bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation and interpretation of tornado modes coupled to near-axis Alfvén cascade eigenmodes in JET sawtoothing plasmas
Authors: Calado R. , Nabais F. , Sharapov S.E. , Bizarro João P.S. , JET Contributors
Published: February 2022

The coupling between upwards frequency sweeping modes and tornado modes observed in a set of JET sawtoothing discharges is investigated. The frequency sweeping modes are identified as near-axis Alfvén cascade (AC) eigenmodes. These ACs are associated with a very flat but monotonic q-profile near the magnetic axis, in contrast to the usual reversed-shear scenarios. The frequency evolution of the modes during gradual decrease of the q-profile is numerically reproduced and the transition from cascade modes to tornado modes is demonstrated. The transition occurs for specific values of q on-axis given by q
0 = (n − 1/2)/n and is marked by the characteristic tip of the tornado modes’ frequency evolution pattern observed in spectrograms. Based on this result a novel MHD spectroscopy technique is proposed to track the evolution of q
0 in the post sawtooth crash regime with high accuracy by using tornado mode tips as MHD markers, the only requirement being that the toroidal mode numbers are measured. Additionally, calculation of the resonant interaction between the modes and an ICRH-heated hydrogen minority population shows the ions transferring their energy to the modes, thus contributing to the mode drive.
Performance of a radial time projection chamber with electroluminescence in liquid xenon
Authors: Wei Y. , Qi J. , Shockley E. , Xu H. , Ni K.
Published: February 2022

The dual-phase xenon time projection chamber (TPC) is a leading detector technology in rare event searches for dark matter and neutrino physics. The success of this type of detector technology relies on its capability to detect both primary scintillation and ionization signals from particle interactions in liquid xenon (LXe). The ionization electrons are converted into electroluminescence in the gas xenon (GXe), where a single electron can be amplified by more than 100 times in number of photons in a strong electric field. Maintaining a strong and uniform electric field in the small gas gap in large diameter TPCs is challenging. One alternative solution is to produce the electroluminescence in the LXe directly to overcome the gas gap uniformity problem. Here we report on the design and performance of a single-phase Radial TPC (RTPC) which can create and detect the electroluminescence directly in LXe. It simplifies the design and operation of the LXe TPC by using a single wire in the axial center to create the strong electric field. We present the performance of such an RTPC and discuss its limitations for potential applications.
Advanced plastic scintillation detectors for low-background experiments
Authors: Hodák R. , Burešová H. , Fajt L. , Pjatkan R. , Štekl I.
Published: February 2022

Many international low-background experiments are showing increasing interest in the use of different plastic scintillation detectors. Based on our experience in the field of quality improvement of the polystyrene (PS) based plastic scintillation detectors, this work is focusing on a further enhancement of the scintillator light output and the associated energy resolution crucial for the detection of a very rare nuclear processes. To produce PS scintillators from liquid styrene various stabilization additives and conditions of polymerization process are commonly used. These factors, i.e. stabilization additives and atmospheric oxygen, have a negative impact on above mentioned optical properties of the scintillation detectors. Within this study, several samples under different conditions, e.g. concentrations of luminescent additives; presence of stabilization additives; air and inert atmosphere, were prepared and tested using a unique tunable electron spectrometer providing a monoenergetic electron beam ranging from 200 keV to 1.5 MeV.
Development of a 105 GHz fast ion collective Thomson scattering diagnostic on HL-2A tokamak
Authors: Deng W.C. , Shi Z.B. , Shi P.W. , Yang Z.C. , Chen W. , Huang M. , Zhang F. , Yu X. , Fang K.R. , Jiang M. , Wen J. , Tong R.H. , Zhong W.L. , Xu M.
Published: February 2022

Collective Thomson Scattering (CTS) diagnostic technique has great potential in measuring velocity distribution of fast ions in magnetically confined fusion devices. Here we present design and development of a 105 GHz fast ion CTS system on HL-2A tokamak. The gyrotron with high power transmission/antenna is used to generate a probe beam. To better focus the scattering beam and effectively avoid the stray contamination, a W-band Cassegrain antenna is utilized to receive the scattering beam from the central chord. The scattering signal is estimated at 10–30 eV and the frequency broadening is less than 2 GHz for typical HL-2A plasmas. To pick out the weak signals, a multi-channel receiver system with working frequency of 103–107 GHz is developed. The steerable direction of probe beam enables that the scattering volume can move from core to edge, with which the spatial resolution range varies from 70 mm at low field side to 260 mm at high field side.
Neutron imaging based on transfer foil activation and COTS CMOS image sensors
Authors: Pérez M. , Abbate O.I. , Lipovetzky J. , Alcalde Bessia F. , Sánchez F.A. , Sofo Haro M. , Longhino J. , Gómez Berisso M. , Blostein J.J.
Published: February 2022

In this paper we present a method for obtention of neutron
images with Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) CMOS image sensors
through the activation of indium foils. This detection method has
been designed specifically for the acquisition of thermal and
epitermal neutron images in mixed beams with a high gamma flux, and
also for the study of high radioactive samples that are usually
placed into research reactor pools. We also present a technique to
obtain multi-spectral neutron images taking advantage of the high
neutron absorption cross-section of this material in the thermal
energy range, as well as around the 1.45 eV resonance. Measurements
performed in a neutron beam of the RA6 nuclear research reactor
located in Bariloche, Argentina, confirm the capability of the
proposed technique.
Bacterial biofilm infections, their resistance to antibiotics therapy and current treatment strategies
Authors: Singh Anirudh , Amod Ayush , Pandey Priyanshu , Bose Pranay , Pingali M Shivapriya , Shivalkar Saurabh , Varadwaj Pritish Kumar , Sahoo Amaresh Kumar , Samanta Sintu Kumar
Published: February 2022

Nearly 80% of human chronic infections are caused due to bacterial biofilm formation. This is the most leading cause for failure of medical implants resulting in high morbidity and mortality. In addition, biofilms are also known to cause serious problems in food industry. Biofilm impart enhanced antibiotic resistance and become recalcitrant to host immune responses leading to persistent and recurrent infections. It makes the clinical treatment for biofilm infections very difficult. Reduced penetration of antibiotic molecules through EPS, mutation of the target site, accumulation of antibiotic degrading enzymes, enhanced expression of efflux pump genes are the probable causes for antibiotics resistance. Accordingly, strategies like administration of topical antibiotics and combined therapy of antibiotics with antimicrobial peptides are considered for alternate options to overcome the antibiotics resistance. A number of other remediation strategies for both biofilm inhibition and dispersion of established biofilm have been developed. The metallic nanoparticles (NPs) and their oxides have recently gained a tremendous thrust as antibiofilm therapy for their unique features. This present comprehensive review gives the understanding of antibiotic resistance mechanisms of biofilm and provides an overview of various currently available biofilm remediation strategies, focusing primarily on the applications of metallic NPs and their oxides.
Predicting compound coastal inundation in 2100 by considering the joint probabilities of landfalling tropical cyclones and sea-level rise
Authors: Sheng Y Peter , Yang Kun , Paramygin Vladimir A
Published: February 2022

In the twenty-first century, the effects of sea-level rise (SLR) and more intense tropical cyclones (TCs) are increasing compound coastal inundation worldwide. To facilitate the adaptation efforts being made by coastal communities, here, we use a coastal surge-wave model together with a novel statistical approach to incorporate the six joint probability density functions (PDFs) of five landfall TC parameters and SLR values, instead of the traditional five-parameter approach, which considers the five PDFs of TCs with prescribed SLR values as boundary conditions. The five-parameter approach determines the 1% annual chance of coastal inundation by conducting numerous sets of surge-wave simulations, each for a different SLR scenario, for the future TC ensemble. The six-parameter approach, however, uses a future TC and SLR ensemble to conduct only one set of surge-wave simulations without the subjective selection of an SLR scenario, and is much less uncertain and much more efficient. In this paper, we focus on the 1% risk of inundation in a large coastal flood plain in southwest Florida by incorporating intensifying TCs and accelerating SLR under a representative concentration pathway 8.5 climate scenario in 2100. The 1% risk of inundation determined by the six-parameter approach is comparable to that obtained from the traditional approach forced with the expected SLR value in 2100. The total inundation volume, total inundation area, average inundation height, and maximum inundation height are expected to dramatically increase by (5.7, 2.4, 2.6, and 2.5) times, respectively, compared to their 1982–2009 values. The coastal inundations caused by TCs and SLR are found to interact nonlinearly over the coastal flood plain. Near the coast, TCs account for 70%–80% of the total 1% inundation risk for 1 m of SLR and 30%–70% for 2 m of SLR. Therefore, future inundation analyses must consider TCs and their nonlinear interaction with SLR-induced inundation. These findings will inform local communities and help them to develop coastal adaptation plans.
A model comparison assessing the importance of lateral groundwater flows at the global scale
Authors: de Graaf Inge E M , Stahl Kerstin
Published: February 2022

Current global-scale models of water resources do not generally represent groundwater lateral flows and groundwater–surface water interactions. But, models that do represent groundwater in more detail are becoming available and this raises the question of how estimates of water flow, availability, and impacts might change compared to previous global estimates. In this study, we provide the first global quantification of cell-to-cell groundwater flow (GWF) using a high-resolution global-scale GWF model and compare estimated impacts of groundwater pumping using two model setups: (a) with and (b) without including cell-to-cell GWFs and realistic simulation of groundwater–surface water interactions at the global scale (simulated over 1960–2010). Results show that 40% of the land–surface cell-to-cell flows are a notable part of the cell’s water budget and that globally large differences in the impact of groundwater pumping are estimatd between the two runs. Globally, simulated groundwater discharge to rivers and streams increased by a factor of 1.2–2.2 when GWFs and interactions between groundwater and surface water were included. For eight heavily pumped aquifers, estimates of groundwater depletion decrease by a factor of 1.7–22. Furthermore, our results show that GWFs and interactions between groundwater and surface water contribute to the volume of groundwater that can be pumped without causing notable changes in storage. However, in approximately 40% of the world’s watersheds where groundwater is used, groundwater is being pumped notably at the expense of river flow, and in 15% of the area globally depletion is increased as a result of nearby groundwater pumping. Evaluation of the model results showed that when groundwater lateral flows and groundwater–-surface water interactions were taken into account, the indirect observations of groundwater depletion and groundwater discharge were mimicked much better than when these fluxes were not included. Based on these findings, we suggest that including GWFs in large-scale water resources assessments will benefit a realistic assessment of groundwater availability worldwide, the estimation of impacts associated with groundwater pumping, especially when one is interested in the feedback between groundwater use and groundwater and surface water availability, and the impacts of current and future groundwater uses on the hydrological system.
Evaluation of river restoration efforts and a sharp decrease in surface runoff for water quality improvement in North China
Authors: Dai Dan , Lei Kun , Wang Rui , Lv Xubo , Hu Juxiang , Sun Mingdong
Published: February 2022

Rapid urbanization, population growth, and other intensive human activities have greatly altered natural hydrological conditions and matter cycling, which are the main causes of water quality deterioration in North China’s rivers. With the help of a 15-year (2005–2019) dataset of river water quality (1043 records from nine sites), this study investigated the spatiotemporal water quality patterns in the Yongding River Basin (YRB) in North China using a new water quality index (WQI-DET), which has been customized for China’s water quality classification scheme. Our results showed that the river water quality of the YRB has significantly improved due to the decreased surface runoff and an abrupt change of WQI-DET was observed in 2011. The elimination of anoxic conditions and the mitigation of nitrogen and phosphorus resulting from the construction of wastewater treatment plants and the improvement of treatment capacity are the main reasons for the improvement in river water quality. We also found that eutrophication is still not completely eradicated because of the high concentrations of NH4
+ and total phosphorus. Our study suggests that for rivers in which runoff has decreased sharply, the water quality could be improved significantly by wastewater treatment facilities. At present, for the YRB, more effort is needed to eliminate eutrophication and dried-up river sections and thereby finally improve the river ecosystem. We concluded that more attention and effort should be given to river hydrological conditions, specific river ecological characteristics, and the increasingly important non-point source pollutants during the design of river restoration measures in North China.
Climate change impacts on the energy system: a model comparison
Authors: Zapata Victhalia , Gernaat David E H J , Yalew Seleshi G , Santos da Silva Silvia R , Iyer Gokul , Hejazi Mohamad , van Vuuren Detlef P
Published: February 2022

Increasing renewable energy use is an essential strategy for mitigating climate change. Nevertheless, the sensitivity of renewable energy to climatic conditions means that the energy system’s vulnerability to climate change can also become larger. In this research, we used two integrated assessment models and data from four climate models to analyse climate change impacts on primary energy use at a global and regional scale under a low-level (RCP2.6) and a medium-level (RCP6.0) climate change scenario. The impacts are analysed on the energy system focusing on four renewable sources (wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass). Globally, small climate impacts on renewable primary energy use are found in both models (5% for RCP2.6 and 6% for RCP6.0). These impacts lead to a decrease in the use of fossil sources for most regions, especially for North America and Europe under the RCP60 scenario. Overall, IMAGE and GCAM provide a similar signal impact response for most regions. E.g. in Asia (excluding China and India), climate change induces an increase in wind and hydropower use under the RCP6.0 scenarios; however, for India, a decrease in solar energy use can be expected under both scenarios and models.
3D printed Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Polyamide (PA) and its evaluation of mechanical properties and its uses in healthcare applications.
Authors: Shetty Sandeep , Nandish B T , Amin Vivek , Jayaprakash K , Shahira  , Stanly Selva Kumar G S , Khan Faizan , Harish Pooja
Published: February 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) is evolving continuously which enables 3D printing a given idea into a functional prototype, the complex structures can be 3D printed with versatility of changing the density depending on the in-fills programmed during printing thus it can be light in weight with less material wastage which cannot be achieved by other methods. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is widely used in implantable devices such as spinal, dental and orthopedic implants due to its superior biocompatibility and nearly matching properties with bone. Polyamide (PA) is another biomaterial widely used as sutures, catheters, and dentures due to its biocompatibility. In the present study, the specimen of PEEK and polyamide were 3D printed and the mechanical properties evaluated and compared for healthcare applications. Methodology: In this work, a comparison of mechanical strength such as compressive strength (CS), tensile strength (TS), flexure strength (FS), and impact strength (IS) of 3D printed PEEK samples by fused deposition modelling (FDM) and PA specimens by selective laser sintering (SLS), respectively. Samples for mechanical strength were prepared according to ASTM and ISO specifications. Result: The strength of the Polyether ether ketone was higher than that of Polyamide. Conclusions: The results of this experiment provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical strength of PEEK and PA, that can be used as a valuable guide for their healthcare applications.
Experimental Study for Cleanliness Evaluation of Tractor Engine Components
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Singh Satendra
Published: February 2022

In present scenario most of the industries are competing for quality improvement. In each automotive company, to reduce the wear and tear between engine components and to increase the engine life, it is necessary to check the contamination level of engine components. To wash these components washing solvents or multi metal cleaner cum degreaser are used to wash the components in ordinary or ultrasonic washing machines. In this paper experimental work is carried out to find the life of two washing solvents used to wash the tractor engine components in ordinary and ultrasonic washing machines. This experiment is performed at different setting parameters date wise of both of the machines. Observations were taken for 15 days using two type of cleaning medium i.e. AFSO CLEAN-AD20 and METACLEAN 211. After data analysis it is concluded that if these washing solvents are used for both shifts in the industry than the solvents remain useful to clean the tractor engine components for 6 days as per specification limits.
Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistant and Metal Tolerances Capability of Petroleum (hydrocarbon) Degrading Bacteria
Authors: Mohsin Umema , Lowry Madan , Devi Pooja , Dixit Himanshu , Thakur Shaile
Published: February 2022

Diesel oil is considered one of the important products of crude oil which constitute a vital source of pollution in the environment. Biodegradation of complex hydrocarbon requires cooperation of more than a single species. This is true in case of pollutants made up of crude oil or petroleum. Soil contains varieties of microorganism that can be established in any natural environment. The bacterial isolates were characterized biochemically by indole test, methyl red test, citrate utilization Test, voges proskauer test, starch hydrolysis, catalase production test, nitrate reduction test, antagonism test, oligodynamic susceptibility and antibiotic sensitivity tests.
Gray Image and Colour Image Security using AES Algorithm
Authors: Arora Shaina , Chaudhary Nalin
Published: February 2022

For picture security and confirmation we utilize cryptographic. In cryptographic we scramble the information. There are various symmetric and deviated encryption procedures, which are used for encryption and unscrambling reason. Symmetric encryption approach work on ordinary key (same key utilized for encryption and unscrambling reason), but unbalanced work on with one public key and private key. Public key utilized for encryption and private key for unscrambling. The security of the stowing away is measure utilizing the MSE, PSNR, Cross-Correlation and Entropy limits. For better stowing away get the low MSE and high PSNR respects. So to make the rapid reaction we need calculation which requires some speculation and give reaction quick. From this point forward additionally take apart the time reaction of purposed assessments to additionally foster security and expedient response.
Facile fabrication of superhydrophobic gold loaded nanoporous anodic alumina as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates
Authors: Choudhari K S , Sinha Rajeev K , Kulkarni Suresh D , Santhosh C , George Sajan D
Published: February 2022

A facile method of creating a sensitive and inexpensive superhydrophobic nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate is reported. A superhydrophobic NAA was created by coating polydimethylsiloxane on NAA via polymer evaporation technique which further coated with gold to fabricate NAA-based superhydrophobic SERS substrate. NAA and nanopatterned aluminum with varying pore properties were used for the SERS studies using rhodamine 6 G as the model analyte. The limit of detection was calculated for the SERS substrate and found to be as low as 146.3 pM. The analytical enhancement factor was found to be 6.9 × 105 successfully demonstrating the potential use of NAA-based superhydrophobic substrate as a SERS substrate. The substrates displayed good spatial reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 12.62%, demonstrating the potential use of such substrates in chemical and biological sensing applications. The method reported is general and provides a simple and cost-effective approach for generating efficient SERS platforms for trace molecular sensing.
Zero-carbon carbon
Authors: Cook Nick
Published: February 2022

A response to the Quanta article “Carbon captured”, which reports that a new environmentally colour-coded periodic table had marked carbon as green, red and grey.
Papier-mash-é
Authors: White Colin
Published: February 2022

A comment about the new environmentally sound packaging used to send copies of Physics World, which sadly failed the Storm Barra test.
The twin streams of time
Authors: Perkowitz Sidney
Published: February 2022

Sidney Perkowitz reviews The Janus Point: a New Theory of Time by Julian Barbour.
Decoupled coordinates for machine learning-based molecular fragment linking
Authors: Fleck Markus , Müller Michael , Weber Noah , Trummer Christopher
Published: February 2022

Recent developments in machine learning-based molecular fragment linking have demonstrated the importance of informing the generation process with structural information specifying the relative orientation of the fragments to be linked. However, such structural information has so far not been provided in the form of a complete relative coordinate system. We present a decoupled coordinate system consisting of bond lengths, bond angles and torsion angles, and show that it is complete. By incorporating this set of coordinates in a linker generation framework, we show that it has a significant impact on the quality of the generated linkers. To elucidate the advantages of such a coordinate system, we investigate the amount of reliable information within the different types of degrees of freedom using both detailed ablation studies and an information-theoretical analysis. The presented benefits suggest the application of a complete and decoupled relative coordinate system as a standard good practice in linker design.
Gel′fand-Fuchs cohomology in algebraic geometry and factorization algebras
Authors: Hennion Benjamin , Kapranov Mikhail
Published: February 2022

Let

X
X

be a smooth affine variety over a field

k

\mathbf k

of characteristic

0
0

and

T
(
X
)

T(X)

be the Lie algebra of regular vector fields on

X
X

. We compute the Lie algebra cohomology of

T
(
X
)

T(X)

with coefficients in

k

\mathbf k

. The answer is given in topological terms relative to any embedding

k

⊂

C

\mathbf k\subset \mathbb {C}

and is analogous to the classical Gel′fand-Fuchs computation for smooth vector fields on a

C
∞

C^\infty

-manifold. Unlike the

C
∞

C^\infty

-case, our setup is purely algebraic: no topology on

T
(
X
)

T(X)

is present. The proof is based on the techniques of factorization algebras, both in algebro-geometric and topological contexts.
Avoiding squares over words with lists of size three amongst four symbols
Authors: Rosenfeld Matthieu
Published: February 2022

In 2007, Grytczuk conjectured that for any sequence

(

ℓ
i

)

i
≥
1

(\ell _i)_{i\ge 1}

of alphabets of size

3
3

there exists a square-free infinite word

w
w

such that for all

i
i

, the

i
i

-th letter of

w
w

belongs to

ℓ
i

\ell _i

. The result of Thue from 1906 implies that there is an infinite square-free word if all the

ℓ
i

\ell _i

are identical. On the other hand, Grytczuk, Przybyło and Zhu showed in 2011 that it also holds if the

ℓ
i

\ell _i

are of size

4
4

instead of

3
3

.

In this article, we first show that if the lists are of size

4
4

, the number of square-free words is at least

2.45
n

2.45^n

(the previous similar bound was

2
n

2^n

). We then show our main result: we can construct such a square-free word if the lists are subsets of size

3
3

of the same alphabet of size

4
4

. Our proof also implies that there are at least

1.25
n

1.25^n

square-free words of length

n
n

for any such list assignment. This proof relies on the existence of a set of coefficients verified with a computer. We suspect that the full conjecture could be resolved by this method with a much more powerful computer (but we might need to wait a few decades for such a computer to be available).
The equilateral small octagon of maximal width
Authors: Bingane Christian , Audet Charles
Published: February 2022

A small polygon is a polygon of unit diameter. The maximal width of an equilateral small polygon with

n
=

2
s

n=2^s

vertices is not known when

s
≥
3

s \ge 3

. This paper solves the first open case and finds the optimal equilateral small octagon. Its width is approximately

3.24
3.24%

larger than the width of the regular octagon:

cos
⁡
(
π

/

8
)

\cos (\pi /8)

. In addition, the paper proposes a family of equilateral small

n
n

-gons, for

n
=

2
s

n=2^s

with

s
≥
4

s\ge 4

, whose widths are within

O
(
1

/

n
4

)

O(1/n^4)

of the maximal width.
A Cayley–Bacharach theorem and plane configurations
Authors: Levinson Jake , Ullery Brooke
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we examine linear conditions on finite sets of points in projective space implied by the Cayley–Bacharach condition. In particular, by bounding the number of points satisfying the Cayley–Bacharach condition, we force them to lie on unions of low-dimensional linear spaces.

These results are motivated by investigations into degrees of irrationality of complete intersections, which are controlled by minimum-degree rational maps to projective space. As an application of our main theorem, we describe the fibers of such maps for certain complete intersections of codimension two.
Extrapolation for multilinear compact operators and applications
Authors: Cao Mingming , Olivo Andrea , Yabuta Kôzô
Published: February 2022

This paper is devoted to studying the Rubio de Francia extrapolation for multilinear compact operators. It allows one to extrapolate the compactness of

T
T

from just one space to the full range of weighted spaces, whenever an

m
m

-linear operator

T
T

is bounded on weighted Lebesgue spaces. This result is indeed established in terms of the multilinear Muckenhoupt weights

A

p
→

,

r
→

A_{\vec {p}, \vec {r}}

, and the limited range of the

L
p

L^p

scale. To show extrapolation theorems above, by means of a new weighted Fréchet-Kolmogorov theorem, we present the weighted interpolation for multilinear compact operators. To prove the latter, we also need to build a weighted interpolation theorem in mixed-norm Lebesgue spaces. As applications, we obtain the weighted compactness of commutators of many multilinear operators, including multilinear

ω
\omega

-Calderón-Zygmund operators, multilinear Fourier multipliers, bilinear rough singular integrals and bilinear Bochner-Riesz means. Beyond that, we establish the weighted compactness of higher order Calderón commutators, and commutators of Riesz transforms related to Schrödinger operators.
Subconvexity bounds for twisted 𝐿-functions, II
Authors: Khan Rizwanur
Published: February 2022

We prove hybrid subconvexity bounds for twisted

L
L

-functions

L
(
s
,
f
×
χ
)

L(s,f\times \chi )

at the central point using a fourth moment estimate, including a new instance of the Burgess subconvexity bound.
Stability manifolds of varieties with finite Albanese morphisms
Authors: Fu Lie , Li Chunyi , Zhao Xiaolei
Published: February 2022

For a smooth projective complex variety whose Albanese morphism is finite, we show that every Bridgeland stability condition on its bounded derived category of coherent sheaves is geometric, in the sense that all skyscraper sheaves are stable with the same phase. Furthermore, we describe the stability manifolds of irregular surfaces and abelian threefolds with Néron–Severi rank one, and show that they are connected and contractible.
Quantification of microtubule stutters: dynamic instability behaviors that are strongly associated with catastrophe
Authors: Mahserejian Shant M. , Scripture Jared P. , Mauro Ava J. , Lawrence Elizabeth J. , Jonasson Erin M. , Murray Kristopher S. , Li Jun , Gardner Melissa , Alber Mark , Zanic Marija , Goodson Holly V.
Published: February 2022

STADIA analysis quantifies stutters and associated transitions in microtubule dynamics. Most catastrophes involve stutters, and the anticatastrophe factor CLASP2γ works by converting growth-stutter-shortening events (i.e., transitional catastrophes) to growth-stutter-growth events (i.e., interrupted growth).
‘Thieves Should not Live Amongst People’: Under-Protection and Popular Support for Police Violence in Nairobi
Authors: Wairuri Kamau
Published: February 2022

This paper examines how communities at the urban margins, who are under-protected by the state police, understand police reforms through an examination of the unusual case of street protests in support of a police officer who had killed two young men in Githurai in Nairobi. I explore how the under-protection of communities at the urban margins by the police leads to a reliance on various forms of vigilantism to generate security and justice outcomes. Noting the limitations of community vigilantism, I explore how these communities come to rely on police vigilantism, a form of vigilantism that has received limited attention in African studies. Based on insights generated from data collected in Githurai in March and April 2015, I argue that residents of Githurai protested against the arrest of a local police vigilante, whom they had come to rely on for security, because they considered his deployment of violence against suspected criminals to be justified and also feared that his arrest would expose them to further insecurity. I conclude that police reform efforts should pay attention to the innovations that communities have developed at the grassroots to generate security and justice outcome in absence of reliable protection by the state police.
Usefulness of Cyclin D1/Podoplanin Dual Immunohistochemical Stain to Differentiate Malignant Mesothelioma From Reactive Mesothelial Proliferations
Authors: Pillappa Raghavendra , Wiles Austin , Sayeed Sadia , Robila Valentina
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To examine the potential of cyclin D1/podoplanin dual immunohistochemical stain to differentiate malignant mesothelioma from reactive mesothelial proliferations.

Methods

Cyclin D1/podoplanin dual immunohistochemistry was performed on 34 surgical cases of reactive mesothelial proliferations, malignant mesothelioma, and nonmesothelioma malignancies.

Results

All 15 reactive mesothelial proliferations demonstrated less than 50% cyclin D1 staining with variable to diffuse podoplanin staining. In 6 (60%) of 10 cases of epithelioid malignant mesothelioma, the dual stain supported the diagnosis. Less than 50% cyclin D1 staining was noted in the remaining four cases, including small biopsy specimens or cases with focal papillary architecture. The five cases of sarcomatoid/desmoplastic/biphasic mesothelioma showed more than 50% cyclin D1 staining with focal to absent podoplanin staining. Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma appears to demonstrate less than 25% cyclin D1 staining.

Conclusions

The cyclin D1/podoplanin dual stain is reliable and may be used to aid in differentiation of benign mesothelial proliferations from malignant tumors. In addition, histologic features and other ancillary testing may support the classification of cases with an inconclusive cyclin D1/podoplanin staining.
Clinical, Laboratory, and Histologic Correlates of Serum Antinuclear Antibody in Hispanic Pediatric Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wu Hao , Zhu Liang , Kinnear Darryl , Triggs Nicole , Quintanilla Norma M , Himes Ryan
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The significance of antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity in pediatric Hispanic patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unknown.

Methods

ANA status was correlated with clinical, laboratory, and histologic parameters in Hispanic patients with a histologic diagnosis of NAFLD.

Results

Thirty-eight Hispanic children (27 male and 11 female) underwent liver biopsy at a median age of 12.1 years. Twenty patients (53%) had positive ANAs. The ANA-positive patients had higher fasting insulin levels (median [interquartile range (IQR)], 32.4 [25.4] µU/mL) and higher insulin resistance (median [Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) IQR], 5.9 [3.1]) than the ANA-negative patients (fasting insulin: median [IQR], 17 [13.9] µU/mL and median [HOMA-IR IQR], 3.5 [2.6] µU/mL; P = .05 and .01, respectively). Serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were higher in the ANA-negative patients (median [IQR], 47 [18] mg/dL) than the ANA-positive patients (38 [12] mg/dL) (P = .03). There were no statistical differences in a series of demographic, clinical, laboratory, and histologic parameters between the ANA-positive and the ANA-negative patients. At a median follow-up of 2.6 years, alanine aminotransferase was significantly lower than the baseline levels in both groups. In 1 patient undergoing ANA retesting, the titer had normalized from a baseline of 1:1,280 3.8 years earlier.

Conclusions

In pediatric Hispanic patients with NAFLD, a positive ANA result is associated with insulin resistance and lower HDL cholesterol levels.
The “Smile Mastopexy”: A Novel Technique to Aesthetically Address the Excess Skin Envelope in Large, Ptotic Breasts While Preserving Nipple Areolar Complex During Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Movassaghi Kiya , Stewart Christopher N
Published: February 2022

Background

Classically large, ptotic breasts have been a contraindication for nipple preservation during breast reconstruction. We present a technique of “smile mastopexy” (SM) to reduce the excess skin in both vertical and transverse directions, avoid a T-junction, preserve the nipple areolar complex, and add thickness to the upper pole of the breast at the time of mastectomy.

Objectives

The authors sought to demonstrate the safety and reliability of a novel technique that addresses the excess skin envelope during breast reconstruction while preserving the nipple-areola complex in large, ptotic breasts.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of a single surgeon performing the SM for immediate 2-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction. All were performed in the prepectoral pocket without utilization of acellular dermal matrices.

Results

Thirty patients (total 54 breasts) aged a mean 50 years with BMI of 30 kg/m2 and mastectomy specimen weight of 683 g were included. All had class 2 or 3 ptosis. There were no cases of complete nipple loss. The overall complication rate was 14.8%. There were 3 explantations: 1 (1.8%) due to infection and 2 (3.7%) due to implant exposure. Radiation was associated with a higher complication rate.

Conclusions

The SM is a safe and reliable technique in large, ptotic breasts during prosthetic breast reconstruction. It preserves the nipple-areola complex, reduces the excess skin envelope, adds thickness to the upper pole, and allows for future skin revisions with the same scar if necessary.

Level of Evidence: 4
Insights into the systematics of Old World taenitidoid ferns (Pteridoideae; Pteridaceae): evidence from phylogeny and micromorphology
Authors: Chen Cheng-Wei , Chao Yi-Shan , Andi Maryani A Mustapeng , Lindsay Stuart , Huang Yao-Moan , Kessler Michael , Luu Hong Truong , Hsieh Ching-Ming
Published: February 2022

A close relationship of the three Old World taenitidoid genera Austrogramme, Syngramma and Taenitis was traditionally suggested on the basis of morphology, and later gained further support from molecular phylogenetic analyses. However, due to insufficient sampling, the monophyly and intrageneric and interspecific relationships of these genera are still largely untested, and the systematic value of diagnostic morphological characteristics is unclear. In this study, we generated a molecular phylogenetic tree with 18 species representing nearly half of the known species diversity for this group. In addition to macromorphological characteristics, we also observed microscopic characteristics, including soral paraphyses and spores. Our results confirm the monophyly of the three genera and their delimitating characteristics. We found that most of the previously proposed sections are not monophyletic, and their diagnostic characteristics are homoplastic. We propose new hypotheses concerning both intergeneric and interspecific hybridization and provide new taxonomic insights that are critical in understanding the diversity of the group.
Remarkable floral colour variation in the functionally specialized fly-pollinated iris,Moraea lurida
Authors: Moir Monika , Johnson Steven D , Anderson Bruce
Published: February 2022

Sapromyophilous flowers are visited by flies seeking carrion or faeces, and flowers of this guild are typically large, purple or red-brown, often speckled and produce a pungent scent. Flowers of the South African iris Moraea lurida conform to this syndrome, but show considerable variation in colour and pattern. We were intrigued by the floral variation within a single population and investigated floral visitors and the effect of body size on pollen loads and whether different colour forms attracted different pollinator assemblages. We found a diverse array of insect visitors, but Diptera comprised the overwhelming majority, with Calliphoridae considered to be the most important for pollination on the basis of their visitation frequency and pollen loads. Effective pollination appeared to be dependent on large-bodied flies that, unlike smaller flies, fit the entire crawl space between the anthers and petals and thus acted like a key in a lock. Choice experiments revealed that the most important fly pollinators showed no colour preferences, and fly vision modelling showed that flies may not be able to discriminate among the different colour forms. This may lead to relaxed selection on colour. Floral scent was dominated by an unusual mix of aliphatic acids and alcohols, characteristic of mammalian skin products and gut microbiome, probably exploiting the perceptual bias of flies to compounds that typify the mammalian microbiome and fermenting carbohydrates.
The PACAP pathway is independent of CGRP in mouse models of migraine: possible new drug target?
Authors: Ernstsen Charlotte , Christensen Sarah L , Rasmussen Rikke H , Nielsen Brian S , Jansen-Olesen Inger , Olesen Jes , Kristensen David M
Published: February 2022

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-antagonizing drugs represent a major advance in migraine treatment. However, up to 50% of patients do not benefit from monoclonal antibodies against CGRP or its receptor. Here, we test the hypothesis that a closely related peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP-38), works independently of CGRP and thus might represent a new, alternative drug target.

To understand differences in CGRP- and PACAP-mediated migraine pain, we used mouse models of provoked migraine-like pain based on multiple stimulations and subsequent measurement of tactile sensitivity response with von Frey filaments. Genetically modified mice lacking either functional CGRP receptors (Ramp1 knockout) or TRPA1 channels (Trpa1 knockout) were used together with CGRP-targeting antibodies and chemical inhibitors in wild-type mice (ntotal = 299). Ex vivo myograph studies were used to measure dilatory responses to CGRP and PACAP-38 in mouse carotid arteries.

PACAP-38 provoked significant hypersensitivity and dilated the carotid arteries independently of CGRP. In contrast, glyceryl trinitrate-induced hypersensitivity is dependent on CGRP. Contrary to previous results with the migraine-inducing substances glyceryl trinitrate, cilostazol and levcromakalim, PACAP-38-induced hypersensitivity worked only partially through inhibition of ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

Using multiple migraine-relevant models, these findings establish the PACAP-38 pathway as distinct from other migraine provoking pathways such as CGRP and glyceryl trinitrate. PACAP antagonism may therefore be a novel therapeutic target of particular interest in patients unresponsive to CGRP-antagonizing drugs.
Optimized Sequencing Adaptors Enable Rapid and Real-Time Metagenomic Identification of Pathogens during Runtime of Sequencing
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhang Jingjia , Du Juan , Zhou Yiwen , Wu Pengfei , Liu Zidan , Sun Zhunzhun , Wang Jianghao , Ding Wenchao , Chen Junjie , Wang Jun , Xu Yingchun , Ouyang Chuan , Yang Qiwen
Published: February 2022

Background

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) offers the promise of unbiased detection of emerging pathogens. However, in indexed sequencing, the sequential paradigm of data acquisition, demultiplexing, and analysis restrain read assignment in advance and real-time analysis, resulting in lengthy turnaround time for clinical metagenomic detection.

Methods

We described the utility of internal-index adaptors with different lengths of barcode in multiplex sequencing. The base composition for each position within these adaptors was well-balanced to ensure nucleotide diversity and optimal sequencing performance and to achieve the early assignment of reads by first sequencing the barcodes. Combined with an automated library preparation device, we delivered a rapid and real-time bioinformatics pathogen identification solution for the Illumina NextSeq platform. The diagnostic performance was evaluated by testing 153 lower respiratory tract specimens using mNGS in comparison to culture, 16S/internal transcribed spacer amplicon sequencing, and additional PCR-based tests.

Results

By calculating the average F1 scores of all read lengths under different threshold values, we established the optimal threshold for pathogens identification, and found that 36 bp was the optimal shortest read length for rapid mNGS analysis. Rapid detection had a negative percentage agreement and positive percentage agreement of 100% and 85.1% for bacteria and 97.4% and 80.3% for fungi, when compared to a composite standard. The rapid mNGS solution enabled accurate pathogen identification in about 9.1 to 10.1 h sample-to-answer turnaround time.

Conclusions

Optimized internal index adaptors combined with a real-time analysis pipeline provide a potential tool for a first-line test in critically ill patients.
Fate of remaining dissected aorta after descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta replacement for chronic dissection
Authors: Jung Joon Chul , Chang Hyoung Woo , Lee Jae Hang , Park Kay-Hyun
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

After performing descending thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aorta replacement for chronic aortic dissection, the fate of the remaining dissected aorta, without significant enlargement, is not well known. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the remaining aorta and the risk factors for late composite aortic events.

METHODS

In 98 patients with chronic type A or B aortic dissection who underwent descending thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aorta replacement, the immediate postoperative and last follow-up computed tomography scans were reviewed. Aortic area-derived diameter was measured using the centreline reconstruction method at the levels of the 10 zones of the aorta and iliac arteries. The incidence of and risk factors for late composite aortic events (aortic death, rupture, reoperation, last follow-up aortic area-derived diameter >60 mm) were analysed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up and computed tomography follow-up durations were 88.5 and 63.7 months, respectively. Nine late deaths occurred. The median growth rate of the remaining aorta was the greatest in the dissected infrarenal abdominal aorta at 0.8 mm/year. Of 16 late composite aortic events, the majority (2 ruptures and 8 reoperations) occurred in the distal contiguous segment. The 5- and 10-year cumulative incidence of events in the distal contiguous segment were 4.9% and 16.1%, respectively. Young age and Marfan syndrome were significant risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Late composite aortic events were not negligible, especially in the distal contiguous segment. In young or Marfan syndrome patients, a greater distal extent of replacement may have to be considered at experienced aortic centres.
Orthologs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae SFH2, genes encoding Sec14 family proteins, implicated in utilization of n-alkanes and filamentous growth in response to n-alkanes in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Watanabe Natsuhito , Iwama Ryo , Murayama Reiko , Suzawa Tetsuki , He Zhiyong , Mizuike Aya , Shiwa Yuh , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Horiuchi Hiroyuki , Fukuda Ryouichi
Published: February 2022

The dimorphic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has an ability to assimilate n-alkanes as carbon and energy sources. In this study, the roles of orthologs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae SEC14 family gene SFH2, which we named SFH21, SFH22, SFH23 and SFH24, of Y. lipolytica were investigated. The transcript levels of SFH21, SFH22 and SFH23, determined by RNA-seq analysis, qRT-PCR analysis and northern blot analysis, were found to increase in the presence of n-alkanes. The deletion mutant of SFH21, but not that of SFH22, SFH23 or SFH24, showed defects in growth in the media containing n-alkanes and in filamentous growth on the solid media containing n-alkanes. Additional deletions of SFH22 and SFH23 significantly exaggerated the defect in filamentous growth of the deletion mutant of SFH21, and expression of SFH22 or SFH24 using the SFH21 promoter partially suppressed the growth defect of the deletion mutant of SFH21 on n-alkanes. These results suggest that SFH2 orthologs are involved in the utilization of n-alkanes and filamentous growth in response to n-alkanes in Y. lipolytica.