bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoimmunity to voltage‐gated calcium channels
Authors: Motomura Masakatsu , Yoshimura Shunsuke , Shiraishi Hirokazu
Published: March 2023

Several review articles on voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs) classify VGCCs into five electrophysiological types and 10 genotypes. Each VGCC is distributed in different organs and specialized cells, and various organ‐specific human genetic diseases have been reported. Most of the human diseases caused by abnormalities in the VGCCs are genetic diseases. To the best of our knowledge, Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) appears to be the only autoimmune disease for VGCCs. Approximately 90% of LEMS patients are positive for autoantibodies against P/Q‐VGCCs in the active zone of nerve endings. On the other hand, about 50% of LEMS patients a tumor‐associated neurological syndrome with small cell lung cancer. Neurological symptoms in LEMS patients include weakness of proximal limb muscles, reduced tendon reflexes, autonomic neuropathy, and in 9%–14% of patients, cerebellar ataxia, and paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration. In the second half of this manuscript, we provide a clinical review with reference to the recently published Practical Guideline for Myasthenia gravis and LEMS 2022 in Japan.
An outpatient model of care for COVID‐19 infected kidney transplant patients – The hospital‐at‐home
Authors: Liew Ian Tatt , Tan Woei Jen Michelle , Ho Quan Yao , Chung Shimin Jasmine , Thangaraju Sobhana , Yong Jinhua , Ng Eleanor , He Xia , Kwan Natelie , Kee Terence
Published: March 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic is protracted and episodic surges from viral variants continue to place significant strain on healthcare systems. COVID‐19 vaccines, antiviral therapy and monoclonal antibodies have significantly reduced COVID‐19 associated morbidity and mortality. Concurrently, telemedicine has gained acceptance as a model of care and a tool for remote monitoring. These advances allow us to safely transit our inpatient‐based care for COVID‐19 infected kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) to a hospital‐at‐home (HaH) model of care.

Methods

KTRs with PCR‐proven COVID‐19 infection were triaged by teleconsult and laboratory tests. Suitable patients were enrolled into the HaH. Remote monitoring via teleconsults were conducted daily until patients were de‐isolated based on a time‐based criterion. Monoclonal antibodies were administered in a dedicated clinic where indicated.

Results

Eighty‐one KTRs with COVID‐19 were enrolled into the HaH between February and June 2022, 70 (86.4%) completed HaH recovery without complications. Eleven (13.6%) patients required inpatient hospitalization for medical issues (n = 8) and weekend monoclonal antibody infusion (n = 3). Patients requiring inpatient hospitalization had longer transplant vintage (15 years vs. 10 years, p = .03), anaemia (haemoglobin 11.6 g/dL vs. 13.1 g/dL, p = .01), lower eGFR (39.8 vs. 62.9 mL/min/1.73 m2, p < .05) and lower RBD levels (<50 AU/mL vs. 1435 AU/mL, p = .02). HaH saved 753 inpatient patient‐days with no deaths observed. Hospital admission rates from the HaH programme was 13.6%. Patients who required inpatient care had direct access admission without utilization of emergency department resources.

Conclusion

Selected KTRs with COVID‐19 infection can be safely managed in a HaH programme; alleviating strain on inpatient and emergency healthcare resources.
Dimensions of value
Authors: Hedden Brian , Muñoz Daniel
Published: March 2023

Value pluralists believe in multiple dimensions of value. What does betterness along a dimension have to do with being better overall? Any systematic answer begins with the Strong Pareto principle: one thing is overall better than another if it is better along one dimension and at least as good along all others. We defend Strong Pareto from recent counterexamples and use our discussion to develop a novel view of dimensions of value, one which puts Strong Pareto on firmer footing. We conclude by defending Dimensionalism, the hypothesis that overall value relations are determined solely by how things compare along value dimensions. These are first steps towards a more systematic value pluralism.
Gastric emptying times of obese and non‐obese school‐aged children after preoperative clear fluid intake: A prospective observational study
Authors: Korkusuz Muhammet , Basaran Betul , Et Tayfun , Bilge Aysegul , Yarimoglu Rafet , Osmanoglu Usame Omer
Published: March 2023

Background

Liberal fasting regimens, which support clear fluid intake up to 1 h before surgery in children scheduled for elective surgery, are taking their place in guidelines. However, because of the lack of publications that investigate the gastric emptying time in preoperative obese children, the practice of 1‐hour clear fluid fasting in obese children remained at the level of recommendation with weak evidence.

Aims

The primary aim was to investigate whether there is a difference in gastric emptying times between obese and non‐ obese children after preoperative intake of 3 mL/kg clear liquid containing 5% dextrose by using ultrasound.

Methods

A total of 70 children were included in the study in two groups, 35 obese and 35 non‐obese, aged 6–14 years, who were scheduled for elective surgery. The baseline antral cross‐sectional area measurements of the children in the groups were made using ultrasound. 3 mL/kg 5% dextrose was consumed. Ultrasound was repeated immediately after fluid intake and every 5 min until the antral cross‐sectional area was at the baseline level.

Results

The difference in median (IQR [range]) gastric emptying times (minutes) of non‐obese {35 [30.0–45.0 (20–60)]} and obese children {35 [30.0–40.0 (25–60)]} were not statistically significant (median of differences 0.0, 95% CI –5.0 to 5.0; p = .563). The antral cross‐sectional area and weight‐adjusted gastric volumes returned to the baseline level within 60 min after the intake of clear liquid with 3 mL/kg 5% dextrose in all children in both groups.

Conclusions

Obese and non‐obese children have similar gastric emptying times, and these groups can be offered clear fluids containing 3 mL/kg 5% dextrose 1 h before the surgery.
Emerging adult romantic relationship narratives during COVID‐19: Understanding relational challenges and opportunities
Authors: Feiring Candice , O'Dell Jessica , Cortright Faith
Published: March 2023

This cross‐sectional study sought to understand how emerging adult college students currently in relationships experienced and dealt with COVID‐19 stress during a key time for romantic relationship development. Using a relational turbulence theory (RTT) framework, we examined romantic relationship narratives in three different groups of students for indicators of uncertainty (break‐up anxiety [BUA]), interference (conflict and negative emotion), facilitation (support), and coping strategies. Of particular interest was whether these indicators would vary as a function of when the stress of the pandemic was assumed to be more compared to less disruptive to relationships (Group 1 Fall 2020 and Group 2 Spring 2021, off campus/unvaccinated; Group 3 Fall 2021, on campus/vaccinated). As expected, students interviewed during periods when pandemic stress was assumed to be higher showed more break‐up anxiety, increased conflict, and angry word use to describe conflict events. However, contrary to expectations, sad emotions and support did not vary as a function of when students were interviewed. Regardless of when students were interviewed, there were several strategies they used to cope with the stresses of COVID‐19. The most frequent strategies students described were using technology/media to stay connected and taking steps to keep themselves and their families healthy.
‘Sharpshooter’ in Botanic Garden: the tale of a rare plant‐insect interaction
Authors: Nair S. N. A. , Johnson A. J. , Sabu T. , Gokul B. S. , Yeshwanth H. M. , Sabulal B.
Published: March 2023

Here we report a unique plant‐insect interaction between the leafhopper Aloka depressa (tribe Phlogisini) and the host liana, Diploclisia glaucescens, from a Botanic Garden located at the southern edge of Western Ghats in India.

Field observations and SEM micrographs were employed to derive evidences on this rare plant‐insect interaction. 20‐Hydroxyecdysone (20E), insect moulting hormone, was detected and quantified in the host plant D. glaucescens using HPTLC‐densitometry. 20E was isolated and characterized from D. glaucescens using column chromatography, 1H‐, 13C‐NMR and HR‐MS. 20E was also detected in A. depressa excrement using HPTLC‐densitometry.

The leafhopper A. depressa is functioning as a ‘sharpshooter’ drawing nutrients from the host liana, D. glaucescens, and flinging the waste fluid as droplets through their tail ends. SEM micrographs of A. depressa revealed its external morphological features, characteristic of a sharpshooter. We quantified 20E (0.44–1.44%, dry wt.) in various parts of D. glaucescens. 20E (1.47%, dry wt.) was also detected in the excrement of A. depressa.

This plant (D. glaucescens)‐insect (A. depressa) association crucially is not damaging the host liana. Considering the diseases caused by sharpshooting leafhoppers in the Americas, this association and the survival of the host plant (D. glaucescens) is illustrating a unique plant‐insect interaction.
How do firms in Sub‐Saharan Africa benefit from global value chains?
Authors: Calatayud Carolina , Rochina Barrachina María Engracia
Published: March 2023

Sub‐Saharan Africa has increased its presence in GVCs but remains the least integrated area in the world. In this paper, we go a step further in the related literature and descend to firm‐level data. Thus, we identify the determinants and effects of GVC participation of manufacturing firms in the region. We use indicators of the extensive and intensive margins of participation and of backward and forward integration. We find that good infrastructure, quality of institutions and security to prevent crime are conducive to participation. In contrast, lack of access to finance, the existence of an informal sector or high trade costs discourage participation. Finally, participation in GVCs has positive effects on firm performance variables (innovation, productivity, wages and employment).
The clinical outcomes of 33 canine eyes following the novel sulcus fixation technique of an injectable acrylic lens through a 3‐mm corneal incision
Authors: Ahn Jaesang
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This retrospective study introduces and evaluates transscleral fixation using a horizontal mattress suture of a conventional injectable acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) inserted through a 3‐mm corneal incision in dogs.

Materials and Methods

This technique was applied to four groups: lens subluxation (group SL, n = 15), anterior or posterior lens luxation (group APLL, n = 9), lens capsule tear or rupture (group LCTR, n = 7), and dislocation of the lens capsule containing an IOL (group IOLD, n = 4).

Results

Patients were followed up for an average of 366.7 days (range: 94–830 days) after the surgery. Each IOL was well‐centered and the overall visual success rate was 74.3% (26/35). Retinal detachment (4/35) was the most common cause of blindness, followed by glaucoma (3/35), hyphema of unknown etiology (1/35), and severe uveitis accompanied by deep corneal ulcer (1/35).

Conclusion

This technique enables sulcus fixation of an IOL, inserted through a 3‐mm corneal incision, which is less traumatic than conventional techniques, without the need for specifically designed IOL for sulcus fixation. In this series, this technique enabled to contribute to restore emmetropic vision in dogs.
Evaluation of the quadriceps muscle length to femoral length ratio in small breed dogs with medial patellar luxation
Authors: Nagahiro Yukari , Murakami Sawako , Shimada Masakazu , Kanno Nobuo , Harada Yasuji , Hara Yasushi
Published: March 2023

Objective

To determine the quadriceps muscle length (QML) to femoral length (FL) ratio (QML/FL) and its associated factors in small breed dogs with medial patellar luxation (MPL) and to compare the differences in the QML/FL between MPL grades.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Sample population

Small breed dogs (<10 kg) with MPL: 78 dogs (134 limbs).

Methods

Medical records and computed tomography (CT) images from 2008–2020 were reviewed. Furthermore, age, bodyweight, sex, laterality, MPL grade, femoral inclination angle (FIA), femoral torsion angle (FTA), anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), and patellar ligament length to patellar length ratio were included in the regression analysis to determine the factors associated with QML/FL. Each measurement parameter was compared among the four MPL grade groups.

Results

The final model demonstrated that the QML/FL increased with increasing age (p = .004) and decreased with increasing FTA and aLDFA (p = .015 andp < .001, respectively). The MPL grade IV group had a lower QML/FL than the grade I, II, and III groups (p = .002,p < .001, andp < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

Among small breed dogs, those with MPL grade IV had a shortened QML associated with femoral deformities.

Clinical significance

Noninvasive evaluation of the QML/FL improves our understanding of the length mismatch between the quadriceps muscle and the femur.
Pensar la unidad de la teología en el “camino de la sinodalidad”, desde el sínodo de la Amazonía
Authors: Valenzuela Osorio Vicente
Published: March 2023

Este artículo investiga la forma como el acontecimiento del Sínodo de la Amazonía y del magisterio del papa Francisco dan qué pensar a la teología. Propone como hipótesis que el problema de la unidad de la teología puede ser reconsiderado a partir de los giros y categorías ofrecidas en la reflexión contemporánea de la Iglesia de cara a los desafíos del presente siglo, ya que ellos tocan el fundamento teológico. Por ello, esta investigación se pregunta cómo pensar la unidad de la teología en el marco magisterial de los retos frente al futuro, desde el “camino de sinodalidad”, y hacerlo en diálogo y aprendizaje del Sínodo de la Amazonía, en cuanto se trata de un sínodo paradigmático en la historia de la Iglesia. Su objetivo es hacer explícito, de forma sistemática, dicho pensar y sus respectivas categorías. El método indaga qué es pensar y cómo el pensar implica acudir a los fundamentos de cara a la teología. Por último, como resultados, encuentra que la categoría de sinodalidad es pertinente de cara a los retos del siglo XXI, pues se trata de una categoría que va enriqueciéndose en su comprensión: además de referirse a los modos de participación eclesial, también evoca una clave hermenéutica capaz de poner en diálogo otras dimensiones y niveles de la realidad y asociarlas a la comprensión de los fundamentos de la teología. Dada esa condición se torna en categoría teológica crucial para el pensar la unidad de la teología y para lograr su organicidad.
Laboratories for the future
Authors: Mason Anna
Published: March 2023

Research laboratories are gaining attention in the global sustainability rhetoric, as many overseas institutes attempt to improve  the historically consumptive practices of research. Life science laboratories are estimated to contribute up to 2% of annual global plastic waste, and compared to other academic spaces, laboratories consume as much as 3 to 6 times more energy. Addressing laboratory sustainability is essential in the University of Otago achieving its Net Carbon Zero goal more readily. This research has investigated key factors of laboratory sustainability at the University of Otago, utilizing an observational case-study laboratory and survey to assess current research sustainability standards. The research laboratory case-study in the University of Otago department of Biochemistry shows keen engagement with sustainability principles in areas such as sustainable purchasing practices, resource management and cold storage, while areas such as energy usage exhibit room for improvement. A voluntary survey completed by members of the Biochemistry department indicated that researchers believed changes to waste reduction & recycling, community engagement & understanding, and purchasing practices would be the most impactful in improving laboratory sustainability. Implementing strategies such as purchasing takeback schemes, promoting participation in laboratory sustainability initiatives, and reducing consumption of disposable resources will be paramount in improving laboratory sustainability.
Supervised by: Ray O'Brien, Sustainability Office, University of OtagoScholarship funded by: Waste Management NZ
Conference Timing
Authors: Wang Richard , Tseng Sherry
Published: March 2023

The planning of an online conference can be challenging due to factors such as the geographical distribution of participants, the difference in working hours between time zones, and the need to accommodate participants from particular countries. There have been no solutions to these specific problems so far. Therefore, my objective in this project is to begin the development of a tool that will assist in resolving the problem of optimizing conference times. This tool will enable us to accommodate international conferences spanning multiple time zones by weighing participants based on factors such as country, quality of life and time zone. It was accomplished by gathering university data from Wikipedia and writing a program that allows universities to be evaluated. Scores are calculated in the program for the most optimal time for online conferences, taking into account those weighing options. This application allows different factors such as quality of life, time zone, particular countries and quality of life to be considered when planning a conference. By using the application, air pollution can be reduced, and universities' spending on conferences will decrease, which will benefit developing countries. Furthermore, it can also increase academics' productivity by not attending conferences during unfavourable hours.
Supervised by Ray O'Brien (Sustainability Office), Prof. David Eyres, (Department of Computer Science), Prof. James Higham (Department of Tourism), all University of Otago.
Scholarship funded by: He Kaupapa Hononga
Vegetation Age Assessments
Authors: Paull Jessica , Simons Linea , Hardy Clara , Chelley Dylan , Brimelow Hannah , Pattenden Finn , Lowther Mandy
Published: March 2023

While Aotearoa-New Zealand stives for net carbon zero there are many opportunities and challenges emerging in how best to establish long term sequestration of carbon. The University of Otago as taken a reduction first approach to reaching net zero by 2030. Having establish a 50% reduction in air travel emissions, sequestration is now an appropriate option for the remaining emissions.
This presentation provided an interim update on research being undertaken in the Motatapu Station near Wānaka, which is directly linked to the University's plans for sequestration. The report included some background into the long-term relationship between researchers and the estate's management.
The activities centred around assessing the age and sequestration values of naturally regenerating vegetation in de-stocked areas of the station. The methodology of collecting data was described and the next stages of the research outlined.
One of the key findings reported was the difficulty in interpreting terrain at waypoints on maps and aerial images, as it frequently turned out to be inaccessible and hazardous terrain. Around 50% the expected number of waypoints were visited due to the terrain encountered. Hazards included gradient, loose terrain, dense vegetation, tree fall from snowstorms, thorns, and photo toxic vegetation. Methods of managing these hazards were discusses for future research activity in this type of terrain.
Supervised by: Janice Lord (Botany Department), Craig Cliff (Sustainability Office), Univerity of OtagoScholarship funded by: Univerity of Otago Air Travel Project
[Above notes of presentation prepared by editor]
Alternative / Emerging Proteins and Engaging Te Ao Māori Māori and Veganism
Authors: Paehua Brent
Published: March 2023

Aotearoa New Zealand is a land of agricultural marvel. On a global scale we punch well above our weight however the world of protein consumption is changing. Emerging proteins is the study of alternative sources or protein products and their development. In a world that is reliant on animal-based proteins that are rapidly becoming unsustainable the future of protein is changing. As a bi-cultural (multicultural) nation how do we progress and ensure that cultural traditions are protected and respected.
Supervised by: Dr Simon Barber and Professor Hugh Campbell, University of Otago.
Understanding Food Loss and Waste in the Onion Growing Industry in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Petersen Grace
Published: March 2023

Sustainable growth and improving the profitability of onion growers and exporters is Onions New Zealand’s vision. Alongside  marketable product, minimizing and converting onion industry loss and waste products into a useable form is one piece of work requiring further exploration. My project involved a series of interviews with growers and processors to discuss the amount of waste generated in the industry, and to try and quantify the opportunity from turning this into product of value. Join me to hear about the some of the work being done with growers and processors to understand the size of the opportunity and to help Onions New Zealand’s achieve this vision for this sector.
Supervised by: Professor Miranda Mirosa and Trixie Croad, Food Waste Innovation Otago
Scholarship funded by: Onions NZ
Sustainable Transport in Dunedin
Authors: Mills Abbey
Published: March 2023

This report aims to gain a different perspective on sustainable transport (ST) by focusing on demographics, such as age and gender. This report has used a series of processes to find ST solutions or actions suitable for the diverse staff at Otago University. The key ST goals for this report are to get more people using public transport (PT) or active transport (AT) and discover what is holding people back. This report draws information, insights, and data from the Otago University Staff Travel Survey (OUSTS), and insights from national and international reports and surveys. Personas have been used to represent staff members at Otago University, which were discussed alongside barriers and drivers for ST and initiatives for change. This report highlights the most common barrier and effective actions that would benefit a diverse range of people. Key questions have been reflected throughout the report, such as how age and gender impact the way people use ST. How do societal structures impact how different groups interact with ST? Can different actions or solutions be found by focusing on demographics? Ultimately, this report summarises some key areas that Otago University can focus on to expedite or improve sustainable transport for staff.
Supervised by Ray O'Brien & Craig Cliff, Sustainability Office, Univerity of OtagoScholarship project funded by: Dunedin City Council
Community Development and Public transport
Authors: Hawthorne Georgia
Published: March 2023

The first thing that comes to mind when discussing sustainability is environmental sustainability. However, a truly sustainable community is active in social and environmental sustainability. To enable social sustainability, having a reliable transport system is fundamental, especially accessible public transport. However, in Dunedin, there is a significant demographic gap in taking public transportation. According to the 2022 student travel survey, 50.1% of Otago University students own a Bee Card (public transport user card). However, 84.2% of students have never taken a bus. This report aims to delve into the transportation needs of Otago University students via the use of persona archetypes and evaluate the current transportation system with student needs and concerns. Through the use of personas, and running them through the Dunedin Bus system, there is an argument that the existing public transport system is not accessible to university students and thus needs a revamp to enable social sustainability within the university student population. University-run shuttles influenced by Penn State and the University of North Dakota and creating a student-friendly bus environment are some proposed changes needed to allow student engagement in the Ōtepoti community.
Supervised by: Ray O'Brien & Craig Cliff, Sustainability Office, University of OtagoScholarship funded by: Otago Regional Council
Analysing the modal competitiveness of public transport through the concept of generalised journey time
Authors: Higham Kate
Published: March 2023

Amongst a range of factors, travel time of the bus relative to the equivalent journey in the private car is considered the strongest predictor in the selection of travel mode. In order to incentify a shift toward more sustainable modes of transportation, the bus  must decrease its travel time to compete with the car and attract and retain ridership. There is limited literature on the travel time ratio between the car and the bus, and very little work that addresses this issue in the context of Ōtepoti Dunedin. It is a complicated area of research that has no simple answer, as there is no single measure of time related quality of the typical bus  service. This report uses the concept of Generalised Journey Time - which recognises that a single bus journey is a multimodal trip and breaks the journey into different stages. It then makes policy and governance suggestions that focus on the broader picture and aim to foster the delivery of a faster and more attractive public transportation system in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Increased public transport usage will reduce the reliance on global fossil fuel markets, generating cities that align with modern, sustainable,  environmentally conscious visions. 

Supervised by Ray O'Brien & Craig Cliff, Sustainability Office, University of OtagoScholarship funded by: Dunedin City Council
Adapting FEFF to 5f angular momentum coupling
Authors: Tobin J. G. , Yu S.-W.
Published: March 2023

It is demonstrated here that the spectral simulation program FEFF can be adapted to include the effects of 5f total angular momentum coupling in the fluorite actinide dioxide systems ThO2, UO2, and PuO2. N4,5 x-ray absorption spectra produced with this modified FEFF approach will be compared to the previous experimental results, obtaining a strong agreement between the two.
Prospective Analysis of Antibody Diagnostic Tests and TTS1 Real-Time PCR for Diagnosis of Melioidosis in Areas Where It Is Endemic
Authors: Noparatvarakorn Chawitar , Sengyee Sineenart , Yarasai Atchara , Phunpang Rungnapa , Dulsuk Adul , Ottiwet Orawan , Janon Rachan , Morakot Chumpol , Burtnick Mary N. , Brett Paul J. , West T. Eoin , Chantratita Narisara
Published: March 2023

Melioidosis is a tropical infectious disease caused by
Burkholderia pseudomallei
. Melioidosis is associated with diverse clinical manifestations and high mortality.
Sera of Individuals Chronically Infected with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Contain Diverse RNA Types Produced by HBV Replication or Derived from Integrated HBV DNA
Authors: Zaiets Igor , Gunewardena Sumedha , Menne Stephan , Weinman Steven A. , Gudima Severin O.
Published: March 2023

The presence of integrant-derived RNAs (id-RNAs) and 5′-human-HBV-3′ transcripts derived from integrated hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in sera was demonstrated for the first time. Thus, sera of individuals chronically infected with HBV contained both replication-derived and integrant-transcribed HBV RNAs.
Antifungal Tolerance and Resistance Emerge at Distinct Drug Concentrations and Rely upon Different Aneuploid Chromosomes
Authors: Yang Feng , Scopel Eduardo F. C. , Li Hao , Sun Liu-liu , Kawar Nora , Cao Yong-bing , Jiang Yuan-Ying , Berman Judith
Published: March 2023

Antifungal drug tolerance differs from drug resistance: tolerant cells grow slowly in drug, while resistant cells usually grow well, due to mutations in a few known genes. More than half of
Candida albicans
clinical isolates have higher tolerance at body temperature than they do at the lower temperatures used for most lab experiments.
The Development of Immunological Assays to Evaluate the Level and Function of Antibodies Induced by Klebsiella pneumoniae O-Antigen Vaccines
Authors: Wagstaffe Helen R. , Johnson Marina , Osman Guled , Martin Patricia , Carranza Paula , Goldblatt David
Published: March 2023

There is no licensed vaccine for the prevention of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
infections, and increasing levels of antibiotic resistance make this pathogen a high priority for vaccine and therapeutic development. Standardized assays for testing vaccine immunogenicity are paramount for the development of vaccines, and so in this study, we optimized and standardized both antibody-level and function assays for evaluating in-development
K. pneumoniae
bioconjugate vaccine response in rabbits.
A Rapid Method for Generating Infectious SARS-CoV-2 and Variants Using Mutagenesis and Circular Polymerase Extension Cloning
Authors: Kim Beom Kyu , Choi Won-Suk , Jeong Ju Hwan , Oh Sol , Park Ji-Hyun , Yun Yu Soo , Min Seong Cheol , Kang Da Hyeon , Kim Eung-Gook , Ryu Hojin , Kim Hye Kwon , Baek Yun Hee , Choi Young Ki , Song Min-Suk
Published: March 2023

Since the first emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant in late 2020, novel variants have been continuously introduced to the human population, causing severe public health threats. In general, because these variants acquire new genetic mutation/s, it is critical to analyze the biological function of viruses that such mutations can confer.
Circularization of
rv0678
for Genotypic Bedaquiline Resistance Testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Limberis Jason D. , Nalyvayko Alina , Ernst Joel D. , Metcalfe John Z.
Published: March 2023

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat, and drug resistant tuberculosis is a principal cause of antimicrobial resistance-related fatality. The long turnaround time and the need for high containment biological laboratories of phenotypic growth-based
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
drug susceptibility testing often commit patients to months of ineffective treatment, and there is a groundswell of effort in shifting from phenotypic to sequencing-based genotypic assays.
Molecular Organization and Functional Analysis of a Novel Plasmid-Borne
cps
Gene Cluster from
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
YC41
Authors: An Jieran , Zhang Yuchen , Zhao Zhaoer , Huan Ran , Yi Huaxi , Wang Hui , Luan Chunguang , Feng Shengbao , Huang Heqiang , Li Shanwen , Wang Deliang , Zhai Zhengyuan , Hao Yanling
Published: March 2023

Capsular polysaccharide is well known to protect bacteria against various environmental stresses. The gene cluster for CPS biosynthesis is typically organized in the chromosome in bacteria.
Intrinsic decoherence dynamics in the three-coupled harmonic oscillators interaction
Authors: Urzúa Alejandro R. , Moya-Cessa Héctor M.
Published: March 2023

A system of three-coupled quantized fields is studied under the intrinsic decoherence scheme given by the Milburn equation. Taking the closed analytical form of this relation, without second-order approximation, we arrive at an explicit analytical solution for the wavefunction dynamics. We show the decaying behavior in the number of modes of each quantized field for suitable initial conditions. One of the modes goes coherently driven, and the others are vacuum states. We discuss the redistribution of the excitations.
VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLE AND SOLITARY WAVE OF THE FRACTAL FOURTH-ORDER NONLINEAR ABLOWITZ–KAUP–NEWELL–SEGUR WATER WAVE MODEL
Authors: SUN JIANSHE
Published: March 2023

In this paper, for the first time in pass records, we create the fractal fourth-order nonlinear Ablowitz–Kaup–Newell–Segur (FFONAKNS) shoal water wave mold under an unsmooth boundary or in microgravity of space. With the aid of fractal traveling wave variation (FTWV) and fractal semi-inverse technology (FSIT), the fractal variational principle (FVP) is achieved, and then, using He–Weierstrass function, the strong minimum necessary condition is proved. Afterwards, the solitary wave solution is attained by FVP and minimum stationary conditions. Finally, the effect of a non-smooth border on solitary wave is deliberated and demeanors of solutions are displayed via 3D isohypse. The fractal dimension can impact the waveform, but not its apex value. The solitary wave solution (SWS) is given, and the exhibition of the technology used is not only creditable but also significant.
Integrated fault identification in granite tunnel based on the analysis of structural and mineral characteristics of rock masses: a case study
Authors: Lin Peng , Shao Ruiqi , Xu Zhenhao , Yu Tengfei
Published: March 2023

Tunnels are underground structures that are widely used in geology, mining and other related fields. Given the fact that many severe underground structure instabilities are found to be closely associated with fault systems present nearby, an integrated fault identification method, namely the 3M method, is proposed based on analysing the macrostructure, mineral characteristics and microstructure of rock masses in the tunnel. This method comprises three steps, and each step corresponds to one ‘M’: macrostructure identification, mineral analysis and microstructure identification. First, the macrostructure is investigated to determine whether there is a fault-related feature in the tunnel (e.g. a slickenside). Second, mineral analysis infers the spatial extent of the fault from changes to the types and compositions of minerals. Third, the microstructure is investigated to determine the fault-related deformation mechanism in the tunnel (e.g. deformation twinning). Adopting the proposed method reduces the subjective influence of geological engineers and improves the accuracy of fault identification via traditional geological analysis. The results of this study provide new insight into tunnel excavation and support design.
Changes in geotechnical properties of soil contaminated by methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE)
Authors: Zhu Fanghua , Zhang Zhifeng , Tao Wenbin , Li Fanfan , Wei Tianyu
Published: March 2023

As an extensively used gasoline additive, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) can leak into the subsurface, and this not only damages the ecological environment but also affects the geotechnical characteristics of the soil. In this study, the geotechnical properties of MTBE-contaminated soil, such as the basic physical properties of strength, compressibility, hydraulic conductivity, leachability, electrical resistivity and microstructural characteristics, are comprehensively investigated. The results show that the Atterberg limits consistently decrease with increasing MTBE content in the soil. As the MTBE content increases from 0 to 10%, the specific surface area of the soil decreases by 28%, the sand content increases by 22%, and the clay and silt contents decrease by 3 and 18%, respectively. The soil compression index, hydraulic conductivity, leached MTBE concentration and electrical resistivity increase, while the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) decreases, with increasing MTBE content. Microstructural analysis shows that increasing the MTBE content results in mineralogical alterations that decrease the illite and kaolinite content of the soil. The aggregation and flocculated structures can be detected by an increase in the number and size of inter-aggregate pores. In addition, the electrical resistivity of the contaminated soil is used to assess the geotechnical properties of the MTBE-contaminated soil based on well-established empirical relations.
The Coping with COVID Project: Participatory Public Health Communication
Authors: Swacha Kathryn Yankura
Published: March 2023

This paper reports on The Coping with COVID Project, a qualitative study and public-facing platform that invited participants to share their experiences, via stories and images, with navigating COVID-related public health guidelines. The study revealed daily activities during the pandemic summarized in three themes: lived 'compliance;' emplaced, storied negotiations; and affective, embodied efforts. In light of such findings, this article outlines recommendations for a participatory, actionable story and visual-driven approach to public health communication that recognizes the various contexts---e.g., physical, material, affective, structural---which impact how such communication is interpreted and acted upon by people in their daily lives. A heuristic is included for communicators, researchers, and community members to use in enacting this approach.
Exploring Healthcare Communication Gaps Between US Universities and Their International Students: A Technical Communication Approach
Authors: Balghare Akshata J.
Published: March 2023

US healthcare is a complicated system not just for US-born citizens but also international students in the US. While universities inform international students about how US healthcare functions, these students still struggle with navigating healthcare owing to the cultural and technical challenges they face with the system. This paper investigates how US healthcare information can be conveyed effectively by universities so that international students navigate healthcare with fewer challenges. This research was conducted using qualitative methods with 12 international student participants at a US university. Using the collected data, the study provides recommendations to improve healthcare communication on campuses and insights to increase the scope of this study to further investigate international students' healthcare access challenges.
Questioning Neoliberal Rhetorics of Wellness: Designing Programmatic Interventions to Better Support Graduate Instructor Wellbeing
Authors: Clem Sam , Buyserie Beth
Published: March 2023

Previous research has recognized the neoliberal trends that permeate the rhetorics of academic wellness, placing the responsibility for wellbeing on individuals rather than institutions and systems. In this study, the authors implemented a participatory action research (PAR) project to collaborate with different stakeholders in one university writing program and develop programmatic approaches to support the wellbeing one subset of academic faculty: graduate student instructors. Along with an account of how we adapted our PAR methodology to align with the wellness needs of our participants, we also provide a description and analysis of the intervention developed collaboratively in the PAR group. We end with five takeaways that researchers and stakeholders in graduate student education can apply to developing programmatic interventions that better support graduate instructor wellbeing: 1) research methodologies should adapt to foreground wellbeing; 2) productive conversations about wellbeing should start by acknowledging and validating the lived experience of graduate instructors; 3) students want to be involved in programmatic processes and procedures that support their wellbeing; 4) facilitating (but not requiring) non-productive social interaction among grad students can support GI wellbeing; 5) the work of supporting wellbeing is never fully done---we call on administrators, faculty members, and students to continue this work.
CPS Attack Detection under Limited Local Information in Cyber Security: An Ensemble Multi-Node Multi-Class Classification Approach
Authors: Liu Junyi , Tang Yifu , Zhao Haimeng , Wang Xieheng , Li Fangyu , Zhang Jingyi
Published: March 2023

Cybersecurity breaches are common anomalies for distributed cyber-physical systems (CPS). However, the cyber security breach classification is still a difficult problem, even using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. In this article, we study a multi-class classification problem in cyber security for attack detection. A challenging multi-node data-censoring case is considered. In such a case, data within each data center/node cannot be shared while the local data is incomplete. Particularly, local nodes contain only a part of the multiple classes. In order to train a global multi-class classifier without sharing the raw data across all nodes, we design a multi-node multi-class classification ensemble approach which is the main result of our study. By gathering the estimated parameters of the binary classifiers and data densities from each local node, the missing information for each local node is completed to build the global multi-class classifier. Numerical experiments are given to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach under the multi-node data-censoring case. Under such a case, we even show the out-performance of the proposed approach over the full-data approach.
Edge-AI-Driven Framework with Efficient Mobile Network Design for Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: Wu Yirui , Zhang Lilai , Gu Zonghua , Lu Hu , Wan Shaohua
Published: March 2023

Facial Expression Recognition (FER) in the wild poses significant challenges due to realistic occlusions, illumination, scale, and head pose variations of the facial images. In this article, we propose an Edge-AI-driven framework for FER. On the algorithms aspect, we propose two attention modules, Arbitrary-oriented Spatial Pooling (ASP) and Scalable Frequency Pooling (SFP), for effective feature extraction to improve classification accuracy. On the systems aspect, we propose an edge-cloud joint inference architecture for FER to achieve low-latency inference, consisting of a lightweight backbone network running on the edge device, and two optional attention modules partially offloaded to the cloud. Performance evaluation demonstrates that our approach achieves a good balance between classification accuracy and inference latency.
Study of Ni-YSZ Electrode Capacitance and Its Correlation with the Microstructure
Authors: Takeda Mirai , Yashiro Keiji , Budiman Riyan Achmad , Hashimoto Shinichi , Kawada Tatsuya
Published: March 2023

Herein, electrochemical measurements are performed on an Ni-dense electrode in a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte to determine the correlation between the measured capacitance

(

C

m

) and double-phase boundary (DBP) of Ni–YSZ. The Ni-dense electrode is prepared via pulsed-laser deposition by varying the electrode diameter (50–1000 μm), thus revealing that the

C

m

value is proportional to the DPB area. This implies that the capacitance of Ni–YSZ can be used to observe the change in microstructure during operation. This result is confirmed by electrochemical measurements of the Ni–YSZ porous electrode. The impedance spectra of the Ni–YSZ porous electrode from electrochemical measurements are analyzed using a 1D transmission-line model, where the microstructure parameters are determined using scanning electron microscopy. The analysis reveals that the electrode resistance is correlated with the triple-phase boundary length as a function of r

p
∝

L

Ni
−
YSZ

−
1

,

and the electrode capacitance is linearly correlated with the DPB as a function of c

p
∝

L

Ni
−
YSZ

2

of Ni–YSZ. Thus, the results from the dense and porous electrodes are used to understand the degradation mode in Ni–YSZ (owing to microstructural changes), which are determined by their capacitance.
Design and Development of Biosensors for Progesterone Detection
Authors: Sun Wenwen , Xu Qinchen , Sun Jiwei , Lin Xiangde , Pan Hongzhi
Published: March 2023

Progesterone (P4) is an important biomarker of various diseases. When P4 level exceeds the normal value, the human body produces a series of problems, including carcinogenic risks. Developing the method for P4 monitoring with accurate, inexpensive, and fast becomes an important topic for researchers. In recent years, the abundance of new materials and synthesis technologies has developed P4 biosensors. Based on functional materials, this paper reviews the recent decade literatures and summarizes the latest progress and applications in enhancing detection of P4. In this study, the functional materials used to manufacture P4 biosensors are mainly divided into three categories: metal and metal‐oxide nanomaterials, composite material, and other materials. A composite material refers to a combination of two or three types of materials, including carbonaceous nanomaterials, metal nanomaterials, polymers, and biological materials. The other materials mainly include a combination of special compounds, biomaterials, luciferin materials, and quantum dot materials, of which one or two. The introduction of these new functional materials improves the sensitivity and selectivity of P4 detection. Moreover, this study provides ideas for the future research on improving the performance of P4 biosensor. The future study should put more attentions on enzyme catalysis amplification, cyclic amplification, and DNA isothermal amplification strategies.
Intelligent Online Multiconstrained Reentry Guidance Based on Hindsight Experience Replay
Authors: Jiang Qingji , Wang Xiaogang , Bai Yuliang , Li Yu
Published: March 2023

Traditional guidance algorithms for hypersonic glide vehicles face the challenge of real-time requirements and robustness to multiple deviations or tasks. In this paper, an intelligent online multiconstrained reentry guidance is proposed to strikingly reduce computational burden and enhance the effectiveness with multiple constraints. First, the simulation environment of reentry including dynamics, multiconstraints, and control variables is built. Different from traditional decoupling methods, the bank angle command including its magnitude and sign is designed as the sole guidance variable. Secondly, a policy neural network is designed to output end-to-end guidance commands. By transforming the reentry process into a Markov Decision Process (MDP), the policy network can be trained by deep reinforcement learning (DRL). To address the sparse reward issue caused by multiconstraints, the improved Hindsight Experience Replay (HER) method is adaptively combined with Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm by transforming multiconstraints into multigoals. As a result, the novel training algorithm can realize higher utilization of failed data and improve the rate of convergence. Finally, simulations for typical scenes show that the policy network in the proposed guidance can output effective commands in much less time than the traditional method. The guidance is robust to initial bias, different targets, and online aerodynamic deviation.
Semi-automated Generation of Geometric Digital Twin for Bridge Based on Terrestrial Laser Scanning Data
Authors: Hu Kaixin , Han Daguang , Qin Guocheng , Zhou Yin , Chen Long , Ying Chunli , Guo Tong , Liu Yanhui
Published: March 2023

Digital twins (DTs) have a great potential for bridge operation and maintenance. Geometric digital twins (gDTs) are the key component of DTs. At present, a growing number of researchers are using high-precision 3D laser point clouds to generate gDTs. However, for large bridges, such as arch, cable-stayed, and suspension bridges, comprehensive point-cloud collection stations are difficult to set up due to their large span, narrow site, and limited field of vision. Consequently, the complete point clouds of these bridges cannot be easily obtained. Thus, knowing how to process absence point clouds and generate gDTs is an urgent problem. This study proposes a semiautomatic method of extracting geometric information of a bridge’s components in the absence of point clouds. First, an algorithm based on the combination of the iterative polynomial fitting curve and sliding window is developed to extract the arch ring accurately. Second, an improved random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm based on distribution density is adopted to extract the cross sections of the arch bridge components, except the arch ring. For cross sections that lack point clouds, a translation strategy is used to supplement the unknown line segment. Finally, for the T-beam, a model alignment method is proposed to best match the characteristic intersections extracted by the improved RANSAC algorithm and the points corresponding to the design model. The quality of the generated models is gauged using a point cloud deviation chromatogram. In addition, the stressed component piers are compared with its design parameters to verify the accuracy of the proposed method. Results show that our method can efficiently and accurately extract geometric information and generate gDT for the bridge.