bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving nutritional quality of unripe tomato through fermentation by a consortium of yeast and lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Simões Sara , Santos Rafaela , Bento‐Silva Andreia , Santos Marisa V , Mota Mariana , Duarte Noélia , Sousa Isabel , Raymundo Anabela , Prista Catarina
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Portugal is one of the main producers of industrial tomato and tomato paste, an important intermediate ingredient used in many added‐value foods. The tomato processing industry rigorously selects the fruits by colour during mechanical harvest, picking only completely ripe fruits to produce high quality tomato paste. The latest available data shows that about 1.12 × 108 kg yr−1 of non‐red/not‐ripe tomatoes are left in the field, representing a major side product/field residue with great impact on the environment and for tomato producers.

RESULTS

The aim of the work was to use fermentation by a consortium of yeast and lactic acid bacteria to improve the nutritional quality of unripe tomato paste. A consortium of Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Kluyveromyces marxianus was selected, producing an acidic paste with olive‐like flavours after 4 days of fermentation. Nutritional characterization revealed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the content of ascorbic acid and antioxidant potential. In addition, ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) analysis showed that the fermented green tomato paste content in glycoalkaloid α‐tomatine represents no hazard to the consumer.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the obtained fermented green tomato paste can be further used to produce new food products, such as salad dressings and sauces. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Low‐Latency WDM Intensity‐Modulation and Direct‐Detection Transmission Over >100 km Distances in a Hollow Core Fiber
Authors: Hong Yang , Bottrill Kyle R. H. , Bradley Thomas D. , Sakr Hesham , Jasion Gregory T. , Harrington Kerrianne , Poletti Francesco , Petropoulos Periklis , Richardson David J.
Published: August 2021

The pervasive digital economy, fueled by developments in datacenter networking and cloud/edge computing, relies ever increasingly on the implementation of short‐ to metro‐range high‐capacity, low‐latency optical communication links. In this paper, it is demonstrated that the low spectrally flat chromatic dispersion and ultralow nonlinearity possible in hollow‐core fibers (HCFs) compared to conventional solid‐core fibers offer significant potential for the transmission of intensity‐modulation and direct‐detection (IM‐DD) signals over 100‐km‐scale distances. Specifically, the longest HCF‐only IM‐DD wavelength‐division multiplexed (WDM) C‐band transmission experiments (>100km) without chromatic dispersion compensation to date are reported, achieving reach improvements of approximately 5 times and 2 times compared to using standard single‐mode fiber and non‐zero dispersion‐shifted fiber, respectively, in the same experimental recirculating loop set‐up. For >100‐km transmission, a significant >150‐µs latency reduction can be obtained using HCF. These results, in combination with recent progress in loss reduction in HCFs, indicate that such fibers present a promising route to the realization of simple, cost‐effective, high‐capacity, ultra‐low‐latency IM‐DD WDM transmission links with the potential to revolutionize optical networks in the years to come.
ROS‐Responsive Selenium‐Containing Carriers for Coencapsulation of Photosensitizer and Hypoxia‐Activated Prodrug and Their Cellular Behaviors
Authors: Song Fangqin , Li Siqi , Sun Chuanhao , Ji Ying , Zhang Yan
Published: August 2021

The integration of hypoxia‐activated chemotherapy with photodynamic therapy (PDT) has newly become a potent strategy for tumor treatment. Herein, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive drug carriers (PS@AQ4N/mPEG‐b‐PSe NPs) are fabricated based on the amphiphilic selenium‐containing methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐polycarbonate (mPEG‐b‐PSe), the hydrophobic photosensitizer (PS), and hypoxia‐activated prodrug Banoxantrone (AQ4N). The obtained nanoparticles are spherical with an average diameter of 100 nm as characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic laser scattering (DLS) respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of the PS and AQ4N reaches 92.83% and 51.04% at different conditions, respectively, by UV–vis spectrophotometer. It is found that the drug release is accelerated due to the good ROS responsiveness of mPEG‐b‐PSe and the cumulative release of AQ4N is up to 89% within 30 h. The cell test demonstrates that the nanoparticles dissociate when triggered by the ROS stimuli in the cancer cells, thus the PS is exposed to more oxygen and the ROS generation efficiency is enhanced accordingly. The consumption of oxygen during PDT leads to the increased tumor hypoxia, and subsequently activates AQ4N into cytotoxic counterpart to inhibit tumor growth. Therefore, the synergistic therapeutic efficacy demonstrates this drug delivery has great potential for antitumor therapy.
LC‐Polymers and Smectic Phases with Special Substructures/Nanophase Segregation
Authors: Zentel Rudolf
Published: August 2021

Liquid crystalline (LC) polymers find still a lot of interest, whereby the focus is—at present—on LC‐elastomers with different phases and their application for mechanical actuation. While the LC‐phases in LC‐polymers can—generally—be well described in analogy to their low molar mass counterparts, some special properties became evident for some systems with smectic phases. They are related to the modulation of the nanophase segregation within the smectic layers and include often the formation of sublayers consisting of poorly compatible parts of the polymer like bulky (=non mesogenic) units, ionic groups, or poorly miscible parts of the main chain (e.g., polysiloxanes). Such a behavior can be found for semiflexible LC‐main chain polymers and for LC‐side chain polymers. Here the authors i) describe polymers for which such a modification of the smectic structure is observed, ii) discuss the origin of the deviation, and iii) describe possible application for the design of functional materials. The formation of the substructures can allow, for example, a mixing of the LC‐polymers with other polymers, which have a good affinity to the second sublayer. It also allows it to separate, to some extent, the network structure from the packing of the mesogens in LC‐polysiloxanes.
Bio‐Based, Self‐CrosslinkableEucommia ulmoidesGum/Silica Hybrids with Body Temperature Triggering Shape Memory Capability
Authors: Qi Xin , Xu Enyun , Jia Manman , Zhang Jichuan , Zhang Liqun , Yue Dongmei
Published: August 2021

At present, the synthesis of body temperature triggering shape memory polymers usually requires elaborate structural design, which limits their wide application. Herein, starting from bio‐basedEucommia ulmoidesgum (EUG), a series of EUG/silica hybrids (ESHs) are prepared through a facile one‐pot process, in which EUG is epoxied and then self‐crosslinked with SiO2by epoxy ring‐open reaction. Varying the amount of H2O2, the shape memory transition temperature (Ttrans) of ESHs is adjusted to 47.4–36.6 ℃, which is close to human body temperature (37 ℃). Among them, ESH‐17 exhibited the best body temperature triggering shape memory ability (Ttrans= 36.6 ℃), which can restore the permanent shape within 60 s at 37 ℃ with a shape fixity ratio of 99% and shape recovery ratio near 100%. In addition, the shape memory mechanism is discussed and shows some application scenarios of ESHs. The as‐produced materials can be used as smart biomaterials such as self‐tightening sutures, self‐sealing root canal filling materials, and so on.
House passes major funding increases for suicide prevention
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2021

The U.S. House of Representatives on July 29 passed the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor‐HHS) funding bill providing significant resources to help in the fight for suicide prevention and mental health crisis intervention. Funding support includes increases in a number of critical programs, including the 988 mobile crisis system, commencing July 2022, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for suicide prevention efforts.
Low‐power divide‐by‐4 injection‐locked frequency divider using an inductive resonating technique
Authors: Chang Yu‐Hsin
Published: August 2021

An injection‐locked frequency divider (ILFD) with the low‐power divide‐by‐4 feature for K‐band applications in a 0.18 μm CMOS process is reported in this letter. Output differential signals (f0 = 4f0‐3f0) are obtained by the third‐harmonic signals (3f0) from the free‐running core mixing with injection signals (4f0) through injection transistors in the proposed ILFD. This improves the locking range and saves power consumption by employing an inductive resonator technique and double cross‐coupled transistor pairs without the help of varactors. For the proposed ILFD, the measured free‐running frequency is 5.126 GHz and input injection frequencies at an input power level of 0 dBm are from 19.4 to 21.4 GHz. From a supply voltage of 1.5 V, the proposed ILFD core only dissipates 4.2 mW.
Detection of vessel bifurcations in CT scans for automatic objective assessment of deformable image registration accuracy
Authors: Cazoulat Guillaume , Anderson Brian M. , McCulloch Molly M. , Rigaud Bastien , Koay Eugene J. , Brock Kristy K.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Objective assessment of deformable image registration (DIR) accuracy often relies on the identification of anatomical landmarks in image pairs, a manual process known to be extremely time‐expensive. The goal of this study is to propose a method to automatically detect vessel bifurcations in images and assess their use for the computation of target registration errors (TREs).

Materials and methods

Three image datasets were retrospectively analyzed. The first dataset included 10 pairs of inhale/exhale phases from lung 4DCTs and full inhale and exhale breath‐hold CT scans from 10 patients presenting with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with 300 corresponding landmarks available for each case (DIR‐Lab). The second dataset included six pairs of inhale/exhale phases from lung 4DCTs (POPI dataset), with 100 pairs of landmarks for each case. The third dataset included 28 pairs of pre/post‐radiotherapy liver contrast‐enhanced CT scans, each with five manually picked vessel bifurcation correspondences. For all images, the vasculature was autosegmented by computing and thresholding a vesselness image. Images of the vasculature centerline were computed, and bifurcations were detected based on centerline voxel neighbors’ count. The vasculature segmentations were independently registered using a Demons algorithm between representations of their surface with distance maps. Detected bifurcations were considered as corresponding when distant by less than 5 mm after vasculature DIR. The selected pairs of bifurcations were used to calculate TRE after registration of the images considering three algorithms: rigid registration, Anaconda, and a Demons algorithm. For comparison with the ground truth, TRE values calculated using the automatically detected correspondences were interpolated in the whole organs to generate TRE maps. The performance of the method in automatically calculating TRE after image registration was quantified by measuring the correlation with the TRE obtained when using the ground truth landmarks.

Results

The median Pearson correlation coefficients between ground truth TRE and corresponding values in the generated TRE maps were r = 0.81 and r = 0.67 for the lung and liver cases, respectively. The correlation coefficients between mean TRE for each case were r = 0.99 and r = 0.64 for the lung and liver cases, respectively.

Conclusion

For lungs or liver CT scans DIR, a strong correlation was obtained between TRE calculated using manually picked or landmarks automatically detected with the proposed method. This tool should be particularly useful in studies requiring assessing the reliability of a high number of DIRs.
ProFit‐1D—A 1D fitting software and open‐source validation data sets
Authors: Borbath Tamas , Murali‐Manohar Saipavitra , Dorst Johanna , Wright Andrew Martin , Henning Anke
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Accurate and precise MRS fitting is crucial for metabolite concentration quantification of1H‐MRS spectra. LCModel, a spectral fitting software, has shown to have certain limitations to perform advanced spectral fitting by previous literature. Herein, we propose an open‐source spectral fitting algorithm with adaptive spectral baseline determination and more complex cost functions.

Theory

The MRS spectra are characterized by several parameters, which reflect the environment of the contributing metabolites, properties of the acquisition sequence, or additional disturbances. Fitting parameters should accurately describe these parameters. Baselines are also a major contributor to MRS spectra, in which smoothness of the spline baselines used for fitting can be adjusted based on the properties of the spectra. Three different cost functions used for the minimization problem were also investigated.

Methods

The newly developed ProFit‐1D fitting algorithm is systematically evaluated for simulations of several types of possible in vivo parameter variations. Although accuracy and precision are tested with simulated spectra, spectra measured in vivo at 9.4 T are used for testing precision using subsets of averages. ProFit‐1D fitting results are also compared with LCModel.

Results

Both ProFit‐1D and LCModel fitted the spectra well with induced parameter and baseline variations. ProFit‐1D proved to be more accurate than LCModel for simulated spectra. However, LCModel showed a somewhat increased precision for some spectral simulations and for in vivo data.

Conclusion

The open‐source ProFit‐1D fitting algorithm demonstrated high accuracy while maintaining precise metabolite concentration quantification. Finally, through the newly proposed cost functions, new ways to improve fitting were shown.
Numerical modeling of strain hardening effect on an AFM cantilever undergoing stress in tapping mode
Authors: Adebayo Adedayo S. , Osundiya James Rotimi
Published: August 2021

Tapping mode is one of the scanning modes possible when using an AFM. In tapping mode, the cantilever is driven to oscillate up and down at or near its resonance frequency. Nano‐measurement researchers and metrologists have been concerned with errors in feature dimensions arising from bad cantilever as a result of strain hardening. Strain hardening is when a metal is strained beyond the yield point. This work involves modeling an AFM cantilever with a point load at the tip undergoing transverse vibration. The numerical work involves mapping out the stress field and identifying areas susceptible to plastic flow to advise equipment makers on how to design against strain hardening. The numerical analysis was carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0. Different dimensions of the cantilever (length = 100‐500 µm and width = 20‐50 µm) and Eigen frequencies were varied to investigate the optimal dimensions for designing an AFM cantilever against strain hardening. The numerical simulation shows that the AFM cantilever experiences increased deformation and strain hardening between a range of length 400‐500 µm and 200‐300 µm with the highest at 100‐200 µm and width of 20‐40 µm. It is also observed that the effect of strain hardening on the cantilever is minimal at lengths 300‐400 µm and widths 40‐45 µm when undergoing tapping mode with the highest Eigen frequencies.
Ten critical years of Turkish civil–military relations (2007–2017)
Authors: Önen Hakkı Göker
Published: August 2021

This paper analyses 10 critical years of civil–military relations in Turkey by investigating a possible civilianisation and the growing AK Party influence in the military. As has been discussed by Turkish experts via a plethora of works, there have been unprecedented developments in Turkish civil–military relations during the AK Party's administration. Yet, recent events—namely, the 15 July attempted coup, the institutional and legal changes instigated during the ensuing state of emergency and President Erdoğan's questionable position as both the AK Party leader and commander‐in‐chief—require us to reconsider the current status of civil–military relations. This paper first analyses the relevant theoretical debates in the literature. Second, it briefly summarises key events from the AK Party era. Thereafter, the paper analyses the so‐called Fethullah Gülen incident. Lastly, the paper analyses the institutional amendments regarding civil–military relations, examining whether there is an increasingly partisan influence over the military.
Genes, environment, and developmental timing: New insights from translational approaches to understand early origins of respiratory diseases
Authors: Gutierrez Maria J. , Perez Geovanny F. , Gomez Jose L. , Rodriguez‐Martinez Carlos E. , Castro‐Rodriguez Jose A. , Nino Gustavo
Published: August 2021

Over the past decade, “omics” approaches have advanced our understanding of the molecular programming of the airways in humans. Several studies have identified potential molecular mechanisms that contribute to early life epigenetic reprogramming, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, microRNAs, and the homeostasis of the respiratory mucosa (epithelial function and microbiota). Current evidence supports the notion that early infancy is characterized by heightened susceptibility to airway genetic reprogramming in response to the first exposures in life, some of which can have life‐long consequences. Here, we summarize and analyze the latest insights from studies that support a novel epigenetic paradigm centered on human maturational and developmental programs including three cardinal elements: genes, environment, and developmental timing. The combination of these factors is likely responsible for the functional trajectory of the respiratory system at the molecular, functional, and clinical levels.
Continuous Automated Model EvaluatiOn (CAMEO)—Perspectives on the future of fully automated evaluation of structure prediction methods
Authors: Robin Xavier , Haas Juergen , Gumienny Rafal , Smolinski Anna , Tauriello Gerardo , Schwede Torsten
Published: August 2021

The Continuous Automated Model EvaluatiOn (CAMEO) platform complements the biennial CASP experiment by conducting fully automated blind evaluations of three‐dimensional protein prediction servers based on the weekly prerelease of sequences of those structures, which are going to be published in the upcoming release of the Protein Data Bank. While in CASP14, significant success was observed in predicting the structures of individual protein chains with high accuracy, significant challenges remain in correctly predicting the structures of complexes. By implementing fully automated evaluation of predictions for protein–protein complexes, as well as for proteins in complex with ligands, peptides, nucleic acids, or proteins containing noncanonical amino acid residues, CAMEO will assist new developments in those challenging areas of active research.
The role of collective sensemaking and science curriculum development within a research–practice partnership
Authors: Marshall Stefanie L. , Nazar Christina Restrepo , Ibourk Amal , McElhaney Kevin W.
Published: August 2021

This study examines how researchers can better understand the instructional and practical realities of teachers through collective sensemaking. Traditional approaches to curriculum design engage learning models without accounting for the needed flexibility of teachers. This approach has resulted in tension and gatekeeping—inhibiting the implementation of curriculum. Teachers are often considered relatively autonomous; however, this study sheds light on the constrained autonomy teachers experience resulting from internal and external pressures. This study examines the collective sensemaking process of researchers while developing a high school genetics curriculum. By examining the collective sensemaking of the areas of tension that arose during the curriculum design process, the problem space of researchers expanded and became more aligned with the problem space of teachers. Collective sensemaking encouraged the humanizing of teachers by centering their content, contextual, and social needs. In addition, this study suggests that gatekeeping can result from many factors; but through collective sensemaking, researchers can intentionally design to resolve said factors.
Range‐separated multiconfigurational density functional theory methods
Authors: Pernal Katarzyna , Hapka Michał
Published: August 2021

Range‐separated multiconfigurational density functional theory (RS MC‐DFT) rigorously combines density functional (DFT) and wavefunction (WFT) theories. This is achieved by partitioning of the electron interaction operator into long‐ and short‐range components and modeling them with WFT and DFT, respectively. In contrast to other methods, mixing wavefunctions with density functionals, RS MC‐DFT is free from electron correlation double counting. The general formulation of RS MC‐DFT allows for merging any ab initio approximation with density functionals. Implementations of RS MC‐DFT aim at increasing both versatility and accuracy of the underlying methods, while reducing the computational cost of the ab initio problem. Variants of the RS MC‐DFT approach can be divided into single‐determinant‐based range‐separated methods and range‐separated multideterminantal WFT methods. In these approaches the electron correlation energy is described both by a pertinent short‐range density functional and by the wavefunction theory. We review the short‐range functionals and correlated wavefunction theories employed in the framework of RS MC‐DFT. We discuss applications of the RS MC‐DFT methods to ground‐state properties of molecules and to noncovalent interactions. Time‐dependent linear‐response theory and direct approaches to excited states are also presented. For each area of applications, we assess advantages of RS MC‐DFT over conventional DFT and ab initio methods.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
Future Vision, Summary and Outlook
Authors: Habyarimana Ephrem
Published: August 2021

The DataBio’s agriculture pilots were carried out through a multi-actor whole-farm management approach using information technology, satellite positioning and remote sensing data as well as Internet of Things technology. The goal was to optimize the returns on inputs while reducing environmental impacts and streamlining the CAP monitoring. Novel knowledge was delivered for a more sustainable agriculture in line with the FAO call to achieve global food security and eliminate malnutrition for the more than nine billion people by 2050. The findings from the pilots shed light on the potential of digital agriculture to solve Europe’s concern of the declining workforce in the farming industry as the implemented technologies would help run farms with less workforce and manual labor. The pilot applications of big data technologies included autonomous machinery, mapping of yield, variable rate of applying agricultural inputs, input optimization, crop performance and in-season yields prediction as well as the genomic prediction and selection method allowing to cut cost and duration of cultivar development. The pilots showed their potential to transform agriculture, and the improved predictive analytics is expected to play a fundamental role in the production environment. As AI models are retrained with more data, the decision support systems become more accurate and serve the farmer better, leading to faster adoption. Adoption is further stimulated by cooperation between farmers to share investment costs and technological platforms allowing farmers to benchmark among themselves and across cropping season.
Conclusions and Outlook—Summary of Big Data in Forestry
Authors: Miettinen Jukka , Tergujeff Renne
Published: August 2021

In this chapter, we summarize the findings from the forestry pilots conducted during the DataBio project. Although the pilots demonstrated the functionality of big data in forestry through several practical applications and services, they also highlighted areas where further development is needed. More effort is needed particularly in ensuring smooth connections between the technical components of the processing pipelines, as well as designing the best business solutions within the big data service chain and between the service providers and users. Overall, the challenge for the coming years is to establish operational big data processing pipelines that meet the requirements and expectations of forestry stakeholders.
Kaliumhydroxid-5 %-Lösung bei aktinischer Keratose
Authors: Reinhold U. , Bai-Habelski J. , Abeck D. , Denfeld R. , Dominicus R. , Fischer T. , Radny P.
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Die aktinische Keratose (AK) ist ein epitheliales Carcinoma in situ der Haut. Aufgrund des Risikos einer malignen Transformation besteht ein frühzeitiger Behandlungsbedarf. Gerade die initiale Therapie sollte neben der Wirksamkeit eine gute Verträglichkeit und Anwenderfreundlichkeit aufweisen. Kaliumhydroxid (KOH)-Lösung ist als keratolytische Behandlungsoption bei hyperkeratotischen Hauterkrankungen, wie z. B. Mollusca contagiosa, bereits etabliert.

Methodik

Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit von KOH-5 %-Lösung zur Behandlung der leichten bis moderaten AK wurden in einer prospektiven, einarmigen, multizentrischen Medizinproduktestudie (Treatment of AK with KOH [TAKKOH]) untersucht. Die KOH-Lösung wurde 2‑mal täglich über 14 Tage aufgetragen mit anschließender Behandlungspause von 14 Tagen (≙ 1 Behandlungszyklus) für maximal 3 Behandlungszyklen oder mindestens bis zum Behandlungserfolg. Das primäre Zielkriterium „Behandlungserfolg“ wurde als komplette Remission (CR) aller AK-Läsionen eines Patienten definiert. Sekundäre Zielkriterien beinhalteten die Beurteilung der partiellen Remission (PR), der Anzahl an AK-Läsionen in Remission, die Wirksamkeitsbeurteilung anhand von Schulnoten durch Prüfärzte und Patienten sowie sicherheitsrelevante Endpunkte.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 73 Patienten in die Studie eingeschlossen. Eine CR wurde von 54,9 % der Patienten erreicht, eine PR von 64,8 % bei einer Reduktion der Gesamtzahl an Läsionen um 69,9 %. Bei 46,6 % der Patienten wurden unerwünschte Ereignisse beobachtet. Diese überwiegend unerwünschten Wirkungen (82,6 %) stellten ausnahmslos transiente und milde lokale Hautreaktionen dar.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Studie liefert Hinweise auf die Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit von KOH-5 %-Lösung zur läsionsgerichteten topischen Therapie der AK.
Cones and sleeves present good survival and clinical outcome in revision total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis
Authors: Fischer Laura Theresa , Heinecke Markus , Röhner Eric , Schlattmann Peter , Matziolis Georg
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The fixation of revision total knee arthroplasties (rTKA) tends to be difficult, leading to a reduction in implant survival. One option for achieving a more stable anchorage is to use metaphyseal cones and sleeves. The objective of the present paper is to provide a current comparative meta-analysis on survival and clinical results of cones vs. sleeves, with a differentiation between the short- and long-term outcome.

Methods

A search of the literature was conducted systematically to include original papers from 2010 to June 2021. The following parameters were taken into account: revision for aseptic loosening, revision for any reason, periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), KSS as well as KSFS. Studies with a mean follow-up of at least 60 months were defined to be long-term follow-up studies (LT). All other studies were included in the short-term (ST) study analysis. A pooled incidence was used as a summary statistic using a random intercept logistic regression model.

Results

The present meta-analysis included 43 publications with 3008 rTKA. Of these, 23 publications with 1911 cases were allocated to the sleeve group (SG) and 20 papers with 1097 cases to the cone group (CG). CG showed overall numerically higher complication rates in short- and long-term follow-up, compared with SG. Aseptic loosening occurred at a rate of 0.4% in SG (LT) and 4.1% in CG (LT) (p = 0.09). Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) was more frequent in the cone group (7% in ST and 11.7% in LT) than in the sleeve group (3.4% in ST and 4.9% in LT, p = 0.02 both). The total revision rate was 5.5% in SG (LT) and 14.4% in CG (LT) (p = 0.12). The clinical scores were also comparable between the two groups. Hinged prothesis were used more frequent in the cone group (ST p < 0.001; LT p = 0.10), whereas CC type protheses were used more frequently in the sleeve group (ST p < 0.001; LT p < 0.11).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis takes into account the longest follow-up periods covered to date. Both cones and sleeves represent a reliable fixation method in the case of severe bone loss in rTKA, although the higher rate of PJI after cone fixation remains a source of concern. A metaphyseal fixation of hinged implants should be taken into account.

Level of evidence

II (meta-analysis).
Modeling the infrared cascade spectra of small PAHs: the 11.2 μm band
Authors: Mackie Cameron J. , Candian Alessandra , Lee Timothy J. , Tielens Alexander G. G. M.
Published: August 2021

The profile of the 11.2 μm feature of the infrared (IR) cascade emission spectra of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules is investigated using a vibrational anharmonic method. Several factors are found to affect the profile including: the energy of the initially absorbed ultraviolet (UV) photon, the density of vibrational states, the anharmonic nature of the vibrational modes, the relative intensities of the vibrational modes, the rotational temperature of the molecule, and blending with nearby features. Each of these factors is explored independently and influence either the red or blue wing of the 11.2 μm feature. The majority impact solely the red wing, with the only factor altering the blue wing being the rotational temperature.
Inhibition of interferon I induction by non-structural protein NSs of Puumala virus and other vole-associated orthohantaviruses: phenotypic plasticity of the protein and potential functional domains
Authors: Binder Florian , Gallo Giulia , Bendl Elias , Eckerle Isabella , Ermonval Myriam , Luttermann Christine , Ulrich Rainer G.
Published: August 2021

The orthohantavirus Puumala virus (PUUV), which is transmitted by bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus), and other vole-borne hantaviruses contain in their small (S) genome segment two overlapping open reading frames, coding for the nucleocapsid protein and the non-structural protein NSs, a putative type I interferon (IFN-I) antagonist. To investigate the role of NSs of PUUV and other orthohantaviruses, the expression pattern of recombinant NSs constructs and their ability to inhibit human IFN-I promoter activity were investigated. The NSs proteins of PUUV and related cricetid-borne orthohantaviruses showed strong inhibition of IFN-I promoter induction. We identified protein products originating from three and two methionine initiation codons in the NSs ORF of PUUV during transfection and infection, respectively. The three putative start codons are conserved in all PUUV strains analysed. Translation initiation at these start codons influenced the inhibitory activity of the NSs products, with the wild-type (wt) construct expressing two proteins starting at the first and second methionine and showing strong inhibition activity. Analysis of in vitro-generated variants and naturally occurring PUUV NSs proteins indicated that amino acid variation in the NSs protein is well tolerated, suggesting its phenotypic plasticity. The N-terminal 20-amino-acid region of the NSs protein was found to be associated with strong inhibition and to be highly vulnerable to amino acid exchanges and tag fusions. Infection studies using human, bank vole, and Vero E6 cells did not show obvious differences in the replication capacity of PUUV Sotkamo wt and a strain with a truncated NSs protein (NSs21Stop), showing that the lack of a full-length NSs might be compensated by its N-terminal peptide, as seen in transfection experiments. These results contribute to our understanding of virus-host interactions and highlight the importance of future innate immunity studies in reservoir hosts.
Genomic landscape of a mouse model of diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Menghua , Sugita Itsuki , Komura Daisuke , Katoh Hiroto , Shimada Shu , Inazawa Johji , Tanaka Shinji , Ishikawa Shumpei
Published: August 2021

Background

There is a need for a model of diffuse-type gastric cancer that captures the features of the disease, facilitates the study of its mechanisms, and aids the development of potential therapies. One such model may be Cdh1 and Trp53 double conditional knockout (DCKO) mice, which have histopathological features similar to those of human diffuse-type gastric cancer. However, a genomic profile of this mouse model has yet to be completed.

Methods

Whole-genome sequences of tumors from eight DCKO mice were analyzed and their molecular features were compared with those of human gastric adenocarcinoma.

Results

DCKO mice gastric cancers harbored single nucleotide variations and indel patterns comparable to those of human genomically stable gastric cancers, whereas their copy number variation fraction and ploidy were more similar to human chromosomal instability gastric cancers (perhaps due to Trp53 knockout). Copy number variations dominated changes in cancer-related genes in DCKO mice, with typical high-level amplifications observed for oncogenic drivers, e.g., Myc, Ccnd1, and Cdks, as well as gastrointestinal transcription factors, e.g., Gata4, Foxa1, and Sox9. Interestingly, frequent alterations in gastrointestinal transcription factors in DCKO mice indicated their potential role in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, mouse gastric cancer had a reproducible but smaller number of mutational signatures than human gastric cancer, including the potentially acid-related signature 17, indicating shared tumorigenic etiologies in humans and mice.

Conclusions

Cdh1/Trp53 DCKO mice have similar genomic features to those found in human gastric cancer; hence, this is a suitable model for further studies of diffuse-type gastric cancer mechanisms and therapies.
Genomic selection in salmonids: new discoveries and future perspectives
Authors: D’Agaro Edo , Favaro Andea , Matiussi Stefano , Gibertoni Pier Paolo , Esposito Stefano
Published: August 2021

Over the past 20 years, the introduction of new molecular techniques has given a new impetus to genetic and genomic studies of fishes. The main traits selected in the aquaculture sector conform to the polygenic model, and, thus far, effective breeding programmes based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and marker-assisted selection (MAS) have been applied to simple traits (e.g. disease resistance and sexual maturation of salmonids) and known Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs). Genomic selection uses the genomic relationships between candidate loci and SNPs distributed over the entire genome and in tight linkage disequilibrium (LD) with genes that encode the traits. SNP (low and high density) arrays are used for genotyping thousands of genetic markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs). The genomic expected breeding value (GEBV) of selection candidates is usually calculated by means of the GBLUP or ssGBLUP (single step) methods. In recent years, in several aquaculture breeding programmes, the genomic selection method has been applied to different fish and crustacean species. While routine implementation of genomic selection is now largely carried out in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), it is expected that, in the near future, this method will progressively spread to other fish species. However, genomic selection is an expensive method, so it will be relevant mostly for traits of high economic value. In several studies (using different salmonid species), the accuracy of the GEBVs varied from 0.10 to 0.80 for different traits (e.g. growth rate and disease resistance) compared to traditional breeding methods based on geneology. Genomic selection applied to aquaculture species has the potential to improve selection programmes substantially and to change ongoing fish breeding systems. In the long term, the ability to use low-pass genome sequencing methods, low-cost genotyping and novel phenotyping techniques will allow genomic selection to be applied to thousands of animals directly at the farm level.
Computer-assisted sign language translation: a study of translators’ practice to specify CAT software
Authors: Kaczmarek Marion , Filhol Michael
Published: August 2021

Professional Sign Language translators, unlike their text-to-text counterparts, are not equipped with computer-assisted translation (CAT) software. Those softwares are meant to ease the translators’ tasks. No prior study as been conducted on this topic, and we aim at specifying such a software. To do so, we based our study on the professional Sign Language translators’ practices and needs. The aim of this paper is to identify the necessary steps in the text-to-sign translation process. By filming and interviewing professionals for both objective and subjective data, we build a list of tasks and see if they are systematic and performed in a definite order. Finally, we reflect on how CAT tools could assist those tasks, how to adapt the existing tools to Sign Language and what is necessary to add in order to fit the needs of Sign Language translation. In the long term, we plan to develop a first prototype of CAT software for sign languages.
Identification of the causal agents of crazy root disease on hydroponically cultivated cucumber plants in Poland
Authors: Warabieda Michał , Mikiciński Artur , Oleszczak Marcin , Puławska Joanna
Published: August 2021

In April 2019, hydroponically cultivated cucumber plants with characteristic symptoms of crazy root disease were found in two different commercial production cucumber greenhouses in Poland. Due to excessive and inappropriate root growth, this disease led to a reduction in yield and deterioration of the general conditions of infected plants. Bacteria isolated from the roots were subjected to a morphological evaluation, as well as molecular, biochemical and pathogenicity tests. To identify the bacteria causing the disease, Agrobacterium-like colonies were subjected to PCR with primers complementary to the pathogenicity-related genes located on the crazy root-inducing plasmid (Ri-plasmid): the virD2A + virD2E primers complementary to the virD2 gene and the rolBF + rolBR primers complementary to the rolB gene. The pathogenicity of the isolated strains was studied in sunflowers and cucumbers. Twelve strains positive for the Ri plasmid, as determined by PCR, and pathogenic to sunflowers were identified based on sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA and recA genes. One strain was classified as belonging to the genus Pararhizobium, three to Rhizobium, and eight to Agrobacterium biovar 1, with the highest similarity to genomospecies G3. The results of the analyses suggest that these strains may belong to a new, thus far, undescribed species. To confirm this hypothesis, further phylogenetic studies are required.
A compact instrument for gamma-ray burst detection on a CubeSat platform I
Authors: Murphy David , Ulyanov Alexey , McBreen Sheila , Doyle Maeve , Dunwoody Rachel , Mangan Joseph , Thompson Joseph , Shortt Brian , Martin-Carrillo Antonio , Hanlon Lorraine
Published: August 2021

The Educational Irish Research Satellite 1 (EIRSAT-1) is a 2U CubeSat being developed under ESA’s Fly Your Satellite! programme. The project has many aspects, which are primarily educational, but also include space qualification of new detector technologies for gamma-ray astronomy and the detection of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The Gamma-ray Module (GMOD), the main mission payload, is a small gamma-ray spectrometer comprising a 25 mm × 25 mm × 40 mm cerium bromide scintillator coupled to an array of 16 silicon photomultipliers. The readout is provided by IDE3380 (SIPHRA), a low-power and radiation tolerant readout ASIC. GMOD will detect gamma-rays and measure their energies in a range from tens of keV to a few MeV. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the Medium Energy Gamma-ray Astronomy Library to evaluate GMOD’s capability for the detection of GRBs in low Earth orbit. The simulations used a detailed mass model of the full spacecraft derived from a very high-fidelity 3D CAD model. The sky-average effective area of GMOD on board EIRSAT-1 was found to be 10 cm2at 120 keV. The instrument is expected to detect between 11 and 14 GRBs, at a significance greater than 10σ(and up to 32 at 5σ), during a nominal one-year mission. The shape of the scintillator in GMOD results in omni-directional sensitivity which allows for a nearly all-sky field of view.
Does college level the playing field? Socioeconomic gaps in the earnings of similar graduates: evidence from South Korea
Authors: Lee Sangwoo , Vignoles Anna
Published: August 2021

The socioeconomic gap in participation at university is an enduring policy issue in South Korea, as in many other countries. However, less attention has been paid to the socioeconomic gap in the outcomes from tertiary education. This paper addresses this gap in the literature, using the Korean Education and Employment Panel (KEEP) data to investigate the extent to which the wages of Korean graduates who attended similar higher education institutions vary by socioeconomic background. The results show that a degree appears to largely level the playing field, in terms of earnings, between male graduates from poor and rich backgrounds. For females, by contrast, family background is still a strong predictor of earnings, even after allowing for institution attended and discipline of degree. Further, the wage premium for 2-year and 4-year college degrees also varies by family background. Four-year college degrees, contrary to popular belief, do not always attract a higher wage premium than 2-year college degrees, particularly for men from poorer family backgrounds.
Dynamic relative regional strain visualized by electrical impedance tomography in patients suffering from COVID-19
Authors: Pulletz Sven , Krukewitt Lisa , Gonzales-Rios Pablo , Teschendorf Peter , Kremeier Peter , Waldmann Andreas , Zitzmann Amelie , Müller-Graf Fabian , Acosta Cecilia , Tusman Gerado , Reuter Daniel A. , Böhm Stephan H.
Published: August 2021

Respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 may progress rapidly. During the course of COVID-19, patients develop an increased respiratory drive, which may induce high mechanical strain a known risk factor for Patient Self-Inflicted Lung Injury (P-SILI). We developed a novel Electrical Impedance Tomography-based approach to visualize the Dynamic Relative Regional Strain (DRRS) in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients and compared these findings with measurements in lung healthy volunteers. DRRS was defined as the ratio of tidal impedance changes and end-expiratory lung impedance within each pixel of the lung region. DRRS values of the ten patients were considerably higher than those of the ten healthy volunteers. On repeated examination, patterns, magnitude and frequency distribution of DRRS were reproducible and in line with the clinical course of the patients. Lung ultrasound scores correlated with the number of pixels showing DRRS values above the derived threshold. Using Electrical Impedance Tomography we were able to generate, for the first time, images of DRRS which might indicate P-SILI in patients suffering from COVID-19.

Trial Registration This observational study was registered 06.04.2020 in German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021276).
Adversity-hope hypothesis: Air pollution raises lottery demand in China
Authors: Chew Soo Hong , Liu Haoming , Salvo Alberto
Published: August 2021

The empirical literature points to a stylized phenomenon of increased demand for hope following adversity. Clotfelter and Cook (1989) suggest that hope is a key sentiment underpinning recreational gambling. Chew and Ho (1994, this journal) offer the view of hope being experienced in lottery products when people enjoy delaying the resolution of uncertainty. Taking air quality as an indicator of subjective well-being, we hypothesize a positive causal relationship between air pollution and lottery sales. We test this hypothesis using data from China and find that air pollution measured by particle concentration increases demand for a popular lottery for which province-level daily sales records exist. The relationship can readily be seen on combining high-frequency, spatially resolved lottery sales and particle pollution data. Our findings support the adversity-hope hypothesis in the context of air quality and lottery sales and point to further tests using other measures of adversity and proxies of demand for hope.
The evolution of saltmarsh mosquito control water management practices relative to coastal resiliency in the Mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States
Authors: Wolfe Roger , Zarebicki Paul , Meredith William
Published: August 2021

Salt marshes are dynamic ecosystems that change in response to local geographic and geologic factors as well as sea level changes. Most east coast salt marshes are the result of rising sea levels since the end of the last ice age, about 20,000 ybp. To compound this natural process, anthropogenic manipulations for farming, development and other purposes have occurred for centuries. Alterations to salt marshes for the purpose of controlling larval mosquitoes at their source, at least along the east coast of the United States, have occurred since the early twentieth century. These alterations have included large-scale manipulations such as extensive parallel grid-ditching and impounding. Within the last 50 years, more selective source reduction methods such as Open Marsh Water Management (OMWM) have been employed with fewer deleterious impacts to marsh resources. Even more recently, the more holistic approach of Integrated Marsh Management (IMM) has been used with considerable success particularly in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. IMM not only uses OMWM techniques but incorporates the judicious use of mosquito control pesticides, tidal flow restoration, impoundment management, wildlife habitat enhancement, invasive plant control, and selective shallow ditching (“runneling”) depending on local conditions and management plans. As many marshes are becoming wetter and either drowning or migrating inland (where possible) due to the effects of increasing rates of sea level rise, the compounding long-term impacts of parallel grid-ditching and past manipulations on marsh surface elevation and hydrology are being more intently studied. These changes in saltmarsh dynamics have had and will continue to have impacts on where saltmarsh mosquitoes are produced, which could have corollary effects on public health and quality of life near coastal communities. As salt marshes continue to change, mosquito control agencies can play a significant role in providing input for salt marsh restoration and management in addition to their primary objective of vector control and enhancing quality of life.