bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GhMYB7 promotes secondary wall cellulose deposition in cotton fibres by regulating GhCesA gene expression through three distinct cis‐elements
Authors: Huang Junfeng , Chen Feng , Guo Yanjun , Gan Xinli , Yang Mingming , Zeng Wei , Persson Staffan , Li Juan , Xu Wenliang
Published: July 2021

Cotton fibre is the most important source for natural textiles. The secondary cell walls (SCWs) of mature cotton fibres contain the highest proportion of cellulose content (> 90%) in any plant. The onset and progression of SCW cellulose synthesis need to be tightly controlled to balance fibre elongation and cell wall deposition. However, regulatory mechanisms that control cellulose synthesis during cotton fibre growth remain elusive.

Here, we conducted genetic and functional analyses demonstrating that the R2R3‐MYB GhMYB7 controls cotton fibre cellulose synthesis.

Overexpression of GhMYB7 in cotton sped up SCW cellulose biosynthesis in fibre cells, and led to shorter fibres with thicker walls. By contrast, RNA interference (RNAi) silencing of GhMYB7 delayed fibre SCW cellulose synthesis and resulted in elongated fibres with thinner walls. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GhMYB7 regulated cotton fibre SCW cellulose synthases by directly binding to three distinct cis‐elements in the respective GhCesA4, GhCesA7 and GhCesA8 promoters. We found that this regulatory mechanism of cellulose synthesis was ‘hi‐jacked’ also by other GhMYBs.

Together, our findings uncover a hitherto‐unknown mechanism that cotton fibre employs to regulate SCW cellulose synthesis. Our results also provide a strategy for genetic improvement of SCW thickness of cotton fibre.
Bacteraemia of oral origin in children—A Systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Charlotte Höfer Karolin , Graf Isabelle , Adams Anne , Kuhr Kathrin , Plum Georg , Schwendicke Falk , Brockmeier Konrad , Johannes Noack Michael
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To systematically review the prevalence of bacteraemia, triggered by dental intervention and home oral hygiene practices, in children. The network meta‐analysis (NMA) quantitatively compared the risk of bacteraemia triggered by dental extractions and home and professional cleaning procedures.

Materials and Methods

Clinical trials with the outcome “bacteraemia in children” were searched. The NMA was performed using the frequentist weighted least‐squares approach comparing the odds ratios (OR) of different interventions.

Results

Among 11 of 13 studies, dental treatment was performed under general anaesthesia. In 2,381 patients, bacteraemia occurred in 38.7%–56% patients following single‐tooth extractions, in 22%–46% after manual toothbrushing (MTB), and in 26%–78% after power toothbrushing (PTB).

When MTB was set as the reference (OR 1), rubber cup polishing showed a slightly higher risk (OR 1.26) of bacteraemia. PTB presented a higher risk (OR 1.79–2.27) than with single‐tooth extractions (OR 1.55) but lower than that with multiple extractions (OR 2.55).

Conclusion

Daily use of MTB and routine professional cleaning were associated with the lowest risk of developing bacteraemia in children with gingivitis, almost as much as with a single‐tooth extractions. Improved plaque control with PTB increased the risk of bacteraemia. There is limited evidence on gingivitis‐free and systemically‐diseased children.
Self‐perceived and self‐reported breath odour and the wearing of face masks during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Faria Sandro Felipe Santos , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Pereira Alexandre Godinho , Cota Luís Otávio Miranda
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To assess the self‐perception of breath odour (SPBO) and oral hygiene habits (OHHs) while the wearing of face masks during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Subjects and Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 4647 individuals who answered a structured questionnaire containing demographic, medical and dental variables and self‐perceived breath odour. Variables associated with changes in self‐perceived breath odour, self‐perceived halitosis and changes in OHHs were assessed through multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Changes in self‐perceived breath odour were reported by 1572 individuals and were associated with smoking, systemic conditions, dry mouth, tongue coating, the period of face mask use and its interaction with prior thinking of having bad breath. Likewise, 645 individuals started to consider having bad breath. This was associated with the interaction between prior family/friends saying they have bad breath and period of face mask use. Changes in OHHs were strongly associated with changes in SPBO and starting to consider having bad breath.

Conclusion

Changes in one's SPBO was associated with the wearing of face masks and was significant for changes in OHHs. Findings may be important to guide comprehensive preventive and therapeutic strategies in relation to oral health care.
Changes in agronomic practices and incidence and severity of diseases in winter wheat in England and Wales between 1999 and 2019
Authors: Turner Judith A. , Chantry Tracey , Taylor Moray C. , Kennedy Marc C.
Published: July 2021

In continuation of the annual national surveys of winter wheat, which began in 1970, samples from between 250 and 350 randomly selected wheat crops in England and Wales between 1999 to 2019 were visually assessed for disease symptoms during the milky ripe development stages (GS 73–75). Septoria tritici blotch was the most prevalent and severe foliar disease each year, although annual levels fluctuated considerably and there was no overall significant change over the two decades. Incidence of brown rust, yellow rust, take‐all, and barley yellow dwarf virus also showed no significant overall change during the survey period, whereas glume blotch, powdery mildew, eyespot, and sharp eyespot all showed significant decline. Fusarium ear blight has significantly increased in both incidence and severity, causing a serious epidemic in 2012, when 96% of crops were affected. Tan spot has been the third most prevalent foliar disease since 2009 although severity is still very low. Regional disease levels were consistent over the two decades, providing reliable baselines to measure changes in seasonal disease severity. There were significant changes in agronomic practice with a rise to predominance of minimum tillage over the use of ploughing, decreases in overall disease susceptibility of cultivars grown, a major increase in the use of oilseed rape in the rotation and a long‐term trend towards earlier sowing. Fungicide use increased considerably, with over 98% crops sprayed and an average of 3.5 applications made per crop each year since 2014. Implications of changes over the last 21 years are discussed.
The impact of climate change on disease in wild plant populations and communities
Authors: Jeger Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Disease in wild plant populations has received less attention from plant pathologists than diseases of managed plants in agriculture, horticulture, and plantation forestry. Plant ecologists, however, have contributed much to an understanding of how pathogens, other plant–microbe interactions, and arthropods affect population structure and community assemblages of wild plants. Consequentially, this lack of attention has meant that the potential impacts of climate change on disease in wild plant populations are less appreciated than on major food crops, where modelling of such impacts is now well established. However, plant ecologists and soil microbiologists have long studied long‐term climatic effects through a combination of observational studies and manipulative field experiments. Here, strategies are discussed to bring together these different perspectives into an integrated approach to address the future impacts of climate change on plant, environmental, and ecosystem health. The approach taken will be first to note the temporal and spatial scales that can be considered, ranging from microhabitats to whole biomes, review what is known about climate change impacts on natural vegetation, referring briefly to climate change impacts on crop diseases, and then what is known about impacts in wild populations at both the individual species and also the ecosystem level. The more general area of plant–soil–microbe–pathogen interactions is covered as one of the more important areas where climate change may have much impact on plant health through indirect rather than direct effects. The special cases of introduced invasive plants and the connectedness of agricultural systems with the wider landscape are discussed.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of Zea mays fed with urea and ammonium
Authors: Buoso Sara , Tomasi Nicola , Arkoun Mustapha , Maillard Anne , Jing Lun , Marroni Fabio , Pluchon Sylvain , Pinton Roberto , Zanin Laura
Published: July 2021

The simultaneous presence of different N‐forms in the rhizosphere leads to beneficial effects on nitrogen (N) nutrition in plants. Although widely used as fertilizers, the occurrence of cross connection between urea and ammonium nutrition has been scarcely studied in plants. Maize fed with a mixture of urea and ammonium displayed a better N‐uptake efficiency than ammonium‐ or urea‐fed plants (Buoso et al., Plant Physiol Biochem, 2021a; 162: 613–623). Through multiomic approaches, we provide the molecular characterization of maize response to urea and ammonium nutrition. Several transporters and enzymes involved in N‐nutrition were upregulated by all three N‐treatments (urea, ammonium, or urea and ammonium). Already after 1 day of treatment, the availability of different N‐forms induced specific transcriptomic and metabolomic responses. The combination of urea and ammonium induced a prompt assimilation of N, characterized by high levels of some amino acids in shoots. Moreover, ZmAMT1.1a, ZmGLN1;2, ZmGLN1;5, ZmGOT1, and ZmGOT3, as well transcripts involved in glycolysis‐TCA cycle were induced in roots by urea and ammonium mixture. Depending on N‐form, even changes in the composition of phytohormones were observed in maize. This study paves the way to formulate guidelines for the optimization of N fertilization to improve N‐use efficiency in maize and therefore limit N‐losses in the environment.
Drought‐tolerant Pseudomonas sp. showed differential expression of stress‐responsive genes and induced drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yasmin Humaira , Bano Asghari , Wilson Neil L. , Nosheen Asia , Naz Rabia , Hassan Muhammad Nadeem , Ilyas Noshin , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Noureldeen Ahmed , Ahmad Parvaiz , Kennedy Ivan
Published: July 2021

The growth and persistence of rhizobacteria in soils are highly impacted by moisture stress. In this study, we report the first transcript analysis of four Pseudomonas strains (PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4) isolated from the root‐soil interface of rice and maize associated with different moisture levels during water deprivation. Filtered Pseudomonas sp. cells incubated at low (RH10%) and high (RH85%) relative humidity showed decreased survival of all Pseudomonas sp. at RH10% when compared with RH85%. RT‐PCR showed differential expression of treS (trehalose synthase), rpoS (sigma factor), mucA (alginate regulatory gene), and fliM (flagellar motor switch protein gene) in response to exposure to RH10%. However, molecular fingerprinting and nutrient assimilation profile of Pseudomonas strains demonstrated genetic and physiological variation between the four strains irrespective of water regime and host. In vitro testing of these strains showed ACC deaminase activity and gibberellic acid, abscisic acid, indole acetic acid, and exopolysaccharide production. We determined that 50 μl of 1.2 × 103 CFU ml‐1 of these Pseudomonas strains was enough to protect Arabidopsis plants against drought stress in a pot experiment. Inoculated plants increased their root colonization ability and biomass; however, PS2 showed higher survival (95%), relative water content (59%), chlorophyll (30%), glycine betaine (38%), proline (23%), and reduced MDA (43%) in shoots than irrigated control under induced water deprivation. It can be concluded that all Pseudomonas strains were effective in mitigating drought stress, however, PS2 appears to impart more resistance to drought than the other strains by upregulating key defense mechanisms.
Effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on reversal learning, tonic pupil size, salivary alpha‐amylase, and cortisol
Authors: D’Agostini Martina , Burger Andreas M. , Franssen Mathijs , Claes Nathalie , Weymar Mathias , von Leupoldt Andreas , Van Diest Ilse
Published: July 2021

This study investigated whether transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) enhances reversal learning and augments noradrenergic biomarkers (i.e., pupil size, cortisol, and salivary alpha‐amylase [sAA]). We also explored the effect of taVNS on respiratory rate and cardiac vagal activity (CVA). Seventy‐one participants received stimulation of either the cymba concha (taVNS) or the earlobe (sham) of the left ear. After learning a series of cue‐outcome associations, the stimulation was applied before and throughout a reversal phase in which cue‐outcome associations were changed for some (reversal), but not for other (distractor) cues. Tonic pupil size, salivary cortisol, sAA, respiratory rate, and CVA were assessed at different time points. Contrary to our hypothesis, taVNS was not associated with an overall improvement in performance on the reversal task. Compared to sham, the taVNS group performed worse for distractor than reversal cues. taVNS did not increase tonic pupil size and sAA. Only post hoc analyses indicated that the cortisol decline was steeper in the sham compared to the taVNS group. Exploratory analyses showed that taVNS decreased respiratory rate but did not affect CVA. The weak and unexpected effects found in this study might relate to the lack of parameters optimization for taVNS and invite to further investigate the effect of taVNS on cortisol and respiratory rate.
Interleukin 1 alpha genetic polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for oral health‐related quality of life in Para athletes
Authors: Von Held Rodrigo , Castilho Thuanny , Antunes Lívia Azeredo Alves , Tavares Jhenyfer da Silva , Pivetta Petinati Maria Fernanda , Winckler Ciro , Neto Zair Candido Oliveira , Scariot Rafaela , Küchler Erika Calvano , Brancher João Armando , Antunes Leonardo Santos
Published: July 2021

Aims

To assess the impact of dental caries on OHRQoL in Para athletes and to evaluate whether interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A) (rs17561, rs1304037), interleukin 10 (IL10) (rs1800871), and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) (rs9005) genes are potential biomarkers for OHRQoL in Para athletes.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study consisting of 264 Para athletes (athletics, 143; powerlifting, 61; and swimming, 60) aged between 14 and 79 years was conducted. The decayed‐missing‐filled teeth index was used for the clinical evaluation. The Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) was used to measure the OHRQoL. Genomic DNA was extracted from the saliva. Genetic polymorphisms were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed.

Results

The overall mean OHIP‐14 score observed was 6.24 (standard deviation, 7.05) and 10.03 (standard deviation, 8.11) in Para athletes with no caries experience and with caries experience, respectively (p = .002). Para athletes with the A allele in the IL1A gene (rs17561), in a dominant model, had a significantly higher risk of poor psychological discomfort than those with the other allele (p = .03).

Conclusion

Dental caries affected the OHRQoL in Para athletes. IL1A genetic polymorphisms were the potential biomarkers for OHRQoL in Para athletes.
Implant‐prosthetic treatment in patients with oral lichen planus: A systematic review
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Alkhraisat Mohammad Hamdan , Piñas Laura , Torre Aintzane , Eguia Asier
Published: July 2021

Aims

This review is aiming on identifying the ideal implant‐prosthetic treatment design in patients with OLP.

Methods and Results

A systematic review was conducted using four electronic databases; Medline (PubMed), Cochrane library, DOAJ and SCOPUS, following the PRISMA statement recommendations to answer the PICO question: “which implant‐prosthetic treatment design is most useful to ensure implant survival in OLP patients?”. The study was pre‐registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42020220102). Included articles quality was assessed using the “Newcastle‐Ottawa scale” and the JBI critical appraisal tool for case series. No article was found specifically designed to analyze the prosthetic influence on implant survival in OLP patients. Despite, information about implant‐prostheses in studies designed with other goals was compiled. Eight articles that involved 141 patients and 341 implants were finally selected. The weighted mean follow‐up was 38 months and the weighted mean survival of the implants 98.9%. No statistical differences were observed between cemented or screw retained prostheses and the materials employed or the technology to manufacture the prostheses.

Conclusion

The influence of prosthetic design on implant survival in OLP patients is still poorly understood, but important clinical recommendations can be drawn. The strength of evidence was grade 3b (CEBM) or low (GRADE).
Measuring pathological traits of the schizotypal personality disorder through the HiTOP model
Authors: de Francisco Carvalho Lucas , Magarotto Machado Gisele , Padovani Sanny , Pianowski Giselle
Published: July 2021

Schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) is characterized by difficulties in intimate relationships, social and interpersonal deficits, and perceptual distortions. Encompassing this personality disorder and other mental conditions, the Hierarchical taxonomy of psychopathology (HiTOP) is an evidence‐based, dimensional model covering pathological traits in its lower range. This study aimed to develop a self‐report scale for screening pathological traits of STPD from the perspective of the HiTOP. The sample consisted of 474 Brazilian adults aged 18–70 years who answered the developed scale, the IDCP‐STPD, facets of the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 (PID‐5), and factors of the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Personality Disorder Static Form (CAT‐PD‐SF). The scale was composed of 73 items distributed in two factors. Internal structure reliability was higher than 0.80 for all scores of the scale. The factors showed associations with the expected external measures, and the groups based on the STPD external measures (healthy and pathological) showed big to huge differences. Although initial, our findings suggested the IDCP‐STPD as a helpful measure to the clinical context to screen the STPD pathological traits. Moreover, the structure observed for the IDCP‐STPD confirms the spectrum level of the HiTOP.
Monetary policy when the objectives of central bankers are imperfectly observable
Authors: Salsano Francesco
Published: July 2021

The paper presents a theoretical model for analysis of the imperfect observability of central bank preferences by the private sector on the decisions taken by the monetary authority, and therefore, on the inflation rate. It examines, in particular, the connection which, in the presence of a time‐inconsistency problem, arises between the observability of the monetary institution's goals and its equilibrium strategies. The model yields innovative results from the technical and economic points of view. From the technical point of view, it is possible to identify the conditions on the model's parameters under which a pure separating equilibrium arises, and the conditions under that there instead exists a “hybrid” equilibrium in which some types of Central Bankers adopt separating strategies whilst others adopt pooling strategies. From an economic point of view, the paper shows a number of relations that arise, in equilibrium, between the degree of observability and transparency of the Central Banker's goals and the inflation rate set by the Central Banker.
Object‐based large‐scale terrain classification combined with segmentation optimization and terrain features: A case study in China
Authors: Na Jiaming , Ding Hu , Zhao Wufan , Liu Kai , Tang Guoan , Pfeifer Norbert
Published: July 2021

Terrain classification involves essential tasks in geomorphology, landscape investigation, regional planning, and hazard prediction. Most existing methods are based on a simple thresholding approach. However, such an approach is limited in terms of accuracy and robustness, especially for large‐scale tasks. To overcome this limitation, this article proposes an object‐based framework combined with the random forest. Six terrain factors, namely terrain relief, surface roughness, elevation, elevation coefficient variation, shaded relief, and accumulative curvature, are first selected by correlation analysis using Sheffield's entropy. The obtained segmentation result is then optimized by Moran's I and the weighted variance, combining both terrain factors and textures derived from digital elevation models. Then, the features are selected among both terrain factors and their gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix textures. Finally, the features are fed into the random forest classifier. Seven landform types are classified, including plain, hill, low mountain, low‐middle mountain, high‐middle mountain, high mountain, and extremely high mountain. A case study in China was conducted and achieved an overall accuracy of 80.53% compared with the official landform atlas, which is better performance over the compared semi‐automatic methods. The transferability of our framework was further confirmed by an additional application in provincial‐scale mapping with a different classification system.
Adrenal disease and pregnancy: an overview
Authors: Ahmed Mayada , Bashir Mohammed , Okunoye Gbemisola O , Konje Justin C.
Published: July 2021

Key content

Although uncommon, adrenal disorders in pregnancy are associated with severe complications, especially if undiagnosed or poorly managed.

Some women are on long‐term steroids (especially those known to suffer from adrenal insufficiency) that suppress endogenous adrenal function. Under stress, these can become insufficient – particularly around labour and the puerperium.

Adrenal insufficiency, for example, has been associated with maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality if untreated, while phaeochromocytoma is associated with considerable maternal mortality.

Clinical features, diagnosis and management of the disorders of the adrenals in pregnancy are discussed, including Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, phaeochromocytoma and paragangliomas, primary aldosteronism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Learning objectives

To understand the physiological changes in the adrenal system during pregnancy.

To understand the clinical features of common adrenal problems in pregnancy and how they can be diagnosed and managed to minimise complications, especially acute adrenal insufficiency.

To understand how the management of adrenal disorders is altered in pregnancy and the effect of adrenal diseases on pregnancy.

Ethical issues

Is there a role for in utero therapy if a prenatal diagnosis is made?

Does treatment of the mother affect the fetus?

Is optimal treatment of the mother limited by concerns for the fetus?
The wicked city: Genealogies of interdisciplinary hubris in urban thought
Authors: Barnett Clive
Published: July 2021

Across multiple academic disciplines and fields of policy, cities are now ascribed wide‐ranging task responsibility for addressing a wide range of global issues. This paper elaborates a genealogical mode of analysis for understanding the ascription of causal and practical responsibility to urban processes. This analysis is developed through a case study of the revival of interest in the concept of wicked problems. The paper pinpoints aspects of the original account of wicked problems that are crucial to appreciating the significance now played by this concept in discourses of metrophilia. The focus is on the specific sense of “wickedness” outlined in this original account. The career of the wicked problems idea is reconstructed, with an emphasis on different views of expertise and how these are related to the changing status of the city in recent accounts of wicked problems. The paper identifies differences and similarities between the two prevalent ways in which the invocation of the concept of wicked problems is used to ascribe responsibility for shaping urban futures – a “taming” perspective and a “sharing” perspective. In concluding, it is argued that the career of the idea of wicked problems brings into view the constitutive link between generalised ascriptions of task responsibility to urban processes and a set of chronic concerns about the ambivalence of urban expertise.
Comparison of one‐layer Utrecht pattern with two‐layer (simple continuous/Cushing) pattern for jejunojejunostomy in healthy horses in vivo
Authors: Roessner Holly A. , Hurcombe Samuel D. , Klein Chelsea E. , Hopster Klaus , Engiles Julie B.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To compare end‐to‐end jejunal anastomoses with a one‐layer (Utrecht) and two‐layer (simple continuous/Cushing) patterns.

Study Design

Experimental study.

Animals

Eight healthy adult horses.

Methods

Jejunal end‐to‐end anastomoses were performed in randomly assigned one‐layer or two‐layer patterns. Horses were recovered from surgery and monitored for complications. At 14 days, the opposite pattern was performed (cross‐over design) prior to euthanasia. Duration of closures was compared between patterns. Serosal width was measured before harvesting anastomotic sites from the first procedure. Luminal diameter was measured, and sections were collected for histological evaluation of heating after routine and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

One‐layer closure was faster (716 ± 86 s) than two‐layer closures (1136 ± 111 s). Postoperative complications were minimal. No difference was detected in lumen size between groups. The lumen was reduced by 18% after one‐layer and 15% after two‐layer closures (p = .34). Serosal adhesions to the mesentery without clinical evidence of obstruction were observed in two horses with two‐layer closure. Histopathological scores for inflammation, infection, and healing did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Jejunal anastomosis with one‐layer Utrecht technique was about 7 min faster and led to similar luminal reduction and histological healing scores as two‐layer jejunojejunostomies.

Clinical Significance

The outcomes of one‐layer Utrecht jejunojejunostomies in healthy horses justify clinical evaluation of this technique.
Local recovery of cardiac calcium‐induced calcium release interrogated by ultra‐effective, two‐photon uncaging of calcium
Authors: Janicek Radoslav , Agarwal Hitesh , Gómez Ana M. , Egger Marcel , Ellis‐Davies Graham C. R. , Niggli Ernst
Published: July 2021

Key points

In cardiac myocytes, subcellular local calcium release signals, calcium sparks, are recruited to form each cellular calcium transient and activate the contractile machinery.

Abnormal timing of recovery of sparks after their termination may contribute to arrhythmias.

We developed a method to interrogate recovery of calcium spark trigger probabilities and their amplitude over time using two‐photon photolysis of a new ultra‐effective caged calcium compound.

The findings confirm the utility of the technique to define an elevated sensitivity of the calcium release mechanism in situ and to follow hastened recovery of spark trigger probabilities in a mouse model of an inherited cardiac arrhythmia, which was used for validation.

Analogous methods are likely to be applicable to investigate other microscopic subcellular signalling systems in a variety of cell types.

In cardiac myocytes Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) through ryanodine receptors (RyRs) governs activation of contraction. Ca2+ release occurs via subcellular Ca2+ signalling events, Ca2+ sparks. Local recovery of Ca2+ release depends on both SR refilling and restoration of Ca2+ sensitivity of the RyRs. We used two‐photon (2P) photolysis of the ultra‐effective caged Ca2+ compound BIST‐2EGTA and laser‐scanning confocal Ca2+ imaging to probe refractoriness of local Ca2+ release in control conditions and in the presence of cAMP or low‐dose caffeine (to stimulate CICR) or cyclopiazonic acid (CPA; to slow SR refilling). Permeabilized cardiomyocytes were loaded with BIST‐2EGTA and rhod‐2. Pairs of short 2P photolytic pulses (1 ms, 810 nm) were applied with different intervals to test Ca2+ release amplitude recovery and trigger probability for the second spark in a pair. Photolytic and biological events were distinguished by classification with a self‐learning support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. In permeabilized myocytes data recorded in the presence of CPA showed a lower probability of triggering a second spark compared to control or cAMP conditions. Cardiomyocytes from a mouse model harbouring the arrhythmogenic RyRR420Q mutation were used for further validation and revealed a higher Ca2+ sensitivity of CICR. This new 2P approach provides composite information of Ca2+ release amplitude and trigger probability recovery reflecting both SR refilling and restoration of CICR and RyR Ca2+ sensitivity. It can be used to measure the kinetics of local CICR recovery, alterations of which may be related to premature heart beats and arrhythmias.
Constraint Effect on Fracture Behavior of Underclad Crack in Reactor Pressure Vessel
Authors: Shimodaira Masaki , Tobita Tohru , Takamizawa Hisashi , Katsuyama Jinya , Hanawa Satoshi
Published: July 2021

According to JEAC4206-2016, in the structural integrity assessment of a reactor pressure vessel (RPV), the fracture toughness (KJc) should be higher than the stress intensity factor at the crack tip of a postulated underclad crack (UCC) near the inner surface of the RPV during a pressurized thermal shock event. Previous analytical studies show that the plastic constraint for UCC is lower than that for surface crack. Consequently, the apparent KJc for UCC is expected to be higher than that for surface crack. In this study, we performed three-point bending fracture toughness tests and finite element analyses (FEAs) for RPV steel containing a UCC or a surface crack to quantitatively investigate the effect of cladding on the plastic constraint and subsequent KJc evaluation. From the tests, we found that the apparent KJc for the UCC was considerably higher than that for the surface crack. Such a high KJc could be explained by the lower plastic constraint parameters, such as T-stress and Q-parameter, of the UCC compared with those for the surface crack. Additionally, local approach analysis showed that the KJc for the UCC was significantly higher than the master curve estimated from the fracture toughness tests using compact tension specimens.
Quantifying structural controls on submarine channel architecture and kinematics
Authors: Mitchell W. Hamish , Whittaker Alexander C. , Mayall Mike , Lonergan Lidia , Pizzi Marco
Published: July 2021

Over the past two decades, the increased availability of three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data and their integration with outcrop and numerical modeling studies have enabled the architectural evolution of submarine channels to be studied in detail. While tectonic activity is a recognized control on submarine channel morphology, the temporal and spatial complexity associated with these systems means submarine channel behavior over extended time periods, and the ways in which processes scale and translate into time-integrated sedimentary architecture, remain poorly understood. For example, tectonically driven changes in slope morphology may locally enhance or diminish a channel's ability to incise, aggrade, and migrate laterally, changing channel kinematics and the distribution of composite architectures. Here, we combined seismic techniques with the concept of stratigraphic mobility to quantify how gravity-driven deformation influenced the stratigraphic architecture of two submarine channels, from the fundamental architectural unit, a channel element, to channel complex scale, on the Niger Delta slope.

From a 3-D, time-migrated, seismic-reflection volume, we evaluated the evolution of widths, depths, sinuosities, curvatures, and stratigraphic mobilities at fixed intervals downslope as the channel complexes interacted with a range of gravity-driven structures. At channel element scale, sinuosity and bend amplitude were consistently elevated over structured reaches of the slope, displaying a nonlinear increase in length, perpendicular to flow direction. At channel complex scale, the same locations, updip of structure, correlated to an increase in channel complex width and aspect ratio. Normalized complex dimensions and complex-averaged stratigraphic mobilities showed lateral migration to be the dominant form of stratigraphic preservation in these locations. Our results explain the intricate relationship between the planform characteristics of channel elements and the cross-sectional dimensions of the channel complex. We show how channel element processes and kinematics translate to form higher-order stratigraphic bodies, and we demonstrate how tectonically driven changes in slope develop channel complexes with distinct cross-sectional and planform architectures.
Formation of the crater suevite sequence from the Chicxulub peak ring: A petrographic, geochemical, and sedimentological characterization
Authors: Kaskes Pim , de Graaff Sietze J. , Feignon Jean-Guillaume , Déhais Thomas , Goderis Steven , Ferrière Ludovic , Koeberl Christian , Smit Jan , Wittmann Axel , Gulick Sean P.S. , Debaille Vinciane , Mattielli Nadine , Claeys Philippe
Published: July 2021

This study presents a new classification of a ∼100-m-thick crater suevite sequence in the recent International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP)-International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) Expedition 364 Hole M0077A drill core to better understand the formation of suevite on top of the Chicxulub peak ring. We provide an extensive data set for this succession that consists of whole-rock major and trace element compositional data (n = 212) and petrographic data supported by digital image analysis. The suevite sequence is subdivided into three units that are distinct in their petrography, geochemistry, and sedimentology, from base to top: the ∼5.6-m-thick non-graded suevite unit, the ∼89-m-thick graded suevite unit, and the ∼3.5-m-thick bedded suevite unit. All of these suevite units have isolated Cretaceous planktic foraminifera within their clastic groundmass, which suggests that marine processes were responsible for the deposition of the entire M0077A suevite sequence. The most likely scenario describes that the first ocean water that reached the northern peak ring region entered through a N-NE gap in the Chicxulub outer rim. We estimate that this ocean water arrived at Site M0077 within 30 minutes after the impact and was relatively poor in rock debris. This water caused intense quench fragmentation when it interacted with the underlying hot impact melt rock, and this resulted in the emplacement of the ∼5.6-m-thick hyaloclastite-like, non-graded suevite unit. In the following hours, the impact structure was flooded by an ocean resurge rich in rock debris, which caused the phreatomagmatic processes to stop and the ∼89-m-thick graded suevite unit to be deposited. We interpret that after the energy of the resurge slowly dissipated, oscillating seiche waves took over the sedimentary regime and formed the ∼3.5-m-thick bedded suevite unit. The final stages of the formation of the impactite sequence (estimated to be <20 years after impact) were dominated by resuspension and slow atmospheric settling, including the final deposition of Chicxulub impactor debris. Cumulatively, the Site M0077 suevite sequence from the Chicxulub impact site preserved a high-resolution record that provides an unprecedented window for unravelling the dynamics and timing of proximal marine cratering processes in the direct aftermath of a large impact event.
Simulating the time projection chamber responses at the MPD detector using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Maevskiy A. , Ratnikov F. , Zinchenko A. , Riabov V.
Published: July 2021

High energy physics experiments rely heavily on the detailed detector simulation models in many tasks. Running these detailed models typically requires a notable amount of the computing time available to the experiments. In this work, we demonstrate a new approach to speed up the simulation of the Time Projection Chamber tracker of the MPD experiment at the NICA accelerator complex. Our method is based on a Generative Adversarial Network – a deep learning technique allowing for implicit estimation of the population distribution for a given set of objects. This approach lets us learn and then sample from the distribution of raw detector responses, conditioned on the parameters of the charged particle tracks. To evaluate the quality of the proposed model, we integrate a prototype into the MPD software stack and demonstrate that it produces high-quality events similar to the detailed simulator, with a speed-up of at least an order of magnitude. The prototype is trained on the responses from the inner part of the detector and, once expanded to the full detector, should be ready for use in physics tasks.
Historical glass mosaic tesserae: a multi-analytical approach for their characterization
Authors: Marcucci Giulia , Scherillo Antonella , Cazzaniga Carlo , Lemasson Quentin , Lorenzi Roberto , Clemenza Massimiliano , Riccardi Maria Pia , Di Martino Daniela
Published: July 2021

We present a completely non-destructive approach to analyse a set of historical glass mosaic tesserae. Aim of the study is to obtain a qualitative and quantitative characterization of the glass matrix in terms of elements and mineralogical phases. Several non-destructive techniques have been applied like Particle-Induced X-ray Emission, Particle-Induced Gamma-ray Emission, micro-Raman spectroscopy, neutron resonance capture analysis and neutron activation analysis in order to combine different technique strengths and to explore the effect of different range sizes for the analysis. Yet, best practices require the use of combined analysis and different skills. The paradigm of a non-destructive multi-analytical approach is suggested for a comprehensive investigation in non-homogeneous real samples, like historical glass mosaic tesserae.
Improved Operando Raman Cell Configuration for Commercially-Sourced Electrodes in Alkali-Ion Batteries
Authors: Rosser Timothy E. , Dickinson Edmund J. F. , Raccichini Rinaldo , Hunter Katherine , Searle Andrew D. , Kavanagh Christopher M. , Curran Peter J. , Hinds Gareth , Park Juyeon , Wain Andrew J.
Published: July 2021

Operando Raman spectroscopy is a well-established technique for monitoring chemical changes in active materials during electrochemical cycling of alkali-ion cells. To date, however, its application to the study of commercial electrodes under realistic operating conditions has been severely limited by cell design constraints. We present here an improved configuration for performing operando Raman spectroscopy on coated metal foil electrodes used in standard laboratory cell testing. Electrochemical modeling predicts much improved lithiation homogeneity compared to a previously used configuration; this observation is validated experimentally for a commercially-sourced graphite electrode. The new configuration delivers improved electrochemical performance at higher specific currents than was previously possible, ensuring that Raman measurements at a single location are representative of the entire electrode. Finally, the broad applicability of the configuration is demonstrated through a study of hard carbon sodium-ion negative electrodes over 50 cycles. These results provide a new configuration for performing reliable, validated operando Raman spectroscopy on commercial battery electrodes, as well as establishing a general methodological framework for the validation of operando spectroscopic techniques to ensure that their performance is relevant to the practical systems to which they are applied.
Optimal Cooperative Brake Distribution Strategy for IWM Vehicle Accounting for Electric and Friction Braking Torques
Authors: Vignati Michele , Belloni Mattia , Tarsitano Davide , Sabbioni Edoardo
Published: July 2021

Electric vehicles are spreading in automotive industry pushed by the need of reducing greenhouse gas. However, the use of multiple electric motors, i.e., one per wheel, allows to redefine the vehicle powertrain layout with great benefits on vehicle dynamics. Electric motors braking torque is in general not enough to produce high decelerations. Hydraulic friction brakes are still necessary for safety reasons and to avoid oversized motors. This paper presents a control strategy for distributed electric motors (EM), one per wheel, to maximize the regenerative braking. The controller handles cooperative braking among EMs and hydraulic brakes, which are still necessary to guarantee top braking performance of the car. The proposed algorithm considers the driver requested braking torque as well as the required yaw moment by stability control system. Motor efficiency map and wheel normal load are considered to optimally distribute the torques. With respect to conventional distribution strategies, the presented algorithm improves performance, maximizing the regenerative braking power.
Art Effect of Photographic Darkroom Stunt Simulation Based on Mobile Computing to Synthesize Images across Image Moving Selected Regions
Authors: Liu Wen , Qiu Feng , Zeng Xi
Published: July 2021

Prior to the advent of digital image processing technology, image composition primarily used human vision to identify colors and artificially convert them. However, manually synthesizing and transforming graphics images will not only consume a lot of manpower, time, and energy but also due to manual limitations in the process of synthesizing and coloring the pictures, the resulting pictures cannot meet people’s needs. In order to improve the speed and quality of image synthesis, and to synthesize the pictures people need more quickly and accurately, this article synthesizes the image based on the movement calculation across the selected area of the image and analyzes the photographic darkroom special effects of the synthesized image to simulate the artistic effect. Using case analysis method, literature analysis method, and other methods, the database was collected and a model of photographic darkroom stunt simulation artistic effect recognition was built. The results of the study found that the composite image based on the movement calculation across the selected area of the image is better than the composite image of other algorithms, and the quality of hue and saturation is more than 30% higher than other synthesis methods. It should be verified by experiments. The results are significantly different. This shows that the composite image based on moving calculation across the selected area of the image can achieve good results in the photographic darkroom stunt simulation artistic effect.
Effect of Adaptive Cruise Control on Mixed Traffic Flow: A Comparison of Constant Time Gap Policy with Variable Time Gap Policy
Authors: Dong Jiakuan , Wang Jiangfeng , Chen Lei , Gao Zhijun , Luo Dongyu
Published: July 2021

With the emerging application of low-level driving automation technology, heterogeneous traffic flow mixed with human-driven vehicles and low-level autonomous vehicles is dawning. In this context, it is imperative to investigate its effect on mixed traffic flow. As a key component for adaptive cruise control (ACC) which is a practical low-level application of driving automation, the time gap policy determines the dynamic of ACC-equipped vehicles and plays a crucial role in traffic flow stability and efficiency. There are two main time gap policies used for ACC at present, namely, constant time gap (CTG) policy and variable time gap (VTG) policy. In this study, we carried out a detailed comparison between these time gap policies to investigate their potential effect on mixed traffic flow, where the analytical- and simulation-based approaches are both considered. Analytical results show that VTG policy is superior to CTG policy in stabilizing the mixed traffic flow. In addition, numerical simulations are also conducted and simulation results further support the analytical results. As for throughput, there is no difference between CTG policy and VTG policy in analytical progress when the same time gap is set at the equilibrium. However, simulation results based on an on-ramp scenario show that the throughput of mixed traffic flow with VTG policy is slightly higher than that of CTG policy. Meanwhile, the scatter of mixed traffic flow with VTG policy in the flow-density diagram gradually clusters in the middle range of density (i.e., 20–40 veh/km) with the increase of the penetration rates of ACC vehicles, where the traffic flow operates more efficiently. These results indicate that VTG policy is better than CTG policy when designing controllers for ACC in the context of traffic flow operation and control.
Influence of the Balance Hole Circumferential Position on the Cavitation Performance of the Semiopen Impeller Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Cheng Xiaorui , Luo Jiaheng , Xiong Bo , Jiang Yimeng
Published: July 2021

In order to study the influence of the circumferential position of the balance hole on the cavitation performance of the semiopen impeller centrifugal pump, a low specific speed semiopen impeller centrifugal pump is taken as the object, and 4 kinds of circumferential positions of balance holes are designed. The SST k-ω turbulence model and the Rayleigh–Plesset cavitation bubble dynamics equation are used to calculate the full flow field of the centrifugal pump. Research shows that, under cavitation conditions, as the circumferential position of the balance hole is farther away from the blade working surface, the cavitation performance of the pump is reduced, and the larger θ (the angle of the balance hole and the leading edge of the blade in the direction of rotation) is, the easier the jet cavitation occurs near the balance hole. On the other hand, with the development of cavitation, the axial force of the impeller has also changed greatly. In contrast, the farther the balance hole is arranged in the circumferential direction (i.e., the greater θ), the more limited is the ability of the balance hole to balance the axial force.
Investigation of Dynamic Load Sharing Behavior for Herringbone Planetary Gears considering Multicoupling Manufacturing Errors
Authors: Ren Fei , Ji Jinchen , Luo Guofu , Zhao Shaofu , Zhao Liya , Shi Guiqin , Wu Xiaoling , Wang Ning
Published: July 2021

In this study, based on the lumped‐parameter theory and the Lagrange approach, a novel and generalized bending‐torsional‐axial coupled dynamic model for analyzing the load sharing behavior in the herringbone planetary gear train (HPGT) is presented by taking into account the actual structure of herringbone gears, manufacturing errors, time‐dependent meshing stiffness, bearing deflections, and gyroscopic effects. The model can be applied to the analysis of the vibration of the HPGT with any number of planets and different types of manufacturing errors in different floating forms. The HPGT equivalent meshing error is analyzed and derived for the tooth profile errors and manufacturing eccentric errors of all components in the HPGT system. By employing the variable‐step Runge–Kutta approach to calculate the system dynamic response, in conjunction with the presented calculation approach of the HPGT load sharing coefficient, the relationships among manufacturing errors, component floating, and load sharing are numerically obtained. The effects of the combined errors and single error on the load sharing are, respectively, discussed. Meanwhile, the effects of the support stiffness of the main components in the HPGT system on load sharing behavior are analyzed. The results indicate that manufacturing errors, floating components, and system support stiffness largely influence the load sharing behavior of the HPGT system. The research has a vital guiding significance for the design of the HPGT system.