indicated that these HLA‐DQ2 haplotypes bind to peptide motifs from infliximab light chain.

Conclusion

A genome‐wide significant association between two HLA‐DQ2 haplotypes and the risk of ADAb formation to infliximab was identified, suggesting that HLA‐DQ2 testing may facilitate personalised treatment decisions.
Socioeconomic Differences in the Association Between Bullying Behaviors and Mental Health in Canadian Adolescents
Authors: Yokoji Kana , Hammami Nour , Elgar Frank J.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Bullying and poverty are each associated with poor health in adolescents. We examined socioeconomic differences in the association of bullying and health.

METHODS

The 2017/2018 Canadian Health Behaviour of School‐aged Children study surveyed 21,750 youth (9‐18 years). We used linear regression models to investigate interactive effects of bullying involvement (traditional and cyberbullying) and socioeconomic position (SEP) on self‐reported life satisfaction, psychological symptoms, and physical symptoms.

RESULTS

Involvement in either form of bullying, as a perpetrator or a target, was associated with worse health and well‐being compared to uninvolved youths. Associations of victimization via conventional bullying with low life satisfaction (b = −.33 [−.61, .05]), more psychological symptoms (b = .83 [.27, 1.38]), and more somatic symptoms (b = .56 [.14, .98]) were stronger at lower SEP.

CONCLUSION

Socioeconomic disadvantage intensifies the association between bullying victimization and poor health. The intersections of victimization and poverty pose a significant health risk to adolescents.
Evolutionary origin and establishment of a dioecious diploid‐tetraploid complex
Authors: He Li , Guo Fei‐Yi , Cai Xin‐Jie , Chen Hong‐Pu , Lian Chun‐Lan , Wang Yuan , Shang Ce , Zhang Yue , Wagner Natascha Dorothea , Zhang Zhi‐Xiang , Hörandl Elvira , Wang Xiao‐Ru
Published: February 2023

Polyploids recurrently emerge in angiosperms, but most polyploids are likely to go extinct before establishment due to minority cytotype exclusion, which may be specifically a constraint for dioecious plants. Here we test the hypothesis that a stable sex‐determination system and spatial/ecological isolation facilitate the establishment of dioecious polyploids. We determined the ploidy levels of 351 individuals from 28 populations of the dioecious species Salix polyclona, and resequenced 190 individuals of S. polyclona and related taxa for genomic diversity analyses. The ploidy survey revealed a frequency 52% of tetraploids in S. polyclona, and genomic k‐mer spectra analyses suggested an autopolyploid origin for them. Comparisons of diploid male and female genomes identified a female heterogametic sex‐determining factor on chromosome 15, which probably also acts in the dioecious tetraploids. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two diploid clades and a separate clade/grade of tetraploids with a distinct geographic distribution confined to western and central China, where complex mountain systems create higher levels of environmental heterogeneity. Fossil‐calibrated phylogenies showed that the polyploids emerged during 7.6–2.3 million years ago, and population demographic histories largely matched the geological and climatic history of the region. Our results suggest that inheritance of the sex‐determining system from the diploid progenitor as intrinsic factor and spatial isolation as extrinsic factor may have facilitated the preservation and establishment of polyploid dioecious populations.
The evolution of early‐life telomere length, pace‐of‐life and telomere‐chromosome length dynamics in birds
Authors: Pepke Michael Le , Ringsby Thor Harald , Eisenberg Dan T. A.
Published: February 2023

Telomeres, the short DNA sequences that protect chromosome ends, are an ancient molecular structure, which is highly conserved across most eukaryotes. Species differ in their telomere lengths, but the causes of this variation are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that mean early‐life telomere length is an evolutionary labile trait across 57 bird species (representing 35 families in 12 orders) with the greatest trait diversity found among passerines. Among these species, telomeres are significantly shorter in fast‐lived than in slow‐lived species, suggesting that telomere length may have evolved to mediate trade‐offs between physiological requirements underlying the diversity of pace‐of‐life strategies in birds. This association was attenuated when excluding studies that may include interstitial telomeres in the estimation of mean telomere length. Curiously, within some species, larger individual chromosome size predicts longer telomere lengths on that chromosome, leading to the hypothesis that telomere length also covaries with chromosome length across species. We show that longer mean chromosome length or genome size tends to be associated with longer mean early‐life telomere length (measured across all chromosomes) within a phylogenetic framework constituting up to 31 bird species. These associations were strengthened when excluding highly influential outliers. However, sensitivity analyses suggested that they were susceptible to sample size effects and not robust to the exclusion of studies that may include interstitial telomeres. Combined, our analyses generalize patterns previously found within a few species and provide potential adaptive explanations for the 10‐fold variation in telomere lengths observed among birds.
Bahrain's Vision in the New Gulf Order
Authors: Bani Salameh Mohammed Torki
Published: February 2023

Given the perception of a US pullback from its commitments in the Middle East, a small state like Bahrain must develop a new vision of how to protect itself. This article analyzes Bahrain's strategy, focusing on three circles. The first, its internal circle, is complicated by the country's heterogeneity. Second, the Gulf circle entails cooperation among Bahrain's neighbors, though that has been historically difficult to achieve. The third circle is international, with Bahrain's seeking bilateral agreements with countries like the United States, China, Britain, and France. It is this circle on which Bahrain will continue to rely, and it is likely to bandwagon, allying with the most powerful players in the region.
On the inseparability of reasoning and virtue: Madame de Maintenon's Maison royale de Saint‐Louis
Authors: Shapiro Lisa
Published: February 2023

This paper engages with the curriculum at Madame de Maintenon's school for girls at Saint‐Cyr to raise and address a set of questions: What is it to teach someone to reason? The curricular materials of Saint‐Cyr suggest that learning to reason is a matter of practice. How is one to distinguish autonomous reason giving from habituation or automatic trained responses? How can practices in reason giving informed by social mores have objective validity? Moreover, if we think of the role of a philosopher as the cultivation of rational faculties and recognize that how this role is played is bound up with social norms, by what standards ought we to evaluate whether a philosophical educator is good or bad? Intertwined with the discussion is also a question about the limits of philosophy for the question.
Beyond Methods: A Model for Teaching Theory in Applied Anthropology
Authors: Hayes Lauren , Jung Yuson
Published: February 2023

Rising numbers of anthropology majors are entering sectors in industry, in which qualitative data analysis skills and theoretical thinking are essential. Yet, a disciplinary divide between theoretical and applied approaches in anthropology and a market for commodified method skills often present challenges to teaching theory in the applied anthropology classroom. Our study is based upon the successful implementation of a three‐phase qualitative data analysis model—Reduce, Visualize, Draw Conclusions, and Verify—developed by Miles and Huberman and Ladner, in a series of anthropology graduate practicum courses at Wayne State University (2017–21), in which students worked with corporate clients from Chevrolet, Nissan, and D‐Ford. Our findings highlight the integral role of theory to the academic and practicing research process and provide a template for other practicum‐based classes to teach analysis.
Major mixed motility disorders: An important subset of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction
Authors: Leopold Andrew R. , Jalalian Aria , Thaker Parth , Wellington Jennifer , Papademetriou Marianna , Xie Guofeng
Published: February 2023

Background

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by a lack of relaxation of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), with preserved esophageal body peristalsis. We propose new terminology for the coexistence of EGJOO with hypercontractile esophagus and distal esophageal spasm as a major mixed motility disorder (MMMD), and normal peristalsis or a minor disorder of peristalsis such as ineffective esophageal motility with EGJOO as isolated or ineffective EGJOO (IEGJOO).

Methods

We reviewed prior diagnoses of EGJOO, stratified diagnoses as IEGJOO or MMMD, and compared their symptomatic presentations, high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) metrics, and treatment responses at 2–6 months of follow‐up.

Results

Out of a total of 821 patients, 142 met CCv3 criteria for EGJOO. Twenty‐two were confirmed by CCv4 and EndoFLIP as having EGJOO and were clinically managed. Thirteen had MMMD, and nine had IEGJOO. Groups had no difference in demographic data or presenting symptoms by Eckardt score (ES). HRM showed MMMD had greater distal contractile integral, frequency of hypercontractile swallows, and frequency of spastic swallows, and greater DI by EndoFLIP. Patients with MMMD showed greater reduction in symptoms after LES‐directed intervention when measured by ES compared with IEGJOO (7.2 vs. 4.0).

Conclusion

Patients with MMMD and IEGJOO present similarly. Detectable differences in HRM portend different responses to endoscopic therapy. Because patients with MMMD have greater short‐term prognosis, they should be considered a different diagnostic classification to guide therapy.
AIM1‐dependent high basal salicylic acid accumulation modulates stomatal aperture in rice
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhao Hongyu , Wang Junbin , Wang Xuming , Jia Xianqing , Wang Long , Xu Zhuang , Li Ruili , Jiang Kun , Chen Zhixiang , Luo Jie , Xie Xiaodong , Yi Keke
Published: February 2023

The basal levels of salicylic acid (SA) vary dramatically among plant species. In the shoot, for example, rice contains almost 100 times higher SA levels than Arabidopsis. Despite its high basal levels, neither the biosynthetic pathway nor the biological functions of SA are well understood in rice.

Combining with metabolite analysis, physiological, and genetic approaches, we found that the synthesis of basal SA in rice shoot is dependent on OsAIM1, which encodes a beta‐oxidation enzyme in the phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) pathway.

Compromised SA accumulation in the Osaim1 mutant led to a lower shoot temperature than wild‐type plants. However, this shoot temperature defect resulted from increased transpiration due to elevated steady‐state stomatal aperture in the mutant. Furthermore, the high basal SA level is required for sustained expression of OsWRKY45 to modulate the steady‐state stomatal aperture and shoot temperature in rice.

Taken together, these results provide the direct genetic evidence for the critical role of the PAL pathway in the biosynthesis of high basal level SA in rice, which plays an important role in the regulation of steady‐state stomatal aperture to promote fitness under stress conditions.
Promoting moral imagination in nursing education: Imagining and performing
Authors: Jantzen Darlaine , Newton Lorelei , Dompierre Kerry‐Ann , Sturgill Sean
Published: February 2023

Moral imagination is a central component of moral agency and person‐centred care. Becoming moral agents who can sustain attention on patients and their families through their illness and suffering involves imagining the other, what moral possibilities are available, what choices to make, and how one wants to be. This relationship between moral agency, moral imagination, and personhood can be effaced by a focus on task‐driven technical rationality within the multifaceted challenges of contemporary healthcare. Similarly, facilitating students' moral agency can also be obscured by the task‐driven technical rationality of teaching. The development of moral agency requires deliberate attention across the trajectory of nursing education. To prepare nursing students for one practice challenge, workplace violence, we developed a multimodal education intervention which included a simulated learning experience (SLE). To enhance the realism and consistency of the educational experience, 11 nursing students were trained as simulated participants (SP). As part of a larger study to examine knowledge acquisition and practice confidence of learners who completed the SLE, we explored the experience of being the SP through interviews and a focus group with the SP students. The SP described how their multiple performances contributed to imagining the situation ‘on both sides’ prompting empathy, a reconsideration of their moral agency, and the potential to prevent violence in the workplace beyond technical rational techniques, such as verbal de‐escalation scripts. The empirical findings from the SP prompted a philosophical exploration into moral imagination. We summarise the multimodal educational intervention and relevant findings, and then, using Johnson's conception of moral imagination and relevant nursing literature, we discuss the significance of the SP embodied experiences and their professional formation. We suggest that SLEs offer a unique avenue to create pedagogical spaces which promote moral imagination, thereby teaching for moral agency and person‐centred care.
Stability of National‐Identity Content: Level, Predictors, and Implications
Authors: Mader Matthias , Schoen Harald
Published: February 2023

A neglected topic in empirical research on national identity is its stability at the individual level, and this is especially true for its content, that is, the meaning elements that people associate with the concept of nation. In this article, we study the stability of key dimensions of national‐identity content. We ask three simple questions: How stable is national‐identity content—as captured in the ethnic/civic framework—at the level of individual citizens? Are there clear differences in stability across subgroups? What are the implications of interindividual differences in stability? Analyzing data from four waves of a large‐scale panel survey of German citizens (N = 4,654) collected over a five‐year period (2016–21), we show that there is high but not perfect stability of the degree to which individuals subscribe to ethnic and civic criteria of nationhood. Second, we find little difference in stability as a function of several theoretically selected characteristics. Third, we show that the association between national‐identity content and relevant political attitudes (immigration attitudes and far‐right party support) increases with intraindividual stability. These findings have important implications for our understanding of how national‐identity content is shaped and mobilized and how it can influence political attitudes and behaviors.
Strong versus weak embodiment: Spatial iconicity in physical, abstract, and social semantic categories
Authors: León José A. , Martínez‐Huertas José Ángel , Moreno José David , Martín Lorena A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Perceptual and action systems seem to be related to complex cognitive processes, but the scope of grounded or embodied cognition has been questioned. Zwaan and Yaxley (2003) proposed that cognitive processes of making semantic relatedness judgments can be facilitated when word pairs are presented in ways that their referents maintain their iconic configuration rather than their reverse‐iconic configuration (the spatial iconicity effect). This effect has been observed in different semantic categories using specific experiments, but it is known that embodiment is highly dependent on task demands.

Method

The present study analyzed the spatial iconicity effect in three semantic categories (physical, abstract, and social) using the same experimental criteria to determine the scope of embodied cognition. In this reaction‐time experiment, 75 participants judged the semantic relatedness of 384 word pairs whose experimental items were presented in their iconic or reverse‐iconic configurations.

Results

Two mixed‐effects models with crossed random effects revealed that the interaction between word meaning and spatial position was present only for physical concepts but neither for abstract nor social concepts.

Conclusions

Within the framework of strong and weak embodiment theories, the data support weak embodiment theory as the most explicative one.
N‐BAR and F‐BAR proteins—endophilin‐A3 and PSTPIP1—control clathrin‐independent endocytosis of L1CAM
Authors: Lemaigre Camille , Ceuppens Apolline , Valades‐Cruz Cesar Augusto , Ledoux Benjamin , Vanbeneden Bastien , Hassan Mujtaba , Zetterberg Fredrik R. , Nilsson Ulf J. , Johannes Ludger , Wunder Christian , Renard Henri‐François , Morsomme Pierre
Published: February 2023

Recent advances in the field demonstrate the high diversity and complexity of endocytic pathways. In the current study, we focus on the endocytosis of L1CAM. This glycoprotein plays a major role in the development of the nervous system, and is involved in cancer development and is associated with metastases and poor prognosis. Two L1CAM isoforms are subject to endocytosis: isoform 1, described as a clathrin‐mediated cargo; isoform 2, whose endocytosis has never been studied. Deciphering the molecular machinery of isoform 2 internalisation should contribute to a better understanding of its pathophysiological role. First, we demonstrated in our cellular context that both isoforms of L1CAM are mainly a clathrin‐independent cargo, which was not expected for isoform 1. Second, the mechanism of L1CAM endocytosis is specifically mediated by the N‐BAR domain protein endophilin‐A3. Third, we discovered PSTPIP1, an F‐BAR domain protein, as a novel actor in this endocytic process. Finally, we identified galectins as endocytic partners and negative regulators of L1CAM endocytosis. In summary, the interplay of the BAR proteins endophilin‐A3 and PSTPIP1, and galectins fine tune the clathrin‐independent endocytosis of L1CAM.
Eye drops of human origin—Current status and future needs: Report on the workshop organized by the ISBT Working Party for Cellular Therapies
Authors: Gabriel Christian , Marks Denese C. , Henschler Reinhard , Schallmoser Katharina , Burnouf Thierry , Koh Mickey B. C.
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

Serum eye drops (SEDs) are used to treat ocular surface disease (OSD) and to promote ocular surface renewal. However, their use and production are not standardized, and several new forms of human eye drops have been developed.

Materials and Methods

The International Society for Blood Transfusion Working Party (ISBT WP) for Cellular Therapies held a workshop to review the current types of eye drops of human origin (EDHO) status and provide guidance.

Results

The ISBT WP for Cellular Therapies introduced the new terminology ‘EDHO’ to emphasize that these products are analogous to ‘medical products of human origin’. This concept encompasses their source (serum, platelet lysate, and cord blood) and the increasingly diverse spectrum of clinical usage in ophthalmology and the need for traceability. The workshop identified the wide variability in EDHO manufacturing, lack of harmonized quality and production standards, distribution issues, reimbursement schemes and regulations. EDHO use and efficacy is established for the treatment of OSD, especially for those refractory to conventional treatments.

Conclusion

Production and distribution of single‐donor donations are cumbersome and complex. The workshop participants agreed that allogeneic EDHO have advantages over autologous EDHO although more data on clinical efficacy and safety are needed. Allogeneic EDHOs enable more efficient production and, when pooled, can provide enhanced standardization for clinical consistency, provided optimal margin of virus safety is ensured. Newer products, including platelet‐lysate‐ and cord‐blood‐derived EDHO, show promise and benefits over SED, but their safety and efficacy are yet to be fully established. This workshop highlighted the need for harmonization of EDHO standards and guidelines.
Natural killer cell subset count and antigen‐stimulated activation in response to exhaustive running following adaptation to a ketogenic diet
Authors: Shaw David M. , Keaney Lauren , Maunder Ed , Dulson Deborah K.
Published: February 2023

We investigated the effect of a 31‐day ketogenic diet (KD) compared with a habitual, carbohydrate (CHO)‐based diet on total circulating natural killer (NK) CD3−CD56+, dim and bright subset count, and antigen‐stimulated CD3−CD56+ cell activation (CD69+) in response to exhaustive running. In a randomised, repeated‐measures, cross‐over study, eight trained, male endurance athletes ingested a 31‐day low‐CHO KD or their habitual diet (HD). On day 31, participants ran to exhaustion at 70% (∼3.5–4 h, ∼45–50 km). A low‐CHO (<10 g) meal was ingested prior to the KD trial, with fat ingested during exercise. A high‐CHO (2 g kg−1) meal was ingested prior to the HD trial, with CHO (∼55 g h−1) ingested during exercise. Venous blood samples were collected at pre‐exercise, post‐exercise and 1 h post‐exercise. The KD amplified the classical exercise‐induced biphasic CD3−CD56+ cell response by increasing the post‐exercise counts (P = 0.0004), which appeared to be underpinned by the cytotoxic CD3−CD56dim subset (main effect of time point, P < 0.0001). The KD had no effect on NK cells’ expression of CD69 or their geometric mean fluorescence intensity of CD69 expression, either for unstimulated or for antigen‐stimulated NK cells (all P > 0.05). In conclusion, adaptation to a KD may alter the number of circulating NK cells but not their ability to activate to an antigenic challenge.
Investigation on Thermal Buckling of Functionally Gradient Material-Coated Cylindrical Shell Considering Material Properties Varying With Temperature
Authors: Wang Zewu , Li Junbao , Fan Haigui , Hu Dapeng
Published: February 2023

Although the thermal buckling problem of functionally gradient material (FGM) cylindrical shells has been investigated for many years, its theoretical solution is rarely reported when considering the material properties varying with temperature, and the existing commercial software also cannot directly solve the critical temperature rise of thermal buckling. Therefore, the theoretical solution of critical temperature rise was first derived for the FGM-coated cylindrical shell with temperature-dependent material properties based on the Donnell thin shell theory. And then, a stepped layer discrete finite element (FE) model was developed by integrating the bisection method into a user subroutine to calculate the critical temperature rise. The results show that the theoretical solutions are in good agreement with the numerical ones, and find out the temperature has a relatively large negative effect on the thermal buckling resistance of the FGM-coated cylindrical shell. Finally, the influence factors on the critical temperature rise were discussed in detail, and some suggestions have been formed to improve the calculation accuracy. This work not only provides a theoretical calculation formula but also develops an FE numerical method to calculate the critical temperature rise of the FGM-coated cylindrical shell, which will help the engineers to design the FGM-related structures easily.
Uncertainties Propagation and Global Sensitivity Analysis of the Aeolian Vibration of OPGW Cables
Authors: Campos Damián Federico , Ajras Andres Elías , Goytiño Lucas Guillermo , Piovan Marcelo Tulio
Published: February 2023

This paper is devoted to evaluating the quantification of uncertainty involved in the study of Aeolian vibrations of optical ground wire (OPGW) cable systems installed on overhead power transmission lines. The energy balance method (EBM) is widely used to estimate the severity of steady-state Aeolian vibrations. Although the EBM requires some experimental characterization of system parameters (as indicated by international standards), it is necessary to mention that such a procedure is connected with uncertainties which makes it difficult for the proper homologation of the cable systems. In this article, the parametric probabilistic approach is employed to quantify the level of uncertainty associated with the EBM in the study of Aeolian vibrations of OPGW. The relevant parameters of the EBM (damper properties, cable self-damping, and the power imparted by the wind) are assumed as random variables whose distribution is deduced by means of the maximum entropy principle. Then a Monte Carlo simulation is performed, and the input and output uncertainties are contrasted. Finally, a global sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the Sobol' indices. Results indicate that parameters related to self-damping and damper are the most influential on uncertainty and output variability. In this sense, the present framework constitutes a powerful tool in the robust design of damper systems for OPGW cables.
Process-Factor Optimization of Small-Area Sintered Interconnects for Power Electronics Applications
Authors: Alzoubi Khalid , Hensel Alexander , Häußler Felix , Ottinger Bettina , Sippel Marcel , Franke Jörg
Published: February 2023

Power electronics is concerned with the use of electronic devices to control and transfer electric power from one form to another. Power electronics can be found in laptop chargers, electric grids, and solar inverters. Die-attach interconnections form a critical part of power electronics devices. Silver sintering has been traditionally used for die-attach interconnections because of its high melting point and ability to form very thin thicknesses. However, the processing time compared with soldering is very long. Sintered layers might contain large voids that affect the mechanical stability of the structure. Stresses caused by mechanical and environmental conditions might cause degradation and possibly early failures. This work focuses on studying the combined effect of process factors on the shear strength of small-area die-attach interconnections in silver sintering. Design of experiments (DoE) tools were used to build an experimental matrix with a 95% confidence level. The results have shown that holding time has a considerable effect on the mechanical stability of the die-attach interconnections. Intermetallic compounds formed in the sintered joints at higher holding times resulted in fewer voids. Furthermore, the treatment level of the holding time highly affects the shear strength under other factors such as temperature and pressure.
Multiresolution Quality Inspection of Layerwise Builds for Metal 3D Printer and Scanner
Authors: Yang Hui , Reijonen Joni , Revuelta Alejandro
Published: February 2023

Automated optical inspection (AOI) is increasingly advocated for in situ quality monitoring of additive manufacturing (AM) processes. The availability of layerwise imaging data improves the information visibility during fabrication processes and is thus conducive to performing online certification. However, few, if any, have investigated the high-speed contact image sensors (CIS) (i.e., originally developed for document scanners and multifunction printers) for AM quality monitoring. In addition, layerwise images show complex patterns and often contain hidden information that cannot be revealed in a single scale. A new and alternative approach will be to analyze these intrinsic patterns with multiscale lenses. Therefore, the objective of this article is to design and develop an AOI system with contact image sensors for multiresolution quality inspection of layerwise builds in additive manufacturing. First, we retrofit the AOI system with contact image sensors in industrially relevant 95 mm/s scanning speed to a laser-powder-bed-fusion (LPBF) machines. Then, we design the experiments to fabricate nine parts under a variety of factor levels (e.g., gas flow blockage, re-coater damage, laser power changes). In each layer, the AOI system collects imaging data of both recoating powder beds before the laser fusion and surface finishes after the laser fusion. Second, layerwise images are pre-preprocessed for alignment, registration, and identification of regions of interests (ROIs) of these nine parts. Then, we leverage the wavelet transformation to analyze ROI images in multiple scales and further extract salient features that are sensitive to process variations, instead of extraneous noises. Third, we perform the paired comparison analysis to investigate how different levels of factors influence the distribution of wavelet features. Finally, these features are shown to be effective in predicting the extent of defects in the computed tomography (CT) data of layerwise AM builds. The proposed framework of multiresolution quality inspection is evaluated and validated using real-world AM imaging data. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed AOI system with contact image sensors for online quality inspection of layerwise builds in AM processes.
Identification and Investigation of Extreme Events Using an Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian Approach With a Laplace Equation Solver and Coupling to a Navier–Stokes Solver
Authors: Kamath Arun , Wang Weizhi , Pakozdi Csaba , Bihs Hans
Published: February 2023

Increased deployment of offshore wind turbines is seen as an important pathway to increase green renewable energy production. Improved and rapid identification of extreme events and evaluation of hydrodynamic loads due to such events is essential to reduce the cost of energy production. Numerical modeling to pre-screen sea states and to identify the crucial events to prioritize model tests will make a major contribution to reduce design times and costs for such structures. In this effort, a highly efficient and nonlinear numerical model based on the Laplace equations is used to generate undisturbed wave kinematics. Such a simulation is used to identify extreme wave events in a sea state realization, and further, the wave loading due to such events are evaluated using Morison formula. Events screened in this manner can then be transferred to a high-resolution model such as a Navier–Stokes equation-based solver to investigate the hydrodynamics in detail. The implementation and application of such an approach in the open-source hydrodynamic model REEF3D is presented in this work.
Rapid Change in the Direction of Hand Movement to Increase Hand Propulsion During Front Crawl Swimming
Authors: Kudo Shigetada , Matsuda Yuji , Sakurai Yoshihisa , Ikuta Yasushi
Published: February 2023

This study aims to investigate the difference in hand acceleration induced by rapid changes in hand movement directions and propulsion between fast and slow groups of swimmers during front crawl swimming. Twenty-two participants, consisting of 11 fast and 11 slow swimmers, performed front crawl swimming at their maximal effort. Hand acceleration and velocity and the angle of attack were measured using a motion capture system. The dynamic pressure approach was used to estimate hand propulsion. In the insweep phase, the fast group attained significantly higher hand acceleration than the slow group in the lateral and vertical directions (15.31 [3.44] m·s−2 vs 12.23 [2.60] m·s−2 and 14.37 [1.70] m·s−2 vs 12.15 [1.21] m·s−2), and the fast group exerted significantly larger hand propulsion than the slow group (53 [5] N vs 44 [7] N). Although the fast group attained large hand acceleration and propulsion during the insweep phase, the hand velocity and the angle of attack were not significantly different in the 2 groups. The rapid change in hand movement direction could be considered in the technique of underwater arm stroke, particularly in the vertical direction, to increase hand propulsion during front crawl swimming.
Multimedia Instructions for Motor Control Exercises in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Authors: Berberoğlu Utku , Ülger Özlem
Published: February 2023

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the top 3 diseases that may lead to disability. Current treatment guidelines define exercise as a first-line treatment for nonspecific LBP (NSLBP). There are various evidence-based exercise approaches for treating NSLBP, and many of them include motor control principles. Motor control exercises (MCEs) are better than general exercises that do not include motor control principles. Many patients find learning these exercises complex and challenging, in that MCE exercises have no standard teaching method. The researchers of this study developed multimedia instructions for an MCE program to make teaching MCE easier; thus, more effective. Methods: The participants were randomized into multimedia or standard (face-to-face) instruction groups. We applied the same treatments to both groups at the same dosage. The only differences between groups were the exercise instruction methods. The multimedia group learned MCE from multimedia videos; the control group learned MCE from a physiotherapist with face-to-face instructions. Treatment lasted 8 weeks. We evaluated patients’ exercise adherence with Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS), pain with the Visual Analog Scale, and disability with Oswestry Disability Index. Evaluations were made before and after treatment. Follow-up evaluations were carried out 4 weeks after the end of treatment. Results: There was no statistically significant interaction between the group and time on pain, F2,56 = 0.068, P = .935, partial η2 = .002 and Oswestry Disability Index scores, F2,56 = 0.951, P = .393, partial η2 = .033. Also, there was no statistically significant interaction between the group and time on Exercise Adherence Rating Scale total scores F1,20 = 2.343, P = .142, partial η2 = .105. Conclusions: This study showed that multimedia instructions for MCE have similar effects to standard (face-to-face) instructions on pain, disability, and exercise adherence in patients with NSLBP. To our knowledge, with these results, the developed multimedia instructions became the first free, evidence-based instructions that have objective progression criteria and a Creative Commons license.
Turning tissues into conducting matter
Authors: Inal Sahika
Published: February 2023

An electrically conducting soft polymer is synthesized within living tissue
Inducible Mega-Mediated Macrolide Resistance Confers Heteroresistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Lohsen Sarah , Stephens David S.
Published: February 2023

In
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(
Spn
), the 5.4 to 5.5 kb Macrolide Genetic Assembly (Mega) encodes an efflux pump (Mef[E]) and a ribosomal protection protein (Mel) conferring antibiotic resistance to commonly used macrolides in clinical isolates. We found the macrolide-inducible Mega operon provides heteroresistance (more than 8-fold range in MICs) to 14- and 15-membered ring macrolides.
Exposure of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 to Sublethal Doses of Ionizing Radiation Triggers Short-Term SOS Activation and Longer-Term Prophage Activation
Authors: Sweet Philip , Blacutt Jacob , Gordon Vernita , Contreras Lydia
Published: February 2023

The bacterial minimum threshold of sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR) is poorly understood, which hinders our understanding of how living systems recover from the doses of IR experienced in medical, industrial, and off-world environments. Using a transcriptome-wide approach, we studied how in the highly radiosensitive bacterium
S. oneidensis
, genes (including the SOS regulon and the So Lambda prophage) are activated after exposure to low doses of IR.
A Member of an Ancient Family of Bacterial Amino Acids Transporters Contributes to Chlamydia Nutritional Virulence and Immune Evasion
Authors: Banerjee Arkaprabha , Sun Yuan , Muramatsu Matthew K. , Toh Evelyn , Nelson David E.
Published: February 2023

Many obligate intracellular bacteria, including members of the genus
Chlamydia
, cannot synthesize a variety of amino acids
de novo
and acquire these from host cells via largely unknown mechanisms. Previously, we determined that a missense mutation in
ctl0225
, a conserved
Chlamydia
open reading frame of unknown function, mediated sensitivity to interferon gamma.
In Vitro
Selection Identifies Staphylococcus aureus Genes Influencing Biofilm Formation
Authors: Long Dustin R. , Penewit Kelsi , Lo Hsin-Yu , Almazan Jared , Holmes Elizabeth A. , Bryan Andrew B. , Wolter Daniel J. , Lewis Janessa D. , Waalkes Adam , Salipante Stephen J.
Published: February 2023

Staphylococcus aureus
generates biofilms during many chronic human infections, which contributes to its growth and persistence in the host. Multiple genes and pathways necessary for
S. aureus
biofilm production have been identified, but knowledge is incomplete, and little is known about spontaneous mutations that increase biofilm formation as infection progresses.
The Colorectal Cancer Gut Environment Regulates Activity of the Microbiome and Promotes the Multidrug Resistant Phenotype of ESKAPE and Other Pathogens
Authors: Lamaudière Matthew T. F. , Arasaradnam Ramesh , Weedall Gareth D. , Morozov Igor Y.
Published: February 2023

The human gut microbiota in colorectal cancer patients have a distinct population compared to heathy counterparts. However, the activity (gene expression) of this community has not been investigated.
Metabolic Robustness to Growth Temperature of a Cold- Adapted Marine Bacterium
Authors: Riccardi Christopher , Calvanese Marzia , Ghini Veronica , Alonso-Vásquez Tania , Perrin Elena , Turano Paola , Giurato Giorgio , Weisz Alessandro , Parrilli Ermenegilda , Tutino Maria Luisa , Fondi Marco
Published: February 2023

This manuscript addresses a central and broad interest topic in environmental microbiology, i.e. the effect of growth temperature on microbial cell physiology. We investigated if and how metabolic homeostasis is maintained in a cold-adapted bacterium during growth at temperatures that differ widely and that match measured changes on the field.
Mucin Protein of Aedes aegypti Interacts with Dengue Virus 2 and Influences Viral Infection
Authors: Yadav Karuna , Rana Vipin Singh , Anjali  , Saurav Gunjan Kumar , Rawat Nitish , Kumar Ankit , Sunil Sujatha , Singh Om P. , Rajagopal Raman
Published: February 2023

Identification of interacting protein partners of DENV in the insect vector
Aedes aegypti
is crucial for designing vector control-based strategies and for understanding the molecular mechanism DENV uses to modulate the host, gain entry, and survive successfully. Similar proteins can be used in generating transmission-blocking vaccines.
Arthrocolins Synergizing with Fluconazole Inhibit Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans by Increasing Riboflavin Metabolism and Causing Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Autophagy
Authors: Wu Zhuang , Wu Qun-Fu , Yuan Wen-Li , Chen Yong-Hong , Hu Di , Deng De-Yao , Zhang Long-Long , Niu Xue-Mei
Published: February 2023

The prevalence of antifungal-resistant
Candida albicans
, which is a common human fungal pathogen causing life-threatening systemic infections, has become a challenge in the treatment of fungal infections. Arthrocolins are a new type of xanthene obtained from
Escherichia coli
fed with a key fungal precursor toluquinol.
Development of a Versatile Toolbox for Genetic Manipulation of
Sporothrix brasiliensis
Authors: Tavares Matheus , Sousa-Filho Jorge Carlos , Machado Ian Alves , Gonçales Relber Aguiar , Antunes Daniela , Mendes-Frias Ana , Silvestre Ricardo , Carvalho Agostinho , Torrado Egídio , Cunha Cristina , Rodrigues Fernando
Published: February 2023

Sporotrichosis is the most prevalent subcutaneous mycosis worldwide and has recently become a public health concern. Although immunocompetent hosts are also prone to sporotrichosis, immunodeficient hosts often develop a more severe and disseminated form of disease.