bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressure-temperature-deformation-time path for the Seve Nappe Complex, Kebnekaise Massif, Arctic Swedish Caledonides
Authors: Baird* Graham B. , Korhonen* Fawna J. , Chamberlain* Kevin R.
Published: March 2022

The Seve Nappe Complex in the Scandinavian Caledonides records a range of peak metamorphic conditions and timings. To better understand pressure-temperature-deformation-time differences throughout the complex and possible tectonic scenarios, metamorphosed mafic rocks within the Tarfala Valley of the Kebnekaise Massif (Sweden) were investigated using integrated petrologic and geochronologic techniques. Thermodynamic modeling of two samples using domainal and whole-rock compositions integrated with mineral chemistry, mineral textures, and titanite and zircon U-Pb geochronology constrained a portion of the pressure-temperature (P-T) path. Peak metamorphic conditions of 590–660 °C and 9.7–10.5 kbar were followed by near-isothermal decompression or a subsolidus clockwise P-T path. Amphibolite units in the valley record retrograde conditions at 450–550 °C at less than 7.5 kbar, although mineral modes and textures are most consistent with pressures <4 kbar. The majority of titanite growth occurred due to the introduction of hydrous fluids during cooling and following exhumation to midcrustal levels. U-Pb ages of retrograde titanite define a spread from ca. 480 to 449 Ma, and the oldest age is interpreted to constrain the timing of retrogression following exhumation. This interpretation is supported by a U-Pb zircon crystallization age of 481 ± 7 Ma for a metamorphosed intermediate to felsic synkinematic dike hosted in one of the amphibolite units.

These results indicate that the Kebnekaise region records Early Ordovician deformation and metamorphism that was of lower grade compared to other Seve Nappe Complex locations to the south. The tectonic history of these rocks includes metamorphism and exhumation during the Cambrian–Ordovician pre-Scandian event, followed by thrusting of the Seve Nappe Complex and neighboring rocks onto Baltica during the Silurian Scandian orogeny.
Supplemental Material: Nanoscale isotopic evidence resolves origins of giant Carlin-type ore deposits
Authors: Holley E.A. , al. et
Published: March 2022

Detailed methods, description of materials, and data tables.
Supplemental Material: Ridge subduction and episodes of crustal growth in accretionary belts: Evidence from late Paleozoic felsic igneous rocks in the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Li Jialiang , Liu Jingao , al. et
Published: March 2022

Table S1: Zircon U-Pb analytical results for samples from the felsic igneous rocks in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia. Table S2: Major (wt%) and trace-element (ppm) concentrations of the felsic igneous rocks in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia. Table S3: Whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of the felsic igneous rocks in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia. Table S4: Zircon Hf isotopic compositions of the felsic igneous rocks in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia. Table S5: Summary of zircon U-Pb age data of granitic rocks in XIMOB. Table S6: Summary of whole-rock Nd isotope data of granitic rocks in XIMOB. Table S7: Summary of zircons Hf isotopic data of granitic rocks in XMOB.
Direct Conjugation of Penicillins and Cephalosporins with Proteins for Receptor Assays of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Serchenya T. S. , Harbachova I. V. , Sviridov O. V.
Published: March 2022

Abstract—

Fifteen protein conjugates of penicillins and cephalosporins containing amino- and/or carboxylic groups in the initial structures have been synthesized in the reactions with human serum albumin or ovalbumin using 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) or a combination of EDC and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide at various ratios of the base reagents. A comparative study of conjugates composition and properties has been carried out by UV spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and a ligand-receptor assay. It was shown that the antibiotic residue content of the macromolecules obtained varied from 1 to 22, the beta-lactam cycle remained intact assuring specific interactions of the conjugates with a penicillin-binding protein. In two developed models of receptor bioanalytic systems, an ampicillin conjugate onto a solid phase binds to penicillin-binding protein complexed with a monoclonal antibody, which was detected by an immunoenzyme label in microplate wells or gold nanoparticles on test strips. Conjugated ampicillin binding to the receptor was competitively inhibited by beta-lactam antibiotics added to the liquid phase, and analytical sensitivities relative to penicillin G were 0.05 and 1 ng/mL for microplate and receptor chromatographic systems, respectively.
Effect of Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin on the Interaction of Fluoroquinolones with Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Yakupova L. R. , Kopnova T. Yu. , Skuredina A. A. , Kudryashova E. V.
Published: March 2022

Abstract—

The influence of the structure of fluoroquinolones (on the example of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin) and their complexation with methyl-β-cyclodextrin on the interaction of the drug with human serum albumin was studied. It was found that the binding of the drug molecule with albumin is significantly affected by the structure of fluoroquinolone, as well as the presence of methyl-β-cyclodextrin. It was discovered that of the two fluoroquinolones, the more hydrophobic ciprofloxacin molecule interacts more strongly with the protein, using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy methods. It has also been shown that binding of albumin to the drug causes quenching of protein fluorescence, and this effect is more pronounced for ciprofloxacin. The complexation of fluoroquinolones with methyl-β-cyclodextrin leads to a change in the interaction of fluoroquinolones with the protein: in the case of complexes, more pronounced interactions are observed for levofloxacin. The results obtained will help to bring the use of fluoroquinolones to a new level in clinical practice, by creating new highly effective drugs with improved properties.
Benefits of dietary fibre for children in health and disease
Authors: Hojsak Iva , Benninga Marc A , Hauser Bruno , Kansu Aydan , Kelly Veronica B , Stephen Alison M. , Morais Lopez Ana , Slavin Joanne , Tuohy Kieran
Published: March 2022

Fibre is an essential nutrient in the human diet that is crucial for human health. It provides a range of functional benefits, including stool bulking, and physiological benefits through fermentation of diverse fibre types by the gut microbiome including cholesterol lowering, glycaemic control and weight control. The by-products of the fermentation of fibre in the gut confer health benefits that extend beyond the gut to the immune system and organs such as the liver, kidneys and the brain. A lack of fibre in the diet has been associated with several disorders in children including constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies and immune-related disorders. In paediatric practice, concerns exist over tolerance of dietary fibre which may lead to unnecessary restrictions, especially for children receiving nutritional support. One reason for this may be the terminology which has historically been used. Fibre is often described in terms of its physico-chemical properties (solubility, viscosity), rather than its physiological effects/functionality (fermentability, bulking effects). To describe fibre in these latter terms represents more clearly the important role it plays. Most international guidelines recommend a daily quantity of fibre, failing to mention the quality aspect of the fibre required for health. Here we consider the evidence base for the current recommendations for daily fibre intakes for healthy children, those requiring nutritional support and those with functional gastrointestinal disorders. We also consider the importance of the gut microbiome and the role of fibre in maintaining gut microbial health and its role in health beyond the gut.
Economic evaluations of health system strengthening activities in low-income and middle-income country settings: a methodological systematic review
Authors: Hendrix Nathaniel , Kwete Xiaoxiao , Bolongaita Sarah , Megiddo Itamar , Memirie Solomon Tessema , Mirkuzie Alemnesh H , Nonvignon Justice , Verguet Stéphane
Published: March 2022

Objective

Health system strengthening (HSS) activities should accompany disease-targeting interventions in low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Economic evaluations provide information on how these types of investment might best be balanced but can be challenging. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate how researchers address these economic evaluation challenges.

Methods

We identified studies about economic evaluation of HSS activities in LMICs using a two-stage approach. First, we conducted a broad search to identify areas where economic evaluations of HSS activities were being conducted. Next, we selected specific interventions for more targeted literature review. We extracted study characteristics using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Finally, we summarised authors’ modelling decisions using a framework that examines how models are developed to emphasise generalisability, precision, or realism.

Findings

Our searches produced 1978 studies, out of which we included 36. Most studies used data from prospective trials and calculated cost-effectiveness directly from these trial inputs, rather than using simulation methods. As a group, these studies primarily emphasised precision and realism over generalisability, meaning that their results were best suited to specific settings.

Conclusions

The number of included studies was small. Our findings suggest that most economic evaluations of HSS do not leverage methods like sensitivity analyses or inputs from literature review that would produce more generalisable (but potentially less precise) results. More research into how decision-makers would use economic evaluations to define the expansion path to strengthening health systems would allow for conceptualising impactful work on the economic value of HSS.
Multicomponent stretching and rubber band strengthening exercises do not reduce overuse shoulder injuries: a cluster randomised controlled trial with 579 handball athletes
Authors: Achenbach Leonard , Huppertz Gunnar , Zeman Florian , Weber Johannes , Luig Patrick , Rudert Maximilian , Krutsch Werner
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Handball is associated with a high risk of overuse shoulder injury. This study investigated if an injury prevention programme effectively reduces overuse injury to the throwing shoulder of handball athletes.

Methods

61 men’s and women’s handball teams (u-19 and senior athletes) were cluster-randomised into an intervention and a control group in the 2019–2020 season. Players of the intervention group regularly carried out an injury prevention programme. Both groups documented overuse shoulder injuries via an online questionnaire every second week. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of overuse injury to the throwing shoulder. Secondary endpoints were the influence of compliance on the primary endpoint and intensity of overuse shoulder symptoms measured by a shortened, handball-specific Western Ontario Shoulder Index (WOSI).

Results

31 teams (295 players) in the intervention group and 30 teams (284 players) in the control group were included for analyses. The overall questionnaire response rate was 61%. The average prevalence of overuse shoulder injury did not significantly differ between the intervention group (n=109, 38.4% (95% CI 32.9% to 44.2%)) and the control group (n=106, 35.9% (95% CI 30.7% to 41.6%), p=0.542). Compliance with the intervention programme did not significantly affect overuse shoulder injury (p=0.893). Using generalised estimating equations for WOSI, the estimated mean for the intervention group was 44.6 points (95% CI 42.0 to 47.1) and 47.6 points for the control group (95% CI 44.9 to 50.3, p=0.111).

Conclusions

A multicomponent exercise programme using rubber bands and stretching did not significantly reduce the prevalence or symptoms of overuse throwing shoulder injury in handball athletes of both sexes. Randomised controlled study; level of evidence I.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN99023492.
Smartphone detection of atrial fibrillation using photoplethysmography: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gill Simrat , Bunting Karina V , Sartini Claudio , Cardoso Victor Roth , Ghoreishi Narges , Uh Hae-Won , Williams John A , Suzart-Woischnik Kiliana , Banerjee Amitava , Asselbergs Folkert W , Eijkemans MJC , Gkoutos Georgios V , Kotecha Dipak
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Timely diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) is essential to reduce complications from this increasingly common condition. We sought to assess the diagnostic accuracy of smartphone camera photoplethysmography (PPG) compared with conventional electrocardiogram (ECG) for AF detection.

Methods

This is a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane (1980–December 2020), including any study or abstract, where smartphone PPG was compared with a reference ECG (1, 3 or 12-lead). Random effects meta-analysis was performed to pool sensitivity/specificity and identify publication bias, with study quality assessed using the QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2) risk of bias tool.

Results

28 studies were included (10 full-text publications and 18 abstracts), providing 31 comparisons of smartphone PPG versus ECG for AF detection. 11 404 participants were included (2950 in AF), with most studies being small and based in secondary care. Sensitivity and specificity for AF detection were high, ranging from 81% to 100%, and from 85% to 100%, respectively. 20 comparisons from 17 studies were meta-analysed, including 6891 participants (2299 with AF); the pooled sensitivity was 94% (95% CI 92% to 95%) and specificity 97% (96%–98%), with substantial heterogeneity (p<0.01). Studies were of poor quality overall and none met all the QUADAS-2 criteria, with particular issues regarding selection bias and the potential for publication bias.

Conclusion

PPG provides a non-invasive, patient-led screening tool for AF. However, current evidence is limited to small, biased, low-quality studies with unrealistically high sensitivity and specificity. Further studies are needed, preferably independent from manufacturers, in order to advise clinicians on the true value of PPG technology for AF detection.
The vaccine-site microenvironment: impacts of antigen, adjuvant, and same-site vaccination on antigen presentation and immune signaling
Authors: Meneveau Max O , Kumar Pankaj , Lynch Kevin T , Patel Sapna P , Slingluff Craig L
Published: March 2022

Background

A goal of cancer vaccines is to induce strong T cell responses to tumor antigens, but the delivery method, schedule, and formulation of cancer vaccines have not yet been optimized. Adjuvants serve to increase the immune response against vaccine antigens. However, little is known about the impact of adjuvants plus antigen and their delivery schedule on the immunologic milieu in the vaccine-site microenvironment (VSME). We hypothesized that antigen processing and presentation may occur directly in the VSME, that adding the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist polyICLC (pICLC) would enhance markers of immune activation, and that the immune signatures would be enhanced further by repeated vaccination in the same skin site rather than after multiple vaccines in different skin locations.

Methods

Using RNA sequencing, we evaluated VSME biopsies from patients undergoing subcutaneous/intradermal peptide vaccination against melanoma, with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) with or without pICLC. Differential gene expression analyses and gene set enrichment analyses were performed using R. False discovery rate corrected p values <0.05 were considered significant.

Results

We found that addition of peptide antigens to IFA enhanced antigen presentation pathways and a tertiary lymphoid structure gene-signature locally at the VSME. Addition of pICLC to IFA + peptide induced an immunologically favorable VSME 1 week after injection but had little impact on the VSME after three injections, compared with IFA + peptide alone. Repeated same-site injection of IFA + peptide antigens induced a VSME with more dendritic cell activation, Th1 dominance, and TLR adaptor protein gene expression than that induced by injections at different, rotating skin locations.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the vaccine-site itself may be a critically important location contributing to vaccine immunity rather than just the draining lymph node, that IFA induces a favorable VSME with TLR agonist being most beneficial early in the vaccine course, and that same-site injections lead to persistent stimulation of immune pathways that may be beneficial in eliciting antigen specific T cell expansion.
Phase 2 trial of T-cell activation using MVI-816 and pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
Authors: McNeel Douglas G , Eickhoff Jens C , Wargowski Ellen , Johnson Laura E , Kyriakopoulos Christos E , Emamekhoo Hamid , Lang Joshua M , Brennan Mary Jane , Liu Glenn
Published: March 2022

Background

We previously reported a trial using a DNA vaccine encoding prostatic acid phosphatase (MVI-816, pTVG-HP), given over 12 weeks concurrently or sequentially with pembrolizumab, in patients with mCRPC. We report the final analysis of this trial following two additional treatment arms in which patients with mCRPC continued concurrent treatment until progression.

Materials and methods

Patients with mCRPC were treated with MVI-816 and pembrolizumab every 3 weeks (arm 3, n=20) or MVI-816 every 2 weeks and pembrolizumab every 4 weeks (arm 4, n=20). The primary objectives were safety, 6-month progression-free survival (PFS), median time to radiographic progression, and objective response rates. Secondary objectives included immunological evaluations.

Results

In 25 patients with measurable disease, there were no complete response and one confirmed partial response in a patient who subsequently found to have an MSIhitumor. 4/40 patients (10%) had a prostate-specific antigen decline >50%. The estimated overall radiographic PFS rate at 6 months was 47.2% (44.4% arm 3, 61.5% arm 4). Accounting for all off-study events, overall median time on treatment was 5.6 months (95% CI: 5.4 to 10.8 months), 5.6 months for arm 3 and 8.1 months for arm 4 (p=0.64). Thirty-two per cent of patients remained on trial beyond 6 months without progression. Median overall survival was 22.9 (95% CI: 16.2 to 25.6) months. One grade 4 event (hyperglycemia) was observed. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) >grade 1 were observed in 42% of patients overall. Interferon-γ and/or granzyme B immune response to prostatic acid phosphatase was detected in 2/20 patients in arm 3 and 6/20 patients in arm 4. Plasma cytokines associated with immune activation and CD8+ T-cell recruitment were augmented at weeks 6 and 12. The development of irAE was significantly associated with a prolonged time on treatment (HR=0.42, p=0.003). Baseline DNA homologous recombination repair mutations were not associated with longer time to progression.

Conclusions

Findings here demonstrate that combining programmed cell death 1 blockade with MVI-816 is safe, can augment tumor-specific T cells, and can result in a favorable 6-month disease control rate. Correlative studies suggest T-cell activation by vaccination is critical to the mechanism of action of this combination. Future randomized clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.

Trial registration number

NCT02499835.
Hypervalent iodine-mediated oxidative alkene arylation: a thorough analysis
Authors: Britt Liam H. , Zhao Zhensheng , Murphy Graham K.
Published: March 2022

A hypervalent iodine (HVI)-mediated, oxidative alkene arylation reaction has been developed. Both Koser’s reagent (PhI(OH)OTs) and (diacetoxyiodo)toluene (TolI(OAc)2) were equally viable as oxidants, which reacted with ortho-vinylbiphenyl derivatives to produce tri-, tetra-, and pentacyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in yields up to 97%. Comparison of this stoichiometric reaction with a previously reported catalytic process showed that these protocols were largely complementary, and that they likely operate via the same general mechanistic sequence involving vinyliodonium salts decomposing into vinylene phenonium ions. Various mechanistic control experiments were conducted, which ruled out epoxides as intermediates, and which showed that E- and Z-alkene geometry in 10-substituted ortho-vinylbiphenyls had no impact on the ensuing isomeric product distributions. These experiments strongly supported the formation of E-vinyliodonium ions as initial reaction intermediates, and while the occurrence of 1,2-phenyl shift products was a common phenomenon, we concluded that alkyl substitution on the ortho-vinylbiphenyl was a requirement for this alternate pathway to occur.
A new plastomenid trionychid (Testudines: Pan-Trionychidae) from Milk River Formation of southern Alberta (Cretaceous: Santonian)
Authors: Edgar Shauna C. , Brinkman Don B. , Ryan Michael J. , Evans David C.
Published: March 2022

The pre-Campanian trionychid fossil record in North America is composed of highly fragmentary specimens, which are often not identifiable beyond Pan-Trionychidae. Here, we describe a new species of plastomenid soft-shelled turtle based on a partial shell (ROM 56647) from the Santonian Milk River Formation of southern Alberta, estimated at approximately 84 Ma. This represents the oldest relatively complete shell of a trionychid from North America. Plastomenidae, a pan-trionychid clade known only from the fossil record, is classically characterized by the complete suturing of its posterior plastral bones along the midline, a crescent-shaped entoplastron, and enlarged costals VIII. ROM 56647 has a unique combination of plastomenid characters (i.e., mid-line contact of hypoplastra and xiphiplastra, anteroposteriorly long eighth costal) and apomorphies (an emarginate nuchal, enlarged tubercles on the carapace, a wide pygal notch with a straight anterior edge, and a fused hyo-hypoplastron) that allows us to identify it as a new taxon, Jimemys glaebosus gen. et sp. nov. Phylogenetic analysis places J. glaebosus within Plastomenidae as the sister taxon to a clade containing Plastomenus, Helopanoplia, and Hutchemys. This phylogenetic position implies that Aspideretoides foveatus Leidy, 1856, Atoposemys, and Gilmoremys, all of which are more basal within Plastomenidae, had ghost lineages extending at least to the Santonian. As the oldest pan-trionychid that is diagnostic to the species level in North America, J. glaebosus provides new insights into both the early evolution of trionychids in North America and the biodiversity of southern Alberta during a poorly sampled time in the Late Cretaceous of North America.
Direct ρL meson production in proton–proton and proton–antiproton collisions
Authors: Aydin C. , Uzun O. , Ahmadov A. I.
Published: March 2022

We have investigated the contribution of the Higher Twist (HT) Feynman diagrams to the large-[Formula: see text] inclusive [Formula: see text] meson production cross-section in proton–proton and proton–antiproton collisions and we discuss the phenomenological consequences of possible HT contributions to cross-sections. To extract HT subprocesses from Leading Twist (LT) background, we use various [Formula: see text] meson distribution amplitudes (DAs). In the numerical calculations, the dependencies of the HT contribution on the transverse momentum and the rapidity are discussed with special emphasis on DAs. Analysis of our results shows that HT contributions decrease more rapidly than LT contributions with increasing [Formula: see text]. The preceding results demonstrate that HT contributions must be considered especially in the region of low [Formula: see text] and the HT contribution to the cross-section depends on the choice of the meson DAs.
Novel Pehlivan–Uyarŏglu Chaotic System Variants and their CFOA Based Realization
Authors: Suneja Kriti , Pandey Neeta , Pandey Rajeshwari
Published: March 2022

In this paper, four variants of Pehlivan–Uyarŏglu chaotic system (PUCS) have been proposed. The properties of the proposed PUCSs are examined through numerical simulations and the parameter values are obtained by observing the bifurcation diagrams for state variables. Further, the convergence/divergence of nearby orbits is investigated by noticing the evolution of Lyapunov exponents with time. It is found that the values of Lyapunov exponents are negative, zero and positive for all proposed variants thus confirming the chaoticity of the proposals. The strangeness of the proposed variants is also studied. The stability of PUCS and its proposed variants is examined using Jacobi stability analysis. A current feedback operational amplifier (CFOA) based circuit is put forward that can realize the existing PUCS and its proposed variants, by simply adjusting the component values. The proposed realization is compact (23% saving in overall component count) in comparison to its operational amplifier (OpAmp) based counterpart. The behavior of the proposed variants in time domain, frequency domain and phase space have been examined through simulations in LTspice design environment. Furthermore, the feasibility of the proposed variants is also discussed through presenting the electronic circuit implementation of two of the variants and the results obtained are in good agreement with the LTspice simulations. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are also included to show the robustness of the proposed circuit against parameter variations.
Queues with Updating Information: Finding the Amplitude of Oscillations
Authors: Doldo Philip , Pender Jamol
Published: March 2022

Many service systems provide customers with information about the system so that customers can make an informed decision about whether to join or not. Many of these systems provide information in the form of an update. Thus, the information about the system is updated periodically in increments of size [Formula: see text]. It is known that these updates can cause oscillations in the resulting dynamics. However, it is an open problem to explicitly characterize the size of these oscillations when they occur. In this paper, we solve this open problem and show how to exactly calculate the amplitude of these oscillations via a fixed point equation. We also calculate closed form approximations via Taylor expansions of the fixed point equation and show that these approximations are very accurate, especially when [Formula: see text] is large. Our analysis provides new insight for systems that use updates as a way of disseminating information to customers.
A New Chaotic System with Coexisting Attractors
Authors: Veeman Dhinakaran , Mehrabbeik Mahtab , Natiq Hayder , Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Jafari Sajad , Hussain Iqtadar
Published: March 2022

The investigation of new chaotic systems in spherical coordinates has been one of the present exciting research directions in exploring new chaotic systems. In this paper, a new system in spherical coordinates is presented. The appealing feature of the proposed system is that the dynamics of the system cannot pass through a sphere of a specific radius and stop as soon as the solution crosses the sphere in Cartesian coordinates. So, the system’s attractors are limited to be located on one side of the sphere and cannot touch it. Moreover, the reason for this phenomenon is that the velocity of a system’s variable becomes zero for a specific value of that variable. The proposed system has three unstable equilibrium points and four hidden attractors, including a limit cycle and a strange attractor inside and a limit cycle and a strange attractor outside the sphere. The system’s dynamical properties are investigated with the help of bifurcation diagrams and the calculation of Lyapunov exponents. The basin of attraction for the system’s attractors is also studied. Finally, the system is controlled or stabilized using the impulsive control theory.
On the Absolutely Continuous Invariant Measures for Random Maps
Authors: AlFarajat Eyad , Góra Pawel
Published: March 2022

We study the dynamics of a new family of transformations. We find a general formula for the invariant density of any transformation in our family. The properties of the family allow us to prove that the invariant density function [Formula: see text] of random map constructed from our family maps [Formula: see text] is the combination [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] are the invariant density functions of [Formula: see text] respectively. We also consider another family of transformations, and prove that the invariant density for any transformation of the family is [Formula: see text].
Multidelay Differential Equations: A Taylor Expansion Approach
Authors: Doldo Philip , Pender Jamol
Published: March 2022

It is already well-understood that many delay differential equations with only a single constant delay exhibit a change in stability according to the value of the delay in relation to a critical delay value. Finding a formula for the critical delay is important to understanding the dynamics of delayed systems and is often simple to obtain when the system only has a single constant delay. However, if we consider a system with multiple constant delays, there is no known way to obtain such a formula that determines for what values of the delays a change in stability occurs. In this paper, we present some single-delay approximations to a multidelay system obtained via a Taylor expansion as well as formulas for their critical delays which are used to approximate where the change in stability occurs in the multidelay system. We determine when our approximations perform well and we give extra analytical and numerical attention to the two-delay and three-delay settings.
Rocard’s 1941 Chaotic Relaxation Econometric Oscillator
Authors: Ginoux Jean-Marc , Jovanovic Franck , Meucci Riccardo , Llibre Jaume
Published: March 2022

In the beginning of the Second World War, the French physicist, Yves Rocard, published a book entitled Théorie des Oscillateurs (Theory of Oscillators). In Chapter V, he designed a mathematical model consisting of a set of three nonlinear differential equations and allowing to account for economic cycles. Numerical integration of his model has highlighted a chaotic attractor. Its analysis with classical tools such as bifurcation diagram and Lyapunov Characteristic Exponents has confirmed the chaotic features of its solution. It follows that Rocard’s 1941 chaotic econometric model has thus most likely preceded Lorenz’ butterfly of twenty-two years. Moreover, apart from this historical discovery which upsets historiography, it is also established that this “new old” three-dimensional autonomous dynamical system is a new jerk system whose solution exhibits a chaotic attractor the topology of which varies, from a double scroll attractor to a Möbius-strip and then to a toroidal attractor, according to the values of a control parameter.
24 Rational curves on K3 surfaces
Authors: Rams Sławomir , Schütt Matthias
Published: March 2022

Given [Formula: see text], we prove that all smooth K3 surfaces (over any field of characteristic [Formula: see text]) of degree greater than [Formula: see text] contain at most 24 rational curves of degree at most [Formula: see text]. In the exceptional characteristics, the same bounds hold for non-unirational K3 surfaces, and we develop analogous results in the unirational case. For [Formula: see text], we also construct K3 surfaces of any degree greater than [Formula: see text] with 24 rational curves of degree exactly [Formula: see text], thus attaining the above bounds.
Determination of the Optimum Annealing Temperature in the Production of CuO Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Oruç Çiğdem , Çelik-Bozdoğan Ayşegül , Kurt-Gür Günseli , Aşıkoğlu-Bozkurt Asuman , Luş Hüseyin Murat
Published: March 2022

A copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticle, a transition metal oxide with a wide variety of easy production methods, can be used as an antimicrobial agent against various types of bacteria. CuO nanoparticles were produced by the sol–gel method, annealed and structural characteristics and antimicrobial properties of these particles were investigated. Single-phase monoclinic of CuO nanoparticle formation was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) spectra, FTIR techniques, differential scanning calorimetry with thermal gravimetry were used to characterize. It was determined that annealing in the temperature range of 150–900∘C affects both structure and particle size and antimicrobial characteristics. CuO nanoparticle size was found to be between about 25–70[Formula: see text]nm at 150–900∘C annealing temperature, which does not have this wide temperature range in the literature. These results were supported by the TEM micrographs of the CuO nanoparticles observed at 150∘C and 900∘C. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was tested with the disc diffusion assay against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and yeast Pichia pastoris. The antimicrobial properties of the nanoparticles first increased and then decreased and disappeared as the annealing temperature increased. The antimicrobial properties of CuO nanoparticles disappeared at 750∘C and above, while the maximum antimicrobial effect was at 300∘C. The inhibition zones were examined and similar results were observed in all tested microorganisms.
On the spaces ℬ𝒱𝜗0 of double sequences of bounded variation
Authors: Tuǧ Orhan , Rakočević Viladimir , Malkowsky Eberhard
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we introduce the new spaces [Formula: see text] of double sequences of bounded variation, where [Formula: see text], and we investigate some topological properties. Moreover, we prove some strict inclusion relations and we examine [Formula: see text]-dual of the spaces [Formula: see text]. Finally, we characterize some classes of four-dimensional matrices [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Review—Progress in Electroanalysis of p53, CEA, and CA19–9
Authors: Ilie-Mihai Ruxandra-Maria , Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , van Staden Jacobus (KOOS) Frederick
Published: March 2022

Screening tests for panels of biomarkers such as the panel comprising p53, CEA, and CA19–9 facilitated early diagnosis of cancers and improvement of the quality of life. In this review, diverse electrochemical sensors used for the assay of p53, CEA, and CA 19–9 in biological samples are shown. Different methods of analysis such as differential pulse voltammetry, electrochemical impendance spectroscopy, chronoamperometry, and stochastic method were used for the assay of one biomarker (differential pulse voltammetry, chronoamperometry) or for the assay of a panel of biomarkers comprising p53, CA19–9, and CEA using stochastic method. The lowest limits of determination were obtained using the stochastic method; they were of fg ml−1/fU ml−1 magnitude order.
Spectroscopic Ellipsometry for Operando Monitoring of (De)Lithiation-Induced Phenomena on LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Electrodes
Authors: Cazorla Soult Marta , Siller Valerie , Zhu Xinhua , Gehlhaar Robert , Wojcik Pawel J. , Morata Alex , Tarancón Albert , Vereecken Philippe M. , Hubin Annick
Published: March 2022

High voltage cathodes suffer from degradation phenomena that are challenging to be observed and identified during cell operation. Dense and smooth sputtered thin films electrodes with absence of binders and conductive additives allow a direct study of the active material upon Li insertion and extraction at surface and bulk. Using an operando spectroscopic ellipsometry set-up combined with a customized electrochemical-optical cell (EC-SE), the evolution of the optical absorption and thickness of LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 thin-film electrodes was monitored upon cycling. Mixed Mn3+/4+ valence in the electrodes and evident layer dissolution associated to Transition Metal (TM) dissolution in the non-aqueous electrolyte at the applied polarization potentials was observed. Our results reaffirm EC-SE as a convenient method to study degradation phenomena in cobalt-free transition metal oxide electrodes.
Review—CRISPR/Cas Systems: Endless Possibilities for Electrochemical Nucleic Acid Sensors
Authors: Zhuang Xiwei , Yang Xueqiong , Cao Bo , Sun Haiming , Lv Xiaoyan , Zeng Chijia , Li Fugang , Qu Bin , Zhou H. Susan , Cui Feiyun , Zhou Qin
Published: March 2022

The CRISPR/Cas system has gained enormous attention for its excellent gene-editing capabilities. In recent years, the reported trans-cleavage activity of some Cas proteins, including Cas12, Cas13 and Cas14, has given the CRISPR/Cas system an increasingly powerful molecular diagnostic ability. When the CRISPR/Cas system is introduced into the field of electrochemical (EC) biosensor, it confers the high specificity to distinguish single base mismatches of nucleic acid, excellent sensitivity with the limit of detection as low as attomole range, and well meets the point-of-care testing (POCT) requirements of nucleic acid testing (NAT). In this review, we have briefly introduced the history and inherent advantages of the CRISPR/Cas system. The EC sensing platforms based on CRISPR/Cas systems have been compared with the classical fluorescence and colorimetric platforms. And the isothermal amplification strategies suitable for CRISPR/Cas system have been summarized. After that, we have highlighted the application of EC biosensor based on CRISPR/Cas system (EC-CRISPR) in the detection and identification of cancers, bacteria and viruses. Finally, the future prospects of EC-CRISPR have been proposed.
Ultra-Highly Sensitive DNA Detection with Conducting Polymer-Modified Electrodes: Mechanism, Manufacture and Prospects for Rapid e-PCR
Authors: Zhu Bicheng , Kerr-Philips Thomas , Ghaus Zahraa Al , Chan Eddie Wai Chi , Barker David , Evans Clive W. , Williams David E. , Travas-Sejdic Jadranka
Published: March 2022

At low copy number, sequence detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) requires up to 30 cycles (amplification 109) to produce a reliably detectable concentration of fluorescently-labelled amplicons. The cycle number and hence detection time is determined by the analytical sensitivity of the detector. Hybridisation of complementary DNA strands to oligonucleotide-modified conducting polymer electrodes yields an increase in the charge transfer resistance for the ferri-ferrocyanide redox couple. We demonstrate sensors using screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with a conducting polymer formed from a monomer pre-functionalised with complementary oligonucleotide, with pM sensitivity for short sequences and aM for bacterial lysate, with a response time-scale of 5 min. The response is due to the variation of electrical resistance within the polymer film. We develop a mechanism based on repulsion from the solution interface of dopant anions by the charge associated with surface-bound DNA. With results for >160 single-use sensors, we formulate a response model based on percolation within a random resistor network and highlight challenges for large-scale manufacture of such sensors. Such sensors used for label-free electrochemical detection for PCR (e-PCR) would decrease the required cycle number from 30 to less than 10 and would offer a much simplified instrument construction.
One-Dimensional Modeling and Experimental Analysis of Nail Penetration Thermal Runaway for Large Capacity Li-Ion Power Battery
Authors: Shen Kai , Mao Yuhua , Zheng Yuejiu , Yang Weiqiang , Wu Bing
Published: March 2022

This paper takes a certain type of large-capacity pure electric vehicle NCM li-ion power battery as the object, and analyzes and studies the process of nail penetration thermal runaway(TR). With the aid of AMEsim one-dimensional simulation software, considering the structure composition of the cell, the heat generation mechanism of each side reaction and the three heat transfer modes of thermal radiation, heat conduction and convective heat transfer between the cells, box and the environment, the thermoelectric characteristics of the battery module (six cells) are modeled. The TR behavior of the battery module during nail penetration is simulated and analyzed, and the experiment of the battery module is carried out according to Chinese new regulation GB 38031−2020. The experimental results verify the accuracy of the established model and the reliability of the simulation results, and provide technical reference for the design and development of battery thermal management such as the prediction of TR temperature and the safety of preventing TRP of battery pack.
State of Charge Estimation for Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on TCN-LSTM Neural Networks
Authors: Hu Chunsheng , Cheng Fangjuan , Ma Liang , Li Bohao
Published: March 2022

Accurately estimating the state of charge (SOC) of lithium-ion batteries is critical for developing more reliable and efficient operation of electric vehicles. However, the commonly used models cannot simultaneously extract effective spatial and temporal features from the original data, leading to an inefficient SOC estimation. This paper proposes a novel neural network method for accurate and robust battery SOC estimation, which incorporates the temporal convolutional network (TCN) and the long short-term memory (LSTM), namely TCN-LSTM model. Specifically, the TCN is employed to extract more advanced spatial features among multivariate variables, and the LSTM captures long-term dependencies from time-series data and maps battery temporal information into current SOC and historical inputs. The proposed model performs well in various estimation conditions. The average value of mean absolute error, root mean square error, and maximum error of SOC estimation achieve 0.48%, 0.60%, and 2.3% at multiple temperature conditions, respectively, and reach 0.70%, 0.81%, and 2.7% for a different battery, respectively. In addition, the proposed method has better accuracy than the LSTM or TCN used independently and the CNN-LSTM network. The computational burden with varying length of input is also investigated. In summary, experiment results show that the proposed method has excellent generalization and robustness.
Intense light-elicited alveolar type 2-specific circadian PER2 protects from bacterial lung injury via BPIFB1
Authors: Oyama Yoshimasa , Shuff Sydney R. , Burns Nana , Vohwinkel Christine U. , Eckle Tobias
Published: March 2022

Circadian amplitude enhancement has the potential to be organ protective but has not been studied in acute lung injury (ALI). Consistent light and dark cycles are crucial for the amplitude regulation of the circadian rhythm protein Period2 (PER2). Housing mice under intense instead of ambient light for 1 wk (light: dark cycle:14h:10h), we demonstrated a robust increase of pulmonary PER2 trough and peak levels, which is consistent with circadian amplitude enhancement. A search for the affected lung cell type suggested alveolar type 2 (ATII) cells as strong candidates for light induction of PER2. A head-to-head comparison of mice with cell-type-specific deletion of Per2 in ATII, endothelial, or myeloid cells uncovered a dramatic phenotype in mice with an ATII-specific deletion of Per2. During Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced ALI, mice with Per2 deletion in ATII cells showed 0% survival, whereas 85% of control mice survived. Subsequent studies demonstrated that intense light therapy dampened lung inflammation or improved the alveolar barrier function during P. aeruginosa-induced ALI, which was abolished in mice with an ATII-specific deletion of Per2. A genome-wide mRNA array uncovered bactericidal/permeability-increasing fold-containing family B member 1 (BPIFB1) as a downstream target of intense light-elicited ATII-PER2 mediated lung protection. Using the flavonoid and PER2 amplitude enhancer nobiletin, we recapitulated the lung-protective and anti-inflammatory effects of light and BPIFB1, respectively. Together, our studies demonstrate that light-elicited amplitude enhancement of ATII-specific PER2 is a critical control point of inflammatory pathways during bacterial ALI.
Actin-related protein 2/3 complex regulates neutrophil extracellular trap expulsion and lung damage in abdominal sepsis
Authors: Ding Zhiyi , Du Feifei , Rönnow Carl-Fredrik , Wang Yongzhi , Rahman Milladur , Thorlacius Henrik
Published: March 2022

Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is a key feature in sepsis. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of the actin cytoskeleton in regulating the expulsion of NETs. Actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp 2/3) complex is an important regulator of F-actin polymerization. Coincubation with CK666, a specific Arp 2/3 inhibitor, decreased 12-phorbol 13-myristate acetate-induced NET formation in vitro. CK666 not only abolished F-actin polymerization but also caused intracellular retention of NETs. Inhibition of Arp 2/3 reduced NET formation on circulating neutrophils and in the bronchoalveolar space in mice undergoing cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Notably, treatment with CK666 attenuated CLP-induced neutrophil recruitment, edema formation, and tissue damage in the lungs. Moreover, Arp 2/3 inhibition decreased levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL-1) and interleukin-6 in the lung and plasma of septic animals. Taken together, this study shows that expulsion of NETs is regulated by the actin cytoskeleton and that inhibition of Arp 2/3-dependent F-actin polymerization not only decreases NET formation but also protects against pathological inflammation and tissue damage in septic lung injury. Thus, we suggest that targeting NET release is a novel and useful way to ameliorate lung damage in abdominal sepsis.
Application of the Flipped Classroom Mode under Few-Shot Learning in the Teaching of Health Physical Education in Colleges and Universities
Authors: Wang Huimin , Chen Min
Published: March 2022

The flipped classroom is a revolutionary teaching method that reverses the traditional roles of teachers and students, as well as the traditional classroom and after-school schedules. The flipped classroom is currently the most popular English teaching reform, so the design and development must meet the practical needs of college physical education teaching. Subverting the classroom is a highly effective service for college physical education that promotes college physical education quality improvement. The research topic of this study is the application of the flipped classroom teaching model based on few-shot learning in public physical education in ordinary colleges and universities. It analyzes the conceptual advantages of the flipped classroom teaching model based on few-shot learning, combining its benefits with the current common college environment. There are issues in physical education, and a teaching model suitable for public physical education in ordinary colleges and universities is gradually being developed in order to improve students’ enthusiasm for independent learning and classroom teaching quality. The flipped classroom teaching model has given rise to new ideas for the construction of a physical education model: first, students’ physical learning is no longer limited to the physical education classroom, thanks to the use of network technology to change the learning environment. Teaching resources have been expanded to include many online sports resources, so students’ physical learning is no longer limited to the physical education classroom. Students can learn anytime and anywhere, which allows them to continue their education throughout their lives; second, flipped classrooms increase teacher-student interaction and play an important role in re-establishing a harmonious teacher-student teaching relationship: third, online courses help students develop their skills. Autonomous learning’s ability to shape students’ personalized learning is better suited to the development of students’ core literacy.