bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mechanical characterization of the legs, fangs, and prosoma in the spider Harpactira curvipes (Pocock 1897)
Authors: Residori Sara , Greco Gabriele , Pugno Nicola M.
Published: July 2022

The exoskeleton of spiders is the primary structure that interacts with the external mechanical stimuli, thus playing a crucial role in spider life. In particular, fangs, legs, and prosoma are the main rigid structures of the exoskeleton and their properties must be measured to better understand their mechanical behaviours. Here we investigate, by means of nanoindentation, the mechanical properties of the external sclerotized cuticles of such parts in the spider Harpactira curvipes. Interestingly, the results show that the leg’s cuticle is stiffer than the prosoma and has a stiffness similar to the one of the tip fangs. This could be explained by the legs’ function in perceiving vibrations that could be facilitated by higher stiffness. From a broader perspective, this characterization could help to understand how the same basic material (the cuticle, i.e. mainly composed of chitin) can be tuned to achieve different mechanical functions, which improves the animal’s adaptation to specific evolutive requirements. We, thus, hope that this work stimulates further comparative analysis. Moreover, these results may also be potentially important to inspire the design of graded materials with superior mechanical properties.
Nonlinear functional muscle network based on information theory tracks sensorimotor integration post stroke
Authors: O’Keeffe Rory , Shirazi Seyed Yahya , Bilaloglu Seda , Jahed Shayan , Bighamian Ramin , Raghavan Preeti , Atashzar S. Farokh
Published: July 2022

Sensory information is critical for motor coordination. However, understanding sensorimotor integration is complicated, especially in individuals with impairment due to injury to the central nervous system. This research presents a novel functional biomarker, based on a nonlinear network graph of muscle connectivity, called InfoMuNet, to quantify the role of sensory information on motor performance. Thirty-two individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis performed a grasp-and-lift task, while their muscle activity from 8 muscles in each arm was measured using surface electromyography. Subjects performed the task with their affected hand before and after sensory exposure to the task performed with the less-affected hand. For the first time, this work shows that InfoMuNet robustly quantifies changes in functional muscle connectivity in the affected hand after exposure to sensory information from
the less-affected side. > 90% of the subjects conformed with the improvement resulting from this sensory exposure. InfoMuNet also shows high sensitivity to tactile, kinesthetic, and visual input alterations at the subject level, highlighting its potential use in precision rehabilitation interventions.
Village and farm-level risk factors for avian influenza infection on backyard chicken farms in Bangladesh
Authors: Das Gupta Suman , Barua Brishti , Fournié Guillaume , Hoque Md. Ahasanul , Henning Joerg
Published: July 2022

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 144 small-scale poultry farmers across 42 Bangladeshi villages to explore risk factors associated with avian influenza H5 and H9 seropositivity on backyard chicken farms. Using mixed-effects logistic regression with village as random effect, we identified crow abundance in garbage dumping places and presence of migratory wild birds within villages to be associated with higher odds of H5 and H9 seropositivity. At farm-level, garbage around poultry houses was also associated with higher odds of H5 and H9 seropositivity. In addition, specific trading practices (such as, purchase of chickens from live bird markets (LBM) and neighboring farms to raise them on their own farms, frequency of visits to LBM, purchase of poultry at LBM for consumption) and contact of backyard chickens with other animals (such as, feeding of different poultry species together, using pond water as drinking source for poultry, access of feral and wild animals to poultry houses) were associated with higher odds of H5 or H9 seropositivity. Resource-constrained small-scale poultry farmers should be able to address risk factors identified in this study without requiring large investments into poultry management, thereby reducing the likelihood of avian influenza virus transmission and ultimately occurrence of avian influenza outbreaks.
Diffuse correlation spectroscopy blood flow monitoring for intraventricular hemorrhage vulnerability in extremely low gestational age newborns
Authors: Sunwoo John , Zavriyev Alexander I. , Kaya Kutlu , Martin Alyssa , Munster Chelsea , Steele Tina , Cuddyer Deborah , Sheldon Yvonne , Orihuela-Espina Felipe , Herzberg Emily M. , Inder Terrie , Franceschini Maria Angela , El-Dib Mohamed
Published: July 2022

In premature infants with an extremely low gestational age (ELGA, < 29 weeks GA), dysregulated changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) are among the major pathogenic factors leading to germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage (GM/IVH). Continuous monitoring of CBF can guide interventions to minimize the risk of brain injury, but there are no clinically standard techniques or tools for its measurement. We report the feasibility of the continuous monitoring of CBF, including measures of autoregulation, via diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) in ELGA infants using CBF variability and correlation with scalp blood flow (SBF, served as a surrogate measure of systemic perturbations). In nineteen ELGA infants (with 9 cases of GM/IVH) monitored for 6–24 h between days 2–5 of life, we found a strong correlation between CBF and SBF in severe IVH (Grade III or IV) and IVH diagnosed within 72 h of life, while CBF variability alone was not associated with IVH. The proposed method is potentially useful at the bedside for the prompt assessment of cerebral autoregulation and early identification of infants vulnerable to GM/IVH.
Reducing ether lipids improves Drosophila overnutrition-associated pathophysiology phenotypes via a switch from lipid storage to beta-oxidation
Authors: Santoro Christie , O’Toole Ashley , Finsel Pilar , Alvi Arsalan , Musselman Laura Palanker
Published: July 2022

High-calorie diets increase the risk of developing obesity, cardiovascular disease, type-two diabetes (T2D), and other comorbidities. These “overnutrition” diets also promote the accumulation of a variety of harmful lipids in the heart and other peripheral organs, known as lipotoxicity. However, the mechanisms underlying lipotoxicity and its influence on pathophysiology remain unknown. Our study uses genetics to identify the role of ether lipids, a class of potential lipotoxins, in a Drosophila model of overnutrition. A high-sugar diet (HSD) increases ether lipids and produces T2D-like pathophysiology phenotypes, including obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiac failure. Therefore, we targeted ether lipid biosynthesis through the enzyme dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase (encoded by the gene DHAPAT). We found that reducing DHAPAT in the fat body improved TAG and glucose homeostasis, cardiac function, respiration, and insulin signaling in flies fed a HSD. The reduction of DHAPAT may cause a switch in molecular signaling from lipogenesis to fatty acid oxidation via activation of a PPARα-like receptor, as bezafibrate produced similar improvements in HS-fed flies. Taken together, our findings suggest that ether lipids may be lipotoxins that reduce fitness during overnutrition.
The prevalence and natural history of hepatic cysts examined by ultrasound: a health checkup population retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tsuruya Kota , Nishizaki Yasuhiro , Tatemichi Masayuki , Mishima Yusuke , Shimma Yoshimasa , Arase Yoshitaka , Hirose Shunji , Shiraishi Koichi , Kagawa Tatehiro
Published: July 2022

The prevalence of hepatic cysts in the general population and their natural history are largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and natural history of hepatic cysts by investigating health checkup participants. Ultrasonographic data of health checkup participants (n = 38,842) were retrospectively evaluated to calculate its prevalence. In addition, we assessed the changes in the size and characteristics of hepatic cysts over 10 years (n = 7709). We found the prevalence of hepatic cysts was 21.9%. Older age, female sex, and presence of kidney cysts or pancreatic cysts were associated with the occurrence of hepatic cysts. Younger age, female sex, and the existence of multiple hepatic cysts were associated with cyst enlargement. Among 126 individuals who had hepatic cysts with a diameter of 30 mm or larger at the first visit, two (1.6%) required treatment. Remain 124 cases showed four patterns: 44 cases with enlargement, 47 stable, 11 regression after enlargement, and 22 regression. Hyperechoic fluid inside the cysts was observed in 54.5% (18 of 33), which was significantly higher than 6.6% (6 of 91) of the non-regression (OR = 17.0). The appearance of intracystic hyperechoic fluid by ultrasound may predict subsequent regression of the hepatic cyst.
Acoustic characteristics of sound produced by males of Bactrocera oleae change in the presence of conspecifics
Authors: Terzidou Anastasia , Kouloussis Nikos , Papanikolaou George , Koveos Dimitrios
Published: July 2022

Males of the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae vibrate and stridulate their wings at dusk producing sounds different from flight sounds with no confirmed behavior role. We recorded and performed a temporal-spectral analysis of this sound. Sound produced by male wing vibration/stridulation consists of intermittent pulses of highly variable duration and of fundamental frequency of around 350 Hz. Flight sound has a much lower fundamental frequency of approximately 180 Hz. Males begin to display wing vibration and sound production at the beginning of their sexual maturity at the 5th day of their age. This behavior is more pronounced in the presence of another conspecific male and observed less in male–female pairs or in solitary males. Broadcasts of the recorded sound did not attract flies of either sex. The highest fundamental frequency was found in association with wing vibrations emitted by male–male pairs, followed by those emitted by male–female pairs and then solitary males, which showed the lowest frequency values. The mean pulse duration and interpulse interval were shorter in male–male pairs than in male–female pairs. We assume that the male wing vibration and the produced signal, apart from its possible role in the courtship of the females, could also be associated with male–male interactions for territorial and rival activities, for which further experiments are required.
A multitask deep learning approach for pulmonary embolism detection and identification
Authors: Ma Xiaotian , Ferguson Emma C. , Jiang Xiaoqian , Savitz Sean I. , Shams Shayan
Published: July 2022

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot traveling to the lungs and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Therefore, rapid diagnoses and treatments are essential. Chest computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) is the gold standard for PE diagnoses. Deep learning can enhance the radiologists’workflow by identifying PE using CTPA, which helps to prioritize important cases and hasten the diagnoses for at-risk patients. In this study, we propose a two-phase multitask learning method that can recognize the presence of PE and its properties such as the position, whether acute or chronic, and the corresponding right-to-left ventricle diameter (RV/LV) ratio, thereby reducing false-negative diagnoses. Trained on the RSNA-STR Pulmonary Embolism CT Dataset, our model demonstrates promising PE detection performances on the hold-out test set with the window-level AUROC achieving 0.93 and the sensitivity being 0.86 with a specificity of 0.85, which is competitive with the radiologists’sensitivities ranging from 0.67 to 0.87 with specificities of 0.89–0.99. In addition, our model provides interpretability through attention weight heatmaps and gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM). Our proposed deep learning model could predict PE existence and other properties of existing cases, which could be applied to practical assistance for PE diagnosis.
Assessment of chemo-mechanical impacts of CO2 sequestration on the caprock formation in Farnsworth oil field, Texas
Authors: Adu-Gyamfi Benjamin , Ampomah William , Tu Jiawei , Sun Qian , Erzuah Samuel , Acheampong Samuel
Published: July 2022

This study evaluates the chemo-mechanical influence of injected CO2 on the Morrow B sandstone reservoir and the upper Morrow shale caprock utilizing data from the inverted 5-spot pattern centered on Well 13-10A within the Farnsworth unit (FWU). This study also seeks to evaluate the integrity of the caprock and the long-term CO2 storage capability of the FWU. The inverted 5-spot pattern was extracted from the field-scale model and tuned with the available field observed data before the modeling work. Two coupled numerical simulation models were utilized to continue the study. First, a coupled hydro-geochemical model was constructed to simulate the dissolution and precipitation of formation minerals by modeling three intra-aqueous and six mineral reactions. In addition, a coupled hydro-geomechanical model was constructed and employed to study the effects of stress changes on the caprock’s porosity, permeability, and ground displacement. The Mohr–Coulomb circle and failure envelope were used to determine caprock failure. In this work, the CO2-WAG injection is followed by the historical field-observed strategy. During the forecasting period, a Water Alternating Gas (WAG) injection ratio of 1:3 was utilized with a baseline bottom-hole pressure constraint of 5500 psi for 20 years. A post-injection period of 1000 years was simulated to monitor the CO2 plume and its effects on the CO2 storage reservoir and caprock integrity. The simulation results indicated that the impacts of the geochemical reactions on the porosity of the caprock were insignificant as it experienced a decrease of about 0.0003% at the end of the 1000-year post-injection monitoring. On the other hand, the maximum stress-induced porosity change was about a 1.4% increase, resulting in about 4% in permeability change. It was estimated that about 3.3% of the sequestered CO2 in the formation interacted with the caprock. Despite these petrophysical property alterations and CO2 interactions in the caprock, the caprock still maintained its elastic properties and was determined to be far from its failure.
Progressive crushing 40Ar/39Ar dating of a gold-bearing quartz vein from the Liaotun Carlin-type gold deposit, Guangxi, southern China
Authors: Hu Rongguo , Pang Baocheng , Bai Xiujuan , Brouwer Fraukje M. , Bai Lingan , Liu Xijun , Li Yuanqiang , Xu Jianqi , Qiu Huaning
Published: July 2022

Carlin-type gold deposits are among the largest hydrothermal gold deposits in the world. However, direct dating the metallogenic age of these deposits is difficult, because not all deposits provide material suitable for conventional radiometric methods. Syn-mineralization stage quartz veins from these deposits usually contain abundant fluid inclusions, which allow fluid inclusion 40Ar/39Ar dating. In this study, progressive crushing 40Ar/39Ar dating has been performed on a gold-bearing quartz vein from the Liaotun Carlin-type gold deposit in northwestern Guangxi, China. Argon isotopes liberated from the later steps yielded an isochron age of 200.7 ± 2.1 Ma. We infer that Ar-bearing gas was extracted from the primary fluid inclusions, and that the age of ca. 200.7 Ma reflects the timing of gold mineralization. The initial 40Ar/36Ar ratio corresponding to the isochron is 298.0 ± 4.3, which is statistically indistinguishable from the value for air, indicating that the ore-forming fluids probably mainly derived from gravitational pressure flow in the basin of air-saturated water. Our preliminary study shows the feasibility and great potential of 40Ar/39Ar dating of gases from fluid inclusions by progressive crushing of quartz veins to date the mineralization age and decipher the fluid origins of Carlin-type gold deposits.
Locating critical events in AFM force measurements by means of one-dimensional convolutional neural networks
Authors: Sotres Javier , Boyd Hannah , Gonzalez-Martinez Juan F.
Published: July 2022

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) force measurements are a powerful tool for the nano-scale characterization of surface properties. However, the analysis of force measurements requires several processing steps. One is locating different type of events e.g., contact point, adhesions and indentations. At present, there is a lack of algorithms that can automate this process in a reliable way for different types of samples. Moreover, because of their stochastic nature, the acquisition and analysis of a high number of force measurements is typically required. This can result in these experiments becoming an overwhelming task if their analysis is not automated. Here, we propose a Machine Learning approach, the use of one-dimensional convolutional neural networks, to locate specific events within AFM force measurements. Specifically, we focus on locating the contact point, a critical step for the accurate quantification of mechanical properties as well as long-range interactions. We validate this approach on force measurements obtained both on hard and soft surfaces. This approach, which could be easily used to also locate other events e.g., indentations and adhesions, has the potential to significantly facilitate and automate the analysis of AFM force measurements and, therefore, the use of this technique by a wider community.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of vascular endothelial cells in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Gurung Suman , Restrepo Nicole K. , Chestnut Brendan , Klimkaite Laurita , Sumanas Saulius
Published: July 2022

Vascular endothelial cells exhibit substantial phenotypic and transcriptional heterogeneity which is established during early embryogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in establishing endothelial cell diversity are still not well understood. Zebrafish has emerged as an advantageous model to study vascular development. Despite its importance, the single-cell transcriptomic profile of vascular endothelial cells during zebrafish development is still missing. To address this, we applied single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of vascular endothelial cells isolated from zebrafish embryos at the 24 hpf stage. Six distinct clusters or subclusters related to vascular endothelial cells were identified which include arterial, two venous, cranial, endocardial and endothelial progenitor cell subtypes. Furthermore, we validated our findings by characterizing novel markers for arterial, venous, and endocardial cells. We experimentally confirmed the presence of two transcriptionally different venous cell subtypes, demonstrating heterogeneity among venous endothelial cells at this early developmental stage. This dataset will be a valuable resource for future functional characterization of vascular endothelial cells and interrogation of molecular mechanisms involved in the establishment of their heterogeneity and cell-fate decisions.
Effects of different exercise intensities on prefrontal activity during a dual task
Authors: Kimura Daisuke , Hosokawa Takayuki , Ujikawa Takuya , Ito Tomotaka
Published: July 2022

The effects of physical exercise on cognitive tasks have been investigated. However, it is unclear how different exercise intensities affect the neural activity. In this study, we investigated the neural activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) by varying the exercise intensity while participants performed a dual task (DT). Twenty healthy young adults performed serial subtraction while driving a cycle ergometer. Exercise intensity was set to one of three levels: low, moderate, or high intensity. We did not find any significant change in PFC activity during DT under either the control (no exercise) or low-intensity conditions. In contrast, we observed a significant increase in PFC activity during DT under moderate- and high-intensity conditions. In addition, we observed complex hemodynamics after DT. PFC activity decreased from baseline after DT under the control condition, while it increased under the low-intensity condition. PFC activity remained higher than the baseline level after DT under the moderate-intensity condition but returned to baseline under the high-intensity condition. The results suggest that moderate-intensity exercise with a cognitive load effectively increases PFC activity, and low-intensity exercise may increase PFC activity when combined with a cognitive load.
Brain potential responses involved in decision-making in weightlessness
Authors: Cebolla A. M. , Petieau M. , Palmero-Soler E. , Cheron G.
Published: July 2022

The brain is essential to human adaptation to any environment including space. We examined astronauts’ brain function through their electrical EEG brain potential responses related to their decision of executing a docking task in the same virtual scenario in Weightlessness and on Earth before and after the space stay of 6 months duration. Astronauts exhibited a P300 component in which amplitude decreased during, and recovered after, their microgravity stay. This effect is discussed as a post-value-based decision-making closing mechanism; The P300 amplitude decrease in weightlessness is suggested as an emotional stimuli valence reweighting during which orbitofrontal BA10 would play a major role. Additionally, when differentiating the bad and the good docks on Earth and in Weightlessness and keeping in mind that astronauts were instantaneously informed through a visual cue of their good or bad performance, it was observed that the good dockings resulted in earlier voltage redistribution over the scalp (in the 150–250 ms period after the docking) than the bad dockings (in the 250–400 ms) in Weightlessness. These results suggest that in Weightlessness the knowledge of positive or negative valence events is processed differently than on Earth.
Quality of life, respiratory symptoms, and health care utilization 1 year following outpatient management of COVID-19: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lim Rachel K. , Rosentreter Ryan , Chen Yushi , Mehta Rahul , McLeod Graham , Wan Miranda , Krett Jonathan D. , Mahjoub Yasamin , Lee Angela , Schwartz Ilan , Metz Luanne , Richer Lawrence , Smith Eric , Hill Michael D. ,   ALBERTA HOPE COVID-19 Collaborators, Lim Rachel K. , Metz Luanne , Hill Michael D. , Ganesh Aravind , Richer Lawrence , Schwartz Ilan , Ganesh Aravind
Published: July 2022

The long-term impact of COVID-19 among those with mild infections is not well characterized. Among 81 adults who completed online assessments at 3- and 12-months following infection, quality of life scores did not significantly improve over time. Among 62 subjects who also completed telephone interviews, respiratory symptoms or exercise limitation were reported by 42% at a median follow-up of 387 days (IQR 251–402 days). Those with persistent respiratory symptoms scored lower on the EQ-5D visual analog score compared to those without. Persistent respiratory symptoms were associated with a lower likelihood of full-time employment at 1 year (aOR 0.09, 95%CI 0.01–0.91; P = 0.041). In an adjusted linear regression, persistent respiratory symptoms (P = 0.037) and female sex (P = 0.016) were both independent risks for increased visits to a primary care provider. This cohort study demonstrates that respiratory symptoms are frequent at 1 year following COVID-19 and more importantly, are associated with negative impacts on employment, quality of life, and health care utilization. Further research is needed to determine the pathophysiology and risk factors for persistent symptoms as well as optimal management strategies to improve the level of functioning and quality of life.
Duty factor and foot-strike pattern do not represent similar running pattern at the individual level
Authors: Patoz Aurélien , Lussiana Thibault , Breine Bastiaan , Gindre Cyrille , Malatesta Davide
Published: July 2022

Runners were classified using their duty factor (DF) and using their foot-strike pattern (FSP; rearfoot, midfoot, or forefoot strikers), determined from their foot-strike angle (FSA). High and low DF runners showed different FSPs but DF was assumed to not only reflect what happens at initial contact with the ground (more global than FSP/FSA). Hence, FSP and DF groups should not necessarily be constituted by the same runners. However, the relation between FSP and DF groups has never been investigated, leading to the aim of this study. One hundred runners ran at 9, 11, and 13 km/h. Force data (1000 Hz) and whole-body kinematics (200 Hz) were acquired by an instrumented treadmill and optoelectronic system and were used to classify runners according to their FSA and DF. Weak correlations were obtained between FSA and DF values and a sensitivity of 50% was reported between FSP and DF groups, i.e., only one in two runners was attributed to the DF group supposedly corresponding to the FSP group. Therefore, ‘local’ FSP/FSA and DF do not represent similar running pattern information when investigated at the individual level and DF should be preferred to FSP/FSA when evaluating the global running pattern of a runner.
The bacterial and fungal communities of the larval midgut of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) varied by feeding on two cruciferous vegetables
Authors: Yuning Li , Luyang Liu , Xueming Cai , Xianmei Yang , Jintian Lin , Benshui Shu
Published: July 2022

Spodoptera frugiperda is a highly polyphagous pest worldwide with a wide host range that causes serious losses to many economically important crops. Recently, insect-microbe associations have become a hot spot in current entomology research, and the midgut microbiome of S. frugiperda has been investigated, while the effects of cruciferous vegetables remain unknown. In this study, the growth of S. frugiperda larvae fed on an artificial diet, Brassica campestris and Brassica oleracea for 7 days was analyzed. Besides, the microbial community and functional prediction analyses of the larval midguts of S. frugiperda fed with different diets were performed by high-throughput sequencing. Our results showed that B. oleracea inhibited the growth of S. frugiperda larvae. The larval midgut microbial community composition and structure were significantly affected by different diets. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) suggested 20 bacterial genera and 2 fungal genera contributed to different gut microbial community structures. The functional classification of the midgut microbiome analyzed by PICRUSt and FUNGuild showed that the most COG function categories of midgut bacterial function were changed by B. oleracea, while the guilds of fungal function were altered by B. campestris significantly. These results showed that the diversity and structure of the S. frugiperda midgut microbial community were affected by cruciferous vegetable feeding. Our study provided a preliminary understanding of the role of midgut microbes in S. frugiperda larvae in response to cruciferous vegetables.
Novel transport properties of the α-T3 lattice with uniform electric and magnetic fields
Authors: Li Fu , Zhang Qingtian , Chan Kwok Sum
Published: July 2022

We report a theoretical study of electronic transport properties of α-T3 lattice nanoribbons in the presence of uniform electric and magnetic fields. Landau levels with an unexcepted fashion are obtained in the system, and unique flat bands are observed due to the crossed electric and magnetic fields. We found that the nondispersive flat band of α-T3 lattice is distorted and split to many dispersive energy levels when electric and magnetic fields are applied. A double constriction structure of α-T3 lattice is considered to investigate the quantum transport in the flat band, and novel quantum transport properties are obtained, which shows great differences from conventional Dirac electrons. Our results show that the flat bands of α-T3 lattice can also contribute to the quantum transport properties and play an important role in the development of novel Dirac electron device.
Timing and causes of forest fire at the K–Pg boundary
Authors: Santa Catharina A. , Kneller B. C. , Marques J. C. , McArthur A. D. , Cevallos-Ferriz S. R. S. , Theurer T. , Kane I. A. , Muirhead D.
Published: July 2022

We report K–Pg-age deposits in Baja California, Mexico, consisting of terrestrial and shallow-marine materials re-sedimented onto the continental slope, including corals, gastropods, bivalves, shocked quartz grains, an andesitic tuff with a SHRIMP U–Pb age (66.12 ± 0.65 Ma) indistinguishable from that of the K–Pg boundary, and charred tree trunks. The overlying mudstones show an iridium anomaly and fungal and fern spores spikes. We interpret these heterogeneous deposits as a direct result of the Chicxulub impact and a mega-tsunami in response to seismically-induced landsliding. The tsunami backwash carried the megaflora offshore in high-density flows, remobilizing shallow-marine fauna and sediment en route. Charring of the trees at temperatures up to > 1000 °C took place in the interval between impact and arrival of the tsunami, which on the basis of seismic velocities and historic analogues amounted to only tens of minutes at most. This constrains the timing and causes of fires and the minimum distance from the impact site over which fires may be ignited.
Altered EEG variability on different time scales in participants with autism spectrum disorder: an exploratory study
Authors: Hecker Lukas , Wilson Mareike , Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Kornmeier Jürgen
Published: July 2022

One of the great challenges in psychiatry is finding reliable biomarkers that may allow for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients. Neural variability received increasing attention in recent years as a potential biomarker. In the present explorative study we investigated temporal variability in visually evoked EEG activity in a cohort of 16 adult participants with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and 19 neurotypical (NT) controls. Participants performed a visual oddball task using fine and coarse checkerboard stimuli. We investigated various measures of neural variability and found effects on multiple time scales. (1) As opposed to the previous studies, we found reduced inter-trial variability in the AS group compared to NT. (2) This effect builds up over the entire course of a 5-min experiment and (3) seems to be based on smaller variability of neural background activity in AS compared to NTs. The here reported variability effects come with considerably large effect sizes, making them promising candidates for potentially reliable biomarkers in psychiatric diagnostics. The observed pattern of universality across different time scales and stimulation conditions indicates trait-like effects. Further research with a new and larger set of participants are thus needed to verify or falsify our findings.
Metformin treatment is associated with improved outcome in patients with diabetes and advanced heart failure (HFrEF)
Authors: Benes Jan , Kotrc Martin , Kroupova Katerina , Wohlfahrt Peter , Kovar Jan , Franekova Janka , Hegarova Marketa , Hoskova Lenka , Hoskova Eva , Pelikanova Terezie , Jarolim Petr , Kautzner Josef , Melenovsky Vojtech
Published: July 2022

The role of metformin (MET) in the treatment of patients with advanced HFrEF and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is not firmly established. We studied the impact of MET on metabolic profile, quality of life (QoL) and survival in these patients. A total of 847 stable patients with advanced HFrEF (57.4 ± 11.3 years, 67.7% NYHA III/IV, LVEF 23.6 ± 5.8%) underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation and were prospectively followed for a median of 1126 (IQRs 410; 1781) days for occurrence of death, urgent heart transplantation or mechanical circulatory support implantation. A subgroup of 380 patients (44.9%) had DM, 87 of DM patients (22.9%) were treated with MET. Despite worse insulin sensitivity and more severe DM (higher BMI, HbA1c, worse insulin resistance), MET-treated patients exhibited more stable HF marked by lower BNP level (400 vs. 642 ng/l), better LV and RV function, lower mitral and tricuspid regurgitation severity, were using smaller doses of diuretics (all p < 0.05). Further, they had higher eGFR (69.23 vs. 63.34 ml/min/1.73 m2) and better QoL (MLHFQ: 36 vs. 48 points, p = 0.002). Compared to diabetics treated with other glucose-lowering agents, MET-treated patients had better event-free survival even after adjustment for BNP, BMI and eGFR (p = 0.035). Propensity score-matched analysis with 17 covariates yielded 81 pairs of patients and showed a significantly better survival for MET-treated subgroup (p = 0.01). MET treatment in patients with advanced HFrEF and DM is associated with improved outcome by mechanisms beyond the improvement of blood glucose control.
Optimal duration of cardiotocography assessment using the iPREFACE score to predict fetal acidemia
Authors: Ito Ayumu , Hayata Eijiro , Nagasaki Sumito , Kotaki Hikari , Shimabukuro Makiko , Sakuma Junya , Takano Mayumi , Oji Ayako , Maemura Toshimitsu , Nakata Masahiko
Published: July 2022

Cardiotocography (CTG) applicability to improve fetal outcomes remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the clinically optimal CTG assessment duration using the integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring (iPREFACE score). This single-center, retrospective observational study included 325 normal full-term singleton vaginal deliveries at the Toho University Omori Medical Center, from September 2018 to March 2019. The iPREFACE(10), iPREFACE(30), and iPREFACE(60) scores were calculated at 10, 30, and 60 min immediately before delivery. The primary outcome was fetal acidemia (umbilical artery blood pH < 7.2). The secondary outcome was the correlation between all iPREFACE scores and the umbilical artery blood pH, base excess (BE), and lactate values. Patients without accurate CTG findings or with failure of umbilical artery blood sampling immediately after birth were excluded, leaving 145 patients in the final analysis. Of these, 16, three, and two had umbilical artery blood pH of < 7.2, < 7.1, and < 7.0, respectively. All iPREFACE scores significantly correlated with umbilical artery blood pH, BE, and lactate values. iPREFACE(30) had the highest predictive capacity for fetal acidemia, suggesting that 30 min immediately before delivery may be a useful scoring time in clinical practice.
Metabolic syndrome in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke: prevalence and association with coronary heart disease
Authors: Liang Yajun , Yan Zhongrui , Hao Yanlei , Wang Qiqi , Zhang Zuoji , She Rui , Wang Peng , Du Yifeng , Lau Joseph TF , Dekker Joost , Bai Bo , Qiu Chengxuan
Published: July 2022

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been well linked with coronary heart disease (CHD) in the general population, but studies have rarely explored their association among patients with stroke. We examine prevalence of MetS and its association with CHD in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. This hospital-based study included 1851 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke (mean age 61.2 years, 36.5% women) who were hospitalized into two university hospitals in Shandong, China (January 2016–February 2017). Data were collected through interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. MetS was defined following the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criteria, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, and the Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) criteria. CHD was defined following clinical criteria. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression models. The overall prevalence of MetS was 33.4% by NECP criteria, 47.2% by IDF criteria, and 32.5% by CDS criteria, with the prevalence being decreased with age and higher in women than in men (p < 0.05). High blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low HDL-C were significantly associated with CHD (multi-adjusted odds ratio [OR] range 1.27–1.38, p < 0.05). The multi-adjusted OR of CHD associated with MetS defined by the NECP criteria, IDF criteria, and CDS criteria (vs. no MetS) was 1.27 (95% confidence interval 1.03–1.57), 1.44 (1.18–1.76), and 1.27 (1.03–1.57), respectively. In addition, having 1–2 abnormal components (vs. none) of MetS was associated with CHD (multi-adjusted OR range 1.66–1.72, p < 0.05). MetS affects over one-third of patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. MetS is associated with an increased likelihood of CHD in stroke patients.
Exploration and validation of metastasis-associated genes for skin cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Luan Hong , Jian Linge , He Ye , Zhang Tuo , Zhou Liping
Published: July 2022

Skin cutaneous melanoma is a malignant and highly metastatic skin tumor, and its morbidity and mortality are still rising worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms that promote melanoma metastasis are unclear. Two datasets (GSE15605 and GSE46517) were retrieved to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 23 normal skin tissues (N), 77 primary melanoma tissues (T) and 85 metastatic melanoma tissues (M). Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were performed to explore the functions of the DEGs. We constructed protein–protein interaction network using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Using the cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape, we identified the most significant hub genes by five analytical methods (Degree, Bottleneck, MCC, MNC, and EPC). Hub gene expression was validated using the UALCAN website. Clinical relevance was investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas resources. Finally, we explored the association between metastasis-associated genes and immune infiltrates through the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database and performed drug–gene interaction analysis using the Drug-Gene Interaction database. A total of 294 specific genes were related to melanoma metastasis and were mainly involved in the positive regulation of locomotion, mitotic cell cycle process, and epithelial cell differentiation. Four hub genes (CDK1, FOXM1, KIF11, and RFC4) were identified from the cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape. CDK1 was significantly upregulated in metastatic melanoma compared with primary melanoma, and high CDK1 expression was positively correlated with worse overall survival. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that CDK1 expression negatively correlated with macrophage infiltration (Rho = − 0.164, P = 2.02e−03) and positively correlated with neutrophil cells (Rho = 0.269, P = 2.72e−07) in SKCM metastasis. In addition, we identified that CDK1 had a close interaction with 10 antitumor drugs. CDK1 was identified as a hub gene involved in the progression of melanoma metastasis and may be regarded as a therapeutic target for melanoma patients to improve prognosis and prevent metastasis in the future.
Upregulation of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system and activation of vasopressin neurones attenuates hyperalgesia in a neuropathic pain model rat
Authors: Baba Kazuhiko , Kawasaki Makoto , Nishimura Haruki , Suzuki Hitoshi , Matsuura Takanori , Ikeda Naofumi , Fujitani Teruaki , Yamanaka Yoshiaki , Tsukamoto Manabu , Ohnishi Hideo , Yoshimura Mitsuhiro , Maruyama Takashi , Sanada Kenya , Sonoda Satomi , Nishimura Kazuaki , Tanaka Kentaro , Onaka Tatsushi , Ueta Yoichi , Sakai Akinori
Published: July 2022

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a hypothalamic neurosecretory hormone well known as an antidiuretic, and recently reported to be involved in pain modulation. The expression kinetics of AVP and its potential involvement in the descending pain modulation system (DPMS) in neuropathic pain (NP) remains unclear. We investigated AVP expression and its effects on mechanical and thermal nociceptive thresholds using a unilateral spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model. All rats with SNL developed NP. Intensities of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, median eminence, and posterior pituitary were significantly increased at 7 and 14 days post-SNL in AVP-eGFP rats. In situ hybridisation histochemistry revealed significantly increased AVP mRNA expression at 14 days post-SNL compared with the sham control group. The chemogenetic activation of AVP neurones significantly attenuated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia with elevated plasma AVP concentration. These analgesic effects were suppressed by pre-administration with V1a receptor antagonist. AVP neurones increased the neuronal activity of serotonergic dorsal raphe, noradrenergic locus coeruleus, and inhibitory interneurones in the spinal dorsal horn. These results suggest that the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system of AVP is upregulated in NP and activated endogenous AVP exerts analgesic effects via the V1a receptors. AVP neurones may activate the DPMS.
Silver based photocatalysts in emerging applications
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Jian , Kang Young Soo , Zhang Xiao Li
Published: July 2022

To evaluate the role of Ag in Ag-based photocatalysts, heterojunction and localized surface plasmon resonance effect are reviewed along with emerging applications - CO2 reduction, water splitting, antibacterial application and pollutant removal, etc.
PtS quantum dots/Nb2O5 nanosheets with accelerated charge transfer for boosting photocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Xiao Hang , Wei Tian , Ren Xin , Lin Bo , Yang Guidong
Published: July 2022

PtS quantum dot cocatalysts/Nb2O5 nanosheets showed abundant active sites and accelerated charge separation, leading to excellent photocatalytic H2 evolution performance.
Robust transmit beamforming design for multi‐cell multiuser MIMO NOMA
Authors: Mohammadkhani Saeideh
Published: July 2022

This paper focuses on the robust beamforming design for downlink multi‐cell multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems without having any restrictions on the number of users and cells. The beamforming matrices are designed by solving a sum rate maximization problem under imperfect channel state information (CSI) while satisfying transmission power constraints. In order to solve the proposed non‐convex optimization problem with infinite‐dimensional robust constraints, an iterative algorithm is provided to transform this problem into a convex form by utilizing diagonalization theory and introducing some auxiliary variables. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm converges quickly, and the proposed robust NOMA design achieves strong robustness and acceptable performance.
Achieving an optimal group structure in a neural architecture search
Authors: Seo W. , Park J. , Lim W. , Kim D. , Lee J.
Published: July 2022

The method proposed in this letter searches for an effective group structure of group convolutions in a convolutional neural network that can improve the classification accuracy. The model's group structure is obtained using an effective differential neural architecture search. Our code can be accessed at https://github.com/minercode625/grunas.git.
Flying‐inductor‐cell based inverters for single‐phase transformerless PV applications
Authors: Aalami Mohammad Reza , Zarif Mahdi , Alishahi Mohammad , Shojaei Ali Asghar , Doostabad Hamed Heydari
Published: July 2022

The application of the general flying‐inductor (FI) cell in two novel transformerless photo‐voltaic (PV) inverters are proposed and investigated. The simultaneous step up and down ability is possible with both topologies, while a high conversion efficiency and a high‐quality AC current are achieved. The leakage current problem, which is a main concern with the transformerless PV inverters, is also considered. One of the proposed topologies presents a higher efficiency, while the other one provides the high quality of injected current with the lowest number active switches. The current control, especially at transition modes of operation is highly improved by utilizing a fast response dead‐beat control scheme. The working principles of the proposed converters are explained in details and 0.88‐kW experimental prototypes are implemented to confirm the theoretical achievements. Finally, a comparison with other existing topologies has been investigated for better clarification of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed inverters.
Spatial disconnection between stellar and dust emissions: The test of the Antennae Galaxies (Arp 244)
Authors: Seillé L.-M. , Buat V. , Haddad W. , Boselli A. , Boquien M. , Ciesla L. , Roehlly Y. , Burgarella D.
Published: July 2022

Context. The detection of dust-rich high-redshift galaxies with the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), the cold dust emission of which is spatially disconnected from the ultraviolet emission, bears a challenge for modelling their spectral energy distributions (SEDs) with codes based on an energy budget between the stellar and dust components.

Aims. We want to test the validity of energy balance modelling on a nearby resolved galaxy with vastly different ultraviolet and infrared spatial distributions and to decipher the kinds of information that can be reliably retrieved from the analysis of the full SED.

Methods. We used 15 broadband images of the Antennae Galaxies ranging from far-ultraviolet to far-infrared and divided Arp 244 into 58 square ∼1 kpc2 regions. We fit the data with CIGALE to determine the star formation rate, stellar mass, and dust attenuation of each region. We compared these quantities to those obtained for Arp 244 as a whole.

Results. The SEDs of the 58 regions and Arp 244 are well fitted. The estimates of the star formation rate and stellar mass for the whole galaxy are found to be consistent – within one sigma – with the same parameters summed over the 58 regions. We present the spatial distribution of these physical parameters as well as the shape of the attenuation curve across the Antennae Galaxies. We find that the Overlap Region exhibits a high star formation rate, attenuation, and a shallow attenuation curve. We observe a flattening of the attenuation curves with increasing attenuation and dust surface density in agreement with the predictions of hydrodynamical simulations coupled with radiative transfer modelling.
And the subsidiary lives on: Harnessing complex realities in the contemporary MNE
Authors: Andrews Daniel S. , Nell Phillip C. , Schotter Andreas P. J. , Laamanen Tomi
Published: July 2022

Managing multinational enterprise subsidiaries is a core facet of international business research. A shifting reality on the ground has triggered concerns around the waning relevance of the subsidiary because the MNE and its structure and processes have become increasingly complex. Consequently, more decentralized, responsive, and fluid organizational designs are now at the core of IB research. Juxtaposing recent arguments questioning subsidiary research altogether, we argue that IB scholars can explore and explain complex realities in the contemporary MNE without unnecessarily restricting the breadth of the field and giving up links to established research and theory. We reframe conversations around inward- and outward-looking perspectives, providing a path forward that emphasizes the importance of embracing the subsidiary concept in research reflecting today’s complex business environment.