bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-adjuvanting nanovaccines boost lung-resident CD4+ T cell immune responses in BCG-primed mice
Authors: Files Megan A. , Naqvi Kubra F. , Saito Tais B. , Clover Tara M. , Rudra Jai S. , Endsley Janice J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHeterologous vaccine regimens could extend waning protection in the global population immunized with Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG). We demonstrate that pulmonary delivery of peptide nanofibers (PNFs) bearing an Ag85B CD4+ T cell epitope increased the frequency of antigen-specific T cells in BCG-primed mice, including heterogenous populations with tissue resident memory (Trm) and effector memory (Tem) phenotype, and functional cytokine recall. Adoptive transfer of dendritic cells pulsed with Ag85B-bearing PNFs further expanded the frequency and functional repertoire of memory CD4+ T cells. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the adjuvanticity of peptide nanofibers is, in part, due to the release of damage-associated molecular patterns. A single boost with monovalent Ag85B PNF in BCG-primed mice did not reduce lung bacterial burden compared to BCG alone following aerosol Mtb challenge. These findings support the need for novel BCG booster strategies that activate pools of Trm cells with potentially diverse localization, trafficking, and immune function.
Online misinformation is linked to early COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and refusal
Authors: Pierri Francesco , Perry Brea L. , DeVerna Matthew R. , Yang Kai-Cheng , Flammini Alessandro , Menczer Filippo , Bryden John 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWidespread uptake of vaccines is necessary to achieve herd immunity. However, uptake rates have varied across U.S. states during the first six months of the COVID-19 vaccination program. Misbeliefs may play an important role in vaccine hesitancy, and there is a need to understand relationships between misinformation, beliefs, behaviors, and health outcomes. Here we investigate the extent to which COVID-19 vaccination rates and vaccine hesitancy are associated with levels of online misinformation about vaccines. We also look for evidence of directionality from online misinformation to vaccine hesitancy. We find a negative relationship between misinformation and vaccination uptake rates. Online misinformation is also correlated with vaccine hesitancy rates taken from survey data. Associations between vaccine outcomes and misinformation remain significant when accounting for political as well as demographic and socioeconomic factors. While vaccine hesitancy is strongly associated with Republican vote share, we observe that the effect of online misinformation on hesitancy is strongest across Democratic rather than Republican counties. Granger causality analysis shows evidence for a directional relationship from online misinformation to vaccine hesitancy. Our results support a need for interventions that address misbeliefs, allowing individuals to make better-informed health decisions.
Synergistic use of siderophores and weak organic ligands during zinc transport in the rhizosphere controlled by pH and ion strength gradients
Authors: Northover George H. R. , Mao Yiru , Blasco Salvador , Vilar Ramon , Garcia-España Enrique , Rocco Claudia , Hanif Md , Weiss Dominik J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCitrate (Cit) and Deferoxamine B (DFOB) are two important organic ligands coexisting in soils with distinct different affinities for metal ions. It has been theorized that siderophores and weak organic ligands play a synergistic role during the transport of micronutrients in the rhizosphere, but the geochemical controls of this process remain unknown. Here we test the hypothesis that gradients in pH and ion strength regulate and enable the cooperation. To this end, first we use potentiometric titrations to identify the dominant Zn(II)–Cit and Zn(II)–DFOB complexes and to determine their ionic strength dependent stability constants between 0 and 1 mol dm−3. We parametrise the Extended Debye-Hückel (EDH) equation and determine accurate intrinsic association constants (logβ0) for the formation of the complexes present. The speciation model developed confirms the presence of [Zn(Cit)]−, [Zn(HCit)], [Zn2(Cit)2(OH)2]4−, and [Zn(Cit)2]4−, with [Zn(Cit)]− and [Zn2(Cit)2(OH)2]4− the dominant species in the pH range relevant to rhizosphere. We propose the existence of a new [Zn(Cit)(OH)3]4− complex above pH 10. We also verify the existence of two hexadentate Zn(II)–DFOB species, i.e., [Zn(DFOB)]− and [Zn(HDFOB)], and of one tetradentate species [Zn(H2DFOB)]+. Second, we identify the pH and ionic strength dependent ligand exchange points (LEP) of Zn with citrate and DFOB and the stability windows for Zn(II)–Cit and Zn(II)–DFOB complexes in NaCl and rice soil solutions. We find that the LEPs fall within the pH and ionic strength gradients expected in rhizospheres and that the stability windows for Zn(II)–citrate and Zn(II)–DFOB, i.e., low and high affinity ligands, can be distinctly set off. This suggests that pH and ion strength gradients allow for Zn(II) complexes with citrate and DFOB to dominate in different parts of the rhizosphere and this explains why mixtures of low and high affinity ligands increase leaching of micronutrients in soils. Speciation models of soil solutions using newly determined association constants demonstrate that the presence of dissolved organic matter and inorganic ligands (i.e., bicarbonate, phosphate, sulphate, or chlorides) do neither affect the position of the LEP nor the width of the stability windows significantly. In conclusion, we demonstrate that cooperative and synergistic ligand interaction between low and high affinity ligands is a valid mechanism for controlling zinc transport in the rhizosphere and possibly in other environmental reservoirs such as in the phycosphere. Multiple production of weak and strong ligands is therefore a valid strategy of plants and other soil organisms to improve access to micronutrients.
Temperature gradient of vertical air column in gravitational field
Authors: Jeong Han Mo , Park Sangyoun 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe negative temperature gradient under gravity was observed with a vertical air column inside a practically insulated aluminum cylinder filled with sawdust. The temperature drop rate measured between 90 and 10 cm height positions was as much as 2.22 Km−1 when the diameter of the air column was 60 cm. This drop rate is much larger than the mean lapse rate of the earth’s troposphere (0.0045–0.0065 Km−1) and the previously reported experimental value (0.07 Km−1) by Graeff for the air column in a relatively small system. We proposed a kinetic model based on classical mechanics to account for this temperature drop, which is significantly larger than the values previously reported. The negative temperature gradient of the air column inside the cylinder showed a tendency to decrease sensitively as the positive temperature gradient of the ambient air outside the cylinder increased, although it was practically insulated. In addition, the temperature drop rate increased as the air column's diameter increased. These results suggest that as the size of the system increases, the external influence that relaxes the negative temperature gradient of the air column is diluted, and thus the negative temperature gradient becomes more pronounced.
Multi-angle quantum approximate optimization algorithm
Authors: Herrman Rebekah , Lotshaw Phillip C. , Ostrowski James , Humble Travis S. , Siopsis George 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) generates an approximate solution to combinatorial optimization problems using a variational ansatz circuit defined by parameterized layers of quantum evolution. In theory, the approximation improves with increasing ansatz depth but gate noise and circuit complexity undermine performance in practice. Here, we investigate a multi-angle ansatz for QAOA that reduces circuit depth and improves the approximation ratio by increasing the number of classical parameters. Even though the number of parameters increases, our results indicate that good parameters can be found in polynomial time for a test dataset we consider. This new ansatz gives a 33% increase in the approximation ratio for an infinite family of MaxCut instances over QAOA. The optimal performance is lower bounded by the conventional ansatz, and we present empirical results for graphs on eight vertices that one layer of the multi-angle anstaz is comparable to three layers of the traditional ansatz on MaxCut problems. Similarly, multi-angle QAOA yields a higher approximation ratio than QAOA at the same depth on a collection of MaxCut instances on fifty and one-hundred vertex graphs. Many of the optimized parameters are found to be zero, so their associated gates can be removed from the circuit, further decreasing the circuit depth. These results indicate that multi-angle QAOA requires shallower circuits to solve problems than QAOA, making it more viable for near-term intermediate-scale quantum devices.
Light dependent synthesis of a nucleotide second messenger controls the motility of a spirochete bacterium
Authors: Xu Jun , Koizumi Nobuo , Morimoto Yusuke V. , Ozuru Ryo , Masuzawa Toshiyuki , Nakamura Shuichi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractNucleotide second messengers are universally crucial factors for the signal transduction of various organisms. In prokaryotes, cyclic nucleotide messengers are involved in the bacterial life cycle and in functions such as virulence and biofilm formation, mainly via gene regulation. Here, we show that the swimming motility of the soil bacterium Leptospira kobayashii is rapidly modulated by light stimulation. Analysis of a loss-of-photoresponsivity mutant obtained by transposon random mutagenesis identified the novel sensory gene, and its expression in Escherichia coli through codon optimization elucidated the light-dependent synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). GFP labeling showed the localization of the photoresponsive enzyme at the cell poles where flagellar motors reside. These findings suggest a new role for cAMP in rapidly controlling the flagella-dependent motility of Leptospira and highlight the global distribution of the newly discovered photoactivated cyclase among diverse microbial species.
Trends in the association between body mass index and blood pressure among 19-year-old men in Korea from 2003 to 2017
Authors: Koh Hee Byung , Heo Ga Young , Kim Kyung Won , Ha Joohyung , Park Jung Tak , Han Seung Hyeok , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Kang Shin-Wook , Kim Hyung Woo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe strength of association between the body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) varies with population and time. Therefore, identifying the trends in BMI-BP association in adolescents can help predict the upcoming metabolic and cardiovascular disease burden. For this reason, from physical examination data collected from 2003 to 2017, a total of 5,133,246 Korean men aged 19 years were assessed for the annual trends and changes in the BMI-BP association. During the 15-year period, the mean BMI increased from 22.5 to 23.5 kg/m2, and the prevalence of obesity increased from 16.7 to 21.4%. Meanwhile, the mean systolic BP (SBP) decreased from 122.8 to 122.3 mmHg in the first year and gradually increased to 125.9 mmHg afterward. The diastolic BP (DBP) decreased from 71.5 to 70.0 mmHg in the first 4 years and then rose to 74.8 mmHg in the following years. The association analysis between BMI and SBP resulted in an annual increase in the correlation coefficient (SBP: 0.257–0.495, DBP: 0.164–0.413). The regression coefficient similarly increased between 2003 and 2015 but slightly decreased between 2015 and 2017 (SBP: 0.896–1.569, DBP: 0.405–0.861). The BMI-BP association increased over time (coefficient of the interaction term > 0, P < 0.001). Moreover, as the BMI increased, the annual increase in BP and BP per unit BMI also increased. In conclusion, this study emphasized a continuous shift towards obesity in BMI distribution and intensifying BMI-BP association over time in young men. Further research on factors affecting this BMI-BP association is needed to fully validate the potential applications of this hypothesis.
High accuracy tracking of ultrasonic motor based on PID operation of sliding surface plus inverse system compensation
Authors: Yan Gangfeng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractUltrasonic motor as a actuator of control system is widely used in the equipment driven for the precision manufacturing. In this brief, for the selection of the ultrasonic motor, an approximate time-domain mathematical model was established according to the physical mechanism of the ultrasonic motor. The parameters of the model were identified by using the least square method. Responses of the obtained model to the pulse width signal and the triangular wave signal are approximate consistent with those of the actual system respectively, which show the accuracy of the model. Then, the approach of PID operation of the sliding surface plus the inverse system compensation is proposed, the stability of the controlled system and the selection of the proposed approach parameters were discussed. The conventional PI control method with large gain and the proposed control approach were used to track the same signal. Then, the robustness of the proposed control method was tested, a 0.3 kg load was added to the system while keeping the two controller parameters and tracking signals unchanged, and the tracking effects of the two control methods were obtained. The results show that the proposed control approach has a superior performance compared to the conventional PI control approach.
Africans and Europeans differ in their facial perception of dominance and sex-typicality: a multidimensional Bayesian approach
Authors: Fiala Vojtěch , Tureček Petr , Akoko Robert Mbe , Pokorný Šimon , Kleisner Karel 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBiosocial impact of facial dominance and sex-typicality is well-evidenced in various human groups. It remains unclear, though, whether perceived sex-typicality and dominance can be consistently predicted from sexually dimorphic facial features across populations. Using a combination of multidimensional Bayesian approach and geometric morphometrics, we explored associations between perceived dominance, perceived sex-typicality, measured sexual shape dimorphism, and skin colour in a European and an African population. Unlike previous studies, we investigated the effect of facial variation due to shape separately from variation due to visual cues not related to shape in natural nonmanipulated stimuli. In men, perceived masculinity was associated with perceived dominance in both populations. In European women higher perceived femininity was, surprisingly, likewise positively associated with perceived dominance. Both shape and non-shape components participate in the constitution of facial sex-typicality and dominance. Skin colour predicted perceived sex-typicality in Africans but not in Europeans. Members of each population probably use different cues to assess sex-typicality and dominance. Using our methods, we found no universal sexually dimorphic scale predicting human perception of sex-typicality and dominance. Unidimensional understanding of sex-typicality thus seems problematic and should be applied with cautions when studying perceived sex-typicality and its correlates.
Numerical study on the evolution process of slope failure triggered by extreme rainfall along a road-cut in mountainous terrain
Authors: Sengani Fhatuwani , Allopi Dhiren 
Published: April 2022

AbstractModeling the flow evolution of a slope governed by solid mass has been recognized as a challenge, yet most stability analyses are only based on stability number or Safety Factor (FOS). The stability number in most cases does not incorporate the deformation characteristics of the material and the change in solid mass phases such as from solid-like to fluid-like phase. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to present a numerical simulation that describes the failure evolution of a slope with a fault along with a road cut. A finite element method associated with an elastoplastic model with strain softening is adopted to provide a failure evolution of R71 road cut slope instabilities. The results of the study have demonstrated that the present computational framework is capable of quantitatively reproducing the failure evolution process, the final run-out distance of the slope material. The simulation has evidenced that the flow evolution of material during extreme rainfall is expected to extend to the final deposit of 4.5 m, indeed, the field measurements and observations also confirm. Furthermore, the simulations also demonstrated that the distance in which material can reach is largely controlled by the composition and phases of the material undergone during flow evolution. Owing to that, the resistance of material has a major role in the run-out of the material; this resistance of the material is also controlled by shearing and absorbed kinetic energy during the process. The overall conclusion is that, for material to flow for a longer distance, high kinetic energy and more shearing of material are expected to take place during this process. It is recommended that other sophisticated methods could be utilized to further the results.
Variational quantum support vector machine based on $$\Gamma $$ matrix expansion and variational universal-quantum-state generator
Authors: Ezawa Motohiko 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe analyze a binary classification problem by using a support vector machine based on variational quantum-circuit model. We propose to solve a linear equation of the support vector machine by using a$$\Gamma $$Γmatrix expansion. In addition, it is shown that an arbitrary quantum state is prepared by optimizing a universal quantum circuit representing an arbitrary$$U(2^N)$$U(2N)based on the steepest descent method. It may be a quantum generalization of Field-Programmable-Gate Array (FPGA).
Computer-aided efficient design and performance optimization of cutting head for roadheader
Authors: Jin Xin , Zhao Guochao , Zhao Lijuan , Lin Guocong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe cutting head is the core working mechanism of the roadheader for coal-rock materials cutting. The efficient and high performance design of cutting head is the key to improve the road head digging and mining technology. In this paper, based on cutting head design theory and virtual prototype technology, we propose a computer-aided structure design and performance optimization method for cutting head. We compile the calculation code and realize the reading and storing of relevant data through Excel. In particular, to obtain more realistic cutting performance data of the cutting head, we construct a coupling model of cutting head cutting rock wall based on virtual prototype technology, and then establish a database matching structural parameters, working parameters, coal-rock properties and cutting performance through extensive simulations. Based on the method, we complete the design of EBZ220 roadheader cutting head. We show that our method can realize the fast and efficient design of cutting head, and the designed cutting head has good working performance.
Mammal extinction facilitated biome shift and human population change during the last glacial termination in East-Central Europe
Authors: Magyari Enikő Katalin , Gasparik Mihály , Major István , Lengyel György , Pál Ilona , Virág Attila , Korponai János , Haliuc Aritina , Szabó Zoltán , Pazonyi Piroska 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe study of local extinction times, together with the associated environmental and human population changes in the last glacial termination, provides insights into the causes of mega- and microfauna extinctions. In East-Central (EC) Europe, groups of Palaeolithic humans were present throughout the last glacial maximum, but disappeared suddenly around 15,200 cal BP. In this study cave sediment profiles dated using radiocarbon techniques and a large set of mammal bones dated directly by AMS 14C were used to determine local extinction times. These were, in turn, compared to changes in the total megafauna population of EC Europe derived from coprophilous fungi, the Epigravettian population decline, quantitative climate models, pollen and plant macrofossil inferred climate, as well as to biome reconstructions. The results suggest that the population size of large herbivores decreased in the area after 17,700 cal BP, when temperate tree abundance and warm continental steppe cover both increased in the lowlands. Boreal forest expansion started around 16,200 cal BP. Cave sediments show the decline of narrow-headed vole and arctic lemming populations specifically associated with a tundra environment at the same time and the expansion of the common vole, an inhabitant of steppes. The last dated appearance of arctic lemming was at ~ 16,640 cal BP, while that of the narrow-headed vole at ~ 13,340, and the estimated extinction time of woolly mammoth was either at 13,830 (GRIWM) or 15,210 (PHASE), and reindeer at 11,860 (GRIWM) or 12,550 cal BP (PHASE). The population decline of the large herbivore fauna slightly preceded changes in terrestrial vegetation, and likely facilitated it via a reduction in the intensity of grazing and the concomitant accumulation of plant biomass. Furthermore, it is possible to conclude that the Late Epigravettian population had high degree of quarry-fidelity; they left the basin when these mammals vanished.
Impact of immobilization strategies on the activity and recyclability of lipases in nanomagnetic supports
Authors: de Andrade Silva Thais , Keijok Wanderson Juvêncio , Guimarães Marco Cesar Cunegundes , Cassini Sérvio Túlio Alves , de Oliveira Jairo Pinto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe use of enzymes immobilized on nanomagnetic supports has produced surprising results in catalysis, mainly due to the increase in surface area and the potential for recovery and reuse. However, the meticulous control of the process and difficulties in reproducibility have made industrial-scale applications unfeasible. Furthermore, the role of conjugation strategies in the catalytic activity and recycling of catalysts is unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the conjugation of enzymes on nanomagnetic supports through physical adsorption (naked) or covalent bonding with mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) and aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) ligands. The free lipase obtained from Rhizomucor miehei was used as a model enzyme. Total protein and enzyme activity were determined using spectrophotometry (UV–Vis) and the p-nitrophenyl palmitate (p-NPP) hydrolysis method. The results indicated that a more significant enzyme surface loading does not always mean better immobilization success. The physical adsorption binding strategy had higher surface loading and low catalytic activity. On the other hand, covalent coupling with free NH2 had an excellent catalytic activity with very low surface loading. Finally, we show that recyclability can be improved with conjugation mediated by disulfide bonds. The findings presented here are essential for developing nanoconjugates with high enzymatic activity, which can guarantee the success of several industrial applications.