bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitansJP2 clone and periodontitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mehta Jaimini , Eaton Carolyn , AlAmri Meaad , Lin Guo‐Hao , Nibali Luigi
Published: March 2023

To appraise the literature on the prevalence of the JP2 clone of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) and on its association with presence and progression of periodontitis in different populations. A systematic search of the literature was conducted in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library for studies reporting data on detection of the JP2 clone of A.a. A total of 56 papers were included in the review, from an initial search of 685 titles. Studies were carried out in populations with a mean age of 26.34 years (range 6.24–53.85 years). Just over 16% of the overall population assessed (n = 13 751) had the JP2 clone detected. Meta‐analyses included 16 studies and 1775 patients, and revealed an association between detection of the JP2 clone and diagnosis of periodontitis (RR = 1.86, 95% 1.43–2.42) from saliva and plaque, with high heterogeneity (I2 = 85%, p < .00001). Meta‐analyses included 5 studies and 616 patients, and revealed an association between baseline detection of the JP2 clone and onset of periodontitis over 2 to 5 years (RR = 4.12, 95% 2.42–7.00), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 81%, p < .0003). From the overall risk of bias score, 29 papers were judged as low risk of bias, whilst the remaining papers were judged to have an overall medium or high risk of bias. Detection of the JP2 clone of A.a. in subgingival plaque and saliva samples is associated with increased odds of diagnosis of periodontitis and may be able to predict onset of periodontitis. This systematic review provides clear evidence that in certain populations, the JP2 clone of A.a. is associated with early‐onset periodontitis. Furthermore, detection of this bacterium seems to be predictive of disease onset.
The ichthyofaunistic colonization and complex biogeographic history of the southern portion of the Southwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Figueroa Daniel E. , Barbini Santiago A. , Belleggia Mauro , Sabadin David E. , Román Jorge M. , De Wysiecki Agustín M.
Published: March 2023

Here, we highlight the geological processes that resulted in the current conformation of the southern Southwest Atlantic Ocean, and explore the heterogeneous composition of the marine ichthyofauna found between 33° and 56° from a paleobiological perspective. During the early Cretaceous (140 Mya), the South Atlantic was still not formed, and Gondwana was probably a set of united plates with shallow continental waters. In the middle Cretaceous (112 Mya), the major Gondwanan plates started diverging from each other, allowing shallow marine intrusions and the diversification of an endemic fish fauna. By the end of the Mesozoic (66 Mya), the proto‐South Atlantic connected with the North Atlantic, which was still part of the Tethys Sea, allowing its ichthyofauna to colonize the south and reach the Antarctic region. The opening of the Drake Passage in the Oligocene (33 Mya) enabled the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean to reach the South Atlantic, causing drastic effects on the thermophilic fauna and favoring the dispersion of cold‐water species. Successive glaciations during the Quaternary (2 Myr to 10,000 years ago) resulted in the prevalence of Antarctic climatic conditions in the southern Southwest Atlantic. The long history of changing scenarios in the constitution of the southern Southwest Atlantic is reflected in the heterogeneous composition of the marine ichthyofauna between 33° and 56°S, which is characterized by a mixture of cosmopolitan, Tethyan, Pacific, Gondwanan, Antarctic, and endemic origins.
A Hungarian Theologian Abroad: The Reception of the Lima Document in the Works of Gellért Békés OSB (1915–1999)
Authors: Kisnémet OSB Fülöp
Published: March 2023

This article aims to provide an insight into the ecumenical work of a Hungarian Benedictine monk, Gellért Békés. First, I offer a short overview of Békés's life, who was forced into exile by the socialist regime and who spent almost half a century as Professor at the University of Saint Anselm in Rome. Next, I review Békés's publications and the main thrust of his thinking in the field of ecumenical theology. The central part of my article is devoted to the presentation of his Italian monograph (Eucaristia e chiesa, 1985), which can be considered to be his most important work and in which he gives a comprehensive account of his ecumenical theology of the Eucharist, especially in the light of the Lima Document of 1982. His major contribution lies in the fact that he took into account the interrelation between the various ecumenical documents and he integrated the newly retrieved dimensions of the Eucharist. He also commented on the idea of Real Presence developed by the Lima Document in the light of Catholic doctrine. Last but not least, this article wants to contribute to the reception of Békés's thought, which has hardly begun even in his own country.
Grassland species colonization of a restored grassland on a former forest varies in short‐term success but is facilitated by greater functional connectivity
Authors: Kapás Rozália E. , Kimberley Adam , Cousins Sara A. O.
Published: March 2023

In recent years, restoration on former grassland sites has been widely encouraged globally, aiming to address the historical loss of 90% of ancient species‐rich grasslands, and to mitigate the associated threat to grassland biodiversity. The objective of our study was to investigate on a small‐scale how plant species spontaneously colonize restored grasslands. We inventoried 275 permanent plots twice (in 2019 and 2021) in a restored grassland, following the removal of a conifer plantation. Species richness and vegetation cover in surveyed plots were dependent on grazing activity and distance to adjacent grassland. Plant species associated with forest habitats declined, while the occurrence of generalist species together with a few grassland specialists generally increased. However, not all grassland specialists gained occurrence and the colonization pattern was not consistent over time, possibly due to the lack of continuous seed arrival and low livestock activity and hence lack of disturbance. These results suggest that successful colonization of plant species benefits from links to species‐rich sites adjacent to the restoration target, with spatial dispersal and improved conditions for species establishment being key to species occurrence. Both dispersal and establishment potential are likely facilitated through the presence of grazing livestock with access to both species‐rich grasslands and restoration targets. However, the shift towards a more typical grassland community takes place gradually, with vulnerable populations of early colonizing grassland species prone to local extinction in short‐term. As a result, continued functional connectivity provided by grazing animals is necessary to improve the diversity of the restored site and ensure the establishment of grassland specialists and to maintain the plant community composition.
Allergen‐free extracts from birch, ragweed, and hazel pollen activate human and guinea‐pig submucous and spinal sensory neurons
Authors: Buhner Sabine , Schäuffele Stefanie , Giesbertz Pieter , Demir Ihsan Ekin , Zeller Florian , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Schemann Michael , Gilles Stefanie
Published: March 2023

Background

Non‐allergenic, low molecular weight components of pollen grains are suspected to trigger changes in gut functions, sometimes leading to inflammatory conditions. Based on extensive neuroimmune communication in the gut wall, we investigated the effects of aqueous pollen extracts (APE) on enteric and spinal sensory neurons.

Methods

Using Ca2+ and fast potentiometric imaging, we recorded the responses of guinea‐pig and human submucous and guinea‐pig dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to microejection of low (<3 kDa) and high (≥3 kDa) molecular weight APEs of birch, ragweed, and hazel. Histamine was determined pharmacologically and by mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).

Key Results

Birch APE<3kDa evoked strong [Ca+2]i signals in the vast majority of guinea‐pig DRG neurons, and in guinea‐pig and human enteric neurons. The effect of birch APE≥3kDa was much weaker. Fast neuroimaging in human enteric neurons revealed an instantaneous spike discharge after microejection of birch, ragweed, and hazel APE<3kDa [median (interquartile range) at 7.0 Hz (6.2/9.8), 5.7 Hz (4.4/7.1), and 8.4 Hz (4.3/12.5), respectively]. The percentage of responding neurons per ganglion were similar [birch 40.0% (33.3/100.0), ragweed 50.8% (34.4/85.6), and hazel 83.3% (57.1/100.0)]. A mixture of histamine receptor (H1–H3) blockers significantly reduced nerve activation evoked by birch and ragweed APEs<3kDa, but was ineffective on hazel. Histamine concentrations in ragweed, birch and hazel APE's < 3 kDa were 0.764, 0.047, and 0.013 μM, respectively.

Conclusions

Allergen‐free APEs from birch, ragweed, and hazel evoked strong nerve activation. Altered nerve‐immune signaling as a result of severe pollen exposure could be a pathophysiological feature of allergic and non‐allergic gut inflammation.
Clinical characteristics and long‐term outcomes in patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome: A 15‐year experience at a tertiary referral center
Authors: Partovi Omeed , Patel Milan , Kovacic Katja , Petrova Ana , Garacchi Zhuping , Venkatesan Thangam
Published: March 2023

Background

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) characterized by recurrent episodes of nausea and vomiting. Most children outgrow their CVS symptoms and develop migraine headaches, but there are limited data in adults. We thus sought to determine the natural history of CVS in adults.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients at a specialized tertiary care clinic. Frequency of CVS episodes, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations were recorded at the index visit and at follow‐up.

Key Results

Of 455 CVS patients with complete data, mean age was 33 ± 13 years, 294 (65%) were female, and 392 (86%) were Caucasian. Mean duration of follow‐up was 47.4 ± 37.2 months. There was a significant reduction in frequency of CVS episodes/year (18 to 6.8), ED visits (6.1 to 2), and hospitalizations (2.3 to 0.7) (allp‐values < 0.001) but only 88 (19%) of patients had complete resolution of episodes at follow‐up. On multivariable regression analysis, non‐white race [0.33 (0.11–0.98)p = 0.01], comorbidity count [0.77 (0.62–0.95)p = 0.01], cannabis use [0.36 (0.2–0.65)p = 0.0007], and aprepitant use [0.2 (0.08–0.005)p < 0.001] were associated with a reduced odds of complete resolution of CVS episodes. Of note, 19 patients (4%) died.

Conclusions and Inferences

While most adults with CVS improved with specialized care, in contrast to children, only a small subset (~1 in 5) had complete resolution of symptoms. Reasons for the effects of race, cannabis use, and comorbidity burden on outcomes in CVS are unclear and warrant further investigation.
The epidemiology and impact of disorders of gut–brain interaction in Canada: Results from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiologic Study
Authors: Rodrigues David M. , Poitras Pierre , Day Andrew G. , Sperber Ami D. , Palsson Olafur , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , Vanner Stephen J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Using data from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study examining prevalence of disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) in 33 countries, this study explored the prevalence of all 22 disorders in Canada. It examined differences related to geography and sociodemographic factors, health impact and compared these findings to other countries.

Methods

The Rome Foundation survey was conducted through the Internet, targeting 2000 Canadian participants. The survey used the validated ROME IV diagnostic questionnaire to identify the 22 DGBI and an in‐depth supplemental questionnaire that included quality assurance techniques.

Key Results

There were 2029 respondents with a mean age of 48 years and 50% females. Diagnostic criteria for at least one of the 22 DGBI were met by 41.3%, similar to other countries. Functional constipation, functional diarrhea, and unspecified functional bowel disorders were most common. Irritable bowel syndrome prevalence was 4.2% using Rome IV and 10.1% using ROME III criteria. DGBI were associated with poorer quality of life and increased psychological symptom scores. Prevalence of DGBI ranged from 48% in Quebec to 36% in British Columbia. Prescription pain medication was reported by 17% with DGBI compared to 9% without DGBI and correlated negatively with mental health and physical well‐being. Quebecers and francophones were in limited number but reported higher DGBI prevalence and symptom severity compared to others.

Conclusions & Inferences

A large proportion of Canadians suffer from DGBI which seriously impact their well‐being. Findings highlight the need for further research and education, including understanding whether significant regional and cultural differences contribute to DGBI.
Acclimation of photosynthetic capacity and foliar respiration in Andean tree species to temperature change
Authors: Cox Andrew J. F. , Hartley Iain P. , Meir Patrick , Sitch Stephen , Dusenge Mirindi Eric , Restrepo Zorayda , González‐Caro Sebastian , Villegas Juan Camilo , Uddling Johan , Mercado Lina M.
Published: March 2023

Climate warming is causing compositional changes in Andean tropical montane forests (TMFs). These shifts are hypothesised to result from differential responses to warming of cold‐ and warm‐affiliated species, with the former experiencing mortality and the latter migrating upslope. The thermal acclimation potential of Andean TMFs remains unknown.

Along a 2000 m Andean altitudinal gradient, we planted individuals of cold‐ and warm‐affiliated species (under common soil and irrigation), exposing them to the hot and cold extremes of their thermal niches, respectively. We measured the response of net photosynthesis (Anet), photosynthetic capacity and leaf dark respiration (Rdark) to warming/cooling, 5 months after planting.

In all species, Anet and photosynthetic capacity at 25°C were highest when growing at growth temperatures (Tg) closest to their thermal means, declining with warming and cooling in cold‐affiliated and warm‐affiliated species, respectively. When expressed at Tg, photosynthetic capacity and Rdark remained unchanged in cold‐affiliated species, but the latter decreased in warm‐affiliated counterparts. Rdark at 25°C increased with temperature in all species, but remained unchanged when expressed at Tg.

Both species groups acclimated to temperature, but only warm‐affiliated species decreased Rdark to photosynthetic capacity ratio at Tg as temperature increased. This could confer them a competitive advantage under future warming.
MPK12 in stomatal CO2 signaling: function beyond its kinase activity
Authors: Yeh Chung‐Yueh , Wang Yuh‐Shuh , Takahashi Yohei , Kuusk Katarina , Paul Karnelia , Arjus Triinu , Yadlos Oleksii , Schroeder Julian I. , Ilves Ivar , Garcia‐Sosa Alfonso T. , Kollist Hannes
Published: March 2023

Protein phosphorylation is a major molecular switch involved in the regulation of stomatal opening and closure. Previous research defined interaction between MAP kinase 12 and Raf‐like kinase HT1 as a required step for stomatal movements caused by changes in CO2 concentration. However, whether MPK12 kinase activity is required for regulation of CO2‐induced stomatal responses warrants in‐depth investigation.

We apply genetic, biochemical, and structural modeling approaches to examining the noncatalytic role of MPK12 in guard cell CO2 signaling that relies on allosteric inhibition of HT1.

We show that CO2/HCO3−‐enhanced MPK12 interaction with HT1 is independent of its kinase activity. By analyzing gas exchange of plant lines expressing various kinase‐dead and constitutively active versions of MPK12 in a plant line where MPK12 is deleted, we confirmed that CO2‐dependent stomatal responses rely on MPK12's ability to bind to HT1, but not its kinase activity. We also demonstrate that purified MPK12 and HT1 proteins form a heterodimer in the presence of CO2/HCO3− and present structural modeling that explains the MPK12:HT1 interaction interface.

These data add to the model that MPK12 kinase‐activity‐independent interaction with HT1 functions as a molecular switch by which guard cells sense changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration.
Business, power, and private regulatory governance: Shaping subjectivities and limiting possibilities in the gold supply chain
Authors: Bloomfield Michael John , Manchanda Nivi
Published: March 2023

To examine how private regulatory governance reproduces a market logic that always already circumscribes possibilities for radical change, we tarry with Michel Foucault's notion of governmentality and his writings on power. We focus on two major initiatives created to regulate gold supply chains, subjecting their publicly released documents to a discourse analysis. This reveals subtle but tangible examples of how these initiatives discursively shape business preferences and possibilities for engaging with a social change agenda. Through a focus on how power circulating through these initiatives works to shape the identities and interests of business actors themselves, we contribute a new perspective to the literature on business, power, and private regulatory governance, one that highlights the ways through which these discourses both expand and limit business actors' engagement in setting social agendas and the mixed and sometimes seemingly contradictory implications for the public interest.
Rent Gaps, Gentrification and the ‘Two Circuits’ of Latin American Urban Economies
Authors: Richmond Matthew A. , Garmany Jeff
Published: March 2023

Recent research in Latin America, and our own analysis of Brazilian cities, indicate that aspects of rent gap theory – in particular, the assumption that strong links exist between rent gaps and gentrification – do not fully account for observed empirical conditions. Drawing on Milton Santos' theory of “two circuits” of urban economies in the global South, we seek to develop an expanded framework better suited to explaining the Latin American context. Specifically, we argue that important socio‐spatial processes combine to embed what Santos called the “lower circuit” in certain parts of the city. This “territorialisation” of space by the lower circuit impedes the entry of the upper circuit, thus constraining expected rent gap capture and gentrification. We argue that only by taking both circuits into account, and considering how they become territorialised in urban space, can we properly grasp the relationship between rent gaps and gentrification in Latin American cities.
Macroeconomic effects of demographic change: From the perspective of China's urbanisation
Authors: Goh Soo Khoon , Wong Koi Nyen , McNown Robert
Published: March 2023

Conventional views hold that low fertility will lead to low economic growth in the future. We examine the case of China, which has experienced decades‐long below‐replacement fertility, resulting in a rapidly ageing population accompanied by unintended diminished labour force growth. Compensating for the decline in the working‐age population, strong internal migration from rural to urban areas continues to sustain a large, growing and productive urban workforce. To analyse these competing forces, this study employs a quasi‐structural model with several channels that are crucial to demographic‐macroeconomic relationships to assess the potential effects of demographic changes on economic growth in the long run. A long‐run relationship exists between the urban working‐age population, real capital stock and real GDP (rgdp). Although the total working‐age population is projected to shrink, it can be offset by the increased capital stock and continued internal migration to high‐productivity urban areas, so rgdp is projected to increase through 2050. Projected trends indicate that domestic savings will be sufficient to finance projected investment. China's continued emphasis on capital‐intensive production utilising a highly productive urban labour force plays a dynamic role in increasing output and sustaining economic growth for several decades despite persistent low fertility and population ageing.
Influence of R/FR ratio on response of maize, lettuce, and Amaranthus retroflexus L. to UV‐B radiation
Authors: Ma Li , Upadhyaya Mahesh K.
Published: March 2023

Plant species differ significantly in their response to environmental stressors and exposure to one stressor can modify their susceptibility to another stressor, which can have significant implications for crop‐weed competition. Plants exposed to low red/far‐red light (R/FR) ratio in a canopy may experience enhanced UV‐B radiation at a subsequent growth stage. The low R/FR ratio pre‐exposure may impact the susceptibility of weeds and crops to UV‐B radiation differently. This study investigates if exposure to different R/FR ratios and the associated changes in anthocyanin concentration influence plant susceptibility to subsequent UV‐B radiation. Maize (Zea mays L.), which contains anthocyanin in the leaf sheath, and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Amaranthus retroflexus L. (redroot pigweed), which contain anthocyanin in the lamina, were exposed to 0.3 and 1.1 R/FR ratio in growth chambers. Following R/FR ratio treatments, anthocyanin concentration in leaf sheath (maize) or lamina (lettuce and A. retroflexus) was measured and plants were exposed to three levels of UV‐B radiation. UV‐B exposure significantly inhibited a variety of plant growth and allometric parameters; however, R/FR ratio pre‐treatment did not influence plant response to subsequent UV‐B exposure. Pre‐exposure to low R/FR ratio reduced anthocyanin concentration by 60% in maize leaf sheath, and 31% and 100% in lettuce and A. retroflexus lamina respectively, but this influence did not affect the plant response to UV‐B radiation. These findings are significant to our understanding of the ecophysiological underpinnings of crops and weeds and their interactions in agroecosystems where both R/FR ratio and UV‐B radiation levels fluctuate.
On the origins of sleep disordered breathing, cardiorespiratory and metabolic dysfunction: which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Authors: Conde Silvia V. , Polotsky Vsevolod Y , Joseph Vincent , Kinkead Richard
Published: March 2023

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a complex, sex specific and highly heterogeneous group of respiratory disorders. Nevertheless, sleep fragmentation and repeated fluctuations of arterial blood gases for several hours per night are at the core of the problem; together, they impose significant stress to the organism with deleterious consequences on physical and mental health. SDB increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, depression and anxiety disorders; however, the same health issues are risk factors for SDB. So, which came first, the chicken or the egg? What causes the appearance of the first significant apnoeic events during sleep? These are important questions because although moderate to severe SDB affects ∼500 million adults globally, we still have a poor understanding of the origins of the disease, and the main treatments (and animal models) focus on the symptoms rather than the cause. Because obesity, metabolic dysfunction and stress‐related neurological disorders generally appear progressively, we discuss how the development of these diseases can lead to specific anatomical and non‐anatomical traits of SDB in males and females while considering the impacts of sex steroids. In light of the growing evidence indicating that the carotid bodies are important sensors of key metabolic and endocrine signals associated with stress and dysmetabolism, we propose that these organs play a key role in the process.

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Asymptotically Accurate Analytical Solution for Timoshenko-Like Deformation of Functionally Graded Beams
Authors: Amandeep  , Singh Satwinder Jit , Padhee Srikant Sekhar
Published: March 2023

A closed-form analytical solution is developed for a planar inhomogeneous beam subjected to transverse loading, using a variational asymptotic method (VAM). The VAM decouples the problem into a cross-sectional and an along-the-length analysis, leading to a set of ordinary differential equations. These equations along with associated boundary conditions have been solved to obtain the closed-form analytical solutions. Three distinct gradation models have been used to validate the present formulation against 3D finite element analysis and few prominent results from the literature. Excellent agreement has been obtained for all the test cases. Key contributions of the present work are (a) the solutions have been obtained without any ad hoc and a priori assumptions and (b) the ordered warping solutions result in Euler–Bernoulli type deformation in the zeroth-order, whereas the higher-order solutions provide novel closed-form expressions for transverse shear strain and stress. Finally, the effect of inhomogeneity on various field variables has been analyzed and discussed.
Self-Equilibrium, Mechanism Stiffness, and Self-Stress Design of General Tensegrity With Rigid Bodies or Supports: A Unified Analysis Approach
Authors: Wang Yafeng , Xu Xian , Luo Yaozhi
Published: March 2023

The use of general tensegrity systems that incorporate rigid bodies beyond axially loaded members has garnered increasing attention in practical applications. Recent preliminary studies have been conducted on the analysis and form design of general tensegrity systems with disconnecting rigid bodies. However, existing methods cannot account for connections between different rigid bodies. In practical applications, general tensegrity systems may have interconnected rigid bodies, rendering the analysis method proposed in previous studies inapplicable. To address this issue, this work proposes a comprehensive and unified analysis method for general tensegrity systems. The proposed formulation allows for the incorporation of connections between rigid bodies and general tensegrity systems with supports into the developed framework, enabling uniform analysis. Equilibrium and compatibility equations are derived through an energy approach combined with the Lagrange multiplier method. Self-stress states and mechanism modes are then computed based on these formulations. The stiffness of the mechanism mode is analyzed and validated using both the product force method and the reduced geometric stiffness matrix method. Furthermore, a self-stress design approach based on semi-definite programming (SDP) is proposed to determine feasible member forces that can stabilize general tensegrity systems. Illustrative examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. This study expands the scope of the analysis theory for tensegrity systems and provides a fundamental and unified analysis approach that can be applied to any type of tensegrity system.
A Comparison of Graph-Theoretic Approaches for Resilient System of Systems Design
Authors: Chatterjee Abheek , Helbig Cade , Malak Richard , Layton Astrid
Published: March 2023

System of systems (SoS) are networked integration of constituent systems that together achieve new capabilities not possible through the operation of any single system. SoS can be found across all aspects of modern life such as power grids, supply chains, and disaster monitoring and tracking services. Their resilience (being able to withstand and recover from disruptions) is a critical attribute whose evaluation is nontrivial and requires detailed disruption models. Engineers rely on heuristics (such as redundancy and localized capacity) for achieving resilience. However, excessive reliance on these qualitative guidelines can result in unacceptable operation costs, erosion of profits, over-consumption of natural resources, or unacceptable levels of waste or emissions. Graph-theoretic approaches provide a potential solution to this challenge as they can evaluate architectural characteristics without needing detailed performance simulations, supporting their use in early stage SoS architecture selection. However, no consensus exists as to which graph-theoretic metrics are most valuable for SoS design and how they should be included in the design process. In this work, multiple graph-theoretic approaches are analyzed and compared, on a common platform, for their use as design tools for resilient SoS. The metrics central point dominance, modularity, specialized predator ratio, generalization, vulnerability, and degree of system order are found to be viable options for the development of early stage decision-support tools for resilient SoS design.
Nanoengineered Laser Shock Processing Via Pulse Shaping for Nanostructuring in Metals: Multiscale Simulations and Experiments
Authors: Xiang Sen , Liu Xingtao , An Licong , Qu Haozheng , Cheng Gary J.
Published: March 2023

Modulating the heating and cooling during plastic deformation has been critical to control the microstructure and phase change in metals. During laser shock peening under optimal elevated temperatures, high-density dislocations and nanoprecipitates can be generated to greatly enhance material strength and fatigue life in metals. Currently, heating control during laser shock is limited to steady-state heat transfer, such as hot plate, irradiative heating, or far-infrared heating, which is slow for practical treatment and does not provide the transient conditions for generating nanostructures during shock processing. In this paper, we propose a general methodology to modulate the heating and cooling during laser shock processing via temporal pulse shaping, namely dual pulse laser shock peening (DP-LSP), which combines both ultrafast-heating and laser shock peening in one operation to generate desired microstructure and mechanical property. By modulating the duration of pulses as well as the spacing between pulses, different processing temperatures can be achieved. To test the feasibility of this novel process, DP-LSP has been applied to an Al matrix nanocomposite. Single pulse laser shock peening was able to remelt large second phase precipitates due to fast cooling, resulting in smaller grains (500 nm), while using DP-LSP with the appropriate pulse duration, dynamic precipitation effects can generate nanosized (30 nm) intermetallic phase Al3Ti with high density. By generation of grain size refinement, high-density nanoscale precipitates, and dislocations after DP-LSP, the yield strength increases by 18% and 102% compared with single pulse processing, and original sample respectively. Finite element method modeling was used to simulate the temperature profile in the alloy during the temporal modulated dual laser pulsing. A phase-field model and multiscale dislocation dynamics were applied to study dislocation dynamics and nanoprecipitation generation during DP-LSP, and their interactions at elevated temperatures. The work provides the basis for controlling microstructure in DP-LSP to enhance mechanical properties in metals.
Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Method for Disassembly Sequential Task Optimization Based on Human–Robot Collaborative Disassembly in Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling
Authors: Xiao Jinhua , Gao Jiaxu , Anwer Nabil , Eynard Benoit
Published: March 2023

With the wide application of new Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries in various industrial fields, it is important to establish a systematic intelligent battery recycling system that can be used to find out the resource wastes and environmental impacts of the retired EV battery. By combining the uncertain and dynamic disassembly and echelon utilization of EV battery recycling in the remanufacturing fields, human–robot collaboration (HRC) disassembly method can be used to solve huge challenges about the efficiency of retired EV battery recycling. In order to find out the disassembly task planning based on HRC disassembly process for retired EV battery recycling, a dynamic disassembly sequential task optimization method algorithm is proposed by Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL). Furthermore, it is necessary to disassemble the retired EV battery disassembly trajectory based on the HRC disassembly task in 2D planar, which can be used to acquire the optimal disassembly paths in the same disassembly planar by combining the Q-learning algorithm. The disassembly task sequence can be completed through standard trajectory matching. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method is verified by disassembly operations for a specific battery module case.
First multi-instar descriptions of cave-dwelling Whartonia Ewing, 1944 (Parasitengona, Leeuwenhoekiidae) from Brazil through integrative taxonomy
Authors: Gomes-Almeida Brenda K. , Costa Samuel G. S. , Ribeiro Dante B. , Bernardi Leopoldo F. O. , Pepato Almir R.
Published: March 2023

For the first time deutonymphs and adults (females and males) of species belonging to Whartonia, a genus with post-larval stages commonly found in caves and larvae as ectoparasites of bats, are described. Two species from new localities in states of Pará (Eastern Amazon) and Minas Gerais (southeastern Brazil) are reported. Post-larval cave dwelling mites could be unambiguously associated with W. (W). pachywhartoni and W. (W.) nudosetosa larvae using mitochondrial COI and nuclear ribosomal 28S sequence data, despite apparent oversplitting by species delimitation methods. They are distinguished from closely related Albeckia senase, a species with described deutonymphs, by having eyes and by the shape of idiosomal setae. They are very similar to each other, being distinguished mainly by the distribution of special setae on legs, and shape of idiosomal setae. Detailed redescriptions of the two larvae are presented based on individuals found on bats belonging to nine species, with six new host species association: Anoura caudifer, Diphylla ecaudata, Mimon bennettii, Platyrrhinus lineatus, Sturnira lilium (Phyllostomidae) and Peropteryx trinitatis (Emballonuridae).
Etching of molybdenum via a combination of low-temperature ozone
oxidation and wet-chemical oxide dissolution
Authors: Pacco Antoine , Nakano Teppei , Iwahata Shota , Iwasaki Akihisa , Sanchez Efrain Altamirano
Published: March 2023

Etching of molybdenum was demonstrated in two steps. Mo was first oxidized in an ozone gas ambient to form molybdenum oxide. It is shown that comparable oxide thicknesses can be obtained in ozone and oxygen but at lower temperatures for the former. Initial oxide growth is fast but then considerably slows down due to its diffusion-limited character. The metal-oxide thickness can be controlled by temperature and defines the amount of metal etch per cycle (EPC). XPS analysis showed that the thermally grown oxide is MoO3. In the second, wet-chemical step, MoO3 was dissolved selectively toward the Mo metal using an aqueous solution. The dissolution rate of amorphous MoO3 formed in O3 at temperatures below ∼230 °C is fast, but the dissolution of MoO3 formed at Tox > 230 °C was shown to be incomplete. Cross-section TEM showed a matrix of amorphous oxide with crystallized MoO3 islands, the latter more difficult to dissolve. However, the crystalline phase could be completely and selectively removed using a more concentrated NH4OH solution at an elevated temperature (70 °C). The EPC was determined for temperatures between 150 and 290 °C. The etch rates increased with temperature from 1–2 nm/cycle at 150 °C to 5–6 nm/cycle at 290 °C. This hybrid thermal-wet etching sequence is well suited for vertical and lateral recess etching as it shows a controlled and isotropic dissolution of polycrystalline Mo at the nanoscale. Furthermore, the process shows a progressive surface smoothening upon increasing the number of etching cycles.
Back to the basics of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry of bio-related samples. I. Instrumentation and data collection
Authors: Graham Daniel J. , Gamble Lara J.
Published: March 2023

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is used widely throughout industrial and academic research due to the high information content of the chemically specific data it produces. Modern ToF-SIMS instruments can generate high mass resolution data that can be displayed as spectra and images (2D and 3D). This enables determining the distribution of molecules across and into a surface and provides access to information not obtainable from other methods. With this detailed chemical information comes a steep learning curve in how to properly acquire and interpret the data. This Tutorial is aimed at helping ToF-SIMS users to plan for and collect ToF-SIMS data. The second Tutorial in this series will cover how to process, display, and interpret ToF-SIMS data.
Optimization design of the sound absorbing structure of double-layer porous metal material with air layer based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Mi Han , Liang Li-Si , Ma Hong-Yue , Zhang Zi-Heng , Qiao Jiang-Yu , Zhao Chen , Gao Yan-Li , Li Lin-Bo
Published: March 2023

An acoustic absorption structure of a double-layer porous metal material with air layers is proposed. The Johnson-Champoux-Allard (JCA) model combined with the transfer matrix method (TMM) was used to establish the theoretical calculation model of the sound absorption coefficient (SAC). Meanwhile, the SAC between 500 and 6300 Hz were measured with an impedance tube. The errors between the theoretical and experimental values were compared to illustrate the good predictability of the theoretical model within the inverse estimations of the transport properties. The effects of the material placement order, material thickness, and cavity depth on the sound absorption performance from 200 to 5000 Hz were analyzed using the theoretical model. Further, a multi-objective function genetic algorithm was used to optimize the porous material's thickness and SAC to obtain an acoustic structure with a smaller thickness and higher sound absorption. A series of optimal solutions were obtained for acoustic structures with a total thickness of less than 70 mm. When the total thickness of the foam metal was 33.57 mm, the average SAC reached 0.853, which was significantly lower than the total thickness of the previous experiments. The multi-objective function genetic algorithm can provide a reliable solution for the optimal design of most sound-absorbing structures.
Assessment of Concussion Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among Adolescent Female Club Soccer Athletes
Authors: Davidson Bridget , Anglim Madyson , Williams Richelle M.
Published: March 2023

Concussion education for athletes is essential for informed decision making to aid recovery. Education about concussion symptoms, treatment, and protocols can improve symptom recognition, reporting behaviors, protocol compliance, and overall health outcomes. This pilot study aimed to understand current concussion knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among female club soccer players aged 12–18 years. Findings identified gaps in concussion education and knowledge among these athletes. Continued concussion education efforts are needed to increase concussion knowledge and players’ confidence, focusing on creative education practices.
Strategies for Controlling a Whole-Body Task With Uncertain Initial Conditions: Application to the Upstart on Bars
Authors: Hiley Michael J. , Yeadon Maurice R.
Published: March 2023

The upstart is commonly used on bars in artistic gymnastics following a release and regrasp skill, where the gymnast will perform a flighted element before catching the bar. The variability of the flighted element leads to varying initial conditions prior to the upstart. The aim of the study was to understand how technique can be manipulated in order to ensure success at the task despite this variability. More specifically, the study aimed to quantify the ranges of initial angular velocity a gymnast could cope with in an upstart using (a) a fixed timing technique, (b) with one additional parameter to modify timings as a function of initial angular velocity, and (c) a further additional parameter to extend the range. Relationships were established, using computer simulation modeling, between the movement pattern parameters, which defined the technique, and the initial angular velocity of the upstart. A two-parameter relationship outperformed both the one-parameter relationship and the fixed timing solution in terms of the range of initial angular velocities the model could cope with. One of the two parameters governed the time by which the initiation of the shoulder extension should be reduced as a function of increased initial angular velocity, and the other parameter performed the same function for the remaining timing parameters at the hip and shoulder. The present study suggests that gymnasts, and, therefore, humans, may be able to modify movement patterns to cope with uncertain initial conditions using a relatively small number of parameters.
Dwarfism and gigantism drive human-mediated extinctions on islands
Authors: Rozzi Roberto , Lomolino Mark V. , van der Geer Alexandra A. E. , Silvestro Daniele , Lyons S. Kathleen , Bover Pere , Alcover Josep A. , Benítez-López Ana , Tsai Cheng-Hsiu , Fujita Masaki , Kubo Mugino O. , Ochoa Janine , Scarborough Matthew E. , Turvey Samuel T. , Zizka Alexander , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: March 2023

Islands have long been recognized as distinctive evolutionary arenas leading to morphologically divergent species, such as dwarfs and giants. We assessed how body size evolution in island mammals may have exacerbated their vulnerability, as well as how human arrival has contributed to their past and ongoing extinctions, by integrating data on 1231 extant and 350 extinct species from islands and paleo islands worldwide spanning the past 23 million years. We found that the likelihood of extinction and of endangerment are highest in the most extreme island dwarfs and giants. Extinction risk of insular mammals was compounded by the arrival of modern humans, which accelerated extinction rates more than 10-fold, resulting in an almost complete demise of these iconic marvels of island evolution.
MINFLUX dissects the unimpeded walking of kinesin-1
Authors: Wolff Jan O. , Scheiderer Lukas , Engelhardt Tobias , Engelhardt Johann , Matthias Jessica , Hell Stefan W.
Published: March 2023

We introduce an interferometric MINFLUX microscope that records protein movements with up to 1.7 nanometer per millisecond spatiotemporal precision. Such precision has previously required attaching disproportionately large beads to the protein, but MINFLUX requires the detection of only about 20 photons from an approximately 1-nanometer-sized fluorophore. Therefore, we were able to study the stepping of the motor protein kinesin-1 on microtubules at up to physiological adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) concentrations. We uncovered rotations of the stalk and the heads of load-free kinesin during stepping and showed that ATP is taken up with a single head bound to the microtubule and that ATP hydrolysis occurs when both heads are bound. Our results show that MINFLUX quantifies (sub)millisecond conformational changes of proteins with minimal disturbance.
Comment on “Human TKTL1 implies greater neurogenesis in frontal neocortex of modern humans than Neanderthals”
Authors: Herai Roberto H. , Semendeferi Katerina , Muotri Alysson R.
Published: March 2023

Pinson
et al
. (

1

) concluded that the modern human
TKTL1
gene is responsible for an increased number of cortical neurons. We show that the “putative Neanderthal variant” of
TKTL1
is present in modern human backgrounds. We dispute their argument that this genetic variant is responsible for brain differences in modern humans as opposed to Neanderthals.
Suffering in silence
Authors: Grimm David
Published: March 2023

Caring for research animals can take a severe mental toll. Is anyone listening?
China sets new ethics rules for human studies
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: March 2023

Revised regulations follow controversy over work that created genetically edited babies
Nations agree on long-sought high seas biodiversity treaty
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: March 2023

Pact sets framework for creating reserves and sharing profits
Human habit neural circuitry may be perturbed in eating disorders
Authors: Wang Allan R. , Kuijper Fiene Marie , Barbosa Daniel A. N. , Hagan Kelsey E. , Lee Eric , Tong Elizabeth , Choi Eun Young , McNab Jennifer A. , Bohon Cara , Halpern Casey H.
Published: March 2023

Circuit-based mechanisms mediating the development and execution of habitual behaviors involve complex cortical-striatal interactions that have been investigated in animal models and more recently in humans. However, how human brain circuits implicated in habit formation may be perturbed in psychiatric disorders remains unclear. First, we identified the locations of the sensorimotor putamen and associative caudate in the human brain using probabilistic tractography from Human Connectome Project data. We found that multivariate connectivity of the sensorimotor putamen was altered in humans with binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa and that the degree of alteration correlated with severity of disordered eating behavior. Furthermore, the extent of this circuit aberration correlated with mean diffusivity in the sensorimotor putamen and decreased basal dopamine D2/3receptor binding potential in the striatum, consistent with previously reported microstructural changes and dopamine signaling mediating habit learning in animal models. Our findings suggest a neural circuit that links habit learning and binge eating behavior in humans, which could, in part, explain the treatment-resistant behavior common to eating disorders and other psychiatric conditions.
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous and Oral Fosmanogepix, a First-in-Class Antifungal Agent, in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Hodges Michael R. , Ople Eric , Wedel Pamela , Shaw Karen J. , Jakate Abhijeet , Kramer William G. , Marle Sjoerd van , van Hoogdalem Ewoud-Jan , Tawadrous Margaret
Published: March 2023

Fosmanogepix (FMGX, APX001), a first-in-class, intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) antifungal prodrug candidate is currently in clinical development for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. Manogepix (MGX, APX001A), the active moiety of FMGX, interferes with cell wall synthesis by targeting fungal glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell wall transfer protein 1, thereby causing loss of cell viability.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Carboxydotrophic Knallgas Bacterium Pseudomonas carboxydohydrogena Strain DSM 1083
Authors: Siebert Daniel , Busche Tobias , Saydam Ezgi , Kalinowski Jörn , Rückert-Reed Christian , Blombach Bastian
Published: March 2023

Pseudomonas carboxydohydrogena
is a lithoautotrophic and obligate aerobic alphaproteobacterium, which has the unique ability to utilize CO, CO
2
, H
2
, and mixtures thereof as sole carbon and energy sources. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of type strain DSM 1083 and its close relation to
Afipia carboxidovorans
strain OM5.
Impact of Pneumococcal and Viral Pneumonia on the Respiratory and Intestinal Tract Microbiomes of Mice
Authors: Gierse Laurin Christopher , Meene Alexander , Skorka Sebastian , Cuypers Fabian , Surabhi Surabhi , Ferrero-Bordera Borja , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Becher Dörte , Hammerschmidt Sven , Siemens Nikolai , Urich Tim , Riedel Katharina
Published: March 2023

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Here, we compared the impact of bacterial- and viral-induced pneumonia on the respiratory and gastrointestinal microbiome. Using a meta-omics approach, we identified specific profiles that allow discrimination between bacterial and viral causative.