bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of small molecule agonists of the Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 2
Authors: Esteban-Lopez Maria , Wilson Kenneth J. , Myhr Courtney , Kaftanovskaya Elena M. , Henderson Mark J. , Southall Noel T. , Xu Xin , Wang Amy , Hu Xin , Barnaeva Elena , Ye Wenjuan , George Emmett R. , Sherrill John T. , Ferrer Marc , Morello Roy , Agoulnik Irina U. , Marugan Juan J. , Agoulnik Alexander I.
Published: November 2022

The relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) belongs to the family of class A G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and it is the only known target for the insulin-like factor 3 peptide (INSL3). The importance of this ligand-receptor pair in the development of the gubernacular ligament during the transabdominal phase of testicular descent is well established. More recently, RXFP2 has been implicated in maintaining healthy bone formation. In this report, we describe the discovery of a small molecule series of RXFP2 agonists. These compounds are highly potent, efficacious, and selective RXFP2 allosteric agonists that induce gubernacular invagination in mouse embryos, increase mineralization activity in human osteoblasts in vitro, and improve bone trabecular parameters in adult mice. The described RXFP2 agonists are orally bioavailable and display favorable pharmacokinetic properties, which allow for future evaluation of the therapeutic benefits of modulating RXFP2 activation in disease models.
Chromosome-scale assemblies of the male and female Populus euphratica genomes reveal the molecular basis of sex determination and sexual dimorphism
Authors: Zhang Shanhe , Wu Zhihua , Ma De , Zhai Juntuan , Han Xiaoli , Jiang Zhenbo , Liu Shuo , Xu Jingdong , Jiao Peipei , Li Zhijun
Published: November 2022

Reference-quality genomes of both sexes are essential for studying sex determination and sex-chromosome evolution, as their gene contents and expression profiles differ. Here, we present independent chromosome-level genome assemblies for the female (XX) and male (XY) genomes of desert poplar (Populus euphratica), resolving a 22.7-Mb X and 24.8-Mb Y chromosome. We also identified a relatively complete 761-kb sex-linked region (SLR) in the peritelomeric region on chromosome 14 (Y). Within the SLR, recombination around the partial repeats for the feminizing factor ARR17 (ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR 17) was potentially suppressed by flanking palindromic arms and the dense accumulation of retrotransposons. The inverted small segments S1 and S2 of ARR17 exhibited relaxed selective pressure and triggered sex determination by generating 24-nt small interfering RNAs that induce male-specific hyper-methylation at the promoter of the autosomal targeted ARR17. We also detected two male-specific fusion genes encoding proteins with NB-ARC domains at the breakpoint region of an inversion in the SLR that may be responsible for the observed sexual dimorphism in immune responses. Our results show that the SLR appears to follow proposed evolutionary dynamics for sex chromosomes and advance our understanding of sex determination and the evolution of sex chromosomes in Populus.
Reassessing a cryptic history of early trilobite evolution
Authors: Holmes James D. , Budd Graham E.
Published: November 2022

Trilobites are an iconic Paleozoic group of biomineralizing marine euarthropods that appear abruptly in the fossil record (c. 521 million years ago) during the Cambrian ‘explosion’. This sudden appearance has proven controversial ever since Darwin puzzled over the lack of pre-trilobitic fossils in theOrigin of Species, and it has generally been assumed that trilobites must have an unobserved cryptic evolutionary history reaching back into the Precambrian. Here we review the assumptions behind this model, and suggest that a cryptic history creates significant difficulties, including the invocation of rampant convergent evolution of biomineralized structures and the abandonment of the synapomorphies uniting the clade. We show that a vicariance explanation for early Cambrian trilobite palaeobiogeographic patterns is inconsistent with factors controlling extant marine invertebrate distributions, including the increasingly-recognized importance of long-distance dispersal. We suggest that survivorship bias may explain the initial rapid diversification of trilobites, and conclude that the group’s appearance at c. 521 Ma closely reflects their evolutionary origins.
Use of temporal contact graphs to understand the evolution of COVID-19 through contact tracing data
Authors: Wu Mincheng , Li Chao , Shen Zhangchong , He Shibo , Tang Lingling , Zheng Jie , Fang Yi , Li Kehan , Cheng Yanggang , Shi Zhiguo , Sheng Guoping , Liu Yu , Zhu Jinxing , Ye Xinjiang , Chen Jinlai , Chen Wenrong , Li Lanjuan , Sun Youxian , Chen Jiming
Published: November 2022

Digital contact tracing has been recently advocated by China and many countries as part of digital prevention measures on COVID-19. Controversies have been raised about their effectiveness in practice as it remains open how they can be fully utilized to control COVID-19. In this article, we show that an abundance of information can be extracted from digital contact tracing for COVID-19 prevention and control. Specifically, we construct a temporal contact graph that quantifies the daily contacts between infectious and susceptible individuals by exploiting a large volume of location-related data contributed by 10,527,737 smartphone users in Wuhan, China. The temporal contact graph reveals five time-varying indicators can accurately capture actual contact trends at population level, demonstrating that travel restrictions (e.g., city lockdown) in Wuhan played an important role in containing COVID-19. We reveal a strong correlation between the contacts level and the epidemic size, and estimate several significant epidemiological parameters (e.g., serial interval). We also show that user participation rate exerts higher influence on situation evaluation than user upload rate does, indicating a sub-sampled dataset would be as good at prediction. At individual level, however, the temporal contact graph plays a limited role, since the behavior distinction between the infected and uninfected individuals are not substantial. The revealed results can tell the effectiveness of digital contact tracing against COVID-19, providing guidelines for governments to implement interventions using information technology.
Integration of machine learning with neutron scattering for the Hamiltonian tuning of spin ice under pressure
Authors: Samarakoon Anjana , Tennant D. Alan , Ye Feng , Zhang Qiang , Grigera Santiago A.
Published: November 2022

Quantum materials research requires co-design of theory with experiments and involves demanding simulations and the analysis of vast quantities of data, usually including pattern recognition and clustering. Artificial intelligence is a natural route to optimise these processes and bring theory and experiments together. Here, we propose a scheme that integrates machine learning with high-performance simulations and scattering measurements, covering the pipeline of typical neutron experiments. Our approach uses nonlinear autoencoders trained on realistic simulations along with a fast surrogate for the calculation of scattering in the form of a generative model. We demonstrate this approach in a highly frustrated magnet, Dy2Ti2O7, using machine learning predictions to guide the neutron scattering experiment under hydrostatic pressure, extract material parameters and construct a phase diagram. Our scheme provides a comprehensive set of capabilities that allows direct integration of theory along with automated data processing and provides on a rapid timescale direct insight into a challenging condensed matter system.
Plant-based Bioactive Components as Encapsulating Agents for Functional Food Applications
Authors: Boostani S. , Babajafari S. , Mazloomi S. M.
Published: November 2022

In recent years, innovative types of bio-based materials have served as targeted delivery systems. Plant-based bioactive components can host the “clean label” and “green label”, while having health-promoting aspects. However, the selection of appropriate materials in the making of an encapsulation system is a crucial step in obtaining high techno-functional performances and delivery-systems. This chapter discusses potent plant-based bioactive components to provide a robust background for the design of encapsulation systems. It also includes techno-functional applications and encapsulation systems that are assumed to affect the release of food ingredients from such systems into the food matrix or the digestive tract. Here, various methods of fabrication of nanoparticles are described. Overall, this chapter highlights the link between the underlying aspects and exemplified pieces of evidence that provide insights into the rational design of plant-based bioactive components for controlled delivery formula.
Industrial Wastes and By-products: A Source of Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, and Biopolymers
Authors: Lemes Ailton Cesar , Coelho Maria Alice Zarur , Gautério Gabrielle Victoria , de Paula Ladyslene Chrísthyns , Filho Josemar Gonçalves de Oliveira , Egea Mariana Buranelo
Published: November 2022

The processing of agro-industrial raw materials results in ∼40% of the waste of everything that is processed, including what is generated in operations carried out in the field, during processing, logistics, retail, and post-consumption. In this sense, there is a need for processes aimed at the full use of materials including the use of waste and/or its crude or isolated/purified fractions. Appropriate processing of waste can contribute to improving the economic viability of the food processing industry and help prevent the accumulation of waste and environmental pollution. In this sense, this chapter provides an overview of the main industrial residues and by-products as a source of components for the formulation of functional foods, as well as for obtaining nutraceutical and biopolymer components.
Application of Biopolymers in Controlled Delivery Systems for Nutraceutical Products and Functional Foods
Authors: Estevinho B. N.
Published: November 2022

Natural biopolymers have attracted the curiosity of the scientific community as matrixes for application in controlled release systems, especially in the food industry. Numerous active compounds have been encapsulated or incorporated in polymeric matrixes for food fortification, supplementation and preparation of nutraceutical products. The controlled release systems, namely the microencapsulated ones have become a challenging methodology to design new materials. The microencapsulated systems can be used to increase the effectiveness of many active compounds in industry, allowing the reformulation of a large number of products, improving and giving them better and new properties. In this chapter, the applicability of the controlled release systems in nutraceuticals products and functional foods using biopolymers as encapsulating agents is discussed. The main microencapsulation methods, the most relevant biopolymers used as wall materials, the controlled release mechanisms, and the models used to evaluate the release are presented. Finally, some potential applications of controlled delivery systems in food are discussed.
A ratiometric, fluorometric approach for surface charge mapping of biosilica features
Authors: Parambath Mithun , Fayyaz Aneeqa , Efimov Igor , Hanley Quentin S. , Perry Carole C.
Published: November 2022

We describe a surface charge imaging method for heterogeneous biosilicas based on relationships between zeta (ζ) potential, feature size of nanoparticles, and PDMPO fluorescence and apply it to silicified structures from living organisms.
A “self-shrinking” supramolecular hydrogel with a 3D shape memory performance from an unnatural amino acid derivative
Authors: Duraisamy Dinesh Kumar , Sureshbhai Panchal Dhruvisha , Saveri Puchalapalli , Deshpande Abhijit P. , Shanmugam Ganesh
Published: November 2022

A self-shrinking supramolecular hydrogel with a shape memory performance from a simple amino acid derivative as a minimalistic model is discovered.
Data-driven generation of mixed X-anion perovskite properties
Authors: Hu Junjie , Zhang Zhe-Yong , Zhao Guo-Xiang , Li Qiao-Hong , Gao Peng , Sa Rong-Jian
Published: November 2022

Mixed X-anion perovskites, such as CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, or I), play an important role in photovoltaic applications.
Linear response properties of solvated systems: a computational study
Authors: Goletto Linda , Gómez Sara , Andersen Josefine H. , Koch Henrik , Giovannini Tommaso
Published: November 2022

We present a computational study of static and dynamic linear polarizabilities in solution by using different multi-layer quantum-embedding approaches also coupled with molecular mechanics force fields.
Effect of OH scavengers on the chemical composition of α-pinene secondary organic aerosol
Authors: Bell David M. , Pospisilova Veronika , Lopez-Hilfiker Felipe , Bertrand Amelie , Xiao Mao , Zhou Xueqin , Huang Wei , Wang Dongyu S. , Lee Chuan Ping , Dommen Josef , Baltensperger Urs , Prevot Andre S. H. , El Haddad Imad , Slowik Jay G.
Published: November 2022

We present a detailed molecular characterization of SOA produced from α-pinene + O3 with a variety of OH scavengers. Radical chemistry controls the composition of SOA and scavengers alter these pathways and are incorporated into the SOA.
One-pot preparation of micro-fibrillated cellulose fiber (MCF) through the synergistic action of g-C3N4 and a diluted acid
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Li Anran , Na Haining , Liu Fei , Zhu Jin
Published: November 2022

g-C3N4 with good cellulose affinity has the ability to peel microfibrils from the fiber surface through the interaction between g-C3N4 and cellulose. Hydrated hydrogen ions can accelerate the dissociation of the hydrogen bond between microfibrils.
Statistical properties of spikes in single particle ICP-MS time scans
Authors: Peyneau Pierre-Emmanuel
Published: November 2022

Single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS) is based on the detection of spikes in a time-resolved signal.
Introducing lignin as a binder material for the aqueous production of NMC111 cathodes for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Bryntesen Silje Nornes , Tolstorebrov Ignat , Svensson Ann Mari , Shearing Paul , Lamb Jacob Joseph , Burheim Odne Stokke
Published: November 2022

The commonly used polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder should be replaced with renewable and abundant binder materials to enable a sustainable aqueous processing route for LIB cathodes, by eliminating the energy-intensive N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) recovery step.
Towards inferring absolute concentrations from relative abundance in time-course GC-MS metabolomics data
Authors: Lee Justin Y. , Han Yue , Styczynski Mark P.
Published: November 2022

MetaboPAC leverages biological knowledge to move towards predicting response factors that allow translation from relative abundances to absolute concentrations in time-course GC-MS metabolomics data.
Construction of photo-induced zinc-doped carbon dots based on drug-resistant bactericides and their application for local treatment
Authors: Zhong Zhuoling , Zhang Yaoyao , Fu Xiaoyun , Liu Shuyao , Zhang Chuanwei , Guo Weijie , Xu Xiaoping , Liao Liyun
Published: November 2022

One photosensitizer with higher catalytic oxidation performance compared to PpIX, that achieves antimicrobial topical treatment of drug-resistant bacteria by generating ROS under the dynamic action of the targeted blue light laser.
Investigation on dyeing mechanism of modified cotton fiber
Authors: Zhai Xiaolei , Ma Jinwei , Wu Yanxiu , Niu Tianjie , Sun Deshuai , Fang Long , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: November 2022

In this investigation, the dyeing mechanism of cotton fibers was investigated through adsorption isotherm, adsorption thermodynamics, adsorption kinetics, activation energy, diffusion coefficient, half-dyeing time and process of fixation.
Construction of a biocompatible MWCNTs–chitosan composite interface and its application to impedance cytosensing of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells
Authors: Zhong Jun , Huang Jing , Chen Liang , Duan Jiang
Published: November 2022

A composite interface enables the impedance cytosensing of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells for counting cells, monitoring cell spreading and proliferation as well as the interactive response to an osteogenic growth peptide active component.
Biologically bound nickel accelerated de-polymerization of polyethylene to high value hydrocarbons and hydrogen
Authors: Johar Parul , Rylott Elizabeth L. , McElroy C. Robert , Matharu Avtar S. , Clark James H.
Published: November 2022

The synergy of Ni-phytocat and microwave driven process leads to highly desirable monocyclic aromatics and low molecular weight hydrocarbons, and H2, thereby paving the way to harness complete circular chemical potential of plastic waste.
Birch fractionation in γ-valerolactone with the emphasis on pulp properties: prehydrolysis, acid-catalyzed, and alkaline-catalyzed concept
Authors: Granatier Marianna , Lê Huy Quang , González Eva Carmona , Sixta Herbert
Published: November 2022

Acid-catalyzed organosolv GVL pulping can yield high-purity dissolving pulp from birch with qualities comparable to commercial acid sulfite dissolving pulp.
An accurate “metal pre-buried” strategy for constructing Ni–N2C2 single-atom sites with high metal loadings toward electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Liu Xian , Liao Luliang , Xia Guomin , Yu Fuqing , Zhang Guangyao , Shu Minxing , Wang Hongming
Published: November 2022

Ni–N2C2 SACs were obtained by the cleavage of Ni–O bonds and formation of Ni–C bonds.
Synergistic defect engineering for improving n-type NbFeSb thermoelectric performance through high-throughput computations
Authors: Li Jingyu , Zhu Jianbo , Ti Zhuoyang , Zhai Wenya , Wei Liuming , Zhang Chi , Liu Peng-Fei , Zhang Yongsheng
Published: November 2022

Synergistic defect engineering for improving electrical and thermal performance of n-type NbFeSb helps achieve the matched n- and p-type legs for thermoelectric applications.
Collagen type II–hyaluronan interactions – the effect of proline hydroxylation: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Bełdowski Piotr , Przybyłek Maciej , Bełdowski Damian , Dedinaite Andra , Sionkowska Alina , Cysewski Piotr , Claesson Per M.
Published: November 2022

The structural and energetic features of collagen–hyaluronan complexes characterized by different HYP/PRO ratios are described using the molecular dynamics method.
Carrier recombination dynamics and temperature dependent optical properties of InAs–GaSb heterostructures
Authors: Hudait Mantu K. , Johnston Steven W. , Meeker Michael , Khodaparast Giti A.
Published: November 2022

Carrier lifetimes of InAs/GaSb heterostructures probed by μ-PCD at 1800 nm wavelength.
Modulating up-conversion and non-radiative deactivation to achieve efficient red thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters
Authors: Gao Teng , Shen Shaogang , Qin Yuanyuan , Gao Honglei , Dong Xiangyu , Pang Zhi , Wang Pengfei , Wang Ying , Hu Xiaoxiao
Published: November 2022

Improving up-conversion and suppressing non-radiative inactivation by employing the novel dibenzothioxanthene acceptor and employing a bulky donor is demonstrated as a new perspective toward highly efficient red organic light-emitting diodes.
A highly effective zinc-methanesulfonic acid catalyst for acetylene hydration
Authors: Zhang Sudi , Wang Qinqin , Chen Zhen , Dai Bin
Published: November 2022

The Zn-1.5MSA/MCM-41 catalyst with 99% C2H2 conversion, and selectivity to CH3CHO was above 70% within 150 h. MSA ligand was added could improve catalyst dispersion. The catalyst aggregation and Zn species loss were the main reasons for the Zn-based catalyst deactivation.
Robust liveness enforcement of Petri nets with uncontrollable and unobservable transitions based on structural analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Liu Gaiyun , Qin Meng , Li Zhiwu
Published: November 2022

This paper concentrates on robust deadlock control problems for an automated manufacturing system with uncontrollable, unobservable events and resource failures, which is modeled by a subclass of Petri nets. A recovery subnet is added to the holder of each unreliable resource to model resource failure and recovery. In order to prevent a strict minimal siphon in a Petri net model from being emptied, an extended constraint set is constructed based on the complementary set of a strict minimal siphon to obtain a robust liveness constraint. Due to the uncontrollability and unobservability of the transitions, an automated manufacturing system cannot enforce inadmissible robust liveness constraints. It is necessary to decide the admissibility of robust liveness constraints and transform the inadmissible constraints into admissible ones. To this end, a monitor is designed for each admissible robust liveness constraint such that it can be enforced. Finally, an iterative algorithm is developed to perform the above steps and a robust liveness controlled system is obtained. The feasibility of the control strategy is demonstrated by examples.
Impact of a Natural Gas Cooler Design on the Cooling Performance
Authors: Čarnogurská Mária , Příhoda Miroslav , Žatkovič Branislav
Published: November 2022

This article describes a methodology for the identification of cooling performance of a natural gas cooler relative to the shape of its heat-transfer surface and presents the outputs of numerical solutions for four different shapes of heat-transfer surfaces in coolers designated as C_A, C_B, C_C and C_D. Calculations were carried out for a cooler with a single row of tubes, and for coolers with two through six rows of tubes that were positioned above one another with an alternating arrangement. In all of the surface shapes, the boundary conditions were respected in order to facilitate the identification of the shape of the heat-transfer surface which is the most appropriate for achieving maximum cooling performance. Out of these four shapes, the best results were observed with the heat-transfer surface of the cooler designated as C_A. The cooling performance of a 1 m long tube with such a surface was 1,650 W.
Pool boiling heat transfer performance of the surface modified with laser
Authors: Orman Łukasz J. , Radek Norbert , Kapjor Andrej , Dębska Luiza
Published: November 2022

The paper deals the problem of pool boiling heat transfer on the surface produced by the modification with the laser beam. The laser enabled to produce grooves and roughness which have a positive impact on heat transfer. The distilled water and ethanol boiling performance of a horizontally located specimen is discussed and the test results are compared with the model of boiling heat transfer selected from the literature. The laser technique proved to be a valuable tool for producing surfaces that improve thermal performance during pool boiling.
Numerical Predictive Combustion Model of Hydrogen Enriched Natural Gas
Authors: Zvada Branislav , Nosek Radovan , Ďurčanský Peter , Kapjor Andrej , Kantová Čajová Nikola
Published: November 2022

Hydrogen was established as one of the main pillars of energy stability in the Europe Union. One of the ways how to achieve this goal is natural gas enriched with hydrogen. Due to this is very important to know the properties of this fuel and its behaviour during combustion. The main scope of the research is to provide a better understanding of the emissions, efficiency, and performance of the heat source when combusting hydrogen and gas fuel mixture. In this paper is described hydrogen characteristics, hydrogen fuel preparation, an overview of gas fuel combustion in gas appliances with the hydrogen additive, a mathematical model for the combustion process estimation. In the conclusion, multiple predictive models were compared. We can state that, based on calculations of a numerical predictive model, as hydrogen concentration raised emissions, as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, wet exhaust, and water, are decreasing.
The Possibilities of Dynamic Phenomena Calculation in the Penstock of Hydropower Plant via Different Methods
Authors: Hlbočan Peter , Ďurčanský Peter , Csuka Zoltán , Kiš Roman , Kolková Zuzana
Published: November 2022

When designing a hydropower plant with a long pressure penstock, special attention must be paid to the pressure conditions in the penstock, especially during emergency flow shutdown. In this paper, the main principles of the calculation of static pressure rise in the pressure pipeline during rapid flow shutdown are presented. The results obtained by analytical methods (calculation of direct and indirect water hammer) and numerical methods (mathematical modelling in Matlab software environment) are compared on specific examples. The influence of some input parameters of the numerical model on the results of the numerical calculation is analysed separately.
Comparison of Performance Parameters of Four Types of Refrigerants
Authors: Čaja Alexander , Čajová Kantová Nikola , Kapjor Andrej , Vantúch Martin
Published: November 2022

The use of refrigerants requires to meet ecology and legislation requirements. The aim of the legislation is also to reduce the global warming potential (GWP). Natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrocarbons such as propane, isobutene, and propylene are used mainly because of their environmental benefits compared to synthetic refrigerants. This work compares two natural refrigerants: R-744 and R-290 and two synthetic refrigerants: R-134a and R-32. All these refrigerants are used mainly in heat pumps. In this work were calculated and compared the following performance parameters: heat rejected in the condenser, cooling power, compressor power, and the coefficient of performance (COP). The most important parameter is the coefficient of performance because when it decreases, electric energy consumption increases. It requires reaching a high value of COP. Further, this work deals with the economic analyses of selected refrigerants. The last aim of this article is their ecologic analysis based on the GWP factor.
Calculation of the Static Pressure Rise in the Hydropower Plant Penstock During Emergency Closing of the Flow
Authors: Hlbočan Peter , Kiš Roman , Murgašová Marta , Csuka Zoltán , Ďurčanský Peter
Published: November 2022

The paper presents an approach to calculate the static pressure rise upstream of a valve in a pressure penstock of a hydropower plant (HPP), i.e. a valve upstream of a turbine, during an emergency closure of the flow. The calculated value of the pressure rise is applied for the design of the appropriate time of the valve emergency closure in the HPP penstock and for the sizing of the various parts of the HPP (structural and mechanical). The basic theoretical background of the problem, calculation relations, the range of validity of the used calculation relations are explained and then the procedure applied to the solution of a specific task from practice is explained.
Demonstration of Non-Uniformity of Velocity Profiles Using 2D PIV
Authors: Pulec Jaroslav , Novosád Jan , Dančová Petra , Vít Tomáš
Published: November 2022

This paper deals with the demonstration of the non-uniformity of velocity profiles in a DN 200 air circular pipe as part of the development of a newly designed tomographic ultrasonic flowmeter. The flowmeter should measure the flow quality independently. Therefore, different aerodynamic conditions were created by placing mechanical obstacles at the entrance of the measuring chamber, and these conditions were experimentally verified. As an experimental channel substituting a section with ultrasonic sensors, a glass segment was placed at the inlet of a suction pipeline, in front of which perforated plates were inserted to break the uniformity of the velocity profile. The two-dimensional Particle Image Velocimetry (2D PIV) method was used to measure in a plane lying in the longitudinal axis of the channel. The experimental setup and PIV system parameters are described. The results are presented as velocity profiles and contour diagrams in cross-sections at different longitudinal positions in the channel. The results show that the requirement of non-uniformity is satisfied. The used disturbing plates disturb the axial symmetry of the profiles and create a backflow.
The Ecological Validity of Countermovement Jump to On-Court Asymmetry
in Basketball
Authors: Keogh Joshua A.J. , Ruder Matthew C , Masood Zaryan , Kobsar Dylan
Published: November 2022

Jump-based asymmetry is often used as an indicator of sport performance and may
be used to discern injury susceptibility. Due to task specificity, however,
countermovement jump asymmetry may not be representative of on-court asymmetry.
As such, we assessed the association between countermovement jump asymmetry and
on-court impact asymmetry metrics (n=3, and n=4, respectively)
using linear regressions (α=0.05). Fifteen female basketball
athletes completed countermovement jump and on-court sessions across a
competitive season. A significant negative association was found between peak
landing force asymmetry and both overall and medium acceleration on-court
asymmetry (b=–0.1, R2=0.08, p<0.001;
b=–0.1, R2 =0.11, p<0.001,
respectively), as well as between peak propulsive force asymmetry and on-court
medium acceleration asymmetry (b=–0.24,
R2=0.04, p=0.01). Alternatively, both peak landing
and peak propulsive force asymmetry were significantly positively associated
with on-court high acceleration asymmetry (b=0.17,
R2 =0.08, p<0.001; b=0.35,
R2=0.02, p=0.04, respectively). While some
overlap may exist, countermovement jump and on-court impact asymmetry appear to
be independent. Thus, sport-specific monitoring may be necessary to adequately
monitor injury susceptibility using asymmetry.
Evaluation of the Effects of Administering Ultradiluted Avena sativa and Echinacea angustifolia on the Hematological Parameters of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) during the Reproductive Period
Authors: Narita Franscinne Brait , Balbueno Melina Castilho de Souza , Yang Michele Legnaro , Peixoto Kleber da Cunha , Vanstreels Ralph E.T. , Coelho Cidéli de Paula
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims Penguins are seabirds that manifest physiological and immunological alterations during the reproductive season. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the laboratory parameters of male and female Magellanic penguins and to determine the penguins' hematological response to homeopathic medicines during that reproductive period.

Methods Penguins (N = 18), kept under human care in a zoological park setting, were evaluated during the reproductive period and were divided randomly into two groups: a group subjected to treatment with Echinacea angustifolia 6cH and Avena sativa 6cH (N = 8; four breeding couples), and a placebo control group (N = 10; five breeding couples). The investigators were blinded to treatment allocation. Two-way ANOVA was performed to determine whether the experimental group (control or verum) and the sex of the animal had any significant effect on the variation of each hematological parameter between the samples. One-way ANOVA was performed on hematological parameters for which the sex did not present a significant effect. The significance level was p ≤0.05.

Results Significant effects were seen regarding the following: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), in which the verum group showed an increase (29.78 ± 52.95 fL) while the control group showed stability/reduction (−3.08 ± 46.36 fL) (p = 0.049); proportion of heterophils, in which the verum group showed a less marked increase (8.38 ± 12.53%) than that of the control group (18.00 ± 9.37%) (p = 0.010); lymphocyte concentration, in which the verum group showed less marked reduction (−4.39 ± 2.21 × 109 cells/L) than that of the control group (−1.56 ± 2.76 × 109 cells/L) (p = 0.001); and proportion of lymphocytes, in which the verum group showed a less marked reduction (−6.75 ± 10.35%) than that of the control group (−17.3 ± 8.73%) (p = 0.002).

Conclusion Comparison of samples collected before and during the reproductive period showed that, regardless of group allocation, there were differences in the effects on MCV, heterophils and lymphocytes. Treatment with Echinacea angustifolia and Avena sativa resulted in maintenance of lymphocyte levels in Magellanic penguins during the breeding period, thus aiding these birds' immunity.
I2/CH3ONa-Promoted Ring-Opening Alkylation of Benzothiazoles with Dialkyl Carbonates
Authors: Xie Jianwei , Liu Ping , Li Xuezhen , He Jing
Published: November 2022

Dialkyl carbonates were used as the green alkylating reagents in the I2-promoted ring-opening alkylation of benzothiazoles. A variety of benzo[d]thiazole derivatives underwent the alkylation smoothly to provide the diverse N-alkyl-N-(o-alkylthio)phenylformamides in moderate to excellent yields. The synthetic utility of this protocol was verified by gram-scale reaction and further derivatization of the products. The mechanism of the involvement of two molecules of dialkyl carbonates in the formation of sulfur-alkyl and nitrogen-alkyl groups, respectively, was also demonstrated.
Synthesis of β-Arylbutenolides Mediated by BF3·OMe2
Authors: Laurentiz Rosangela S. , Finêncio Beatriz M. , Santos Fernanda A.
Published: November 2022

The reaction of phenols or aryl ethers with tetronic acid mediated by BF3·OMe2 was investigated. This strategy allowed for the preparation of β-(hydroxyaryl)butenolides and β-arylbutenolides in a single step in a simpler way than previously reported synthetic methods
On-treatment Comparative Effectiveness of Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants in GARFIELD-VTE, and Focus on Cancer and Renal Disease
Authors: Haas Sylvia , Farjat Alfredo E. , Pieper Karen , Ageno Walter , Angchaisuksiri Pantep , Bounameaux Henri , Goldhaber Samuel Z. , Goto Shinya , Mantovani Lorenzo , Prandoni Paolo , Schellong Sebastian , Turpie Alexander G.G. , Weitz Jeffrey I. , MacCallum Peter , Cate Hugo ten , Panchenko Elizaveta , Carrier Marc , Jerjes-Sanchez Carlos , Gibbs Harry , Jansky Petr , Kayani Gloria , Kakkar Ajay K ,   on behalf of the GARFIELD-VTE investigators
Published: November 2022

Background Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) provide a safe, effective alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment, as shown via intention-to-treat comparative effectiveness analysis. However, on-treatment analysis is imperative in observational studies because anticoagulation choice and duration are at investigators' discretion.

Objectives The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of DOACs and VKAs on 12-month outcomes in VTE patients using on-treatment analysis.

Methods The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD - VTE (GARFIELD-VTE) is a world-wide, prospective, non-interventional study observing treatment of VTE in routine clinical practice.

Results In total, 8,034 patients received VKAs (n = 3,043, 37.9%) or DOACs (n = 4,991, 62.1%). After adjustment for baseline characteristics and follow-up bleeding events, and accounting for possible time-varying confounding, all-cause mortality was significantly lower with DOACs than VKAs (hazard ratio: 0.58 [95% confidence interval 0.42–0.79]). Furthermore, patients receiving VKAs were more likely to die of VTE complications (4.9 vs. 2.2%) or bleeding (4.9 vs. 0.0%). There was no significant difference in rates of recurrent VTE (hazard ratio: 0.74 [0.55–1.01]), major bleeding (hazard ratio: 0.76 [0.47–1.24]), or overall bleeding (hazard ratio: 0.87 [0.72–1.05]) with DOACs or VKAs. Unadjusted analyses suggested that VKA patients with active cancer or renal insufficiency were more likely to die than patients treated with DOAC (52.51 [37.33–73.86] vs. 26.52 [19.37–36.29] and 9.97 [7.51–13.23] vs. 4.70 [3.25–6.81] per 100 person-years, respectively).

Conclusion DOACs and VKAs had similar rates of recurrent VTE and major bleeding. However, DOACs were associated with reduced all-cause mortality and a lower likelihood of death from VTE or bleeding compared with VKAs.
We belong to the land: review of two northern rewilding sites as a vehicle for equity in conservation
Authors: Mustonen Tero , Scherer Antoine , Kelleher Jennifer
Published: November 2022

The current planetary shifts and the redistribution of species require us to rethink nature conservation, both from the viewpoint of forming novel ecosystems and in relation to issues of diversity, historical conservation practices, as well as historical and current injustice. Mainly, this reorientation needs to address the historical errors of mainstream societies that promoted nature conservation for their own benefit, at the expense of Indigenous societies. The article explores two Finnish and Sámi rewilding cases of community-led action. In the end, the research seeks to answer how to negotiate a new co-existence with rewilded sites to achieve a better future.
A comprehensive review of computational and image analysis techniques for quantitative evaluation of striated muscle tissue architecture
Authors: Morris Tessa Altair , Eldeen Sarah , Tran Richard Duc Hien , Grosberg Anna
Published: November 2022

Unbiased evaluation of morphology is crucial to understanding development, mechanics, and pathology of striated muscle tissues. Indeed, the ability of striated muscles to contract and the strength of their contraction is dependent on their tissue-, cellular-, and cytoskeletal-level organization. Accordingly, the study of striated muscles often requires imaging and assessing aspects of their architecture at multiple different spatial scales. While an expert may be able to qualitatively appraise tissues, it is imperative to have robust, repeatable tools to quantify striated myocyte morphology and behavior that can be used to compare across different labs and experiments. There has been a recent effort to define the criteria used by experts to evaluate striated myocyte architecture. In this review, we will describe metrics that have been developed to summarize distinct aspects of striated muscle architecture in multiple different tissues, imaged with various modalities. Additionally, we will provide an overview of metrics and image processing software that needs to be developed. Importantly to any lab working on striated muscle platforms, characterization of striated myocyte morphology using the image processing pipelines discussed in this review can be used to quantitatively evaluate striated muscle tissues and contribute to a robust understanding of the development and mechanics of striated muscles.
Pinning control of networks: Dimensionality reduction through simultaneous block-diagonalization of matrices
Authors: Panahi Shirin , Lodi Matteo , Storace Marco , Sorrentino Francesco
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we study the network pinning control problem in the presence of two different types of coupling: (i) node-to-node coupling among the network nodes and (ii) input-to-node coupling from the source node to the “pinned nodes.” Previous work has mainly focused on the case that (i) and (ii) are of the same type. We decouple the stability analysis of the target synchronous solution into subproblems of the lowest dimension by using the techniques of simultaneous block diagonalization of matrices. Interestingly, we obtain two different types of blocks, driven and undriven. The overall dimension of the driven blocks is equal to the dimension of an appropriately defined controllable subspace, while all the remaining undriven blocks are scalar. Our main result is a decomposition of the stability problem into four independent sets of equations, which we call quotient controllable, quotient uncontrollable, redundant controllable, and redundant uncontrollable. Our analysis shows that the number and location of the pinned nodes affect the number and the dimension of each set of equations. We also observe that in a large variety of complex networks, the stability of the target synchronous solution is de facto only determined by a single quotient controllable block.
Engineered matrix microenvironments reveal the heterogeneity of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell phenotypic responses
Authors: Brougham-Cook Aidan , Kimmel Hannah R. C. , Monckton Chase P. , Owen Daniel , Khetani Salman R. , Underhill Gregory H.
Published: November 2022

Fibrosis is one of the hallmarks of chronic liver disease and is associated with aberrant wound healing. Changes in the composition of the liver microenvironment during fibrosis result in a complex crosstalk of extracellular cues that promote altered behaviors in the cell types that comprise the liver sinusoid, particularly liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). Recently, it has been observed that LSECs may sustain injury before other fibrogenesis-associated cells of the sinusoid, implicating LSECs as key actors in the fibrotic cascade. A high-throughput cellular microarray platform was used to deconstruct the collective influences of defined combinations of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, substrate stiffness, and soluble factors on primary human LSEC phenotype in vitro. We observed remarkable heterogeneity in LSEC phenotype as a function of stiffness, ECM, and soluble factor context. LYVE-1 and CD-31 expressions were highest on 1 kPa substrates, and the VE-cadherin junction localization was highest on 25 kPa substrates. Also, LSECs formed distinct spatial patterns of LYVE-1 expression, with LYVE-1+ cells observed in the center of multicellular domains, and pattern size regulated by microenvironmental context. ECM composition also influenced a substantial dynamic range of expression levels for all markers, and the collagen type IV was observed to promote elevated expressions of LYVE-1, VE-cadherin, and CD-31. These studies highlight key microenvironmental regulators of LSEC phenotype and reveal unique spatial patterning of the sinusoidal marker LYVE-1. Furthermore, these data provide insight into understanding more precisely how LSECs respond to fibrotic microenvironments, which will aid drug development and identification of targets to treat liver fibrosis.
Solvent signals in two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy
Authors: Bouda Karel , Fučíková Anna , Pšenčík Jakub , Alster Jan
Published: November 2022

We report on properties of non-resonant signals of several commonly used solvents in two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy. The signals can be split into three types with different evolution in population time: an initial, rather strong coherent spike with non-periodic oscillatory phase behavior, periodic oscillatory signals mostly connected to Raman-active vibrational modes of the solvents and non-oscillatory long lived signals. The relative amplitudes of the contributions depend on the solvent. We propose a simple model for predicting spectral positions of the non-resonant solvent signals. The results can be used to facilitate the identification and distinction of solvent and sample cell signals from the sample signal in two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy.
S-shaped configurational magnetic states in mesoscale square permalloy particles
Authors: Cho A. , Weeden S. , Dairaghi G. , Palenova D. , Costanzi B. N.
Published: November 2022

Experimental detection of multiple stable magnetic configurational states in isolated square permalloy particles of side length on the order of 200 nm is reported. The magnetic states are characterized using the anisotropic magnetoresistance via four-terminal resistance measurements of individual particles, and results are corroborated with micromagnetic simulations. The particles tend to relax into a ground state U-shaped “buckle” configuration at larger sizes and for an applied field swept parallel to the particle's edge, but assume an S-shaped configuration at smaller sizes and for slight variations in the applied field angle. The occurrence of this metastable state at room temperature indicates that typical models characterizing such particles in terms of energy landscapes or local effective fields may not be sufficient to accurately describe systems at this scale.
Installation of a solid state neutral particle analyzer array on mega ampere spherical tokamak upgrade
Authors: Prechel Garrett , Fil Nicolas , Liu Deyong , Heidbrink W. W. , Michael Clive , Jackson Andrew Robert ,   MAST-U Team
Published: November 2022

A compact solid state neutral particle analyzer (SSNPA) diagnostic, previously installed at NSTX-U, has been moved to MAST-U and successfully operated in the first physics campaign (MU01). The SSNPA operates by detecting the flux of fast neutral particles produced by charge exchange (CX) reactions to diagnose the fast ion distribution. The diagnostic consists of three 16-channel sensors, which provide a radial view of the plasma and have a sightline intersection with the South–South neutral beam line. From this radial geometry, active CX signals from mostly trapped particles are observed. Each channel has a spatial resolution of 3–4 cm, a temporal resolution of 200 kHz, and an average pitch angle resolution of a few degrees. The three-sensor configuration allows for coarse energy resolution of the CX signals; each sensor sees similar sightlines but different filter thicknesses alter the energy cutoffs by known amounts. Experimental data show that all channels are collecting data as intended. The signal to noise ratio is typically around 15. Preliminary data analysis shows a correlation between the SSNPA signal and magnetohydrodynamic activity in the plasma as expected.
Vacuum arc characteristics of an AMF–TMF composite contact with fixed AMF contacts under different opening velocities
Authors: Wang Zihan , Ma Hui , Li Yuanzhao , Li Haomin , Wang Jianhua , Geng Yingsan , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: November 2022

The objective of this paper is to determine the vacuum arc characteristics of a novel axial magnetic field (AMF)–transverse magnetic field (TMF) composite contact under different opening velocities. The AMF–TMF composite contact consists of a pair of outer fixed AMF contacts and a pair of inner movable TMF contacts. Drawn arc experiments were carried out in an L–C discharging circuit with this composite contact system to observe the differences in the arc development process under different opening velocities. The opening velocity of the inner movable contact was set to 1.3, 1.8, and 2.3 m/s. The arc current was up to 20 kA rms. In the experiments, the arc behavior was recorded using a high-speed camera. The arc current of each contact and the arc voltage were measured. Then the arc characteristics, including the arc current transfer characteristics, diffused arc duration, and mental droplet distribution before zero current, were quantitatively analyzed. Furthermore, magnetic field calculation was carried out to explain why the arc characteristics are different under different opening velocities. Experimental results show that with an increase in the opening velocity from 1.3 to 2.3 m/s, the diffused arc duration before zero current increases from 1.05 to 1.75 ms when the cathode is on the fixed side and increases from 1.30 to 1.90 ms when the anode is on the fixed side. In addition, the quantity of mental droplets between contacts before zero current is less with high opening velocity. It indicates stronger short-current breaking capacity under higher opening velocity. From the simulation results, it can be seen that during the arcing period, more current transfers to the fixed AMF contact under higher opening velocity and generates a stronger AMF. It could explain the earlier diffusion of the vacuum arc column under higher opening velocity.
Charged particle motion in spherically symmetric distributions of magnetic monopoles
Authors: Littlejohn Robert , Morrison Philip , Heninger Jeffrey
Published: November 2022

The classical equations of motion of a charged particle in a spherically symmetric distribution of magnetic monopoles can be transformed into a system of linear equations, thereby providing a type of integrability. In the case of a single monopole, the solution was given long ago by Poincaré. In the case of a uniform distribution of monopoles, the solution can be expressed in terms of parabolic cylinder functions (essentially the eigenfunctions of an inverted harmonic oscillator). This solution is relevant to recent studies of nonassociative star products, symplectic lifts of twisted Poisson structures, and fluids and plasmas of electric and magnetic charges.