bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining weekly heart rate variability changes: a comparison between monitoring methods
Authors: Ruiz-Alias Santiago A. , Marcos-Blanco Aitor , Clavero-Jimeno Antonio , García-Pinillos Felipe
Published: April 2022

Monitoring heart rate variability has been commonly performed by different devices which differ in their methods (i.e., night recording vs.
upon awakening measure, pulse vs. R waves, and software signal processing), Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the level of agreement between different methods of heart rate variability monitoring, represented in two different systems (i.e., the Polar Nightly Recharge™ function present in Polar sport watches and the Polar H10 chest strap synchronized with the Kubios app). A group of 11 recreational athletes performed a concurrent training program for eight weeks and heart rate variability was daily monitored through both devices. Very large correlation (r = 0.714) and good reliability (ICC = 0.817) were obtained between devices through the entire training program. The magnitude-based inference method was also applied to determine the likelihood of the change concerning the smallest worthwhile change. From a baseline corresponding to the first two weeks of the training program, the weekly heart rate variability changes of the following six weeks were determined for each participant with each device. Despite the large correlation and good reliability between devices, there was a 60.6% of discordance in the likelihood interpretation of the change for the 66 weeks evaluated, explained by the random errors found. Thus, practitioners should be aware of these differences if their training groups use different devices or if an athlete interchanges them. The different nuances of each device can condition the heart rate variability data variation which could compromise the interpretation of the autonomic nervous system modulation.
Influences of sea level changes and the South Asian Monsoon on southern Red Sea oceanography over the last 30 ka
Authors: Sergiou Spyros , Geraga Maria , Rohling Eelco J. , Rodríguez-Sanz Laura , Hadjisolomou Ekaterini , Paraschos Francesca , Sakellariou Dimitris , Bailey Geoffrey
Published: April 2022

The southern Red Sea is a key region for investigating the effect of climate forces on a semi-closed basin. Detailed micropaleontological (planktic foraminifera) and isotopic (δ18Ο, δ13C) analyses along with reconstructions of sea surface temperature and salinity on a sediment core from the Farasan banks revealed the imprints of sea level changes and the South Asian Monsoon on the area. Comparison with surrounding records provided insights on the Red Sea-Gulf of Aden (GoA)-Northwestern Arabian Sea (NWArS) water exchange pattern over the last 30 ka. During glacial sea-level lowstand, flow of water from the GoA prevented hypersalinity in the southern Red Sea. Deglacial sea level rise improved water mass exchange between the NWArS, GoA and the entire Red Sea, resulting in relatively similar surface water conditions during the early Holocene when sea-level rise slowed. Thus, sea level change is the major driver of Red Sea δ18O variability. Southwest Monsoon (SWM), which was dominant during the late glacial and Early–Middle Holocene, enhanced surface productivity in the southern Red Sea. Northeast Monsoon (NEM) dominated around Heinrich stadial 1, as indicated by a nearly aplanktonic zone that was probably caused by restricted GoA inflow and low productivity.
The Shadow Costs of Illiquidity
Authors: Jansen Kristy A. E. , Werker Bas J. M.
Published: April 2022

We solve a flexible model that captures transactions costs and infrequencies of trading opportunities for illiquid assets to better understand the shadow costs of illiquidity for different origins of asset illiquidity and heterogeneous investor types. We show that illiquidity that results in suboptimal asset allocation carries low shadow costs, whereas these costs are high when illiquidity restricts consumption. As a result, the shadow costs are high for short-term investors, investors who face substantial liquidity shocks, and investors who desire to allocate a large fraction of their wealth to illiquid assets.
The problem of low expectations and the principled politician
Authors: Schmitt Sam
Published: April 2022

Nobel laureate James Buchanan downplays any theory of ethical politicians, focusing instead on rules which economize personal restraint, setting lower moral expectations. Through a constructive critique of James Buchanan’s work, I argue these lowered expectations come at a cost: degraded character in politicians, leading to constitutional decay. Buchanan lacks a theory to address choices between (a) action which furthers the politician’s self-interest and (b) action which protects some already accepted, good rule, but which does not further their self-interest. I generate a theory of the Principled Politician, an agent characterized by a prior commitment to fair play.
Reassessing power in the archaeological discourse. How collective, cooperative and affective perspectives may impact our understanding of social relations and organization in prehistory
Authors: Lund Julie , Furholt Martin , Austvoll Knut Ivar
Published: April 2022

This paper critically examines how power is understood and used in archaeological interpretation of prehistoric societies. We argue that studies on power within archaeology have been haltered in their interpretive potential, frequently limited to individualizing coercive power with androcentric connotations. We explore new avenues of power through a retrospective view. Drawing on ideas first conceptualized by Hannah Arendt, while also incorporating theoretical ideas from collective action, anarchistic theory and the affective turn, we argue that power as a phenomenon and explanation within archaeology can be refined and nuanced when approached through a lens of collective agency and the affective potential of material culture. This connects, furthermore, to how we today see and act on changing power dynamics.
Climatic Controls on the Spring Phytoplankton Growing Season in a Temperate Shelf Sea
Authors: Jardine J. E. , Palmer M. , Mahaffey C. , Holt J. , Wakelin S. , Artioli Y.
Published: April 2022

The Northwest European Shelf is positioned directly beneath the North Atlantic Storm Track, within which the frequency and intensity of transient storms are modulated by large‐scale climatic oscillations. In temperate shelf seas, the impact of storms on the physical environment has received considerable attention, but the effect on biogeochemistry is less studied. Here, we use output from a multidecadal (1982–2015) coupled physical‐biogeochemical model supported by observations from ocean gliders to investigate phytoplankton growth throughout the winter‐spring transition. We define two separate phytoplankton growth events: the spring bloom, defined as the exponential growth following seasonal stratification, and the prebloom, occurring before stratification, and accounting for up to 22% of the total spring growth. Our results support the paradigm that light is a first‐order control, with the spring bloom initiating up to 22 days after stratification onset should light levels be too low to trigger the bloom. The prebloom is heavily influenced by the phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), demonstrated by an acceleration in the rate of increase of total chlorophyll concentrations (±90% confidence limit) from 7.6 ± 2.8 mg m−2 d−1 (during a positive AMO) to 13.1 ± 4.3 mg m−2 d−1 (negative AMO), due to modulation of periods of ephemeral stratification that occur between successive storms. We propose that phytoplankton growth in prebloom events might help buffer the lag between phytoplankton supply and larval recruitment, particularly during years when the spring bloom is delayed.
Advanced tools and methods for single-cell surgery
Authors: Shakoor Adnan , Gao Wendi , Zhao Libo , Jiang Zhuangde , Sun Dong
Published: April 2022

Highly precise micromanipulation tools that can manipulate and interrogate cell organelles and components must be developed to support the rapid development of new cell-based medical therapies, thereby facilitating in-depth understanding of cell dynamics, cell component functions, and disease mechanisms. This paper presents a literature review on micro/nanomanipulation tools and their control methods for single-cell surgery. Micromanipulation methods specifically based on laser, microneedle, and untethered micro/nanotools are presented in detail. The limitations of these techniques are also discussed. The biological significance and clinical applications of single-cell surgery are also addressed in this paper.
Controlling triplet–triplet upconversion and singlet-triplet annihilation in organic light-emitting diodes for injection lasing
Authors: Shukla Atul , Hasan Monirul , Banappanavar Gangadhar , Ahmad Viqar , Sobus Jan , Moore Evan G. , Kabra Dinesh , Lo Shih-Chun , Namdas Ebinazar B.
Published: April 2022

Significant progress has recently been made in the field of organic solid-state lasers. However, achieving lasing action from organic semiconductors under electrical excitation remains challenging due to losses introduced by triplet excitons. Here, we report experimental and theoretical results that confirm a positive contribution of triplet excitons for electrically-driven organic lasing via a bimolecular triplet-triplet upconversion (TTU) mechanism. We study a model fluorescent material, 9-(9-phenylcarbazole-3-yl)-10-(naphthalene-1-yl)anthracene, revealing that TTU can lower the threshold current densities required to achieve lasing under current injection. However, to achieve the best performance, the singlet-triplet annihilation (STA) must be simultaneously minimized. Hence, an experimental strategy to simultaneously obtain high TTU with low STA is demonstrated in host-guest system with coumarin 545T as the guest laser dye. This system has a low amplified spontaneous emission threshold of 1.7 µJ cm−2 under nanosecond optical pumping, and a more than three orders of magnitude improvement in J50 in organic light-emitting diodes as compared to a reference blend.
Bioinspired Catalyst Learned from B12-dependent Enzymes
Authors: Shimakoshi HISASHI
Published: April 2022

In this chapter, a bioinspired catalyst design for organic reactions is described. Photochemical redox reactions well catalyzed by the bioinspired metal complex are summarized. As metal enzymes catalyze various molecular transformations that are of particular interest from the viewpoint of biological chemistry as well as synthetic organic chemistry, unique bioorganometallic B12 enzyme-inspired reactions, such as dehalogenation, hydrogen production, alkene reductions, and cross-coupling reactions, have been developed.
Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence in Functional Redox Chemistry
Authors: Villani Elena , Inagi Shinsuke
Published: April 2022

Since the first observation of light generation during the electrochemical studies of hydrocarbons, electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) has developed from a curious phenomenon to one of the most important leader technologies in (bio)analytical and clinical chemistry through the last 50 years. This has been possible thanks to the electrochemical method to achieve light emission, which makes such a technique extremely sensitive. However, the adaptability of this electrochemical technique, the relative simplicity of the experimental equipment, and the possibility to use a large range of electrolytes and solvents have spread the use of ECL toward the most diverse research applications. In the present chapter, we summarize the latest trends of ECL in some of these new research areas. In particular, we focus our attention on novel ECL reaction systems employed to generate the coreactant directly in situ. We also review the latest trends of ECL imaging and the use of this methodology for microscopy applications. Lastly, organic systems with aggregation and crystallization-induced emission effects in ECL are summarized. Conclusions and future directions are also provided at the end of the chapter.
Enzyme-triggered click chemistry combined with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the simple and sensitive detection of alkaline phosphatase activity from complex biological samples
Authors: Cao Fanghao , Wang Minmin , Yi Xuan , Sun Dan
Published: April 2022

Schematic of the enzyme-triggered click chemistry combined with the SERS technique for ALP detection.
The influence of the radicaloid character of polyaromatic hydrocarbon couplers on magnetic exchange interactions
Authors: Kaur Prabhleen , Ali Md. Ehesan
Published: April 2022

The intrinsic open-shell nature of highly conjugated hydrocarbons influences the magnetic exchange interactions (2J) mediated by them.
Lab-on-a-chip technologies for minimally invasive molecular sensing of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Vieira Maria , Fernandes Rosa , Ambrósio António F. , Cardoso Vanessa , Carvalho Mariana , Weng Kung Peng , Neves Miguel António Dias , Mendes Pinto Inês
Published: April 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common diabetic eye disease and the worldwide leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults.
Multiple electron transfer pathways of tungsten-containing formate dehydrogenase in direct electron transfer-type bioelectrocatalysis
Authors: Yoshikawa Tatsushi , Makino Fumiaki , Miyata Tomoko , Suzuki Yohei , Tanaka Hideaki , Namba Keiichi , Kano Kenji , Sowa Keisei , Kitazumi Yuki , Shirai Osamu
Published: April 2022

Multiple direct electron transfer pathways are discovered in Tungsten-containing formate dehydrogenase from the viewpoints of structural biology and bioelectrochemistry.
Sn368−: a 2.7 nm naked aromatic tin rod
Authors: Tkachenko Nikolay V. , Chen Wei-Xing , Morgan Harry W. T. , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Sun Zhong-Ming
Published: April 2022

The continuous pure tin nanorod assembly species Sn368− was isolated in the solid-state and verified by experiments and calculations.
Extremely large electro-optic effect of TPPS J-aggregates in the PVA or PVP polymer matrix and aqueous solution
Authors: Nakata Kazuaki , Kobayashi Takayoshi , Tokunaga Eiji
Published: April 2022

Electric-field modulation spectroscopy of the TPPS J-aggregate in aqueous solution showed a large absorption change. This is due to the combined contribution of the orientation of the aggregate and the electro-optic effect.
Water on porous, nitrogen-containing layered carbon materials: the performance of computational model chemistries
Authors: Penschke Christopher , von Zander Robert Edler , Beqiraj Alkit , Zehle Anna , Jahn Nicolas , Neumann Rainer , Saalfrank Peter
Published: April 2022

The performance of various computational model chemistries in predicting structural, thermodynamic and optical properties of water-covered carbon and nitrogen containing porous materials is investigated.
Understanding the interaction between transition metal doping and ligand atoms of ZnS and ZnO monolayers to promote the CO2 reduction reaction
Authors: Sikam Pornsawan , Jitwatanasirikul Thanadol , Roongcharoen Thantip , Yodsin Nuttapon , Meeprasert Jittima , Takahashi Kaito , Namuangruk Supawadee
Published: April 2022

The product selectivity of the CO2 reduction reaction occurring on transition metal-doped ZnS monolayers was theoretically studied.
Predicted stable electrides in Mg–Al systems under high pressure
Authors: Li Cong , Li Weiwei , Zhang Xiaoliang , Du Liangcong , Sheng H. W.
Published: April 2022

High-pressure phases and electride of Mg-Al systems.
Quasi-Casimir coupling can induce thermal resonance of adsorbed liquid layers in a nanogap
Authors: Chen Wentao , Nagayama Gyoko
Published: April 2022

Phonon transmission channels via adsorbed liquid layers across a nanogap.
Setting up the HyDRA blind challenge for the microhydration of organic molecules
Authors: Fischer Taija L. , Bödecker Margarethe , Zehnacker-Rentien Anne , Mata Ricardo A. , Suhm Martin A.
Published: April 2022

The first theory blind challenge addressing the effect of microsolvation on water vibrations is launched.
The confinement effect of layered double hydroxides on intercalated pyromellitic acidic anions and highly selective uranium extraction from simulated seawater
Authors: Yang Lixiao , Wang Qian , Yao Huiqin , Yang Qishuo , Lu Xiao , Wu Zhenglong , Liu Rong , Shi Keren , Ma Shulan
Published: April 2022

Oxygen-rich pyromellitic acidic anions are intercalated into MgAl-layered double hydroxides to fabricate the MgAl–PMA–LDH composite exhibiting excellent adsorption performance toward uranium.
On the acoustically induced fluid flow in particle separation systems employing standing surface acoustic waves – Part II
Authors: Sachs Sebastian , Cierpka Christian , König Jörg
Published: April 2022

Experimental analysis of the acoustically induced fluid flow in the outer regions of a standing surface acoustic wave (sSAW) for varying sSAW wavelength, channel height and electrical power.
Effect of copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) in the thermal decomposition of modified nitrotriazolone
Authors: Dave Pragnesh N. , Thakkar Riddhi , Sirach Ruksana , Chaturvedi Shalini
Published: April 2022

The reusable and easily separable nano-copper ferrite has been used to study its excellent catalytic behavior for thermolysis of modified nitrotriazolone (NTO), an insensitive energetic material act as an oxidizer for chemical propulsion systems.
The influence of the precursor molar ratio on the structure of the CdS catalyst during synthesis and visible-light driven CO2 reduction into solar fuel
Authors: Huang Cong , Zhang Xuehua , Li Dongyang , Wang Mengyue , Wu Qiang
Published: April 2022

CdS with a self-assembled nanoflower morphology synthesized using Cd(NO3)2 : CS(NH2)2 = 2 : 1 in ethylenediamine shows the highest performance for CO2 photocatalytic reduction.
Revealing initial nucleation of hexagonal boron nitride on Ru(0001) and Rh(111) surfaces by density functional theory simulations
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Zhu Hongxia , Zhao Ruiqi
Published: April 2022

The nucleation of h-BN on Ru(0001) and Rh(111) surfaces via an energy-driven process is systematically studied by density functional theory simulations.
Synthesis of spirocyclic oxazole derivatives from 2-arylidene cycloalkanones and α-halohydroxamates
Authors: Wan Huiyang , Xia Shuangshuang , Liu Xinghua , Jian Yongchan , An Yuanyuan , Wang Yubin
Published: April 2022

A facil route to spirocyclic oxazole derivatives via the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between 2-arylidene cycloalkanones and azaoxyallyl cations was developed.
Integration of machine learning with computational structural biology of plants
Authors: Chen Jiming , Shukla Diwakar
Published: April 2022

Computational structural biology of proteins has developed rapidly in recent decades with the development of new computational tools and the advancement of computing hardware. However, while these techniques have widely been used to make advancements in human medicine, these methods have seen less utilization in the plant sciences. In the last several years, machine learning methods have gained popularity in computational structural biology. These methods have enabled the development of new tools which are able to address the major challenges that have hampered the wide adoption of the computational structural biology of plants. This perspective examines the remaining challenges in computational structural biology and how the development of machine learning techniques enables more in-depth computational structural biology of plants.
La nétrine-1, une nouvelle cible antitumorale
Authors: Bellina Mélanie , Bernet Agnès
Published: April 2022

La nétrine-1, une molécule sécrétée mise en évidence pour son rôle de guidage au cours de l’embryogenèse, a été également décrite pour être surexprimée dans de nombreux cancers agressifs. Elle est le ligand de récepteurs dits « à dépendance », à l’origine, chez l’adulte, de la survie, de la prolifération et de la migration de différents types cellulaires, ce qui confère aux cellules cancéreuses des propriétés avantageuses leur permettant de se développer sous forme de tumeurs agressives. Une stratégie thérapeutique consiste à inhiber l’interaction de la nétrine-1 avec son récepteur, ce qui déclenche la mort des cellules par apoptose. Cet article présente une revue des caractéristiques fonctionnelles de cette molécule et les effets potentiels d’une nouvelle thérapie ciblée sur la nétrine-1, dont la combinaison avec les traitements conventionnels pourrait être des plus prometteurs.
Stimulationsverfahren zur Behandlung von Demenzen
Authors: Faßbender Ronja V. , Goedecke Jana , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , Fink Gereon R. , Onur Oezguer A.
Published: April 2022

Aufgrund steigender Fallzahlen der Alzheimer-Erkrankung und bislang eher
mäßigem Erfolg der verfügbaren symptomatischen und
kausalen pharmakologischen Therapien besteht ein erheblicher Bedarf,
nicht-pharmakologische Behandlungsmöglichkeiten zu erforschen. Im
Bereich der nicht-invasiven Hirnstimulation (non-invasive brain stimulation;
NIBS) wurden verschiedene Verfahren untersucht, insbesondere die transkranielle
Magnetstimulation und die transkranielle elektrische Stimulation.
Zusätzlich wird derzeit die Tiefe Hirnstimulation (deep brain
stimulation; DBS) als innovatives Verfahren zur gezielten Neuromodulation
erforscht. Nicht-invasiven und invasiven Ansätzen gemein ist der
Versuch, neuronale Aktivität zu modulieren und kognitiv-mnestische
Funktionen zu verbessern. Durch sekundäre Mechanismen wie die
Langzeit-Potenzierung bei NIBS oder Neurogenese bei DBS könnten auch
längerfristige positive Effekte erzielt werden. Präklinische und
klinische Studien ergaben bereits vielversprechende Ergebnisse bei Patientinnen
und Patienten in frühen Stadien der Alzheimer-Erkrankung. Inkonsistente
Studien- und Stimulationsprotokolle sowie kleine Stichproben erschweren jedoch
die Bewertung der Wirksamkeit. Weitere Forschungsbemühungen sind
angebracht, um einen zeitnahen Einzug nicht-invasiver oder invasiver
neuromodulatorischer Ansätze in die klinische Praxis zu
ermöglichen.
Metal-Free Thiolation and Hydroxylation of CF3-Substituted Alkenes: A Practical Method to Synthesize Trifluoromethyl Tertiary Alcohols
Authors: Zhang Chun , Niu Jiapan , Liu Bowen
Published: April 2022

A novel and practical method to synthesize trifluoromethyl tertiary alcohols has been developed. Under mild reaction conditions, the present reaction could be compatible with a wide range of functional groups. Moreover, the performance of gram-scale reaction and further transformations illustrated the good potential utility of the present chemistry. Furthermore, the radical process of this reaction has been proved by mechanistic studies.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion—Can a Standalone Zero-Profile Titanium Cage a Better Alternative Option to Traditional Cervical Plate-Titanium Cage Combination?: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Gaike Chandrashekhar , Gadekar Girish , Kardile Shraddha , Panat Mangesh
Published: April 2022

Introduction Anterior cervical plating in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has inherent drawbacks like plate loosening, screw pullout, breakage, trachea-esophageal irritation and fistula, increased operation time, and increased duration of hospital stay. Due to low profile and in-built screw fixation slots, Zero-profile (Zero-P) cages are becoming popular among spine surgeons since they are supposed to minimize drawbacks that are associated with anterior cervical plates.

Aims In our study, we evaluated two different fixation methods: (1) anterior cervical plate plus titanium cage and (2) zero-P titanium cages with respect to duration of surgery, length of hospitalization, rate of fusion, and postoperative complications.

Materials and Methods This was a comparative prospective observational study with a sample size of 30 patients. Patients with cervical compressive disease (radiculopathy/myelopathy or combined symptoms) who require ACDF and fit in inclusion criteria were divided in two groups: group A—anterior cervical plate and titanium cage and group B—Zero-P titanium.

Statistical Analysis Used Mann–Whitney U test was used for the duration of stay, and Student's t-test was used for the duration of surgery.

Results C4–5 level was most commonly involved followed by C5–C6 level and C3–C4 level. The mean duration of surgery in group A was 141.3 minutes and group B was 111.3 minutes. The mean duration of stay in group A was 4.40 days and group B was 2.0 days. Two patients in group A and one patient in group B had dysphagia. One each in both groups had developed hoarseness of voice after surgery. Two patients in group A and one in group B had persistent donor site pain till 6 weeks to 2 months. One patient each of both groups had cage subsidence. Almost all patients in both groups achieved fusion by 6 months.

Conclusion ACDF with standalone Zero-P cage is equally good. Duration of surgery and duration of stay were shorter in standalone Zero-P cage group. We feel it is good for patients and healthcare since it reduces overall financial burden.
Schottky contacts to N-polar GaN with SiN interlayer for elevated temperature operation
Authors: Khachariya Dolar , Szymanski Dennis , Reddy Pramod , Kohn Erhard , Sitar Zlatko , Collazo Ramón , Pavlidis Spyridon
Published: April 2022

In this Letter, we unveil the high-temperature limits of N-polar GaN Schottky contacts enhanced by a low-pressure chemical vapor deposited (LPCVD) SiN interlayer. Compared to conventional Schottky diodes, the insertion of a 5 nm SiN lossy dielectric interlayer in-between Ni and N-polar GaN increases the turn-on voltage (VON) from 0.4 to 0.9 V and the barrier height (ϕB) from 0.4 to 0.8 eV. This modification also reduces the leakage current at zero bias significantly: at room temperature, the leakage current in the conventional Schottky diode is >103 larger than that observed in the device with the SiN interlayer, while at 200 °C, this ratio increases to 105. Thus, the rectification ratio (ION/IOFF) at ±1.5 V reduces to less than one at 250 °C for the conventional Schottky diode, whereas for SiN-coated diodes, rectification continues until 500 °C. The I–V characteristics of the diode with an SiN interlayer can be recovered after exposure to 400 °C or lower. Contact degradation occurs at 500 °C, although devices are not destroyed yet. Here, we report N-polar GaN Schottky contact operation up to 500 °C using an LPCVD SiN interlayer.
Supersonic cavity shear layer control using spanwise pulsed spark discharge array
Authors: Kong Yakang , Wu Yun , Zong Haohua , Guo Shanguang
Published: April 2022

An experimental study on supersonic cavity flow control using a spanwise pulsed spark discharge array (SP-PSDA) is performed in this paper. High-speed schlieren imaging at a frame rate of 50 kHz is deployed for flow visualization. The schlieren snapshots, as well as their statistics, are analyzed to reveal the supersonic cavity flow control effect and its underlying mechanism. Results show that the shear layer presents a wave-like oscillation due to thermal bulbs induced by SP-PSDA. Specifically, the shear layer structure in the baseline case resembles an incomplete hairpin structure, which becomes complete after plasma actuation. SP-PSDA actuation at 5 kHz has a better control effect, which enhances the IRMS of the whole hairpin structure and produces several channels within it—these aid momentum transport within the shear layer. According to the results of proper orthogonal decomposition, the thermal bulbs couple with the shear layer to form large-scale coherent structures. These structures excite the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, converting the oscillation frequency of the shear layer to an actuation frequency.
Effect of
Authors: Khatun Momena , García Sergio C. , Thomson Peter C. , Parker Alysia M. , Bruckmaier Rupert M. , Bosward Katrina L.
Published: May 2022

Context The role of Coxiella burnetii in intramammary infection (IMI) in dairy cows is not fully understood. Aims The objective of this study was to investigate changes in milk constituents and behaviour such as daily activity (arbitrary unit/day) and daily rumination (min/day) in cows exposed to C. burnetii. Methods In total, 1029 quarter milk samples were manually collected from 48 cows before and after alveolar milk ejection in the automatic milking rotary at the University of Sydney’s dairy farm. Each milk sample was analysed for the following parameters: immunoglobulin G (cIgG) against C. burnetii via ELISA, somatic cell count (SCC), total immunoglobulin G (tIgG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum albumin (SA), milk protein%, milk fat%, and subjected to microbiological culture. The daily activity and daily rumination changes were recorded using heat- and rumination long-distance tags across 21 days before detection of IMI (n = 42 cows). Linear and logistic mixed models were used, with ‘cow’ and ‘quarter nested within cow’ as random effects. Results The presence of cIgG was quarter-specific; the cIgG+ quarters (n = 64) had significantly greater tIgG (P < 0.001), LDH (P < 0.001), SA (P < 0.001) and milk protein% (P = 0.002) than did cIgG− quarters (n = 279). The cIgG+ quarters had significantly greater SCC, tIgG, LDH and SA responses than did controls (P < 0.05), but lower responses than did Gram-negative coliform IMI (P < 0.05). Gram-positive IMI caused by coagulase positive/negative Staphylococcus, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Corynebacterium spp. in cIgG+ quarters resulted in greater tIgG, LDH and SA responses than in control quarters (P < 0.05). Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus IMI was associated with the presence of cIgG as assessed by Fisher’s exact test (P < 0.05). The cIgG+ group had a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in daily rumination compared with the cIgG− group in the study period. Conclusions and implications The cIgG antibody responses are quarter specific with greater tIgG, LDH, SA and milk protein in the affected quarters, as well as behavioural changes in the cow, and therefore might be useful for detection of C. burnetii IMI.
When being flexible matters: Ecological underpinnings for the evolution of collective flexibility and task allocation
Authors: Staps Merlijn , Tarnita Corina E.
Published: April 2022

Significance

A central problem in evolutionary biology is explaining variation in the organization of task allocation across collective systems. Why do human cells irreversibly adopt a task during development (e.g., kidney vs. liver cell), while sponge cells switch between different cell types? And why have only some ant species evolved specialized castes of workers for particular tasks? Although it seems reasonable to suppose that such differences reflect, at least partially, the different ecological pressures that systems face, there is no general understanding of how a system’s dynamic environment shapes its task allocation. To this end, we develop a general mathematical framework that reveals how simple ecological considerations could potentially explain cross-system variation in task allocation—including in flexibility, specialization, and (in)activity.
Uncovering the carrier dynamics of AlInGaN semiconductors using time-resolved cathodoluminescence
Authors: Loeto Kagiso
Published: April 2022

The III-nitride family of semiconductors has proved essential in the design of important optoelectronic technology such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). To improve our understanding of these materials and their devices it is important to unravel the mysteries of their carrier dynamics. Time-resolved cathodoluminescence (TRCL) is a characterisation technique wherein a pulsed electron beam is used to excite charge carriers in semiconductors. By analysis of the recorded datasets, deductions can be made about the activity of carriers in the period between their generation and recombination. The purpose of this review is to summarise work done on the use of TRCL in the understanding of III-nitride based materials and devices. The focus will be on quantum well LEDs and structural defect-related recombination.
Computational and performance studies of Ag2S–Bi2S3 quantum dot-sensitised solar cells
Authors: Lai J. K. H. , Nguyen T. T. , Ha N. N. , Lan N. H. , Jun H. K.
Published: May 2022

In this work, theoretical and experimental techniques were employed to analyze the feasibility of ‘green’ Ag- and Bi-based QDs as sensitisers in QDSSC. In the computational approach, the geometrical structures and optoelectronic properties of anatase-TiO2 (101) surface sensitised with Ag2S, Bi2S3 and Ag2S–Bi2S3 nanoclusters were investigated by means of density functional theory. In the experimental approach, the performances of the QDSSCs were validated. The properties of the QD-sensitised TiO2 electrode were characterised with FESEM, TEM, EDS, and UV–visible spectroscopy. It was observed that Ag2S–Bi2S3 QDSSC treated with post heat treatment exhibited better efficiency. UV–VIS spectroscopy result showed that the same sample had better absorption below the 570 nm wavelength. Efficiency obtained was at the low side due to charge recombination.
Evaluation of microstructure and mechanical properties of M-SIMA processed Al–7Si alloy
Authors: Choudhary Chandan , Pramanick A. K. , Sahoo K. L. , Mandal Durbadal
Published: April 2022

In this research article, the effect of the strain-induced melt activation (SIMA) process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al–7Si alloy has been investigated. The morphology of α-Al grains is changed from dendritic to fine spherical and flaky type eutectic Si to a fine fibrous eutectic Si after the modified strain-induced melt activation (M-SIMA) process. The intermetallic compounds are refined and distributed uniformly throughout the matrix after the M-SIMA process. The mechanical properties have been improved due to fine spherical grain formation with refined eutectic Si. A high tensile strength (UTS: 204 MPa) with a remarkable improvement in ductility (El: 30%) is achieved after the M-SIMA process at 585°C for 30 min in comparison to the as-cast Al–7Si alloy (UTS: 117 MPa, El: 16%).
Al–Sm and Al–Ca phases thermal stability effect on mechanical properties of Mg–3Al–2Ca–2Sm alloy
Authors: Lv Changsheng , Wang Liquan , Chen Yanhong
Published: May 2022

The Al–Sm and Al–Ca phases thermal stability effect on mechanical properties of Mg–3Al–2Ca–2Sm alloy was studied. When the isothermal treatment temperature is 200°C and 300°C, the second phase formed in as-cast Mg–3Al–2Ca–2Sm alloy does not change significantly. The Al2Ca and Mg2Ca precipitated phases were precipitated during isothermal treatment. The alloy exhibits favourable tensile strength, elongation and fracture toughness. By increasing the isothermal treatment temperature to 400°C or even higher, the second phase began to decompose, except for the original particle Al2Sm phase. The acicular Al11Sm3 phase breaks down into the particle Al2Sm phase. Furthermore, the fish-bone Al2Ca phase and lamellar (Mg, Al)2Ca phase decompose into particle Al2Ca phase. The mechanical properties and fracture toughness of the alloy decrease gradually.
A strategy for determining the equilibrium constants for heteromeric ion channels in a complex model
Authors: Benndorf Klaus , Eick Thomas , Sattler Christian , Schmauder Ralf , Schulz Eckhard
Published: April 2022

Ligand-gated ion channels are oligomers containing several binding sites for the ligands. However, the signal transmission from the ligand binding site to the pore has not yet been fully elucidated for any of these channels. In heteromeric channels, the situation is even more complex than in homomeric channels. Using published data for concatamers of heteromeric cyclic nucleotide–gated channels, we show that, on theoretical grounds, multiple functional parameters of the individual subunits can be determined with high precision. The main components of our strategy are (1) the generation of a defined subunit composition by concatenating multiple subunits, (2) the construction of 16 concatameric channels, which differ in systematically permutated binding sites, (3) the determination of respectively differing concentration–activation relationships, and (4) a complex global fit analysis with corresponding intimately coupled Markovian state models. The amount of constraints in this approach is exceedingly high. Furthermore, we propose a stochastic fit analysis with a scaled unitary start vector of identical elements to avoid any bias arising from a specific start vector. Our approach enabled us to determine 23 free parameters, including 4 equilibrium constants for the closed–open isomerizations, 4 disabling factors for the mutations of the different subunits, and 15 virtual equilibrium-association constants in the context of a 4-D hypercube. From the virtual equilibrium-association constants, we could determine 32 equilibrium-association constants of the subunits at different degrees of ligand binding. Our strategy can be generalized and is therefore adaptable to other ion channels.
Frozen dynamics of a breather induced by an adiabatic invariant
Authors: Politi Antonio , Politi Paolo , Iubini Stefano
Published: April 2022

The discrete nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) equation is a Hamiltonian model displaying an extremely slow relaxation process when discrete breathers appear in the system. In (Iubini et al 2019 Phys. Rev. Lett.
122 084102), it was conjectured that the frozen dynamics of tall breathers is due to the existence of an adiabatic invariant (AI). Here, we prove the conjecture in the simplified context of a unidirectional DNLS equation, where the breather is ‘forced’ by a background unaffected by the breather itself. We first clarify that the nonlinearity of the breather dynamics and the deterministic nature of the forcing term are both necessary ingredients for the existence of a frozen dynamics. We then derive perturbative expressions of the AI by implementing a canonical perturbation theory and via a more phenomenological approach based on the estimate of the energy flux. The resulting accurate identification of the AI allows revealing the presence and role of sudden jumps as the main breather destabilization mechanism, with an unexpected similarity with Lévy processes.
OpenMDlr: parallel, open-source tools for general protein structure modeling and refinement from pairwise distances
Authors: Davidson Russell B , Woods Jess , Effler T Chad , Thavappiragasam Mathialakan , Mitchell Julie C , Parks Jerry M , Sedova Ada
Published: April 2022

Easy-to-use, open-source, general-purpose programs for modeling a protein structure from inter-atomic distances are needed for modeling from experimental data and refinement of predicted protein structures. OpenMDlr is an open-source Python package for modeling protein structures from pairwise distances between any atoms, and optionally, dihedral angles. We provide a user-friendly input format for harnessing modern biomolecular force fields in an easy-to-install package that can efficiently make use of multiple compute cores.

Availability and Implementation

OpenMDlr is available at https://github.com/BSDExabio/OpenMDlr-amber. The package is written in Python (versions 3.x). All dependencies are open-source and can be installed with the Conda package management system.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Chronic diseases and comorbidities in adults with and without intellectual disabilities: comparative cross-sectional study in Dutch general practice
Authors: van den Bemd Milou , Schalk Bianca W M , Bischoff Erik W M A , Cuypers Maarten , Leusink Geraline L
Published: April 2022

Background

Chronic disease and comorbidity patterns in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are more complex than in the general population. However, incomplete understanding of these differences limits care providers in addressing them.

Objective

To compare chronic disease and comorbidity patterns in chronically ill patients with and without ID in Dutch general practice.

Methods

In this population-based study, a multi-regional primary care database of 2018 was combined with national population data to improve identification of adults with ID. Prevalence was calculated using Poisson regression to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the highest-impact chronic diseases (ischemic heart disease (IHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) and comorbidities.

Results

Information from 18,114 people with ID and 1,093,995 people without ID was available. When considering age and sex, CVD (PR = 1.1), DM (PR = 1.6), and COPD (PR = 1.5) times more prevalent in people with than without ID. At younger age, people with ID more often had a chronic disease and multiple comorbidities. Males with ID most often had a chronic disease and multiple comorbidities. Comorbidities of circulatory nature were most common.

Conclusions

This study identified a younger onset of chronic illness and a higher prevalence of multiple comorbidities among people with ID in general practice than those without ID. This underlines the complexity of people with ID and chronic diseases in general practice. As this study confirmed the earlier onset of chronic diseases and comorbidities, it is recommended to acknowledge these age differences when following chronic disease guidelines.
When Machine and Bandwagon Heuristics Compete: Understanding Users’ Response to Conflicting AI and Crowdsourced Fact-Checking
Authors: Banas John A , Palomares Nicholas A , Richards Adam S , Keating David M , Joyce Nick , Rains Stephen A
Published: April 2022

Three experiments tested if the machine and bandwagon heuristics moderate beliefs in fact-checked claims under different conditions of human/machine (dis)agreement and of transparency of the fact-checking system. Across experiments, people were more likely to align their belief in the claim when artificial intelligence (AI) and crowdsourcing agents’ fact-checks were congruent rather than incongruent. The heuristics provided further nuance to the processes, especially as a particular agent suggested truth verdicts. That is, people with stronger belief in the machine heuristic were more likely to judge the claim as true when an AI agent’s fact-check suggested the claim was likely true but not false; likewise, people with stronger belief in the bandwagon heuristic were more likely to judge the claim as true when the crowdsource agent fact-checked the claim to be true but not false. Making the system more transparent to users does not appear to change results.
Time-Restricted Feeding Studies and Possible Human Benefit
Authors: Boyd Patrick , O’Connor Sydney G , Heckman-Stoddard Brandy M , Sauter Edward R
Published: April 2022

Metabolic syndrome consists of a constellation of clinical factors associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Preclinical studies demonstrate that restricting the time during a 24-hour period when an obese animal eats (time-restricted feeding) leads to metabolic benefits. These benefits, which may or may not be associated with weight loss, often lead to improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Studies seeking to determine whether similar benefits result when humans restrict daily eating time (time-restricted eating) are less mature and less consistent in their findings. In this commentary, we outline some of the exciting preclinical findings, the challenges that preliminary studies in humans present, and efforts of the US National Institutes of Health and specifically the National Cancer Institute to address the role of time-restricted eating in cancer.
Ideology and the Implicit Authorization of Violence as Policy: The Myanmar Military's Conflict-Related Sexual Violence against the Rohingya
Authors: Alam Mayesha , Wood Elisabeth Jean
Published: April 2022

Drawing on original fieldwork, other primary and secondary sources, we assess whether widespread sexual violence during Myanmar's 2017 military operations against Rohingya communities was policy (ordered or authorized by commanders) or practice (driven from below and tolerated by commanders). We argue that sexual violence was authorized as a policy based on (1) the regime's long-standing ideological exclusion of the Rohingya from citizenship and its record of demographic engineering to limit their reproduction, (2) the context of ethnic cleansing and commanders’ effective control of forces, (3) evidence that the military engages in a distinct pattern of sexual violence against the Rohingya, including the targeting of reproductive capacity, and (4) a record of long-standing and ongoing impunity for conflict-related sexual violence, including against the Rohingya. Our analysis contributes to scholarly understanding of the conditions under which sexual violence is authorized as policy and those under which ideology prescribes or legitimates specific patterns of violence, including ethnic cleansing. It is also timely for efforts to prosecute and prevent conflict-related sexual violence.
The potential of Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of human diseases and the relationship to Nrf2–mediated antioxidant protection
Authors: Li Yue , Zhu Xue , Wang Ke , Zhu Ling , Murray Michael , Zhou Fanfan
Published: April 2022

Objectives

This review summarises the current findings regarding the therapeutic effects of GBE and its active ingredients in relation to the Nrf2 antioxidant cascade, to provide scientific insights into the clinical applications of GBE in treating oxidative stress-induced diseases.

Key findings

We found that GBE or its active ingredients activate several signalling mechanisms in cells, including the Nrf2 pathway, which is the master controller of the antioxidant defence that detoxifies reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS-mediated cell and tissue damage contributes to ageing and pathological conditions that underlie several important human diseases, such as diabetic nephropathy (DN), ischemic stroke and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

GBE or its component antioxidants could be applied for the treatment and/or prevention of DN, ischemic stroke and AMD due to their capacity to activate Nrf2 signalling. These strategies may also be applicable to the treatment of other similar conditions that are induced by oxidative stress. Thus, the therapeutic applications of GBE could be expanded.
On the validity of the spectroscopic age indicators [Y/Mg], [Y/Al], [Y/Si], [Y/Ca], and [Y/Ti] for giant stars
Authors: Katime Santrich Orlando J , Kerber Leandro , Abuchaim Yuri , Gonçalves Geraldo
Published: April 2022

The abundance ratios [Y/Mg], [Y/Al], [Y/Si], [Y/Ca], and [Y/Ti] have been suggested as chemical clocks for solar-metallicity dwarf stars in the field as well as for giant stars in open clusters. To verify this last hypothesis, we derive these abundances ratios of 50 giant stars belonging to seven open clusters. To calculate the abundances, we analyse FEROS spectra assuming the LTE-hypothesis. We confirm that [Y/Mg], [Y/Al], [Y/Si], [Y/Ca], and [Y/Ti] work as chemical clocks for field dwarf stars at the local region (d < 1 kpc) whereas for the field giants the [Y/Mg], [Y/Al], and [Y/Si] also present trends with the ages but high scattering. [Y/Ca] and [Y/Ti] do not present any correlation with ages in the field giants. In our open clusters, the behaviour is similar, [Y/Mg], [Y/Al], and [Y/Si] present evident trends, whereas [Y/Ca] versus ages is a flat and [Y/Ti] versus ages is less steep. We also confirm that the chemical clocks have high scatter at the early ages. In the case of the compiled sample, the chemical clocks are similar to our results but in some situations there are important differences. Several relations between abundance ratios and ages may be obtained when dwarfs and giants are analysed, confirming the non-universality of the spectroscopic age indicators.