bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The combined effect of graphene oxide and elemental nano-sulfur on soil biological properties and lettuce plant biomass
Authors: Hammerschmiedt Tereza , Holatko Jiri , Zelinka Radim , Kintl Antonin , Skarpa Petr , Bytesnikova Zuzana , Richtera Lukas , Mustafa Adnan , Malicek Ondrej , Brtnicky Martin
Published: March 2023

The impact of graphene oxide (GO) nanocarbon on soil properties is mixed, with both negative and positive effects. Although it decreases the viability of some microbes, there are few studies on how its single amendment to soil or in combination with nanosized sulfur benefits soil microorganisms and nutrient transformation. Therefore, an eight-week pot experiment was carried out under controlled conditions (growth chamber with artificial light) in soil seeded with lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and amended with GO or nano-sulfur on their own or their several combinations. The following variants were tested: (I) Control, (II) GO, (III) Low nano-S + GO, (IV) High nano-S + GO, (V) Low nano-S, (VI) High nano-S. Results revealed no significant differences in soil pH, dry plant aboveground, and root biomass among all five amended variants and the control group. The greatest positive effect on soil respiration was observed when GO was used alone, and this effect remained significant even when it was combined with high nano-S. Low nano-S plus a GO dose negatively affected some of the soil respiration types: NAG_SIR, Tre_SIR, Ala_SIR, and Arg_SIR. Single GO application was found to enhance arylsulfatase activity, while the combination of high nano-S and GO not only enhanced arylsulfatase but also urease and phosphatase activity in the soil. The elemental nano-S probably counteracted the GO-mediated effect on organic carbon oxidation. We partially proved the hypothesis that GO-enhanced nano-S oxidation increases phosphatase activity.
Plastome-based backbone phylogeny of East Asian Phedimus (Subgenus Aizoon: Crassulaceae), with special emphasis on Korean endemics
Authors: Kim Yongsung , Kim Seon-Hee , Yang JiYoung , Cho Myong-Suk , Koldaeva Marina , Ito Takuro , Maki Masayuki , Kim Seung-Chul
Published: March 2023

Although the monophyly of Phedimus has been strongly demonstrated, the species relationships among approximately 20 species of Phedimus have been difficult to determine because of the uniformity of their floral characteristics and extreme variation of their vegetative characters, often accompanied by high polyploid and aneuploid series and diverse habitats. In this study, we assembled 15 complete chloroplast genomes of Phedimus species from East Asia and generated a plastome-based backbone phylogeny of the subgenus Aizoon. As a proxy for nuclear phylogeny, we reconstructed the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nrDNA ITS) phylogeny independently. The 15 plastomes of subg. Aizoon were highly conserved in structure and organization; hence, the complete plastome phylogeny fully resolved the species relationships with strong support. We found that P. aizoon and P. kamtschaticus were polyphyletic and morphologically distinct or ambiguous species, and they most likely evolved from the two species complex. The crown age of subg. Aizoon was estimated to be 27 Ma, suggesting its origin to be in the late Oligocene; however, the major lineages were diversified during the Miocene. The two Korean endemics, P. takesimensis and P. zokuriensis, were inferred to have originated recently during the Pleistocene, whereas the other endemic, P. latiovalifolium, originated in the late Miocene. Several mutation hotspots and seven positively selected chloroplast genes were identified in the subg. Aizoon.
Large and stable genome edits at the sorghum alpha kafirin locus result in changes in chromatin accessibility and globally increased expression of genes encoding lysine enrichment
Authors: Hurst J. Preston , Yobi Abou , Li Aixia , Sato Shirley , Clemente Thomas E. , Angelovici Ruthie , Holding David R.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Sorghum is a resilient and widely cultivated grain crop used for feed and food. However, it’s grain is deficient in lysine, an essential amino acid. This is due to the primary seed storage proteins, the alpha-kafirins, lacking lysine. It has been observed that reductions in alpha-kafirin protein results in rebalancing of the seed proteome and a corresponding increase in non-kafirin proteins which leads to an increased lysine content. However, the mechanisms underlying proteome rebalancing are unclear. This study characterizes a previously developed gene edited sorghum line, with deletions at the alpha kafirin locus.

Methods

A single consensus guide RNA leads to tandem deletion of multiple members of the gene family in addition to the small target site mutations in remaining genes. RNA-seq and ATAC-seq were utilized to identify changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility in developing kernels in the absence of most alpha-kafirin expression.

Results

Several differentially accessible chromatin regions and differentially expressed genes were identified. Additionally, several genes upregulated in the edited sorghum line were common with their syntenic orthologues differentially expressed in maize prolamin mutants. ATAC-seq showed enrichment of the binding motif for ZmOPAQUE 11, perhaps indicating the transcription factor’s involvement in the kernel response to reduced prolamins.

Discussion

Overall, this study provides a resource of genes and chromosomal regions which may be involved in sorghum’s response to reduced seed storage proteins and the process of proteome rebalancing.
Leaf stomatal traits rather than anatomical traits regulate gross primary productivity of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) stands
Authors: Guo Wen , Cherubini Paolo , Zhang Jian , Li Mai-He , Qi Lianghua
Published: March 2023

Leaf stomatal and anatomical traits strongly influence plant productivity. Understanding the environmental adaptation mechanisms of leaf stomatal and anatomical traits and their relationship with ecosystem productivity is essential to better understand and predict the long-term adaptation strategies to climate change of moso bamboo forests. Here, we selected 6 sites within the moso bamboo distribution area, measured 3 leaf stomatal traits and 10 leaf anatomical traits of unmanaged moso bamboo stands. We explored the spatial variation characteristics of these traits and their response to environmental changes, assessed the relationships among these traits at regional scales through network analysis, and tested the direct and indirect effects of environmental, leaf stomatal and anatomical traits on gross primary productivity (GPP) of bamboo stands using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed that both climate and soil factors significantly affected leaf stomatal and anatomical traits of moso bamboo. Solar radiation (SR) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) out of the climatic factors were the key drivers of variation in leaf stomatal and anatomical traits, respectively. Soil moisture and nutrients out of the soil properties significantly affected both leaf stomatal and anatomical traits of moso bamboo. Network analysis further indicated that there was a significant correlation between leaf stomata and anatomical traits. Stomatal size (SS) showed the highest centrality value at the regional scale, indicating that it plays a key role in adjusting the adaptation of plants to external environmental conditions. SEM analysis showed that environment did not directly but indirectly affect GPP via stomatal performance. The environment explained 53.3% and 39.2% of the variation in leaf stomatal and anatomical traits, respectively, and leaf stomatal traits explained 20.8% of the regional variation in GPP. Our results demonstrate a direct effect of leaf stomatal traits rather than leaf anatomical traits on bamboo ecosystem productivity, which provides new insights into model predictions of bamboo forests under global climate change.
Effect of silencing Bemisia tabaci TLR3 and TOB1 on fitness and begomovirus transmission
Authors: Thesnim Pathukandathil , Jangra Sumit , Kumar Manish , Ghosh Amalendu
Published: March 2023

Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the most important invasive pests worldwide. It infests several vegetables, legumes, fiber, and ornamental crops. Besides causing direct damage by sucking plant sap, B. tabaci is the principal vector of begomoviruses. Chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCV, Begomovirus) transmitted by B. tabaci is a major constraint in chilli production. B. tabaci genes associated with metabolism, signaling pathways, cellular processes, and organismal systems are highly enriched in response to ChiLCV infection. The previous transcriptome study suggested the association of B. tabaci Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and transducer of erbB2.1 (TOB1) in ChiLCV infection. In the present study, B. tabaci TLR3 and TOB1 were silenced using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and the effect on fitness and begomovirus transmission has been reported. Oral delivery of dsRNA at 3 µg/mL reduced the expression of B. tabaci TLR3 and TOB1 by 6.77 and 3.01-fold, respectively. Silencing of TLR3 and TOB1 induced significant mortality in B. tabaci adults compared to untreated control. The ChiLCV copies in B. tabaci significantly reduced post-exposure to TLR3 and TOB1 dsRNAs. The ability of B. tabaci to transmit ChiLCV also declined post-silencing TLR3 and TOB1. This is the first-ever report of silencing B. tabaci TLR3 and TOB1 to induce mortality and impair virus transmission ability in B. tabaci. B. tabaci TLR3 and TOB1 would be novel genetic targets to manage B. tabaci and restrict the spread of begomovirus.
MoMih1 is indispensable for asexual development, cell wall integrity, and pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Liu Shiyi , Gong Xinli , Ma Ji , Wang Shuaishuai , Guo Min
Published: March 2023

Asexual spore serves as essential inoculum of rice blast during the disease cycle, and differentiation of young conidium from conidiophore is intimately regulated by cell cycle. Mih1 encodes a dual-specificity phosphatase that involved in the G2/M transition of the mitotic cell cycle by regulating the Cdk1 activity in eukaryotes. Till now, the roles of Mih1 homologue, however, remain unclear in Magnaporthe oryzae. We here functionally characterized the Mih1 homologue MoMih1 in M. oryzae. MoMih1 is localized to both the cytoplasm and nucleus and can physically interact with the CDK protein MoCdc28 in vivo. Loss of MoMih1 led to delayed nucleus division and a high level of Tyr15 phosphorylation of MoCdc28. The MoMih1 mutants showed retarded mycelial growth with a defective polar growth, less fungal biomass, and shorter distance between diaphragms, compared with the KU80. Asexual reproduction altered in MoMih1 mutants, with both abnormal conidial morphogenesis and decreased conidiation. The MoMih1 mutants severely attenuated the virulence to host plants due to the impaired ability of penetration and biotrophic growth. The incapability of scavenging of host-derived reactive oxygen species, which was possibly ascribed to the severely decreased extracellular enzymes activities, were partially associated with deficiency of pathogenicity. Besides, the MoMih1 mutants displayed also improper localization of retromer protein MoVps26 and polarisome component MoSpa2, and defects of cell wall integrity (CWI), melanin pigmentation, chitin synthesis, and hydrophobicity. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MoMih1 plays pleiotropic roles during fungal development and plant infection of M. oryzae.
The chameleon effect in customer relationship management: Experiments on the spillover effects of mimicry in natural settings of a chain hotel and a chain grocery shop
Authors: Kulesza Wojciech , Dolinski Dariusz , Muniak Paweł , Borkowska Joanna , Bibikova Polina , Grzyb Tomasz
Published: March 2023

Numerous experiments have proven that mimicry is highly beneficial (mainly to the mimicker but also to the mimickee). Some studies have shown initial data suggesting the potential of applying this knowledge to business settings. In the present paper we unpack this issue in two ways. First, by presenting potential benefits stemming from mimicry for the mimicking dyad, and second for the business environment represented by the mimicker. Two consecutive studies: a Pretest and a Main Experiment run in natural settings showed great potential in improving the assessments of quality of service provided by verbally mimicking (or not). The results of both studies showed that mimicry offers benefits for the mimicker (increased employee kindness and employee evaluation), and also spillover to the organization/company represented by the mimicking employee (increased opinion of and willingness to return to the shop/hotel). Future research directions and limitations are discussed.
Negative emotion can be “more negative” for those with high metacognitive abilities when problem-solving
Authors: Hong Seok-sung , Bae Jinhee , Son Lisa K. , Kim Kyungil
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Metacognitive monitoring ability enables you to learn and solve problems more efficiently through appropriate strategies. At the same time, those who are high in monitoring ability are known to allocate more cognitive resources to the perception and control of negative emotions, as compared to those with low metacognitive ability. Therefore, while monitoring emotions may help reduce the negative emotion by enabling efficient control, it could also interrupt the use of an efficient strategy when problem-solving, as cognitive resources may be depleted.

Methods

To confirm this, we divided participants into groups with high and low monitoring abilities and manipulated emotions by presenting emotional videos. Subsequent to the manipulation, problem solving strategies were examined using items from the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT).

Results

Results showed that those who were high in monitoring ability were shown to use more efficient problem-solving strategies than those who were lower in monitoring ability, but only in situations when positive or no emotions were manipulated. However, as hypothesized, when negative emotion was aroused, the CRT scores of high monitoring ability group were significantly lowered, decreasing to the same performance as those with low monitoring ability. We also found that metacognitive monitoring ability, when interacting with emotion, indirectly affected CRT scores, and that monitoring and control, when affected by emotion, were mediated in the process.

Discussion

These findings suggest a novel and complicated interaction between emotion and metacognition and warrant further research.
Suppression of literal meaning in single and extended metaphors
Authors: Ronderos Camilo R. , Falkum Ingrid Lossius
Published: March 2023

Within Relevance Theory, it has been suggested that extended metaphors might be processed differently relative to single metaphoric uses. While single metaphors are hypothesized to be understood via the creation of an ad hoc concept, extended metaphors have been claimed to require a switch to a secondary processing mode, which gives greater prominence to the literal meaning. Initial experimental evidence has supported a distinction by showing differences in reading times between single and extended metaphors. However, beyond potential differences in comprehension speed, Robyn Carston’s ‘lingering of the literal’ account seems to predict qualitative differences in the interpretative mechanisms involved. In the present work, we test the hypothesis that during processing of extended metaphors, the mechanisms of enhancement and suppression of activation levels of literal-related features operate differently relative to single metaphors. We base our work on a study by Paula Rubio-Fernández, which showed that processing single metaphors involves suppressing features related exclusively to the literal meaning of the metaphoric vehicle after 1000 milliseconds of encountering the metaphor. Our goal was to investigate whether suppression is also involved in the comprehension of extended metaphors, or whether the ‘lingering of the literal’ leads to continued activation of literal-related features, as we take Carston’s account to predict. We replicate existing results, in as much as we find that activation levels of literal-related features are reduced after 1000 milliseconds. Critically, we also show that the pattern of suppression does not hold for extended metaphors, for which literal-related features remain activated after 1000 milliseconds. We see our results as providing support for Carston’s view that extended metaphor processing involves a prominent role of literal meaning, contributing towards explicating the links between theoretical predictions within Relevance Theory and online sentence processing.
Development of associations between elementary school students’ mindsets and attentional neural processing of feedback in an arithmetic task
Authors: Puusepp Ita , Linnavalli Tanja , Tammi Tuisku , Huotilainen Minna , Kujala Teija , Laine Sonja , Kuusisto Elina , Tirri Kirsi
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to examine the development of the associations between elementary school students’ mindsets and the attentional neural processing of positive and negative feedback in math. For this, we analyzed data collected twice from 100 Finnish elementary school students. During the autumn semesters of their 3rd and 4th grade, the participants’ general intelligence mindset and math ability mindset were measured with a questionnaire, and their brain responses elicited by performance-relevant feedback were recorded during an arithmetic task. We found that students’ fixed mindsets about general intelligence and math ability were associated with greater attention allocated to positive feedback as indicated by a larger P300. These associations were driven by the effects of mindsets on attention allocation to positive feedback in grade 4. Additionally, 4th graders’ more fixed general intelligence mindset was marginally associated with greater attention allocated to negative feedback. In addition, the effects of both mindsets on attention allocation to feedback were marginally stronger when the children were older. The present results, although marginal in the case of negative feedback and mainly driven by effects in grade 4, are possibly a reflection of the greater self-relevance of feedback stimuli for students with a more fixed mindset. It is also possible that these findings reflect the fact that, in evaluative situations, mindset could influence stimulus processing in general. The marginal increase in the effects of mindsets as children mature may reflect the development of coherent mindset meaning systems during elementary school years.
Revisiting the relationship between maternal parenting behaviors and executive functions in young children: Effect of measurement methods
Authors: Wei Wei , Lu Wen-Ting , Huang Min-Min , Li Yan
Published: March 2023

The past decade of studies showed that parenting behaviors (e.g., warmth, autonomy, and control) were associated with children’s executive functions (EF) in the early years. However, different measurement methods had been used across studies, making it hard to compare the effects of parenting on EF across studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of the measurement methods on the relationship between maternal parenting behaviors and children’s EF among a group of Chinese preschoolers. One hundred and twenty-six children (62 boys; Mage = 48.65 months) were assessed with direct measures on children’s EF (inhibition and working memory tasks), and parenting behaviors of their mothers during interaction with children were observed and coded. Mothers also reported their parenting practices and children’s difficulties in executive functions. The results of structural equation modeling showed that the latent performance-based EF was uniquely predicted by maternal positive control and negative control in mother–child interaction, while children’s EF difficulties reported by mothers were predicted by mother-reported warmth and support, and autonomy granting. Overall, the results suggest that the relationship between maternal parenting and children’s EF depends on the measurement methods of parenting and executive functions.
Investigating the effectiveness of a smart mental health intervention (inMind) for stress reduction during pharmacological treatment for mild to moderate major depressive disorders: Study protocol for a randomized control trial
Authors: Kim Junhyung , Shin Cheolmin , Han Kyu-Man , Lee Moon-Soo , Jeong Hyun-Ghang , Pae Chi-Un , Patkar Ashwin A. , Masand Prakash M. , Han Changsu
Published: March 2023

Background

Although psychological interventions for stress relief, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), have been developed, they have not been widely used in treating depression. The use of mobile devices can increase the possibility of actual use by integrating interventions and reducing the difficulty and cost burden of treatment application. This study aims to determine whether “inMind,” an integrated mobile application for stress reduction, developed for the general population, decreases stress for patients with mild to moderate major depressive disorder during the pharmacological treatment period.

Methods

This study is a single-blind, multicenter, randomized, controlled crossover trial. The App, developed in Republic of Korea, provides integrated interventions for stress reduction for the general population through three modules based on mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive behavior therapy, and relaxation sounds that are known to be effective in stress reduction (“meditation,” “cognitive approach,” and “relaxation sounds,” respectively). Participants (n = 215) recruited via medical practitioner referral will be randomized to an App first group (fAPP) or a wait list crossover group (dAPP). The study will be conducted over 8 weeks; the fAPP group will use the App for the first 4 weeks and the dAPP group for the next 4 weeks. During all study periods, participants will receive their usual pharmacological treatment. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 is the primary outcome measure. The analysis will employ repeated measurements using a mixed-model approach.

Discussion

The App can potentially be an important addition to depression treatment because of its applicability and the comprehensive nature of the interventions that covers diverse stress-relieving models.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05312203, identifier 2021GR0585.
A randomized controlled trial of varenicline and brief behavioral counseling delivered by lay counselors for adolescent vaping cessation: Study protocol
Authors: Schuster Randi M. , Cather Corinne , Pachas Gladys N. , Nielsen Lindsay , Iroegbulem Vanessa , Dufour Jason , Potter Kevin , Levy Sharon , Gray Kevin M. , Evins A. Eden
Published: March 2023

Background

Approximately one-fifth of high-school seniors and college students currently vape nicotine. Adolescents express a desire to quit vaping, and case reports have shown promise for e-cigarette tapering with dual behavioral and pharmacologic therapies. However, there are no published clinical trials to date that test these intervention approaches for adolescent nicotine vaping cessation. In this three-arm randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, we aim to assess the efficacy of varenicline in combination with brief behavioral counseling and texting support on vaping cessation in adolescents dependent on vaped nicotine.

Methods

The study will enroll 300 individuals between the ages of 16–25 with daily or near-daily nicotine vaping who reside in the Greater Boston area. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio in blocks of six to one of the three arms: (1) a 12-week course of varenicline titrated to 1 mg bid, brief behavioral counseling delivered by a lay counselor, and an introduction to This is Quitting (TIQ) texting support created by the Truth Initiative; (2) a 12-week course of placebo, brief behavioral counseling, and TIQ; and (3) 12 weeks of enhanced usual care, consisting of advice to quit and an introduction to TIQ. The primary outcome will be biochemically verified continuous vaping abstinence at the end of the treatment (week 12). Secondary outcomes include continuous abstinence at follow-up (week 24), 7-day point prevalence abstinence at weeks 12 and 24, safety and tolerability of varenicline in an adolescent vaping population, as well as change in mood and nicotine withdrawal symptoms across the intervention period. Exploratory outcomes include change in comorbid substance use behaviors and nicotine dependence. Analysis will be intent-to-treat, with multiple imputation sensitivity analyses for participants with missing or incomplete outcome data.

Discussion

This is the first study to evaluate varenicline in combination with a novel, brief, lay counselor delivered vaping cessation program for adolescents who vape nicotine. Results will inform clinicians on the effectiveness and acceptability of this promising, but not yet tested intervention.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05367492.
Causing trouble and being transmissible: COVID-19 survivors’ experiences of stigma and discrimination in South Korea
Authors: Kang Jiyeon , Kim Hyang Soo , Yi Hyun Ji , Lee Yesung , Lee So Hee , Song Kyoung-Ho , Park Hye Yeon , Oh Hong Sang , Yoon Doran , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Lee Eun Joo , Choi Chi-Hyun , Sim Minyoung , Yu Eun-Seung , Paik Jong-Woo , Park Hye Yoon
Published: March 2023

Background

The stigma associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is relatively neglected in policies for handling the disease. Stigmatization occurs only within specific social contexts in local societies.

Objective

This study aims to examine COVID-19 survivors’ experiences of social stigma and discrimination in South Korea in the first 2 years of the pandemic.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted.

Results

Of 52 participants, 45 reported that they had to cope with stigma and discrimination in their intimate social relationships, workplaces, and children’s schools, ranging from subtle actions to job loss. Sexual minorities who were involved in mass disease transmission in the early part of the pandemic experienced a higher level of stigmatization. The stigmatization dealt with in this study was related to two themes: survivors’ sense of causing trouble and possibility of transmission.

Conclusion

By intertwining this stigma with the experiences of public health measures through the voices of survivors, this study reveals the local context of East Asia in terms of culture-specific aspects of COVID-19-related stigma.
Daily exercise improves the long-term prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Hu Qiang , Li Peng-Xiao , Li Yu-Shan , Ren Qiang , Zhang Jian , Liang Yan-Chun , Zhang Quan-Yu , Han Ya-Ling
Published: March 2023

Objective

To demonstrate the effect of daily exercise on the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

A cohort of 9,636 patients with ACS were consecutively enrolled in our retrospective study between November 2015 and September 2017, which were used for model development. 6,745 patients were assigned as the derivation cohort and 2,891 patients were assigned as the validation cohort. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and COX regression were used to screen out significant variables for the construction of the nomogram. Multivariable COX regression analysis was employed for the development of a model represented by a nomogram. The nomogram was then evaluated for performance traits such as discrimination, calibration, and clinical efficacy.

Results

Among 9,636 patients with ACS (mean [SD] age, 60.3 [10.4] years; 7,235 men [75.1%]), the 5-year incidence for MACE was 0.19 at a median follow-up of 1,747 (1,160–1,825) days. Derived from the LASSO regression and COX regression, the nomogram has included 15 factors in total including age, previous myocardial infarction (MI), previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), systolic pressure, N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), serum creatinine, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), Killip class, the Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score, left anterior descending (LAD) stenosis (≥50%), circumflex (LCX) stenosis (≥50%), right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis (≥50%), exercise intensity, cumulative time. The 5-year area under the ROC curve (AUC) of derivation and validation cohorts were 0.659 (0.643–0.676) and 0.653 (0.629–0.677), respectively. The calibration plots showed the strong concordance performance of the nomogram model in both two cohorts. Moreover, decision curve analysis (DCA) also showed the usefulness of nomogram in clinical practice.

Conclusion

The present work provided a prediction nomogram predicting MACE for patients with ACS after incorporating the already known factors and the daily exercise, which demonstrated the effectiveness of daily exercise on the improvement of prognosis for patients with ACS.
Future scenarios for the infrastructure digitalization: The road ahead
Authors: Muciaccia Tommaso , Tedeschi Pietro
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, every industry across the globe is facing a disruptive transformation enabled by digitalization processes. Also, the industry of infrastructures, such as telecom, energy, transportation, and water systems, will be reshaped by the digitalization of physical assets mainly enabled by IoT technologies. An outstanding role in this scenario will be played by digital platforms, which will mediate the provisioning of services based on infrastructure. This process can revolutionize the industry-changing business models, unlocking great opportunities and posing complex challenges. In this paper, we investigate digitalization and the platformization processes and how they affect the infrastructures. We describe the models related to these processes in a systematic and interdisciplinary way and provide a comprehensive survey on technological, economic, and social issues. As a result of the research, we discuss the opportunities and risks of the processes, and we propose several approaches to address them.
Gut microbiome variation in pulmonary TB patients with diabetes or HIV comorbidities
Authors: Morgan Portia Abena , Parbie Prince Kofi , Ntiamoah Desmond Opoku , Boadu Augustine Asare , Asare Prince , Lamptey Ivy Naa Koshie , Gorman Cecilia Nancy , Afreh Emmanuel , Asante-Poku Adwoa , Otchere Isaac Darko , Aboagye Sammy Yaw , Yeboah-Manu Dorothy
Published: March 2023

Background

The gut microbiota is known to play a critical role in shaping the host immunity, and metabolism and influences the onset and progression of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This study assessed the gut microbiome of tuberculosis (TB) cases with diabetes mellitus (DM) or HIV comorbidities before anti-TB therapy and after the intensive phase anti-TB therapy.

Methods

Ninety cases comprising 60 TB-only, 23 TB-DM, 7 TB-HIV were recruited, among which 35 TB-only, 10 TB-DM, 5 TB-HIV were also sampled after 2 months of anti-TB treatment. Total gut microbiome was detected by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of DNA extracted from collected stool specimen. The taxonomic and functional diversity of the different groups were compared in addition to changes that could occur after 2 months antibiotics use.

Results

Compared to the healthy controls, the gut microbiome of all the TB cohorts was characterized by a significant decreased alpha diversity and significant compositional changes. All the three TB cohorts were enriched with inflammatory related microorganisms of the genera Escherichia-shigella, Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Erysipelatoclostridium with depletion in beneficial taxa of the genera Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium and Clostridium. In pairwise comparison with the healthy controls, the TB-only cohort were enriched with Streptococcus and Erysipelatoclostridium, the TB-DM enriched with Bacteroides, and TB-HIV enriched with Escherichia-shigella, Dialister and Erysipelatoclostridium. After the intensive phase anti-TB therapy, there was general enrichment of the genera Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG 003, Veillonella and Fusobacterium.

Conclusion

Our findings show a dysbiotic gut microbiome and associated upregulation of inflammation related microorganism in gut microbiome of TB individuals with or without comorbidity.
Adaptive control of a soft pneumatic actuator using experimental characterization data
Authors: Mak Yoeko Xavier , Naghibi Hamid , Lin Yuanxiang , Abayazid Momen
Published: March 2023

Fiber reinforced soft pneumatic actuators are hard to control due to their non-linear behavior and non-uniformity introduced by the fabrication process. Model-based controllers generally have difficulty compensating non-uniform and non-linear material behaviors, whereas model-free approaches are harder to interpret and tune intuitively. In this study, we present the design, fabrication, characterization, and control of a fiber reinforced soft pneumatic module with an outer diameter size of 12 mm. Specifically, we utilized the characterization data to adaptively control the soft pneumatic actuator. From the measured characterization data, we fitted mapping functions between the actuator input pressures and the actuator space angles. These maps were used to construct the feedforward control signal and tune the feedback controller adaptively depending on the actuator bending configuration. The performance of the proposed control approach is experimentally validated by comparing the measured 2D tip orientation against the reference trajectory. The adaptive controller was able to successfully follow the prescribed trajectory with a mean absolute error of 0.68° for the magnitude of the bending angle and 3.5° for the bending phase around the axial direction. The data-driven control method introduced in this paper may offer a solution to intuitively tune and control soft pneumatic actuators, compensating for their non-uniform and non-linear behavior.
Shortcuts to adiabaticity in a fast controlled-phase gate in superconducting quantum circuits
Authors: Li Jia-Xin , Cárdenas-López F. A. , Chen Xi
Published: March 2023

Based on renewed interest in the shortcut-to-adiabaticity techniques in quantum control, we propose a reverse-engineering approach to modulate the longitudinal coupling between a pair of two-level systems with a quantized single-mode resonator. This allows us to suppress the unwanted transitions in the time-evolution operator such that the system dynamics resemble a controlled-phase gate acting in the qubit subspace at the nanosecond scale. The reduced gating time mitigates the detrimental effect produced by the loss mechanisms in all aspects. Moreover, we present a possible experimental implementation based on superconducting quantum circuits. Our work further demonstrates the versatility of the reverse-engineering method to enhance quantum protocols based on circuit quantum electrodynamic architecture.
The importance of local long-duration STEM mentorship as a global mechanism for increasing diversity at all levels of education
Authors: Gallagher Dunn Sarah Louise , Haviland Heidi Fuqua , Gallagher Dennis Lee
Published: March 2023

We begin with a brief review of the progress being made by the professional space physics community to increase diversity and inclusion. These efforts have been primarily centered on overcoming barriers that have inhibited existing underrepresented minority space physics professionals from being successful at all levels of academic, mission, and administrative achievement. While we find these remediations to be essential, we must recognize that our ability to achieve a diverse professional workforce representative of the US population depends on achieving a diverse population of researchers entering the field. That means the greatest gains can only be achieved by actions that reach into the educational system. We identify and discuss possible issues within the traditional formal education and developmental environment of young inquiring minds, including gaps in resources, the pressure to bring in income during secondary school and graduate school matriculation, and the cultural biases against research careers. We highlight the importance of local mentorship and age-appropriate research-like activities within all levels of education, including Kindergarten through bachelor’s and advanced degree programs, as a means of overcoming barriers to becoming a respected contributing member of the space physics research community. We note these issues extend beyond space physics into all STEM fields. These activities can provide road maps into research careers, practice age-appropriate skills, and provide an avenue for current researchers to become mentors. Specifically, we advocate the development of a formal program of professional chapters for colleges and age-appropriate research-oriented programs for K-12 schools and encourage strong collaborative affiliations with other professional societies. At the core of this is the development and implementation of informed, persistent mentoring.
Measurement of bony anatomical parameters of the distal ulna based on healthy adult data: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Dengchen , Li Xiaolin , Hou Zexin , Pan Fengman
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study sought to conduct several three-dimensional measurements of the distal ulna in healthy Han Chinese, providing the anatomical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of hand trauma, distal ulnar disorders, and the design of wrist prostheses.

Methods

50 Han Chinese men and women that underwent computed tomography (CT) scans of the distal ulnar carpus were included in the present study. A three-dimensional digital model of the distal ulna was reconstructed using Mimics software. Moreover, the anatomical data of 10 indicators were measured using MIMICS software. Each index data was measured by 2 investigators independently, and the average value was taken. The data were stratified and compared between left and right sides and men and women.

Results

A 3D digital model of the distal ulnar bone with a realistic shape was reconstructed. The 10 anatomical parameters measured are as follows: The length of the ulnar styloid process (posterior anterior), The length of the ulnar styloid process(anterior and posterior); the transverse diameter of the ulnar head; the anteroposterior diameter of the ulnar head. The radial inclination angle of the ulna; the ulnar inclination angle; the distal space between the ulna and radius; the ulnar notch angle of the lower radius. The anterior and posterior diameters of the ulnar notch of the lower radius, and the superior and inferior diameters of the ulnar notch of the lower radius. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference after stratification by laterality and gender.

Conclusion

our findings can providing the anatomical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of hand trauma, distal ulnar disorders and further improve currently available wrist joint prostheses.

Type of Study

Observational, Cross-sectional study, LOE: Level II
Mechanism Analysis and Control of Lateral Instability of 4WID Vehicle Based on Phase Plane Analysis Considering Front Wheel Angle
Authors: Tang Haoran , Bei Shaoyi , Li Bo , Sun Xiaoqiang , Huang Chen , Tian Jing , Hu Hongzhen
Published: March 2023

The current vehicle stability judgment methods in the stability control of distributed drive electric vehicles focuses on using the phase plane method, but the existing phase plane stability boundary delineation methods ignore the influence of the front wheel rotation angle. Therefore, a new phase plane partitioning method (NPPPM) is proposed in this paper, and a new phase plane stability domain library is established. Based on this, the direct yaw moment control of distributed drive electric vehicle through phase plane analysis is established. Firstly, the influence of the front wheel turning angle on the phase plane is considered in the design of the phase plane stability boundary, and a new stability boundary function is fitted by the least squares method. This approach avoids the lateral instability caused by too large a front-wheel turning angle and improves the accuracy of vehicle stability judgment. Next, a hierarchical direct transverse moment controller is constructed using Matlab/Simulink. Among them, the upper layer controller adopts sliding mode control with the sideslip angle error of the center of mass as the tracking target. The lower controller adopts the optimal configuration algorithm with the optimal road adhesion utilization as the objective function. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed phase plane partitioning method (NPPPM) for distributed drive electric vehicles with sinusoidal and angular order inputs for the front wheel rotation angle are verified by simulation.
Active Damping, Vibration Isolation, and Shape Control of Space Structures: A Tutorial
Authors: Preumont André
Published: March 2023

This tutorial reviews the author’s contributions to the active control of precision space structures over the past 35 years. It is based on the Santini lecture presented at the IAC-2022 Astronautical Congress in Paris in September 2022. The first part is devoted to the active damping of space trusses with an emphasis on robustness. Guaranteed stability is achieved by using decentralized collocated actuator–sensor pairs. The so-called integral force feedback (IFF) is simple, robust, and effective, and the performances can be predicted easily with simple formulae based on modal analyses. These predictions have been confirmed by numerous experiments. The damping strategy for trusses has been extended to cable structures, and also confirmed experimentally. The second part addresses the problem of vibration isolation: isolating a sensitive payload from the vibration induced by the spacecraft (i.e., the unbalanced mass of attitude control reaction wheels and gyros). A six-axis isolator based on a Gough–Stewart platform is discussed; once again, the approach emphasizes robustness. Two different solutions are presented: The first one (active isolation) uses a decentralized controller with collocated pairs of the actuator and force sensor, with IFF control. It is demonstrated that this special implementation of the skyhook, unlike the classical one, has guaranteed stability, even if the two substructures it connects are flexible (typical of large space structures). A second approach (passive) discusses an electromagnetic implementation of the relaxation isolator where the classical dash-pot of the linear damper is substituted by a Maxwell unit, leading to an asymptotic decay rate of −40 dB/decade, similar to the skyhook (although much simpler in terms of electronics). The third part of the lecture summarizes more recent work done on the control of flexible mirrors: (i) flat mirrors for adaptive optics (AO) controlled by an array of piezoelectric ceramic (PZT) actuators and (ii) spherical thin shell polymer reflectors controlled by an array of piezoelectric polymer actuators (PVDF-TrFE) aimed at being deployed in space.
Can Blockchain Payment Services Influence Customers’ Loyalty Intention in the Hospitality Industry? A Mediation Assessment
Authors: Karim Rashed Al , Rabiul Md Karim , Ishrat Mahima , Promsivapallop Pornpisanu , Kawser Sakia
Published: March 2023

This study analyzes the impact of blockchain mobile payment services on customer loyalty intention through the mediating role of service quality, privacy and security, and customer satisfaction in the Bangladeshi hospitality industry. Data were collected through a survey using a structured questionnaire from 326 respondents who stayed in 4- and 5-star hotels in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. Respondents’ (N = 326) opinions were analyzed employing Smart PLS software. The results ensure that privacy and security and customer satisfaction mediate the blockchain-based mobile payment services and loyalty intention relationship. However, service quality does not mediate that relationship. The findings of the mediation effect of privacy and security and customer satisfaction are a unique contribution to the blockchain literature in the field of the hospitality industry. Hoteliers are encouraged to employ appropriate blockchain mobile payment services for better quality customer service and ensured safety and security, and in turn, loyalty intention.
Prediction and Experimental Study of Tire Slip Rate Based on Chassis Sinkage Amount
Authors: Shi Yixin , Liu Jianfei , Huang Defan , Xu Minzi , Zhai Shike , Zhang Wentao , Jiang Ping
Published: March 2023

In view of the problems that the fuselage inclines and the driving straightness is difficult to guarantee due to the sinking and sliding of the wheels when the high-clearance plant protection machine is working in the paddy field, this paper takes high-clearance wheels as the research object, based on the paddy field driving environment, establishes a prediction model of the wheel subsidence through derivation, and explores the influence of different wheel parameters on the subsidence characteristics through experiments, so as to improve the chassis trafficability. At the same time, using the test data under different wheel parameters, the prediction model of the settlement of the working chassis with high clearance is correspondingly modified. Finally, the paddy field trafficability of the working chassis is compared and analyzed based on different tire parameters. The results show that when the wheel slip rate is 0.5, the traction force of the solid tire is 37% higher than that of the pneumatic tire; when the height of the wheel spike increases, the traction force increases, and the settlement decreases obviously; proper increase of the wheel diameter can improve the passing performance of the chassis; with the increase of the tire width, the angle of soil penetration decreases while the tire is driving, and the angle of the slope climbing increases; and when the load changes, the driving coefficient is proportional to the traction coefficient, and the tire resistance coefficient is inversely proportional to the traction coefficient. Through the research on the settlement mechanism of the high-clearance operation chassis and the analysis of the paddy field trafficability, the stability of the high-clearance plant protection machine in the paddy field has been improved, providing a platform and guarantee for subsequent precision operation.