bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The safe use of compost derived from municipal solid waste depends on its composition and conditions of application
Authors: Arrobas Margarida , Thais Nepomuceno Carvalho Jéssica , Raimundo Soraia , Poggere Giovana , Rodrigues Manuel Ângelo
Published: June 2021

Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) is a source of organic C and other nutrients, which, when free from potential contaminants, can be used as a soil amendment. This study was carried out over three years in a vineyard with soil pH close to neutral under an experimental design consisting of two treatments (with and without MSWC). Application of MSWC is currently authorized under national legislation to be used in vineyards, orchards and forests at a maximum rate of 10 t ha−1 year−1. In this study, for experimental purposes, a double rate (20 t ha−1 year−1) was used. The accumulated grape yield increased in the amended plot by 28% and the dry biomass of weeds between rows by 119%. The MSWC significantly increased some relevant soil properties such as organic C, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and extractable P, K and B. The concentration of K increased significantly in several tissues, and the concentration of P decreased. However, the concentration of K, P and other essential nutrients in the leaves remained within their sufficiency ranges. Tissue levels of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni) did not increase with the MSWC application, and the values in the pulp remained below the limits established for foodstuffs. The results from this study indicate that the continuous application of the MSWC does not seem to be sustainable, because of the risk of causing nutritional disorders. Products with similar composition should therefore be used only on more acidic soils and should never exceed the legally established rates.
Bloodstream infections among intestinal and multivisceral transplant recipients
Authors: Spence Amanda B. , Novick Elizabeth , Natarajan Madhuri , Burkhart Natalie , Girlanda Raffaele , Timpone Joseph
Published: June 2021

Objective

To examine the etiologies, risk factors, and microbiology of bloodstream infections (BSIs) among intestinal and multivisceral transplant recipients in the 2‐year post‐operative period.

Methods

A retrospective medical record review of adult intestinal or multivisceral transplant recipients between 2003 and 2015. Descriptive statistics were used to describe cohort data. Logistic regression was used to assess factors related to BSIs using a backward selection process.

Results

One‐hundred and six intestinal or multivisceral transplants were performed in 103 individuals. Fifty‐eight percent (n = 62) developed a BSI in the 2‐year post‐operative period with a median time to first BSI of 53 days (interquartile range [IQR] 15, 169). The majority of BSIs were catheter related 38% (n = 58) when the source was known. Common microbiological isolates included enterococcus 20% (n = 36/174), coagulase‐negative staphylococcus 14% (n = 23), and 12% Klebsiella spp (n = 21). Forty‐seven percent (n = 17) of the enterococci were resistant to vancomycin, and 14% (n = 10/70) of the gram negatives were extended spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL) producers. In adjusted analyses, (OR: 0.200 95% CI: 0.2, 0.514, P = .009) men were less likely to have a BSI. Transplant recipient age, allograft type, comorbidities, rejection, and length of stay were not noted to be risk factors for development of BSIs in our cohort. Mortality at 2‐years post‐transplant was similar for those who did not develop a BSI and those that developed infection, P = .5028.

Conclusions

BSIs are a common complication of intestinal transplantation, and central venous catheters were a common source. Interventions such as early catheter removal should be implemented to prevent infections in this population. Female sex association with BSI requires further investigation.
Volume of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma is associated with intraoperative hypocalcaemia during large volume intraoperative transfusion
Authors: Douville Nicholas J. , Davis Ryan , Jewell Elizabeth , Colquhoun Douglas A. , Ramachandran Satya Krishna , Engoren Milo C. , Picton Paul
Published: June 2021

Background

Severe hypocalcaemia is associated with increased transfusion in the trauma population. Furthermore, trauma patients developing severe hypocalcaemia have higher mortality and coagulopathy. Electrolyte abnormalities associated with massive transfusion have been less studied in the surgical population. Here, we tested the primary hypothesis that volume of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma transfused intraoperatively is associated with lower nadir ionised calcium in the surgical population receiving massive resuscitation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study at an academic quaternary care centre to characterise hypocalcaemia following large volume (4 or more units packed red blood cells) intraoperative transfusion. We used multivariable linear regression to assess if volume of transfusion with packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma were independently associated with a lower ionised calcium. We then used multivariable logistic regressions to assess the association between ionised calcium and transfusion with: (i) mortality, (ii) acute kidney injury, and (iii) postoperative coagulopathy.

Results

Hypocalcaemia following large volume resuscitation in the operating room is a very frequent occurrence (70% of cases). After controlling for demographic variables and intraoperative variables, the volume transfused intraoperative was independently associated with hypocalcaemia on multivariable linear regression. Hypocalcaemia, intraoperative transfusion of packed red blood cells, and intraoperative transfusion of fresh frozen plasma were not shown to be associated with clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Hypocalcaemia was associated with increased transfusion volume in this single‐centre study. Unlike the trauma population, hypocalcaemia was not associated with increased mortality during surgical care. Our findings suggest that despite improved practice patterns of calcium supplementation, intraoperative hypocalcaemia occurs with relatively high frequency following large volume intraoperative transfusion.
The scarecrow‐like transcription factor SlSCL3 regulates volatile terpene biosynthesis and glandular trichome size in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Yang Changqing , Marillonnet Sylvestre , Tissier Alain
Published: June 2021

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) type VI glandular trichomes that occur on the surface of leaves, stems, young fruits and flowers produce and store a blend of volatile monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. These compounds play important roles in the interaction with pathogens and herbivorous insects. Although the function of terpene synthases in the biosynthesis of volatile terpenes in tomato has been comprehensively investigated, the deciphering of their transcriptional regulation is only just emerging. We selected transcription factors that are over‐expressed in trichomes based on existing transcriptome data and silenced them individually by virus‐induced gene silencing. Of these, SlSCL3, a scarecrow‐like (SCL) subfamily transcription factor, led to a significant decrease in volatile terpene content and expression of the corresponding terpene synthase genes when its transcription level was downregulated. Overexpression of SlSCL3 dramatically increased both the volatile terpene content and glandular trichome size, whereas its homozygous mutants showed reduced terpene biosynthesis. However, its heterozygous mutants also showed a significantly elevated volatile terpene content and enlarged glandular trichomes, similar to the overexpression plants. SlSCL3 modulates the expression of terpene biosynthetic pathway genes by transcriptional activation, but neither direct protein–DNA binding nor interaction with known regulators was observed. Moreover, transcript levels of the endogenous copy of SlSCL3 were decreased in the overexpression plants but increased in the heterozygous and homozygous mutants, suggesting feedback repression of its own promoter. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the role of SlSCL3 in the complex regulation of volatile terpene biosynthesis and glandular trichome development in tomato.
OsMTD2‐mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance is essential for intact pollen‐tube elongation in rice
Authors: Kim Yu‐Jin , Kim Myung‐Hee , Hong Woo‐Jong , Moon Sunok , Kim Sun Tae , Park Soon Ki , Jung Ki‐Hong
Published: June 2021

The highly specialized haploid male gametophyte—pollen consist of two sperm cells and a large vegetative cell. Successful fertilization requires proper growth timing and rupture of the pollen tube until it delivers sperm cells, which occur immediately after a pollen grain hydrates. Although a tight regulation on polar cell‐wall expansion of the pollen tube is fundamentally important, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unknown, especially in crop plants. Here, we characterized the function of male‐gene transfer defective 2 (OsMTD2) gene in rice (Oryza sativa), which belongs to the plant‐specific receptor‐like kinase, the CrRLK1L family. We demonstrated that OsMTD2 is an essential male factor participating in pollen‐tube elongation based on genetic evidence and physiological observations. Because of unavailability of homozygous mutant via conventional methods, we used CRISPR‐Cas9 system to obtain homozygous knockout mutant of OsMTD2. We were able to identify phenotypic changes including male sterility due to early pollen‐tube rupture in the mutant. We observed that the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was dramatically reduced in mutants of OsMTD2 pollen grain and tubes with defective pectin distribution. Transcriptome analysis of osmtd2‐2 versus wild‐type anthers revealed that genes involved in defense responses, metabolic alteration, transcriptional and protein modification were highly upregulated in the osmtd2‐2 mutant. Through yeast‐two‐hybrid screening, we found that OsMTD2 kinase interacts with E3 ligase SPL11. Taken together, we propose that OsMTD2 has crucial functions in promoting pollen‐tube elongation through cell‐wall modification, possibly by modulating ROS homeostasis during pollen‐tube growth.
Would you like another pretzel? Water? We make progress in donor reactions
Authors: Rossmann Susan N. , Hartwell Beth A.
Published: June 2021

See article on page 1764–1771, in this issue
Development of methodology and reference intervals for the analysis of the free‐ranging Atlantic horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus hemolymph
Authors: Arnold Jill E. , Hadfield Catherine A. , Clayton Leigh A. , Cray Carolyn , Jones Darbi , Payton Mark
Published: June 2021

Background

The Atlantic horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, is valuable to fishing and biomedical industries, for education in public aquaria, and of ecological importance because the eggs provide a critical food source for migratory shorebirds. While hematologic and biochemical analyses are fundamental tools for health assessment, reports are limited for the four extant species of horseshoe crabs; L polyphemus (East Coast North America), Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (mangrove horseshoe crab Southeast Asia), Tachypleus gigas, and Tachypleus tridentatus (Southeast and East Asia).

Objectives

This prospective study measured hemolymph values to determine RIs from free‐ranging horseshoe crabs during the annual breeding aggregation in Delaware Bay, USA.

Methods

Near‐shore animals were briefly manually restrained for hemolymph collection from the cardiac sinus. Hematologic samples (25 males, 25 females) were collected for hemocytometer counts using the Natt and Herrick method. A second set of 50 animals (25 males, 25 females) was sampled for biochemistry measurands, including copper concentration by spectrophotometer, osmolality by vapor pressure osmometer, and protein electrophoresis.

Results

Total hemocyte counts varied widely (RI 6600‐44 300/µL). Electrolytes were consistent with osmoconformers living in seawater. There was a marked difference in sexes, with females showing much lower protein, glucose, and copper levels. Eleven females had multiple outliers, and all data were excluded from RI calculations.

Conclusions

Further studies of this species outside of spawning season are needed. Expanding our knowledge of horseshoe crab health is important to decreasing morbidity and mortality in research applications and maximizing longevity and overall health in display settings.
The effect of xylazine on intracranial pressure in anesthetized and standing horses
Authors: Reed Rachel A. , Epstein Kira L. , Bramski Jessica H. , Diehl Kathryn A. , Ryan Clare A.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine the effect of xylazine on intracranial pressure (ICP) in standing compared to isoflurane‐anesthetized horses.

Design

Prospective, crossover study design.

Setting

University Teaching Hospital.

Animals

Six adult horses donated to the University. Horses were determined to be healthy via physical examination, complete blood count, and neurological evaluation.

Interventions

Horses were anesthetized, maintained on isoflurane in oxygen in left lateral recumbency, and ventilated to normocapnia. Horses were instrumented for intraparenchymal measurement of ICP, invasive blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and end tidal gas analyzer. Xylazine 1 mg/kg was administered IV and ICP, systolic arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), diastolic arterial pressure, and heart rate were recorded and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) was calculated for the following 15 minutes. Twenty‐four to 36 hours following anesthetic recovery, xylazine 1 mg/kg was administered IV and ICP, heart rate, and Doppler blood pressure (BPdop) on the tail were monitored for 15 minutes.

Measurements and Main Results

There was a decrease in ICP following administration of xylazine in anesthetized horses (P < 0.003) but not standing horses (P = 0.227). There was an increase in systolic arterial pressure, MAP, diastolic arterial pressure (P < 0.001), and BPdop (P = 0.001) following administration of xylazine. As a result, CPP increased in anesthetized horses (P < 0.03). There was a negative association between ICP and MAP in anesthetized horses (P = 0.007) but not ICP and BPdop conscious horses (P = 0.379).

Conclusions

Administration of xylazine to anesthetized horses resulted in an increased CPP due to decreased ICP with concurrent increased MAP. Administration of xylazine to standing horses did not result in a change in ICP. However, with the increase in BPdop found in awake horses, it is likely that CPP would also increase in awake horses following xylazine administration.
Acute morphine blocks spinal respiratory motor plasticity via long‐latency mechanisms that require toll‐like receptor 4 signalling
Authors: Tadjalli Arash , Seven Yasin B. , Sharma Abhisheak , McCurdy Christopher R. , Bolser Donald C. , Levitt Erica S. , Mitchell Gordon S.
Published: June 2021

Key points

While respiratory complications following opioid use are mainly mediated via activation of mu opioid receptors, long‐latency off‐target signalling via innate immune toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) may impair other essential elements of breathing control such as respiratory motor plasticity.

In adult rats, pre‐treatment with a single dose of morphine blocked long‐term facilitation (LTF) of phrenic motor output via a long‐latency TLR4‐dependent mechanism.

In the phrenic motor nucleus, morphine triggered TLR4‐dependent activation of microglial p38 MAPK – a key enzyme that orchestrates inflammatory signalling and is known to undermine phrenic LTF.

Morphine‐induced LTF loss may destabilize breathing, potentially contributing to respiratory side effects. Therefore, we suggest minimizing TLR‐4 signalling may improve breathing stability during opioid therapy.

Opioid‐induced respiratory dysfunction is a significant public health burden. While respiratory effects are mediated via mu opioid receptors, long‐latency off‐target opioid signalling through innate immune toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) may modulate essential elements of breathing control, particularly respiratory motor plasticity. Plasticity in respiratory motor circuits contributes to the preservation of breathing in the face of destabilizing influences. For example, respiratory long‐term facilitation (LTF), a well‐studied model of respiratory motor plasticity triggered by acute intermittent hypoxia, promotes breathing stability by increasing respiratory motor drive to breathing muscles. Some forms of respiratory LTF are exquisitely sensitive to inflammation and are abolished by even a mild inflammation triggered by TLR4 activation (e.g. via systemic lipopolysaccharides). Since opioids induce inflammation and TLR4 activation, we hypothesized that opioids would abolish LTF through a TLR4‐dependent mechanism. In adult Sprague Dawley rats, pre‐treatment with a single systemic injection of the prototypical opioid agonist morphine blocks LTF expression several hours later in the phrenic motor system – the motor pool driving diaphragm muscle contractions. Morphine blocked phrenic LTF via TLR4‐dependent mechanisms because pre‐treatment with (+)‐naloxone – the opioid inactive stereoisomer and novel small molecule TLR4 inhibitor – prevented impairment of phrenic LTF in morphine‐treated rats. Morphine triggered TLR4‐dependent activation of microglial p38 MAPK within the phrenic motor system – a key enzyme that orchestrates inflammatory signalling and undermines phrenic LTF. Morphine‐induced LTF loss may destabilize breathing, potentially contributing to respiratory side effects. We suggest minimizing TLR‐4 signalling may improve breathing stability during opioid therapy by restoring endogenous mechanisms of plasticity within respiratory motor circuits.
Functional development and regeneration of hair cells in the zebrafish lateral line
Authors: Hardy Katherine , Amariutei Ana E. , De Faveri Francesca , Hendry Aenea , Marcotti Walter , Ceriani Federico
Published: June 2021

Key points

We investigated hair‐cell regeneration in the zebrafish lateral line following the application of the ototoxic compound copper.

In early‐larval zebrafish (<10 days post‐fertilisation), regenerated hair cells drive action potentials (APs) in the afferent neurons 24 h post‐copper treatment (24 hpt).

Full regeneration of the early‐larval neuromasts, the organs containing the hair cells, requires ∼48 h due to the progressive addition of hair cells and synaptic refinement.

In older larval zebrafish, regenerated hair cells are active and drive afferent APs by 48 hpt, which is comparable to larvae, but the functional recovery of their neuromasts requires >120 hpt.

Afferent terminals within the regenerating neuromast appear to initially contact supporting cells, and their complete ablation prevents the timely reappearance of supporting cells and hair cells.

We conclude that the regeneration of zebrafish neuromasts is slower after the initial developmental stages, and that the afferent input plays a key role in driving this process.

Hair cells are mechanosensory receptors responsible for transducing auditory and vestibular information into electrical signals, which are then transmitted with remarkable precision to afferent neurons. Different from mammals, the hair cells of lower vertebrates, including those present in the neuromasts of the zebrafish lateral line, regenerate following environmental or chemical insults. Here we investigate the time course of regeneration of hair cells in vivo using electrophysiology, two‐photon imaging and immunostaining applied to wild‐type and genetically encoded fluorescent indicator zebrafish lines. Functional hair cells drive spontaneous action potentials in the posterior lateral line afferent fibres, the frequency of which progressively increases over the first 10 days post‐fertilisation (dpf). Higher firing‐rate fibres are only observed from ∼6 dpf. Following copper treatment, newly formed hair cells become functional and are able to drive APs in the afferent fibres within 48 h in both early‐larval (≤8 dpf) and late‐larval (12–17 dpf) zebrafish. However, the complete functional regeneration of the entire neuromast is delayed in late‐larval compared to early‐larval zebrafish. We propose that while individual regenerating hair cells can rapidly become active, the acquisition of fully functional neuromasts progresses faster at early‐larval stages, a time when hair cells are still under development. At both ages, the afferent terminals in the regenerating neuromast appear to make initial contact with supporting cells. The ablation of the lateral line afferent neurons prevents the timely regeneration of supporting cells and hair cells. These findings indicate that the afferent system is likely to facilitate or promote the neuromast regeneration process.
Transcriptomic, proteomic and phosphoproteomic underpinnings of daily exercise performance and zeitgeber activity of training in mouse muscle
Authors: Maier Geraldine , Delezie Julien , Westermark Pål O. , Santos Gesa , Ritz Danilo , Handschin Christoph
Published: June 2021

Key points

Maximal endurance performance is greater in the early daytime.

Timed exercise differentially alters the muscle transcriptome and (phospho)‐proteome.

Early daytime exercise triggers energy provisioning and tissue regeneration.

Early night‐time exercise activates stress‐related and catabolic pathways.

Scheduled training has limited effects on the muscle and liver circadian clocks.

Timed physical activity might potentiate the health benefits of training. The underlying signalling events triggered by exercise at different times of day are, however, poorly understood. Here, we found that time‐dependent variations in maximal treadmill exercise capacity of naïve mice were associated with energy stores, mostly hepatic glycogen levels. Importantly, running at different times of day resulted in a vastly different activation of signalling pathways, e.g. related to stress response, vesicular trafficking, repair and regeneration. Second, voluntary wheel running at the opposite phase of the dark, feeding period surprisingly revealed a minimal zeitgeber (i.e. phase‐shifting) effect of training on the muscle clock. This integrated study provides important insights into the circadian regulation of endurance performance and the control of the circadian clock by exercise. In future studies, these results could contribute to better understanding circadian aspects of training design in athletes and the application of chrono‐exercise‐based interventions in patients.
Impact of Thickness on the Optical Properties of Selenium Thin Films
Authors: Udachan Shiva , Ayachit Narasimha , Udachan Lingappa , Halembre Raghunanda
Published: June 2021

Objectives: The primary objective of this investigation is to make a systematic study on the impact of thickness on optical properties, such as energy gap, absorption coefficient, optical density etc., for selenium thin films. Understanding of the band gap energy and its influence on film thickness is of utmost importance in acquiring the intended electrical characterization of semiconducting films. Materials and methods: Ultra-purity selenium (99.99 %) was deposited on glass substrates. During deposition, the glass substrate with its holder were rotated with constant speed to have a smooth coating. Results and discussions: The XRD findings indicate that selenium is amorphous in nature. The optical band gap energy is found to be decreasing form (2.3 to 2eV) with the rise of film thickness in interval (200 to 1000 nm). The band gap energy obeys inverse square law with respect to thickness. Conclusion: We have properly grown thin films of Se below the De Broglie wavelength limit by thermal evaporation in vacuum. The optical density varies directly with film thickness. The absorption coefficients were in the interval (0.5 to 4) × 107m-1. The AFM results confirmed that the Se nano-size increases with the increase in thickness. Both the grain boundaries and sub-grain regions are clearly visible in the SEM micrographs
Nutrient Concentrations in Macrophytes from Lotic and Lentic Environments of the Middle Parana River, Argentina
Authors: Hadad Hernán Ricardo , Maine María Alejandra , Mufarrege María de las Mercedes , Di Luca Gisela Alfonsina , Sanchez Gabriela Cristina
Published: June 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this work was to compare nutrient concentrations in water, sediment, and in plant tissues of Eichhornia crassipes and Panicum elephantipes from lotic and lentic environments of the Middle Parana River floodplain (Argentina). Materials and Methods: The study was carried out over an 18-month period. Plants, water, and sediment were collected in a lake (lentic environment) and in a river (lotic environment) from the Middle Parana River floodplain. Water and sediment were sampled in sites where P. elephantipes or E. crassipes were predominant and in sites without vegetation. Results and Discussion: The lentic and lotic environments dominated by E. crassipes showed the highest ammonium concentrations. The sediment from the lotic environment showed total phosphorus (TP) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) concentrations significantly lower than those found in the sediment from the lentic environment. In the lentic environment, the sediment from the lake with the dominance of E. crassipes showed the highest TKN concentration, while the sediment from the lake dominated by P. elephantipes showed the highest TP concentration. For both plant species and for both environments, TKN and TP tissue concentrations were significantly higher in leaves in comparison with roots. Conclusions: Our results could be used to optimize the efficiency of treatment wetlands. Additionally, the use of locally available macrophytes as contaminant bioaccumulators in the Middle Parana River floodplain is completely feasible.
Investigating the Influence of Impeller Axial Thrust Balance Holes on the Flow and Overall Performance of a Cryogenic Liquid Turbine Expander
Authors: Huo Changjiang , Sun Jinju , Song Peng , Sun Shan
Published: June 2021

An excessive rotor axial thrust in any turbomachine can cause critical operational problems, and rotor axial thrust balancing has always attracted much attention. The present numerical study is focused on axial thrust balancing for a cryogenic liquid turbine expander, whose axial thrust balancing is typically challenging because of its small impeller size and large axial thrust. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is conducted in a real turbine expander environment constituted by main and gap flow domains with allowing for the thermodynamic effect of liquefied air. The balance hole influential mechanism on the main and gap flows is explored, and its influence on the expander axial thrust and overall performance is quantified. The results show that the use of balance holes creates a highly swirling gap flow, and the static pressure over the impeller disk back-side surface decreases to produce a small axial component force and axial thrust, but the turbine expander overall efficiency drops by 1.1 and 2.8 points at 100% and 50% design flow, respectively, due to an increased internal leakage loss and distorted impeller flow. In addition, a parametric study is conducted to analyze the effect of balance hole diameter, circumferential position, and radial position on expander axial thrust and overall performance. The results indicate that the axial thrust is sensitive to both the balance hole diameter and circumferential position but less sensitive to its radial position, while the overall efficiency is influenced by all three parameters.
Improved Thermowell Selection
Authors: Bartran David S.
Published: June 2021

While the drag crisis presents a number of challenges in the selection of thermowells as the conditions that govern the supercritical Strouhal number such as the intensity of turbulence, a simple comparison insures safe evaluations.
Internal Bracing Augmentation of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament on a Level 10 Competitive Gymnast: A Case Study
Authors: Vander Wal Dana , Potter Brenda , David Shannon L. , German Nicole
Published: June 2021

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries have become increasingly more common over the years. Reconstruction and nonoperative treatment have been the conventional treatment for athletes, especially for overhead athletes. This case study presents a 16-year-old female, competitive Level 10 gymnast, with a complete distal tear of her UCL with a full thickness, Grade 3, ulnar sided avulsion off of the sublime tubercle. She underwent medial UCL repair with internal brace augmentation with the goal of faster return to gymnastics. To the author’s knowledge, this is the second gymnast reported in the literature to have an internal brace augmentation completed on the UCL.
Structural insights into the recognition of histone H3Q5 serotonylation by WDR5
Authors: Zhao Jie , Chen Wanbiao , Pan Yi , Zhang Yinfeng , Sun Huiying , Wang Han , Yang Fan , Liu Yu , Shen Nan , Zhang Xuan , Mo Xi , Zang Jianye
Published: June 2021

WDR5 specifically recognizes histone H3Q5ser to promote gene transcription and neuroblastoma cell proliferation.
Viral infection of algal blooms leaves a unique metabolic footprint on the dissolved organic matter in the ocean
Authors: Kuhlisch Constanze , Schleyer Guy , Shahaf Nir , Vincent Flora , Schatz Daniella , Vardi Assaf
Published: June 2021

Mapping the exometabolic landscape during
E. huxleyi
bloom succession reveals a halogenated footprint of viral infection.
Supplemental Material: Magnetostratigraphy across the end-Permian mass extinction event from the Meishan sections, southeastern China
Authors: Zhang Min , Pan Yongxin , al. et
Published: June 2021

Data, details of experimental procedures, and supplemental figures and interpretations.
Enterolith ileus and jejunal diverticulitis from jejunal diverticulosis: the complications of a rare gastrointestinal entity
Authors: Sykes Blake Anthony , Kapadia Chitrakanti Raj
Published: June 2021

Small bowel diverticulosis is rare. False diverticula form in the jejunum, and less commonly, the ileum. As with their large bowel counterparts, these diverticula provide a pocket for stasis of bowel content, leading to the formation of enteroliths. This case report highlights two complications from jejunal diverticulosis: jejunal diverticulitis and a small bowel obstruction as a result of enterolithiasis; the latter being a rare entity which should be a differential diagnosis for any individual presenting with gastrointestinal obstructive symptoms and radiological evidence of small bowel diverticulosis.
Argon laser photocoagulation for treatment of presumed trematode-induced granulomatous anterior uveitis in children
Authors: Alsmman Alahmady Hamad , Abdalla Abdelsalam , Ezzeldawla Mohammed , Mossa Elshimaa A Mateen , Abozaid Mortada
Published: June 2021

Background/Aims

To assess the safety and efficacy of argon laser photocoagulation as a new modality for the treatment of presumed trematode-induced granulomatous anterior uveitis (PTGAU) in children.

Methods

Forty-eight eyes of 48 children with PTGAU with pearl-like nodule(s) in the anterior chamber were included in this prospective non-randomised controlled clinical trial. The patients were divided into two groups: those in Group A (23 eyes) were treated with one session of argon laser applied to the anterior chamber nodules and those in Group B (25 eyes) received medical treatment in the form of topical steroid and cycloplegic eye drops with trans-septal triamcinolone injections. All cases were followed up for 3 months with measurement of visual acuity (VA), assessment of the anterior chamber reaction and measurement of the pearl-like nodule size.

Results

In Group A, 22 eyes (95.65%) showed regression of the pearl-like nodules with resolution of the anterior chamber reaction (flare and cells) and improvement in visual acuity from 0.52±0.12 to 0.06±0.08 logMAR (p<0.001). Such improvement was maintained within the 3-month follow-up period. In Group B, 23 eyes (92%) showed initial regression of the granulomas, which was maintained in only 14 eyes (56%),with nine eyes experiencing recurrence after 3 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

Argon laser photocoagulation is a safe and effective novel treatment for PTGAU with pearl-like nodules in the anterior chamber in children. Larger studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these results.
Fascial plane blocks: a narrative review of the literature
Authors: Kim David H , Kim Sang Jo , Liu Jiabin , Beathe Jonathan , Memtsoudis Stavros G
Published: June 2021

Fascial plane blocks (FPBs) are increasingly numerous and are often touted as effective solutions to many perioperative challenges facing anesthesiologists. As ‘new’ FPBs are being described, questions regarding their effectiveness remain unanswered as appropriate studies are lacking and publications are often limited to case discussions or technical reports. It is often unclear if newly named FPBs truly represent a novel intervention with new indications, or if these new publications describe mere ultrasound facilitated modifications of existing techniques. Here, we present broad concepts and potential mechanisms of FPB. In addition, we discuss major FPBs of (1) the extremities (2) the posterior torso and (3) the anterior torso. The characteristics, indications and a brief summary of the literature on these blocks is included. Finally, we provide an estimate of the overall level of evidence currently supporting individual approaches as FPBs continue to rapidly evolve.
Mechanisms of action of fascial plane blocks: a narrative review
Authors: Chin Ki Jinn , Lirk Philipp , Hollmann Markus W , Schwarz Stephan K W
Published: June 2021

Background

Fascial plane blocks (FPBs) target the space between two fasciae, rather than discrete peripheral nerves. Despite their popularity, their mechanisms of action remain controversial, particularly for erector spinae plane and quadratus lumborum blocks.

Objectives

This narrative review describes the scientific evidence underpinning proposed mechanisms of action, highlights existing knowledge gaps, and discusses implications for clinical practice and research.

Findings

There are currently two plausible mechanisms of analgesia. The first is a local effect on nociceptors and neurons within the plane itself or within adjacent muscle and tissue compartments. Dispersion of local anesthetic occurs through bulk flow and diffusion, and the resulting conduction block is dictated by the mass of local anesthetic reaching these targets. The extent of spread, analgesia, and cutaneous sensory loss is variable and imperfectly correlated. Explanations include anatomical variation, factors governing fluid dispersion, and local anesthetic pharmacodynamics. The second is vascular absorption of local anesthetic and a systemic analgesic effect at distant sites. Direct evidence is presently lacking but preliminary data indicate that FPBs can produce transient elevations in plasma concentrations similar to intravenous lidocaine infusion. The relative contributions of these local and systemic effects remain uncertain.

Conclusion

Our current understanding of FPB mechanisms supports their demonstrated analgesic efficacy, but also highlights the unpredictability and variability that result from myriad factors at play. Potential strategies to improve efficacy include accurate deposition close to targets of interest, injections of sufficient volume to encourage physical spread by bulk flow, and manipulation of concentration to promote diffusion.
Integrating model tree and modified stepwise regression in concrete slump prediction and steel fabrication estimating
Authors: Mohsenijam Arash , Lu Ming , Naumets Serhii
Published: June 2021

The model tree algorithm of M5 is integrated with the multiple linear regression technique called modified stepwise regression (MSR), resulting in a new method for modeling complex civil engineering problems. We purposefully chose artificial neural networks (ANN) for comparison against the proposed “M5+MSR” because they fall at the two ends of the model interpretability spectrum in machine learning. This research addresses the critical question of how to balance the trade-off between bias, variance and model complexity in machine learning through contrasting “M5+MSR” against other commonly applied methods. In two application cases (Case 1: concrete workability and Case 2: steel fabrication estimating), the proposed “M5+MSR” gave rise to explainable regression tree models featuring substantially reduced complexities against ANN and model prediction errors comparable to ANN. The resulting “M5+MSR” models consistently outperformed ANN in terms of model overfitting metrics by 19% in Case 1 and 21% in Case 2, thus boasting better learning performances. The proposed new method will potentially find applications in tackling a wide range of complicated engineering problems that entail fitting prediction models based on laboratory or field data.
3-D Confined SWS-FETs Combining Quantum Well and Quantum Dot Superlattice (QDSL)
Authors: Jain F. , Saman B. , Gudlavalleti R. H. , Mays R. , Chandy J. , Heller Evan
Published: June 2021

Quantum confinement in 3-D leads to novel multi-state larger fan-out carrier transport in quantum dot FETs. Single electron transistors (SETs) and quantum cell automata (QCA) devices are limited by the number of carriers in the transport channel, which affects the logic fan-out in sub-5nm integrated circuits. This paper presents several transport channel structures for overcoming this limitation. Layers with large bandgap discontinuities are used to confine carriers along channel length, between source and drain. These layers are formed with low energy gap Ge QDSLs and are used in several two-channel twin-drain n- and p-FETs in SWS configurations: (i) p-FET with coupled SiGe Quantum well (QW) and Ge Quantum Dot Superlattice (QDSL) channel, (ii) n-FET with upper and lower Ge QDSL channels, and (iii) p-FET with upper and lower Ge QDSL channels on n-on-pSi. The coupling of QW and QDSL channels or two Ge QDSL channels, in a spatial wavefunction switched (SWS) FET structure, not only ensures higher concentration of carriers but also multi-state/multi-bit operation. Circuit simulations of 2-bit NOR gate have used BSIM based analog behavioral model (ABM).
3-Bit Analog-to-Digital Converter Using Multi-State Spatial Wave-Function Switched FETs
Authors: Saman B. , Gudlavalleti R. H. , Mays R. , Chandy J. , Heller Evan , Jain F.
Published: June 2021

Multi-valued logic using multi-state spatial wavefunction switched (SWS)-FETs offers overall reduction in size and power as compared to conventional FET based circuits. This paper presents the design of compact 3-bit Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) implemented with SWS-FETs. A novel multi-valued Threshold Inverter Quantization (TIQ) based voltage comparator using SWS FET transistors has been proposed. Unlike conventional FETs, SWS-FETs are comprised of two or more vertically stacked coupled quantum well or quantum dot channels, and the spatial location of carriers within these channels is used to encode the logic states (00), (01), (10) and (11). The SWS-FET logic and circuit models for complementary (n- and p-channel) using 20 nm technology are presented. The digital logic circuit in the ADC is developed using SWS-FET based quaternary logic circuits. The accuracy of the SWS-FET circuits is verified by SWS-FET models in Cadence. The simulations for the SWS FET are based on integration of the Berkeley Short-channel IGFET Model (BSIM4.6) and the Analog Behavioral Model (ABM). The ADC circuit design using SWS-FETs reduce the number of transistors by 55% compared with CMOS counterpart.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation of a Reaction–Diffusion System with Weak Allee Effect
Authors: Yue Jia-Long , Ma Zhan-Ping
Published: June 2021

A delayed three-component reaction–diffusion system with weak Allee effect and Dirichlet boundary condition is considered. The existence and stability of the positive spatially nonhomogeneous steady-state solution are obtained via the implicit function theorem. Moreover, taking delay as the bifurcation parameter, the Hopf bifurcation near the spatially nonhomogeneous steady-state solution is proved to occur at a critical value. Especially, the direction of Hopf bifurcation is forward and the bifurcated periodic solutions are unstable. Finally, the general results are applied to four types of three-species population models with weak Allee effect in growth.
Investigation on the Running-In Quality at Different Rotating Speeds by Chaos Theory
Authors: Ding Cong , Zhou Zhenyu , Piao Zhongyu
Published: June 2021

Improving running-in quality is an important project of Green Tribology. In actual environment, the running-in quality of mechanical equipment is greatly affected by system parameters. In view of this, running-in experiments were performed at different rotating speeds on a pin-on-disc tribometer. Chaos theory was used to investigate the effect of rotating speeds on the running-in quality. The experimental results showed that the running-in quality could be better evaluated by using the chaotic characteristic parameter “Convergence (CON)”. The greater the CON, the better the running-in quality. With an increase of the rotating speed, CON first gradually increased and then decreased to a certain level, whilst the running-in quality first gradually became better and then became worse. A moderate rotating speed is advantageous to obtain the optimum running-in quality. This contributes to the service life extension and the efficiency improvement, so as to reduce energy consumption.
Slow Invariant Manifolds of Slow–Fast Dynamical Systems
Authors: Ginoux Jean-Marc
Published: June 2021

Slow–fast dynamical systems, i.e. singularly or nonsingularly perturbed dynamical systems possess slow invariant manifolds on which trajectories evolve slowly. Since the last century various methods have been developed for approximating their equations. This paper aims, on the one hand, to propose a classification of the most important of them into two great categories: singular perturbation-based methods and curvature-based methods, and on the other hand, to prove the equivalence between any methods belonging to the same category and between the two categories. Then, a deep analysis and comparison between each of these methods enable to state the efficiency of the Flow Curvature Method which is exemplified with paradigmatic Van der Pol singularly perturbed dynamical system and Lorenz slow–fast dynamical system.
Additional symmetries of the dispersionless extended noncommutative Gelfand–Dickey hierarchy
Authors: Hu Meiyan , Li Chuanzhong
Published: June 2021

This paper aims at additional symmetries of the unextended and extended, commutative and noncommutative dispersionless Gelfand–Dickey (dGD) hierarchies. Being similar to the Lax formalism of the Gelfand–Dickey (GD) hierarchy, we construct the function [Formula: see text] and Orlov–Schulman function [Formula: see text] of the hierarchies. Meanwhile, the additional symmetry will be studied with the infinite flows of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] function of the dGD hierarchy and one can find that only a part of additional flows can survive under the GD constraints with the corresponding string equation. Furthermore, we pay attention to the additional symmetries of the dispersionless extended Gelfand–Dickey (dEGD) hierarchy which has a quantum torus algebraic structure and show the flows in detail. The additional symmetry of dispersionless noncommutative Gelfand–Dickey (dNCGD) hierarchy and dispersionless extended noncommutative Gelfand–Dickey (dENCGD) hierarchy are studied.
The barrow holographic dark energy-based reconstruction of f(R) gravity and cosmology with Nojiri–Odintsov cutoff
Authors: Sarkar Amrita , Chattopadhyay Surajit
Published: June 2021

In the work reported here we have considered Barrow holographic dark energy (BHDE) proposed in E. N. Saridakis, Barrow holographic dark energy, Phys. Rev. D 102 (2020) 123525 as a special case of more generalized version of Nojiri–Odintsov holographic dark energy (NOHDE) proposed in S. I. Nojiri and S. D. Odintsov, Unifying phantom inflation with late-time acceleration: Scalar phantom–non-phantom transition model and generalized holographic dark energy, Gen. Relativ. Gravit. 38 (2006) 1285–1304 and also reconstructed [Formula: see text] gravity with BHDE as the form of background evolution. It has been observed that in the case of BHDE reconstructed [Formula: see text] gravity the equation of state can have a transition from quintessence to phantom. In a particular case of reconstruction, possibility of Little Rip singularity has been observed. Finally, the generalized second law of thermodynamics has been found to be valid under this reconstruction scheme.
A Hummingbird in Space
Authors: Narayana Sujay , Venkatesha Prasad R. , Rao Vijay S. , Mottola Luca , Venkata Prabhakar Tamma
Published: June 2021

Two distinct trends are apparent in the design and planning of satellite missions. Until the late 1990s, multibillion-dollar space programs centered on large satellites, such as Envisat [1], promised to provide a common platform to support a variety of co-located sensing equipment. A reduction in cost was expected, as several instruments shared a single bus and a single launch. These benefits did not materialize due to the rise of a plethora of engineering and scheduling problems: electromagnetic incompatibilities between diverse technologies; instruments inducing vibrations on the platform that affect other equipment; and deployment-ready instruments waiting for other equipment in earlier development stages. As a reaction to these issues, the second trend where programs based on single-instrument satellites of much smaller sizes and mass began to emerge, eventually leading to the deployment of space devices that nowadays we call small satellites [11].
Technical Perspective DIAMetrics
Authors: Boncz Peter
Published: June 2021

Benchmarking database systems has a long and successful history in making industrial database systems comparable, and is also a cornerstone of quantifiable experimental data systems research. Creating good benchmarks has been described as something of an art [3]. One can inspire dataset and workload design from"representative" use cases queries, typically informed by domain experts; but also exploit technical insights from database architects in what features, operations, and data distributions should come together in order to invoke a particularly challenging task1.
Technical Perspective
Authors: Zhang Qin
Published: June 2021

One of the most important functionalities of a database system is to answer queries. We are interested in the following question: If there exists more than one answer to the given query, which one should the database report? There are two apparent choices: to return all the valid answers or to return one of them. The problem with the former choice is that it is often time-prohibitive to search for all valid answers. In the latter choice, fairness may become an issue, since the index built for fast search may introduce bias to the query result. For example, the index may favor a certain portion of the input data (e.g., nodes near the root of a tree index) and with a higher chance, output an answer related to that portion than other portions. Such bias can sometimes lead to undesirable consequences.
Technical Perspective
Authors: Olteanu Dan
Published: June 2021

The paper entitled "Probabilistic Data with Continuous Distributions" overviews recent work on the foundations of infinite probabilistic databases [3, 2]. Prior work on probabilistic databases (PDBs) focused almost exclusively on the finite case: A finite PDB represents a discrete probability distribution over a finite set of possible worlds [4]. In contrast, an infinite PDB models a continuous probability distribution over an infinite set of possible worlds. In both cases, each world is a finite relational database instance. Continuous distributions are essential and commonplace tools for reasoning under uncertainty in practice. Accommodating them in the framework of probabilistic databases brings us closer to applications that naturally rely on both continuous distributions and relational databases.