bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Late Holocene environmental change and anthropogenic: Ecosystem interaction on the Laikipia Plateau, Kenya
Authors: Muiruri Veronica , Marchant Rob , Rucina Stephen M. , Scott Louis , Lane Paul J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEast African ecosystems have been shaped by long-term socio-ecological–environmental interactions. Although much previous work on human–environment interrelationships have emphasised the negative impacts of human interventions, a growing body of work shows that there have also often been strong beneficial connections between people and ecosystems, especially in savanna environments. However, limited information and understanding of past interactions between humans and ecosystems of periods longer than a century hampers effective management of contemporary environments. Here, we present a late Holocene study of pollen, fern spore, fungal spore, and charcoal analyses from radiocarbon-dated sediment sequences and assess this record against archaeological and historical data to describe socio-ecological changes on the Laikipia Plateau in Rift Valley Province, Kenya. The results suggest a landscape characterised by closed forests between 2268 years before present (cal year BP) and 1615 cal year BP when there was a significant change to a more open woodland/grassland mosaic that continues to prevail across the study area. Increased amounts of charcoal in the sediment are observed for this same period, becoming particularly common from around 900 cal year BP associated with fungal spores commonly linked to the presence of herbivores. It is likely these trends reflect changes in land use management as pastoral populations improved and extended pasture, using fire to eradicate disease-prone habitats. Implications for contemporary land use management are discussed in the light of these findings.
Is laser surface texturing good or bad for rolling element bearings?
Authors: Meng Yonggang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA short commentary on the two research articles published in Friction in 2021 is presented. Both articles reported experimental results of applications of laser surface texturing technology to the raceway of rolling element bearings. After briefly reviewing the main findings of the articles, the arguable problems and distinctions between the two articles are pointed out.
PRIME Immunology: Self-directed Introduction to Medical School Immunology
Authors: Tomasi Alessandra G. , Belhorn Thomas , Church Frank C. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Medical students find immunology difficult to understand and relate to clinically and are often frustrated by the amount of detailed material. We created PRIME Immunology: Preview or Review of Important Material for Everyone: (i) video modules, (ii) Instagram site, and (iii) vocabulary files called Immunology Language.

Methods
The self-paced modules introduced key topics in immunology for students to complete prior to their instructional block.

Results and Conclusions
Use of PRIME Immunology during a 3-year period suggested that providing students with an overview of key topics before the start of their course may (i) reduce student angst about immunology and (ii) improve retention of immunology.
Nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review of challenges and responses
Authors: Giri Shamik , Chenn Lee Minn , Romero-Ortuno Roman 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction
COVID-19 has caused unprecedented challenges in nursing homes. In this scoping review, we aimed to describe factors that contributed to the spread and mortality of COVID-19 in nursing homes and provide an overview of responses that were implemented to try to overcome such challenges.

Methods
The MeSH terms “Nursing homes” and “COVID-19” were searched in MEDLINE Ovid, and English language articles were retrieved that were published between 1 March 2020 and 31 January 2021. Article titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers, and the results of included articles were grouped by themes.

Results
The search retrieved 348 articles, of which 76 were included in the thematic review. 8 articles related to COVID-19 disease characteristics (e.g. asymptomatic transmission), 24 to resident-related factors (e.g. comorbidities, nutrition, cognition), 13 to facility characteristics (e.g. physical space, occupancy, for-profit status), 21 to staffing (e.g. staffing levels, staff-to-resident ratio, staff multi-employment), and 10 to external factors (e.g. availability of personal protective equipment, prevailing health and social care policies). In terms of responses, identified themes included widespread testing, isolation and cohorting of residents, staff protection and support, promotion of residents’ well-being, and technological innovations.

Conclusion
COVID-19 exerted severe challenges on the nursing home population and its staff. Both internal and external factors predisposed nursing homes to an increased propensity of spread. Numerous strategies were employed to attempt to mitigate the negative impacts. Substantial learning occurred that may not only aid future pandemic preparedness but improve quality of care for nursing home residents at all times.
Improving real-time drone detection for counter-drone systems
Authors: Çetin E. , Barrado C. , Pastor E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, also known as drones) has increased dramatically in the airspace worldwide for tasks such as surveillance, reconnaissance, shipping and delivery. However, a small number of them, acting maliciously, can raise many security risks. Recent Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities for object detection can be very useful for the identification and classification of drones flying in the airspace and, in particular, are a good solution against malicious drones. A number of counter-drone solutions are being developed, but the cost of drone detection ground systems can also be very high, depending on the number of sensors deployed and powerful fusion algorithms. We propose a low-cost counter-drone solution composed uniquely by a guard-drone that should be able to detect, locate and eliminate any malicious drone. In this paper, a state-of-the-art object detection algorithm is used to train the system to detect drones. Three existing object detection models are improved by transfer learning and tested for real-time drone detection. Training is done with a new dataset of drone images, constructed automatically from a very realistic flight simulator. While flying, the guard-drone captures random images of the area, while at the same time, a malicious drone is flying too. The drone images are auto-labelled using the location and attitude information available in the simulator for both drones. The world coordinates for the malicious drone position must then be projected into image pixel coordinates. The training and test results show a minimum accuracy improvement of 22% with respect to state-of-the-art object detection models, representing promising results that enable a step towards the construction of a fully autonomous counter-drone system.
A novel method for finding grasping handles in a clutter using RGBD Gaussian mixture models
Authors: Kundu Olyvia , Dutta Samrat , Kumar Swagat 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe paper proposes a novel method to detect graspable handles for picking objects from a confined and cluttered space, such as the bins of a rack in a retail warehouse. The proposed method combines color and depth curvature information to create a Gaussian mixture model that can segment the target object from its background and imposes the geometrical constraints of a two-finger gripper to localize the graspable regions. This helps in overcoming the limitations of a poorly trained deep network object detector and provides a simple and efficient method for grasp pose detection that does not require a priori knowledge about object geometry and can be implemented online with near real-time performance. The efficacy of the proposed approach is demonstrated through simulation as well as real-world experiment.
Optimising neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes for survivors with CHD: a research agenda for the next decade
Authors: Sood Erica , Jacobs Jeffrey P , Marino Bradley S 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNeurodevelopmental and psychosocial impairments negatively impact health-related quality of life for survivors with CHD and complicate the transition to independent adulthood. Risk for neurodevelopmental and psychosocial impairments is influenced by a complex interplay among genetic, foetal, surgical, perioperative, family, and social factors, requiring a multi-pronged approach to neuroprotection and intervention. To ensure future research can ultimately reduce the burden of CHD for individuals, families, and society, the most pressing issues in cardiac neurodevelopment requiring scientific investigation must be identified.Through funding from an R13 Grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health of the United States of America, the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative convened a two-day meeting of international experts in cardiac neurodevelopmental and psychosocial research, clinical care, and health disparities, including patient and family stakeholders, to define the cardiac neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes research agenda for the next decade. Seven multidisciplinary working groups were formed to address key domains crucial to the advancement of cardiac neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes research: 1) Foetal Brain Development and Neuroprotection, 2) Surgical/Perioperative Neuroprotection and Neurodevelopment, 3) Characterization of Neurodevelopmental and Psychological Outcomes, 4) Neurodevelopmental and Psychosocial Intervention, 5) Parent Mental Health and Family Functioning, 6) Neurodevelopmental Education, Outreach and Advocacy, and 7) Health Disparities and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. Working groups identified significant gaps in knowledge and critical questions that must be answered to further knowledge, policy, care, and outcomes. The development of a research agenda in cardiac neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes is critical for informing collaborative initiatives and allocation of funding for research to scientific inquiries of highest value to key stakeholders.
Measuring the 7Cs of Vaccination Readiness
Authors: Geiger Mattis , Rees Franziska , Lilleholt Lau , Santana Ana P. , Zettler Ingo , Wilhelm Oliver , Betsch Cornelia , Böhm Robert 
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Although vaccines are among the most effective interventions used in fighting diseases, vaccination readiness varies substantially among individuals. Vaccination readiness is defined as a set of components that increase or decrease AN individual’s likelihood of getting vaccinated. Building on earlier work that distinguished five components of vaccination readiness (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility), we revised the questionnaire used to measure these components to improve its psychometric properties, specifically criterion validity. In doing so, we also developed two new components of vaccination readiness: compliance and conspiracy. Compliance is the tendency to support monitoring to control adherence to regulations; conspiracy is the tendency to endorse conspiratorial beliefs about vaccination. The newly introduced 7C scale was initially piloted in a cascade of serial cross-sectional studies and then validated with N = 681 participants from the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring in Denmark. We report a bifactor measurement model, convergent validity with other questionnaires, and an explanation of 85% variance in the willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19. We also present a 7-item short version of the scale. The instrument is publicly available in several languages ( www.vaccination-readiness.com ), and we seek collaboration to provide translations of our instrument into other languages.
Effects of Atmospheric Circulation on Stream Chemistry in Forested Watersheds Across the Northeastern United States: Part 1. Synoptic‐Scale Forcing
Authors: Siegert C. M. , Suriano Z. J. , Leathers D. J. , Gold A. J. , Addy K. , Schroth A. W. , Seybold E. , Inamdar S. , Levia D. F. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSynoptic typing is a method of classifying atmospheric conditions (i.e., pressure, temperature, wind direction) and can be used to relate those conditions to terrestrial processes. In this study, a daily synoptic calendar was developed for the northeastern United States to assess the atmospheric controls on variations in stream chemistry across three forested watersheds in Vermont, Rhode Island, and Maryland. Stream discharge along with dissolved organic carbon and nitrate concentrations were monitored in situ from March to November for 3 years (2014–2016) and then compared to the regional daily synoptic calendar to assess (a) which atmospheric patterns exported the greatest flux of water and solutes, (b) whether all three watersheds responded similarly to the regional atmospheric patterns, and (c) how these fluxes changed seasonally. Seven broad categories of atmospheric patterns were identified. In general, low pressure systems situated over the Great Lakes region produced the most rainfall which resulted in the highest peak streamflow by event along with daily fluxes of DOC and ‐N across the watersheds. In contrast, southwest flow regimes and Northwest Flow regimes occurred the most frequently (36% and 14% of study days, respectively) and resulted in the largest overall export (+50% of total) of water and solutes from the three watersheds. Regardless of watershed size or location, streamflow dynamics were similar when classified using synoptic typing. As such, valuable insight into the meteorological mechanisms behind temporal variation in carbon and nitrate stream export in forested watersheds can be gained by employing regional synoptic weather analyses.
Evaluation of Different Methods for Calculating the ROTI Index Over the Brazilian Sector
Authors: Carmo C. S. , Denardini C. M. , Figueiredo C. A. O. B. , Resende L. C. A. , Picanço G. A. S. , Barbosa Neto P. F. , Nogueira P. A. B. , Moro J. , Chen S. S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIonospheric irregularities as plasma bubbles occur in the ionosphere, and generally, they are characterized by the low plasma density regions. The Rate Of TEC Index (ROTI) was defined in terms of the Total Electron Content (TEC) variation and is used to characterize these plasma bubbles. It is essential to evaluate the ROTI behavior since the ionospheric irregularities can cause fluctuations in the radio signal, interfering in the ionospheric data analysis. Therefore, we performed in this work a comparative study of five different methods available to calculate the ROTI to evaluate the most suitable over the Brazilian region. The ROTI was calculated over three GNSS stations at different latitudes: São Luís (SALU, 2°31′S, 44°16′W; dip: −3.8°), Cachoeira Paulista (CHPI, 22°40'S, 44°59'W; dip: −36.4°), and Santa Maria (SMAR, 29°41′S, 53°48′W, dip: −37°). The results show that the most viable method for calculating ROTI in the Brazilian region is based on the Slant TEC equation as defined by Cherniak et al. (2018), https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291‐018‐0730‐1. Our results are supported by the comparison between the ROTI with TEC maps, ionograms collected at Fortaleza (FZA0M, 3°43'S, 38°32'W, dip: −15.8°), SALU, and CHPI and All‐Sky imagers collected at the São João do Cariri (SJCA, 7°23'S, 36°31'W, dip: −11°) and CHPI. Additionally, we observe Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs) in the Brazilian region using the ROTI index map.
VHL regulates the sensitivity of clear cell renal cell carcinoma to SIRT4-mediated metabolic stress via HIF-1α/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Tong Ying , Kai Jinyan , Wang Shuo , Yu Yiwen , Xie Suhong , Zheng Hui , Wang Yanchun , Liu Yixuan , Zhu Keyu , Guan Xiaolin , Guo Lin , Lu Renquan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractClear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) reprogram carbon metabolism responses to hypoxia, thereby promoting utilization of glutamine. Recently, sirtuin 4 (SIRT4), a novel molecular has turned out to be related to alternating glutamine metabolism and modulating the tumor microenvironment. However, the role of SIRT4 in ccRCC remains poorly understood. Here, we illustrated that the expression of SIRT4 is markedly reduced in cancerous tissues, and closely associated with malignancy stage, grade, and prognosis. In ccRCC cells, SIRT4 exerted its proapoptotic activity through enhancing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is part of an endogenous defense system against oxidative stress. Nevertheless, overexpression of SIRT4 hindered the upregulation of HO-1 in von Hippel–Lindau (VHL)-proficient cells and repressed its expression in VHL-deficient cells. This discrepancy indicated that competent VHL withstands the inhibitory role of SIRT4 on HIF-1α/HO-1. Functionally, overexpression of HO-1 counteracted the promotional effects of SIRT4 on ROS accumulation and apoptosis. Mechanistically, SIRT4 modulates ROS and HO-1 expression via accommodating p38-MAPK phosphorylation. By contrast, downregulation of p38-MAPK by SB203580 decreased intracellular ROS level and enhanced the expression of HO-1. Collectively, this work revealed a potential role for SIRT4 in the stimulation of ROS and the modulation of apoptosis. SIRT4/HO-1 may act as a potential therapeutic target, especially in VHL-deficient ccRCCs.
Modeling the effectiveness of olfactory testing to limit SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Authors: Larremore Daniel B. , Toomre Derek , Parker Roy 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA central problem in the COVID-19 pandemic is that there is not enough testing to prevent infectious spread of SARS-CoV-2, causing surges and lockdowns with human and economic toll. Molecular tests that detect viral RNAs or antigens will be unable to rise to this challenge unless testing capacity increases by at least an order of magnitude while decreasing turnaround times. Here, we evaluate an alternative strategy based on the monitoring of olfactory dysfunction, a symptom identified in 76–83% of SARS-CoV-2 infections—including those with no other symptoms—when a standardized olfaction test is used. We model how screening for olfactory dysfunction, with reflexive molecular tests, could be beneficial in reducing community spread of SARS-CoV-2 by varying testing frequency and the prevalence, duration, and onset time of olfactory dysfunction. We find that monitoring olfactory dysfunction could reduce spread via regular screening, and could reduce risk when used at point-of-entry for single-day events. In light of these estimated impacts, and because olfactory tests can be mass produced at low cost and self-administered, we suggest that screening for olfactory dysfunction could be a high impact and cost-effective method for broad COVID-19 screening and surveillance.
Structural basis of GTPase-mediated mitochondrial ribosome biogenesis and recycling
Authors: Hillen Hauke S. , Lavdovskaia Elena , Nadler Franziska , Hanitsch Elisa , Linden Andreas , Bohnsack Katherine E. , Urlaub Henning , Richter-Dennerlein Ricarda 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRibosome biogenesis requires auxiliary factors to promote folding and assembly of ribosomal proteins and RNA. Particularly, maturation of the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) is mediated by conserved GTPases, but the molecular basis is poorly understood. Here, we define the mechanism of GTPase-driven maturation of the human mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit (mtLSU) using endogenous complex purification, in vitro reconstitution and cryo-EM. Structures of transient native mtLSU assembly intermediates that accumulate in GTPBP6-deficient cells reveal how the biogenesis factors GTPBP5, MTERF4 and NSUN4 facilitate PTC folding. Addition of recombinant GTPBP6 reconstitutes late mtLSU biogenesis in vitro and shows that GTPBP6 triggers a molecular switch and progression to a near-mature PTC state. Additionally, cryo-EM analysis of GTPBP6-treated mature mitochondrial ribosomes reveals the structural basis for the dual-role of GTPBP6 in ribosome biogenesis and recycling. Together, these results provide a framework for understanding step-wise PTC folding as a critical conserved quality control checkpoint.
PGC-1α mediates a metabolic host defense response in human airway epithelium during rhinovirus infections
Authors: Michi Aubrey N. , Yipp Bryan G. , Dufour Antoine , Lopes Fernando , Proud David 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHuman rhinoviruses (HRV) are common cold viruses associated with exacerbations of lower airways diseases. Although viral induced epithelial damage mediates inflammation, the molecular mechanisms responsible for airway epithelial damage and dysfunction remain undefined. Using experimental HRV infection studies in highly differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells grown at air-liquid interface (ALI), we examine the links between viral host defense, cellular metabolism, and epithelial barrier function. We observe that early HRV-C15 infection induces a transitory barrier-protective metabolic state characterized by glycolysis that ultimately becomes exhausted as the infection progresses and leads to cellular damage. Pharmacological promotion of glycolysis induces ROS-dependent upregulation of the mitochondrial metabolic regulator, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), thereby restoring epithelial barrier function, improving viral defense, and attenuating disease pathology. Therefore, PGC-1α regulates a metabolic pathway essential to host defense that can be therapeutically targeted to rescue airway epithelial barrier dysfunction and potentially prevent severe respiratory complications or secondary bacterial infections.
Vortex states in an acoustic Weyl crystal with a topological lattice defect
Authors: Wang Qiang , Ge Yong , Sun Hong-xiang , Xue Haoran , Jia Ding , Guan Yi-jun , Yuan Shou-qi , Zhang Baile , Chong Y. D. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCrystalline materials can host topological lattice defects that are robust against local deformations, and such defects can interact in interesting ways with the topological features of the underlying band structure. We design and implement a three dimensional acoustic Weyl metamaterial hosting robust modes bound to a one-dimensional topological lattice defect. The modes are related to topological features of the bulk bands, and carry nonzero orbital angular momentum locked to the direction of propagation. They span a range of axial wavenumbers defined by the projections of two bulk Weyl points to a one-dimensional subspace, in a manner analogous to the formation of Fermi arc surface states. We use acoustic experiments to probe their dispersion relation, orbital angular momentum locked waveguiding, and ability to emit acoustic vortices into free space. These results point to new possibilities for creating and exploiting topological modes in three-dimensional structures through the interplay between band topology in momentum space and topological lattice defects in real space.