bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and commissioning of mid-infrared self-amplified spontaneous emission free-electron laser at compact energy recovery linac
Authors: Honda Yosuke , Adachi Masahiro , Eguchi Shu , Fukuda Masafumi , Higashi Nao , Kato Ryukou , Miura Takako , Miyajima Tsukasa , Nagahashi Shinya , Nakamura Norio , Nigorikawa Kazuyuki , Nogami Takashi , Obina Takashi , Sagehashi Hidenori , Sakai Hiroshi , Shimada Miho , Shioya Tatsuro , Takai Ryota , Tanaka Olga , Tanimoto Yasunori , Tsuchiya Kimichika , Uchiyama Takashi , Ueda Akira , Yamamoto Masahiro , Zhou Demin , Kakehata Masayuki , Sato Tadatake , Yashiro Hidehiko , Hajima Ryoichi
Published: November 2021

The mid-infrared range is an important spectrum range where materials exhibit a characteristic response corresponding to their molecular structure. A free-electron laser (FEL) is a promising candidate for a high-power light source with wavelength tunability to investigate the nonlinear response of materials. Although the self-amplification spontaneous emission (SASE) scheme is not usually adopted in the mid-infrared wavelength range, it may have advantages such as layout simplicity, the possibility of producing a single pulse, and scalability to a short-wavelength facility. To demonstrate the operation of a mid-infrared SASE FEL system in an energy recovery linac (ERL) layout, we constructed an SASE FEL setup in cERL, a test facility of the superconducting linac with the ERL configuration. Despite the adverse circumstance of space charge effects due to the given boundary condition of the facility, we successfully established the beam condition at the undulators and observed FEL emission at a wavelength of 20 μm. The results show that the layout of cERL has the potential for serving as a mid-infrared light source.
Investigation of performance properties of plastic optical fibres used in a traffic light system
Authors: Savović S. , Djordjevich A. , Min R. , Savović I.
Published: November 2021

We investigate the performance properties of a multimode plastic optical fibre (POF) used in a traffic light system. An analytical function is proposed for predicting the angular power distribution at the output end of a multimode optical fibre when the beam at the input end of the fibre is centrally launched along the fibre axis. We demonstrate how mode coupling affects the output angular power distribution along the fibre and, therefore, the performance of optical fibre used as part of a traffic light system. It is found that as the length of the POF increases, the angular power distribution broadens until it reaches a length at which a steady-state distribution (SSD) is achieved. This broadening is insignificant at short POF lengths of up to 10 m. As a result, the effective radiation area at the output end of any long POF as part of different light systems, such as traffic, building, and bridge light systems, can be determined.
Ground-state phase diagram of the
t-t
′
-J
model
Authors: Jiang Shengtao , Scalapino Douglas J. , White Steven R.
Published: November 2021

Significance

Theoretical efforts to understand the superconducting cuprates have focused on a few simplified but challenging models: notably the Hubbard and the

t

-

t

′

-

J

models. Using density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) simulations on width-8 cylinders, we study the ground-state phase diagram of the

t

-

t

′-

J

model. The next nearest-neighbor hopping

t

′

allows one to distinguish between hole (

t

′

<
0

) and electron doping (

t

′

>
0

). We find for the magnetic, charge, and single-particle properties that this model roughly captures the differences between the electron- and hole-doped cuprates. However, the superconducting properties differ. For hole doping (

t

′

<
0

), there is an absence of superconductivity, while for electron doping (

t

′

>

0), we find

d

-wave superconductivity coexisting with antiferromagnetism and a secondary triplet

p

-wave pairing component.
Single-cell sequencing of rotavirus-infected intestinal epithelium reveals cell-type specific epithelial repair and tuft cell infection
Authors: Bomidi Carolyn , Robertson Matthew , Coarfa Cristian , Estes Mary K. , Blutt Sarah E.
Published: November 2021

Significance

Rotavirus infects enterocytes at the tips of intestinal villi, leading to damage. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the infected murine intestinal epithelium reveals broad responses, including expansion of the stem cell and immature enterocyte populations. Subsets of stem cells enter the cell cycle more frequently, resulting in production of more enterocytes to compensate for damaged enterocytes at the villus tip. The presence of viral transcripts in tuft cells and evidence of tuft cell transcriptional activation suggests that tuft cells contribute important signals to the epithelial response following damage. Until now the mechanism of repair following viral damage in the intestinal epithelium has remained uncharacterized. We find that intestinal regeneration and repair require cooperation of several specialized epithelial cells.
Molecular dynamics investigation on tilt grain boundary energies of beta-titanium and tungsten at high temperature
Authors: He Hong , Ma Shangyi , Wang Shaoqing
Published: November 2021

The grain boundary energies (GBEs) of symmetric tilt grain boundaries (STGBs) and asymmetric tilt grain boundaries (ATGBs) for W at 0 and 2400 K and β-Ti at 1300 K were calculated by means of molecular statics and dynamics simulations to investigate the effects of temperature on GBE and the relationships between GBEs and grain boundary (GB) planes. Generally, the variation trends of GBE with the tilt angle are similar for the three cases, when the tilt axis is specified. It is of course that these similarities result from their similar GB microstructures in most cases. However, the variation trends of GBE with tilt angle are somewhat different between β-Ti at 1300 K and W at 2400 K for STGBs with <100> and <110> tilt axes. This difference mainly stems from the following two reasons: firstly, the GB microstructures of W at 2400 K and β-Ti at 1300 K are different for some STGBs; secondly, the atoms at the STGB of β-Ti at 1300 K tend to evolve into the local ω- or α-like structures distributed at the STGB for some STGBs with <110> tilt axis, which makes the corresponding STGBs more stable, thereby decreasing the GBEs. Furthermore, a geometric parameter θ, the angle between the misorientation axis and the GB plane, was defined to explore the relationships between GBEs and GB planes. It was found that the relationships between GBEs and GB planes can be described by some simple functions of sin(θ) for the GBs with definite lattice misorientation, which can well explain and predict the preferred GB planes for the GBs having the same lattice misorientation. Our calculations not only extend the investigation of GBs to higher temperature, but also deepen the understanding on the temperature contributions to the microstructure evolution at GBs and on the relationships between GBEs and possible geometric parameters.
Design and development of electrochemical potentiostat circuit for the sensing of toxic cadmium and lead ions in soil
Authors: Katiyar Rajani , Usha Rani K R , Sindhu TS , Sneha Jain HD , Vidhyashree  , Ashoka S , Channegowda Manjunatha
Published: November 2021

Contamination of heavy metal ions in soils has proved to be a significant concern and it poses many health risks. Conventional methods used for the identification and detection of heavy metals were non portable and not suitable for onsite applications. The proposed work is to design a low cost electronic circuit for the detection of cadmium and lead ions in soil sample. A screen printed electrode and a Glassy Carbon electrode are interfaced with a designed circuit for electrochemical analysis. Anodic stripping voltammetry is the theory behind the metal ion detection process. Based on the current peaks observed in the voltammetry process, the presence of lead and cadmium in a given sample can be determined. A voltage controlled circuit is designed to perform the functions of Ec-Lab which makes this system portable. The results are compared with that of the potentiostat device to evaluate the accuracy of the designed circuit.
Regularity and Strict Positivity of Densities for the Nonlinear Stochastic Heat Equation
Authors: Chen Le , Hu Yaozhong , Nualart David
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we establish a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence and regularity of the density of the solution to a semilinear stochastic (fractional) heat equation with measure-valued initial conditions. Under a mild cone condition for the diffusion coefficient, we establish the smooth joint density at multiple points. The tool we use is Malliavin calculus. The main ingredient is to prove that the solutions to a related stochastic partial differential equation have negative moments of all orders. Because we cannot prove

u
(
t
,
x
)
∈

D

∞

u(t,x)\in \mathbb {D}^\infty

for measure-valued initial data, we need a localized version of Malliavin calculus. Furthermore, we prove that the (joint) density is strictly positive in the interior of the support of the law, where we allow both measure-valued initial data and unbounded diffusion coefficient. The criteria introduced by Bally and Pardoux are no longer applicable for the parabolic Anderson model. We have extended their criteria to a localized version. Our general framework includes the parabolic Anderson model as a special case.
NgCAM and VAMP2 reveal that direct delivery and dendritic degradation maintain axonal polarity
Authors: Nabb Alec T. , Bentley Marvin
Published: November 2021

This study defines the trafficking pathway of axonally polarized membrane proteins in cultured neurons.
Feasibility of computerized clinical decision support for pediatric to adult care transitions for patients with special healthcare needs
Authors: Koscielniak Nikolas J , Dharod Ajay , Moses Adam , Bundy Richa , Feiereisel Kirsten B , Albertini Laurie W , Palakshappa Deepak
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of a computerized clinical decision support (cCDS) tool to facilitate referral to adult healthcare services for children with special healthcare needs. A transition-specific cCDS was implemented as part of standard care in a general pediatrics clinic at a tertiary care academic medical center. The cCDS alerts providers to patients 17–26 years old with 1 or more of 15 diagnoses that may be candidates for referral to an internal medicine adult transition clinic (ATC). Provider responses to the cCDS and referral outcomes (e.g. scheduled and completed visits) were retrospectively analyzed using descriptive statistics. One hundred and fifty-two patients were seen during the 20-month observation period. Providers referred 87 patients to the ATC using cCDS and 77% of patients ≥18 years old scheduled a visit in the ATC. Transition-specific cCDS tools are feasible options to facilitate adult care transitions for children with special healthcare needs.
A heterogeneous lattice structure modeling technique supported by multiquadric radial basis function networks
Authors: Liu Yuan , Yang Huiyuan , Zhao Yaoyao Fiona , Zheng Guolei
Published: November 2021

With the rapid advancement of the multimaterial additive manufacturing (AM) technology, the heterogeneous lattice structures (HLSs) comprising the multiphase materials with gradual variations have become feasible and accessible to the industry. However, the multimaterial AM capabilities have far outpaced the modeling capability of design systems to model and thus design novel HLSs. To further expand the design space for the utilization of AM technology, this paper proposes a method for modeling HLS with complex geometries and smooth material transitions. The geometric modeling and material modeling problems are formulated in a rigorous and computationally effective manner. The geometric complexity of HLS is significantly reduced by a semi-analytical unit cell decomposition strategy that is applied to split HLS into material units: struts and connectors. The smooth material transitions of the connector associated with multimaterial struts are realized by interpolating the discrete material property values defined at control points using a multiquadric radial basis function network.
Successful treatment of IgA vasculitis with prolonged cutaneous manifestation with colchicine in a 10-year-old boy
Authors: Okura Yuka , Hiramatsu Yasuyoshi , Shimomura Masaki , Taniguchi Kota , Nawate Mitsuru , Takahashi Yutaka , Kobayashi Ichiro
Published: November 2021

We report a 10-year-old boy with immunoglobulin (Ig)A vasculitis (IgAV) with prolonged cutaneous manifestations who was successfully treated with colchicine. At the age of 9 years, he was diagnosed as having IgAV by typical purpura, abdominal pain, and haematochezia. Initially, his severe gastrointestinal manifestation subsided by prednisolone 60 mg/day and intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy. However, his gastrointestinal manifestation was glucocorticoid-dependent and refractory to factor XIII concentrate, intravenous IgG, and mycophenolate mofetil. His abdominal pain and haematochezia responded to the combination therapy with dapsone and low dose of prednisolone 5 mg/day and did not relapse even after discontinuation of dapsone. On the other hand, the effect of dapsone on his cutaneous manifestation was dose-dependent as well as dapsone had no glucocorticoid-sparing effect. Approximately 12 months after onset, colchicine treatment was started, which resulted in remission of his chronic cutaneous manifestation. After prednisolone was tapered off, his cutaneous manifestation is currently well-controlled on colchicine 0.5 mg/day without adverse events. He had never complicated kidney involvements. In conclusion, it is observed that colchicine treatment exerts a beneficial effect in IgAV patients with prolonged cutaneous manifestation refractory to multiple drugs.
Applying evidence-based intervention (EBI) mapping to identify the components and logic of colorectal cancer screening interventions
Authors: Szeszulski Jacob , Craig Derek W , Walker Timothy J , Foster Maya , Mullen Patricia Dolan , Fernandez Maria E
Published: November 2021

Implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) can help to increase colorectal cancer screening (CRCS). Potential users of CRCS EBIs are often unclear about the specific features, logic, and core elements of existing EBIs, making it challenging to use or adapt them. We used EBI Mapping, a systematic process developed from Intervention Mapping that identifies an EBI’s components and logic, to characterize existing CRCS EBIs from the National Cancer Institute’s Evidence-Based Cancer Control Programs website. The resulting information can facilitate intervention adoption, adaptation, and/or implementation. Two trained coders independently coded intervention materials to describe intervention components and logic (n = 20). We display CRCS EBI components (potential mechanism of change) using evidence tables and heat maps. All EBIs addressed completion of at least one CRCS behavior (stool-based test, n = 9; stool-based test or another CRCS test, n = 8; colonoscopy, n = 3; colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, n = 1). The psychosocial determinants most frequently addressed by these interventions were knowledge (n = 19), attitudes (n = 17), risk perception/perceived susceptibility (n = 16), skills (n = 15), and overcoming barriers (n = 15). Multi-level EBIs (n = 9) attempted to change an average of 2.1 ± 1.1 conditions in the patients’ environment (e.g., accessibility of CRCS); only four EBIs used environmental change agents (e.g., providers, nurses). From the heat maps of EBIs, we describe common theoretical change methods’ (e.g., facilitation) used for addressing determinants (e.g., overcoming barriers). EBI Mapping can help users identify important components of a CRCS EBI’s logic; these proposed mechanisms of action can inform adoption, adaptation, and implementation in new settings, and facilitate scale up of EBIs.
Influence of Intervertebral Level of Stenosis on Neurological Recovery and Reduction of Neck Pain After Posterior Decompression Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Nori Satoshi , Nagoshi Narihito , Aoyama Ryoma , Ishihara Shinichi , Fujiyoshi Kanehiro , Shiono Yuta , Kitamura Kazuya , Ishikawa Masayuki , Suzuki Satoshi , Takahashi Yohei , Tsuji Osahiko , Yagi Mitsuru , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Watanabe Kota , Ishii Ken , Yamane Junichi
Published: November 2021

Study Design.

Retrospective multicenter study.

Objective.

To identify the impact of the intervertebral level of stenosis on surgical outcomes of posterior decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Summary of Background Data.

As the upper affected cervical levels in elderly patients result from degenerative changes in the lower cervical levels with aging, it is usually difficult to determine the influence of the upper affected cervical levels on surgical outcomes after posterior decompression for CSM in older age.

Methods.

This study involved 636 patients with CSM who underwent posterior decompression. According to the most stenotic intervertebral level, patients were divided into upper (n = 343, the most stenotic intervertebral level was C2/3, C3/4, or C4/5) and lower (n = 293, the most stenotic intervertebral level was C5/6, C6/7, or C7/T1) cervical stenosis groups. Propensity score matching of the baseline factors (characteristics, comorbidities, and neurological function) was performed to compare surgical outcomes, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and visual analog scale (VAS) for neck pain between the upper (n = 135) and lower (n = 135) cervical stenosis groups.

Results.

Before propensity score matching, age at surgery was older and pre- and postoperative JOA scores were lower in the upper cervical stenosis group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Following matching, baseline factors were comparable between the groups. Postoperative JOA scores, preoperative-to-postoperative changes in the JOA scores, and the JOA score recovery rate were not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.866, P = 0.825, and P = 0.753, respectively). No differences existed in postoperative VAS for neck pain and preoperative-to-postoperative changes in VAS for neck pain between the groups (P = 0.092 and P = 0.242, respectively).

Conclusion.

The intervertebral level of stenosis did not affect surgical outcomes after posterior decompression for CSM.

Level of Evidence: 3
Tick-Borne Infections
Authors: Fuchs Susan
Published: November 2021

There are many tick-borne infections that affect children and adolescents in the United States. These illnesses often begin with non-specific flulike symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and myalgia, so obtaining a good travel history is important. Most people do not even realize that they were bitten by a tick, so identification of the specific tick is not necessary. Often, treatment should commence before formal illness identification, as delays may cause more severe disease, and rapid laboratory confirmation is difficult. One of the most important issues is prevention of tick bites with insect repellents, accompanied by thorough tick checks after being outdoors in a tick-infested region.
Nasogastric/nasoenteric catheter in the adult ICU: best practices implementation project
Authors: Pinheiro Patrícia A.P.C. , Brancaglione Bruna F. , Altino Denise M. , da Silva Santana Flávio H. , Silva Sidnei S. , Gomes Vanessa R. , de Brito Poveda Vanessa , de Araújo Püschel Vilanice A.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Good-quality nursing care is usually associated with decreased risk of harms or adverse events and improved nutritional status in patients. It is important to prevent an increased risk of infection, mortality, and hospital costs in patients, along with a rework for the nursing team.

Objective:

To implement best evidence-based practices in the management of the nasogastric catheter in patients admitted to adult clinical intensive care.

Method:

The methodology used for this study was based on that of the Joanna Briggs Institute, using the audit and feedback tools JBI Practice Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice. A base audit was performed, which screened for the education of the nursing team aimed at the knowledge of the best practices, approaching the barriers related to nonadherence to the best practices and a follow-up audit.

Results:

The results of the base and follow-up audit showed positive variation in the percentage of adherence to the best practices proposed after the education of the nursing team. The implemented criteria that showed the greatest impact in practice (P < 0.001) were related to insertion and checking of the catheter and maintenance of the device with adequate lavage technique.

Conclusion:

The results obtained from adherence to the best practices contributed to the enhancement of care related to catheter insertion, its maintenance, and withdrawal. Changes were made to the local care protocol, with care being taken to measure the exteriorized portion and to increase the frequency of catheter lavage. It is necessary to invest in the record in the chart of the care related to the management of the catheter to confirm the care provided and to assist in the clinical audit process. The results obtained can also be compared with the nutritional indicators.
Increasing patient participation in hand hygiene practices in adult surgical wards in a tertiary institution: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Choong Tze Lin , Lim Zhao Jun , Ho Alexander Guan Ting , Goh Mien Li
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

The WHO states that hospital-acquired infections may be transmitted through contaminated hands. Practicing hand hygiene using alcohol-based handrub or soap and water reduces harmful organisms. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) best practice recommends empowering patients with hand hygiene knowledge and engaging their involvement to strengthen hand hygiene practices.

Aims:

The aim of this project was to improve hand hygiene among surgical inpatients.

Methods:

This evidence-based quality improvement project was conducted in three phases: the baseline audit, implementing best practice, and the postimplementation audit. Participants were patients hospitalized in three surgical wards of a 1200-bed acute care tertiary hospital. This project utilized the online JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and The Getting Research into Practice program to identify barriers and strategies. Nurses provided patients with an education pamphlet and regularly reminded them to improve their hand hygiene practices.

Results:

Ninety-four patients were audited between April and June 2018. Patients’ hand hygiene practices improved from 19.1% at baseline audit to 61.7% (P < 0.01) at first follow-up audit. Patients’ hand hygiene improved from 48.9 to 72.3% (P = 0.03) before meals, and from 92.6 to 98.9% (P = 0.65) after toileting. The proportion of patients who received a hand hygiene information leaflet in an appropriate language increased from 64.9 to 89.4% (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Patients’ involvement in the hand hygiene program has significantly improved their hand hygiene practices. Patient education and patient information leaflet continue to be an effective strategy to improve knowledge and practices.
Evaluation of the implementation of a best practice gestational diabetes model of care in two Australian metropolitan services
Authors: Wilkinson Shelley A. , Palmer Michelle , Smith Shelley , Porteous Helen , McCray Sally
Published: November 2021

Introduction and aims:

Dissemination and local adaptation of best practice models of care are often poorly achieved in knowledge translation processes. Understanding and documenting the iterative cycles of improvement can elucidate barriers, enablers and benefits of the process for future adoption and service integration improvements. This project examined the process of local adaptation for a third stage translation of a gestational diabetes dietetic model of care through collaboration with two Queensland (Australia) hospitals.

Methods:

Using a hub (research team)-spoke (sites) model, two Queensland Hospital and Health Service Districts were supported to assess and address evidence-practice dietetic model of care gaps in their gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) services. Sites selected demonstrated strong GDM team cohesiveness and project commitment. The project phases were: Consultation; Baseline; Transition; Implementation; and Evaluation.

Results:

Despite strong site buy-in and use of a previously successful model of care dissemination and adoption strategy, unexpected global, organisational, team and individual barriers prevented successful implementation of the model of care at both sites. Barriers included challenges with ethics and governance requirements for health service research, capacity to influence and engage multidisciplinary teams, staff turnover and coronavirus disease 2019's (COVID-19's) disruption to service delivery.

Conclusion:

This third iteration of the dissemination of a best practice model of nutrition care for GDM in two Queensland Hospital and Health Service Districts did not achieve successful clinical or process outcomes. However, valuable learnings and recommendations regarding future clinical and research health service redesign aligned with best practice are suggested.
The Godden and Baddeley (1975) experiment on context-dependent memory on land and underwater: a replication
Authors: Murre Jaap M. J.
Published: November 2021

A replication of the experiment by Godden and Baddeley (Godden and Baddeley 1975
British Journal of Psychology
66
, 325–331 (
doi:10.1111/j.2044-8295.1975.tb01468.x
)) on environmental context-dependent memory is described. Sixteen divers studied auditorily presented word lists on land or underwater and recalled these 4 min later on land or underwater (each diver participated in all four combinations). Contrary to the original study, we did not find that recall in the same context where the words had been learned was better than recall in the other context. We discuss differences between our replication and the original study and emphasize the importance of attempts at replicating classic studies.
A hybrid PDE–ABM model for viral dynamics with application to SARS-CoV-2 and influenza
Authors: Marzban Sadegh , Han Renji , Juhász Nóra , Röst Gergely
Published: November 2021

We propose a hybrid partial differential equation–agent-based (PDE–ABM) model to describe the spatio-temporal viral dynamics in a cell population. The virus concentration is considered as a continuous variable and virus movement is modelled by diffusion, while changes in the states of cells (i.e. healthy, infected, dead) are represented by a stochastic ABM. The two subsystems are intertwined: the probability of an agent getting infected in the ABM depends on the local viral concentration, and the source term of viral production in the PDE is determined by the cells that are infected. We develop a computational tool that allows us to study the hybrid system and the generated spatial patterns in detail. We systematically compare the outputs with a classical ODE system of viral dynamics, and find that the ODE model is a good approximation only if the diffusion coefficient is large. We demonstrate that the model is able to predict SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics, and replicate the output ofin vitroexperiments. Applying the model to influenza as well, we can gain insight into why the outcomes of these two infections are different.
The complex landscape of haematopoietic lineage commitments is encoded in the coarse-grained endogenous network
Authors: Wang Mengyao , Wang Junqiang , Zhang Xingxing , Yuan Ruoshi
Published: November 2021

Haematopoietic lineage commitments are presented by a canonical roadmap in which haematopoietic stem cells or multipotent progenitors (MPPs) bifurcate into progenitors of more restricted lineages and ultimately mature to terminally differentiated cells. Although transcription factors playing significant roles in cell-fate commitments have been extensively studied, integrating such knowledge into the dynamic models to understand the underlying biological mechanism remains challenging. The hypothesis and modelling approach of the endogenous network has been developed previously and tested in various biological processes and is used in the present study of haematopoietic lineage commitments. The endogenous network is constructed based on the key transcription factors and their interactions that determine haematopoietic cell-fate decisions at each lineage branchpoint. We demonstrate that the process of haematopoietic lineage commitments can be reproduced from the landscape which orchestrates robust states of network dynamics and their transitions. Furthermore, some non-trivial characteristics are unveiled in the dynamical model. Our model also predicted previously under-represented regulatory interactions and heterogeneous MPP states by which distinct differentiation routes are intermediated. Moreover, network perturbations resulting in state transitions indicate the effects of ectopic gene expression on cellular reprogrammes. This study provides a predictive model to integrate experimental data and uncover the possible regulatory mechanism of haematopoietic lineage commitments.
A review of the UK and British Channel Islands practical tidal stream energy resource
Authors: Coles Daniel , Angeloudis Athanasios , Greaves Deborah , Hastie Gordon , Lewis Matthew , Mackie Lucas , McNaughton James , Miles Jon , Neill Simon , Piggott Matthew , Risch Denise , Scott Beth , Sparling Carol , Stallard Tim , Thies Philipp , Walker Stuart , White David , Willden Richard , Williamson Benjamin
Published: November 2021

This review provides a critical, multi-faceted assessment of the practical contribution tidal stream energy can make to the UK and British Channel Islands future energy mix. Evidence is presented that broadly supports the latest national-scale practical resource estimate, of 34 TWh/year, equivalent to 11% of the UK’s current annual electricity demand. The size of the practical resource depends in part on the economic competitiveness of projects. In the UK, 124 MW of prospective tidal stream capacity is currently eligible to bid for subsidy support (MeyGen 1C, 80 MW; PTEC, 30 MW; and Morlais, 14 MW). It is estimated that the installation of this 124 MW would serve to drive down the levelized cost of energy (LCoE), through learning, from its current level of around

240
 

£

/

MWh

to below

150
 

£

/

MWh

, based on a mid-range technology learning rate of 17%. Doing so would make tidal stream cost competitive with technologies such as combined cycle gas turbines, biomass and anaerobic digestion. Installing this 124 MW by 2031 would put tidal stream on a trajectory to install the estimated 11.5 GW needed to generate 34 TWh/year by 2050. The cyclic, predictable nature of tidal stream power shows potential to provide additional, whole-system cost benefits. These include reductions in balancing expenditure that are not considered in conventional LCoE estimates. The practical resource is also dependent on environmental constraints. To date, no collisions between animals and turbines have been detected, and only small changes in habitat have been measured. The impacts of large arrays on stratification and predator–prey interaction are projected to be an order of magnitude less than those from climate change, highlighting opportunities for risk retirement. Ongoing field measurements will be important as arrays scale up, given the uncertainty in some environmental and ecological impact models. Based on the findings presented in this review, we recommend that an updated national-scale practical resource study is undertaken that implements high-fidelity, site-specific modelling, with improved model validation from the wide range of field measurements that are now available from the major sites. Quantifying the sensitivity of the practical resource to constraints will be important to establish opportunities for constraint retirement. Quantification of whole-system benefits is necessary to fully understand the value of tidal stream in the energy system.
Major population splits coincide with episodes of rapid climate change in a forest-dependent bird
Authors: Warmuth Vera M. , Burgess Malcolm D. , Laaksonen Toni , Manica Andrea , Mägi Marko , Nord Andreas , Primmer Craig R. , Sætre Glenn-Peter , Winkel Wolfgang , Ellegren Hans
Published: November 2021

Climate change influences population demography by altering patterns of gene flow and reproductive isolation. Direct mutation rates offer the possibility for accurate dating on the within-species level but are currently only available for a handful of vertebrate species. Here, we use the first directly estimated mutation rate in birds to study the evolutionary history of pied flycatchers (
Ficedula hypoleuca
). Using a combination of demographic inference and species distribution modelling, we show that all major population splits in this forest-dependent system occurred during periods of increased climate instability and rapid global temperature change. We show that the divergent Spanish subspecies originated during the Eemian–Weichselian transition 115–104 thousand years ago (kya), and not during the last glacial maximum (26.5–19 kya), as previously suggested. The magnitude and rates of climate change during the glacial–interglacial transitions that preceded population splits in pied flycatchers were similar to, or exceeded, those predicted to occur in the course of the current, human-induced climate crisis. As such, our results provide a timely reminder of the strong impact that episodes of climate instability and rapid temperature changes can have on species' evolutionary trajectories, with important implications for the natural world in the Anthropocene.
Simple decentralized control mechanism that enables limb adjustment for adaptive quadruped running
Authors: Fukuhara Akira , Koizumi Yukihiro , Baba Tomoyuki , Suzuki Shura , Kano Takeshi , Ishiguro Akio
Published: November 2021

Quadrupeds exhibit versatile and adaptive running by exploiting the flying phase during the stride cycle. Various interlimb coordination mechanisms focusing on mechanical loads during the stance phase have been proposed to understand the underlying control mechanism, and various gait patterns have been reproduced. However, the essential control mechanism required to achieve both steady running patterns and non-steady behaviours, such as jumping and landing, remains unclear. Therefore, we focus on the vertical motions of the body parts and propose a new decentralized interlimb coordination mechanism. The simulation results demonstrate that the robot can generate efficient and various running patterns in response to the morphology of the body. Furthermore, the proposed model allows the robot to smoothly change its behaviour between steady running and non-steady landing depending on the situation. These results suggest that the steady and non-steady behaviours in quadruped adaptive running may share a common simple control mechanism based on the mechanical loads and vertical velocities of the body parts.
4-aminopyridine promotes accelerated skin wound healing via neurogenic-mediator expression
Authors: Jagadeeshaprasad Mashanipalya G. , Govindappa Prem Kumar , Nelson Amanda M. , Noble Mark D. , Elfar John C.
Published: November 2021

We discovered that 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a potassium channel blocker approved by the FDA for improving walking ability in multiple sclerosis, greatly enhances skin wound healing. Benefits included faster wound closure, restoration of normal-appearing skin architecture, increased vascularization and reinnervation. Hair follicle neogenesis within the healed wounds was increased, both histologically and by analysis of K15 and K17 expression. 4-AP increased levels of vimentin (fibroblasts) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA, collagen-producing myofibroblasts) in the healed dermis. 4-AP also increased neuronal regeneration with increased numbers of axons and S100+ Schwann cells (SCs), and increased expression of SRY-Box Transcription Factor 10 (SOX10). Treatment also increased levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), substance P and nerve growth factor (NGF), important promoters of wound healing. In-vitro studies demonstrated that 4-AP enhanced proliferation and migration of human keratinocytes and SCs, and that 4-AP enhanced cellular interactions between neuronal and non-neuronal cells to further accelerate wound healing. Thus, 4-AP enhanced many of the key attributes of successful wound healing and offers a promising new approach to enhance skin wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Effects of upgrading acquisition-techniques and harmonization methods: A multi-modal MRI study with implications for longitudinal designs
Authors: Itahashi Takashi , Aoki Yuta Y. , Yamashita Ayumu , Soda Takafumi , Fujino Junya , Ohta Haruhisa , Aoki Ryuta , Nakamura Motoaki , Kato Nobumasa , Tanaka Saori C. , Kokuryo Daisuke , Hashimoto Ryu-ichiro
Published: November 2021

A downside of upgrading MRI acquisition sequences is the discontinuity of technological homogeneity of the MRI data. It hampers combining new and old datasets, especially in a longitudinal design. Characterizing upgrading effects on multiple brain parameters and examining the efficacy of harmonization methods are essential. This study investigated the upgrading effects on three structural parameters, including cortical thickness (CT), surface area (SA), cortical volume (CV), and resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) collected from 64 healthy volunteers. We used two evaluation metrics, Cohen’s d and classification accuracy, to quantify the effects. In classification analyses, we built classifiers for differentiating the protocols from brain parameters. We investigated the efficacy of three harmonization methods, including traveling subject (TS), TS-ComBat, and ComBat methods, and the sufficient number of participants for eliminating the effects on the evaluation metrics. Finally, we performed age prediction as an example to confirm that harmonization methods retained biological information. The results without harmonization methods revealed small to large mean Cohen’s d values on brain parameters (CT:0.85, SA:0.66, CV:0.68, and rs-FC:0.24) with better classification accuracy (>92% accuracy). With harmonization methods, Cohen’s d values approached zero. Classification performance reached the chance level with TS-based techniques when data from less than 26 participants were used for estimating the effects, while the Combat method required more participants. Furthermore, harmonization methods improved age prediction performance, except for the ComBat method. These results suggest that acquiring TS data is essential to preserve the continuity of MRI data.
Capturing Brain-Cognition Relationship: Integrating Task-Based fMRI Across Tasks Markedly Boosts Prediction and Test-Retest Reliability
Authors: Tetereva Alina , Li Jean , Deng Jeremiah D. , Stringaris Argyris , Pat Narun
Published: November 2021

Capturing individual differences in cognition is central to human neuroscience. Yet our ability to estimate cognitive abilities via brain MRI is still poor in both prediction and reliability. Our study tested if this inability can be improved by integrating MRI signals across the whole brain and across modalities, including task-based functional MRI (tfMRI) of different tasks along with other non-task MRI modalities, such as structural MRI, resting-state functional connectivity. Using the Human Connectome Project (n=873, 473 females, after quality control), we directly compared predictive models comprising different sets of MRI modalities (e.g., seven tasks vs. non-task modalities). We applied two approaches to integrate multimodal MRI, stacked vs. flat models, and implemented 16 combinations of machine-learning algorithms. The stacked model integrating all modalities via stacking Elastic Net provided the best prediction (r=.57), relatively to other models tested, as well as excellent test-retest reliability (ICC=~.85) in capturing general cognitive abilities. Importantly, compared to the stacked model integrating across non-task modalities (r=.27), the stacked model integrating tfMRI across tasks led to significantly higher prediction (r=.56) while still providing excellent test-retest reliability (ICC=~.83). The stacked model integrating tfMRI across tasks was driven by frontal and parietal areas and by tasks that are cognition-related (working-memory, relational processing, and language). This result is consistent with the parieto-frontal integration theory of intelligence. Accordingly, our results contradict the recently popular notion that tfMRI is not reliable enough to capture individual differences in cognition. Instead, our study suggests that tfMRI, when used appropriately (i.e., by drawing information across the whole brain and across tasks and by integrating with other modalities), provides predictive and reliable sources of information for individual differences in cognitive abilities, more so than non-task modalities.

Highlights

Non-task MRI (sMRI, rs-fMRI) are often used for the brain-cognition relationship.

Task-based fMRI has been deemed unreliable for capturing individual differences.

We tested if drawing task-based fMRI information across regions/tasks improves prediction and reliability of the brain-cognition relationship.

Our approach boosts prediction of task-based fMRI over non-task MRI.

Our approach renders task-based fMRI reliable over time.

Our approach shows the importance of the fronto-parietal areas in cognition.
Host variation in type I interferon signaling genes (MX1),CCR5Δ32, and MHC class I alleles in treated HIV+ non-controllers predict viral reservoir size
Authors: Siegel David A. , Thanh Cassandra , Wan Eunice , Hoh Rebecca , Hobbs Kristen , Pan Tony , Gibson Erica A. , Kroetz Deanna L. , Hunt Peter W. , Martin Jeffrey , Hecht Frederick , Pilcher Christopher , Milush Jeffrey , Martin Maureen , Carrington Mary , Pillai Satish , Busch Michael P. , Stone Mars , Levy Claire N. , Huang Meei-Li , Roychoudhury Pavitra , Hladik Florian , Jerome Keith R. , Kiem Hans-Peter , Henrich Timothy J. , Deeks Steven G. , Lee Sulggi
Published: November 2021

Objective

Prior genomewide association studies have identified variation in MHC Class I alleles andCCR5Δ32as genetic predictors of viral control, especially in “elite” controllers, individuals who remain virally suppressed in the absence of therapy.

Design

Cross-sectional genomewide association study.

Methods

We analyzed custom whole exome sequencing and direct HLA typing from 202 ART-suppressed HIV+ non-controllers in relation to four measures of the peripheral CD4+ T cell reservoir: HIV intact DNA, total (t)DNA, unspliced (us)RNA, and RNA/DNA. Linear mixed models were adjusted for potential covariates including age, sex, nadir CD4+ T cell count, pre-ART HIV RNA, timing of ART initiation, and duration of ART suppression.

Results

Previously reported “protective” host genetic mutations related to viral setpoint (e.g., among elite controllers) were found to predict smaller HIV reservoir size. The HLA “protective” B*57:01 was associated with significantly lower HIV usRNA (q=3.3×10−3), and among the largest subgroup, European ancestry individuals, theCCR5Δ32deletion was associated with smaller HIV tDNA (p=4.3×10−3) and usRNA (p=8.7×10−3). In addition, genomewide analysis identified several SNPs inMX1(an interferon stimulated gene) that were significantly associated with HIV tDNA (q=0.02), and the direction of these associations paralleledMX1gene eQTL expression.

Conclusions

We observed a significant association between previously reported “protective” MHC class I alleles andCCR5Δ32with the HIV reservoir size in non-controllers. We also found a novel association betweenMX1and HIV total DNA (in addition to other interferon signaling relevant genes,PPP1CB,DDX3X). These findings warrant further investigation in future validation studies.
A retinal circuit that vetoes optokinetic responses to fast visual motion
Authors: Mani Adam , Yang Xinzhu , Zhao Tiffany , Leyrer Megan L. , Schreck Daniel , Berson David M.
Published: November 2021

Optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) complements the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) to stabilize the retinal image during head rotation. OKN is driven by the ON direction-selective ganglion cells (ON DSGCs), a rare class of retinal output neuron that encodes both the direction and speed of global retinal slip. The cells and synaptic circuits that give ON DSGCs their directional tuning are well known, but those dictating their slow-speed preference (and thus OKN’s) remain enigmatic. Here, we probe this circuit through patch recordings, functional imaging, genetic manipulation, and serial electron microscopic reconstruction in mouse retina. We confirm earlier evidence that feedforward glycinergic inhibition is the main suppressor of ON DSGC responses to fast motion and reveal a surprising source for this inhibition ─ the VGluT3 amacrine cell, a retinal interneuron that releases both glycine and glutamate, exciting some neurons and inhibiting others. We find that VGluT3 cells respond robustly to fast global motion and that their output reaches most RGC types, as well as a diverse group of amacrine and bipolar cells. They enhance the response of ON-OFF DSGCs to fast motion, while suppressing it in ON DSGCs. Together, our results identify a novel role for VGluT3 cells, limiting the range of retinal slip speeds that drive image-stabilizing eye movements. More broadly, they suggest VGluT3 cells shape the response of many RGCs and amacrine cells to fast motion.
A Spectrum of Time Horizons for Dopamine Signals
Authors: Wei Wei , Mohebi Ali , Berke Joshua D.
Published: November 2021

Dopamine input to striatum can encode reward prediction error, a critical signal for updating predictions of future rewards. However, it is unclear how this mechanism handles the need to make predictions, and provide feedback, over multiple time horizons: from seconds or less (if singing a song) to potentially hours or more (if hunting for food). Here we report that dopamine pulses in distinct striatal subregions convey reward prediction errors over distinct temporal scales. Dopamine dynamics systematically accelerated from ventral to dorsal-medial to dorsal-lateral striatum, in the tempo of their spontaneous fluctuations, their integration of prior rewards, and their discounting of future rewards. This spectrum of time scales for value computations can help achieve efficient learning and adaptive motivation for a wide range of behaviors.
Cooperative electrolyte-PEG interactions drive the signal amplification in a solid-state nanopore
Authors: Chau Chalmers C. , Marcuccio Fabio , Soulias Dimitrios , Edwards Martin A. , Radford Sheena E. , Hewitt Eric W. , Actis Paolo
Published: November 2021

Nanopore systems have emerged as a leading platform for the analysis of biomolecular complexes with single molecule resolution. However, the analysis of several analytes like short nucleic acids or proteins with nanopores represents a sensitivity challenge, because their translocation lead to small signals difficult to distinguish from the noise. Here, we report a simple method to enhance the signal to noise ratio in nanopore experiments by a simple modification of the solution used in nanopore sensing. The addition of poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) and the careful selection of the supporting electrolyte leads to large signal enhancement. We observed that the translocation dynamics are in good agreement with an established method that uses the lattice energy of an electrolyte to approximate the affinity of an ion to PEG. We identified CsBr as the optimal supporting electrolyte to complement PEG to enable the analysis of dsDNA at 500 kHz bandwidth, and the detection of dsDNA as short as 75 bp.